Shutter Island (2010)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Length: 138 minutesRated R for disturbing violent content, language, and some nudity
Scorsese, DiCaprio, mysterious yet eerie film, huge buzz...what else can you ask for!?!? The long awaited, oft-delayed Shutter Island arrives as perhaps the most anticipated movie so far this year. I remember my initial reaction to the trailer (almost two years ago, it seems) and excitement over the director, cast, plot, etc. Having built huge expectations, reading numerous positive reviews, and consulting with my hard-to-please roommate, I eagerly attended what I anticipated to be a modern masterpiece. Instead, I was left crushed; what was suppose to be a suspenseful mystery turned out to be rather boring and anything but a mystery.
Set in 1954, Shutter Island centers on Scorsese standard Leonard DiCaprio (Inception, Revolutionary Road) as Teddy Daniels, a US Marshall seeking a patient who has escaped from her prison on the isolated island. Based on a novel by Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), Shutter Island is a departure from the traditional format utilized by Lehane, taking a much darker tone that leaves the audience with a sense of danger and uncertainty. As the mystery begins to unravel, it becomes apparent that there is more to the story then initially perceived.
To start on a positive note, the acting is indeed top notch. I have been a huge DiCaprio fan for quite some time now, and he continues to prove his prowess. The depth of his character cannot be questioned or denied. I even enjoyed the cinematography of the film: the dark, somber tones really cast a foreboding and dismal haze over the film setting the perfect mood for a dark mystery. So, with these positives, what could have caused my expectations to be dashed?
I have always enjoyed a good mystery; the traditional "who done it" that follows a detective searching for clues to the puzzle, occasionally revealing some master conspiracy in the process. Growing up, it was often difficult to watch mysteries with my mother as she would ALWAYS solve the show/movie before the end. I cannot tell you how many times my stepfather and I would scream in frustration as, of course, she would end up being correct. It would seem all of that detective work on my mother's part has rubbed off on me, as I now find myself constantly solving the puzzle before the conclusion. For the most part, this can prove to be a fun element to the mystery genre; however, it can also be a real negative if you are able to solve the mystery fairly easily and quickly. While I may not have had every single detail figured out, I was able to solve the mystery prior to seeing the film. Using contextual clues from the previews, I knew exactly what was going to happen before it even unfolded. In fact, I even told my friend my theory prior to seeing the movie; this theory proved to be correct.
While I do not believe the mystery is implicitly that easy to solve, in this particular case, it can be quite detrimental to the viewing experience when the big reveal at the end isn't that shocking. Equated to The Sixth Sense in terms of shock value, I was sorely disappointed. To boot, I found the movie to be rather slow throughout, dragging for a majority of the film. Though it is hard to pinpoint exact scenes to cut or shorten, the film had me looking at my watch wondering how much longer I had to sit.
While my review may not indicate it, I still feel as if you should see this movie. I feel as if my experience with the movie will prove to be the exception and less of the norm. The acting is good, boasted by beautiful camera work and visual decor. While some may be able to solve the mystery, the story is still enjoyable enough for the average movie goer. The details can bog you down, so be patient in trying to maintain a working encyclopedia for the film. If you can sit back, put down your detective's notepad, and enjoy the film, I believe you will find an enjoyable experience. But if you are able to solve the mystery, be prepared for a rather dull ride.
Final Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote: "Match in the gas tank...boom boom" (He went full retard)
Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Directed by Spike Jonze
Length: 101 minutes
Rated PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action, and brief language
Even if you hate reading, you have to admit you had at least one favorite book/story as a child. There are the classic Dr. Seuss books, The Rainbow Fish, and many more; but almost everyone cherished Maurice Sendak's classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are - a classic tale of a young boy craving attention and adventure, who runs away to an island of monstrous creatures who embrace the boy (Max) as their king. While the modern master Spike Jonze (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) does not stray too far from the basic concept of Sendak's work, the interpretation takes on a much darker tone that may be lost on the more casual viewer.
As stated earlier, the protagonist is Max, played by Max Records (interesting name, eh?), a young, angry, and adventurous boy who craves attention and the chance to be wild. Raised by his single mother, portrayed by Catherine Keener (Cyrus, The Soloist), Max screams, claws, and bites at those who fail to take the time to play with him. After one particularly nasty fight, Max runs away from home, only to take a boat that whisk him away to a strange island full of giant creatures that think Max is their king. Wait...he is whisked away on a boat to an island? I know, I know...can we say deus ex machina; but you have to remember this is a movie told from the eyes of a young child with a vivid imagination. So just go with it; in fact, just accept a majority of the movie as a child would and you will enjoy it more. Crowned king, Max leads the monsters in dog piles, fort building, and dirt clod wars. As we learn more about the personalities and flaws of the characters, Max's fantasy develops a more disturbing meaning.
While Where the Wild Things Are can be interpreted in many ways, I took the monsters to be a representation of Max's family and how he perceives himself in said family. Carol, voiced by everyone's favorite mobster James Gandolfini (Welcome to the Rileys, The Sopranos), represents a patriarchal figure for Max; due to Carol's unpredictable and sometimes violent nature, it is not unreasonable to believe Max had an abusive father that is no longer a part of his life. Though Carol loves Max, he often threatens violence on those that disagree or hurt him. Paul Dano (The Extra Man, There Will Be Blood) voices Alexander, the goat-like creature that nobody listens or pays attention to, a la Max. These are but a few of the creatures, but you can begin to understand that Max is more than just an adventurous little boy, but a person suffering from psychological trauma. Trauma manifested via aggression, wild behavior, and a vivid imagination that all lead to a constant need to "act out."
Maurice Sendak wrote a timeless classic enjoyed not just by children but adults as well; however, Spike Jonze has developed a much darker rendition aimed at challenging the audience to look past the surface of the film. While it is easy to see Max has a vivid imagination that leads to adventures and trouble almost equally, the reasons for his behavior can be inferred if one can connect the dots between Max's fantasy and his real world. We all manifest the happenings in our lives in different ways. Some people write poetry or songs; some use such events to motivate them towards a greater goal. For a little boy like Max, he creates an entire world where he has friends that listen, play the games he develops, and follow his ideas with conviction. Ultimately, the film poses the question: where are your wild things?
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Carol: "If I was stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing, it'd be Douglas. We can share him if you want."
Pandorum (2009)
Directed by Christian Alvart
Length: 108 minutes
Rated R for strong horror violence and language
Growing up the son of Trekkies (or Trekkers if you prefer), I have always had an infinity for the science fiction genre. I still fondly remember when my stepfather introduced me to Star Wars; to sum up my family's love for all that is geeky, we often have family outings consisting of the latest sci-fi blockbuster and Mexican food. That being said, I'm also quite critical of the genre since it is often a breeding ground for campy B-movies. Bolstered by an intriguing preview and an actor known as an indie-darling, I was immediately interested in Pandorum. While it will not go down as an instant classic or modern masterpiece, the thrills and chills found within this film are enough to warrant a viewing.
Set in the year 2174, Pandorum begins with a common thread to the sci-fi world: overpopulation and dwindling resources on earth force humans to seek new colonization options. Aboard the ark-like Elysium, two crew members awake with little recollection of their mission. Dazed and confused by the condition of the ship, Bower, the protagonist portrayed by the vastly underrated and often intense Ben Foster (Here, The Messenger) goes out alone into the dark ship to discover what has happened, guided only by the voice of Payton, played by Dennis Quaid (The Special Relationship, Legion). Soon Bower discovers that not only is something wrong with the ship, but he is not alone.
I really enjoyed the opening parts of the movie, specifically the scenes when Bower is first leaving to explore the ship. Pandorum definitely channels the claustrophobic, impending doom made popular by the ventilation scenes in the original Alien. While the film does a good job of keeping the chilling "you know something is about to happen" feeling, the second half fails to capture the intensity of the opening half. As Bower's memory begins to return and he journeys further into the ship, the intensity is substituted for a more traditional horror film (a la a slasher flick). While these later parts are by no means terrible, it fails to maintain the initial momentum that makes the movie so creepy and promising.
Visually, Pandorum is a nice looking film that boast interesting designs. While the core of the story may not be too original, certain elements add a distinct and original flair to the film. Specifically, the ship is massive and intriguing in its layout, while the exterior shots of the ship are unlike most other ones seen. While classic masterpieces such as Alien and The Thing will still carry the torch for the science fiction/horror genre, Pandorum is a decent attempt at joining the ranks of the greatest. Perhaps if the film had been better able to capture the anxiety and fear of the opening scenes, the film could have fared much better. Instead, we are left with a decent attempt that will certainly entertain yet leave you wanting more.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote: uh...not really a memorable quotes kind of movie
The Hurt Locker (2009)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Length: 131 minutes
Rated R for war violence and language
Throughout cinema history, war films have provided a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the battlefields. Whether focusing on the intense and graphic battles (Saving Private Ryan) or the more dramatic and historically significant events (Glory), the average citizen can attempt to understand the horrors and tragedy inherent in war. Though we are given these glimpses, we can never truly understand the torture, fear, pain, and countless other emotions that a soldier encounters while serving during a time of war. Traditionally, war movies focus on a significant battle or figure in history, but The Hurt Locker is anything but a traditional movie.
The film follows an elite American bomb squad serving in Iraq, circa 2004. The squad's mission is to disarm and minimize casualties from IEDs (improvised explosive device) that threaten the prospects of freedom and innocent life.Specifically, the protagonist SSgt. William James, played by Jeremy Renner (The Avengers, 28 Weeks Later), serves as the squad leader and resident cavalier who often unnecessarily risks not only his own life but that of his squad mates in order to enjoy the thrill facing imminent death brings.
The heart of The Hurt Locker concerns the bomb diffusing scenes. In a variety of different scenarios, we see the squad deal with the intense pressure of each situation in entirely different manners. While SSgt. James's squad may attempt to follow procedure while exhibiting visible fear and anxiety, James plays the overconfident "cool guy" who lives for the moment. Though James is obviously arrogant and dangerous, there are multiple scenes that showcase the vulnerable and damaged side of the Staff Sergent. Unlike his squad mates that count down the days until their tours of duty are over, James dreads losing the thrill - the threat of normalcy. Though a family waits at home, he continues to endanger his life, but for what? To serve his country? The honor and pride of helping others? Kathryn Bigelow, the director, leaves you to wonder if Iraq is nothing but a giant sandbox waiting for James to play with his explosive toys.
The Hurt Locker is definitely not a feel good movie; you should not watch the film expecting American propaganda or "liberal" agenda. Instead, Bigelow has created an interesting look at the modern soldier. Though most are innocent and genuine persons, the horrors of war, specifically the tactics utilized by the terrorist in the region leave emotional and visible scars on our soldiers, forever transforming them into only a husk of their former selves. James serves as the example of this transformation. Though his intentions are obviously well placed, his efforts to embrace the region are quickly shattered by the deaths he faces, specifically when it becomes personalized beyond simply another "haji".
Though the film is not explicitly graphic in terms of gore or other traditional metrics, some scenes can be extremely tense and horrific. When we turn on the evening news and hear about another road side bombing, few stop to consider the soldiers who risk their lives to prevent such incidents. Providing a look into a side of war people rarely consider, Bigelow has succeed in capturing the fear, anxiety, and trauma our soldiers suffer in liberating Iraq.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Quote: "The rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug." - Chris Hedges
Oscar Winners:
Best Motion Picture
Best Achievement in Directing - Kathryn Bigelow
Best Achievement in EditingBest Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Achievement in Sound EditingBest Original Screenplay
Oscar Nominations:
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Jeremy Renner
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Original Score
Up in the Air (2009)
Directed by Jason Reitman
Length: 109 minutes
Rated R for language and some sexual content
Movies often have a way of emulating real life: the pain, joys, and adventures the everyday person goes through in his/her life. Though we may never explore a lost Aztec temple in search of gold, outrun the destruction of the world in a limo, or stop a psychotic ax murderer, we all have adventures of a different type that shape the person we become. Steps in life that will dictate who you are - marriage, your first job, school, traveling...or even the adventures we'd rather not think about like death, mortality, and losing our job. As the first decade of the millennium comes to a conclusion, Up in the Air is the perfect cap on one of the most challenging times in a long time - a decade marked by financial success only to be followed by recession; the ability to be connected at all times, only to lose the human element to life.
Based on the novel of the same title, Up in the Air follows Ryan Bingham, played by George Clooney (Fantastic Mr. Fox, The American), a hatchet man who travels the country firing people for bosses lacking the fortitude to do it themselves. Employing the philosophy of no possessions, no connections, constant movement, Ryan sums it up best we he says, "Humans are sharks" - our constant need for movement and change has led Ryan to the philosophy of live life out of a suitcase on the road. Relying on the "antiquated" notion of humane touch, Ryan has become the czar of firing people but quickly spinning a "grass is greener" approach. With the goal of obtaining 10 million frequent flier miles, Ryan's quest is threatened by the changes proposed by the young up-and-comer Natalie, played by Anna Kendrick (New Moon, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), who wants to implement layoffs via a web-cam transmission in the name of cost efficiency.
Jason Reitman is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. Few have mastered the art of a damaged, jackass protagonist who audiences wind up cheering for in the end. Clooney's performance is well deserving of the Oscar buzz being generated. Often the cool, collected, suave character, Clooney has taken his usual role to new heights. Ryan is a confident character who believes in his idioms and philosophies, the idea of "keep your backpack light". As Ryan is influenced by not only Natalie, but also Vera Farmiga's (Orphan, Henry's Crime) Alex, a female version of Ryan who he quickly begins to develop serious feelings for, he begins to call into question his idea that we all die alone eventually. The tragedy of Ryan is heart wrenching and indeed provides plenty of tearjerker moments. Clooney has succeeded in portraying a debonair traveler suffering from a zeitgeist-esq change in life of "what now?"
Personally, the film hit home on a lot of elements. My mother was "let go" from her job of over twenty years in April of 2009, a situation repeated all too often over the last couple of years. It is one thing to know someone who has lost their job or even to have a family member affected; it is another thing to witness the process. From anger and outrage to sadness and suicidal threats, it is difficult to watch as a person has their entire world ripped from under their feet. With mounting costs and pressures, this poignant look at the process of firing a person truly touches on all fronts. I found myself on the verge of tears on numerous occasions as I wondered what went through my mother's head when she was "let go".
If the reflection on layoffs in modern society were not enough, the look at modern relationships is also incredibly personal and frightening. Natalie represents the new generation, a twenty-three year old recent college grad with plans of being married, white picket fence, 2.5 kids, etc - the focused, efficient worker who attempts to compartmentalize every aspect of his/her life into a plan that has been decided on early in life. Ryan represents the free spirit, living for today with no intentions of marriage or children. As the roles are reversed between the two, you will be left an emotional wreck; I struggled to hold back tears as I left the theater struggling with a plethora of emotions and thoughts ranging from respect and concern for my unemployed mother, to doubts about relationships and love, to thoughts on my future career and goals.
Up in the Air is the perfect film for right now. Offering a real look at the difficulties we face in today's modern society, Reitman has succeeded in every regard in delivering an emotional and touching film that will reflect the last decade as well as the transition between the past generation to mine. As we prepare to enter Oscar season, make sure you see this film. Though it certainly has plenty of laughs, be warned this plane does experience some turbulence that will leave you soul searching at its conclusion.
Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Ryan Bingham: "Never get behind old people. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Bingo, Asians. They pack light, travel efficiently, and have a thing for slip-on shoes. Gotta love'em."
Natalie Keener: "That's racist."
Ryan Bingham: "I'm like my mother, I stereotype. It's faster."
Oscar Nominations:
Best Motion Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role - George Clooney
Best Supporting Actress - Vera Farmiga
Best Supporting Actress - Anna Kendrick
Best Achievement in Directing - Jason Reitman
Best Adapted Screenplay
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Length: 128 minutes
Rated PG-13 for intense sequence of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material
I'll admit that I am not a huge Holmes aficionado; I have never read the mysteries concerning the famous detective. However, I am familiar with the past works of Guy Ritchie (Rock'n'Rolla; Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels) the former husband of musician Madonna and VERY BRITISH film director. Famous for his British sense of humor and slow paced action, many wondered how Ritchie's stab at the famous detective would turn out. What will undoubtedly turn into a multiple sequel franchise (no detective needed for this conclusion), I can only hope the initial effort is not a reflection of things to come.
Immediately thrust into the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, played by Robert Downey, Jr. (The Soloist, Iron Man 2) and Jude Law (The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Repo Men) respectively, Sherlock Holmes waste little time in showcasing the deductive reasoning employed by Holmes. After arresting and executing an occult following murderer know as Lord Blackwood, said murderer returns from the grave attempting to overcome all attempts by Holmes to reason his return and in turn stop him once again. And that's about it. Unfortunately, for a mystery movie, the story is bland, often relying on deus ex machina ("God in the machine" or any artificial or improbable device resolving the difficulties of a plot) to resolve any discrepancies. I had trouble caring about the characters or really enjoying the development of the plot. Instead of a coherent flow from one scene to the next, I felt like each scene was a different story within itself, leaving me saying "so what" at the end. Mirroring the dark, dirty, and demoralizing setting of industrial England, the story simply lacks flashes of color.
While I did not enjoy the plot or most of the characters, RDJ (Robert Downey, Jr. if you dig) does do a great job as the eccentric detective. RDJ has long had success portraying characters "not quite there", displaying multiple ticks and oddities that provide the right balance of humor and seriousness to almost any role. In fact, the movie was at its best whenever it relied on dialogue generated between Holmes and Watson, often lagging any other time. The playful, bromantic banter between the two "friends" often provided the most chuckles and enjoyment. I have never been a huge Jude Law fan, but the chemistry between Holmes and Watson is hard to deny. Both employee the right balance of comfort and edginess that allow the two to work; if only the rest of the characters (including villains and love interest) could add more depth to the film.
While I did not hate this movie, I certainly had a hard time enjoying it. Considering many fans of Sherlock Holmes initially worried the movie would be more summer action blockbuster and less detective movie, I have to admit I found the movie quite boring. For an action movie clocking in at about two hours, I lost interest from almost the opening minutes. Though I thoroughly enjoyed RDJ's performance, it was not enough to overcome the shortcomings of Holmes's initial voyage. While there will most likely be a sequel, I can only hope Sherlock is able to learn from his shortcomings and develop a more enjoyable experience the next go around. Guess we will have to wait for the "other" Sherlock Holmes film starring Sasha Baron Cohen and Will Ferrell, now.
Final Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Sherlock Holmes: [naked and handcuffed to a bed] "Madame, I need you to remain calm and trust me, I'm a professional. Beneath this pillow lies the key to my release."
Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Best Original Score
Avatar (2009)
Directed by James Cameron
Length: 162 minutes
Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language, and some smoking
For movie fans and science fiction fanboys, Avatar has been one of the most anticipated movies of the past decade. Long an enigma with scant details, director James Cameron (Aliens, Titanic) has long tried to develop his vision, only to be limited by the nonexistent technology needed to film his latest epic. After almost a decade of attempts to film, Cameron has finally delivered his masterpiece, an unforgettable experience that will impact the future of movies in the years to come.
Let's get this over with so as to address it now: is Avatar the most original or complex story ever? No, but I personally never felt handicapped by this factor. I have heard people complain that the movie is a "rip-off" of everything from Braveheart to Pocahontas to Fern Gully. Essentially, these people rely on the argument that anytime a movie has any elements of a "native" tribe that is in tune with nature, it must be a straight copy. While I will not deny similarities, it isn't the point. Avatar provides a great look at man's (or woman's) capability to consume and destroy.
Set in a future in which we have depleted our natural resources, humans seek out new worlds in which to mine and obtain valuable resources to use for fuel. In the search for unobtainium (WHICH IS A REAL TERM, DAMMIT!), the humans come to the distant moon of Pandora, a lush tropical moon inhabited by a native species known as the Na'vi. Because the atmosphere of Pandora is inhospitable for humans and previous relationship attempts with the Na'vi have failed, a program known as avatar is implemented, in which a human controls a genetically engineered version of the Na'vi developed from the human host's DNA. Don't worry, none of the science in Avatar is overly complex. From there, I'm sure the preview (which can be viewed by clicking on the title at the top) can fill in the rest of the details. As I said, is this the most complex and original story? No, but simplicity can be good if done well. There are plenty of movies with a brain dead plot that leave me wishing I had not wasted my time, but Avatar never feels stale. Though you know what will happen, the sense of predictability does not ruin the movie. This rare feat allowed me to enjoy the movie even if I knew the beginning, middle, and end before sitting in the theater.
Now let's talk about the real star of the show, the incredible graphics and visual effects. Yeah, yeah, yeah...it's a bunch of "smurf" people running around in a CGI world. Why would I ever be impressed by this? Well, just take a moment to really take in everything you are seeing: every detail of Pandora, from the trees, to the birds, to the way the blades of grass move, to the water glistening down a mountain side...all computer generated. The sheer magnitude should begin to set in as you take in the breath-taking world. I know on several occasions, I was mesmerized by the lush and vivid jungle that turns into a living black-light at night. Cameron and his team succeeded on every front in developing this world; I for one want to visit. The 3D element really added to the movie as well (PLEASE do not waste your time by seeing this in 2D). Instead of relying on the gimmicks often employed by 3D movies (i.e. objects coming at the audience), Avatar used the third dimension to add depth and shape to everything, allowing you to really develop a sense of height/altitude as the characters dive off a cliff on the back of a winged creature.
Though what the movie really is simply boils down to a love story, the deeper themes had me hating humans at the end. It is almost embarrassing to witness the destruction we are capable of at times. Throughout history, our species has destroyed the land we rely on, consumed and demanded more and more to satisfy our insatiable appetite, and even killed our own kind in the name of gain. It pains me to think that our future will very easily mirror the one showcased in Avatar. The story found here may be a simple one, but the layers within Avatar serve as warning to our species: learn to coexist with not only the natives but also nature...otherwise we may just get our asses kicked by a bunch of "smurf" people.
Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote: I'm voting for the graphics as my favorite "quote"
Oscar Winners:
Best Achievement in CinematographyBest Achievement in Art DirectionBest Achievement in Visual Effects
Oscar Nominations:
Best Motion Picture
Best Achievement in Directing - James Cameron
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Original Score
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
