Release Date: Nov 07, 2014
Runtime: 2 hr. 49 min. Director: Christopher Nolan Cast:Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Topher Grace, Wes Bentley, Matt Damon, John Lithgow. When Christopher Nolan stated that "Interstellar" would be his most ambitious film to date, he certainly wasn't exaggerating. Dealing with space-time continuum, gravitational singularity, fifth dimensional probability, and the fate of mankind, the influx of information can challenge even the most scientific of minds. Yet through it all, he delivers another transcendent experience – one that truly captures the mysteries of the galaxies beyond our reach. Boasting an all-star cast led by Matthew McConaughey, the film probes the question of life after Earth. It's a meticulous exploration of human survival – one that takes ample years in the making, and hours upon hours of viewing. Nolan takes us on a spatial journey of unfathomable beauty, from our blight-stricken planet to otherworldly terrains. While the grand scale of it all is visually compelling, it's the small hope for humanity that ultimately shoulders the story. McConaughey gives an affecting performance as a NASA pilot turned farmer turned planetary savior. His personal odyssey is filled with tangible emotions, and draws you in much like the elusive black hole. To that point, the science is undoubtedly an impressive element of the film, based on actual research done by theoretical physicist Kip Thorne. With so much of the unknown still left to be discovered, it's a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of existence. This, in turn, bolstered by the thunderous sound and score, makes it as much of a physical interaction as it is cerebral. But be that as it may, the film still has its minor eccentricities, specifically when it comes to interpreting the ending. There's a fine line between fact and fiction, and another between imagination and implausibility. With Nolan choosing to objectify the latter, it somewhat compromises the plot line from having a greater impact. Regardless, "Interstellar" is definitively a cinematic achievement, one to be fully appreciated in the grandeur of IMAX. Though the future of space travel is yet to be determined, the film's thought-provoking questions may someday lead to our answers. Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: Jun 27, 2014 Runtime: Director:Bong Joon-Ho Cast:Chris Evans, Song Kang-Ho, Go Ah-Sung, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer.
Since the year 2014, Earth has entered a perpetual ice age, leaving its last inhabitants confined aboard a moving bullet train. This is the "Snowpiercer," the last salvation of man, where class systems hinge on the cusp of revolution. Helmed by Bong Joon-Ho, the acclaimed director of "The Host," comes another visionary examination of human survival. Acting as an adaptation of the French graphic novel, "Le Transperceneige," the film is richly nestled in a post-apocalyptic world. The story begins at the apex of an imminent uprising, as it follows the coalition of the 'tail end' led by Chris Evans. Constrained by narrow passageways and darkly shadowed spaces, Bong moves with precision in establishing an inhospitable environment. Each scene is handsomely crafted with minimalistic flair, as it gradually transforms with every step of the train. The contrasts between the rich and the poor are startlingly accentuated, through depths of colors and shifts of light. On the contrary, the plot itself is not as artfully developed, as back stories are limited or mostly forgotten. This prevents an empathetic link to any of the survivors, leaving a wayward feeling of loss and incompletion. Still, a touch of humanity exists through spoken language barriers, as Kang-Ho and Evans struggle to work together. "Snowpiercer" is anything but a standard sci-fi feature, as it deals with the morals, repercussions, and politics behind human nature. While it has its flaws, the film is a reasonable take on the future, though hopefully not as bleak or entirely frigid. Rating: 3½ stars
Release Date: Oct 04, 2013 Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. Director:Alfonso Cuarón Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney. Space. Infinite...awe-inspiring...and utterly terrifying. It's the fabric to Alfonso Cuarón's highest achievement yet, and one of the most ground-breaking films in cinematic history. Known for his unique dexterity of single-shot sequences, Cuarón delivers another stunning masterpiece that defies the laws of physics. The first 10 minutes alone will leave you breathless with sweeping views of Earth followed by heart-pounding suspense. The singularity of perspectives, moving in and behind the helmet glass, is truly remarkable – fully immersing you in the environment as well as the mindset. Sandra Bullock gives a phenomenal performance as first time mission specialist, Ryan Stone. Her vulnerability and fears are captured in range, whether careening through space or confined in a capsule. Using visual metaphors to embody humans' resilience and will for survival, Cuarón sheds new light into the blackness of space and depths of despair. The cinematography is one to be savored, further glorified in IMAX and even 3D. Accompanied by a moving score by Steven Price, each scene is as enrapturing as the first and seemingly tangible. Though Cuarón has only directed a handful of films, "Gravity" may just be the push he needs to get his Oscar nomination. Til then, experience space like you've never experienced it before. Rating: 5 stars
Release Date: Sep 28, 2012 Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min. Director: Rian Johnson Cast: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Jeff Daniels, Piper Perabo.
Whether it's past, present, or future, the concept of time travel has perpetually eluded even the most brilliant of minds. How does it work, and who or what does it affect? Do multiple timelines exist, and if so, which is the reality? While the answers may never be concrete, Rian Johnson explores the possibilities in his latest project, "Looper." Set in two variations of the future, crime bosses use time travel to dispose of unwanted bodies, delegating so-called "Loopers" to get the job done. The only rule of thumb? Don't lose your target. For Joe (Gordon-Levitt), it's a mundane life with high rewards and low risks...until the day he makes the error of letting his future self (Willis) get away. If you expected a fast-paced thrill ride as shown in the trailer, then you'd be somewhat disappointed. While the film exhibits classic sci-fi elements, it also circumvents the usual parameters surrounding time travel, instead questioning the moralities behind it in a 'what if' type of situation. Heavily allegorical at times, and slow to transpire, the plot is more intricate than it initially implies. And that's where it gets tricky as variables come into play, with Old Joe wanting one thing and Young Joe wanting another. It's enough to make your mind churn with paradoxes and plot holes, in addition to a secondary storyline that seems strangely out of place. But Johnson gets credit for originality and audaciousness, crafting a sci-fi thriller that hinges on perplexity, not to mention casting two leads who look nothing alike. Prostheses or not, Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a brilliant job of playing young Bruce, voice mimicry and all, to the point where it's eerie when the two share the same screen. Willis, himself, gives a moving performance while retaining his tough guy ego, undoubtedly being one of his best to date. With the recent surge of highly-stylized, futuristic reboots, a la "Total Recall" and "Dredd," it's refreshing to see a stripped down version that does more with less. While "Looper" is by no means a flawless time travel conception, it's still honestly thought-provoking. Just don't overthink it too much or you may find yourself closing the loop. Rating: 3½ stars
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green.
The origin of life is a mystery within the secrets of our universe. Boundless and perplexing, it's a query with many explanations, and controversial conclusions. Yet, according to Ridley Scott, we may have just found the answer. Titled after the Titan credited with creating mankind, "Prometheus" explores the connection between creator and creation. Acting as a not-so-direct prequel to the 1979 sci-fi/horror film "Alien," it's a return to a genre that Scott knows best. Armed with a new cast and artillery of advanced technology, he brings us back to the infinite space where it all began. The set design by Arthur Max is nothing short of extraordinary. Larger than life and anciently immortalized, the breadth of work is immersive, even without the additional 3D environment that, personally, seemed too subtle to notice. In place of Sigourney Weaver's Ripley is Noomi Rapace as archaeologist Elizabeth Shaw. Just as the two actresses differ in their methods of acting, their characters are dissimilar as well, which allows Rapace to forgo comparisons with her own interpretation. Initially soft-spoken and intent on finding answers, she eventually becomes the empowered protagonist that defines the franchise. Furthermore, Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender both take impressive turns in playing the cold-hearted crew members. Fassbender, especially, is a marvel as the impassive android David. His automated persona and cryptic motives are just a part of the enigma that lies ahead. But in spite of the great cast and striking visuals, the plot is perhaps too over ambitious for its own sake. Even with the rather revealing trailers and clips, the story still leaves much to guesswork, making for a complex viewing that needs further analyzation. While "Prometheus" doesn't quite share the grandeur that "Alien," or more importantly "Aliens," emanated, it does pose an interesting premise that could be further explored. Where there is space, there will always be more questions left to be answered.
