Why So Blu?

‘The Imitation Game’ Is An Entertaining One (Movie Review)

I am a fan of Benedict Cumberbatch.  I even like to refer to him by his full name, Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch, because I enjoy celebrating just how British he is.  It is clear to me that I am not alone in my appreciation for BTCC, but I do enjoy that it is coming from not just his work on BBC’s Sherlock, but from seeing him branch out into so many different roles.  Now he stars as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, which feels like a role perfectly suitable for him, given the challenge of portraying this complex persona, yet having a familiarity with portraying someone with an idiosyncratic nature, especially when it comes to interaction with others.  As for the film as a whole, it is perfectly entertaining in the “important biopic that you probably won’t feel the need to see more than once” kind of way, but the presence of Cumberbatch and his strong performance may certainly defy that kind of logic.

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‘The Gambler’ Gambled With My Time (Movie Review)

The Gambler is just what Hollywood needs, another remake.  The American crime drama, directed by Rupert Wyatt, is simply that, a remake of the 1974 film of the same name (nothing to do with Kenny Rogers).  This time out, it stars Mark Wahlberg as the gambler with contributions by big name stars such as John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Brie Larson and more.  So I guess you can tell from my less than colorful opening monologue here, the story of a literature professor addicted to gambling who’s in deep with gangsters just doesn’t have me doing excited cartwheels over it, but I digress.  That’s what the review below is all about. Continue reading ‘‘The Gambler’ Gambled With My Time (Movie Review)’

‘The Interview’ Is Just A Comedy (Movie Review)

[Note: I had no real desire to dig too far into the controversy surrounding this film, as I have been fascinated, but exhausted with keeping up with what has gone on in this surreal situation leading up to the eventual release of this film.  That said, my friend Scott Mendeslon, over at Forbes, has written a number of pieces that go into it, including This.  As it stands, I just wanted to write about the film.]

A small part of the world cried foul, threats were made from various sources, but here we are with the movie that presents an insane premise and matches it with the same sense of humor and themes that have made successes out of the filmmaking team that is Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.  While the real-life fallout from producing The Interview was likely something the duo could not have imagined, the actual film is merely silly fun, with only hints of truly biting social commentary.  That said, I know what to expect, for the most part, from Team Rogberg at this point, and while this may not be their greatest effort, it is certainly an entertaining one.

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‘Selma’ Is Incredible, Inspiring, and Important (Movie Review)

I have been told I have something of a knack for impressions.  Not particularly in how I look or even sound, but in finding the cadence in whatever humorous display I may be attempting to put on.  David Oyelowo does not really look like Martin Luther King, Jr., but he does more than just get the cadence of the man down in Selma.  Oyelowo brings to life the presence and soul of Dr. King in a way that is entirely worthwhile in a film featuring him as both the man and the influential leader that inspired so many.  That is no easy task for an actor or a film that would want to feature such a character in the dominant role. Still, Selma has found a way to bring Martin Luther King, Jr. into a movie, without having to do the heavy-lifting of telling the man’s whole story and trying to truncate all of what he accomplished into a two-hour motion picture.  Instead, fitted with a commanding lead performance, as well as several powerful supporting performances, and plenty of other great filmmaking-related aspects, Selma is a film addressing a particular time in a wonderfully impressive way that is both cinematic and quite relevant to our current time.

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‘Unbroken’ Is An Epic Story In A Decent Film (Movie Review)

On the surface, Unbroken has everything needed to not only be a surefire hit for audiences and critics of a certain generation, but also one that could seemingly have awards just handed over to it.  This is a film adaptation of a best-selling and well-reviewed novel based around the true story of a former Olympic athlete, who went to war, survived a plane crash, spent time lost at sea, and then lived a tortured life in a prisoner of war camp, only to prove how strong the human spirit can be.  This film is directed by a major Hollywood player, who happens to be female, and was co-scripted by the two of the most celebrated filmmakers working today.  What is not to like about that?  Certainly not a lot, as Unbroken is a good film, with its heart in the right place and plenty of other positive elements going for it.  With that in mind, the film does have an issue with finding a way to connect in a stronger sense, given what we are seeing.  Unbroken misunderstands that seeing so much happen to someone is not the same as really getting us to understand how much some of these things may matter.

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Head ‘Into The Woods’ For An Entertaining Diversion (Movie Review)

Given how much they talked/sang about it, I was glad that everyone definitely went into the woods.  Two things:  I was not at all hip to knowing anything about the original Into the Woods stage musical before this film was announced and I enjoy the musical style of Stephen Sondheim.  With that in mind, I can say that, for the most part, I was wrapped up in this story that essentially combines many of the most popular fairy tale characters through a common thread that finds each character heading into the woods at some point.  Add to that the style of Sondheim’s musicals, which is a big part of why I love Tim Burton’s Sweeny Tood, and you have a film that is at least great to listen to, let alone watch, as we see a number of gifted performers really delivering in the singing department, within a variety of elaborate sets.  Given the heavy emphasis on practical effects, it only leads to more praise I would be happy to give the film, if only I was not let down by the film’s final act.

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‘The Hobbit: The Battle’ of Kill Kill, Stab Stab (Movie Review)

The second cinematic Middle-Earth trilogy has ended and now we are back where we started in 2002.  I am happy for those who are excited to rewatch The Lord of the Rings trilogy, following this ‘defining chapter,’ but I am left with other curiosities.  Having never read J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I am curious about whether or not audiences who enjoyed what I am aware is a reasonably amusing book for a younger crowd were hoping to see a blood-thirsty final film to close this three-film adaptation.  My impression, after first learning of the films that we would be getting was that of an understanding that we’d be dealing with more light-hearted Middle-Earth adventures.  I did not get much of that in the previous Hobbit films and certainly not with The Battle of the Five Armies, but that would be less of an issue, if the movie was still good, regardless.  Well, it’s not bad, but as much as I like seeing lots of action on display, there is a point where enough is enough, and with this film…well I’m just happy “One Last Time” is part of its mantra.

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‘Night At the Museum’: London Drift (Movie Review)

I had fun with this film.  There is more to read, but how much do I really need to say about the third film in a series about Ben Stiller interacting with museum exhibits that come to life at night, thanks to the power of a magic tablet?  Okay, so maybe that sentence alone can be deconstructed plenty, given how absurd it may sound, but with that in mind, I cannot say the Night at the Museum franchise has been one I have been overly enthusiastic about, but I can say I’ve enjoyed the sequels more than the original film.  They are simple enough family comedies, featuring enough supporting performances going over-the-top in ways that make me smile to recommend them for what they are: harmless fun.  Given the sense of finality in this installment, a little extra something is added, but for the most part, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb may not be the sequel everyone has been pining for, but it is an easy watch for the intended audience.

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There Are Colorful Lies In Burton’s ‘Big Eyes’ (Movie Review)

The chance to see a director switch gears and focus on something far separated from their previous work can be exciting.  As a Tim Burton fan, I do not fault him for making a lot of films that seem right up his alley.  That the recent output has not been as compelling as the films in his past is unfortunate, but now we have Big Eyes, which reteams Burton with the writers of Ed Wood, arguably Tim Burton’s best feature film.  The resulting product is a smaller scale, more personal story than anything Burton has been involved with in quite some time, featuring two strong, lead performances.  It is not an over-the-top fantasy, but a drama that delves into the worth of one’s identity.

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The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies Finally All Sign A Peace Treaty (Movie Review)

The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies is the film both fans of The Hobbit franchise have been anxiously waiting for and the moviegoers that do not care too much about the saga and just want it to finally come to an end.  However, to me it’s so much more.  Whether you read the books or not, I haven’t, The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies is nothing more than the Revenge of the Sith of the Lord of the Rings series.  I think y’all know what I mean when I say that.  No matter how you slice it the events of this film we’re here to discuss today had to fit together like bookends to the trilogy that came before it.  When it comes to movies like this that can be both a blessing and a curse.  While this one is nothing more than a two-hour action romp, and when you are talking these films that’s nothing but a good thing, there’s also inherent problems within this one too.  Read on… Continue reading ‘The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies Finally All Sign A Peace Treaty (Movie Review)’

‘Top Five’ Made Me Laugh My Pants Off (Movie Review)

I am a fan of seeing live standup comedy.  Something I have observed in that setting is what people can get away with.  Something about the standup environment allows comedians and audiences (within reason) to joke and laugh about things they would otherwise consider too much of a taboo.  With Top Five, Chris Rock has written, directed, and starred in a really funny movie that works within that sort of standup environment.  It has the sense of a talented comedian and filmmaker working to make an act that would fit in that standup setting blown up into a motion picture production, without losing the edge.  Rock has crafted a witty, satirical script that blends showbiz living, various comedic topics, some romance, and drama together quite effectively.  It shows how Chris Rock has not only maintained his edge, but continues to grow as an actor and filmmaker, which I feel great about saying.

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LA Story: ‘Inherent Vice’ (Movie Review)

Former flames, big time real estate moguls, something called the Golden Fang, and of course, lots of drugs; it looks like Doc might be getting in over his head.  Following There Will Be Blood and The Master it is nice to see writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson lighten up with Inherent Vice, an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s comedic detective novel of the same name, which places Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role of a private investigator looking into a missing person’s case.  While there certainly is a lot of plotting that develops, the film puts itself in the intriguing position of not really using that as a focus.  True to Anderson’s style, the film is much happier to explore the world and characters deposited into it, making for a bizarre, yet very entertaining feature.

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‘Exodus’ Commands Visual Grandeur, But Is Plagued By A Lack Of Emotion (Movie Review)

Exodus: Gods and Kings is an epic.  There is no way around that.  Regardless of my thoughts on the film as a whole, director Ridley Scott has made a film that is grand in scale, fully realized in its depiction of an ancient time, and littered with extras, sets, props, and obvious visual effects in an effort to tell the story of Moses in ancient Egypt.  Unfortunately, despite clear effort being put forth, the film is lacking in much emotional heft and, despite its runtime, the film feels rushed in execution, based on the straightforward telling of the narrative.  It did not end up feeling like a drag, given the way the grand theatricality matched up with the fairly rote storytelling, but at the same time, Exodus does not capture the weight of this story in the way I am sure many would have hoped.

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The Babadook Is Creep…Creep…Creepy (Movie Review)

The Babadook sits high on the list, as far as 2014 horror films go.  Produced on a small budget, working with a limited cast, using some creativity, and creating some already iconic imagery, this is a film that gets away with treading familiar ground, because the approach is so effective.  Working as both a psychological thriller and a children’s bedtime story gone horribly wrong, this Australian horror film is chillingly effective and completely worth seeking out, given that it sadly sits without a proper large scale theatrical release, while crap like Ouija makes far more money than it should.

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Watch Reese Go ‘Wild’ (Movie Review)

I find there to be a comfortable understanding in films about characters that go on journeys to find themselves.  Regardless of the reason and whether or not the story is based on a real person, I can expect to see a certain kind of arc play out.  We will learn what we need to learn about this character, watch them progress, hit various blocks in their path (physically and mentally), and eventually come to some sort of emotional catharsis.  Sure, that sums up a lot of movies in general, but these kinds of movies are hardly subtle, yet often quite fulfilling.  Maybe it is just due to having such a singular focus when it comes to this kind of story, but I certainly find myself quite invested in them.  It also helps when such strong work is on display, which brings me to my thoughts on the rather excellent film Wild.

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Horrible Bosses 2 And The Mild Returns (Movie Review)

There is a point in Horrible Bosses 2 where a character is asked what took place and his response is that he is unsure, because the three lead characters were yammering too much for him to be certain.  Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis have great chemistry, no doubt about it.  Their banter, which features each performer playing up the key aspect of their comedic personas that make them enjoyable to watch for many, is key to maintaining a level of energy for a film that was not really needed.  I liked Horrible Bosses okay, but a sequel seemed like overkill.  Now I have seen it and while the concept is pretty thin, enough is done to make it fairly enjoyable.  With that in mind, the way it leans hard on some weirdly uncomfortable jokes keeps it from being one I really need to see twice.

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The Guys Ironically Become ‘Horrible Bosses 2’ (Movie Review)

We have all had our share of “horrible bosses” haven’t we?  Maybe we don’t care to admit it, but I believe I’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have their own horrible boss story.  Let’s look at example from a chapter in my own life.  In my current position and prior place of employment I am/had been looked upon in very high regards.  However, two jobs ago, I felt like I could never do anything right to please the man.   Nothing was ever good enough  and in return I was constantly bullied, picked upon and insulted almost every day despite everyone else in the company seemingly loving my work and support.  It just goes to show you there are such things as “horrible bosses” in life and having said that this personal prologue serves as a nice segue into the movie we’re all gathered here today to discuss, introducing Horrible Bosses 2. Continue reading ‘The Guys Ironically Become ‘Horrible Bosses 2’ (Movie Review)’

Interstellar: Having Thrice-Taken The Rocket Ride (Movie Review)

In my belief, most salesmen, prophets, religious establishments and even motivational speakers will tell you life is full of second chances.  And like the fictional character of Jordan Chase in Season 5 of Showtime’s Dexter, if you want something badly enough in life, you just have to “Take It.”  Quite honestly, I have always lived my life by a single golden rule, learn from your mistakes.  Grow from them.  And of course, hopefully never make the same mistake(s) twice.  That’s why after talking to a fellow reviewer yesterday about a mistake I recently made in life, I’m ready to come clean and admit I was wrong.  I was wrong to initially award Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar a film score of 3.5 out of 5.  If George Lucas can tinker with the Star Wars saga as much as his 70-year-old heart desires, I think that warrants me the chance at redemption here. Continue reading ‘Interstellar: Having Thrice-Taken The Rocket Ride (Movie Review)’