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5 Minute Movie Guy (379 KP) rated The Big Sick (2017) in Movies
Jul 4, 2019
Propelled by its near perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, I went cold turkey into The Big Sick, without so much as seeing a trailer. Although it took a worrisome amount of time, I did eventually warm up to the film and ultimately I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. The Big Sick is a movie that’s unflatteringly honest at times, and it’s a bit light in both of the romance and comedy departments, but it’s a well-rounded true story that makes up for its any of its shortcomings with a big heart.
The Big Sick tells the unique, real-life love story of how Kumail Nanjiani, played by himself in the film, met the love of his life, Emily. The film begins with Kumail working as a struggling stand-up comic. After a performance one night, he meets Emily at a bar and takes her back to his place. The two of them gradually begin dating, but Kumail keeps it a secret from his strict Pakistani parents, who expect him to abide by his culture’s custom of arranged marriages. When Emily’s health unexpectedly takes a dangerous and mysterious turn, Kumail must confront his family, as well as meet Emily’s family, to confess his true feelings of love.
Allow me to begin by addressing the fact that I spent a good half of The Big Sick feeling entirely ambivalent about it. While it seemed well made, I didn’t feel particularly entertained nor engaged by it. Slowly but surely, however, the movie began to win me over, thanks primarily to the help of Ray Romano and Holly Hunter, who co-star as Emily’s parents. By the end, I appreciated and enjoyed the film, and I feel as though I would probably like it even more with a second viewing.
The movie rubbed me the wrong way early on with its not-so-romantic romance that culminated from a one-night-stand. I found the relationship of Kumail and Emily to be somewhat dull, and I was perplexed by how unfavorably it depicts both characters. Though considering the screenplay was actually written by both of them, I suppose there’s something noble and courageous to be said about their honesty. This is not a typical romanticized love story. It has two decent but flawed characters, who I felt indifferent towards at the outset but learned to care about over the course of the film.
Kumail is quite enjoyable as the lead star and I suspect this will be a breakout role for him. He has a good sense of humor and really showcases it in a couple of hysterical scenes. My favorite being a late night visit to a restaurant drive-thru, which is one of the flat-out funniest moments I’ve seen in theaters all year. I also really loved both Romano and Hunter. They’re both complex and comical characters struggling with their own strained marriage, while hesitantly getting to know Kumail and coming to terms with their daughter’s grave illness. Certainly not the best circumstances to be meeting your girlfriend’s parents, and even worse considering they knew that Kumail and Emily had broken up shortly beforehand.
Hunter’s character is volatile and highly defensive of her daughter, yet she’s still wholly identifiable as a loving and concerned parent. I think she gives the strongest performance in the film. Ray Romano is also a pleasant addition, and his character ironically tries to be the voice of reason and balance, even as his own life is crumbling beneath him. I also liked Kumail’s parents, played by Anupam Kher and Zenobia Shroff. Kumail’s mother is amusing in her never-ending pursuit of potential female suitors to marry her son. However, having grown up with western values, Kumail’s own beliefs serve as a stark contrast to those of his strict and traditional family.
The way in which The Big Sick depicts the differences in American and Pakistani culture is what I think really helps to set it apart. It tackles these contrasts with both comedy and sincerity, while also drawing attention to the subtle and the not-so-subtle racism that’s often prevalent in the misunderstanding of other cultures. It’s an honest and respectful film that should be approached as open-mindedly as possible. Those of you willing to give this one a chance may find that it to be well worth your while.
(This review was originally posted at 5mmg.com on 9.5.17.)
The Big Sick tells the unique, real-life love story of how Kumail Nanjiani, played by himself in the film, met the love of his life, Emily. The film begins with Kumail working as a struggling stand-up comic. After a performance one night, he meets Emily at a bar and takes her back to his place. The two of them gradually begin dating, but Kumail keeps it a secret from his strict Pakistani parents, who expect him to abide by his culture’s custom of arranged marriages. When Emily’s health unexpectedly takes a dangerous and mysterious turn, Kumail must confront his family, as well as meet Emily’s family, to confess his true feelings of love.
Allow me to begin by addressing the fact that I spent a good half of The Big Sick feeling entirely ambivalent about it. While it seemed well made, I didn’t feel particularly entertained nor engaged by it. Slowly but surely, however, the movie began to win me over, thanks primarily to the help of Ray Romano and Holly Hunter, who co-star as Emily’s parents. By the end, I appreciated and enjoyed the film, and I feel as though I would probably like it even more with a second viewing.
The movie rubbed me the wrong way early on with its not-so-romantic romance that culminated from a one-night-stand. I found the relationship of Kumail and Emily to be somewhat dull, and I was perplexed by how unfavorably it depicts both characters. Though considering the screenplay was actually written by both of them, I suppose there’s something noble and courageous to be said about their honesty. This is not a typical romanticized love story. It has two decent but flawed characters, who I felt indifferent towards at the outset but learned to care about over the course of the film.
Kumail is quite enjoyable as the lead star and I suspect this will be a breakout role for him. He has a good sense of humor and really showcases it in a couple of hysterical scenes. My favorite being a late night visit to a restaurant drive-thru, which is one of the flat-out funniest moments I’ve seen in theaters all year. I also really loved both Romano and Hunter. They’re both complex and comical characters struggling with their own strained marriage, while hesitantly getting to know Kumail and coming to terms with their daughter’s grave illness. Certainly not the best circumstances to be meeting your girlfriend’s parents, and even worse considering they knew that Kumail and Emily had broken up shortly beforehand.
Hunter’s character is volatile and highly defensive of her daughter, yet she’s still wholly identifiable as a loving and concerned parent. I think she gives the strongest performance in the film. Ray Romano is also a pleasant addition, and his character ironically tries to be the voice of reason and balance, even as his own life is crumbling beneath him. I also liked Kumail’s parents, played by Anupam Kher and Zenobia Shroff. Kumail’s mother is amusing in her never-ending pursuit of potential female suitors to marry her son. However, having grown up with western values, Kumail’s own beliefs serve as a stark contrast to those of his strict and traditional family.
The way in which The Big Sick depicts the differences in American and Pakistani culture is what I think really helps to set it apart. It tackles these contrasts with both comedy and sincerity, while also drawing attention to the subtle and the not-so-subtle racism that’s often prevalent in the misunderstanding of other cultures. It’s an honest and respectful film that should be approached as open-mindedly as possible. Those of you willing to give this one a chance may find that it to be well worth your while.
(This review was originally posted at 5mmg.com on 9.5.17.)
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 1 in TV
Jul 13, 2017
Everything (3 more)
Lots and Lots of death
Arya
Tyrion
Westeros bound
Without a doubt Game of thrones is one of the best television shows ever created. It also the only television show my brothers dad and myself agree that it brilliant. The brutality from day one is a first for TV and the fact main character quiet often get killed of when first released was novel.
Tyrion Lannister character is a true master piece with he's wit and personality there is truely no one quiet as unquie or brilliant in my eyes. I met Peter Dinkagle at London comic con a few years back and he was every bit as brilliant as his character.
Arya Stark is also an amazing character. My friend seem to think I am her which I take as a great compliment. It nice to see a show where young girls can go fight and stand up for themselves at an early age.
The show obviously has great eye candy most girl seem to like Jon Snow honestly I'd take Cal Drogo
I think one thing that make this show is the villain or whatbyou believe are villains there's so many dimentions you may hate one one season yet the next season it somone else. That being said I think we can all agree from day one Joffery was a little shit
Tyrion Lannister character is a true master piece with he's wit and personality there is truely no one quiet as unquie or brilliant in my eyes. I met Peter Dinkagle at London comic con a few years back and he was every bit as brilliant as his character.
Arya Stark is also an amazing character. My friend seem to think I am her which I take as a great compliment. It nice to see a show where young girls can go fight and stand up for themselves at an early age.
The show obviously has great eye candy most girl seem to like Jon Snow honestly I'd take Cal Drogo
I think one thing that make this show is the villain or whatbyou believe are villains there's so many dimentions you may hate one one season yet the next season it somone else. That being said I think we can all agree from day one Joffery was a little shit
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Perfect Mother in Books
Aug 24, 2018
Slow built up suspense with a great ending
Don’t be overwhelmed by the substantial amount of characters in this book. Some are just stand by, you’ll want to focus on: Francie, Colette, Nell, and Winnie. (Maybe Token on the side but he’s more a supportive role) it may seem haphazard and all over the place which is why it’s best to just focus on these four moms.
The chapters switch from different points of view and there’s that one lone chapter that’s presented in first person. It’s a mystery as to who that is until much later, but it certainly does keep you guessing on who that person could be. It may seem obvious at first and during the reading you feel so sure you know who that is and what’s behind the entire story but the blind side moment comes fast in the last few chapters and you’re left with a shock.
The plot slowly builds to a good mystery and suspense. The thrilling bits get you at the end. It’s a satisfying read, the characters grate on you (Francie and Nell are the ones I disliked the most), but it’s the suspense and the ‘keeping you guessing’ bits that get the reading going.
So although it may seem like it’s all over the place, give the book a chance and read. It’s well worth it with the superb ending.
The chapters switch from different points of view and there’s that one lone chapter that’s presented in first person. It’s a mystery as to who that is until much later, but it certainly does keep you guessing on who that person could be. It may seem obvious at first and during the reading you feel so sure you know who that is and what’s behind the entire story but the blind side moment comes fast in the last few chapters and you’re left with a shock.
The plot slowly builds to a good mystery and suspense. The thrilling bits get you at the end. It’s a satisfying read, the characters grate on you (Francie and Nell are the ones I disliked the most), but it’s the suspense and the ‘keeping you guessing’ bits that get the reading going.
So although it may seem like it’s all over the place, give the book a chance and read. It’s well worth it with the superb ending.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Outlaw King (2018) in Movies
Nov 11, 2018 (Updated Nov 11, 2018)
Most of the early notices for this film appear to have focused on Chris Pine's full-frontal nude scene, rather than the fact it's clearly the work of people who loved Braveheart so much they decided to make their own version. Early 14th century Scotland suffers under the yoke of English oppression; nobleman Robert the Bruce decides to stand up and do the right thing, even if it does mean breaking his word and murdering his rivals. Much shouting and many mud-spattered battle scenes ensue; the CGI button marked 'arterial spray' gets pressed a lot.
All right if you like this sort of thing, I suppose: some interesting mediaeval detail sneaks in, but most of the characterisation deals in stock types and the film-makers never quite persuaded me of why I should genuinely care about this story. Bruce spends much of the film brooding, which is not really Pine's strong suit, but there are some solid supporting performances (Florence Pugh is predictably good in a very thin part). The battles are well mounted and the scenery is nice; I imagine many people will enjoy this much more than I did. For the record: Chris Pine's winky is barely visible, far less so than Florence Pugh's boobies, which have attracted much less critical attention (now that's what I call a double standard).
All right if you like this sort of thing, I suppose: some interesting mediaeval detail sneaks in, but most of the characterisation deals in stock types and the film-makers never quite persuaded me of why I should genuinely care about this story. Bruce spends much of the film brooding, which is not really Pine's strong suit, but there are some solid supporting performances (Florence Pugh is predictably good in a very thin part). The battles are well mounted and the scenery is nice; I imagine many people will enjoy this much more than I did. For the record: Chris Pine's winky is barely visible, far less so than Florence Pugh's boobies, which have attracted much less critical attention (now that's what I call a double standard).
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Just Mercy (2019) in Movies
Feb 7, 2020
Exactly what you'd expect
After much deliberation, I decided on watching Just Mercy today - in all honesty because out of my 3 choices, it was on the earliest.
From seeing the trailer, Just Mercy is exactly the film you'd expect it to be. Which in a way was a tad disappointing, but as it's a true story, it would have been a surprise if it had turned out differently. The performances are very good, Michael B Jordan admittedly using the same facial expressions in most scenes but still a good turn. Jamie Foxx excels as you'd expect him to, it's just a shame he's not on screen as much as you'd like and Brie Larson is underused too. There's a lot of feels in this film too, I'd dare anyone not to be welling up by the end and it's also telling a true story that is important and meaningful, yet slightly worrying that this sort of injustice and racism was still happening in the early 90s!
The problem I think is that whilst this is a good film, it is your typical Oscar fodder. Which is odd considering it's lack of nominations. Films like this are far too common nowadays and there wasn't anything in this that made it stand out. But despite this it's still good and worth a watch for the story alone.
From seeing the trailer, Just Mercy is exactly the film you'd expect it to be. Which in a way was a tad disappointing, but as it's a true story, it would have been a surprise if it had turned out differently. The performances are very good, Michael B Jordan admittedly using the same facial expressions in most scenes but still a good turn. Jamie Foxx excels as you'd expect him to, it's just a shame he's not on screen as much as you'd like and Brie Larson is underused too. There's a lot of feels in this film too, I'd dare anyone not to be welling up by the end and it's also telling a true story that is important and meaningful, yet slightly worrying that this sort of injustice and racism was still happening in the early 90s!
The problem I think is that whilst this is a good film, it is your typical Oscar fodder. Which is odd considering it's lack of nominations. Films like this are far too common nowadays and there wasn't anything in this that made it stand out. But despite this it's still good and worth a watch for the story alone.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Not As Nature Intended in Books
Feb 9, 2020
Not As Nature Intended is not a book that’s going to give you the warm and fuzzies. It’s a book that tells it how it is: it’s graphic, even without the pictures.
Rich Hardy is an animal activist, and he considers that it is his responsibility to inform the public of the living conditions that the animals who live and die for our food and clothing endure. And it’s not easy reading. It can’t have been easy researching either. It’s clear that Rich’s life and/ or safety is in danger on several occasions, and that by the way he deals with these incidents it just shows that these aren’t the first time he’s had to deal with them. This man has made it his life’s work to stand up for animals and the way they live and die (although as he is a vegan, I’m pretty sure he’d rather they didn’t have to die for our benefit at all), and has written this book in an informative, non-preachy way.
This has certainly made me think more about the food I put on my family’s plate, and we have reduced the amount of meat in our diet as a consequence. Who knows, perhaps we’ll ditch it completely!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising the book, and Rich Hardy for reading along.
Rich Hardy is an animal activist, and he considers that it is his responsibility to inform the public of the living conditions that the animals who live and die for our food and clothing endure. And it’s not easy reading. It can’t have been easy researching either. It’s clear that Rich’s life and/ or safety is in danger on several occasions, and that by the way he deals with these incidents it just shows that these aren’t the first time he’s had to deal with them. This man has made it his life’s work to stand up for animals and the way they live and die (although as he is a vegan, I’m pretty sure he’d rather they didn’t have to die for our benefit at all), and has written this book in an informative, non-preachy way.
This has certainly made me think more about the food I put on my family’s plate, and we have reduced the amount of meat in our diet as a consequence. Who knows, perhaps we’ll ditch it completely!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising the book, and Rich Hardy for reading along.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Ride Along (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
I will make this review quick and easy. This movie is simple. Simple pedestrian
story, simple shells of characters with no depth and simple jokes. This is the
kind of movie that you go watch, enjoy yourself and forget about ten minutes
after you walk out of the theater. Is that bad? Not as long as have the right
expectations going in.
If your expectations are the following, you will
have a good time:
– Fans of Kevin Hart going to see Kevin Hart be Kevin
Hart-lite
– Introducing your significant other or parents to Kevin Hart
(lite)
– Looking for a laugh at matinee movie prices
– Expecting to see a
simple version of the buddy cop genre
If your expectations are the
following, you will be disappointed:
– Expecting this movie to be as
funny as Friday because Ice Cube is in it
– Expecting Ice Cube to be
anything but devoid of personality
– Expecting Kevin Hart to be as funny as
his stand up
– Expecting the duo to do the buddy cop genre justice
That’s really about all there is to say about this film. Did I enjoy
myself? Yes I did, because I went in with the right type of expectations. But I
honestly cannot remember much about the movie or many of the jokes as I write
this review two days after watching it. So that should count for something.
story, simple shells of characters with no depth and simple jokes. This is the
kind of movie that you go watch, enjoy yourself and forget about ten minutes
after you walk out of the theater. Is that bad? Not as long as have the right
expectations going in.
If your expectations are the following, you will
have a good time:
– Fans of Kevin Hart going to see Kevin Hart be Kevin
Hart-lite
– Introducing your significant other or parents to Kevin Hart
(lite)
– Looking for a laugh at matinee movie prices
– Expecting to see a
simple version of the buddy cop genre
If your expectations are the
following, you will be disappointed:
– Expecting this movie to be as
funny as Friday because Ice Cube is in it
– Expecting Ice Cube to be
anything but devoid of personality
– Expecting Kevin Hart to be as funny as
his stand up
– Expecting the duo to do the buddy cop genre justice
That’s really about all there is to say about this film. Did I enjoy
myself? Yes I did, because I went in with the right type of expectations. But I
honestly cannot remember much about the movie or many of the jokes as I write
this review two days after watching it. So that should count for something.
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