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Reviews
Seventh Son (2014)
Entertaining, but not a "classic"
The mystique of the "seventh son of a seventh son" is enduring, particularly in the series by Orson Scott Card. This film is in no way based on that series, but rather another series about a "seven-squared" which I am not familiar with. As such, my view of the movie is based strictly on the movie itself, and has nothing to do with the book series. Which, as I understand it, was not followed at all well.
As an afternoon's entertainment, it was not bad. You have a standard set of elements which can work together well, and do a decent job here. There is the crusty old "master", the innocent apprentice, the evil, powerful villain with nasty henchmen (and women), and the dewy love interest.
The master (Jeff Bridges) is a "spook", or professional "dark creature" hunter. He obviously has problems besides his drinking, and speaks in a strange voice which is disturbing at first. Either we get used to it or he mellows it as the film progresses. The apprentice (Ben Barnes) is a bit of a klutz, who has to learn the spook trade "in a week". The girl (Alicia Vikander), who may or may not be what she seems, seems kind of "thrown in" because we expect such a character. That is, the story could have gotten along without her. And the chief villain (Julianne Moore) doesn't seem to have any particular goal/plan except to cause fear and destruction throughout the land. And get rid of Master Gregory, of course.
Still, their interactions give us plenty of opportunity for interesting action scenes, and the story, such as it is, is reasonably cohesive. If you like medieval fantasy, it is an entertaining show.
The Decoy Bride (2011)
Great characters and location elevate this above the standard romantic comedy
It is difficult, by their very nature, for Romantic Comedies to be excellent films. Those looking for a film 'destined to be a classic' probably will not approve of this one. But if you are looking for entertainment, 'The Decoy Bride' has potential.
As far as the story goes, it is pretty standard; you have the famous couple, looking to avoid the paparazzi stalking them, and the 3rd party who gets between them more or less accidentally. What elevates this film is the 'sweetness' of most everybody involved. The audience is not lead to root for or against one of the characters, as is often the case is such films; the characters all have their good points and bad points, and no one stands out as being eminently detestable.
Not only are the major characters likable and well acted, but the location is very impressive. The fictional island of Hegg is every bit as likable and attractive as the characters in the story. The inhabitants speak with a melodic accent which still is understandable, and have an attitude which speaks well for their day to day life. And their ability to profit from other people's foibles.
It has some good lines. For instance, in one scene the mother says "I don't trust that monk" and the daughter quips "They have been known to monkey around". There is a sense of incompleteness to the whole script though; there are rumors it was edited considerably to fit within budget. Still, everything which needs to be there for the story, and our enjoyment, is there.
This might be a good film for the family. There are no swear words, no gratuitous sex or nudity, or implications of rampant immorality.
In short, like most such films the events are highly unlikely and even impractical (like completely rebuilding a castle, probably without permission, in short order and only for a wedding), but it is well enough done that we don't care.
By the way, don't rush out when the credits at the end start. There is another interesting scene to come.