Trouble With The Curve

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!



Today's review is Trouble With The Curve.



Directed by Robert Lorenz.

Written by Randy Brown.

Review #177

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language, sexual references, some thematic material and smoking.

Run Time: 111 min

Cast

Clint Eastwood ... Gus

Amy Adams ... Mickey

Matthew Lillard ... Phillip Sanderson

Robert Patrick ... Vince

John Goodman ... Pete Klein

Scott Eastwood ... Billy Clark

Jay Galloway ... Rigo Sanchez

Joe Massingill ... Bo Gentry


Baseball movies have been around forever. Some good. Some great. Some not so good. Then you have the bad ones. Only to be bested by the really bad ones. Where does Trouble With The Curve fit? I'm not really sure. The reason for my confusion is due to the fact that I just didn't care about what happened during this movie.

At all.

Plot

An ailing baseball scout in his twilight years takes his daughter along for one last recruiting trip. 

I'm going to save you all and myself a lot of time here and just tell you not waste your time with this movie. The story is so poorly constructed and all over the place. There are countless times where Eastwood and Adams' characters contradict themselves that after the first few times it became more than just clunky. It bordered on lack of structure and direction. I'm done with this one. I can't bring myself to write more. I cared less and less about this film as I was watching it. I'm not going to devote my valuable time writing about why I didn't care.

I'm moving on.

On the 5 star scale. Trouble With the Curve gets the goose egg. 0 stars. With a "Save The Loot!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is Dredd.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"

End of Watch

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!



Today's review is End of Watch.



Written & Directed by David Ayer.

Review #175

MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, some disturbing images, pervasive language including sexual references, and some drug use.

Run Time: 109 min

Cast

Jake Gyllenhaal ...Brian Taylor

Michael Peña ...Mike Zavala

Natalie Martinez ...Gabby

Anna Kendrick ...Janet

David Harbour ...Van Hauser

Frank Grillo ...Sarge

America Ferrera ...Orozco

Cle Shaheed Sloan ...Mr. Tre

Jaime FitzSimons ...Captain Reese

Cody Horn ...Davis

Training Day is considered by many (myself included) as one of the best cop movies in the last 20 years. The film is not just the showcase for one of Denzel Washington's finest performances. It also featured a great performance by Ethan Hawke. Denzel overshadows the amazing work Hawke did playing along side him. Another aspect that gets lost among the acting is the tight story written by Ayer. The script is so biting that it captured the feel of drug infested Los Angeles with the corruption of the LAPD.

Ayer has gone on to write and direct several other cop films also set in LA but his latest is by far his greatest.

Plot

Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel, during a routine traffic stop. 

There are so many great things to get into with this movie that I could write for days. I'll save you all the eye strain and just hit you with the best bullet points.

The first is the look of the film.

End of Watch is about 90-95% shot and presented from a first person POV. It has the look and feel of a found footage film that has become the rage in Hollywood but it's not. It's a very creative way to show a film that has a been there, done that premise. The film switches from a handheld camera that Brian is shooting to the cameras inside the squad car to small cameras that are pinned to Brian and Mike's uniforms. It was a very clever idea that works really well.

The perspectives change throughout each scene which provides a unique experience as you go through what Brian and Mike go through. It also provides some pretty intense moments of pause. There are several scenes where our heroes enter houses that "appear" abandoned and while they are conducting their search the camera angles are from their POV. I sat there just waiting for someone to pop out and surprise them a la Paranormal Activity. It really takes you inside the mind of what these cops go through when they enter an unknown environment.

Of course there was a drawback with this new display of photography. When the film doesn't employ the outside camera motif it gets a little confusing. Most of the scenes that deal with this are pretty obvious so you can pick up on it pretty quickly. It's the ones that start out with the multiple camera source elements then at certain points will change to the conventional filming style. It lost me a bit. This is a very minor gripe. I personally enjoyed the hell out of watching this film from it's distinctive viewpoint.

Up next is the story.

Once again Ayer nails it. In fact I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this is his best writing to date. Yes, this includes Training Day. Now I know a lot of you might be thinking I'm nuts but hear me out. As fine as Training Day was. The premise required a little suspension of disbelief. That's not the case with End of Watch. There are some moments in this film that may force you to question the realism of the situation. That being said, End of Watch plays more like a documentary than a traditional cops and robbers flick. The cameras bring you into the lives of these two cops as they spend each day protecting the public while protecting themselves in the process. It's a much more intimate atmosphere that we are privy to. For me this takes End of Watch to a whole new level.

The story also goes much much deeper than what the plot suggests. That is just the tip of the iceberg considering the trials and tribulations that Brian and Mike go through.

In conjunction with the plot. Ayer gave his cast some pretty sharp and witty dialogue. None of these people sound like their acting. They sound like cops. They goof on each other using language that you would expect cops to throw out. It felt like you were watching a fraternity with badges and guns. I'm not suggesting in anyway that cops are sophomoric. I'm saying that in that line of work it's important have fun with your co workers while maintaining professional pride and respect.

Nobody's promised tomorrow in this world but that goes double for cops. So it was fun to see these guys and girls rag on each other to some relentless extents I might add. Then at the drop of a dime have each others backs when the chips were down. Ayer did a wonderful job creating that dynamic between all of the officers. Highlighted by the performances by Gyllenhaal and Peña.

Finally we get to the tone of the film.

End of Watch pulls no punches when it comes to the situations that Brian and Mike deal with as they go about their shift. Very similar to Training Day. End of Watch captures the grittiness of urban Los Angeles. The drug and gang scene is prevalent and hard core. Not once do you feel that Brian and Mike are going to have a simple/safe day on patrol. Things get magnified 100 fold when they respond to what they thought were routine calls. Then they arrive and reality sets in and both Brian and Mike are knee deep in twists and turns that affect both their physical and mental stability. This leads to the only predictable part of the story that lessens the weight of the film. You can see it coming a mile away. Overall it was a necessary plot device. I just wished it wasn't teed up.

Again, this is a minor quibble with a film that I thought was pretty well made. David Ayer really knocked this one out. A great story plus realistic performances plus a unique look equals a really damn good movie.

On the 5 star scale. End of Watch gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is Trouble With The Curve.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"

The Master

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!



Today's review is The Master.



Written & Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Review #174

MPAA Rating: R for sexual content, graphic nudity and language.

Run Time: 137 min

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix...Freddie Quell

Philip Seymour Hoffman...Lancaster Dodd



Amy Adams...Peggy Dodd



Jesse Plemons...Val Dodd



Ambyr Childers...Elizabeth Dodd



Rami Malek... Clark

Pual Thomas Anderson is an amazing director who makes serious films. In almost every aspect. From story to characters to tone and depth, his films are not for the weak minded. Another aspect of his that makes him somewhat unique is that he's only directed films he's written. Not a new concept in film making but it's rare to see. I for one wished more people did it. It's a talent that a select few have and it should be encouraged to become more of a habit in Hollywood.

Another talent Anderson has is an ability to improve from one film to the next. His films get better and much deeper each time out. Which partly explains why it takes him 5 plus years to crank one out. After his amazing There Will Be Blood. I for one was waiting with anticipation what he would come up with next. The wait is over. The Master has arrived and I wish I could say Anderson followed the trend he started.

I really wish I could....but that would make me a liar.

Plot

A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader. 

The first thing that must be said here is that The Master is a very good film. In fact for a lesser director it could be considered an achievement. The problem here is that Anderson is so good at what he does it's unfortunate to see him have an "off" day. The Master plays like two different films at times. One one hand you have the incredible dynamic between Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman. On the other hand you have everything else. The balance isn't there.

This film is driven by it's lead characters. Freddie and Lancaster or Master as he's referred to in the film. It's here where The Master absolutely shines. Phoenix and Hoffman play off each other so well it doesn't feel like their acting. The finest example of this is when Master is putting Freddie through an exercise to determine if he's worthy of joining his "cause". There are very few cuts made in this scene. Anderson at one point stays on Phoenix as his emotions are torn apart by Master's inquiry. By far the greatest performance by Phoenix to date. In that scene and overall throughout his career. It was a riveting scene that set the stage for what I expected was going to be an amazing journey.

The Master only took me part of the way.

The biggest problem with this movie was trying to separate Freddie's lunacy with the actual reality of the story. His character is in a word nuts and it gets hard to place what's real and what isn't. There's a perfect scene that illustrates this. Freddie imagines something going on at a gathering of "cause" members that clearly depicts his psychosis. Then later on Amy Adams' character appears to acknowledge the stuff that appeared to take place in Freddie's mind. It was difficult for me to figure out what was reality because in reality that scene could have taken place due to Master's influence over his followers.

The other issue with The Master is the plot development or placement. There were at times a clear agenda with the narrative then it would shift to other areas that weren't as strong to the overall story. This gave the film a jumbled feel and it never recovers as a result. It really is a shame because if the film chose to stay with it's two core themes then I would be talking about another great PTA classic.

The two themes I speak of are the aforementioned relationship between Freddie and Master. The other being the subtle hints throughout that Master like every other cult leader is truly a fraud. PTA does a pretty good job of giving you jabs at the validity of Master's claims and philosophy. At times Master breaks "character" when challenged by an opposing view. It was a nice pull the curtain down on your eyes move that adds to the mystery of Master's true intentions.

As always with any PTA film the cast as a whole turns out stellar performances. This of course is thanks to Anderson's well written script. Plot issues aside, the man can write with the best of them and does so with no care of the audiences ability to pick up what's happening. The man remains defiant when it comes to dumb-ing down his dialogue or scene structure. This is something that I find both appreciative and annoying. He's so good at it that you fall victim to the scenario I brought up earlier with Freddie's "imagination". Regardless, it was something to be expected when walking into a PTA film anyway.

Your brain must be wired and ready to go.

On the 5 star scale. The Master gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It!" recommendation.

Not one of PTA's his best efforts but certainly not his worst either. A little more structure and clarity would have put this film in the class of Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is End of Watch.

Until Next Episode....I'll Save You A Seat!

"D"

The Intouchables

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!



Today's review is The Intouchables.



Written & Directed by Olivier Nakache & Eric Toledano

Review #173

MPAA Rating: R for language and some drug use.

Run Time: 112 min

Cast

François Cluzet ...Philippe

Omar Sy ...Driss

Anne Le Ny ...Yvonne

Audrey Fleurot ...Magalie

Clotilde Mollet ...Marcelle

Alba Gaïa Kraghede Bellugi ...Elisa

Cyril Mendy ...Adama

Christian Ameri ...Albert

Grégoire Oestermann ...Antoine

Over the 4 plus years I have been doing these reviews, I have developed a reputation as the dude that sees everything. That's only partly true. As much as I would like to actually see everything. I just can't. There's not enough time in the world for me. Another reputation I have developed is someone that only watches the big summer films or "comic book" movies. This is something I take serious offense to. Yes I enjoy the big fun films that we all love and at times it may seem that's all I go see. That being said I am a cinema fan first and foremost. I embrace every genre with the exception of horror. I enjoy the art house/Independent/Foreign films just as much as I do The Avengers.

To assume otherwise is foolish.

Rest assured I don't feel that way about any of you specifically. The person I speak of no longer gets these reviews. I don't need the support or lack there of of someone who feels my opinions don't matter because they don't mirror their own.

The point of this rant is to illustrate that although I may venture out and see the dumbest thing put on film. I will also give my brain a chance to recover and see something that goes way beyond just a trip to the movies. This is where YOU come in. As knowledgeable I may appear to you guys. And I do know my stuff. =). I'm not on top of every single film that's released every year. Every once in a while one of you, my beloved and most cherished fans will point me in the direction of a film that you feel I should see, review or would like. This was one of those times and I couldn't be happier that it happened.

If it hadn't I would have missed out on one of the BEST films of the year to date.

Plot

After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caretaker. 

There are several words I love to repeat in my reviews. Masterfully, narrative, tinseltown are just a couple. A word I rarely use is masterpiece. I reserve that for a film that touches me on levels that I don't normally experience or expect to experience.

The Intouchables is a bonafide MASTERPIECE!

This film takes you on a ride from the first frame and doesn't stop until you walk out of the theater. The best part about it is that despite the been there done that storyline, there's a freshness to it that gives it a punch. The biggest reason for that is that it's based on a true story. There are many liberties taken with some of the characters and their plot lines. That doesn't matter in the slightest because you buy in from minute one.

This is made possible by the performances of the main players. Philippe and Driss are a living yin yang. One man is filthy rich but can't feel anything below the neck. The other comes from a poor neighborhood. Tries to support his family by getting and staying on government assistance and is in top physical shape. I won't bother getting into the race dynamic between the two. The relationship between Philippe and Driss starts off in the way you would expect it to. Driss isn't there to get the job. He doesn't want the job but Philippe wants him to be his care taker. Now normally in a film like this, you would get the awkward tension and reluctance from Driss to do what is required of him. Or you would get the ornery bastard angle from Philippe. This is exactly what I expected.

I was wrong. Way wrong. The movie goes another way and it's succeeds.

Both men learn from each other's cultural differences and it creates a bond between them that only they see. Philippe doesn't care that Driss is black or from the "hood". All he cares about is that he can do the job while injecting some "life" into his lifeless body. Driss doesn't judge Philippe for being a cripple or insanely wealthy. He accepts his new job and new life while trying to maintain his family life on the outside. The personalities between the two would seem to clash on the surface but instead the writers give both men the freedom to accept who they are and embrace it. This is what makes this film shine. If you didn't know it, you would have thought these two were friends for 50 years.

Once again, this isn't possible without the performances of Omar Sy as Driss and François Cluzet as Philippe.

The Intouchables will get a lot of publicity thanks to Sy's work as Driss. Sy plays Driss with a strength that flows throughout every scene. From his eyes to his physical mannerisms. Sy nails it. This film will be known for Driss and his character but Cluzet's performance can not and should not be overlooked. Philippe is just as important to The Intouchables as Driss is. Not because he plays the quadriplegic that Driss has to care for but because he balances Driss out during the film. There's a serious culture clash between these men and each of them share a bit of that with the other. Philippe takes Driss to an art gallery to by a painting, Driss plays Earth, Wind and Fire for Philippe. Philippe take Driss to the opera, Driss teaches Philippe to be tougher on his disrespectful daughter. It's a wonderful give and take they have with each other that changes each man's life.

Philippe shows Driss that you can survive any situation life gives you no matter how dire it may seem. Driss shows Philippe it's OK to LIVE again.

JUST BRILLIANT!

All of this being said. The Intouchables isn't a perfect film. There were a couple of flaws but you know what....I DON'T CARE! This film was an experience that touched me on a level that very few films have.  I will remember this movie for a very long time. I'm so glad I was told about it and now it's my job to tell you to SEE THIS MOVIE!

On the 5 star scale. The Intouchables gets the full house 5 stars with a scream from the rooftops "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

Since this is not a big release you may have to do some searching for an art house or independent theater to catch this. Trust me....You will be glad you did.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is The Master.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"

Lawless

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!



Today's review is Lawless.



Directed by John Hillcoat.

Written by Nick Cave.



Based on the novel "The Wettest County in the World" written by Matt Bondurant.

Review #172

MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, language and some sexuality/nudity.

Run Time: 116 min

Cast

Shia LaBeouf ... Jack Bondurant

Tom Hardy ... Forrest Bondurant

Jason Clarke ... Howard Bondurant

Guy Pearce ... Charlie Rakes

Jessica Chastain ... Maggie Beauford

Mia Wasikowska ... Bertha Minnix

Dane DeHaan ... Cricket Pate

Chris McGarry ... Danny

Tim Tolin ... Mason Wardell

Gary Oldman ... Floyd Banner

Gangster and prohibition stories have been out for as long as I can remember. Good gangster and prohibition stories are another matter entirely. The gold standard story could arguably be HBO's Boardwalk Empire. I find it hard to find another that rivals the drama and action of that point of history.

Until now.

Plot

Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a bootlegging gang is threatened by a new deputy and other authorities who want a cut of their profits. 

This movie can be best described in two words. Tom Hardy. This guy is on a serious roll. His portrayal of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises may have given him some tinseltown clout, but his name has been around way before that. Since his small role as Clarkie in Layer Cake. Hardy has put together a very impressive filmography on both the big and small screen. The man is more than an actor. He's a performer. He can say more with a look than most can when spitting out page after page of dialogue.

I almost put him on Denzel's turf.

Am I saying that Hardy is on the same plane as Washington? Of course not. What I am saying is that Hardy has this uncanny ability to get his point across without saying a single word. This is an ability patented by Denzel. Watch any movie he's in and study his facial expressions. Washington's eyes can peer straight into your soul and tell you what's going on in his head. Best example is American Gangster. He plays Frank Lucas with a stoicism that is unrivaled in a film of that genre. Hardy did that masterfully as Bane. He had no choice with the mask on but that's besides the point. He does that again here as Forrest.

As the leader of the Bondurant moonshine business, his character carries a legend that precedes his nature and demeanor. He also carries quite a punch as well. It was obvious that he filmed this movie right after The Dark Knight Rises because his hulking frame was still visible. Whether it was intentional to keep Hardy built up or not doesn't change the fact that his look and portrayal of Forrest was effective. The man spoke softly but carried a big ass stick. Hardy drove fear into the hearts of anyone who dared to oppose him. Including his brothers. There are two specific scenes that illustrate that to a tee.

I would love to get deeper into what they were but as you know....I don't/can't do that.

Bottom line is that Hardy's performance is the driving force of this film that it loaded with fine performances by a very star studded cast. Coming in second is Guy Pearce as Rakes. He's such a vile man that you can't wait for his comeuppance. You know it's coming but you can't sit still until it happens. He was a great antagonist to the brothers and the other moonshiner's in the county he raids. Finally, Shia LeBeouf rounds out the crew. Playing the runt of the litter as Rakes puts it in the film. Jack has this deer in the headlights disposition. Yet a drive and desire to be part of the family business in a more hands on capacity. LaBeaouf plays that dynamic with just the right amount of balance between gangster wannabe and lightweight coward. The one thing he shows off in spades is his loyalty to his big brother. Forrest was a role model to Jack and all he wanted was to be like him.

The rest of the cast was more than fine in this movie. The problem is that some of their importance to the overall story was not very weight bearing in the big picture. The biggest example is Gary Oldman's Floyd Banner. At first glance it seemed that his character was going to play a major role in the film when in reality he was just passing through. Literally and figuratively. It's a shame because Oldman is such a talented actor. He just felt like a throwaway and Oldman is not a throwaway type. There was a surprise though. Dane DeHaan's performance as Cricket could be argued as one of the best in the film. It's by far the sleeper one of the entire film.

Cricket's character aside, Oldman's lack of depth in this film is what gives Lawless it's biggest problem overall. While the secondary characters all played a role in the story. There were instances while watching that I felt they weren't needed at all. You'll know who I mean when you see it. Because of their involvement, Lawless has a slight feel of draggy-ness. It's subtle but evident if you're playing close enough attention. This is a small nitpick to an otherwise very good film that featured some fine performances. Highlighted by Tom Hardy.

This dude is no joke.

On the 5 star scale. Lawless gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is The Intouchables.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"

ParaNorman

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!



Today's review is ParaNorman.



Directed by Chris Butler & Sam Fell.

Written by Chris Butler.



Review #171

MPAA Rating: PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language.

Run Time: 92 min

Cast

Kodi Smit-McPhee ...Norman Babcock (voice)

Tucker Albrizzi ...Neil (voice)

Anna Kendrick ...Courtney (voice)

Casey Affleck ...Mitch (voice)

Christopher Mintz-Plasse ...Alvin (voice)

Leslie Mann ...Sandra Babcock (voice)

Jeff Garlin ...Perry Babcock (voice)

Elaine Stritch ...Grandma (voice)

Bernard Hill ...The Judge (voice)

Jodelle Ferland ...Aggie (voice)

Tempestt Bledsoe ...Sheriff Hooper (voice)

Alex Borstein ...Mrs. Henscher (voice)

John Goodman ...Mr. Prenderghast (voice)


Stop motion animation is a lost art. The amount of effort it takes to animate and film a 5 second shot literally takes hours. It's a form of animation that demands your attention and respect. Thanks to the computer. Stop motion films are a little easier to make but they are still a dying breed. They are however not going down without a fight. Over the last couple of years some fantastic stop motion films have come out. Coraline, The Fantastic Mr. Fox (my personal favorite) and now ParaNorman. The previous two films I mentioned gave the big studio CGI films a run for their money come Oscar time.

Does ParaNorman have what it takes to be part of the team?

Yes. But just barely.

Plot

A misunderstood boy, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

This film is a tale of 2 different halves. The first half deals with Norman's acceptance of his gift to see and speak to the dead. While the rest of the town he lives him refuses to see him as a normal person. His family are included in this group. Norman is bullied and ridiculed at school and has no friends. Later on the film kicks into gear with Norman's true purpose and it's at this point where the movie goes a little sideways. There's a feel of jumble with the narrative that bogs down the experience. Some of the characters are a little too cartoony which also takes away some of the shine the first half of the film develops.

ParaNorman gets saved by the end. Mostly due to the overall message it carries. It's presented in such a powerful way that the emotions are carried all the way through to the end credits. The film gets a little darker in tone. That's mostly because of who Norman deals with at the end. It was a different way too approach the final moments of an animated film that for the most part was meant to be comedic in nature. I enjoyed how the film ends and the message it offered to the audience. It was a touching way too look at a part of life we all dealt with in one form or another.

As always with stop motion films. The animation is first rate. The film is very colorful and sweeping at times. It almost gives the look of a full blown CGI film. Top notch. The voice acting is pretty standard. Very little altering of the actors voices are employed here. It was a little disappointing since the character designs were so off the wall. You would have expected some odder sounding voices.

The only other issue I had with this film was the release time. Late August seems like a really weird time to showcase a film that screams (no pun intended) October time. This poor choice has no doubt hurt it's box office draw. It's a shame too because ParaNorman is a solid film that deserved a better display that what it's getting.

On the 5 star scale. ParaNorman gets 3 stars. With a "Go See It!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is Lawless.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"