R-Bird-A

Mostly raunchy, but like the saying goes, every dark cloud has a silver lining.

I didn't appreciate the over-the-top sexualized, drunken party girls' romp. It's just not my thing. I felt it was shallow and tacky.

But what I DID like were the actors and parts of the overall message. It had me thinking whether or not I agree with the ladies' choices they ultimately made.

Ecem Erkek, Seda Bakan, Nilperi Sahinkaya and Mehmet Gunsur were my favorites. They were funny yet sincere. I enjoyed the friendships between each character and although most of the movie contained drunken stupidness, there was time at the end for authentic and ingenuous messaging: it's better to have lived a life alone than to spend a lifetime with someone you don't love. Now, I don't wish "alone" on anyone, but I suppose that idea may be true. In order to have a fulfilling life, it seems that a genuine and loving relationship is needed. That being said, it seems to open the door to a selfish worldview, where one's "happiness" is most important- which I have trouble with. I think there is room for selflessness...but maybe the key is to love who you are with while realizing the world does not revolve around your happiness. So, this movie- with all it's flaws- still gave me something to think about.

I know very little about cars and racing, so I can only review how I felt about the movie. I appreciate the storyline, the comedic moments, the thrill of the race and the comradery between characters. Matt Damon and Christian Bale were a dynamic team. They were passionate and intense. Their relationship was unique, that of mutual respect and love of a common interest- racing. The way the speed and danger of the race made Mr. Ford sob was so real. I can't imagine what he would have felt, but I can guess that it would have been overwhelming. The jabs at each other between the head of Ferrari and the head of Ford were humorous. The fight out of pure passion and frustration between Shelby and Miles, ending in respect was deep. And the relationship between Miles and his son-touching. Each relationship was worthy of praise. This movie was more than a race movie. It was a moving, inspirational, awe inspiring work.

There are many things that made this film enjoyable. The lead actress, Sinem Kobal (Elif), was lighthearted and colorful and seemed like a truly fun person to be with. Alp Navruz is always a pleasure to watch. He is just dreamy and played a character that is serious but has a playful side wishing to get out. Without this actor, the movie would have lost it's pizzazz.

I also liked the storyline, which offered a few interesting turns and maybe even a few life lessons along the way (like to not give up on your dreams).

The music and location were wonderful. Turkiye was looking amazing!

Sure there were some things that I didn't love. I am not a fan of getting drunk, so that was a turnoff. And perhaps there were a few clichés but they were not bad enough to keep you from seeing the movie. It is a Romance Comedy after all.

Her Seyin Basi Merkur is a delightful film that I truly enjoyed.