2014 Movies Preview

 

2013 was a thrilling year, but 2014 is looking to be even more of a thrill ride, filled with franchise-friendly sure things, swing-for-the-fences passion projects, sleeper hits waiting to be discovered, and more superhero movies.

For sci-fi fans, expect to see a level of originality seen in the 2010 mind-bending "Inception," with "Interstellar" and "Transcendence" leading the pack. And for those missing "The Hunger Games" already, "Divergent" will be sure to capture your attention. 

Check out Yahoo! Movies for synopsis and trailers of the most anticipated movies of the year:
http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-news/2014-movie-preview-40-films-most-excited-181109299.html

2014 movies in under 7 minutes:

"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit"

If there's a standout in “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” it's the villain, Viktor Cherevin, played by none other than the director himself, Kenneth Branagh (“Thor”). If stares can kill, he's got them. And he doesn't threaten bodily harm; he just does it.

An origin story based on Tom Clancy's character and more than a decade after the last Jack Ryan movie, Star Trek's leading man Chris Pine (“Unstoppable”) is a man of intelligence and action, a former marine turned brainy CIA analyst and reluctant field agent.

The patriotic-minded young man was a Ph.D. student in the London School of Economics when 9/11 happened. He enlisted and served in Afghanistan until his unit got ambushed and he was badly injured. It's at the rehabilitation center he met his future fiancee and doctor Cathy Muller (Keira Knightley, “Pirates of the Caribbean”) and recruiter-handler, Thomas Harper (Kevin Costner, “Man of Steel”).

Now embedded in a Wall Street firm as a financial analyst, Ryan discovers a plot by the Russians to crash the U.S. economy and destabilize the world. He's sent to Moscow to conduct an audit of the financial irregularities in Cherevin's company and finds a lot more that he's bargained for. Things grow awry fast specially after Cathy suddenly shows up to surprise him with a suspicion that he's having an affair. A surprise attack by a hitman, tense infiltration of the Russian firm, high-tech hacking, kidnapped fiancee, shootouts, car chases, hijacking, sleeper agent hunting, and ticking bomb that ends in a kaboom.

This is one movie that could actually benefit from more running time to add depth to the characters or complexity to the story (and perhaps minimize the plot holes). “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” feels generic.  Nothing special. It doesn't have a style distinctive to a franchise (like a Bond or Bourne movie does). But for what it's worth, this fast straight-shooter is a splash of summer thrill in the winter.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-jack-ryan-shadow-recruit/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/kmxq45v
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/l5pdfwt

"The Wolf of Wall Street"

 

Forget "The Great Gatsby.”  “The Wolf of Wall Street” is where the real show is.

A fifth collaboration between director Martin Scorsese (“The Departed,” “Shutter Island,” “Hugo”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Catch Me If You Can,” “Inception,” “J. Edgar"), “The Wolf of Wall Street” is based on a true story of the rise and fall of a hedonistic stockbroker in 1980s and 1990s, Jordan Belfort (adapted from the memoir of the same title).

Eager and sincere at age 22, Belfort does a short stint at a major Wall Street firm. Matthew McConaughey (“The Lincoln Lawyer”), in a scene-stealing alpha-male mode, appears briefly as his mentor showing the sinful ropes of the inner workings of Wall Street. If you like your greenbacks, keep your clients on a rich-on-paper ferris wheel. And yes, keep your blood pump with drugs and sex. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Blatantly brash.

The gig doesn't last long. Belfort is laid off when the Black Monday market crash happens and the firm shuts its door. But it isn't long until he stumbles upon a get-rich-quick scheme of unregulated penny stocks, 'courtesy of a mom-and-pop shop, Investors Center. It doesn't matter what companies he pitches; he's selling pie-in-the-sky believably and is rewarded with 50% commission, as opposed to 1% during his blue chip days. Before long cash starts rolling in and it shows. One of the neighbors, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), notices the nouveau-riche and jumps to work for him.

Belfort pulls together a bunch of hometown boys and operates his own company out of a garage. The misfits can sell. Belfort, a master salesman, teaches them how to appeal to the dreamer's side of people, bait them with the promise of easy money, fake sincerity, gain their trust and score. The firm of Stratton Oakmont is born. The scene is comically shot and DiCaprio works it like no other.

The company expands exponentially, Forbes starts calling, hordes of people are beating down the door hungry to work for Belfort.  Everyone worships him.  And Belfort, is enjoying the illicit spoils of his success. Mansion, fancy car, yacht with a helicopter, just to name a few. He divorces his first wife (Christin Milioti) and gets himself a trophy wife, Naomi Lapaglia (Margot Robbie), who keeps up with his lurid lifestyle.

Belfort and team are living high, large and loose, even as the SEC and FBI come sniffing, and with a concerned father (Rob Reiner) in the background. Life is a never-ending party and debauchery. Drunken with greed, swimming with cash, drowning in drugs and addicted to prostitutes.

DiCaprio and Kyle Chandler (“Super 8,” “Argo,” “Zero Dark Thirty”), lead FBI agent on the case, handle the initial encounter on the yacht with humorous aplomb, where Belfort tries to bribe the hard-working, common-folk agent. As the investigation heats up, money are smuggled out of the country and stashed in an offshore account. Eventually, sordid deeds are catching up with Belfort. Before the indictment for fraud and money laundering, there's a standout scene, physical comedy no less, involving DiCaprio and Hill. It's a sad, scary situation, yet absolutely uproarious.

None of the characters are likeable. Their actions are beyond reckless and abhorrent. Their language is profanity-laced at every turn. But execution, script, acting are sensationally top-shelf. There's not a dull moment in the three-hour run. Scorsese directs it with revelry. Terence Winter (screenwriter) writes it unbridledly. DiCaprio lives it up like the king of the world and swaggers into a staggering performance. Deplorable, hysterical, phenomenal.

The abyss of excess takes entertaining to the extreme. “The Wolf of Wall Street” spirals with sins and sizzles with exuberance.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-the-wolf-of-wall-street/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/nuvx2xu
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/osrfgas

 

Golden Globes 2014

[Originally posted on 1/12/14]

 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler returned as hosts of the 71^st Golden Globes after a successful run last year. The duo kept the show moving. Once again striking a balance between credible and comical, the jabs worked without going too far.

Fey and Poehler began by rattling off names of mega stars that occupied the nominees list this year, and made a tongue-in-cheek praise, noting the caliber of the stars – compared to last year's nominees. They vowed to get the show done in less than three hours, or “act 1,” as director Martin Scorsese would call it. In the interest of gender equality, Fey introduced her “adult son” from a “previous relationship,” Poehler, hilariously dressed up in a boy getup, to accompany Miss Golden Globes.

Age and weight issues were lightheartedly brought to light. "Meryl Streep was so brilliant in 'August: Osage County,' proving that there are still great parts in Hollywood for Meryl Streeps over 60." "George Clooney would rather float away in space (referring to “Gravity”) and die than spend one more minute with a woman his own age.” “For his role in 'Dallas Buyers Club,' he (Matthew McConaugheylost 40 pounds, or what actresses call ‘being in a movie.’”

Formula One racer, Niki Lauda" (played by Daniel Bruhl in nominated "Rush"), made a special guest appearance.

Woody Allen was the recipient of Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award this year. Diane Keaton accepted the award in his absence.

Jennifer Lawrence, a critics' darling, won the first award of the night, best supporting actress in a musical or comedy category for con-game “American Hustle.” Robert Downey, Jr. made a joke about him being the winner when going through the list of best actress nominees – regardless of who would win. Amy Adams joined Lawrence with her award for her leading role in “American Hustle.” She graciously thanked her long-time manager, who chose to work with her based on “a feeling” when she arrived in Los Angeles 15 years ago. In the drama category, Cate Blanchett ended her best actress (“Blue Jasmine”) speech on a funny note, asking whether viewers at home all of a sudden just heard a winner talking really fast or also heard a tune that played as an indicator to wrap up.

Under musical and comedy category, Leonardo DiCaprio scored an overdue best actor award with wild memoir “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto nabbed best actor and best supporting actor,” respectively for their transformative roles in “Dallas Buyers Club.”

Best screenplay award went to Spike Jonze, for sci-fi romance “Her” (review coming up next). He singled out fellow nominee and strong contender, David O. Russell (“American Hustle”), for helping him with the script.

Alfonse Cuaron took home the statue for best director. He took great risks with space odyssey “Gravity” and it paid off big time. Best motion picture in musical and comedy predictably went to the star-studded “America Hustle.” “12 Years a Slave” took home the top prize as in the drama category, besting most nominated film, “American Hustle.”

And the Golden Globe goes to...

Best Motion Picture - Drama
Winner: "12 Years a Slave"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Winner: Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Winner: Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine"

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Winner: "American Hustle"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Wolf of Wall Street"

Best Director - Motion Picture
Winner: Alfonso Cuarón, "Gravity"

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Winner: Spike Jonze, "Her"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Winner: Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Winner: Amy Adams, "American Hustle"

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Winner: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Brian Burton - "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Winner: Alex Ebert, "All is Lost"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Winner: Jennifer Lawrence, "American Hustle"

For a complete list of winners, please check out the official website.

Stay tuned for the Oscars!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/golden-globes-2014/

Upcoming Movies: February 2014

[Originally posted on 1/24/14]

February 7
"Lego Movie" (http://thelegomovie.warnerbros.com/index.html) - An ordinary LEGO minifigure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together.

"The Monuments Men" (http://www.monumentsmenmovie.com/site/) - An unlikely World War II platoon are tasked to rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their owners.

Februay 14
"RoboCop" - In 2028 Detroit, when a good cop is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer.

"Winter's Tale" (http://www.winterstalemovie.com/) - A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her.

February 21
"Pompeii" - A slave turned gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him.

"3 Days to Kill" - A dying secret service agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment.

February 28
"Non-Stop" (http://www.nonstopthefilm.com/) - An air marshall must spring into action aboard an international flight.

"Welcome to Yesterday" (http://www.welcometoyesterday.com/) - A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.

"Her"

[Originally posted on 1/15/14]

 

A man falling in love and having a relationship with his operating system.

Is it farfetched? Sure. But then again, so were smartphones and tablets when we grew up. And Siri must have been a real person.

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) is a letter-writer for hire. He writes letters for a living, for those who aren't capable or willing to write them to their loved ones. A lonely soul, he pours his heart into and loves vicariously through these letters.

One day he sees a commercial for an artificial intelligence, an operating system (OS) with “consciousness,” and he decides to get one. Meet Samantha (voiceover by Scarlett Johansson, "The Avengers," “Iron Man 2”). That's how the OS names herself.

Initially Samantha is just there to help organize Theodore's life and make him more efficient. A machine with a hyper-level of awareness, Samantha is intuitive and perceptive. As she interacts further with Theodore, she learns more and more about him, forms her own thoughts and feelings, and responds accordingly. Like a child, she's excited and curious about life. She grows and matures, and continues to adapt based on what she experiences with Theodore. Theodore takes her out on “dates,” having the device (Samantha) peeked out from his front pocket, so that she could see the world.

Theodore and Samantha talk about anything and everything. And share intimacy, just like a real couple does, with the obvious limitation of Samantha having no physical body. The relationship, as weird as it sounds, is surprisingly organic.

Meanwhile, Theodore becomes less passionate about his job as he's going through a tough separation from his, wife, Catherine (Rooney Mara, "Side Effects," "The Social Network"). A series of flashbacks shows their relationships from earlier, happy times to drifting apart and heartbreak. Catherine accuses Theodore of always wanting a wife, but without the complications of the relationship. Theodore's neighbor and friend, Amy (Amy Adams, "American Hustle," “Man of Steel”) is also going through a marriage breakup, which may just prove the point that human relationships are hard. But relationship with an OS is not without challenges either, especially when the OS starts taking human characteristics, yet its non-human capability continues to evolve rapidly.

Set in a not-too-distant future, the Los Angeles setting looks like the city we know, but with the addition of Shanghai skyscrapers, and its occupants continuously and exclusively occupied with their own OS, further isolating themselves even in the crowds. In some ways, we're already there. The film has a distinct visual style, high-tech modern with a retro feel. Theodore's bright-colored shirts really pop against the muted, soft-filtered cityscape. The clothes look like ours, with the exception of men wearing high-waisted pants. The music helps make the movie. The “piano-piece” serenades the heart. Despite of one awkward sequence that goes on too long and and an abrupt wrap-up, the film is wholeheartedly believable, which can be attributed to its overall strong script.

Phoenix displays dead-on, highly expressive facial expressions. There are tons of extreme close-ups, zooming in on his face as he chats with an unseen “being.” Genuinely vulnerable, like an open book colored with a myriad of emotions. Much like the heavenly praised “Gravity” is Sandra Bullock's film, this is Phoenix's. Not to discount Johansson's role, her voice, slightly raspy, but warm, imbues Samantha's with sweetness and playfulness, wit and curiosity. Samantha feels like a real person, engaging with personality.

Conceptually unusual with the sci-fi element, director and writer Spike Jonze makes “Her” a story about humans' fundamental need to connect and love. Bizarre and the beautiful, it works. 

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

"American Hustle"

 

Director David O. Russell (“The Fighter,” ”Silver Linings Playbook”) reunites Oscar-quality co-stars of “The Fighters,” Christian Bale (“The Dark Knight Rises”) with Amy Adams (“Man of Steel”), and “Silver Linings Playbook,” Bradley Cooper (“Limitless”) with Jennifer Lawrence (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”) in this screwball 70s crime caper dramedy. Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) supports.

Bale, unrecognizable as potbellied, bald with bad comb-over Irving Rosenfeld, a con man running an art forgery and small loan scams with a dry cleaning shop as a front. A character actor, there's no trace of superhero in him. Irving locks eyes with a seductive grifter, Sydney Prosser (Adams), at a pool party and they hit it off at first sight. They both reinvent themselves to lead better lives. Adams, plunging necklines aside, quietly allures and carries herself with a British upper-class confidence.

Irving is not flying solo; he's married to Rosalyn (Lawrence) and with a young son. Lawrence, mostly in party updo, looks like she's having a ball playing Rosalyn, loose-lips and wildly opinionated. Sydney ups the ante for Irving and together they grow their fraudulent investment business, at least until they get caught by an unruly FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Cooper). Richie ends up falling for Sydney, which complicates their relationships. With rambunctious performance, bearded and perm-curled Cooper is a blast to watch.

Naive yet ambitious, Richie has big dreams and plans to make news for himself (and moving out of his mother's house). His plan is to lure politicians to accept bribes and catch them in the act, even at the disapproval of his boss (Louis C.K.). To do this, he needs Irving's and Sydney's cunning expertise. In exchange for their freedom, Irving and Sydney reluctantly agree to cooperate.

The trap is set, which includes another FBI agent (Michael Pena, "The Lincoln Lawyer") posing as an Arab Sheik looking to make an investment (inspired by the real Abscam sting in 1978). Entrapped is Carmine Polito, Mayor of Trenton, New Jersey. The stake is raised to a dicey level when Jersey's powerbrokers and mafia get involved in the negotiations to construct casinos and resorts in Atlantic City, for real. At this stage, Richie has the support of an equally ambitious chief prosecutor (Alessandro Nivola), to ensnare all the players, which extends to a senator and a half dozen congressmen.

The thing is Carmine turns out to be pure in his intention. He wants to create new jobs for the people of New Jersey and bringing good to the state. He even considers Irving a friend. Irving develops a conscience because of Carmine's friendship and sincerity. At the same time, he and Sydney must hold up the end of their bargain with the FBI. A wild card in all these is Rosalyn, especially when a mobster (Jack Huston) takes an interest in her. She's not exactly clueless either and might just blow the entire operation.

It's been said that Russell would like to focus on the characters, rather than the plot. Each cast member is indeed given the chance to hustle and thrive. But even as the plot starts off as simple, alliance shifts and double-cross occurs. You think you know how it ends, yet it manages to churn out a twist.

I've always enjoyed crime capers. It's a treat to be in the flimflam or figure out what the swindle is or how the main characters would pull off the scheme. “American Hustle” is no different. The con is on. Enjoy the game!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-american-hustle/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/krw8hwc
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/mhbsrbx