Apr
30

The Place Beyond The Pines

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Other than the many sequels and super hero films that I am greatly anticipating to see, this is one of the films that was definitely on my must-see list for this year. As usual, this year has gone off to a very slow start. January and February hardly had anything exciting to see, and then it was time for the Academy Awards. Since then, there have been a few films here and there that have really piqued the interest of movie fans nationwide and internationally. Iron Man 3 already made more than $100 million dollars in the international box office, which is not surprising given that it will most likely achieve those numbers in the U.S. box office pretty quickly. It is not every day where you get to see two of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the moment, in Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper, together in the same film. Make no mistake about it, they are stars at the moment, and their stardom is just continuing to rise as we speak. There is always a strong interest in what films they will be in next, and this film was no different. It’s great to see that it is a film that is far from the super hero sequels that will most likely dominate this summer’s box office.

Despite having much more experience doing tv series documentaries, director Derek Cianfrance does quite the wonderful job with his directing abilities in this film. Perhaps the strongest message that you can take from the flow of the plot is that actions will always have consequences. Whether they are positive or negative, there will always be consequences for the actions that we have the complete freedom and liberty to do. These consequences couldn’t be stronger when they follow dangerous choices from the past. The past always seems to haunt the future; precisely because of the fact that what we do now always has a price later.  This is obviously not the most original story to present in a film, but depending on how the film is done, it can be a very gripping experience. These are the kind of films that will grab your interest from the start, and will never let go of it. When you have that kind of message, it is great for humanity to be reminded of the consequences of our actions. It is a message that never seems to grow old in Hollywood simply because there are so many ways of showing it in all kinds of films.

When you think about the character that is played by Ryan Gosling, talent is the word that comes to my mind now. Maybe talent is something that is developed and perfected over time, but I also think that we are all born with special talents. These talents are most appreciated when you share them with the rest of the world. It is not about the fear of others looking at your talents, and copying what you do to get credit for it. It is about sharing your greatness to inspire others to do the same. You just never now how the talents of others can motivate you to take your talents to a whole other level. What is important to recognize though, is that you cannot be selfish with your talent. You have got to put it to good use because otherwise, a person will be seen with the perception of what a waste of talent. There is not enough time in this world to let it go by without enjoying it to the fullest. That means that we should all take risks if that’s what it takes to get ahead in this life. However, you have to be the judge of those risks, and decide for yourself if they are worth taking for you, your family, and your friends. That is why you cannot be selfish with your talent. The impact of it is bigger than you, and it spreads to influence even those who are dear to you.

If there is one thing I would not do for a career, one of those jobs would be a police officer who serves in the field, risking their life for the safety of the community. As much as I despise having an every day desk job for 40 hours a week, I would be willing to serve my community as an officer with a desk job. I wouldn’t have the risk of losing my life in a hostile, and dangerous situation. Maybe that’s the motivation for some people to serve as cops in those situations to keep the rest of us out of harm. It has been said many times that there are good cops, and there are bad ones. However, when you think about how much they risk, including their own lives for our safety, you can’t help but feel appreciation for what the good ones do. Especially because there are decisions that they must make in the blink of an eye sometimes. That is a huge emotional load to deal with, and it is great to see that emotion brought to life very well in this film. There have been so many films with the presence of police in them, but very few have really been considered great because of the lack of a great story to go with the action and drama in them.

It was one of my most anticipated films of the year, and it did not disappoint. It is a terrible feeling when you have such high expectations for a film sometimes, but it doesn’t quite deliver the way you would have liked it to. This is a film that delivers in all the areas. Perhaps one area, that always seems to be overlooked is the music. It really adds to the mood and tone of the most dramatic and suspenseful scenes, so you can’t appreciate it enough. Director Derek Cianfrance is starting to get on a roll here. After directing a successful film in Blue Valentine, he has impressed audiences again with this film. So I am definitely curious to see what he has planned to direct next. I can’t say that I was impressed with the cast because I expected greatness, and they delivered. Bradley Cooper has really come a long way from his comedic work in The Hangover series. He is just coming off of an Academy Award nomination for best actor in a leading role. His performances in these last two films can tell you why. Ryan Gosling continues to improve with the roles that he chooses to do, and can only keep growing from here. As usual, Eva Mendes is lovely and charming in her performance, and Ray Liotta is the actor who just completes this good cast with his charism and talent. This is a film that you should definitely check out!

 

Feb
26

Zero Dark Thirty

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Of all the films that have been made based on a true story, this is the one that may very well be the most critical; since we have such strong emotional ties to the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. It is a day that we will never forget. It will forever be remembered as a very tragic date in our history. While nothing can be truly be done to erase the tragedies that happened, the best that can be done is to be united as a nation. It is truly in the most difficult times when you can see how close or divided the people of a nation really are. Despite living in the same country, and having the ability to exercise the same rights and privileges, even the smallest of things can tear us apart. That is a very sad truth to experience when everyone comes here in search of a better life and future. However, when the safety of our lives is at stake, we have proven that we can be the strongest nation in the world because of our commitment to great teamwork. That is what it takes to overcome the fiercest of challenges to this country’s peace and well being. The possession of weapons is clearly not the answer. We do not become the strongest country by having the strongest weapons. It is about how hard we work together for the peace and security of our fellow citizens; even with our own lives at stake.

So the film based on the biggest manhunt in history begins its story. I honestly did not think about it being portrayed on film as a mainstream blockbuster. I thought about it being done as a movie made for television, an independent film, or documentary. However, in many ways I think that it was necessary  to be done this way. It honors the lives of those that were tragically lost, and it brings peace to our minds to get a perspective of how things were done. However, it is no surprise that this film had its share of criticism from people very knowledgeable about what happened, and how these things are portrayed in the film. This is where I feel that it is necessary to talk about the fine line between reality and entertainment. I think that the words based on a true story begin the debate. It is not the true story that we are watching; at the end of the day, we are learning about those events in the form of entertainment. Regardless of the subject matter, there is that entertainment element that cannot be ignored. If it is a film with a nationwide release, people all across the country are buying their tickets and popcorn to watch this “entertainment” on screen. I place entertainment in quotes because this film deals with very sensitive material. Once again, what we are seeing is a dramatization if you will, of actual events. We are always told what we need to know, not what we want to know.

When you are dealing with very sensitive material, it is common sense for a person to expect a very accurate portrayal of that material. The problem is that once that becomes part of a film, you are entering the world of entertainment. Depending on the nature of a film, I am sure that informing the audience is one of its objectives. While it may not be entertaining the audience with laughter and humor, there is that entertainment part that goes along with the informing. If audiences really want to know the facts and details of events, they will research and investigate accordingly. Depending on the material however, they may not find everything that they are looking for. This is where the inevitable role of entertainment comes into play. It offers audiences a small glimpse of things that they had no prior knowledge of. More importantly, it has the potential to raise awareness and curiosity of the subject matter. This is what films are made for. They are meant to provoke and challenge you, and to persuade you to open your mind and see things with a different perspective. If this is what films can achieve with relative ease, then the criticism that they receive is really uncalled for. However, the reality is that everyone is entitled to voice their own opinions and perspectives. So you have to judge the material for yourself, not for others.

For director Kathryn Bigelow, it is another impressive display of work that she adds to her growing resume. It was not too long ago that she won the Oscar for best director for The Hurt Locker. A significant achievement for being the first woman to do so in that category. While I have yet to see the film, after seeing this one, I can say that I am very excited to see what films she will direct next. She is probably the only female director that people are talking about at the moment; and that is a very good thing. Especially as a woman, she is surrounded by male directors that have been dominating the position for many decades now. So in many ways, it is encouragement for young and future directors, regardless of their sex, but particularly female directors, to see her success. While there are many regulars who receive nominations at the Oscars, there are always surprise entries to look forward to. As curious and excited as I may be for Kathryn Bigelow’s next film, I am also very curious to see what other potential female directors have in store for audiences as well. Diversity is one of the great characteristics of this country, and it is certainly a great characteristic in the film industry as well. So here’s to looking at more female and new directors for many years to come.

Nominated for best actress at the Oscar’s this year, Jessica Chastain reminds us all once again, why is one of the most talented actresses out there at the moment. She wore her heart on her sleeve with that role, as she delivered another marvelous performance. She continues to impress with the variety of roles that she does, so it is also with a lot of excitement that I await to see her in her next film. Chastain was the star throughout this film, but she was also joined by an amazing supporting cast. This is a cast that may have been overlooked as far as nominees for best cast in a film, but they definitely impressed. From James Gandolfini to Mark Strong, to Joel Edgerton and Jason Clarke, the chemistry of this cast is remarkable. Perhaps the best word to describe their work as a whole is charming. Of course, the tone of this film goes beyond that. This is a very dramatic and emotionally-moving film, and whether you watch this film at the movies or at home, it is definitely worth the watch.

 

Jan
16

Life of Pi

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Perhaps one of the biggest life lessons that we should take to heart is to expect the unexpected. Everything is fine and dandy when things go according to plan. In fact, that is the type of life style that I like to have. The ability to adapt to sudden or drastic changes is not a strength I have. In fact, it is something that all of us should work on. Especially if we find ourselves in a life-threatening situation. Throughout our childhood, our parents would always talk to us about them making sure that nothing would ever happen to us. The truth is, we all need to experience the combination of hi’s and low’s in life. We have not really lived if we cannot learn to adapt to situations, and through those experiences, know what is right and wrong. Parents will always try to teach that lesson, but the more you go through life’s experiences, you start to teach that to yourself. Every mind is in its own world. For two of them to come together through marriage is really quite special. Two people who share many things in common, but yet mentally, can be so far apart. However, they find ways to make the relationship work. Speaking of relationships, the one that we all have with God is an interesting one; if any of you have one with him at all.

Born and raised in the Catholic faith, it has come to be the biggest part of my life. The choices, actions, and decisions that I make are all influenced by the practicing Catholic faith that I have. So there is no doubt in my mind that he exists, but sometimes, we could all be reminded of how important faith in him really is. It is very easy for us to point fingers when things are not going well, or as planned. We even start to question his existence when tragedies occur, and why he allows them to happen. The truth of the matter is that we all have a free will, and if God were to prevent people from doing bad things, he would not be fulfilling the gift of free will that he gave us. Granted,  they will suffer consequences for their actions, but it is not up to us to enforce them. While it is very sad and tragic to leave this world because of gunshots, what is more important is where we go after this life. In other words, the after life is the most important thing to look forward to, not what happens here. Whether you believe in God or not, this is definitely a film that will remind you of the power of faith and belief, and that we really can’t do everything with our own power.

We never really know how much inner and physical strength we have until we are tested. It is the best way for you to see that you really have faith; not just in God but in general terms. It is a big part of our life. If we must have surgery done to repair something in our bodies, then we put our faith in the hands of the doctors who will be working on us to improve our quality of life. That takes an enormous amount of trust and faith. The ability to survive through any “storm” so to speak, and still be able to speak of your experience at the end of it is something remarkable. A great story is something that should be shared with the rest of the world. Cultural diversity is one of the biggest strengths we have in this society. No matter what that language being spoken is, there are things in this world that are meant to be shared, and interpreted in many ways. There is more than one way to reach the top, or to be successful. The truth is, we all need to be encouraged and inspired to have self-belief. This is a very difficult world to live in, but when you have strong self-belief, and believe in God’s will and power, life becomes an adventure that is worth living.

Just from a visual standpoint, this film is amazing to watch. I am not the biggest fan of films done in 3-D, but I did not have a choice. This is probably the last week that Life of Pi will be in theaters. By now, I am used to hearing how the 3-D can be a distraction for watching the movie. I am glad that I decided to put my hate for it aside, and enjoy this film to the fullest. The outstanding performance of the cast was a big part of it. The cast in this film may not have received a nomination for best ensemble cast, but it is important to recognize how well they did together throughout this film. These are actors that are not so well known, and yet the great pace of this film, and how well they work together really carry this film forward. Not to mention how wonderfully shot the film is, and how well the music adds to its dramatic moments. When you pick up and appreciate those key components of film making, you can understand why this film is one of the nominees for best picture at the Academy Awards. They’ve also received that nomination in other awards ceremonies. From top to bottom, it is an amazing body of work.

As far as director Ang Lee, he is already an Oscar-recipient. I am not too familiar with his work, given that his resume as a director is rather short, but there is no doubt that he did a fine piece of work with this film. It is a bit difficult to say what directors will do next, but I think it would be a real treat if he comes up with something that is just as good or better than what he has done here. Suraj Sharma was simply amazing in his role. I think there is a very bright future ahead for him. Irrfan Khan delivered a very nice and graceful performance as the older Pi. If I had seen this film last year, then it would have easily been within my best films of the year list. In fact, I will not have a problem adding it on. It is one of those films that you should encourage others to see in theaters. It may not be the type of film that everyone loves or appreciates, but you can definitely see the magic behind the great film making that went into producing this film. Just when you feel like movies like this are not made anymore, they sweep you off your feet when you do see them. Your faith in great film making, and your faith in all of life’s journeys are restored. It is a reminder of the ability to accomplish what you really desire. We may not always get what we want, but we have what we need. That is more than we can ask for.

Jan
15

Gangster Squad

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I had so much excitement and anticipation for this film when it was going to be released in theaters last year. You cannot help but think about the greats of the gangster genre, such as The Untouchables, L.A. Confidential, and Donnie Brasco to name a few. Those are greats that will always be remembered as the best of what Hollywood has to offer for mob and gangster films. In fact, I would be highly disappointed if in a few years time, we learn that there will be a modern adaptation or remake of any of those films. Yes, it is really all about producing the big bucks at the box office, but there are some films that are a part of history, and should be kept that way. Their ability to withstand the test of time, and to be considered great by many fans should tell you that it is a film that should not be disturbed. Why do I bring up the greats of the past of this genre? Well, quite frankly there are not as many great gangster movies being done currently, so when you are introduced to one that looks like it could have some good potential, if you are a fan of the genre, it is exciting to see. However, in this case, my high expectations of this film were not met.

When I think about gangster films, the expression of brains and brawn comes to mind. This mentality not only applies to the characters, but to the making of the film in general as well. For obvious reasons, gun shooting and violence is to be expected when you talk about a mob-gangster film. It is something that can very easily be done. It is very tragic and unfortunate for society to go through tragedies like the one in Connecticut not too long ago because of gun shooting. It shows that anyone can pick up a gun and be deadly with it. However, as it relates to film making, it takes a lot of skill to make gun shooting scenes with style. There is a big difference between overloading a film with gun-shooting scene, and leaving the audience with anticipation and curiosity for more. We all know that these types of scenes will create a lot of bang, explosions, action, and so forth. They have to potential to be very brawny, but at the same time, you have to ask yourself, what about the brains? To have one without the other would be a tremendous downfall. Ideally, you want to have an equal amount of both, but in this instance, there was too much brawn.

Regardless of the genre, character development is absolutely essential for a film’s success. The story is written on paper, and then it is up to the director and the actors to bring the story to life on the big screen. As talented and popular that an ensemble cast may be, there is only so much that they can do when they have a weak story to work with, and when their characters are not given the necessary time to develop. I like to think of it as three things that characters in a film need: past, present, and future. The audience needs to know their past in order to understand what these characters are doing now. As the film goes on, we start to develop curiosity for what will happen in the future for these characters. This is the type of intellectual and emotional connection that audiences should feel to the characters in films. Without those connections, you start to think more about how the film will end because you do not want to sit through it not caring about any of the characters. There are things that are sacrificed at times with ambitious film making, but character development is not one of those things that should be left out.

After watching this film, I think it is safe to say that not all directors have what it takes to succeed beyond the concentrations they have. Director Ruben Fleischer has had much more experience working on television series than films. That says a lot about the way this film turned out. I think it is admirable to see a director that is not so well-known in the film industry, to go bold with a film of this magnitude. When I say magnitude, I’m talking about the cast that he is working with. It is a very star-studded and popular cast. Not to mention that you are doing a film on the gangster genre that has a great collection of films in the past, and could use a great modern one to add to it. So I think the pressure is there from the fans that expect this film to be great. If you turn this film over to a director who has a great reputation for doing films under the gangster genre, then I think that this review would be going in an entirely different direction. While the presence of a villain, played by Sean Penn is clearly visible, there is still a strong lack of fear and intensity. Part of this has to do with the fact that the character development was not prioritized. With the great cast that Fleischer had to work with, it was a giant missed opportunity to do something great.

The stars were aligned for this film. Josh Brolin, who had the largest role of the cast, delivers a very convincing performance, but it is wasted by the lack of brains with this film. A smaller dedication to the brawn of this film, and everyone’s role in this film would be seen much differently. Sean Penn’s performance also comes up short because of the lack of depth in his character, and the film as a whole. For Ryan Gosling, he continues to do a good job of having variety with his roles. He has great potential to keep growing, and things can only keep going forward from here. The best part of this film, other than how visually splendid it looks, is the supporting cast. Nick Nolte, Robert Patrick, Michael Pena, Giovanni Ribisi, Anthony Mackie, and Emma Stone complete what is a very talented ensemble cast. Under the vision and direction of a different director, I think they would have all been used even better. Only time will tell if someone finds the motivation to work on another gangster genre film in the near future. If they can see the potential this film had to be good, then it may be sooner than later when someone tries to take a shot at this once again.

 

Jan
01

Django Unchained

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It is such a bittersweet feeling to say that this is the last review of 2012 on the site. There may be no time left to review films for this year, but we cannot deny that this has been an incredible year of movies! I could talk about my favorites all day, but that will come soon as I will post my best films of the year very shortly. As I look forward to 2013, it is hard to say that there will be another great year of movies quite like this one. It was a truly special year; in fact audiences set a new record of money earned at the box office this year. Over 10 films grossed over 200 million dollars. That just shows how many great films we had to choose from this year. I think that everyone has the expectation and excitement for films in 2013 to be even better than this year’s, but I trust that 2013 movies will be special in their own way. A lot of commentary has gone around about how not as many great films have been done in recent years, but this year’s films have definitely proved that statement wrong. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, I am anxious to get all the new releases that I watched in theaters on DVD. It is such a great feeling, and I cannot wait to see them again!

Given that Les Miserables and Django Unchained were released in theaters during the holiday season, I knew that I would be spending my time there! It would be difficult to make the time to see them and review them before the year is over, but I could not be happier that they would end this great year of films as we prepare for 2013. Despite the immediate award nominations that this film received for the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globes award ceremonies, there was a bit of drama that was caused by comments made by director Spike Lee. He said that he found the film to be disrespectful to Black people, and that he had no intention of watching it. As a director himself, Lee may obviously have a different perspective of looking at Quentin Tarantino’s work in Django Unchained, but you really cannot judge a book by its cover so to speak. As it relates to movies, we cannot judge based on the trailers, synopsis, or reviews that we say. I have always said that films are a great visual art form that have a story to tell. So the best way to appreciate them is by watching them in their entirety, and commenting on them afterwards. Some may not like the films, others may love them. It is nearly impossible to please every single person, but we simply cannot judge a film before we have even seen it.

There was no doubt in my mind how much success this film would have in the minds of audiences and critics. Quentin Tarantino has already established himself as one of the best, and most respected directors in film. As the director of  great films such as the Kill Bill series, Pulp Fiction, and Reservoir Dogs, it seems pretty safe to believe that whatever Tarantino is directing will be very well done. This film is no different as it compares to the rest of his impressive work. What is most impressive is that he has been known to write and direct his films. It is already a difficult task to be recognized in film as one of the best directors out there, but to have the amazing ability to write the screenplay for a movie as well is even more admirable. Great writing is a gift that some people have been truly blessed to have. That is in reference to writing in general. Writing for films is a different story. When you think about the story that must be told, there is so much importance placed on how the story flows from the beginning to the end. So the writing should be clever and profound, but it should also be humorous when necessary. In this movie, Tarantino’s writing is all of that and more.

This is a film that can serve as a reminder of the role of slavery in this country. It definitely established the difference between superior and inferior people among races and classes, and it was around for a very long time. Tarantino deserves a lot of credit for the accurate portrayal of how people spoke, and how slaves were treated. They were far from being treated as equals to their owners, but once they were free, then their lives changed completely. Of course, how people went about seeking redemption back in those times is totally different from what is accepted in today’s society. If you think about it, it seems like it was a lot more common for people to carry a gun back then. Today, we are trying to come up with laws to establish gun control to strongly avoid tragedies such as those that happened in Connecticut from happening again. This is a topic that shows just how different life would really be for any of us if we lived our lives during the slave era before the Civil War began. Not only does it serve as a history lesson, but it also teaches us how far we have come to live a great lifestyle based on the hard work that we put in to live it.

It was not too long ago that Quentin Tarantino talked about retiring from the film industry that has seen him become one of the best at what he does. If that is the case, then this is a film that is an amazing reminder of the quality of work that he has done behind the cameras. We can only hope that we will continue to see more great films from him in the near future. The cast that he chose for this film is absolutely phenomenal. In the lead role, Jamie Foxx was simply outstanding. It is not a role that you see him doing, but his performance was so strong that you could almost believe that his performance was a very accurate portrayal of a real figure in history by the name of Django. Looking forward to seeing him in another film soon. Christoph Waltz was just as brilliant in his supporting role to Foxx. He may have been snubbed during the award ceremonies leading up to the Academy Awards, but his performance is definitely worthy of the recognition. I don’t think that I have ever seen Leonardo DiCaprio play the role of a villain, but was beyond convincing. Like his co-stars, his performance is also worthy of award recognition. Kerry Washington was simply beautiful and graceful in her role, and hopefully we will be seeing much more of her in other films. As usual, Samuel L. Jackson dazzled in his supporting role. He is the kind of actor that can be a cherry on top of great cast, which as you can see, was outstanding. As the last review of 2012, make no mistake, Django Unchained is also a movie you should go see in theaters now!

 

Dec
29

Les Miserables

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When I think of musicals, I think of classics such as The Wizard of Oz, Grease, and The Sound of Music. While the musical is not my favorite film genre, it is really hard not to appreciate its brilliance and art form on the big screen. Particularly when the cast is incredible, and the quality of the singing is phenomenal. The three musicals I mentioned before are considered great or classic because they have all withstood the test of time. They are fun to watch no matter how old you are, or when you see them. I think it is safe to say that they are films that you should watch at some point in your life. They all have that special family gathering feeling to them. As far as singing goes, the quality of it was taken to another level in this film. The voice is one of the strongest tools of expression that actors can use, and singing is another one. I would have loved to see this film done as a drama the way the most recent adaptation of the French novel was done in 1998. However, you can really appreciate the work of an actor even more when you hear them singing in a musical. The fact that so many adaptations of this story have been done in film and theater shows the importance of creativity and originality.

There are certain film franchises that never grow old in Hollywood. They are adapted and retold in different ways, and audiences will always show up at the theaters to see them on the big screen. One great example is the Batman franchise. This year we experienced the end of the amazing trilogy done by Christopher Nolan, but you can sense the excitement and expectation for more to come in the near future. You would think that you can only adapt a piece of work in so many ways, but when there is such fascination with a film’s story or characters, you like to see the story retold in film because of its message. If there is one reason why so many stories and novels are adapted to the screen, and adapted on so many occasions it is because of the everlasting message that they have to tell. Some may not think about this, but there is a reason why film adaptations and movies are released in theaters for the period of time that they can be seen. They simply will not be released for the sake of being seen. We are wrapping up the holiday season, so there is the hope that audiences can relate to the film’s message. A very heart-warming and beautiful message that may not be retold for awhile given the greatness of the film.

When you have such a strong ensemble cast like this film has, it may become easy to overlook the other aspects of the movie. However, the cinematography and music were absolutely incredible. Of course, the music is a very essential aspect when it comes to working on a musical, but it is good to acknowledge the great music that was presented throughout the film. Which leads to the important role of pace. From a director’s perspective, pace may be about whether they want the audience to wish that the film would continue, or to work with the pace within the time frame that has been done. Great pace in a musical is very important because you cannot count on the strength of a spoken performance by the actors. The film may not be done with the intent of making each musical piece better than the previous one, but there is always that expectation that everything will be great because the film is a musical. Not only was there great pace, but the singing was incredible from start to finish. This is one of those films where you are engaged in the film and you simply forget about time. You just want to enjoy the movie in its entirety, so as an audience, you cannot ask for more when that happens!

The most telling message that I take from this film is that it is not about how you start and live your life, it is about how you turn things around when it matters most. We live in a society that is very quick to judge others based on their first impressions or actions. As a result, trust, respect, and love is hard to earn and even harder to gain back when it is lost. There is also a constant belief that once someone does something that is out of order, they will continue to do those things for the rest of their life. While actions speak louder than words, this film also reminds us about how important it is to value the human spirit! When put to good use and for a good cause, there is nothing stronger than positive human spirit. There will always be challenges, hate, and opposition to overcome, but the human spirit can easily defeat all of that when you simply believe in yourself. The belief that you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it is very true. We all attract what our mind thinks, it is that simple.

It has been said that Hugh Jackman had a three-hour audition for the role of Jean Valjean. After watching this film, you will see how this great Aussie actor was a great fit for the lead character.  I have heard of his success singing on Broadway, and I still remember his great musical performance that started the Academy Awards a few years ago. I hope to see Jackman among the actors nominated for best actor at the Oscar’s next year as he delivered such a brilliant and graceful performance. His supporting cast was nothing short of spectacular; beginning with Anne Hathaway. We all know that she is an amazing actress, but now I know that she has such an amazing for singing as well. I never would have imagined seeing Russell Crowe in a musical, but he definitely dazzled and surprised in his role. Like Jackman, he proved to be a perfect fit to play the role of Javert. The group of supporting actors that included Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Redmayne added such great depth to an all ready star-studded cast. They were all directed by the brilliant, visionary work of Tom Hooper. It is his second consecutive film that will surely receive award recognition at the Oscar’s. As this year comes to an end, be sure to check out Les Miserables at the movie theater!

Dec
26

Moonrise Kingdom

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Watching this film last night reminded me of how little time we have left to watch this year’s films before it’s over next week. I’m already planning on seeing Les Miserables, Django Unchained, and Life of Pi this week. However, there are still some great films that I have not had the opportunity to see, such as Moonrise Kingdom. Despite the pressure I feel to watch all these films before the year is over, it is a very exhilarating feeling. How often can you say that you have five movies in the span of two days? Perhaps some of you can when the weather is not very cooperative, and you are stuck at home watching movies for most of the day. What I am talking about are new release movies though, so that makes it a little more difficult to do, but I am so up to the task. It makes my post of my top 10 films of the year that much more exciting. If you have ever made that list before, you know it is rather easy to list your top 15 or 20 movies, but when you pick your top 10, it can be more challenging, but rewarding to see your favorite films of the year. Moonrise Kingdom is a film that belongs on that list.

It is a beautiful feeling to watch a film that is different. There are so many movies that you may watch throughout the year, but every once in awhile, there is one that happens to strike your interest in a different way when you watch it. The outstanding praise and commentary that I have heard from others about this movie really had an influence on my decision to watch it last night. When the reviews and commentary are so positive, then the chances are that I will really enjoy the film. I sure did. A big reason for that is how it simply went above and beyond my expectations. That is the beauty of watching a movie that is very different from the rest that you have seen. Once you have seen a great number of films this year, then you understand what I mean about the film being different. Perhaps you have not seen anything like it, but if you have, you know that you have not seen that type of film making in some time. The combination of comedy and drama in the film may have something to do with the different perception of it. As simple as it sounds, it really does take great vision and directing to make that combination special.

The dialogue and pace of the film are the other two big factors. I have always thought that if those two aspects are done brilliantly, then it does not matter what the genre of film is. More often than not, it will be a movie that I will enjoy. I have not seen enough silent films to appreciate the other elements of film making on another level, but great pace and dialogue are what the best films have in common. It has a very intelligent script that provokes deep thought, but more importantly in terms of entertainment, it is funny. As an art form, films should be made to provoke thoughts and feelings in the audience. If they do not fulfill that purpose, then it only begs the question of why it was done? You may not be able to interact with a movie the way you can with stage actors, but the positive thoughts and feelings that are going through your mind make your experience watching the movie that much more enjoyable. Once again, to make a point that always seems to be true, laughter is important for a film’s success. Even the most dramatic films have instances where you may find yourself having a light laugh. Although it may be a light laugh, the fact that it provoked you enough to laugh is something that you never forget.

The strongest point that I can take from this beautiful film is its message about the power of free will. We all have that power in us to do what we choose. Of course, we must always be accountable and responsible for our actions, but it feels good to pursue what you desire without any fear or hesitation. If you have a plan, you have to do what you can to make sure that your plan works successfully. You do it because you have to follow what your heart and mind want, and it always helps to know that there is someone else who shares that same dream as you. There are many people who will tell you what is right and wrong, but ultimately, it is you who will make the decisions for yourself. The older we get, the tougher it becomes to live with the decisions that we have made. Life is simply too short to live if you do not challenge yourself and take risks that are not life threatening, but exciting to overcome. There is nothing worse than looking back on your life and feeling disappointed about something that you failed to do. So if you believe in your dreams, dream big and never let those dreams die because they can very well happen for you.

This is the first film that I have seen directed by Wes Anderson, and it was impressive work. So I’m very excited to see what other films he will direct in the near future. The actors chosen for the supporting roles were simply outstanding. Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, and Frances McDormand were all graceful and outstanding in their performances. Their collective work just leaves you with that feeling of wanting to see the film, or another one quite like it again. Having said that, the two stars who really stole the spotlight in this movie were Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman. It was the first film for both of these young actors that will surely be rising sooner than later. They were brilliant in their screen time together, but they also shined on screen individually. That is a very remarkable achievement given that it is the first movie that either of them have been in. It is good to see this new and young group of talented actors that are making their presence known in great films such as this one. There is no mistake about it. You must add Moonrise Kingdom to a must-see movie list that continues to grow!

Dec
13

Lincoln

lincoln movie poster

This past presidential election in November was by far the most anticipated one that I have ever witnessed. Many things can and should be accomplished in the next four years, but that all depends on the leader of this great nation. I have always said that the president can only do so much as a representative of this country because everything must be passed through the senate and house of representatives. When either is made up of a majority of people of the opposite party of the president, well that makes passing proposals much more difficult. Having said that however, it is hard to overlook the value of a great leader of a country. Someone with such great power has occasionally had his presence shown on film. However, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is the first film in my opinion, that really focuses its story on the president himself. Unless you do plenty of research, it is difficult to really trace back the path or journey that these men have traveled to get to where they are now to be the commander in chiefs of the United States. Wouldn’t you like to know more about the man that lives in the White House? Lincoln is by far the best presidential film that I have ever seen.

People often talk about how children pick up or learn from what their parents do or don’t do. Positive and negative actions, values, and behaviors are all learned over the years as children grow up watching those around them; especially their parents. I think it is safe to say that the same also occurs as the people of a nation watch and learn from their president during his tenure. While it is great to witness and talk about their achievements, there is also a lot to learn from them during very difficult and tumultuous times. It is possible that during those times is when their true sense of character and leadership come to life. That is when people and a great country need their leader to be the strongest that they can be, and need them to do their very best to move things forward. Vulnerability can be a strong moment of weakness and depression, but at the same time, it can really test the inner strength that we all have to overcome the different obstacles we face over the course of our lives. Sometimes we need to go through moments like that to really appreciate the power of the human spirit. To prove to ourselves that we can be a lot stronger than we think we are.

During his guest appearance on Inside The Actor’s Studio, Steven Spielberg said that he is inspired and motivated by a great story. If you have not seen any of the films in his astounding resume, then you are missing out on some of the most amazing stories ever told. Which would make it easier to relate to what he said above. Time and time again, he delivers greatness on a variety of levels, and it is no different in this film. Perhaps the strongest of which is his focus on the humility and personal strength of such historic figures. I think that we can all agree that it is simply impossible to please every single person with what is presented to them. There are those who will always appreciate the full body of work, and there are those who will not hesitate to voice their opinions about what could be done better. Both are very different approaches, but they both contribute greatly to the creation of art forms such as film. This film is a great opportunity for you to really look back several years ago to see how life was like in those times. If we all lived during those times, we could have very well been different people due to the circumstances that people lived in. That is the beauty of watching a film that shares an accurate portrayal of our history with us. It really opens the mind to think about how far we have come as a nation since then.

When you have a film such as this one, that focuses on a very important president, then perhaps it seems as though there is not enough time to tell a great story on screen. There are so many things that as a director, you would want to capture to show to the audience. However, films do not have all the time in the world to entertain, so what is important to appreciate is the full body of work that has been presented. It is very fast and easy to criticize what we do not like in a movie, or anything for that matter. In terms of films however, regardless of how long they are, it is difficult to ignore the brilliance of the writing and acting that they present. They could easily be this film’s two strongest characteristics. In so many ways, they determine what can be a must-see movie at the theater, or a wait for dvd release. Behind a great story there is always great screen writing and acting to bring that story to life. Regardless of what people say about the two and a half hour length that this film has, you cannot ignore the greatness of the writing and acting that is delivered.

Already a nominee in the Screen Actors Guild Awards for outstanding performance by a cast in  a motion picture, outstanding is the word that best describes the work of the cast in this film. Those who saw it during its first week of release buzzed about how Daniel Day-Lewis would be a sure lock for a best actor nomination at the Academy Awards. Now that I have seen it, I totally agree with them. He may not have many films in his resume like his supporting actors, but his performance as the man who was our 16th president is simply outstanding! He is very selective of the roles that he does, but he always shines in his performances. Looking forward to what he will do next! Joining him in this film is an outstanding supporting cast. Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field are both amazing in their roles, and very deserving of award recognition as well. The supporting cast also includes great performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Strathairn. Whether you choose to watch this film in theaters, or wait to see it at home is up to you. The reality is that it is one of the best of the year!

Nov
26

Silver Linings Playbook

As you know, Christmas songs start to play on the radio during and after Thanksgiving weekend. Once it’s over, people start to go in masses to the nearest shopping mall on Friday, or better known as Black Friday. I’m not the biggest fan of waiting in lines, but I did have the courage to go for the second time ever this year. Thankfully, it was quick! The point to all this is that it’s all preparation for the most wonderful time of the year! It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year to be spend with your family and loved ones, but you can also have a great time at the movies! This is the moment when you have to check out the films that are wrapping up this incredible year of films that we have had. Silver Linings Playbook is definitely a feel-good film that you should go watch!

Film making is quite simply one of the best art forms. It is an even better art form when it combines two of its greatest genres: comedy and drama. Usually, they are on their own ends of the spectrum, and sometimes they will include parts of each other in their films. However, this film is a rare occasion where the two are uniquely intertwined. They both add to the charm of this movie that will entertain you on both of those levels. More importantly, it talks to us all on so many other levels. That is where the beauty of films really comes out. As stressful as life can be, sometimes we all need an extra boost of encouragement. We could use some extra motivation to keep our spirits up when are feeling exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally tired. Laughter is one of the best cures for that. For me, one of the greatest cures is an amazing story that can also teach us all valuable lessons. It’s the concept of having a blast, but learning something while you’re at it. There is so much joy to get out of that, and you experience it tremendously when watching this film.

Although his work as a director is short so far, he has directed 11 films, this is the second consecutive film that David O. Russell has worked on that is worthy of Oscar nominations. His film The Fighter won 2 Oscars back in 2010, including one for best supporting actor for Christian Bale. Here he demonstrates once again that he can direct a film that is just as humorous as it is dramatic. Russell also wrote the screenplay, and the dialogue is definitely one of this movie’s strongest points. The fact that he combined the genres of comedy and genre was a brilliant move, and he executed that very well. Laughter will always keep an audience entertained. So to add to that entertainment, you put in the drama which raises questions and curiosity. At just over two hours, you are engaged in this film from start to finish. It is some thing that is easier said than done, and from a director’s perspective, quite an accomplishment. I cannot help but feel excitement for what is to come next from David O. Russell. If the you must ask the question, what have you done for me lately, well, he’s directed back to back films that are worthy of Oscar recognition. So I’m very much looking forward to his next film.

Of the many things that you can take from this movie, perhaps the greatest lesson is that it is never to late to try something again. Life is just too short for you to simply dwell on the past. The future can be bright if you allow yourself to look at it that way. Of course, things will not just happen out of nowhere; even though they occasionally do. It takes serious commitment and dedication to lead the life that you want to live. Family and friends certainly have an influence on the decisions that we make, but they also want nothing but the best for us. At the end of the day, it is the decisions that you make that will shape your life in the future. It is something that you have to take full responsibility and accountability for, and it makes it all so much easier when you find someone that you fall in love with. It can be a life-long journey that you can enjoy together. There will always be troubles and hard times that you will encounter, but that is where the strength of the relationship comes into play. Even if you may not have that special someone in your life, there are people in our lives that inspire us to do our best, and that can take you a long way!

This has been a great year for Bradley Cooper. He has definitely proven that he has great range as an actor in this film. While he is most known for his role in The Hangover series, it is his work in movies outside of that series that has really stood out to me. He has great talent, and we will surely continue to see that next year. Cooper shined with co-star Jennifer Lawrence. While her film resume is just getting started, it is shaping up to be very great and diverse. She also has great depth to her acting, and it is exciting to wait for the future performances that she will deliver. Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker and John Ortiz all contribute great supporting roles that bring out the good laughs throughout this film. The heart of this film lies in the performance of Robert De Niro. He is one of the characters that you feel strong emotional attachment to, and as expected, he delivers the very best. It is an amazing cast and an amazing film. So if you have not gone to the movies, you have some movie watching to do before you complete your preparations for the holidays!

Nov
06

Flight

Are you ready to fly? Taking a flight to go anywhere in the world can be the most pleasant, but yet nerve-wrecking experience as well. You must trust the people who flying the plane, but more importantly, you must trust the technology that runs the plane. Of course, you must trust the plane itself to get to your destination. You are thousands of feet up in the air, and although help can come rather quickly, in a matter of minutes, things can make the flight into a life or death situation. So it is a very gutsy performance to make a film about a tragic plane crash. For director Robert Zemekis, this film is a return back to live action since Cast Away. It is a return that has been very well received. It is a great blend of drama, suspense, and even humor. Whenever you have such a strong, emotional drama, great humor will always add to the great appreciation of the film.

What is interesting about this film is its focus of attention. Obviously, when you see the trailer, you know that there will be some attention devoted to the plane crash. However, that is not its strongest focal point. We all love to hear feel good stories. We love to hear the stories of people who overcome adversity. The more difficult and painful the journey has been, the better it is to see people go through it and share their success in overcoming those personal battles. That is what makes drama films so special. Whether they are based on a true story or not, they do inspire those of us that are going through or own struggles, to keep fighting. They inspire us to be live that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is easier said than done to stop any addiction that you have, but after watching a film that is well put together and inspiring, then you have to believe that it is not impossible. The problem is that it is very difficult to do. However, if you have the belief to stop, then sooner or later, you will be successful.

For Denzel Washington, it is safe to say that you will never be let down by his performances. He may not deliver performances that are worthy of an Oscar nomination in every film that he does, but the strength and quality of his performances are always there. There are many who would say that they see him dong the same roles. However, in this film, it was a performance that I had never seen from him before. It is that difference-making performance that really pushes this film forward. The fact that this film focuses on a man who not only suffers from being an alcoholic, but suffers from drug addiction as well is very captivating. It may not be based on a true story, but it is the reality for a lot of people. It shows them that they are not alone in their struggles. The first thing to do is to acknowledge the fact that they have an addiction, and it is a problem for them and for others as well. Some people fail to understand that even though others may not suffer from their addiction, the fact that they someone close to them suffer from it is just as painful for them. Things can get worse when you talk about lives that have been lost in a plane crash, even if the majority survived. It is difficult to express the value of someone’s life. Even if there is just one casualty, it is someone that we have lost.

If you had the opportunity to direct this film, it really opens up a lot of interesting possibilities. There are many genres you can choose from, or mix them together. That is the type of endless creativity that this story lends itself to. What is important to recognize however, is the human story that it shares. These are the films that you will most likely continue to talk about after you have seen them. Perhaps there will be different interpretations, which should be expected, but the fact that you would engage in a conversation to talk about the film’s impact is great. Obviously, people talk negatively about a film as well. However, in this case, when the film has a great human story to share, people will be moved and inspired by what they saw.

It is safe to say that the return of Robert Zemekis to live action was successful. It just raises the curiosity for what his next project will be. It is no surprise that Denzel Washington shined in his performance. It is a performance that I had never seen him do, and therefore, it is a film that I highly encourage everyone to watch. Films are meant to work the mind, and provoke your thoughts, and this one will succeed in doing so for you. John Goodman has a had a great year of supporting roles, and he is great in this film as well. Regardless of the character he plays, he always brings the great humor and laughter that a film like this should have. Tamara Tunie, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle, and Kelly Reilly are the other supporting actors that complete this great cast. The holiday season at the movies is very fun right now, and as you enjoy it, be sure to check out Flight!