REVIEW: Frozen

"Olaf, you're melting!"
"Some people are worth melting for."

Based loosely on the story of The Snow Queen, Disney's latest animated feature film focuses on the powers of family, love, and acceptance.  This film was co-directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and stars some incredibly talented vocals.  Frozen is a massive success for Disney, and easily finds a place in the collection of Disney classics.

Frozen tells the story of two sisters, Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel), who grow separate over their childhood.  Elsa was born with magical powers that enable her to have control over ice and snow.  One night, while she is playing with her sister, she accidentally harms her, and so her parents keep her isolated from everyone by keeping her in her room.  But, one day, Elsa comes of age and becomes Queen.  With the public finally allowed into the building, Anna meets a prince that she thinks is her true love, Hans (Santino Fontana).  During a dance at the royal castle, Elsa and Anna get into a quarrel, and Elsa accidentally reveals her hidden powers to everyone in the room.  She is condemned for being a witch, and so she flees to the mountains.  However, Anna is determined to find her and help her.  Along with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), an ice salesman, and his reindeer Sven, this misfit group meets Olaf (Josh Gad), the happy snowman, and together they embark on the journey of a lifetime to find Elsa and end the eternal winter that has cursed the land.

I can't say enough good things about Frozen.  From the storyline, to the beautiful animations, to the extraordinary singing and soundtrack, everything about this movie is a success.

I realize that the storyline I just described may sound corny and cliched, but believe me when I say that this movie is neither of those two adjectives.  This film features a variety of different twists and turns that keeps the audience engaged in the story.  Also, I really like the new direction that Disney is taking with their movies.  Like Brave and Tangled, Frozen features a strong female lead.  Also like those two animated movies, the ending may surprise a lot of people.  But what really sold the story for me was the character Elsa.  Disney has managed to create a likable, complex 'villain.'  She's not the evil Snow Queen you might expect, and that makes the movie all the more enjoyable.

The animation in the film is simply fantastic.  Disney is getting better and better with their animations with each new film they put out.   The snow, in particular, is perfectly animated.  Also, the scenes when Elsa constructs her ice palace are animated in epic proportions and they feature some dazzling effects.  While Pixar is probably still the best in animations, Disney Animations without the assistance of Pixar is a close second with their attention to acute details.

And now, for my favorite part of Frozen - the singing and the soundtrack.  I can't recall a Disney soundtrack like this since The Lion King.  Not only are the tunes catchy, but the songs are good even when not attached directly to the movie.  This is especially true for the song Let it Go, sung my the immensely talented Idina Menzel.  This song has been nominated at the Golden Globes for Best Original Song, and I'm sure it will be nominated at the Oscars as well.  The lyrics are impactful and Menzel gives a powerhouse performance, knocking the song right out of the park.  It was with this song that many viewers, myself included, fell in love with the character Elsa.  In fact, Elsa has become one of my all-time favorite Disney characters.  That being said, essentially all of the songs in this movie are great and they are all sung by excellent singers.  Kristen Bell really surprised me with her amazing voice, especially with her charming performance of For the First Time in Forever.  Even if you don't get to see the movie, check out the soundtrack.  It's the best part of an already great Disney animated movie.

Featuring top-notch animations, a compelling storyline, and a spellbinding soundtrack, Frozen is easily one of the best animated movies of the year.  When the second trailer was released, a title card stated that Frozen would be "the greatest Disney Animated event since The Lion King."  When I reviewed the trailer on the blog, I wasn't happy and said that Disney shouldn't make a claim of that magnitude.  However, now that I've seen the movie, I can't help but agree.  Frozen is a near-flawless movie, and if its still in your local theater, I highly recommend checking it out this holiday season.

RATING: 5 / 5

This film is rated PG (some action and mild rude humor)

NEWS: Movie Viewerz is Back!

After over a month long break, it's time for the reviews to start being posted again.  With the holiday season being lined with several films that are Oscar contenders, I'm sure there will be a lot to talk about.  Here are just some of the reviews to look forward to in the coming weeks:

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Frozen
Saving Mr. Banks
American Hustle
The Wolf of Wall Street

Be sure to check back regularly as more reviews are posted!

REVIEW: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

It's raining.  Your car breaks down.  You have nowhere to go to safety, so you walk back to a castle you saw.  But this is no ordinary castle; it's the home of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.  This is the start of the cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Far from normal, this musical takes audiences on a sexual journey to self-discovery.  Weird and wacky with insanely catchy musical numbers, this film is definitely a fun time.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show tells the bizarre tale of Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) on their way to visit Dr. Scott (Jonathan Adams).  On the way, their car breaks down.  Running through the rain, they end up at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).  While there, they get sucked into the odd events of the evening and the grand unveiling of Dr. Frank-N-Furter's creature, Rocky (Peter Hinwood).  The rest of the events lead to a night that Brad and Janet will never forget for the rest of their lives.

This is by far the weirdest movie I have ever seen.  But it is also one of the best musicals I've ever seen.

The music in Rocky Horror is simply fantastic.  It has one of the catchiest albums I have listened to.  And the songs on the album are so well-recognized.  Even if you have never seen the movie, chances are you've heard The Time Warp.  Or you've heard the expression, "Dammit Janet."  The film also features rock musician Meatloaf, who plays Eddie, and sings Hot Patootie - Bless My Soul, which has become a popular song even outside the context of the film.

The acting in this film is also great.  The actors were definitely pushed to do some weird things, and they all coped well.  Obviously, Tim Curry gives a stellar performance as a transvestite.  It's his performance that has truly made the movie immortal and added to the hype of this cult classic.  Richard O'Brien also does a fantastic job as the creepy servant, Riff Raff.  O'Brien also wrote the original Broadway show as well as the film, so I'm sure he knew his character inside and out.  Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick do a good job showing the descent of their characters - from pure innocence to dark sensuality.  But the rest of the cast does a good job as well.  They all add to the weirdness of the film.  I'm sure it was a fun cast to work with and a fun time to film!

For all of its insanity, this is by-far one of my favorite musicals.  I didn't always think it was this good, but I recently was in the live version playing Brad Majors (Yes, I am now biased towards that character!) and had to watch Rocky Horror numerous times.  Each time I watched it, it got better.  It may be more weird than Sweeney Todd, which I also just reviewed, but it's equally good.  And it's even better if you watch it with friends.  I definitely recommend watching this movie, and if you ever get the chance, try to see it with live actors and with an audience.  I guarantee it will be a night that will thrill and chill you!

RATING: 4.5 / 5

This movie is rated R (sexual themes)

As a fun side-note, I just thought I'd share one of my new favorite pictures.  Gotta love Brad Majors! :)

REVIEW: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sweeney Todd - the ultimate tale of revenge.  I can think of nothing more vengeful than slicing people's throats and turning them into meat pies.  Directed by Tim Burton, this wild musical takes audiences into the dark alleys of London.  From the music to the acting, this movie is a smashing-hit and succeeds on virtually every level.

Sweeney Todd tells the story of a barber out for revenge.  Mr. Todd (Johnny Depp) returns to London to take care of some unfinished business.  Years ago, a corrupt judge (Alan Rickman) stole Mr. Todd's wife and put him in jail to keep him out of the picture.  But now he's returned.  He makes his way to Fleet Street and ends up at a run-down, filthy pie shop owned by Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter).  Together, this dynamic duo wreak havoc on the streets of London.  And the vicious vengeance won't stop until Mr. Todd gets to his target victim, Judge Turpin.

It sounds like just a bloody slasher movie.  And that's because it is... on the surface.  But Sweeney Todd is more than just a gory musical; it's a piece of cinematic art and one of Tim Burton's greatest achievements.

First of all, make no mistake, this movie is a musical.  Thats right - a musical.  It's hard to believe a movie about deranged serial killers can be a musical, but it is.  The music in this film is downright wonderful.  Taken from the hit Broadway musical, the songs are catchy and easy to listen to.  And both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter really bring the songs to life.  They aren't the worlds greatest singers in any way.  But they do sing rather well, and more importantly, they use their singing to bring their characters to life.  They sing the way their characters would sing, and it works perfectly.

The songs in this musical vary greatly, but they all compliment each other.  Some of the songs are light and airy and romantic, like Johanna, Green Finch and Linnet Bird, Pretty Women, and By the Sea.  Others, though, are more sinister and dark, like Epiphany.  But all of the music, no matter the style, is incredible.

In terms of setting, lighting, and costume design, there's nothing new here.  From the first scene until the credits, this movie has Tim Burton written all over it.  It's dark and gray, almost giving it the appearance that it was filmed in black-and-white.  Because it takes place in London, it's foggy and rainy most of the time too.  The location, in general, is bleak and depressing.  Also typical of Burton's style, the wardrobes for the characters are outlandish, but they are pretty tame compared to other films he's done and they work for this musical.

More than just the music and Burton's signature style, this movie largely succeeds due to a stellar cast.  As stated before, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter knock their performances out of the park.  They are both brilliant in this movie and form one of the most twisted love stories ever shown on film.  Alan Rickman also gives a great performance as the evil judge.  Rickman is used to playing the villain, so he has mastered the art.  But his singing is also showcased in the movie, and he copes well with the songs.  Jamie Bower plays Anthony, a young man madly in love with Mr. Todd's daughter.  He gives a powerhouse performance for his brief time in the movie and his singing of Johanna is beautiful.  Other good performances in the movie go Timothy Spall and Sacha Baron Cohen, who both fit their roles as somewhat comedic relief quite well.

This sick and twisted love story of revenge turned into a musical is spellbinding and wonderful.  Though I have not seen the stage production of the show, I'm sure the movie has done it justice.  It's definitely worth checking out, even if you're not a fan of musicals.  The people I know that generally don't like musicals enjoyed the film, just showing how well done it is.  So forget about No-Shave November, break out your straight razors and take a seat - it's time for a shave!

RATING: 4.5 / 5

This movie is rated R (graphic bloody violence)

NEWS: New Wolf of Wall Street Trailer Released

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio fans rejoice!  Today was full of big news for Scorsese's latest film, The Wolf of Wall Street.  First, despite rumors that the film would not be completed before 2014, an official release date has been set.  The Wolf of Wall Street will hit theaters on December 25, 2013.  This release date keeps it in the running for the 2014 Academy Awards, and this film will certainly be an Oscar contender, especially since The Monuments Men has dropped out of the race.

Second, another trailer has been released for the film!  You can view it below:

This trailer showcases DiCaprio's dynamic acting skills.  Like the first trailer, it's fast-paced and feels fresh.  It's amazing that despite Scorsese's age, he's able to keep up with the times and make modern-feeling movies.  While this trailer, like the last one, features some comedic moments, this one definitely feels more intense.  This trailer also features a lot of Jonah Hill.  As of right now, he seems to add to the comedic relief of the film, but I'm sure his serious acting will be shown in the movie.  Overall, this is another fantastic trailer to what I'm sure will be another fantastic Scorsese-DiCaprio movie.  

What did you think of the trailer?  Comment below and let us know!

REVIEW: The Thing (1982)

   THROWBACK THURSDAY!!! (Late by a day...) It's here, and to stay in the Halloween spirit, I decided to write about my very favorite horror film. That may be a bit of a spoiler to what the score will be, but just wait... I'll be reviewing a terrible "scary" film I recently saw in theaters sometime in the coming days. To be specific, this discussion will be about the 1982 version of The Thing. Not the 2011 version of The Thing or the 1951 The Thing From Another World. For those of us that aren't familiar with this movie, watch this trailer:

   This is one of the most tense, scariest movies I've ever seen. The visuals were some of the best at the time, and these effects (which were created using actual animatronics) create a movie that still looks amazing today, along with a suspenseful story and believable characters brought to life by their actors. It was directed by John Carpenter, who is famous for films like Halloween, Escape from New York, and Big Trouble In Little China. These films, apart from being very strong on their own, are also famous for their visual styles and interesting characters. It isn't a surprise that The Thing is the same way.

   The film is based on the short story Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell, Jr. It follows a team of twelve Americans on a base in Antarctica. A Norwegian shooter (who is later revealed to be in a research team further away) chases a dog into their base. After firing on it and wounding one the American crew members, their captain shoots him. From here, the Americans search the destroyed Norwegian base to find that they discovered something in the ice. We later find out that this thing that they discovered is some sort of alien, who was trapped, but is awake again. It has the ability to imitate anything, including humans, and the horror begins.
   The cast is lead by an unwilling pilot, R.J. MacCready, played by Kurt Russel (Russel and Carpenter worked together in Escape from New York and Big Trouble In Little China, as well). He is the star of this film, but only a small bit of an awesome ensemble cast. You have Garry (Donald Moffat), the base captain; Clark (Richard Masur), who cares for the dogs; Childs (Keith David), a strong and commanding type who often finds himself butting heads with MacCready; among many more. The entire time, we're never 100% sure who is fine and who is one of these things. They behave exactly the same as those in the crew they transformed into, and only strike when alone or when discovered. Soon, a big snow storm comes by the base, and traps the crew there. Slowly, we see them die, one by one, before the final confrontation between those left and the thing.

  
   This film is all about the atmosphere. It has a very claustrophobic feeling, comparable to Alien (see the coming Throwback Thursday on Halloween!), being stuck in Antarctica. Between the small base and tight corridors within it, there is a lot of tension building between the entire ensemble cast. With the many different personalities between these people, we see changes in trust and what this person would usually do in this type of situation. We're constantly trying to figure out who is one of the things by watching their various actions, asking ourselves, "Is this something that we would've seen him do before?"
   The best bit of this movie, though, is the look. While these things look like us by default, they can transform in a second to something much more terrifying (see that pretty picture above). Although it is never actually told to us, these forms it takes seem to be some sort of mixture of other creatures it once copied, adding a whole other type of scare to this scenario... Did this thing conquer other worlds before coming here?

  
   Overall, this is one of the best thriller/horror films I have ever seen. It's one of those movies I'll watch again and again and still notice new things (I suppose it doesn't work for that one...) that I didn't before. The effects are still extremely slick after all this time, and the actors are still just as believable and fun to watch. However, when looking at it from afar, the true star is the creature, THE THING.

RATING: 4/5

NEWS: The Monuments Men Delayed

The Monuments Men, which made the Oscar Predictions Lists for both Tyler and I, has been pushed back to a 2014 release date.  With a later release date, this film is no longer a contender in the upcoming Academy Awards.  The delay decision was made by director, producer, and star George Clooney, who stated:

"We just didn't have enough time.  If any of the effects looked cheesy, the whole movie would look cheesy.  We simply don't have enough people to work enough hours to finish it."

The Monuments Men is now scheduled to be released during the first quarter of 2014.  This film was getting a lot of Oscar buzz, and now with it out of the running, there's an open spot.  Which movie will rise to the challenge?  How do you feel about the delay?  Comment below and let us know!

FEATURE: Halloween Countdown

With only a little over a week left until Halloween, it's time to start reviewing some horror flicks.  Beginning tomorrow, Tyler and I will be counting down the days to Halloween by reviewing a movie that falls into either the horror or suspense genre.  The movies that will be reviewed will be as old as Nosferatu and as recent as the modern adaptation of Carrie.  So lock your doors and windows and keep the lights on; it's almost time for Halloween!

Things to look forward to on the blog: Reviews for Captain Phillips, Machete Kills, and Escape Plan will be posted on the blog very soon!

NEWS: New Trailer Released for Disney's Frozen

This is definitely the week for new trailers to be released!  In amongst all the new footage for upcoming films, a new trailer for Disney's Frozen has now surfaced online.  You can check it out below:

The trailer for this film is great and it looks like Frozen will be a very promising film for Disney.  The film seems to do what Disney does best - mixing humor with serious heartwarming moments.  The only part of the trailer that irritated me, though, was the claim that Frozen will be "The Greatest Disney Animated Event Since The Lion King."  That's a pretty big claim, especially considering that it was just released today that the Lion King is the first musical on Broadway to hit one billion dollars.  And doesn't Disney hold their other animated movies as great successes?  There have been many great movies since The Lion King, the most recent probably being Tangled.  I think with the claim they've made, they've put a lot of pressure on themselves.  But we'll just have to wait and see if Frozen can live up to such high standards.

Frozen hits theaters November 27, 2013.

NEWS: New Footage Released for Catching Fire

The first television commercial for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was officially released last night. Even though it's only a minute long, it contains a lot of new footage and proves to be a rather emotional and effective commercial.  With one commercial, there are certainly more to come in the near future.  With only a little more than a month left until the release of the new film, promotions for the movie will be high. You can now view the TV spot below.

The song playing in the background is Coldplay's "Atlas," which was written specifically for the film.  It certainly adds to the tone of the upcoming film directed by Francis Lawrence.  What were your thoughts about the new footage?  Comment below!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will hit theaters November 22, 2013.

NEWS: New Trailer for American Hustle Released

David O. Russell fans rejoice; another trailer for his latest film American Hustle has been released.  With a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jeremy Renner, American Hustle tells the story of a con artist and his partner in crime, who were forced to work with a federal agent to turn the tables on other cons, mobsters, and politicians - namely, the volatile mayor of impoverished Camden, New Jersey.

The latest trailer is posted below:

American Hustle hits theaters December 25, 2013.  What did you think of the trailer?  Will you be catching this new David O. Russell film this Holiday Season?  Comment below and let us know!

REVIEW: Don Jon

   Let me start by saying that Don Jon is completely different than the trailers portray it. It isn't just some dumb comedy about a couple friends who have sex with women and watch porn. It has a very deep message about life and love, and an even bigger theme about addiction. This may be one of my favorite movies of 2013. Before this, I enjoyed Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who will now be referred to as  "JGL" for the rest of this review) enough for his acting ability, but now I respect him for his writing and directing, as well.
   From simply watching the trailers for this, I figured it would be one of those stupid comedies that would follow someone with a "silly" problem like watching porn, only to conquer that and win the woman at the conclusion of the film. This is, actually, a well-written character piece where porn isn't just there for the sake of funny situations, but is a REAL thing Jon has to deal with in his daily life. Aside from his addiction, we also learn others things about this character through his actions, friends, family, and really interesting daily routine.

    This film tells the story of Jon (Known by his friends as "Don Jon"), played by JGL. There are only a few things that he cares about in life, which he tells us in the very beginning of the trailer, and the very beginning of the film. Go watch both. We follow Jon through his daily life, seeing what drives him. The fact that everything, from writing and directing, was done by JGL (along with being the star) very much creates an exceptionally strong character. It is very much a character film, following Jon, but also those around him, who are all played by some very funny, talented actors.

   First, we meet Jon's "boys." Boddy (Rob Brown) and Danny (Jeremy Luke) are a fun duo. They have Jon's back in the various clubs and bars they frequent. We have his family, which consists of his father (Tony Danza), his mother (Glenne Headley), and sister (Brie Larson), which are the stereotypical Italian-Jersey family. Each one of them has their own idea of what Jon should be doing with his life, and we understand why for every one of them by the end of the movie.

   Lastly, we meet the two woman encountered in the film. The ones encountered more than once, I mean. We have Barbara (Scarlett Johansson), the one Jon wants to win over. In doing so, Jon begins to sacrifice his entire lifestyle. Then, we have Esther (Julianna Moore), who is a fellow college student of Jon's. She slowly shares a bond with him and becomes a voice of reason when things are really bad.

      There are some brilliant moments throughout this movie. My eyes were locked on the screen for, easily, the entire thing. It is very much "over-the-top," which works. All of the actors are very animated. You aren't just watching JGL, who seems to be stealing the spotlight. While it is deserved, Brown and Luke are just as "big." Danza and Headley has some very funny, small side moments with themselves and others. Every single time Larson was in view, I was laughing. You'll see why. Johansson is beautiful, of course, but more than that, is a very strong character. She isn't just there for the eye-candy. Moore is beautiful, but in a different way. She is the extreme opposite of her co-star, emotionally.
    The film is nice in the technical sense, as well. Visually, there is a lot of color, fast cuts, and it is constantly moving, not staying still for too long. Sound design is important, too. Blending with the soundtrack 100% (which includes "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark. Beat that). However, this isn't a perfect film. It has some problems. Halfway through, some of the characters seem to have changes that I didn't understand fully. They did things that they wouldn't have done an hour before. It's a sacrifice made for time, but also to make the film better. That being said, I liked the changes, but wish we would've seen them a little clearer.We HAD to see the growth in these characters. Otherwise, it is just another movie in the "Let's drink, sex, and fool around with our friends" genre. Or, boring, for short.

  
    Overall, though, this film is one of the better things in the theaters. Do I think it is an "Oscar" contender? No. Do I care about the "Oscars?" Not too much. I love this film for what it is. It is one of the best films I've seen in 2013, for sure. JGL is off to an amazing start, and I'd like to see him continue writing and directing. Hopefully, we'll see him continue to create more, equally entertaining movies. I wasn't a HUGE JGL fan before, but I am now.

RATING: 4.5/5

REVIEW: Take Shelter

A gigantic, unstoppable storm is on the horizon.  With its immense power, it can destroy and kill.  There's only one catch.  It's not really there - it's only in your mind.  This is the story Jeff Nichols tells in his 2011 film, Take Shelter.  For those of you that can remember, Nichols recently released the film Mud, which I reviewed at an earlier time.  I gave the film a rave review.  But as much as I loved Mud, I loved Take Shelter even more.  It's a film with heart and soul that's not afraid to enter a dark part of the human mind.

Take Shelter tells the story of Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon), an everyday blue-collar worker.  But there is something that makes him unique.  He's a paranoid schizophrenic, experiencing delusions and hallucinations.  He has nightmares that make it impossible to sleep, and he has a constant fear that a storm is on the horizon.  Keeping his condition a secret from his wife, Samantha (Jessica Chastain), and his deaf daughter, Hannah (Tova Stewart), he begins to expand on the storm shelter in the backyard in order to prepare for the storm.  But eventually, his schizophrenia begins to take over his life, and it puts his relationships with his wife, daughter, and friends in danger.

Nichols is clearly a talented director.  He makes movies that impact your opinions of the world and get under your skin.  His movies are just so real.  Take Shelter is no exception.  This film succeeds from an original idea, a good script, and phenomenal performances from Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain.

Not only is the idea of making a movie about paranoid schizophrenia unique, so is the way the story is told.  Not only do you know what Curtis is going through, you see it and hear it through his eyes and ears.  Like Curtis, you see the storm.  You see the motor-oil rain.  You hear the distant thunder.  It's up for you the viewer to decide if what your seeing is real or just another dream or hallucination.  Just like the character, you have a hard time distinguishing between fantasy and reality.  You are put into the shoes of a paranoid schizophrenic, and its quite the experience.

Not only did Nichols direct the film, he wrote it too.  The script is just as strong as his directing.  It's raw and real.  It's easy to follow and the story he lays out is simply spellbinding.  You fall into the world Nichols creates and you don't leave until the credits start rolling up.  Not only does he create a realistic world, he also creates a great set of characters.  While the words on the script make the characters, its the actors in this film that flesh them out.

Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain take this movie by the horns and ride it into success.  Shannon does a superb job of playing a paranoid schizophrenic whose main concern is his family.  You can see all of the emotional stress he's under in every shot of the movie.  He does a particularly great job in the scene where he warns members of the community of the impending storm.  He balances somewhere between a crazed madman and a concern family-man under a lot of stress - and it works well.  It's hard to rise to Shannon's performance, but Jessica Chastain does a fine job herself.  She masters a wide array of emotions.  Her performance as the wife carrying the weight of her deaf daughter and her schizophrenic husband on her shoulders is masterful.  I can't rave enough about these two performances these actors give in the film.

Take Shelter is a phenomenal work of cinematic art.  Like Mud, it's a small film with a big heart.  But also like Mud, it has a slightly unsatisfying ending.  Like the ending of Inception, this movie ends with the audience just guessing as to what happens with the characters.  It's an ambiguous ending.  Generally, I don't like ambiguous endings.  But if done well, and if it makes sense for the story, then they work.  This is a case where the ending works, even if it doesn't satisfy.  Overall, Take Shelter is a great psychological drama-thriller that is well worth a watch.  You'll be captivated from beginning to end, and chances are you'll be thinking about the ending for some time after the credits finish rolling.

RATING: 5 / 5

This movie is rated R (some language) 

REVIEW: Gravity

Imagine having no oxygen.  You're breathing in nothing but CO2.  You feel lightheaded, but you still have to make it to a safety zone.  You're surrounded by space debris traveling thousands of miles per hour.  You only have a little amount of time.  This is just one of the many challenging situations that the characters are placed into during Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity.  Gravity is a psychological thriller like no other.  Alfonso brings the film a raw edge, and it succeeds due to its originality, its breathtaking visuals, and the spot-on acting from the stars.

The plot for Gravity is straight-forward.  It tells the story of bio-medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) on her first space shuttle mission.  Accompanying her is space veteran Matt Kowalski (George Clooney), who is on his final space mission.  Together they are working on space shuttle Explorer when a shower of space debris from a Russian satellite test comes past the shuttle.  During the debris shower, Explorer is damaged, causing Stone to become separated from Kowalski.  Stone needs to find Kowalski, because together they need to find a way back to Earth.  Otherwise, they'll die in space, lost in an endless mass of black, never to be seen again.

This movie could have easily been a cheesy summer blockbuster.  But it's not.  Alfonso adds a raw edge and enough character development to save it from being a bad movie.

Watching Gravity is like re-experiencing cinema.  It's so unique and original that you'll have a hard time comparing it to another movie.  Yes, it is a space film.  And yes, space films have been made before.  But the way this story is told is so original.  Unlike other space movies, Gravity puts you right up with the stars.  You literally feel what the characters feel and experience the tension they feel in space.  There are even some sequences when you take on their point of view and see what they see, adding more suspense to the film.

As one might expect, though, the primary selling point of this film is its visual effects.  The visuals in this film are simply perfect.  I never once felt out of the scene.  Everything seemed so real, from the space explosions to the sunrise over the Earth.  Speaking of space explosions, the disasters in Gravity are flawless.  Not only do they look real, they sound real as well.  By that I mean, you see the explosions, but you can't hear them because you're in space, where sound ceases to exists.  This is a fact that many other space films seem to gloss over, but Alfonso sticks to the stark realism of outer space.  The only sounds in the film are Sandra Bullock's deep breathing inside her helmet and the music score.  Other than that, the only things you'll hear are the characters talking into their radios.

Without doubt, this movie is entirely character-driven.  The plot is pretty simple: survive.  The characters need to go from one destination to the next and only have a little amount of time to do it.  If the movie relied on plot alone, it would have been boring and suffered.  But Sandra Bullock and George Clooney manage to breathe life into Gravity.  The stars add depth to their characters and make you more invested in them.  You actually care if they survive or not.  This was not an easy task for the actors, particularly because you never really get to see their whole personalities and how they interact with other people.  Because the whole film takes place in outer space, we never get to see their families, their houses, or anything about their past.  We only hear about them.  And yet, you are drawn into Dr. Stone and Matt Kowalski.  But make no mistake, the posters may say the film stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, but Bullock is the real star of the film.  Gravity is told from her perspective, and so it is her story we follow.  Bullock nails the character and the range of emotions she goes through realizing she may die soon in the middle of nowhere.

Gravity could have easily been a flop, from its jarring opening to its even more jarring ending.  But once you see who directed the movie (Alfonso Cuaron, who directed the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) and who produced the movie (David Heyman, who produced all the Harry Potter films), you'll understand why the movie came out being so good.  Technically, its brilliant.  Visually, its stunning.  Dramatically, its intense.  And the acting is solid throughout.  If you're looking for a good, unique cinematic experience that pulls you into uncomfortable situations, then I highly recommend this movie.  If you experience vertigo, claustrophobia, or even a fear of open spaces, then this film probably isn't for you.  But from my perspective, Gravity is a must-see that I can see being nominated several times at the upcoming Academy Awards.

RATING: 4.5 / 5

This movie is rated PG-13 (intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images, and brief language)

FEATURE: Best Picture Predications (Part 2)

   As Eric stated a month ago, I am posting my predictions, too. However, when he said "soon," I don't think he thought a month, Then again, he probably did... Hopefully I'm be a little more active now that I have so much free time, which I spend watching movie or TV.
   So, here is my list. You'll notice some similar choices. That's because of two things. One, Eric and I have very close tastes. Two, it is very, very hard to predict this sort of thing without seeing half of the movies. I'm sure Eric's list will change in time, as will mine.
   (I would also like to take this time to express my hatred of the term "Oscars." Until the 2013 "Oscars," they've always been, officially, the Academy Awards. "Oscar" is just a stupid nickname! It was coined with this nickname by Academy Award librarian and Director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Margaret Herrick. The story says that when she first saw the statue in 1931, she said that it looked like her Uncle Oscar... Well, to the list...

1. American Hustle

Director: David O. Russel (Silver Linings Playbook)
 Stars: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro.

Why It Should Be Nominated: As Eric stated, this is based on our director and cast. High from the success of Silver Linings Playbook, Russel is bringing back a big chunk of that cast, along with additions like Bale and Adams (Both of which are well-known at the "Oscars.")

2. The Counselor

Director: Ridley Scott (Blade Runner)
 Stars: Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz

Why It Should Be Nominated: Cormace McCarthy is writing the screenplay. McCarthy is famous for writing a number of novels, which have been extremely successful in both writing and film. The Road won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2006, while No Country for Old Men won the "Oscar" for Best Film in 2007. With one of the best directors in the business, with an all-star cast. This is one to watch.

3. Gravity

Director: Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men)
 Stars:  Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, and Ed Harris

Why It Should Be Nominated: We don't often see science fiction with such "Oscar" buzz. It'll be a nice change of pace to see this in that list. And, as Eric said, it has a unique premise. Our director, Cuaron, has also shown he can handle this type of material with his movie, Children of Men.

4. Inside Llewyn Davis

Director(s): Ethan Coen, Joel Coen (No Country for Old Men)
 Stars: Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan

Why It Should Be Nominated: Firstly, one movie nominated for the "Oscar" each and every year must star John Goodman (see The Artist, Argo . Not only that, but the Coen Brothers haven't yet had a bad film. They can do everything from comedy to tragedy (see Raising Arizona, Fargo). Their films have raided the "Oscars" multiple times, receiving 33 nominations, wining 6.

 5. The Monuments Men

Director: George Clooney (The Ides of March)
 Stars: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin

Why It Should Be Nominated: John Goodman is in this one, too. Apart from that, who doesn't love a WWII movie? Hitler is the best villain in the world. With a team like this, including Bill Murray of all choices, what is there NOT to like?

6. Nebraska

Director: Alexander Payne (The Descendants)
 Stars: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Stacy Keach

Why It Should Be Nominated: This one may be a bit of a strech, but Payne has proven time and time again to be an extremely talented director, who is able to bring out the best performances in his actors and create an interesting story out of the smallest of things. This could be the black sheep in the "Oscar" list in 2014.

 7. Saving Mr. Banks

Director: John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side)
 Stars: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson, Paul Giamatti

Why It Should Be Nominated: Historical movies like this are always fun. Especially when it is painting a person like Walt Disney is a light we've never seen him. With Hanks playing the part of Disney, we're sure to see something special that we've come to expect in every film starring Hanks.

8. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Director: Ben Stiller (Zoolander)
Stars: Kristen Wiig, Ben Stiller, and Sean Pean

Why It Should Be Nominated: Ben Stiller is moving back into the director's seat, which he has fit very well before. He's an extremely funny, extremely talented man both in behind and in front of the camera. It'll be very much a departure from this list, but is deserving of having its own spot.

9. The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese (The Departed)
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, and Mathew McConaughey 

Why It Should Be Nominated: Again, Eric said it best: Scorsese + DiCaprio = Success. However, something feels much, much different about this upcoming film from others between these two. It has the feeling of something lighter, like a Hugo, but then spins into something completely different like a Taxi Driver. Scorsese has always been able to bring out the very best of DiCaprio, much like De Niro. This will be the same.

There is is. Now, this is a combination of my own picks and predicted winners. That being said, talking to me in the future, my mind may have changed, but this is it, at this very moment. If I had written it a month ago (like Eric wished), it would be very different. Reviews to come soon!

REVIEW: 17 Again

What would you do if you could turn back the hands of time and once again return to a younger age?  This is the major premise of director Burr Steers's movie, 17 Again, whichM focuses on a miserable middle-aged man who returns to the age of seventeen in order to choose which life he wants to live.  Despite the fact that the movie is built on a typical romantic-comedy formula and has one cliche after another, 17 Again has just enough charisma and chuckle moments to survive it from being a total waste of time.

17 Again follows the life of Michael "Mike" O'Donnell (Matthew Perry), a middle-aged man who is in the process of getting a divorce from his wife, Scarlet (Leslie Mann).  Miserable with his life, he takes a drive on a dark and stormy night.  Seeing the high school janitor trying to jump over a bridge, Mike tries to save him and ends up going over the rail, falling into a swirling vortex.  He awakens the next morning back in his bed, but he's much younger.  He's seventeen again.  Young Mike (Zac Efron) now has to try to reevaluate his life and return back to where it all started - high school.  Pretending to be a normal teenager, Mike has to go through several awkward moments to figure out what he wants to do with his life.

If you like simple teen comedies that don't require any thinking, then this is the movie for you.  Personally, I prefer a more sophisticated romantic-comedy, like Silver Linings Playbook, but sometimes we all need an easy movie to just watch and relax on a Friday night.  And in that regard, this movie works well, despite all its stereotypes, cliches, and formulaic plot.

The comedy aspects in the film are pretty hit and miss.  Some are hysterical and some are just stupid.  The movie is sprinkled with a wide variety of jokes, from people's behaviors,  to fart jokes, to a penis joke.  For the most part, they work well.  But the ones that don't work bring the movie down and make it a low-class comedy.

Surprisingly, 17 Again is actually saved primarily from Zac Efron.  For all the hate he gets, he's actually not a terrible actor.  His charisma and charm makes the movie much more enjoyable than it would have been.  He is actually really funny in some of the scenes, particularly when he is trying to figure out how to act as a modern teenager.  But the funniest character in this movie is hands-down Ned Gold, played by Thomas Lennon.  Almost everything he said at least made me grin.  And he's the one that gets the great "hand-baby" joke!

What bothered me most about the movie were the glaring holes.  Like how did Ned, Mike's best friend, not recognize him when he became seventeen?  And how did the coach not recognize this great 'new' basketball player?  And how did the wife not recognize her husband?  After all, she's been with him since high school.  These were just some of the numerous holes that turn this movie into a slice of Swiss cheese.

The movie has a weak start with Zac Efron in his natural form - no shirt.  But he does get dressed quickly and remains that way for the duration of the movie.  As the story progresses, the film does get better.  It is by no means a great movie, but it is good for some simple weekend comedy.  It's at least worth one watch, and you're almost guaranteed to laugh at least once.

RATING: 3 / 5

This film is rated PG-13 (language, some sexual content, teen partying)

FEATURE: Best Picture Predictions

As stated yesterday, here is my list of possible Best Picture nominees.  Tyler's list will posted soon, so keep checking the blog!

1. The Wolf of Wall Street

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.

Why Should it be Nominated: Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio working together for the fifth time = movie magic.

2. 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 eponymous novel, Mary Poppins.

Why Should it be Nominated: It's based on a shockingly true story and if it's done correctly, it may change how people view both Walt Disney and the movie, Mary Poppins.  It also includes an excellent cast, including Tom Hanks.

3. 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 Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.

Why Should it be Nominated: It's based on an award-winning play.  Oh, and it stars Meryl Streep... need I say more?

4. Inside Llewyn Davis

A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.

Why Should it be Nominated: The Coen Brothers. Period.

5. The Monuments Men

In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renowned works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.

Why Should it be Nominated:  It hosts an all-star cast with some pretty amazing talent powering the film.  Also, George Clooney has been on an outstanding streak of being involved in top-notch movies.

6. Gravity

A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.

Why Should it be Nominated: It's been said by early reviews that it features excellent special effects, great acting, and a unique, interesting story.  It could be this year's Life of Pi.  Oh, and there's George Clooney again.

7. 12 Years a Slave

In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. 

Why Should it be Nominated: Historical movies have always done well at the Academy Awards and this movie seems to be very well put together, featuring a talented cast. 

8. American Hustle

The story of a con artist and his partner in crime, who were forced to work with a federal agent to turn the tables on other cons, mobsters, and politicians - namely, the volatile mayor of impoverished Camden, New Jersey.

Why Should it be Nominated: It's the same director that made Silver Linings Playbook and pretty much the same cast, including Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Jennifer Lawrence.  It also stars Christian Bale and Amy Adams.  With a cast like that and a well-established director, David O. Russell, I'm sure it will do well.

9. Blue Jasmine

A life crisis causes a vapid and narcissistic socialite to head to San Francisco, where she tries to reconnect with her sister.

Why Should it be Nominated: It has done extremely well among critics, it has a good cast, and it's said to be yet another Woody Allen classic.

FEATURE: Oscar Predictions

Oscar season is practically upon us, and in preparation for this season, Tyler and I will be sharing with you our predictions.  Based on early critical reviews, trailers, and the people on each project, we will attempt to predict which films will be nominated for the Best Picture Award at the upcoming Academy Awards.  If you all enjoy this new feature, we will continue to predict nominations for other Oscar categories.  Predictions for Best Picture will be posted tomorrow evening, so stay tuned!

REVIEW: Schindler's List

When you think of iconic movies and pieces of cinematic history, what comes to mind?  While answers will vary, for many people, Schindler's List is a definitive piece of cinema.  And they're right.  Schindler's List goes beyond just being a simple little movie, it becomes a piece of culture and history.  Steven Spielberg, who directed the movie, is so articulate with details and all of the actors painstakingly bring the characters to life, making a rare piece of movie magic.

Schindler's List is the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) during the tragedies of the Holocaust.  Oskar, being the business man that he is, finds war the perfect time to start a factory and get rich fast.  Getting help from a Jew, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley), the two set out to start a business to produce army mess kits.  Together they hire Jews from the ghetto, but Schindler's only goal is to make money.  As the war continues, the Jews are relocated to a camp under the control of a sadistic SS Lieutenant by the name of Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes).  Jews are being killed one by one, and only Oskar can step up to the plate to try and save them.

Make no mistake, the events and characters in this movie are 100% fact.  And Steven Spielberg, known for making his scenes feel extremely real, holds absolutely nothing back.  What makes this movie so unique is that from beginning to end, it never feels like a movie.  It feels like a documentary.  And through a strong script, a focused director, and a powerhouse cast, Schindler's List gets under your skin and becomes more than just a film.

The acting in this movie is just beyond belief.  Never once did I doubt the characters or think that the actors were doing a bad job.  You can tell that everyone was moved by the story, so they really committed to nailing the characters.  However, the top three performances go to Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley.  They each play such different people, and its their contrasts that make each stand out.  Liam Neeson plays the perfect hero.  He's perfect because he's flawed.  He was a Nazi out to make money, but through a series of events, starts to care for the Jews.  His transformation on screen is phenomenal.  Also, the scene were he realizes he could have saved more Jews had he sold his car and other belongings is just so gut-wrenching and powerful.  Ralph Fiennes plays the perfect villain.  He's sadistic and crazed and enjoys torturing and killing Jews.  And Fiennes just knocks the character out of the park.  I imagine it would have been hard to play, but Fiennes never lets the audience down.  Finally, Ben Kingsley is just a lovable character.  He's so quiet and smart and loyal, he's hard not to love.  Kinngsley captures a variety of emotions, and portrays them in such subtle ways.  He, too, is amazing in this film.

    

Not only is the acting in this film way above par, so is the cinematography.  The shots and angles that are used are so deliberate and so powerful.  And the lighting is always spot-on.  And I have to tip my hat off to Spielberg for his use of color.  Color is really only seen at the very beginning and the very end, with the exceptions being the little girl and the candles during a Sabbath service.  The little girl in red has now become a staple figure in world cinema, and whenever you see a picture of her, the Holocaust and Schindler's List will always come to mind.  Although the girl is only in the film a brief time, her presence is felt and you will be impacted by her character.

Stark, and gritty, and real.  Reading about the Holocaust and witnessing its atrocities are two completely separate things, and nothing can really prepare you for this movie.  Chances are you won't feel like you're watching a movie, but that you are bearing witness to the real thing.  And that is what's so frightfully good about this movie.  Schindler's List is an iconic movie from a director like no other.  Nothing is held back from the topic at hand, making a fantastic historical film.  It is without hesitation that I can now finally give a movie a perfect score.

RATING: 5 / 5

This movie is rated R (language, some sexuality, nudity, and actuality violence)

REVIEW: Mud

Mud -  a tiny film with a big heart.  Director Jeff Nichols strikes gold yet again with his third movie, leading into what I'm sure will be a very successful career.  Mud is filled with heart and cinematic soul, and while it wasn't a Hollywood blockbuster, it certainly was one of the best movies I've seen so far this year.

Mud is the story of two young boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), who embark on a journey to a seemingly deserted island on the Mississippi River.  Upon their arrival, they discover an old boat stuck up in the trees, a result of their last flood.  Inside the boat, they discover food and boot prints, indicating that they are not alone.  This is where Mud enters the story.  Mud (Matthew McConaughey) is a man on the run, hiding from a group of bounty hunters who want him dead.  In order to protect his girlfriend (Reese Witherspoon), he had to kill a man, and ever since then, the law has been working against him.  So the two boys form a pact with Mud and try to help him avoid the bounty hunters and reunite with his true love.

This movie is just a gem, which is pretty amazing considering the plot isn't anything amazing.  But it's not really the story that makes this film work, it's the actors who bring it to life.  

Matthew McConaughey delivers one of his best performances as Mud.  Despite the fact that Mud is a wanted criminal, you still root for his survival and the downfall of the bounty hunters.  McConaughey never overplays the character; in fact, he almost underplays it to give the character a sense of mystery.  But he's not the only shining star in this movie.  Although she was only in the movie a very short amount of time, Reese Witherspoon nails her character, Juniper.  After Mud was over, I couldn't stop thinking about her and McConaughey.  Their performances resonate and stay with you.  That being said, the two boys also do a job well done, especially Ellis, who masters a variety of emotions,  from trust to betrayal.  The boys add some comedic relief to an otherwise serious story and throughout the film, they progressively mature.  The smaller roles, played by people like Sam Shepard and Joe Don Baker, also make the world more believable and add to a talented cast.  

What makes this movie even more incredible is the fact that, on the surface, there seems to be nothing incredible about it.  There is no action until the end.  The romance is only spoken of, never seen.  And the entire movie is really just a series of conversations between characters.  And yet, Mud gets under your skin and stays there.  It deals with profound themes that we ourselves question,  such as law and love.  With Ellis's parents getting a divorce, he begins to question love and if people can be true to one another.  And he learns that love hurts.  And the movie poses questions about the law, and if things are fair or not.  It's these themes and the characters involved in them that make this movie a masterpiece.

Mud is an incredible movie - no doubt.  It's a character-driven story with people that you would want to know.  It offers some of the best performances from both McConaughey and Witherspoon, as well as the rest of the cast.  The movie is nearly perfect, with the only part falling short for me was the ending.  While I enjoyed the conclusion, I was slightly unsatisfied.  However, that's just my opinion.  I could easily see how somebody would love the end; it just didn't fit me exactly.  Overall, though, Mud is a must-see and falls just below perfection.  I can't wait to see what Jeff Nichols comes up with next!

RATING: 4.8 / 5

This movie is rated PG-13 (violence, sexual content, language, and drugs/alcohol)