"La La Land"

An aspiring actress (Emma Stone, "The Amazing Spider-Man") and an idealist jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling; "The Big Short," "The Ides of March," "Drive") fall in love and work through their ambitions to make it in the city of dreamers and movie stars.  The charming leads sing, tap and twirl through their meet-cutes and rocky relationship.

Story-wise, not much happens for a long while, but it kicks in the later part of the movie.  It's about the pursuit of  one's life passion, versus going with the practical route of settling for a regular job and steady income.

For all the A-listers, there are far more working artists.  Countless audition rejections, taking on a second job as a studio barista or a safe one in a local band to make ends meet.  The road to achieve one's dreams is not without crushed hopes and personal sacrifice.

Los Angeles is aesthetically filmed, awash with a pastel palette and accentuated with pops of bright colors.  Dreamlike cityscapes and streets in daylight, twilight and illuminated night.  Flared dresses in blood red, royal blue, emerald green and canary yellow.

Melodious song-and-dance numbers include memorable sequences such as a real freeway traffic jam, whimsical tap-dancing on the hill in the dusk, magical floating among the stars in the planetarium, among others.  There's also a melancholic duet on the original song for the movie, "City of Stars."

A romantic musical that blends Old Hollywood fantasy with modern reality, it's a lovely movie to end or start the year.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-la-la-land/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/lalalandvideo

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"Passengers"

A mechanical engineer, Jim Preston (Chris Pratt, "Jurassic World," "Guardians of the Galaxy"), is aboard the Starship Avalon, a spaceship transporting over 5,000 passengers to a newly colonized planet, Homestead Colony.

All passengers and crews are in cyrosleep during the planned 120-year interstellar trip.  30 years en route, the spaceship passes through a meteor shower, leading to a cascade of system failures, which results in the malfunction of one of hibernation pods, Jim's.  He is awakened 90 years earlier.

Pratt is solid here, in portraying Jim's mental state.  From amusing himself with top-flight amenities of the luxury starliner, interacting with the solo android bartender (Michael Sheen, "Tron: Legacy"), to internalizing the terrifying realization of being absolutely alone and will be for the rest of his life.  He continues to maintain some level of likeability throughout.  

When a second passenger, journalist Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence; "The Hunger Games" series, "X-Men" series, "American Hustle"), is also awakened from slumber, Jim and Aurora naturally form a relationship.  They get to know each other, dance with hologram partners, play basketball, watch movies, have drinks, dine in opulence, take heady space walks.  But it's a relationship built on a major secret.  Jim has done something that irrevocably crosses the line.

Eventually Jim and Aurora realizes that they are onboard of a sinking spaceship and everyone's lives is in mortal danger.  The movie rushes toward resolution with a lightning speed, moving from a romantic drama to action.

The movie's got very cool visual effects.  A super sleek spacecraft with expansive exterior and interior design that looks futuristically real.  A viewing deck for a luminous cosmic show.   An infinity pool at the edge of deep space.

Those spoiled by the great sci-fi flicks in the last few years, "Gravity," "Interstellar," "The Martian," and most recently, "Arrival," have undoubtedly looked forward to hopping on the "Passengers" galactic train.

Compared to those critically praised pictures, "Passengers" has garnered less than stellar reactions.  It has a lot to do with an early plot twist (which may or may not be a spoiler, depending on which synopsis you've read) and the ending.

While it's easy to judge Jim's morally questionable actions in the beginning, even those who love solitude will likely never know what it truly feels like being the last person alive.  Humans are social beings.  And Aurora's subsequent actions, she chooses to make those decisions on her own.  The movie touches on an existential ("what would you do?") and morality issues.

It may be easy to dismiss "Passengers" as a Titanic in space with a Hollywood ending.  Ironically, it would have been just that if it's two passengers stranded in a spaceship and making the best of what they have.  But it's more than that.  "Passengers" offers a sci-fi romance with a thought-provoking twist.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-passengers/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/passengersdvd
Blu-ray: http://tinyurl.com/passengersbluray

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Upcoming Movies: January 2017

[Originally posted on 12/29/16]

January 6
"Underworld: Blood Wars" (http://www.underworldbloodwars-movie.com/site/) - Vampire death dealer, Selene, fights to end the eternal war between the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.

"Hidden Figures" (http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/hidden-figures) - A team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program's first successful space missions.

January 13
"Live by Night" (http://www.livebynight.movie/) - A story set in the Prohibition Era and centered around a group of individuals and their dealings in the world of organized crime.

January 20
"xXx: The Return of Xander Cage" (http://www.returnofxandercage.com/) - Xander Cage is left for dead after an incident, though he secretly returns to action for a new, tough assignment with his handler.

"Split" (http://www.splitmovie.com/) - After three girls are kidnapped by a man with 24 duel personalities they must find some of the different personalities that can help them while running away and staying alive from the others.

"The Founder" (http://thefounderfilm.com/) - The story of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc.

January 27
"Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" - (http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/residentevilthefinalchapter/) - Alice is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity's final stand against the undead. The Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

"Gold" - An unlikely pair venture to the Indonesian jungle in search of gold.

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2016: Year in Movies

A look back  to 2016... hundreds of movies in 6:23 minutes.

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"Miss Sloane"

“Lobbying is about foresight and anticipating your opponent’s moves and plotting countermeasures.”

Nothing gets Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain; "The Martian," "Zero Dark Thirty," "The Debt")  up in the morning than strategizing, plotting down tactics and winning.  That is, if she sleeps at all.  Insomniac and pill-popping Elizabeth is a top lobbyist everyone loves to hate or hates to love.  She's not a sympathetic character, but she gets results.

Elizabeth stuns her supervisor and head of a premier lobbying firm, George Dupont (Sam Waterson), and colleague Pat Connors (Michael Stuhlbarg; "Doctor Strange," "Trumbo," "Pawn Sacrifice"), when she unceremoniously rejects NRA's campaign proposal to bring over more women's votes for guns.

Elizabeth quits and takes her team to an underdog firm helmed by Rodolfo Schmidt (Mark Strong; "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "The Imitation Game"), to lead a campaign on behalf of a nonprofit group to implement a universal background check for gun sales.  Rodolfo recruited her earlier based on her go-getter reputation, although he regretfully realizes that such acclaim might not have been achieved without some questionable schemes.

Hardheartedly ambitious and cunning to the bone, polishedly put-together Elizabeth is a constant presence among Washington, D.C.  movers and shakers, moving and shaking things on behalf of her clients.  Behind the scene and in front of the camera, she skillfully shapes public opinions and influences legislators to pass or defeat proposed legislations by all means necessary.

And by all means necessary means exactly that.  The two women in Elizabeth's crosshairs are former mentee Jane Molloy (Alison Pill) and current colleague Esme Manucharian (Gugu Mbatha-Raw).  Jane has her seemingly clear reasons to stay put with Elizabeth's previous firm.  Esme has something that may be fair game for Elizabeth's ride towards winning.  

No line is too far to cross, as long as it will put her on the triumphant side when all is said and done. She steamrolls and sacrifices anyone who gets between her and her end-goal.  And this time, her career, and freedom, are at risk.  She is facing a congressional hearing, led by Congressman Ron Sperling (John Lithgow, "Interstellar"), due to alleged improprieties of her conduct.

It may be easy to dismiss "Miss Sloane" as a gun control propaganda.  It's not.  It's really a story about the inner workings of D.C. power brokers, how the rich and powerful individuals and organizations pressure and manipulate policy makers, and how positions are lobbied and bought.  Our system may be a democracy and we may elect our representatives, but our representatives may not necessarily act in the best of our interest.

Would you vote for or against a cause based on your conscience, because you believe it's the right to do, if it would cost you your career and future?  On the other hand, at what price would you be willing to pay if it is to win your cause?  What about moral or ethical considerations when it comes to exploiting other people for the benefit of your cause?

Written and styled like an Aaron Sorkin's film, by director John Madden and writer Jonathan Perera, "Miss Sloane" crackles with force and is carried through a ferocious performance by Chastain.  Fervently captivating, she owns every frame she is in.

The political blather, rapidly edited and delivered fast, may not be easiest to digest, but really pay attention to Elizabeth's words.  There are inconspicuous hints from the very beginning that lead to a surprisingly satisfying payoff.

Amidst adaptations, remakes, prequels and sequels, political thrillers ("Argo," "The Ides of March") are hard to come by these days.  "Miss Sloane" is a well-played  political chess game.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-miss-sloane/
 

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"Manchester by the Sea"

A mournful loner, handyman named Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck; "The Finest Hours," "Gone Baby Gone") rushes to his hometown upon hearing the news about his brother's condition in the hospital.  

After his brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler; "The Wolf of Wall Street," "Argo"), dies, not only Lee is making funeral arrangements and handling his financial and legal affairs, to his disbelief, he has been appointed guardian of Joe's teenage son, Patrick (Lucas Hedges).  Patrick has a living mother, but there are reasons why she is not a part of his life.

Returning home is one of the hardest things for Lee, who faces reminders of his painful past, including his ex-wife, Randi (Michelle Williams; "My Week with Marilyn," "Shutter Island"), and the working class community that whispers behind his back.  In the flashbacks, Lee was a happy-go-lucky guy with a loving family and friends.  An unfathomable tragedy broke him and drove him out of town. 

The day-to-day interactions between Lee and Patrick, dealing with typical  teenage issues, provide some of the lighter moments.  Although it's clear that sorrow hangs heavy in the air.  Affleck simmers with searing hurt, guilt and grief, with occasional fits of rage.  There are two major scenes that are tear-jerkingly devastating.  Emotionally crushing performance by Affleck and Williams. 

"Manchester by the Sea" is exquisitely shot, with the winter seaside town as an integral part of the film.  Snowy streets, gray skies, cold seas and fishing trips.  There's even a disconcerting talk about what to do with the departed, which would not have been a conversation in the first place outside of the New England freezing winter. 

Directed and written by Kenneth Lonergan, "Manchester by the Sea" pulls you in gently and it's soberly absorbing.  It feels like real life, with messiness and setbacks.  Not everything broken can be made whole again.  A simple slice of life story, yet a complicated one.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-manchester-by-the-sea/

Video http://tinyurl.com/manchesterbytheseavideo

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"Allied"

Futuristic director Robert Zemeckis ("The Walk") goes old-fashioned with espionage, romance and Casablanca in "Allied."

In 1942, Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") quietly parachutes into a Moroccan desert.  He is quickly met by a driver, who takes him into town.

At a glitzy party in Casablanca, he locks eyes and lips with a stunning woman, a French resistance fighter, Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard; "The Dark Knight Rises," "Inception"). Cottilard radiates warmth and mystery.  Meeting for the first time, they pull the wool over everyone's eyes as a married couple.

Ever the perfectionist, Marianne goes through the cover story down to the last detail.  His French accent, the tailored clothes, their rooftop rendevouz.  Although the facade may have melted as the two watch the sun rise over sand dunes.

Back to business, their mission is to attain an invitation to an event where a Nazi ambassador will be attending.  They will take him out there.  A ticking clock counts down to a diversion, the duo executes the assassination with precision and make their exit.

Falling in love, Max and Marianne move to London, get married and have a baby daughter.   It's domestic bliss until Max is notified by his superiors that Marianne might be a German spy.  He is forced to follow a simple plan that will flush out his wife.  And if she is proven to be a traitor, he would be tasked to kill her himself, otherwise, he would be charged for treason.

When feelings are involved though, nothing is simple.  Marianne's words could be seen as perceptive or suspect.  Max refuses to believe that Marianne is not who she says she is and goes to great length outside of the official channel to prove her innocence.  It's a conflict between duty to his country and love for his family.

"Allied" plays like a beautiful montage with sumptuous sets, luxe lighting, impeccable costumes and glamorous stars.  Even the nighttime air raid has a movie look.  There are suspenseful moments for sure, but as a whole, it doesn't grab you as emotionally as it should be.  It does get more real towards the end and it ends on a poignant note.

"Allied" is a glossy spies-in-love war drama, old-Hollywood style.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-allied/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/allieddvd

Blu-ray: http://tinyurl.com/alliedbluray

Video: http://tinyurl.com/alliedvideo

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"Arrival"

"Arrival" arrives in theaters as an alien kind of movie, but the Denis Villeneuve-directed sci-fi is anything but.  For sure, it's got aliens.  But other than their presence, it's not about them... It's really a story about us.

"Arrival" joins the league of cerebral sci-fi films in the last few years - "Gravity" (2013) "Interstellar" (2014) and "The Martian" (2015) - exploring existential themes, carried by strong central characters, graceful cinematography, otherworldly scores, excellent production and sound designs.

A dozen alien spaceships have descended on various locations around the world.  Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams, "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "American Hustle," "Leap Year") is an expert linguist recruited by Army Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) to help decode the language of aliens for the spacecraft landing in Montana.  Working alongside her is a theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner, "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation").

The first visual of the spaceship is quietly striking.  Shaped like half of an egg, a massive monolith comes to view, hovering low above the plain field of Montana, surrounded by fogs.  Suited up in hazmat suits, the crew climbs up an entry point at the base of the shell, gets propelled by gravity, eerily inching closer to the glass panel that separates the creatures from the humans.  The aura is foreboding.

The octopus-like creatures, often shrouded in haze, are later called heptapod and they communicate through a series of circular inkblots.  While government officials demand answers - who  they are who they are, what they are doing, what their purpose on earth is - there's no shortcut to get there.  It's mostly up to Louise to first initiate contact in a way that hopefully is universal to interpret and decipher the rest of the swirly symbols.

To make matters urgent, average Americans and other countries have grown restless.  What started as a collaboration among nations, primarily data-sharing, has evolved into widespread fear and unrest, particularly after something gets lost in translation.  Communication breaks down.  A herd mentality follows and global war is now impending.  The foreign language lesson method is deemed too slow.  Governments want the extraterrestrial objects blown out of the skies.

These scenes are intertwined with Louise having vivid images in her head during the day and in her dreams.  Memories of the past, visions of the future.  Fragments of her tender relationship with her daughter; her birth, childhood and death.  Adams' emotive performance shows in Louise's softness and steely resolve, realization and acceptance of what is.  Her life may not be what you think it is.

Language is the basis of civilization.  It's how we understand and communicate with the world around us.  And therefore, our brain is wired to comprehend certain elements of life in definite ways, such as the notion of time.  However, since we may not be alone in this universe, our understanding may not necessarily be-all and end-all.

You could even extrapolate the message that it would behoove us to keep an open mind, observe, listen, learn to seek meaning and understanding, including a principle or practice that may differ from our normal perception, and do our best to communicate with one another.

The ingenuity of the film lies in the overarching premise, pieces that come in the form of the past, present and future that connect a life story to the overall theme, and without your realizing that you've been offered smattering clues about what is transpiring. You're riding this journey with Louise and you'll be awakened along with her towards the denouement.  

An enlightening tale about the human mind, communication and perception, "Arrival" is thoughtful and thought-provoking.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-arrival/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/arrivalvideo
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/arrivaldvd
Book: http://tinyurl.com/arrivalbook

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"Doctor Strange"

Superhero meets sorcery.

This year's Marvel's supremacy streak doesn't end with "Captain America: Civil War."  It's got trick up its sleeves with "Doctor Strange," an origin story venturing into a whole other universe.

Dr.  Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Imitation Game") is a brilliant  neurosurgeon. Self-centered and an all-around jerk, he doesn't have any qualms about rejecting medical cases that do not earn him fame or treating people with neglect and disrespect, including his colleague and former flame, Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams; "Spotlight," "Sherlock Holmes").

The haughty doctor's glorious career ends when he suffers nerve damage on his hands from a car wreck.  Luckily, when Western treatments fail him, he finds a former paraplegic, Jonathan Pangborn (Benjamin Bratt), who is miraculously up and running again.  Pressed for answers, the man reveals his secret.  He took a trip to Kamar-Taj, Nepal, where he claimed he learned spiritual knowledge to elevate his mind and deepen his spirit, which ultimately healed his body.

It's a rough start for Dr. Strange in Kathmandu, a starting point to get to Kamar-Taj.  Upon encountering a mysterious warrior, Mordo (Chiwetel Eljofor), he discovers the existence of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton, "Hail, Caesar!"), the guru of mystical and martial arts, along with her pupils.

A man of science, Dr.  Strange was initially dismissive of the Ancient One's esoteric principles.  He quickly changes his mind after experiencing an out-of-body experience into an astral plane and infinite multiverse.

Earth is just one of the never-ending dimensions.  And as it turns out, its survival is under the threats of otherworldly forces, partly in the form of a former student of the sorceress supreme, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), and his acolytes.  The Avengers may have saved the world, but the world needs more than its grounded superheroes.

While Dr. Strange's transformative journey may have felt too rapid, Cumberbatch credibly carries a regal air and mystical power with his presence, in his olden costume and sentient cloak.  The cloak, Cloak of Levitation, is a relic that has chosen him to be the wearer, which leads to some interesting scenes.  Dr. Strange magically transforms from a beginner into a master sorcerer; from forming a glowing weapon with his disfigured hands to floating from one dimension portal to another, casting spells and manipulating energy, space and time.

Kaecilius' motive for doing what he does is surprisingly not a typical power grab.  Backed into a corner, Dr. Strange violates the natural law of time in order to gain the upper hand and selflessly preserve humanity.  Everything is not in the clear, however.  A character insinuates a price that humans may have to pay in the future.  There's an inherent order of things, including life and death, and they balance humanity.

It's a visually impressive spectacle.  Reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's "Inception," skyscrapers, walls and floors are twisting, turning, shifting, shaping, folding and collapsing.  Ruins rebuilt.  The parallel realms  are a kaleidoscope of colors, fire, light and darkness.

Stay tuned for the post credits.  The first is a delight, pretty much securing a place for Dr. Strange to meet the Avengers.  The second one gives a glimpse of Doctor Strange's real adversary in the to-be-scheduled next installment.

Blending fantasy and magic with the tried-and-true Marvel's formula of superhero action and humor, "Doctor Strange" is a fresh, entrancing entrance into the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-doctor-strange/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/doctorstrangevideo

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Upcoming Movies: December 2016

[Originally posted on 12/01/16]

December 2
"Jackie" - Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy fights through grief and trauma to regain her faith, console her children, and define her husband's historic legacy.

December 9
"La La Land" (http://www.lalaland.movie/) - A jazz pianist falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles.

"Miss Sloane" - The most sought after and formidable lobbyist in D.C., known for her cunning and track record of success, has always done whatever is required to win.  But when she takes on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds that winning may come at too high a price.

December 16
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (http://www.starwars.com/rogue-one/) - The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.

"Collateral Beauty" (http://collateralbeauty-movie.com/) - Retreating from life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to Love, Time and Death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

December 23
"Passengers" (http://www.passengersmovie.com/) - A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. Two passengers are awakened 90 years early.

"Assassin's Creed" (http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/assassins-creed) - When a man explores the memories of his ancestor and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers that he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.

"Sing" (http://www.singmovie.com/) - A koala has one final chance to restore his theater to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition.

December 30
"Live by Night" (http://www.livebynight.movie/) - A story set in the Prohibition Era and centered around a group of individuals and their dealings in the world of organized crime.

"Fences" (http://www.fencesmovie.com/) - An African-American father struggles with race relations in the United States while trying to raise his family in the 1950s and coming to terms with the events of his life.

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"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back"

When "Jack Reacher" came out in theaters during the 2012 holiday season, it's a solid alternative to other films competing for awards.  A solid, whodunit crime mystery thriller.

Tom Cruise ("Mission Impossible" series, "Edge of Tomorrow," "Oblivion") is back with "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back."   This time he's no longer with Christopher McQuarrie, who directed the first movie and also the last "Mission Impossible" installment.  Directed by Edward Zwick, and unlike the first 'Reacher,' 'Never Go Back' is an action flick.

Reacher is a former military investigator, a loner and drifter, who only appears when he believes he's needed and to right injustice.  His name is a legend and people continue to address him as 'major,' in which he always responds, 'ex-major.'

Reacher flirtatiously connects with Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "The Avengers") by telephone, with a promise that he would look her up if he's back in Washington, D.C.  Turner presently occupies his old post.  When Reacher is indeed in town, he tries to see Turner, only to be informed that she has been charged with espionage and relieved from duty.  Two officers under her command were found shot in close range during an investigative assignment in Afghanistan.

When another murder connected to the case occurs, Reacher finds himself arrested.  Clearly framed, he uses the opportunity to break Turner out of prison.  Reacher and Turner are now on the run, trying to uncover a conspiracy and clear their names.  The pair is accompanied by a girl, who may or may not be Reacher's daughter.  This just came to light when the girl's mother filed a paternity suit against Reacher.  Samantha (Danika Yarosh), is an angsty teen who shares some of Reacher's street-smart traits, yet infuriatingly lacks common sense in an instant.

Smulders is fierily fit.  The battle of the sexes looks forced and irrelevant, however, considering that it's Reacher who ends up using his street-smarts and tough-guy fights to defeat an army of generic goons and ultimately solve the cover-up.  His final mano-o-mano with the top bad guy on a New Orleans rooftop demonstrates Reacher's brutal competence.

'Never Go Back' has some amusing sequences, if not improbable, which rely on coincidences and inconsistency in characters' actions.

If you enjoy action movies, you'll be entertained by 'Never Go Back," but there's nothing special about this run-of-the-mill actioner.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/nevergobackdvd

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

Book: http://tinyurl.com/nevergobackbook

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"The Girl on the Train"

Directed by Tate Taylor, "The Girl on the Train" draws the inevitable comparison with David Fincher's "Gone Girl."  The 2014 psychological thriller is deliriously diabolical.  Meticulously constructed, layered with intricacy and laced with dread and wit.

Adapted from Paula Hawkins' sensational novel of the same name, "The Girl on the Train," is a story about three women - Rachel (Emily Blunt; "The Huntsman: Winter's War," "Edge of Tomorrow," "The Adjustment Bureau"), Anna (Rebecca Ferguson, "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation") and Megan (Haley Bennett) - and how their lives are entwined by obsession, loss, lies, betrayal and despair.  One did not survive and her demise becomes the central murder mystery of the movie.

Rachel is a depressed and drunken divorcee.  Every day she leaves her rented room and boards a train, presumably to her job in New York City.  The train's route passes through rows of big, beautiful houses in the grassy suburb.  One of the houses is her former home, where her ex-husband, Tom (Justin Theroux) now lives with his new wife and former mistress, Anna, and their baby girl.  Before her divorce, Rachel and Tom tried to have a baby on their own and failed.  For Rachel, it's crushing to see glimpses of their lives each day.

Rachel also notices a comely couple that lives a couple houses down the street, Megan and Scott (Luke Evans, "Immortal").  They either aren't aware or don't care that their passionate moments can be clearly seen from the train's windows.  Rachel imagines that they have a perfect life.  Megan is everything that she wants to be.

One day, the infallible image is shattered when Rachel witnesses Megan in the arms of another man on the deck.  Little did she know that the blond beauty had a dark past, which led to that moment on the deck.  Blinded with rage, she disembarks the train to confront her.  There's only one problem.  Rachel is sozzled and soon after she's off the train, she blacks out.

Rachel wakes up bruised and bloodied, not knowing what she was doing during the missing hours.  She just knows something bad happened. This is not the first time she had blacked out.  Her ex-husband used to fill her in, letting her know the things she did when she was drunk and before passing out.  They're not pretty; one of the main reasons of their divorce.

A detective (Allison Janney) follows Rachel's trail and questions her.  People came forward and said that they saw Rachel in the vicinity during the time of Megan's disappearance and death.  She also makes matters worse by reaching out to the husband and having a track record of stalking her ex-husband and his new wife.  But she's not the only suspect. The husband and Megan's therapist (Edgar Ramirez) are also thrown into the spotlight.

Revelations come out through repressed memories.  Rachel realizes that things are not what they appear to be and she put the two and two together.  Unfortunately, a crucial key to the mystery relies solely on a coincidental encounter.  And the timelines are all over the map.  Flashbacks and time jumps can be great when they are used effectively, but here they are disorienting.  The pacing is off the rails.

Blunt keeps the bleak movie rumbling through her acting, on the mark as a wrecked spirit.  Although it's one too many close-ups of her glazed eyes, tear-streaked face, slurred voice and haunting expressions.

The whodunit mystery is not only solved in the end, but the story also wrapped up wholly.  It feels like the road to get there should be more suspenseful and destination less neat.

"The Girl on the Train" has its moments, but it falls short of its twisty aspirations.  

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-the-girl-on-the-train/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/thegirlonthetraindvd

Book: http://tinyurl.com/thegirlonthetrainbook

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"Snowden"

[For a live panel with director Oliver Stone and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Zachary Quinto, check out the Comic-Con 2016 recap here]

"Some people coast through life happily.  Why can't I?"

Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt; "The Walk," "Lincoln," "Premium Rush," "The Dark Knight Rises," "Inception") reflects on his inner dilemma with his life's choices and the trajectory he is on.

Trice-Oscar winner, director Oliver Stone ("Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps") zooms into Snowden's life and his infamous rise from obscurity by leaking the largest classified information concerning the U.S. government's mass-surveillance operations.

The film captures the furtive meetings in June 2013 in a hotel room in Hong Kong between Snowden and The Guardian journalists Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto, "Hitman: Agent 47") and Ewen MacAskill (Tom Wilkinson, "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," "The Debt") and documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras (Melissa Leo, "Oblivion"). The interviews provides in-depth views into Snowden's earlier years prior to becoming what arguably the most admired and derided hacker and whistleblower in modern history.

Snowden trained in the army until a knee injury disrupted his aspiration.  His sense of patriotism pushed him to find other ways into serving his country.  And as a self-taught programmer, that means behind the screen.  The reserved high school dropout, computer prodigy was accepted by the CIA and NSA, impressing and forming a bond with his mentor, Corbin O'Brien (Rhys Ifans, "The Amazing Spider-Man"), from the very start.  His brain earns admirations and takes him to posh jobs in Geneva, Japan and Hawaii, connecting him with high-ranking officials in intelligence.

Before mass-surveillance made the headlines around the world, "Snowden" takes us into a staggering ride behind the scene on how Snowden anxiously learns bit by bit about how the war on terror goes on in the cyber world.  The pieces become a puzzle, and an alarming revelation and questions about the legality and ethicality of our government's conduct.

The U.S. government is not simply spying on targets, or even world leaders or corporation heads; it has backdoors into millions and millions of social media accounts, e-mails, calls and chats of average citizens, including front row seats into live webcams.  One may not have anything to hide, but there is an undeniably startling factor.  It may have started with the intention of thwarting terrorism threats, but it has turned into gaining political, economical and social advantage of other countries.  It's a covert global program that doesn't discriminate.

Snowden started with a clean slate, but knowing what he knows, including contributing into building subsequent programs himself, fosters fear into living day-to-day life with his photographer girlfriend, Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley, the "Divergent" series, "The Descendants").

Snowden and Lindsey first met online.  Their first date is disarming and they instantly connected, even with divergent political beliefs.  It is a real one, a relationship tested during tough times.  His secrets and stresses do put strains into their lives together.  The film doesn't visit the Snowden's relationship with his family, so it is a good thing that his relationship with Lindsey is front and center, because it is through this lens we get to know Snowden as a person.

Snowden has a good life; a well-paying career in Hawaii utilizing his talents, a steady love, family and future.  Yet, he decides to leave everything behind, fully knowing in advance the consequences of his actions.  Gordon-Levitt embodies this complex, decidedly private and controversial public figure seamlessly.

The crux of the issue, which has weighed heavily on Snowden's conscience, is that of consent.  That people have the right to know and decide for themselves.  It may be the Internet age where people leave digital footprints everywhere, however, these are instances where they choose to share their information.

Regardless of what one may think of Snowden, his actions have had far-reaching impact, raising worldwide debates about individual privacy and government transparency, how we could possibly strike a balance between freedom and security.

Fugitive.  Soldier.  Patriot.  Traitor.  Hero.  "Snowden" is a human, microscopic look of the man who may be one, some or all of the above and a relevant discussion of the story of our time.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-snowden/

Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/snowdenkindle

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"Sully"

"Everything is unprecedented until it happens for the first time."

On January 15, 2009, a US Airways flight took off from LaGuardia Airport to the clear winter skies under the command of Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger (Tom Hanks; "Bridge of Spies," "Saving Mr. Banks," "Captain Phillips," "Cloud Atlas") and first officer Jeffrey Skiles (Aaron Eckhart; "London Has Fallen," "Olympus Has Fallen," "The Dark Knight").

Shortly after  taking off, bird strikes damaged both engines and disabled the aircraft.  After a distressed exchange with the air traffic controller and rapidly evaluating his options, the veteran captain made a split-second decision to glide his plane onto the Hudson River.  That decision proved to be crucial in saving the lives of all 155 people onboard.

Adapted from Sully's best-selling book, "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters," director Clint Eastwood ("American Sniper," "J. Edgar," "Hereafter") had a challenge in making a whole movie out of 'Miracle on the Hudson,' a flight that lasted for 3 minutes and 28 seconds and rescue 24 minutes.  Whilst the crash-and-splash event is certainly a focal point, the film focuses on Sully, heralded as a hero by the press and public, yet facing intense investigations from the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB).

There have been questions about whether Sully could have selected a different course of action that would not have unnecessarily endangered the safety of the passengers, such as turning back to LaGuardia Airport or even landing at a regional airport nearby, Teterboro.  There has even been a difference in how the event is perceived, a crash versus a forced water landing.  Multiple simulations, both digital and real, have shown that a runaway landing is not only possible, but probable.  But simulations are simulations; they do not take into account the human factor, life or death reactions to crisis in the skies in real time.

Amidst the searing scrutiny, Sully never loses his composure.  Exactly the sort of consummate professional you would want to fly a jetliner.  A highly skilled and dedicated aviator with a precise instinct and extensive experience going back to his youth and military days.

Yet, Sully is also human and has self-doubts and nightmares about the incident.  He wonders whether his sterling reputation and long career would end on a 208-second episode, even after 40 years of flying and delivering a million passengers safely.  Still, he is able to understand that, just like him and his crew and the first responders, the NTSB is doing its job as well.  Eastwood manages to stretch the story by replaying the event from multiple angles.

Eastwood successfully stages realistic-looking crash and rescue scenes.  Although the outcome is well-known, you'll feel the impact starting when you hear the ominous words, "Brace.  Head down.  Stay down."   And when the plane hits the water.  Chills fill the air when passengers  shiver out in the open, sliding down the rafts, lining up the wings or plunging into the frigid river.  The evacuation is surprisingly, relatively calm and remarkably orderly.

Hanks portrays Sully with subtlety and reserve, another fine, common-man persona.  If Sully is a quiet strength, Eckhart brings in a smattering of lightheartedness with Jeff's forward manner.

Flying may have been a routine experience these days.  Until it isn't.  You'll come out with a greater respect and appreciation for the fine men and women that help keep our skies (and waters) friendly.

"Sully" is an unassumingly riveting docudrama with a heart and a touch of miracle.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-sully/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/sullyvideo
Book: http://tinyurl.com/sullynovel

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"Jason Bourne"

"You know his name."

When the "Bourne" series premiered 14 years ago, we didn't know his name.  It's groundbreaking and made Matt Damon ("The Martian," "Elysium," "The Adjustment Bureau") a bona fide action star.  It's a gritty, grounded action film.  The actions were realistically audacious.  Instead of heavily stylized, longer range shots, the hand-to-hand combat seemed realistic and performed with bravado.  The 'parkouring' into compact spaces looked cool. And the chases and crashes were spectacular.   At the same time, we're also engrossed in a human story.  We had a real hero, Jason Bourne - not a superhero or James Bond - one that we cared about and rooted for.

In 2012, "Bourne" continued on without director and co-writer Paul Greengrass and its star, Damon. Jeremy Renner ("American Hustle," the "Avengers" and "Mission Impossible" series) took the lead as agent Aaron Cross.  The movie was solid and enjoyable, but it wasn't the same.

It's been seven years since the last "Bourne" with Greengrass and Damon, and now, they're back.  Damon (and Jason), while looking tired, is still in prime physical form, as proven particularly in the final  fight with Asset (Vincent Cassel, "Black Swan"), a CIA asset with a personal vendetta.  It's brutal, bloodied and to the death.

Julia Stiles (Nicky Parsons) returned as a former CIA analyst.  First appearing in Reykjavik, she hacks into the CIA database and downloaded its programs, including black operations.  She sees the black-ops tied to Jason's past, Operations Treadstone and Blackbriar, as well as the newest operation, Ironhand, a mass surveillance program.  She also comes across a classified file that has information on Jason's father, including his secret connection to Operations Treadstone.  This makes his sudden death suspicious.

The CIA is not sitting idle.  The new head of the cyber division, Heather Lee (Alicia Vikander, "The Danish Girl," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "Ex-Machina"), traces Nicky's hacking, and with a direct order from her superior, CIA director Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones, "Lincoln," "The Company Men," "Captain America: The First Avenger"), sets a systematic trap to ensnare both Nicky and Jason when they re-connect.

From that point on, it's high-speed and anarchy.  The meeting point is set in the middle of mass riots in Athens, filled with fights, shootouts and explosions.  A motorcycle chase ensues, with Jason and Nicky navigating the chaotic streets and staired alleys, trying to dodge angry demonstrators, police in riot gears and cars with blazing sirens, and sniper attack.

Off to Berlin and London, Jason meets with a former security officer who was working on surveilling him and his father nearly a couple decades ago.  The CIA continues to tail him, bringing in a team and Asset.  Heather tags along, although her motivation is more murky.  She's more interested in bringing Jason in than putting him down.  Astute, ambitious, cool and composed, she may be a friend or a foe.

The pursuit culminates in Las Vegas at a technology convention, where a famous techie, the CIA director and cyber head are expected to attend as a panel.  More gun fires, car chases and smashes, including one seemingly unstoppable SWAT vehicle.  I'm not a fan of shaky cam in general, but the high-octane scenes are superbly executed, giving a feeling that you're there, amidst the mangled metals and shattered glass.

Aside from one shocking, emotional moment, "Jason Bourne" works purely as an action movie, but it lacks the special ingredients that make up the "Bourne" series one the best spy thrillers.  A gripping storytelling with a human story, mystery and intrigue.

The ending is partly wrapped.  It's good to see that 'trust no one' remains Jason's motto and Damon may be back for another day.  Renner, in the meantime, is set to return for an offshoot sequel of his own.  Hope it's not too much to ask for Jason Bourne and Aaron Cross to cross paths and join forces in the future.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-jason-bourne/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/jasonbournedvd

Video: http://tinyurl.com/jasonbournevideo

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Comic-Con 2016: Feature Films, Talk Shows, Fan Experiences

[For a blast from the past, check out: http://sdmoviemaven.blogspot.com/p/comiccon-wondercon.html]

Last year's superhero panels were the highlights for me, with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Kate Mara, Daniel Radcliff, Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and many more in attendance. 

This year I had a pretty mixed balance of movie and TV pilots and previews, press lines, art- and design-related programs, exhibit halls, interactive fan experiences and live talk shows. 

***

Here are some of the memorable highlights: (please note that TV pilots and panels will be on a separate article at a later time)

Movies

"Trolls" (November 4, 2016)

In attendance: director Mike Mitchell, co-director Walt Dohrn, producer Gina Shay, stars Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake and Christopher Mintz-Plasse

DreamWorks Animation presented an animated comedy-adventure.  A couple of incompatible trolls embark on a rescue mission, filled with misadventures, to save their kidnapped friends.  Music is an integral part of the story.  It includes original music produced by Justin Timberlake (he's a big hit with the moderator and fans) and classic songs.  The final clip showed a grayed  scene of trolls transforming into vibrant colors, with the tune of "True Colors."   The troll-haired fans livened the up the room, especially during selfie time.  The panel took a selfie with the audience before exiting the stage.  

Before leaving, the producer delivered a public service announcement on body image.  It's important that the movie reflects normal body image, especially for girls.  It breaks the "princess rule."  The smurf-like characters come in all types of body shapes.  

***

"The Boss Baby" (March 31, 2017)

In attendance:  director Tom McGrath, voice actor Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin made his first appearance at Comic-Con, bringing in a surprise footage.  He took in the scene of the packed hall and was wowed.  In the animation, the baby is not your average baby.  He wears a business suit, carries a briefcase, and speaks with authority and snark.  The scenes between the boss baby and his older brother, spliced together, didn't make much sense, except that they're strangely hilarious. 

***

"Snowden" (September 16, 2016)

In attendance: director Oliver Stone, stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Zachary Quinto

"Fugitive.  Soldier.  Patriot.  Traitor.  Hero."  These words flashed on the screen, leading up to an intense trailer. 

A trice Oscar winner, director Oliver Stone also made his first-time ever appearance  at Comic-Con.  He wanted to tell a larger-than-life story and reach out to the next generations.  Screenplay was initially a nightmare and needed to be simplified. Financing-wise, he was turned down by every major studio.  Stone mentioned that he spoke to Edward Snowden and his lawyers.  The infamous whistleblower, who was responsible for the biggest data leak in U.S. history, was described in many words.  Still a mystery, he's an optimist, cooperative yet covert, neat, polite and old-fashioned.  He doesn't have any friends and he isn't close to his family, but he has a long-term girlfriend, Lindsay Mills.  

It's an opinionated panel, and a very 'Snowden-friendly' one, with the presenters passionately articulating their individual viewpoints about the controversial subject, political and contemporary issues, such as privacy and government transparency. 

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"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" (July 21, 2017)

In attendance: director Luc Besson, producer Virginie Besson-Silla, stars Care Delevigne and Dane DeHaan

While director Luc Besson had been to WonderCon, this marked his first time at Comic-Con.  He was greeted warmly and presented with this year's Comic-Con Inkpot award.  He put it aside for a dramatic effect, and picked it back up after an enthusiastic reception to the frenzied footage. 

Den of Geek perhaps describes it best; it looks like a mix of "Mad Max Fury," "Star Wars" and "The Fifth Element."  Standout scenes include a young female operative disarming two guards before running into a few small aliens, and a frenetic scene where two agents, in a school bus, are doggedly pursued by an alien-like creature across a desert before jumping into a spaceship. 

Prior to the sizzle reel, Besson-Silla introduced numerous colorful, richly rendered concept arts - the city,  planet, spacecrafts and aliens.  The movie has 2,000 special effect shots, compared to 200 in "The Fifth Element."

Based on a French graphic novel, The movie is set in the year 2700 and tells a story about two time-and-space traveling agents, Valerian and Laureline, who are called to an intergalactic city of Alpha,  inhabited by thousands of species (we may see 200 in the movie), to investigate threats to humanity. 

***

"Power Rangers" (March 24, 2017)

In attendance: Naomi Scott, Becky G., Ludi Lin and Dacre Montgomery

This was a small, intimate panel hosted by Screen Junkies in a bar, away from the convention center.  Comic-Con organizers should consider doing something like this for certain panels to make more room for people.  It's a decidedly different setting and carried a more relaxed vibe.  In this get-to-know session, the relatively unknown, young and diverse cast were genuinely excited to be selected to play the iconic characters.  They recalled the touching, disbelief, hilarious moments when they found out about the news. 

***

The biggest movie news streaming from Comic-Con this year include "Wonder Woman" trailer, "Justice League" teaser, "Captain Marvel" casting announcement (Brie Larson), introduction of Baby Groot ("Guardians of the Galaxy 2"), and updated logos of "Black Panther," "Thor Raganok," "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" and "Doctor Strange."  From the trailer, "Wonder Woman" looks very promising.  Also check out the official poster if you haven't already.  Simply resplendent.  Costumes used in the movie were featured inside the exhibit halls.  "Suicide Squad" also had their costumes displayed for photo ops.  

***

Press Lines

I stopped by the CBS press room strictly for its stars lineup.  Stars in the press lines include Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen ("NCIS: Los Angeles");  Wilmer Valderrama ("NCIS"); Katharine McPhee, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Jadyn Wong ("Scorpion"); Kirsten Vangsness ("Criminal Minds"); Lucas Till and George Eads (the new "MacGyver").  I could have stayed for the roundtable, but I already did something similar at WonderCon earlier this spring with "Scorpion" and attended the new "MacGyver" panel earlier in the day.  I don't watch either "NCIS: Los Angeles" or "Criminal Minds," so I wouldn't be able to formulate the best questions about the shows. 

***

Live Talk Shows

The live taping of the Conan O'Brien's show was arguably the hottest ticket in town.  Like last year, I scored a VIP seat, so it was a no-brainer decision to go.  The jokes and skits were pretty funny (superhero Conan, anyone?), but I was also there for the special guests that evening, the cast of "Suicide Squad" - Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Cara Delevingne, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Karen Fukuhara, Jay Hernandez and Adam Beach.  They were super chill, strolling onto the stage dancing and having fun.  Each member of the audience left with a Funko, the Joker doll and an IMAX ticket for the movie, which will premiere on August 5, 2016.

Another event that I attended was the Syfy channel talk show hosted by Will Arnett.  The guests were Tony Hale, Alan Tudyk, Zachary Levi, Rose McIver and Wilmer Valderrama.  Valderrama came in a parachute, as if he just landed onto the stage. 

This talk show was held outdoor, on a hotel rooftop deck.  I was more interested in observing the preparation of what would make a lively show on TV.  The show runner pumped up the audience big time, reminding us to up our energy.  The folks in interesting costumes were placed front and center.  Like other talk shows, the show was a hybrid of pre-scripted (host) and impromptu conversations (guests' responses).  Acts were pre-planned. 

***

Art & Design

Other programmings I attended include art direction and worldbuilders.  Security turns out to be a top concern for production designers.  If you are sketching a storyboard with a resurrected character, for example, a leak could kill an entire plot.  Marvel was said to have the highest level of security.  There was an interesting tidbit about a timed script-reading.  Once the time was up, even if you're not finished reading, the script would be taken away and shredded. 

As far as worldbuilding, the rule of thumb is to not contradict your own rules (i.e., the world where your characters live) down the line and understand the limitations of your characters. And if you have to break the rules, make sure that they make sense.  Be consistent.

*** 

Interactive Fan Experiences

Outside of the convention center, attractions were free and open to the public.  Those of you without a badge, make a trek to downtown next time and join in the celebration all around Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park and Seaport Village areas.  Motion poster is 'in' this year.  Custom memento is always memorable.

"Timeless," a new NBC TV series coming in the fall, take visitors back in time, though news clips of milestone events in our history and time-travel simulation via Graviton.  Gravitron is a centrifugal force ride that pins each rider against and up the wall, as the room is spinning around.  The g-force is strongly felt on the chest and up the chin and face.  It's certainly a unique experience.  The show will feature three strangers - a history professor, a soldier and a scientist - chasing criminal(s) through time to prevent the past from being altered (and thus impacting the present and the future).  "Timeless" left each visitor with a motion graphic photo that shows a scene as if you're in a time machine running through time. 

NBC  also had another booth to introduce another TV new series coming in the fall, "Emerald City."  Details were kept under wrap except that the show would be about the rise of a new 'Oz.' Visitors could stop by and create a motion poster with the backdrop of a character's superpower or magic. 

The Hard Rock Cafe was transformed into "Suicide Squad" headquarters.  Take a 360 degree photo inside of a Belle Reve jail cell.  Experience a virtual reality scene from Harley Quinn's viewpoint during an attack.  Do a personality test to determine which character most fits you, and have an animated picture taken with the character's head frame around your head.  Or create a tattoo in the Harley Quinn tattoo parlor.  Another giveaway was an exclusive T-shirt with a personalized skull imprint.

***

It helps to have a variety of interests.  Despite skipping the superhero panels this year, I had a super time and look forward to another year!

Stay tuned for the TV panels and pilots!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/entertainment-events/comic-con-2016-feature-films-talk-shows-fan-experiences/

[click to enlarge pictures]

 

 

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