Change Your Image
writerever365
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Crimson Peak (2015)
Destined To Become A Classic, But Not In Horror
I went last night to see Crimson Peak with a few friends. Here's what I have to say about it.
First, let me run down what I really liked.
The acting was superb, almost to the level of Oscar performances, with the exception of Mia Wasikowska. She was very good, but not on the level of the others. Jessica Chastain is the show-stealer. She floats above this movie like the ghosts who haunt Allerdale Hall - cold, transcendent, distant. Yet when she unhinges, it is a beautiful and terrifying thing to see. Tom Hiddleston is also very very good, playing the role he is in to the absolute best, twitching and hissing his way through a deeply complex character. Charlie Hunnam is very good and serviceable, though his character never develops too far. The two standouts are definitely Hiddleston and Chastain, whose performances genuinely are Oscar- worthy.
Second, the look of the film. The film's aesthetic is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The colors are rich and real, the sets are EXTRAVANGTLY beautiful. The costumes swirl and constrict realistically, as if you've actually gone back in time. Third, the score. The score, penned by Fernando Velazquez, is brilliantly beautiful. It accents the film uniquely well.
Now for a few little qualms. Bear in mind, I LOVE THIS MOVIE. None of these little things could stop my love for it. But:
First, the sex scene. It was one of the most ridiculously laughable sex scenes I've ever seen. So outrageously pandering to a predominantly female audience. It felt out of place and completely unrealistic. The woman remains completely clothed the entire time, to the point of you can actually see the woman pulling her shirt up at one point so as not to let her cleavage go any further. It was downright laughable. Not that I think the woman should've gone fully nude or anything, but if you're going to have a scene like that in a movie, what is the point of being unrealistic? Literally what I got from that scene is, "women undress men, and mens butts are seen, but women must remain clothed AT ALL COSTS". It just didn't make sense.
Second, the writing was pretty bad at a few short times in the movie. Some of the lines were just cringe-worthy. But, on the other hand some were pure genius, so you really get the best of both worlds.
Third, the ad campaign. This movie was marketed as a chilling horror film. LIES. While there are some intense moments, this is not a horror film. I CANNOT STRESS THAT ENOUGH. This is a Gothic romance with horror elements.
While I'm on the subject, you won't see any effects that are too scary. If you've seen Jim Carrey's A Christmas CAROL, then the ghosts in that film are about as scary as the ghosts in this film. What gives this movie its scares are is visceral scenes. This is one of the most delightfully brutally violent movies I've seen in a while. The violence is sparse, one scene occurring at about ten minutes in, the others all happening towards the end. But when it happens IT IS BRUTAL. Eyeballs roll out of skulls smashed into porcelain sinks, armpits, chests, and faces are stabbed, people are slashed at and thrown down stairways - it's violent and that's what makes this movie R. That, and one COMPLETELY unnecessary F bomb. Like, when it happened, I really did laugh out loud, because it simply made zero sense.
Go see Crimson Peak. It's a fantastic film, beautifully made and acted. Just don't go in expecting a horror film. You'll be more scared by the trailer of THE WITCH that plays beforehand than by anything you see during your stay at Crimson Peak
Inside Out (2015)
Perhaps The Most Important Film Of The Year
I walked into this film today with high expectations. They were met, and THEN SOME.
This film is the best film Pixar has ever churned out, bar none. It is quite easily the best film I've seen all year. The reason I say it's the most important film of the year is because of what it accomplishes for animation and for children's films in general.
So often, especially in children's cinema, we are told that everything ends up happy, and if you keep your chin up and don't let the "mean reds" (or the mean blues, as it were) get to you, you'll be fine. That old "sun-will-come-out-tomorrow", "chin-up", "whistle- while-you- work" attitude. But what this movie does is let everyone know the inescapable truth- it's OK - nay, healthy - to be sad for a time. It is only through sadness that we can feel the happiest, and this movie plays each card it can to make us feel that - and to great effect.
That aside, this movie is the best children's film I've seen in a LONG while, and especially from Pixar. Not since FINDING NEMO have I seen such a level of depth and emotion from a children's film. The animation is literally effervescent, with the emotions radiating a certain soda-bubbles effect that looks simply amazing.
As for the voice cast, they're flawless. Amy Poehler plays a unique level of emotion into Joy. Not only is she amazingly happy, but she knows just when to dial it back and be somber, and even tearful. Sadness steals the emotion show, however. Phyllis Smith is absolutely flawless in every way. Her portrayal of the timid emotion Sadness is as well-realized as any Oscar contender. Bill Hader and Lewis Black cracked me up as Fear and Anger respectively. Mindy Kaling was also very cute, even though her part in the film is notably small. Another voice credit shout out goes to Richard Kind, who plays an amazingly touching lost imaginary friend named Bing Bong.
In a nutshell, go see this film. Easily the most important children's film of the year, and also perhaps the most important film of the year.
10/10 - would recommend.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Fantastic, Frenetic, Furios Feminist Fairy-Tale!
Having read so many high praise reviews, I was naturally hyped going in to Mad Max: Fury Road. After all, its predecessors are great- genre-defining films. And after all the rave this film was getting, I set my hopes ridiculously high.
Now, normally, in doing so, I'd walk out of the theater with my hopes tamed and lowered. Not so with this film.
This film not only met my high expectations, it blew them out of the water. Every detail of this film is diamond-cut to absolute perfection.
Probably what stunned me the most about this film is how real it all seemed. Not a bit of it felt unrealistic - the usual, "oh, that could never happen". This movie has an exceedingly refreshing "real" feel to it. So often, in big-budget action blockbusters, you see CGI-mania, effects so obviously animated that they ruin the effect of the film. This movie remains real - real stuntmen, real explosions, real people doing real action.
The performances in this film are top-notch - Oscar-caliber, I'd say. Tom Hardy serves his purpose wonderfully as Max, although at times he becomes a costar in his own movie (but it's all for the good of the movie). Nicholas Hoult also delivers a uniquely memorable performance as Nux, a crazy follower of the villain, Immortan Joe, who ends up fighting alongside Max. The real star here is Charlize Theron, who outshines everyone and everything as Imperator Furiosa, a freedom fighter in Immortan Joe's own ranks. Theron absolutely lights up the screen with permeable emotion, stunning subtextual depth, and real action. She has become one of the all-time female action heroes, alongside the likes of Sarah Connor. Every moment of her performance is, once again, visceral and real.
This film makes an interesting feminist story. The story revolves around the liberation of Immortan Joe's "breeders", or basically baby-making sex slaves. With the aid of Furiosa, they make a daring escape alongside Max, and together, they make their way across the barren wastelands in search of the Green Place - a land where it's green and there is hope and redemption. Rare is it in Hollywood to see so much of an agenda shoved down an audience's throat and yet it remains completely acceptable and not preachy. Feminism has never shone brighter on film than this film. Men and women, fighting together on equal footing for women's rights - it was a joy to see.
There are only a few other things to be said. The cinematography is beautiful - the action sequences are beautifully filmed, not only showing everything in beautifully choreographed detail, but the camera knows when to look on and when to tastefully look away.
The music is very apropos to the frenetic situations, crazy and upbeat during the action and heart-wrenching and moving during the times of sadness, tenderness, beauty.
Absolutely fantastic reboot of a classic franchise. 10/10 - would recommend.
The Conjuring (2013)
Psycho, The Omen, Halloween...And Now The Conjuring
I went into this movie with a lot of skepticism. Faith-based scare- flicks rarely work for me, and I'd heard from a few people that it wasn't worth all the hype around it.
Boy, were they WRONG!
This film is the best-executed horror film I have seen in a long while. From the acting to the expertly-done effects to the unique storytelling, every moment was riveting, chilling, and utterly perfect.
There is no contributing factor that makes anything better than any other thing in the film. The acting doesn't surpass the effects, the cinematography doesn't overshadow the script. This is a rare film where every element works in total unison to create a ridiculously cohesive and utterly terrifying film.
10/10 - An absolute must-watch!
Poltergeist (2015)
Can't Hold A Candle To The Original, Still Makes For A Good Time
I'd just like to strain this - anyone going into this movie expecting a horror film will be disappointed. It is NOT a horror movie. It might be scary to kids under 12, but to those of us who are older, it comes off as an edgy adventure movie.
Now, onto the inevitable comparison - this remake, as is so often the case, can't hold a candle to the original. But that doesn't make it non-enjoyable. It's a fun, jump-scare-ridden afternoon at the matinée - which is all I'd advise to pay for this film (certainly not worth the up charge for the 3D).
What stands out in this movie are the performances. The entire well- rounded cast gives a bravo-inducing performance. They are all so well-fit to their characters.
So, yeah, go see this if you want a good action chilly adventure movie with an edge. The performances save it from shrinking into horror remake obscurity.
The Omen (1976)
What Horror Movies Lack Today
This film is a perfect example of how far the horror movie genre has fallen. In a world of instant gratification and an ever-shrinking attention span, filmmakers have to resort to intense gore and cheap jump scares to scare an audience, with a few notable exceptions (Conjuring, Oculus, etc). This movie is an example of how fresh and innovative a horror movie could be, as well as how moving it could be.
(I find it highly unlikely that anyone doesn't know the big surprise in this film, but just in case, "spoilers" ahead)
What's so intensely scary about this movie is what so many modern horror filmmakers have lost sight of. It isn't so much WHAT IS that's scary as the prospect of WHAT COULD BE. The idea that this child you've reared, loved, and embraced for five years is actually the devil incarnate - the idea is simply terrifying. The idea of having to slay your own child - horrific. The thought that your house has been overrun by demonic forces, and it is up to you alone to try and remove them - wonderfully scary.
Now, don't get me wrong - ideas are not the only scary thing in this film. This film offers plenty of good scares, but the typical jump scare is rare here. The building tensions, the chill-inducing chorus and their never-ending mantra - what happens in the film is scarier than any jump scare the movie does have.
Also, the use of gore - there is blood, and when it happens, it's substantial. But the use of gore sparingly is light years more effecting than pervasive balls-out, in-your-face gore. It's used sparingly so that when it does happen, it's more jarring.
All this to say, see this film. Don't fall for the cheap cinematic thrills put before you today. See this film, and see what horror used to be.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Fun Classic Film Is EXTREMELY Predictable
Now, before you crucify me (and the apologists are out there), I just want to preface this by saying I went into this movie knowing nothing about it but the title. I'd never even heard of it, save for my dad suggesting we watch it.
(Beyond are spoilers, but it's likely something you already know - is it even possible to view this IMDb page without being spoiled?)
The "twist at the end" - who Verbal ends up being - is not a twist at all. Perhaps to some, it might have been a spoiler or a surprise, but for me at least, I had called it from the moment Kint says his iconic line.
That being said, that sole fact should not deter you from seeing this movie. It is a very good movie. Well put-together, well acted.
It just seems to me that this movie is rather overrated. That's all. Sort of like Dark Knight, which I find to be a very overrated film, simply because its star died.
Dream House (2011)
Bad Execution Still Makes For A Semi-Enjoyable "Horror" Film.
First off, don't believe the official ruling - this is NOT a horror film. I don't know what exactly to call it, but it sure as heck isn't horror. It's not even that weird side of horror that's scary, but not typically. I would have loved some horror movie clichés in this film. No jump scares, creepy children, blood on the walls - I would've loved some of that in this film. Horror can't exist in a vacuum. I'm at a loss for words to pick a genre. It has slightly eerie elements of a horror movie, it has touching aspects of a family drama, even some comedy.
And it's badly executed. The way the movie unravels is the only true horror element of it. The movie does not know where it's going. The plot ambles through, making a 90-minute movie feel long.
So why is this movie enjoyable? The acting. Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and the whole cast deliver such a powerful, emotionally- charged performance, it almost makes up for the lack of horror and story.
That's pretty much to say. The "twist" in the movie isn't a twist at all if you've seen any of the ad campaign. So see this movie if you want good acting and nothing else. I had a reasonably good time for seeing an hour and a half of basically nothing.
Still Alice (2014)
Deep Dissatisfaction Gives Way To Calm Understanding
What can be said about this film that hasn't already been said? Oscar winner, career-high performance, moving, real and gritty - it's all been said.
I fell in love with the book first, and when the movie came out, I was eager to watch it. I was not disappointed.
Julianne Moore gives a tour-de-force turn as Alice Howland, a highly successful professor who is diagnosed with early-onset-Alzheimer's disease. Her performance is on point, with every little vocal inflection and facial twitch telling a part of the story. The real shocker here is Kristen Stewart, whom, apart from her god-awful "Acting-within-acting" scene, truly moved me. This is the one role I felt as though I could connect with her character. Alec Baldwin plays the disgruntled, unhinged, if slightly apathetic at times, husband, and he does a good job of playing the man who is struggling with balancing his life while trying to care about his wife's life.
The music is perfect, sometimes soft and beautiful, and sometimes loud and frenetic, exactly when and where it needs to be.
The cinematography is nothing to write home about. It's not bad, but it's not stellar, either. The direction feels authentic, if a bit sterilized at times. Also, sometimes scenes cut and you're left to wonder what exactly is going on for about a minute.
What kept me from writing this review for so long was the ending. I was very upset with the ending upon first viewing. But after seeing it a second time, I understand.
("Spoilers" up ahead - they don't reveal any key plot points, but I suppose they could be considered spoilers)
The movie ends abruptly, and it's not exactly a "satisfying" ending. But the whole point of the movie cannot be nulled. Alice has Alzheimer's. Eventually, she will die. She will lose who she is, and has seemingly almost lost it at the end. There's not a way you can end a movie like that satisfyingly. The movie ends the way it does to push that feeling of dissatisfaction, as if we ourselves have lost it.
The movie is brilliantly executed, and aside from some sanitation and Alec Baldwin's less-than-stellar acting choices, it's fantastic.
9/10 -would recommend
Oculus (2013)
Defies The Horror Movie Stigma!
I saw this on Netflix and thought, "what the heck?". I've been on a horror flick kick recently.
This movie blew my expectations out of the water. From the beginning, I could tell it was going to be something different. Every thing about it is beautifully horrifying. The cinematography is genius.
The real star of this film is the subtle scares. Most horror films nowadays rely on scream queens and copious gore. This movie was notably restrained in its depiction of gore. This does something special for a movie - it makes it more jarring when there is blood (which there is never too much of).
The acting really takes a backseat to the story and the way it unfolds on screen. That's not to say the acting isn't good - far from it, I believe these actors surpass those in typical horror films. But the way the story unfolds and is filmed is so tight, so precise, so perfect, nothing can hinder this film from being amazing.
Another thing you should know. The scares are VERY REAL in this film. There aren't many jump scares, but those that are there are again used sparingly for better effect. But I think I've never been affected this much by a horror movie. And I'm not easily scared (I laughed at Psycho). How much did it affect you, you ask? I had to walk into my garage after seeing this film, and I took a kitchen knife. Just in case...
See this movie. Simply see it. Deeply effecting and scary.
Gone Girl (2014)
Deeply Disturbing, Beautiful Masterpiece of a Thriller!
(DISCLAIMER - This review contains potential spoilers. However, if you've read the book or watched the movie, read on!)
David Fincher's GONE GIRL is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece!
The acting is superb. Ben Affleck plays Nick Dunne, the likable asshole so well, to the point where it made me uncomfortable to like him. His actions and reactions in the film are ingeniously timed, wonderfully realized, and real in every way. Rosamund Pike, however, is the true standout. She absolutely steals the show as Amy Dunne, the psychotic wife. Her portrayal of the sociopath is so cool, calm, and collected - it comes off as much more realistic when she does break down and go ballistic. Even when you know her motives, she keeps you guessing the WHOLE time. Desi Collings is creepily and wonderfully brought to life by Neil Patrick Harris. Carrie Coon is awesome as Margo Dunne, the unglued sister of Nick who has a front row seat to all the action. Tyler Perry is another hilarious standout performance as Tanner Bolt, defensive attorney for Nick. Also worth mentioning is a star performance by Kim Dickens as Detective Boney.
The movie is beautifully rendered on screen. The lighting, color palette, and cinematography are all wonderfully beautiful.
The screenplay, written by the author of the book upon which this movie is based, sizzles with wit, snappy dialogue, and narration that feels real and conversational.
The music is so perfect for the situations it's put in. One of the best uses is towards the end, when Amy seduces Desi into sex and then kills him. The music pulsates and pounds, and the whole time they have sex, you are totally on edge. However, when the deed is done, and she kills Desi and completes sex with him as he bleeds to death, the music crescendos and the terror is fresh. Even though you knew something was not right, the music prepared you for it and elevated the scene.
There is literally nothing they could have done better for this movie. It's dark and twisted, macabre and humorous, sexy and violent - everything a modern thriller should be.
10/10 - Would Highly Recommend
The Last Five Years (2014)
A Heavy, Heart-Wrenching, Heavenly Movie
This movie worried me. Being a fan of the original work, I was truly worried. Given the intricate and complicated mode or storytelling, as well as the music, which is advanced music, far above the simple rock chords of RENT or PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, I worried that either it wouldn't transfer well or that the charm and emotional pull of the piece would be lost. Let me set those worries right to rest - this musical is everything the original work was and more, but more importantly, this musical is fresh. What do I mean by fresh? Well, the original work was performed in 2002. Some of the lyrics reflect that (eg, references to Borders bookstores). But the musical has been revitalized for a more modern audience. Skype is used, Russell Crowe's less-than-wonderful musical turn is referenced. The orchestration is updated, but not mangled, to fit a more mainstream audience.
Now, onto the actual movie.
First, the stars. This may be one of the best musical movies ever made, simply because of the casting. For those that don't know, the story focuses on only two characters - Cathy and Jamie. No one else sings, and virtually no one else has any sort of character. Most oftentimes, the film industry casts star pull over talent, as evidenced by Russell Crowe as Javert, Gerard Butler as the Phantom of the Opera, and Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd. But this is not the case here. While Anna Kendrick has some star pull with her recent success, she is clearly more talent that star power. She truly shines as Cathy, a slightly bookish, slightly wimpy musical theater star-in-the-making. Her vocal power is just what this role has been yearning for. On the other end of the spectrum, you have Jeremy Jordan, whom only musical theater fans will know. His success on the cult favorite hit, SMASH, notwithstanding, Jordan is here purely for talent. And what a talent he is! Surpassing everyone who has played the role thus far, Jordan winks and smiles his way through as the impish egotistical, yet loving Jamie. The stars are perfect for the roles they're in - nuff said.
Now, the direction. Richard LaGravanese works wonders with the movie. The way he chose to present each scene and how they all tie together in the end is a work of art and a joy to behold as a musical theater nerd myself.
Third, the cinematography. This is the ONLY (read: only) slight qualm I have with the film. The shooting style, at times, feel cagey, and sometimes too intimate. This is a very intimate story, but sometimes, the camera work feels like it was not used to its full effect. Then, however, there are times when the movie works beautifully on a cinematographic level. The sequence, "A Summer In Ohio" is one of the best-choreographed and best-shot musical numbers ever. "The Next Ten Minutes", however, is one of the worst. You're getting both ends of the spectrum here.
There's not much else to talk about. There was no big special effects budget. There is no supporting cast to speak of. The music is immune to criticism. If you love musical theater, The Last Five years stage play, love stories, or just interesting movies, this is the movie for you!
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Flawed, But This Last Foray Into Middle-Earth Does Not Disappoint!
When making a trilogy out of a children's novel, it's important for the audience to remember that there will be add-ins, changes, and things you're not OK with. But what's also important to remember, when going into any adaptation, is that you have to see it as a film first and an adaptation second.
The film was a success. The final chapter in the Middle-Earth saga brought me to chills and tears. As a longtime fan of Tolkien's work, I could not appreciate it as much as I'd like to, but even that did not deter me from having a good time.
First, the acting. Martin Freeman takes a surprising backseat here. He is still the Bilbo we know and love, but for the first half of the movie, he is not that important. His turn as Bilbo in this film is wonderfully realized, appropriately emotional and yet maintaining the sting of levity that is necessary to hold the dark events unfolding around him together. One thing in particular to look for, to the end of the film, when he is back in Bag-End, he removes the Ring from his pocket, and in a chill-inducing split second, his expression turns to outright evil, most easily describable as a "Gollum face". He is spectacular in every rite of the word.
Ian McKellan continues to amaze. His turn as Gandalf is the mark of a well-seasoned actor completely disappearing into a character. McKellan simply IS Gandalf; no substitution will do. His facial twitches and line delivery are exactly what this film needed, and he stands comfortably in the supporting role he is in. One especially good line to look for involves a wonderful interpretation of the line "To cut the head off the snake."
Richard Armitage is the true star of the film. Thorin Oakenshield could not be better played by Olivier. The effects of avarice are especially well played here, as Thorin's character spends the first two-thirds of the film completely consumed by greed. Every nuance of the character is right in place.
Other standout roles include Aidan Turner as Kili, Evangeline Lily as the made-up-but-oh-so-enjoyably Tauriel, Ryan Gage as Alfrid Lickspittle (gotta love that name), and Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman.
Now to the quality of the film itself. There is little to be said for the effects, as it has all already been said. Cutting edge, crystalline clear graphics permeate the movie and almost overwhelm at times. The music is perfect, especially the credits song by Billy Boyd.
Where the movie falters is the script and story. I made no boons about how disappointed I was with how they ended the second film, and that disappointment sadly carries on here. When the second film ended, what everyone was looking forward to was the death of Smaug in this last film. Smaug's death is sadly glossed over and finished before the title of the film shows. Furthermore, the film feels disjointed and jumbled at times, like they were just going through the story scene by scene. The movie does not hold well together in the beginning-middle section. Thankfully, they were able to pull it all in together by the middle-ending for a truly memorable movie.
One of the things I was happy about was the tone of the ending. One of my big worries was that they would end it too happily. What most people need to remember is that this is only the halfway point. The Ring corrupts, and its corruption is the cause of the Lord of the Rings. I really did hope for the correct emotion going from Battle of the Five Armies into Fellowship of the Ring, and I was not disappointed. As mentioned previously, you can see, in a completely haunting millisecond, the effects of the Ring already taking their toll on Bilbo.
Memorable scenes include the Dragon's death, Thorin's Insanity On the Gold, the Battle at Dol Guldur, the Earth-Eaters, and the Fight on the Ice. You will not want to miss these excellent scenes.
Overall, the movie is flawed, but those flaws do not stop the film from being immensely enjoyed by all!
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
One of the Best Musical Movies Ever Made!
Don't listen to all the bad press. This movie is highly underrated. I checked it out of the library, expecting a few laughs and maybe a few memorable songs. What I got is one of my favorite musicals ever!
The set design is flawless. Specifically, the set's centerpiece, Audrey II, is jaw-droppingly realistic (as well as wonderfully voice by Levi Stubbs).
The acting is perfection. Rick Moranis is a complete surprise - he is a powerhouse of vocal stamina. Ellen Greene gets a lot of criticism because she's "annoying", but I thought her simple approach to the character was very well realized, and she brought a unique depth to the character by being simple and blonde, like Marilyn Monroe.
The guest performances are uproarious. Who new Steve Martin could sing? And Bill Murray's cameo as a masochistic dentist patient is gut-busting.
The songs are fantastic. Menken and Ashman are already well-known for their work in LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN, and BEAUTY & THE BEAST, and this musical goes in the same vein.
Worth a watch, I want to own it! See it - you will not be disappointed!
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
The Best Family Movie In Years!
When I went to go see MUPPETS: MOST WANTED, I had very low expectations. The highly-anticipated reboot, THE MUPPETS (2011), left me yearning for the classic Muppet movies. So, I wasn't expecting what I saw. From the very first song of the film, I was utterly sold. The movie is so well put together and so flawlessly acted.
I was particularly appreciative of the songs. The musical quality of the film seemed so natural, unlike some other musical movies, where the transition from dialogue to singing seems awkward and forced. And the songwriting is genius. The songs deserve to win the Oscars. Star cameos make the movie a treat, as well as the zany antics of the Muppets.
There is literally nothing negative to be said about this movie, other than it's a sequel to a sub-par film. If you are looking for a quality musical movie to be watched by any age demographic, MUPPETS: MOST WANTED fits the bill and goes above and beyond!
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Real Characters, Great Plot, A Sumptuous Feast For The Eyes!
DISCLAIMER- IN READING THIS, I AM ASSUMING YOU HAVE SEEN THE FIRST MOVIE. IF YOU HAVE NOT, BE WARNED - THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
The second installment in the Hunger Games series, entitled CATCHING FIRE, is a sensational film. From the chilling first moments to the unforgettable climax, this movie grabs you, hoists you into the arena with Jennifer Lawrence, and doesn't let you go, even after the movie has ended.
Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as Katniss Everdeen, The Girl On Fire, in the follow-up to the (slightly depressing) first Hunger Games movie. She plays a teenage girl, still shaking from the trauma of the televised gladiatorial child-killing spree, the annual Hunger Games. The trauma is real on her face, as is every other emotion through the movie.
Josh Hutcherson returns (much to the teenage girls of America's delight) as Peeta Mellark, a bread maker, also a Victor from the previous year. His desperate attempts to calm Katniss, befriend Katniss, and woo Katniss are as real as they come.
Following them is a line of former victors and supporting actors. Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Stanley Tucci as Cesar Flickerman, and Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, to name a few, are particularly good.
And that's not mentioning the film's visuals. From start to finish, the movie is a feast for the eyes and ears, from the sumptuous visuals of the Capitol to the danger and excitement of the arena.
This movie will keep you reeling with suspense, rolling on the floor from occasional bursts of humor, and cheering with the entire cast of this, the 75th annual HUNGER GAMES!
Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
Practically Imperfect In Every Way (And There's Nothing Wrong With That)
SAVING MR. BANKS, a film directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, is a fantastic film.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by Mary Poppins. From childhood, when I watched the musical classic, to later childhood, when I discovered the books I still hold dear.
In high school, I became very interested with this mysterious write, PL Travers (I didn't even know if she was a woman or a man!). So, I did some research on her and her background. Needless to say, I was shocked - she came from a poor family with an alcoholic father and a suicidal mother and rose above it.
Then, when I learned a year later that her story was being turned into a movie, I was very excited. I raced to the theater on Christmas Day and watched it.
This movie is, simply put, a triumph, practically imperfect in every way.
Whoa, hold on - what? IMPERFECT?!
Yes, imperfect. Let me explain.
From the opening moments to the final scene, Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks (as well as some wonderful supporting actors, including Paul Giamatti and Colin Farrell) show us that no one is perfect - and there's nothing wrong with that.
For instance, Pamela "PL" Travers is stubborn, angry, bitter, and (really) dead inside. For so long, she has allowed her anger and bitterness towards everyone fester inside. When Walt Disney asks to make a movie of her beloved Mary Poppins, she is reluctant in every way possible, wanting her work to be untarnished by "silly cartoons" and the color red.
Walt Disney himself is pushy, somewhat deceitful, and in the end, he does whatever he pleases to her movie. But he respects her and comforts her in many hours of need.
All in all, this movie is a wonderful movie about imperfect people. Imperfect people making imperfect movies about imperfect people. And, in the end, we laugh, we cry, we applaud, and we go back into our imperfect world. And that's okay.
That's okay.
Footloose (2011)
Totally and Utterly Disappointing!
Last night, me and my siblings were surfing around Netflix looking for something to watch. We found the 2011 remake of Footloose and thought, "Eh, what the heck?" So we watched it.
Biggest mistake ever.
This movie is not only a pointless remake of a hallowed cinematic classic, it's just boring as a stand-alone movie. The film offered no redeeming qualities - none whatsoever. Even the dance sequences left me groaning and begging for the original (After completing the film, I went to YouTube and purged the old one out of me by watching the dance scenes from the original).
In particular, Kenny Wormald as Ren was singularly a bad choice. His performance left me wishing for Kevin Bacon (who, ironically, recently appeared on the Tonight Show for a comedic reprisal of his Footloose role). At one point, my father walked by and commented, "He looks like a ventriloquist dummy!"
Julianne Hough was also terrible as Ariel. She lacked the flirty, fun, mystery revolving around the original character. Her performance was dry, and her emotions were faked.
One of the worst parts about this movie was Dennis Quaid as the pastor. His performance left me literally crying in agony. I have never seen such a terrible reprisal of a role. He was dry, stereotypical, and lacked all the emotion of John Lithgow's original character.
Probably one of this film's only redeeming qualities was Willard, played by Miles Teller. In his surprisingly endearing performance, Miles Teller puts forth at least a decent acting effort.
Not much else good can be said about this film update. If you get the itch for a good dance movie, this is NOT the one for you. Better to find and watch the classic original and not bother
12 Years a Slave (2013)
To Be Watched For Its Importance As Well As Enjoyment
While anyone who looks at my IMDb page will see I am a sucker for a film about African-Americans who overcome, this film was different.
12 YEARS A SLAVE, directed by the amazing Steve McQueen, is an important, powerful movie. There is simply no other way to say it. It is wonderfully crafted, beautifully acted, and stirring to watch.
But like many movies where there is tragedy or tragic-but-true history, this movie is not necessarily one to be watched for enjoyment. That is not to say you cannot get some enjoyment out of this movie - far from it. There were a few scenes where I just had to laugh, particularly in one comical sequence where Northrup beats his own master (that sounds mean, but the man's reaction is downright comical).
But when I say it is not one to watch for enjoyment, what I mean is, that is not this film's sole purpose. The film's purpose (as the filmmakers oft pointed out when they were receiving this film's 3 Oscars) is to tell the very real story of Solomon Northrup.
That being said, there are quite a number of scenes in this movie that are very hard to watch. As is often the case in movies where there are whites being cruel to blacks, more than once, I looked down at myself, uncomfortable in the skin I'm in (I'm white). I felt guilty for the actions of my ancestors.
Now, I realize that, in the end, evil is overcome. A scene at the end, where Solomon is finally liberated, particularly shows the victory over evil (aka the loathsome Mr. Epps, in Michael Fassbender's most easily hate able role yet).
All in all, this movie is stirring, important, powerful, sometimes hard to watch (and a bit unsatisfying at the end, but such is life), and altogether, one of the most amazing movies I've ever witnessed. Mature audiences will love it and cherish it for years to come.
Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew (1973)
Great Interpretation of One Of The Best Musicals Of All Time
I picked up a DVD copy of this movie for 6 bucks the other day and watched it. Knowing what I know now, I would have paid 20. This movie is a wonder to behold. From the very beginning, it is musically witty, vibrantly colorful, uniquely humorous, and interestingly romantic. It is romantic in that it shows a different side of the Gospel, and that is the love between Jesus and his disciples, even when Judas/John betrays him (I warned you - spoilers!). And probably the best part about this movie is the lack of objectionable material. Aside from one profanity, a slightly burlesque number (in which the singer jokingly proclaims in a Lauren Bacall-like voice, "Ooh, come here, Jesus, I got something to show you"), and a depressing scene at the end where Jesus dies, there is literally nothing objectionable in this great musical movie. The songs are genius, the comedy is palpable, the acting is great, and the overall production value is superb. I highly recommend this movie!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
A Quirky, Enjoyable Movie
I watched this movie for the first time the day after Halloween as a sort of bridge from the spooky season to the Christmas season. After finishing It, I had a couple thought. First of all, the animation is a feast for the eyes and the music is phenomenal. Tim Burton is an artistic genius and the effects and music were thoroughly satisfying. That being said, I felt it was way too short. The action rose and fell far too quickly, and the high drama at the end felt forced. The crux of the plot came to easily and too soon. If they had made it a little longer and deeper, the film would be perfect. But that should in no way stop you from seeing this. It's a great spooky Christmas flick for your older kids and parents.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)
Haunting and An Amazing Film!
This film is a piece of cinematic genius. They just couldn't do wrong with this film.
Kenneth Brannagh is an acting genius, and he brought a depth to the role of Frankenstein such as movies have never seen before.
Helena Bonham Carter certainly turned heads in this production. Her acting, as always, was flawless, and her interestingly beautiful face lent a unique quality to Elizabeth.
The monster, played by an unrecognizable Robert de Niro, was perfect. His journey from dumb monster to vengeful beast chilled me to the bone.
The screenplay was heaven-sent.
And the music - oh, such music! To this day,that music stays with me (and my music player). It is genius work the likes of which would make Beethoven and Mozart proud!
All around, this movie is a win! While not for kids, this is definitely worth a watch with teens on up!
American Playhouse: Into the Woods (1991)
A True Wonder To Behold!
I watched this play on Netflix the other night, having never seen or heard it before. I was stunned.
Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS is a piece of musical theatre that the world needed. It's a fun, kid-friendly (for the most part), musically rich fairy tale. Bernadette Peters absolutely shines as the Witch, and Chip Zien is perfect for the Baker. The music is the star of the show, though. The music by Sondheim is genius (as is the Sondheim norm).
I highly recommend this movie. It's a fun, flighty musical the whold family can enjoy. Only some slight sexual elements mar this otherwise- friendly film.