Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis
Directer by Joel & Ethan Coen
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman
My Opinion: Brilliantly grim

Llewyn Davis is a folk singer, struggling to get his career back on track after the tragic loss of his partner. Charmingly set in 1961, just before Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary met their fame, the film follows Llewyn as he stumbles over his stagnant career.

Garnished with the Coen's signature sardonic humor and studded with a colorful cast of characters, Llewyn Davis is not without it's charms. But it's probably the most depressing movie that I've seen this year. In fact, as you sit back and let it all sink in, it will only weigh heavier. It's not one of those so-depressing-you-want-to-die movies, like how I imagined Sophie's Choice though I've never seen it, rather it's swift and delightful with a giddy and addictive soundtrack and gorgeous gray-toned cinematography. Some people are going to dislike Llewyn as a person, while others will adore him. Regardless, the character is absolutely fascinating and the story is worth your attention.

American Hustle

Brilliant conman Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) partners with equally intelligent ex-stripper Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) in love and crime. During the day, the duo sell empty investments and stolen art. At night, Irving returns to Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), his beautiful time bomb of a wife, and Danny, his adopted son. Eventually, Irving and Sydney are busted by a FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), who pushes them into entrapping a slew of politicians and mobsters in order to make a name for himself. This new world is filled with enchanting dangers that may have the con-couple in over their heads. Based on a true American scandal.

American Hustle
Directed by David O Russell
Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence
My Opinion: funny and morally confusing. What's not to like?

This movie is fantastic. It's hilarious, vibrant, fast-paced and aglow with the incredibly talented ensemble. While each actor paints a bold and detailed picture of their respective character, it's hard not to favorite Jennifer Lawrence. The movie is hers.

The most fascinating element of the movie is the dynamic between good and evil ornamented with fifty shades of gray. Aside from Stoddard Thorsen, DiMaso's level headed boss (Louis C.K.) there are is no cemented moral standing. Irving, Sydney and the others are all doing what they feel that they need to in order to survive. Some would say that all of the characters are downright despicable, but how they still manage to remain so likable is beyond me.

I will close by reminding you that I really did not like Silver Linings Playbook. This film shares the same director and two of the leads, but the content is radically different. Rather than a film that involves Bradley Cooper whining during its entirety, this one presents an array of politically and sexually charged conflicts laced with deceit and savvy. I dig it.

Blackfish

BlackfishDirected by Gabriela Cowperthwaite 
My Opinion: mesmerizing

Black Fish tells the story of Tilikum, a male killer whale who has killed several people during his years in captivity. The film compiles emotional interviews and shocking footage that chronicles the blemished history of sea world, the cruel life of an orca in captivity and the stories behind the trainers who lost their lives.

This is one of those highly-critical documentaries that surfs the wave of liberal ideology and stirs up the nation. As it forms its poignant argument, the film fascinates with insight into what we know about orca's and how much remains a mystery. The highly-informative film moves very quickly, with the pacing of a psychological thriller rather than a documentary. The most harrowing moments involve a former whale-hunter's traumatized recollection of capturing calves forty years ago. Tilikum's own story isn't easy to watch either.

Unfortunately, Blackfish is about as black and white as the whales themselves. I think that the lack of opposition hurt the film, but with Sea World's refusal to grant any interviews, what could they have done? This is Sea World's letter in response to the documentary. I find it rather vague and wish they could speak on the specific points raised by this film, especially in regards to the human lives that have been taken.

Overall, this film is informative and engrossing. You'll be happy you saw it.

Drinking Buddies

Buddies Luke and Kate work alongside each other at Revolution Brewery in Chicago, specifically the Logan Square neighborhood (can I get a shout from my homies?). The two have an intimate relationship made up of beer-fueled discussions and familiar flirtations. You would think they were an item that just has a weird brother-sister thing going on, but no: the two are simply drinking buddies and nothing more. Their fiery chemistry is contained by their own romantic relationships, but as the plot moves forward the obstacles seem to sway.

Drinking Buddies
Directed by Joe Swanberg
Starring: Olivia Wilde Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick
My Opinion: a 95 minute trip to blue balls town

I'm not sure if I've ever seen a movie that is so sexual frustrating. In a frame of mind normally reserved for suspense, I found myself wanting to scream, "Just fuck already!" Yet, at the same time, there was something captivating about their stasis. Each had their own way of expressing their repressed feelings, which adds up to a series of uncomfortable moments. Just saying, skinny dipping on a beach with you "drinking buddy"? With all that sexy moonlight, cool water and nakedness, you might as well be having sex.

Beyond the mild anxiety I experienced, the film itself is so-so. The script is standing on wobbly legs and the direction follows a "snippet of life" style of narrative that lacks a focused plot. It mostly kept my attention, while straining at times, but wasn't all that cohesive at the end of the day. It seems to really lean on Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick. I wouldn't watch it again, but if you're looking for the most awkward date movie of the year, this is it.

World War Z

World War Z
Starring: Brad Pitt
Directed by Marc Forster
My Opinion: Scary, swift and fun.

There is nothing more terrifying and gripping than fast zombies. While an overwhelming population of zombies is always scary, even a mob of the sluggish ones can be knocked out with as little as a baseball bat so long as you got a strong wall behind you. But when they run, the virus can spread like wildfire. The element of speed is exactly what made 28 Days Later so terrifying and what gives World War Z a similar edge.

World War Z follows Gerry Lane, the world's only hope for salvation. Gerry leaves his wife and daughters behind, stepping into the depths of infested civilization as he searches for an answer. The film immediately zooms into the center of a budding apocalypse - a chilling yet sexy endeavor with the presence of a scruffy and heroic Brad Pitt.

This movie is awesome but rather trivial, typical of any zombie film especially such with a ridiculous budget. Anyway, while there are certainly shortfalls, I don't think any film has ever raised my heart rate this much. I almost cried at one point. It's a good time.

The Conjuring

The Perron family, one loving couple with five daughters, moves into a quiet country house on a lake. The domestic bliss screeches to a halt when the bubbling paranormal activity erupts, forcing the family to enlist the help of demon-fighting power couple, Ed and Loraine Warren.

It's been a very long time since I've seen a quality horror film. We've all gotten used to the cheap thrill that enters and leaves a theater faster than Charlie Sheen on a hooker. Any horrors that have stood out tend to nestle into the comedy genre. The Conjuring is a spooky draft of fresh air.

The Conjuring
Starring: Vera Farmiga,Patrick Wilson, Lili Tyler
Directed by James Wan
My Opinion: Do it, and do it now
while it's still in theaters

It's hard to pin down what's so terrifying about this film. Sound design balances on the less-is-more notion. The camera stalks the happenings in the house at an even pace, never showing you too much at once. The acting is perfectly grounded, completely absent of the cringe-worthy acting of most modern horrors.

Directer James Wan essentially holds your hand in a clammy death grip throughout the film, guiding you to the darkest corners in the house that he has created. Not only does Wan's film conjure pure terror from the viewer - the kind of terror that makes the audience actually scream - but his film is beautiful.

Indeed, this movie is nearly flawless. The only problem? There is no actual conjuring, but it's a small quibble for a movie like this.

"Spring Breakers" Review

Four girls desperate to join their peers on spring break rob and rough house their way to paradise. It's all fun and games until things get a little too real.

Springbreakers
Starring: Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, James Franco
Directed by Harmony Korine
My Opinion: Fun but sloppy

Disney stars explode out of their good girl shells in this raunchy art house film from Harmony Korine. With all the creative genius behind it, this film had some bad ass potential. Unfortunately, Springbreakers suffers from a shaky script and a general lack of direction.

Ribbons of  boobs, drugs and violence run through the film - it's plenty entertaining. However, the gentle glide that usual orders Korine's artful dialogue is actually very stiff here. While James Franco nails his scumbag character, Vanessa Hudgens paints an irritating picture of a crazed college girl. By the end of the film, Hudgens and Ashley Benson were interchangeable broken records.

It seems like the film starts out on a mission, then it parties too hard and forgets what it was supposed to do. Perhaps writer/director Harmony Korine has fallen a little from the gritty realism that was Gummo and is relying a little too much on drugs and boobies. Not that I'm really complaining, but let's hope Korine's next piece is a little more solid.