Release Date: May 24, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min.
Director: Justin Lin
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Luke Evans, Jordana Brewster, Elsa Pataky, Gina Carano.
If you've seen it once, you've seen it all; at least, that's what you would expect from a franchise running on fumes. But tinker with it enough and you might get something completely refurbished, and "Furious 6" affirms to do just that. 'All roads lead to this' seems appropriate as the tagline, as it took the culmination of all five films to get it to its best. While "Fast Five" was the turning point in rebranding the franchise, it was merely a stepping stone to create something larger on a global scale. As the cars and techs have evolved, so have the characters, forming a tight-knit family that has grown over the past decade. And that's fundamentally the basis of this ongoing series, the crew against the world in life or death situations. Fittingly, the opponents this time around are equally matched, nearly clones of Toretto and his car-wielding gang. Luke Evans as Owen Shaw is by far the most interesting villain, more calculative and cunning than just another drug lord. This makes for exhilarating chase scenes and explosive stunts, one of which includes a speeding aircraft on a never-ending runway. So much so that it's sensory overload from beginning to end – action locked and loaded. That's not to say these exploits are even remotely plausible, going from wild to kitschy in a matter of milliseconds. But director Justin Lin does have a flare for mobility, as camera movements and angles place you right in the action. As for the story, it gets kudos for tying it all together, relating back to the fourth film (a la Michelle Rodriguez), as well as another (hint: end credits.) If what they say is true, you save the best for last, and the finale should be nothing short of spectacular. But knowing how this industry works, the end may not be so near.
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: May 23, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min.
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, John Goodman, Heather Graham, Mike Epps, Melissa McCarthy.
They've gotten inebriated in Vegas and lost in Bangkok. Shot at, drugged up, and married to a stripper. And through it all the Wolfpack has maintained (at least) half of their sanity, only to return to the beginning...and inevitable scene of the crime. In the third entry of Phillips' gratuitous trilogy, the trio is back, uniting for their last great adventure in a string of misdeeds. When Alan comes in need of an emergency intervention, it's up to the guys to escort him on a deceivingly simple road trip. But things like these are never that easy; and once again it's utter chaos and bad news for Stu. While "Part II" was disappointing and lacking any originality, "Part III" takes an unexpected detour with a darker plot line. Not so much a 'hangover' but a rescue mission, the film is relatively detached from its preinstalled formula. As consequence, the context does feel new and favorably less repetitive, but at the same time offbeat in relation to the series. Ken Jeong's Leslie Chow is front and center as the film's antagonist, who's always stirring trouble for the hapless group. In minor doses he's vexing but a comic relief, unpredictable in nature of when he'll show up. But as the central figure, he detracts from the predisposed story line, reducing the Wolfpack down to just a couple of foragers. Though there are moments where there are glimpses of past hilarity, it comes too infrequently to really leave an impression. While "Part III" brings closure to the Vegas escapades, it's not necessarily a warranted one that anyone's ever asked for. But if there's anything to look forward to, it's the side-splitting end credits. Ed Helms will never look the same.
Rating: 2½ stars
Release Date: May 16, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 12 min.
Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood, Peter Weller, Alice Eve.
Four years ago, audiences returned to the final frontier, where the voyage of the starship Enterprise resumed for a new generation. Feeling contemporary for novices, and refreshingly original for Trekkies, "Star Trek" was a prime example of how to invigorate a series that was decrepitly out of touch. But if one man could do it, it was J.J. Abrams. And if "Star Trek" was merely the tantalizing appetizer, then "Darkness" is undoubtedly the satiating main course. Beginning with an intense escape from a newly-discovered world, the sequel feels immeasurably different from its aforementioned predecessor. Injected with warp speed and hand-to-hand combat, there's less trekking and passivity than is usually associated. Captain Kirk and his crew are now comfortably settled in, with the return of a cast that is exceedingly seamless. Pine, as the fearless leader, faces more personal provocations, while Quinto as Spock undergoes changes, both emotionally and physically. It's nuances like these that Abrams excels at, imbuing sentiment and empathy when scenes call for explosions. Alice Eve joins the cast as a vital character, but it's Benedict Cumberbatch who takes center stage as the ambiguous John Harrison. Mainly known for his work as BBC's "Sherlock," Cumberbatch proves to be a formidable villain for the Starfleet and Enterprise. His vindictive drive is apparent in his tactical pursuits, but it's his true motive that may come off (or not) as a familiar surprise. While some may have hoped for another original storyline after the time continuum shift, the film does give a modern update for those who are less acquainted. Filled with more action sequences than can possibly be imagined, "Into Darkness" feels almost more like "Star Wars" than "Star Trek"
— an irony in itself since Abrams is set to helm that as well. While he'll most likely not return for another "Trek" sequel, it's thrilling to see how he'll tackle George Lucas' world which is vastly different. Either way, he's set to go 'where no man has gone before.'
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: May 03, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 20 min.
Director: Shane Black
Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Jon Favreau, Rebecca Hall.
As franchises generally go, everything is in excess when it comes to raising the ante. Meaning, more action, more characters, more tech-savvy effects. And that's all in good fun when there's little else to be had – no qualms or expectations to undermine the enjoyment. But when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we've grown accustomed to a certain degree of ingenuity that derives from back-to-back successions, the last of which was "The Avengers" that achieved the highly implausible feat. With such indulgent presumptions, it was only a matter of time before reality set in, and with it, the unfamiliar ache of actually being letdown. For its inaugural kickoff, "Iron Man 3" is, by all definitions, a summer blockbuster, marking the return of Tony Stark who's as beloved as the star who portrays him. Armed with his wits and silver tongue, Robert Downey Jr. is undeniably the best thing about the series, never knowing what he'll do or think of next. But what makes a great hero is the adversary who challenges him, and unfortunately for Iron Man, the Mandarin just isn't one of them. While seemingly represented as a terrorist in the trailer, the film's interpretation is far from conjectured. What could have been the ultimate villain is facetiously altered, resulting in a punch line that feels ill-conceived and decidedly cheesy. The same goes for the bulk of the movie which plays more like a comedy, even during the trying times when Stark grapples with mental anxiety – the result from New York. What little reference to "The Avengers" seems forced at best, the film being more interested in the man inside the suit than the actual superhero. Resultantly, Iron Man himself is frequently MIA, save for the barrage of soldiers that cap off the epic battle scene. Given that this is Shane Black's only second feature, it might have helped if he had followed the template of Jon Favreau's more closely, rather than wander off the beaten path in hopes of transformation. Instead, "Iron Man 3," personally, feels to be the weakest of the bunch, overblown and comical to the point of being flippant. But with all said and done, this is only the beginning of 'Phase 2.' If Iron Man can't do it, maybe Thor will.
Rating: 2½ stars
Release Date: Apr 19, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min.
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Melissa Leo.
2013 is briskly shaping up to be the year of sci-fi, with a hefty slate of films geared up in imminent fashion. Thus it only seems fitting that the first to climb on deck is "Oblivion," Joseph Kosinski's homage of sorts to the inveterate genre. Taking place in the year 2077, we open on a desolate Earth, sixty years after an alien invasion nearly wipes out mankind. The remaining inhabitants, Tech #49 and communications officer Victoria, work as drone maintenance in pursuance of providing resources to continue civilization. It's here that the story breaks ground in establishing a breathtaking world, with impressive vistas and ravaged landmarks that are instantly recognizable. Kosinski's eye for aesthetics is obviously simple, through his sleek design and immaculate structures
— much like his approach to "Tron: Legacy." So where the film falters is certainly not by its looks, as it's what's in the inside that calls for closer observation. "Oblivion" is seemingly enthralling at first, as the trailer leaves more to the imagination than the bare premise. But it takes time to really determine where it's heading, as the buildup is deliberately measured over the course of two hours. And while the story itself is an original by the director, one can't help but notice the similarities it shares with many sci-fi films before it, including, oddly enough, Pixar's "Wall-E." That said, the foreshadowed twist is disappointing in terms of creativity, as it's this overused escape route that depreciates the plot line. Still, there are some redeeming qualities that keep it afloat
— the music, for one, playing a key role. As a way of emulating Daft Punk and their personal spin on "Tron: Legacy," Kosinski enlists the help of French group M83 to compose the tracks, making for a parallel but subdued tonality. Additionally, Tom Cruise slips comfortably back into his superstar persona, playing the vulnerable but persistent Jack Harper. Morgan Freeman, however, is mostly forgotten, as his screen time is equivalent to no more than a cameo. In any event, "Oblivion" is best enjoyed for its beauty and that alone because once "Star Trek Into Darkness" arrives, it will only be a distant memory.
Rating: 2½ stars
Release Date: Apr 05, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.
Director: Danny Boyle
Cast: James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel, Rosario Dawson, Danny Sapani, Tuppence Middleton.
It was a mere three years ago that Christopher Nolan took us inside the confines of the mind, probing dreams and their intricate workings like never seen before. Now director Danny Boyle takes us deeper into the psyche, eliciting memories and fears within a visceral landscape. James McAvoy stars as Simon, a fine arts auctioneer turned novice art thief. After a heist goes wrong resulting in inadvertent amnesia, he is forced into treatments of hynotheraphy with the beautiful Elizabeth Lamb (Dawson) to recover his memories. But as Simon goes under to reassemble the broken pieces, he finds that not everything – and everyone – are entirely what they seem. While initially a crime thriller with psychological elements, "Trance" is much more than it actually leads us to believe. Interwoven in compulsion and deceitful misdirection, the film's many layers are what keep it unpredictable, even when you think you've had it all figured out. It's with Boyle's impeccable guidance that the film really comes alive, producing sharp images with vivid colors in successive intercuts. Ergo it's sometimes difficult to ascertain reality from fantasy, it's another clever ruse to distract the audience from peeling back the layers. Furthermore, excellent performances are turned in by the cast. Vincent Cassel playing the suave villain that you're unsure of whether to hate, and Rosario Dawson playing the female protagonist with an ulterior agenda. While "Trance" doesn't have the same urgency or tension as his last two films, Boyle presents a techno thriller that entices, both mentally and visually.
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: Mar 28, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min.
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Adrianne Palicki, D.J. Cotrona, Lee Byung Hun, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Park, Bruce Willis.
Sequels are typically excuses for profitable second chances. Even for those as trivial as action figure heroes bred back in the 60's. But is it still a sequel if the main cast is essentially obliterated? That's for us to deduce and, honestly, not care about. "G.I. Joe" gets the evasive makeover with a new director and cast, sustaining few characters while dispatching the rest. Adding to the group is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who apparently has joined every franchise out there within arm's reach. Continuing from the conclusion of "Rise of Cobra," "Retaliation" is, for all intents and purposes, a sequel. Sticking to the same foolproof formula of explosions and gunfights, it's a no brainer when it comes to full-fledged action over any given substance. The icing on the cake is the array of ninjas, high-flying and deadly as any kid's fantasy. Yet through it all, the plot seems more lackadaisical than the first, feeling disjointed and cheesier than already could be imagined. Sure, "Cobra" was no award-winner in its quest for world domination, but it was entertaining to say the least and fun in a blameless sort of way. "Retaliation," alternatively, seems vexing at times, trying too hard to be contemporary in its wit and humor. And despite the commemorative introduction of the infamous Cobra Commander, his actual presence is minimal during the hostile takeover. Most will argue that this is a movie designed virtually for the kid at heart, not to be taken seriously because, hey, it's cool. But given the track record of recent Hasbro productions, I'd rather take my chances with the next "Transformers" sequel.
Rating: 2 stars
Release Date: Mar 08, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min.
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff.
Con man and monkey and witches, oh my! In Sam Raimi's colorful re-envisioning of a childhood classic, we return to the wondrous Land of Oz and its curious inhabitants. Set before the time of Dorothy and her beloved Toto, "Oz" tells the story of the prophesied wizard and his battle against the Wicked Witch of the West. Starring James Franco in the role of the titular Oz, we learn of his early beginnings as a showy con artist and magician, and how he came to be the ruler of the Emerald City. Franco, fortuitously, seems to be the right choice for this role, as his intelligence and laid back attitude go hand in hand to project a likable character. Opposite his leading ladies he balances their persona with confidant airiness, whether it's the malevolent Rachel Weisz or effervescent Michelle Williams. Mila Kunis, on the other hand, seems misfit for her role, perhaps too young and less punchy than one would hope. It's the two animated characters, Finley and China Girl, who provide a sense of magical humor, a component that's necessary to inhabit a world that's overly embellished with special effects. Vibrant and cartoonish, the film is a stark contrast to the 1939 picture when technology was more modest and not nearly as advanced. But fans of the original can rest assure. Raimi gives plenty of nods to the timeless classic through referential imagery, nostalgia playing the key role here of mediator. If anything, "Oz The Great and Powerful" is more of a solo adventure all on its own, tantalizing for the kids and entertaining for the adults. With the start of "Alice in Wonderland" and last year's "Snow White and the Huntsman," the trend of retold fairy tales will go far beyond the yellow brick road. Rumor has it, "Beauty and the Beast" may take the leap next.
Rating: 3½ stars
Release Date: Feb 08, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum.
The rules to a psychological thriller are discerningly simple: keep the mind engaged and the suspense on high. Some 'side effects' may include excessive thinking, feelings of disillusionment, or an accelerated heart rate. At least, that's the intention of Soderbergh's latest endeavor, a poignant braintwister and allegedly last, directorial feature. While finales are generally extravagant by any means necessary, his inclination towards subtlety is anything but that. Starring Jude Law and Rooney Mara in dramatically-charged performances, "Side Effects" delves deep into the extremities of doctor and patient relations. Much like "Contagion," the film thrives on self-inflicted paranoia, shifting its focus to the often controversial pharma industry where risks are neglected. Here, Mara as the drug-induced Emily Taylor plays victimization at its best, and she does it so effortlessly in her state of delusion. Law, correspondingly, is just as effectual, earning empathy in his role of misinterpreted guidance. But in spite of the perplexities that shroud the elusive plot line, the tension feels flaccid once the twist is ultimately revealed. It may be due to the pace that inadvertently dulls it down, as it's certainly not predictable at any given moment. Even so, Soderbergh still administers another thriller that leaves a lingering numbness. If what he says is true, the effect may be permanent.
Rating: 3½ stars
Release Date: Feb 01, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min.
Director: Jonathan Levine
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, John Malkovich, Dave Franco.
Boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy comes back to life. In a bizarre twist on a traditional love story, "Warm Bodies" is not your typical zombie movie. But then again, this is not your typical zombie. Based on the creatively-infused novel by Isaac Marion, comes a reimagined apocalypse that is far from dreary. Nicholas Hoult plays "R," a recluse residing amongst the fellow undead in an abandoned airport. After a routine trip to the city to feed on the living, he meets Julie, a strong-willed girl with a loaded gun, and is instantly enamored. As oddities would have it, R gradually starts to transform in ways assumed impossible and in return, offers a quirky introspection from the view of the undead. For a film that heavily involves a lot of grunting and inner narratives, it's endearingly funny when it needs to be. Hoult as the awkward teenager, and a dead one at that, is charmingly sincere in his attempts at affection, and oftentimes it's his vacant gestures that speak louder than words. Similarly, Rob Corddry gets a lot of comedic attention with his one or two-worded phrases, spoken as whispers but effective nonetheless. While books usually have the upper-hand in thoroughly cultivating a story, Levine does a balanced job in translating to film. The steady insight of R and his portrayal of humanity are what really bring a fresh approach to a tired genre, giving depth to something so unexpectedly new. In a way, this may be a drawback for those who are gung-ho about flesh-eating zombies, as there is some but not a whole lot of rigorous feeding. In addition, it's not like "Zombieland" as many perceive it to be, less focused on action-comedy than it is on romance. Regardless, "Warm Bodies" finds a happy medium between the two, comfortably funny and heart-warming as well. Though we've had our share of vampires and werewolves pining for love, it's the lone zombie that determinedly trumps them all. Go figure.
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: Jan 11, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Emma Stone, Anthony Mackie, Robert Patrick, Giovanni Ribisi, Nick Nolte, Michael Peña.
Take "Public Enemies" with a dose of "Ocean's Eleven" and you have yourself "Gangster Squad," a crime thriller with a tendency for humor. And that's basically what it is, a hodgepodge of sorts, not too serious but not meant to be all that funny. So what makes it your run-of-the-mill, shoot-to-kill gangster movie? Tommy guns, of course. Set in Los Angeles during the early 50's, ex-boxer Mickey Cohen is hell bent on taking over the city by any means necessary. Left with no other choice but to fight violence with violence, Sgt. John O'Mara puts together a squad of tough individuals to take down the notorious crime boss, and save their domain from further corruption. Josh Brolin leads the cast of well-known individuals, including the likes of Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Robert Patrick and Giovanni Ribisi. But such talents are no match for a slack screenplay that boasts cheesy dialogue; rather, gunning for the glitz and glam of old Hollywood interspersed by a barrage of gunfire. And there's not a whole lot of intensity, save for Sean Penn's curmudgeonly stares, that keeps the film active or attention-grabbing. Its glossy appearance is only appreciated when its attractive stars strut around, namely Gosling and Stone who reunite for another tête-à-tête. But even they can't keep the chemistry alive when there's not much of a story to build upon. While the blame can be partially placed on the able-minded screenwriter, one can't neglect the credibility of the director. As Fleischer's previous and only two films were both comedies, one of which was the ingenious "Zombieland," it's obvious where there lies the discrepancy. Admitted, it's not that easy to switch over in genres, it still feels like a loss when it comes to the cast and what could have been. Nevertheless, "Gangster Squad" does have some slick scenes, or two. You'll just have to bare with the rest to get through it.
Rating: 2 stars
Release Date: Jan 11, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 37 min.
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, James Gandolfini, Edgar Ramirez.
'The greatest manhunt in history' started with a belief. A belief that obsessive compulsion and dogged determination were all it took to reach end's goal. It took the belief of one woman...and with it brought forth the elimination of the world's most wanted fugitive. Influenced by the true events of the capture and demise of Osama bin Laden, "Zero Dark Thirty" is a rapt political thriller that's compelling to say the least. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow who brought us "The Hurt Locker," it's another edge-of-your-seat gripper that represents the fallouts of war. Intelligently written from an informative standpoint, the synopsis is one that connects with many. After the tragedy of 9/11 our nation sought compensation for the loss of security, and "Zero Dark Thirty" gravely recalls the events that transpired. Though the film can be construed as an ensemble piece thanks to the many personnel that make up the operation, it essentially falls upon the shoulders of Jessica Chastain who plays the central heroine. Her character's fixation with bin Laden is a cardinal turning point during the elusive manhunt, and the driving force for the bulk of the story. While Chastain has had her share of star-turning performances in supporting roles, it's her role as Maya that really demonstrates her abilities as leading lady, by way of her cool demeanor and steadfast attitude. As we follow her on a decade-long run of uncovering breadcrumbs, we discover that there's more to the story than meets the public eye. That being said, the actual raid that's so heavily depicted in the trailer doesn't actually occur until the very end, producing the climactic portion of the film. Despite knowing the fate of the assault, the suspense is not one to be discounted, as every creak and stir is felt in the deft silence. It bares a resemblance to fellow political thriller "Argo" whose plot was also predetermined in nature. Coincidentally, they also share an actor (Kyle Chandler) and composer (Alexander Desplat), making for a more interesting race in the win for Best Picture. While it's still too difficult to make a judgement call on which deserves the coveted statuette, my early vote is leaning towards "Argo" for its directing and ensemble casting. Either will be a win win over "Lincoln."
Rating: 5 stars
Release Date: Dec 25, 2012
Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min.
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne.
There are songs that get stuck in your head, popular songs you know by heart and replay like a broken record. Then there are songs you just know innately, like a fleeting memory that ebbs in and out of subconsciousness. "I Dreamed A Dream" is audibly one of them, and if you don't know it by now then you've been sorely missing out. Deeply rooted and emotionally stirring, it is the heart and soul of "Les Misérables," the world-renowned Broadway musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Sung by Anne Hathaway in what could be deemed as the role of a lifetime, her singular performance can only be described as completely riveting. Case in point: the audience remained silently transfixed through her impassioned rendition, at which point the conclusion was met with a collective sigh. While credit duly lies in the intimate capture by director Tom Hooper, it's all Hathaway when it comes to invoking heavy despair, a justification for the Oscar she's inevitably set to win. That's not to say the rest of the cast is completely outshone. Hugh Jackman as central protagonist Jean Valjean is terrifically on point, while Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen make for a rousing duo. If anyone gets a second tier rating amongst the thespians, it's Russell Crowe, who does give a concerted effort for the most part. Despite his domineering presence as antagonist Javert, his vocals get lost in the grandiosity of the film, neither projecting nor leaving much of an impression. It may be due to the fact that all of the singing is performed live, an aspect that Hooper is all too proud of; but it does add a quality of realism and rawness that extends beyond the borders of the silver screen. In a way it's like watching an actual production of a show, with greater the capacity and special effects. Moreover, the transitions between scenes are seamless in scale, moving from one height of perspective to another. It's evident that film editing is key in telling a story of such proportions, especially one as cherished as "Les Misérables." Albeit, the film does lose its stamina by the last hour of singing and bereavement, it does spark a revival of a genre that's all too often forgotten. Even if you aren't a fan of plays and musical now, it may be time you pay a visit to your local theater.
Rating: 4 stars
