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MOVIES: What are you watching?

winetarelliwinetarelliMember
quote:
Originally posted by Juicy:
quote:
Originally posted by winetarelli:
American Hustle

(We got the timing for The Hobbit wrong so saw this today instead. Maybe I'll visit Middle Earth tomorrow...)

When this movie was nominated for the Golden Globes in the 'Comedy' section I vaguely grimaced, assuming, like Inside Llewyn Davis it is a drama with a few humorous moments -- but definitely not a comedy -- and the HFPA just wanted to nominate the ten films, actors, and actresses they wanted to nominate. Even before the movie begins, however, in the very first frame, I realized, nope. This could actually be bordering on tongue-in-cheek dramedy, or even "serious comedy". By the end of the movie it is more clear; while not a comedy per se, it also isn't neatly categorizable as anything else.

Whatever the case, it is a lot of fun.

The plot focuses on two (at least somewhat fictitious) con-people in 1978 -- played by Amy Adams and Christian Bale -- and their role in the Abscam scandal (something I was not yet alive for, know nothing about, and that did not seem to matter). Also integral to the cast are Bradly Cooper as an FBI agent and Jennifer Lawrence as Bale's wife. Louis C.K. and Jeremy Renner play smaller supporting roles, more comic and more dramatic, respectively, and both are excellent.

I really really liked this movie. Not quite 'loved', only because it isn't that type of movie. It isn't *meant* to stay with you or make you think about big things. It is meant to be 2 hours and 10 minutes of fun that you can actually feel good about having. And on that it fully delivers. (In fact, it feels shorter than it is and I was almost sad there wasn't more when it ended.)

The writing, direction and editing are very clean with no loose ends but also with every included frame serving a purpose. Direction happens to be excellent and includes just enough quick zooms and cut-aways to keep the pacing just slightly more quick than a typical movie of this caliber. Halfway through I was reminded of a review I read comparing David O. Russel's direction of this to Scorsese. I had forgotten, but all of the sudden pacing and timing images of The Departed came into my consciousness and it wasn't long before my mind made the jump to Scorsese, generally. (Especially Goodfellas and later works.)

The makeup could be just slightly better, perhaps, but the wardrobe is wonderful. It isn't "Oh hey look, it is the 70's let's make fun of what people wore then." It treats the time with certain respect...

Speaking of wardrobe and respect, I think I "respect" Amy Adams more now than I ever have. Wow. WOW. Her acting was wonderful, too. Her acting was very honest and of the four leads, she was playing it most naturally, whereas the other three leads have a certain theatrical flare to their performances (while still remaining fundamentally honest.) Adams was just brilliant, as she always is. Bradley Cooper was excellent but the least of the four. Not necessarily "worse" acting than the other three, but he did not quite command the screen the way the others did. Bale and Lawrence were both dynamite; just out of the park. I never could have imagined Bale in a shlubby role like this, but he is so oddly charming (very oddly) that you can *almost* see why these women like him. Jennifer Lawrence... more so than in any other movie of hers, just owns every scene she is in. She had such screen presence in this movie that even though most of her scenes are with Bale, she is all you can look at on the screen. Also it was fascinating to see her play a somewhat unlikable character and nail it so.

All-in-all I had a great time. It isn't an historically good movie, but it is a phenomenal way to spend a guilt-free "fun" afternoon at the movies. A-


Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Would agree this is not a comedy yet had a few wonderful comedic moments.

If interested in con artist films, this is a great film. Jennifer Lawrence excels in her scenes. De Niro was amazing. This provided a great escape for me today.

Glad you liked it, Juicy!

I saw Philomena yesterday...

Not worthy of a lengthy review. The acting was good and I really liked Coogan. But where the first 93% of the movie hovered in the "B/B+" range... Intellectually, I understand what happened in the last 7 minutes of the movie; but they didn't sell it -- For a minute I thought this was going to turn out a much better movie than I had anticipated, then, 'cursplat!' Again, intellectually, I get it. But it did not tie in well for me with the rest of the movie and I left the movie theater wanting to stab a nun in the throat. If you are going to chose non-closure and have the main character act the way she does, you have to really sell it, and they didn't. Still the acting was good. C+/B-
winetarelliwinetarelliMember
Her

In the dramatic irony that is moviemaking, Scarlett Johansson has now starred in both Sofia Coppola's and Spike Jonze's movies presumed to be about their divorce...

The movie is set in the not-too-distant future in Los Angeles. Very very believable version of the future: no apocalypse, no flying cars. Joaquin Phoenix is a not-yet-middle-aged man who spilt from his wife just under a year ago. New operating systems for phones/computers are invented that have genuine personalities, emotions, and infinite learning abilities. Phoenix falls in love with his OS, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Rooney Mara is the separated wife and Amy Adams is the best friend and neighbor.

I really liked this movie. A positive and negative is that touches on base existential questions, but leaves no answer -- nor gets bogged down in them. At one point Samantha (Johansson) questions if her emotions are real, given that she is just trillions of 1s and 0s. I forget the line, but it is clearly a human question as well about souls. Does Samantha have a soul? Do we? What are the differences? The movie could have gotten bogged down in this but it doesn't, it moves on. So on the one hand, no bog. On the other, a question that might deserve bog. This sort of thing happens several times in the movie. Fidelity, truth, existence, love, and connection are all themes, though none get treated completely. Only capacity to love really gets the full treatment; and on that, I think it is excellent.

Joaquin Phoenix gives a great performance, but Johansson owns the movie. Not physically in one scene, her voice work is not of the likes I've ever witnessed before. I don't know who has done the second best voice work ever in a movie, but I know who has done the best. The hype that she may be nominated for a lead Oscar without ever being on screen is 100% deserved. Beyond deserved.

The movie dragged a bit about 25 minutes before the end; and while the middle seemed elongated, the conclusion and closure seemed compressed.

Overall a very enjoyable movie experience and it is nice to see non-melodramas that are nonetheless about serious things.

B+/A-
The Old ManThe Old ManMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
The Silent Partner ( 1978)

In 1986, when I was working in a video store, I discovered this unknown gem. I then used this as my go-to recommendation movie. When a customer was looking for a suggestion I would hand it to them and tell them, "If you don't like it I will give you your money back." No one ever asked for a refund.

A great example of what I call a "Now what's he going to do now?" film.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by The Old Man:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
The Silent Partner ( 1978)

In 1986, when I was working in a video store, I discovered this unknown gem. I then used this as my go-to recommendation movie. When a customer was looking for a suggestion I would hand it to them and tell them, "If you don't like it I will give you your money back." No one ever asked for a refund.

A great example of what I call a "Now what's he going to do now?" film.


I did fall in love with Celine Lomez watching this movie for the first time in college.

I also had a 155 gallon aquarium in college which caused me a moment of pause watching this excellent film. Big Grin
bmanbmanMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by The Old Man:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
The Silent Partner ( 1978)

In 1986, when I was working in a video store, I discovered this unknown gem. I then used this as my go-to recommendation movie. When a customer was looking for a suggestion I would hand it to them and tell them, "If you don't like it I will give you your money back." No one ever asked for a refund.

A great example of what I call a "Now what's he going to do now?" film.


I did fall in love with Celine Lomez watching this movie for the first time in college.

I also had a 155 gallon aquarium in college which caused me a moment of pause watching this excellent film. Big Grin


I was in Toronto when the film was made and wondered, no doubt along with everyone else there at the time - why the Eaton Centre was decorated for Christmas in the middle of summer. No filming while I was there and the mystery remained unsolved until the film came out. I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!
bmanbmanMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by bman:

I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!


I do not think it has happened since. Wink


Almost true! There was one maybe 10 years ago set in Montreal with Edward Norton and either Gene Hackman or Paul Newman, amongst others. Wish I could remember the name as I really enjoyed it, especially the plot twist towards the end.
winetarelliwinetarelliMember
quote:
Originally posted by bman:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by bman:

I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!


I do not think it has happened since. Wink


Almost true! There was one maybe 10 years ago set in Montreal with Edward Norton and either Gene Hackman or Paul Newman, amongst others. Wish I could remember the name as I really enjoyed it, especially the plot twist towards the end.

The Score (2001). DeNiro and Brando are in it. No Hackman or Newman.
bmanbmanMember
quote:
Originally posted by winetarelli:
quote:
Originally posted by bman:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by bman:

I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!


I do not think it has happened since. Wink


Almost true! There was one maybe 10 years ago set in Montreal with Edward Norton and either Gene Hackman or Paul Newman, amongst others. Wish I could remember the name as I really enjoyed it, especially the plot twist towards the end.

The Score (2001). DeNiro and Brando are in it. No Hackman or Newman.


Right! I was confusing my iconic American actors....
winetarelliwinetarelliMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
Our local film critic just released his 5 flops/worse movies of the year. I think I had only heard of one, maybe two.

Admission
Gangster Squad
Girls Most Likely
The Internship
Oz

The American film industry really has lost its way, IMO.

Hmmm... I'm not certain I completely agree with you; but regardless, you do realize emphasizing the 5 worst movies of any year is not necessarily the right way to judge, no? Wink
The Old ManThe Old ManMember
quote:
Originally posted by winetarelli:
quote:
Originally posted by Wine Sparty:
The Little Mermaid - Santa brought it for my 3 year old daughter, and I watched it with her. I had never seen it before...and have now seen it twice in one day!

You had never seen it?!

Absolute magic. My unapologetic favorite Disney movie -- and one of my favorite movies of all time, period.

quote:
Under the sea...
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by The Old Man:

A Marriage: Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, but I cannot find it anywhere.


Stieglitz was on his very best day a complete cad or worse, yet one of the seminal people of the 20th century art world without debate.

His 291 was the beginning of America and NYC specifically becoming the art center of the world that it is today.

I never heard of this movie.
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