The Perks of Being a Wallflower Review

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Review

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Cast Headliners: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller

Original Release Date: September 21, 2012

Seen: March 2013 

Don’t be turned off by the title of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The name may be off-putting, but if one takes the chance to peer inside they will find a movie with surprising depth and entertainment.   High school can be either the best or worst years in someone’s life.  For myself, it was definitely somewhere in the middle.  Charlie (Lerman) has a pretty miserable start.  After staying home in 8^th grade, he rejoins public schooling for high school. He is bullied at first, and feels utterly alone in the jungle that is the American education system. Luckily, he soon becomes friends with Sam (Watson) and her step-brother Patrick.  What follows in their film are various mis-adventures, as well as Charlie fighting his personal demons.

The film can be incredibly dark. Things are learned about the backstories of the primary characters which are truly horrific and shocking to hear. One of these is the reason for Charlie’s missing a year from school.  Personally, it was a bit startling to see these themes brought up in a movie involving teenagers.  I think, while perhaps shocking to witness, these are very real issues that need to be addressed and fixed in modern youths.  I must say that I found it a bit of a stretch to think high schoolers would hang out at college frats as much as these teens do, but perhaps I didn’t get around much in my youth.

Logan Lerman does a great job as Charlie, certainly breaking the image he had in the adventurous Percy Jackson movie. He gives the character a somber delicateness not often seen in cinema. He is a fascinating character, and the plot clearly shapes his motivations.   His two friends are also mold-breakes. Emma Watson is in her first major post-Harry Potter role as Sam, and she is nothing like Hermoine. Sam is outgoing and spunky and popular with people. She is literally the opposite of a certain geekish wizard girl. Watson has great chemistry with Lerman, both in a mentor way and later romantic and back again. The film has a twisting dense plot. Thirdly, Ezra Miller may perhaps be the shining star. As the gay Patrick, he has some great and memorable scenes. Certainly different from the psychotic Kevin from We Need to Talk about Kevin. He gives the film some hilarious humor, and truly shows his range as an actor. Each of the actors playing the characters is playing outside their type, and I believe that helps give the movie an atmosphere of fresh edginess.

Things can get extremely dark, but there is a lot of heart in this film. It is in many ways showing a nostalgic affection for the high school years. It points out the dark aspects of humanity, but it also shows its light.  Sometimes the jokes can be silly, but this is a quality serious dramatic movie deep down that just happens to involve people in high school. Also of note is the soundtrack, which has some classic tunes from David Bowie and others.  Charlie may get confused, and so does the movie too in certain middle section when he switches romantic interests with the “unique” Mary Elizabeth instead of Sam. But by the end everything comes back around and is wrapped up nicely. I laughed and I cried. I feel Logan Lerman deserves recognition for what he did in this movie, because the way he does it made me care about everything that happens to Charlie.  This film may be too much of a clash of teens and drama for some, but it is a solid film. 8 out of 10

The Silver Linings Playbook Review

The Silver Linings Playbook Review

Director: David O Russell 

Cast Headliners: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro

Original Release Date: November 16th, 2012

Seen: January 2013 

 Some of the best kinds of films are the ones about unique characters. Characters that might be incredibly heroic or that may be incredibly wicked. The most interesting however are those who are odd and out of whack. In the Silver Linings Playbook, Bradley Cooper plays a character named Pat who has had a hard few months. He caught his wife cheating, and brutally attacked her suitor. This further destabilized what can be inferred was an existing mental instability. So, after going to a mental health institute, Pat returns to his parents’ home in the same area of Philadelphia where his ex-wife lives.  Every main character in this film received Oscar nominations, and they deserved those nods.  Robert De Niro is great as Pat Sr a sports betting obsessed man with some hilarious lines, Jacki Weaver is great as the ever caring mother of Pat Dolores, and even the minor characters of Danny played by Chris Tucker and Dr.Patel Pat’s consultant have quality lines and traits. The tense yet equally humorous relationship between Pat and his parents is some great dramatic writing. Cooper is at his finest in Pat, who is neurotic and angry almost constantly.   It is one of the highlights of his entire career.

I have not mentioned Jennifer Lawrence yet, because she deserves her own section. She received an Oscar for Best Actress, and she definitely earned it. Pat soon runs into Tiffany, and most of the film is about their relationship. Through a complicated web of things, Tiffany and Pat become connected. And Lawrence gives the film its best scenes. She is charismatic and charming and brings so much emotion into the role of the erratic Tiffany.  Her moments and comebacks give Silver Linings its best quotes.  She is the movie, and she is amazing.

The movie is a fantastic blend of comedy, drama moments, and romance.  It is a unique film which is a blend of these three genres. There are no major complaints with this film, aside from maybe the plot loses slight focus towards the end bringing in higher stakes for Pat’s life.  It is a fantastic film with great characters played by great people with a particular great Jennifer Lawrence. Go see this movie, anyone will like it.  8.5 out of 10

A Good Day to Die Hard Review

A Good Day to Die Hard

Director: John Moore

Cast Headliners: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney

Original Release Date: February 14th, 2013

            Die Hard is a franchise which has adapted to the time period it’s in. The 80’s are thought of as a time of manly action films. One of the reasons for this is that the first Die Hard set the paradigm for testosterone-fueled shoot em up adventures. 2 were more of the same, and 3 and 4 were experiments to match the 90’s and 00’s respectively. A Good Day to Die Hard, or “Die Hard 5”  is technically apart of the modern era, but it feels like it’s stuck in the past for a few reasons.

            John Mcclane never really has time to rest does he?  McClane (played by the real life version of the character Bruce Willis) is going about his normal life when he hears that his Jack (Courtney) has gotten into a plot in Russia and is in danger. McClane, always the hero, travels there. Jack’s storyline is very interesting, as he is working to free a prisoner named Yuri Komarov.  That is the start of the film, and I don’t want to spoil the details because one of the movies strengths are the twists and turn which happen.
            Another of the great aspects of this and all Die Hard movies are the action scenes. They have been more ridiculous in scale with each installment, and the ones here inspired claps from the audience I was in. The car scene involving re-uniting father and son McClane is wonderful thrilling. Tons of damage is done to Moscow, and the pacing is great.  Another highlight is the finale, which has some extremely awesome explosions.

            The main problem with this film is , while when it does happen it’s great, there is not enough action. The run time is less than two hours, making the whole thing end just as it starts to get interesting. There is some great father/son humor, and their chemistry together is something I would want to see in future Die Hards. But their time together is so short it’s a bit hard to appreciate what they have going for them. McClane Jr is a badass character every bit as crazy as his father, and Courtney is a perfect addition the series. It’s a shame that it takes a while for the two to start to get along.

            The film just kind of happens; it lacks a depth the old ones have. Yuri, who I won’t say where his allegiance lies, is a decent character but has the dialogue of a Russian stereotype,. Every antagonist commander and henchmen feels like a stereotype, but not in a good way. They are like Saturday morning cartoon villains in comparison to Hans Gruber for example. The way the plot is given is a bit disjointed as well. These two factors are reminiscent of b-films from the 80’s.  There is some decent fun to be had, but Die Hard has finally become like a knock off of the genre it helped define. Willis is looking a bit old to be saving the world too I might add. 7.6 out of 10. 

Seven Psychopaths Review

Seven Psychopaths Review

Director: Martin McDonagh

Cast Headliners: Colin Farrell , Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson

Original Release Date: October 12th, 2012

Seen: January 31st, 2013

I love it when a movie has a unique style and vibe which enriches the experience. Seven Psychopaths is one of those movies. Marty Faranan, played by Colin Farrell in his usual grumpy Irish way, is an average joe and a screenwriter. His friend Billy (Sam Rockwell), is more than a average joe in that his profession is dog-napping with Christopher Walken’s character Hans.  The men have an admittedly clever idea to steal dogs then turn them back in when their owner’s look for them. (If this movie hadn’t come out and the public knew about it I would consider doing it for the occasional extra buck!)  This leads them to the evil but funny and a bit foolish Charlie played by Woody Harrelson. These are some great actors, and everyone is a joy to watch.  It’s a tough tie between every cast member for who is the funniest.

Mixed in with the humorous dognapping revenge hijinks is how Marty is building his script for a movie called “Seven Psychopaths.” When a scene is thought of by Marty, the movie usually cuts away to it being shown. This is a quasi-second plot to the main story, but actually is very important. Without giving away too much, there are some incredibly interesting parallels between the Seven Psychopaths movie of our world and the one Marty is writing.

This sets the film apart from its brethren in cinema today. While it is a sort of “crime” movie, it is more of a comedy with an odd sense of humor.  It reminds me in some ways of Pulp Ficiton’s genre bending.  One of the biggest laughs come from a surreal segment near the end which is one of Sam Rockwell’s best comedic moments as an actor ever.

The reason for the great humor and plot is because the director Martin McDonagh is a playwright as his main profession. He knows how to make good humor and pacing.  Walken is his usual self, but under this director he really makes the film shine.  Every character in this film is great, as is nearly every moment.  The humor may get a bit silly sometimes, but otherwise it’s a pretty good and one of a kind movie. 8.35 out of 10

Killing Them Softly Review, (onto the review backlog!)

Killing Them Softly

Director: Andrew Dominik

Cast Headliners: Brad Pitt, Scott Mcnairy

Original Release Date: November 30th, 2012

Killing Them Softly is a very gritty movie. It is a pretty good, albeit semi-basic, crime drama. The interesting aspect is that who the main protagonist is supposed to be is not entirely clear.  Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) are street level and humorous crooks who are hired to steal from Markie Trattman’s (Ray Liotta) poker ring. Much of the film follows them, and they are decently funny.

Because of this, in comes Jackie Cogan the hitman played by Brad Pitt. Pitt’s Cogan is scary in an awesome way. He is a smart man who tracks down Frankie over the course of the film. Dialogue is sparse but deep. There is some good directing and editing going on. When there are gun fights, the result is some beautiful bloody shots of the action.

Most of Killing Them Softly is this typical plot, but underneath it all there is a very political message. It is set in the 2004 election season. George Bush Jr is a man associated with America’s economic system, and quotes from him are used in the film. Perhaps the movie is implying that capitalism causes crime. For those opposed to political propaganda, luckily it is very subtle.

This film is relatively mundane, but is quality. Brad Pitt is entertaining to watch, as is Scoot McNairy.  The shifting perspective makes things interesting. The sights and sounds are enjoyable. Unfortunately it doesn’t try much new, but what it does attempt Killing Them Softly accomplishes.  7.75 out of 10

Beasts of the Southern Wild Review

(in what will be my last Oscar picture of the year  review for this season. i said i wouldnt do this one but hey wishy washy etc)

Beasts of the Southern Wild Review

Director: Benh Zeitlin

Cast Headliner: Quvenzhane Wallis

Original Release Date: June 27, 2012

Seen: February 1^st, 2013

Beasts of the Southern Wild is an interesting movie. It’s certainly a story that has not really been shown before. Residents of a fictional town called “The Bathtub” on the south coast of America go about their daily lives. The main focus is a young girl named Hushpuppy, played by Wallis who was only 8 when this was filmed. She’s an adorable little thing, and the character is surprisingly good with advanced vocabulary or concepts.  She lives with her dad Wink who is semi-crazy. Their world is thrown into some serious ruckus when a hurricane comes through.

It has gained much other critical acclaim, but what I found was a very flawed film.  Wink never really changes; Wink is kind of a jerk. He tries to be a good father but just comes off as an idiot to me.  Hushpuppy goes on some sort of personal journey in the film, but she also gives off the vibe of being annoying at times when she’s not being cute.  Essentially all the other characters in the film aren’t that likeable. It is a rough community, and the film shows them cleaning up after the hurricane and getting supplies and such.  It can get extremely dull at parts, aside from some moments of excitement.

Some of those exciting moments are when Beasts of the Southern Wild celebrates life. It may get dark at times (and the film can too ;)), but there are moments of happiness.  The beginning has a great feeling for what it’s like to be a child in a loving community, and those parts were good to have when things would soon get bleak. That cheer comes in sometimes later, but disappears somewhere.

A major complaint was the whole “Aurochs” subplot. The idea of ancient creatures coming out of nowhere and wreaking havoc was totally random and frankly does not really belong in this kind of movie. They don’t even look like what Aurochs should have looked like, instead looking like ugly boars.

This review has kind of meandered I apologize, but that is because the movie meanders. Not much about it impressed me. Sure it was decent, but nothing incredible. It is a unique film with some highlights, but not a mandatory watch.  7.4 out of 10

Django Unchained Review

Django Unchained Review

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast Headliners: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz

Original Release Date: December 25, 2012

Django Unchained is the realization of Tarantino’s dream. It is the pinnacle of his film making craft. It was one of the best films of 2012.  It’s just a really good movie.  The movie shows Django (“the D is silent”) played by Jamie Foxx being freed from his pre-Civil War slavery by an eccentric German named Dr.King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) in its opening moments. Django and Dr.Schultz team up on a crusade of bounty hunting and getting Django’s wife back, and get into various misadventures along the way.

The dynamic between the two is one of the many highlights of the film. Django is serious and a total awesome warrior and the Doctor is just as much a fighter but also great with his words. Many of his lines are quite humorous.  As is expected with Tarantino, there is much humor mixed within the bloodshed.

And oh boy is there blood. The pacing of the film is fantastic, and even though it is almost 3 hours the ebbs and flows of the plot keep the viewer interested. There are some great, classic bloody Tarantino shootouts here. In particular a major fight near the end has some of the biggest amounts of blood, and slow-motion blood, seen in years in a mainstream film.  There are many great parts, and the film gets more intense as the end nears. Aside from the violence, there is some great character development and dialogue.  Some true emotion comes through in this film.  One of my favorite parts is when Dr.Schultz is telling Django about the German fairy tale of Siegfried. It’s just a unique meta moment that really sticks with the viewer.  The legend ends up becoming true in some ways, as Django fights a dragon in his lair.

The “dragon” and main villain of the film is a plantation owner named Calvin J.Candie, played by Leonardo Dicaprio. He does a fantastic job. He is one of those villains that audiences will love to hate. He is so wicked, so racist, so selfish but yet when he dies the film loses a bit. Leo did a great job for a role very out of what he normally does. Also to note is Samuel L Jackson as a hilarious and important role, but I will say no more.  There are not any flaws to this film, but with a few characters missing it loses something.

Nonetheless, the scenery is great, the soundtrack is catchy and amazing (only Tarantino could make Rick Ross and Tupac TOTALLY WORK in a movie like this), and it is filled with great writing and scenes. This may be based on an old Western, but it goes far beyond the confines of the genre. Django Unchained is a must-see film from 2012, one of Tarantino’s top best, and one of the best of all time. It is one of the great epics that come along only once a while.  This movie gets a 9.2 out of 10.