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Sunday, January 11, 2015
Cindy Prascik Reviews of Selma & Taken 3
Dearest Blog, this weekend my cinema surprised me with three new(ish) releases. In an attempt at responsible behavior, I saw two of said new releases rather than just seeing The Hobbit again. Since I can be just SO responsible, you know it was always gonna be Taken 3 and whichever awards hopeful worked best with Taken 3, which happened to be Selma.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
First on my agenda was Selma.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leads a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in an attempt to assure equal voting rights.
Well, dear reader(s), I don't really have adequate words for Selma, other than to say it should be required viewing for everyone, period. Based on actual events that are often difficult to watch, the movie still manages to entertain as it inspires.
The performances are extraordinary, with David Oyelowo leading the way in an Oscar-worthy turn.
Tim Roth is also especially noteworthy as Alabama Governor George Wallace.
The story moves at a good clip and is peppered with rousing monologues. There were times I actually jumped in my seat at the violence, even knowing what was coming. The movie's historical accuracy has been called into question a bit, but there's no denying Selma is a fantastic film with a vital message.
Selma runs 128 minutes and is rated PG13 for "disturbing thematic material including violence, a suggestive moment, and brief strong language."
Whether it wins any of the big prizes remains to be seen, but Selma is likely the most important movie you'll watch this year.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Selma gets eight and a half.
Next up was the final (?) installment in Liam Neeson's Taken trilogy.
Accused of murder, Bryan Mills sets out to clear his name and protect his family.
So...you say "Taken 3" and people just kinda roll their eyes.
How many times can this happen to the same guy, right? If you're willing to suspend your disbelief, though, Taken 3 is self-aware good fun. Liam Neeson is in top ass-kicking form, managing lots of awesomely ridiculous escapes and delivering plenty of crowd-pleasing kills.
The rest of the cast--including Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker--is fine, but, if we're being honest, they could be marionettes for all it matters; it's Neeson's show and as long as he's outsmarting baddies and beating them to a pulp, you don't much care about anything else.
The movie has spectacular action sequences, well-choreographed fight scenes, a fair few laugh-out-loud moments, a satisfying--if predictable--final act, and is smart enough not to wear out its welcome.
With even half-reasonable expectations, you're guaranteed a fun couple hours.
Taken 3 runs 109 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of violence and action, and for brief strong language."
If you're in the market for a bit of brainless entertainment, it doesn't get much more brainless or much more entertaining than this.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Taken 3 gets six.
Until next time...
Saturday, January 10, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW: SELMA
David Oyelowo stars as Martin Luther King Jr. in this historical drama set during the height of the American civil-rights movement, and depicting the marches from Selma, AL, to the state capital of Montgomery to secure voting rights for black people. Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey produce and Ava DuVernay (I Will Follow, Middle of Nowhere) directs. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Ava DuVernay
Cast: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Cuba
Gooding, Jr., Carmen Ejogo, Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi
Release Date: Dec
25, 2014
Rated PG-13 for Brief Strong Language, A Suggestive
Moment, Disturbing Thematic Material and Violence
Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
Selma is an
excellent film which captures the 60’s civil rights movement but feels timely
at the same time. Ava DuVernay’s
direction, helped by some beautiful and evocative cinematography, provides
immediacy to the entire story. As a
result the film rarely drags even though there are a few moments where it could
have been trimmed, just a tad. At the
center of it all is a mesmerizing David Oyelowo who delivers a career making
performance as King. Oyelowo captures
King’s voice inflections perfectly but it’s more than just mimicry. The script gives us a King that’s very human
and Oyelowo brings that to the screen perfectly. We see the passion, some of the failings and
pain King went through along with some wonderfully engrossing reenactments of
famous speeches. The rest of the cast
was strong with nary a weak link in the cast even though I’d love to have seen
a bit more of King’s relationship with his wife, played well by Carmen
Ejogo. Selma
is a sure fire awards candidate, it’s also the type of film that may make your
eyes well up on more than a few occasions.
A-
Thursday, January 1, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW: BIG EYES
The true story of painter Margaret Keane's life in obscurity while her husband gleaned the notoriety for being the face of her work is brought to the screen by Tim Burton and his Ed Wood screenwriters, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Danny Huston, Terence Stamp, and Jason Schwartzman co-star. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Christoph Waltz, Amy Adams, Terence Stamp, Krysten
Ritter, Danny Huston, Terence Stamp, Jason Schwartzman
Release Date: Dec
25, 2014
Rated PG-13
Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.
Genres: Biopic, Tragi-comedy, Drama
Review:
Big Eyes is the type of film that Tim Burton should make
more often, just to keep himself honest.
A smaller, more personal film would remind the masses that he’s a capable
director outside of his tried and true tropes.
That’s not to say that this isn’t a Burton
film because it is albeit a less garish version of his films. Burton’s
film is still visually eye catching even if there isn’t a gothic or fantastical
element at play. He delivers a glossy,
light film that’s easy to enjoy but hard to get close to. Its heart and soul is Amy Adams who
performance is a collection of varying levels of subtly. Adams gives us a peek
into the psyche of Margaret Keane even if the script never does. On the opposite end of the spectrum is
Christoph Waltz who’s in full sleezy salesman mode. Watlz is given free reign to take his
character to extremes which almost drown out anything else on screen, including
Adams. Burton
would have been well served if he’d reigned him in just a tad and the script
given us more insight into the people and relationships. Instead, they’re both painted with broad
strokes lacking the kind of detail that would have made this film truly
special.
B
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Cindy Prascik's The Best and Worst and In-Betweens of 2014!
Dearest Blog, here we are at the end of another year. Some folks are saying it was a bad year for cinema, but I sure had a good time with it. Following are my top ten films of the year, along with assorted random thoughts.
Disclaimer: A movie's placement here will not necessarily be commensurate with its original Weasley rating. Some films fared better under repeat scrutiny, some worse, and some have not yet had the opportunity to do either. Kindly bear in mind, too, that I live in a little place that doesn't always get movies all that quickly. The chance to see Pride and Inherent Vice (which almost certainly would have made the list), Whiplash and Foxcatcher (which might have), and Boyhood (which, if we're being honest, never would have) has not yet presented itself.
And here...we...go...
My Best:
10. "You're only a monster if you behave like one."
I, Frankenstein
Shut up, okay? Just shut up. I know you hated it. I know everyone hated it. I had enough also-rans kicking around the final spot on my list that I easily could have saved face and left this one off, but, you know what? I love it. I loved it at the cinema, and I've loved it the 20+ times I've watched it since. I'm not saying it belongs on any awards shortlists, but the effects are solid, the story is different, Aaron Eckhart is great, and it has Bill Nighy...which almost earns it a spot regardless of any other factors. The movie knows what it is, doesn't pretend to be anything else, and lived up to my very high expectations. Someday I, Frankenstein will be a genuine cult classic. Remember I told you so!
9. "You were a movie star, remember?"
Birdman
Unlike number ten, my number nine is on pretty much everyone's best-of lists, and deservedly so. Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, and Emma Stone are extraordinary in a strange, fascinating little story with a frustratingly ambiguous, yet somehow perfectly suitable, ending. This one is sure to share more of its secrets upon repeat viewings...can't wait for the DVD!
8. "I will never ask you to do anything that I wouldn't do myself."
Nightcrawler
Is there anything more fun to watch than when Jake Gyllenhaal does creepy? Nightcrawler has Creepy Jake in spades, headlining the riveting tale of a freelance videographer who crosses the line between covering news and becoming part of it. How far would YOU go to reach your goals? Nightcrawler will leave you wondering.
7. "Tadashi is here."
Big Hero 6
I'm not sure what I can say to adequately express the awesomeness that is Big Hero 6, but I'll start with: it bumped The Lego Movie out of this list. The Lego Movie is definitely the more buzz-worthy of the two and will probably win all the "Best Animated Feature" awards, but, for my money, Big Hero 6 is more fun to watch, better to look at, and more memorable. It also hits a sincere note that The Lego Movie doesn't quite match. If we're being fair, The Lego Movie *was* one of those knocking around my number-ten spot, but it doesn't come close to Big Hero 6 in my heart.
6. "We are Groot."
Guardians of the Galaxy
It was really hard not to make this number-one on my list, harder still to choose just one quote from the year's most quotable movie. Ever since that first trailer blew up the Internet back in the spring, GOTG has been 2014's big news. A relatively unknown property that put its biggest stars in roles where their faces are never seen, the fact that this thing took off and became the year's highest-grossing domestic hit makes someone at Marvel look like a true genius. Toss in a terrific soundtrack filled with hummable 70s nuggets, and you've got one for the ages.
5. "Gotta be who you are in this world, right? No matter what."
The Equalizer
Alright, people, how this not on all the best-of lists?? The Equalizer is a perfect movie...or, at the very least, a perfect movie for me. It's not brain surgery, but it's smart, action packed, engaging from beginning to end, and boasts a fantastic cast featuring Marton Csokas, Chloe Grace Moretz, Bill Pullman, my best gal Melissa Leo, plus another incomparable turn by the world's greatest leading man, Denzel Washington. What's not to like??
4. "Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?"
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Equal parts spy thriller and superhero yarn, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is so much more than it had to be. It's a layered story where almost nothing is quite what it seems, and Steve Rogers' unshakable morality is challenged at every turn. The cast is uniformly phenomenal, and the writing is so smart that even Honest Trailers had a hard time finding things to mock. In a year with no Batman, CATWS did a nice job filling the gap!
3. "The world is gonna hear that voice."
Jersey Boys
The big-screen version of Jersey Boys was met with a resounding ho-hum from critics, yet it was one of only two movies to earn a perfect nine Weasleys from me in 2014. It's got a great cast, a great story, and most importantly, a bunch of truly great songs that have stood the test of time. I saw it twice at the cinema, and both times every single person in a packed house walked out smiling and singing. If that's not the reason you make a movie, then I don't know what is.
2. "Will you follow me...one last time?"
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
I'm honest enough to understand that I see the Hobbit franchise through Rose (Cotton)-colored glasses. The Battle of the Five Armies doesn't match the original LOTR trilogy, but it's a far better film than its predecessor, and I'm pleased to say I was in love with it from my first screening. I look forward to hundreds more. Thanks, Peter Jackson, for the ride of a lifetime.
1. "I think forgiveness has been highly underrated."
Calvary
As it turns out, the year's best movie is one you probably didn't see if you live on my side of the pond. Brendan Gleeson turns in the finest performance of 2014 as a Catholic priest given a week to set his house in order after his life is threatened in the confessional. Calvary is a grim movie with a great heart and a surprising number of truly funny moments. (Graveyard humor, to be sure, but hilarious nonetheless.) The locations are magnificent, the cast is impeccable, and Calvary is untouchable as the best movie of 2014.
My Almosts:
The Lego Movie
A truly fun family movie that provided my only Batman fix of the year!
Expendables 3
Well, of course. It is MY list, isn't it?
The Boxtrolls
Lovely animation with a decidedly dark feel, perfectly spooky entertainment for the whole family.
Edge of Tomorrow
A smart, surprisingly fun sci-fi outing featuring fantastic turns by Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.
Gone Girl
A twisting, turning, expertly executed yarn that keeps you guessing right to the very end.
My Most Pleasant Surprises:
Robocop
Fans of the original had plenty of complaints about this remake, but I found it extremely entertaining. Bonus points for bringing one-hit wonder Focus' hit Hocus Pocus to a whole new generation...in digital surround-sound! Double-bonus points for being the more watchable of Gary Oldman's two dubious screen outings this year.
Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Both big, dumb fun that I enjoyed immensely. Transformers is way too long, but it's also the worldwide top money-maker of 2014, so take that, critics.
John Wick
Super action from start to finish, gorgeous cinematography, and Keanu Reeves. Win.
The Purge: Anarchy
What an upgrade from the original! Frank Grillo is Hollywood's new number-one badass.
And the number-one "That Wasn't as Bad as I Expected" film of 2014: Divergent
Literally every single review of this movie included some expression of that sentiment. We all might as well have said, "Hey, it's no Hunger Games, but at least it's not Twilight, either!!"
My Biggest Disappointments:
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Andrew Garfield is such a perfect Spidey...won't someone please write him a good movie?
How to Train Your Dragon 2
The first HTTYD is one of my top films of all time. The sequel was rumoured to be even better, but it left me completely flat. I warmed to it a bit on second viewing, but, still, I expected to love this so much more than I do.
The Book of Life
This should have been awesome. All the pieces add up to awesome. It is decidedly not awesome.
My Worst:
Winter's Tale
Does anything scream "great movie" more than Colin Farrell and Russell Crowe in the leads? Well, apparently not always.
Transcendence
It was a very bad year for Johnny Depp.
Noah
It was a very bad year for Russell Crowe.
Exodus
It was a very bad year for the Bible.
Wild
I haven't been this bored since Your Highness.
Random Thoughts:
If you were going to see Unbroken, rent or buy The Railway Man instead.
Six years after The Dark Knight, how is it that two of the year's best-reviewed titles (by critics and fans alike)--Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy--will not be considered in any of the major Best Picture races simply because they are genre films??
Is Bradley Cooper eligible for a Best Supporting Actor nod for Guardians of the Galaxy? His "I didn't ask to be torn apart..." speech is the best acting I saw all year.
Luke Evans and Aidan Turner, you are going to be big, big stars. Please always stay as awesome as you are right now.
So, that's my year-end wrap for 2014. Kindly discuss in the comments if you're so inclined!
2015 is already shaping up to be a great year at the movies, so I'll hope to see everyone at the Highlands Marquee Cinemas!
Until next time....Cindy Prascik
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