MOVIE REVIEW: A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

 

In the early 1960s, 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Forming his most intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he grows restless with the folk movement, making a controversial choice that reverberates worldwide.

Director: James Mangold

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, Scoot McNairy

Release Date: December 25, 2024

Genre: Biography, Drama, Music

Rated R for language.

Runtime: 2h 20m

Review:

A Complete Unknown serves as a time capsule that focuses on four formative years of Bob Dylan's career in the 60s that places you firmly in the moment although it never gives you any insight into his headspace.  James Mangold's second foray into musical biopics finds the director in his wheelhouse as he recreates the look and feel of the early 60's folk music scene that Dylan walks into.  He directs the performances with ease allowing the performers and music to take center stage while avoiding some of the more obvious pitfalls and tropes that Walk The Line fell into.  There aren't nearly as many contrived moments were moments immediately lead into the creation of signature songs although there is still of relationship melodrama which just seems baked into these kind of stories.  As a result, the film has a more naturalistic and organic feel to it as we follow Dylan's rise from obscurity to mega stardom.  Interlaced into his personal journey are newsclips woven into the background about the major political and cultural events occurring during these nascent years of his career.  We assume these moments lead to the creation of some of Dylan's most famous songs but the film never overtly connects the two.  This is partly due to the fact that we are kept at arms length from Dylan's internal motivations as the audience is given very few glimpses into his psyche outside of being a mysterious, ambitious iconoclast.  There's painfully little insight provided throughout the film's runtime perhaps by design as we get little more than he's a genius but self centered jerk.  The supporting characters don't fare much better as we're given only the most basic information about everyone we meet.  Its a testament to the cast that they're performances are as engaging and effective as they are given the script's shortcomings. Timothée Chalamet leads the film by dissolving into Bob Dylan's mannerism and vocal inflections to deliver a truly impressive bit of cinematic mimicry.  Where his performance truly shines is during the musical portions of the film as Chalamet sings and plays Dylan's songs rarely missing a bit along the way.  Its an impressive fully formed performance that goes the extra step above the usual imitation game although you wish the script had given him a bit more meat to work with.  Edward Norton's Pete Seeger proves to be more fleshed out as the folk stalwart that is desperately hoping to fight back the electrical musical revolution.  It's a measured and thoughtful turn that humanizes the character by giving him varying levels of depth.  Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro deliver strong performances as parts of the central love triangle although neither is given much depth on their own and an on stage moment between Dylan and Baez that feels lifted from Mangold's own Walk The Line comes off as overkill. Boyd Holbrook is solid in spots as Johnny Cash while we are left wishing Scoot McNairy had been given a bit more to do as Woody Guthrie.  A Complete Unknown lives up to its name as it gives the audience just enough about the people we are watching while never letting us truly understand them in any meaningful way.  

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: ASTEROID CITY

 

World-changing events spectacularly disrupt the itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in an American desert town circa 1955.

Director: Wes Anderson

Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Steve Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan, Jeff Goldblum

Release Date: June 23, 2023 

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Rated PG-13 on appeal for brief graphic nudity, smoking and some suggestive material

Runtime:1h 45m

By this point in Wes Anderson's career people should know what they are getting into when they step into the theater to watch one of his films.  His esoteric, meticulous style may not be for everybody but you have to appreciate the level of craftmanship on display in every shot.  This latest entry has all of his quirks and style set to max which a multilevel structure that allow him to explore a wide variety of themes and ruminations on life, love and loss.  Anderson has run through these sort of themes in the past but this is his most densely packed film which is ready made for discussion and dissection. The film follows a very specific pace which might be a bit slow for some since its in no hurry to get anywhere.  Like everything in this film, its measured and calculated and it allows the all star cast really shine in each scene.  It's truly an ensemble piece with everyone getting their moment throughout the film with Schwartzman and Johansson getting slightly more screen time.  Those looking for a straightforward comedy might be disappointed since it's a much more varied beast that has more charm than outright belly laughs.  As the film moves into its final act it also gets more experimental in its structure and overall approach.  Asteroid City proves to be something far more interesting and innovative when its all said and done.  Its an impressive feat from Anderson and his cast but I don't believe this is the type of film that will change people who dislike his singular style into fans.  

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

 

Tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.

Director: Rian Johnson

Cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista

Release Date: November 23, 2022 

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for strong language, some violence, sexual material and drug content

Runtime: 2h 20m

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is the kind of film that pulsates with palatable energy from its cast and director that you can't help but be entranced in the murder mystery at play.  Rian Johnson delivers another sharp and playful mystery for his own Hercule Poirot, Detective Benoit Blanc.  Johnson and Daniel Craig clearly love the material and character with their energy gleefully seeping through the screen.  Craig clearly loves playing the character and his Foghorn Leghorn drawl with this entry finding him refining his persona making him more human even with the outsized attitudes.  He's graced with another solid ensemble cast who all bring their own sort of energy.  They, like Blanc, are all oversized personas representing certain kinds of people from eccentric billionaires like Ed Norton's Miles Bron or Kate Hudson's ditzy supermodel Birdie Jay.  Ethan Hawke shows up for a split second before disappearing entirely which leaves you wondering if a subplot was left on the cutting room floor.  Still, Johnson makes solid use of the rest of the supporting cast throughout the film which likes to play with scenes by telling them from different points of view as the story unfolds.  Each character has their own underlying agenda at play with Janelle Monáe's Cassandra Brand being the crux of the story.  In its final act the film feels reminiscent of the 1985's Clue, a game Blanc hates, with character's motivations being dissected.  The final reveal isn't much of a surprise but that doesn't make it any less fun when the cast in front of the camera and director behind it are clearly having so much fun.   

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: ISLE OF DOGS

When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.

Director: Wes Anderson

Cast: Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Courtney B. Vance, Harvey Keitel, Liev Schreiber, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, F. Murray Abraham, Frank Wood, Yoko Ono.

Release Date: March 23, 2018

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and some violent images

Runtime: 1h 41min

Review:

Isle of Dogs, Wes Anderson’s 2^nd foray into stop motion, is a charming and thoughtful tale of mans best friends.  Wes Anderson’s film is filled with his usual hipster hallmarks which people either love or hate.  Its all here in spades so if you’re not a fan of his distinct style this won’t change your mind.  Those who do enjoy his style will find plenty to love here.  The direction and craftsmanship is top notch throughout making it one of the most visually arresting films of the year.  The voice cast is filled with Anderson regulars and a few newcomers like Bryan Cranston.  Cranston provides the emotional center of the film and really gives the story its heart.  Like most of Anderson’s films there’s a streak of sadness through the entire story.  Isle of Dogs does have a slightly bleaker outlook than usual and the story has a fairly obvious allegory to current events which makes it more dense than expected and one of Anderson’s best.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: BIRDMAN

A fading actor (Michael Keaton) best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected. Lindsay Duncan.

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Cast: Michael Keaton, Lindsay Duncan, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Emma Stone

Release Date: Oct 17, 2014

Rated: R for brief Violence, Some Sexual Content and Language Throughout

Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Review:

Birdman is a dizzying powerhouse of a film that’s showcases it’s cast and director on multiple levels.  Alejandro González Iñárritu has crafted a fascinating dissection of fame and celebrity culture through the guise of a mental breakdown.  Michael Keaton’s soul baring performance is simply amazing.  It’s an unglamorous performance which shows every inch of age on Keaton’s face while showcasing his impressive talent.  Aided by excellent supporting turns by Edward Norton and Emma Stone, Birdman maintains an impressive energy throughout as it builds to its crescendo.  There’s nary a moment when the film drags and it’s at it’s best when Norton and Keaton share the screen together since you can tell they are both having a blast while putting on some impressive performances.  If there’s a small drawback it’s the film does reek of self importance even smugness at some points.  That being said, Birdman is the type of prestige film that should hold up well upon repeat viewing thanks to some wonderfully crafted filmmaking and acting.

A

Cindy Prascik's Review of Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

 
Dearest Blog, this weekend my cinema unexpectedly offered awards season hopeful Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). I owe them a debt of gratitude for eschewing the usual smalltown "If it's not Transformers, why bother?" mentality and not making me fit in *all* the nominated films in the two weeks leading up to the Oscars!

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

The washed-up star of a big Hollywood superhero franchise tries to kickstart his career on Broadway.
Well, dear reader(s), Birdman is the kind of movie that many people may dislike despite it's being well done, and there probably won't be much middle ground: people will love it or they'll hate it. Me, I really, really loved it.

Michael Keaton turns in an extraordinary performance in the lead, simultaneously heartbreaking and hilarious and sympathetic and distant and serious and insane. Early goings yet for me to say "All the awards, please!" but this is the kind of work that, even if he ends up not being my guy when the time comes, I won't complain about anything he wins. The supporting cast is similarly terrific, especially Edward Norton and the lovely Emma Stone.

I'll go on record as saying this is the first time I've seen Zach Galafianakis in anything where I didn't want to kill him; he is very good and almost unbelievably not annoying! At a glance, the story sounds like a buzzkill, as "has-been actor" tales rarely end well, but the telling is so entertaining that it doesn't feel that way. Certainly there's a bit of melancholy about the past, but there's also a hopeful note that comes with the having courage to take a chance. There has been much online debate about the movie's ending, and I won't spoil it here, but I will say it's a real conversation starter and--in my opinion--a perfect finish to a film that poses more questions than it answers.

Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) clocks in at 119 minutes, and is rated R for "language throughout, some sexual content, and brief violence."

Birdman is, across the board, one of the best movies I've seen this year, smartly written, beautifully acted, and truly entertaining from start to finish.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) gets eight.

Until next time...

[Trailers] The Grand Budapest Hotel & Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

A couple of new trailers hit yesterday and they couldn’t be any different. First up is Wes Anderson’s next film The Grand Budapest Hotel. Personally I love Anderson and this looks like it’ll be another fun film in the tradition of Moonrise Kingdom and The Royal Tenenbaums. An added bonus is seeing Ralph Fiennes in a comedic role, check it out below;



Next up is the trailer for the new spin off, Hispanic aimed Paranormal Activity because the franchise really needed a spin off. Personally, I enjoyed the first 3 PA films but the last one was just lazy and bad, perhaps they could have focused their energy on fixing the actual franchise before spinning it off, either way check it out below;

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BOURNE LEGACY

IN THEATERS ON DVD

THE BOURNE LEGACY



The fourth installment of the highly successful Bourne series sees the return of the franchise's screenwriter, Tony Gilroy, this time stepping into the director's seat for an entry which sidelines main character Jason Bourne in order to focus on a fellow estranged assassin (Jeremy Renner). Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz co-star, with Joan Allen and Albert Finney reprising their roles from the previous films. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Tony Gilroy

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Edward Norton, Rachel Weisz, Joan Allen, Albert Finney

Release Date: Aug 10, 2012

Rated PG-13 for Violence and Action Sequences

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Genres: Comedy

Review:

The Bourne Legacy is one of those films that come into being because of behind the scenes issues. Paul Greengrass had a falling out with the studio which made Matt Damon bow out; the studio didn’t want to let an established franchise die on the vine. It’s just one of those odd births that lead us into The Bourne Legacy which is an effective if slightly bland supplement to the Bourne trilogy. The write around is well done, covering a story that occurs parallel to the 3rd film thereby keeping it firmly established in the world. Tony Gilroy isn’t afraid to reference or even give visual cues to the trilogy, the opening shot and final scene offer some nice symmetry with the Damon led films. The general conceit of the film works fine but the script suffers a tad from over explanation. Lots of expositional conversations occur in the first half, the type were people include their job title and schooling in conversations so the audience is up to speed. It’s a slow waltz up to the crux of the story which might leave some a bit surprised at the lack of actual action in this action film, especially in the first half. Lots of techno babble about pills and back office government agencies with a very upset Edward Norton screaming out orders take us to Jeremy Renner’s Cross. Renner’s conversion into an action star is more or less complete and as Cross he’s effective but outside of being overly chatty Cross is kind of bland. The character feels strangely underwritten, leaving us with an easily forgettable lead. Rachel Weisz is mostly regulated to a constant state of panic intermixed with jogging through Manila slums. Her performance is fine but the character feels incredibly one note. So much so that when the big action set piece hits in all it’s parkour/motorcycle glory I was kind of hoping she die to give Cross some deeper motivation for survival. Legacy isn’t a bad film by any stretch and there are worse ways to spend 2 hours but in reality the only way it would have been worthwhile would have been if Cross ran into Bourne in the final reel, maybe someday.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: MOONRISE KINGDOM

IN THEATERS

MOONRISE KINGDOM




Director/co-writer Wes Anderson teams with screenwriter Roman Coppola for this period comedy-drama set in the 1960s, in which a pair of young lovers (Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) from an island off the New England coast head for the hills and throw their small town into a frenzy. Bruce Willis co-stars with Bill Murray, Edward Norton, and Frances McDormand. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Wes Anderson

Cast: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman

Release Date: May 25, 2012

Rated PG-13 for Sexual Content and Smoking

Runtime: 1 hr. 34 min.

Genres: Drama, Romance

Review:

I was a strange child, a fact my parents love reminding me of. There are certain movies that really tap into a portion of the childhood experience; Moonrise Kingdom is one of those films. Wes Anderson’s newest film maybe his best. A touching tribute to love, childhood innocence and those moments you wish you could hold on to forever. Anderson wonderfully crafted shots create an almost ethereal texture to the film. The cast from top to bottom brings there A game. Anderson has a talent of bringing out special performances from his actors and this film is no different. Each of the cast members brings a certain level of sincerity and quirkiness to their roles. Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward in particular make an impressive tandem with each actor bringing so much to both sides of the story. The story is purposely lighthearted and easily digestible making it a film that’s easy to revisit over and over again. Something a film like this requires in order to truly appreciate every bit of nuance and detail, savor it and digest.

A

[Trailer] The Bourne Legacy

New full trailer for The Bourne Legacy is out and it looks like the plot will be expanding on the Bourne universe exploring more areas of the entire Treadstone project and fall out.

Looks like it can be surprisingly good even though it was a strange way to keep an actor centric franchise alive, a solid cast always helps…..

[Teaser Trailer] The Bourne Legacy

To say this film is a risk would be an understatement. Some franchises are associated with certain actors and once Matt Damon decided to skip the next entry due to behind the scenes issues most assumed the Bourne series would be dead in the water expect the studio of course.

Deciding to create a new story line, with Jeremy Renner in the lead as a different character, within the same world is an interesting approach. It’s intriguing enough for me to be interested and this teaser, along with the amount of talent assembled along with some returning stars, make this teaser all the more intriguing…..