Don’t let the cheesy title fool you – Susanne Bier’s new film is a gentle, poignant tale that steers clear of the romcom tropes. Starring Trine Dyrholm as a cancer survivor coping with her husband’s infidelity, and Pierce Brosnan as a brusque, anti-social widower, Love Is All You Need might initially strike you as a simplistic make-the-lonely-older-ladies-feel-better affair, but with its moments of sharp humour, tinges of tragedy, and likeable performances from everyone involved, Bier’s film stealthily transcends the norms of its genre.

This Wednesday marks the release of Rock of Ages, a film in which raspy-voiced funny man Alec Baldwin shares what is being touted as a “sensual song and a kiss” with our very own Russell Brand. In honour of this erotic occasion, BFF is taking a look back at the life, loves and career of our favourite Baldwin brother (sorry Daniel, Billy and Stephen).

Did you know old people have sex?

Eat up your learning kids, it’s ever so good for you and you’ll get a biscuit after. This week we’re talking a little about writer, director and producer Nancy Meyers – once the most successful female director of all time and cheesecake entrepreneur. Confused? READ ON.

It’s not too surprising that in recession-era Hollywood, where only the surefire box-office earners are getting made, a rom-com with the name Meryl Streep in the top billing was one of January’s big releases. When you add director Nancy Meyers (What Women Want, Something’s Gotta Give) to the mix, it was virtually a written guarantee to fans of the genre that you’re in for an enjoyable 90 minutes. And with Meyers’ generally sharp and incisive writing, it might even be a cut above your average brainless rom-com. It’s Complicated certainly delivers on the first count, but whether it does on the second is debatable.

Enter Up in the Air, the latest romance-comedy-drama from Juno director Jason Reitman, and starring perhaps the most universally idolised and desired movie star of our generation, George ‘Smooth As Silk’ Clooney. The prospect of such a dream team was always going to be a hotly anticipated one, and we’re pleased to report that this is one of those few wondrous instances of a film living up to its press.

We’re pleased to report that Up in the Air lives up to its press. This romance-comedy-drama from Juno director Jason Reitman is intelligent, soulful, keeps you laughing, keeps you guessing, and leaves you with that lump-in-your-throat feeling that you’ve experienced a truly lovely moment in cinema. Clooney’s emotionally detached jetsetter is perfectly (and surprisingly) matched by Twilight newcomer Anna Kendrick, and Reitman’s narrative expertly weaves witty comedy into beautiful moments of poignancy. If you only see one film this month, make it this one.

We at Best For Film are probably in the majority if we say we’ve never seen Meryl Streep in a bad movie, so it’s not surprising that in safe, recession-era Hollywood, a rom-com with her name in top billing is one of January’s big releases. Add director Nancy Meyers of Something’s Gotta Give fame to the mix and you should have a surefire hit. But despite having all the hallmarks of a Meyers film, this fluffy romp still falls a little flat.

The nominations for 2010’s Golden Globes award ceremony are in – and there are certainly some surprises.
Everyone’s favourite poor man’s Oscars will take place on January 17 next year, and to give us all adequate jeering and scoffing time, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association today announced their illustrious potential award recipients.