Tag Archives: Drama

2013 Films, Biography, Denis O'Hare, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Jared Leto, Jean-Marc Vallée, Jennifer Garner, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn

Dallas Buyers Club-2013

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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 (2013) is a well-written screenplay, based on the true story of a straight Texas man who contracted 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, character, 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, the film itself is not a downer, nor does it attempt to be preachy. Rather, it is a tale of friendship, human growth, and survival in bleak times.

The film is dark, yet inspirational at the same time.

McConaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar wins for these roles.

Oscar Nominations: 3 wins-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: 2 wins-Best Male Lead-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Male-Jared Leto (won)

1975 Films, Brenda Sykes, Drama, James Mason, Ken Norton, Paul Benedict, Perry King, Richard Fleischer, Richard Ward, Susan George, Sylvester Stallone

Mandingo-1975

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Mandingo-1975

Director Richard Fleischer

Starring James Mason, Susan George

Scott’s Review #53

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Reviewed June 21, 2014

Grade: B+

Mandingo is quite a controversial 1975 film and is inspirational to Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012) and to 12 Years a Slave (2013), as it is very similar to the latter.

It centers on a family of southern slave owners who eventually have physical relations and even romantic, loving relationships with their slaves.

There is also a sub-plot involving bare-knuckle fights to the death among the enslaved men that is disturbing to witness.

The entire film is extreme and difficult at times, but also has a mystical, dreamlike element to it and is in no way an exploitation film.

The sticky, hot, deep southern setting adds a wonderful atmosphere. The romances are an interesting facet of the film, which I have never seen in similarly themed movies.

There is one sympathetic enslaver, but happily, the others get their comeuppance, one by one, which is delightful to watch.

Mandingo (1975) is an interesting film because it inspires others to follow in its footsteps and shows how far we have come as a society.

2013 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Judi Dench, Mare Winningham, Stephen Frears, Steve Coogan

Philomena-2013

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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 from 1998).

I could listen to her read the phone book as she has that voice that soothes and makes one content.

Philomena (2013) 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 fifty 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 the Catholic Church.

It will leave you pondering after the credits roll.

The main draw 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

2013 Films, Angela Bassett, Drama, Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Kasi Lemmons, Mary J. Blige, Musical, Musical Drama, Nas

Black Nativity-2013

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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 (2013) 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.

Jennifer Hudson plays the teen’s financially struggling mother.

The estrangement stems from a silly misunderstanding years ago 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 movie and it felt like watching a Hallmark-made-for-television movie- not a compliment.

Black Nativity (2013) is a nice family story, but a little more.

Skip unless you enjoy the watered-down family fare.

1954 Films, Animated, Drama, John Halas, Joy Batchelor, Maurice Denham, Satire

Animal Farm-1954

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Animal Farm-1954

Director Joy Batchelor, John Halas

Voices Gordon Heath, Maurice Denhall

Scott’s Review #45

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B+

The animated film is based on the classic fable written by George Orwell.

This film is quite different from the typically wholesome Disney animated film of the time, and reportedly, many parents were shocked by the subject matter (didn’t they read the book??).

Animation-wise, this film does resemble a Disney film as the colors and animals are meticulously drawn and composed.

As anyone who has read the book knows, the tale is dark and satirical/political. Unfortunately, it is relatable today, as class systems, power, and greed are still quite prevalent in today’s society.

The ending is changed and is more hopeful than the book ending, presumably to appeal to a larger audience.

The written fable is far superior to the film, though the film is well done and effective and gets the message across.

Made in the 1950s, Animal Farm (1954) still holds up well and a look at the dark side of humanity.

2012 Films, Adam Driver, Comedy, Drama, Greta Gerwig, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Josh Hamilton, Noah Baumbach

Frances Ha-2012

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Frances Ha-2012

Director Noah Baumbach

Starring Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver

Scott’s Review #44

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Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B+

Frances Ha (2012) is an intelligent, quirky comedy-drama made ever so appealing by its star, Greta Gerwig, an up-and-coming indie star (Greenberg-2010, The House of the Devil-2009).

She is the heart of this film and has an intense rooting value to her. You want to be her friend.

Made in black and white, which is unique and highly effective in an indie way, it tells the tale of a moderately talented dancer struggling to make it in New York City.

“Frances”, along with her best friend, hops from situation to situation in an attempt to establish normalcy. Gerwig shines with the perfect blend of awkwardness, sarcasm, and wit that she gives to the character and the viewer falls in love with her as she travels through many trials and tribulations.

It’s a year-in-the-life type of film.

Frances Ha is reminiscent of a Woody Allen film as it contains many neurotic yet lovable characters.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Editing

2013 Films, Allison Janney, Amanda Peet, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jim Rash, Liam James, Maya Rudolph, Nat Faxon, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Toni Collette

The Way, Way Back-2013

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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-

The Way, Way Back (2013) 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 to great performances by Allison Janney and Steve Carell who make the film much more than it would have been otherwise.

The film feels like something that has been done many times before but contains a charming, feel-good quality.

Still, I would have enjoyed it more if some risks had been taken and the characters delved into more.

It is a one-dimensional film that ultimately disappoints.

2013 Films, Alessandro Nivola, Amy Adams, Anthony Zerbe, Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Colleen Camp, Comedy, Crime Drama, Dark Comedy, David O. Russell, Drama, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., Michael Pena, Robert De Niro

American Hustle-2013

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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 American Hustle (2013) 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.

Some were underwhelmed, but I found it quite authentic and stylish.

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

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

I found it similar in style to Boogie Nights, a 1997 masterpiece directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

The 1970s musical rock score was perfect. The subject matter of political corruption and cat-and-mouse intrigue was effective and resounding.

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

2013 Films, Biography, Bradley Whitford, Colin Farrell, Drama, Emma Thompson, Jason Schwartzman, John Lee Hancock, Kathy Baker, Paul Giamatti, Rachel Griffiths, Tom Hanks

Saving Mr. Banks-2013

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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 (2013) 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.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) is a mainstream, Hollywood feature, but one that reeled me in from the get-go and never let up.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Score

2013 Films, Adam Driver, Carey Mulligan, Coen Brothers, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama, Ethan Phillips, F. Murray Abraham, Garrett Hedlund, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jake Ryan, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, Robin Bartlett

Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

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Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

Director Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan

Scott’s Review #35

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Being a tremendous fan of the Coen brothers (Fargo-1996, No Country for Old Men-2007) I was eager to see their latest offering, Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

The Coen’s have such a sense of quirkiness in their characters and while this film is not on the level of their other gems, it is a good piece.

I love the cold, winter, Greenwich Village setting as struggling folk singer, Llewyn Davis (expertly played by Oscar Isaac) struggles over two weeks to land gigs or breaks while encountering many people who either thwart or help his chances of success.

Sadly, the film was ignored by the Oscar brethren, but alas it tells of a slice-of-life experience of a 1960s artist.

As with most Coen brother films, it is cast with unique, interesting character actors in a bit but nuanced parts.

Oscar Nominations: Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Male Lead-Oscar Isaac, Best Cinematography

2013 Films, Christine Ebersole, Comedy, Crime Drama, Dark Comedy, Drama, Epic, Ethan Suplee, Fran Lebowitz, Jean Dujardin, Jon Bernthal, Jon Favreau, Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Martin Scorsese, Matthew McConaughey, P. J. Byrne, Rob Reiner, Spike Jonze, Ward Horton

The Wolf of Wall Street-2013

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The Wolf of Wall Street-2013

Director Martin Scorsese

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill

Scott’s Review #33

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Reviewed June 17, 2014 

Grade: A

Martin Scorsese’s latest offering, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is a tale of overindulgence, chaos, and debauchery in the world of stockbroking during the 1980s.

The film is superb.

It is a drug-filled, sex-filled, over-the-top, loud, testosterone-fueled, frenetic extravaganza that works on so many levels.

Humorous and mouth-dropping scenes occur throughout the film.

The casting is flawless- Leonardo Dicaprio and Jonah Hill deserve the praise and Oscar nominations heaped on them.

The supporting actors are perfect- Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey, Jean Dujardin, and Kyle Chandler.

With Scorsese, you will receive an intelligent film, though very R-rated.

Similar in style to another of his masterpieces, Goodfellas-1990, as it is narrated by the main character (Dicaprio).

Comparisons to the 1987 film Wall Street are silly. This film is much deeper, grittier, and frankly, much better.

Do not let the unfathomable running time of three hours discourage you- the time goes by very fast.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Martin Scorsese, Best Actor-Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Supporting Actor-Jonah Hill, Best Adapted Screenplay

2013 Films, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, Drama, Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, John Wells, Julia Roberts, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Meryl Streep, Sam Shepard

August: Osage County-2013

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August: Osage County-2013

Director John Wells

Starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts

Scott’s Review #32

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Based on the play of the same name, August: Osage County (2013) is a family drama led by the incomparable Meryl Streep.

The family reunites after the patriarch disappears and drama and sniping ensue in no time.

The setting of stifling hot Oklahoma is effective and lends a smothering, suffocating, aspect to the film, much like many of the characters.

It’s a bleak, depressing film, and reminded me of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf-1966, or A Streetcar Named Desire-1951 in tone.

This film has exceptional acting all around, especially Streep and Julia Roberts, as well as Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale.

It’s a raw, angry movie, and the intensity builds throughout.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Meryl Streep, Best Supporting Actress-Julia Roberts

2013 Films, Alexander Payne, Bob Odenkirk, Bruce Dern, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Will Forte

Nebraska-2013

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Nebraska-2013

Director Alexander Payne

Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte

Scott’s Review #31

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Deservedly receiving a handful of Oscar nominations, Nebraska (2013) tells the story of a senior citizen, incorrectly convinced he has won a million dollars.

He is determined to travel from Montana to Nebraska to collect the coveted prize.

On the surface, this film sounds like a downer and the use of black and white does wonders to set the atmosphere of coldness and bleakness in the wintry mid-west.

There are moments of humor and little-known June Squibb is a delight as the saucy wife of lead actor Bruce Dern, also wonderful as boozy, curmudgeonly Woody Grant.

There are a few unnecessary mid-western stereotypes, commonplace in director Alexander Payne’s films, but a heartbreaking, comical experience, makes this film worth watching.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Alexander Payne, Best Actor-Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Actress-June Squibb, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Feature, Best Director-Alexander Payne, Best Male Lead-Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Male-Will Forte, Best Supporting Female-June Squibb, Best First Screenplay (won)

2012 Films, Danish, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, International, International Drama, Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm

The Hunt-2012

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The Hunt-2012

Director Thomas Vinterberg

Starring Mads Mikkelsen

Scott’s Review #29

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A-

Nominated for the 2013 Best Foreign Language Oscar, this controversial Danish film called The Hunt (2012) centering on the subject of pedophilia is powerful and gripping.

Mads Mikkelsen stars, as a kindergarten teacher falsely accused of inappropriate behavior with a five-year-old female student. This sets off a small-town witch hunt that stirred up emotions in me, mostly disdain for the fellow teachers and principal who so easily “gang up” on the teacher, seemingly unable to believe he may be innocent.

The principal blurts out “children never lie”.

Um, yes they do!

I love how the film goes deeper than the obvious content. The accused son is featured. The student is the accused best friend’s daughter.

When one supporter of the accused rips into the five-year-old it is intense to watch.

The Hunt (2012) is a layered, multi-faceted film worth seeing.

The ending is great, but the alternate ending is even better and I wish the director, Thomas Vinterberg, would have used that instead, but overall an exceptional film.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best International Film

2013 Films, Anne Hathaway, Brie Larson, Channing Tatum, Comedy, Cuba Gooding Jr., Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Independent Romantic Comedy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore, Romantic Comedy, Scarlett Johansson, Tony Danza

Don Jon-2013

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Don Jon-2013

Director Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #27

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

 I did not expect Don Jon (2013) to be as good as it is.

Frankly, I was expecting a by-the-numbers romantic comedy.

Written, directed by, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it tells the story of a twenty-something New Jersey bartender who is addicted to porn despite receiving all the female attention he can imagine.

Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore play two completely different women in his life.

The film contains stereotypical, though hilarious and spot-on, New Jersey trademarks. Tony Danza is effective as the brash father.

In the last thirty minutes, the film turns into a wonderful, yet hardly sappy or traditional, love story that makes Don Jon (2013) a positive experience.

Gordon-Levitt is a breath of fresh air and a young Hollywood talent getting his due.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Screenplay

1973 Films, Comedy, David Greene, David Haskell, Drama, Katie Hanley, Lynne Thigpen, Merrell Jackson, Musical, Musical Comedy, Musical Drama, Victor Garber

Godspell-1973

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Godspell-1973

Director David Greene

Starring Victor Garber, David Haskell, Katie Hanley

Scott’s Review #23

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: C+

Although Godspell (1973) is a popular and legendary Broadway musical production, the film left me with very mixed reactions.

The positives for me are the songs- they are memorable, and they stay in your head for days to come.

My absolute favorite is “Day by Day”.

I also enjoy the cast travels throughout NYC, as I love it when films are set here.

For the first thirty minutes of the film, I did not like it at all.

There is no plot, but simply a group of college-aged people leaving their crummy jobs and celebrating Jesus as they aimlessly flitter about the city, with nobody else in sight, singing songs of savior and celebration.

Then I realized this is not a “message” movie or an attempt to convert people to religion. Many devout Christians despise the film.

The film left me with questions.

Is it tongue-in-cheek or meant to be taken seriously?

By the end of the film, I took it for a fun musical with great songs. It offers nothing more, nothing less.

1998 Films, Drama, Favorite Film of the Year, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Lisa Cholodenko, Patricia Clarkson, Radha Mitchell

High Art-1998

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High Art-1998

Director Lisa Cholodenko

Starring Ally Sheedy, Radha Mitchell

Scott’s Review #21

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Superlative indie drama by acclaimed director Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right) and an incredible performance by Ally Sheedy, who makes viewers forget all her past, forgettable “80’s roles”. She portrays a lonely, drug-abusing, star photographer enamored with a new neighbor in her New York City apartment building.

Her life is spiraling out of control and she is inspired by her new friend, who is on an upward career path.

The film is a dark love story and has a raw, moodiness to it. It’s a raw, emotional, mesmerizing film.

Patricia Clarkson is her usual awesome self as Sheedy’s even more drugged-out, unhappy partner. The love triangle is interesting and painful.

The three leads (Sheedy, Clarkson, and Radha Mitchell) all give knockout performances, but the film belongs solely to Ally Sheedy, who is spectacular.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Ally Sheedy (won), Best Supporting Female-Patricia Clarkson, Best First Screenplay, Best First Feature, Best Cinematography

1960 Films, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Billy Wilder, Comedy, Drama, Fred MacMurray, Jack Kruschen, Jack Lemmon, Paul Picerni, Ray Walston, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama, Shirley MacLaine

The Apartment-1960

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The Apartment-1960

Director Billy Wilder

Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine

Scott’s Review #7

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A-

The Apartment (1960) is another gem by Billy Wilder (Sunset Boulevard, The Lost Weekend). This one is set in 1959 New York City, a setting and period I adore.

The black-and-white images effectively portray the loneliness and bleakness of the characters, who are all friendless, sad, and starved for love.

It questions social morality and getting ahead in the corporate world but goes from drama to romantic comedy with no sappiness.

Quite the contrary, as the film has dark moments of despair and angst.

The film influenced the television series “Mad Men”. As with most Billy Wilder films, there is a darkness of humanity, which is fascinating to watch.

Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are terrific, but their chemistry is lacking. Despite this, the film is still excellent.

The Apartment (1960) won the Best Picture Oscar.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Motion Picture (won), Best Director-Billy Wilder (won), Best Actor-Jack Lemmon, Best Actress-Shirley MacLaine, Best Supporting Actor-Jack Kruschen, Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (won), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Black-and-White (won), Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, Best Film Editing (won)

1957 Films, Arthur Kennedy, Barry Coe, Betty Field, Diane Varsi, Drama, Hope Lange, Lana Turner, Lee Philips, Leon Ames, Lloyd Nolan, Lorne Green, Mark Robson, Russ Tamblyn

Peyton Place-1957

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Peyton Place-1957

Director Mark Robson

Starring Lana Turner, Lee Phillips

Scott’s Review #6

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Peyton Place (1957) is a scandalous soap opera but made well.

The sleepy, seemingly wholesome, quiet New England town is captured well, but secrets lie within its white picket fences (don’t they always).

Topics such as adultery, rape, murder, and suicide are tackled.

I’m not entirely sure I agree with the slew of Oscar nominations it received that year (1957), but Hope Lange was the standout actor for me.

It reminded me of the syrupy prime-time soaps of the 1980s, but better written and acted than they were.

This is not intended to demean the film, as it is interesting, engaging, and dramatic, with good characterization. However, when analyzed, it is fluff—just good fluff.

Oscar Nominations: Best Motion Picture, Best Director-Mark Robson, Best Actress-Lana Turner, Best Supporting Actor-Arthur Kennedy, Russ Tamblyn, Best Supporting Actress-Hope Lange, Diane Varsi, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Cinematography

2013 Films, Action, Adventure, Drama, Independent, Independent Adventure, Independent Drama, J. C. Chandor, Robert Redford

All is Lost-2013

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All is Lost-2013

Director J.C. Chandor

Starring Robert Redford

Scott’s Review #4

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Reviewed June 16, 2014

Grade: D

The accolades heaped on All is Lost from 2013 escape me.

Some felt that this was Robert Redford’s late-in-life masterpiece. I’ve never found him to be a great talent as an actor, and while not horrible in this film, it is not the Oscar-worthy performance being bandied about.

Many actors would play this role better- Tom Hanks and Sean Penn come to mind.

Beyond the performance, facets of the film remain unexplained. How did he become shipwrecked? Why did ships pass by not noticing him? Who is he?

Much of the movie drags and a feeling of having seen this film many times before kept gnawing at me. I do give the film credit for containing only one cast member.

But castaway and shipwreck movies have been around since the beginning. They all have the standard plot developments- broken equipment, sharks, and storms, which makes it quite contrived.

Fail.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Director-J.C. Chandor, Best Male Lead-Robert Redford, Best Cinematography

2014 Films, Adventure, Anthony Hopkins, Darren Aronofsky, Douglas Booth, Drama, Emma Watson, Epic, Finn Wittrock, Frank Langella, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Durand, Marton Csokas, Nick Nolte, Ray Winstone, Religious, Russell Crowe

Noah-2014

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Noah-2014

Director Darren Aronofsky

Starring Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly

Scott’s Review #3

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Reviewed June 16, 2014

Grade: B+

Learning that Darren Aronofsky, a very dark director (Black Swan-2011, Requiem for a Dream-2000, and The Wrestler-2008), would be tackling a religious film piqued my curiosity.

Those expecting an uplifting, happy film about “god” will be disappointed.

This film is generating controversy from the religious folks, which I find interesting, but nobody wants me to go off on a tangent.

The film tells the tale of the biblical figure, Noah, and his quest to do God’s will through the signs he is given.

It takes incredible talent to make a film like this not seem silly and Aronofsky, Russell Crowe, and Jennifer Connelly succeed.

The film is quite dark and at times Noah comes off as more of a madman than a savior.

The visual effects and the musical score are wonderfully effective.

Noah (2014) has a few plot holes but is a nice fantasy/apocalypse-type film.