Breaking Dawn Part 1

 

I would start off by saying that if you have any respect for the art of acting, do not go and see this movie.  If you have any respect for the art of film as a whole, do not see this movie.  If you read the books (like me) and have no choice but to give in to your own curiosity... well... see this film expecting only the worst.  (which I'm sure most of you do anyway)

Breaking Dawn is the fourth installment of the twilight series.  It revolves around the characters of Bella, Edward and Jacob, as Bella and Edward are preparing for their wedding, honeymoon and impending future together.  However, the honeymoon gets cut short due to her unexpected pregnancy.  The film follows this series of events leading up to the main problem - what exactly is she impregnated with? 

In short, the acting was pretty useless.  Taylor  Lautner, for me, was the absolute worst this time around.  His emotions never come off authentic.  Robert Pattinson wasn't horrible, wasn't great, yet somehow was still less than mediocre.  And Kristen Stewart was awkward - I couldn't care less about her attempts at acting.  At least she wasn't breathing so heavily in this film, like her usual (usually when she doesn't know what to do with her body or her expression in a scene, she exhales heavily every few seconds) - something I noticed in the past three films.  

As a whole - with visual effects, soundtrack, and picture - the film was unoriginal and extremely boring.  The visual effects were not impressive and nothing really stood out to me.  The wolves weren't anything special at all.  The soundtrack was either sappy music to dramatize an already dramatic scene, or music used from the first film, repeated throughout the entire movie.  As for the picture, the set design was impressive and the picture itself was sharp and strong - probably overcompensating.   

The only part I will point out is the birth scene and her pregnancy.  The birth scene was the only scene they made somewhat realistic with the given circumstances.  It may have been unnecessarily gruesome but at least they cared enough to attempt some kind of realistic approach.  I appreciated the attempt as a fan of the book, way back when I read them.  But, like I said, it was the only part worth mentioning.  

Inevitably, I give this film 4/10.  Frankly, without the sharp picture and wonderful set design, this film would have been worth even less.  I think I'm being generous, but there it is.         

Tower Heist

 

It wasn't what I was expecting, but in this case, it was a good thing...

Tower Heist is about a crew of hardworking men who plan to rob their boss for swindling their money away and leaving them all on hard times.  They attempt to take back what is theirs, and in the process, discover exactly what they are capable of.  This film stars Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Tea Leoni, and Gabourey Sidibe.

Looking at the list of actors starring in this film, one would naturally think it's a comedy, right?  It is in fact comedic, however, it also touches on subjects that are unexpected and deeper than first anticipated.  Alan Alda plays the remorseless boss, swindling away the company's money.  He does a wonderful job of portraying a man who charms those around him, while not actually caring about anyone but himself.  He was extremely convincing and realistic when compared to Corporate America right now.  It was also refreshing to see Ben Stiller play a character with a little more depth than usual - though, I did find his face a little lacking in expression.  Other than that, he did a good job in being the caring character that fights for justice. 

The actors meshed well together as a group, but not all of them found their place.  

Casey Affleck, for example, did not create much of an impact for me with his character.  I almost felt as if he was simply a plot device, only meant to further the events along to where they needed to be, rather than taking you in to the world and make you feel for the character itself.  I couldn't care less about his problems or his decisions, and secretly wished he wasn't in the film in the first place.  Apparently, the Afflecks in general don't do it for me... but that's for another review.  I also was disappointed to find that Eddie Murphy wasn't in the film as much as I would have liked.  He brings a certain energy to films, especially comedies, and without him the energy was also lacking.  

Now that I think about it, the characters were not really that connected.  The only time I felt that they were, was when Eddie Murphy was in the scene.  Their humour was individualistic most of the time and you kept gaining and losing that sense of "group".

Because the characters were disconnected from each other, the whole film starts to feel disconnected.  Tea Leoni's character seemed unnecessary to me, and something didn't quite link up with her purpose in getting close to Ben Stiller's character.  I would have also liked the ending to be explained a little more - in the sense that - I don't like to assume how certain events happen, I would like to see them first hand.  The final scene is not as satisfying as it could have been either.  It doesn't feel realistic enough to give the audience full closure.  

I guess what I'm saying is that the film definitely has its weak points.  It isn't amazing and it can be forgotten within, perhaps, a month or so.  But, if you need just a night of some light comedy to help you lighten up, see this film. 

I give this film 6.5/10.  Enjoy!

50/50

 

I was expecting good things. It was the actors involved in the making of this film that had me interested.  And I'm proud to say I'm still a loyal fan of Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and even Anna Kendrick.

50/50 is about a 27 year old who discovers he has cancer.  We follow him along this journey of survival with a comedic backdrop that makes everything seem a little bit brighter.

Let me first just say, this film is based on a true story and a real man named Adam.  Off the bat, it's relatable to everyone.  Everyone knows of someone who has or had cancer.  Right away, your hooked in. Now your thinking, I hope they don't make this a tearjerker.  It's not about that.  This film doesn't spend its time sugar coating or dramatizing anything for you.  It's simply trying to tell a story about one man and what he went through. So now that that's clear, we can move on.        

With a technical point of view, I really enjoyed the way the film was shot.  Some scenes were made interesting by the way they were cut up, and the movement of time in the film was also subtle and well done.  I never felt like they were trying to rush through years or months, but only hinting at the fact that time has passed and it doesn't really matter how much.  I enjoyed the soundtrack of the film because it was placed in appropriate places, only adding to the scenes rather than distracting us from them.  

And now for some lighter points.  Seth Rogen was hilarious.  His humour was so natural and authentic.  There were no punchlines or set-ups.  It was just day to day comedy that was like breathing to him.  As for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, his acting is all about subtlety and maintaining a calm surface.  That way, there's nothing to distract you from what is being said.  And when he does give you a reaction or expression, it is that much more distinct.  I also want to point out Anjelica Huston who played Adam's mother in the film.  It really shows you what great acting can do, when there is a character that isn't even shown in half of the movie, yet they stand out to the audience as if they were one of the main characters.  That is exactly what she did for me in this film.  She showed a funny side of herself that not many people get to see, and I'm so grateful she did.  It was definitely a treat.   
I just want to add a large thumbs up to Will Reiser, the writer.  The writing was extremely funny and unique.  We don't get genuine comedy like that these days, so it was more than nice to see.  The acting and the writing are what made this film and no one could have done it better than the actors chosen.

Finally, this film plays out much like its title.  It is half a comedy and half a tragedy - 50/50.  Having said that, I give this film 8.5/10 for staying true to its title.  

Drive

There is a lot that can be said about this film, even though, ironically, dialogue was not one of its strong suits.  However, trust Ryan Gosling to deliver a character to its full potential - and believe me, it's worth the watch.

Drive is about a Hollywood stunt performer who gets involved in a heist gone wrong.  His involvement makes him a target, so he does everything he can to protect those he loves.  This film stars Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Christina Hendricks, and Ron Perlman.    

For starters, this film is based on a book.  That's important to point out, because when you base a film on a book, a director might feel limited to the world of that book.  This is where Nicholas Winding Refn really stepped it up.  He made the soundtrack one of the most interesting things in the film, as well as the slow motion scenes that only added to the precision of the events.  His camera angles and shooting decisions really stood out and made each scene seem that much more iconic.  You feel like you could pause any scene, and whatever picture you get, it would radiate some sort of underlying or deep meaning. The saying "less is more" really rings true in this film.  You can just tell, this director truly loves his art.  And to him, that's exactly what this is - art.
             
For a film like this, the plot doesn't necessarily have to be detailed or complex.  It's the delivery of each line, the motion of the body, the direction and angles of the face - that matter most.  You have to be able to convey heartache, revenge, motivation, or contentment with a powerful look.  No exaggeration or melodrama, only one look; one chance to get that emotion right.  This was definitely portrayed through the eyes of Ryan Gosling, and, at times, Carey Mulligan.  Their eyes told you everything you needed to know.  That's the way it made me feel, anyways, watching this film.

As for having a little fun, the blood was the dramatic release of the film.  The whole film runs sort of rigid, very disciplined, and when the killing begins, that's when it releases its playfulness.

The acting was excellent on all accounts.  I thoroughly enjoyed that.

So I give this film 8.8/10 for being just the way it is.

The Help

 

Sorry for the slight absence there, but I'm back and I have lots to tell!

I saw The Help a few weeks ago but, unfortunately, I haven't found the time to write about it.  Luckily the film made such an impact on me, that a few weeks isn't long enough to forget about it.  

The Help is about African American maids in the 1960s, as we watch their lives and their hardships unfold while working for white families, and ultimately, having their stories told within a heartwarming book.  This film stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Octavia Spencer.  It's moving, it's disturbing, and it's is real to its very core.

Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer stole the show in this film.  I was blown away by their talent.  These ladies know how to lead the way.  Emma Stone was her usual charming and humorous self, which sucks you in immediately.  This film was not only female driven, but female empowered.  I was so moved, I even felt a tear stream down my cheek.  Let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often, even when a film is excellently sad. 

Expect tears, expect the reality of the time, and expect the power that women have to tug at your heart strings and make you see life for what it really is.  

Enjoy this film!!! You won't regret it.  I give this film 8/10.       

The Coming Attractions...

It's that time again!   Here are some highlights of what movies to look out for in the next few months.

To start, I would like to point out a film that has just received the opportunity to open in the United States.  I'm hoping that it is only a matter of time until it will be opening in Canada.  Fireflies in the Garden depicts a family dealing with a recent tragedy and the consequences that come along with that.  It follows their lives, flashing back from childhood to adulthood, showing the constant strained relationship between the children and their father.  It stars Ryan Reynolds, Julia Roberts, Willem Defoe, Carrien-Anne Moss and Emily Watson.  Fireflies in the Garden is set to release in the US on October 14, 2011.  Enjoy the Trailer!

Fireflies in the Garden

 

Now, for a film a little more thrilling than dramatic.  Drive follows the life of a Hollywood stunt performer as he gets involved with a heist gone wrong and tries to protect the victims in danger because of it.  Drive stars Ryan Gosling and Cary Mulligan.  It will be released on September 16, 2011.  

Drive

         
The next film I'm excited for stars some of my favourite and reliable actors, such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anna Kendrick.  50/50 is about a 27 year old man who is diagnosed with cancer and has to rediscover who he is and how to survive the disease.  With the help of Seth Rogen's comedic relief this film promises to be a heart warming eye opener.  50/50 is set to release on September 30, 2011.  

50/50

And now for some interesting recommendations...

- Coriolanus (a Shakespeare adaptation) starring Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler, set to release on December 2, 2011.

- A Dangerous Method starring Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen, and Keira Knightly.  It is about the relationship between Carl Jung (Fassbender) and his mentor Sigmund Freud (Mortensen).  It's set to release on November 23, 2011.

- The Ides of March starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney.  It is about corruption in the political world.  It's set to release on October 7, 2011. 

I hope these films live up to their hype! 

Fright Night

To be fair, I have yet to see the original Fright Night, however, this film still managed to make me smile with nostalgia.

Fright Night is a remake of the film with the same name back in 1985.  It's about a teenage boy who suddenly finds his life and the lives of those he loves in danger from his next door neighbour... who just happens to be a vampire.

The thing I like about this film is that it stays true to its genre.  It claims to be a horror/comedy film, which we don't come by that often these days.  But this film manages to pull it off.
Colin Farrel did a great job with his role.  His body language added to the character and his controlled facial expressions may have seemed mild and subtle, but actually were very effective.  I find that people tend to forget about Colin Farrel as an actor who takes his job seriously, because he always seems so calm and collected.  I think, however, as someone with his tracking record in films and acting, he never disappoints.  I'd like to give him a shout out here and now, because as an actor he gets overlooked too often and he deserves some recognition.
 
As for the film itself, I really liked how they didn't take long to get into the thick of it.  What I mean by that is, instead of dragging the ignorant part of the film - where all the characters are in disbelief and the main character keeps trying to convince them of the truth - the story gives in to its supernatural elements immediately.  The "bad guy" reveals himself fairly quickly and you never really question that.  It somehow seems appropriate, perhaps, because it is a comedy as well as a horror.  It's supposed to be humorous and slightly silly.        
         
As for the other actors, they were all pretty decent but no one especially stuck out to me.  The visual effects were very interesting and they kept true to the original film.  The fact that this vampire was a monster and not some misunderstood creature to be pitied or romanticized, made this film stand out.. ironically.  It was a nice change to what this generation has been surrounded by lately.  Sometimes going back to the classics reminds us of how much fun film making is supposed to be and how simple can sometimes be better.     

Ultimately, I give this film 7.4/10 for bringing back a true horror/comedy film, enlightening some of the more ignorant movie lovers and showing them how it's really done.