I don't usually venture out to the movie theatre, but I made an exception for "Trouble with the Curve" because I was interested to see how filming in my area and around my school turned out. While not directing, Clint Eastwood stars as Gus, a scout for the Atlanta Braves who is trying to hide his failing eye sight while battling an ambitious member of Braves management Tom (played by Matthew Lillard) accuses Gus of being behind the times. Gus's long-time friend and boss Pete (John Goodman) is worried about Gus and convinces Gus's lawyer daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) to join her father on one last scouting trip to the Carolinas to scout a top-rated prospect. Mickey, however, is reluctant to get involved with her stubborn father, who won't admit he needs her help, but tags along anyway. The two begin to work together and Mickey pushes Gus to address some old wounds from her childhood that have caused her to be emotionally distant from those who love her, including a new love interest in a fellow scout/former player Johnny (Justin Timberlake).
This movie is unfortunately getting mixed reviews and I have to think that the very recent appearance Eastwood did at the Republican National Convention might play a part in some of the negativity. Politics aside, Eastwood does a good job and I liked his chemistry with Adams as well. Timberlake does a fine job but this is really Eastwood's show. The film is well-acted all around but I admit that the storyline is a bit obvious but it's satisfying. For example, the "bad guys" are so obviously bad that the audience knows they deserve what comeupance they surely will get in the end which I found myself rooting for.
It's interesting that this film is the anti-"Moneyball" in a sense because while both are films about management of baseball they differ because "Moneyball" celebrates the turning of baseball on its head by using stats and computers while "Curve" celebrates using instincts, learned knowledge, and senses (sight, sound) to find talent. So who is right? Or is there room for both approaches?
Don't worry if you're not a baseball fan - watching this one doesn't require a passion for the sport or any knowledge of it. Give this one a chance because it may show back up when award nominations are announced - solid B for me for good acting, moving story though kind of obvious.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Movie Review: Being Flynn (2012)
"Being Flynn" is based on the memoir of the real Nick Flynn (played by Paul Dano) and tells the story of Nick's struggle to find himself while also struggling with his relationship with long absentee father Johnathon (Rober De Niro). Nick wants to be a writer but finds himself drifting through jobs and relationships until new friend/love interest Denise (Olivia Thirlby) gets him a job working at a local homeless shelter. A sudden phone call from Nick's long-lost father Jonathon sets into motion a collision of sorts where Nick finds himself working at the homeless shelter and his father is a "guest." The reality of Jonathon's problems, including his mental stability and alcohol, along with Nick's memories of Jonathon deserting him as a child and his mother (Julianne Moore) creates turmoil. As Jonathon's situation deteriorates, Nick's does as well. Nick has to find a way to realize his dreams and reconcile his troubled relationship with his father.
While obviously this film has some darkness (homelessness, addiction, and mental illness), this film is just so well-done and well-acted that I have to recommend it. I was blown away by De Niro's portrayal of Jonathon. I felt sympathy for the character and dispised him all at the same time. I think this adds to the film because the audience sees Jonathon as Nick does - complicated and not one-dimensional. I thought Dano held his own in the film and Moore is great as Nick's suffering single mother. Thirlby is solid in her small role as well. I feel like the film was well-written and staged as well moving us through a complicated story that is tough and gritty at times.
Not always easy to watch due to subject matter but the acting and storyline are worth it - A-.
While obviously this film has some darkness (homelessness, addiction, and mental illness), this film is just so well-done and well-acted that I have to recommend it. I was blown away by De Niro's portrayal of Jonathon. I felt sympathy for the character and dispised him all at the same time. I think this adds to the film because the audience sees Jonathon as Nick does - complicated and not one-dimensional. I thought Dano held his own in the film and Moore is great as Nick's suffering single mother. Thirlby is solid in her small role as well. I feel like the film was well-written and staged as well moving us through a complicated story that is tough and gritty at times.
Not always easy to watch due to subject matter but the acting and storyline are worth it - A-.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Movie Review: What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)
"What to Expect When You're Expecting" is one of those celebrity-studded ensamble films with different but related storylines. First you have Cameron Diaz as a celebrity weight-loss/trainer who gets pregnant by her dance partner (Matthew Morrison) on a "Dancing with the Stars" type show. Next there's Jennifer Lopez as half of a couple who can't conceive so they begin the adoption process though husband Rodrigo Santaro is not sure he's ready to be a dad so he spends some time with a group of dads led by Chris Rock in the park to gain some perspective. Elizabeth Banks and Ben Falcone are a couple who are finally pregnant but are in competition with Ben's character's father and his much younger wife (Dennis Quaid, Brooklyn Decker) who are also pregnant. Finally there's a young couple (Anna Kendrick, Chase Crawford) who become pregnant after a one-night hookup.
I feel like these celeb-packed ensamble movies always have stronger performances/storylines and also weaker performances/storylines. The strong: Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, and "The Dudes" who are Chris Rock and the guys in the park. I love Wendi McLendon-Covey and Thomas Lennon, both formerly of "Reno 911," who have small parts as a couple who are friends of Jennifer Lopez's character. The weak: the Anna Kendrick/Chase Crawford storyline due to lack of chemistry, Dennis Quaid who over-acts his part, and the rest is a bit forgettable.
Overall this move has some cute moments and some laughs but it's not life-changing. Guys may want to pass on this one. Ladies, I give it a C-.
I feel like these celeb-packed ensamble movies always have stronger performances/storylines and also weaker performances/storylines. The strong: Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, and "The Dudes" who are Chris Rock and the guys in the park. I love Wendi McLendon-Covey and Thomas Lennon, both formerly of "Reno 911," who have small parts as a couple who are friends of Jennifer Lopez's character. The weak: the Anna Kendrick/Chase Crawford storyline due to lack of chemistry, Dennis Quaid who over-acts his part, and the rest is a bit forgettable.
Overall this move has some cute moments and some laughs but it's not life-changing. Guys may want to pass on this one. Ladies, I give it a C-.
Movie Review: Bernie (2011)
"Bernie" is a dark comedy based on real-life events centering on convicted killer Bernie Tiede, who killed a wealthy widow he had befriended. Bernie (played by Jack Black) is so beloved by the people in his small Texas town that when very much not-so-loved Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine) is found dead the town rushes to Bernie's side. Not on Bernie's side is the local District Attorney running for re-election, Danny Buck (played by Matthew McConaughey), who moves the trial in order to ensure that the prosecution has a fair trial after hearing from countless residents that they support Bernie.
I know that this film is based on a true story and murder of an innocent person is NOT funny, however this film is a gem. I loved the casting and though I've never been a Jack Black fan I think he is brilliant as the affable Bernie - the man who is beloved by all particularly the widows he comforts in his role as assistant mortician. Shirley MacLaine is great in her role as the opposite of Bernie. Her Marjorie is insufferable and pushes Bernie to his breaking point with her neediness and desire to control him. One of the best points though is the interviews with the town's residents who give the audience the inside scoop on the story and add levity. Matthew McConaughey is funny as the DA who is the only person in town wanting Bernie to pay for his crime.
The casting in this film is just so spot on and though it's not laugh-out-loud funny this film is a good time. Very different turn for Jack Black and though he's great it's not his usual fare so beware if you love him from previous films. B+.
I know that this film is based on a true story and murder of an innocent person is NOT funny, however this film is a gem. I loved the casting and though I've never been a Jack Black fan I think he is brilliant as the affable Bernie - the man who is beloved by all particularly the widows he comforts in his role as assistant mortician. Shirley MacLaine is great in her role as the opposite of Bernie. Her Marjorie is insufferable and pushes Bernie to his breaking point with her neediness and desire to control him. One of the best points though is the interviews with the town's residents who give the audience the inside scoop on the story and add levity. Matthew McConaughey is funny as the DA who is the only person in town wanting Bernie to pay for his crime.
The casting in this film is just so spot on and though it's not laugh-out-loud funny this film is a good time. Very different turn for Jack Black and though he's great it's not his usual fare so beware if you love him from previous films. B+.
Movie Review: Silent House (2011)
"Silent House" is a more psychological than slasher-type horror film set in an old lake house when Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen) and her uncle and father, who are fixing up the house to sell it, are stalked through the house by an unseen perpetrator.
The film is shot in one-take format which creates kind of a "Blair Witch Project" type of experience. The audience can't see the stalker but rather sees Sarah's reactions as the camera is close on her face. This adds to the terror in some scenes for sure. I liked Olsen a lot in this movie because she really used the cinematography to her advantage by showing a lot of emotion through her face and body so the audience can feel the terror that we can't see.
I think the script does have some weaknesses to it because there's a hidden story happening that the audience really has to wait until the end to figure out through several twists. Thus, there's something more happening than appears but you've got to ride the film out to get there. While watching it I felt like giving up on it but after finishing the film I was able to look back and make more sense out of several scenes and scenarios. Knowing the twists makes the film better but you have to watch to get there. The ending itself is not completely satisfying, which is the case with other films Olsen has done.
I liked this movie but it requires an investment - watch the whole way through to really get it. C+
The film is shot in one-take format which creates kind of a "Blair Witch Project" type of experience. The audience can't see the stalker but rather sees Sarah's reactions as the camera is close on her face. This adds to the terror in some scenes for sure. I liked Olsen a lot in this movie because she really used the cinematography to her advantage by showing a lot of emotion through her face and body so the audience can feel the terror that we can't see.
I think the script does have some weaknesses to it because there's a hidden story happening that the audience really has to wait until the end to figure out through several twists. Thus, there's something more happening than appears but you've got to ride the film out to get there. While watching it I felt like giving up on it but after finishing the film I was able to look back and make more sense out of several scenes and scenarios. Knowing the twists makes the film better but you have to watch to get there. The ending itself is not completely satisfying, which is the case with other films Olsen has done.
I liked this movie but it requires an investment - watch the whole way through to really get it. C+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)