The Viewing Files: 365 Movies in 365 Days - Week Eighteen

A mixed bag this week which probably shows where my head is at.  I blame it all on the terrible weather we have been having, freezing cold and wet which is never a good thing.  Though luckily it does make me want to snuggly up on the couch with a hot beverage and a stack of movies so there is at least one plus side.

Hot beverage of choice lately has been hot chocolate with a sprinkle of tiny marshmallows, so warm, so comforting, so yum. I definitely need this pick up to help shake away the wet and wintry blues.

Hearts of Spring
Starring: Michael Shanks and a former Mouseketeer
Original release: 2016
Synopsis:  A successful mommy blogger decides to re-enter the world of dating and discovers the man she has been falling for is the same man she has been sparring with online. 

I really only watched this for Michael Shanks aka Dr Daniel Jackson from Stargate SG-1.  And yes I am that shallow. Swoony feels aside this actually wasn't too bad and kinda of cute in the way it was told.  Although I would have preferred another actress in the opposite part because the former Mouseketeer was just a little bit too cheery and smiley for my tastes.

Then again with MS to sigh over what do I care.

Angel of Christmas
Starring: Two good looking blonde people
Original release: 2015
Synopsis:  A woman, a man and a wooden angel that just might be magical.

I'm torn about this one.  On one hand the leads had total chemistry and it's set at Christmas time, on the other the sap was so overpowering that I almost drowned in it.  

Seriously.  Hallmark need to tone down the sentimental shit and just make a nice love story either that or another network needs to make romance films... but without all this sentimental, family, gooey sap.  Like yuk.  Way too over the top.

So yeah maybe I didn't like this one so much after all.

Welcome to the Punch
Starring: James McAvoy, Mark Strong and a host of other good English/Scottish actors
Original release: 2013
Synopsis:  When a notorious criminal is forced to return to London, it gives a detective one last chance to take down the man he's always been after.

After all that sap I needed some gritty to get my teeth in and this fitted the bill perfectly.  James McAvoy once again being awesome - and he really should do more gritty roles like this.

Actually a pretty good movie which surprisingly didn't do that well at the box office.  Would have made a great TV series.

Carrie Pilby
Starring: I've seen her before but can't remember her name
Original release: 2016
Synopsis:  Awkward, isolated and at times downright rude, a 19-year-old genius is challenged to put her convictions to the test by undertaking a series of tasks set by her therapist.

Went in not expecting much, came out loving it.  Carrie's not a character that everyone will like but I found her utterly realistic and relatable.  Then again I have read 17 books in one week and stayed in bed all day, just like her.

Funny, quirky, sad and interesting and one I would definitely watch again.

The Edge of Seventeen
Starring: The girl from True Grit and Woody Harrelson
Original release: 2016
Synopsis:  High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother. 

Another awkward, rude girl.  This time round the character comes across as bit of angry bitch and yet at the same time you can see why she is that way thanks to some good acting.  Woody as the high school who doesn't put up with her shit is just brilliant.

Let down by an ending in which suddenly in the space of 5 minutes all the anger is gone and all is forgiven.  People in real life don't change that fast or move on.  Could have been better.