Upcoming Movies: March 2014

 

[Originally posted on 2/23/14

March 7
"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (http://www.grandbudapesthotel.com/) - The adventures of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

"300: Rise of an Empire" (http://www.300themovie.com/) - Greek general Themistokles leads the charge against invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

March 14
"Need for Speed" - Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.

"Enemy" - A man seeks out his exact look-alike after spotting him in a movie.

March 21
"Muppets Most Wanted" (http://muppets.disney.com/muppets-most-wanted) - While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

"Divergent" (http://divergentthemovie.com/) - Set in a futuristic dystopia, a teenager seeks to break free from her homogeneous society that divides people based on human traits. She leaves her faction and joins a rival group, where she falls for an older man.

March 28
"Noah" (http://www.noahmovie.com/) - The Biblical Noah suffers visions of an apocalyptic deluge and takes measures to protect his family from the coming flood.

"Sabotage" - Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.

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2014 Movies Preview

 

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

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

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

2014 movies in under 7 minutes:

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"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"The Wolf of Wall Street"

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Golden Globes 2014

[Originally posted on 1/12/14]

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the Golden Globe goes to...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned for the Oscars!

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

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Upcoming Movies: February 2014

[Originally posted on 1/24/14]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"Her"

[Originally posted on 1/15/14]

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"American Hustle"

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"Saving Mr. Banks"

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Upcoming Movies: January 2014

[Originally posted on 1/03/14]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"Oldboy"

 

[Originally posted on 12/13/13]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/lxzl8b5

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2013: Year in Movies

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

[Originally posted on 1/01/14]

300 movies. 10 minutes.

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"Thor: The Dark World"

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/lpz5tr7

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"Ender's Game"

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Upcoming Movies: December 2013

[Originally posted on 12/06/13]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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