About Time

About Time

Image property of Working Title Films

This Nov. 1 release stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy in a touching story about time travel and the value of relationships.  With the tagline, "It's about life. It's about love. It's about time," this drama brings new light to the tired concept of time travel.  

In the film, Gleeson's character, Tim, learns that he has the ability to travel through his past.  As a 21-year-old, Tim dedicates his time-traveling abilities to finding love when his father, played by Nighy, informs him of the fact that the men in their family have this extraordinary ability.  The charmingly awkward young man declares, "For me, it was always going to be all about love."

In the midst of coming of age, Tim meets the love of his life, Mary, played by McAdams.  As one could quickly expect, Tim invests all of his efforts, both romantically and in the time traveling sense, on impressing Mary.  

The casting of actors in this film, as well as their ability to make this story come to life, is phenomenal.  The versatile Gleeson, who has appeared in the Harry Potter series, True Grit and Dredd, proved his ability to act in the context of a tasteful drama.  In addition, McAdams gave one of her best performances since The Notebook, which means this is a must watch. 

Although it's a tearjerker, the thoughtful story illustrates the true message behind the film, which is to savor every moment as though it could be your last.  As Tim explains how he uses his gifts, "I try to live every day as if it were the final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life."

Movie I can't wait to see:

It's always a bummer when highly rated movies aren't shown in wide-release. 

The movie I can't wait to see is 12 Years a Slave.  Starring Alfre Woodard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Garret Dillahunt, Michael Fassbender, Michael K. Williams, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti and Sarah Paulson, this Nov. 8 release currently has a rating of 97/100 on Metacritic. 

This is IMDb's description of the film, "In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery."

Sounds like a very interesting story.  

Here's a preview:

Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World

This image is not my property.

After an appearance in The Avengers, Chris Hemsworth is back on the big screen as the god of thunder in the sequel to Marvel's 2011 release, Thor.

While one of Marvel's infamous bad boys, Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston), is locked up for his wrongdoings that took place in the context of The Avengers, the world of Asgard comes under the attack of an ancient elven race. 

As was much anticipated, the lovers from different worlds, Jane (played by Natalie Portman) and the Norse god are reunited because of a major event called the convergence, a time at which the nine realms (a concept introduced in 2011 release) align.

What makes this film different from the first is the fact that this feels more like a superhero movie.  While Hemsworth's character had to work hard to earn his power in the precursor, it made for a plot that was less than satisfactory.  Now that he's a full-blown, experienced warrior-type hero, his story far more interesting.   His powers are pushed to the limit in a multi-world final battle scene that rivals that of The Avengers

In addition, Thor: The Dark World has a very fun vibe at times.  Some critics have said that this Nov. 8 release could have done without the added humor, but it can certainly be argued that it created a more diversely entertaining film.  The added humor may have come from a sense of obligation to make the audience laugh after the success of Iron Man 3, which had viewers cracking up in May 2013.  It could be a good choice for the franchise...besides, who doesn't love Kat Denning's snarky role as Jane's intern, Darcy?

Although the movie is named after Thor, the real star was his adopted brother, Loki, the quick and witty god of trickery.  After his bout in New York fighting against the Avengers, his brother calls upon him for help during Asgard's time of need.  From the depth of character that Hiddleston brings to the character this time around to the constant question of whether he'll betray his people again, Loki makes this movie worth watching.  He'll have you wondering whether you love to hate him or hate to love him the whole time. 

If you enjoy Marvel's superheroes, action and a bit of laughter, this movie is a great way to spend an afternoon! 

Grade: B+

The Counselor

The Counselor

This image is not my property

Under the direction of Ridley Scott comes this Oct. 25 release.  Written by Cormac McCarthy, this film stars Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Javier Bardem.

The movie opens with the "Counselor" (Fassbender) and Laura (Cruz) speaking intimately and lustily, covered in white bedding.  The moment is sweet and the movie proceeds with the Counselor going to pick out an engagement ring for his beloved.  

This film is truly a mixed bag.  As the plot continues, the viewer gets a view at what happens when the Counselor, a seemingly high-powered lawyer, finds himself caught in the middle of a bad drug deal.  His life, as well as the life of his fiance Laura, are turned upside down, which leads to how Pitt, Diaz and Bardem become major players in the film.  

Diaz plays Malinka, the new flame of the Counselor's friend, Reiner, played by Bardem.  While the couple certainly makes the film interesting, from the fact that they own cheetahs to the awkward description that Reiner gives of Malinka's past sexual encounters, the Diaz tries too hard to act cool, yet dangerous and Bardem ends up giving a less than memorable performance.

On the upside, Cruz and Fassbender are very convincing in their roles, but their talent would have been better used in another film.   

What's most unfortunate about this movie is that its best feature is its disturbingly graphic violence. 

It's hard to say that a movie is bad, especially after paying to see it in theaters, but this one really was.  The movie felt forced, from the poor acting to the graceless writing, it was lacking human compassion.   

Grade: D+


 

Up next! The Counselor and Ender's Game

My next reviews will be on:

The Counselor

Ender's Game