A Simply Barbaric Movie: Conan the Barbarian (2011)

    If you are one of the few individuals who admire a movie for the display of violence and naked women, I will still advise for you to avoid seeing Conan the Barbarian (2011). Starring Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), Ron Perlman (various terrible film credits), and Rose McGowan (Charmed), Conan the Barbarian is a boorish film about a man's quest for revenge. There really isn't any need for me to elaborate beyond vengeance, because the movie isn't worth the time it takes for me to formulate a synopsis that will differ from all the other blogs out there.
    Amazingly, director Marcus Nispel managed to rope Morgan Freeman into lending his legendary voice as the narrator of the film. Unfortunately, his voice lends nothing to this violent and inane remake of Arnold Schwarzenegger's  Conan The Barbarian (1982) classic. As a fan of Rose McGowan I have to concede that I has high expectations for her, but even she could outwit the what must have only been a paycheck movie for her.
    Lastly, it is movies like this one that give 3D such a bad reputation. Whoever decided to convert this festival of testosterone and violence into 3D should be chastised for their lack of chagrin. Poor films like this one should never be made, let alone released in 3D in hopes of further pillaging the wallets of people struggling in an economic recession.

Rating: 1 (Maximum of 5)

Crazy, Stupid, Love

    I know that I'm a little behind but romantic comedies (or Rom/Coms) typically are not my cup of tea. Most rom/coms out there are usually pretty similar in tone and content. Most are just silly, and offer very little in terms of meaning or quality acting & writing. On July 28th, Crazy, Stupid, Love was released in the US. A pleasantly surprising film starring Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon.
    Directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, Crazy, Stupid, Love tells the story of Cal (Steve Carrell) a man who is comfortable in his life with his wife, his perfect job, and his loving family. His life unravels when his wife of 25 years asks for a divorce. Upon meeting Jacob (Ryan Gosling) Cal's life begins to take unexpected turns. Navigating a marriage crisis, raising children, and trying to find ones self has never been more complicated and humorous as it is for Cal.
    One of the many surprises in this movie is the truth in the subject matter. More often than not, married men and women can find themselves lost in a sea of comfort. The simple things like dressing up, or showing loving appreciation toward each other become things of the past. This movie is about love and how terrible and fantastic it can be.
    Even further, this movie is about relationship building on all levels, from budding teenage love, to drastic man-whoring in order to avoid intimacy and pain. I can't even describe how funny it is watch Steve Carrell and Ryan Gosling interact with each other. Hilarious situations take place at the most unexpected moments in this delightful comedy about life, love, and self-discovery.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5)

A Neverland Festival

    Lately, I find myself contemplating a great many things from my childhood. Old dreams, aspirations, and other innocent fascinations that make being a child so wonderfully delightful. I find it strange that I am now in my mid to upper twenties and feel as if I have forgotten or lost something along the road to adulthood. With burgeoning financial responsibilities, household maintenance, and other stresses associated with living in a heavily technological era where a push of a button can lead to complete social disaster. Albeit, the perils of modern adult life are drastically different from those that existed a hundred years ago. Things like cholera, typhoid, plague, and lack of water treatment facilities are things of the past. In today's world, we have to concern ourselves with finding Health Insurance, funding a retirement plan, and finding quality education in a country that refuses to spend money to support it. Sigh, to be a child again and not have concern of these pressing matters. The life of a child is one that should be filled with fun, joy, and adventure. Much like that of Peter Pan.
    100 years ago, an English fellow by the name of Jim Barrie wrote a delightful tale of a boy who lived in a world known as Neverland. Here he resides with his youthful companions known as "The Lost Boys", and a foul-mouthed fairy by the name of Tinkerbell. Together they embark on adventures against Indians, Pirates, and mermaids. In this present time, this beloved children's classic has been brought to the stage in a brand new 360 degree venue at the Chicago Tribune's Freedom Center. With promotional assistance from Broadway in Chicago, Peter Pan Live is a must see family event.
    Presented by Three-Sixty, Peter Pan Live rehashes Jim Barrie's epic tale in a way never seen before. Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D rendered projections, and high flying acrobatics, this show sets the stage for both children and adults to be delighted and amazed. Never before have I seen such unique use of multimedia performances. From slow-motion sword fighting to exotic dancing from Tiger Lily you will be glad you saw this show.
    For it to be a 360 degree performance, the staging probably could have been utilized in a slightly more efficient manner, but no one will feel completely left out of the action. The twenty minute intermission was more than adequate and the outdoor set-up provided plenty of concessions, and activities for adults and children to take part of. I sincerely hope the The Tribune's Freedom Center continues to house other imaginative shows like Peter Pan for years to come.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5)

The Help

    Every once in a while there comes a great movie that will make you cry, inspire laughter, and evoke intense emotions for the characters and the subject material. Such is the case with director Tate Taylor's film adaptation of The Help. Based in 1960's Mississippi, follows the unlikely friendship that forms between a two black house servants and a white woman inspired to write a book about the sordid lives of southern hospitality.
    I have a deep appreciation for period films. The effort that goes into everything from the casting to costume design is incredible. In fact, this movie is unsettling and upsetting at moments due to the sensitive material of the subject matter. Racial inequality and the oppression of blacks in the South (US) has been told many times, but the disbelief is always there. We are presented with the tales of women who not only cook and clean for white families, but they also care for their children and are privy to ins & outs of upper-class white society. Throughout the film, these women are made to endure many humiliations and social injustice. Bryce Dallas Howard shines as a Southern woman of social standing that harbors not thing but prejudice and hatred to anyone who stands in her way. Hers is one of many characters that you will inevitably grow to love, hate, or relate to.
    Boasting an incredible cast (Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, & Cicely Tyson), and a powerful script from Tate Taylor (Winter's Bone); The Help is effective, often humorous, and absolutely delightful. I hope everyone worth their salt can appreciate the beauty of this film.

 Rating: 5 (Maximum of 5)

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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