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[gaia-movies-and-books]

Warrior

Director: Gavin O´Connor

Do I recommend it? YES, even if you don´t like box (I don´t) this movie is fantastic. And, well, if I´m gonna keep on posting reviews you might as well know now, I LOVE Tom Hardy WITH ALL MY HEART. I had no trouble at all with rewatching this movie just to make this review.

(No spoilers)

Tommy goes to his father (an ex-boxer) to train him for a boxing tournament after rediscovering his “gift” for the sport; at the same time, Tommy´s brother Brendan, in need of money, enters a boxing tournament.

(Mild spoilers)

This movie has a lot of blood (I mean, it´s about boxing), mentions of alcoholism, death and abuse. It treats sensitive matters like family loss, need of money (and issues that come with it), family problems, lots of fights (verbal and physical) and I think that´s about it.

Score 10/10

(yes, I know I give a high score to everything, I promise I´ll review bad movies too).

Disclaimer: this is my opinion and you have a right to disagree, if you do so feel free to comment, but remember that this is just what I think.

(No spoilers)

Well, well, again I love Tom Hardy, and I can´t praise his performance in here enough. I don´t like boxing, I hate watching it and I just don´t understand it, but this movie had me literally siting at the edge of my bed during the fight scenes, ready to jump and scream at the characters when they won or lost. I had an amazing time watching this movie on my own, but I would watch it with my family without a problem.

This is one of my favorite performances of Hardy (next to Inception, The Revenant and Peaky Blinders). He is not only convincing; his character and his soul is what made me cry and what got me so hooked with the movie. Don´t get me wrong, Joel Edgerton is also an amazing actor, and his part here was impressive, but Hardy has my heart after this performance.

I do have to admit, at the beginning the movie felt a bit slow, while introducing the characters and everything, but after that GEEZ it´s amazing. I cried my eyes out at the end (I adored the ending, if you watch it you´ll know why I cried). The story, even though predictable (only parts of it, and I´m pretty sure that was the intention, so I don´t say this as a negative thing), is so well written; the script is wonderful and the fight scenes… they´re just so good.

I will always praise an actor´s acting skills before their looks (of course) but I do have to say Tom Hardy looks freaking gorgeous in this film, he´s just *chef´s kiss*.

Now, aside from my thoughts on Hardy, this movie manages to present real problems from different perspectives from the people involved; it manages to tell two different stories, to then get them together perfectly, and give, not only a believable and realistic ending, but also a heartwarming one. It goes from complicated issues such as unsolved problems with family and distancing, to things we all understand at a certain point like selfishness, embarrassment, etc. It´s incredible how a movie about boxing manages to include such deep topics in such a perfect way.

Feel free to share your opinions about the movie, to ask me questions about mine and to open debates if you want. But remember, always express yourself with respect.

[gaia-movies-and-books]

The visit

(Image not mine)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Do I recommend it? If you like thrillers that make you uncomfortable and jump several times, completely. If you are sensitive and don´t enjoy scary movies, please don´t watch it.

(No spoilers)

A single mom sends her son and daughter to meet their grandparents. She had a fight with them many years ago and hasn´t seen them since, so her kids don´t know them, but they want to.

(Mild spoilers, but not exactly)

This movie is pretty disturbing; it has blood, scares, very stressful moments and quite disgusting things (mentions of dippers and poop, and well, you actually see those). It has non-sexual nudity and explicit injuries and deaths. Corpses are also seen.

Score: 9/10

Disclaimer: this is my opinion and you have a right to disagree, if you do so feel free to comment, but remember that this is just what I think.

(No spoilers)

Okay, this movie is definitely something. My cousin and I watched it (she had already seen it) and we did have a blast, because we both love thrillers. It´s one of those movies that has moments when you feel insanely awkward, others when you jump out of your seat, others when you want to scream and your heart is beating out of your chest (like we say, te mantiene con el Jesús en la boca). It´s not the best thing I´ve ever watched, not even close, but I do recommend it for a time with your friends maybe, if you guys like watching thrillers. Or if you ever feel you want to just watch a movie that makes you jump (it happens), this is for you.

I do not recommend tho, to have many snacks while you watch it (especially at the end) because it does have very disgusting things. I do have to applaud the fact that, even though I watched this movie many months ago, I still remember many elements of it. I have many scenes that come to mind when thinking of this movie, and even if it doesn´t have the best story, it does have very memorable scenes.

On the other hand, this movie can be easily triggering for many people. My aunt couldn´t stand watching it, so if you are sensitive, easily disgusted, easily scared, or if you have trouble with explicit movies that are about sensitive matters, I recommend you to not watch it.

Feel free to share your opinions about the movie, to ask me questions about mine and to open debates if you want. But remember, always express yourself with respect.

[gaia-movies-and-books]

HAHAHAHA I GOT THAT REFERENCE

Strange Magic

(Image not mine)

Do I recommend it? Yes, yes, yes. It may not be for everyone because its animated and a musical, but outside from that, there is nothing not to love about this movie. It is a musical, but the songs are pre-existing ones (Elvis Presley, Air Supply, Queen, Deep Purple, etc.).

No spoilers

A realm is divided in two: the fairy land and the dark forest. Between both grow magical flowers called “primroses”, that are used to make love potions.

Marianne is a fairy princess that, after getting her heart broken, learns how to live alone and focuses on not falling in love again, with the disgust of her father, since he wants her to find a husband and not be. Meanwhile, king Bug from the Dark Forest, sends his goblins to collect all the primrose flowers in order to destroy them, for he has forbidden love in his realm.

The story develops when a love potion is made and lost, and Bug takes hostage Marianne´s sister, promising to return her if the potion is given to him. Marianne has to find a way to get her sister back while Sunny, an elf that´s friend of the sisters, finds the lost potion.

No spoilers

None.

9.3/10

Disclaimer: this is my opinion and you have a right to disagree, if you do so feel free to comment, but remember that this is just what I think.

Spoilers

This movie. This is my ultimate comfort movie. If I´m completely honest, it probably isn´t as good as I feel it is, but I´ll always recommend it to everyone because it lifts my spirit so high every time I watch it. Not only does it have an AMAZING soundtrack that I adore and that lets me sing my lungs out every time, but it also has one of the most beautiful relationship and dynamic between two animated characters and I love it.

This is an original story with many unoriginal elements (the story was written by George Lucas, wow) that manages to make me happy through the whole film even though I´ve seen it like thirty times. The characters are “usual”, and the situations are normal as well, but the design of all of them, the way the story develops and leads through different emotions is just great.

It´s one of those movies where you relate to almost every single character, even though it´s animated, and it´s one that doesn´t take ONE characteristic and bases the character´s whole personality in it. It is aimed for kids but can easily be enjoyed as a teenager (if not more). It´s that one movie that, as predictable as it is, it has original elements that are handled in ways I have never seen in any other movie. It´s a love story that focuses on the fact that appearances and races don´t matter, and that love is not something to be taken lightly.

As cheesy as all of this might sound, it´s a really entertaining and funny movie that I watch when I´m sad, angry, happy, when I feel like singing, when I´m dying of cramps, etc. It might not be for everyone but it sure as hell is enjoyable.

Feel free to share your opinions about the movie, to ask me questions about mine and to open debates if you want. But remember, always express yourself with respect.

[gaia-movies-and-books]

What we do in the shadows

Directors: Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement

Do I recommend it? Completely. This movie might not be for everyone, for it has a pretty dark humor, but if you like that type of thing, I guarantee you´ll have a blast watching this.

No spoilers

This movie is made in a documentary format. Basically, it´s a documentary about the life of four vampires (a parody documentary). They share how a day in their lives is, how they met each other, how and when they were bitten and turned into vampires, how old they are and how they live today in relation to how the used to live.

No spoilers

Very dark humor, lots of blood and explicit injuries, mentions of death, sexual references and a few not too explicit sexual scenes. It´s handled as a bit of a scary movie.

10/10

Disclaimer: this is my opinion and you have a right to disagree, if you do so feel free to comment, but remember that this is just what I think.

No spoilers

I ADORE this movie. It´s clearly not for everyone, if you´re sensitive to blood and dark humor please don´t watch it. But if you´re like me and love this type of thing, I can almost promise you´ll love it. It´s a brilliant movie, with a low budget and -interesting fact- it was done with parts of what was left of the scenery and costumes from the Lord of the rings.

I have never seen another movie like this, it is hilarious, it takes ridiculous stories and tells them in a way that keeps you glued to the screen not wanting to miss anything. If analyzed deeply, it could be considered ridiculous, but personally, the way that such a simple concept was taken to levels I never even imagined makes this movie one of my favorites ever.

I would even dare to say it has relatable items (yes, a movie about vampires). It´s one of those movies that, no matter how bad of a day I´m having, I know it will make me laugh my head off.

It´s not only funny, it has a humor that type of humor that each time you remember parts of the movie you laugh like crazy all over again. It is filled with small details that you notice when you rewatch it, and it was made in such a simple way. It has no CGI at all, it´s all Taika and Jemaine´s brilliant humor and mind that were able to take simple things and turn them into a masterpiece.

Feel free to share your opinions about the movie, to ask me questions about mine and to open debates if you want. But remember, always express yourself with respect.

[gaia-movies-and-books]

Strange Magic

(Image not mine)

Director: Gary Rydstorm

Do I recommend it? Yes, yes, yes. It may not be for everyone because its animated and a musical, but outside from that, there is nothing not to love about this movie. It is a musical, but the songs are pre-existing ones (Elvis Presley, Air Supply, Queen, Deep Purple, etc.).

No spoilers

A realm is divided in two: the fairy land and the dark forest. Between both grow magical flowers called “primroses”, that are used to make love potions.

Marianne is a fairy princess that, after getting her heart broken, learns how to live alone and focuses on not falling in love again, with the disgust of her father, since he wants her to find a husband and not be. Meanwhile, king Bug from the Dark Forest, sends his goblins to collect all the primrose flowers in order to destroy them, for he has forbidden love in his realm.

The story develops when a love potion is made and lost, and Bug takes hostage Marianne´s sister, promising to return her if the potion is given to him. Marianne has to find a way to get her sister back while Sunny, an elf that´s friend of the sisters, finds the lost potion.

No spoilers

None.

9.3/10

Disclaimer: this is my opinion and you have a right to disagree, if you do so feel free to comment, but remember that this is just what I think.

Spoilers

This movie. This is my ultimate comfort movie. If I´m completely honest, it probably isn´t as good as I feel it is, but I´ll always recommend it to everyone because it lifts my spirit so high every time I watch it. Not only does it have an AMAZING soundtrack that I adore and that lets me sing my lungs out every time, but it also has one of the most beautiful relationship and dynamic between two animated characters and I love it.

This is an original story with many unoriginal elements (the story was written by George Lucas, wow) that manages to make me happy through the whole film even though I´ve seen it like thirty times. The characters are “usual”, and the situations are normal as well, but the design of all of them, the way the story develops and leads through different emotions is just great.

It´s one of those movies where you relate to almost every single character, even though it´s animated, and it´s one that doesn´t take ONE characteristic and bases the character´s whole personality in it. It is aimed for kids but can easily be enjoyed as a teenager (if not more). It´s that one movie that, as predictable as it is, it has original elements that are handled in ways I have never seen in any other movie. It´s a love story that focuses on the fact that appearances and races don´t matter, and that love is not something to be taken lightly.

As cheesy as all of this might sound, it´s a really entertaining and funny movie that I watch when I´m sad, angry, happy, when I feel like singing, when I´m dying of cramps, etc. It might not be for everyone but it sure as hell is enjoyable.

Feel free to share your opinions about the movie, to ask me questions about mine and to open debates if you want. But remember, always express yourself with respect.

[gaia-movies-and-books]

How to lose a guy in 10 days

(Image not mine)

Director: Donald Petrie

Do I recommend it? Yes. Even if you don´t love romantic comedies (I usually don´t), you should give this movie a chance.

No spoilers

Andie (Kate Hudson) is a writer that works at the Composure magazine with a column that bases on gossip, tips and “girly” things. She sets the goal of being essential for the magazine in order have permission of writing about other things that she actually enjoys, so she is tasked to write an article about what women do wrong when dating, by dating a man herself and pushing him away for ten days.

At the same time, Ben (Mathew McConaughey) is a man that works in advertising and receives a bet: in order to get to organize the event he wants, he has to make a woman fall in love with him in ten days.

The two characters encounter each other, and their respective jobs get tangled in between one another.

No spoilers

This movie contains hints of sexual behavior and making out, but no scenes that show explicit sexual content. It has no violence and no heavy language.

Score: 9.5/10

Disclaimer: this is my opinion and you have a right to disagree, if you do so feel free to comment, but remember that this is just what I think.

Spoilers

This movie is, easily, my favorite romantic comedy. Both Kate Hudson and Mathew McConaughey play amazing parts and their characters are insanely relatable and lovable. As much as this movie has the effect and exaggeration of events that all romcoms have, the things that happen to the characters and the process in which they fall for each other only make you understand the characters and be able to relate to them. One important thing to point out is that this movie doesn´t have the intention of questioning whether the “we both played with each other so it´s okay” thing is right or wrong; it is an important matter in the film, but the purpose of it is to show the love story, not just to question the morals.

Andie is a realistic, almost (and I repeat ALMOST) none stereotyped character that is so easy to love. In her case, the independent, smart and charismatic female character is well developed and achieved. Of course, there are many stereotypes in this movie, but the thing here is that the character´s personalities are not based on those, not only on the two mains, but also in the secondary ones.

Ben seems to be the stereotype of a guy that is handsome and knows it, but as the movie moves forward one sees that he is actually pretty normal and that he´s not the typical man that takes complete advantage of his looks.

This movie works with scenarios and situations that in many other movies have taken to an extreme and end up being sexist. But here, the characters, even though they are exaggerated and have clear personality traits that are repetitive in this type of movie, are not taken to that end.

The script and soundtrack are things to be applauded, now, every time I listen to “Somebody like you” by Keith Urban I think of this movie.

The ending, even though predictable, is one of those comforting endings that make you feel like not everything in life is horrible, and being honest, Andie and Ben are a beautiful couple.

Feel free to share your opinions about the movie, to ask me questions about mine and to open debates if you want. But remember, always express yourself with respect

[gaia-movies-and-books]

Hi! My name is Gaia. I´m an 18 year old that loves movies and books, so I decided to start a blog to post reviews and opinions on these two. English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistake.

Feel free to send me recommendations or movies and books that you want me to review. Since I´m just starting, I´ll settle a schedule once I get more used to posting, so maybe it´ll take me a little while to post your requests.

Also feel free to share your opinions with me and if I haven´t posted a review on a movie or book you wanna know about, you can just ask me if I recommend it and I´ll happily tell you (unless I haven´t seen or read it, of course).

My posts will be accommodated under the tag “Gaia’s reviews and opinions”.

MASTERLIST

Movies

How to lose a guy in 10 days

Strange Magic

What we do in the shadows

The visit

Warrior