"Gravity" is a science fiction drama/suspense film focusing intently on two astronauts, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Lieutenant Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). An accident leaves the two astronauts alone in space trying to survive and return to Earth.
This is a very intense, character-focused film with plenty of suspense. Alone in space without communication to Earth, the two main characters only have each other as everything that could possibly go wrong (with the exception of aliens) happens. Bullock is simply great in her role and will likely get some nominations for it. She's the queen of romantic comedies but here Bullock shows she can hold her own in a drama. Bullock has great chemistry with Clooney, which makes him an effective choice as the only other character in space with her. I think this film will likely get a nomination for the cinematography which is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Look for some really cool cuts where the audience can see reflections in mirrors and the astronauts' face plate. Hopefully there will also be a nomination for sound/score as well. I felt that the score really added to the film and increased the suspense.
I did see this film in on the big screen but not in 3-D or IMAX. I can see where 3-D or IMAX might add to the experience but trust me, it's still suspenseful on a regular screen.
Go see this one and get ready for awards season because it's sure to get some nods - A
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Movie Review: My Afternoons with Margueritte (2010)
"My Afternoons with Margueritte" is a French film about an uneducated laborer Germain (Gerard Depardieu) whose life changes when he strikes up an unexpected friendship with an elderly, well-read woman named Margueritte (Gisele Casadesus). Through this friendship Germain learns about himself as well as the literature that Margueritte reads him. His new-found confidence and thoughtfulness empowers Germain in other areas of his life including some challenging relationships.
This is a really sweet and enjoyable film. The audience must endure subtitles but it's worth it. It's a simple and a bit obvious of a story, but the acting sells it. I liked Depardieu and his chemistry with Casadesus makes this odd couple one that the audience can root for and fall in love with. The result is a heartfelt movie with a clear message: love can change us and that love can come in unexpected places.
A heartfelt film that you can enjoy despite subtitles: solid B
This is a really sweet and enjoyable film. The audience must endure subtitles but it's worth it. It's a simple and a bit obvious of a story, but the acting sells it. I liked Depardieu and his chemistry with Casadesus makes this odd couple one that the audience can root for and fall in love with. The result is a heartfelt movie with a clear message: love can change us and that love can come in unexpected places.
A heartfelt film that you can enjoy despite subtitles: solid B
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Movie Review: Arbitrage (2012)
"Arbitrage" is a suspense/drama centering on billionaire Robert Miller (Richard Gere) who runs a successful hedge fund with his daughter Brooke (Brit Marling) among other family. Though Robert is regarded as a financial genius, the truth is that he must complete a deal to sell the company and hide a significant loss due to a bad investment on his part. He has hidden the loss in the company's books but Brooke is suspicious. To further complicate matters Robert has a mistress Julie (Laetitia Cote) who dies in an accident caused by Robert. He is desperate to hide his involvement in this accident from the police (Tim Roth), his wife Ellen (Susan Sarandon), and from the company's potential buyer (Graydon Carter). The son of his former driver, Jimmy (Nate Parker), becomes unknowingly involved and takes the heat as the investigation begins to center on Robert.
I was pleasantly surprised with this film. It's a nice little suspense film that is also a character study. The focus is squarely on Gere's Robert Miller, who has very interesting personal ethics and is a conflicted character. Gere shines in this role and I liked his chemistry with some of the supporting players such as Parker and Roth. As an ensemble the cast does really well. I also thought the screenplay was well-done in that the writing doesn't give out toward the end as in other thrillers that just can't keep the pace or suspense. I feel like this film keeps a steady stream of suspense throughout. I think some viewers may not like that Robert Miller is not the most likable guy - he's not the bad guy you fall in love with but he is the bad guy who explains himself and that's what I think makes this film one to rent.
Rent this one and be ready to cheer for Gere but dislike his character - B+
I was pleasantly surprised with this film. It's a nice little suspense film that is also a character study. The focus is squarely on Gere's Robert Miller, who has very interesting personal ethics and is a conflicted character. Gere shines in this role and I liked his chemistry with some of the supporting players such as Parker and Roth. As an ensemble the cast does really well. I also thought the screenplay was well-done in that the writing doesn't give out toward the end as in other thrillers that just can't keep the pace or suspense. I feel like this film keeps a steady stream of suspense throughout. I think some viewers may not like that Robert Miller is not the most likable guy - he's not the bad guy you fall in love with but he is the bad guy who explains himself and that's what I think makes this film one to rent.
Rent this one and be ready to cheer for Gere but dislike his character - B+
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Movie Review: The Bling Ring (2013)
"The Bling Ring" is Sofia Coppola's (director, writer, producer) take on the infamous real-life Bling Ring, a group of Los Angeles area teenagers who robbed A-list Hollywood stars' homes. Based on actual events, the film follows the group of teens who come together and commit these crimes together seemingly in order to get closer to the celebrities they idolize like Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan.
First, I really like the casting in this film . Coppola put together an ensemble cast of relative unknowns with the addition of Emma Watson in a supporting role. I liked Watson in this film as well as Israel Broussard (lead actor), Katie Chang (lead actress), and Claire Julien. Look for a small part from Leslie Mann as a clueless mother of two of the Bling Ringers.
One thing that really works for the film, which is based on a group of criminals obsessed with celebrity, is the inclusion of celebrities. Coppola has cameos by Paris Hilton and Kirsten Dunst as well as others who appear in archival footage. The biggest cameo, however, is Hilton's home, which she allowed Coppola to film the scenes that depict the break-ins that occurred there. These cameos and particularly the scenes in Hilton's own home add credibility to the film. I also liked the direction and thought the film was well staged. I think the Bling Ring members are not depicted in a sympathetic light here, but rather there's a possible explanation put forth - the obsession with fame and celebrity.
If you rent this one don't miss the DVD extras. There is an extra on the real-like Bling Ring, one on making the film, and one featuring Paris Hilton. All are interesting but the one where Hilton, the biggest victim of the crime-spree, takes the cameras through her home and talks about participating in a film made about crimes against her, is especially intriguing.
Interesting rental especially with the bonus content - solid B
First, I really like the casting in this film . Coppola put together an ensemble cast of relative unknowns with the addition of Emma Watson in a supporting role. I liked Watson in this film as well as Israel Broussard (lead actor), Katie Chang (lead actress), and Claire Julien. Look for a small part from Leslie Mann as a clueless mother of two of the Bling Ringers.
One thing that really works for the film, which is based on a group of criminals obsessed with celebrity, is the inclusion of celebrities. Coppola has cameos by Paris Hilton and Kirsten Dunst as well as others who appear in archival footage. The biggest cameo, however, is Hilton's home, which she allowed Coppola to film the scenes that depict the break-ins that occurred there. These cameos and particularly the scenes in Hilton's own home add credibility to the film. I also liked the direction and thought the film was well staged. I think the Bling Ring members are not depicted in a sympathetic light here, but rather there's a possible explanation put forth - the obsession with fame and celebrity.
If you rent this one don't miss the DVD extras. There is an extra on the real-like Bling Ring, one on making the film, and one featuring Paris Hilton. All are interesting but the one where Hilton, the biggest victim of the crime-spree, takes the cameras through her home and talks about participating in a film made about crimes against her, is especially intriguing.
Interesting rental especially with the bonus content - solid B
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