MOVIE REVIEW: THE FATHER

 

A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.

Director: Florian Zeller

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Olivia Williams

Release Date: February 26, 2021

Genre: Drama

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, and thematic material

Runtime: 1 h 37 min

Review:

The Father is a twisty poetic character study of a man experiencing dementia from his point of view.  Florian Zeller, adapting his own stage play, builds his film with a disorienting structure which works wonderfully by putting the audience in the main character’s mind.  Events are replayed or rerun with slight variations that leave you questioning which version of reality is actually real.  This is the type of film that benefits from its structure but is carried by its performers.  Zeller provides Anthony Hopkins a stage and he runs with it by delivering one of the best performances of his storied career.  Hopkins runs a master class in acting from start to finish.  There are multiple moments where he moves through a series of emotions with such ease and authenticity that you have to marvel at his talents.  It’s the type of the performance that will be used in acting classes for years to come.  The supporting cast is made up strong actors who are more than capable at holding their own on the screen with Hopkins.  Olivia Colman gets the largest portion of the load and she does well, always keeping everything grounded and painfully real. There are a bevy of these type of prestige films that pop up every year with varying results, Florian Zeller’s The Father works on multiple levels while providing a showcase to a legendary living legend.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: FRIGHT NIGHT

IN THEATERS

FRIGHT NIGHT



A suburban teenager realizes that his new neighbor is a charismatic vampire in this remake of the 1985 horror comedy hit. After years of climbing to reach the top of the social ladder, high school senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally rules the roost. Just as Charley ditches his best pal, "Evil" Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and starts dating the most popular girl in their class, however, a handsome new face appears in the neighborhood. It belongs to Charley's new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell), an outwardly amiable guy with a quick smile and a sharp wit. But when Charley sees a side of Jerry that everyone else seems to miss, he quickly becomes convinced that the nice-guy act is a cover for something truly sinister. Unable to convince his charmed mother (Toni Collette) that Jerry is a genuine bloodsucker, the suspicious teen turns to Las Vegas magician Peter Vincent (David Tennant) to help exterminate the demon before he drinks the entire neighborhood dry. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Craig Gillespie

Cast: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots

Release Date: Aug 19, 2011

Rated R for bloody horror violence and language including some sexual references

Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.

Genres: Comedy, Horror

Review:

The Fright Night remake is one those of those remakes that could have gone terribly wrong. Luckily with a strong script, cast and director it succeeds in properly updating a cult classic respectfully but giving it enough new shine to entertain. Craig Gillespie directs his film with the right sense of horror and comedy, something the original did fairly well. He also gives the film a brisk feel that keeps the proceedings moving at a steady pace and never lets the film lag. Anton Yelchin is solid if somewhat unmemorable in his general blandness, it’s not overpowering or detrimental just noticeable. Colin Farrell though is magnetic and electric throughout. He exudes charisma, masculinity and a primal ferocity, it’s an impressive turn that the rest of the film revolves around. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is strong in the limited but pivotal role of Ed. David Tennant is also lots of fun as Peter Vincent, he leaves you wishing he was given more screen time. The 2 talented ladies that make up the rest of the cast, Toni Collette & Imogen Poots, are fairly underused and in all honesty anybody could have played either role. While I watched the film in 2D there was a noticeable sense of 3D set ups using some incredibly tired popout at you techniques. I’ve never hate the 3D thing as much as most but it looks like a massive ripoff here. As for the film itself, it’s fun and well executed showing that if you must remake films at least makes sure all parties involved are bringing their A material.

B