Cindy Prascik's Reviews of I’m Not Here & Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

 

 

My frustration with the cinema experience ever-growing and the week's offerings being less than impressive, this weekend I again threw myself on the mercy of streaming services.

 

First up was 2017's I'm Not Here, a dull tale of a sickly older man reflecting on his past.

 

I'm Not Here is blessed with a couple of extraordinary leads in J.K. Simmons and Sebastian Stan, playing older and younger versions of the sad-sack main character, and it doesn't really seem to know what to do with either of them. Simmons speaks not one word of dialogue and spends most of the film staring sadly at himself in the mirror and blankly at everything else, an artistic choice that serves only to make his scenes--the bulk of the movie--seem interminable. Playing the man in his younger days, Stan at least gets to work a few different acting muscles, but the character is so broadly-drawn that there isn't much he can do with it. Both actors deserve better.

 

To say this picture is slow would be the understatement of the decade. In more deft hands the story might be moving, the lead character sympathetic. Under director Michelle Schumacher, it's a bad film school project, its emotional heft seemingly outside her ability to wrangle and its every turn so obvious you'll see it coming a mile away. While the tale is unquestionably sad, the telling lacks any ability to make the viewer sympathize.

 

I'm Not Here clocks in at an impossibly long 81 minutes and is unrated. It contains adult themes, drinking, and brief nudity.

 

I'm Not Here is a pitiful waste of two exceptionally gifted actors. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, I'm Not Here gets three.

 

I'm Not Here is available for streaming and digital download via various platforms.

 

Fangirl points: Of *course* I only watched it because Sebastian Stan is in it!

 

Next up, Netflix' Ted Bundy biopic, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.

 

This most recent version of the oft-recounted tale of terror is based on a book by Bundy's longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall. Its wordy name is lifted directly from court transcripts from the day Bundy's death sentence was handed down.

 

While lately Netflix is keeping pace (and sometimes outpacing) so-called "proper" cinema, this offering feels more like a Lifetime movie than anything you'd enjoy on a fifty-foot screen with a ten-dollar bucket of popcorn. Zac Efron, always better than I expect, is spot-on as Bundy, but the performance and the movie itself are somehow less chilling than they should be; there's just no grit. The supporting cast is filled with familiar faces, all of whom have proved more than competent, but--perhaps because the story and its outcome are so well known--it's difficult to invest in the proceedings. Well before the film's halfway point, my attention had wandered far from Ted Bundy, and the only reason I didn't turn it off was in hopes of more "Officer James Hetfield!"

 

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile runs 110 minutes and is rated R for "disturbing/violent content, some sexuality, nudity, and language."

 

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is a lukewarm take on a story that's already been told too often. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile gets two.

 

Fangirl points:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M-hmm. Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: LA LA LAND

Struggling actress Mia (Emma Stone) and aspiring jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) begin a whirlwind romance as they both pursue their dreams in Los Angeles. However, their blossoming relationship is challenged when their careers pull them in different directions. Damien Chazelle (Damien Chazelle) wrote and directed this musical love story, which co-stars John Legend, J.K. Simmons, and Rosemarie DeWitt. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director: Damien Chazelle

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Finn Wittrock, J.K. Simmons

Release Date: Dec 09, 2016

Rated PG-13 for some Language

Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Music/Performing Arts

Review:

La La Land is a rousing bit of filmmaking which is as fizzy and bubbly as the best champagne.  Like said champagne, it is a bit light on body.  Instead Damien Chazelle dresses up his retro musical with impressive shots and flashy choreography.  It’s an incredibly fun film, especially in the first 2 acts, with two magnetic leads.  Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone bring a dizzying sense of adorableness to their roles.  You can’t help but get sucked into this love story as their relationship begins to blossom and grow.  It’s an engrossing experience but once you peel back all the frills it’s a pretty bare bones love story tinged with a palatable sense of bitter sweetness.  Still it’s a credit to Damien Chazelle that he could take a simple story and infuse so much energy and passion into it.  Is it the best film I’ve ever seen, not even close, but it’s a still fine piece of film making.

B+

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Accountant

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas to see my Bat!Boyfriend's new flick, The Accountant. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. A CPA with a dangerous clientele handles more than just the books. 

 

The Accountant is a mystery/thriller with a protagonist who may be difficult to warm up to. It's unhurried and often uncomfortable due to the aforementioned protagonist's failure to respond/react to certain situations in the "normal" way. Sound familiar? 

 

If you saw The Girl on the Train last weekend, I'm sure it does. However, unlike The Girl on the Train, The Accountant boasts well-plotted action, solid performances, a couple nice twists, and is funny only when it means to be. 

 

The titular savant, Christian Wolff, is unable to deal normally with people, but his mathematical genius is invaluable to his unsavory clients. Ben Affleck perfectly portrays the mannerisms typical of autism spectrum disorders, creating a character who is sympathetic even when he's doing some pretty bad things. 

 

Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, and John Lithgow are terrific in supporting roles, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson is a pleasant surprise as the FBI agent hot on the tail of our mysterious money manager. (I've always thought she was one of the worst actors working, but maybe when you're on Spartacus there's just nothing for it!) 

 

The Accountant is brutal at times, certainly not for the faint of heart. There's a short spell right about the hour mark where the movie starts to drag a little, but it picks right back up and is otherwise deliberately-paced but never dull. 

 

Wolff's inappropriate and seemingly rude interactions with people and situations outside his comfort zone spell the dark tone with amusing moments that are never a mean spirited laugh "at" autism or its manifestations. 

 

The movie could have explained itself better in a few spots, and the runtime might have benefitted from a trim, but The Accountant is a suspenseful yarn that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. 

 

The Accountant clocks in at 128 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence and language throughout." 

 

The Accountant is a solid thriller featuring satisfying twists and a standout performance by Ben Affleck. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Accountant gets eight. 

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: WHIPLASH

A talented young jazz drummer experiences a trial by fire when he's recruited by a ferocious instructor whose unyielding search for perfection may lead to his undoing. For as far back as Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) can remember, he's been watching his father fail. Determined to make a name for himself no matter what it takes, Andrew enrolls in a prestigious east coast music conservatory where his talent quickly catches the attention of Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) a esteemed music teacher who's notorious for his caustic approach in the classroom. The leader of the school's top jazz ensemble, Fletcher promptly transfers Neyman into his band, giving the ambitious young drummer a shot at true greatness. He may achieve it, too, if Neyman's methods don't drive him to madness first. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director Damien Chazelle

Cast: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Max Kasch, Damon Gupton.

Release Date: Oct 10, 2014

Rated R for strong Language and Some Sexual References 

Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min. 

Genres: Drama 

Review:

The best kind of films are the ones that can make just about any subject riveting, even ones you have very little knowledge or interest.  Whiplash is that kind of kinetic freight train of a film.  Writer/Director Damien Chazelle allows his film to build steadily and surely until it reaches its nearly exhausting climate.  It’s an impressive feat when you think about the subject matter.  At its core the film is elevated by two spectacular performances by Simmons and Teller as they engage in some brutal psychological warfare.  J.K. Simmons performance is stunningly powerful.  At first glance it looks like a variation of R Lee Ermey’s drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket but it becomes readily apparent that it’s a much more complex role as the film progresses.  Teller is just as focused and impressive as the student reaching for greatness at all cost.  Miles performance allows you to feel the nearly insane amount of drive his character feels.  The duo is entrancing when they’re onscreen each focused, performing at an incredibly high level.  You can’t really ask for more from a film. 

 
A

Movie Reviews: JENNIFER’S BODY

Sunday, September 20, 2009
Movie Reviews: JENNIFER’S BODY
IN THEATERS

JENNIFER’S BODY

From the production team behind "Juno" is a new film about one teenager's uncontrollable appetite for teenager boys. When a demon takes possession of her, high-school hottie Jennifer (Megan Fox) turns a hungry eye on guys who never stood a chance with her before. While evil Jennifer satisfies her appetite for human flesh with the school's male population, her nerdy friend, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), learns what's happening and vows to put an end to the carnage.


Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris


Director: Karyn Kusama


Opened ..September 18, 2009..


Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.


Rated R for sexuality, bloody violence, language and brief drug use.


Genres: Horror Comedy, Horror


Review:





Jennifer’s Body is a fun little horror comedy that delivers more laughs than scares but it isn’t without its flaws. Written by Diablo Cody, who also penned Juno, the script is pepper with plenty of overly complicated dialogue which you’ll either enjoy of despise. Personally I find it enjoyable even if it’s removes any semblance of realism but then again this film doesn’t really need it. Cody borrow or pays homage, depending on how you look at it, to plenty of classic horror conceits but give them a nice shot of estrogen which is a refreshing turn. Director Karyn Kusama moves her film along as a brisk pace but she does throw in some visual flourishes that make this stand out versus other generic horror films. Megan Fox doesn’t have to try to hard here as she’s isn’t asked to do anything but look incredibly hot and occasionally utter a few lines of dialogue. Fox is shot like she’s starting in some classic 80’s horror fest. Amanda Seyfried does the majority of acting and is good fun as the nerdy best friend who has to deal with her friend’s demonic turn. Both have some good scenes together but their relationship doesn’t feel authentic. It’s a fairly prevalent issue because there’s a disconnect with the characters throughout, as if each is in their own little world. While Cody’s flower dialogue is fun it does make the characters feel robotic and unnatural. As the film heads towards it’s finale it begins to drag a bit and we given a few scenes that feel like the end but they aren’t. It’s mildly bothersome but doesn’t detract from the overall enjoy in store for genre fans.





B-

Movie Reviews: EXTRACT

Sunday, September 06, 2009
Movie Reviews: EXTRACT
IN THEATERS

EXTRACT

Joel, played by Jason Bateman ("Juno," "Arrested Development"), is one step away from selling his flavor extract factory and retiring to easy street when a freak workplace accident sets in motion a series of disasters that puts his business and personal life in jeopardy.

Cast: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Ben Affleck, Kristen Wiig, Clifton Collins, Jr., J.K. Simmons

Director: Mike Judge

Opened September 4, 2009..

Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min.

Rated R for language, sexual references and some drug use

Genres: Comedy, Workplace Comedy


Review:




Mike Judge’s 3rd film is an effective but unfocused effort that delivers plenty of laughs yet it leaves you feeling there could have been more. Judge returns to the mundane drudgery of the work place, which he wonderfully skewered in cult favorite Office Space, taking the management perspective this go around. His script is peppered with plenty of funny insights into America’s upper middle class making the laughs feel authentic and never contrived. Judge has always shown great talent as a writer as anyone who’s watched his terribly underrated King of the Hill and his criminally overlooked satire Idiocracy. His talent as a director isn’t quite as strong. His films have always had an unfocused meandering feel and Extract is no different. His direction makes you feel like you’re wandering through the story making you wonder where the story is going. It creates an odd feel for the film that makes it feel longer than its actual runtime. It’s not a fatal detriment mainly because Judge populates his film with fun characters played by an incredibly capable comedic cast. Jason Bateman plays his role perfectly and anyone who’s watched Arrested Development knows what to expect. He’s perfected his straight man routine and this role is tailor made for him. Ben Affleck as Joel’s best friend is great fun and he really seems to enjoy himself in this role. Affleck and Bateman’s interactions are some of the movies high points punctuated with a bong hit for the ages. The remaining cast members shine but not as much as they should considering the talent assembled. Kristin Wiig and Mila Kunis respective roles feel underwritten and don’t really give either actress a chance to shine. JK Simmons and David Koechner are giving running gags that are hit or miss in terms of effectiveness. Once the slightly abrupt finale hits you can help but feel charmed by Judge’s type of humor but it does feel like he could have hit a real homerun if he’d used his cast to its fullest potential.




C+

Movie Reviews: I LOVE YOU MAN

Sunday, March 22, 2009
Movie Reviews: I LOVE YOU MAN
IN THEATERS

I LOVE YOU MAN

As his wedding day approaches, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) realizes he has no one to act as his best man. Through a series of ''man-dates,'' he finds Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), and the pair become instant friends. But as Peter's ''bro-mance'' with Sydney grows stronger, it threatens his relationship with his fiancee (Rashida Jones), forcing Peter to make a choice.

Cast: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, J.K. Simmons



Director: John Hamburg



Opened March 20, 2009.



Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.



Rated R for pervasive language, including crude and sexual references



Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life

Review:

I Love You Man is charming bromance comedy that can drag at times but is more than aptly held up by it two leads. This film feels like a Judd Apatow production compete with some of his favorite supporting players but Apatow had nothing to do with this, John Hamburg (Along Came Polly) directs this with a relaxed hand. The film moves a pedestrian pace as it presents its admittedly contrived pretext with Rudd in the spotlight. Paul Rudd is solid here playing the opposite of his usual wise ass persona. Instead Rudd gives us a charming dweeb whose awkwardness is embarrassing and funny to watch but endearing at the same time. His character is like the ego in Freud’s psyche model with metro sexual tendencies. The counter to this ego is Jason Segel whose character is just as much a real life ....Id..... Segal delivers lines of man code dogma with such ease that it’s hard to not to see why his character would be such a great friend. Rudd and Segal share wonderful onscreen chemistry and really seem to enjoy working with each other. The supporting cast is rounded out with a bevy of terribly talented comedic actors and actress such as Rashida Jones Jamie Pressley, Andy Samberg and J.K. Simmons. All of which are just spot on in supporting turns. John Favreau in particular shines as Jamie Pressley’s A hole of a husband. The script is solid and full of raunchy banter that’s sure to get more than a handful of laughs and one gross out sequence that’s so quick and unexpected that it might take you a second to start laughing. Pacing is a slight problem and the film feels a tad longer than it’s actual run time, still, I Love You Man delivers plenty of laughs throughout.

B+