Category Archives: 2013 Films

The Purge-2013

The Purge-2013

Director-James DeMonaco

Starring-Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey

Scott’s Review #128

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Reviewed July 23, 2014

Grade: A-

On paper, the premise of the film The Purge is very intriguing. It immediately caught my attention and I was compelled to see it.

Set shortly, the government, fed up with the overwhelming crime and prison overcrowding, decides to initiate a once-a-year purge, whereupon, anything goes.

It’s like Christmas for the criminals and insane.

All emergency and police will shut down on this night and citizens are left to their own devices as a way to purge the violent and aggressive instincts from human systems. An affluent family, led by a security systems genius (Ethan Hawke), nestles in their lavish home.

Of course, events go horribly awry and chaos ensues.

The film contains suspense, thrills, frights, and a bit of humor and contains a question of class distinction and raises societal questions- Why are the wealthy better off than the poor? Do they deserve to be?

I enjoyed the setting of the wealthy, gated Los Angeles community and the eerily Stepford wife-like atmosphere of the neighborhood where housewives delivered casseroles and other dishes to each other for the big night. Throughout this sunny environment, the viewer could sense a too-good-to-be-true cheerfulness and the darkness to follow anticipated as sunset emerged.

I found this film to be unpredictable and the edge of your seat and the film delved into a home invasion thriller, which was effective. I could not predict what might happen next and that is incredibly entertaining.

I am unsure if some of the humor in the film was intentional or not- some of the kills were over the top and contained one-liners, but The Purge is a crisp, fun, summer popcorn horror film.

World War Z-2013

World War Z-2013

Director-Marc Forster

Starring-Brad Pitt

Scott’s Review #121

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Reviewed July 20, 2014

Grade: B

World War Z is the type of film that is a summer hit and will most likely be forgotten over a couple of years. It is a slightly above average, enjoyable action/ zombie thriller, but really not much more.

It stars Brad Pitt as a former United Nations investigator called in to save the world from a zombie pandemic. The crisis is spreading throughout major cities of the world simultaneously.

The film sees Pitt traversing the globe in an attempt to find a cure for the epidemic before it is too late and the zombies make the world extinct of humans. The zombies are super zombies in that they can fly and move at lightning speed making them ultra-dangerous.

The story is completely implausible and plot-driven, but somehow it doesn’t matter and it works on some level. My theory for this success is that the film is fast-paced and the action starts almost immediately and Brad Pitt is charismatic in the film.

He is clearly the star and all the action centers around him.

The film contains some very exciting, tense scenes including a plane crash sequence and a chase around a medical lab. World War Z is clearly a popcorn film, meant to be sat back and enjoyed and not overanalyzed or taken too seriously.

It is a perfect summer hit.

Labor Day-2013

Labor Day-2013

Director-Jason Reitman

Starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin

Scott’s Review #116

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Reviewed July 17, 2014 

Grade: B+

Labor Day is quite simply a modern love story.

Set in 1987 on a hot Labor Day weekend in New Hampshire, a boy and his mother are approached by an escaped convict pleading for help. They reluctantly agree and what follows is a weekend of mixed emotions and bonding between the three individuals.

Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin have nice chemistry as the two leads, although the film felt like it was decorated to be 1987, but felt quite modern. The woman is divorced and insecure and bordering on being a shut-in. The son is more like the parent, taking care of her, running errands.

The film is narrated by an older version of the son (played by Tobey Maguire). Questions run through the viewer’s mind throughout the course of the film, which is a major positive- can the convict be trusted? Is he guilty or is there more to the story? Is the mother falling for him or pretending to escape?

All the action plays out over one weekend while the town is on high alert and everyone is searching for the escaped con and most of the action takes place in the family home, lending a stage production feel to the film.

There are some tense moments and lots of flashbacks of both the convict and the woman and their lives before meeting so we, as viewers, get to know them well.

Despite their differences, the couple has a rooting value to them thanks in large part to Brolin’s and Winslet’s talents.

Labor Day is a well-made film that, unfortunately, received little recognition.

Mama-2013

Mama-2013

Director-Andres Muschietti

Starring-Jessica Chastain

Scott’s Review #112

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Reviewed July 15, 2014

Grade: C

Mama is a horror film from 2013, surprisingly starring Jessica Chastain, who one might assume is too high-brow for horror given her recent Oscar nominations.

Mama tells the story of two little girls, involved in a car accident, who survive on their own for years until finally rescued and raised by Chastain.

This film had both positives and negatives.

The beginning sequence involving the girls’ troubled father and the drive through the countryside to the car wreck is realistically done and compelling. The snow and the drifts have a picturesque and haunting beauty to them.

In fact, throughout the course of the film, some unique, effective visuals really created a mysterious ambiance.

However, the primary negative of the film belongs to Chastain.

Clearly a top-notch actress, I did not for an instant buy her as a short-haired raven-dyed, rocker chick with tattoos and a tough-girl persona. It did not work at all.

The story as a whole was convoluted and when the final credits rolled, made no sense to me at all.

As a whole, the film was not scary (sadly rated PG-13) but had some nice moments.

Concussion- 2013

Concussion-2013

Director-Stacie Passon

Starring-Robin Weigert

Scott’s Review #111

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Reviewed July 15, 2014

Grade: B+

Concussion is a small, interesting, independent film that tells the story of an affluent Westchester County, NY housewife who is a lesbian- brilliantly played by Robin Weigert, married to another woman, and decides to become an escort for other women experimenting with their sexuality.

On paper, it reads like it could be a comedy, but it is a character study and strictly a drama.

The woman (Abby) has a seemingly happy marriage- her wife is a high-powered attorney, Abby stays home and raises the kids. But she is bored and conflicted in her marriage- something is missing. She loves her wife. She has a wonderful circle of friends- both gay and straight. They throw dinner parties and have a sense of togetherness.

The escorting scenes are not what one might think- very little sexual content, but rather bonds that can form between escort and client. I loved the way no lesbian stereotypes were portrayed- both were intelligent, attractive, and feminine. The clientele was not dangerous, trashy, or flighty.

The film is not a lesbian film per se, but it is a human film- anyone in a long-term commitment or anyone who admires a character-driven film can relate to this movie and it should be viewed.

Carrie- 2013

Carrie-2013

Director-Kimberly Peirce

Starring-Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #110

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Reviewed July 15, 2014

Grade: C-

Carrie is a 2013 remake of the classic 1976 horror masterpiece. Comparing the two is difficult since the original is brilliant. The remake of Carrie showed some potential in the first half as the set-up was developed and is fairly entertaining.

Carrie White is a bullied, outcast teenager who has telekinetic powers. She can make things move, typically when angry. Her mother, played by Julianne Moore, is a repressed Christian woman with issues about sex (among other things).

Following a cruel encounter in the locker room, one of the popular girls, feeling guilty, talks her boyfriend into taking Carrie to the prom.

Chloe Grace Moretz was okay as Carrie, but didn’t seem nerdy or homely enough to completely pull it off- she could easily have portrayed one of the popular girls.

Julianne Moore is too sympathetic an actress to be believable as the crazy Mrs. White so that didn’t completely work.

Also, the actresses playing Sue Snell and Chris should have been reversed. Chris is a despicable character, comfortable as the queen bee, but the actress playing her seemed awkward and insecure. The actress playing Sue Snell, arguably the heroine of the story, seemed better suited to play a vicious, bitchy character.

In the original, the audience feels Carrie’s rage and cheers along with her revenge, but that did not happen in this version. There was not as much justification to warrant the revenge. And since when did having telekinesis result in being able to fly?

Obviously, a pale imitation of the classic horror film, but certainly not a complete dud either.

The Conjuring-2013

The Conjuring-2013

Director-James Wan

Starring-Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga

Scott’s Review #102

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Reviewed July 10, 2014

Grade: A-

The Conjuring is one of the best horror films I have seen in recent years.

It tells the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson respectively, who are paranormal investigators and come to the aid of a haunted farm family, the Perrons, led by Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor.

The film is set in Rhode Island, circa 1971, and is loosely based on true events. Typically in modern horror films, one is treated to a) gore or b) attempted scares that are seen a mile away.

The Conjuring is a classic ghost story with genuine frights. A big difference from other standard horror films is that the audience cares about the characters. One believes they are a family being terrorized by demons and sympathizes with them. The phrase “based on a true story” is meaningless.

Who cares? It’s a scary film with likable characters.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are the standouts for me as well as one refreshing child actor who can actually act without the cutesy-ness or overacting too often found in child actors today.

The costume/set designers do an excellent job as the film has a genuine early 1970’s look which was tremendously effective.

The Conjuring is an eerie, frightening, jump out of your seat, fun time.

Oldboy-2013

Oldboy-2013

Director-Spike Lee

Starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen

Scott’s Review #97

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Reviewed July 8, 2014 

Grade: B-

Oldboy is a remake of the original South Korean film from 2003 that tells the story of a successful advertising executive named Joe Doucett, played wonderfully by Josh Brolin.

He is mysteriously kidnapped and kept prisoner in a private one-room facility, where he is served the same 3 meals daily for 20 years, while framed for the murder of his wife.

Through the years he is kept abreast of his daughter’s life events through videos. He is just as mysteriously released after 20 years and sets out to exact revenge on his former captors.

Brolin is quite charismatic and appealing (kudos for his multiple nude scenes) in the lead role and it is nice to see Chris Imperiolo in an off-beat supporting role.

The premise of the film is interesting but is the type of film where everything that happens is plot-driven, events are completely manipulated by the villains, and the film becomes completely implausible and, at times, via flashbacks, reminds me of the CBS series Cold Case.

Forgetting the fact that Brolin’s character becomes super-hero-like and chiseled after the 20 years in captivity, the film is a good, solid, fun, thrill-ride, and quite bloody at times.

It has aspects of a nice whodunit to a point.  It has so many plot holes that I lost count, but somehow it is enjoyable at the same time. It is never boring and even unpredictable at times.

Many questions run through the viewer’s head along the way- who is the villain? What could the villain’s motivation be? Is a friend a foe?

Is the film unrealistic-yes, ludicrous at times-yes, but is also highly enjoyable.

Jack the Giant Slayer-2013

Jack the Giant Slayer-2013

Director-Bryan Singer

Starring-Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson

Scott’s Review #93

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Reviewed July 4, 2014

Grade: C

Jack the Giant Slayer is a fantasy, CGI-laden film most likely targeted at a young audience. It tells the story of Jack, a farmhand who must rescue a beautiful princess from the world of giants after an accident causes a gateway to open to their world.

The film is loosely based on the fairy tale “Jack and the Beanstalk”. The special effects in the land of the Giants are the most impressive aspect of the film.

Otherwise, it is a love story mixed with adventure and the story is simply not very engaging and very predictable.

Heavyweights Ewan McGregor and Stanley Tucci appear in over-the-top performances and the acting of the princess (Eleanor Tomlinson) is shockingly wooden.

The finale is mildly entertaining as a chase through the castle occurs, but the film is so weighted down by the effects and the lack of a good story that overall it was a very middle-of-the-road film.

Blue Jasmine-2013

Blue Jasmine-2013

Director-Woody Allen

Starring-Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins

Scott’s Review #92

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Reviewed July 3, 2014

Grade: A

Blue Jasmine is the latest offering by Woody Allen and one of his best in my opinion. I have heard from several people how they are not typical Woody Allen fans but loved this film and I ponder why that is.

My theory is that Cate Blanchett, who stars as neurotic Jasmine, is the heart and soul of this movie.

Allen’s films usually center on neurotic characters and this film is no different.

Set primarily in San Francisco, it tells the story of how Jasmine has lost all of her money thanks to bad investments by her ex-husband (played in flashbacks by Alec Baldwin). She is a socialite and used to the best life has to offer her in both excess and extravagance.

Now Jasmine is reduced to making a clean start of it by rooming with her blue-collar sister, played by Sally Hawkins, and trying to scrape by. Jasmine struggles to find success and the means to survive.

The film is hysterical at times, heartbreaking at others, even a downer at moments. Jasmine, through the assistance of pills and martinis, is snobbish and ego-centric, yet the audience falls in love with and roots for her.

She is high class yet broke. She keeps up appearances, and her wit, usually at the expense of others, never falters. Blanchett is responsible for the love of this character and, thankfully, won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal.

Thanks to Allen, the dialogue is sharp, witty, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Thanks to much of it taking place in flashbacks, the audience sees Jasmine’s life as it once was, having everything and then some, then back to her current reality and back and forth. This is a wise decision to show both of her lives.

This film will go down as one of Woody Allen’s best.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Cate Blanchett (won), Best Supporting Actress-Sally Hawkins, Best Original Screenplay

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Cate Blanchett (won), Best Supporting Female-Sally Hawkins, Best Screenplay

Crush-2013

Crush-2013

Director-Malik Bader

Starring-Lucas Till, Sarah Bolger

Scott’s Review #87

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Reviewed July 2, 2014

Grade: C-

Crush tells a story that has been told since almost the beginning of cinematic history- that of the stalker. It’s a teen stalker film very similar to The Roommate and Swimfan, which I admit to having seen and enjoyed.

A teen soccer jock injures his knee and decides to break up with his girlfriend to focus on rehab. From this point, someone begins to stalk him and leave secret admirer notes.

Several red herrings ensue and a twist is contained in the final 30 minutes that, unfortunately, if one bothers to look at the cover art on the DVD, the stalker is revealed.

This particular genre is a guilty pleasure of mine so it’s tough to be completely objective. On the surface Crush is a terrible movie- it is by the numbers, no character development, but just plain old fun.

I suppose it is loosely a remake of the Alicia Silverstone film from the 1990s.

In any event, the appeal (good or bad) was that the filmmakers played this film seriously instead of fessing up to a poor script and playing it for laughs.

The acting was awful, the teen outcasts looked like they could easily be the popular kids and made up to appear nerdy, and the film had a Hallmark television movie of the week badness to it, but in a goofy, trashy way I enjoyed the film.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler-2013

Lee Daniels’ The Butler-2013

Director-Lee Daniels

Starring-Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey

Scott’s Review #81

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Reviewed June 30, 2014

Grade: A

Director, Lee Daniels, is a recent favorite of mine (Precious, The Paperboy) and his latest is an excellent, true story, undertaking.

While the trailer looked appealing, I was concerned that the film might be overwrought or have a Hollywood sappiness to it.

While it’s certainly a Hollywood film, it is a powerful, emotional experience.

The viewer is taken on a journey from 1926 through the current president from the viewpoint of White House butler Cecil Gaines, who serves several presidents and is privy to the goings-on in the White House.

He is played by Forest Whitaker and his boozy, troubled wife is played by Oprah Winfrey. Both give tremendous performances.

It is a political journey through time and I loved the authenticity of each decade from the sets to the costumes to the hairstyles.

The casting of the Presidents is curious (Robin Williams as Eisenhower and John Cusack as Nixon), but somehow worked.

The rivalry of Cecil Gaines and his rebellious son is quite interesting as the viewer sides with each individual at different times.

The film is more emotional than I anticipated and much of the audience was teary during certain scenes of heartbreak and triumph.

I feel this is a must-see for everyone.

Well done.

Prisoners-2013

Prisoners-2013

Director-Denis Villeneuve

Starring-Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal

Scott’s Review #75

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Reviewed June 27, 2014

Grade: B+

The film Prisoners weaves a gripping, taught, a psychological tale that is well acted (stellar cast of Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, and Paul Dano for starters) and that is what separates this from other similar, yet mediocre thriller types.

The gray, somber, Pennsylvania town is a perfect backdrop for a story involving child abduction and a father that seeks a confession from the presumed kidnapper.

The mood and cinematography are impressive and the bleakness is perfect for the tone of the film- a cold Thanksgiving holiday weekend in a working-class, steel town.

At 2 hours and 26 minutes, the film is lengthy, but on the edge of your seat.

What intrigued me was the audience conflict of whom to root for. Is the father purely innocent? Is the kidnapper guilty? Is someone else involved? These questions go through the viewer’s mind throughout the film.

The film does have a major drawback in the high number of plot holes and questions asked after the film.

The kidnapper’s motivations are weak and never fully explained. Portions of the story do not add up and make little sense.

The film is similar in style to Zodiac and Mystic River.

The film is an intense, thrill-ride to be enjoyed, but certainly not over-analyzed.

Oscar Nominations: Best Cinematography

Enough Said-2013

Enough Said-2013

Director-Nicole Holofcener

Starring-Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini

Scott’s Review #71

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Reviewed June 25, 2014

Grade: B+

Enough Said is a surprisingly well-written, small indie romantic comedy and, sadly, James Gandolfini’s final film performance.

The film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who portrays a down-to-earth massage therapist who meets her odd match (Gandolfini) at a party. They slowly begin dating and some interesting misunderstandings ensue.

The seemingly odd couple fall in love and form a special bond over time. They are both struggling to overcome past relationships and trust someone again so they are vulnerable and interesting characters. They strive to be happy but are not quite there yet.

I found the dialogue very sharp and witty and Dreyfus is perfectly cast in this film. She and Gandolfini have enormous chemistry and the film is not contrived in the least as many romantic comedies are.

The film feels like a West Coast Woody Allen film from a female perspective with many neurotic, flawed characters.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Male-James Gandolfini, Best Screenplay

Gravity-2013

Gravity-2013

Director-Alfonso Cuaron

Starring-Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Scott’s Review #69

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Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B

Gravity has become a film that has divided people- some have described the film as “brilliant”, “groundbreaking”, and “phenomenal”.

Due to the hype, I was expecting somewhat of a masterpiece. Not being a 3-D fan (it’s usually unnecessary), I gave in and saw it in 3-D, which did help the film. I have discovered the theory- the techies will love it, the storytellers will not.

Yes, the film is inventive and the space scenes are magnificent, so much so that I felt as though I was floating in space looking down at planet earth.

Sandra Bullock is excellent as a lost astronaut fearful and desperate.

But, the story was quite basic and, frankly, weak. I kept waiting for the plot to thicken and was left wanting much more than the movie delivered.

The backstory for Clooney and Bullock was extremely limited.

I must stress, though, that technically this film is astounding and deserves the praise heaped on it, but as a complete movie, it did not deliver the goods.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Alfonso Cuaron (won), Best Actress-Sandra Bullock, Best Original Score (won), Best Sound Editing (won), Best Sound Mixing (won), Best Production Design, Best Cinematography (won), Best Film Editing (won), Best Visual Effects (won)

Fruitvale Station-2013

Fruitvale Station-2013

Director-Ryan Coogler

Starring-Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer

Scott’s Review #64

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Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Not knowing all of the actual details of this incident, and just taking into account the details the film presents, it’s a very good film. Most of the film is in the lead-up to the big incident.

While not perfect, the victim is presented as a good guy, helps strangers, stray dogs, loves his daughter, and has a great heart. He lives a tough life as he has been in and out of prison, and is forced to sell drugs to make a living.

But he has a strong family unit (mother, grandmother, girlfriend, friends) so he lives a decent life.

The cops in question are presented very negatively (intense, racist, and brutal).

Again, I don’t know what happened, but obviously, the filmmakers are on the side of the victim (as they should be). The police reasons are revealed at the end of the film.

It’s a heartfelt, good, solid portrayal.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Male Lead-Michael B. Jordan, Best Supporting Female-Melonie Diaz, Best First Feature (won)

Diana-2013

Diana-2013

Director-Oliver Hirschbiegel

Starring-Naomi Watts, Naveen Andrews

Scott’s Review #63

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Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: C+

Assuming all of the details of the film are accurate, this film was an interesting account of Princess Diana’s last two years of life and her transition from married royalty to single woman, all the while being the most famous woman on earth.

While the film was interesting, I ended up feeling something was missing and it was not as gripping as I had hoped.

I also did not quite buy Naomi Watts as Diana. Her mannerisms were off to me and the real Diana was taller.

Also, I didn’t quite believe that Diana could throw on a brown wig and walk freely around London unrecognized.

There was no chemistry between Watts and Naveen Andrews, who played a successful heart surgeon with whom Diana begins a romance.

These criticisms do not mean the film was a total fail,(there was a sincere likability and charisma that Watts brought to the role), but not as good as one would have hoped.

12 Years a Slave-2013

12 Years a Slave-2013

Director-Steve McQueen

Starring-Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender

Scott’s Review #62

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Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: A

At the time of 12 Years a Slave’s release, a ton of buzz began circulating. Was it that good?

Considered the front runner to win the Best Picture statue, it did indeed win the top honors.

The film is not an easy watch- it is brutal and heart-wrenching at times. I will spare the details, but the most intense scene involves a whip.

There are scenes of torture, degradation, and cruelty against the slaves by the slave owners.

While tough to watch, I applaud the film for not glossing over the atrocities of slavery. Some have criticized the film for being a retread of similar films, but I disagree. It is worlds more intense than watered-down versions.

However, the film is not a downer.

Yes, a class of people is beaten down and victimized, but they also rise above and never give up hope. The fact that it’s a true story and a book was written on the subject by the real Solomon Northup makes it all the more powerful.

The performances are clearly outstanding (Ejiofor, Fassbender, Paulson, and Nyong’o).

The look of the film and cinematography is sharp and I loved the distinctiveness of the north and south scenes. The setting is stifling hot and dreary.

There are at least 2 scenes where the camera pans on a shot and holds it for seemingly an eternity until an action occurs, which made the scenes effective.

While difficult to watch, this film should be viewed by everyone to see how far we have come, but not forget how far we still need to go to eliminate discrimination and victimization.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture (won), Best Director-Steve McQueen, Best Actor-Chiwetel Ejiofor, Best Supporting Actor-Michael Fassbender, Best Supporting Actress-Lupita Nyong’o (won), Best Adapted Screenplay (won), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature (won), Best Director-Steve McQueen (won), Best Male Lead-Chiwetel Ejiofor, Best Supporting Male-Michael Fassbender, Best Supporting Female-Lupita Nyong’o (won), Best Screenplay (won), Best Cinematography (won)

Dallas Buyers Club-2013

Dallas Buyers Club-2013

Director-Jean-Marc Vallee

Starring-Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto

Scott’s Review #54

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Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: A-

While Dallas Buyers Club is a well-written screenplay, based on a true story of a straight Texas man who contracts AIDS circa 1985, the main appeal of the film is the brilliant performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

1985 was a different period as far as the deadly virus goes- people did not know then what they do now, so the fear and the judgments featured in the film must be kept in mind for the time it was and the location (Bible-belt Texas).

McConaughey’s physical transformation is an amazing feat, to begin with, a normally handsome, well-built actor, turned gaunt and hollow-eyed, but he completely encompasses this role with an intense, frenetic character deeply rich and flawed.

His body language and mannerisms are mesmerizing.

Leto’s performance as a transsexual, also stricken with the disease, is equally amazing. The character is immediately sympathetic and vulnerable- a wounded bird you would like to take under your wing and save.

Despite the subject matter, the film itself is not a downer, nor does it attempt at being preachy. Rather, it is a tale of friendship, human growth, and survival in bleak times. Obviously, the film is dark, yet inspirational at the same time.

McConaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar wins for these roles.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Actor-Jared Leto (won), Best Original Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won), Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Male Lead-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Male-Jared Leto (won)

Philomena-2013

Philomena-2013

Director-Stephen Frears

Starring-Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Scott’s Review #50

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Reviewed June 20, 2014

Grade: A-

I am thrilled to see anything starring Judi Dench (although don’t get me started on my disdain of Shakespeare in Love). I could listen to her read the phone book as she has that voice that soothes and makes one content.

Philomena is thankfully a starring role for Ms. Dench after supporting turns in the James Bond films as M. She plays a woman in search of her son who was taken from her by the Catholic Church 50 years ago.

I respect a film that challenges an institution, especially if it is based on a true story.

In addition to her wonderful performance, the film is quite layered with a few twists and turns thrown in.

Dench’s self-titled character begins an adventure, along with an author talking into championing her cause, to find the whereabouts of her child.

It raises important questions about faith, religion, and specifically, the Catholic Church.

It will leave you pondering after the credits roll.

The main draw, certainly, is Judi Dench who is so simplistic yet effective in her performances.

Well done.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress-Judi Dench, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score

Black Nativity-2013

Black Nativity-2013

Director-Kasi Lemmons

Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker

Scott’s Review #46

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: C-

Black Nativity is a family holiday movie about a poor Baltimore teen sent to live with his affluent, estranged grandparents (Forest Whitaker and Angela Basset) in Harlem. The teen’s financially struggling mother is played by Jennifer Hudson.

The estrangement stems from a silly misunderstanding in years past when Hudson’s character was pregnant with her now teenage son.

I enjoyed the performances of Whitaker, Bassett, and Hudson, and the sprinkling of songs performed by the leads was nice, but the story was incredibly sappy and predictable and wrapped up in a nice bow at the end of the film.

Scene one screams predictable and safe. I did not sense any real conflict or grit throughout the entire movie and it felt like watching a Hallmark-made for television movie- not a compliment.

The film is a nice family story, but a little more.

Skip unless you enjoy the watered-down family fare.

Frozen-2013

Frozen-2013

Director-Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Starring-Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

Scott’s Review #43

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B

The adjective which springs to mind about the latest hit animated film that has overtaken the nation is “cute”.

The story is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson story (which is modified immensely) and tells the story of two royal sisters (Elsa and Anna), one of whom has special “ice” powers and accidentally injures the other causing a rift.

From this point, there are a series of misunderstandings, love interests, a handsome prince, and an adventure through the snow, and a Snow White type theme.

The story as a whole is uplifting, sweet, and certainly targeted to kids and parents seeking a wholesome, safe experience, but is it too safe?

My one criticism is the lack of diversity and culture in the main characters as they are all similar in looks, which doesn’t set the best example for kids watching.

The musical numbers certainly stick in your head as I was humming them for days. The songs are very trendy, pop-leaning which may make this film age quickly and have an overly current flavor.

I loved the frozen, icy, wintry animation sets which are perfect while watching in the winter months.

Olaf, the sidekick, the mini snowman is witty and steals the show.

Oscar Nominations: Best Animated Feature Film (won), Best Original Song-“Let It Go” (won)

The Way, Way Back-2013

The Way, Way Back-2013

Director-Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Starring Steve Carrell, Toni Collette

Scott’s Review #40

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B-

This is a cute, summery, “coming of age” story about a teen misfit struggling to fit in.

It contains the basic stereotypical characters (boozy neighbor, overbearing step-father type), but kudos for great performances by Allison Janney and Steve Carell) who makes the film much more than it would have been otherwise.

The film feels like something that has been done many times before, but there is a certain charming, feel-good quality to it.

Still, I would have enjoyed it more if some risks were taken and the motivations of the characters delved into a bit more.

It is a one-dimensional film that ultimately disappoints.

American Hustle-2013

American Hustle-2013

Director-David O. Russell

Starring-Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence

Scott’s Review #39

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A

Having seen this film a month ago and finally getting around to reviewing it, it’s a perfect time as a slew of Oscar nominations has been reaped upon it, thus, undoubtedly more people will be seeing it in the weeks ahead.

I loved this film.

I know some were underwhelmed, but I found it quite authentic and stylish in every way.

I loved the 1970’s period and felt the hairstyles, clothes, props were spot on.

I also felt the film had great acting and, though not a fan, Jennifer Lawrence had me enraptured. Same with Cooper, Bale, and Adams, who all deserve their Oscar nods.

I found it similar in style to “Boogie Nights”. The 70’s musical rock score was perfect. The subject matter of political corruption and cat and mouse intrigue was effective and resounding. Kudos!

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-David O. Russell, Best Actor-Christian Bale, Best Actress-Amy Adams, Best Supporting Actor-Bradley Cooper, Best Supporting Actress-Jennifer Lawrence, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

Saving Mr. Banks-2013

Saving Mr. Banks-2013

Director-John Lee Hancock

Starring-Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson

Scott’s Review #36

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A-

Saving Mr. Banks is a movie that transports you back to the wonders of childhood.

It is a delightful, whimsical tale of how the story of “Mary Poppins” made it to the silver screen as a Walt Disney production in the 1960s and there were many challenges.

Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks (as author P.L. Travers and Walt Disney, respectively) prevent this film from being overly sentimental and even sappy, by their character portrayals.

Travers is a difficult, demanding woman, but Thompson adds layers to her so the viewer feels attached and sympathetic. Tom Hanks portrays Disney to the hilt as patient and understanding. Travers’s backstory is heartfelt and interesting.

The film is a mainstream, Hollywood feature to be sure, but one that reeled me in from the get-go and never let up.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Score