"What Lies Beneath", "Fatal Attraction", "Gone Girl", "Primal Fear". Other than these films were all very intense, what else did they have in common? They all had endings that you just didn't see coming, and in spades! These type of films can be good, but also can appear to be bad. Sometimes it's nice to have plots spelled out for us so we aren't forced to think much, however I believe these formatted films are boring and uninteresting, if for no other reason than that of the element of lack of surprise. Well, if you are looking for the shocker impact, look no more, for it now comes in the package of "Secret in Their Eyes".
A tight-knit team of rising investigators-- Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman) is suddenly torn apart when they discover that Jess's teenage daughter, Carolyn (Zoe Graham) has been brutally and inexplicably murdered. Now, thirteen years later, after obsessively searching every day for the elusive killer, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure to his team. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking, unspeakable secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul.
This was intensely well directed by Billy Ray ("Shattered Glass" '03, "Breach" '07), in that this filmmaker has an incredible ability to force his characters to walk on eggs to bring home that intense, walking-the-tightrope feel to his projects, He hasn't directed a lot, but what he has done is has carefully chosen so as showcase these developed characters to the max. It was also extremely well written by Ray ("Volcano" '97, "Hart's War" '02, "Shattered Glass" '03, "Flightplan" '05, "Breach" '07, "The Hunger Games" '12, "Captain Phillips" '13) plus others. This film was based on the film, "El secreto de sus ojos" by Juan Jose Campanella and Eduardo Sacheri. Where Ray actually excels is writing screenplays, and as one can see by his resume, he is quite the veteran. Other than a couple of small places of slowness, this storyline will have you riveted. The film works off the format of going from the year, 2002, when Jess's daughter was killed to 13 years later when, after exhaustive research, Ray wants to reopen the case. Then the script goes back again, and this could easily be convoluted by any seasoned, well-honed writer, but Billy Ray took this and ran with it to give us a story that will have you biting your nails. And what can I say about Julia Roberts. This has got to be the best performance by her since "Erin Brockovich" 2000. She didn't just play a grieving mother-- the nuances she conveyed in her character were extremely life-like and realistic. She might be considered come Oscar time as could Ray for writing.
I actually love films where I don't see the twists and turns, which this has several, because the surprise element is like the cherry on top of the sundae. However, if you want everything stamped out for you, then this is probably a film that won't suit you. But hey, give it a try-- these types of films can jolt one in a way that you'll leave the multiplex remembering this for a while later.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 111mins.
We've seen many films in which they center the film around wrongs being made right. The list is endless: "The Color Purple", "The Ghosts of Mississippi", "A Time to Kill", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "The Butler", "Selma", "12 Years a Slave", plus many others too numerous to name. In a time of so much racial tension, which is a problem, there are certainly other stories that showcase suppression in our history and one story is in the form of "Suffragette".
London 1912. This drama tracks the story of the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. These women, including Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan), Edith Ellyn (Helena Bonham Carter), Emily Davison (Natalie Press) and Violet Miller (Anne-Marie Duff), were not primarily from the genteel educated classes, they were working women who had seen peaceful protest achieve nothing. Radicalized and turning to violence as the only route to change, they were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality-- their right to vote, their jobs, their homes, their children and their lives. Maud was one such foot soldier. The story of her fight for dignity is as gripping and visceral as any thriller, it is also heart-breaking and inspirational. This story based on true events also begins after a four decades fight for their rights with nothing at this point to show for it.
Others to round out the cast are Ben Whishaw as Sonny Watts, Maud's husband, Meryl Streep as Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of this movement, Romola Garai as Alice Haughton, Brendan Gleeson as Inspector Arthur Steed, Morgan Watkins as Detective Malcolm Walsop, Finbar Lynch as Hugh Ellyn, Edith's husband, Geoff Bell as Norman Taylor and Adam Michael Todd as George Watts, Maud and Sonny's son.
This was incredibly and painstakingly well directed by Sarah Gavron ("This Little Life" (TV movie) '03, "Brick Lane" '07, "Village at the End of the World" (Documentary) '12) plus others. For a director who doesn't have as much experience as this film shows, she is phenomenal. These actors exuded just the right amount of emotion at the exact time that was needed, and sure, these are proven actors, however this clearly showcases the talent of the one directing them. This was equally well written by the incomparable Abi Morgan ("Brick Lane" '07, "Royal Wedding" (TV movie) '10, "Shame" '11, "The Iron Lady" '11, "The Invisible Woman" '13). Truly this writer hasn't got a huge amount of experience, but the experience that's presented is without question some of the finest screenplays in recent filmdom. "The Iron Lady" with Meryl Streep was phenomenal! This writer has to be in great demand in Hollywood today and will, undoubtedly be nominated come Oscar time.
What can I say, the writing, directing and acting was simply amazing, as was the production values. This film obviously has a lot to say, and with this, is a film all should see and experience. We take so much for granted today, and think we have it so hard. Watch this and then turn to an older woman and hug her and say thank-you for what your generation sacrificed for our freedoms.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 106mins.
Ever since the disaster film craze back in the 70's about subjects based on fiction or fact, audiences, as well as Hollywood has had a fascination with genre. Whether it be "Airport" based on Arthur Hailey's novel, or "The Poseidon Adventure", "The Hindenburg", "Earthquake", the recent, "San Andreas", even "Everest", we are constantly rooting for all to reach safety. So, when "The 33" came along, the obvious choice was to go and see how these miners made it through that horrendous ordeal.
Based on the real-life event in August 2010, the eyes of the world were eventually turned to Chile, where 33 miners had been buried alive by a catastrophic explosion and collapse of a 100-year-old gold and copper mine being confined in the mine for 69 days.
It was like any other day, and all of a sudden, the mine collapsed encapsulating miners, Mario Sepuveda (Antonio Banderas), Don Lucho (Lou Diamond Phillips), Alex Vega (Mario Casas), Edison Pena (Jacob Vargas), Dario Segovia (Juan Pablo Raba), and others. Only after a huge uproar from the families outside the mine including Maria Segovia (Juliette Binoche), Dario's sister, did the authorities, including the minister of mines, Laurence Golborne (Rodrigo Santoro) actually decide to seriously respond. This is the heroic story of how all pitched in, (inside and outside the mine), which makes this all the more inspirational.
Others to round out the cast are James Brolin as Jeff Hart, Oscar Nunez as Yonni Barrios, Tenoch Huerta as Carlos Mamani, Marco Trevino as Jose Henriquez, Elisabeth De Razzo as Susana Sepulveda, Mario's wife, Bob Gunton as President Pinera and Gabriel Byrne as Andre Sougarret, the leading engineer.
Interestingly, this was directed by someone who usually doesn't direct this particular intense genre, but helmed it with pathos and passion, something missing in certain films today. This director, Patricia Riggen ("Under the Same Moon" '07, "Lemonade Mouth" (TV movie) '11, "Girl in Progress" '12) is certainly a filmmaker to contend with and will undoubtedly receive more work. This story was equally retold by writers Mikko Alanne, Craig Borten and Michael Thomas based on the screen story by Jose Rivera, which is based on the book "Deep Down Dark" by Hector Tobar. Even with a fair number of writers on this production, the storyline flowed amazingly well. Other than a couple of very small areas of choppiness, this script was cohesive and easy to follow. The subject matter made perfect fodder for any seasoned writer, because there was so much drama involved in this story to be able to interweave an interesting storyline in order to capture any audience out there.
If you're a person that really gets into seeing how people get out of an amazing and dangerous situation, as most people do, then this film will make you get up and cheer for these guys. And that is just what we need to give us, the audience, that proverbial shot in the arm.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 128mins.
After reviewing the last two heavy-laden message films, I felt the need to go see a totally comedic and fluffy film in which to escape into and sit back and relax. Hey, even we critics need to have it easy ever so often. So I felt that "Love the Coopers" would be that vehicle to get in to, considering it's about family dysfunction at its finest.
When four generations of the Coopers clan come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.
First, there is Sam and Charlotte Cooper (John Goodman and Diane Keaton), married for 40 years who, at this time in their life, hardly know one another. Next, their son, Hank (Ed Helms), who is trying entirely too hard to land a job right before Christmas so his family will think better of him, falls flat on his face. Next, the dad of Charlotte, Bucky's (Alan Arkin), one enjoyment is going to the same coffee shop and having his server, Ruby (Amanda Seyfried) waiting on him so he can enjoy her company to stave off his loneliness. Then there is Emma (Marisa Tomei) who has constantly been in competition her older sister, Charlotte, and continues to be this way. Then there's Eleanor (Olivia Wilde), who feels as the outsider daughter of the aforementioned parents, who inadvertently asks a total stranger, Joe (Luke Lacy) at the airport to pose as her boyfriend, so she doesn't have to face her mom, Charlotte. Then there's Sam's Aunt Fishy (June Squibb) who comes to the house from her nursing home dementia and all. And the kids involved have their own separate issues. All of this makes for quite the mixed bag indeed.
Others to round out the cast are Anthony Mackie as Officer Williams, Alex Borstein as Angie, Hank's ex-wife, Maxwell Simkins as Bo, Timothee Chalamet as Charlie, Blake Baumgartner as Madison and Lev Pakman as Schnozzle.
This was effectively directed by Jessie Nelson ("Corrina, Corrina" '94, "I Am Sam" '01), and considering most of his creativity is writing and his times as director have been few a far between, it's amazing that the pacing and staging of this production was as clean as it was. Where this film basically takes a dive is with the writer, Steven Rogers ("Hope Floats" '98, "Stepmom" '98, "Earthly Possessions" (TV movie) '99, "Kate & Leopold" '01, "P.S. I Love You" '07). First of all, this vehicle isn't the typical fare this writer has executed before, and secondly, this plot is formulaic and contrived--basically has been done a ton of times before. When we've seen films like, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" '83, "The Santa Clause" '94, "Home for the Holidays" '95, "Jingle All the Way" '96, "Christmas With the Kranks" '04, "The Family Stone" '05, "Fred Claus" '07 and the like, so many of these films have similar premises. These films, although once were funny, in time and being repeated, are a chore to laugh at. Even if there's dysfunction involved, as there is in this film, it could be written in a way that is fresher and cleaner to get your audience on the writer's side. Don't get me wrong, there were places of funny lines and situations--Jane Squibb as demented Aunt Fishy was simply a hoot, however, when it's all said and done, this script definitely need to be more cohesive and fresher.
If one is looking for something fluffy, easy to follow with a good ensemble cast, look no farther, "Love the Coopers" will certainly fit this bill. The question is: what possibly could Hollywood come up with next year? I cringe with wonderment.
Out of 4 Stars: 2 Rated: PG-13 108mins.
We've seen many message-orientated films in our past for reasons of teaching us something, depending on the subject matter, so we can take that information and either think about it or actually do something with it. Films are typically created to entertain us, but at times Hollywood has got to talk to us and their list screams this: "Silkwood", "Norma Rae", "Philadelphia", "Contagion", even the recent "Truth". Well, now in the offing, Hollywood is talking to us once again in the form of "Spotlight".
This film tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation, in 2001, that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world's oldest and most trusted institutions. When the new managing editor, Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) enlists the newspaper's tenacious "Spotlight" team of reporters including editor, Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), editor, Ben Bradlee Jr. (John Slattery), Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo) and Sacha Pfeifer (Rachel McAdams), to delve into allegations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. This is a tense investigative dramatic-thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest cover-ups in modern times.
Others to round out the cast are Brian d'Arcy James as Matt Carroll, Stanley Tucci as Mitchell Garabedian, Elena Wohl as Barbara, Billy Crudup as Eric Macleish, Jamey Sheridan as Jim Sullivan, Neal Huff as Phil Saviano, Duane Murray as Hansi Kalkofen, Michael Cyril Creighton as Joe Crowley, Len Cariou as Cardinal Law, Brian Chamberlain as Paul Burke, Paul Guilfoyle as Pete Conley and Doug Murray as Peter Canellos.
This was superbly directed by Tom McCarthy ("The Station Agent" '03, "The Visitor" '07, "Win Win" '11, "The Cobbler" '14). The best thing I can say for this filmmaker is that he tends to stick with independence films which I certainly can appreciate and respect. This, in my book, in the mark of a true artist since he obviously looks for projects he believes in, instead of going after the big commercial film for the money. The way he opted to develop his character personas was amazing, however when one has the ensemble cast as this has, makes it much easier to get his actors in character. It was equally well written by Josh Singer and McCarthy. McCarthy is the seasoned writer here, so by using Singer to help him, even though Singer has only two films to his credit, it is surprising this came out as well delineated as it was. The subject matter must have lent to being able to pull off this script, since most controversial subject matter is great fodder for an awesome storyline. There were a couple of slow places, albeit small, but slow, but is this is all I could find questionable this film succeeds on many levels.
This is a disturbing, intense film, so to see this for any other reason than to enjoy the acting, directing and writing, one would be hard-pressed. This could possibly be considered when Oscar season comes along, but until that time, this is a worthy watch.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 128mins.
Most often films are created to entertain us so we can escape into another place, time and situation in which we can just zone out, however there are times in which filmmakers and/or actors want to give us a message--something to learn and hopefully will produce a different way of thinking. We've seen many: "All the President's Men", "JFK", "John Q", "12 Years a Slave", "The Help", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Judgment at Nuremberg" "Schindler's List", to mention a handful. Well, "Truth" can be added to that exclusive list as to teach us once again.
This is the true story of The Killian Documents controversy (a.k.a. "Rathergate") in the days leading up to the 2004 presidential election. When veteran newscaster Dan Rather (Robert Redford) and CBS News head Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) choose to air a segment on 60 Minutes exposing how then president George W. Bush avoided being drafted in the Vietnam War through his father's political advantages, the resulting fallout ultimately costs them their jobs and reputations.
Mapes gets a tip from a new source, Lt. Col. Bill Burkett (Stacy Keach) who claims to possess these explosive documents proving, in fact, that Bush did receive preferential treatment in the National Guard to avoid service in Vietnam. With help from Mapes' team including Mike Smith (Topher Grace), Lt. Col. Roger Charles (Dennis Quaid), and Lucy Scott (Elisabeth Moss), they dig up the documents and other evidence and when presented to the American people, a whirlwind of controversy about their veracity pits all in a battle for their respective journalistic lives.
Others to round out the cast are Bruce Greenwood as Andrew Heywood, the then president of CBS News, John Benjamin Hickey as Mark Wrolstad, David Lyons as Josh Howard, Dermot Mulroney as Lawrence Lanpher, Rachael Blake as Betsy West, producer of CBS News, Andrew McFarlane as Dick Hibey, Natalie Saleeba as Mary Murphy, Noni Hazlehurst as Nicki Burkett, Bill's wife, Connor Burke as Robert Mapes, Mary's husband and Philip Quast as Ben Barnes.
This was surprisingly well directed by James Vanderbilt in that this is his directorial debut. He had to rely on his consummate actors, specifically Blanchett, Redford and Quaid in order to pull this off as well as he did. Of course, he could be a natural, but filmmaker's with this limited experience truly would reach out for assistance if they know what's good for them. He will go far. This was written well by Vanderbilt ("Darkness Falls" '03, "Basic" '03, "The Rundown" '03, "Zodiac" '07, "The Losers" '10, "The Amazing Sider-Man" '12, "White House Down" '13, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (screen story) '14). Part of the reason of his directing ability certainly could be of his writing ability, because one is already in the heads of the characters involved to realize what these actors need to do, so being an effective writer, in this situation certainly, became an asset. He knows a thing or two about what goes into a thriller, this being one, just by looking at his resume, so the final script was certainly polished enough to keep you on that proverbial seat. This is definitely a message film, replete with all the politics involved. Whether you're conservative or liberal, it is extremely easy to feel squirmy while watching this, because it brings out, healthily, pitfalls of both sides of the aisle.
Forewarned is fore-armed. This is not a film that just anyone can witness considering the 'politics' involved. This had me muttering under my breath in more than one scene, because as much as we want to avoid politics, the more we have a propensity to get caught in them. You be the judge.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 125mins.
"Bond, James Bond". This infamous line has been in all the Bond films since they've graced the silver screen back in 1962, and it works today just as effectively as it did back then. Ever since the Bond franchise went through a major overhaul back when "Casino Royale" was released, the audience draw has been better than ever. So, after we saw Judi Dench's character of M getting killed off in the last installment, there just had to be another film to follow, and they did with "Spectre".
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rouge mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organization known as SPECTRE headed by Blofeld (Christoph Waltz). Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh or C (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre of National Security, questions Bond's actions and challenges the relevance of MI6 led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis, Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot. As Bond ventures toward the heart of SPECTRE, he learns a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks.
Others to round out the cast are Dave Bautista as Hinx, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Alessandro Cremona as Marco Sciarra and Stephanie Sigman as Estrella.
This was directed by the incomparable Sam Mendes ("American Beauty" '99, "Road to Perdition" '02, "Jarhead" '05, "Revolutionary Road" '08, "Away We Go" '09, "Skyfall" '12). Although this was effectively directed with ease by Mendes, considering his resume, this and "Skyfall" had to be a walk in the park for this guy. Some of his other films were directed so well that the characters appeared as they were regular people that we were 'spying' on as they were living their lives, so this had to be a 'no brainer' for him. It was solidly written by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth based on a story by Logan, Purvis and Wade which is based on characters created by Ian Fleming. Considering this was written by four, count them, four writers, it was written far better than I ever dreamed. Usually, as a rule of thumb, if there is more than two writers, the script gets so bogged down, because of the 'too many hands in the pot' mentality, that the film suffers badly. This, other than a couple of slow places, actually kept one's attention. It starts out with great momentum, than soon it wanes a bit, then before you know, starts picking up again and then soars. Christoph Waltz is a hoot as the baddie as he is in most of his films.
For all you Bond fans out there, not to worry--there will be another Bond flick coming our way in the foreseeable future. Even if one is not hip on the plot, the visual effects predominantly designed by MPC (Moving Picture Company) were seamless as were the stunts. It's a great popcorn film in which to escape into and just have fun.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 148mins.
"What Lies Beneath", "Fatal Attraction", "Gone Girl", "Primal Fear". Other than these films were all very intense, what else did they have in common? They all had endings that you just didn't see coming, and in spades! These type of films can be good, but also can appear to be bad. Sometimes it's nice to have plots spelled out for us so we aren't forced to think much, however I believe these formatted films are boring and uninteresting, if for no other reason than that of the element of lack of surprise. Well, if you are looking for the shocker impact, look no more, for it now comes in the package of "Secret in Their Eyes".
