Django Unchained Review

                Released last month, Quentin Tarantino’s latest film Django Unchained has been making a lasting impression on movie-goers and film critics alike.  This ensemble piece features an array of talent, including Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and even Samuel L. Jackson.  Although some people consider it a “western” due to its nature and certain plot points, this film is a “southern” because the setting is America’s Deep South.  North, south, east, or west, Django Unchained is a must-see for any fan of Tarantino.

                Django Unchained follows a German dentist-turned- bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Waltz) and a slave, Django (Foxx).  Once Schultz buys Django’s freedom, he trains him to become his deputy bounty hunter.  However, things take a turn for the unexpected.  When they discover the whereabouts of Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Washington), they set out to find her.  The ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (DiCaprio) is now in charge of Django’s wife, and the stakes rise in order to get her back. 

                This film was so wildly gory.  Classically Tarantino, Django was able to make me uncomfortable with the never-ending violence and blood splattered more excessively than the paint of a Jackson Pollock.  However, it is so insane that the display put on by all the special effects become a work of art before one’s eyes.  The immense amounts of blood seem to fly through the air ever so gracefully.  I almost have a newfound appreciation for the work put into the graphic aspect of a film. 

                For a while, Tarantino had wanted to do a “spaghetti western;” he first started toying with the idea in 2007. “I want to do them like they're genre films, but they deal with everything that America has never dealt with because it's ashamed of it, and other countries don't really deal with because they don't feel they have the right to.”  It’s about time he got to it, considering the success. 

                The all-star cast did a wonderful job.  Each of their performances was fantastic, individually along with connecting to the plot as a whole.  A cameo from Jonah Hill and a minor role of Samuel L. Jackson as one of Candie’s workers complete the cast list even further.  

                Tarantino’s film has been nominated for sixty-seven awards worldwide.  This includes five Academy Award nominations; best cinematography (Robert Richardson), best supporting actor (Christoph Waltz), best original screenplay (Quentin Tarantino), best sound editing (Wylie Stateman), AND best picture (Stacey Shur, Reginald Hudlin and Pilar Savone).  Django also won the Golden Globe awards for best screenplay (Quentin Tarantino) and best supporting actor (Christoph Waltz).  This was the second time Waltz won a Golden Globe under Tarantino as best supporting actor, the first time was for Inglorious Basterds. 

                Action-packed, historically accurate and even comic at points, Django Unchained is a must-see for Tarantino fanatics.  The all-star cast for this southern film makes it all the more worthwhile. Grossing over $100 million after the first three weeks in theaters makes it so.  Hopefully Django Unchained is able to prove itself once more at the Academy Awards ceremony February 24^th and take home well-deserved honors.    

Lincoln Review

Released October eighth last year, Lincoln hit theaters with a bang, grossing over $180 million thus far.  Steven Spielberg’s latest film has wowed crowds all over.  Adapted from the novel Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearn Goodwin, we follow Abraham Lincoln during the last few months of his life.  With an all-star cast of Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Sally Field, the story of our nation’s tallest president is told.

                The film takes place over a span of four months, from January first 1865 up to Lincoln’s assassination that April.  Revolving around the struggle to pass the thirteenth amendment, we learn in detail how much really goes into passing a law.  In the 1860s, one could not simply send a tweet to get information across the country.  Simple tasks such as communicating information were much more tedious, and Lincoln does an excellent job emphasizing this.  Audiences also see Honest Abe struggle on a more personal level with his family, as his son (Gordon-Levitt) looks to enlist in the army and creates a stressful environment for the president and his wife (Field).  One can feel how intense times were for the Lincoln family through excellent performances. 

Lincoln leads the Academy Awards in nominations in the following categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Day-Lewis), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Jones), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Field), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score (by none other than John Williams), Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design AND Best Film Editing.  With twelve nominations, Lincoln has a sure-fire chance of taking home some-if not all-the Oscars.  Previous accolades include that of the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild giving Day-Lewis the award for Best Actor in a drama.

If Lincoln takes home the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture, it will be the first time in Oscar history that a film about a United States president wins in such a category. 

                Things are looking on the up-and-up for the Brit playing the most-portrayed American president on screen (Abe has become quite the celebrity, appearing in over two hundred films).   Daniel Day-Lewis gives a captivating performance as the sixteenth president.  His portrayal of the charismatic leader is well-deserving of his Oscar nomination.  His physical likeness to the president is uncanny as well; you could slap his face on a five-dollar bill from a screenshot in this movie and I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.  His mannerisms give audiences more insight to what his personality was like, on both a presidential/professional level, along with a personal one.  Day-Lewis enjoyed his time on set as Abraham Lincoln and said “I never, ever felt that depth of love for another human being that I never met. And that's, I think, probably the effect that Lincoln has on most people that take the time to discover him... I wish he had stayed [with me] forever."  Such dedication is the epitome of an ideal actor. 

Producer Kathleen Kennedy most accurately describes his method-acting: “he is very much deeply invested and immersed throughout the day when he's in character, but he's very accessible at the end of the day, once he can step outside of it and not feel that – I mean, he's given huge scenes with massive amounts of dialogue and he needs to stay in character, it's a very, very performance-driven movie.”  Kennedy said that you “get chills thinking that Lincoln is sitting right there in front of you.”  I felt that way from watching Day-Lewis on the silver screen, let alone being in his presence. 

The make-up department and the costuming for this film was fabulous in transforming the entire cast back to Civil War America.  Soldiers dressed in Confederate and Union uniform were especially excellent.  The story of the film is pretty historically accurate.  One would hope for such an outcome, considering Spielberg spent twelve years researching for this film.  Upon doing research on little nuances, such as little stories Lincoln told and how everything unfolded leading up to the emancipation, I was pleased that most of my results were up to par.  Spielberg was pretty thorough in recreating sets.  He made sure when recreating Lincoln’s office that everything was perfect.  In fact, he even placed some of Lincoln’s actual books on the shelves and decorated with his wallpaper.  However, I was surprised that there was no mention or portrayal of vice president Andrew Johnson, who would succeed Lincoln after his death.  It will definitely leave audiences wanting to learn more about Lincoln, as I plan on reading more about the president and his career in due time.    

Lincoln was probably one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.  It was incredibly historically accurate.  Though a bit lengthy and seemed to drag on at points, it packs in lots of detail.  Without out it, the movie would have been shorter, and probably not as good.  It really showed how getting the Emancipation Proclamation was a long struggle and didn’t exactly happen overnight.  I felt completely immersed into everything that was happening.  With Lincoln, I have a newfound appreciation for escapism, what film was originally all about.  To take one away from reality was film’s original purpose; Lincoln is for anyone who adores the sixteenth president and is looking for a trip back in time in the comfort of your local movie theater. 

As for who is going to take home the Academy Award for best picture, I would say it’s anyone’s award thus far.  From what I have seen, all films are deserving of this prestigious award and may the best motion picture win. 

Frankenweenie Review

            Released this past weekend was Tim Burton’s latest animated film, Frankenweenie.  This new stop-motion film features the voice talents of Martin Short, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara and Tom Kenny.  Fresh and fun, Frankenweenie makes a tribute to the old-styles of film making by revamping it through its animation.  A family-friendly re-telling of the 1931 film version of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein¸ Frankenweenie is absolutely delightful.

The film follows a young Victor Frankenstein’s mission to pick a science project to display in his school’s annual science fair. In the midst of choosing, his dog Sparky dies.  He then becomes inspired to bring his pup back to life.  With the help of some household appliances, lightning, and a whole lotta love, Victor experiments and brings his beloved pup back to life.  With science at his side, the resurrection is successful and Sparky is able to do as he did before.  But, as all Frankensteins learn, with every little experiment comes big trouble.

Characteristics of a Tim Burton-esque film are seen, such as lack of color, stop-motion animation, and dead people.  All it was missing was Johnny Depp, although one can argue the Victor Frankenstein puppet did have a striking resemblance to the actor…

This film is actually the first film since Big Fish in 2003 that Johnny Depp hasn’t been a part of that Tim Burton directed. 

Making this movie in black-and-white as opposed to color was done as homage to the old film versions of Frankenstein.  It was much better off monochromatically filmed, as it enhanced the overall effect of a Frankensteinistic mood.  Burton has made several films with darker, drearier lighting before, such as Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

The Frankenweenie that was released this year is actually a remake of a short film about thirty minutes long Burton did in 1984 under the same title.  It included the talents of Barrett Oliver, Shelley Duvall and Daniel Stern.  However, the original Frankenweenie never made it to the big screen, as Walt Disney Pictures fired Burton for making something “too scary for younger audiences.”  The project was then abandoned until 2005.  It didn’t get on its feet up until January 2009, when a script was written.  Numerous animators and artists of Corpse Bride teamed up again for Frankenweenie.    

As opposed to how critics originally viewed Burton’s first Frankenweenie, the animated remake proves to be wonderful, the perfect film to get you in a Halloween mood.  This movie is funny and cute the whole way through, while still retaining its Frankenstein flair.  Anyone who has read Frankenstein or have seen the movie versions will be pleased with how it follows along with Shelley’s original storyline.  A creature produced by unusual science experiments comes from the result of a man (or boy) by the name of Frankenstein. Complete with an angry mob scene and little nuances of other creature-feature films, Frankenweenie will send audiences home satisfied and infatuated with such a witty retelling of a classic story.

House at the End of the Street

Opening less than two weeks ago was the latest horror film, House at the End of the Street. The term "horror" used loosely, of course. If it wasn't for the group of screaming high schoolers sitting a few seats down, I'm sure the film wouldn't have been as frightening.

Like any stereotypical horror flick, this one starts with a broken family moving into a new home.  As Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) and her mom Sarah (Elizabeth Shue) meet their new neighbors, they learn about Ryan Jacobson, whose parents were murdered by his own sister.  Because she doesn’t know any better, Elissa accepts a ride home from Ryan (Max Theriot) and befriends him.  Going against the wishes of her mom and the other residents of her new town, Elissa gets close to Ryan, and she learns more about what really happened with his family. 

As the story progresses, twists and turns keep you interested enough only to learn how it ends.  Some scenes may have been enough to make you briefly jump out of your seat.  However, my judgement has been fogged by the abundance of teenaged shrieks throughout. 

Although the film starts out slow and the actors seem bored with their roles, don’t let that fool you.  It really is a slow moving film and everyone is bored.  Only until about an hour in does the film really pick up, and from that point on, it moved so quickly I almost lost track of what went on.  The cinematography may have been an innovative idea to the directors, but I found the movement of shots back and forth distracting to what was actually happening in front of the cameras. 

With a title as boring as the movie, House at the End of the Street will keep you on the edge of your seat…eagerly waiting for the credits to roll so you can go home. 

Don't Make The Vow!

Although based on a true story, the highly anticipated chick-flick was a bit of a let-down. Released right in time for Valentine's Day, The Vow was a disappointment for girls everywhere. Those who expected to cry the whole way through, didn't, and left the theater with just as many Kleenex as they entered with. The only instance in which I cried in that theater was when the preview for the re-releasing of Titanic came on.  Some movies' passion just never fades.  The Vow's passion, however, never even ignited.

The movie follows Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) after a near-fatal car accident causes Paige to lose an important part of her memory, her entire relationship with her husband. Paige still believes that she wants to be a lawyer and is engaged to another man, which completely contrasts with her current lifestyle before the accident.

Throughout the film, Leo struggles to help Paige remember everything, this way they can pick up where they left off. Although the story sounds helplessly romantic, the film was a letdown.  Even though McAdams played a woman recovering from memory loss, the chemistry between her and Tatum was flat and unrealistic.  One would think Tatum's character would go to further lengths to get the woman he loves back where she belongs, but no.

If you are looking for a heart-wrenching tale about a man who would do anything to be with the woman he loves, you, reader, are much better off waiting until April so you can spend your money on tickets for Titanic, and not The Vow.

Harry Potter at its Finest: Deathly Hallows Part 2

July 15th of 2011 marks the midnight premiere of the final film of the Harry Potter film franchise.  Many people argue that this generation was greatly influenced by Potter, and the devotion and dedication that fans displayed last night make an excellent point.  People of all ages, muggles and wizards, came to the Palisades Mall to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.  I have been waiting for this moment since last November at the premiere of Part 1, and the finale to the whole series was flawless.

Hours and hours before the movie began, fans flooded the lobby to the theater, all dressed up in honor of the momentous occasion.  There were hundreds of people waiting in line, all excited to see how everything was to end.  Many people dressed up as certain characters, ranging from the notorious Bellatrix Lestrange to the timid Luna Lovegood.  Outfits were as simple as a wand in hand with a scar on one's forehead, to as complex as becoming Albus Dumbledore or Severus Snape. (Upon seeing Snape, I shouted hello to the Potions Master-turned-headmaster, and he replied, "ten points from Gryffindor").  Just the waiting for the film alone was exciting, the superfluous amount of fanfare brought people from all over together for one commonality: the boy who lived. 

Upon entering theater ten, many fans excitedly were challenging each other to duels in front of the screen.  Not wanting to miss out on the fun, a fan dressed as Potter and I challenged two muggles in a duel.  They won, using Avada Kedavra on Potter and Crucio on me.  Everyone seated in the theater cheered as spells were being cast and wands were flying everywhere.  Such devotion to the beloved book series wouldn't be found any other place.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint return for the last time as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley for the final battle in defeating Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).  Realising that the dark lord had hidden the horcruxes in Hogwarts school, they make their way back to destroy them in order to ultimately defeat Voldemort.  The film shows what happens in the course of roughly two days, and these two days are the most epic anyone who attended Hogwarts had ever seen.

Director David Yates outdid himself in every way possible.  The storyline of the second half of the Deathly Hallows novel was kept intact and not twisted, which made the film really feel authentic.  Little details and nuances were kept and shown in the movie.  As an avid Potter geek, I was very satisfied that nothing was left out or changed.  The final film was funny; many one-liners uplift the audiences' spirit even though the film is plagued with death and suffering.  The losses of loved ones and favorite characters make it hard to believe that it's all over, and everything that happened up until this point has moved many people emotionally. 

Fans in the theater screamed and clapped when Ron and Hermione finally had their moment.  Their scene in the movie was written especially for the film, and although lots of passion was displayed, Grint afterwards remarked that it was awkward to do it and then watch it on screen. 

The epilogue for me was the hardest part to watch.  Once "19 Years Later" showed up on screen, I started tearing up.  I knew this moment was to come but it had come too soon.  All choked up, like the rest of the theater, I struggled to leave without a blurry vision.

The Harry Potter franchise has finally released its last installment, in regards to the film. The ending was perfect and much worth the wait.  I recommend that whether or not you are a fan of Potter, you should see this movie.  And if you are a fan, whether mild or complete Potter geek like myself, see it, love it, embrace it. 

People wait in line at the Palisades theater.

Voldemort, myself, and Harry Potter (good costumes, right?)

People in line waiting to see the film.

Lines stretch and snake around everywhere.

 Fans wait to enter the theater.

 Danielle and Kat

Me and a premiere poster featuring Tom Felton.

Me and the Chosen One.

 

People get their tickets checked.

 Danielle, Kat and I

 Harry, Ginny and Bellatrix

Harry and Voldemort duel in the lobby.

Super 8 is Super Great!

Super 8, Steven Spielberg’s latest film follows the adventures of six teenagers after witnessing an intense train accident in 1979. Joe Lamb (Joel Cartney), grieving the recent loss of his mother, lives with his estranged father (Kyle Chandler), the police deputy of the town.  Sneaking out one summer's evening to film an amateur movie with his friends and their “super eight” camera, they happen to be at the right place at the right time.  Unbeknownst to them until later, they capture footage of the fateful evening at the train stop.  Things then exacerbate themselves, and the six kids then continue to investigate the strange phenomenon. 

Teaming up with J.J. Abrams was a smart move for Spielberg.  Although this film may seem like an E.T. knockoff, it does have its own personality.  As disaster strikes Joe’s Midwest town, he begins to learn more about himself, along with the girl he liked for what seemed forever, (Elle Fanning).  Super 8 is unsuspecting as well; one may not expect the sensitive undertones to be present throughout it.  The special effects for the train scene and further along in the movie were spectacular.   

The film, according to J.J. Abrams, was homage to the producer of the film, Steven Spielberg and his 1970's films ranging reverence from Spielberg's directorial films like "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" and "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" to Spielberg's produced films like "The Goonies." I found this particularly interesting because it pulls certain elements from his earlier movies into his most recent. 

After unorthodox disappearances pop up throughout their town, Joe and his friends learn just how unpredictable life can be, along with what "production value" is all about!