Once in a while we are offered a children's story in a film version and we become the victors of it. All the way back to "Snow White", then later seeing the wonderful "Matilda" were amazing film versions of the stories. Now we have "Paddington" to add to that ever growing list.
Beloved bear Paddington gets the big screen treatment in this family film adapted from Michael Bond's enduring children's book series. As the story opens, Peruvian bear Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) leaves the Peruvian forests and makes his way to London, where he gets lost until he meets the benevolent Brown family-- Henry (Hugh Bonneville), his wife Mary (Sally Hawkins), and their children, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin). Meanwhile, as the curious bear settles into his new life of domestic bliss, a scheming museum taxidermist, Millicent (Nicole Kidman) realizes the rarity of this bear and embarks on a personal mission to capture him and get him stuffed and mounted. Can the Brown family save Paddington before Millicent gets her clutches on the bear in time?
Others to round out the cast are Jim Broadbent as Mr. Gruber, an antique dealer, Michael Gambon as Uncle Pastuzo, Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy, Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird, who lives with the Browns, Peter Capaldi as Mr. Curry, a neighbor of the Browns, Matt Lucas as Joe, Tim Downie as Mongomery Clyde and Geoffrey Palmer as Head Geographer.
This was whimsically directed by Paul King ("Under One Roof" (TV movie) '07, "Bunny and the Bull" '09, "The Pajama Men: Last Stand to Reason" (TV movie) '11) plus other TV. Even though this was a live action film, it was presented in a feel of being animated, because of how this director was able to exact that certain emotion and feeling these actors exuded. Plus the production design and costumes exuded that animated feel due to the bright colors used and how they conveyed the look needed. It was also written by King based on a screen story by Hamish McColl and King which is based on the character "Paddington Bear" by Bond as mentioned above. What a great story! This script and storyline were written as fluid as water flowing, so keeping up with this story was virtually effortless. The cast was excellent, especially Broadbent and Kidman. The more the villainous Millicent (Kidman) hammed it up the funnier it was, which tells me that she must've had a hoot portraying this character. All the characters were definitely over-the-top, but this is based on a children's story, and why didn't the different people seem more disturbed to the fact that the bear spoke, but again, this is based on a children's story which is fantasy. This was so well executed that I'd love to see another 'Paddington' film with another storyline--the sky's the limit.
If you're in the mood to see something that's purely entertaining, visually stunning, with a great story and cast, this is the film for you. Because at the end of the day, this 'ride' will leave you smiling well beyond exiting the multiplex.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 95mins.
As we've seen many war films throughout the decades, there aren't many that dissect a character that goes on many tours of duty whereas we see this man deteriorate as much as we do in "American Sniper". And the changes are subtly conveyed where you, the audience, may wonder, at times, if this guy is really going through PTSD at all. Unlike other war films where the changes are usually more obvious, the psychological aspects of this guy aren't so plainly seen.
Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) was nothing more than a Texan man who wanted nothing more than to become a cowboy, but as he approached thirty, he found out that maybe his life needed something different, something where he could express his real talent, something that could help America in its fight against terrorism. So he joined the SEALs in order to become a sniper, and he eventually learned to be a sniper so well that he had pinpoint accuracy and subsequently became a legend--anyone who knew him well called him Legend.
After marrying his girlfriend, Taya (Sienna Miller), Kyle and his fellow members of the team are called for their first tour of Iraq. Kyle's struggle isn't with his missions, especially since he was instrumental in saving countless lives on the battlefield, but rather is about his relationship with the reality of the war--not being able to leave the war behind, and, once finally returning home, how he manages to handle it with his urban wife and kids.
Others to round out the cast are Luke Grimes as Marc Lee, one of his buddies on the battlefield, Jake McDorman as Biggles, another buddy, Keir O'Donnell as Jeff Kyle, Chris' brother, Kyle Gallner as Goat-Winston, Ben Reed as Wayne Kyle, Chris' Father, Elise Robertson as Debby Kyle, Chris' Mother, Cory Hardrict as Dandridge, Kevin Lacz as Dauber, Eric Ladin as Squirrel, Sammy Sheik as Mustafa, Tim Griffin as Colonel Gronski and Luis Jose Lopez as Sanchez.
This was directed by the incomparable Clint Eastwood ("Play Misty for Me" '71, "High Plains Drifter" '73, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" '76, "Bronco Billy" '80, "Firefox" '82, "Sudden Impact" '83, "Pale Rider" '85, "Bird" '88, "The Rookie" '90, "Unforgiven" '92, "A Perfect World" '93, "True Crime" '99, "Space Cowboys" 2000, "Mystic River" '03, "Million Dollar Baby" '04, "Flags of Our Fathers" '06, "Letters from Iwo Jima" '06, "Changeling" '08, "Gran Torino" '08, "Invictus" '09, "J. Edgar" '11, "Jersey Boys" '14) plus others. Eastwood is an incredibly accomplished director, but this has got to be one of his best productions in years. The nuances in Cooper's characterization of Kyle was delineated so well--he didn't speak a lot, but his expressions, certain tonalities in his voice spoke volumes. It was written by Jason Hall based on the book by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. Part of the film was done as a flashback which became integral in setting the tone of intensity of this film, and the way this writer then carried the script from that point was pure genius. As I mentioned prior about the tonality, Tim Monich was Dialect Coach on this and the way he was able to get Cooper to convey that Texan accent, with all the nuances and subtleties, was amazing. Hey, this was the same dialect coach that trained Leonardo DiCaprio in "Blood Diamond" to achieve that South African dialect. And Cooper himself gave a riveting performance of this guy who served four tours in Iraq while those tours were slowly destroying him. It's no wonder that the film and Cooper were both nominated for Oscars. This could be Cooper's year.
Clearly, this is an extremely sobering film, and with that it is a film that many should see. I don't say all, because it does get gritty and very intense and some may have a problem with these aspects. Otherwise, this is a movie where we can learn a good deal about fear, cunningness, redemption and salvation.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 132mins.
Before I see any of the "Taken" franchise films, I always expect them to be hackneyed and extremely predictable. Then afterwards, they always exceed beyond my expectations in being slickly and interestingly creative and well played out. Well, it happened again with "Taken 3".
Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose long awaited reconciliation with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the lam to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. One particular detective, Franck Dotzler (Forest Whitaker) attempts to keep one step ahead of Mills but consistently fails, however has extreme respect for his 'ghost' abilities. For one last time, Mills must use his "particular set of skills" to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now-- his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace).
Others to round out the cast are Dougray Scott as Stuart St. John, Lenore's husband, Sam Spruell as Oleg Matankov, Leland Orser as Sam, one of Mills' assistants, Jon Cries as Casey, Don Harvey as Garcia, Dylan Bruno as Smith, Judi Beecher as Claire, Al Sapienza as Detective Johnson and Andrew Howard as Maxim.
This was directed with just the right amount of grit and intensity by Olivier Megaton ("Exit" 2000, "La sirene rouge" '02, "Transporter 3" '08, "Colombiana" '11, "Taken 2" '12). By his very resume, this guy knows action and intensity, so he was definitely in his element. At least he understands his limitations and sticks to what he does best as apposed to others that go out on that limb and fall flat. It was slickly written by Luc Besson ("Wasabi" '01, "The Transporter" '02, "Fanfan" '03, "Transporter 2" '05, "Angel-A" '05, "Taken" '08, "Transporter 3" '08, "Colombiana" '11, "Taken 2" '12, "The Family" '13, "3 Days to Kill" '14, "Brick Mansions" '14, "Lucy" '14) and Robert Mark Kamen ("Taps" '81, "The Karate Kid" '84, "Gladiator" '92, "Lethal Weapon 3" '92, "A Walk in the Clouds" '93, "The Fifth Element" '97, "The Transporter" '02, "Transporter 2" '05, "Taken" '08, "Transporter 3" '08, "Colombiana" '11, "Taken 2" '12). These two writers have collaborated on many films and excel well with this combination. They stick together, because as the old adage goes: "if it ain't broke, why fix it?" This was so slickly written and with the different twists and turns, it will keep you glued to that seat from minute one to last. With the exception of a couple of very small choppy areas in script, this was spot on!
Mind you, this is certainly not Oscar material, but if you want a solid, action-packed film with plenty of twists, this is one flick that will fulfill all of those adjectives and then some.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 109mins.
I have to say that of the plethora of films 'based on a true story' one of the best I've seen is that of "Selma". Many stories out there, important and significant as they were, seemed to pale in comparison as this story that changed history forever. Question: would Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. be as proud of this retelling of his efforts as we should be?
This unforgettable true story chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery crossing the Edmund Pettus bridge culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. This film starts with segregation becoming unlawful and it tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary, Dr. King Jr., his wife, Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
Others to round out the cast are Giovanni Ribisi as Lee White, President Johnson's advisor, Lorraine Toussaint as Amelia Boynton, Andre Holland as Andrew Young, Stephan James as John Lewis, Trai Byers as James Forman, Oprah Winfrey as Annie Lee Cooper, Tim Roth as Gov. George Wallace, Tessa Thompson as Diane Nash, assistant to King, Dylan Baker as J. Edgar Hoover, Ledisi Young as Mahalia Jackson, Keith Stanfield as Jimmie Lee Jackson, Henry G. Sanders as Cager Lee, Stan Houston as Sheriff Jim Clark and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Fred Gray.
This was incredibly directed with stark reality and true pathos by Ava DuVernay ("This Is the Life" (Documentary) '08, "I Will Follow" '10, "Middle of Nowhere" '12) plus TV. She doesn't have a tremendous amount of directing experience under her belt, but she will assuredly receive more work in the very near future. It was equally well written by Paul Webb who has no other experience at all which is very difficult to swallow due to the shear talent of this man. Both DuVernay and Webb will undoubtedly receive Oscar nods as will Oyelowo as Dr. King Jr. His performance was near perfection, and he even looked uncannily like King himself. Another jewel to the crown in this production is that of cinematographer Bradford Young ("Mother of George" '13, "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" '13, "Vara: A Blessing" '13, "Pawn Sacrifice" '14, A Most Violent Year" '14). He is a photographer that has a bright future ahead, because this and "Ain't Them Bodies Saints were both shot beautifully and this could receive a nod also come Oscar time.
Certainly if you were moved by "12 Years a Slave" or "The Butler", this will move you as well. In fact, as with "Lincoln", this will be shown in schools in the future as a history lesson, because this is a film all should see to remind us that all are equal and no one is better than anyone else.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 128mins.
Could it be? COULD IT BE?!-- a film NOT based on a true story? Nah, it couldn't be-- but it is! Don't get me wrong, I love films based on real events/people as much as the next person, but when I decided to go see "Whiplash", I was super ready for some pure entertaining fiction. Now, this film was released a bit ago, but I truly wanted to see it, if for no other reason, than the cat and mouse concept it houses.
Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Jim (Paul Reiser), Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor equally known of his teaching talents as for his tyrannical methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-- and his sanity. Who is the most controlling and with this, which one will give in first?
Others to round out the cast are Melissa Benoist as Nicole, Austin Stowell as Ryan, a fellow drummer, Nate Lang as Tanner, another fellow drummer, Damon Gupton as Mr. Kramer, Chris Mulkey as Uncle Frank, Suanne Spoke as Aunt Emma, Charlie Ian as Dustin, Jayson Blair as Travis and C.J. Vana as Metz.
This was written and directed with such precision and complexity by a relative newcomer, Damien Chazelle ("Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" '09, "Grand Piano" (written only) '13). This has got to be one of the best 'cat and mouse' films I have seen to date. Even though it seems like young Andrew is being mentally abused, and he was, there comes a place where the tables are reversed. So it basically comes down to: who's the good guy and who's the bad guy? I found my self routing for Andrew and booing Fletcher, then slowly I am forced to reassess my beliefs and then end up changing my mind. Is Fletcher tyrannical because he's trying to push Andrew, because Fletcher does see potential greatness, or is just being a controlling, insecure prick? Is Andrew really sincere, or does he not care who he hurts to become the great drummer he's attaining to be? All good and interesting questions. Both Simmons and Teller shine in this--some of the best work they've done, however, at the end of the day, it's actually Chazelle who deserves a good deal of credit where credit is due.
Truly, one has got to be in the mood to see this, because by films' end it simply drains you, but if you're looking to find a movie that challenges your mind processes, look no further-- this is the film for you.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 107mins.
In recent years, there have been times that I would've purposely looked for a film to review that is based in pure fiction at its finest, however with all the films of late that are based on a true story and/or person, the fictional pickings have been more difficult to find. I know that "The Imitation Game" is based on a true story, but just from seeing the trailer on this, I had to see it and I'm a better person for it.
Cryptanalyst, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a pioneer of computers, led a group of mathematicians, namely Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode), John Cairncross (Allen Leech), and Peter Hilton (Matthew Beard) at the Government Code and Cypher School in Bletchley Park, England to crack the codes of Germany's WWII Enigma machine. A genius under nail-biting pressure helped to save millions of lives and in 1952 was ultimately charged and convicted for the crime of homosexuality. This story was mostly told as a flashback toward the arresting Detective Robert Nock (Rory Kinnear) while he was questioning Turing.
Others to round out the cast are Charles Dance as Commander Denniston, Mark Strong as Stewart Menzies, James Northcote as Jack Good, Tom Goodman-Hill as Sergeant Staehl and Steven Waddington as Superintendent Smith.
This was brilliantly directed with such pathos and passion by Morten Tyldum ("Buddy" '03, "Fallen Angels" '08, "Headhunters" '11). Even though I realize the expertise of Cumberbatch's ability to act, the way Tyldum was able to emit such passion out of his character as Turing was near perfection. I was moved tremendously by this man's commitment and passion to breaking this code. It was equally well written by Graham Moore based on the book, "Alan Turing: The Enigma" by Andrew Hodges. Going from one time period to another--1952 to early 1940s and back again without losing its audience can be difficult to execute, but Moore did so effortlessly. Considering that this is his first screenplay for a feature film makes his writing that much more accomplished. This guy WILL receive more work if he hasn't already. And what can I say about Cumberbatch? This near perfect performance simply says it all. He's an accomplished actor, but he absolutely shined in this-- no wonder he's garnered a Golden Globe nomination. He will definitely receive an Oscar nomination as well.
If one is a history buff, you will feel like you're in heaven, however even if history isn't necessarily your thing, the story, acting, directing and writing will certainly hold your attention during the movie and keep one thoughtful well after the credits end.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 114mins.
We've seen a plethora of film re-makes in our past: "The Planet of the Apes", "I Am Legend", "The Out-of-Towners", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", etc. The list is endless, so it's not difficult to believe that yet another re-make is in the offing. The interesting thing is, why "The Gambler"? This was not a great original film, so how could it ever be a good re-make? Good questions all.
Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is a risk taker. Both an English Lit professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster, Neville Baraka (Michael Kennedy Williams), and offers his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring, Mister Lee (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother, Roberta (Jessica Lange) in wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett's future. As his relationship with a student, Amy Phillips (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance...
Others to round out the cast are Anthony Kelley as Lamar Allen, Emory Cohen as Dexter, George Kennedy as Ed, Richard Schiff as Jeweler, Andre Braugher as Dean Fuller, and Lauren Weedman as Banker.
This was directed with intensity and grit by director, Rupert Wyatt ("Subterrain" '01, "The Escapist" '08, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" '11). In this, Wahlberg teeters between playing a 'regular Joe' and a calculating gambler, which says a lot for Wyatt and Wahlberg in the pacing and the way Wahlberg changed like a chameleon from scene to scene. It was effectively written by William Monahan ("The Departed" '06, "Body of Lies" '08, "Edge of Darkness" '10) based on the 1974 film by James Toback. The original was definitely not as effective as this re-make in that the metamorphosis in character was much more distinct in this version. James Caan played Bennett in the 1974 version, and even though Caan is an achieved actor, Wahlberg just gave it that spin it needed so as to be as fresh as it could be. Mine you, this wasn't a great film, but a film with more promise than its predecessor. There were a few choppy areas, but not enough to take away from this, and Wahlberg certainly gave it the punch it needed.
As I've stated in prior reviews, Wahlberg gets better with every film he does, and this film is no exception, so when watching this, it's more Wahlberg one is looking at instead of the story line. You be the judge.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 111mins.
