Hey all! Sorry I haven't posted much in a while, but I am back! And yesterday I finally got the chance to sit down and watch the new Netflix Original (sorta, they own the distribution rights, but did not produce it) Beasts of No Nation. And wow. Just, wow.
The Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective) written and directed film is emotionally intense. Depicting a non-descript African country going through civil war (seriously, these days just blindfold yourself and point randomly on a map, and you'll easily enough find an African country going through a similar situation), the film follows the story of Agu (Abraham Attah), a young boy who is forced by circumstance to be a child soldier for a rebellious Commandant (Idris Elba). The performances these two give are phenomenal. You get what you'd expect from Elba: a strong, masculine character with a presence. He rallies you behind his cause with every speech, because he knows how to deliver lines. Elba is one of those actors that doesn't appear in everything, but when he does you know you're getting a standout performance. Attah, on the other hand, is new to the game. And when I say new, I mean this is the first time this kid has ever acted in his life. He gives a performance for the ages, and in doing so, he won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival. That should tell you how good this kid is in the role of Agu, which is important because he is in almost every shot of the film. It is his story, its a sad story, and this kid brings it every step of the way.
Another great aspect of this film is the musical score. Composer Dan Romer (Beasts of the Southern Wild) does a fantastic job. His score helps to beautifully tell the story. Each scene has its own theme, and with that its own score, and Romer helps you know how you should be feeling based only on the music. The most impressive was in the second act of the film, where you are made to feel ready to fight in this civil war alongside these children, and it is because of the way the score weaves in and out brilliantly leading up to and alongside Elba's Commandant's speech. Romer also did a great job of including classic African rhythms and sounds, helping to maintain the authentic feel of the movie. (The most authentic aspect IMO is the most of the cast are true Africans. Their accents are heavy and, despite having to listen hard to become accustomed to understanding them, that hammers home the emotional core of the movie. I doubt it would feel as real as it did if everyone was talking like they were from Middle America, or even Britain.)
Finally, this movie can seem brutal, but that is only because of the subject matter. A war-torn country seems exotic to us, yet the atrocities shown in the movie pale in comparison to the real atrocities real human beings are performing every day all over the world. This movie is not violent for the sake of violence, but instead uses violence to help tell the story of this boy fighting to survive. You wouldn't feel for this boy if there wasn't violence, his loss of innocence would not seem believable. And war is not a set piece for the movie, but is instead a backdrop for the life they are forced to live.
The best thing about this movie is that you do believe it. The directing, the cinematography, the musical score, and the acting performances all culminate into on powerful, brilliant movie. And it includes one of the saddest endings you will every watch. I do not consider that a spoiler because nothing compares to watching for yourself. Nothing compares to going on that journey with Agu as you watch him miss out on a childhood he will never get back. And the worst part is, he knows it.
Stay Tuned!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
So That's What the Playoffs Are Like, Huh!
You know when you have random thoughts of "I really want to get away" or "We should totally do this"? You know when you pose those types of questions on Facebook and people respond, yet nothing comes of it? Well Saturday afternoon I posed such a question. "Anyone want to go see a Mets game Sunday?" I had some interested responders, and I thought nothing would come of it. But one friend was serious. And thanks to her, and my credit card, we went!
We left Binghamton a little before 3pm. Now, due to traffic (most of which might have been due to the NY Jets game just ending) and a random detour through a New Jersey town (thanks to Rosie, my GPS), it took us over an hour longer than we anticipated to get to Citi Field from Binghamton. Almost four and a half hours to be precise (or as precise as an almost allows).
BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS!
We were there! We were at a New York Mets playoff home game! Our teams first playoff run in nine years! Excited doesn't even begin to describe it!
The crowd was electric. People were chanting, cheering, and anticipating the start of the game. The lineups were announced, with the Chicago Cubs receiving nonstop boos, and our home-team Mets receiving almost all cheers (the lone standout was for Lucas Duda, who received his typical "Duuuuu" chant which sounds like boos, but aren't, but might have been considering his recent struggles, but anyways)! The crowd was ready, the teams were ready, I was ready.
Noah Syndergaard came out throwing gas! 97 on the black to start the game. Ground ball to Murphy, bobbled, but recovered in time for the first out. Crowd roaring, but still holding back like it was waiting for something. Strike three, and more roaring. Single, and it was like air out of a bag. Strike three again, and AC/DC's thunderstruck plays. The crowd on their feet, but still holding back. Still waiting. Then Curtis "Grandy" Granderson comes up to leadoff for the Mets. After falling behind, he hits a single in the hole. Not a single fan has sat down yet. Then the Captain comes up, and David Wright launches a ball over the center fielder's head and one bounces it off the wall. Grandy scores, Wright to second. Crowd jumping and waving. Mets up 1-0.
But the place still seemed like it was waiting for something. Or someone. And that someone was now up to the plate, the only player this crowd cared about. Daniel Murphy. The guy who almost single handedly won the NLDS for the Mets, homering off of the two best pitchers in baseball three times. The guy who the night prior, during Game 1 of the NLCS, homered again off of the former Red Sox pitcher, Jon Lester, to help lead the Mets to a Game 1 victory. This guy, Murph, was right on the first pitch fastball from Arrieta. He hooked a slider low and inside right down the line, pulling it foul, feet from the foul pole. He scoffed at Arrieta's fastball outside. And then he did it. He knelt down, struck the curve ball inches from the ground, and hooked it over the wall for a two-run homerun! He did it! Again! Murphy hit a homerun! He tied a franchise playoff record!
The stadium finally erupted to highest decibel, shaking the building to its core! Everyone was jumping, screaming, hugging, embracing friends and strangers alike. You couldn't hear. You couldn't see, aside from a sea of orange and blue waving like a storm over everyone and everything. Daniel Murphy continued not only his hot hitting during the postseason, but he continued to etch his name into the upper echelon of Mets players. A level of fan favoritism usually associated with the likes of Seaver, Gooden, and Piazza. A place Team Captain David Wright has been working his way towards for eleven seasons. Murphy was doing it all in a matter of weeks. And he took a well deserved curtain call to chants of "MVP".
The rest of the game fed off the ferocity of that first inning, with the momentum never leaving the Mets side. Mid-season pick-up, Yoenis Cespedes, drove in the fourth Mets run in the third, and the rest was Thor (Syndergaard). He dropped the hammer on the Cubbies, going five and two-thirds solid innings giving up only one run while striking out nine. The crowd almost never sat down, standing whenever a strikeout was coming, or when a play was made. Orange towels waving nonstop.
When the game was over, the atmosphere was not. Fans couldn't stop talking about the game, the team, the pitching, and Murphy. Everyone left the stadium to a chorus of "Let's Go Mets" and "Daniel Murphy! MVP!". Connections were made throughout the night to people you've never met before. You'll never meet them again, but you'll both remember that night you went to that game. That night your team won.
Experiencing a playoff game is one thing. Experiencing one cheering for a team you've loved your whole life, a team who has gone through such ugly lows, surrounded by thousands of people who have struggled through those lows right along with you and the team, and are now experiencing winning at its finest and most fun, is a whole other feeling. I cannot even begin to put it into words due to the inability to fully describe how the last nine years have felt: Carlos Beltran's called strike three. Two collapses. Two General Managers. Three Managers. Bernie Maddoff. Reyes leaving in the 3rd inning, and leaving the Mets, while winning a batting title. RA Dickey winning the CY Young award while pitching for one of the worst teams in baseball. Castillo's dropped pop up. Jason Bay, Brad Emaus, Chris Young, Oliver Perez. The list is endless, and yet its only nine years of the franchise's entire existence. All of that was forgiven and forgotten for most fans the second they won the division this year. But for me, it wasn't until I was there. Standing, surrounded by thousands of other fans, wearing orange and blue, that I realized this is real. This team is real. They're winning. It won't stop, and we don't want it to.
Let's Go Mets!
Stay Tuned!
 |
| Dusty Baker on TBS |
BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS!
We were there! We were at a New York Mets playoff home game! Our teams first playoff run in nine years! Excited doesn't even begin to describe it!
 |
| Former Mets on TBS: Gary Sheffield and Pedro Martinez |
Noah Syndergaard came out throwing gas! 97 on the black to start the game. Ground ball to Murphy, bobbled, but recovered in time for the first out. Crowd roaring, but still holding back like it was waiting for something. Strike three, and more roaring. Single, and it was like air out of a bag. Strike three again, and AC/DC's thunderstruck plays. The crowd on their feet, but still holding back. Still waiting. Then Curtis "Grandy" Granderson comes up to leadoff for the Mets. After falling behind, he hits a single in the hole. Not a single fan has sat down yet. Then the Captain comes up, and David Wright launches a ball over the center fielder's head and one bounces it off the wall. Grandy scores, Wright to second. Crowd jumping and waving. Mets up 1-0.
 |
| Travis d'Arnaud bruised the Apple in Game 1 |
The rest of the game fed off the ferocity of that first inning, with the momentum never leaving the Mets side. Mid-season pick-up, Yoenis Cespedes, drove in the fourth Mets run in the third, and the rest was Thor (Syndergaard). He dropped the hammer on the Cubbies, going five and two-thirds solid innings giving up only one run while striking out nine. The crowd almost never sat down, standing whenever a strikeout was coming, or when a play was made. Orange towels waving nonstop.
When the game was over, the atmosphere was not. Fans couldn't stop talking about the game, the team, the pitching, and Murphy. Everyone left the stadium to a chorus of "Let's Go Mets" and "Daniel Murphy! MVP!". Connections were made throughout the night to people you've never met before. You'll never meet them again, but you'll both remember that night you went to that game. That night your team won.
Experiencing a playoff game is one thing. Experiencing one cheering for a team you've loved your whole life, a team who has gone through such ugly lows, surrounded by thousands of people who have struggled through those lows right along with you and the team, and are now experiencing winning at its finest and most fun, is a whole other feeling. I cannot even begin to put it into words due to the inability to fully describe how the last nine years have felt: Carlos Beltran's called strike three. Two collapses. Two General Managers. Three Managers. Bernie Maddoff. Reyes leaving in the 3rd inning, and leaving the Mets, while winning a batting title. RA Dickey winning the CY Young award while pitching for one of the worst teams in baseball. Castillo's dropped pop up. Jason Bay, Brad Emaus, Chris Young, Oliver Perez. The list is endless, and yet its only nine years of the franchise's entire existence. All of that was forgiven and forgotten for most fans the second they won the division this year. But for me, it wasn't until I was there. Standing, surrounded by thousands of other fans, wearing orange and blue, that I realized this is real. This team is real. They're winning. It won't stop, and we don't want it to.Let's Go Mets!
Thursday, October 15, 2015
5 Years, 3 Studios, 32 Movies!: 2019 & 2020
A little double action here! Sorry I haven't posted in a while, was a little busy focusing on the Mets allowing the Dodgers to play a couple extra game in 2015 before their season ends tonight (yeah, I'm pretty hopeful!)
A quick recap: Marvel Studios (the MCU), FOX (their X-Men universe surrounding Marvel's mutants), and Warner Bros. (DC Comics based movie adaptations), with a cameo from SONY (they share the movie rights with Marvel for Spider-Man), are leading the way with superhero/comic book adaptations, and in doing so are creating universes of movies surrounding those properties allowing the characters to interact. It is essentially the comic book world visualized through a movie, and it is awesome! Two of those studios, Marvel and Warner Bros., have movie dated slotted through 2020, meaning they may not have announced a movie yet, but they have dates saved for them so that competing studios cannot use those dates (well a studio can use the date, but, financially speaking, it is not in their best interest. For more on that, read this).
So here we go!
2019
Captain Marvel (March 8) Director: ?
Not much is known about this solo movie from Marvel. Marvel has a good duo writing it: Meg LeFauve (who also wrote Pixar's successful 2015 film Inside Out) and Nicole Perlman (who also wrote Marvel's successful 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy). Having two successful female writers is important for Marvel's strongest female character (and arguably their strongest in general), and its been obvious that they would also like to tab a female director for this movie as well. Now who will play the talented Carol Danvers? Rumors point to two solid candidates: Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow) and Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation). Both are successful female stars right now with an aptitude for action, so both are entirely capable candidates. One dark horse candidate I DO NOT want to see as our Ms. Marvel: Ronda Rousey (she just cannot act...)
Shazam(!) (April 5) Director: ?
Now regardless if this movie's title contains an exclamation or not not-withstanding, this movie is an interesting one. The lead hero, a DC character by the name of Billy Batson, is a child who by exclaiming the magic word "Shazam!" turns into the adult hero Shazam (originally called Captain Marvel, but changed due to Marvel beating them to the name). Now to the interesting part: Shazam's arch-enemy is a being by the name of Black Adam, and DC has tabbed no other than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to play the anti-hero. The Rock is franchise gold, and is arguably the biggest star out there right now. Plus he vied for the role through social media (something his friend Vin Diesel is doing right now with Marvel), so he is obviously committed.
Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 (May 3) Director: Joe and Anthony Russo
Now I have previously touched on this when talking about Part 1 in 2018, but this movie is going to be huge. Like I said before, I expect the first movie to end with the New Avengers losing terribly to Thanos. This second movie I believe will tie all loose ends together: Thor will save the universe and (as recently reported) find Hulk and bring him back to Earth, Captain Marvel will have her powers now and be nearly indestructible, Doctor Strange will have discovered something to help stop Thanos, the Guardians of the Galaxy will make their way back to Star-Lord's home in search of Thanos, etc. All of the Earth's heroes will be coming together for Part 2, and it will be epic. HOWEVER! (And this is a big however) I am worried. Big time! I love the MCU unabashedly, but there are almost dozens of superheroes that will need screen-time in this movie. It is going to be crowded, and I'm worried it cannot be pulled off. Good thing I have four years to ease my worries...
The Justice League Part Two (June 14) Director: Zack Snyder
Another part deux! This time its for the DC universe, and this is the follow up to the 2017 film. Now, with there being a lot less history leading up to this film than there is with Marvel's Infinity War. Because of this, nobody can speculate on whats going on. Rumor has it Darkseid is the main villain in this one, but who knows! All we know is expect Batman to continue to be the leader of this team seeing as how DC/WB only knows how to promote that character (which is okay, because he's the only DC hero that matters).
Inhumans (July 12) Director: ?
This movie has recently had a lot of drama surrounding it, and nobody is even on tab to direct or star. Despite the rumors, this movie is still happening (for now...), and it will be based off the secret royal Inhuman family. Now, I've mentioned Vin Diesel is lobbying for a role with Marvel, and the king of the Inhumans is it: Black Bolt. He would carry the star power necessary to drive this movie at the box office, and having him signed on will guarantee the movie still is made. Now, since the seeds of this movie are being sowed in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., here's to hoping we get an appearance from Chloe Bennet's Daisey Johnson/Quake.
2020
Cyborg (April 3) Director: ?
Cyborg is expected to appear in The Justice League movies, and maybe even appear before then, but this is his solo film. Starring up-and-comer (and Broadway star) Ray Fisher, this movie is a wild-card. This character is not very well known, however, there are rumors he can lead into another DC team movie: Teen Titans. Having a live action Teen Titans movie is very intriguing, so hoping for that might make me excited for this movie.
Untitled Marvel Studios Film (May 1) Director: ?
The first of three announced dates for a Marvel movie, my guess this movie will be a tent-pole/sequel film due to its May release. My guess: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. (You heard it hear first!)
Untitled Marvel Studios Film (June 10) Director: ?
Here's number two! This movie could easily be a tent-pole/sequel as much as it could be a solo movie. My guess: Spider-Man 2 or a Nova movie.
Green Lantern Corps. (June 19) Director: ?
Not much is known about this film, but the title is intriguing. What it teases is that we can expect all of the main Green Lantern's in one film: Hal Jordan, John Stewart (not the comedian haha), Guy Gardner, and maybe more! Tyrese Gibson has publicly been lobbying for the role of John Stewart.
Untitled Marvel Studios Film (November 6) Director: ?
And finally, number three. My guess: a sequel to Doctor Strange or Black Panther, or a Defenders movie (Marvel's street-level heroes who can be seen on Netflix), or even a spin-off of Guardians into the cosmic realm.
So there it is! Every superhero/comic book adaptation coming to you over the next 5 years! All 32 of them! If you're as big as a nerd as me, then I know you're super excited and ready.
Stay Tuned!
A quick recap: Marvel Studios (the MCU), FOX (their X-Men universe surrounding Marvel's mutants), and Warner Bros. (DC Comics based movie adaptations), with a cameo from SONY (they share the movie rights with Marvel for Spider-Man), are leading the way with superhero/comic book adaptations, and in doing so are creating universes of movies surrounding those properties allowing the characters to interact. It is essentially the comic book world visualized through a movie, and it is awesome! Two of those studios, Marvel and Warner Bros., have movie dated slotted through 2020, meaning they may not have announced a movie yet, but they have dates saved for them so that competing studios cannot use those dates (well a studio can use the date, but, financially speaking, it is not in their best interest. For more on that, read this).
So here we go!
2019
Captain Marvel (March 8) Director: ?
Not much is known about this solo movie from Marvel. Marvel has a good duo writing it: Meg LeFauve (who also wrote Pixar's successful 2015 film Inside Out) and Nicole Perlman (who also wrote Marvel's successful 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy). Having two successful female writers is important for Marvel's strongest female character (and arguably their strongest in general), and its been obvious that they would also like to tab a female director for this movie as well. Now who will play the talented Carol Danvers? Rumors point to two solid candidates: Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow) and Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation). Both are successful female stars right now with an aptitude for action, so both are entirely capable candidates. One dark horse candidate I DO NOT want to see as our Ms. Marvel: Ronda Rousey (she just cannot act...)Shazam(!) (April 5) Director: ?
Now regardless if this movie's title contains an exclamation or not not-withstanding, this movie is an interesting one. The lead hero, a DC character by the name of Billy Batson, is a child who by exclaiming the magic word "Shazam!" turns into the adult hero Shazam (originally called Captain Marvel, but changed due to Marvel beating them to the name). Now to the interesting part: Shazam's arch-enemy is a being by the name of Black Adam, and DC has tabbed no other than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to play the anti-hero. The Rock is franchise gold, and is arguably the biggest star out there right now. Plus he vied for the role through social media (something his friend Vin Diesel is doing right now with Marvel), so he is obviously committed.Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 (May 3) Director: Joe and Anthony Russo
Now I have previously touched on this when talking about Part 1 in 2018, but this movie is going to be huge. Like I said before, I expect the first movie to end with the New Avengers losing terribly to Thanos. This second movie I believe will tie all loose ends together: Thor will save the universe and (as recently reported) find Hulk and bring him back to Earth, Captain Marvel will have her powers now and be nearly indestructible, Doctor Strange will have discovered something to help stop Thanos, the Guardians of the Galaxy will make their way back to Star-Lord's home in search of Thanos, etc. All of the Earth's heroes will be coming together for Part 2, and it will be epic. HOWEVER! (And this is a big however) I am worried. Big time! I love the MCU unabashedly, but there are almost dozens of superheroes that will need screen-time in this movie. It is going to be crowded, and I'm worried it cannot be pulled off. Good thing I have four years to ease my worries...The Justice League Part Two (June 14) Director: Zack Snyder
Another part deux! This time its for the DC universe, and this is the follow up to the 2017 film. Now, with there being a lot less history leading up to this film than there is with Marvel's Infinity War. Because of this, nobody can speculate on whats going on. Rumor has it Darkseid is the main villain in this one, but who knows! All we know is expect Batman to continue to be the leader of this team seeing as how DC/WB only knows how to promote that character (which is okay, because he's the only DC hero that matters).Inhumans (July 12) Director: ?
This movie has recently had a lot of drama surrounding it, and nobody is even on tab to direct or star. Despite the rumors, this movie is still happening (for now...), and it will be based off the secret royal Inhuman family. Now, I've mentioned Vin Diesel is lobbying for a role with Marvel, and the king of the Inhumans is it: Black Bolt. He would carry the star power necessary to drive this movie at the box office, and having him signed on will guarantee the movie still is made. Now, since the seeds of this movie are being sowed in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., here's to hoping we get an appearance from Chloe Bennet's Daisey Johnson/Quake.2020
Cyborg (April 3) Director: ?Cyborg is expected to appear in The Justice League movies, and maybe even appear before then, but this is his solo film. Starring up-and-comer (and Broadway star) Ray Fisher, this movie is a wild-card. This character is not very well known, however, there are rumors he can lead into another DC team movie: Teen Titans. Having a live action Teen Titans movie is very intriguing, so hoping for that might make me excited for this movie.
Untitled Marvel Studios Film (May 1) Director: ?
The first of three announced dates for a Marvel movie, my guess this movie will be a tent-pole/sequel film due to its May release. My guess: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. (You heard it hear first!)
Untitled Marvel Studios Film (June 10) Director: ?
Here's number two! This movie could easily be a tent-pole/sequel as much as it could be a solo movie. My guess: Spider-Man 2 or a Nova movie.
Green Lantern Corps. (June 19) Director: ?
Not much is known about this film, but the title is intriguing. What it teases is that we can expect all of the main Green Lantern's in one film: Hal Jordan, John Stewart (not the comedian haha), Guy Gardner, and maybe more! Tyrese Gibson has publicly been lobbying for the role of John Stewart.Untitled Marvel Studios Film (November 6) Director: ?
And finally, number three. My guess: a sequel to Doctor Strange or Black Panther, or a Defenders movie (Marvel's street-level heroes who can be seen on Netflix), or even a spin-off of Guardians into the cosmic realm.
So there it is! Every superhero/comic book adaptation coming to you over the next 5 years! All 32 of them! If you're as big as a nerd as me, then I know you're super excited and ready.
Stay Tuned!
Daredevil Season Two Teaser
This past week, Marvel has released what can be considered two things: a recap of the first season of Daredevil, and a teaser for the second season!
If you've followed me at all (or talked to me in person), you know I LOVED season one of this show. In my opinion, it is a must watch for anyone, regardless if you're into superheros. What Arrow did for DC/WB on television, Daredevil is doing for Marvel. And you can color me excited!
Now for the season two tease, it looks amazing! Obviously just a short tease, but it gets me (and hopefully you) really excited about what is to come, with both Punisher (played by Jon Bernthal) and Elektra (played by Elodie Yung) coming on board! It is going to be one wild ride, and it will be interesting to see what villain could possibly make Daredevil, Punisher and Elektra work together. Stay Tuned!
You can check out the video below!
If you've followed me at all (or talked to me in person), you know I LOVED season one of this show. In my opinion, it is a must watch for anyone, regardless if you're into superheros. What Arrow did for DC/WB on television, Daredevil is doing for Marvel. And you can color me excited!
Now for the season two tease, it looks amazing! Obviously just a short tease, but it gets me (and hopefully you) really excited about what is to come, with both Punisher (played by Jon Bernthal) and Elektra (played by Elodie Yung) coming on board! It is going to be one wild ride, and it will be interesting to see what villain could possibly make Daredevil, Punisher and Elektra work together. Stay Tuned!
You can check out the video below!
Monday, October 12, 2015
Quick Review: The Martian
Holy crap that was a good movie! I'm not going to go as far as saying Ridley Scott is back (seeing as how we don't give the same credence to one hit wonders), but by God he's crafted a masterpiece. This film is emotional, its visuals are breathtaking, every nuance is handled gloriously, and to put it simply: it makes sense.
(I had a little more time to bring you this review, so it is a little more thought out than my previous one!)
The Rundown:
Matt Damon: Most Best Actor Oscars nominations usually are given to actors who do a spectacular job in a movie, yet are surrounded by a cast that is equally good, so that the movie doesn't work unless everyone works. The cast as a whole is great in The Martian (and I'll get to them in a moment), but this movie does not work without Matt Damon. You believe he his Mark Watney, as much as Mark Watney is Matt Damon. You have faith in him, you cheer for him, and you go hand in hand with him on this mission. This movie might work with a completely different supporting cast, but it certainly does not work without Matt Damon. Take that Batfleck.
On Earth: The cast that makes up NASA, as well as the other organizations involved, is world-class. Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave), Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Donald Glover (Community), and Benedict Wong (Prometheus) each embody their character so beautifully. Daniels as the hard-nosed head of NASA. Ejiofor (who can be seen in the upcoming Doctor Strange movie), Bean (who it was nice to see not die for once), Wiig (who did a nice job handling more dramatic fare), and Wong (who I have a feeling might be showing up in more movies now) as what seems like the true brains of the operation. And when Glover makes an appearance, you just know whats coming (a plot-point used often in space movies), yet it is done so well that you are okay with it. And finally, Sherlock will notice an appearance by Jonathan Aris.
The Crew: No captain is strong without a strong crew, and Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) captains an impressive crew. It was nice to see the pilot also being the joker (seeing as how the pilot in every other movie seems like they have a stick up their ass). Michael Pena (End of Watch), though not as funny as in Ant-Man, does an excellent job breaking the ice. I do hope his star is rising in Hollywood, because I always enjoy watching him. I think this might be the team/family dynamic Kate Mara (House of Cards) was looking for in the failed Fantastic Four movie. I would have liked to have seen more of her, but the scenes she is in she does a fine job. Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) might finally be getting some serious Hollywood recognition, and having a film like this on his resume will only help. And finally, Aksel Hennie (Hercules) is essentially a no-name, but does fine job providing some "explosive" muscle to this group. But like I said, this crew is captain by a strong captain. Chastain has proven multiple times now she can play a strong role, essentially breaking many gender walls. Expect her to show up in many more movies as a leading lady.
Now, we don't actually get to see this crew really in action until the third act, and what an act it is. That is some of the most thrilling cinema I have seen in a long time. I was actually moving around in my seat because of how nervous I became. The credit most certainly should go to Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods), who drafted an incredible screenplay, which climaxed so beautifully in the third act. He has become quite a sought after writer/director over the last couple years, so expect to hear his name a lot more.
And finally, the thing that I enjoyed about this movie most: science (bitch?). Interstellar was a good movie. The science in it made sense, but only after watching it a couple times to really be able to follow. The same is not true for this movie! All of the science in this movie made sense as you are watching. There are even moments where you want to scream out an idea right before a character does, because you have been thinking right along with them. Not many movies can do that, and it is because of this that (despite a few F-bombs and a few more assumed ones) that you can take kids to see this, which is something that I couldn't say the same for with Interstellar.
I don't know if this movie will win a Best Picture Oscar, but it deserves the consideration. Its thrilling, funny, smart and really well done. And I highly recommend it!
Stay Tuned!
(I had a little more time to bring you this review, so it is a little more thought out than my previous one!)
The Rundown:
Matt Damon: Most Best Actor Oscars nominations usually are given to actors who do a spectacular job in a movie, yet are surrounded by a cast that is equally good, so that the movie doesn't work unless everyone works. The cast as a whole is great in The Martian (and I'll get to them in a moment), but this movie does not work without Matt Damon. You believe he his Mark Watney, as much as Mark Watney is Matt Damon. You have faith in him, you cheer for him, and you go hand in hand with him on this mission. This movie might work with a completely different supporting cast, but it certainly does not work without Matt Damon. Take that Batfleck.
On Earth: The cast that makes up NASA, as well as the other organizations involved, is world-class. Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave), Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Donald Glover (Community), and Benedict Wong (Prometheus) each embody their character so beautifully. Daniels as the hard-nosed head of NASA. Ejiofor (who can be seen in the upcoming Doctor Strange movie), Bean (who it was nice to see not die for once), Wiig (who did a nice job handling more dramatic fare), and Wong (who I have a feeling might be showing up in more movies now) as what seems like the true brains of the operation. And when Glover makes an appearance, you just know whats coming (a plot-point used often in space movies), yet it is done so well that you are okay with it. And finally, Sherlock will notice an appearance by Jonathan Aris.
The Crew: No captain is strong without a strong crew, and Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) captains an impressive crew. It was nice to see the pilot also being the joker (seeing as how the pilot in every other movie seems like they have a stick up their ass). Michael Pena (End of Watch), though not as funny as in Ant-Man, does an excellent job breaking the ice. I do hope his star is rising in Hollywood, because I always enjoy watching him. I think this might be the team/family dynamic Kate Mara (House of Cards) was looking for in the failed Fantastic Four movie. I would have liked to have seen more of her, but the scenes she is in she does a fine job. Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) might finally be getting some serious Hollywood recognition, and having a film like this on his resume will only help. And finally, Aksel Hennie (Hercules) is essentially a no-name, but does fine job providing some "explosive" muscle to this group. But like I said, this crew is captain by a strong captain. Chastain has proven multiple times now she can play a strong role, essentially breaking many gender walls. Expect her to show up in many more movies as a leading lady.
Now, we don't actually get to see this crew really in action until the third act, and what an act it is. That is some of the most thrilling cinema I have seen in a long time. I was actually moving around in my seat because of how nervous I became. The credit most certainly should go to Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods), who drafted an incredible screenplay, which climaxed so beautifully in the third act. He has become quite a sought after writer/director over the last couple years, so expect to hear his name a lot more.
And finally, the thing that I enjoyed about this movie most: science (bitch?). Interstellar was a good movie. The science in it made sense, but only after watching it a couple times to really be able to follow. The same is not true for this movie! All of the science in this movie made sense as you are watching. There are even moments where you want to scream out an idea right before a character does, because you have been thinking right along with them. Not many movies can do that, and it is because of this that (despite a few F-bombs and a few more assumed ones) that you can take kids to see this, which is something that I couldn't say the same for with Interstellar.
I don't know if this movie will win a Best Picture Oscar, but it deserves the consideration. Its thrilling, funny, smart and really well done. And I highly recommend it!
Stay Tuned!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
5 Years, 3 Studios, 32 Movies!: 2018
So here we are, where things get interesting! I previously let ya'll know that Marvel Studios made an announcement about a new movie in 2018 (along with three unnamed films in 2010), which shifted other film dates around!
2018 is a big year for Marvel, FOX, and DC/WB. Five out of the seven films coming out that year are new properties, so this will be the big test for these studios to create films that will aid in future success past their 2020 releases. Plus, each week of July will see a new film be released! That is a busy month! Here's to hoping that fatigue in the genre won't have kicked in, yet!
So here we go!
Black Panther (February 16) Director: ?
Not much is known about this movie, other than it stars Chadwick Boseman as the titular hero, T'Challa/Black Panther. The character would have already made his debut in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War, but this solo film promises to flesh out who the character is and delve into the politics of his secretive country, Wakanda. Expect to see Andy Serkis in the film as Ulysses Klaue (who previous appeared in the 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron), as it is his character that forces T'Challa to lead his country and take up the mantle as Black Panther. Director wise, this film has struck out twice now. Originally, Selma director Ava DuVernay was in talks to direct this film, but she ultimately passed. Then rumors circulated that Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray was being sought to direct, but he just signed on to direct Furious 8 for Universal. He could still hypothetically come on to direct Black Panther, but scheduling would definitely be tight.
The Flash (March 23) Director: Seth Grahame-Smith
Not to be confused with the highly successful CW show of the same name, this will be first DC/WB stand-alone film that doesn't revolve around one of the big three. All that is really known up to this point is that it stars up-and-comer Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash, and that his suit might be more technical similar to that of the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 (May 4) Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo
So here we go! Everything the MCU has been leading to pretty much since the first Iron Man film in 2008, ten years later will culminate in an epic saga! (can you tell I'm excited?!) Thanos (played by Josh Brolin), has been scouring the universe for the Infinity Stones (the McGuffin's scattered throughout Marvel films) and his reign of terror will lead him straight to Earth. Now being that this is the first of two films, expectation is that not all the Avengers will unite in this one. Also, expect a HUGE cliff hanger, because how else will it lead into Part 2?! Finally, it has been announced that the Russo Bros. will direct this film entirely with all new IMAX digital cameras, which will create a film-going experience that will only be fully realized in theaters. Everyone wins! (except the Avengers, they're probably get their asses kicked this film...)
Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6) Director: ?
The follow up to the successful 2015 solo film stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne/The Wasp. That is all we know. I sort of expect either Ant-Man director Peyton Reed to return for the follow up, or that Adam McKay will take over after turning down the first (but writing most of the script with buddy Paul Rudd). Being that this is one of two "solo" films in between the Infinity movies, expect part of the story to deal with the aftermath of Part 1. Or not! Nobody knows right now!
Untitled Marvel/FOX Film (July 13) Director: ?
Absolutely nothing is known about this film at the moment aside from it's release date. Expect this movie to be a new property set in the existing X-Men universe FOX has created. Rumors are that it will be a New Mutants film directed by Josh Boone. Another rumor is that it will be an X-Factor film. Both teams are separate from the regular X-Men team, but are fully comprised of mutants. This movie, regardless of the property, will be very important for FOX, as X-Men: Apocalypse looks to be the end of the trilogy starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult. Any or all of those stars may return for future films, but, starting with Gambit, FOX is looking to expand its universe past the normal X-Men team.
Untitled Animated Spider-Man Film (July 20) Director: ?
Independent from the live-action film world, SONY is developing an animated Spider-Man film. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are writing a treatment and are producing, but they probably will not direct due to scheduling conflicts (they are scheduled to direct a young Han Solo Star Wars film). That is all we know.
Aquaman (July 27) Director: James Wan
This won't be the blonde, orange and green superhero you know from the comics! Jason Momoa will be playing the title character (previously appearing in Batman v Superman and The Justice League Part One), and his take promises to be, for lack of a better term, bad ass!
Now originally, Marvel's Captain Marvel was supposed to be released in November of 2018. However, when the Ant-Man news was announced, it was also announced that Captain Marvel was moving to 2019. Because of this, and because there are so many films releasing in July, I expect one or two of them to budge and move to later that year. My money is that they will be the X-Men spinoff and animated Spider-Man movies, because neither are fully fledged out and could use the extra time. Plus the other two properties, Ant-Man and Aquaman (what a crossover that would be!) are known properties with characters that have already appeared so the studios will expect success from them. Also, this is three years from now! So anything could happen!
Up next 2019, so Stay Tuned!
2018 is a big year for Marvel, FOX, and DC/WB. Five out of the seven films coming out that year are new properties, so this will be the big test for these studios to create films that will aid in future success past their 2020 releases. Plus, each week of July will see a new film be released! That is a busy month! Here's to hoping that fatigue in the genre won't have kicked in, yet!
So here we go!
Black Panther (February 16) Director: ?
Not much is known about this movie, other than it stars Chadwick Boseman as the titular hero, T'Challa/Black Panther. The character would have already made his debut in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War, but this solo film promises to flesh out who the character is and delve into the politics of his secretive country, Wakanda. Expect to see Andy Serkis in the film as Ulysses Klaue (who previous appeared in the 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron), as it is his character that forces T'Challa to lead his country and take up the mantle as Black Panther. Director wise, this film has struck out twice now. Originally, Selma director Ava DuVernay was in talks to direct this film, but she ultimately passed. Then rumors circulated that Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray was being sought to direct, but he just signed on to direct Furious 8 for Universal. He could still hypothetically come on to direct Black Panther, but scheduling would definitely be tight.The Flash (March 23) Director: Seth Grahame-SmithNot to be confused with the highly successful CW show of the same name, this will be first DC/WB stand-alone film that doesn't revolve around one of the big three. All that is really known up to this point is that it stars up-and-comer Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash, and that his suit might be more technical similar to that of the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 (May 4) Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo
So here we go! Everything the MCU has been leading to pretty much since the first Iron Man film in 2008, ten years later will culminate in an epic saga! (can you tell I'm excited?!) Thanos (played by Josh Brolin), has been scouring the universe for the Infinity Stones (the McGuffin's scattered throughout Marvel films) and his reign of terror will lead him straight to Earth. Now being that this is the first of two films, expectation is that not all the Avengers will unite in this one. Also, expect a HUGE cliff hanger, because how else will it lead into Part 2?! Finally, it has been announced that the Russo Bros. will direct this film entirely with all new IMAX digital cameras, which will create a film-going experience that will only be fully realized in theaters. Everyone wins! (except the Avengers, they're probably get their asses kicked this film...)Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6) Director: ?
The follow up to the successful 2015 solo film stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne/The Wasp. That is all we know. I sort of expect either Ant-Man director Peyton Reed to return for the follow up, or that Adam McKay will take over after turning down the first (but writing most of the script with buddy Paul Rudd). Being that this is one of two "solo" films in between the Infinity movies, expect part of the story to deal with the aftermath of Part 1. Or not! Nobody knows right now!Untitled Marvel/FOX Film (July 13) Director: ?
Absolutely nothing is known about this film at the moment aside from it's release date. Expect this movie to be a new property set in the existing X-Men universe FOX has created. Rumors are that it will be a New Mutants film directed by Josh Boone. Another rumor is that it will be an X-Factor film. Both teams are separate from the regular X-Men team, but are fully comprised of mutants. This movie, regardless of the property, will be very important for FOX, as X-Men: Apocalypse looks to be the end of the trilogy starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult. Any or all of those stars may return for future films, but, starting with Gambit, FOX is looking to expand its universe past the normal X-Men team.Untitled Animated Spider-Man Film (July 20) Director: ?
Independent from the live-action film world, SONY is developing an animated Spider-Man film. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are writing a treatment and are producing, but they probably will not direct due to scheduling conflicts (they are scheduled to direct a young Han Solo Star Wars film). That is all we know.
Aquaman (July 27) Director: James Wan
This won't be the blonde, orange and green superhero you know from the comics! Jason Momoa will be playing the title character (previously appearing in Batman v Superman and The Justice League Part One), and his take promises to be, for lack of a better term, bad ass!
Up next 2019, so Stay Tuned!
Friday, October 9, 2015
Quick Review: Everest
Wow!
So its a rainy Friday afternoon and I decided why not go see a movie, right? So I choose Everest (in 3D) and oh my god! This movie was beyond unbelievable. The scenes of the mountain played out like an IMAX documentary. And drama, and acting, was amazing and not over the top at all.
Quick rundown:
Jason Clarke is phenomenal in this movie. This guy impresses me more and more that I see him. His character, Rob, really drives the story.
Josh Brolin plays a character that surprised me. Whatever you're expecting from him gets blown away (pun intended!).
Sam Worthington I believe is a little wasted in this movie. However the cast is already so crowded and full of such phenomenal actors. Such as Robin Wright making an appearance as a strong willed Texan wife.
And finally, impressed with Kiera Knightley. I usually am annoyed with her but she did a good job in a limited role. Same goes for Jake Gyllenhaal. Usually a leading man, he does a phenomenal job in a supporting role.
So yeah, I highly recommend Everest (especially in 3D, and I usually done enjoy 3D). Go see it before its too late!
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