Star Trek Into Darkness

Luckily, I was still in the UK when it was released there, so I was able to watch it there before it came out in North America. Star Trek (2009) is probably one of my favourite franchise movies, so waiting five years was a long time. 

The Good:

1. Benedict Cumberbatch. His voice. The end. This is a voice that would cut butter. All villains should be so lucky to have a voice like that.  
2. Lens Flare. Yes, it’s a bit much but whatever. If you don’t like Lens Flare then we are fighting. 
3. The best kinds of movies are the kinds where you can see the cast is having fun. This is supposed to be fun. They’re having fun. Chemistry should not be overlooked when casting films, and I’m afraid it too often is. JJ Abrams seems to have the talent in picking casts which work well and are believable, on top of getting steller performances out of his actors. 

The Bad:

1. Let’s learn how to foreshadow, okay? The whole point with the tribble was unnecessary stupid. Yes, it was cool to see the tribble, but you know what would have worked better? Bones, having this realisation off screen, just telling him that they need to blood, and leave it up to the viewers imagination, until Kirk is awake again, then explain. This would have added an element to a “OMG, Kirk is dead moment.”
2. AS IF, audiences would believe that Kirk is really staying dead. AS IF. 
3. That scene with the naked woman. Yes, I get that you have to give the men who aren’t there because they love Star Trek, but are there because they love blockbuster action adventure movies something. But shouldn’t Kirk’s naked menages-a-toi have been enough earlier in the film.

Given JJ Abrams new project (Star Wars VII) we don’t know when, if at all a third instalment will arrive. I don’t think waiting another 5 years will go over well with the audience, as several characters had visibly aged over the course of the film and we all know Hollywood is about the young and attractive.

Verdict: Not as good as the first in the series, but still a solid sci-fi/fantasy film.

Django Unchained

Django Unchained is Quentin Tarantino’s latest, a western. You have to admire a guy like Tarantino, who both somehow manges to have a style, but also variety in the kinds of stories he choses. I can’t not like him, because if I was ever inclined to actually be a screenwriter or director, he’s who I would want to emulate. He knows what works for him, and you get the distinct impression he makes the kinds of films he would want to watch. 

Django Unchained follows the story of freed slave Django, who wants nothing more than to be reunited his wife, Brunhilda. 

The Good:

1. Casting. I may be late to the Christoph Waltz game but I now love him. I was even able to get over Jamie Foxx. Leonardo was Leonardo, but what can you expect?
2. That humour. The past is scary, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be funny too. A Dentist Versus Candieland? Love it. 
3. Can all films have Samuel L Jackson arguing with Leonardo DiCaprio? 

The Bad:

1. It was a western. I love westerns. But can the woman in the film have more than one or two lines? Alternatively: I’ll acknowledge I probably would have been unhappy if he’d forced gendered roles that didn’t exist in those times on a modern film. I’m a hypocrite. 
2. Tarantino’s Cameo. It took me to long to figure out that was an Australian accent. The End. 
3. WHY DID SAMUEL L JACKSON NOT GET ALL THE AWARDS?

Everyone get over the use of the word nigger. Please. It is the 21st century. It was appropriate for the times, and just because it isn’t appropriate now, doesn’t mean it makes the film any less valuable. 

Best Line: WHERE IS MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER?

Verdict: Worth it. Tarantino is worth it, because he clearly loves films. Oh and Christoph Waltz. Definitely a multiple view film. Tarantino has layers. 

Liberal Arts

I came across Liberal Arts on my dear friend netflix. I may be in my mid 20’s but as a soon-to-be unstudent again, this movie struck a chord with me. What pseudo-intellectual doesn’t feel like their life is going no where. Liberal Arts is Josh Radnor (of How I Met Your Mother fame) second stint as writer/director/producer/actor. 

It follows the story of a 35 year old university admissions advisor, and his struggle to leave his college years behind him. Not in frat boy way, but in an intellectual, I really liked school and miss it kind of way.

The Good:

1. Life is confusing. Adults need to admit this. Thanks Radnor. 
2. The casting. Smart choice on Efron’s part, Elizabeth Olson is good, I reserve my judgement on her acting until I’ve seen her in a few more things, but this was solid. 

The Bad:

1. It’s a little cliche. In a good way. Would you expect anything less from a film called Liberal Arts?
2. It’s hard to see Radnor as anything other than Ted Mosby. 

Best Line: I flew you bastard.

Verdict: Surprisingly touching in a cliched way. 

Wreck it Ralph

Wreck it Ralph is a computer animated Disney film, following the story of a video game’s villain and his quest to overcome his “bad” image. What child, or adult child doesn’t know what it is like to imagine that their toys or stories don’t have a life outside of our interactions with them? Wreck it Ralph does just that, taking us into what happens after and arcade closes. 

The Good:

1. Sarah Silverman didn’t irritate me. I enjoy her humor but her voice often gets in the way. 
2. The story. Not only does it remind us that even people who appear to be villains have value outside of their appearance. The small interjections of the human characters remind us how little people understand about actual technology.
3. The references to real life video games and characters was just enough to ground the film in reality. I had wished they could have referenced two of my favorite games, Donkey Kong and Legend of Zelda, but that could get expensive. 

The Bad:

1. This movie was robbed of best animated feature. Brave was okay, this, this is amazing. I could rant forever about why animated films don’t get the respect they deserve from the “bigger” awards. While the story doesn’t tackle the serious issues, for example: Terrorism, it teaches children and adults about the simple problems of humanity that many of us encounter on a daily basis. That, in my opinion is just as valuable as the stories of films like Argo. 

Verdict: Amazing. Easily in my top 10 of films from 2012, and better than Brave. 

The Life of Pi

I’ll admit, I avoided The Life of Pi for a while. Not because I wasn’t drawn to the story, but because I have a deep and personal love for the book, having had to read it for the first time in my very first semester of university for the only english class I ever took. I was scared. I was scared that the story that “makes you believe in God” would somehow be less magical on screen than it is in my mind.

It tells the story of Pi Patel, named for a french swimming pool, and his exploration of his belief in God in India, and then journey of grief and courage across the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. 

It’s not often I question which I like better, the book of film.

The Bad:

There is none. The story, in my opinion is flawless, the adaptation has the same life and soul that the book has, and the casting and acting was perfection. The direction of Ang Lee continues to amaze me, in the idea what he continuously picks stories with very different styles and it always delivers. 

The very, very good:

1. The computer animation. It never steals the show. We know most of it is imaginary. 
2. Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and all the others who played Pi. 
3. For a story to make you believe in God, I personally feel it illuminates the tendency in many people believe in the things that make them feel good, or happy. Which is perhaps the whole idea of faith and religion. Yann Martel created a brilliant ending which allows you essentially to do just that. The characters chose, and the reader/watcher can choose too. 

Verdict: The story has a happy ending, and it may make you believe in God, and humanity. 

GIRLS Season 2 Finale

Oz the Great and Powerful

Let me preface this review by stating I am not overly emotionally attached to The Wizard of Oz as many people are. I love the movie when it is on tv, Judy Garland is perfection, and the message of the story is exquisite. I also enjoy the musical Wicked which serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. So I guess what I mean is that if I didn’t like the Oz the Great and Powerful, I would just ignore its very existence and any relationship it has to the original story. 

Oz starts out with a powerful concept, it wants to show us how the Wizard left Kanas and came to exist in the land that bears his name. James Franco plays the title character (a third choice I might add on Disney’s casting part) with Mila Kunis, Rachel Wiesz and Michelle Williams playing the various witches of Oz.

Credit where Credit is due:

1. The homages to the original were nice, a subtle enough without slapping the audience in the face. We learn possibly that it was the wizard who created the cowardly lion.
2. I really like the black and white beginning, it had a wonderful feel to it.
3. Visual affects were stunning, and avoided an Alice in Wonderland affect it probably would have had if Tim Burton had helmed the project.
4. There was a definite attempt to act in the style of the original, and while I appreciated it, it doesn’t necessarily work (see The Bad).

Meh:

1. Casting in general. We all know Michelle Williams exudes kindness, and that Mila Kunis is hot (did we need the gratuitous shots of her but in those leather pants? I had to try not to laugh they were so obvious)
2. Why did Rachel Weisz have a half accent? Things like this always bother me. 
3. The overall plot seemed to be to show us as much as Oz as possible, something I’m not sure we needed. 

The Bad:

1. I’m not a James Franco Fan. I’m even less of a fan of his Wizard, although I’m not sure if that’s his fault or the writers. Oz is given repeated opportunities to realize his actions have consequences and ignores them. He is so good a convince other characters he is a worthless backstabbing fiend that they instantly believe when he runs off to escape, and yet they continue to give him opportunities to be his friend and do the right thing. His “transformation” at the end felt shallow, and left me not at all convinced he’d actually learnt anything. Sidekick characters are essential pushed aside and ignored for the sake of more shots of James Franco on screen.
2. The camera moved so quickly in some action shots, that my eyes couldn’t actually capture the information on the screen. This blurriness was unsettling in a film where everything else was so vivid and fantastical. 
3. The dialogue changed frequently from a formal version of a movie era past, into answers like “yeah”. This doesn’t work and is distracting. 

Don’t get me started on the idea that Oz needed a Man to solve its problems when there were three very powerful woman who could have done it all without him. I mean women are either overpowered by emotion so much that it makes them wicked witches (literally) or they don’t even deserve a name (China Doll). 

Verdict: In terms of story, I prefer the Wicked version of events, but I didn’t hate this as much as I thought I did. 

Alone with You-Jake Owens.

Disclaimer:  toyed with the ideas of reviewing songs/albums and some inspiration finally struck me when my ipod was on shuffle. Please bear with me as I work through the kinks of how to review music. 

I am a big country music fan, and it should come as no surprise that Jake Owen’s Alone with You caught my attention. But the reason for it is different. The meaning behind the song, is perhaps something we would traditionally associate with a female singer. The song follows the narrative of a man, who doesn’t want to be as attracted to the woman as he is because he feels like she is using her. It is a simple concept and I don’t think the song would be nearly as compelling if a woman was singing it. 

The Good:

1. Twist on traditional gender roles in a love song.
2. Its simplicity. It is a simple concept, not over done or drawn out. This kind of simplicity is something a lot of songs these days lack.

Meh:

1. The song has a slower pace, something not typical of a Jake Owens song. It takes some getting used to, but in my opinion worth it.

Verdict: It will go on my “late-night driving playlist”

Warm Bodies

Warm Bodies is a 2013 romantic comedy that is set in a post-apocalyptic world. It uniquely tells the story of the zombie apocalypse from the perspective of a zombie. While not as self aware as Shaun of the Dead it is still an enjoyable film, even if it moves a little slowly. I love zombie movies, so I was excited to see one from the view of a Zombie. 

The Good:

1. We see little of Dave Franco. The guy bothers me. I was glad he wasn’t in it as much as I anticipated 
2. Strong supporting cast. John Malkovich? Check. Even the other zombies are hilarious.
3. Nicholas Hoult was exceptional. I hope to see big things from him.
4. I hope, from the ending it won’t be a franchise. Not everything needs to be a franchise these days. 

Meh:

1. The story moves a little slowly, with a lot of the action left to the last third of the film. I am willing to believe that this was a direction choice to mirror the re-humanization of the zombies. 
2. Teresa Palmer reminded me of Kristen Stewart. She was less irritating than her, but there was still an angst quality. I’m beginning to wonder if her blonde hair helped me ignore the angst.
3. I was really unsure how old everyone is supposed to be. Teenagers? Not teenagers? 

Verdict: Some pacing problems, but an intriguing idea. A Light hearted-repeat viewing zombie movie.

The 85th Annual Academy Awards

The Opening

ummm not impressed with Seth

I’m just more embarrassed for him. a lot of it the writers fault

“we saw your boobs?”

I’m not offended cause its true

it just mostly seems dumb, and there is no precident for making it into a song.

 

Why are Charlize and Channing dancing?

And why is it not sexy at all?

like that should be sexy.

 

Be our guest? See this is good.

I love all these clips for best supporting.

Best Supporting: 

Tommy Lee Jones smiling is the best.

how is Christoph Waltz as old as he is?

Jack Nicholson was like “who is quientin?”

There are too few audience shots.

Bradley Cooper’s mother looks like a treat.

Misc Awards: 

Paul Rudd and Melissa McCartney.

 

Your mom just said you inspired Brave. Good luck with having a better life moment than that.

Pictures 1,2,3

WHY THE FUCK DID REESE SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH?

Like, for clapping for her?

Oh god.

Now I need to watch Life of Pi.

This child in beasts of the southern wild.

way to make fun of a 9 year old and sexualize her. That bothers me.

His delivery is terrible. If he delivered bad jokes better, it might be less uncomfortable.

Avengers Assemble

RDJ.

what happened to Ruffalo?

Renner is eyefucking the camera.

eyefucking the FUCK.

Normally I am like oh there’s ruffalo, there goes my panties.

but no. He’s unrecognizable.

Having fun at prom Jen?

Her fillers aren’t doing her face any favours.

50 years of Bond.

YES

Halle Berry’s skin isn’t real.

It can’t be real.

What is Shirely Bassey doing?

Am I supposed to like this?

I kind of like this.

This song is sex.

Bond is sex.

SEX.

There is a lot of bad hair going on. But I don’t know how I’d fix it.

It is like they said hey celebrities, we want you all to act like uncomfortable teenagers.

Pictures 4,5,6 

Liam Neison does not want to be there.

JGL was in Lincoln?

Who is DDL? He can’t be a real person.

Jessica Chastin is stupid beautiful.

150 years and it is still too soon.

Is it too soon to say that was my favorite joke of the night?

YES REMIND PEOPLE OF GIGLI.

Making fun of the Kardashians is a universal language.

Why were there no cuts to the audience during that?

Misc Awards 

BEN IS PISSED ABOUT THE GIGLI COMMENT.

Best thing to happen in my life ever.

ARE THEY PLAYING JAWS TO GET PEOPLE OFF THE STAGE?

Mrs. Affleck is still campaigning on stage. 

Sharp intake of breathe from Mrs. Affleck. 

It’s like Ben will beat her if she doesn’t do this perfectly.

Why did she say Canada like that.

Musical Montage

Oh John Travolta.

When I came of age = came out of the closet?

No one can read. 

She’s lipsyncing. But I still want to be her friend.

Once in my life I’d like to be lowered off stage while I stand on top of a piano.

I still don’t like this new song from Les Miserables.

Why is this awkward?

This is an awkward mash-up

They’ve used the weirdest camera shot choices.

Tommy Lee Jones = not smiling.

Awards that don’t get broadcast

This makes me so excited for Star Trek.

 

UM LIKE 50 YEARS TOO LATE FOR A SOUND OF MUSIC JOKE.

Best Supporting:

They should have had Christopher Plummer host.

This was a solid year for supporting actress.

Amy Adams standing up for her.

Love it.

Amy Adams needs an award.

Be less try Anne. I’m so happy for you but like, why are you whispering?

I feel like I’m reading her diary entry.

Skyfall

Adele is perfect.

She also has the best hair.

Like. This was just a day in the office for her

That took no effort for perfection.

Films 7,8,9

Nicole my girl.

Tarentio either hates or wants to fuck Nicole.

I can’t ever watch Amour. I’ll have too many feels

Misc Awards

WHY WOULD THEY SUBJECT HARRY POTTER TO BELLA?

LIKE.

JUST.

FUCK OFF.

And she’s doing the weird arm thing she does.

In Remembrance tribute.

“The hardest thing about writing is just writing” truer words never spoken Nora Ephron.

Chicago

We need to stop with the musical = gay jokes

why is Renee bobble heady? and slurring.

and so squinty?

She’s drunk = my conclusion.

She nearly fell over!

Hey Nora Jones, didn’t know you were still around.

I feel bad for every song not Skyfall.

Richard Gere had to like steady Renee there.

Directing

And the award for worst fake embarrassment ever goes too: Charlize Theron.

My mother’s fake laugh is similar.

I’m scared Charlize might hurt Dustin Hoffman when she grabs him.

Best Director

Jane Fonda is the best kind of bitch.

Stand up for Ang Lee guys.

Also, shout out to Yan Martel.

His wife looks fun. And he seems like a genuine nice guy.

Best Actress

Oh she falls.

and Hugh, ever the gentleman.

THE REST OF THE CAST IS SO HAPPY FOR HER.

Best Actor

QUEEN MERYL

Meryl Streep picks a wedgie and I don’t even care.

HUGH.

You’ll get your oscar Hugh. I promise.

Meryl clearly peaked at the envelope

Really, no one else has ever won three?

This Margaret Thatcher joke is brilliant.

Have DDL host the next oscars please.

Best Picture

And they bring out Jack, the unoffical mascot of the Oscars.

and FLOTUS.

Who now has bangs did you notice?

Ben’s probably all like yay, I can stop being photographed with my wife in public now.

I like the George doesn’t want or need to talk.

He sounds like a Jewish boy thanking his parents for the Bat mitzvah they just threw him.

He makes it sound like its hard to be married to Jennifer Garner.

 

Live Blog Verdict: That was 3 hours of watching really uncomfortable people read bad jokes.