JCVD (2008)Directed by Mabrouk El MechriLength: 97 minutesRated R for language and some violence
So, who was the most awesome, kick-ass action star of the 1980s and 1990s that every guy (and I'm sure girls) loved to watch? No, not Chuck Norris. Maybe Steven Seagal, but none could touch the sheer awesomeness known as Jean-Claude Van Damme. "The Muscles from Brussels" was fun to watch in his action movies famous for bad plots, Van Damme splits, and kicking boxing prowess. But this film isn't just another action film; instead it's the poignant "pseudo-documentary" look at a former action star struggling with a faltering career, divorce, and disappointment from his children and family.
Jean-Claude Van Damme (Universal Soldiers: The Next Generation) plays himself in a movie about...you guessed it, himself. While attempting to transfer some money to his divorce attorney at a bank, JCVD finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time as there is a robbery in progress. Soon the shit hits the fan as the cops come to believe the man himself is holding the bank hostage. What unfolds is an interesting look at a guy more known for his roundhouse kicks than his emotional depth.
JCVD is a deep look at the tremendous stress and burdens many celebrities can face. Demanding fans that are never satisfied, children embarrassed by their father's fame, wives unsatisfied at home, the list continues. JCVD comes off as a good man that tries to please everyone but ultimately can never be the superman he portrays on screen. This is the role of a lifetime for Jean-Claude, seeing as he'll be stuck doing action movies till the day he dies. You really empathize with the plights plaguing JCVD. The tears he sheds in frustration over the constant disappointment and unsatisfactory conditions he finds himself in are truly believable: not from an actor playing a role, but from an actor showing his true self on screen for all to analyze.
After watching this movie, while not a flawless piece of work, you may begin to look at celebrities in a different way. Yeah, for every Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton that we could give two shits about, there is a good human being that wants to have a normal life with a normal family, full of love and happiness. But as JCVD illustrates, even the low man on the proverbial totem pole of celebrity status struggles to find the life we all enjoy. I would recommend you viewing this movie if only to see an awesome action star showcase his true acting ability. While I'll still always love JCVD for his splits and high kicks, it's nice to see that even our supermen aren't without flaws as well.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Police Officer: "Central to Unit 27. Jean-Claude Van Damme is robbing a post office. I need back-up."
I Love You, Man (2009)Directed by John HamburgLength: 105 minutes
Rated R for pervasive language, including crude and sexual references
Thank you Judd Apatow for creating the bromance genre! Some people have claimed that these dude loving, guy comedies are getting out of hand, but how can anyone think so when the movies are just so hilarious! For years, guys have had to watch romantic comedies and think, "Is this really what chicks are like?" Now the shoe is on the other foot as girls get to see how we males really act when there aren't any females around.
I Love You, Man is the story of Peter Klaven, played by the amazing Paul Rudd (Year One, Monsters vs. Aliens), a real estate agent preparing to marry his girlfriend, but with one problem: Peter doesn't have any guy friends, leading to the dilemma of no best man. After embarking on a series of man-dates, Peter meets Sydney Fife, the equally great Jason Segel (Gulliver's Travels, How I Met Your Mother), who quickly becomes the friend Peter has been looking for.
The Apatow crew boast many of the best comedic actors in the business today, and Rudd and Segel are no exception. Rudd has displayed his sarcastic wit for many years, but has only recently begun to receive the recognition he deserves. Segel, like wise, has only lately begun to receive recognition, largely stemming from his breakout hit Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Part of what makes I Love You, Man so great is the timing and delivery that the actors have perfected. From the main actors down to the smallest supporting actors, everyone delivers their line with impeccable timing that leaves the audience rolling. Specifically of note, Jamie Pressly (My Name is Earl) and Jon Favreau (G-Force) are amazing as the married friends of Peter's fiancee whose arguments often turn into promises of role play in the bedroom.
Some people may be worried that this is just more of the same, but this film has a lot to offer that is fresh and new. The focus on the interaction between soon-to-be married couple and new best friends is an interesting concept, and one we all face in our lives; trying to strike the perfect balance of fun with friends but spending time with your significant other obviously weighs on everyone. Ultimately, I Love You, Man leaves you quoting plenty of memorable scenes. Definitely do not let this classic comedy pass you by!
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Peter Klaven: "Slapping the bass! Slappa da bass! Slappa da bass mon! Slappa da bass mon!"
Manic (2001)
Directed by Jordan Melamed
Length: 100 minutes
Rated R for disturbing violent content, strong language, and some drug use
When you discover a new actor, it's generally a good idea to check out some of their earlier, less known work. Sometimes you are able to see how far he or she has progressed or even how talented they were early on. My interest in Manic came about from the rise in respect for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, or "that kid from 3rd Rock from the Sun or 10 Things I Hate About You." This is not a feel good movie; instead it is an analysis of the troubled youth of modern society and the tragic circumstances afflicting many of their lives. Manic may be in-your-face about the conditions many of these young adults live with (rage, self-abuse, sexual abuse, etc.), but it leaves you with a sense of hope that life goes on.
Manic centers around Joseph Gordon-Levitt [G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, (500)Days of Summer] as Lyle, a youth suffering from rage and aggression issues stemming from child abuse. After almost bludgeoning a young man to death with a baseball bat, Lyle is entered into a treatment center to help him cope with his anger issues. While in treatment, Lyle meets other young adults that have suffered other unspeakable tragedies. Unfolding in a documentary style, Manic allows you to feel the angst and suffering each one of the characters bares.
Gordon-Levitt has enjoyed a long acting career in anonymity, but recently he has started to garner some recognition. Over the last decade, he has stared in numerous indie films that have allowed him to showcase his acting prowess, and Manic is no exception. One scene, in which Lyle is placed in solitary confinement, helps to convey the raw anger as he literally bounces off the walls in a manic rage. With performances like this and the others that Gordon-Levitt has consistently delivered (just check out The Lookout and Mysterious Skin), it would not surprise me to see him one day considered the new Daniel Day-Lewis, an actor who embodies his craft in such a way that the lines between performance art and reality become blurred.
Manic also boast a good performance from the usually reliable Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2, Traitor) as Dr. David Monroe, the psychiatrist charged with helping these troubled youths. This film does a good job of not only showing the ills plaguing the patients, but also the loss of hope and meaning that Dr. Monroe also has to cope with. Few movies allow both the doctor and patients to show weakness; here we see the doctor feeling utterly defeated, enraged at his patients, and faced with his own demons.
This film ultimately tries to convey that from the worst of things can spring hope. An image of a road leading off into the horizon serves as a metaphor throughout the movie; and the message that no matter what happens in life, good or bad, we just have to keep on going and living. Manic may be difficult to watch for most. Many of the kids seem like the typical problem children often cited any time a horrible act of violence among youth is committed: punks, Gothic, heavy metal, whorish, bad parents, etc. They fight, they swear often, and they engage in disturbing behavior that many may not be able to comprehend. But if you can look beyond the difficult content, there is a sense of hope that Manic tries to convey. Asking for help isn't the end. In fact, sometimes it turns a dead end into an endless road of possibilities.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (sorry Daniel, couldn't help it)
Favorite Quote:
Chad: "Sex is meaningful."
Dr. Monroe: [disbelief] "You had sex?"
Observe and Report (2009)
Directed by Jody Hill
Length: 86 minutes
Rated R for pervasive language, graphic nudity, drug use, sexual content and violence
So what if Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver and Paul Blart somehow met, and by chance had a baby? Then Observe and Report would be the demented offspring sprung from the depths of Jody Hill's "interesting" mind. Jody Hill (The Foot Fist Way, Eastbound & Down) has gained a reputation as a writer/director with few scruples. Excessive drug use? Check. Extreme language to the point of redundancy? Oh yeah. If you have seen any of Hill's previous works, you'll definitely be familiar with the dark comedy material prevalent throughout much of his work. Though there are plenty of laughs to be had with this film, there are equally as many jaw dropping moments.
Observe and Report takes place in the suburban hell known as the mall. Seth Rogen (Funny People, Monsters vs. Alien) plays Ronnie Barnhardt, a Bi-polar head of mall security that makes it his mission to stop a flasher plaguing the shoppers of the mall. Rogen fulfills the role of the arrogant, angry, emotionally unstable lead most often found in Hill's material. Ronnie may be incapable of truly understanding how troubled he really is, but deep down his flashes of compassion for those he cares about have a way of coming forward. Though Hill has no qualms about walking the line of what is appropriate and then leaping across it, he has always been capable of drawing out the emotions of his characters. You'll definitely cheer on Ronnie as he stands up for a handicapped mall worker, then just shake your head in disbelief at the things he says or does.
Anna Faris (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The House Bunny) has really captured the market for "dumb blonde bitches" in comedy movies. Though she may be famous for her roles in the Scary Movie franchise or as the over-age Playmate in The House Bunny, Faris is more than a product of dumb comedies. She has the attitude and mannerisms down, and is able to make you hate her but laugh hysterically the next. Will she ever win an award? Probably not, but she has definitely climbed the ranks as one of Hollywood's funniest females. Her spin as Brandi, the slutty, bitchy make-up salesperson and apple of Ronnie's eye definitely continues her rise as a comedic force. Let's just say, we all know this crazy party girl who parties a bit too much.
I won't lie and state that Observe and Report is a classic or an exceptional movie; it's definitely far from it. But there are definitely plenty of laughs to be had...that is assuming you don't mind watching someone beat up kids, two minutes of characters exchanging "fuck you's", and a chick having sex while being so drunk she pukes during...and lots of tiny penis...lots. I hope in the future Jody Hill will step out of his comfort zone and experiment with less dark comedies with the same male character in every movie. But until that day, if you don't mind obscenities, nudity, and "dark" comedy, then give this film a view and you'll definitely have some laughs.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
Saddam: "My dick is brown, you dumb motherfucker!"
Doubt (2008)
Directed by John Patrick Shanley
Length: 104 minutes
Rated PG-13 for thematic material
Do you have doubts? Do you ever question another's actions? We all have dealt with the feeling known as uncertainty when it comes to other people, but how we act upon these reservations can have far reaching consequences. Doubt pertains to all of these questions as we ask, just how certain can you ever really be? Critically acclaimed for the amazing performances that netted four Oscar nominations for just acting roles, Doubt is a powerful movie that makes you question the unknown and pushes you to dig through the muck and mire that plagues all of our lives.
Based on John Patrick Shanley's screenplay and set in 1964, Doubt takes place at the stereotypical Catholic school: troublesome students, strict nuns that strike the fear of God into their pupils, and a questionable priest with ulterior motives. Or are his motives really true? This is the question raised by this amazing film filled with skilled actors at the top of their game. Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Boat That Rocked; Synecdoche, New York) plays Father Brendan Flynn, the compassionate Catholic priest who has taken a special interest with a young African American boy struggling to adapt to his new school. Soon, Father Flynn's actions draw the attention of the "Dragon," Sister Aloysius Beauvier, played by the decorated Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia, Mama Mia!), the strict and fear-inducing principal.
Movies based on plays (excluding musicals, usually) often are dependent upon the acting performances; it is much harder for a movie to succeed in the transition if the actors are unable to deliver the depth and content often presented in a dramatic production. With Doubt, the quality of the actors' performances is never in question. Starting at the top, both Hoffman and Streep are well deserving of their respective nominations. Hoffman has matured from "that guy" you see in every movie to a perennial Oscar contender; Hoffman's portrayal of Father Flynn really allows you to empathize with him, question him, and ultimately draw your own conclusion. Meryl Streep, the most decorated actress in the history of film, continues to show her mastery of the art. You'll immediately hate her character, the typical evil sister that demands perfection of her pupils. But as Sister Beauvier continues to dwell deeper into the mystery surrounding Father Flynn, you will truly begin to see the layers being peeled away from her tough exterior, revealing a woman who suffers from doubts much like us all.
Doubt is a rarity in that it produced two excellent supporting actresses, both of which were recognized for their contributions. Amy Adams (Julie & Julia, Sunshine Cleaning) as Sister James and Viola Davis (State of Play) as Mrs. Miller provide strong performances every bit deserving of their recognition. Adams has quickly risen as the sweet, charming, and almost naive actress that often is successful in any role; in this particular case, Sister James serves as the young and inexperienced character that often tries to see the best in all persons, sometimes leading her to overlook the follies of men. In contrast, Viola Davis is a relative unknown who has potentially launched a career on a role spanning only about twelve minutes. Though Davis's role may be limited, her performance as the mother of the boy in question will leave you wondering whether you should hate her for allowing her son to potentially be abused or sympathize with her for the sacrifices made for her child's benefit.
Doubt is a powerful story that should lead to discussion. Did Father Flynn truly abuse the boy? That is up for you to decide, and by the end of the movie you will have formulated your own opinion concerning his guilt. But what makes Doubt really soar are the various symbols and themes that are often prevalent in stage performances. Power, sacrifice, and yes, even doubt, are all part of the experience. You can definitely tell that this film is derived from a play. The timing of actions, the juxtaposition of characters, all help develop the various themes running rampant throughout Doubt. While you can certainly decide to only develop your own opinion about the guilt of Father Flynn, the fun in watching the movie comes from observing the levels Shanley has stacked on top of the main floor.
Ultimately, Doubt deserves the recognition it received in 2008. The cast provides great performances worthy of nomination, and allow the screenplay to seamlessly transfer to the big screen. This is not a movie you can just watch; you must engage yourself. Allow yourself to be swept up in the emotions and certainties of the characters and develop your own theory. A sign of a good movie is one that doesn't simply tell you what to think, but causes you to ponder and analyze your own life. With this great film, the question is, how certain are you, or do you too have doubts?
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
Father Flynn: "Remember, a girl has the right to turn you down for a dance."
Boy: "What if they all turn me down?"
Father Flynn: "Then you become a priest."
Oscar Nominations:
Best Supporting Actor-Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress-Amy Adams
Best Supporting Actress-Viola Davis
Best Actress in a Leading Role-Meryl Streep
Best Adapted Screenplay-John Patrick Shanley
Seven Pounds (2008)
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Length: 123 minutes
Rated PG-13 for thematic material, some disturbing content, and a scene of sensuality
In his second pairing with Italian director Gabriele Muccino (The Pursuit of Happyness), Will Smith shows why he is no longer just the Fresh Prince of Belleair but instead a great actor with incredible range. Muccino displays a great aptitude for getting great performances from his actors, leading to emotionally powerful films that draw the audience into situations we all can comprehend but dread experiencing. Though there are many conflicting opinions concerning Seven Pounds, this is one of the more unnoticed films of last year that deserves much more fanfare and acclaim.
Will Smith (I Am Legend, Monster Hunter) plays Ben Thomas, an IRS agent who is dealing with personal demons that haunt him every day. I won't go into revealing the demons here as they play a pivotal part of the plot. My description of the plot may seem a little vague, but the movie quickly thrust you into Ben's struggles to erase his troubled past from his existence. What makes the movie so good is Will Smith. Mostly known for his action star status and comedic antics, Smith truly is a gifted actor that can find his way in almost any type of production. Yeah, the ending may be a bit predictable; but you still care about Smith's character and hope for a happy ending. That's ultimately what makes Seven Pounds so great; sometimes a tragic hero's demise is necessary for a more altruistic ending.
Seven Pounds runs the gamut of emotions. One second you'll be laughing, the next on the verge of tears at the beauty humanity can be capable of. It's really hard to convey much about this film, because ultimately the revelation of the plot is an essential part of the viewing experience in this case. There are lots of examples of movies that are simply easier to sum up by saying, "You just have to watch it!" But in this case, it's never been truer. I could easily tell you why Ben does the things he does; why the movie is so good. But it would only ruin your experience with this great film.
Lots of people claimed that Seven Pounds was hard to comprehend or had ridiculous elements. I have to highly disagree. Little respect or attention was given to this film last year, and it should not have been the case. I hope you will all watch Will Smith continue to prove his talents as an actor. The review may be vague, but this intentional lack of detail is the only way I can allow you to experience a film that shows the lengths a man will go to atone for his sins. Please do not let this one pass you by!
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
Eh...it's not really a favorite quote kind of movie, but there are lots of emotionally powerful scenes of human compassion.
JCVD (2008)
