I personally believe that there is an argument that can be made for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the best of the Indiana Jones movies. The story and character arcs are wonderful, the action is intense, and the final shot of the film is iconic. I also believe this to be Harrison Fords' best performance as Indiana Jones.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the third installment of the Indiana Jones film series, and is the story of Indiana Jones a.k.a. Henry Jones, Jr., teaming up with his father in order to stop the Nazis from getting their hands on the Holy Grail. There are countless things to love about this film. In the opening sequence, we learn that Indy was not that much different when he was a boy. For the most part, he has always passionately felt that important historic artifacts belong in a museum. We also learn in this sequence how he received his scar and his hat. We also learn what sparked his fear of snakes and the kind of upbringing he received from his father. In fact, the character of Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery) is a rather important one, both to Indy and the story itself. While Indys' quests in the past have been about recovering historical artifacts, his quest this time finds him going after his father. Henry has been captured by the Nazis, and they intend to use him to find the Holy Grail, and Indy goes after him. The quest for the Grail is more important to Henry, and I love the fact that the artifact he has been searching forty years for is the same artifact that, in the end, saves his life. This brings Henrys' character arc full circle, as well as his relationship with his son. Their relationship is both emotional and humorous because, while they both have a passion for archaeology, they have different ways of exploring and are two completely different people entirely. Indy is the real explorer, and Henry is the bookworm. Over the course of the film, their relationship is mended and they form a genuine respect for one another. This film makes you feel many different kinds of emotions which is what makes it such a great piece of cinema and, for nineteen years, the Indiana Jones films stood as one of the greatest trilogies of all time.
Joining Harrison Ford is Sean Connery as Professor Henry Jones. I love this character so much because we see that, in terms of archaeology, he is a bookworm and very much out of his element when it comes to exploring. Connerys' body language, facial expressions and dialogue are some of the best in the film. We also find out that he, quite honestly, has no qualms about the falling out he had with his son. Henry raised Indy well, and he let him go off and become a man in his own way. I think that shows a certain respect that Henry has for his son, and it also shows a certain pride within the character. I mean, if your child went away to do his own thing, and you had no reason to worry, would you not be proud as well? Connery shines in the role, particularly in the scenes where he and Indy are bickering at one another, which are quite humorous to watch and shows how talented both actors are. There is also a beautiful moment near the end of the film where Henry thinks he has lost his boy, and the way Connery plays this moment almost makes you tear up. This is one of the few instances when, in my opinion, the supporting actor is better than the lead actor. Connery had quite a career rejuvenation in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. This film, and his performance, is one of the reasons why.
Steven Spielberg returns as director of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I love that Spielberg has one of Harrison Fords' first scenes be a scene where Indy is talking about how most archaeology is done by reading and research. It is as if Indy is encouraging his students to NOT follow the path that he has gone. There is a certain irony to this scene as well because, as we find out later in the film, X truly does mark the spot. I also like that, from a storytelling point of view, Henry Jones has a phobia just like his son. It seems that they run in the family. Also, the action sequences are magnificent to watch. This is the most action-packed of all the Indiana Jones films, and each one is bigger and better than the previous. My personal favorite is the plane attack because it evolves into a sequence where the plane is chasing the Jones' in a car, and then Henry becomes the hero of the entire sequence by using his literary knowledge against the enemy. The dialogue sequences are quite emotional to watch as well because you can see that the relationship between Indy and his father is gradually healing throughout the film. The scene where Henry is shot is particularly emotional because Indy only recently reconnected with his father, and now he is slipping away right before his eyes. This also adds an emotional weight to Indys' path through the booby traps, and adds to the feeling of anxiousness during this sequence. Spielberg is at the top of his game with this film. Every sequence, every scene, is so expertly crafted. The final shot of the movie just might bring a tear to your eye.
Indiana Jones is a thrilling adventure film that rides higher on emotion than you might think. It is hard to make one good film, let alone three, but Spielberg and Company truly captured lightning in a bottle with this film franchise. If you enjoyed the previous installments of the series, you will definitely enjoy this one. If you are already an Indiana Jones fan, go ahead and treat yourself to another viewing. It is totally worth it.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Secret Agent Man: Part 3
Goldfinger is the quintessential James Bond movie. It has the perfect combination of fun, thrills, excitement, it has a great leading man in Sean Connery, and is captained by a wonderful director in Guy Hamilton. When people ask, "What is your favorite James Bond film?", nine times out of ten the answer is Goldfinger.
Goldfinger is the story of James Bond investigating a smuggling case, and uncovering a plot to contaminate Fort Knox in the process. I love the way the story unfolds in this film. James Bond (Sean Connery) is first assigned to investigate Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) to find out if he is smuggling his gold illegally. This quickly evolves to believing that Goldfinger is going to steal the gold supply of Fort Knox, and we actually believe this for the majority of the movie. It is only towards the climax of the film that we find out Goldfingers' true intentions, and this leaves us anxiously waiting to see if Bond will be able to save the world once again. This film also set the standard for gadgetry-equipped vehicles. No Bond car will ever be better than the Aston Martin DB5, and that is, in large part, thanks to all of its high-tech weaponry. The moment in the film that showcases the ejector seat is perhaps the most memorable moment in the history of the franchise. There is one EXTREMELY minor plot hole that I feel the need to address. When Bond is Goldfingers' "guest" on his private jet, we learn that their final destination is actually Kentucky. Perhaps I missed it, but I do not recall the jet ever actually landing there. This flaw in no way diminishes the enjoyment of watching this film. In fact, one of the best moments of my life was watching this film with my grandfather. He had seen the movie when it was released in 1964, and it was quite wonderful knowing that he was also a Bond fan. If you have never seen one of these films, Goldfinger is the perfect place to start.
Sean Connery returns as James Bond. This is perhaps his best performance as 007 because he brings the perfect blend of charm, wit and lethalness to the character. The scene where he is playing golf with Goldfinger is the perfect example of this. This is also the film that, in my opinion anyway, sets the standard for the Bond one-liners. Connery delivers them in such a humorous yet deadly way, and they become second nature to the franchise for years to come. This is an iconic performance from Connery in an iconic James Bond film.
Honor Blackman plays Pussy Galore. I like this character quite a bit because even though she is Goldfingers' personal pilot, and even though she says she is immune to Bonds' charm, you can tell by the way Blackman plays the character that both things are getting to her emotionally in different ways. The look that Galore gives Bond when he says, "He's quite mad, you know." speaks volumes. Galore is a strong, independent woman which is why she is one of the most popular "Bond Girls", and Blackman gives an exemplary performance.
Gert Frobe plays Goldfinger. Goldfinger is one of those Bond villains that you love to hate. There is a certain charm and confidence that he has that Frobe plays into quite well. The scene with the industrial laser is one where Goldfinger shows all of these traits, as well as being exceptionally evil. Frobe's performance is one of the countless reasons why this film is so re-watchable.
Guy Hamilton is the director of Goldfinger. I love the style and tone that Hamilton brings to Bond. In nearly every scene you are anxious to see what happens next, and yet there is a certain enjoyment that is there as well. That kind of tone is tough to achieve. I also love the way Hamilton directs action sequences. There are longer cuts, shorter cuts, tracking shots, and even a couple of P.O.V. shots. The car chase throughout Goldfingers' warehouses keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This film is a brilliant cinematic achievement, and that is due to Hamiltons' masterful directing.
Goldfinger is certainly the most popular of the James Bond films, and there are many reasons why. With a unique combination of action and humor, the film long ago established itself as the Bond film for the ages. If you are a Bond fan like me, and especially if you are a fan of the Sean Connery Bond films, then I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.
Goldfinger is the story of James Bond investigating a smuggling case, and uncovering a plot to contaminate Fort Knox in the process. I love the way the story unfolds in this film. James Bond (Sean Connery) is first assigned to investigate Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) to find out if he is smuggling his gold illegally. This quickly evolves to believing that Goldfinger is going to steal the gold supply of Fort Knox, and we actually believe this for the majority of the movie. It is only towards the climax of the film that we find out Goldfingers' true intentions, and this leaves us anxiously waiting to see if Bond will be able to save the world once again. This film also set the standard for gadgetry-equipped vehicles. No Bond car will ever be better than the Aston Martin DB5, and that is, in large part, thanks to all of its high-tech weaponry. The moment in the film that showcases the ejector seat is perhaps the most memorable moment in the history of the franchise. There is one EXTREMELY minor plot hole that I feel the need to address. When Bond is Goldfingers' "guest" on his private jet, we learn that their final destination is actually Kentucky. Perhaps I missed it, but I do not recall the jet ever actually landing there. This flaw in no way diminishes the enjoyment of watching this film. In fact, one of the best moments of my life was watching this film with my grandfather. He had seen the movie when it was released in 1964, and it was quite wonderful knowing that he was also a Bond fan. If you have never seen one of these films, Goldfinger is the perfect place to start.
Sean Connery returns as James Bond. This is perhaps his best performance as 007 because he brings the perfect blend of charm, wit and lethalness to the character. The scene where he is playing golf with Goldfinger is the perfect example of this. This is also the film that, in my opinion anyway, sets the standard for the Bond one-liners. Connery delivers them in such a humorous yet deadly way, and they become second nature to the franchise for years to come. This is an iconic performance from Connery in an iconic James Bond film.
Honor Blackman plays Pussy Galore. I like this character quite a bit because even though she is Goldfingers' personal pilot, and even though she says she is immune to Bonds' charm, you can tell by the way Blackman plays the character that both things are getting to her emotionally in different ways. The look that Galore gives Bond when he says, "He's quite mad, you know." speaks volumes. Galore is a strong, independent woman which is why she is one of the most popular "Bond Girls", and Blackman gives an exemplary performance.
Gert Frobe plays Goldfinger. Goldfinger is one of those Bond villains that you love to hate. There is a certain charm and confidence that he has that Frobe plays into quite well. The scene with the industrial laser is one where Goldfinger shows all of these traits, as well as being exceptionally evil. Frobe's performance is one of the countless reasons why this film is so re-watchable.
Guy Hamilton is the director of Goldfinger. I love the style and tone that Hamilton brings to Bond. In nearly every scene you are anxious to see what happens next, and yet there is a certain enjoyment that is there as well. That kind of tone is tough to achieve. I also love the way Hamilton directs action sequences. There are longer cuts, shorter cuts, tracking shots, and even a couple of P.O.V. shots. The car chase throughout Goldfingers' warehouses keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This film is a brilliant cinematic achievement, and that is due to Hamiltons' masterful directing.
Goldfinger is certainly the most popular of the James Bond films, and there are many reasons why. With a unique combination of action and humor, the film long ago established itself as the Bond film for the ages. If you are a Bond fan like me, and especially if you are a fan of the Sean Connery Bond films, then I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Fathers and Sons: Part VII
For over thirty years, Star Wars Episode VII was just an idea. Star Wars fans around the world talked about and thought up ideas of what they would like to see. On December 18th, 2015, Star Wars Episode VII became a reality called The Force Awakens and, for me personally, the film lived up to all of its hype.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is the seventh chapter in the Star Wars saga, and is the story of a defecting stormtrooper and a scavenger who band together with Han Solo to fight the First Order, and help the Resistance find the missing Luke Skywalker. The first thing you notice about this film is its similarities, particularly in its themes and occasional plot points, to A New Hope. You have the reluctant hero, Rey (Daisy Ridley), who receives guidance from an older man (in this case, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and starts training with legendary Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). You have the message that is given to a droid at the beginning of the film (a map leading to Luke), a space battle above a circular space station (Starkiller Base),the best pilot in the galaxy (Poe Dameron played by Oscar Isaac) and even the boy who has turned to the dark side, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). For better or worse, The Force Awakens is a love letter to A New Hope. This film also gives us several moments that we as fans were not expecting. Everyone expected to see a reunion of Han, Luke and Leia, but that did not happen. Everyone expected Han and Leia to be happily married and have a family, but that did not happen. Everyone expected all of the heroes to survive this new trilogy, but that is not going to happen. Personally, I rather enjoy the fact that this movie surprised me. After all, unlike the prequel trilogy, we have no idea where the story is going. This film also does a good job of raising more questions than answers. Who is Supreme Leader Snoke, and where did he come from?? When did Ben Solo turn to the dark side and form the Knights of Ren?? Who are Reys' parents?? When did Luke vanish?? I have a feeling that these questions will be answered in the forthcoming movies. One of the other things this film does quite beautifully is mention the events of the prequels in an extremely subtle way. Kylo Ren suggests that General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) use an army of clone troopers because the stormtroopers are not performing at proper efficiency levels. Also, the character of Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o) mentions that she saw the rise of the Sith and the Empire. Both of these dialogue sequences remind you of the important events of the prequel trilogy without reminding you how awful those movies are.
For all of its strong points, this film does have a number of problems. The character of Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) is severely underused. It is disappointing that such an important and imposing character received only ten minutes of screen time. Also, at the beginning of the movie, Finn (John Boyega) and Poe crash on the planet Jakku. There is no sign of Poes' survival, and yet he magically shows up when the Resistance attacks the First Order on Takodana. I would have liked to see how he survived and was able to rendezvous with the Resistance. I also feel that the A New Hope references, such as the Dejarik game table and the trash compacter suggestion by Han Solo, are forced. We do not need those references to understand that The Force Awakens is an homage to A New Hope. I also strongly feel that Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) should have embraced when they returned to the Resistance base. The death of Han Solo is an emotional moments for these characters, and for them to not acknowledge that is disrespectful. I also have a hard time believing that R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) has been distrought, or "in low power mode", ever since Luke left. Granted, we all know that R2 is the best droid in the galaxy but he is not a pet who misses his owner. He is a machine.
Even with its fair share of problems, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens definitely rekindles the spirit of the original Star Wars trilogy. There are new characters we get introduced to, and great arcs for those characters. The film also has the best cliffhanger in the series since The Empire Strikes Back, leaving you wanting to see the next chapter as soon as this film ends.
Harrison Ford returns as Han Solo. In my opinion, this is Fords' best performance as the character because he is older and wiser now that he has experienced certain things in his life, but deep down he is still the smart-ass that we love so much. Of course, seeing Han Solo back on the Millennium Falcon after so long is enough to make a grown man cry, and Ford is great in the action sequences, but there are several dialogue scenes in this movie where Ford shines as an actor. I love that the scene in which Han Solo tells Finn and Rey, "It's true.....all of it." takes place in the same room on the Millennium Falcon where, years earlier, he told Luke, "I've never seen anything to make me think there's one all-powerful force controlling everything." I think that the dialogue, as well as the subtext of the scene, shows a certain growth in Han Solo as a character. I also think Ford is brilliant in his scenes with Carrie Fisher, particularly in the scene where they are talking about their son. Ford brings an emotional side to Han Solo, but does so in a way that does not make the scene a giant tear-fest. Ford plays this scene as if Solo has buried his grief deep within himself, which is exactly the way it should be. Ford also brings this kind of emotion to his death scene in which he is killed by his son. In one of the more brilliant acting moments I have ever seen, Han Solo touches his sons' cheek just before he falls to his death as if to say, "This path that you have chosen is going to kill you, and everyone that you love". In this small moment, Solo is acknowledging the fact that his son is truly gone. This moment also shows why Harrison Ford is the kind of actor that he is. He knows the character of Han Solo so well, and any other actor would not have thought to add that tiny moment of grief. Ford disappears into the character so much in this movie that I do not see Harrison Ford. I see Han Solo. When I was a kid, I was not sure if I wanted to be Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. This movie, and Fords' performance in it, makes me want to be Han Solo.
Daisy Ridley plays Rey. I love Ridleys' first scene because, while she does not say much, we immediately know who she is and what she does. I also love the fact that she is such a strong female character. We see early on that she can fend for and defend herself without any help from anyone else. As Rey gets thrust into the epic story of this film, Ridley displays a wide range of emotions because she is experiencing things she has never felt or seen before. Her scenes with Adam Driver are particularly well done because she displays the perfect combination of fear and determination to overcome his evil. The banter between Rey and Finn is also well done because you get the sense that they need each other, but there is also a comedic element to their friendship because their characters are so different. She also displays a good combination of fear and confusion during the force-vision sequence. I also love the way she delivers the line, "I didn't know there was this much green in the whole galaxy". Rey is someone who has never left her homeworld, so for her to take in the world around her is awe-inspiring, but you also feel bad for her that she has not experienced much in her life. This is a wonderful, emotional performance by Ridley, and I cannot wait to see where her career takes her.
John Boyega plays Finn. I love this character and his storyline because he has seen how truly awful the First Order is, and chooses to defect and fight against them. Like Daisy Ridley, Boyega gives a performance fueled with emotion. The scene where he tells Rey the truth about him being a stormtrooper is quite impactful because you feel for the upbringing he has had, and you also understand everything he has experienced since he met her. I also find Finn a great character because he is attempting to find himself and find his place in the world. He is a boy who is becoming a man. These aspects actually lend some comedic elements to the film, especially in the scenes he has with Harrison Ford. Han Solo is like a father figure to Rey and Finn, and you really get the sense that Solo is attempting to bond with and understand his teenage "son", if you will. The "I'm in charge now, Phasma!" bit is quite hilarious. Boyega brings the perfect blend of dramatic and comedic elements to the character, and it will be nice to see how Finn evolves over the course of the new films.
Oscar Isaac plays Poe Dameron. I like the way Isaac plays this character because, while Dameron may be the best pilot in the Resistance, there is a very down-to-earth quality about the character. Dameron does not brag about his abilities, instead being humble about them and his role in the Resistance. Isaac and Boyega also play well off of each other, which is a testament to both of the actors' talents. I feel like I want to see more of this character because I like it so much, and I think Isaac is a solid actor. This is another character that I am looking forward to seeing evolve over the coming movies, and I am especially looking forward to what Isaac does with the character. This is a fine performance by Isaac.
Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren. Rens' storyline and character arc, like Finns', is completely original, and that is one of the reasons I love it so much. As opposed to previous generations of Jedi who attempted to resist the call of the dark side, Kylo Ren embraces the dark side and is attempting to resist the light side. The scene where Ren is praying to the spirit of his grandfather, Darth Vader, and the reveal of Vaders' mask, is particularly haunting. It also begs the question of how and when Kylo Ren got a hold of the mask. You also understand that Kylo Ren admires Darth Vader for what he did, and he hates Luke because he turned Vader back to the light side. I mean, from Rens' perspective, Vader was seduced by the enemy. This raises another question: Does Kylo Ren know that Vader was redeemed? Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren with such gravitas, and completely owns the character. The scenes where he is interrogating both Poe and Rey are completely bone-chilling. Also, the scene where he kills his father, Han Solo, is an important moment for both the character and the plot of the movie. It is important because we see how far down the dark path Ben Solo has gone. It is also important because it raises the stakes for the upcoming films. Adam Driver gives a truly phenomenal performance in this film.
Carrie Fisher returns as Princess Leia. I particularly love her scenes at the climax of the film that showcase Leia as the leader of the Resistance because we see how great of an actress Fisher was. Fisher is also exceptionally good in the scene I mentioned earlier when Han and Leia are talking about their son. What Fisher does as an actress is so special in this scene because we see that, while Han and Leia may have grown apart, there is still enough love there for her to essentially say that if they can get their son back, then they can be a family again. Also, the moment where Leia realizes Han is dead, while brief, is very powerful. It is still hard for me to talk about Carrie Fisher in the past tense. She was the original female badass. She brought everything she had to the role of Leia, and did so again with this film.
J.J. Abrams is the director of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Abrams had the daunting task of making us care about Star Wars again, and thanks to his personal love of the original film, he brings the spirit of Star Wars back while also making a good movie. One of the things I enjoy about the film is that we get to see what Han Solos' smuggling life is like. We see him "talk his way out of it" and attempt to cover his tracks. I also particularly like the tone that Abrams set with this film. The Force Awakens has the perfect blend of the lighthearted fun of A New Hope and Return of the Jedi and the darkness of The Empire Strikes Back. The final scene of the film is also quite emotional to watch. I personally feel that the reveal of Luke Skywalker is as close to a religious experience as I am ever going to get. This scene slowly builds with slow cuts that give you goosebumps until the shot that reveals Luke. You can tell that Abrams is a fan of Star Wars just by watching this film, and The Force Awakens is the perfect entry into an entire new generation of this series.
I am still wrapping my head around the fact that Star Wars is back. The Force Awakens breathes new life into the franchise while also honoring the legacy of what has come before. If you like Star Wars at all, specifically the original trilogy, this film is definitely for you.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is the seventh chapter in the Star Wars saga, and is the story of a defecting stormtrooper and a scavenger who band together with Han Solo to fight the First Order, and help the Resistance find the missing Luke Skywalker. The first thing you notice about this film is its similarities, particularly in its themes and occasional plot points, to A New Hope. You have the reluctant hero, Rey (Daisy Ridley), who receives guidance from an older man (in this case, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and starts training with legendary Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). You have the message that is given to a droid at the beginning of the film (a map leading to Luke), a space battle above a circular space station (Starkiller Base),the best pilot in the galaxy (Poe Dameron played by Oscar Isaac) and even the boy who has turned to the dark side, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). For better or worse, The Force Awakens is a love letter to A New Hope. This film also gives us several moments that we as fans were not expecting. Everyone expected to see a reunion of Han, Luke and Leia, but that did not happen. Everyone expected Han and Leia to be happily married and have a family, but that did not happen. Everyone expected all of the heroes to survive this new trilogy, but that is not going to happen. Personally, I rather enjoy the fact that this movie surprised me. After all, unlike the prequel trilogy, we have no idea where the story is going. This film also does a good job of raising more questions than answers. Who is Supreme Leader Snoke, and where did he come from?? When did Ben Solo turn to the dark side and form the Knights of Ren?? Who are Reys' parents?? When did Luke vanish?? I have a feeling that these questions will be answered in the forthcoming movies. One of the other things this film does quite beautifully is mention the events of the prequels in an extremely subtle way. Kylo Ren suggests that General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) use an army of clone troopers because the stormtroopers are not performing at proper efficiency levels. Also, the character of Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o) mentions that she saw the rise of the Sith and the Empire. Both of these dialogue sequences remind you of the important events of the prequel trilogy without reminding you how awful those movies are.
For all of its strong points, this film does have a number of problems. The character of Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) is severely underused. It is disappointing that such an important and imposing character received only ten minutes of screen time. Also, at the beginning of the movie, Finn (John Boyega) and Poe crash on the planet Jakku. There is no sign of Poes' survival, and yet he magically shows up when the Resistance attacks the First Order on Takodana. I would have liked to see how he survived and was able to rendezvous with the Resistance. I also feel that the A New Hope references, such as the Dejarik game table and the trash compacter suggestion by Han Solo, are forced. We do not need those references to understand that The Force Awakens is an homage to A New Hope. I also strongly feel that Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) should have embraced when they returned to the Resistance base. The death of Han Solo is an emotional moments for these characters, and for them to not acknowledge that is disrespectful. I also have a hard time believing that R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) has been distrought, or "in low power mode", ever since Luke left. Granted, we all know that R2 is the best droid in the galaxy but he is not a pet who misses his owner. He is a machine.
Even with its fair share of problems, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens definitely rekindles the spirit of the original Star Wars trilogy. There are new characters we get introduced to, and great arcs for those characters. The film also has the best cliffhanger in the series since The Empire Strikes Back, leaving you wanting to see the next chapter as soon as this film ends.
Harrison Ford returns as Han Solo. In my opinion, this is Fords' best performance as the character because he is older and wiser now that he has experienced certain things in his life, but deep down he is still the smart-ass that we love so much. Of course, seeing Han Solo back on the Millennium Falcon after so long is enough to make a grown man cry, and Ford is great in the action sequences, but there are several dialogue scenes in this movie where Ford shines as an actor. I love that the scene in which Han Solo tells Finn and Rey, "It's true.....all of it." takes place in the same room on the Millennium Falcon where, years earlier, he told Luke, "I've never seen anything to make me think there's one all-powerful force controlling everything." I think that the dialogue, as well as the subtext of the scene, shows a certain growth in Han Solo as a character. I also think Ford is brilliant in his scenes with Carrie Fisher, particularly in the scene where they are talking about their son. Ford brings an emotional side to Han Solo, but does so in a way that does not make the scene a giant tear-fest. Ford plays this scene as if Solo has buried his grief deep within himself, which is exactly the way it should be. Ford also brings this kind of emotion to his death scene in which he is killed by his son. In one of the more brilliant acting moments I have ever seen, Han Solo touches his sons' cheek just before he falls to his death as if to say, "This path that you have chosen is going to kill you, and everyone that you love". In this small moment, Solo is acknowledging the fact that his son is truly gone. This moment also shows why Harrison Ford is the kind of actor that he is. He knows the character of Han Solo so well, and any other actor would not have thought to add that tiny moment of grief. Ford disappears into the character so much in this movie that I do not see Harrison Ford. I see Han Solo. When I was a kid, I was not sure if I wanted to be Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. This movie, and Fords' performance in it, makes me want to be Han Solo.
Daisy Ridley plays Rey. I love Ridleys' first scene because, while she does not say much, we immediately know who she is and what she does. I also love the fact that she is such a strong female character. We see early on that she can fend for and defend herself without any help from anyone else. As Rey gets thrust into the epic story of this film, Ridley displays a wide range of emotions because she is experiencing things she has never felt or seen before. Her scenes with Adam Driver are particularly well done because she displays the perfect combination of fear and determination to overcome his evil. The banter between Rey and Finn is also well done because you get the sense that they need each other, but there is also a comedic element to their friendship because their characters are so different. She also displays a good combination of fear and confusion during the force-vision sequence. I also love the way she delivers the line, "I didn't know there was this much green in the whole galaxy". Rey is someone who has never left her homeworld, so for her to take in the world around her is awe-inspiring, but you also feel bad for her that she has not experienced much in her life. This is a wonderful, emotional performance by Ridley, and I cannot wait to see where her career takes her.
John Boyega plays Finn. I love this character and his storyline because he has seen how truly awful the First Order is, and chooses to defect and fight against them. Like Daisy Ridley, Boyega gives a performance fueled with emotion. The scene where he tells Rey the truth about him being a stormtrooper is quite impactful because you feel for the upbringing he has had, and you also understand everything he has experienced since he met her. I also find Finn a great character because he is attempting to find himself and find his place in the world. He is a boy who is becoming a man. These aspects actually lend some comedic elements to the film, especially in the scenes he has with Harrison Ford. Han Solo is like a father figure to Rey and Finn, and you really get the sense that Solo is attempting to bond with and understand his teenage "son", if you will. The "I'm in charge now, Phasma!" bit is quite hilarious. Boyega brings the perfect blend of dramatic and comedic elements to the character, and it will be nice to see how Finn evolves over the course of the new films.
Oscar Isaac plays Poe Dameron. I like the way Isaac plays this character because, while Dameron may be the best pilot in the Resistance, there is a very down-to-earth quality about the character. Dameron does not brag about his abilities, instead being humble about them and his role in the Resistance. Isaac and Boyega also play well off of each other, which is a testament to both of the actors' talents. I feel like I want to see more of this character because I like it so much, and I think Isaac is a solid actor. This is another character that I am looking forward to seeing evolve over the coming movies, and I am especially looking forward to what Isaac does with the character. This is a fine performance by Isaac.
Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren. Rens' storyline and character arc, like Finns', is completely original, and that is one of the reasons I love it so much. As opposed to previous generations of Jedi who attempted to resist the call of the dark side, Kylo Ren embraces the dark side and is attempting to resist the light side. The scene where Ren is praying to the spirit of his grandfather, Darth Vader, and the reveal of Vaders' mask, is particularly haunting. It also begs the question of how and when Kylo Ren got a hold of the mask. You also understand that Kylo Ren admires Darth Vader for what he did, and he hates Luke because he turned Vader back to the light side. I mean, from Rens' perspective, Vader was seduced by the enemy. This raises another question: Does Kylo Ren know that Vader was redeemed? Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren with such gravitas, and completely owns the character. The scenes where he is interrogating both Poe and Rey are completely bone-chilling. Also, the scene where he kills his father, Han Solo, is an important moment for both the character and the plot of the movie. It is important because we see how far down the dark path Ben Solo has gone. It is also important because it raises the stakes for the upcoming films. Adam Driver gives a truly phenomenal performance in this film.
Carrie Fisher returns as Princess Leia. I particularly love her scenes at the climax of the film that showcase Leia as the leader of the Resistance because we see how great of an actress Fisher was. Fisher is also exceptionally good in the scene I mentioned earlier when Han and Leia are talking about their son. What Fisher does as an actress is so special in this scene because we see that, while Han and Leia may have grown apart, there is still enough love there for her to essentially say that if they can get their son back, then they can be a family again. Also, the moment where Leia realizes Han is dead, while brief, is very powerful. It is still hard for me to talk about Carrie Fisher in the past tense. She was the original female badass. She brought everything she had to the role of Leia, and did so again with this film.
J.J. Abrams is the director of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Abrams had the daunting task of making us care about Star Wars again, and thanks to his personal love of the original film, he brings the spirit of Star Wars back while also making a good movie. One of the things I enjoy about the film is that we get to see what Han Solos' smuggling life is like. We see him "talk his way out of it" and attempt to cover his tracks. I also particularly like the tone that Abrams set with this film. The Force Awakens has the perfect blend of the lighthearted fun of A New Hope and Return of the Jedi and the darkness of The Empire Strikes Back. The final scene of the film is also quite emotional to watch. I personally feel that the reveal of Luke Skywalker is as close to a religious experience as I am ever going to get. This scene slowly builds with slow cuts that give you goosebumps until the shot that reveals Luke. You can tell that Abrams is a fan of Star Wars just by watching this film, and The Force Awakens is the perfect entry into an entire new generation of this series.
I am still wrapping my head around the fact that Star Wars is back. The Force Awakens breathes new life into the franchise while also honoring the legacy of what has come before. If you like Star Wars at all, specifically the original trilogy, this film is definitely for you.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Bratzi Party!!!
When it comes to making original films, few directors can compare to Kevin Smith. He makes movies with his friends, writes his own material and does not care who likes it or who does not. Yoga Hosers is one of the most outrageous comedies I have ever seen and, while there are some issues with it, I personally loved it.
Yoga Hosers is the story of two teenage yoga students who team up with a legendary detective to fight an evil organization of Nazi bratwursts. With this film, it definitely feels like Kevin Smith is making movies for himself and his audience, and less for critics. You cannot help but be intrigued at what he has created from his imagination. The adult-themed humor is at an all-time high, and you can definitely tell that this movie is not for children, or for people who are easily offended. Yet, for all its comedic glory, there are a couple of minor problems with the film. For one, Lily-Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith both play girls named Colleen, and you never know which Colleen is which. Secondly, it is never actually clear that both Colleens work for Colleen C's dad, nor is it clear which Colleen Tony Hales' character is supposed to be the father of. Other than these extremely minor issues, Yoga Hosers is a balls-to-the-wall comedy that will cause your jaw to drop to the floor before it is even over.
Harley Quinn Smith and Lily-Rose Depp play Colleen McKenzie and Colleen Collette, respectively. Their comedic banter is flawless, and it drives the entire film. The two play off of each other so well, while also bringing their own unique presence to the film. There is one scene, specifically, where they get their cellular phones taken away from them, that had me in stitches because it was so perfectly executed. When you have two actresses that are the daughters of such talented people as Kevin Smith and Johnny Depp, it is only natural to assume that they would inherit that talent, and trust me when I say that they do not disappoint.
Kevin Smith is the director of Yoga Hosers. There are several things that Smith does exceedingly well with this film. First, the fact that this film is partly historical fiction makes it all the more enjoyable. Also, this movie is partly a commentary on how much of an impact social media has on our daily lives. Again, I go back to the scene where the Colleen girls get their phones taken away from them. The girls' reaction represents one of the main problems with todays' youth, and their reliance on technology. I also love the yoga sequences in the film because it represents how overly serious some people can be about exercise. The standout sequence of the film is the Bratzi fight near the end. This is one of the most hilarious action sequences I have ever seen. At this point in his career, Kevin Smith is clearly making movies because it is fun, and he delivers originality in spades with this film.
I have said this plenty of times before: in an age of franchises, remakes and reboots, it is always nice to see some original films, and you cannot get more original than Kevin Smith. Whether it is his brand of humor, his dialogue or just his concept ideas, the man is a creative force. If you are a fan of Kevin Smiths' movies, I highly recommend that you pick up Yoga Hosers.
Yoga Hosers is the story of two teenage yoga students who team up with a legendary detective to fight an evil organization of Nazi bratwursts. With this film, it definitely feels like Kevin Smith is making movies for himself and his audience, and less for critics. You cannot help but be intrigued at what he has created from his imagination. The adult-themed humor is at an all-time high, and you can definitely tell that this movie is not for children, or for people who are easily offended. Yet, for all its comedic glory, there are a couple of minor problems with the film. For one, Lily-Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith both play girls named Colleen, and you never know which Colleen is which. Secondly, it is never actually clear that both Colleens work for Colleen C's dad, nor is it clear which Colleen Tony Hales' character is supposed to be the father of. Other than these extremely minor issues, Yoga Hosers is a balls-to-the-wall comedy that will cause your jaw to drop to the floor before it is even over.
Harley Quinn Smith and Lily-Rose Depp play Colleen McKenzie and Colleen Collette, respectively. Their comedic banter is flawless, and it drives the entire film. The two play off of each other so well, while also bringing their own unique presence to the film. There is one scene, specifically, where they get their cellular phones taken away from them, that had me in stitches because it was so perfectly executed. When you have two actresses that are the daughters of such talented people as Kevin Smith and Johnny Depp, it is only natural to assume that they would inherit that talent, and trust me when I say that they do not disappoint.
Kevin Smith is the director of Yoga Hosers. There are several things that Smith does exceedingly well with this film. First, the fact that this film is partly historical fiction makes it all the more enjoyable. Also, this movie is partly a commentary on how much of an impact social media has on our daily lives. Again, I go back to the scene where the Colleen girls get their phones taken away from them. The girls' reaction represents one of the main problems with todays' youth, and their reliance on technology. I also love the yoga sequences in the film because it represents how overly serious some people can be about exercise. The standout sequence of the film is the Bratzi fight near the end. This is one of the most hilarious action sequences I have ever seen. At this point in his career, Kevin Smith is clearly making movies because it is fun, and he delivers originality in spades with this film.
I have said this plenty of times before: in an age of franchises, remakes and reboots, it is always nice to see some original films, and you cannot get more original than Kevin Smith. Whether it is his brand of humor, his dialogue or just his concept ideas, the man is a creative force. If you are a fan of Kevin Smiths' movies, I highly recommend that you pick up Yoga Hosers.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Knowing Your Place
A Bug's Life is perhaps Pixar's most under-rated film. Personally, I love everything about it, from the world creation to the themes that it discusses. It is also one of the few Pixar films that does not warrant a sequel because it works incredibly well on its own.
A Bug's Life is the story of an ant who goes looking for warrior bugs to save his colony from grasshoppers. There are so many things to love about this film. Firstly, Fliks' character arc is flawless. Flik is an inventor who gets laughed at by the rest of the colony because his inventions never work. It is because of this that the colony sends him away to find warrior bugs because they know he will fail. The important thing is that he does not fail, and the warrior bugs help Flik realize his potential, and by the end of the film the entire colony has realized how important he is to their survival. Also, the relationship between the grasshoppers and the ants is quite interesting. The ruler of the grasshoppers, Hopper, believes that they are at the top of the bug food chain. However, he also acknowledges the fact that the ants present a potential threat to them. There is a wonderful moment in the film where Flik teaches Hopper a lesson by explaining to him who really needs who. This is a lesson that teaches us that just because someone is bigger and more threatening does not mean they are more important. In fact, it is the little guy that is crucial to the big guys' survival. There is also the issue that is discussed, albeit briefly, regarding the character of Francis the Ladybug, and the fact that just because Francis looks like a girl does not mean he actually is one. I personally believe that this character is Pixars' way of showing support for the LGBT community, and that you can be whoever you want to be in life. All in all, A Bug's Life is a wonderful movie that is the total package for people of all ages.
John Lasseter is the director of A Bug's Life. I love the world that Lasseter creates in this film because it actually operates like a human world. There are different hierarchies, the bugs have friends from different locations, and there are even cities and suburbs. All of these aspects give the film such a grand scale, and give Fliks' journey an epic feel. I also love that both of the grasshoppers arrivals to Ant Island are treated like something out of a horror film. This puts more emphasis on how evil and intimidating they are. The final battle between the ants and the grasshoppers in the rain is so thrilling to watch and, in a true "circle of life" moment, Hopper meets a grisly demise. Throughout this entire film, you can feel Lasseters' passion for storytelling, and he succeeds brilliantly.
Maybe it is just me, but when I hear people talk about the Pixar films, I do not hear anyone mention A Bug's Life. This film deserves so much more recognition than it gets. If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend that you do.
A Bug's Life is the story of an ant who goes looking for warrior bugs to save his colony from grasshoppers. There are so many things to love about this film. Firstly, Fliks' character arc is flawless. Flik is an inventor who gets laughed at by the rest of the colony because his inventions never work. It is because of this that the colony sends him away to find warrior bugs because they know he will fail. The important thing is that he does not fail, and the warrior bugs help Flik realize his potential, and by the end of the film the entire colony has realized how important he is to their survival. Also, the relationship between the grasshoppers and the ants is quite interesting. The ruler of the grasshoppers, Hopper, believes that they are at the top of the bug food chain. However, he also acknowledges the fact that the ants present a potential threat to them. There is a wonderful moment in the film where Flik teaches Hopper a lesson by explaining to him who really needs who. This is a lesson that teaches us that just because someone is bigger and more threatening does not mean they are more important. In fact, it is the little guy that is crucial to the big guys' survival. There is also the issue that is discussed, albeit briefly, regarding the character of Francis the Ladybug, and the fact that just because Francis looks like a girl does not mean he actually is one. I personally believe that this character is Pixars' way of showing support for the LGBT community, and that you can be whoever you want to be in life. All in all, A Bug's Life is a wonderful movie that is the total package for people of all ages.
John Lasseter is the director of A Bug's Life. I love the world that Lasseter creates in this film because it actually operates like a human world. There are different hierarchies, the bugs have friends from different locations, and there are even cities and suburbs. All of these aspects give the film such a grand scale, and give Fliks' journey an epic feel. I also love that both of the grasshoppers arrivals to Ant Island are treated like something out of a horror film. This puts more emphasis on how evil and intimidating they are. The final battle between the ants and the grasshoppers in the rain is so thrilling to watch and, in a true "circle of life" moment, Hopper meets a grisly demise. Throughout this entire film, you can feel Lasseters' passion for storytelling, and he succeeds brilliantly.
Maybe it is just me, but when I hear people talk about the Pixar films, I do not hear anyone mention A Bug's Life. This film deserves so much more recognition than it gets. If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend that you do.
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