Requested Review #4: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

                                              A 'Golden' Film That I Treasure

                     I just got a request from my mother to review a film that we both have always loved and quoted, and that film is the sequel Austin Powers in Goldmember. Honestly, I have only seen bits and pieces of the first two, but who knows if they top this.

                     Story:
                    Austin Powers in Goldmember follows the title character (Mike Myers) who is forced to go back in time in the 1970's to save his father (Michael Caine) and stop his nemesis Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) and his new partner known as Goldmember (Mike Myers). Along the way, he partners with a beautiful undercover agent named Foxxy Cleopatra (Beyoncé Knowles).

                    What I Liked About It:
                   One thing that I really enjoyed Mike Myers and the multiple performances he gave as Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Goldmember, and as his old nemesis Fat Bastard, whom he stumbles across in the middle of the film. Just like with how Eddie Murphy really blends into his multiple characters, Mike Myers does the same thing as when he plays more than one character, it's amazing to believe he is playing all those characters. Beyoncé Knowles also does a pretty good job as Foxxy Cleopatra, a woman who is sassy and fierce yet compassionate. There are even some good cameos from stars like Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even Steven Spielberg and Britney Spears.

                   There's not a whole lot for me to add, so I'll just say that I liked how the film knew what it was and what its intentions were. Its humor is pretty raunchy and over-the-top but the film isn't meant to be taken seriously or intended to have subtle, sarcastic humor or anything like that, so I'm glad the film was aware that it was just a fun, raunchy comedy where you can just turn your brain off.

                    What I Didn't Like About It:
                   Nothing.

                    Consensus:
                   Overall, Austin Powers In Goldmember is a sequel that is both hilarious and fun. It may not have been meant to make anybody's Oscar lists, but it was never meant to. It is just a comedy where you don't have to analyze the themes or find any deep meaning. Just simply laugh and enjoy.

Rating: 3.5/5

Requested Review #3: Wreck-It Ralph

                                          For Me, 'Ralph' Is Surprisingly Enjoyable

                       Normally, I like to watch and review movies of PG-13 or R-rated caliber and that are much more mature, but Wreck-It Ralph is a rare exception as I got a request from my good friend Chris to review this and it was a real treat to watch.

                        Story:
                       Wreck-It Ralph is about a video game villain named Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) who is tried of always being defeated and looks to become a hero by receiving a gold medal, so he ends up going to a different game, then ends up in another called Sugar Rush, where he meets a glitchy character named Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) who is an aspiring racer. While he is trapped in Sugar Rush, he creates havoc for the arcade all the games are in.

                        What I Liked About It:
                       First off, I liked how the film is an original story, and because it's a Disney movie, it's not another fairy tale adaptation or a twist on a classic fairy tale. Plus, I think it is interesting that it is a movie about video games that is better than 90% of the movies that are based off of video games like Bloodrayne, Alone in the Dark, House of the Dead, and Resident Evil: Afterlife. To me, that really says something. I also liked the voice performance from the cast. John C. Reilly does a solid job as the title character, and in my opinion, one of the high points of the film is the delightful chemistry between him and Silverman. Jane Lynch chews the scenery as Sergeant Calhoun, a character programmed with the saddest backstory ever from the game Hero's Duty, where Ralph finds his gold medal before being transported to Sugar Rush. Jack McBrayer, who plays Fix-It Felix, the hero from Ralph's game, is also very good and he and Lynch are hilarious when they are together on screen.

                        What I Didn't Like About It:
                       Nothing.

                       Consensus:
                      Overall, Wreck-It Ralph is a delightful and original treat for the whole family. Even if you're not a fan of video games, then you will still love this movie and this is one I highly recommend.

Rating: 4.5/5

Retro Review: Schindler's List (1993)

                             On Many 'Lists' Of The Greatest Movies Ever Made And Rightfully So

                     When I just watched Schindler's List for the first time, by the time it was over, I remember getting very emotional because this is a rare movie that really makes you feel grateful for the decent and good-hearted people in this world, and it is a film that showcases the story of a man who did the unthinkable to save the lives of many Jews during the time of the Holocaust.

                     Story:
                    Schindler's List is about a greedy German businessman named Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a member of the Nazi party, who turns his factory into a refuge for Jews during the Holocaust once he witnesses many Jews being massacred by Nazis and begins to learn the errors of his ways. He then gains the trust of a sadistic SS officer named Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes) who runs a concentration camp that has many Jews that Schindler tries to take under his wing by writing down a list of their many names, which could save their lives.

                   What I Liked About It:
                  Where do I begin here? First off, I loved the masterful direction from Mr. Steven Spielberg. I liked how he made the film in black-and-white because to me, it represents the grimness of the Holocaust and I especially liked the scene where we see the girl in the red coat, which is very symbolic as it represents the bloodshed that was occurring at that time, and because the girl is walking innocently while everyone around her is dying, I feel that represents innocence and a possible hope for the Jewish people, that maybe they can be as free as that little girl. Spielberg won the Oscar for Best Director for his direction of this film and I am certainly glad he did.

                  Another thing that I liked was the performances. Liam Neeson gives his greatest performance to date in this as Oskar Schindler. I do like watching movies where Liam Neeson kicks butt, but his performances in those will never top this, as he brilliantly portrays a man who starts off very greedy and self-centered and becomes a landmark hero once he recognizes the horrific slaughtering of the Jews. Ralph Fiennes is also fantastic as Amon Goeth, who is the antithesis of Oskar Schindler: He is a sociopath who enjoys killing Jews for sport and is very haunting because he is very unpredictable. Ben Kingsley is also very good as Itzhak Stern, Schindler's Jewish business partner.

                 What I Didn't Like About It:
                 Nothing.

                 Consensus:
                Overall, Schindler's List is a masterful tale that is not only the greatest movie about the Holocaust ever made, but one of the greatest movies that I have ever seen. Period. It is a movie that is at times difficult to watch, but it tells us the story of a man who poured away all his money just to save the lives of 1,100 Jews. It is movies like this that make us grateful that there are some decent people in this world, and what is amazing about Oskar Schindler was that he was a real person who took a stand and realized that what his people were doing was cruel and wrong. Schindler's List is a film that works as a piece of art, a realistic portrayal of the horrors of the Holocaust, and a film that makes us grateful for people who are willing to put themselves at risk to save the lives of others. In this case, Schindler saved many, and may he rest in peace.

Rating: 5/5


                 

                

               

Topic Of The Day: Ben Affleck as Batman

Hello Bloggers, after the announcement that Ben Affleck has just been cast as Batman in the upcoming Superman/Batman movie, the Internet pretty much blew up and left some fans unsure of how to react, while others are petitioning to have the role recast. So I figured I'd share my thoughts on this casting decision. Here we go:

Even though I thought the casting decision of Ben Affleck was quite a shock, I don't think that he is a bad choice. One reason is his performance in the movie The Town, which is what this casting decision made me think of. In The Town, he plays a man who is charismatic yet has a secret life as a bank robber, and I think it would be interesting to see him play the charismatic yet tormented billionaire Bruce Wayne, who has a secret life as the brooding crime fighter named Batman. But whether or not Batman will appear as Bruce Wayne in the upcoming Superman/Batman film remains to be seen. Also, I think he could easily pull off the right sharp tough look that I imagine Batman to have, and could do the Batman voice deep enough so it doesn't sound too harsh.

Now, I feel that this casting choice upset a lot of people because of a few reasons: a) because Christian Bale isn't coming back and even Christian Bale said that his Batman days are over, b) because of how Ben Affleck is seen as a poor actor, and c) because he already played a superhero when he made Daredevil, but that was poorly received. Now, I personally thought he did a fine job as Daredevil, and I say if he's given another shot at playing a superhero, why not let him take it?

So, to all the fans that are petitioning to have the role recast or are against this casting choice, I say that you remember when Michael Keaton was first cast as Batman back in the 80's. There were dozens of fans who petitioned to have the role recast, but when they saw the film, they praised his performance. So, it is possible the same thing could happen here, and I ask that you give Ben Affleck a chance because he could very well surprise you.

So, those are my thoughts on the casting decision of Ben Affleck as Batman. If you agree or feel differently, please feel free to write your own thoughts in the comments section, and thanks for reading!

Retro Review: Shakespeare In Love (1998)

                                        Safe To Say I'm Not Too 'In Love' With This Movie

                    Now, when this movie won Best Picture at the Oscars, it was a very controversial win as it beat the modern-day classic and greatest war movie to date, Saving Private Ryan. So, I watched this film to see which film I would've given the Oscar to, and while I didn't think this movie was terrible, I am in the camp of people who think that the grand prize should've gone to Saving Private Ryan.

                    Story:
                   Shakespeare In Love is a fictional telling of the making of the famous tragedy Romeo & Juliet and depicts William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) suffering from writer's block. But when he meets a bride-to-be and aspiring actress named Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), who tries to make it on stage by pretending to be a man since women are banned from the stage, and falls in love with her, he becomes inspired to write his most famous play ever.

                    What I Liked About It:
                   If there is anything I liked about this movie, there is Judi Dench's short-but-brief performance as Queen Elizabeth I. Even though she was on screen for about 6 to 8 minutes, she is the one actress that steals the show from her co-stars. I also liked how the doomed romance between Will and Viola was almost a parallel to Romeo & Juliet and serves as an inspiration to the story. Plus, there are plenty of nods to Shakespeare's other work as well, even if they didn't add much to the story.

                   What I Didn't Like About It:
                  Now, what I didn't like about the film: The film tends to get very slow, I found the film to be almost void of humor, and Gwyneth Paltrow wasn't given much to do other than stand around in her beauty and show off her glowing smile, but that's more on how her character was written than her actual performance. Plus, in the scenes where Viola is with Will and she is pretending to be a man, I found it pretty hard to believe that Will didn't recognize that it was her.

                  Consensus:
                 Overall, Shakespeare In Love is an inventive yet humorless romantic film which doesn't have much charm. It does have its fair share of good things, but the film is far from perfect. I definitely don't think the film is horrible, by any means, but I don't fully understand the high adulation that it received.

Rating: 2.5/5

Top Ten Most Actor-Friendly Directors

                                     
             There is the old saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know", and there are plenty of actors that know these directors pretty well and tend to collaborate with them on most of their projects. Here is the top 10 list of the most actor-friendly directors:


10. Wes Anderson: While I may have expressed my harsh feelings about Moonrise Kingdom, I'll admit that Wes Anderson not only works with the same cast, but he always gets the best cast for his movies. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston, Luke Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Willem Dafoe.


9. Lars Von Trier: LVT may be a very controversial director who has his own ways of directing his casts, and his films (Dogville, Dancer in the Dark, Antichrist, Melancholia, etc.) may be very polarizing, but he still has actors who have previously worked with him asking "What film are you planning next?". Some of his most frequent collaborators include Stellan Skarsgard, Udo Kier, John Hurt, Willem Dafoe, and Charlotte Gainsbourg.


8. Joss Whedon: Joss Whedon may have produced a lot of shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Serenity, and Dollhouse, but he has also done directing, so I'd say he still counts. He has directed The Avengers, which has Chris Hemsworth, who also starred in Whedon's other project that came out last year, Cabin in the Woods. Plus, his film that came out this year, Much Ado About Nothing, stars some of his frequent collaborators, which include Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, and Amy Acker. Some of Whedon's other regulars include Eliza Dushku and Adam Baldwin.


7. Paul Thomas Anderson: Like the other Anderson on this list, PTA has directed a few films (Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood, The Master) yet he has many actors that have worked with him before asking what films he has lined up next. Some of his frequent collaborators include Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Melora Walters, and Alfred Molina.


6. Quentin Tarantino: Whenever an actor works on a QT film, they seem to enjoy the experience of working on his fun yet ultra-violent pictures, such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs, and Inglourious Basterds. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, and Christoph Waltz, who won two Oscars for starring in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained.


5. Woody Allen: One of cinema's most treasured and landmarked directors, it's no surprise that Woody Allen assembles the same cast for his pictures. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Mia Farrow, Judy Davis, Diane Keaton, Scarlett Johansson, Alec Baldwin, Larry David, Jeff Daniels, Blythe Danner, and Dianne Weist, who won two Oscars for starring in Woody Allen's past films, Hannah and Her Sisters and Bullets Over Broadway.


4. Coen Brothers: The only duo on this list, the Coens are two directors that seem to have the same cinematic mind and filmmaking eye. They have directed films of many different genres and are even able to blend different genres onto one film, yet they assemble the same cast. Some of their most frequent collaborators include John Goodman, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, George Clooney, Holly Hunter, Jeff Bridges, and Billy Bob Thornton.


3. Tim Burton: A director who has his own unique visual eye, Tim Burton offers his own take on the fantasy, sci-fi and horror genres. Yet actors aren't too scared to work on his movies or work with him as he collaborates with the same actors. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Helena Bonham Carter, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, Paul Reubens, Michael Keaton, Martin Landau, Christopher Lee, and of course, Johnny Depp.


2. Martin Scorsese: Even though some of his films (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Departed) deal with violence and dark themes, Martin Scorsese appears to be the opposite of some of the mean-spirited characters he showcases as the actors that work on his films tend to work with him more than once. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harvey Keitel, Joe Pesci, Illeana Douglas, Willem Dafoe, John C. Reilly, Barbard Hershey, and Daniel Day-Lewis.


1. Steven Soderbergh: Steven Soderbergh is a director that usually falls on and off the radar, doing indie pics (sex, lies, and videotape) as well as blockbusters (Ocean's trilogy), and even does TV work (Behind the Candelabra). Plus, he works with both A-listers and even actors that aren't as well known. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Matt Damon, George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Viola Davis, Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum, Jude Law, Elliot Gould, and Albert Finney.

So, that was my list of the top 10 most actor-friendly directors. If there is anybody that you would add to the list, feel free to write in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Indie Review: Dogville (2003)

 
                             Welcome to 'Dogville': Where The Dark Side Of Humanity Lurks


               There is a scene in the film where one character says how there are creeps in the city, but people that live in towns outside the city tend not to be any different, and that is certainly the point Dogville gets across as it expresses the ugly side of small-town America.

                Story:
               Dogville is about a woman named Grace Mulligan (Nicole Kidman) who is on the run from the mob and ends up in a small town in the Rockies called Dogville, where the people are nice enough to let her stay, only if they do chores for her return. But her stay slowly starts to take a toll on the townspeople, who may not be as wholesome and humble as they believe they are.

                What I Liked About It:
               Now, the entire film was filmed in a sound stage and had scattered set pieces (walls, furniture, park bench, etc.) and I thought that was a very interesting technique. It feels as if it is a play caught on film, and I applaud director Lars Von Trier for making this interesting move as I don't think many directors have pulled this off. I also liked how despite its 3-hour running time, the film never drags and I wasn't bored at any point in the film.

               Another thing that I liked was the acting. Nicole Kidman does fine work as Grace, the mysterious woman who is very submissive and vulnerable, and because her name is Grace, she tends to be very forgiving. The film also stars some of the finest character actors in the business, including Paul Bettany, Stellan Skarsgard, Jeremy Davies, Chloe Sevigny, and Patricia Clarkson, who portray the townspeople and all do an outstanding job.

               Now, when this movie was released, a lot of critics clamed that it was Anti-American, which I disagree with. In my opinion, it's not necessarily meant to portray a negative portrait of America, but rather to show that we are just as problematic as any other country. The complicated characters that live in Dogville who slowly begin to lose their morals could exist in any country at any small town. Although in the beginning of the film where Grace arrives in Dogville for the first time and the townspeople are reluctant to accept her, it almost represents how some of us tend to be xenophobic or for those of us who do live in small, tight-knit communities, weary of outsiders. But to me, that doesn't mean Lars Von Trier is trying to paint a malicious portrait of a country he never visited.

                What I Didn't Like About It:
               Nothing.

                Consensus:
               Overall, Dogville is a smoothly-paced yet intense and chilling portrait of the ugly side of small-town America. It's definitely not a film for everyone nor is it fun, but it is very deep and some may even feel uncomfortable watching it. Not a film I would recommend to everyone, but I would recommend it to people who like to watch films and analyze their themes and symbolism and such.

Rating: 4.5/5
              
              

Review: Elysium

                                    Elysium Is Richer Than The Average Sci-Fi Flick

                       In my opinion, I haven't seen many sci-fi movies that work as both a turn-your-brain-off action flick and a film that serves as social commentary. Elysium is definitely a film that works as both and is a great sophomore effort from director Neill Blomkamp who treaded on similar ground with the film District 9.

                       Story:
                      Elysium is set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where the rich go up to a space station called Elysium where they can never age and can cure diseases, while the poor and lower class are left to die on the rotting Earth. Max DaCosta (Matt Damon), an ex-con who lives in the slums of Los Angeles and is slowly dying after being exposed to lethal levels of radiation at an incident at his work, tries to look for a way to go up to Elysium to fight for a way to bring equality between the rich and the poor. The one woman standing in his way is Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) who will fight to keep boundaries between the two social classes.

                       What I Liked About It:
                      Like I said, I liked how the movie manages to work as both a turn-your-brain-off action flick and a film that serves as a social commentary, as the film deals with the rich clashing with the poor. With the set pieces, Neill Blomkamp shows how once you're rich, you're living the high life and if you are poor, you're lucky if you have a box to sleep in, as Elysium is very futuristic looking and the rich live in nice mansions and have nicely-manicured lawns and dress presentably. But the ruined Earth is very slummy and overpopulated and people wonder whether they are going to live to fight another day. Even though Blomkamp treaded on similar ground with District 9, which showcases racism without using race by incorporating aliens, he was able to separate the two films so they don't have too many obvious similarities. He also makes the action scenes entertaining to watch.With both District 9 and Elysium under his belt, I can honestly say that Neill Blomkamp is one of the most inventive directors in the film business and I can't wait to see what he has planned next.

                      What I Didn't Like About It:
                    While I did enjoy this film, there were a few things that I found confusing even though they are more nitpicks than anything else. One is that, even though he gave a great performance as he always does, I find it hard to buy the idea of Matt Damon living in the slums. Another is that when the poor do make their way to Elysium, they are conveniently able to break into people's homes and use their machines to try to cure their diseases. But I guess because it's a Hollywood piece, anything goes. Plus, like I said, those are just nitpicks.

                      Consensus:
                    Overall, Elysium is a solidly-done sci-fi pic that entertains yet discusses an issue that is already affecting our nation today. It has its flaws, but hey, not every film is perfect, even if it's fantastic.

Rating: 3.5/5

                    

Review: No Country For Old Men

                            An Intense Yet Chilling Thriller That Hardly Has A Song To Set The Mood


                   For those who know that I am a huge film buff, you might be surprised that up until I saw No Country For Old Men, I have never seen a Coen Brothers movie. But now, I kind of want to see the rest of their work after seeing this movie because it is absolutely fantastic.

                   Story:
                  No Country For Old Men is a thriller set in Texas about a man named Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) who discovers a suitcase full of money while he is hunting pronghorns. Once he takes the money, he then finds himself on the run from a mysterious hitman named Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) while an officer named Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), who is nearing retirement, becomes involved in this case. 

                   What I Liked About It:
                  While I did think the actors in this film did a fine job, it is Javier Bardem who makes the movie his own. He is absolutely terrifying as Anton Chigurh, a man who is essentially The Grim Reaper incarnate, as he is hardly vulnerable to pain, feels no remorse, and will kill you if you just happen to be in the same room as him or if he gets you to do one of his coin tosses. What makes Bardem's performance so great is his stillness and his eyes that see right through your soul.

                  Another thing that I liked was how the film was entirely void of music. The only sounds that are heard are things from guns shooting to phones ringing to cars exploding. In my opinion, that just adds to the film's creep factor. Also, I applaud the Coen Brothers for blending elements of different genres. To me, this film is like a mix of western, horror, action, drama, and even a bit of dark comedy, and it enriches the experience of watching this marvelous film.

                 What I Didn't Like About It:
                 Nothing.

                 Consensus:
                Overall, No Country For Old Men is a fantastic and chillingly done western horror thriller that leaves you on edge thanks to the omission of music as well as Javier Bardem's performance. This is a thriller that I would highly recommend and I cannot wait to see more films in the Coen Brothers' filmography.

Rating: 5/5

Retro Review: Shine (1996)

                                      
                                      A Minorly Flawed Biopic That Still 'Shines' Through
                   
                       Even though Shine was a few minor problems, it definitely doesn't shy away from the fact that it is very well-done and it shines pretty bright. (pun intended).
                        
                           Story:
                       Shine is based on a true story about a pianist named David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush) who years ago suffered a mental breakdown after being pressured by his dominating father (Armin Mueller-Stahl) and his teachers. Years later, he is institutionalized and after he is released, he returns to the piano and begins to receive critical acclaim.

                          What I Liked About It:
                      One thing that I did like about the film was the acting. Geoffrey Rush does fine work as the adult version of David Helfgott, even though he is on screen for about 35-40 minutes. Noah Taylor, who plays the teenage version of Helfgott, does an outstanding job and even when he is not speaking, he is able to make you understand the pain and pressure that he is going through. Another actor that stands out in particular is Armin Mueller-Stahl. He is fantastic as Helfgott's abusive father who has no tolerance for failure and losing. Mueller-Stahl pulls off a performance that is both compassionate yet fearful as he is both supportive of his son yet once his son has opportunities to study abroad and leave his family, he snaps.

                     Another thing that I liked was how because it has different storylines that focus on the adult and younger versions of Helfgott, it didn't keep jumping back and forth from one storyline to the next. It took its time with each story and allowed them to transition smoothly and I liked that a lot. In fact, what surprised me was how it was more focused on the storyline involving the younger version of David Helfgott because of how the trailer made it seem that it would focus more on the adult version of Helfgott. Not that there's anything wrong with it.

                        What I Didn't Like About It:
                     Now, one thing that I didn't like about the film was how rushed the finale was. Towards the end, David meets his future wife and to me, they just rushed their romance and even the final scene where David performs piano was pretty rushed.

                        Consensus:
                     Overall, Shine is a wonderfully-done biopic that features incredible performances from Geoffrey Rush, Noah Taylor, and Armin-Mueller Stahl. I may have a few minor gripes involving the film's ending but it definitely doesn't ruin the entirety of the film.

Rating: 3/5

Review: Our Idiot Brother

                   
                                    A Surprisingly Dramatic Comedy About A Lovable 'Idiot'

                  Over the years, we have seen Paul Rudd give good comedic performances in films like Knocked Up, I Love You, Man, and 40-Year-Old Virgin. But in Our Idiot Brother, where he probably gives his first lead performance, he gives his best performance to date where he not only showcases his comedic skills, but heavy drama as well.

                   Story:
                  Our Idiot Brother is about a hipster named Ned (Paul Rudd) who just got released from jail after selling pot to a police officer. He then stays with his three sisters Miranda, Liz, and Natalie(Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, Zooey Deschanel) who start to become flustered by his antics even though he is still optimistic after being released from jail.

                   What I Liked About It:
                  One thing that I liked was how the movie knows what it wants to be. Whenever a film that comes out that is both a drama and a comedy, it's unsure of itself. But Our Idiot Brother is a comedy that has dramatic elements pushing it forward, much like how Silver Linings Playbook is a drama with comedic elements pushing it forward.

                 Another thing about this film that I liked was of course, Paul Rudd's performance. His performance as Ned, the lovable loser who tries to do the right thing, only for it to backfire, is both funny and even heartbreaking. He is someone that is so likable that once he screws up, you can't help but feel sorry for him. There is even a scene towards the end where Ned has a big snap, and it sort of gave me the chills. I applaud the screenwriters for creating such an endearing and sympathetic character. The film manages even to show the flaws of Ned's sisters have. Miranda is someone that is devoted to her job yet once she is in a relationship, she tends to become too dominant. Liz is someone who is devoted to her family, yet is somewhat oblivious when she is told that her husband is having an affair and blames Ned when she finds out. Natalie is a carefree woman that is in a loving relationship, yet she is a little too carefree (I don't want to spoil anymore, so I'll leave it at that) Once Ned recognizes their flaws, they see it as just Ned being an idiot, but he is trying to help them improve their flaws.

                 What I Didn't Like About It:
                Nothing.

                 Consensus:
                Overall, Our Idiot Brother is a heartwarming yet dramatic comedy that features a terrific performance from Paul Rudd and shows how you can pick your friends and your spouses and such, but you can't pick your family.

Rating: 3.5/5

Retro Review: Network (1976)

                        Network: A Sharp Yet Somewhat Prophetic Satire On The Media

            In today's society, the media has become a significant part of our culture, thanks to the Internet, cable news, reality TV, and even tabloid magazines. One film that seems to foresee this kind of influence that the media has on us as human beings is the 1976 satirical classic known as Network.

            Story:
           Network is about a TV network that exploits an ex-TV anchor named Howard Beale (Peter Finch) who starts ranting about the media and gives him his own show in order for them to boost their ratings. Along the way, it begins to affect not only him, but his colleagues, the skeptical Max Schumacher (William Holden) and the head of the network Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway).

            What I Liked About It:
           First off, I loved the acting. Peter Finch is terrific as Howard Beale, the cynical yet delirious ex-anchor who is eventually used as a pawn in his network's chess board. Faye Dunaway does an excellent job as Diana, the she-devil on Beale's shoulders who is enthusiastically devoted to her job and is almost television incarnate, whereas she's all about ratings. Even the actors who have one or two scenes, like Ned Beatty and Beatrice Straight, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her short-but-brief performance as Schumacher's flustered wife, do an outstanding job. I'd say this is because of the outstanding writing from Paddy Chayevsky, as well as the direction from Sidney Lumet. (May those two rest in peace).

          Now, to explain why this film is prophetic, I'll give an example by describing a famous scene in the film where Howard Beale is going on an on-air rant and tells viewers to open their windows and shout "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore", which they do. To me, that scene shows how the film is prophetic because it demonstrates the media having influences on us as human beings and pretty much running our lives.

           What I Didn't Like About It:
          Nothing.

          Consensus:
          Overall, Network is a sharply written and directed satire that features outstanding acting from the cast and accomplishes a rare feat at showcasing a prophecy, which is something that not many films in the past have done, as it shows how TV and the media have become a part of our culture.

Rating: 4.5/5
        
          

Indie Review: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

                                   A Masterful Love Story Done With Visual Flare

                     I remember the first time I saw this movie, I didn't see it in its entirety and I got all confused, but after I just watched it in its entirety and for a second time, things started to make more sense. But this movie is something I rarely ever call a movie, and that is a masterpiece. It is an eccentric love story that mixes unique visuals with realism.

                     Story:
                    Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is about a man named Joel (Jim Carrey) who meets and forms a relationship with an eccentric woman named Clementine (Kate Winslet). After they have broken off their relationship, Joel realizes that Clementine had him erased from her memories and he decides to undergo the same procedure that she went through. While he does, he realizes how much he loves her and decides he doesn't want to go through with it.

                    What I Liked About It:
                   First off, I'll discuss the actors, especially the two leads. All I have to say about Jim Carrey's performance is WOW!. When he is on screen, you hardly realize that it is Jim Carrey on screen as he isn't doing his typical comedic Jim Carrey routine and he really showcases his dramatic acting chops. Kate Winslet also shines as Clementine, a woman who is very impulsive and high-maintenance. Winslet is funny, vulnerable, sassy, bubbly, and touching, all in the same performance, and she proves why she is one of the best actresses in the business. Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson also have supporting roles and they are just as good and they have separate story arcs aside from the story about Joel and Clementine. Mark Ruffalo and Kirsten Dunst play Stan and Mary, who work for Lacuna Inc., the company that is helping Joel erase his memory and helped Clementine erase hers. While they engage in drinking and sexual activity, Mary only views Stan as a friend and channels her inner emotions towards Howard (Tom Wilkinson), an older married man who Stan and Mary work for. Elijah Wood plays Patrick, another employee of Lacuna Inc., who dates Clementine after she has her memory erased and copies aspects from Joel's relationship with her in order to sleep with her.

                   Another thing about this film that I fell in love with was the fabulous direction from Michel Gondry. I've actually seen a music video that he directed of the song "Army of Me" by Bjork and this film definitely has the same style, but I love it. He manages to mix offbeat visual flare with realistic settings and situations. For example, there is one scene that takes place in Joel's mind where Joel and Clementine are running through a train station while everything around them disappears, signifying how Joel's memories of Clementine are being erased.

                   What I Didn't Like About It:
                   Nothing.

                   Consensus:
                  Overall, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a masterful dramedy that features honest and flawed characters, visually entrancing sequences, and makes us question whether or not ignorance truly is bliss. Just on a side note, this film may require more than one viewing as, like I said, it may get confusing. But this film is really worth the watch and offers a unique film-watching experience.

Rating: 5/5

                  

                

Indie Review: Gods and Monsters (1998)

                                   Hardly Anything 'Monstrous' About This Biopic

                   In this dramatic biopic, Sir Ian McKellen ditches bending metal and casting spells in favor of playing a famed director during his last days and delivers what is probably one of the best performances of his career. I definitely enjoy seeing him bending metal and casting spells on screen, but he really shines in this.

                   Story:
                  Gods and Monsters is a somewhat fictionalized biopic about famed director James Whale (Ian McKellen), who directed Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, and his last days before his tragic death. He develops a friendship with his gardener Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser) and the film also focuses on his homosexuality as one of its main themes.
                 
                  What I Liked About It:
                 Of course, the thing that I loved the most about this film was the outstanding performance by Ian McKellen. Before I watched this film, I never had any doubts about his acting ability, so I figured if he was good, it wouldn't surprise me, but he was MUCH better than good. He showcases Whale's struggles with his ailing health as well as his depression, and does it with great force. Glad he got nominated for an Oscar for his performance. Brendan Fraser delivers his best work in this film and gives a solid supporting performance as Clayton, who is uneasy about his bond with Whale at first because of Whale's sexual orientation but he eventually warms up to him as the film progresses. Lynn Redgrave is also pretty good as Hanna, Whale's Scandinavian housekeeper, and in my opinion, some of the high points of the film were the scenes between her and Brendan Fraser.

               Also, one thing about this film that I found interesting was how the storyline was almost a parallel to the story of Bride of Frankenstein. In the end, they show a scene from The Bride of Frankenstein where an old hermit meets Frankenstein and sees him as a friend sent by God. In the film, Whale and Clayton form a bond with Clayton being Whale's "monster". Plus, homosexuality is said to be a theme in Bride of Frankenstein, and it is a central theme in this film.

                What I Didn't Like About It:
               Nothing.

                Consensus:
              Overall, Gods and Monsters is a wonderfully-done dramatic piece with a masterful performance by Sir Ian McKellen. I may not have seen Frankenstein or Bride of Frankenstein yet, but watching this film makes me want to.

Rating: 4.5/5

Top 10 Former Child Actors That Turned Out Just Fine

While we always hear about Lindsay Lohan getting in and out of jail and becoming the poster child for child stars gone wrong and Amanda Bynes and her strange tweets and arrests, here is a list of former child actors who are living proof that not all child stars end up behind bars or are photographed stumbling out of clubs.

                                                                 
                                                             
 
10. Ryan Gosling: A former member of the New Mickey Mouse Club, Ryan Gosling started out by working on family-friendly TV fare, on shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps, but as he got older, worked his way into grittier, dramatic films, including Murder by Numbers and Half Nelson which he got an Oscar nomination for, as well as romantic films, notably The Notebook. He still does dramatic films and even has his own band, and he also supports charitable causes.

                                                                

 
9. Justin Timberlake: Another former member of the New Mickey Mouse Club, Justin Timberlake would eventually headline the pop band *NSYNC, then have his own solo career and prove he is a triple-threat performer by developing a career in film, and after watching a few of his films, I must say, he is a very good actor. Plus, he  supports various charitable causes, won four Emmys for his work on Saturday Night Live, and is even a minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies. Safe to say, he's not doing too bad.

                                                     
  
8. Mila Kunis: When she was young, Mila Kunis started doing guest roles on television shows before she got her big break as Jackie on That 70's Show at the age of 14. While she was still on that show, she still kept busy by voicing the role of Meg Griffin on the animated series Family Guy, which she still does. Now, she does a lot of successful film work, in films like Black Swan and Ted, more voice work on the show Robot Chicken, which was created by Family Guy co-star Seth Green, and she was just voted one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.

                                                          
  
7. Neil Patrick Harris: Back when NPH was a kid, he actually headlined his own called Doogie Howser, M.D.. But as he began to reach adulthood, he would take on supporting roles on film, including Undercover Brother, Starship Troopers, and the Harold and Kumar films where he plays himself. Plus, he went back to TV to star in the successful series How I Met Your Mother, and would even go on to host the Tony Awards four times.

                                                            
  
6. Claire Danes: Danes' big break came when she was 15 when she starred on the short-lived TV series My So-Called Life. But after it was cancelled, she didn't stop there as she made her transition to film and took on a diverse array of roles, from Juliet in Romeo + Juliet to a battered wife in The Rainmaker. Eventually she would take a break from the biz to attend Yale for a short while before continuing her acting career on film, the stage, and on TV on the mini-series Temple Grandin and the show Homeland, which she currently stars in and has won accolades for.

                                                          
  
5. Anna Paquin: At just 11 years old, Anna Paquin became the second youngest actress to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Piano. One would think that such success at such a young age would cause a lot of pressure on her, but surprisingly no because after her Oscar win, she took a small break from acting and when she went back, she took more supporting roles before she landed the role of Rogue in X-Men. Now, she is returning to that franchise in the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past while she is also the lead in the hit HBO series True Blood, which she won a Golden Globe for, and she supports several charitable causes as well.

                                                                 
 
4. Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Much like other child actors, JGL started out by doing guest roles on several TV shows and had a supporting role in the Disney film Angels in the Outfield before he starred on the hit TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun. While he was on 3rd Rock, he was still doing film, such as 10 Things I Hate About You and Halloween H20, and still was transitioning his way into film after the show was cancelled by doing gritty, indie projects and even devoting his time to studying at Columbia University for a while before he geared his focus back on his acting career. Now, he goes on and off the radar by doing indie projects as well as major hit blockbusters, has his own collaborative production company known as HitRecord, and just made his directorial and screenwriting debut with the upcoming Don Jon.

                                                        
 
3. Natalie Portman:  Natalie Portman got her very first role in the film Leon: The Professional where she plays a 12-year old girl who befriends a hitman. Afterwards, she would diversify her resume by starring in such films as Heat, Everyone Says I Love You, and Mars Attacks, and even played Anne Frank on the Broadway adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank the same year she was cast as one of her most famous roles to date, Queen Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Eventually, she would move into the dorms of Harvard where she graduated, win an Oscar for her performance in Black Swan, and become an advocate for animal rights.

                                                                  
 
2. Leonardo DiCaprio: Leonardo DiCaprio first grabbed the attention of audiences when he had a recurring role as Luke Brower on the TV series Growing Pains, and then make his breakthrough into film when he was chosen by Robert De Niro to star in This Boy's Life and starred in his Oscar-nominated role as a mentally challenged boy in What's Eating Gilbert Grape?. DiCaprio would then continue to star in more dramatic fare in such films as The Quick and The Dead, Marvin's Room, The Man in The Iron Mask, his most commercially-successful film to date, Titanic, and even had a self-parodying cameo in the Woody Allen satire Celebrity. Now, he is one of Martin Scorsese's regulars and has worked with other prolific directors including Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino, is an environmental activist and philanthropist, and is one of Hollywood's most successful movie stars.


  
1. Jodie Foster: The oldest performer on this list, Jodie Foster is an actress that has been working since the age of three and has worked steadily ever since. But the year of 1976 is when she had her big breakthrough at the age of 12, when she received a Golden Globe nod for Best Actress for her performance in Freaky Friday, two BAFTA awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Newcomer for her performance in Bugsy Malone, and an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress for Taxi Driver. She would then devote her time to studying at Yale University where she received her degree in literature, and while she received unwanted publicity when she was stalked by John Hinckley, Jr. while she was still at school, she courageously continued to act due to her love for it. She would then go on to win two Best Actress Oscars for The Accused and Silence of the Lambs, take her talents to the director's chair and not just in front of it, and become a positive role model for all child actors. Plus, at the age of 50, she looks gorgeous!

So, that was my list of the top 10 former child actors who turned out just fine, and if there is anybody you would add to the list, feel free to write in the comments section, and thanks for reading!

Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

                      A Beautiful Foreign Film About A Man Who Moved People By Blinking His Eyes

             This is the first foreign film that I have done a review for and probably the second film that I have reviewed about a person who has a disability, with the first being The Sessions. But The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is another film that I would call a masterpiece, which is a title that I rarely ever give the films that I review.

              Story:
             The Diving Bell And The Butterfly is based on a true story about a man named Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) who was an editor of the French magazine known as ELLE and suffered a stroke before he was eventually diagnosed with a rare disorder known as "locked-in syndrome", where his entire body is completely paralyzed and he could only communicate by blinking his left eye while his right eye is stitched shut.

             What I Liked About It:
            First off, I have to give major props to the director Julian Schnabel and the cinematographer Janusz Kaminski. In about the first 40 minutes of the film, they shoot it from Bauby's point of view, making it feel like you are him and you feel what he feels. The film even takes us into his mind as we see his inner fantasies and memories of his past, and as he his narrating his thoughts. So, bravo to Schnabel and Kaminski, and I'm glad they received Oscar nominations for their marvelous work on this film.

           Another thing that really impressed me was the performance from Mathieu Amalric. What impressed me was how he was able to exhibit the pain that Bauby is going through while he spends most of the movie unable to move his body. To me, that has to be a really difficult task to pull off so I applaud him for his terrific performance.

            What I Didn't Like About It:
            Nothing.

            Consensus:
           Overall, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a masterfully-done work of art with outstanding direction and cinematography mixed with a subtle yet intense powerhouse performance from Mathieu Amalric. When it was released, it received many accolades and I could not be happier that it did, as it pleases me when movies like this which have meaningful stories to tell and try to touch our spirits in some way get plenty of recognition.

Rating: 5/5

Trailer Talk #10: Getaway, Riddick, Last Vegas, American Hustle, Romeo & Juliet, Snowpiercer

Hello, Bloggers, and welcome to another episode of Trailer Talk. For today's episode, I have two trailers that I have seen in theaters when I went to go see The Conjuring, and four that I have watched online. Here we go:

Getaway: First up is the trailer for the action film Getaway starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez. Now, while I honestly don't have a whole lot of interest in seeing this film, one thing that I did like about the trailer is seeing Selena Gomez, a former Disney starlet, moving into more dramatic territory. This film deals with a simple plot about a guy trying to rescue his kidnapped wife and I'm sure it's not meant to make anybody's Oscar list, but I'll skip it.

Riddick: Next up is the trailer for the upcoming action sequel Riddick starring Vin Diesel. This film is a sequel to both Pitch Black and The Chronicles of Riddick, which I haven't seen and I probably won't see them anytime soon, so I probably won't see this film. It does look cool and looks to have some horror elements, but by the time it comes out, I'll look to see what else is playing.

Last Vegas: Next is the trailer for the raunchy comedy Last Vegas starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline. Now normally you wouldn't put the words "raunchy comedy" and those four actors in the same sentence, but honestly I like it. I like how they are stepping into a type of comedic territory that's outside of their range and it makes me want to go see it, even if it may not be for my age group.

American Hustle: Next is the trailer for American Hustle starring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Jennifer Lawrence. Now, I remember back on my Oscar predictions where I talk about who I think will be nominated in each acting category, I said that all the aforementioned actors might have a chance at getting nominated and this film might get some Oscar love depending on how it does. I definitely want to see this because of the actors, the fact that it's directed by David O. Russell who also did The Fighter and my favorite film of last year, Silver Linings Playbook, and because it has a 70's setting. No doubt I will see this in theaters.

Romeo & Juliet: Next is the trailer for the newest adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, starring Hailee Steinfeld and Douglas Booth as the titular leads. One thing about the trailer that struck me was that even though I know the story and even how it ends, I still got sad watching the trailer. I don't think there is anything about this film that makes we want to go see it because like I said, I already know how the story goes, but if I do see it, I'll wait for DVD.

Snowpiercer: Lastly is the trailer for the action film Snowpiercer, which stars Chris Evans, John Hurt and Tilda Swinton. Now, this film has a very interesting concept, as it deals with a type of global warming that wipes out most of the Earth's population and the Earth's remaining survivors ride on the Snowpiercer and has an evolving class system with the poor residing in the back on the train and the rich on the front. I really like that concept and I'm not sure how big of a release this film will get, but I'll check it out whether or not it comes out on DVD or to a theater near me.

So, that was episode #10 of Trailer Talk and I will do episode #11 once I see some new trailers online or whether I go see a new film in theaters, but until then, thanks for reading!