One thing can be said for period films is that they are typically so well made, that even if the story or acting isn't up to snuff, the production values will be right on the money. Well, with "Lawless", not only do you receive an incredible production, but the acting is consummate, the story is interesting, and even the writing was better than I ever dreamt it would be.
Based on a true story, this is about the three Bondurant brothers, Forrest, Jack, and Howard (Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, and Jason Clarke) respectively, who run a bootlegging operation during the depression era, up in the mountains of Franklin County, Virginia. In from Chicago comes crooked Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) who is after a share of the brothers' profits. Compounding their troubles, the local competition is elbowing in on their activities, which is headed up by mobster, Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman). Forrest's boisterous defiance and cricket's (Dane DeHaan) knack for moonshine production help the brothers gain a local monopoly.
When Forrest is wounded as tension with Rakes escalates, Jack, initially the timid one, must prove his worth against gangster Banner's mob, and we see him metamorphose into a cocky exhibitionist in his attempts to woo the 'off-limits' preacher's daughter, Bertha (Mia Wasikowska).
Others to round out the cast are Jessica Chastain as Maggie Beauford, assistant in the brothers' small cafe and subsequent love interest of Forrest's, Chris McGarry as Danny, and Lew Temple as Deputy Henry Abshire.
This film was well directed by John Hillcoat ("Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" '88, To Have & to Hold" '96, "The Proposition" '05, "The Road" '09). How he was able to get Hardy to consistently be as staid as he was in this was perfection. With the exception of very few inconsistencies in script, Nick Cave did an exemplary job on this. Of course having this based on Matt Bondurant's novel "The Wettest County in the World" didn't hurt. When one has such a meaty premise to work off of, it would be difficult for anyone to blow it on the script.
Trust me, this is a great piece of history, and a part that we know next to nothing about. So if you're an avid historical buff, this should make you feel right at home.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: R 115mins.
Out of all the commercial films that are in the offing, especially during the summer season, it's nice to see a handful of small indie films to help one with the confidence that the movie business isn't just a money making entity. I can definitely see this when it came to viewing "Robot & Frank".
In a small upstate New York town in the near future, an ex-jewel thief, Frank (Frank Langella) reluctantly receives a gift from his son, Hunter (James Marsden): a robot butler/aide (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) programmed to look after him. I say reluctantly, because Frank not only lives in the past, but seemingly is starting to lose his short-term memory ability. He lives in the past by going to the town library to read books and talk with the librarian, Jennifer (Susan Sarandon), but then has to be reminded constantly that Harry's Restaurant has been closed for a while when he says he's going there for breakfast.
So, out of desperation of not having to drive 10 hour trips, every week to take care of his dad, Hunter buys this robot so he doesn't have to be away from his family so much and still knows his dad will be taken care of.
But after a rough period of awkwardness, mostly from Frank, they soon get to know and understand each other and Frank soon realizes the Robot's ability with locks. So, coerced by Frank, they try their luck as a heist team.
Others to round out the cast are Liv Tyler as Madison, Frank's daughter, Jeremy Strong as Jake, and Jeremy Sisto as Sheriff Rowlings.
This was directed by virtual newcomer Jake Schreier, who was the ex-keyboardist for indie sensation Francis and the Lights who actually created a great original score for this film. Schreier has done TV and some shorts, and with only that little of experience, he should go far, because the emotion he was able to get out of his actors was genuine and real. It was written by Christopher Ford ("The Scariest Show on Television" (TV movie) '08, "The Fuzz" (TV movie) '11), and with the exception of a couple of places that seemed a bit slow, it was a dynamic script, and the premise was spot on.
This was clearly a place to let Langella shine at what he does best, and that's acting. This could garner a nomination come Oscar time. He played a man walking that tightrope of lucidity and confusion so well, that, if you didn't know who Langella was, you'd think this actor was border-lining this condition.
If you can appreciate fine, artfully presented acting, not just by Langella, but the supporting cast as well, you will revel, but if you are waiting for high adrenaline, explosive fare, keep on walking to the typical multiplex.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 90mins.
Suspense thrillers are usually something I can sink my teeth into. One of the best of this genre has got to be "Speed" '95 with Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, and Sandra Bullock. It kept you riveted from minute one to last. Well, I have to say, "Premium Rush" pretty much does the same.
In Manhattan, a bike messenger, Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) picks up an envelope from a young woman named Nima (Jamie Chung) to be delivered that attracts the interest of a corrupt cop, Bobby Monday (Michael Shannon) who then pursues the cyclist throughout the city.
Because he needed the job from his dispatcher, Raj (Aasif Mandvi) incredibly bad for the money, Wilee soon realizes that this isn't just any package he's carrying and he's gonna have to ride like hell, as the selling slogan indicates, to avoid being killed in the process.
Others to round out the cast are Dania Ramirez as Vanessa, Wilee's girlfriend and 'fellow' rider, Wole Parks as Manny, Wilee's co-worker rider, Lauren Ashley Carter as Phoebe, Christopher Place as Bike Cop, Hoon Lee as Floor Manager, Henry O as Mr. Leung, Lyman Chen as 2nd Floor Manager, Jimmy P. Wong as Enormous Asian Man, and Wai Ching Ho as Sister Chen.
This was grittingly directed by David Koepp ("The Trigger Effect" '96, "Stir of Echoes" '99, "Suspense" (TV movie) '03, "Secret Window" '04, "Ghost Town" '08). With the exception of "Ghost Town", his work has mostly been in the same genre, and it's a genre he's most familiar with, because "Ghost Town" definitely needed help. This was written by Koepp and John Kamps and with exception of a few inconsistencies, they kept you right where they wanted you. But I have to say that even though Levitt and Shannon pulled off their roles well, the real stars here are the cinematographer, Mitchell Amundsen and editors, Jill Savitt, ace. and Derek Ambrosi equally. The shots and how they were cut was simply incredible which also says a ton for Koepp.
If you like action and suspense from practically minute one to the last, this is the film for you, because after this ride, you'll only be ready for more.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 91mins.
Films based in fantasy are usually quirky with a element of subtlety to give it that unique flavor to distinguish it from the 'normal' films out there. As with the case of "The Odd Life of Timothy Green", this concept certainly rings true.
Academy Award nominated director/writer Peter Hedges ("Dan in Real Life" '07, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" '93) brings enchantment and fantasy to the screen with an inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) who can't wait to start a family, however cannot achieve this. After being told this awful news, they find themselves only dreaming about what their child would be like. So much so, that they write down all the attributes on slips of paper of what their child would be and buried them in a box out in the yard.
When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim and their small town of Stanleyville learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts. Do people start changing because of Timothy, or does his simplicity of Timothy overwhelm them so as to cause them to change in the most subtlest of ways?
Others to round out the cast are Odeya Rush as Joni Jerome, good friend of Timothy's, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Michael Arden as Evette Onat and Doug Wert as officials interviewing the Green's for a possible adoption, Rosemarie DeWitt as Brenda Best, Cindy's sister, David Morse as James Green Sr., M.Emmet Walsh as Uncle Bub, Lois Smith as Aunt Mel, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Reggie, Dianne Wiest as Ms. Bernice Crudstaff, Cindy's stuffy, obnoxious boss, Ron Livingston as Franklin Crudstaff as Jim's boss, James Rebhorn as Joseph Crudstaff, husband of Bernice, and Common as Coach Cal.
Hedges wrote his screenplay based on Ahmet Zappa's story, and I would like to read the story, because there were some things that just didn't add up. Such as Where did Timothy come from?, and why couldn't this couple just have adopted a 'normal' child like any other couple? But this being a fantasy and to answer these questions would basically leave you without a film to watch, so I guess these questions would have to be left at the theater door. And, maybe this was the intent on the writer, so as to make this even more fantastical.
In any rate, it certainly was a solid film, with a solid cast. If for no other reason, to see veteran pros like Dianne Wiest, M.Emmet Walsh, David Morse, and Lois Smith was a joy watching them act so effortlessly. This was a quirky, interesting film with charm that will at least put a smile on your face.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG 104mins.
Claymation animation has always intrigued me considering how tedious it must be to have to move each and every move of every character and thing in the production and shoot each minuscule movement in order to accomplish the final product-- an animated feature. Well, as in the same vein of "Coraline" '09, we have "ParaNorman".
A misunderstood and bullied young boy, Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who happens to be able to speak with the dead, including his recently passed grandma (Elaine Stritch), takes on ghosts, zombies, and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries old witch's curse handed down from a small girl, Aggie (Jodelle Ferland) who was ridiculed and subsequently sentenced to death being accused of practicing witchcraft.
Norman's friend, Neil (Tucker Albrizzi) reluctantly agrees to help his friend on this quest after Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman), who also has the same ability as Norman, forewarns Norman of the curse that must be broken by sunset.
Others to round out the cast are Anna Kendrick as Courtney, Norman's older sister, Casey Affleck as Mitch, Neil's older brother, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Alvin, the school bully, Leslie Mann as Sandra Babcock, Norman's mom, Jeff Garlin as Perry Babcock, Norman's dad, Bernard Hill as The Judge, Tempest Bledsoe as Sheriff Hooper, and Alex Borstein as Mrs. Henscher.
This was adequately directed by Chris Butler (TV and shorts) and Sam Fell ("The Tale of Despereaux" '08, "Flushed Away" '06). It was written by Butler. I must say, Butler having only the theatrical writing and directing experience that he has tells me that as long as this film makes a profit, he will see more work come his way, deservedly so.
This is a fun film for one and all, and with the great animation and the 3D presentation, I can see this as a real summer crowd-pleaser.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG 93mins.
Every genre usually has a distinct defining factor that totally describes that particular genre... except for comedy. I guess what one person perceives as very funny, another could look at it and believe the film could be funnier. As with the case of "Hope Springs"-- where the trailer depicted it much funnier, it really was much more subtle.
After thirty-one years of marriage, a middle-aged couple, Kay and Arnold (Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) attend a week long intense marriage counselling seminar officiated by Dr. Bernie Feld (Steve Carell) in Hope Springs, Maine. Kay is the one who prompted the need for this, so Arnold begrudgingly went, of course, expecting nothing. But as the problems start to unveil, they begin to realize this seminar is going to basically decide the fate of their strained, weak, totally banal and routine existence called a marriage.
Others to round out the cast are Jean Smart as Eileen, Kay's friend, Ben Rappaport as Brad, their son, Marin Ireland as Molly, their daughter, Patch Darragh as Mark, their son-in-law, Brett Rice as Vince, Arnold's friend, Becky Ann Baker as Cora, the waitress, Elisabeth Shue as Karen, the bartender, and Mimi Rogers as Carol, the neighbor.
This was wonderfully directed by David Frankel ("Miami Rhapsody" '95, "The Pennsylvania Miners' Story (TV movie) '02, "The Devil Wears Prada" '06, "Marley & Me" '08, "The Big Year" '11). Frankel has this innate ability to emit so much emotion, whether it be restrained or not, out of his actors. It's incredible. Surprisingly, this was written by virtual newcomer to theatrical films, Vanessa Taylor ("The Amazing Mrs. Novak" (TV movie) '09). All that I can say is the amazing Ms. Taylor. This was written as though a consummate veteran writer had gotten hold of it. She WILL definitely receive more work deservedly.
The real kudos of this has to go to Streep and Jones equally.You'd swear they were married for a long time, especially a failing one. The nuances of awkwardness, nervousness, anxiety, pain, anger and fear were so well delivered here. Interestingly, I kept waiting for Carell to have a joke or two come out of his mouth, and not once did he. He just played the role as Dr. Feld straight-on-- no diversions. His role was amazingly refreshing.
In a season with so many films to grab your juggler, it's so nice to see a film that is played out that is not only entertaining, but one with a message without slugging you in the face and will keep you thinking or talking well after the film's end.
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 100mins.
In the last 10-15 years, comedies, especially Will Ferrell comedies, have just gotten more and more strained and over-the-top. I'm not usually a huge Ferrell fan, so I naturally went to see "The Campaign" with a bit of trepidation, but what I assumed would be just another silly pratfall comedy turned out to be an interesting and fairly well written piece.
In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two wealthy CEO's, Glenn and Wade Motch (John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) after a terrible public gaffe involving Cam, by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center.
The Motch brothers are long time buddies with Raymond Huggins (Brian Cox), Marty's father, so as not to displease his dad, Marty agreed to run. The Motch brothers need someone moldable, basically a patsy. So to insure a win, The Motch brothers bring in a hard core campaign manager, Tim Wattley (Dylan McDermott) to get Marty prepared. As they face-off with Cam and his campaign manager, Mitch (Jason Sudeikis), the 'boxing match' replete with mud-slinging ensues for one bloody battle.
Others to round out the cast are Katherine La Nasa as Rose Brady, Cam's wife, Sarah Baker as Mitzi Huggins, Marty's wife, Karen Maruyama as Mrs.Yao, Grant Goodman and Kya Haywood as Clay and Dylan Huggins, kids of Marty's, Randall Cunningham as Cam Jr., Jack McBrayer as Mr. Mendenhall, and Elizabeth Wells Berkes as Mrs. Mendenhall.
This was directed by comedy veteran, Jay Roach ("Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" '97," Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" '99, "Meet the Parents" 2000, "Austin Powers in Goldmember" '02, "Meet the Fockers" '04, "Dinner for Schmucks" '10,).It was actually decently crafted by writers Shawn Harwell and Chris Henchy which was based on a screen story by Chris Henchy and Adam McKay.
I have to say that not only did the premise and writing work for this flick, but the chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis was spot on. The 'opposites attract' definition used here really made this work.
There were a few moments that really weren't needed to make this the comedy it was striving to be, but all in all it excelled. This being an election year,this gave you a glimpse of the satirical side of the politics and pratfalls of campaigning, or was it satirical?
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: R 85mins.
I believe "The Bourne Legacy" is more of a continuation than that of a re-boot of the franchise, although I'm sure the producers have every intention of keeping the Ludlum characters going for as long as they keep making money. Ca ching!
This is the fourth installment of the Bourne series which sidelines main character Jason Bourne in order to focus on a fellow estranged assassin, Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner).
When political upheaval jolts certain influential figureheads, Retired Col. Eric Byer, USAF (Edward Norton) and Retired Adm. Mark Turso, USN (Stacy Keach) who consult with Ezra Kramer (Scott Glenn), decide that a special Ops outfit dubbed Alcom not only has to be necessarily eliminated, but anyone involved with it must also be eliminated. Enters Cross who survives being eliminated, contacts Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) after realizing she is the only survivor of a massacre carried out by colleague, Dr. Donald Foite (Zeljko Ivanek). Apparently Dr. Shearing and colleagues were unwittingly involved with Alcom to provide, through research, the operatives or outcomes as they are called ,chems or drugs so as to refine their strength and sensitivity in the field. So, of course, they also had to be eliminated, leaving this film as a 'cat and mouse' game, making Cross and Shearing targets chased by their on people. Who can trust whom?
Others to round out the cast are Joan Allen as Pam Dandy, Albert Finney as Dr. Albert Hirsch, Donna Murphy as Dita Mandy, Michael Chernus as Arthur Ingram, Oscar Isaac as Outcome #3, and Corey Stoll as Zev Vendel.
For a director who has much more writing credits than directing credits, Tony Gilroy ("Michael Clayton" '07, "Duplicity" '09) actually excelled at the helm. The writing was by Tony Gilroy and Dan Gilroy based on a story by Tony Gilroy which is inspired by the Bourne series by Robert Ludlum.The script here begins a bit sluggish and slow, but then it kicks in high gear and then takes off. Even though it's a bit long-in-the-tooth, it still was able to capture your attention until the end.
I usually don't speak too much about a film's editing, but this was incredible. John Gilroy,asc
("Billy Madison" '95, "Game Day" '99, "Narc" '02, "Miracle" '04, "First Born" '07, "Michael Clayton" '07, "Pride and Glory" '08, "Duplicity" '09, "Salt" '10, "Warrior" '11) obviously, a veteran in his field, excelled when it came to the car, and motorcycle chase scene. The editing became so rapid, it actually had a blur to it, which added to the frenetic feel.
Certainly, as long as this franchise keeps making money, they will keep rafting out film after film, and in the case of these films, it will be more than welcome.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 135 mins.
Once again we have another remake in our midst. The list is so lengthy, that I'm not going to bore you with facts, suffice it to say, this remake of "Total Recall" certainly is better than that of its predecessor, the 1987 version of the same name.
For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife, Lori (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, a trip to Rekall, recommended by a new co-worker, Marek (Will Yun Lee), sounds like the perfect diversion from his frustrating life. 'Real' memories of a life as a super spy might be just what he needs. But something during the Rekall procedure triggers something in his mind and now is living out that supposed 'real' memory.
Quaid soon realizes that his wife, Lori is a cooperative who now has to try to kill him and Doug is now on the run from her and the police until he comes upon Melina (Jessica Biel). Can he trust her? Can he trust anyone at this point?
Others to round out the cast are Bryan Cranston as Cohaagen, Bokeem Woodbine as Harry, Doug's friend and co-worker, Bill Nighy as Matthias, head of the resistance, and John Cho as McClane, head of Rekall.
This was grittily directed by Len Wiseman ("Underwood" '03, "Underworld: Evolution" '06, "Live Free and Die Hard" '07). This guy knows what should go into a guy flick in that there's not only the usual adrenaline, explosions, some romance, a good vs. evil format, but so much of the time he gives us great photography and usually a nice, tight story to work with.
Which brings us to the writers. This was meticulously written by Kurt Wimmer and Mark Bomback based on a screen story by Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon, Jon Povill, and Wimmer, which was based on the short story, "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" by Philip K. Dick. Dick has to be my favorite storyteller. There are many films which have been based on a Dick story, such as "Blade Runner", "A Scanner Darkly", "Minority Report", and "The Adjustment Bureau".This guy was a visionary in that he wrote "Minority Report" in 1954, before all the 'big brother' and Orwell's 1984 became big issues. Dick was a cynic that was bent on the conspiracy theory mindset. He was always asking questions like "if this were to happen, would it be OK, or would it open up Pandora's box? He kept you thinking.
The visual effects predominantly designed and created by MPC (Moving Picture Company) and Double Negative were absolutely amazing, in fact so good that they almost upstaged the rest of the production, but didn't. The miniatures, matte paintings, and sets were equally stunning and along with IMAX, you have one unbelievable roller coaster ride.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 118min.
One thing can be said for period films is that they are typically so well made, that even if the story or acting isn't up to snuff, the production values will be right on the money. Well, with "Lawless", not only do you receive an incredible production, but the acting is consummate, the story is interesting, and even the writing was better than I ever dreamt it would be.
