Gravity

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Medical engineer, Ryan Stone, is on a mission to repair the space shuttle STS-157. A cloud of debris strikes, leaving Ryan stone and astronaut Matt Kowalski adrift in space.

This film was directed by Alfonso Cuaron. I did not see this film in 3-D. The story for this film is very simple and is almost non-existent. The story is more of a reminder that disasters can still happen out in space. The film itself does reference several other popular science fiction films. It is made purely as a science fiction survival story. There is enough explained about the two primary characters to create an understanding of them. What drives this film to its success is its impressive visual effects. Viewing the open vastness of space and the distant images of Earth are stunning on screen. It gives the impression of watching a high definition documentary about the orbit of the planet. There is plenty of great visual imagery to further express the characters fears. For the most part the film is scientifically accurate, but there are several exaggerations to further the plot. If you are sensitive to motion then be careful. To give the feel of desperation and reality, the camera is constantly moving. It never remains still for more than a few seconds at a time. Sandra Bullock played the role of Ryan Stone. She really pulled more out of herself for this film. She offered a very vulnerable character. George Clooney played the role of Matt Kowalski. He offered the film its sense of tranquility. Only when he's off screen does the situation feel overwhelmingly bleak.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! For its visuals alone it is a great film. There is enough to piece together a story, but not enough to really drive the film.

Answer to last blog: Actor Tony Chiu Wai Leung and director Kar Wai, The Grandmaster, did not work together on the film End of the Road.

Que: What other film did director Alfonso Cuaron direct?

The Indian in the Cupboard
A Little Princess
Jumanji
Apollo 13

The Grandmaster (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film is based of the life story of the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man. This film follows the life story of martial artist Ip Man from the 1930's to the 1950's. Ip Man becomes an heir for Southern China's martial arts style. His life is challenged during the second Sino-Japanese War in 1938. Ip Man watches as the world of traditional martial arts is dying.

This film was directed by Kar Wai Wong. Firstly, this film has three variations. There is one for Americans, for the Chinese, and one for a film festival. Secondly, this film is not about Bruce Lee. The fact that Ip Man trained him is only for a promotional tool. The story of this film is perfect for Kung Fu action, but not for a historical biography. This film assumes that its audiences knows a lot of Chinese history and martial arts history. The characters and the story are told solely through its action. The Kung Fu presented in the film is a more realistic and more ethereal version of the fighting style. It also presents many of its philosophies. This film feels like watching an extended dream. As the film progress' there is a sense of the changing of times. It goes from feeling like Ancient or Imperialistic China to becoming Modern China. The two main characters, Ip Man and Gong Er, are great to watch on screen. However, the secondary characters feel highly unimportant. Tony Chiu Wai Leung played the role of Ip Man. His entire character was revealed through his fighting sequences and nothing else. Ziyi Zhang played the role of Gong Er. In truth, through her performance and the story, she feels more like the central character. True, she was a heavy influence in Ip Man's life, but she out stages Leung every time she is on screen. 

 I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great martial arts film even if it lacks a full focus. It is a great film to re-create the genre of martial arts films.

Answer to last blog: Actor Roger Allam voiced the character Death in The Book Thief. 

Que: What film did actor Tony Chiu Wai Leung and director Kar Wai Wong not work together on?

2046

In the Mood for Love

End of the Road

Happy Together

The Book Thief

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film is based off the novel, of the same name, written by Markus Zusak. Liesel Meminger is taken to a new family and a new home in Germany during World War II. Liesel learns to read from her adoptive father, and finds comfort in stealing books. 

This film is directed by Brian Percival. Having not read the novel, I can not say how truthful the film is. The story of this film is very heartfelt and saddening. It takes the war era and gives it a wishful tone. This film contains all the fears that were experienced in Nazi Germany without making the full focus of the story. It keeps the horrors as secret; which makes the story more believable since it comes from a German child's perspective. The film does present a chilling view of how the Nazi's wanted to brainwash children to make them fight for their government. The film does keep a respectful image to those who had suffered during this time. The film is narrated by Death. Admittedly, in the opening Death reminded me of narrator for Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Sophie Nelisse played the role of Liesel Meminger. She made her introverted character very likable. She was also able to convey a lot of emotion on screen. Unfortunately, they were unable to age her character well during the course of the film. Geoffrey Rush played the role of Hans Hubermann. He gave the film a child like spark, and light humor. Emily Watson played the role of Rosa Hubermann. She did great opposing Rush. It was easy to see her heart while she tried to be bitter. Ben Schnetzer played the role of Max Vandenburg. He did great in presenting the film's hidden darkness.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great dark family film that tells about an era. It also shows that courage can exist in many forms.

Answer to last blog: Actress Rinko Kikuchi, 47 Ronin, also starred in the film Brother's Blomm.

Que: Who was the narrator, or the voice of Death, in this film?

Stephen Fry

Geoffrey Holder

Roger Allam 

Ricky Gervais

47 Ronin

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This is the fictional account of the forty-seven Ronin. In 18th century Japan, a group of Ronin (masterless Samurai) decide to avenge their fallen master despite the rules of the supreme leader. They invoke the help of Kai, who is a half-breed servant found in the Tengu Forest.

This film was directed by Carl Rinsch. This film has an interesting story that revolves mainly around the supernatural. It relies more on the supernatural aspects of the story, and does present any great fighting sequences. The story follows Kai who discovers his powers while trying to fit into society. This film has a very unfortunate ending that audiences might not be expecting. Unfortunately, this film presents a dark image for the ancient Japanese culture. Presenting them as racist and unforgiving. The computer animated monster were great. It might have been over done, but it looked nice on screen. The Tengu look very strange in the film. The effects for the witch are creepy to watch. The acting for the film was often over the top. Keanu Reeves played the role of Kai. He remained very emotionless on screen. His fighting sequences were the only moments that made his character appear alive. Hiroyuki Sanada played the role of Oishi. Unfortunately, the film does not make him the main hero of this film. However, he is good on screen giving the film a breath of life. Rinko Kikuchi played the role of the Witch. She was too over the top in her acting. She was so over the top she almost becomes unbelievable. Tadanobu Asano played the role of Lord Kira. He should have been the primary villain, but was not given much screen time. When he does appear, he is cheesy. Ko Shibasaki played the role of Mika. Her character remains flat. It is hard to see why people would risk their lives for her.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It is a fun computer animated film, but with poor acting and little fighting it falls flat.

Answer to last blog: Actress Margot Robbie, The Wolf of Wall Street, starred in the film About Time.

Que: What other film did actress Rinko Kikuchi star in?

Brother's Bloom

Cloverfield

Kung Fu Panda

The Reader

The Wolf of Wall Street

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This is based off the true story of Jordan Belfrot's memoir. Jordan Belfort becomes a New York stockbroker in 1990's. He commits several acts of securities fraud and Wall Street corruption to rise in wealth. While living the high life he becomes a drug addict and an alcoholic. The government begins following his paper trail and attempts to stop him.

This film was directed by Martin Scorsese. It might not be an obvious showcase, but this film presents the disgrace of modern Wall Street. This 180 minute film, creates a highly disrespectful image to stockbrokers in New York. This film story is meant to be a biography of a criminal stock broker, but winds up being a story about a man addicted to wealth and drugs. It had been argued that it glorifies a lifestyle, but it doesn't. It shows more how this lifestyle creates a downfall, because there is no control. There is no time spent on explaining the crimes he committed. There is also nothing to show how these crimes affected the people involved. In truth, it makes the crime seem small and irrelevant when they weren't. This film isn't as serious as it was marketed. It comes out for idiotic comedy than satirical. The characters live with a delusion that they are important. There is also is no development or maturity to these characters. Leonardo DiCaprio played the role of Jordan Belfort. He was great to watch on screen, but was unable to make this character likable. Jonah Hill played the role of Donnie Azoff. He did great in his role-even if the character was even more disliked than Belfort. He did bring a new level to his acting ability. Margot Robbie played the role of Naomi Lapaglia. She made to be nothing more than a beautiful image on screen.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! For all its downfalls, it succeeds at its intended purpose. 

Answer to last blog: Director Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, directed the film You, Me, and Dupree.

Que: What other film has actress Margot Robbie starred in?

American Hustle

About Time

Man of Steel

Dallas Buyers Club

Captain America: Winter Soldier

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This film is based off the Marvel comic character Captain America, and is a sequel to the film Captain America: The First Avenger, and is, in part, a sequel to the film The Avengers. Steve Rogers struggles finding a new role in society after being awoken from the ice. Nick Fury seeks help from Steve, because is unable to trust S.H.E.I.L.D. This forces Steve and Black Widow to make discoveries about the corporation they worked for.

This film was direct by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. This has a much bigger story because it follows a bigger scope. The story plays into the recent dilemma's facing America. It primarily presents the idea of eliminating threats before they happen, being constantly under surveillance, and the willing loss of freedom. This darker chapter into the franchise, also builds on the character development from previous films. It is great watching the conflict of a man from the past being forced into the future. The story has a lot of surprises for those who do not read the comics. The story is also told through fast paced action that audiences can enjoy. This film does try a little to hard to create a connection between the other two previous films (Avengers and The First Avenger), but it does work out. This film is a great political spy action film. There are some great special effects, but they are limited. There is a guaranteed sequel for this film. For nerds, this film does tie into the show Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D., but only through the show. There are also two bonus endings, one in the middle of the credits and one at the very end. Chris Evans returns to the role of Steve Rogers/Captain America. It was great watching his character develop on screen. He was able to present the impact of coming back to life while keeping his character familiar. Scarlett Johansson returns to the role of Black Widow. She was also great to watch on screen, because she knows the character and can build on it. Although, her voice seems to deepen with each film. Sebastian Stan plays the role of Winter Soldier. For the limited time on screen, he was great. He created the sympathetic villain. Samuel L. Jackson returns to the role of Nick Fury. He was good in recreating a familiar character. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great addition to the popular film franchise. 

Answer to last blog: Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave, starred in the film 2012.

Que: What other film has directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo directed?

The Departed

You, Me, and Dupree

The Da Vinci Code

Little Miss Sunshine