Cindy Prascik’s Review of I, Frankenstein

Dearest Blog, with the possibility of snow-derailed plans hanging over my Saturday, I hopped out to the movies on opening night for I, Frankenstein. I'd been looking forward to it far too much for far too long to risk a weather delay. (You can stop laughing anytime.) Never worry, though, dear reader(s), I was on my way OUT as the Friday-night teens were on their way IN.

Spoiler level here will be mild-ish, nothing you wouldn't know or have guessed from the trailers.

In the present day, Victor Frankenstein's creation lands in the middle of a centuries-old war between supernatural species.
If you were online for three minutes before happening upon this blog, you've probably already seen an item or two saying how terrible this movie is, or how ridiculous...or probably both. Here I shall provide you the counterpoint.

Yes, I, Frankenstein is cheesy and offers one of the most obvious reveals in the history of movie reveals, but it's also got a likable, recognizable cast, some groovy effects, and one especially well-choreographed fight scene that I'll probably watch ten times in a row as soon as I put my hands on the DVD. Typically for this sort of film, there's a Randomly Hot Dude I've never seen before who has two lines and dies in the first 20 minutes...but now I have a crush and have to spend $100 picking up all his terrible old movies on Amazon. It also has the occasional nod to the title character's iconic nature, and, unlike your friendly neighborhood Best Picture nominee, is smart enough not to wear out its welcome.

Aaron Eckhart has long since proved himself capable, and he's an easy watch in the lead. If the movie takes an extra moment to linger gratuitously on his perfectly sculpted abs, well...no complaints here! It goes without saying Bill Nighy is overqualified for his role, but he's supremely entertaining and the movie is better for having him. (Somehow I couldn't stop picturing his and Gary Oldman's agents fistfighting over these easy-money parts...Gary gets Robocop, Bill gets Frankenstein!) Miranda Otto and Yvonne Strahovski are fine in predictable female roles. Best surprise was the delicious Aden Young turning up in a small but important part.

I, Frankenstein clocks in at a tight 93 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of intense fantasy action and violence throughout."

I will respectfully but emphatically disagree with anyone who trashes this movie. It's a terrific bit of escapism from the so-bad-it's-good school, and, for my money, is destined to become a cult classic. Of a possible nine Weasleys, I, Frankenstein gets seven.

Until next time...



Hey, Doc, next time you're making these, don't forget mine, m-kay?

Cindy Prascik's Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Dallas Buyers Club & 12 Years a Slave

Dearest Blog, in a weekend where my cinema rolled out all the awards nominees at once and I should have seen six movies, I feel pretty good about the fact that I managed three: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Dallas Buyers Club, and 12 Years a Slave. Though most of the world has probably already seen at least two of those, we'll keep spoilers to a minimum, nothing you wouldn't know or guess from the trailers.

First on the weekend's agenda was the new release Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.

Newly-minted agent Jack Ryan gets himself in hot water after discovering a terrorist threat from Russia.

First, dear Blog, let me say how comforting it is to have good ol' Mother Russia back to her cinematically villainous ways. I'm a child of the Cold War, and I have to admit I'm just not feelin' more recent threats like North Korea and the Taliban.

In his first outing as the iconic Ryan, Chris Pine is younger and less polished than his predecessors, but no less entertaining. He's a good fit for the role, and I won't mind if he's the new face of a(nother) franchise. Kenneth Branagh is a bit over the top, but enjoyable, as the big baddie, but, sadly, Kiera Knightly is a casting misstep as Ryan's fiance. She's flat, unsympathetic, and her generic American accent is awful.

Good action sequences and interesting (if dubious) technology keep Shadow Recruit moving at a nice pace, and it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit runs 105 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence and intense action, and brief strong language."

Especially in this glittering awards season, there's nothing special or memorable about Shadow Recruit, but if you're looking for a couple hours of fun escapism at the movies, don't let snotty reviewers talk you out of this one.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit gets six.

Number two on my weekend's agenda was the much-anticipated Dallas Buyers Club.

After discovering he has HIV, a Texas rodeo rider challenges the law and his own prejudices in his attempts to find treatment.

With Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, and SAG awards already under Matthew McConaughey's and Jared Leto's belts, nobody needs this blog to reassure them of the quality of performances in Dallas Buyers Club; it goes without saying they are simply amazing. The supporting cast, including Denis O'Hare and Jennifer Garner, also does a fine job.

The story is at times sad and difficult to watch, but never miserable just for effect. It doesn't bog down and engages from the first second to the last.

Dallas Buyer's Club clocks in at 117 minutes and is rated R for "pervasive language, some strong sexual content, nudity, and drug use."

Reviews say as much about the reviewer as they do about the subject, and when it comes to this year's awards contenders, Dallas Buyers Club is the one telling the story that matters to me, personally. I'm grateful the people telling it have done such an extraordinary job.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Dallas Buyers Club gets eight and a half.

The final installment in my weekend triple-header was the lauded drama 12 Years a Slave.

A free black man is torn from his life in New York and sold into slavery in the south.

Again, any plaudits I can heap on this film are pretty redundant at this point. It's cleaning up at the major awards shows and, while it's not my personal best picture, I wouldn't say doesn't deserve the accolades, either.

The cast, awards-acknowledged (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o) and not (Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Alfre Woodard, Brad Pitt, Garrett Dillahunt, and especially Paul Dano), is extraordinary, and the story is as fascinating as it is disturbing. For my money, the movie occasionally over-does it, dragging some shots and scenes on longer than necessary. There's no denying that it works at times to set a mood or maintain tension, but other times it just made me look at the clock. In the end, it's a small flaw to forgive in what's otherwise a truly special picture.

12 Years a Slave runs 134 minutes and is rated R for "violence/cruelty, some nudity, and brief sexuality."

Tough as it is to watch, 12 Years a Slave should be mandatory viewing for everyone, period. It's just that important.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, 12 Years a Slave gets eight.

Now I've done my duty with awards nominees and have to get out to see The Hobbit again one day this week! Until next time...



When "Chris Pine on a motorcycle" is an option, you didn't think I'd pick a photo from one of those other movies, did you?

MOVIE REVIEW: HER

A sensitive and soulful man earns a living by writing personal letters for other people. Left heartbroken after a long love affair ends, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes fascinated with a new operating system which reportedly develops into an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. He starts the program and meets "Samantha" (Scarlett Johansson), whose bright voice reveals a sensitive, playful personality. Though "friends" initially, the relationship soon deepens into love.. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Spike Jonze

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara, Amy Adams

Release Date: Dec 18, 2013

Rated R for language, Brief Graphic Nudity and Sexual Content

Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Romance

Review:

Spike Jonze Her is a beautifully told love story that’s about as dense as week old muffins. Jonze’s, who also wrote the script, film is set in the hipster populated near future where a lonely man falls in love with a sentience operating system but it’s all a proxy for a myriad of themes and ideas. It’s delicate and harsh at the same time with the emotional journey ringing true throughout. You could say this film is about increasingly detached world or about journey we go through in relationships or the evolution of a person as they grow and learn. Any one of those would be correct in my opinion and there are still other thematic elements at play throughout. Joaquin Phoenix turns in an awards caliber performance, especially when you consider the fact that he was acting by himself for the better part of the film only with Johansson’s voice to work with. It’s an impressive turn from the start were we sense the character’s loneliness and the emotional journey he goes through. It maybe his best work to date. Johansson’s voice work is equally impressive. She creates a tangible character with emotional weight which is quite a trick since she’s just a disembodied voice. They both have a discernable rapport together which makes the emotions feel real. It’s a strangely impressive feat for the film. There are some issues albeit minor ones. The allegory does occasionally veer into pretentious territory by taking things into silly extremes. Additionally, the story is overlong, needlessly meandering for portions of the 2nd act before moving to its inevitable conclusion.

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES

A young California Latino named Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) is designated for possession by the same malevolent demon who previously claimed Kristi and Katie. Christopher Landon (son of Highway to Heaven actor Michael Landon) wrote and directed this spin-off/sequel produced by Oren Peli and Jason Blum. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Christopher Landon

Cast: Andrew Jacobs, Jorge Diaz, Gabrielle Walsh, Gloria Sandoval

Release Date: Jan 03, 2014

Rated R for pervasive Language, Graphic Nudity, Some Drug Use and Some Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 24 min.

Genres: Horror

Review:

If you’ve paid to see Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, the new spin off but not direct sequel, to the continuing found footage horror series chances are that you’ve enjoyed the series in some form or fashion. If you haven’t this entry won’t change your mind about the series. The general plot points are the same even though they get a Hispanic spin. The Hispanic spin is a bit heavy handed with just about every cliché thrown in you can think. Thankfully it’s a solid set up from the 4th film which was a lazy waste of time. The Marked Ones does deliver some interesting little scares even if they are cheap. The story is rather brisk and it rarely lingers too long on anything too long to bother you. The character and actors are fairly likeable with a surprisingly funny first act. As the film progresses it does reach a certain point of silliness ending with a climax that involves gang bangers and witches. It’s a fun cheap little horror film which is as enjoyable as it is predictable.

B-

Cindy Prascik's 2013: A Movie Year in Review

Dearest Blog, if my count is correct, in 2013 I saw 74 movies that I hadn't seen before. Following is a list of my favorites on the year, as well as a few moments that stand out for me...for better or for worse!

Two important notes:

A film's placement on this list won't necessarily reflect its original rating, as time and repeat viewings favor some films, while others don't fare as well.

This year in particular, it seems my list is distinguished as much by the films I didn't see as the ones I did. Know that Dallas Buyers' Club, 12 Years a Slave, Inside Llewyen Davis, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Kill Your Darlings, to name a few, are not willful omissions, but rather movies that just didn't play anywhere I could get to them.

So...without further ado... *drumroll* ...my top ten!

10. The Croods

This offering from Dreamworks Animation isn't quite How to Train Your Dragon, but it's a heartwarming family tale that is so gorgeous to look at it moved me to tears a couple times when I saw it on the big screen.

9. The Great Gatsby

The most recent film version of this literary classic is driven by yet another extraordinary turn from the always-spectacular Leonardo DiCaprio, who deserves a best actor nod here as much as for The Wolf of Wall Street. It also features some of the most stunning costumes and set pieces to be found at the cinema this year, a true feast for the eyeballs.

8. Pacific Rim

An old school monsters-versus-aliens epic, Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim was a big screen must see, distinguished by fantastic effects and a rousing performance from Idris Elba.

7. Now You See Me

Seemingly summer's only offering that wasn't a prequel, sequel, or reboot, Now You See Me is blessed with a great cast and a fun, original premise. It grabs your attention and never lets go.

6. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Upon first viewing, this was a bit of a disappointment to me, but it's grown on me enough to earn (back) a spot in my yearly best-of list. The addition of a useless female character is offset by my affection for the franchise and, especially, the magnificence of the titular dragon himself. (Disclaimer: The Hobbit has also been aided and abetted by the presence of two of my favorite screen hotties: Aidan Turner and Luke Evans! Shallow much? I know.)

5. Dead Man Down

Terrific performances from Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace anchor a well-crafted, at times brutal, movie that's smart, deliberate, and tense from beginning to end.

4. American Hustle

The year's strongest cast delivers uniformly excellent performances in an exciting film full of twists and turns, laughs and tears.

3. Star Trek Into Darkness

With 17 big-screen viewings, the most recent installment in the Trek franchise wins 2013's "favorite obsession" award, a sequel I loved even more than its predecessor.

2. Metallica Through the Never

One of just two movies to receive a perfect nine of nine Weasleys in 2013, Through the Never is mostly just a concert film with a little extra mustard on it. What a concert film it is, though, boasting a career-spanning setlist from one of the world's top metal bands that sounds a-maz-ing in digital surround sound. Undoubtedly the most fun I had at the movies this year! *horns up*

1. The World's End

My other perfect score in 2013 went to my most-anticipated film of the year, high expectations not crippling this one as they so often do. I named The World's End my number one the minute I saw it and, frankly, nothing else ever came close to dislodging it from the top spot. I stand by each and every glowing remark in my original review of this final installment in Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, with one exception: at the time, I gave Nick Frost and Eddie Marsan credit for doing the acting heavy lifting, while Simon Pegg was the funnyman this time around. Having watched the film dozens of times since its July release, I have to amend my assessment of Pegg's work to give credit for one of the best all-around performances I saw this year, as heartbreaking as it is hilarious. It's a shame neither he nor the film is likely to be nominated for any major awards, though they're turning up on plenty of best-of lists by bloggers, magazines, and online movie sites, folks who don't get paid (or paid off) to tell you what's good and what isn't. The World's End masterfully blends comedy, drama, and sci-fi/fantasy, a perfect film that easily tops my list.

And now 2013's tidbits and also rans:

It broke my heart a little to have to cut Elysium from this list. Captain Phillips and Saving Mr. Banks also had a fair shot at making it right up to the last, but in the end I think I liked The Croods better...by a hair.

Weirdest Cinema Experience: Joseph Gordon-Levitt's porno that's not really a porno (Don Jon).

Most Criminal Waste of Fine Actors (tie): Paranoia (Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford)/The Counselor (Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt).

Best Movie You Totally Missed: Phantom. (It lasted a whole seven days at my cinema.)

Hottest Cinema Vampire: Gemma Arterton (Byzantium).

Funniest Coincidence: Peter Capaldi credited as "WHO Doctor" (World War Z) just weeks before being named the new Doctor Who.

Best/Worst Gag: Hansel (Jeremy Renner) gets Diabetes from too much candy (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters).

Best Cameo: Backstreet Boys (This is the End). I may or may not have jumped out of my seat and *squeed* out loud!

Most Horrifying Idea Ever: Running, climbing zombies (World War Z).

Most Curious Choice That Actually Worked (Against All Odds): Gary Oldman as Elvis (Guns, Girls & Gambling).

Worst Film of 2013: Only God Forgives (but I doubt even He can forgive this mess).

So, kids, there you have it, my thoughts on the year that's ending. 2014 promises to be extra-awesome, with no less than three big-screen outings for my favorite, Mr. Leonard Gary Oldman, so I'll see you at the movies!

Until next time...



Let's Boo Boo!

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Grudge Match, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty & The Wolf of Wall Street

Dearest Blog, the holiday movie glut necessitated a cinema triple feature yesterday, consisting of Grudge Match, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and The Wolf of Wall Street.

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

The schedule dictated that my likely favorite of the three, Grudge Match, be my opener.

Two aging boxing champions, whose only professional losses were to each other, face off in an unlikely rubber match 30 years after their last battle.

Grudge Match isn't out to cash in on any awards season notoriety; it's meant to be a good time at the cinema, and that's exactly what it is.

Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro are perfect foils, trading verbal and physical jabs throughout. Kevin Hart and Alan Arkin are hilarious as the fight promoter and trainer, respectively, and each scores several laugh-out-loud moments in the film. The main cast is rounded out by Kim Basinger and Jon Berenthal (that guy is everywhere these days!), both of whom are fine for as much as they're needed.

Grudge Match never veers far from its main course, and is smart enough not to overstay its welcome. There's a subplot for some depth, but the film focuses mostly on the big match. I'm not sure how well the humor would go over well with a younger crowd, but for the target older audience, this one is a bullseye.

Grudge Match runs 113 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sports action violence, sexual content, and language."

If you're exhausted from all the awards season fare and just looking for a fun day at the movies, Grudge Match is the perfect cure for what ails ya. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Grudge Match gets seven and a half.

Next on yesterday's agenda was The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

After misplacing an important item, a daydreamer with a humdrum life sets out on a series of adventures to try and recover it.

I'm entirely unfamiliar with the 1947 Walter Mitty, so this review is based only on the current version and not how it stacks up against the original. Though I make a point of avoiding others' reviews until I've written my own, I understand this isn't getting great notices, and, in its first week, it's already in the smallest room at my cinema, so I gather it's not setting the box office on fire, either. I can understand both, though I'm not necessarily on board with either.

At first glance, Walter Mitty looked to me a bit like Cloud Atlas, that is, something that seemed like sure awards bait, but somehow misstepped in the execution. To a degree that's true, mostly due to Ben Stiller's failings as a leading man. I've learned to give the guy credit where credit is due (Tropic Thunder is my funniest movie of all time!), but, from an acting standpoint, asking him to carry a film on his own shoulders is still a stretch. He's just not good or likable enough. That aside, the film has one of those absurdly inspiring storylines the Academy usually eats right up, and it's beautifully shot. Throw in critical darling Sean Penn in a small role and, well, it's sort of understandable why this might have been considered a contender in a weaker year at the cinema. For my money, I found it entertaining and--if I wasn't wildly excited by it--I wasn't bored either.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty clocks in at 114 minutes and is rated PG for "some crude comments, language, and action violence."

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is uplifting holiday fare set to some truly glorious scenery, definitely worth seeing on a big screen. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty gets six and a half.

Finally, the closer on yesterday's slate was the Martin Scorsese film The Wolf of Wall Street.

The Wolf of Wall Street is based on (I'd guess more "inspired by" from all the disclaimers) the true story of the rise and fall of Wall Street hotshot Jordan Belfort.

Prior to seeing it, I heard a lot about the controversies surrounding The Wolf of Wall Street, specifically that it glorifies the people at the center of these scandals, and that the sex and drug content had to be seriously pared to avoid an NC17 rating. I strongly disagree that this film glorifies its subjects, as their fall is as integral to the movie as their rise (if not as time consuming). As for the sex and drugs, well, I've worked and played closely with a band and a couple hockey teams, so there's no degree of debauchery that can shock or offend me; that content had no bearing on my opinion of the film. What does shock and offend me, apparently enough to influence my enjoyment of this movie, is unmitigated greed, in particular, this brand of greed where someone feels entitled to everything he can take, regardless of morality/legality and the cost to others. I was well aware of the subject matter, but trailers led me to believe the movie would be entertaining enough to get me past it. Sadly, it doesn't quite make it.

Leonardo DiCaprio is magnificent in the lead, as always, simply one of the most watchable stars Hollywood has to offer. There's a LOT of scenery-chewing going on here, but DiCaprio can dial it up or down as necessary, and I was riveted by his every second on screen. Jonah Hill appears to be shooting for another Oscar nom with his supporting performance, but he hardly seems worth mentioning in the same breath with the brilliant DiCaprio. Jon Berenthal turns up again in this one, and, for the second weekend running, Boardwalk Empire's Shea Whigham makes an appearance in the week's biggest opening (much to my delight!).

At almost an even three hours PLUS trailers, The Wolf of Wall Street is bloated, and it might have been easier to take at two and a half. No doubt there's a lot of story to tell, and it would be unfair to say the movie is ever slow; rather the whole thing feels as frenetic as its roomful of coked-up stockbrokers. I'm not suggesting it could or should be a two-hour shot, but three hours is just too much, and there are obvious places it could have been trimmed.

The Wolf of Wall Street runs 179 minutes (you heard me!) and is rated a HARD R for "sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence."

The Wolf of Wall Street is a good, or maybe even a great, movie, and I was probably done in by my overly-high expectations as much as anything else. It's likely my being appalled by greed had less to do with my disappointment than the fact that I was a little bored through some of it. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Wolf of Wall Street gets seven.

So, dear Blog, with two days left in 2013, I have three movies still at my cinema that I'd like to fit in (Frozen, Walking with Dinosaurs, and 47 Ronin), but none that are likely to affect my annual top ten...which is a work in progress as we communicate. A third Hobbit screening is top priority before my return to the real world on January 2nd, so we'll see if I can manage any or all of those other three. Stay tuned!!

Until next time...



All the awards, all the time, to you, sir!