Amazing action flick.
Yeah...
A-ma-zing!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Short Term 12 (2013)
Short Term 12 (2013) is a movie directed by newcomer Destin
Daniel Cretton. It was based on his own experiences working at a group facility
for troubled teenagers, which lead him to write and direct a short-movie produced
in 2009, eventually inspiring this long feature.
Like always, I do not wish to
give much away… especially with this one. I would prefer if you would
experience this movie the same way I did, which was by not knowing anything
whatsoever about the storyline. Please try your best to not watch the trailer
and just rely on pure faith that this movie will have an impact.
Those of you who trust my judgement and taste in movies,
please watch this. Terrific indie-film with talented young cast, wonderful
directing / scripting and awesome soundtrack.
You will not regret this.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Soundtrack
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Soundtrack
1. Jose Gonzalez "Step Out"
2. Of Monsters and Men "Dirty Paws"
3. Jose Gonzalez "Stay Alive"
4. Junip "Far Away"
5. Junip "Don't Let It Pass"
6. Rogue Wave "Lake Michigan"
7. Jack Johnson "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)"
8. Bahamas featuring The Weather Station "Don't You Want Me"
9. Rogue Valley "The Wolves & The Ravens"
10. David Bowie (Mitty Mix) Featuring Kristen Wiig "Space Oddity"
11. Jose Gonzalez "#9 Dream"
12. Grace Mitchell "Maneater"
2. Of Monsters and Men "Dirty Paws"
3. Jose Gonzalez "Stay Alive"
4. Junip "Far Away"
5. Junip "Don't Let It Pass"
6. Rogue Wave "Lake Michigan"
7. Jack Johnson "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)"
8. Bahamas featuring The Weather Station "Don't You Want Me"
9. Rogue Valley "The Wolves & The Ravens"
10. David Bowie (Mitty Mix) Featuring Kristen Wiig "Space Oddity"
11. Jose Gonzalez "#9 Dream"
12. Grace Mitchell "Maneater"
Sunday, April 13, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
I remember watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) trailer for the first time and I was completely blown away. The visuals were just remarkably beautiful and hypnotizing and the whole concept just drew me closer to watching it when possible.
The whole idea of having a man being constantly overtaken by his daydreaming just reminded me so much of my own character (yeah, such a narcissist thing of my part), because I too struggled with that problem growing up. In fact, I still do (even if to a lesser degree)...
There are times where I completely switch off, or better yet, "zone out" as they keep referring to it in the movie masterfully directed by Ben Stiller.
There are times where I completely switch off, or better yet, "zone out" as they keep referring to it in the movie masterfully directed by Ben Stiller.
As far as I know, this project was long due, with several producers and directors being attached to do it over the years, but only in 2011 it was finally given the green light with Stiller at the helm of the movie as director and lead actor.
Based on a 1939 short novel by James Thurber, its first movie adaptation came out in less then ten years (1947 to be exact) and despite some similarities, this original and now "remake" share some common trades in essence, but still holding two different identities. That's good I guess, since this newer version touches different elements and sides of the human being.
With Stiller leading the way, alongside with Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, Kathryn Hahn and Sean Penn, Life magazine employee Walter Mitty leads us to look deep into our lives and see whether or not we've been making the best of it. It challenges us to dream higher and chase our most deepest wishes with complete disregard for what others may think. It reminds us that if there's anyone stopping us from accomplishing our goals, its ourselves!
Yes...the movie has received mixed reviews by critics and even though I can agree - at certain stages - that the film can lack some substance, I honestly think that Stiller through his directing and acting efficiently passes a wonderful message and moves the audience into self-consciously evaluating years gone by and also looking at years ahead. When a movie can lift the viewers spirits like that, I call this mission accomplished!
All and all, it's a wonderful movie with some of the most beautiful and creative sequences I've seen with outrageously gorgeous Icelandic landscapes serving as a huge part of the background/setting.
The scenes where Ben Stiller plays football with Sean Penn (who plays a small, but vital role to the movie's unfolding) and the downhill skating through the roads of Iceland are just breathtaking, working superbly with great music as soundtrack.
That takes us to another big... let me rephrase this.... to another HUGE part of this film which is the outstanding soundtrack (well deserving of a post of its own) with names such as Jose Gonzalez (Step Out is super appropriate and just stands out), Junip, Of Monsters and Men and David Bowie (with his classic Space Oddity being sang by actress Kristin Wiig), just to name a few...
It's a movie that dreamers everywhere will surely enjoy!
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Monday, April 07, 2014
Friday, April 04, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Friday, March 07, 2014
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robocop (2014)
It’s been out there
for a while now that Hollywood is getting more and more desperate for new,
fresh ideas...
That’s why production
companies, screenwriters and directors keep working on adaptations and re-adaptations,
reboots and remakes… From books, comics, theater, classic movies and even recent ones.
Robocop (2014) is just one of those examples. The original from which this was
inspired (directed by Dutch master Paul Verhoeven) came out in the late 80’s as
a huge success – enjoying cult status amongst moviegoers/critics - so obviously
an older audience – or at least those who’ve seen the original - would set the bar really high for the “revamped”
version.
I guess it’s no
surprise when I say this 2014 version was poor. They’ve tried so hard to make
themselves a different film from the original that the whole thing came out
wrong.
A lot of people
actually defend this, arguing "why bother putting effort to do the exact same movie"?
That's fair enough… but that just brings me back to that original point.
Why do it?
Haven’t you heard: “If
it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it”.
Not even its talented
cast – with the likes of Joel Kinnerman, Gary Oldman, Abbie Cornish, Michael
Keaton, to name a few - and the up and coming Brazilian filmmaker Jose Pandilha
(bringing some of his Elite Squad
techniques) could salvage what was truly a disastrous screenplay/storyline.
Maybe a younger and
unfamiliar audience will enjoy it… iMDB seems to show it that way.
With its flashy special effects and full throttle action scenes it can satisfy those who don’t know better…
With its flashy special effects and full throttle action scenes it can satisfy those who don’t know better…
My advice?
Just stick to the 1987
masterpiece.
2014
1987
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Dallas Buyers Club (2013) is the remarkable story of Ron Woodroof told by Jean-Marc Vallée through
the magnificent performances of Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, both
deserving of various award nominations and accolades.
I wouldn’t say it’s a given
that both will win the golden statue come March 2nd, since I believe the impact
of their characters – while outstanding – is not far superior than the other
actors contending for the award. What I mean is that… while Matthew is
brilliant, that doesn’t necessarily mean he was able to stir my emotions (be it
for laughter or tears) more than perhaps a DiCaprio, Dern or even a Tom Hanks (who
was unfairly left out of the list for Oscar nominees) with his epic last 20
minutes of sheer acting talent. However, there is no doubt that they have
performed the hardest of roles this year, with a high level of acting that
demanded both physical and psychological sacrifices.
I would also like to leave a positive note to
the wonderful Jennifer Garner. She’s clearly away from the spotlight that
shines over McConaughey and Leto, yet she is able to deliver a sweet and
enduring character that provides a certain amount of balance to the
storytelling. She is (or tries to be) everything that is good in the world and
when you are confronted most of the time by illness, despair and prejudice…
that my friends is a breath of fresh air and she was able to provide us with the
right amount.
All and all, a
must-see movie… one that would certainly be featured in my top 10 list for 2013
If I had seen it in time.
Don’t miss out!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Spectacular Now (2013)
One of the great contemporary movies from the last few years.
A - definite - must see!
Monday, February 10, 2014
The United States of Leland
Ignore what the critics have said about The United States of Leland (2003). Forget Rotten Tomatoes, but rather focus on iMDB. In my opinion, it's that score that reflects how good the movie is... and trust me... it's very good.
It's well written, using a style of narrative that I don't see that often anymore. On top of that it features a stellar cast made names such as Don Cheadle, (a young) Ryan Gosling, Kevin Spacey, Jena Malone, Michelle Williams, Chris Klein, Michael Pena, Kerry Washington and Sherilyn Fenn.
Definitely worth watching!
Thursday, February 06, 2014
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