Review Catch-up

Hey guys, so as you know, I haven't really done much movie reviewing this summer. That isn't to say I haven't seen movies, I've seen plenty. I have just not gotten around to writing about them, which is kind of sad considering I once saw like 4 movies within a week, and my half time report really didn't do most of them justice (aside from my love for Win Win and Tree of Life). So, I decided to quickly go over some of the films I have seen within the past month, and if I forget one it probably wasn't worth it then. So, with that in mind, lets take a look at them. Oh, and I also realize that since this is a review of more than one film, I'm not going to explain the films so much as attach their IMDB pages, because lets face it, IMDB is one of the best sites out there (shameless plugging from yours truly). SO, here we go:

Crazy Stupid Love
Thoughts: I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. There are some problems with the editing of the film, but I am a stickler for stuff like that and music. The cast is in top form, I particularly like how Steve Carrell stretches out from his usual roles and delivers something original and unique, for him at least. I also like his relationship with both Ryan Gosling and the always wonderful Julianne Moore. The plot twist about 3/4 of the way into the film is hysterical and the reactions I heard during the film from the audience definitively seemed to agree with me, it was pretty sweet. It does move pretty fast at the beginning, maybe a little too fast as far as pacing goes, but it mellows out and finds just the right tune. I gave this a bit of a higher rating than I think I would generally have given a film, but being that this is a Rom-com that I enjoyed (which is no easy feet mind you), I give the team behind this kudos for giving Carrel something other than simply being the comic relief (something that plagued the disappointing Date Night last year).
Rating: A-

Captain America
Thoughts: Now, I was a rather big fan of Thor, but I think it was aided by the fact that it was a summer opener. Had I seen it later in the summer, I might have had a different opinion on it, and I think that's where we find Cap. Now, it wasn't bad, but it was a tad too generic for it to really stand out. Now, at parts in the film the generic tone was actually well used, but the first part of the film really suffered from it, and I didn't feel like the second film completely saved it. Now, I do think Chris Evans makes a good superhero, but they don't give us much of a reason for him to be "Captain America." The generic tone was so dense that he felt more like "Captain Generic." I do reccomend the film for director Joe Johnston's (the underrated Jurassic Park 3, yea I said it) fun action sequences and Tommy Lee Jones naturally strong performance in the film.
Rating: B

Cowboys and Aliens
Thoughts: If I were in my fall movie season mode I would have found so much wrong with this film. Being in my summer movie mind set, however, I found enough to thoroughly enjoy it and recommend it. Daniel Craig gives a very Clint Eastwood-esque performance, but he kind of disappears in some scenes to the point where we forget about him, but he's good when he's around, same goes for the legendary Harrison Ford. Story could have used some tweaking, especially in the scifi section of the film. Still, I am a sucker for westerns, and they get that part of the film down fairly well, so I recommend it, if not for being a fun summer film.
Rating: B+





The Help
Thoughts: I was worried that this would play out as too much of a feel good and not enough of a lesson on how dark segregation was at the time. Roger Ebert called it a safe film about a volatile subject, and I have to agree with him on that. Now, I did enjoy it, it wasn't as safe or as annoyingly feel good as some films that have come out in the past couple of years (the insanely annoying Blind Side comes to mind). The cast makes up for the films shortcomings, particularly Viola Davis (who deserves oscar attention mind you), and Octavia Spencer. Emma Stone was good, but the script didn't give her much to flesh out. Which might be another problem, who exactly was the lead. While the obvious answer is Stone, Davis gives a stronger presence that makes you feel like she is the lead. Will this hurt her come awards season? Right now though, I'm calling her an early favorite and that this film is good, but it definitely could've been so much more with a less safe script.
Rating: B+

Midnight in Paris
Rating: I was surprised as to how much I truly enjoyed this film. I found it to be really funny and authentic, something we don't get enough of now a days in films. Woody Allen has had a rough patch as far as filmmaking these past couple of years. This could be his shot at getting back into the awards mix since Match Point back in 2006. His script is amazing, and the cast he has is spectacular. Owen Wilson is very charming in the lead, Marion Cotillard is beautiful and effective and Cory Stoll nearly steals the movie as Ernest Hemingway, I would love to see a film about him anytime. The cameos of famous 1920's artists were also really fun, but I am bias since some of my favorite authors and artists are from that era (particularly F. Scott Fitzgerald, played wonderfully by Tom Hiddleston of Thor fame, and his counterpart Zelda played by Allison Pill from Milk and Scott Pilgrim). My favorite though, by far, is Adrien Brody (who has so far done no wrong in my book) as the legendary Salvador Dali, yet another person I wouldn't mind watching a movie or simply hanging out with. There were many moments that had me laugh out loud, such as Wilson's character suggesting ideas to legendary/controversial Luis Buñuel, and parts made me really long to be in the 1920's with Gil (Wilson). I could go on about the amazing cast, Kathy Bates as the great Gertrude Stein is another notable role of awesomeness, but I will just stick with the fact that I hope this one gets a SAG nomination for best cast. All in all, great film, deserving of Oscar attention, particularly Original Screenplay, among others. This is definitely one of the years best and is simply a delight to watch.
Rating: A

Half-time Report

Hey guys, I know I have been bad lately about movies reviews, I will post up another entry on some of the films I have recently saw (some within days of each other). I know I am a little late on this part too, but seeing as how we are just entering into the fall season, my favorite of the film season, I thought I’d write up a report card of the films I have seen so far. Now, I might not include all of the movies I have seen so far, but these are the films/acting/technical work that has struck me as the best/worst of the year so far, and I have to tell you, 2011 is shaping out to be much better than 2010, though there wasn’t a whole lot of competition really. So, with that out of the way, lets get this started:

Biggest Disappointment: Cars 2

Reason: Now, I will admit, this is not the worst film I have seen this year, but being it a Pixar

film, especially after such classics as Toy Story 3 and UP, the bar was set incredibly high. Cars 2 not only didn’t meet the bar, I think it is the weakest of the Pixar filmography, but with their

past films its easier to forgive than other films I have seen.

Final Grade: C

Biggest surprise: Thor

Reason: I almost gave this to Super 8, another film I enjoyed, but that was mostly due to the fact that little was known of the film beforehand and that doesn’t always equal success (District 9 and Inception are the exceptions). However, with Thor, there was a lot that could go wrong, mainly

Marvel trying to get all origin stories out of the way before the Avengers. Needless to say, I felt this was a very strong entry, you don’t get the feeling it was rushed or that they were making this solely because there was an Avengers film coming out. All in all, it was good summer fun.

Final Grade: B+

Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt (Tree of Life)

Reason: Brad Pitt brings a strong presence to the film, and I don’t just say that because he was

the only one I knew beforehand. He plays the role of a father who while stern, is still in the end the kind of father who just wishes for his kids to live a life they want to live. Balancing the angelic/

caring ways that is their mother (played wonderfully by Jessica Chastain), the father

represent nature and Pitt does that with grace and, along with Chastain, deserve some awards attention for this wonderful film

Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis (The Help)

Reason: This was another close one for Jessica Chastain for Tree of Life and even Octavia Spencer for The Help, but Davis is the heart of the film (she shares it with Spencer, but Davis also acts as the voice which is why I give such leniency). I would consider her an Oscar frontrunner, my one qualm is she felt more of a lead than supporting in the film, whether or not that will translate into any trouble come awards season, we will see.

Final Grade: B+

Best Actress: Amy Ryan (Win Win)

Reason: Amy Ryan is a force to be reckoned with in this film. I love this film, I don’t think it will

win many awards, but Amy Ryan is almost as good if not as good as Paul Giammatti is in Win

Win. As a mother forced to take in a child when she learns of the kid’s background, Amy Ryan plays the character with much warmth as well as humor, its hard to not love her in this amazing film.

Best Actor: Paul Giamatti (Win Win)

Reason: This was a hard one because there were two men whom I felt were really effective this year so far in their roles. Points to Jake Gyllenhal for a role that needed some humanity, since we don’t get enough of that in Sci-fi films such as Source Cod. However, I just enjoyed Paul Giamatti’s job in this film so much more, he was so funny, so heartbreaking, such a great performance. This film will surely end up on my year end list for Todd McCarthy’s writing/directing, as well as the amazing performances of both Ryan and especially Giamatti.

Final Grade: A

Worst Film: Battle: Los Angeles

Reason: While I didn’t care for Cars 2, it was leaps and bounds better than Battle Los Angeles. I would talk about the many reasons why I didn’t like it, but honestly I can’t really remember a lot of it, and I think that’s the worst criticism I can make of a film. Aaron Eckhart gave it his best shot, but even he could save this film. I dislike it so that I am actually changing my grade, which was originally a gracious C+

Final Grade: D

Best Film: Tree of Life

Reason: While I loved Win Win and thoroughly enjoyed Source Code, there was just no beating Tree of Life. It is simply a beautiful piece of filmmaking and is one of the closest things to a masterpiece I have seen in years (Hurt Locker is the only film that comes close in recent years honestly). The music, by the legendary Alexandre Desplat, is classical and elegent, much like the film itself. The acting is superb, those three little boys as well as Pitt and Chastain were amazing. Terrence Malick deserves awards attention for his fluid direction and incredible script. The thing I loved most about the film, the part that if it doesn’t win I will give up on the Academy forever, is the Cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki. I highly doubt I will see any other film this year, or in the next for that matter, that will come close to this masterful work from a legendary director.

A+

Honorable Mention: Win Win, Source Code, X-men: First Class, Super 8

That’s it from me on the half-time report, here’s a list of films I have on my radar come fall, see you there:

1. Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher, Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara)

2. Dangerous Method (David Cronenberg, Viggo Mortenson, Michael Fassbender)

3. Corialanus (Ralph Fiennes)

4. J. Edgar (Clint Eastwood, Leo Dicaprio)

5. My Week with Marilyn (Kenneth Brannagh, Michelle Williams)

6. The Adventures of TinTin (Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson)

7. The Descendants (Alexander Payne, George Clooney)

8. Moneyball (Brad Pitt, Aaron Sorkin)

Film Review: Cars 2

I’m probably not the first to think that the first Cars was the weak link in the rather strong chain of films that is Pixar (not that it was bad, but it wasn’t as up to their standards). One thing in particular problem I noticed was the lack of human element, which can be found in all Pixar films except in Cars. Now we have Cars 2, the “rev-ed up sequel,” with Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), going on another adventure together.

The story actually shifts to that of Mater instead of McQueen. We see McQueen enter the World Grand Prix against the boastful Francesco Bernoulli (a rather over the top John Turturro). After problems with the first race, their friendship is hurt, and Mater leaves feeling ashamed. On his way out, he gets caught up in espionage, of sorts, with Fin McMissile (the always delightful Michael Caine), and Holley Shiftwell (a rather sincere Emily Mortimer). They are trying to figure out the reason for the sabotaging of a new type of bio-fuel called Allinol (a somewhat clever play on words). We learn that a legion of old cars, called “Lemons” (this is never given much of a back story, but I’m not much of a gear-head). Will Mater be able to save the day and his friendship with McQueen, can the latter win it all?

Pixar has had a solid record with rather excellent films, as had been the case with Up and Toy Story 3 beforehand. Sadly, the streak ends there as Cars 2 doesn’t really improve on the original, rather gets stuck in neutral really. Pixar has a knack for creating a story for all ages, but this one felt more like it was aimed at children. I found Mater to actually get annoying at times and I don’t think team Pixar was ever able to get him off the ground in this story. Granted, he had his evolution throughout the film, but it just didn’t work for me, and it left me disappointed.

The story is the real problem here. The visuals are dazzling as always with Pixar, but the story was a real clunker, which, if you know my preferences, is rather important. It didn’t have the sentimental feeling we often got in a Pixar film, as shown brilliantly in the past two films I noted above. It never truly felt anything more than children entertainment, which isn’t bad, but I expect more from a Pixar film. The ending didn’t really help it either, honestly. I felt it was rather obvious and kind of shoehorned in parts, some of which I never really bought or found all that convincing. And with such talented voice work from Caine and the hilarious Eddie Izzard, and wonderful cameos from the legendary actress’ Sophia Loren and Vanessa Redgrave, they are let down by a script that, maybe with a few more fine tunes, could have been so much better.

Now, am I saying this is the worst film of the year: not at all. Am I being a little harsh constantly comparing it to Pixar’s films? The past two Pixar films were films that really hit emotionally me as far as films go, so to top them would be difficult. The problem was, Cars 2 didn’t even feel like Pixar was trying to top them, and if they were then they are way, way off. I think Pixar can be forgiven for this, as this is the first, and hopefully last, hiccup they have in crafting wonderful films.

Jack’s Grade: C+

Happy Birthday Roger Ebert!!!

Happy 69th birthday to the man I owe much to, both for my love of films and, very much so, this website. If ever I looked to someone for film reviews, it is this man. Happy birthday to a great man and hopefully many more to come from such an inspirational fellow.

Review: Tree of Life

How do you suppose life began? Was it thanks to the Big Bang? Did an almighty being have something to do with it? Could it be both? We ask these questions a lot, and are never closer to the answer, but we come to a level of acceptance of such ideas. In “Tree of Life,” that is simply what is happening. The legendary Terrence Malick (Thin Red Line) weaves a story about the creation of life itself, but does not take a side. Rather, he shows a balance of such ideas, accepting both as they are, and further represents said ideas in the form of a singular family, a bold move if you ask me.

The story begins with a family mourning the death of their child; the only detail we are truly given of this son is his age. We see one of the brothers, Jack (Sean Penn), still grieving years after his brother’s death, as well as his parent’s reaction. We are then thrown into visuals of the creation of time, with voices throughout discussing faith, evolution, love, life, what have you. We are shown the Big Bang, dinosaurs, and everything in between in a set of visuals that harkens back to A Space Odyssey and even reminded me of Planet Earth, the BBC series.

We are then taken back to the childhood of Jack, as he is raised in two separate ideals, which is the film’s main motif: nature and grace (an allusion to the conflicting ideas of evolution and creation). The father (Brad Pitt) represents nature and the mother (Jessica Chastain), represents grace. We see most of the film in the viewpoint of the children, as they are taught about life’s greatest values through the two conflicting influences that are their parents. Which side will they choose? Do they have to choose a side? Is accepting either side a wrong choice?

This is, quite possibly, the most beautiful film I have ever seen. It’s a cheaply made film, well for the visuals anyway, around 32 million. It is an artistic masterpiece, everything happens for a reason. The music adds a certain angelic tone to the film, which is further aided by the equally angelic Jessica Chastain. Brad Pitt has come a long way from 12 monkeys and other such films, this is his strongest performance I have seen. Emanuel Lubezki, the cinematographer who often works with Alfonso Cuaron (one of my favorite directors) and was robbed of a win for Children of Men in particular, is the true champion of the film (aside Malick himself). I am not only putting him on my list for an Oscar nomination, I am giving him the win right now. I have never seen a film crafted so magnificently as this, it’s the closest to a masterpiece I have ever seen.

Mr. Lubezki isn’t the only champion here, however. Terrence Malick, a perfectionist known for creating what many critics consider “masterpieces,” wrote and directed a truly magnificent work of art. He takes his time with his shots, which some may consider being a weakness of the film, but I think it truly works. There isn’t an actual plot/goal to the film, its simply the showing, in an almost documentary feel, of creation as seen in a single household. It’s truly an exceptional piece of work.

The film won the Palm d’or (Cannes version of Best Picture), but it has received its share of applause and boos. I see this film as being considered a controversial film, which is understandable. I see this as a film accepting of both ideas, not discrediting either. It tells us that life is beautiful and it should be treasured. “The less you love, the more life will pass you by.” I doubt I will see a film that will be better than this, it is truly an excellent, near-perfect piece of filmmaking.

Jack’s Grade: A+

Academy Awards Skakeup.... again

So, they've done it again. In recent news, the executives of the Academy Awards have announced that they have changed the best picture category again. This time, it will be instead of having five or 10, they can nominate five TO ten nominees. If a film has at least five percent of the number one votes (a best picture is voted on from a scale of one to ten, cause of the nominees) then they will be placed in the category of best picture. Also, the visual effects category competition will now be between ten films instead of seven for the nominations (which was a staggering five films that get said nom). Finally, if there are at least 13-14 films in contention, there maybe 4 nominees for best animated feature. It was originally 5 nominees for a year of 16 or more and 3 for 16 or less.

The latter two announcements aren't all that groundbreaking or as interesting to me as the first part (I honestly am not a visual effects kind of guy if you know me and as I love animated films, I can't see them all). To nominate a certain amount of films because they are voted by a majority as the best is a wise move. I have seen years where there could've been six, seven, maybe even ten nominations. Now that there is some leniency, we won't be annoyed to see what "fills" out the list (I'm not going to point fingers). So, kudos to the academy, I think this will be a good change and, while it does make it harder for me to predict the list (I'm not feeling an animated film this year at least), it does make it a little more fun to predict what would be considered the best of the year.

Here is the article

Also, expect another film review tomorrow, this one's a biggie, speaking of best picture lists, but until then, have fun at the movies...

Jack's Movie Radar: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Hey everyone,
I know I promised a Clint Eastwood review every week and I've sort of dropped the ball on that. I will be continuing on that path soon, but there is a film trailer I kind of wanted to mention before I go back into that stuff. It is the trailer for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." Now, if you are friends with me on facebook, you know I generally post new trailers on my wall with a snippet of my opinion, and I did that with this trailer initially a week or so ago. However, after much thought I decided to give this a further bump, even though this film doesn't come out until december.

The film is based on the popular trilogy of books by Stieg Larsson, about two people (Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander). In the first one, Dragon Tattoo, they attempt to solve the mystery around the disappearance of a young lady. It is through this disappearance that we learn more of said family, the Vangers, and their own past. I think thats about as much into the books as I can get without spoiling anything.

Anyway, I had read the book, currently on the second one, and I must say, these books are spectacular. The characters are VERY well defined, Mr. Larsson is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to writing the backgrounds of the characters. The story is well paced and its sort of written like a journal, so it flows well and doesn't really fall apart, it makes you want to go on to the next book. But I am losing track, on to the trailer.

The Swedish film version I though was ok, it definitely had its moments where it strayed from the books a bit. The cast was great, particularly Noomi Rapace as Liusbeth. Now, Rooney Mara (Social Network) takes the role with, what Im considering a perfect casting choice, Daniel Craig as Blomkvist. That's where I think this film will succeed, the cast I think is perfect. Stellan Skarsgard as Martin Vanger, the great Christopher Plummer as Henrik Vanger (the head of the family), and Robin Wright as Erika Berger, a "coworker" of Blomkvist. The trailer I think is very well done, it doesn't give much away, but if you've read the book, you will have a good idea of whats going on. Also, the great David Fincher (Seven, Social Network) is directing and Steve Zaillian (Schindler's List) is adapting it, I mean come on. Definitely keep this one on the radar come Christmas time, Im already feeling this is going to be a heavy hitter come oscars, but I also said that about Social Network, so we shall see.

p.s. The tagline for the film is "Evil Shall with Evil be Expelled" I think that's just an awesome tagline for this film.

Here's a link to the trailer, since my original attempt got taken down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUwXwrR35U

Movie's I've Seen Recently:
Water for Elephants: B
Win Win: A (see this if you get a chance)
Bridesmaids: B-