In recent years we've seen a plethora of young adult oriented films, i.e. "Twilight Saga", "Hunger Games", "Divergent", etc, so when I saw the trailer of the upcoming "The Maze Runner", I thought it was going to be yet another teen perspective type of film that we've all seen much too often. Although I can see the youth angst in this, this does go deeper than the surface if you're willing to dig deep and be patient with this.
Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) wakes up in a freight elevator remembering nothing but his own name. As he's yanked up to the ground by several teen boys, he emerges in a world of about 60 of these teenage boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies. Apparently a new boy arrives every 30 days so as to add to this community. The original group has been in 'The Glade', as it's called, for two years, trying to find an escape through the maze that surrounds their living space. Some of the others can't help but think that since Thomas has arrived, things have not been the same causing fear and confusion in others such as Gally (Will Poulter) and Minho (Ki Hong Lee). The only ones that seem to listen to Thomas' thinking-outside-the-box mentality is Alby (Aml Ameen), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Chuck (Blake Cooper). After a point, a comatose girl, Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) arrives on the elevator with a strange note. And at this point, their world really begins to change. Will they survive the Maze and especially the nightmarish Grievers who inhabit the Maze in order to make their escape work?
Others to round out the cast are Dexter Darden as Frypan, Chris Sheffield as Ben, Patricia Clarkson as Ava Paige, Joe Adler as Zart, Alexander Flores as Winston, Jacob Latimore as Jeff and Randall D. Cunningham as Clint.
This was directed by relative newcomer, Wes Ball (Several Shorts). I was amazed, because I have seen this caliber of directing by seasoned veteran directors before, so if this is his first theatrical film, I am anxious to see more of this guy's work. This was written by Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers and T.S. Nowlin based on James Dashner's novel. This was a decent script, except that there were several questions by film's end. However, fret not, for this is certainly left open-ended where they could simply continue on with the story so as to answer some of those important questions.
If this film does nothing else for you, it definitely supplies us with a look at the many different ways we, as a society, deal with issues when in a stressed situation. Such as Thomas having the ability to think outside the box through constant curiosity, Gally being satisfied with the way things are which basically stems from fear of change, Minho as a 'Runner' who is a fighter, Chuck who wants to please and help others, Newt who is knowledgeable, but knows something has to happen to get out of the Maze and others that are merely followers, are cases in point of the many individuals we know ourselves. This is more than a group of guys that need to escape a huge Maze.
Otherwise, the sets/models of this maze that were built were simply amazing in and of themselves. And the haunting sound effects just add to that otherworldly feel in which this film exudes.
This film, although not perfect, is a great way to escape into a world that you've never experienced before, and if this makes money, it will be another world you will experience is a continuation. Enjoy!
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 113mins.
Inspirational films, especially based on a true story or ideal, certainly hold a special place in my heart. I believe the reason for this is the story is usually something we can learn from, all the while entertaining us as we go down that road with the characters involved. They're often wholesome so the entire family can view without the concern of something objective or graphic hitting you in the face. This is why films such as "Dolphin Tale 2" were created.
It has been several years, 2011 to be exact, since young Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) and the dedicated team at the Clearwater Water Marine Hospital, headed by Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.), rescued Winter as we saw in "Dolphin Tale". With the help of Dr. Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman), who developed a unique prosthetic tail for the injured dolphin, they were able to save her life. Yet their fight is not over. Winter's surrogate mother, the very elderly dolphin Panama, has passed away. Leaving Winter without the only poolmate she has ever known. However, the loss of Panama may have even greater repercussions for Winter, who, according to USDA regulations, cannot be housed alone, as dolphins' social behavior requires them to be paired with her before the team at Clearwater loses their beloved Winter to another aquarium.
Others to round out the cast are Ashley Judd as Lorraine Nelson, Sawyer's mom, Kris Kristofferson as Reed Haskett, Clay's dad, Cozi Zuehlsdorff as Hazel Haskett, Clay's daughter, Austin Stowell as Kyle Connellan, Austin Highsmith as Phoebe, a dolphin trainer, Tom Nowicki as Phillip J. Hordern, head of the board, Carlos Gomez as Dr. Aslan, Taylor Blackwell as Susie, a volunteer, Julia Jordan as Mandy, Bethany Hamilton as Herself, and Charles Martin Smith as George Hatton.
This was directed by an actor's director, Charles Martin Smith ("Trick or Treat" '86, "Boris and Natasha" (TV movie) '92, "Fifty/Fifty" '92, "Air Bud" '97, "Roughing It" (TV movie) '02, "The Snow Walker" '03, "Icon" (TV movie) '05, "Stone of Destiny" '08, "Dolphin Tale" '11). This guy has done a ton of acting way before he started directing, so he knows what it's like to walk in the moccasins of any actor. He even had a small role in this film as USDA inspector George Hatton. It was also written by Smith as well which was based on characters created by Karen Janszen and Noam Dromi. He must've consulted Janszen and Dromi, because there was a definite similarity in script and how it was laid out as that of the original "Dolphin Tale". When I saw my first trailer on this I thought that the trailer practically showed everything in the story, however after watching it, I was wrong. There was much more to it than met the eye. As the film dictates, it was based on true events, meaning that the story was true, but some of the details either were changed or modified to accommodate the script. Apparently, when a cast party was going on as a wrap on principle photography on "Dolphin Tale", someone was alerted that a dolphin was in trouble and needed help, which is how they were able to make a sequel and have it based on a true incidence. Timing is everything. The underwater cinematography was created by the incomparable Peter Zuccarini ("Blue" '09, "Piranha 3D" '10, "127 Hours" '10, "Act of Valor" '12, "Life of Pi" '12, "Pain & Gain" '13, "Divergent" '14, and the upcoming "Jurassic World" '15) plus tons of others. He's one of a small handful of underwater photographers that are truly artists under the sea as with this film. His photography in this was absolutely breathtaking as one could ascertain.
This was not an Academy Award caliber film, however it was certainly a far better movie than I would've given credit to given the trailer. Trust me, the trailer on this doesn't sell it, and as you watch this, you will see what I mean.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG 107mins.
The genre of crime drama has certainly been around since year one as it's been a mainstay for film fodder for juicy plots and meaty roles for actors. I could list an array of films that embody this genre, but suffice it to say, the list would be endless ,so let's skip that. We've seen so many of these films that finding new and original ideas can and has been difficult. In viewing "The Drop" this took a premise that has been done before, but goes into more depth of its seedy underbelly world of 'dirty money'.
This is a crime drama that chronicles lonely, withdrawn bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters-- 'money drops' in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood's past.
There is a subplot whereas Bob inadvertently finds a hurt dog, whom he later names Rocco, thrown in a trash can for dead. He enlists help from the owner of the house, Nadia (Noomi Rapace) to advise him what he should do. You will find this is an integral part of the plot as the two plots start interweaving and connecting in ways that will surprise.
Others to round out the cast are Matthias Schoenaerts as Eric Deeds, John Ortiz as Detective Torres, Elizabeth Rodriguez as Detective Romsey, Michael Aronov as Chovka, Michael Esper as Rardy, Ann Dowd as Dottie, Marv's older sister, James Frecheville as Fitz, Morgan Spector as Andre, Tobias Segal as Briele, Chris Sullivan as Jimmy and Patricia Squire as Millie.
Considering this guy has only one other theatrical film credit to his name, director Michael R. Roskam ("Bullhead" '11) effectively helmed this story. certainly Hardy has played roles similar to this before, however the steely looks, aloofness, austerity that Hardy displayed was carried out well I feel to the credit of this director. He will undoubtedly receive more film work. It was written by Dennis Lehane ("Mystic River" (novel) '03, "Gone Baby Gone" (novel) '07, "Shutter Island" (novel) '10) based on his story "Animal Rescue". As I've mentioned in other reviews, novelists aren't necessarily screenwriters, and with this film it rings true. Now, this doesn't mean that it was poorly done in that it was well written, but there were too many places in story that were clearly not answered--ones that needed answers. To name these places would give an integral part of the plot away, suffice it to say, it will leave you asking questions by the film's end.
The main reason for seeing this is for the consummate performances of Hardy, Rapace, Schoenaerts, and especially the now late Gandolfini which makes and has made his roles look effortless. Trust me, it's difficult to feel sorry for anyone in this with the exception of Nadia and the dog, Rocco, but as you are very patient with this script, you will then know why.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 106mins.
As we're winding down toward the end of the summer movie season, we have in the offing, yet another biopic which, as I've mentioned before, truth can be more fascinating and entertaining than fiction. What is interesting about "The Last of Robin Hood" is that, being based on an aspect of movie star, Errol Flynn, it is just difficult to believe that Hollywood hadn't produced a biopic on this icon years ago considering his sketchy past at best.
This is the true story of Beverly Aadland (Dakota Fanning), teen starlet who became the last girlfriend of legendary swashbuckler Errol Flynn (Kevin Kline). In 1957 two years before Flynn's subsequent death, Beverly was working at Warner Brothers Studios with a fake birth certificate indicating she was 18 and in actuality, was only 15-- when she encountered the former matinee icon. After a bumpy start, the two undertook a relationship that was eventually embraced by Beverly's Hollywood mom, Florence (Susan Sarandon) who simply turned the other cheek lest Flynn might drop Beverly and they would be left with nothing. The affair took the three of them from L.A. to New York to Africa, then to Cuba where Flynn pitched in with the rebels to make a pro-Castro propaganda movie starring Beverly. It all came crashing to an end in Vancouver, however, when Flynn died in Beverly's arms, causing an avalanche of publicity; Florence finally achieved the attention she sought in the form of tabloid notoriety but the chaos drove Beverly to the edge of sanity. This is a poignant but dark and oddly funny coming-of-age film about the desire of fame and what price does one pay to achieve it.
Others to round out the cast are Matt Kane as Ronnie Shedlo, Flynn's assistant, Patrick St. Esprit as Herb Aadland, Florence's husband, Bryan Batt as Orry Kelly, Flynn's costume designer, Max Casella as Stanley Kubrick, Ric Reitz as Melvin Belli, Flynn's attorney, Judd Lormand as Reporter, Jason Davis as Tedd Thomey, Jane McNeil as Cynthia Gould, Joe Knezevich as John Ireland, Ben Winchell as Jack and Sean Flynn as Grip (who is actually a grandson of Errol Flynn).
This was both written and directed by Richard Glatzer ("Grief" '93, "The Fluffer" '01, "Quinceanera" '06, Still Alice" '14) and Wash Westmoreland ("The Fluffer" '01, "Gay Republicans" (TV movie documentary) '04, "Quinceanera" '06, "Still Alice" '14). Obviously these guys work a lot together (same films and in the writing/directing chair as well), and when two artists work so well together, why split when they are assuredly having fun and creating at the same time? The writing starts at Flynn's death in 1959 and does a flashback two years prior of how he met his last girlfriend, Beverly Aadland. The film then works its way forward using a narrative throughout only to bring us to that imminent death and beyond. The script flowed well with just a bit of choppiness, however not enough to take away from the impact they were attempting to achieve. The acting was spot on by all three of these actors, but these characters were incredibly difficult to feel sorry for or to empathize with. The issues just flowed like water--so much so that the only ones you felt sorry for at all were the other people that the three had any consistent contact with. Again, fine writing and acting.
If you're into biopics or this era of the movie industry, you will revel, but even if you're only looking for fine acting, look no further, this film gives it to you in spades.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 90mins.
We've all seen films based on a person or a true story, and we've equally seen movies that are purely fictitious. When I viewed "The Identical", it was almost like watching a combination of both. Even though you know it is a fictional story, the fact that the leading character resembles Elvis so much gives that 'true story' feel to it. The similarities are vast: the musical talent, coming from religious backgrounds and coming from a similar time period give that same look, however this is where the similarities end.
In 1936, William and Helen Hemsley (Brian Geraghty and Amanda Crew) welcome identical twin boys into the world. However their joy is quickly hammered by a sobering realization; how could they give these children any kind of a life beyond the desperate poverty that haunted many families in the midst of the Great Depression? When evangelist Reese Wade (Ray Liotta) reveals that he and his wife Louise (Ashley Judd) cannot have children, William feels the Lord's prompting to give them one of the infant boys. Both brothers are born with passion, drive and awesome musical talent, but take very separate yet converging paths. Drexel Hemsley (Blake Rayne) rises like a comet and changes the music world forever. His adopted brother, Ryan Wade (also played by Blake Rayne) struggles to find the purpose for his life. All the way into manhood he wrestles with pleasing Pastor Wade, his loving but controlling father, who is convinced that Ryan is called to go into the ministry. Ryan is encouraged by his loving and supportive wife Jenny (Erin Cottrell) and lifelong friends Dino and Avi (Seth Green and Joe Pantoliano) to follow his musical dreams. And oh, can he sing, just like his world famous twin! The film spans five decades from the 1930's through the 1970's and is about the restoration and reconciliation of a family torn apart by culture, creed and tradition.
Others to round out the cast are Waylon Payne as Tony Nash, Danny Woodburn as Damon, Chris Mulkey as Older William Hemsley and Noah Urrea as 9-year old Ryan Wade.
This was amazingly well directed by newcomer to films, Dustin Marcellino which, this being his first film, I can only pause with wonder what kind of filmmaker he will be in the next five years or less. The emotion, pathos and pacing of these actors were as well delineated as any seasoned director. It was written by Howard Klausner based on a story by Wade Cummins. The story starts in 1972 and then basically back-flashes to the 1930's and slowly brings us up to where the film started and then goes even beyond that point. This is getting and has been a popular format in which to write a film for a while, which gives it a certain uniqueness to grab the audience and hold on to them. Other than a few scenes coming across a bit stagy, this was a captivating premise that will talk to many individuals out there. This is a story where love, hope and redemption reign and with that, will speak to all generations.
In a world where there are so many cold, crass, violent-ridden, sex-driven films out there, it is a refreshing change to see a film where love, wholesomeness, and simplicity can be turned around and be made to look and be entertaining all the while teaching a something worthwhile.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG 107mins.
In recent past we've seen several Spanish or Spanish themed films which are becoming popularized in a culture that is comprised of a huge melting pot. Films such as "Cesar Chavez", "Instructions Not Included", and "Gloria" have been frothed with solid stories, acting and with great messages. To add to that ever growing list is "Cantiflas".
This is the true untold story of Mexico's greatest and most beloved comedy film star of all time-- Mario 'Cantiflas' Moreno (Oscar Jaenada). The film starts in 1955 with the introduction of director Michael Todd (Michael Imperoli) pitching his new film, "Around the World in Eighty Days" to skeptical studio execs to no avail. Todd mentions that he wants to use an international cast of which he wants Moreno aka Cantiflas in it. Then the film pulls back to 1931, whereas we see the humble origins of Cantiflas as he tries to make it in the stage arena. So the film goes back and forth from 1955 to subsequent later years representing Cantiflas' slow incline toward notoriety. He finally woos and proposes marriage to his girlfriend, Vitola (Diana Lein) and she accepts. So as they are married and he rises in fame, it then brings us to the eventual meeting of Todd and Cantiflas to discuss the film. What makes this guy a real success is the ability to improvise on his feet and win audiences over one joke at a time. Relive the laughter that has charmed generations.
Others to round out the cast are Ilse Salas as Valentina Ivanova, Barbara Mori as Elizabeth Taylor, Ana Layevska as Miroslava Stern, Adal Ramones as Mantequilla, Cassandra Ciangherotti as Estela Pagola, Jose Carlos Montes as Maurice, Otto Sirgo as Andres Soler, Julian Sedgwick as Charlie Chaplin, Andres Montiel as Agustin Isunza and Luis Gerardo Mendez as Estanislao Shilinsky.
This was amazingly well directed by Sebastian del Amo ("El fantastico mundo de Juan Orol" '12). What makes this guy's direction that much more effective is the way he was able to achieve the different facial looks, movements and expressions one would expect coming from a certain era. It was well written by Edui Tijerina and del Amo in that going from the 1950's to the 1930's and back again and be able to harness that continuity was spot on. I don't know whether it's me, but these actor's, when speaking Spanish spoke very quickly so one had to read very quick lest you might miss a line or two, otherwise well done. When they were in L.A., English was the spoken language, but when they were in Mexico, it was Spanish which made it more realistic.
The costumes, sets, photography and music added so much effectiveness to this story and played well off each other, I have to say kudos to these artists. Last, but certainly not least, Jaenada as Cantiflas was perfect casting. He was able to show us many different facets, both light and dark, of this brilliant artist that he may be looking at a possible nod come Oscar time.
As biopics go, this has to be one of the best-- a rock-solid showcase of the most beloved funny man affectionately called Cantiflas.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG 104mins.
Recently the film "The Wizard of Oz" was re-released in an IMAX/3D version celebrating 74 years since its release in 1939. It was only re-released for a very limited run and I was able to view it and felt amazed that it was that old. Well, "Ghostbusters" has now been re-released for a week run celebrating 30 years since its release in 1984. This truly isn't as ancient as Oz, but, is it me, or is it difficult to phathom that it has been 30 years?
Three odd-ball scientists, Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Dr. Raymond Stantz(Dan Aykroyd) and Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) get kicked out of their cushy positions at a New York City university where they studied parapsychology. They decide to set up shop in an old firehouse and go into business for themselves as Ghostbusters, trapping pesky ghosts, spirits, haunts and poltergeists for money. They wisecrack their way through the city and finally land a big job from a tenant, Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) claiming there are ghosts in her apartment. This, in turn, leads to something big and they stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, one that will release untold evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters are then called on to save the Big Apple.
Others to round out the cast are Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, a nerdy neighbor of Dana's, Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz, the Ghostbusters' secretary, William Atherton as Walter Peck, a rep from the EPA, Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddmore, assisting the Ghostbusters and David Margulies as Mayor.
This was directed with rollicking good fun by veteran Ivan Reitman ("Meatballs" '79, "Stripes" '81, "Twins" '88, "Ghostbusters II" '89, "Kindergarten Cop" '90, "Dave" '93, "Junior" '94, "Six Days Seven Nights" '98, "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" '06, "No Strings Attached" '11, "Draft Day" '14) plus others. Obviously Reitman works well with Murray since he used Murray early on in his career, so when he was casting for this, one of the scientists just had to be Murray, and proved that it was the right choice. This guy knows comedy, but he can work in a more subtle type comedy as well, such as "Draft Day" which was incredibly solid. This was written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis with input from Rick Moranis even though he wasn't credited. The best thing about the writing is the timing and continuity. For being a wacky comedy, this just flowed well from one scene to the next.
I gotta say, 30 years have not been kind to these amazing comedians, because one can see Murray and Aykroyd in recent films, and they don't even look like the same people after watching this. It is amazing what three decades can do to someone.
As aforementioned, this is only out for a week re-release, so if you want to see this-- again, then you'll have to put something else on the back burner lest you miss this funny little slice of the 1980's that you can totally escape into.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG 105mins.
In recent years we've seen a plethora of young adult oriented films, i.e. "Twilight Saga", "Hunger Games", "Divergent", etc, so when I saw the trailer of the upcoming "The Maze Runner", I thought it was going to be yet another teen perspective type of film that we've all seen much too often. Although I can see the youth angst in this, this does go deeper than the surface if you're willing to dig deep and be patient with this.
