5 things we have to face about Mr. Grey

Jamie
Credits

Yep, we’re also talking about it. 

After reading the 50 shades of Grey trilogy, I would never resist seeing the movie, so I went to the premiere day in Portugal and I have to say my expectations were very low at that point. 

First, there was the fact that E. L. James is not actually a good writer and we all know that, she repeats herself so much that it hurt my brain at some point while reading the third book, but well, her ideas were.. hum.. very creative, I had no other choice but to keep reading. 

Then, there was the criticism and paranoia about the casting choices. Just keep calm people, Jamie Dornan would save the day. Everyone was acting like this was going to be the movie of the century and that was making me crazy. 

Anyway, although nowadays all book stores are filled with this kind of spicy novels, we have to admit 50 Shades brought something new to the table. Nevertheless, these are the things that I had to face while watching the movie:

1. He’s sexy as hell. Casting drama no more: It's not the first time I compliment him here. Jamie is the perfect Mr. Grey. 

2. Dakota is not that bad either. If you read the books, you already knew that she wasn't supposed to be awesome. Get over it. 

3. No pain, no gain? I really think that it is only sexy and thrilling because it's fictional. If a guy asked me to sign that kind of contract, I would probably run, fast. Also, the idea that someone has to be in complete control of my life is not something very appealing. I'm very attached to my freedom of will and speech, thanks. 

4. Is this Twilight? Yes, it is. Instead of vampires, you have sex toys, that's it. 

5. Good soundtrack. I've been listening to this one by The Weeknd:

Later babies!

Your TopCrusher,
Daniela

Big Hero 6: The Sweetest Thing!

You know, having a little brother is one of the best things in life, and I'm speaking from my own experience. Mine recently told me to watch Big Hero 6 because he knows I'm a sucker for animated movies, and I simply adored it.

Big Hero 6 comes from the same Walt Disney team that worked behind "Frozen" and "Wreck-It Ralph"... Judging from my opinion, what a team it must be!

Baymax, the fatty clumsy robot, is purely the sweetest robotic character I've met and Hiro is just a genius kid struggling with the tragic death of his elder brother, Tadashi. They develop a very special bond during their adventurous search for justice in the city of San Fransokyo and they end up being best friends for life. Don't you just love a happy ending?

Newsflash: I cried. Like.. a lot. More than I'm happy to admit. 

But seriously, it's a beautiful story about family, friendship, love and lost, and you should go watch it right now! 

Your TopCrusher,
Daniela

The Theory of Everything

Eddie
Credits

I completely fell in love with Eddie Redmayne while watching The Theory of Everything, Stephen Hawking's biopic that turns out to be such a beautiful and truthful love story. He proved that he is a great actor, who certainly was up to the challenge of playing a very difficult character.

Eddie looks so sweet and so nerdy at the same time, he made me believe that I would actually fall in love with him too if I met him at that time. It's interesting to see the other perspective, while his body and his health were completely degrading after he was given only two years to live, and his wife, played by the gorgeous actress Felicity Jones, was always by his side, making sure that his talent and geniality had the chance to be noticed - and she was successful.

This movie made me think about the persistence that we need to go through life without losing our hope and will to live, not only because we're here - so we have to endure this anyway - but  because we want to make a difference, we want to stand out and shine while we are alive in this world, always pushing our own boundaries to be better. I have to say that it was really inspiring. 

After the movie, only one question remains, and I don't think we will ever know the answer. Where does time go? Wouldn't you like to know?

Your TopCrusher,
Daniela

The Interview: threats, hackers, margaritas and a huge laugh

I watched The Interview this week and I have to tell you it was one of the best comedies I saw this year. As you might have heard, this movie caused quite a stir due to its polemic content. This is a comedy starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, a celebrity interviewer and his producer for the tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight".

At some point, they discover that the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of their show and consequently they have the opportunity to interview him. When they are traveling to Pyongyang they are contacted by the CIA and convinced to "take him out"... Not to dinner and not on a date, if you know what I mean... 

This is a controversial movie, for obvious reasons and it was the target of some serious backlash from the North Korean government. According to the a Time's article the North Korean government has promised a “merciless” retaliation against the United States if The Interview was released, calling the film an “act of war.”

After the government threats, there were the hackers. According to The Guardian,  Sony Pictures has cancelled the Christmas release of the film at the centre of a hacking scandal after terrorist threats to cinemagoers and a decision by major movie theatre groups to cancel screenings in the US. The movie is now available online and on selected theaters.

I know that all of us have different opinions on what is good or bad humor, acceptable or unacceptable, and it's unquestionable that this movie is  risky, but it is so ridiculously funny that you have to look at it not as an affront to a country but as a stupid, yet interesting, way to stop taking ourselves so seriously. I would be the first one to laugh at our politics in Portugal if something like The Interview was done about them, I can guarantee.

Seth and James are close to perfect, I already thought they were two funny guys, but now I like them even more for being able to go ahead with such a risky movie. Finishing with my favourite movie quote: "They hate us, cuz' they ain't us!" *insert Katy Perry plastic bag song*

Honestly, thanks for the laugh, I recommend!

Your TopCrusher,
Daniela

What if?

Sweet
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What if is a story about a medical school dropout named Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an animator who has been in an apparently healthy relationship with her boyfriend of 5 years (Rafe Spall). It's a funny, insightful, romantic movie about love, friendship, instant connections and  undeniable chemistry between two people. 

What I love about this movie is that it's not the usual romantic thing we see everyday. It's perfect the way they describe how people are hopeful about love and, at the same time, how they are so cynical, mostly because of the bad things that have happened to them in the past.  

What if? It is the question that, somewhere, somehow, everyone has done in their heads, while picturing a romantic possibility with someone. It's a movie everyone can relate to.

On another note, reasons to love Daniel Radcliffe:

Daniel
Credits

Do you really need me to explain the reasons? I mean, he is freaking Harry Potter! #gryffindor #I'msuchanerd 

Seriously, I love him since I was a child and I believe that he is a great actor! He looks so cute in this movie, even when he's being punched in the face! Now I'm planning to watch "Horns" as soon as I have the time.

He's just adorable.

Your TopCrusher,
Daniela

The Normal Heart

The Normal Heart
Credits

Have you watched The Normal Heart yet? After watching the trailer I thought it should be an interesting movie to see and now I can tell you it's absolutely worth your time. This is a movie about a group of gay activists attempting to raise HIV/AIDS awareness during the early 1980s.

The thing you realize as the movie goes on is how lost they were and how clueless everyone was when people started dying from AIDS. Doctors where calling this disease "Gay Cancer" and no one really understood what it was and how they were getting it.

According to the Vulture's review, the movie's political agenda is clear: to carve out a "Never Forget" space in the national psyche. It wants the official governmental non-response to AIDS in the early '80s to be placed on a list of the most contemptible acts of calculated neglect in the nation's history.

When you watch the movie you understand why this has to be remembered. The cast is great, from  Matt Bomer to Joe Mantello. I believe that they all did a wonderful job, although I have to say I am a fan of Mark Ruffalo from now on. His character, Ned Weeks, is so disruptive, constantly fighting, always frustrated with everything that was happening. He stands up for him and for his cause, against all odds, and demands the world to accept him exactly as he his. It's a powerful message.

Your TopCrusher,

Daniela

Crushing on Chris Pratt

Crushing
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Well, let's not pretend we haven't all got a crush on Chris Pratt. Okay? No need to be a liar here. First of all, we have to give him credit for that incredible body transformation, it shows a lot of commitment and motivation... I need some life and gym lessons from this guy urgently. 

Second, he is a great actor with a lot of sense of humor and goofiness and that's what we love to see on screen. He's conquering the galaxy (literally) and I hope to see more of him in other movies from now on.

Did I mention that we want to see more of him? Oh, yeah, I did. Sorry, my bad. Also, I have to say I loved The Guardians of The Galaxy and I'm really eager to see another Jurassic movie: my inner 7 year old is super excited! 

Concluding my humble point of view: this guy was great before (he has such a beautiful wife by the way) but now he is Star Lord, and he definitely reached another level of awesomeness. #gochris!

Your TopCrusher,

Daniela  

The Fault in Our Stars

Spoiler: sad and depressed post ahead. 

Yeah, I finally got the courage to watch The Fault in Our Stars. Obviously, I saw it yesterday and I’m still crying a bit and all depressed inside at the moment. 

Sadness apart, it’s a really romantic movie about teenage love. I believe that only a soulless person would watch this movie without shedding a few tears. Even your boyfriend will cry, I can guarantee. If he doesn't, then you should break up with him right now, because you’re dating a psycho.

This kind of story is what makes us believe in authentic and faithful love. Okay?

Your TopCrusher,

Daniela

Saying goodbye to Mr. Keating

Today is a sad day. Mr Keating has left the classroom. Robin Williams was found dead in his house, he was 63 years old and one of the few actors that could make you cry with the same intensity as he could make you laugh.

His career was long and full of hits that made my 27 years a happier place. One of those great movies was the coming age story of a group of students that learn how to suck the marrow out of life! I can still hear you, Robin “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys”.

Dead Poets Society shaped my generation, shaped me. Part of me still yearns for a leader that could make me stand on a desk and yell out “Oh captain, my captain”!  Today, we pay homage to Robin Williams as Millennials and the world alike mourn the passing of Mr Keating.

10 quotes from “Dead Poet Socieciety” that get you every time:

No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world. ( Who can forget?)

Sucking the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the bone. 

We're not laughing at you - we're laughing near you. (Who never?)

It's not the Bible, you're not gonna go to Hell for this. 

This is a battle, a war, and the casualties could be your hearts and souls.

Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Don't be resigned to that. Break out!

Mr. Anderson! Don't think that I don't know that this assignment scares the hell out of you, you mole! ( he yells that to a scared Etahn Hawke and you really think he's screaming that at you and somehow you find the courage you need)

I SOUND MY BARBARIC YAWP OVER THE ROOFTOPS OF THE WORLD. (and Charlie steps out of the bathroom with a great lightning on his chest)

Now, don't just walk off the edge like lemmings! Look around you! (Thank you Mr Keating...)

There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for. (so long great teacher I have ever had)

Dead Poets Society iconic scene
Credits

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN.

Goodbye.

Your Top Crusher,

Alex

27 years, 27 movies

I've recently turn 27 and everybody who knows me, knows I'm a movie critic wannabe. So, I've decided to say something about this 27 years shaped by these products of Hollywood and to celebrate my birthday with you top crushers, I have put together a list:  27 movies that relate to my life in a very special way.

Hope you guys enjoy it

Dirty Dancing

'Cause nobody puts this baby in the corner. In the summer, I used to go to my cousin's house, who is ten years older than me, put the tape in the VCR and repeat. Major crush on Swayze in my pre-teen days.

Sleepers

Dark. Friendship. Loyalty.

I actually love this movie.

Oh, and karma too.

My Girl

Vanda is a weirdo. And you got love weirdo kids. Specially, weirdo kids that don't know they are special. It also made me see that it's OK to be hypochondriac. Ah!

Say Anything

For a girl, loving Jon Cusack movies is almost a precondition and in this scene you gotta see this. Again major crush alert.

Gladiator

My defining teen moment came with gladiator (yep, I am a weird girl). This movie is very good, all about making choices, free will and freedom to love. And I also fell a little for Joaquin Phoenix (...what?).

Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Sorry HP, HG and Narnia fans (what's up with the closet?!), I'm all about the one ring.

Read the books and love the movies. I'd take Mordor over District 13 any day.

The Little Mermaid

Ok, Ariel is a brat who throws a fit and puts everyone in danger just because she wants to hang out with some boy. Still: had to be on the list.

There goes my baby

"Put some flowers in your head an I'll find you". To be honest, there's nothing remarkable about this movie, but I used to be obsessed about the 60's. I'm sure I lived through Woodstock.

How to loose a guy in 10 days

Aww. Every girl dreams of looking as good as Kate Hudson did in a yellow dress.

Still working on it!

Titanic

You were waiting for this one, right? Thought so.

What can I say? I'm a millennial, millennial kids love Leonardo Dicaprio.

Before sunrise

"People put romantic projection into everything". Love him. Love her. Loved the chemistry and the movie is really something special. It puts the traditional cliches of life under a different light. Perfect for every 20 year old.

My best friend wedding

"No one is chasing you. Get it?" Perfection is in the eye of the beholder, there's all different kinds of love, fight for who you love, blabla but still endearing. Julia Roberts and Ruppert Everet are great together.

Virgin Suicides

"What we have here is a dreamer."  From the first minutes, this movie had me. The girls, the boys and everything in between. A must see movie. Oh, and the soundtrack is great, too.

The Godfather

"I'll make him an offer he can't refuse". Ladies and gentleman, the greatest movie of all time: The Godfather. Marlon Brando meets Francis Ford Coppola equals epic cinematographic history. Brando was so epic in the first scene that already I was rooting for him and his family while shouting "crooks!!" at the police and throwing my shoe at the screen.

Pulp Ficion

"Don't be such a square". Introducing the master Tarantino. It took the first "Honey Bunny" for me to get hooked. Describe this movie: a rush of awesomeness.

007 Skyfall

To me, James Bond was nothing more than a playboy who rescued women on the beach again and again, nothing more. With Pierce Brosnan there was something but nothing like this. Skyfall: the rebirth of James Bond.

High Fidelity

Again : Jon Cusak. About a boy in love with a girl, lost at 26, owner of a record shop. Fill with lines that hit you like a slap, that make you say the "That is totally true! What else, Master?" Love it.

Dead Poets Society

For each generation, there is a movie behind it. The film relates the story of a teacher who teaches not by the books but changes the lives of a group of school boys. A must see movie, if you are living under a rock and missed it.

Like Crazy

"We have to wait patiently". Patience. The entire movie is about two people in love that learn how to overcome the distance. Not your typical love story and not your typical fairy tale ending either.

Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona

"Chronic dissatisfaction, that's what you have." Woody explores like no other the confusion that precedes the end of the early twenties. And the choices that you can never undo. Genius as always.

The notebook

Love. Old people in love. Old love. Soul mates. Love through the ages. I'm about to cry right now. EVERYBODY SAW THIS ONE.

Last Night

What is worst? A psychological betrayal or a physical? Keira Knightley is rare perfection in this movie. A movie about the side not so fun about being in a relationship.

Wall Street, 1987

The movie that marketing and business people love: Wall Street. Gordon Gekko is one of the most hated and loved characters of all times. "Greed is good". Ok, Gordon, chill!

Jeux d'enfants

Movies with a soul are rare. Movies that are simple and special are rarer. Marion et Guillaume. Two kids, one tin can: Cap ou pas cap?

Girl interrupted

Angelina. This movie to me means Angelina. Vulnerable crazy Lisa, you just want to give her a hug but then maybe she might stab you in the neck with a pen. "I'm playing the villain baby just like you wanted."

Elizabethtown

I'd like to think that i don't choose movies, movie choose me. This one was my favorite for a while, i know, it possibly collects all the great cliches of life but there's something there deeper than the main love story.

Signing of for now. Let's go to the movies!

Your TopCrusher,

Alex