Elysium

     In the year 2154, the current wealth gap explodes to an extreme that most didn’t think possible. The extremely wealthy and affluent members of society escape the pollution and over population of our planet for a virtually perfect existence on a space station called Elysium. The rest of the human race is left behind on a dying planet to starve and suffer abuse by a system mechanical operated authority and sub-par living conditions. That all changes when Max (Matt Damon) suffers a life-threatening injury and uses his steely resolve to fight the system and embark on a mission that could balance the scales of justice and welfare once and for all.
    Elysium (Rated R) is a breathtaking and often eerie projection of a future is more possible than most would care to realize. It’s this jarring expansion of the current socioeconomic crisis that makes this film almost too relevant. Many can easily misconstrue the film as a vehicle for political agenda rather than a science fiction drama. This movie is an allegory of immense proportions and a very well-crafted one.
    State-of-the-art special effects and a well driven plot vehicle allow star Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Sharlto Copley (District 9) to deliver superb performances that will have you at the edge of your seat and discussing the film with friends for days.
    Like all films, Elysium is not perfect. Jodie Foster’s fake accent is skeptical at best, but she makes up for it with venomous attitude and electric elocution. Some will recognize on-going themes from director’s first major motion picture, District 9 and criticize his single-mindedness. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Elysium. The film is poignant, visceral, and has none of the pacing issues of its predecessor. Fans of director Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 will adore Elysium, others will merely speculate on the film’s minor flaws.

Rating: 4 Stars (Maximum of 5)

The Butler

     In the brief history of the United States of America, many people from several cultures suffered at the hands of racism and ignorance while trying make better lives for themselves and their families. Most famously, the American Black community suffered injustices of a grand scale and endured humiliation of a level that no other race can attest to.
      In Lee Daniels' new film "The Butler" (PG-13) follows the often tragic life of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker). We watch as he painstakingly works his way from the cotton fields and eventually to The White House where he works as a butler under eight presidents, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War.
      This film succeeds on multiple levels, but most importantly in its deft transitions between the changes in American Society and its effects on Cecil's family and life. Stunning portrayals of intimate encounters within and outside The White House create on screen tensions on a level I have not seen depicted in a decade of film.
     From John Cusack's Richard Nixon to Jane Fonda's Nancy Reagan, "The Butler" soars with accurate character acting and lethal undertones woven into a complex and meticulous script. Oprah Winfrey shines as Gloria Gaines, the oft withdrawn alcoholic housewife that struggles with her and her husband's demons all whilst raising two boys during one of the most turbulent time periods in American history. It is easy to say that this is one of the first truly great movies of the year so far and will go down as an instant American classic.

Rating: 5 Stars (Maximum of 5)

Special Note To My Readers

Special Note To My Readers:

    After nearly a year away from writing, I have finally found my passion for it again. My current position at the Radisson Blu Hotel Chicago is coming to an end and I am  leaving the U.S. to live in London. During my time overseas I will be wholeheartedly dedicating myself to my relationship and rediscovering myself and my passions. Recently, I have been encouraged by my hotel's General Manager to write for the Radisson Newsletter "Blu's News". I am deeply appreciative for my GM's support and encouragement. Without him pushing me, I probably would not have returned to this blog. I hope that there are people who are still reading this and I welcome all new followers along in my epic journey to revitalize myself and bring my once dead dreams into a vibrant reality.

Skyfall

This post has been written by someone very dear to me. He took the time out of his busy schedule to contribute to this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

     Being based in the UK, I've had the privilege of seeing the latest chapter in the Bond saga,"Skyfall" before its release in the US. As such, EpicD has asked me to share my thoughts on it so here it goes.
Bond films follow a pretty standard blueprint, British national secrets are in danger. Bond goes after the bad guys, gets distracted by some girl, and M. gets him back on track. Finally, he [Bond] saves the day. In many respects, "Skyfall" follows this very pattern, but with some unexpected twists.
     With a running time of 2 hours and 23 minutes, this addition to the 007 series will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The series is somewhat showing its age, as Skyfall is a definite attempt to modernize and bring a new-found sense of relevance to the saga.
     The films formula is simple: MI6 is under attack from multiple angles and 007 (Daniel Craig) must come out of 'retirement' to save it. Bond's loyalty to M. (Judi Dench) is tested as her past, in the form of Silva (Javier Bardem), appears from the shadows to haunt her. Of course there is the girl, Eve (Naomie Harris), to keep 007 healthily distracted.
     Directed by Sam Mendes, the film starts out in unfamiliar territory. Is bond still relevant? Do we still need spies in a post cold war era? 007 and MI6 struggle to prove their relevance in what ends up a very personal conclusion surrounding the Bond we all know and love.
 

Rating: 4 Stars (Maximum 5) - Action, wit, and secrecy of a bygone era clash with the modern world resulting in an epic addition to the Bond franchise.

Looper

     In my triumphant return to writing, I am briefly discussing sci-fi/action film Looper. Since February, I have been vexed by the vicarious vicissitudes of fate. Now that things have calmed down, I will resume doing what I love most...watching and critiquing movies. Without further adieu, here is a brief synopsis of Film District's Looper.
     Fate, providence, predestination, consequence, future, and death are all themes in Looper, a time traveling action epic starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, and Emily Blunt. Looper, takes place in the not so distant year of 2074. It is a society where one can work as an assassin for mob syndicates that send victims 30 years back in time for execution. These "assassins" are known as loopers. Loopers lead a relatively easy life as long as they kill each mark put in front of them. The job continues until they assassinate their future selves. Upon completion of this inevitable task, the "loop" is closed. Effectively closing all loose ends that tie these assasins to their emloyers. This is where the problem begins...
     Looper begins with a brief glimpse into the life and addictions of Joe (Gordon-Levitt), a looper whose future will bring drastic changes to his present. Once this change occurs, we are violently introduced to future Joe (Bruce Willis). A man with his own set of memories and life history that are about to be disrupted by the consequences of time travel. From this point forward the film takes a jarring turn towards rapid story progression, time-paradoxes, and stylized action of the likes we have not seen since Die Hard With A Vengeance. As a bonus, Sara (Blunt) provides an interesting turn of events that will undoubtedly lead to many conversations with friends on the laws of astrophysics, time travel, and evolution.
     What happens when your future and past intersect? What happens to the past that you remembered before the time/space continuum was corrupted? How do you alter the future without knowing that your actions are the cause of the problem you are trying to solve? These questions are just a few of the conversation starters that will make this movie a must-see-event for years to come. All in all, Looper provides a gripping tale of the consequences of a person's actions and delivers it on a special effects driven platter ensconced in breathtaking brutality that we have not in any film this year. A superb effort from director and writer Rian Johnson, a film that should not be missed.

Rating: 5 Stars (Maximum of 5) - Brutality, science, and masterful storytelling combine in Looper, the best action film of 2012.

The Lorax

     For those who are unfamiliar, The Lorax (Danny DeVito) is a mystical creature that speaks for and protects trees. Ted (Zac Efron) is a 12-year old boy who will do anything to get the attention of the beautiful Audrey (Taylor Swift). During a "chance" encounter Audrey reveals that she wants more than ANYTHING to have a tree. Naturally, Ted views this as his opportunity to impress and hopefully one day marry the girl of his dreams. Never having left town before, Ted sets off to find a mysterious man known only as the Once-ler (Ed Helms). The Once-ler begins to weave a tale of greed and the horrible price that it came with. Making a long plot-spoiling story short, the Once-ler destroys the forest and breaks the Lorax's heart. Fast forward several years, and now it's in Ted's hands to fix this horrible mistake.

     The Lorax is a stunning tale that addresses one of the most pressing matters in this day and age; what is more important, the bottom dollar or environmental preservation? Slightly reminiscent of Pixar's WALL-E, The Lorax weaves a magical tale of warning from Dr. Seuss the master of rhythmic story-telling. The film begins with a brief introduction from the famed Lorax and immediately erupts into a song and dance sequence that will grab the attention of every one in the audience. Don't be fooled by this film, it's musical aspects are merely an easy disguise for the intense dialog that is riddled with poetic devices. The subtle adult humor is not hard to miss, but will not alienate even the most conservative families.
     Unfortunately some may view the film as a political platform for liberals, democrats, and environmentalists. It's message is very grounded in the consequences of big corporations, greed, and environmental conservation. Another film with a similar theme would be 2011's The Muppets. The Muppets film was unfortunately viewed to be Marxist by many narrow-minded critics. Simply put, the environment should be more important than the convenience or financial gain of destroying it. This message may go over the heads of the children that see this movie, but the concept will be driven home with eye-popping 3-D effects.
     Long story short, The Lorax is definitely a film for families of all ages to enjoy. The characters are colorful and memorable. From a feisty grandmother (Betty White) to a devious corporate tycoon (Rob Riggle). The film can appear to be a blatant attempt at environmental pandering and come off as being preachy, but it's a message we all need to hear. Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda co-directed a beautiful story that's filled with enough fun and humor to keep the attention of everyone in the audience.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - The Lorax is a beautifully crafted Doctor Seuss educational masterpiece.

This post was co-written by one of my amazingly talented nephews. Thank you for your thoughts and input Niles.

The Iron Lady

     The other day I had the immense pleasure of seeing Meryl Streep portray one of the most powerful women in modern history, the indomitable Margaret Thatcher. For those who are unaware, Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to head the conservative party and the first to become prime minister of Great Britain with a tenure lasting from 1979-1990. She earned her title as "The Iron Lady" for her tough stances on unions, and labor laws. It is no wonder that such a powerful woman in history would be portrayed by one of the most powerful actresses of all time.

     Meryl Streep gives what I consider to be a career best performance in The Iron Lady. She flawlessly assumes the role of the great Margaret Thatcher as a retired woman suffering from dementia and as a political force of nature. The film begins with a brief glimpse into the modern life of Ms. Thatcher as an elderly woman. It is shortly revealed to us that she is in fact suffering from delusions and paranoia. It is not long before that we are plunged into a series of flashbacks that chronicle Margaret's life as a young girl who never fit in at home or socially.
     Within these early flashbacks the role of the then unmarried Margaret Roberts is played by Alexandria Roach. We are quickly made aware of how young Margaret is uncomfortable with her home life and strives to do something more with herself. Despite being shunned by other girls her age and her mother, her father remained a positive force in her life and supported her continuing her education at Oxford. We are then whipped back and forth between present day and her road to political power.
     The film does it's best to show us that this now demure and somewhat broken woman was once capable of making the most powerful men in the world squirm in their seats with only her words. Unfortunately, what should be a subtle contrast ends up being a coy and often unfair representation of Thatcher in the present day. Director Phyllida Lloyd puts too much emphasis on the life that Baroness Thatcher lives now in an attempt to draw an emotional response from audiences. This tactic comes off as nothing more than exploitations of circumstance and emotional pandering. Margaret Thatcher is not a woman that we should pity, she is a woman who is to be revered.
     Luckily the film is saved by it's accurate portrayal of Thatcher throughout her career and the lengths that she had to go to overcome every trial that dared to hold her back. In one scene Thatcher states, ‘It used to be about trying to do something; now it’s about trying to be someone.' Regrettably screenwriter Abi Morgan does not heed the advice of this line. The problem with the movie is that does not show enough of what Margaret Thatcher did, but instead focuses too much on who she is now.
     In the end, The Iron Lady is still a powerful film and poignant lesson in global political history. Meryl Streep once again more than plays the role she is presented with, she is a solid manifestation of the much maligned former Prime Minister. This definitely a film to see because of it's importance and because of the stunning portrayals by the entire cast. Just be prepared to be somewhat disappointed by the manner in which the story is told.


Rating: 3.5 (Maximum of 5) - Meryl Streep shines in this film that does not match her level of dedication to excellence