Chance (Benson, 2002) - Review

Chance is an independent film directed, written and produced by Amber Benson (best known for her role as Tara Maclay in Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This film has a weird yet sweet plot and the same goes for the story of it's creation. As an independent film Benson funded this film by herself with help from her family and friends but after a while the money wasn't enough. This lead to Benson calling upon her fans to help fund her new project and they came through because in 2002 Chance was released. This film was never picked up for distribution by a big distribution company like many other independent films so Benson distributed it herself.

The film itself has a non-linear timeline so if you struggle with movies that do this (an example of this could be memento, an extreme example but one none the less) you may struggle with the beginning half hour of this film. Don't let this put you off though because once you get past the possible confusion you get to the real story of Chance. Chance (Amber Benson) is a twenty-something year old who has Simon (James Marsters) living on her couch. It is revealed later that Simon is Chance's best friend, although it is clear to the audience her realisation of it makes her character seem more realistic. Chance, herself is a strong individual that gets scared by a drug addicted girl overdosing on her bed. Both Simon and Chance are mortified by this incident and find comfort in each other but this as you can imagine doesn't go very well and the two have a fight. From this point the audience get conflict, realisation and a relate-able viewing of life as the movie develops. (I'm going to stop before I spoil it)

From the first five minutes of watching this film you can tell it is independent. The use of Benson's camera shots, the picture quality, and the overall content of the film tells you this. But also, it is the reality of the film that makes it clear this is not a blockbuster, it is very real and easily related to which makes the ending even better. This film was captivating, intriguing and very funny, I just could not stop watching it for even a second. Benson really surpassed my expectations of this film. Plus for all the Buffy fans out there: costume, sets and actors all appear throughout the film (so keep your eyes peeled). 

Recommendation: Over 15, because of the content and language but otherwise most people would enjoy this film, especially if you like the conventions of independent film and spotting things from other productions. 

Link to the Chance website: http://www.chancemovie.com

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Gondry, 2004) - Review

I'm not too sure about how much of this is going to actual words but here we go. My first TBW of the month has been watched and oh my god is this film just amazing. 

Even though this may not sell it very well, I'm not going to write anything about the plot because it is best to go blind into this. I didn't research anything about the plot and my mind was just completely blown to smithereens. I just can't imagine it being the same if I had looked it up. Anyway moving on, the story more than anything else is just a spectacular tale that makes you laugh, cry and everything in between. 

In addition to this the performances of everyone, with particular emphasis on the two stars: Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, were amazing. Which just made the shocking elements of the plot have even more of an impact on the audience.

I have fallen in love with this movie. With just one watch I was sure that this film is going to be one of my favorite movies of all time for a long time. Absolutely unmissable, five stars all round. Nothing is gone a miss, pure perfection.

I'm going to stop before I start rambling, thank you for reading. I hope this entices you to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) because it is just amazing!

50/50 (Jonathan Levine, 2011) Review

The first film review of the 'new route'. So it isn't one of my TBW for this month but I watched it anyway. What are you going to do? 

So, first of all. The plot follows a twenty-something year old Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who has a paranoid personality and a rather boring life. We are introduced to two other characters, his best friend (Seth Rogen) and Adam's girlfriend (). It is very clear the relationships Adam has with both of these people. It is soon revealed that Adam has a rare strand of cancer and that he has a 50% chance of surviving through it. I'll stop here because I don't want to reveal any more of the plot because it sometimes takes unexpected turns in some places.

My overall opinion of this film is that is was really rather good (am I selling it very well?). For a film centered around a cancer victim it has a very comedic sense, although it does have its sad moments it is mostly quite a weirdly uplifting and humorous film. 

Moving on to the performance, Gordon-Levitt is rather good as per usual. His performance as a cautious cancer patient that doesn't really want to accept want is happening to him is a believable and humorous portrayal most definitely but is also one that is thought provoking and heart wrenching. Along with Gordon-Levitt, the rest of the cast are all exceptional assets to the film, especially the struggling best friend played by Seth Rogen who you, as an audience member, don't really like until around a half hour to the end. 

Overall, I completely recommend this film to any one who is a fan of cancer movies, Joseph Gordon-Levitt or just film in general. Levine does an amazing job, along with the cast. Just a fabulous movie