The most interesting thing here was the reference to the film Des hommes et des dieux and how that paralleled the plot of this film. The rest was rather predictable, but that's what romantic films are these days anyway.
Ultimately a film about power struggles between the poor and the structures that maintain the status quo, Hell or High Water is a satisfying crime spree film with rich political overtones right down to the subtle colour coding of the white hats and black hats like an old Western. The film deftly speaks to the state of the state of Texas and how the oppression of those who have nothing is nothing new.
Lit up by a career-changing performance by Chris Pine, this is a fascinating film with great visuals and solid editing as well.
While it would easy to pick on the Eastwoodian qualities and politics of this film (a quasi-Jesus figure, pro-military and patriotic service), the film succeeds at humanizing Sully so well (no small part thanks to Hanks and Aaron Eckhart's glorious moustache) that it's hard not to enjoy the film for its humanity.
Moreover, there are fascinating points in the film that discuss the role the media plays in dehumanizing people, mental health, speculation's part in forming media narrative (and the media's role in history) and ultimately the self-doubt that can creep into anyone's head when they're told something that goes against their own experience and self-confidence.
Remarkably, the film's crash sequences are tense every single time despite how many times we tell ourselves that we know how it ends. That reflection of the audience's self-doubt to that of the character is a very satisfying touch.
Sully is the story of standing up for yourself in the face of scrutiny when you know you're right, and it's hard not to cheer for that.
A very fine film about sex, religion, academia, atheism, friendship, parents and basically everything a 20-something worries about. An extremely even-keeled film with sturdy and natural performances. Nearly everything about this film was interesting from the costumes to the set design and script itself. Wordy and intellectual without pretentions, warm without schlock, Indignation is a perfect story of rationality and its implications for rationality itself in an irrational world.
James T. Kirk is given an attitude and toys to match like he's actually James Bond, while the rest of the cast form an ever-more sarcastic band of plucky adventurers that are tonally ripped from Tony Stark lines from the Avengers. I'm pretty sure some of this film was ripped from Goldeneye.
This is not Star Trek; It is Star-Trek-flavoured action vignettes. Vignette one: Kirk and Bones talk life in a reference to Wrath of Khan. Vignette 2: The Enterprise crew make a daring escape that they survive thanks to the miracle of plot armour. Scotty says something silly. The Captain shouts an order. Spock is weird. A villain inexplicably monologues. Ok, and now more plotless action.
The plot is virtually non-existent with the crew shuffled forcibly from one contrived maguffin-led adventure to the next. Idris Elba is utterly wasted.
Avoid this movie. Go watch TNG. Remember why people like Star Trek: its discussion of the human condition.
I will say that the sets and costumes are fantastic.
Weird, dark, and yet oddly apt in its disdain for modern society's one size fits all approach to modern love. There's a vague sense that the film's also speaking about romantic films too which gives it an almost Meta-awareness.
None of the latter parts seem to build much of a cohesive whole, but they do paint a solid picture of the film's view of the world. Directed with a breezy elan, The Lobster is very funny, very awkward, and very strange. Just like dating.
Funny, but moving. Emotional, yet staid. Swiss Army Man is neither a life-changing experience nor a particularly poignant one, but I'll be damned if it's not very well acted, well edited, and the most original premise you'll see at the theatres this year.
Languishing in its pacing, slow even. There are good moments, very good performances. Like this review, it just seems a bit meandering and aimless. There is a vague motivation of attraction and love, but it is mostly tepid and dry. Nonetheless the sets are immaculate and Cate Blanchette carries the film to unexpected heights.
A remarkable piece of filmmaking. Splendid long sequences -- choreographed with a delightful fluidity -- pepper this movie with the evidence of such skill that it lifts the whole picture. Michael B. Jordan (who likely knows something about having someone's name) deserves more big roles and accolades. The emotion of the story is believable and palpable, while it also dredged up important feelings for the original films.
The only complaint, and it's minor, is that it feels like it was given a bit of going over by Hollywood execs to make sure they had built in the obvious sequel opportunity. Unnecessary, but minor.
The inimitable Aaron Sorkin's script brilliantly lights the pathway and the tremendously talented cast promenade shamelessly down it in this wonderfully quick-witted original and unconventional biopic.
A visceral (sometimes literally) story of tenacity in the face of death, hope in the face of hopelessness, and simply doing the right thing.
Leo may not grunt his way to an Oscar in this role, but Tom Hardy certainly carried his performance into the stratosphere.
Beautifully shot, with long, languid takes, long lenses (and occasionally very short ones) that just say "look what I can do". Iñárritu is clearly in a class of his own among major hollywood directors. The score, while unremarkable, is nonetheless perfectly suited to the vast landscapes and unending camera shots. The costumes appear to be works of art.
A remarkable film whose title works on many levels, though it must be said that after about two thirds of the film, it did get a little bit repetitive and tedious. Still, it very nearly brings it back to a satisfying conclusion.
Delightful, beautiful, staid in its drama and seriously funny in parts. Brooklyn is the story about growing up both externally and internally. Heartwarming and heart wrenching. If you think this movie is about immigration, think again.
This is a good film. Not a great film. But that is not the point.
This movie should make you angry. Its truth is sickening. This story should make people take to the street and demand action on Wall Street's inequities and outright frauds.
As a film, The Big Short is fine. It is led by a very talented cast who make the subject matter palatable and comprehensible to an average audience. The script is not exactly sizzling, but its got zest. What's strange about the script is its self-awareness. Characters regularly break the fourth wall, and while this should be funny, the audience is often so intrigued at understanding the level of bullshit that Wall Street got itself ensnared in, that the jokes are missed. I feel that Adam MacKay actually should have resorted to a few more of his traditional slapstick antics to inject humour that wasn't tied to exposition.
That said, the overall film is decent to very good. The only problem is the editing and cinematography. The film is mostly spot on save for some editing mistakes and awkard shot choices. With a bit more effort in cinematography, this could have been the best picture of the year. Instead, it's just very good with mediocre filmmaking.
Next time, McKay should just do the script and bring in a better cinematographer.
I'm going to put this whole review in spoiler tags.
On one hand, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a slobberingly, passionately mirrored retelling of A New Hope sprinkled with bits of Empire and Jedi for good measure.
On the other hand, it's just a great, magical film.
Strong story, strong cast, strong dialogue, strong special effects. Die-hard fans will see some of the twists coming when some of those echoes of the past show up, but that doesn't make them less dramatic or meaningful.
Perhaps it's the 30 years of pent-up desire for a new, good Star Wars film, but it's a near-perfect Star Wars film. Sure, it has a few odd moments and not everything is fully-formed, but for some reason it's captivating, riveting and a hell of a lot of fun.
To call it entirely a remake or an echo isn't fair. JJ Abrams puts his own stamp on this film in a great way. New characters abound, and the plot definitely surprises you at times.
Clearly the film is setting things up for a new generation of characters, but they're characters you want to spend time with, just like the original.
The terms emotionally exhausting, frighteningly real and beautifully acted are not common descriptors for an average film, and Room is most definitely not an average film.
Like little Jack's mother, we rant and scream for him to get away from the bad man. We smile when he learns new things. We come to understand that freedom might just truly be another word for nothing left to lose as Joplin used to say. And that maybe we give so much of ourselves to protect others that we forget to ask others to help us when we need it.
Room is a near-perfect film. Hard, yet cathartic. Emotional, yet oddly stoic. Difficult, yet free.
Brie Larson is brilliant. Little Jacob Tremblay is so astoundingly good we forget that he's not real. That seems appropriate for a film that touches on disbelief in a different world.
Spotlight moves methodically through an ever-expanding and frightening series of cases of abusive Catholic priests in Boston. Direct, with little space wasted on grandstanding or calls to action, the film draws you into a web of scandal so fully it's as if the eponymous spotlight was illuminating the film rather than the characters illuminating a scandal.
Performances are excellent though there is some debate over whether Keaton and Ruffalo's accents are great or distracting. There are other transient characters that feel completely like non-actors as well.
With great pacing, the film only makes a few awkward edits, yet Spotlight remains a fascinating look at how a team took on the Catholic Church.
Like its title, Spectre is a ghost of a James Bond film: It looks the part, but lacks substance.
Featuring echoes of past Bond lives in the form of beautiful women, shadowy organizations, and giant violence-oriented men that don't speak, this ghoulish film is as tedious a Bond story as its worst predecessors.
While Spectre showcases some great action sequences, the plot of the film is elusive and silly in its attempts to be mysterious, subtle and suave while remaining skin-deep and hovering around the 95 IQ mark. Bond simply skates from one locale to the next on the flimsiest of premises learning information that is irrelevant and incomprehensible and suddenly finds himself inexplicably the guardian of a helpless young woman. Somehow she stays with him long after she's outlived her usefulness, and helps Bond confront the big baddy (played by Christoph Waltz).
And while this may sound like the formula of any James Bond film, believe me that this film lacks the narrative drive and character of Skyfall or even Casino Royale. Characters have minimal or even zero motivation. Its not as bad as the turgid Quantum of Solace, but it is close. At times, Mendes seems to be purposefully frustrating us with wide shots when close-ups are more appropriate, and close-ups when we want to see more.
In the run of this film, I went from intrigued (at an excellent opening), to confused, to bored and finally angry.
Mockingjay Part 2's biggest lesson is one of how much of a disservice splitting up this book into two films did for the story. Part 2 is slow to get going if you haven't brushed up on Part 1 and there's a moment about halfway through the film when it becomes obvious why it should have been one film.
That said, the acting is adequate, the sets impressive, and the story carries the film. Nonetheless there are moments where the viewer feels emotionally cheated and you wish the scene would linger just a moment longer on some of the more important moments. Hindered by a PG-13 rating, it can never truly grasp the horrors of war.
Overall, good, not great and it makes part 1 look useless.
Strong performances lead this film (with a special nod to Mark Rylance who deserves consideration in the awards season) about a man charged with espionage and the American who must defend him. The film is whip tight in its pacing and editing, smart and sophisticated about the way things unfold. Hanks is his usual perfect everyman and the story makes it easy to forget you're watching Tom Hanks. That said, there are inconsistencies in the script where the lead character will moralize about something only to show himself doing the opposite later. This is fine when the character is duplicitous but this is clearly not the case here.
Overall, Bridge of Spies is a mostly well-written film, full of some very wonderful moments, told with great performances and near-perfect editing (a few loose story threads got lost), but is saddled with a few film writing tropes that tend to draw the viewer out. In some ways, those tropes (the 3x punchline setup, the powerful story callback) are indicative of the target audience (baby boomers who grew up on such writing tools) but they also stand out in an otherwise very natural script.
If you overlook how preposterous the premise is (which easy to do), The Martian is an ultra-engrossing, wholly satisfying film-going experience like no other so far this year. I was quite literally gripping the edge of my seat during the film's climax. Damon gives a great performance backed by a stellar cast, and his sense of humour matches that of the book most of the time.
While, overall, the film could be seen as mildly nationalistic and safe, God dammit if it doesn't make you want to root for Mark Watney.
Amy Schumer is easy to laugh with, though the film does fall flat on occasion. Still, despite the strength of her lead and script, Trainwreck's and Schumer's heights are also achieved on the strength of the supporting cast. A laugh-out-loud Appatow film replete with R-Rated humour that - despite its pretentions to not be a love story - turns out to be the most rom-commy of rom-coms right down to its oddly satisfying grand gesture of love finale. A movie that should have no reason to exist in today's pop cinema, and yet we're glad it does.
Comments 151 - 175 of 576
Movie comment on Doctor Strange
frankqb
Strong, creative visuals and a supremely talented cast carry a entire lack of substantive plot.Rating: A-
Movie comment on Me Before You
frankqb
The most interesting thing here was the reference to the film Des hommes et des dieux and how that paralleled the plot of this film. The rest was rather predictable, but that's what romantic films are these days anyway.2 stars
Movie comment on Hell or High Water
frankqb
Ultimately a film about power struggles between the poor and the structures that maintain the status quo, Hell or High Water is a satisfying crime spree film with rich political overtones right down to the subtle colour coding of the white hats and black hats like an old Western. The film deftly speaks to the state of the state of Texas and how the oppression of those who have nothing is nothing new.Lit up by a career-changing performance by Chris Pine, this is a fascinating film with great visuals and solid editing as well.
4 stars
Movie comment on Sully
frankqb
While it would easy to pick on the Eastwoodian qualities and politics of this film (a quasi-Jesus figure, pro-military and patriotic service), the film succeeds at humanizing Sully so well (no small part thanks to Hanks and Aaron Eckhart's glorious moustache) that it's hard not to enjoy the film for its humanity.Moreover, there are fascinating points in the film that discuss the role the media plays in dehumanizing people, mental health, speculation's part in forming media narrative (and the media's role in history) and ultimately the self-doubt that can creep into anyone's head when they're told something that goes against their own experience and self-confidence.
Remarkably, the film's crash sequences are tense every single time despite how many times we tell ourselves that we know how it ends. That reflection of the audience's self-doubt to that of the character is a very satisfying touch.
Sully is the story of standing up for yourself in the face of scrutiny when you know you're right, and it's hard not to cheer for that.
3.5 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Indignation
frankqb
A very fine film about sex, religion, academia, atheism, friendship, parents and basically everything a 20-something worries about. An extremely even-keeled film with sturdy and natural performances. Nearly everything about this film was interesting from the costumes to the set design and script itself. Wordy and intellectual without pretentions, warm without schlock, Indignation is a perfect story of rationality and its implications for rationality itself in an irrational world.4 stars
Movie comment on Star Trek Beyond
frankqb
James T. Kirk is given an attitude and toys to match like he's actually James Bond, while the rest of the cast form an ever-more sarcastic band of plucky adventurers that are tonally ripped from Tony Stark lines from the Avengers. I'm pretty sure some of this film was ripped from Goldeneye.This is not Star Trek; It is Star-Trek-flavoured action vignettes. Vignette one: Kirk and Bones talk life in a reference to Wrath of Khan. Vignette 2: The Enterprise crew make a daring escape that they survive thanks to the miracle of plot armour. Scotty says something silly. The Captain shouts an order. Spock is weird. A villain inexplicably monologues. Ok, and now more plotless action.
The plot is virtually non-existent with the crew shuffled forcibly from one contrived maguffin-led adventure to the next. Idris Elba is utterly wasted.
Avoid this movie. Go watch TNG. Remember why people like Star Trek: its discussion of the human condition.
I will say that the sets and costumes are fantastic.
One star
Movie comment on The Lobster
frankqb
Weird, dark, and yet oddly apt in its disdain for modern society's one size fits all approach to modern love. There's a vague sense that the film's also speaking about romantic films too which gives it an almost Meta-awareness.None of the latter parts seem to build much of a cohesive whole, but they do paint a solid picture of the film's view of the world. Directed with a breezy elan, The Lobster is very funny, very awkward, and very strange. Just like dating.
4 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Swiss Army Man
frankqb
Funny, but moving. Emotional, yet staid. Swiss Army Man is neither a life-changing experience nor a particularly poignant one, but I'll be damned if it's not very well acted, well edited, and the most original premise you'll see at the theatres this year.3.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Captain America: Civil War
frankqb
140 minutes of self-aggrandizing navel gazing. Utterly worthless if you haven't previously committed to 5 or 6 other movies in this universe.Movie comment on Carol
frankqb
Languishing in its pacing, slow even. There are good moments, very good performances. Like this review, it just seems a bit meandering and aimless. There is a vague motivation of attraction and love, but it is mostly tepid and dry. Nonetheless the sets are immaculate and Cate Blanchette carries the film to unexpected heights.3 stars
Movie comment on Creed
frankqb
A remarkable piece of filmmaking. Splendid long sequences -- choreographed with a delightful fluidity -- pepper this movie with the evidence of such skill that it lifts the whole picture. Michael B. Jordan (who likely knows something about having someone's name) deserves more big roles and accolades. The emotion of the story is believable and palpable, while it also dredged up important feelings for the original films.The only complaint, and it's minor, is that it feels like it was given a bit of going over by Hollywood execs to make sure they had built in the obvious sequel opportunity. Unnecessary, but minor.
4 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Steve Jobs
frankqb
The inimitable Aaron Sorkin's script brilliantly lights the pathway and the tremendously talented cast promenade shamelessly down it in this wonderfully quick-witted original and unconventional biopic.5 out of 5
Movie comment on The Hateful Eight
frankqb
Not his best, not his worst.Movie comment on The Revenant
frankqb
A visceral (sometimes literally) story of tenacity in the face of death, hope in the face of hopelessness, and simply doing the right thing.Leo may not grunt his way to an Oscar in this role, but Tom Hardy certainly carried his performance into the stratosphere.
Beautifully shot, with long, languid takes, long lenses (and occasionally very short ones) that just say "look what I can do". Iñárritu is clearly in a class of his own among major hollywood directors. The score, while unremarkable, is nonetheless perfectly suited to the vast landscapes and unending camera shots. The costumes appear to be works of art.
A remarkable film whose title works on many levels, though it must be said that after about two thirds of the film, it did get a little bit repetitive and tedious. Still, it very nearly brings it back to a satisfying conclusion.
Movie comment on Brooklyn
frankqb
Delightful, beautiful, staid in its drama and seriously funny in parts. Brooklyn is the story about growing up both externally and internally. Heartwarming and heart wrenching. If you think this movie is about immigration, think again.4 stars out of 4
Movie comment on The Big Short
frankqb
This is a good film. Not a great film. But that is not the point.This movie should make you angry. Its truth is sickening. This story should make people take to the street and demand action on Wall Street's inequities and outright frauds.
As a film, The Big Short is fine. It is led by a very talented cast who make the subject matter palatable and comprehensible to an average audience. The script is not exactly sizzling, but its got zest. What's strange about the script is its self-awareness. Characters regularly break the fourth wall, and while this should be funny, the audience is often so intrigued at understanding the level of bullshit that Wall Street got itself ensnared in, that the jokes are missed. I feel that Adam MacKay actually should have resorted to a few more of his traditional slapstick antics to inject humour that wasn't tied to exposition.
That said, the overall film is decent to very good. The only problem is the editing and cinematography. The film is mostly spot on save for some editing mistakes and awkard shot choices. With a bit more effort in cinematography, this could have been the best picture of the year. Instead, it's just very good with mediocre filmmaking.
Next time, McKay should just do the script and bring in a better cinematographer.
4 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Kingsman: The Secret Service
frankqb
Imagine a coming of age tale set in the world of a less silly, but hyper-violent Austin Powers. That's Kingsman.Strangely enjoyable, but formulaic.
3 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
frankqb
I'm going to put this whole review in spoiler tags.On one hand, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a slobberingly, passionately mirrored retelling of A New Hope sprinkled with bits of Empire and Jedi for good measure.
On the other hand, it's just a great, magical film.
Strong story, strong cast, strong dialogue, strong special effects. Die-hard fans will see some of the twists coming when some of those echoes of the past show up, but that doesn't make them less dramatic or meaningful.
Perhaps it's the 30 years of pent-up desire for a new, good Star Wars film, but it's a near-perfect Star Wars film. Sure, it has a few odd moments and not everything is fully-formed, but for some reason it's captivating, riveting and a hell of a lot of fun.
To call it entirely a remake or an echo isn't fair. JJ Abrams puts his own stamp on this film in a great way. New characters abound, and the plot definitely surprises you at times.
Clearly the film is setting things up for a new generation of characters, but they're characters you want to spend time with, just like the original.
4 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Room
frankqb
The terms emotionally exhausting, frighteningly real and beautifully acted are not common descriptors for an average film, and Room is most definitely not an average film.Like little Jack's mother, we rant and scream for him to get away from the bad man. We smile when he learns new things. We come to understand that freedom might just truly be another word for nothing left to lose as Joplin used to say. And that maybe we give so much of ourselves to protect others that we forget to ask others to help us when we need it.
Room is a near-perfect film. Hard, yet cathartic. Emotional, yet oddly stoic. Difficult, yet free.
Brie Larson is brilliant. Little Jacob Tremblay is so astoundingly good we forget that he's not real. That seems appropriate for a film that touches on disbelief in a different world.
5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Spotlight
frankqb
Spotlight moves methodically through an ever-expanding and frightening series of cases of abusive Catholic priests in Boston. Direct, with little space wasted on grandstanding or calls to action, the film draws you into a web of scandal so fully it's as if the eponymous spotlight was illuminating the film rather than the characters illuminating a scandal.Performances are excellent though there is some debate over whether Keaton and Ruffalo's accents are great or distracting. There are other transient characters that feel completely like non-actors as well.
With great pacing, the film only makes a few awkward edits, yet Spotlight remains a fascinating look at how a team took on the Catholic Church.
4 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Spectre
frankqb
Like its title, Spectre is a ghost of a James Bond film: It looks the part, but lacks substance.Featuring echoes of past Bond lives in the form of beautiful women, shadowy organizations, and giant violence-oriented men that don't speak, this ghoulish film is as tedious a Bond story as its worst predecessors.
While Spectre showcases some great action sequences, the plot of the film is elusive and silly in its attempts to be mysterious, subtle and suave while remaining skin-deep and hovering around the 95 IQ mark. Bond simply skates from one locale to the next on the flimsiest of premises learning information that is irrelevant and incomprehensible and suddenly finds himself inexplicably the guardian of a helpless young woman. Somehow she stays with him long after she's outlived her usefulness, and helps Bond confront the big baddy (played by Christoph Waltz).
And while this may sound like the formula of any James Bond film, believe me that this film lacks the narrative drive and character of Skyfall or even Casino Royale. Characters have minimal or even zero motivation. Its not as bad as the turgid Quantum of Solace, but it is close. At times, Mendes seems to be purposefully frustrating us with wide shots when close-ups are more appropriate, and close-ups when we want to see more.
In the run of this film, I went from intrigued (at an excellent opening), to confused, to bored and finally angry.
2 stars out of 5
Movie comment on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2
frankqb
Mockingjay Part 2's biggest lesson is one of how much of a disservice splitting up this book into two films did for the story. Part 2 is slow to get going if you haven't brushed up on Part 1 and there's a moment about halfway through the film when it becomes obvious why it should have been one film.That said, the acting is adequate, the sets impressive, and the story carries the film. Nonetheless there are moments where the viewer feels emotionally cheated and you wish the scene would linger just a moment longer on some of the more important moments. Hindered by a PG-13 rating, it can never truly grasp the horrors of war.
Overall, good, not great and it makes part 1 look useless.
2.5 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Bridge of Spies
frankqb
Strong performances lead this film (with a special nod to Mark Rylance who deserves consideration in the awards season) about a man charged with espionage and the American who must defend him. The film is whip tight in its pacing and editing, smart and sophisticated about the way things unfold. Hanks is his usual perfect everyman and the story makes it easy to forget you're watching Tom Hanks. That said, there are inconsistencies in the script where the lead character will moralize about something only to show himself doing the opposite later. This is fine when the character is duplicitous but this is clearly not the case here.Overall, Bridge of Spies is a mostly well-written film, full of some very wonderful moments, told with great performances and near-perfect editing (a few loose story threads got lost), but is saddled with a few film writing tropes that tend to draw the viewer out. In some ways, those tropes (the 3x punchline setup, the powerful story callback) are indicative of the target audience (baby boomers who grew up on such writing tools) but they also stand out in an otherwise very natural script.
3 stars out of 4 (Probably a top 10 of 2015 film)
Movie comment on The Martian
frankqb
If you overlook how preposterous the premise is (which easy to do), The Martian is an ultra-engrossing, wholly satisfying film-going experience like no other so far this year. I was quite literally gripping the edge of my seat during the film's climax. Damon gives a great performance backed by a stellar cast, and his sense of humour matches that of the book most of the time.While, overall, the film could be seen as mildly nationalistic and safe, God dammit if it doesn't make you want to root for Mark Watney.
5 stars
Movie comment on Trainwreck
frankqb
Amy Schumer is easy to laugh with, though the film does fall flat on occasion. Still, despite the strength of her lead and script, Trainwreck's and Schumer's heights are also achieved on the strength of the supporting cast. A laugh-out-loud Appatow film replete with R-Rated humour that - despite its pretentions to not be a love story - turns out to be the most rom-commy of rom-coms right down to its oddly satisfying grand gesture of love finale. A movie that should have no reason to exist in today's pop cinema, and yet we're glad it does.3 stars out of 4
Showing items 151 – 175 of 576