MOVIE REVIEW: THE FLASH

 

Worlds collide when the Flash uses his superpowers to travel back in time to change the events of the past. However, when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, he becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation. With no other superheroes to turn to, the Flash looks to coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian -- albeit not the one he's looking for.

Director: Andrés Muschietti

Cast: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, Michael Keaton

Release Date: June 16, 2023

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity

Runtime: 2h 24m

Andrés Muschietti's The Flash is cornucopia of superhero wackiness powered by a manic energy that makes the whole thing incredibly watchable.  Muschietti takes a kitchen sink approach by staging some inventive action set pieces which ranges from charmingly goofy early on like a "baby shower" rescue or a bit of mayhem that plays more like a circus parade before we move to the requisite superhero action.  The variety in these sequences keeps the entire thing from feeling stale since each sequence offers up it's own sort of energy.  These set pieces, as fun as they are, wouldn't work as well as it does if Ezra Miller didn't deliver a strong performance.  Miller's, legal issues aside, is a talented performer and this role allows him to really flex his acting muscles as he plays two different versions of the titular character at different stages in his life.  He balances the more mature, damaged central character with the more carefree and naïve iteration of himself with impressive ease.  In both cases, he brings a grounded, authentic emotional center to the characters even amongst the increasingly insane situations splashed on screen.  The character's arch through the multiverse differentiates itself from other film using the trope by centering it around the character's personal growth and acceptance, Star Trek: The Next Generation fans might get echoes of the episode Tapestry which used a similar approach.  Its a smart approach which centers the film even as a bevy of cameos and Easter eggs are thrown onscreen.  The most substantial of these is Michael Keaton donning the cape and cowl once again, something he does with his general ease as he brings back the same Burtonesque energy that's sure to thrill children of the 80's.  Once Keaton shows up on screen the film does lean heavily into fan service which will make a portion of the fandom very happy and will likely be lost on people under a certain age.  Sasha Calle joins the film roughly around the same time as she brings a quiet ferocity to her character that the film would have benefited from exploring.  Instead her character feels rushed and underserved which is a shame.  Michael Shannon returns as General Zod in what amounts to a thankless role since its little more than an extended cameo that there simply to set up Barry's internal conflict.  While it makes sense in terms of the story being told you can't help but think there had to be a better way to use both Calle and Shannon.  Its a minor quibble especially when you step back and look at the amount of juggling Muschietti is doing to make The Flash work as a fun and engaging superhero story centered around a personal journey about growth.  

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Zack Snyder's Justice League

 

My dear reader(s), this weekend has brought us a great gift. No, it's not the first day of spring or even the (hopefully) impending end of Covid, but rather the long-awaited "Snyder Cut" of Justice League.

Spoiler level here will be...mild(ish), I guess.

Probably everybody - or at least everybody who'd bother to read this - knows the story of 2017's Justice League. Midway through building his DC Universe, a personal tragedy caused Snyder to exit the film. Joss Whedon stepped in and made a very Marvel-colored DC movie, maligned by critics and fans alike. In anticipation of the release of the Snyder Cut, I rewatched the original last week, and was reminded that I did enjoy it in a very Marvel-ish way, that is, I laughed at its goofiness and forgot it the minute it was over. The four-hour Snyder Cut...*that* I enjoyed in a very DC way, that is, I loved every minute and will hold it in my heart forever.

Let's start with Master Wayne. Batman is my favorite A-List hero (the Tick is my overall favorite, if anyone wondered), and Ben Affleck is my favorite Batman by far. Cocky but world weary, strong but fading, his take on the character wouldn't be out of place in any dramatic awards darling. In the theatrical release of Justice League, Batman was basically reduced to comic relief, an insult to the Caped Crusader's legacy. The Snyder Cut reinstates him as the quarterback of this team of heroes.

While the movie retains the darker tone for which DC is noted, there is a good bit of humor, mostly from Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Flash (Ezra Miller). Gone are the Iron Man-esque wise cracks in every scene that were forced into the theatrical release. The movie does not miss them.

Gal Gadot shines as Wonder Woman, Diana doing her part to lead the team and perhaps temper Bruce Wayne's hardness and cynicism. It's also worth noting that Wonder Woman has the coolest musical cue of all the heroes.

Henry Cavill remains a perfect Superman, and maybe the very best news about the Snyder cut is that it's missing the awful CGI moustache erasure that made such a laughingstock of the theatrical cut from its very first moments.

Finally, we come to Victor Stone. Snyder has called him the heart of the film, and he definitely benefits from added screen time and a more fleshed-out backstory. A leader though he's just a kid, Ray Fisher's Cyborg is the glue that holds Justice League together. I know I speak for many when I say, if DC made a feature with Fisher's Cyborg and Miller's Flash, I'd be there with bells on.

The Snyder Cut boasts some super effects, especially on the villian Steppenwolf; in fact, its visuals are quite stunning nearly every step of the way. The film features an epic score by Junkie XL. There are plenty of surprises/Easter eggs for DC fans, and I don't mind admitting that I got a bit choked up by certain frames of the movie. If the picture has a fault, it's that all that super slo-mo does get a bit exhausting, but mostly it is, in every way, the epic big screen endeavor that the world's greatest heroes deserve.

Zack Snyder's Justice League runs a whopping 242 minutes and is rated R for "violence and some language."

As a DC fangirl, I am happy to report Zack Snyder's Justice League is everything I'd hoped for. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Zack Snyder's Justice League gets all nine...and I'm watching it again as I type this!

Fangirl points: Song to the Siren makes a brief appearance here, and even though it's a cover instead of Tim Buckley's original....I'll take it!

Zack Snyder's Justice League, along with his director's cut of Batman v Superman, is now streaming on HBO Max.

MOVIE REVIEW: ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE

 

In ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE, determined to ensure Superman's (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.

Director: Zack Snyder

Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray 
Fisher, Ciarán Hinds

Release Date: March 18, 2021

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy 

Rated R for violence and some language 

Runtime: 4h 2min 

Review:

Zack Snyder's Justice League had a long and tragic road to becoming a reality.  Joss Whedon's cobbled together Frankenstein film isn't terrible but it just reeks of shooting for the lowest common denominator, what works is mainly due to the cast.  Regardless of that, the Whedon film felt nothing like Snyder's lead in, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, an overstuffed film but one with a clear vision.  The last time we've been able to see two separate versions of the same film was in the early 2000's when both Renny Harlin's Exorcist: The Beginning and Paul Schrader's Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist were both released with one film being the result of studio meddling, sadly both films were terrible for different reasons.  Against all odds, Zack Snyder's Justice League is a opus that hits all the right marks without any of cheesy one liners of the Whedon film.  Snyder's film is entirely his own entity from the start and fits in perfectly with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.  Perhaps the most interesting thing about the whole thing is that while it's much more serious than the Whedon film, it's never an overly dour affair.  There's well placed levity throughout with Ezra Miller's Flash carrying the comedic load and it never feels fake or forced.  Even more surprising is the amount of heart and character building on display in this film, something that's been lacking from the majority of Snyder's previous films.  

This film gave Ray Fisher's Cyborg a real emotional arch and the character himself feels more like a fully realized creation with understandable motivations and emotions.  Ciarán Hinds's villain Steppenwolf is given more depth than he did in the original which works in the character's and story's favor.  Likewise, Jason Momoa's Aquaman isn't the over the top dudebro from the original release which makes his character far more interesting and nuanced.  This approach gives Momoa the chance to actually display some real acting chops and he does incredibly well.  Ben Affleck's Batman is more hopeful in this version without having to use goofy one liners.  Henry Cavill's resurrected Superman is saved from bad facial CGI and it's nerdy fun to see him don the black suit but his story is more or less unchanged. Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman gets a far better shake in this version as well, those complaining about the lack of action in Wonder Woman 84 from the Amazonian will find plenty to love here.  The action sequences themselves are also a revelation, the major set pieces are more or less the same but Snyder's version are stylized 300 esque battles that deliver an appropriately epic scope.  Steppenwolf's attack on Themyscira early on serves as a prime example of how Snyder's action worked much better on multiple levels, it helps that Connie Nielsen's Hippolyta is given more screen.  Much like the action, the story itself is cleaner and more efficient here which makes you wonder why some of the changes were even made in the first place.  It's a testament to how engaging the story and characters are that its four hour runtime rarely feels oppressive.  There aren't many scenes that feel superfluous, instead they all serve the character's story.  Zack Snyder's Justice League is an achievement on multiple levels, it's both ground and personal but epic in scope.  Comic book fans will find plenty to love in this version while DC fans will finally get to see their hero's in film they deserve which makes the sequel set up all that more painful.

A-

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-

April Sokol's Review of Justice League

Movie review: Justice League

Justice League is the latest DC Comic Universe offering. The story picks up shortly after the death of Superman has plunged the world into darkness, chaos and violence.

Directed by Zack Snyder

Starring: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fischer, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, JK Simmons, Amber Heard and Ciaran Hinds

My slightly spoilery review:

I feel like in the interest of full disclosure, I should mention before we go further into this review that I am not a DC fan usually. The big shiny exception being the incredible Wonder Woman. I have felt as though most of the DC movies have been dark and dreary and have taken themselves entirely too seriously. So my expectations for this movie were not what anyone would consider “high”. What a shock it was to find myself REALLY enjoying this movie.

Our story is nothing incredibly new or unique. The world is being threatened by the evil demon Steppenwolf (voiced by Hinds) who is set on total destruction. Batman (Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gadot) realize that they are going to need more help if they hope to defeat him and save planet Earth. Enter the rest of the team: The Flash (Miller), Aquaman (Momoa) and Cyborg (Fisher). We get glimpses into each of their lives as they are being recruited. This is done without the repetition of Suicide Squad and in a way where I felt intrigued by what each new member will bring to the table. The slight spoiler here is in the resurrection of Superman (Cavill).

Where I feel this movie really scores is in the emotional components. There are some really wonky CGI problems which I was willing to overlook because I felt invested in the characters. The deep layered complexities of what it means to be a human are really explored here in a way that many superhero movies seem to miss. Adams and Lane are back as Lois Lane and Martha Kent respectively. They don't get an awful lot of red meat to work with, but they both do at the very least an adequate job in their roles. Jeremy Irons (Alfred) and JK Simmons (Commissioner Gordon) are good even though both characters are completely unnecessary.

The true winners of this movie have to be Miller and Fisher. They are complex and vulnerable and funny and I would have watched a 3 hour movie of just the two of them. Both are tasked with acting while a significant portion of their faces are covered by either a mask or cybernetic enhancements. Miller in particular really shines in this area. He is able to act with just the use of his eyes and I was thoroughly impressed with him throughout.

Justice League feels far more like a Marvel movie than any of it's predecessors. There is significantly more humor here than what's come before. Both of my showings had very vocal crowd applause and laughter. The villain being somewhat cartoonish and not actually “scary” makes this a family friendly option. My only other slight quibble would be a sort of muddy 3rd act. But my grade is a very solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Give me a Flash/Cyborg movie STAT!

MOVIE REVIEW: JUSTICE LEAGUE

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes -- Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash -- it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Release Date: Nov 17, 2017
 
Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Director: Zack Snyder

Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray 
Fisher

Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action

Review:

Justice League gives DC fans the big superhero team up they’ve been waiting for.  It’s not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination but it’s still incredibly fun.  The film had its share of behind the scenes issues, due to the death of Zack Snyder’s daughter that had Joss Whedon stepping in, and at times it does feel a bit like a Frankenstein mash up of Synder and Whedon’s styles.  The first act feels a tad clunky as we catch up or meet all the heroes and are introduced to the primary villain.  It feels like it could have used some smoothing out but it’s not really a huge detriment once the film finds its footing.  Once it does and the characters are fleshed out we get an enjoyable superhero romp that feels like a live action version of Bruce Timm’s animated Justice League show.  Established characters like Batman (Affleck is lighter and having more fun), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot is always on point) and Superman (Henry Cavill is still a great choice even with CGI weirdness on his mustache) all get their just due while intermixing with the newcomers.  The newcomers all leave a lasting impression.  Ezra Miller’s Flash is great fun every time he’s on screen.  His manic and energetic personality translates wonderfully on screen.  Miller’s got tangible chemistry with the entire cast which serves the film well.  Jason Momoa brings an unbridled macho swagger to Aquaman which is a fun take on the character and it works far better than expected.  Ray Fisher might be overlooked but he shouldn’t because he’s delivers one on better performances in the whole film.  Anyone who’s a fan of the character from Teen Titans will instantly recognize as soon as Fisher shows up.  It’s an impressive turn that can get lost in the overall shuffle but it really shouldn’t.  The villain, Steppenwolf who voiced by Ciarán Hinds, isn’t memorable or terribly deep, he’s more of a mechanism to the overall plot.  Hinds, to his credit, gives the character a commanding presence and he plays it loose enough that you can tell he’s enjoying the outlandish bombast of the character.  The action sequences are all fun and well plotted out with the arrival of Steppenwolf on Themyscira being an impressive high point.  Justice League is a film that checks all the boxes for fans and general audiences.  It’s hard to see anyone not having a good time with this film especially long time DC fans.

B+

Cindy Prascik's Review of Justice League

Dearest Blog: I have spent the better part of the last two days in three Justice League screenings at Marquee Cinemas, and I am now prepared to talk to you about it. This will probably get long, so grab a coffee and dive on in!

 

Spoiler level here will be moderate; if I talk about anything not explicitly revealed by the trailers, it will be something obvious from a quick check of the IMDB credits, or enough discussed (pre-release) to assume it was a not-actually-secret secret. Still, if you prefer to know nothing until you've seen the movie, read no further until you do.

 

When Superman's passing leaves the world lawless and without hope, Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team of heroes to fill the super-sized gap.

 

Dear reader(s), as I so often mention, I approach every movie--whatever my predisposition towards it--with an open enough mind to be surprised to the good or to the bad. In the interest of full and fair disclosure, and to exactly no one's surprise, please note that the opinions hereafter shared are honest, but coming from a place of great affection. This movie would have had to work very hard to make me dislike it.

 

So let's begin at the beginning, shall we? More than a decade removed from that benchmark of superhero movie perfection, The Dark Knight, DC is trying to find its footing again. That is not my personal opinion--I love the way DC does things, and they have yet to produce a movie I didn't like--but, if the DC Universe officially rebooted following Christopher Nolan's directorial swan song, this movie represents at least an informal CTRL-ALT-DELETE, adopting an entirely different tone from the one to which we're accustomed. Even Wonder Woman, redeemer of heroic cinema and hope of all DC fans, didn't seem as much of a departure to me.

 

Though the future of the whole world is at stake, the tone here is light and cartoonish. It's not the choice I'd have made, but it is enjoyable and nearly all of the humor is spot on. Outside of a few missteps with Aquaman (more on that later), the funny bits are well-timed and often quite clever. (Look out for an exchange between Lois Lane and Martha Kent in the Daily Planet breakroom!) The film's overall appearance is very comic-bookish, and continues to overuse that super-slo-mo that annoyed me so much in Wonder Woman. The effects are mostly solid, but there is some oddly-dodgy CGI, most notably in scenes where the porn-stache Henry Cavill was wearing for another project was digitally removed in post production. Yes, you may utter those never-before-spoken words: "Henry Cavill's face looks bad!" and that will be why. A final note on the look of the film: for the first time in recent memory, I could actually see everything that was going on; nothing was overly dark, despite my not bothering with the 3D.

 

I was prepared to open this review by stating that Justice League could use more Batman. Truth be told, I got a LOT more Batman than I anticipated with such a large ensemble...though pretty much any movie could always use more Batman. (Lookin' at YOU, La La Land!) The lighter overall tone makes Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne seem somewhat less world weary, but his perpetually bemused expression and self-imposed outsider status still make him a perfect Batman, in my opinion, the best ever. As expected, Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is front and center throughout, and she is an absolute delight. Henry Cavill remains an ideal Superman, handsome, strong, and vanilla. Jason Momoa's Aquaman is a little too "bro" for my liking, but claims credit for some of the movie's funniest moments. Strictly for science purposes, here I shall inform you, dear and faithful reader(s), that there's a fair bit of gratuitous, but not unwelcome, shirtlessness on the parts of Messrs. Cavill and Momoa. Bring the galoshes! While all those big names are pretty terrific, the movie's highlights are Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher as The Flash and Cyborg. Miller brings a real sense of wonder and spot-on comedy skills to Barry Allen, an isolated kid who is as excited as he is overwhelmed to be asked to join such a super team. Fisher is extraordinary, turning in a natural performance that easily makes Victor Stone the most sympathetic and likable character in the film. Unsurprisingly, awards darlings Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons, and Amy Adams provide small bright spots in limited screen time. Oh, and there's Not-Gary-Oldman as the new Jim Gordon. I guess he's okay too.

 

Plot wise, Justice League seems a little scattered, especially at the start. Much like the whole of Suicide Squad, the early parts of JL are more like a bunch of small stories than one cohesive larger one. Ultimately the pieces start fitting together, but it's a feeling the movie never quite shakes. My personal taste leans strongly towards the grittier, more real Nolan-verse, but I think Justice League works well as an attempt to reinvent the DC Universe as more fun and less grim. Missteps in the humor are rare, and there's nothing that feels shoehorned in, as I so often complain of Marvel movies in general and Tony Stark's one-liners in particular. A well-defined message makes it easy to excuse a few ridiculously hokey lines. (Hokey lines, are, after all, a Super-staple!) There's a peripheral hint at possible romance between Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince, and--if I don't especially need romance in my superhero fare--I don't mind this pairing either. Justice League is more than accessible enough for a casual fan to enjoy, but there are plenty of fanboy moments too. Though the climactic battle scene bogs down just a hair, Justice League also succeeds in one way that no other costumed hero picture has in recent memory: It runs shy of the two-hour mark. This is a smart decision and a trend I hope both DC and Marvel will continue. There are two post credits scenes--one (far as I could tell) merely amusing and the other functional and thrilling. I enthusiastically encourage you to stay for both.

 

A few random thoughts that I couldn't weave in anywhere else:

 

Why is Wonder Woman always grunting like she's constipated? None of the men do that.

Momoa's Arthur Curry always sounds like a guy who's about to drop a Limp Bizkit track at karaoke.

 

Weird that Alfred spent this movie dressed like a member of the Newsies ensemble...??

 

Justice League runs 119 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of sci-fi (??) violence and action."

 

By now, you've probably seen a bunch of professional critics complaining about Justice League, but my Facebook feed is full of people saying they loved it and can't wait to see it again. I've seen it three times, and am proud to throw in my lot with the "can't wait to see it again" crowd. It may not be perfect, but it's pretty great. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Justice League gets eight and a half.

 

Fangirl points: Batman! (DUH!) Billy Crudup! Holt McCallany!

 

Until next time...

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...