McConaughey 2.0 Is Amazing

After 8 films last week there was the inevitable slump this week.  Big plans to watch some classics were undone by my lack of mental health and need to up my medication and subsequently sleep a great deal.  However even in a slow week there were a couple of gems.

Film 14:  The Kings Of Summer

I heard really good things about this film via the Doug Loves Movies podcast (listen to it if you don't already, it is great).  It is a simple, coming of age tale that manages to be touching, funny and most importantly; real.  Nick Offerman, in particular, hits it out of the park as a dad struggling to bond with his son.  ★★★★★

Film 15: Killer Joe

Buoyed up by the enjoyment of Kings I went straight in to this.  It could not have been more different tonally.  A nasty tale of murder and coercion. It really reminded me of the Coen Brothers without the humour. I don't know what happened to Matthew McConaughey during filming of Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past but I am grateful for what ever it was. He has been on fire the last 4 years as he stays as far away from Rom-Coms as possible.  He is terrifying in this yet still manages to be sympathetic.  I never thought he was close to being capable of this level of performance.  I have [inter]stellar hopes for his team up with Christoper Nolan in 2014. ★★★★

Film 16: Fracture

How is Ryan Gosling so popular?  He really doesn't seem to have that much range beyond vaguely autistic.

Oh yeah, now I remember

 This asks a little more from him and wants him to channel the spirit of A few Good Men-era Tom Cruise.  Sadly, he doesn't even come close.  Anthony Hopkins is so bored by the goings-on here that he seemingly decides to deliver half of his dialogue in a broad, vaguely racist Irish accent.  A real pity as at times this film had potential but was just poorly executed, especially in the final act. ★★