Review: Her

                                                         

                                      
                                      A Unique Yet Touching Sci-Fi Story Comes With 'Her'

                         Over the years, we have become pretty attached to technology. But Her shows just what could happen if we literally become attached to our technological devices as if we were in a relationship with them, and it does it realistically while still retaining its sci-fi elements.

                         Story:
                      Her is about a lonely man named Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) who just ordered his own Siri-type operating system that calls itself "Samantha" (Scarlett Johansson). As he grows more attached to Samantha, he feels that his discomfort with being in love and with commitment would vanish, but he realizes that he has trouble letting go of his past relationship with his ex-wife Catherine (Rooney Mara).

                     What I Liked About It:
                    First off, I loved the way that the movie looks. The whole futuristic look that director Spike Jonze brought to the screen is very colorful and even though the effects shown were cool, Jonze didn't go overboard with them. I loved that he didn't go overboard because it allows the film to retain its realism while still being futuristic. If the future was ever like how it is shown in this film, I would hope to live in it.
                  One thing about this film that actually surprised me was how it deals with the theme of relationships and sharing your life with someone. I know the film deals with attaching to technology, but I was surprised by how it deals with relationships themselves and even the whole idea of "letting go". I also liked how the film took the whole idea of a man falling for his computer and made it believable and both Phoenix and the voice of Johansson have amazing chemistry. That brings me to my next point. I thought all the main actors do quite a fine job. Joaquin Phoenix does a complete 180 and plays a character completely different from his in his last film The Master, and is not only funny but he is also sympathetic and heartbreaking. Phoenix continues to prove why he is one of the more diverse actors working today. Amy Adams is also in this and she too is astounding as Theodore's slightly neurotic friend Amy, who is like a parallel to Theodore: someone who attaches herself to her operating system or OS to avoid the complications of being in love. Even though Rooney Mara has a few bit scenes, she still shines in those. Shows just how big of an impression Mara can leave no matter how long she's on screen. I think she just might be fighting with Jennifer Lawrence for the title of the best young actress of our generation. Olivia Wilde even has only one scene, and even in that scene, she still shines as well.

                    What I Didn't Like About It:
                    Nothing.

                    Consensus:
                   Overall, Her is a highly inventive yet plausible sci-fi spectacle. It's not only funny but it is heartbreaking and left me very moved. I would say Her is this decade's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, as both films are realistic sci-fi pics that show just how hard it is to let go of someone you love, yet offer different takes on it. Even if you haven't had your heart broken, Her will still leave you as moved as I was.

Rating: 5/5
                        

Retro Review: Election (1999)

                                           

                                           Here Is An 'Election' To Vote For

                         Politics can be hell, just like how high school is hell. But this film not only pokes fun at just politics, but high school politics. The film Election offers a biting and hilarious commentary on just how out of control politics can get.

                          Story:
                         Election is about an overachieving student named Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) who is very driven and will do anything to win. She is running for class president unopposed until the history professor named Mr. McAllister (Matthew Broderick) asks the school quarterback Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her out of his dislike for Tracy. Eventually, Paul's younger sister Tammy (Jessica Campbell) decides to run and things begin to spiral afterward.

                       What I Liked About It:
                     While I enjoyed the film as a whole, the thing I loved the most that I think made the film was Reese Witherspoon's performance. She was just PERFECT for this role as she is able to pull off the character's switch from being perky and upbeat to menacing in a matter of seconds. She very much embodies the "Tracy Flick" inside all of us. My favorite scene in the film is when Tracy is tearing off Paul's campaign posters from the wall and has a huge meltdown. Plus, I liked it when they played the "tribal scream" that goes off when Tracy is about to snap.

                     I also liked how the film showcases the perspectives of the four main characters. Each of them give voiceover narrations as the film progresses and showcase their conflicts and points of view. Plus, I liked the development of the main characters. Some of which are the kind that you probably knew when you were in high school. Tracy is the overachieving yet very driven honor student who tries to always be at the top of everything. Paul is the somewhat thick-headed yet lovable sports jock. There is also another character named Lisa, who was originally in a relationship with Tammy, then cheated on her with Paul. Lisa is the kind of girl who makes you think that she loves you, but just toys with you. But Tammy is somewhat of an introverted outsider, much like I was when I was in high school. So, most people can definitely find a character that they can relate to.

                      What I Didn't Like About It:
                     Nothing.

                      Consensus:
                    Overall, Election is a diabolically hilarious satire that remains one of my favorite movies to date. It's darkly funny yet it is very enjoyable to watch, especially Reese Witherspoon's performance as Tracy Flick. This one I would highly recommend for those looking for a good laugh. Vote for Election!

Rating: 5/5

Review: Saving Mr. Banks

                                       

                              
                                          Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, This Film Is
                        
                       When I was younger, one of the few Disney films I wouldn't say was a huge favorite of mine was Mary Poppins. However, when I heard that there was a movie that would depict the making of Mary Poppins and would have Tom Hanks play Walt Disney, I was pretty interested. Then I saw the trailer and my hopes up got even higher. When I finally saw the film, I thought that we were given another marvelous picture that is a movie about movies.

                        Story:
                      Saving Mr. Banks is about the author of Mary Poppins named P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) who flies to L.A., where Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) fights to buy the rights to Mary Poppins so he can fulfill his promise to his daughters that he would turn Mary Poppins into a film. As the making of Mary Poppins progresses, Travers then tries to come to terms with her difficult childhood.

                      What I Liked About It:
                    One thing that I really liked was the performance by Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers. Thompson is not only neurotic and even heartbreaking, but she also adds some mild comic relief as well. Tom Hanks also does quite a fine job as Walt Disney and is equally as amazing as Emma Thompson is. But another actor I also really liked was Colin Farrell, who plays Travers' father, who is very loving but struggles to overcome his personal demons. I also really liked Paul Giamatti, who plays Travers' chauffeur Ralph. In fact, some of the high points in the film were the scenes between Thompson and Giamatti as they both have great chemistry.

                     But one thing that surprised me was how dark this film is. I mean, it does have its fair share of light-hearted moments, but I wouldn't say it is something for the entire family. I saw it with one of my friends at the movies and we both got a little teary. The reason it is pretty dark is because of how it shows that being a parent is difficult because whatever difficulties a parent goes through, the children have a front row seat to watch them go through with those difficulties. In Travers' case, she had to watch her father go through battling alcoholism and watch him slowly succumb to his alcoholism. It was that struggle that led Travers to create Mary Poppins, which brings me to my next point. I thought it was neat how they explained the origin of Mary Poppins because it shows just how authors or writers channel their inner turmoil into a piece of writing or even write characters that are based off of people from the author's life.

                     What I Didn't Like About It:
                    Nothing.

                     Consensus:
                   Overall, Saving Mr. Banks is a magical yet emotionally gripping tale about the story behind one of the most beloved family films of all time. This film, to quote Mary Poppins, is "practically perfect in every way".

Rating: 4.5/5

Indie Review: Breaking the Waves (1996)

                                Like A Big Tidal 'Wave' That'll Hit You When It Is Over

                      Before I saw this film, I was actually quite nervous to see it. That is mainly because of one scene that had me shaking when I first saw the trailer. But then, I eventually braved the big storm so to speak, and got around to watching this masterpiece. This masterpiece, which I would say is one of the greatest films of all time, is known as Breaking the Waves.

                      Story:
                    Breaking the Waves is about a naïve Scotswoman named Bess McNeil (Emily Watson) who marries an oilman outside of her community named Jan (Stellan Skarsgard). When Jan goes away at work, he becomes paralyzed from the neck down after an accident. Since they are unable to make love, Jan then asks Bess to have sexual relations with another man. Bess is reluctant at first, but then eventually gives in, believing she is carrying out God's will and that by making love with other men, she can heal her husband.

                 What I Liked About It:
               One thing that I really liked about the film was just how subjective it is. For example, when Jan asks Bess to make love with another man because he can't, you can decide whether or not he is doing it because he wants to separate himself from Bess so she can move on and not cling to him, or even because he wants to channel his sexual fantasies through her. Plus, because Bess believes that she is doing God's bidding by listening to what Jan tells her to do, you can decide whether she really is or not. I also loved the masterful direction by Lars Von Trier. I liked how he used a hand held camera to make the film much more realistic and his use of color. Most of the film's main characters wear blue, which represents tranquility, much like the simple community Bess lives in, and a few male characters wear a jacket that is the color brown, which means safety and security, as those few are somewhat protective of Bess. Plus, towards the end, Bess dons the color red, which, *Possible Spoiler Alert*, means doom. Since the film is the 70's, I thought it was neat that Von Trier used rock music from that era into the soundtrack.

              Another thing that I really liked was the performance by Emily Watson. Watson really excels as the character of Bess, a simple woman who while optimistic and golden-hearted, has the mindset of a child as she would constantly throw tantrums and struggles to transition as a woman. She even talks to God as if he were an imaginary friend. After watching that performance, I don't think I could see anyone else playing this role as Watson is an absolute revelation. Watson's co-stars, including Stellan Skarsgard and Katrin Cartlidge, who played Bess' concerned sister Dodo, also excel as well.

               What I Didn't Like About It:
              Nothing.

               Consensus:
              Overall, Breaking the Waves is a masterful and original love drama that shows just what acts people would do out of love. Even if the film is somewhat of a fable, it is still very unique and the more I think about it, the more I love it. It can be hard to watch at times, but not always. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone I know, but I would say that this is, hands down, one of the greatest films I've ever seen.

Rating: 5/5
            

2014 Golden Globe Awards/Winners: My Reactions

Hello, Bloggers, I watched the Golden Globes last night and I honestly thought that this years awards were a lot better than last years. Mainly because I was very happy with most of the results, more specifically in the movies categories because I haven't seen a lot of the TV shows or miniseries that were nominated. I did have some minor gripes, actually one, but I'll discuss that. Here we go:

What I Liked About It:

-I thought Amy Poehler and Tina Fey did a great job hosting as they did last year. They were so funny and had me rolling on the couch laughing. So kudos to you guys, I can't wait to se you host the ceremony again next year.

-Another thing that I liked was the winners in the movie categories. Like I said, I haven't seen a lot of the shows in the TV categories, so I can't comment on those. Anyhow, I was very glad 12 Years A Slave won Best Picture- Drama and that American Hustle won Best Picture- Musical or Comedy. 12 Years was a film that left me more emotional than any film that came out last year, and American Hustle was some of the most fun I had at the movies last year. Speaking of American Hustle, Amy Adams won Best Actress- Musical or Comedy and Jennifer Lawrence won Best Supporting Actress. Both of those wins made me happy, especially Amy Adams, who finally has at least a Golden Globe on her mantle. I loved that Alfonso Cuaron won Best Director for his phenomenal work in Gravity. I have yet to see Her so I can't comment on Spike Jonze's win for Best Screenplay, but I am a fan of his work, so I can say I'm happy for him. Leonardo DiCaprio won Best Actor- Musical or Comedy and I was quite ecstatic about that. Now, I'm really crossing my fingers for him to get his fourth Oscar nod. There is also Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto's wins for their tremendous work in Dallas Buyers Club. I am glad to see Jared Leto finally get the recognition he deserves after the film work he's put in over the years and to McConaughey winning, I just say "Alright! Alright! Alright!" because he was equally as astounding as Leto was. Lastly and certainly not least, Cate Blanchett won Best Actress- Drama for Blue Jasmine and I was quite enthused with that win as well because I thought she played one of the more complex characters to come out this year.

-I also liked Diane Keaton's ode to Woody Allen, who won the Cecil B. DeMille Award yet didn't show up to the ceremony. Plus, it was neat how some actresses that have starred in his films, like Dianne Weist and Mariel Hemingway, showed up to the ceremony.

What I Didn't Like About It:

-The one thing about the ceremony that really irritated me was when people were trying to give their speeches and they would cut them off by playing the music. To me, that is quite rude because some people were trying to give touching speeches, like Amy Adams, and they just played the music while they were talking. I get that they don't want some of the winners to go overboard and go as far to thanking their neighbor's dog or anything like that, but still. That's why the winners get nervous or  talk fast sometimes, because they get worried that the music will cut them off. Luckily, when U2 accepted the Globe for Best Original Song, they didn't cut them off because they were giving a story about Nelson Mandela, who sadly passed recently.


So, those were my thoughts about the Golden Globe Awards, and if you've seen the ceremony, please feel free to write in the comments section what you thought about it. Feel free to write what you liked and what you didn't like. Thanks for reading!

Indie Review: Vera Drake (2004)

            'Vera Drake': A Powerful Transcendent Character Study About A Golden-Hearted Woman


          This is, technically, one of the few foreign films I have reviewed thus far since the film is from Britain. Also, this is the first film I have reviewed and seen from improvisational director Mike Leigh. After seeing this, I would love to see more of his work because this one is a true piece of art.

            Story:
          Set in 50's Britain, Vera Drake is about a working-class woman named Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton) who cleans the houses of rich people for a living. But, she also has a secret job as an abortionist. When one of her clients nearly dies, she is then caught and arrested, and starts to see her world and family begin to crumble.

           What I Liked About It:
          The thing that I loved the most about this film, which I think makes the film, is the performance from Imelda Staunton. She starts out as very cheerful and optimistic, but as she is caught by the police, she then breaks down and we begin to feel sorry for her. In the scene where she is caught, I remember I was feeling as nervous as she probably was when she was being interrogated. Plus, since I am still on the subject on Imelda Staunton, talk about an actress that can do a complete 180. It's amazing how she went from playing probably the nicest woman ever in this to Dolores Umbridge, a world-class b*tch in the Harry Potter films.

  I thought it was interesting that the film makes us feel sorry for her not necessarily because of the act she is being accountable for, but because she performs it out of kindness and sympathy. There is a scene where Vera says that the girls she helps have nobody else to turn to and can't have a baby for various reasons, so they come to her. So, the film demonstrates a woman being held accountable for having a heart of gold.

         What I Didn't Like About It:
        Now, one thing that sort of bugged me was that there was a subplot involving a girl, played by Sally Hawkins, who gets impregnated and doesn't share a scene with Vera. That bugged me because since Hawkins' character doesn't meet the main character, I'm not sure what she had to do with the film. It definitely doesn't mean Sally Hawkins' talent was wasted or anything like that, it's just my main gripe with this movie.

         Consensus:
       Overall, Vera Drake is a very nuanced character study about how one is criminalized for having sympathy and features a gripping yet silent performance from Imelda Staunton. If you want a dramatic film that doesn't feature actors being dramatic and overdoing it or if you want a film that is character driven, then I would highly recommend giving this one a watch.

Rating: 4.5/5

Oscars 2014 Predictions: Best Picture

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to a new year and here is my first post of 2014. For this one, I will finally make my predictions for what 9 or 10 films will be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars now that the Critics' Choice, Globes, and SAG nominations are out. Here we go:

12 Years A Slave: One of the biggest frontrunners in this race, 12 Years A Slave looks to be a lock for a nomination. A win I am unsure about due to the film's controversial nature. Last year's Best Picture winner Argo had a bit of controversy surrounding its historical accuracy, but that's nothing new since that is something that always hits films based on true events. Plus, even though there were two films last year nominated dealing with the topic of slavery: Lincoln and Django Unchained, they both offered different takes on the topic, just like 12 Years does.

American Hustle: One of the late bloomers in this Oscar race as it just came out and screened with critics, American Hustle looks to battle it out with 12 Years A Slave in this Oscar race as they both each have 13 Critics' Choice nods and 7 Golden Globe nods. If a Best Picture nod comes to fruition, then this will be director David O. Russell's third straight movie to get nominated. I'm sure this will make actors want to line up to star in his pictures. That would make sense since he manages to score nods for his actors as well.

Captain Phillips: Much like Argo, Captain Phillips may have a bit of controversy surrounding its historical accuracy, but like I said, that's hardly anything new or surprising. The film may be losing a little buzz but because it scored Best Picture nods at two of the first three precursor awards and nods for two of its actors, Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi, it's definitely not out. After seeing that film, I can certainly hope its not out.

Dallas Buyers Club: In the Best Picture category, there are usually three types of indie films: The Quirky Indie, The Little Indie That Could, and the Edgy Indie. Dallas Buyers Club falls between the second and the latter category. I would put it under the latter category due to its heavy subject matter involving AIDS, but I think this year's Edgy Indie is without a doubt 12 Years A Slave. Anyhow, I feel that they could nominate this film for Best Picture to increase the chances of its two lead actors, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, a shot at getting nominated for their performances and because the film deals with heavy subject matter. Much like how 12 Years A Slave is this year's Schindler's List, Dallas Buyers Club could be this year's Philadelphia.

Gravity: Earlier in this race, it was said to be a battle between Gravity and 12 Years A Slave, until American Hustle stepped in. I could definitely see Gravity getting nominated for Best Picture, as well as Best Actress and Best Director. But when it comes to wins, I feel it might suffer Avatar fate, and just get recognized for its technical achievements, which it should as they have accomplished a film-going experience that is different from anything I've ever seen.

Her: I would say that if there is any film that 12 Years or American Hustle should watch out for, it is this one. It won a few critics' awards for Best Picture, including the National Board of Review and the Los Angeles Film Critics Society. Not only that, but Her seems to be a film that is a social commentary about how we have become too attached to technology, and the Academy does love films that have some kind of message. I have yet to see Her, but when I do, who knows whether I'll feel that 12 Years and Hustle have a good reason to look over their shoulders this awards season.

Inside Llewyn Davis: Next up is a film directed by two well-known Oscar darlings: The Coen Brothers. Inside Llewyn Davis is, while about musicians, not based on a real-life musician or anything like that, but seems to be rather about the harsh realities of a struggling artist, which could touch a nerve on Academy voters. Who knows if a win will be possible, but the Academy is sure that if the Coens keep making movies, they'll be back at the ceremony again.

Nebraska: Nebraska looks to be this year's Juno or The Kids Are All Right, or in other words, the Quirky Indie of the Best Picture category. One thing that benefits this film is its director, Alexander Payne, who has become an Oscar darling, like the Coens, since he burst onto the scene with one of my favorite movies, 1999's Election which stars Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon. I unfortunately missed Nebraska in theaters so I can't really comment on whether I think it should win or not, but I do think it will have a shot at getting nominated and potentially winning the Globe for Best Picture- Musical or Comedy.

The Wolf of Wall Street: Like American Hustle, Wolf of Wall Street is another late bloomer in this Oscar race since it just came out and screened for critics. After seeing the film, I can definitely see why it is a strong contender as I really enjoyed it and thought it was another masterpiece by the team-up of Scorsese and DiCaprio. Scorsese, much like Alexander Payne and the Coens, is an Oscar darling and it would be impossible for the Academy to ignore him, especially if the film is getting stellar reviews. Plus, with Scorsese taking new approaches to his storytelling by making films different from the crime films he's famous for, the Academy could continue to reward him for his efforts and highlight his impressive range as a director.


Now onto the "dark horses" that could trot their way into the final 9:

Lee Daniels' The Butler: It scored three SAG nods including Best Cast in a Motion Picture, so it may be down, but not out.

Rush: Scored a surprising Golden Globe nod for Best Picture- Drama. Plus, Ron Howard is behind it.

Philomena: Scored a Best Picture-Drama nod at the Globes, but hardly anybody has seen it, so we'll see.

August: Osage County: Long shot, but you never know. It has a Best Cast nod at the SAG awards, so we'll see.

Saving Mr. Banks: May not have a nod for Best Picture at the Globes or Best Cast at the SAGs, but it is nominated for Best Picture at the Critics' Choice Awards, so like The Butler, it may be down, but it's not out.


So, those were my prediction on who I think will get nominated for Best Picture and who could sneak their way into the final 9. If there is any film you would like to see get nominated for Best Picture, of if you agree or disagree with any of my picks, please feel free to write in the comments section. Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!