Oscar Is On His Way!

Returning from my temporary hiatus, I have quite a bit to make up for.  I know I've been absent for way too long. So I figured - what better time is there to catch up on all that I missed, than while The Academy Awards are just around the corner?

So I'm going to start with one of my favourite movies, nominated for best picture this year.  Silver Linings Playbook has the combined efforts of Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. They create a lovable and dysfunctional trio that can't help but tug at your heart strings, make you appreciate life's struggles, and remind you of the rewards of perseverance, love and family. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence have great chemistry, and Cooper really puts his heart and soul into this role, which didn't go unnoticed.  To me, this is a generation that needs to be given hope - that needs to be able to see that silver lining, no matter what the circumstances.  Films filled with despair and regret are beautiful in their own way, but the point that this film gets across is the ability to get through the darkness - and in order to do that, you have to see the potential light you are meant to reach.  It was refreshing to see a film full of hope with the power of positivity.  You can't help but feel relief and joy towards the end.  I found myself fighting the urge to cheer with the characters, but (fearing my embarrassment by doing so in a theater filled with people) I settled for a wide grin instead.  I could watch this film over and over.  To me this film is timeless.  So, if you feel like a comedic, realistic, and positive film that will leave you grinning on the way out, see Silver Linings Playbook! I give this film 9.5/10. 

Next on the list of nominations: Django Unchained is nominated for best picture as well.  For me, Quentin Tarantino is different and unique, but for some reason, he always seems to fall short in his plot development.  Sometimes I think Tarantino is more obsessed with portraying a traditional kind of masculinity through static characters and fake blood, than through a well-developed storyline and more dynamic characters.  You don't have to dig very deep to understand the characters in this film.  Having said that, Leonardo DiCaprio did a great job playing a southern heartless villain, stealing the show from its lead, Jamie Foxx.  I would like to give a shout out to Christoph Waltz, because he is one of those talented and versatile actors that always delivers, but for some reason, gets completely overlooked around award season.  He also made the film the success it has been.  Now, this is my issue with Tarantino: if he happened to choose bad actors, this film wouldn't stand a chance.  The actors made the film a success, and without DiCaprio and Waltz, Jamie Foxx would not have been able to carry the film on his own.  There just aren't enough redeeming qualities to substitute what the actors created.  They deserve the credit, not Tarantino.  I know it sounds harsh, but that's my opinion.  If you want typical blood and guts, sometimes senseless action, and unrealistic shooting scenes, than see this film.  It won't be a completely forgettable experience, because at least Waltz and DiCaprio leave a lingering echo of talent.  I give this film 8.6/10.        

Now it's time for Les Miserables, one of the most talked about films during the award season this year.  This film is remarkable in its production and actor dedication.  As you're watching it, you feel the effort, the sweat and tears that these actors must have gone through in order to achieve the results they did.  But above all, Anne Hathaway is the prize of the entire production!  She may have been in one third of the film, but she made enough of an impression that lasted throughout, and I have a feeling, it will continue to last throughout the Academy Awards.  Her performance was the most raw and effective performance, from her musical perfection to the emotional deterioration of the character.  In those short moments with her on screen, you feel totally connected to her in a way that shocks your entire being.  I almost never cry in movies, like never, but the tears that were streaming down my face were unstoppable.  Hugh Jackman did a wonderful job as well, like anyone would have predicted.  The entire cast did beyond their best to deliver this film to its full potential, and one can only appreciate that kind of dedication and effort.  As for Russell Crowe... what were they thinking?!!  He was the most obvious weak link in the entire cast.  He was not really menacing as his character would like you to believe, and he was an awful singer!  He seemed more like a solid piece of flesh that simply moved the plot forward.  Hugh Jackman's supposed fear of this man did not link up with the man himself.  He was a big mistake!  Let's just say, I was more relieved about the ending, because I didn't have to sit through his singing anymore.  Now, the movie is long, for all of you who get restless in 2 hour movies, keep in mind, this film is completely singing (no one ever just talks) and it goes on for about 3 hours straight.  Also, it is a very depressing film - keep that in mind as well.  If you don't appreciate the history of the story and the history within the film, this may not be your cup of tea, but I do have to say, Anne Hathaway is incredible in it and manages to make it worth the watch!  I give this film 9.3/10.

As for the other best picture nominations, I haven't quite gotten around to seeing them all.  My next film will hopefully be Lincoln, which I know will be driven by a powerful performance from its lead: Daniel Day Lewis.  So, I'm looking forward to that.  I have no doubt in Lewis' abilities as an actor, still remembering his wonderfully unsettling performance in There Will Be Blood.  He seems to be on another playing field than the rest of his fellow actors, so I'm sure he won't disappoint.  I still haven't seen Argo, Life of Pi, or Zero Dark Thirty, so those are also on the list to watch. I've heard from more than one person that Argo is good, but not amazing, which makes me wonder why it's getting so much attention. I'm also hesitant to see Zero Dark Thirty, because it is done by the same people who did The Hurt Locker, and to me, even though they are both good films, they are driven more by American pride than its versatility as a film.  Those kinds of productions don't excite me to my core like the raw human emotion of everyday people and their struggles.  I've heard Life of Pi is extraordinary, so I'm excited to see that too!

There are lots to see, and I will try my best to update more regularly, so please bare with me. I hope you enjoy these films like I did!  Enjoy!                               

Seven Psychopaths

To be completely honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into this film, only hoping that it would be funny.  I'm happy to say, it was so much more than just funny.  As Christopher Walken says in the film, "I like it.  It has layers."

Seven Psychopaths is about three friends, one who is trying to write a screenplay for his next movie titled "Seven Psychopaths", and the other two who steal dogs for a living in the hopes that they can retrieve the reward money when they return the dogs back to their owners.  The three of them get in a little trouble when one of the dogs that was stolen just happens to be the dog of a known killer.  Events that go from there cannot be explained through a measly synopsis, so I encourage you all to see this film because it's kind of genius.

I really liked this film.  It is so different than anything I've ever seen before, which I don't find myself saying often.  I can't really compare it to anything.  I have to say, a lot of credit goes to Martin McDonagh who wrote and directed the film.  Colin Farrell's character, the screenplay writer, is named Marty in the film, and trust me, that irony didn't go unnoticed.

This film knew how to play with irony and how to really enjoy humour through irony, which seemed very strategic and well thought out, even though it appeared effortless.  The acting was wonderful from absolutely everyone.  I have to give special shout outs to Christopher Walken, who could probably make you crap your pants by just staring you down if he wanted to, and Sam Rockwell who played his character with such enthusiasm that you really could believe him to be a psychopath.  I didn't forget Woody Harrelson and, of course, Colin Farrell who never disappoint no matter what character they take on.

So more about the film itself.  The plot may seem all over the place, but there are a lot of subplots that tie up neatly at the end and throughout, which I enjoyed.  I also really had fun with the obvious homage that was being paid to past gun-killing psychopath films and the many villains/ heroes those films produced.  I found that Walken said it perfectly - this film really does have layers and as an audience member I had an amazing time trying to peal those layers away.  I really want to see it a second time, just to get the full effect of it.  Once didn't seem like enough.

Oh, and I liked how in the film, they basically give you a formula for how the film is going to go and why.  It's subtle, but there are hints of it everywhere.

I also want to point out that this film didn't try to just be comedic or bloody with all the killings.  It had depth in the characters as well, which a lot of directors might not have bothered with otherwise.  I appreciated this as an avid movie goer.  Somehow, you find yourself really feeling for some of the characters even among the most ludicrous things that were going on around them.  That is not an easy thing to accomplish, I'm sure.  So again, everyone who was involved in this film did an amazing job.

Okay, now my verdict.  I give this film 8.7/10 for standing out among so many films, and for making me laugh and cringe all at the same time.   (I would also point out, not all of you will care for the blood and guts that pour out in this film.  Don't say that I didn't give you fair warning)

Looper

I'm sorry, but can we please point out the sexiness of the picture above... pretty please?

Looper follows a futuristic plot where the mob has a new way to dispose of unwanted men and their dead bodies.  The mob from the future sends tied up people back in time, where an assassin shoots them dead upon arrival.  You might think that seems a little complicated, and it could be my crummy way of explaining things, but the film was actually easy to follow.  Things get a little more complicated when one of the men sent back to the past, just happens to be the older version of the assassin hired to kill him.  Does he have the strength to kill his older self?? Well, it wouldn't be much of a movie if he did.  As for the rest, I'll leave the plot for you to figure out... it's much more fun that way.  This film stars the adorable and talented Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the bad-ass killing machine Bruce Willis, the pleasantly surprising Emily Blunt, and the classic Jeff Daniels.

Okay, time to get into it.  I just have to say... OMG!!!!  Yes, I said it!  I loved this film.  It was unique and original, action packed, full of talented actors, and it had a deep meaning behind it - one that they actually took the time to spell out for you in case you happen to be that thick.  I haven't seen anything this original since Inception, and even though this film involves time travel, I ironically found it easier to follow.  For them to accomplish that, I have to tip my hat off to them.  It is not as easy as they made it look.  It took no effort on my part to fall into the story and truly escape into the plot without any reservations.

....oh, and yes... it does help when Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in it... (I still think he and Seth Rogen should have gotten an award for 50/50- just my opinion)  And for all of the Bruce Willis fans, he doesn't disappoint.  He brings the violence and action to a whole different bad-ass level, but I have to admit, it was nice seeing him in something with a little more depth to it - it has been a while.

I really don't want to give away anything more for this film, so just go and see for yourself!  It mixes sci-fie, drama, action and thriller to create this wonderful and unique box office hit.  Don't miss out!  I give this film 8.9/10. 

Lawless

Tom Hardy is one busy bee lately... Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.

Lawless follows the lives of three brothers during the prohibition, bootlegging moonshine in Franklin County, Virginia.  Things get a little more complicated when a new deputy from Chicago comes into the picture with a ruthless and unforgiving demeanor.  Charlie Rakes is on a mission to shut their operation down quickly and without remorse.  This film stars the "less is more" Tom Hardy, the "got something to prove" Shia LaBeouf, the wise and excellent Gary Oldman, the magnificently devilish Guy Pearce, the subtle but strong Jessica Chastain, and finally, the meek and beautiful Mia Wasikowska.  Each actor individually brought their A game, and for that they get a little more attention from me than usual.

Let me start by saying that Guy Pearce was phenomenal.  I can say with complete honesty that he played one of the most disturbing villains I have ever encountered in a film.  He is so amazing at taking a character and creating something with that character that no one else could even come close to.  I know it sounds like I'm gushing... but I can't help it!

Okay, okay, I'll move on.  Apart from the incredible actors in this film, which I can't emphasize enough, the plot is pretty incredible to consider.  It's based on real life events and real life brothers.  Through all of the near death experiences, you can't help but be a little floored that real men survived all of it and they lived quite a long time after these events were over and done with.  I don't want to give away the violence that occurs (and it's not for the faint of heart), but it's not something most people can live through.

So, if you're are going into this movie looking for purpose, or even a sense of plot direction, you'll probably be disappointed.  Since it is based on real life experiences and lives, the plot is not an expected plot, and things seem like they run on unnecessarily for a little bit.  But like I said, that's real life for ya.  As for the romantic elements, girls, they aren't going to jump off the screen for you.  They are simple and in some cases even childish.  Really, the film didn't even need these elements at all, but I assume it was to bring in more of a female audience and to be true to the story.

All this film wants to do is tell a remarkable story about cheating death, not once, but several times, even when all the odds are stacked up against them.  This is also a film that gives the opportunity, with a variety of unique characters, for actors to really work out their acting chops and try new things that perhaps they have never really tried before.

Alright... I guess it's time to conclude.  I give this film 8.3/10, because yes, even though the acting was great, I have to consider all of the aspects, and the fact of the matter is, the plot thins out from midway till the end.  There is really no character development - maybe only in Shia LaBeouf's character - and there isn't proper cause and effect, especially when most of the characters never die, and they probably should have.   So... I concede.   

Hope Springs

The passive housewife, the miserable accountant... why is this sounding so familiar???

Hope Springs follows the lives of a typical married couple living through monotonous routine and daily chores that distract them from the elephant in the room - their dwindling marriage.  When the wife (played by Meryl Streep) has finally hit her limit, she forces her husband (played by Tommy Lee Jones) into couples therapy in Maine.  He reluctantly gives in to her demands and finds himself having to face the fact that their marriage is in desperate need of restoration.  This film also stars Steve Carrell as the marriage councilor.

It is absolutely delightful having to watch Tommy Lee Jones play the discomforted husband discussing his sex life with a marriage councilor.  Jones and Streep are excellent together.  Even though the situation is common in many marriages, the humor the story displays is necessary to counter-balance the anguish that the characters are feeling on the inside.  This film does an accurate job of reminding audiences of what happens after the children have moved out and the years of neglect and hurt are over.  What are we left with?  Shattered relationships that need to be put back together - picking up one piece at a time and putting it back into place.  The problem is, at that point, do you have the patience, the emotional stability, and the love to bother picking up the first broken piece?

I think this film does an excellent job at showing people the heartache that one has to go through to pick up the first piece, but that the pay off you get is worth it once the image is complete.  It has to slowly build back over time, but you have to be willing to rebuild it.  Marriage is a two person commitment, something the film is constantly trying to remind us of.  It's insightful and shines light on certain aspects people would rather ignore.

I give this film 7.8/10 for being relatable and unique in comparison to most romantic comedies.  

The Dark Knight Rises

 

Christopher Nolan does it again!  I don't think I've seen one movie with him as director, that I didn't like - Prestige, Memento, Inception - the man knows what he's doing!

The Dark Knight Rises acts as the final chapter in a three film series, concluding Batman's vigilante escapades, fighting crime in Gotham city.  In the face of a new terror named Bane (played by Tom Hardy), Bruce Wayne has to come out of hiding and become Batman once again.  I'm going to stop there, because the plot is just too good to give away.  

Christian Bale fell in to the role as he always does, with certainty of his character.  Nothing new there.  But it was Anne Hathaway that dressed to impress - literally.  Hathaway was wonderful with her depiction of cat woman, creating a character with a moral dilemma, but who still isn't hopeless.  She was feline in the best way possible - Michelle Pfeiffer would be proud.  Joseph Gordon Levitt did a wonderful job as well, like he always does.  I've never had doubt in his acting abilities and he didn't disappoint.    

Tom Hardy was the star of the show, however.  Even though his face was halfway covered throughout the entire film, his vocal abilities and his physicality overcompensated wonderfully.  He did an amazing job with his character, living up to the fear his character is supposed to inflict.  I enjoyed the background story of Bane, because it really added to the character's development and the plot.  I appreciated the accuracy related to the original comics, when Nolan included the famous scene where Bane breaks Batman's back.  Even though not everything could stay true to the comics, they left the important things for the die hard fans.  

   

The editing of the film was very inventive, especially the way they cut up the scenes to depict the passing of time.  I thought it was unique and it kept you on your toes.  The only thing that bothered me about this film was the ending, and that was only because the plot took a twist, deviating away from what is expected of certain characters.  I can't go into details, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but for those who know the Batman comics well, know that certain characters should not be together.  As for the open ended feeling of the film, I was annoyed.  With the knowledge that Nolan is not going to do any more films for this series, it leaves me feeling disappointed that we may not see the appropriate continuation the film calls for.  

I give this film 8.7/10 for being wonderfully dark, with doom and gloom in every corner, however, still making room for that one speck of light that makes its way till the end.    

      

The Amazing Spiderman

It was a nice change from the dark and sinister world of Batman, to have a light and slightly comedic retelling of one of the most beloved superheroes.  (not that I don't love the Batman trilogy)

The Amazing Spider-Man is a film that retells the origin of Spider-Man, setting a different tone from the Tobey Maguire films back in 2002-2007.  We follow the adolescent life of Peter Parker (played by Andrew Garfield), a high school student desperate to uncover the past and discover the truth about his parents' sudden death.  While trying to get close to an old work associate of his father's, he comes in contact with radioactive spiders.... well, I'm sure you can guess all the rest.  The love interest is played by the lovely Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, a fellow high school student (no she's not Mary Jane, but in the comics Gwen Stacy actually comes in the picture first).  Some of the other actors in this film are Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Rhys Ifans, and Denis Leary. 

Andrew Garfield handled his role with all the respect and delicacy it required.  He made the character his own, leaving little comparison between his interpretation and Maguire's interpretation. Garfield is an excellent actor who is able to convey the deepest emotions with the slightest of subtleties. His communication was more through the body than it was through the dialogue, something I find very interesting to watch. The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was evident in their romantic scenes.  They played the excitement of a high school love - a first love - extremely well, never losing sight of that distinction.  As the male lead, Garfield lived up to my expectations and in some cases, even exceeded them.

Now, even though my overall outlook on this film is positive, there were some negative aspects I can't overlook.  Rhys Ifan as the Lizard was not a developed villain.  In the last Spider-Man series, the Green Goblin was a dynamic character, where you felt the villain was still a person, and not just a 'bad guy'.  In this adaptation, the motivation behind Rhys' actions did not seem sufficient for the extremes he begins to go to.  As a result, you never fully connect yourself with his character and, therefore, you never feel that right amount of satisfaction when his character is stopped and brought to justice.  I think it's just as important to make both the protagonist and the antagonist emotionally understood.

Other than that, I think they stayed true to the comics as much as they could and brought in new elements we haven't seen before.  For that I give the film 8/10.