Crazy. Stupid. Love.

Synopsis: It’s crazy stupid how much I ‘little l’ loved this romantic comedy.

Review: Now strictly speaking this film would be classed as a ‘Rom-Com’, which means that it should simply be slapped with nothing more than a deuce and relegated to the dusty pile of film reels never again to feel the warmth of projector. That said, this film bucks the typical romantic comedy predictability (and ultimately dullness) that we’re forced to endure every time a chiselled chin Hollywood heart-throb crashes his Vespa into the busty but accessible starlet. The film opens with Cal and Emily Weaver (played by the quirky Steve Carrell and proper Julianne Moore), a couple who’s relationship appears to be doomed to follow the hordes of others ending in statistically probable divorce.  During the lowest lows of their separation Cal meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), whose ridiculous ability to pick up women is surpassed only by the ludicrous hairlessness of his torso. The pair forms an unlikely bond and Jacob teaches Cal how to find his mojo again, eventually realising the reason why his wife wants to leave him. Ironically, Cal becomes the teacher out of the two as Jacob meets the pert, pretty and predictable Hannah (Emma Stone) falling head-over-heels in love with her.  As I’ve already said, this is TECHNICALLY a romantic comedy however the quirkiness bought to it by the quality cast and excellent directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Bad Santa, I Love You Phillip Morris) make it the kind of flick that most males can confidently be seen at without having to worry about any ill effects in the testicle region (not withstanding any pre-existing conditions). An exquisite combination of laughs, lunacy, love and even a lesson in relationships, this will certainly be a hit with guys and girls of all ages.

Rating: 3/5

The Guard

Synopsis: Excellently executed entertainment from Eire.

Review: If you blinked quickly at your movie guide you may have missed this one as it was only on at ‘the pictures’ for a few short weeks (unlike Harry Potter, which seems to be persisting worse than most venereal complications, probably more painful too). This film takes place in the picturesque Irish city of Galway and follows the antics of Sergeant Gerry Boyle (whose other features include 'In Bruges' and 'Harry Potter' so yes, the reference was tangibly relevant) as he investigates an international drug smuggling plot playing out in his quintessential Guinness drinking, potato farming, leprechaun-chasing town. Sergeant Boyle, as head of the local constabulary is teamed with FBI agent Wendell Everett, and naturally the cultural differences, coupled with Sergeant Boyle’s erratic and eccentric policing style (which include a fervour for full-bodied ladies of the night); result in some pretty humorous interactions during the investigation. Now I’m a fan of just about anything produced in the UK and this flick does not fall short of the standard set by many other Monarchy centred classics (The Full Monty, This is England, The Office, Mighty Boosh, Peep Show and Gavin & Stacey to name a few). With raw, laugh out loud comedy centred on proper character development and pure, quality cinematography this was an absolute delight to watch. My comedic satisfaction hit the dizzying heights of ‘piss-yourself-laughing’ (adult nappies essential) and never delved to anything less than a wry, satisfied smile. Now I haven’t expanded on the plot too much but really, there is no need as this flick is what the entertainment industry is all about; beautiful scenery, raucously entertaining characters, quality dialogue and a perfectly executed, albeit simple story. If you’re sick of spending $16 to watch some retarded vampire lusting after the forbidden, but frustratingly available teen lass (or some poorly executed permutation of this so called ‘storyline’) and are after some truly gratifying viewing, then you can’t go wrong with 'The Guard'. Generally I don’t consider a lot of films to be art, but this piece of pristinely executed St Patrick’s delight will leave you satisfied, smiling and most importantly, with a sense that your life is that little bit richer for viewing.

Score: 4/5