So much of the time, Hollywood has produced films in which lavish visual effects are implemented and those that are 'smaller' films using only actors and set design for the final product. Then occasionally, we are offered a film in which the makers of the film insert visuals, cutting edge photography, unique editing, odd sound effects to create something new and challenging for an audience looking for something different. So Robert Zemeckis has offered us "Welcome to Marwen".
No one expects Mark Hogancamp (Steve Carell) to recover from a devastating assault that wipes away most, to all his memories prior to the attack. Putting together pieces from the past and present, Mark meticulously creates a Belgian town called Marwen and becomes an heroic World War II fighter pilot. His astonishing art installation soon comes to life with breathtakingly realistic dolls--a testament to the most powerful women he knows including Nicol (Leslie Mann), Deja Thoris (Diane Kruger), Caralala (Eiza Gonzalez), Anna (Gwendoline Christie), Roberta (Merritt Weaver), GI Julie (Janelle Monae) and others. Through this fantasy world, Hogancamp finds the strength to triumph in the real world and face his attackers.
Others to round out the cast are Leslie Zemeckis as Suzette, Siobhan Williams as Elsa, Stefanie von Pfetten as Wendy, Neil Jackson as Kurt, Matt O;Leary as Benz and Conrad Coates as Darius Johnson, Mark's attorney.
This was extravagantly directed by veteran Robert Zemeckis ("Back to the Future" '85, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" '88, "Death Becomes Her" '92, "Forrest Gump" '94, "Contact" '97, "Cast Away" 2000, "The Polar Express" '04, "A Christmas Carol" '09, "Flight" '12, "The Walk" '15) plus many others and TV. Truly, a Zemeckis film means something different yet entertaining, especially if his resume indicates anything. His use of photography, editing, visuals and music transforms the story into an intriguing, different approach that only Zemeckis can do so well. If you like his kind of directing, his "The King" has been announced. It was written well by Zemeckis ("1941" '79, "Used Cars" '80, "Back to the future" '85, "The Polar Express" '04, "A Christmas Carol" '09, "The Walk" '15) plus TV and videos, and Caroline Thompson ("Edward Scissorhands" '90, "The Addams Family" '91, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" '93, "Black Beauty" '94, "Corpse Bride" '05, "City of Ember" '08) plus others and a video short. If there was a more difficult screenplay to write, this would be the one, considering how many times the story would have to weave in and out from the real world to that of Mark's fantasy world through his town and doll characters. And other than a couple of small places of lack of cohesiveness, this was a solid, tight and interesting tale, especially with the fact that it's based on a true story. I never tire of seeing a Zemeckis film, because when I do see one, I leave the theatre feeling like I was truly entertained which is something I can't say for most films out there today. Between the amazing miniatures designed by Creative Consultants and the visual effects predominantly created by Atomic Fiction and Framestore, this film was a visual feast for the eyes.
I'll tell you, for this being the Christmas season, this is a film that would be fitting to watch considering the shear creativeness involved. This has adventure, fear, excitement, hope and redemption all rolled up in one movie that has a definite message. It leaves one with a bittersweet ending, but one that is palatable which gives it that realistic approach. Considering all this film has to offer, this needs to be seen on the large screen. This is a film where one individual was beaten and he gave us a glimpse of how he was to overcome the horrific event. We can all learn from this film whether we've been attacked or not, but even with that, hopefully we can reach out to someone that needs our help.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 116mins.
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