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Demolition (2015)
Help Me Pick Up the Pieces
Before I saw Demolition, I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to see another Jake Gyllenhaal movie because in my opinion he never gets the credit he deserves. It was barely 20 minutes into the film when I saw those instant flashbacks and noticed Jean-Marc Valle was the director. At that moment, I knew I was in for a treat. This isn't everyone's movie, but it's definitely a movie everyone should watch. After he lose his wife in a tragic car accident, Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal) starts to take apart the broken items in his life, literally, as he begins to recognize the show he's put on for people for years-his wife, his in-laws, but importantly, himself. Along the way, he develops a unique relationship with a burned out customer service rep (Naomi Watts) and her teenage son. And as you're watching the events of the story unfold, you begin to ask yourself all kinds of questions. Questions that can only be answered if you've been paying close intention to the subtleties of each scene. It's a lot to absorb. Then you're left wondering what this movie is really about. It's a jaw-dropper. 7/10
Room (2015)
Expect the Unexpected
Okay. Wow, did I just fall in love with Brie Larson? Hell yeah! But was it the soft gentle Brie I've grown accustomed to over the years, or the Brie who was Jack's mom? Possibly the latter. This movie is a must- see for so many reasons: good directing, great score, amazing acting. I mean, Jacob Tremblay can act. There is no question he is the main character of the film, the reason why this story is being told.
And of course, where there is a yin there is a yang. The reason why it's so easy to be sucked into Room right from the get-go is Brie Larson aka Joy. While I was watching this, I guess I was waiting for her to take over the action but she never quite did. Instead what happened was that she and Jack shared this beautiful synergy, which signified what this movie was all about: the bond between mother and son. Some points in the second act (of the story) were dull, but the relationship between these two made the first 45- 50 minutes of the film grade A.
In my opinion, Room is definitely worth the watch. The facts aren't all that pleasant, but just hearing "The Mighty Rio Grande" during the bridge between the first and second act, is enough to give you goosebumps. Wasn't surprised by the acting, but more so by the creativity, and that's always the toughest component to find in movies today.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Star Wars(y)
CGI and Special Effects aside, I thought the Force Awakens left something more to be desired. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Satisfying, but a little disappointing as well.
It was fun to see new and old heroes fight alongside each another. The characters of Rey and Finn are as innocent and courageous in their fight against the First Order as Luke and Anakin once were in their fight against the Empire and Sith, respectively. The world of Jakku is just as beautiful as Tatooine, Han and Leia just as jaded as always, and the Millennium Falcon just as badass as we remember it.
But, there are quite a few knocks I have with this film. It definitely needed more creativity. The story needed another layer, a rational development for the goings on. It's not just that Kylo Ren was soft, he lacked the intensity, the passion, and the "force" that was Darth Vader. Of course no villain will ever match Vader, but you can't blame a kid for dreaming. Next, the whole "First Order". It's just a difficult pill to swallow, to believe that an entirely new de-facto empire was created right under the nose of the good guys. Should Leia and Han really be part of another Resistance? Lastly, the dialogue. I think the jokes were too much, the conversations weren't crisp, and the emotions were way too overplayed.
All in all, Abrams vision was present throughout the film, but it was overshadowed by George Lucas' creative absence. Finn, Rey, and Poe, not Kylo Ren, make it worth the watch. I give it a 7 out of 10 because I hoped Abrams had revived the pulse of the original trilogy. Wishful thinking, I guess.
Creed (2015)
A lot of hype
Going into Creed, I was expecting Rocky, and that's not what audiences should expect. It's not Rocky. Sylvester Stallone isn't our hero anymore. It's Michael B. Jordan, or should I say, Adonis Creed. While I was watching this, I was reminded of the first Rocky and all the obstacles Sylvester Stallone's character had to overcome, and it's a testament to that universal motto of 'going in one more round'.
Creed is a good movie, but it's no Rocky. Adonis isn't a street kid. Boxing isn't his only option. There's no Adrian, no Paulie, or any eye of the tiger. However, there is a Mick in Rocky. Glimpses of the old Rocky Balboa. His heart, his knowledge, but most importantly, his wisdom.
Don't go into Creed expecting to see Rocky, because you won't. This is a new vehicle. Its story has flaws, and that's understandable, but there was something else that bothered me about this movie. It needed more heart. Maybe a training montage, or an inspirational quote, or even a visit to father would've sufficed. Instead, I saw a lot flash and excess. And that's fine, I guess I just expected more of a 'champion' picture.
The Martian (2015)
The Space Drama Phenomenon
It seems the fascination with tragedy in space has reached an apex with the release of three highly anticipated "outer" space dramas in the last three years: Gravity, Interstellar, and now The Martian. Let me start off by saying that the Martian resembles both films in its content, but its delivery is quite different than the other two. It's all about ACTION. It's not long before the film starts that the main problem of the story is presented: Mark Watney is left alive on Mars. The rest of the film focuses on Mark's astuteness on the desolate planet while the folks at NASA scramble, to find a way to bring home before he runs out of food and water. My grade? 8, because it's not anything audiences familiar with the genre haven't seen before. It is delivered with first class acting, that's a given considering the all-star cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, and that dude with the blonde hair from National Treasure. Not to mention the directorial talents of Ridley Scott. If you're bored, go see it. If you're not, wait for the next space adventure. It should be just as good.
Whiplash (2014)
Straight Up Whiplash
What does it take to be great? There is only one word to describe Whiplash-INTENSE. It's the story of a young drummer who wants to be great, and an explosive instructor who demands perfection. Today, if you gave me a film fest time machine, I'm going to Sundance 2014. Why, you ask? To watch the tour de force that is Whiplash snag the Grand Jury Prize for Damien Chazelle.
In this picture, Chazelle provides a vision for the future. From beginning to end, it's easy to appreciate his camera and the story it's telling through its lens. Teller and Simmons are masterful, but it's because their action and dialogue is so robust that they're able to pass along overtones of passion and intensity.
Despite a limited release, it's safe to say Whiplash will turn enough heads with its recent Academy Award noms. If you're looking for what I call a perfect storm, you'll find it in this movie. The script is an A, the acting is A, the directing is an A. Whiplash won't just leave you speechless, it will leave you with a healthy dose of adrenaline all day long.