We see comedy films quite often and sometimes we whince of how bad they are, or at other times, see them with a sense of elation at what we are witnessing on that screen, but rarely do we experience a film, that is considered a 'dramedy' (comedy/drama) that is of poor quality. Many have been made as far back as "Chapter Two" '79, to "Lost in Yonkers" '93, to "Juno" and "Lars and the Real Girl" both in '07. Now to add to this delicious list is "Wish I Was Here". I could mention comedies that don't even come close to the caliber of the films mentioned, but that list could fill an entire review. Later.
This is the story of Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 years old is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. While he's between acting gigs, his wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) brings home the bacon only being frustrated herself. When Aidan learns that his father, Gabe (Mandy Patinkin) has terminal cancer and can no longer pay for Aidan's private school for his kids, Grace (Joey King) and Tyler (Pierce Gagnon). He winds up trying to home school them especially since the only public school available is on its last leg. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn't find, such as attempting to reconcile his dad's and his brother's Noah (Josh Gad) relationship. It is though Aidan is forced, at an early age, to endure a mid-life crisis whether he realizes it or not.
Others to round out the cast are Jim Parsons as Paul, Mark Thudium as Terry, Alexander Chaplin as Rabbi Rosenberg, Michael Weston as Jerry, Allan Rich as Rabbi Twersky, Ashley Greene as Janine, Donald Faison as Anthony and Cody Sullivan as Jesse.
This was poignantly and honestly directed by the smart Zach Braff ("Garden State" '04, "Night Life" (TV movie) '08). It is difficult, at best, to direct actors in a dramedy, because their characters must change their mood, sometimes in the same scene, and make it look natural instead of forced. This is something seasoned directors have problems with, but Braff seems to succeed at this effortlessly. It was equally well written by Braff as well, and besides a couple of slow places in script, this screenplay was spot on. One scene where Sarah (Hudson) and Gabe (Patinkin) are conversing in his hospital room was so poignant and compassionate that I started to get misty-eyed. Braff obviously shined in this, but both Hudson and Gad also as well. Braff is certainly a filmmaker to contend with, and after this, will certainly be approached to write and direct another project.
Certainly after viewing this, one can tell that Braff is a natural filmmaker, and we will only be the victors when he is able to grace us with yet aaanother story as poignant, humorous, dramatic and compassionate as this one.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 105mins.
During the 1970's, we were thrown one disaster film after another until we cried 'uncle'. It all started with "Airport" '69, then "The Poseidon Adventure" '72 followed. These made a truck load of money, so a plethora more came out of the woodwork including "Earthquake" '74, "The Hindenburg" '75, "Airport 1975" '75, "Jaws" '75, "The Towering Inferno" '77, "Airport '77" '77, "Airport '79: The Concorde" '79, etc, etc, etc. Get the picture. Then in '05, "The Poseidon Adventure" was remade, and in 1996, the captivating film "Twister" was released to major audiences. Well, looks like disaster films could be back in the form of "Into the Storm".
In the span of a single day, the town of Silverton is ravaged by an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town including Gary (Richard Armitage), and his two sons, Donnie (Max Deacon) and Trey (Nathan Kress), is at the mercy of the erratic and deadly cyclones, even as storm trackers, Pete (Matt Walsh), Allison (Sarah Wayne Callies), Daryl (Arlen Escarpeta), and Jacob (Jeremy Sumpter) predict the worst is yet to come. Most people seek shelter, while others run towards the vortex, testing how far a storm chaser will go for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. These storm chasers will have to face the answer to the statement: you better watch out what you ask for, because you just might get it.
Others to round out the cast are Alycia Debnam Carey as Kaitlyn, Lee Whittaker as Lucas, Kyle Davis as Donk, Jon Reep as Reevis, Scott Lawrence as Principal Thomas Walker, David Drumm as Chester, Brandon Ruiter as Todd White, and Jimmy Groce as Studious Male.
This was adequately directed by Steven Quale ("Superfire" (TV movie) '02, "Aliens of the Deep" (Documentary) '03, "Final Destination 5" '11). This should not have been a chore for this guy considering his resume, but suffice it to say, he will receive more work, if for no other reason than the genre represented. This was written by John Swetnam ("Evidence" '13, "Step Up All In" '14). Interesting how he's competing with himself since "Step Up All In" also was released today as well. Even though this film was made in the past--the above mentioned "Twister", it still had a story to this huge visual effect extravaganza. We will see more of his work in 2015's "Breaking Through", because given more work, this guy definitely has potential. The visual effects predominantly created by Rhythm & Hues, Hy*drau*lx, Digital Domain, and Cinesite were obviously seamless. It was like watching "Twister" on steroids-- computer imagery has improved in 18 years since "Twister". Plus today's audiences have got to be grabbed by the juggler to get their attention anymore.
If you're going to see this, you've got to see it on the huge screen, otherwise it will lose everything in the transition. This is a visual, high adrenaline, explosive film created for the large screen and not for your 25 incher at home.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 89mins.
Why is it that biopics are hotter now more than ever? Could it be that the truth is, or can be, stranger than fiction? True stories, whether on film, or in our own lives, can truly be totally bizarre situations, especially if any embellishing is conveyed in the process. This year alone has offered us a plethora of films based on true stories: "The Monuments Men", "Son of God", "Walking with the Enemy", The Railway Man", "Cesar Chavez", "Million Dollar Arm", "50 to 1", "Jersey Boys", and now we have in our midst, "Get on Up".
Chadwick Boseman portrays James Brown in this incredible tale based on a true story of the 'Godfather of Soul'. The film gives a fearless look inside the music, his moves, or 'groove' as he called it, and moods of Brown, taking the audience on a journey from his impoverished childhood whereas he was barely raised by his parents-- his father Joe (Lennie James) being an abuser and his mother Susie (Viola Davis) being her husband's 'punching bag', left the situation so as leaving James' dad to raise him. When his dad enlisted in the Army and subsequently went off to war, he left young James with his sister Honey (Octavia Spencer) to finish raising him. As James grew he perpetually got into trouble and landed in jail where he met, also an inmate, Bobby Byrd (Nelsan Ellis), who later became his longtime friend and manager since they both loved to sing. As Bobby and James became more famous, they were then represented by Ben Bart (Dan Aykroyd) and James was then the icon people wanted. This fueled James' issues on having to feel constantly needed to a point where he was a genius, but obnoxious, unruly and totally out of control so much of the time. He evolved into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
others to round out the cast are Fred Melamed as Syd Nathan, Craig Robinson as Maceo Parker, Jill Scott as DeeDee Brown, Josh Hopkins as Ralph Bass, Brandon Smith as Little Richard, Tika Sumpter as Yvonne Fair, Aunjanue Ellis as Vicki Anderson, Tariq Trotter as Pee Pee Ellis, and Aloe Blacc as Nafloyd Scott.
This was directed by relative newcomer to feature films, Tate Taylor ("Pretty Ugly People" '08, "The Help" '11). I must say, there are seasoned directors that can't direct as well as this guy, although the directing was a bit choppy in isolated places, it was majorly helmed with expertise. Even though Boseman as Brown was performed well, Taylor's ability to exact that Brown look and intensity was delineated with fine tune guidance by Taylor. He WILL receive more projects. It was written by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth which was based on a story by Steven Baigelman, Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. The way the script went fom 1988 back to 1968, then later jumping ahead and eventually reaching 1988, where the film started, and then went beyond that time, was smart and original, but at times was a bit confusing. This can be a tedious balancing act in that it's a refreshing idea, but if overdone, can become convoluded. This takes a very professional and seasoned screenwriter to be able to pull this off. These guys were good, and besides a couple of areas that weren't addressed, this was solid. After seeing Boseman in "42", the story of Jackie Robinson, I felt he could pull off this role, and he did in spades. I smell possible Oscar nod for him this year.
Obviously being a James Brown fan would help in aseeing this, but even if you're not, the acting by Boseman, Davis, Aykroyd, Ellis, and Spencer will be worth the price of admission all by itself.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 138mins.
We have seen the usual plethora of summer big-budget, explosive, adventurous, high adrenaline fare since the season began. What with "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", "The Amazing Spider-Man 2", "Godzilla", "X-Men: Days of Future Past", "Edge of Tomorrow", "Transformers: Age of Extinction", "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes", and "Hercules" in that order so far, this next film called "Guardians of the Galaxy" is, by far, the most impressive movie of this genre thus far--bar none.
After stealing a mysterious orb in the far reaches of outer space, Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), a half man/half alien is now the target of a manhunt led by the villainous Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace). To help fight Ronan and his cohorts and save the galaxy from his power, Quill creates a team, or it just sort of happens due to certain circumstances, known as the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' consisting of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) to save the world, or in this case, the galaxy.
Others to round out the cast are Michael Rooker as Yondu Udonta, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Djimon Hounsou as Korath, John C. Reilly as Corpsman Dey, Glenn Close as Nova Prime, Benecio Del Toro as The Collector, Laura Haddock as Meredith Quill, Sean Gunn as Kraglin/On Set Rocket, and Peter Serafinowicz as Demarian Saal.
This was directed by a man who has much more TV under his belt than that of feature films which was James Gunn ("Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13), but one must start somewhere in order to pay dues. Considering this guy's limited experience in feature films, this was far better directed than most seasoned directors could muster up. The different emotions this guy was able to exude out of each character was amazing. But you will see more of his work in the already announced "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" coming up in '17. It was written by Gunn and Nicole Perlman which was based on the comic book by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. This is where it gets real interesting and juicy, because this actually had an interesting, well thought-out and entertaining premise which is more than I can say about most films of the same genre. This film had me riveted from frame one to last, and there aren't many films that can do that during the summer season. The cast was eclectic, but perfect in every way. Pratt's new sculpted body obviously helped him in this, and he has found his niche as far as genre, however he's still talented in comedy, which a lot of this was. Cooper's Rocket character probably stole the show, but then again it's Bradley Cooper. And the visual effects which were predominantly created by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic), SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks) and MPC (Moving Picture Company) were seamless, but you'd have to be living under a rock not to know this.
Trust me when I say, you will not have more fun at the movies all summer when you go to see this film. Where else can you go and see something that has humor, adventure, action, great visuals, even with a great message all rolled up in a neat 3D format? Not many places. Enjoy!
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 122mins.
We all love films with a good vs. evil premise to them--this must be true since the vast majority of movies are created this way. And I also believe that we inherently like to see good overwhelming evil, otherwise most films would not be made with this train of thought. As with many past films, "Lucy" carries on that tradition of good vs. evil, however this has a bit of a twist to it.
It was a simple job. Richard (Pilou Asbaek), the boyfriend of Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) could not have explained it any easier: all she had to do was deliver a mysterious briefcase to Mr. Jang (Choi Min-Sik), unbeknownst to her was basically a drug lord. But Lucy is immediately caught up in a nightmarish deal where she is captured and turned into a drug mule for a new and powerful synthetic drug called CPX-4. When the bag she is carrying inside her stomach leaks, Lucy's body undergoes unimaginable changes that unlocks her mind's full potential ultimately to 100%. With her new-found powers Lucy turns into a merciless warrior intent on getting back at her captors. Along the way, she receives invaluable help from Professor Norman (Morgan Freeman), the leading authority on the human mind, and French police captain Pierce Del Rio (Amr Waked).
Others to round out the cast are Julian Rhind-Tutt as The Limey, Analeigh Tipton as Caroline, Nicolas Phongpheth as Jii, Jan Oliver Schroeder as French Mule and Luca Angelett as Italian Mule.
This was effectively directed by Luc Besson ("Subway" '85, "The Big Blue" '88, "La Femme Nikita" '90, "Leon: The Professional" '94, "The Fifth Element" '97, "The Messenger: The Story of Loan of Arc" '99, "Angel-A" '05, "Arthur and the Invisibles" '06, "Arthur and the Great Adventure" '09, "The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec" '10, "Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds" '10, "The Lady" '11, "The Family" '13). When Besson is serious, he's serious, but when he's able to showcase his characters in a somewhat comical way, those characters can still exude a seriousness in their demeanor in order for that character to react in a realistic manner. This was also written by Besson which is where the fun really is. This guy has the innate ability to take an otherwise common premise, such as this premise, and turn it around and make something fun, refreshing and entertaining and this is what I deem as 'slick' writing. Some of the films he's written scream this: The Transporter films, The Taken films, earlier this year "3 Days to Kill", recent "Brick Mansions" and, of course, this film. Unlike other films, the best thing about a Luc Besson film IS the writing, which, when I see his name on the film, means I will definitely go see it since solid writing is something I love.
If you're into a film that quite literally cuts to the chase with taught writing, interesting characters, great stunts with an entertaining bent to it, have I got the film for you. Have fun with this ride.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 88mins.
Espionage thrillers always make great fodder for a film. We've seen it many times with a plethora of Tom Clancy based films, John Forsythe based films and now we have one of several films based on a John le Carre novel in the form of "A Most Wanted Man".
When a half-Chechen, half-Russian, brutally tortured immigrant, Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin) turns up in Hamburg's Islamic community, laying claim to his father's ill gotten fortune, he realizes he needs asylum which he seeks through attorney Annabel Richter (Rachel McAdams). Both German and US security agencies take a close interest as the clock ticks down. German security agent Gunther Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and US security agent Martha Sullivan (Robin Wright) at first butt heads, but finally work out their differences as the stakes rise. The race is on to establish this most wanted man's true identity-- oppressed victim or destruction-bent extremist? This is a contemporary, cerebral tale of intrigue, love, rivalry and politics that is fused with tension right through to its last heart-stopping scene.
Others to round out the cast are Willem Dafoe as Tommy Brue, the banker intricately involved, Homayoun Ershadi as Abdullah, Nina Ross as Irna Frey, Gunther's assistant, Daniel Bruhl as Maximilian, Herbert Gronemeyer as Michael Axelrod, Mehdi Dehbi as Jamal, Rainer Bock as Dieter Mohr, Kostja Ullmann as Rasheed, Martin Wuttke as The Admiral, Vicky Krieps as Niki, Imke Buchel as Frau Elli, Bernhard Schutz as Otto Keller and Franz Hartwig as Karl.
This was directed by relative newcomer to feature films, Anton Corbijn ("Control" '07, "The American" '10) plus many video documentaries and shorts. This is not to say that he isn't talented in the director's chair--on the contrary, he was able to encourage his actors expressly well in conveying the true depth and complexities these characters had. Of course when you have Hoffman the lead, one has to look good considering the immense talent of Hoffman. Even though this was based on a novel by the incomparable John le Carre, Andrew Bovell's script was treated in a slightly slow manner. It was also a bit choppy in some places as well, otherwise it truly picked up approximately a third of the way through, and then soared. Then I felt I received the film I was expecting at that point. It is extremely difficult to botch this story considering it is based on a novel by Carre ("The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" '65, "The Tailor of Panama" '01, The Constant Gardner" '05, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" '11), so again, how could Bovell go totally wrong? This guy has potential and would like to see more work from him which I believe is inevitable.
As mentioned above, once this yarn gets off the ground, it takes you on a roller coaster ride that is global in every sense of the word. The question is: who can you trust in this which begs another question: who's the good guys and visa versa?
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 122mins.
Mythology, Greek gods, and mayhem. Like other films that have these ingredients in them that we've seen in the past, "Hercules" certainly carries on these traits plus more. Whether or not mythology is your 'bag' or not, this incarnation of this bigger-than-life character is more human-like than his predecessors which make for an even more approachable Hercules.
Fourteen hundred years BCE, a tormented soul walked the earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) was the powerful son of the god king Zeus, for this he received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labours and the loss of his wife and children, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the gods finding his only solace in bloody battle. Over the years he warmed to the company of six similar souls, Amphiaraus (Ian McShane), Autolycus (Rufus Sewell), Atalanta (Ingrid Bolso Berdal), Iolaus (Reece Ritchie), Hercules' nephew, Tydeus (Aksel Hennie) and Ergenia (Rebecca Ferguson), their only bond being their love of fighting and the presence of death. These men and women never question where they go to fight or why or whom, just how much they will be paid. Now the King of Trace (Greece), Eurystheus (Joseph Fiennes) has hired these mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. It is time for this bunch of lost souls to finally have their eyes opened to how far they have fallen when they must train an army, belonging to Lord Cotys (John Hurt), to become as ruthless and blood thirsty as their reputation has become.
Others to round out the cast are Tobias Santelmann as Rhesus, Peter Mullan as Sitacles, Isaac Andrews as Arius, Joe Anderson as Phineus, Stephen Peacocke as Stephanos, Nicholas Moss as Demetrius and Robert Whitelock as Nicolaus.
This was directed we effective delineation by Brett Ratner ("Money Talks" '97, "Rush Hour" '98, "The Family Man" 2000, "Rush Hour 2" '01, "Red Dragon" '02, "After the Sunset" '04, "X-Men: The Last Stand" '06, "Rush Hour 3" '07, "Tower Heist" '11) plus TV. His films may or may not be quality films, if you will, but one aspect I must admire about this filmmaker is the ability to direct just about any genre. A lot of directors have the tendency to gravitate to a certain genre-- being their safe zone, but it is refreshing to witness a director that's willing to think outside the box. Kudos to this guy!. It was adequately written by Ryan J. Condal and Evan Spiliotopoulos based on the Radical comic "Hercules" by Steve Moore. Even though there were a few slow spots in the story, it's an interesting background story of the legend and Johnson definitely gave this character the human element that is so needed in order for the audience to be able to empathize with certain aspects of his life--makes him more real. Would be interesting to see where he and his 'team' would have ended up, but if the film makes a truck load of money, undoubtedly there will be a sequel. Cha-ching!
As aforementioned, one doesn't have to be a mythology affictionato to really be into this--of course it would help, but with the ever-present good vs. evil concept, Johnson's bigger-than-life presence, and amazing visual effects all in an IMAX and 3D format, break out the popcorn and enjoy.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: PG-13 98mins.
We see comedy films quite often and sometimes we whince of how bad they are, or at other times, see them with a sense of elation at what we are witnessing on that screen, but rarely do we experience a film, that is considered a 'dramedy' (comedy/drama) that is of poor quality. Many have been made as far back as "Chapter Two" '79, to "Lost in Yonkers" '93, to "Juno" and "Lars and the Real Girl" both in '07. Now to add to this delicious list is "Wish I Was Here". I could mention comedies that don't even come close to the caliber of the films mentioned, but that list could fill an entire review. Later.
