Category Archives: 2014 Films

2014 Films, Disney, Fantasy

Maleficent-2014

June 27, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Maleficent-2014

Director Robert Stromberg

Starring Angelina Jolie

Scott’s Review #251

Reviewed June 27, 2015

Grade: C+

Maleficent (2014) is an updated retelling of the classic fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” told from the perspective of Maleficent, the evil godmother, who, in this version, is revealed not to have always been evil.

She is rather sympathetic towards the beginning of the film.

Later, as the antagonist, she begins in a world of goodness, wonder, and hope until she is duped by a young man she loves and turns wicked with hatred and revenge.

Angelina Jolie’s casting as Maleficent is excellent and the main reason to watch the film.

Also worth noting are the wonderful, creative art direction and costumes, which look gothic and interesting.

Otherwise, the film meanders a bit, feels slightly watered down, and includes a sappy, Disney-style love story. The story itself is Maleficent’s weakest part.

Maleficent, a young girl and protector of the fairies in the magical land of the Moors, is betrayed and is NOT a villain. Her male suitor (Stefan) is someone she trusts, loves, and respects; he then dupes her and has her wings stolen.

He becomes the King of the neighboring land of humans, vastly different from the peaceful world that Maleficent lives in.

These events lead to devastation, followed by revenge, as she places a vicious sleeping curse on Stefan’s firstborn, Aurora.

Jolie is wickedly delicious in this role- the sultry, pouty looks, and those eyes! She plays scorned, revenge-driven to the hilt without being too over the top as lesser actresses would have.

As the actress ages, she is beginning to take on more character, villainous parts rather than sexy bad girls or heroines, and I am all for that.

It gives the actress something meaty to sink her teeth into. Her dark costumes give the character a clear edge.

The art direction is magical, and the difference between the two lands is distinctive. The beauty of the Moors with gushing streams, mountains, and flowers contrasts with the stark nature of the human world.

The fairies symbolize peace and freedom with a life filled with treasures, whereas the human kingdom symbolizes ambition, greed, and coldness. The tiny fairies flitting around add zest and life to the film.

The silly love story, though, isn’t believable or compelling to me, especially the later romance between Stefan’s daughter, Aurora, and her wealthy suitor, Phillip.

They seem manufactured to be together without having a chance to get to know each other.

This seems contrived and produced to add something young to the story.

On a storytelling note, Maleficent’s sleeping curse is set to transpire on Aurora’s sixteenth birthday when she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a deep sleep that can only be remedied by love’s true kiss.

Why does he send Aurora away to live in hiding when she is a newborn? Doesn’t he have sixteen years to enjoy her?

The film then dwindles into the inevitable battle finale, with lots of movement and fire, and a stand-off between Maleficent and Stefan that is dull and predictable.

Overall, the first half of Maleficent (2014) is the better part, and Angelina Jolie’s performance is wonderful.

Oscar Nominations: Best Costume Design

2014 Films, Adventure, Biography, Drama

Wild-2014

June 21, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Wild-2014

Director Jean-Marc Vallee

Starring Reese Witherspoon

Scott’s Review #249

Reviewed June 21, 2015

Grade: B+

Wild (2014) is a personal story of a young woman’s 1995 challenge to hike the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail as a form of therapy for her divorce and her recovery from drug addiction.

The film stars Reese Witherspoon in a thoughtful biography of a real-life figure, Cheryl Strayed, and is adapted from a novel entitled Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Trail.

The film depicts Cheryl’s struggles to survive in remote northern California through harsh weather and her encounters with strangers.

The film is a showcase for Witherspoon as she takes center stage, appearing in almost every frame of the film.

Her producing the project undoubtedly contributes to this. Regardless, it is a winning turn for Witherspoon as she is excellent.

She portrays the role with vigor, emotional rawness, and vulnerability, which comes across on-screen.

She deserved her Oscar nomination for this part.

What sets her apart from other actresses who may have played this role is that Witherspoon is a small, which makes her physical struggle to navigate trails and wilderness while hauling a large backpack of necessities believable.

Through flashbacks of Cheryl’s life before the enormous hike, we are introduced to her and the challenges she faced. We know that she is a recovering addict, but we do not know what led to these events.

Living in Minneapolis, she is very close to her mother, Bobbi, played by Laura Dern, who tragically dies.

This leads Cheryl down a path of destructive behavior and ultimately to her divorce from her husband, Paul, who periodically sends her care packages along the way.

Cheryl’s bond with her mother, a struggling woman herself, is deep. Bobbi struggles to raise a family and improve her education and life, which the flashback scenes featuring Cheryl as a teenager explore.

I love the encounters Cheryl faces along the trail, and I feel they add depth to the film.

Few and far between are these gems of interchange since she is mostly alone with nature, and the characters are interesting. Alone in the dark and desperate for a meal, she flags down a farmer named Frank.

At first, Frank seems dangerous and wields a gun, so Cheryl is wary as she goes home with him for dinner. Happily, Frank is married to a kindhearted woman named Annette, and the three of them enjoy a lovely feast.

Later, she encounters a young boy whose mother has died. They bond as the boy sings a song his mother used to sing to him, and when he leaves, Cheryl sobs with emotion for her mother.

These small snippets of real-life conversations and togetherness make the film feel happy, and we root for Cheryl to accomplish her enormous feat.

Thanks to a bravura performance by Witherspoon, Wild (2014) is much more than a woman surviving on her own in the wilderness. It is encased in quiet emotion and understated supporting performances that give layers to a human story.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Reese Witherspoon, Best Supporting Actress-Laura Dern

2014 Films, Drama, Historical Drama, Independent, Independent Drama

Selma-2014

June 19, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Selma-2014

Director Ava DuVernay

Starring David Oyelowo

Scott’s Review #248

Reviewed June 19, 2015

Grade: A-

An Oscar-nominated factual feast, set in the mid-1960s during the Civil Rights movement, Selma (2014) is a retelling of the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr. and the struggles that black Americans endured during a tumultuous period in history.

The film includes dealings with then-President Lyndon B. Johnson and the famous and important 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights march, which led to the signing of the pivotal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This film reminded me quite a bit of 2013’s The Butler in subject matter and style-ironic since Lee Daniels was slated to direct and instead signed on for The Butler.

Both feature a charismatic, intelligent Black man struggling with racial issues.

Despite being an independent undertaking, it is glossy, polished, and reflective of the time. Both The Butler and Selma boast a huge casts and feature historical political figures in a tumultuous era.

Selma features a bevy of real-life figures from George Wallis to President Johnson to the obvious leader of the Civil Rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife, Coretta Scott King, and the casting is very well thought out.

Tim Roth, David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, and Carmen Ejogo portray their roles professionally and passionately. None of the above received Oscar nominations, and I am okay with that.

I didn’t feel any were definite standouts from a crowded field of talent, though Ejogo could have been in the running with her understated but compelling performance.

I don’t share the drama surrounding the lack of expected Oscar nominations. The truth is, the film was included in the Best Picture category and won Best Song.

While an emotional and compelling film, it is neither a masterpiece nor will it change the art of cinema, though I must stress it is good.

I find Selma to be an important film- a look back on history and the shame and humiliation placed on blacks who attempted to obtain voting rights.

A heartbreaking scene depicts a determined woman (played by Oprah Winfrey) being denied this right by a cold and racist authority figure as she is asked impossible and tricky questions to prove her patriotism, which, of course, she cannot possibly answer correctly.

Yes, the film is directed by a Black woman (Ava DuVernay), and yes, one might argue that it has a Black point of view. However, the film successfully sympathetically portrays several white characters and avoids the assumption that all white people were racist in this period.

Let’s face it- racism still exists, especially in the South, and in the 1960s even more so. I did not find the message in black people vs. white people’s terms, but rather as a humanistic struggle for rights.

And the struggles continue, as the film makes abundantly clear.

While King was a life changer to the black people of the United States, his life was abruptly cut short in his prime. One wonders how much more good this man could have achieved.

The song “Glory” is an emotional, powerful number, especially during the marching and subsequent slaughter scenes, which are highly emotional and effective.

And who will not become teary-eyed as the innocent marchers are beaten and treated like cattle, simply for taking a stand? One will gasp at the senseless bombing scene that rocks a building and takes four innocent little girls’ lives away with it.

Selma transported me to a time before my time and helped me appreciate and understand the positive and negative experiences of a race of people not long ago.

This film inspires and moves me, and it teaches me about a movement that occurred in 1965.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Original Song-“Glory” (won)

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Director-Ava DuVernay, Best Male Lead-David Oyelowo, Best Supporting Female-Carmen Ejogo, Best Cinematography

2014 Films, Australian, Horror, Psychological Horror

The Babadook-2014

June 14, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Babadook-2014

Director Jennifer Kent

Starring Essie Davis

Scott’s Review #247

Reviewed June 14, 2015

Grade: B

The Babadook (2014) is an Australian (English-language) psychological horror film about a mysterious, haunted book that torments its owner or owners.

Touted as one of the scariest films of 2014, I kindly beg to differ, though admittedly the film does contain some genuine frights and jumps.

What happened to the horror genre, where frightening films haven’t been made since the 1970s?

Exceptions like The Conjuring (2008) deserve mention.

The Babadook tries to be scary without CGI or extravagant effects, but it has a classic feel.

Amelia, the mother in the story, has tragically lost her husband, Oskar, in a terrible car crash on the way to the hospital to give birth to her son Samuel.

Now six years old, Samuel begins to exhibit signs of psychological problems as he becomes terrified of an imaginary monster.

After a children’s book, Mr. Babadook mysteriously appears in their home, and Amelia reads it to Samuel; even stranger events occur throughout their house.

The film has remnants of The Sixth Sense (1999)- a loner, bullied kid is haunted, and a disbelieving single mom follows along as a ghost story, and questions of who is alive or dead are explored.

The father, Oskar, is instrumental in the storytelling. Because of this, the viewer is often confused throughout, but that is not necessarily a knock on The Babadook.

It is not exactly clear to me if Amelia is the central character or if that honor belongs to Samuel- the interesting part of the film is the relationship between mother and son.

The Babadook is a scary story. Can a book come to life and haunt? So says the film and that is worth thinking about.

In horror, there can be some ridiculous premise that is so unrealistic it cannot even be fathomed.

Where the film suffers in my view is that it is not that scary. Having something jump out at you or some other surprise is nice, but where is the terror? The exact motivations of the book also remain unclear.

I admire The Babadook for attempting to bring back old-school horror to modern audiences and telling a solid, haunting story.

However, the film did not quite measure up to the hype surrounding it.

The great film reviews are a bit much as I do not believe The Babadook (2014) is quite on the level of one of the scariest films ever made.

2014 Films, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, New York City

St. Vincent-2014

June 5, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

St. Vincent-2014

Director Theodore Melfi

Starring Bill Murray

Scott’s Review #246

Reviewed June 5, 2015

Grade: B-

St. Vincent (2014) succeeds only because of the charming, funny appeal of its star, Bill Murray, who fronts this cute, mainstream comedy.

Set in blue-collar Brooklyn, New York, it follows a curmudgeonly old man (the title character, Vincent) who befriends a lonely young boy named Oliver, new to the neighborhood.

The cast also includes Oliver’s struggling mother, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), and Vincent’s pregnant stripper girlfriend, Daka (Naomi Watts).

I found it intriguing that we meet Vincent first, then watch him evolve from a grumpy, cutting older man into a begrudging babysitter for the neighbor boy, while clashing with Maggie and fighting with Daka.

Murray returns to comic wit, using his now-legendary flawless dry, sarcastic humor and perfect timing, and he shows much of that in St. Vincent.

Throughout all of this, Vincent remains brutally honest with his snarky remarks (mainly aimed at Maggie), yet heartwarming, and I love this aspect of the film.

Thanks to Murray, Vincent is lovable, making the film, which with lesser talent, would be overly sentimental

As th.e film progresses, we see Vincent’s struggles- his wife suffers frhas Alzheimer’ss indebted to bookies (primarily Terence Howard- in a bit of a throwaway role).

The film staggers with some predictability issues and is formulaic, with an easy-to-predict warm finale.

Of course, in true form, Vincent is a Vietnam vet who drinks, gambles, and is angry at the world, but he has a heart of gold; so despite being temperamental, the audience falls in love with him (patriotism helps).

The character contains every cliché in the book. A mean older man who rises to new heights and becomes a nice grandfather figure to a bullied boy is what this film is going for.

The bullying of Oliver is also contrived- during one scene, Oliver, after being picked on once again by the prominent bully, flies into a seething rage and breaks the bully’s nose.

The audience is supposed to buy that the waif-ish, shy kid triumphs over the bully. If only life were that simple.

Inevitably, after both serve after-school detention, they bond over bathroom cleaning and become best friends.

Who did not see that coming?

In addition, most of the characters are one-note.

Naomi Watts is a sexy, aging Russian (not sure I bought that accent) stripper with a soft spot- she comes across as uptight but is caring- another cliché.

Melissa McCarthy is a hard-working, soon-to-be divorcee, trying to raise her kid right- one-dimensional. Even Vincent is seemingly tough as nails, but of course, has a soft spot for the neighbor kid.

The casting of Watts, McCarthy, and Howard is okay, and I surmise the film was going for casting “name” actors, but these parts might have been played by unknowns and had the same effect.

The gem is Murray.

Murray effortlessly breathes life into a character who otherwise would have been as dull as dishwater. I found the writing the film’s weakest point.

A major incident brings the cast together united as one (yawn). The film closes with the family all happily eating dinner together. I don’t see this as a spoiler, since this ending can be seen a mile away.

Despite the film’s flaws and sentimentality, it is admittedly sweet and humorous at times, and it sends a nice message to the audience: be kind to one another and help each other get through life.

Without Bill Murray, this film would have been completely bland and unlikeable.

St. Vincent (2014) is a feel-good film that is perhaps too feel-good.

2014 Films, Disney, Fantasy, Musical

Into the Woods-2014

May 8, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Into the Woods-2014

Director Rob Marshall

Starring Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep

Scott’s Review #241

Reviewed May 8, 2015

Grade: B

Based on the stage production of the same name, Into the Woods (2014) is a feature-length Disney film that incorporates several different fairy tales into the main story.

The film is a fantasy musical with numerous songs performed by the cast and features a large ensemble of seasoned actors.

The classic fairy tales are modern versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Cinderella.

The action mainly revolves around a baker and his wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt), who are sad and lonely because they cannot conceive a child due to a long-ago curse a witch played by Meryl Streep placed on the baker’s family.

Circumstances surrounding the baker’s father caused the once beautiful witch to be turned ugly.

The witch offers the baker and his wife a bargain: if they bring her four items (a white cow, a red cape, yellow hair, and a gold slipper) for a special potion, she will lift the curse, enabling them to conceive a child and live happily ever after.

This prompts the couple into the dark forest to obtain the requested items.

From this point, the couple intersects with other fairy-tale characters as they question various aspects of their lives.

The witch is Rapunzel’s adoptive mother and keeps her locked in a tower to protect her from the world.

Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) escapes her taunting stepsisters and attends a ball only to flee when noticed by the handsome prince (Chris Pine).

Jack tries to sell beans to provide food for his mother, and Little Red Riding Hood brings sweets to her Grandmother, but is confronted by the Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp) and a strange woman, a giant stomping through the forest searching for Jack.

All these stories revolve around the baker and his wife’s efforts to retrieve the witch’s requests.

The production and art direction are great. I love the dark, gloomy forest, which translates so well on screen and gives the magical effect of a mysterious, secret forest.

I enjoyed the songs quite a bit- especially the catchy “Into the Woods”. However, some of the songs are one-dimensional, bland, and hard to distinguish from each other, let alone remember.

The duet of the Princes, “Agony,” is silly and useless to the plot, with gyrations and dance moves.

Meryl Streep- dynamic in anything she appears in again steals the show as the vile witch turns beautiful at the end. She has a fantastic mid-story solo number, “Stay with Me.”

One drawback I found is that, at times, the film drags a bit, and I wasn’t sold on casting Anna Kendrick as Cinderella. Something about her performance felt lacking; perhaps she wasn’t as sympathetic or convincing as another actress might have been.

Also, I would have enjoyed seeing Johnny Depp as the Wolf more prominently featured and the Woman Giant given a larger role. As integral as she is to the plot, it was tough to get a clear glimpse of her face, let alone anything more substantial.

An entertaining feast of fairy tales in one film, Into the Woods (2014) has some compelling moments but misses opportunities that keep it far from the reaches of a masterpiece status.

A solid film, but not a great film.

Oscar Nominations: Best Supporting Actress-Meryl Streep, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design

2014 Films, Crime Drama, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Mob, New York City

A Most Violent Year-2014

May 1, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

A Most Violent Year-2014

Director J.C. Chandor

Starring Oscar Isaac

Scott’s Review #239

Reviewed May 1, 2015

Grade: B

Set in New York City during a brutally violent 1981, and influenced, at least in part, by The Godfather (1972), A Most Violent Year (2014) shares a similar tone and feel with The Sopranos (1999-2007).

A Most Violent Year attempts to weave a tale of a “good guy” mixed up with the mafia, trying to stay upstanding amid the adversity and corruption he encounters.

Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain portray Abel and Anna Morales, who own Standard Oil, an upstart business they are trying to launch.

Due to the violent nature of the times, several trucks are hijacked, resulting in robberies and severe beatings.

In desperate need of funds to expand their business and stay ahead of competitors, Abel and Anna are forced to take out loans, leading them into a world where crime and violence run rampant.

The Assistant District Attorney investigates them for apparent price-fixing and tax evasion.

The main theme is the conflict and guilt that Abel feels towards violence and the constant temptation to join the ranks of the crime world to protect his business ventures.

Abel faces pressure from Anna, who has mob ties (her father is an influential mafia boss known around town) and wants to fight fire with fire. Abel refuses and is determined to lead a straight and narrow life.

When circumstances spin out of control, his morals come into question.

A Most Violent Year is an interesting film, but I think I expected a bit more than I got.

For starters, it is not in the same league as the mafia works of art. It is hard to put my finger on what’s missing, but something is missing from the film, leaving it without a compelling edge.

The plot moves slowly, but the film succeeds as the character study it is; still, I left wanting more depth in the characters and a broader vision for the film.

I didn’t find myself truly invested in either Abel or Anna.

Chastain received praise for her performance, which I found adequate, but hardly a marvel. Nominated for several awards, but deemed “snubbed” for not receiving an Oscar nomination, I find this untrue.

Her performance is not brilliant, and Oscar Isaac’s is superior.

This isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the film overall. It takes some risks, has a rich character complexity, is shot very well, and looks great. It has a smooth look, and I completely bought the 1981 time period, rather than feeling like it was dressed up for the era.

There is an authenticity to it.

A mob film not on the level of The Godfather or Goodfellas (1990), A Most Violent Year is a decent contribution to the crime-thriller era. It just doesn’t live up to the critical acclaim it received.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Female-Jessica Chastain, Best Screenplay, Best Editing

2014 Films, Best International Film Oscar Winners, Black & White, Drama, International, International Drama, Polish

Ida-2014

April 24, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Ida-2014

Director Pawel Pawlikowsi

Starring Agata Trzebuchowska

Scott’s Review #238

Reviewed April 24, 2015

Grade: A

Ida (2014), the winner of several Best Foreign Language statuettes, including the first-ever Best Foreign Language Oscar for Poland, is a black-and-white film containing beautiful cinematography.

It offers a fascinating story that is moving, sad, and character-driven, centered on two compelling characters.

The ravages and after-effects of war have been explored in film before, but Ida brings a fresh spin to the subject matter.

The film takes place sometime in the 1960s, years after the cruelties of World War II and the brutality of the holocaust occurred, and explores the long-lasting pain and sadness that this incredible time in history left on the survivors, both mentally and physically.

The focus is on Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska), a young nun about to take her coveted vows and begin a life serving the Lord. Quite beautiful, she was left as a toddler at a convent.

Before she takes her vows, she is instructed to spend time with her only known relative, Aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza).

Wanda is a former judge who battles depression and alcoholism. Her brother, Anna’s father, was murdered along with Wanda’s young son, so she is a tortured soul.

As Anna (real name Ida and Jewish) and Wanda begin a road trip to find the whereabouts of their deceased family’s bodies, they both face personal demons.

What struck me most about Ida is the cinematography; the black-and-white is lovely, especially when Ida and Wanda travel across the Polish countryside, which is exquisite.

The farms, land, and roads are so crisp and perfectly lit that it is easy to fall in love with them.

Many scenes resemble paintings, giving the film an artistic quality. Ida is simply elegant and peaceful in style.

Ida’s story is wonderful. Ida, the title character, is a torn nun. She knows no life but the church that saved her. But she is a gorgeous young woman filled with desires.

She sees her promiscuous aunt flaunt men and dress to the nines in flashy outfits and makeup.

Ida, almost always dressed in her nun’s garb, secretly wears Wanda’s dresses and makeup, transforming herself. When she meets a handsome saxophone player, her desires begin to brim over, and her conflict increases, especially as the truth about her heritage unfolds.

As interesting a character study as Ida is, the character of Wanda is equally, if not more so, interesting. Damaged, hurt, and depressed, she needs men to feel good about herself.

An alcoholic, she has not gotten over the death of her young son and has become a bitter woman.

Ida is about loss.

Visually and creatively enticing, Ida is as good as they get. It deserves the many awards it received.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Foreign Language Film (won), Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best International Film (won)

2014 Films, Drama, Fantasy, Gothic, Independent, Independent Drama, Romantic Drama, Vampire

Only Lovers Left Alive-2014

April 24, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Only Lovers Left Alive-2014

Director Jim Jarmusch

Starring Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston

Scott’s Review #237

Reviewed April 24, 2015

Grade: B

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) is a bizarre trip into the strange and unusual world of vampires.

The film moves slowly but becomes hypnotic, drawing me into the plot, though the plot itself seems almost secondary to the film’s gothic mood and dark ambiance.

Thanks to the wonderful Tilda Swinton, who I find mesmerizing in every film role she appears in, the methodical film never completely bored me and, at times, even fascinated me.

Set in the present, Swinton and Tom Hiddleston play vampires named Adam and Eve, lovers separated by distance. Adam is a musician living in a vast Victorian house in Detroit, and Eve resides in Tangier.

Realizing that Adam is lonely and suicidal, Eve makes the international trek to the United States to be with her love.

As they settle into a quiet existence immersed in music and thought, Eve’s rebellious sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska), from Los Angeles wreaks havoc on their lives.

Also in the film is John Hurt, who plays Marlowe, an ancient vampire who assists Adam and Eve, who succumbs to sickness from tainted blood.

The film is a creative, atmospheric offering from edgy independent film director Jim Jarmusch, known for left-of-center fare like Broken Flowers (2005) and Coffee and Cigarettes (2003), both visual and visceral achievements.

While I didn’t completely love this film, I felt the story is its weakest point; the magical, beautiful arrangements almost make up for it.

Set entirely at night (when vampires are awake) and featuring several shots of Adam and Eve posed naked or almost naked in lovely, artistic angles, I think the film aims as much for a “look” as for storytelling and doesn’t fully center on the plot.

It is also a lovely romantic film, though not in the typical sense of silly misunderstandings and comical moments, but rather in romantic artistry, as Adam and Eve connect spiritually.

Married hundreds of years ago, Adam and Eve have been inexplicably separated by thousands of miles and coasts, though the reason is not explained.

Why are they the few remaining vampires alive? Does the human race know they are vampires or think they are odd-looking people?

They both have money to burn and pay a high cost for being vampires, as they either pay a contact to steal blood from hospitals to survive or obtain the blood elsewhere.

They are tempted to bite humans but resist those urges.

The film doesn’t explain why they are two of the few vampires left in the world, or answer other questions. Adam, supposedly a famous musician, is wealthy beyond words and lives in a haunted-looking mansion surrounded by music and musical instruments.

The plot holes, of course, are secondary to me. None of them matter.

The film has beautiful moments; it is musically centered, and Adam and Eve share tender dances on more than one occasion. The film is a pure love story, but a very left-of-center one.

I admire the film’s creativity and its willingness to go where most filmmakers dare not. Jarmusch dares to be different and deserves much praise.

My main critique is the pacing; the story barely matters, as the film feels more like an art experience than a “mainstream” film with a strong plot and focus.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) is a different type of film and one worth admiring.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Tilda Swinton, Best Screenplay

2014 Films, Thriller

The Captive-2014

April 18, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Captive-2014

Director Atom Egoyan

Starring Ryan Reynolds

Scott’s Review #235

Reviewed April 18, 2015

Grade: C-

The Captive is a 2014 thriller that reminds me quite a bit of a 2013 thriller, Prisoners, which must have been an influence.

A similar plot involving a blue-collar, working-class family attempting to track down a missing child as the father takes matters into his own hands and is also considered a prime suspect in the crime by detectives is used.

Set in snowy upstate New York, the film follows Matthew (Ryan Reynolds) and Tina Lane (Mireille Enos), a struggling young couple whose nine-year-old daughter, Cassandra, is snatched from Matthew’s truck while he runs into a store to buy her a pie.

Told through flashbacks, the story picks up years later as the defeated couple is periodically taunted by Cassandra’s abductors, who leave clues suggesting she may still be alive.

Via video cameras, the abductors watch the parents’ emotional reactions to the clues and sell this “entertainment” to subscribers.

As the film moves along, we learn of a major crime syndicate involved in the kidnapping of Cassandra and other similarly aged girls.

At times, The Captive’s plot is compelling, with a few nice twists and surprises; other times, it moves slowly and drags.

The film sets the story in a cold, wintry season, emitting a tone of darkness, loss, and harshness. The cinematography is beautiful and deserves major recognition for the mood it creates.

The film’s major problem, though, is its extreme plot holes and ludicrous story; I still don’t understand the pivotal childhood ice-skating message at the end.

As the film progresses, the plot becomes hard to follow, and it raises many questions. Who is paying to watch parents emotionally tortured? How can Cassandra seemingly come and go as she pleases and remain a prisoner? Why, years later, is Matthew still a suspect?

These points feel too plot-driven for my taste and seem designed to move the plot along.

The main villain, Mika, is a weird guy, but what is his motivation? Why is he part of the kidnapping syndicate? What motivates anyone besides Matthew and Tina trying to get their daughter back?

This is not explained.

Some casting is problematic; I had difficulty buying Enos as a maid in a small town; she is way too glamorous a woman for that to be believable.

Similarly, casting Rosario Dawson and Scott Speedman as the central detectives seems unrealistic. The film is pure fantasy- these actors are too good-looking to be believable as upstate New York, small-town detectives.

While very handsome, Ryan Reynolds is the only actor I bought as a grizzled, broken father with a glimmer of hope that his daughter is still alive.

Despite some interesting turns, The Captive (2014) is too unrealistic and convoluted to follow closely, and it’s a bit of a mess.

For this type of film (kidnapping thriller?), I would recommend Prisoners (2013), though it has plot holes too.

2014 Films, Action, Adventure, Blockbuster, Science Fiction

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes-2014

March 29, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes-2014

Director Matt Reeves

Starring Andy Serkis

Scott’s Review #232

Reviewed March 29, 2015

Grade: C+

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) is a summer blockbuster hit that knocks it out of the park visually; it is magnificent to look at, with creative sets and realistic images, but the story is mediocre and predictable.

I think the filmmaker’s true intent was to focus on the look of this film, and succeeds. The film is a slightly better-than-average big-screen adventure with more style than substance.

Set in San Francisco, or what was once San Francisco, the film takes place in a futuristic world. Apes have forged a new civilization after a deadly virus has eliminated 90% of the human population.

The apes are highly intelligent and manage a happy, unified existence. Then, one day, a human is encountered and, scared, shoots an ape.

This leads to a peaceful resolution between Caesar, the leader of the apes, and the humans: they each stay in their respective territories.

However, humans need access to a dam in the apes’ area to generate electricity. Mutual distrust leads to tension, but the civilized apes and humans reach a truce.

Naturally, conflict escalates as sinister humans and apes vow revenge on each other. This leads to a war while the peaceful apes and humans strive to work things out.

A further angle of the story is the hunger for power within the ranks of the Apes, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies.

The human protagonists, Malcolm and Ellie, played by Jason Clarke and Keri Russell, are a wholesome, decent couple.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes pales in comparison to the original 1968 masterpiece, Planet of the Apes, starring Charlton Heston. Comparing the two is unfair, since, sadly, this one has nothing to do with the original.

It is simply the same franchise tag.

However, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is weaker than its predecessor, Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2010). We had a charismatic star, James Franco, and an interesting story.

The apes are experimented on, and their intelligence is a strong angle.

The sequel is rather one-note and leans on a machismo, us-against-them angle that isn’t unique.

The main drawback of this film is its limited scope. The characters are portrayed as a) the good and sympathetic humans, b) the evil and destructive humans, c) the good and heroic apes, or d) the evil, bad apes.

The film defines everyone for the audience, with no ambiguity or complexity in the characters. This is a bit limiting. The evil ape Koba is purely bad, and the drunken, gun-happy humans are bad.

This is not to say that Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is not enjoyable; it is. It’s a fun, entertaining flick. For what it is, the film has a message: there is a way to find peace and love between different species and types of people.

Hopefully, the audience gets that message.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) is a summer blockbuster action/sci-fi flick many will enjoy; however, it is a plot-driven extravaganza that could have been better with more layers to the story and more shape to some of the characters.

It is worth seeing as a visual cinema treat, but scarcely more than that.

Oscar Nominations: Best Visual Effects

2014 Films, Comedy, Drama, Kids, Musical, Musical Comedy, Musical Drama, New York City

Annie-2014

March 25, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Annie-2014

Director Will Gluck

Starring Quvenzhane Wallis

Scott’s Review #231

Reviewed March 25, 2015

Grade: D-

The latest remake of the film version of Annie, the last film production in 1982, though at least one television variation exists, and all based on the Broadway hit of the same name, is a saccharine-laden mess of a film.

Annie stars Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, and Cameron Diaz as Annie, William Sparks (changed from Daddy Warbucks), and Miss Hannigan, respectively, and features Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale in supporting roles.

Let me start with the film’s one redeeming quality, though admittedly a bit of a stretch. I found the musical numbers okay, not great, but far from the worst parts of the film.

The numbers are remixed into hip-hop-type songs with a trendy approach, presumably to add a modern element. While not great, some songs are catchy and not dreadful, especially “It’s A Hard Knock Life” over the closing credits.

Whether the actors sing their songs is another question I might not want to answer.

The rest of Annie is terrible.

The casting is poor. Wallis, very believable in Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012), portrays Annie as an intelligent, social-climbing child, and I sensed awkwardness in the part. Regardless, it did not work.

I did not buy her in the role, and how she was awarded a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical Comedy speaks volumes about the limited choices in 2014.

Jamie Foxx completely phoned in his performance as Cell-phone technical mogul and mayoral candidate William Sparks.

Why the film changed the character from Daddy Warbucks is a mystery. He is unbelievable as a germaphobe, an aggressive yet sensitive, powerful man who amazingly develops a soft spot for Annie.

Cameron Diaz completely overacts and turns Miss Hannigan into an obnoxious, hysterical shrew who, towards the end of the movie, somehow “turns good,” with no real motivation for doing so.

Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale give uninteresting, one-note performances as Sparks’s assistant, love interest, and right-hand man.

The film changes so many aspects of the original stage version of Annie that it is barely recognizable.

It takes place in present times rather than the Depression-era 1930s; Annie is no longer an orphan but is in foster care.

Miss Hannigan’s first name is changed to Colleen instead of Agatha, and she is now a former pop performer whose career subsequently died.

Hannigan’s brother Rooster and his girlfriend Lily don’t appear at all.

The story has zero interest and zero believability.

But the worst part of the film is its corniness. It is so overwrought with contrived scenes that it is hard to take seriously.

At a Mayoral function, Annie (an untrained singer) suddenly leaps onstage and belts out a perfectly sung, choreographed number melting the hearts of the wealthy powerhouses in attendance.

The film is pure fantasy with no realism to speak of.

Miss Hannigan fosters an apartment full of children that she hates, to collect $150 a week, but her apartment is pretty spacious and beautiful by Manhattan standards.

The film is full of inconsistencies and is a horrendous modern take on a long-loved treasure; the 2014 version of Annie should be seen once, snarled at, and put back on the shelf, then forgotten for good.

2014 Films, Comedy, Screwball Comedy

Neighbors-2014

March 15, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Neighbors-2014

Director Nicholas Stoller

Starring Zac Efron, Seth Rogen

Scott’s Review #229

Reviewed March 15, 2015

Grade: F

By far one of the worst movies I have seen, Neighbors (2014) is a silly, redundant, nonsensical, plain-old bad film. Whoever thought this film was a good idea and green-lit it should be examined.

Successful comedies, even raunchy, slapstick comedy, have perfect comic timing, likable characters the audience roots for, and at least a shred of creativity and originality.

Neighbors has none of these qualities.

Bridesmaids (2011) is a modern raunchy comedy that works and is hysterical; sadly, Neighbors is a far cry from Bridesmaids.

Neighbors stars Seth Rogen, a familiar face in the slapstick comedy genre, and Rose Byrne as Mac and Kelly Radner, a married couple in their thirties with a newborn baby named Stella.

Former college party animals, the two live in a college town and try to raise their daughter.

One day, Delta Psi Beta, a fraternity known as one of the rowdiest frats, moves into the house next door to the Radners and begins causing chaos with their never-ending parties.

Teddy (Zac Efron) leads the frat.

Initially, the Radners and Teddy strike up mutual respect, but a misunderstanding involving the police being called one night ruins their relationship.

The rest of the film focuses on Mac and Kelly’s attempts to get the fraternity out of their house by sabotaging parties and pitting frat brothers against each other, causing hijinks and war between parents and college kids.

If Neighbors is an attempt to harken back to the days of delicious college comedies such as Animal House (1978) or American Pie (1999), the film fails on every level.

It is simply not funny.

By this point, the plot is so unoriginal, and the jokes are so worn out in similar films (bathroom humor, frat jokes, drug jokes, male and female anatomy jokes) that if you have seen one Seth Rogen film, you have seen them all.

He is a one-trick pony and has become what Adam Sandler became- tired and dull.

Rose Byrne’s annoying character made me think she was using a poor Australian accent, only to realize she’s Australian. This is not a testament to Ms. Byrne’s acting ability.

The protagonists are quite irritating and not likable. What is the rooting value? Mac and Kelly are irresponsible parents.

They presumably leave Stella at home to visit the frat house and wind up getting drunk and high, staying out late, and waking up early the next day.

Kelly attempts to feed Stella using tainted breast milk, which leads us to an unfunny scene between Mac and Kelly focusing on Kelly’s vein-popping breasts, which makes no sense anyway.

Other suspensions of disbelief and logic pop up left and right.

Why would the police reveal to the fraternity the names of those who had called to complain about them and, after catching the Radners in a lie, tell them never to call the police again?

How unrealistic.

Mac and Kelly live in a college town, and the risk of a fraternity or sorority being close never occurred to them. They acted surprised that college students existed.

The wonderful Lisa Kudrow is cast in a ridiculous role as the college Dean, but it’s completely wasted on a hysterical, bubble-headed, dumb character.

If I had to give Neighbors (2014) a positive, it would be that Zac Efron does a halfway decent job portraying his character, Teddy, and he does have a good deal of acting talent (think The Paperboy from 2012).

I am being quite generous and looking for a bright side to a train wreck.

The film is poor.

2014 Films, Crime Thriller, Independent, Independent Thriller, Los Angeles, Satire, Thriller

Nightcrawler-2014

March 1, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Nightcrawler-2014

Director Dan Gilroy

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal

Scott’s Review #225

Reviewed March 1, 2015

Grade: B+

Nightcrawler (2014) is an intense crime thriller set in Los Angeles, featuring a wonderful performance by Jake Gyllenhaal as an unstable thief named Lou.

He cons and manipulates his way to success, videotaping accident scenes and selling them to news stations.

The film is the directorial debut of Dan Gilroy, who could become a household name.

Nightcrawler was deservedly awarded the Best Screenplay and the Best First Feature Independent Spirit awards.

The film is set mainly at night as Lou courses the city in search of accidents, crimes, and violence- the bloodier the better.

Later, Nina Romina, played by Rene Russo, tells him that violent crimes in affluent neighborhoods are best because they get the highest ratings.

Lou sells the footage to the highest bidder, and Nina becomes his main customer. Lou is eventually helped by Rick Carey, a desperate accomplice who needs money, played by Riz Ahmed.

Nightcrawler’s interesting elements are its moody setting and dim lighting. It reminds me of the 2004 film Collateral, starring Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise, also set in Los Angeles.

Mostly set at night and heavily set on the streets of L.A., I found this mood excellent and a compelling aspect of the film.

It makes Nightcrawler look great.

Gyllenhaal deserves praise for his role as Lou and is largely responsible for the success. He was a co-producer.

As an actor, he is excellent and reminiscent of the frightening performance Robert De Niro gave in Taxi Driver (1976). With an angular face and eyes that never seem to blink, he is intense and driven on every level.

He is a sociopath.

When he quietly threatens Nina and Rick on separate occasions, one can tell he means business. Why Lou has become a thief desperate for money is never explained- does he have a family? Is he a convict?

He seems highly educated, but is he? How did he land in this predicament and resort to the life that he does?

As Lou becomes more manipulative and adjusts crime scenes to make them shocking, he seems to teeter over the edge of sanity.

In one scene, he sneaks into a victim’s home and videotapes photos of the victims from their refrigerator to promote an empathetic angle and therefore make more money from them.

This is a brilliant performance by Gyllenhaal.

Another fascinating performance I admired is Rene Russo’s, absent from films for what seems like years; Nightcrawler is a nice return for her.

Her character also has a little backstory.

We know she is a driven newswoman who struggles to maintain success at individual news stations and moves around a lot. Nina is a cutthroat news director who craves violent stories and is determined to keep her job.

She also becomes begrudgingly fascinated by Lou.

Does she like bad boys or does she admire his talent?

The third major character is Riz Ahmed’s Rick. Rick comes across as a sweet, yet gullible guy strapped for cash. Like Lou, we do not know why he is broke, but it is hinted that he may do or have done some male prostitution- he is desperate.

As the film goes along the character develops tough skin and realizes he is attracted to this new lifestyle and excitement, but will not be bullied by Lou.

On a social level, the film presents an interesting, albeit disturbing take on the relationship between the media and the viewers. What will news channels do for a good story? How bloodthirsty are news audiences? How often is a positive news story presented? It makes the audience reflect and ponder.

Nightcrawler is a dark thriller, which deservedly garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay and a slew of Independent Spirit Awards.

Intense, rich, and visually appealing, it is one of the success stories of 2014 cinema.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Screenplay

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 2 wins-Best Male Lead-Jake Gyllenhaal, Best Supporting Male-Riz Ahmed, Best Screenplay (won), Best First Feature (won), Best Editing

2014 Films, Drama, Tearjerkers

Still Alice-2014

February 26, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Still Alice-2014

Directors Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland

Starring Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #224

Reviewed February 26, 2015

Grade: B+

Still Alice (2014) tells the story of a highly educated college professor who, at the young age of fifty, is afflicted with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

She wrestles with not only the gloomy diagnosis but also the emotional effects of the disease and what effects it will have on her husband and three grown children.

The film also explores the hereditary aspects of the illness and its effects on the afflicted person’s offspring.

The film has a calm demeanor but is heartbreaking and a downer.

Alice Howland has always succeeded; she is a linguistics professor at the esteemed Columbia University in Manhattan and leads a seemingly idyllic life. She lives an affluent lifestyle and has three grown, well-adjusted children.

Alec Baldwin plays John Howland, and Kristen Stewart plays the most prominent daughter, Lydia.

These points of perfection make the story and her gradual decline all the more tragic to watch. We root for Alice because she is an ideal character- kind, loving, and the perfect mother and wife.

How could a thing like this happen to her? When she goes for a jog near her campus and suddenly doesn’t recognize her surroundings or where she is, the audience shares Alice’s confusion.

The main reason to watch the film is Julianne Moore’s astounding performance as Alice.

The film borders on a good Lifetime television movie, albeit much better than that and arguably in the same vein.

The acting sets this one above the mediocre, largely due to Moore; with a lesser actress, I wonder how the film would have succeeded.

The tender scenes are wonderful. When Alice wets her pants, the audience feels her humiliation, too. When she breaks down in fear and anxiety, we do the same with her.

The supporting cast also deserves praise, specifically Baldwin and Stewart. While not fully fleshed out, their support for their wife and mother, respectively, makes them sympathetic and likable.

An important scene in an ice-cream parlor late in the film, when John asks Alice if she “really wants to be here,” is misunderstood by Alice, making what he is asking even more profound.

A scene where a coherent Alice, early in her diagnosis, leaves instructions for herself via video to be seen when she is further along in her illness is suspenseful and left me rooting for one outcome, which could be interpreted as drastic, and left me conflicted.

Masterfully done.

My only criticism is that despite the subject matter of Alzheimer’s disease, which is devastating and life-altering not only for the victim but for the family, the film has a safe feel to it.

I would have liked darker, grittier moments throughout the film to make it even more effective.

Not a happily-ever-after story, bleaker moments might have prevailed. And, centered on Moore, it might also have been interesting to explore more of the effects the family has, and will go through, especially on Baldwin’s John.

The film could have explored his character and Lydia more deeply instead of merely supporting and comforting Alice.

Still Alice (2014) is worth seeing, if only for Julianne Moore’s performance, a talented actress doing a brilliant job in the title role.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Actress-Julianne Moore (won)

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Julianne Moore (won)

2014 Films, Biography, Drama, Iraq War, War

American Sniper-2014

February 22, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

American Sniper-2014

Director Clint Eastwood

Starring Bradley Cooper

Scott’s Review #223

Reviewed February 22, 2015

Grade: A-

American Sniper (2014), directed by Clint Eastwood, is a war film told from the viewpoint of a soldier- or a sniper.

A character study, if you will.

Starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, deemed the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history, he has 255 kills.

The film begins pre-9/11 as Kyle views coverage of the 1998 U.S. Embassy attacks and enlists in a grueling training program to become a Navy SEAL sniper.

Flashbacks show Kyle as a child, taught by his demanding father to hunt deer and shoot a rifle. He is eventually sent to Iraq following the 9/11 terror attacks, and the film continues to showcase Kyle’s military career and multiple tours of duty, ending years later.

Sienna Miller plays his wife, Taya.

I am not sure the controversy American Sniper has stirred is warranted. I see the film simply as a very good mainstream action movie.

Yes, it has overdone Americana machismo and Texas swagger, but it is an Eastwood film! This masculinity is at the heart of many of his films.

I do not view the film as politically charged.

The film leans neither Republican nor Democratic and seems to take a middle-of-the-road viewpoint.

It is a tale of a war hero, but it questions the wars fought and the casualties involved, both American and otherwise. Sure, Kyle is a good ol’ red-blooded American, but as he and Taya watch the 9/11 attacks on television, they are watching CNN, not Fox News.

His close military buddy asks, “Why are we here?” referring to Afghanistan, and Eastwood implies a question about what this is all about.

I hope audiences keep this in mind.

One concern I do face as I ponder the film is whether American Sniper will send some audience members back to a time when the world was fearful of Muslims and at risk of the recent ISIS terror situations; I hope that people are smart enough to realize that NOT all Muslims are terrorists.

Only a minuscule portion is evil-inspired.

The major terrorist in American Sniper, known simply as The Butcher, is despicable, but plenty of other Muslims are innocent and victims of The Butcher’s brutality.

I love how deep the film is.

Cooper is as resilient as the troubled sniper. He is portrayed as human, a nice, all-American guy. He wrestles with the choice of shooting a woman and a young boy who died at the risk of them carrying a bomb and killing members of his squad- he does not want to kill them, but rather is excellent at his job.

He is a perfect shot.

In the heat of the moment, under extreme pressure, he must ask himself, “Should I pull the trigger and end their lives”? “What if they are innocent pedestrians?”

He becomes, in a sense, addicted to his duty of going overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan and justifies his service as “protecting Americans”.

This leads to a troubled personal life as Taya grows frustrated with his frequent tours of duty, which he readily accepts. He has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder but refuses to acknowledge this.

He almost kills the family dog in a fit of uncontrolled rage; he temporarily confuses sounds from an auto shop as military warfare.

My admiration for Bradley Cooper’s acting grows with each role I see him in. He is a marvel.

From recent dynamic performances in American Hustle (2013) and The Place Beyond the Pines (2012) to this role, I am convinced he can play any part successfully and convincingly.

He has sure come a long way from The Hangover (2009).

American Sniper (2014) is an enormously creative and commercial success and deserves to be. Layered and character-driven, it is worlds above the typical male-driven action film.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Actor-Bradley Cooper, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Editing (won), Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing

2014 Films, Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, Thriller

The One I Love-2014

February 18, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The One I Love-2014

Director Charlie McDowell

Starring Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss

Scott’s Review #221

Reviewed February 18, 2015

Grade: C+

Reminiscent of a modern-day Twilight Zone episode, The One I Love (2014) follows a young married couple (Ethan and Sophie), played by Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss, who seek help from a therapist (Ted Danson).

The therapist realizes the couple is out of sync and recommends a weekend away. The therapist has an excellent reputation for rekindling faltering marriages and turning them into successful ones.

He sends them to a sunny, beachfront house with a guest house, pool, and various trails along the water. It is simply a paradise.

I admire the screenplay’s creativity.

The couple meets their ideal, perfect versions of each other while basking at the vacation house. Ethan’s alter ego is suave, athletic, and sensitive to Sophie’s needs, while Sophie’s is sexy, flirtatious, and invested in Ethan’s life.

The real versions are bored, lazy, and a bit disheveled.

The flaws they once saw in each other are replaced with the perfect spouses. It is fantasy-like.

As one half of the couple slowly falls in love with the fantasy version, the other half grows jealous, and the film dives into a tale of who ends up with whom.

But is it a fantasy? Are the perfect versions real people or something reminiscent of Invasion of the Body Snatchers?

It is tough to know the film’s intentions.

A weakness I felt the film has is that it plods too much. At a brief ninety minutes, the film somehow has a sleepy, slow-moving undertone and could have easily been a short film or wrapped up within forty-five or fifty minutes.

I did not feel the chemistry between Duplass and Moss as strongly as I would have liked. Individually, they were fine actors, but the spark didn’t ignite for me.

I wish Ted Danson had a larger role. The young couple was the focal point, but the mystery surrounding paradise was never really explained, and Danson’s character could have been the key to the story.

Did he contrive the entire situation? Was it fantasy? His brief part left many plot holes unexplained.

The One I Love (2014) is a creative effort with an imaginative angle, but I wanted more clarity than I got.

The film is mysterious, yes, but also confusing, slightly dull, and uneven.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Screenplay

2014 Films, Action, Independent, Independent Thriller, Thriller

The Guest-2014

February 7, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Guest-2014

Director Adam Wingard

Starring Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe

Scott’s Review #220

Reviewed February 7, 2015

Grade: C-

The Guest is a 2014 thriller that can perhaps be classified under the adage “it’s so bad that it’s good,” though as I pondered writing this review, that might be a bit of a stretch.

As poor as the film is, I still enjoyed something about it.

The premise is simple. A Midwestern family, the Petersons, is suddenly visited by a veteran soldier named David, who claims to be a friend of the parents’ deceased son, Caleb.

David easily insinuates himself into their lives, and the Petersons invite him to stay a few days to rehash details about Caleb.

The family is middle-class yet struggling financially, and it consists of a mother and father, a college-aged daughter named Anna, an actress eerily resembling a young Gwen Stefani, and a bullied, timid, high school-aged son named Luke.

From the get-go, something feels off about David, but his motives remain unclear to the audience.

The film has plenty of issues.

For starters, the acting is rather poor. The most notable actors are Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), Sheila Kelley (L.A. Law), and a collection of unknowns.

Stevens and Kelley give better performances, and I found Stevens particularly believable in a role opposite his Downton Abbey alter ego.

The rest of the cast is wooden and uncompelling.

The weakest parts of The Guest are the inane plot points and the 1980s-style soundtrack. Were the filmmakers going for a retro throwback? The film is set in present times, so this aspect remains a mystery.

The story starts interestingly. Is it a Fatal Attraction (1987) type of film? What is David’s motive? What was his relationship with the deceased Caleb? Does he intend to help or harm the family?

The reveal towards the end of the film is implausible, ridiculous, and disappointing. Without giving too much away, the government plays a major role in the film, but it does little to provoke sympathy for any of the characters, only eliciting more confusion.

The attempted (and botched) love story between David and Anna does not work. They have little chemistry, and the rooting value is not there, especially as he picks up her drunken best friend at a party.

Is the audience supposed to root for David and Anna, or is it merely a weak sub-plot to the thrill aspect of the film? I suspect the latter.

Despite all these negatives, I didn’t despise the film as it trucked along; rather, I found it more of a mess than anything else.

It is not a good film, but there is something slightly appealing about it. Some of the death scenes are well done, and the budding friendship between David and the bullied son is rather sweet.

The son is enamored with the strong, masculine David, and David, in turn, serves as a protector, humiliating the bullies who gave the kid a black eye.

The film doesn’t delve into a sexual angle, but it is a bond that is cheerful to see. It has a nice, warm element.

Another impressive point of The Guest is that it ends with a surprise that leaves room for a sequel. However, because the film didn’t achieve success, I doubt a sequel will ever see the light of day.

A poorly written, weakly acted film, The Guest (2014) has moments of interest but fails miserably as a viewing experience.

By the end, I still had no idea what the main character was motivated by, which is a huge problem.

Confusing and convoluted are the adjectives best to describe this film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Editing

2014 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama

Boyhood-2014

January 19, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Boyhood-2014

Director Richard Linklater

Starring Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke

Scott’s Review #217

Reviewed January 19, 2015

Grade: A

Boyhood (2014) is a family drama directed by Richard Linklater that tells the story of a family’s trials and tribulations over twelve years, ranging from approximately 2002-2013.

The film uses the same actors over the entire period, enabling the viewer to see the characters change. What a novel idea! In this day and age of special effects, superheroes, and animated animals, how refreshing to see a simple tale of a family told over a while.

The film’s main character is Mason Evans, Jr. played by Ellar Coltrane.

We are introduced to Mason when he is six years old and in the first grade. He lives with his older sister Samantha, played by the director’s daughter Lorelei Linklater, and his mother Olivia, played by Patricia Arquette, in Texas.

Ethan Hawke, divorced from Olivia plays Mason’s father (Mason Sr.).

As the years go by we see situations arise and the characters grow and develop like real life.

After the film, Mason Jr. is headed off to college following years of life experience including his first relationship. The other characters develop and we see Olivia and Mason Sr. delve into relationships with partners, some successful, others less successful.

Boyhood succeeds because it is a film about real life that feels like a slice of Americana.

It’s a wonderful film.

The audience invests in the characters because we grow to love and care about their lives. It is comparable to seeing cousins or friends once a year and seeing what becomes of their lives over time.

This film fascinates me because it is so basic and real that it does not need contrived dramatic situations to warrant attention. It is simply authentic and that is what makes a great film.

The film is left-leaning politically speaking and I love that current events are brought up throughout the years by the family members.

As the film progresses we are treated to Mason Sr. commenting on his distaste of the Iraq war, the children’s anticipation of the new Harry Potter film, Mason Sr. taking the kids to a Houston Astros game, and The Beatles and Star Wars are mentioned.

Another scene sadly focuses on a returning soldier from Iraq who suffers from Post-traumatic stress disorder. These nuances make the film seem so authentic and rich.

As wonderful a job as Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke did neither of them had a huge, bombastic, emotional scene which would have been splendid given the talents of each, but this is a small criticism.

Both are superb as struggling parents trying to do the right thing for their children and carve out a life for themselves.

Boyhood redefines realism in the film as we see a family unit hope, struggle, and dream as it’s played out before our eyes.

The film does not need overwrought dramatics as it is simply a slice of the life of a group of people we come to know and love.

Everyone can relate to Boyhood (2014).

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Director-Richard Linklater, Best Supporting Actor-Ethan Hawke, Best Supporting Actress-Patricia Arquette (won), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 2 wins-Best Feature, Best Director-Richard Linklater (won), Best Supporting Male-Ethan Hawke, Best Supporting Female-Patricia Arquette (won), Best Editing

2014 Films, Biography, Drama

Big Eyes-2014

January 18, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Big Eyes-2014

Director Tim Burton

Starring Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz

Scott’s Review #216

Reviewed January 18, 2015

Grade: B

Big Eyes (2014) tells the true story of Margaret Keane, a talented artist, famous for the “big eyes” waif collection, whose husband manipulated her and took credit for her works during the 1950s and 1960s.

A con artist, he passed himself off as a talented artist, but in truth, he scammed other artists and had no artistic talent of his own.

He was also mentally unstable.

Due to his charisma and ability to wine and dine, with influential people, combined with his marketing talents, he made millions in profits from his wife’s art.

Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz portray Margaret and Walter Keane.

Tim Burton directs the film.

Adams and Waltz are the main appeals in this film. They share tremendous chemistry, when they are courting one another and subsequently when they despise each other and fight a bitter divorce battle in court over the rights to Margaret’s paintings.

I love Christoph Waltz in whatever he appears in as his charisma and acting ability astound me.

Adams is quite effective and believable as the passive, loyal, and talented Margaret Keane.

As compelling performance as Adams gives, one issue with the film is that I did not feel as sympathetic towards Margaret Keane as the film probably intended.

I like the character very much and was rooting for her in the courthouse scenes to be awarded rights to her paintings and cheered when she escaped to Hawaii with her daughter to begin a new life.

But, she willingly went along with her husband’s plot, as they both decided a female artist would not sell like a man could (it was the 1950s), and they made millions from her art. They lived in a gorgeous house, had wonderful dinners, and were able to maintain an extravagant lifestyle- not so bad.

It was not as if Walter stole all of her money and left her homeless. She enjoyed a nice lifestyle.

So, my sympathy for her was affected.

A positive of Big Eyes is how Margaret continues to uncover Walter’s deceptions. She first learns he has taken credit for her work then finds out that he is not even an artist and has conned another painter into giving Walter credit for their work.

The buildup to these reveals is excellent.

The film is a change of pace for Tim Burton. Big Eyes is not a dark film and is quite bright and colorful. Some interesting sets and art direction are similar to his other works- Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice.

Big Eyes (2014) is an enjoyable film largely made successful by the talents and appeal of its two stars.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Screenplay

2014 Films, British, Comedy, Drama, Historical Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films

Pride-2014

January 17, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Pride-2014

Director Matthew Warchus

Starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton

Scott’s Review #215

Reviewed January 17, 2015

Grade: B-

Pride (2014), based on a true story, deserves props for delivering a nice message about inclusion and groups of vastly different people coming together as human beings.

While it’s a nice film, the filmmakers play it a bit too safe and it has a definite formulaic feel to it.

Surely, the real story of Pride was not as simplistic as this film felt at times.

The setting is 1984 England. A group of British miners goes on strike over wages. A group named Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners made up of gay men and women developed an interest in the strike and decided to help the miners and families.

Why they decided to take on this cause is not fully explained. The National Union of Mineworkers is hesitant to accept funds as they worry about the publicity caused by a group thought to be perverts.

The film is riddled with clichés- the macho miners resist the help from the gays, many of whom are portrayed as effeminate. The characters who are lesbians look as though the filmmakers wanted to “butch them up”, thereby overdoing the stereotype.

There is a subplot of one gay young man who has not come out to his parents, a well-to-do, pretentious couple. When inevitably the truth is revealed, the parents are angry and turn their backs on the teen.

He leaves home to join the gays and lesbians who accept him into their lives with open arms.

The female head of the committee is homophobic and vows to do everything in her power to make sure the gay and lesbian group does not succeed in aligning with the miners.

These clichés seemed way too overdone to make the film more dramatic. Some of the characters, therefore, come across as one-dimensional.

Even the story revolving around a character with AIDS seems watered down and soft.

On the plus side, casting the brilliant Imelda Staunton as the sympathetic, maternal, Hefina is a plus.

A huge supporter of gays and lesbians she comically befriends all of them and is curious about their lifestyles. Bill Nighy is also excellent as Cliff, the older miner who turns out to be gay.

Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister at the time, is presented as greedy and selfish with little regard or use for the miners or labor unions.

Pride (2014) is an earnest, sentimental, feel-good film that deserves adoration for the coming together of different communities.

I would have liked to see more risks taken by the film.

2014 Films, Biography, Drama, Thriller, World War II

The Imitation Game-2014

January 15, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Imitation Game-2014

Director Morten Tyldum

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley

Scott’s Review #213

Reviewed January 15, 2015

Grade: A

The Imitation Game (2014) tells the story of Alan Turing, a confident and brilliant British mathematician who was responsible for cracking Nazi Germany’s Enigma code, which led to the Allied forces winning World War II.

The film also delves into Turing’s complex and sad personal life and the audience grows to know his upbringing largely told via flashbacks as a small boy at boarding school.

The film is tragic yet wonderfully made and is a powerful viewing experience in human storytelling.

The film has two aspects going on. The first is the hiring of Turing by the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park to crack the code and the numerous struggles faced in accomplishing this feat.

Turing is not easy-going. He is arrogant, quick-witted, and even smug. However, through his friendship with Joan (Keira Knightley), an intelligent woman on the team of scholars, we see a human side to him as they forge a lifelong bond.

The other is of his personal life which is a bit more mysterious and comes into play during the second half. Keeping a secret about his personal life, he is homosexual, which in the time the film is set (1940’s England), is illegal.

Alan and Joan agree to marry, in large part to appease her parents, but circumstances change these plans.

Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays Turning, deserves praise for his impressive portrayal. He successfully gives depth and a wide range of emotions to the character.

He begins as a self-centered man but becomes layered, guarded, and protective due to his private life of which he is forced to hide a great deal.

Keira Knightley’s character supports Cumberbatch’s character of Alan as she becomes engaged to him and later in life becomes his biggest champion. Her character, besides being quite intelligent, is also kind and giving.

The ending will give the viewer many tears and cause to think of the enormity of World War II in terms of the vast amount of casualties. The facts listed just before the credits roll are awe-inspiring and gut-wrenching.

The Imitation Game is not a war movie per se since it does not deal with battle scenes. It is more of a drama dealing with the effects of war. Many figures are presented and some characters are affected.

For instance, in one scene, the group (led by Turing) must make a heartbreaking decision not to stop an impending attack, which will cause many deaths- including a character’s brother- instead of choosing to keep mum to save thousands more.

It is a powerful scene.

The Imitation Game (2014) successfully and heartbreakingly tells the story of a heroic figure who received no accolades while living, instead of being ostracized, and not until posthumously, did he receive his due.

Sadly, this was too little too late.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Director-Morten Tyldum, Best Actor-Benedict Cumberbatch, Best Supporting Actress-Keira Knightley, Best Adapted Screenplay (won), Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing

2014 Films, Biography, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Sports

Foxcatcher-2014

January 2, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Foxcatcher-2014

Director Bennett Miller

Starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo

Scott’s Review #210

Reviewed January 2, 2015

Grade: A

Foxcatcher (2014) is a dark, disturbing, psychological thriller that achieves greatness based on its bleak look and great acting.

It is a superb character-driven story, based on true events, led by the talents of actors Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo, each of whom is excellent.

It is a sports film, but hardly predictable as many in this genre typically are.

The film is set in 1987. Brothers Mark and Dave Schultz (Tatum and Ruffalo respectively) are former Olympic gold medal-winning wrestlers attempting to compete in the upcoming 1988 Olympic competitions.

Despite winning a gold medal, Mark (Tatum) lives in squalor and is reduced to giving pep rallies at elementary schools, meant to be done by Dave (Ruffalo), for very little money. Dave is the more successful brother, a family man living a happy existence.

He is more talented than Mark and very driven.

One day Mark is contacted by wealthy philanthropist John du Pont (Carrell) and invited to live with him at his expansive estate in Pennsylvania and train with other aspiring Olympic wrestlers.

John’s attempts at wooing Dave as well initially fail.

From this point in the story, the film delves into psychologically dark territory, mainly the controlling, disturbing behavior of John, as he attempts to control Mark and woo Dave.

John has a damaged relationship with his mother, Jean, wonderfully played by Vanessa Redgrave. Jean feels that John’s obsession with the wrestling world is far beneath him and their relationship is tense and unloving.

The three principal actors involved in the film are worthy of discussion as the film would not be as complex or compelling.

Let’s begin with Channing Tatum- known primarily as a hunky movie star with questionable acting ability, he proves the naysayers wrong.

I cannot help but compare him to a younger Brad Pitt. It took years and many films for him to be recognized as more than a pretty face and abs to die for.

His performance is understated and calm, but nuanced in his laid-back demeanor. Sometimes anger bubbles under the surface.

Carrell is downright creepy as the affluent yet insecure Du Pont.

Throughout the film, the character seems off. Known mostly for silly comedies he is a breakout performance that, I hope, leads to similar meaty roles. Carrell shows he has what it takes to appear in quality films.

Lastly, Mark Ruffalo, who always plays interesting, everyman-type characters, again emits much emotion from his character of Dave Schultz, a successful, driven, athlete who is also a dedicated husband and father.

With lesser casting, Foxcatcher would not have been as interesting.

Questions at the end of the film will arise. What were John du Pont’s motivations? What effect did his mother have on his actions? How could a man with all his power and wealth end up this sad? Were there inappropriate sexual overtures made towards the wrestlers by John?

Foxcatcher (2014) excels at portraying a dark, layered, moody, true story and teaches that wealth does not equate to happiness and in many instances, quite the contrary occurs.

The film is an immense success.

Oscar Nominations: Best Director-Bennett Miller, Best Actor-Steve Carell, Best Supporting Actor-Mark Ruffalo, Best Original Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Special Distinction Award (won)

2014 Films, Biography, Drama, Romantic Drama

The Theory of Everything-2014

December 2, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Theory of Everything-2014

Director James Marsh

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones

Scott’s Review #199

Reviewed December 2, 2014

Grade: A-

The Theory of Everything (2014) tells the uplifting true story of renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne) and his lifelong battle with a debilitating illness- motor neuron disease, which he was diagnosed with in college.

He and his future wife, literature student Jane Wilde (played by Felicity Jones), meet in 1963 at the prestigious Cambridge University in England and fall madly in love.

From this point, the film focuses on their life-long love affair and Stephen’s subsequent health battles.

Redmayne is wonderful in the lead role.

Portraying a character with both speech and mobility deterioration is not an easy task, especially as the problems become worse and worse over time forcing the actor to express varying levels of disability.

Redmayne rises to the occasion with both believability and conviction making his portrayal as real as possible.

The performance fondly reminded me of another great physical performance, Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot from 1989.

Redmayne is a rising star in Hollywood.

Felicity Jones is also good, though I feel many actresses could have handled the role and there is not as much meat in her part as Redmayne’s.

The remainder of the cast is British actors making the film an authentic feeling. Emily Watson, who plays Jane’s mother, shamefully receives only one scene. Was this talented actress’s role cut?

I get the sense that the filmmakers had Oscar on their minds as the film is geared towards mainstream audiences with a wholesome slant.

The film skims past the complex theories and mathematical aspects and focuses more on the inspirational tale of a person overcoming an immense challenge.

Furthermore, the subsequent quadrangle between Hawking, Jane, Jane’s choir leader (Jonathan), and Hawking’s nurse (Elaine) are toned down and safe from what transpired. Hawking’s family accused his nurse of abusing him which is never mentioned in the film.

The film presents their relationship as wonderful, so clearly, some facts have been softened or omitted altogether, an example of how the film goes for a moral feel.

The situation involving the four real-life characters is messy, but the film makes it seem sweet. Presumably, this is because all the characters are still alive.

This is an interesting aspect of the film and is not necessarily a criticism as much as a perception. Many films embellish reality for entertainment value.

The pairing of Jane and Jonathan seemed inevitable from the moment they met. They had much in common (religion), whereas Stephen and Jane were complete opposites- she was catholic, he was atheist.

The sexual chemistry between Stephen and Elaine was evident when they met. Elaine’s energetic sexiness perfectly contrasts with Jane’s at that point in the film- haggardness and weariness.

The film is not designed to be a downer as it could have been. The focus might have been more sadder than it was. Rather, it is sentimental and empowering.

The Theory of Everything (2014) is a heartwarming, conventional, human story about a man rising above adversity, and at the center of the film is one dynamic performance by Eddie Redmayne.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Actor-Eddie Redmayne (won), Best Actress-Felicity Jones, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score

2014 Films, Drama, HBO, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films

The Normal Heart-2014

December 1, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Normal Heart-2014

Director Ryan Murphy

Starring Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer

Scott’s Review #198

Reviewed December 1, 2014

Grade: B+

The Normal Heart is a 2014 HBO television movie based on the true story of Ned Weeks, an openly gay AIDS activist/writer, played by Mark Ruffalo.

The film is set during the period when the epidemic first surfaced, from 1981-1984, and the challenges and frustrations faced, mostly within the gay community, to bring exposure and assistance to the disease.

Weeks was famous for establishing a group of passionate members who banded together to attempt to hurdle these struggles.

The film was produced by Brad Pitt.

This is wonderful to know as films with this content (AIDS) are often tough to produce. It’s wonderful that Pitt’s wealth and influence were used effectively.

At a vastly different time in the country to be gay, the government did very little to assist with financing funding for treatment or researching a cure for it, which is the main point of the story.

The talented cast makes this film what it is.

Matt Bomer plays Ned’s closeted gay lover, Felix Turner, one of the many casualties of the deadly disease. Bomer lost forty pounds in preparation for the role.

Julia Roberts plays polio-stricken doctor, Emma Brookner, who was instrumental in helping the sick when few others within the medical community wanted to.

Other actors providing support are Alfred Molina, who plays Ned’s supportive, powerful, attorney and brother, and Joe Mantello, who has a terrific meltdown scene as his anger and anguish over the disease not being taken seriously by the government finally bubble to the surface.

Finally, Mark Ruffalo plays Ned competently, but why the slight feminization of the character? The real Ned Weeks was masculine. A needless stereotype the film (or Ruffalo) chose to pursue.

The film shows the discrimination faced by AIDS victims, from an airline pilot refusing to fly a plane carrying a sick patient, to an electrician refusing to enter a patient’s hospital room to fix a television set.

This is sad when one realizes how ridiculous these unfounded fears proved to be.

According to the film’s statistics, a major point of the film is how the United States Government, specifically President Reagan, did very little in the way of funding or even wanting to discuss the issue for years following the initial outbreak, resulting in thousands of lost lives.

And why exactly is Reagan considered a great President?

It makes one ponder. It was only due to beloved Hollywood star Rock Hudson acquiring and dying from the disease and Elizabeth Taylor using her star power to get people involved that finally led to the topic being discussed and action taken on a federal level.

My slight criticism of the film is that it looks and feels like a television movie similar in texture to Behind the Candelabra (2013), another HBO film.

The colors are bright and vivid and look television-like. could have used darker lighting and perhaps a gloomier more dower feel, especially given the subject matter involved in the story.

Otherwise, thumbs up and respect for bringing this story to millions of viewers and hopefully educating those who were not there.

Welcome to my blog!1,555 reviews posted so far! I'm Scott Segrell and I reside in Stamford, CT. My site features hundreds of film reviews I have written since I launched the site in 2014. I hope you enjoy reading my latest reviews or searching for your own favorites to see if we agree. Please see my Recent Posts section, and don't forget to utilize the tags and category links.