The Last Five Years – Movie Review.

I came across the trailer for this film a few months ago, and was immediately drawn to this movie musical with an intriguing plot. Whats more, the talented Anna Kendrick was starring as the main female lead, AND the movie itself is based on a stage play. And boy do I love myself a stage adaptation!

Today, I finally had chance to take a break from university work, sit down with a cup of tea and find out for myself what exactly “The Last Five Years” is all about. So without further ado, here is my honest and hopefully entertaining review, but keep in mind that there are spoilers ahead.

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“The Last Five Years” is a film that explores the relationship between two central characters, Cathy, a struggling actress, and Jamie, a rising novelist. Though unlike most romantic love stories, where audiences normally watch a couple meet, fall in love, and receive the traditional “happily ever after” ending, “The Last Five Years” is very different. This film uses a form of storytelling in which Jamies view is told in chronological order, and Cathys in shown in reverse which makes it a  very interesting angle for a story to take.

As I mentioned earlier, the film is an adaption based on James Robert Browns musical of the same name, which was in turn inspired by Browns failed first marriage to his wife. Unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to watch this musical, so I’m at a bit of a loss when it comes to comparing the two. I’m sure that fans of the musical may have been disheartened, which is normally the case for adaptations, but I cant really comment on that. However, I am interested in now finding a version of the musical to watch, either online or on the stage.

I really liked this film. And yes, this is rather confusing for me to admit. Mainly because I’m probably most happiest snuggled up in bed with junk food and a romantic drama.  There’s something lovely about watching two characters fall for one another, even if these characters dont exist and I’m never going to find my own Noah who will send me a letter everyday for a year.

The main attraction for this film for me was the plot. Not only was it a refreshing change to your normal movie musical, it was also incredibly realistic. Cathy and Jamie were a couple that worked and supported each other, but they had their own faults individually, and that combined with the struggles they were facing outside the marriage ultimately resulted in a separation.

What also stood out to me about this film was the acting by both the main leads, Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. Although the film does feature minor characters, its really only all about Cathy and Jamie, so obviously you needed actors who were both likeable and talented enough to keep the audience interested. I personally think casting Anna and Jeremy was the right move for the film, and I haven’t seen much criticism for either two actors, just heaps of praise on Twitter.

I said that I “really liked this film”, and I stand by that. I made it right through to the end without skipping any scenes or feeling the need to switch off, and it made me laugh and even brought me near tears at some points. I’m happily writing up this review and I also shared the link to the trailer on my Facebook, possibly introducing new fans.

But I didn’t love it. I didn’t feel any need to re-watch scenes or the whole movie again straightaway, and as far as the musical soundtrack is concerned, I searched afterwards on Spotfiy, but I wasn’t entirely dismayed to find that the soundtrack hadn’t been uploaded.

I wouldn’t be able to tell you what was missing, because simply, I don’t know. As you’ve already read, I didn’t find the movie terrible or boring, the acting was great and the plot was realistic and interesting. It’s just in comparison to a recent musical I watched, “Into The Woods”, also starring Kendrick, this musical wasn’t a stand out.

However, if you are looking for a change in comparison to your regular movie genre, then I highly recommend this film in particular. It combines a bit of everything, and who knows, it could end up being one of your favourite new films to start 2015.

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Enjoyed reading? Give this post a like or comment your thoughts and I’ll keep writing up m0re of my own movie reviews! Feedback – positive or negative, is always welcome.

Sarah
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“About Time” – Film Review

At the moment, I’m not in the best health. I’m full of cold and I have a pounding headache. I’ve basically been sleeping on and off and waking up at random times in the day. But whilst I was feeling sorry for myself, I was going through my movie site and realised “About Time” had finally been released to watch. I had high expectations starting this film, and it didnt disappoint me.

So here is my review, be careful for spoilers and just know that this review is for fun and entertainment purposes. I’m a terrible film journalist but I’d like to improve, and I think you guys can help me along the way.

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“About Time” is a romantic comedy drama feature filmed by Richard Curtis, director of Love Actually, among others. Ths story follows a guy named Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson. Tim leads a semi ordinary life in Cornwall with his family, until he turns 21 and finds out from his father (played by Bill Nighy) that the males in his family are able to travel in time. With a few rules in mind, Tim sets off into London to create a life there, as-well as using this new power to try and get himself a girlfriend and change his life for the better.

This film is without a doubt one of the best films I’ve seen in a while. Although its a romantic genre, the story focuses on several different relationships throughout, leaving you incredibly emotional. Its just really moving, specifically when the film explores deeper into the brother and sister bond.

One thing I wasnt exactly keen on was the time travel aspect. Although it was a different way of focusing on time travel in a film, sometimes Tim went back to the same situation two or three times. Yes it was all in aide of the plot moving forward but it did get a bit tedious at times when you knew the different outcomes of the time travel already.

In regards to the acting, I enjoyed watching Domhnall develop as Tim as the film went on. I expect big things from him next, and there are several rumours floating around the internet that he may be cast in the next Star Wars film. I was worried when I first heard about the casting of Mary, considering Rachel McAdams already acted in a similar time travel plot based movie, but Mary was different in comparison and I thought the bond between both actors and characters was really strong on screen. Of course Bill Nighy was fantastic as the Dad, but its Bill Nighy, what do you expect? The main surprise for me was seeing Will Merrick act as Jay. Considering his generation of Skins has just finished, its really interesting to see him in a movie role, and I hope he continues to go down that feature length path.

I’d recommend this film to rom com lovers and fans of Richard Curtis in general. This film wasnt well received due to bad advertising but its worth watching.

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Have you seen the film? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

S
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