J. Edgar (2011) Dir. Clint Eastwood
R 137 mins.
How do you cram a career spanning 50 yrs. into a 2hr. movie? I don't know, I'm not a filmaker. Were the events they chose to highlight accurate? I don't know, I'm not a historian. Was this film better than Eastwood's last directorial outing? I don't know, I'm not a film critic.
Okay,it was better than Hereafter. but really that's not saying too much. I Look at Mr. Eastwood's very impressive directorial resume, and I'm growing concerned at his last two efforts. Now this is not a terrible movie. And I gain more respect for DiCaprio with every performance, this one included. The rest of the cast is fine too. Naomi Watts, as his ever faithful secretary, Dame Judi Dench, as his slightly overbearing mother, and Armie Hammer as Hoover's "partner" in more ways than one. I haven't yet viewed The Social Network, so this portrayl is my first impression of Hammer. Honestly he kinda gives me the "willies". Maybe that's because of the role he played, maybe that's a testament to his acting skills, I don't know.
On a side note Hammer was cast in the failed Justice League movie, as Batman. Thank God that project was returned to development hell where it belongs. Armie Hammer as Batman? - No Thank You!.
Anyways, way off topic here, What left a lasting impression with me regarding J. Edgar were the makeup effects and the lighting. It was so dark, half the bloody movie was covered in shadow. Intentional or not, I found it too dark. Then there was the makeup. The movie bounced around a lot, from J. Edgar as a young 20's something, right up until his death. There were various settings in time that required DiCaprio and friends to "look their age" so the appropiate level of aging makeup was applied, but if the makeup is distracting, someone hasn't done their job. Especially with Armis Hammer's character, He looked horrible in more than one scene. Maybe these are superficial critisims, maybe the film's a damn masterpiece. What the hell do I know. Rent it yourself.
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Sunday 26 February 2012
Goon (2012) Dir. Michael Dowse
R 92 mins.
It's not often that I get out to the theatres, my last outing was the third Transformers film, which elicited mixed feelings, let's just say I'm not at all thrilled that Bay is directing the fourth, and likely the fifth, sixth,...eighteenth, anyways, I found Goon hilarious! IMO without the R rating, this would have not been nearly as funny. Some of the crude locker room "ribbing" scenes being the best example.
The exaggerated sound effects, slow motion fists, foreheads, and pucks making bloody contact with helmets and flesh also contribute to the hilarity.
Those who are of the opinion that there is too much violence in hockey might not find too much to laugh at here. As the on ice brawling is at the front and centre of this piece. I don't think anyone behind the camera is making any social comment on it either, just having fun. Very violent, explicit, bloody fun.
This may be the first time since "Stifler's" introduction that I have found Seann William Scott offer up a fresh take on a character. I usually find him one-dimensional, playing a variation on Stifler to one degree or another (See; Road Trip, Dude Where's My Car? or Role Models), but this was different. He was actually likable this time. Honest. Sincere. My sister picked up on this as well. After leaving the theatre, she states; "that was awesome! And he wasn't an asshole this time!" So there you have it. "stifler" has some range after all.
Scott was helped along by Canadian alum Jay Baruchel. Who was as crudely funny and obnoxiously insensitive as he is thin. Alison Pill (cdn.) plays the hockey slut who "Doug the Thug" falls for. Kim Coates (cdn.), who I always remember as the henchman from The Last Boyscout, that had his nose drove into his brain by Bruce Willis, plays the head coach of the Halifax Highlanders, and the one that sees thru the "thug" as the true heart of the team. Eugene Levy (cdn.) plays Doug's father (in only two scenes though). And Liev Schreiber, who was my original choice to play Harvey Dent way back when, during The Dark Knight casting days, plays Ross "the Boss" Rhea.
Filmed in Canada, by a cdn. director and inspired by a true story featuring our favourite pass time, Goon should prove to be a Canadian success story.
Do you need to rush out tonight to view this in the theatre? No it can wait. But definitely pick this on up upon video release.
R 92 mins.
It's not often that I get out to the theatres, my last outing was the third Transformers film, which elicited mixed feelings, let's just say I'm not at all thrilled that Bay is directing the fourth, and likely the fifth, sixth,...eighteenth, anyways, I found Goon hilarious! IMO without the R rating, this would have not been nearly as funny. Some of the crude locker room "ribbing" scenes being the best example.
The exaggerated sound effects, slow motion fists, foreheads, and pucks making bloody contact with helmets and flesh also contribute to the hilarity.
Those who are of the opinion that there is too much violence in hockey might not find too much to laugh at here. As the on ice brawling is at the front and centre of this piece. I don't think anyone behind the camera is making any social comment on it either, just having fun. Very violent, explicit, bloody fun.
This may be the first time since "Stifler's" introduction that I have found Seann William Scott offer up a fresh take on a character. I usually find him one-dimensional, playing a variation on Stifler to one degree or another (See; Road Trip, Dude Where's My Car? or Role Models), but this was different. He was actually likable this time. Honest. Sincere. My sister picked up on this as well. After leaving the theatre, she states; "that was awesome! And he wasn't an asshole this time!" So there you have it. "stifler" has some range after all.
Scott was helped along by Canadian alum Jay Baruchel. Who was as crudely funny and obnoxiously insensitive as he is thin. Alison Pill (cdn.) plays the hockey slut who "Doug the Thug" falls for. Kim Coates (cdn.), who I always remember as the henchman from The Last Boyscout, that had his nose drove into his brain by Bruce Willis, plays the head coach of the Halifax Highlanders, and the one that sees thru the "thug" as the true heart of the team. Eugene Levy (cdn.) plays Doug's father (in only two scenes though). And Liev Schreiber, who was my original choice to play Harvey Dent way back when, during The Dark Knight casting days, plays Ross "the Boss" Rhea.
Filmed in Canada, by a cdn. director and inspired by a true story featuring our favourite pass time, Goon should prove to be a Canadian success story.
Do you need to rush out tonight to view this in the theatre? No it can wait. But definitely pick this on up upon video release.
Thursday 23 February 2012
The Thing (2011) Dir. Mattijis van Heijningen Jr.
R 103 mins.
I watched the Thing (1982) on the advice of my parents way back when. Probably 12, 15 yrs. ago. I liked it, I suppose, the only images that stuck with me though, were that of the opening "chase". The helicopter flying low to the ground, and some guy firing at a dog with a high powered rifle. That, and some scene involving a detached head (how it was seperated from it's body, I don't recall) sprouting "legs" and taking off, much to the bewilderment of the onlookers. Flash forward a decade or so, and Hollywood's makin' another prequel. What a surprise right? So, not expecting too much and having not watched the original in some time, I rented the new one.
Joel Edgerton (Warrior) is really the only actor that I can readily place, some other somewhat familar faces appear, and we're off, charting already explored territory. The Thing doesn't offer too much in the (one of us isn't really us) number. There's some intensity, some paranoia, some frustration as you watch the typical stubborn fools make all the wrong decisions, while the one, rational character with common sence watches it all unfold helplessly. We've all seen this before. The movie finishes as expected, and you're left feeling "yeah, that was alright, I guess. Wait a moment or two for the credits to reveal a direct tie-in to the original.
Then I watched The Thing (1982), and holy shit! It's all there, the axe in the wall, the guy in the chair with slit arteries, the block of ice with the missing inhabitant, the "melding guy/thing" outside. All the shit Mac (Kurt Russell) and the Dr. find in the beginning of the '82 movie, it's all there. They set it all up precisley in the prequel.
The Thing (2011) was actually a satisfying prequel. And we know it's hit or miss with sequel/prequel these days, what with Hollywood completely running out of ideas and all,but this worked. Especially if your a fan of the original, watch this then the original. It's a blast. If you're a fan of the original, this is a definite must see. If you own the Thing (1982), buy this. Complete the story. At least until Hollywood makes a sequel.
R 103 mins.
I watched the Thing (1982) on the advice of my parents way back when. Probably 12, 15 yrs. ago. I liked it, I suppose, the only images that stuck with me though, were that of the opening "chase". The helicopter flying low to the ground, and some guy firing at a dog with a high powered rifle. That, and some scene involving a detached head (how it was seperated from it's body, I don't recall) sprouting "legs" and taking off, much to the bewilderment of the onlookers. Flash forward a decade or so, and Hollywood's makin' another prequel. What a surprise right? So, not expecting too much and having not watched the original in some time, I rented the new one.
Joel Edgerton (Warrior) is really the only actor that I can readily place, some other somewhat familar faces appear, and we're off, charting already explored territory. The Thing doesn't offer too much in the (one of us isn't really us) number. There's some intensity, some paranoia, some frustration as you watch the typical stubborn fools make all the wrong decisions, while the one, rational character with common sence watches it all unfold helplessly. We've all seen this before. The movie finishes as expected, and you're left feeling "yeah, that was alright, I guess. Wait a moment or two for the credits to reveal a direct tie-in to the original.
Then I watched The Thing (1982), and holy shit! It's all there, the axe in the wall, the guy in the chair with slit arteries, the block of ice with the missing inhabitant, the "melding guy/thing" outside. All the shit Mac (Kurt Russell) and the Dr. find in the beginning of the '82 movie, it's all there. They set it all up precisley in the prequel.
The Thing (2011) was actually a satisfying prequel. And we know it's hit or miss with sequel/prequel these days, what with Hollywood completely running out of ideas and all,but this worked. Especially if your a fan of the original, watch this then the original. It's a blast. If you're a fan of the original, this is a definite must see. If you own the Thing (1982), buy this. Complete the story. At least until Hollywood makes a sequel.
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) Dir. Rupert Wyatt
PG - 13 105 mins.
Admittedly, I am not a fan of the Planet/Apes films. The only exposure I have to this franchise is the 2001 Tim Burton outing. (meh). Nor do I have any desire to go back and look at them. Mostly because of that douche bag Heston. Charlton heston was one of the greatest actors to grace the screen you say? Yeah, maybe. But he was also a douche bag (watch Bowling for Columbine for proof of his douchebaggery).
But this one was a damn good flick. This is the first Rupert Wyatt film I've seen. He's done at least three others, but I've never heard of 'em. So there's no frame reference for me. Nothing remarkable to note, but of course that's hardly a bad thing.
The credit here goes to (unsurprisingly) Mr. Serkis (I give him the honorific of "Mr." because he deserves our recognition) his performance is pure movie magic. Could Caesar have been portrayed completely by CGI? Of course. But it's the eyes. The complete range of facial expressions that we can now only fully achieve with the advent of motion capture technology that ads the depth of emotion that has you completely sympathising with the chimp. Especially watching his mistreatment at the hands of some jerkoff animal "caretaker". You know the jerkoff caretaker has it coming, and you just can't wait for some monkey payback.
James Franco also does a fine job. I have a lot more respect for Franco after watching 127 hours. While watching RofPofA you find yourself easily understanding his questionable scientific methods, mostly due to the ailing health of his father, played by (an all too short, but moving) performance by the wonderful John Lithgow. Billy Cox and Freida Pinto (slumdog millionare) also co-star.
In the end, Rise of the Planet of the Apes will have you rooting for the apes.
Rating: Rent it (if you have extra cash, Buy it)
PG - 13 105 mins.
Admittedly, I am not a fan of the Planet/Apes films. The only exposure I have to this franchise is the 2001 Tim Burton outing. (meh). Nor do I have any desire to go back and look at them. Mostly because of that douche bag Heston. Charlton heston was one of the greatest actors to grace the screen you say? Yeah, maybe. But he was also a douche bag (watch Bowling for Columbine for proof of his douchebaggery).
But this one was a damn good flick. This is the first Rupert Wyatt film I've seen. He's done at least three others, but I've never heard of 'em. So there's no frame reference for me. Nothing remarkable to note, but of course that's hardly a bad thing.
The credit here goes to (unsurprisingly) Mr. Serkis (I give him the honorific of "Mr." because he deserves our recognition) his performance is pure movie magic. Could Caesar have been portrayed completely by CGI? Of course. But it's the eyes. The complete range of facial expressions that we can now only fully achieve with the advent of motion capture technology that ads the depth of emotion that has you completely sympathising with the chimp. Especially watching his mistreatment at the hands of some jerkoff animal "caretaker". You know the jerkoff caretaker has it coming, and you just can't wait for some monkey payback.
James Franco also does a fine job. I have a lot more respect for Franco after watching 127 hours. While watching RofPofA you find yourself easily understanding his questionable scientific methods, mostly due to the ailing health of his father, played by (an all too short, but moving) performance by the wonderful John Lithgow. Billy Cox and Freida Pinto (slumdog millionare) also co-star.
In the end, Rise of the Planet of the Apes will have you rooting for the apes.
Rating: Rent it (if you have extra cash, Buy it)
Warrior (2011) Dir. Gavin O'Connor
PG - 13 140mins.
Warrior is simply put: Awesome! What a, for lack of a better word, awesome movie.
Long, (2hrs. 20mins.) but never feeling like it, Warrior takes place in the world of MMA fighting. I never watched wrestling as a child (my Dad would not allow it - either because of the "violence" or questionable acting, I'm not sure). So I developed little interest in UFC or MMA. I do train in Aikido myself, but that's the extent of my martial arts experience, so the authenticity of the MMA world presented in the film will have to be left to those who are more qualified than myself to judge.
The performances are all solid. Nick Nolte, who I've only started to warm up to in recent years, gives a real heartbreaking performance as a father desperate to re-connect with two estranged sons. Tom Hardy, who's bulked up considerably since his stint as a star trek villain (Nemesis), has a quiet ferocity that he exudes with very little dialogue. The film though (IMO) is carried by Joel Edgerton. It's nearly an hour before any cage matches are seen, and yet you're so invested in Joel's character (Brendan), it doesn't feel like you're marking time waiting for a fight. Anyone who saw the trailer knows Tom and Brendan are brothers, and we know they fight, but, DAMN! watch it yourself. just awesome stuff, with a satisfying and emotional conclusion, Warrior is just, well, awesome.
Rating; Buy it
PG - 13 140mins.
Warrior is simply put: Awesome! What a, for lack of a better word, awesome movie.
Long, (2hrs. 20mins.) but never feeling like it, Warrior takes place in the world of MMA fighting. I never watched wrestling as a child (my Dad would not allow it - either because of the "violence" or questionable acting, I'm not sure). So I developed little interest in UFC or MMA. I do train in Aikido myself, but that's the extent of my martial arts experience, so the authenticity of the MMA world presented in the film will have to be left to those who are more qualified than myself to judge.
The performances are all solid. Nick Nolte, who I've only started to warm up to in recent years, gives a real heartbreaking performance as a father desperate to re-connect with two estranged sons. Tom Hardy, who's bulked up considerably since his stint as a star trek villain (Nemesis), has a quiet ferocity that he exudes with very little dialogue. The film though (IMO) is carried by Joel Edgerton. It's nearly an hour before any cage matches are seen, and yet you're so invested in Joel's character (Brendan), it doesn't feel like you're marking time waiting for a fight. Anyone who saw the trailer knows Tom and Brendan are brothers, and we know they fight, but, DAMN! watch it yourself. just awesome stuff, with a satisfying and emotional conclusion, Warrior is just, well, awesome.
Rating; Buy it
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