MOVIE MONDAYS: THE LOVE PUNCH
I do not know about you but I love a good romantic comedy. They make me laugh heartily, cringe dramatically and cause my inner romantic to long for her prince charming who is perfectly imperfect. The Love Punch is definitely fighting its way to the top of the list of my favourite rom-coms to share the top spot with The Proposal. As I was rushing about town trying to get some bits and bobs for my up coming trip to Amsterdam - have no fear there will be a post dedicated to this trip in the coming days - last weekend, I took a much needed break and shimmied all the way to the cinema, bags of travel size toiletries and the like in tow. I was in the mood for something light-hearted and judging by The Love Punch's poster, I figured it would fit the bill. And boy did that movie deliver!
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Directed and written by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey; Jump Tomorrow), The Love Punch is the tale of a divorced couple whose rather enviable pension is put in jeopardy by an unfortunate business venture causing them to take matters into their own hands. The movie is filled with witty banter and although the plot can been seen to be a tad ridiculous it all makes for a thoroughly entertaining film. And with a cast like what this film has it should come to no surprise that the acting and chemistry between the actors was spot on. Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks; An Education; Sense and Sensibility) just glowed in this film. I am not sure what I loved more about her character, Kate. Her oh-so-chic hairstyle; her wardrobe that made me itch to go shopping; her honesty, confidence and spontaneity. I just don't know haha. I was glad to see Pierce Brosnan (Love Is All You Need; Mama Mia; Die Another Day) on screen again as the last time I saw him on film was in Remember Me. And if I remember correctly that was some time ago. That is not to say he hasn't been acting since then, I just haven't seen any of his films since that one until now. Anyway, Pierce Brosnan's character, Richard is a kind, ambitious and hopeful man who won me over with his driving. Let's just say he makes me feel a little more confident about my driving skills haha. And I was surprised to to see Timothy Spall (The Syndicate; Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban; Oliver Twist) in this! Hadn't seen him since his Peter Pettigrew days. You will be pleased to know his character in this film, Jerry, is a far cry from good ol' Peter. Jerry is a funny, loyal and resourceful man with a very colourful past who comes up with the most interesting stories that are sure to make you question if they really happened. Celia Imrie (Love and Marriage; After You've Gone; Nanny McPhee) took on the role of Penelope- a caring, jolly and adventurous friend and wife who wants nothing but happiness for her family and friends. Each character brings their own wackiness to the screen and don't even try hard to pry a smile from you.
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Action. Humour. Romance. Great acting. Beautiful scenery. Amongst many other things, these are a few elements you will find in The Love Punch in equal measure. If this sounds like your kind of film then if you get the chance to see it I don't think it will disappoint you. A definite feel-good movie.
What have you seen in the cinema lately?
Mo xx