Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Gangster Squad






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

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Zero Dark Thirty






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

Monday, January 7, 2013

Les Misérables






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

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Django Unchained






Release Date:Dec 25, 2012
Runtime:2 hr. 21 min.
Director:Quentin Tarantino
Cast:Jamie Foxx, Christoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins. 

Like Jackson Pollock with a splattered canvas, no one paints violence quite like Quentin Tarantino. Following up the vengeful Nazi escapade titled "Inglorious Basterds" comes the next entry in the unofficial series that is equally merciless. Jamie Foxx stars as Django, slave-turned-bounty hunter, who finds an unexpected ally in the presence of Christoph Waltz. Together they dispatch criminals as justice sees fit, but more importantly seek to rescue his wife from the clutches of plantation owner Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. If there's a lesson learned from past Tarantino films, it's that revenge is a dish best served heated, and Django is a man that's all too fired up. Set during the time of slavery against a panoramic backdrop, "Unchained" is externally a 'spaghetti western.' Ultra-violent and insubordinate, it has no qualms in flaunting casualties. While some scenes are unsettling to watch for more than a breath, others are stylized in a way that's unignorable. It's not often that the color red is so dramatically grotesque, yet imploringly beautiful all at the same time. With respect to the acting, it's no surprise here that Tarantino pulled from the best of the crop. His knack for creating such charmingly sinister villains is consistently legitimate and DiCaprio can now be regarded as one of them. His portrayal of Candie is initially amicable in the throes of negotiation but gradually reveals the ruthlessness that lurks beneath. On the flip side, Waltz takes on his first 'good guy' role as Dr. King Schultz, a small departure from his role has Jew hunter, Hans Landa. It's a nice change of pace for the talented actor who always manages to materialize an engaging character. This time, however, it's Samuel L. Jackson who takes the lead in stealing the spotlight, playing the bigoted head slave, Stephen. His intolerable attitude is infuriating to say the least, a sure way of saying he's done his job properly. Though it's unclear how closely "Unchained" connects to "Basterds," it's certain that there will be a third feature. To where Tarantino goes next should be a controversy in itself.


Rating: 4 stars