All posts by scottmet99

1984 Films, Comedy, Screwball Comedy

Bachelor Party-1984

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Bachelor Party-1984

Director Neal Israel

Starring Tom Hanks, Adrian Zmed

Scott’s Review #163

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Reviewed September 1, 2014

Grade: D

Watching Bachelor Party (1984) for the very first time, circa 2014, and the last time I plan on watching this film, I realized almost immediately how dated it is and that, at this point, it can only be enjoyed for nostalgia.

I can’t fathom anyone watching Bachelor Party for the first time and thinking it is a great film- it is not.

If not for Tom Hanks becoming a huge star, this comedy would be forgotten, as there are dozens of like-minded films from the 1980s that resemble it- think Pretty in Pink (1986), National Lampoon films, etc.

The premise is basic- Rick (Hanks) and Debbie (Tawny Kitaen) are engaged, and Rick’s friends throw a Bachelor party while Debbie goes out with the girls.

Of course, Debbie’s parents hate Rick and, along with her ex, scheme to break them up.

Every decade seems to have a similar carbon copy of this party-themed film- Animal House (1978), American Pie (1999), and The Hangover (2009), though not as entertaining as the aforementioned films.

All the characters are caricatures, one-note, and types. There is a little backstory for any of them.

The plot is silly and predictable, and the film’s 1980’s look does not hold up well.

The film contains every stereotype imaginable- the meddlesome parents, Debbie’s vicious ex-boyfriend, who is the film’s foil, various frat boys and sorority girl types, and Rick’s inept siblings.

Avoid it unless a trip down the 1980’s bad-film memory lane is needed.

2013 Films, Auto Racing, Biography, Sports, True Stories

Rush-2013

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Rush-2013

Director Ron Howard

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl

Scott’s Review #162

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Reviewed August 31, 2014 

Grade: B+

Rush (2013), a film directed by Ron Howard, delves into the world of auto racing through the true story of the 1970s rivalry between racing superstars James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

The film mainly focuses on 1970-1976 and the races and championships between the two, with some of their life trials and tribulations thrown in.

From bitter enemies, they slowly build respect and friendship over the years.

Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl give excellent performances as Hunt and Lauda, respectively.

Ron Howard, a very mainstream, Hollywood-style director, carves out a nice film that isn’t edgy or particularly risk-taking. Still, it’s a solid biopic that works and keeps the viewer interested.

The film isn’t gritty and has a definite safe feel, but that is unsurprising since Ron Howard directed it and that’s characteristic of his films.

Reportedly, the feud between Hunt and Lauda is slightly embellished from the low-key real-life feud, and some events are created for effect.

Hunt never beats up a reporter in Lauda’s defense.

The racing sequences are compelling and don’t feel overdone or detract from the film’s human side. I loved seeing the real-life Hunt and Lauda at the end of the film, as is quite common these days when telling a true-life story.

Brühl, an unknown to me, received a deserving Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Rush (2013) isn’t a movie to go down in history, nor will it leave you thinking about it or asking questions days after you watch it, but it is a slick, competent, entertaining story with impressive performances from the two leads.

2013 Films, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Romantic Drama

The Spectacular Now-2013

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The Spectacular Now-2013

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley

Scott’s Review #161

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Reviewed August 29, 2014

Grade: B

The Spectacular Now (2013) is a coming-of-age independent film that follows a romance between two unlikely high school seniors.

Sutter (Miles Teller) is a popular student who takes a shine to smart loner Aimee (Shailene Woodley), and the two develop a strong bond as they each struggle with parental issues while being opposite social types.

She is college-bound and motivated; he lives in the now with no thoughts of the future. But somehow they forge a connection.

The film’s success lies with Teller and Woodley, who each deliver strong performances, and their chemistry is evident.

At first, I didn’t buy Teller as a traditionally popular kid or Woodley as the friendless recluse, but somehow the film works because each has a rooting value.

Sutter’s ex-girlfriend Cassidy, whom he still has feelings for, is played by Brie Larson, and the character is underdeveloped, unnecessary, and not much of a rooting interest for her or competition for the main couple.

Interestingly, alcohol and alcoholism are touched on as the two leads drink quite heavily and regularly for being only eighteen years old, but are glossed over.

I think the film is more about the romance between the two rather than any social issues.

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyle Chandler, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead deliver capable supporting performances.

Shailene Woodley received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actress, but Miles Teller received no nomination. This surprised me, as I thought he was a bit better than she was and had the meatier role.

The Spectacular Now (2013) is hardly anything groundbreaking, but a nicely told story that is authentic and admirable for a teen film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Shailene Woodley, Best Screenplay

2011 Films, Comedy, Heist, New York City, Screwball Comedy

Tower Heist-2011

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Tower Heist-2011

Director Brett Ratner

Starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy

Scott’s Review #160

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Reviewed August 29, 2014

Grade: D

Tower Heist (2011) is a completely formulaic, by-the-numbers comedy with absolutely no surprises or, frankly, creativity.

It follows Josh Kovacs, a luxury high-rise apartment manager weakly played by Ben Stiller in New York City, whose favorite tenant, a businessman Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), is arrested for involvement in a Ponzi scheme.

The entire staff’s pensions have been squandered after Josh entrusts Shaw with the funds, and he tries to return the money to the rightful owners with a team of staff and an ex-con, played by Eddie Murphy.

They team up and attempt to locate millions of dollars hidden in Shaw’s apartment.

If this film was a starring vehicle for Ben Stiller, it was done horribly. He has been much funnier in There’s Something About Mary (1998) or Meet the Parents (2000).

Tower Heist has some similarities to Ocean’s Eleven (2001) because the score is recognizable and mirrors that film. The group of players is similar to that film, and its look reminds me of it too.

Murphy plays a silly, stereotypical role, and the group has zero chemistry as they try to keep the money.

There is also no chemistry between Stiller and Tea Leoni, who plays an FBI agent with a phony Queens accent that I found laugh-out-loud bad.

Nothing worked in this film since it was one tired gag after another and completely predictable.

I will admit two minor positives in Tower Heist: Alan Alda, who’s always great to see in films, and the interesting choice of a luxurious high-rise setting with cool, ritzy interiors taken from real buildings in New York City.

Otherwise, Tower Heist (2011) is a complete dud.

1955 Films, Drama, Romantic Drama

All That Heaven Allows-1955

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All That Heaven Allows-1955

Director Douglas Sirk

Starring Rock Hudson, Jane Wyman

Scott’s Review #159

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Reviewed August 26, 2014

Grade: B+

All That Heaven Allows (1955) is a perfect-looking film. Director Douglas Sirk famously dressed his films in a contemporary, stylish fashion. As evidenced by the story in this film, his movies traditionally contain a social aspect.

Affluent socialite Cary falls in love with handsome young gardener Ron, and they face discrimination in a town where status is everything and gossip is rampant.

I love the chemistry between Jane Wyman (Cary) and Rock Hudson (Ron). The small town in New England is so perfect looking- sets, cinematography, that it fits the subject matter perfectly- most of the townspeople live these seemingly perfect lives and look down on anyone with a different outlook or way of living.

There is a feeling oozing from these people that contrasts perfectly with Ron’s open-mindedness and freedom and the conflict Cary faces.

On the one hand, she is passionate about Ron and wants to live with him; on the other, she is unsure if she wants to give up a comfortable, affluent life with perks like a social club and a beautiful house.

The chemistry between the leads is really what makes this film unique.

All That Heaven Allows (1955) influenced one of my favorite films, the masterpiece Far from Heaven (2002), which substituted the age factor for race.

2012 Films, Horror, Horror-Camp, Vampire

Argento’s Dracula-2012

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Argento’s Dracula-2012

Director Dario Argento

Starring Thomas Kretschmann

Scott’s Review #158

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Reviewed August 22, 2014

Grade: C-

As a huge fan of Dario Argento, his classic horror films such as Suspiria (1977) and Deep Red (1975) would surely land in my Top fifty of all time, not just in the horror genre; this film is a bit of a mess.

As I understand it, the story follows a young man named Harker, whom Count Dracula hires to work in his castle as a Librarian.

His wife, Mina, arrives later in the story and becomes the focal point of the film from that point on.

Another female named Tania rises from the dead to seduce and bite Harker. Dracula intervenes and wants to claim Harker as his own.

From this point on, Harker’s wife Mina attempts to look for her husband within the halls of Dracula’s castle.

The plot is hard to follow, uncompelling, and not one of Argento’s finest efforts.

An homage to Hammer horror films of the 1950s and 1960s, the film comes across as too campy, poorly performed, and miscast in places.

The actor who plays Count Dracula is not convincing and seems a strange choice for the part- too nice-looking?

It feels like Argento didn’t know whether to make the film serious or go completely over the top. Since when can Dracula change forms into a grasshopper, owl, and other creatures besides a bat?

Other characters like the Priest were introduced for no other purpose than to be killed.

On the positive side, the art direction is unsurprisingly amazing.

The film is filled with creepy sets, especially inside the mansion, and has a distinct 1970s feel. The ambiance effectively portrays a spooky, dark setting.

All in all, though, Argento’s Dracula (2012) is a disappointing experience, and much better films of the same subject matter have been covered in the past.

2013 Films, Documentary, French, International, International Documentary

The Missing Picture-2013

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The Missing Picture-2013

Director Rithy Panh

Scott’s Review #157

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Reviewed August 21, 2014

Grade: C+

One question kept going through my mind while watching The Missing Picture (2013). Is it a documentary or a foreign language film?

It is a documentary, but strangely, the film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

I hate to say this, but after about fifteen minutes, I found the film quite dull.

I respect the creative, expressionist clay figures and enjoy the black-and-white real-life clips of the horrific events from 1970’s Cambodia.

But I found the narration as dull as dishwater.

I watched forty-five minutes of the one-hour-and-thirty-five-minute runtime and deduced that I had gotten the film’s point.

It does not take away from the importance of the subject, but the presentation could have been a bit more exciting.

This is a common occurrence in the documentary genre.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

1951 Films, Drama, Political Drama, Science Fiction

The Day the Earth Stood Still-1951

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The Day the Earth Stood Still-1951

Director Robert Wise

Starring Michael Rennie

Scott’s Review #155

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Reviewed August 18, 2014

Grade: B+

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) is one of the best, most credible, original science fiction thrillers. It has stood the test of time, considering it is over sixty years old.

Made in 1951, the film is a message movie about a spaceship that suddenly arrives on planet Earth in the United States Capitol of Washington, D.C.

Michael Rennie is fantastic as Klaatu, the calm, poised leader of the spaceship. Along with Gort, a 7-foot-tall robot, Klaatu intends to deliver a message of peace and humanity to Earth’s leaders.

The arrival sets off a panic, and Klaatu is captured, only to escape and meet local townspeople as he tries to pass himself off as human and deliver his message.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a liberal-slanted, anti-war, pro-tolerance, and acceptance movie, but also a good, old-fashioned black-and-white science fiction thriller rolled into one.

It’s an important film.

It is an edgy, questioning film that can easily still be viewed and appreciated today (sad that not much seems to have changed in the world after all these years).

It is political, and the Washington, D.C., setting is wise and symbolic.

While a handful of humans are portrayed as intelligent and accepting, most of Earth’s human beings, especially politicians, are portrayed as war-happy, foolish individuals.

The viewer will question the world around them and, hopefully, begin to question political decisions and the horrors of war that continue unabated.

Golden Globe Nominations: 1 win-Best Original Score-Motion Picture, Best Promoting International Understanding (won)

1964 Films, Comedy, Documentary, Musical, Musical Comedy

A Hard Day’s Night-1964

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A Hard Day’s Night-1964

Director Richard Lester

Starring The Beatles

Scott’s Review #154

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Reviewed August 18, 2014 

Grade: C

Why this rock documentary, a day in the life film, is considered among the Top 100 films of all time completely escapes me. I’m a huge fan of the band The Beatles, but this is a letdown.

The segments consisting of musical numbers performed by the band are excellent, and, humming along, I enjoyed the black and white filming of the “documentary.” Still, the film is not a documentary in the traditional sense and is very difficult to categorize.

Is it a rock opera, a comedy, a documentary, or a musical? It is somewhat of a hybrid as the viewer journeys through a typical day in the life of a Beatle.

But everything else seems fluff to the point of silliness. Countless scenes of the band running through the streets with adoring fans screaming and chasing after them become irritating. The film has little plot.

The Beatles were a huge band. We get it.

Paul, George, Ringo, and John do a capable job in the film, considering they are non-actors. I’d much rather have been exposed to a straightforward documentary focusing on the background of some of the songs or the band members themselves instead of a lightweight tale of a day in the life of The Beatles with silly attempts at humor thrown in.

A Hard Day’s Night (1964) influenced the 1960s television comedy starring The Monkees.

Oscar Nominations: Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Scoring of Music-Adaptation or Treatment

2013 Films, Documentary, Independent

After Tiller-2013

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After Tiller-2013

Directors Martha Shane, Lana Wilson

Scott’s Review #153

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Reviewed August 13, 2014 

Grade: A

After Tiller (2013) is a brilliant and thought-provoking documentary about the controversial topic of abortion.

The issue presented is not whether abortions should be performed, but rather whether they should be performed late-term (beyond twenty weeks).

The Doctor Tiller mentioned in the title was the doctor who opened the handful of clinics that perform late-term abortions and who was murdered outside of his church by fanatics before the documentary was made.

The four remaining protégés of his are doctors who now openly perform these controversial procedures and who are presented as not monsters, as some would think of them, but as sympathetic, kind professionals who put the pregnant mothers’ needs first.

As I assumed before seeing the documentary, the doctors are not strictly performing the abortions for mothers seeking a way to get rid of a “problem”, but rather, in most cases, the baby will lead a life of pain, misery, and health problems.

Typically, parents do not learn of the problem until late in the pregnancy, which adds layers to the issue.

The viewer is left wondering, what would I do?

Most of the parents struggle with the decision to terminate their pregnancies.

These doctors (and their families) constantly receive death threats from pro-life groups who do not comprehend the issue, and the doctors are harassed by people who do not want their abortion clinics anywhere near them.

As a viewer, this is painful to watch.

Any viewer who is pro-life or pro-choice ought to watch this for a better understanding of the complexities of late-term abortions.

After Tiller (2013) is riveting but has shamefully been seldom seen by audiences.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Documentary Feature

2012 Films, Documentary

Room 237-2012

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Room 237-2012

Director Rodney Ascher

Starring Bill Blakemore, Geoffrey Cocks

Scott’s Review #150

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Reviewed August 6, 2014

Grade: C-

My viewing of the documentary Room 237 (2012) left me with mixed emotions.

On the one hand, it offers an interesting glimpse into the world of the classic horror masterpiece The Shining (1980), with many clips and film facts.

It also features other works by Director Stanley Kubrick and compares them, which is interesting to fans like me.

I love the passion of this film’s fans and admire how well they know every intricate detail of The Shining.

But at the heart of this documentary are conspiracy theories from fans and theorists about The Shining that are downright wacky and become redundant after about fifteen minutes.

What makes these people credible? We only hear their voices, and we never see their faces. Who are they? What walks of life are they? Most of these conspiracy theories are much ado about nothing.

Somehow a camera angle, a photo of a surfer, or an expression on Jack Nicholson’s face turns into a mythological meaning. There is also some gibberish about moon landings and the holocaust that did not interest me.

I bought very little of it, if any.

I would have been quite content with a documentary solely focused on the making of The Shining, interviews with the cast and behind-the-scenes facts, or even bloopers.

It would have been more realistic, interesting, and plausible.

As a tribute to The Shining’s excellence, this documentary succeeds; in all else, it fails.

2013 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Social Issues

Short Term 12-2013

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Short Term 12-2013

Director Destin Daniel Cretton

Starring Brie Larson

Scott’s Review #149

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Reviewed August 6, 2014 

Grade: C+

Having just viewed Short Term 12 (2013), I am not sure I am getting all of the “this movie is brilliant” or “beyond amazing” or glowing praise surrounding the film.

The film is set in a group home for troubled teens and centers on the home’s supervisor, Grace (Brie Larson). Grace runs the home with her boyfriend and other twenty-somethings, mostly former troubled youths.

The film’s focal point is Grace and both her problems (she is pregnant and her abusive father is being released from prison) and her relationships with the teens currently staying in the group home.

The film is fairly engaging but seems a bit forced and not gritty enough given the subject matter.

I enjoyed the relationship between Grace and a new charge, Jayden, whom she befriends.

The group of teens is almost too perfectly cast, with a mix of races and stereotypes; the kids did not come across as genuine.

I would have liked to see more backstory for some of the kids besides the two that were given one.

Subjects were introduced but not followed through with- why was Grace’s father never introduced onscreen? Where was the mother?

Her childhood issues were mentioned only in passing. Some of Grace’s actions were unrealistic and out of character for a counseling supervisor.

Would she smash the windows of one of the teen’s father’s cars out of anger and not consider the repercussions? And what was with the constant poop jokes, especially in the first ten minutes?

That was dumb and out of place.

The film feels glossed over, and I didn’t feel the realism- almost like a CBS television drama with swear words added to seem harsher. The subject was brave, but many more details could have been explored in Short Term 12 (2013).

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Brie Larson, Best Supporting Male-Lakeith Stanfield, Best Editing (won)

1956 Films, Epic, Western

The Searchers-1956

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The Searchers-1956

Director John Ford

Starring John Wayne

Scott’s Review #148

Reviewed August 5, 2014

Grade: B+

The Searchers (1956) is a classic film considered one of the greatest ever made. It took me a few viewings to appreciate, but I now admire it more and more with each subsequent viewing.

I understand why it is on many Best Films of All Time lists.

I do not think it’s great, but I understand its outstanding qualities. And while admittedly, I am neither a fan of the Western genre nor of John Wayne, both are top-notch in The Searchers.

It tells the story of a Civil War veteran (Wayne) named Ethan Edwards, whose brother and his sister-in-law, whom Ethan is in love with, are brutally murdered by a Comanche Indian tribe.

Ethan’s two nieces are kidnapped, and for the remainder of the film, Ethan, along with his best friend, searches for the missing girls.

Two aspects that initially bothered me about the film were the overt racism involved in this film towards any Indians- the treatment of one Indian woman is cruel, and my disdain for the character of Ethan.

The fact that I am not a fan of John Wayne- way overrated in the acting department, in my opinion, may have something to do with this. But the character of Ethan is racist, and it is tough to root for a character like that.

One could make the argument that he is also self-loathing due to lusting after his sister-in-law.

Over time, though, I have come to appreciate this Western drama more and more, mainly due to John Ford’s direction, the sweeping Old West cinematography, and the now-understood complexity of Ethan’s character.

He is confident, masculine, and even mean, but wounded and, in some way, sympathetic to viewers.

The Searchers (1956) also captures what the real West was probably once like.

An epic western that I have grown to admire.

Golden Globe Nominations: 1 win-New Star of the Year-Actor-Patrick Wayne (won)

2013 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Los Angeles, Romantic Drama, Science Fiction

Her-2013

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Her-2013

Director Spike Jonze

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson

Scott’s Review #147

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Reviewed August 5, 2014

Grade: A-

Her (2013) is a very unique film directed by Spike Jonze.

The film tells the tale of a lonely, depressed man named Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who lives in a beautiful high-rise in futuristic Los Angeles.

He works as a writer for a company that creates intimate cards for people in relationships.

After a recent divorce, he falls in love with his computerized operating system, Samantha, played by Scarlett Johansson (voice only).

Conflicts emerge as the relationship deepens and intensifies.

This is a uniquely crafted love story, but also a story of loneliness and the world of technology we now live in.

It portrays human relationships as troubled and unsuccessful, yet several characters have wonderful relationships with computers.

Is this what the future may bring for human beings? How many people have fallen in love with a fantasy or a voice on the phone?

The film ponders how technological advances have changed relationships and wonders what will happen further into the future. Technology, while wonderful, has changed our interpersonal relationships, and this film delves deeply into that.

Conversation is a lost art, and Her captures both the joys and tragedies of technology.

Visually, the film is successful because it portrays Los Angeles in a sophisticated, ultra-sleek, modern way that is fascinating.

Several technological games are featured (the Alien child is brilliantly comical), and the “Mom points” are fascinatingly ironic.

Her is a deep film that raises questions, and I applaud this in modern cinema.

Her is a slow-moving film, but a questioning one.

It won the 2013 Best Original Screenplay Oscar, and I am so glad the Academy recognized the film’s originality.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay (won), Best Original Score, Best Original Song-“The Moon Song”, Best Production Design

2013 Films, Horror, Slasher

Texas Chainsaw 3D-2013

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Texas Chainsaw 3D-2013

Director John Luessenhop

Starring Alexandra Daddario

Scott’s Review #145

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Reviewed July 31, 2013

Grade: B-

If you are a horror buff (as I am), the reality that one must accept is that classic horror films will be remade, or some incarnation of them will be made over time.

That is the harsh reality. They will never hold a candle to the originals. That is also a reality. One can either accept them for what they are or resist them.

Once again, another version of the classic 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre comes upon us.

It is present times (2013), and the main character, Heather (Daddario), takes a road trip with her friends to Texas to collect an inheritance from a long-lost Grandmother she has never known.

An interesting twist is that the film begins where the original left off- the fact that sequels were made in between seems to be forgotten.

I enjoyed how the film picks up where the original left off and brings history to the story.

Unfortunately, the timeline makes no sense and is a complete impossibility. Chronologically, the heroine would be thirty-nine years old, but the character is in her early twenties.

In typical horror fashion, the characters are all one-dimensional (sex-starved), and a token minority is thrown in for good measure, which has become standard in modern horror.

The Texas police are portrayed as corrupt.

Happily, two original cast members (Gunnar Hansen and Marilyn Burns) make brief cameos from the 1974 version, which is a great touch.

Otherwise, this is a by-the-numbers modern horror film and quite forgettable, yet enjoyable for the ninety-minute length.

Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) does not hold a candle to the original, but what would?

1981 Films, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Horror, Horror-Camp, Independent, Independent Horror

The Evil Dead-1981

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The Evil Dead-1981

Director Sam Raimi

Starring Bruce Campbell

Scott’s Review #144

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Reviewed July 31, 2014

Grade: B+

For its time, The Evil Dead (1981) was a unique, creative, visually impressive horror classic, far different from the wave of mediocre slasher films of the era.

In the story, five teenagers head to a remote cabin in Tennessee for spring break.

From the beginning of the trip, there is trouble: they are almost killed in a head-on collision, their car almost falls off a rickety bridge, and, finally, at the cabin, they stumble upon a haunted book.

From this point, even stranger events unfold, and the haunting, crazy action begins.

Director Sam Raimi does an excellent job from a visual standpoint- the camera racing through the woods from the demon’s point of view is very effective and scary.

The ambiance is creepy- fog, mist, smoke, and the lighting is great.

The film has all the elements- darkness, a remote cabin, and woods coming alive for a genuinely scary horror flick.

Yes, the film seems a bit campy to watch now, but at the time, the special effects were brilliant.

My personal favorite is the long shot of the twitching, dismembered body and the various, hysterically funny chattering and gibberish among the demons.

The ending of the film is very well done.

2014 Films, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama

The Grand Budapest Hotel-2014

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The Grand Budapest Hotel-2014

Director Wes Anderson

Starring Ralph Fiennes

Scott’s Review #143

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Reviewed July 30, 2014

Grade: B+

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is a witty, unique film by director Wes Anderson, who has also directed similarly quirky films, notably Monsoon Kingdom (2012) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).

The film recounts the history of the Grand Budapest Hotel over dinner, told by the current owner, Zero (F. Murray Abraham), and an inquisitive guest (Jude Law).

The film then flashes back to the 1930s and shares the hotel’s real history.

The main story centers on the head concierge, Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), and his antics involving older wealthy blonde women, a murder, stolen art, and a missing will.

Gustave is a ladies’ man and bisexual who spends time with the rich women who stay at the hotel.

Fiennes does an excellent job as the quick-witted, almost manic Gustave.

This sets off a series of interesting, mysterious events for the remainder of the film that turns into a whodunit yarn.

The visual aspects usurp the story. The art direction is amazing. The sets are constructed so perfectly and ingeniously that they almost look like animated sets or like a dollhouses.

The costumes and makeup are flawless.

The story can be tough to follow at times and isn’t as strong as the other aspects of the film, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad; it is entertaining, just not much more.

The other aspects of the film are magnificent, and the story is secondary. It’s an odd film, certainly, but unique and interesting.

Well-known Hollywood stars appear: Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, and Harvey Keitel.

Oscar Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Wes Anderson, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score (won), Best Production Design (won), Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won), Best Costume Design (won), Best Film Editing

2013 Films, Drama, Historical Drama, Romantic Drama

The Great Gatsby-2013

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The Great Gatsby-2013

Director Baz Luhrmann

Starring Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan

Scott’s Review #142

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Reviewed July 29, 2014

Grade: A

Despite mixed reviews, I loved this movie.

Having read the classic novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I was familiar with the story of excess and scandal during one sweltering summer in the well-to-do Long Island, NY, community in the 1920s.

Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge), I found the film’s look lavish, realistic, and gorgeous—with perfect ambiance and a dreamlike quality.

I loved the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy, and Tobey Maguire as Nick Caraway.

The chemistry among the three leads is apparent, and the film is visually spectacular, from the costumes to the gorgeous sets. The speech patterns of the era- “old sport” and “row”- are used frequently and seem authentic.

Many complained about the mixing of modern rap music with a film set in the 1920s, which does sound strange on paper, but I enjoyed that aspect of it and feel it gave a contemporary edge to the film.

There are slight adjustments from the novel, but I thought it was a very successful transition to the big screen.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Production Design (won), Best Costume Design (won)

2012 Films, Documentary, LGBTQ+ Documentary, LGBTQ+ Films

How To Survive a Plague-2012

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How To Survive a Plague-2012

Director David France

Starring Bill Bahlman, David Barr

Scott’s Review #141

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Reviewed July 29, 2014

Grade: A

A wonderful thing about documentaries is that they can be a learning experience and a teaching tool.

How to Survive a Plague (2012) is one such type of documentary. It is an authentic, real, gritty piece of work, and that’s what makes it so powerful.

The AIDS epidemic in the 1980s was a monumental and devastating time in social history, and this documentary chronicles a group of advocates.

They tirelessly fought to convince the Government (at that time less than sympathetic towards victims of the disease) to approve and administer drugs to combat AIDS.

This organization was called ACT UP, and it brought the gay community together, along with sympathetic members of the straight community.

Good people fighting against the establishment for change.

Nearly all the footage from the film is from the period in question, and the activism is both heartbreaking and inspiring to witness.

The Pope, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush are not portrayed in a positive light, but rather as uncaring and unwilling to help those dying from the disease.

A moving, inspirational film that teaches you never to give up or back down from what you stand for.

How to Survive a Plague (2012) was deservedly nominated for the 2013 Best Documentary Oscar.

Oscar Nominations: Best Documentary-Feature

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Documentary Feature

2008 Films, Gore, Horror, Slasher

Train-2008

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Train-2008

Director Gideon Raff

Starring Thora Birch

Scott’s Review #140

Reviewed July 28, 2014

Grade: C-

Train (2008) is a horror, torture film that has very similar elements to Hostel (Americans alone in an eastern country- in this case, northern Russia) and similar films that were all the rage at this time.

The premise is fairly interesting.

A American college wrestling team misses a train in northern Russia due to late-night partying.

They have to take another one where they are systematically accosted, tortured, and dismembered by a strange Russian gang and have their body parts implanted in needy people who are passengers on said train.

However, the film fails on many levels.

The bottom line is the film is not very compelling. It is purely plot-centered and has no character development.

Who are the athletes? What do they care about?

In the horror genre, one can make the argument that who cares about the characters, but it would have been nice to have a little background on them.

Also with horror, suspension of disbelief is mandatory, and I can almost buy the villains legitimately doing the surgical transplants for money (one bad guy’s claim that they are torturing the athletes to help save people is silly), but why they rape and torture the athletes before removing their body parts is never explained.

The film has an incredible amount of plot holes.

Why is the wrestling team male and female? Why do they perform the transplants on a train? How can an eye transplant recipient need no recovery time before he can inexplicably walk around with perfect eyes?

The list goes on and on.

I will give props to the torture scenes, which are cringe-worthy in their gross-out aspect.

I didn’t think Thora Birch was successful as the lead actress in the film- a shame since she had so much career promise in American Beauty in 1999.

Train (2008) is a pale retread of the Hostel franchise, but nowhere near as interesting.

2012 Films, Alcoholism, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Romantic Drama, Social Issues

Smashed-2012

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Smashed-2012

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul

Scott’s Review #139

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Reviewed July 28, 2014

Grade: B

Smashed is an independent film from 2012 and a showcase for Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who impressed me enormously as an actress.

She gives a fantastic portrayal of a twenty-something elementary school teacher who has alcoholism.

Known for either crappy or supporting roles (or both) in bombs like The Thing (2011) and Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Winstead comes into her own and is the main reason to see the film.

I am always amazed when an actor who hasn’t been given great material to shine finally goes indie and takes a risk.

Aaron Paul plays her husband, who also has alcoholism.

They both love music and partying. When she decides to sober up, conflict emerges in their marriage.

Despite the subject matter of alcoholism, the film is not a downer. It borders on a romantic comedy, with drama thrown in, and isn’t depressing.

My one criticism would be that the side effects of alcoholism are glossed over. There is not much grittiness in the film-she becomes an alcoholic, struggles a bit, and recovers, almost television movie-like.

The film doesn’t show the true, horrific battles.

Octavia Spencer and Megan Mullally appear in small roles.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Mary Elizabeth Winstead

2011 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, New York City

Gun Hill Road-2011

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Gun Hill Road-2011

Director Rashaad Ernesto Green

Starring Esai Morales

Scott’s Review #138

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Reviewed July 27, 2014

Grade: A-

Gun Hill Road (2011) is a very small, independent film set in the Bronx, New York, hence the title, which is a famous street there.

It tells the story of a Hispanic family: the father, Enrique (wonderfully played by Esai Morales), has recently been released from prison and is adjusting to clean living.

His wife Angela (Judy Reyes) has moved on emotionally and physically, and his teenage son Michael (Harmony Santana) is going through a sexual identity crisis and defines himself as a female.

Each of the three characters is sympathetic and well understood in terms of motivation.

The most interesting facet of the film is the father/son relationship, as Enrique must eventually come to terms with Michael’s sexuality and gender definition, which is not portrayed as easy in the Latino community.

The film has a rawness and realness.

Gun Hill Road is a dysfunctional family drama, character-driven, sometimes difficult to watch, and quite captivating, though the ending is slightly disappointing, as events were left open-ended.

Santana was nominated for the 2012 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

I only wish this film had received wider recognition and acclaim, as it’s a marvel.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Female-Harmony Santana

2012 Films, Drama, French, Independent, Independent Drama, International, International Drama, Romantic Drama

Rust and Bone-2012

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Rust and Bone-2012

Director Jacques Audiard

Starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts

Scott’s Review #137

Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: B+

Rust and Bone (2012) is a French-language film that tells the difficult love story of a successful, cultured whale trainer (Stephanie) who is seriously injured in an accident and left without legs.

She has an unlikely romance with an unemployed former boxer (Ali), who leads a troubled life providing for his young son.

Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts give outstanding performances as the two leads.

Their powerhouse performances are the main reason to watch this film. They are amazingly convincing, and Cotillard’s performance alone is astonishing.

Cotillard, who has already won an Oscar for La Vie En Rose (2007), is one of the best younger actresses around, and Schoenaerts showed great promise in 2011’s Bullhead.

The film is character-driven as both leads have difficult, challenge-filled existences. Ali attempts to return to boxing, and Stephanie attempts to cope with life after losing limbs.

Together they slowly bond and a love story blossoms.

Slow-paced, realistic, and complex, the relationship between the two is at the heart of the film.

The one negative I found is that the story meanders into several different plots, some even unnecessary to the main story, so much so that it becomes unclear what the main story is supposed to be.

This results in an uneven viewing experience.

Still, beyond that flaw, Rust and Bone (2012) is well worth the price of admission for its superb acting and wonderful love story.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best International Film

2012 Films, Action, James Bond, Spy

Skyfall-2012

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Skyfall-2012

Director Sam Mendes

Starring Daniel Craig

Scott’s Review #136

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Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: B+

Skyfall is the latest (and twenty-third) installment in the decades-long-running James Bond franchise (1962’s Dr. No was the first one), and this one receives major kudos from me.

When you look back at all the Bond films, they have had to adjust to keep up with the times, and Skyfall does it very successfully.

In addition, Skyfall brings a good, old-fashioned, compelling story to the table.

A former agent, Raoul Silva, beautifully portrayed by Javier Bardem, launches an attack on MI6, driven by a personal vendetta against M, played by Judi Dench.

Bardem delivers a complex, powerful villain who isn’t overly cartoonish.

He appears crazy!

James Bond, of course, must come to the rescue and save the day.

The story finally gives M. a chance to shine as the main plot revolves around her. The relationship between M. and Raoul is interesting and layered with history, which makes for a compelling story.

As with Bond films, the film uses exotic locales. This time we get Shanghai, London, Scotland, and Macau.

James Bond’s past is also explored- he grew up in Scotland. The Bond family estate is a major backdrop for the action.

The reintroduction of two famous Bond characters- Moneypenny and Q is like a breath of fresh air added to the franchise, although I was not crazy about the casting choice of Q.

Also, one minor flaw with this film is that there is no clear “Bond girl” to root for.

Skyfall (2012) provides a successful return to its Bond roots and will hopefully allow the Bond franchise to continue for many films to come.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Original Score, Best Original Song “Skyfall” (won), Best Sound Editing (won), Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography

2011 Films, Comedy, Drama, French, International, International Comedy, International Drama, Paris

The Intouchables-2011

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The Intouchables-2011

Director Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano

Starring Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy

Scott’s Review #135

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Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: C

The Intouchables (2011) is a French comedy-drama that tells the story of a wealthy, intelligent quadriplegic man named Philippe (Olivier Nakache), who hires a poor, angry black man named Driss (Omar Sy), who is uninterested in the position, as his caregiver.

The film is a story about their bond and friendship, and it’s a buddy movie.

What starts as simply an employer/employee relationship turns into something much deeper.

The Intouchables received rave reviews and was a huge hit in France, but for me, it disappoints, and I am not getting the love for this movie.

I found the message and theme of the story dated- yet another film about a wealthy, sophisticated white man taking a working-class, volatile black man under his wing and the black man helping him achieve some self-fulfillment.

The Blind Side (2009) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989) have done this before, along with countless other films.

Yes, they become close friends, but the stereotypical racial dynamic is prevalent. How many more times must modern film show this dynamic?

This is not to say that the film is poorly made. The relationship between the two men and the blend of their respective cultures is charming and, at times, heartwarming.

The way Driss helps Philippe find the courage to meet a woman he has been writing letters a is nice.

The views of Paris are lovely and plentiful.

But overall, The Intouchables (2011) comes across as a stereotypical, safe, predictable film.