Saturday, May 12, 2018

St. Vincent (2014) Movie Review

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When a single mother moves into a new neighborhood and gets overwhelmed with her taxing job, she relies on her crude, foul-mouthed neighbor Vincent (Bill Murray) to watch over her kid while she's gone.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 6

Characters: 10

Cinematography/Visuals: 7

Conflict: 9
Vincent basically creates conflict everywhere he goes. Between his actions, decisions, and mouth, something is always getting him into trouble with those around him. It's hard to watch at times, funny during other times. His life is crumbling, but he brings most of it on himself. Throw in Maggie's (Melissa McCarthy) custody battle for her son and the film gives you more than enough conflict to drive the story.

Genre: 9
St. Vincent hails itself as a comedy. It's certainly going to make you laugh, but it succeeds in how dark and truthful it can be at times. I love that the film never cuts corners with Vincent's character. His life is cringeworthy and sad, yet the audience is still given avenues to laughter.

Memorability: 8
Once again, Murray manages to make a film memorable with his character alone. He doesn't care about the people he hurts or at least that's what he would have you believe. His destructive attitude oftentimes results in a finished product that will either make you shake your head or bust out laughing. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between him and Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). They were made for each other yet neither one of them realize it at first. The film as a whole makes you contemplate what constitutes being a good person versus a bad person.

Pace: 10

Plot: 10
Even as Vincent's life tailspins out of control, he manages to touch the lives of those around them in ways they never imagined. He is a ball of chaos, but in the heart of that chaos, the plot shows the semblance of a good man. Again, it's ugly but real at the same time. And that's what makes it beautiful.

Resolution: 10

Overall: 89
If nothing else, St. Vincent shows us that sometimes the funniest things are those mired in reality. Another Murray classic. 

Lost In Translation (2003) Movie Review

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When a famous actor hops over to Tokyo to shoot a commercial, he meets a young woman that fills an empty void in his life.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10
My son hates dramas and rightfully so as he's a thirteen-year-old boy. He wants to see things blowing up and people getting thrown through walls. Yet somehow, the first ten minutes of Lost In Translation sucked him in as much as it did me prompting him to watch the whole thing. From the time he touches down in Tokyo, Bob Harris (Bill Murray) sucks you in and holds on to your attention for dear life. You're anxious to see what this man is going to do next.

Characters: 10
Staying on Bob for a moment, his character made the film. His dry sense of humor and pure disinterest in everything going on around him is so sincere and captured just perfectly. He's torn between his sense of duty with work and family, so much so that he's almost forgotten how to enjoy life. When Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) comes along, everything changes for him. Charlotte is innocent and sweet and is somehow drawn to Bob like a moth to a flame. Like most "opposites attract" relationships, the two fit extremely well together and add a sense of appeal to the film. Watching them both interact with the Japanese people and try to bridge cultural and language gaps was easy comedy that works everytime.

Cinematography/Visuals: 10

Conflict: 7

Genre: 10

Memorability: 9
There are a number of memorable scenes that stick out in my head with a couple of favorites I keep replaying. The first is where he's trying to shoot his commercial. The director is trying to relay something to Bob in Japanese which a translator is telling Bob in English. The scene is only five minutes long and had me cracking up from start to finish. In my other favorite scene, Bob has a run-in in his hotel room with a Japanese prostitute. Again, the language disparity makes the entire interaction one hilarious situation.

Outside of memorable scenes, Lost In Translation gives you a pause for introspection and contemplative thought. Oftentimes we wander aimlessly through the relationships in our lives...but what do they really mean? What are relationships without happiness or closeness? What is the real meaning of a connection?

Pace: 9

Plot: 10
Had this film's story taken place in North America somewhere, it wouldn't have been nearly as impactful. With the setting in Japan, it throws a monkey-wrench into a plot that could have been extremely simple and makes it way more intriguing. Are Bob and Charlotte truly falling for each other or are they just connecting because they are lonely and so far from home? Definite food for thought.

Resolution: 8
Ah, the famous ending of Lost In Translation. What did she say? What does it all mean? How does the story end anyway? The ending, while it does leave you hanging, is an intriguing one for sure. I understand the ambiguity and I don't love it, but I'm ok with it.

Overall: 92
Bill Murray is like the Marvel Cinematic Universe...on steroids. They have been putting out hits for a decade now. Murray has been starring in classics for decades. This film is another notch on his belt. Loved it!

Friday, May 11, 2018

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Movie Review

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When an artificial intelligence outthinks its creator and forms itself into dozens of destructive robots, Earth's mightiest heroes come together once again to put a stop to the threat.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10
As most MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) films tend to do, Avengers: Age of Ultron gets off to a really quick start wasting no time with action. Everyone gets a piece in the first ten minutes and they're working even better together than they did in the first film. While Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) flex their muscle and rip tanks in half, Hawkeye Jeremy Renner) pierces through dudes like the modern-day Legolas. 

Characters: 10
A part of what works so well for these characters is how grossly different their backstories and personalities are. Hawkeye is a family man that uses humor to mask his annoyance in certain situations. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is constantly pushing the boundary envelope and acts superior to the ideas and thoughts of the rest of the group. Normally you hate a guy like this but he wears the hat so well. Throw in Vision, a benevolent AI with a sense of purpose, and the rest of the crew and you have a pretty solid character-base.

AI of the hour Ultron (James Spader) is a villain with a surprising amount of depth. He fights for his own cause which, in his mind, is the only necessary option for balance and preservation. His smooth, even-keeled voice can be chilling at times making for some pretty solid scenes.

Cinematography/Visuals: 10

Conflict: 10
There is enough action in the film for two films. The plot steamrolls into new scenes of combat, one after the next. Dull moments are nonexistent. There is something about having all of these characters on the screen at the same time that keeps the film exciting and fresh. Teamups are especially cool, watching pairs like Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor perform unique combo moves. You want eye candy? The film delivers.

Genre: 8
Not the best superhero film I've seen, although I believe that says more about the emergence of the genre than the film itself. This century has ushered in some phenomenal superhero movies that do the genre proud, including ones that set themselves apart by having enriched characters and deeper meaning. Age of Ultron is solid, but falls just slightly out of the Cream of the Crop territory.

Memorability: 9
The action sequences alone played throughout my mind well after having watched the film. Among other things, Age of Ultron gives you a falling city along with a classic matchup between Hulk and Stark in the Hulkbuster suit. Perhaps the most memorable part came at the very end when Ultron and Vision are having a conversation about the fate of humanity. Part foreshadowing, part introspection, it was a very fitting way to bring the curtain down on the action.

Pace: 10

Plot: 9

Resolution: 8

Overall: 94
No, it's not the best MCU film made to date, but it's still a high-quality film with a solid story and memorable sequences that keep you glued to your seat. Thankful for the rewatch as I enjoyed it even more the second time around.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Game Night (2018) Movie Review

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When I first saw the trailer for Movie Night, I thought there's no way this can be good.  A comedy about a traditional game night that turns deadly? I'm good. It's films like these that make me thankful for Moviepass as it affords me more of an opportunity to roll the dice. In any event, that's a long-winded way of me saying this film was pretty good!

Acting: 10
Jason Bateman plays the role of Max, the usual game night host. He's typically even-keeled in his performances which is what makes his angry, flustered moments so hilarious to watch on screen. He knows exactly how to respond to the moment that he's in which makes his character believable and real even if the situation is preposterous.  Meanwhile Rachel MacAdams excels in her role as Annie, adding even more hilarity to big moments with her innocent flare. The two together make a dynamic pair.

The film sees great success with a notable supporting cast. There are a number to choose from, but my personal favorite secondary performance came from Billy Magnussen in his role as Ryan. He tends to be the most oblivious person on screen and it works in such a funny way.

Beginning: 10
I like what they did here. A quick intro to all of the characters and what has kept their bond so strong. It's funny and gets you into the story immediately.

Characters: 10
You can't have a good comedy without great characters and I challenge you not to love this whole crew. As I mentioned earlier, Annie and Max make the film great while the supporting characters add on to the film's foundation. I'll stop here as I want you to get a chance to experience these characters firsthand like I did.

Cinematography/Visuals: 7

Conflict: 10
A couple of twists and turns keep the film from getting stale. You're interested the entire film, especially during the moments when you're not sure whether it's all real or just a ruse. I love that the film never takes itself too seriously, going full in on the laughs even during the most intense action sequences.

Genre: 7

Memorability: 8
Sure the film was funny as it was supposed to be. What gives it the extra boost, however, is the fact that it dares to go past funny at times and explore the issues that are going on with the characters. All the players here are dealing with their own demons and, before the film is done, there is closure of some sort for each of them. Nothing says working through your problems like surviving gun fights and high-intensity car chases.

Pace: 8
There a couple of points where the film got stale for me, but it did very little to ruin my overall enjoyment. Between the numerous comedic moments and the occasional tonal shift, there was more than enough here to hold my attention. A consistent delight from beginning to end.

Plot: 7

Resolution: 10
Expected, but good nonetheless. And fitting.

Overall: 87
When it comes to comedies, I appreciate when films try and branch out and try something different. Not only does Game Night go the extra mile, but it succeeds in doing so. High entertaining.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Movie Review (SPOILER-FREE)

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After watching Avengers: Infinity War, I'm still scratching my head wondering how Marvel Studios was able to pull off such a grand-scale movie. When it comes to superhero films, this one is epic. It's a battle for all the marbles as Earth's mightiest heroes (and then some) face off against Thanos who is hell-bent on destroying (half) the universe.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10
Infinity War doesn't even try to give you a chance to breathe. The first ten minutes is like a gut-punch: A very cool, jaw-dropping gut-punch. My emotions were like a rollercoaster: I was shocked, giddy, and a bit dismayed all at the same time. The first ten minutes sets you up properly for what you can expect to see later on.

Characters: 10
When I say, the gang is all here, I mean the GANG IS ALL HERE. What Marvel Studios has done such a great job of over the last decade is making sure the character's comic book personality translates to the big screen. For whatever reason, I expected some of that to be lost with such a large-scale movie, but I was dead wrong. The personalities here react exactly how you would expect them too in various scenes and situations. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is still kind of a dick. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) still thinks he has all the answers. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) tiptoes around like he doesn't have a raging Hulk inside of him. The thing that first captured your hearts about each one of these characters shines through in each of them throughout the film.

I can't bring up characters without mentioning big bad-ass Thanos (Josh Brolin). He bleeds evil, but he does so with a controlled rage that's just plain terrifying at times. He commands the screen in every single scene he's in. A dominant force with brains to match. I will say this once: Thanos is the baddest villain I've ever seen on the screen. 

Cinematography/Visuals: 10
This film literally spans across the galaxy. Each planet has its own unique feel and vibe that help establish the tone. Back on Earth, the battle spans across multiple cities and setpieces. 

Special Effects? Top notch. Beautiful combination of powers working in tandem from the metaphysical to pure, brute strength. Infinity War is definitely a feast for the eyes.

Conflict: 10

Genre: 10
One of the greatest superhero films ever done. Period. Not just because of the epic scale of the film, but because the film dares to do something that no superhero film has ever done before.

Memorability: 10
This film will stand the test of time if nothing else but for it's intense battle sequences that feature hosts of unlikely team-ups. There are a few surprises that keep the film exciting and fresh that I can't elaborate on. Not only is it groundbreaking in its scope, but it also dabbles in having a slight message (yes, two Marvel films in a row with a message!) and questions the lines of good vs. evil as we saw in Black Panther. It hits you with an emotional blow that will leave you stunned in points. By the end of it, you'll want to see it again.

Pace: 10
For a movie that flirts with being almost three hours, there sure is something always going on. I was never bored, not for a moment. When the intense fighting dies down, you're treated to hilarious quips between superheroes, one after the other. The film doesn't let the dire stakes of what's happening bog things down. Credit to the Russo Brothers for making this happen.

Plot: 8

Resolution: 10
Very controversial ending, but I loved it. You might see it coming, but it won't surprise you any less. I can honestly say that I've only seen this type of ending in one other film, but I can't mention said film for fear of giving things away. All I can say is it felt just right somehow.

Overall: 98
Avengers: Infinity War was everything I could have hoped for and then some. I'm sure I will be seeing it again before it leaves theaters. This is a superhero film that will stick with you for a long time to come.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Monsters (2010) Movie Review

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When a probe crash lands in Central America, large creatures form and begin to take over. Journalist Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy) is hired by his boss to find his daughter, who is stranded in Central America, and bring her home.

Acting: 8
Very strong performances from the two stars of the film. The acting was far from the problem here. It was everything else. Whitney Able plays Sam Wynden, the woman Andrew was hired to rescue. Her display of emotions are well-ranged and believable. You can feel her dismay, her fear as she moves from one scene to the next. Truly a talent that I enjoyed watching work in her craft.

Beginning: 10

Characters: 1

Cinematography/Visuals: 3

Conflict: 3

Genre: 0

Memorability: 2

Pace: 1

Plot: 7

Resolution: 5

Overall: 40
Nothing eventful really happens for the majority of the film. Like nothing. Not even exaggerating. I could rip this film apart, but you see the numbers. I don't need to waste my time. Don't waste yours either. Stay away from Monsters. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Pootie Tang (2001) Movie Review

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Platinum recording artist Pootie Tang (Lance Crouther) has to figure out how to get his mojo back after the scandalous Ireenie (Jennifer Coolidge) steals his magical belt that is the source of both his power and swag. Sound dumb? Well, it is. But it's damn funny and I challenge anyone not to laugh without cracking up at the absurdity of it all.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10

Characters: 10
Pootie provides the most hilarious moments in the film. As it opens, Pootie is having an interview with Bob Costas and you quickly learn that Pootie speaks his own language literally. For the sake of this review, let's call it Pootie Slang. The audience doesn't understand Pootie Slang, but the world he lives in can somehow make out every word he's saying. Best example I can think of: Groot speech. The words he says are enough to make you laugh, but it's the confidence in which the lines are delivered that take it to a whole new level. Pootie's got swag. For whatever reason, the ladies love him and everyone respects him, including the "Tippy ties" (those are children, by the way). It's one of those films you have to see to understand.

If Pootie isn't enough, there's an array of characters that keep the film entertaining. There's Biggy Shorty (Wanda Sykes), Pootie's love interest who has an eccentric style of dress and will slap the taste out of the mouth of anyone that disrespects Pooty. Then you have Trucky, Pootie's loudmouth friend that basically lives off of Pootie's success. Dirty Dee (Reg E. Cathey), the dirty scoundrel who walks around constantly covered in muck. My personal favorite: Lacey (Mario Joyner) who has a special knack for repeating everything a person said as if it were his idea. I could go on...

Cinematography/Visuals: 7
You haven't laughed until you have seen eight-year-old Pootie walking down a street while a woman three times his age throws his big wheel out the window because she's mad at him. You haven't laughed until you see Pootie's father get attacked at his job by a "gorilla" which is really someone in a gorilla costume. You really haven't laughed until you've seen Pootie record a song with absolutely no sound as he silently screams into the mic. And you really haven't laughed...well, you get my point.

Conflict: 10

Genre: 8

Memorability: 7

Pace: 7
Pacing was a bit spotty at times. When it's rolling, it's really rolling. However, there were a handful of dry spots where the film didn't seem like it knew where it was headed.

Plot: 6
The plot is all over the place at times, like watching a grenade explode. It has a direct line of sight, sure. There is a clear beginning, middle, and end. It's all the filler between these three things where the film goes south. There is a bit of forgiveness here as Pootie Tang manages to stay humorous even when it's confusing. Sometimes the confusion is what makes things funny. The writing definitely could have been stronger in certain points.

Resolution: 9

Overall: 84
Will Pootie Tang ever win an award for underrated comedy? No. Is it a pretty darn good time that makes you laugh consistently? Absolutely. It's dumb, but that's what makes it endearing. Honestly, I don't think it's any less dumb than a Bill and Ted film or *insert Pauly Shore film here* and those are regarded as cult classics. Just saying...Give it a chance. Maybe you hate it, but it's going to leave you laughing a few times and that's all that matters.

P.S.--Did I really just mention Groot and Pootie Tang in the same review? Wow...

Sixteen Candles (1984) Movie Review

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Samantha's (Molly Ringwald) family is busy, so busy in fact that they forgot her sixteenth birthday. Samantha has to cope with this while dealing with various misadventures surrounding her life. It's an innocent 80's comedy that takes you on a fun ride from beginning to end.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10

Characters: 10

Cinematography/Visuals: 8
There are a number of memorable shots that stick out, including the opening scene where you're first introduced to Samantha's family in her Chicago home. Everything is pure chaos causing for a hilarious beginning. A number of other scenes stick out from Samantha's grandma feeling her up to Samantha's convo with The Geek (Anthony Michael Hall) inside the hollowed-out car in the school's garage. A lot of different set pieces kept the film interesting.

Conflict: 6
One of the weaker portions of the film for me. So people forgot her birthday, boo hoo. Don't get me wrong, Samantha is a very likable character and there was a large part of me that felt sorry for her. I'm just not sure her situation warranted an entire film. Perhaps a different angle would have created more conflict for me.

Genre: 8
Very solid 80's comedy. You can't name films within the decade that stand out without mentioning this one. Coming of age films? This ranks right up there although not quite as strong as some of the ones I've seen in recent years, masterpieces like Boyhood and Lady Bird.

Memorability: 10

Pace: 10

Plot: 7
The story itself is fine. It's believable even as comedies go. Again, the lack of conflict made things a little bland for me. I will say that the number of memorable moments helped pick up the slack from what the film lacked in conflict.

Resolution: 3

Overall: 82
Another 80's classic I can check off the list. A fun film that still stands the test of time.