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The Gushing Cinephile: July 8, 2013
Well, to say that this was a slow week in the world of film would be a serious understatement. It was Independence Day in the United States. In other news that surprised no one, Disney’s “The Lone Ranger” flopped harder than a fish fighting for it’s life on dry land. Let’s just get to it!
First up, check out the header image and it’ll be sure to put a smile on your face and a dent in your wallet. Set for release on September 24, 2013, Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy finally gets an Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The six-disc set will feature all three full-length features (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises) with their original special features, and two brand new featurettes (The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy, Christopher Nolan & Richard Donner: A Conversation). In addition, the set will include Premium Mattel Hot Wheel Vehicles of the Tumbler, Batpod, and the Bat, as well as a 48 page hardcover book featuring production stills and behind the scenes images. However, if this collection of Batman decadence catches your eye, you will have to pay dearly for it as this Ultimate Collector’s Edition is priced at roughly $100.
Next, the soundtrack for Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Inside Llewyn Davis” finally gets a release date, September 17, 2013. If you’ve seen the trailers, you know how epic the film looks and how incredible the soundtrack appears to be. The soundtrack will feature songs performed by cast members Oscar Isaac, Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, and more. I’m really looking forward to this.
Up next, in my opinion, the best film of 2013 so far, “Mud” gets a surprising Blu-ray and DVD release date, August 6, 2013. If you’ve yet to check this one out, pick-up a copy or watch it on demand, you won’t be disappointed, I promise.
Next up, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are reuniting once again with director Michael Winterbottom for a sequel to 2010′s most underrated film “The Trip.” The film is currently titled “The Trip to Italy” and is already underway. Having been picked up already by IFC Films for US distribution, “The Trip to Italy” should be set for release sometime in 2014.
Finally, check out this viral video for “Pacific Rim” starring Ron Perlman. I am hugely excited to check out “Pacific Rim” on Thursday, but to be honest, I am still a tad skeptical. However, this video does give me hope that Guillermo Del Toro’s big-budget blockbuster won’t be a bust.
That’ll do it for this edition of The Gushing Cinephile. Everyone have a great week and look forward to a few awesome reviews I have scheduled to post this week!
The Trip (2010)
The comedy in The Trip is a lot like every other form of humour, dividing and opinion driven. This film is not for everyone. The laughs are evenly spread throughout its hour and forty five minute runtime, with breathtaking views of northern England anchoring a surprisingly melancholic theme. Starring Steven Coogan (Tropic Thunder) and Rob Brydon (Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels) as themselves, the two create tons of electricity thriving off of one another’s constant bid to outperform the other. The Humour is subtle and intelligent in this Michael Winterbottom (24 Hour Party People) directed dramatic comedy. You may or may not laugh out loud, but there is no denying the sorrow and artistic quality behind the hilarious back and fourths.
Steve Coogan accepts an offer from The Observer, a sunday newspaper, to tour northern England and review it’s top restaurants for their column. Coogan only takes this job on to impress his current girlfriend. However, when his girlfriend backs out, he is forced to invite his friend Rob Brydon along for the ride. As the journey begins, Brydon and Coogan start to partake in useless and hilarious competitions of creative feats. Throughout the trip, more and more personal details come to the forefront regarding Coogan and Brydon and we are allowed a glimpse into the tribulations of their lives.
Boasting a highlight reel of precise impressions and awkward banter, The Trip is as funny as it is endearing. As well as shots of immaculate northern England, The Trip uses wit and aura to create a unique cinematic experience. Steve Coogan, in my opinion is one of the most underrated actors in film today and his performance in The Trip verifies my claim. A snippet, no longer then a few minutes of Coogan imitating his travel colleague in a mirror is one of the most honest realizations captured on film. Brydon seizes the chance to strut his stuff and performs admirably alongside Coogan. Winterbottom captures these two comedic men at their best while encompassing human flaws and our strive to do right despite them.
The Trip: 8.5 out of 10.
