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.
Monday, September 26, 2016
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.
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