Jamie passion and passionfruit!

A new twist on men-women relationships told with considerable perception and acted by a decent cast. Sure, it is clichéd but I did not find it so bad as many reviewers.  The choral nature of the film and Ken Kwapis´s direction keeps us entertained as we don’t dwell too long on any one story.  That said, it is no world beater and is sexist but Scarlett Johansson lights up the screen whenever she’s on and Affleck, Aniston, Barrymore, Connolly and the rest all do a good job. Some pertinent observations about relationships.

* * +

Correct documentary-like film on the famous interviews between disgraced ex-president Richard Nixon and cocky Brit TV presenter cum interviewer David Frost.  Very interesting to see the historical background to the programmes with Frost punting on the interviews to get his money back, revive his reputation and show that a foreigner could actually ask the questions that the Americans wanted to but didn’t dare ask.  The film in my opinion succeeds due to Frank Langella’s superb performance as Nixon.  Like Frost the character is an approximation in personality more than looks of the real person but Langella uses all his experience to give us an unforgettable experience.  I am much less sure of Martin Sheen as Frost.  While he captures the playboy and lightweight side, he is less convincing as an actor and seems to overdo certain set gestures and looks.  The supporting cast is good with Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon and Rebecca Hall shining, the script is up to scratch even if it is not a worldbreaker and the slightly grainy photography goes well for the era.

* * * *