After seeing a ton of movies all calender year long, here come the Five Best Movies of the year. From my seat, 2013 was a year where there was no shortage of bigger, louder and more "in your face" movies. The box office was overloaded with tons of action movies that looked and were the same, and that's why smaller flicks, with quirkier more honest stories could really cut through.
Also, it was a dark and harsh year at the movies with plenty of gloom and doom. That also allowed more refreshing plots front and center by some of the smaller ones. And the lack of very few runaway no brainer best movie credentialed flicks. To be on this list, movies had to be released to local theaters during the calender year, so here goes.
The Five Best Movies Of 2013
1/ Enough Said - This was a great little movie that was universally loved by everyone who saw it, and reviewed it. This was an original story and a wonderful romantic comedy that talked to everyone in today's modern society. Julia-Louis Dreyfus was terrific, and the late James Gandolfini was sensational. He was an affable, underdog character you have never seen him play before, and he delivered in his last movie role. He should not only be in the conversation, but should win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Brilliantly casted, acted and a story that was fresh in every frame. Sensational little movie this year or any year. See this!
2/ The Way, Way Back - What a story, and what well written script making loud and clear social commentary in an off beat, semi dark comedy. This movie is entirely too honest for some people as it takes to task modern parenting that can be selfish and disconnected. And if you let this in, it can be close to the bone for many and very emotive. The star of this movie is the story, and is brilliantly performed by a great ensemble cast. Steve Carrell as you've never seen him before as a real idiot bad guy. Sam Rockwell should get some Oscar consideration, as will Allison Janney. This is first class from start to finish, and identifiable across the board.
3/ Captain Phillips - Tom Hanks in this true story of an American cargo vessel high jacked by Somali pirates. Hanks is really great and will be in the Oscar talk, but the real star of this movie is the movie, and Barkhad Abdi who played the lead pirate named, Muse. He is so good in this movie, and is the gas in this movies engine. This story was totally dependent on a great, and complicated villain, and Muse is one. And Abdi is beyond sensational as he brings depth and conflict to this role. If he's not in the running at awards time there is a real problem. This also takes you to places you've never been, and even though you may know the outcome of this true story, it does keep you guessing and that's great movie making.
4/ American Hustle - The reason this makes my list are a few performances in it that are undeniable. Christian Bale is amazing in this 1970's con artist story and will be in the Oscar talk. Amy Adams will be too, as will Jennifer Lawrence. This is a good story, and it certainly does transport you brilliantly to the era with amazing sets, costumes, props and soundtracks. This may not live up to the hype it generated overall, but some of the difficult roles and large performances propel it into the spotlight. This in the hands of lesser actors this would have fallen short. Performances actually outperform the movie.
5/ Spring Breakers - I know this is a bold choice, but this movie really impacted those who dared to see it. This movie is not for everyone. This is a powerful movie, and an exaggerated look on what can possibly happen to a group of 18 year old girls, who do whatever it takes to go on spring break in Florida. But what this movie really does, is look at the motives and tactics honestly, and showcases just how thin the line is between a great time, and a life changing disastrous time for these girls. And its honesty at it's core is harsh. Even though this would more than likely never happen, it does show parents how tight a rope young people can walk when they are on their own, out of their element and how truthful about where they are, what they are doing. Harsh, crass and very ugly at times. But eye opening. James Franco too is great!
Honorable mentions (random order)
Gravity - I know, sacrilegious not to have this as the number one. But I was not as enamored with this as many were. It is a game-changer as far as effects and 3-D are concerned. Truthfully, it is the best use of 3-D to date. I also was not thrilled about it "starring" George Clooney who was out of this movie after about 30 minutes. But it was a visual feast, and an experience more than a movie. It's sort of an amusement ride, and that's why it was so loved.
The Spectacular Now - Loved every frame of this movie. How good is this? What a wonderful telling of young love with great characters. And what telling great performances from Miles Teller and Shaileen Woodley. Another really great "little" movie.
Philomena - Great story, and Judi Dench is more than likely going to win another Oscar. This basically two person movie tells a powerful story and develops great characters. This is also far more bold than you might think. Steve Coogan too is great, as he is on par with Dench, but does not upstage her in this movie.
Saving Mr. Banks - Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson were terrific in a story you don't know, and that always gets major points.
So there they are, The Five Best Movies Of 2013. Also check out my list of The Five Worst, Five Most Surprising, and the Five Disappointing movies of the year.
And CLICK HERE, to read my most recent reviews of movies in theaters now.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Five Most Disappointing Movies Of 2013
The year is ending, and after a fun year of seeing and reviewing movies, it's time for the year end lists. I've already posted the Five Worst Movies Of 2013, and The Five Most Surprising Movies Of 2013. Now it's time for The Five Most Disappointing Movies of 2013. These are the movies that looked great at first, but really let us down. They may not even be "bad" movies, but just disappointing. To be on this list the flicks had to be released to local theaters during the calender year.
The Five Most Disappointing Movies Of 2013.
1/ The Lone Ranger - How much money did Disney spend on this thing, and how much did it lose? Seldom do you see a movie this big come and go with such a whimper. This is easily the most forgettable flick of the year. It was also a hugely harsh PG-13 movie that I think was not rated properly. Shame on them for letting this movie be as violent as it was. Also, it became so amazingly agenda laden we you forgot it was the iconic Lone Ranger. Just a huge disappointing mess. Not even Johnny Depp could save this. This is runaway the most disappointing movie of the year.
2/ Oblivion - Tom Cruise starred in this Sci-Fi movie that had a gigantic budget and a ton of hype. Overseas this was a big hit, but not in America. Cruise again overacted in this movie that was about as compelling as watching people getting haircuts. Special effects were fine, but so are a lot of movies. This was boring as it laid there, and eventually laid an egg. Not even the very alluring and compelling co-star Andrea Riseborough could not save this snooze fest.
3/ The Great Gatsby - Director Baz Luhrmann is known for making very visual movies that look wonderful. But after this, maybe a bit more attention needs to be paid to what is happening in the movie. This certainly was colorful, but lacked any real teeth. And the huge flaw was the huge character created by F. Scott Fitzgerald all those years ago in his novel was shrunk down to average by all the colorful stuff going on around him. Leonardo Dicaprio as Gatsby had little chance to be successful here. Lots of hype, little payoff.
4/ World War Z - Brad Pitt spent about a hundred years making this, and this is what we get? The Zombie thing looked kind of silly on the big screen. And I feel that after all of the hundreds of millions spent on this that we can get better and more compelling zombie content on TV than this thing. Pitt is way above this kind of movie and content, and even though this is set up for another, my sincere hope is that he take a pass on that.
5/ The Book Thief - I wanted to like this movie so badly and I did to a degree. The book is fantastic and the story is worth telling. But this movie with all the build up and the even the nice performance by Geoffery Rush and the young star Sophie Nelisse, this really staggers along. This is a good example of a great book that has a tough time coming to cinema. It doesn't always work. This is not a bad movie at all, just disappointing.
There they are the Five Most Disappointing Movies Of 2013. Also check out my list of the Five Worst Movies Of 2013, and the Five Most Surprising Movies Of 2013. Be looking later this week for The Five Best movies of 2013! Thoughts? scott@wqmx.com
Click here for my most recent movie reviews of movies in theaters now.
The Five Most Disappointing Movies Of 2013.
1/ The Lone Ranger - How much money did Disney spend on this thing, and how much did it lose? Seldom do you see a movie this big come and go with such a whimper. This is easily the most forgettable flick of the year. It was also a hugely harsh PG-13 movie that I think was not rated properly. Shame on them for letting this movie be as violent as it was. Also, it became so amazingly agenda laden we you forgot it was the iconic Lone Ranger. Just a huge disappointing mess. Not even Johnny Depp could save this. This is runaway the most disappointing movie of the year.
2/ Oblivion - Tom Cruise starred in this Sci-Fi movie that had a gigantic budget and a ton of hype. Overseas this was a big hit, but not in America. Cruise again overacted in this movie that was about as compelling as watching people getting haircuts. Special effects were fine, but so are a lot of movies. This was boring as it laid there, and eventually laid an egg. Not even the very alluring and compelling co-star Andrea Riseborough could not save this snooze fest.
3/ The Great Gatsby - Director Baz Luhrmann is known for making very visual movies that look wonderful. But after this, maybe a bit more attention needs to be paid to what is happening in the movie. This certainly was colorful, but lacked any real teeth. And the huge flaw was the huge character created by F. Scott Fitzgerald all those years ago in his novel was shrunk down to average by all the colorful stuff going on around him. Leonardo Dicaprio as Gatsby had little chance to be successful here. Lots of hype, little payoff.
4/ World War Z - Brad Pitt spent about a hundred years making this, and this is what we get? The Zombie thing looked kind of silly on the big screen. And I feel that after all of the hundreds of millions spent on this that we can get better and more compelling zombie content on TV than this thing. Pitt is way above this kind of movie and content, and even though this is set up for another, my sincere hope is that he take a pass on that.
5/ The Book Thief - I wanted to like this movie so badly and I did to a degree. The book is fantastic and the story is worth telling. But this movie with all the build up and the even the nice performance by Geoffery Rush and the young star Sophie Nelisse, this really staggers along. This is a good example of a great book that has a tough time coming to cinema. It doesn't always work. This is not a bad movie at all, just disappointing.
There they are the Five Most Disappointing Movies Of 2013. Also check out my list of the Five Worst Movies Of 2013, and the Five Most Surprising Movies Of 2013. Be looking later this week for The Five Best movies of 2013! Thoughts? scott@wqmx.com
Click here for my most recent movie reviews of movies in theaters now.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty
What a great day for Ben Stiller. Looks like after years of movies that all look, sound and are the same, he's hit the big time with The Secret life Of Walter Mitty.
This, of course is another updated version of the short story written in 1939 by James Thurber. This version certainly is not perfect by any means. But this is a giant leap forward for Stiller in every single way. This is elaborate, big, and a PG-13 Stiller movie that makes no references to bodily functions, or any other junior high locker room humor. Stiller directed, produced, bankrolled and starred in this, and it's a breakthrough.
You may Know the "Mitty" story. The man who dreams huge fantasies while living a life that is meek and more than boring. It has been told many times over the decades and this time it is set in modern day New York City, while he is a photographic technician at Life Magazine.
The magazine is going to print its last edition before going to an online only format. A hugely famous photographer Sean (Sean Penn), sends a sheet of negatives to the magazine stating that number 25 is the best photo he has ever taken and that it should be the cover of the last issue. somehow Walter (Stiller) can't find it, so he starts out on a adventure to find Sean, and the clues to the missing negative. But is he really on these adventures, or is he just living them out in his mind? That is the question you have to answer for yourself.
He enlists the help of a work mate Cheryl (Kristin Wiig), who he also has a crush on to assist him in this search. She seems to accept Walter and his quirks and his fantasies as he "zones out" and travels off to far ways places in other peoples presence. Turns out she is a motivating force behind Walter and his drive to find his missing photo, but it's certainly Walter who is the captain of his own adventure. Clearly, this is far more complicated than can be explained here, but that's the basic line.
For the things this movie won't be to many critics, it will be loved by the audience that goes to see it. This is an uplifting movie, that has a small, Indy pic feel to it, all the while placed in a big budgeted movie. It is quirky, and off beat at times, but it takes you around the world to beautiful places and asks you to go on a wild adventure with Walter. Seldom do you go to the movies where the full audience claps at the end, but they did after this one. It's good for virtually anyone, it's a solid PG-13, and young people can enjoy this equally with mom and dad.
Stiller is really good as Mitty, showing far more range than usual, and that's refreshing. But the performance of Kristin Wiig is really something to see. She has never looked better in a movie and is perfectly cast as the accepting Cheryl. She simply acted in this movie, with no pressure to be funny in any way, and I loved her. She was terrific. This also has a nice supporting cast including Shirley MacClain, Patton Oswalt, and Katherine Hahn, who also simply acts and is very good in her small role.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty. Critics will criticize this flick, but the public that goes will love this. Big step to real storytelling for Stiller. Yeah it's not perfect, but overall a win here.!
This, of course is another updated version of the short story written in 1939 by James Thurber. This version certainly is not perfect by any means. But this is a giant leap forward for Stiller in every single way. This is elaborate, big, and a PG-13 Stiller movie that makes no references to bodily functions, or any other junior high locker room humor. Stiller directed, produced, bankrolled and starred in this, and it's a breakthrough.
You may Know the "Mitty" story. The man who dreams huge fantasies while living a life that is meek and more than boring. It has been told many times over the decades and this time it is set in modern day New York City, while he is a photographic technician at Life Magazine.
The magazine is going to print its last edition before going to an online only format. A hugely famous photographer Sean (Sean Penn), sends a sheet of negatives to the magazine stating that number 25 is the best photo he has ever taken and that it should be the cover of the last issue. somehow Walter (Stiller) can't find it, so he starts out on a adventure to find Sean, and the clues to the missing negative. But is he really on these adventures, or is he just living them out in his mind? That is the question you have to answer for yourself.
He enlists the help of a work mate Cheryl (Kristin Wiig), who he also has a crush on to assist him in this search. She seems to accept Walter and his quirks and his fantasies as he "zones out" and travels off to far ways places in other peoples presence. Turns out she is a motivating force behind Walter and his drive to find his missing photo, but it's certainly Walter who is the captain of his own adventure. Clearly, this is far more complicated than can be explained here, but that's the basic line.
For the things this movie won't be to many critics, it will be loved by the audience that goes to see it. This is an uplifting movie, that has a small, Indy pic feel to it, all the while placed in a big budgeted movie. It is quirky, and off beat at times, but it takes you around the world to beautiful places and asks you to go on a wild adventure with Walter. Seldom do you go to the movies where the full audience claps at the end, but they did after this one. It's good for virtually anyone, it's a solid PG-13, and young people can enjoy this equally with mom and dad.
Stiller is really good as Mitty, showing far more range than usual, and that's refreshing. But the performance of Kristin Wiig is really something to see. She has never looked better in a movie and is perfectly cast as the accepting Cheryl. She simply acted in this movie, with no pressure to be funny in any way, and I loved her. She was terrific. This also has a nice supporting cast including Shirley MacClain, Patton Oswalt, and Katherine Hahn, who also simply acts and is very good in her small role.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty. Critics will criticize this flick, but the public that goes will love this. Big step to real storytelling for Stiller. Yeah it's not perfect, but overall a win here.!
MOVIE REVIEW - Grudge Match
It looks like a silly movie. Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro boxing at their age, but here comes Grudge Match.
This is another movie that is an interesting mix of the new, and the old. It is a boxing movie, but it is not totally the same old thing. I do give this movie some nice originality points, and some fun points too. But don't be fooled, you do have to schlog through some terrible decisions, and some stupid content. But this is a sports comedy that gives us a reason to go to the movies for a moment or two of escapism.
This is the story of Kid (DeNiro) and Razor (Stallone). They were each light heavyweight champions of the world from the early 1980's from Pittsburgh. They fought twice, each winning one fight. But then Razor suddenly retired, and they two never fought again with no rubber match as was the trend of the 1970's in boxing. Now, some 30 years later, the son of a dead, and shifty promoter from the 1980's wants to schedule the rematch, as each of these guys are now in their 60's.
Problem is, Razor hates Kid, and there is a ton a baggage between them that goes way back, and much of it has nothing to do with boxing. But, they do decide to fight, and the training is on. Kid learns he has a son he didn't know about and hires him as his trainer for this fight. Razor hires his old trainer from the 1980's to train him. The hype of the fight starts to gain momentum and it becomes bigger than anyone could imagine. There are tons of side plots too at play here, and it all adds up to the two finally fighting at the movies end.
There is a lot to like here. First off, it's a story you have not seen before and that's always good. The creativity is evident as our stars are reliving roles similar to characters they have played before in iconic movies. Stallone, or course from Rocky, and many of the scenes are lampooned to a degree here that takes you back to the Oscar winning film. DeNiro of course starring in Raging Bull years ago where he won an Oscar, plays a character similar to the character in that movie, and some of those scenes are "recreated" here. And that is fun.
But this movie does have a lot of baggage that doesn't make it better. A sharper rewrite could have made this really great, instead of just good. What this does well, is pull our aging characters into the 21st century, and it does show the power of social media in our lives today. This is a blend of the new and the old that for the most part works. If they could have edited out some needless scenes and rewritten the dialogue at times this would have been way better.
This has a nice supporting cast in theory, with Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, and Kim Basinger. Sadly, the writing and development of Basinger's character especially is weak and thin. Too bad for an Oscar winner. But what is great and undeniable is that you feel the whole time that this movie is going to end up doing the right thing. And you do wonder throughout, what is actually going to happen when these too old geezers get into the ring. And the payoff there is strong. And to me, that is part of any good movie. Wondering how it's all going to play out.
Grudge Match. This may look silly overall, but it's actually OK.
This is another movie that is an interesting mix of the new, and the old. It is a boxing movie, but it is not totally the same old thing. I do give this movie some nice originality points, and some fun points too. But don't be fooled, you do have to schlog through some terrible decisions, and some stupid content. But this is a sports comedy that gives us a reason to go to the movies for a moment or two of escapism.
This is the story of Kid (DeNiro) and Razor (Stallone). They were each light heavyweight champions of the world from the early 1980's from Pittsburgh. They fought twice, each winning one fight. But then Razor suddenly retired, and they two never fought again with no rubber match as was the trend of the 1970's in boxing. Now, some 30 years later, the son of a dead, and shifty promoter from the 1980's wants to schedule the rematch, as each of these guys are now in their 60's.
Problem is, Razor hates Kid, and there is a ton a baggage between them that goes way back, and much of it has nothing to do with boxing. But, they do decide to fight, and the training is on. Kid learns he has a son he didn't know about and hires him as his trainer for this fight. Razor hires his old trainer from the 1980's to train him. The hype of the fight starts to gain momentum and it becomes bigger than anyone could imagine. There are tons of side plots too at play here, and it all adds up to the two finally fighting at the movies end.
There is a lot to like here. First off, it's a story you have not seen before and that's always good. The creativity is evident as our stars are reliving roles similar to characters they have played before in iconic movies. Stallone, or course from Rocky, and many of the scenes are lampooned to a degree here that takes you back to the Oscar winning film. DeNiro of course starring in Raging Bull years ago where he won an Oscar, plays a character similar to the character in that movie, and some of those scenes are "recreated" here. And that is fun.
But this movie does have a lot of baggage that doesn't make it better. A sharper rewrite could have made this really great, instead of just good. What this does well, is pull our aging characters into the 21st century, and it does show the power of social media in our lives today. This is a blend of the new and the old that for the most part works. If they could have edited out some needless scenes and rewritten the dialogue at times this would have been way better.
This has a nice supporting cast in theory, with Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, and Kim Basinger. Sadly, the writing and development of Basinger's character especially is weak and thin. Too bad for an Oscar winner. But what is great and undeniable is that you feel the whole time that this movie is going to end up doing the right thing. And you do wonder throughout, what is actually going to happen when these too old geezers get into the ring. And the payoff there is strong. And to me, that is part of any good movie. Wondering how it's all going to play out.
Grudge Match. This may look silly overall, but it's actually OK.
MOVIE REVIEW - Saving Mr. Banks
There's been a ton of buzz about the new Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks flick Saving Mr. Banks.
First off, this movie starts off on a high note with me, as it is a story you absolutely don't know and have not seen before. So originality points are high. This is the story of how P.L. Travers and Walt Disney came to make the movie Mary Poppins in 1964. And it was not an easy trip for either to take.
We start in 1961 when Travers (Thompson), finally decides to meet with Disney (Hanks) in Los Angeles to discuss granting the rights for Disney to make the movie. Travers who lives in London, is the author of the Poppins series and she is now an older woman who has money troubles. The royalties have run out on the 20 year old Poppins books and the movie seems like the logical step to take for her self, and her characters. But as we will learn, that is where the logic stops with Travers.
She is insanely difficult in negotiations and development of the soon to be iconic movie. She fights Disney and his crew all the way, and refuses to grant the rights unless she gets her way on every single thing about the movie. Then, her childhood is told in flashback form, woven into our main story, and you can start to learn why she is the way she is. And what is behind her basically horrible disposition and both personal and professional. If you find yourself not caring about her childhood, you may not be alone. But they ram it down your throat, and you have to stick with it to get to you really want to go. Disney has tried everything to get this movie made and has been after her for 20 years. But she is standing in his way at every turn. Clearly, the movie is made but it wasn't easy.
This movie gets off to a real slow start as they develop Travers as a difficult woman, and Disney as a persistent and affable guy. The problem is, many times in these kind of roles the character portrayed as difficult, has a hint of charm, and enough quirkiness as to make her palatable. But not here. You soon find out she is so horrible, she is tough to take. You simply hate her, and that drags this movie down. Even if this ins deadly accurate, she is fatiguing to watch. You also find that this is really a movie about her life and not really about Disney's quest to make a classic. This is far more dark than you might think too, but it's not a deal breaker. But it teeters dangerously close.
When the ice melts, you become able to stomach Travers and her despicable manner, the movie begins to gain momentum and improves rapidly. As the story finally sheds the darkness of Travers' childhood, and focuses on her relationship with Disney the movie can be resolved and you feel better about being there.
Thompson is great, and will be bandied around award time as the brutal Travers. Hanks as Disney is wonderful. Although you will wonder where he goes for much of this movie. His performance in the last 30 minutes of this is vintage Hanks as he successfully swoops in and really saves the day. This movie also boasts a nice supporting cast including Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, and others that really help transport you to 1961 Hollywood, as do the wonderful costumes, and terrific sets. It is fun to watch this all come together in the end. But sometimes the road there is littered with a bunch of bones you have to wade trough first.
Saving Mr. Banks. In the end a solid movie, that somehow stands on a shaky foundation.
First off, this movie starts off on a high note with me, as it is a story you absolutely don't know and have not seen before. So originality points are high. This is the story of how P.L. Travers and Walt Disney came to make the movie Mary Poppins in 1964. And it was not an easy trip for either to take.
We start in 1961 when Travers (Thompson), finally decides to meet with Disney (Hanks) in Los Angeles to discuss granting the rights for Disney to make the movie. Travers who lives in London, is the author of the Poppins series and she is now an older woman who has money troubles. The royalties have run out on the 20 year old Poppins books and the movie seems like the logical step to take for her self, and her characters. But as we will learn, that is where the logic stops with Travers.
She is insanely difficult in negotiations and development of the soon to be iconic movie. She fights Disney and his crew all the way, and refuses to grant the rights unless she gets her way on every single thing about the movie. Then, her childhood is told in flashback form, woven into our main story, and you can start to learn why she is the way she is. And what is behind her basically horrible disposition and both personal and professional. If you find yourself not caring about her childhood, you may not be alone. But they ram it down your throat, and you have to stick with it to get to you really want to go. Disney has tried everything to get this movie made and has been after her for 20 years. But she is standing in his way at every turn. Clearly, the movie is made but it wasn't easy.
This movie gets off to a real slow start as they develop Travers as a difficult woman, and Disney as a persistent and affable guy. The problem is, many times in these kind of roles the character portrayed as difficult, has a hint of charm, and enough quirkiness as to make her palatable. But not here. You soon find out she is so horrible, she is tough to take. You simply hate her, and that drags this movie down. Even if this ins deadly accurate, she is fatiguing to watch. You also find that this is really a movie about her life and not really about Disney's quest to make a classic. This is far more dark than you might think too, but it's not a deal breaker. But it teeters dangerously close.
When the ice melts, you become able to stomach Travers and her despicable manner, the movie begins to gain momentum and improves rapidly. As the story finally sheds the darkness of Travers' childhood, and focuses on her relationship with Disney the movie can be resolved and you feel better about being there.
Thompson is great, and will be bandied around award time as the brutal Travers. Hanks as Disney is wonderful. Although you will wonder where he goes for much of this movie. His performance in the last 30 minutes of this is vintage Hanks as he successfully swoops in and really saves the day. This movie also boasts a nice supporting cast including Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, and others that really help transport you to 1961 Hollywood, as do the wonderful costumes, and terrific sets. It is fun to watch this all come together in the end. But sometimes the road there is littered with a bunch of bones you have to wade trough first.
Saving Mr. Banks. In the end a solid movie, that somehow stands on a shaky foundation.
Monday, December 23, 2013
The Five Most Surprising Movies of 2013
Everyone likes a good surprise at the movies. It's always fun to go to a flick and find a gem in the pile of stones out there. I saw over 170 movies this year, and it's time for the year end lists. Here are The Five Most Surprising Movies of the Year.
Should be noted, there are far more average movies made every year than non-average ones. In the days ahead I will post some of the great ones, and disappointing ones of 2013. To be on THIS list, it has to be a real "breath of fresh air not expected movie," and be released to local theaters in the calender year. The disappointing list will be out later this week.
So here goes, my list of the 5 Most Surprising Movies of 2013
1/ Carrie - This retelling of the Stephen King classic novel was 40 years in the making, and is far better than the original. Chloe Grace Moretz is a perfect Carrie, the rest of the cast is great too. It's still Carrie, but this looks better, and is better that the mid 1970's movie. Normally remakes get on my nerves, but this was well thought out. Plus, they begin with a great story from a great writer - King. This was a real good idea, as movie making has evolved so much since the 70's. This needed an update, because King's story was ahead of the movie making technology at the time. His breakthrough story needed a better memory than the original.
2/ Snitch - February is the wasteland of movie going, but this year Snitch helped make it tolerable. The Rock starred in this, and didn't go all superhero on us. The story is based on truth and is quite interesting about a desperate father, trying to vindicate his son who is wrongfully imprisoned for drugs. How far will he go to make things right. This movie stays inside itself and does not go over the top. Good story, and The Rock is quite good. Perfect? No. But a great surprise.
3/ Fast And Furious 6 - These are not my favorite movies by any stretch, but I have a ton of respect for this series. As the numbers get bigger, so does the box office take, and that is exceptionally unusual. And 6 of them? They are what the are. This is fun, and zips along well. Will this change cinematic history? No. But, somehow they manage to keep their core viewers interested, and new viewers become engaged quickly. These don't get worse as most sequels can and generally do.
4/ Mud - This movie starring Mathew McConaughey is simply terrific. His performance as "Mud" is Oscar worthy, and the story is gripping with a fantastic supporting cast. This movie came and went completely under the radar, as about 10 people saw it. This was one of the real "shames" of the movie year. More people should have seen this. And his MM's performance, is award worthy. Redbox this movie, it's fantastic!
5/ All Is Lost - The one man movie starring Robert Redford as a man trying to survive being lost at sea alone. There is no dialogue in this one hour and forty minute movie, but it holds your attention and is very compelling. Redford gives a great performance, might be one of the best of his career, and he doesn't speak. This is certainly not for everyone, but this is surprisingly good. Redford's name could be tossed around at Oscar time too.
There they are! The 5 Most Surprising Movies of 2013. Look later this week, for the 5 Most Disappointing Movies of the year. Thoughts? scott@wqmx.com
Should be noted, there are far more average movies made every year than non-average ones. In the days ahead I will post some of the great ones, and disappointing ones of 2013. To be on THIS list, it has to be a real "breath of fresh air not expected movie," and be released to local theaters in the calender year. The disappointing list will be out later this week.
So here goes, my list of the 5 Most Surprising Movies of 2013
1/ Carrie - This retelling of the Stephen King classic novel was 40 years in the making, and is far better than the original. Chloe Grace Moretz is a perfect Carrie, the rest of the cast is great too. It's still Carrie, but this looks better, and is better that the mid 1970's movie. Normally remakes get on my nerves, but this was well thought out. Plus, they begin with a great story from a great writer - King. This was a real good idea, as movie making has evolved so much since the 70's. This needed an update, because King's story was ahead of the movie making technology at the time. His breakthrough story needed a better memory than the original.
2/ Snitch - February is the wasteland of movie going, but this year Snitch helped make it tolerable. The Rock starred in this, and didn't go all superhero on us. The story is based on truth and is quite interesting about a desperate father, trying to vindicate his son who is wrongfully imprisoned for drugs. How far will he go to make things right. This movie stays inside itself and does not go over the top. Good story, and The Rock is quite good. Perfect? No. But a great surprise.
3/ Fast And Furious 6 - These are not my favorite movies by any stretch, but I have a ton of respect for this series. As the numbers get bigger, so does the box office take, and that is exceptionally unusual. And 6 of them? They are what the are. This is fun, and zips along well. Will this change cinematic history? No. But, somehow they manage to keep their core viewers interested, and new viewers become engaged quickly. These don't get worse as most sequels can and generally do.
4/ Mud - This movie starring Mathew McConaughey is simply terrific. His performance as "Mud" is Oscar worthy, and the story is gripping with a fantastic supporting cast. This movie came and went completely under the radar, as about 10 people saw it. This was one of the real "shames" of the movie year. More people should have seen this. And his MM's performance, is award worthy. Redbox this movie, it's fantastic!
5/ All Is Lost - The one man movie starring Robert Redford as a man trying to survive being lost at sea alone. There is no dialogue in this one hour and forty minute movie, but it holds your attention and is very compelling. Redford gives a great performance, might be one of the best of his career, and he doesn't speak. This is certainly not for everyone, but this is surprisingly good. Redford's name could be tossed around at Oscar time too.
There they are! The 5 Most Surprising Movies of 2013. Look later this week, for the 5 Most Disappointing Movies of the year. Thoughts? scott@wqmx.com
Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Five Worst Movies of 2013
After seeing over 170 movies this year, it has all come down to the Five Worst Movies of the Year.
Should be noted, there are far more bad movies made every year than good ones. In the days ahead I will post some of the great ones, surprising ones, and disappointing ones of 2013. To be on THIS list, it has to be a beyond bad movie, and be released to local theaters in the calender year.
So here goes, my list of the 5 Worst Movies of 2013
1/ Identity Thief - Seriously, who thought that the devastaing crime of identity theft could be portrayed sympathetically in a comedy? They actually want you to feel empathy for an identity thief. And she becomes a permanent part of our victims family and children's lives, after she literally destroys their lives. This movie was so bad, and the idea worse. Not funny, not anywhere near real, and amazingly out of touch with anyone not in Hollywood. I think they went for outrageous, but that may be giving them too much credit. Easily, the worst movie in every regard of the year.
2/ The Big Wedding - Big cast, horrible story, and so bad in virtually every single way. This movie was insulting to the audience, and to the big-time actors that agreed to star in it. Literally hard to make it to the end. What was Robert Deniro, Diane Keaton and the all-star cast thinking? Hope it was fun to make, it was painful to watch. Wretched!
3/ The 5th Estate - The movie about the Wikileaks founder, his motives and his methods. If you want to pay 15 bucks to watch actors text, look at computer screens, digitally chat, talk on cell phones and carry laptops around in back packs on the big screen, in a pointless movie this is your flick. Quite possibly the most non-compelling movie in a long time. Horrible and insanely forgettable. Also, one of the biggest financial flops of the year, or any year. History is showing too, no one wants to see these kinds of movies.
4/ Grown Ups 2 - Would someone just make Adam Sandler stop this? If you generally celebrate the noises the human body makes that the things that come out of it, this is for you. So amazingly infantile for a 50 year-old man to still think is funny movie after movie. Yeah he's rich, so? This is so, so bad, tired and junior high.
5/ After Earth - Will Smith and his son Jaden star in the Sci-Fi piece of junk. It seems though the studios are about to pull the plug on these 130 million dollar home movies that the Smith's think are fun to do. There is not one thing good about this movie. Plus, this makes the Smith's look bad personally. Mom and dad need to wake up too. No one wants to pay to see Jaden act in movies except for their own family and friends. Karate Kid worked to a degree, because of the pop-culture jump start and 30 years of hype. Stop it!
Dishonorable Mentions
White House Down/Olympus Has Fallen - Same movie, different month, same result. Offensive, Vomitus.
A Madea Christmas - Agonizing.
Getaway - Selena Gomez, worst performance of the year.
There they are! The 5 Worst Movies of 2013. Look later this week, for the 5 Most Surprising Movies of the year. Thoughts? scott@wqmx.com
Should be noted, there are far more bad movies made every year than good ones. In the days ahead I will post some of the great ones, surprising ones, and disappointing ones of 2013. To be on THIS list, it has to be a beyond bad movie, and be released to local theaters in the calender year.
So here goes, my list of the 5 Worst Movies of 2013
1/ Identity Thief - Seriously, who thought that the devastaing crime of identity theft could be portrayed sympathetically in a comedy? They actually want you to feel empathy for an identity thief. And she becomes a permanent part of our victims family and children's lives, after she literally destroys their lives. This movie was so bad, and the idea worse. Not funny, not anywhere near real, and amazingly out of touch with anyone not in Hollywood. I think they went for outrageous, but that may be giving them too much credit. Easily, the worst movie in every regard of the year.
2/ The Big Wedding - Big cast, horrible story, and so bad in virtually every single way. This movie was insulting to the audience, and to the big-time actors that agreed to star in it. Literally hard to make it to the end. What was Robert Deniro, Diane Keaton and the all-star cast thinking? Hope it was fun to make, it was painful to watch. Wretched!
3/ The 5th Estate - The movie about the Wikileaks founder, his motives and his methods. If you want to pay 15 bucks to watch actors text, look at computer screens, digitally chat, talk on cell phones and carry laptops around in back packs on the big screen, in a pointless movie this is your flick. Quite possibly the most non-compelling movie in a long time. Horrible and insanely forgettable. Also, one of the biggest financial flops of the year, or any year. History is showing too, no one wants to see these kinds of movies.
4/ Grown Ups 2 - Would someone just make Adam Sandler stop this? If you generally celebrate the noises the human body makes that the things that come out of it, this is for you. So amazingly infantile for a 50 year-old man to still think is funny movie after movie. Yeah he's rich, so? This is so, so bad, tired and junior high.
5/ After Earth - Will Smith and his son Jaden star in the Sci-Fi piece of junk. It seems though the studios are about to pull the plug on these 130 million dollar home movies that the Smith's think are fun to do. There is not one thing good about this movie. Plus, this makes the Smith's look bad personally. Mom and dad need to wake up too. No one wants to pay to see Jaden act in movies except for their own family and friends. Karate Kid worked to a degree, because of the pop-culture jump start and 30 years of hype. Stop it!
Dishonorable Mentions
White House Down/Olympus Has Fallen - Same movie, different month, same result. Offensive, Vomitus.
A Madea Christmas - Agonizing.
Getaway - Selena Gomez, worst performance of the year.
There they are! The 5 Worst Movies of 2013. Look later this week, for the 5 Most Surprising Movies of the year. Thoughts? scott@wqmx.com
Saturday, December 21, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Walking With Dinosaurs
After this franchise has been on TV, and a bunch of other formats, Walking With Dinosaurs finally makes it onto the big screen this weekend for families to enjoy. And they will.
I wanted to review this movie for a few reasons. One, I had heard that dino-effects were a rival for Jurassic Park. I also heard that much of this was set in a real setting of an Alaskan backdrop. And I also was interested to see just how they would handle the reality of dinosaur life and make it palatable for the entire family while keeping it entertaining.
The story, in reality is not very important here. Of course, it is very simple, elementary and very friendly for the entire family. And for those wondering, yes the dinosaurs do "talk," but it's in the narrative sense. They actually don't move their mouths and speak. And maybe the best part is, this is not a "cartoon" or animated movie. Certainly there are many definitions of animation, and yes these are computer generated, but it's not a "cartoon." And that's a great decision.
I always applaud the fact that studios can make movies that the family can enjoy together and not be animated. And this is one of them. These dino's are amazingly real, all the while placed in magnificent backdrops. The attention to detail is remarkable in these creatures, and so is the sheer size and scope of this project. This is very easy on the senses, as it is not too chaotic and loud. And to its credit, it is not too long checking in at 85 minutes, and that's plenty for everyone.
The writers handle most all of this very well. They carefully explain who all the dinosaurs are in definition form for all to learn. They also write a nice story, and handle the realities of pre-historic life about as well as you can. Truth is, dinosaurs attack and eat each other, and they do so here as well. But it's not to intense, or violent, and is certainly not too much to take for virtually anyone. But you know your kids best, and what they can handle.
Walking With Dinosaurs. A nice family movie for the holidays. Load up and go.
I wanted to review this movie for a few reasons. One, I had heard that dino-effects were a rival for Jurassic Park. I also heard that much of this was set in a real setting of an Alaskan backdrop. And I also was interested to see just how they would handle the reality of dinosaur life and make it palatable for the entire family while keeping it entertaining.
The story, in reality is not very important here. Of course, it is very simple, elementary and very friendly for the entire family. And for those wondering, yes the dinosaurs do "talk," but it's in the narrative sense. They actually don't move their mouths and speak. And maybe the best part is, this is not a "cartoon" or animated movie. Certainly there are many definitions of animation, and yes these are computer generated, but it's not a "cartoon." And that's a great decision.
I always applaud the fact that studios can make movies that the family can enjoy together and not be animated. And this is one of them. These dino's are amazingly real, all the while placed in magnificent backdrops. The attention to detail is remarkable in these creatures, and so is the sheer size and scope of this project. This is very easy on the senses, as it is not too chaotic and loud. And to its credit, it is not too long checking in at 85 minutes, and that's plenty for everyone.
The writers handle most all of this very well. They carefully explain who all the dinosaurs are in definition form for all to learn. They also write a nice story, and handle the realities of pre-historic life about as well as you can. Truth is, dinosaurs attack and eat each other, and they do so here as well. But it's not to intense, or violent, and is certainly not too much to take for virtually anyone. But you know your kids best, and what they can handle.
Walking With Dinosaurs. A nice family movie for the holidays. Load up and go.
Friday, December 20, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - American Hustle
Lots of fanfare about the new star-studded American Hustle new this week. There has been lots of Oscar buzz, and it's apt here.
This is the latest from director David O. Russell, who gave us last years gem, Silver Linings Playbook, and a few of the same actors star here. This in its raw story is very different from SLP, but the style is undeniable. Russell has become a terrific film maker. And what a cast, with Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence, plus a couple cameo's and a wonderful supporting cast.
This takes place in the late 1970's and is loosely based on a true story. It's a complicated story to say the least of a small time con man named Irving (Bale) and his lover and partner Sydney (Adams). They make a living out of swindling desperate people out of their last dollar by promising loans and then not delivering them, all the while collecting a $5,000 finders fee, nonrefundable. They also sell forged paintings, and all the while keep their operation very small.
They then are stung by the FBI and their young agent Richie DiMasa (Cooper). He promises them a walk if they can help the FBI sting bigger crooks. They agree. But DiMasa decides he's going to think very large and go after politicians, and eventually the Mob and the whole thing starts to get out of hand as the agent sort of goes rogue. What ensues is a whole series of who is conning who, and who can anyone trust from the FBI, to our criminals, to the mob, to the spouses of our principles. Who is playing who?
This is a first class movie that is going to get a ton of award nominations and should be poised to win a bunch along the line. This is a great story, that is highly complicated, but is told wonderfully, and paced along so well, the time seems to fly by. The performances are terrific, with Bale leading the pack. He is sensational as the greasy Irving, and he needs to get ready to carry tons of statues home come this award season. Adams has crossed over to real siren mode. She pulls off a gritty, sexy performance as the slick Sydney. She is a good example of this movies real strength. This is a raw, movie without much make-up, on our actors, or on the overall movie presentation. That is a Russell trademark, and it's great and refreshing.
This also has a great musical soundtrack, that is blended in so skillfully it actually helps the pacing and gives this a music video feel a times. A wonderful selection of 1970's anthems, that really help take you back to that decade.
The costuming is amazing, along with great sets and props. Man, you can almost feel the polyester, smell the incense, and see the lava lamps. But the real beauty is, that as authentic as this is, it doesn't look cheesy, nor does this become a parody of itself. For a younger audience, they well be transferred back to a decade that proceeded their birth, but it won't appear silly or corny. This though does require attention, and a bathroom break at the wrong time could get you lost, but if you hang with it, you will be OK.
American Hustle. Certainly one of the years best overall movies.
This is the latest from director David O. Russell, who gave us last years gem, Silver Linings Playbook, and a few of the same actors star here. This in its raw story is very different from SLP, but the style is undeniable. Russell has become a terrific film maker. And what a cast, with Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence, plus a couple cameo's and a wonderful supporting cast.
This takes place in the late 1970's and is loosely based on a true story. It's a complicated story to say the least of a small time con man named Irving (Bale) and his lover and partner Sydney (Adams). They make a living out of swindling desperate people out of their last dollar by promising loans and then not delivering them, all the while collecting a $5,000 finders fee, nonrefundable. They also sell forged paintings, and all the while keep their operation very small.
They then are stung by the FBI and their young agent Richie DiMasa (Cooper). He promises them a walk if they can help the FBI sting bigger crooks. They agree. But DiMasa decides he's going to think very large and go after politicians, and eventually the Mob and the whole thing starts to get out of hand as the agent sort of goes rogue. What ensues is a whole series of who is conning who, and who can anyone trust from the FBI, to our criminals, to the mob, to the spouses of our principles. Who is playing who?
This is a first class movie that is going to get a ton of award nominations and should be poised to win a bunch along the line. This is a great story, that is highly complicated, but is told wonderfully, and paced along so well, the time seems to fly by. The performances are terrific, with Bale leading the pack. He is sensational as the greasy Irving, and he needs to get ready to carry tons of statues home come this award season. Adams has crossed over to real siren mode. She pulls off a gritty, sexy performance as the slick Sydney. She is a good example of this movies real strength. This is a raw, movie without much make-up, on our actors, or on the overall movie presentation. That is a Russell trademark, and it's great and refreshing.
This also has a great musical soundtrack, that is blended in so skillfully it actually helps the pacing and gives this a music video feel a times. A wonderful selection of 1970's anthems, that really help take you back to that decade.
The costuming is amazing, along with great sets and props. Man, you can almost feel the polyester, smell the incense, and see the lava lamps. But the real beauty is, that as authentic as this is, it doesn't look cheesy, nor does this become a parody of itself. For a younger audience, they well be transferred back to a decade that proceeded their birth, but it won't appear silly or corny. This though does require attention, and a bathroom break at the wrong time could get you lost, but if you hang with it, you will be OK.
American Hustle. Certainly one of the years best overall movies.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Big Blue
Before I sat down to write this, I recalled a fact I learned a few years ago. Historians think that the relationship between man and dog goes back 15,000 years. This is a simple story, but it's allegorical to many things we experience everyday.
I have theorized (unscientifically) that the friendship started like this. One night some guy and some dog met at a campfire in the woods both hungry and alone. They each thought about eating each other, until they came to an agreement that it might be better to work together for food, friendship and security and the rest is history. However it happened, dogs and people like each other.
Which is why I wrote this today. This morning on our show, it was brought to my partner on WQMX Sue Wilson and my attention that someone had stopped off at Summit County Animal Control and basically dumped off two dogs that were about 9 years old. And did so with little or seemingly no compassion at all. One small pooch named Misty, and one large pure Siberian husky named Blue. As is usually the case, Misty, being small and easy was adopted right away. But not Big Blue, he's 80 pounds and 9 years old with icy blue eyes, and a gentle demeanor. But now clearly saddened, confused and scared.
Sue and I shook our collective heads and wondered quite frankly, WTH? How is this possible? Dogs this age, and pets, completely and unceremoniously discarded? After a few minutes, I decided (and I think Sue did too), that we didn't really care how anymore, we just felt badly this pooch was dazed and confused. In a single day, he went from a home, to a shelter, to a cage, and his companion pooch was long gone and he was now alone. Being honest, I'd be confused too.
Irony was setting in. The very thing that was bred into Blue, his size, power and strength that was more than likely his top selling point at birth, was now coming back to haunt him. Big Blue, was just too big for many to adopt him, and that's a sad reality of pet rescue. Big dogs are tough to place. Built to pull sleds and survive harsh conditions was proving to be mere child's play compared to this fate, which I think by seeing Blue's face was going to be too heavy for even him to pull or carry unless someone came up big.
We talked about Blue on the show with our animal loving friend Goerjette Thomas as we do every Thursday and we felt that Blue was going to be a tough sell. But what we found was Blue was destined to be in a new home, today. And he is. Someone with a heart (and a house probably) as big as Blue stepped up and took Blue home. It's a good day.
Whatever happened to Blue, his former owner, or what happened between them is over and none of my concern frankly. I'll even give the benefit of the doubt and say that maybe it could have been understood if explained. That's what I want to think. But I will put virtually no thought into that any longer. If it's not a good story, there's a special fate for those who do bad things to good dogs somewhere down the line.
Blue today has a new and better life. As do we all now knowing that there are those out there to do big things, when big things are in the balance. If it's a simple dog story, or something larger. There are big people out there.
Live big, Blue... and long live you...Big Blue.
I have theorized (unscientifically) that the friendship started like this. One night some guy and some dog met at a campfire in the woods both hungry and alone. They each thought about eating each other, until they came to an agreement that it might be better to work together for food, friendship and security and the rest is history. However it happened, dogs and people like each other.
Which is why I wrote this today. This morning on our show, it was brought to my partner on WQMX Sue Wilson and my attention that someone had stopped off at Summit County Animal Control and basically dumped off two dogs that were about 9 years old. And did so with little or seemingly no compassion at all. One small pooch named Misty, and one large pure Siberian husky named Blue. As is usually the case, Misty, being small and easy was adopted right away. But not Big Blue, he's 80 pounds and 9 years old with icy blue eyes, and a gentle demeanor. But now clearly saddened, confused and scared.
Sue and I shook our collective heads and wondered quite frankly, WTH? How is this possible? Dogs this age, and pets, completely and unceremoniously discarded? After a few minutes, I decided (and I think Sue did too), that we didn't really care how anymore, we just felt badly this pooch was dazed and confused. In a single day, he went from a home, to a shelter, to a cage, and his companion pooch was long gone and he was now alone. Being honest, I'd be confused too.
Irony was setting in. The very thing that was bred into Blue, his size, power and strength that was more than likely his top selling point at birth, was now coming back to haunt him. Big Blue, was just too big for many to adopt him, and that's a sad reality of pet rescue. Big dogs are tough to place. Built to pull sleds and survive harsh conditions was proving to be mere child's play compared to this fate, which I think by seeing Blue's face was going to be too heavy for even him to pull or carry unless someone came up big.
We talked about Blue on the show with our animal loving friend Goerjette Thomas as we do every Thursday and we felt that Blue was going to be a tough sell. But what we found was Blue was destined to be in a new home, today. And he is. Someone with a heart (and a house probably) as big as Blue stepped up and took Blue home. It's a good day.
Whatever happened to Blue, his former owner, or what happened between them is over and none of my concern frankly. I'll even give the benefit of the doubt and say that maybe it could have been understood if explained. That's what I want to think. But I will put virtually no thought into that any longer. If it's not a good story, there's a special fate for those who do bad things to good dogs somewhere down the line.
Blue today has a new and better life. As do we all now knowing that there are those out there to do big things, when big things are in the balance. If it's a simple dog story, or something larger. There are big people out there.
Live big, Blue... and long live you...Big Blue.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Anchorman 2
Will Farrel and the whole Anchorman troupe is back in the next chapter in the Ron Burgundy saga. The huge cast from the original and a ton of cameos are featured here as well in Anchorman 2.
After seeing over 170 movies this year, I have to say that we need Anchorman 2 for a few mindless laughs. This has been a very heavy, and harsh year at the movies and this could lighten things up a bit. And being fair, it does over the first 1 hour plus of this 2 hour movie. Sadly though, this really limps home and becomes very strange and more than a little over the top.
Americas anchorman Burgundy (Farrel) and his bunch now are in 1979, and it's the beginning or the cable TV and cable news boom. Burgundy and his "news team" are hired in at the fictional GNN (Global News Network) to sign on a then unheard of 24 hours news channel. And this part of the movie is exceptionally good, creative and pretty funny. Burgundy alone with his bungling and quirky self, unknowingly invents many of the excepted practices of cable networks of today. This part is great parody, and also at times make great social statements. It is inventive, and a wonderful lampoon of many present day cable channels, including FOX News, The Weather Channel, E, ESPN, and even the mainstream networks. This part of the movie really worked well.
Although this series is an acquired taste, there is still a whole bunch of parody and heavy satire of the broadcast industry and life in general in 1979. Much of this is extremely politically incorrect of course, but it's Burgundy. This movie, to its credit, did not fall off the raunchy wagon and overall this is fairly tame with the situational humor and language.
But after a while, this movie becomes bored with being original, and then becomes something it shouldn't. It starts to fall in love with itself, and decides it can do whatever it wants because it's Anchorman. The last half hour plus of this movie is like a completely different movie, and it doesn't work. And it feels like the first and original half was just a warm up for all of Farrel's friends to get their cameo in this flick.
There are a few too many side plots that don't work at all, but they are not deal breakers, but sadly the final minutes of this are. This was on track to be really fun But after a nice start, it stumbles down the home stretch and eventually falls exhausted at the finish line, gasping for breath.
Anchorman 2. A tale of 2 movies, one good, one not so much. Too bad. A shorter flick, with a bit more focus could have been really fun start to finish.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Nebraska
Here comes one of the quirkiest movies you will ever see. The new black and white Indy pic, Nebraksa.
This is a true independent movie if ever there was one. Nebraska stars veteran actor Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Quibb, Stacy Keach, and a really nice, little known supporting cast. This movie is wonderfully put together, and is going to be this years "concept piece," as it is filmed 100 percent in black and white. Sadly, that will turn off a ton of movie goers without even giving this a chance. But what a great decision. This will be a love/hate situation. If you love quirky flicks, this is your movie. If you don't want to interpret a movie, but simply to watch it...go next door.
This is the story of an old man from Billings, Montana named Woody Grant (Dern). He is a very confused elderly man who receives a contest form from a promotional company in Lincoln, Nebraska saying he has won 1 million dollars. So Woody thinks it's true. And since he does not drive anymore and his wife Kate (Squibb) won't take him there knowing it's a sham, he starts to walk there to claim hi winnings. He tries this time after time. Finally his son, David agrees to take his dad to Lincoln just to put the whole thing to rest.
Along the way, they decide to stop in Hawthorne, South Dakota, Woody's hometown. While there, word slips out that Woody HAS won the million dollars to the general small town population. Many of them have known Woody for decades and of course nothing ever happens in this town. So, the race is on to see who can sponge off Woody, trying to settle old scores and mooch some of his "money" that he has seemingly not even won.
This is a very simple little movie that develops characters so wonderfully, you relate to, and love all of them right off the bat. This is a strange movie to some, as it is paced with an extremely off beat syncopated rhythm that keeps you watching, and is insanely charming. But as simple as this is presented to you, including the black and white format adding to it, this makes powerful statements. Including treatment of the elderly, human greed, fractured families and how the world can easily leave some people behind. How will this pay out for Woody, and his tragic family?
Dern is terrific as the gray-minded Woody who is living in his own world that he has created for himself. Squibb is fantastic as the loud mouth Kate, who is extremely funny at times, and really gives this the surprise factor that it needs. she could be award nominated somewhere. And it's great to see Stacy Keach back in the movies, and he is great as an old "friend" who wants his some of Woody's money. Even though he has never had the guts to leave his dinky little town.
Nebraska is a comedy, a dark comedy, a tragedy, and bold movie making that will be critically acclaimed and will probably walk off with some hardware of some kind. And be seen by about 1000 people nationwide. But his is a fine movie, and wonderfully refreshing at the theaters, when there is so much of the same out there in the other 10 screen. This is in very limited release, but it is worth the drive and a coffee afterwards for discussion.
Nebraska. This is clearly not for everyone. If you like quirky, independent movies this is for you. Well, well done.
This is a true independent movie if ever there was one. Nebraska stars veteran actor Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Quibb, Stacy Keach, and a really nice, little known supporting cast. This movie is wonderfully put together, and is going to be this years "concept piece," as it is filmed 100 percent in black and white. Sadly, that will turn off a ton of movie goers without even giving this a chance. But what a great decision. This will be a love/hate situation. If you love quirky flicks, this is your movie. If you don't want to interpret a movie, but simply to watch it...go next door.
This is the story of an old man from Billings, Montana named Woody Grant (Dern). He is a very confused elderly man who receives a contest form from a promotional company in Lincoln, Nebraska saying he has won 1 million dollars. So Woody thinks it's true. And since he does not drive anymore and his wife Kate (Squibb) won't take him there knowing it's a sham, he starts to walk there to claim hi winnings. He tries this time after time. Finally his son, David agrees to take his dad to Lincoln just to put the whole thing to rest.
Along the way, they decide to stop in Hawthorne, South Dakota, Woody's hometown. While there, word slips out that Woody HAS won the million dollars to the general small town population. Many of them have known Woody for decades and of course nothing ever happens in this town. So, the race is on to see who can sponge off Woody, trying to settle old scores and mooch some of his "money" that he has seemingly not even won.
This is a very simple little movie that develops characters so wonderfully, you relate to, and love all of them right off the bat. This is a strange movie to some, as it is paced with an extremely off beat syncopated rhythm that keeps you watching, and is insanely charming. But as simple as this is presented to you, including the black and white format adding to it, this makes powerful statements. Including treatment of the elderly, human greed, fractured families and how the world can easily leave some people behind. How will this pay out for Woody, and his tragic family?
Dern is terrific as the gray-minded Woody who is living in his own world that he has created for himself. Squibb is fantastic as the loud mouth Kate, who is extremely funny at times, and really gives this the surprise factor that it needs. she could be award nominated somewhere. And it's great to see Stacy Keach back in the movies, and he is great as an old "friend" who wants his some of Woody's money. Even though he has never had the guts to leave his dinky little town.
Nebraska is a comedy, a dark comedy, a tragedy, and bold movie making that will be critically acclaimed and will probably walk off with some hardware of some kind. And be seen by about 1000 people nationwide. But his is a fine movie, and wonderfully refreshing at the theaters, when there is so much of the same out there in the other 10 screen. This is in very limited release, but it is worth the drive and a coffee afterwards for discussion.
Nebraska. This is clearly not for everyone. If you like quirky, independent movies this is for you. Well, well done.
Friday, December 13, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - A Medea Christmas
Tyler Perry is a successful and exceptionally profitable movie maker. Perry has a string of topical hits that are as long as your arm. This will make him a ton of money. But the critics will gladly shred this awful hunk of junk.
The Madea character (Perry in drag) has been successful and Perry's signature character through many years and the various situations that she (he) finds herself in. Part of the fun was that the wise-cracking old woman was relatable, fun and we all knew someone similar in our won lives. Now, she is just vulgar, unoriginal and really, really tired. Also some of the fun was Perry was almost unrecognizable. Now, it looks like Perry with a gray wig and librarians glasses. I guess dressing up as Madea all these many years is just too much work. And that voice? At first fun, now it just seeks out your spinal column, grabs it by both hands...and twists it violently.
What this is, is Perry and c-star Larry The Cable Guy in a series of improvised stand-up comedy routines trying to outdo each other. And as funny and likable as LTCG is, he can't save this. He has a few lines here and there, and he is a fun presence on screen, but this whole thing is so bad, it's just a mess to get through. Oh yeah, and there's not much Christmas in it at all. Must have forgotten during production.
This movie carries on with a bunch of subplots over trying to be as topical as possible, but it just staggers around like a drunken brontosaurus. Then finally, it just falls snout down in the gutter and lays there to sleep it off all night long while we watch. This movie takes on racial marriage, school bullying, racism, southern stereotypes, the environment, and generalizations of many different types of people. But does none of it very well. Yes, there is a moment or two that is amusing, but overall this was about as fun as getting a pedicure with hedge clippers.
But this is a great example of a movie that many will absolutely love and howl the whole way through. And being honest, that's great. We need movies for all types of audiences and this will find one, and be a hit. Perry makes movies on a tight budget and this will be very profitable in the end. But for some this will be a root canal, and making it to the end will be an accomplishment in itself, while others are rolling hysterically on the floor.
Reality is, these are popular movies. But I think that that even the most loyal of fans have to see the end coming soon and fast. And when that time comes, it will free Perry to do other things and finally leave Madea behind. I like Perry, but I am weary of this franchise which has worn out it's welcome.
A Madea Christmas. Agonizing, arduous, and more than likely very successful at the box office.
The Madea character (Perry in drag) has been successful and Perry's signature character through many years and the various situations that she (he) finds herself in. Part of the fun was that the wise-cracking old woman was relatable, fun and we all knew someone similar in our won lives. Now, she is just vulgar, unoriginal and really, really tired. Also some of the fun was Perry was almost unrecognizable. Now, it looks like Perry with a gray wig and librarians glasses. I guess dressing up as Madea all these many years is just too much work. And that voice? At first fun, now it just seeks out your spinal column, grabs it by both hands...and twists it violently.
What this is, is Perry and c-star Larry The Cable Guy in a series of improvised stand-up comedy routines trying to outdo each other. And as funny and likable as LTCG is, he can't save this. He has a few lines here and there, and he is a fun presence on screen, but this whole thing is so bad, it's just a mess to get through. Oh yeah, and there's not much Christmas in it at all. Must have forgotten during production.
This movie carries on with a bunch of subplots over trying to be as topical as possible, but it just staggers around like a drunken brontosaurus. Then finally, it just falls snout down in the gutter and lays there to sleep it off all night long while we watch. This movie takes on racial marriage, school bullying, racism, southern stereotypes, the environment, and generalizations of many different types of people. But does none of it very well. Yes, there is a moment or two that is amusing, but overall this was about as fun as getting a pedicure with hedge clippers.
But this is a great example of a movie that many will absolutely love and howl the whole way through. And being honest, that's great. We need movies for all types of audiences and this will find one, and be a hit. Perry makes movies on a tight budget and this will be very profitable in the end. But for some this will be a root canal, and making it to the end will be an accomplishment in itself, while others are rolling hysterically on the floor.
Reality is, these are popular movies. But I think that that even the most loyal of fans have to see the end coming soon and fast. And when that time comes, it will free Perry to do other things and finally leave Madea behind. I like Perry, but I am weary of this franchise which has worn out it's welcome.
A Madea Christmas. Agonizing, arduous, and more than likely very successful at the box office.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Out Of The Furnace
What a cast! Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Sam Shepard, Zoe Saldana and others. But overall, what a shame.
The New Out Of The Furnace looks like this should be one of the years best movies. The previews show a seemingly powerful story, big performances and terrific cinematography. Well some of that is true, and to be fair this is not a wash-out. But this is an opportunity missed to be truly great.
This is a story that takes place in extreme rural Pennsylvania. It's the story of 2 brothers, Russel (Bale) and Rodney (Affleck). They grew up in this tiny steel town that has seen far better days and times. Russel is older, he drinks too much and dreams too little and ends up following in his dying father's footsteps and works at the local steel mill that is in serious decline. Rodney is a 4 tour of duty Iraqi army war veteran, and is suffering from PTSD, but he doesn't know it, and neither does his highly uneducated family or friends.
Rodney returns home, and begins gambling and runs up a huge debt to a local bookie (Willam Defoe) who himself is a bit of trash. The bookie is in huge debt to a huge piece of dirt named Harlan DeGroat (Harrelson). He is a man from the mountains of rural New Jersey who stages rigged bare knuckle fight clubs, swindles gamblers, and takes and deals drugs. He is an angry man, and runs his little ring deep in the mountains and operates way outside that law with a brutal mantra.
Rodney decides to go to the Jersey mountains to fight in one of these rigged fights to settle his and his bookies debt, and ends up missing. Russel finds out he is up there and sets out to find his younger brother, even taking on DeGroat and his band of horrible people. This is simply a big brother/little brother movie. Should be noted this is loaded with unapologetic violence, and some grizzly images. This movie also puts its muddy boot squarely on your neck and steadily applies more pressure to your throat as it goes along.
This is authentically filmed deep in the woods and mountains, and being fair again, the sets and backdrops of this movie are excellent. You are there and can feel and smell it. The costumes and makeup, make all of these characters beaten and weathered and that adds to the authenticity. There is not much of any musical soundtrack, but this movie is wonderfully filmed.
The downfall of Furnace, is the pacing and story. This just plods along for much of it, and there are many moments you are wondering if it's going to move forward at all. This movie really stumbles out of the gate, and takes far too long to gain momentum. As it finally does get off the canvass, it does get better, but you may be too far uninterested by then. And the ending is a bit silly and not very believable as our lead heroic characters lose their authenticity and that hurts too.
Woody Harrelson though is the star of this movie. He is amazing as the truly horrible DeGroat. He is ruthless, scary, and very compelling. This movie needs a great villain, and he is one. I think his performance in many years could be Oscar worthy, but I am not sure this movie overall will not get enough notoriety for him to get the fanfare he deserves. This is one of his finest roles in a movie that is not one of his best.
Out Of The Furnace. There is a some good here, but will be too depressing for some. In the end with the cast assembled this is a bit disappointing.
The New Out Of The Furnace looks like this should be one of the years best movies. The previews show a seemingly powerful story, big performances and terrific cinematography. Well some of that is true, and to be fair this is not a wash-out. But this is an opportunity missed to be truly great.
This is a story that takes place in extreme rural Pennsylvania. It's the story of 2 brothers, Russel (Bale) and Rodney (Affleck). They grew up in this tiny steel town that has seen far better days and times. Russel is older, he drinks too much and dreams too little and ends up following in his dying father's footsteps and works at the local steel mill that is in serious decline. Rodney is a 4 tour of duty Iraqi army war veteran, and is suffering from PTSD, but he doesn't know it, and neither does his highly uneducated family or friends.
Rodney returns home, and begins gambling and runs up a huge debt to a local bookie (Willam Defoe) who himself is a bit of trash. The bookie is in huge debt to a huge piece of dirt named Harlan DeGroat (Harrelson). He is a man from the mountains of rural New Jersey who stages rigged bare knuckle fight clubs, swindles gamblers, and takes and deals drugs. He is an angry man, and runs his little ring deep in the mountains and operates way outside that law with a brutal mantra.
Rodney decides to go to the Jersey mountains to fight in one of these rigged fights to settle his and his bookies debt, and ends up missing. Russel finds out he is up there and sets out to find his younger brother, even taking on DeGroat and his band of horrible people. This is simply a big brother/little brother movie. Should be noted this is loaded with unapologetic violence, and some grizzly images. This movie also puts its muddy boot squarely on your neck and steadily applies more pressure to your throat as it goes along.
This is authentically filmed deep in the woods and mountains, and being fair again, the sets and backdrops of this movie are excellent. You are there and can feel and smell it. The costumes and makeup, make all of these characters beaten and weathered and that adds to the authenticity. There is not much of any musical soundtrack, but this movie is wonderfully filmed.
The downfall of Furnace, is the pacing and story. This just plods along for much of it, and there are many moments you are wondering if it's going to move forward at all. This movie really stumbles out of the gate, and takes far too long to gain momentum. As it finally does get off the canvass, it does get better, but you may be too far uninterested by then. And the ending is a bit silly and not very believable as our lead heroic characters lose their authenticity and that hurts too.
Woody Harrelson though is the star of this movie. He is amazing as the truly horrible DeGroat. He is ruthless, scary, and very compelling. This movie needs a great villain, and he is one. I think his performance in many years could be Oscar worthy, but I am not sure this movie overall will not get enough notoriety for him to get the fanfare he deserves. This is one of his finest roles in a movie that is not one of his best.
Out Of The Furnace. There is a some good here, but will be too depressing for some. In the end with the cast assembled this is a bit disappointing.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Homefront
The new Jason Statham action flick is Homefront, which was written and produced by Sylvester Stallone.
This is the story of a former DEA Agent named Phil Broker (Statham). He leaves the DEA as an undercover agent after a major sting operation goes horribly wrong. He then moves to rural Louisiana with his young daughter named Maddy (Izabela Vidovic). They plan on starting over with a new town, and a new look on life. But that turns out not to be so easy.
After Maddy has a bullying incident at school and ends up beating up the local bully kid, Broker finds himself in a situation where the locals are out for revenge against them, as they are "not from around here." Then local low-life's start harassing them, led by the local lead thug, Gator (James Franco). As the episodes escalate, we are headed towards a showdown with Gator and Phil. You can see it coming a mile away.
Broker, of course played by Statham, is a martial arts expert and ends up beating up about half the town in various scenes. This is very violent with no shortage of large fight scenes as it's main selling point. Those scenes are relatively well done, and I am a Statham fan. He is always likable and basically fun to watch in his yearly winter time violent movie. But his is a bit different. This is a very bad script.
This Stallone written movie feels like something from 25 years ago most of the time. There is an attempt to bring it up to date with the subject of school bullying, and using meth as the drug of choice to feature here trafficked by the local thugs. But the real fault of this script is the ongoing and very tired stereotypes of many characters created by Hollywood from the deep south. The characters are old, tired and been done about a thousand times in other movies. There is not a real hint of originality here. The easiest route was taken and it doesn't do any of us any favors.
This drags terribly at times as you count off the minutes until Statham beats up another bunch of poor, helpless thugs in broad daylight with no repercussions. It checks in at about one hour and forty minutes, but even that's too long, as this is so amazingly predictable and you are way ahead of this most of the time.
Homefront. Statham, as fun as he can be, can't save it. It is what it is, but original... it certainly isn't.
This is the story of a former DEA Agent named Phil Broker (Statham). He leaves the DEA as an undercover agent after a major sting operation goes horribly wrong. He then moves to rural Louisiana with his young daughter named Maddy (Izabela Vidovic). They plan on starting over with a new town, and a new look on life. But that turns out not to be so easy.
After Maddy has a bullying incident at school and ends up beating up the local bully kid, Broker finds himself in a situation where the locals are out for revenge against them, as they are "not from around here." Then local low-life's start harassing them, led by the local lead thug, Gator (James Franco). As the episodes escalate, we are headed towards a showdown with Gator and Phil. You can see it coming a mile away.
Broker, of course played by Statham, is a martial arts expert and ends up beating up about half the town in various scenes. This is very violent with no shortage of large fight scenes as it's main selling point. Those scenes are relatively well done, and I am a Statham fan. He is always likable and basically fun to watch in his yearly winter time violent movie. But his is a bit different. This is a very bad script.
This Stallone written movie feels like something from 25 years ago most of the time. There is an attempt to bring it up to date with the subject of school bullying, and using meth as the drug of choice to feature here trafficked by the local thugs. But the real fault of this script is the ongoing and very tired stereotypes of many characters created by Hollywood from the deep south. The characters are old, tired and been done about a thousand times in other movies. There is not a real hint of originality here. The easiest route was taken and it doesn't do any of us any favors.
This drags terribly at times as you count off the minutes until Statham beats up another bunch of poor, helpless thugs in broad daylight with no repercussions. It checks in at about one hour and forty minutes, but even that's too long, as this is so amazingly predictable and you are way ahead of this most of the time.
Homefront. Statham, as fun as he can be, can't save it. It is what it is, but original... it certainly isn't.
MOVIE REVIEW - Oldboy
Sometimes a movie comes out that is so far "out there" that it's really hard to explain, let alone review. That is the new Spike Lee directed, Oldboy.
Oldboy stars Josh Brolin as Joe who in 1993 is working at an advertising firm. He is a horrible drunk and pretty much a piece of terrible trash of a man, and father. He has a 3 year old daughter that he neglects routinely. He makes passes at married women, and spends the majority of his time drinking, lying and scheming. He is hated by virtually everyone in his life.
Somehow while on an all night drunken bender, he finds himself locked in a hotel room. Or what he thinks is one. He soon learns that he is being held prisoner in a room with no windows, or doors but does resemble a cheap hotel room. He ends up being held captive there alone for over 20 years, never seeing anyone. He completely goes crazy in some regards never knowing why, or seeing his captors. He also learns through TV, that his ex-wife has been brutally murdered and he is the prime suspect with tons of forensic evidence found at that scene.
He is then released after being knocked out and finds himself out in the world with some cash, a new phone and a new suit. He begins his new life with revenge in his heart and strikes out to find out who kidnapped him and held him captive. As he gets closer to some kind of answer, he comes face to face with the man responsible for it. And Joe is given an ultimatum that is the key to his being exonerated for the murder he didn't commit. But the deal is brutal and horrible.
He meets a young Doctor named Marie (Elizabeth Olsen) who helps him get patched up and then helps him in his search for the clues he needs to be a free man. But will Joe ever really be free? That is the underlying meaning of Oldboy.
Should be noted, this is incredibly violent with numerous bloody fight scenes, and gruesome death blows. Oldboy is not for everyone, as it is very strange and totally adult. This, in fact deals extensively with virtually every single, very adult topic and situation there is. This movie is relentless in stepping on your neck and not letting you up. It is heavy, depressing and exceedingly dark. This is not easy to watch movie making.
I am a Brolin fan, and he is very good here as the multi-faceted Joe. But the bigger star is Olsen. I have become a huge fan of hers, and I hope to see more of her. She is Ashley and Mary-Kate's sister and is far more talented, and serious of an actress than the twins. She is a real actress and there are very good things ahead for her. She is terrific here in this movie that is not so easy to watch, but she is.
Oldboy. This is tough movie viewing for a niche audience at best. Tough Stuff.
Oldboy stars Josh Brolin as Joe who in 1993 is working at an advertising firm. He is a horrible drunk and pretty much a piece of terrible trash of a man, and father. He has a 3 year old daughter that he neglects routinely. He makes passes at married women, and spends the majority of his time drinking, lying and scheming. He is hated by virtually everyone in his life.
Somehow while on an all night drunken bender, he finds himself locked in a hotel room. Or what he thinks is one. He soon learns that he is being held prisoner in a room with no windows, or doors but does resemble a cheap hotel room. He ends up being held captive there alone for over 20 years, never seeing anyone. He completely goes crazy in some regards never knowing why, or seeing his captors. He also learns through TV, that his ex-wife has been brutally murdered and he is the prime suspect with tons of forensic evidence found at that scene.
He is then released after being knocked out and finds himself out in the world with some cash, a new phone and a new suit. He begins his new life with revenge in his heart and strikes out to find out who kidnapped him and held him captive. As he gets closer to some kind of answer, he comes face to face with the man responsible for it. And Joe is given an ultimatum that is the key to his being exonerated for the murder he didn't commit. But the deal is brutal and horrible.
He meets a young Doctor named Marie (Elizabeth Olsen) who helps him get patched up and then helps him in his search for the clues he needs to be a free man. But will Joe ever really be free? That is the underlying meaning of Oldboy.
Should be noted, this is incredibly violent with numerous bloody fight scenes, and gruesome death blows. Oldboy is not for everyone, as it is very strange and totally adult. This, in fact deals extensively with virtually every single, very adult topic and situation there is. This movie is relentless in stepping on your neck and not letting you up. It is heavy, depressing and exceedingly dark. This is not easy to watch movie making.
I am a Brolin fan, and he is very good here as the multi-faceted Joe. But the bigger star is Olsen. I have become a huge fan of hers, and I hope to see more of her. She is Ashley and Mary-Kate's sister and is far more talented, and serious of an actress than the twins. She is a real actress and there are very good things ahead for her. She is terrific here in this movie that is not so easy to watch, but she is.
Oldboy. This is tough movie viewing for a niche audience at best. Tough Stuff.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Book Thief
The Book Thief is being heralded as one of the years best movies. That may be a bit overstated.
This is based on a best selling book that is set in the years before, during and after WWII of a young girl named Leisel. She is a 11 year old foster child in Germany beginning in 1938. She is sent to live with an aging couple. She cannot read and quickly learns that she has a love of books as she then learns to read. She goes to great lengths and some extreme peril to read, and acquire books in an era in Nazi Germany when the government was actually burning books and isolating itself.
She also learns to love her new parents who give her the only home she has ever known. As the war begins, the harsh reality of the Nazi's begins to take hold in their lives. They decide to hide a young Jewish boy in their basement, Max that Leisel befriends. Their bond grows as they both share the love of learning and books. But his presence is putting them in great danger and if caught, it would be death to them all.
Now if this sounds a bit deep, and depressing, it is. But there is some to like here, and some to love. First to like? This is wonderfully filmed with amazing costumes and terrific sets. This really transports you right into 1940s Germany. Geoffery Rush is very good as Leisel's Papa, Hans. He is seldom not good in anything. The supporting cast though is average and not really compelling and that is one of the movies weak links.
To Love? Young actress Sophie Nelisse as Leasel. Her performance in this very large role is sensational. She is 13 years old and performing in a role about an era she cannot possibly understand and really pulls it off. This is about as good as you will see any child actor in any movie. She is everything you would want any actor at any age to be in any movie. This movie had to have performance to work, and she delivered. I can't wait to see her next movie. She was easy to watch, and delivered her dialogue with amazing emotion and depth.
But this movie does have some flaws that are hard to overlook. In short, this is draggy at times, and dull at others. Many scenes have the same look as the last,. And after a while, you wonder if this is really going somewhere, or just spinning it's wheels. To be fair, this is a move that can use a narrator at times, and they have one. But the narrator is "death", and that just doesn't work, and frankly stuck out like a sore thumb. It was tiring and needless after a while. Also, this movie makes the big mistake of ending about 3 times, and that was awkward too. Too drawn out at the end.
The Book Thief. This is certainly not a bad movie, but this should and could have been a whole lot better. Some fine performances mixed into a movie formula that was not nearly as fine. But Sophie Nelisse is worth a ticket. A star is born.
This is based on a best selling book that is set in the years before, during and after WWII of a young girl named Leisel. She is a 11 year old foster child in Germany beginning in 1938. She is sent to live with an aging couple. She cannot read and quickly learns that she has a love of books as she then learns to read. She goes to great lengths and some extreme peril to read, and acquire books in an era in Nazi Germany when the government was actually burning books and isolating itself.
She also learns to love her new parents who give her the only home she has ever known. As the war begins, the harsh reality of the Nazi's begins to take hold in their lives. They decide to hide a young Jewish boy in their basement, Max that Leisel befriends. Their bond grows as they both share the love of learning and books. But his presence is putting them in great danger and if caught, it would be death to them all.
Now if this sounds a bit deep, and depressing, it is. But there is some to like here, and some to love. First to like? This is wonderfully filmed with amazing costumes and terrific sets. This really transports you right into 1940s Germany. Geoffery Rush is very good as Leisel's Papa, Hans. He is seldom not good in anything. The supporting cast though is average and not really compelling and that is one of the movies weak links.
To Love? Young actress Sophie Nelisse as Leasel. Her performance in this very large role is sensational. She is 13 years old and performing in a role about an era she cannot possibly understand and really pulls it off. This is about as good as you will see any child actor in any movie. She is everything you would want any actor at any age to be in any movie. This movie had to have performance to work, and she delivered. I can't wait to see her next movie. She was easy to watch, and delivered her dialogue with amazing emotion and depth.
But this movie does have some flaws that are hard to overlook. In short, this is draggy at times, and dull at others. Many scenes have the same look as the last,. And after a while, you wonder if this is really going somewhere, or just spinning it's wheels. To be fair, this is a move that can use a narrator at times, and they have one. But the narrator is "death", and that just doesn't work, and frankly stuck out like a sore thumb. It was tiring and needless after a while. Also, this movie makes the big mistake of ending about 3 times, and that was awkward too. Too drawn out at the end.
The Book Thief. This is certainly not a bad movie, but this should and could have been a whole lot better. Some fine performances mixed into a movie formula that was not nearly as fine. But Sophie Nelisse is worth a ticket. A star is born.
MOVIE REVIEW - Philomena
Sometimes a movie comes along that dares to tell a story that others won't. That is the wonderful new Philomena. This stars two actors, both at the top of their game. Judi Dench stars as Philomena and Steve Coogan stars as Martin in this must see movie. This is based on a true story.
Philomena is a woman from Britain, now in her 70's. At the age of about 16 became pregnant out of wedlock. Her own mother had died, and her father was so full of 1950's shame, he dumped his daughter at this remote Catholic retreat in Ireland that was run by nuns. They accepted young women in those days in this situation, and gave them shelter and basic care in exchange for endless non-paid labor in prison like conditions. And many times, ended up selling these young women's children to rich people. That is what happened to Philomena. Now she wants to find her son on his 50th birthday. She has kept his entire thing a secret her whole life. Even from her family.
She meets Martin, who is a recently fired BBC reporter that is a bit down on his luck and looking to reinvent himself into the next stage of his career. He and Philomena cross paths and he reluctantly decides to write her story and help her track down her son. He feels though this whole thing is beneath him, and not by a little.
His investigation leads them both to America, where they locate her son in Washington D.C., as a big time lawyer. But there are roadblocks along the way. And will this be the ending that Philomena is hoping for?
This movie does such a wonderful job in creating two complex characters that both just pop right off the screen. Dench is Oscar worthy superb as the insanely charming, yet almost uncontrollably naive Philomena. Dench continues to really get better with age. Her performance here is another in a long list of memorable roles that are enchanting and acted out so naturally you almost forget she's acting.
Coogan though to me was the thing that drove this movie to greatness. He is sensational as the arrogant Martin, that thinks this is an act of desperation at first to take on this story.
He grows nicely and steadily. First as Philomena's writer, to eventually become her friend. Martin also becomes a dogged advocate for her, and he story. He could not have been better cast. This is basically a two person movie, and these two were the ones for the job.
At times, this is much more dark and heavy than the previews would suggest. Plus this makes a loud and clear social statement about many issues, including the Catholic Church - both then and now. In many regards as fun as this can be , this is a bit daring. But mixed in, is a well written script with many charming scenes and exchanges between our stars that give this movie great balance. A comedy at times, and a dramedy at others.
Philomena. This is just flat our good. One of the years best movies. And our stars are terrific. Go see it - this weekend.
Philomena is a woman from Britain, now in her 70's. At the age of about 16 became pregnant out of wedlock. Her own mother had died, and her father was so full of 1950's shame, he dumped his daughter at this remote Catholic retreat in Ireland that was run by nuns. They accepted young women in those days in this situation, and gave them shelter and basic care in exchange for endless non-paid labor in prison like conditions. And many times, ended up selling these young women's children to rich people. That is what happened to Philomena. Now she wants to find her son on his 50th birthday. She has kept his entire thing a secret her whole life. Even from her family.
She meets Martin, who is a recently fired BBC reporter that is a bit down on his luck and looking to reinvent himself into the next stage of his career. He and Philomena cross paths and he reluctantly decides to write her story and help her track down her son. He feels though this whole thing is beneath him, and not by a little.
His investigation leads them both to America, where they locate her son in Washington D.C., as a big time lawyer. But there are roadblocks along the way. And will this be the ending that Philomena is hoping for?
This movie does such a wonderful job in creating two complex characters that both just pop right off the screen. Dench is Oscar worthy superb as the insanely charming, yet almost uncontrollably naive Philomena. Dench continues to really get better with age. Her performance here is another in a long list of memorable roles that are enchanting and acted out so naturally you almost forget she's acting.
Coogan though to me was the thing that drove this movie to greatness. He is sensational as the arrogant Martin, that thinks this is an act of desperation at first to take on this story.
He grows nicely and steadily. First as Philomena's writer, to eventually become her friend. Martin also becomes a dogged advocate for her, and he story. He could not have been better cast. This is basically a two person movie, and these two were the ones for the job.
At times, this is much more dark and heavy than the previews would suggest. Plus this makes a loud and clear social statement about many issues, including the Catholic Church - both then and now. In many regards as fun as this can be , this is a bit daring. But mixed in, is a well written script with many charming scenes and exchanges between our stars that give this movie great balance. A comedy at times, and a dramedy at others.
Philomena. This is just flat our good. One of the years best movies. And our stars are terrific. Go see it - this weekend.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Dallas Buyers Club
Here comes another really powerful movie this week, the Dallas Buyers Club starring Matthew McConaughey.
He stars in a true story of a real life cowboy named Ron Woodruff from rural Texas who in 1985 was diagnosed with a new viral disease, called AIDS. Of course, little was known about AIDS at the time, and this is the story of the infancy of drug treatment of the horrible viral disease and the road blocks that were, and still are in the way of effective treatment.
Woodruff is a oil field electrician, and a part time rodeo bull rider. He is also an insanely irresponsible man in his 30's who spends most of his time hard drinking, smoking, doing cocaine, and sleeping with basically any woman from any bar, or rodeo groupie he can hook up with. All of it reckless and unprotected. He is diagnosed with AIDS and goes into denial immediately. He is given 30 days to live and he starts on a journey to find ways to treat himself, and eventually others with ways not yet legal in the United States.
He comes to terms with his plight, and starts to figure out the stigma of having the disease. He goes through the prejudice and panic from people in his life and finds himself in a position to go it alone, or with people he previously hated with this own prejudice.
He then becomes highly educated about his disease and attempts to help others in the same situation He invents a group called the Dallas Buyers Club, where he travels to numerous countries around the world to bring back alternate AIDS treatments. He sells memberships to others with the disease for all the treatments they need. In the end, he becomes a huge pioneer in the fight against the disease, and the Food And Drug Administration, and the U.S. Government in general.
This is a very powerful movie that tells a story that none of us really knows. This is straight forward movie making that tells a great story, that is hard to digest at times. You have to remember that this takes place almost 30 years ago, and you'll have to judge how far we have come in the fight against AIDS. This movie takes you where none of us have been, and does make you think and think deeply.
McConaughey is terrific in this HUGE role, as I think he is in every single scene in this movie. Certainly any scene that is over 60 seconds. I loved him here, and his physical appearance is haunting and shocking, as his character is stricken with the worst of viral diseases. You will not believe that is him. This, on the heels of his fabulous performance in Mud earlier this year, and this has been his best year in a long time. He could be Oscar nominated twice this year. He's that good.
Dallas Buyers Club. Provocative, and very good.
He stars in a true story of a real life cowboy named Ron Woodruff from rural Texas who in 1985 was diagnosed with a new viral disease, called AIDS. Of course, little was known about AIDS at the time, and this is the story of the infancy of drug treatment of the horrible viral disease and the road blocks that were, and still are in the way of effective treatment.
Woodruff is a oil field electrician, and a part time rodeo bull rider. He is also an insanely irresponsible man in his 30's who spends most of his time hard drinking, smoking, doing cocaine, and sleeping with basically any woman from any bar, or rodeo groupie he can hook up with. All of it reckless and unprotected. He is diagnosed with AIDS and goes into denial immediately. He is given 30 days to live and he starts on a journey to find ways to treat himself, and eventually others with ways not yet legal in the United States.
He comes to terms with his plight, and starts to figure out the stigma of having the disease. He goes through the prejudice and panic from people in his life and finds himself in a position to go it alone, or with people he previously hated with this own prejudice.
He then becomes highly educated about his disease and attempts to help others in the same situation He invents a group called the Dallas Buyers Club, where he travels to numerous countries around the world to bring back alternate AIDS treatments. He sells memberships to others with the disease for all the treatments they need. In the end, he becomes a huge pioneer in the fight against the disease, and the Food And Drug Administration, and the U.S. Government in general.
This is a very powerful movie that tells a story that none of us really knows. This is straight forward movie making that tells a great story, that is hard to digest at times. You have to remember that this takes place almost 30 years ago, and you'll have to judge how far we have come in the fight against AIDS. This movie takes you where none of us have been, and does make you think and think deeply.
McConaughey is terrific in this HUGE role, as I think he is in every single scene in this movie. Certainly any scene that is over 60 seconds. I loved him here, and his physical appearance is haunting and shocking, as his character is stricken with the worst of viral diseases. You will not believe that is him. This, on the heels of his fabulous performance in Mud earlier this year, and this has been his best year in a long time. He could be Oscar nominated twice this year. He's that good.
Dallas Buyers Club. Provocative, and very good.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Hunger Games - Catching Fire
The second installment of The Hunger Games franchise is out this week, Jennifer Lawrence is back as Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Destined to be a record setter this week.
We pick up where we left off after the original Hunger Games within our story and movie. But movie goers are flashed forwarded light years ahead since the original almost 2 years ago. Much has changed.
The budget for this is nearly double the original, and we can all be assured Lawrence was not paid the measly sum of 500 grand for this as she was the first. The sets are magnificent, and the supporting cast is strong, with some new additions that you will love as some more A-list actors show up. The music from James Newton Howard is simply great, and the story itself is whistling along nicely in this set of movies. These are not perfect movies, as the dialogue can be silly, and bland at times, but it's not a deal breaker. Also, this is exciting but it is not a "special effects fest." Yes there are some, but not the overdone computer generated effects producers are in love with right now.
What this movie does well, is what the first one did well. During the "games" portion of the movie, it does put you right in the game with them. Of course this is the future, and this whole Hunger Game concept with the movie, is a real life video game. Even tough this is a bit long it paces along very well after a slow start. They know you want the games and they give you plenty of them.
They also are taking this in a new and good direction. There is less emphasis on the fighting and the games itself, and now it has shifted towards who the enemy really is. And that would be the gigantic, overbearing government that is controlling every aspect of life in the future. Is revolution at hand? That is the real story now in Hunger Games.
Things are a lot different since the last time Jennifer Lawrence was introducing herself to us in the original. She is older, more mature, and has an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook. She is pretty good in this really not so challenging role, as this is an ensemble piece. It is fun to see her continue to come of age as an actress. There are many great things ahead for her, and she will look back sometime and be thankful for this franchise and this chance. But there is far better work and roles ahead for her as an actress than this will allow. But this will now provide the paycheck.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire. For what this is, still away above the fray and pretty good.
We pick up where we left off after the original Hunger Games within our story and movie. But movie goers are flashed forwarded light years ahead since the original almost 2 years ago. Much has changed.
The budget for this is nearly double the original, and we can all be assured Lawrence was not paid the measly sum of 500 grand for this as she was the first. The sets are magnificent, and the supporting cast is strong, with some new additions that you will love as some more A-list actors show up. The music from James Newton Howard is simply great, and the story itself is whistling along nicely in this set of movies. These are not perfect movies, as the dialogue can be silly, and bland at times, but it's not a deal breaker. Also, this is exciting but it is not a "special effects fest." Yes there are some, but not the overdone computer generated effects producers are in love with right now.
What this movie does well, is what the first one did well. During the "games" portion of the movie, it does put you right in the game with them. Of course this is the future, and this whole Hunger Game concept with the movie, is a real life video game. Even tough this is a bit long it paces along very well after a slow start. They know you want the games and they give you plenty of them.
They also are taking this in a new and good direction. There is less emphasis on the fighting and the games itself, and now it has shifted towards who the enemy really is. And that would be the gigantic, overbearing government that is controlling every aspect of life in the future. Is revolution at hand? That is the real story now in Hunger Games.
Things are a lot different since the last time Jennifer Lawrence was introducing herself to us in the original. She is older, more mature, and has an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook. She is pretty good in this really not so challenging role, as this is an ensemble piece. It is fun to see her continue to come of age as an actress. There are many great things ahead for her, and she will look back sometime and be thankful for this franchise and this chance. But there is far better work and roles ahead for her as an actress than this will allow. But this will now provide the paycheck.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire. For what this is, still away above the fray and pretty good.
MOVIE REVIEW - Delivery Man
The new Vince Vaughn comedy Delivery Man is new this week. This will be a love/hate movie.
If you love Vince Vaughn you may love this movie simply because he is in it. Or it may be a bit too tame for you. There is no question that this is a very different kind of Vaughn movie that may attract a new audience for him. And that is a good thing overall. But for many, there will just not be enough locker room humor and shocking content, as there is none here. In short, if you are going to see Vaughn be "typical Vaughn", you will not recognize him here.
Delivery Man is an original story about a character who is anything but original, Dave (Vaughn). David is a guy about 45 years old and is a grown man/child. He is a delivery driver for his fathers meat company and is an irresponsible goof. He has no real life, and suffers from great immaturity. He is horribly in debt, and lies to his family, friends and his girlfriend. In short, it's the kind of character Vaughn has played 1,000 times before. But it does get a bit more original.
It turns out that between 1991 and 1994 he donated 692 times to a sperm bank as a young man. And as it turns out, his donations were used 532 times and unknowingly created that many children who are now mostly grown. As he is notified, he starts to understand that he needs to grow up, and becomes obsessed in meeting his "kids" without their knowledge. The clinic is begin sued to release his identity, and he is fighting it, as he thinks he wishes to remain anonymous. But as we roll on, he starts to have a change of heart as his current girlfriend turns up pregnant by him. Will David finally grow up, even a little? It's not the prefect comedy, but it's alright.
This movie is being hammered by many critics, and frankly I don't know why. This is a fun, little movie that has a fun little story to tell. It is not laced with vile, gross humor and offensive language. It develops characters and has some fun along the way. It's not great, it's not a movie that you will watch 10 times. But it is fun to see Vaughn go in a different direction, and make a movie that is far more mass appeal, and not the 7th grade boys locker room variety. No one is trying to say this will go down with Wedding Crashers, or some of the others, but what it is saying is that there is room for all kinds of comedies, even the tame ones.
There are some mild laughs and there are just enough soft moments to make this real. Of course, this could never really happen, and the 532 number may be a bit ridiculous, but you do feel what he is going through, even though you can't relate. There are some very relateable parenting moments too in this flick that do give it a sense of real, staged in this fantasy.
Delivery Man. Give it a Vaughn a break. I applaud him for not making the same move over and over again. Even if he is kind of the same character to a degree. Fun, light.
If you love Vince Vaughn you may love this movie simply because he is in it. Or it may be a bit too tame for you. There is no question that this is a very different kind of Vaughn movie that may attract a new audience for him. And that is a good thing overall. But for many, there will just not be enough locker room humor and shocking content, as there is none here. In short, if you are going to see Vaughn be "typical Vaughn", you will not recognize him here.
Delivery Man is an original story about a character who is anything but original, Dave (Vaughn). David is a guy about 45 years old and is a grown man/child. He is a delivery driver for his fathers meat company and is an irresponsible goof. He has no real life, and suffers from great immaturity. He is horribly in debt, and lies to his family, friends and his girlfriend. In short, it's the kind of character Vaughn has played 1,000 times before. But it does get a bit more original.
It turns out that between 1991 and 1994 he donated 692 times to a sperm bank as a young man. And as it turns out, his donations were used 532 times and unknowingly created that many children who are now mostly grown. As he is notified, he starts to understand that he needs to grow up, and becomes obsessed in meeting his "kids" without their knowledge. The clinic is begin sued to release his identity, and he is fighting it, as he thinks he wishes to remain anonymous. But as we roll on, he starts to have a change of heart as his current girlfriend turns up pregnant by him. Will David finally grow up, even a little? It's not the prefect comedy, but it's alright.
This movie is being hammered by many critics, and frankly I don't know why. This is a fun, little movie that has a fun little story to tell. It is not laced with vile, gross humor and offensive language. It develops characters and has some fun along the way. It's not great, it's not a movie that you will watch 10 times. But it is fun to see Vaughn go in a different direction, and make a movie that is far more mass appeal, and not the 7th grade boys locker room variety. No one is trying to say this will go down with Wedding Crashers, or some of the others, but what it is saying is that there is room for all kinds of comedies, even the tame ones.
There are some mild laughs and there are just enough soft moments to make this real. Of course, this could never really happen, and the 532 number may be a bit ridiculous, but you do feel what he is going through, even though you can't relate. There are some very relateable parenting moments too in this flick that do give it a sense of real, staged in this fantasy.
Delivery Man. Give it a Vaughn a break. I applaud him for not making the same move over and over again. Even if he is kind of the same character to a degree. Fun, light.
Monday, November 18, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Best Man Holiday
It's been about 15 years since the majority of this cast has reunited for the next chapter of their brand of comedy, this is The Best Man Holiday.
This cast led by Terrence Howard, Taye Diggs, and Nia Long in movie that frankly has a difficult time deciding exactly what it wants to be. This also suffers from being entirely too long and would have been far better served by cutting off about 30 minutes. But timing is everything sometimes. This was released at the exact perfect time, and had a huge opening weekend.
This is the story of about 10 friends, all in their prime years, and all wildly successful living in New York City. They all decide to meet up at the mansion of the professional football player of the bunch to spend a week together at Christmas time. All of our characters have a tremendous amount of drama swirling around themselves, and in some cases among each other. They all have a history alone and with each other, so can they all get along and patch up the differences between them and continue on? That is The Best Man Holiday. And I still don't understand the title completely.
This movie really has an identity crisis. This has a very hard time deciding on what exact road to take, so it decides to take all of them. Is this a romantic comedy, or straight comedy, or drama, a Christmas movie, a "we're having a baby movie" or a terminal illness movie? The answer is yes. This really veers off wildly in various places and loses its focus. There are countless needless scenes that are only on screen to showcase all of our stars and give them all some screen time.
Much of the comedy is average at best. The movies best scenes are the most poignant moments. But you have to wait way too long for those, and the payoff is not worth that wait. This is a good example of a movie that tries to be all things to all people and ends up being kind of disjointed and watered down.
The Best Man's Holiday. The holiday movie season is her now officially.
This cast led by Terrence Howard, Taye Diggs, and Nia Long in movie that frankly has a difficult time deciding exactly what it wants to be. This also suffers from being entirely too long and would have been far better served by cutting off about 30 minutes. But timing is everything sometimes. This was released at the exact perfect time, and had a huge opening weekend.
This is the story of about 10 friends, all in their prime years, and all wildly successful living in New York City. They all decide to meet up at the mansion of the professional football player of the bunch to spend a week together at Christmas time. All of our characters have a tremendous amount of drama swirling around themselves, and in some cases among each other. They all have a history alone and with each other, so can they all get along and patch up the differences between them and continue on? That is The Best Man Holiday. And I still don't understand the title completely.
This movie really has an identity crisis. This has a very hard time deciding on what exact road to take, so it decides to take all of them. Is this a romantic comedy, or straight comedy, or drama, a Christmas movie, a "we're having a baby movie" or a terminal illness movie? The answer is yes. This really veers off wildly in various places and loses its focus. There are countless needless scenes that are only on screen to showcase all of our stars and give them all some screen time.
Much of the comedy is average at best. The movies best scenes are the most poignant moments. But you have to wait way too long for those, and the payoff is not worth that wait. This is a good example of a movie that tries to be all things to all people and ends up being kind of disjointed and watered down.
The Best Man's Holiday. The holiday movie season is her now officially.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Reconnecting The Current
So much has seemed to change with the Browns over the past year. But, has it really changed? We're going to find out this weekend when the Browns play the Bengals in one of the biggest games they have played in years. It's simple really, beat the Bengals and become the new Browns. Lose or play badly, and remain a team with far to go.
This is the kind of game the Browns used to win all the time many years ago. But this is the kind of game that this team has never won since 1999. Just when you think the Browns were going to turn the corner, they stopped and kept going straight over the cliff. Lucky for us Browns fans, the Bengals don't win these kind of games much either. Good news, someone has to win and it might as well be us.
No X's and O's here. They need to win this game not to make a push for the playoffs, blah blah, blah. They need to win to re-energize an area that is ready for reunification with its once proud football team. That is the first step towards winning. It's not enough anymore to simply have a team for fans to love it. Now you have to have a good team for fans to pay any attention to it. People need a reason besides the Muni-lot party to get ready for Sundays in the fall. And this Sunday's game is that game.
Dramatic? Maybe, but when was the last relevant game the Browns really played. And this is a winnable game by a team that isn't as bad as many people think, against a team that isn't near as good as many think they are. This game has really nothing to do with football. It has all to do with reconnecting the current between player and fan. And that is critical for the Browns a this stage of growth.
Pressure? Sure, but it's the NFL, and this has gone on long enough. The Browns could do so much more than win a game, they could become the new Browns. It seems finally the moment is finally at hand. The chance to exorcise 14 year old demons and to show they can finally take the curve. Are the Browns going to the playoffs? Probably not. Or the Superbowl, and they have far still to go. But finally positive change seems within reach.
To become the new Browns....The time is now.
This is the kind of game the Browns used to win all the time many years ago. But this is the kind of game that this team has never won since 1999. Just when you think the Browns were going to turn the corner, they stopped and kept going straight over the cliff. Lucky for us Browns fans, the Bengals don't win these kind of games much either. Good news, someone has to win and it might as well be us.
No X's and O's here. They need to win this game not to make a push for the playoffs, blah blah, blah. They need to win to re-energize an area that is ready for reunification with its once proud football team. That is the first step towards winning. It's not enough anymore to simply have a team for fans to love it. Now you have to have a good team for fans to pay any attention to it. People need a reason besides the Muni-lot party to get ready for Sundays in the fall. And this Sunday's game is that game.
Dramatic? Maybe, but when was the last relevant game the Browns really played. And this is a winnable game by a team that isn't as bad as many people think, against a team that isn't near as good as many think they are. This game has really nothing to do with football. It has all to do with reconnecting the current between player and fan. And that is critical for the Browns a this stage of growth.
Pressure? Sure, but it's the NFL, and this has gone on long enough. The Browns could do so much more than win a game, they could become the new Browns. It seems finally the moment is finally at hand. The chance to exorcise 14 year old demons and to show they can finally take the curve. Are the Browns going to the playoffs? Probably not. Or the Superbowl, and they have far still to go. But finally positive change seems within reach.
To become the new Browns....The time is now.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - All Is Lost
It isn't often you see a mainstream movie hit the theaters that literally stars one actor. That is the new All Is Lost, the new Robert Redford flick where he stars in a tale of sheer human survival.
Seems every year we get a "concept piece" that is so different, it cuts through the noise of all the average or formula stuff and resonates with audiences deeply. A couple of years ago it was the silent film, The Artist, that went on and won the Oscar for best picture. And this is this years entry. And this is very, very good.
This one hour and forty minute movie has one person on screen, Redford. And he utters about 3 sentences. There is almost no music in this movie either. So what is in this movie? Well, a compelling story, superb acting, and a wonderfully edited flick, that is certainly catering to an older patron, but they will go, and they will like this.
It's the story of a seemingly rich, successful man, who owns this incredible sailboat. He is sailing solo in the Indian Ocean about 1,700 miles off shore. His boat is truck by huge piece of cargo that fell off a merchant ship, causing huge damage to it. Because we learn he is a terrific sailor, he somehow keeps his sailboat afloat, and tries to make some kind of determination on where he is, as his navigation equipment has been ruined. After he patches the big hole in the hull, he seems to think he was weathered the storm. But his adventure is just beginning.
The goes through a huge actual storm and the boat sustains even more damage, to the point where he has to abandon the ship and spend his days in an inflatable life raft. He is trying to survive. But will he survive his 8 days at sea shipwrecked? That is our movie. Make no mistake. This is not an uplifting story, as this is a man hanging on for dear life by the skin of his teeth. This is compelling, but not light movie viewing.
This is first class movie making all the way. The director puts you right in the belly of that boat, or on its deck, and makes you feel exactly what our hero is feeling. This is wonderfully filmed and incredibly edited to give you a sense of being there. Redford creates a character that you really get to know, without even knowing his name, nationality, or virtually anything. You don't even really know why he is there in the middle of the ocean. He is terrific in this enigmatic role, and because of his skill, performance, his entire career, and where he is in his life, he may be the odds-on favorite to win best actor at first glance.
Keeping in mind Redford is 70 ish, this role was an immense physical challenge, and he pulled it off well. Whether he is or not, he makes you believe he is a seasoned sailor, but he is also fallible, and makes many mistakes along the way that help lead him to his plight. This is well written, acted and is just a fine piece of cinema. This is emotive, caring and expertly crafted and way above the fray. It is also believable, and is careful not to over the top.
All Is Lost. This will have very limited appeal with any kind of mainstream movie going public, but Redford fans will go, and they will love this. There is a lot to love. Darn good movie.
Seems every year we get a "concept piece" that is so different, it cuts through the noise of all the average or formula stuff and resonates with audiences deeply. A couple of years ago it was the silent film, The Artist, that went on and won the Oscar for best picture. And this is this years entry. And this is very, very good.
This one hour and forty minute movie has one person on screen, Redford. And he utters about 3 sentences. There is almost no music in this movie either. So what is in this movie? Well, a compelling story, superb acting, and a wonderfully edited flick, that is certainly catering to an older patron, but they will go, and they will like this.
It's the story of a seemingly rich, successful man, who owns this incredible sailboat. He is sailing solo in the Indian Ocean about 1,700 miles off shore. His boat is truck by huge piece of cargo that fell off a merchant ship, causing huge damage to it. Because we learn he is a terrific sailor, he somehow keeps his sailboat afloat, and tries to make some kind of determination on where he is, as his navigation equipment has been ruined. After he patches the big hole in the hull, he seems to think he was weathered the storm. But his adventure is just beginning.
The goes through a huge actual storm and the boat sustains even more damage, to the point where he has to abandon the ship and spend his days in an inflatable life raft. He is trying to survive. But will he survive his 8 days at sea shipwrecked? That is our movie. Make no mistake. This is not an uplifting story, as this is a man hanging on for dear life by the skin of his teeth. This is compelling, but not light movie viewing.
This is first class movie making all the way. The director puts you right in the belly of that boat, or on its deck, and makes you feel exactly what our hero is feeling. This is wonderfully filmed and incredibly edited to give you a sense of being there. Redford creates a character that you really get to know, without even knowing his name, nationality, or virtually anything. You don't even really know why he is there in the middle of the ocean. He is terrific in this enigmatic role, and because of his skill, performance, his entire career, and where he is in his life, he may be the odds-on favorite to win best actor at first glance.
Keeping in mind Redford is 70 ish, this role was an immense physical challenge, and he pulled it off well. Whether he is or not, he makes you believe he is a seasoned sailor, but he is also fallible, and makes many mistakes along the way that help lead him to his plight. This is well written, acted and is just a fine piece of cinema. This is emotive, caring and expertly crafted and way above the fray. It is also believable, and is careful not to over the top.
All Is Lost. This will have very limited appeal with any kind of mainstream movie going public, but Redford fans will go, and they will love this. There is a lot to love. Darn good movie.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - About Time
Sometimes too much of a good thing is not a good thing. And that is the main trouble with the new romantic comedy/drama, About Time.
This is the story of Tim, a young 20 something guy in England and his wonderful family. On his 21st birthday he is told from his father (Bill Nighy) that the men in his family are capable of "time travel." This heavily guarded secret is basically an easy thing to to. Go to a dark room, clench your firsts, and think about the place you would like to go only in the past, and off you go. Tim wants to use his gift for love. Tim is insanely awkward and his luck with girls is not good. So he tries to find a girlfriend, and having the advantage to doing something over and over again till he gets is right. Sort of like Groundhog Day.
Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), and they fall in love and start a family. Sure I fast forwarded a bit, but hey we can time travel here. This is basically the story of these two going through the first few years of dating and of their marriage and the characters in their lives. With Tim's time travel all at the center, although, Mary does not know. Is time travel an unfair advantage? Or is is a unneeded extravagance?
There is no question a ton of charm in this movie, and there are some creative and priceless moments that are amazingly heartwarming and fun to watch. The trouble is, this movie winds off course many times and can't really decide what it really wants to do or say. There are far too many characters here, and all they do is start to get in the way. Some of the repeated time travel scenes are agonizingly long and that story line starts to become a liability rather than an asset. In short, this movie is way too long. And I mean waaaaaay too long.
This is a really fun premise and a nice cast was assembled here for a wandering movie that without question wears out its welcome. The charm that is so prevalent in some areas quickly is forgotten, as you begin to wonder if this is ever going to end. And that's sad. But on the flip side, this is a movie clearly marketed at an older demo than your average movie goer. And more than likely they will not have the same criticism of its length. What this demo may choose to remember is the fun, laughs and the charm of it all.
About Time. All in all, not a bad movie. But for me this is a fun premise and a good cast not given the best script for this to be a really good movie.
This is the story of Tim, a young 20 something guy in England and his wonderful family. On his 21st birthday he is told from his father (Bill Nighy) that the men in his family are capable of "time travel." This heavily guarded secret is basically an easy thing to to. Go to a dark room, clench your firsts, and think about the place you would like to go only in the past, and off you go. Tim wants to use his gift for love. Tim is insanely awkward and his luck with girls is not good. So he tries to find a girlfriend, and having the advantage to doing something over and over again till he gets is right. Sort of like Groundhog Day.
Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), and they fall in love and start a family. Sure I fast forwarded a bit, but hey we can time travel here. This is basically the story of these two going through the first few years of dating and of their marriage and the characters in their lives. With Tim's time travel all at the center, although, Mary does not know. Is time travel an unfair advantage? Or is is a unneeded extravagance?
There is no question a ton of charm in this movie, and there are some creative and priceless moments that are amazingly heartwarming and fun to watch. The trouble is, this movie winds off course many times and can't really decide what it really wants to do or say. There are far too many characters here, and all they do is start to get in the way. Some of the repeated time travel scenes are agonizingly long and that story line starts to become a liability rather than an asset. In short, this movie is way too long. And I mean waaaaaay too long.
This is a really fun premise and a nice cast was assembled here for a wandering movie that without question wears out its welcome. The charm that is so prevalent in some areas quickly is forgotten, as you begin to wonder if this is ever going to end. And that's sad. But on the flip side, this is a movie clearly marketed at an older demo than your average movie goer. And more than likely they will not have the same criticism of its length. What this demo may choose to remember is the fun, laughs and the charm of it all.
About Time. All in all, not a bad movie. But for me this is a fun premise and a good cast not given the best script for this to be a really good movie.
Monday, November 11, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - 12 Years A Slave
One of the most compelling movies of 2013 is in theaters this week, 12 Years A Slave. This is certainly the front runner for the Oscar for best picture at this stage.
This is based on the true account written by Solomon Northrup. Northrup was born a free African American man in the 1800's, and grew up and lived in New York state a free man when slavery was still a huge way of life in the south. He is educated and successful. He then is tricked by two men who offer him a job in Washington D.C. Kidnapped and sent to the south where he is sold into slavery as a grown man, leaving his wife and two children to wonder what happened to him for the ext 12 years. This is the story of his 12 years struggling to survive and to try to get back to his family. And it's the story of the people he encounters along the way.
This is also a movie that will be loved by Hollywood and will be reviewed very well. This is heavy, heavy intense drama, with no levity at all. It is a dark story of human suffering, and a front row look at a horrible time in American history. For those who choose to go see this, it will be universally loved all the way around. But, this movie is not for everyone. This is a hard R rating, and is stunningly brutal at times. This is amazingly graphic, as it takes you deep inside the horrible sides (and there are many), of the slave trade in the 1850's. It is very difficult to watch at times as they don't sugar coat much of anything, nor do they spare you any of the harsh realities that these people lived with every day for decades.
This also does a superior job of developing characters in very short order, that you both hate and love. It is filmed simply amidst wonderful sets, and authentic costuming to catapult you directly into the era. This is a highly emotive movie that makes you feel a whole gamut of feelings. There were plenty of head turnings and heavy sighing in the theater today as it all plays out on screen. This is very well acted, and directed. A big cast, all with small roles as this paces through time. Our star Chiwetel Ejiofor is sensational as Northrup, as this is a huge role. He will be nominated for best actor for this, and will more than likely be the one to beat.
12 Years a Slave. Very good but direct and to the point. This will be one of the best reviewed movies of the year.
This is based on the true account written by Solomon Northrup. Northrup was born a free African American man in the 1800's, and grew up and lived in New York state a free man when slavery was still a huge way of life in the south. He is educated and successful. He then is tricked by two men who offer him a job in Washington D.C. Kidnapped and sent to the south where he is sold into slavery as a grown man, leaving his wife and two children to wonder what happened to him for the ext 12 years. This is the story of his 12 years struggling to survive and to try to get back to his family. And it's the story of the people he encounters along the way.
This is also a movie that will be loved by Hollywood and will be reviewed very well. This is heavy, heavy intense drama, with no levity at all. It is a dark story of human suffering, and a front row look at a horrible time in American history. For those who choose to go see this, it will be universally loved all the way around. But, this movie is not for everyone. This is a hard R rating, and is stunningly brutal at times. This is amazingly graphic, as it takes you deep inside the horrible sides (and there are many), of the slave trade in the 1850's. It is very difficult to watch at times as they don't sugar coat much of anything, nor do they spare you any of the harsh realities that these people lived with every day for decades.
This also does a superior job of developing characters in very short order, that you both hate and love. It is filmed simply amidst wonderful sets, and authentic costuming to catapult you directly into the era. This is a highly emotive movie that makes you feel a whole gamut of feelings. There were plenty of head turnings and heavy sighing in the theater today as it all plays out on screen. This is very well acted, and directed. A big cast, all with small roles as this paces through time. Our star Chiwetel Ejiofor is sensational as Northrup, as this is a huge role. He will be nominated for best actor for this, and will more than likely be the one to beat.
12 Years a Slave. Very good but direct and to the point. This will be one of the best reviewed movies of the year.
Friday, November 8, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Thor The Dark World
Here comes the second installment of the recent Thor series. Isn't it amazing how many times we talk about the "latest installment" of so may franchises? Thor, The Dark World.
The original Thor was pretty good. I thought it was way above the fray as far as superhero movies are concerned. A good cast, and an original story for the most part ...presented well. This movie will be a big favorite with fans because they love Thor, and these kind of movies in general. Many started loving this movie when the trailers hit YouTube a few months ago and nothing can change their minds. Not even a bad movie. And this, is a bad movie. A bad shell of the original.
Once again the fate of the entire universe is at stake, and Thor, his world, and his friends here on Earth are poised to save it. Can we stop with all the "end of the universe movies?" There are so many overstated plot lines these days. I think we can all guess the universe is not going to end. This is part Harry Potter, part Star Wars, part superhero flick, part comedy, and part video game. And that is one of the main problems. It tries to be so many things. What this ends up being sadly, is a movie with about the maturity level of a 8 year-old.
Gone is any adult, or even young adult feel to this. Gone is the charm of the first, and what is in, is video game stunts, and a bunch of very average battle scenes (eventually) that are mundane and the same old thing. But this is what tons of the movie ticket buying public wants. They want a bevy of video game like scenes that are loud and long.
Also what is in, is virtually everything that is computer generated. I don't know why this simply isn't animated. I actually think it would be better. I know it's a comic book and everything, but this feels like they did research, and found out that fans of the first loved the "awesome effects" and "killer battle scenes" and that's what they give you. Totally abandoning the strengths and soul of the original.
This is a big cast wasted, especially returning Oscar winner, Natalie Portman who spends most of this movie watching others actually be in the movie. She should be furious over the writing and editing job on her. They made her look small, silly and looking like a child playing in the backyard for much of it. I like Portman and she is very talented, but was shafted here. And would someone please teach her how to run? Wow, it looks like it's her first time ever doing it.
Also, a whole lot of this looks like backyard dress-up. Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings all reduced to bad costuming and elaborate computer sets, and fake villains. Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is well cast and does give the main character a face and a soul, is fine. But there is not enough story here for anyone to sink their teeth in. And way too much silliness. This is strictly surface stuff, as where the original was far more intelligent and interesting.
Thor, The Dark World, reeks of a movie that was under contract to be made. And moreover, just simply reeks.
The original Thor was pretty good. I thought it was way above the fray as far as superhero movies are concerned. A good cast, and an original story for the most part ...presented well. This movie will be a big favorite with fans because they love Thor, and these kind of movies in general. Many started loving this movie when the trailers hit YouTube a few months ago and nothing can change their minds. Not even a bad movie. And this, is a bad movie. A bad shell of the original.
Once again the fate of the entire universe is at stake, and Thor, his world, and his friends here on Earth are poised to save it. Can we stop with all the "end of the universe movies?" There are so many overstated plot lines these days. I think we can all guess the universe is not going to end. This is part Harry Potter, part Star Wars, part superhero flick, part comedy, and part video game. And that is one of the main problems. It tries to be so many things. What this ends up being sadly, is a movie with about the maturity level of a 8 year-old.
Gone is any adult, or even young adult feel to this. Gone is the charm of the first, and what is in, is video game stunts, and a bunch of very average battle scenes (eventually) that are mundane and the same old thing. But this is what tons of the movie ticket buying public wants. They want a bevy of video game like scenes that are loud and long.
Also what is in, is virtually everything that is computer generated. I don't know why this simply isn't animated. I actually think it would be better. I know it's a comic book and everything, but this feels like they did research, and found out that fans of the first loved the "awesome effects" and "killer battle scenes" and that's what they give you. Totally abandoning the strengths and soul of the original.
This is a big cast wasted, especially returning Oscar winner, Natalie Portman who spends most of this movie watching others actually be in the movie. She should be furious over the writing and editing job on her. They made her look small, silly and looking like a child playing in the backyard for much of it. I like Portman and she is very talented, but was shafted here. And would someone please teach her how to run? Wow, it looks like it's her first time ever doing it.
Also, a whole lot of this looks like backyard dress-up. Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings all reduced to bad costuming and elaborate computer sets, and fake villains. Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is well cast and does give the main character a face and a soul, is fine. But there is not enough story here for anyone to sink their teeth in. And way too much silliness. This is strictly surface stuff, as where the original was far more intelligent and interesting.
Thor, The Dark World, reeks of a movie that was under contract to be made. And moreover, just simply reeks.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Last Vegas
Here comes a great example of a movie that the critics are going to hate, and the fans are going to love. The Hangover for the Viagra set, Last Vegas.
This stars Morgan Freeman, Robert Deniro, Michael Douglas and Kevin Kline. This is the story of 4 men from New York City who have been friends since childhood, and now for the last 58 years. They have all gone their separate ways but have stayed in touch. Life has happened to all of them. But when one of them who has never married decides at 78 to finally do so, they have a bachelor party in Las Vegas. And the Vegas antics are on. That's the story.
This the Facebook of movies. You know how it works. You post something, anything, and a bunch of people "like" it. What they "like" is you by and large, and not really what you just posted. That is this movie. Fans love all these actors and their careers so much, they will love seeing them in this movie, acting silly and enjoying Vegas. Most will pay little attention to the fact this is honestly not all that funny. And that is is amazingly predictable and insanely formula. This is pretty tame for the most part and not near as edgy as The Hangover by necessity, but it is the same movie. And it would appear that they will not leave this alone, there will be more.
But forgetting that this is simply an average movie with a huge cast, there is some fun here. And there are some very nice moments where these characters actually do celebrate their decades long friendship and realize how special it is. And Mary Steenburgen as the beautiful Diana, the new Las Vegas friend that strikes the fancy of one of our stars, is simply lovely. She is the only real fresh thing in this movie. She plays a lawyer who leaves the law, to be a lounge singer in Vegas. Her character is by far the most developed and interesting. She is simply perfect in this role. She does her own singing and some of those scenes are the best in the movie. In short, this movie is better when she is in it. Thank goodness she is in it!
It does appear that our big four are going through the motions here and they were counting on simply their presence to carry the day, and it will. The comedic writing is basically low brow, drunken stuff, with some near female nudity tossed in, and some feeble crass talk by our stars. All of it super easy to come up with. There are also a few too many characters in this movie that slow it down. Some of the more poignant moments are better written and certainly better acted.
Last Vegas. Moments of fun, 2 hours of predictable and unimaginative content, with big stars and budget. For critics, they will love taking it apart. And the fans will put it all back together with their laughs. Some fun, and there are certainly worse movies out there.
This stars Morgan Freeman, Robert Deniro, Michael Douglas and Kevin Kline. This is the story of 4 men from New York City who have been friends since childhood, and now for the last 58 years. They have all gone their separate ways but have stayed in touch. Life has happened to all of them. But when one of them who has never married decides at 78 to finally do so, they have a bachelor party in Las Vegas. And the Vegas antics are on. That's the story.
This the Facebook of movies. You know how it works. You post something, anything, and a bunch of people "like" it. What they "like" is you by and large, and not really what you just posted. That is this movie. Fans love all these actors and their careers so much, they will love seeing them in this movie, acting silly and enjoying Vegas. Most will pay little attention to the fact this is honestly not all that funny. And that is is amazingly predictable and insanely formula. This is pretty tame for the most part and not near as edgy as The Hangover by necessity, but it is the same movie. And it would appear that they will not leave this alone, there will be more.
But forgetting that this is simply an average movie with a huge cast, there is some fun here. And there are some very nice moments where these characters actually do celebrate their decades long friendship and realize how special it is. And Mary Steenburgen as the beautiful Diana, the new Las Vegas friend that strikes the fancy of one of our stars, is simply lovely. She is the only real fresh thing in this movie. She plays a lawyer who leaves the law, to be a lounge singer in Vegas. Her character is by far the most developed and interesting. She is simply perfect in this role. She does her own singing and some of those scenes are the best in the movie. In short, this movie is better when she is in it. Thank goodness she is in it!
It does appear that our big four are going through the motions here and they were counting on simply their presence to carry the day, and it will. The comedic writing is basically low brow, drunken stuff, with some near female nudity tossed in, and some feeble crass talk by our stars. All of it super easy to come up with. There are also a few too many characters in this movie that slow it down. Some of the more poignant moments are better written and certainly better acted.
Last Vegas. Moments of fun, 2 hours of predictable and unimaginative content, with big stars and budget. For critics, they will love taking it apart. And the fans will put it all back together with their laughs. Some fun, and there are certainly worse movies out there.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Enders Game
The book was huge, and the movie budget was huge too. And here comes Enders Game, the much anticipated Sci-Fi flick new this week.
I will lay it out on the line right up front. If you really like to watch kids play video games by peering over their shoulders...then this is your movie. Because, that's exactly what it is. Sometimes reading something and seeing it on screen are two completely different things. That is the situation we have here.
Long story short, in the near future, Earth is attacked by an alien race named the Formics. As they are conquering the Earth, a hero named Mazor Rackman (Ben Kingsley) pulls of a huge military move, and destroys the mother alien ship, and the Earth is saved. Flash forward 50 years and the threat of the Formics attacking Earth again is always on everyone's mind, especially the new military. They have decided that the smartest and brightest children are the most capable of leading us into battle. (They sort of explain this, but not very well). So they recruit great young minds. Including a young boy named Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield).
He, according to the lead Colonel (Harrison Ford) is THE one to lead the battle with the Formics. So what you have to do is sit and watch Ender and his friend Petra (Hailee Steinfeld) and the rest of the young recruits train for the big day. To be honest that is the basic story here. Oh, don't get me wrong they try real hard to make very loud social commentary about war, the military and the strategies that go along with it. And there are plenty of stereotypes that are reinforced in this movie.
You know, so many movies set far into the future have no real imagination in story lines. It amazes me that the writers and movie makers are so aware of what they CAN do on film, the forget what they COULD do on screen. So many of these stories lack any real vision of what could be. By and large nothing is really well though out, and you would think you are watching a movie set in the 1980's instead of the late 21st century. Sure, there are plenty of special effects of all kinds, and that will thrill many, but there is nothing new here you haven't seen before a hundred times.
In about 100 years, we are still driving cars that look exactly like today's cars (Audi is used here). We still shoot guns that look sort of like the guns of today, only they shoot lazers or something. Houses on earth look like they were built in 1980, and well the list goes on. Silly really. No real originality.
You essentially watch these kids play video games, and see them blend in with the special effects. Truth be told, this is a horrible waste of Ford's talent, Viola Davis' talent and Steinfeld who was badly miscast as a small side character. She actually would have been better in the lead. I am not going to knock a childhood actor like Butterfield, he was fine. But having a young girl as the savior of the Earth would have at least shown SOME imagination. You get to see Kingsley for about 30 minutes, so that's a waste, and by the time you see him show up, you may be too far gone to care. The wonderful Abigail Breslin is wasted here too as Enders sister. But my feeling is, there is a far more prominent role for her in the next movie, same for Stienfeld.
This movie will be very popular with a young audience that lives the video game life, as they wish for a video game so large. They also will care little about the lack of imagination, and the social stuff will go way over their heads. They are there for the effects. And being totally fair, there is absolutely nothing hew here as far as that is concerned. Brace yourself, there are going to be more of these, as it is set up nicely for that. Lovely.
Enders Game. Exceptionally over casted, and offering nothing really new. Maybe there is just too much of this stuff for any of it to look original right now.
I will lay it out on the line right up front. If you really like to watch kids play video games by peering over their shoulders...then this is your movie. Because, that's exactly what it is. Sometimes reading something and seeing it on screen are two completely different things. That is the situation we have here.
Long story short, in the near future, Earth is attacked by an alien race named the Formics. As they are conquering the Earth, a hero named Mazor Rackman (Ben Kingsley) pulls of a huge military move, and destroys the mother alien ship, and the Earth is saved. Flash forward 50 years and the threat of the Formics attacking Earth again is always on everyone's mind, especially the new military. They have decided that the smartest and brightest children are the most capable of leading us into battle. (They sort of explain this, but not very well). So they recruit great young minds. Including a young boy named Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield).
He, according to the lead Colonel (Harrison Ford) is THE one to lead the battle with the Formics. So what you have to do is sit and watch Ender and his friend Petra (Hailee Steinfeld) and the rest of the young recruits train for the big day. To be honest that is the basic story here. Oh, don't get me wrong they try real hard to make very loud social commentary about war, the military and the strategies that go along with it. And there are plenty of stereotypes that are reinforced in this movie.
You know, so many movies set far into the future have no real imagination in story lines. It amazes me that the writers and movie makers are so aware of what they CAN do on film, the forget what they COULD do on screen. So many of these stories lack any real vision of what could be. By and large nothing is really well though out, and you would think you are watching a movie set in the 1980's instead of the late 21st century. Sure, there are plenty of special effects of all kinds, and that will thrill many, but there is nothing new here you haven't seen before a hundred times.
In about 100 years, we are still driving cars that look exactly like today's cars (Audi is used here). We still shoot guns that look sort of like the guns of today, only they shoot lazers or something. Houses on earth look like they were built in 1980, and well the list goes on. Silly really. No real originality.
You essentially watch these kids play video games, and see them blend in with the special effects. Truth be told, this is a horrible waste of Ford's talent, Viola Davis' talent and Steinfeld who was badly miscast as a small side character. She actually would have been better in the lead. I am not going to knock a childhood actor like Butterfield, he was fine. But having a young girl as the savior of the Earth would have at least shown SOME imagination. You get to see Kingsley for about 30 minutes, so that's a waste, and by the time you see him show up, you may be too far gone to care. The wonderful Abigail Breslin is wasted here too as Enders sister. But my feeling is, there is a far more prominent role for her in the next movie, same for Stienfeld.
This movie will be very popular with a young audience that lives the video game life, as they wish for a video game so large. They also will care little about the lack of imagination, and the social stuff will go way over their heads. They are there for the effects. And being totally fair, there is absolutely nothing hew here as far as that is concerned. Brace yourself, there are going to be more of these, as it is set up nicely for that. Lovely.
Enders Game. Exceptionally over casted, and offering nothing really new. Maybe there is just too much of this stuff for any of it to look original right now.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Bad Grandpa
Johnny Knoxville and his Jackass Troupe are back, with their new reality comedy, Bad Grandpa is new this week.
This is filmed in the Borat style. Where Knoxville is dressed up as an 80 year old terrible grandfather traveling around the country with his 8 year old grandson. They stop in various cities along the way, (including Cleveland where some of this was filmed) and stage various shocking scenario's, looking for the honest reactions of innocent people. There isn't much plot to it, you've kind of heard the entire thing. And being fair, as tasteless as this is at times, there are some pretty funny moments in it. And some other guilty pleasure laughs.
It's kind of Borat meets Jackass the TV show. One thing should be made clear right up front, this movie, although with some objectionable moments, this is not near the mean-spirited plan that Borat was. Borat had an definite agenda. Borat seemingly was designed and made to offend, denigrate, and demean certain groups of people that were contrary to the producers agenda. This is far more tame.
Certainly there are some groups here that are targeted but it is done with a far more "joke is on you" style opposed to a viscous style. This movie even goes so far as to show the aftermath of all of these groups during the closing credits that showcase that many who were duped, all took it with great fun.
Be aware too, that you're seeing tons to TV commercials for this movie, and you're seeing a sanitized minute or so. This is every bit of an R rating. I admit, there are some funny moments here. Also kudos to them for the amazing, and I mean amazing makeup job on Knoxville. He doesn't look 80 as they claim, but he does look quite old and believable and nothing like himself at all. He also did a terrific voice that was spot on fore this character. You would never recognize him in any way. That of course was the central thing that had to be gotten right and it was.
Bad Grandpa. Incorrect and over the edge? Yes. Vile and mean spirited? No. Sort of a "let's forget we're adults for few minutes" feel to it.
This is filmed in the Borat style. Where Knoxville is dressed up as an 80 year old terrible grandfather traveling around the country with his 8 year old grandson. They stop in various cities along the way, (including Cleveland where some of this was filmed) and stage various shocking scenario's, looking for the honest reactions of innocent people. There isn't much plot to it, you've kind of heard the entire thing. And being fair, as tasteless as this is at times, there are some pretty funny moments in it. And some other guilty pleasure laughs.
It's kind of Borat meets Jackass the TV show. One thing should be made clear right up front, this movie, although with some objectionable moments, this is not near the mean-spirited plan that Borat was. Borat had an definite agenda. Borat seemingly was designed and made to offend, denigrate, and demean certain groups of people that were contrary to the producers agenda. This is far more tame.
Certainly there are some groups here that are targeted but it is done with a far more "joke is on you" style opposed to a viscous style. This movie even goes so far as to show the aftermath of all of these groups during the closing credits that showcase that many who were duped, all took it with great fun.
Be aware too, that you're seeing tons to TV commercials for this movie, and you're seeing a sanitized minute or so. This is every bit of an R rating. I admit, there are some funny moments here. Also kudos to them for the amazing, and I mean amazing makeup job on Knoxville. He doesn't look 80 as they claim, but he does look quite old and believable and nothing like himself at all. He also did a terrific voice that was spot on fore this character. You would never recognize him in any way. That of course was the central thing that had to be gotten right and it was.
Bad Grandpa. Incorrect and over the edge? Yes. Vile and mean spirited? No. Sort of a "let's forget we're adults for few minutes" feel to it.
Friday, October 25, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Counselor
A lot has been made about the star-studded cast and big time producers of the new drug-crime thriller, The Counselor.
The Counselor stars Michale Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt. This was also directed by Ridley Scott. A dream team for sure. In short what this movie is, is a story of people getting involved in things they have no business getting into, with dire concsequences.
The Counselor (Fassbender) is a young lawyer in El Paso Texas who is greedy, arrogant and amazingly, almost laughingly naive. He, against a ton of advice not to, decides to go wrong and enter into the illegal drug world with his biggest client (Bardem). He is also working with another long time crook (Pitt), all while falling in love with Laura (Cruz). He has a lot going on, and gets in so far over his head, he has a hard time coming to terms that once in, he can never get out.
A shipment of 21 million dollars of Mexican Cartel drug money is being shipped to the U.S. to finance business fronts to move more drugs. This truck then is stolen by other horrible people, and the theft is connected to The Counselor, and his partners. Although they actually had nothing to do with it. They all soon learn that the drug cartel is a ruthless, terrible bunch that know NO bounds at all. And they want their money back, and they want revenge. And more.
This is a very intense, and very graphic movie that pulls no punches. This is refreshing in some regards. Although this is very violent sometimes, and exceedingly brutal in others, this is honest movie making. This is not a special effects fest, or a watered down movie to keep a PG-13 rating. This movie is highly adult, and has a story to tell you have not seen before. This is well written, brilliantly acted and presented in an in your face fashion.
This movie also shows the horrible underbelly of the worst criminals on Earth. You will be astounded at what they are capable of, and how brutal they can be. One of the great things about this movie is, is that you know when our hero enters this world it will not end well. But, you have no idea what kid of torment they are capable of even though they spend a lot of time preparing you for it. It still takes your breath away. This is exciting, and paced very well, with a story that is placed squarely in the cross hairs of the world we live in today.
The cast is worth talking about. Bardem is quite good as the affable, but lousy guy named Reiner. Pitt is strong in his small but central role. And Diaz, at times appears to be over matched by the cast around her, she overall holds her own in her role of of Malkina, a ruthless complicated woman "in love" love with Reiner. Supporting cast is strong.
The Counselor. This is certainly not for everyone. But if you are willing to go in, unlike the movie characters, you can get out. Good, not great.
The Counselor stars Michale Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt. This was also directed by Ridley Scott. A dream team for sure. In short what this movie is, is a story of people getting involved in things they have no business getting into, with dire concsequences.
The Counselor (Fassbender) is a young lawyer in El Paso Texas who is greedy, arrogant and amazingly, almost laughingly naive. He, against a ton of advice not to, decides to go wrong and enter into the illegal drug world with his biggest client (Bardem). He is also working with another long time crook (Pitt), all while falling in love with Laura (Cruz). He has a lot going on, and gets in so far over his head, he has a hard time coming to terms that once in, he can never get out.
A shipment of 21 million dollars of Mexican Cartel drug money is being shipped to the U.S. to finance business fronts to move more drugs. This truck then is stolen by other horrible people, and the theft is connected to The Counselor, and his partners. Although they actually had nothing to do with it. They all soon learn that the drug cartel is a ruthless, terrible bunch that know NO bounds at all. And they want their money back, and they want revenge. And more.
This is a very intense, and very graphic movie that pulls no punches. This is refreshing in some regards. Although this is very violent sometimes, and exceedingly brutal in others, this is honest movie making. This is not a special effects fest, or a watered down movie to keep a PG-13 rating. This movie is highly adult, and has a story to tell you have not seen before. This is well written, brilliantly acted and presented in an in your face fashion.
This movie also shows the horrible underbelly of the worst criminals on Earth. You will be astounded at what they are capable of, and how brutal they can be. One of the great things about this movie is, is that you know when our hero enters this world it will not end well. But, you have no idea what kid of torment they are capable of even though they spend a lot of time preparing you for it. It still takes your breath away. This is exciting, and paced very well, with a story that is placed squarely in the cross hairs of the world we live in today.
The cast is worth talking about. Bardem is quite good as the affable, but lousy guy named Reiner. Pitt is strong in his small but central role. And Diaz, at times appears to be over matched by the cast around her, she overall holds her own in her role of of Malkina, a ruthless complicated woman "in love" love with Reiner. Supporting cast is strong.
The Counselor. This is certainly not for everyone. But if you are willing to go in, unlike the movie characters, you can get out. Good, not great.
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