"The Theory of Everything"

“When there’s life, there is hope.”

Directed by James Marsh, “The Theory of Everything” tells a life story of the world-renowned astrophysicist, Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne, “Les Miserables,” “My Week with Marilyn”).  More of a love story than intellectual discoveries, it’s told from his first wife’s perspective, Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”), based on her memoir, “Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.”

Cambridge University, 1963.  Stephen Hawking is first introduced as a vibrant young man with a brilliant scientific mind and quirky humor, quickly charming an arts and literature student, Jane Wilde.  Not long after they meet and fall in love, Stephen receives a devastating diagnosis, degenerative motor neuron disease (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), with an estimated life expectancy of two years.

It’s chillingly heartbreaking to see Stephen falls and hits the ground hard and Jane witnessing the first signs of his physical deterioration during a croquet game.  Even as he pushes her and his friends away, and cautioned by his parents for an uphill battle of a life she could never prepare for, Jane earnestly chooses to stay by his side and marry him regardless.

Then comes the children and domestic life is far more challenging than anyone could ever imagine.  As the deadly disease progresses, Stephen is gradually losing his abilities to do routine things; breathing, bathing, eating, drinking, dressing, speaking, writing, sitting, standing, walking.  It is painful to watch and serves as a powerful reminder of how much we take everyday living for granted.

His mind, his brilliant mind remains, however.  It’s the singular thing that Stephen has control over and continues to put to great use.  He finishes his doctorate study, discovers and theorizes, contributes to breakthroughs, speaks at engagements, writes books, gains recognition and rises to fame.

Life eventually does take a toll on Jane as a primary caretaker as her husband’s life stretches for many years.  She ends up befriending a church choirmaster and kind widower, Jonathan Hellyer Jones (Charlie Cox).  Jonathan becomes a close family friend, supportive and integrated to day-to-day struggle of the family’s life.  Jane’s relationship with him comes across naturally and is handled with class, as well as glimpses of Hawking’s later connection with his new nurse, Elaine Mason (Maxine Peake).  Through it all, Jane and Stephen’s bond is lifelong.  They’re shown as very human and fully realized.

The film is softly shot, hazy and rich in saturated colors, with an authentic feel of sets design and costume of the period.  It tugs at your heartstrings with a stunning score, a harmony of piano and violin.

Redmayne will be up for awards for his true-to-life portrayal.  He didn’t dramatically lose weight or put on prosthetic makeup, but his transformation from an able body to severely debilitated, functioning through a computerized voice and motorized wheelchair, while still conveying the essence of Stephen Hawking is extraordinary.  From struggling to walk, trembling hands, resting of his head, slurring of his speech, to facial tics, including expressive eyes, playful smile and arching eyebrows to communicate and convey his personality.  Jones is not to be overshadowed.  Jane’s incredible inner strength, quiet determination, endless compassion and loving devotion profoundly shine through.

Filled with much life, love and tears, and sprinkled with laughter, “The Theory of Everything” is a beautiful film.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-the-theory-of-everything/

http://tinyurl.com/theoryeverything

"Into the Woods"

[Originally posted on 12/25/14]

A twisted tale on the classics - Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk - tied together by the central characters' narrative, a baker and his wife, cursed to be childless by a witch. In order to reverse the spell, the couple must collect a cow as white as milk (Jack), cape as red as blood (Red Riding Hood), slipper as pure as gold (Cinderella), and hair as yellow as corn (Rapunzel) by midnight of the blue moon. Their lives all intersect in the woods.

The actors belt out dialogue in songs like champions, particularly Meryl Streep ("The Iron Lady"), power-singing through the movie and casting spells with her presence. Anna Kendrick ("Up in the Air") and Emily Blunt ("Edge of Tomorrow," "The Adjustment Bureau") enchant in a number of moments.

The movie has an eerie aura throughout its storybook-like settings and is surprisingly violent at times. But it's also self-aware and bleakly funny. It could have done away with the last third act, unnecessarily prolonged and muddled.

Plays like a Broadway show, “Into the Woods” is an entertainingly dark mix of musical and parody.

http://tinyurl.com/intothewoodsmusic

Upcoming Movies: January 2015

[Originally posted on 12/26/14]

[Note: Taking a break for the holidays and will be back with a review in January.  Happy new year!]

January 2
"A Most Violent Year" - In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history.

January 9
"Taken 3" (http://www.taken3movie.com) - An ex-government operative is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed.  As he is tracked and pursued, he brings out his particular set of skills to find the true killer and clear his name.

January 16
"Blackhat" (http://blackhat.legendary.com) - A man is released from prison to help American and Chinese authorities pursue a mysterious cyber criminal. The dangerous search leads them from Chicago to Hong Kong.

"Still Alice" - Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a devastating diagnosis, Alice and her family find their bonds tested.

January 23 
"Mortdecai" (http://mortdecaithemovie.com) - Art dealer Charles Mortdecai searches for a stolen painting that's reportedly linked to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.

"Black Sea" - In order to make good with his former employers, a submarine captain takes a job with a shadowy backer to search the depths of the Black Sea for a submarine rumored to be loaded with gold.

January 30
"Project Almanac" (http://www.projectalmanac.com) - A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.

2014: Year in Movies

[Originally posted on 12/19/14]

A look back to 2014... 200+ movies in 7:16 minutes.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I"

“If we burn, you burn with us.”

“The Hunger Games” franchise has been a fierce success, both from the critics’ and public’s side.  Since it premiere, there have been similar sci-fi YA adaptations; “Enders’ Game," “Divergent,” “The Giver” and “The Maze Runner.”  I greatly enjoyed every single one of them, but “The Hunger Games” reigns supreme.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was not only a game-changer; it shattered everything.  Everything that ace-archer Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, “The American Hustle,” "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "X-Men: First Class," Silver Linings Playbook”) knew, what went on behind the scene and right under her nose, what she became and how she meant to the people in the downtrodden districts of Panem.  When her arrow disabled the forcefield and obliterated the inhumane game, Katniss unwittingly transformed into a mockingjay, a beacon of belief and hope, inciting the uprising against the cruel Capitol regime. 

Rescued and safely ensconced in the underground base of district 13, Katniss is reunited with her childhood friend, Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), mother (Paula Malcomson) and sister (Willow Shields).  She finds herself in a secret, militarized society led by President Coin (Julianne Moore), who expects her to be the face of their cause.  Katniss doesn’t agree right away, as her main intention is to save Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), her loved one, captured by the Capitol.  She changes her mind after finding her homebase, district 12, charred and ruined, filled with smokes and skulls. 

Working together with strategist Plutarch Heavensbee (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, “The Ides of March”), the plan is to develop a series of propagandas, broadcasted to all the districts.  People need to see that the mockingjay is alive and well, ready to lead.  While the concept is easy to understood, Katniss can’t act in front the camera and doesn’t do green screen.  It’s finally decided that she goes into the field and gets filmed live by a film crew (led by Natalie Dormer). 

A visit to a hospital filled with the wounded ends in a tragedy when President Snow (Donald Sutherland, “The Mechanic”) orders an air strike.  It’s the moment that everyone’s looking for, anguished Katniss speaks from the heart and fights back, uniting the people to rise and rebel.  She makes a deal with President Coin to have Peeta and other tributes rescued from the Capitol. 

Peeta appears in a series of television appearances, answering interview questions from returning host Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci, “Captain America: The First Avenger”).  Peeta looks unharmed, physically, but it’s clear that he’s not the man he used to be.  He delivers messages that are favorable to the Capitol.    

From an action standpoint, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I” is lacking compared to its predecessors.  But don’t mistake the sparse action beats as lacking elsewhere.  While the filmmakers’ decision to split Suzanne Collins’ last book into two installments may have slowed down the story’s progression, the film is equally suspenseful, and emotional, as the previous movies.  The stakes remain sky-high and you’ve become incredibly invested in the characters that it guts you to see the state they are in. 

The entire cast is terrific, including returning supporting actors Elizabeth Banks (Eefie Trinket) and Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy), and a nod to Hutcherson for his deepening range.  But it’s Lawrence who fires all cylinders here, carrying the entire movie with a lightning bolt of emotions.  

The game was an all-encompassing piece in the earlier installments.  However, its absence here doesn’t make “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I” a lesser film.  As a matter of fact, the story, which is now more of a political, war drama is refreshingly different.  Adverse repercussions, political weapons, moving speeches, jammed communications, covert flyover to the enemy zone and tense stealth raid. 

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I” burns bright and explosively lays the groundwork for the revolution of all time, fueling the anticipation for an extraordinary endgame.  ‘Mockingjay Part II’  is set to release on November 20, 2015.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-the-hunger-games-mockingjay-part-i/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/hungergamesmockingjay1

"Interstellar"

If there's one movie I was most looking forward to seeing this year, it was “Interstellar.”

With a story shrouded in mystery, ambitious visual effects, directed by an acclaimed director and starred by top flight cast, it's one of the most anticipated movies of 2014. Attending the panel at Comic-Con with director Christopher Nolan (“Memento, “Inception,” “The Dark Knight”) and star Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club,” “The Lincoln Lawyer”) this summer only skyrocketed the expectations.

Earth is on life support, on the edge of extinction. Cooper (McConaughey), a former astronaut, is now a farmer, working the corn fields. Overexploitation in the 20^th century has led into earth's rapid deterioration. It's functioning at the most basic level; food, water and shelter. But there's no such thing as dreams for a better life. Cooper lives in a humble abode in the field, often engulfed in dust storms, with his two kids, Murph (Mackenzie Foy) and Tom (Timothee Chalamet), and his father (John Litgow).

When called by Professor Brand (Michael Caine, "Inception," “The Dark Knight” trilogy) from NASA, Cooper returns to his calling for a journey to the unknown. A wormhole has been found, which may be the key to find another place in space for humanity. Cooper's departure is not without sacrifice. It's gut-wrenching to leave everything behind, especially saying goodbye to his daughter, not knowing how long his intergalactic travel will be. He promises his daughter that he will back, not knowing the full picture.

Cooper blasts into space in Endurance spacecraft, with the professor's daughter, Dr. Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables,” “The Dark Knight Rises”), along with a couple other crew members and two robots. The robots are great supporting characters, providing lighter moments in their interactions with the humans. Midway through the voyage, they're joined by another character, whose surprising appearance contributes to one of the most intense sequences in the movie.

Time is truly of the essence. Every decision must be thought out thoroughly and calculated carefully. Once they surpass the wormhole, they must choose which planets to land on, survey and gather data. There's a strong sense of scarcity. Time is a precariously precious resource, not just fuel or oxygen. In one planet, an hour translates to seven years on earth. One mistake could cost them decades and humans' extinction. Further, there's never any certainty in how far time or dimension would get distorted. And unknown, foreign landscapes can transform a mild exploration into a harrowing moment.

“Interstellar” is a duel of philosophies, one for being human and feeling connected to our loved ones and our generation, and the other obligations to reach higher and do something greater for the future survival of mankind. And at the heart of it, wholeheartedly acted, an emotional tale between father and daughter (Jessica Chastain as adult Murph) that transcends time and space.

The visuals are vast and victorious. Majestically framed and filmed, they invoke a sense of awe, reminiscent of last year's award-winning “Gravity.” Spinning and floating space station against the dark starry skies, shining spheres, kaleidoscope of cosmic colors and lights, mountain of tidal waves, sea of clouds, jagged ice tundra. The score (Hans Zimmer, “Inception,” “The Dark Knight”)  impeccably underscores tense moments peaking with crescendo and cutting into silence.

The film is not without flaws. The running time of nearly three hours and verbose dialogue on quantum physics, gravity and relativity can be toned down without impacting the story. In real life, they don't withstand scrutiny anyway. But in this universe, it's believable enough in its plausibility.

“Interstellar” is imperfectly perfect in its stellar storytelling, simplicity of the plot and complicated details. A celestial tapestry of space exploration, time bender and heartfelt human story, it earns its place among the stars.

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

http://tinyurl.com/p52ogzx

"Nightcrawler"

“If it bleeds, it leads.”

Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal, “Source Code”) is desperate for a job. He scours and scrapes for anything. One night he runs into a freelance videographer (Bill Paxton, “Edge of Tomorrow”) filming a crash rescue, a footage that can be sold as headline exclusive to the highest bidding news station. This speaks to him on a primal level.  

Riding a beat-up car and equipped with an amateur police scanner and cheap camcorder, Lou is in business. A quick study, fast on his feet with a keen eye for detail, he trolls the night for a crime scene worth shooting. He's able to sell his first graphic shot to a night-shift news director (Rene Russo) in need of booster for ratings.  Their relationship morbidly blooms from there. Lou takes advantage of a homeless man (Riz Ahmed) to be his assistant; he's proven to be useful since he knows the ins and outs of Los Angeles streets. He thrives and soon is able to buy a fancy car and fancier equipments to run his business more professionally.

Lines are crossed, as Lou realizes that power and dollars come with getting the right shots at all costs. It's not just creeping or crawling into any crash, fire, murder, stabbing or carjacking. There's such thing as the “right” neighborhood, the “right” victim or the “right” circumstance. So what's the harm in manipulating frames at crime scenes when the police aren't looking? It gets the message across, scores and praises. But at what point a line is crossed to the point of no return? Setting up and staging scenes and gambling with people's lives?

Gaunt, bug-eyed and detached with a penchant for long, preaching monologue, Gyllenhaal plays the part like a pro, showing Lou's narcissistic hunger and smarm, opportunistic instinct with no qualm for morals, driven to be somebody who holds all the bargaining chips.

Natural light and neon-lit scenes are perfectly photographed in “Nightcrawler.” The nighttime shots remind me of the visually aesthetic “Drive."  It's a notable debut from a first-time director, Dan Gilroy.

Notwithstanding the unsatisfying ending, “Nightcrawler” is a great macabre satire about how news are made, packaged and pushed to the limit behind the scene, sensationalized and consumed by the public, and those who profit from tragedies and atrocities. A dark comedy and thriller rolled into one.

“Nightcrawler” may not be the typical ghoulish movie for a Halloween weekend. And while it's easy to say that Lou is one of the lowest kinds, there's something to be said about the public's appetite for ghastly sensationalism. As long as people are watching and ratings are soaring, the media would continue to publish. And that, is where the horror lies.

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

http://tinyurl.com/o3wvup9

"Gone Girl"

October is the month. Summer blockbusters become a memory as dramatic movies premiere, starting the race to the awards. October gave us “The Social Network” (2010), “The Ides of March” (2011), “Argo” (2012), “Gravity” and “Captain Phillips” (2013). This year, we've got “Gone Girl,” starring Ben Affleck (“Argo,” “The Company Men,” “The Town”) and Rosamund Pike (“Jack Reacher”).

Affleck (Nick Dunne) and Pike (Amy) play a married couple with marital woes. Laid off from their plum writing jobs in Manhattan during the recession, Nick and Amy relocate to Nick's hometown in Missouri to care for his cancer-stricken mother. Amy's trust fund finances a local bar that Nick co-owns with his twin sister, Margo (Carrie Coon). He feels right at home. Amy, a big city gal and scholar, not so much.

In the morning of their 5^th wedding anniversary, Nick comes home to find the door to his house open, smashed coffee table, and no sight of Amy. Yet everything else appears suspiciously neat and immaculate. Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens) and officer Jim Gilpin (Patrick Fugit) get called in and begin to investigate. It becomes very apparent right away that things are not what they seem.

Nick's nonchalance and unsettling clues left by Amy, along with Nick's own missteps make him a prime suspect. Even the introduction of a mistress, Andie Hardy (Emily Ratajkowski) and stalker ex-boyfriend, Desi Collings (Neil Patrick Harris) as potential suspects do not take the spotlight off Nick. And in the modern age of media, Nick's life gets scrutinized and spins. With Amy being sensationalized as America's sweetheart, Nick is guilty in the eyes of the public. It doesn't help that Amy's parents (David Clennon and Lisa Banes) end up turning on him.

While continuing to maintain his innocence, Nick finds himself running out of options and turns to a slick celebrity defense attorney, Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry). Together with Margo's unwavering support, Nick uncovers each layer of mystery and finds out what really happens.

We learn through flashbacks Nick's and Amy's relationship from the start, transgressing from lovey-dopey to cynical, volatile and toxic. And gain insight into them as individuals, especially Amy. Eventually facades fade and their relationship degrade.

A force to be reckoned with, Pike phenomenally handles the multifaceted role, effortlessly alternating between scared and scary, from soft and sweet to crazed and steely. Affleck brings in an affable charm, perfectly masking a nonplussed husband's repressed emotions. Supporting characters turn out strong performances. Coon as conflicted but ultimately supportive of her beleaguered twin brother, and Dickens as tough-as-nails detective who's not easily fooled.

At 149 minutes, the film does feel long, but deft direction, sharp storytelling, purposeful pacing, brisk dialogue intermingled with surprising dark humor, accompanied by an eerie score maintain the suspense and keep us guessing. It's a focused and fine creation from the director who put forth “The Social Network,” David Fincher. Fincher teams up with the author of the best-selling novel, Gillian Flynn, who writes the screenplay here, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Oscar-winning composers for “The Social Network.”

“Gone Girl” is one of those films best going in cold. Don't peek into the book. Steer clear from spoilers. What begins as a whodunit puzzle unfolds as a complex, character-driven page-turner, ending with a brutally bizarre twist.

Meticulously constructed, “Gone Girl” is layered with intricacy and laced with dread and wit. A deliriously diabolical psychological thriller, it won't be gone from our collective mind anytime soon. “Gone Girl” will remain one of the most talked-about films of the year.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-gone-girl/

http://tinyurl.com/nzzk3pf

Upcoming Movies: December 2014

[Originally published on 12/02/14]

December 5
"Wild" - A chronicle of one woman's 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent catastrophe.

"Comet" - Set in a parallel universe, Comet bounces back and forth over the course of an unlikely but perfectly paired couple's six-year relationship.

December 12
"Exodus: Gods and Kings" (http://www.exodusgodsandkings.com) - The defiant leader Moses rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

December 19
"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" (http://www.thehobbitblog.com) - Bilbo and Company are forced to be embraced in a war against an armed flock of combatants and the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth.

"Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" (http://www.nightatthemuseummovie.com) - Larry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

December 25
"Into the Woods" (http://movies.disney.com/into-the-woods/) - A witch conspires to teach important lessons to various characters of popular children's stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.

"Unbroken" (http://www.unbrokenfilm.com) - A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.

"American Sniper" (http://www.americansnipermovie.com) - A Navy S.E.A.L. recounts his military career, which includes more than 150 confirmed kills.

"The Maze Runner"

Notwithstanding that I was out of town last week, as a sci-fi fan, I wasn't running to the theater to see “The Maze Runner.” 

The trailer first seen at WonderCon and 20th Century Fox press conference I attended at Comic-Con earlier this year didn't generate nearly as much anticipation as “The Hunger Games” or “Divergent.” And the story didn't come across as thought-provoking as “The Giver.” Compared to other YA dystopian adaptations, this one seems to be as simplistic as a bunch of boys trapped in maze, banding together to survive and escape, mixed with trite teen drama. To my surprise, the movie ends up like “Ender's Game,” as in way better than I initially thought.

Directed by Wes Ball, The Maze Runner” is adapted from James Dashner's novel. A teenage boy, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), wakes up in an underground elevator. The elevator ascends to a meadow called the Glade, partially bordered by a forest and enclosed by towering walls. He doesn't know who he is and has no memories of his past. Shortly after he's surrounded by other boys, who have had similar experience and been forced to live there for the last three years. In other words, they're inexplicably trapped there. Each month a new boy arrives the same way, accompanied by some supplies.

The Glade is encircled by a massive, menacing maze. The entrance to the maze is open during daylight and closed at sundown. At nighttime, scary flesh-eating monsters, alien-like mechanical spiders, troll through the maze. Anyone who has spent the night in the maze never returns or lives to tell the tale.

Thomas finds a makeshift society functioning, run by a self-anointed leader, Gally (Will Poulter), along with his right-hand man, Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). People are assigned to certain functions to help sustain their living, such as food-gathering, plant-growing, shelter-building and glade-guarding. And perhaps most importantly, there are “runners,” designated to enter the maze during daytime, mapping out and memorizing routes in hopes that they would eventually be able to find a way out.

As the sun sets and the maze entryway closes, one runner, Minho (Ki Hong Lee), tries fruitlessly to make it back towards the Glade. He's weighed down by an unconscious fellow runner, Alby (Aml Ameen). Alby was the first boy to arrive at the Glade. Thomas sprints towards them to help and ends up trapped inside the maze. What happens next is one of the most thrillingly terrifying scenes, a hide-and-seek and face-off with a Griever.

When Thomas makes it out alive, he collides with rules-enforcing Gally, but also makes friends with those who now look up to him. He especially bonds with the youngest in the bunch, Chuck (Blake Cooper). Complicating the situation is the arrival of the latest member, unexpectedly, a girl named Teresa (Kara Scodelario), holding a note that she will be the last person to arrive at the Glade.

Officially appointed as a runner, Thomas goes back into the maze along with another runner to piece together clues and uncover an escape route. If only it were that easy. Peril lurks at every turn. Both boys find themselves running for their lives, as metal plates and stone walls closing in, breaking apart or crushing down on them. Later that night, for the first time ever, the Grievers come out from hiding and attack.

For the most part, indeed, the movie is about a bunch of boys trapped in a maze, banding together to survive and escape. But all the elements, terrorizing set pieces, claustrophobic atmosphere, capable acting, and well-shot wall-to-wall action scenes, add up to constant suspense. And there's a clash of ideals running through – security and comfort versus risk and freedom. Would you stay in your comfort zone knowing that you're reasonably safe and alive, or would you risk it all and fight to the death as necessary for a chance of freedom?

While the larger-picture ending provides more questions than answers, it does give out a level of explanation to the remaining survivors about what happened to them and why. The story, of course, doesn't end there. Mystery remains as they take off to an unknown destination. It's intriguing enough that I'm now anticipating the next installment, “The Scorch Trials.” The sequel is set to premiere on September 18, 2015.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-the-maze-runner/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/mk6dbsm

"The Giver"

I was never exposed to the controversial novel of Lois Lowry and I learned about the movie, “The Giver,” at the 20th Century Fox press conference at Comic-Con this year.  

Directed by Phillip Noyce (“Salt”), “The Giver” is a story about a perfectly peaceful, utopian society, unfolding onscreen with the bland pleasantness of “Pleasantville.” The sets are immaculately designed, minimalistic style. Communities built after the Ruins are cocooned in a climate-controlled, clifftop mesa bordered by clouds.

Communities are ruled with an iron-fist precision – past memories are erased, everything is strictly regulated. Assigned family unit, exact societal role, down to well-manufactured dwelling, impeccably lit pathways, uniform clothing and homogeneous food. Precise language, no lies, and obedience to curfew times.

Regulations set by political leaders, led by Chief Elder (Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”), strip away what fundamentally makes us humans, emotions. Conformity is a way of life and contentment is ever-present. The premise reminds me of one of the most memorable sci-fi films in the last decade, “Equilibrium.”

With the absence of emotions, everyone is equal and at peace, as there is no winner or loser. No war, hunger, racism or prejudice. No anger, fear, hatred, envy, confusion or chaos. At the same time, there is no love, passion, pride, joy or happiness.  

At the Choosing Ceremony, three friends, Jonas (Brenton Thwaites, “Maleficent”), Fiona (Odeya Rush) and Asher (Cameron Monaghan) leave their childhood behind and each receives a pre-ordained role in society. Fiona as a nurturer and Asher a drone pilot. Jonas, deemed to possessed the ideal attributes of intelligence, integrity, courage and capacity to see beyond, is selected to become a Receiver. The Receiver will train with a spiritual leader, the Giver (Jeff Bridges, “Edge of Tomorrow”), who will transmit memories of the past and outside world. As the sole keeper of memories, he provides guidance to the Elders from time to time.

As Jonas begins his training, he uncovers the truth about the world and learns that there's more to life, much more. He begins to skip his morning injection, which suppresses emotions. His increasingly unruly behaviors raise eyebrows of his assigned parents (Katie Holmes and Alexander Skarsgard).

Jonas' world is turned upside down, his vision gradually changing from monochromatic to technicolor. He's perplexed, curious, filled with awe when seeing visions and feeling the beauty and joy of living, and later recoiling in shock and horror when exposed to the cruelty, pain and suffering of mankind. He experiences stirrings of awakening, feelings toward Fiona, whom he starts to share with. He also learns about the unspeakable reality of what happens to the sick and old when they're “released” to place called Elsewhere.

When Jonas discovers a plan that would release a baby that he has bonded with, he knows he must take radical actions, and fast. The Giver, who holds a painful past with the previous Receiver, agrees to help him escape and venture out of the sterile communities, past the boundary of memories. As one can imagine, the Chief Elder clashes with the Giver, sees Jonas as a threat and haunts him down. What's should be noted here is that the Chief Elder is not inherently evil. She truly believes in protecting her people from the ugliness of the world by taking away their free will.

For the veteran actors, Streep is wasted; it's a role that doesn't require such caliber. Bridges is perfectly cast, imbuing the Giver with a world-weary wisdom, with hints of sarcastic humor. Thwaites is adequately earnest in the role, as someone who's learning to experience a spectrum of emotions.

Like the other YA adaptations, “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent," the provocative premise of “The Giver” lends itself an interesting story. But with 94 minutes of running time, it would have benefited from additional scenes, showing a more detailed introduction to the new society rising from the ashes, segments of other unique rituals, the politics, instead of an extensive introduction narrative and rushing through the third act with action towards a rather abrupt ending.

What stand out the most are the montages of memories, stunning in living color. The diversity of experiences of people of all colors and races.  The manners of individuality and self-expressions through history, culture, art and music.  

Being alive means having the freedom to choose and experience all life has to offer. The good, the bad, the ugly. After all, if you can't feel, what's the point of living?

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-the-giver/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/myje3tz

Upcoming Movies: November 2014

[Originally posted on 11/05/14]

November 7
"Intertstellar" (https://interstellar.withgoogle.com) - A group of explorers make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.

"Big Hero 6" (http://movies.disney.com/big-hero-6/) - The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

November 14
"Beyond the Lights" - A talented young musician on the brink of super stardom struggles with the pressure of her new-found success.

"Dumb and Dumber" (http://www.dumblr.com) - 20 years after the dimwits set out on their first adventure, they head out in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney.

November 21
"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I" (http://www.thehungergamesexclusive.com) - Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.

"The Imitation Game" (http://theimitationgamemovie.com) - English mathematician and logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma code during World War II.

November 28
"Horrible Bosses 2" (http://horriblebosses2.com) - Dale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own business but things don't go as planned because of a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme.

"Penguins of Madagascar" (http://madagascar.dreamworks.com) - Discover the secrets of the greatest and most hilarious covert birds in the global espionage biz: Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private. These elitists join forces with a chic undercover organization, The North Wind, led by husky Agent Classified to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world.

"Big Hero 6"

[Originally posted on 11/16/14]

I want my own Baymax...  Inflatable, huggable and adorable, the marshmallow-like personal health care robot is absolutely freakin' hilarious!  The way 'he' moves, reacts or responds is designed for maximum outloud laughs.  The hybrid metropolis of San Franskoyo is superbly constructed and panoramic view spectacular.  While "Big Hero 6" deals with themes of technology and creativity, loss and grief, friendships and teamwork, revenge and sacrifice, the sci-fi element and action-packed nature make this Disney-Marvel superhero animation super thrilling.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/mssn7yd

"The Judge"

[Originally posted on 10/18/14]

It's hard to remember Robert Downey, Jr. (“The Avengers”) before Iron Man or Sherlock Holmes.  But “The Judge” shows that the charisma carries over and he really does drama well.

When a top Chicago lawyer (Downey) goes back to his hometown in rural Indiana for his mother's funeral, he finds himself defending his irascible father (Robert Duvall), a longtime judge facing a murder trial.

The movie tries to be everything; drama, thriller, comedy, romance with too many players.  Although I wished it to be more of a legal thriller (anyone misses the heyday of John Grisham?), it's at its strongest as (and mostly is) a dysfunctional family drama.  Once a fact about the judge is revealed, the story becomes predictable, yet, the way it's structured and acted makes it suspenseful still.

Duvall and Downey made the film, showcasing their father-and-son relationship from estranged to emotional and bonding.  Go for the acting!

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/pq8lt2b

Comic-Con 2014: Feature Film Highlights

[For preview night, please click here. For coverage from previous years, click here]

The best party of the year arrived and it was one that fans wish would end just a little longer. After so many years of Hall H (which now arguably stands more for 'hassles'), where major films are featured, I chose a different route last year, alternating between the hall's mass-hysteria with subdued press conferences (Marvel's “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”) and relaxed, artsy panels. Among stars attended include Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Harrison Ford, Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Samuel L. Jackson, and many others.

This year I did a similar approach and it was proven to be leisurely enjoyable. As always, there are too many panels running concurrently, public and press events alike, so I had to make a decision to pick some and declined the rest.

***

Here are some of the most memorable highlights: (please note that TV coverage will be in a separate article later)

“Penguins of Madagascar” (November 26, 2014)

In attendance: co-directors Eric Dornell, Simon J. Smith and Tom McGrath, voice actors John Malkovich and Benedict Cumberbatch

Dreamworks Animation booked an overlong (for animation) hour and half slot of its animations, “Home, “Boo" and “Penguins of Madagascar," with the latter being the most notable panel.

Benedict Cumberbatch made his very first trek ever to Comic-Con, stomping for, of all things, an animation. While the movie offered plenty of laughter, it's clear that most of the audience were enthusiastic for Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch was attracted to the project because he wanted to do something different and this made him laugh. He joked about working undercover as a wolf in the Yellowstone National Park to prepare for the role, and then he realized the other two wolves were Christian Bale and Daniel Day- Lewis. Here he plays a smooth-talking wolf who recruits the penguins to get information and are on the run from John Malkovich's geneticist-octopus. This action-packed animation takes what typically are sidekicks, penguins, make them cool, and have them involved in spy adventures across the globe.

***

“The Giver” (August 15, 2014)

In attendance: author Lois Lowry, producer Nikki Silver, actors Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites and Odeya Rush

Fans of YA dystopian movies," Divergent” and “The Hunger Games"), may find a welcome addition in “The Giver.” Based on a book written by Lois Lowry, the story tells a future society without free will or emotions. A society built after the ruins that is governed with an iron-fist precision – no inequality, no winner or loser. Every morning people take their morning injections, which suppresses their emotions. When an intelligent and courageous teenage boy receives memories of the past and the real world, he realizes that there's something more to life, and being human. He stands up for what he believes in and it makes him a target. There's a struggle between the political leader and spiritual leader about what is right and how to protect children from suffering.

Lowry was asked about a change in the characters' ages, from 12 in the book to 16 in the movie, but she didn't see a problem with it. She mentioned the similarity in traits; young, curious and intelligent.

Jeff Bridges wanted to bring in the story to the big screen for nearly two decades and direct his own father to play the giver, but he's always stuck in the financing stage due to the controversies surrounding the story.

The movie promises montages of memories, an emotion-filled experience of what it means to be alive. There's richness that arises out of pain as humans, such as art, music, literature.

***

Paramount Studios sneaked in brief presentations: “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” and time-travel flicks, “Project Almanac” and “Hot Tub Machine 2. It was a rush hour stretched with larger blocks for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Interstellar.”

Aside from the panels, a fanfare of the day was The Rock. Dwayne Johnson walked through the aisles, rock star style, amidst blaring rock music and blazing fire onscreen, promoting “Hercules,” which opened last week. He bought three theaters and was going to tweet at 5 p.m. that day to invite fans to watch the movie, first-come first-served, free of charge. With people cheering and leaping to their feet, whipping out smartphones and cameras, it's a clever move to generate buzz and boost showing.

***

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (August 8, 2014)
In attendance: creator Kevin Eastman, director Jonathan Liebsman, producers Andrew Form and Brad Fuller, stars Megan Fox and Will Arnett

No one could have expected the success and staying power of these 30-year “heroes in a half shell.” The audience saw black-and-white sketches, photos and clips from its early years before TMNT became mainstream.

An extended reel showed hostage-taking, storming and release taken place in an underground subway station. Megan Fox' reporter character gets in over her head when she discovers the identity of these heroes and meets their rat leader. The final footage showed nonstop action with a truck careening out of control and sliding down snow mountains. There's a lot more cheese here than the standard superhero fare.

***

“Interstellar”(November 7, 2014)

In attendance: director Christopher Nolan, star Matthew McConaughey

The most anticipated sci-fi film of the year got the biggest applause of the day with surprise appearances from its visionary director, Christopher Nolan (“Batman" trilogy,” “Inception”) and newly crowned Academy Award winner, Matthew McConaughey.

McConaughey took center stage first (and yes, he delightfully quipped, “Alright, alright, alright,” after some cajoling from fans), starting off with the story on how he became involved with the film. He flew in to meet with Christopher Nolan for three hours and talked about everything except the movie. He was eventually offered the role.

McConaughey divulged further details. In the story, he's a former pilot and engineer, and a widow with two kids, living in a society in a sustainable mode. The society is functioning with food and clean water, but finds no need for bright ideas. There's no place for a pilot or engineer. Then something happens and he finds himself taking part in the greatest mission mankind has ever taken and has to leave his children behind. He professed that Nolan was an original director and this was one of the most absorbing films and Nolan's most ambitious project. Yet things moved really fast, takes, for instance, often took 2-3, as opposed to 30-40.

Asked what else he could share about the movie, McConaughey refused, but proceeded to introduce someone else who could do it better, and in walked Nolan himself. He had heard so much about Comic-Con and wanted to see what the fuss was all about. He thanked fans for supporting all his previous movies. He humbly remarked that a movie wasn't finished until it's dissected by fans. The crowd lapped it up.

Nolan said that the highest ambition of children of his generation was to become astronauts and he gained inspiration from it. Even with incredible technological changes, he's known as a practical filmmaker, eschewing 3-D for his films. In this space movie, he put in innovative techniques, making things as realistic as possible for the actors, while taking the audience for a ride, a journey through the stars.

Starred by Oscar winners, the film has been shrouded in mystery from the get-go. Even after an extended trailer was played, which includes a narrative on love through time and space, it remains cryptic. Nolan added that the film touched on what makes us human and why we explore space in the first place. One thing is for sure, whatever's mystery is left, it would be a stellar surprise.

***

From 20^th Century Fox press conferences: (each press conference was short, so I also attended Hall H partially afterwards)

“The Maze Runner” (September 19, 2014)

In attendance: author James Dashner, director Wes Ball, actors Dylan O'Brien, Will Poulter, Kaya Scodelario

Another YA adaptation, I first became aware of “The Maze Runner” at WonderCon this spring. A teenage boy wakes up without memories of his past or outside world. Along with other boys, he's doesn't know who and where he is, and why they're trapped in a menacing maze. He must piece together clues in order to discover his true purpose, survive and escape. The trailer showed a glimpse of the terrifying Grievers, whose look was inspired by “Jurassic Park” and “Alien.”

With the popularity of YA movies these days, the filmmakers weren't afraid that this would get lost in the maze (no pun intended). James Dashner gave thumbs up for the finished product and said that it's true to the vision of his novel. The concept would stand on its own; kids working together to survive in a new society, brotherhood, along with ballsy, wall-to-wall action. The panel was proud of how unique and original the movie was. Assuming the movie does well, they're hoping to move forward with the sequel, “The Scorch Trials" (seen with a concept art at the end of the presentation).

***

“Hitman: Agent 47” (February 27, 2015)
In attendance: stars Zachary Quinto and Hannah Ware

Rupert Friend, who plays Agent 47, was not present due to a conflicting filming schedule, but Zachary Quinto and Hannah Ware actively addressed questions. Although since the filmmakers would like to keep things under wrap, they had to stop themselves in occasions from revealing too much.

Among things they were able to say, Ware's character is searching for someone and Quinto's character presents himself as someone who could help her. There's certainly more than meets the eye, such as there's a femme fatale quality and heightened awareness of survival to Ware's character. This was her first action movie and the physicality was a good challenge, in which Quinto taught her the ropes. Stunts include being tied up and suspended by a rope and close-range gun shootings. Quinto said that there's a scale, style and scope to the movie, but it also tried to be rooted in characters and the dynamic of those relationships. Both commented that shooting on locations (Berlin, South Africa, Singapore) was a plus and helped bringing a real sense of place to the story, as opposed as pretending to be in other cities.

The exclusive footage featured a cool interrogating scene, where agent 47, stronger and faster than normal human beings, swiftly flips a table, turns around a sniper rifle aimed at him and has the bullet breaking the glass wall, releases himself from the handcuff and disarms the interrogator. Based on a video game, the movie is visually sleek and looks thrilling.

***

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” (October 24, 2014)
In attendance: co-creators Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, stars Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, Sophie Cookson and Sophie Boutella

Based on a comic-book series by Mark Millar, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is a love letter to spy movies, stepping into an era we grew up in, stuff we love when we were kids, with manifestations of all things spy, including James Bond and the Avengers. It tells a story about a secret super spy agency that recruits street kids into its competitive training program.

Samuel Jackson signed on because he always wanted to be in a Bond movie. Colin Firth was drawn into the film because it's something he'd like to do for a long time, like stepping into the shoes of the people who were your heroes growing up. He said it's his chance to be in a movie he spent all day watching as a kid. He further said that he had never done something as physical as this before and that the training was extraordinary. It's intense and unfamiliar, but incredibly gratifying. Firth was an unexpected choice because he's the last person people would expect to kick anyone's ass. There's an elegance to a British spy gentleman, which Firth would play believably. Firth gave high marks for his young co-star, Taron Egerton. As a mentor in the movie, he actually learned a lot from Egerton.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” has a unique style, sharp and stylized. The first footage showed a massacre taken place in a snowy mountain cabin, surrounding a man tied up in a chair. A man cleanly cut in half and a killer with blade feet were standout scenes. The second depicted Firth's character's expert skill, nonchalantly taking down a group of bullies in a bar, using his umbrella, beer mug and dart, and then sitting back to sip the rest of his drink and converse with the young prospect recruit in front of him.

***

20^thCentury Fox also came out with a Latin-inspired animation, “The Book of Life,”a panel attended by director Jorge Gutierrez, producer Guillermo Del Toro, voice actors Christina Applegate, Ron Perlman, Samuel L. Jackson and Channing Tatum. The relatively calm press conference was in contrast with the lively fan experience in Hall H. In Hall H, rapper Biz Markie showed up, took the mic and sang “Just a Friend.” Each member of the panel rose from the seats and danced along.

***

Other buzzes coming out of Comic-Con this year are DC's “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” and Marvel's “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

The former showed a teaser trailer with Batman in a battle armor with eyes glowing white and red-eyed Superman hovering over a lit-up Bat signal. DC also offered a first-look of Wonder Woman in a sleek costume, standing against a fiery landscape, bronzed and ready for battle.

The latter served up a startling footage, which begins with a lighthearted scene with the Avengers gathering to see who's able to lift Thor's hammer and then fights with Ultron minions, and ends on an alarming note, a cracked shield of Captain America and Iron Man standing over strewn bodies of his cohorts. There's also an unveiling of the most talked-about poster, an eight-parter, each is a part of the larger poster of the Avengers' war against Ultron.

***

In addition to feature films, I caught a couple of TV pilots premiering this fall,“The Flash” and “Gotham,” and attended the biggest panel in history, with Stephen Amell, star of “Arrow” as MC. DC Entertainment pulled all the stop as the last hoorah, as the convention was winding down on Saturday evening. It's an unprecedented night of entertainment attended by 33 panelists from shows "Arrow," “The Flash,” “Gotham” and “Constantine.” More on “The Flash” and “Gotham,” coming up in another article.  

As I was about to leave the press section, Amell and Emily Bett Rickards (“Arrow”) were also leaving the stage. The journalist standing next to me called out Amell's name; Amell extended his hand, reached down and gave us 'high-five' as he was exiting.

***

The exhibit halls displayed a plethora of exhibits. Visitors saw Batman's capes and cowls, and costumes from different eras, masks of villains the Joker, Scarecrow and Bane. Marvel showcased agent Phil Coulson's flying red car from “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” and the space pod from “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Oculus Rift, a virtual reality experience, debuted this year. “X-Men” came in with the premise of Professor X looking for mutants at Comic-Con. “Pacific Rim” offered a simulation of piloting a Jaeger. “Into the Storm” promised an immersive experience of being closed in by an approaching storm, which includes wind blowing inside the booth. I tried both “X-Men” and “Into the Storm.” While it isn't anywhere close to rival any 3-D rides at amusement parks, I'd imagine it offers a different level of experience than playing video games at home.

With family in town from overseas, I ended up spending more time outside, viewing outer exhibits, which was a whole experience on its own. A variety of activities were available this year, both interactive and for promotional purposes. “The Assassin's Creed” laid out a parkour obstacle course. Pizza Hut partnered up with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and brought in 12-foot tall pizza thrower. Fans of “24” were treated to a drones-flying experience. And for the more daring ones, one could zip line across the Godzilla cityscape. “Sin City: A Dame to Kill for” showcased rows of cars used in the movie against the backdrop of the fantasy city skyline. Across town Playboy teamed up with “Bates Motel” and hosted one of the hottest parties in town.

As always, Comic-Con was an unparalled experience. No other city went all out for pop culture like San Diego does. Looking forward to an epic 2015!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/comic-con-2014-feature-film-highlights/

[click to enlarge pictures]