Film Review “The Imitation Game”


Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode
Directed by: Morton Tyldum
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hr 54 mins
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

1951. A note is passed to a man behind a desk. “Alan Turing has been robbed,” it reads. Moments later, a couple of London’s finest enter the premises to find Mr. Turing (Cumberbatch) cleaning up. He is very curt with them, assures them nothing has been stolen and asks them to leave. Curious, one of the detectives (Rory Kinnear) begins to investigate Turing. The secret he uncovers is nothing compared to the one Turing has kept for a decade!

The second of two World War II films to open today, “The Imitation Game” is one of those great thrillers where, even though you know the outcome, you’re still on the edge of your seat. A brilliant mathematician, Turing is recruited by England’s MI6 – in a funny exchange, it is pointed out that England only has FIVE levels of Military Intelligence. The reply – “Exactly.” He and a group of code breakers are charged with cracking the ENIGMA machine, the device with which the Nazis send out their orders. A series of letters that creates a code, with the meaning of those letters changing every day, the ENIGMA machine is the deadliest weapon the Nazis have. With a possibility of 159,000,000,000,000,000,000 (that’s 159 million-million-million) settings, the Allies have been working around the clock trying to solve the code. Unfortunately, once midnight comes, they have to start over. The machine has been re-set and the previous day’s work is now worthless. Turing begins to devise a machine that he feels will not only know each day’s setting but progress further. The first digital computer.

As Turing, Benedict Cumberbatch gives a performance sure to be remembered come Oscar nomination time. Cumberbatch manages to make the seemingly unlikable man endearing. If I were to make a modern day reference, I would compare him to Sheldon, the character Jim Parsons plays on “The Big Bang Theory.” Humor and sarcasm are often lost on him but, as the smartest guy in the room (and one who knows he is) it really doesn’t matter. Turing is also gay, a choice that could land you in prison in the 1940s. Smarmy and secretly gay does not make a fun guy to hang out with. Through flashbacks (and flash-forwards) we learn the life lessons that have made Turing the way he is. Cumberbatch is assisted by his supporting cast, most notably Knightley as a female code breaker, Goode and Alan Leach as members of Turing’s team, Charles Dance as the man in charge of Turing’s project and Mark Strong as the head of MI6.

The direction is tight, keeping the story moving smoothly while constantly building on the suspense. Will Turing’s machine work? And if so, when? Half the fun in waiting is spending time with this incredible film. Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.

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Film Review “Into the Woods”

Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Johnny Depp
Directed by: Rob Marshall
Rated: PG
Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
The Walt Disney Company

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

In late 1987 and early 1988 it was a great time for Broadway musicals. Fans had three long running and beloved shows to pick from. “Les Miserable” won the Tony Award for Best Musical and was made into a great film. “The Phantom of the Opera” also won the Tony Award for Best Musical and was made into a so-so film (call it the curse of Joel Schumacher). One of the shows “Phantom” beat that year was the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine take on fairy tales, “Into the Woods.” It too has been made into a film and, while it’s not “Les Miz,” it isn’t “Phantom” either!

As the film opens we are introduced to several familiar characters from all of our childhoods: Cinderella (Anna Kendrick); Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford); Jack (Daniel Huttlestone), the kid with the beanstalk; the Baker and his wife (James Corden and Blunt) and, of course, the evil witch (a well-cast Streep). Their stories all become intertwined when they all meet up and discover that each has something the others want. It’s just a matter of what they’re willing to do to get them.

On the plus side, I can safely say that it is virtually impossible to have a bad musical when the guy writing the tunes is Stephen Sondheim. If I listed all of his great shows I’d be here until NEXT Christmas so let me give you the first five off the top of my head – “West Side Story,” “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” “Gypsy,” “Sweeny Todd” and “Assassins.” Though some of the songs from the show have been excised (as have some characters, many of whom have been combined into one) the score is still as hummable as it was almost three decades ago. The cast is also pitch perfect – a little Anna Kendrick joke there…did you see what I did there…with everyone having a wonderful time. Besides those named above, work by Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski and Depp, as the Big, Bad Wolf is exemplary. The biggest surprise here is, ironically, the same actor who surprised me earlier this year in “Horrible Bosses 2”…Chris Pine. As Prince Charming, Pine is all dramatics and gravitas, singing strongly of his love for the mysterious Cinderella while making sure his shirt is open far enough to see his hairy chest! And what a great voice. Sorry William Shatner, but the answer to which Captain Kirk is the better singer sure isn’t you! Corden and Blunt also shine as a young couple in love who achingly want a child. Speaking of children, young Huttlestone brings a fun and youthful spirit to Jack. I was probably too hard on Huttlestone when I reviewed him as Gavroche in “Les Miz.” I think it’s just because I hate the character. When I saw the show live I actually had to stop myself from applauding when Gavroche was shot. My bad.

The negative is that, in order to make the film “family friendly,” some of the darker elements of the show have been removed. Some of the characters that died in the show now survive and those that do die do it off screen. Body parts are cut off and eyes plucked out. Speaking of body parts, the wolf is missing a major piece of his anatomy. To put it bluntly, in the show the wolf wanted to do more to Red Riding Hood then just steal her basket! And while those unfamiliar with the show won’t notice those changes, fans of the show will not be happy. What’s next? The movie version of “SPAMALOT” that doesn’t tout the necessity of having Jews to succeed?

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Film Review “Unbroken”

Starring: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson and Takamasa Ishihara
Directed by: Angelina Jolie
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 17 mins
Universal

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I first heard the story of Lou Zamperini about 20 years ago while watching one of Tim McCarver’s HBO Sport Specials. I learned that Zamperini had run in the 1936 Olympics (which were held in Berlin) and, even though he didn’t win his event (the 5000 meter race) his time on the final lap so impressed Adolph Hitler that the leader had a personal meeting with him. I also learned that, during World War II, Zamperini’s plane crashed in the Pacific and he became a prisoner of war. The story ended by informing me that, thought dead, a memorial track event was held in California and that Zamperini actually showed up at the second one. An interesting story, to be sure. But the life of Lou Zamperini, how it was lived and how it was molded, took place between races and that is the story of UNBROKEN.

The film opens with Lieutenant Lou Zamperini (O’Connell in a star-making role), a bombardier, and his fellow airmen in a dogfight with Japanese pilots. Making it through, but with the plane badly damaged, the crew is given another assignment and put in a plane that is the talk of the base, mostly because it is in such disrepair. True to its myth, the plane malfunctions and the plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean. Eight of the eleven crewmen are killed but Zamperini and the others spend 47 days on a raft, living off of rainwater and the fish they manage to catch. They are eventually spotted and sent to a prisoner of war camp in Japan. They’re meager dinner is a handful of rice, thrown into their cells. Lou notices the names of nine sailors that had occupied his cell before him. When he inquires as to their whereabouts he is told they were beheaded. Welcome to Japan.

Masterfully directed with a script by a who’s who of Oscar nominated screenwriters, “Unbroken” is easily the most inspirational film of the year as well as one of the year’s best! Jolie proves herself to be a smart director, letting the cast and the script tell the story and capturing the magic on camera. Not to diminish her contributions here. Any time you have a film set during war time it is very easy to go for the heartstrings and gloss over things that would make lesser men cowed by what took place. But here Jolie refuses to hide, or deny, any of the treatment administered by Zamperini’s tormentors. We are introduced to Zamperini’s life via flashbacks and it is these scenes in which we learn why he is so tough. Taunted as a “dago” in school, Zamperini is urged to join the school track team, where his speed and ability to run long distances (helped, no doubt, by his mischievousness as a young hell-raiser) earn him the nickname “The Torrance Tornado.” His brother’s words – “A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory” – ring in his ears and inspire him.

In the P.O.W. camp he is singled out by the camp commander (Ishihara – better known as acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Miyavi) who, realizing what it takes to make it to the Olympics, figures if he can break Lou he will be successful in breaking the other prisoners. Known as “the Bird” – we learn that to call him anything else will get you killed – he is both impressed with Lou’s achievements but also disgusted with him, and the others, as enemies of Japan. His performance is frightening. O’Connell not only undergoes mental changes on screen, but physical as well. As his torment begins you can’t help but cringe at his emaciated frame. But it is the strength hidden behind his eyes that makes O’Connell’s performance truly stand out.

The story is straightforward and the script, by Joel and Ethan Coen (“Fargo,” “No Country for Old Men”), William Nicholson (“Gladiator”) and Richard LaGravenese (“The Fisher King”), adapted from the bestselling book of the same name by Laura Hillenbrand, steadily follows Zamperini throughout his ordeal. The film is beautifully photographed by Roger Deakins, a long-time associate of the Coen brothers and the score, by Alexandre Desplat, sets the tone of the film beautifully.

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Film Review “Annie (2014)”

Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, and Rose Byrne
Directed By: Will Gluck
Rated: PG
Running Time: 118 minutes
Columbia Pictures

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I need to be upfront with everyone. I have never seen any previous creation of “Annie”. I’ve never laid eyes upon the 1982 original film adaptation, I haven’t viewed a live stage production, or have taken the time to watch either made-for-TV movies on the little orphan. Like most though, I do know the basic premise, and the songs “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life”. I also have fond memories of the delightful scene in “Serial Mom” where a woman is battered to death while singing along to the movie. I’m not telling you to not to take my opinion seriously or with a grain of salt, but just keep in mind, I had no expectations. With that said, “Annie” is probably your best bet for family fun this holiday season.

Annie (Wallis) is a cheeky young girl gallivanting around Harlem and searching for her parents, believing that they will return to her one day. Then they will be the happy family she dreams they will be. Annie lives with other foster children in the care of Miss Colleen Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). She’s soaked in booze and uses every vocal opportunity she has to put Annie down.

In the much nicer, cleaner and more brightly lit part of town, is Will Stacks (Foxx). He’s an isolationist cell phone tycoon and an absolute germaphobe. Not as bad as Howard Hughes though. His habits don’t mix well with his current mission, to become the mayor of New York City. Watching him in action, you actually wonder how someone like him went along with the idea of becoming a public official for one of the world’s largest cities in the first place. At one point he spits up mashed potatoes on a homeless person.

So by pure chance, these two meet. Stacks “saves” Annie’s life and he quickly disregards Annie, right after applying some hand sanitizer, as to not get any poor on him. His circle of trust, the lovely Grace (Byrne) and the skeevy Guy (Bobby Canavale) see the potential to increase his likeability amongst the populace by having him temporarily adopt Annie. Annie simply sees this as another great opportunity in life although she’s fully aware she’s a political ploy. Hijinks, flashy tech, and montages ensue along with some catchy tunes that I haven’t heard besides the aforementioned songs.

The highest praise I can give this movie isn’t to the movie itself, but to Rose Byrne and Quvenzhane Wallis. The actresses already radiate a delightful charm by themselves, but together they’re quite endearing. Their scenes together feel like the most genuine among any of the other characters. While most dialogue in “Annie” feels hokey or nauseatingly cute, the conversations between their two characters feel honest. It’s almost like they give each other some meaningful girl power to help propel their own self-esteem and optimistic outlook.

Outside of that, there are a list of negatives, including an overacting Cameron Diaz, an odd pro and anti-capitalist slant, and hit or miss self-aware winks towards the camera; just to name a few. What had me push all those aside is the charming energy this pumped into me. I tapped my toes, I smiled, I laughed, and if you have any kind of happy reaction to something, it’s worth noting.

While I may have nothing to compare “Annie” to in terms of its predecessors and stories, I must note that it comes off playfully mocking towards the original source content. It’s almost like it knows that what it’s doing is sure to piss some people off, such as fans of the original. Well. I’m not a fan of the original. I enjoyed its taunts, its urban take on the original score, and it’s smug cuteness.

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Film Review “Wild”

Starring: Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern
Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallee
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 55 mins
Fox Searchlight

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When we first meet Cheryl Strayed (Witherspoon) she is pulling a nail off of her big toe. Cheryl is on a hike and her boots are too small. On the other hand, her pack is too big. So big, in fact, that other hikers have nicknamed it “Monster.” As she begins the 1,000 mile trek down the Pacific Crest Trail it is obvious that Cheryl is heading towards a clean future. And doing her best to lose the past.

Carried on the slight shoulders of star (and producer) Witherspoon, “Wild” is a sharp and smartly directed film that, despite the basic plot (woman hiking alone), manages to entertain. If you remember Emilio Estevez’ brilliant film, “The Way,” from a few years ago, “Wild” would be a most welcome companion piece.

Told via flashbacks, we learn, bit by bit, why Cheryl has undertaken this journey. From a childhood raised by a mother (Dern) she adored to a marriage she doomed by her drug use and promiscuity to the sudden illness that takes her beloved mother, we are given small peeks into her past and then see how they affect her path. As she begins she isn’t a mile down the road before she starts trying to convince herself that she can quit any time she wants. But quitting is not on her agenda. From temperatures in the hundreds to trails blocked by snow, the further she goes the closer she is to her goal. Along the way she finds the time to leave brief messages (usually bits of poetry) in the notebooks provided along the trail, gaining an almost cult like following from fellow hikers who so rarely see a woman make the journey.

Witherspoon, an Oscar winner almost a decade ago for “Walk the Line,” has really come back to the big screen recently with a vengeance. Her performance here (and her work in the up-coming “Inherent Vice”) is strong and steady. The same with Dern. Though only seven years separate the two actresses age wise, their scenes together are moving. This is due to a combination of performance and material. Based on Strayed’s book detailing her journey, Nick Hornby’s screenplay is both straight forward and humorous. When a writer for “The Hobo Times” tries to get an interview with Cheryl he is not dissuaded by her constant reminders that she’s hiking just like everyone else and is not the very rare “lady” hobo!

Vallee’s direction, like his work on last year’s “Dallas Buyers Club,” is strong yet understated. He allows the film to flow as slow and smooth as a walk in the woods. Coupled with the smart script and fine performances, “Wild” is a must see.

 

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Film Review “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”

Starring: Martin Freeman and Ian McKellan
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 24 mins
New Line

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

It’s over. After thirteen years and six films, Peter Jackson has completed not one but two amazing film trilogies that will be thrilling viewers for generations to come. Welcome to the final chapter of “The Hobbit” series, “The Battle of the Five Armies.”

When we last saw Bilbo Baggins (Freeman), he and his dwarf friends had royally pissed off the great dragon, Smaug, who was doing his best to destroy Laketown. In case you didn’t see the middle film, “The Desolation of Smaug,” the final film opens with the same scenes that closed part two. Kind of like getting to see the end of the fight from “Rocky” when you screen “Rocky II.” Once things calm down the film settles into its narrative…Thorin (Richard Armitage) has gotten “gold fever” and begins to distrust those around him. Did you ever see the old Daffy Duck cartoon where he stumbles into a vault and begins to hoard all of the treasure? Well, it’s pretty much like that except Throin doesn’t run around yelling “mine, mine, mine….no, no, no!” Meanwhile, the Orcs are heading towards our heroes’ location, guaranteeing that the title battle will indeed take place – Orcs, Dwarves, Elves and Eagles spend an almost wordless 45 minutes kicking serious ass. So why am I not as in love with this film as the previous ones? One word: Legolas. Apparently his long blonde hair makes him able to defy gravity among other incredulous activities. Yes, I know it’s a fantasy but come on all ready!

On the plus side the film’s cast is as game as ever to bring the story to life and the special effects continue to amaze. If nothing else, Jackson has established himself as a master storyteller, even when the story sometimes goes a little off track. The saga is over and what never could have been imagined on screen two decades ago has now come to life. If that’s not something to be thankful for at this time of year I don’t know what is.

 

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Kansas City Film Critics Name The Year’s Best

December 14, 2014

The Kansas City Film Critics Circle, the second oldest organized critics group in the country, held their annual end-of-the-year award gathering this afternoon, with “Birdman” and “Boyhood” taking home the lion’s share of the major awards. This is the 48th year the group has awarded their annual James Loutzenhiser awards.

Michael Keaton’s big return to the big screen, “Birdman,” won four awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (for Keaton), Best Supporting Actor (Edward Norton) and Best Original Screenplay. Richard Linklater’s 12-year in the making “Boyhood” received the Robert Altman Award for Achievement in Directing (for Linklater) and Best Supporting Actress (Patricia Arquette). Other films earing awards include “Gone Girl,” “Obvious Child” and “The Lego Movie.”

Here is a complete list of winners:

BEST PICTURE: “Birdman”
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD FOR BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING: Richard Linklater – “Boyhood”
BEST ACTOR: Michael Keaton – “Birdman”
BEST ACTRESS: Rosamund Pike – “Gone Girl”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Edward Norton – “Birdman”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Patricia Arquette – “Boyhood”
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicholas Glocobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo – “Birdman”
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Gillian Robespierre – “Obvious Child”
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: “The Lego Movie”
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: “CitizenFour”
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: “Ida” (Poland)
VINCE KOEHLER AWARD FOR BEST SCI-FI, FANTASY or HORROR FILM: “The Babadook”

For more information on the Kansas City Film Critics Circle and previous year’s awards go to www.kcfcc.org

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Film Review “Exodus: Gods and Kings”

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Running time: 154 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I really had no interest in seeing “Exodus: Gods and Kings” prior to seeing the trailer. They really roped me in with that trailer. It looks action packed and visual entertaining. Well, that trailer certainly had a great editor. “Exodus: Gods and Kings” is a bloated, boring, 2.5 hour mess. I wasn’t convinced by any of the performances at all. I was really hoping for an epic action film but this was very slow paced and when the action came it had little to no pay off.

Everyone should know the story of Moses but in case you don’t, the film follows a once respected General, Moses (Christian Bale), who comes back after being banned by the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) to save free the 600,000 slaves that are his people. After warnings to Ramses, the city is taken by a sea of deadly plagues. Moses and his people set out on to escape Egypt and to carry out God’s plan.

When I see a movie in the theaters, I have never fallen asleep ever. This film almost came close to ruining that streak. The visual effects were good when they were happening but I just felt like they really far and few between. There were two cool scenes and when the plagues start and the part of the sea other than that. I really was underwhelming. Same goes for the 3D in the film, that was a real shame and wasn’t used at all. I mean literally nothing. I feel bad for Bale and Edgerton because they really are great actors but this was a very poor choice for them. Save your money and catch this on cable.

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Film Review “Top Five”

Starring: Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson and Gabrielle Union
Directed By: Chris Rock
Rated: R
Running Time: 101 minutes
Paramount Pictures

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

It’s really been a year for meta commentary in entertainment. Everything from “The Lego Movie” to the bizarre internet phenomenon of “Too Many Cooks” has left viewers scratching their heads or having to turn on their brain when consuming their favorite pop-culture substance. I’m sure someone at some point, will compare “Birdman” to “Top Five” for how it depicts its main character, but I’d be a little offended if someone was to put these two movies at the same level.

“Top Five” is written and directed by Chris Rock, who also stars in the main role, Andre Allen. Sometimes Dre for short. He’s a comedian powerhouse who’s known for his franchise about a bear cop by the name of Hammy. That part of his life is over now, along with a heavy drinking problem. He’s sober and trying to reinvent himself by turning to a serious role, a Haitian rebellion leader in the movie Uprize. Changing from an actor in a bear suit to an angry slave wielding a machete draw some of the biggest laughs for me, but sadly the movie strays from this rich, fruitful tree of humor.

Allen also has to worry about his upcoming television wedding with the reality star sensation Erica Long (Union), promoting Uprize to people who are more interested in asking him if he’s doing another Hammy movie, and doing an interview for Chelsea Brown (Dawson). On his busy day, there are some detours that include a visit to his extended family. There’s also the constant struggle with sobriety. Hidden bottles of liquor, store fronts lined with a rainbow of alcohol, all tempt him. So much is cramped into its short runtime; it feels choppy and rushed at moments. Andre is struggling to find his identity and reclaim his confidence, but not enough time is given to focus on his emotional tussle.

It’s also a movie that’s highly interested in ridiculing critics, reality TV, cellphones, the media circus, and celebrities, but it also has very little to say and simply eases into a predictable storyline. It’s unfortunate that Rock couldn’t take a more ambiguous approach to Andre’s life instead of having to verbally explain everything, sometimes twice, to the audience. Chelsea, through a day of connecting and learning one another’s feelings, becomes the obvious romantic interest as Andre slowly realizes Long is in a relationship for the ratings.

The amount of humor might lead audiences astray from whatever noble point Rock is trying to make about comedy. There’s the sense that under the raging sexual debauchery and hot sauce tampon jokes, there’s something to be said. But its voice is barely heard above the loud squeals of laughter from the audience and the sights of many prominent comedians. There’s a great message to be told about comedy and how art has an amazing power to heal, but I’m afraid Chris Rock couldn’t quite hit the nail on the head.

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Film Review “The Homesman”

Starring: Hilary Swank, Tommy Lee Jones and John Lithgow
Directed by: Tommy Lee Jones
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 2 mins
Roadside Attractions

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Meet Miss Mary Bee Cuddy (Swank). Strong, healthy…single. Mary has an impressive ranch, livestock, money in the bank and a nice home. What she doesn’t have is a husband. She often entertains gentlemen callers, making them a fine dinner and then singing for them. But no luck. When she finally takes the bull by the horns and proposes marriage to one of her callers she is flatly turned down. “Sorry,” the would be beau says as he leaves the house, “you’re too bossy!”

A story about resilience, forgiveness and redemption, “The Homesman” is a well-cast, well-intentioned film that hopefully read better in its original novel form. The basic plot concerns three women (Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto and Gro Svendsen) living in the Nebraska Territory who have “taken ill” and are now believe to be mentally unstable. They have done horrible things and are being shipped to a minister in Iowa and his wife for caretaking. Mary volunteers to take the women on their journey and, after coming across a claim-jumper (Jones) on the verge of being hanged, has him accompany her in exchange for saving his life. With the women secured in the back of an enclosed wagon the two set out on the nearly five week adventure, bonding somewhat along the way. Somewhat.

As co-star, director and co-writer/producer, Tommy Lee Jones wears many hats (including an impressive black one in the film). He moves the story along well, not spending a lot of time on any external storylines. Unfortunately this sometimes works against him as a majority of the film feels like a series of clever “moments” that occur when the story calls for them. The cast does fine, with familiar names like Tim Blake Nelson, James Spader, William Fichtner and Barry Corbin doing good, solid work.

Another positive is the beautiful, picture-like scenery that Jones and Rodrigo Prieto, his cinematographer, discover on location. The work here is similar to his Oscar nominated achievement with “Brokeback Mountain.”

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Media Mikes’ 2014 Holiday Film Preview

As you just spent the last few days fighting those “Black Friday” crowds, making sure that for years to come your children will know that you paid $10.00 less than anyone else for their JAWS Lego set, why not set aside some family time and take in a movie?

This time of year not only brings jolly Saint Nick around but also a lot of what the studios deem their “prestige” films – the ones to remember come award time.  Of course, they occasionally sneak in a couple of stinkers as well.  Here is a list of both for you to plan your next cinema visit.  As usual, thanks to our friends at the Internet Movie Database for some synopsis information and, as always, remember that this list is not all-inclusive and that the opening dates are subject to change depending on the whims of the studios and where you live.  Enjoy!

 

DECEMBER 

ESCOBAR:  PARADISE LOST

Starring:  Benicio Del Toro, Josh Hutcherson

Directed by:  Andrea Di Stefano

While vacationing in Columbia, a young man meets the woman of his dreams and soon finds himself introduced to her uncle, the infamous drug dealer Pablo Escobar.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Not a lot of buzz on this film but Del Toro did win an Oscar for his Supporting work in “Traffic.”

 

STILL ALICE

Starring:  Julianne Moore, Kate Bosworth and Kristen Stewart

Directed by:  Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland

When Alice Howland (Moore), a noted linguistics professor, begins forgetting words she learns she is in the early stages of Alzheimer.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Moore, a four time nominee, is generating great word of mouth for a fifth nod.

 

TOP FIVE

Starring:  Chris Rock and Rosario Dawson

Directed by:  Chris Rock

A comedian tries to make it as a serious actor when his reality-TV star fiancé talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show.  Rock, who also wrote the film, promises this film to carry the edge of his stand up.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Adam Sandler also appears but who am I to dream?

 

WILD

Starring:  Reese Witherspoon and Gaby Hoffman

Directed by:  Jean-Marc Vallee

A chronicle of one woman’s 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent catastrophe.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Like Julianne Moore, Witherspoon, who already has a Best Actress Oscar for her work in “Walk the Line,” is getting great word of mouth.  Director Vallee guided both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto to Oscars last year in “Dallas Buyers Club” and earned a nomination himself for his editing of the film.

 

DECEMBER 12

DEMONIC

Starring:  Maria Bello and Frank Grillo

Directed by:  Will Canon

A police officer and a psychologist investigate the deaths of five people who were killed while trying to summon ghosts.  The story comes from James Wan (“Saw,” “Insidious,” “The Conjuring”) so hopefully this will be on the plus side of horror.

OSCAR CHANCES:  “Horror,” asks the Academy, “what is that?”

 

EXODUS:  GODS AND KINGS

Starring:  Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton

Directed by:  Ridley Scott

The defiant leader Moses (Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Bale has one Oscar (Best Supporting Actor for “The Fighter”) and a second nomination while director Scott has been nominated three times, including for “Gladiator.”  Look for a lot of technical nods.

 

INHERENT VICE

Starring:  Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin

Directed by:  Paul Thomas Anderson

In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry “Doc” Sportello (Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.  Here’s a little trivia for you:  writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson’s production company is named Ghoulardi after the late night horror host his father, Ernie Anderson, used to portray on Cleveland television.  As a boy I loved Ghoulardi!

OSCAR CHANCES:  If Paul Thomas Anderson has made a bad film I’ve never seen it.  He and his casts are nomination magnets so look for plenty.

 

DECEMBER 17

THE HOBBIT:  THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

Starring:  Martin Freeman and Cate Blanchett

Directed by:  Peter Jackson

The final episode of director Jackson’s “Hobbit” trilogy.  As he proved with the “Lord of the Rings” films, Jackson is a master storyteller and this last chapter should be amazing!

OSCAR CHANCES:  Technical across the board.

 

DECEMBER 19

ANNIE

Starring:  Quvenzhane Wallis and Jamie Foxx

Directed by:  Will Gluck

OK, the synopsis really has nothing to do with the Broadway musical except that Annie (Wallis) is an orphan and eventually she will sing “Tomorrow.”  This is the one film that I’m torn on.  I loved the original show – at one time it was so popular that when you went to audition for a musical you were told that you COULDN’T perform “Tomorrow” – so I’m trying to go in with blinders.  That fact that director Gluck only has a few PG-13 teen comedies on his resume, and that he helped produce the still horrible memory “About Last Night” remake makes me sad.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Young Miss Wallis remains the youngest Best Actress nominee EVER for her work in “Beasts of the Southern Wild” while Foxx not only has an Oscar for “Ray” but kicked ass in “Dreamgirls.”  I’m not looking for any here but hopefully I’ll be surprised.

 

THE GAMBLER

Starring:  Mark Walberg and Brie Larson

Directed by:  Rupert Wyatt

A literature college professor and high stakes gambler runs afoul of a loan shark and his bodyguard-like gangsters while he has an affair with one of his students.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Can’t see any.

 

TURNER

Starring:  Timothy Spall and Paul Jesson

Directed by:  Mike Leigh

An exploration of the last quarter century of the great, if eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner’s life.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Spall (probably best known as the band manager in “Rock Star” and Peter Pettigrew in the “Harry Potter” series, is getting huge word of mouth for his work here.  Writer/director Mike Leigh has seven previous nominations.

 

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:  SECRET OF THE TOMB

Starring:  Ben Stiller and Rebel Wilson

Directed by:  Shawn Levy

Larry (Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.  The final film in the series sadly features the final performance of the great Mickey Rooney and one of the final performances of the beloved Robin Williams.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Technical?

 

DECEMBER 24

TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT

Starring:  Marion Cotillard

Directed by:  Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenn

Sandra, a young Belgian mother, discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. She has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job.

 

OSCAR CHANCES:  Cotillard is a past winner for “La Vie en Rose” and is always a threat to earn a nomination.

 

DECEMBER 25

AMERICAN SNIPER

Starring:  Bradley Cooper

Directed by:  Clint Eastwood

A Navy S.E.A.L. recounts his military career, which includes more than 150 confirmed kills.  Based on the life of the late Chris Kyle.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Everyone I’ve spoken to who has seen this predicts nods for Cooper, which would be his third year in a row, and Eastwood, who already has two directing Oscars on the shelf (“Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby”).

 

BIG EYES

Starring:  Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz

Directed by:  Tim Burton

A drama centered on the awakening of the painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s.  A true change of pace film for director Burton.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Waltz has two Supporting Actor awards (“Inglorious Basterds” and “Django Unchained”) while Adams has been nominated five times previously.

 

THE INTERVIEW

Starring:  Seth Rogen and James Franco

Directed by:  Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen

Dave Skylark (Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show “Skylark Tonight.” When they discover that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists.  This is the second film co-directed by Rogen and his writing partner Goldberg, after the very funny “This is the End.”

OSCAR CHANCES:  “Comedy,” asks the Academy, “what is that?”

 

INTO THE WOODS

Starring:  Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Johnny Depp

Directed by:  Rob Marshall

A witch (Streep) conspires to teach important lessons to various characters of popular children’s stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.  Based on the Tony Award winning musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Did I mention Meryl Streep is in it?  Director Marshall helmed “Chicago” to the Best Picture Oscar in 2003.

 

SELMA

Starring:  David Oyelowo and Carmen Ejogo

Directed by:  Ava DuVernay

The film looks at the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and President Lyndon B. Johnson as well as the turbulent civil rights marches of the 1960s.

OSCAR CHANCES:  A supporting cast of previous nominees (Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Wilkinson) and winner (Cuba Gooding, Jr) bode well for a possible nod.  Oyelowo was brilliant last year in “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.”

 

UNBROKEN

Starring:  Jack O’Connell and Jai Courtney

Directed by:  Angelina Jolie

A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.  As a long time follower of Lou Zamperini’s story this is one of my most anticipated films of the year.

OSCAR CHANCES:  The academy loves a good bio-film!

 

 

DECEMBER 31

A MOST VIOLENT YEAR

Starring:  Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain

Directed by:  J.C. Chandor

In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city’s history.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Both Isaac and Chastain are bright new stars in Hollywood.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2014, film, holiday, media, mikes, preview, ...

Film Review “Horrible Bosses 2”

Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis
Directed by: Sean Anders
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hours 48 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

What do you do when your trio of friends get away with trying to kill your bosses? You go into business, hoping to sell your latest invention: The Shower Buddy! Think of all the different things you can do at a car wash and move it to your shower and you have an idea of what it does. Mistake number one: naming your company after yourselves. Nick-Kurt-Dale. Say it real fast and you’ll see the problem. Mistake number two: sell your product to Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz) and his spoiled son, Rex (Chris Pine). Who said business was easy?

Consistently funny, with a few surprises, “Horrible Bosses 2” finds Nick (voice of reason Bateman), Kurt (always horny Sudeikis) and Dale (frantic and funny Day) back on the wrong side of the law when they attempt to pull off a kidnapping in an attempt to get back at Hanson senior, who has pulled a fast one and is about to take over their invention. Unsure of how to exactly go about doing the deed, they turn to a couple of pros: former boss/now convicted felon Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey) and old confederate Mother F***er Jones (Jamie Foxx). They even manage to run into Dale’s old employer, dentist Julia Harris, who now spends her time attending Sex Addiction meetings.

The cast is in fine form. The three leads go above and beyond in making sure this sequel is entertaining and not derivative of the first film. Waltz does his best to convey a Snidely Whiplash-type attitude but I’m not sure he understood the humor needed. On the other side of the spectrum, Chris Pine is amazingly funny. Who knew Captain Kirk had a sense of humor? His work here makes me think he will do well next month when the musical “Into the Woods” is released. In limited screen time Spacey, Foxx and Aniston are equally funny.

The script, by director Anders and John Morris (they also wrote last week’s “Dumb and Dumber To” as well as Sudeikis’ last film, “We’re the Millers”) ladles on the R-rated laughs in large doses, like gravy on your Thanksgiving turkey. It’s just as satisfying and there’s no need to unbutton your pants afterwards.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 2, bosses, film, horrible, review

Film Review “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Julianne Moore
Directed By: Francis Lawrence
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 123 minutes
Lionsgate

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The final piece of a series is no longer a bloated epic detailing the final time we’ll see our heroes, but now cut in half, with the first part generally being the weaker of the two. That makes it easier to scrutiny because of how much of an obvious cash grab it is by the Hollywood executives hoping to squeeze out those last remaining pennies before finding their next franchise to milk. “Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part – 1” isn’t about to break that stereotype, but it comes pretty close.

For a movie that seems to be advertised as an explosive and heart pounding action flick, it’s surprisingly thoughtful. “Mockingjay – Part 1” picks up moments after the events of “Catching Fire”. Katniss (Lawrence) is still nursing some mental scars and having to come to terms with the fact that District 12 no longer exists. It’s nothing but rubble and piles of charred bodies. The visuals of blackened skeletons is enough to paint a horrific picture and further imply the brutal extent the Capitol will go to strengthen it’s iron fist grip over the districts.

Katniss is taking refuge underground in District 13, long believed to have suffered the same fate that has recently befallen District 12. There she meets a military society headed by President Alma Coin (Moore). This is the first introduction of President Alma in the series and while it’s easy to trust the person supplying food and supplies, there’s something ominous about a character who never seems to view Katniss more than a puppet for political manipulation. On the other end, Peeta (Hutcherson) is being used to discredit the defiance that grows in the districts.

Katniss and Peeta are clearly being used as propaganda. While Katniss is used to inspire hope to those fighting, through her fiery eyes of anger and bitter words of revenge, it appears that Peeta is nervously regurgitating lines, but we never see or fully know what purpose the Capital is using him for. “Mockingjay” focuses more on President Alma’s use of Katniss to beat the drums of rebellion in the hopes of getting ubiquitous support for their uprising against the Capital. Luckily this disinformation chess match is interrupted by scenes of retaliation around Panem and a third act covert mission to rescue Peeta.

The theme doesn’t say anything new, but it’s refreshing to see a movie, that’s been coined as “young adult”, use such a mature idea in a very presentable and easy to understand fashion. It’s not difficult to see the positive and ill effects of spin that two warring factions can create. Personally, I was expecting CGI explosions and Jennifer Lawrence whipping her hair all about while firing off multiple arrows like Hawkeye in “The Avengers”, but for what we’re given, it is proficient with it’s message and it simply wets our appetites for an explosive finale come next year.

The big problem with the first part of this oversized first course of Mockingjay is that it feels too much like a prologue to something a lot more monumental. There’s a lot of moving pieces, but a lot of downtime that involves staring, sitting and inconsequential dialogue. The obvious payoff for our two hours of time won’t happen until Part 2, but it’d be nice to have some kind of reward for our investment into the lives of these characters. It doesn’t help that Jennifer Lawrence, who’s shown such a wide range of emotions throughout this series, is a bit limited to angry reactions and fear.

Regardless, if it wasn’t for Lawrence’s commanding presence, this movie wouldn’t have the drive and Katniss wouldn’t radiate bravery. All the regulars are back for this movie, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and the stupendously talented Philip Seymour Hoffman. Without this cast, this movie would have fizzled out like “Percy Jackson” or “The Mortal Instruments”. It’ll be easier to reflect on “Part 1” once the series completes next year. We’ll know if it’s a good enough primer for the grand ending we’re all expecting. For now though, it’s simply an appetizer to keep us content until the main course arrives.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 1, film, games, hunger, mockingjay, part, ...

Steven Quale talks about directing tornado action film “Into the Storm”

Steven Quale is best known for directing “Final Destination 5”. He was also second unit director with James Cameron on “Avatar” and “Titanic”. His latest film is the tornado action film “Into the Storm”. Steven Quale took out some time to chat about the film and the challenges he faced.

What interested you in this story and joining as Director?
Steven Quale: What attracted me to “Into the Storm” is being able to take the audience right into the center of a tornado. To experience what it is like to see and hear the unimaginable power that a tornado can unleash. I also wanted to explore how different people react to such an extreme event.

What is it like directing actors with the added distraction of extreme weather elements?
SQ: It was a real challenge to get a performance with all the distracting noises of the wind machines and rain towers. The loud noise of the equipment made communication very difficult and I had to rely on hand signals. One advantage to all the wind and rain is that it gave the actors something real to play against when shooting with green screens.

How is “Into the Storm” different from previous tornado movies?
SQ: “Into the Storm” benefits from the advances in visual effects over the years so the tornados look much more realistic. It also differs from other tornado movies in that we are not just following storm-chasers – we have a diverse group of unrelated people who are thrust together during the adversity of the storm and we get to experience how each of the different people react under the pressure of the storm.

You have an extensive background in visual effects. Tell us about what went into making this film look and feel real.
SQ: The most important thing to make this film look real was weeks and weeks of extensive research. I studied every single video of any severe weather and tornado footage I could find. Every major type of tornado was based on actual footage of real tornados. In addition to the visuals I insisted on having the sound feel as real as possible and that is where academy award winning sound supervisor Par Hallberg shined with his amazing soundscape. You really feel like you are in a tornado with the rumbling sound.

Did the film require practical effects in addition to visual effects?
SQ: The films visual effects work so effective because they are a mix of practical physical effects such as wind machines and rain towers combined with the digital tornados and debris. For the last half of the film, almost every shot required rain and wind machines. We dropped a real truck in close proximity with Richard Armitage.

What special features can we expect to see on the Blu-ray / DVD?
SQ: The Blu-ray/DVD for “Into the Storm” will have several behind the scenes features showing how we were able to realistically recreate the weather conditions of a tornado. It also has a segment where world famous storm chaser Reed Timmer explains all of the types of tornados in or film and how they compare to the real ones that he has chased.

 

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: action, directing, film, quale, steven, storm, ...

Enter to Win a Blu-ray of Antonio Banderas’ latest film “Automata” [ENDED]


To celebrate the release of Antonio Banderas’ latest film, “Automata”, we are happy to be giving one Blu-ray of the film. If you want to win this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite post-apocalyptic sci-fi film. This giveaway will remain open until November 28th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

In a future where Earth’s ecosystem verges on collapse, man-made robots roam the city to protect dwindling human life. When a robot overrides a key protocol put in place to protect human life, ROC Robotics insurance agent Jacq Vaucan (Antonio Banderas) is assigned to locate the source of the manipulation and eliminate the threat. What he discovers leads Vaucan, ROC Robotics and the police into a battle with profound consequences for the future of humanity.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: antonio, automata, banderas, bluray, enter, film, ...
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