"Lincoln" Review

In a week when every girl in America is clamoring over vampires and shirtless werewolves, there is a movie that actually deserves your attention. (Though Lincoln and Vampires don't mix that well.)

Lincoln tells the story of the final four months of our 16th President's life. In the midst of a bloody and prolonged civil war, Lincoln desperately pushes for the passage of the 13th amendment which will outlaw slavery. With opposition from the democratic party, and advisors saying that it is a lost cause, Abraham keeps pushing with the belief that in the eyes of the law, all men are created equal.

There has been considerable buzz surrounding Daniel Day Lewis' performance in the film. And deservedly so. Lewis takes a character who has been portrayed and parodied more times than is funny, and makes it his own. The simple ticks and quirks that define our (arguably) greatest president are all seen in stunning devotion to character.

The film also contains brillant performances from the likes of Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, and Jackie Earle Haley.

Howver, "Andrew's Stamdout" for this film is the always welcome Tommy Lee Jones. His gruff, yet charming performance as the unrelenting abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens serves as both the comic relief in the film, and his utter dedication to his cause is truly awe-inspiring. When you realize why he is so stern, I dare you no to shed a tear.

The film is a testament to Steven Spielberg's filmaking. His clear direction and optimistic themes which have become trademarks of his are present, but at the same time a new aura of storytelling and emotional depth.

See this movie. DOn't waste your hard earned money on rushed filmmaking and third-rate acting that is seen in Twilight films. Lincoln is not only worth it, but also deserves your attention.

A-

"Here Comes the Boom" Review

When one thinks of Kevin James, you get the image of a comically overweight mall cop with a goofy mustache riding around on a segway, or a lowly oaf taking dating advice from zoo animals. I personally have not liked anything the man has touched since "The King of Queens" was cancellled. Yet Here Comes the Boom, while not particularly funny, was surprisingly touching.

James plays Scott Voss, a lazy out-of-his-prime Biology teacher. When his school is forced to make budget cuts, they threaten to rid the school of it's music program and teacher (Henry Winkler). Not wanting to see his friend out of work, Scott does everything he can to raise the necessary funds. When he runs out of ideas, he is inspired to step into the MMA ring using his college wrestling skills.

The jokes aren't very numerous, yet the film has remarkable physical humor. When Kevin James gets layed out flat in his first match, I admit that I found it hard to not to giggle. The writing was nothing special, but it is considerably better than anything out of "Team Sandler" in the past few years. The characters are not exactly well developed when you get to the end, however, the overall touching nature of the plot makes up for it.

Kevin James isn't anyones Marlon Brando, yet he brings a certain amount of charm to the film. He isn't over the top ridiculous, but his comedic talents blend well with the physically demanding challenge of this role.

Salma Hayek is as lovely and passionate as always. She brings a good amount of common sense to absurd situations. However, she never really feels like the right romantic match for Kevin James. Their chemistry is very imbalanced.

Andrew's Standout for this film would be Henry Winkler. As with most of his recent roles, there is a certain amount of goofiness to his character. However, there are moments when he is fully focused and spouts the "Fonzie-esque" wisdom that we all love and grew up with.

All in all, I would redbox this movie. While it's the worst thing you'll see, there are better movies to pay full price for.

B-

"Taken 2" Review

It has been said before that Liam Neeson is the "thinking man's" Chuck Norris. I agree with that in the sense that movies starring Neeson tend to be deeper, emotional, and contain actual acting. However, Taken 2 has all the elements of a Chuck Norris film.

Taken 2 picks up where the original movie left off. Bryan Mills is keeping closer watch on his daughter Kim than ever, and getting closer to his wife ex-wife. However, a trip to Istanbul goes awry when the families of those Bryan killed enact revenge. They kidnap or "Take" Bryan and his ex-wife and make a move for Kim. This doesn't bode well as Mills does "what he does best."

The plot is nothing more than a rehashed version of the first film set in a different country, or as I like to call it "The Hangover Syndrome." It brings Liam Neeson to Stallone territory. The film has little more to offer besides impressive choreography. There is little to no character development or growth. It is almost as though the characters learn nothing from their experiences, and will go on in a cycle of similar events in the future. Even Bryan Mills acknowledges this in the film, and seems to dread the inevitable Taken 3.

What they did impove upon this time around is choosing to have a central antagonist, rather than choosing brigades of Albanians to attack throughout the film. It adds a sense of accomplishment and brings round full circle.

I can't blame Liam Neeson for the films shortcomings, for the same reason you can't blame Ahmed Best for the poor quality of Jar Jar Binks. When an actor is given poor writing, they can only do so much to make a film worth while. Neeson lays all of his cards on the table and brings a certain amount of emotion to the character. However, like most shooting gallery films, there is very little acting required. Neeson is a good example of an action star with true dramatic talent, like Bruce Willis. Unfortunately, it is wasted here.

All in all, Taken 2 is what you can expect it to be. If you're looking for a good time to just relax your brain and just watch, by all means, go. Just be willing to overlook te flaws of the film.

C+

"The Master" Review

Well, it comes every year, and I enjoy every minute of it. Awards season. The films that make us put away our soda-helmets we wore while cheering on The Avengers and Batman, and have us put on our thinking caps.

Am I saying that all Oscar bait is boring? Absolutely not. Quite the opposite. If anything, these films make us re-evaluate our own lives and better ourselves. They are often the more memorable films from a year. They are so well crafted, and full of sub-text, that you grow as a person for understanding it.

The Master is no exception, it stars Joaquin Phoenix (For the life of me I have no idea how to pronounce his first name. No judging me, please.) as Freddie Quell, a violent World War II veteran who uses his alcoholism as an escape for his troubles when trying to resume his after the war. He soon meets L. Ron Hubbard Lancaster Dodd, (Philip Seymour Hoffman) the founder of a new, unconventional religon known as Scientology "The Cause." Dodd sees potential for growth in Freddie, and takes him under his wing as his protege, despite protests from his wife (Amy Adams) and the rest of the cause.


The film is surely to receive Oscar nominations for its superior cast. Philip Seymour Hoffman takes the writing of Paul Thomas Anderson, and turns it into a performance he can call his own. His thinly veiled cariacture of L. Ron Hubbard is remarkably well embodied. At times he seems to be a charismatic fellow, who wants nothing more than to help people. Yet conversely, at other times the sense of self-doubt and possble fraud comes to the surface and conveys it's dark and unsettling nature. He shows a wonderful range from all ends of the spectrum.

Joaquin Phoenix gives his all with his portrayal of the disturbed loner who everyone can relate to at one point in their life. He has the little ticks and quirks that make him unique, and fully engrossed in his acting. Whether its the way he holds his arms on his waist or the subtle squint in his eyes when talking to someone, you never feel like you're watching an actor in a movie, you feel taken into his world. His emotion rages from his body when he is upset, and the intensity of his conditions are presented in full technicolor. Nothing held back.

What really took me through a loop with this movie was the performance of Amy Adams. Normally, the good girl, soft-spoken, here she is somewhat terrifying. At the beginning, you get the normal vibe from her, yet as the film goes on, you realize she is not one to be taken lightly. I shall say no more, other than it is a superb step in her career.

The story could have tackled scientology head-on and been a biography, yet the dramatization is a much more creative touch. If all you know about the religion is from the controversial "South Park" episode, you will still be able to get a sense of what it is all about. The film doesn't boast it's religous undertones like a logo in the corner of the screen, and it is for the better. You become entranced in story of one man's struggle rather than a pamphlet of someone elses beliefs.

I highly recomend this movie to anyone who wishes to do some higher thinking, yet at the same time, I would wait until it comes to a theater closer to you.


A-

Looper Review

Looper tells the story of a young man named Joe who works as a hitman for the mafia in the future. Targets from the even further future are sent to him to kill and despose of all traces that they existed. When the mafia chooses to end the contract with a Looper, they "close the loop" send back the target's future self to kill along with a payment of gold, and knowledge that they only have 30 years to live. When Joe is sent his future-self to kill, he hesitates, the target escapes, and both are now in trouble.

If I told you that I went into Looper with high hopes, I would be lying. From first glance, it appeared to nothing more than your run of the mill, September release, interesting concept, poor delivery, science fiction movie. Like last years stinker In Time Sure it has not one, but TWO of my favorite actors, but I thought it would be a confusing let down.

I was wrong.

Not only does Looper deliver high intensity action and phenomenal special effects, it also has substance. It answers the questions that I had about the trailers, and showcases new ideas that aren't explored as often as they should. It may ring familiar with certain tropes that are too common to you, but it makes up for it by introducing a moral dilema that causes you to think about what you would do if you were put in the same situation. It contains some rather violent, graphic images, so be advised.

Most science fiction movies don't really strike the right note with acting and heart. But when they do, you get hits like Star Wars, Logan's Run, Blade Runner, etc. While it's not anything I would expect to see pop up around awards time, Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt both deliver powerful, heartfelt performances. Rather than relying on the script, they make the roles, or should I say role, their own with acting that really lets you into their world. That's why I declare them both Andrew's Standout for this movie.

If you're looking for just a regular run of the mill movie, look else where. This movie will make you use your brain, but it is worth it. I absolutely say go for it.

B+

"Dredd" Review

In 1995 the movie "Judge Dredd" starring Sylvester Stallone came out based on the comic book of the same name. It revolves around a futuristic wasteland where the cops are "Judges" who arrest criminals, pass judgement, and sentence them on the spot. Often including execution. Judge Dredd is the most well known of the judges who is known never to take off his helmet.

Why did the concept fail the first time? Because of Sylvester Stallone. Given his star power, the studio was under the belief that he would bring automatic success. Wrong. After the first five minutes, he took off his helmet. And from that point, it became just another Stallone shooting gallery.


"Dredd" stars Karl Urban as the title judge assigned to assess a rookie pyschic as they investigate 3 homicides in the most dangerous part of Metro One. All the while, the drug kingpin Ma-Ma has her goons hunt them down in order to protect her new synthetic narcotic "Slo-Mo" which slows down the perception of reality.

Why does this version work? Because the filmmakers are making a movie based on the comic, not on the profit projections of their star. Karl Urban is no stranger to comic/sci-fi/fantasy films. You may know him best as Éomer from The Lord of The Rings Trilogy or as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy from the new Star Trek films. He gives his all because he doesn't care about appearances. He devotes his skills to crafting the character that we all know and love from the comics. He remains truthful, given the outlandish circumstances of his environment. He is not concerned with vain notions about his image, he is concerned with bringing Dredd to life. He does it for the love of the character and not the paycheck.

The plot is sound with ample character development. It not only introduces you to the characters, but shows you how they grow in such a little amount of time. Even the ones with no apparent emotions.

When I saw this movie, I saw it in 3D. I highly recommend that you do the same. The special effects make ample use of this technology, and create a visual experience unlike any other I have seen in 3D so far.

A-

In Light of Recent Events...

Today I had planned to return to the film review world with my take on "The Dark Knight Rises". However given the recent tragedy that had occurred in Aurora, Colorado, I shall be postponing my review as a symbol of respect. (Rest assured, it will be posted tomorrow).

This has really hit home with me, considering that I also was in attendance at a Midnight showing of the film, and something like that could have happened anywhere....

I am not a politician, so I will not give you some Charlton Heston/Al Gore debate on Gun Control.

I am not a psychiatrist, so I will not try to make sense out of why James Holmes entered that theater and committed what is now being called the "largest peacetime shooting massacre in U.S. history".

I will just say that life is precious. It is a miracle of creation, if not the most profound phenomenon that occurs in nature. It can be taken from you in the blink of an eye. If this tragedy has done anything, it has opened my eyes to how delicate life can be. Don't take it for granted, but at the same time, don't seal yourself in a theoretical plastic bubble because things may be frightening at the time.

Don't be afraid. Live life to the fullest.

And I encourage all of my readers to help support the victims and family members of those lost in the massacre. Even if it is as simple as signing the petition for Christian Bale to visit those hospitalized whilst dressed in the Batman costume.

The Avengers Review, 7 Grades, and I'm Back

After a 2 month hiatus due to the SUNY Ulster Production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" (The most fun I have ever had), the end of the Spring Semester, and other things, I am back. In my brief hours of free time, I was able to see a few movies but did not have time to review them. I will give you a quick rating on them:

The Lorax: B-

John Carter: C+

21 Jump Street: A-

The Hunger Games: B+

Wrath of The Titans: C+

The Three Stooges: B

The Cabin in the Woods: A-

Now on to the big picture. Literally.

I have been a comic book fan since before I could talk, and a movie fan since I was a fetus. The times when the two meet together are things that I look forward to for years on end. Given the unique premise and development behind The Avengers, it goes without saying that I have been giddy with anticipation. The amount of hype for this film gave me expectations that one would believe completely out of reach. However, Joss Whedon is not only able to meet those expectations, but also hurdled 4 feet above them by crafting not only the greatest comic book movie ever made, but one of the greatest cinematic experiences I have ever had in my life.

The Avengers picks up where the Marvel Solo movies left off. Loki comes to Earth in order to seize the Tesseract and assert control over the planet. Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. assembles a team of superheroes to save the Earth from extraterrestrial subjagation.

The film answers questions from the previous films, and gives an equal amount of screentime to all the heroes, giving both character development and conflict between the super egos that are assembled for the first time as a group. One can imagine how the script would lean towards giving Robert Downey Jr. the film as his own to create "Iron Man and Friends", but luckily Whedon is smarter than that. While Downey does dominate the screen when he is present, his ego does not overplay anyone elses character. The emotion that results when Joss does exactly what he is known for, is a pivotal point that finally blends the characters together into a team. It feels like you are truly watching a comic book, while at the same time experiencing a film that corresponds to almost every genre you can think of. Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth share a certain level of comradery that makes you realize that Captain America and Thor should be working together much more often.

Back in 2003, Marvel asked specific permission of Samuel L. Jackson to use his likeness for a new version of Nick Fury in the comic books. He agreed. The fact that he plays the character is no accident, and thankfully a great gift. The anger, wit, and dominion that Samuel L. Jackson is known for, and is often criticized for doing so often, is present in this film as well. Yet, it works to his advantage in this case and asserts his control over the largest peacekeeping organization in the world.

There is not a single bad performance in this film. However, there is one person who stands above the rest. And that person.... is Mark Ruffalo. Like most people, I was angry when the news broke that Edward Norton would not be reprising his role as Bruce Banner. The lack of continuity between films is something that I usually hate. However, the anger quickly dispells once you see Ruffalo's performance. Mark brings a level of empathy and calmness that has not been brought to the character since the days of Bill Bixby. His quick tongue and emotional range is something that has been missing from the temper ridden/whining loner interpretations seen from Eric Bana and Norton. You feel a sense of intelligence and repressed anger that leaves you wondering if he is ever going to go green. The level of control that Banner has over his emotions is a drastic improvement that makes you realize that the Hulk is not just a emotionally displaced monster, he's just a normal human with a unique ability.

For the first time ever, the same actor who plays Bruce Banner also plays The Hulk. Thanks to the motion capture technology developed for the movie Avatar, Mark Ruffalo actually plays the Hulk (with Lou Ferrigno once again providing the voice of course). You can see his face in the performance, something that makes him so much more real. While the Hulk's actions are often played for humorous reasons, it is impossible not to laugh. When he is fully unleashed, the badassery of the character is apparent to the level that you find yourself leaning back in the chair when he roars.

The special effects are vibrant and at the same time, grounded in reality. The aliens in the film hold a visual quality that take a generic race of creatures and turn them into a terrifying spectacle of advanced technology and extraterrestrial individuality. The visual dynamics of the Helicarrier are breathtaking and beyond imagination. When it lifts out of the water for the first time, your jaw will drop and your mind will tell you "Wow. This is happening".

See this film. See it twice. See it twice on the same day, then go see it again. It is that good. It is a roller coaster ride that starts with the production logos and doesn't stop until the end credits are finished. *(HINT) STAY AFTER THE CREDITS, ALL THE WAY, NOT JUST THE MIDDLE. You will not be dissappointed in the slightest. 

A+ 

The Oscar Predictions Special Edition

Today, I have decided to write up my personal predictions for The Academy Awards and forego my review for Act of Valor. I will briefly sum that movie up to give you some closure. The film is ambitious and remarkable for what it is, but in a cinematic sense, fails to give the true pathos to make the ending worth it. Take it or leave it. C+.

Here we go. (But not every category, Just the main ones.)

Best Original Screenplay: Midnight in Paris Woody Allen's tale of a writer's adventure through time is inspiring and emotionally invested. More creative than any other nominee.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Hugo The adaptation of the book is a truly magical look into the art of film preservation and french orphans. Given that the top prize is all but reserved, this is Hugo's best shot.

Best Visual Effects: Rise of the Planet of the Apes Given the truly criminal snubbing of Andy Serkis as Caesar, the motion capture magic of this film is all but gauranteed to take home the prize.

Best Director: Michael Hazanavicius for The Artist Not since Chaplin has a director more masterfully put on a silent film.

Best Supporting Actor: It's really anyone's race but the experts are saying Christopher Plummer for Beginners

Best Supporting Actress: In a world where comedy ruled, Melissa McCarthy would be victorious, but in a year with Octavia Spencer from The Help nominated, this is a closed race.

Best Actor: There are 3 other well deserving nominees, and the fact that Gary Oldman got his long deserved nomination after so many years, but the most moving performance this year is from George Clooney for The Descendants.

Best Actress: Rooney Mara is the most deserving, and Viola Davis is the Cinderella story who may come from behind, but unfortunately this will most likely go to Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady. P'tooey. Seriously. Just take your award and retire.

And Now Best Picture:

This was the first year that I have seen every film prior to the big night. This is all but closed. The Artist is going to walk away with the award, and well deservedly so. The film is so magical and enlightening that it brings about the renaissannce of cinema in the mind of critics. It awakens the imaginative spirit in a way that no other nominee does. That is not to say the other films don't have an immense amount of cinematic pixie dust, but let's all be honest. How many of you can say that you watched The Tree of Life without getting a headache? The nominations themselves are all tokens of appreciation, and rightfully earned by all nominees. But there is no doubt that The Artist will rise to victory.

Now.....anyone care to gamble?

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Review

The story, the acting, the dialogue, the camera work. It's Just. So. Awful. (This review doesn't even deserve an introduction.)

Set years after the original, Johnny Blaze is hiding out in Europe. He is approached by a French man who tasks him with bringing out the Rider once more to save a young boy from the devil. At least I think that is the story, this film will make you dizzy.

It all seems so silly and ridiculous, you think that you're watching a 90 minute, live action, unfunny version of Family Guy. It even has cutaway gags. What action movie has cutaway gags? Not a good one!

Nicolas Cage is a great actor. Not joking. He is. He has proved this before. Yet, with a bad script, there is often bad acting accompanied. He acts so insane and out of control that by comparison, Charlie Sheen seems like a member of the British Parliament.
Cage delivers his dialogue in the improper tone, with poor inflection, and frankly just chews through the scenery. There is a scene in the middle in which he interrogates an associate of the boys kidnappers. It may just be one of the creepiest things I have seen to this date, and not for the reasons the filmmakers intend. You will honestly believe that Cage is losing his mind in front of a camera.

There are two redeeming factors to this film.

The first is Idris Elba. His role as Moreau is the sole pleasant performance in the entire film. He acts with strong confidence and wisdom. His devotion to God is inspiring and makes you search for a glimmer of hope in your own life. And to be honest, when Daniel Craig is finished with the role, I would love to see Idris play James Bond. Between him and Michael Fassbender.

The second redeeming factor is the special effects. They are well polished, and a complete improvement over the unfinished, lazy photoshop work of the first film

Don't see this movie in theaters. Wait for 3 years when it appears on TV. It's so bad that it's funny. Someday, it will find a group willing to appreciate it's numerous faults.

F

This Means War Review

There is a tragedy that occurs too often in the world. Something that happens to everyone, no matter what they do. I call it "When Bad Movies Happen to Good Actors".

The film is about two CIA agents who discover that they are dating the same woman. Then the title occurs. Thats it. Thats all you need to know.

When you watch this movie, you will think that you are physic. That's because the film is so cliched and predictable that it's just sad.  Director McG has no sort of control over the film, and has no idea how to direct something of this genre. There is sloppy editing, poor writing, and no sense of equilibrium as the film never finds its footing. And the ending.......just so unnecessary.

The themes in here are absolutely awful. Rather than plotting revenge against the polygamistic girl who is playing with both of their hearts, they enter a war of egos in trying to win hers. And when the truth comes out, she somehow decides to blame THEM. A true romantic film focuses on the tenderness of emotion rather than the competition for sexual reward. Is this film a foretelling of where America is headed? I surely hope not.

Chris Pine and Tom Hardy are both excellent actors, and it is clear that they aren't just working for a paycheck. They truly put their all into this film, but unfortunately it isn't enough as they are given nothing to work with. But good effort boys, good effort.

Reese Witherspoon....Well my grandmother always said that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

The redeeming factor here is Til Schweiger (You may remember him as Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz from Inglourious Basterds.) The fact that he keeps his cool and doesn't resort to lame jokes or slapstick in an otherwise garbage movie makes him "Andrew's Standout."

Save your money. This movie is just not worth it. If I hadn't won the tickets on the radio, I would not have seen it.

D

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3-D Review

On May 19, 1999, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace opened in theaters. I was 6 years old at the time. I was scheduled to go that night to see it with my mom and my brother Kevin. However, that afternoon, I got in trouble for biting my brother at my grandma's house, and as punishment, I had to stay home with my father while they went.  I never saw it....until Monday night.

The big question: Was it worth waiting 13 years? Yes. Because I was able to judge it with the perspective of an adult rather than a 6 year old.

The film revolves around jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they travel to Naboo in order to protect Queen Amidala from the Galatic Trade Federation who plans to force her to sign a treaty.

The story is no where near the level of the original trilogy, yet that does not make this a bad movie.  It is cluttered with multiple plot points at times, and the characters may not be as appealing as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, but it is a fun ride nonetheless.

This film belongs to Liam Neeson.  His portrayal of Qui-Gonn steals the show the same way that Harrison Ford stole it as Han Solo in the original. His wisdom and calm attitude under pressure makes him the clear star of the movie. Having seen so many Neeson films before this, made this that much more interesting.

Now we come to the part I have been dreading. Jar Jar Binks. To be totally clear, I hated him. He is nothing more than a vain attempt to pander the younger generation that will accompany the fans of the original trilogy. But he is not the result of bad acting, he is the result of bad writing. Ahmed Best, the actor, did everything he could with such horrible character writing. I don't blame him in the least. I would not say get rid of him completely, I would reduce his screentime in favor of Darth Maul who has so much more potential. The fact that Ray Park (who is my choice for "Andrew's Standout") did not have more time to flesh out such a clear fan-favorite is nothing short of criminal.

The same would go for Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu, but fortunately we have not seen the last of him.

I would save your money, the 3-D does not add too much extra. (Though some sequences are incredible). But see this movie sometime in your life. It's not a bad movie, just not a very good Star Wars movie.

B-

The Artist Review

Before you read my review, please do yourself a favor. Click play on the video above, and watch a small sample of the pure magic this movie has to offer. Go ahead. I can wait.

Have you watched it? Good!

The Artist. There is not much I can say. Except that this is, by far, and without a single doubt in my mind, the greatest movie I have seen in quite some time. It reminds me of the very reasons that I started reviewing movies to begin with. For every Adam Sandler crossdressing movie that has absolutely no overarching plot, and uses celebrities and fart jokes to pander to America's ever-lowering bar of accepted quality, there are movies like The Artist that remind you that there are still directors like Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and in this case, Michel Hazanavicius making movies with substance and pure magic.

I have seen this movie twice. When I asked friends to join me, they refused on the grounds that it was a silent and black and white movie. While they consider it a turn off, I consider it it's greatest strength. The film is a callback to a time of innocence when films were about story, acting, and getting away from the world if only for a while. The Artist proves that you don't need huge stars, million dollar computer effects, or even color to have a good movie, you just need ambition.

The film is about a silent movie actor named George Valentin who goes into depression and failure after he refuses to participate in talking pictures. But with the help of an old co-star, he may just make a comeback.

There is always a difficulty in silent movie acting. You need to talk with your body. You rely on body language and dialogue cards to tell a story. Luckily, there is no issue here. Jean Dujardin may not be a household name to you, but in France he is the equivalent of Brad Pitt. He reels you in with his charm and his wit, even when he barely talks.

Berenice Bejo is the classic 1920s flapper, with her amazing good looks and carefree attitude. But she is much more than eye-candy, she is a catalyst that gets things moving, even without words.

The film is very self referential about the fact that it is a silent movie. Characters make numerous references to the fact that George does not want to talk, even when they aren't referring to his movies. The begininng of the film is a film starring George being tortured for information, and the first title card says "I refuse to speak".

SEE this movie. SEE this movie twice. That's all I can tell you. If this film does not win Best Picture, I will be writing a very strongly worded letter to the Academy.

A+

The Descendants Review

In 1997, a George Clooney movie opened in theaters by the name of  Batman & Robin. It was absolutely awful. Nothing about the movie was good. For the past 15 years, whenever he is asked about it, Clooney apologizes for starring in it. He will even offer you a refund for your ticket. Now, he has finally made it up to the world by starring in The Descendants.

Clooney plays a Hawaiian lawyer by the name of Matt King, who is currently tasked with deciding the fate of his family's vast amount of land in Kaui that has been passed down for generations. Soon, Matt's entire world is turned upside down when his wife is involved in a boating accident from which she will not recover. What more, he is informed by his estranged daughter that his wife was also carrying on an affair. Matt sets out to find the man responsible, and along the way, reconnects with his daughters.

The story may seem complex by my brief description, but I assure you it is not hard to follow. Clooney's narration throughout the film keeps you up to speed. It is one of those movies where all the plot elements connect at a point and make the film even more rewarding.

Clooney gives the best performance of his career. When he feels pain, you feel the pain too. You can see it not only in his words, but in his eyes when he is devastated. A true actor has the ability to delve into a role and fully become the character. With Clooney, you see no less than a true actor. His level of believeability is on a level that is so hard to comprehend, you will lose yourself in it. You will instantly remember everything that makes you see Clooney as the superstar he is today. I predict he is a lock for Best Actor.

Shailene Woodley plays Clooney's estranged daughter, who informs him of the infidelity. Woodley is not a teenage girl, but as an actress she plays the TYPICAL teenage girl. By her language, her emotions, her disrespect for authority, you will instantly recognize her as at least one person in your life. The fact that this occurs is the reason why Woodley will hopefully delve into better roles than The Secret Life of The American Teenager, she can clearly achieve it.

I say see it. Don't waste your money on Chronicle or The Woman in Black, see a MOVIE this weekend. The acting alone is worth it.

A-



The Grey Review

I had heard great things about The Grey before heading into the theater, but every time someone I knew talked about it, they would say "You'll see." Until now, I wondered what it was. But i'll get to that in a minute.

The film revolves around a team of oil workers who survive a plane crash in the middle of Alaska. They are led by Liam Neeson's character who has an expertise in wolves. They band together to survive and make their way to safety, fighting the wolves that stalk the group along the way.

You may call it a re-hash of other Neeson films, but this is pure R-rated, fighting, cursing, and overall badassery. The characters aren't your usual one dimensional stock cronies like in the movie Predator. They all have their stories, their families back home, they have real conversations. They are well crafted, and conflicted. And its pure adventurism.

Here's the issue with the film, it has no ending. I'm not talking about the ending of Inception, where there is a conflict that is resolved, but the final shot is ambigous. In The Grey, there is exposition, rising conflict, but just as the climax is about to commence, the screen fades to black and you see "Directed by Joe Carnahan". There is a scene after the credits, but like Inception, you need to use your imagination about what you think happened. I won't give you details, that goes against my principles, but this is just a fair warning about what you should expect.

Until that point, the film is perfect.

Liam Neeson gives a heartwarming perfromance of a man who has nothing to look forward to back home, but makes the journey anyway. His wisdom shines through with every line. His inner badass is in every scene. He isn't fighting something in every moment, but with this film, he shows us that he is truly capable of drama rather than just constantly beating the crap of everything in sight. That is why he is this film's "Andrew's Standout"

I would say that whether or not you see this film is up to you. The film makes a great escape, yet you will feel quite unfulfilled. If you do end up seeing this movie, STAY after the credits. You can come up with your own ending.

B+

Die Hard Retro Review

There is no denying the effect something has when it enters popular culture. It appears on T-shirts, graffiti, people use catchphrases in everyday conversation, and sometimes it ends up in the Smithsonian. That's why my first retro review is on what (in my personal opinion) is one of the greatest action movies of all time: Die Hard.

The story is basic. New York City Cop John McClane flies to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with his estranged wife, Holly. While waiting for her at her office party, a gang of terrorists takes over the building and takes all the guests hostage. McClane manages to evade, and what results is a no holds barred war between one man, and very dangerous men.

Sure, it's not the most mentally engaging film ever made, but it's a ride unlike any other. It's a modern western standoff, the good guy in the tanktop and the bad guy in the John Phillips suit. No matter how cliche the story may seem, you can't admit that there is a moment when you're not cheering on our battered and bruised modern day hero who aspires to be like Roy Rogers. To put it frankly, "Yippie Kai Yay, Mother Fucker."

This isn't Bruce Willis' first film. But unless you truly acknowledge his two romantic comedy bombs that came before, THIS is his star maker. This is what took him from "friend of a producer" to a man who's noteriety for action movies puts him in direct contention amongst the names such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The fact that he has a relaxed "I don't care" demeanor, during a time when most men would lose their heads make him cool. His sarcastic wit and humorous delivery at the appropriate moments make him a more developed hero than the larger action stars who need only carry a large gun. There is nay a man alive who has seen Die Hard and NOT fantasized about being John McClane. That is the power of Bruce Willis.

While many of our generation will remember Alan Rickman for his portrayal of the "switching sides like a tennis ball" Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, I will always remember Rickman as the villainous Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Not only do you know for a fact that he is the villain, he does a hell of a job to make sure you know it. He is the classic foreign terrorist in the almost every action movie. His threats, his willingness to kill to get what he wants, his pure business approach to everything. Just the guy that you want to see go down in the end. And the fact you truly feel like this man is pure scum is the assurance that Alan Rickman is doing his job right. Not to mention the believeability you recieve when Jeremy Irons plays his brother Simon Gruber in Die Hard with a Vengeance, but thats a review for another day.

There should never be a moment when Die Hard is on and you're not watching it. And if you've never seen it, you're just hurting yourself.

A+

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Review

There have only been 4 movies that have ever made me cry: Captain America: The First Avenger, Tron: Legacy, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and now Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.

The film deals with incredibly sensitive subject matter, and that is no simple task for anyone to do without offending somebody. Be it an author, a musician, or a director. Luckily, Stephen Daldry gives us his best. We see the film with the innocence of a child. We hear 9/11 being referred to as "the worst day", we see Oskar ask why they bury a coffin despite not having his father's remains, and more importantly, we see him try to cope with something that so many had to deal with that day, something which no one (especially someone so young) should have to do.

I did not read the book, so I have no idea how faithful the movie is. But the story is pure magic. A year after the tragic events, Oskar enters his fathers closet and finds a key in an envelope that says "Black". He sets out to find out what this unlocks, but along the way he finds that everyone has stories to tell.

Thomas Horn plays the 9 year old Oskar, and also serves as the narrator. He was not an actor. When I say that, I mean that THIS IS his acting debut. Other than one episode of Jeopardy in 2010, he has never been in front of a camera. What I can say is that if his films that follow contain such moving, heartfelt performances, Mr. Horn will have quite the promising career.

Tom Hanks plays the father who unfortunately passes away during "the worst day". To this day, I have never seen a bad performance from Tom Hanks. He retains the charm and wisdom that have made him the star he is today, and in doing so, adds a sense of fatherly that remains when his character is but a memory in Oskar's mind.

Sandra Bullock particularly stood out because she reminded so much of my own mother. She deals with the loss of her husband and the struggles of caring after her son who grows distant with each passing day. The tears on her face are real, and her emotions are touching. Just when you think you won't be seeing her onscreen again, she comes back with more that just makes you want to get out of the theater, call your own mother, and tell her "I love you mom."

Now we come to "Andrew's Standout", and for Extremely Loud &Incredibly Close, that would be Max von Sydow. He plays a character known only as "The Renter". He rents an apartment from Oskar's grandmother. But what you need to know is that he doesn't talk. He isn't mute, he chooses not to talk. He writes his dialogue on his paper and hands it to you. The fact that you can't say how you feel makes it more important to act with your body. Max goes to and beyond physical acting, to the point where you can truly read his face and feel his pain. Not since Chaplin have I seen an actor go to that length and create such a loud silent character. (That's an oxymoron. see the movie to know why that's relevant.)

See this movie. Not just because it's a Best Picture nominee, but because it reminds us all that we have something to look for.

A

Haywire Review

Hi everyone! This is the first review. And luckily, this is a positive review. Sure, the story isn't a new one. A secret agent is betrayed, and has to figure out why and get revenge, blah blah blah. But the way that director Steven Soderbergh executes in his own style is what keeps you from falling asleep. The fight sequences are silent. No background music. Better? No. But once you realise that there is nothing playing in the background, it strikes you as odd, it catches your attention. That is the goal every director since the days of Georges Méliès. The twists and turns along the way are like riding a roller coaster while wearing an eyepatch. Its a little uneasy, and hard to understand, but it's still fantastic fun.

Gina Carano is a charming young woman who not only showcases that athletes CAN in fact act (i'm talking to you Shaquille O'Neal), but uses her unique martial arts abilities to add another layer of believeability to the role.

Michael Fassbender is only present briefly in the film, but despite this, he shines as bright as ever. His calm, poised, James Bond-esque demeanor truly fits in this film more than anywhere else.

Michael Douglas is the one to beat performance wise. His age, and wisdom fit in with the stereotypical office recluse, but the fact that you never truly know where his allegiance lies makes him more than just a stock character. He is my pick for "Andrew's Standout."

I say see it. It may not be the most memorable movie, but it's a great escape from reality.

A-

Welcome

Hello everyone. This is the Andrew Woltman FIlm Blog. Instead of people messaging me for film reviews or movie advice, I decided to create this website. Everytime I see a movie I will write a review on here, or if I  just want to give you some tips or suggestions for a movie night at home, this is the place.

If you ever have any questions about movies or anything, just reach out. I never say no.