"Les Miserables"

Directed by Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech"), "Les Miserables" tells a story about a man, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"), who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's child, gets freed after 19 years, but breaks parole and continues to be on the run from a relentless inspector, Javert (Russell Crowe, "The Next Three Days"). He makes an honest and respectable life for himself after a kind gesture from a priest gives him a chance to turn his life around.

Jean's run-in with a poor factory worker turned dying prostitute, Fantine (Anna Hathaway, "The Dark Knight Rises"), affects her life considerably, and he eventually becomes a protector of her daughter, Cosette (Isabelle Allen). The story extends through the years with Cosette (Amanda Seyfried, "Letters to Juliet"), now grown-up, and is experiencing her first love with a young man, Marius (Eddie Redmayne, "My Week with Marilyn"), during the turbulent post-revolutionary times in France.

It feels awkward at first when the first song is sung when it's supposed to be a dialogue, but soon it becomes almost organic. There are solitary, haunting scenes that will stay in your mind. Jackman is a seasoned stage actor and it shows, but Crowe is surprisingly impressive. Hathaway's performance is all-encompassingly heartrending. Redmayne and Seyfried give a fine performance, but Samantha Barks as impassioned Eponine, the third wheel between the star-crossed lovers, is a revealation. She emerges as the breakout performer. Aaron Tveit memorably takes on the task of being a co-leader of the rebellion, and along with a brave child, (Daniel Huttlestone), become the face of the failed uprising. Sacha Baron Cohen ("Hugo") and Helena Bonham Carter ("The King's Speech"), as a couple owning a brothel, provide a welcome respite in the grim tale. All the actors sing their hearts out (live!) and pour their souls into their performance, including all the supporting players and extras.

A spectacular musical adaptation, "Les Miserables" is a mind-boggling production. One could only imagine the herculean efforts that go into this kind of undertaking. Hooper struck gold with "The King's Speech" two years ago. Not surprisingly, this is also one of those period films that gets mentioned by the awards circuit. With over 2.5 hours, it's overlong and may test one's patience, especially those who are not into Broadway shows or musicals, but it's definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-les-miserables/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bcsvbmg

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/ajmswg4

"Jack Reacher"

Adapted from Lee Child's best-selling books, Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise, "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol") is a former military investigator who has disappeared without a trace.  He only comes back to society only when he feels he's needed, to right wrongs or makes sure that justice is served.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film opens with an incredibly chilling sequence of sniper attack, even more disturbing in light of the recent tragedy in Newton.  The sequence is effectively shot, using the sniper's vantage point, with the rifle moving back and forth, randomly selecting its victims.  The police (David Oyelowo), predictably catches the wrong guy, James Barr (Joseph Sikora), and Reacher shows up.

Working with a defense lawyer, Helen (Rosamund Pike) with a frayed relationship with her District Attorney father (Richard Jenkins), Reacher reviews evidences, questions misinterpreted conclusions or overlooked connections.  Aside from learning the background of the suspected shooter and victims, a parking meter quarter, bar fight, auto parts store, house trap become the keys in uncovering a conspiracy.  

In Child's books, Reacher is supposed to be this hulking, 6'5" physically imposing guy.  While Cruise certainly doesn't fit the physical description, he surprisingly nails the role. On the brawn side, he fights convincingly.  On the brain aspect, he brings out the character's cool confidence (or smugness, depending on how you see it), competence, intellect, not to mention charismatic presence.  Cruise and Pike have great chemistry, although romance is kept at bay here. Robert Duvall makes quite an impression as a gun range owner.  Werner Herzog and Jai Courtney complete the supporting cast as creepy and cold-blooded bad guys.

Judging from the trailer, "Jack Reacher" may be mistaken for an action flick.  It's more like a crime thriller with a few action sequences.  While the story loses steam towards the end and the conspiracy may not be as big as one might have conjured up, it is one engaging movie.  A story-driven one with a strong and interesting protagonist, it's actually most enthralling during the investigative process in which Reacher piecing together clues.  Not only that, it is unexpectedly funny, with a lot of situational, perfectly timed comical one-liners.

The holiday season has no shortage of movie selections, including those accumulating accolades and gearing up for the primary award shows come January and February 2013.  If you're looking for an alternative flick over the holidays other than vampires, hobbits, musical or history lessons, "Jack Reacher" is a solid, whodunit mystery that will keep you entertained.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-jack-reacher/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bushlvp

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/brerqus

2012 Movies: Year in Review

182 movies, under 7 minutes.  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

"Lincoln"

Long, laborious... yet fascinating. 

Irish-born and British actor Daniel Day-Lewis disappears and becomes a real, living, breathing Lincoln.  He truly captures the most beloved and storied American political figure, down  to the hunched posture, slight limp of gait, war-weary eyes, high-pitched voice, sunken cheeks and chin-strap beard. 

A skilled statesman and good man, Lincoln leads the country, divided by years of civil war and dark period of slavery.  He does what's necessary for the greater good - negotiating, persuading, cajoling, compromising, convincing, biding time, trading favors, bribing. 

It's one thing to read books, it's another to see history unfold onscreen.  It's almost unfathomable that there was a time in the history of this great nation where people believed that not all was created equal, that equality was merely in the eyes of the law, and progression, such as the rights to vote for certain segments of the population and women's rights, was feared and opposed. 

Day-Lewis is supported by heavy-hitters; David Strathrairn, James Spader, Tommy Lee Jones, Jackie Earle Haley, Hal Holbrook, among others.  His most powerful, emotional scenes, however, appear in individual moments with his patriotic son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "The Dark Knight Rises") and unstable wife, Mary (Sally Field, "The Amazing Spider Man"), over Robert's wish to join the army and the loss of their first-born son in the war. 

Authentic look into life in the late 18th century is accurately depicted through cinematography, set design, lighting, costume and makeup.  From dimly-lit and smoke-filled rooms, horse-drawn carriages and dirt-covered roads, to the stovepipe hats, boots, gloves and hoop skirts.  Two striking scenes come to mind.  One when Lincoln quietly stands by the window with his younger son, knowing that the 13th Amendment has been passed, in contrast with the cacophony on the voting floor.  And when a shell-shocked Robert Lincoln sees what war really does to soldiers; the ghastly find actually compels him even more to enlist.

Weighed by heavy dialogue, "Lincoln" may not be easy to digest, but with sustained attention, you'll get the essence.  Director Steven Spielberg picks the right moments to tell.  "Lincoln" is not a biography, but a window into the most historic time in the life of  the 16th President of the United States. 

"Lincoln" is a revealing window of the backroom political deals that go into the process of the abolition of slavery and uniting of the nation, as well as Lincoln's own personal relationships with his family.  When it boils down to it, this is Day-Lewis' picture; he's perfection.  Like Colin Firth before him in 2010's historical drama "The King's Speech," it wouldn't be a surprise if he nabs an acting nod for his presidential performance comes awards time.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-lincoln/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/csjst69

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/d25nref

"Life of Pi"

Based on a novel written by Yann Martel and directed by Ang Lee, “Life of Pi” tells an unlikely, simple tale of an Indian boy stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a tiger.

As told by an older Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) to a writer (Rafe Spall), the parable begins with Pi's lively childhood (Gautam Belur as a young child, Ayush Tandon as an early teen) in the French part of India, his relationship with his family who owns a zoo, and his growing interest in different kinds of religions.  One day Pi learns an honest lesson about the nature of animals in an encounter set by his father (Adil Hussain), which might just save his life later on.

Facing hard times, the family decides to sell the zoo, cross the Pacific ocean, and start a new life in Canada.  On one stormy night, raging seas sinks the ship, and as fate would have it, pushes teenage Pi (Suraj Sharma) into a lifeboat, along with several animals – zebra, orang utan, hynea, bengal tiger.  With a hungry tiger onboard, one could guess what would happen next. In order to survive, vegetarian Pi must find ways not only to feed himself, but also co-exist with a wild beast, and maintain his sanity.

Considering how the majority of the film is spent in the vast emptiness of the ocean, it's remarkable to see how natural the scenes flow and time flies.  Sharma is the heart and soul of  Pi, conveying the many facets of emotions, with no other human in sight.  “You don't know the strength of your faith until it has been tested."  And tested it has.  His survival depends on his faith, belief, hope, spirit to go on, endurance, and at some point, acceptance of what is and letting go.

The visuals and special effects are imaginatively exquisite.  Dreamlike imageries will linger in your mind.  The rough storms that wreck the ship and makeshift raft. A floating, stunned Pi underwater witnessing the capsized ship and all lives lost.  The glassy surface of the seas mirroring the sunset skies and clouds.  The crystal clear water giving glimpses of the rich marine life, aglow at nighttime against the backdrop of millions of shining stars. A glowing, jumping humpback whale and flying fishes.  The lush, mysterious meerkat-flooded islands.  A digitally rendered bengal tiger that is vividly real.

“Life of Pi,” filled by magical visuals, is an artistic achievement.  It's a fantasy fable, at the same time, somehow the story feels real and plausible.  It's a testament of its captivating storytelling and convincing acting.  When another story is revealed toward the end, the ending will let you choose which journey you'd like to believe.  Spiritual or realistic, or both - what you believe may possibly reveal more about yourself and your own belief. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-life-of-pi/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bsxj8o3

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/bt8y5fo

Upcoming Movies: December 2012

[Note: I'm behind in movie reviews again; I was out of town for Thanksgiving and been out sick.  I was planning to review "Flight" but had to skip it due to lack of time. Highly recommended!  "Life of Pi" is next.  Lots of good movies coming up for the end of the year!]

December 7

"Hyde Park on Hudson" (http://focusfeatures.com/hyde_park_on_hudson) - The story of the love affair between FDR and his distant cousin in 1939 when the King and Queen of the United Kingdom visited upstate New York.

"Deadfall" (http://www.magpictures.com/deadfall/)- A thriller that follows two siblings who decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist, and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration.

December 14

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (http://www.thehobbit.com/) - A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the mountains with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by a dragon.

"Save the Date" - A woman begins to confront her shortcomings after she rejects her boyfriend's hasty proposal and soon finds herself in a rebound romance. Meanwhile, her sister is immersed in the details of her wedding.

December 21 

"Zero Dark Thirty" (http://zerodarkthirty-movie.com/) - A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy SEAL Team 6 in May 2011.

"Jack Reacher" (http://www.jackreachermovie.com/) - A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.

"The Impossible" (http://theimpossible-movie.com/) - An account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time.

"On the Road" (http://www.ontheroad-themovie.com/?lang=en) - Young writer has his life shaken by the arrival of free-spirited soul and his girl. As they travel across the country, they encounter a mix of people who each impact their journey indelibly.

December 28

"Django Unchained" (http://unchainedmovie.com/) - With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.

"Les Miserables" (http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/) - In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by a ruthless policeman after he breaks parole, agrees to care for a factory worker daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

See the full gallery on Posterous