Well let's all climb back in the time machine and jet back to 1984, it's a remake of the old Patrick Swayze flick Red Dawn. This time it stars Chris Hemsworth. Should be noted it opened with a tremendous thud during a big box office holiday weekend.
Red Dawn is the story of a few young kids who join together and form a militia to battle the enemy, after the United States has been invaded and taken over by another country. This time it's North Korea, in conjunction with many other nations that have formed an evil coalition to destroy America. This version has been updated with more modern technology in the story and uses today's international troubles and perceptions to form the backdrop of this new movie.
Interestingly, at the movies start, they have actual news footage of President Obama, Vice-President Biden, and Secretary Of State Clinton talking about the modern day threats to America. So, movie-goers can reasonably deduct that the movie makers are saying that this invasion by modern enemies has taken place during their watch while in power. Although the movie goes no further than that, it is a bit surprising to see. There is no mention of these real life political players after they are seen on screen describing the real threats out there in the real world. And mentioning the enemy by name.
After the North Koreans invade the west coast, our "heroes" band together to fight back and try to take back our nation. There is not an American military for some reason, only these 10 kids with no heavy equipment, or airplanes or any real knowledge of how to fight. And they are up against the full fury of the Korean military, and guess what? They are successful.
This is just a bunch of silliness. Truth be told, there is not one really believable moment in this trash heap. It just looks more silly as the movie trudges on. This I think is supposed to be some kind of "Yeah!!!" movie, but it just doesn't work. At all. Each scene is more silly than the last, and at times becomes amazingly insulting to anyone over the age of say 15. That is probably about the age that would be the cut-off for anyone taking this seriously. The original was mediocre at best, and there was really no reason to dig this up and do it again. But sometimes the temptation is just too large, and the new and creative ideas are just too few and far between.
I guess if you have to take a break from your war video game in the basement and get out of the house to do something different, this may be your movie. But you will not be able to watch this in your underwear like you do in your basement while video-gaming.
Red Dawn - 2012. Please!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Life Of Pi
Ang Lee is an interesting film maker. He is going to again create quite a stir with this latest creation, Life Of Pi new this week. This is based on the incredibly successful book of the same name.
Lee has given us really diverse projects over the years. He seems to grab the ones that people say either can't be done, or will be amazingly hard to do. Sense And Sensibility, Brokeback Mountain, Hulk, and of course his jewel, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Life Of Pi was said to be way too hard to bring to the screen effectively, but it's very good.
LOP is the story of a young Indian boy, Pi who at a young age begins a very eclectic spiritual journey while living in India. He is Hindu, but he also studies Catholicism, as well as the Muslim faith. His family run a beautiful zoo in India, but when the political climate in India changes, he and his family are forced to leave India. They are going to try to start again in Canada.
They take the zoo animals and leave India aboard a Japanese freighter and set out across the Pacific. Then the giant ship goes down in a terrible storm. Pi is the lone human survivor in a steel lifeboat with a orangutan, a zebra, hyena and a full grown Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. They set out on a journey of survival for months in an attempt to be rescued. How on earth will they make it? And how is it even possible to live with these exotic animals and fierce carnivores?
Of course in the end this is far, far deeper than simply this. And there is plenty of symbolism and deep thought provoking moments in this movie that test Pi's multiple faith's and make you look at this story from many different angles. All in all this is a very powerful and interesting story. But the star of this movie is the actual movie making.
This is not some huge action-sequenced movie, although there are many compelling "actiony" scenes. This is very difficult movie making. All these animals, especially the tiger who is one of the main stars of this movie. Pi's interaction with Richard Parker The Tiger is extensive, and the main thrust of this movie. In what is certainly a mixture of real tigers, and animated it is extraordinary the chemistry that is developed between Pi and Parker. This movie I feel could only have been done this well by Lee, as somehow he finds a way to make it all look so easy.
Richard Parker The Tiger develops a real on screen personality, you get to know him, even though he is a top of the food chain killing carnivore. What Lee does visually with this tiger character is nothing short of amazing in scene after scene. Few film makers would have even taken this on. And the pressure was on too, as this is a great story from a hugely popular book.
This is a 2 hour visual feast and treat for movie goers in every regard. It's also a great piece of conversation over coffee when its over. The plot is certainly open to multiple interpretations. Daring and bold movie making that virtually anyone can see. Although even though it stars a young boy, some of this could be a bit too intense for real young movie goers. PG-13 seems apt here.
Life Of Pi. The star of this movie is the movie making. Much of this will be considered at Oscar time. Ang Lee, well, well done.
Lee has given us really diverse projects over the years. He seems to grab the ones that people say either can't be done, or will be amazingly hard to do. Sense And Sensibility, Brokeback Mountain, Hulk, and of course his jewel, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Life Of Pi was said to be way too hard to bring to the screen effectively, but it's very good.
LOP is the story of a young Indian boy, Pi who at a young age begins a very eclectic spiritual journey while living in India. He is Hindu, but he also studies Catholicism, as well as the Muslim faith. His family run a beautiful zoo in India, but when the political climate in India changes, he and his family are forced to leave India. They are going to try to start again in Canada.
They take the zoo animals and leave India aboard a Japanese freighter and set out across the Pacific. Then the giant ship goes down in a terrible storm. Pi is the lone human survivor in a steel lifeboat with a orangutan, a zebra, hyena and a full grown Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. They set out on a journey of survival for months in an attempt to be rescued. How on earth will they make it? And how is it even possible to live with these exotic animals and fierce carnivores?
Of course in the end this is far, far deeper than simply this. And there is plenty of symbolism and deep thought provoking moments in this movie that test Pi's multiple faith's and make you look at this story from many different angles. All in all this is a very powerful and interesting story. But the star of this movie is the actual movie making.
This is not some huge action-sequenced movie, although there are many compelling "actiony" scenes. This is very difficult movie making. All these animals, especially the tiger who is one of the main stars of this movie. Pi's interaction with Richard Parker The Tiger is extensive, and the main thrust of this movie. In what is certainly a mixture of real tigers, and animated it is extraordinary the chemistry that is developed between Pi and Parker. This movie I feel could only have been done this well by Lee, as somehow he finds a way to make it all look so easy.
Richard Parker The Tiger develops a real on screen personality, you get to know him, even though he is a top of the food chain killing carnivore. What Lee does visually with this tiger character is nothing short of amazing in scene after scene. Few film makers would have even taken this on. And the pressure was on too, as this is a great story from a hugely popular book.
This is a 2 hour visual feast and treat for movie goers in every regard. It's also a great piece of conversation over coffee when its over. The plot is certainly open to multiple interpretations. Daring and bold movie making that virtually anyone can see. Although even though it stars a young boy, some of this could be a bit too intense for real young movie goers. PG-13 seems apt here.
Life Of Pi. The star of this movie is the movie making. Much of this will be considered at Oscar time. Ang Lee, well, well done.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Silver Linings Playbook
I always like going to movies and see a story that you really have not seen before. And that is exactly what the new Bradley Cooper movie is. A previously untold story at the movies.
Silver Linings Playbook stars Cooper as a young man named Pat. Pat lives in Philadelphia and has just been released from a mental hospital in Baltimore. He has been trusted to the care of his parents. Pat has been living his whole life with an undiagnosed case of Bi-Polar disorder that finally overcame him when he found his young wife in the shower in their home with a co-worker. Pat went off and assaulted the man, and ended up in the mental hospital as a result of his actions.
Clearly, Pat has real problems. He has no filter between his brain and his words. He basically offends everyone with everything he says. He is reluctant to take his medications, and is staggering through his young adult life. He is unable to cope with any real conflict, and becomes his own worst enemy time after time. But he is incredibly intelligent, and has a plan for his life. As ill-advised as it may be.
Pat then meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). She is a young woman mourning the recent loss of her husband who was killed. She too has many mental issues to deal with, but when she and Pat meet there is some kind of strange chemistry. Although Pat is set on getting his wife back, he is torn about Tiffany. Tiffany is a creative type, who makes a deal with Pat to be the go-between with Pat, to his ex-wife. Pat has to enter a dance competition with her, in exchange for her help. Sound confusing? It's not, but there are a ton of side plots with SLP.
This is part tragedy, part romantic comedy, and part drama. But mostly what this is, is good. Cooper is sensational as the terribly conflicted Pat. Cooper continues to branch out and do different roles, and is quickly becoming Hollywood's most promising young male star. But this movie does not work without Lawrence. This entire project is about very mentally unstable people, with all of their baggage and quirks trying to fit in in the real world. The casting of the incredibly quirky Tiffany was crucial, and she is perfect.
Lawrence here is the amazing combination of strange beauty, off beat presence, and a deeply troubled young woman with a story to tell. Cast the wrong Tiffany, and this falls flat. She is the gasoline in the engine of this movie, and every scene she is in makes this a better movie. She is likable, vulnerable, all the while being believable and looking like someone you would know.
There is also a wonderful supporting cast led by Robert Dinero as Pat's OCD father, and Chris Tucker as one of Pat's friends from the mental hospital. Both are great, as is the rest of the cast. There's a lot of good in this movie, and it so far has skated a bit below the radar. This is very intense at times, and very funny at times. This is a very well written project that gladly takes you through a ton of emotions, and really makes you feel as you attempt to walk in our characters shoes. That is this movies beauty. You can't help but try hard to understand characters most of us can not possibly comprehend.
Silver Linings Playbook. Very well done. A must see.
Silver Linings Playbook stars Cooper as a young man named Pat. Pat lives in Philadelphia and has just been released from a mental hospital in Baltimore. He has been trusted to the care of his parents. Pat has been living his whole life with an undiagnosed case of Bi-Polar disorder that finally overcame him when he found his young wife in the shower in their home with a co-worker. Pat went off and assaulted the man, and ended up in the mental hospital as a result of his actions.
Clearly, Pat has real problems. He has no filter between his brain and his words. He basically offends everyone with everything he says. He is reluctant to take his medications, and is staggering through his young adult life. He is unable to cope with any real conflict, and becomes his own worst enemy time after time. But he is incredibly intelligent, and has a plan for his life. As ill-advised as it may be.
Pat then meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). She is a young woman mourning the recent loss of her husband who was killed. She too has many mental issues to deal with, but when she and Pat meet there is some kind of strange chemistry. Although Pat is set on getting his wife back, he is torn about Tiffany. Tiffany is a creative type, who makes a deal with Pat to be the go-between with Pat, to his ex-wife. Pat has to enter a dance competition with her, in exchange for her help. Sound confusing? It's not, but there are a ton of side plots with SLP.
This is part tragedy, part romantic comedy, and part drama. But mostly what this is, is good. Cooper is sensational as the terribly conflicted Pat. Cooper continues to branch out and do different roles, and is quickly becoming Hollywood's most promising young male star. But this movie does not work without Lawrence. This entire project is about very mentally unstable people, with all of their baggage and quirks trying to fit in in the real world. The casting of the incredibly quirky Tiffany was crucial, and she is perfect.
Lawrence here is the amazing combination of strange beauty, off beat presence, and a deeply troubled young woman with a story to tell. Cast the wrong Tiffany, and this falls flat. She is the gasoline in the engine of this movie, and every scene she is in makes this a better movie. She is likable, vulnerable, all the while being believable and looking like someone you would know.
There is also a wonderful supporting cast led by Robert Dinero as Pat's OCD father, and Chris Tucker as one of Pat's friends from the mental hospital. Both are great, as is the rest of the cast. There's a lot of good in this movie, and it so far has skated a bit below the radar. This is very intense at times, and very funny at times. This is a very well written project that gladly takes you through a ton of emotions, and really makes you feel as you attempt to walk in our characters shoes. That is this movies beauty. You can't help but try hard to understand characters most of us can not possibly comprehend.
Silver Linings Playbook. Very well done. A must see.
Monday, November 19, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Sessions
Every once in a long while a movie comes out that is so original that it takes the critical community by surprise. The Sessions, a very powerful and original drama is that movie.
First off. The Sessions is for about one in every 100 movie goers. It is not casual movie watching as it deals with weighty subjects and ones that are certain to make some squirm. It is a true story based on a man's essay from the 1980's about his sexual journey as an adult, after being terribly stricken and paralyzed as a young boy.
That man was Mark O'Brien (John Hawkes) who died in 1999 at the age of 49. O'Brien was struck down by polio and was left unable to move his total body from the neck down for virtually his entire life. He had to spend about 20 hours a day in an iron lung to survive. He can come out of it for a few hours at a time, but requires endless care 24 hours a day. His body can feel, he just has no muscle control at all.
He is a gifted poet, and writes beautiful sonnets with only the use of his mouth to type. He is also blessed with great insight, and snappy sense of humor that makes him very charming. He, at age 38, after consulting with his priest (William H. Macy) Mark decides he wants to have a physical love life, and takes the steps necessary to achieve that lofty goal. He researches and finds in San Francisco there are "sex surrogates." These are caring people that introduce handicapped people sex, and teach them what is needed to know later with a future partner. They are health care professionals that actually participate in lovemaking with the patient as best they can. But these sessions and this journey will not be easy.
O'Brien's surrogate is a women named Cheryl (Helen Hunt). They have sexual "sessions" She becomes part of Marks life briefly, and turns out she learns more about life from Mark than she thought. Mark also has a major impact on many other women from a caregiver that he falls in love with, without reciprocation. To a woman he finally meets later on in life till his death that he falls in love with, and it is returned. As it would be despite all his limitations, Mark ends up with many of the same situations and heartbreaks that we all have had. He is a gifted man, in a not so gifted body.
The Sessions is approached in a very straight forward fashion. They hold nothing back, with graphic nudity, and many sexual situations we are not used to seeing on screen are right there. There is nothing implied about this movie, it's all there. It is a story that you don't know, and you've never seen before. And in the end, I thought this was brave movie making on many fronts. Both the willingness for the late O'Brien to allow his powerful story to be told on screen, which is very different than having it simply read. And to the movie maker who made it so. The director of this movie also suffered from polio as a child.
This movie has gotten huge critical acclaim from many within the movie community. It has been honored by many organizations, and festivals. But it's a movie with very limited appeal, and really zooms in on a certain kind of movie goer. You will have to be a real movie lover to appreciate this. For some, this will be very uncomfortable.
The Sessions. Rated R - highly adult. Very brave, original, and well done.
First off. The Sessions is for about one in every 100 movie goers. It is not casual movie watching as it deals with weighty subjects and ones that are certain to make some squirm. It is a true story based on a man's essay from the 1980's about his sexual journey as an adult, after being terribly stricken and paralyzed as a young boy.
That man was Mark O'Brien (John Hawkes) who died in 1999 at the age of 49. O'Brien was struck down by polio and was left unable to move his total body from the neck down for virtually his entire life. He had to spend about 20 hours a day in an iron lung to survive. He can come out of it for a few hours at a time, but requires endless care 24 hours a day. His body can feel, he just has no muscle control at all.
He is a gifted poet, and writes beautiful sonnets with only the use of his mouth to type. He is also blessed with great insight, and snappy sense of humor that makes him very charming. He, at age 38, after consulting with his priest (William H. Macy) Mark decides he wants to have a physical love life, and takes the steps necessary to achieve that lofty goal. He researches and finds in San Francisco there are "sex surrogates." These are caring people that introduce handicapped people sex, and teach them what is needed to know later with a future partner. They are health care professionals that actually participate in lovemaking with the patient as best they can. But these sessions and this journey will not be easy.
O'Brien's surrogate is a women named Cheryl (Helen Hunt). They have sexual "sessions" She becomes part of Marks life briefly, and turns out she learns more about life from Mark than she thought. Mark also has a major impact on many other women from a caregiver that he falls in love with, without reciprocation. To a woman he finally meets later on in life till his death that he falls in love with, and it is returned. As it would be despite all his limitations, Mark ends up with many of the same situations and heartbreaks that we all have had. He is a gifted man, in a not so gifted body.
The Sessions is approached in a very straight forward fashion. They hold nothing back, with graphic nudity, and many sexual situations we are not used to seeing on screen are right there. There is nothing implied about this movie, it's all there. It is a story that you don't know, and you've never seen before. And in the end, I thought this was brave movie making on many fronts. Both the willingness for the late O'Brien to allow his powerful story to be told on screen, which is very different than having it simply read. And to the movie maker who made it so. The director of this movie also suffered from polio as a child.
This movie has gotten huge critical acclaim from many within the movie community. It has been honored by many organizations, and festivals. But it's a movie with very limited appeal, and really zooms in on a certain kind of movie goer. You will have to be a real movie lover to appreciate this. For some, this will be very uncomfortable.
The Sessions. Rated R - highly adult. Very brave, original, and well done.
Precursor To Winning
Few things, if any one thing can galvanize a community like a winning professional team. Needless to say there hasn't been near enough of that around here lately. We have been through our share of heartache. And the Cavs, Tribe and the Browns have all contributed.
That's why the Browns game at Dallas this weekend was such a big deal. Look, I know the Browns in the end did not get it done. But in perspective this was one game, one loss for one team. The Browns stared down a long time powerhouse, America's Team on the road with a big TV audience. I grow so weary of all of the negative Facebook and Twitter comments by obviously frustrated fans about how the Browns stink. And posters take the cheap way out by blaming the coach, the refs, or even "paying off the league so Dallas would win." Negative, poor me, and I should have known comments. Grow up. The Browns just aren't ready yet. But for the first time in memory, they are gaining on it.
Gladly, there are a whole lot of young fans today that got to watch the Browns play a hard fought game against a proud and heritage franchise the Cowboys in Dallas. Sadly, these same young fans don't know the Browns are a proud and heritage franchise that over its entire history has done a ton of winning. Remember, the NFL was around long before the NFL/AFL merger and the Superbowl. And those championships count just as much for history, just not to ESPN. Pay no attention to them.
For all the late losses, the Browns have played hard all year long. They have belonged in every building they have played this season, and that has not always been the case in recent years. Problem is the Browns are just not blessed top to bottom with the talent needed to win every week at the games top level. But they do show up, and play hard. And that's what makes this season different.
Who knows where the Browns go this week, and in ensuing weeks to come. But the Browns seem to be coming of age. They seemed to be a bit older and more mature playing in a huge theater when it would have been easy to have a bad case of stage fright. A game like this from a clearly inferior team in the NFL, was paved possible by weeks of heartbreak and disappointment.
A good reminder. Anyone can win, that's easy. Learning to win is an art that the Browns have not yet mastered. But losses build character, tugs on your pride, and helps you dig deeper and find out things about yourself you didn't know before. You find out what's really inside. Tough losses challenges you to look at yourself honestly, in football and in life. The Browns are finding something deep previously not found. The Browns are growing from the inside, and that is the home of the beating heart. And they have plenty of it.
Like real life, we don't always get our way. That is the lesson sports teaches us more than any other. Heartache, in the end makes the good times that much sweeter. And there will be good times and winning with this Browns team. New owner with a new attitude will set the stage for years to come.
Think about the young Browns this year. A change of ownership. The firing of their president, heartbreaking losses, suspensions, and key long term injuries. Plus, a head coach that will not be here next year. And the Browns show up and compete highly week after week. It's time to grow with this team. And focus....there were years and years when the Patriots, Colts, Falcons and yes even the Steelers did not win very much.
This is a gritty bunch.
That's why the Browns game at Dallas this weekend was such a big deal. Look, I know the Browns in the end did not get it done. But in perspective this was one game, one loss for one team. The Browns stared down a long time powerhouse, America's Team on the road with a big TV audience. I grow so weary of all of the negative Facebook and Twitter comments by obviously frustrated fans about how the Browns stink. And posters take the cheap way out by blaming the coach, the refs, or even "paying off the league so Dallas would win." Negative, poor me, and I should have known comments. Grow up. The Browns just aren't ready yet. But for the first time in memory, they are gaining on it.
Gladly, there are a whole lot of young fans today that got to watch the Browns play a hard fought game against a proud and heritage franchise the Cowboys in Dallas. Sadly, these same young fans don't know the Browns are a proud and heritage franchise that over its entire history has done a ton of winning. Remember, the NFL was around long before the NFL/AFL merger and the Superbowl. And those championships count just as much for history, just not to ESPN. Pay no attention to them.
For all the late losses, the Browns have played hard all year long. They have belonged in every building they have played this season, and that has not always been the case in recent years. Problem is the Browns are just not blessed top to bottom with the talent needed to win every week at the games top level. But they do show up, and play hard. And that's what makes this season different.
Who knows where the Browns go this week, and in ensuing weeks to come. But the Browns seem to be coming of age. They seemed to be a bit older and more mature playing in a huge theater when it would have been easy to have a bad case of stage fright. A game like this from a clearly inferior team in the NFL, was paved possible by weeks of heartbreak and disappointment.
A good reminder. Anyone can win, that's easy. Learning to win is an art that the Browns have not yet mastered. But losses build character, tugs on your pride, and helps you dig deeper and find out things about yourself you didn't know before. You find out what's really inside. Tough losses challenges you to look at yourself honestly, in football and in life. The Browns are finding something deep previously not found. The Browns are growing from the inside, and that is the home of the beating heart. And they have plenty of it.
Like real life, we don't always get our way. That is the lesson sports teaches us more than any other. Heartache, in the end makes the good times that much sweeter. And there will be good times and winning with this Browns team. New owner with a new attitude will set the stage for years to come.
Think about the young Browns this year. A change of ownership. The firing of their president, heartbreaking losses, suspensions, and key long term injuries. Plus, a head coach that will not be here next year. And the Browns show up and compete highly week after week. It's time to grow with this team. And focus....there were years and years when the Patriots, Colts, Falcons and yes even the Steelers did not win very much.
This is a gritty bunch.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Lincoln
The highly anticipated, Lincoln is new in theaters this week, and not a moment too soon.
Right up front, what a great movie this is. Wow, this is a gigantic challenge and very brave movie making as Hollywood attempts to bring to the screen the iconic Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. This is an all-star cast that lined up behind Steven Speilberg who made this flick, simply to be a part of it. This is first class movie making all the way around.
The Civil War is in its waning days, and this movie focuses only on the last 4 months or so of Lincoln's life. This is based on a heavily researched novel by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. It stays focused on Lincoln's struggle to pass the 13th Amendment to our constitution that would forever abolish slavery and grant slaves legal rights in America. It goes into great depth of the politics of the day, and the political characters that made up the congress of the Union during the Civil War. For those of you thinking this is a movie that may be a somewhat action filled Civil War movie with war scenes and battles, this is not your movie. This is 2 hours and 30 minutes of pure political drama.
Daniel Day-Lewis is Lincoln and is nothing short of fantastic. It is unimaginable that he will not win every single acting award that exists for this role. There few parts you will see any actor do in any movie that is larger than this one. He brings Lincoln to life in an eerie fashion. He looks like him, he sounds like you might think Lincoln would, and moves like you imagine as well. He also brings Lincoln to life like you would want him. He is the man you would hope he would be.
The develop Lincoln as more than just a president, but as a man. A simple man, yet an incredibly intelligent and complex man. Strong, yet frail. A huge presence of a man, yet....just a man. He is simply sensational. Lewis recites mounds of well written, and difficult dialogue in a fashion so natural, you may forget it actually is not Lincoln.
He is amazing in scene after scene all Oscar worthy. But the "Now, Now, Now!" scene is the clincher. As good as he is in this entire movie, he seals the Oscar deal with this performance as Lincoln emotionally scolds members of his cabinet who are reluctant to support him in his quest for amendment passage. Simply terrific. Uncanny how much you feel you are actually in that room with them.
There is a huge cast along with Lewis, too many to mention but lead by Tommy Lee Jones. You will see dozens of your favorite actors playing large and small roles here. All very good, all very effective. Casting was very well thought out for this movie and done perfectly.
Costuming and sets are Oscar worthy, as well as the script and screenplay, and possibly Jones as supporting actor. At this point of the calender year this is the runaway best movie, and best project of the year. It is also courageous movie making. The audacity to attempt to bring life to Abraham Lincoln is a brave move. As a movie maker you don't want to mess this up. This is well done, and well thought out. They had a great plan, and stuck to it. Great decision to focus on a short period of time with Lincoln as opposed to his entire life.
Lincoln. Oscar worthy, astounding in every single regard. Give Daniel Day-Lewis the Oscar right now.
Right up front, what a great movie this is. Wow, this is a gigantic challenge and very brave movie making as Hollywood attempts to bring to the screen the iconic Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. This is an all-star cast that lined up behind Steven Speilberg who made this flick, simply to be a part of it. This is first class movie making all the way around.
The Civil War is in its waning days, and this movie focuses only on the last 4 months or so of Lincoln's life. This is based on a heavily researched novel by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. It stays focused on Lincoln's struggle to pass the 13th Amendment to our constitution that would forever abolish slavery and grant slaves legal rights in America. It goes into great depth of the politics of the day, and the political characters that made up the congress of the Union during the Civil War. For those of you thinking this is a movie that may be a somewhat action filled Civil War movie with war scenes and battles, this is not your movie. This is 2 hours and 30 minutes of pure political drama.
Daniel Day-Lewis is Lincoln and is nothing short of fantastic. It is unimaginable that he will not win every single acting award that exists for this role. There few parts you will see any actor do in any movie that is larger than this one. He brings Lincoln to life in an eerie fashion. He looks like him, he sounds like you might think Lincoln would, and moves like you imagine as well. He also brings Lincoln to life like you would want him. He is the man you would hope he would be.
The develop Lincoln as more than just a president, but as a man. A simple man, yet an incredibly intelligent and complex man. Strong, yet frail. A huge presence of a man, yet....just a man. He is simply sensational. Lewis recites mounds of well written, and difficult dialogue in a fashion so natural, you may forget it actually is not Lincoln.
He is amazing in scene after scene all Oscar worthy. But the "Now, Now, Now!" scene is the clincher. As good as he is in this entire movie, he seals the Oscar deal with this performance as Lincoln emotionally scolds members of his cabinet who are reluctant to support him in his quest for amendment passage. Simply terrific. Uncanny how much you feel you are actually in that room with them.
There is a huge cast along with Lewis, too many to mention but lead by Tommy Lee Jones. You will see dozens of your favorite actors playing large and small roles here. All very good, all very effective. Casting was very well thought out for this movie and done perfectly.
Costuming and sets are Oscar worthy, as well as the script and screenplay, and possibly Jones as supporting actor. At this point of the calender year this is the runaway best movie, and best project of the year. It is also courageous movie making. The audacity to attempt to bring life to Abraham Lincoln is a brave move. As a movie maker you don't want to mess this up. This is well done, and well thought out. They had a great plan, and stuck to it. Great decision to focus on a short period of time with Lincoln as opposed to his entire life.
Lincoln. Oscar worthy, astounding in every single regard. Give Daniel Day-Lewis the Oscar right now.
MOVIE REVIEW - Twilight Breaking Dawn 2
Well all things must come to an end. And it seems at least today, that the Twilight series has the sun setting on it. Or because we are talking vampires, the sun is rising on it.
This of course has been immensely popular in today's culture and has launched the careers of Kristin Stewart who now garners 25 million a movie. Robert Pattison has done great work outside of this non-challenging series. And Taylor Lautner who ran around with Taylor Swift for a while, and will probably always be remembered as the guy who wears a shirt on screen less than Mathew McConaughey.
So this is it. Bella (Stewart) is now a vampire. She and Edward (Pattison) have gotten married and had a baby. And Jacob (Lautner) still stands around a brutes that Bella is not his girl. But now that she's a vampire, she's really out because he of course is a wolf. But here, the child is in question. Word is out that she is an "immortal". Which means she is a huge threat to the world vampire community because of her still untapped power. So she has sparked a huge civil war within the vampire world. Many believe that she must be killed. Of course Bella, Edward, and the Cullens don't share this view.
So the Cullens assemble a "dream team" of vampires, and the wolf pack decides to back them up against the opposite waring faction of the vampires to protect the child. After the battle, who will win and live on, and possibly happily literally ever after? I'm guessing I know even before I walk in. That's Twilight.
You know for a series that has been creative and imaginative at times, it's a shame it couldn't be at it's end. This movie is far more worried about having all of its major characters getting their action and "Matrix" moment than finishing a story effectively. It all comes down to a major battle scene with the two sides having a huge fight to the death - sort of. And everyone has to get thier minute to fly through the air, and rip off someones head, or something like that. Or to strike their highly dramatic pose on screen while they whip up some kind of power that has be be inserted later by computer.
A whole lot of this looks like people playing dress-up again. I wonder (outside of the payday) if these actors feel foolish while filming these movies. At times looks like kids playing in the back yard. Note to all. There is no shortage of decapitation, and death in this movie. Body burning and pretty intense violence for young viewers. I saw some in this showing around 7 or 8 years old. This movie and the last were borderline R rated for many reasons. But no real blood, and language that is tame keep the PG-13 in tact. But there is a lot of this really inappropriate for little ones.
The good news here is this. Pattison is now free to take off the white makeup and the red lipstick and lip liner, and step out of these movies and be the real star he may be destined to be. I have liked his work outside of this series a lot. Stewart never has to work again, with this and the Snow White/Huntsman thing going. I wonder in the long run, what happens to her? She is always going to be Bella. Lautner will more than likely continue not to wear a shirt much of the time
Twilight Breaking Dawn part 2. It's over. Now all can move on.
This of course has been immensely popular in today's culture and has launched the careers of Kristin Stewart who now garners 25 million a movie. Robert Pattison has done great work outside of this non-challenging series. And Taylor Lautner who ran around with Taylor Swift for a while, and will probably always be remembered as the guy who wears a shirt on screen less than Mathew McConaughey.
So this is it. Bella (Stewart) is now a vampire. She and Edward (Pattison) have gotten married and had a baby. And Jacob (Lautner) still stands around a brutes that Bella is not his girl. But now that she's a vampire, she's really out because he of course is a wolf. But here, the child is in question. Word is out that she is an "immortal". Which means she is a huge threat to the world vampire community because of her still untapped power. So she has sparked a huge civil war within the vampire world. Many believe that she must be killed. Of course Bella, Edward, and the Cullens don't share this view.
So the Cullens assemble a "dream team" of vampires, and the wolf pack decides to back them up against the opposite waring faction of the vampires to protect the child. After the battle, who will win and live on, and possibly happily literally ever after? I'm guessing I know even before I walk in. That's Twilight.
You know for a series that has been creative and imaginative at times, it's a shame it couldn't be at it's end. This movie is far more worried about having all of its major characters getting their action and "Matrix" moment than finishing a story effectively. It all comes down to a major battle scene with the two sides having a huge fight to the death - sort of. And everyone has to get thier minute to fly through the air, and rip off someones head, or something like that. Or to strike their highly dramatic pose on screen while they whip up some kind of power that has be be inserted later by computer.
A whole lot of this looks like people playing dress-up again. I wonder (outside of the payday) if these actors feel foolish while filming these movies. At times looks like kids playing in the back yard. Note to all. There is no shortage of decapitation, and death in this movie. Body burning and pretty intense violence for young viewers. I saw some in this showing around 7 or 8 years old. This movie and the last were borderline R rated for many reasons. But no real blood, and language that is tame keep the PG-13 in tact. But there is a lot of this really inappropriate for little ones.
The good news here is this. Pattison is now free to take off the white makeup and the red lipstick and lip liner, and step out of these movies and be the real star he may be destined to be. I have liked his work outside of this series a lot. Stewart never has to work again, with this and the Snow White/Huntsman thing going. I wonder in the long run, what happens to her? She is always going to be Bella. Lautner will more than likely continue not to wear a shirt much of the time
Twilight Breaking Dawn part 2. It's over. Now all can move on.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Skyfall
This is the 50th anniversary of James Bond movies. What a milestone when you think about it. An incredible franchise that has endured the decades, the actors, the times, and styles of movie making. This is installment number 23.
Skyfall is the latest Bond flick with Daniel Craig again in the lead role. Full disclosure, I am a Bond fan, but I am not blind to the fact that there have been good and bad Bond actors, as well as good, not so good, and a few bad Bond movies. But Skyfall is a darn good Bond movie.
One of the really unique things about Bond movies is that they operate outside of the Hollywood system to a degree. Bond movies are virtually never talked about at Oscar time, and they seem separate from the rest of the movies at the box office. Bond movies only seem to be compared to other Bond movies. And that's some of the fun. They are kind of an event, as opposed to simply a movie.
Skyfall has done what all good Bond flicks do. They are action packed, exciting and create a really sinister and deplorable villain. This time it's Javier Bardem as "Silver." Silver is an ex-MI6 agent that has now gone horribly rogue. He is an international terrorist who uses technology to carry out terrorist acts of all kinds all over the world from a remote island. He is ruthless, brutal and highly immoral. He is out to kill M from MI6, and is targeting the agency in general.
Bond is thought to be dead, but obviously is not. He "comes back from the dead", and reports for duty to go after Silver. Although there are questions about Bonds age, and his competence. The Secret Agent business is young man's game. Does Bond have enough left to be the Bond we need him to be? And can he again save the world?
Skyfall is amazingly exciting, with wonderfully done action scenes. The opening action sequence is fantastic as most are in Bond flicks. But this is above most. Even though Craig is a different kind of Bond as opposed to previous, these movies still have a thin line of fun and lightheartedness throughout. He is far more serious as Bond and does play it closer to the vest. But Craig is great. I am a big fan of him in this role, who in time will be tough to replace.
Bardem is sensational. He is one of the most underrated actors out there. He was amazing as the villain in No Country For Old Men, (he won the Oscar), and he is just as good here. Silver is a deeply complex character that you never really figure out, and that is his strength as a character. Silver is wonderfully written. Great supporting cast with Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, and some new and re-casted characters will give this franchise a nice relaunch of sorts.
Adele wrote and performs the new theme song to Skyfall, as it is a throwback to Bond themes past. It helps set the tone for this movie right after the terrific opening action sequence. Well done. There is a lot to like about this movie in general from start to finish. One of the really great things about this movie in particular is that it walks a fine line of not talking exclusive to hard care Bond fans. If you're new to Bond, you can jump in pretty quick. And it does make you want to learn more about Bond movies. It is quite inviting.
Skyfall. Extraordinary that this franchise has transcended all this time. Extremely entertaining. Just what movies should be. A real fun ride. Very good.
Skyfall is the latest Bond flick with Daniel Craig again in the lead role. Full disclosure, I am a Bond fan, but I am not blind to the fact that there have been good and bad Bond actors, as well as good, not so good, and a few bad Bond movies. But Skyfall is a darn good Bond movie.
One of the really unique things about Bond movies is that they operate outside of the Hollywood system to a degree. Bond movies are virtually never talked about at Oscar time, and they seem separate from the rest of the movies at the box office. Bond movies only seem to be compared to other Bond movies. And that's some of the fun. They are kind of an event, as opposed to simply a movie.
Skyfall has done what all good Bond flicks do. They are action packed, exciting and create a really sinister and deplorable villain. This time it's Javier Bardem as "Silver." Silver is an ex-MI6 agent that has now gone horribly rogue. He is an international terrorist who uses technology to carry out terrorist acts of all kinds all over the world from a remote island. He is ruthless, brutal and highly immoral. He is out to kill M from MI6, and is targeting the agency in general.
Bond is thought to be dead, but obviously is not. He "comes back from the dead", and reports for duty to go after Silver. Although there are questions about Bonds age, and his competence. The Secret Agent business is young man's game. Does Bond have enough left to be the Bond we need him to be? And can he again save the world?
Skyfall is amazingly exciting, with wonderfully done action scenes. The opening action sequence is fantastic as most are in Bond flicks. But this is above most. Even though Craig is a different kind of Bond as opposed to previous, these movies still have a thin line of fun and lightheartedness throughout. He is far more serious as Bond and does play it closer to the vest. But Craig is great. I am a big fan of him in this role, who in time will be tough to replace.
Bardem is sensational. He is one of the most underrated actors out there. He was amazing as the villain in No Country For Old Men, (he won the Oscar), and he is just as good here. Silver is a deeply complex character that you never really figure out, and that is his strength as a character. Silver is wonderfully written. Great supporting cast with Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, and some new and re-casted characters will give this franchise a nice relaunch of sorts.
Adele wrote and performs the new theme song to Skyfall, as it is a throwback to Bond themes past. It helps set the tone for this movie right after the terrific opening action sequence. Well done. There is a lot to like about this movie in general from start to finish. One of the really great things about this movie in particular is that it walks a fine line of not talking exclusive to hard care Bond fans. If you're new to Bond, you can jump in pretty quick. And it does make you want to learn more about Bond movies. It is quite inviting.
Skyfall. Extraordinary that this franchise has transcended all this time. Extremely entertaining. Just what movies should be. A real fun ride. Very good.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Wreck It Ralph
You have to admit, the formula for the new Disney animated smash hit Wreck It Ralph is nothing short of pure genius.
First you take hugely popular Disney animation. Then you mix in a story line that centers around retro video games from the early 1980's. Then toss in the more up-to-date video game style of today. Then cast some really popular young stars to voice the main characters here, and it can't miss. And Wreck It Ralph is the largest Disney animated movie opening ever.
How brilliant is this mixture? First video games in general. Hugely popular of course. Make a story about games that young parents of today used to play as kids, and then games that they still play endlessly as adults. And play with their children. Of course fans are going to pour into theaters. That is the star here, the winning idea.
This is a fun movie that is very creative as "stars" of video games can jump from video game to video game. Wreck It Ralph is a original story, that also boasts what Disney animation does best. It creates very original, and interesting characters that you somehow come to care about in the short 80 minutes you are there.
John C. Reilly is Ralph, a friendly video game villain who only wants to be loved, so he sets out to other video games to seek the love he is missing in his own game. Sarah Silverman is Vanellope, a little girl from another game that Ralph befriends. Silverman's performance is really great as the sassy little girl. Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch also very good in their voices. Overall this is a pretty good time.
This has the feel of Cars to a degree. I have noticed these Disney animated movies are becoming a little more frantic, and manic over time. This is visually very striking, but at times is borderline sensory overload. This is a growing trend as the movie studio fights to keep the attention of kids, and now even their parents. Like Cars, for some this might be a bit much in the visual and audio stimulation department.
Wreck It Ralph. A great, and imaginative formula. Overall, fun stuff.
First you take hugely popular Disney animation. Then you mix in a story line that centers around retro video games from the early 1980's. Then toss in the more up-to-date video game style of today. Then cast some really popular young stars to voice the main characters here, and it can't miss. And Wreck It Ralph is the largest Disney animated movie opening ever.
How brilliant is this mixture? First video games in general. Hugely popular of course. Make a story about games that young parents of today used to play as kids, and then games that they still play endlessly as adults. And play with their children. Of course fans are going to pour into theaters. That is the star here, the winning idea.
This is a fun movie that is very creative as "stars" of video games can jump from video game to video game. Wreck It Ralph is a original story, that also boasts what Disney animation does best. It creates very original, and interesting characters that you somehow come to care about in the short 80 minutes you are there.
John C. Reilly is Ralph, a friendly video game villain who only wants to be loved, so he sets out to other video games to seek the love he is missing in his own game. Sarah Silverman is Vanellope, a little girl from another game that Ralph befriends. Silverman's performance is really great as the sassy little girl. Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch also very good in their voices. Overall this is a pretty good time.
This has the feel of Cars to a degree. I have noticed these Disney animated movies are becoming a little more frantic, and manic over time. This is visually very striking, but at times is borderline sensory overload. This is a growing trend as the movie studio fights to keep the attention of kids, and now even their parents. Like Cars, for some this might be a bit much in the visual and audio stimulation department.
Wreck It Ralph. A great, and imaginative formula. Overall, fun stuff.
Monday, November 5, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Chasing Mavericks
You know every now and again a good surfing movie hits the theaters, and this time it's Chasing Mavericks.
I know, there are far more interesting things to make movies about than surfing. So what must be done, is that there must be a far larger story within. Soul Surfer comes to mind last year as a surfing flick with a rather deep story to tell. And Blue Crush a couple years ago, not so deep, but a mild hit. Chasing Mavericks has nice base story and for the most part, it's true.
It's the story of young Jay Moriarity from Santa Cruz, California. He was the16 year old kid that became world famous in 1994 when surfed and wiped out while surfing Maverick (gigantic, dangerous) waves in California. His incredible wipe out was caught on all kinds of film and he became an international sensation from that moment on, as it made every media outlet and magazine cover world wide. He was a cult hero of sorts from that moment on in the surfing world.
Chasing Mavericks is the story of his very young life and his struggles as both a kid and a young surfer. His home life is horrible. He is being raised by a single mom who has hard a hard time growing up herself. So Jay befriends his neighbor, Frosty Hesson. Hesson is a legendary maverick surfing icon, who takes young Jay under his wing and teaches him more than just surfing and maverick surfing. But also becomes Jays "father," in the process. This is actually more of a movie about these two coming together and bonding, and becoming a family. And that is done very well.
But make no mistake, there is plenty of surfing. So if surfing is not your thing, this is not your movie. And some of the surfing is quite breath taking to watch, and very well done. There are also a couple of side stories that this could have done without, but it's not a deal breaker. This might be a bit too long too as I was ready for it to wrap up. But again not a movie killer.
This is a very interesting story, and one that you don't know, and I always think that's a leg up in today's out of ideas movie arena. This "surfing'" movie follows the same formula in part that Soul Surfer did last year. It puts the human story first, and the surfing second. Most good sports movies get that right. That is the key for success. There is also a bit of the Karate Kid formula as well.
Mavericks stars Johnny Weston as Jay, Gerard Butler as Frosty, and Elisabeth Shue as Jays mom. Plus, there is a really nice performance in a small role as Frosty's wife, Brenda from Abigail Spencer. She has a nice resume of TV roles on some pretty good shows, and there is much movie work ahead for her in 2013 and beyond, with movies in production now. She is very, very good in this small role and really props this movie up with class and a nice soft touch. She's great. I loved her.
Chasing Mavericks. This is going to slink away with hardly a whimper a the box office, and that's a shame. There is much to like here.
I know, there are far more interesting things to make movies about than surfing. So what must be done, is that there must be a far larger story within. Soul Surfer comes to mind last year as a surfing flick with a rather deep story to tell. And Blue Crush a couple years ago, not so deep, but a mild hit. Chasing Mavericks has nice base story and for the most part, it's true.
It's the story of young Jay Moriarity from Santa Cruz, California. He was the16 year old kid that became world famous in 1994 when surfed and wiped out while surfing Maverick (gigantic, dangerous) waves in California. His incredible wipe out was caught on all kinds of film and he became an international sensation from that moment on, as it made every media outlet and magazine cover world wide. He was a cult hero of sorts from that moment on in the surfing world.
Chasing Mavericks is the story of his very young life and his struggles as both a kid and a young surfer. His home life is horrible. He is being raised by a single mom who has hard a hard time growing up herself. So Jay befriends his neighbor, Frosty Hesson. Hesson is a legendary maverick surfing icon, who takes young Jay under his wing and teaches him more than just surfing and maverick surfing. But also becomes Jays "father," in the process. This is actually more of a movie about these two coming together and bonding, and becoming a family. And that is done very well.
But make no mistake, there is plenty of surfing. So if surfing is not your thing, this is not your movie. And some of the surfing is quite breath taking to watch, and very well done. There are also a couple of side stories that this could have done without, but it's not a deal breaker. This might be a bit too long too as I was ready for it to wrap up. But again not a movie killer.
This is a very interesting story, and one that you don't know, and I always think that's a leg up in today's out of ideas movie arena. This "surfing'" movie follows the same formula in part that Soul Surfer did last year. It puts the human story first, and the surfing second. Most good sports movies get that right. That is the key for success. There is also a bit of the Karate Kid formula as well.
Mavericks stars Johnny Weston as Jay, Gerard Butler as Frosty, and Elisabeth Shue as Jays mom. Plus, there is a really nice performance in a small role as Frosty's wife, Brenda from Abigail Spencer. She has a nice resume of TV roles on some pretty good shows, and there is much movie work ahead for her in 2013 and beyond, with movies in production now. She is very, very good in this small role and really props this movie up with class and a nice soft touch. She's great. I loved her.
Chasing Mavericks. This is going to slink away with hardly a whimper a the box office, and that's a shame. There is much to like here.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Man With The Iron Fists
RZA is making his debut in feature length movie making with this weeks new release, The Man With The Iron Fists.
RZA of course one of the greatest hip hop music producers of all time, is now taking a run at the movies. And he cultivated a bunch of big names to help him get going. They include Russel Crowe, Lucy Liu and a pretty good international cast. Even big time producer Quinton Tarantino has a hand in this, and it shows.
First off, this movie is not for everyone. These kind of movies are an acquired taste, and they are movies that you kind of have to "get." Is this complete irony, parody and satire? Yeah, kind of. It is exceptionally violent, but much of this is that "silly" violence. It's kind of a cartoon violence. But make no mistake, this is violent. Rated R and well deserved in every aspect.
It's the story of big trouble in 19th century rural China. In Jungle Village there is a huge shipment of gold coming through that many rival gangs want control over. This is all spinning around a very low key blacksmith (RZA) who is forced to forge elaborate tools for these gangs they use to wage war with one another. So these gangs begin a violent hand-to-hand war to seize control over the gold and Jungle Village.
This is one scene after another of "Matrix-like" martial arts scenes that at times are quite creative and well done. There are some fascinating effects, and some well done aspects to this flick. They do weave in a side story or two, and they do their best to tell a story revolving around the martial arts scenes. Also most of this, including the fight scenes take place in a brothel, and there is no shortage of exploitation of women, and even they are drug into the marital arts scenes. But you do see that coming.
These movies can have some guilty pleasure laughs for movie goers, as much of this is designed for it. Is this a drama, or a dark, dark comedy, or an action flick? Actually it's all all of the above. This movie will be far more interesting to young men than women, and that's certainly the target audience. This is yet another look back at the martial arts movies at the 1970's and pokes fun at them, and blends in a certain 'hipness" to it that will make it palatable for today's fans.
The Man With The Iron Fists. For some a bunch of fun, for others a bunch of junk.
RZA of course one of the greatest hip hop music producers of all time, is now taking a run at the movies. And he cultivated a bunch of big names to help him get going. They include Russel Crowe, Lucy Liu and a pretty good international cast. Even big time producer Quinton Tarantino has a hand in this, and it shows.
First off, this movie is not for everyone. These kind of movies are an acquired taste, and they are movies that you kind of have to "get." Is this complete irony, parody and satire? Yeah, kind of. It is exceptionally violent, but much of this is that "silly" violence. It's kind of a cartoon violence. But make no mistake, this is violent. Rated R and well deserved in every aspect.
It's the story of big trouble in 19th century rural China. In Jungle Village there is a huge shipment of gold coming through that many rival gangs want control over. This is all spinning around a very low key blacksmith (RZA) who is forced to forge elaborate tools for these gangs they use to wage war with one another. So these gangs begin a violent hand-to-hand war to seize control over the gold and Jungle Village.
This is one scene after another of "Matrix-like" martial arts scenes that at times are quite creative and well done. There are some fascinating effects, and some well done aspects to this flick. They do weave in a side story or two, and they do their best to tell a story revolving around the martial arts scenes. Also most of this, including the fight scenes take place in a brothel, and there is no shortage of exploitation of women, and even they are drug into the marital arts scenes. But you do see that coming.
These movies can have some guilty pleasure laughs for movie goers, as much of this is designed for it. Is this a drama, or a dark, dark comedy, or an action flick? Actually it's all all of the above. This movie will be far more interesting to young men than women, and that's certainly the target audience. This is yet another look back at the martial arts movies at the 1970's and pokes fun at them, and blends in a certain 'hipness" to it that will make it palatable for today's fans.
The Man With The Iron Fists. For some a bunch of fun, for others a bunch of junk.
Friday, November 2, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Flight
I always think that when Denzel Washington makes a movie, it's an essential trip to the cineplex. And the new drama, Flight is out this week. Denzel takes front and center again.
You may have caught that I said "drama." And that's what Flight is. I know that in the trailer, Flight looks more like an action flick, but it's not. It's a drama, and a serious one to boot. It also is nothing like it looks in advance. But it's pretty darn good.
Flight is the story of "Whip" Whitaker (Washington). Whip is an arrogant, self absorbed, vice-laden, egomaniac of a commercial airline pilot who works for a fictional southern passenger airline. He is also a brilliant and gifted pilot. While on a flight from Orlando to Atlanta, Whip with his amazing heroics saves roughly 100 passengers and crew on his flight after the plane begins to break apart about 30 minutes after takeoff. It is certainly a miracle anyone survives. Trouble is, even though he saves the day, Whip was drunk before and during the flight.
As the investigation ensues, it becomes clear that Whip is in fact a drunk and a drug addict. He then goes on a series of strange binges with booze, drugs, and a very unhealthy relationship with a recovering drug addict Nicole (Kelly Reilly), who is about 20 years younger than him. It then becomes clear that Flight is not in fact an action movie, but a story about a tragic figure and his battle with terrible vices. And it's Denzel like you've never seen him. And becomes the story of keeping Whip out of jail. But will he continually get in his own way?
Washington is so good sometimes as fans we can take him for granted. He always picks great and horizon expanding roles. In fact, he seldom, if ever plays the same role twice. He is highly convincing as a terrible drunk, and at times it's hard to watch. It is hard to watch Washington play a horribly self-destructive addict. You may actually find yourself flinching on occasion. I've never seen him do this before, and he brings a great performance to a movie that needed his presence to pull it off. That is what makes Flight so good. Seeing Denzel play a character this flawed.
Flight also has a greet supporting cast as big name actors generally line up behind Washington to be in a movie with him. Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Tamara Tunie are really good here as well. Huge, and I mean huge kudos to Reilly who has a list of TV movies, and a few small roles in feature movies. She is Nicole and is Whip's love interest, and girlfriend and really holds her own with Washington in scene after scene. What a great breakout performance for her opposite a huge star. She is very real as a woman on the edge, trying to put herself back together as well.
Flight is very dramatic, very intense most of the time, and very topical all of the time. It is a good story, that's well written and well put together. Hopefully this movie will not fall through the cracks, and be a real success. It deserves a look or two. It also has a very compelling, frantic and scary plane scare and crash scene that takes you right to the cockpit, and shows you the terror that would be a plane crash. Very intense.
Flight. Denzel as you've never seen him. This is a very good movie, a great story and certainly worth a night at the movies.
You may have caught that I said "drama." And that's what Flight is. I know that in the trailer, Flight looks more like an action flick, but it's not. It's a drama, and a serious one to boot. It also is nothing like it looks in advance. But it's pretty darn good.
Flight is the story of "Whip" Whitaker (Washington). Whip is an arrogant, self absorbed, vice-laden, egomaniac of a commercial airline pilot who works for a fictional southern passenger airline. He is also a brilliant and gifted pilot. While on a flight from Orlando to Atlanta, Whip with his amazing heroics saves roughly 100 passengers and crew on his flight after the plane begins to break apart about 30 minutes after takeoff. It is certainly a miracle anyone survives. Trouble is, even though he saves the day, Whip was drunk before and during the flight.
As the investigation ensues, it becomes clear that Whip is in fact a drunk and a drug addict. He then goes on a series of strange binges with booze, drugs, and a very unhealthy relationship with a recovering drug addict Nicole (Kelly Reilly), who is about 20 years younger than him. It then becomes clear that Flight is not in fact an action movie, but a story about a tragic figure and his battle with terrible vices. And it's Denzel like you've never seen him. And becomes the story of keeping Whip out of jail. But will he continually get in his own way?
Washington is so good sometimes as fans we can take him for granted. He always picks great and horizon expanding roles. In fact, he seldom, if ever plays the same role twice. He is highly convincing as a terrible drunk, and at times it's hard to watch. It is hard to watch Washington play a horribly self-destructive addict. You may actually find yourself flinching on occasion. I've never seen him do this before, and he brings a great performance to a movie that needed his presence to pull it off. That is what makes Flight so good. Seeing Denzel play a character this flawed.
Flight also has a greet supporting cast as big name actors generally line up behind Washington to be in a movie with him. Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Tamara Tunie are really good here as well. Huge, and I mean huge kudos to Reilly who has a list of TV movies, and a few small roles in feature movies. She is Nicole and is Whip's love interest, and girlfriend and really holds her own with Washington in scene after scene. What a great breakout performance for her opposite a huge star. She is very real as a woman on the edge, trying to put herself back together as well.
Flight is very dramatic, very intense most of the time, and very topical all of the time. It is a good story, that's well written and well put together. Hopefully this movie will not fall through the cracks, and be a real success. It deserves a look or two. It also has a very compelling, frantic and scary plane scare and crash scene that takes you right to the cockpit, and shows you the terror that would be a plane crash. Very intense.
Flight. Denzel as you've never seen him. This is a very good movie, a great story and certainly worth a night at the movies.
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