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Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (1975)
Extremely ugly film
Despite my rating, this is actually a well made film. It has high production values, decent acting, stunning sets, and great sound. In the technical aspects it is well directed. Regardless, it was one of the most tormenting films I've ever seen. It was such a struggle to get through. I was checking how much longer I had left like seventeen times a minute, because I just couldn't take it.
This is a film that's told smart, executed well, but the portrayal itself is horrible. Long story short, fascism is wrong, end of story. But like the Purge, it's not enough to just say it, we gotta go through a whole mess of stuff to show you why it is. Basically fascists sexually torture nine boys and nine girls for four months in a mansion. And we're talking urinating in mouths, eating poop, three way intercourse, ejaculating on each other etc. The whole film is literally just scene after scene of that. It's nonstop. All of that, as we constantly are forced to endure stories about people going through the same stuff, but enjoying it. This film loves to emphasize each character's feelings on each scene. When they eat poop, the film describes in detail everybody's experiences with eating poop, and why they are fine with it. In a strange sense, it's well told and has some interesting insight, but that does not make it any easier to watch.
Honestly though, the film as a whole is kind of boring. It really is just a matter of how shocking can we be. When it's not being depraved, it's just people in a room telling stories. There's really not much else to it.
The problem with the film is that since it's on its own sick mindset, we as an audience aren't really on the same page, so we're just seeing random acts of violence, and not really anything else. There's no clear picture or goal the film projects, just that. David Lynch films do the same thing, but at least he gives us enough symbolism to let us know what to extract from the film. This one is just showing us that these people get off on this stuff, and that's it.
One thing I found interesting was how the perspective is of the fascists themselves instead of the victims. Instead of being a standard psychological thriller about escaping, it's simply just these fascist's sick perversions and their opinions on it. They're the main characters, and they're the ones we follow. I thought that was rather interesting.
At the end of the day, this is not one of the worst movies I've ever seen, but it's one of the hardest films I've ever had to sit through. It's pretty easy to hate this film. I don't hate it, but I would never want to watch this again, or would never recommend it to anybody ever. It's a well told film with an interesting insight, but it's way too hard to sit through and it's a one note theme that they just milk for an hour and 56 minutes.
American Hustle (2013)
Slightly over-hyped, yet still one entertaining piece.
Knowing David O Russell's style, I knew going into this that I was going to have to deal with some over the top quirkiness in the characters and style, which I can usually tolerate in his films. On one hand, he handles his actors extremely well with top notch directing and handles his script very carefully as well. On the other hand, he lets his style slip out of his hands and spill out all over the screen in an over abundance of random bantering from characters, and depraved scenes of sexual frustration that get played off as comedic.
Christian Bale and Amy Adams are two con artists who are forced by an FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) to set up an elaborate sting operation on corrupt politicians, including the mayor of Camden, New Jersey (Jeremy Renner). Meanwhile, he has to deal with his estranged wife (Jennifer Lawrence) who constantly gets in the way of his plans. I was invested because this is the first time David O Russell has tackled crime drama. He still manages to blend black comedic undertones with the colorful, sporadic writing on the surface.
The casting and performances are probably the film's biggest strong suit. Christian Bale is hilarious and convincingly serious at the same time. Anytime he's on screen, he squeezes every last drop of investment into his character that the scene calls for, and it pays off. When he gets upset, angry, or scared, you really see it on his face. In a film like this that's really flashy, it's amazing how much emotion he displays while the audience is getting energized by the soundtrack. Amy Adams is sexy and deceitful, which we get out of every single scene she's in. Bradly Cooper is quickly becoming one of the most promising actors in this day in age. He is unpredictable in every scene he's in, but he manages to keep it straight and real at the same time. Jennifer Lawrence is unstoppable, portraying yet another emotionally distressed woman with husband problems, and no filter on her mouth. The only thing I wasn't sure about was the random Robert De Niro cameo.
One main issue I do have with the film is that the style, while entertaining, distracts from the plot. I usually encourage this behavior from Russell in previous works, but this time it left me a tad overwhelmed. It hammered itself in scenes that were completely unnecessary. The film went on a tad too long, and definitely could have trimmed some scenes that were needlessly thrown in there for stylistic purposes. The writing is solid, but the quirky character trope just throws me off at times and makes it hard to focus.
Overall, the film really energizes and excites you in each scene, making for one very entertaining film. I feel like a few people love the flashy style, which I can appreciate, even if it distracts a little. For that reason, I find it a tad over hyped, but not enough to take away any enjoyment. Russell is getting more mainstream, which is showcasing in his films. I just hope it doesn't get to his head, and I look forward to what he can do in the future.
The Ladykillers (2004)
Kills more than just ladies.
The Coen's attempt to recover from the disaster that was Intolerable Cruelty by jabbing at the 1955 black comedy by Alexander Mackendrick resulted in what I believe to be their worst movie.
Tom Hanks plays a charming Southern professor who rents a room from landlady Marva Munson, (Irma P. Hall) who isn't aware of him and his crew's plan to rob a casino underground right under her nose. But they aren't quite aware of just how observant she is.
This film is so awkward, which I understand was a main intention, but awkward in an annoying way. Casting Tom Hanks, Tzi Ma, and JK Simmons is one thing, but casting Marlon Wayans in an adaptation of this classic? Cmon! Not even the good actors can save it. J.K. Simmons is completely suppressed and annoying, Tzi Ma just says nothing and eats cigarettes all day, and Tom Hanks in his possible worst performance ever snickers and snorts like a pig five different times, as if it's supposed to be an interesting trait of his.
The tone is very off putting. It's a goofy light comedy with cheesy, fake characters, while at the same time having people getting blown up and hung. It's all over the place. Erma Hall as the landlady is very entertaining in her scenes and very commanding in her role, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Unfortunately, we don't get much of her. Instead we get forced humor with repetitive gags. To be fair, I wasn't expecting this to be good, but I wasn't expecting to hate it this much. The moment Marlon Wayans robs a store and gets lifted up by his nostrils, I just wanted to cry. The scene where J.K. Simmons blows himself up while testing an explosive on the wall was actually a pretty fun scene to see the house shake from the outside, until we see he loses nothing but a finger in that huge explosion. I know it's a comedy, but in a film like this, suspension of disbelief doesn't apply.
Overall, this film is atrocious, not just for a Coen's film, just in general. I'm glad this is as bad as it gets for them because if it got worse, then I'd question their motives.
Intolerable Cruelty (2003)
The dark ages for the Coen brothers
This is the first time the Coen's usually clever comedic tones didn't sit well with me. I get what they were going for, but it missed the mark for me completely.
George Clooney plays a hot winning divorce lawyer who gets involved with a deceiving gold digger (Catherine Zeta Jones) who marries him to make a fortune in the divorce, resulting in plain, cheesy, goofball comedic misfortune.
I normally enjoy the Coen's full blown comedies with Hudsucker Proxy, O Brother, Where art Thou?, and Raising Arizona, but this just went too far in my mind. It overdoes the slapstick, overdoes the zaniness of the characters, and overdoes the absurdity of the situation to the point where we can't take it seriously or get invested anymore because you made us care more about guys getting kicked around by cartoon sound effects than to care about our characters. Even for those who love goofball comedies, and is a sucker for Coen brother absurdity, it's still by far one of their weaker films. The storytelling is simply not that intriguing, the characters are extremely clichéd, followed by extremely clichéd romantic pieces, and it gives us no reason to stay together. The one positive thing I guess is that George Clooney and Catherine Jones are decent, despite not being that interesting of characters. Aside from that, I didn't hate it, but it's quite an uninteresting, uninspired bore fest with nothing new to offer.
Spotlight (2015)
A film that does its job without feeling the need to add more.
Spotlight, the four person team working for the Boston Globe, investigates into the repeated acts of priests sexually abusing children over the course of 30 years, resulting in the unfolding of hidden secrets that this team desperately determined to reveal.
Compelling, investing, and brilliantly detailed account of a story that people tried to hide for so long. This film goes into so much detail about the emotional distress, the determination from the team, the struggle with the legal system in getting the truth out, etc. The ensemble cast is well picked out, with everybody doing a great job. Mark Ruffalo and Rachel Mcadams both give Oscar worthy performances, and Michael Keaton was surprisingly amazing, showing that Birdman was not a one time hit for him.
For a touchy subject matter like this, It's really risky to put it out there, as some people (including the Academy) don't like films with uncomfortable topics. This film handled it so perfectly and so maturely that it deserves every bit of credibility. It's very historically accurate, resisting the temptation to make the main characters out to be superheroes that save the day, but instead just portrays them as people simply doing their jobs, which is what this movie does. It doesn't go out of its way to blow itself up bigger than it is, or try to establish any bit of greater importance, it simply does its job, and does it great. It is completely airtight, there is no fat on this film whatsoever. Every scene is escalating the plot further in some way, and is packed full of the meat of the story, which I savored every little bit of.
Tightly written, tightly edited, tightly acted, and tightly directed, this is a unique and impressive quality film that will inspire you until the end.
The Revenant (2015)
One of the most visually intricate films I've ever seen.
After being mauled by a bear during a hunting expedition in the 1820's, fur trader Andrew Henry (Leonardo Dicaprio) is left for dead and buried alive after his half breed son is killed by John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), resulting in a fierce and brutal struggle for survival as he attempts to make his way back to civilization for revenge against Fitzgerald.
Opening with a visually masterful fight scene between the hunting crew and the Arikara tribes, Alejandro Inarritu brilliantly captures (through extended takes and natural lighting) the complete feeling of being in the freezing wilderness. From walking in the rain to running in the snow, you feel every single nit bit of detail within the scene. Like Birdman, he likes to capture everything in one, making for a very strong directing job.
Overall, it is rich with environment, which is its main factor. Leo spends most of his time in the wilderness on his own, trying to survive. His desperation increases more and more as you see him progressively determined. From sleeping inside a horse to eating rotten boar flesh, Leo goes all out in here and is completely immersed in every scene he's in. I wish Tom Hardy got more screen time, there was some good potential for a very unique character study. Even though it was still good, I feel like they might have missed out.
Even though style over substance is usually not good, this is one of the most masterfully filmed movies I have ever seen. It makes me wonder how they got some of these shots. Compliments to them for the use of natural lighting, which is a good touch, and really pays off. I wish Alejandro did what he did in Birdman, and have more dream sequences, and more spiritual scenery to add to the gritty feeling. Once you factor out the detailed environment and long structure of it all, what you get is a pretty basic revenge story. With that said, it is so technically marvelous it overshadows it completely.
Regardless of its few complaints, it is one of the most riveting experiences I've ever had with a film. Watch in on Blu-Ray, on an HDTV, turn out the lights and turn on the surround sound, and get ready to travel to a new world, because this is the movie to do it.
The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
Billy Bob Thorton's best performance.
Set in the late 1940's, low key barber Ed Crane (Billy Bob Thorton) inadvertently blackmails his wife's boss, which leads to him killing him to cover it up. This triggers a complicated police involvement with Ed, as well as a psychological breakdown, all while he narrates the events in his mind.
Billy Bob Thorton is not only greatly cast, but he is top notch in this film, you feel what he feels, and what he's going through not just through the narration, but through his facial expressions. The Coens captured the psychological feeling through the excellent cinematography, eerie music, and classy set pieces. The events in the film are fairly simple and play out like a pretty standard neo- noir drama, but his narration is what makes it so deep and unforgettable, and what makes it stand out. This is a rare instance where it isn't style over substance, both are very strong in this film. We get the classy black and white cinematography, along with some strong character reading.
I had a couple issues. Like I said, it is a standard neo noir film, and the narration kind of over escalates the film itself, and doesn't play out on its own at any point. It also takes a bit of time to set up the plot, and even though it has great payoff, it's still rough to get through. Overall, it's a super solid Coen film that stands out as one of their more psychological films, as well as one of their most stylistic.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Welcome back John Turturro
Inspired by "The Odyssey", three escaped convicts from the South in the 1930's set out to find hidden treasure, a rumor told to them by an old man.
I was very entertained by this film. It has a realistic depiction with a touch of fantasy to it, one that will really skew into some goofy scenes. It's a film that plays with your suspension of disbelief for a little, but stays focused nonetheless. The cast was well picked out, with George Clooney and John Turturro as the lead, as well as Tim Blake Nelson, all of which do an amazing job. The tone is one of the best parts of the movie. It should be a drama, given the source material and the setting, but it plays off as a light comedy, with several over the top scenes that set up for an excellent music score. The songs in this had me humming for days, T Bone Burnett really did a good job in capturing the tone and time period for the film, and it pays off.
The film at times feels a little clustered, with some big stars that don't get as much screen time. Holly Hunter is pretty top billed, but isn't around until three fourths of the movie. The film is adapting itself into The Odyssey, so there are some appropriately added scenes that are there to be symbolism, and even though it's well done, it kind of slows down the adventurous pace. With that, the fantasy element of this film is strong, I feel like anything can happen in this movie, and that anything is possible, a free feeling I don't get in movies very often.
Not one of my favorite Coen's, but entertaining nonetheless, with some great characters, interesting storytelling, and a fun tone and excellent music.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Classic Coen Brothers.
After being beaten by thugs who mistake him with somebody of the same name, Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) confronts millionaire Jeff Lebowski on the mistaken identity, a confrontation that will lead to several bizarre and unforeseeable twists for him and his two bowling buddies, (John Goodman, Steve Buschemi).
I'll be the first to say I do not see what all the buzz is about with this film. For some reason hipsters like to blow this up to be an absolute masterpiece, which is endlessly praised, quoted, and cos played. I like it a lot, but to me it doesn't stand out nearly as well as some of Coen's others, even though I still enjoy it. To me, it's a clever, fun, stoner comedy with a great cast and characters, but that's where it stops for me honestly.
The characters are very colorful, Jeff Bridges is perfectly cast as the Dude, an icon that is mercilessly cos played, and he is funny in the movie. John Goodman as former Vietnam lieutenant Walter Sobchak is a great backup for The Dude as he mostly plays the muscle for all the predicaments they get involved in. Steve Buschemi's character was good overall, even though he doesn't get much screen time. What's great is that even the small roles in the film who get one or two scenes, still make an big impact on the film in the few scenes they're in. I can't very well make a Big Lebowski review without mentioning Jesus, the bowler for an enemy team of the Dude's bowler team, excellently cast by John Turturro, one of my favorite Coen alumni. Others like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julianne Moore are also quite entertaining for the few scenes they are in.
When I first watched it, I thought the plot was very bloated, lots of scenes and subplots that really go nowhere. Even though it adds to some funny scenes, overall it doesn't amount to much, but oh well. Regardless of my small complaints with this movie, it's a very fun, well made film with some entertaining characters, with some slight editing issues. Solid nonetheless
The Hateful Eight (2015)
One of Tarantino's heaviest films.
This is a Tarantino film that emphasizes every bit of content in this film. The characters, the environment, the food they eat, the liquor they drink, etc. Nothing in this film is not addressed in some point or another. One of his most dialogue heavy films, and one of his most gruesome films as well.
Everybody in this film gave an amazing performance. Has one of my favorite Samuel Jackson characters ever, followed by the phenomenally cast Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kurt Russell, making for a great duo. Michael Madsen and Tim Roth were a little underplayed but still fun to watch. The cinematic view is glorious, even if it is all mostly shot in a cabin. Though few, the shots of mountains with horseback carriages in the distance makes for some beautiful scenery. Once again, this has one of the longest screenplays in any other Tarantino. Every scene has at least five fifteen minute discussions about a backstory, or some food or the cabin or the owners of the cabin. Many critics have considered it one of his slowest movies, though it is filled with story and it makes you feel informed throughout.
Hateful Eight is right, because this is one of the most hateful, mean spirited movies ever, with probably the highest number of N- words in any movie. Even those who have an understanding are at each other's throats in this. There is zero friendliness in here. I will admit I was hoping for less white and black confrontation in this, since that's a big discussion in the film, and it feels worn at this moment in Tarantino's career.
Overall, It's very different from what he's done in the past, and it's better than his two recent films. Even though it isn't perfect, it's a story to remember with some very colorful characters and plot.
Fargo (1996)
My favorite Coen film of all time.
This my favorite, and the best Coen film of all time. Even though it's a fairly simplistic story, it has comedic elements of all sorts. Frances McDormand as a pregnant Minnesota cop investigates homicides that are connected to a family man hiring hit-man to kidnap his wife to collect the ransom money from his rich father-in-law.
The story is told fairly straightforward, with extremely funny jabs at Minnesota culture, particularly on their accents. The funniest is the jabs at Steve Buschemi being described as nothing but funny looking, really goes to show how the Coens feel. William H. Macy as the husband of the kidnapped woman is a nervous mess in every scene he's in, going out of his way to cover up anything that goes wrong. Steve Buschemi is an absolute riot every time he's on screen, being a bumbling screw up in almost everything he does.
This is the best Coen film because it is not only a comedy, but it's a comedy of different varieties. If you tried to explain why these scenes are funny, you couldn't because they're that clever. Very recommended!
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
Enjoyable, if not overly silly.
Not the Coen film you were expecting. This screwball comedy has plenty of well acted actors, well directed scenes, and a very decent setup, but doesn't take any of it seriously in the slightest.
A simple minded mailman (Tim Robbins) gets hired on as the president of the Hudsucker Proxy corporation after the old president (Charles Durning) commits suicide, not realizing that he's being used by board member Sidney Mussburger (Paul Newman) to scare the stock into becoming more cheap.
The style that's going on in this movie is so goofy and so out there, that it's hard not to be entertained. The performances are directed in such a fashion that they're going out of their way to drive every single stereotype into the ground that they can. Tim Robbins as a likable goof ball that screws everything up, Jennifer Jason Leigh as a fast talking news reporter, and Buzz, the elevator guy go to show how this film is kind of making fun of itself. It's clichéd, but I think it's trying to be.
Even though it has sentimental moments, it is not a film to take seriously in the slightest (you'll know what I mean in the climax). It's not that it's badly directed, it's just directed very strange. This is a film that the Coen brothers bet somebody that they'd make. I could not believe a film like this exists, but either way it's really entertaining, so if that's what you're going for, have at it.
Barton Fink (1991)
One of the best lesser known Coen films.
I wish this movie got more recognized. It's easily one of the best Coen films, and it doesn't get as appreciated. Even though it takes a break from the comedic social commentary the Coen brothers are content with, it is a surprisingly dark study of the minds of screenwriters, which is very strong commentary of its own.
Barton Fink, a screenwriter in 1941, wants to make it big in Hollywood, but suffering from writers block, being secluded in his hot and moist hotel room, and constantly being interrupted by his overly outgoing neighbor, (John Goodman) he soon discovers the dark but true nature of L.A.
John Turturro is absolutely phenomenal in this, he really gives us the struggle of artistic determination in a place that wants nothing but cheap entertainment. His philosophical study of the "life of the mind" and "the common man" are implanted through several layers of themes in the film, making for multiple re watchings. Every scene is dripping with atmosphere, as we get deeper and deeper into the madness going on in this man's mind, and what eventually unfolds into a world of random unluckiness that becomes his downfall.
The set pieces, the dialogue, and the characters put you into the environment, and valiantly display the evil representation of corrupt production companies, as well as the complexity of the common man.
This film is not as appreciated as other Coen films. Even though it isn't their best, it's one of their best, and deserves to be appreciated. Excellent piece.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Original, gritty, and of course, humorous.
Tom Regan, (Gabriel Byrne) the adviser of Prohibition-era crime boss Leo, (Albert Finney) tries to keep the peace between him and a rival crime boss, playing both sides when the war heats up, forcing him to make decisions that stab both sides in the back.
A film with realistic grittiness to it. The impressive art direction, the performances, and the violent nature of each scene really drag you deep into the film's setting. Marcia Gay Harden, while not having much of a role in this, gives a stunning performance. Also includes the Coen debut of John Turturro, who does an amazing job for a small role, an underrated actor who will go on to do Barton Fink and O Brother, Where Art Thou.
A very unpredictable piece that keeps you on your feet. You feel like you're fighting alongside these characters, and just when you think they'll do something, they do something else.
Not one of the Coen's better films, but very interesting nonetheless.
Raising Arizona (1987)
Underrated Coen brothers comedy.
H.I. McDunnough (Nicolas Cage) a constantly charged felon, with his estranged wife, (Holly Hunter) kidnaps one of five babies owned by a rich family in an attempt to raise it after realizing they can't have their own. Their plans take a turn for the worse when the bumbing H.I. gets caught up in robberies, and his fellow felons from prison come to visit him, making for a road trip of chaos.
Not as recognized as The Big Lebowski, Fargo, or Burn After Reading, but quite a funny and surprisingly effective film. Nicolas Cage is comedically at his absolute best in this, with Holly Hunter as a very supporting sidekick. John Goodman has a small role, but continues to charm us all. It's a film with dark themes, but an overall emotional and feel good spirit to it. Sometimes it goes a little overboard with the silliness and changes tone at times, but it never fails to entertain. It also provides what is probably the most overblown villain out there. A biker (Leonard Smalls) who enters dreams, brings back babies for money, and guns down rabbits for no reason. This guy makes for an insane climax, quite an interesting villain. Overall a fun film, and one of the Coen's funnier films, I think.
Blood Simple (1984)
Simple, but effective.
First of the Coens has Julian Marty (Dan Hedaya) a jealous man being cheated on by his wife (Frances McDormand) hires a hit-man (Lorren Visser) to murder her and her lover (John Getz). When the hit-man pulls a double cross, it turns into a complex mess that only the innocent will have to clean up.
Made before the Coens developed a stable theme, the film, while slow paced at times, takes a lot of turns that will have you jump out of your seat in amazement. The witty dialogue continues to give us something to hold on to, along with several dark colors in each scene. Performances, like in every Coen brothers film, are very memorable and decent. The debut of the young and beautiful Frances McDormand is very memorable and convincing. Overall solid, if not slightly draggy at times.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
The heartfelt angsty John Hughes does it again.
Snobby businessman Neal Page, (Steve Martin) tries to make it home for Thanksgiving while being delayed and having to use multiple means of transportation, while constantly being badgered by blabbering salesman Del Griffith, (John Candy).
Like most John Hughes screenplays, It's very raunchy, but manages to stay focused as well. Steve Martin and John Candy are a perfectly cast representation of when two worlds collide. Overall the tone is lighthearted goof ball, but takes some dark and emotional turns that keep you invested. The film is constantly on its feet, but never ceases to entertain with endless charm. A fun Thanksgiving movie for the entire family, (as long as you don't let your kids watch the car rental shop scene, Steve Martin was not a righteous dude).
Philadelphia (1993)
A tear jerker that is one of Tom Hanks's finest performances!
Look up the saddest films of all time, I guarantee you'll find this. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington carry this film with astonishing performances that are a trademark in both careers.
A homosexual man with AIDS, (Tom Hanks) sues his law firm for unfairly firing him because of his condition, with the help of his homophobic and germaphobic lawyer, (Denzel Washington).
It's corny, canny, and patriotic, exploring several themes of HIV discrimination, homophobia, and law corruption. It stays focused on its message, serving it proudly and strongly. As soon as the beginning starts up some Bruce Springsteen, you're immediately surrounded by the Philadelphia environment.
Even though I like Tom Hanks's character in Forrest Gump more, I think this is the better performance, possibly in his whole career. He displays the process of sickness in the most gripping way possible that will make you not be able to stop watching. At the same time he's incredibly inspirational as a character who cries out for homosexual and AIDS support. Denzel Washington is super supportive. Very unlikable at the beginning, but learns to overcome his fear of gays and AIDS to understand the importance of friends and the friendly nature of people.
All the scenes with Tom Hanks with his family and friends just make the ending all the more sad. I put the spoiler warning on here just in case, though most people should get that he dies in the end because it's AIDS. With that said, the ending is literally unmatched in how sad it is. It's not a struggle because you instantly lose as soon as that Neil Young song starts playing. Don't fight it, you will lose.
This film doesn't try too hard to hammer in its message. It just gets it across and tells its story, leaving on a powerful note. Simply a must see film that will inspire you to no end. A trademark for Tom Hanks, and Denzel Washington.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Not as good as Goblet, but still mostly enjoyable.
Goblet I thought really took a step forward. This film sort of did, it has promise, but overall it feels like filler to build up for the later films. The first half is about a government conspiracy to shut up Harry who's talking about Voldemort returning, then it jumps to the second half about training for the battle against Voldemort like the second half of Rocky. I liked the whole idea of the government not wanting to start a panic, so they're denying the inevitable, but after it goes to training it's just training scene after training scene, the only thing we're missing is a montage.
It's nice to see familiar faces in this one, like Sirius Black and Molly and Arthur Weasley, seeing Harry interact with them is just nice to watch, like he has such good friends and family by his side. We get a couple new faces, most notably is Doris Umbridge, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who is also a worker for the minister of magic. She's a promising villain who you just love to hate.
Overall, it works for the most part, if they tried to do more to make it standout then it could really work, but it's just trying to build up for the later films basically. Even though it does it well, because you become pretty invested in the cause, it needs a little bit more to keep us interested in its 2 hour 20 minute length.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Finally showing some balls in the Harry Potter franchise.
The series is finally willing to take risks in the Harry Potter franchise. Being the first PG-13 film, I was ready to see what it was going for. With dark storytelling and crazy psychotic characters, this one definitely took a step forward in the series.
As the wizards of the Triwizard tournament are being chosen, Harry's name rises as one, forcing him to compete in three life or death situations to prove himself while trying to figure out who wants him dead.
The story is a bit more interesting because the events don't just center around Harry, Hermione, and Ron's mischief. It's an event that involves everybody in Hogwarts. We get a decent amount of backstory, but manage to stay focused on the events in the present as well. It builds up the suspicion quite well with flashbacks, dream sequences and so on.
All the characters have an enjoyable moment at some point. Ron and Hermione are much more supportive in this one, and their relationship even gets some decent development. Even Malfoy is pretty entertaining. Then there are characters that are just ridiculously out of the blue psychotic: Mad Eye Moody, Kakaroff, Barty Crouch Jr, and even Dumbledore has some insane moments.
The film is definitely trying to go deeper, and it does quite well. As the books got more intense, the movies do a good job of following along. Not saying Prisoner of Azkaban wasn't pretty thrilling, but not on this level. It's just got a dark and edgy vibe that most films did in that era. Though it followed it up well with creepy imagery and intense scenes.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
Super corny, but kept my interest.
Right away, I knew this was not going to be as good as the original, (which is mostly because I love the original so much). That being said, I was curious on how they'd follow up. All I can say is, w.t.f! Every moment of plot progression from the other ship to the underground telepathic community with the nuclear bomb straight up knocked me off my ass. Some stuff was interesting, others were kind of stupid.
After realizing the extinction of man, Taylor, (Charlton Heston) disappears, and his mute love interest, Nova, finds another survivor of a rescue expedition who has also landed on the planet, determined with the help of Nova to find Taylor.
I gotta give this movie credit...it kept my interest. Regardless of how goofy it got at times, it made me want to figure out what was going on the whole time. It felt way more intense with the war between apes and man. It actually felt more brutal and intense than the original, though that wasn't the original's intention understandably. A few things in the writing make it sound like it was written by a hippie, talking A LOT about peace and love. I think they might have hammered in the "nuclear warfare is evil, we're all going to blow ourselves up" talk that was popular around the early 70's.
The film doesn't get necessarily boring, but it takes a few too many risks, some work, some don't. Overall, it wasn't that bad. I felt genuinely worried about the main character's and their mission and all the conflicts going on. It does kind of dismiss the goings on in Ape City a little abruptly, but that's what more sequels are for I guess. Recommended if you watched and enjoyed the original.
They Came Together (2014)
The raunchier reboot of Annie Hall you've all been waiting for.
Despite this film's pretty horrid reviews, I was looking forward to seeing it because my brother said it's humor we'd get. He was so right. It's pretty stupid, but it relates to me in every way. It's dumb, but it kind of knows it is and is just having fun, and boy it is.
The story is just kind of a corny romantic comedy, except it's real life, (queue Amy Poheler and Paul Rudd staring at the camera). It's a romantic comedy like no other, there are a few clichés, but it's overall pretty unique. The humor ranges to pretty typical SNL cast members talking about stinky poos and how awesome sex is. It definitely plays into the immature kid we have inside of us, but it works.
With that said, it's pretty much Annie Hall staring Paul Rudd and Amy Poheler. 1. Fourth wall breaks, (check) 2. Love interest is a clutz and leading man is a hopeless romantic, (check) 3. It's all about them breaking up and getting back together over and over again, (check).
The terrible writing should bother me, but it didn't, because Paul Rudd and Amy Poheler are perfect for each other...in this movie. They make every scene work because they work so well with each other. It's hard to resist that fussy face that Paul Rudd makes at Poheler.
The jokes are a little forced, heavy handed and immature, but Paul and Amy make the absolute best out of it. They crack me up in every scene they're in. If you don't like them, then I can completely understand why you wouldn't like this movie. It was just my style of humor, so I had a blast watching it. If you're tired of corny romantic comedies trying to be touchy feely all around, then watch this, because this film basically takes a big fat stinky poo all over the genre.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
The biggest pleasant surprise from a movie.
My brother highly recommended this movie to me one night. I was expecting to enjoy it...I was not expecting to completely fall in love with it. Insanely excellent writing, completely likable characters, strange, yet original twilight zone style story, good cinematography, and awesome sets make this one of the best classic films of all time.
Three astronauts land on a distant planet after being in hyper sleep for 2000 years during a space expedition. On the planet, human beings are wild animals, and apes are civilized and rule all. Ape scientists Cornelius and Zira, who are trying to prove the early existence of humans before ape, may have found the answer when one of the astronauts provides intelligence.
The setup is brilliant. It quickly sets up the plot with clever twists and shocking turns, and introduces the characters in a clever fashion. For 1968, it looks really sharp. The story does look like something that came right out of the Twilight Zone. It's definitely kind of corny, but it takes itself seriously enough to be a convincing plot. The setup is interesting, the makeup and costumes are very good. Nobody can be identified in their roles.
All the cast and characters are fantastic, the supporting roles in particular. My favorite character is Zira played by Kim Hunter. She's the motherly, sympathetic, intelligent character that defends the astronaut to the very end. By the end of the film, I was attracted to her. Cornelius, played by Roddy MacDowell, just as bad ass, supportive, and intelligent. Dr. Zaius played by Maurice Evans is just a jerk, going out of his way to disprove any former existence of man by sabotaging the astronaut and the theory developed by Cornelius. Charlton Heston is also really awesome. Even though he's the standard pretty face for the leading man, he gets dirty and gritty on certain moments and shouts some of the most famous movie quotes ever.
Even though it's relatively a not very eventful film, (not till the end anyway) it's so well shot and well written that you're just invested in everything that's happening. The idea is strange, but they make it work so well with the writing. It just spells classic. You feel confident for the main character and the supporting cast. Even though it ends with a cliffhanger, you leave on a positive, mostly uplifting note.
It's simply an amazingly likable film. The dialog is easy to follow, the characters are easy to fall in love with, and it's incredibly imaginative and creative. I'd recommend this to anybody who loves a good classic, because this is a great classic. This film knocked me off my ass, I was not expecting to love it this much.
The Imitation Game (2014)
A compelling drama that motivates its message beautifully.
This is one of the best WWII dramas I've ever seen. It doesn't focus on the fighting or the politics, but the story of Alan Turing, and the building of the Enigma machine to decipher German coding, which successfully saves millions from the war, while Alan was prosecuted for being a homosexual. Truly inspiring film that speaks for the different and the determined.
Benedict Cumberpatch is absolutely perfect for this role. He plays is perfectly as an awkward fellow who's different personality doesn't stop him from achieving greatness. He acts it so well so we always feel what he's feeling, and the phenomenal writing makes him even more likable. Keira Knightly is charming, supportive, and sympathetic toward Alan's different personality, and becomes his only glimmer of light in his life. The film does a good job on staying focused, not touching too much on homosexual themes, except when necessary. It's so well written, every line of dialog sounds poetic. From the science behind the enigma to the thought process of the human brain, this film has got its facts down.
The music is also to be addressed. Very well composed score that intensifies each scene, and never overstays its welcome. By the end, the message is clear without hammering it in, and it's very informal. I love films that teach you something about history, and this film told its story so well. Benedict Cumberpatch is officially on my actor appreciation list, as well as this film. One of the best films of 2014.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The rompiest...and the best of the Marvel Universe films!
This right here is endless entertainment. It's a Marvel comic film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and knows how to have fun. Creative sets, visuals, dialog, and characters is still cutting short how much is in this film. Some of the most epic proportions of any comic book film I've ever seen.
Peter Quill, or Starlord, obtains an orb powerful enough to destroy the galaxy. With the hands of Ronan at its grasp, he unwittingly teams up with three other intergalactic criminals to keep it from falling under Ronan's hands.
Right away what I like about this film is it knows how to have fun. It's by far the rompiest of any Marvel universe films. It knows when to address emotion and drama, but never takes itself too seriously. Characters are likable to the extreme, even some that get off at a bad start. Chris Pratt as Peter is irresistibly charming, and Zoe Saldana as Gamora is very motivated and determined. I could not recognized Bradley Cooper's voice as Rocket when I first saw this. Never the less, he is by far one of the most entertaining things of this film. Groot is Groot, and Dave Bautista as Drax is hilarious! They all have different sides of themselves that we all see. They all have their own moments and you instantly feel for them and are on their side until the end.
The action is beautiful. The cinematography is slick, fast paced, and it's just great to look at. The overall universe is so amazing, and it reminds me so much of Destiny.
The villain, Ronan, is not the greatest villain, mostly because his on screen usually consists of nagging and being badgered. With that said, he has his moments as well, and Thanos, well, until the sequel, there's not too much there.
The soundtrack...goodness gracious this has a fantastic soundtrack. The songs are fun, cute, perfect for the type of film, and they fall into place in all the right parts of the film. The soundtrack is one of my favorite of several other things about this film. Literally love this soundtrack to no end. Its presence in the film just gives all the right moments the perfect amount of essence.
I could go on, but that'd take all day. In conclusion, this is a must see, not just for Marvel or comic book fans, but anybody who enjoys fun. It's simply a fun film made for all audiences. It speaks to the soul and has something for every type of person out there. Whether it be action, visuals, dialog, or characters, there's basically nothing to not enjoy about this. Highly recommend.