The Wolf of Wall Street

Release Date: Dec 25, 2013 
Runtime: 2 hr. 59 min. 
Director: Martin Scorsese 
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey.

Money may not buy you love but it sure can buy you a heck of a lot of other things, as seen here in "The Wolf of Wall Street," the latest collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. Baring semblance to "Boiler Room," which was inspired by the same events, the film focuses on Jordan Belfort, an American stockbroker convicted of fraudulence. DiCaprio plays Belfort with impeccable arrogancy, commonly breaking the fourth wall to speak of his extravagance. Whether cavorting with prostitutes or in a drug-induced coma, his apathy towards wealth is entertaining, if oddly compelling. It's when the partying gets repetitious that the limelight fades away, revealing the repugnancies of his misdeeds and others out there like him. Scorsese bears no qualms in throwing it all out there, a masterful composition of obscenities – 506 to be exact. "The Wolf of Wall Street" is loud, belligerent and excessive, much like any power-hungry mogul, and for that it's indifferent of how obnoxious it can be. Yet the audacity of it all is the real reason for its allurement, demanding undivided attention til the last forsaken minute. Clocking in at three hours, it's taxing to say the least, with a bloated plot line that just as easily could've been two. But Wall Street takes no weaklings as neither does Scorsese. It's go big or go home – preferably with some money.

Rating: 4 stars

American Hustle

Release Date: Dec 13, 2013 
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min. 
Director: David O. Russell 
Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence.

What elevates a film not only relies upon the director but the very actors that bring his or her vision to life. It takes a team collaboration to periodically reel in success but another to assuredly materialize the script. Thanks to a topnotch cast of heavy hitters, that's exactly what we get in David O. Russell's "American Hustle." Loosely based on the sting operation that took place in the late 70's/early 80's, the film centers on a couple of con artists who get duped into advising the Feds. As one of the few directors who adheres to familiarity, it's no surprise to see stars from Russell's prior productions. Starring Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper, just to name a few, it's a convocation of nominees set out for award show resurgence. Bale miraculously transforms himself again for another physically-altering role, a true testament to his dedication as a method actor. Hardly recognizable under his misshapen toupee, his ever-changing appearance is just a fragment of his already prolific career. 2013 has been a big year for Lawrence and Adams, both playing prominent roles in a handful of pictures. That said, they compete admirably here in a battle for female dominance – Lawrence being another standout as the highly impulsive (or crazy) Rosalyn Rosenfeld. If there's one category this film is destined to win, it's for its stellar ensemble cast, unmatched against its fellow competitors. But aside from that, there are other noteworthy qualities: the hair, the fashion, and of course, the soulful music. It's a step back into time as dutifully shown by the old production cards, all of which conjure memories of Hollywood's past. As the film winds down, the main message is clear. Everyone hustles for something, whether it's love or truth. But in the end, we all share one commonality: we all hustle to survive.
 
Rating: 4 stars

Flight

Release Date: Nov 02, 2012 

Runtime: 2 hr. 18 min. 

Director: Robert Zemeckis 

Cast: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman, Bruce Greenwood.

He's traveled back to the future, and taught us life is like a box of chocolates. Now Robert Zemeckis takes to the skies in his latest venture, "Flight." Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, an airline captain with a taste for bad habits. Boozed up and high on cocaine, he maneuvers a miraculous landing that is deemed ergonomically impossible. But what starts out as a heroic tale of death-defying feats, quickly down-spirals into a dissection of behavioral destruction, providing a hard look into substance abuse and all that it entails. It's a grim subject matter that only gets grimmer over the course of the two-hour film, and Zemeckis thoroughly divulges the details. For the most part, the story is far from uplifting as Whitaker is hardly likeable in his states of misdeeds and intoxication. Just when you think his life will turn around, he quarrels with temptations that hinder any development. Washington, in a semi-new kind of role, gives a dynamic performance as the alcohol-abusing pilot. Ambling between the lines of good and bad, he makes his actions believable to the point of diluted sympathy. On his side are Don Cheadle and Bruce Greenwood who both deliver favorable support as his attorney and former colleague, respectively. Their plead for intervention adds a heightened reality, whereas the inclusion of Kelly Reilly as druggie-turned-girlfriend feels forced by convention. Apart from the nail-biting opening with the aforementioned landing, the rest of the film moves rather languidly much like its inebriated core. A good character study, be that as it may, "Flight" is in no way a thrilling ride.

Rating: 3 stars

Moneyball

Release Date: Sep 23, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 6 min. 

Director: Bennett Miller 

Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt.

There are many types of hitters in baseball. Contact hitters who rarely strike out. Slap hitters who simply get by. And complete hitters who go for that extra mile. Then there are power hitters who go for it all, as in the story of a man who took a chance and defied the rules of the game. "Moneyball" is based on the true story of Oakland A's general manager, Billy Beane, who found the value of statistics in a team unfit to win. With the help of Yale graduate, Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), he did what no one believed he could, and conceived a lineup that would go on to make American League history. Like a true craftsman, Pitt gets better with age, demonstrating his passion for a role that took years to bring to fruition. His worn-out character study is the sole basis for the film, as well as Oscar potential for Best Actor, and oftentimes overshadows everything else around him. That includes the sport itself, where only snippets of actual play are shown through archived footage and sound. This makes for an intriguing premise where the actors showcase their abilities off the field, instead of acting the part of professional athlete. As a result, when the time comes to show the final game, it makes it that much more invigorating to watch, and the energy is palpable. For those who are a fan of the sport, "Moneyball" is a reminder that all great things come at a cost, and that anything is possible with the right mindset. But for those of us who are novices, it's a look at a past-time that is more than just over-priced tickets and slow innings. It's about the players who are undervalued, and the work it takes to get noticed in a game of greed and money. Granted, if you weren't a fan of the sport before, chances are you may be curious after seeing it.

Rating: 4 stars

Warrior

Release Date: Sep 09, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 19 min.

Director: Gavin O'Connor 

Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Nick Nolte. 

From the director of “Miracle” comes another inspirational story of overcoming obstacles and defeating the odds. Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy play estranged brothers from different sides of the track. While one struggles to support his family, the other seeks means of escape from a haunted past, and coincidentally, find themselves on a parallel path to the championship tournament of mixed martial arts. In the same vein as “The Fighter,” O’Connor delivers a solid portrait of combat that goes beyond the ring, or in this case the octagon. During a time when award season is in full swing, “Warrior” proves to be no exception, and bests that of “The Fighter” and many sport sagas before it through sheer emotion. Edgerton and Hardy both deliver powerful performances that will certainly earn praise, but it’s Hardy who gets the upper hand with his brute force and raw determination. For his supporting role, Nick Nolte is a sure bet, with his battered ego and heartfelt remorse. His scenes are nothing short of heart wrenching, if not moving, when he’s biding for acceptance from his sons. Clocking in at over two hours, the film is slow-moving in the first half to build upon the backstories that are required for general purposes. But it’s this concentration on development that heavily benefits the characters in the end, and evokes sympathy for each of the individuals that are fighting for a cause. The interweaving of side elements seem random at times, maybe due to hasty editing, but the result is more or less expected. Though there can only be one winner, it’s difficult to choose a side when both are so deserving of the ultimate prize: redemption. Be sure to have your emotions in check at the door. Even grown men can shed a tear.

Rating: 4 stars

Rabbit Hole

Release Date: Dec 17, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. 

Director: John Cameron Mitchell 

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest, Tammy Blanchard, Sandra Oh.

An exploration of the deepest loss is the core of this gripping film that many would not want to see, but should see. Based on the Pulitzer-winning play, "Rabbit Hole" tells the story of a married couple who loses their child and copes with it in two very distinctive ways. While one pulls away, the other struggles to make amends and move on, pitting them on separate paths that will ultimately determine their future together. Brilliant performances, possibly their best yet, are delivered by Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, who make you believe their pain and suffering through it all while also giving a sense of hope. As the story takes us through the various stages of grief, it rises and falls as an emotional rollercoaster, but is never dark or gloomy. Its honesty and perseverance allows it to embark on a path of healing that eventually leads to resolution. Despite the grim subject matter, “Rabbit Hole” shows it’s a survivor and falls in line as one of my favorites this year.

Rating: 4½ stars

The Fighter

Release Date: Dec 17, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min. 

Director: David O. Russell 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee.

 

Every year, there comes an inspiring film about a lowly, downtrodden athlete who defeats the odds and rises from the ashes. That being said, it only seems fitting that this year’s prominent winner is aptly titled, “The Fighter.” Mark Wahlberg shines as Mickey Ward, a down-on-his-luck boxer who’s looking to make a name for himself with the help of his experienced, yet problem-riddled brother. Distinguishable amid a talented ensemble cast, Christian Bale gives a tour de force performance as brother, Dicky Eklund, who struggles to balance his love for the sport with his addiction to drugs and violence. Bale’s extraordinary skills as a method actor embody an in depth character study that defines the film, while guaranteeing him an Oscar for his supporting role. Other noteworthy performances include Amy Adams and Melissa Leo, who play the important women in Micky’s life, and ultimately influence his decisions in the ring. In spite of being a boxing movie, however, the fights themselves are rather brief in contrast to the character development. Because of this, the film can be slow and tedious at times while leading up to the final showdown for the Welterweight title. But the terrific acting and directing outweigh the bad, helping "The Fighter" be a win-win situation.

  

Rating: 4 stars

The Blind Side

Release Date: Nov 20, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 6 min. 

Director: John Hancock 

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins.

If Sandra Bullock was planning on a comeback, this is the way to do it. She was surprisingly good in "The Proposal" over the summer and her latest attempt may be the best performance of her shabby career. In a typical 'based on a true story' fashion, the film takes a boy from the slums and gives him a second chance at life. Newcomer, Quinton Aaron, plays a convincing and lovable Big Mike who only looks intimidating on the outside but carries a huge heart. Enter the Touhys who see the potential of an athlete and a new edition to the family. Despite the dramatic angle the film distributors led with, it has an abundant amount of humor and light-heartedness. Emotions reach a high when the actual Michael Oher is seen in his claim to fame through various clips. With all said and done, this 'feel good movie' will actually leave you feeling good. 

Rating: 4 stars

Slumdog Millionaire

Release Date: Nov 12, 2008 

Runtime: 2 hr. 0 min.

Director: Danny Boyle 

Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, Anil Kapoor, Irfan Khan.

A film about triumph over poverty and love, "Slumdog" effortlessly offers a gripping story with solid performances. Despite the ultimate outcome, the main character, Jamal Malik, goes through several trials to win the love of a childhood friend. His story is cleverly told in parallel to the game show questions, keeping each scene in suspense. No one can argue that this film is worth every acclaim and nomination. Expect to see this in contention for Oscar gold.

Rating: 4 stars

Seven Pounds

Release Date: Dec 19, 2008 

Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min. 

Director: Gabriele Muccino 

Cast: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, Barry Pepper.

Despite the negative reviews this has been gaining, I found the story to be quite touching in the end. The film is extremely slow-paced for the majority of the film but redeems itself in the last 20 minutes. It questions life and death and the consequences that follow. There are strong performances by both Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, well worth award recognition although the competition will be tough this year. Overall, a good film that will leave the empathetic in tears.
 

Rating: 3½ stars