Much in the same vein as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" 2000 and "Hero" '02, we have the lavishly produced "47 Ronin". Like the others, this is a beautifully wrapped good vs evil storyline that with the incredible production values, keeps one riveted to their seat for the 2 hour running time.
After the treacherous and ruthless warlord, Kira (Tadanobu Asano) kills their master, Lord Asano (Min Tanaka) and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin must reluctantly seek the help of Kai (Keanu Reeves)--a half-breed they once rejected for being different--as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft, especially one witch (Rinko Kikuchi), and wondrous terrors. As this exiled, enslaved outcast becomes their most deadly weapon, Kai will transform into the hero who inspires this band of outnumbered rebels to seize eternity.
Others to round out the cast are Ko Shibasaki as Mika, daughter of Lord Asano, Masayoshi Haneda as Yasuno, Takato Yonemoto as Basho, Hiroshi Sogabe as Hazama, Jin Akanishi as Chikara, Hiroshi Yamada as Hara, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shogun Tsunayoshi, and Shu Nakajima as Horibe.
Given the quality of this, it's difficult to comprehend that this is director Carl Rinsch's first feature film in the director's chair. Some of the scenes were a bit stagy, but like I said, considering, the pacing, the continuity was amazing. It was written by Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini based on a screen story by Morgan and Walter Hamada. Again, as aforementioned, the storyline is your basic good vs evil with amazing visuals, costumes and photography. Speaking of photography, one of the stars here is certainly John Mathieson, bsc ("Bye-Bye" '95, "Twin Town" '97, "Gladiator" 2000, "Hannibal" '01, "K-PAX" '01, "Matchstick Men" '03, "Trauma" '04, "The Phantom of the Opera" '04, "August Rush" '07, "Cracks" '09, "Robin Hood" '10, "X-Men: First Class" '11, "Great Expectations" '12). His sweeping photography is rich with color and just the right application of lights and darks which adds hugely to the feel of this film.
Even though the writing isn't as crisp and cohesive as it could have been, this production turns out to one of the best forms of pure escapism which is much needed in this world today.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 119mins.
The films of Scorsese are typically fraught with an over the top approach of getting our attention and keeping it throughout the film's entire running time. If anyone watches films often, you will know this, but his newest "The Wolf of Wall Street", took that concept up many notches in order to grasp our attention and then some.
Believe it or not this IS a true story. In 1987, stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) takes an entry-level position at a Wall Street firm headed up by Mark Hanna (Matthew McConaughey) who shows Belfort the ropes of Wall Street early on. By the early 1990s, while still in his 20's, Belfort founds his own firm, Stratton Oakmont. Together with his trusted lieutenant, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) and an oddball, merry band of brokers, Belfort makes a huge fortune by defrauding wealthy investors out of millions. However, while Belfort and his cronies partake in a hedonistic brew of sex, drugs and thrills whether in or out of the office, the SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) and the FBI headed up by Agent Patrick Denham (Kyle Chandler) close in on his empire of excess in order to thwart his wrongdoings.
Others to round out the cast are Margot Robbie as Naomi Lapaglia, Belfort's wife, Rob Reiner as Max Belfort, Jordan's dad, Jon Bernthal as Brad, Jon Favreau as Manny Riskin, Jean Dujardin as Jean Jacques Saurel, Joanna Lumley as Aunt Emma, Cristin Milioti as Teresa Petrillo, Jordan's ex-wife, Christine Ebersole as Leah Belfort, Jordan's mom, Shea Whigham as Capt. Ted Beecham, P.J. Byrne as Nicky 'Rugrat' Koskoff, Kenneth Choi as Chester Ming, Brian Sacca as Robbie 'Pinhead' Feinberg, Henry Zebrowski as Alden 'Sea Otter' Kupferberg, Ethan Suplee, as Toby Welch, Barry Rothbart as Peter DeBlasio, Jake Hoffman as Steve Madden, Katarina Cas as Chantelle, Mackenzie Meehan as Hildy Azoff, Donnie's wife, and Jon Spinogatti as Nicholas the Butler.
This was brilliantly directed by film legend Martin Scorsese ("Mean Streets" 73, "Taxi Driver" '76, "Raging Bull" '80, "The King of Comedy", '82, "The Color of Money" '86, "Goodfellas" '90, "The Age of Innocence" '93, "Casino" '95, "Gangs of New York" '02, "The Aviator" '04, "The Departed" '06, "Shutter Island" '10, "Hugo" '11) and many others. His pacing and ability to get his actors to emit the right emotion at the most strategic moment is unsurpassed. It was written by Terence Winter based on Jordan Belfort's book. This where the problem was with this. This was way too long of a running time (3 hours) to justify the plot of this story. As I said early on, why this guy had to go on and on and on about how slimy, crooked and manipulative this guys were was so unnecessary. I mean, I got it in spades! It was like beating a dead horse--keep beating the horse and it's still dead, not more dead. And the gratuitousness was way too much, even by Scorsese's standards. Again, I got it. Unfortunately, the meatiest of the roles in this was not in this but for a very short time. This was by McConaughey as Hanna. What a performance! Kudos!
If you're a Scorsese fan, you'll love this, and if you're not, you can appreciate how well the film was made, and it was, however, this is rated R for a reason. This is definitely not one for the kids, because many adults will be squirming in their seats as this running time goes on and on.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 180mins.
There are many storytellers out there whether they be alive or not. So when they pass away, what better tribute on their behalf can we do than to allow them to entertain us via a film based on their creative work. Earlier we saw Disney's "Frozen" based on the Hans Christian Andersen classic story, "Snow Queen", and now we have another film based on the classic story by James Thurber called "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty".
Ben Stiller stars as Walter Mitty in the Thurber classic story of a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job at Life Magazine along with that of co-worker Cheryl Melhoff (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.
As Life Magazine comes to a close, they decide to choose a particular negative taken by famed photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn) for its cover, but inexplicably, that particular negative comes up missing from the submitted roll of film. So after Mitty and co-worker Hernando (Adrian Martinez) comb their lab, so as the boss Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott) not finding out it's lost, Mitty decides to crack the case and purse the whereabouts of O'Connell.
Others to round out the cast are Shirley MacLaine as Edna Mitty, Walter's mom, Kathryn Hahn as Odessa Mitty, Walter's sister, Jonathan C. Daly as Tim Naughton, co-worker of Walter's, Marcus Antturi as Rich Melhoff, Cheryl's son, Patton Oswalt as Todd Maher, Olafur Darri Olafsson as Helicopter Pilot, Ari Matthiasson as Trawler 1st Mate, and Kai Lennox as Phil Melhoff, Cheryl's ex-husband.
This was dryly directed by Ben Stiller ("Reality Bites" '94, "The Cable Guy" '96, "Zoolander" '01, "Tropic Thunder" '08, "The Station" (TV movie) '09). Even though Stiller is truly adept at over-the-top film fare, he himself realizes that Thurber's story is a story about a sad-sack sort of person which exudes a more subtle feel than that of physical comedy. The screenplay and screen story by Steven Conrad ("Wrestling Ernest Hemingway" '93, "Lawrence Melm" '04, "The Weather Man" '05, "The Pursuit of Happyness" '06, "The Promotion" '08, "Connie Banks the Actor" (TV movie) '11), also keeps that subtleness that Thurber continually brings to each and every one of his stories. This was a great homage to a great storyteller which was one of our best American humorists of the 20th century. I was concerned that Stiller couldn't pull off the same role that Danny Kaye did back in 1947, but after seeing a small quirky dry comedy called "Greenberg", I felt that Stiller would succeed, and I was correct.
We all go to that place in our minds that Mitty goes to, but the problem we have with that concept is that Mitty has much more fun with it, and I believe that is the success of this story about a man that can find adventure, action and romance merely by turning on his imagination. And isn't this where we all would like to be?
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 114mins.
Biopic films are usually a mixed bag of emotions that can run from a slow crawl to a gallop going back a forth like a tennis match, so when I went to see "Saving Mr. Banks", this film was certainly no exception. Don't believe the trailer, because this film can get a bit dark in places which actually gives it more richness than an otherwise fluffy two-dimensional piece the trailer would have you believe.
When Walt Disney's daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers' "Mary Poppins", he made them a promise--one that he didn't realize would take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt (Tom Hanks) comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer, Travers (Emma Thompson) who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney's plans for the adaptation. For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers--Richard and Robert (Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak), Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author won't budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp. It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they set Mary Poppins free to ultimately make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history.
Others to round out the cast are Annie Rose Buckley as Ginty, Colin Farrell as Travers Goff, Ruth Wilson as Margaret Goff, Paul Giamatti as Ralph, Bradley Whitford as Don DaGradi, screenwriter of "Mary Poppins", Lily Bigham as Biddy, Kathy Baker as Tommie, assistant of Disney, Melanie Paxson as Dolly, Andy McPhee as Mr. Belhatchett, Rachel Griffiths as Aunt Ellie, and Ronan Vibert as Diarmuid Russell.
This was directed by John Lee Hancock ("Hard Time Romance" '91, "The Rookie" '02, "The Alamo" '04, "The Blind Side" '09). This guy's ability to get his actors to emit emotions that run the gambit without them appearing unbalanced was simply amazing. And with his eclectic resume, he will not be allowed to be pigeon-holed. It was equally well written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith. The way these writers were able to present this story going from the past to the present and back again to show correlation with past and present was incredibly well structured. This is a very difficult thing for a writer to lay out and not lose cohesiveness, but these two were able to pull it off with finesse and style. There were a couple of very small choppy areas, but not even enough to miss any continuity in storyline.
This was a moving, yet entertaining film with expertise acting we've all come to expect from Hanks, Thompson, Giamatti and Farrell, and all were outstanding. This is definitely a worthy film to view at this time of year or at any time.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 125mins.
We've all seen con films before, but how many films have we seen where it's a con conning a con who's conning a con? Not too many, especially ones whereas the script, direction and acting were as superb as we see in "American Hustle".
A fictional film set in 1978 about the alluring world of the most stunning of scandals or stings to rock our nation, this tells the story of a brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive 'British' partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey Pawnbrokers and the mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Mayor Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and the Feds. Irving's unstable, unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down, just by her cluelessness and screwed up demeanor.
Others to round out the cast are Louis C.K. as Stoddard Thorsen, DiMaso's boss, Jack Huston as Pete Musane, Michael Pena as Paco Hernandez/Sheik Abdullah, Shea Whigham as Carl Elway, an associate of Polito's, Alessandro Nivola as Anthony Amado, Elisabeth Rohm as Dolly Polito, Carmine's wife, Paul Herman as Alfonse Simone, and Said Taghmaoui as Irv's Sheik Plant.
This was superbly directed by David O. Russell ("Flirting With Disaster" '96, "Three Kings" '99, "I Heart Huckabees" '04, "The Fighter" '10, and "Silver Linings Playbook" '12). Both "The Fighter" and "Silver Linings Playbook" were winners, quality wise and Academy Award wise, and after seeing this, I see the same pattern. This guy only gets better with each film he touches. Equally, writers Eric Warren Singer and Russell ("Fighter" and "Playbook"), wrote an absolutely winning screenplay worthy at Oscar time. Films with this con-artist theme, as said prior are favorites, and the last time I saw one this good was '73's "The Sting" with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Interestingly, "Sting" was also an Academy Award winner, and if history repeats itself, 40 years later, the Oscar gold could very well happen again.
This film just keeps you riveted more and more as the film progresses, and if you think you've seen the sting in this, just wait, because as the old adage goes, "you ain't seen nothin' yet". The selling slogan really says it all, "Everybody hustles to survive".
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 138mins.
Adventure and fantasy. By Peter Jackson's very resume, he is really into this particular genre BIG time. I say this because so few filmmakers can really pull this off well in Hollywood today. So when one does come along, we want to jump on that 'wagon' and enjoy the ride. He repeats his fantastical storytelling with "The Hobbit"'s next installment properly titled, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug".
After successfully crossing over (and under) the Misty Mountains, Thorin (Richard Armitage) and his band of dwarves must seek aid from a powerful stranger before taking on the dangers of Mirkwood Forest-- without their wizard, Gandalf (Ian McKellen). If they reach the human settlement of Lake-town it will be time for the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) to fulfill his contract with the dwarves. The party must complete the journey to Lonely Mountain and burglar Baggins must seek out the Secret Door that will give them access to the hoard of the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). And where has Gandalf got off to? And what is his secret business to the south?
Others to round out the cast are Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, Lee Pace as Tranduil, Luke Evans as Bard/Girion, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Stephen Fry as Master of Lake-town, John Bell as Bain, Ken Stott as Balin, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, William Kircher as Bifur, James Nesbitt as Bofur, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, Dean O'Gorman as Fili, Aidan Turner as Kili, John Callen as Oin, Peter Hambleton as Gloin, Jed Brophy as Nori, Mark Hadlow as Dori and Adam Brown as Ori.
This was directed with the expertise we've all come to know and expect from Peter Jackson (" Braindead" '92, "Heavenly Creatures" '94, "The Frighteners" '96, "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy '01-'03, "King Kong" '05, "The Lovely Bones" '09, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" '12). His ability to pace his actors in a film, especially with the magnitude of this production, is amazing and does keep the audiences attention. This was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro which is based on the novel, "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. Considering the 161 minute running time, one can realize that it's credible to believe that a project would or could take this many writers to pull it off, however I wonder how much tighter the script could have been with half the writers? This was a little long-in-the-tooth which can cause a script to be less tight, so if about 15 minutes could have been eliminated, I believe it would have moved a bit quicker on so many levels. Of course, one of the real 'stars' here is Weta Digital, Ltd. who created the visual effects and animation ("The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy). They were seamless as usual, and will undoubtedly receive a nod come Oscar time.
For those who are into adventure and pure fantasy, this is the film for you, especially considering it's presented on a huge screen and 3D. Of course, there are a ton of Tolkien fans out there eager to see films based on his work, and Hollywood knowing this, these films will be made forever.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 161mins.
Even though Tyler Perry's brand of humor is similar from film to film, he is a consummate pro when it comes to effortlessly extracting big laughs from his audience. One can look at his Madea films and see a pattern, but still I find my self in stitches every single time. This is one of the trademarks of a honed comedy writing, which is a far stretch from most comedy writers out there today.
Madea (Tyler Perry) gets coaxed into helping a friend, Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) pay her daughter, Lacey (Tika Sumpter) a surprise visit in the country for Christmas, but the biggest surprise is what they'll find when they arrive. As the small, rural town prepares for its annual Christmas Jubilee, new secrets are revealed and old relationships are tested while Madea dishes her own brand of 'Christmas Spirit' to all who, God forbid, end up in her path. Tempers fly, good times roll, rumors and secrets come out of the woodwork, but Madea is there to help pick up the pieces much to her chagrin.
Others to round out the cast are Kathy Najimy as Kim, Chad Michael Murray as Tanner, Eric Lively as Conner, Larry the Cable Guy as Buddy, JR Lemon as Oliver, Alicia Witt as Amber, Noah Urrea as Bailey, Lisa Whelchel as Nancy Porter, Whitney Christopher as Supervisor, and Steve Boles, as Mayor.
This was written and directed with the kind of expertise we've come to expect from the likes of Tyler Perry (" Dairy of a Mad Black Woman" '02, "Madea's Family Reunion" '06, "Daddy's Little Girls" '07, "Why Did I Get Married?" '07, "Meet the Browns" '08, "The Family That Preys" '08, "Madea Goes to Jail" '09, "I Can Do Bad All by Myself" '09, "Why Did I Get Married Too?" '10, "For Colored Girls" '10, "Madea's Big Happy Family" '11, "Good Deeds" '12, "Madea's Witness Protection" '12, "Madea Gets a Job" '13). The difference between Perry's comedies and someone like the Adam Sandler comedies is that Perry is a much better writer. One doesn't feel forced or coerced into laughing watching Perry's films, even though the two, Perry and Sandler while producing similar comedies, this is the huge difference. Like I've stated in past reviews, I believe the popularity with Madea with a good deal of people is that Madea says and does things that a lot of people wish they could say or do, but don't have the guts to. With this as a premise, Perry can teach us a lesson in ways that are not preachy, however they are extremely funny.
While this film is not perfect--I've seen a bit better from Perry with this character, it is still a hoot to just sit back and laugh and learn something new all the while being entertained all in an hour and forty minute running time.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 100mins.
Hollywood has made action movies about as long as any genre out there--even before all the wizardry of the visual effects companies. The genre is as old as sliced bread itself. Along with the genre, we have seen a plethora of action stars that have come out of obscurity: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Channing Tatum, even Harrison Ford in his earlier years. Another one that has been on that list, but is an action star gaining more notoriety is Jason Statham. His next film, "Homefront" shows what he does best, which is predictable, but effective.
Phil Broker (Statham) is a former DEA agent who has gone through a crisis after his action against a biker gang went horribly awry and cost the life of his boss' son, Jojo Turrie (Linds Edwards). He is recently widowed and is left with a 9-year-old daughter, Maddy (Izabela Vidovic). He decides to quit the turbulent and demanding life of adrenaline for Maddy's sake and retires to a small town. As his daughter fights off a boy, Terry Klum (Austin Craig) who was bullying her at school, this then sets in motion a round of events that end in his direct confrontation with the local Meth drug lord, Morgan 'Gator' Bodine (James Franco). His past history with the biker gang, lead up now by Cyrus Hanks (Frank Grillo) also enters the arena, making matters more complex. But Broker has a mission in his mind to protect his daughter and he is ready to pay any cost that it demands.
Others to round out the cast are Kate Bosworth as Cassie Bodine Klum, Gator's sister, Marcus Hester as Jimmy Klum, Gator's brother-in-law, Clancy Brown as Sheriff Keith Rodrigue, Winona Ryder as Sheryl Marie Mott, girlfriend of Gator's, Omar Benson Miller as Teedo, Rachelle Lefevre as Susan Hetch, Chuck Zito as 'Danny T' Turrie, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Werks, and Owen Harn as Clay.
This is directed by Gary Fleder ("Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" '95, "Kiss the Girls" '97, "Falcone" (TV movie) 2000, "Don't Say a Word" '01, "Impostor" '01, R.U.S./H." (TV movie) '02, "Runaway Jury" '03, "The Express" '08, "Identity" '10), and looking at his resume, he definitely likes to stay in his comfort zone. Certainly this is a safe move, but sometimes it pays to venture out a bit, lest we become stale in what we do. It was written by the action king himself, Sylvester Stallone ("Rocky" '76, "Rocky II" '79, "Rocky III" '82, "First Blood" '82, "Rocky IV" '85, "Rambo III" '88, "Rocky V" '90, "Cliffhanger" '93, "Driven" '01, "Rocky Balboa" (Characters) '06, "Rambo" '08, "The Expendables" '10, "The Expendables 2" '12). Stallone has certainly been around the block for decades writing screenplays, and even though none have been of Academy Award caliber, over the years he knows how to breathe life into an otherwise stale script like so many action films are today. I guess practice makes perfect. And this film is certainly better with Stallone's 'stamp' on it. It isn't a great film, but one that excels considering what's out there in the same genre. This is based on the novel by Chuck Logan.
Most guys between the age of 18-35 will love this if for no other reason than that of the 'good vs. evil' premise which dates back to year one, but with the perennial favorite of this genre-- Stallone, how could they go wrong?
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 100mins.
Intense, violent dramas is a genre Hollywood has made a plethora of. Look at their resume and you'll see "The Godfather", "The Deer Hunter", "Goodfellas", "Raging Bull", "The Departed", even earlier this year's "Ain't Them Bodies Saints". This just scraping the surface of what Hollywood has produced, we have yet another gripping violent drama in the form of "Out of the Furnace".
Russell Baze (Christian Bale) and his younger brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) live in the economically-depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast-- a mistake that will cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom or risk it all to seek justice for his brother who mysteriously disappears by the hands of a psychotic back woodsman, Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson) who's deeply involved in the violent and crime-ridden fist fighting underground.
When law enforcement namely Chief Wesley Barnes (Forest Whitaker) fails to follow through in investigating Rodney's disappearance, in Russell's way of thinking, he feels he has to take matters in his own hands to find justice.
Others to round out the cast are Willem Dafoe as John Petty, Zoe Saldana as Lena Taylor, Sam Shepard as Gerald 'Red' Baze, Russell and Rodney's Uncle, Tom Bower as Dan Dugan, Bingo O'Malley as Rodney Baze Sr., Dendrie Taylor as DeGroat's Date, Charles David Richards as Chaplain, Carl Ciarfallo as Man at Drive In, Angela Kauffman as Woman at Bar, and Nancy Mosser as Woman at Drive In.
There have been several newer directors that have come along that have been called 'naturals', and I believe the director of this, Scott Cooper ("Crazy Heart" '09) has fallen onto that list. The emotion he was able to pull out of these characters was nothing less than perfection. With the exception of a couple of confusing non-cohesive places in script, this was equally well written by Brad Ingelsby and Cooper. The slight imperfection certainly wasn't enough to take away from the storyline, and with that, it'll keep you glued to your seat.
If you've enjoyed watching the aforementioned films, you will certainly be riveted to this dramatic yarn, but even not, the incredible acting, especially by Bale, Harrelson and Affleck will keep you glued at the same time asking for more.
Lastly, I would like to dedicate this review to the life and film legacy of actor Paul Walker. His unfortunate untimely death was a shock to his family, work associates, and fans alike. Being cut in his prime at the age of 40 years was not only tragic for his family, but for all of as well. He will be sorely missed for entertaining us on the big screen and for his charitable attributes. So long Paul.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 116mins.
While a good many films about World War II are typically based on a true story, i.e. a battle, a general, a situation, etc., "The Book Thief" is a fictional story, however the way it is played out, one might think it was based on a true story considering the acting, writing and directing we are witness to in this tearful, but hopeful drama.
Based on the beloved book of the same name, this tells the story of a spirited and courageous young girl, Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a foster family, Hans and Rosa (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson) in World War II Germany. As Liesel is subjected to the horrors of war, she ultimately finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others in her neighborhood.
Years ago a Jewish family helped Hans and Rosa when they needed it most, and Hans told them that if they ever needed help in return, he would definitely promise to help them. Now the son of that Jewish family, Max (Ben Schnetzer) has to flee, but needs a place to stay. Hans and Rosa take him in and ends up having to hide him in their basement. After a point, Max and Liesel become fast friends especially while Max is recuperating from being ill.
While all this mayhem, war, death and destruction is occurring, Death (Roger Allam) narrates all the consequences that humans put themselves through, so he is there to reap the reward of their unwise actions.
Others to round out the cast are Nico Liersch as Rudy, friend of Liesel's, Rainer Bock as Buergmeister Hermann, Barbara Auer as Ilsa Hermann, Levin Liam as Franz Deutscher, Hildegard Schroedter as Frau Becker, Sandra Nedeleff as Sarah, Matthias Matschke as Wolfgang, Oliver Stokowski as Alex Steiner, Kirsten Block as Frau Heinrich, and Carina Wiese as Barbara Steiner.
The direction by Brian Percival ("Pleasureland" (TV movie) '03, "The Old Curiosity Shop" ("TV movie) '07, "Gracie!" (TV movie) '09, "A Boy Called Dad" '09) is helmed with the right balance of heart and intensity which blends perfectly. Considering this guy doesn't have a ton of theatrical film experience, I personally am eager at what this guy will do next. Its tightly written script was penned by Michael Petroni which is based on the novel by Markus Zusak. Another 'star' of this is that of cinematographer Florian Ballhaus, asc ("Flightplan" '05, "The Devil Wears Prada" '06, "Definitely, Maybe" '08, "RED" '10, "Hope Springs" '12), and a ton of others. The crispness of his photography exudes that grim, dark and solemn side of a war torn and oppressed WWII Germany. I smell several nods come Oscar time.
As mentioned prior, even though this wasn't based on a true story, if you're into historical events, you'll like this, because the way it is presented, looks as though an actual event could've occurred.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 127mins.
What would the Christmas season be without at least one animated film? The warm, fuzzy, fun feel of an animated flick just puts one in the spirit, and subsequently ends up putting a smile on one's face. Not only is "Frozen" an animated feature, it's one which has snow and ice, which is connected to the holiday itself.
Anna (Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, sets off on an epic journey to find her sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel) who has fearfully run away. Along Anna's journey, she comes across a rugged mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven, and subsequently convinces him into helping her find her sister. Elsa's icy powers have trapped the Kingdom of Arendelle in an eternal winter creating Everest-like conditions.
In their travels, they come across mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) as Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. If Elsa doesn't stay away, she fears she will not be able to control her powers of creating ice and snow. It's a beautiful ability, but also extremely dangerous. Haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her younger sister Anna, Elsa has isolated herself, spending every waking minute trying to suppress her growing powers. Her mounting emotions trigger the magic, accidentally setting off an eternal winter that she can't stop. She fears she's becoming a monster and that no one, not even her sister, can help her.
Others to round out the cast are Santino Fontana as Hans, Alan Tudyk as Duke, Ciaran Hinds as Pabbie/Grandpa, Chris Williams as Oaken, Stephen J. Anderson as Kai, Maia Wilson as Bulda, Edie McClurg as Gerda, Robert Pine as Bishop, Maurice LaMarche as King, father of Anna and Elsa, Livvy Stubenrauch as Young Anna, Eva Bella as Young Elsa, and Spencer Ganus as Teen Elsa.
This was adequately directed with just the right amount of emotion one would expect from Disney by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. They give us all the gasps, action, and sweetness in the appropriate places that makes this production like the well oiled machine that Disney knows so well and gives us in spades. This was written well by Lee, based on a story by Buck, Lee and Shane Morris, which was inspired by "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen. Since the writing was based on an Andersen story, it couldn't have been written too badly considering the awesomeness of Andersen's children's stories. He was an amazing storyteller.
Other than this being fairly predictable, and the directing being a bit stagy, this was a great story, and Disney Animation Studios' animation was amazing, not to mention families will love this and is all rolled into a 3D process. Have fun folks.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG 108mins.
Why is it that independent films tend to be produced with much more polish and artistic quality then that of their commercial counterparts? Go on, create your own list: independent and commercial and if you are extremely honest, the independent films will more than 'outweigh' in the quality realm. Well there is yet another quality film to add to that ever growing list of quality independent films which is in the form of "Philomena".
Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee", this story focuses on the exhaustive efforts of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock back in the early '50s--something her Irish Catholic community didn't have the highest regard for--and was given away, by the convent she resided in, for adoption to a family in the United States. In following church protocol, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn't allow for any inquiry into the son's whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Lee meets Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a BBC investigative reporter with whom she decides to discover the actual whereabouts of her long lost son.
Others to round out the cast are Sophie Kennedy Clark as Young Philomena, Mare Winningham as Mary, Barbara Jefford as Sister Hildegard, Ruth McCabe as Mother Barbara, Peter Hermann as Pete Olsson, Sean Mahon as Michael, Anna Maxwell Martin as Jane, Michelle Fairley as Sally Mitchell, Kate Fleetwood as Young Sister Hildegard, Amy McAllister as Sister Anunciata, Wunmi Mosaku as Young Nun, Cathy Belton as Sister Claire, and Charlie Murphy as Kathleen.
This was incredibly well directed with sensitivity, however with the right amount of directness by veteran Stephen Frears ("Gumshoe" '71, "Last Summer" (TV movie) '77, "Afternoon Off" (TV movie) '79, "The Last Company Car" (TV movie) '83, "My Beautiful Laundrette" '85, "Prick Ups Your Ears" '87, "Dangerous Liaisons" '88, "The Grifters" '90, "Hero" '92, "Mary Reilly" '96, "The Hi-Lo Country" '98, "High Fidelity" 2000, "Fail Safe" (TV movie) 2000, "Dirty Pretty Things" '02, "Mrs. Henderson Presents" '05, "The Queen" '06, "Skip Tracer" (TV movie) '08, "Tamara Drewe" '10, "Lay the Favorite" '12), and many others. This was well executed by writers, Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope based on Sixsmith's book. Coogan isn't known for his writing, so the question is: is this ability to write going to continue? I haven't seen some seasoned writers write this well. I smell possible Oscar buzz around this.
This film has a lot to say, and through Dench's sensitivity and Coogan's directness to find this woman's son, it is a 'road trip' you won't want to miss.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 98mins.
We have all seen obscure films that may or may not have a message behind them, however obscure nonetheless. Obscure? Com'on, let me scratch your brain: "Eraserhead" '77, "The Cell" 2000, "The Tree of Life" '11, last year's "A Cabin in the Woods", even "2001: A Space Odyssey" '68. So, when I viewed "Oldboy", my thought was that I could put this film on that ever growing list.
This visceral thriller about an advertising executive, Joe Doucette (Josh Brolin) is kidnapped and held hostage in 1993, surviving in a single room basically in solitary confinement for 20 years. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive, vengeful mission to discover who orchestrated his incredible punishment, only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy of why he was set free.
Joe realizes he needs help to discover the one who imprisoned him so he calls upon long time friend, Chucky (Michael Imperioli) and new found friend, Marie Sebastian (Elizabeth Olsen) to assist him, because he's well aware that the man he seeks is incredibly psychotic and extremely dangerous. Before Joe ultimately meets his nemesis, he plays a cat and mouse game with Chaney (Samuel L. Jackson), the main henchman for 'the stranger'.
Others to round out the cast are Sharlto Copley as Adrian/The Stranger, Pom Klementieff as Haeng-Bok, James Ransone as Dr. Tom Melby, Max Casella as James Prestley, Linda Emond as Edwina Burke, Elvis Nolasco as Cortez, Rami Malek as Browning, Lance Reddick as Daniel Newcombe, Hannah Ware as Donna Hawthorne, and Richard Portnow as Bernie Sharkey.
This was directed by a director one wouldn't expect in that this isn't a message film, unless you want to count a moral dilemma of the different characters. However, this was incredibly directed with a great deal of intensity by veteran Spike Lee (" School Daze" '88, "Do the Right Thing" '89, "Mo' Better Blues" '90, "Malcolm X" '92, "Crooklyn" '94, "Clockers" '95, "Girl 6" '96, "Get on the Bus" '96, "4 Little Girls" (Documentary) '97, "He Got Game" '98, "Summer of Sam" '99, "Bamboozled" 2000, "25th Hour" '02, "She Hate Me" '04, "Inside Man" '06, M.O.N.Y. (TV movie) '07, "Miracle at St. Anna" '08, "Da Brick (TV movie) '11, "Red Hook Summer" '12, "Bad 25" (Documentary) '12). Certainly Lee's earlier anti-racism films were looked at as being obscure by some, visionary by others, so with films like this, maybe they might be looked at as being message laden instead of weird and odd by many now. This was adequately written by Mark Protosevich based on a manga by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. It was a fair attempt, script wise, however there were places where the stranger would have to have the ability to read Joe's mind to be able to set this guy up in certain situations that I can't go into, lest it would kill the plot for you.But suffice it to say, this flaw made it difficult to grasp what was happening to Joe, because it lacked elements of what is real and what's not. You be the judge.
I suspect that the manga which the film is based on is quite gratuitous, because this IS rated R for a reason. This is an adult film, and not one for teens, so when you go to the multiplex, get a babysitter for this one, or little 'Johnny or Suzy' will get a quick education probably before they're ready.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 104mins.
When it come to dry-witted comedies, Alexander Payne is probably the king--close second being the Coen Brothers. His comedies usually take very ordinary people and places them in dysfunctional situations with the possibility that these characters can learn something from their predicaments, and "Nebraska" is no exception.
In a nutshell, this is a story about an aging, confused, booze-addled father, Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) who makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son, David (Will Forte) in order to claim a million dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize. However, if you want to go into more detail, this is a father and son road trip, from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska that gets waylaid at a small town, Hawthorne, in central Nebraska, where Woody grew up and has scores to settle with others there, especially with old friend, Ed Pegram (Stacy Keach). The rest of Woody's family, wife Kate (June Squibb) and other son, Ross (Bob Odenkirk) decide to subsequently meet Woody and David in Hawthorne and, at that point, the family dysfunctions start to fly.
Told with deadpan, powder-dry humor and a unique visual style, it's ultimately the story of a son, David trying to get through to a father he clearly doesn't understand.
Others to round out the cast are Mary Louise Wilson as Aunt Martha, Rance Howard as Uncle Ray, Tim Driscoll as Bart, Devin Ratray as Cole, Angela McEwan as Peg Nagy, Gelndora Stitt as Aunt Betty, Elizabeth Moore as Aunt Flo, Kevin Kunkel as Cousin Randy, Dennis McCoig as Uncle Vern, and Ronald Vosta as Uncle Albert.
This was brilliantly directed by visionary director Alexander Payne ("The Passion of Martin" '91, "Citizen Ruth" '96, "Election" '99, "About Schmidt" '02, "Sideways" '04, "The Descendants" '11). This guy is a consummate pro at the ability of emitting dysfunction out of a dry presence in his actors that is so hilarious that one must look at his resume to understand this statement. Even though this writer only has TV experience, before this project, to his name, Bob Nelson wrote an incredibly tight, clearly delineated screenplay about the possible re-connection of a father and son all done in a very dry, but dysfunctional way. I believe a lot of us can relate to, at least, one of these characters in this story, which makes it that much more compelling. This guy will receive future work.
Speaking before of a visual style, the cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael, asc, gave an amazing look of middle America--showing the dry, worn, and cool look of the terrain, buildings, and people which more than connects with the dysfunction, and quirkiness of the people there. Papamichael definitely did it justice; just look at his resume to understand: "After Midnight" '89, "Prayer of the Rollerboys" '90, "Cool Runnings" '93, "Unstrung Heroes" '95, "Phenomenon" '96, "Mousehunt" '97, "America's Sweethearts" '01, "Moonlight Mile" '02, "Identity" '03, "Sideways" '04, "Walk the Line" '05, "The Pursuit of Happyness" '06, "3:10 to Yuma" '07, "W." '08, "The Ides of March" '11, "The Descendants" '11, "This is 40" '12. Using the black and white look by implementing the Deluxe process in a digital intermediate format was a stroke of genius, because it, too, just gives that deslolate look, considering the desolation within this family. This film could be up for nods come Oscar time, including Payne, Dern, Forte, and Papamichael.
This is truly golden Alexander Payne which is character development, a stylized look, with that right amount of dysfunction we have come to expect. So with these elements in check, we have an incredibly well crafted American film that will leave you only wanting more.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 115mins.
Whenever I see a commercial comedy trailer at the multiplex, my first reaction is to cringe, because of the fear of a mediocre film. As the adage goes, history does repeat itself, however, when I finally went to see "Delivery Man", I definitely got a little more than the usual schtick, probably for the reason it being a comedy/drama combination.
Amiable underachiever David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) drives a delivery truck for his family's company and is content with a life of mediocrity. However, when he learns that he is the biological father of more than 500 offspring and many are suing the fertility clinic where he sold his sperm for much needed cash 20 years ago, so as to learn his identity, he decides to hold himself accountable for his actions. Through his buddy and attorney Brett (Chris Pratt), he finds some of his progeny and attempts to be involved in their lives; however, when David's girlfriend, Emma (Cobie Smulders) announce her pregnancy to him, she continues to keep her expectations low because of David's past attribute of being unreliable.
Others to round out the cast are Andrzej Blumenfeld as Mikolaj, David's dad, Simon Delaney as Victor, brother of David's, Bobby Moynihan as Aleksy, another brother of David's, Dave Patten as Adam, Adam Chanler-Berat as Viggo, Britt Robertson as Kristen, Jack Reynor as Josh, Amos VanderPoel as Taylor, Matthew Daddario as Channing, Jessica Williams as African American Spa Worker, Leslie Ann Glossner as Young Romantic Girl, and Derrick Arthur as Young Boozer.
This was directed with a good dose of realism and pathos by Ken Scott ("Sticky Fingers" '09, "Starbuck" '11). This wasn't the typical prat-fall physical comedy we see a fair deal from Vaughn such as in "The Internship" earlier this year. Even though Scott is new to feature film directing, I think he's found his niche. This was touchingly written by Scott based on the original screenplay, "Starbuck" by Scott and Martin Petit. I personally believe that this film succeeded because there was some drama in it, which gave it that 'heart' it probably wouldn't have had if it was a straight out comedy. There were some areas of script that needed polish, but this definitely had you laughing and tearful in the same scene, which happens so often in actual life.
Trust me, the trailer doesn't sell this film, because I almost didn't bother with this by solely viewing the trailer. But after seeing this, it was the the film I was hoping it would be, assuming it would be like all the rest of the mediocre comedies out there.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 105mins.
Quite frequently film franchises are born from what will sell on a marketing level. Even if a particular franchise has quality, it originally took a back seat to what will get that target audience in those seats.It usually starts with a helping of the age bracket being looked at, throw in an author who, in this case, is a younger writing author, coupled with a few actors with smoldering good looks, to be released in either summer or the holiday time, the latter in this case, and viola, we have "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire", an instant money-maker.
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is shimmering, but the capitol is still very much in control as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and a 'game creator' he hired, Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell)--a competition that could change Panem forever. As the time grows closer to the next games, can their team, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Effie (Elizabeth Banks), and Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) even prepare them for this next round of potentially lethal exercises?
Others to round out the cast are Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne, Jeffrey Wright as Beetee, Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, Jena Malone as Johanna, Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen, Katniss' younger sister, Sam Claflin as Finnick, Lynn Cohen as Mags, Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Thread, Alan Ritchson as Gloss, Toby Jones as Claudius, Stef Dawson as Annie, and E.Roger Mitchell as Chaff.
This was directed with just the right amount of emotion and adventure by Francis Lawrence ("Constantine" '05, "I Am Legend" '07, "Water for Elephants" '11, "Gotham" (TV movie) '12). I say right amount, because since this is already a 'cash cow' franchise, we don't either need to veer or want to veer away too much when it comes to character development and how they connect with each other, lest we make our audience (cash cow) uncomfortable. Heaven forbid! This was written by Simon Beaufoy (""The Full Monty" '97, "Among Giants" '98, "The Darkest Light" '99, "Running Time" 2000, "Everyone's Happy" 2000, "Blow Dry" '01, "This Is Not a Love Song" '02, "Yasmin" '04, "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" '08, "Slumdog Millionaire" '08, "127 Hours" '10, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" '11), and Michael Arndt ("Little Miss Sunshine" '06, "Toy Story 3" '10, "Brave" (additional material) '12, "Oblivion" (as Michael deBruyn) '13). As you can see by the resumes of these guys, this was written far better than I ever would have dreamed. It was a little long-in-the-tooth, but all in all, was cohesive, and kept you moving very smoothly. Let's only hope these same guys will be writing the next installment to this ever popular franchise which is out next year.
I believe that when "The Hunger Games" was released last year, for one to assume that it would be the only film was obviously living under a rock, because to give up on this goose who lays the golden eggs would be equivalent to shooting yourself in the foot.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 146mins.
Throughout motion picture history, we have seen many epic, lavish productions about important people and events. They are too numerous to mention all, but a handful include "Gone With the Wind" '39, "Lawrence of Arabia" '62, "Gandhi" '82, "The Last Emperor" '87, "Empire of the Sun" '87, "The Passion of the Christ" '05, last year's "Anna Karenina" '12, and now we have Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations". It is a novel, so even though the characters are fictitious, it is still epic.
This is a story about one young orphan boy named Pip (Toby Irvine) who's raised by his angry aunt (Sally Hawkins) and her affable boyfriend, Joe (Jason Flemyng). During this childhood, Pip is approached by the unruly, Abel Magwitch (Ralph Fiennes) whose presence haunts Pip through his life. After a point, young Pip receives the chance to visit the odd, but curious, Miss Havisham (Helena Bonham Carter) and her precocious and snooty daughter, Estella (Helena Barlow) which Pip falls for. Young Pip's humility impresses both Havisham and young Estella, so after much time when Pip becomes an adult, Jaggers (Robbie Coltrane) approaches his and Joe's blacksmith shop and offers Pip (Jeremy Irvine) a Gentleman's position in London with all the notoriety on two conditions: 1) he never changes his name--Pip and 2) he never knows or inquires the name of the benefactor. He agrees and off he goes to London. Even though Pip goes from poverty to wealth, he soon realizes that all is not a piece of cake as he learns more about his past.
Others to round out the cast are Ewen Bremner as Wemmick, Holliday Grainger as Adult Estella, David Walliams as Mr. Pumblechook, Olly Alexander as Herbert Pocket, Ben Lloyd-Hughes as Bentley Drummie, Daniel Heyman as Arthur Havisham, William Ellis as Compeyson, Tamzin Outhwaite as Molly, and Edward Flemyng as Charles Pocket.
This was directed effortlessly by Britain's veteran, Mike Newell ("The Awakening" '80, "Bad Blood" '82, "Dance With a Stranger" '85, "The Good Father" '85, "Amazing Grace and Chuck" '87, "Soursweet" '88, "Enchanted April" '91, "Into the West" '92, Four Weddings and a Funeral" '94, "Donnie Brasco" '97, "Pushing Tin" '99, "Mona Lisa Smile" '03, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" '05, "Love in the Time of Cholera" '07, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" '10). The pacing was so expertly done that as these actors moved around on those sets so believably, you'd swear it was filmed back in that era of time. This was effectively written by David Nicholls based on the classic novel by Dickens. This, as with all films based on a Dickens novel, was grim and oppressing, which was the way society was back in his day. Writers typically write about the time in which they live, and Dickens was certainly no exception. Helena Bonham Carter as Havisham and Ralph Fiennes as Magwitch really shined here and could possibly pull off an Oscar nod, otherwise the costumes, makeup, hair, and art direction were incredible.
This is certainly not the first time we've seen this novel as a film and undoubtedly will not be the last--it is a literary classic and deserves to be presented to each generation that comes along. And since we are a society who reads less, seeing a classic on film is needed lest we forget the classic writers of our past.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 128mins.
Between English comedies and American comedies, what once was an American majority of better work, is now proving to be an English majority of quality work. This is not exactly a compliment to English comedies since so many American comedies are mediocre at best, so when the English comedy, "About Time" comes along, it's basically a breath of fresh air.
At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time...The night after another unsatisfactory New Years party, Tim's father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel in time. Tim can't change history, but he can change what happens in his own life. So he decides to make his world a better place--by getting a girlfriend. Sadly, that turns out not to be as easy as one might think. Moving from the Cornwall coast to London to train as a lawyer, Tim finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams). They fall in love, then an unfortunate time travel incident means he's never met her at all. So they meet for the first time again and again--but finally, after a lot of cunning time traveling, he wins her heart. Tim then uses his powers to create the perfect romantic proposal, to save his wedding from the worst best man speeches, to get his pregnant wife to the hospital on time. But as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds out that his unique gift can't save him from the sorrows and ups and downs that affect all families, everywhere. There are great limits to what time travel can achieve, and it can be dangerous too, assuming we can time travel.
Others to round out the cast are Lydia Wilson as Kit Kat, Tim's sister, Lindsay Duncan as Mum, Richard Cordery as Uncle Desmond, Joshua McGuire as Rory, buddy of Tim's, Tom Hollander as Harry, Margot Robbie as Charlotte, Will Merrick as Jay, Vanessa Kirby as Joanna, a friend of Mary's, Tom Hughes as Jimmy Kincade, Clemmie Dugdale as Ginger Jenny, Harry Hadden-Paton as Rupert, and Mitchell Mullen as Mary's father, Fitz.
This was whimsically directed by Richard Curtis ("Love Actually" '03, "Pirate Radio" '09). His ability to make his characters connect in such a positive way, without the appearance of being forced is remarkable, if not incredibly profound. This was also written by Curtis ("Four Weddings and a Funeral" '99, "Bridget Jones's Diary" '01, "Love Actually" '03, "Mr. Bean's Holiday" '07, "Pirate Radio" '09, "War Horse" '11). This is one writer whereas he has actually improved with each screenplay he writes. With the exception of the fact that this film was a little long-in-the-tooth, it was an incredibly taught, well thought out screenplay, and is saying a lot since plots about time travel can easily get bogged down and confusing. Kudos to this writer. If this film says anything, it shows that we can't fix everything. Sometimes just living in the moment is the best one can do.
Yes, this is a romantic comedy, so it really shouldn't be very good, but this proves that if you have the right people working on a project, any genre can soar.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 124mins.
You know we just didn't get enough of the action adventure films you saw aplenty of during the summer movie season, so Hollywood couldn't resist, and...well...brought us one more to round out the year's end. And what a better one to watch that that of Marvel Studios' "Thor: The Dark World".
Thousands of years ago, a race of beings known as Dark Elves tried to send the universe into darkness by using a weapon known as the Aether. But warriors from Asgard stopped them, however their leader, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) escapes to wait for another opportunity. The warriors find the Aether, and since it can't be destroyed, it being pure energy, they try to hide it. In the present day, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) awaits the return of Thor (Chris Hemsworth), but it's been two years, because he's been trying to bring peace to the nine realms. Jane discovers an anomaly similar to the one that brought Thor to Earth. She goes to investigate and finds a wormhole and is sucked into it. Thor wishes to return to Earth, but his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) refuses to let him. Meanwhile, Thor learns from Heimdall (Idris Elba), the one who can see into all the realms, that Jane disappeared. Thor then returns to Earth just as Jane returns. When approached, Jane emits a kind of energy that repulses, so Thor then brings her to Asgard to have her examined. Malekith comes after her realizing the Aether has come into her. At this point, Thor has no other option than to enlist his unmanageable brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to help him.
Others to round out the cast are Jaimie Alexander as Sif, Zachary Levi as Fandral, Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, Tadanobu Asano as Hogun, Rene Russo as Frigga, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Algrim/Kurse, Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis, Stellan Skarsgard as Erik Selvig, Alice Krige as Eir, Chris O'Dowd as Richard, Clive Russell as Tyr, and Jonathan Howard as Ian Boothby.
This was effectively directed by Alan Taylor ("Palookaville" '95, "The Emperor's New Clothes" '01, "Kill the Poor" '03, "1%" (TV movie) '08). He really brought the fervor out of Hemsworth as Thor while still allowing him to have a sense of humor. It was adequately written by Christopher L. Yost, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely based on a story by Don Payne and Robert Rodat which is based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby. The problem here was the script hopped back and forth with little continuity, so bringing one up to speed was constantly occurring. I realize that there was a great deal going on here, but with more cohesiveness, it would not have had the feeling of it wandering as much as it did. Where this did excel was in the visual effects mostly created by Double Negative, Framestore and Luma Pictures, which were absolutely seamless all in a 3D process.
If you like Marvel comic books or any comic books, or more to the point Thor, you'll love this installment. There is a little surprise, but you'll have to sit through the entire end credits right down to filmed in panavision. Even if you're not a comic book affictionato, this is a fun flick with all the action, explosions, adventure that one will enjoy to help get you in the mood for the holidays coming up.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: PG-13 112mins.
Films based on true stories about a particular person(s) are typically well acted and written, especially when they are about a person that's not as well known as with most biopics. I believe this happens, because we can see this actor as more of a real person than when the actor is portraying a better known character. "12 Years a Slave" is certainly one of those films.
Based on the incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom, in the pre-Civil War United States, 1841 to be exact, Solomon Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery in the south. Facing horrid cruelty, personified by a malevolent slave owner, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses by former slave owner, Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and others, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist, Bass (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.
Others to round out the cast are Paul Dano as Tibeats, Paul Giamatti as Freeman, Sarah Paulson as Mistress Epps, Lupita Nyong'o as Patsy, Alfre Woodard as Mistress Shaw, Michael Kenneth Williams as Robert, Scoot McNairy as Brown, Garret Dillahunt as Armsby, Dwight Henry as Uncle Abram, Kelsey Scott as Anne Northrup, Quvenzhane Wallis as Adult Margaret Northrup, Taran Killam as Hamilton, Christopher Berry as Burch, Tony Bentley as Mr. Moon, and Chris Chalk as Ray Clemens.
This was brilliantly and passionately directed by Steve McQueen ("Hunger" '08, "Shame" '11). Where did this guy come from? He has notoriety, but considering his minimal experience, the quality was as if a veteran director helmed this. McQueen will go far. It was written by John Ridley based on "Twelve Years a Slave" by Solomon Northrup. He wrote this in 1853. How he was even able to survive this ordeal was a miracle in and of itself, because this story was sobering and humbling. Another 'star' in this was the cinematographer, Sean Bobbitt, bsc.("Lawless Heart" '01, "Summer Things" '02, "Cargo" '06, "The Baker" '07, "Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution" '07, "Hunger" '08, "Africa United" '10, "Shame" '11, "Hysteria" '11, "Everyday" '12, "The Place Beyond the Pines" '12, "Byzantium" '12 and the upcoming "Oldboy" '13). The crispness of the lights and darks presented here really captured the intensity of a given scene. This film has Oscar nods written all over it.
This is a difficult film to watch, because it reminds us, in graphic detail, the horrors of that particular part of our past. What is conveyed here gives a whole new meaning of the phrase, "land of the free and the home of the brave", but one that is sorely needed to be seen time and again to remind us that ALL is free, not just a select few.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated:R 134mins.
Of all the actors in Hollywood today that are striving to reinvent themselves, that particular actor has got to be Matthew McConaughey. The king of the romantic comedy/fluff genre must have come to some sort of crossroads and realized his full potential. Earlier this year, he starred in the gritty, loner role "Mud". Now, he's in the role a lifetime in an amazing film titled "Dallas Buyers Club".
In mid 1980s Texas, electrician Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) is stunned to learn that he has AIDS. Though told that he has just approximately 30 days left to live by doctors, Sevard (Denis O'Hare) and Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner), Woodroof refuses to give in to despair. After realizing the slowness of 'the system' to provide proper medication, he seeks out alternative therapies/medications and smuggles unapproved drugs into the U.S. from Mexico. Woodroof relunctantly joins forces with a fellow AIDS patient, Rayon (Jared Leto) and begins selling, not the treatments, but memberships in the Dallas Buyers Club and subsequently gives the treatments to the clients. The number of members of those stricken with this hideous disease only grows, because they don't have the luxury of waiting for the medical establishments to save them thanks to entities such as the FDA and pharmaceutical companies.
Others to round out the cast are Steve Zahn as Tucker, a buddy of Ron's, Dallas Roberts as David Wayne, Griffin Dunne as Dr. Vass, Michael O'Neill as Richard Barkley, from the FDA, Rick Espaillat as Michael, Kevin Rankin as T.J., J.D. Evermore as Clint, A.J. Leitell as Corn Street Vendor (Mexico), Carl Palmer as FDA Customs Agent, Ian Casselberry as Hispanic Orderly, Bradford Cox as Sunny, Tony Bentley as Judge, and James DuMont as Rayon's Father.
This was brilliantly directed with grit, intensity and pathos by Jean-Marc Vallee ("Liste noire" '95, "Los Locos" '97, "Loser Love" '99, "C.R.A.Z.Y." '05, "The Young Victoria" '09, "Cafe de Flore" '11). Everyone, especially McConaughey, was paced strategically and the emotion Vallee was able to emit from these actors was perfection. This was equally expertly written by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack. What makes this a truly effective film is that it is based on a true story which has an incredible message--a true 'David and Golliath' story about the underdog, which everyone loves. What does a person have to do to get others to do the right thing? This has Oscar nods written all over it--McConaughey and Jared Leto in particular.
This is a film that is screaming for attention, and with justifiable reasons. This will certainly keep you riveted to your seat, while keeping you spellbound by the quality of acting all rolled into one.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 117mins.
Well, as we gear up for the holiday movie season, we have the first animated film in the offing. As we're approaching Thanksgiving all too soon, what a better animated flick to present than that of "Free Birds". Not to worry--there is also "Frozen" and "Walking with Dinosaurs" in 3D in December to help entertain us through the rest of the year.
In this irreverent, pretty funny, adventurous buddy comedy for most ages, two turkeys, Reggie and Jake (Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson) from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to 1621 to change the course of history--and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.
After a government experiment of developing a time machine goes awry, Reggie and Jake decide, at the last moment, to board the time machine and instruct S.T.E.V.E. (George Takei), the machine on-board computer, to take them to the first Thanksgiving. Once they reach their destination, they meet Ranger (Jimmy Hayward) and his sister, Jenny (Amy Poehler)--two turkeys of 1621, and try to convey to them the urgency of their visit. Can they convince the turkeys of that time period in order to save all turkeys in history?
Others to round out the cast are Colm Meaney as Myles Standish, Keith David as Chief Broadbeak, leader of the turkeys, Dan Folger as Governor Bradford, Jimmy Hayward as Leatherbeak/President/Hazmats, Kaitlyn Maher as President's Daughter, Carlos Alaraqui as Amos, Jeff Biancalana as General Sagan/Hazmats, Danny Carey as Danny, Carlos Ponce as Narrator/Alejandro, Robert Beltran as Chief Massasoit, and Lesley Nicol as Pilgrim Woman.
Considering his small amount of directing experience, this was helmed very effectively by Jimmy Hayward ("Horton Hears a Who!" '08, "Jonah Hex" '10). He has a good deal of experience in the animation field, so it's not tough to believe that this guy couldn't pull this off. Unfortunately, the culprit here is the writing by Hayward and Scott Mosier, which is based on a story by David I. Stern and John J. Strauss. On the most part, the script is written for kids and adults alike, then, all of a sudden, it starts sounding hokey and corny and veering from a script that most adults would have trouble with. Hey, I get it--this is a kid film, but since it started with writing geared toward all, why would it resort to sounding like a kid would only appreciate it? But, where the script may slip, the animation by Reel FX made up for any other discrepancies in plot and script.
This is clearly a kid/family film which clearly we need more of. It's just too bad that the film couldn't have made that more clear as we are viewing it.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: PG 91mins.
Comedies, veteran cast--comedies, veteran cast. Now, why did I go see "Last Vegas"? Possibly a little of both, seeing as how much I like comedies, and the cast in this is killer. But nothing could have prepped me for what I eventually viewed. This was clearly a solid cast vs. questionable writing once again.
Sixty-something Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) have been best friends since childhood. So when Billy, the group's sworn bachelor finally proposes to his thirty-something (of course) girlfriend, Lisa (Bre Blair), the four head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory days, especially after meeting an affable lounge singer, Diana (Mary Steenburgen). However, upon arriving, the four quickly realize that the decades have transformed Sin City and tested their friendship in ways they never imagined. The Rat Pack may have once played the Sands and Cirque du Soleil may now rule the Strip, but it's these four who are taking over Vegas.
Others to round out the cast are Jerry Ferrara as Dean, Romany Malco as Lonnie, Roger Bart as Maurice, Joanna Gleason as Miriam, Sam's wife, Michael Ealy as Ezra, Archie's son, April Billingsley as Maid of Honor, Stephen Scott Scarpulla as Danny the Greaser, Andrea Moore as Bachelorette, Noah Harden as Young Billy, RJ Fattori as Young Paddy, Aaron Bantum as Young Archie, Phillip Wampler as Young Sam, Olivia Stuck as Young Sophie, and Lisa Young as Blackjack Dealer.
This was adequately directed by Jon Turteltaub ("Instinct" '99, "The Kid" 2000, "More, Patience" (TV movie) '01, "National Treasure" '04, "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" '07, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" '10). These guys are consummate pros and one can just tell that Turteltaub let these guys take this material and go with it. Directing them had to be pure joy. Where this film gets a bit bogged down is with the writer, Dan Fogelman ("The 12th Man" (TV movie) '06, "Cars" '06, "Fred Claus" '07, "Lipshitz Saves the World" '07, "Bolt" '08, "Tangled" '10, "Cars 2" (Original story) '11, "Crazy,Stupid,Love" '11, "The Guilt Trip" '12). Believe me, it started out with wit, great banter, and and an interesting build-up, then about two-thirds the way through, it got silly, and adolescent in its content. Then as it was starting to come toward the ending, it picked up again, but unfortunately not enough time to fully save this story. One would think that with this iconic cast, anyone could have written this and it would have been great, but not even these seasoned pros could save this. It isn't a total wash--there were some very funny parts in this, but it would certainly be refreshing to see Hollywood produce a comedy that has a fun, intelligent wit that is lacking in so many of their screenplays.
If you like a great cast of guys just having the time of their life and are not really concerned about a polished script, then this is one film that will have you rollicking along with them.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated:PG-13 105mins.
As we get older, the cast of films seem to be getting younger. Ah, as it is with life. However, in "Ender's Game", youth does play an integral part of the plot. But I can't help but think that since a huge part of the movie watching audience is the 18-34 year old demographic, films like "After Earth", "Pacific Rim", the "Hunger Games" franchise, the "Twilight Saga" franchise, and the like become more popular than ever.
The Earth is ravaged by the Formics, an alien race seemingly determined to destroy humanity. Seventy years later, the people of Earth remain banded together to prevent their own annihilation from this technologically superior alien species.
Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a quiet but brilliant boy, may become a hope of the human race. He is separated from his beloved sister, Valentine (Abigail Breslin) and terrifying brother, Peter (Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak) and recruited into battle school which is in orbit around Earth. Through instruction by Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford), Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley) and Sergeant Dap (Nonso Anozie), he will be tested and honed into an empathetic killer who begins to question and subsequently despise what he does as he learns to fight in hopes of saving Earth and his family.
Others to round out the cast are Hailee Steinfeld as Petra Arkanian, a classmate who shows him the ropes, Viola Davis as Major Gwen Anderson, Aramis Knight as Bean, Suraj Parthasarathy as Alai, Moises Arias as Bonzo Madrid, Khylin Rhambo as Dink Meeker, Conor Carroll as Bernard, Caleb Thaggard as Stilson, Cameron Gaskins as Slattery, and Gavin Hood as the Giant.
This was directed with an even balance of military strictness and human emotion by Gavin Hood ("A Reasonable Man" '99, "In Desert and Wilderness" '01, "Tsotsi" '05, "Rendition" '07, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" '09, "Tough Trade (TV movie) '10). This being a film about saving humanity, the combination of the two elements: strictness and emotion certainly spans the condition of what humanity is comprised of. This was written by Hood based on the book "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card, and other than a few inconsistencies in script, this was played out better than I ever dreamed of. This isn't a great film, but certainly a solid one--enough to keep me glued to the screen. Certainly the visual effects, predominantly created by Digital Domain didn't hurt this production, because they were effective without over shadowing the story which happens all too often in this particular genre.
Certainly if you plan on seeing this, I would opt to see it on the large screen, lest it will be lost on a DVD, for the visual ride is worth the price of admission alone.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 114mins.
Much in the same vein as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" 2000 and "Hero" '02, we have the lavishly produced "47 Ronin". Like the others, this is a beautifully wrapped good vs evil storyline that with the incredible production values, keeps one riveted to their seat for the 2 hour running time.
