Yearly Archives: 2014

Your Voices: On Tom Cruise

by

45

your-voices

Your Voices is a simple concept created to encourage conversation and opinions between movie lovers. It works like this: I throw out a certain topic. After that I’ll make my case or share my opinions. Then it’s time for Your Voices. Head to the comments section and let fellow readers and moviegoers know your thoughts on the topic for that day!

Cruise

Tom Cruise

The story of Tom Cruise is fascinating to me. At one time he was the most loved and adored movie star in the business. He was a mammoth box office draw and many of his films hold special places in cinema history. But something happened. Over time people’s opinions and reactions to Cruise dampened. Was it the Scientology thing? Was it the Oprah couch-jumping? All of those were certainly low points in his otherwise stellar career but many actors have done worse. Still his decline in popularity is undeniable and (as is evident by his recent film, the wonderful “Edge of Tomorrow”) he isn’t a guaranteed big money-maker.

Personally I still like Cruise a lot and I appreciate the star quality he brings to a film. But I also think he is capable of really good performances as well as some fun big budget action pictures. Perhaps some of my appreciation for Cruise is rooted in nostalgia. I grew up through the 1980s when he rose to the top of the movie star food chain. I loved so many of those movies. But I also really appreciate some of his later work. In a nutshell I can understand some people’s aversion to Tom Cruise. I just don’t necessarily agree with it and I still find myself interested whenever I see his name attached to a movie.

YOUR VOICES: What is your take on Tom Cruise?

Now it’s time for Your Voices. In light of the so-so success of his recent film, what are your thoughts on Tom Cruise? Do you enjoy his movies? Does he rub you the wrong way? Please share you thoughts on today’s question and I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

REVIEW: “X-MEN: Days of Future Past”

by

31

XMEN POSTER

The X-Men franchise (and I’m including the Wolverine films) has been filled with great movies and great disappointments. It was only two years ago that we saw a reboot of sorts and a new direction for these cinematic superhumans. Now they are back in a film that at first sounded risky and potentially disastrous. Instead of continuing with a storyline strictly focused on these rebooted characters, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” mixes them with the characters (and the performers who played them) from the past series. So my first question was is this “X-Men 4″ or X-Men: First Class 2”?

This huge mash up could have went terribly bad. I’m so happy to say that the opposite is true. In fact, after a somewhat disorienting start, the movie turns into what is easily one of the best movies of the entire franchise. Bryan Singer, the architect of the original X-Men films returns to direct this ambitious and large-scale blockbuster which gets its title from the classic comic book storyline from Chris Claremont and John Byrne.

 

XMEN1

The future world is a dark place especially for mutantkind. Giant robot mutant hunters known as Sentinels have chased mutants to the edge of extinction. The X-Men of the future (played by the original cast members from the first films) have traced the origins of the Sentinels back to 1973 and a man named Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage). Led by Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen), they devise a plan to send the never-aging Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back in time to influence the situations that lead to the Sentinels’ creation. You with me so far?

When arriving in 1973, Wolverine is tasked with enlisting the help of the younger Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender). The problem is a lot has changed since the final credits scrolled in “X-Men: First Class”. It’s this landscape, filled with political tensions, shattered relationships, and fragile psyches, that Wolverine must navigate if there is any hope of averting their future extinction. Obviously several major threats are at work both in the past and in the future. The movie hops back-and-forth throughout but the main focus of the film is Wolverine’s mission in 1973.

The movie literally plunges into its bleak future setting with practically no buildup whatsoever. We do get some exposition that sets the table, but it took me a few moments to get my feet planted and, aside from the familiar faces, it took some time to connect this movie to any of the earlier films. But once the story begins to take form it is an exhilarating and captivating experience. In fact, the story is the movie’s greatest strength. “X-Men: DOFP” features one of the smartest and most layered stories that you’ll find in a superhero picture. Even more, the story never becomes convoluted or confusing. I loved how everything unfolded and numerous connections to other X-Men films are sprinkled everywhere.

Another thing I appreciated is how everything had importance and carried weight. Every decision had to be made with careful thought given to their consequences. Convictions had to be questioned and actions had to be scrutinized. There are very few wasted scenes in this movie (there are a couple – for example the Wolverine butt shot? Seriously Bryan Singer?). I also think the way they joined the old with the new was smart, effective, and It avoided all of the traps that it easily could have steppedl in. Narratively this was a huge treat right up to its very satisfying payoff.

XMEN2

As for the performances, can we just go ahead say without question that Hugh Jackman IS Wolverine? Once again he is very good, but he was not his normal action-fueled centerpiece and I’m fine with that. The real highlights for me were Fassbender and McAvoy. Fassbender is one of our best working actors today and his Magneto is menacing and unpredictable. He’s a man of conviction and unharnessed anger and Fassbender paints him perfectly. But the best performance may be from McAvoy. He’s tasked with conveying a huge range of emotions and I never questioned the authenticity of what he was doing. It truly is brilliant work that sets itself apart in a profound way.

I can’t believe I’m saying this again, but here we have yet another really strong 2014 blockbuster. On an almost unprecedented level, this year’s big budget movies have really taken steps up (minus a couple of disappointments). “X-Men: DOFP” is really good. It’s start is a bit jarring, the future Sentinels look pretty generic, and I could list a few other nitpicks. But in terms of story, storytelling, and sheer entertainment, the movie scores where it counts. Now the big question is where does it go from here? Have we seen the last of the “First Class” X-Men? Will the old timers take back the reins? I don’t know but after seeing this movie I am really intrigued.

VERDICT – 4 STARS

5 Phenomenal Movie Psychiatrists

by

37

movie_theatre - Phenom 5

Just think of the wild assortment of movie characters that you have seen over the years. Is it any surprise to see that some of them needed a psychiatrist? That is my focus in today’s Phenomenal 5. When putting this together I was surprised at the number of movie psychiatrists that came to mind. It was truly painful to leave a couple of them off, but that is the name of the game. Obviously with so many I wouldn’t consider this the definitive list. But I gladly call each of these movie psychiatrists phenomenal.

#5 – Dr. Malcolm Crowe (“The Sixth Sense”)

SIXTH

Dr. Malcolm Crowe was an accomplished and honored child psychiatrist. But all of his confidence is shattered after a tragic incident involving a former patient. Months after the tragedy he reluctantly begins treating a 9-year old boy whose case is very similar to that of his former patient. The two develop an almost therapeutic relationship that is tender, compelling, but also opens things up to some real eerie suspense. Crowe is a fantastic character and a shining example of what M. Night Shyamalan is capable of. Now if only we could see that side of him again.

#4 – Dr. Leo Marvin (“What About Bob”)

BOB

One of my favorite comedies of the 1990s was “What About Bob”. Bill Murray plays a happy-go-lucky man battling all sorts of different phobias. You name it, Bob probably fears it. He is passed on to Dr. Leo Marvin, a psychiatrist who is getting a lot of praise for his work and his successful new book. The problem is he never had a patient like Bob. Bob obsesses over his new doctor to the point of secretly following Dr. Marvin as he vacations with his family. Bob just never goes away and throughout the movie we watch him drive the doctor he loves insane. Richard Dreyfuss is fantastic in the role of Dr. Marvin and his wacky chemistry with Murray is undeniable.

#3 – Dr. Sean Maguire (“Good Will Hunting”)

GOOD WILL

Knowing Robin Williams and the assortment of roles he has played over his career, you would think he would be a lot more comfortable playing the patient instead of the psychiatrist. Surprisingly though, he is absolutely brilliant as Dr. Sean Maguire in the 1997 drama “Good Will Hunting”. Williams would go on to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the caring but aggressive therapist. Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has ran off a number of well-meaning psychiatrists, but when Dr. Sean shows he can take Will’s punishment the lines of communication begin to open up. Williams and Damon share a number of great scenes that drive the film as a whole.

#2 – Dr. Samuel Loomis (“Halloween”)

LOOMIS

If you met Dr. Loomis on the streets of Haddonfield, Illinois you would probably think he was the insane one. That is until you saw the trail of grisly murders and terror left by psychotic killer Michael Myers. Dr. Loomis was Michael’s psychiatrist during his 15 years as a patient in Grove Sanitarium. No one knows Michael better than Loomis. When Michael escapes the hospital Loomis uses that knowledge to predict Michael will return to his home town. Boy was he right. Loomis frantically searches the small town while also trying to convince local law enforcement that they have a real problem on their hands. Donald Pleasence is a hoot and he gives Dr. Samuel Loomis a ton of character.

#1 – Dr. Hannibal Lecter (“The Silence of the Lambs”)

SILENCE

Of all the assignments to get as one of your first in the FBI! Agent Clarice Starling is tasked with interviewing the incarcerated Dr. Hannibal Lecter in hopes of gleaning information about a wanted serial killer named Buffalo Bill. Dr. Lecter is a former psychiatrist who had to leave his practice due to problems with cannibalism and some serial killing of his own. Dr. Lecter uses an assortment of creepy mindgames on Agent Starling while at the same time developing a very odd relationship with her. Lecter is disturbing and sometimes downright terrifying. Anthony Hopkins won the Oscar for his performance which is still unsettling and unforgettable.

So there they are. The doctors are in. Which of these psychiatrists would have made your list? Who did I miss? Please take time to share you picks in the comments section below.

 

REVIEW: “The Sundowners”

by

15

SUNDOWNERS poster

What is a sundowner you may ask? In this film from 1960 one character defines a sundowner as “someone whose home is where the sun goes down.” It was an Australian term used for roamers who traveled across the countryside taking one job at a time. They would pitch their tent wherever they were at the end of the day and that was their home for the night. Richard Zinnemann’s film follows a family of sundowners who move from place to place taking sheep herding jobs. The film bombed in the United States but did well overseas and would go on to earn five Oscar nominations including one for Best Film.

Robert Mitchum plays Paddy Carmody, a nomad at heart who has no desire to settle down in 1920s Australia. He is perfectly content with being constantly on the move and working small jobs here and there. But over time Paddy’s insatiable wanderlust begins to clash with the desires of his wife Ida (Deborah Kerr) and his teenaged son Sean (Michael Anderson). They believe the time is come to consider settling down. They’ve grown tired of constantly being on the go and Sean is at an age where he wants to experience life and set out on his own path. Paddy’s stubbornness and his family’s patience provide the film its central contention.

SUNDOWNERS1

Some critics pointed out that there isn’t a lot of plot in “The Sundowners”. That’s essentially true although the film’s intent is to be a sprawling tale of the family’s lives, love, and rugged endurance. We follow them along the Australian backcountry as they drive a large herd of sheep, contend with a sweeping wildfire, and live off what the land provides. This allows for some truly beautiful, sweeping scenes that vividly capture the Australian countryside. The film was originally set to be shot in Arizona, but Zinnemann petitioned hard to spend the extra money and shoot it on location. It was a good decision. The landscapes are anaccurate setting and the story feels perfectly in place. And some scenes, like the aforementioned wildfire are shot with such tenacity and skill. Simply put, the movie looks great.

The family encounters several interesting people along the way. They hire and befriend an Englishman and fellow roamer named Rupert. Peter Ustinov would receive an Oscar nomination for the role. There are also several other interesting faces that pop up when Ida convinces Paddy to take on a stint at a sheep shearing station. She hopes the time in one place will soften him to the idea of settling down here. It’s at this remote station that their family dynamic takes some dramatic turns which sets up the rest of the film.

SUNDOWNER2

As for the performances, Mitchum is rock-solid as always. His Paddy is a tough, salt-of-the-earth fellow, but one whose stubbornness threatens to alienate the family the holds most dear. Mitchum fits right into the character although his Aussie accent is a bit erratic. Kerr is as brilliant as always. Her Isa puts off tough and rugged pioneer vibes but also maintains a distinct femininity. Kerr would earn one of the six Oscar nominations of her career for this role. Amazingly she never won an acting Oscar but the Academy did give her the honorary “Whoops, We Screwed Up” award in 1994. The supporting work was uniformly strong and it too gained critical praise.

“The Sundowners” does run a tad too long and there is an occasional lull or two. The absence of a more defined plot may be an issue for some as well. But the movie does a great job of selling its characters and drawing us to them. I really liked the family and I wanted to see how their story plays out. I also appreciated how grounded the story feels. The film never embraces the sentimentality that many family dramas are consumed by. It just wants us to get to know these people and to experience the life they live. Personally that was enough for me.

VERDICT – 4 STARS

REVIEW: “Edge of Tomorrow”

by

43

EDGE PSOTER

Some folks immediately dismissed “Edge of Darkness” once they heard the name Tom Cruise and science-fiction joined together again. Not me. This was one of my most anticipated films of 2014. Unlike many I enjoyed Cruise’s last sci-fi project “Oblivion” although it was a movie with noticeable flaws. Now he’s back playing in a science fiction sandbox filled with a strong script, cool special effects, and a time loop angle that makes this film feel undeniably unique despite it dabbling in familiar territory.

“Edge of Darkness” is based on a Japanese graphic novel entitled “All You Need Is Kill”. At first glance it may come across as a typical, run-of-the-mill alien invasion picture. Times are bad on planet earth and the human race is close to extinction. Our last hope lies in a big beach invasion on the European coast akin to D-Day. But while many aspects of that will sound very familiar, the movie throws us a clever curveball which is not only fresh but very entertaining.

EDGE2

Cruise takes on a very different role than we are used to seeing him in. He plays Major William Cage. That may sound like a macho military tough guy name but actually he’s a public relations specialist who works to encourage people into service while avoiding it himself. There’s no heroic and attractive golden boy aura. He’s actually an unlikable and cowardly man who soon finds himself tossed onto the frontlines of the big invasion. The battle doesn’t go well and the untrained and combat-ineffective Cage is killed in action. But instantly after death he wakes up at a past point before the invasion took place. Over and over this takes place and Cage must adapt while repeatedly reliving the doomed invasion.

We are also introduced to a character named Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt). She’s a Special Forces Sergeant who has an almost legendary status following her inspirational fighting in an earlier battle against the aliens. She crosses paths with Cage on the battlefield but their connection may go beyond that. Vrataski is a really cool component and not only does she add a lot to the story, but she gives us a strong and capable female lead. I was immediately drawn to her toughness and resolve.

If you’ve read other reviews you’ve probably heard this film compared to the Harold Ramis comedy “Groundhog Day”. That’s an undeniable comparison. Someone else said it best – “Edge of Tomorrow” is an entertaining mix of “Groundhog Day” and “Starship Troopers”. The trippy time loop element works really well within the sci-fi environment and its definitely more than just a gimmick. Director Doug Liman uses it as a focal point and it could have easily went bad. Instead it’s a ton fun and not only does it make for a great plot device, but it also opens the door for some of the movies genuinely funny moments.

EDGE1

Tom Cruise does a nice job going against type and reminding us that he is still a quality actor when given good material. I quite liked him here and he showed that he is still an actor with noticeable range. Emily Blunt once again shows that she is an actress who can play almost any role that she takes on. She never flinches in response to the physical demands of her character and you never doubt her authenticity. We also get Bill Paxton having fun playing with Master Sergeant stereotypes and we get Brendan Gleeson who is always good regardless of what he is in.

So far 2014 has been the year of the really good blockbuster. That is rarely the case but we’ve had several this year that have really won me over. Add “Edge of Tomorrow” to that list. Now it would be very easy to nitpick this movie to death and to point to a few plot points that don’t exactly make sense. But I think the movie works extremely well as a complete package. There’s some good science fiction, strategic funny moments, exhilarating action, and a smart and sharp story that never grows dull. I was thoroughly entertained by “Edge of Tomorrow” and that was exactly what I was hoping for.

VERDICT – 4.5 STARS

Know Your Movies – One Image, Three Hints

by

26

MOVIES

It can’t only be reviews, Phenomenal 5 lists, and commentaries, right? Know Your Movies is all about having fun. Here’s how it works: I’ll share a single shot from a movie. It can be extremely serious or completely absurd. After that I’ll provide you with three hints. The rest is up to you. Hop in the comments section and share your guess as well as any thoughts or memories you have on the movie, actor/actress, or the scene itself. It should be a blast.

Today’s image is from a film that is another of my favorites of all time. So here is the shot. Three hints will follow.

BOOTS

Hint 1: Released in 2007

Hint 2: Most of the film was shot in Las Vegas, New Mexico

Hint 3: Nominated for 8 Oscars winning 4

Now head to the comments and share your guess. It’s a great shot that should make it obvious for some. I would also love to hear your thoughts on the film, the scene, or anything else related to it. Now feel free to guess and discuss this modern movie classic.