Wednesday, January 25, 2017

La La Land (2016) Movie Review

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La La Land has a way of sucking you in even if you aren't a big fan of musicals. You have two characters, Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who are trying to fulfill their dreams and find love in the process. I would argue, however, that the film is not a story of love, but rather a story of life. Life and how it comes at you from different angles. Life and the paths we choose to take. Throughout this film, you will laugh. You might even cry. Most importanly, though: La La Land will probably make you have an introspective conversation about your own life.

What kind of person are you? Dreamer or realist? Your answer to an extent may determine how you feel about the film's ending, which was the only thing I took real issue with. While I can understand the reasoning behind things shaking out the way they did, I considered the ending somewhat contradictory to the film's overall message. There is a good chance you may feel differently.

The visual imagery throughout the film is spectacular. Director Damien Chazelle relies on the usage of bright colors to pop during night-time scenes. It's a simplistic yet cool effect that subtlely manages to keep your attention on the screen. The film often utilizes Mia and Sebastian as focal points for shots that are both appealing and memorable. You'll see them dancing among the stars. Spotting each other in a crowded room while the rest of the world is paused. It's these small touches that move La La Land from good to great.

The film has a consistenly impactful way of evoking emotion. You feel like you're on a journey with Mia and Sebastian, rooting for them to succeed both personally and professionally. I can't recall many films that are simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

La La Land is far from forgettable. I have plenty of good things to say and I haven't even touched on the music. The songs will stay in your head well after the film is over. They say music has a way of telling a story without the use of words. After seeing this film, I couldn't agree more. The music coupled with stellar acting performances from Gosling and Stone set La La Land apart from other films I saw in 2016. I give it a 94.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

The Witch (2016) Movie Review

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In 1630's New England, a family of seven is banished from their colonial plantation to live out their lives at the edge of a forest. Strange things start to happen as their crops start to die and the youngest child in the family suddenly disappears. A mystery ensues with the oldest daughter Thomasin being accused of witchcraft, a claim she adamantly denies. Thomasin needs to prove she is not a witch following the devil or she will be banished from the family farm.

The Witch is nothing like you've seen before which is a part of what makes it so good. It leaves you guessing then has you second-guessing your guesses. It's a mystery horror film where the horror doesn't come in the gore or how many times you jump. Rather the horror for the viewer comes with watching as everything unfolds. It's creepy. It makes your skin crawl. Yet you can't look away. 

This creepy tone was captured extremely well both in the acting and visual imagery. You can feel the uneasiness emanating through the family members as terror runs amok on the farm. Every single actor did a fabulous job, although I can't reveal who my personal favorite was without a spoiler. 

In terms of the scenery, there appeared to be a dark overcast gracing every shot, regardless of whether it was day or night. I'm sure director Robert Eggers did this on purpose. It was a touch not lost on me. It kept my brain in a constant state of high-alert.

In terms of the negatives, one glaring one that stood out was the father William (Ralph Ineson) being extremely hard to follow in terms of dialect. Knowing he was speaking English made it all the more frustrating because I knew I should have been understanding him the whole time. I could lie and tell you that I was able to eventually work my way through it and understand him but I won't. This guy ended up using subtitles. Not ashamed one bit.

The Witch will give you an unsettling feeling that, in a twisted way, is somewhat gratifying. It definitely accomplishes what it sets out to do. I give it an 88.