Movie Review: Birdman (2014)

"Birdman" (2014) stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, a washed-up movie star made famous for playing a superhero called "Birdman."  Birdman lives on as a voice inside Riggan's head often being very critical of Riggan.   Birdman is most critical of Riggan's choice to produce a play he adapted on Broadway, which Riggan thinks will revive his career.  Complicating the situation are the other characters associated with the play: Riggan's producer/lawyer Jake (Zach Galifiankis), Riggan's fresh out of rehab daughter/assistant Samantha (Emma Stone), Riggan's actress girlfriend Laura (Andrea Riseborough), first-time on Broadway actress Lesley (Naomi Watts), and a method actor Mike (Edward Norton).

A quirky, beautiful film with a cast that doesn't disappoint.  I really liked Keaton and Norton though it was nice to see Stone in a more edgy role.  I liked the theme of love vs fame/celebrity, which made the actual play that Riggan adapted really interesting.  I admit that this film, like a lot of Academy Award winners, probably isn't for everyone.  Some probably won't like the Birdman alter ego or voice, but I didn't mind it as I thought Birdman was Riggan's voice of his doubts.  If you can get past the Birdman, there is a lot to like here in terms of the characters, the acting, and just a beautiful film.

I say the Birdman has wings - A  

Movie Review: I, Origins (2014)

"I, Origins" is written, directed, and produced by Mike Cahill.  Graduate student Ian (Michael Pitt) is determined to discredit creationists by proving that the eye has evolved.  Ian's interest in eyes leads him to meet the mysterious Sofi (Astrid Berges-Frisby).  Despite Sofi's much different belief system, the pair date and are ready to marry.  Ian's lab assistant Karen (Brit Marling) calls him after discovering a breakthrough, which upsets Sofi.  The wedding is delayed and an accident sends Ian on a path causing him to investigate scientifically as well as his closely-held beliefs.

There's a lot to like in this film.  The story haunted me for days, especially the line about the lead character searching to disprove faith with science but what if that science is challenged by faith.  There is a strong theme here about faith vs. science and in Ian the audience can see a man who is ruled by science yet feels a pull towards the unexplained by Sofi and circumstances out of his control.  The acting is good here too - I liked Pitt, Berges-Frisby, and Marling.  Look for a small role for Steven Yeun from "Walking Dead" fame.  What I didn't like here was some uneven writing and directing where the film starts as this opposites-attract love story then abruptly switches to suspense, science fiction thriller.  I wish the transition was a bit smoother.  Otherwise, this is an engaging and thought-provoking film.

Thought-provoking though a bit uneven - B

Movie Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is a 2014 reboot of the cartoon/comic/movies of the 90's.  April O'Neil (Megan Fox) is a reporter with a nose for news but stuck making fluff pieces when she lands on the trail of some secret vigilantes who are protecting New York City from a clan of thieves.  April's persistence leads her to a startling discovery - a connection between her deceased father's lab and the vigilantes who are really teenage mutant ninja turtles.  Also stars Will Arnett and look for Whoopi Goldberg in a small part as April's boss.


Fans of the original series might enjoy this film for the nostalgia.  There are some fun moments and some action sequences but overall this film isn't much to recommend.  At some points even Megan Fox seemed a bit bored with it all.

This is okay but nothing to run out to see - C

Movie Review: He's Way More Famous Than You (2013)

"He's Way More Famous Than You" is a quirky comedy written by and staring Halley Feiffer as herself.  Halley is a washed-up drunken mess of an actress years after her brush with fame in an indie movie.  After losing her boyfriend, Halley decides it's time to get her career back in gear and the way to do that is to get as famous as possible.  Halley's master plan involves making a short film about her newly broken relationship and including as many famous people in it and involved in it as possible (expect some cameos here like Ben Stiller, Michael Urie, Jessie Eisenberg, and more).

This isn't the typical comedy but there's some laughs here.  Halley really nails her part as the washed-up, drunken, fame-obsessed actress.  Her character is totally crude and not likeable one minute and then the next minute she's funny and worthy of my compassion.  In today's reality tv/fame-obsessed society this film isn't too far off the mark in terms of what some will do for fame and fame as a goal in of itself.

Quirky and sometime crude, this is a different comedy that's a bit more on point than some of us want to admit - solid B.

Movie Review: Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)

"Better Living Through Chemistry" follows a small-town pharmacist named Doug Varney (Sam Rockwell), who lives an uneventful life and is constantly over-ruled by his wife Kara (Michelle Monaghen) and her father (Ken Howard).  Doug's life changes dramatically one fateful night when he makes a delivery to the home of Elizabeth Roberts (Olivia Wilde), a bored trophy wife.  A whirlwind of sex, drugs, and possibly murder follows.  Jane Fonda narrates.

This film is more of the quirky comedy than a laugh-out-loud obvious type but it's enjoyable.  Rockwell, Monaghen, and Wilde are good here as well as Ray Liotta in a small role as Elizabeth's husband.  Decent script as there are some twists here and Fonda's narration is a plus. The story isn't really a new idea or a fresh telling but the film has charm thanks to the cast and some good moments that make it watchable.

Not anything new but good cast - B

Movie Review: The Signal (2014)

"The Signal" follows a group of college kids traveling cross country who make a detour to confront a hacker, who has been taunting the two guys in the group.  The group pursues the hacker to a seemingly deserted house in the Nevada desert and finds much more than expected.  Laurence Fishburne co-stars.

I don't want to give away too much about the plot because it is a bit of a twist from the synopsis I read before watching the movie.  Billed as a "sci-fi mind-bender," this movie definitely is twisted.  Though I was surprised by some of the twists and figured out others, I really found the script lacking.  It just seemed like an over-reach in terms of the twists and the result was sometimes kind of silly.  I feel like with a more solid story this film could've been much more.  Rather, I was kind of shaking my head and ready to move on.

This one needed some re-writes: D+

Movie Review: The Book Thief (2013)

"The Book Thief" is a film-adaptation of a novel by the same name that focuses on young Lisel (Sophie Nelisse), and her adopted family (Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson) in Nazi-era Germany. Lisel learns to read and write, finding enjoyment in much books. She reads to the Jewish man, Max (Ben Schnetzer), the family hides in their home and even steals books from the mayor's home.

This film has a lot to like.  The story is good though it feels a little sanitized perhaps because we're seeing a lot of the story through Lisel's eyes.  It's PG-13 and probably appropriate for most.  There is a strong theme of showing and recognizing humanity even in the midst of Nazi Germany.  I also loved Lisel's love of books and the power of the written word.  The acting here is good by Rush, Watson, and Nelisse.  

Cute film with some strong themes - A-

Movie Review: Drinking Buddies

"Drinking Buddies" follows a male/female pair of best friends, Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson), who work together at a brewery and often drink together during their off-time. Seemingly the perfect pair, they both have significant others, Jill (Anna Kendrick) and Chris (Ron Livingston). The situation gets complicated when the two couples go on a weekend trip to Chris' cottage and then more awkward with the fall-out from the trip.

There's a certain awkwardness and raw feeling from the dialogue in this film. It feels very real and sometimes that's a bit uncomfortable. Apparently the "script" was largely an outline and the actors improved a good bit of the film. I think this was really an interesting directing choice by director/writer Joe Swanberg. Overall the film is a take on the age-old question can men and women really be friends without taking it to the romantic level. I think there's an interesting take on that question here in that the question for Kate and Luke isn't as clear-cut throughout the film as one thinks - are they really the best fit for each other.  I don't want to give anything away but I found the ending a satisfying answer that at first I didn't think I liked but the more I think about it the more it makes sense.  Good chemistry among the cast complements the story.

Feels a little awkward but give this a try - B+

Movie Review: Girl Most Likely (2012)

"Girl Most Likely" stars Kristen Wiig as Imogene, who was an aspiring playwright with much potential but after a failed relationship, failed career, and failed suicide attempt is forced to move back home to New Jersey with her eccentric mother (Annette Bening) and brother (Christopher Fitzgerald). To add to the confusion, Imogene finds her mother has rented out her childhood bedroom to a casino show singer (Darren Criss) and a new boyfriend for her mother (Matt Dillon).

A quirky film with a good ensemble cast, I feel like "Girl Most Likely" has likely gone overlooked. Bening really sparkles as Zelda, the decidedly offbeat mother and Wiig is enjoyable as well in a role that's different than her "Bridesmaids" and Saturday Night Live fare. A lot of the laughs are from Dillon's character, the mysterious George Bousch. This one is definitely different but there's a nice message and some touching moments too. Nice seeing Natasha Lyonne in a small part.  

Quirky yet touching - Solid B

Movie Review: Last Vegas (2013)

Last Vegas (2013) is a comedy starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline as a group of childhood friends in their senior years reuniting in Las Vegas for a bachelor party for Billy (Douglas), who is set to marry a much younger woman. It's not all a celebration, however, because old tensions still exist between Billy and Paddy (De Niro). Meanwhile, Sam (Kline) has a "weekend pass" from his wife and Archie (Freeman) is avoiding his over-protective adult son. The group befriends a lovely lounge singer, Diana (Mary Steenburgen), who seems to create more tension between Billy and Archie.

The jokes and story here are a bit stale - expect every old man joke possible. What saves this film is the chemistry among the main actors, who appear to really enjoy each other. That's what makes this watchable and a bit of a fun romp senior-style through Las Vegas. Steenburgen adds to the boys' fun and she is a joy to watch. Look for a cameo by rapper 50 Cent.

Overall, this is fun and they are a fun group but there's nothing new here - C+

Movie Review: In a World (2013)

"In a World" focuses on Carol (Lake Bell), who lives in the shadow of her father, Sam (Fred Melamed). Sam is the king of voice-overs and is promoting Gustev (Ken Marino) as his heir apparent in the male-dominated field. Sam kicks Carol out of his home so he can focus on his much younger wife, Jaime (Alexandra Holden). Carol ends up crashing with sister Dani (Michela Watkins) and her husband Moe (Rob Corddry), who have their own problems when Dani is flattered by someone at work. Meanwhile Carol’s career heats up in the voice-over business when she starts getting gigs meant for Gustev and is suddenly the front-runner for a highly coveted job that will bring back the classic voice-over phrase “In a World.” Carol soon finds she is competing with both her father and Gustev, a short-term love interest, for the job.

This movie is particularly interesting because Bell wrote, directed, and starred so it's a real female-driven film and beneath the comic surface is a real tale of female empowerment.  Though the theme of a woman breaking through barriers is there, there's also an interesting look at the power struggles between daughter and father and the bond between sisters there too.  I liked the multiple layers within the story and had plenty of laughs too.  Don't miss small appearances by Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, and Geena Davis.  

Don't overlook this gem - A-

Movie Review: The Spectacular Now (2013)

"The Spectacular Now" (2013) follows high school senior Sutter (Miles Teller), who is drifts from party to party drinking heavily and is upset when his girlfriend Cassidy (Brie Larson) dumps him for someone with more of a "future." A drunken Sutter wakes up on the lawn of a quiet classmate, Aimee (Shailene Woodley). Sutter strikes up a friendship with Aimee and asks her to help him study geometry. The relationship deepens into romance and the two promise to stand up to their respective mothers - Aimee wants to move to Philadelphia for college, Sutter wants his mother to tell the truth about his absentee father. Both do as planned but for Sutter the truth about his father (Kyle Chandler) is more than expected or than he can handle.

This isn't the easiest teen coming-of-age drama to watch but it's one worth seeing.  "Sutter" isn't the perfect hero, but rather Teller plays him as both likeable and not so likeable at times.  He's just a kid trying to have fun and distract himself from dealing with issues he can't process.  When boozin' and seemingly fun-loving Sutter meets and starts to woo shy and sweet Aimee (Woodley) I couldn't help but be worried because this seems like such an ill-fated match but the script really works and gives a more thoughtful treatment than I thought I'd get.   The chemistry between Woodley and Teller really helps too.  Don't miss the small part Chandler plays in what turns out to be a pivotal turn as Sutter's absent father.  Bonus points for the beautiful setting of a lot of the film, which is Athens, GA (a city that holds a piece of my heart).  

For a thoughtful coming-of-age with a flawed hero, check this one out - solid B+

Movie Review: Passion (2012)

"Passion" is a suspense/thriller focusing on the relationship between two women working together at an advertising agency in Germany.  Christine (Rachel McAdams) is an executive and enjoys toying with her mousy underling, Isabelle (Noomi Rapace).  While Christine is devious and manipulative, Isabelle proves to be learning much from her boss as the two women engage in a power struggle that results in murder over credit for Isabelle's ad campaign and men.

The only thing I really liked about this film was that we finally see Rachel McAdams breaking out of her good-girl-rom-com role and take on a bad girl like Christine.  It's too bad that this film is such a mess because it could have really helped McAdams get more complex roles.  The writing and directing really did this movie in.  Unfortunately the film sets up an interesting struggle between boss and subordinate but then all the twists and reveals get a bit messy and the result is more of a train wreck than a well-designed thriller. It's almost a film with two distinct halves - one okay and one really bad. The directing was also poor with  Rapace looking stiff and cold rather than the actress I've seen her to be in other films and a lot of just awkward choices.

If you're looking for a good thriller, keep looking - D+

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby (2013)

The most recent adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic "The Great Gatsby" stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Tobby Maguire as Nick Carraway, and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan.  This classic tale is narrated by Maguire's character, Nick, who finds himself entwined with his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Gatsby.  Nick becomes involved in engineering the re-meeting of his new friend and his married cousin, Daisy.  The film follows the life of these characters interacting during one summer of the Roaring Twenties in the New York area (the fictional West Egg and East Egg).

This film is breathtaking to watch as it's a visual treat to see Gatsby's over-the-top glittering parties come to life and the costumes are amazing.  The soundtrack is interesting as it's contemporary rather than period though it's not a choice that will win over all audiences.  Not everyone is interested in Jay-Z's music playing in a film set in the 20's.  Overall it's more style than substance but there are some interesting performances here.  Joel Edgerton is good as Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, and I liked Isla Fisher as Myrtle.  As for the lead roles, I did like DiCaprio but Maguire was a bit dull and Mulligan is okay but no depth.

It's beautiful but lacks the passion and heart that would've made this great.  Pass if you don't like rap with your flappers - C+

Movie Review: Oranges and Sunshine (2010)

"Oranges and Sunshine" is based on a true story of the work of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker in the UK.  Margaret discovers a deportation scandal where British children were relocated to Australia and Canada.  Deported children were promised oranges and sunshine but often found hard labor, abuse, and long years separated from their families.  Margaret works to bring attention to the issue and attempt to reunite families though she is often at personal peril and must be separated from her own family.

This is a difficult film to watch at times, but it's an important story to tell.  The film does an admirable job telling the story but at times it's difficult to follow due to the accents of the actors (there was no subtitles available on my DVD).   It's not too hard to grasp the overall intent of the film and follow though but subtitles would definitely make this film a bit more user-friendly.

Good story but a bit difficult to follow due to accents - B

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is the 2nd adaptation of the short-story with the same name by James Thurber.  Walter (Ben Stiller) leads a very uneventful life though he frequently lapses into quite vivid and exciting daydreams, which often feature his office crush Cheryl (Kristen Wiig).  Major changes at the magazine "Life," where Walter is the long-term employee in charge of photographs, throw Walter's life in turmoil especially when it appears that he has lost the negative that will be the magazine's final cover.  Walter decides to track down the globe-trotting photographer, Sean (Sean Penn), in search for the missing negative.

Having read Thurber's story years ago, I watched this film with some expectations.  Overall I thought the film gives a good try at bringing the story to the big-screen with a lot of exciting visuals and beautiful scenery.  I also liked how Walter's loved ones and Cheryl in the film treat him given his obvious zoning out.   Adam Scott, who plays Walter's boss/bad guy, makes the most of his role as the foil.  However, I didn't like how disjointed the film feels - there seems to be a pull towards action, drama, romance, and comedy all within the film and the result is that there are moments and key scenes that feel really out of place. Also there is a lot of product placement within the film and this also adds to the disjointed feeling particularly when the characters seem to go out of their way to mention a product (ahem, Papa John's and e-Harmony).

Overall, there's not the charm or bite from the original story in the film and the commercial feel to it and disjointed writing/directing distract from some beautiful scenery - B-.

Movie Review: Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)

"Ain't Them Bodies Saints" is a romance/drama focusing on a pair of young lovers, Bob (Casey Affleck) and Ruth (Rooney Mara), in 1970's Texas.  When the film begins Bob, Ruth, and a friend are in a shootout with the police.  The result is that the friend dies and Bob takes the blame for shooting a policeman, which was really a pregnant Ruth.   Bob goes to prison for the crime while Ruth vows to wait for him and has the baby alone.  Years later Bob breaks out of prison and is on the run hoping to reunite with his family.  Meanwhile, Ruth is a single mother of a toddler and has become friendly a police officer involved in the shootout.

While not a flashy film, "Saints" is a solid drama with good acting, directing, writing, and editing.  I really liked Mara in the lead role here.  She shined as the outlaw turned devoted single mother and there's a real depth to her character.  Ruth is clearly torn between the life she leads with her daughter and the deep love she shares with Bob.  Affleck is strong in his part, as the outlaw determined to be with his family no matter what, but look for smaller supporting roles from Keith Carradine and Nate Parker too.  I really liked the comparison in the film between Bob and Ruth in terms of their perspectives on their criminal past and the theme of finding rest or respite.  Overall I think this is a touching film and is well-done though not a flashy film.

Don't overlook this one for a solid romantic drama - B+

Movie Review: Gravity (2013)

"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

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

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+