Gone Girl

Release Date:Oct 03, 2014
Runtime:2 hr. 25 min. 
Director:David Fincher 
Cast:Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck, Tyler Perry, Neil Patrick Harris.

David Fincher has always been synonymous with dark endeavors, including critically-acclaimed hits such as "Seven," "Zodiac," and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." So it comes as no surprise that his latest bears semblance, as he teams with another individual who's as equally twisted. Based on the bestselling novel and screenplay by Gillian Flynn, "Gone Girl" is a deep-seated retrospective on marriage and its underlying flaws. Layered with intrigue and alternating viewpoints, it's an artful thriller that thrives on immeasurable psychosis. This can be largely attributed to the phenomenal casting – predominantly Rosamund Pike as the enigmatic Amy. Her poised demeanor cloaks an indecipherable persona, wherein lies the secrets and the key to this contorted tale. Pike, who's had mostly supporting roles in a handful of genres, is pointedly arresting and a contender for the upcoming awards race. Opposite of her is Nick played by Ben Affleck: husband, victim, and possible killer. Affleck, who's had a recent surge of successful ventures, continues to retain his goal of career resurrection. The rest of the cast is rounded out by the most unlikely of actors, but those who are just as engaging and vital to the plot line. Neil Patrick Harris, for one, steps out of his comfort zone to play what's seemingly his most serious (and disturbing) role to date. For a mind-numbing thriller, the film can get rather long-winded at times, as the clock leisurely ticks past the 2-hour mark. But it's the outcome that may be the undulating factor, as its polarizing results can spark some heated debate. Nevertheless, fans should be pleased by this formidable adaptation, as Fincher proves again his unwavering efficiency. Though Flynn lays the base work for the deranged narrative, it's his well-crafted direction that effectively packs a punch.

Rating: 4½ stars

Oldboy

Release Date: Nov 27, 2013 
Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min. 
Director: Spike Lee 
Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, James Ransone, Samuel L. Jackson.

It's one thing to remake a movie and another to remake a cult classic, especially one as revered as "Oldboy," the ground-breaking Korean film based on the Japanese manga. Highly provocative and morally vexing, the original bore no limits when it came to glorifying the violence through the twisted mind of Park Chan Wook. Nevertheless, Spike Lee attempts to brave the impossible and inevitably suffers the common case of déjà vu. In both versions, "Oldboy" tells of a man imprisoned for many odd years only to be released inexplicably to track down his captor. A story doused in mystery and suspense, it's a gripping tale of revenge with an unexpected ending. And here lies the problem that hinders the remake, any element of surprise gone which belittles its sole purpose. Though some details are spared to adapt to a new audience, not much has changed or, more importantly, been improved upon. What made Park's adaptation so arrestingly poignant was its graphic nature and inclusion of metaphors. Lee, on the other hand, has little else to offer, other than a multi-floor hammer scene that still feels inferior. The casting, fortunately, is its only saving grace, as Brolin has epitomized tormented souls for what feels like half of his career (ie. "No Country for Old Men" and "True Grit.") Sharlto Copley continues his turn as villain, mirroring the soft-spoken tormentor played so brilliantly by Yoo Ji Tae. Together they strive towards a resolute ending, each with their own goal and provocation. But in the end it all feels anticlimactic, even with the alteration that perceivably gives some closure. Maybe to unbiased viewers the film will have its merits but to loyalists who were doubtful, there's really not much to see.

Rating: 2 stars

Captain Phillips

Release Date: Oct 11, 2013 
Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min. 
Director: Paul Greengrass 
Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener.

As the year winds down, the awards' season is merely ramping up, for the ultimate showdown of talents and films alike. At the forefront is Paul Greengrass' "Captain Phillips," based on the Maersk Alabama hijacking back in 2009. Recalling the attacks by Somali pirates and the courageous action of the crew, it's a tense, dramatic thriller worthy of review. Starring Hanks as the titled hero opposite a cast of unknowns, the film takes an objective approach to looking at two sides of the story. Alternating between the crew and the Somali pirates, the contrast of motives is intriguing and highly insightful. Disparately, the buildup is slow and long, adding to the runtime and delaying the onslaught of anxiety. But the last 40 minutes are a ticking time bomb waiting to explode, with the last 10 affirming why Hanks is still one of the greatest. His experienced turmoil is deeply compelling, bearing down on the soul and eliciting powerful emotions. With "Gravity" gaining momentum and a slew of high caliber films coming down the pipeline, "Captain Phillips" will be have plenty to compete for in the upcoming months. But if the past is any indication, Hanks will have his fighting chance. After all, he's been lost at sea before.

Rating: 4 stars

Trance

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

Side Effects

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

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

Argo

Release Date: Oct 12, 2012 

Runtime: 2 hr.

Director: Ben Affleck 

Cast: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Victor Garber.

If someone had said back then that Ben Affleck would direct not one, but three Oscar-worthy films, it would have sounded preposterous. The guy who starred in such flops as "Daredevil" and "Jersey Girl," not to mention the ill-fated "Gigli." Yet as inconceivable as it may be, he's proven himself time and time again, delivering quality dramas that equal the fortitude of any trained director. Continuing this momentum, his third effort "Argo" is easily his greatest achievement yet, and ranks as one of the best films to be released this year. Based on the wildly true story of the 'Canadian Caper,' it recounts the rescue mission of six American delegates during the Iranian hostage situation. Starring Affleck himself in the role of CIA specialist Tony Mendez, he joins a diverse cast of talents to create movie magic — the movie in this case being a science-fantasy adventure titled "Argo." Under the guise of a fake production, and with the aid of the Canadian embassy, he undertakes an impossible mission that will decide the fate of innocent civilians. Tense, detailed — and often than not — engagingly funny, the film is a melting pot of sensational performances as well as dramatizations. From the opening scene at the U.S. embassy, the intensity is palpable, eliciting fear and anxiety which carry throughout in intervals. As a counterintuitive, humor is then deliberately introduced by the likes of John Goodman and Alan Arkin; a genius combo that double-handedly steals every scene they're in, dispensing more laughs than typical comedies. It's this blend of tautness and witticism that makes for an engaging rollercoaster ride, while synchronizing events that occur in real time. Affleck, for his part, is as conducive in front of the camera as he is behind it, attesting once again that he is his own best muse. His scraggly appearance doesn't mask the fact that he's grown as an actor who's had his fair share of critical disappointments. While the story itself is not unfamiliar, and the outcome already foreseeable, it's still a heart-pounding race that never lets up until the final remaining seconds. Non-fictional or not, "Argo" is certainly a film worth viewing because come award season, this is the one to watch.

Rating: 5 stars

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Release Date: Dec 21, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min.

Director: David Fincher 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright.

From the highly-acclaimed Millennium trilogy, and Stieg Larsson's international best-seller, comes the gruesome tale of murder, mystery and deceit. When disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomvkist, is recruited by wealthy patriarch, Henrik Vanger, to investigate the disappearance of his niece forty years prior, he uncovers a trail of murders that are as inexplicable as they are disturbing. Enter Lisbeth Salander: a skilled hacker with an aversion to human interaction. Together, they form an unlikely partnership to solve the mystery, while grappling with their inner conflicts and moral complexities. Riding the success of the recent Swedish adaptation, master storyteller David Fincher takes the helm of what has rapidly become a literary staple in recent culture. Dark in tone and heavy-handed in dialogue, Fincher stays true to the source without compromising his own vision. The opening sequence of amorphous imagery is both haunting and beautiful, as it sets the tonality of what's to come. As brilliant castings go, Daniel Craig is a natural as sharp-witted Blomvkist, while Rooney Mara is flawless as the titular "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Though previously encapsulated by the talented Noomi Rapace, Mara's drastic physicality and enigmatic presence are enough to extinguish any forms of comparison, as inevitable as that may be. The story, while far from forgotten, undertakes a parallel narrative for an extended period of time, which helps keep it suspenseful and riveting — like watching it for the first time. Similarly, the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is perfectly attuned to each scenic backdrop, despite being reminiscent of their last collaborative effort, "The Social Network." Granted, remakes rarely surpass the original, Fincher's interpretation deserves its praise and recognition. A strong story can be discernible in any form, but a strong lead is hard to come by. Without Mara, there can be no "Girl Who Played with Fire."

Rating: 4 stars

Dream House

Release Date: Sep 30, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. 

Director: Jim Sheridan 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Elias Koteas, Marton Csokas.

 

You can't always judge a book by its cover; and lesson learned here, you can't with a trailer, as well. From Academy Award nominated director Jim Sheridan, "Dream House" tells the story of a family who moves into a house, only to find that not all is what it seems. And if the plot doesn't already sound formulaic enough, the marketing ploy fairs no better. Regardless of its creepy poster and horror angle, the film is anything but that, and disappoints even before it begins. Having revealed the twist in the trailer, the rest of the story is far from compelling, and is devoid of any scares that would make this remotely a thriller. This isn't for lack of trying by its cast of stars. Daniel Craig plays the troubled victim well, with his blue-steel gaze and hardened exterior. But such a film seems unwarranted to be needing such big-named actors when they don't contribute much to the story. Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz are easily forgettable if it weren't for their names displayed prominently across the placard. And Sheridan himself seems less than convinced if he's currently bidding to have his name removed entirely. With a film begrudgingly titled "Dream House," it's rightly in need of some refurbishing.

Rating: 1 star

Drive

Release Date:Sep 16, 2011
Runtime:1 hr. 40 min.
Director:Nicolas Winding Refn
Cast:Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, Christina Hendricks.

The saying 'less is more' may sound like a cliché but never has it been truer than in conjunction to arguably one of the best films of this year. Directed by Danish filmmaker Nicolas Refn, "Drive" is anything but your average car chase movie and here's why. First off, it has minimal dialogue. Almost to the point of being a silent film, it's the intense calm that speaks louder than words and delves into the unexpected. Furthermore, it has style. Whether it's attributing to classic film noirs or under the influence of contemporary directors, such as Michael Mann or the Coen Brothers, "Drive" is distinguishable enough to leave its trace. Moving slowly to build caliber and then amping up when it needs to, the contrast is stark but works to its advantage. Lastly, it has taste. The soundtrack is atypical for this type of film and embraces the mellowness that is comparable to its central character. Ryan Gosling is the epitome of cool when he's steering the wheel or pining from afar. His quiet charm and forthright acting have all the makings of a Hollywood legend, but it's his merciless attitude that will forever be embedded, and make for one of the most gruesome but notable scenes in recent history. Also battling typecasts is Albert Brooks as the central antagonist. With all jokes aside, Brooks is perfectly suited for this gangster role and just as sharp as his knife-wielding abilities. In any case, "Drive" can be considered an art form or a film open to opinions; you either like it or you don't. But either way, you'll sure be left talking about it and that's what matters.

Rating: 4½ stars

Contagion

Release Date: Sep 09, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.

Director: Steven Soderbergh 

Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet.

Fear can come in all shapes and forms, but sometimes, it's what you can't see that's the most dangerous of them all. And so it implies in the viral-disaster thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. When a mysterious virus breaks loose on the population, the CDC is caught in the crossfires, and social mayhem ensues across the globe. Supported by a cast of high-profile actors, Soderbergh brings relevance to today's society with a devastating epidemic that feels terrifyingly surreal, yet seemingly familiar. Through a gritty lens, we witness the paranoia that engulfs the masses, dismantling all sense of security and sanity we have come to withhold. But in spite of the crisis that pans out on screen, there's a lack of mounting tension that keeps the film suspenseful for great periods of time. This is primarily due to the fact that you never quite feel invested in any of the victims of the outbreak. As various stories merge and disperse, the time spent on introducing characters is abbreviated, thus allowing recall to come solely based on faces alone. An exception to the rule is Paltrow, whose presence on screen is ostensibly brief but crucial to the plot. Her pallid face and body convulsions are but a few of the things that resonate from the entirety of the film. However, this goes without saying, the acting is still all-around superb; with names like Damon, Winslet and Cotillard, it's bound to be the case. By the end of the film, you can't help but feel unease as the pieces fall into place, which is probably what Soderbergh was gunning for. Next time you're out and about, you may just think twice about who, or what, you touch.

Rating: 3 stars

Limitless

Release Date: Mar 18, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 

Director: Neil Burger 

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Anna Friel, Johnny Whitworth.

One pill = endless possibilities. That’s the setup in “Limitless,” a cerebral thriller that bends the mind, senses and imagination. Shedding his “Hangover” persona, Bradley Cooper seizes his first starring vehicle with sheer magnitude. He plays Eddie, a down-on-his-luck writer, who leads a rather mundane and unfulfilled life. But this all changes dramatically when he gains access to a pill that allows the user to utilize 100% of the brain's functions. From unkempt writer to power-hungry businessman, Cooper shows his versatility and range with apt fluidity. In a “Requiem for a Dream” approach, the film excels in the visual terrain. Spiraling like an acid trip through colors and imagery, but producing a wicked overdose that will leave you wanting for more. That being said, it doesn't come without side effects. The story, while stimulating, does forgo any logic despite being awfully intellectual. Plot holes and unnecessary villains fill the gaps between the doses and financial jargon. Yet the attuned narration and character awareness allows for a sleek ride through the mind when all else fails. So you can ask yourself: ‘what if a pill can make you rich and powerful?’ But the real question is: would you take it?

Rating: 3½ stars

Gone Baby Gone

Release Date: Oct 19, 2007 

Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min.

Director:Ben Affleck 

Cast: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton.

Ben Affleck proves himself a capable director with his directorial debut, but is out-shined by his brother who gives an Oscar-worthy performance. The film contains all the right elements of a crime drama, with all the suspense, emotions and mental turmoil of coming to a resolution. Amy Ryan gives a memorable performance as a drug-abusing mother while Morgan Freeman is ever consistent. In the end you're left with a moral dilemma of what is right, and what is for the better. By far one of the best films I've watched in a long time.

Rating: 4½ stars