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.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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.
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