I can't respect a film that hires on talent and still comes up with something so vanilla. I've never read one of Lee Child's books, but I don't think I need to in order to enjoy a film like this. I enjoyed the first one immensely. From the opening scene, which is the bar scene we get to see in the trailer, the writing is just so bad. Jack Reacher is constantly spitting out one-liners that just don't hit the eat correctly, some even cringe-worthy. There are two plot lines at play here. One involving Cobie Smulders and the other involving Danika Yarosh. The Dankia plotline was an absolute mess. I don't know why they felt the need to add this because in the end it doesn't pay off and you don't care. The movie is completely devoid of emotion. The villains are a company of innumerable soldiers with unlimited funding (even though the movie mentions they lost billions prior to when the movie begins).
The fact that the first film was good just makes this failure so much worse. The seem to have a good central character that works (books sales say that much). I hope the novels don't actually have Reacher saying the cliched lines he has here. The direction was just competent. There was nothing special. No style. Just...vanilla? I think by the end of this film I understand Jack Reacher even less. If this is what they are going to do with the character then they should have stopped after the first one.
Monday, October 31, 2016
The Short Opinion: Session 9 (2001)
I almost appreciate what Brad Anderson was going for here. The plot line is very well laid out. You might have some ideas where it is going and you might actually be right. To mention the movies like this one will ruin the twist so I will stay away from that. The characters are all good in my opinion. They are simple. You know what drives them and you probably wouldn't want to hang around with any of them. They are also acted very well. I don't think any of the actor actually did a bad job. It is always good to visit an old mental institution in films. This venue has been used many times over, but it works here. The title of the film refers to a stack of tapes of recorded therapy sessions with a patient that has multiple personalities. Here is where the film can't decide where it wants to go. The tapes are actually very well done and do have a creepy vibe to them, but in the end the tapes have little to do with the movie.
It is 2016 (as I write this) and we have seen this movie be done in better ways. I will say this: it is one of those movies where you should be able to look back and say "oh yeah, it was there the whole time" except it wasn't there. The movie doesn't give you enough. At times it even goes out of its way to show you things that shouldn't be possible in order to sell the twist. By the end, the logic isn't solid and the movie suffers.
Monday, June 27, 2016
My "How Did This Get Made" Journey
OK, I love the podcast How Did This Get Made? (HDTGM). They go through and the really tear movies down for their flaws and it really is hilarious. I have currently seen 61 movies out of the 134 they have done. So I am spending a lot of time trying to catch up on all of the 134 movies. They generally come out with a new episode each week so I have my work cut of for me. To sum up, a lot of my days are being spent watching BAD movies. Some of these are VERY BAD while some are actually VERY GOOD. Also, while going through this adventure, I stumbled upon the worst movie I have ever seen.
Introduction of The Short Opinion
I don't always have time to write long, full-bodied reviews. That is why I am introducing The Short Opinion. These reviews will be concise and sum up the film in a quick manner that will allow even bad movies to get some mention. This will take the pressure off of feeling the need to put those long reviews together and allow more content to make its way here. I hope you guys enjoy!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Lets start this review off properly. I am a 29 year old male. I read all three of the Fifty Shades books. I liked the story and some of the plot lines. The writing was not that good. I ended up skipping through most of the sex scenes during the end of the second book and most of the third book as well. Yes, I know this is not a true depiction of BDSM. No, I don't think this is about an abusive relationship without love. OK...are we ready.
The movie follows the book fairly closely. We saw this happen recently with 2014's Gone Girl where the movie is following very closely with the prose. The casting was a long and drawn out process with fans getting too involved and too upset about something they know nothing about. REMINDER: just because someone looks like a character in your head, doesn't mean they are qualified to play them in a movie. People make a lot of money to make this decision, if you were good at it, you would be in that select group.
The plot is very basic and very overdone in cinema, but we have to rehash it anyways. College senior Anastasia Steele, played by Don Johnson and Melanie Griffiths daughter Dakota Johnson, has to step in and interview twenty-something millionaire Christian Grey, played by Jamie Dornan. She is in awe of him and he seems to change his demeanor around her as well. The interview is a disaster on the surface, but it opens the door for the rest of the plot to unravel. Ana runs into Christian again while working at the hardware store. Again, there are looks and glances that are meant to make the audience swoon. The main joke during this time is Ana's fumbling over her words, but don't expect anything different from these moments than any other movie. Christian takes an interest in Ana and Ana is more than interested in him. She ends up in his hotel room under less than desirable circumstances and from here on they are together most of their days and nights. He needs her to sign a non-disclosure agreement before the relationship and officially begin and he also wants to show her his "playroom". This is the moment where the audience gets to see the fully-realized Red Room of Pain and it is basically what we all thought it was going to be, unless you are terrible clueless and then maybe you connect with Ana more than most of us do since not only is she new to being a submissive to a dominant, she is also new to sex in general. Thus begins her steep decline into the lifestyle of a Christian Grey submissive...except not quite. She isn't sure about this dynamic. She wants more and he doesn't do more. How will this twisted love affair end?!
The most glaring issue with this movie is Jamie Dornan. He isn't Christian Grey. I'm not sure if this is his acting ability, the bad dialogue he was given, or a combination. This is frustrating because Dakota Johnson is Anastasia Steele. She is perfect for this role and I don't see anybody else in the role now that she has owned it so well. The series needs to move forward with Jamie in the the role and we all have to accept that because switching actors is not an option. We can only hope he improves on his next opportunity. I'm sure most of you have already heard that there are certain scenes and "toys" that were not featured in the movie and I don't agree with all of them. The movie hardly gets to show the darker side, and sometimes more fun side, of this life and it is very light on the BDSM. I understand that more of this comes in the next film, but it really seemed like they shied away from the reality of the Red Room.
Since I have given a lot of things that didn't work, here is what does work: the soundtrack. The music is so well done that some of the issues can be forgiven. The music for the ride in Charlie Tango to the music during the gliding sequence and every other song is just so well done. I've always been a believer that the right music can elevate a movie and this is a perfect example.
In closing, I will say that this: if you read the books, you know what to expect, but pull that back a little. There are scenes missing and there is nothing you can do about it. When this movie was in rating limbo at the hands of the MPAA, I was one of the people hoping for a NC-17 rating. Why not? You might has well go for broke and show everything you can. The revenue won't change. Fans were going to see it regardless.
Now, remember how the book ended. You do? Good. The movie ends the same way and if I hadn't read the books, I'd be pissed. The viewers will feel like they sat through a two hour movie for nothing. Maybe they did. I didn't. I really needed to see how this movie poured out onto a screen and I'm glad I did. It isn't perfect, but I have hope for what comes next. It won't be the worst movie of 2015 and it will be far from the best, but fans will hang on every frame and why not? It is always fun to see the book you have read play out in front of you and whips and chains won't hurt you in the theater.
The movie follows the book fairly closely. We saw this happen recently with 2014's Gone Girl where the movie is following very closely with the prose. The casting was a long and drawn out process with fans getting too involved and too upset about something they know nothing about. REMINDER: just because someone looks like a character in your head, doesn't mean they are qualified to play them in a movie. People make a lot of money to make this decision, if you were good at it, you would be in that select group.
The plot is very basic and very overdone in cinema, but we have to rehash it anyways. College senior Anastasia Steele, played by Don Johnson and Melanie Griffiths daughter Dakota Johnson, has to step in and interview twenty-something millionaire Christian Grey, played by Jamie Dornan. She is in awe of him and he seems to change his demeanor around her as well. The interview is a disaster on the surface, but it opens the door for the rest of the plot to unravel. Ana runs into Christian again while working at the hardware store. Again, there are looks and glances that are meant to make the audience swoon. The main joke during this time is Ana's fumbling over her words, but don't expect anything different from these moments than any other movie. Christian takes an interest in Ana and Ana is more than interested in him. She ends up in his hotel room under less than desirable circumstances and from here on they are together most of their days and nights. He needs her to sign a non-disclosure agreement before the relationship and officially begin and he also wants to show her his "playroom". This is the moment where the audience gets to see the fully-realized Red Room of Pain and it is basically what we all thought it was going to be, unless you are terrible clueless and then maybe you connect with Ana more than most of us do since not only is she new to being a submissive to a dominant, she is also new to sex in general. Thus begins her steep decline into the lifestyle of a Christian Grey submissive...except not quite. She isn't sure about this dynamic. She wants more and he doesn't do more. How will this twisted love affair end?!
The most glaring issue with this movie is Jamie Dornan. He isn't Christian Grey. I'm not sure if this is his acting ability, the bad dialogue he was given, or a combination. This is frustrating because Dakota Johnson is Anastasia Steele. She is perfect for this role and I don't see anybody else in the role now that she has owned it so well. The series needs to move forward with Jamie in the the role and we all have to accept that because switching actors is not an option. We can only hope he improves on his next opportunity. I'm sure most of you have already heard that there are certain scenes and "toys" that were not featured in the movie and I don't agree with all of them. The movie hardly gets to show the darker side, and sometimes more fun side, of this life and it is very light on the BDSM. I understand that more of this comes in the next film, but it really seemed like they shied away from the reality of the Red Room.
Since I have given a lot of things that didn't work, here is what does work: the soundtrack. The music is so well done that some of the issues can be forgiven. The music for the ride in Charlie Tango to the music during the gliding sequence and every other song is just so well done. I've always been a believer that the right music can elevate a movie and this is a perfect example.
In closing, I will say that this: if you read the books, you know what to expect, but pull that back a little. There are scenes missing and there is nothing you can do about it. When this movie was in rating limbo at the hands of the MPAA, I was one of the people hoping for a NC-17 rating. Why not? You might has well go for broke and show everything you can. The revenue won't change. Fans were going to see it regardless.
Now, remember how the book ended. You do? Good. The movie ends the same way and if I hadn't read the books, I'd be pissed. The viewers will feel like they sat through a two hour movie for nothing. Maybe they did. I didn't. I really needed to see how this movie poured out onto a screen and I'm glad I did. It isn't perfect, but I have hope for what comes next. It won't be the worst movie of 2015 and it will be far from the best, but fans will hang on every frame and why not? It is always fun to see the book you have read play out in front of you and whips and chains won't hurt you in the theater.
This Is Where I Leave You (2014)
I'm not entirely sure that 4/5 stars for this movie is fair. It might be closer to 4.5/5. There very little that doesn't work in this movie. The plot is simple and the cast is rather star-studded for the basic plot line. My favorites of this cast include Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Dax Shepard, and Adam Driver. I might be biased, but Adam Driver stole the show for me. He plays the youngest of the siblings that have been thrown together. The story revolves around the death of a father. His kids are played by Corey Stoll, Bateman, Fey, and Driver and they all work in this movie. His widow is played by Jane Fonda who is serviceable as the "suspiciously" keeping it together Mom. Jane Fonda tells her children that their Father's last wish was for them to participate in Shiva, the Jewish mourning and remembrance period. No one really wants to take part in this, but they are given no choice since this was the Father's last wish and their Mother is not letting them off the hook. Each day that goes by brings more drama and more story to go along with it. The world is full of dysfunctional families, and some maybe even have this group beat, but you can't deny that you can relate to one of these characters. There are cliched moments, so be ready for those, but in the end this film works for me.
I'm well aware that this film does have some hatred, but it worked for me and some others so maybe you will get something out of it. If nothing else, you will know what Shiva is and how it works.
I'm well aware that this film does have some hatred, but it worked for me and some others so maybe you will get something out of it. If nothing else, you will know what Shiva is and how it works.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Her (2013) Review
If you think the idea if falling in love with a computer, or more specifically, an Operating System (OS) is ridiculous then Her might change your mind. I love how realistic this situation feels in the film. Presented with the same scenario, can we all be so sure that it couldn't happen to us?
If you are reading this blog, then I am assuming that you know the plot of Her. Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a separated (nearly divorced) man whose job is to "write" handwritten letters for people around the world. After seeing advertisements for a new operating system, OS1, Theodore decides to purchase it and install OS1 on his computer. This install will stretch to his phone as well. Yes...the future must be nice! After the install, he is introduced to Samantha, the new OS. It is worth noting that Samantha is voiced by Scarlett Johansson who almost deserves a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She gives an amazing performance and never appears on-screen. The connection Theodore and Samantha share is instant. Theodore's social life, or lack of, lends itself perfectly to an empty space for someone or something to fill. Her personality is very fun and Theodore immediately views her as a friend. It isn't long that this relationship turns into a romantic relationship and it seems only natural. This OS reads his e-mails, manages his calendars and knows his list of friends and contacts. She is fully submersed in his life by way of the camera on his phone. He walks around and keeps the phone in his shirt pocket and sticking out the top so she can see everything he sees. I think this is the real reason why this relationship seems so real. For all intents and purpose she is there with him. Together they commentate on these day to day happenings and these moments cause them to grow close to each other. From here the relationship has its common problems such as the end of the honeymoon phase and jealousy issues from both sides. When these instances happen, you feel like Theodore isn't crazy. You feel the jealousy just as he or Samantha does.
Don't expect me to tell you how this ends, but there some people who will read into the final shot and say "well, obviously the next thing that will happen is..." I am one of the people who will just say "it would be nice if 'this' happened next." Amy Adams has a small role, but the movie needs her to work. Her presence is just enough to give the movie another view to look in from. Like I stated above, watch this film and ask yourself if you were in Theodore's shoes, could you keep Samantha at a distance?
If you are reading this blog, then I am assuming that you know the plot of Her. Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a separated (nearly divorced) man whose job is to "write" handwritten letters for people around the world. After seeing advertisements for a new operating system, OS1, Theodore decides to purchase it and install OS1 on his computer. This install will stretch to his phone as well. Yes...the future must be nice! After the install, he is introduced to Samantha, the new OS. It is worth noting that Samantha is voiced by Scarlett Johansson who almost deserves a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She gives an amazing performance and never appears on-screen. The connection Theodore and Samantha share is instant. Theodore's social life, or lack of, lends itself perfectly to an empty space for someone or something to fill. Her personality is very fun and Theodore immediately views her as a friend. It isn't long that this relationship turns into a romantic relationship and it seems only natural. This OS reads his e-mails, manages his calendars and knows his list of friends and contacts. She is fully submersed in his life by way of the camera on his phone. He walks around and keeps the phone in his shirt pocket and sticking out the top so she can see everything he sees. I think this is the real reason why this relationship seems so real. For all intents and purpose she is there with him. Together they commentate on these day to day happenings and these moments cause them to grow close to each other. From here the relationship has its common problems such as the end of the honeymoon phase and jealousy issues from both sides. When these instances happen, you feel like Theodore isn't crazy. You feel the jealousy just as he or Samantha does.
Don't expect me to tell you how this ends, but there some people who will read into the final shot and say "well, obviously the next thing that will happen is..." I am one of the people who will just say "it would be nice if 'this' happened next." Amy Adams has a small role, but the movie needs her to work. Her presence is just enough to give the movie another view to look in from. Like I stated above, watch this film and ask yourself if you were in Theodore's shoes, could you keep Samantha at a distance?
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