Fences is adapted from the play by August Wilson. In it, we follow Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) and the lives of his family and friends as they all learn to take the crookeds with the straights. Denzel Washington is our lead and does one hell of a fine performance (maybe even performance of the year). He plays a deeply flawed man that still has quite a bit of goodness inside him. He's humorous, gruff, mean, kind, loving, strict, firm and stubborn. In short, he's a complex character that resembles a real human being. It's fun to watch Troy slide up and down the scale of Hero-Villain, ultimately falling somewhere firmly in-between. It's impressive that Denzel allows himself to be seen as an actual person. He's greying and has a belly, he's still handsome but in a very normal way.
Viola Davis is phenomenal as Rose, Troy's wife and the rock of Troy's family. She stands by her man through thick and thin, and has plenty of struggles throughout where her resolve and commitment is tested. It's so cool to see her take a character that could easily be portrayed as weak, and turn her into one of the best and strongest female characters in film in 2016. She shares a scene with Denzel/Troy that was deeply affecting and made her struggle super relatable (to the point where it may have brought me to tears). I'd say Rose was easily the strongest (and my favorite) character in the film. Viola Davis deserves to take home an Oscar for her performance here.
Stephen Henderson shines as Jim Bono, the good-natured long-term friend of Troy's who often finds himself in the middle of arguments between Troy and others. He takes a supporting role and makes it quite memorable, to the point where when he disappears for a significant portion I started to miss him. Mykelti Williamson (aka Bubba from Forrest Gump) completely disappears into his role as Gabriel, the mentally disabled, kind hearted brother to Troy. He has some interesting biblical beliefs regarding to what role he has to play in his life, and his sub-plot comes to fruition in a tear-inducing way at the end. Mykelti Williamson is another clear standout in the film, and I wouldn't be surprised if he were nominated for an Oscar this year.
If it weren't already obvious, I LOVED this film. It's superbly scripted (Easily one of the best scripts I've sampled this year), shot (by Charlotte Bruus Christensen), acted, and directed (by Denzel Washington himself. I'm surprised he's so good at coaxing such superb performances from every single member of his cast). It's a film that feels timeless. We are given small hints as to what time period it's set in (including clothes worn. The biggest clue is the date on a high school varsity jacket near the end), but for the most part this is a film that feels like it could take place in any era and still be just as relevant. The only problem I had with Fences, is that the last forty minutes or so drags on and on and on as it feels like it keeps prolonging the ending. However, even in these last forty minutes or so, there are still plenty of powerful moments.
It became clear to me by the end that Fences likely works better as a play than it does as a film (It's also shot and staged much the way a play would be), that said this is still one hell of a fine movie that treats viewers to a true Broadway theatrical experience. Fences affected me in ways I never expected it to. I was a blubbering mess by the time the end credits rolled, and for a person that doesn't cry easily, that's one of the highest compliments I can give a movie. I'd say Fences is well worth your time, just be prepared for a long third act.
4.5 STARS
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
LA LA LAND IS A SURE FIRE SMILE INDUCER
In La La Land, we follow Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) as they fall in love and try to follow their dreams in Los Angeles. Sebastian is a struggling jazz pianist who wants to open up his own jazz club someday. Mia is an aspiring actress who wants to make her way onto the silver screen. Together, they traverse the ins and outs of L.A., learning about themselves, who they are, and what it takes to make your dreams a reality along the way.
In case you couldn't tell, La La Land's plot, story, and even characters are ones we've seen before. So, Los Angeles isn't all stardust and bright lights, and making your dreams come true is a real struggle? Gosh, tell me something I don't know. Yes, this particular tale has been told a trillion times over. It's quite telling that I had to look up our two lead character's names before writing this review because I had forgotten them.
Luckily, there is a certain element of La La Land that is joyous, original, and memorable: The musical numbers. The music is by Justin Hurwitz, and the lyrics are done by Benj Paske and Justin Paul, who also made Edges and Dear Justin Hansen. The film starts out with a musical dance number set in the middle of backed up L.A. traffic, and immediately sets the tone of what we are about to see....or so it would seem. Yes, the musical numbers are simply fantastic, and the choreography (by Mandy Moore) and cinematography (by Linus Sandgren) are freaking great (My favorite number is Someone In The Crowd)! That said, as the film jogs on, the musical numbers seem to lessen. For a film that proudly bills itself as a musical, it's a confusing choice.
La La Land is directed by Damian Chizele. Once again, like Whiplash before (which I consider the better film of the two), he has made another film about music. He does a fine directing job, but I still consider Whiplash to be more impressive.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone share fantastic chemistry (as already evidenced in Stupid Crazy Love). I really bought their romance and was rooting for these two crazy dreamers to make it to the finish line together. Ryan Gosling in particular looks constantly dapper throughout the film (impressively so, I'd say). That said, their characters are ones similar to those we have seen before and aren't all that memorable. They are very likable, but they aren't the selling point of this film (the music is, duh).
La La Land is a film that tries to mash together both fantastical elements and realistic elements, with middling results. The tone and pacing are all over the place, there are parts that fly by and parts that seem to drag on for quite a bit. The ending also is nice, but I felt didn't fit super well. Ultimately, I appreciate what the film was trying to do but still feel it was best when focusing on the fantastical. That's why I say the best part of this film is the first act, which is where most of the musical numbers lie.
I've never seen a film reach out and stroke that Oscar statue so hard and fast. Yes, La La Land is indeed Oscar bait, and I wouldn't be surprised if it won best picture (though I feel that's a title the film doesn't deserve. Hollywood loves nothing more than glorifying itself, after all). Looking at just the story, plot, characters and pacing I'd say La La Land isn't all that great of a film. It's the musical numbers that make this one watchable and fun. La La Land is an ode to old school Hollywood musicals (It even opes with a large "Filmed in CinemaScope" logo), life in L.A., and all those crazy dreamers out there. The musical numbers are so fun, creative, imaginative, and unique that it kind of hurts when the rest of the film can't quite match up. That said, La La Land is still a cute little film that is sure to bring a smile to your face (despite some downer moments).
3.5 Stars
In case you couldn't tell, La La Land's plot, story, and even characters are ones we've seen before. So, Los Angeles isn't all stardust and bright lights, and making your dreams come true is a real struggle? Gosh, tell me something I don't know. Yes, this particular tale has been told a trillion times over. It's quite telling that I had to look up our two lead character's names before writing this review because I had forgotten them.
Luckily, there is a certain element of La La Land that is joyous, original, and memorable: The musical numbers. The music is by Justin Hurwitz, and the lyrics are done by Benj Paske and Justin Paul, who also made Edges and Dear Justin Hansen. The film starts out with a musical dance number set in the middle of backed up L.A. traffic, and immediately sets the tone of what we are about to see....or so it would seem. Yes, the musical numbers are simply fantastic, and the choreography (by Mandy Moore) and cinematography (by Linus Sandgren) are freaking great (My favorite number is Someone In The Crowd)! That said, as the film jogs on, the musical numbers seem to lessen. For a film that proudly bills itself as a musical, it's a confusing choice.
La La Land is directed by Damian Chizele. Once again, like Whiplash before (which I consider the better film of the two), he has made another film about music. He does a fine directing job, but I still consider Whiplash to be more impressive.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone share fantastic chemistry (as already evidenced in Stupid Crazy Love). I really bought their romance and was rooting for these two crazy dreamers to make it to the finish line together. Ryan Gosling in particular looks constantly dapper throughout the film (impressively so, I'd say). That said, their characters are ones similar to those we have seen before and aren't all that memorable. They are very likable, but they aren't the selling point of this film (the music is, duh).
La La Land is a film that tries to mash together both fantastical elements and realistic elements, with middling results. The tone and pacing are all over the place, there are parts that fly by and parts that seem to drag on for quite a bit. The ending also is nice, but I felt didn't fit super well. Ultimately, I appreciate what the film was trying to do but still feel it was best when focusing on the fantastical. That's why I say the best part of this film is the first act, which is where most of the musical numbers lie.
I've never seen a film reach out and stroke that Oscar statue so hard and fast. Yes, La La Land is indeed Oscar bait, and I wouldn't be surprised if it won best picture (though I feel that's a title the film doesn't deserve. Hollywood loves nothing more than glorifying itself, after all). Looking at just the story, plot, characters and pacing I'd say La La Land isn't all that great of a film. It's the musical numbers that make this one watchable and fun. La La Land is an ode to old school Hollywood musicals (It even opes with a large "Filmed in CinemaScope" logo), life in L.A., and all those crazy dreamers out there. The musical numbers are so fun, creative, imaginative, and unique that it kind of hurts when the rest of the film can't quite match up. That said, La La Land is still a cute little film that is sure to bring a smile to your face (despite some downer moments).
3.5 Stars
Thursday, December 15, 2016
ROGUE ONE IS AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR ANY FAN OF THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY
In Rogue One, we get to watch the events described in the opening crawl for Episode 4 play out. A spy entrenched deep inside the Empire is able to send a message to The Rebel Alliance, warning of a super weapon capable of destroying entire planets. Imprisoned rebel Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is freed by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a member of The Rebel Alliance, and is roped into a scheme to steal the plans for The Death Star. They are joined by repurposed Imperial droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), blind guardian Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen), his bodyguard Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang), and Imperial Pilot turned good guy Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed). The mastermind behind The Death Star, Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), has Jyn's father, Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) trapped helping him create the weapon. Our rag tag group of rebels will have to steal the plans and maybe save Jyn's father along the way. The fate of the entire galaxy rests on their shoulders, can they succeed and survive?
Every member of the cast does an excellent job with the roles they are given. Alan Tudyk is memorable and funny as the sarcastic K-2SO, Donnie Yen impresses with his fighting skills as Chirrut Imwe (he gets a scene in which he takes on a bunch of Storm Troopers using just a stick), Diego Luna looks like he belongs in this universe as Cassian (He feels very organic, like he's been in The Star Wars universe for a while. He's also bad-ass. ), and Ben Mendelsohn makes for a terrific, all too hate-able villain. For my money though, Felicity Jones is the real scene stealer. She has a tragic backstory that propels her character forwards throughout the film, and is very likable. It also doesn't hurt that she is drop-dead gorgeous. Felicity Jones is one hell of a talented actress, and the Star Wars universe is all the richer for having her a part of it.
Rogue One is a refreshingly dark, downbeat entry into The Star Wars Saga (It's about as dark as Empire Strikes Back, maybe darker). The whole film is dirty, grungy, and looks worn. It looks and feels like it takes place in the original trilogy timeline, and there are many set pieces that are sure to remind some of places and things they saw in episodes 4, 5 and 6. Some of the costumes worn are also VERY reminiscent of those from the original trilogy. Yes, there is A LOT of fan service in this film, but it all feels very natural and organic. Everything feels like it belongs here. We get Tie Fighters, Imperial Starships, The Death Star, Darth Vader (who is in all of two scenes and is a complete bad-ass in both), Grand Moff Tarkin (via some obvious CGI), X-Wings, AT-ATs, and more (including some super cool surprises). I also loved getting to spend some time with the Rebel Alliance (before Luke joined. They are more morally grey than ever here.) and The Empire (So cool to have them back on screen).
I also really loved that Rogue One has actual stakes in it. It is made clear that any one of our heroes could die by the time the end credits roll, and that helps to keep us on the edge of our seats. We care about our protagonists, and don't want to see any of them bite the bullet. It was also surprising (and very cool) that the last act of Rogue One essentially becomes a war film. Every action scene is fantastic, and the CGI throughout the film is great. The first 45 minutes or so is a little bumpy as we are introduced to our leads and some exposition, and the film does drag at points. It's 134 minutes and can feel that way at odd intervals. We also do A LOT of planet hopping (although I liked this aspect, and getting to explore different planets). Luckily, once Rogue One takes flight, it manages to stay in the air for the rest of the film.
Gareth Edwards has had a shaky track record, but I'd say Rogue One is easily his best film thus far. You can tell he relished getting to be a part of this universe. He does a fantastic directing job, and the cinematography (by Greg Fraser) is consistently gorgeous. I saw Rogue One in 3D, and I'd best describe the experience like watching a living painting. Not much flies out of the screen, but a decent deal of depth is added. Everything looks beautiful, but I wouldn't necessarily say the film is a must in 3D.
Rogue One is without a doubt the finest Star Wars film we've gotten since Empire Strikes Back. It felt good to be back in the timeline of The Original Trilogy, and it was so cool to see some iconic vehicles and characters back on the big screen. I'm surprised I'm even saying this, but Rogue One may be my favorite film of 2016 (for me, it was easily on par with Empire Strikes Back). I loved the hell out of Rogue One. It was thrilling, super dark, nostalgic, action-packed, emotional, and altogether a very memorable, and rewarding film. For myself, it definitely surpassed the hype.
5 STARS
Every member of the cast does an excellent job with the roles they are given. Alan Tudyk is memorable and funny as the sarcastic K-2SO, Donnie Yen impresses with his fighting skills as Chirrut Imwe (he gets a scene in which he takes on a bunch of Storm Troopers using just a stick), Diego Luna looks like he belongs in this universe as Cassian (He feels very organic, like he's been in The Star Wars universe for a while. He's also bad-ass. ), and Ben Mendelsohn makes for a terrific, all too hate-able villain. For my money though, Felicity Jones is the real scene stealer. She has a tragic backstory that propels her character forwards throughout the film, and is very likable. It also doesn't hurt that she is drop-dead gorgeous. Felicity Jones is one hell of a talented actress, and the Star Wars universe is all the richer for having her a part of it.
Rogue One is a refreshingly dark, downbeat entry into The Star Wars Saga (It's about as dark as Empire Strikes Back, maybe darker). The whole film is dirty, grungy, and looks worn. It looks and feels like it takes place in the original trilogy timeline, and there are many set pieces that are sure to remind some of places and things they saw in episodes 4, 5 and 6. Some of the costumes worn are also VERY reminiscent of those from the original trilogy. Yes, there is A LOT of fan service in this film, but it all feels very natural and organic. Everything feels like it belongs here. We get Tie Fighters, Imperial Starships, The Death Star, Darth Vader (who is in all of two scenes and is a complete bad-ass in both), Grand Moff Tarkin (via some obvious CGI), X-Wings, AT-ATs, and more (including some super cool surprises). I also loved getting to spend some time with the Rebel Alliance (before Luke joined. They are more morally grey than ever here.) and The Empire (So cool to have them back on screen).
I also really loved that Rogue One has actual stakes in it. It is made clear that any one of our heroes could die by the time the end credits roll, and that helps to keep us on the edge of our seats. We care about our protagonists, and don't want to see any of them bite the bullet. It was also surprising (and very cool) that the last act of Rogue One essentially becomes a war film. Every action scene is fantastic, and the CGI throughout the film is great. The first 45 minutes or so is a little bumpy as we are introduced to our leads and some exposition, and the film does drag at points. It's 134 minutes and can feel that way at odd intervals. We also do A LOT of planet hopping (although I liked this aspect, and getting to explore different planets). Luckily, once Rogue One takes flight, it manages to stay in the air for the rest of the film.
Gareth Edwards has had a shaky track record, but I'd say Rogue One is easily his best film thus far. You can tell he relished getting to be a part of this universe. He does a fantastic directing job, and the cinematography (by Greg Fraser) is consistently gorgeous. I saw Rogue One in 3D, and I'd best describe the experience like watching a living painting. Not much flies out of the screen, but a decent deal of depth is added. Everything looks beautiful, but I wouldn't necessarily say the film is a must in 3D.
Rogue One is without a doubt the finest Star Wars film we've gotten since Empire Strikes Back. It felt good to be back in the timeline of The Original Trilogy, and it was so cool to see some iconic vehicles and characters back on the big screen. I'm surprised I'm even saying this, but Rogue One may be my favorite film of 2016 (for me, it was easily on par with Empire Strikes Back). I loved the hell out of Rogue One. It was thrilling, super dark, nostalgic, action-packed, emotional, and altogether a very memorable, and rewarding film. For myself, it definitely surpassed the hype.
5 STARS
Thursday, December 1, 2016
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS WILL KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT
In Nocturnal Animals, Susan (Amy Adams) is a curator at an art museum. She receives a manuscript for her ex-husband Edward's (Jake Gyllenhaal) newest book, named Nocturnal Animals, in the mail. Although they parted on bad terms, Susan decides to read it. From here on out, the film switches from the present, to the past, to the events of the novel as mysteries are raised (That's right, Nocturnal Animals is essentially three movies in one). Why did Edward write the book? Does it have some relation to past events? What did Susan do that hurt Edward so much?
Amy Adams (who remains the queen of cleavage and side-boob) does a great job as Susan, a woman living among intolerable rich people. She's made more likable than her peers by her acute awareness that her job is trash. Jake Gyllenhaal is superb in dual roles as Edward (In the real world) and Tony (The protagonist of his novel). As Edward, he is the usual, likable Jake Gyllenhaal character and as Tony he gets to stretch his acting chops in a meaty, heavily emotional role. Like always, Gyllenhaal impresses. Michael Shannon is super enjoyable as Bobby, a tired lieutenant in Edward's novel who is tired of playing by the rules and isn't afraid of breaking them in order to see justice done. He is great here, and it's cool to see him play a morally questionable good guy for a change. By far, I'd say the actor who impressed me the most was Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Ray, the antagonist of Edward's Novel. Ray is a skeevy, dirty red-neck who oozes slime and menace. Johnson steals every single scene he is in, and is indeed pretty scary and unpredictable (He definitely kept me on the edge of my seat whenever he was on screen). This is undoubtedly his best role, and I'd say he deserves an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor this year.
This is Tom Ford's sophomore directing effort, and I'd say he nails it. He clearly has an eye for detail and visual poetry, and he seems to be an expert at coaxing fantastic performances out of his leads. I was surprised to learn he also wrote the screenplay for the film. Ford did a great job there too. Ford started his career as a fashion designer, but the film industry is better for having him in it. Nocturnal Animals is expertly edited by Joan Sobel, and shot with cinematography by Seamus McGarvey (both the editing and cinematography play crucial roles). The editing is confusing at odd intervals, but for the most part it's easy to tell where we are (in the past, present, or the novel). The cinematography in the film is gorgeous, using images and the above mentioned visual poetry to help tell the story we are watching. Needless to say, all the technical aspects of Nocturnal Animals are on point and it is definitely a mesmerizing and haunting film to watch.
There is A LOT going on in Nocturnal Animals. It is another film that requires audiences' full attention. It's not that hard to get sucked into the movie. About 90% of Nocturnal Animals takes place inside the novel Susan is reading. Essentially, this is a film about a woman reading a book, but it is always engaging, tense and interesting. This is not a happy film, it's cold, dark, disturbing (at points), and sad. I didn't find the answers to be all that shocking, and the film didn't resonate as emotionally with me as I expected it to, but it did leave me with a few things to chew on and contemplate (It will stay with you). I have no problem with saying that Nocturnal Animals is easily one of the best films of 2016. It is definitely worth a watch (Just, watch out for the first few minutes of the film.....so disturbing).
4.5 STARS
Amy Adams (who remains the queen of cleavage and side-boob) does a great job as Susan, a woman living among intolerable rich people. She's made more likable than her peers by her acute awareness that her job is trash. Jake Gyllenhaal is superb in dual roles as Edward (In the real world) and Tony (The protagonist of his novel). As Edward, he is the usual, likable Jake Gyllenhaal character and as Tony he gets to stretch his acting chops in a meaty, heavily emotional role. Like always, Gyllenhaal impresses. Michael Shannon is super enjoyable as Bobby, a tired lieutenant in Edward's novel who is tired of playing by the rules and isn't afraid of breaking them in order to see justice done. He is great here, and it's cool to see him play a morally questionable good guy for a change. By far, I'd say the actor who impressed me the most was Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Ray, the antagonist of Edward's Novel. Ray is a skeevy, dirty red-neck who oozes slime and menace. Johnson steals every single scene he is in, and is indeed pretty scary and unpredictable (He definitely kept me on the edge of my seat whenever he was on screen). This is undoubtedly his best role, and I'd say he deserves an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor this year.
This is Tom Ford's sophomore directing effort, and I'd say he nails it. He clearly has an eye for detail and visual poetry, and he seems to be an expert at coaxing fantastic performances out of his leads. I was surprised to learn he also wrote the screenplay for the film. Ford did a great job there too. Ford started his career as a fashion designer, but the film industry is better for having him in it. Nocturnal Animals is expertly edited by Joan Sobel, and shot with cinematography by Seamus McGarvey (both the editing and cinematography play crucial roles). The editing is confusing at odd intervals, but for the most part it's easy to tell where we are (in the past, present, or the novel). The cinematography in the film is gorgeous, using images and the above mentioned visual poetry to help tell the story we are watching. Needless to say, all the technical aspects of Nocturnal Animals are on point and it is definitely a mesmerizing and haunting film to watch.
There is A LOT going on in Nocturnal Animals. It is another film that requires audiences' full attention. It's not that hard to get sucked into the movie. About 90% of Nocturnal Animals takes place inside the novel Susan is reading. Essentially, this is a film about a woman reading a book, but it is always engaging, tense and interesting. This is not a happy film, it's cold, dark, disturbing (at points), and sad. I didn't find the answers to be all that shocking, and the film didn't resonate as emotionally with me as I expected it to, but it did leave me with a few things to chew on and contemplate (It will stay with you). I have no problem with saying that Nocturnal Animals is easily one of the best films of 2016. It is definitely worth a watch (Just, watch out for the first few minutes of the film.....so disturbing).
4.5 STARS
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