"Saving Mr. Banks"

 

[Note: from 12/11/13 press screening.  Look forward to catching up on the rest of the great movies after the holidays.  Happy Holidays!)

 

There's a story behind every film.  Who knew the makings of “Mary Poppins” was such a long rollercoaster ride?

Director John Lee Hancock plays out the rough-and-tumble ride in "Saving Mr. Banks."  For 20 years, author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) has rebuffed Walt Disney's (Tom Hanks, “Captain Phillips”) efforts to make her beloved novel into a movie.  Her agent finally gets through to her when financial situation becomes tough.  Still, in one condition.  Travers would have the final say on the adaptation. 

Travers begrudgingly makes her Transatlantic flight from England to Los Angeles.  A biting exchange on the plane with a flight attendant and a fellow passenger with a child, an offhanded quip after landing at the airport and meeting her driver (Paul Giamatti, "The Ides of March"), and her unpleasant reaction to the cheerily decorated hotel room, tell you a lot about Travers.  Although the scenes come across as humorous, it's clear that Disney would be in for a wild ride.  Travers has a certain level of disdain for all-things Disney, which she views solely as a moneymaking empire. 

Travers subsequently drives screenwriter (Bradley Whitford) and music composers (B.J. Novak and Jasson Schwartzman) crazy.  She insists on recording every session and proceeds to nitpick every single detail of the way the characters are portrayed, lyrics of music, colors of the set designs or costumes.  No animation.  Dancing or prancing around is out of the question.  Songs are not an option.  For his part, Disney promises that he would not tarnish the characters or the story.  Bringing “Mary Poppins” into the silver screen is a promise that the entertainment maven made to his daughters two decades ago, and as a father, he would do just about anything to fulfill it.

As the present story unfolds, the film flashes back into Travers' childhood (played by Annie Rose Buckley) in the Australian outback.  It reveals a close, sweet relationship with her loving father (Colin Farrell, “Total Recall”), as wasted as he is with booze as a constant companion.  Her mother (Ruth Wilson), is depressed, and tries hard to keep the family together, later with the assistance of her aunt (Rachel Griffiths).  There are heart-wrenching events that no child should experience.  Internal strength takes over carefree spirit.

The continuous flashback-and-forward can become a little distracting and take you out of the intensity of some moments, but the backstory helps a lot in understanding this hard-shell of a woman.  Truth be told, there are emotional moments in her past that are more engrossing than her present.  Credits go to Farrell and Buckley who carry the scenes tenderly. 

Hanks certainly bring the American friendliness and twinkly charm of amiable, 'Uncle Walt.'  But Thompson impresses the most.  This is essentially Travers' story.  She carries this air of uptight, British upper-crust, hitting every cranky and cantankerous notes, but also joyous and poignant ones.  The supporting players playfully round up this family-friendly production, including script-and-song writing.  Music plays a prominent role and it's apropos.  

Eventually Disney realizes that even all the courting yield no result.  The characters in “Mary Poppins” are dear and personal to Travers; they're like a family.  The message of the story is not about a lady with a flying umbrella swooping in to save the kids.  During a heartfelt conversation, Disney shares a a childhood story.  He relates to and sees where Travers is coming from.  The moment that he 'gets it' and his unwavering commitment that finally compels her to willingly hand over the rights. 

The moral of the story rings true.  Don't let the past dictate the present.  If life disappoints, move forward.  Life is meant to be lived, with new memories. 

Absorbing and affecting, “Saving Mr. Banks” is a wonderful film for the ages. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-saving-mr-banks/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/lgr6w77
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/kx74jek

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Upcoming Movies: January 2014

[Originally posted on 1/03/14]

January 3
"The Best Offer" - A master auctioneer becomes obsessed with an extremely reclusive heiress who collects fine art.

January 10
"The Legend of Hercules" (http://www.hercules3dmovie.com/) - The origin story of the the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom.

"Her" (http://www.herthemovie.com/#/home)- A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased operating system that's designed to meet his every need.

January 17
"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (http://www.shadowrecruitmovie.com/) - Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.

January 24
"I, Frankenstein" - Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

January 31
"Labor Day" - Depressed single mom and her son offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.

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"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

 

At the end of "The Hunger Games," I was hungry for more. Directed by Francis Lawrence, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” satisfies and yet leaves me wanting more.

 

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Lining Playbook"), along with her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), emerge as victors of the 74^th Annual Hunger Games. But instead of returning to a rundown shack in the impoverished and oppressed District 12, they lead a privileged life in Victor's Village. The all-mighty and wealthy Capitol now provide for them. Katniss' mother (Paula Malcomson) and sister (Willow Shields) no longer have to starve or work like slaves to survive.

The winning comes at an unimaginable cost, however, the lives of all the other tributes from other districts. Katniss is riddled with nightmares and hallucinations. Peeta is as gloomy as ever. Having stood up to the totalitarian Capitol and broken the rules of the game by refusing to kill the other and choose to die, President Snow (Donald Sutherland, "The Mechanic") maliciously makes it clear to Katniss that they would embark on victory tours to each district as a gracious couple-in-love, saving the Capitol's face for letting them live. Never mind that Katniss and Peeta are still progressing toward friendship,and that Katniss still harbors feelings for Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), her childhood friend. They have to give false speeches, lavishing praises on the Capitol, in front of the families of the fallen tributes. Otherwise, Katniss could count on her family, friends and district getting slaughtered. As proven from a deviation from the script of an initial speech, innocent lives are at stake.

President Snow is concerned that Katniss has become a symbol of defiance, igniting an uprising that would spark an all-out revolution. Fear is not enough as long as hope exists. With a suggestion from the new game-maker, Plutarch (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the Capitol changes the rules of the reaping day. The Capitol picks the tributes for the 75^th Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell, from the pool of all past victors. This goes against the promise that victors would be guaranteed safety for the rest of their lives. As predicted, Katniss and Peeta have no choice but to be back in the deadly game. They're assisted by their booze-inclined, sympathetic mentor, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson, "Now You See Me"), wildly dressed-to-the-nines handler, Effie (Elizabeth Banks, "Man on a Ledge") who's grown attached to her tributes, and supportive stylist Cinna (Lenny Kravitz).

While there's familiarity with the pre-setup of the game – opening ceremony, practice and get-to-know-tributes, individual assessment and final presentation hosted by a clueless emcee, Caesar (Stanley Tucci, "Captain America: The First Avenger") – it's still heart-pounding to anticipate how this life-or-death game would play out in a rigged forest, perilous beach and spinning rock platform. The level of unpredictability, especially for those who have never read Suzanne Collins' novel, makes the viewing absorbingly tense.

Lawrence is on fire. She portrays Katniss, the girl with the bow-and-arrow and gorgeous flaming gown, with equal ferocity and vulnerability. Scared, conflicted and tortured, Katniss is also sharp, fierce and determined. Hutcherson is not only adequate here, but his Peeta has developed and shows the strength of his character. With Gale in the picture, Katniss' relationship with Peeta is a tricky one, born out of necessity to survive, but their bond grows with each passing moment.

The film doesn't mask the twisted or brutal nature of the story. What ominous obstacles the tributes would face, what kind of tragic destiny awaits them, how they would get axed, what strategies they would make, which allies they would associate themselves with (Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright), how they would outsmart and outfight to survive. But there's more than meets the eye. The story, laced with political and socioeconomic undertones and complex entanglements, makes you care about the characters and their plight.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” immerses you in this make-believe world, yet it will feel strangely real. The 2.5 hours of running time flies and you don't realize the film is about to conclude. The cliffhanger ending is unavoidable for a middle installment.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” scorches and blazes a trail for the next intriguing chapter, “Mockingjay.”

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-the-hunger-games-catching-fire/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/l7ay2ml
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/k6aezpn

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"Oldboy"

 

[Originally posted on 12/13/13]

I knew nothing about Spike Lee's remake of “Oldboy” before going in. And boy, what a shocker.

An alcoholic advertising executive, Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin, “Jonah Hex”), was abducted and put in a solitary confinement in a windowless motel room, fed with vodka and Chinese dumplings, for 20 years and for no apparent reason. During captivity, he learned that his ex-wife was assaulted and murdered – with him as the prime suspect. His baby daughter was safe and adopted by a loving family. Then he suddenly finds himself inside an unlocked storage box in a park, inexplicably released.

In an obsessive quest to find out what happened to him and track down his long-lost daughter, Joe runs into hired thugs, led by a henchman, Chaney (Samuel L. Jackson, “The Avengers”). He's assisted by an old friend, bartender Chucky (Michael Imperioli) and a sympathetic social worker, Marie (Elizabeth Olsen, soon to be seen in “The Avengers: Age of Ultron”).

Eventually Joe meets his captor, Adrian (Sharlto Copley, “Elysium”), who tells him that he has captured his daughter. Joe only has 48 hours to figure out the identity of his tormentor and the reason for his imprisonment. If he could not find the answers within the specified timeframe, his daughter would be killed. It has never occurred to Joe that Adrian has him exactly where he wants him to be. He may be free physically, but he's still very much tormented and trapped in a queasy conspiracy.

Who is the puppet master? What is his motivation? What kind of game is he playing? Why did he kidnap, imprison, frame and then release this man? What is the connection between the two? And what is the endgame?

It would be better if you haven't seen the 2003 Korean original. Stay away from spoilers. The villain's plan has a clear flaw where its sick success relies on a certain factor. The movie has far more gore than your average suspense thriller. But it's worth staying through the shocking end.

The unraveling and ending of this who-and-why dunnit mystery is crazily twisted and a double blow to the gut.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/lxzl8b5

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2013: Year in Movies

[Note: Back from overseas and look forward to a marathon of movies.  Happy New Year!]

[Originally posted on 1/01/14]

300 movies. 10 minutes.

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"Thor: The Dark World"

 

Chris Hemsworth strikes again as hammer-hurling God of Thunder in “Thor: The Dark World,” directed by Alan Taylor. What a difference two years have made. When “Thor” premiered in 2011, the Australian actor was a relative unknown. In my earlier review, I recognized that a star was born. Since then, he's been in mega superhero ensemble “The Avengers," epic fantasy adventure “Snow White and the Huntsman” and highly acclaimed racing drama “Rush."

At the beginning of time, the Dark Elves' efforts to return darkness into the universe, using a red liquid weapon called Aether, were thwarted by King Bor, the leader of Asgards, Thor's grandfather. But Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), its chief, escaped. Aether was too powerful to destroy, so Asgardians kept it deeply hidden.

Back on earth, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman, “Black Swan”) is now in London and trying to move on with her life. It's been two years since Thor left and promised to come back. He's been working hard to bring peace to all the nine realms. Jane and her assistant, Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), and new intern Ian Boothby (Jonathan Howard), encounter another atmospheric anomaly. Jane gets sucked into a wormhole and ends up in that hidden place where the Aether is, and gets infected by it.

Thor transports Jane into Asgard to find a cure for her. In Asgard, Jane is entwined in the royal family drama. Loki (Tom Hiddleston, “The Avengers”), Thor's treasonous brother, is in prison for his crimes. King Odin (Anthony Hopkins), Thor's father would really like to send her back to earth. When Malekith, his right-hand Kurse (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) and army are awakened by the Aether, and force their way into Asgard with their stealth ship, Jane and Frigga, queen of Asgard (Rene Russo), find themselves face to face with the enemy.

Malekith takes advantage of the convergence to spread darkness all around. Convergence is a phenomenon that happens every 5,000 years, where all realms align and planetary portals open. Thor needs all the help he can get. His loyal warriors (Jamie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Tadanabou Asano, Josh Dallas) and galactic guardian (Idris Elba) are not enough. He is forced to free Loki, who possesses shape-shifting talent, to help defeat Malekith and trick him to get the infection out of Jane. Despite of the betrayal and distrust, there's a side to each brother that still cares for each other.

Hemsworth is in supreme form with such a godly physical presence. But Hiddleston steals the scenes with Loki's gleeful slyness and tricky unpredictability. Loki is one of the most layered, memorable anti-heroes in the world of superheros. Eccleston as Malekith, however, is a one-dimensional villain. You know nothing about him and there's nothing remotely interesting about him.

Portman has a bigger role here than the first installment, but nothing stands out. I enjoyed the lighter moments in the previous “Thor” and pretty much all Marvel movies, but this movie, which has a dour tone overall, have one too many comical moments, to the point of distraction. They mostly involve Jane, Darcy, Ian and returning mentor, Professor Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard). Although the filmmaker does a decent job alternating rapidly between solemn or poignant and comedic scenes. It's undeniable that these supporting characters are instrumental in assisting Thor during the multi-portal battle with Malekith.

One of the best parts the movie is the visual. Jane's journey to Asgard is cosmically colorful. Asgard is heavenly realized. Not only the lustrous, golden palace and multicolored, crystal bridge are back, this mystical realm is now shown with stunning, surrounding nature and elegantly-clothed Asgardians in the city. A ceremony taking place in nighttime over water is ethereally beautiful.

With the Asgard-setting and realm-hopping, “Thor: The Dark World” has a grander feel. Thor has matured and developed from the first movie. There's a realization that he's got a more important calling than being the heir to the throne. The twist in the closing scene may evoke mixed feelings.

"Thor: The Dark World” may not necessarily merit a thunderous applause, but it's an entertaining, otherworldly escape.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-thor-the-dark-world/

 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/lpz5tr7

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"Ender's Game"

 

While I ended up getting hooked on "The Hunger Games,” there's still hesitation whether another children warrior adaptation would nearly be as compelling. To be honest, the trailer of “Ender's Game, directed by Gavin Hood and shown at Comic-Con this summer, wasn't that enticing; it looks like a superficial, CGI-focused sci-fi. As it turns out, the Orson Scott Card's novel adaptation is more than flash.

50 years ago, earth was attacked by ant-like aliens, called the Formics. Humans were ill-prepared and countless lives were lost. While a hero, Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley, “Iron Man 3”) emerged and drove away the aliens, fear remains that they would return someday.

Children are thought to be the best defense. Trained in video games, they are used to make decisive decisions fearlessly based on instinct, and their youth translates to quicker learning ability. The most gifted ones are trained in military school, graduating to the elite battle camp in space, and ending up in the command center, closer to the aliens' home planet. It is in these battle grounds these children are physically trained, mentally manipulated, and socially isolated in order to prepare them to win the war.

Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield, “Hugo”) is tested and selected by Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford, "Cowboys & Aliens“) and his colleague, Major Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis) to be the “chosen one,” to lead and save the human race. A skinny 12-year old boy, Ender is a loner with a brilliant mind.

The film is off to a startling start where Ender is bullied and shockingly gets out of a threatening situation. As the story progresses, his brilliance shines through, which can be seen from his interactions with his superiors and fellow soldiers (Moises Arias, Hailee Steinfeld). He's a complex child, teetering between steely ruthlessness and human compassion. An intellectual strategist with a killer instinct and tactical insight, he observes, anticipates, understands how his opponents think, and plans his moves perfectly. His backstory reveals the dynamic of his relationship with his violent brother and close bond with his caring sister.

Visually, the movie is a fireworks of digital images and special effects. The battle room, where cadets train with battle formations in zero-gravity, is a wonder to discover, even coming on the heels of “Gravity.” The futuristic wars are electrifying in neon blues and electric orange, against the backdrop of a black space.

But amidst all the fireworks, the message doesn't get lost. The true cost of war, politics to win, morality of preemptive strike. Is the chance of winning future battles and saving the world worth a genocide and damaging innocent souls? The endgame of “Ender's Game” hits home.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-enders-game/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/kbtkjlc
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/mn2vu2m

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Upcoming Movies: December 2013

[Originally posted on 12/06/13]

December 6
"Oldboy" - Obsessed with vengeance, a man sets out to find out why he was kidnapped and locked into solitary confinement for 20 years without reason.

"Out of Furnace" - When a man mysteriously disappears and law enforcement fails to follow through, his older brother takes matters into his own hands to find justice.

December 13
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" (http://www.thehobbit.com/) - The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.

"American Hustle" (http://www.americanhustle-movie.com/site/) - A con man, along with his seductive British partner, is forced to work for a wild FBI agent. The agent pushes them into a world of powerbrokers and mafia.

December 20
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" (http://www.anchormanmovie.com/) - With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

"Saving Mr. Banks" (http://movies.disney.com/saving-mr-banks) - Author P. L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.

December 25
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (http://waltermittymovie.tumblr.com/) - A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

"The Wolf of Wall Street" (http://www.thewolfofwallstreet.com/) - Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

"August: Osage County" - A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.

"47 Ronin" (http://47ronin.jp/) - A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.

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"Captain Phillips"

A day that starts like any other... ends with a story of a lifetime.

Director Paul Greengrass (“Bourne” trilogy) and writer Billy Ray retell a ripped-from-the headlines story of a U.S. cargo ship getting hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009, the first in 200 years.  Adapted from "A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea," "Captain Phillips" is a dramatic docudrama, shot in a similar fashion as “United 93.”

If anything can be learned from last year's best picture, “Argo,”or nominated “Zero Dark Thirty," when expertly executed, the journey matters, even when most are familiar with the destination. 

The opening scenes offer a glimpse of the harsh life on the shores of impoverished Somalia and a normal American life. Tom Hanks (“Cloud Atlas”) is Richard Phillips, a family man from Vermont and commanding officer of Maerks Alabama.  His job is to steer the ship, carrying food and commercial goods, from Oman to Kenya, around the pirate-infested waters of the Horn of Africa. 

The day aboard the ship begins with a safety drill, which rapidly turns into a traumatic ordeal as soon as Phillips spots two small boats carrying pirates on their tail.  While the ship has speed, height and hoses as means of protection, it's not enough to fend off one determined skiff. 

Phillips has established initial contacts with government agencies and got most of his crew hidden in the belly of the ship.  But soon he and his officers find themselves surrounded by four armed Somali pirates.  There's one particularly tense scene where one of the pirates is ready to pull the trigger on one of his officers, whilst Phillips tries to rationalize and plead with the leader, Muse (Barkhad Abdi). 

The pirates demand room-by-room search to find the majority of the crew.  Secretly communicating with one another, Phillips and his crew engineer a trick to injure one of the pirates.  This leads to unpredictable chain of events where the pirates finally agree to take off in a lifeboat – taking Phillips with them.  Cash emptied from the safe deposit box is meager; they want millions.  

Now with a single life at stake, one might think that the suspense may lessen.  On the contrary, the tension, underscored by a pulse-pounding soundtrack, skyrockets to an unbelievable level in the last third of the film.  The nighttime standoff and sea rescue mission are grippingly well-orchestrated, a testament to one of the finest filmmaking.  The cool coordination, negotiation and precise execution conducted by the rescuers contrast with the chaos and confusion inside the compact confinement of the lifeboat with Phillips and the pirates.

Hanks excels as Phillips with his everyman persona.  His portrayal shows a deep range of emotions.  Beginning with a crestfallen look when he realizes the magnitude of the situation, to bravery and composure under pressure, shifting to guttural fear, desperation, agony, shell-shocked and relief.  Hanks shows one of the most outstanding acting during what could be the last stretch of Phillips' life.  Your stomach will be tied in knots and you'll eventually exhale along with him. 

Abdi, an amateur actor, holds his own.  His Muse's nickname may be “Skinny,” but he doesn't skimp on threats, even when he realizes he's running out of time and options.  And his right-hand man, is one scary dude.  All the shouting can be a little excessive at times, but the foursome perform well.  Even when you can't condone the pirates' actions, it does give you an understanding where they're coming from. 

A riveting, real-life thriller, "Captain Phillips" is one of the best films of the year.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-captain-phillips/
 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/lm7avct
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/kg5h3sb

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"Frozen"

 

[Originally posted on 12/03/13]

The creation of the ice palace alone is worth the price of admission!  At a glance, the story has the makings of a Disney classic.  A vast kingdom, an evil villain, a prince charming, a beautiful princess and a true love's kiss.  But it flips the formula for a real sisterly love.  It's refreshing in a way that the story doesn't rely on a princess-in-distress getting rescued by a prince, or a warrior princess swinging a sword to defeat the enemy.  "Frozen" is a cool treat for jaded, modern audience.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/loxeop8
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/mq65d39

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2013 Top Holiday Movies

[Originally posted on 12/03/13]

Just how promising does this year's holiday movies lineup look?  Must-see films compete for your attention.  Action fantasy sequels to comedy sequels, family favorites to surefire crowdpleasers, and prestigious awards contenders, here's a list of top holiday movies to be excited about.

Check out Yahoo! Movies for synopsis and trailers:
http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/holiday-movie-preview-25-films-most-excited-172234763.html

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"Gravity"

Lost in space.  Never before has it felt terrifyingly realistic.

“Gravity” is a work of fiction, but it certainly doesn't feel like it.  This summer at Comic-Con, director Alfonso Cuaron said that it took over four years to figure out the technology of zero gravity and shoot the film.  The proof is unmistakable.  This is one film meant to be seen on the big screen, in 3-D, and better yet, IMAX.

The silent opening stuns with the truth about being in space; it's simply not livable.  Then in an astounding, long continuous take of earth and space, a shuttle comes into view and magnifies, with living beings gliding in space.  It shows how small humans are in the greater universe.

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock, "The Lake House"), a medical engineer on her first mission, is in the process of installing a scanning device under the guidance of fleet commander Matt Kowalski (George Clooney, “The Descendants”) and communication with NASA.  There's another astronaut working on the exterior of the spacecraft and other crew inside.

While Kowalski goes on a jovial spacewalk, there's news that clouds of debris are brewing and heading toward them at breakneck speed, a chain reaction after a satellite is destroyed by the Russians.  From the first strike, you'll find yourself holding your breath and feel Dr. Stone's disorientation where she spins and spins, and greatly fears of getting stranded and adrift in infinity.  When she and Kowalski finally connect, the goal is to get to the ISS and Chinese space station, call for rescue and find their way back to earth.

Clooney charms in his limited role, injecting levity and making light of the dark doom. Ultimately though, this is Bullock's picture.  Survival becomes Dr. Stone's sole mission.  Alone and adrift, she's low on oxygen and fuel, nauseous and dizzy, desperate and scared to death.  She must let go of the past, find the will to survive, make the right trajectory to the space station and find a way back home.  The destruction of the space station in the vast vacuum of space is eye-popping.  The countdown toward earth in the end is one of the most distressing scenes.

Cuaron and crew have designed a visual masterpiece, with symbolic scenes that represent rebirth.  There's a claustrophobic feel and realism to the scenes.  When every second counts, every gasp and grasp, every jerk and hit could mean a chance for life or death.  The 3-D is fully utilized, from sprays of flying debris to specks of floating tears or fires.  The sound design goes for maximum impact, alternating between piercingly earthshaking and eerily quiet.

In the last several years, there have been films that clearly merit technical accolades, visually or acoustically - "Avatar," "Inception," "Life of Pi."  "Gravity" falls in this category.

A singular survival tale in space, “Gravity” is an experience that marvels and mesmerizes.  It's probably the closest you'll ever be to being in space in this lifetime.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/gravity/

 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/mwkjuef

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Upcoming Movies: November 2013

[Originally posted on 11/01/13] 

November 1
"Enders Game" (http://endersgamemovie.com/ ) - The International Military seek out a leader who can save the human race from an alien attack. Ender Wiggin, a brilliant young mind, is recruited and trained to lead his fellow soldiers into a battle that will determine the future of Earth.

"About Time" (http://www.abouttimemovie.com/ ) - At the age of 21, one man discovers he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. His decision to make his world a better place by getting a girlfriend turns out not to be as easy as he might think.

November 8
"Thor: The Dark World" (http://marvel.com/movies/movie/182/thor_the_dark_world) - Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

"Dallas Buyers Club" - The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies.

November 15
"The Book Thief" (http://www.thebookthief.com/) - While subjected to the horrors of WWII Germany, a girl finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refuge is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

November 22
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (http://www.thehungergamesexplorer.com/us/epk/catching-fire/) - Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

"Nebraska" - An aging, booze-addled father makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim a million dollar Mega Sweepstakes marketing prize.

November 29
"Frozen" (http://movies.disney.com/frozen/) - Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.

"Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" (http://www.mandelamovie.co.za/) - A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

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"Rush"

If you dismiss “Rush” as a car racing movie, don't. Character-driven, it's so much more than that.  It brilliantly details the relationship between “frenemies” Formula One legendary race car drivers in the mid 1970s, British James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth, “Thor,” “The Avengers”) and Austrian Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl).  While both are driven to win, the two men can't be anymore different.

Hunt is a looker and womanizer, leading a wild lifestyle, filled with drugs, booze and women. He's introduced as popular and more of a star than his soon-to-be rival, Lauda.  He ends up marrying a glamorous model, Suzy Miller (Olivia Wilde, "Tron Legacy"), but not surprisingly, it doesn't last. Wilde is memorable in their parting conversations. 

Lauda goes against his privileged family's career expectations and makes his mark a race car driver on his own.  Professional and methodical, he funds his own dream and works his way into the circuits.  He understands race cars inside out and works with his mechanics to build a superstar car in the early days of his career.  He's disciplined and dedicated, an early riser who arrives on the track before sunrise, goes home after the race, and takes care of himself and his car.  Eventually he settles down with a sensible lady, Marlene (Alexandra Mara Lara).  One particular scene in Italy, where he drives a passerby's car after he and his future wife get stranded on the side of road, is delight.  That scene distills Lauda's character.

Racing in “a coffin surrounded by octane” is a dangerous sport, to be sure.  It's for those who crave for extreme speed, risk and danger.  A daredevil like Hunt, who's willing to die to beat his rival.  Even the calculated one, like Lauda, is aware and estimates the chance of getting killed each time he accelerates on the pedal.  The one time he goes against his better judgment has serious consequences.  There are graphic scenes where drivers get killed, maimed or scorched, including a grueling recovery.

“Rush” is a winning work from director Ron Howard.  The men's characters are well-defined, yet not one dimensional.  The relationship between the two is not as black-and-white.  Ultra-competitive, at times contentious, but their mutual respect and admiration are apparent.  They push each other's limit beyond what's possible and are champions in their own rights.  Hemsworth may be the face of the film and he's fine here, but Bruhl has a more meatier role and far wittier lines. 

The round-the-world race sequences, culminating in the fog-shrouded and soaked-road of the Grand Prix against the backdrop of Mount Fuji in Japan in 1976, are breathtaking. You'll feel as if you're there.  Sometimes being under the helmets and behind the wheels on the race track, others cheering in celebration and gasping in horror as an audience.  You'll hear the engines roar in your ears, sense the grinding of the nuts and bolts, smell the fuel, swirl around dirt and smoke, see the rain pelting the glistening tires, feel the triumph and fame.  The hair-raising music, composed by Hans Zimmer ("Man of Steel"), heightens the urgency of life-and-death situations.  

A rush of motion, sound and emotion, “Rush” is a winner.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-rush/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/pcdea77
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/nlpn7vm

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"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2"

I love food.  I love animation.  "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is one of my all-time favorites for that reason.   In the first movie, Flint Lockwood's invention make food fall out of the sky like rain in Swallow Falls island.  While it sounds fantastic at first, of course, it does more harm than good. 

The sequel begins with the realization that Flint's machine isn't turned off successfully as he thought it was.  Cleanup crew from LiveCorp, headed by Flint's childhood inventor hero, Chester, informs him that the machine has turned fruits and vegetables into hybrid of food and animals... foodimals.  And these foodnimals are frightening and they have to be stopped before they swim and reach the mainland.  Flint and friends find that there's more to Chester's story and work to uncover his motive.  

Among the creatively cute foodimals are shrimpanzees, flamangos, watermelephants, potatotamus, banacheetas, scalliosaurus, subwhales, cheespiders, burger monsters, tacodiles.  One baby strawberry inadvertently takes on the role of ambassador and carries the role adorably. 

A light serving for smaller kiddies, the story touches on bullying, friendships, family and community.  While it's not fresh as the first, the foodnimals and food puns make the movie deliciously delightful. 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/k94k8z9

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Comic-Con 2013: New TV Previews

[Note: I know it's not movies, but as promised, a continuation of 2013 Comic-Con coverage, Feature Film Highlights]

 

A celebration of science fiction. With the success and staying power of shows like "Person of Interest," "Arrow" and "Revolution" (debuted at Comic-Con in years past), TV creators are going geek with a bunch of new shows with a sci-fi bend this fall.  I attended this year's Comic-Con's pilot previews and caught a few gems.

 ***

"Almost Human" (FOX).  Starring: Karl Urban, Michael Ealy

In the future, law enforcement teams up with androids to help maintain law and order.  A detective returns to work after a leave of absence; he was ambushed and his team killed on assignment a couple of years ago.  

Initially, the human detective is assigned a robot partner, whom he humorously disposes.  Then finds himself partnered with a synthetic, a human-like android.  Not only he's not 100% functional physically, he has to accept that synthetics (and robots) are now fully integrated into the police force, and he has to learn to trust and work with his synthetic partner.  There's good buddy humor, where he's trying to communicate with a non-human partner built with a human-like, emotional response.  On a personal level, there's also the mystery of his girlfriend suspiciously gone missing.  He soon realizes that there are major advantages of working with a synthetic.  Synthetics possess computer-like ability, which is proven to be useful during interrogation.  Together they successfully solve a crime against cops.  

Produced by the prolific J.J. Abrams, this high-concept procedural, action-packed show has a lot of potentials.  

***

"The Hundred" (CW).  Starring: Henry Ian Cusick, Eliza Taylor

Post-nuclear war, surviving humans live in space stations.  97 years in the future, the lawenforcer ships 100 juvenile delinquents, expendable and monitored via electronic bracelets, into earth.  To avoid overpopulation, any adult age 18 and over who commits a crime is punishable by death.  They're sent to earth to test the air and survive the wild.  It's also a social experiment; a new civilization with no rules.  Cliques emerge, with those who want to remove their monitoring bracelets and go off on their own, and those who want to follow through with their mission and hopefully bring their families down to earth.  The first scene on earth is a breath of fresh air.  Green forest, water streams and sunlight give new hopes, although danger lurks.  It's alive and a contrast of colors with the cold, grayish-bluish shade up in space.  

While the concept is intriguing, the story would have been better executed with adults.  The drama is better in space with adults.  There's a crime, cover-up and near execution.  On earth, cheesy scenes abound.  Teenagers fit into the stereotypes; the jock, the tough chick, the nerd, the followers, and so on.  Whether or not this show could last remains to be seen.  

 ***

"Sleepy Hollow" (CW).  Starring: Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie

The scene opens in 1776, where the protagonist beheads a soldier, a horseman in the woods.  He falls down unconscious and wakes up in our time, nearly getting struck by passing vehicles in the village of Sleepy Hollow.  An officer sees a headless horseman killing his partner and pursuing the 18th century man.  The man is linked to the killing and imprisoned.  He claims he was a spy and worked under George Washington during the revolution.  There are fish-out-of-water scenes between him and the female cop, considering events that have taken place over a couple hundreds years, like modern inventions, civil war and civil rights. While the cop remains skeptical, she has seen something mystical as a child, and now seeing proofs that there's truth to his story, she begins to side with him.  They team up to solve a mystery that involves four headless horsemen of the apocalypse, demons, a witch and a bible.

This is the one show that I had no interest in and didn't think could work.  But it does.  Director Len Wiseman and writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci create a pilot that defies logic.  It's hard to describe, but somehow all the elements, supernatural, mystery, fantasy, adventure, hauntingly work, creating an suspenseful show that blows past any pre-conceived notions.

***

While I didn't get to see the pilots of two shows in particular that I'm looking forward to, "The Tomorrow People" (CW; starring Robbie Amell, Amanda Clarke) and Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" (ABC; starring Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen), put these on your must-see list if you're a sci-fi fan.  "The Tomorrow People" reminds me of "Heroes."  Several young people with special powers, such as teleportation and telepathy, band together to defeat dark forces.  Director Joss Whedon parlays the popularity of the billion-dollar movie, "The Avengers" into "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."  S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.  The division is headed by Agent Coulson, who's last seen dead in the movie.  Unlike their superhero counterparts, this is a story about ordinary people, albeit with exceptional abilities, who undertake extraordinary missions to protect the world.  

***

The most exciting TV season is around the corner...  to all TV fans out there, happy watching!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/new-fall-tv-2013-previews/

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"JOBS"

One-of-a-kind visionary.  Calculating businessman.  Marvelous marketer.  Driven problem-solver.  Out-of-the box creative thinker.  By and large," JOBS" conveys all these about Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher), the legendary founder of Apple.  It also conveys the not-so-nice, personal side of Jobs as it relates to the way he treats his pregnant girlfriend and first-born child, and loyal employees in the early stage of his success. 

A temperamental perfectionist, Jobs has his own vision of the world and pushes the limit of the people around him to continuously create and innovate.  He has no qualm in tossing aside those who don't share his vision for the future.

Kutcher is earnest in his portrayal of Jobs.  He does mimic him in so many ways, although there are scenes that we don't forget it's Kutcher, the actor.  Josh Gad shares the spotlight in a sensitive, humble performance, as Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.  He counterbalances Jobs' ambitious, idealistic persona. 

The opening, introducing the iPod, successfully grabs your attention, but the movie doesn't delve into how he gets up to that star moment in the podium.  No progress is shown from his early days of revolutionizing personal computer.  If you're an Apple fan, know that it also omits completely the story of how other live-changing devices, such as iPhone or iPad, came into existence. 

There are inspiring scenes, showcasing Job's rare talent to rally people around him and buy into his crazy idea that they can will people into buying something they haven't seen and don't know they need or want.  And making that something easy, practical and cool at the same time.  He challenges conventional belief and doesn't put a limit of he can do.  By thinking differently and limitlessly, he's able to achieve what he did and changed the world in the process. 

As a biopic, what it lacks is storytelling.  It labors too much on the technical minutiae and boardroom politics (CEO John Sculley and original funder Mike Markkula, played by Matthew Modine and Dermot Mulroney, respectively), but skims the surface of the character.  We don't get to see why Jobs becomes the way he is and how he evolves as an individual.  And when the story jumps into the future, it's not clear how he gets there. 

With the right script, one that makes "The Social Network" award-winning, "JOBS" could have been larger-than-life.  Here, it's just passable, which would not have passed Jobs' own standards.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-jobs/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/kqt2grg

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/ltx8347

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Upcoming Movies: October 2013

[Originally posted on 10/03/13]

October 4
"Gravity" (http://gravitymovie.warnerbros.com/) - A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.

"Runner Runner" (http://www.runnerrunnermovie.com/index.html) - When a poor college student who cracks an online poker game goes bust, he arranges a face-to-face with the man he thinks cheated him, a sly offshore entrepreneur.

October 11
"The Fifth Estate" (http://www.dreamworksstudios.com/films/the-fifth-estate) - A dramatic thriller based on real events, the film reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century's most fiercely debated organization.

"Captain Phillips" (http://www.captainphillipsmovie.com/site/) - The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

October 18
"Escape Plan" - When a structural-security authority finds himself incarcerated in a prison he designed, he has to put his skills to escape and find out who framed him.

"12 Years of a Slave" (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/12yearsaslave/) - In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

October 25
"The Counselor" (http://www.thecounselormovie.com/us/#!/characters) - A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking.

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"Elysium"

[Note: Out-of-town last week and just caught up with "Elysium"]

In 2154, the world's population occupy two very different places.  The poor live in a diseased, polluted and overpopulated earth.  The rich reside in a heavenly space station called Elysium, disease-free, exclusive and luxurious.

While mainly a sci-fi, the film is an allegory to our society, and depicts real issues, such as illegal immigration, fake citizenship, healthcare access, and politics, and how those in power choose to handle these issues. 

One of the opening scenes is a striking sequence where the robots, under the command of cold-hearted Elysium's Secretary of Defense Delacourt (Jodie Foster), target hordes of people coming in space shuttle, breaching into Elysium in hope for better lives, including a mother desperately trying to get her sick daughter to a healing body-scanning machine. 

Matt Damon ("The Adjustment Bureau") is Max, a reformed ex-con and droid assembler, living in the slum.  When he's exposed to a radiation blast in the factory and his days are numbered, he gets in touch with a former friend, Spider (Wagner Moura), a criminal who runs an underground high-tech network.  He makes a deal with Spider - he'd become a walking data storage and agree to download the contents of the brain of an Elysium industrialist overseeing his factory, John Carlyle (William Fichtner), in exchange for a ride into space and thus heal himself. 

Unbeknownst to Max and crew, John's brain contains classified data, including  a secretive agreement between John and Secretary Delacourt to stage a political coup and the key to Elysium's existence.  Embedded with exoskeleton, Max is hunted by a souped-up sleeper agent, Kruger (Sharlto Copley).  Tangled in the manhunt are Max's childhood friend, Frey (Alice Braga), and her dying daughter.

Director Neill Blompkamp creates a disturbingly realistic portrayal of the two worlds, a reality that might actually exist in a distant future.  The degraded earth appears believable.  The paradise in space is sleekly futuristic with a tropical touch.  Facial reconstruction, courtesy of special effect, looks very cool.

"Elysium" would have a better film by thoughtfully exploring the human themes and developing the characters, instead of focusing on merciless actions, excessively shot with shaky cams.  The brutality, with a gore factor, is a surprise.  At 109 minutes, this is one movie that could benefit from a longer running time.

"Elysium" is big and bombastic, but it doesn't live up to its potential. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-elysium/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/khc2vly

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/msk6krd

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"The Wolverine"

13 years after the premiere of "X-Men" and four years after "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," Hugh Jackman ("Les Miserables") is back in prime physical form as Logan/Wolverine. 

An explosive and effective opening sets the expectations high; thankfully, the movie continues to its momentum to the end.   Flashing back to World War II, Logan saved the life of a young soldier, Yashida (Hal Yamanouchi), during the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki, shielding him with his body while getting burned to a crisp.  The soldier witnessed first hand how Logan was miraculously self-healed.

In the present time, Logan lives as an isolated life in the Alaskan wilderness.  He's haunted by nightmares of his dearly departed love, Jean Grey (Dark Phoneix), whom he had to kill to save everyone when she turned dark.  Blessed with self-healing power, Wolverine may be physically supreme, but emotionally scarred.  Eternity has its price; one may lose his purpose in life, outlive everyone and run out of things to live for.  

Logan is tracked down by a nimble, flaming-haired fighter, Yukio (Rila Fukushima), who has the ability to see the future.  She brings a message from her employer, Yashida.  The former World War II soldier is now a business tycoon, and dying.  He has invited Logan to come to Japan so that he could say goodbye in person. 

When Logan arrives in Japan, Yashida, accompanied by his mutant physician, snake-tongue Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova), entices him with a tempting proposal, an end to his eternity by transferring his self-healing power to Yashida.  This will allow Logan to live a normal life. 

Yashida tells Logan that he's not ready to die yet as he has to protect his business empire and granddaughter, Mariko (Tao Okamoto), from the Yakuza (Japanese mobs).  Logan knows something is off as he catches Mariko try to commit suicide.  He refuses Yashida's proposal, although it's clear that something must have happened since his self-healing power has diminished while he's fighting off mobs and ninjas during Yashida's funeral procession. 

Wounded and on the run with Mariko, Logan now has to adjust to his newfound vulnerability.  With help from Yukio, who unwittingly becomes his "bodyguard" in his human state of weakness, Logan and Mariko have to figure out how to survive, uncover unsavory family ties, regain Wolverine's power and sense of purpose as a warrior. 

The movie makes a full use of the Japanese locale.  It's a world of contrast between frenetic and vibrant modern Tokyo with beautiful and tranquil ancient Japan.  One outstanding action sequence is the ferocious fight atop the bullet train.  This sequence really shows a real sense of speed and danger.  Another standout is when the ninjas shoot hundreds of arrows in the snow and target Wolverine's back like a bullseye.  The closing combat with the robot samurai is fierce and reveals a twist.  

Directed by James Mangold, "The Wolverine" delivers the beloved sharp-clawed mutant story on an emotional and visual level.  Fast-paced, the movie is engrossing not only during its action-packed sequences, but also quieter moments.  The overall tone is serious, although there are sprinkles of humor.

If you're a fan of "X-Men," sit tight as the credit rolls.  The post-credit gives a glimpse of what's to come in the upcoming sequel of "X-Men: First Class," which is "X-Men: Days of Future Past."  Wolverine will be back for another adventure!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/uncategorized/the-wolverine/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/k9f85sj
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/lffnawk

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