Usually the genre of romantic dramas are fraught with sentimentality, mushiness and characters that have mediocre chemistry from first frame to last, but every time I see a romantic drama that is based on a Nicholas Sparks' novel, it is a well delineated story with interesting characters that actually connect. Wow, what a concept! And "The Best of Me" is one of those dramas that is set apart from the usual fare we see all too often.
This tells the story of Dawson Cole (James Marsden) and Amanda (Michelle Monaghan), two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 21 years apart, when they return to their small hometown for the funeral of a beloved friend, Tuck (Gerald McRaney) their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart 21 years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.
To better understand what actually happened to Dawson and Amanda, this film is presented with a series of flashbacks where younger Dawson (Luke Bracey) and younger Amanda (Liana Liberato) meet and subsequently get to know one another. After a point, a series of events occur causing this separation of the two of them.
Others to round out the cast are Sebastian Arcelus as Frank, Amanda's present day husband, Jon Tenny as Harvey Collier, Sean Bridgers as Tommy Cole, Robert William Mello as Ted Cole, Hunter Burke as Abee, Robby Rasmussen as Bobby/Aaron, Schuyler Fisk as April, Clarke Peters as Morgan Dupree, Caroline Goodall as Evelyn and Ian Nelson as Jared.
This was directed by veteran Michael Hoffman ("Promised Land" '87, "Soapdish" '91, "One Fine Day" '96, "A Midsummer's Night Dream" '99, "The Emperor's Club" '02, "Game 6" '05, "The Last Station" '09, "Gambit" '12) plus others. The pacing was spot on, especially considering there was a huge difference in time where pacing can become a bit confusing. Also his characters weren't weak, unlike other characters in similar genres. It was written by Mills Goodloe and Will Fetters based no the novel by Sparks ("Message in a Bottle" '99, "A Walk to Remember" '02, "The Notebook" '04, "Nights in Rodanthe" '08, "Dear John" '10, "The Last Song" '10, "The Lucky One" '12, "Safe Haven" '13). Other than a few inaccuracies within the script, i.e. How could Dawson look so different 20+ years ago, but his brothers didn't seem to change in looks at all?, this was a solid film. A couple of things where the continuity was off also occurred, but these being small, the impact of the film was still spot on. The best thing about films based on Sparks' novels is the they usually do not end all tied up in a neat Hollywood bow. They, as this one too, have a somewhat bittersweet ending which is the way life is much of the time.
If you like a true dramatic love story with a twist that you clearly don't expect, this is definitely for you. It has Sparks' name stamped all over it, but with this particular genre, that is definitely a much needed ingredient.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 117mins.
Hollywood has and still has an amazing love affair with war films. I could list them, but suffice it to say, the list would be a bazillion. And I must admit, I do enjoy the genre especially when it is crafted with the right amount of integrity, realism and accuracy. I have to say that when I saw my first trailer on "Fury", I thought it would be an incredible film on several levels and after viewing it, my first impressions were founded.
April 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Don 'Wardaddy' Collier (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman tank with his loyal, mighty crew, Boyd 'Bible' Swan (Shia LeBeouf), Trini 'Gordo' Garcia (Michael Pena), Grady 'Coon-Ass' Travis (Jon Bernthal) and newcomer, Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the hearts of Nazi Germany.
In Wardaddy's eyes, things don't get any better when one of his men is killed so he's replaced by Norman, an office clerk who's never seen battle. Norman feels so out-of-water in this new endeavor that Wardaddy, although knows he will learn, thinks their odds are even worse in combating the Nazis. This definitely becomes a huge right of passage for Norman as he cowers, trips up and blunders his way to, not only to survive, but to be accepted as a peer by the other men.
Others to round out the cast are Jim Parrack as Sgt. Binkowski, Brad Henke as Sgt. Davis, Kevin Vance as Sgt. Peterson, Xavier Samuel as Lt. Parker, Jason Isaacs as Capt. Waggoner, Anamaria Marinca as Irma, Alicia von Rittberg as Emma, Scott Eastwood as Sgt. Miles, Laurence Spellman as Sgt. Dillard and Daniel Betts as Burgermeister.
This was directed with incredible intensity and grit by David Ayer ("Harsh Times" '05, "Street Kings" '08, "End of Watch" '12, "Sabotage" '14). As with his past films, this film was treated with situations that definitely made its audience think--what would you do given the same situation. This guy just gets better with each project he's involved with. It was also written by Ayer ("U-571" 2000, "The Fast & the Furious" '01, "Training Day" '01, "Dark Blue" '02, "S.W.A.T." '03, "Harsh Times" '05, "End of Watch" '12, "Sabotage" '14), which, by his very resume, is where he even excels more at. His scripts simply flow and the characters are richly developed. Each and every one of these characters were extremely different, however their comraderie was amazing in that when it's time to get the job done, they will watch each other's backs at all costs. Ayer can keep writing scripts for a long time to come, considering that there are so many mediocre screenwriters out there today. The cast had great chemistry as the crew--you felt that these guys had known each other for years.
Whether you like the genre of war or not, this is a great character study in how people can stick together in spite of the insurmountable odds handed them. And this is something we all can take from this film.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 134mins.
Politics and political cover ups have been a great source of material that Hollywood can't resist to showcase, and the more controversial the better. As far back as "The Philadelphia Story" to "All the President's Men" to "Michael Clayton" to "The Ides of March" do we see time and again exposure to corruption, deceit and wrongdoings all the name of national security. So, since Hollywood just couldn't help themselves by bringing "Kill the Messenger" to the screen, we can reap the benefits by watching, yet another cover up being exposed for all to see.
Based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner), the film takes place in the mid 1990s, when Webb inadvertently uncovered the CIA's past role in importing huge amounts of cocaine into the U.S. that was aggressively sold in ghettos across the country to raise tons of money for the Nicaraguan Contras rebel army back in the 1980s. Despite enormous pressure not to, especially by his boss Jerry Ceppos (Oliver Platt) and editor Anna Simons (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Webb chose to pursue the story and eventually went public with his evidence, publishing the series "Dark Alliance". As a result he experienced a vicious smear campaign fueled by the CIA. At that point, Webb found himself defending his integrity, his family, specifically his wife, Sue (Rosemarie DeWitt) and his life, all the while desperately hanging onto his sanity.
Others to round out the cast are Barry Pepper as Russell Dodson, a prosecutor, Michael Sheen as Fred Weil, Paz Vega as Coral Baca, an informant, Ray Liotta as John Cullen, Tim Blake Nelson as Alan Fenster, an attorney Webb consulted, Michael Kenneth Williams as Ricky Ross, Andy Garcia as Norwin Meneses, Josh Close as Rich Kline, a journalist at The Washington Post, Robert Patrick as Ronald J. Quail, Jen Harper as Ricky Ross Trial Judge, Lucas Hedges, Matthew Lintz and Parker Douglas as Ian Webb, Eric Webb and Christine Webb, Gary and Sue Webb's children.
This was effectively directed by Michael Cuesta ("L.I.E." '01, "12 and Holding" '05, "Babylon Fields" (TV movie) '07, "Tell Tale" '09, "Roadie" '11, "Second Sight" (TV movie) '13). The slow intensity that Renner displayed as this plot became thicker was, not only fine acting, but also the mark of effective directing conveying a slow crumbling of this man trying to cope with a world that is anything but honest. It was well written by Peter Landesman based on the books, "Dark Alliance" by Gary Webb and "Kill the Messenger" by Nick Schou. The script simply flowed from scene to scene, where, if it was written questionably, it was have been convoluted since so much was going on here. Now, there were some areas of jumping a bit, but not enough to take away from the meat of this premise and story. Renner probably gave his best performance since "Hurt Locker", and it wouldn't surprise me if he got a nod come Oscar time.
If you're into political cover ups, conspiracy theories and the like, this will heaven for you, because this will undoubtedly fill that 'rebel against the government' mindset out there for all you political junkies.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 112mins.
How many incarnations of the Dracula franchise have we seen? Well, it all started with "Dracula" '31. Through its success the ball started rolling with "Dracula" '79, "Dracula" '92, "Dracula 2000", "Dracula 3D" '12, "Dracula" '13, and now we are served with "Dracula Untold". Not only do we have a continuation of a franchise, but also we have the beginnings of the infamous character. Beginnings of a character or characters have become quite popular: "Batman", "Star Wars", "Planet of the Apes", "Star Trek", and the like, so why not have a beginnings of someone as iconic as Dracula?
In the 15th century, the young lord Vlad (Luke Evans) and his family--wife, Mirena (Sarah Gadon) and son, Ingeras (Art Parkinson) live a peaceful life ruling over a small kingdom in Rumania, but when a Turk warlord, Mehmed (Dominic Cooper) and henchman, Hamza Bey (Ferdinand Kingsley) demands from Vlad a thousand boys and his son to create an army, Vlad seeks a terrible power, a master vampire (Charles Dance), which he knew of, that will allow him to protect his kingdom and family from the Turks at a terrible cost. Cost? To drink the vampire's blood in order to have the strength to overpower his enemies lest Vlad's kingdom and everyone in it would be killed. The price for this power? Vlad will recover to mortality in three days, however if he succumbs to drinking anyone's blood, only being dammed as a vampire for eternity. This is, of course, the origins of Dracula.
Others to round out the cast are Diarmaid Murtagh as Dumitru, Paul Kaye as Brother Lucian, William Houston as Cazan, Noah Huntley as Captain Petru, Ronan Vibert as Simion, Zach McGowan as Shkelgim, Joseph Long as General Omer, Thor Kristjansson as Bright Eyes and Jakub Gierszal as Acemi.
Where in the world is Hollywood getting these new directors? This was directed by relative newcomer, Gary Shore ("The Draft" (short) '06). Even though this had a few places of some jerkiness and awkward pacing, the direction is better than some of the seasoned directors out there today. I'd like to see what this guy could pull off given more work his way. It was written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless based on characters created by Bram Stoker. As a 'beginnings' of this character, it is truly easy to believe that the occurrences that happened to Vlad, although not being condoned, would be understandable what with the incredible tenseness he was under and the responsibility of all the people of his kingdom. I guess one might say that he was put between the proverbial 'rock and a hard place'. The main problem I had with this was the fact that when the Turks attacked Vlad and his kingdom, they would invariably attack either when it was overcast or in the evening--hardly ever in the day. Why is this? Well, there certainly wouldn't be much of a film if they didn't, since vampires cannot tolerate sunlight. Raybans anyone?
If you're a Dracula 'groupie' you'll love this, especially it being its beginnings, but even if not, the premise of this will still keep your attention, not to mention it has some nifty visual effects predominantly designed by Framestore that will knock your socks off.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: PG-13 92mins.
We've seen several films which include estranged families: "August: Osage County", "Blue Jasmine" and the most recent "This is Where I Leave You". These we're incredibly well acted movies. So when "The Judge" came along, considering the consummate cast involved, I just felt this was going to be, yet another gem to add to that delicious list. and what I received was definitely what I was hoping for.
Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is a big city lawyer who, after hearing of his mother's passing, reluctantly returns to his childhood home in small town, Carlinsville, In., where his estranged father, Joseph (Robert Duvall) still resides. After the funeral, Hank and his older brother, Glen (Vincent D'Onofrio) realize that their dad's car has been freshly damaged, and soon confront him, only with Joseph not fully realizing the details when he went to the nearby mini-mart. Subsequently Joseph becomes a suspect after the police find a body on the highway, and of which the blood matches the blood on Joseph's car. Hank sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with, not only his father, but his brothers, Dale (Jeremy Strong) also included as well. As Hank stays and becomes his father's counsel, he realizes that maybe, just maybe, that he should've thought more about leaving his family years before, but not without going through some intense situations with his father.
Others to round out the cast are Vera Farmiga as Samantha Powell, an old girlfriend, Billy Bob Thornton as Dwight Dickham, the prosecuting attorney, Dax Shepard as C.P. Kennedy, an attorney, Leighton Meester as Carla Powell, Ken Howard as Judge Warren, Emma Tremblay as Lauren Palmer, Hank's daughter, Balthazar Getty as Deputy Hanson, David Krumholtz as Mike Kattan, Grace Zabriskie as Mrs. Blackwell, Denis O'Hare as Doc Morris, Sarah Lancaster as Lisa Palmer, Hank's estranged wife, Lonnie Farmer as Gus the Baliff and Matt Riedy as Sheriff White.
Interestingly, this was directed by a comedy director, and while this is a comedy, it's more of a dramedy (emphasis on the drama part). While David Dobkin ("52nd St. Serenade" '92, "Clay Pigeons" '98, "Shanghai Knights" '03, "Wedding Crashers" '05, "Fred Claus" '07, "The Change-Up" '11) at least directed fairly good comedies, it surprises me that he would be able to see this film, fraught with poignancy, pathos and concern, in any other way than zany or nutty, however this guy actually pulled it off. It was equally well written by Nick Schenk and Bill Dubuque based on a story by Dobkin and Schenk. While there were few slightly choppy areas, that was made up much more in scenes between Downey Jr. and Duvall. Obviously these actors are effortless in their own unique style, but they absolutely shined in the way they were at such odds with each other. They basically were looking at each other's 'mirror' and didn't like what they saw, too much alike, if you will, and it was conveyed extremely well which was seen through these writers, but through these incredible actors as well. If it takes good old fashioned dysfunction to get fine acting and writing, bring on the dysfunction. The photography by Janusz Kaminski ("War Horse", "Lincoln") was crisp and consise, just as these characters emulated.
I don't know about you, but I would much rather see a film that is comedic with talent than a silly comedy with mediocre talent any day of the week, because at the end of the day, my bet would be that I would feel so-o far better when I left the multiplex, and isn't that an important ingredient?
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 141mins.
We've all seen disaster films and inspirational films as well, but have you seen a film that is both disaster and inspirational? Interestingly, we have this combination in the form of "Left Behind".
One of the most important events in the history of mankind is happening right now. In the blink of an eye, the biblical Rapture, or to be caught up, strikes the world. Millions of people disappear without a trace. All that remains are their clothes and belongings, and in an instant, terror, chaos and pandemonium spread around the world. The vanishings cause unmanned vehicles to crash and burn. Planes fall from the sky. Emergency forces everywhere are devastated. Gridlock, riots and lootings overrun the cities. There is no one to help or provide answers. In a moment, the entire planet is plunged into darkness.
This story centers on Ray Steele (Nicolas Cage), a commercial pilot who, on his birthday, decides to pull an extra shift and do a flight only to end up leaving his daughter, Chloe (Cassi Thomson), coming to surprise him, at the airport. While she's there she ends up meeting well known investigative reporter, Buck Williams (Chad Michael Murray) whom happens to be booked on her dad's flight. Later, while Chloe and her young brother Raymie (Major Dodson) are at the mall, she goes to hug him and he suddenly vanishes. Chaos ensues from this point leaving all to wonder what in the world is going on.
Others to round out the cast are Lea Thompson as Irene Steele, Ray's wife, Nicky Whelan as Hattie Durham, a flight attendant, Gary Grubbs as Dennis, Martin Klebba as Melvin Weir, Jordan Sparks as Shasta Carvell, Stephanie Honore as Kimmy, another flight attendant, Quinton Aaron as Simon, Alec Rayme as Hassid, Han Soto as Edwin. Lance E. Nichols as Pastor Bruce Barnes and Kamryn Johnson as Katie.
Believe it or not, this film was directed by a stunt coordinator--Vic Armstrong ("Army of One" '93). Whether it be doing stunts or coordinator, he has been involved in 117 films. Wow! So, how does this make one a director? Being involved in coordinating stunts and working along side of one director after another will definitely rub off, especially if one is interested in soaking up as much knowledge as possible. This was written by Paul Lalonde and John Patus based on the novel by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. These guys basically wrote a novel and script using biblical scripture as its base source. The film uses the scripture: Mark 13:32 (But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.) There are others scriptures as well, but suffice it to say, these guys are definitely driving home a point. It is an effective story giving you a glimpse of what happens to those that are left behind, and allowing us to meditate over this event.
As both an inspirational and disaster film, this gives all something to gnaw on. With this event apparently coming soon, should those who definitely don't know where they stand with the Lord turn and change or do they, too, want to be left behind. Think about it.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 110mins.
When I saw the first trailer of "Gone Girl", I started yawning, because I just ascertained that this was going to be another Scott and Lacy Peterson ,'wife gone missing and husband is soon suspected of foul play' type of film. The main reason I was motivated to see this was for Affleck's acting. He's typically a hit and miss, however from the trailer, he looked like he was going to give a riveting performance which he did. After watching this film, I truly got much more than I bargained for.
On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) after entering his home one morning, soon reports that his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police, namely Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens) and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? Or did he not due to some weird twists in this outlandish story?
Others to round the cast are Neil Patrick Harris as Desi Collings, longtime friend of Amy's, Tyler Perry as Tanner Bolt, Nick's attorney, Carrie Coon as Margo Dunne, Nick's twin sister, Patrick Fugit as Officer Jim Gilpin, David Clennon as Rand Elliott, Amy's father, Lisa Banes as Marybeth Elliott, Amy's mother, Missi Pyle as Ellen Abbott, Emily Ratajkowski as Andie Hardy, Lola Kirke as Greta, Boyd Holbrook as Jeff, Scoot McNairy as Tommy O'Hara, Sela Ward as Sharon Schieber and Leonard Kelly-Young as Bill Dunne, Nick's father.
This was brilliantly directed by David Fincher ("The Beat of the Live Drum" (Documentary) '85, "Alien 3" '92, "Se7en" '95, "The Game" '97, "Fight Club" '99, "Panic Room" '02, "Zodiac" '07, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" '08, "The Social Network" '10, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" '11). This guy has a true gift in being able to extract that certain intensity out of his actors so it's almost as if you're looking at real people and not actors at work. He has proved this time and again: "Fight Club" and "Se7en" in particular. Now the real question is: Where did the writer, Gillian Flynn come from? Wow, even though this was based on her novel of the same name, her experience in screenwriting is quite limited. Most novelists can't write themselves out of a wet paper bag, however this IS the exception. There is more work she is working on, and no doubt we will be seeing her name more than once in the very near future. I'll tell you, this script simply flowed like water from one scene to the next, and it could've been easily convoluded, because there was a bit of back-tracking here to lead us to the ultimate climax, and what a climax! This has many one, two punches in it that you do NOT see coming, so beware.
What can I say but that what I perceived as an ordinary plot/storyline was truly one well crafted American film that has possible Oscar nods come that time. If a good story, fine acting, directing and writing is your thing, look no farther--this has it all in spades!
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 149mins.
Usually the genre of romantic dramas are fraught with sentimentality, mushiness and characters that have mediocre chemistry from first frame to last, but every time I see a romantic drama that is based on a Nicholas Sparks' novel, it is a well delineated story with interesting characters that actually connect. Wow, what a concept! And "The Best of Me" is one of those dramas that is set apart from the usual fare we see all too often.
