Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Movie 43
Movie 43
Marketed similarly to Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, with a large cast of many well-known actors and actresses, deciding to watch this movie seemed like a good choice. In the theatrical trailers, Emma Stone, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, and Halle Berry appear in what look like different scenes of a comedy with intertwining stories...that was not the case for this 90 minute film.
Movie 43's plotlines never intermingle, in fact, the only thing tying them together is one man (played by a somewhat delusional Dennis Quaid) pitching the various stories to a movie producer. Rather than having an overarching theme, this film just was just held together by the audience's constant wondering of: what is going on and what could be more ridiculous than what is already on the screen.
To be honest, this non-cohesive movie felt like an episode of Saturday Night Live that Lorne Michaels would have refused to produce.
It was not all bad though. Movie 43 had some genuinely hilarious skits that were certainly laugh-out-loud worthy, most of which were highlighted in the trailer. Rather than finding myself laughing, I was often wondering what on earth I was watching. My personal feelings are that the film had the right intention, but it really lacked the elements of film that make a work feel complete to the viewer. It is also strange to think that so many big stars would sign on to be in such a nontraditional film, as many of the skits' laugh tactics were pretty tasteless.
If you are considering seeing this film, I would advise you to wait until it is available for rental. Though it wasn't worth the whole ticket price, it is worth a quick watch on the weekend.
Marketed similarly to Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, with a large cast of many well-known actors and actresses, deciding to watch this movie seemed like a good choice. In the theatrical trailers, Emma Stone, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, and Halle Berry appear in what look like different scenes of a comedy with intertwining stories...that was not the case for this 90 minute film.
Movie 43's plotlines never intermingle, in fact, the only thing tying them together is one man (played by a somewhat delusional Dennis Quaid) pitching the various stories to a movie producer. Rather than having an overarching theme, this film just was just held together by the audience's constant wondering of: what is going on and what could be more ridiculous than what is already on the screen.
To be honest, this non-cohesive movie felt like an episode of Saturday Night Live that Lorne Michaels would have refused to produce.
It was not all bad though. Movie 43 had some genuinely hilarious skits that were certainly laugh-out-loud worthy, most of which were highlighted in the trailer. Rather than finding myself laughing, I was often wondering what on earth I was watching. My personal feelings are that the film had the right intention, but it really lacked the elements of film that make a work feel complete to the viewer. It is also strange to think that so many big stars would sign on to be in such a nontraditional film, as many of the skits' laugh tactics were pretty tasteless.
If you are considering seeing this film, I would advise you to wait until it is available for rental. Though it wasn't worth the whole ticket price, it is worth a quick watch on the weekend.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
What I'll be watching this weekend
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Gangster Squad
Gangster Squad
This story of the mission of a special Los Angeles police squad in 1949 proved it was truly able to capture its audience's attention and bring it to another era.
Starring Sean Penn as former boxer-turned-mob boss, Mickey Cohen, we are taken into the scene of some of his most brutal crimes. With the task of taking down Cohen and his mob empire come a police squad made up of Los Angeles' most promising police officers, played by Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Giovanni Ribisi, Anthony Mackie, Robert Patrick, and Michael Peña.
As one could guess, there is plenty of violence in a plot such as this, but don't let that deter you from seeing this film. This historical adventure has far more to offer than just vintage weapons, take for example, the acting of one Hollywood's favorite young stars, Emma Stone. Stone shines in her role as Cohen's etiquette coach, who soon becomes infatuated with none other than Sargent Wooters (Ryan Gosling) a member of the very quad sent to take Cohen down.
It's full of action, drama, vintage flare, and great actors. If you enjoy watching anything that takes you back in time, from Gatsby to Mad Men, this one is for you!
Thanks for reading!
This story of the mission of a special Los Angeles police squad in 1949 proved it was truly able to capture its audience's attention and bring it to another era.
Starring Sean Penn as former boxer-turned-mob boss, Mickey Cohen, we are taken into the scene of some of his most brutal crimes. With the task of taking down Cohen and his mob empire come a police squad made up of Los Angeles' most promising police officers, played by Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Giovanni Ribisi, Anthony Mackie, Robert Patrick, and Michael Peña.
As one could guess, there is plenty of violence in a plot such as this, but don't let that deter you from seeing this film. This historical adventure has far more to offer than just vintage weapons, take for example, the acting of one Hollywood's favorite young stars, Emma Stone. Stone shines in her role as Cohen's etiquette coach, who soon becomes infatuated with none other than Sargent Wooters (Ryan Gosling) a member of the very quad sent to take Cohen down.
It's full of action, drama, vintage flare, and great actors. If you enjoy watching anything that takes you back in time, from Gatsby to Mad Men, this one is for you!
Thanks for reading!
Zero Dark Thirty
Zero Dark Thirty
It is not hard to understand why this early 2013 release has been nominated for best film at the Academy Awards this year, nor why it has been nominated in several categories at nearly all of the most prestigious movie award ceremonies that have happened recently.
The story of one woman's dedication to the mission of finding and defeating al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden features the acting of Jessica Chastain. Chastain's character, Maya, is a CIA agent who we follow on a near-decade-long journey to crack down on al-Qaida. Her role is one that audiences have rarely seen thus-far in movie history: a strong, independent woman in a position in a federal agency, working to make history and gain justice. Maya, like any other character in her position, whether male or female, faces a great deal of struggle to do what she feels is right, and Chastain does a phenomenal job of making Maya and her hardships seem utterly real.
What makes this film different from others that deal with war in the Middle East is how it is told. The decision was made to have the film formatted in what felt like chapters. With the beginning of each chapter, we are given a title that eloquently foreshadows what is to come. It was a brave choice to make in terms of story telling, and I would also call it a successful one.
This film, though not lighthearted in any way, felt like a privilege to watch. It featured amazing cinematography, acting, and writing. If you enjoyed seeing Argo, this is a great piece to compare it to.
Thank you for reading!
It is not hard to understand why this early 2013 release has been nominated for best film at the Academy Awards this year, nor why it has been nominated in several categories at nearly all of the most prestigious movie award ceremonies that have happened recently.
The story of one woman's dedication to the mission of finding and defeating al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden features the acting of Jessica Chastain. Chastain's character, Maya, is a CIA agent who we follow on a near-decade-long journey to crack down on al-Qaida. Her role is one that audiences have rarely seen thus-far in movie history: a strong, independent woman in a position in a federal agency, working to make history and gain justice. Maya, like any other character in her position, whether male or female, faces a great deal of struggle to do what she feels is right, and Chastain does a phenomenal job of making Maya and her hardships seem utterly real.
What makes this film different from others that deal with war in the Middle East is how it is told. The decision was made to have the film formatted in what felt like chapters. With the beginning of each chapter, we are given a title that eloquently foreshadows what is to come. It was a brave choice to make in terms of story telling, and I would also call it a successful one.
This film, though not lighthearted in any way, felt like a privilege to watch. It featured amazing cinematography, acting, and writing. If you enjoyed seeing Argo, this is a great piece to compare it to.
Thank you for reading!
Les Misérables
Les Misérables
Before I express the unpopular opinion, let me say that this film was gorgeous in so many ways, the voices, the cinematography, the costumes, the casting...need I go on?
I felt as though the film did not do the story justice. It seemed as though, with all of the impressive filming techniques, the underlying themes became lost in the shuffle.
Personally, I would prefer to see this musical on the stage, but the film really did have quite a bit to offer. The fact that such a monumental piece of musical history can be shared so widely is what makes this film worth watching.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Django Unchained
Django Unchained
Different. Quentin Tarantino's latest work is certainly no ordinary cinematic experience. It is loud, vibrant, extreme, and brilliant. When it comes to making a movie in today's world, it is often brave and wonderful to be called different. A film about a freed slave trying to find his wife is a story that could be told in many ways, but Tarantino found a way that has never been done before. It is more than a gun-slinging shootout, a love story, or a journey of a pre-Civil War slave, and that is precisely why it is worth watching.
Django Unchained opens with Django (Jamie Foxx), and several other actors playing slaves, chained and walking through the desert. Immediately the audience is thrust into a cinematic event that one does not expect and cannot fully prepare for: a deep look into Tarantino's extremely realistic portrayal of slavery in the south, just two years before the Civil War began.
Out of nowhere, the film takes a turn in a wry direction with the entrance of German dentist-turned-bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz, who purchases Django and quickly puts him to work. Django and Schultz become bounty hunting partners on the conditions that Django carries out a number of bounty huntings and that Schultz helps to find the nearly-freed slave's wife. The two characters make for an interesting partnership and friendship, each teaching and helping the other in ways that were once unacceptable for southern standards.
As the film progresses, Django and Schultz must find Django's wife Broomhilda (played by Kerry Washington). This is where things get brutal, twisted, and sticky, and where plantation owner, Calvin Candie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) makes his entrance. Mr. Candie owns Candyland, the plantation where Broomhilda is thought to live and work in slavery. At Candyland a variety of awful events ensue, including "Mandingo fighting." Ironically, while something like cock fights among slaves are taking place, there is one slave who essentially runs all of Candyland, Stephen (played by Samuel L. Jackson). Beyond here, it is a story that is the silver screen's to tell.
In addition, each of the actors in this movie do an amazing job in their roles, and even Tarantino makes a great appearance. The emotions that are conveyed within the relationships of this film are amazing to watch.
Finally, the cinematography, soundtrack, and setting were all laced together perfectly, creating a film that is worth a watch.
Thank you for reading!
Different. Quentin Tarantino's latest work is certainly no ordinary cinematic experience. It is loud, vibrant, extreme, and brilliant. When it comes to making a movie in today's world, it is often brave and wonderful to be called different. A film about a freed slave trying to find his wife is a story that could be told in many ways, but Tarantino found a way that has never been done before. It is more than a gun-slinging shootout, a love story, or a journey of a pre-Civil War slave, and that is precisely why it is worth watching.
Django Unchained opens with Django (Jamie Foxx), and several other actors playing slaves, chained and walking through the desert. Immediately the audience is thrust into a cinematic event that one does not expect and cannot fully prepare for: a deep look into Tarantino's extremely realistic portrayal of slavery in the south, just two years before the Civil War began.
Out of nowhere, the film takes a turn in a wry direction with the entrance of German dentist-turned-bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz, who purchases Django and quickly puts him to work. Django and Schultz become bounty hunting partners on the conditions that Django carries out a number of bounty huntings and that Schultz helps to find the nearly-freed slave's wife. The two characters make for an interesting partnership and friendship, each teaching and helping the other in ways that were once unacceptable for southern standards.
As the film progresses, Django and Schultz must find Django's wife Broomhilda (played by Kerry Washington). This is where things get brutal, twisted, and sticky, and where plantation owner, Calvin Candie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) makes his entrance. Mr. Candie owns Candyland, the plantation where Broomhilda is thought to live and work in slavery. At Candyland a variety of awful events ensue, including "Mandingo fighting." Ironically, while something like cock fights among slaves are taking place, there is one slave who essentially runs all of Candyland, Stephen (played by Samuel L. Jackson). Beyond here, it is a story that is the silver screen's to tell.
In addition, each of the actors in this movie do an amazing job in their roles, and even Tarantino makes a great appearance. The emotions that are conveyed within the relationships of this film are amazing to watch.
Finally, the cinematography, soundtrack, and setting were all laced together perfectly, creating a film that is worth a watch.
Thank you for reading!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
December 2012 Movies
Parental Guidance
This was certainly a family friendly film. As my mother said when we went to see this together on vacation, "you know it's a family film when they make pee, poo, and vomit funny." With all that being said, this Billy Crystal and Bette Midler feature was really thoughtful and fun.
Parental Guidance is the tale of a set of grandparents taking care of their grandchildren while the parents are out of town. When you hear that, you may think, "cute, but what makes it worth watching?"
Here is why you should consider it: It is a humorous and thoughtful story of struggle and growth within each individual character (grandparents, parents, and children) and has a great message to share with its audience: we are never too young or too old to start again.
Something great to watch with the family!
This Is 40
Marketed as Judd Apatow's "sort-of sequel" to Knocked Up, the film seemed like it would be all comedy, based on the released trailers.
Apatow, known for releasing comedic films with a dose of morality, certainly stuck to his genre with This is 40.
It was funny, but it wasn't the typical cleaver concoction of perfect amounts of humor and seriousness. The marriages and relationships featured within the movie lead to an all too real feeling that one gets when going through a rough patch. Let's just say, Paul Rudd and Apatow's wife, Leslie Mann, are great and very convincing actors.
As for the movie being a sequel to Knocked Up, it certainly was just "sort-of" as there was no mention of Katherine Heigl or Seth Rogan's characters, nor the child they were "knocked up" with. As a big fan of the first film, I was a bit disappointed, but I still enjoyed this addition to Apatow's repertoire.
If you are looking for a feel good flick, this one is probably not your best bet, but if you like the actors featured in it, you may find you enjoy your time spent watching this.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Jackson's newest film may not have received ratings as high as expected, but I found that it was a positively phenomenal work of cinematography. My guess as to why the film received some criticism is that Lord of the Rings fans are some of the most thorough movie viewers.
Everything I can think of to review about this movie (the music, the actors, the film style, the special effects, etc.) was amazing.
Some films that have a runtime similar to The Hobbit may be considered tedious to watch, and for good reason, but Jackson made good use of the three hours in which the first part of the trilogy takes place.
It was really a treat for the eyes. It is somewhat debatable whether it needed to be released in the 3-D format, as there is not too much material that really "jumps out at you," but it looks great either way.
A great story and a must-see for fans of the fantastic.
This was certainly a family friendly film. As my mother said when we went to see this together on vacation, "you know it's a family film when they make pee, poo, and vomit funny." With all that being said, this Billy Crystal and Bette Midler feature was really thoughtful and fun.
Parental Guidance is the tale of a set of grandparents taking care of their grandchildren while the parents are out of town. When you hear that, you may think, "cute, but what makes it worth watching?"
Here is why you should consider it: It is a humorous and thoughtful story of struggle and growth within each individual character (grandparents, parents, and children) and has a great message to share with its audience: we are never too young or too old to start again.
Something great to watch with the family!
This Is 40
Marketed as Judd Apatow's "sort-of sequel" to Knocked Up, the film seemed like it would be all comedy, based on the released trailers.
Apatow, known for releasing comedic films with a dose of morality, certainly stuck to his genre with This is 40.
It was funny, but it wasn't the typical cleaver concoction of perfect amounts of humor and seriousness. The marriages and relationships featured within the movie lead to an all too real feeling that one gets when going through a rough patch. Let's just say, Paul Rudd and Apatow's wife, Leslie Mann, are great and very convincing actors.
As for the movie being a sequel to Knocked Up, it certainly was just "sort-of" as there was no mention of Katherine Heigl or Seth Rogan's characters, nor the child they were "knocked up" with. As a big fan of the first film, I was a bit disappointed, but I still enjoyed this addition to Apatow's repertoire.
If you are looking for a feel good flick, this one is probably not your best bet, but if you like the actors featured in it, you may find you enjoy your time spent watching this.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Jackson's newest film may not have received ratings as high as expected, but I found that it was a positively phenomenal work of cinematography. My guess as to why the film received some criticism is that Lord of the Rings fans are some of the most thorough movie viewers.
Everything I can think of to review about this movie (the music, the actors, the film style, the special effects, etc.) was amazing.
Some films that have a runtime similar to The Hobbit may be considered tedious to watch, and for good reason, but Jackson made good use of the three hours in which the first part of the trilogy takes place.
It was really a treat for the eyes. It is somewhat debatable whether it needed to be released in the 3-D format, as there is not too much material that really "jumps out at you," but it looks great either way.
A great story and a must-see for fans of the fantastic.
Friday, January 11, 2013
November 2012 Movies
Killing Them Softly
I cannot even say that this film deserves a review. I even updated my Facebook status after watching it in the theater and wrote, "Killing Them Softly=$12 nap."
Here is what I will say:
Killing Them Softly seemed like an attempt to capture the smooth violence and cinematography from Drive. It is hard to say that this film even had potential to do so. This film used voice overs from speeches that President Obama has made in what seemed like an attempt to make it a deep and thoughtful work. The use of the voice overs really seemed like a cheap tactic. Not even a voice over from Einstein or Elvis could have rescued this misuse of money.
Life of Pi
Phenomenal story. Phenomenal acting. Phenomenal cinematography. Everyone should see it.
I heard from several people who have read the book that the film successfully captures its powerful story.
Rise of the Guardians
A classic tale of good versus evil with a fresh story and a fun interpretation of favorite childhood characters.
Trickster Jack Frost is thrust into the role as "guardian" to watch over the happiness of children throughout the world, alongside longtime guardians: Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sand Man.
Though the animation is not quite as perfect as Pixar, this film certainly has a great art style.
If you are looking for an experience to share with a younger generation or just want to see a movie with a pure message of hope, this is a good call.
Breaking Dawn-Part 2
In the past, I typically defended going to the Twilight movies because they had great music. I cannot say the same goes for Breaking Dawn: Part 2.
One more cultural phenomena has come to a close, whether that is fortunate or unfortunate is up to you.
If you don't get the chance to see it, I won't pity you, but it feels good to know that I followed the films from the first through the fifth.
Skyfall
I didn't grow up as a Bond fan. I was always more of a Get Smart girl, to be perfectly honest. Before seeing Skyfall in theaters, I made sure to catch up on Daniel Craig's rendition of the legendary character.
I thought that out of the three Craig/Bond movies, this was by far the best. The two prior films were well made and had perfectly fascinating storylines, but this one had the most to offer.
From Adele's song during the opening credits, to the puzzling charmingly mischievous performance of Javier Bardem as the villain, to the beautiful choices of setting in Scotland, Skyfall was a cinematic must-see in November.
Wreck-It Ralph
Fun and fearless. Disney did a fantastic job of character development, animation, and storytelling in this exciting and heart-touching film.
The Disney film features the voices of several great actors, including John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch.
If you aren't into all the video games that Wreck-It Ralph references, don't be afraid to give the film a watch anyway. I certainly am no gaming connoisseur, but I still had a great time watching this!
I cannot even say that this film deserves a review. I even updated my Facebook status after watching it in the theater and wrote, "Killing Them Softly=$12 nap."
Here is what I will say:
Killing Them Softly seemed like an attempt to capture the smooth violence and cinematography from Drive. It is hard to say that this film even had potential to do so. This film used voice overs from speeches that President Obama has made in what seemed like an attempt to make it a deep and thoughtful work. The use of the voice overs really seemed like a cheap tactic. Not even a voice over from Einstein or Elvis could have rescued this misuse of money.
Life of Pi
Phenomenal story. Phenomenal acting. Phenomenal cinematography. Everyone should see it.
I heard from several people who have read the book that the film successfully captures its powerful story.
Rise of the Guardians
A classic tale of good versus evil with a fresh story and a fun interpretation of favorite childhood characters.
Trickster Jack Frost is thrust into the role as "guardian" to watch over the happiness of children throughout the world, alongside longtime guardians: Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sand Man.
Though the animation is not quite as perfect as Pixar, this film certainly has a great art style.
If you are looking for an experience to share with a younger generation or just want to see a movie with a pure message of hope, this is a good call.
Breaking Dawn-Part 2
In the past, I typically defended going to the Twilight movies because they had great music. I cannot say the same goes for Breaking Dawn: Part 2.
One more cultural phenomena has come to a close, whether that is fortunate or unfortunate is up to you.
If you don't get the chance to see it, I won't pity you, but it feels good to know that I followed the films from the first through the fifth.
Skyfall
I didn't grow up as a Bond fan. I was always more of a Get Smart girl, to be perfectly honest. Before seeing Skyfall in theaters, I made sure to catch up on Daniel Craig's rendition of the legendary character.
I thought that out of the three Craig/Bond movies, this was by far the best. The two prior films were well made and had perfectly fascinating storylines, but this one had the most to offer.
From Adele's song during the opening credits, to the puzzling charmingly mischievous performance of Javier Bardem as the villain, to the beautiful choices of setting in Scotland, Skyfall was a cinematic must-see in November.
Wreck-It Ralph
Fun and fearless. Disney did a fantastic job of character development, animation, and storytelling in this exciting and heart-touching film.
The Disney film features the voices of several great actors, including John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch.
If you aren't into all the video games that Wreck-It Ralph references, don't be afraid to give the film a watch anyway. I certainly am no gaming connoisseur, but I still had a great time watching this!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Perks, Transylvania, & Cloud Atlas
Cloud Atlas
This is absolutely one of the best movies I have seen throughout my lifetime. It has received quite a bit of flack for its complexity and (somewhat) astounding runtime of 172 minutes, but I feel that it was a phenomenal piece of film that really broke some boundaries in storytelling. Starring Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving, and Tom Hanks, the film weaved together several compelling and exciting storylines from what seemed to be our past, present, and future.
This film examines how the consequences of one's actions have the ability to ripple through history.
I would call this the movie of the year.
Hotel Transylvania
To describe this movie in one word, I would have to say: cute.
Though most Halloween movies are thought of as spooky, this one does not follow that rule. It is a heartfelt story of a father vampire looking out for his daughter as she is coming of age.
It's a kids' movie, so it isn't too deep of a plot, but the characters are fairly developed throughout the film. The casting of the voice actors was great (everyone really seemed to fill out their role well).
The animation isn't Pixar, but it was still fun to watch!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Having never read the book, I had no idea what to expect when I sat down to watch this September release. Despite being one of countless stories about highschoolers going through a tough time, this story covers quite a bit of material that seems to go untouched by other filmmakers (for example, teen suicide, psychological challenges, etc.).
Beyond the story, the film featured some excellent acting from stars including: Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Logan Lerman, Paul Rudd, and Kate Walsh.
This is absolutely one of the best movies I have seen throughout my lifetime. It has received quite a bit of flack for its complexity and (somewhat) astounding runtime of 172 minutes, but I feel that it was a phenomenal piece of film that really broke some boundaries in storytelling. Starring Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving, and Tom Hanks, the film weaved together several compelling and exciting storylines from what seemed to be our past, present, and future.
This film examines how the consequences of one's actions have the ability to ripple through history.
I would call this the movie of the year.
Hotel Transylvania
To describe this movie in one word, I would have to say: cute.
Though most Halloween movies are thought of as spooky, this one does not follow that rule. It is a heartfelt story of a father vampire looking out for his daughter as she is coming of age.
It's a kids' movie, so it isn't too deep of a plot, but the characters are fairly developed throughout the film. The casting of the voice actors was great (everyone really seemed to fill out their role well).
The animation isn't Pixar, but it was still fun to watch!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Having never read the book, I had no idea what to expect when I sat down to watch this September release. Despite being one of countless stories about highschoolers going through a tough time, this story covers quite a bit of material that seems to go untouched by other filmmakers (for example, teen suicide, psychological challenges, etc.).
Beyond the story, the film featured some excellent acting from stars including: Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Logan Lerman, Paul Rudd, and Kate Walsh.
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