Other than the "Jurassic Park" franchise, another one of my favorite franchises has got to be the "Bourne" one, all being ushered in with "The Bourne Identity" '02. Typically I'm not fond of franchise films mostly due to their big commercial appeal which usually means big bucks, but when I saw my first trailer on "Jason Bourne", I simply couldn't resist. They are slickly made with amazing stunts, photography and editing to keep one riveted in their seat.
Years after the events of The Bourne Ultimatum, former CIA assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) resurfaces just as his former employees, namely CIA Director Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) and agent Heather Lee (Alicia Vikander), are implementing a new program aimed at hunting him down. Now fully recovered from his amnesia, Bourne teams up with Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) to uncover the truth behind his father's death, while simultaneously exacting revenge and evading the government forces, namely Asset (Vincent Cassel) who are hot on his trail.
Others to round out the cast are Riz Ahmed as Aaron Kalloor, Ato Essandoh as Craig Jeffers, assistant/guard to Dewey, Scott Shepherd as Director NI Edwin Russell, Bill Camp as Malcolm Smith, Vinzenz Kiefer as Christian Dassault and Stephen Kunken as Baumen.
This was directed with pain-staking realism by Paul Greengrass ("Resurrected" '89, "Open Fire" (TV movie) '97, "Bloody Sunday" '02, "The Bourne Supremacy" '04, "United 93" '06, "The Bourne Ultimatum" '07, "Green Zone" '10, "Captain Phillips" '13) plus TV. The reason this filmmaker has got to be one of my favorite directors is the fact that he utilizes every real aspect of any given scene and draws upon it with explicit clarity. An example of this is in the film "United 93". This film was so realistic that you felt you were experiencing that awful fateful day of 9/11 all over again. None of the actors were familiar ones purposely chosen by Greengrass, to ensure its intense realism. This film definitely had that same feel to it. It was excitably written by Greengrass and Christopher Rouse based on characters created by Robert Ludlum. This plot could've easily been convoluted in its writing, but these writers, specifically Greengrass were able to create a script with continuity, that was tight, cohesive and followed through to the end. Certainly Greengrass has considerable writing experience, and even though this is Rouse's first film screenplay (he's edited many Greengrass films including this one), he certainly has potential. I would be interested to see a script by him sometime down the road. And, of course, the stunts, photography and editing all delineated and coordinated with such clarity is amazing and is Greengrass' trademark.
This film is the reason we come to the multiplex in the summer season. It's a film that has it all: high adrenaline, explosiveness, great stunts, all the while being well written and directed with actors we all love. How many summer films have all these aspects that we can sink our teeth into. I'd say...0! Break out the popcorn.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 123mins.
Just when you thought it was safe to back to the theater, we have yet another sequel to that never ending "Ice Age" franchise appropriately titled "Ice Age: Collision Course" or otherwise known as "Ice Age 5". Five?! Ever since this franchise started back in 2009 with the original "Ice Age", Hollywood has been cranking these films out as fast as Blue Sky Studios is able to produce them.
Bumbling saber-toothed squirrel Scrat (Chris Wedge) continues to cause mischief even in outer space, when he inadvertently sets off a series of events that send an asteroid hurtling toward Earth. Soon, Manny the woolly mammoth (Ray Romano), Sid the sloth (John Leguizamo), and Diego the saber-toothed tiger (Denis Leary) embark on a journey with their family, Ellie (Queen Latifah), Manny's wife, Peaches (Keke Palmer), daughter of Manny and Ellie, and their rambunctious friends, Julian (Adam DeVine), boyfriend of Peaches, Buck (Simon Pegg) and others to prevent the asteroid from ending life as they know it.
Others to round out the cast are Jennifer Lopez as Shira, Max Greenfield as Roger, Jessie J as Brooke, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Shangra-Llama, Josh Peck as Eddie, Seann William Scott as Crash, Wanda Sykes as Granny, Nick Offerman as Gavin, Stephanie Beatriz as Gertie, and Michael Strahan as Teddy.
This was cleverly and whimsically directed by Mike Thurmeier ("Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" (co-dir.) '09, "Ice Age: Continental Drift" '12) plus many shorts, and Galen T. Chu (shorts). Obviously, if there is any director that would know these characters as well as Thurmeier, I would be surprised. This guy knows all the nuances, especially of the three main characters, so well that he could probably direct any film of this franchise in his sleep. Emotions of these characters is very similar from film to film to bring its audience to that place of familiarity with each and every nuance. Where the problem ensues is in the writing. This was written by Michael J. Wilson, Michael Berg and Yoni Brenner based on a story from Aubrey Solomon. Although the premise to these was creative and entertaining, the execution definitely needed polish. It started a bit slow, and, all of a sudden, the story practically changed without a warning, all the while you're wondering how these two different thoughts are going to mesh. They finally do mesh, but it took these writers way too long to get to that point, leaving its audience in the dark. What interests me is that all these writers have a minimum of two animated film screenplays to their credit--these aren't newcomers. Did they just have a bad day at the their laptop, or was this just a fluke? Not sure. Since this is number 5 in the franchise, unless this garners more money at the box office, I suspect we won't be seeing a number 6. Scrat was probably the shining character, as he always has been, in this and the visuals by Blue Sky Studios, who produced this were stunning as well.
Certainly if total fluff, which is why this franchise was created, is your forte, this makes a great popcorn summer flick, but if you're looking for a more cohesive storyline, you may wany to rethink in going to the multiplex to take this one on.
Out of 4 Stars: 2 Rated: PG 94mins.
We've all seen the 'rights of passage' films before--just look into Hollywood's past and one can revel in some of the gems that have been produced. The list can go on forever, but suffice it to say they are usually stories that teach us something all the while entertaining us. Case in point: "Hunt for the Wilderpeople", a small independent film delving into the lives of a New Zealand couple trying to raise a new problematic spoiled city kid. Can this even happen?
Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid, Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella (Rima Te Wiata), the cantankerous Uncle Hec Faulkner (Sam Neill), and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the lam in the wild bush territory of New Zealand. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family. As they are out in the bush, they meet several different people--both good and bad. Can they survive the wilderness or is surviving the odd individuals more overwhelming?
Others to round out the cast are Rachel House as Paula, Oscar Knightley as Andy, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne as Kahu, Stan Walker as Ron, Rhys Darby as Psycho Sam, Mike Minogue as Joe, Cohen Holloway as Hugh, Troy Kingi as TK and Taika Waititi as Minister.
This was directed with an edge by Taika Waititi ("Eagle vs. Shark" '07, "Boy" '10, "What We Do in the Shadows" '14) plus TV and shorts. I say edge because these characters have this sense of urgency and loss given their respective situations. This aspect certainly delineates this director from others. He will go far. It was also well written by Waititi. Since he directs what he writes, he definitely has a better handle on what his characters are all about. I believe what makes this 'rights of passage' film different than its counterparts is the way this writer was able to slowly convey the change of his characters so they seemed more real. This story actually starts with a typical storyline: inner city spoiled kid gets thrown into the hands of some oddball people since he doesn't fit in with the normal people, and as he learns to fit in with these people, the transition is anything but easy. Sound familiar? But then the story starts to take a different turn and things get a little more dicey and the one's that didn't see eye to eye start, slowly, seeing things in a different light. The slowness at the beginning of the film was, most likely, written purposely that way to set the stage for its audience. Other than a couple of very small places of choppiness, this script was cohesive, tight and all the while adventurous and entertaining.
If you're into a storyline that's rife with oddball characters and an interesting premise all located in a lush and beautiful landscape, this film will be a visual feast. And as far as a 'rights of passage' film, this has got to be one of the best I've seen in a while.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 101mins.
Ever since J.J. Abrams and others overhauled the "Star Trek" franchise back in 2009, it sold me to the franchise. It's not that I didn't like this franchise, but it was getting so old and unoriginal, not to mention predictable. "Star Trek" '09 and "Star Trek Into Darkness" '13 were captivating and exciting. Well, hold on to your theater seats, because the next installment, "Star Trek Beyond" is certainly exciting as it is extremely thrilling and entertaining.
Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and the USS Enterprise crew including Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto), Dr. 'Bones' McCoy (Karl Urban), Lieutenant Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Mongomery 'Scotty' Scott (Simon Pegg), Sulu (John Cho), and Chekov (Anton Yelchin), explores the furthest reaches of unchartered space in their 5 year mission, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, Krall (Idris Elba) who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test. The crew is summoned by Jaylah (Sofia Boutella) from this unchartered planet for assistance only for the Enterprise crew not only to lose communications capability, but to have Krall and his army to attack the Enterprise and havin them end up stranded on the planet. Kirk et.al. must work with the elements to reunite the crew and get back to civilization.
Others to round out the cast are Joe Taslim as Manas, Lydia Wilson as Kalara, Deep Roy as Keenser, Melissa Roxburgh as Ensign Syl, Anita Brown as Tyvanna and Doug Jung as Ben.
This was directed with excitement and thrill by Justin Lin ("Shopping For Fangs" '97, "Better Luck Tomorrow" '02, "Annapolis" '06, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" '06, "Finishing the Game: The Search for a New Bruce Lee" '07, "Fast & Furious" '09, "Fast Five" '11, "Fast & Furious 6" '13). plus TV and shorts. This filmmaker's pacing and staging of his characters is incredibly strategic and fluid. It almost gives the audience a sense of reality even though in the case of this film, it is pure sci-fi. If you want to see more of his work, a new Jason Bourne/Jeremy Renner sequel has just been announced. This was brilliantly written by Simon Pegg ("Shaun of the Dead" '04, "Hot Fuzz" '07, "Run, Fatboy, Run" '07, "Paul" '11, "The World's End" '13) plus others and Doug Jung ("Confidence" '03) plus a ton of TV which is based on the TV series "Star Trek" by Gene Roddenberry. The storyline's fluidity was spot on as was the well thought out script that was as intense as it was amazingly entertaining. If Pegg ever decided that acting wasn't his forte anymore, he could keep writing screenplays since they are incredibly original and fresh. And the visual effects predominantly designed by Double Negative and Atomic Fiction were seamless. I looked for errors and could see none. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the casting directors, April Webster, csa and Alyssa Weisberg, csa are the real stars here, since they were the ones instrumental in the casting of these actors since its overhaul.
Whether you're a 'trekkie' or not, there is something for everyone in this installment: good acting, writing, directing, visuals and cinematography by Stephen F. Windon, acs/asc. Please do NOT wait to see this on DVD or Netflix since it is made for the huge screen and you can opt to see it in an IMAX and 3D format as well.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 122mins.
If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who are you gonna call, "Ghostbusters". Well, it's reboot time in the neighborhood, like we haven't seen these before. Hollywood is really losing a grip on originality when approximately a quarter of the films in a season are reboots or sequels. Com'on guys, the 1984 version wasn't even that great of a film, so you make yet another one?
30 years after "Ghostbusters" took the world by storm, this franchise makes its long-awaited reboot. This is a somewhat different take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today.
Two paranormal researchers, Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates (Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy) respectively, join forces with a nuclear engineer, Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) and a subway attendant, Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) to fight off a slew of ghosts that have invaded New York City. They eventually hire a receptionist to answer the many calls they've been getting due to ghosts sightings. So they decide to hire the hunky, nice but a bit daft, Kevin (Chris Hemsworth) to fill that position. The four eventually come face-to-face with an evil entity who can control human beings. So they're off to answer the call.
Others to round out the cast are Charles Dance as Harold Filmore, Ed Begley Jr. as Ed Mulgrave who initially hire them, Neil Casey as Rowan North, Bill Murray as Martin Heiss, a skeptic of ghosts, Andy Garcia as Mayor Bradley, Cecily Strong as Jennifer Lynch, assistant of the mayor, Michael Kenneth Williams as Agent Hawkins, Karan Soni as Bennie, Steve Higgins as Dean and Zach Woods as Tour Guide.
This was effortlessly directed by Paul Feig ("Life Sold Separately" '97, "I Am David" '03, "Early Bird" (TV movie) '05, "Unaccompanied Minors" '06, "Ronna & Beverley" (TV movie) '09, "Bridesmaids" '11, "The Heat" '13, "People in New Jersey" (TV movie) '13, "Spy" '15) plus different TV series. The staging and pacing in this was spot on and every actor used seemed to be at ease with their respective characters. This guy knows comedy. If you want to see more of his work, "The Heat 2" has been announced. It was wittily written by Katie Dippold and Feig based on the 1984 film, "Ghostbusters" directed by Ivan Reitman (who produced this version) and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Even though I sounded like I was basically grilling this film in the preface, and even though I didn't like the original so I was looking for a bad film here, with all objectivity, this film did surprise me. It didn't have the same subplot as the original which definitely improved it. The only similarity between the two versions was that there are two sets of ghostbusters, otherwise they are completely different. This is what made this version worth seeing along with Chris Hemsworth's daffy receptionist, Kevin and seeing Hemsworth in a comedy which he's very good at. Of course, it goes without saying that the visual effects predominantly created by SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks), MPC (Moving Picture Company) and Iloura were absolutely seamless. Also, it was nostalgic to see Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts in cameo roles-- taking us back to the day.
Obviously, this is total fantasy at its finest with all the amazing visuals, fun performances, and plenty of action that is what the summer flick is all about. Visually, it's like the original "Ghostbusters" on steroids and to make it even bigger-than-life, you can also see it on an IMAX format. Talk about a popcorn film!
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 116mins.
Films based on an intense trafficking event are typically fraught with danger and peril. We've seen films about this topic such as "Traffic" 2000 and even cop crime dramas often centering around the drug topic such as "Training Day" '01 and "End of Watch" '12, but none quite as definitive as "The Infiltrator".
Based on a true story, U.S, Customs agent Robert "Bob" Mazur (Bryan Cranston) goes deep undercover to infiltrate Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar's blood-soaked drug trafficking scene plaguing the nation in 1985 by posing as a slick, money-laundering businessman Bob Musella. Teamed with impulsive and streetwise fellow agent Emir Ebreu (John Leguizamo) and rookie agent posing as his fiancé Kathy Ertz (Diane Kruger), Mazur befriends Escobar's top lieutenant Roberto Alcaino (Benjamin Bratt). Navigating a vicious criminal network in which the slightest slip-up could cost him his life, Mazur risks it all building a case that eventually leads to a final arrest of so many involved.
Others to round out the cast are Yul Vazquez as Javier Ospina, Joe Gilgun as Dominic, Amy Ryan as Agent Bonni Tischler, boss of Mazur, Daniel Mays as Frankie and Ruben Ochandiano as Gonzalo Mora Jr.
This was intensely directed by Brad Furman ("The Take" '07, "The Lincoln Lawyer" '11, "Runner Runner" '13) plus shorts. One thing I have concluded in my many years of viewing films, is that Hollywood has made a fortune in creating these cop crime drama/ drug trafficking types of films. So why did this film stand out amongst the long list of films of this genre? Because having Furman as director was amazingly strategical. He knows how to bring his actors to that place where it's almost like eavesdropping into an actual person's life, of course having Cranston in the lead role didn't exactly hurt. It was equally well written by virtual newcomer Ellen Brown Furman which was based on the book by Robert Mazur. For a writer that has no other work to her credit, this was incredibly well delineated. The script flowed well, was cohesive and well thought out. Other than a couple of places of very small slowness in storyline and a couple of small places of choppiness, this script was executed well. Seasoned writers aren't typically this talented. She will undoubtedly receive more work.
If crime drama is your genre, this will rock for you, but even if it's not, the acting, directing and writing is executed so well that as you watch this, you will be captivated by the way these characters are developed.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 127mins.
We all see the plethora of commercial films, especially given the time of year we're in, so when I saw my first trailer on "Swiss Army Man", I felt I needed to see it considering it is an independent film that is incredibly absurd. Even though this film is very well made, why does Hollywood either give us obscure but original or normal but plain and banal? Why can't there be an in between film somewhere in the middle?
Outrageously quirky, fun, dramatic and deeply affecting, this story is a gonzo buddy comedy/drama about a man named Hank (Paul Dano) who is stranded on a deserted island, having given up all hope of ever making it home again is ready to hang himself. But, all of a sudden, everything changes when he sees a male corpse (Daniel Radcliffe) washed up on the beach. Apparently the man is named Manny and Hank ends up befriending Manny only to discover that his new friend can talk and has a myriad of supernatural abilities... which may help Hank get home. So as Hank makes one last ditch effort to get off the island, will they reach civilization and if and/or when they do, will all change between the two of them?
Others to round out the cast are Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Sarah, Antonia Ribero as Chrissy, Timothy Eulich as Preston, Richard Gross as Hank's Dad, Marika Casteel as Reporter, Andy Hull as Cameraman, Aaron Marshall as Officer #1 and Shane Carruth as Coroner.
This was quirkily and bizarrely directed and written by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert also known as DANIELS (shorts and videos). Truly, the emotions that these directors were able to get Dano and Radcliffe to emit was amazingly effective-- Dano tittering between reality and fantasy and Radcliffe resembling a corpse, but with enough life in him to give the audience that sense of: is he dead or alive? Considering this is the directorial debut of these filmmakers, their efforts shined. Of course when you get these two fine actors together, especially exuding a great chemistry, the magic then happens, especially considering approximately 98% of the film housed these two actors only. These filmmaker's script, however obscure and outlandish, was effective and compelling. What makes this story so effective is the way these writers created such a lonliness in the character of Hank, that with his loneliness, he created a persona of this corpse in his mind to survive. However, the way this is written, there are moments where the audience is pitted with the question of whether Manny was actually alive also. This script was cohesive, tight, screaming with depth. Even though the film definitely put the 'W' in weird, and the ending kind of cut its audience short, this was still a film that was both well acted and executed.
This film was definitely not made for mass audience appeal, but even with this in tow, the target audience this is catered to will hopefully see more with this than meets the eye. The fragility of Hank had to create a world that he could survive in so he could make it until he was rescued. And don't we all, at times, do the same thing to help us get through an otherwise difficult situation?
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 98mins.
We've been offered several animated films so far this year, and although they all had something to say, they just couldn't hold a candle to "The Secret Life of Pets. Even when I thought "Finding Dory" was going to be a tough act to follow, this film did, and I really liked "Finding Dory". Illumination Entertainment, who produced this film hit a gold mine in this uproarious film.
This story clearly asks the question: what do our pets do all day when we're not home? For the critters living in a Manhattan apartment building, the answer is: whatever they want! A terrier named Max (Louis C.K.) regularly invites his friends to hang out at his place while his owner Katie (Ellie Kemper) is gone, but his quiet life is upended when said owner also takes in Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a stray mutt whom Max instantly dislikes. Their feud eventually causes both of them to get lost in New York City, and as they work together to find their way home, they cross paths with a vicious bunny, Snowball (Kevin Hart) who plans to lead a group of abandoned pets on a mission of revenge against humanity
Max's friends, Gidget (Jenny Slate), Chloe (Lake Bell), Buddy (Hannibal Buress), Mel (Bobby Moynihan) and Pops (Dana Carvey) soon realize Max's disappearance and Gidget enlists reluctant hawk Tiberius (Albert Brooks) to assist in their search.
Others to round out the cast are Chris Renaud as Norman, Steve Coogan as Ozone, Michael Beattie as Tattoo, Sandra Echeverria as Maria and Jaime Camil as Fernando.
This was directed by two consummate pros in the animation field, Chris Renaud ("Despicable Me" '10, "The Lorax" '12, "Despicable Me 2" '13) plus shorts, and Yarrow Cheney (shorts). Clearly Renaud has the brunt of experience here, however Cheney is slated to direct 2018's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", whereas Renaud is slated to finish "Despicable Me 3" slated for a 2017 release. These guys are busy for a reason. The emotion they pull out of their actors almost makes them seem human as opposed to an animated character. It was brilliantly written by Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio and Brian Lynch. All these guys have a heavy dose of experience and it speaks volumes with this storyline. The script was cohesive, inventive, well thought out all the while being so entertaining that I didn't want the film to end. The message here was clearly delineated: Two dogs (or could be people) meet and don't like each other. So to end up liking each other, they must go through a trial to realize that either ain't that bad after all. I typically don't like sequels, however I'd love to see what these writers could do with these characters in another scenario. Considering Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart have never performed animated voice-overs, they were naturals.
This film simply ROCKS! One and all has got to see this gem for the writing, directing, story and the quality animation. This also has got to be seen on the large, because even if you don't see it in the IMAX or 3D format, it still exudes a bigger-than-life look on the big screen. Break out the popcorn and enjoy the laughs with this one.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 90mins.
I have to make a confession in that the initial reason for seeing and reviewing "Wiener-Dog", is the fact that I own a dachshund, so I'm a bit partial. As with other powder dry, dark comedies, this is definitely up on that list as one of the most darkest of comedies--as much as the recent "The Lobster" is, and almost as strange.
A dachshund is taken in by a veterinary technician named Dawn Wiener (Greta Gerwig), who soon sets off on a road trip with an old acquaintance she once knew, Brandon (Kieran Culkin). The lovable dog, with many names depending on who has him, also encounters a young boy, Remi (Keaton Nigel Cooke), a depressed film professor, Dave Schmerz (Danny DeVito), a troubled, angry, bitter grandmother, Nana (Ellen Burstyn) and her spaced-out granddaughter, Zoe (Zosia Mamet). The character of Dawn Wiener first appeared in the 1995 coming-of-age film "Welcome to the Dollhouse" which was written and directed by Todd Solondz as this was as well. These different dysfunctional people's lives are impacted by this dachshund who brings love and companionship to their otherwise depressed and troubled lives.
Others to round out the cast are Julie Delpy as Dina, mom to Remi, Tracy Letts as Danny, dad to Remi, Connor Long as Tommy, brother to Brandon, Bridget Brown as April, sister to Brandon, Charlie Tahan as Warren, Rigoberto Garcia as Jose and Michael Shawn as Fantasy.
This was quirkily and oddly written and directed by Todd Solondz ("Fear, Anxiety & Depression" '89, "Welcome to the Dollhouse" '95, "Happiness" '98, "Storytelling" '01, "Palindromes" '04, "Life During Wartime" '09, "Dark Horse" '11) plus shorts. Although this filmmaker doesn't have a ton of experience considering he's been in the biz for 27 years, he does have a high quality of work. I believe the reason for this is because he's particularly choosy what he creates and for the fact that he doesn't cater to a mass audience appeal. The one film that comes to mind in similarity is the film "Harry & Tonto" '74. It's about an older gentleman, Harry (Art Carney) who takes his cat, Tonto on a road trip and meets many odd type people, Ellen Burstyn being one. It's the one film I can think of that clearly resembles this film-- it's a powder dry comedy, but because of the darkness of it, it also becomes dramatic as well as with this. Not to spoil it for you, but the ending is one that you don't see coming, so forewarned is forearmed. This is not written as what one would expect to see in a comedy, but rather it's executed in an odd, however original format-- this being the best thing I can say about it is its originality.
Certainly, I didn't get what I thought I would get out of the storyline, but to be fair and objective, it is well written and especially well directed. If you have a wiener dog, like me, this may or may not be your cup of tea, but if you can appreciate the artistry behind the storyline, one will fair well with this.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 90mins.
One of the best formats of films there is, is that film which is based on an incredible storytelling origin. Hans Christian Andersen, Roald Dahl, even Rod Serling are talents that allow us to be able to go to another world and be entertained with such amazing stories. With "The BFG", the talents of three of the world's greatest storytellers-- Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg finally unite to bring Dahl's beloved classic to life.
Ten-year-old, lonely orphan Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance). Naturally scared at first, the young girl soon realizes that the 24-foot behemoth is actually quite gentile and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie's presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler (Bill Hader), Fleshlumpeater (Jermaine Clement) and other giants. After traveling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince the Queen of England (Penelope Wilton) to help them get rid of all the bad giants once and for all.
You see, Sophie is an insomniac, so her penchant in staying up to wee hours in the very early mornings is quite common. So when she was looking out of her window and saw this giant, she reacted making enough noise as to attract attention of the giant. He then grabbed her and took her back to 'Giant Country' so she couldn't tell others that there are giants in the land. From there, they were able to come to an understanding, especially since this giant isn't a meat-eating one. Let the adventure begin.
Others to round out the cast are Rebecca Hall as Mary, assistant to the Queen, Rafe Spall as Mr. Tibbs, head of security for the Queen, Olafur Darri Olafsson as Maidmasher, Adam Godley as Manhugger, Michael Adamthwaite as Butcher Boy, Daniel Bacon as Bonecruncher, Jonathan Holmes as Childchewer, Chris Gibbs as Gizzardgulper and Paul Moniz de Sa as Meatdripper.
This was directed by visual storyteller, Steven Spielberg ("Jaws" '75, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" '81, "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" '82, "The Color Purple" '85, "Jurassic Park" '93, "Schindler's List" '93, "Saving Private Ryan" '98, "The Terminal" '04, "Munich" '05, "War Horse" '11, "Lincoln" '12, "Bridge of Spies" '15) plus many others. By this filmmaker's resume, he is a consummate artist. His ability to persuade his actors to emit the array of emotions given the particular scene is awe-inspiring-- this film being of no exception. He's worked with countless actors and has proven himself time and again. It was wonderfully written by the incomparable Melissa Mathison ("The Black Stallion" '79, "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" '82, "The Indian in the Cupboard" '95) based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl. This story simply flowed incredibly from the first frame to the last. It did have a couple of very small slower areas in script, but I feel they were caused intentionally to create a snowball effect as the film starts to climax. Certainly Dahl's story is already a great origin to work with, but it still takes a talented screenwriter to pull off all the nuances it takes to make this story move the way it did to capture its audience. And what can I say for the visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and Weta Digital? They simply rocked and actually enhanced the story! Kudos to these guys.
Sadly, we won't see another film written by Mathison since she lost her battle with cancer back in November, 2015. She was an inspiring storyteller herself and will be sorely missed. Certainly, if you want to escape into a fantastical story replete with wonderful storytelling, photography, music and visuals, this is the film for you. This is a film that will entertain all ages for generations to come in a nifty IMAX and 3D format.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 117mins.
If I had to give a guess as to which film franchise was the largest, I would have to say the 'Tarzan" franchise. When looking up the list of different films, the list was endless. Suffice it to say between the different ones (both live and animated) all the way back to 1932's "Tarzan, the Ape Man" which put Johnny Weismuller on the map, we have yet another one to add to that never ending list, "The Legend of Tarzan".
It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard) left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane (Margot Robbie) at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo via through American Dr. George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) to serve as emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Captain Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.
Others to round out the cast are Djimon Hounsou as Chief Mbonga, Casper Crump as Major Kerckhover, Rory J. Saper as Young Tarzan (18 years), Antony Acheampong as Kanam, Jim Broadbent as Prime Minister and Clive Brunt as Senior Officer.
This was eloquently though brutally directed by David Yates ("The Young Visiters" (TV movie) '03, "Sex Traffic" (TV movie) '04, "The Girl in the Café" (TV movie) '05, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" '07, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" '09, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 1" '10, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2" '11) plus shorts and TV. Considering his resume, this filmmaker definitely is in his comfort zone with this film. The feel of the era-- the 1880's along with the right photography by Henry Graham, bsc which gives it that antiquated, almost unearthly feel leans the correct character development. This is the mark of a fine director-- the ability to delineate the feel of a project in explicit detail. It was creatively written by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer based on a story by Brewer and Cozad which is based on the "Tarzan" stories created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. What truly makes this incarnation of the "Tarzan" franchise is that of the fact that we already have Tarzan civilized at the beginning and he goes back to his roots to help, instead of the other way around as in the other films. The storyline was cohesive, tight, well thought out, and kept the audience's attention throughout. In my book, these are all the ingredients of a well executed film. Does this screenplay have any promise of being nominated come Oscar time? Probably not, but I feel this is not the reason this was developed into a film. But rather, to give us a different spin on that Burroughs story we've all come to know and love. The cast was certainly credible specifically Skarsgard's Tarzan and Waltz's Leon Rom as the baddie.
I'm not a huge Tarzan fan normally, however, of all the Tarzan films I've seen, this definitely is the best rendition I've seen to date. The grandiose of production-- photography, visual effects and the bigger-than-life appeal will capture you and pull you in, and all in a nifty 3D format as well.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 109mins.
Other than the "Jurassic Park" franchise, another one of my favorite franchises has got to be the "Bourne" one, all being ushered in with "The Bourne Identity" '02. Typically I'm not fond of franchise films mostly due to their big commercial appeal which usually means big bucks, but when I saw my first trailer on "Jason Bourne", I simply couldn't resist. They are slickly made with amazing stunts, photography and editing to keep one riveted in their seat. 
