War Horse

     Once a year there is a film that will rivet it's audience to their core. A film that can be admired by families around the world. This year that film is War Horse, a Steven Spielberg adaptation of a Tony award-winning play of the same name. War Horse is the story of a boy named Albert and his bond with his horse Joey during World War I.

     Seldom are we graced with a quality film that was adapted from a play, which in turn was adapted from a best selling novel. "War Horse" was originally published by Michael Morpurgo in 1982, the book was adapted as a Broadway play in 2007. War Horse the play went on to storm the American Theater Wing's Tony Awards with five awards and wins. Now when undertaking an adaptation of this magnitude the only person I would trust would be Steven Spielberg. Only the director of Saving Private Ryan and Empire of the Sun could replicate a touching tale of love and hardship during wartime.
      War Horse begins with a young Albert (Jeremy Irvine) witnessing the birth of a foal. It quickly develops as we see the foal progress in age from a handsome colt to a dazzling thoroughbred. At the appropriate age this horse is sold to Albert's family and this is where the story truly begins. Albert soon trains Joey (the horse) to be the family's indentured servant. As the training progresses so does the bond between Albert and Joey. That is until one day Joey is sold to the cavalry to cover debts accumulated by the farm. It is here that Joey stops being a work horse and becomes a war horse.
     What makes War Horse different from any other war film, is that it's heart lies in an animal, not the people fighting the war. This is more about a journey through unfortunate circumstance and survival, than it is about conflicts between rival factions. We watch in awe and sometimes humor as Joey journeys across Europe during World War I. This film is littered with irony and adventure of epic proportions. This is a film that children and families alike can enjoy time and time again. Truly, Steven Spielberg has woven another tale that will live on in the hearts and memories of all who see it.

Rating: 5 (Maximum of 5) - A superb and emotional film that will leave you breathless.

A Mother's Love

     As the title suggests, A Mother's Love is a black independent film about a a family thrown into chaos due to a mother's quest for success. Regina (Rolanda Watts) is a successful business woman working for a California based magazine. Mother to two children, Regina has lost sight what is really important in her life in her pursuit of financial success. Her daughter Monica (Salina Duplessis) attended art school only to be dragged into a world of drug addiction and is struggling for help. Having no one to turn to, Monica goes to her father Marcus (Julian Starks) for help. Marcus is struggling with Regina's decision to leave him and cut him out of her life. This all happens while the grandmother Georgia (Amentha Dymally) is forced to watch in prayerful silence.
     A Mother's Love is a heartfelt story of how perseverance, prayer, and love will see a family through any trial. It's rare to find a family friendly film that manages to show how important it is to be honest and supportive in both business and family matters. However delightful the content may be, it is important to keep in mind that films like this one are aimed at a very specific demographic. One issue with small budget films is that one cannot expect the same visual or editing qualities that are synonymous with most Hollywood films. When viewing A Mother's Love you have appreciate the values behind the movie and not the execution. Yes the writing could have been better, and yes the editing could have been smoother, but as long as you are a fan of Tyler Perry films or other ethnocentric cinema, A Mother's Love will be right up your alley.

Rating: 3 (Maximum of 5) - A Mother's Love is heartfelt and touching, but would have been more effective with a bigger budget, a bigger studio, and better screenwriters.

Breaking Blah

   I  have noticed that a lot of people are infected with something that can only be described as "The Blah". Symptoms include sore throat, scratchy voice, congestion, mild fatigue, and general malaise. I've been feeling this way for a few weeks now along with a few of my friends. It most certainly doesn't help anything that I've been at home all day everyday these days. Alas, all I can do is wait it out and hope to God it doesn't continue through Thanksgiving.

     Moving along, I had the immense pleasure of see Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 with my niece and partner. I waited to see it because I did not feel like viewing it in a theater packed with people that would irritate or annoy me. So we saw an early Saturday morning show that only had a handful of people who were silent and respectful. The film started and we were instantly transported into a world where emotions are restrained, forced, and generally laughable. Breaking Dawn Pt 1 is essentially all about Bella... actually all the Twilight films are about Bella but I digress. In this movie Bella (Kristen Stewart) gets married to her vampire boyfriend Edward (Robert Pattinson) and gets pregnant. That's the most I can say without spoiling anything else.

     Taking a departure from the previous films, new director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) opts for a film with more visceral imagery and a more literal translation from the book. Condon gives us the opportunity to "hear" the voices of the "wolves" (technically they are shape-shifters) which previously was avoided. While it was refreshing and effective for the development of the film, the thought-speak felt relatively awkward and contrived. Although I do commend the writers for doing a great job with the wedding. The nuptials were short, the ceremony was quick and the wedding toasts felt almost unscripted, adding to their humours beliveability. I found that the subtle humor in the character interactions made this film.

     The rest of the movie was just kind of blah for lack of a better word. Taylor Lautner takes his shirt off and spends a lot of time running on all fours. That's about it. I could go on about the great make-up job the did on Kristen Stewart and how flawlessly they transformed her character from beautiful Bella Swan to an emaciated pregnant corpse. Outside of great make-up the film's best moments are in the final 20 minutes in which a plethora of frenzied activity culminate to Bella going into labor. The credits begin rolling and those who stick around get a scene where the Volturi are informed on the fate of Bella. Now we unfortunately have wait an entire year for the thrilling conclusion of the Twilight Saga and I can only hope that the film will do the rest of the book a modicum of justice.

Rating: 2.5 (Maximum of 5) - While entertaining Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 still strikes out like it's predecessors

Immortals

     I long for the day that I am graced by the presence of a God-like being. Ever since I was a small boy I imagined that I was chosen by a greater power to do great things. Whether it was Zeus or Professor Charles Xavier, I was certain that I was different from other people. Turns out I was just an extremely melodramatic, overly idealistic loner with many flights of fancy. I adore mythology of all origins. I was originally enthralled by Greek mythology in the fourth grade by my teacher professor Ms. Kamberos at the University of Chicago. She exposed me to a world with a far richer history than that of our own. It is because of her that Greece is my dream destination (specifically Athens and Crete). I take my Greek mythology very seriously and judge the films about it harshly.
     This brings me to my movie critique of the week, Immortals a story of evil King Hyperion's (Mickey Rourke) mad quest for a weapon that can destroy humanity by unleashing the Titans. All that stands in his way is Theseus (Henry Cavill), a mortal man chosen by the Gods to defend humanity. Henry Cavill is perfect as Theseus. Young, agile, beautifully sculpted, and sincere, Cavill's Theseus shines amidst the gritty and baron landscapes. The story propels rapidly and manages not to flounder the story with it's pace. Events unfold with efficiency and ease all while captivating the audience every step of the way. Mickey Rourke is just as ruthless and charming as ever in his role as the mad King Hyperion. A warlord hellbent on bringing the world to his knees and becoming immortal through history.
     Now that I mention history, I must say that while Immortals is fierce and imaginative, but do not expect it to follow traditional Greek mythology. The film avoids giving any background or general information on the Gods or the Titans. Those who are unfamiliar with mythology may feel slightly lost amidst the sea of characters and references that are not explained or properly introduced. Here is a brief rundown of what happened...
     Long ago, before the Gods were fashioned, the Earth was filled with great beings known as the Titans. One Titan known as Kronos had several children by a mortal named Rhea. Kronos eventually ate his children in fear of a prophecy that foretold his undoing by his son. A grief stricken Rhea manages to hide her son Zeus from Kronos so that he may live to maturity. Once of age, Zeus confronts Kronos and forces him to spit up his offspring. With his brothers and sister by his side Zeus leads the Olympians into a battle against the Titan. After a decade, the victorious Olympians drive the remaining Titans into a prison buried beneath Mount Tartarus. The Gods that survived were given titles by their brother Zeus and he was crowned King of the Gods for his might and ingenuity.
    Now while the credits tell us that Helios, Poseidon, Athena, and Aries are the Gods we see in the film, only Athena is addressed by name. I only figured out who Poseidon was due to the fact that I knew that the God of the Sea wielded a trident and could crash into the ocean causing cataclysmic computer generated waves. As for Aries and Helios, well they could have been anyone. The movie focus's more on the mortals and their relationships. Such as Freida Pinto's Phaedra, a virgin oracle that is pursued by King Hyperion for her knowledge. Pinto's Phaedra is beautiful and alluring. She does a decent job playing a virgin with hopes of losing her purity so she will no longer be plagued by her visions.
     Do not misunderstand me, Immortals is a veritable cornucopia of flesh and blood. A solid script, beautiful cast, and jaw dropping special effects make this action fantasy an instant hit. I just believe that when making a film about immortals, you should focus on them. In retrospect instead of calling this film Immortals something like The Legend of Theseus would have been more apropos.

Rating: 3 (Maximum of 5) - A special effects extravaganza that manages to miss the point of it's title.

Anonymous

     As of late, I haven't been feeling entirely certain of myself. I feel as if I have lost some of confidence. I can't explain why or how this has happened. The important part is that it did and I need to figure out how to undo it. It didn't happen all at once either, it sort of occurred slowly and not unexpectedly. I don't really know who I am or who I want to be. Is it an identity crisis? Maybe... I get up everyday and I go through my day completing various tasks that I know must be done. I try my best to maintain a decent level of living and project an image of a person I've meticulously crafted over the years. The problem is, when I look into a mirror, or am left to my own devices for too long, I begin to question the decisions I have made. I start doubting the person that I have led most people to believe that I am. At what point does the facade stop being a facade and become reality? Once a shroud has woven itself within very fibers of your being, can it still be cast off? And if so, what would be left behind?

     Alas, I did not intend on discussing the tempest of thoughts that have been vexing me. My intentions were to merely allude to how easily a person can be forced into circumstances that inevitably lead to great personal misgivings. Anonymous is a highly imaginative film that toys with the notion that William Shakespeare did not write any of his plays, poems, or sonnets. Primarily set in the time of Queen Elizabeth 1, Anonymous is a riveting political thriller involving forbidden love, attempts to succeed the crown, and suppression of free speech. Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill & Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1), Vanessa Redgrave, and David Thewlis (Harry Potter) all lead an ensemble cast through complex English politics and how the greatest playwright to have ever put pen to paper came to be. It is a perilous time for writers and politicians alike.

     The film opens with a brilliant prologue performed by Derek Jacobi. He literally sets the stage for a great tale that even I would love to see performed in a theater or opera house. It rapidly progresses from the prologue to a series of elaborate set pieces and time jumps. At first the timelines are a little confusing, but as the film progresses it entrenches you in a battle of wits and subterfuge that spans decades.

     The central plot of Anonymous surrounds the Earl of Oxford and his personal identity crisis. He struggles with his great imagination and fails to balance it with even a modicum of pragmatism. The choices he makes are merely to satisfy those around him. When he attempts to make decisions for himself, they lead him to great tragedy and sorrow. What is a life worth living if you have not been allowed to live the life you like? I must applaud director Roland Emmerich and writer John Orloff for putting together this unbelievably creative film. From beginning to the very bitter end, you have sit in awe of the fantastic tale that was woven to spark debate and conversations across the globe.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - Anonymous is a captivating emotional thrill ride that will leave you salivating for more.

A Jarring Remake... Straw Dogs

     It is not often that a film can emotionally shake me to my core. In recent memory the last film to affect me to the point where I had to leave the theater was Precious a film based of of the novel "Push" by Sapphire. It's difficult for me to discuss why films whose prominent themes center on abuse and rape. Abuse and rape are touchy topics, and often difficult to film without crossing boundaries and/or offending people. In my opinion, the acts of physically invading a person's body and battering their mind is a capital offense. Being subject to any form of abuse can mar a person for years. Often altering their social & physical development beyond repair. Speaking from experience, it can take monumental events or years of therapy in order for a person to recover from any form of abuse. Even a once in a lifetime opportunity to speak candidly with a positive role model is all it takes for a person to shed their dark cloak of pain and move on with their life (See my Reflections post).
     Things like rape and abuse can often be avoided. Fear, cowardice, naivety, selfishness, and lack of foresight all play a role in creating bad situations for yourself and others. These are also some of the main themes in Straw Dogs. Straw Dogs is a remake of 1971's dramatic thriller that starred Dustin Hoffman. The remake is helmed by James Marsden (X-Men Trilogy), Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns), and Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood). Unlike the original, Straw Dogs (2011) is set in the deep American south and the professions of the protagonists are changed and vastly improved. The story is essentially about a writer and his wife that move from L.A. to her hometown. Once there they face conflict with the locals, which culminate in a violent showdown of unparalleled intensity.
    James Marsden is perfect as a naive L.A. screenwriter David Sumner. Accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life and the luxuries afforded by city living is the inevitable downfall of this shortsighted writer. Overly confident in the moral fortitude of his new neighbors, David allows himself and his wife to become targets of advantageous hounds disguised as old friends and honest townsfolk. Kate Bosworth's Amy Sumner is guilty of the same shortsightedness. Only Mrs. Sumner chooses to agitate the situation with her brash actions and immaturity. Together these characters lead us knowingly and painfully to an event that is both graphic and terrible. As biblical references are tossed around, good faith between men become nothing more than an elaborate rouse. Seduction, rape, murder, and even racism bring this film to a terrifying close. Not a single moment is wasted in this gripping portrayal of human indecency.
    

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - Straw Dogs is a well cast, well written, beautifully set menagerie of bigotry and evil deeds.

Action Films! (Killer Elite & Abduction)

     This long overdue post has been unfortunately delayed by a great many things. I had succumbed to an end of summer cold, end of season allergies, a busy schedule, and the realization that I'm not getting paid to do this. Simply put, in the face of everyday life this blog is an indulgence and an often expensive one as well. Now here's the good news, for the next month or so I will be posting much more frequently.
     Moving along, since my last post I have seen quite a few films. Killer Elite, Abduction, Straw Dogs, and Dream House. Seeing as most of these have been out for a while, I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile to write solitary blogs on each film. Besides, Killer Elite and Abduction are barely worth my time to discuss. they are ordinary action films with very little achievements of note. Killer Elite is an attempt at an all-star cast action film starring Clive Owen, Robert DeNiro, and Jason Statham. This film is about a special-ops agent that goes into retirement only to be lured out to rescue his mentor. I never give plot spoilers, so all I have to say further about this movie is that it's mediocre. The action is great but the script hardly delivers. Statham is mono-toned and mostly expressionless. I think he's fumbled his way through one too many Transporter films. As for Robert DeNiro, his character felt fake and insincere. DeNiro is more memorable as a gay air pirate in 2007's Stardust. Clive Owen is the only actor in this movie who delivers his lines with color and emotion. It is films like this that make me avoid the action film genre in general.

     Next is Abduction, an action film starring Taylor Lautner that's unfortunately aimed at underage teenagers. Sigourney Weaver's presence in this film is what initially drew me and her talents are greatly wasted and untapped in this dry extremely corny film. The story centers on Nathan (Taylor Lautner), a young man who's life is sent spiraling out of control once he finds a childhood photo of himself on a missing persons website. The film initially shows great potential by immersing us in the nearly perfect life of Nathan and allowing us to see it unravel at alarming rates. The downside to this is that the film seems to have been written and shot for teenage girls. Awkward moments, cheesy lines, and toned down violence abound in a movie that could have been a great platform for Lautner to shed his Twilight identity. Don't get me wrong, the film is still enjoyable but it clearly intended for a Disney Channel audience.
     Unlike the Killer Elite and Abduction, I have a lot to say about Straw Dogs and Dream House. Both Straw Dogs and Dream House will get individual posts.

Killer Elite - Rating: 2.5 (Maximum of 5) - Clive Owen is the saving grace of this movie that is otherwise just another testosterone fest with no substance
Abduction - Rating: 2 (Maximum of 5) - A witless film with lots of untapped potential