http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392214/?ref_=nv_sr_1
A taught mystery with great performances all round. The twists and reveals in the story are very well done, and resolution is very satisfying. The best is Jake Gyllenhaal as the detective, the dedicated and caring cop with clearly more troubles in his past than he's willing or able to reveal, his balance of passion and procedure are compelling and very well done. Hugh Jackman as the father of one of the missing girls is good but often pathetic and unsympathetic in his recklessness and abuse of the police; perhaps all of his actions are a plausible response to the situation, but I felt neither support nor sympathy for him, and much more compassion for the victim of his rage than I did for him as the victim himself. A good popcorn movie for a dark, rainy evening.
January 5, 2014
Out of the Furnace (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1206543/
I wanted to like this movie, but eventually everything about it - the characters, the story, the ending - were predictable and not very likeable. The penultimate actions - the murders of the brother and friend - are completely pointless, and so the final act of the story feels contrived and silly. The romantic sidebar is similarly ridiculous, providing nothing to the movie other than a role of some kind for Forrest Whitaker. Not very good at all.
I wanted to like this movie, but eventually everything about it - the characters, the story, the ending - were predictable and not very likeable. The penultimate actions - the murders of the brother and friend - are completely pointless, and so the final act of the story feels contrived and silly. The romantic sidebar is similarly ridiculous, providing nothing to the movie other than a role of some kind for Forrest Whitaker. Not very good at all.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1170358/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Make it stop, already. While a lovely and detailed presentation of this beloved story, it is also artless and tedious, dragging out meaningless conversation, extending battle and action scenes and showing countless overhead panoramas of the group trekking through, over or across more of New Zealand's lovely lands. Boring.
Make it stop, already. While a lovely and detailed presentation of this beloved story, it is also artless and tedious, dragging out meaningless conversation, extending battle and action scenes and showing countless overhead panoramas of the group trekking through, over or across more of New Zealand's lovely lands. Boring.
Open Grave (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2071550/
A clever little thriller. With several twists and turns in the story, and the puzzle of one character who doesn't speak, this story includes elements of zombie stories, slasher movies, and complex mysteries. Excellent performances from the ensemble, especially Sharlto Copley in the lead, a tight script and well done visuals and effects, keep you engaged and on the edge right through.
A clever little thriller. With several twists and turns in the story, and the puzzle of one character who doesn't speak, this story includes elements of zombie stories, slasher movies, and complex mysteries. Excellent performances from the ensemble, especially Sharlto Copley in the lead, a tight script and well done visuals and effects, keep you engaged and on the edge right through.
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790636/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Performances - and transformances - by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are at the centre of this movie, and both are excellent but neither rescues the story from tv-movie-of-the-week ordinariness. Intended to be a character study of Ron Woodruff, a roughneck good-old-boy who finds himself on the front line of the war on AIDS in the mid-80s, there is little learned about him or his strange compatriots and certainly nothing about his motivations or expectations. His transition from cowboy to crusader, from hardass to hero, is never explained, nor are any of his close relationships. Jennifer Garner was unbelievable (not in a good way) as the doctor, and the rest of the characters were too typical - evil drug company executives, heartless agents, greedy doctors - to be believable. Again, the physical transformations and performances by McConaughey and Leto are outstanding, but insufficient in this poorly told tale.
January 4, 2014
Rush (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/
Sometime over the past few years, we've watched a few high-speed documentaries (excellent examples are Senna (2010) and TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011)). While Rush had the potential to equal those, it somehow fell flat. The story of the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda was deftly handly by the story and the actors, but the tension between them never translated onto the racetrack in the film; just when things start getting good, the chemistry fizzled like a race cancelled due to rain, undermined by lacklustre cinematography and score. Kudos to the casting directors, as the characterizations of the main and other players was exceptional. Overall, disappointing to see the excitement of racing made boring.
Sometime over the past few years, we've watched a few high-speed documentaries (excellent examples are Senna (2010) and TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011)). While Rush had the potential to equal those, it somehow fell flat. The story of the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda was deftly handly by the story and the actors, but the tension between them never translated onto the racetrack in the film; just when things start getting good, the chemistry fizzled like a race cancelled due to rain, undermined by lacklustre cinematography and score. Kudos to the casting directors, as the characterizations of the main and other players was exceptional. Overall, disappointing to see the excitement of racing made boring.
All Is Lost (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2017038/
This is man-vs-nature (or man-vs-himself?), with the main man himself, Robert Redford. With no backstory, or real conclusion either, the story is bounded only by the horizons of the ocean that we can see from just above sea-level. Wrecked in the middle of nowhere, he seems both seasoned and ill-prepared at the same time, with the appearance and demeanour of the old-man-at-sea but taken down by one catastrophe after another. As he moves through vexation through frustration to despair, you're often wondering how or why he ended up here, but you're really not that interested, unfortunately. Be it a vision-quest, a mid-life crisis, or a self-imposed exile for penance, you're never really compelled root for any side of the vs., and the ultimate resolution is unsatisfactory and uninteresting.
This is man-vs-nature (or man-vs-himself?), with the main man himself, Robert Redford. With no backstory, or real conclusion either, the story is bounded only by the horizons of the ocean that we can see from just above sea-level. Wrecked in the middle of nowhere, he seems both seasoned and ill-prepared at the same time, with the appearance and demeanour of the old-man-at-sea but taken down by one catastrophe after another. As he moves through vexation through frustration to despair, you're often wondering how or why he ended up here, but you're really not that interested, unfortunately. Be it a vision-quest, a mid-life crisis, or a self-imposed exile for penance, you're never really compelled root for any side of the vs., and the ultimate resolution is unsatisfactory and uninteresting.
American Hustle (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1800241/
I had high hopes for this one, and so was a bit disappointed. The Abscam story in the background of this provides an environment for a smaller story about the people involved in and affected by the greed, corruption and confusion of the times. The main characters are mostly well done, and the reflection, through music, costumes, and sets, of the mood and style of the late 70s is impressive. Some of the minor characters are too one dimensional (the exception being Jeremy Renner, somewhat unrecognizable as the Mayor) and the lapses into comedy in the story are distracting. Jennifer Lawrence is excellent, even if her Jersey accent lapses too often to make her fully believable), but even better is Amy Adams as the brilliant con-woman Sydney Prosser/Edith Greensly. Adams' fully realized portrayal is wonderful, and provides the emotional centre for the story. But ultimately, the story falls flat, despite the truth of it.
I had high hopes for this one, and so was a bit disappointed. The Abscam story in the background of this provides an environment for a smaller story about the people involved in and affected by the greed, corruption and confusion of the times. The main characters are mostly well done, and the reflection, through music, costumes, and sets, of the mood and style of the late 70s is impressive. Some of the minor characters are too one dimensional (the exception being Jeremy Renner, somewhat unrecognizable as the Mayor) and the lapses into comedy in the story are distracting. Jennifer Lawrence is excellent, even if her Jersey accent lapses too often to make her fully believable), but even better is Amy Adams as the brilliant con-woman Sydney Prosser/Edith Greensly. Adams' fully realized portrayal is wonderful, and provides the emotional centre for the story. But ultimately, the story falls flat, despite the truth of it.
More Than Honey (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2263058/
A nice little documentary, with fantastic images and interesting information about these winged matchmakers. The information is far from complete - a passing reference to Colony Collapse Disorder is given no further explanation - and the connections between the various location is obscure: other than the fact that they have something to do with bees, the folks shown in Switzerland, Germany, California, Texas, Australia and China are all interesting but separate, and incomplete (there is no background information given about any of the participants). Spotty facts aside, the film is interesting and visually spectacular. The ending seems to be allegorical - bees as supernatural or mythical creatures, whose mysteries are beyond us.
A nice little documentary, with fantastic images and interesting information about these winged matchmakers. The information is far from complete - a passing reference to Colony Collapse Disorder is given no further explanation - and the connections between the various location is obscure: other than the fact that they have something to do with bees, the folks shown in Switzerland, Germany, California, Texas, Australia and China are all interesting but separate, and incomplete (there is no background information given about any of the participants). Spotty facts aside, the film is interesting and visually spectacular. The ending seems to be allegorical - bees as supernatural or mythical creatures, whose mysteries are beyond us.
Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140373/
A nice film, with just a few flaws, nothing too horrible but enough to keep it from greatness. The story of the realization of the movie musical Mary Poppins by Walt Disney, the story pits Walt (Tom Hanks) against PT Travers (Emma Thompson) in a battle over story rights, frivolous songs and dancing penguins. A key requirement for getting and enjoying this film is to be familiar with the other - if you have neither seen nor know anything about Mary Poppins, this film will be mostly meaningless to you. If you are a fan of Mary's, this film should be delightful. The only parts that let the film down are the flashbacks to Travers' childhood in Australia. While an integral part of the story, this portion of the movie is poorly done. The characters are not given much depth and are more caricatures - the drunken father (in a role that would seem tailor-made for him, Colin Farrell founders), the mother used to better things, the daughter under the spell of her fantastic dad, even the bright golden glow of Australia seems overdone. The better parts are in California, where Travers' hostility is eventually charmed by Disney and his crew of merry (or Mary) makers, complete with the Hollywood last-ditch impassioned "trust me with her" speech that finally completes the transaction. The rest is history. While nothing particularly exceptional here, Hanks and Thompson, along with all of the Hollywood cast, are all great. Too bad about the stuff from Downunder, which undermines the great with the mediocre.
A nice film, with just a few flaws, nothing too horrible but enough to keep it from greatness. The story of the realization of the movie musical Mary Poppins by Walt Disney, the story pits Walt (Tom Hanks) against PT Travers (Emma Thompson) in a battle over story rights, frivolous songs and dancing penguins. A key requirement for getting and enjoying this film is to be familiar with the other - if you have neither seen nor know anything about Mary Poppins, this film will be mostly meaningless to you. If you are a fan of Mary's, this film should be delightful. The only parts that let the film down are the flashbacks to Travers' childhood in Australia. While an integral part of the story, this portion of the movie is poorly done. The characters are not given much depth and are more caricatures - the drunken father (in a role that would seem tailor-made for him, Colin Farrell founders), the mother used to better things, the daughter under the spell of her fantastic dad, even the bright golden glow of Australia seems overdone. The better parts are in California, where Travers' hostility is eventually charmed by Disney and his crew of merry (or Mary) makers, complete with the Hollywood last-ditch impassioned "trust me with her" speech that finally completes the transaction. The rest is history. While nothing particularly exceptional here, Hanks and Thompson, along with all of the Hollywood cast, are all great. Too bad about the stuff from Downunder, which undermines the great with the mediocre.
Lone Survivor (2013)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1091191/
A surprise for me - I really liked this. I was expecting fluff, but instead this is riveting and raw. The story is based on truth - a single survivor of a failed mission in Afghanistan. The delivery of the story is excellent. The characters are real and complete, and there is no shying away from the harsh realities and complexities of the mission and situations. Best segment is Act III - the battle in the forest. The heroic actions of the soldiers for their mission and for each other portray the significant agony and strength of these men against overwhelming odds. I think this film is on par (and even better in some aspects) than other recent films such as Zero Dark Thirty.
A surprise for me - I really liked this. I was expecting fluff, but instead this is riveting and raw. The story is based on truth - a single survivor of a failed mission in Afghanistan. The delivery of the story is excellent. The characters are real and complete, and there is no shying away from the harsh realities and complexities of the mission and situations. Best segment is Act III - the battle in the forest. The heroic actions of the soldiers for their mission and for each other portray the significant agony and strength of these men against overwhelming odds. I think this film is on par (and even better in some aspects) than other recent films such as Zero Dark Thirty.
February 27, 2011
Oscars 2011 - a few thoughts and predictions
The big day is here - we're a bit snowed in at home, so not sure how we're going to get together, but hopefully one of us can make the trek.
I was at last able to see The King's Speech last night, and with that brought my pre-Oscar viewing to a close. I have only seen five of the 10 best picture nominees, but as usual will not let that stop me from making a few predictions for tonight.
About the current Oscar format - while I appreciate the spirit and intent of the Academy in expanding the Best Picture category to 10, I really don't think it is worth it. While it is likely often true that there are more than five films worthy of consideration, I think the last two years (and likely more if we go back and analyse it) show that there are rarely 10. There are always going to be a few embarrassing inclusions in a list of 10 like this, a couple of films who's producers know they are only there because of the oddities of math and not out of any real popularity or likelihood of winning.
And so, some predictions:
- Best supporting actor - I think just about everyone in this category is excellent (I have seen 4/5). The smart money's on Christian Bale, but I wouldn't be upset if any of the others win.
- Best actor - the dark horse here is Javier Bardem, as likely not many people have seen the film. My prediction is Colin Firth, but would not be surprised to see Jesse Eisenberg get it (what a career changer that would be for him).
- Best supporting actress - I'd like to see Helena Bonham Carter win here, as I thought her portrayal of the young Queen Mum was very affecting. Jacki Weaver from Animal Kingdom is a real long shot, but also a good choice. However, it will likely go to any of the others, and I'd guess Hailee Steinfeld.
- Best actress - this has to be Natalie Portman. Although I've not seen it, I hear so much about the film and her that it seems likely. As an aside, not a strong year for female parts (again); the last strong year was 2006, when there were several people to choose from rather than a short list to settle on.
- Screenplays - original should be Inception, adapted should be The Social Network.
- Director - David Fincher for The Social Network or Darran Aronofsky for Black Swan - very different films and so could go either way.
- Best picture - if I have to choose from just the ones I've seen, then I would pick Inception. I could see it going to Black Swan, The Kings Speech, The Social Network or True Grit.
For me, the biggest oversights of the Academy this year include:
- Matt Daman for Best Supporting Actor.
- Chris Nolan for Best Director for Inception
- Legends of the Guardians for Best Animated Feature
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for Best Foreign Language Film (not sure which year this officially was so perhaps not eligible).
So we'll see later how well I do. Off to the Red Carpet!
May 7, 2010
Shutter Island
I wanted to like this movie - but I just couldn't. The story conceit is obvious very early on, and so all the ghostly contrivances and twists that follow seem trite and silly. The music was jarring - loud and suspenseful when it was not needed, and completely absent when needed. The performances were good, except for the accents - perhaps Leo should stick to foreign accents instead of American ones. Visually impressive, even some of that was flawed, with very obvious blue-screen backgrounds in a few places, and camera placements and angles that served no purpose - they just reminded you that this was a movie and therefore were a distraction. Too bad - I think the Martin-Leo collaboration has so much potential, but they can't seem to help themselves from going to big and ruining all the small things.
January 10, 2010
Nine
I was looking forward to this film based on a) the trailer and b) another musical with Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge! being one of my all time faves). I was somewhat nervous about the film based a) Daniel Day Lewis (singing? after Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia! last year, I was skeptical) and b) Rob Marshall. Chicago was not a favourite of mine; there were a few of the musical numbers that I really liked, but for the most part felt the movie didn't work as well as the actual stage production. My mixed anticipation was not without merit, given my now mixed views on the film that is Nine.
The film looks fabulous, although feels a bit messy in places (mostly editing). The musical numbers are spectacular - almost all of them, the exception being, unfortunately, the tepid melancholy tune given to Nicole Kidman. The story used to bring together all of these performers and their fabulous numbers also left me a little flat - I didn't like Contini, and thought he got what he deserved for staying immature his whole life, and there was such a brief glimpse of redemption at the end that it seems unbelievable. However, I could endure that for the fabulous numbers - Be Italian was my favourite, but also Cinema Italiano, Folies Bergere and Take It All. Of those, two are originals for the film - Cinema Italiano and Take It All - and the Cinema one did stand out a bit as not really belonging in the story. All of the musical performances - including Daniel Day Lewis and notwithstanding the limp number given to Nicole Kidman - were outstanding. I hope opportunities to let all of these folks perform in musicals again will happen.
While this film will not make into my list of favourite musicals, those exceptional numbers will likely make it to my bookmarked favourties on YouTube.
December 31, 2009
A few late 2009 viewings
The Other Man (Liam Neeson, Antonio Bandaras). A real twist on a familiar tale, and again a chance for men to play ordinary vulnerable people. The character and plot turns in this story make for a surprisingly engaging and touching film.
Five Minutes of Heaven (Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt). A nice surprise and interesting idea. The story uses the idea of a reality show as a device to promote truth and reconciliation, and focuses on two somewhat reluctant participants. The result is interesting, heart-wrenching, and believable. A nice change to see men in vulnerable sensitive roles that do not involve using those qualities to seduce women.
Inglorious Basterds (Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger). A hoot! Funny revisionist WWII story - pretty tough to do anything really new in that genre, but leave it to Quentin Tarantino. Brad Pitt is marvelous. The film is fun and well made. Perhaps not as monumental as Kill Bill or Pulp Fiction, but certainly a good addition to that oeuvre.
Paranormal Activity. I'm normally someone who doesn't like horror/scary movies, but this one was very well done - creepy without being terrifying and enjoyable. The "real" cinematography was well used here to heighten the tension and create effects without really having effects. A very impressive film considering its history.
It's Complicated (Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin). I only found out afterwards that the Nancy Meyers responsible for this film also brought us Something's Gotta Give and Baby Boom, amongst other women 'breaking out' films. Meryl Streep is as good as it gets in this one, but I could not get past the "I've seen this before" feeling throughout. The slapstick comedy in several spots was quite distracting and several character and story elements really fell flat (the kids - for a group that have all left home, they sure all spend a lot of time at home, the girlfriends - none of them as interesting as Meryl or really much concerned with her life). Steve Martin was given pretty short shrift in this, with a character as interesting as a lukewarm glass of white wine - you want to think there's something good or interesting there, but it doesn't come through. Overall, just okay.
Avatar (doesn't matter who's in it - you know the film I mean). This is worth seeing on the big screen (and in Imax if you can manage it). The effects are truly ground breaking - several times I felt myself ducking or moving or reaching up to touch something - and so the film is lovely to watch. The story is rather ordinary - Dune meets Dances With Wolves, with a bit of Star Wars thrown in - but the characters are well done with few caricatures. The film comes in a bit long at 2:40, but it is worthwhile.
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