Friday, May 27, 2011

The Bang Bang Club

The Bang Bang Club presents me with a dilemma. Which I think might very well be the intention of the film, but nonetheless I feel conflicted about the movie I saw.
The film follows four combat photojournalists in South Africa near the end of apartheid, and the danger they faced to get their photos. Now seeing as I was only in elementary school at the time, I have to admit, I'm not really 'up' on apartheid. Sure, I know general information about it, the ANC and Nelson Mandela, but I'm sad to admit that I was in the dark about the fierce civil clashes that were occurring in the country as it tried to become a more equal state, although, considering it's often referred to as the 'Hidden War' I suppose I'm probably not the only one.
The four men that made up the Bang Bang Club were Kevin Carter [Taylor Kitsch], Greg Marinovich [Ryan Phillipe], Ken Oosterbroek [Frank Rautenbach] and Joao Silva [Neels Van Jaarsveld]. These four men would literally throw themselves in the middle of the violence to get their pictures, risking life and limb to get images of the conflict so they could show the world what was really happening in South Africa. 
The story focuses mostly on Greg Marinovich, his joining the group and his rise to fame through his Pulitzer award winning photograph of ANC supporters brutally murdering a man they suspected to be a spy. Ryan Phillipe does a pretty good job as Marinovich, even if his South African accent could have used a little work, just a little. 
It also focuses to a somewhat lesser extent Kevin Carter. Despite his passion for the work, his troubles with drugs caused a lot of personal problems that eventually led to a downward spiral culminating in his suicide after winning the Pulitzer Prize for a photo he took of a starving Sudanese girl being stalked by a vulture. 
These two snapshots of the characters bring me back to my dilemma. I find the story interesting, but the characters aren't terribly likable. The photos they take are breathtaking and horrifying, and brought a face to an awful period in their country's history. However, they   remain apart, as media, but also as whites living in a segregated society. The real question of the movie, for me at least, becomes the role of media in a combat situation like this. Do you take action to save a life? Or do you stand apart to document it? When Marinovich tries to step in a stop ANC men from murdering the man they think to be a spy, they take swipes at his back with a knife. Carter takes a heartbreakingly perfect picture of the strife happening in Africa, but when questioned about the fate of the little girl, we're somewhat horrified to discover he has no idea what happened to her. He got his picture and moved on. In a time such as ours, so filled with conflict, and in an age where we can't get our news fast enough, this film is relevant for the questions it brings up about the place and role of media in conflict. 
Now that I think about it, this movie would probably best be seen with another person, because it sparks this kind of discussion. Instead I saw it alone and ended up ruminating over it on my own. The film definitely isn't for everyone, it's well shot, and tells its story well, but it depicts an extremely turbulent time complete with the violence and bloodshed that was occurring at the time. 
Whew! I have to say, I'm really looking forward to my lighter fare for next time, when I [along with most of the movie watching world, I would guess] will be seeing The Hangover 2.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Bridesmaids

Say what you will about SNL these days; particularly how the only consistent funny sketches are now Update and the SNL Digital Short [yeah, I went there.] but some pretty funny folks have come from that show. Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph are two such people, and they absolutely shine in the hilarious and surprisingly heart-warming 'Bridesmaids.'
I'm going to be honest, all I knew about this movie going into it is that I was going to laugh, what I wasn't quite prepared for was how much and how hard. The story centers around Annie [Wiig], who's already not-so-great life quickly down spirals after being chosen to be the maid of honour for her best friend, Lillian [Rudolph]. While trying to pick of the pieces of her own life she tries to plan the perfect fitting, bachelorette and shower for her long time friend, while constantly being outdone by the oh-so-glamourous Helen [Rose Byrne]. Needless to say things go from terrible to ridiculously awful in hilarious fashion. 
The easy banter between Wiig and Rudolph is both funny and natural, but even better is the one-upsmanship between Wiig and Byrne. I knew that Kristen Wiig, with her sketch comedy background, could pull this off, what I wasn't quite prepared for was Australian Rose Byrne to be quite so funny. She's never really done comedy, the film she did before this was 'Insidious', not really a comedy goldmine...Nonetheless, she held her own with the SNL alums. What she, nor the rest of the cast, could do was not have their scene stolen by Melissa McCarthy. McCarthy plays Megan, the sister of the groom, who is fully confident of her awesomeness, even if everyone else isn't quite so sure. She's just uproariously hilarious every time she opens her mouth, and in some instances just when she appears on screen. 
I have to say, as a single lady in my late 20s, this movie struck a chord. Like Annie, a lot of my friends are starting to get married, and while I'm super happy for them, it sure does start to remind you of all the ways your life just isn't quite working out the way you thought it would. However, Annie has one up on me. She gets to be Jon Hamm's booty call. Sure, he's a jackass in the flick, but people, this is Don Draper, would you kick him out of bed? No, I didn't think so...although he does kick Annie out of his; he really is awful in this movie. But that's okay, 'cause Annie gets to be wooed by the adorable State Police officer Rhodes. Chris O'Dowd, from 'The I.T. Crowd' [a show I would highly recommend] certainly makes an impression as the Irish cop [I'm not sure, they never really explain how that one happened] who steals Annie's heart. He's best known for his roles in England, but after this I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot more of Chris O'Dowd on this side of the pond and I'm a-okay with that!
I was lucky enough to see my matinee of 'Bridesmaids' with my good friend Nicole [that's right readers, the same Nicole who came with me to '127 Hours']. We just laughed and laughed and laughed. So I would highly recommend grabbing a good friend and going to see 'Bridesmaids'. Unless you don't like to laugh, who doesn't like to laugh?!? NO ONE, that's who. Seriously, people, go see 'Bridesmaids.'

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Thor

Oh Marvel! You've done it again! I know this probably won't come as a surprise to most you, dear readers, but on top of being an ardent movie fan, I'm also a comic fangirl, so Mighty Marvel Matinee Monday was a pretty exciting one for me. That being said I have to admit I was starting to have my qualms about movies being made out Marvel comics. Sure, the recent franchises got off to pretty good starts, 'X-Men', 'Spider-Man', but then the sequels came along...and 'Fantastic Four.' However, those were all co-productions with Marvel Films and other studios. When Marvel Films switched over to Marvel Studios and brought us 'Iron Man' I was ecstatic, think about how awesome that movie was. Pretty awesome, right? I thought we'd put the not so great Marvel movies behind us, and then came 'Wolverine'. I try not to think about it too much, it still hurts my insides with what they did to my favourite character in the Marvel Universe. Then I had to remind myself that this was another co-production. I don't know what it is, but when they have to work with others the movies just aren't as awesome. When Marvel announced 'Thor' along with all the other movies leading up to the 'Avengers' I sincerely hoped it would be more 'Iron Man' than 'Wolverine', and thank the Gods of Asgard it was!
The movie itself is a lot like its' hero namesake, big, brash, heroic and a little bit silly. I think the real coup for the brass at Marvel HQ was getting Kenneth Branagh to direct this movie. Getting a director who is well versed in the ways of the Bard is perfect for a story that has the types of elements that Shakespeare was so fond of; honour, exile, revenge, mixed with a touch of magic. They did a similar thing with 'Iron Man', having Jon Favreau direct. Both men are great directors because not only can they tell a story, they can tell a story that's driven by characters, not the action around those characters. And that's what these movies are all about, introducing us to our comic book heroes.
Speaking of heroes, how about that Chris Hemsworth? When we last saw him on the big screen he was sacrificing himself aboard the USS Kelvin so James Tiberius Kirk could grow up to captain the Enterprise. At the time I thought he would be a good Captain America, but after seeing this movie, I have to say, he makes a damn fine Thor. He's able to play the arrogant God very well, someone so sure of his power and place in life. Up in Asgard his arrogance helps make him into a great warrior, but it's also his downfall Once exiled to Earth that same character flaw makes him hilarious, nothing like seeing someone who thinks they're all powerful get taken out by a Dr with a needle. Hemsworth somehow manages to make Thor both a warrior and goofball, and also pulls off a transition from prideful fool to hero somewhere in there. There are many little intentionally funny moments when Thor first arrives on Earth and he pulls them off beautifully. To be quite honest, he kind of looks like he's having the time of his life, I can imagine it's not everyday you get to fight Frost Giants with an all-powerful hammer, and then ask a curly haired pet store owner for a lizard large enough to ride. Also, I would like to put in a special thank you to his trainer, wow. That's some impressive work my friend, keep it up, and thank you, seriously. Thank. You.
Ahem, moving right along...the rest of the cast was also very good, except for one misstep I'll talk about in a minute. Tom Hiddleston is just fantastic as Loki, the trickster and traitor. Loki's calm demeanor is the polar opposite of Thor's. Where Chris Hemsworth brings us a loud, headstrong warrior in Thor, Hiddleston is quiet, calm and calculating as Loki. After sticking around after the credits I have to say I'm pretty sure we'll get to see Loki again and I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Then we have our supporting characters:
Kat Dennings may be type cast as the quirky sarcastic Darcy, and that would be a shame if she wasn't so damn good at it. Her little moments throughout the movie are some of the best and definitely some of the funniest.
I've always been a Stellan Skarsgard fan, even if his movie choices are sometimes a little odd. ['Mamma Mia'? with that "singing" voice? Really?] However, he pulls off the vaguely paternal and mostly skeptical, Erik Selvig very nicely.
I also really enjoyed Idris Elba as the enigmatic gatekeeper of Asgard, Heimdall. He may not have a lot of screen time, but whenever he was there he commanded every moment of it.
I love Anthony Hopkins, who doesn't? And I really am glad that he's getting some work in this ever evolving industry. But I hope I'm not the only one that felt he maybe phoned in his performance of Odin justalittlebit...
Now for the one casting misstep of the movie: Natalie Portman. I'm a huge fan of hers and there's no doubting her acting prowess. That 'Black Swan' performance and the Oscar that accompanied it are proof of that, and she has previous experience bringing a comic book character to life as Evie in 'V for Vendetta', but she just felt wrong to me as scientist and love interest, Jane Foster. I couldn't quite put my finger on the problem until the second time I saw the movie, she isn't nerdy enough. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I really think that was the issue. She does a fine job acting the part, but I really don't think she was the right choice for the role. I would have liked maybe to see an unknown in the role, or maybe even promoting Kat Dennings from sarcastic sidekick to leading lady.
One last thing before I wrap up. I absolutely LOVE the way Marvel is building up to 'The Avengers'. With Agent Coulson, not-quite-so-mild-mannered S.H.I.E.L.D. agent reappearing and taking a little bit larger role, we see a bit more of what the mysterious organization's all about. There were also references to both Tony Stark [Iron Man] and Bruce Banner [Hulk]. However, my absolute favourite thing, the thing that caused me to have a tiny fangirl freakout in the theatre, was the introduction of Clint Barton. 'Iron Man' might have had Black Widow, but 'Thor' got Hawkeye, and Hawkeye is awesome. 'The Avengers' is just looking better and better.
Welllll, that was certainly a long one, but let's just pretend I'm making up for some short posts in the past couple of weeks, okay? Not rambling on like an crazed fangirl...Until next time, as Stan Lee says, 'Excelsior!'

Friday, May 13, 2011

Late post!

Hello, dear readers!
I have to apologise for the extreme lateness of my 'Thor' review. I was already to get it out aaaand then Blogger went down for maintenance....Needless to say, no review posted yet. I'll have it our by the end of the night! Promise!
Update 11:24pm....so, I'm officially breaking my promise. My second viewing of 'Thor' tonight and the series finale of 'Smallville' interrupted my plans to write a most excellent review. So, new promise. Tomorrow. 100% tomorrow, or you can hunt me down with pitchforks and torches...but I'll definitely get it done tomorrow, so no hunting will be required.

I hope.

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Welcome new readers!

Taking a brief reprieve from reviews [since I'm going to 'Thor' tomorrow!] I thought I'd do a post to address all you folks you seem to have started reading. Hi! Nice to see you here, thanks for dropping by and seeing what I have to say!
I've noticed a big jump in readership in the last little while, which I find both amazing and alarming. Amazing; because I have no idea who all of you are, [but am still super happy that you're here] and alarming because sometimes I don't think I'm doing the movies justice, and I have a tendency to ramble on about things that matter only to me. Although those things must matter to a few of you as well...like how 3D is the worst and I wish it would just go away already.
Another little thing I wanted to address is the tendency for my reviews to be generally favourable. There's a good reason for this, and it's not that I like every movie, far from it. But since I have no financial backing for this little project other than my regular job, I really only go to see movies that I think I will like. I mean, think about it, would you really shell out $13 to sit through something you already knew you weren't going to like? If the answer is anything other than no, you're some kind of crazy masochist. Sure, sometimes movies disappoint me, but those trailer making people can be very tricky.
With all that being said there are A LOT of movies coming out this summer that I'm really looking forward to seeing, and I'm sure all of you are as well. So hopefully you folks will be stopping by ye olde blog to see if a movie is worth your time or not, and if you have similar tastes to me I will be sure to let you know! And I know not everyone has the same taste as me, but isn't that what makes life exciting!? So, if you disagree [or agree!] feel free to throw a comment down in the comments section, let's get our conversation on!
Upcoming posts this week will be my late [as per usual] April trailer wrap-up and my review for 'Thor' which I will be seeing for my matinee tomorrow, who knows, maybe I'll see you there!! Until next time, Happy Mother's Day!

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Water for Elephants

Monday I went to see 'Water for Elephants' and I have to admit, I wasn't so sure about seeing this movie. First of all I've read the book of the same name that it's based on, and it's fantastic. And while I'm a believer that book adaptations don't have to be 100% faithful as long as they keep the spirit intact[see: 'Harry Potter' and 'Lord of the Rings'] I was concerned that it was going to turn into a 'look we got Robert Pattinson in our movie, let's forget the plot' kind of thing. Luckily, that wasn't the case. Also, my usually reliable sources, Rotten Tomatoes and EW, gave it so-so reviews, but after seeing those same sources give my new nemesis 'Fast Five' generally favourable reviews, I figured I was going to stop trusting those clowns and see it for myself.
To be quite honest I'm pretty happy that I did see it, if only to get proof that Robert Pattinson can actually smile and not look like wood, especially when delivering dialogue that isn't aimed at 12 year old girls. And he had some stiff competition in this movie, his co-stars are two Oscar winners and an elephant!
'Water for Elephants' is the story of Jacob Jankowski [Pattinson] a promising young veterinary student who quite literally runs away to join the circus when his parents both die suddenly and leave him broke. But the circus isn't all fun and games, especially in the 1930s. It's a lot of hierarchy and back breaking hard-work, especially when the ring-leader of said circus is a bi-polar masochist, that would be Christoph Waltz. And while his veterinary skill and willingness to work win August's [Waltz] affections, Jacob's friendship and growing crush on his wife, Marlena [Reese Witherspoon], welllll, don't.
As I mentioned before, the acting in the film was very good, and while I didn't 100% buy the chemistry between Pattinson and Witherspoon, it was close; although his chemistry with Rosie the elephant was totally there. [She must be team Edward, sorry, I couldn't help myself] Pattinson's American accent is MUCH better that in those other movies, and it seemed as if he relished a role where he didn't have to act like an over-protective, sparkly stalker. He's much more natural, and I have to admit I feel pretty bad that he has to follow all this progress with two more 'Twilight' movies. Waltz was in fine form yet again as the slightly off-kilter antagonist, and I'm starting to think he may be pigeon-holed. And don't get me wrong, it's a frighteningly perfect hole, it makes me start to wonder if he can play any other character...anyone else? No, just me, alright then. Witherspoon was lovely as ever, and had the right mix of love and desperation as a woman who both loves and fears her husband.
I will admit that the pace of this movie was a bit slow. However, it may just seem that way because we're so accustomed to the ridiculous pace of everything in our lives nowadays, with instant news and micro-blogging. This movie was set in a slower era and adjusted its pace to its subject.
Overall I will admit that this movie isn't for everyone, with the pace and the casting, it certainly wouldn't appeal to everyone. For example, the crowd of about 15 people I saw it with were all women except for the two boyfriends, who I assume were dragged to it against their wills and the one creepy single guy that was sitting in front of me. However, it was very well done and a fairly true adaptation of the book. If you're one of those people who can't stand Robert Pattinson [for whatever reason, no judgement here] then I would still highly recommend the book, actually I would recommend the book either way.
One last thing, can you feel it? The warming temperatures, the desire to sit in an air conditioned theatre for two hours just to get out of the heat[well, not quite yet], the need to be entertained!?! That's right!! The Summer Movie Season is finally upon us! I already know what I'll be seeing for the next 4 weeks, how about you? Starting with an extra 'M' being added to Monday's review for 'Marvel Matinee Monday' with 'Thor'! The first of three I'm excited to do this summer!