"Nebraska" the newest movie from heralded director Alexander Payne (Sideways, Election) in all its black and white glory is both a triumph as a film as well as a showcase for heralded yet underappreciated actor Bruce Dern. For the type of movie that "Nebraska" is I cant find a more appropriate word to describe it other than it is perfect.
"Nebraska" centers around Dern's character Woody Grant who has received a letter in the mail declaring him the winner of 1 million dollars. Woody takes it upon himself to walk from his home in Billings Montana to Lincoln Nebraska to collect his supposed winnings until his ne'er do-well son played impressively by SNL/MacGruber alum Will Forte to take this opportunity to bond with his estranged father on this road trip . Along the way they stop off in Woody's former hometown where word of his "millions" soons spreads fast and Woody becomes a living legend in the town no matter how obvious it is that Woody is in fact not going to be a millionaire.
Director Payne is one of America's most consistent directors of the last 15 years, all of his films share a dark comic undertone that is not lost at all on "Nebraska". Payne's most popular film has to be considered "Sideways" and "Nebraska" is actually a good companion piece to it, even though its almost completely opposite. "Sideways" took place in wine country on California's central coast, its beautiful scenery was showcased. "Nebraska" in contrast is shot in black and white and shows the dull, flat landedness that is America's Midwest, its dull and boring and that's the way it should be. What's similar between the two films is the depiction of the characters as being actually believable, flaws and all. Woody's pursuit of the money is not so much a thing of greed, he wants a new truck because he has never had a new truck before, he wants a new air compressor because his previous one was stolen by a "friend" 30 years ago. The Odyssey that takes place shows Woody's son David that underneath the alcoholic, distant father he grew up with was a man who couldn't say no to anyone and never went for his dreams. I do promise this is a comedy.
Actor Bruce Dern has worked with everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Quentin Tarentino. He is a name you might not know but a face you would definitely recognize. His role here is probably the safest bet there is for an Oscar nomination if not a win, its both funny and heartbreaking. If you come from or at least know a dysfunctional family then you will find humor in this movie and the supporting cast does nothing but enhance this experience. The before mentioned Will Forte is a great surprise here and the scenes between him and Dern are some of the best between two actors in recent memory. Relative unknown June Squibb is a scene stealer as Woody's long suffering wife and another great character actor Stacy Keach shows up as a former business partner of Woody's who is looking to settled an old debt. everyone involved from Dern to the actresses playing waitresses are pitch perfect here.
On paper a movie about an old man's odyssey for a cash prize that is shot in black and white and not starring Clint Eastwood is obviously not an easy sell nor probably appealing to the average moviegoer. I can say that if you appreciate dark humor and great acting you will appreciate "Nebraska", whether or not you can exactly relate to it.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
There are movies like the "Twilight" series and then there are movies like the "Hunger Games" series. Similar in that the hero is a female protagonist caught in a love triangle and torn between what is right and wrong but different in almost every other facet up to and including how the execution of the movie adaptation from YA novel series to worldwide blockbuster franchise is done right or for lack of a better term: holocausty.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is the 2nd in the 4 movie series based on the "Hunger Games" YA trilogy of novels (make sense?) The original brought two major things to the table upon its release last year, first was a new franchise that both women and men could find interest in and more importantly it brought Jennifer Lawrence into the mainstream with her role as heroine Katniss Everdeen. Catching Fire is the rarest of rare sequels in that it exceeds the overall experience from the first movie, basically improving on every flaw that the first one had.
I, along with other fans of the book series felt that the 3 books dissolved in quality as they progressed. The filmmakers have made great decisions in creating new things for the book to film adaptation that even at a 2 and a half hour running time makes the film feel fast paced and not just recycling the best things from the first movie. The first Hunger Games is by no means a bad movie but it took its time introducing the characters and original director Gary Ross relied too much on the hand held shaky camera to get his point across. "I Am Legend" and go to "TRL" music video director Francis Lawrence is better suited for this type of material, "Catching Fire" just seems crisper and cleaner than its predecessor.
Lawrence is, as stated in previous entries a "AOM" fave. Continuing to show she has many hats, "Catching Fire" is her follow up to last years Oscar winning turn in what was my favorite film of 2012 "Silver Linings Playbook". Unlike say Kristen Stewart, Lawrence seems game and ready to take on a blockbuster franchise as well as hone her craft with smaller fare like "Silver Linings" and "Winter's Bone". Delivering hokey dialogue is a must in this kind of movie and Lawrence delivers on all levels, her take on Katniss has to be considered one of the best female action heroes along with Sigourney Weaver's "Ellen Ripley" from the "Alien" series. The rest of the cast is almost pitch perfect. Early 2000's indie darling and almost "it" girl Jenna Malone nearly steals the movie from Lawrence as fellow arena competitor Johanna Mason, its definitely a supporting role but every time she is on screen you want more of her. Donald Sutherland as President Snow and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as game creator Plutarch Heavensbee eat up all their scenes and the 2 or 3 they have together are especially juicy. Much like Anthony Hopkins in "Thor 2" these two distinguished actors know they are above the material they are given but they have fun and do the most with it. Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks return as fan favorites Caesar Flickerman and Effie Trinket. Josh Hutcherson improves the most from the first film as one part of the Katrniss, Peeta, Gale love triangle. Liam Hemsworth, Thor's younger and especially boring brother treads dangerously on Robert Pattison territory again as Gale. Other fun casting choices include Jeffery Wright and Amanda Plummer as two older arena competitors and especially Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Thread who makes a great splash in his lone introductory scene.
For the uninitiated "The Hunger Games" tells the story of America in the distant future that has been through another, much more destructive civil war. The losers of the war have been divided into districts with "The Capitol" ruling over them all. As a constant reminder to stay in check each year "The Hunger Games" are held which requires a lottery in each district selecting one male and female to travel to the capitol and participate in a fight to the death with the other competitors with the lone remaining survivor reaping the benefits as "Hunger Games" champion. This premise is what sold me in the beginning and leaving out the fancy costumes and love triangles its far and away the most interesting thing about the movies. "Catching Fire" wisely focuses more on the training for the games and the battle itself than the first one. "Catching Fire" also needs to set up a lot bigger picture that will be seen in parts 1 and 2 of "Mockingjay" and it does so-unlike some Marvel features without taking away from the current movie at hand.
"Catching Fire" in no way suffers from a sophomore slump, if you were a fan of the first movie this should exceed all expectations and if you've read the books you'll be especially happy.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is the 2nd in the 4 movie series based on the "Hunger Games" YA trilogy of novels (make sense?) The original brought two major things to the table upon its release last year, first was a new franchise that both women and men could find interest in and more importantly it brought Jennifer Lawrence into the mainstream with her role as heroine Katniss Everdeen. Catching Fire is the rarest of rare sequels in that it exceeds the overall experience from the first movie, basically improving on every flaw that the first one had.
I, along with other fans of the book series felt that the 3 books dissolved in quality as they progressed. The filmmakers have made great decisions in creating new things for the book to film adaptation that even at a 2 and a half hour running time makes the film feel fast paced and not just recycling the best things from the first movie. The first Hunger Games is by no means a bad movie but it took its time introducing the characters and original director Gary Ross relied too much on the hand held shaky camera to get his point across. "I Am Legend" and go to "TRL" music video director Francis Lawrence is better suited for this type of material, "Catching Fire" just seems crisper and cleaner than its predecessor.
Lawrence is, as stated in previous entries a "AOM" fave. Continuing to show she has many hats, "Catching Fire" is her follow up to last years Oscar winning turn in what was my favorite film of 2012 "Silver Linings Playbook". Unlike say Kristen Stewart, Lawrence seems game and ready to take on a blockbuster franchise as well as hone her craft with smaller fare like "Silver Linings" and "Winter's Bone". Delivering hokey dialogue is a must in this kind of movie and Lawrence delivers on all levels, her take on Katniss has to be considered one of the best female action heroes along with Sigourney Weaver's "Ellen Ripley" from the "Alien" series. The rest of the cast is almost pitch perfect. Early 2000's indie darling and almost "it" girl Jenna Malone nearly steals the movie from Lawrence as fellow arena competitor Johanna Mason, its definitely a supporting role but every time she is on screen you want more of her. Donald Sutherland as President Snow and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as game creator Plutarch Heavensbee eat up all their scenes and the 2 or 3 they have together are especially juicy. Much like Anthony Hopkins in "Thor 2" these two distinguished actors know they are above the material they are given but they have fun and do the most with it. Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks return as fan favorites Caesar Flickerman and Effie Trinket. Josh Hutcherson improves the most from the first film as one part of the Katrniss, Peeta, Gale love triangle. Liam Hemsworth, Thor's younger and especially boring brother treads dangerously on Robert Pattison territory again as Gale. Other fun casting choices include Jeffery Wright and Amanda Plummer as two older arena competitors and especially Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Thread who makes a great splash in his lone introductory scene.
For the uninitiated "The Hunger Games" tells the story of America in the distant future that has been through another, much more destructive civil war. The losers of the war have been divided into districts with "The Capitol" ruling over them all. As a constant reminder to stay in check each year "The Hunger Games" are held which requires a lottery in each district selecting one male and female to travel to the capitol and participate in a fight to the death with the other competitors with the lone remaining survivor reaping the benefits as "Hunger Games" champion. This premise is what sold me in the beginning and leaving out the fancy costumes and love triangles its far and away the most interesting thing about the movies. "Catching Fire" wisely focuses more on the training for the games and the battle itself than the first one. "Catching Fire" also needs to set up a lot bigger picture that will be seen in parts 1 and 2 of "Mockingjay" and it does so-unlike some Marvel features without taking away from the current movie at hand.
"Catching Fire" in no way suffers from a sophomore slump, if you were a fan of the first movie this should exceed all expectations and if you've read the books you'll be especially happy.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Dallas Buyers Club
"Dallas Buyers Club" is a small movie whose premise alone shouts "nominate me for something!" Usually things so blatantly packaged for end of the year awards consideration are either A) dramatically overhyped to make some money or B) so randomly mis-marketed that it gets lost in the shuffle. "DBC" avoids these ploys almost in full, this is a good movie with an outstanding performance from the nude bongo player himself- Matthew McConaughey who has transformed himself from absurd action and or romantic comedy roles to probably one of the best mainstream Hollywood actors going now.
"DBC" is the true story of Ron Woodruff, a rodeo cowboy/hustler who after years of a hard partying lifestyle and countless random unprotected sexual encounters finds himself with the HIV virus in the mid 1980's which was the beginning and the scariest time for AIDS in America. Confused as to how he could contact what is perceived as only a "gay" disease there is a moment early in the film when McConaughey as Woodruff reaches the point of realization that this is in fact a real situation that he now has to deal with, its a moment with no dialogue that immediately makes you feel empathy for the character and shows what a commitment McConaughey has made to the role- along with the much publicized 40 pound weight loss he made for the role. For the majority of his career McCounaughey has been an actor with a lot of potential, from his early work in "Dazed and Confused" and "A Time to Kill" but never seemed that interested in becoming a truly great actor. Roles in such fodder as "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and other mindless crap has only helped in the conclusion that he just wasn't interested in expanding his horizons. With recent roles in another indie "Bernie" and his supporting turn in the "Citizen Kane" of stripper movies "Magic Mike" which he was criminally overlooked for in last years Oscar race he has seemed to turn a corner, "DBC" is for lack of a better term his official coming out party.
The title "Dallas Buyers Club" is in reference to the "club" that Woodruff starts to supply himself and others with HIV/AIDS with currently unapproved or illegal drugs to fight off the disease. Along the way he meets a transsexual named "Rayon" played by one time 90's TV star and current 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto. Leto as well transforms himself into his role in a very effective and heartbreaking turn that has the potential for Oscar talk in the supporting actor category. Jennifer Garner also stars as a doctor torn between doing what she feels is right and what her bosses at the hospital feel is right, Garner is perfectly fine in the role but doesn't bring anything new to the table. Look for one time 80's star Griffin Dunne "After Hours" in a near cameo as the doctor working in Mexico who turns Ron onto to these new experimental drugs.
"DBC" at first glance could be lumped in with other "message" movies such as "Milk" or "The Help" but it really isn't. Its basically a black and white story about a time period in America that is confusing and scary for those who thankfully haven't had any experience with it. While I didn't necessarily identify with Woodruff the man you can't help but feel his pain and identify with the position that the politics and culture of the time put the people effected by this disease in. For that much the movie is good with the bonus of the fantastic acting by the performers that makes this a film that you should not miss.
"DBC" is the true story of Ron Woodruff, a rodeo cowboy/hustler who after years of a hard partying lifestyle and countless random unprotected sexual encounters finds himself with the HIV virus in the mid 1980's which was the beginning and the scariest time for AIDS in America. Confused as to how he could contact what is perceived as only a "gay" disease there is a moment early in the film when McConaughey as Woodruff reaches the point of realization that this is in fact a real situation that he now has to deal with, its a moment with no dialogue that immediately makes you feel empathy for the character and shows what a commitment McConaughey has made to the role- along with the much publicized 40 pound weight loss he made for the role. For the majority of his career McCounaughey has been an actor with a lot of potential, from his early work in "Dazed and Confused" and "A Time to Kill" but never seemed that interested in becoming a truly great actor. Roles in such fodder as "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and other mindless crap has only helped in the conclusion that he just wasn't interested in expanding his horizons. With recent roles in another indie "Bernie" and his supporting turn in the "Citizen Kane" of stripper movies "Magic Mike" which he was criminally overlooked for in last years Oscar race he has seemed to turn a corner, "DBC" is for lack of a better term his official coming out party.
The title "Dallas Buyers Club" is in reference to the "club" that Woodruff starts to supply himself and others with HIV/AIDS with currently unapproved or illegal drugs to fight off the disease. Along the way he meets a transsexual named "Rayon" played by one time 90's TV star and current 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto. Leto as well transforms himself into his role in a very effective and heartbreaking turn that has the potential for Oscar talk in the supporting actor category. Jennifer Garner also stars as a doctor torn between doing what she feels is right and what her bosses at the hospital feel is right, Garner is perfectly fine in the role but doesn't bring anything new to the table. Look for one time 80's star Griffin Dunne "After Hours" in a near cameo as the doctor working in Mexico who turns Ron onto to these new experimental drugs.
"DBC" at first glance could be lumped in with other "message" movies such as "Milk" or "The Help" but it really isn't. Its basically a black and white story about a time period in America that is confusing and scary for those who thankfully haven't had any experience with it. While I didn't necessarily identify with Woodruff the man you can't help but feel his pain and identify with the position that the politics and culture of the time put the people effected by this disease in. For that much the movie is good with the bonus of the fantastic acting by the performers that makes this a film that you should not miss.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Thor: The Dark World
"Thor: The Dark World" is the latest installment in the Marvel Studios "Avenger" series, it follows the years earlier "Iron Man 3" as the two most current follow up's to 2012's superhero mash up "The Avengers". Thor probably ranks behind only Iron Man as the most popular Avenger and a lot of that has to do with the good will that the original "Thor" brought as well as his role in "The Avengers". Most of this is due to star Chris Hemsworth's ability to bring a human side to the half man half god Asgardian. While its a good sequel the problem with "Thor 2" is that it suffers from a lot of the same problems that plagued "Iron Man 2" in that it preoccupied with setting up future installments of "Thor" and other Marvel entities.
With a : title such as "The Dark World" its already a preconceived notion that most of this adventure will take place in other realms other than Earth, unfortunately this portion of the nearly 2 hour film is the weakest and to be blunt: boring. The story begins with the return of an old enemy of Thor's home planet of Asgard. As this is the main villain at hand this is the main problem I had with "Thor 2". The villain known as "Malekith" is basically a dwarf that looks like something cut of "Lord of the Rings", he doesn't really talk and is not a very imposing figure unlike the much more charismatic, glam rock star in waiting "Loki" who is also featured and is just screaming for his own stand alone movie. Malekith also disappears for times and while its a welcome absence there is no feeling for his return and in turn never poses a threat to Thor and or the overall picture.
What does work is anytime Thor is on Earth. He does reunite with his true love "Jane Foster" played again by Natalie Portman who does look annoyed at times but never the less does a admirable job as the scientist/damsel in distress. "The Dark World" sets are often dark and dusted with charcoal and CGI that makes it look more like a video game. Thor on Earth plays like a fish out of water which adds to the comedic and relatable elements for the audience. The final battle scene ranks up their with the finale of "The Avengers" and a lot of this has to do with the human elements it brings with being based mostly on Earth. Other cast highlights include Anthony Hopkins as Thor's dad King Odin, I always enjoy seeing actors with such a high caliber as Hopkins delivering slightly over the top dialogue while overacting, if Shakespeare ever wrote a Hollywood blockbuster I hope it would be something like Thor. Kat Dennings, one half of TV's "2 Broke Girls" offers a lot of comic relief as Portman's intern and the depressingly underused Rene Russo returns as Thor's mom Frigga.
As a whole "Thor 2" works even with some parts not working at all. If you've followed the characters through their miscellaneous adventures you will find enough here to stay entertained even with the massive fails that occur during the middle portion. As with any Marvel feature be sure to stay until the last end credits roll as you get not one but two Easter eggs one of which sets up the big screen adaptation of the lesser known Marvel comic "Guardians of the Galaxy" featuring an almost unrecognizable Benicio Del Toro as "The Collector".
With a : title such as "The Dark World" its already a preconceived notion that most of this adventure will take place in other realms other than Earth, unfortunately this portion of the nearly 2 hour film is the weakest and to be blunt: boring. The story begins with the return of an old enemy of Thor's home planet of Asgard. As this is the main villain at hand this is the main problem I had with "Thor 2". The villain known as "Malekith" is basically a dwarf that looks like something cut of "Lord of the Rings", he doesn't really talk and is not a very imposing figure unlike the much more charismatic, glam rock star in waiting "Loki" who is also featured and is just screaming for his own stand alone movie. Malekith also disappears for times and while its a welcome absence there is no feeling for his return and in turn never poses a threat to Thor and or the overall picture.
What does work is anytime Thor is on Earth. He does reunite with his true love "Jane Foster" played again by Natalie Portman who does look annoyed at times but never the less does a admirable job as the scientist/damsel in distress. "The Dark World" sets are often dark and dusted with charcoal and CGI that makes it look more like a video game. Thor on Earth plays like a fish out of water which adds to the comedic and relatable elements for the audience. The final battle scene ranks up their with the finale of "The Avengers" and a lot of this has to do with the human elements it brings with being based mostly on Earth. Other cast highlights include Anthony Hopkins as Thor's dad King Odin, I always enjoy seeing actors with such a high caliber as Hopkins delivering slightly over the top dialogue while overacting, if Shakespeare ever wrote a Hollywood blockbuster I hope it would be something like Thor. Kat Dennings, one half of TV's "2 Broke Girls" offers a lot of comic relief as Portman's intern and the depressingly underused Rene Russo returns as Thor's mom Frigga.
As a whole "Thor 2" works even with some parts not working at all. If you've followed the characters through their miscellaneous adventures you will find enough here to stay entertained even with the massive fails that occur during the middle portion. As with any Marvel feature be sure to stay until the last end credits roll as you get not one but two Easter eggs one of which sets up the big screen adaptation of the lesser known Marvel comic "Guardians of the Galaxy" featuring an almost unrecognizable Benicio Del Toro as "The Collector".
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Captain Phillips
"Captain Phillips" is the harrowing, tension filled and exhausting in the best way true story of Somali pirates overtaking of an American freighter ship under the command of said Captain Phillips played by Tom Hanks in a career rejuvenating role that is not to be missed.
Directed by Paul Greengrass of "United 93" and the two best entries in the original Jason Bourne trilogy (Supremacy and Ultimatum), "Captain Phillips" is a tightly wound thriller that is both large in scale and intimate enough to make you feel as if you are a witness to it all. Greengrass is the master of using the camera in a hand held manner that is ideal for this type of story. With scenes taking place in confined spaces onboard the freighter ship as well as the dramatic conclusion inside a lifeboat with Captain Phillips and his pirate hijackers it is a claustrophobic that much like the earlier released "Gravity" helps the viewer experience what the characters are experiencing though here we don't have the 3D technology to exacerbate this sensation-its not needed.
The almost always reliable Hanks has been in a slump as of late choosing to go with roles that require bad haircuts and uninspired acting (The Da Vinci Code), "Captain Phillips" is a welcome returned to form for the actor as this is the type of role that is expected of him and is sure to bring with it an onslaught of end of the year award consideration. Much like the movie itself Hanks brings quiet moments, especially early on in the film as the mild mannered family man Captain who is put in a position that no everyman could be expected to handle any other way than he executes here. The other great performance here is from absolutely unknown Somali actor Barkhad Abdi as the head pirate by the name of Muse. A role that could be easily played as a faceless villain, Abdi brings the human touch to Muse who is clearly out to make a better life for himself by the only way-or option that he knows its a remarkable performance is that its a menacing portrayal but part of you understands why he is who he is.
The events in the movie are true, but as with any "true" story it is hard to really know what happened and even how accurate that events that did happen are portrayed. That being said every moment in this film is believable, there are small moments of humor that break the tension even for a second that seem genuine in a moment of crisis. The scenes on the lifeboat towards the end are the most effective and emotional even with Hanks clearly going for a certain gold statue towards the harrowing conclusion, nothing feels forced.
October brings with it the start of the awards season for cinema and with "Captain Phillips" and the before mentioned and reviewed "Gravity" it looks to be an exciting and ridiculously competitive season. Do yourself a favor and seek out "Captain Phillips" before it gets lost in the inevitable awards bait shuffle, its a decision you will not regret.
Directed by Paul Greengrass of "United 93" and the two best entries in the original Jason Bourne trilogy (Supremacy and Ultimatum), "Captain Phillips" is a tightly wound thriller that is both large in scale and intimate enough to make you feel as if you are a witness to it all. Greengrass is the master of using the camera in a hand held manner that is ideal for this type of story. With scenes taking place in confined spaces onboard the freighter ship as well as the dramatic conclusion inside a lifeboat with Captain Phillips and his pirate hijackers it is a claustrophobic that much like the earlier released "Gravity" helps the viewer experience what the characters are experiencing though here we don't have the 3D technology to exacerbate this sensation-its not needed.
The almost always reliable Hanks has been in a slump as of late choosing to go with roles that require bad haircuts and uninspired acting (The Da Vinci Code), "Captain Phillips" is a welcome returned to form for the actor as this is the type of role that is expected of him and is sure to bring with it an onslaught of end of the year award consideration. Much like the movie itself Hanks brings quiet moments, especially early on in the film as the mild mannered family man Captain who is put in a position that no everyman could be expected to handle any other way than he executes here. The other great performance here is from absolutely unknown Somali actor Barkhad Abdi as the head pirate by the name of Muse. A role that could be easily played as a faceless villain, Abdi brings the human touch to Muse who is clearly out to make a better life for himself by the only way-or option that he knows its a remarkable performance is that its a menacing portrayal but part of you understands why he is who he is.
The events in the movie are true, but as with any "true" story it is hard to really know what happened and even how accurate that events that did happen are portrayed. That being said every moment in this film is believable, there are small moments of humor that break the tension even for a second that seem genuine in a moment of crisis. The scenes on the lifeboat towards the end are the most effective and emotional even with Hanks clearly going for a certain gold statue towards the harrowing conclusion, nothing feels forced.
October brings with it the start of the awards season for cinema and with "Captain Phillips" and the before mentioned and reviewed "Gravity" it looks to be an exciting and ridiculously competitive season. Do yourself a favor and seek out "Captain Phillips" before it gets lost in the inevitable awards bait shuffle, its a decision you will not regret.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Gravity
The 3D genre for most, including this reviewer had seemed to run its course again. After the shock and awe that films such as "Avatar" and "Tron Legacy" brought to those that viewed them in their big screen glory went to the wayside as seemingly every movie that comes out each subsequent week had a lame post 3D conversion to squeeze another dollar out of the moviegoers pocket. With the release of "Gravity", the epic new space opera starring arguably the biggest movie stars in the world: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock the genre has been flipped on its ear and brings moviemaking technology and cinema on its own right to a level not seen before. In a word "Gravity" is simply breathtaking.
The simple premise is two astronauts, the veteran played by George Clooney and the rookie played by Sandra Bullock in easily her least Sandra Bullockly role get stranded in outer space after an accident involving a Russian missile debris leaves their space shuttle inoperable and the two of them spinning seemingly into oblivion. The director, Alfonso Cuaron has created some of the best visuals that I've ever viewed in a movie theater and his use of 3D completely immerses you in outer space as if you are there. There are moments that will leave you breathless and leave your heart racing all in one fail swoop, the film is being released as well in 3D IMAX locations and I can only imagine how much more the large formatted screen adds to it, to be sure standard 3D at the minimum is the only way to view this film. Seeing it in 2D would just be a disservice. Cuaron is almost assured a best director Oscar nomination, there are segments of the film that are just one long take that do nothing but help put yourself in the place of the two astronauts he has crafted this skill even more since his last film 2006's inhumanely underrated "Children of Men". Technical Oscars such as editing, sound, cinematography and of course special effects are a lock.
Other than Ed Harris's voice, Bullock and Clooney are the only ones here. While Clooney does a good job as the veteran astronaut and the calm to Bullock's panicky frenzied Dr. Ryan Stone don't be fooled, this is Bullocks movie in easily the best role of her career. The idea alone of two astronauts floating in space isn't anything groundbreaking, nor that interesting. The two performances intertwined with the visuals are what sells it. The scripted dialogue itself isn't anything to write home about and even has quite a few clichés towards the end but Bullock and to a lesser degree Clooney since he doesn't have the same amount of screen time that Bullock does make you believe and feel that they are in peril.
The runtime is a crisp 90 minutes, any longer and I'd have probably needed a Valium to calm myself. "Gravity" for me was more than a movie-its art. Wherever the 3D technology goes from here "Gravity" will be looked on as the film that took the next step, its the type of film that there needs to be more of it is what makes the movie going experience simply that, an experience.
The simple premise is two astronauts, the veteran played by George Clooney and the rookie played by Sandra Bullock in easily her least Sandra Bullockly role get stranded in outer space after an accident involving a Russian missile debris leaves their space shuttle inoperable and the two of them spinning seemingly into oblivion. The director, Alfonso Cuaron has created some of the best visuals that I've ever viewed in a movie theater and his use of 3D completely immerses you in outer space as if you are there. There are moments that will leave you breathless and leave your heart racing all in one fail swoop, the film is being released as well in 3D IMAX locations and I can only imagine how much more the large formatted screen adds to it, to be sure standard 3D at the minimum is the only way to view this film. Seeing it in 2D would just be a disservice. Cuaron is almost assured a best director Oscar nomination, there are segments of the film that are just one long take that do nothing but help put yourself in the place of the two astronauts he has crafted this skill even more since his last film 2006's inhumanely underrated "Children of Men". Technical Oscars such as editing, sound, cinematography and of course special effects are a lock.
Other than Ed Harris's voice, Bullock and Clooney are the only ones here. While Clooney does a good job as the veteran astronaut and the calm to Bullock's panicky frenzied Dr. Ryan Stone don't be fooled, this is Bullocks movie in easily the best role of her career. The idea alone of two astronauts floating in space isn't anything groundbreaking, nor that interesting. The two performances intertwined with the visuals are what sells it. The scripted dialogue itself isn't anything to write home about and even has quite a few clichés towards the end but Bullock and to a lesser degree Clooney since he doesn't have the same amount of screen time that Bullock does make you believe and feel that they are in peril.
The runtime is a crisp 90 minutes, any longer and I'd have probably needed a Valium to calm myself. "Gravity" for me was more than a movie-its art. Wherever the 3D technology goes from here "Gravity" will be looked on as the film that took the next step, its the type of film that there needs to be more of it is what makes the movie going experience simply that, an experience.
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Butler
"The Butler" is probably the first movie of the summer that your mom, grandmother and aunt want to see, more or less because Oprah is in it. "The Butler" tells the true story of Cecil Gaines, played by Ridgemont High's own Forest Whitaker. Mr. Gaines was a butler in the white house for 8 Presidents, the movie is basically history through his eyes during the height of the Civil Rights movement while he serves the people who will shape it. Basically "The Butler" is "Forrest Gump", if Forrest Gump was a butler. The movie is riveting in parts however it does commit the mortal movie sin of trying way way too hard to become a prestige picture. The performances, especially from Oprah and Forest Whitaker are great and the overall story and execution is worthy.
Usually a movie with the cast predominantly made up of African Americans has the words "Tyler Perry's" in the title, its unfortunate and unnecessary but the majority of films made or starring African Americans are crap. Even when Hollywood deems a movie with this subject matter marketable it either comes off as a movie about kindly white people helping blacks in need (The Help) or just comes off as blatantly racist or stereotypical (Precious). The director of "The Butler" is Lee Daniels who also directed "Precious", himself an African American and while "The Butler" is a lot more accessible to the mainstream than "Precious" was the fact that this movie has Academy Award consideration written all over it the overall message of it sometimes gets lost.
Cecil Gaines was raised on a cotton farm in the south and after the death of his father by one of the farm owners family members Cecil is brought into the house, again by a kindly white woman (Vanessa Redgrave) and is taught how to serve the family and houseguests thus is his destiny to become a butler. Cecil as a grown man finds himself working in a hotel and through the recommendation of one of his regulars gets a job at the white house starting off with the Eisenhower administration. All of the Presidents are played by name actors: Robin Williams and Dwight Eisenhower, James Marsden as John F. Kennedy, Liev Schreiber as Lyndon Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon and Alan Rickman as Ronald Regan. The other presidents that he served during his tenure are left out, either due to running time or they couldn't find any name actors that resemble them. Cusack as Nixon for me was the only one that really stood out and the choice to have name actors in these small, almost niche roles comes off more as stunt casting than anything as their screen time is minimal at best.
When on the clock Gaines is there solely to serve, if you believe the movie he was there to comfort Jackie Kennedy after JFK was assassinated and help Lyndon Johnson with his apparent constipation problem with prune juice always readily available. Where "The Butler" succeeds are the scenes featuring Gaines's family including his wife played in a great turn by Oprah Winfrey and his battle with his son (David Oyelowo) who is at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement and battles with his father on this subject matter. Had the movie focused more on this element and less on the showcase of Presidents the movie's overall message would be more clear rather than a cinematic Cliff's note of history through the turbulent 60's, 70's and early 80's.
Despite the criticism overall "The Butler" is a worthy movie and probably an important one for those not familiar with the time period on which is focused here. Though not as enthralling as his turn in "The Last King of Scotland" which got him an Oscar statue Whitaker is almost assured of a nomination for his work here as well as Oprah for best supporting actress as she certainly is not playing "Oprah" playing a character.
Usually a movie with the cast predominantly made up of African Americans has the words "Tyler Perry's" in the title, its unfortunate and unnecessary but the majority of films made or starring African Americans are crap. Even when Hollywood deems a movie with this subject matter marketable it either comes off as a movie about kindly white people helping blacks in need (The Help) or just comes off as blatantly racist or stereotypical (Precious). The director of "The Butler" is Lee Daniels who also directed "Precious", himself an African American and while "The Butler" is a lot more accessible to the mainstream than "Precious" was the fact that this movie has Academy Award consideration written all over it the overall message of it sometimes gets lost.
Cecil Gaines was raised on a cotton farm in the south and after the death of his father by one of the farm owners family members Cecil is brought into the house, again by a kindly white woman (Vanessa Redgrave) and is taught how to serve the family and houseguests thus is his destiny to become a butler. Cecil as a grown man finds himself working in a hotel and through the recommendation of one of his regulars gets a job at the white house starting off with the Eisenhower administration. All of the Presidents are played by name actors: Robin Williams and Dwight Eisenhower, James Marsden as John F. Kennedy, Liev Schreiber as Lyndon Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon and Alan Rickman as Ronald Regan. The other presidents that he served during his tenure are left out, either due to running time or they couldn't find any name actors that resemble them. Cusack as Nixon for me was the only one that really stood out and the choice to have name actors in these small, almost niche roles comes off more as stunt casting than anything as their screen time is minimal at best.
When on the clock Gaines is there solely to serve, if you believe the movie he was there to comfort Jackie Kennedy after JFK was assassinated and help Lyndon Johnson with his apparent constipation problem with prune juice always readily available. Where "The Butler" succeeds are the scenes featuring Gaines's family including his wife played in a great turn by Oprah Winfrey and his battle with his son (David Oyelowo) who is at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement and battles with his father on this subject matter. Had the movie focused more on this element and less on the showcase of Presidents the movie's overall message would be more clear rather than a cinematic Cliff's note of history through the turbulent 60's, 70's and early 80's.
Despite the criticism overall "The Butler" is a worthy movie and probably an important one for those not familiar with the time period on which is focused here. Though not as enthralling as his turn in "The Last King of Scotland" which got him an Oscar statue Whitaker is almost assured of a nomination for his work here as well as Oprah for best supporting actress as she certainly is not playing "Oprah" playing a character.
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