THE FAMILY

I apologise but I just accidently deleted my essay on this wonderful documentary.
In a nutshell, see it and look out for more from jax flix....xxx

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+family+cult+preview+you+tube&view=detail&mid=0B4914FA6A431BFEC6D50B4914FA6A431BFEC6D5&FORM=VIRE

Hello Again!
Sorry its been five years but Jax Flix is back.
Off to a rough start, after completing an essay on Rosie Jones's's powerful documentary "The Family"
I mistakenly deleted..it... shit!!!!
Not to worry; ill give you the abridged version.
See " The family". Its emotional, informative and visually striking.
You wont believe what old Auntie Anne gets up to .....http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+family+cult+preview+you+tube&view=detail&mid=0B4914FA6A431BFEC6D50B4914FA6A431BFEC6D5&FORM=VIRE

Limited release

Bernie Trailer (Jack Black - 2012)

BERNIE-The lovable killer....

I'm so glad to be returning to you once more with this wonderful movie.
"Bernie"
An unlikely story based on true events between the lovable gay mortician Bernhardt "Bernie" Tiede (played impeccably by one of my all time favourites Jack Black)who befriends the extremely wealthy and recently widowed Marjorie Nugent (played by the timeless Shirley Maclaine)
We are introduced to the character of Bernie as the movie begins with a detailed demonstration of how one successfully prepares a corpse for burial.Here we see a chipper chap who clearly respects and almost understands his deceased fellows.I knew at this stage we were in for an unusual journey....
On his arrival to Catharage, Texas, Bernie quickly assumes a pivotal role in the small community. There seems nothing this polite young man can't do. From assistant funeral manager to director and performer in the local High School production.
I must say some of my favourite scenes were when we got a taste of Blacks real incredible singing voice. His range covered everything from country and western ballads,to Church hymns to operetta. Like Bernie himself,Black is one multi skilled performer.
Bernie lavishes his presence on Marjorie Nugent when the rest of the small town have long since discarded here as an evil witch. The two forge a unique friendship that sees them taking overseas trips together,getting pedicures even liasing on stocks and bonds. All possible through Marjorie picking up the bill.
All is well until Marjorie attempts to assume total control over Bernies life.Not allowing him to have any outside friends or time without her.
As the story goes,Tiede becomes totally consumed by Majories dominance and instead of simply saying hey Marjorie thanks for the memories. He shoots her dead four times in the back.This is before storing her in a deep freezer for 9 months untill he could decide what to do.
Strange but true my friends.
The rest of the film details the case against Bernie. The almost unrecognizable Matthew McConaughey plays DA Danny Buck Davidson. I am really beginning to believe that Matthew is much more than just a pretty face. Especially after seeing him as the only saving grace in "Magic Mike". This Southern hottie has plenty to offer.
DA Danny Buck sure has his work cut out for him. It seems the whole town of Catharage is behind their boy Bernie. That Bernie almost had no choice but to murder the old biddy.
Bernie claims temporary insanity for the shooting of Marjorie but that doesn't justify the following nine months where she laid frozen dead while Bernie continued to dip into here insurmountable wealth.
The DA was skillfully able to attribute Bernies continued lavish expenses to his desire to continue living a wealthy existence. One that had not been afforded him until Marjorie came into his life.
This film was cleverly made. The bulk of the dialogue consisted of interviews with the towns folk. Clearly replicating the dramatic effect of the murder on a small town. The characters were highly oppinionated and larger than life.Not to far from what you could imagine in a small town.
Shirley Maclaine although a small part never fails to deliver. This role was slightly reminiscent of "wezer" in "Steel Magnolias". She craftily illustrated a woman who had been reborn by Bernies arrival in her life.Although when things didn't go her way we saw her evil potential. Great casting.
Mr Jack Black WAS Bernardt Tiede. At the completion of the film, I watched some you tube footage of the real life man. Black had his accent,subtle mannerisms,the look (he obviously put on a significant amount of weight on for the role)square on the money. It just illustrates how much more we can look forward to from this talent laden man.
"Bernie" was unpredictably funny as it was shocking. The theatrical performance by Black made it award worthy and I would highly recommend you seeing it as soon as you can.
The incredible thing about "Bernie" is that it is largely based on a true story.
I will conclude with what Oscar Wilde says about the truth:

“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.”


JAX LIKES!

BEING LARA BINGLE

Just when you thought you'd seen enough reality TV for one lifetime, one more show comes along to prevent you from getting on with the really important shit in your life. Feeling lost in the wilderness at the completion of "The Voice"; "Being Lara Bingle" quickly picked up the baton.
As a nation we were introduced to Miss Bingle in the Australian Tourism ads. A bikini clad Bingle recited the immortal words "Where the bloody hell are ya?"and went onto captivate an International audience.(well kind of)
From here, her notoriety grew more for her personal life than any model or TV engagements she was involved with. Her association with both cricket legend Michael Clarke and bad boy Brendan Fevola were headline material. Shes's also managed to have more nude photos published than Paris Hilton.
"Being Lara Bingle" follows both both the professional and private world of Lara.
Lara fits perfectly into the Barbie mould. Although I think Barbie may have had a few more brain cells.
Her insolent response to yet more nude photos made me cry out"Hey Lara don't bite the hand that feeds you" Although I fear she would not get it...
Harsh? Sure but Lara has now become the blonde bombshell we love to hate. Feeling slightly riduccled at her admission of God Forbid "CELLULITE!!!!" And just downright agitated at her intrinsic sense of self importance.
Doesn't she know there are people starving in the world????!!!
Lara comes across as a vague starlight whose taking too many xaenex and acts completely miffed when something doesn't go her way. Temper Temper Lara..
Nevertheless, I continue to tune in every Tuesday at 8 pm. It makes me feel better about my spiritual self you know?
Lara has what you would call a mouth from the South. When being interviewed by a prospective talent scout in LA;she refers to Ryan Seacrest (aka American Idol host) as being "small"-while gestering that it was in fact his"little soldier" not his height.
Sure Lara,that's one way top to the top...
If she's not driving without a license,she's disrespecting her elders and whingeing that she feels "dirty". Are there no limits to this tempeteuous carry on!!!???
I guess if there was there would be no show. And despite its drop in ratings from the first episode,loyal fans of this blonde dynamo keep coming back for more.
After writing this blog,I took a few weeks off the show. Sure I missed the contrived scandal but am feeling morally invigorated. Yes there is always a place for reality TV shows. This one however promises no prize and will merely suffice that Celebrity and fame has nothing to do with talent.

[TEN] Being Lara Bingle Promo (#3)

"WISH YOU WERE HERE"

Hello.

You know you've been away for too long when the whole Blogger outlook has been changed without your approval!

Im embarrassed to note that I have not put hand to keyboard for nearly 3 months!!!
Shameful indeed.

It's not like I haven't seen a bunch of movies; I've just been plain lazy right?. I'm sorry.
Ok...Let's move on..

The movie I have chosen to return to you with is Australian feature; "Wish you were here".
This movie is a labour of love for Australian couple Kieran Darcy Smith and Felicity Price (who stars in the film.)

The story takes us on a Cambodian holiday where the shit hits the fan and consequently how it affects the lives of four very different people.

The movie excelled for me because of its carefully drawn characterisations. Clearly a lot of time was spent developing the script. The naturalistic dialogue and riveting performances kept everyone still and lifeless in my cinema.

The story was in fact loosely based on a real-life story involving a good friend of Smith and Price - the unsolved disappearance of her best friend's partner while holidaying in Thailand decades ago. The couple agreed the material was perfect for a first film.

At 89 minutes long this movie wastes no time in exploring the darker side of human nature.
The plot follows a carefully derived non linear format. Normally Im opposed to this type of film making but in this case it really seems to work. Its skilfully done for dramatic impact rather for pretentious Art house sake.

Director Smith has showcased some wonderful Aussie/Kiwi Talent here. "Jeremy" who makes up part of this fantastic four is played by Antony Starr. A kiwi actor best known for his work in "Xena" Warrior Princess doesn't have a large part but is provocative and powerful when he is. Girlfriend "Steph" played by Teresa Palmer is a wonderful addition here. This hot looking blondie has already had an extensive work history here and in the US. I loved and believed every moment she took up on screen. She was born to play the selfish,greedy Soph. Watch out for this one.

His wife in real life Felicity Price plays "Alice" the sweet natured mother and Language Teacher. I've never seen her before but was instantly touched by her revelatory performance here. Despite her meek appearance, Alice tackles a series of bad events in her stride. Suffice the saying: "Women are like tea,you don't know how strong they are until they are in hot water"

Finally we have the insurmountable Joel Edgerton who plays family man "Dave".Joel's been around for ages. From his humble beginnings on "The Secret Life of Us" Joel has recently proven he can do it all.Most recently in "Warrior" with Nick Nolte and the hugely successful "Animal Kingdom"
But its in this film; that he collaborated on with Smith (mates for 20 years)that I believe we have Edgerton's finest hour.

A vivid and real performance. We find ourselves secretly rooting for Dave despite his succession of bad choices. Joel intrinsically shows us that at the end of the day we're all guilty of being human and what that pervades.

"Wish you were here"leaves you guessing at every turn while each of the characters layers peel right off in front of you like onions. Nothing is what it seems and the key is to assume nothing.
Be transported by the beautiful sites of Cambodia and our own Bondi beaches. Languish in the soundtrack and hold onto your seatbealts for a wild ride.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

JAX

"YOUNG ADULT"- FOREVER YOUNG.

Two thumbs up for this film.

Directed by Jason Reitman ("Up and away")and written by Diablo Cody ("Juno")I was earnestly transfixed by the life and times of protaganist Mavis Gary. (Charlize Theron)
A recent divorcee who seeks comfort in scotch, junk food and playing wii. Mavis's days entail surviving hangovers whilst dodging her editor's deadline demands.
She swims in a sea of reality TV that appears to cross over into her real life.
This paltry existence is thrown into disarray when she receives the news that her childhood sweetheart is celebrating the birth of his first child. OUCH!
Deluded, Mavis believes this is a sign that she is destined to reunite with him.
Hastily she sets off dressed in her raggy tracksuit and her mascara stained eyes. She takes the open road in her red and white mini with her trusty if not somewhat neglected pomeranian.
As she goes, she sings along to "The concept" by Teenage Fanclub. I didn't really understand why this song was etched out over an entire scene. Obviously it meant something to Mavis, but to us as an audience,the scene was laboured and the meaning was unclear.
Despite her best intentions to reclaim her man,Mavis is stopped promptly in her tracks. This detour is provided by former classmate "Matt Freehauf"(played by real life comedian Patton Oswalt)
Matt has struggled to move on with his own life after enduring some heinous high school bullying.He prefers to hide out in his sisters basement painting figurines and making Home brew.
Despite the pairs outward differences,their shared love of scotch and disdain for others ensures they become inextricably linked.
Matt points out to Mavis that her former flame Buddy Slade (played by a low key Patrick Wilson)has moved on and is a happily married father.
Beguiled, Mavis believes there's nothing that a rockin' pair of heels and a good pedicure can't fix. Her obsession with outside appearances and seeking esteem in boozy one night stands has left her entirely lonely.
Thats what I love about this film. Despite its obvious comic appeal;there are real human conditions on show here.
A self seeking woman such as Mavis just "cant get no satisfaction".An insatiable thirst for someone or something to fill the void. When reality starts to hit,she chooses once more to escape from it by seducing her portly drinking buddy "Matt".
In the morning, an unfulfilled and deluded Mavis succumbs once more....
In the final scene, Mavis is confronted by Matt's sister. A starry eyed on looker who enviously explains how lucky Mavis is and how much better she is than her small town counterparts.
In response, Mavis picks up her bag,head held high. Safe in the knowledge that she will live another day and who gives a shit what those honky tonks think anyway!
Bingo! A true ending where our main character does NOT miraculously morph into a more evolved state with better morals.
She simply remains stuck where she is. Inflated ego in tack. Nothing more,nothing less.
As for you Miss Theron. I love your work girlfriend! Yes, your stunning, yes your an Oscar winner. Although for me,this was your finest hour. Dying is easy, Comedy is hard.

See this film guys!
JAX xx

Cinema Paradiso - Final Scene - HD

Call me romantic, I don't care.
This is one of my favourite endings to a film EVER!
As in the end, love is all there is..XXX


"Soul meets soul on lover's lips."
~ by Percy Bysshe Shelly ~

J. EDGAR

On a warm balmy evening,myself and a newly acquired friend moseyed on down to the beautiful Rivoli Cinemas in Camberwell.
The movie we chose was Clint Eastwood's epic biog on J. Edgar Hoover (the first director of the FBI)
Before this movie, the name J Edgar Hoover meant little to me. Accordingly,his private life was kept as well hidden as his precious political files.
The movie reveals a vigilant "Edgar" who has his eye on the prize from an early age. A powerful orator (after conquering a childhood stammer) who strived for perfection from himself and undying devotion from the people around him.
The film also denotes a man who is unable to break free from the unyielding power of his deranged mother (played predictably by Dame Judi Dench) I believe Judi gets these roles merely for that fact that she is a Dame. An English accent for obvious reasons was wrong here.
The film follows a confusing non linear format where within one scene there could up to three juxtaposed eras of time covered. I personally struggle with this type of film making. I believe dense subject matter like this with action narratives require a non deviating format for their ultimate impact to be revealed.
By the time we discovered who the Lindebergh kidnapper was; I couldn't have given a shit!
The script by Dustin Lance Black was applaudable but I felt that some of Edgar's speeches became repetitive and started to loose their punch.
Despite being responsible for the production and musical score of this movie, Eastwood is ultimately the actors director.
I remember Sean Penn fondly referring to him on the set of "Mystic River" as "The MAN". That he never announced himself as a director, he offerred himself...(I love that)
Clint really does get the most out of his actors. Which saved this dangerously long and rather boring feature from complete dismissal from me.
His casting is always spot on. To name but a few, Naomi Watts demurley plays Edgar's long standing and pivotal assistant. Newcomer Armie Hammer (you may remember him playing the part of both Winklevoss twins in the "Social Network")as Edgar's long time companion (controversially suggested lover) Clyde Tolson. A dapper younger version of the man. Followed by a slightly over the top older gentleman whose had a stoke. Keep working at it Armie; there has to be a future for someone who is not only incredibly handsome but has such perfect diction!
There was a powerful cameo by relatively unknown Aussie actor Damon Herriman. His abstract features and eerie on screen presence should see him attain more Hollywood roles. Go Damon!
At this point, I would like to cane the makeup department for their badly drawn geriatric faces. Not all older people are drowning in liver spots. This kind of detail needs to be perfect to deliver a believable outcome.
Also,the small roles of Robert Kennedy and Richard Nixon were badly drawn parodies and again affected the authenticity of this film.
Last but certainly not least was the unbearably believable Leonardo Di Caprio as Edgar himself.
This sensational actor with undeniable range surely deserves an Oscar for this part. Any 36 year old who can age over six decades and can convincingly play the part of a misunderstood, narcicistic workaholic grappling with his homosexuality gets my vote!
I was so overwhelmed with the depth that Leo delivered here. The cross dressing scene that followed the death of his mother was sensitively and courageously drawn by this brave and relentless performer. Leo, you've come a long way since "Growing Pains", Hip hip horray!
When all is said and done, I still feel I know little about this mysterious man in question.
Perhaps, Eastwood's ultimate intention....

A man who understood well the correlation between work and family life succinctly states:

"No amount of law enforcement can solve a problem that goes back to the family."

J Edgar Hoover

MARY AND MAX.... MAGICAL!

I loved,loved,loved this film.
Since "Watership Down", I've pretty much avoided any full length animated features.
I prefer stories to be told by human beings. That's just me.
Until now..
Director and writer Adam Elliot is the genius behind this piece. The script is beautifully detailed. I really loved things like Max's invisible friend who perpetually reads self help books. Or Mary's alcoholic mother who had to keep "testing" the sherry.
Within this grey world, we are introduced to two very unique individuals. Mary the sweet intelligent bullied maiden and Max the obese,ardent,mentally ill Israelite.
Set to the dulcet tones of Barry Humphries, we are taken on a 20 year journey with this extremely rare pair.
Their ongoing correspondance endures the effects of childhood neglect,hospitalisations,suicide attempts,alcoholism, teasing, loneliness, autism (Asperger syndrome in particular), obesity, depression and anxiety,sexual difference,divorce,pregnancy to name a few. Pretty bold for a 3-d cartoon huh?
Life serves these two a pretty raw deal. Their ongoing strength in the face of adversity is astonishing. Elliot causes us to feel enormous empathy for these characters.You can't help but laugh and cry with them and thank God that they were able to find each other.
Adam exemplifies true friendship when Max is unable to cry or feel sad due to his Asperger's,so Mary sends him her own tears. When Mary doubts that she will ever find true love, Max sends her a chocolate love heart that says "Love yourself first"
These two creatures show us the power of love and forgiveness in any friendship.
So simple,so sweet,so magical.
Their is nothing more pure and resolute than a finely weathered friendship. This movie made me realize the importance of having my own best friend. To mine, who is many miles away, I LOVE YOU!
I insist to all that haven't already seen it; BRING TISSUES!

JAX

Mary & Max Trailer

40 Year Old Virgin - "I Have a Very Fufilling Life"

Hey Steve,
Im with ya man.
Loved this movie. Probably didnt need the extra 17 minutes on the re release.
Thanks for the shits and giggles.

JAX

ONE DAY-just not today....

I just had the misfortune of watching "One day", based on the popular (?) novel by David Nicholls. Following the affair between couple "Emma" (Anne Hathaway) and "Dexter" (Jim Sturgess)
Wow this really was disappointing from start to finish. I had to look away several times because I just couldn't handle the cornball lines and fake expressions any more!
There is nothing here we haven't seen before that hasn't been dealt with a lot better.
Boy meets girl,girl yearns for boy,boy takes drugs and screws around,girl eventually gives up on him and gets better looking and then boy finally comes knocking on her door.
There was no substance in this film. Not one performance that could get it over the finish line. They managed to get Patricia Clarkson for chrissake and not even utilise her. OUTRAGE!
The look of the film was reminiscent of a midday movie. The hair and makeup used to age the characters over a 20 year period was laughable.A year 8 student could have shown them a thing or two.
According to Harpers Bazaar this is a "must see romantic epic". I hate to break it to ya folks but "Out of Africa" and "Gone with the Wind" are romantic epics;this is but a mere piece of fluff.
Anne Hathaway's performance is trite. Her earnesty and appeal are nil. Her accent is appauling.One minute she is as cockney as Eliza DooLittle the next she sounds as Welsh as Pam Ayers. HELP!
Jim sturgess as "Dexter" has a few moments as the "asshole" but was boring and unbelievable when he turned into the nice guy.
Just when you think the end is near,we are juxtaposed once more when the couple first met.Here we have to endure more crap dialogue and strained passion. WTF !!!
People there's a reason you've never heard of danish Director Lone Scherfig.
You dig?
Dont like me be fooled by the smoky mysterious movie poster.

JAX

COUNTRY STRONG....Too Long....

MUST remember never to see a film that goes straight to DVD.
Yes yes I know I always seem to break this rule and I'm invariably dissapointed.
I must say the trailer for "Country Strong" had me chomping at the bit. Country music movies have always had my vote. There have been some pearlers over the years- "Coal Miners Daughter" "Walk the Line" and more recently "Crazy Heart"
These movies like the songs within them are intoxicating. I cant seem to get enough of the plights of lonely and mistreated wives and their tough talking alcoholic cowboys.
"Country Strong" definitely delivered on the music front. Songs like "Coming home" "Words I couldn't say" or "A little bit stronger" all fit the bill here and some were even nominated for an Oscar for best original song.
Unfortunately the rest of the film was a fair waste of time.
You'd have to be Gomar Pyle to believe the plot that Shana Feste concocted here. The sporadic status between underdeveloped characters was difficult to watch. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a bad episode of "The Young and the Restless"
The corny script made me reach for the sick bag more than once. Gwyneth Paltrows' character "Kelly" made one devastating faux pas after the next. If she wasn't having sex with her manager or skulling a bottle of vodka,she was passing out on stage. Although after visiting a dying kid,she miraculously comes good and goes onto give the performance of her life as well as giving advice to her young protege- "Falling in love honey,that's all there is in life..." Deep...
As any alcoholic will tell you it takes five years for the fog to lift; not three hours.
In saying that there was some good acting here. Big hunk of spunk Tim McGraw was well cast as "James" the long suffering husband to Kelly. This co dependent matrimonial arrangement is all too common. One fucks up,the other cleans up and no one gets out alive. Tim's conversion from real life country singer to screen has been effortless. He doesn't miss any cues and his portrayal of "James" denotes real depth and clarity. I just hope they don't typecast the poor bastard in the future.
Gwyneth too puts in a solid performance. She carefully illustrates the child like nature of the addict. That is highly emotional and volatile when they don't get their own way.
Infuriating one minute,utterly adorable the next. She had the southern accent and doey eyes down pat. Perhaps a little too beautiful for this highly flawed character. Yes blondie you can do it all. Its a shame it wasn't a better movie to showcase all your talents.
As for the two kids,well. The young "Beau" played by Garrett Hedland was mediocre at best. His blue eyes and bum fluff did nothing for me. Perhaps he could shake it on "Friday Nights Lights" but he seemed somewhat out of place here.We may decide to lay blame again with director Shana Feste. Not only for casting someone too young, but for allowing such over the top lip syncing to be screened.
Leighton Meester as "Chiles Stanton" (the up and coming country star) is nice enough;she is certainly no Sissy Spaceck ("Coal Miners Daughter"). The love story created between these two young characters is contrived and vaccuous . But again perfectly good actors drown in bad scripts and poorly woven plots. This was no exception.
By the time the ending came, I was playing angry birds on my i phone and planning my scathing attack on this movie.
All said and done, as I move into 2012,my New Years Resolution is to not be so black and white and to live in the grey. In this way "Country Strong" like any hot headed cowboy has its pros and its prickles.

"You may fool me and I'll fall
But I won't stay down long
'Cause I'm country strong"
(lyrics from "Country Strong")

AMERICAN:The Bill Hicks Story.

Hello again,
The other day at work,my colleague mentioned a documentary that was due to be aired on TV about Bill Hicks. I knowingly replied,"Oh the guy that did Microsoft?"
Not quite.
I was soon to discover there was a magical man that had somehow managed to completely bypass my entertainment radar.
An exceptional American comedian,satirist,social critic and musician that I'd never even heard of.
A man that unlike many could make me laugh out loud and rejoice in his uncensored and brutally honest take on society.
Despite his untimely death of cancer at 32; Hicks managed to cram a lot into his short life; a unique individual that was clearly born with dem "funny bones"
From his humble beginnings as a wanna be mimic at Sunday school, to performing stand up comedy at the tender age of 16 at the Comedy Workshop in Texas. He continued to develop his craft right across the country.
The documentary contains real life footage of Hicks having full control over his audience.
The choice to intersperse animation and black and white stills was an original and engaging move by directors Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas.
"Americain"illustrates Hicks resolute determination to become a comedian. His drive that eventually lands him on the David Letterman show and to furthur and greater recognition in the United Kingdom.
Hicks has been called the comedians comedian. A man who inhabits what it is to be truly funny.
Whilst studying acting myself,my movement teacher said-when you are going for funny. Go ALL the way. Don't hold back. HICKS, FARLEY,BELUSHI. All now with God,but all went ALL the way.
His tenaciousness also leads him into a dynamic dual with the bottle. Hicks played hard untill he just wasnt funny anymore. After admitting defeat, Hicks joined AA and never looked back (despite a few ongoing educational experiments with magic mushrooms)
On his return, Hicks really started to develop his humour. He was no longer just a dead pan mimic but rather a staunch social commentator with attitude.
He was no longer willing to apologise for speaking his truth. After all he poised, wasn't that your right as an American citizen?
He gave everyone a hard time- marketing/advertising executives, Christians,non-smokers,you name it. But every time,he had a point.
Hicks was no "phony".He detested hypocrisy and was always willing to push the boundaries.
Bill Hicks thank God I found you. Your legend truly lives on.


"Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die."

Mel Brooks

Bill Hicks - AMERICAN: The Bill Hicks Story Official Trailer - redband

Martin Lawrence - Jealous Woman

Funny bugger this one!

i love YOU phillip Morris!

I also LOVE Ewan Mcgregor and Jim Carrey... What a unique pair that come together to create this wonderfully original and colourful movie.
"I love you Phillip Morris" is a black comedy based on real events.
It is written and directed by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra,(they also wrote "Bad Santa" 10 years ago which I promptly walked out of)
The boys have got a little wiser and managed to deliver on all fronts. Great writing,banging soundtrack and spot on performances.
The movie centres around the life and times of Stephen Jay Russell. Stephen is currently serving two consecutive life sentences for several fraud and con artist convictions.
Prior to his incarceration,Russell covered ALOT of ground.As a young man he simultaneously discovered he was not only gay but that he was adopted. His attempt to live the "straight" life in suburbia with wife and child is short lived when his penchant for penis becomes all too consuming.
From here we begin to see Russell as a Robin Hood of sorts. Yes he does willingly rob from the rich but this is mostly to satisfy the needs of others. Interestingly enough, children who are adopted often feel an enormous sense of rejection. In this way,they often become people pleasers to attempt to gain that illusive sense of acceptance.
Its in jail,that Russell meets Morris ;the love of his life. The pair quickly hit it off. It soon becomes apparent this meeting of souls was written in the stars.
Russell goes onto do a lot of crazy shit in order to keep his man by his side. From pretending he is a lawyer to faking his own death from AIDS.
No mean feat!
This is a movie of stark contrasts.
The deliberate use of bright colours in grim places like jail ultimately gives the movie an uplifting feel.
The cheeky sex scenes set to 80's music make you giggle rather than squirm.
For me as always,its all about the performances. Both these actors avoided obvious gay stereotypes.
Jim Carey's ability to do drama and comedy equally well is unique in Hollywood. Carey gives it absolutely everything in this movie. His maturation as an actor shows depth and originality to each part he pursues. I love you and I forgive you for "The Mask"
I had only ever seen Ewan Mcgregor before in "Trainspotting." Sure,it was so good he could have retired right there and then;but Im glad he didn't. Mcgregor as "Morris" oozed his adoration for Russell like a helpless puppy dog. He was completely present in the role and there was not one hint of Scottish heroin addict anywhere.
Yummy Mexican actor Rodrigo Santoro was outstanding as Russells first gay lover. A small but powerfully important role for this up and comer.
"I love you Phillip Morris" takes you on many unexpected turns and you may get a little dizzy. Dont worry,trust it and remember in the immortal words of Oprah "The chance to love and be loved exists no matter where you are."

JAX

'I Love You Phillip Morris' Trailer HD