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Rapid Reviews: Blade Runner 2049 and American Made

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It was 35 years ago when Ridley Scott broke ground with his sci-fi classic <i>Blade Runner</i>. Trading action-packed thrills for a tempered and more cerebral science fiction endeavor helped make an impact on an entire generation of movie lovers. And if a sequel had to be done, what better filmmaker to take the reins than <i>Arrival</i> helmer Denis Villeneuve? Brandishing an intellectual screenplay and Villeneuve's keen visionary mastery, <i>Blade Runner 2049</i> has clearly been placed in the most worthy of hands.<br />
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Set thirty years after the original, Officer K (Ryan Gosling) is a new-hybrid of replicant Blade Runner, programmed to fully obey his human masters. But as he becomes assigned to a very delicate case, the mystery he's supposed to solve slowly forces him to question his own existence. And with all of the answers belonging to former agent Deckard (Harrison Ford) who has gone into hiding for decades now, K must track down the legendary Blade Runner in order to finally unlock the truth to his cloudy past.<br />
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Much like Ridley Scott's <i>Alien</i> franchise, <i>Blade Runner 2049</i> finds a unique beauty in its ability to pose more questions than answers. But despite a frustrating ambiguity that's assured to displease select audiences, Denis Villeneuve and company do an amazing job of expanding on the universe that Ridley Scott created 35 years ago. Taking the auteur's classic idea of building compassion for the replicant population and transforming that into a core principal within the structure of this new examination, Villeneuve enlightens the viewer with fascinating psychological quandaries and thought-provoking introspection. Ryan Gosling offers a stellar lead performance that's wonderfully complemented by a multitude of smaller, yet unbelievably effective, roles. And while Gosling undoubtedly hogs the film's face time, not a single side character wastes a moment on screen. Don't be fooled, though, <i>Blade Runner 2049</i> comes with a fair share of criticisms. The film wallows in a sluggish and thrill-less delivery that snow-piles throughout an often painful 160-minute duration, and its uncharacteristically weak score with the great Hans Zimmer on board proves to be a bit of a disappointment. However, loyal and respectful fans of the original <i>Blade Runner</i> can look past these flaws and find solace in Denis Villeneuve's originality and heady subtext that rival the work of its predecessor.<br />
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Stars: 3 stars out of 4<br />
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Grade: B<br />
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Doug Liman returns with his second offering of 2017, re-teaming with his former <i>Edge of Tomorrow</i> star, Tom Cruise, in the wild true story of a commercial airline pilot-turned-CIA recon gatherer. <i>American Made</i> plays to a similar tone that we've witnessed on many occasions, shedding its light on the notorious Medellin drug cartel and leader Pablo Escobar. This aura of familiarity and a complete disregard for character building haunt Liman's latest and have us pining for the level of success he showed early in his career with hits like <i>The Bourne Identity</i> and <i>Swingers</i>.<br />
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After growing tired of the monotony involved in his everyday life as a commercial pilot for TWA in the late 70s, a rare opportunity falls in the lap of Barry Seal (Tom Cruise) when he's recruited by the CIA to fly recon missions in South and Central America. Barry's thirst for adventure proves reckless when he finds himself immersed in a cocaine smuggling scheme under the behest of ruthless dealer Pablo Escobar. With all sorts of government agencies on his trail and danger certainly looming, Barry puts everything at risk when he makes a compromising decision that places him and his loved ones in grave danger.<br />
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Eerily reminiscent of Ted Demme's 2001 cult classic, <i>Blow</i>, <i>American Made</i> suffers from what can only be described as an apparent egotistical grandstanding from leading star Tom Cruise. You'd be hard-pressed to find any extended period of time without Cruise's long, flowy locks and devilish grin plastered across the screen. Sadly, the film focuses exclusively on Barry Seal, and its failure to properly address the impacts of Barry's decisions on everyone else in his life through an adequate development of side characters proves detrimental. Barry's family, most notably, is nothing more than a silhouette to Cruise's demanding character. But despite this glaring weakness and unforgivable oversight to the film, <i>American Made</i> still manages to attract an audience with an energetic and amusingly tragic story. As Barry continues to fall deeper into his corrupt world of drug trafficking and money laundering, its like watching a car crash develop, where you refuse to look away for fear of missing the most destructive moment of impact. Cruise isn't at his best but he certainly remains capable of carrying a film, even if we're forced to take him in overflowing doses. But for as engaging and consuming as <i>American Made</i>'s story allows it be, you can't help but feel like Liman should have accomplished so much more. For <a href="http://www.randomreporter.com/">wallpapers</a> you can visit  <a href="http://randomreporter.com/">randomreporter.com</a><br />
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Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4<br />
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Grade: B-<br />
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Rapid Reviews: Blade Runner 2049 and American Made

It was 35 years ago when Ridley Scott broke ground with his sci-fi classic Blade Runner . Trading action-packed thrills for a tempere...

October 06, 2017

DVD Outlook: October 2017

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Just as the fall movie season begins to heat up, a fresh new crop of DVD and streaming options available this this include a pair from my <b>Early Year Top 10 Films of 2017</b> so far (<b>September's suggestions</b>). So if you're looking for alternatives to what's in movie theaters this October, you'll have plenty of worthwhile titles to choose from.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b><i>War for the Planet of the Apes</i> - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read my full review here)</b><br />
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Matt Reeves dynamic <i>Planet of the Apes</i> set of prequels finds another winner in its third installment. The franchise reboot has developed a unique way of jostling dramatic themes with full fledged action sequences that reaffirm the benefits to carefully constructed CGI. And with <i>War for the Planet of the Apes</i>, a rather dubious title selection considering the film's reliance on a more emotionally-driven story line, we follow Caesar (Andy Serkis) into the next chapter of the saga where the ape leader once again finds himself at odds with a human foe. Woody Harrelson stars as the Colonel, a rogue military leader who recruits his forces to terminate the ape population once and for all. Anyone invested in the first two films of the series shouldn't hesitate taking a chance with this third inclusion. And although I felt it was a small step down from its immediate predecessor, <i>War for the Planet of the Apes</i> still stands as a worthwhile exploration into this storied franchise. <b>(October 24th)</b><br />
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<b><i>Spider-Man: Homecoming</i> - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read my rapid review here)</b><br />
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The unstoppable force that has become the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) bulldozes along with its most recent release, <i>Spider-Man: Homecoming</i>. And where this year's disappointing <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> sequel felt disjointed from everything that's been building up within the MCU, <i>Homecoming</i> brings the audience back to a familiar place that looks and feels like the trademark branding we've come to expect. A teenage Peter Parker (Tom Holland) finds himself desperate to join the elite ranks of The Avengers, but Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) tries to keep a safe distance due to the teen's immaturity. So as Peter works tirelessly to prove his worth to the world's greatest superheroes, he finds a formidable foe in an average Joe (Michael Keaton) who gets his hands on some alien weaponry. Like most entries from the MCU Homecoming brandishes some highs and lows, but all in all it's a welcome return to the formulaic approach that boasts a lucrative track record. (<b>October 17th</b>)<br />
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<b><i>Baby Driver</i> - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - (Read my rapid review here)</b><br />
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Admittedly, I have been historically critical of the adored filmmaker Edgar Wright. While many have succumbed to his cheeky and outlandishly implausible action-comedy delivery, which includes films such as <i>Shaun of the Dead</i>, <i>Hot Fuzz</i> and <i>The World's End</i>, I've been disappointed by the unhinged demeanor in which these movies culminate. The director's latest effort, the wildly engrossing <i>Baby Driver</i>, offers more of the same, but it waits until a fatefully late third act until this otherwise exceptional work finally spins off the rails. After being coerced into a crime underworld where he becomes the best getaway driver in the business, Baby (Ansel Elgort) reaches a point where he'll do anything to escape this fateful lifestyle. The uptempo driving sequences are insane and the film's choreographed-style plays eloquently to its phenomenal soundtrack. Yet, the whole experienced becomes soured when Edgar Wright once again ditches his successful game-plan and takes the film's final act into a completely different and ludicrous direction. Thankfully, a wonderful majority of the ride makes a bitter finale easier to swallow. (October 10th)<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b> David Lowery offers a captivating Sundance selection and one of the year's most talked-about indies, <b><i>A Ghost Story</i> (10/3)</b>. Sophia Coppola returns with the critically acclaimed drama, <b><i>The Beguiled</i> (10/10)</b>, and unimpressive films <b><i>The Book of Henry</i> (10/3)</b> and Will Ferrell comedy <b><i>The House</i> (10/10)</b> are available this month. October is the perfect time for some scary movies as <b><i>Annabelle: Creation</i> (10/24)</b> received some surprisingly strong reviews, as did the female-centric comedy <b><i>Girls Trip</i> (10/17)</b>. Finally, Stephen King's <b><i>The Dark Tower</i> (10/31)</b>, Halle Berry's <b><i>Kidnap</i> (10/31)</b> and yet another <b><i>Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales</i> (10/3)</b> close out this month's new releases.<br />
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DVD Outlook: October 2017

Just as the fall movie season begins to heat up, a fresh new crop of DVD and streaming options available this this include a pair from m...

October 03, 2017

Rapid Reviews: Battle of the Sexes and Brad's Status

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRUxus78n_wvrZpLHlh96hZ1UiUx4v9s0lQV-oewQA9ZM-3XVzm0rM-TPsDc7GhZQw5d8UfPl-sbl5S5MfAgkfsL0egQOIlfx8lDh82A6Kal349DUQs-1N_IvBEagIeOzjgNuDam0fXk/s1600/rapid+reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="619" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRUxus78n_wvrZpLHlh96hZ1UiUx4v9s0lQV-oewQA9ZM-3XVzm0rM-TPsDc7GhZQw5d8UfPl-sbl5S5MfAgkfsL0egQOIlfx8lDh82A6Kal349DUQs-1N_IvBEagIeOzjgNuDam0fXk/s320/rapid+reviews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5AWP1K7FaFI" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Following an unusual career path to filmmaking that included nearly two decades of making MTV music videos for accomplished artists like REM, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer and countless others, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris began their Hollywood career with a bang. The husband and wife's debut feature <i>Little Miss Sunshine</i> went on to win a pair of Oscars (Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay) and earn heaps of critical praise. And despite an egregiously overlooked second feature, the superbly told fantasy love story <i>Ruby Sparks</i>, the couple's latest work has them back in the spotlight.<br /><br /><i>Battle of the Sexes</i> tells the timely true tale of female tennis great, Billie Jean King (Emma Stone), as she emerged as a beacon of the women's liberation movement during the early 1970s. While embroiled in a bitter fight concerning equal cash prize payouts for the men's and women's tournament winners, King also discovers her inner desires and begins a secret and risque affair with a pretty young hair dresser named Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough). Meanwhile, 55 year old former men's champion and gambling aficionado , Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), comes up with a crazy sideshow idea to play King in an exhibition match, and puts on a chauvinistic display to help make it happen.<br /><br />Caught in the midst of a heated social climate, Dayton and Faris' <i>Battle of the Sexes</i> proudly parades its pro-feminism and pro-LGBTQ rights agenda. You'll be hard pressed to find a single scene where King's character is on screen and neither of those issues are involved. Consequently, the film will assuredly polarize audiences, so it's important to take all passionate opinions regarding the movie with a grain of salt. And even though Academy Award Winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy's (<i>Slumdog Millionaire</i>) script comes off as a bit preachy, recent Oscar Winner Emma Stone and co-star Steve Carell both deliver outstanding performances. If anything, <i>Battle of the Sexes</i> could have used a larger dose of Steve Carell, as Bobby Riggs' energetic character merely lurks around in the film's first two acts, giving way to a tepid romance story between Billie and Marilyn. Both Austin Stowell, as Billie's husband Larry King, and Andrea Riseborough fail to offer convincing and meaningful characters, which certainly creates a void in the film. <i>Battle of the Sexes</i> tells an interesting true story in a rather uninteresting way, making it a decent but unfulfilling watch.<br /><br /><br />Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4<br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/22w8T9K8iRU" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />At first glimpse of its movie trailer and before knowing anything about the film whatsoever, I wrongly assumed that <i>Brad's Status</i> was the newest addition to indie auteur Noah Baumbach's extensive catalog. With Ben Stiller in tow and a personal examination of the human psyche at its core, Mike White's film seemed to look and feel exactly like a Baumbach picture. Unfortunately, <i>Brad's Status</i> fails to play out anything like the heralded American filmmaker's work. Instead, writer and director Mike White reminds us all just how frustrating and immature we can be as individuals.<br /><br />Ben Stiller stars as Brad Sloan, a middle-aged owner of a mildly successful non-profit organization who can't help but feel resentful of his inner circle of college friends who all grew up to become insanely successful. And as Brad ventures onto a college tour with his smart and put-together teenage son Troy (Austin Abrams) who has goals of getting into Harvard, Brad continues to be plagued by regret and self loathing that makes him question all of his life's decisions.<br /><br />Selling an audience on a character as irritating and emotionally inept as Brad is quite difficult. And even worse, the depth of his character is built almost exclusively through the cheap narrative tool of voice over. <i>Brad's Status</i> attempts to paint a meaningful tale of self discovery, but as Brad's character finally begins to peel away at his layers of cynicism, he's already alienated the viewer with an annoying obsession over stature and prominence. Mike White tries his hardest to provide a silver lining and he actually does conjure up a worthwhile, albeit obvious, message to the story. Yet, it's quite the challenge to still be invested in Brad's irrational psyche by the time the film finally arrives at its well-intended conclusion.<br /><br /><br />Stars: 2 stars out of 4<br /><br />Grade: C<br /><br />

Rapid Reviews: Battle of the Sexes and Brad's Status

Following an unusual career path to filmmaking that included nearly two decades of making MTV music videos for accomplished artists like REM...

September 28, 2017

The Best Jake Gyllenhaal Performances

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCLmdjp_3svep5B5__t4mA-2kN8viQhhnCW2D6r5DP5FCt4FYlxBQniN-Lokh0rMFxBwUp9wziVH5M1txZ_hh-hfSc-c5r5wxtj5Bg2S9w6BxIP3rE1YlVaoqNyPOqbM1g43Ybs7Esvo/s1600/jakeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCLmdjp_3svep5B5__t4mA-2kN8viQhhnCW2D6r5DP5FCt4FYlxBQniN-Lokh0rMFxBwUp9wziVH5M1txZ_hh-hfSc-c5r5wxtj5Bg2S9w6BxIP3rE1YlVaoqNyPOqbM1g43Ybs7Esvo/s320/jakeg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jake Gyllenhaal has enjoyed a quietly effective acting career that some may even label as underrated thanks to only one Oscar Nomination after all of these years on the big screen. But no matter how deep your affinity for Gyllenhaal runs, it's impossible to deny the actor's versatility and commanding presence every time he graces the screen. And in recognition of Gyllenhaal's new Oscar-baity performance in the sobering drama, <i><b><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/09/rapid-reviews-stronger-and-mother.html">Stronger</a></b></i>, September's Movie List of the Month highlight's the actor's finest roles (<b><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-best-woody-harrelson-performances.html">August's list</a></b>).<br /><br /><b>Honorable Mention: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">End of Watch</i>, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Love & Other Drugs</i>, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Prisoners</i> and <b><i>Source Code</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#5. <i>Donnie Darko</i> (2001)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib816zttfAxacXR4xlkjkOGRnPk9ec_4B8K5Lxar_XktktYpLAAx8En71t727gy-vMDp_MlHs7Sb1yoZ0qlAKrsjwFK9vL65dl-CRVRimn02o5PO_ViEphhgRI1_l_L3vObvGuebhx-Rw/s1600/donnie-darko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1445" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib816zttfAxacXR4xlkjkOGRnPk9ec_4B8K5Lxar_XktktYpLAAx8En71t727gy-vMDp_MlHs7Sb1yoZ0qlAKrsjwFK9vL65dl-CRVRimn02o5PO_ViEphhgRI1_l_L3vObvGuebhx-Rw/s320/donnie-darko.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gyllenhaal really began putting his talents on display in 1999's <i>October Sky</i>, but he eventually took things to a whole new level in Richard Kelly's boldly intricate and clever sci-fi drama <i>Donnie Darko</i>. After narrowly surviving a freak accident, Donnie (Gyllenhaal) begins experiencing dark visions of a man in a rabbit suit as he tries to unlock the keys to a fascinating mystery. The cult classic wins over its loyal audiences with a creepy collection of characters and many stellar performances, all of which are capped by the magnificent early-career work from Jake Gyllenhaal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#4. <i>Stronger</i> (2017)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZfgW_W3Mipozbe8BJkCjomgMu-8fBI1dA3r1c1-Wckb75YcsaGP8VsnDL6sXa4Y-rQQPROWglHVufxIxL7wb_8Nt_BfUUd7nPb_Yq0irVY_KdHrcpumxLteTlZwhRbHZsFjSAivIV7A/s1600/stronger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="620" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZfgW_W3Mipozbe8BJkCjomgMu-8fBI1dA3r1c1-Wckb75YcsaGP8VsnDL6sXa4Y-rQQPROWglHVufxIxL7wb_8Nt_BfUUd7nPb_Yq0irVY_KdHrcpumxLteTlZwhRbHZsFjSAivIV7A/s320/stronger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's very new and fresh in my mind, but I was surprised by the convincing manner in which Gyllenhaal delivers his role in David Gordon Green's <i>Stronger</i>. Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff Bauman, an unreliable young man who runs into his on-again-off-again girlfriend at a bar. When he promises to cheer her on at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and actually comes through with his word, he falls victim to the devastating bomb blast that takes both of his legs. Normally, a heart-tugging story can be a difficult sell for me, but Gyllenhaal's earnest delivery is spot on as he effortlessly crafts a wildly sympathetic, albeit flawed, character. But even through all of Jeff's obvious faults, Gyllenhaal masterfully earns your rooting interest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#3. <i>Nocturnal Animals</i> (2016)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MouzKF-W1mq-kwmsZbLUjCj-VkmYGOk9-mBYTrCY04MqKZurSCbGZbxvPFFMfDE_symkCDlTqaW3DHBnsVAx53apUJnv-AvXLphrtF0gqypnRmD3231eT7hiSXsacovTDICLHJjvT8s/s1600/nocturnal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MouzKF-W1mq-kwmsZbLUjCj-VkmYGOk9-mBYTrCY04MqKZurSCbGZbxvPFFMfDE_symkCDlTqaW3DHBnsVAx53apUJnv-AvXLphrtF0gqypnRmD3231eT7hiSXsacovTDICLHJjvT8s/s1600/nocturnal.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tom Ford's mildly polarizing story-within-a-story thriller, <i>Nocturnal Animals</i>, utilizes Gyllenhaal's talents in a rare dual role for the actor. Within both stories Gyllenhaal pays his usual attention to detail and offers up a pair of subtle performances that span very different tones. On one end, he's a struggling writer unable to convince his wife (Amy Adams) of his abilities due to a lack of profound inspiration. On the other hand, he's a vengeful husband who watches as his wife (Isla Fisher) and daughter are kidnapped and later found murdered. Gyllenhaal illustrates a vast range and high level of competence in two smaller, less flashy supporting roles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#2. <i>Brokeback Mountain</i> (2005)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5XxW2pveZmt19rHterzdI0z2wls4Aga3dCLU4gvvSM3r6t-unEW4qKwmxoWOXQhNtVQLlYis12peryD7vqoBSnDTrkksIrsWVwO4h4GcD3ug5G5dSR3eIr4758Ri1By15i_M5PEtj9c/s1600/Brokeback_Mountain_Still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1296" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5XxW2pveZmt19rHterzdI0z2wls4Aga3dCLU4gvvSM3r6t-unEW4qKwmxoWOXQhNtVQLlYis12peryD7vqoBSnDTrkksIrsWVwO4h4GcD3ug5G5dSR3eIr4758Ri1By15i_M5PEtj9c/s320/Brokeback_Mountain_Still.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jake Gyllenhaal finally landed in Oscar contention following a powerful supporting turn in Ang Lee's drama <i>Brokeback Mountain</i>. After an unlikely romance forms between a pair of Wyoming cowboys (Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger), they struggle to keep their true feelings secret from the lives that they built at home. In a delicate story of homosexuality and prejudices, something very edgy for its time, Gyllenhaal and his onscreen counterpart, Heath Ledger, respond with towering performances that are respectful of their material and complex in beauty. While Gyllenhaal's clearly out-shined by Ledger's more prominent role, both offer unforgettable work that will forever stand the test of time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#1. <i>Nightcrawler</i> (2014)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAJGQvJF7vINwoM9ZSWqaIvZYyVpP2stDIADO3w4Kk31FPrD4TKVRNEU3px9SO0eY-IR9hwAOe6Gh15kuCYRS-Uxn2jLZ6yhgiWTYQ_31c5025MpJugCWpTrjYxmk27sse4Pwa-tcqCo/s1600/nightcrawler.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="608" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAJGQvJF7vINwoM9ZSWqaIvZYyVpP2stDIADO3w4Kk31FPrD4TKVRNEU3px9SO0eY-IR9hwAOe6Gh15kuCYRS-Uxn2jLZ6yhgiWTYQ_31c5025MpJugCWpTrjYxmk27sse4Pwa-tcqCo/s320/nightcrawler.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sadly, the Academy Awards missed greatly when it turned its back on Jake Gyllenhaal's finest performance to date in Dan Gilroy's <i>Nightcrawler</i>. The film tells the skin-crawling tale of a sociopath (Gyllenhaal) who finds his life calling as a freelance videographer of freshly-bloodied crime scenes. There's no shortage of fantastic onscreen work from the likes of the late Bill Paxton, Rene Russo, and <i>The Night Of</i>'s Riz Ahmed. However, it's Jake Gyllenhaal's film and he refuses to waste a moment of face-time with an eerily captivating turn. His works really takes you into the demented psyche of a crazed-lunatic and it's truly a shame that this apex of Gyllenhaal's career was regrettably ignored by Hollywood's biggest awards show. Thankfully, he'll have plenty of future opportunities to set the record straight.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>

The Best Jake Gyllenhaal Performances

Jake Gyllenhaal has enjoyed a quietly effective acting career that some may even label as underrated thanks to only one Oscar Nomination aft...

September 26, 2017

Rapid Reviews: Stronger and Mother!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K_eYOsgGuMZ4ScEX43gjeD-xVeO9mbmqCeBl251JfEeo5QV9XdaMMoVdYIlbo1XiwtEZmlFoRePi7GirJwWb7bv2RBpdBsIWgUwSI-pBO7Tqrdn-wVAdjnsaoqi6EL3kXc5w6hxXEXo/s1600/rapid+reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="619" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K_eYOsgGuMZ4ScEX43gjeD-xVeO9mbmqCeBl251JfEeo5QV9XdaMMoVdYIlbo1XiwtEZmlFoRePi7GirJwWb7bv2RBpdBsIWgUwSI-pBO7Tqrdn-wVAdjnsaoqi6EL3kXc5w6hxXEXo/s320/rapid+reviews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6MN0QfQx7I" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Less than a year ago Peter Berg, a director increasingly known for tackling events from recent history, delivered a tense and thrilling recreation of 2013's Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent days-long manhunt for the suspects at large with <i>Patriots Day</i>. The film was effective but lacked a subtle and more personal feel to the Boston-Strong tragedy that rocked the world. Yet, nearly nine months later we're given just that perspective from a mildly unexpected source. David Gordon Green, an indie filmmaker who finally broke through with his 2008's stoner-comedy <i>Pineapple Express</i>, finally returns to his dramatic roots. <i>Stronger</i> tells the emotional true story of Jeff Bauman, a bombing victim who struggles to come to grips with the debilitating results of this tragic event.<br /><br />Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal) is an unreliable and immature jokester living in the Boston suburb of Chelmsford. And when he runs into his long-time on-and-off girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany) at a local bar trying to raise money for the marathon, he promises to be there at the finish line to cheer her on as she finishes the race. But Jeff's decision to finally come through on his promise leads to the greatest struggle of his life when he losses both of his legs in the bombing and reluctantly becomes a hero to the entire city of Boston.<br /><br />David Gordon Green's <i>Stronger</i> grips its audience with a compelling character-driven story that's eloquently brought to the screen by Jake Gyllenhaal. The actor's storied career adds another shining inclusion to his already long list of achievements as Gyllenhaal delivers the year's most notable performance to date. But for as masterful as Gyllenhaal is on screen, co-star Tatiana Maslany complements his work with an earnest and skillful turn of her own. <i>Stronger</i> tells a nuanced story that's thin on memorable scenes but effective because of its refusal to cater the the heart-tugging backdrop of its over-arcing tale. The film's undeniable dramatic moments are supported by laugh-out-loud humor courtesy of Jeff Bauman's family members, which add a layer of depth to the entire experience. <i>Stronger</i> isn't anything exceptional, and it may not even end up in the Best Picture field, but David Gordon Green shows why he's a capable storyteller and exemplary filmmaker.<br /><br /><br />Stars: 3 stars out of 4<br /><br />Grade: B<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vtTE_DBKpRY" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Darren Aronofsky is no stranger to crafting polarizing pieces of film. As the visionary behind works like <i>Requiem for a Dream</i>, <i>The Fountain</i> and even <i>Noah</i>, Aronofsky has a profound way of both dazzling and alienating select audiences. But perhaps none of his oeuvre has divided critics and moviegoers quite like his latest ambitious feat, <i>Mother!</i>, a dark and spiraling journey into madness and creation.<br /><br />Jennifer Lawrence stars as the wife of a world renowned writer (Javier Bardem). But as she works tirelessly to restore his childhood home to the exact proportions from before it tragically burned to the ground, her husband can't seem to find the inspiration he needs to create his next great masterpiece. However, when a strange cast of unexpected visitors (Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer) arrive at their home, the ensuing chaos leads to a chain of events that send the writer's career to even greater heights, which begin to threaten the sanctity of their marriage.<br /><br />Equal parts bold and absurd, Aronsky's <i>Mother!</i> rings familiar to the recent adapted work of another ambitious filmmaker, Ben Wheatley. Wheatley's <i>High-Rise</i> serves as a metaphor for societal breakdown and anarchy in a lawless skyscraper where the higher the floor, the more power and wealth. Similarly, <i>Mother!</i> has much to say about the deterioration of society and structure. But where Wheatley's effort unapologetically prides itself on the foolish lunacy of its story, <i>Mother!</i> half-heartedly masks the same goal with mystery and intrigue. And when Aronofsky finally reveals his hand, the bravado has already begun to wear thin. <i>Mother!</i> stands as a periodically gripping tale with committed performances from a rangy and impressive cast. Yet, much like the chintzy exclamation point thrown at the end of the film's title, <i>Mother!</i> is as subtle as a sledge-hammer, mercilessly dragging the viewer to a far-off finish line that provides very little in terms of a reward when all is said and done.<br /><br /><br />Stars: 2 stars out of 4<br /><br />Grade C<br /><br />

Rapid Reviews: Stronger and Mother!

Less than a year ago Peter Berg, a director increasingly known for tackling events from recent history, delivered a tense and thrilling recr...

September 20, 2017

The Shape of Water (RED BAND) and The Disaster Artist (NEW) Trailers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8ZvABFX4ze0Ez27vflFN3er0QqQ7WTpY0fSI5o7eOj_g1trfTh9GCGzFIOedMHZFsuwp0-pwy2Eq1Ds0LpgB-5U35vqer9H7f9ilaqhIgwAfAc30JzDxnpOEjVQ_I_kZzGsv-ZiHGDg/s1600/trailers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="900" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8ZvABFX4ze0Ez27vflFN3er0QqQ7WTpY0fSI5o7eOj_g1trfTh9GCGzFIOedMHZFsuwp0-pwy2Eq1Ds0LpgB-5U35vqer9H7f9ilaqhIgwAfAc30JzDxnpOEjVQ_I_kZzGsv-ZiHGDg/s320/trailers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Venice Film Festival came and went, debuting some of the fall's most notable titles. But no film could match adoration of the Gold Lion award winner from Guillermo Del Toro, <i>The Shape of Water</i>. This sci-fi fantasy is set in 1962 during a tense period of the Cold War where a mute woman named Elisa (Sally Hawkins) works in a government laboratory. Everything changes when her and a co-worker (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret experiment. <i>The Shape of Water</i>'s tantalizing debut trailer has officially been backed up by this brand new Red Band sneak peek. Catch the latest footage from Venice's big winner below.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/368_ovPsJk8" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />At SXSW this year James Franco premiered an unfinished "work-in-progress" cut of his upcoming comedic gem, <i>The Disaster Artist</i>. The film centers around the unskilled actor and director Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) as he conjures up the idea to create "The Room", an effort that's widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made. Fans of Wiseau's cult classic film are sure to love The Disaster Artist, but Franco's latest trailer illustrates a high dose of clever comedy that's guaranteed to please even the unfamiliar moviegoer. Check out the new extended look into <i>The Disaster Artist</i> below.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/47Mo3PWL-dE" width="518"></iframe><br /><br />

The Shape of Water (RED BAND) and The Disaster Artist (NEW) Trailers

The Venice Film Festival came and went, debuting some of the fall's most notable titles. But no film could match adoration of the Gold L...

September 15, 2017

It (2017)

It (2017)

Stephen King's high profile work is no stranger to the Hollywood adaptation. Having been the genesis behind iconic tales like The Shawsh...

September 15, 2017

Downsizing and Mother! (NEW) Trailers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv9ZSkbUyLfeR3Rp3rrCxOePHD9czcrwEpBCgwIgeNVhSjQKPhylKDSyscVJy6NU8Vvr7r5E5sJpw1W96DBLACf0YSjlOz4teqJJ4vuM-6QXjC60iI4MJQeiMbUQMQ6PFVgDxIX-4tbc/s1600/trailers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="900" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv9ZSkbUyLfeR3Rp3rrCxOePHD9czcrwEpBCgwIgeNVhSjQKPhylKDSyscVJy6NU8Vvr7r5E5sJpw1W96DBLACf0YSjlOz4teqJJ4vuM-6QXjC60iI4MJQeiMbUQMQ6PFVgDxIX-4tbc/s320/trailers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Venice Film Festival has become a launching point for major fall releases and Oscar hopefuls, and this year's impressive lineup is no exception. One such film debuting at Venice was acclaimed director Alexander Payne's fresh and original idea, <i>Downsizing</i>. When overpopulation begins to plague the world, a new scientific breakthrough shrinks the human body down to a minuscule size, prompting an Occupational Therapist (Matt Damon) and his wife (Kristen Wiig) to undergo the surgery and chip in to help save the planet. Payne's trademark deadpan humor should complement this satire well, especially considering the film's strong critical reception. Check out the first official trailer for <i>Downsizing</i> below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UCrBICYM0yM" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Darren Aronofsky has proven to be a master of the psychological thriller thanks to accomplished and adored titles such as <i>Black Swan</i> and <i>Requiem for a Dream</i>. Aronofsky also debuted his latest work at this year's Venice Festival, where <i>Mother!</i> played to many polarizing reviews. Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem star as a couple whose marriage quickly becomes tested following the arrival of some uninvited guests. <i>Mother!</i> finds a theatrical release in the upcoming weeks, so fans of Aronofsky and the horror/thriller genres may want to consider taking flyer on his new release. Check out the latest trailer for <i>Mother!</i> below.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9v9sTnds5EY" width="518"></iframe><br /><br />

Downsizing and Mother! (NEW) Trailers

The Venice Film Festival has become a launching point for major fall releases and Oscar hopefuls, and this year's impressive lineup is n...

September 12, 2017

Top Ten Films of the Year (So Far) - Part II

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaHlR3wEanTPMVPqzUC9CJZeW_ntNdviQwGh_yASnq8mljWxb9x-0mtmYut-jvjpe-TqLWFw3TqZGdbIunLN1hjYK6kd-D5AMqoiZjxEJ7jRzMKFrZpMP0fe8rlWgk56cSGzY7-vOGLs/s1600/top+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaHlR3wEanTPMVPqzUC9CJZeW_ntNdviQwGh_yASnq8mljWxb9x-0mtmYut-jvjpe-TqLWFw3TqZGdbIunLN1hjYK6kd-D5AMqoiZjxEJ7jRzMKFrZpMP0fe8rlWgk56cSGzY7-vOGLs/s1600/top+10.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yesterday I discussed the bottom half of my Top 10 Films of 2017 so far (<b><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/09/top-ten-films-of-year-so-far-part-i.html">Part I</a></b>), and today I will continue on with the 5 best that I've seen this year. In fact, some of these titles may even find their way onto my end-of-the-year list when all is said and done. So here they are, the Top 5 films of 2017's early-year and summer releases.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#5. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/03/rapid-reviews-t2-trainspotting-and-like.html">T2 Trainspotting</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EsozpEE543w" width="518"></iframe> <br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As a lover of the original and an outspoken fanboy of director Danny Boyle, learning that <i>T2 Trainspotting</i> was the "secret screening" at this year's SXSW Film Festival was huge for me. Perhaps the most impressive quality surrounding Danny Boyle's long-awaited sequel is how well is plays as both a stand-alone film and how smoothly it carries over from its predecessor. This ensures that <i>T2</i> can be enjoyed by any moviegoer. Ewan McGregor reprises his role as Renton, who returns to Edinburgh two decades after screwing over his closest friends and associates by running off with their money in an attempt to relocate and break free from his heroin addiction. But as Renton soon discovers, trying to correct all of his past wrongs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. Riotous laughs and a compelling story make <i>T2</i> a worthwhile sequel, even 20 years later. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#4. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/03/rapid-reviews-small-town-crime-and.html">Small Town Crime</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa48pD6Z1oj9FXVIXYinwC_eXmfwzEKqBqa8TCtpVh2lOKEy0gogZAxezNxnMQsBIpbb38crQDrQFAIS-nmfGjYQq8OJEWgLrcBOiT8Gcs88Cc_hLZ7yK-eL6gtTyd9iOcUoJYaYDLbU/s1600/small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa48pD6Z1oj9FXVIXYinwC_eXmfwzEKqBqa8TCtpVh2lOKEy0gogZAxezNxnMQsBIpbb38crQDrQFAIS-nmfGjYQq8OJEWgLrcBOiT8Gcs88Cc_hLZ7yK-eL6gtTyd9iOcUoJYaYDLbU/s320/small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While I thoroughly enjoyed Danny Boyle's <i>Trainspotting</i> sequel, it was sibling directors Eshom and Ian Nelms' <i>Small Town Crime</i> that stood out as the finest entry from this year's SXSW lineup. The great John Hawkes, a vastly under-appreciated talent in the industry, stars as a former cop who begins his own investigation after he drunkenly stumbles across a dead body. Yet, in doing so, he puts himself and all of his loved ones in grave danger. Small Town Crime delivers a Coen brothers-esque vibe with impressionable elements of dark humor, murder and exquisite performances. Octavia Spencer, Robert Forster, Anthony Anderson and Clifton Collins Jr. all shine in their supporting work, which completely round out this stellar crime comedy. <i>Small Town Crime</i> hasn't garnered an official release date yet, but it's a film to certainly keep in the back of your mind.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">#3. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/07/dunkirk.html">Dunkirk</a></i></span><br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_cmgiys2n1o" width="518"></iframe> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Christopher Nolan is without question one of Hollywood's most prolific contemporary filmmakers. With hits like <i>Memento</i>, <i>The Prestige</i>, <i>Inception</i> and <i>The Dark Knight</i> trilogy as just the beginnings of his storied filmography, Nolan clearly wanted to venture into new territory with his World War II action-drama, <i>Dunkirk</i>. Hans Zimmer's relentless score paves the way for non-stop intensity that demonstrates how everything must work together on the land, in the air and in the sea, in order to rescue countless stranded Allied soldiers on the beaches of Dunkirk, France. Despite the film's lack of attention to character development, an insanely realistic depiction of war and all of its horrors make Christopher Nolan's <i>Dunkirk</i> an absolute must-see experience. If you haven't seen it on the big screen, hurry up and do it before the film exits theaters in the near future.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#2. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-big-sick-and-beatriz-at.html">The Big Sick</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jcD0Daqc3Yw" width="518"></iframe> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It feels like Judd Apatow has his hands in just about every cookie jar nowadays as both a filmmaker and producer. The latest effort bearing his trademark Apatow-stamp is Michael Showalter's humbling dramedy, <i>The Big Sick</i>. Silicon Valley's Kumail Nanjiani stars as an amateur comedian who falls head over heels for Emily (Zoe Kazan) despite his Pakistani family's plans for his arranged marriage. While Apatow's trademark has evolved into overly dramatizing a story, <i>The Big Sick</i> keeps a comedy-first approach that makes for a far more enjoyable movie experience. Don't get me wrong, the dramatics are effective, thanks to a less-is-more handling, but these elements blend together masterfully in one of the year's most notable efforts. <i>The Big Sick</i> is still playing in select theaters and it makes a fantastic choice for all types of audiences.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#1. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/03/rapid-reviews-get-out-and-table-19_3.html">Get Out</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sRfnevzM9kQ" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And here we have it, the best film so far in 2017 comes from debut director Jordan Peele. The former Key & Peele standout trades laughs for thrills in the clever early-year horror mystery, <i>Get Out</i>. Daniel Kaluuya stars as Chris Washington, an African American boyfriend who takes a trip to the rural upstate to meet his Caucasian girlfriend's (Allison Williams) parents for the first time. While visiting their impressively large estate he begins to notice that all the other African Americans he encounters are acting very strange, forcing Chris to determine whether all of this is just in his head, or if there's something more sinister at work. <i>Get Out</i>'s rare creativity shines through in an unpredictable manner as it gently toes the line between horror and psychological thriller. The film is a remarkable debut for Jordan Peele, who quickly becomes a director worth watching in the future. </div><br />

Top Ten Films of the Year (So Far) - Part II

Yesterday I discussed the bottom half of my Top 10 Films of 2017 so far ( Part I ), and today I will continue on with the 5 best that I'...

September 08, 2017

Top Ten Films of the Year (So Far) - Part I

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS22fZRMq4H-hxkpQOLCfauQ-rUzTeKOKsDRwyjpdPopRUvIuV6fXNZzx7r-fEk_qMi_o3VF6CJfivkVtjc2e9SNb-DDmfosIO8azFj3wDVm5Kndq_HVK9GHjlhDrglyIrDMHxHWxEMA/s1600/top+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS22fZRMq4H-hxkpQOLCfauQ-rUzTeKOKsDRwyjpdPopRUvIuV6fXNZzx7r-fEk_qMi_o3VF6CJfivkVtjc2e9SNb-DDmfosIO8azFj3wDVm5Kndq_HVK9GHjlhDrglyIrDMHxHWxEMA/s1600/top+10.jpg" /></a></div><br />As the Fall season crashes upon us and the cinematic year begins to unveil its prized possessions leading up to the Academy Awards, I'm going to take a look back at the early-year and summer releases that stand firmly as my Top Ten Films of 2017 so far. Many have been released on DVD and are available for streaming, so I recommend taking a chance on any of these strong entries from 2017.<br /><br /><b>Honorable Mention:</b> <b><i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/05/film-alien-covenant-starring-katherine.html">Alien: Covenant</a></i></b>, <b><i>Beauty and the Beast</i></b>, <b><i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/03/rapid-reviews-small-town-crime-and.html">Gemini</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/03/rapid-reviews-t2-trainspotting-and-like.html">Like Me</a></i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#10. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/07/rapid-reviews-spider-man-homecoming-and.html">Spider-Man: Homecoming</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U0D3AOldjMU" width="518"></iframe> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues its expansion with Peter Parker's (Tom Holland) own film. <i>Spider-Man: Homecoming</i> delves into the teenage life of a nerdy kid with super powers who wants nothing more than to join Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and The Avengers, as well as taking his high school crush to the homecoming dance. But when a former contractor (Michael Keaton) who's stumbled on hard economic times gets his hands on some powerful alien weapons, Spider-Man struggles to balance both his social and extracurricular lives. Sticking to the typical Marvel script with a barrage of jokes and intense action sequences, <i>Homecoming</i> stands as another strong inclusion to the MCU.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#9. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/07/rapid-reviews-atomic-blonde-and-wind.html">Wind River</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nGk_sO57Gr4" width="518"></iframe> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Still currently playing in select movie theaters in Taylor Sheridan's gripping new crime drama, <i>Wind River</i>. The <i>Hell or High Water</i> and <i>Sicario</i> scribe takes a seat in the director's chair for this grim tale of a local Game Tracker (Jeremy Renner) who helps assist an inexperienced FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) in the investigation of a brutal murder and rape of a young woman found on a Native American reservation. <i>Wind River</i> is short on mystery but heavy on dramatics and suspense. The film takes a little to get going but as Sheridan's work begins to hit its stride, there's no turning away from this hypnotic thrill ride.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#8. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-wonder-woman-and-baby.html">Wonder Woman</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/INLzqh7rZ-U" width="518"></iframe> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While Marvel's enormous head-start has placed their cinematic universe light-years ahead of their rival, DC's less-than-impactful first few entries only added insult to injury. Until, however, Patty Jenkins got the ball rolling with her winning origins saga, <i>Wonder Woman</i>. Gal Gadot stars as the Amazon princess warrior Diana who aids a stranded pilot (Chris Pine) and ventures into the middle of the first World War in order to save the world from a dastardly German plot. Surprisingly humorous and exceptionally acted by both Gadot and Chris Pine, <i>Wonder Woman</i> deeply develops its lead character and single-handedly rejuvenates the DC film universe.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#7. <i>War for the Planet of the Apes</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0IFAqAIWD6g" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">In what's become an unexpected and formidable prequel trilogy, Matt Reeves delivers another stellar inclusion into the rebooted <i>Planet of the Apes</i> franchise. This third endeavor follows Caesar (Andy Serkis) on a quest to confront a rogue Army Colonel (Woody Harrelson) dead set on eliminating the advanced ape species. <i>War for the Planet of the Apes</i> tackles deeper and more personal themes that make for a falsely titled film. But despite the movie's lack of action and full fledged battle sequences, Reeves paints an unpredictable and valiant portrait of family, survival and sacrifice. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">#6. <i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-it-comes-at-night-and.html">It Comes at Night</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YOYHCBQn9g" width="518"></iframe> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">Much like the previous entry, Trey Edward Schults offers a wildly mis-marketed feature that satisfies on many unexpected levels with the indie hit <i>It Comes at Night</i>. Joel Edgerton takes center stage as a former history teacher whose only mission is to keep his family alive while a mysterious and fatal illness sweeps across the world. But when he discovers a trespasser (Christopher Abbott) on his property and their families decide to shack up together into order to combine valuable resources, tensions mount as these fathers must first and foremost protect their loved ones. Exploring elements of fear and paranoia, <i>It Comes at Night</i> stands as a wonderfully filmed and superbly acted psychological thriller. Trey Edward Schults' effort is short on scares and by no means a horror entry. But as long as you know what you're getting into, <i>It Comes at Night</i> serves as a psychologically haunting and brisk 90-minute ride.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>*** Stay tuned for <a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/09/top-ten-films-of-year-so-far-part-ii.html">Part II</a> which will look at the Top 5 Films of 2017 so far. ***</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>

Top Ten Films of the Year (So Far) - Part I

As the Fall season crashes upon us and the cinematic year begins to unveil its prized possessions leading up to the Academy Awards, I'm ...

September 07, 2017

DVD Outlook: September 2017

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUX2E55kjmd5-TcLzhlSAprBk6NvUB-NYw07i4-g7yM3VPEqYsDVhkq-264xEYOH3f4zEeDDEBKDQVe6CyK6GejEFKkthoDWYXk-oCk6xgGO4N5_HOhZeyOGyKvOrW_5Bbwy3j9WwiI0/s1600/dvd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="350" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUX2E55kjmd5-TcLzhlSAprBk6NvUB-NYw07i4-g7yM3VPEqYsDVhkq-264xEYOH3f4zEeDDEBKDQVe6CyK6GejEFKkthoDWYXk-oCk6xgGO4N5_HOhZeyOGyKvOrW_5Bbwy3j9WwiI0/s320/dvd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After a disappointing crop of titles arrived to DVD and streaming last month (<b><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/08/dvd-outlook-august-2017.html">August's suggestions</a></b>), September rebounds with a stellar set of top tier selections. Whether you're looking for some legitimate laughs, a mysterious thriller, or an action-packed superhero flick, there's something for everyone available this month. Here's a look at the new release:<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jcD0Daqc3Yw" width="518"></iframe><br /><b><br /></b><b><i>The Big Sick</i> - 3 stars out of 4 - (<a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-big-sick-and-beatriz-at.html">Read my rapid review here</a>)</b><br /><br />Judd Apatow produces <i>The Big Sick</i>, a hysterical and moving dramedy that stands as one of the early year's finest films. <i>Silicon Valley</i>'s Kumail Nanjiani stars as an amateur comedian who falls hard for Emily (Zoe Kazan), despite his Pakistani family's intention of arranging a marriage for him. There's so much heart and humor weaved into Nanjiani and his real-life wife, Emily V. Gordon's semi-autobiographical screenplay. <i>The Big Sick</i> admittedly suffers from an over-extended third act, but Apatow's return to a comedy-first approach proves to be a winning formula. (<b>September 19th</b>)<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YOYHCBQn9g" width="518"></iframe><br /><b><br /></b><b><i>It Comes at Night</i> - 3 stars out of 4 - (<a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-it-comes-at-night-and.html">Read my rapid review here</a>)</b><br /><br />One of the most inaccurately marketed films of the year is Trey Edward Schults' <i>It Comes at Night</i>. Angling for a horror audience, this modestly budgeted indie gem is really an intensifying psychological thriller. A former history teacher (Joel Edgerton) is in full survival mode keeping his wife and son safe from a mysterious fatal illness outside of their boarded-up home. But when a desperate man shows up on their property, a combination of resources finds two families forced to live under the same roof with these looming conditions just beyond their walls. Paranoia and tension mount beautifully in <i>It Comes at Night</i>, but expecting a scary horror entry will result in immense disappointment. Yet, if you're eager to watch an artistic psychological thriller that unfolds at a gripping pace, Trey Edward Schults provides a worthwhile watch. (<b>September 12th</b>)<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VSB4wGIdDwo" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><b><i>Wonder Woman</i> - 3 stars out of 4 - (<a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-wonder-woman-and-baby.html">Read my rapid review here</a>)</b><br /><br />Release after release, DC Comics felt a pummeling from the brilliantly crafted Marvel Cinematic Universe. Well, now the DC has found its cornerstone to build off of with Patty Jenkins' wildly effective origin film, <i>Wonder Woman</i>. Gal Gadot is hypnotic as Diana, a princess warrior of the Amazons who, with the help of a stranded pilot (Chris Pine), thrusts herself into the first World War to help save the world from defeat. <i>Wonder Woman</i> provides breakneck action, immaculately choreographed fight sequences and perfectly-timed humor that helps make the film a quintessential summer blockbuster and backbone for the DC film universe. (<b>September 19th</b>)<br /><br /><br /><b>Honorable Mention:</b> A trio of new releases this month that I've reviewed include the female-centric comedy <b><i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-rough-night-and-47-meters.html">Rough Night</a></i> (9/5)</b>, the shark infested waters thriller <b><i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-rough-night-and-47-meters.html">47 Meters Down</a></i> (9/26)</b>, and Selma Hayek's indie drama <b><i><a href="http://moviecriticdave.blogspot.com/2017/06/rapid-reviews-big-sick-and-beatriz-at.html">Beatriz at Dinner</a></i> (9/12)</b>. Indie horror sensation <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4954522/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><i>Raw</i></a> (9/5)</b> arrives in September, as does the military drama <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4899370/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Megan Leavey</a></i> (9/5)</b>. Finally, a few critically panned films are also available such as the Tupac biopic <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1666185/?ref_=nv_sr_1">All Eyez on Me</a></i> (9/5)</b>, Tom Cruise's <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2345759/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Mummy</a></i> (9/12)</b>, and newest installment <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3371366/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Transformers: The Last Knight</a></i> (9/26)</b>.<br /><br />

DVD Outlook: September 2017

After a disappointing crop of titles arrived to DVD and streaming last month ( August's suggestions ), September rebounds with a stellar...

September 03, 2017

Rapid Reviews: Logan Lucky and Good Time

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkJtkSl240MTXRYpSgqm_nRNwrQ6uenWVecd159eJy9h5MeT1dDaMPK5vGtCa-miLhOURcpPStft-kQv0Tc714nQsNEEQAR2bzmAu0u8jJKrf_nwfTnYPHvVrERPy4pLAmuoIkBsIB1s/s1600/rapid+reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="619" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkJtkSl240MTXRYpSgqm_nRNwrQ6uenWVecd159eJy9h5MeT1dDaMPK5vGtCa-miLhOURcpPStft-kQv0Tc714nQsNEEQAR2bzmAu0u8jJKrf_nwfTnYPHvVrERPy4pLAmuoIkBsIB1s/s320/rapid+reviews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y-1nGS-lsJQ" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Early in 2013 Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh announced that he was through with Hollywood and declared <i>Side Effects</i> as his final film. Less than a handful of years have passed and Soderbergh is back in the game, re-teaming with his <i>Magic Mike</i> star Channing Tatum in the new screwball heist comedy <i>Logan Lucky</i>. The critics continue to fawn over Soderbergh's work, and although the film's hardly the type of effort to emerge from retirement to deliver, <i>Logan Lucky</i> marks another successful endeavor from the filmmaker.<br /><br />After Jimmy Logan (Tatum) loses his job and then learns that his ex (Katie Holmes) plans to move their daughter further away than he finds acceptable, the one-time football star pitches a heist idea to his one-and-a-half-armed brother (Adam Driver). The siblings embark on an unconventional plan to rob a NASCAR venue on race-day that includes breaking a fellow partner (Daniel Craig) out of jail to pull this thing off. And with the odds stacked completely against them, and time certainly not on their side, the Logan brothers hope to break from their cursed family history.<br /><br />As the visionary behind the <i>Oceans</i> trilogy, heist films are far from uncharted territory for Steven Soderbergh. Yet, he uses some familiar elements in conjunction with a fresh crop of quirky characters to deliver a smooth and enjoyable ride. Channing Tatum continues to show he's an effective lead, all while Adam Driver quietly steals the show. In tandem they provide enough laughs and slow-witted misdirection to help make the impossible a reality. <i>Logan Lucky</i> is never as hilarious as it should be, yet Rebecca Blunt's carefully crafted screenplay maneuvers through the robbery with masterful precision that helps solidify the film. Perhaps <i>Logan Lucky</i>'s achievements are a bit embellished, thanks to an outpouring of critical adoration, but the film still stands as a strong return for Soderbergh.<br /><br /><br />Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4<br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B0FgG43oA-0" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Indie filmmaking siblings Josh and Benny Safdie have quietly delivered highly regarded short and feature films over the last ten years. But none of their timely work has made a splash as big as their latest Cannes selection and Best Composer winner, <i>Good Time</i>. Teaming with a nearly unrecognizable Robert Pattinson and co-starring Benny Safdie himself, <i>Good Time</i> blends together a stylish vision with a pulse-pounding original score that provides relentless thrills.<br /><br />Connie Nikas (Pattinson) cares deeply for his mentally disabled brother Nick (Benny Safdie), even if he's too blind to notice his toxic influence on him. And after a bank robbery sends Nick into the brutal prison system and Connie on the run from the cops, the fugitive will do whatever it takes to get his brother out of jail. Yet, Connie's foiled plan sends him on a wild chain of events that even he can't control anymore.<br /><br />The first thing you notice about <i>Good Time</i> is Daniel Lopatin's gripping score. But the film offers plenty more, piecing together a stimulating character study with sleek direction. Robert Pattinson has transformed his career since the early <i>Twilight</i> days, tackling diverse roles that are often small in stature but exceptionally delivered. He takes over the screen in <i>Good Time</i>, commanding your attention with his survivalist mentality and dwarfing the performances of everyone around him, including Oscar nominees Jennifer Jason Leigh (<i>The Hateful Eight</i>) and Barkhad Abdi (<i>Captain Phillips</i>). However, for all of <i>Good Time</i>'s strong attributes, the film frustrates witha bitterly unrealistic sequence of events that takes 100 minutes to end up exactly where it should have been after only a half hour. But despite this infuriating blemish with its script, <i>Good Time</i> still represents a fine independent effort from Robert Pattinson and the Safdie brothers.<br /><br /><br />Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4<br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><br />

Rapid Reviews: Logan Lucky and Good Time

Early in 2013 Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh announced that he was through with Hollywood and declared Side Effects as his final ...

August 31, 2017

Last Flag Flying and Suburbicon (NEW) Trailers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIrKjoWvXre1FIdAWgmFpvAAFvr9Q0zQaB_fjDNkHKU2e8irz9hOvx5g8dF8DJCWA0fQcHS6CJW4mn1l3-XZlIloEIYiIV8yIVrkUaMp7K2GjajZtnumpMHAADYr_pLd3ji0HJN1pT0E/s1600/trailers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="900" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIrKjoWvXre1FIdAWgmFpvAAFvr9Q0zQaB_fjDNkHKU2e8irz9hOvx5g8dF8DJCWA0fQcHS6CJW4mn1l3-XZlIloEIYiIV8yIVrkUaMp7K2GjajZtnumpMHAADYr_pLd3ji0HJN1pT0E/s320/trailers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Richard Linklater (<i>Boyhood</i> and <i>Dazed and Confused</i>) returns to Oscar-craved dramatics with the upcoming November release, <i>Last Flag Flying</i>. A former Navy Corps medic (Steve Carell) reunites with a pair of his old service buddies (Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne) for a road trip to bury his son, a casualty of the Iraq war. Heavy with heart and laughter, <i>Last Flag Flying</i> carries a deeply talented cast that looks every bit the awards season contender that you would expect. Check out the film's debut trailer below.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VmS4lTZ34uk" width="518"></iframe><br /><br /><br />George Clooney returns to the directors chair with his wildly anticipated late-year release, <i>Suburbicon</i>. Matt Damon stars in this Coen brothers scripted tale of a deadly home invasion that shakes a small suburban town. Quirky, darkly comedic, and oozing with the siblings' trademark style, <i>Suburbicon</i> could be a major Oscar player this year. You can catch the latest look at Clooney's film below.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="291" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiIqtD9J-xc" width="518"></iframe><br /><br />

Last Flag Flying and Suburbicon (NEW) Trailers

Richard Linklater ( Boyhood and Dazed and Confused ) returns to Oscar-craved dramatics with the upcoming November release, Last Flag Flying...

August 25, 2017