The Arrival (2016)

We have us a contender.  I’m not sure if this will take the spot for the best film of the year (Moonlight) but it’s really close.  This is a new landmark in science fiction film making.  Director Denis Villeneuve just crafted one darkly beautiful and emotionally exquisite drama.  Amy Adams, giving us another powerful performance, plays a linguist brought on board to communicate with an alien species that has arrived to Earth.  Why are they there?  Are they invading or are they here for some other reason?   Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker costar and give equally solid performances.   What I especially loved about this film was the creature design and their circle-pictograph language.  I hope this film gets a lot of love come Oscar time.  Grade: A

Westworld (Season 1)

A re-imagining of the 1973 film by Michael Crichton, this HBO series pulls you in with a great concept and many exciting characters, some of them are human and some of them are not.  What if you could go to the old West and pretend to be an outlaw, gun down innocent bystanders, rob a bank, sleep with a prostitute in an old time saloon and then go home without any retribution?  That’s what this vacation spot provides, an escape if you will (if you can afford it) to go back in time and live a different life.   Yes, they might be robots, but what if they’re alive?  Does pretending to be a villain actually damage your moral being?   And what if you’re the robot?  Are you doomed to follow a program?   Can a robot have free will?   There is a lot to celebrate about this new series.  Creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joey gather a fantastic team.  Anthony Hopkins plays the master mind and “God” like designer of the park and its robots.  Jeffrey Wright is his assistant.  Evan Rachel Wood is a robot heroine programmed to be a victim.  James Marsden is her lover designed to fail.  Thandie Newton runs the brothel, who has memories of another past.    And then there’s Ed Harris in a role that lets him eat up the screen with villainy as the man in black on a mission to uncover the “real” game in the park.  The art design is excellent and the way they build these organic robots is about as cool as it gets.  Sign me up for Season 2, I can’t wait to see where else they plan to go.  Grade: A

Spoilers:  Damn it!  A friend spoiled the twist for me so I’ll never know if I would have figured it out or if I would have been blown away by the last episode.  I hate spoilers!   I have to say that I think the structure of the entire show was great and the reveal that Ed Harris and Jimmi Simpson are the same character is fantastic.  Robots don’t age people!  Duh.  I want to believe I would have figured it out but alas I’ll never know. Can they come up with another cool twist for season 2?  I hope so.

Home (2015)

I loved this fun, zany animated film about the friendship between an alien named Oh and a girl named Tip.  The Boov, purple blob beings, are on the run from a dangerous alien race called the Gorg.  To hide, they invade Earth and succeed at relocating every human into one place.  That’s except for Tip who is left behind with her cat named Pig.   Oh and Tip become outlaws and work together to reunite Tip with her mother.  Along the way, they learn the meaning of friendship.   Jim Parsons and Steve Martin provide their voices and it's fantastic how well they bring their characters to life.  The writing is hilarious and the action clever and exciting.   This is director Tim Johnson’s best film by far.  I say bring on a sequel.  Grade: A-

The Imitation Game (2014)

I finally got around to watching this Best Picture contender from last year.  Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing, the real life mathematician who works with other cryptologists to break the Nazi’s infamous Enigma machine.  He created the Turing machine to do it and in doing so helped usher in modern computing.  Unfortunately he was homosexual in a time where being so was not safe as this film demonstrates with great dramatic tension.  Cumberbatch is great in this and I loved the actors who played his team.  Overall a solid film that’s deserving a watch.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  I’ve read that some of this film is just made up.  But films don’t have to be historically accurate they need to be good stories.  Or, one could suggest that writer Graham Moore (winner of the Academy award for Adapted Screenplay, by the way) could have made a story that was just as entertaining while being more accurate than what was produced.  It’s a very subjective concept, and one I’m not willing to delve into until I know more about the true story.   Life is complicated and yes, in film, you have to simplify it to make it fit the parameters of a screenplay.  No one should learn history from fiction, but alas many do. 

Raiders! The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made (2015)

Two friends since childhood get funding to complete their shot-to-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark.  They’ve’ been making it every summer since they were kids (with a long hiatus in there after high school) and they now finally have the money and passion to film the last scene on their bucket list, the famous Nazi bomber fight scene between Indiana and the Nazi boxing mechanic.   Look, I used to make home videos too.  But what these kids did (and what their parents let them do) is unbelievable.  I envy them to be honest.  This documentary tells their story and shares scenes from their fan film.  What it must have been like to be one of their friends, conned into dressing up as a German solider or Egyptian and do what they said.  The best part of the film though for me isn’t really the movie they’re making but the ups and down of their friendship.  Kudos for keeping your flame alive, guys!   May this film inspire a generation of new film makers.  Grade: B+

Aparajito (1956)

The sequel to Pather Panchali, this second film in the Apu Trilogy starts off in the town of Varanasi where Apu’s family had gone to make a new start.  His father is working as a priest and his mother is working as maid.   Again their lives are turned upside down by tragedy and Apu and his mother move back into the country to her uncle.   The film continues to follow Apu all the way through college and his demanding mother wants him to return home.   This story wasn’t as poetic as the first one but it’s still a remarkable achievement in film.  The conflict between mother and son is unforgettable.   It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve watched two films in this trilogy so far.  At one time I thought I’d never see it because of its unavailability. Thank Criterion for making it possible for us to watch such amazing cinema.  Grade: A

Deadpool (2016)

The film all fan boys are praising and dream of seeing get nominated for Best picture:  I finally saw it.  And it was a really fun and raunchy superhero blending of spoof and action.   Ryan Reynolds plays the title character, an assassin set on getting revenge for the underground organization that turned him into a gross looking superhero freak.   Morena Baccarin plays the love of his life, who he abandons because he wants to protect her.  Reynolds is born to play this role and he is on fire with comic timing and anti-hero charm.  I wouldn’t say it’s the greatest superhero film of all time or anything, but it is an enjoyable rated-R experience.   My favorite bit had to do with Dead pool’s old and blind roommate.   With its tongue and cheek humor and explosive action, this is one all Superhero fans should check out.  Grade: B+

Audrie and Daisy (2016)

This depressing but very important documentary tells two similar stories of young teenager girls being raped and how their assault and people’s reactions ruined their lives.  While watching this film, I became enraged and dumbfounded by the meanness of people.  Daisy’s story is probably the most disgusting because an entire town would rather protect the school’s star football player than believe her story.  The fact that said football player was the grandson of a state politician only made me fume more.   Only the victims were punished and the accused rapists never showed an ounce of regret.   No, means no!  This is a film every parent should watch with their kids and have a long discussion about.  We need to hammer into our sons’ heads that a drunken partner can’t give consent and you never pressure anyone into saying yes.   What are we people, cave men!  Grade: A-

Love and Mercy (2014)

I’m not that much of a Beach Boys fan but I love this film.  I had no knowledge of Brian Wilson’s troubles nor did I know how much of a musical genius he was.   This film by Bill Pohlad tells Wilson’s story from two points in time: when he was younger (Paul Dano) and recorded his best album (in my opinion at least) Pet Sounds and when he’s middle-aged (John Cusack) and he falls in love while under the treatment of Dr. Eugene Landy, a scumbag.  Dano’s section is my favorite.  He gives such a bold and wild performance that demonstrates how intense and innovated Wilson was.  I gained a real appreciation of Wilson’s work.   Cusack’s section is equally fascinating but I wouldn’t say his performance is as good.  It’s a good performance and of all Cusack's most recent work it's his best, but Cusack doesn’t share Dano’s range.   The fact that Cusack and Dano look nothing alike doesn’t hurt the film at all.   The love story with Elizabeth Banks is wonderful and the fact it’s true is very inspiring.  A really cool film.  Grade: A-

Pather Panchali (1955)

The first in a trilogy, this is on almost every Greatest Film list I’ve seen.   I’ve been wanting to see it forever but it’s been out of print.  Believe it or not, the original negative burned in a fire.  I could have seen a VHS version of it about six years ago but I decided to hold out for this rumored (and now reality) restored version.  It’s a miracle that Criterion and team were able to bring this film back to form and I applaud their heroic efforts.  Thank god we have such artists out there to keep such monumental works alive.   This is the first film I’ve seen of legendary director Satyajit Ray.  I plan to see everything I can of his from now on.  This is a beautiful and tragic film that I know without a doubt would have found it amazing even if I had not known how revered it is among film scholars around the world.   Based on the novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, it tells the story of a rural family with three children.  The father wants to become a poet someday and that leaves his wife to take care of their children.   Living with them is an old woman who bickers with the wife all the time.   I fell in love with this family and found each of them so vibrant with life.   The black and white imagery is so stunning that I can’t get the images out of my head.   I have to say it, this is a perfect film.  Grade: A+

I Am Your Father (2014)

This documentary is about David Prowse, the actor who played Darth Vader from the original Star Wars film.  It’s really enjoyable but I think director Marcos Cabota and Toni Bestard shoot themselves in the foot by seemingly promising to show us a reshoot of Darth Vader’s death scene where David is used in Darth Vader’s reveal instead of actor Sebastian Shaw.   Also I don’t find it criminal that Lucas decided to go with another actor to play Anakin in that moment.   Bitter grapes though can be dramatic and help cause many a conspiracy.  Yet getting to know Mr. Prowse and seeing all of his accomplishments is rewarding.   If you’re a Star Wars fan this is a must-see.  And if you’re not, it’s at least a fascinating look at the impact playing such an iconic part can have on a person.  Grade: B+

Spoilers:  I’m on the fence with the whole “let’s reshoot the reveal scene” gimmick.  For one, it sucks we can’t see it.  You feel bamboozled and that’s not cool.  Second, you don’t even need it.  Prowse’s life and personality alone is enough for a documentary without making it a film about the making of a mini-film.  (His work as the Green Cross Code Man for example is really cool.) Lucasfilm, in my opinion, should let Cabota release his little reshoot.  It’s harmless for one.  And second it would make David happy.  Is his ban from Lucasfilm events warranted?   Does Lucasfilm own him anything like an apology?  That’s up to the viewer (although the filmmakers make their opinion quite clear).  I personally think all the attention inflated his ego a bit, but that’s okay, he’s Darth Vader and that’s really awesome.   Let’s leave the man alone and enjoy the rest of his years with his fine family. 

Sicario (2016)

Maybe it’s the setting or the drug cartel topic but I just found this drama to be ho-hum.  Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro do give excellent performances that help keep the film from going off the rails but if it weren’t for Roger Deakins’ beautiful cinematography I’d probably would have dismissed this as just an average film.  Direct Denis Vileneuve is a fine director; I just wish he’d have had a plot worthy of his talent.  Grade: B

Brooklyn (2015)

Saoirse Ronan gives one of her best performances as an Irish Immigrant in Brooklyn in the 1950s.  Away from home she discovers herself in this new country and falls in love.  Yet will she return home when she is called back?  Adapted from the novel by Colm Toibin by Nick Hornby and directed by John Crowley, this is a winner in a big way.   It would be nominated for best picture and I’m sure will find favor with many looking for a coming-to-age story that really gets to the soul of becoming your own person.  This is a flawless film in many ways.  Grade: A

Spoilers:  Thank god Tony, played by Emory Cohen, didn’t turn out to be a jerk.  I was really worried that she’d fall for Domhnall Gleeson’s Jim.  But I could see why she would. That’s great drama and made what one would think was a mundane story really intense. 

Ugly Americans and Our New President

Oh America.  Today, I am not Proud to be an American.  Today I'm depressed and trying with all my fiber to find hope for the future.  But alas, this country I live in voted for a man so loathsome to be our next President I can't really understand it.  What happened America?  It seems you are as racist and sexist as you were thirty or forty years ago.  It seems nothing really has changed except all the deplorables went into hiding.  Trump hit jackpot with his campaign of fear and hate and lies.  I was really looking forward to have a female president.  I was so excited to look at my son and tell him, "See her, she's our new President."  Now I won't even be able to look my son in the eye without feeling ashamed for our country.   I guess I should write a wonderful rant about how this will not be the end and how we'll fight another day.  But who?  Those who would oppose Trump are as fractured as the Republican party.  The youth didn't come out and vote. Or if they did, they voted for a third party candidate.  I know what that feels like.  I was young once too.  I shouldn't be surprised (and part of me isn't).  I voted Nader 16 years ago because I didn't want to support the guy I didn't like.  I learned my lesson but sadly no one else did.   I'm not saying Hillary would have won if Jill Stein or Gary Johnson wasn't there but they didn't help that's for sure.  And Bernie!  I don't think you'd have defeated Trump either.  As I said, Trump hit an angry nerve.  They want their jobs back, they don't want to be forced to pay for health care, they don't want immigrants, they want our military to go kick butt around the world and protect them and they want the promise that if they make it rich they won't have to pay that much tax.  Talk about voting against your own self interest.  It'll be interesting to see what unfolds in the next four years.  All I know is that Trump is going to hear a lot of noise and he'll not like it.  But until then I'm going to pretend none of this happened and dream of good days gone by.

Finding Dory (2016)

Pixar creates a sequel for one of their most popular films and the result is the kind of continuation a fan of the original can celebrate.  Not surprisingly, it’s very clever and very funny with a lot of surprises along the way.  Dory, the forgetful fish, has a flash of memory about her parents.  Suddenly on a journey of her own, with Marlin and Nemo in tow, she tries to find them.  Many new characters surface (or sub-merge) that combines for a really enjoyable family experience.  The highlight for me and I’m sure for everyone was an octopus name Hank.  Grade: A-

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain

A sarcastic tale that’s like Flags of our Fathers about a platoon of US soldiers that were involved in a heroic Iraq battle that are invited to participate in the Super Bowl Halftime show to honor them.  Tagging along with them is a Hollywood agent, Albert, who is trying to secure funding for a film about their ordeal and in turn get them paid.  The main character is Billy Lynn and it’s through his point of view we see the world, a tour through American decadence and fake patriotism.  The writing from Fountain is very strong, with clever and insightful observations and metaphors.   I truly appreciated to read a book like this that’s pro-military while at the same time mocking military heroism and in doing so is very much anti-war.   Grade: A

Queen of Katwe (2016)

This is a feel-good film about the true story of Phiona Mutesi from Uganda who becomes a Chess Master and competes with the best of the world.  Directed by Mira Nair and staring Lupita Nyong’o as Phiona’s mother and David Oyelowo as her coach.   It follows the typical format these kind of autobiographical sports films do but what makes this one stand out is how connected you become to the characters.   I really fell in love with everyone in this movie and emotionally went through every up and down they go through.  It’s a highly enjoyable film.  Grade: A-

Moonlight (2016)

This is the best film of the year so far.  I’m so glad I had the opportunity to see it on the big screen where its visual scope and powerful and dramatic intimacy could pull me in.   Told in three acts, we experience the life of a young black man named Chiron from three different periods in his youth (using three different actors).  First we meet him as a boy having to deal with bullying and the isolation that he is different.  Second we meet him as a teenager coming to terms with his sexuality and his drug addict mother.  Lastly we meet him as a young adult and see how a criminal life has changed him.  There are so many fantastic performances in this film.  Naomie Harris who plays Chiron’s drug addict mother is scary good.  Mahershala Ali, with a relaxed approach, gives a deeply moving performance as a drug dealer that takes the little Chiron under his wing.   Both of these artists should get some awards buzz.  Director Barry Jenkins must be proud to have crafted such an amazing work of art.  If this film doesn’t at least get nominated for Best Picture than there really might be a white-only conspiracy at hand.   I personally think it should win.  But of course I haven’t seen all the movies yet so I might change my mind.  There is going to have to be something really good to topple this one though.  Remarkable.  Grade: A

Top Ten Best Re-Watchable Horror Films

There are a lot of great horror films but for a lot of them, you only really need to see it once and never see it again.  The Saw films are fun but I don’t feel the need to revisit them.  Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a masterpiece but I don’t really want to watch it yearly.  Here is my list of horror films that for whatever the reason I can watch again and again.

1. The Thing

2. Evil Dead 2

3. Ghostbusters

4. Into the Mouth of Madness

5. Shaun of the Dead

6. Poltergeist

7. The Frighteners

8. Hellraiser

9. Cabin in the Woods

10. Slither

Dead of Night (1945)

From Ealing Studios comes this collection of stories told in flash backs from guests at a party.  One of the guests named Walter arrives and believes he’s seen all of them before and forewarns of something terrible about to happen.   They try to convince him otherwise (this is where the flash backs come into play).   I’m not surprised that this film is as good as it is; that’s Ealing Studios for you.   All the stories are great; I especially love the one about the mirror.   There’s even a comic tale about two golf buddies that’s really fun.   What makes this all work is an ending that really seems ahead of its time.  Grade: A-