Reel Talk with Laura

My Birthday

We have finally arrived at the day of my birth, and the last day of my favorite actors! SO drum roll please...if anyone knows me you know who it is; that's right folks, the one and only Johnny Depp. I have loved this man since I sneaked into my parents' office and watched Cry Baby on VH1. Everything that this man touches turns to cinema gold. He immerses himself into every character that he plays - a true chameleon. I could list every single movie and tell you exactly why I love it but here are just a few that I can watch over and over and over again.

Chocolate
Not one of the his most popular films, and not a major role either but the beauty of the film and of his character Roux tops my list; it's a romantic film that will leave you wanting more. A young woman and her daughter move to rural France and open a chocolate shop. When they decide to be open on Sunday right across from the church they are viewed as heathens. When Roux (Depp) comes into town as a drifter (in and out of town) he has a good relationship with the people and begins to convince the townspeople that this woman can't be all the bad. Her chocolates are amazing, too. As our heroine begins to develop feelings for Roux (we've know it all along) things get a little stickier than she bargained for.

Sleepy Hollow
“No you must believe me, it was a horseman, a dead one, headless.” My favorite quote from this movie. We see the pairing of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp and how absolutely brilliant this match is. Bringing to life the story of the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane is the doctor/ detective that is asked to come and consult in Sleepy Hollow about the horrific crimes that the headless horseman in causing. When he meets the beautiful Katrina Von Tassel (Christina Ricci), who is hunted by the horseman, Ichabod must solve the case before it's too late.

Benny and Joon
Here Depp continues his streak of playing “out there” characters, as he embodies Sam, a misunderstood young man with a quirky way of living. When Sam is drawn to Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) because of their differences, Joon's brother is not too keen on the idea. Depp goes so far as to complete a one man show in the character of Charlie Chapin, a scene that cannot be missed. True to character for Depp, Sam has very little dialogue but you can feel his presence throughout the film by just a slight glance, a small smirk, or a lift of a brow. His performance is amazing to watch.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Another pairing of Burton and Depp, bring the classic 1971 movie with Gene Wilder back to life with a bit of a twist. With the classic bright and imaginary rainbow of colors that decorate every part of the film, you truly feel as if you walked into another world. Depp dives wholeheartedly into the role of Wily Wonka, the wide-eyed, crazed candy man. Donning a rose velour suit with a top hat and gloves throughout the entire film, Depp portrays the iconic character a little bit crazy. Whether speaking of cannibalism or taking a trippy trip down the river of chocolate, nothing is off limits. If you are a fan of the original, this one is a bit darker but worth seeing.

Pirates of the Caribbean
You didn't think I would leave this one off the list, did you? While Depp had been consistent in not “selling out” to Hollywood and refusing for years to do a huge blockbusters, with Pirates he finally gave in. It just had to be the right one and it had to be on his terms. He is Captain Jack Sparrow, sailing the Black Pearl in search of treasure, the fountain of youth, and of course rum! Depp has described him as a little bit Pepe Le Pew, Keith Richards, and being drunk: what better combination could you possibly ask for! We first meet the infamous Captain Jack as he sails in on a tiny boat and manages to leave on a vast ship, stolen by the way. Taking on a role that will define Depp for years to come, he has embraced it and loved it enough to play the role a staggering four times. If there is a character that we will remember for years to come, it is Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?

So there you have it, Johnny Depp, one of the greatest actors of this generation. He will be remembered long after we're all gone, in the same category as Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden. He is funny, serious, sexy, and genuine; a true actor's actor. When you have time also check out The Libertine, Finding Neverland, Don Juan Demarco, The Astronaut's Wife, The Secret Window.... I could go on and on but I'll leave you with these.

Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch

Okay, so sue me, I know it is kind of cheating but hey it's my birthday and they're British, they won't mind.
Exploding in 2013, both of these fine actors have taken the states by storm starring in huge blockbuster films but also remaining close to their theater roots on the London stage. Here a just a few of my favourites.

The Fifth Estate
Benedict Cumberbatch brings the character of Julian Assange to life. As a man in search of the truth and only the truth, he believes that it is his mission to bring it to the masses, no matter what consequences it may bring. Adopting a rather alarming hair style for this role, Benedict embodies the man to a T. : everything from mannerisms to language pattern, so truly scary that at times you forget you are watching an actor play this man and not actually watching the man himself. It's a story that embodies the saying “ The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. When is enough truly enough? Is it really our right to know everything or is it for our own good that we are kept in the dark?

The Deep Blue Sea
Tom Hiddleston portrays the dashing Freddie Page, a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force. He embarks on a twisted love affair with Hester Collyer played by the enchanting Rachel Weisz. Even though she is married to a British judge, their passion for each other is too much to deny. In spite of Freddie's horrible choices and theway he deals with Hester as she loses herself to grief for her wrong doings and indiscretions, he makes you understand why Hester would abandon all reason and logic to be with the man she so deeply loves.

War Horse
Bringing the two together, as Captain Nichols (Hiddleston) and Maj. Jamie Stewart ( Cumberbatch), this epic Steven Spielberg drama was released Christmas Day 2011 about the life of a horse named Joey during the war. Joey is bought by a family that really can't afford the purebred but after their young son Albert begins to train the horse an inseparable bond is formed. Needing money and owing debts in order to survive, Joey is sold to the British cavalry where he is put into the care of Captain Nichols. I've only seen this film once because that's all I can bear. I have a hard time with animals stories but I am glad I saw this one. It's a beautifully told story of a young man and his horse, their bond, and the soldiers that Joey carries through the trenches of war.

Sherlock Holmes (BBC)
I have never seen Sherlock Holmes brought to life in this way. You can't help but look at Benedict Cumberbatch and see the iconic character. I know that I have said a similar thing about Robert Downey, Jr. as Holmes but they play the same character so differently. Having just wrapped up season 3...we now more than likely have to wait another 2 years for season 4, if it happens at all. We have seen Sherlock face Moriarty, Adler, and most recently Charles Augustus Magnusson. The show's writing style requires Cumberbatch to be constantly on his toes with quick dialogue and a clever witiness woven throughout. He likes to think he is perfect but as his character has evolved he discovers his vulnerabilities. If you have not seen this show and if you are thinking that it's just another Sherlock Holmes adaptation, I dare you to watch one episode and not be hooked for life!

Thor: The Dark Work/ The Avengers/ Thor
Loki, how can you not adore him? Oh wait, he's the bad guy! But I will let you in on a little secret, it does not matter. The way Hiddleston brings Loki to life, you can't help but love. Yes, this is a villain that you are supposed to be against and even hate, but this is no ordinary villain; this is one with quick one liners, sarcastic remarks, and sexy little smirks. It is great testament to the ability of the actor that when his character is not on screen you find yourself wondering what he's doing, where he is, and what his next move will be. That's what Hiddleston brings to the screen. A must see - all three!!

Wrapping up my British obsession, if you have a chance you can also catch Tom playing Henry the IV in The Hollow Crown, and don't forget Benedict as the evil Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness. 

Greg Kinnear

I thought long and hard about this one and I wasn't sure that he would make my list. However after deliberating all the pros and cons, I realized that I have never watched anything that I didn't absolutely love Greg Kinnear in. Quite a few of his characters are not the lead or ones you want to root for, but I find myself still loving him. So below are my picks.

The Last Song:
As an estranged father Steve Miller invites his two children Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) and Jonah ( Bobby Coleman) to spend the summer with him in this southern beach town.As the summer progresses Steve tries to spend every moment with his kids. Where Jonah is more accepting of the gesture, Ronnie is quite the opposite and as a rebellious teenager, would rather spend time on the beach with newly found friends and a possible new love interest. Then one day on the beach Ronnie finds the eggs of a sea turtle left behind on the sand. As Ronnie tries to protect the eggs she learns things about her father that she had never expected. A story where you learn that family is important, no matter how different your opinions are, and at the end of the day it's about love.

Invincible:
This film is based on a true story of a washed up man who dreams of playing football for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Greg Kinnear plays risk taking coach Dick Vermeil who comes to Philadelphia to try and break their losing streak. With luck not on his side, he makes quite an unorthodox choice: he opens up the tryouts to anyone who thinks they can make the team. This is where he meets Vince Papale, a man that has heart and skill, but is older than any of the other players. Throughout the film we see how Coach Vermeil champions for Vince. We see how people can lose faith when it's hard and how the Coach will not, no matter what the cost.

The Kennedys
I have been absolutely fascinated with the Kennedys most of my life. How they live above it all, all of the controversy that surrounds them, and of course the much talked about “Kennedy curse” that has plagued the family for generations. I know that this is not actually a movie, but rather a mini series that aired on TV over multiple weeks, but it has to be one of my favorites. Kinnear portrays Jack Kennedy very well, I might add. As the dashing JFK his accent is on point as well as the mannerisms. Kinnear tells the story from the beginning of the political race, to the marriage of the stunning Jacqueline Bouvier, to the run for President, and of course the fateful day of November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. He plays out a less than perfect hero with all his faults - from struggling with severe back pain to the secret affairs that were hiddden well from the public.

Someone Like You
I love this movie but I will say that Kinnear does not play a very likeable character. He is Ray Brown, a dashing and yet dangerous executive producer. He lures our unexpecting Jane Goodale (Ashley Judd) into a whirlwind romance that ends so tragically. He continues to work beside her, breaking her heart at every turn, but through it all we still find him endearing. ( As we do all men that break our hearts and then drag us back in, especially on New Year's Eve.) Even though he is the scum of the earth and all our heroine wants to do is forget, he is so dashing she just can't.

You've Got Mail
I cannot forget this one and even though, once again, he is not a main character Kinnear does play a very important part. He plays the “Unabomber” lookalike Frank Navasky; the man that stands between Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks). Well, not really,but he does bring comedic timing to several of the scenes. As Kathleen's defender at a party with Joe, he writes a compelling article about how these horrible, big time bookstores are evil and is completely unaware that she is communicating in an online chat room with the person that will be her soulmate. A classic movie that is one of my favorites.


I love Greg Kinnear and these are just a few of the films that I love. There are several more including Little Miss Sunshine, Ghost Town, As Good as it Gets, and don't forget Heaven is for Real ( you can read my review about it in previous entries). Enjoy! 

Robert Downey Jr.

It seems like everything this man touches lately turns into GOLD, but of course we all know that is not the case. Every person likes the underdog story or rehabilitation story, you know the one where bad guy turns good. The only difference is that Downey has stayed good. He makes fun of himself, never takes himself too seriously, and is a great actor. To make things better you always root for him no matter what character he plays! Here are my top films featuring him. I mention most of the current ones, but if you have time check out a few oldies as well.

Charlie Bartlett:
Downey plays the principal of a modern day high school full of teenage hormones, confusion of identity and your average social media deviants. When a young boy who hails from a private high school enrolls, Downey's life is turned upside down. When his daughter becomes involved with this boy, he must become a better and less absent father. With heavy subject matter at times, Downey still provides the comedic timing that he is known for all too well.

The Soloist:
A struggling journalist, Steve Lopez (Downey), is searching for ideas for his column in the L.A Times, when he befriends a homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers(Jamie Fox), who possesses an extraordinary talent: he can play the violin flawlessly and beautifully. Although mentally challenged and using a broken instrument, the music and the passion he exudes is absolutely breathtaking. Through a series of articles, Lopez develops a connection with Ayers and longs to do more for the man. It's a heartwarming story of what happens when you put other people first.

Sherlock Holmes:
This movie version is possibly my favorite. Downey of course plays Holmes alongside Jude Law who brings to life Dr. John Watson. In the first film we follow Holmes and Watson as they chase after Lord Blackwood. With great dialogue, storytelling, and action filled fun - the race is on. Downey brings Holmes to life in a different way. We all know that he is self-motivated and lacks the personal warmth that makes Holmes human at times. However, with those characteristics Downey plays the iconic character as someone you can't help but love and fall in love with, just as beautiful temptress Irene Adler (played by Rachel McAdams) does.

Due Date:
A little more on the raunchy side but I do love this film. Downey plays Peter Highman, a very successful business man, on the brink of starting a family. Unfortunately for him, he meets struggling actor, Ethan Tremblay, played by Zach Galifianakis. Getting kicked off the plane due to a series of unfortunate events is just the start of his problems. Peter has now been put on the “No Fly List” and has no identification or money (his wallet was left on the plane). Consequentally, the only option he has is to share a cross country ride with the one person who is to blame: Ethan. Several painful problems for Peter provide huge laughs for all of us and makes for a great adventure.

Iron Man/ The Avengers/ Iron Man 2/ Iron Man 3
Can't leave Tony Stark off the list - the one the only Iron Man! If you have not seen these films you must be living under a rock! One of the best comic book characters of all times is brought to life. Even in the first film when Stark is a “genius, playboy, philanthropist” we love him. Having a change of heart and wanting to use his power for good, he still wrestles with being the “good guy”; he has always been and always will be a showman. He loves the spotlight and the adoration, but in the end, he does what is good and what is right and that why he love him!

So there you go, my top films. Agree or disagree with them, but one thing is for sure: Robert Downey, Jr. will be remembered more for his acting than his personal struggles - an honor earned and well deserved! 

Birthday!

Hey everyone!!! I am so sorry that I have been absent, but I have so much to share. I spent 10 days volunteering at the Nashville Film Festival - made some awesome friends, saw some great movies, and learned so much. I cannot wait to share with you all and I will soon. In the meantime, my birthday is this week and I thought what better way to welcome my new year than by taking a look at my favorite actors. So every day I will be posting one of my top five leading up to my birthday. Maybe this will remind you of some great films or introduce you to some that you may not know. Enjoy and hope you like!!!