American History X (1998)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Tony Kaye

Country

United States

Cast
Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Stacey Keach, William Russ, Guy Torry, Joe Cortese, Antonio David Lyons, David Basulto

Plot
Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a skinhead belonging to a sect financed by Cameron Alexander (Stacy Keach), is released from prison after serving three years for voluntary manslaughter of two black guys. The same day, his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), submits to his history teacher Murray (Elliott Gould) - which is Jewish - a paper on Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, believing to follow his brother Derek's belief; what Danny is still not aware of is that in prison Derek totally changed his mind, due to sexual violence coming by a component of his neo-Nazi group, and also because the only people that were close to him were both black: a young inmate, Lamont (Guy Torry), and his old school teacher, Sweeney (Avery Brooks).

Sweeney, which is also the principal of Danny's school, will give to the young boy a new assignment: he has to prepare a paper on his brother called "American History X".

Opinion
Marvelous film, perhaps my favorite. American History X is moving and definitely remains in the viewer's memory. Despite what tons of people think, this film is not about racism or anti-semitism, but about hate. The film ends with the last words of Danny's essay and lets hope. 

Well directed by a debutante Tony Kaye,  this film is embellished by the incredible performance of Edward Norton, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. 

Quotes
Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it.

Rating
9.5/10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Genre

Adventure | Sci-Fi

Director

Francis Lawrence

Country

United States

Cast
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen, Jena Malone, Amanda Plummer, Paula Malcomson

Storyline
After winning the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return home. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) visits Katniss and explains that her actions in the Games have inspired rebellions across the districts. He orders her to use the upcoming victory tour to convince everyone her actions were out of genuine love for Peeta, not defiance against the Capitol.

As the tour begins, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) warns them that the show of their relationship must continue for the rest of their lives, so Katniss suggests a public engagement, which is carried out and congratulated by Snow at his mansion in the Capitol.

Due to rebellions in several districts, inspired by Katniss and Peeta, President Snow announces a special Hunger Games, the Third Quarter Quell, where all tributes will be selected from the previous victors: only one is supposed to survive.

Opinion
Sometimes sequels are not up to the previous film, but this is not the case. I've surprisingly enjoyed it very much. Hunger Games: Catching Fire flows smooth like water; its 146 minutes are more like 146 seconds. In this second film of the saga, feelings have more space, but fighting scenes and suspense remain unchanged. Jennifer Lawrence shows off, once again, her incredible skills, and the director, Francis Lawrence (they are not related) dwells on the eyes of the young woman, on the tears coming down her eyes, and on the anger shown through her actions and her words. 

Quotes
Fear does not work as long as there is hope.

Rating
8.0/10

The Weekly Movie Watch Volume 19

This week I watched The Giver, Munich, Slap Shot.

I watch movies every week and then write down my thoughts. Read my previous reviews!
My rating is simple, Watch It, It Depends, Skip it.

The Giver - A book adapted to film that isn't that bad.

The Giver (2014)
Watch The Giver
Written by: Michael Mitnick and Robert B. Weide (screenplay), Lois Lowry (book)
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes
Rated: PG-13

Plot:
In a utopian society violence and suffering have been eradicated at the expense of emotions. One person designated to keep all the memories of the world begins to pass them on to his successor.

Review:
The movie does a decent job of adapting the book. The ending became more action packed, losing many nuances. The themes touched upon in the beginning were lost in the end. The problem with book adaptations is that there is never enough time in a movie to accurately capture everything. The concept is intriguing and flashes of brilliance are evident in the movie, but it didn't achieve what it could have.
It depends.

Munich - The pitfalls of covert operations.

Munich (2005)
Watch Munich
Written by: Tony Kushner and Eric Roth (screenplay), George Jonas (book)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Cirian Hinds, Geoffrey Rush, Marie-Josee Croze 
Rated: R

Plot:
Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath. Five men hunt down those responsible for murder.

Review:
In the same vain as Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, it's a subtle portrayal of characters and their emotions. They become more violent and quicker to pull the trigger, losing their humanity as the film progresses. This film doesn't rely on exposition, you have to pay attention. Are the protagonists any different from the people they are attacking? The answer becomes more blurred as the movie continues. The ending is solid, and while the film is slower than most, that isn't a complaint.
It depends.

Slap Shot - Bringing the brawl to hockey.

Slap Shot (1977) 
Watch Slap Shot
Written by: Nancy Dowd
Directed by: George Roy Hill
Starring: Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin
Rated: R

Plot:
Paul Newman coaches his hockey team to overcome the odds and find the strategy to win in this comedy. That strategy is violence and non-stop fighting.

Review:
Paul Newman does a great job. It's a serviceable comedy and a snapshot of the times, dealing with struggling mill towns and showcasing the fashion of the '70s.
It depends.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Teaser Trailer Here!

Tim here with the first exclusive teaser trailer for star wars: The Force Awakens finally upon us! Let me say that it's pretty awesome! Below is the YouTube video:

You can also head over to Apple Trailers to watch it, and if you have a an AppleTV it's able to be played on your HDTV through that by going to the Trailers app. First thoughts are that the opening shot is very JJ Abrams, and gets the trailer moving with some quick glimpses of his vision of the Galaxy Far, Far Away… It's John Beyega in Stormtrooper uniform without his helmit seemingly stranded on Tatooine. We get a brief look at a new droid, followed by an intense three (possibly four) shot sequence with Stormtroopers in a drop ship. Next we get Daisy Ridley on top of a speeder, and I must comment that she looks like a descendent of Padme Amidala based on her facial structure, and as a result the daughter of Leia and Han Solo. That seems to fit with the running theories. We then get an interior shot of an X-Wing pilot followed immediately by an exterior shot of that X-Wing being joined by two others. And we finally get the forshadowing shot: a tracking shot of a Sith, in a snowy and wooded environment, walking amongst the trees until something/someone causes him to pull out his red lightsaber. Note the cool design where the hilt of it shoots out short perpendicular blades. And the trailer concludes with the money shot: the Millennium Falcon soaring over the sky while the camera tracks it back down to the surface of Tatooine and two TIE Fighers shooting at it… and missing.

 star wars: The Force Awakens is set to hit theaters Dec. 18, 2015. JJ Abrams is directing, and it stars John Boyega, Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley with Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher also reprising their roles. It's shot in 35mm Film, with some sequences shot in 70mm IMAX film, and will be a 3D conversion.

Winter's Bone (2010)

Genre

Drama

Director

Debra Granik

Country

United States

Cast
Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Lauren Sweetser, Tate Taylor, Garret Dillahunt, Sheryl Lee, Shelley Waggener, William White, Ron Hall, Ashlee Thompson, Cody Shiloh Brown, Isaiah Stone, Casey MacLaren, Ray Vaughan Jr

Plot
In the highlands of Missouri, seventeen-year-old Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) looks after her mentally ill mother (Valerie Richards), her twelve-year-old brother Sonny (Isaiah Stone) and her six-year-old sister Ashlee (Ashlee Thompson). Every day Ree makes sure her siblings eat, while teaching them basic survival skills like hunting and cooking.

Her father, Jessup, arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine is out on bail. Sheriff Baskin (Garret Dillahunt) tells Ree that if her father doesn't show up for his court date, they will lose the house because it was put up as part of his bond.

Ree, driven from despair of being unable to take care of her family, will face the mistrust and violence of the entire community, up to a dramatic - but only partially revealed - truth.

Opinion
The climate is cold and the atmosphere recalls a post-apocalyptic winter. The cold and detached cinematography conveys perfectly the sense of unease. The colors' choice is excellent, recalling, once again, the feelings convey by the film using  drab colors, deprived of their light. 

The direction of Debra Granik is terrific; the cast is outstanding, where stands the talented Jennifer Lawrence, receiving the Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, won by Natalie Portman.

Quotes
Never ask for what oughta be offered.

Rating
8.0/10

American Psycho (2000)

Genre

Crime | Horror

Director

Mary Harron

Country

United States

Cast
Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto, Bill Sage, Josh Lucas, Chloë Sevigny, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Matt Ross, Cara Seymour, Guinevere Turner, Stephen Bogaert, Monika Meier, Reg E. Cathey

Plot
Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy investment banker living in Manhattan in the late 1980s.
In his private life, Patrick is a meticulous person who devotes much time to daily exercises and beautification.
By day, his life is based on business lunches, cool clubs and meetings with friends. At night, along with drug use, his frustrations explode, bringing out the envy towards colleagues, the affective dryness towards women and his insanity, turning him into a serial killer, killing whoever bothers him and keeping parts or entire bodies hidden in his apartment.

Opinion
Handsome and sick are the proper words for Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman. This film describes in detail emotional and cognitive processes of a psychopath, with a good attempt at psychological introspection of the character, highlighting the characteristics of this disease: envy, omnipotence and affective dryness. I disagree with those who think American Psycho is vulgar and almost pornographic (Ed. moralists). Christian Bale's acting skills are sublime.

Quotes
I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust.

Rating
8.0/10

Thanksgiving in Hollywood

A collection of Actors and Actresses celebrating Thanksgiving

 

Bette Davis

Joan Crawford

 

Laurel & Hardy

 

Shirley Temple

Shirley, 1935

 

Jean Arthur & Lillian Roth

Judy Garland

Judy

Judy & Mickey

 

Ann Sheridan about to carve

Ann Sheridan carving

Esther Williams (not in a bathing suit)

Jeanne Crain

 

Clifton Webb

Vera-Ellen

 

Marilyn Monroe

Doris Day

Sandra Dee & an enormous pie, 1962

 

And last of all, Barbara Eden from TV Land in a Halloween/Thanksgiving Pilgrim mash-up!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

Find more great pictures on the TCM blog!

James Cameron Dishes On AVATAR Sequels: "They’re gonna be BITCHIN'!"

James Cameron has come out from his creativity cave to finally give the world some comments on his AVATAR sequels and he doesn't disappoint! What I love about his movies are that they go for broke and leave nothing on the table. It's in your face and authentic. So yes, you can expect to have your mind blown for each and every one of these sequels. 

Here's what he had to say:
“I can tell you one thing about them, they’re gonna be bitchin’. You will sh*t yourself with your mouth wide open.”

Not surprising words to describe his movies - he's earned the right to say them, jokingly or not. More importantly to me, he addressed a technical issue that has been on the top of my mind since I spoke with him after his high frame rate (HFR) demonstration in Vegas. Specifically, whether he was leaning more toward 60 fps or 48 fps. Here's his dish on that:

“My thinking at the time was that 60 (frames per second) might be a better segue to the video market. I’ll be plugging into a system that’s a little more mature, so it makes sense for me to do 48 frames at this point.”

We all know that Peter Jackson's HOBBIT franchise was all shot in native 3D (with those amazing 3ality Technica rigs) and at a HFR of 48 fps. Cameron is giving a nod to Jackson for getting the ball rolling on HFR and it appears as though Lightstorm Entertainment will follow this same path at 48 fps. Further, with Cameron's close friend's franchise finale THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES launching in mere weeks, Cameron also acknowledged that a MAJOR plot point in the original AVATAR originated from Jackson and/or Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens...

“When Neytiri is holding Jake and she’s just brought him back to consciousness, the ‘I see you’ line was suggested by them. It might have been Peter who said that.”

For me, that scene in the trailer where Neytiri holds Jake is the culmination of the entire movie. It was make or break time and the visual effects prevailed big-time. I can't tell you the emotional impact that scene had on me from a creative standpoint. It resonated with me deeply and it still affects my creative writing to this day. So yeah, huge contribution by Jackson and his team on that one, and good on Cameron to give that credit. Man, would I ever like to see a collaboration between Jackson and Cameron on a project - similar to what Jackson has done with Spielberg - but MORE. :-)

More on the AVATAR sequels when I get them.

Source: Empire

Hunger (2008)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director
Steve McQueen

Country
Ireland | United Kingdom

Cast
Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon, Helen Madden, Des McAleer, Helena Bereen, Laine Megaw, Karen Hassan, Frank McCusker, Lalor Roddy, Geoff Gatt, Rory Mullen, Ben Peel, Paddy Jenkins

Plot
Northern Ireland, 1981. 

The film opens with prison officer Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham) preparing to leave for work: he checks under his car for bombs, puts his uniform on and ignores the camaraderie of his colleagues. 

Davey Gillian (Brian Milligan), a new IRA prisoner, arrives. Due to his refusal to wear the prison uniform, he is labeled as "non-cooperative". His roommate, Gerry (Liam McMahon), has smeared the cell with faeces from floor to ceiling for resistance to the prison regime. 

The final focus of the film is Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), Irish Republican activist who deeply believes in the cause for which he was imprisoned and in the righteousness of dying for political prisoner status. 

Opinion
With his first film, Steve McQueen gave birth to a masterpiece, in terms of cinematography (memorable is the dialogue between Father Dominic Moran and Bobby Sands) and in terms of emotions (some scenes are so raw to result unbearable).

Hunger is a magnificent picture of an important moment in history. Needless to be mentioned is the majesty of Michael Fassbender as IRA prisoner Bobby Sands. 

If you are easily impressed I highly recommend you to not watch this film.

Quotes
I have my belief, and in all its simplicity that is the most powerful thing.

Rating
8.5/10

YES! New Teaser Trailer For Universal's JURASSIC WORLD !! New Images Too !

"Probably not a good idea."

Universal has released the full teaser trailer for Colin Trevorrow's JURASSIC WORLD and it's a doosey. LOVE the tension build up and it actually channels the original movie so much that I'm salivating at seeing this thing! I am so hoping to re-experience what I felt the first time around. I hope my expectations aren't too high.

The teaser trailer is exactly what I wanted to see. It's engaging. It pays tribute to the original, yet looks original. Perfect casting from what I see. The story is sufficiently thrilling enough in theory. Can Trevorrow deliver?

Here's the movie's Intro:
Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World. Colin Trevorrow directs the epic action-adventure from a screenplay he wrote with Derek Connolly. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley join the team as producers.

JURASSIC WORLD opens on June 12, 2015 in 3D, IMAX 3D and flat.

November Expiration Watch: Give and Take (but Mostly Take)

Quite the list of casualties this month. Perhaps making up for its largesse at the beginning of November, Netflix is taking away a big chunk of its recent gains, especially titles that arrived in June and September. Notable June entries now expiring include Five Easy Pieces (1970), Funny Lady (1975), and Coffee and Cigarettes (2003), as well as those infamous big-budget flops, 1941 (1979) and Ishtar (1987), which are more entertaining than their reputations might suggest (see my reviews here.)

For some reason, the sci-fi and horror titles from June and September are getting especially hard hit, with toe tags now written up for Event Horizon (1997), Invaders from Mars (1986), Young Sherlock Holmes (1985), Audrey Rose (1977), The Believers (1987), Monkey Shines (1988), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), and Mission Impossible III (2006). RoboCop 2 (1990), which only arrived this month, is also getting the bounce. And then there's 1984's The Philadelphia Experiment, which has been around for a while but otherwise deserves mention in the sci-fi category (and expires a day earlier than the others, on the 29th). Granted, most of this group doesn't rate more than 3 or so stars�and they're all fairly well-worn�but still, could it hurt to let them stick around for fans of these genres?

Read more �

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Genre

Drama

Director

Peter Weir

Country

United States

Cast
Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith, Carla Belver, Alexandra Powers, Colin Irving, Leon Pownall, George Martin, Joe Aufiery, Matt Carey, Melora Walters, Welker White

Plot
Vermont, 1959. Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) begins his senior year of high school at Welton Academy, an elite prep school. He is assigned to Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), one of the most promising students at Welton Academy, as his roommate and is quickly accepted by Neil's friends: Knox Overstreet (Josh Charles), Richard Cameron (Dylan Kussman), Steven Meeks (Allelon Ruggiero), Gerard Pitts (James Waterston) and Charlie Dalton (Gale Hansen).

On the first day of classes, they are surprised by the unorthodox teaching methods of their new English teacher, John Keating (Robin William), who encourages his students to make their lives extraordinary. 

Opinion
Able to review one of the most important Latin authors, Horace, this film is perfect, truthful, fascinating, emotional and sublime and it's a must-see. An extraordinary Robin Williams is a perfectly oiled narrative machine that doesn't miss a beat until the end, that warms the heart and moistens the eyes of the viewer. Brilliant performances also from Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard.

Quotes
I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.

No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.

Rating
9.0/10

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Genre

Drama

Director

Frank Darabont

Country

United States

Cast
Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, James Whitmore, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, Bill Bolender, Brian Libby, Joseph Ragno, David Proval, Frank Medrano, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jude Ciccolella, Brian Brophy

Plot
In 1947 banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), though he proclaims his innocence, is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences at the Shawshank State Penitentiary, where guards and corrupt director Samuel Norton (Bob Gunton) impose their law made of violence and unpunished murders.

His friendship with Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), an inmate serving a life sentence, and his tax knowledge will help him survive. 

Opinion
Never a film had given such a direct meaning to freedom, not a physical freedom but the one that dwells in the human soul. With this masterpiece seems the director, Frank Darabont, wants to prove Seneca's thesis. Seneca, infact, argued that a man can be free on the throne or in chains. 

Though the role was firstly offered to other actors (Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt), Tim Robbins's Dufresne is extraordinarily expressive. The script is well adapted from the Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and though Red was supposed to be Irish I forgive Darabont because he gave to the whole world the opportunity to see an amazing Morgan Freeman. I'm actually disappointed this film didn't won any of the seven Academy Awards nomination received (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing).

Quotes
Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.

Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

Rating
10/10

Thanksgiving Films

So, I was trying to think of movies set around Thanksgiving and only two came to mind. One is Rocky (1976), one of my all-time favorite movies, but even though it is almost 40 years old, I don't consider it "old" enough for this blog (although TCM frequently shows '70s films...). The only '70s movies I would consider putting in the "classic movie" category are ones with "classic movie" actors in them, for example, John Wayne in his final films.

The other movie starts with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. You guessed it, Miracle on 34th Street (1947). But...it's mainly about Santa Claus. It's a good choice to watch the day after though as the first Christmas movie of the season.

 

"He was a clown last year."

 

On Wikipedia there is a list of films set around Thanksgiving (you can find it here) but the only other movie on there that I had watched (with a holiday feel to it) was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, which was released in 1987, even later than Rocky.

There is also A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, but that is a television special.

You can find a list of more television specials here. They aren't all from the Golden Age of Television but there are a few. I recommend My Three Son's: Chip's Harvest (1:8).