Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Riggan Thomson is a washed-up actor seeking another chance at fame by recreating a Raymond Carver piece into a stage production. However, facing another potential failure Riggan is confronted by his alter ego (which happens to be the Birdman superhero character that he's famous for portraying). 

This film was directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu). Upon hearing all the praise that this received from critics and its awards, my curiosity was piqued. The concept and comedy is very simple, but the interlacing layers created within the story is very complex. There is a lot of symbolism used to further project everything the character's are unable to say; such as the main character's abilities. Although I enjoyed how the film presented his powers as being either real or imaginable depending on what audiences want to believe. The comedy comes from the characters over the top reactions to various situations. So, the film becomes more of a fantastical drama than anything else. Naturally this view changes from viewer to viewer. The story also pokes as much fun of serious actors as it does serious critics. In many aspects its an overall joke on the entertainment industry and all those involved. The choice of cinematography was great for this film. It not only made the film feel like a stage production, but it also made you feel like the silent observer. Michael Keaton played the role of Riggan Thomson. This was a somewhat ironic character for him to play. Anyway, he was perfect in the role. Creating the failed actor that you hate and feel sympathetic for. Emma Stone played the role of Sam (Samantha) Thomson. She was a great supporting actress for Keaton. Edward Norton played the role of Mike Shiner. He gave the film most of its comedy. Naomi Watts played the role of Lesley Truman. She gave the film its drama. Both were also great at supporting Keaton.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a well written comedic drama, even with its strange premise, but then most films about insane artists are.  

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Rene Russo, Nightcrawler, stared in the superhero film Thor.

Que: Which of these actors was not in a superhero film?

Micheal Keaton

Emma Stone

Edward Norton

Naomi Watts

Nightcralwer (2014)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Lou Bloom, struggling to find money and work decides to become an L.A. crime journalist (nicknamed nighcrawlers). However, Lou wanting to become truly news worthy begins blurring the line between observing and creating a story.

This film was written and directed by Dan Gilroy. This film is a great start for a starting director. I think there is a strong underwritten message in this story that all successful entrepreneurs are sociopaths. It also paints of a gruesome picture of those willing to do anything to attain success and those that are willing to support it for their selfish needs. It is interesting following this character who begins with petty crimes and turns to staging murders. In many ways it feels like an origins story for an unusual serial killer. This look at society, and the effects of it, is only glimpsed at through his camera. Obviously, there are a lot of gruesome images in this film, but there is no sex. The imagery for this film is perfect for the film. It develops a real sense of disbelief. Jake Gyllenhaal played the role of Lou (Louis) Bloom. Watching this character progress with his unexpected manipulation is great. There is a charisma that makes you curious about how far he is willing to go to achieve success. Rene Russo played the role of Nina Romina. She was great at supporting Gyllenhaal in his performance. It is easy to watch her fall for Bloom's ambition.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars!

It can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Ilene Woods voiced the character Cinderella in the 1950 Disney animated film Cinderella.

Que: What superhero film has actress Rene Russo stared in?

Thor

Iron Man

Captain America

The Guardians of the Galaxy

Cinderella (2015)/Frozen Fever (short)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based off the fairytale Cinderella written by Charles Perrault with some borrowed elements from the Brothers Grimm's version. It is also a reboot of the Disney animated film Cinderella. After Ella's father dies, she is forced to become a servant for Lady Tremaine (her stepmother) and her two daughters. She meets a dashing stranger in the woods and discovers that her fortunes are about to change.

This film was directed by Kenneth Branagh. This film, unlike Maleficent, is not a retelling of a familiar story. This film is the exact same story in live action. However, in many ways this film's story has become gloomier and more childish. Instead of just mentioning death, they show it as a part of life. The wicked step mother also becomes more spiteful than before. But, the two step sisters remain as goofy wicked as ever. But, through the step-mother the film shows that not all life is simple and just solved through magic. It is humorous that her kindness is what crushes and saves her. In keeping with the classic animated film, it isn't strong female progressive that people have come to expect. The use of animal animation worked great for this film. The animals were human like without losing their animal qualities. Although, there is still a question as to why a woman would name their cat Lucifer? The magical special effects were also amazing to watch. There is some slight action in this film, but nothing overt. Lily James played the role of Ella/Cinderella. She portrayed innocence and kindness very well. However, much of her performance felt highly scripted. Cate Blanchett played the role of the Lady Tremaine/Stepmother. She was amazing her role. She kept it spiteful but approachable through the seething jealousy. Richard Madden played the role of the Prince Charming/Kit. He plays the silent prince with ease.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! Even though it isn't very original, it is great reliving childhood memories. 

This film is still in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Director James Marsh, The Theory of Everything, directed the film The King.

Que: Who was the voice actress for the 1950 animated Disney film Cinderella?

Mary Costa

Adriana Caselotti

Jodi Benson

Ilene Woods

While the animated re-release of Cinderella featured an animated short from Tangled, this one features an animated short from Frozen. It is interesting that this short also features a full song that's sang by the main characters. It is a very adorable short that will make audiences want a stuffed miniature snowman. It is something that fans of the film will easily enjoy.

I give this short 5 out of 5 stars for cuteness.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Caution: This might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This is based off the memoir Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen written by Jane Wilde Hawking. This film follows the relationship between Stephen Hawking and his wife Jane Hawking through his scientific discoveries and his diagnosis with a neuron disease. 

This film was directed by James Marsh. Okay, this film is very loosely based off the novel that is written from the wife's perspective. So, the film is also shifted to be more a biography about the ex-wife and not the husband. Which is the reason for a lot of the films short comings. Such as the film leading more towards religion and family than science. What little science is used is explained for the average man. However, this film's story offers a new perspective on Stephen Hawking and his disease. This film makes Stephen much more relatable while keeping his known personality intact. It also shows audiences what happens when someone is struggling through this disease and slowly losing their limbs. Fortunately, this story also shows audiences that they can overcome anything to achieve their goals. This film is also an unfortunate love story. Felicity Jones played the role of Jane Hawking. She was great at supporting Redmayne. The story told through her character's eyes is both revealing and charming. Eddie Redmayne played the role of Stephen Hawking. His characters performance was just as amazing as his physical performance. He was able to make fighting the disease, on screen, believable. He also made Hawking likable and real.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great love story that also follows the life struggles of a man. 

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director David Dobkin, The Judge, directed the film The Change-Up.

Que: What other film has director James Marsh directed?

The King

Savage Grace

Flashbacks of a Fool

The Iron Lady

The Judge (2014)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Hank Palmer, a successful lawyer, returns to his hometown for his mother's death. While there his father, a well respected judge, gets into an car accident. When the town suspects that his father murdered someone, Hank agrees to become his father's attorney. This forces the family to confront their pasts. 

This film was directed by David Dobkin. Okay, this film has several of the family drama cliches. It follows the same pattern of small town boy discovers that success isn't as great as making amends with family and former friends. But, in several ways the characters problems feel realistic. There is also much family darkness that remains only ever hinted at. The sincerity that the actors produce makes this film. There are a few great backdrops used in this film such as the restaurant with the waterfall in the background. Robert Downey Jr. played the role of Hank Palmer. Robert plays the familiar character that he performs well. The fast talking anxiety driven male with intelligence. However, he also drives a powerfully emotional performance. Robert Duvall played the role of Joseph Palmer (the judge). Duvall's performance rivals that of Downey's. His prideful character can easily remind audiences of their parents.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It may be the same story that we've seen several times before, but its acting makes the film worth the watch.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Olivia Cooke, Ouija, stars in the television series Bates Motel.

Que: What other film has director David Dobkin directed?

Bridesmaides

The Change-up

Hall Pass

No Strings Attached

Ouija (2014)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based of the popular Hasbro board game with the same title. After the death of her friend, Elaine Morris decides to use her deceased friend's Ouija board to contact her spirit. Instead, Elaine finds herself resurrection the same dark spirit that her deceased friend resurrected. 

This film was directed by Stiles White. Even though the film went through some major film and story editing, it still fails to provide any real scares. The back story is dark and creepy, but it is presented like what would be expected from a popular horror film. I think the film would've been a lot scarier if you removed the teenagers and focused on the insane family. But, it does work for those audiences who might scare easily. I did enjoy the work they did with the shadows though. The images for the ghost were creepy but familiar. There isn't a lot of gore in this film because its a ghost film, but there is still violence. Also interestingly, there isn't any sex in this film either. Fortunately, it made enough money to produce a sequel. The acting in this film could've been a lot better, but it was done well enough to carry the film. Olivia Cooke played the role of Elaine Morris. Even though she followed her lines much of her acting felt flat. It was passable enough to make feel sympathy for her, but it didn't convey her fear. Sierra Heuermann played the role of Doris Zander. From the moment she first appears on screen she is creepy. Claudia Katz played the role of Mother (Zander). She fairly frightening in her own right, but doesn't spend enough time on screen to make much of an impact. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has a great basis for a truly frightening horror film, but it fails to deliver any true scares. 

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Pete Ploszek did the motion capture for Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014).

What television show is actress Olivia Cooke from?

Teen Wolf

From Dusk Till Dawn

Bates Motel

Grimm

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This is a reboot to the film series of the same name. April O'Neil is a report desperate to find the story that will change a city ruled by The Foot (evil ninja group). She discovers a group of vigilantes that turn out to be mutated turtles.

This film was directed by Jonathan Liebesman. Okay, this is a film that was made for mass market appeal only. The story hits very familiar notes within modern children comedy/action films. But, the lack of enthusiasm to be a part of this project crushes the film. It particularly didn't help that the cast showed just how little they wanted to be involved. The pacing tends to change from somewhat emotional and dark to goofy kid comedy. Since the story is told from April's perspective there is no differentiation between the child like turtle characters. The poor lines come from the "teenage" turtle that act more like children. The plot is also poorly written but is passable. It just makes an already unbelievable story that much more unbelievable. However, the effects that created the turtles, shredder, and Splinter were perhaps a little to great. Having people in costume looked less creepier on screen. With all of this it is surprising that this film got signed on for roughly three more sequels. Maybe they will do better with the next one. Megan Fox played the role of April O'Neil. She already has a reputation for poor acting, and this film doesn't help. You can tell that she differently didn't want to be anything more than a pretty face on screen. Alan Ritchson, Noel Fisher, and Jeremy Howard played the roles of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello. Johnny Knoxville and Tony Shalhoub voiced the characters Leonardo and Splinter. I'm grouping them together because they are pretty much the same. They were characters made for one liners, and did not go beyond that. William Fichtner played the role of Eric Sacks. Okay, this guy is supposed to be a life long student of Shredder. Shouldn't he have known some karate? He remains that typical pushover villain that you just want to watch die. Tohoru Masamune played the role of Shredder. He was impressively frightening in this film. Unfortunately, their best villain is hardly present.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! This action-comedy film intended for children is lackluster in its delivery.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Min-sik Choi, Lucy, starred in the film Oldboy.

Que: Who was motion capture actor for Leonardo?

Pete Ploszek

Andy Serkis

Danny Woodburn

Johnny Knoxville

Lucy (2014)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Lucy is forced into an illegal drug trading scheme. Through an accident, the drug is released in her body. The drug causes the mind to evolve beyond its average potential. As her brain continues to evolve her body dies. 

This film was directed by Luc Besson. Okay, first off, I would not look to this film for any factual science. In truth, it feels more like a comic origins story more than anything else. However, it plays several familiar notes to other popular action science fiction films. Morgan Freeman's role was to narrate what is happening to Lucy as her brain's functionality increases. Even though this makes the film cheesy, it allows it to spend more time with character development and action. Unfortunately, the action was really unnecessary. Lucy is so powerful, even during the middle of the film, that all her villains should've already been dead. Since she is also so powerful, there isn't a whole lot of thrill for the audience. With all this action happening it takes away from the philosophical messages placed in the film. However, the computer animation used in this film were great to watch on screen. The segments of animal references weren't needed. Scarlett Johansson played the role of Lucy. Scarlett has found her acting cliche in strong female action roles; which isn't an entirely bad deal. Her acting kept this film from falling over the edge, and made you truly feel for the main character. Min-sik Choi played the role of Mr. Jang. He was set-up to be the villain. However, the story didn't allow him to stand out in any real way.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a great action science fiction film. Even if its story can feel obscure.

This film can be found on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director David Fincher, Gone Girl, directed the film Alien 3.

Que: What other film has actor Min-sik Choi stared ?

Ichi the Killer

Oldboy

Audition

Battle Royale