The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

Running Time: 124 mins
Directed By: Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, Mindy Kaling, Rhys Ifans
Screenplay: Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller
UK Release Date: 22nd June 2012 UK

Quick Plot: Tom proposes to girlfriend Violet one year after meeting, but they gather many obstacles such as grandparent deaths, sister’s becoming pregnant and new jobs before they can eventually tie the knot.

Review: Funny man Jason Segel’s latest screenplay was supposedly written with only one female lead in mind and that is British sweetheart Emily Blunt, who’s grace, beauty and charm continues to glide through Hollywood despite the fact she has, arguably, not had her ‘breakout’ film to date. The Five-Year Engagement could be one of her best, cookie monster impression included.

Favourably keeping her sweet British accent, Emily Blunt is like a breath of fresh air for the film, making this Apatow production a little different from the normal nudity crude fest. The Five-Year Engagement’s central source of enjoyment could solely be based on her charming presence, although Blunt is somehow more alluring opposite her co-star. Here, Segel keeps to the adorable, child-like character he’s known for, even with the bare bum shots, but he has been better.

Another wickedly proficient performance from Rhys Ifan’s means he is, once again, a little bit of a baddie which would have been delightful to have seen further explored. Alison Brie’s accent is justifiably excellent and her main moments on-screen are delightful.

This is in no way a stereotypical Rom-Com, with much more comedy than cliché terminal chase scenes or grand gestures of love from the top of a tower. Two major scenes strike out as the funniest involving a chase between Segel and Ifans plus Sesame Street impressions from Blunt and Brie. There are comical moments which might not be as funny on a second viewing, but enough for it to be seen more times and still enjoyed.

The main downfall for the film was the presence of scenes feeling as though they should be in the ‘deleted scenes’ extra on the DVD. With a 20 minute shorter runtime, The Five-Year Engagement could have been the perfect Com-Rom (more comedy and then romance) the trailers proclaimed it to be, making the ending feel a little less prolonged. A few cuts might have meant a few irritating and unnecessary characters could have been dropped to give more room for the leads. Even though they are fully developed, Blunt and Segel are the key attraction to the film’s likability so more time on them and less on supporting characters, such as the infuriating sandwich co-worker, could have upheld the film

Another success for Segel and co. that is sure to remain on top for the Rom-Com’s of the year. Blunt is superb and Segel lives on to reign as one of the funniest at the moment.

3.5/5

Tweet Pin It Now!

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Running Time: 106 Minutes
Directed By: George Nolfi

Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Terence Stamp, Michael Kelly

Screenplay: George Nolfi

UK Release Date: 4th March 2011

Quick Plot: David Norris is a determined politician who falls in love with the gorgeous ballet dancer Elise. But they were only meant to meet once, never to see each other again but after chance lets them, The Adjustment Bureau have to let David know the truth. If he stays with Elise, both their lives will have terrible consequences but David isn't going to let her get away that easy. Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick.

Review: I'm embarrassed, that was the worst plot summary of a film ever; some of it doesn't make sense and it looks like a complete different story than what is actually is. The same goes for the trailer and some of the advertisement posters too. I have to agree with Claudia Winkleman and Danny Leigh from Film 2011 on this one, because the posters I've seen around town are terrible for this film! Not only does Emily Blunt not wear that silk red dress, but the film is absolutely nothing like Inception or The Bourne films! Ok, they are similar to two ways, Inception and this both have a sense of Sci-fi, something different than the norm. And Bourne and The Adjustment Bureau both have Matt Damon in.

The Adjustment Bureau had an original release date of Autumn 2010, but then got held back a few months and even with my my excitement high, it was still the amazing film I wanted it to be. I think the reason I knew I'd like this film so much was because the whole concept of the film is around true love. Call me stupid and naive, I know it's not a full blown romantic film, but David and Elise's love story was perfect and so real (other than the fact they were being chased by 'angels ((they aren't angels)) in suits). Ok I'll stop with the brackets, that's getting confusing. Speaking of the men in suits and hats, again agreeing with Film 2011, that oart of the film really worked. Well everything worked well I guess, the whole story is extremely clever and enthralling- everything about it grabbed me in. Maybe I'm biased because I wanted to see this ever since I saw the first teaser but I do honestly think this film is really incredible. The story is continually moving and even though I've already said this, the love story makes it so much different. You really want David Elise to get together and live happily ever after because they both deserve it and they are both lovable characters.

Matt Damon was fantastic as always, Emily Blunt was great and their chemistry together was believable and real. I know I haven't seen that many films so far this year and it's only March, but they shared one of my favourite kisses so far this year, I thought the whole romantic part of the film was just perfect. I need to stop using the word perfect....The Sci-fi element was great along with the kind of, dramatic side with David Norris. I think a bonus for me could have been the shots of New York and the skyline, they were beautiful.
All round, a fantastic, atypical, lovable film and I think anyone will like it. Don't watch it if you're not up to following along the storyline though, you'll get bored easily.

To the left is my favourite advertising poster for The Adjustment Bureau  (shame I haven't seen any in person yet, I think they are more in the US and on the tubes :( )




and below is the trailer for The Adjustment Bureau.
After seeing the film, I think it makes the film look different to what it actual is, but the music behind the trailer still gives me goosebumps which evidently made me download it.

The Adjustment Bureau trailer

Tweet Pin It Now!