The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

   I saw this a few weeks ago, but have been soaking up the sun in Rome and genuinely so busy, I haven't had a chance to finish writing my review on it! The film is a typical Rom-com, centered around the relationship between Tom Solomon (Jason Segel) and Violet Barnes (Emily Blunt). The film follows the relationship and the many ups and downs that get in the way, preventing the couple from tying the knot. The film has had a successful box-office run in the States and had a strong opening weekend, knocking Sci-Fi Prometheus of the top UK box office spot.
   I personally enjoyed the film, it had enough up and down moments to be enjoyable, yet maintained the usual basis and structure of a romantic comedy. There are bits that are very predictable and almost exhausted genre conventions, but these are to be expected in any modern rom-com to be honest.
   Super Segel excelled again for me, as I said in my review of The Muppets, I am yet to find a film where he isn't likeable. There are points in this film where he seems to stray from this 'nice-guy' act but it's fairly obvious he's not going to stick to some of the plans he's contemplating. To be honest, even at the points where the character is considering certain things (It's very hard to word this without giving away, literally the entire plot) you feel a sort of empathy towards him and an understanding of why he's feeling like he is, as he's been pushed by Violet.
   The acting on a whole was very good, Emily Blunt was fantastic as Violet. Cute and quirky when she needed to be, but then serious when the storyline needed her to be. As a character though, I felt that Zoe was selfish - Blunt portrayed this well, but it made me dislike the character somewhat.

Winston Childs (Ifans) looking smug in his turtleneck.
© Universal Pictures

   The film also starred the familiar Rhys Ifans, as Winton Childs - a flirty, professor with a 'thing' for Violet. Ifans plays the part well, coming across as smug and condescending. I really took a strong dislike to Winston, which I feel made me side with Segel's character Tom more. As Winston and Violet are getting closer and closer, poor Tom is watching from the sidelines as the creepy professor is flirting with his fiance - all this comes after Tom has literally uprooted his life so Violet can pursue her own ambitions at University. This is why I feel, as nice as the character of Violet is in parts of the film, the audience will tend to side with Tom for the most part.
   There are a few laugh-out-loud scenes, mainly provided by Tom's best friend Alex (Chris Pratt) who reminds me of actor Seann William Scott (Stifler - American Pie etc.) with his down to Earth personality and straight to the point crudeness - such as in the 'girlfriend song' at Zoe and Tom's engagement party. Segel is also responsible for some of the funnier moments too, a personal favourite is after an argument between Zoe and Tom, where Tom throws a sulk afterwards.
   The film builds to a cute finale that has the audience smiling at the end. Like a predictable romantic comedy, things all work out for the best in the end. It's certainly an enjoyable film, and easy to watch. It's not the kind of film to watch with any high expectations, and if I'm honest the entire film is condensed into less than three minutes in the trailer. It's sort of apparent after watching the trailer post-film that literally all the funny parts are in there somewhere - as well as any plot twists. If you're going to see it, try and avoid the trailer.
   All in all, not bad for a rom-com, but nothing spectacular either. Worth a watch - 6/10.

Out on DVD & Blu-ray this Week: The Muppets (2012)

Released on DVD and Blu-ray this Monday was heartwarming family film The Muppets. After a successful run at the box office, taking over £17 Million in the United Kingdom alone, The Muppets will most likely top DVD charts as well by the end of the week. The family film is centered around Walter (A very manly muppet) helping The Muppets to save Muppet Studios from being demolished by an oil baron, by hosting one last show.
   This truly is my favourite film of 2012 so far. From start to finish, The Muppets had me smiling, laughing and tapping my foot to the catchy tunes. It really is great. The film stars Jason Segel, as Walter's older brother Gary, who is probably most recognisable as Marshall from American sitcom How I Met Your Mother. I fail to find a film or TV program where Segel doesn't come across as a nice guy, he is instantly likeable. In my opinion, he is one of the main factors to the films success, from his upbeat performance in the first song 'Life's a Happy Song' through to the dramatic, man/muppet realisation halfway through, where Gary and Walter are debating their role in life (note- it really isn't as deep as I've made it sound, it's a family film after all).
   Although I feel Segel stole the show as far as acting was concerned, it would be rude to not give any credit to the rest of the cast. Amy Adams, like Segel, has a seemingly bubbly personality and this is evident thoughout  the film. Adams' character Mary equally shares the limelight with Walter and Gary, and has her own song in which she is displaying her independence after being ignored whilst Gary and Walter help Kermit and the gang repair the studio.
   Another actor to metion would be Chris Cooper as well, his portrayal of oil baron Tex Richman was that of a classic pantomime villain, and the character's hilarious hip-hop style rap makes him a sort-of likeable at least.

© Walt Disney Studios

   Another key point to mention is the soundtrack, Bret McKenzie (of Flight of The Conchords) has writing credits on five of the songs - arguably most of the best ones. From the opener 'Life's a Happy Song' to the embarrassingly catchy 'Me Party' the soundtrack is fantastic and is sure to bring a smile to even the moodiest of faces.
The storyline itself is predictable, but enjoyable. The characters even make fun of it's predictability throughout the film, with several references to obvious plot twists becoming apparent.
   Finally, something I personally feel added to the film was its extensive amount of cameo appearances. The film boasts several Hollywood stars who make an appearance at one point or another. Jack Black is featured throughout, which could make him considered as a main cast member, however I would consider it a glorified cameo at best. If I'm completely honest, I really dislike Jack Black as an actor (and musician) but I found him tolerable in The Muppets, I probably even found some of his parts funny, really. His inclusion in the film didn't make me enjoy it any less, put it that way. Some of the more notable cameos in the film were that of Jim Parsons; Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, who features as the human version of Walter, and Zach Galifianakis as Hobo King, 'Hobo Joe'.
   All in all, I really did enjoy the film, it was fantastic. No matter what age you are, I seriously doubt you will dislike this film. 8/10