Fury is another entry into the filled to bursting array of World War II epic movies that have been made in the last half a century. The good news? It is a good movie different from the rest because of its main draw: tanks.
The horrors of war are clearly explored throughout the movie and that brings in amazing, albeit incredibly difficult to watch, fight scenes. I cannot tell you how many times I saw people literally jumped during the more intense battles. It did not shy away from bringing reality into the fights, and that just made them more intense to watch.
What really makes this movie work, though, are the incredible performances by the leading men. Sure, Brad Pitt is amazing as always, but the true scene stealer may actually have ben Shia LaBeouf. Yes, the actor that has made headlines this past year for becoming a little too eccentric for his own good has, arguably, the best performance of the film as the religious one of the group. While his work may have been some of the best, the rest of the cast held their own. Even little Logan Lerman, best known for the Percy Jackson films, proved that he could act with the best of them and is not just another actor doomed to only be in YA book adaptations. Without these great performances and the visible chemistry between the cast, this movie would probably not have worked.
Bottom line: With so real they hurt to watch battle scenes and fantastic acting, this movie is a worthwhile entry into World War II epics.
Grade: B
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
A Definitive Ranking of Summer 2014 Movies
- Guardians of the Galaxy: This is the perfect summer movie. It has action, laughs, heart, space, more action on top of that, and not to mention a star-making performance by Chris Pratt as Peter Quill. The premise seems ridiculous (I mean really, a talking raccoon and a walking tree?), but it was done knowing so and with so much love, there is no stopping it. There is a reason that this has become the biggest movie of the year, and that is because it is one of the best superhero movies that have come out in recent years. And if you do not agree, just watch dancing baby Groot and you will come around.
- The Fault in Our Stars: A movie that perfectly portrays my all time favorite book. There could have been a lot wrong with the movie, but those behind this cinematic treasure did not shy away from the hard parts of the source material. Equal parts funny, heart wrenching, honest, and hopeful, this is one movie that will stay in the minds and hearts of movie goers, and readers, for infinity (as long as that is).
- X-Men: Days of Future Past: This movie contains all the mutant action that made it's predecessors so successful and adds a human element that makes this the best X-Men film to date. This is one that should not be missed by anyone.
- Begin Again: Keira Knightly and Mark Ruffalo star as an infectious music-creating team in this film about, what else, beginning again. The story is real and human and is not weighed down by the music surrounding it. Instead of becoming a corny film, this film is raised to greatness by music that surrounds the narrative.
- 22 Jump Street: While this movie follows the same story as its predecessor, it does this in a way that the creators know what they are doing. And with the best end credit scene of any movie of the year, this will go down as a comedy classic.
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2: With just as much web slinging fun as the first film of the rebooted series, with a few added villains to sweeten the pot, this Spider-Man is another worthy addition to the Spidey brand. It's a shame that there were so many lackluster reviews, as this is, by far, not the worst of the films (looking at you, Spiderman 3). The charm and heartache of the two leads only adds to the evidence that a reboot of the series was not done too soon.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Much better than the first of the Captain America series, this film leads to a fun and surprising twist that is sure to set up the Avengers sequel very nicely. Also, it does not hurt that this movie matched the brilliance of The Avengers.
- Neighbors: This comedy does not shy away from the raunchiness that has made Seth Rogen so famous, and adding a surprisingly hilarious Zac Efron to the mix only added to the gut-bustingly funny addition to the summer movie season.
- Godzilla: This movie only suffered in the rankings due to the stellar reviews and Bryan Cranston making believe this was going to be the best movie of the season, which it was not. Do not get me wrong, it was highly entertaining to watch, it just was not as good as it was made out to be.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Movie Review: Begin Again
If somebody told me that one of my favorite movies of the summer would be one where Keira Knightly star as an aspiring singer/songwriter, I probably would have laughed in your face. However, Begin Again is more than that. It is a film about hope and new beginnings. It is a film with a heart and soul as deep and meaningful as the music that accompanies it.
The reason that this movie works is the chemistry between the two stars: Knightly and Mark Ruffalo (Seriously, I'm starting to think that Mark Ruffalo can do no wrong in the movies). Now, this is not saying that the music is not important. The music is the centerpiece of the story. But what keeps the narrative flowing is the easy way that the leads interact and breath life into the music that they are making. And having a music superstar like Adam Levine singing some of the biggest numbers of the film created a nice counterbalance to the softer, more heartfelt numbers Knightly sings.
Besides the main story, there is actually a believable and human understory. Ruffalo had a been a producer superstar, and then everything blew up. This is a movie not just about trying to make Knightly a music superstar, it is one about Ruffalo's character getting his life back together. And while you can't help but notice the chemistry between him and Knightly, you have to root for him to get back to his family, the wonderful additions of Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld. This is a story that is real and deep and human.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of music and heart, go see this movie. Right now.
Grade: A
The reason that this movie works is the chemistry between the two stars: Knightly and Mark Ruffalo (Seriously, I'm starting to think that Mark Ruffalo can do no wrong in the movies). Now, this is not saying that the music is not important. The music is the centerpiece of the story. But what keeps the narrative flowing is the easy way that the leads interact and breath life into the music that they are making. And having a music superstar like Adam Levine singing some of the biggest numbers of the film created a nice counterbalance to the softer, more heartfelt numbers Knightly sings.
Besides the main story, there is actually a believable and human understory. Ruffalo had a been a producer superstar, and then everything blew up. This is a movie not just about trying to make Knightly a music superstar, it is one about Ruffalo's character getting his life back together. And while you can't help but notice the chemistry between him and Knightly, you have to root for him to get back to his family, the wonderful additions of Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld. This is a story that is real and deep and human.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of music and heart, go see this movie. Right now.
Grade: A
Friday, June 6, 2014
Movie Review: The Fault in Our Stars
Never has a film based on a bestselling young adult book done so right by its source material. The Fault in Our Stars, the book version, is probably my favorite book of all time. Believe me, if this movie did not do right by it, I would have something to say about it. Thankfully, the movie perfectly encapsulated the heart and soul of the John Green book and then some.
Everyone knows that this is going to be a heartbreaker going into the theater. I mean, really, it seems like it is going to be all about cancer and I'm sure many of the people who went in that did not read the book knew that (spoiler) someone was going to die. The filmmakers, however, did something I would not have thought possible on the big screen: they made the movie primarily about love. There were parts where I even forgot about Hazel's cannula and Augustus' prosthetic leg. This is the power of the movie. Yes, the two main characters have cancer, but this is just part of their story.
The reason that this movie works is its two leads, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. Woodley plays Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage girl with thyroid cancer with mets in her lungs, and Elgort plays Augustus Waters, an 18-year old once having osteosarcoma but now 14-months NEC (no evidence of cancer). These two characters meet at a cancer support group and fall in love "slowly, then all at once." Though slightly corny as that may sound, the actors themselves bring so much truth and heart to their respective roles. Even in the most heartbreaking and devastating parts of the movie, these two young actors continuously bring out the heart and soul that book is famous for.
Do not get me wrong: you will probably cry. A lot. Seriously, towards the end of the movie, it felt like I was just getting punched in the gut over and over. I mean, I was kind of crying the whole time, but it really starts to hurt when Isaac (played by scene-stealer Nat Wolff) starts talking about robot eyes (for those who haven't seen it yet, you will understand that reference, I promise) and then just keeps coming from there. But at the end, when you feel like you cannot take anymore emotional pain, the movie let you feel a deep sense of hope; it makes you feel like any life has meaning, no matter how small it feels.
Thank you, John Green for your perfect book. And thank you Hazel Grace and Augustus for making me feel hope even in a world full of pain.
Bottom Line: Equal parts heart wrenching and hopeful, this is a film that will last until infinity in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to witness it, no matter how long that infinity may be.
Grade: A+
Everyone knows that this is going to be a heartbreaker going into the theater. I mean, really, it seems like it is going to be all about cancer and I'm sure many of the people who went in that did not read the book knew that (spoiler) someone was going to die. The filmmakers, however, did something I would not have thought possible on the big screen: they made the movie primarily about love. There were parts where I even forgot about Hazel's cannula and Augustus' prosthetic leg. This is the power of the movie. Yes, the two main characters have cancer, but this is just part of their story.
The reason that this movie works is its two leads, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. Woodley plays Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage girl with thyroid cancer with mets in her lungs, and Elgort plays Augustus Waters, an 18-year old once having osteosarcoma but now 14-months NEC (no evidence of cancer). These two characters meet at a cancer support group and fall in love "slowly, then all at once." Though slightly corny as that may sound, the actors themselves bring so much truth and heart to their respective roles. Even in the most heartbreaking and devastating parts of the movie, these two young actors continuously bring out the heart and soul that book is famous for.
Do not get me wrong: you will probably cry. A lot. Seriously, towards the end of the movie, it felt like I was just getting punched in the gut over and over. I mean, I was kind of crying the whole time, but it really starts to hurt when Isaac (played by scene-stealer Nat Wolff) starts talking about robot eyes (for those who haven't seen it yet, you will understand that reference, I promise) and then just keeps coming from there. But at the end, when you feel like you cannot take anymore emotional pain, the movie let you feel a deep sense of hope; it makes you feel like any life has meaning, no matter how small it feels.
Thank you, John Green for your perfect book. And thank you Hazel Grace and Augustus for making me feel hope even in a world full of pain.
Bottom Line: Equal parts heart wrenching and hopeful, this is a film that will last until infinity in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to witness it, no matter how long that infinity may be.
Grade: A+
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Why the HIMYM Finale Was Actually Perfect
Yes, I am well aware of all the criticism that the series finale of the long-running CBS sitcom generated after airing Monday night. It seems to be a split right down the middle of who loved it and who loathed it. Me, I personally loved it and reject some of the critics. The main issue that was taken with it: it diverged too much from the heart of the show.
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is a quick recap of the big moments from the finale. First, surprise surprise, but Barney and Robin get a divorce, though I could argue this is not much of a surprise. Lily and Marshall end up happily married with three children. Ted and The Mother (aka Tracy McConnell) postpone their wedding until after the birth of their kids, years after they meet. Barney has a love child named Ellie, who then becomes the real love of his life. The Mother dies after 10 years with Ted. Six years later, Ted is telling the story of how he met the mother and turns out, according to the kids, it was not about that at all, but about how Ted loves Robin. The series ends its run with Ted going to Robin's and bringing with him THE blue french horn.
Now here is my case for why the finale worked:
First, I am heartbroken about Robin and Barney. Especially how Barney went back to his womanizer ways. But this was how Barney could finally have a baby (and how adorable was his speech to newborn baby Ellie in which he called her the love of his life?). He was meant to be a father, and Robin could never do that and probably would not have, even if it were physically possible for her. And really, after everything, it would have been more surprising for Barney to not have a love child.
Now, to the mother dying. There have been rumors of this being the case. The biggest criticism that this has sparked was how chill Ted's kids seem about it and how ready they can accept their father dating. The simple answer: it has been six years. People move on. It does not mean that Ted did not love the mother, or that she was even a footnote. While we haven't seen too much of her, she was not a footnote. She was the star of the show. Sure, it may have been metaphorically, but she was still the glue that held everything together and her dying does not diminish any impact on her role on the show or on Ted and the kids life.
Finally, the Robin of it all. Truthfully, I was never the biggest Ted-Robin supporter. However, I believe this fits with the heart of the show so perfectly. And how can it not? Ted loved Robin since the pilot. It was what kicked off the entire nine season run. Just because the show is named How I Met Your Mother, does not mean that is where it has to end. The title reflects where the show was leading to. It does not have to indicate where Ted ends up in his life. Ted is allowed to move on. He is allowed to have two great loves in his life. Reality can be like that sometimes. Not everything in life can be tied up in a nice, neat bow with what you think it ought to be. Life is unexpected and strange and beautiful, and is all about the relationships you keep. And that is what the show started as and how the show finished. In the end, it stayed true to it's beliefs.
All in all, the ending was perfection. At least for me. As Ted would always say, it is not about the destination, but how you get there.
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is a quick recap of the big moments from the finale. First, surprise surprise, but Barney and Robin get a divorce, though I could argue this is not much of a surprise. Lily and Marshall end up happily married with three children. Ted and The Mother (aka Tracy McConnell) postpone their wedding until after the birth of their kids, years after they meet. Barney has a love child named Ellie, who then becomes the real love of his life. The Mother dies after 10 years with Ted. Six years later, Ted is telling the story of how he met the mother and turns out, according to the kids, it was not about that at all, but about how Ted loves Robin. The series ends its run with Ted going to Robin's and bringing with him THE blue french horn.
Now here is my case for why the finale worked:
First, I am heartbroken about Robin and Barney. Especially how Barney went back to his womanizer ways. But this was how Barney could finally have a baby (and how adorable was his speech to newborn baby Ellie in which he called her the love of his life?). He was meant to be a father, and Robin could never do that and probably would not have, even if it were physically possible for her. And really, after everything, it would have been more surprising for Barney to not have a love child.
Now, to the mother dying. There have been rumors of this being the case. The biggest criticism that this has sparked was how chill Ted's kids seem about it and how ready they can accept their father dating. The simple answer: it has been six years. People move on. It does not mean that Ted did not love the mother, or that she was even a footnote. While we haven't seen too much of her, she was not a footnote. She was the star of the show. Sure, it may have been metaphorically, but she was still the glue that held everything together and her dying does not diminish any impact on her role on the show or on Ted and the kids life.
Finally, the Robin of it all. Truthfully, I was never the biggest Ted-Robin supporter. However, I believe this fits with the heart of the show so perfectly. And how can it not? Ted loved Robin since the pilot. It was what kicked off the entire nine season run. Just because the show is named How I Met Your Mother, does not mean that is where it has to end. The title reflects where the show was leading to. It does not have to indicate where Ted ends up in his life. Ted is allowed to move on. He is allowed to have two great loves in his life. Reality can be like that sometimes. Not everything in life can be tied up in a nice, neat bow with what you think it ought to be. Life is unexpected and strange and beautiful, and is all about the relationships you keep. And that is what the show started as and how the show finished. In the end, it stayed true to it's beliefs.
All in all, the ending was perfection. At least for me. As Ted would always say, it is not about the destination, but how you get there.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Movie Review: Divergent
Walking into this movie, I knew the reviews were not so good. They said it was predictable and only good because of the acting on Shailene Woodley. Well, no offense at all to Ms. Woodley, but this movie worked because of much more than her. And this is coming from a huge fan of the book series that inspired the film.
Woodley stars as Beatrice Prior, a quiet girl who leaves her family of the selfless abnegation for the brave, and often times crazy, dauntless. There, she meets Four, played with a quite charm by Theo James (most known as the Turkish Diplomat who died in Lady Mary's bed in Downton Abbey). There is political intrigue, romance, and battle sequences galore. So really, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The movie succeeds not just because of the acting of Woodley, but of the whole cast. Woodley shows that she is not just a good actress in small, critically acclaimed types (such as The Spectacular Now and The Decedents). She can also be a star in the big budget types as well. James brings the brooding to new heights and grace as the initiate instructor who has a soft side that is brought out every so often. Kate Winslet is an even better villain than I could have dreamed. Miles Teller plays the part of the jerk so well, it is making me not want to meet him in real life. And Ansel Elgort shows that he can steal scenes as Caleb, Beatrice's brother who also happens to leave the abnegation, but for Erudite. Elgort also makes me feel much better about his casting in the upcoming The Fault in Our Stars adaptation opposite Woodley. He can hold his own.
This is a movie about finding one's self when no one else wants you too. And I think it held up to the message of the book. And if you don't agree with me, just star as Theo James and enjoy the many action sequences.
Final say: Don't listen to the mass of critics. This is a movie worth seeing and has the potential to become a beloved saga just below the level of The Hunger Games (and that is high, high praise).
Grade: A -
Woodley stars as Beatrice Prior, a quiet girl who leaves her family of the selfless abnegation for the brave, and often times crazy, dauntless. There, she meets Four, played with a quite charm by Theo James (most known as the Turkish Diplomat who died in Lady Mary's bed in Downton Abbey). There is political intrigue, romance, and battle sequences galore. So really, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The movie succeeds not just because of the acting of Woodley, but of the whole cast. Woodley shows that she is not just a good actress in small, critically acclaimed types (such as The Spectacular Now and The Decedents). She can also be a star in the big budget types as well. James brings the brooding to new heights and grace as the initiate instructor who has a soft side that is brought out every so often. Kate Winslet is an even better villain than I could have dreamed. Miles Teller plays the part of the jerk so well, it is making me not want to meet him in real life. And Ansel Elgort shows that he can steal scenes as Caleb, Beatrice's brother who also happens to leave the abnegation, but for Erudite. Elgort also makes me feel much better about his casting in the upcoming The Fault in Our Stars adaptation opposite Woodley. He can hold his own.
This is a movie about finding one's self when no one else wants you too. And I think it held up to the message of the book. And if you don't agree with me, just star as Theo James and enjoy the many action sequences.
Final say: Don't listen to the mass of critics. This is a movie worth seeing and has the potential to become a beloved saga just below the level of The Hunger Games (and that is high, high praise).
Grade: A -
Saturday, March 8, 2014
The Joys (and Sorrows) of Binge Watching
We have all been there. Our friends and family members tell us to watch a show and that if you do, it will be the greatest thing that will ever happen. We finally give in and we realize that these persistent little buggers were right all along.
Step one: You start watching and figure "hey, this is pretty good. I should have started watching ages ago."
Step two: You watch so many episodes in such a short time that you cannot focus on anything else. All you want to do is talk about what is happen.
Step three: A perpetual fear of spoilers. Yes, learning about what happens behind the scenes is fun, but it is almost impossible by this point to learn about all of those goodies without finding out something juicy about your favorite characters.
Step four: It's all over. You get to the end and either you are either caught up with where the show is in its current season or the show is done forever. And that leads to...
Step five: Depression. The only way to make this go away is to find a new binge watchable show. And then the cycle begins anew.
The best shows to binge watch: Scandal, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black
Step one: You start watching and figure "hey, this is pretty good. I should have started watching ages ago."
Step two: You watch so many episodes in such a short time that you cannot focus on anything else. All you want to do is talk about what is happen.
Step three: A perpetual fear of spoilers. Yes, learning about what happens behind the scenes is fun, but it is almost impossible by this point to learn about all of those goodies without finding out something juicy about your favorite characters.
Step four: It's all over. You get to the end and either you are either caught up with where the show is in its current season or the show is done forever. And that leads to...
Step five: Depression. The only way to make this go away is to find a new binge watchable show. And then the cycle begins anew.
The best shows to binge watch: Scandal, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black
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