Sunday, January 31, 2016

Movie #1154 ........................"When Marnie Was There"

Movie #1154 "When Marnie Was There" --- sounds like a dumb title,right?  it IS a dumb title, I think, but the movie is just okay, yet it is nominated for an academy award in the animation category --- go figure.  Weak year....esp. when "Inside Out" will probably take this category, esp. with nominations like this one.  Actually, I enjoyed this story even better than inside out (but then again, I disliked "Inside Out" a lot, so that isn't saying much) but not near as well as "Shaun, the Sheep" (which is nominated for AA this year) and "The Peanuts Movie" (which, unfortunately, was not nominated!)This one starts out well enough, seems to be about dealing with being different, but then the story starts to layer, and then layer, and then layer.....when it is done, I think it would take a couple of paragraphs to explain the main story --- it's pretty involved, and then I started to wonder why?  who is the demographic for this movie?  I thought at first that kids would get into this story --- little girl gets sent to the country to deal with her asthma attacks --- she's a fish out of water --- a quiet girl who doesn't have a friend --- and then Marnie appears.  I wasn't sure how we were to see their relationship when she puts her arms around her to help her learn to row ?  was the film going in a different direction?  Then, she gets invited to this big house for a party, goes back the next day and it is a deserted dilapidated building --- hmmmm?  The story is all over the place ---- I kind of liked the haphazard way the story was going, but after a while, I started to feel it needed more direction to an end --- it got to an end, but it took A LOT of plot stuff in the last 10 minutes to get to it.  Not my kind of story, but the characters were interesting.  And I'm glad I saw it, just for a different viewing of animation (I don't watch much Japanese animation).  Not being a good judge of animation, I can only say this was pretty, almost like paintings at times, but because of all the plot stuff, the looks at the environment seemed to be interrupting the story instead of enhancing it --- esp. if you work with the idea that a lot of what this girl seems is a dream --- so what's real and what isn't?   So, I'm not sure what more to say about this film --- not sure who would like it --- maybe kids in the tweens?  Maybe they could follow the story and get something out of this -- a possible theme that we are lucky to have our family members we can lean on and learn from, but if we are unlucky, we can still find family in others.


When Marnie Was There

2015  Rated PG103 mins.    3 stars out of 5
rated 3.2 stars

A lonely city girl with chronic asthma, Anna Sasaki is sent to spend the summer with relatives in a seaside town where the air is clean. Before long, Anna makes friends with a mysterious girl living in a deserted villa -- but is she real or a dream?
Cast: Kasumi Arimura, Sara Takatsuki, Hitomi Kuroki,
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Movie #1153 ........................."Carol"

Movie #1153 "Carol" is a "don't bother" film for me (except for two great moments).  I guess I had huge expectations for it with the two actresses I respect (actually 3, if you count Sarah Paulson) and the director, and the fact that it's in the 1950s, but it became a huge disappointment for me.  But in a year with what I think to be weak films anyway, I guess it needed to surface because the two women have some good moments --- but just some, to me.  I will blame the direction on this one --- it is mistimed --- I'm not sure if that is a clear film term, but let me explain.  In essence, the scenes that I wanted longer (like the high point) were too short, and the film, in my opinion, wasted too much time on flirtatious looks (sometimes leering?) , staring into space, smoking, whatever.  I couldn't ever get to like Cate Blanchet's pretentious voice/character and actually didn't ever  enjoy Roony Mara's mousy story either.  I get how taboo their relationship is, but I just didn't like the way the director put them together ------ it seemed seedy, when it should be a normal relationship (for them!).  Once again, I know it was taboo for this relationship, but still it should develop like all relationships, so we see that there really is no difference  --- that's the bottom line --- it never seemed easy and I didn't know what they saw in each other (dialogue was bland) --- it was filmed awkwardly even with the two of them together in a room --- it was almost filmed as if the ending were going to be something completely over a cliff (I don't want to give anything away, but sorry that  you now  know they won't both go over a cliff) with that mood just hanging.....two things more to say.  One, Kyle Chandler is grossly miscast......he can't hold up his weight , and the second:  there are TWO GREAT MOMENTS with these two women --- I can't remember what precipitated the first look --- maybe when one of their discussions is interrupted  by an outsider , and then the last look -------no speaking, no flirting with eyes, no clock moving.....time seems to stop for both of them, audience holding breath ---- if the film had more of that, it would have been a 4 or 5 with me, but  with just two moments where time stands still  and the camera seems to travel into both women's eyes ---- only 2.8 out of 5.



Carol

2015  2.8 out of 5 stars.Rated R

Living in a 1950s society that considers lesbian romance taboo, two women from disparate backgrounds -- young store clerk Therese Belivet and wealthy socialite Carol Aird -- develop an attachment to each other that ultimately turns passionate.
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson,
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Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Movie #1152 ..........................."Anomalisa"

Movie #1152 "Anomalisa" was not a film I enjoyed at all.  I was never pulled in, even though I like the over all idea:  That we live in a society that has stripped us of our individuality and creativity so we all look and sound alike.  The basic idea, I like, but the execution of it, I don't.  The film is painfully  slow/the highpoint (his speech) goes on and on way after we get the idea (so is the big fight between the two "lovers" --- the film  shows you scenes you really don't need to see ---the puppetry never pulled me in to the story -- the erotic scenes I thought were gratuitous, but the biggest complaint I had?  I never liked the main character --- here is this big deal writer who doesn't know how to treat others around him, yet he wrote a book about how to do it!  I know, it's supposed to be ironic, but then couple that with him looking for something better (when he has a wife and child at home who show concern and call him on his trip)  and he falls in love (after one night?!)  with a girl who keeps apologizing (she was annoying) , the film never made me want to care about any of the people --- except maybe I felt a twinge of sadness for his wife and child who had a surprise party for him on his return.  To me, the plot has a lot of holes and I just couldn't get into it or the characters.  2 stars out of 5.  Shaun the Sheep is still the best. But I have one more AA nominated  animated film to see........



Anomalisa

2015  Rated R
2 out of 5 stars 
Director Charlie Kaufman uses stop-motion animation and felt puppets to tell the tale of motivational speaker Michael Stone, whose anxieties have robbed him of all joy. But on a speaking tour, he meets a woman who may just revive his soul.
Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan, David Thewlis
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Movie #1151 ........................."Southpaw"

Movie #1151 "Southpaw" is a tough movie to watch, but the acting elevates the film to a higher level than "just another fight movie."  As I've said several times in this blog, I dislike fight pictures (actually too much fighting in any kind of movie). However, it's not because fight films are formulaic --- it's  kind of silly, to me, to accuse fight movies of being formulaic, like it is to say the same of rom coms --- what do you expect?  But this film stands on its own, I think.  i.e. it goes farther than "Rocky" in its grittiness, yet  not quite as stylish as "Raging Bull" -- so it's somewhere in the middle.  And It covers different ground.  In this film you follow a grieving mind that has difficulty coming out of depression for the sake of his daughter, who is also going through grief.  He has to change his way of life for her --- he has to change the way he fights, even.  Also, it is a great how to film for pugilism.   I am liking the new fight movies like this one  because they instruct so much the strategies used to win fights (I'm thinking of this movie, "Creed," and "The Fighter," to name just a few)  It gives people like me (the ones who don't really enjoy watching the actual fights) something else to watch and a purpose to watch.  But that's the story in a nutshell, and I wasn't so much impressed with the story line, but with the acting!  Jake G. is a wonder --- he has been one since Zodiac, in my opinion.  He deserved an AA nomination for that film, The  Prisoners, and also for Nightcrawler, but definitely he was missed for this one --- was  the film out too early this year or what?  Anyway, Rachel McAdams, although in the film only for a short time, manages to do another great job, along with the little girl --- what a great find she was!  And Forest Whitaker is a terrific foil for Jake.  So, if you want to watch a better than average fight film with really strong performances, check this one out -- it was overlooked by the academy!  Would give it 3.8 out of 5 stars.



Southpaw

2015  Rated R124 mins
rated 3.3 stars I would give this 3.8 stars out of 5

With his unique and brutally effective boxing style, Billy has become a rising star in the fighting world. But when his wife's death sends the pugilist into a downward spiral, it will take a former boxer to intervene and remake Billy as a champion.
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams






 
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Monday, January 25, 2016

Movie #1150 ..........................."Mr. Robot" - season 1 (T.V.)

Movie #1150 "Mr.Robot" --- we binged watched this over christmas and first weeks of January --- it's a short season (10 episodes, one hour each), and I must say , it is worthy of the awards it has been getting lately --- Esp. the first 4 episodes --- very intriguing from the get-go and well acted, esp. by Rami  Malik.  It takes a strange turn toward the end of the season, but I am anxious to see where it goes next season.  I think I'm hooked so far.  Even though I don't get all the tech stuff, there's enough action to keep me interested.... so far.  I would give it 4 stars out of 5.





Mr. Robot

2015Rated NR1 season
In this topical drama, an enigmatic anarchist known as Mr. Robot drafts an alienated computer programmer -- who works for a cybersecurity company -- into an underground group of online saboteurs bent on tearing down corporate America.
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Movie #1149 .........................."Winter on Fire"

Movie #1149 "Winter on Fire" is another documentary nominated for an AA this year, and it is well done!  The best one so far (but I haven't seen all of them yet). It covers the problems in the Ukraine, focusing on the 97 day standoff of the common people again the Russian (Putin) puppet dictator that  the people want removed when he double-crosses them on Ukraine's bid to be included in the EU (European Union).  The film is there for all the important moments, and I was befuddled how it could be so close to everything!  But what the film is best in is the editing......putting all the pieces together so it shows the plight of the people, the abuse of the Berkut (Ukrainian police) , and the eventual success of the protest (but oh, the consequences!).  If you didn't know much on the subject (like me, just knew they were in the news a lot the past couple of years) , and you have about 90 minutes, this film is done passionately and informatively.  I have seen other films on the subject where the camera is all over the place, causing confusion, but this is well done and I recommend it.  Some of it, though, is really tough to watch!  I would give this 3.5 stars out of 5.


Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Fre...

2015Rated NR
In 2013, Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych announced a major policy shift that would strengthen the nation's ties to Russia. His decision inflamed much of the populace, touching off three months of mass demonstrations and street violence.


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Movie #1148 ........................."Shaun the Sheep"

Movie #1148 "Shaun the Sheep" was a lot of fun, and by far the best animated film from the other films I've seen  that are nominated for an AA this Feb., but I haven't seen them all....yet.  Anyway, I was not a fan of "Inside Out."  That being said, I was a great fan of the Peanuts Movie, but that wasn't nominated, so I am having to watch the others.  Well, I'm glad I did, because this one was a winner to me!  Loved every minute of it --- the pacing is fast, the characters are cute, the situations are hysterical (this reminded me of Chicken Run, which makes sense since the same people did it) and over all it's very engaging.  And it has a rather detailed story line, which kept me watching.  I just thought the ending was a tad longer than it had to be --- it brought in the bad guy one too many times, but other than that, it was lots of fun!  Highly recommend it for any age ----- and not one piece of discernible dialogue (or monologue, for that matter) is in this film!  What a feat!  And if you watch the special features, you will appreciate all the work that goes into this stop action animation that they use in this film!  Wow!  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Shaun the Sheep Movie

2015  Rated PG85 mins    I'd give it 4.5 stars out of 5
Springing from the hit British TV series, this jaunty animated tale follows roguish alpha-sheep Shaun, who schemes to take a day off by lulling the Farmer to sleep. But when the plan goes awry, it's up to Shaun and his flock to rescue their master.
Cast: Stanley Unwin, Kate Harbour, Nick Park

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Movie #1147 ........................."Sicario"

Movie #1147 "Sicario" was a very solid action thriller -- but depressing as "hell" -- excuse the language, but it is.  I wish I would have understood more of this film, but I spent many a time oohing and aging at the cinematography (Deakins, nominated for AA this year, his 12th nom (no win), I think) Anyway, it has an explosive opening but introduces the leads so quickly, it was tough to follow.  I always enjoy watching Blunt and Benecio del Toro (not so much Brolin --- he plays a hotshot here, and it isn't much of a reach for him) but these seemed challenging roles for these two.  Blunt is brought in to this cartel project, not knowing why, and when she finds out, she (and the viewers) are so disappointed that it isn't her abilities here.  She has a right hand man, but his character isn't fully developed (nor is his story finished adequately).  Once the film propels to the high point, it seems to just want to hit us in the belly with one scene after another for shock value.  By the end, I just felt so disillusioned, with no hope that this problem would ever find a solution.  And with a bitter taste in my mouth, thinking about the main theme:  that we could be worse than our enemies.  And that's a bitter pill to swallow, for sure.  I would rate this 3 out of 5 stars --- pretty exciting, great photography,  but like I said, it could have been easier to follow.  Acting was strong, too, but surprisingly, the AA nominations (reason I saw this) were for sound mixing, editing, photography and music.  I don't think it will win anything, but it was one of the better films of 2015 I thought.  Full of lots of action and introduces us to the cartel problem at the Mexican/US border  --- very topical subject these days.

Sicario

2015  Rated R121 mins  -- I would give it 3 stars out of 5.
rated 3.3 stars
Recruited to assist in an undercover operation targeting a Mexican drug lord, federal agent Kate Macy finds her moral standards put to the test when she's plunged into the middle of a plan that goes beyond the boundaries of the law.
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, Victor Garber, Josh Brolin
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Movie #1146 ........................."Look of Silence"

Movie #1146  "Look of Silence" was not worthy of being nominated for an academy award for in the documentary category this year, in my opinion.  I watched it the other night, and I didn't find it very interesting at all.  When you tell people what it is about, it sounds intriguing, but it isn't in the actual viewing of the movie.  To me, a documentary needs to be at a good pace , and it needs to use a variety of ways to give information to the viewer ---- both of those "rules" above are broken here --- this movie goes on and on (way too long, runs out of material) and it relies on interviewing..... In the first 15 minutes I got the main thrust of the film, and to me it just kept repeating and repeating for effect(?).  This would be an example I would refer to in the future of why I am not enamored by the documentary genre --- because of movies like this.  Once we see the audacity of the murderers when questioned by the vicim's relatives , we have it  ---- we find them despicable and really don't want to hear from them again, but then in the next scene, we hear from them again!  Enough said. Surely there's a better documentary nominated in this list --- the search goes on.




The Look of Silence

2015  Rated PG-1398 mins
rated 1.0 stars I would give this 1 star out of 5.

Through the companion documentary The Act of Killing, a family learned how their son was murdered in the 1960s Indonesian genocide. Now, the victim's kin confronts the culprits -- an unthinkable act in a country where the killers remain in power.
Cast: Adi Rukun
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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Movie #1145 ........................."The History Boys"

Movie #1145 "The History Boys" was a movie I have been waiting to see for a long time because I had enjoyed the play when I saw it on Broadway.  Well, I had the opportunity to see it the other night, so I did.   I was impressed that the director Nicholas Hytner got all the original young actors from the stage to recreate their parts in the film.  And basically, a lot of the dialogue is the same, and the teachers are all played by the same actors, as we saw in the play.  However, there's a huge difference --- I enjoyed the play so much more.  I have been thinking why the play worked, but the movie not so much for me.  One big difference is that the film takes the boys and their classroom out into nature and surrounding places (ruins, statues, busts of famous poets, etc )  in support of one of the main themes of the play --- that there's so much to learn when a teacher isn't teaching to the test!  Surprisingly, seeing those things doesn't help this viewer because it detracts from the lines that the actors are saying ----- lines that a viewer needs to focus on because of the accents, the vocabulary, the stylistic way & the speed  of their speaking.  So maybe that's one possibility.  The other is just the changes that were made in the dialogue and in the play itself ---- I remember, for example, the high point being much more poignant than in the film here, but maybe because we were confined in a small environment sharing the moment with the characters,  and the film may have  lost the immediacy of the story.  I don't know, but live theatre usually beats film for me, and this play is no exception.  P.S.  I esp. enjoyed watching James Cordon (whom I am a big fan of with his nightly show on CBS after Colbert) since he plays Timm, the wisecracker in the film.  He's so young here --- and Mr. Griffiths, the main professor, is dead now, but it was nice seeing him in this --- almost as if they preserved the special cast they had on Broadway, by filming it.  I liked that idea!  It also allows people who didn't get to see the stage play,  to see it and to continue to enjoy it in years to come.  3 out of 5 stars.

The History Boys

2006  Rated R112 mins

Nicholas Hytner, Richard Griffiths and Frances de la Tour reprise their Tony-winning roles in this engaging film version of Alan Bennett's play, chronicling a rowdy group of boys on their way to higher education. On a quest to attend either Oxford or Cambridge, the teens grapple with the intricacies of university entrance exams and admissions, ultimately learning as much about the education system as they do about academics.
Cast: Samuel Barnett, Stephen Campbell Moore, James Corden,
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Movie #1144 ........................."The Hateful Eight"

Movie #1144 "The Hateful Eight" was a "don't bother" film for me, and probably the last Quentin Tarrentino film I will probably sit through.  I have to admit, I AM NOT THE AUDIENCE FOR THIS FILM!  Once in a while, I have to admit I have enjoyed his films, but I have never liked the gratuitous violence.  Just not for me.  After seeing "Kill Bill" I remember feeling like I needed a shower to wipe off all the blood that was splattered on the screen.  I can still remember very clearly the ear scene in "Reservoir Dogs" (I know, many of you are saying:  "but that's what makes him a great director --- the memory of many of his scenes will stay deeply embedded in your mind", and that could be true, but why do they always have to be so violent?) Okay, so the way I see this new one is that it is set up like the old Stagecoach films ---- one by one, these misfits gather at a way station during a snowstorm.  Honest to God, the exposition for this film  ran about an hour and 15 minutes of the slowest dialogue (slowed down even further by the repetition patter that is established, for humor, I think? ) and once the bullets start to fly, there is no respite for the viewer --- one after another, after another, after another --- all different ways of people bleeding to death, almost like the director has a check list of ways to die and he's checking them off.  After 2 and 1/2 hours, I just got up and left , wondering when or if it would ever end.    I was in the lobby taking a break from all the bloodshed, and I decided at that time to  read the ending in a synopsis, and that was good enough for me.  more than enough, because the film runs 3 hours +.  Where's the editor?   I have felt Tarrantino's stuff is over rated, and this one just underlines that attitude even more.  The acting is marginal, the dialogue weak, the storyline mediocre, editing lacking....but I must commend the music in this one (and in most of his films).  The music may just win Morricone an oscar  --- to me, it was the best part of the film (which isn't saying much).  Sorry, I know there are lots of people out there who "get him,"  but I just don't.  A 2 out of 5 stars.

The Hateful Eight  

2015Rated R
In Quentin Tarantino's stylish Western set in post-Civil War Wyoming, eight travelers stranded at a stagecoach way station -- including bounty hunters, outlaws and former soldiers -- become enmeshed in a duplicitous plot as a savage blizzard rages outside.

Samuel jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Channing Tatim.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Movie #1143 ........................."Creed"

Movie #1143 "Creed" was a movie I went to watch just to see what all the hubbub was about and to check out Sylvester Stallone's academy award nomination, and I'm here to say that he deserves it!  I don't want to make a lot of enemies here, but I was not a huge fan of the original Rocky series.  I just watched the one movie, and I thought it was just "okay" but I must admit it was fun to revisit such an iconic film.  I also have to admit that I HATE any movies about fighting, but I end up seeing (and respecting) quite a few like "Raging Bull," "Requiem for a Heavy Weight," "The Fighter," "Cinderella Man," and the soon to be seen "SouthPaw."  It doesn't seem fair to the movie for me to critique fighting films because I really don't watch the fight scenes, if I can help it --- I just can't watch one person beating up another one --- I know it's fake, but the way they film it, it looks so real, and I can't get past that.  Anyway, that being said, there were only two big fights in this movie, and I liked that a lot!  this movie was about so much more --- mostly about the inner fights we have for  variety of reasons ---- with this boy (outstandingly played by Michael B. Jordan --- and every time I hear about boycott at the oscars, I wonder why this guy was not nominated because he should have been!) he has been struggling all of his life in and out of group homes, having to live up to his dad's (Apollo Creed's) reputation, struggling with an office job that he doesn't like, being thrown into the ring that is a spectacle kind of early in his career, etc.  I esp. liked his girlfriend Tessa Thompson --- I was very impressed with her acting, and will look for her movies in the future.  Then, let's talk about Stallone.  I have never been a fan of his, although I valued his Rocky performance (writing and acting!) And when he makes his first entrance, you can see that character, and how the years since them have affected him.  Nice entrance, but then he kept saying the lines basically all the same until he had a conflict thrown his way ---- he did a stunning job from then on, so I am now a believer that he can win the academy award and he is deserving of it.  So I would recommend seeing this film for the three major characters and for the story --- it isn't anything really new, but it was a nice homage to Rocky ---- nice to see his story finish out in this way.  I was even teary-eyed in a few places, and for a fighting movie to do that to me, there must be a lot more in the film for me to get emotional about!  This is one you might want to see!

Creed

2015  I would give this 4 out of 5 stars.Rated PG-13

Putting a new twist on the Rocky Balboa legend, this spinoff drama follows young boxer Adonis Johnson Creed, the grandson of Rocky's onetime nemesis Apollo Creed. Looking for a mentor, Adonis travels to Philadelphia to ask for Rocky's help.


Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, more...
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Movie #1142 ............................"The Danish Girl"

Movie #1142 "The Danish Girl" was a very delicate, artsy film that i really liked.  Make no mistake, this is not a movie for everyone to see --- it is slow moving, very delicate in every way (character, photography, costumes, acting, even the music).  I thought it was a beautiful love story, and i was surprised that it was based on one of the first transgender people that ever tried to have the operation and the girl he loved and who loved him.  The acting, though delicate, is very very powerful!  I am pretty much convinced it's Leo's year for the Oscar, but Eddy is right there (next in?) because this role demands so much from him!  He plays two complete people --- yes, the costumes change, but there's so much more.  And this young lady, who is nominated incorrectly for supporting actress because she is really the leading actress, is unbelievably good, and I think by putting her in the supporting actress category, it cinches her win because she does the whole gamut + she is in the film so much.....and what she has to go through because she is his/her soulmate.  Disclaimer:  the movie is tough to sit through --- it is very, very slow and oftentimes depends on just one look or one movement --- also the ending is tough to take.  But i highly recommend it if it sounds intriguing to you.  Good love story!

The Danish Girl

2015   I would give this 4.5 out of 5 stars.  Rated R

In 1930, Danish painter Einar Wegener elects to have gender-reassignment surgery, with the blessing of his wife, Gerda. This true-life narrative of personal courage also sheds light on the medical origins of transsexual surgery.
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Ben Whishaw, more...
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