Brilliant. A truly original work that defies genre while holding the modern relationship under the microscope. This contemplative film exists all by itself with a bare bones cast (essentially two actors, an actress, and a couple extras) that you can't help but be drawn towards. Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss offer truly nuanced, subtle, skilled performances that would reward multiple viewings. I wouldn't dare give away the plot, but suffice it to say that this is one masterpiece that seems to have flown under the radar.
The Imitation Game: 5/5
Brilliantly scripted and acted, The Imitation Game is captivating right from the get go. Benedict Cumberbatch excels once again and will make a strong run for Best Actor during this year's Oscars (whether or not he actually wins will be another matter). It's thrilling, timely, and completely engaging - truly a "based on a true story" film done right.
Brilliantly scripted and acted, The Imitation Game is captivating right from the get go. Benedict Cumberbatch excels once again and will make a strong run for Best Actor during this year's Oscars (whether or not he actually wins will be another matter). It's thrilling, timely, and completely engaging - truly a "based on a true story" film done right.
Reese Witherspoon turns in a phenomenal performance. However, the (relatively) unsung stars of this film are Laura Dern as supporting actress and Jean-Marc Vallée behind the camera. The film is challenging and beautifully shot. I appreciate films that play with the portrayal of memory, complicating what could be done with a simple flashback into a more realistic montage of thoughts and images that whiz in and out of consciousness (or on screen, in this case). Wild lives up to its title with stellar editing, acting, and directing making it truly a tour de force on all accounts.
American Sniper: 4/5
This is one where I actually read the book before seeing the film. The film certainly takes a few cinematic liberties with the facts for the sake of drama. That's fine. The memoir and the movie are both riveting in their own right. Bradley Cooper is absolutely fantastic in the title role. And you get your typical dose of patriotism from director Clint Eastwood. To preempt the natural comparisons, the film doesn't quite live up to the recent Iraq films of Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty). In all fairness, the film is extremely well made and gripping. With many memorable moments, American Sniper represents an admirable addition to the recent collection of excellent films regarding the conflict in Iraq.
As you might expect, Top Five is often outlandish, but also occasionally touching. Regardless of which tone a given scene may take, the film is immensely entertaining from start to finish. Chris Rock directs and stars in a surprisingly thoughtful incite into the entertainment business, the nature of public relationships, and the psyche of "celebrities" that delivers the laughs along with its messages.
Big Hero 6: 4/5
Modern animated films have proven time and time again that their target audience is much more than children alone. Big Hero 6 is a thoroughly enjoyable superhero film that only adds to the list of outstanding Pixar films. It works as an action film, a celebration (and cautionary tale) of technological advance, and as a family film. The film embraces modern medical achievements and converts it into a palatable experience for the audience. This is the kind of film where the heroes are intelligent and have a love for learning, an important concept to instill in today's youth.
Into the Woods: 4/5
An undeniably enjoyable, comic twist on some tried and true fairy tales. With a diversely talented cast, excellent score, and suitably magical visuals, Into the Woods makes for a wonderfully entertaining time at the movies.
Big Eyes: 4/5
Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams turn in phenomenal performances, yet again! Director Tim Burton takes a welcome break from his typically gothic subject matter to give us a timely biopic, all while maintaining his knack for visual splendor.
A gruesome horror film that succeeds almost solely upon the shoulders of its unlikely hero, which I won't spoil. The film does have a nice mix of dark comedy and brutal action violence, allowing it to rise above genre cliches. The end result is a better-than-average home invasion flick that manages to achieve enough originality to separate itself from the pack.
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