Epic films are typically presented in grandiose ways with sweeping photography, amazing costumes and sets, usually a star-studded cast, and seamless visual effects. Well, as in the past we've seen this, with "Cloud Atlas", we certainly get this approach in spades.
Everything is connected: An 1849 diary of an ocean voyage across the Pacific; letters from a composer to his friend; a thriller about a murder at a nuclear power plant; a farce in present day about a publisher in a nursing home; a rebellious clone in futuristic Korea; and the tale of a tribe living in post- apocalyptic Hawaii far in the future. These stories and a few others are presented in a way that is to show not only how connected things are, but even to the point of how we are or could be connected as well.
The cast, and especially the characters they portray are too numerous to insert into the plot, so here goes:
Tom Hanks (Dr. Henry Goose/ a Hotel Manager/ Isaac Sachs/ Dermot Hoggins/ Cavendish look-a-like actor/ Zachry)
Halle Berry (Native Woman/ Jocasta Ayers/ Luisa Rey/ Indian party guest/ Ovid/ Meronym)
Jim Broadbent (Captain Molyneux/ Vyvyan Ayers/ Timothy Cavendish/ Korean Musician/ Prescient 2)
Hugo Weaving (Haskell Moore/ Tadeusz Kesselring/ Bill Smoke/ Nurse Noakes/ Boardman Nephi/ Old Georgie)
Jim Sturgess (Adam Ewing/ Poor Hotel guest/ Megan's Dad/ Highlander/ Hae-Joo Chang/ Zachry's Brother-in-Law
Doona Bae (Tilda/ Megan's Mom/ Mexican Woman/ Sonmi-451/ Sonmi Prostitute)
Ben Whishaw (Cabin Boy/ Robert Frobisher/ Store Clerk/ Georgette/ Tribesman)
Keith David (Kufaka/ Joe Napier/ An-Kor Apis/ Prescient)
James D'Arcy (Young Rufus Sixsmith/ Old Rufus Sixsmith/ Nurse James/ Archivist)
Xun Zhou (Talbot/ a Hotel Manager/ Yoona-939/ Rose)
David Gyasi (Autua/ Lester Rey/ Duophsyte)
Susan Sarandon (Madame Horrox/ Older Ursula/ Yusouf Suleiman/ Abbess)
Hugh Grant (Rev. Giles Horrox/ Hotel Heavy/ Lloyd Hooks/ Denholme Cavendish/ Seer Rhee/ Kona Chief)
Robert Fyfe (Old Salty Dog/ Mr. Meeks/ Prescient 1)
Martin Wuttke (Mr. Boerhaane/ Guard/ Leary the Healer)
Robin Morrissey (Young Cavendish)
When and if you see this film, you can fill in the gaps to where the characters are used. It's such a multi-faceted character portrayal with each actor, this is the best I can do to relay the characters.
This was directed by Andy Wachowski (The Matrix series), Lana Wachowski, and Tom Tykwer. I truly can see why there were multiple directors given the multiple charater portrayals and the different times or eras and places that were being depicted was needed. It was a major undertaking, to say the least.
It's not really surpring that this was executed by one of the Wachowski Brothers in that "The Matrix" dealt with a philosophical topic as does this. Even though this was based on David Mitchell's novel of the same name, the Wachowski's just couldn't resist the temptation of the philosophical reaches of reincarnation in Atlas. A question to both Mitchell and the Wachowskis is: Do we really relive lives, or do we live once, and someone else, totally different from us, picks up from where we left off when we die? I guess one has to wrap their heads around that question.
If you're like me and really wanted to see this film more for the production values and fine acting by Hanks, Berry, Broadbent and Sturgess, then you will revel. It is a feast for the eyes in its photography, costumes, production design, and special effects makeup. I guess what I'm trying to say is you don't have to be 'searching' philosophically and really get into this. And if you are 'searching', this film will leave you as many questions than answers by film end. You be the judge.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: R 172mins.
As I've mentioned in prior reviews, films based on true stories a lot of times are gripping, intense, and well thought out. In the case of "Chasing Mavericks", not only does it have these attributes, but it also has heart.
The inspirational true story of real life surfing penom Jay Moriarty (Jonny Weston). When 15 year-old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler), who also happens to be to be a neighbor, to train him to survive it. Frosty is, at first, reluctant, but through Jay's incredible positive and persistent attitude, he finally agrees. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing. Part of this transformation has a lot to do with Frosty's loving, understanding wife, Brenda (Abigail Spencer) who is behind the two guys all the way.
Others to round out the cast are Elisabeth Shue as Kristy Moriarty, Jay's mom, Leven Rambin as Kim, Jay's girlfriend, Devin Crittenden as Blond, Jay's buddy, Taylor Handley as Sonny, a bully, Cooper Timberline as Young Jay, Maya Raines as Roquet as Frosty and Brenda's daughter, Harley Graham as Young Kim, Greg Long as Magnificent One, Peter Mel as Magnificent Two, and Zach Wormhoudt as Magnificent Three.
This was strongly directed by Curtis Hanson ("The Bedroom Window" '87, "Bad Influence" '90, "The Hand That Rock the Cradle" '92, "The River Wild" '94, "L.A. Confidential" '97, "Wonder Boys" 2000, "8 Mile" '02, "In Her Shoes" '05, "Lucky You" '07), and Michael Apted ("Agatha" '79, "Coal Miner's Daughter" '80, "Gorky Park" '83, "Firstborn" '84, "Critical Condition" "87, "Gorillas in the Mist" '88, " Class Action" '91, "Thunderheart" '92, "Blink" '94, "Nell" '94, "Extreme Measures" '96, "Enough" '02, "Amazing Grace" '06, "The Power of the Game" (Doc.) '07, "Hallelujah" (TV movie) '11).
It was written by Kario Salem based on the story of this incredible individual by Jim Meenaghan and Brandon Hooper. The writing could have been a bit tighter, but the way Jay's build to his surfing triumph made up for any lack of cohesiveness of script.
This is a great family film about a kid who, even with many obstacles in his way, still came to a place in his life where he could really make his mark. And with all the support from friends and family, how could anyone go wrong?
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG 115mins.
Films about the effects of 'big government' on our society have been produced throughout the decades, and Ayn Rand's 1957 novel, "Atlas Shrugged" was probably one of the first to delve into that subject matter head on. Last year, her novel was tackled with "Atlas Shrugged I", and now we have "Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike". I believe her novel has to be expanded in several films to explain her idea with any clarity, otherwise, a two hour film alone couldn't cover even half the book, considering it is 800+ pages.
In the not so distant future, the global economy will be on the brink of collapse. Unemployment will top 24%. Gas prices will be up to $42.00 per gallon. Railroads will be the main mode of transportation. All the while this is happening, brilliant creators, from artists to industialists are mysteriously disappearing. Dagney Taggart (Samantha Mathis), COO of Taggart Transcontinental, has discovered an answer to the mounting energy crisis-- a prototype of a motor that draws energy from static electricity. But with all the creative minds one by one slowly vanishing, she either needs to find its creator, or find someone who can fix it from its 'dormant' state. Through Dr. Robert Stadler (Robert Picardo) who claims he doesn't have the knowledge, recommends scientist Quentin Daniels (Diedrich Bader) whom Dagney calls in. Until this motor works, Dagney is fearful that she and her colleagues of supporting businesses including Henry Reardon (Jason Beghe), Francisco d'Anconia (Esai Morales), Ken Danagger (Arye Gross), and even her brother, James Taggart (Patrick Fabian) will have to succumb to the deception of governmental control by the likes of Wesley Mouch (Paul McCrane) and others like him. As everything continues to unfold, someone is watching. Who is this? The main question asked here is, "Who is John Galt"?
Others to round out the cast are Kim Rhodes as Lillian Reardon, Henry's estranged wife, Richard T. Jones as Eddie Willers, Dagney's trusted assistant, D.B. Sweeney as John Galt, John Rubinstein as Dr. Floyd Ferris, Ray Wise as Head of State Thompson, and Bug Hall as Leonard Small.
This was adequately directed by John Putch ("Waiting to Act" '85, "Alone" '86, "Alone in the Woods" '96, "My Ghost Dog" (TV movie) '97, "The Boy Who Saved Christmas" '98, "Valerie Blake" '99, "Intrepid" 2000, "Pursuit of Happiness" '01, "The Poseidon Adventure" (TV movie) '05, "Where There's a Will" (TV movie) '06, "Mojave Phone Booth" '06, "Route 30" '07, "Murder 101: College Can Be Murder" (TV movie) '07, "Route 30, Too!" '12) and a ton of episodic TV. It was written by Duke Sandefur, Brian Patrick O'Toole, and Duncan Scott based on Rand's novel. The writing could have been a bit tighter, but trying to follow someone like Rand has got to be a chore at best, because of the different tangents she has a tendency to go into to get to her final conclusion. No doubt there will be a third installment, because this does leave you hanging. Believe me, telling you this won't destroy the film for you.
Rand gets into the two things which a lot of people choose to not to want to discuss-- politics and religion, or in this case, maybe the lack of it. And considering she wrote this in the 50's, when society as a whole was a bit more conservative, this was avant-garde writing for the day, certainly considered rebellious. This is intriguing, if for no other reason, by the presentation of a certain ideal and Rand was a unique storyteller. If you can get through a bit of stagy directing and some loose writing, this is definitely worth the watch.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 112mins.
Comedies! Sometimes you can't live with them and you can't live without them. The last really tightly written comedy I've seen on screen was the very smart "Thank You for Smoking" '06-- an extremely satirical look at how bad smoking is for people. In this week offing we have "Here Comes the Boom" which is, to say the least, not as well written.
A High School Biology teacher, Scott Voss (Kevin James) looks to become a successful mixed-martial arts fighter in an effort to raise a much needed $48,000.00 to prevent extra-curricular activities from being axed by the hand of Principal Betcher (Greg Germann) at his cash-strapped school.
Voss, for extra income, teaches a US citizenship class in the evenings and one of his students he tutors, Niko (Bas Rutten) happened to be a fighter at one point in his life. So when Scott learned that even as the loser of a fight, one can still make good money, he asks Niko to train him so as to save Marty Streb's (Henry Winkler) music problem which Marty so passionately loves, as for other programs also. So, through a fellow colleague, Bell Flores (Salma Hayek), one of his students, Malia (Charice) and others, he fights, quite literally, to raise this much needed cash. Can he pull it off?
This was very adequately directed by Frank Coraci ("Murdered Innocence" '96, "the Wedding Singer" '98, "The Waterboy" '98, Around the World in 80 Days" '04, "Click" '06, "I'm in Hell" (TV movie) '07, "Zookeeper" '11). This guy has certainly done a lot for Adam Sandler-- even in this, this being a HappyMadison Productions, Sandler's company. It has definitely worked well for him. It was written by Kevin James, Allan Loeb, and Rock Reuben. Again, this was no "Thank You for Smoking", but the story is original and timely, seeing how our schools are being 'hit' so bad these days. Think this year's "Won't Back Down". This is kind of a comedic turn on this subject.
This film does have merit, so don't throw the baby out with the bath water. It's not badly written, considering how bad, over all, the comedy writing is these days, but it still could have been a bit tighter and a little more unpredictable in it's screenplay. It was an admirable attempt by one and all on a subject that needs much addressing in today's world.
Out of 4 stars: 2.5 Rated: PG 105mins.
I love comedies, so when I saw my first trailer of "Seven Psychopaths", I came to the realization that this was a film I could really sink my teeth into. Well, in the same framework of "In Bruges", "Little Miss Sunshine", "Bernie" and "It's Kind of a Funny Story" comes a film that not only is funny, but also smart.
This quirky, somewhat weird comedy follows a struggling screenwriter, Marty (Colin Farrell) who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends Hans (Christopher Walken) and Billy (Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster, Charlie's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.
After being drunk and getting thrown out of his house by his wife, Kaya (Abbie Cornish), Marty ends up on his buddy, Billy's couch and starts to poor his heart out about his screenplay in which he has the name-- "Seven Psychopaths", but not really any story written down. So the two consult about it, because Marty can't go with the psychopaths being the normal, violent type. As Billy proceeds to list the different guys he knows, Marty starts realising how very psycho these guys are and starts getting ideas. However, when you continue to surround yourself around psychopaths, one ends up getting more than ideas.
Others to round out the cast are Tom Waits as Zachariah, Linda Bright Clay as Myra, wife of Hans, Zeljko Ivanek as Paulo, Charlie's henchman, Long Nguyen as Vietnamese Priest, Michael Pitt as Larry, Michael Stuhlbarg as Tommy, Gabourey Sidibe as Sharice, Christine Marzano as The Hooker, and Harry Dean Stanton as Man in Hat.
As this writer and director, Martin McDonagh ("In Bruges" '08) has been a playwright before he started in the screenwriting business gives him that edge that most newer screenwriters wouldn't have without that prior experience. His style definitely has that in-your-face, confrontational, even vulgar approach to it, which makes it a bit tough to watch, but with all objectivity, this style is very well executed. And with the cast he chose, the story couldn't go wrong.
This film is not for a mass audience, but if you like fine writing, directing, and acting. this vehicle will make you wonder why you would settle for the typical toilet humor, fart joke comedies we are besieged with all too often.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: R 111mins.
Films based on true stories are usually gripping, strong, nail-biting movies that keep you right on the edge of your seat. Many films have done this-- "Papillion", "Patton", King's Speech", "Hollywoodland", "Chinatown", "Titanic", "Milk", even the upcoming "Hitchcock". To add to this list we now have "Argo".
November 4, 1979. As the Iranian revolution escalates and reaches a climax, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who escaped from their embassy and found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor (Victor Garber).
Mendez and his bosses, Jack O'Donnell (Bryan Cranston) and Robert Pender (Zeljko Ivanek) and others attempt to concoct many different ideas in getting these people out of the country. But finally Mendez decides to come up with a fake movie and by making these Americans the film crew looking for locations for their new film, "Argo", they then would walk right out of the country as a film crew without detection. To implement this idea, Mendez contacts his friend, make up artist, John Chambers (John Goodman) and he ends up contacting producer, Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) to help with the different aspects in order to make this work.
Others to round out the cast are Tate Donovan as Bob Anders, Clea DuVall as Cora Lijek, Scoot McNairy as Joe Stafford, Rory Cochrane as Lee Schatz, Christopher Denham as Mark Lijek, Kerry Bishe as Kathy Stafford, Kyle Chandler as Hamilton Jordan, Chris Messina as Malinov, and Titus Welliver as Bates.
This was directed with incredible grit and intensity by Ben Affleck ("Gone Baby Gone" '07, "The Town" '10). The way Affleck used quick panning cameras with rapid editing in just the right places gave the project that frenetic feel that keeps you riveted. It was wonderfully written by Chris Terrio based on an article, "Escape From Tehran" by Joshuah Bearman. As mentioned, the photography was intensely shot by Rodrigo Prieto,asc/amc ("21Grams" '03, "Alexander" '04, "Babel" '06, "State of Play" '09, "Water For Elephants" '11) and others. This guy is a consummate pro.
Affleck is a talented actor, however he cannot play just any role and pull it off-- his best being "Hollywoodland". His role in this had grit, but he definitely excelled in the director's chair. As with his past directions, he has really proven himself as the great director he is. Like other actors who have worked in front and behind the camera i.e. Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, this guy has found his niche.
This movie simply rocks! The photography, editing, music, and the supporting cast made this story that much more realistic. You felt like you've gone back in time by the painstaking detail. This is such a well crafted film, you'll be waiting for the next Affleck project with incredible anticipation.
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: R 120mins.
Even though animated films are usually a summer staple, fall and winter months are also offing their fair share of them, too. We just saw "Frankenweenie", this December, we'll have "Monster's Inc. in 3D", so why not have "Hotel Transylvania" to sink your teeth into?
This is Hotel Transylvania! It's Dracula's lavish four-star resort where monsters and their families can visit and feel safe where there are no humans to contend with. On a special weekend, Dracula (Adam Sandler) has invited some of the world's most notorious monsters-- Frankenstein (Kevin James) and his wife, Eunice (Fran Drescher), the Mummy (CeeLo Green), the Invisible Man (David Spade), a family of Werewolves, Wayne (Steve Buscemi), Wanda (Molly Shannon) and kids, and more, to celebrate his daughter Mavis' 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all these legendary monsters is no problem-- but his world seemingly comes to an end when a human, Jonathan (Andy Samberg) stumbles on the hotel for the first time and takes a shine to Mavis (Selena Gomez).
Others to round out the cast are Jon Lovitz as Quasimodo, Brian George as Suit of Armor, and Luenell as Shrunken Heads.
This was paced well by director, Genndy Tartakovsky ("Dexter's Laboratory Ego Trip" (TV movie) '99, and a ton of TV). It was written by Peter Baynham and Robert Smigel based on a story by Todd Durham, Dan Hageman, and Kevin Hageman. One of the best things of this film is that Sandler has no creative control over it like he does when his production company HappyMadison Productions are involved. This is a Columbia/Sony Pictures Animation Production. He just acts, which is best suited for him. He also didn't have anything to do with the writing, however the writing wasn't bad, but could have used some polishing. It just seemed like a number of skits were created and the attempt to connect these skits wasn't spot on-- needed a bit more cohesiveness.
This was a fun and entertaining flick with homages to all those old horror films we have grown to love. Buscemi as Wayne is especially a hoot. So, other than a few choppy places in script, this certainly has all the elements any animated flick can give you all in a 3D/90+ minute time slot.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG 93mins.
Tim Burton always seizes to amaze me. I haven't been this entertained with a stop-motion feature film since the last one he did with "Corpse Bride" '05. This feature, "Frankenweenie", based on a live short by the same name by Burton in '84 was his extension of that story into this stop-motion animated film.
When young Victor's beloved pet dog, Sparky (who stars in Victor's home-made monster movies) is hit by a car, Victor (Charlie Tahan) decides to bring him back to life using electricity which he learned from his science teacher, Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau). But when the bolt-necked 'monster' inadvertently wreaks havoc and terror in the hearts of Victor's neighbors, he has to convince them and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Frankenstein (Martin Short & Catherine O'Hara) that despite his appearance, and that he was once dead, Sparky's still the good loyal friend he's always been.
Others to round out the cast are Winona Ryder as Elsa Van Helsing, a neighbor, Atticus Shaffer as Edgar 'E' Gore, a classmate, Robert Capron as Bob, Short, also as Mr. Burgemeister, Conchata Ferrell as Bob's Mom, James Hiroyuki as Toshiaki, a classmate, Christopher Lee as Movie Dracula, Tom Kenny as New Holland Townsfolk, and Frank Welker as Sparky.
This was brilliantly directed by Burton ("Beetlejuice" '88, "Batman" '89, "Edward Scissorhands" '90, "Ed Wood" '94, "Mars Attacks!" '96, "Sleepy Hollow" '99, "Planet of the Apes" '01, "Big Fish" '03, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" '05, "Corpse Bride" '05, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" '07, "Alice in Wonderland" '10, "Dark Shadows" '12) in that the pacing, the fluidity and cohesiveness was just spot on. But considering the expansive resume of this guy, it's no wonder. This was written by John August based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps which was based on an original idea by Burton.
This was executed with such detail-- the editing by Chris Lebenzon, ace. and Mark Solomon, photography by Peter Sorg, visuals by Nvizible VFX, the list is endless. It is truly a masterpiece! It's a great homage to the 1930's horror films, hence the black & white processing, and some recent horror films which makes it a hoot. Even Victor's classmate, Edgar is an Igor type character. The 3D version does enhance this film.
Whether you're a Burton fan or not, you will love this film. It really has it all: comedy, drama, heart, action and adventure all wrapped up as an hour and twenty-seven minute Jewel to revel in.
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG 87mins.
Films based on true facts or in this case, actual events, are usually ones that definitely have something to say. I guess their premises are so incredible or enormous that it's worthy of mentioning, especially in the form of a film. And instead of just making an obvious documentary, the writers of this decided to get their point across in the form of a story, a tight script, and heart-on-your-sleeve acting, so the end product being "Won't Back Down" is what is presented.
Two determined mothers, one a parent, Jamie Fitzpatrick (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and another, a parent and teacher, Nona Alberts (Viola Davis) with children who are failing in an inner city school in Pittsburgh, join forces to take back the school, and turn it into a place of learning. But before they can change the school for the better, they must first battle the parents, the school board with one board member that's with them, Olivia Lopez (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), and the teacher's union headed up by Arthur Gould (Ned Eisenberg) and Evelyn Riske (Holly Hunter). Because this is for their children, they won't back down from this overwhelming challenge
Others to round out the cast are Oscar Isaac as Michael Perry, fellow teacher, Rosie Perez as Breena Harper, another teacher, Emily Alyn Lind as Malia, Jamie's daughter, Dante Brown as Cody, Nona's son, Lance Reddick as Charles, Nona's husband, Bill Nunn as Principal Holland, and Ving Rhames as Principal Thompson.
This was directed with pathos and determination by Daniel Barnz ("Phoebe in Wonderland" '08, "Beastly" '11). It was written by Brin Hill and Barnz which, as stated above, is based on actual events. This means that Hollywood probably took some liberties with this, but the story is basically what happened. Both Gyllenhaal and Davis give extremely determined performances in this, which helped in making this as moving as it was. The deterioration of inner city schools is a hard-pressed issue, and has been for a while, so maybe a project like this will spur people to getting more involved to try and help the situation.
There is a bit of script non-cohesiveness here, but not enough to detract from such an important issue today, so much so that you will find yourself cheering for these women as they risk everything for the sake of their kids.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG 121mins.
Epic films are typically presented in grandiose ways with sweeping photography, amazing costumes and sets, usually a star-studded cast, and seamless visual effects. Well, as in the past we've seen this, with "Cloud Atlas", we certainly get this approach in spades.
