"BEL AMI" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Bel Ami

Although on paper it seemed almost too good to be true, one cannot fault the decision of Sony Pictures to release Bel Ami straight-to-DVD. How does a Film with a Cast so stellar including porcelain-skin Hearththrob Robert Pattinson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci, not succeed? Surely the Story and intrigue are there too, this being an Adaptation of Guy de Maupassant's Novel of the same name.

Pattinson stars as Georges Duroy, an ex-Solider barely scraping-by as he looks to make it in a booming, cosmopolitan Paris in the late 1800s. He accepts a job with a respected Publication, Vie Francaise, with the help of Owner and Editor Monsieur Rousset (Colm Meaney), soon becoming an object of ridicule. Georges  learns that the secret to having his way actually is charming some of Paris' most influencial Woman, particularly through the notches of their tightly-tied Corsets. Furthermore, these Women all know one another. 

Hearts are broken and passions flare in this Web of Jealousy and Manipulation, as these Women become hopelessly invested in Georges. He charms the the vulnerable Clotilde (Ricci), the well-connected Madeleine (Thurman) and powerful Virginie (Thomas) - the latter actually being the Wife of Monsieur Rousset, going to all lengths in his ruthless bid for Power, Money and Control.

"SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN": MOVIE REVIEW

Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor & Mr. Will-W.

Propositioned with the outlandish task of bringing Salmon Fishing to the Highlands of Yemen, a respected Fisheries Scientist named Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is called upon by Political Spin Doctor Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas) to do what seems impossible, in an attempt to better international relations between Britain and the Middle East.  Fred is teamed with a beautiful Consultant named Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Emily Blunt), acting on behalf of mystical Sheikh Muhammad (Amr Waked), who is ready to fund the £50 million endeavour.

On the verge of a Divorce, Alfred commits himself completely to the assignment while soon developing affections for his Colleague.  This of course is complicated by the fact that Harriet's Boyfriend is sent off to War only three weeks into their passionate relationship, with her being faced with the reality that she might have to move on without him.  All the while, she too develops a deep connection to the charmingly humourless Alfred which extends beyond their being "fishes out of water" in the desert.

Director Lasse Hallström hits all the right notes with Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, striking that fine balance that appeals to Intellect, Emotion and of course, our Funny Bones.  The Satire is equal parts plausible through some great Storytelling, as it is a true Romance due to the stunning on-screen chemistry between McGregor and Blunt.  The latter in particular, delivers a stunning multi-layered performance which sees her pared from down from someone bearing a tough exterior in her work life, to being a vulnerable Woman hopelessly in love; immensely honest and human.  Kudos also to the always brilliant Scott Thomas who gets to exercise her seldom-seen comedic chops to hysterical results, commanding our attention unceasingly.

It's certainly a catch.  Alliance Films releases Salmon Fishing in the Yemen on March 9, 2012.  

Watch the Trailer for Salmon Fishing in the Yemen below:

NEW TRAILER: "BEL AMI" STARRING ROBERT PATTINSON

Still from Bel Ami

"The most important people in Paris are not the Men, but their Wives".

This latest version of the Trailer for Sony Pictures' long-delayed Bel Ami has surfaced and the Period Drama stars none other than Robert Pattinson as an ex-Soldier named Georges Duroy who climbs the social ranks through charming and seducing some of the most influencial, aristocratic women in Paris: Clotide (Christina Ricci), Madeleine (Uma Thurman) and Virginie (Kristin Scott Thomas).

Lots of spiciness going on this Trailer, I must say... and what would Kristen (Stewart) think of these steamy bits with Kristin (Scott Thomas)?

Although it will be released in some markets in Europe as early as March 2, 2012, a North American release date has not been confirmed still.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

NOWHERE BOY REVIEW

Still from Nowhere Boy

British Visual Artist-turned-Director Sam Taylor-Wood's Nowhere Boy would have made John Lennon proud. The film explores Lennon's rebellious teen years - sexually curious and obsessed with Elvis - prior to becoming the Icon we know him as today, and many will be surprised to learn what an intriguing life he lived prior to finding fame even.

The film is carried by an impeccable cast and although Taylor-Wood took a chance in casting her now-fiancé Aaron Johnson in the prized leading role of John Lennon, the risk paid off as he delivers a mesmerizing performance in this Heartthrob-making role. Johnson captures perfectly the headstrong and self-assured spirit of a young man who by chance develops a love for Music in reconnecting with his estranged and free-spirited Birthmother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff).  John we see, is raised by his stern Aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) and our understanding is that her younger sister Julia abandoned him as a young child.

With no real aspirations to excel in his studies, John unleashes his frustrations through Music, forming a band with some classmates, creating some structure in his life amidst the pushing and pulling in two directions by Mimi and Julia.   Mimi hopes to keep John far away from a desperate Julia with a warning that she only will hurt him. Also in reconnecting with Julia, John's sudden presence in her home causes a divide between her and her husband Bobby (David Morrissey). 

TIFF 2010 CELEBRITY GUESTLIST ANNNOUNCED!

Yes! The official Celebrity Guestlist for TIFF 2010 has been announced.  I will keep things short and simple and let you do the clicking here.

I am a little sad that Mila Kunis, the other principal star of Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan alongside Natalie Portman, is not on the list as this is said to be her big breakthrough role. Also absent on the list noticably is Michelle Williams, who is currently in-town filming Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz, but likely busy filming My Week with Marilyn next month, one of three Marilyn Monroe-themed films slated for production.

I was however, a little shocked to see True Blood hunk Ryan Kwanten on the list as it will be interesting seeing him clothed for once. Also Oscar-nominated young actress Abigail Breslin is on the list too! Festival favorite Kristin Scott-Thomas will be back as well as Josh Brolin, William H. Macy, John Legend and Uma Thurman, who all managed to escape my radar somehow!  Should be a good one.