Title: The Interview
Directed by: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Starring: Seth Rogan, James Franco
Duration: 122 mins
Rated: R
Genre: Action Comedy
Source: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70305895?trkid=13462047
- TRAILER -
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkJA1rb8Nxo
For me, it's quite simple. When it comes to a movie of this genre, and just Seth Rogen films in general, I've always found I can be so critical, to the point where it just dissects the fun out of everything, hence, feel the best way to approach a film such as this is - the less you expect, the better.
Source: http://www.theinterview-movie.com/images/the_interview_movie_header.jpg
As many have come to know, through... well call it a marketing ploy if you must, and a very good one at that to stir up the level of fuss it did internationally, North Korea's warning shots, the fact it never made the cinema, and went straight out on a YouTube release, The Interview has been heightened up to be something astronomical, whether or not it intended to be. So the big question, does it live up to the hype?
Surprisingly enough I actually found quite a lot of this film to actually be funny, something which I'm not very taken by when it comes to Seth Rogen films. Sure, it's stupid humour, hardly clever wit, but it's simplicity is what made it so fun. From sticking a rocket up one's arse, the stereotypes of North Korea, putting Kim Jong-un in a new light (well... sort of), how North Koreans perceive Americans, the sweet sounds of Katy Perry blasting in a army tank; the comedic elements alone are enough to keeping you engaged.
Source: http://associationsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1216_interview-800x480.jpg
What of the storyline? Mediocre at best sums it up. James Franco who plays a successful celeb news anchor known as, Dave Skylark, happens to be a favourite of Kim Jong-un. Naturally Skylark, a dimwitted tosspot, and his trusted sidekick, Aaron Rapaport, played by Seth Rogen, head into uncharted North Korean territory, for a simple interview, however are coerced by the US government in attempting a plot to assassinate Kim Jong-un. What a surprise (please note sarcasm). It's dull and predictable. As noted prior, it's simply the humorous moments which keep you watching, even then, I found the last 30 mins of the film, which is more the action - explosions side, to be the most boring.
VERDICT:
STILL WORTH A WATCH - ONE & DONE
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SELFRIDGE DELIVERS!
Title: Mr Selfridge
Starring: Jeremy Piven, Aisling Loftus
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 20
Genre: TV - Drama
Source: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70293097
- TRAILER -
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLborDbtx3M
Selfridge is name synonymous with glitz, glamour, high street shopping, and of course, London; the show is very befitting of capturing these elements, in addition to capturing a side one might not come to expect of the man himself, Harry Selfridge, played rather well by Jeremy Piven, outside of a norm comedy role, one might have been accustomed to seeing him in.
Source: http://public.media.smithsonianmag.com/legacy_blog/Mr_Selfridge_titlecard.jpg
The year is 1909 and an American is about to truly put the meaning of "high street", in high street shopping. Bravado and leadership and two qualities engrained in Jeremy Piven's character. He hardly shows distress, nor concern, is always the bell of the ball, rallying staff to be there very best. Don't be fooled though. As grand as he may sound, temptation succumbs to the best of us, Mr. Selfridge is but the same, throughout encounters many a lady of the night, plays the hypocrites, and doesn't settle for second best by any means.
British pride is never to be meddled with but Mr. Selfridge is one to never shy away from a challenge, let alone in a ruthless market like London, and in the hotbed that is Oxford Street. From setting up the shop, to hiring employees, targeting positive press, Mr Selfridge is fast pace from the off, but please, don't mistake this for a some simpleton of a series, aimed at showing the daily running of Selfridges, no. This series is much deeper, meddling in affairs of the heart, scandal, ruthless bureaucrats, and sheer heartbreak.
Mr Selfridge shows off socialite living, in a time where charlatans are whored all over London, being a case of, 'If I pat your back, you pat mine.' The series focuses not only the manner in which Selfridges became what it is today, but a close look at the type of man Mr. Selfridge was, his family, the stories of employees and their lives, how two-faced people can be, and how the war changed everything; creating many backstories and subplots.
Source: http://thehourglassfiles.com/images/posts/2014/04/09/mr.-selfridge-season-one2
Agnes Towler and Henri Leclair are a focal point of the story, and uncontestedly Mr. Selfridges two favourite pets. Agnes Towler played by Aisling Loftus, shows how in a time where male dominance conquers the workplace, a female can rise to the top; she is the shining light, an example to follow. As the series progresses she runs into Henri Leclair, played by Gregory Fitoussi, who takes her on as his protege; only being a matter of time before a connection is made. It's an on and off relationship, especially with Miss Towler in the middle of two men, with a decision to make, which as you'll slowly unravels as time progresses.
- A LOOK AHEAD - SEASON 3 -
I for one shall be keeping tabs on Season 3, as ITV has done justice to this fantastic series. It's not quite Downton Abbey, nor is it Pride and Prejudice. The cliffhanger left at the end of Season 2, is enough to make the viewer realise, Mr. Selfridge has more hardships coming his way, which he'll have to endure, and a blossoming true love between Henri and Agnes will be revealed to all - but how long will it last?
VERDICT:
WATCH IT !
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