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: 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 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: 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: 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+

Movie Review: What Maisie Knew (2012)

"What Maise Knew" is an updated version of Henry James' novel with the same title.  Set in New York City, the film focuses on the breakup of rock singer Susanna (Julianne Moore) and art dealer Beale (Steve Coogan) and the effects of their young daughter Maise.  Maise is an unfortunate pawn in the breakup as both parents want custody but end up with shared.  Their daughter is shuttled between them and often cared for by her parents' new partners, Margo (Joanna Vanderham) and Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgard).  Maise's selfish parents eventually destruct their new relationships leaving the girl to seek a new version of "family."

This film is honestly a bit hard to watch.  This beautiful little girl is completely disregarded by her parents except when she is being used by one parent against the other.  The theme that sometimes "family" is not the traditional construct is really illustrated here.  This film is a bit rare in that it is very character-focused particularly on a child, who is portrayed as quite perceptive.  

It's emotionally-involving but well done - B+

Movie Review: On the Road (2012)

"On the Road" is a drama adapted by a novel with the same name.  The film and book follow the adventures of Jack Kerouac traveling the US in the late 1940's.  The film's main character Sal, based on Kerouac and played by Sam Riley, is looking for inspiration with his writing and ends up traveling the country with friends.  These friends include Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund), who is the main force pulling Sal and others along on various adventures.  Dean is fixated on women, drugs, intellectualism, and amusement and his romances with his 16 year-old former bride Marylou (Kristen Stewart) and the mother of kids/later wife Camille (Kirsten Dunst) are part of the drama.

This film is unfortunately a bit slow developing.  It really takes time to get going despite opening with Sal already on one of his travels.  The film attempts to chronicle the Beat Generation but really doesn't give a lot of context as to what motivates the Beatnik characters.  There are some interesting supporting turns in the film by Tom Sturridge, Amy Adams, Viggo Mortensen, Elisabeth Moss, and Steve Buscemi. The most impressive actor in the film by far though was Hedlund, who was really good as the enigmatic Dean.  I felt Dunst didn't get much of a role here so not as much material for her to work with.  Stewart had a much juicer role though didn't do a lot with it.

Overall this film is a bit of a snoozer and doesn't really explain the Beat Generation.  Watch this one for the expanded cast though mainly for Hedlund - C+

Movie Review: Mud (2012)

"Mud" is a coming-of-age drama set in a community in Arkansas along the Mississippi River.  Teenage boys Ellis and Neckbone live along the river and discover a seemingly deserted island where a boat is stuck in the trees.  The boys sneak off to the island and are exploring the boat when they discover that there is someone else on the island.  That someone turns out to be Mud (Matthew McConaughey), who tells the boys he is waiting for someone and staying on the island temporarily.  The boys are unsure of him but begin to bring him food and supplies.  Mud tells the boys he is waiting for his true love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) but the truth is that Mud is a fugitive wanted for killing a man who hurt Juniper and she is on her way to reunite with Mud and run away with him.  Ellis and Neckbone proceed to help Mud, even delivering messages to Juniper when she shows up in town, though the situation becomes dangerous when not only the police but dangerous men related to the man Mud killed are trying to avenge the murder.

This film is very reminiscent of Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin.  We have two young boys living on the river, having adventures, and attempting to grow up.  I really liked the setting and the obvious comparison to Twain's characters.  I also thought the two actors playing Ellis and Neckbone (Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland) did a great job.  Their chemistry with McConaughey is really good.  McConaughey is very good here as Mud as he sells the audience on this mysterious, lovable guy who just so happens to have murdered someone over a girl.  He's the bad guy who's not so bad and the audience can see why the boys trust him.

Overall, I think this film is a winner in terms of story, acting, and just an original take on that familiar coming-of-age storyline.  Even the obvious Twain-influence doesn't feel overdone or old.  Rent this one - A-.

Movie Review: Any Day Now (2012)

"Any Day Now" follows a gay couple, Rudy (Alan Cumming) and Paul (Garret Dillahunt) who in a matter of days fall in love and take in a teenager with Down's syndrome named Marco after Marco's neglectful mother is arrested.  Despite Rudy's objections, the couple must live closeted in order to maintain temporary custody of Marco.  The truth about Rudy and Paul's relationship threatens the happiness they find parenting Marco, who flourishes in their care.  The film follows the legal and personal struggles the gay couple have in the 1970's trying to gain legal custody in this based on a true story.

I really fell for this film, perhaps as quickly as Rudy and Paul fell for each other in the film.  I felt though this is not the lightest of stories, it is an important one and is well told in this character-driven drama.  The characters and their relationships are well-developed and I especially liked seeing Dillahunt's character Paul really grow from a closeted and timid lawyer to a passionate father and partner to the head-strong and passionate Rudy.  One of the best aspects though is that there are moments when the antagonists such as the judges and other opposing forces show sympathy towards Rudy and Paul though the reality is that in California in the 1970's the legal system simply wasn't going to bend for a gay couple in a custody situation.  I think this gave an element of humanity to the minor players, who were easy to portray as one-dimensional "bad guys."  Look out for the scenes where Rudy sings - I think the staging is especially poignant  and effective at conveying emotion.

Overall I think this is a well-done and effective small film that had the benefit of a well-written script and strong acting by Cumming and Dillahunt.  Give this one a rental - A-

Movie Review: Spring Breakers (2013)

"Spring Breakers," written and directed by famed Harmony Korine, follows four college students who are childhood friends and are desperate to find themselves at Spring Break in Florida.  The problem for the girls is that they lack the money to fund this much-needed trip of self-exploration.  So Candy (Vanessa Hudgens) and Brit (Ashley Benson) devise a plan to rob a local restaurant with fake guns and Cotty (Rachel Korine) as the getaway driver.  The plan is a success and even more straight-laced Faith (Selena Gomez) grabs her bags and jumps on the bus to St. Petersburg, FL for fun in the sun and wild partying.  Things go well and the girls feel they've found paradise until the police bust a party and they find themselves in jail.  A local rapper/gangster called Alien (James Franco) bails the girls out in hopes of bringing them into his world, which three out of the four happily oblige.  Spring Break soon morphs from mindless fun into something much darker.

I wanted to hate this movie but it's not all bad.  Yes it is filled with the over-the-top partying scenes with topless girls all over the place and the acting (and the dialogue written for them) by the lead actresses is not best but the film is not all bad.  First there's an almost unrecognizable James Franco playing a character that is unlike any other I've seen.  Alien is a character I almost couldn't take seriously but I couldn't get him out of my head.  Second I liked the comparison of the light, idealistic ideal of the college Spring Break (parties, sun, beautiful people) with the seedy violence that permeated through the film, including the really violent act that enabled the girls to take this trip to paradise.  Though the girls are often depicted as sweet, immature girls there's this other side to them (with the exception of Gomez's character) that is very dark.  The look of the film is unique - it almost plays like an extended music video - quick cuts, bright colors, slick music.

All this said, the script is not the best and most of the acting isn't either.  Also this is not the typical fun or light Spring Break movie as there is a good bit of violence and language.  C-

Movie Review: Gangster Squad (2013)

"Gangster Squad" is a crime action/drama based on events in the 1940's and 50's in Los Angeles when the LA Police Department police chief (played by Nick Nolte) created a special unit called the "Gangster Squad" to combat gangster Mickey Cohen (played by Sean Penn).  The Gangster Squad is led by John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) and his men include Jerry Whooters (Ryan Gosling), Coleman Harris (Anthony Mackie), Conway Keeler (Giovanni Ribisi) and Navidad Rameriz (Michael Pena).  Complicating the situation is Jerry's romancing Mickey's girlfriend Grace (Emma Stone).  The Gangster Squad begins disrupting Mickey's operations while searching for the location of his wire gambling business, which is the heart of Mickey's empire.  Mickey meanwhile attempts to grow the wire gambling business and find then punish the Gangster Squad for threatening his "progress."

Despite the big-name cast, this film is largely forgettable.  Penn makes a good bad guy but he's up against a very bland hero in Brolin.  Decent supporting work by Gosling, Mackie, and Ribsi in particular but the dull script really didn't give them much to work with.  Characters were largely undeveloped, especially Stone's, and dialogue is stilted. Chemistry between Gosling and Stone is almost non-existent.  The shoot-em up violence is greatly prioritized.  On the upside there is nice cinematography and the 40's/50's in LA looks glamorous.

Nice-looking film with much more bullets than depth - D+