Hunger Games

April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Hunger Games

Hunger Games Movie

Background

            Another teen/semi fantasy based book series gets brought to life on the big screen and every tween, teen, and their mothers gets dragged into its engulfing success and hype. I’m talking about the “Hunger games” film, based off the popular book series of the same name. Many people have claimed a striking similarity between the Hunger Games and Twilight series due to their target audiences and featuring young actors that cause many a fan girl to go into a squealing frenzy. However, I found that similarity to be a weak comparison on numerous levels considering how different the story and set up for Hunger games is…and the fact that Twilight is literally devoid of any kind of talent or material worth watching, whereas Hunger games is quite the opposite. Before all the tween hype and Twilight comparison buzz, I had no idea these books had existed or of how well received they were by the public. Only thing I knew was that this movie was not like Twilight, it was darker and everyone is talking about it, and eventually the buzz got the better of me and I went to check it out.

Why is the film good?

The builds the dark natured subject from the very beginning to the final minutes of the film, always keeping you in suspense and always reminding you of what’s to come and how intense it will be once it happens. The story really knows how to build suspense, explaining more and more about the battle royal between the kids and involving us in the competitor’s lives and fears as the time for fighting inevitably draws closer. I love the visual flare of the film’s unique world, showing bright and shiny colors for the higher ups and wealthy, while all the poor nations wear drab, shabby clothes and their lands are colored dark gray and blue. The movie does a great job pulling you into this world’s society and their customs, rules, programming and mentality like the talk show with Stanley Tucci interviewing each of the children, or Katniss catching the attention of the main sponsors by shooting an arrow right at an apple in the sponsors observation area. One of the most interesting aspects I found was the contrasting views of the games themselves: the higher ups continue to act if being chosen for the games is a privilege and try to “spice it up” for the kids by giving them wealthy hotel rooms, lots to eat, and expensive clothing. Everyone else on the other hand, naturally, views the game as an atrocity that they have to accept despite how much they hate it and wish they could refuse.

A good example of this is when Katniss’s best friend, back at her home town, refuses to watch the games and states “If everyone stops watching, they’re won’t be any games anymore.” I find Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) to be an interesting character, she’s very wise and very agile but still prone to not understanding everything and it makes her character more flexible and less indestructible seeming considering she is the main character. For example, her fellow district tribute member Peter (played by Josh Hutcherson) professes he is in love with her during his public interview. At first, Katniss is enraged by Peter’s announcement but later understands it was to help solidify their safety in the public’s eye, and that even she doesn’t know everything about Peter and how they can help each other; even if they are destined to kill each other. The movie always makes things interesting and every surprise or event always comes with a twist or danger that keeps the character and the audience on the edge of their seats, gripped with intrigue and tension.

What is the film’s message/meaning?

I believe the film’s message is to not bow down and obey rules blindly, you must fight for what you believe in and that even the impossible can become possible if you refuse to give up and maintain your personal, inner strength. Just because you are being forced to do something for someone does not mean you have to be exactly what they want you to be. Determination and hope can help change the world and sometimes breaking the rules can have its own rewards, and the last message I found in this movie was that no one’s fate is set in stone.

What didn’t I like about the movie

I was really distracted and bothered by the gaudy and ridiculously stupid looking costumes and hairstyles the rich and wealthy figures wore. Like Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci and the other rich members who support and/or run the games. The costumes and hairstyles are laughably absurd and too cartoonish to be taken seriously. I just felt the costumes felt way too out of place with the rest of the tone and feel of the movie, they would have looked/worked just fine in regular clothing and been taken more seriously instead of looking like rejects from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” movie.

Closing thoughts

I didn’t know what to expect with this movie but I was surprised to see that it was an adaption that really worked on almost every level. The film was intense, dark and yet bright and colorful at the same time. I haven’t seen a book series adapted into films this engaging since the Harry Potter film series and this was just the first film entry in the series. This movie looks fresh and feels intense and impressive, every one of the cast impressed me and aside from the god awful gaudy costumes for the wealthy adult figures, this is a story everyone can easily sink their teeth into and appreciate its mature and dark subject material. I think even with the PG-13 rating this movie was plenty graphic and violent and I didn’t think that was possible, but it still delivered the same grim impact, this movie isn’t for everyone despite the fact I think everyone could benefit from seeing it.

Filed Under: Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wrath Of The Titans

April 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Wrath Of The Titans

 

Wrath of the Titans

Background

I was fortunate (or unfortunate depending on how you look at it) to actually see this film’s predecessor, “Clash of the Titans”, which was a remake of an older film. I never saw the old original “Clash” film but after seeing the remake, I was starting to think I might have been better off watching the old film. The remake of “Clash” was one of the worst movies to come out that year and I completely regretted wasting money on going to see such a disappointing heap of cinematic garbage. Despite knowing how badly the first film sucked, I was admittedly captivated by what I saw of the trailers for the sequel “Wrath of the Titans.” I knew I was probably going to set myself up for further disappointment and failure, and I know full well that the eye catching trailer in “Wrath” held the potential to be the only parts worth watching; much like with the first film. To be honest, there was no other big films coming out the same time as “Wrath” that I wanted to see, so with a hope in my heart and a pair of crossed fingers, I decided to give the “Titans” series another shot.

Why is the film good?

Unfortunately, in a lot of ways, much of the problems from the first film still plagued the sequel but the way they handled them this time around actually turned to be a more effective use of time. The pacing in this film was very fast, everything was constantly moving and frequently attacking or jumping out at you and it seemed to be a smart choice because that way people don’t have to realize that the weakly written characters are still the same dull dudes. More emphasis was placed on the monsters and the gods, showcasing their fight scenes and godly interactions with each other than anything else throughout the film. I think the actors went about portraying the gods the wrong way last time because I found myself liking their performances much better with this film. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes played Zeus and Hades more like actual brothers and conflicted individuals rather than big mouthed jerks with booming/whispering tones like in the first film. I felt the portrayal of how the gods talk and act towards each other felt more genuine and they seemed more interesting than just flashy pieces of CGI fireworks displays. Speaking of CGI, the effects in “Wrath” are a thousand times better than the first film and the lava monster known as Cronos (who appears towards the very end) looks magnificent and even more impressive and powerful than last film’s colossal Kraken monster.

Most of the first movie had many forgettable characters that were not even important enough to remember even before they were killed off, this film makes up for that by focusing on the gods and making use of their characters more efficiently. The character Agenor (played by Toby Kebbell) was amusing but not so amusing he was a comedic relief character, they used his background as a slave/fallen son of a god enough to make us want to watch him and laugh when he has the chance to be funny. Even with this film’s flaws, it’s like the fast paced and constant barrage of intense action scenes kept the moving at a pace so fast that the flaws of the film didn’t stand out as much anymore. For example, the story moved very fast in revealing Zeus was betrayed by his brother Hades and his son Ares, but they kept going back and forth to that interaction between them that, despite the fact this story twist came very quickly, it’s interesting enough that their characters interactions still keep our attention without dragging it on for too long. There were also some really interesting visuals and unique cinematography when Perseus was in this kind of labyrinth mind trap including hallucinations, and a very nicely shot dark battle with a monstrous Minotaur beast.

What is the film’s message/meaning?

I believe the film’s message is that we cannot escape our past lives and pretend it does not involve us simply by running away from the problem. No matter how hard or difficult the problems that emerge appear to be, the strength of family and brotherly love can make anything possible. Everyone must repay what they sew, everything we do and have done will have consequences and those consequences must be dealt with face to face. Just because we want to leave our family’s histories behind does not mean that you and the people in your new life are safe from being dragged back into them.

What didn’t I like about the movie?

Same problems as with the first movie: very slim, paper thin plotline and barely any so-called character development. None of the characters had any mentionable personalities or performances that made them memorable or worth caring about. Sam Worthington continually fails as an actor, in every film I’ve seen him in (including both Titans films), he fails to emote or deliver once second of movie screen time that would ever inspire me to call him an actor. Final problem is the actor who played Ares (Edgar Ramirez) was underwhelming as the god of war, he was far too passive and blasé for a character you expect more actual vengeful wrath from considering his position AND the title of the film. Ares should have been recast.

Closing thoughts

“Wrath” certainly beats its god awful predecessor out of the park with a much faster paced, action filled film even with the same flaws occasionally dragging it down. The acting (outside of the main gods) and so called performances from lead man Worthington continually sucks and the characters still have personalities as thick as dead air. However, the monsters and effects are much better looking, the pacing keeps the moving going enough that your never bogged down or too bored with anything that’s going on, and the relationship and portrayals of the gods feels much more natural and genuine. Even if you feel out of the loop with the story, “Wrath” is easily better than “Clash” and you’ll get more watching it over “Clash” any day of the week.

Filed Under: Action/Adventure, Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Empire Strikes Back

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back

Background

No level of fame, pop culture acclaim or recognition can go any higher than that of George Lucas worldwide, revolutionary story of “Star Wars.” Star Wars is recognizable by everyone in every place, on every city, on every map, through every format through every location on the world and that almost sounds scary good enough as it is. While many people disregard the three Star Wars prequel films as being inferior to the original three, there are many who regard “The Empire Strikes back” (volume 5) to be the best Star Wars film out of all 6 and it is said to be the darkest of the 6 films as well. I grew up with Star Wars movies (like a lot people did I imagine) and to be honest when I first saw this movie, I found it to be the least interesting out of the original 3 films. As a kid, I didn’t really appreciate the darker nature of the storyline and the more serious tone it took in comparison to how “A New Hope” presented itself. However, after seeing it as an adult I found myself being much more appreciative and impressed at the darker edge this film took the series, especially with how they handled the ending.

Why the film is so good?

The reason “The Empire Strikes Back” is such a great film is part of what I already mentioned in the first portion: the darker tone and style of the film. Everything about this film took a harder turn from the previous film, the shots of the Empire trouncing the rebels on Hoth, Vader slicing off Luke’s hand, Han Solo being locked into carbonite, and finding out Vader is Luke’s father all promoted the success and damage the Empire was inflicting. The characters, the music, the lighting and shadows during Luke’s scenes in the swamp and battling against Vader was a combination of both obvious and subtle influences of the serious edge the film was promoting throughout the film. It was like the film was allowing the bad guys to win and that is something hardly any films allow, even if it’s only for that singular film (as it is with Star Wars since everything is wrapped up in “Return of the Jedi”). Another great thing about this movie was the approach it took with handling Luke and Vader’s journeys into their each respected order (Jedi and Sith). We all saw Vader as the hateful villain in the first film, but here we got to see more of what he did in his personal time, his views and relationship with the Emperor, and even more of his cold, ruthless nature as he routinely murders his subordinates and then promotes another after they fail (much like the previously killed subordinates did).

I saw this as a great sense of reflecting and balancing the forces of good and evil with both characters, and as the film progressed and developed, so did Luke and Vader and how their views began to change based on their experiences. Luke’s training with Yoda on the swamp is a perfect example of this balance. Luke was in a dark, murky, nightmarish place and the deeper he got into the training, the more difficult it became and the closer he came to realizing he was making the same rash decisions and mistakes that lead his father to become Darth Vader; like when Luke killed the Vader phantom in the dream scene that revealed his own face inside the helmet. Another great part about this film was the choice to leave everything in such an unhappy and dreadful foreboding way. Han frozen, Vader telling Luke he is his father, Lando betraying Han and his friends, and even Luke nearly dying after deliberately ignoring Yoda’s wishes to try and save his friends on Cloud city. It was a difficult style of storytelling to approach since the movie had to end but do so in a way that didn’t make it seem like this was a “to be continued” kind of ending. I loved the way they handled the movie because it set up the final film so perfectly and, at the same time, made the ending stand on its own without worrying about someone saying “Wait a minute, what happens next, you can’t end there.”

What is the film’s message/focus?

I believe the message/focus for this movie was that sometimes, you have to suffer a loss in order to win the final victory of the war. The truth about our pasts can never be easy to accept and sometimes, who we think is our enemy turns out to be our family or best friends and vice versa. We cannot predict the future but we cannot give up on trying to save it or protect it simply because the present is too hard and difficult to live through. There is always hope, there is always a chance to come out of the ashes of defeat and win the day for the future.

What didn’t I like about the movie?

I didn’t feel the whole dream/phantom sequence with Luke “fighting himself” was explained very well. The scene seemed to come out at random with little explanation or understanding as to how it came to be in terms of the film’s pacing. I understand the symbolism and meaning behind the message, the film made that very clear, it’s the means and method the film took in order to visualize that message that I disagree with and feel didn’t work as well.

Closing thoughts

Besides my gripe with the dream sequence insertion, there is hardly a single reason I can think of that would promote any negativity towards this film. Every Star Wars film is a classic science fiction masterpiece, and “Empire” truly stands alone as the most in depth, darkest, and intense of all 6 films, which is quite a feat to accomplish. This movie truly broke all the rules and plot points out of all the films and it’s the one film that people most often quote, reference and discuss with the utmost highest regards. It’s amazing, it’s powerful, it’s deep, it’s dark and it’s legendary, I expect nothing less from a series like Star Wars.

Filed Under: Science Fiction Tagged With: , , , ,

The Matrix

March 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Matrix

The Matrix Movie Discussion

Background

Sometimes the right kind of advertising can make or break a film’s success rate, the best way to hook people into seeing their films is to show just a fraction of what the movie is actually about in order to make people curious enough to go see what the movie is really all about. Many times this trick can result in bittersweet feelings as people are either extremely dissatisfied with a movie because its trailer was deceptive, or, they become pleasantly surprised to see the movie was better than they expected it to be. “The Matrix” is a film that presented its trailers and clips in such a way that a gigantic mystery was brewing over people’s minds every time they saw a clip of the film.  I had no idea what the Matrix was about or what kind of radical, mind blowing concepts it had in store for its audiences, and after seeing the movie, I found it to be quite radical and extremely mind blowing and I feel it is safe to say that majority of the Matrix’s viewers shared similar reactions. There are not a lot of movies or even TV shows for that matter that can honestly say they can blow one’s mind with their story content, but the Matrix is certainly one of the better films in this instance.

Why is the film so good?

“The Matrix” is such a good film because it unleashed a brand new generation or eye popping special effects and feats of visual wonder that no one had really seen before. The use of slow motion action scenes, time bending acrobatics and martial arts fight techniques were given a brand new spin that turned ordinary fight scenes into incredible feats of physical and supernatural performances. The most noteworthy positive point about the film easily goes to the story twist that is revealed towards the middle of the film, the revelation of machines using us as literal batteries inside a prison/dream world that we know as reality, or, as the film calls it, “The Matrix.” The story executed this shocking discovery brilliantly by utilizing subtle events such as Neo’s mouth becoming mush, cops turning into agents, and people disappearing into phone lines to help us suspend disbelief and build us up to the realization that not only explains all these strange events, but also presents an overwhelming possible explanation for our very existence.  I have seen and heard of many futuristic films with machines taking over humanity, but I never saw or heard of such a wild concept being utilized so impressively through stunning visuals and dialog that sounds cryptic and yet logical enough that it makes sense to us despite our horrific reactions.

Everything about this film’s visual style, look, and appearance left huge imprints on our popular culture and influence on art and media. The black leather jacket look with the black shades, the slow motion time displacement jumps, the look and design of the menacing agents, the shoot-out scene with the guns assaulting the building lobby towards the end of the film, and even characters like Morpheus, Agent Smith, and Neo have become indistinguishable pop culture icons. Keanu Reeves made a huge impact as the character of Neo, his dry voice and stoic interpretation of the character of Neo really fit the character’s personality and felt connectable for audiences to see such a person like him existing and reacting the way he did to the discovery of the truth about the Matrix. Lawrence Fishburne commands power and presence with his deep voice and equally stoic mannerisms, but he walks and acts with a sort of powerful god like complex that sets him apart from looking too similar to Neo and makes him appear more commanding and intimidating.  I always loved and admired Hugo Weaving for his acting talents and Agent Smith is no conception, every scene with him in it is a grand one and his character is so evil, so cold, so methodically dark and yet, proper and sophisticated; it’s a brilliant mix for a character brought to life so impressively by someone like Weaving.

What is the film’s message/meaning?

I believe the film’s message is that the truth is never easy to accept. Living in a dream world is denying ourselves the truth of our existence, we must face and accept reality and learn to deal with life’s consequences no matter how hard we want to deny them or wish they were not true. Our lives are not determined by fate, the choices we make determine who we are and as long as we believe in the power of ourselves, nothing is impossible.

What didn’t I like about the movie?

The only thing I really can complain about this movie was the less than impressive result with its two sequels: The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. While I know that is not the same as a complaint with this film itself and while I firmly believe those two films were now where near as bad as everyone else said they were, I do admit they lacked something the original film had.

Closing thoughts

The Matrix will always stand on its own two feet as one of the most revolutionary science fiction films to come out in a long, long time. The level of sophistication with the writing, plot development, choice of actors, visual style and unbelievable special effects always continues to astound me every time I watch this movie. The dark outfits, the crazy bullet/time physics and the impressive performances from actors like Fishburne, Weaving, and Reeves always thrill me and I don’t think even with today’s more modernized special effects, that any of those positive points will ever be diminished. There is so much story material here that feels ahead of its time and I feel even despite the parodies so many people have made off this film and its sequels, “The Matrix” is still one Hell of an awesome mind blowing visual feast of cinema history.

Filed Under: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction Tagged With: , , ,

Fight Club

March 20, 2012 By 1 Comment

Fight Club

Fight Club With Brad Pitt

Background

This was another one of those movies that everyone hears about, everyone talks about, and everyone sees influencing popular culture. “Fight Club” is one of those movies that break a lot of barriers by introducing something new, inventive, creative, bizarre or just flat out so strangely unique that it gets everyone talking over its impact. David Fincher (who is now being most recognized for his recent films “The Social Network” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) created something truly dark and unique with this film and even after so many years, the film still speaks volume for art and for our own modern society. I remember thinking this movie was some stupid kind of snobbish art house film, something that gets loads of raving reviews but has no appeal to a common movie goer like myself and I had been screwed over by films in that situation many times before. Thankfully, this film truly proved it’s hype and acclaim by providing a dark, gritty, smart, and intense experience that left me quite impressed and I am so glad that even people today are still recognizing this film for its greatness; because it truly deserves it.

Why the film is so good?

The reason this film is so good is because it created a new sensation and concept for people to wrap their bloody knuckles around: fighting to release tension and break away from their daily grind and normal lives. People fighting each other for money or sport have always existed, but I don’t think people could really acknowledge or understand why it existed until seeing this movie. “Fight Club” puts an in depth, realistic face on an activity that seemed to be a waste of time and actually helped the audience see why these people felt they needed to beat each other to a bloody pulp. The movie does a great job exposing the dark side of humanity and showcasing truly screwed up people doing truly screwed up things. Like Edward Norton’s character pretending to be terminally ill in order to feel self-confident by going to group meetings for people who are FOR REAL terminally ill, or actually seeing the appeal of acts of public destruction that Brad Pitt encourages him to participate in. We don’t like to think or act like these people are real and are voluntarily doing such horrible things, but this movie forces the audience to confront reality in a gritty, dark, and hardcore fashion. The idea of having Pitt and Norton talk to the camera and convey their ideologies help us connect to their personal views and also gives the movie a satirical, dark comedic like touch that makes it disturbing yet amusing.

Another great thing about the film is the sudden spontaneous insertion of the fighting, how Pitt just out of the blue; randomly asked Norton to hit him as hard as he could and then increases the level of fighting to include others and even discussing what famous individuals they would like to brawl with. The fight club idea comes on so sudden and the way the film brings it up and visualizes the people’s fights, rather than their responses or reasons for fighting, lets the visuals and facial reactions say more than words ever could. The dichotomy between Pitt and Norton’s characters is another great aspect of the film, their conversations explore so many levels of Norton’s beliefs that he is, in fact, and liking this dark new side of him despite the fact that society says this is wrong and not be enjoyed. For example, when Norton has a bomb destroy his apartment and all his possessions, it was through the well written and well delivered dialog from Pitts performance that made Norton see he was free now from his old life and that he was a better person for doing so, even if society says the opposite. I also love the gradual climb of the fight club evolving into a terrorist group. The way the film set the club’s progress and continually reminded us of their ideals, it made the advancement seem logical and believable, despite how dark its intentions are.

I also love how the film used dark colors like black and brown, making even the color of blood appear gritty to give the film the edgy tone it was striving towards. No one looks happy and sunny in this movie, even the world and city full of people they live in appears rotten and dirty and it creates a world so ugly yet so seemingly authentic that the film always keeps its focus and direction clearly and firmly in check.

What is the film’s message/meaning?

I believe the movie’s message is to live your life your own way, free from possessions and rules enforced by society and popular opinion. Pain can be a liberating force and that even the dark side of life can offer a bit of happiness and that it is a very REAL driving force for some people. Another message is to be careful what you wish for and what you create, even the simplest thing can one day evolve into something horrible and destructive that hurts others even if you only started by hurting yourself.

What didn’t I like about the movie

I felt the ending left a little to be desired. Things spiraled a bit too far out of control for the movie to really clean itself up towards the very end and left it with little to no elbow room to wrap things up without it looking too hasty. I feel the progression to terrorism got a bit weird at times and while I understand how and why it happened, at times I felt the movie went a bit too far with it and it stepped off the path the movie originally walked, and not in a good way.

Closing thoughts

I may not agree with what the movie was trying to say but they delivered their message very effectively and it is hard to dislike something delivered so excellently. Norton and Pitt play off each other so well and were absolutely convincing, their delivery of dialog and intense discussions/fighting made the relationship a captivating sight to see for sure. This movie is one Hell of a dark ride one but a very interesting one at that, and I applaud the darker side of the film’s message and the idea of starting fight clubs to blow off steam was a very creative idea that I feel still works and still feels relevant and riveting to see in modern society today.

Filed Under: Action/Adventure, Drama, Thriller Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Inception

March 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Inception

Inception Movie Discussion

Background

This was the first movie that director Christopher Nolan had made since “The Dark Knight” and since that movie was such a huge hit with movie goers across the world (myself included), I was extremely curious to see what this original piece from him would turn out to be. Every trailer, commercial, and clip I saw for this movie just left me more confused and more curious as to what this movie was actually going to be about. After seeing this movie, I could not believe what a literal mind trip this movie was and how important it was to see this movie more than once in order to process the entire incredible mind mending written material that the movie was exploding from every outlet with. There are not many films that can accomplish such lengthy story outlining, detailed explanations and well written original material that is able to be cryptic and yet perfectly explained over the course of the whole film at the same time. Everything from what I saw on the outside looked good and leads me to believe this movie was not going to disappoint. The actors, the music, the writing, the visual flare, the originality in the story, there was not a single component that failed to draw me into checking this movie out.

Why is the film good?

The film is good because it brings something that most movies today do not really have an abundance of…or even a fraction of it in some cases: originality. This film is all based on a concept that has never ever been touched upon, discussed or delved into before and it literally takes the whole film to explain the concept while at the same time, maintaining your interest in the story and its characters; so it doesn’t feel like one big lecture hall presentation in movie format. The whole idea of going into dreams and then going into another dream to implant an idea into a person’s mind is genius, and the movie presented this radical concept with much explaining and with enough interest that the movie still felt like it had a conflict everyone wanted to see the outcome without being bored. This movie really wants you to focus on the movie and doesn’t put anything inside that doesn’t have a purpose, you have to keep track of everything they say or do or you will be lost and miss a crucial element to the film’s story points. This is actually not a flaw but a plus because it compels you to watch the movie and pay attention without any kind of distractions from any kind of joke or scene that proved pointless.

The visuals were absolutely amazing, they gave the movie a distinctive look and shape that captivated us from the minute we saw those rows of houses bending backwards and consuming the sky in the trailer. The special effects turned reality upside down with each new dream sequence and landscape. The best part about the effects though was the concept of keeping it all firmly grounded in reality, nothing seemed too outlandish or too unbelievable from the design of the effects. Like the train bursting through a busy intersection, or the gravity defying fights in the hallway during the mind battle sequence with Leonardo Dicaprio’s character. The movie films the dreams in a way that they look and feel real without actually being reality and I think that was what the film was trying to deliver. It is really hard to narrow down a specific performance or actor as being the best that stood out in this film because every performance from every chosen actor was delivered better than I could have ever hoped. Dicaprio was compelling, confident, cocky, intense and yet mysterious and emotionally wounded at the same time. I really felt his guilt and his pride destroying his life, a life he is trying so desperately to reclaim and that is something everyone can connect with.

Marion Cotillard was my favorite actor in the film though, such intensity and such presence with so few lines and scenes. She delivered more emotion and power in her appearances with fewer lines than any other actress I have ever seen and I loved every moment of her onscreen. Though they were supporting roles, I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw from Ken Watanabe and Cillian Murphy.

What is the film’s message/meaning?

This movie’s message is the important of family, reclaiming your past and correcting the mistakes that have bothered you your whole life. The message is about knowing your limits and knowing when to stop meddling with things you shouldn’t meddle in, but also to go to any lengths to protect and earn what is important to you. Let your imagination and courage guide you more than your guilt and fears and you will become stronger and better for it in the end.

What didn’t I like about the movie?

I felt Ellen Page’s character was kind of a waste of space. She was barely “alive” in her performance and passed through most of her lines without much effort. The character also was far too calm and unrealistic when she first saw the mind bending dream sequences and it made me feel a bit detached from believing such a character could exist. Ironic considering the obvious supernatural like dream sequences were more believable than Page’s character. She was my only real complain with the movie to be honest.

Closing thoughts

Inception may have a flawed role with Ellen Page and an extremely difficult concept to wrap your head around with, but that doesn’t make the movie any less epic or less impressive. The actors are flawless, each performance minor and major makes their screen time and dialog worth wild and the unique concept literally blows my mind every time I watch the film. Not everyone can truly appreciate or understand what this movie is all about but I feel everyone deserves to see this film at least once.

Filed Under: Science Fiction Tagged With: , , , ,

Carnage

March 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Carnage Movie Discussion

Great Carnage Movie Poster

Background

When I went to see this film, this week, I had no idea what the film was actually about. I only knew that it had Kate Winslet and Jodie Foster in it and I saw and liked the poster – an Andy Warhol style poster with pictures of the characters happy and then screaming or angry.

But I knew I wanted to see the film. When the opening credits started and there was everyone from Roman Polanski to Yasmina Reza, I got excited. Yasmina Reza as you may be aware is the French playwright who wrote the amazing play called Art. I have seen this three times. A short 1.5 hours sharp comedy with three characters.

So, I was expecting a lot from this film which was based on another of her plays.

The film is set in New York but was filmed in Paris as I found out later and wished I never knew as it took away from the fantasy of it, and the gorgeous New York atmosphere.

What I Liked About The Film

I loved the characters and seeing the initially smiling Jodie Foster and how they went from conciliatory ‘nice people’ to savages later on. Firstly, how gorgeous was Kate Winslet. As my friend also said, we didn’t realise how gorgeous she was, as a very elegant woman, well dressed, very sexy and also with her American accent.

I loved the husband of Jodie Foster who starts out as a nice guy but we later learn doesn’t care about her wife’s liberal leanings plus there is the story of him letting out the hamster into the wild despite what his daughter said. And I loved how the initial antagonism between him and Kate Winslet’s husband played by the brilliant actor from Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds turned into gelling together.

His views on life, basically accepting things as they are and being ruthlessly greedy as the corporate lawyer were fantastic. I loved the moments when he was on the phone and he was discussing confidential and unethical behaviour in front of the couple and meanwhile Kate Winslet was embarrassingly stuck there. Social convention kept her and them from simply storming out.

And Jodie Foster how she turned on her own husband. Blaming him for having no ambition or being cynical I think it was. And also her fury at what he did to the hamster. Then him trying to defend himself with saying that had nothing to do with what the kids had done. And how both fathers had been leaders of gangs.

This interplay was fantastic. And the fact that the children were not even featured in this conversation.

The Meaning Of The Film

I’ll probably never get the meaning of the film as it is French and so is probably very deep! Basically it is how these marriages are both in trouble and that is leading to the children behaving the way they do. The fact that the lawyer takes little interest in home affairs and even calls his own son a maniac whereas the other father throws out the hamster and meanwhile Jodie Foster’s character is attempting to learn about Darfur and write about it.

So, whilst there is civility underneath that, there is this hostility or savageness. Even the lawyer says, law is based on violence. And, the fact that the underlying driver of the movie is the violence done by one child on another. And despite Jodie Foster trying to get the children together to discuss it and Kate Winslet initially agreeing with it, the lawyer does not believe that can or will happen.

Plus these two fathers were also in gangs and also involved in violence similar to what happened previously. Violence seems to crop up everywhere, from Jodie Foster studying the genocide to her throwing Kate Winslet’s bag on the floor.

We also understand the unhappiness of marriages and sacrifices. It is such a truth when Kate Winslet says she doesn’t protest anymore when her husband is always on the phone. How true that must be in so many marriages.

And corporate greed. The drug has made $500m so they are denying anything, even though the lawyer knows there will be a class action suit in the future. And that is only the stuff we hear about.

What I Didn’t Like About The Film

Obviously this was basically a play filmed rather than a movie as such because it took place just in the one apartment. So it was very talky and it did seem there was a lot of – or too much at times. However, when the film ended it did feel like the time had flown by so it was not unwarranted.

I hated the scene where Kate Winslet vomited as that made me feel really sick as well. And I am not sure what else I didn’t like. Mostly the talking I think.

Other Thoughts

Obviously all the characters are if not changed, at least revealed – they reveal their situation to everyone else. This is helped by the alcohol. Single mat whiskey which then the women take to drinking. Kate Winslet then tells everyone what she thinks. There are some moments when I was thinking oh my god – how can Jodie Foster be going crazy at her husband in front of their guests. But then that is what some couples do – they bicker in front of others which is very uncomfortable when you are there in front of them as their guest.

I loved the at times siding and then going almost other people in the room. And the cobbler or whatever it was called. I am not quite sure where that fit into the story. And the tulips. I was kind of questioning how this would happen in New York. Kate Winslet and her husband appeared to be significantly richer than Jodie Foster and her husband so how would their children have been going to the same school? Maybe in France where it is more egalitarian this might be understandable but in New York I would expect the kids to be in different schools based on fees etc.

Closing Comments

Very different to the other films I saw this week – Safe House and The Artist as this is more of a play transposed for the cinema. I have learnt that the French love intelligent wordplay and intellectual jousting which is not really what happens in most American movies. So, this might have been a bit difficult to transpose.

The cast though were superb. Really believable characters. I do prefer Art the play to this one but it was well worth me watching this as it was different and to see Kate Winslet like this was fantastic!

Filed Under: Comedy, Drama Tagged With: , , , ,

Safe House

March 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Safe House Movie Review

Safe House with Denzel Washington

Background

I had seen the trailer for this movie and therefore was really annoyed. I thought the trailer just gave everything about the film away and so was therefore not looking forward to see it. However, my brother saw the movie and he told me it was fantastic. It gripped him from beginning to end.

I went and saw it and have to say the same thing. Absolutely fantastic. Gripping and thrilling.

What I Liked About The Film

It had unexpected surprises and twists with absolutely incredible action. There were many moments of surprise where I almost jumped out of my seat. When people got shot or other things like that I wasn’t expecting.

The performances were absolutely amazing, with such intensity and focus. Denzel Washington was incredible and we learnt more about him moment by moment. The same goes for Ryan Reynolds. I haven’t seen him in that much but this was a committed gutsy performance. We also saw his character change and grow. From the moment he shoots the police officer to almost killing the mercenary at the end to find out who he is working for.

The action and plot were great. The fact that Tobin Frost turns himself into the American Consulate is completely unexpected and fortuitous to him. It also is his very last option. That was exciting. The hunt by the bad guys was ferocious and the lead bad guy for a better word was awesome. Intense, ruthless. Aggressive.

We didn’t know what to think. Obviously in the end, it was Matt Weston’s boss who was the perpetrator of the plot to get the file back. However, up to that it was not clear as what to do. And the great advice from Tobin Frost that when they say we’ll take it from here, that means danger. Little moments like that were set up and paid off throughout the movie.

Meaning Of The Film

Tobin Frost tells Matt Weston that Weston is better than him. Meaning what is he going to do with the data. Obviously Tobin Frost was interested in selling the data and making money from it. Weston is told the price of his releasing the data – he would be wanted in every country because of his exposing the intelligence services of different countries. He takes that option and at the very last scene in the film, he shows himself to the love of his life. She can never be with him but she knows he is safe. This is reminiscent of Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol. The very last scene is the same where Tom Cruise shows himself to his wife and it is the same situation.

Also it is the system both at the bottom and top. The CIA wants to protect itself – including the top official who wants his top guy protected. At the end of the film, we learn the CIA is essentially fighting itself. A rogue faction create by one of the top operatives who is in danger of being outed.

It is how these organisations become perverted – and this is what has happened in Britain and France. As Frost tells Weston, you are naieve or an idealist, still believing in the flag. Believing in the flag is what causes Weston to leak the files.

Also, we learn something about the job that working in such an agency and job entails. No real option for a family life or security. It can also hurt those closest to you. That was really tragic when Frost’s long-time friend in the township gets killed alongside his family. All because of what Frost was bringing into the house.

That is another interesting question. Why hadn’t Frost retired years ago instead of keeping going. We learn it might have something to with learning about how the CIA has dealt with many people.

What I Didn’t Like

Just a couple of things. The scenes on the shanty town rooves. When Frost runs past various machine gunners and doesn’t get hit. Also, when the senior CIA official lets Matt Weston walk out the room. I suppose he doesn’t know exactly what might have been on those files and there might have been some doubt as to whether Matt Weston really had them.

Apart from that, it was great. A couple of times the shaky camera was disruptive but not that frequently.

Other Thoughts

I also loved seeing a different country in South Africa with the different elements of a now united country. Blacks and whites working together as police officers, in the stadium and throughout the town were great.

The car driving scenes were phenomenal as well. You never knew when somebody was going to get hit. And Tobin Frost loses everything dear to him for this file, including his own life. I was wondering why he couldn’t pick the handcuffs. Surely he would have been able to do that.

From spending 12 months in a boring job to within 3 days having his whole life turned around was a major issue – not knowing who he could trust. Tobin Frost did warn him early on and it was only when both the CIA were revealed to behind the assassins and also the other safe housekeeper trying to kill him that Matt Weston finally woke up.

He had real courage when he work up very badly injured and was with the guy who had set him up but still refused to play a part in it. The boss didn’t care because he knew Weston could prove nothing without the file. Didn’t Denzel look completely different in the first and second half of the films with the long hair and goatee compared to the short-haired, clean-shaven man we all know and love.

Closing Comments

At the end of the film when we consider it, it has a kind of familiar plot. High level security operative uses outside resources to take down someone who could expose him. From Bourne to other such films, these are issues. However, the journey taking us there was exhilarating and intense. Superb action film.

Filed Under: Action/Adventure Tagged With: , , ,

The Artist Movie Discussion

March 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Artist

Winner of 5 Oscars

Background

I had seen a lot of the posters for this movie and knew it was a silent film. Finally once it had won Best Film at The Oscars, I decided to go and see it.

It was something completely different from what I have seen before. The last silent film I saw was the 1927 movie Metropolis which I didn’t like. But that’s a different story. When I left the cinema after seeing The Artist, it was an incredible experience basically being in silence for so long. Yes, there is music but I am so used to the dialogue blasting out in the loud cinema speakers that I was in a bit of a daze when I left the cinema.

Also, you could really hear other people rustling their wrappers etc.

What I Liked About The Film

The creativity is fantastic. Something different from other films, I really felt it was an experience compared to most other movies. Also it was very emotionally compelling. I connected really well with the character and his problems. Feeling sorry for himself. But also the moment where we know he really loves Peppy Miller when he clutches the film reel when they dance together.

The build up of the environment is great. At the start, Georg Valentin is a huge star and has the adoration of everybody. Whereas Peppy Miller is a nobody who by chance is seen by him. He lives in opulence and all of his films are crowded. We also see his loveless marriage.

There is the refrain – why won’t you speak? His wife says this to him as does himself probably at the end of his silent days. We see his desperation slowly building up whilst at the same time Peppy Miller’s career goes from extra to bit part role and so on.

I loved the scene on the staircase when she has been signed to Kinograph Studios and he has been let go. He tries to keep a brave face whilst she is really excited to hopefully do another film with him.

The acting is superb throughout. It just shows how amazing acting can be without sound. I know a couple of people won Oscars without speaking in ‘normal’ films, so this is just as amazing a performance. There were a number of high-profile actors spread throughout the film. Some of them are people you have seen before but don’t know the name of but was good to see the calibre of people involved.

I thought Peppy Miller’s character and the performance was fantastic. She really loved him and would do anything for him. However, his pride stops him.

What The Film Means

I think the obvious thing is that – not moving with the times. Just as many industries and companies have bitten the dust because of new technologies so has this happened with Georg Valentin.

‘Why won’t you speak?’ is the central tenet? Is it because he may be a foreigner? I am not sure because at the end he seemed to have an accent. Or because he feels he is an artist and so it would not be appropriate to speak.

Plus dealing with his pride and not accepting the amazing gifts that everyone gives him. From his dog saving his life, to Peppy Miller and his butler who doesn’t want to be fired. These gifts are all there for him. But he won’t accept them and he won’t move on or adapt. He either doesn’t know how to or doesn’t want to.

Also how the industry and the world mercilessly moves forward. The John Goodman producer who was fawning over him is now fawning over Peppy Miller. And at his lowest point when the woman comes over to him after he has seen one of her movies in the cinema, he thinks she remembers him and his films but no she wants to stroke his dog.

And I guess it is also about love. How despite her amazing riches and success, she hasn’t forgotten the man she loves and the man who gave her the chance and the know-how e.g. the mole or spot to become mega successful.

And finally, they find a happy medium with tap dancing using sound but no voices. So everyone wins.

What I didn’t like about the movie

I felt the scenes after he had burnt the place down and when she offered him the script and he felt sorry for himself repeated the old ground a little. I think it was necessary because we needed to see it was his refusal. Finally, he was being offered the chance to speak and he wouldn’t. But it felt a bit repetitive and I was started to get a bit annoyed with him.

But then that did lead to his suicide attempt. So it was important.

There were a few scenes when I was taken out a little bit when the story wasn’t being driven on but I guess I will have to say this was minor as it did win Best Film!

Closing Thoughts

I definitely salute the courage of everyone involved in what must have seemed a big risk with no dialogue at all. However, the emotional connection and engagement was fantastic. Plus the lead was really good-looking and charismatic in the Clark Gable or whoever were the silent movie stars of his day. He definitely looked as if he was exactly part of that era. And Peppy Miller was also fantastic. It did not look like two people pulled out of 2012 into then but of the time.

It was also really nice to see Los Angeles in the 1920s with all of the splendour and joie de vivre.

I enjoyed the film and think it was worth seeing in the cinema. Plus of course the dog did really well and performed heroically in almost every scene it was in, which was a lot. You must always adapt to new technology! This is true for everyone in Hollywood today as it was back in the 1920s!

Filed Under: Drama Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Woman In Black

February 22, 2012 By 1 Comment

The Woman in Black

Woman In Black Movie Review

 

Background

Daniel Radcliffe will forever be known as Harry Potter, it is the role that will stay with him for the rest of his life. Therefore, for Radcliffe’s first non-Potter role, he chose a very appropriate and expressive film that works with his previous filmsettings and also displays his talent even further with “The Woman in Black.” I was unsure about how good or scary this film would be since the only main hype about it was just the fact that Daniel Radcliffe was doing this as his first leading role since the Potter movies. I am also not a fan of time period films, I prefer more modern set films but I love a good scary horror film so I was inclined to give this film a shot and I am quite glad that I did. There are few films that can deliver a genuinely terrifying movie experience when it comes to scare tactics, but thanks to this film’s wise approach to scaring people, things turned out better and scarier than I imagined.

Why is the film good?

As I said before, Radcliffe’s work with the Potter films has perfectly set him up to work in a gothic, backwater time period film like this one. The mood and feeling of this film is pure dark, it is all about the atmosphere and mood that is built up from the surroundings and dreary colors that create the town and the house that Arthur visits. While I admit that I find it a bit odd to see someone as young as Radcliffe portraying a recently widowed father, I was not bothered by this fact after seeing what kind of talent he brought to the film’s main piece. Most of this film focuses on just Arthur being inside the house, with large portions of it having almost no dialog at all and just focusing on the spooky goings on and Arthur’s reaction to them. This film is all about building up the mood, the fear, the dread, and the disturbing images and faces that haunt Arthur throughout his stay in the house. I loved how the story didn’t try to hide the Woman in black; they made her presence known from the very beginning and didn’t waste any dialog or story material on building any sense of disbelief from others in the village on whether or not she existed. Too many horror or suspense films waste pointless lines of dialog on the inevitable debate of whether or not the characters believe in ghosts or vampires or whatever and here, they made it as quick and painlessly fast as possible.

The film relied more on genuine fear from the surrounding atmosphere and setting. This movie is a fine testament on how horror films can be scary and effective without using butt loads of nudity, gore, swearing or jump scares. The music and presentation are also quite well done, this film looks, sounds, and feels so genuine but without any boring or dragging parts. Everything you see in this film is a build up to something more and even the opening sequence will leave you quite shocked to your core. The ending however is probably going to be something that leaves many people unsettled, if not unsatisfied though I personally didn’t have a problem with the ending. The movie does not leave you with any other direction to go in other than the cliché typical ending, and this is NOT a typical cliché ending. There really isn’t much of a cast to this movie, nor is there room for it to go anywhere other than back to the house with Radcliffe. This is not necessarily a bad thing since the movie’s real strength and quality come in the reactions and experiences that we see in that house.

I think this film can really serve as a perfect demonstration of what kind of actor Radcliffe is and what he can do. Radcliffe has more than just the Potter fame behind him now, he has sincere, genuine talent and knows how to use it and convince us of just about anything. No one else would have worked in this film as Arthur Kipps, its Radcliffe that keeps us scared, convinced, and clinging to our seats as the film’s more than capable scare tactics succeed just as effectively. I have not been truly scared or impressed by a film or its lead actor in a long while and I was quite happy to be surprised with this film.

What is the film’s message/meaning of the film?

I think the message is making amends, getting on with your life and trying to make the best of it with the people that are in your life. Children are very important to society and our futures and we must take care of them and give them more attention and acknowledgment then before. Another message is the importance of family and how that should always come first and everything in life should revolve around maintaining the family structure in your life.

What didn’t I like about the movie?

Some of the scares felt just as fast and just as predictable at times as any other, frightless horror movie I’ve seen before. The first half of the film relies a lot on jump scares and loud sounds, built up from the shots seen or the music that goes quiet and then explodes to get a scare out of you. I am not usually a fan of movies set in this old age era and I find horror movies using cheap jump scares on its audiences to be frightfully tacky. I also think the ending may leave people with mixed feelings, even though I personally was okay with the ending.

Closing thoughts

Overall, “The Woman in Black” accomplishes much more than I had expected and succeeded on the two most important elements this film had to offer: the acting and the terror. Radcliffe shows his true colors and they are quite amazing to look at. The scares were effective (when they didn’t use jump scares), the tension was very thick, and it genuinely surprised me quite a few times. I say if you love Harry potter, Daniel Radcliffe, or being scared give this a shot and be scared and entertained at the same time, just like I was when I saw this movie.

Filed Under: Horror Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts