Heaven Is For Real

Director: Randall Wallace
Genre: Family drama
Starring: Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Thomas Haden Church
Distributed by: TriStar Pictures
Release Date: April 16, 2014
My Rating: 7.5/10

This was a very uplifting film that I had the pleasure to see on Mother's day with my mother. It is based on the bestselling 2010 novel of the same name by Pastor Todd Burpo and tells the amazing true story of his son Colton, a 4-year-old boy from small-town Nebraska who recounted his visit to heaven to his father after a near-death experience.
After being rushed to the local hospital because of what they initially believe is appendicitis, Todd (Kinnear) and his wife Sonia Burpo (Reilly) begin to realize their son's medical condition is actually much more severe and fear he may not live. However, a miracle appears to save little Colton and the boy lives to tell the tale of how he went to heaven during his brief stay in the operation room during his surgery. Colton claims to have met Jesus, as well as a number of people from his family who passed away before he was born, including his great-grandfather and his sister who died during a miscarriage. Despite being very religious, Todd and everyone else in the small local community in Nebraska find all of his son's claims difficult to believe at first, but gradually Todd realizes that there is no reason for him not to believe his own son. With support from friends including a bank manager (Church) and other members of his parish, Todd Burpo strives to find meaning behind his son's journey to heaven.

This was a very refreshing story, with a very simple yet at the same time extraordinary plot. Unlike other religious films that capture many cliches about faith (or lack thereof), particularly the Christian faith like this one, I believe that this movie was so much more heartfelt-and this may sound crazy-because it was mostly told from the perspective of a very young and innocent child. Newcomer Connor Corum, who plays Colton, delivers an incredible performance as an adorable little boy who is determined to share his unique paranormal experiences with the world. I am always impressed by young child actors like this one who come along and bring so much heart to a tale that we can all relate to. (well, maybe the part of the story involving a child surviving a fatal disease or accident and not the more fantastical element of it anyway)

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: black comedy
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, F. Murray Abraham, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tony Revolori
Distributed by: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Release Date: March 28, 2014
My Rating: 8/10

This is perhaps one of the strangest films I've seen in years. This dark comedy follows the story of a concierge named Gustave H. (Fiennes) who works at a luxurious hotel in Europe in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, high up in the mountains. After he is framed for the murder of an elderly woman who stays at the hotel, Madame D (Swinton) Monsieur Gustave H. embarks on a wild journey with his loyal lobby boy Zero Moustafa (Revolori) to prove his innocence. The film features a series of crazy scenes, including a daring prison escape, a stolen painting, cable cars and a sled/ski pursuit, as well as numerous disguises.

This is the first film I have seen by Mr. Anderson, and although I was not convinced when the movie began, I left the theater rather satisfied. I have only seen a handful of dark comedies in my time but this is certainly one of my favorites. The story is simple, but the events that occur are a great thrill ride. Watching a renown dramatic actor like Ralph Fiennes (The Reader, Voldemort from the Harry Potter movies) play the lead role in this film that blends elements of both the serious and the absurd was refreshing, and he plays the part beautifully, as does newcomer Tony Revolori who plays his sidekick Zero. I was surprised by how violent and bloody some of the scenes were, nonetheless.

This is not a masterpiece of modern cinema in any way, but it is certainly a film worth spending time viewing if you are even remotely a fan of black comedies. If this is not the type of humor or intrigue you prefer, then I would strongly advise against it.

Gravity

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release Date: October 4, 2013

My Rating: 9/10

I know that this film is a few months old but since it snagged the highest number of awards at the Oscars this year (7), I decided I would offer my take on it. I finally got around to seeing it the other day, so here it goes for all those of you who haven't had the pleasure of viewing it, or who have and just wanna know what I thought.

This is undoubtedly one of my favorite drama films in recent years. It tells the story of medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) on her first space shuttle mission on board the Explorer. Joining her is veteran astronaut and Lieutenant Matt Kowalski (Clooney), the leader of the journey. The mission control base in Houston warns the two astronauts that a Russian missile strike has hit a dead satellite, which has caused a chain reaction forming a cloud of debris. Mid-orbit, the Explorer begins to be gradually destroyed by the debris, causing Dr. Stone to separate from the shuttle and start hurtling into space. She and Kowalski momentarily recover, and converse as they travel through the vast unknown. Stone reveals that she once had a daughter who died in a tragic accident when she was only four years old.

The pair then reach the International Space Station (ISS) located several hundred miles away in orbit, but eventually the debris returns and as Stone's leg gets caught in her parachutes' cords, and she grabs onto Kowalski's suit. Despite her protests, Kowalski detaches himself from the tether to prevent her from drifting away with him. Stone is pulled back toward the ISS while Kowalski tumbles away. After several failed attempts at establishing communication with Kowalski, Stone realizes that she is the sole survivor. Stone battles several obstacles alone in the capsule, including loss of oxygen and a large fire.

The film is very short, just barely hitting the 90-minute mark for running time. However, it feels much longer due to certain sequences of non-stop heart-racing action. The special effects, dialogue, and score/soundtrack all spectacularly contribute to demonstrating the intense peril that the characters face, especially Dr. Stone in the second half of the film. This is precisely the type of movie that reminded me why Sandra Bullock is one of my favorite actresses, who is capable of portraying both wacky comic characters (Miss Congeniality, The Heat) and heart-wrenching protagonists like the one she completely immerses herself in in Gravity. The increasing terror she experiences throughout the film is practically palpable, particularly toward the end. The theme of coping with the loss of a loved one is also briefly yet beautifully touched upon. Golden Globe winner and Academy-Award-winning Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men) brings to the screen an incredible story of fear, courage, and survival.

The story gave me quite a bit of hope in the end, despite keeping me paralyzed with fear for the majority of it. As I recently felt trapped and “paralyzed” for a brief moment, perhaps the most trapped and anxious I’ve ever felt in my life, this film left me feeling significantly more optimistic, as I’m sure it can for many others who have ever felt “stuck in quicksand” so to speak.

Non-Stop

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Genre: Action thriller
Starring: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Michelle Dockery, Lupita Nyong'o
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release Date: February 28, 2014
My Rating: 8.5/10

Liam Neeson stars in this action-packed thriller about a US Federal air marshall named Bill Marks, who one day boards a plane with non-stop service from New York to London. After a few minutes on the flight, he receives a series of mysterious text messages from an unknown sender stating that he/she is a passenger on the plane, and that this person will kill a fellow passenger every 20 minutes unless $150 million are wired electronically to a bank account. Determined to find this hijacker at all costs, Marks begins as thorough an investigation as he can, enlisting the help of a woman sitting beside him on the plane Jen Summers (Julianne Moore), and a flight attendant named Nancy (Michelle Dockery). He also initially consults with a fellow air marshall, Jack Hammond as to which course of action to take with regards to the threat.

This is a role very similar to the ones Liam Neeson has played in recent years, recalling other box-office hits such as the Taken films and the 2011 thriller Unknown (also directed by Collet-Serra). Some audience members may tire of this gruff, relentless modern-day hero type but I think it fits this actor very well, and Neeson once again delivers a heart-pounding performance as an air marshall who, despite being suspected as the hijacker of the plane by many and for several reasons, risks a lot in order to restore security to the flight.
British actress Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) also brings a noteworthy performance as a terrified yet strong stewardess who is attempting her best to aid the air marshall to capture the hijacker.

The film is filled with suspense, and at first may seem like a very typical thriller reminiscent of movies like Air Force One (1997), but eventually unfolds in a way that is shocking. The plot twist in the final minutes of the film was completely unexpected. The final sequence, where the action is resolved, is rather intense, as is one of the passenger deaths. Although a scene or two could have been removed, since the middle portion of the movie appears to drag on for quite some time, the end proved to be very satisfying.

Dallas Buyers Club

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

Genre: Biographical Drama

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto

Distributed by: Focus Features

Release Date: November 1, 2013

My Rating: 8.5/10

Canadian Filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallee (The Young Victoria, 2009) brings to the big screen the true story of Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), a young electrician and rodeo cowboy from Dallas who is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1985 after numerous sexual encounters with drug-consuming prostitutes and others. Told by his doctors, Dr. Sevard (Denis O'Hare) and Dr. Eve Saks (Garner) that he has only 30 days left to live, Ron initially reacts with aggression and violence, denying the possibility that he could ever contract such a disease. He lives much more than 30 days (several years), and quickly becomes ostracized by his co-workers and friends, who begin to suspect him of being gay, and is fired. After several days of suffering, Ron decides to return to the hospital, where Dr. Saks explains to him that a antiretroviral drug named AZT is being tested to potentially treat patients with AIDS and prolong their life. AZT is, however, the only drug that is at that time approved by the FDA, many other medicines being only approved in Europe. Saks goes on to explain that in order to test the effectiveness of the drug, half of the patients in clinical trials are being given the actual drug, and the other half a placebo. Ron continues to be frustrated, determined to find any cure as quickly as possible and begins a serious research investigation into his illness, taking extreme and even illegal measure from bribing a hospital worker to provide him with AZT and masquerading as a priest and importing non-FDA-approved drugs from Mexico across the border, and eventually starting his very own "Dallas Buyers Club" with Rayon (Leto), a drug-addicted transgender woman whom he meets at the hospital who is also diagnosed with HIV. At this illegal business, Ron and Rayon begin selling fixed monthly memberships to purchase non-approved drugs and it becomes a national sensation. The pair of ill men soon become pursued by the FDA, FBI and other federal government agencies determined to put an end to these illicit activities.

This film is a very powerful and poignant portrayal of one man's struggle and perseverance to do whatever it takes to be cured from this illness which, during the late 80s, was still very much a mystery and an anathema to many. Although the character of Woodroof initially appears like a vice-filled low-life who is also incredibly aggressive and gruff, his humanity eventually comes out and reflects itself in numerous ways, particularly in his growing friendship with kind-hearted and loyal Rayon, toward whom he is initially hostile due to his sexual identity. Both McConaughey and Leto are phenomenal, both deservedly earning an Academy Award for their visceral performances of two very distinct yet comparably strong individuals. Jennifer Garner also delivers a great performance as a woman who is on her own quest to right the wrongs and injustices that prevail in the way the medical industry treats special patients like those with HIV/AIDS.

Some of the things with which Ron Woodroof gets away with are at times difficult to believe, but many different obstacles arise throughout the movie that fuel his determination to be cured. The themes and subjects captured by the film may seem very harsh and some of the material outdated, but they nonetheless reflect many of the brutal realities that many homosexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals face on a daily basis still today. There is no denying that a man who ended up living seven years longer with this illness than licensed doctors initially predicted he would is a man who is nothing short of a miracle who serves as a precedent for multiple others afflicted with life-threatening illnesses.

As McConaughey would say, to this film I say "Alright, alright, alright!" 

The Monuments Men

Director: George Clooney
Genre: Historical Drama
Starring: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Bonneville
Distributed by: Sony Pictures/20th Century Fox
Release Date: February 7, 2014
My Rating: 8/10



George Clooney directs, co-writes (with Argo producer Grant Heslov), and stars in this incredible film that tells the true story of seven art experts, led by New York-based art conservation specialist and Lieutenant Frank Stokes (Clooney), based on art specialist/museum director George L. Stout. After receiving a signed and approved copy by President Franklin Roosevelt, Stokes goes on to recruit six artists, directors, and curators in order to retrieve a vast collection of ancient art masterpieces that have been stolen by Hitler and the Nazis in an attempt to erase all evidence of the talent that existed before and leading up to the Second World War. First, he contacts Metropolitan Museum curator James Granger (Damon), and subsequently goes on to recruit many others, including a  sculptor and teacher named Walter Garfield (Goodman), a frenchman named Jean-Claude Clermont (Dujardin) and a Brit named Donald Jeffries (Bonneville). The men split up into pairs in order to divide and conquer and begin a trek across Europe to recover the lost paintings and sculptures from prized artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, and Michelangelo. With the help of a young bilingual German man named Sam (Dmitri Leonidas)-based on real-life monument man Henry Ettlinger, who is still alive today-the men track down each of the lost pieces one by one, despite being blocked at numerous instances by both the Germans and the Russians among many others.

The film is beautifully well-written, and contains a surprising number of doses of humor considering that it is still a drama (many of them regarding Matt Damon's cringe-worthy French-speaking skills). Although there are several scenes that come off as very exaggerated and glorified-typical of a Hollywood movie of this caliber-and very few visceral scenes depicting the horror that prevailed in Europe during the Nazi occupation, there is no denying that the all-star cast headed by Clooney are phenomenal. They all manage to astoundingly capture the determination of these men to go to great lengths and risk their lives not only for the lives of others, but for the great works created by renown painters and sculptors of the past. There are a few scenes, particularly those showing the battles and encounters with the Germans, that are rife with tension and suspense.
Cate Blanchett delivers a particularly noteworthy performance as Claire Simone (based on Rose Valland), a strong and courageous Parisian art curator who helps the monuments men locate the art, especially after learning that one of her relatives comes close to getting arrested by the Gestapo.

There is some speculation that the main reason behind Hitler's determination to render all of these masterpieces obsolete was that he himself was a failed artist, who was prepared to do anything to ensure that all of these artifacts were removed from history. Of course, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, but it could very well reflect the madness and ruthlessness that is associated with the Austrian dictator. One thing I was left wishing the film had gone into more detail about was the magnitude of the consequences suffered by the Nazis who committed such atrocities by burning down all of the art pieces and were tried for their crimes.

What I found interesting about the film, nonetheless, and what made it different from many other war movies was the fact that at one point well into the war, George Clooney's character makes clear to the men that Hitler must not be allowed to die, otherwise the Nazis will destroy all of the artwork as soon as possible as revenge for the death of their Fuhrer.



 

Inside Llewyn Davis

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen
Genre: Drama
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman
Distributed by: CBS Films
Release Date: December 13, 2013
My Rating: 7/10

The Coen brothers reunite to tell yet another story. This one is about up-and-coming folk singer in New York's Greenwich Village during the early 1960s. Llewyn Davis (Isaac) is a young broke musician who does not seem to have a fixed home and crashes with different friends every night, including a professor from Columbia University named Gorfein-whose cat he often loses-, his sister and nephew, and a young couple: Jean and Jim Berkey (Mulligan and Timberlake). He attempts to collaborate with numerous other artists, including Jim and another young singer-songwriter named Al Cody, hoping to share royalties with them.
Llewyn soon learns that Jean is pregnant and that she fears the child may be his. Jean then angrily tells him to help her pay for the abortion. Soon afterward, we learn that Llewyn was previously involved with another woman who also decided to receive an abortion after an unwanted pregnancy and move to Akron, Ohio.

Determined to make a name for himself and hopefully gain more royalties for each song he records, Davis heads west to Chicago, hitching a ride with a cynical jazz musician named Roland Turner (Goodman) and an quiet beat poet named Johnny Five (Garrett Hedlund). After being detained by a police officer, Llewyn eventually decides to return to New York and settle a deal to pay back his dues and rejoin the merchant marine union, an organization he formerly belonged to.

The film is very poignant, in the sense that the dialogue, music and general mood-as conveyed by the omnipresent bluish and grayish tones as well as the whiteness of winter-all reflect how dark and tense the characters are and how grim the prospects are for this young folk singer who desperately aspires to become a prominent musician like Bob Dylan. Even the seemingly jovial tune "Please Mr. Kennedy," sung by Isaac and Timberlake, contains a dose of pleading fear. Although this appears to be a typical struggling-artist story with a very simple plot, the Coen brothers nevertheless manage to create a very realistic portrait of the perseverance of a man who is mocked, insulted, and screamed at by nearly everyone around him and who seems to be told by most of humanity that unless he ceases to live in a world of idealism and becomes less co-dependent, he will never truly achieve his goals.

Of all the performances in the movie, one in particular stood out for me: that of Carey Mulligan, who plays a frustrated ex-lover of the protagonist, struggling every day to find happiness and remain sane. Mulligan is clearly a one-of-a-kind thespian of her generation, embodying the role of the woman who steadfastly refuses to endure the excuses of a man hoping for a miracle and without the slightest hint of a sense of direction in his life as an artist.

With an incredible soundtrack that includes Oscar Isaac, Marcus Mumford, and the Punch Brothers, Inside Llewyn Davis is a motion picture whose power is undeniable.