Attack the Block

    It's not every day that I get to see a UK film. In fact, I can't remember the last UK Film that I've watched in it's entirety. Which is partially why I was so thrilled to see this UK independent sci-fi thriller. Thanks to Gofobo.com, I attended an advanced screening of Attack the Block.

    A dark and often violent film about a gang of inner-city London youths that are forced to fight for their lives amidst an alien invasion. Written and directed by Joe Cornish, Attack the Block is not quite what you would expect from the producers of Shaun of the Dead. The movie begins with a London celebration that I believe is Canada Day (the film does not state). Here we find a gang on South London teenagers patrolling their Block for easy victims to rob. Clearly, up to no good, the story is developed through the interactions between the teenagers and their surroundings. Upon meeting a young woman on the street whom they threaten and mug, a chance event allows her to escape with her life only to have it threatened again repeated throughout the movie.

    Attack the Block is a submission from the Sundance film festival that has received critical acclaim from around the world. While it is new to the US this summer, I implore people see this film for it's ingenuity and bluntness. As human beings, we are as alike as we are different and this movie shows us that regardless of cultural background or nationality we are all the same. Especially when confronted with an invasion of shadowy dark creatures from outer space, we need to stick together and think as one. Easily the best release of the summer, Attack the Block does an excellent job all around.

Rating 4 Stars (Maximum of 5)

Stars & Stripes

    Amidst the onslaught of comic book and graphic novel film adaptations, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) stands out as a solitary beacon of hope. Directed by Joe Johnston, Captain America follows Steves Rodgers (Chris Evans) as he desperately attempts to join the military in order to fight in World War II for the US Army. After several failed attempts, Rodgers lucks out and is accepted into a top secret military program that turns him into Captain America.
    Chris Evans sheds the tattered remains of the Fantastic Four, and delves into this new beautifully crafted 3-D realm with maturity and ease. Deeply involved, Rodgers commits himself wholehearted to the American ideal. Chiseled looks, humility, and determination are the name of the game here. With strong characters portrayed by Hugo Weaving and Tommy Lee Jones, Captain America totes brains, looks, and talent. Unlike previous comic book to film adaptations, Captain America is well structured. This film takes it's time to develop characters and our emotional connection to them. Being heavily scripted, Captain America does not rely simply on special effects alone to keep our rabid attention. Impeccable comedic timing and emotional brevity is flaunted by the entire cast. More to the point, Captain America is nostalgic, iconic and simple. Be sure to stay till the very end of the credits for an exclusive peek into 2012's Avengers film. A great summer film to enjoy with friends and family.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Maximum of 5)

The End of a Decade of Magic

    First and foremost, I need it to be known that I sincerely dislike nearly ALL of the Harry Potter films when viewing from the perspective of a reader. The amount of information and character development we have been robbed of over the course of 8 movies should be punishable by law. That being said, I recently participated in a week long marathon of each installment of the Harry Potter film franchise. With the books being a distant and relatively vague memory, I was able to sit back and re-assess each film for what they were.
   
Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) was the first book and the first film. Directed by Chris Columbus, this film was the grand introduction of the world of wizarding and witchcraft. For nearly a billion people across the globe, Harry Potter wasn't a tangible concept until they were able to see it in action. For many, this was their first foray into a supernatural realm of fantasy and most certainly would not be their last. This film managed to be the most literal of all the adapted screenplays. This lead to the film being immensely faithful, but also dry, and relatively slow. While it manages to retain the subtle humor of budding friendships and student-teacher interactions, it loses some of it's magic & grandeur along the way.
    Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets (2002) also directed by Chris Columbus was a slight departure from the first film. Still boasting a rather irritatingly literal translation, this film is tempered by increase in magical prowess. If I'm going to the movie theater to watch a film about a world where magic exists, then by all means give me something to believe in. With introduction of characters like Gildroy Lockhart as the self-absorbed, irresponsible, and talentless Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, we are given a glimpse into a world that still suffers from many of the same issues that we do. In fact, it our problems are only made so much worst in their world. Outside of the obvious pacing issues, we are presented with witches and wizards that suffer much like we do. A vast improvement from the first film, but still mired by awkward character interactions and poor acting.
    Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) directed by the visionary Alfonso Cuarón, was the first film in the series to truly add artistic and true cinematic elements to the relatively dry franchise. Both in terms of screen writing and cinematography, this movie gave us something to look at besides the monochromatic schemes presented in the previous installments. I feel justified in liking this film partly because of the smooth visual style imparted by Cuarón, but also because the actors were required to display complex emotions. In addition to a wider range of emotion, we are also bludgeoned with a myriad of colorful characters and impressive creatures. Dementors, creatures that feed off your happiness lurk the Hogwarts school grounds. The Whomping Willow, is given new life by a new special effects team. A Hippogriff, a eagle/horse hybrid captures our love. Professor Trelawney the mind-addled Divination's instructor offers subtle humor and new insight into the complexities of studying witchcraft. Remus Lupin is introduced as both the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, werewolf, and a friend from Harry's undiscovered past.Finally, we have Gary Oldman making his appearance as Sirius Black; Harry Potter's infamous Godfather. Oldman adds a levels of acting skill and ingenuity normally reserved for actors such as Johnny Depp. Displaying melancholy and sincerity with a casual ease that is daunting to even the most seasoned actors. This is my favorite film in the franchise and for good reason.
    Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire (2005) directed by Mike Newell, takes Harry Potter to wizarding levels with the Tri-Wizard Tournament and his first encounter with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (Lord Voldemort). I have severe issues with this movie for many reasons. First and foremost, if you are making a film about a Tournament between three schools of magic, please do us a favor and actually show us the hardships of such a thing. This film was haphazardly made in respect to the tournament and the social issues that arise between the students of Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons. The implications of these interactions are forced upon us and we are lead to feel very little for anyone save Hermione Grainger who experiences the sting of unrequited love. Secondly, when battling dragons, feel free to take artistic license here and show us the battles! Not only do we not get to see this extremely difficult challenge completed, but we don't even hear how it was accomplished by anyone but the extremely luck-lorn Harry Potter. This movie is all bark, with very little bite. It isn't until the last 30 min of the film, that we truly feel the dread and impending danger that should have been present from the very beginning. The only bright sides to this largely unimpressive film is the introduction of Mad Eye Moody, the new and rather surly Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor with major personality flaws and dark secrets ;)
    Harry Potter & The Order of The Phoenix (2007) directed by David Yates (who also helms the remainder of the series) is the shortest film in the series even though it was also the largest book. This fact alone is discouraging, but I'm not here to discuss accuracy. In this movie Harry and his friends join forces with the survivors of the original members of The Order of the Phoenix in order to fight Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters (name for wizards that follow the Dark Lord). We are also led to believe that Harry Potter has developed a genuine relationship with his long lost godfather, but the films have done very little to help establish that relationship. With the inevitable death of a major character, we are left feeling bereft of care and concern due to the abruptness of the loss and lack of emotional connection. At long last, it is within The Order of the Phoenix that we finally get a more intimate look at Professor Dumbledore. As arguably the most powerful & influential wizard of all time, he has been oddly absent from the inner workings of all the previous films. It is here that we learn of his vast knowledge of both magic and wizards alike. Through a device known as the pensieve, we are quite literally plunged into the memories of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Yates is able to take this ground-breaking piece of magic and offer us pertinent background information on characters and events that are crucial to the story. Along the lines of ground-breaking magic, Harry also begins the study of Occlumency in order to protect his feeble mind from Lord Voldemort... There is a lot going on in this very busy, extremely tense film which climaxes with and epic showdown between Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort in the flesh. I applaud Yates for maintaining the levels of tension and overall gloom associated with the events in the movie, but he still fails to give us enough time to connect with the material.
    Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (2009)  is a film designed to emphasize the disparity that is ravaging the world for both muggles (non-magical humans) and wizard-kind. We find Harry Potter struggling with being The Chosen One & branded a superfluous celebrity and liar. This film is the most emotional of them all, jam packed with teenage angst, and general turmoil at the collapse of the Ministry of Magic, and the disbanding of the Order of the Phoenix. If I had to chose a second favorite film in the series it would indeed be this one. The Half-Blood Prince brings us back to Hogwarts in a way that the previous films could not manage. The daily in and outs of on-campus life, budding friendships, alliances, dating, quarrels with instructors and staff... in short it is a back-to-the-basics sort of film. Pleasantly charming, often witty, and invariably humorous; Yates gives us Potter and his friends on a very welcome platter. With an increased emphasis on day to day life in their rapidly crumbling world, we are given stellar performances from the entire cast. More notably, Emma Watson (Hermione Grainger) slams us with her capriciousness of both her talent and emotions. She sets a standard for acting that no other member of the ensemble can match. This is also the last time we get to see great feats of magic performed by Dumbledore who is brought to a very abrupt and traitorous end.
    Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part One (2010) finds Harry Potter unable to return to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Branded public enemy number one, he must set out on a harrowing journey to complete a near impossible task assigned to him by the late school headmaster, Dumbledore. This extremely poignant film focuses on Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they try to find and destroy Horcruxes, the keys to Lord Voldemort's immortality. Yates shows us for the very first time just how difficult this is for our beloved trio. Traversing the wilderness, cut-off from the rest of the known world is no easy task, even for young talented wizards. The drama in this film is thick and heavy enough for the entire series, which is why it notably slower and less action-packed than it's predecessors. There isn't much else for me to say about this film. It's long, dramatic, and the second the prelude to what should be a epic finale.
    Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) is the first Harry Potter film released in complete 3-D. As the finale film in this decade long franchise, Yates has a lot to accomplish within 130 min of run time. With so much drama have been packed into the last three films, this movie takes no time brooding over the loss of loved ones. It's an action packed roller-coaster ride, filled with non-stop thrills, dragons, and unimaginable spells being thrown across the screen with very little pause for further explanation. Yates, probably assumes that by now, we should be accustomed to the inner workings of this world we have been exposed to, and now that the end has finally arrived we are expected to just sit back and enjoy the show. I highly encourage viewers of this movie to treat it  the climax that it truly is. We have spent the last ten years building up to this veritable explosion of repressed magical ecstasy. Not trying to sound vulgar, but if you spent ten years building up to the perfect orgasm, I would hope you would enjoy it for everything that it was worth and save pessimistic scrutiny's for another time. Yates built this film to be thoroughly enjoyed by an international audience that has waited with bated breath for this fantastic conclusion. Yes, it could have been thirty minutes longer. Yes, we probably needed a bit more explanation on the the briefly mentioned Hallows and the people that owned them. But when one is staring at a screen that is filled with larger than life creatures of flame, or a dragon on an underground rampage, or constant displays of extreme magical prowess on behalf of the Hogwarts instructors, what is left to think? The most important thing accomplished with this movie is the utter despair that Lord Voldemort feels as each Horcrux is discovered and destroyed. The tension caused by the eventual fracturing of Voldemort's power and sanity is displayed with near perfection. Everyone is a hero in this movie, and I challenge anyone to say otherwise. This movie should not be held to any standard higher than that of your typical summer blockbuster action film. I say kudos to the entire team for bringing a decade of magic to a satisfying close. Now we can go take a shower and maybe nap, because that climax was more than worth the wait.

Deathly Hallows Pt 2 Rating: 3.5 Stars (Maximum of 5)

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Crime, Will-Power, and a Green Lantern

Lately, residents of Chicago may have noticed an increase in petty and violent crimes all across the city and in very public areas. Like many of the people who reside within the city, I viewed the crimes as distant and unfortunate to those who had to experience them. Like most, I held the assumption that I would not be affected. How naive we can be sometimes... A few nights ago, en route to a house-warming party, I bore witness to a violent crime on the Sox-35th Red Line platform. While waiting for the northbound Red Line train, I noticed a young male of Latin/Hispanic origin being chased by a young African American female wielding a bread knife. Uncertain of what I was seeing, it became increasingly clear that the man was genuinely in trouble. Frozen in a state of shock, I watched as the woman proceeded to stab the man repeatedly along the side of his torso. I watched, along with everyone else on the platform in disbelief at what we all were witnessing. 

Within seconds of seeing what I had only read about in the paper, I was on my phone dialing 911. The funny thing about calling the police when in a state of shock is that it's not as easy as one would like to believe. Three simple numbers that we have been trained to recognize and interpret for help could never have been more difficult to execute, especially when in the time of need. The sudden rush of adrenaline caused by fear can paralyze the body and make basic movements like pressing three digits on a touch-screen keypad seem nearly impossible. At long last, after two failed attempts to dial the numbers properly, I managed to regain full dexterity and call the cops.

I was greeted by a calm feminine voice, "9-1-1 Emergency Assistance...," did the voice say anything after that? I cannot be certain. Everything was happening so quickly, that it is difficult to recall. What I do remember is that I quickly detailed what was happening, and where I was located. As this process took place, the young woman fled the scene, running south on the platform toward the 33rd Street exit. The voice on the other end of the phone asked for my name and phone number. I distinctly remember thinking, "Why is that important?! Did I not just tell you everything you need to know?" I realized that it was probably necessary, in case they needed to contact me as a potential witness. The voice on the phone assured me that the police were being dispatched and would be arriving shortly. At that point I disconnected the call, and informed everyone on the platform that the police were on their way. As soon as I made this announcement, a panicked expression flickered across the face of the man who was now visibly bleeding through his over-sized white t-shirt. Within moments, he swore out loud and actually managed to run! I couldn't believe it! Where in hell was he going??? And why was he running in the same direction as the knife-wielding woman??? I was only baffled by this astonishing turn of events for a mere moment before a voice inside my head said that he probably did something to deserve being stabbed by that woman. Slightly puzzled, I shrugged and made a jarring observation; I was the only person to call the police.

        We all hear stories about violent acts being committed in public spaces and how the bystanders only watch... or in some cases pull out their phones to record video of the incident, only to upload it to Facebook or YouTube later. Being faced with the option to act or stand by and watch, you would hope that people would choose to act. Imagine yourself being put into the position of the person who needs help, and no one had the courage or will power to offer you the assistance that you clearly need. The power of will and courage are all it takes to overcome fear and that is the overarching theme of the "Green Lantern".

As an avid comic fan-boy, it is incredibly difficult for me to remain objective when reviewing the increasing number of comic to film adaptations. That being said, I must address the film at hand: "The Green Lantern". Directed by acclaimed director Martin Campbell, The Green Lantern is the story of Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), a test pilot that receives a ring that grants it's possessor the power to conjure anything that his/her mind can conceive; and is charged with protecting the universe from evil.

Aside from the ingenious casting within this film, the only positive thing that can be said is that nearly 200 million in CGI (computer-generated imagery) looks phenomenal in 3D. This is a film that's all pomp & circumstance, with none of the hard work. The story of Hal Jordan is pitched to us (as viewers) as one where will-power and courage are all that is needed to triumph. Unfortunately, the film does nothing to show us that Hal Jordan lacks anything except a desire to make long term commitments.

Although the film lacks strong foundations, it is redeemed by the graceful Blake Lively who excels in portraying a woman of social and economic power. Her role as a test pilot may not have been believable, but I found it immensely entertaining to watch Lively try in earnest to sell us the fighter pilot image she was forced to pander. Entertaining... is all I can say about the film in the best and worst ways. It was laughable to see how serious the movie tried to present itself to be, but also endearing. My advice to anyone watching The Green Lantern is to do the same thing the people on the platform did on the night of the stabbing. Simply watch and be amazed at the spectacle.

Rating: 2 Stars (Maximum of 5)

On the "Yellow Brick Road"

    Rarely am I drawn to horror films. Typically, I find them to be perverse and unimaginative. My personal understanding of the cinematic experience is that we are embarking on a journey into the imagination of the writers & the directors. The cinematic experience is best described by the song "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. When this vision comes across to the viewers, the translation from mind, to paper, then finally to the screen, it can become muddled and trite. This is obviously what happened with Yellow Brick Road.
    Written and directed by Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton, Yellow Brick Road tries in earnest to tell the story of how the entire population Friar, New Hampshire marched to their deaths and an aspiring writer's journey to document the truth of what really happened. A great premise, but not executed to it's fullest extent. The movie starts off feeling a lot like The Blair Witch Project, and similarly amounts to nothing but creepy circumstance and unexplainable phenomenon.  The film delivers no real reason to care about the characters and even less to answer the many questions that it presents.
    I still can not fully understand how a completely classified event could simply be discovered by a simple writer of no extraordinary background or merit. I am even further baffled by the ease at which the official records for the "classified" event were obtained! I'm fairly certain that classified documents don't just get handed over to random people! I get really upset when incredibly illogical events occur in cinema... If it doesn't make sense then it should never leave the cutting room floor!!! There isn't too much more for me to say about this film. Had it been edited properly it would have been better released as C-Level made for tv mystery and not classified as a horror film.

Rating: 1 Star (maximum of five)

Super 8

    Alas, it has been a few months since my last entry and my only explanation is that life happens. Since my last post, I have moved into a new apartment, started a new job away from the restaurant industry, and attended my graduation ceremony from Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. My job new is special perk, because it allows me the flexibility to schedule multiple events around it, in addition to being able to write more often!
    Now getting to the task at hand, J. J. Abrams's Sci-Fi/Adventure "Super 8". The film is essentially the story of a group of kids in small town 1970's America that are attempting to make an amateur horror film for a contest. On the first night of filming the scripted version (of their film), they bear witness to a horrible accident that leads to their lives (and the lives of everyone in their community) being torn apart by military personnel, missing dogs, and a rampaging creature. Abrams & team do their best to portray a classic tale of child heroism, love, humor, and horror. Reminiscent of film classics "The Goonies" & "E.T.", Abrams manages to channel the creative genius that mad Steven Spielberg who he is today.
    The best aspects of "Super 8" are the emotional depths you are taken to throughout the film. Dealing with adult decisions as child and facing hardships such as untimely death, and unrequited love. An emotional roller-coaster that you will be glad to be on, where the highs lie within subtle humor and youthful cliches. As an added bonus, if you sit through the credits Abrams treats us the final product of the amateur horror film. A truly beautiful homage to classic early 80's Sci-Fi cinema, "Super 8" is the first great PG-13 film of the 2011 cinematic year.

Rating: 5 Stars (maximum of 5)

Adapt or Die...

    As I stated in my post for "Sucker Punch", there is an on-gong trend for female empowerment in the film industry as of late. Films where the heroine is fighting for the survival of herself, and/or her family. Women can be as loving and caring as they can be malevolent. "Hanna" is no exception.

   
    "Hanna" starring Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones, and the upcoming film "The Hobbit), Eric Bana (Star Trek, and The Hulk), and Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is an epic film about a young girl who is raised in the wilderness by her father, and embarks on a journey across Europe, while being pursued by Intelligence Agents.
    First, Saoirse Ronan plays the role of Hanna, a painfully socially ignorant girl, that has spent her entire life (thus far) training for the day that she can leave the metaphorical nest. While the film does very little to address the exact nature of her mission, it is clear from the first moments that she is on screen, that survival is key.
   Her father Erik (Eric Bana) has been preparing her to face life in the same fashion a predator in the wild would do for it's cub. He is ruthless and methodical in his zeal to ensure her safety. Combat training, intensive foreign language studies, memory recall techniques, and foraging are all part of his daily regimen for her. The theme is survival of the fittest, kill or be killed, adapt or die...
    Cate Blanchett's Marissa, is cold, calculating, and prideful. A woman that executes every task with a maniacal drive for perfection. She alone aims to capture Hanna, and kill Erik, Hanna's father, and will not allow anyone to derail her from her path.
    Now honestly, I have to say that this film is impressive. It gives very little information and allows us to discover what we need to know as Hanna discovers what it's like to truly live. While we are led through remote locations where Hanna is forced to adapt to social situations and experiencing things she has only read about; we are given a forced perspective of the harrowing journey for life. How would one deal with being marked for death at the whim of a government agent. How would you cope with knowing you were 'different' from EVERY other human being. As a parent, how far would you go to ensure that your child could fend for themselves. This movie presents us with all these questions in fantastic form, as only director Joe Wright can provide.
    "Hanna" is eccentric, action packed, dramatic, and emotional. A film worth a thousand words, with a sound track perfectly matched with it's gritty cinematography and intimate camera work. More films should strive to be as individualistic as this and offer just as much, if not more.

Rating: 4.5 (maximum is 5)