Midnight in Paris

 

This film lived on its scenery, a few choice actors, and a love for the arts. With its dry humor and conversation, this film screams Woody Allen.  Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a bad thing.   

Midnight in Paris follows the life of a Hollywood writer trying to find his way back to inspiration and a fresh perspective amidst writing his own book.

I enjoyed following the quick banter and bickering between Owen Wilson's character and Rachael McAdam's character.  I also enjoyed how fast it took for the plot to evolve as we begin seeing literary and artistic figures from the past.  The scenes were beautiful, historical, and cultured.  The costumes were well done.  I enjoyed this film in every way visually.

As for the acting, it was well done on all accounts.  I love Marion Cottilard as always; I just think she's so talented.  Owen Wilson did a wonderful job.  I absolutely hated Rachael McAdams' character which must mean she did a wonderful job as well, since that was most likely the intention.       

As for the historical accuracy of the film and the literary/artistic figures it meant to represent, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting a depiction of Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and Picasso.  These are some of the men and women behind the classics that surpassed centuries.  It was extremely inspiring, as it was meant to be for the protagonist.  This film fulfilled its purpose, setting it before our eyes in the most imaginative way. 

Now, I acknowledge that people who do not have a passion for literature and art, may not understand or appreciate this film for what it tries to do.  However, I believe the point that this film is trying to convey is to follow your passions, whatever they are, or life passes you by and leaves you unfulfilled.

If you can't tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.  I give it 8.2/10.   

The Descendants

 

The child actors in this film is what made it worth while for me.

The Descendants is about a father named Matt King (George Clooney) who finds himself faced with taking care of his two daughters, while his wife lies in the hospital in a coma.  The film follows his hardships as he discovers his wife's past infidelity, leaving him torn between saying goodbye to her and dealing with his inner anger.

This film was so realistic and natural thanks to the actors in it.  The two girls played by Shailene Woodly and Amara Miller were exceptional.  They really brought this film home.  I was thoroughly impressed with their authenticity as actors.

As for George Clooney, he did a wonderful job as well.  Watching the film, however, I couldn't completely let go of the fact that he was an actor.  I didn't believe him as much as I would have liked to.  With the girls, I was completely sucked in to their characters and their feelings, but with him I couldn't forget he was George Clooney trying really hard to play a role.  And I could tell he was trying really hard.  I commend him for his effort, but I shouldn't be able to tell when an actor is trying or not.  I should feel like I've entered the story and that it is real to me.  I couldn't do that with him. 

And now, for the technicalities: the Hawaiian culture throughout the film was subtle but effective.  I enjoyed the scenery and I liked the fact that it didn't distract from the plot.  If there had been a lot of music in the background it would have transformed an authentic scene into a fabricated one, which is why I was grateful that the music was placed strategically throughout the film and at rare occasions.  The cinematography was simple.  I thought this was extremely appropriate because the film was trying to convey a real life situation as if you were there, and if there had been fancy camerawork, it would have brought the audience out of the reality of the film.

One thing I found strange was when some scenes would randomly black out before opening to another scene.  I found that it broke the illusion of the story when this happened.  Personally, I could have done without it.                 

Ultimately, I enjoyed this film, I appreciated the acting, but I wouldn't see it again.  It was too out of place for me because I didn't quite feel the purpose.  But because of the acting I give this film 8.3/10.