"Don Jon" Review

There are only a handful of people who can act in, write, and direct a movie and pull it off successfully. Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin, Ben Affleck, and Ben Stiller are prime examples of people who do it quite well time and time again. Eddie Murphy, Ed Wood, and Tom Green are examples of people who should not be at the helm of a film. This time Joseph Gordon-Levitt fits into the former category.

Don Jon is the story of the titular ladies man/bartender who is renowned for his ability to bed "8 out of 10s" every week without failure. He also has a rather obsessive addiction to pornography. When he meets Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson) he feels a love that he has never experienced before, but is soon forced to choose between his girl and his porn.

To anyone who glances at the storyline, i'm sure it sounds smutty and would scare off uneasy moviegoers. Yet the film is not simply a romantic comedy inter-spliced with subliminal pictures of women's breasts. Rather it's an exploration of a man's addiction and how it relates to the rest of his life. It explores the effects it can have on others in his life, and it is refreshing to see a film tackle a form of abuse aside from drugs. To be sure, there is some rather racy content, and viewer discretion is advised, but I believe that could be it's greatest strength. It is willing to go in a direction many films are afraid to. It is not afraid to be descriptive of its sexual content, but not for a sense of just trying to arouse the viewer, rather it does so to put you in Jon's head, help you to relate to him, and overall realize the extent of his obsession.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt loses himself in this role. It is rather difficult to focus on your performance when you're also in charge of everyone else on set, but he is able to masterfully pull triple duty on this film. He creates a memorable character whose voice may remind you of Mark Wahlberg, yet possesses his own sense of discovery. He experiences character growth that feels fluid and natural, and never rushed, and is overall successful for this film.

Scarlett Johansson also turns in a first rate performance. She explores a different side to her talent and unlike anything we've seen before from her. She rings true to the normal romanticizing woman we've all seen before whether in a movie or in real life. It feels genuine.

However, Andrew's Standout for this movie is the always terrific Brie Larson. She spends 95% of the film on her cell phone texting, and chewing gum, and only has 2 lines of dialogue. 3 tops. However, she has a presence that doesn't even require talking. She also feels genuine to the character she plays. When I saw her name in the opening credits, I knew she had to be important.

Given the sensitive subject matter, I say see this movie at your own discretion. Its a fantastic film with fine performances and terrific direction. Yet to the wrong person, it may make you uncomfortable.

A

"Prisoners" Review

I want to be clear from the beginning. I do not hate Hugh Jackman. Quite the opposite. He is one of my favorite actors and one of the most talented people in the business today. Yet, when he is cast in ensembles, he tends to dominate and absorb the screen time. Studios tend to milk him for his drawing power, and the end result is criminal overshadowing of the other actors in a film. The X-Men film series is a pure example. A masterful film series (The Last Stand not withstanding), yet the studio's decision to over market Jackman's Wolverine robbed us the brilliance of James Marsden as Cyclops.

Fortunately, Prisoners does not make this mistake. To be sure, Jackman is a large presence and receives top billing, but he never feels like the center of attention.

Prisoners tells the story of two families whose daughters are abducted on Thanksgiving. The narrative follows the lead investigator's (Jake Gyllenhaal) attempts to solve the increasingly complex mystery, however this is not enough for Jackman's character who proceeds to kidnap the prime suspect and torture him.

The trailers do not do the film justice, as it is painted as your run of the mill torture porn for a pre-halloween scare. It could not be further from this. It is a masterfully crafted piece that tiptoes along the lines of horror and drama. The tale starts off as your happy family cliche from every horror movie. Yet once Gyllenhaal enters, it becomes much more than that. It becomes a psychological and a legal thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is complex, original, and it skews the traditional thriller tropes by giving the characters their own quirks and flaws despite being the "victims."

Hugh Jackman is brilliant of course. His pain and suffering are apparent, yet you can see that the character is so much more than that below the surface, and has his hidden demons.

Jake Gyllenhaal is also magnificent. He embodies the traditional detective, yet does not fall victim to the common horror-cop who does not believe the story. He is flawed and determined. He has a presence that can go toe-to-toe with Jackman. When Hugh tries to dominate, Jake serves it right back.

Yet for this movie, Andrew's Standout is our local thespian, Melissa Leo. Her screen time is brief, but pivotal and full of energy. In the beginning, she seems like any other character. Innocent, hoping the girls show up again. Yet, there is much more to her than that.

My only complaint with the film is that it is rather lengthy unnecessarily. There are some scenes where you connect the dots 2 minutes before thee characters, and it just feels drawn out.

All in all, see this movie. It's a thrilling mystery full of powerful performances and a well crafted script.

A-

"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-