Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was the first Kevin Smith film I ever saw. This movie is hilarious and extremely profane, with enough pop culture references to make even a modest nerd go completely bonkers. This may not be Kevin Smiths' best movie, but it is absolutely unforgettable.
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is the story of Jay and Silent Bob who decide to stop the movie Bluntman and Chronic from being made. The movie is based off of comic book characters that, in turn, are based on them. However, they did not get any of the profits. While this is an irreverent comedy, there is actually a love story between Jay (Jason Mewes) and Justice (Shannon Elizabeth) that is well put together, and ends up being the heart and soul of the entire film. I also enjoy this film because Jay and Silent Bob step out of their comfort zone of chilling at the Quick Stop, go on a road trip together, and get entangled in all sorts of adventures along the way. Of course, the highlight of the film is when Jay and Silent Bob get into a bongsaber battle with Mark Hamill. We all know how much of a nerd Kevin Smith is, and this scene reaches the highest peaks of geek mountain. All in all, Jay and Silent Bob is pure uncensored fun that is, arguably, Kevin Smiths' most popular film.
Kevin Smith is the director of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. One of the great things that Smith does with this film, as I mentioned before, is the love story. There is a small, and hilarious, heist sequence about halfway through the film that serves as the catalyst for the beginning of Jay and Justices' relationship. This sequence could have easily taken away from the main plot of the film. However, because of the way the sequence is structured, it actually fits quite well within the story as a whole. I also love that this film pokes fun at Smiths' other films, as well as some of the actors' careers. Kevin Smith movies were never meant to be for critics, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is living proof of that.
When Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was released, it was the culmination of Kevin Smiths' entire career. Quite honestly, it still feels like that to this day. If you are a fan of Kevin Smith, you should definitely check this film out.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Oil Is Thicker Than Blood
There Will Be Blood is an example of a film that lets you escape into the world that the filmmaker has created, and the characters are our guides throughout that world. For me personally, this film was released at a time when I started to get serious about my love of film. This film is a modern American classic on the grandest of scales.
There Will Be Blood is the story of a turn-of-the-century oil tycoon, and his slow descent into madness. One of the major reasons why this film is so brilliant is because the structure of the narrative is extremely character-driven in a deliberate way. There is a reason why there are certain plot holes in the film: it is because Daniel Plainviews' (Daniel Day-Lewis) greed and obsession is more important. This is Plainviews' story, which is exactly the way he would want it. There Will Be Blood has such a carefully crafted screenplay, and when you have the greatest actor of our time breathing life into the dialogue, it is absolutely unforgettable.
Daniel Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview. What makes Plainview such a great, and ultimately unlikable, character is that he actually starts out as a decent human being who wants success so he can provide for his family. Then, you start to see that he is actually full of anger and hatred that is ultimately fueled by greed. The scene where Plainview admits his own faults to his "brother" makes you realize that you are not going to be a fan of him by the end of this film. Only "Mr. Method" himself, Daniel Day-Lewis, could have developed this character in the way he was meant to be. Plainview is ruthless, peaceful, aggressive, and calm. Day-Lewis haunts you in every frame, and gives one of the best performances in the history of film.
Paul Thomas Anderson is the director of There Will Be Blood. I mentioned earlier that this film lets you escape into the world that has been created, and it is Andersons' masterful directing that lets you do this. We see sweeping shots of the vast landscape (before and after Plainview has built his oil empire), and we also are shown in great detail how the oil wells work. I also love the final "I drink your milkshake" scene at the end because, even in a generic two-shot, Anderson shows that while Plainview has completely gone down the well of madness (pun intended), he still has as much power over everyone else as he did at the beginning of his career. I also want to point out that there is no dialogue in the film for the first fifteen minutes. Only a director like Paul Thomas Anderson could make a film like that so interesting to watch, and There Will Be Blood is truly a masterpiece.
There Will Be Blood is easily one of the best films in the past decade. This film represents what happens when you get the right actor and the right director involved in a project. If you can handle long films, I promise you that There Will Be Blood is completely worth it.
There Will Be Blood is the story of a turn-of-the-century oil tycoon, and his slow descent into madness. One of the major reasons why this film is so brilliant is because the structure of the narrative is extremely character-driven in a deliberate way. There is a reason why there are certain plot holes in the film: it is because Daniel Plainviews' (Daniel Day-Lewis) greed and obsession is more important. This is Plainviews' story, which is exactly the way he would want it. There Will Be Blood has such a carefully crafted screenplay, and when you have the greatest actor of our time breathing life into the dialogue, it is absolutely unforgettable.
Daniel Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview. What makes Plainview such a great, and ultimately unlikable, character is that he actually starts out as a decent human being who wants success so he can provide for his family. Then, you start to see that he is actually full of anger and hatred that is ultimately fueled by greed. The scene where Plainview admits his own faults to his "brother" makes you realize that you are not going to be a fan of him by the end of this film. Only "Mr. Method" himself, Daniel Day-Lewis, could have developed this character in the way he was meant to be. Plainview is ruthless, peaceful, aggressive, and calm. Day-Lewis haunts you in every frame, and gives one of the best performances in the history of film.
Paul Thomas Anderson is the director of There Will Be Blood. I mentioned earlier that this film lets you escape into the world that has been created, and it is Andersons' masterful directing that lets you do this. We see sweeping shots of the vast landscape (before and after Plainview has built his oil empire), and we also are shown in great detail how the oil wells work. I also love the final "I drink your milkshake" scene at the end because, even in a generic two-shot, Anderson shows that while Plainview has completely gone down the well of madness (pun intended), he still has as much power over everyone else as he did at the beginning of his career. I also want to point out that there is no dialogue in the film for the first fifteen minutes. Only a director like Paul Thomas Anderson could make a film like that so interesting to watch, and There Will Be Blood is truly a masterpiece.
There Will Be Blood is easily one of the best films in the past decade. This film represents what happens when you get the right actor and the right director involved in a project. If you can handle long films, I promise you that There Will Be Blood is completely worth it.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Superb Swan Song
The movie Unstoppable will always be a bittersweet film for me personally. Tony Scott was one of my favorite directors, and I am still so deeply heartbroken that he is gone. It is extremely rare when a film-makers' career ends on a high note, but the career of Tony Scott did just that.
Unstoppable is the story of a veteran train engineer and a rookie conductor who must stop a runaway, unmanned freight train that is carrying hazardous chemicals. On paper, one would think that a film like this would be incredibly boring. However, in the legendary hands of Tony Scott, this theoretical snooze-fest becomes an exciting, thrilling adrenaline rush that will leave you gripping the edge of your seat until your knuckles are white. There is also a thematic element at play in this film that comes as a pleasant surprise given Tony Scotts' resume. This film touches on the fact that occasionally the older, more experienced employee gets fired in favor of a young hotshot kid who takes risks and who basically gets the job because of his lineage. This makes for great character moments within this action film. Unstoppable is one of Tony Scotts' better films, if not the best, and it is because every element in the film works perfectly.
Denzel Washington plays Frank. Frank is a seasoned train engineer who is one of the best at what he does. He knows the ins and outs of what his job entails, and what a train is able to do. There is a bitterness to his character as well because he has to break someone in who is eventually going to take his job. The relationship that he has with Will (Chris Pine) is a classic case of age and experience being replaced by youth and ability. However, once the drama in the story starts to unfold, we see that it is necessary for Frank to work with Will in order to succeed. This is a character unlike anybody we have seen Washington play. Frank is very much a reflection of who Denzel Washington is, and this is an authentic performance from one of the best in the business.
Chris Pine plays Will. Will is a flawed character in a classical sense. In his mind, he is ready for the responsibility of being the new rookie conductor. Sometimes he makes the right decisions, and other times he is completely wrong. What I love about this character the most is that we see that he works well under pressure. Once he knows what is at stake and what the risks are, we see that he truly is the man for the job. This also helps develop the relationship between Will and Frank. This is a well-crafted, layered performance by Pine.
Unstoppable is the final film directed by Tony Scott. What drives this film, probably better than any other of Scotts' movies, is the pace. Like any great movie, Unstoppable takes the time to set up the characters first so that you care about what happens to them when the action starts to pick up. In the case of this movie, the character relationships actually work to the actions' benefit. These characters have never experienced anything like this, so as an audience member you feel exactly like they do. It goes without saying that Tony Scott films action sequences like nobody else. The sequence in which a locomotive attempts to pull in front of the train in order to stop it is quite harrowing to watch. It is this combination of character relationships and action sequences that make Unstoppable such a uniquely perfect movie.
Tony Scott was a vastly under-appreciated and under-rated director. His legacy will live on forever simply because of his signature style that he brought to his films. Unstoppable is a fantastic piece of cinema that I highly recommend you see as soon as possible.
Unstoppable is the story of a veteran train engineer and a rookie conductor who must stop a runaway, unmanned freight train that is carrying hazardous chemicals. On paper, one would think that a film like this would be incredibly boring. However, in the legendary hands of Tony Scott, this theoretical snooze-fest becomes an exciting, thrilling adrenaline rush that will leave you gripping the edge of your seat until your knuckles are white. There is also a thematic element at play in this film that comes as a pleasant surprise given Tony Scotts' resume. This film touches on the fact that occasionally the older, more experienced employee gets fired in favor of a young hotshot kid who takes risks and who basically gets the job because of his lineage. This makes for great character moments within this action film. Unstoppable is one of Tony Scotts' better films, if not the best, and it is because every element in the film works perfectly.
Denzel Washington plays Frank. Frank is a seasoned train engineer who is one of the best at what he does. He knows the ins and outs of what his job entails, and what a train is able to do. There is a bitterness to his character as well because he has to break someone in who is eventually going to take his job. The relationship that he has with Will (Chris Pine) is a classic case of age and experience being replaced by youth and ability. However, once the drama in the story starts to unfold, we see that it is necessary for Frank to work with Will in order to succeed. This is a character unlike anybody we have seen Washington play. Frank is very much a reflection of who Denzel Washington is, and this is an authentic performance from one of the best in the business.
Chris Pine plays Will. Will is a flawed character in a classical sense. In his mind, he is ready for the responsibility of being the new rookie conductor. Sometimes he makes the right decisions, and other times he is completely wrong. What I love about this character the most is that we see that he works well under pressure. Once he knows what is at stake and what the risks are, we see that he truly is the man for the job. This also helps develop the relationship between Will and Frank. This is a well-crafted, layered performance by Pine.
Unstoppable is the final film directed by Tony Scott. What drives this film, probably better than any other of Scotts' movies, is the pace. Like any great movie, Unstoppable takes the time to set up the characters first so that you care about what happens to them when the action starts to pick up. In the case of this movie, the character relationships actually work to the actions' benefit. These characters have never experienced anything like this, so as an audience member you feel exactly like they do. It goes without saying that Tony Scott films action sequences like nobody else. The sequence in which a locomotive attempts to pull in front of the train in order to stop it is quite harrowing to watch. It is this combination of character relationships and action sequences that make Unstoppable such a uniquely perfect movie.
Tony Scott was a vastly under-appreciated and under-rated director. His legacy will live on forever simply because of his signature style that he brought to his films. Unstoppable is a fantastic piece of cinema that I highly recommend you see as soon as possible.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Step-Sibling Allies
Step Brothers is a film that I had little interest in prior to watching it. It goes without saying that I am not the biggest Will Ferrell fan (which is ironic because I have seen a few of his films), but I have to say that my good friend Hannah Sutter recommended this movie and I absolutely loved it. Perhaps I am a bigger fan of Will Ferrell than I thought.
Step Brothers is the story of two middle-aged men who are forced to become roommates when their parents get married. What makes this movie so hilarious is that even though Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) are in their forties, they act like eleven year olds. The situations that these two characters get into are quite funny, and at the same time it warms your heart when you start to see them act like adults. There is also an underlying theme in this movie that I would like to mention. At about the halfway point in the movie, the storyline takes a serious turn about why Brennan and Dale act the way they do. It is touched upon that Nancy Huff (Mary Steenburgen) treats her son differently than Dr. Robert Doback (Richard Jenkins) does. Even though this is a brief moment in the film, it makes you wonder about how difficult it is to raise a child who behaves this way. This moment is well-acted by everyone in the scene, and actually adds substance to the film as a whole.
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play Brennan Huff and Dale Doback, respectively. In my opinion, their comedic timing has never been better than it is in this film. I also feel that their banter is better when they are enemies than it is when they are working as a team. The verbal insults that they are able to come up with will you have rolling in laughter until you cannot breathe. Ferrell and Reilly always work well together, and I cannot wait to seem them in another movie.
Adam McKay is the director of Step Brothers. I have always enjoyed McKay's films because, while most of them are comedies, they all feel different. What is special about what he does with this film is that he knows when to dial down the comedy. Yes, there are the big comedic scenes when you are bursting with laughter, but you also have the quieter moments between Ferrell and Reilly where you find yourself giggling under your breath because you want to hear what they have to say to each other and enjoy those moments. The thematic moment in the film is also quite well done because it does not beat you over the head with what it is trying to say. I honestly cannot wait to see what McKay does next with his career.
I am officially a Will Ferrell fan after seeing this film. Step Brothers is a movie that has big laughs, but it also has a big heart. McKay is a director who always knocks it out of the park with the actors he works with, and if you feel the same way I do, then you should definitely check this movie out.
Step Brothers is the story of two middle-aged men who are forced to become roommates when their parents get married. What makes this movie so hilarious is that even though Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) are in their forties, they act like eleven year olds. The situations that these two characters get into are quite funny, and at the same time it warms your heart when you start to see them act like adults. There is also an underlying theme in this movie that I would like to mention. At about the halfway point in the movie, the storyline takes a serious turn about why Brennan and Dale act the way they do. It is touched upon that Nancy Huff (Mary Steenburgen) treats her son differently than Dr. Robert Doback (Richard Jenkins) does. Even though this is a brief moment in the film, it makes you wonder about how difficult it is to raise a child who behaves this way. This moment is well-acted by everyone in the scene, and actually adds substance to the film as a whole.
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play Brennan Huff and Dale Doback, respectively. In my opinion, their comedic timing has never been better than it is in this film. I also feel that their banter is better when they are enemies than it is when they are working as a team. The verbal insults that they are able to come up with will you have rolling in laughter until you cannot breathe. Ferrell and Reilly always work well together, and I cannot wait to seem them in another movie.
Adam McKay is the director of Step Brothers. I have always enjoyed McKay's films because, while most of them are comedies, they all feel different. What is special about what he does with this film is that he knows when to dial down the comedy. Yes, there are the big comedic scenes when you are bursting with laughter, but you also have the quieter moments between Ferrell and Reilly where you find yourself giggling under your breath because you want to hear what they have to say to each other and enjoy those moments. The thematic moment in the film is also quite well done because it does not beat you over the head with what it is trying to say. I honestly cannot wait to see what McKay does next with his career.
I am officially a Will Ferrell fan after seeing this film. Step Brothers is a movie that has big laughs, but it also has a big heart. McKay is a director who always knocks it out of the park with the actors he works with, and if you feel the same way I do, then you should definitely check this movie out.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Looking For Love In The Right Place
I have always maintained the opinion that a good romantic comedy can be fun to watch. With both dramatic and comedic elements, these kinds of films are for everybody. While French Kiss is absolutely hilarious, it is also unconventional in an intelligent way.
French Kiss is the story of a woman who flies to France to get her fiance back. She then gets caught up in a thiefs' escapades. There are several moments in French Kiss that set this film apart from typical romantic comedies. Firstly, I love the fact that Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline) has his own B-story within the A-story involving Kate (Meg Ryan), and it is only because Kate gets involved in Lucs' affaris that Luc and Kate form an attraction between each other. Secondly, there is a point in the film where Kate and Luc part ways. Kate seems hesitant about it, but Luc is completely fine with it. What makes this scenario even better is that Luc has every intention of leaving her alone, and it is only because he needs her help that he reluctantly tracks her down. Also, I love the fact that even though Kate and Luc are two completely different people, they both share something in common in that they would do anything for the thing that they love most. It is because of this commonality that Luc agrees to help Kate get her fiance back. Finally, we learn at the beginning of the film that Kate has a fear of flying, and that she confronts this fear when she flies to France. The end of the movie mirrors the beginning brilliantly because not only do Kate and Luc meet on a plane like they did at the beginning, but Kate has completely gotten over her fear of flying. In all of its vast brilliance, however, this film does have one single solitary flaw. Towards the beginning of the film, Kate and Luc part ways at an airport. Even though Luc has learned what hotel Kate is staying at, we never actually see what happens to him between when he got picked up at the airport and when he arrives at the hotel. However, I must point out that this flaw absolutely does not detract from the enjoyment of the movie. French Kiss is hilarious, heartfelt and, thanks to the performances of the actors, will leave you wanting to watch it again as soon as it is over.
Meg Ryan, the queen of romantic comedies, plays Kate. Ryan delivers her brilliant comedic timing that we have come to expect from her in these movies, but she also displays a strong side to her character in this film that is pleasantly surprising. There is a moment in the film where she has had enough, and goes off on the hotel manager. I enjoyed this moment because it shows Kate is determined to get her way. It is because of the way she plays this character that you not only want Kate to end up with Luc, but you also cheer for her as an individual character.
Kevin Kline is spectacular as Luc Teyssier. While Luc is a rude and judgmental character, he also has a soft spot when it comes to his past and also what he wants to do with his future. Kline displays all of these qualities beautifully, and he will also have you laughing uncontrollably until your sides hurt. There is one important character moment that I must point out. At the end of the film, Luc has every intention of letting Kate get on the plane back to America, but it is because his friend Jean-Paul (Jean Reno) persuades Luc to pursue his true love that he ends up with Kate. I also have to say that Kevin Klines' French accent is damn good.
Lawrence Kasdan is the director of French Kiss. With a movie like this the location that the film takes place in has to be an important part of the story, and Kasdan delivers on all fronts. From the locations to the fashion, France is just as much a character as Luc and Kate are in the telling of this story. Another thing to keep in mind when making romantic comedies is knowing how and when to mix in dramatic moments with the comedy, and what Kasdan does with this film is blend those qualities together better than most romantic comedies I have seen. The chemistry between Ryan and Kline drive the movie and, in terms of the editing, the comedic timing is flawless.
Because of the unpredictability of the story and the performances by the actors, French Kiss is a film that you will endlessly enjoy. It has easily climbed the ranks of my favorite romantic comedies. If you are looking for one of these kinds of films that also avoids the typical cliches, I highly recommend French Kiss.
French Kiss is the story of a woman who flies to France to get her fiance back. She then gets caught up in a thiefs' escapades. There are several moments in French Kiss that set this film apart from typical romantic comedies. Firstly, I love the fact that Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline) has his own B-story within the A-story involving Kate (Meg Ryan), and it is only because Kate gets involved in Lucs' affaris that Luc and Kate form an attraction between each other. Secondly, there is a point in the film where Kate and Luc part ways. Kate seems hesitant about it, but Luc is completely fine with it. What makes this scenario even better is that Luc has every intention of leaving her alone, and it is only because he needs her help that he reluctantly tracks her down. Also, I love the fact that even though Kate and Luc are two completely different people, they both share something in common in that they would do anything for the thing that they love most. It is because of this commonality that Luc agrees to help Kate get her fiance back. Finally, we learn at the beginning of the film that Kate has a fear of flying, and that she confronts this fear when she flies to France. The end of the movie mirrors the beginning brilliantly because not only do Kate and Luc meet on a plane like they did at the beginning, but Kate has completely gotten over her fear of flying. In all of its vast brilliance, however, this film does have one single solitary flaw. Towards the beginning of the film, Kate and Luc part ways at an airport. Even though Luc has learned what hotel Kate is staying at, we never actually see what happens to him between when he got picked up at the airport and when he arrives at the hotel. However, I must point out that this flaw absolutely does not detract from the enjoyment of the movie. French Kiss is hilarious, heartfelt and, thanks to the performances of the actors, will leave you wanting to watch it again as soon as it is over.
Meg Ryan, the queen of romantic comedies, plays Kate. Ryan delivers her brilliant comedic timing that we have come to expect from her in these movies, but she also displays a strong side to her character in this film that is pleasantly surprising. There is a moment in the film where she has had enough, and goes off on the hotel manager. I enjoyed this moment because it shows Kate is determined to get her way. It is because of the way she plays this character that you not only want Kate to end up with Luc, but you also cheer for her as an individual character.
Kevin Kline is spectacular as Luc Teyssier. While Luc is a rude and judgmental character, he also has a soft spot when it comes to his past and also what he wants to do with his future. Kline displays all of these qualities beautifully, and he will also have you laughing uncontrollably until your sides hurt. There is one important character moment that I must point out. At the end of the film, Luc has every intention of letting Kate get on the plane back to America, but it is because his friend Jean-Paul (Jean Reno) persuades Luc to pursue his true love that he ends up with Kate. I also have to say that Kevin Klines' French accent is damn good.
Lawrence Kasdan is the director of French Kiss. With a movie like this the location that the film takes place in has to be an important part of the story, and Kasdan delivers on all fronts. From the locations to the fashion, France is just as much a character as Luc and Kate are in the telling of this story. Another thing to keep in mind when making romantic comedies is knowing how and when to mix in dramatic moments with the comedy, and what Kasdan does with this film is blend those qualities together better than most romantic comedies I have seen. The chemistry between Ryan and Kline drive the movie and, in terms of the editing, the comedic timing is flawless.
Because of the unpredictability of the story and the performances by the actors, French Kiss is a film that you will endlessly enjoy. It has easily climbed the ranks of my favorite romantic comedies. If you are looking for one of these kinds of films that also avoids the typical cliches, I highly recommend French Kiss.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Non-Linear Incompetence....Or Is It Brilliance?
We Need To Talk About Kevin is a film that I heard relatively good things about, but had never seen until now. I am a fan of non-linear storytelling as long as there is order amid the chaos, and I can actually tell what is going on. As a first-time viewer, I have to say that the first twenty to thirty minutes is nauseatingly disjointed, however once you are able to put all of the pieces together it is quite a good film.
We Need To Talk About Kevin is the story of a mother who struggles with loving her son as he commits increasingly violent acts throughout his childhood. This movie is an example of a film that gets better after multiple viewings. The first time you watch it you are struggling to comprehend what is going on, but after one or two more viewings, you are able to piece everything together and realize how brilliant this film is. Sometimes this can work to a filmmakers' disadvantage but, for me personally because of how often I watch movies, this kind of film-making can also be a stroke of genius.
Tilda Swinton plays Eva Khatchadourian. The brilliance of Swintons' performance is in the subtleties she does as an actress. When you see Eva struggling beyond belief at raising her son, you never feel as if you are watching an actress. You feel like you are watching a human being. As the movie comes to its horrifying conclusion, the realization that comes over Eva as she figures out how disturbed her son is makes you truly feel for the character. Swinton portrays shock and horror splendidly, and because of this you truly feel sympathy for her character.
John C. Reilly has been one of my favorite actors over the past fifteen years or so. I love it when actors who are mostly known for their comedy stretch their legs, and go for more dramatic roles. Reilly plays Franklin in the film. Reilly completely disappears into his character as a father who just believes that his son is going through teenage angst. There is a brief scene between him and Tilda Swinton in a hospital where, like with Swinton, you feel like you are watching a parent be concerned about his son. Franklin is a kind of "everyman" father who is just trying to do what is best for his family, and Reilly nails it yet again.
Ezra Miller as a teenage Kevin is the standout performance in this movie. In all my years of watching movies, I have never seen a teenage actor give such a dark and terrifying performance. Like the other two actors before him, Miller gives a hauntingly genuine performance as the brash and evil Kevin. The brilliance in Millers' performance is that you have a feeling that Kevin has a master plan throughout the film, but you do not know what it is until the very end. When you see what he has done you see him basking in his glory, and there is some of the most horrifying imagery ever put to celluloid.
Lynne Ramsay is the director of We Need To Talk About Kevin. Ramsay directs this film, again, knowing that multiple viewings will be needed. With all this in mind, the way she cues us in about certain events that will happen is amazing. There is a subtlety in the way she presents the imagery that leaves you chomping at the bit to figure everything out. Personally, I think what she did with the film is quite beautiful.
We Need To Talk About Kevin is a heavy film that is not for everybody. It is a film that makes you feel the need to unwind after watching it. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, and if you have the stomach for it, I can recommend this beautifully haunting film.
We Need To Talk About Kevin is the story of a mother who struggles with loving her son as he commits increasingly violent acts throughout his childhood. This movie is an example of a film that gets better after multiple viewings. The first time you watch it you are struggling to comprehend what is going on, but after one or two more viewings, you are able to piece everything together and realize how brilliant this film is. Sometimes this can work to a filmmakers' disadvantage but, for me personally because of how often I watch movies, this kind of film-making can also be a stroke of genius.
Tilda Swinton plays Eva Khatchadourian. The brilliance of Swintons' performance is in the subtleties she does as an actress. When you see Eva struggling beyond belief at raising her son, you never feel as if you are watching an actress. You feel like you are watching a human being. As the movie comes to its horrifying conclusion, the realization that comes over Eva as she figures out how disturbed her son is makes you truly feel for the character. Swinton portrays shock and horror splendidly, and because of this you truly feel sympathy for her character.
John C. Reilly has been one of my favorite actors over the past fifteen years or so. I love it when actors who are mostly known for their comedy stretch their legs, and go for more dramatic roles. Reilly plays Franklin in the film. Reilly completely disappears into his character as a father who just believes that his son is going through teenage angst. There is a brief scene between him and Tilda Swinton in a hospital where, like with Swinton, you feel like you are watching a parent be concerned about his son. Franklin is a kind of "everyman" father who is just trying to do what is best for his family, and Reilly nails it yet again.
Ezra Miller as a teenage Kevin is the standout performance in this movie. In all my years of watching movies, I have never seen a teenage actor give such a dark and terrifying performance. Like the other two actors before him, Miller gives a hauntingly genuine performance as the brash and evil Kevin. The brilliance in Millers' performance is that you have a feeling that Kevin has a master plan throughout the film, but you do not know what it is until the very end. When you see what he has done you see him basking in his glory, and there is some of the most horrifying imagery ever put to celluloid.
Lynne Ramsay is the director of We Need To Talk About Kevin. Ramsay directs this film, again, knowing that multiple viewings will be needed. With all this in mind, the way she cues us in about certain events that will happen is amazing. There is a subtlety in the way she presents the imagery that leaves you chomping at the bit to figure everything out. Personally, I think what she did with the film is quite beautiful.
We Need To Talk About Kevin is a heavy film that is not for everybody. It is a film that makes you feel the need to unwind after watching it. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, and if you have the stomach for it, I can recommend this beautifully haunting film.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Futuristic Plot Twists
I have always loved futuristic action movies. There is so much you can do with the storytelling when you make a film like that. Of course, when you put a Tom Cruise-like talent in a movie like this, then your interest and expectations automatically peak. Oblivion is a film that exceeded those expectations.
Oblivion is the story of a veteran astronaut who is assigned to extract the remaining resources from a war-torn Earth. While on this mission, he begins to question his existence. Whether you like it or not, the first thing that pops into your head is that this film is visually stunning. All of the futuristic technology looks incredibly glossy, and the landscapes are all in lavish detail. I know that great visuals do not necessarily make a good movie, but in this case the visual effects are what makes the movie work. Also, if you have seen Oblivion, then you know that there is plot twist after plot twist in this film. For me personally, this is what makes the film so re-watchable. When you find out the truth of what is going on, you cannot wait to watch the movie again. However, this is one of those films that you have to pay attention to or you will be utterly confused. Speaking of which, I have seen this film a few times and there is one detail that I have yet to pick up on. If Earth is supposed to be ravaged and war-torn, how and why is there a place with trees, running water and a cabin? That snippet bugs me every time I watch this movie. Other than that I flat-out love this film and, while the movie was financially successful, I think it is highly underrated.
Tom Cruise plays Jack. While this is an action movie, Cruise actually does not do much action. Jack is a man who is questioning his mission and his existence, and the way Cruise conducts himself with his physical movements and facial expressions perfectly conveys the way he feels. There is a sequence where Jack is standing in the middle of a football stadium, and reminiscing about a classic Super Bowl game that happened before the war. Cruises' energy in this sequence, where he has to imagine what the world was like before the invasion, is quite moving. Oblivion is a film that reminds you that Tom Cruise is not just an action star. He is a great actor.
Morgan Freeman plays Beech. What I love so much about this character is that you are not quite sure about him at first, and that is a credit to the way Freeman plays the character. Beech is quite menacing when he is first introduced, and you are actually frightened of Morgan Freeman on more than one occasion. It is because Freeman plays this character straight that, at least for a first-time viewer, you do not find out he is telling the truth until Jack finds out he is telling the truth. On a personal note, I remember that after I saw this movie in theaters I was in complete awe of the fact that I got to see Morgan Freeman in a film on the big screen. That man has been around the block a few times and, for me personally, he is still one of those actors that is completely untouchable when he is at the top of his game.
Joseph Kosinski is the director of Oblivion. First and foremost, I have to say that I love the way Kosinski directs action sequences because he uses the camera in ways that have never been done before, and they completely take your breath away. The scene where the drone attacks the scavengers' hideout is a primary example. Also, the exterior shots are stunningly gorgeous because you get to see the vast landscape and the sense of world-weariness is palpable. The other thing that stands out to me is the use of color in the film. There is great contrast when you see the glossy, futuristic technology that Jack uses going against a barren, lifeless planet.
Oblivion is another one of those films that reminds you why you go to the movies. It is fun to watch, and you completely get lost in the world that has been created. If you love action movies mixed with a tad of science fiction, and if you appreciate Tom Cruise as a talent like I do, I highly recommend you see this movie.
Racial Diversity For The Win
Remember the Titans is, in my opinion, another one of those rare occurrences of perfect cinema. It is so much more than a football movie. The thematic elements and character arcs in the film are very strong which, in turn, makes you care even more about the sequences that occur on the football field. This film also is, overall, my favorite Denzel Washington movie.
Remember the Titans is true story of an African-American coach, and his first season coaching a racially integrated football team. What makes this movie so special is that the football team has to come together off the field so they can work together on the field. It does not happen overnight. There are verbal and physical altercations, and there are even characters that go through the entire film without changing their point of view, both positive and negative. Also, just when they are able to come together at football camp, they come home to a world that does not want it to be this way. It is because of this that the team has to come together and stay together not just for themselves, but for their city, state, and the nation. The backbone of this film is the storyline between Julius Campbell (Wood Harris) and Gerry Bertier (Ryan Hurst). What makes their storyline so strong is that they start out bitter enemies who end up being the ones who bring the team together, and they become best friends in the process. This movie has an incredibly emotional story, and it is also one of Disneys' best live-action films.
Denzel Washington commands the screen as Coach Herman Boone. Boone is a man who stands up for racial diversity, and even says at one point, "Color won't matter". Washington wields an unyielding amount of confidence and arrogance which is perfect for the role. We also see some beautiful dramatic moments where Boone is doubting himself, and questioning whether or not he is pushing the boys to much. As always, Washington is marvelous at doing these kinds of scenes. Ultimately, it is Coach Boones' refusal to be intimidated by hate which makes the character so strong. In fact, Boone is just as responsible for bringing the team together as Julius and Gerry are. It is hard to pick a favorite Denzel Washington role because the man is always great, but his role as Coach Boone is one of my favorites.
Boaz Yakin is the director of Remember the Titans. As I mentioned before, this film focuses on the relationship between the characters off the field which makes you care even more about what happens to them off the field. Yakin directs this film in such a way that will make you feel better about certain issues that are still talked about today. Remember the Titans is a movie that might make you shed some tears, and that is because you care about the characters before they even get on the football field. This is a finely-tuned film that is, I daresay, crafted perfectly.
Remember the Titans is a great film that is filled with young stars that have gone on to become well-known actors, and with Denzel Washington leading the pack it makes it even better. This film will make you feel better about the world, and will leave you cheering at the end. In these tough times, it is always important to Remember the Titans.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Superhero Apex
I have never been a fan of "found footage" movies. I do not particularly find anything cinematic about them at all, which is why I was extremely hesitant to watch Chronicle. This film is the exception to my feelings about these kinds of movies because it actually uses the "found footage" aspect in a way that makes sense, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Chronicle is the story of three high school friends who gain superpowers after discovering an object underground. As I mentioned before, the way they use the "found footage" aspect in this film is actually what makes the movie so good. Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) buys a new camera and decides to carry it with him and film everything that happens. Essentially, we are watching everything through Andrews' eyes. What I love about this movie the most is that we see the consequences these boys go through after attaining these powers. More specifically, we see Andrew embrace the selfishness and dark side of these powers. Now, what makes even more interesting is that we see that Andrew has a drunken, abusive man for a father. He also gets bullied at school, and he does not have many friends. Naturally, we are to believe that the reason Andrew embraces the darker side and lashes out is because it is an emotional response to all of the abuse that he has been taking. Needless to say, things go bad very quickly. To be perfectly honest, movies like this rarely make my jaw drop anymore. However, the way the story unfolds and the events that happen are breathtaking to experience. By the end of the film, you truly sympathize with these characters because of what they have gone through. There are a couple of plot holes in the movie that I would like to briefly touch on. Among everything that happens throughout the film, there is scene between Matt Garetty (Alex Russell) and Casey Letter (Ashley Grace) in which we see that they break up. This scene feels completely shoehorned into the film, as there is no setup or character development leading up to this scene. Also, the way we learn that Matt is Andrews' cousin feels forced. I think we could have learned about that in a better way. All in all, though, this was a fresh take on the superhero genre. The film takes a few risks, and it pays off in a magnificent way.
Josh Trank is the director of Chronicle. I enjoy the tone that Trank brought to this movie as a filmmaker. Chronicle is a film that is grounded in reality. The characters in the film are not super beings that cannot be hurt or killed. These are people like you and me, and they face consequences for their actions. Also, again because this is a "found footage" movie, the action is filmed in ways that you have not seen before and it is truly a spectacle to behold. This is a great directorial debut by a young filmmaker.
Chronicle is a film that you want to see again as soon as it is over just because of the way it makes you feel about movies. Even though there are fantasy elements in the film, this is actually a story about real people who face real consequences for their actions. If you are looking for a fresh take on the superhero genre, Chronicle is definitely the movie for you.
Chronicle is the story of three high school friends who gain superpowers after discovering an object underground. As I mentioned before, the way they use the "found footage" aspect in this film is actually what makes the movie so good. Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) buys a new camera and decides to carry it with him and film everything that happens. Essentially, we are watching everything through Andrews' eyes. What I love about this movie the most is that we see the consequences these boys go through after attaining these powers. More specifically, we see Andrew embrace the selfishness and dark side of these powers. Now, what makes even more interesting is that we see that Andrew has a drunken, abusive man for a father. He also gets bullied at school, and he does not have many friends. Naturally, we are to believe that the reason Andrew embraces the darker side and lashes out is because it is an emotional response to all of the abuse that he has been taking. Needless to say, things go bad very quickly. To be perfectly honest, movies like this rarely make my jaw drop anymore. However, the way the story unfolds and the events that happen are breathtaking to experience. By the end of the film, you truly sympathize with these characters because of what they have gone through. There are a couple of plot holes in the movie that I would like to briefly touch on. Among everything that happens throughout the film, there is scene between Matt Garetty (Alex Russell) and Casey Letter (Ashley Grace) in which we see that they break up. This scene feels completely shoehorned into the film, as there is no setup or character development leading up to this scene. Also, the way we learn that Matt is Andrews' cousin feels forced. I think we could have learned about that in a better way. All in all, though, this was a fresh take on the superhero genre. The film takes a few risks, and it pays off in a magnificent way.
Josh Trank is the director of Chronicle. I enjoy the tone that Trank brought to this movie as a filmmaker. Chronicle is a film that is grounded in reality. The characters in the film are not super beings that cannot be hurt or killed. These are people like you and me, and they face consequences for their actions. Also, again because this is a "found footage" movie, the action is filmed in ways that you have not seen before and it is truly a spectacle to behold. This is a great directorial debut by a young filmmaker.
Chronicle is a film that you want to see again as soon as it is over just because of the way it makes you feel about movies. Even though there are fantasy elements in the film, this is actually a story about real people who face real consequences for their actions. If you are looking for a fresh take on the superhero genre, Chronicle is definitely the movie for you.
The Night Rider
I was very late to the Martin Scorsese party. I have not seen much of his earlier films, and because of that I was very much looking forward to watching Taxi Driver for the first time. After viewing this incredible film, I feel as if I just watched one of the greatest films ever made.
Taxi Driver is the story of a Vietnam War veteran who works as a night-time taxi driver in New York City. Even though it is never actually established that it is New York City, the city is very much a character in the film. You see what the city is like, particularly at night, and the grim realities that come with it. This is also a film that is a product of its time. The way people dress, talk, and even the racial discrimination that is hinted at in the film are all products of the 1970's. There is one VERY minor detail that I would like to mention. At one point in the film, a man says that Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) owes him five bucks, and Travis gives it to him. However, it is never established why Travis owes him this money. Aside from this throwaway detail, Taxi Driver is definitely one of those "100 Movies To See Before You Die".
Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle. I love the way Bickle is fascinated with both New York City and with Betsy (played by Cybill Shepherd), and the way in which De Niro conveys this in his facial expressions. Throughout the film, he is staring at smiling at the wonder and beauty of both Betsy and New York City. However, the moment where we see Bickle vent to the presidential candidate is a moment where we see his true colors, and that pays off in the end when we see that he has finally had enough of the people in the city. When Bickle turns down the dark path, he REALLY turns, and De Niro terrifies and frightens you in ways that you never thought were possible. I also like how Bickles' relationship with Iris (Jodie Foster) is handled. It is very clear that Bickle sees Iris as the one good thing within the garbage heap of N.Y.C. De Niro and Foster have great chemistry together, and you can tell just by watching the two of them together that Foster is learning so much from De Niro. This is one of the most iconic performances of De Niros' career.
Martin Scorsese is the director of Taxi Driver. As I mentioned before, New York City is very much a character in this film, and Scorsese brings us into that city with stunning grittiness. I love the way that you actually feel that you are part of this film because of the way it is shot. There is one particular shot in the film that I would like to talk about, and that is the shot where the camera pans down the hallway while Travis Bickle is attempting to get another date with Betsy. The context of this shot, which suggests that their relationship is over, is probably my favorite shot in the whole film. Also, the shootout at the climax of the film is brutally vicious, and also marks the beginning of what would become one of the many trademarks of a Martin Scorsese film.
Taxi Driver is an American classic. The way this film touches on the unstable human psyche is incredible. If you have not seen this film, please do so immediately. Personally, I cannot wait to watch it again.
Taxi Driver is the story of a Vietnam War veteran who works as a night-time taxi driver in New York City. Even though it is never actually established that it is New York City, the city is very much a character in the film. You see what the city is like, particularly at night, and the grim realities that come with it. This is also a film that is a product of its time. The way people dress, talk, and even the racial discrimination that is hinted at in the film are all products of the 1970's. There is one VERY minor detail that I would like to mention. At one point in the film, a man says that Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) owes him five bucks, and Travis gives it to him. However, it is never established why Travis owes him this money. Aside from this throwaway detail, Taxi Driver is definitely one of those "100 Movies To See Before You Die".
Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle. I love the way Bickle is fascinated with both New York City and with Betsy (played by Cybill Shepherd), and the way in which De Niro conveys this in his facial expressions. Throughout the film, he is staring at smiling at the wonder and beauty of both Betsy and New York City. However, the moment where we see Bickle vent to the presidential candidate is a moment where we see his true colors, and that pays off in the end when we see that he has finally had enough of the people in the city. When Bickle turns down the dark path, he REALLY turns, and De Niro terrifies and frightens you in ways that you never thought were possible. I also like how Bickles' relationship with Iris (Jodie Foster) is handled. It is very clear that Bickle sees Iris as the one good thing within the garbage heap of N.Y.C. De Niro and Foster have great chemistry together, and you can tell just by watching the two of them together that Foster is learning so much from De Niro. This is one of the most iconic performances of De Niros' career.
Martin Scorsese is the director of Taxi Driver. As I mentioned before, New York City is very much a character in this film, and Scorsese brings us into that city with stunning grittiness. I love the way that you actually feel that you are part of this film because of the way it is shot. There is one particular shot in the film that I would like to talk about, and that is the shot where the camera pans down the hallway while Travis Bickle is attempting to get another date with Betsy. The context of this shot, which suggests that their relationship is over, is probably my favorite shot in the whole film. Also, the shootout at the climax of the film is brutally vicious, and also marks the beginning of what would become one of the many trademarks of a Martin Scorsese film.
Taxi Driver is an American classic. The way this film touches on the unstable human psyche is incredible. If you have not seen this film, please do so immediately. Personally, I cannot wait to watch it again.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
A Cinematic Bullshit Session
Clerks is a film that oozes the era in which it was released. Anybody that grew up in the 90's can identify with the movie in one way or another. In my opinion, that is what makes this movie so good.
Clerks is a film that tells the story of a day in the lives of two convenience store clerks. What makes the movie so remarkable is that there is not a linear story or dramatic character arcs. This film shows and describes to us what working in this line of work can be like. It also shows that going into work on what was supposed to be your day off can turn out to be the craziest day of your life. The jokes are well-timed throughout the film, and the payoff for each one of them is incredibly gratifying. Finally, in a genius "small world" moment, we see that a couple of guests actually know Dante and have an unexpected and detailed past with him.
Brian O' Halloran and Jeff Anderson play Dante Hicks and Randal Graves, respectively. The best part about this movie are the bullshit sessions between Brian and Jeff. Anybody who grew up in the 90's and watches Clerks knows that these B.S. sessions that happen at work are an everyday occurrence for people who do not want to be there. Also, as I mentioned before, even the topics of discussion are relatable.
There are two female characters in the film and, ironically enough, both seem perfect for Dante. Marilyn Ghigliotti plays Veronica. Veronica is a woman who is perfectly happy with where Dante is in his life, and does not really expect or want him to change. The conversations that she and Dante have are genuine, and that is due to the genuine performance of Ghigliotti. She brings a "girl next door" vibe to her character that leaves you wanting Dante to end up with her.
Lisa Spoonauer plays Caitlin Bree. What makes the scenes between Dante and Caitlin so special is that you know that they have a past history. In their scenes together, you can see that they almost pick up right where they left off. Spoonauer is solid at conveying this aspect of her character, right down to her body language. Caitlin is the girl that always has Dante's back, and it is because of Spoonauers' performance that you believe this.
Kevin Smith is the director of Clerks. What drives the story of Clerks is the relationship between Dante and Randal, and that is mirrored in Smiths' directing. Virtually every shot in the convenience store is a 2-shot with Dante and Randal talking to each other. It is because of the direction that you care about these guys right up until the end of the film. Smith may not be the greatest filmmaker in the world, but he knows how to craft a good character piece.
Clerks is one of the best directorial debuts in modern cinema. It has relatable themes, and it firmly established the kind of filmmaker Kevin Smith would come to be known as. If you are a fan of great dialogue and characters, I highly suggest checking this movie out.
Clerks is a film that tells the story of a day in the lives of two convenience store clerks. What makes the movie so remarkable is that there is not a linear story or dramatic character arcs. This film shows and describes to us what working in this line of work can be like. It also shows that going into work on what was supposed to be your day off can turn out to be the craziest day of your life. The jokes are well-timed throughout the film, and the payoff for each one of them is incredibly gratifying. Finally, in a genius "small world" moment, we see that a couple of guests actually know Dante and have an unexpected and detailed past with him.
Brian O' Halloran and Jeff Anderson play Dante Hicks and Randal Graves, respectively. The best part about this movie are the bullshit sessions between Brian and Jeff. Anybody who grew up in the 90's and watches Clerks knows that these B.S. sessions that happen at work are an everyday occurrence for people who do not want to be there. Also, as I mentioned before, even the topics of discussion are relatable.
There are two female characters in the film and, ironically enough, both seem perfect for Dante. Marilyn Ghigliotti plays Veronica. Veronica is a woman who is perfectly happy with where Dante is in his life, and does not really expect or want him to change. The conversations that she and Dante have are genuine, and that is due to the genuine performance of Ghigliotti. She brings a "girl next door" vibe to her character that leaves you wanting Dante to end up with her.
Lisa Spoonauer plays Caitlin Bree. What makes the scenes between Dante and Caitlin so special is that you know that they have a past history. In their scenes together, you can see that they almost pick up right where they left off. Spoonauer is solid at conveying this aspect of her character, right down to her body language. Caitlin is the girl that always has Dante's back, and it is because of Spoonauers' performance that you believe this.
Kevin Smith is the director of Clerks. What drives the story of Clerks is the relationship between Dante and Randal, and that is mirrored in Smiths' directing. Virtually every shot in the convenience store is a 2-shot with Dante and Randal talking to each other. It is because of the direction that you care about these guys right up until the end of the film. Smith may not be the greatest filmmaker in the world, but he knows how to craft a good character piece.
Clerks is one of the best directorial debuts in modern cinema. It has relatable themes, and it firmly established the kind of filmmaker Kevin Smith would come to be known as. If you are a fan of great dialogue and characters, I highly suggest checking this movie out.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
The Chase Is On
Catch Me If You Can is one of my favorite films, and not just because it is a Spielberg film, although that certainly helps. The movie is so entertaining and thrilling to watch, and has tremendous rewatchability. For me personally, it is on my "5 Films To Own On A Desert Island" list.
Catch Me If You Can is the TRUE story of Frank Abagnale, Jr, who was one of the most successful con men in United States history. The most enjoyable thing about this movie is the attention to detail in the storytelling. Right from the very beginning we are given visual clues of what Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) will use to elude the authorities (ripping labels off of condiments, The Flash comic books, folding notes so that they appear fake, etc.). These sort of details continue on as we see how Abagnale forges checks and even makes checks of his own. For a film that has such a simple premise, there is an incredibly exquisite attention to detail throughout.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale, Jr. Throughout Abagnale's life, we see that his parents' divorce has had a deep effect on him. He uses the same charm with women that his father (Christopher Walken) used, and even the confrontation he has with Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) towards the end of the film is in the city where his parents met. DiCaprio brings such energy to the role, but also great vulnerability. There is a seen where he is watching his future in-laws ( Martin Sheen and Nancy Lenehan) dance in the kitchen, and you can see that Abagnale wishes that had happened with his parents. This is beautiful acting by DiCaprio. DiCaprio's scenes with Tom Hanks are also quite good, as DiCaprio is splendid at playing the character as suave, yet arrogant, about eluding his pursuer. Catch Me If You Can is one of the films that came along at a time when DiCaprio stopped being a teen idol, and started to become a respectable actor, and this is one of my favorite roles of his.
Tom Hanks, in a pleasantly surprising supporting role, plays Carl Hanratty. One of things that you notice right from the beginning is that while Hanratty is charged with bringing Abagnale in, there is a great deal of respect that Hanratty has for him. Hanks' role is one that could have very easily been played as someone who is angry at this teenager who is humiliating him. However, Hanks does such an amazing job with the specific cadence of his voice that you can tell he is trying to protect Abagnale rather than getting angry and having hatred towards him. He does such a brilliant job at bringing a fatherly quality to the role. Again, the scene between Hanks and DiCaprio in Montrichard, France is a great example of this.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Catch Me If You Can. He does a tremendous job of capturing the lifestyle of the 1960's, right down to the fashion and music of that era. The pacing of the movie is brilliant as well. You can feel the tension slowly build throughout the movie right up until the end, and you are always wondering what will happen next and how it will unfold. The moments between DiCaprio and Walken are shot particularly well, and those scenes become increasingly heartfelt to watch as you realize that the relationship between those two characters is gradually deteriorating.
Catch Me If You Can is one of Steven Spielberg's best films. It is extremely entertaining, and superbly crafted. If you have not seen this film, for whatever reason, I highly recommend that you pick it up.
Catch Me If You Can is the TRUE story of Frank Abagnale, Jr, who was one of the most successful con men in United States history. The most enjoyable thing about this movie is the attention to detail in the storytelling. Right from the very beginning we are given visual clues of what Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) will use to elude the authorities (ripping labels off of condiments, The Flash comic books, folding notes so that they appear fake, etc.). These sort of details continue on as we see how Abagnale forges checks and even makes checks of his own. For a film that has such a simple premise, there is an incredibly exquisite attention to detail throughout.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale, Jr. Throughout Abagnale's life, we see that his parents' divorce has had a deep effect on him. He uses the same charm with women that his father (Christopher Walken) used, and even the confrontation he has with Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) towards the end of the film is in the city where his parents met. DiCaprio brings such energy to the role, but also great vulnerability. There is a seen where he is watching his future in-laws ( Martin Sheen and Nancy Lenehan) dance in the kitchen, and you can see that Abagnale wishes that had happened with his parents. This is beautiful acting by DiCaprio. DiCaprio's scenes with Tom Hanks are also quite good, as DiCaprio is splendid at playing the character as suave, yet arrogant, about eluding his pursuer. Catch Me If You Can is one of the films that came along at a time when DiCaprio stopped being a teen idol, and started to become a respectable actor, and this is one of my favorite roles of his.
Tom Hanks, in a pleasantly surprising supporting role, plays Carl Hanratty. One of things that you notice right from the beginning is that while Hanratty is charged with bringing Abagnale in, there is a great deal of respect that Hanratty has for him. Hanks' role is one that could have very easily been played as someone who is angry at this teenager who is humiliating him. However, Hanks does such an amazing job with the specific cadence of his voice that you can tell he is trying to protect Abagnale rather than getting angry and having hatred towards him. He does such a brilliant job at bringing a fatherly quality to the role. Again, the scene between Hanks and DiCaprio in Montrichard, France is a great example of this.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Catch Me If You Can. He does a tremendous job of capturing the lifestyle of the 1960's, right down to the fashion and music of that era. The pacing of the movie is brilliant as well. You can feel the tension slowly build throughout the movie right up until the end, and you are always wondering what will happen next and how it will unfold. The moments between DiCaprio and Walken are shot particularly well, and those scenes become increasingly heartfelt to watch as you realize that the relationship between those two characters is gradually deteriorating.
Catch Me If You Can is one of Steven Spielberg's best films. It is extremely entertaining, and superbly crafted. If you have not seen this film, for whatever reason, I highly recommend that you pick it up.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Law Enforcement Incoherence
Cop Out is a movie that, given the talent involved, you would think would be a complete riot. As much as I am a fan of the director and the actors, this film completely falls apart. I am one of those film fans that believes you have to appreciate the bad with the good, but Cop Out is a tough pill to swallow.
Cop Out is the story of a police officer who recruits his partner to help track down a robber who stole his rare baseball card. The police officer then intends to use the money he got for the card to pay for his daughters' wedding. I will not beat around the bush with this: I hate this movie. The story is mundane and dull, and the comedy falls flat on its face. Perhaps if Kevin Smith had written the script in addition to directing, the film would have been better.
Bruce Willis plays Jimmy, the police officer who owns the baseball card. Personally, I find Bruce Willis to be the best part of this entire film. The thing is, what makes it so great is that it is just Bruce Willis being Bruce Willis. In this movie, Willis is more of a character actor than anything else, which is actually quite enjoyable to see. I can honestly say that if he was not in the movie, the film would be completely unwatchable.
Tracy Morgan plays Paul. I have never been a Tracy Morgan fan, and this movie further cements my feelings. You would think that an actor who is supposed to be the "comic relief" would actually be funny, but Morgan is horrendous. Saying variations of the word "No" (ex. "Hell no", "Shit no", "Fuck no") repeatedly is not funny.
Kevin Smith is the director of Cop Out. The directing is quite bland, and most of the film lacks the energy of previous Kevin Smith films. There are two action sequences in the film that are actually filmed very well, but other than that the film is incredibly monotonous. It is always a shame when a director you like and admire turns in a bad movie, and this movie shows that even Kevin Smith can have a bad day at the office.
It is unfortunate that I own this garbage heap of a movie because I have no intention of ever watching it again. The thing is, I am such a huge film fan that I do not intend to get rid of it either. Maybe this film works for some people, but for me it does not.
Cop Out is the story of a police officer who recruits his partner to help track down a robber who stole his rare baseball card. The police officer then intends to use the money he got for the card to pay for his daughters' wedding. I will not beat around the bush with this: I hate this movie. The story is mundane and dull, and the comedy falls flat on its face. Perhaps if Kevin Smith had written the script in addition to directing, the film would have been better.
Bruce Willis plays Jimmy, the police officer who owns the baseball card. Personally, I find Bruce Willis to be the best part of this entire film. The thing is, what makes it so great is that it is just Bruce Willis being Bruce Willis. In this movie, Willis is more of a character actor than anything else, which is actually quite enjoyable to see. I can honestly say that if he was not in the movie, the film would be completely unwatchable.
Tracy Morgan plays Paul. I have never been a Tracy Morgan fan, and this movie further cements my feelings. You would think that an actor who is supposed to be the "comic relief" would actually be funny, but Morgan is horrendous. Saying variations of the word "No" (ex. "Hell no", "Shit no", "Fuck no") repeatedly is not funny.
Kevin Smith is the director of Cop Out. The directing is quite bland, and most of the film lacks the energy of previous Kevin Smith films. There are two action sequences in the film that are actually filmed very well, but other than that the film is incredibly monotonous. It is always a shame when a director you like and admire turns in a bad movie, and this movie shows that even Kevin Smith can have a bad day at the office.
It is unfortunate that I own this garbage heap of a movie because I have no intention of ever watching it again. The thing is, I am such a huge film fan that I do not intend to get rid of it either. Maybe this film works for some people, but for me it does not.
Isolated and Alone
A Single Man is a film that I had not heard much about before I watched it. I have, of course, been a huge fan of both Colin Firth and Julianne Moore for years so I was immediately intrigued about seeing them in a movie together. This film is a superb character study that I thoroughly enjoyed.
A Single Man is the story of an English professor who is unable to cope with the death of his boyfriend. I absolutely love the way the story of this film unfolds. You truly get invested in these characters because it is such an emotional story. I particularly liked watching the relationship between George (Colin Firth) and Kenny (Nicholas Hoult) unfold because while it is a romantic relationship, there is not much physical intimacy. There relationship is so carefully crafted, and it is quite beautiful. This is an extremely emotional film that is driven by powerful performances.
Colin Firth plays George. Firth displays quite the range in this film, occasionally almost moving you to tears with his performance. You can see throughout the film that on the outside George is trying so hard to keep his emotions in check, but on the inside he is struggling to exist without his companion. The scene where he learns of his boyfriends' death is so heartbreaking to watch because Firth displays so much emotion without saying a word. This film reminds you that he has always been an Oscar-caliber actor.
Julianne Moore plays Charley. I love her character because you are not too sure about her when we are first introduced to her. However, it is quite wonderful to see George and Charley together because we see how close they are to each other. Moore, as always, chews up every scene she is in, and completely disappears into character. Her character represents the 1960's so well, right down to the clothing she wears. I have said for many years that Julianne Moore is one of the best actresses working today, and her role as Charley is a perfect example of that.
Tom Ford is the director of A Single Man. I love the way he frames the shots in this film because every frame gives us insight into the characters. Even the dialogue scenes are filmed off-center, which makes them more interesting to watch. I also love the cinematography in the film. The use of color is extraordinary because for a majority of the film, we see muted colors that represent what Georges' life is currently like. Then, whenever something that makes him happy comes into his life, we see the colors get brighter. This is a superbly crafted film in every sense of the phrase.
A Single Man is a heavy film to handle, so you should know what you are getting into beforehand. This is a very powerful film about love and loss. If you are a fan of dramatic films with Oscar-caliber acting, you should definitely watch this film.
A Single Man is the story of an English professor who is unable to cope with the death of his boyfriend. I absolutely love the way the story of this film unfolds. You truly get invested in these characters because it is such an emotional story. I particularly liked watching the relationship between George (Colin Firth) and Kenny (Nicholas Hoult) unfold because while it is a romantic relationship, there is not much physical intimacy. There relationship is so carefully crafted, and it is quite beautiful. This is an extremely emotional film that is driven by powerful performances.
Colin Firth plays George. Firth displays quite the range in this film, occasionally almost moving you to tears with his performance. You can see throughout the film that on the outside George is trying so hard to keep his emotions in check, but on the inside he is struggling to exist without his companion. The scene where he learns of his boyfriends' death is so heartbreaking to watch because Firth displays so much emotion without saying a word. This film reminds you that he has always been an Oscar-caliber actor.
Julianne Moore plays Charley. I love her character because you are not too sure about her when we are first introduced to her. However, it is quite wonderful to see George and Charley together because we see how close they are to each other. Moore, as always, chews up every scene she is in, and completely disappears into character. Her character represents the 1960's so well, right down to the clothing she wears. I have said for many years that Julianne Moore is one of the best actresses working today, and her role as Charley is a perfect example of that.
Tom Ford is the director of A Single Man. I love the way he frames the shots in this film because every frame gives us insight into the characters. Even the dialogue scenes are filmed off-center, which makes them more interesting to watch. I also love the cinematography in the film. The use of color is extraordinary because for a majority of the film, we see muted colors that represent what Georges' life is currently like. Then, whenever something that makes him happy comes into his life, we see the colors get brighter. This is a superbly crafted film in every sense of the phrase.
A Single Man is a heavy film to handle, so you should know what you are getting into beforehand. This is a very powerful film about love and loss. If you are a fan of dramatic films with Oscar-caliber acting, you should definitely watch this film.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The Quintessential Epic
Lawrence of Arabia is a film that my father always wanted me to watch when I was a boy. The thing is, when you are seven years old, you do not really care about a 4-hour film where the main character spends time wandering in the desert. However as I got older and found a deep appreciation for cinema, and especially in the years since Peter O' Toole's death, Lawrence of Arabia is a film that I have always wanted to see. I find myself struggling to put into exact words how I feel about David Lean's sweeping epic, but I will attempt to do so in this blog.
Lawrence of Arabia is the story of T.E. Lawrence, who led the Arab tribes against the Turks during World War I. The scope and sheer enormity of this film is beyond breathtaking. Every sweeping shot of the Arabian desert reminds you that a film of this quality cannot, and never will, ever be duplicated. This movie is also driven by an emotional and powerful performance from its star, Peter O' Toole. I love his character arc in the film because T.E. Lawrence is a vastly different man at the end of the film than he was at the beginning.
David Lean is the director of Lawrence of Arabia. As I mentioned before, I love the shots of Lawrence traveling through the desert. Logistically speaking, it is completely unfathomable to imagine the lengths that the cast and crew went through to make this movie. For me, the standout scene is when Lawrence rescues the man from the desert. I love the way this is shot because you just do not know if Lawrence is going to get to him in time. Lawrence of Arabia is a rare piece of perfect cinema, and that is in large part due to the direction of David Lean.
Lawrence of Arabia is the definition of a classic that, unfortunately, seems to be lost on this generation of film fans. I absolutely loved this film. However, I must point out that if you plan on watching it than you should probably make a day of it. You will not regret it at all.
Lawrence of Arabia is the story of T.E. Lawrence, who led the Arab tribes against the Turks during World War I. The scope and sheer enormity of this film is beyond breathtaking. Every sweeping shot of the Arabian desert reminds you that a film of this quality cannot, and never will, ever be duplicated. This movie is also driven by an emotional and powerful performance from its star, Peter O' Toole. I love his character arc in the film because T.E. Lawrence is a vastly different man at the end of the film than he was at the beginning.
David Lean is the director of Lawrence of Arabia. As I mentioned before, I love the shots of Lawrence traveling through the desert. Logistically speaking, it is completely unfathomable to imagine the lengths that the cast and crew went through to make this movie. For me, the standout scene is when Lawrence rescues the man from the desert. I love the way this is shot because you just do not know if Lawrence is going to get to him in time. Lawrence of Arabia is a rare piece of perfect cinema, and that is in large part due to the direction of David Lean.
Lawrence of Arabia is the definition of a classic that, unfortunately, seems to be lost on this generation of film fans. I absolutely loved this film. However, I must point out that if you plan on watching it than you should probably make a day of it. You will not regret it at all.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Romantic Action
True Romance is another one of those movies that I had heard of, but never actually seen until now. Of course, the fact that this movie is written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott made me look forward to watching this movie even more. I have to say that I loved this film from beginning to end.
True Romance is the story of Clarence (Christian Slater) who steals cocaine from his girlfriends' former pimp. The rightful owners of the cocaine then attempt to track it down. Even though this movie clocks in at 121 minutes, it feels like a 3 hour epic and I mean that in the best way possible. The action is brutal, but more importantly the story is told in such a way that you care about the characters, and the ending of the movie brings closure to the film perfectly. Well, almost perfectly. I would have liked to have seen even a small sequence where Clarence finds out that his father, Clifford (Dennis Hopper), has been killed. I think this would have added to Clarence's motivations. Other than that, this is an epic and entertaining movie.
Christian Slater plays Clarence Worley. I love this character because he is a film and comic book geek at heart, but deep down he loves his lady, and is someone that you do not want to mess with at all. Slater plays this role perfectly, right down to his terrifying dark side. I must say that what makes the darkness so terrifying is the fact that it seems to come out of nowhere, as if all of Clarence's rage has been at a boiling point for years. Again, this adds to the character, and Slater shines in the role.
Patricia Arquette plays Clarence's wife, Alabama Whitman. Whitman is a woman who loves her man dearly and, like Clarence, has a dark side to her although it is in a different style. She will do anything to protect her man, even if it means her getting savagely beaten (honestly, that scene is incredibly brutal). Arquette completely disappears into character, giving one of the best female performances I have ever seen on film.
Tony Scott is the director of True Romance. As with any Tony Scott film, the action is incredibly fast-paced and filmed very well. However, there are two scenes in the film that stick out for me and they both involve on character confronting another character. These scenes are slow and drawn out, and you feel the tension build because of the way they are shot. These scenes are also uncharacteristic of Tony Scott pictures, and I personally think he did them incredibly well.
What can you say about Tony Scott films that has not been said before? The man was a genius, and True Romance is an unmitigated classic. You get invested with the characters, which makes you care about them during the action sequences. If you have not seen True Romance, treat yourself to it. You will not regret it.
True Romance is the story of Clarence (Christian Slater) who steals cocaine from his girlfriends' former pimp. The rightful owners of the cocaine then attempt to track it down. Even though this movie clocks in at 121 minutes, it feels like a 3 hour epic and I mean that in the best way possible. The action is brutal, but more importantly the story is told in such a way that you care about the characters, and the ending of the movie brings closure to the film perfectly. Well, almost perfectly. I would have liked to have seen even a small sequence where Clarence finds out that his father, Clifford (Dennis Hopper), has been killed. I think this would have added to Clarence's motivations. Other than that, this is an epic and entertaining movie.
Christian Slater plays Clarence Worley. I love this character because he is a film and comic book geek at heart, but deep down he loves his lady, and is someone that you do not want to mess with at all. Slater plays this role perfectly, right down to his terrifying dark side. I must say that what makes the darkness so terrifying is the fact that it seems to come out of nowhere, as if all of Clarence's rage has been at a boiling point for years. Again, this adds to the character, and Slater shines in the role.
Patricia Arquette plays Clarence's wife, Alabama Whitman. Whitman is a woman who loves her man dearly and, like Clarence, has a dark side to her although it is in a different style. She will do anything to protect her man, even if it means her getting savagely beaten (honestly, that scene is incredibly brutal). Arquette completely disappears into character, giving one of the best female performances I have ever seen on film.
Tony Scott is the director of True Romance. As with any Tony Scott film, the action is incredibly fast-paced and filmed very well. However, there are two scenes in the film that stick out for me and they both involve on character confronting another character. These scenes are slow and drawn out, and you feel the tension build because of the way they are shot. These scenes are also uncharacteristic of Tony Scott pictures, and I personally think he did them incredibly well.
What can you say about Tony Scott films that has not been said before? The man was a genius, and True Romance is an unmitigated classic. You get invested with the characters, which makes you care about them during the action sequences. If you have not seen True Romance, treat yourself to it. You will not regret it.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Are You Ready For Your Closeup?
As great as Robin Williams' comedies are, I have always been a huge fan of his dramatic work as well. One Hour Photo is a film that I had heard great things about, but never actually seen until now. This movie is terrifying and flat-out creepy, and further cements my love of the great Robin Williams.
One Hour Photo is the story of an employee of a photo lab who becomes obsessed with one particular family. This movie will creep you out in ways that you never thought were possible, and that is one of the countless reasons I loved it. Everything from the framing of the shots, to the acting, to the pacing is so perfect that you can feel the tension build until the very end. Watching Seymour Parrish (Robin Williams) become increasingly friendly towards his favorite family is extremely uncomfortable to watch. I must say that this film will make you feel very uneasy, and I highly suggest watching something fun and exciting afterwards to put your mind at ease.
Robin Williams disappears into character as Seymour Parrish. Now that I have have seen this film, this is one of my favorite dramatic performances of his. The brilliance of Williams' performance is that he plays the character as if there is this deep anger and hatred buried within him, which we ultimately see come out of him at the climax of the film. The scene in the hotel room is particularly jarring to watch. What is scary about Parrish is that he rationalizes his hobby as "just taking pictures". You will never watch Robin Williams the same way again after seeing this film. I guarantee it.
Mark Romanek is the director of One Hour Photo. I love the way he uses the camera in the film because you feel extremely uncomfortable watching what is taking place. There is also a brief sequence where we see how the photos are developed through the machines which is extraordinary. The sequences in Seymour Parrish's home, in particular, are very well done and are a direct reflection of what his life is like. I also love the cinematography in the film. Color is used to accentuate what Parrish is feeling, and it is actually quite beautiful to watch.
One Hour Photo is not a film you watch with your family on "movie night". This is a horrifying film that true film buffs will love, especially independent film lovers. As for my personal recommendation, I would say that if you are a fan of Robin Williams' dramatic work then you will definitely love this movie. Just be prepared to be a tad creeped out.
One Hour Photo is the story of an employee of a photo lab who becomes obsessed with one particular family. This movie will creep you out in ways that you never thought were possible, and that is one of the countless reasons I loved it. Everything from the framing of the shots, to the acting, to the pacing is so perfect that you can feel the tension build until the very end. Watching Seymour Parrish (Robin Williams) become increasingly friendly towards his favorite family is extremely uncomfortable to watch. I must say that this film will make you feel very uneasy, and I highly suggest watching something fun and exciting afterwards to put your mind at ease.
Robin Williams disappears into character as Seymour Parrish. Now that I have have seen this film, this is one of my favorite dramatic performances of his. The brilliance of Williams' performance is that he plays the character as if there is this deep anger and hatred buried within him, which we ultimately see come out of him at the climax of the film. The scene in the hotel room is particularly jarring to watch. What is scary about Parrish is that he rationalizes his hobby as "just taking pictures". You will never watch Robin Williams the same way again after seeing this film. I guarantee it.
Mark Romanek is the director of One Hour Photo. I love the way he uses the camera in the film because you feel extremely uncomfortable watching what is taking place. There is also a brief sequence where we see how the photos are developed through the machines which is extraordinary. The sequences in Seymour Parrish's home, in particular, are very well done and are a direct reflection of what his life is like. I also love the cinematography in the film. Color is used to accentuate what Parrish is feeling, and it is actually quite beautiful to watch.
One Hour Photo is not a film you watch with your family on "movie night". This is a horrifying film that true film buffs will love, especially independent film lovers. As for my personal recommendation, I would say that if you are a fan of Robin Williams' dramatic work then you will definitely love this movie. Just be prepared to be a tad creeped out.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Laying Down The Law
It is hard to believe that Beverly Hills Cop is literally as old as I am, and yet I just watched it for the first time. To say that I was excited to finally watch this film would be a glorious understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie from the beginning right up to the last shot.
Beverly Hills Cop is the story of a Detroit cop who pursues a murder investigation. This movie is not just good. It is great. Even though Beverly Hills Cop is an action/comedy, there are really only two major action sequences in the movie. This movie is paced very well, and leaves you on the edge of your seat as Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) edges closer and closer to solving the case. There are a few minor issues that I have with the film. As a first time viewer, I was a little confused when it was revealed that Axel Foley was undercover at the beginning of the film. I would have liked to see more explanation behind that. Also, during the truck chase at the beginning of the film, we see a bus randomly spin around out of nowhere and we also see more cops join the chase even though we never see a police officer call for backup. At the end of the day, though, I have to say that I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.
Martin Brest is the director of Beverly Hills Cop. As I mentioned before, there are two major action sequences in the film. Both are filmed well, and are fast-paced. The truck chase at the beginning of the film is the standout for me, personally. The cities of Detroit and Beverly Hills serve as characters in their own right, and the entire film utilizes authentic locations from both cities. I have always said that, in my opinion, the first job of a director is to get good performances out of the actors, and that is exactly what Brest did with this movie. Eddie Murphy's performance in the film is one that will stand the test of time, and that is partly due to Brest's direction.
It is always great to back and watch a movie that solidified an actor's career. This movie is incredibly fun to watch, and is another one of those films that will last quite a while.. If you have the chance to watch this film, for the love of Odin, do not wait 32 years like I did. I highly recommend watching it.
Beverly Hills Cop is the story of a Detroit cop who pursues a murder investigation. This movie is not just good. It is great. Even though Beverly Hills Cop is an action/comedy, there are really only two major action sequences in the movie. This movie is paced very well, and leaves you on the edge of your seat as Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) edges closer and closer to solving the case. There are a few minor issues that I have with the film. As a first time viewer, I was a little confused when it was revealed that Axel Foley was undercover at the beginning of the film. I would have liked to see more explanation behind that. Also, during the truck chase at the beginning of the film, we see a bus randomly spin around out of nowhere and we also see more cops join the chase even though we never see a police officer call for backup. At the end of the day, though, I have to say that I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.
Martin Brest is the director of Beverly Hills Cop. As I mentioned before, there are two major action sequences in the film. Both are filmed well, and are fast-paced. The truck chase at the beginning of the film is the standout for me, personally. The cities of Detroit and Beverly Hills serve as characters in their own right, and the entire film utilizes authentic locations from both cities. I have always said that, in my opinion, the first job of a director is to get good performances out of the actors, and that is exactly what Brest did with this movie. Eddie Murphy's performance in the film is one that will stand the test of time, and that is partly due to Brest's direction.
It is always great to back and watch a movie that solidified an actor's career. This movie is incredibly fun to watch, and is another one of those films that will last quite a while.. If you have the chance to watch this film, for the love of Odin, do not wait 32 years like I did. I highly recommend watching it.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Consequences Of A Corrupt Conscience
A Few Good Men is a film that will last long after we are all dead and gone. It has a great story, and a superior cast to help tell that story. I have always enjoyed films that take place inside a courtroom. There is something about watching the dramatic elements of a movie unfold in a confined space that make these films quite compelling to watch.
A Few Good Men is the story of a military lawyer who defends Marines who are accused of murder. This film does a couple of things very well that are excellent examples of great film-making. A Few Good Men takes the time to set up the characters and the story so that we actually care what happens. The pace of the film is also incredibly well done. You can feel the tension slowly and methodically build towards the climax and, even though the movie does not necessarily have a storybook ending, you are literally on the edge of your seat taking a deep breath. There are a couple of plot holes in the movie that I would like to address. Towards the beginning of the film, it is mentioned that the characters have to travel on a boat to get where they need to go. Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) then mentions that he does not like traveling on boats. It would have been nice to actually see a scene with them on the boat. I think a scene like that would have added some comic relief as the majority of the film is wrought with dramatic tension. Also, about three-quarters of the way into the movie, Lt. Col. Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh) commits suicide. We then see a scene where Lt. Daniel Kaffee tells Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) and Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollack) what happened. It would have been nice to actually see a scene where Kaffee finds out this information. All in all, though, this is a great film that will keep you glued to your television the entire way through.
Tom Cruise is electric as Lt. Daniel Kaffee. Kaffee is smart-mouthed, cocky and a bit of a procrastinator. Of course, if you were the best litigator in the military you would probably exhibit these characteristics as well. Cruise displays these characteristics with perfection. Also, even though there is no character in the movie that is the "comic relief", Cruise does display quite a few humorous moments simply because of the nature of his character. There is also a great character arc for Cruise in this movie. In the climax of the film, Daniel Kaffee confronts his fears of being an actual courtroom lawyer that is quite dramatic and makes you cheer for the character. Overall, this is a very fine performance from Tom Cruise.
The legendary Jack Nicholson brings a pure icy demeanor to his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup. Jessup is a man with a corrupt conscience. He believes what he does saves lives, even if it means the death of an officer. This legitimization of why he does this is what is truly scary about the character. Nicholson commands the screen like never before, and makes you downright afraid of his character. Watching Nicholson and Cruise go at each in the courtroom almost makes you tremble because of the tension. This is one of Nicholson's best performances, and his deliverance of "You can't handle the truth!" is one of the most coldly-uttered lines in cinema history.
Demi Moore shines as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. Even though Galloway outranks Kaffee, Kaffee is very much her equal and the chemistry between Cruise and Moore is one of the highlights of the film. I love female characters in films that are not just eye candy and Demi Moore, while she is obviously stunningly beautiful, is a crucial part in the telling of this story. Moore also has a couple of beautiful moments where she encourages Kaffee to really be the lawyer that he is afraid of being. Moore gives an exceptionally good performance in this movie.
Rob Reiner is the director of A Few Good Men. This movie thrives on the relationships and interactions between the characters, and every single frame of this film is filled with dramatic tension. The scenes in the courtroom are particularly well done. This is film that, in the wrong hands, could have been quite boring. However, Reiner paces the film in such a masterful way that you cannot wait to see what the next scene will bring. Personally, I believe that Rob Reiner is one of the industry's most under-rated directors. If you get the chance, look up his filmography and check out his films. They are all wonderful.
A Few Good Men is one of those rare films that you can watch over and over again. Not a single frame is wasted in the telling of this story. If you just love good movies, A Few Good Men is definitely for you.
A Few Good Men is the story of a military lawyer who defends Marines who are accused of murder. This film does a couple of things very well that are excellent examples of great film-making. A Few Good Men takes the time to set up the characters and the story so that we actually care what happens. The pace of the film is also incredibly well done. You can feel the tension slowly and methodically build towards the climax and, even though the movie does not necessarily have a storybook ending, you are literally on the edge of your seat taking a deep breath. There are a couple of plot holes in the movie that I would like to address. Towards the beginning of the film, it is mentioned that the characters have to travel on a boat to get where they need to go. Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) then mentions that he does not like traveling on boats. It would have been nice to actually see a scene with them on the boat. I think a scene like that would have added some comic relief as the majority of the film is wrought with dramatic tension. Also, about three-quarters of the way into the movie, Lt. Col. Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh) commits suicide. We then see a scene where Lt. Daniel Kaffee tells Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) and Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollack) what happened. It would have been nice to actually see a scene where Kaffee finds out this information. All in all, though, this is a great film that will keep you glued to your television the entire way through.
Tom Cruise is electric as Lt. Daniel Kaffee. Kaffee is smart-mouthed, cocky and a bit of a procrastinator. Of course, if you were the best litigator in the military you would probably exhibit these characteristics as well. Cruise displays these characteristics with perfection. Also, even though there is no character in the movie that is the "comic relief", Cruise does display quite a few humorous moments simply because of the nature of his character. There is also a great character arc for Cruise in this movie. In the climax of the film, Daniel Kaffee confronts his fears of being an actual courtroom lawyer that is quite dramatic and makes you cheer for the character. Overall, this is a very fine performance from Tom Cruise.
The legendary Jack Nicholson brings a pure icy demeanor to his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup. Jessup is a man with a corrupt conscience. He believes what he does saves lives, even if it means the death of an officer. This legitimization of why he does this is what is truly scary about the character. Nicholson commands the screen like never before, and makes you downright afraid of his character. Watching Nicholson and Cruise go at each in the courtroom almost makes you tremble because of the tension. This is one of Nicholson's best performances, and his deliverance of "You can't handle the truth!" is one of the most coldly-uttered lines in cinema history.
Demi Moore shines as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. Even though Galloway outranks Kaffee, Kaffee is very much her equal and the chemistry between Cruise and Moore is one of the highlights of the film. I love female characters in films that are not just eye candy and Demi Moore, while she is obviously stunningly beautiful, is a crucial part in the telling of this story. Moore also has a couple of beautiful moments where she encourages Kaffee to really be the lawyer that he is afraid of being. Moore gives an exceptionally good performance in this movie.
Rob Reiner is the director of A Few Good Men. This movie thrives on the relationships and interactions between the characters, and every single frame of this film is filled with dramatic tension. The scenes in the courtroom are particularly well done. This is film that, in the wrong hands, could have been quite boring. However, Reiner paces the film in such a masterful way that you cannot wait to see what the next scene will bring. Personally, I believe that Rob Reiner is one of the industry's most under-rated directors. If you get the chance, look up his filmography and check out his films. They are all wonderful.
A Few Good Men is one of those rare films that you can watch over and over again. Not a single frame is wasted in the telling of this story. If you just love good movies, A Few Good Men is definitely for you.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Thank Odin That Bruce Willis Is In This Movie
The Whole Nine Yards is an example of a movie that I saw the sequel (The Whole Ten Yards) before the original. I had heard great things about it and, because I had seen the sequel, I obviously wanted to watch the original. The film as a whole I think is great. As far as the two leading actors are concerned, however, only one of them stands out.
The Whole Nine Yards is the story of Oz Oseransky who finds out that his new neighbor is gun-for-hire Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski. Oz's wife then convinces him to track down the mob boss who wants Jimmy dead. I found this movie extremely entertaining to watch and the comedy, for the most part, is hilarious. Having just watched this movie for the first time, I found the story a tad hard to follow, but not so much that it makes for a bad movie. It is simply that so much was going on so fast that I cannot wait to watch it again just so I understand it clearly. I have one minor problem with the movie, and one HUGE problem (more on that later). My minor problem is that throughout a majority of the film, Oz is nervous to be around Jimmy except for one part where they act like they are best friends....and this is right after Oz finds out Jimmy is a contract killer. This minor story point made no sense to me. However, as I said before, the story as a whole is one of the things that kept me glued to the television during the movie.
Bruce Willis is glorious as Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski. You never know whether Jimmy is going to shake your hand or kill you, and that is because of the way Willis plays him. His banter with Matthew Perry, for his part, is sheer genius. He is delightfully funny in the movie as well, which is something I do not think Willis gets enough credit for. It is always great to see an actor step out of their comfort zone, and Bruce Willis is the other reason why I cannot wait to watch this movie again.
Remember that HUGE problem I mentioned earlier. Well, that problem is Matthew Perry. He is just not a good actor. It seems like all he can ever play is Chandler from Friends, and that is exactly who he is in this film. I mean it was great watching Chandler for 99 minutes, but I think it would have been better to get an actor who is actually funny to play the part of Oz.
Jonathan Lynn is the director of The Whole Nine Yards. This movie thrives on the banter between Willis and Perry, and Lynn is great at comedic timing with his shot selection, especially with the reaction shots. Also, as horrible as Matthew Perry is in this film, Jonathan Lynn knows when to keep the camera on him when he is being threatened by Bruce Willis's character because he actually is funny from time to time. I have a feeling that the sequel, The Whole Ten Yards, would have done better critically and financially if Lynn had been involved.
I have not enjoyed a movie this much in a long time. It is one of those rare action-comedies that actually has a great story. If you are a fan of these kinds of movies, and of course Bruce Willis, definitely check this movie out.
Friday, June 24, 2016
The Clock Strikes At Midnight
When it comes to Woody Allen movies, there is no middle ground. You either love them or you hate them. Even though I have only seen a handful of his films I can honestly say that I am one of those people that loves them, and Midnight in Paris is no different.
Midnight in Paris is the story of a screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris, and gets mysteriously transported back to the 1920's every night. This film falls more into the realm of fantasy than most of Woody Allen's work which is what makes it so interesting to watch. Every night, Gil (Owen Wilson) meets famous people from that era, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, and then when he tells his fiance, Inez (Rachel McAdams), about his adventures she worries that he might have a brain tumor. This makes for humorous banter between the two. Her father ( Kurt Fuller) even has a private detective follow him every night, but then he gets transported as well. The wit, humor and great characters are all there in typical Woody Allen fashion. There are a few plot holes in the movie, but overall it is quite enjoyable.
Owen Wilson plays Gil. Gil is a man who is wrapped up in "Golden Age Thinking". He truly believes that the 1920's is a better time period than the one he is currently living in. Woody Allen wrote his character beautifully. Gil cannot stop talking about how much he loves Paris. Inez is actually quite annoyed by this. In fact, it is not only clear to us as the audience that the two of them are not meant for each other, but we know deep down that Gil feels that way too. I am usually not a big fan of Owen Wilson, but if he did more dramatic roles I would be up for seeing them because he absolutely shines in this movie.
Rachel McAdams plays Inez. Even though Inez cannot stand Paris, she is completely infatuated with her friend Paul because of his intellectual level. She even looks down on Gil for not being more like Paul. It takes a truly great actor/actress to make a completely loathsome character, and that is exactly what McAdams does. McAdams is so good in the film that it makes you want to reach through the screen and grab her by the throat. It has been a long time since I have seen Rachel McAdams in a good movie but, like her counterpart, she is brilliant in her role as Inez
Woody Allen beautifully directs Midnight in Paris. Paris is the central character in the film, even more so than Gil or Inez. In fact, the first few minutes of the film is filled with wonderful shots of the city and the people in it. It is also remarkable to see 1920's Paris recreated. Everything, right down to the costumes, feels authentic. This is truly another landmark hit for Woody Allen.
I had so much fun watching Midnight in Paris. Woody Allen always creates such dynamic characters, and this film is a great example of that. If you are a fan of Woody Allen, you should definitely check out this movie.
Midnight in Paris is the story of a screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris, and gets mysteriously transported back to the 1920's every night. This film falls more into the realm of fantasy than most of Woody Allen's work which is what makes it so interesting to watch. Every night, Gil (Owen Wilson) meets famous people from that era, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, and then when he tells his fiance, Inez (Rachel McAdams), about his adventures she worries that he might have a brain tumor. This makes for humorous banter between the two. Her father ( Kurt Fuller) even has a private detective follow him every night, but then he gets transported as well. The wit, humor and great characters are all there in typical Woody Allen fashion. There are a few plot holes in the movie, but overall it is quite enjoyable.
Owen Wilson plays Gil. Gil is a man who is wrapped up in "Golden Age Thinking". He truly believes that the 1920's is a better time period than the one he is currently living in. Woody Allen wrote his character beautifully. Gil cannot stop talking about how much he loves Paris. Inez is actually quite annoyed by this. In fact, it is not only clear to us as the audience that the two of them are not meant for each other, but we know deep down that Gil feels that way too. I am usually not a big fan of Owen Wilson, but if he did more dramatic roles I would be up for seeing them because he absolutely shines in this movie.
Rachel McAdams plays Inez. Even though Inez cannot stand Paris, she is completely infatuated with her friend Paul because of his intellectual level. She even looks down on Gil for not being more like Paul. It takes a truly great actor/actress to make a completely loathsome character, and that is exactly what McAdams does. McAdams is so good in the film that it makes you want to reach through the screen and grab her by the throat. It has been a long time since I have seen Rachel McAdams in a good movie but, like her counterpart, she is brilliant in her role as Inez
Woody Allen beautifully directs Midnight in Paris. Paris is the central character in the film, even more so than Gil or Inez. In fact, the first few minutes of the film is filled with wonderful shots of the city and the people in it. It is also remarkable to see 1920's Paris recreated. Everything, right down to the costumes, feels authentic. This is truly another landmark hit for Woody Allen.
I had so much fun watching Midnight in Paris. Woody Allen always creates such dynamic characters, and this film is a great example of that. If you are a fan of Woody Allen, you should definitely check out this movie.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Defying Conventional Wisdom
We all know the typical romantic comedy formula: guy meets girl, they fall in love, they have a fight and break, they get back together. I still maintain that a good romantic comedy can be fun to watch. The problem is that not many of them introduce fresh ideas. 10 Things I Hate About You is not only a film that introduces fresh ideas, but it makes you love the genre.
10 Things I Hate About You is the story of a popular teenager who is not aloud to date until her older does. The fact that this movie is incredibly anti-cliche is what makes it so wonderful. The fact that Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger) are so much alike instead of being the typical "opposites attract" couple makes for great chemistry between the two of them. The fact that Patrick never cared about being paid to take Kat out and generally cared about her makes for a great twist. The fact that both Cameron & Bianca and Patrick & Kat end up together instead of one them not working out just makes for a great movie overall. The scene where Patrick sings to Kat is just so much fun to watch. It seems that lately I have been writing about movies that have come close to perfection. If only there were just a small scene where both boys ask the girls to the prom, this film would be just that.
Julia Stiles plays Kat Stratford. Kat is smart-mouthed, opinionated and hard to deal with. Stiles disappears into the role, giving off a genuine anti-social attitude. We do see she has an emotional side, however instead of crying during these scenes, we see her actually get mad at herself for letting her soft side come out. Kat is a girl who is completely out of touch with her feelings, and Julia Stiles crushes it.
Heath Ledger shines as Patrick Verona. Like Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger disappears into his role as the bad-boy, right down to the cheshire cat-like grin. Also, like Kat, Patrick has a soft side which is particularly nice to see considering all the horrible things that we hear he has supposedly done. Ledger does so much with just his face and we see that in this movie, particularly when Kat is reading her poem.
Gil Junger is the director of 10 Things I Hate About You. This film thrives on the moments between the characters, and Junger directs this movie using tight shots for those moments. There is also a great shot of Patrick and Kat slow dancing to a fast-paced song. Everybody around them is dancing vigorously, and to show these two slow dancing shows exactly the kinds of characters that Patrick and Kat are. This is a great feature film debut for Gil Junger.
10 Things I Hate About You is one of those movies that I could watch over and over again. The acting is great, and the dialogue is easily quotable. I highly recommend this film to anybody who has not seen it, and even if you have you should watch it again!
10 Things I Hate About You is the story of a popular teenager who is not aloud to date until her older does. The fact that this movie is incredibly anti-cliche is what makes it so wonderful. The fact that Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger) are so much alike instead of being the typical "opposites attract" couple makes for great chemistry between the two of them. The fact that Patrick never cared about being paid to take Kat out and generally cared about her makes for a great twist. The fact that both Cameron & Bianca and Patrick & Kat end up together instead of one them not working out just makes for a great movie overall. The scene where Patrick sings to Kat is just so much fun to watch. It seems that lately I have been writing about movies that have come close to perfection. If only there were just a small scene where both boys ask the girls to the prom, this film would be just that.
Julia Stiles plays Kat Stratford. Kat is smart-mouthed, opinionated and hard to deal with. Stiles disappears into the role, giving off a genuine anti-social attitude. We do see she has an emotional side, however instead of crying during these scenes, we see her actually get mad at herself for letting her soft side come out. Kat is a girl who is completely out of touch with her feelings, and Julia Stiles crushes it.
Heath Ledger shines as Patrick Verona. Like Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger disappears into his role as the bad-boy, right down to the cheshire cat-like grin. Also, like Kat, Patrick has a soft side which is particularly nice to see considering all the horrible things that we hear he has supposedly done. Ledger does so much with just his face and we see that in this movie, particularly when Kat is reading her poem.
Gil Junger is the director of 10 Things I Hate About You. This film thrives on the moments between the characters, and Junger directs this movie using tight shots for those moments. There is also a great shot of Patrick and Kat slow dancing to a fast-paced song. Everybody around them is dancing vigorously, and to show these two slow dancing shows exactly the kinds of characters that Patrick and Kat are. This is a great feature film debut for Gil Junger.
10 Things I Hate About You is one of those movies that I could watch over and over again. The acting is great, and the dialogue is easily quotable. I highly recommend this film to anybody who has not seen it, and even if you have you should watch it again!
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
The Biggest Wish Of All
For some reason, I think Hollywood is scared of making movies about sex. I have no idea why; it is not as if sex is a controversial issue. Everybody has sex. Some people have it more often than others, but everybody does it. The Sessions is an example of a movie that is about sex, but at its heart is a beautiful and emotional story.
The Sessions is the story of a man who uses an iron lung, and his wish to lose his virginity. The thing that I love most about this film is its refusal to be cliche. This story is not about two people falling for each other. It is about one mans wish to experience the physical act of love. This film is filled with snappy dialogue and great characters. I would have liked there to be just a little more explanation into Mark's (John Hawkes) troubled past, but other than that this is truly a beautiful film.
John Hawkes plays Mark. I love Mark as a character because even though he is extremely disabled, he has such a wonderful sense of humor about life. His character goals in the film are also very clear: he does not just want to have sex with random women. This is a man who does not know when he is going to die, and he wants to experience sex before that time comes. The fact that he contacts a professional sex surrogate shows how seriously he takes this issue. Hawks plays the role beautifully, and gives a wonderful physical performance that shows how troublesome life can be for a person of limited means.
Helen Hunt plays Cheryl. Cheryl is a woman who is not ashamed of what she does for a living. In fact, she embraces it. She is also a woman who understands and accepts Mark's physical condition. Helen Hunt plays the role perfectly, right down to the Boston accent. We see her go places emotionally that you always knew she could do, but we have never seen from her until this film. The scene where Mark and Cheryl decide to end their sessions is filled with emotional tension. Also, just when you think that this movie is going to become cliche and Cheryl and Mark are going to end up together, the story takes an abrupt left turn and leaves the viewer pleasantly surprised.
William H. Macy plays Father Brendan. Even though Macy's character is funny from time to time, he is far from being the film's comic relief. Mark is a religious man, and he seeks guidance on his issue and he gets that from Father Brendan. However, Father Brendan does not give him guidance as a priest; he gives it to him as a friend. He understands Mark's physical condition, and because of that he suggests that the big guy upstairs just might be okay with what Mark wants to do. Macy gives a very wholesome performance in the role. He takes what would ordinarily be a cliche religious part, and makes Father Brendan a genuinely likable man right to the very end. It is also quite humorous to watch his expressions while Mark is talking to him about his sessions with Cheryl because we know that Father Brendan is sexually inexperienced. This may go down as my favorite William H. Macy role.
Ben Lewin is the director of The Sessions. This film has an incredibly emotional and intimate story, and the way Lewin directs is a reflection of that. Every frame of the film is so close in on the characters that you automatically feel the closeness and the personal bond between them. In fact, I do not recall a single wide shot in the entire film. You feel everything in this film, from the pain and awkwardness that Mark goes through and Cheryl's emotional journey, while also feeling the bond of friendship between Mark and Father Brendan.
The Sessions is another one of those rare pieces of cinema that is near perfection. It is also one of those films that you have to be in the right mood to watch. This is a great film, but not one to watch on movie night at your house.
The Sessions is the story of a man who uses an iron lung, and his wish to lose his virginity. The thing that I love most about this film is its refusal to be cliche. This story is not about two people falling for each other. It is about one mans wish to experience the physical act of love. This film is filled with snappy dialogue and great characters. I would have liked there to be just a little more explanation into Mark's (John Hawkes) troubled past, but other than that this is truly a beautiful film.
John Hawkes plays Mark. I love Mark as a character because even though he is extremely disabled, he has such a wonderful sense of humor about life. His character goals in the film are also very clear: he does not just want to have sex with random women. This is a man who does not know when he is going to die, and he wants to experience sex before that time comes. The fact that he contacts a professional sex surrogate shows how seriously he takes this issue. Hawks plays the role beautifully, and gives a wonderful physical performance that shows how troublesome life can be for a person of limited means.
Helen Hunt plays Cheryl. Cheryl is a woman who is not ashamed of what she does for a living. In fact, she embraces it. She is also a woman who understands and accepts Mark's physical condition. Helen Hunt plays the role perfectly, right down to the Boston accent. We see her go places emotionally that you always knew she could do, but we have never seen from her until this film. The scene where Mark and Cheryl decide to end their sessions is filled with emotional tension. Also, just when you think that this movie is going to become cliche and Cheryl and Mark are going to end up together, the story takes an abrupt left turn and leaves the viewer pleasantly surprised.
William H. Macy plays Father Brendan. Even though Macy's character is funny from time to time, he is far from being the film's comic relief. Mark is a religious man, and he seeks guidance on his issue and he gets that from Father Brendan. However, Father Brendan does not give him guidance as a priest; he gives it to him as a friend. He understands Mark's physical condition, and because of that he suggests that the big guy upstairs just might be okay with what Mark wants to do. Macy gives a very wholesome performance in the role. He takes what would ordinarily be a cliche religious part, and makes Father Brendan a genuinely likable man right to the very end. It is also quite humorous to watch his expressions while Mark is talking to him about his sessions with Cheryl because we know that Father Brendan is sexually inexperienced. This may go down as my favorite William H. Macy role.
Ben Lewin is the director of The Sessions. This film has an incredibly emotional and intimate story, and the way Lewin directs is a reflection of that. Every frame of the film is so close in on the characters that you automatically feel the closeness and the personal bond between them. In fact, I do not recall a single wide shot in the entire film. You feel everything in this film, from the pain and awkwardness that Mark goes through and Cheryl's emotional journey, while also feeling the bond of friendship between Mark and Father Brendan.
The Sessions is another one of those rare pieces of cinema that is near perfection. It is also one of those films that you have to be in the right mood to watch. This is a great film, but not one to watch on movie night at your house.
Monday, June 20, 2016
The Haunted Mansion
For me personally, I feel that 70's and 80's horror movies tower above anything that has been released recently. There is a genuine creepiness that exudes from these films which is why horror fans, including myself, love them so much. The House That Dripped Blood is a primary example of that.
The House That Dripped Blood is an anthology horror movie that revolves around a house in the U.K. It was amazing to see such a star-studded cast of horror legends like Peter Cushing and the late Christopher Lee appear in the film, along with Denholm Elliott and even Joss Ackland (the baddie from Lethal Weapon 2)! I feel like the segments with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are the best ones despite some cliche writing. You know you are watching a good horror flick when you catch yourself looking behind you to make sure you are alone, and The House That Dripped Blood is exactly that.
Peter Duffell is the director of The House That Dripped Blood. The way he directs the film is one of the principal reasons why horror movies of that generation are so good. He uses the camera as you would just as if you were making any other kind of movie, and then classic horror elements are implemented throughout. You get a genuine sense of fear and terror when watching this film.
Horror is one of my favorite genres. It is always great to watch a movie that has you waking up in the middle of the night, and The House That Dripped Blood will do just that. This movie will definitely make for a good movie night, especially during the Witching Hour.
The House That Dripped Blood is an anthology horror movie that revolves around a house in the U.K. It was amazing to see such a star-studded cast of horror legends like Peter Cushing and the late Christopher Lee appear in the film, along with Denholm Elliott and even Joss Ackland (the baddie from Lethal Weapon 2)! I feel like the segments with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are the best ones despite some cliche writing. You know you are watching a good horror flick when you catch yourself looking behind you to make sure you are alone, and The House That Dripped Blood is exactly that.
Peter Duffell is the director of The House That Dripped Blood. The way he directs the film is one of the principal reasons why horror movies of that generation are so good. He uses the camera as you would just as if you were making any other kind of movie, and then classic horror elements are implemented throughout. You get a genuine sense of fear and terror when watching this film.
Horror is one of my favorite genres. It is always great to watch a movie that has you waking up in the middle of the night, and The House That Dripped Blood will do just that. This movie will definitely make for a good movie night, especially during the Witching Hour.
Epic War And Love
The Last of the Mohicans is an example of the kinds of films that my father would always recommend I watch. However, when you are seven years old you do not really want to watch those kinds of films. Now that I am older and have a better appreciation for cinema, I can honestly say that The Last of the Mohicans falls just short of being a masterpiece.
The Last of the Mohicans is the story of three men who protect a British Colonel's family during the French and Indian War. Were it not for the occasional lip sync problems with the audio that take me completely out of the movie, I would consider this film to be a rare piece of perfect cinema. This movie has such a great story that has great interpersonal conflict between the characters. The love story between Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Cora Munro (Madeleine Stowe) feels genuine and flows well with the rest of the story. This film is the embodiment of greatness.
Over the past fifteen years, I have become a huge fan of Daniel Day-Lewis. He is, arguably, the greatest actor of all time, and he displays that greatness in the character of Hawkeye. Hawkeye has an attitude and quick wit about him which Day-Lewis displays to perfection. We also see him take part in brutal fight sequences which make you cheer for the actor and his character simultaneously. One of the things I enjoy the most about his character is that he does not get distracted from his duties after falling for Cora. In fact, it makes Hawkeye a better character because he does not fall into that typical cliche.
Michael Mann has recently become one of my favorite directors. There is a certain rawness and a grittiness to his films that I enjoy, and he brings that same trademark to The Last of the Mohicans. I particularly love the way he films action sequences because he uses wide shots that let you soak in the entire breadth of what is happening. The wilderness is just as much as character in this film as any of the actors, and the shots of the landscape are incredible to look at. The entire film is shot to near perfection, and has further cemented my admiration for Michael Mann.
The Last of the Mohicans is one of those films that should be on a "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list. Even the music is flawless! If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend that you do as soon as possible.
The Last of the Mohicans is the story of three men who protect a British Colonel's family during the French and Indian War. Were it not for the occasional lip sync problems with the audio that take me completely out of the movie, I would consider this film to be a rare piece of perfect cinema. This movie has such a great story that has great interpersonal conflict between the characters. The love story between Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Cora Munro (Madeleine Stowe) feels genuine and flows well with the rest of the story. This film is the embodiment of greatness.
Over the past fifteen years, I have become a huge fan of Daniel Day-Lewis. He is, arguably, the greatest actor of all time, and he displays that greatness in the character of Hawkeye. Hawkeye has an attitude and quick wit about him which Day-Lewis displays to perfection. We also see him take part in brutal fight sequences which make you cheer for the actor and his character simultaneously. One of the things I enjoy the most about his character is that he does not get distracted from his duties after falling for Cora. In fact, it makes Hawkeye a better character because he does not fall into that typical cliche.
Michael Mann has recently become one of my favorite directors. There is a certain rawness and a grittiness to his films that I enjoy, and he brings that same trademark to The Last of the Mohicans. I particularly love the way he films action sequences because he uses wide shots that let you soak in the entire breadth of what is happening. The wilderness is just as much as character in this film as any of the actors, and the shots of the landscape are incredible to look at. The entire film is shot to near perfection, and has further cemented my admiration for Michael Mann.
The Last of the Mohicans is one of those films that should be on a "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list. Even the music is flawless! If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend that you do as soon as possible.
Scorsese and De Niro With The Knockout!!!
Over the past ten years, I have become a huge fan of director Martin Scorsese. However, I still have yet to see most of his earlier films. Up until now Raging Bull fell under that category, and I am so glad I finally watched it.
Raging Bull is the story of boxer Jake LaMotta. The movie takes us on a journey through his life, and contrasts his success in the ring with his failure outside it. The movie is heartbreaking and emotional to watch because we see how volatile LaMotta is. It is his relationship with his brother Joey (played wonderfully by Joe Pesci) that keeps him in line for the most part. The journey that this film takes you on makes you take a hard look at one man's fall from greatness. There are a few minor issues that I have with this film. At times, some of the lip syncing is off which takes me completely out of the movie. I also would have liked to see more of Jake LaMotta's drinking problems that led to his first divorce. Also, there is a scene in LaMotta's locker room where his manager is randomly getting stitched up with no explanation of why. Other than these issues, this movie is a flat-out masterpiece.
Robert De Niro expertly plays Jake LaMotta. It takes a truly great actor to play a despicable character and make us love him, and that is exactly what De Niro does in this film. At times, you are actually afraid of him because you never know when he is going to snap. There is not a single thing to like about LaMotta, and De Niro gives us one of the greatest performances of all time.
Martin Scorsese is the director of Raging Bull. In typical Scorsese fashion, the camera never shies away from the violence in the movie because it is an essential part of the story. LaMotta is suspicious and almost downright paranoid of his wife Vickie's (Cathy Moriarty) every move, and the way the camera moves during their scenes together makes you feel the tension between them. I love the way the camera moves during the boxing scenes. Every punch, every drop of sweat and blood is beautifully shown. Martin Scorsese is hailed as one of the greatest directors of our time, and this film is one of the reasons why.
What grinds my gears is when someone claims to be a huge film fan, yet refuses to watch any black and white films. Some of the greatest movies of all time are in black and white, and Raging Bull is one of them. I highly recommend this classic to anyone who has not seen it, and if you have then watch it again!
Raging Bull is the story of boxer Jake LaMotta. The movie takes us on a journey through his life, and contrasts his success in the ring with his failure outside it. The movie is heartbreaking and emotional to watch because we see how volatile LaMotta is. It is his relationship with his brother Joey (played wonderfully by Joe Pesci) that keeps him in line for the most part. The journey that this film takes you on makes you take a hard look at one man's fall from greatness. There are a few minor issues that I have with this film. At times, some of the lip syncing is off which takes me completely out of the movie. I also would have liked to see more of Jake LaMotta's drinking problems that led to his first divorce. Also, there is a scene in LaMotta's locker room where his manager is randomly getting stitched up with no explanation of why. Other than these issues, this movie is a flat-out masterpiece.
Robert De Niro expertly plays Jake LaMotta. It takes a truly great actor to play a despicable character and make us love him, and that is exactly what De Niro does in this film. At times, you are actually afraid of him because you never know when he is going to snap. There is not a single thing to like about LaMotta, and De Niro gives us one of the greatest performances of all time.
Martin Scorsese is the director of Raging Bull. In typical Scorsese fashion, the camera never shies away from the violence in the movie because it is an essential part of the story. LaMotta is suspicious and almost downright paranoid of his wife Vickie's (Cathy Moriarty) every move, and the way the camera moves during their scenes together makes you feel the tension between them. I love the way the camera moves during the boxing scenes. Every punch, every drop of sweat and blood is beautifully shown. Martin Scorsese is hailed as one of the greatest directors of our time, and this film is one of the reasons why.
What grinds my gears is when someone claims to be a huge film fan, yet refuses to watch any black and white films. Some of the greatest movies of all time are in black and white, and Raging Bull is one of them. I highly recommend this classic to anyone who has not seen it, and if you have then watch it again!
Sunday, May 15, 2016
#1 In Our Hearts
The first time I watched Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, I was so bored that I fell asleep. I suppose at that time I had not yet gotten used to Will Ferrell's type of humor. All I know is, after seeing the movie a second time, I absolutely loved it.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is the story of Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) who goes up against France's #1 Formula One driver. The thing that is great about this film is that, while it is a comedy, it has very dramatic underlying elements to it. Throughout all the laughs, Ricky Bobby learns to be selfless, has to deliver pizza on a bicycle for a living, and also reconnects with his father. These are all reasons why the movie is one of this generations best comedies. The commercials that Ricky and Cal do for various products and the sequences with Ricky and his father are a couple of the best parts in the movie. In all of its greatness, however, there are some flaws. I must note that these are extremely minor flaws, and that as great as this movie is, it could have been a masterpiece if these flaws were fixed. First, I would have liked to have seen a minor wedding seen between Cal and Carley. Perhaps Ricky shows up in protest. On a related note, a minor divorce scene between Ricky and Carley would have been nice to see. I think it would have added an unexpectedly pleasant touch of drama. Also, Susan's (Amy Adams) character arc is a little predictable, but it is nice to see a supposedly minor character become such a pivotal role. Also, during the climax of the film, there is a crash. A minor scene where the track is cleared away would have provided a nice break in the action. As I said, this movie stands great as it is. However, I believe fixing these extremely minor flaws would have made this movie truly epic.
Will Ferrell plays Ricky Bobby. Ferrell's shtick is perfect for this role, providing gags that have become a trademark in his films. However, during the course of the movie Ricky Bobby gets a dose of reality, and Ferrell provides some quite serviceable dramatic moments that make you feel sympathy for his character. With all these things combined, this is one of Ferrell's best roles.
Adam McKay is the director of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. For me personally, the racing sequences are the standout of the movie. The action has lots of cuts which makes the sequences very exciting to watch, and the way that they are shot really makes you feel like you are in the car with the driver. Comedies can be very hard to make, particularly when attempting to keep up with a comedic machine like Ferrell, but McKay works the camera brilliantly, especially during scenes with Ferrell and his counterpart John C. Reilly. McKay seems to be almost one step ahead of them, knowing exactly what they are going to do before they do it. It all flows together so naturally, which is why McKay has become such a great comedy director.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a great comedy driven by a performance from a great comedic actor. Molly Shannon even makes a stellar cameo (although it is never clear whether she is Larry Dennit's wife or mother). If you are in need of a good laugh, this is definitely the movie for you.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is the story of Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) who goes up against France's #1 Formula One driver. The thing that is great about this film is that, while it is a comedy, it has very dramatic underlying elements to it. Throughout all the laughs, Ricky Bobby learns to be selfless, has to deliver pizza on a bicycle for a living, and also reconnects with his father. These are all reasons why the movie is one of this generations best comedies. The commercials that Ricky and Cal do for various products and the sequences with Ricky and his father are a couple of the best parts in the movie. In all of its greatness, however, there are some flaws. I must note that these are extremely minor flaws, and that as great as this movie is, it could have been a masterpiece if these flaws were fixed. First, I would have liked to have seen a minor wedding seen between Cal and Carley. Perhaps Ricky shows up in protest. On a related note, a minor divorce scene between Ricky and Carley would have been nice to see. I think it would have added an unexpectedly pleasant touch of drama. Also, Susan's (Amy Adams) character arc is a little predictable, but it is nice to see a supposedly minor character become such a pivotal role. Also, during the climax of the film, there is a crash. A minor scene where the track is cleared away would have provided a nice break in the action. As I said, this movie stands great as it is. However, I believe fixing these extremely minor flaws would have made this movie truly epic.
Will Ferrell plays Ricky Bobby. Ferrell's shtick is perfect for this role, providing gags that have become a trademark in his films. However, during the course of the movie Ricky Bobby gets a dose of reality, and Ferrell provides some quite serviceable dramatic moments that make you feel sympathy for his character. With all these things combined, this is one of Ferrell's best roles.
Adam McKay is the director of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. For me personally, the racing sequences are the standout of the movie. The action has lots of cuts which makes the sequences very exciting to watch, and the way that they are shot really makes you feel like you are in the car with the driver. Comedies can be very hard to make, particularly when attempting to keep up with a comedic machine like Ferrell, but McKay works the camera brilliantly, especially during scenes with Ferrell and his counterpart John C. Reilly. McKay seems to be almost one step ahead of them, knowing exactly what they are going to do before they do it. It all flows together so naturally, which is why McKay has become such a great comedy director.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a great comedy driven by a performance from a great comedic actor. Molly Shannon even makes a stellar cameo (although it is never clear whether she is Larry Dennit's wife or mother). If you are in need of a good laugh, this is definitely the movie for you.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Bringing Down The System
I had never seen Law Abiding Citizen until now. I had heard mixed things about it, and because of that I braced myself for the worst. I have to say that I thought this was a decent movie, and I found myself entertained by it.
Law Abiding Citizen is the story of a man who takes justice into his own hands after one of his family's killers goes free. I enjoyed this movie because of the story. This movie is not about a man who seeks revenge against the men who killed his family. This movie is about a man who wants to bring down what he believes to be a corrupt system. It is because of this that this movie is far more compelling than your generic action movie. With all this in mind, the film does have several flaws. Firstly, it is a major plot point in the film that Clyde Shelton's (Gerard Butler) family is murdered. However, we never actually see his daughter get killed. Without seeing this, there is no emotional context that would have been there otherwise. And I swear that Gerard Butler's character gets called different names throughout the movie. Also, it is said that Shelton's daughter is ten years old and yet the child actress that plays her looks about five. It also feels like Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) learns the killer's names out of nowhere. Another thing that bothered me is when Shelton is taken into custody, it feels a little forced....and why does he strip naked??? It honestly felt like one of those "good looking guy gets naked for no reason" scenes. Also, it's never really clear whether Leslie Bibb's character has broken up with her boyfriend or not. And it is also never clear whether Shelton has an accomplice or not. As I said before, this film has a great story. It just could have been executed so much better.
Jamie Foxx plays Nick Rice. Rice is a successful attorney, and because of that success he has a huge ego. This is great character for Foxx to play because we see in his scenes with Gerard Butler that he is a man who is not easily broken. It is only after Rice's closest friends are killed that we see him snap. Foxx is so good at holding back emotion, which plays great against Gerard Butler's genius, maniacal Clyde Shelton.
Gerard Butler plays Clyde Shelton. Shelton is a great character for Butler to play because he is so vicious, but also because his motives are so clear. He has you on the edge of your seat for the entire movie not just because of what he is going to do next, but how he is going to do it. Also, for being a Scotsman, Butler does a pretty good American accent.
F. Gary Gray is the director of Law Abiding Citizen. For me, what stands out in this film are the dialogue scenes between Butler and Foxx because of the way they're directed. They are slow and drawn out, which makes those scenes very tense. Also, just because it is F. Gary Gray, the action is superbly shot. The beginning of the film is also very well done because we see close-ups of the Clyde and his family as his family is being killed. This makes this scene so much more emotional, and really makes you feel for Clyde as he goes on his killing spree. No F. Gary Gray film is anything less than good, which is exactly what Law Abiding Citizen is.
I had fun watching Law Abiding Citizen. Even though it has it's share of problems, it is an entertaining film because of the story and the great acting. For those two reasons, if you have not seen this film, you should do so.
Law Abiding Citizen is the story of a man who takes justice into his own hands after one of his family's killers goes free. I enjoyed this movie because of the story. This movie is not about a man who seeks revenge against the men who killed his family. This movie is about a man who wants to bring down what he believes to be a corrupt system. It is because of this that this movie is far more compelling than your generic action movie. With all this in mind, the film does have several flaws. Firstly, it is a major plot point in the film that Clyde Shelton's (Gerard Butler) family is murdered. However, we never actually see his daughter get killed. Without seeing this, there is no emotional context that would have been there otherwise. And I swear that Gerard Butler's character gets called different names throughout the movie. Also, it is said that Shelton's daughter is ten years old and yet the child actress that plays her looks about five. It also feels like Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) learns the killer's names out of nowhere. Another thing that bothered me is when Shelton is taken into custody, it feels a little forced....and why does he strip naked??? It honestly felt like one of those "good looking guy gets naked for no reason" scenes. Also, it's never really clear whether Leslie Bibb's character has broken up with her boyfriend or not. And it is also never clear whether Shelton has an accomplice or not. As I said before, this film has a great story. It just could have been executed so much better.
Jamie Foxx plays Nick Rice. Rice is a successful attorney, and because of that success he has a huge ego. This is great character for Foxx to play because we see in his scenes with Gerard Butler that he is a man who is not easily broken. It is only after Rice's closest friends are killed that we see him snap. Foxx is so good at holding back emotion, which plays great against Gerard Butler's genius, maniacal Clyde Shelton.
Gerard Butler plays Clyde Shelton. Shelton is a great character for Butler to play because he is so vicious, but also because his motives are so clear. He has you on the edge of your seat for the entire movie not just because of what he is going to do next, but how he is going to do it. Also, for being a Scotsman, Butler does a pretty good American accent.
F. Gary Gray is the director of Law Abiding Citizen. For me, what stands out in this film are the dialogue scenes between Butler and Foxx because of the way they're directed. They are slow and drawn out, which makes those scenes very tense. Also, just because it is F. Gary Gray, the action is superbly shot. The beginning of the film is also very well done because we see close-ups of the Clyde and his family as his family is being killed. This makes this scene so much more emotional, and really makes you feel for Clyde as he goes on his killing spree. No F. Gary Gray film is anything less than good, which is exactly what Law Abiding Citizen is.
I had fun watching Law Abiding Citizen. Even though it has it's share of problems, it is an entertaining film because of the story and the great acting. For those two reasons, if you have not seen this film, you should do so.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
The Truth Goes Public
I thoroughly enjoy movies with an ensemble cast. I love watching the chemistry between different actors, and also how their different methods of acting affect each other. Spotlight is a wonderful example of this because it truly is an ensemble character piece in every sense of the word.
Spotlight is the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered a child molestation scandal within the Catholic Archdiocese. In my humble opinion, this movie is perfect in every way. One of the keys to the brilliance of this film is the writing. It is so crisp, and watching how each actor delivers their dialogue is truly amazing. The chemistry between all of the actors is special because you really feel like the Spotlight team is more than just a newsroom; they are a family. We also see what each individual reporter's life is like away from the office, and that adds another important dimension to each character. The city of Boston, as well as the Boston Globe, are very much characters of their own in the movie. One would think that a movie involving a bunch of news reporters would get boring, but a major reason this movie is great is because of the writing. This is a landmark masterpiece of a movie, and I cannot wait to watch it again.
Spotlight is stacked with a stellar cast, but for me the standout is Mark Ruffalo as Mike Rezendes. Rezendes is a man who feels very passionately about reporting this story, and we see that come through in Ruffalo's performance. The way he delivers his lines perfectly conveys his sense of urgency to get this story out in the open and I even teared up at times, particularly in the scene where he goes off on Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton). I personally believe that, at times, Ruffalo can be an underrated actor, but his bravura performance in this movie shows how talented he is.
Tom McCarthy is the director of Spotlight. I mentioned before that the writing is one of the major reasons this movie is great; the other is the directing. I loved the way the camera moves inside the inner workings of the newsroom, and watching all the different character moments cut back and forth with one another lends a great pace to the movie. As I said before, the city of Boston is very much a character in the movie, and looking at the different cityscape shots makes you understand how much Boston is affected by this news story.
Spotlight is a truly wonderful film that details an important story. The fact that Michael Keaton is now one of the few actors to appear in back-to-back Best Picture winners speaks volumes about his talent. If you have the opportunity, I highly suggest seeing this incredible film.
Spotlight is the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered a child molestation scandal within the Catholic Archdiocese. In my humble opinion, this movie is perfect in every way. One of the keys to the brilliance of this film is the writing. It is so crisp, and watching how each actor delivers their dialogue is truly amazing. The chemistry between all of the actors is special because you really feel like the Spotlight team is more than just a newsroom; they are a family. We also see what each individual reporter's life is like away from the office, and that adds another important dimension to each character. The city of Boston, as well as the Boston Globe, are very much characters of their own in the movie. One would think that a movie involving a bunch of news reporters would get boring, but a major reason this movie is great is because of the writing. This is a landmark masterpiece of a movie, and I cannot wait to watch it again.
Spotlight is stacked with a stellar cast, but for me the standout is Mark Ruffalo as Mike Rezendes. Rezendes is a man who feels very passionately about reporting this story, and we see that come through in Ruffalo's performance. The way he delivers his lines perfectly conveys his sense of urgency to get this story out in the open and I even teared up at times, particularly in the scene where he goes off on Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton). I personally believe that, at times, Ruffalo can be an underrated actor, but his bravura performance in this movie shows how talented he is.
Tom McCarthy is the director of Spotlight. I mentioned before that the writing is one of the major reasons this movie is great; the other is the directing. I loved the way the camera moves inside the inner workings of the newsroom, and watching all the different character moments cut back and forth with one another lends a great pace to the movie. As I said before, the city of Boston is very much a character in the movie, and looking at the different cityscape shots makes you understand how much Boston is affected by this news story.
Spotlight is a truly wonderful film that details an important story. The fact that Michael Keaton is now one of the few actors to appear in back-to-back Best Picture winners speaks volumes about his talent. If you have the opportunity, I highly suggest seeing this incredible film.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Artistic Revenge
When I saw The Revenant in theaters I had mixed feelings about it, and I ultimately did not care for the movie. However, upon seeing it again I have realized that I may have been too quick to judge it. This happens often with film because, as the old adage says, all art is subjective.
The Revenant is the story of a man who seeks revenge after being mauled by a bear and left for dead. This movie is a great example of a character being a guide for us as we bear witness to the extravagant world they inhabit. The wilderness is awe-inspiring to look at, and it is emotional to watch Hugh Glass (Leonardo Dicaprio) journey through it. The bear attack is quite a horrific scene to watch. Also, the confrontation between Glass and John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) at the climax of the film is something you have been waiting to see for an hour and a half, and the emotional impact is definitely there. With all of this cinematic greatness, it is hard to believe there are problems with the film, but there are a couple. Somebody named Powaqa is apparently kidnapped, and it is mentioned throughout the film, yet we never see this happen so we as the audience never really care about that character. Also, I swear at one point Glass tells his son to leave with his team and then a second later he tells him to stay put. Come on! Make up your mind!! All in all, however, this is yet another great character piece given to us by Alejandro Inarritu.
I was a fan of Leonardo Dicaprio long before it was considered "cool" to like him. For the past fourteen years, he has been in the Oscar conversation for nearly every film he has been in. In The Revenant, he plays Hugh Glass. His performance is amazing in this movie because so much relies on his facial expressions and not what he says. The emotions that he displays on his face -- anger, determination and desperation -- are incredible. The scene where he watches his son get killed is so emotionally gripping that you can feel the pain in his eyes as he watches this happen. It is a powerful and driving Oscar-winning performance that we are unlikely to see again....until Dicaprio's next film.
Tom Hardy plays John Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is always unsure of Glass's tracking skills. You can also see that there is bit of jealousy as well because it feels like Fitzgerald thinks he should be heading up the expedition. It is evident that he is trying to coerce the team into going against Glass. Hardy is a beast in this film because you can always see the craziness in his eyes, and it feels like he is just about to bust open with anger and hatred. It is not easy to be the antagonist opposite an actor like Dicaprio, but Hardy does it with a deadly dose of confidence and arrogance.
Last year's (and this year's) Oscar winner for Best Director, Alejandro G. Inarritu, is the director of The Revenant. Inarritu is a great director because he understands that this is such an emotional journey for the character of Hugh Glass. The way the camera moves around him makes you feel everything he is going through. Also, the epic shots of the wilderness throughout the film, while beautiful to look at, also make you hope that Glass gets his revenge because you realize how much he has to go through to get that satisfaction. Inarritu directs this kind of story differently than we have seen from films in the past which is why this movie is as great as it is.
After watching The Revenant for the second time, I have completely changed my opinion on the film. The Revenant falls just short of being a masterpiece, and I personally will never forget seeing the movie in theaters that finally got Leonardo Dicaprio his Oscar. This is a sweeping, revenge epic on the grandest of scales and it is definitely worth your time and money.
The Revenant is the story of a man who seeks revenge after being mauled by a bear and left for dead. This movie is a great example of a character being a guide for us as we bear witness to the extravagant world they inhabit. The wilderness is awe-inspiring to look at, and it is emotional to watch Hugh Glass (Leonardo Dicaprio) journey through it. The bear attack is quite a horrific scene to watch. Also, the confrontation between Glass and John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) at the climax of the film is something you have been waiting to see for an hour and a half, and the emotional impact is definitely there. With all of this cinematic greatness, it is hard to believe there are problems with the film, but there are a couple. Somebody named Powaqa is apparently kidnapped, and it is mentioned throughout the film, yet we never see this happen so we as the audience never really care about that character. Also, I swear at one point Glass tells his son to leave with his team and then a second later he tells him to stay put. Come on! Make up your mind!! All in all, however, this is yet another great character piece given to us by Alejandro Inarritu.
I was a fan of Leonardo Dicaprio long before it was considered "cool" to like him. For the past fourteen years, he has been in the Oscar conversation for nearly every film he has been in. In The Revenant, he plays Hugh Glass. His performance is amazing in this movie because so much relies on his facial expressions and not what he says. The emotions that he displays on his face -- anger, determination and desperation -- are incredible. The scene where he watches his son get killed is so emotionally gripping that you can feel the pain in his eyes as he watches this happen. It is a powerful and driving Oscar-winning performance that we are unlikely to see again....until Dicaprio's next film.
Tom Hardy plays John Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is always unsure of Glass's tracking skills. You can also see that there is bit of jealousy as well because it feels like Fitzgerald thinks he should be heading up the expedition. It is evident that he is trying to coerce the team into going against Glass. Hardy is a beast in this film because you can always see the craziness in his eyes, and it feels like he is just about to bust open with anger and hatred. It is not easy to be the antagonist opposite an actor like Dicaprio, but Hardy does it with a deadly dose of confidence and arrogance.
Last year's (and this year's) Oscar winner for Best Director, Alejandro G. Inarritu, is the director of The Revenant. Inarritu is a great director because he understands that this is such an emotional journey for the character of Hugh Glass. The way the camera moves around him makes you feel everything he is going through. Also, the epic shots of the wilderness throughout the film, while beautiful to look at, also make you hope that Glass gets his revenge because you realize how much he has to go through to get that satisfaction. Inarritu directs this kind of story differently than we have seen from films in the past which is why this movie is as great as it is.
After watching The Revenant for the second time, I have completely changed my opinion on the film. The Revenant falls just short of being a masterpiece, and I personally will never forget seeing the movie in theaters that finally got Leonardo Dicaprio his Oscar. This is a sweeping, revenge epic on the grandest of scales and it is definitely worth your time and money.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Escaping To Freedom
It has been quite a long time since I have been so emotionally moved by a film the way I was with Lenny Abrahamson's movie Room. It is an extraordinary film that will move you in ways that you never thought were possible. It is impossible to feel just one way about this movie; you will feel all sorts of ways about it.
Room is the story of a kidnapped mother and her son who escape confinement from a room that they have been held captive in. What makes this story even more amazing is that the son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay), has never seen the outside world for reasons which I will not spoil here. This is an amazing movie that works on so many different levels. Ma (Brie Larson) and Jack interact with each other and function like a typical family, and that just about makes you forget about the extreme circumstance that they are in. Watching them together warms your heart, and it is only after Jack goes to sleep at night and we see Ma alone, or with their captor, that we understand their situation. I like the fact that Ma doesn't tell Jack the truth about the outside world until she feels he is ready. She is very protective of her son, and wants the best for him no matter what she has to do.
Brie Larson, in her Oscar-winning role as Ma, is such a complex, emotional tour de force. As much as Ma wants what is best for Jack, we clearly see that being confined in Room is getting to her. However, what makes Brie Larson's performance so extraordinary is that she rarely shows this by crying. It is her body language that is key in showing us as the audience how scary and aggravating being in Room is. On more than one occasion, her performance brought tears to my eyes not only because of what Ma had to do to protect Jack, but also because she knows she has to reveal to him the truth about the outside world which is a truly daunting task for her. We also see, after Ma and Jack escape captivity, that being captive for so long has affected them quite deeply and it is difficult for them to get used to the outside world again. Brie Larson's performance is one that cannot be put into words simply because there is no one way to describe it. It is just that great.
Jacob Tremblay, in a breakout performance, plays Ma's son Jack. It is hard to find good child actors in film, but Tremblay's performance is truly genuine. Because Jack has no knowledge of the outside world, it is amazing to see how much fun he has in Room. When we finally do see him escape, you are at the edge of your seat because you want him to get to safety, and he knows he has to but he is also soaking in everything around him. Also, at the end of the movie, Jack misses Room so much that he even asks to go back there to visit just so he can say goodbye. It was great to watch Tremblay as an actor just being himself as a kid in this movie, and he and Brie Larson have great chemistry together.
Joan Allen and William H. Macy play Ma's parents, Nancy and Robert. What is key about their performances is how differently they react to the fact that they are now grandparents. Nancy is very accepting of Jack, and she even cries when Jack tells her he loves her. Robert, on the other hand, cannot even look at Jack. There is a scene at the dinner table that shows us how truly great William H. Macy is as an actor. He does so much with his eyes that you end up sympathizing with his character.
Lenny Abrahamson is the director of Room. I love the way he filmed this movie because, while Room is a very confined space, the way he films around it makes it feel like a wide open space. This movie could have easily felt claustrophobic, but instead you feel a bit like Jake because Room feels bigger than it actually is. The parts of the film at night with Ma and their captor, Old Nick, are filmed like a horror movie which, again, makes us feel the way Jake would feel. In contrast with the scenes in Room, every scene after their escape is filmed in wider shots which is a great visual metaphor that symbolizes their freedom. This is a truly well-crafted and remarkable directorial effort.
As I mentioned before, it is hard to get through Room without shedding a tear. Even though the movie clocks in at just under two hours, it instead feels like a truly emotional story of epic proportions. This is a heavy movie, though, so I would watch it on a dreary day.
Room is the story of a kidnapped mother and her son who escape confinement from a room that they have been held captive in. What makes this story even more amazing is that the son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay), has never seen the outside world for reasons which I will not spoil here. This is an amazing movie that works on so many different levels. Ma (Brie Larson) and Jack interact with each other and function like a typical family, and that just about makes you forget about the extreme circumstance that they are in. Watching them together warms your heart, and it is only after Jack goes to sleep at night and we see Ma alone, or with their captor, that we understand their situation. I like the fact that Ma doesn't tell Jack the truth about the outside world until she feels he is ready. She is very protective of her son, and wants the best for him no matter what she has to do.
Brie Larson, in her Oscar-winning role as Ma, is such a complex, emotional tour de force. As much as Ma wants what is best for Jack, we clearly see that being confined in Room is getting to her. However, what makes Brie Larson's performance so extraordinary is that she rarely shows this by crying. It is her body language that is key in showing us as the audience how scary and aggravating being in Room is. On more than one occasion, her performance brought tears to my eyes not only because of what Ma had to do to protect Jack, but also because she knows she has to reveal to him the truth about the outside world which is a truly daunting task for her. We also see, after Ma and Jack escape captivity, that being captive for so long has affected them quite deeply and it is difficult for them to get used to the outside world again. Brie Larson's performance is one that cannot be put into words simply because there is no one way to describe it. It is just that great.
Jacob Tremblay, in a breakout performance, plays Ma's son Jack. It is hard to find good child actors in film, but Tremblay's performance is truly genuine. Because Jack has no knowledge of the outside world, it is amazing to see how much fun he has in Room. When we finally do see him escape, you are at the edge of your seat because you want him to get to safety, and he knows he has to but he is also soaking in everything around him. Also, at the end of the movie, Jack misses Room so much that he even asks to go back there to visit just so he can say goodbye. It was great to watch Tremblay as an actor just being himself as a kid in this movie, and he and Brie Larson have great chemistry together.
Joan Allen and William H. Macy play Ma's parents, Nancy and Robert. What is key about their performances is how differently they react to the fact that they are now grandparents. Nancy is very accepting of Jack, and she even cries when Jack tells her he loves her. Robert, on the other hand, cannot even look at Jack. There is a scene at the dinner table that shows us how truly great William H. Macy is as an actor. He does so much with his eyes that you end up sympathizing with his character.
Lenny Abrahamson is the director of Room. I love the way he filmed this movie because, while Room is a very confined space, the way he films around it makes it feel like a wide open space. This movie could have easily felt claustrophobic, but instead you feel a bit like Jake because Room feels bigger than it actually is. The parts of the film at night with Ma and their captor, Old Nick, are filmed like a horror movie which, again, makes us feel the way Jake would feel. In contrast with the scenes in Room, every scene after their escape is filmed in wider shots which is a great visual metaphor that symbolizes their freedom. This is a truly well-crafted and remarkable directorial effort.
As I mentioned before, it is hard to get through Room without shedding a tear. Even though the movie clocks in at just under two hours, it instead feels like a truly emotional story of epic proportions. This is a heavy movie, though, so I would watch it on a dreary day.
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