Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Good Nurse & See How They Run

My dear reader(s): Yesterday I treated myself to a good old-fashioned double-feature. If it was from my sofa rather than from my old seat at the cinema...well...I'm still going to frame it as a step back towards normal. On the docket: The Good Nurse and See How They Run.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First up: The Good Nurse.

A physically and financially overburdened nurse begins to suspect her helpful new co-worker is not as he appears.

Based on a true story, the Good Nurse stars Academy Award winners Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne, punching below their weight. The film maintains tension decently — even if viewers may remember the outcome from the news — yet it still seems to arrive at its destination a little too quickly and conveniently. Fortunately, the story itself is compelling enough to hold attention, and Chastain and Redmayne (along with the stellar Noah Emmerich) would make it worth a look regardless of its other flaws.

The Good Nurse runs 121 minutes and is rated R for language.

The Good Nurse is essentially a network movie of the week, elevated by its exceptional cast. Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Good Nurse gets six and a half.

The Good Nurse is now streaming on Netflix.

Next on my agenda: See How They Run.

In 1950s London, attempts to make a film version of a long-running play are derailed when a key individual is murdered.

See How They Run is a proper, old-school murder mystery with an excellent cast, featuring Sam Rockwell, Adrien Brody, David Oyelowo, a particularly charming Saoirse Ronan, and the always delightful Ruth Wilson. The self-aware film moves quickly, keeps its secrets well, and boasts terrific costumes, styling, and set design. In the "before times," this is the sort of movie I'd have awaited anxiously, run out to see on opening day, and written about — if not glowingly — then at least very, very positively. These days, I'm excited it turned up for free, I loved watching these actors work with a decent script and pretty outfits, and I liked it well enough that I didn't play on my phone the whole time it was on.

See How They Run clocks in at a quick 98 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some violence/bloody images, and a sexual reference."

See How They Run is a fun mystery that boasts solid performances from its wonderful cast. Of a possible nine Weasleys, See How They Run gets seven.

See How They Run is now streaming on HBO Max.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: FANTASTIC BEAST: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE

 

Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards and witches. They soon encounter an array of old and new beasts as they clash with Grindelwald's growing legion of followers.

Director: David Yates

Cast:  Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, Mads Mikkelsen

Release Date: April 15, 2022 

Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Rated PG-13 for some fantasy action/violence.

Runtime: 2h 22m

Review:

Fantastic Beast: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the third entry in this prequel series, is lavishly directed and filled with strong turns from its string of A list stars.  None of which should come as a surprise, what is surprising is how this series made a sharp turn into more adult themes and tones.  David Yates, a veteran of the Potterverse, delivers another well crafted entry into the overall series.  His direction is methodical, allowing you appreciate the craftmanship of the production from the sets to wardrobe which makes the world feel real and lived in.  The action set pieces are impressively staged with the dinner escape sequence being a highlight in the film while a particularly gory sequence in a prison is likely to give some kids nightmares crabwalks aside.  The cast is equally committed with each member of the ensemble getting a moment to shine.  Eddie Redmayne, who was the original lead of the series, takes more a secondary role here as the focus shifts to Jude Law's Dumbledore.  Redmayne still manages to make to the most of his screen time especially when paired with his onscreen brother Callum Turner.  Jude Law gets a bigger spotlight here and his take on the character is thoughtful and measured with only a few fleeting moments early on really letting us in.  Mads Mikkelsen, who takes over for Johnny Depp, delivers a strong more menacing turn as the central villain. Mikkelsen can play these type of characters in his sleep so he's hardly flexing but that doesn't mean he's any less fun to watch.  Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler and Jessica Williams are the film's secret weapons by stealing every scene their in and infusing some life in a mostly dour affair.  There in lies the issue with the film, its a decidedly grim affair for the better part of its overlong runtime.  Additionally, this entry is steeped in mythology which might make it inaccessible to the casual fans.  Fantastic Beast: The Secrets of Dumbledore offers plenty to like and appreciate even if the story feels bloated and incomplete by design.  

C+

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald & Widows

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Widows.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

First on the docket, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

 

The magical world must pick a side when the dark wizard Grindelwald begins spreading a dangerous message.

 

Well, dear readers, in my house Harry Potter is gospel. It's unlikely I'll ever worship the Fantastic Beasts movies as I do the original series, but I'm happy enough to see the franchise continue and generally have no issues with its means of doing so. However...

 

Fantastic Beasts 2 has some problems. It's solid enough that I still enjoyed it, but the negatives are noteworthy.

 

The Harry Potter movies were always better than they had to be, largely due to the quality of the talent they attracted. Fantastic Beasts also has its share of great actors, but the missteps seem more pronounced. Katherine Waterston, in particular, is annoying to the point of distraction. On the flip side, an under-used Jude Law is wonderful as the young Dumbledore and--though it's unfashionable to say so--Johnny Depp is remarkable as Grindelwald. Law's characterization of Dumbledore skews more amiable-Richard-Harris than aggressively-kooky-Michael-Gambon, a wise choice that leaves plenty of room for development. Though his recent films do little to prove it, for my money Johnny Depp remains the most talented actor in the world. Fantastic Beasts lacks the gravitas of his best projects, but in his turn as Grindelwald there are flashes of the brilliance we once took for granted, particularly during a showcase speech towards the film's end.

 

Fantastic Beasts runs long and frequently feels like it's wasting time, yet there are no drawn-out action sequences or other obvious spots that could have used a trim. The movie fiddles with canon in ways both large and small, but before anyone gets their robes in a bunch, I'd suggest not everything is as it seems just now. Remember: Three more films are planned for this series. Nods and callbacks to the original series provide plenty of "awwww" moments for die-hards. Fantastic Beasts 2 boasts glorious visuals, with top-notch effects and lovely colors and textures in the costumes. James Newton Howard's always exceptional work in the music department effectively sets the mood from start to finish. It's an uneven but entertaining outing that leaves me excited for the next installment, and hopeful the filmmakers will sharpen their efforts to make a movie more worthy of carrying on this much-loved franchise.

 

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald clocks in at 134 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some sequences of fantasy action."

 

Fantastic Beasts 2 is an imperfect movie that's still magical enough to keep fans of the wizarding world wanting more. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald gets seven.

 

Next on my agenda, Widows.

 

When their husbands are killed on a job gone wrong, a group of women attempts to pull off a heist the men had planned.

 

Widows is being touted by some Serious Film Critics as a potential best picture contender, so I suppose it's a pretty great movie, but the sad fact is I hated every minute of it.

 

For an action movie that presents as credible drama, Widows has too many suspiciously convenient turns, and a fair few other things I just couldn't swallow. Outlandish tricks work with light entertainment like Oceans 8, but not here. Viola Davis lately makes a career of playing troubled people for whom I just can't muster any sympathy, and her abrasive gang leader is no different. As one of the finest actresses of her generation, I did wonder that nobody could have taught her to hold a dog as if she'd actually *seen* a dog before, but other than that it's a strong performance as another brash, unlikable woman. If there's a more irritating actor than Zooey Deschanel working today, well, I guess her name is Elizabeth Debicki. (End of list.) Smokin' hotness can't save Michelle Rodriguez from being way out of her acting depth. A chilling turn by Daniel Kaluuya is easily the movie's the best work, and, fresh off a stellar performance in Bad Times at the El Royale, Cynthia Erivo manages to present Widows' one and only character with any appeal at all. (Not counting the dog, of course. The dog is always the best character in any movie.) Overall Widows is a drab, violent exercise that's way too implausible for as seriously as it takes itself.

 

Widows runs 128 minutes and is rated R for "violence, language throughout, and some sexuality/nudity."

 

The next time I see a movie that opens with Liam Neeson in a van talking about a plan, it better be a sequel to The A-Team. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Widows gets four.

 

Fangirl points: Garrett Dillahunt! Manuel Garcia-Rulfo! That oddly-placed WASP song!

 

Until next time!!

MOVIE REVIEW: FANTASTIC BEAST: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald's plans of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings, Albus Dumbledore enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

Director: David Yates

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoë Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, Kevin Guthrie, Jude Law, Johnny Depp

Release Date: November 16, 2018

Genres: Adventure , Family , Fantasy

Rated PG-13 for some sequences of fantasy action

Runtime: 2h 14 min

Review:

I’ll start with a disclaimer; I’ve never been a die hard Harry Potter fan.  It’s a series that I warmed up too as the stories got more mature but I’d be lying if I said I loved them.  I appreciate them on multiple levels but if I never saw another film in the universe I’d be ok.  I enjoyed the first Fantastic Beast film because it was an enjoyable jaunt with some likeable characters starting with Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander.  In this entry, Redmayne has clearly nailed the character and he’s even more likeable this go around even though he’s not the primary focus.  A large cast of returning faces and new faces, like Johnny Depp’s titular Grindelwald and Jude Law’s Albus Dumbledore, make this film feel much larger and busier than the first entry.  The movie is never uninteresting but it does feel like there are multiple story lines jammed into this entry with a hefty amount of exposition setting up future entries.  David Yates film clearly suffers from being a middle entry in a much larger story which leaves this feeling incomplete by design.  Still there is a lot to like and fans of the series will find plenty to like.

B-

Cindy Prasick's Reviews of Early Man & Black Panther

Dearest Blog: After a two-week hiatus, yesterday it was back to Marquee Cinemas for what I thought was a promising pair: Early Man and Black Panther.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First up: Early Man.

The fate of a pre-historic tribe rests on a soccer game. Yes, you read that right.

Well, dear reader(s), it hurts me to say it, but Early Man just plain stinks. I wanted the wacky premise to be as funny as it sounds. I wanted the voice cast to be as amazing as it looks on paper. I wanted to love this movie, and I had every reason to believe I would, but it didn’t give me a chance.

Early Man is populated with forgettable characters who lack any charm.  The premise is improbable enough that it could have been hilarious, but instead it's just idiotic. The film doesn't even run a full hour and a half, but I lost count of the number of times I nearly nodded off. I can't imagine Early Man holding anyone's attention, nevermind the young audience at which it is directed. The few good laughs don't half make it worth your time.

Early Man clocks in at 89 minutes and is rated PG for "rude humor and some action."

If you were thinking of seeing Early Man, I'd suggest you save your money and watch Wallace & Gromit again instead. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Early Man gets three, including one bonus Weasley for having an actual Weasley (Mark Williams) among the cast.

Fangirl points: Richard Ayoade!

Next on my agenda, Black Panther.

Following the death of his father, new challenges face T'Challa both as king of Wakanda and as the Black Panther.

My usual disclaimer: I'm a DC girl through and through, so generally I find Marvel product enjoyable but forgettable. My notable exception has been Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but now I have two exceptions.

You. Guys. Black Panther is SO good. Other than being just a hair too long, it gets everything right. Chadwick Boseman carries the mammoth blockbuster with all the ease of the best A-lister. He's been so good so often it shouldn't be a surprise, but this is a very, VERY large stage and he owns it. His supporting cast is extraordinary to a person, with special mention to Danai Gurira--often the only watchable thing about the Walking Dead--and the always-remarkable Andy Serkis. The film boasts striking visuals with nifty tech, solid effects, majestic costumes, and glorious scenery. The humor is spot-on, never Iron Man-forced; in fact, one of the best things about Black Panther is the lack of intrusion by the other Avengers. The film reflects and respects African culture without so much as a hint of patronizing, and does an incredible job of planting everyone on equal footing. Characters in Black Panther aren't written to do things just because they're black or white, male or female; they're complicated people with complicated feelings and motives. The film bears important messages about our obligations to one another and those commitments that don't change with circumstances or our feelings. Black Panther has plenty of action, smart performances, layered interpersonal connections, and even a touch of romance, a little something for everyone.

Black Panther runs 134 minutes and is rated PG13 for "prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture."

Black Panther is that rare Marvel offering that is truly something special. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Black Panther gets nine.

Fangirl points: Don't wanna spoil anything but STICK AROUND FOR THE SECOND POST-CREDITS SCENE!

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: EARLY MAN

A plucky cave man named Dug, his sidekick Hognob and the rest of their tribe face a grave threat to their simple existence. Lord Nooth plans to take over their land and transform it into a giant mine, forcing Dug and his clan to dig for precious metals. Not ready to go down without a fight, Dug and Hognob must unite their people in an epic quest to defeat a mighty enemy -- the Bronze Age.

Director: Nick Park

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall

Release Date: Feb 16, 2018

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Rated PG for rude humor and some action

Runtime: 1h 29 min

Review:

Early Man, Nick Park’s latest claymation entry, is as decidedly charming as it is British.  It’s got some solid laughs even if never really nails an emotional center.  Park’s characters are fun and eccentric but the film’s brisk pace never lets us get too close to any of them.  Eddie Redmayne’s Dug is central character and he’s a likeable sort matching Redmayne’s endearing voice work.  Tom Hiddleston hams it up as the film villain who’s never any sort of real threat.  I would have liked to have seen Maisie Williams character get more to do but she’s still solid in parts.  The movie’s real MVP is Dug’s side kick Hognob, a prehistoric hog, who is good for laughs throughout.  Early Man probably won’t be remembered as one of Nick Park’s classics like some of his Wallace and Gromit films or even Chicken Run.  That being said, it is a charming family film that’s going to leave a smile on most people’s face.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: FANTASTIC BEAST AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

This spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise jumps back in time to explore the wizarding world of 1926 New York, which is being threatened by both mystical acts of destruction and a group of extremist No-Majs (the American term for Muggles, i.e. those unable to use magic). Author Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in the city as part of a global study of fantastic beasts, but he gets caught up in this conflict when some of the magical creatures in his care are accidentally released. Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, and Johnny Depp co-star in this fantasy adventure, which was directed by David Yates (who helmed four of the Harry Potter films) and adapted for the screen by J.K. Rowling from her own book. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: David Yates     

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton.

Release Date: Nov 18, 2016     

Rated PG-13 for Some Fantasy/Action Violence 

    

Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min.     

Genres: Action/Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy    

Review:

Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them is charming entry into Potterverse.  Kicking off a series of prequel films can be a difficult task but director David Yates pulls it off with ease thanks to some strong turns from his cast.  Eddie Redmayne leads the cast with his Newt Scamander.  It’s an understated performance but engaging enough to keep you invested throughout even if some of the plot seems scattered and unfocused.  The film is at best when Redmayne is paired with Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol.  You can feel the energy in the film pick up with the quartet is assembled.  As for the story itself, it’s a tad busy which can make it feel like it’s hitting multiple stops with no clear destination in mind.  It’s a shame the film didn’t make better use of Colin Farrell.  Instead he’s given a generic villain who’s not nearly as interesting as he could be.  Ezra Miller suffers from a similar situation but he does manage to elevate it a bit with some nifty acting.  That being said it’s a hard film not to like, there’s an inherit charm built into the story which makes it a good start for the series.

B+

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them & Bleed for This

Dearest Blog: With Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Oscar hopeful Bleed for This, the pre-Thanksgiving weekend provides a treat that's been all too rare in 2016: a genuinely exciting cinema double-bill. So, with high hopes, I set off once again for Marquee Cinemas. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. First on my agenda, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Chaos ensues when a rogue English wizard arrives in New York City with a case full of magical creatures. 

 

While Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is named after a very short Hogwarts textbook, it is not technically "based on" the publication that shares its title; rather, it is an original story written by Potter author J.K. Rowling about her characters, both new and old. Genre fans still smarting from Peter Jackson's ill-advised attempt to stretch a pretty short book into three pretty long movies needn't be concerned; this isn't that. 

 

Admittedly, the film still runs a bit long, and the occasionally-awkward script--on which Rowling has the sole writing credit--might have done with a brush-up from Potter screenwriter Steve Kloves, but the picture's only other real weakness is that the titular "fantastic" beasts are its least-interesting feature. 

 

The good news is Rowling's trademark kind-heartedness and magical imagination are in full effect with Fantastic Beasts. Eddie Redmayne's skittish acting style can be annoying sometimes, but he's perfect as Newt Scamander. 

Redmayne nails traits common in those of us who are more comfortable with four-legged beasts than with two-legged ones; he shuffles and looks at the ground when speaking with another human, but is entirely at ease with even the most intimidating other creatures. Redmayne also gets full marks for some extraordinary physical acting that had to be uncomfortable-to-downright-embarrassing to play off only a green screen. 

 

The solid supporting cast includes Colin Farrell in a menacing turn, and scene-stealer Dan Fogler. Fantastic Beasts boasts glorious effects, good-natured humor, and a charming score by the masterful James Newton Howard. 

 

It's been five years since Harry Potter's final big-screen foray, and if you'd forgotten just how magical it is when that giant "WB" logo appears to the twinkling accompaniment of Hedwig's Theme, Fantastic Beasts will bring it all right back to you. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them clocks in at 133 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some fantasy action violence." 

 

Nostalgic yet standing firmly on its own merits, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is great fun and a perfectly-worthy addition to the Harry Potter film franchise. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them gets seven and a half. 

 

Next up: Bleed for This. A boxing champion faces a long road to recovery after a devastating automobile accident. 

 

Well, dear reader(s), I was going to start by pondering how a sport I dislike as intensely as boxing could spawn movies I love so much, but then I remembered Talladega Nights and figured the question kinda answered itself. 

 

At any rate, boxing movies always seem to be favorites of mine, and I'm pleased to report Bleed for This is no exception. 

 

Miles Teller is simply amazing as boxer Vinny Pazienza. He's had good roles in good movies before, but this is a real star turn. The normally-dashing Aaron Eckhart underwent an astounding transformation to portray Pazienza's balding, paunchy, middle-aged trainer, the kind of physical effort that normally earns guys Oscars as long as they aren't named Johnny Depp or Gary Oldman. 

Eckhart's earnest turn is the movie's backbone, but it's Ciaran Hinds who really steals the show with his emotional portrayal of Pazienza's father. For my money, any or all of the three are awards-worthy, and reason enough to see a movie that has plenty more going for it. 

 

While the boxing scenes aren't quite as authentic as Southpaw or Creed, the matches will leave you holding your breath even when you think you know the outcome. 

 

At a smart two hours, Bleed for This is wise enough not to wear out its welcome, and--between Pazienza's constant underdog status and his touch-and-go recovery--it's a pretty tense ride. Meticulous attention to the fighter's recovery and training might have bogged down in less capable hands, but here it is mesmerizing. 

 

Some solid 80s arena rock combines with the soulful sounds of Willis Earl Beal to flesh out the picture's struggling-but-hopeful tone. Bleed for This runs 116 minutes and is rated R for "language, sexuality/nudity, and some accident images." 

 

It's not quite the Best Picture contender it may have seemed, but Bleed for This is a solid drama bouyed by award-worthy performances. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Bleed for This gets seven. 

 

Until next time...

 

 

Cindy Prascik's Review of Spotlight & The Danish Girl

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday I had the opportunity to catch a couple of awards darlings before they're chased out of town by Adam Sandler or Transformers 47: The Search for Shia LeBeouf. On the docket: Spotlight and The Danish Girl. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

First up: Spotlight. The Boston Globe exposes the cover-up of a horrifying pattern of sexual abuse by Catholic priests. Spotlight is simultaneously one of the most brilliant and one of the most difficult-to-watch movies I've ever seen. 

 

The events depicted in the film turned my stomach more than any death-defying stunt or gratuitous gore, not just a systematic failure to protect the defenseless, but, worse, a conspiracy to hide and excuse (EXCUSE!) such abuse. 

 

Performances are top notch across the board, with Mark Ruffalo especially impressive in what amounts to the leading role among the strong ensemble. Liev Schreiber is outstanding as always in a smaller part, one of the top five actors in the world, for my money. 

 

The plot is gripping, as the reporters dig deeper and deeper into a plot that reaches higher and higher into the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. Despite a runtime that's well over two hours, I was riveted the entire time, even though I wanted to scream at the screen as family members, Church authorities, and legal officials made excuses and attempted to keep the story from getting out. 

 

As the end credits began to roll, and the film presented a list of the many, many communities impacted by this epidemic, I was overcome with grief, not only for what happened, but for how much could have been prevented. 

 

I cannot remember the last time a movie left me this angry and heartbroken. Spotlight runs 128 minutes and is rated R for "some language, including sexual references." 

 

This year's Oscar Best Picture race is a tight one, but Spotlight has won my heart and my vote. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Spotlight gets nine. 

 

Next on my agenda: The Danish Girl. Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne stars as transgender pioneer Lili Elbe. 

 

Whereas Spotlight is a captivating story featuring stunning acting, The Danish Girl is mostly noteworthy for the performances alone. 

 

The story itself *should* be fascinating, but, as told here, is just slow and somewhat dull. 

 

Though much decorated, I find Eddie Redmayne an awkward performer, almost painful to watch in this film. It's undeniably a brave performance, but I'm not sure it's a great one. 

 

Ben Whishaw, delightful in a smaller role, would have been far more effective in the lead, if you ask me. (And, if you're reading this, I guess you're asking me!) 

 

Alicia Vikander is stellar, really a co-lead even though she's been considered a "supporting" player for awards purposes, and Amber Heard provides some welcome light in what's overall a pretty angsty tale. 

 

The film boasts beautiful locations and a lovely score, and, though we may have a long way to go, it's a nice reminder of just how far the world has come on the issues faced by transgender individuals. 

 

The Danish Girl clocks in at 119 minutes and is rated R for "for some sexuality and full nudity." (And they really, really mean that last bit!) 

 

Though sluggishly paced, The Danish Girl is worth seeing for its solid performances and important subject matter. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Danish Girl gets six. 

 

Until next time..

MOVIE REVIEW: JUPITER ASCENDING

Mila Kunis stars as Jupiter Jones, an everyday girl in the future whose life takes an unexpected turn when an ex-soldier (Channing Tatum) comes looking for her in hopes that she can live up to her destiny as the savior of the universe. Andy and Lana Wachowski once again dip their feet into sci-fi territory with this sprawling Warner Bros. epic. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski

Cast: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth.

Release Date: Feb 06, 2015

Rated PG-13 for some Violence, Sequences of Sci-fi Action, Some Suggestive Content and Partial Nudity 

Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min. 

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy 

Review:

Hybrid Wolf space hunter with space rollerblades.  If you can wrap your head around Channing Tatum’s character alone then you might find something to like in the Wachowski’s nearly incoherent and utterly ridiculous Jupiter Ascending.  The story is absurdly outlandish even though it feels incredibly familiar as well.  Thankfully the Wachowski’s bring this usual visual flair to the proceedings making for some truly impressive action sequences that keep you entertained once you’ve decided to turn your brain off completely.  If you accept Eddie Redmayne, acting with combustible collagen fueled lips, as a mad despot then you might find some enjoyment in the silliness.  Mila Kunis is ok as the titular Jupiter but she looks just as confused as we are, as a result she played her character like a gullible moron who’s only happy with her space hunter wolf hybrid and his space rollerblades.

C

MOVIE REVIEW: THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Starring Eddie Redmayne ("Les Misérables") and Felicity Jones ("The Amazing Spider-Man 2"), this is the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of - time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed. The film is based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, by Jane Hawking, and is directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh ("Man on Wire").

Director: James Marsh     

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Charlie Cox

Release Date: Nov 07, 2014    

Rated: PG-13 for suggestive Material and Some Thematic Elements    

Runtime: 2 hr. 3 min.    

Genres: Drama    

Review:

The Theory of Everything is the type of Awards fodder you expect to see around this time of year.  It’s structured in a fairly conventional manner but director James Marsh keeps everything moving at a steady pace.  It’s a lovely looking film that carries some real heart with it.  Marsh allows his actors to really find their characters which they do in spades.  Eddie Redmayne is going to get the most accolades and it’s all well deserved.  He disappears into his role completely, mimicking every stage of Hawking’s disability while still conveying a sharp mind and wit throughout.  Redmayne’s role is the highlight but Felicity Jones performance really anchors the film.  She displays so many emotions over the course of the film.  The film doesn’t keep a storybook track for the love story; as such it feels much more real and packs a stronger punch.  The film is packed with emotion and it covers the gamut from inspirational to heartbreaking and back. 

A