REVIEW: Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel's newest franchise debuted at #1 at the box office this weekend, as expected, since any movie with the word Marvel in it seems to be a shoo in for multi-million buckeroos. The film follows the adventures of five unlikely heroes who find out a secret that could single-handedly destroy the entire galaxy, then concoct a plan to save it. In truth, I found Guardians to be fun, but that was really it. The movie has explosions, talking raccoons and multicolored dames galore, but the problem was that while the film was blowing up as many space ships as possible, it neglected to ackno
wledge its gaping plot holes and lack of character development. Chris Pratt plays a charming Peter Quill, but it would be nice if the audience wasn't left questioning [SPOILER] why he was abducted by aliens in the first place. Or how Zoe Saldana's character Gamora, escaped the clutches of the evil Ronan, or why she betrayed him. Although Gamora gives a 30 second blurb into her tortured past to Quill, it would be nice if she could elaborate a little bit. But then--perhaps the filmmakers are waiting for a sequel to explain that.

As for the humor of the film, many jokes were funny, many jokes were not. Bradley Cooper voices the genetically enhanced raccoon, Rocket and adds humor to the film, but like I said, many jokes just resulted in eye-rolling from yours truly. The movie isn't without its charms, however. It has great special effects, and spectacular imagery as well as fun characters. It's just too bad the script isn't as spectacular. Although, Chris Pratt's body was pretty spectacular. To me, Guardians of the Galaxy was Marvel's version of Star Wars without the mythological or religious influence. In the end, it really is a fun movie, but it's not exactly...deep. I'll give it a K.

American Film Version of "Death Note" (Finally) Gets a Director

I was a huge fan of the Death Note series in middle school, then I grew out of the manga/anime phase in high school, and now, I find that Hollywood has grabbed the rights to one of the most famous manga franchises ever?! Needless to say, I am super excited! Gus Van Sant has been signed on to direct, although this film will be very different from many of his other films (ie: Good Will Hunting, Milk), it seems Warner Bros. is looking for Oscar bait. For those who don't know, Death Note is about a narcissistic teen who finds a notebook left on earth by a "Death God" and learns that whomever's name is written in it dies. The teen (who's name is Light) decides to build a utopia which he will rule by killing off dangerous criminals all while dodging the FBI and Interpol.
Death Note has potential to be a great crime/psychological thriller, much like Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, but of course, it's too early to tell anything. The film hasn't even been cast yet. As for that, I'm pulling for talented actors such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Garfield, or Benedict Cumberbatch.

THIS IS A FAKE POSTER. Just to clear that up, but it's really fun to speculate and see how this film will look and turn out!

Top Three Patriotic Films

I know I missed The Fourth of July weekend, but I figure I should put up my top three AMERICA IS AWESOME type films anyway. Let's just pretend that it is the Fourth of July again.

1. Lincoln

Steven Spielberg's epic film about President Lincoln fighting Congress to pass the Emancipation
Proclamation is both arresting and inspiring. Not to mention Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is second-to-none-amazing-unparalleled- and-freakin'-awesome. Other stand out performances include Tommy Lee Jones as the abolitionist trying to end slavery for good, as well as David Strathairn and of course, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln. Although we know how the film ends (anyone who passed the fifth grade knows the Emancipation Proclamation passed, or should, anyway.) the movie makes us feel like we are in the middle of a power play that we don't know who will win. (Even though we do...)



2. 1776

Like Lincoln, the plot of 1776 revolves around a debate in congress, but this time it's a MUSICAL! though
 those two things sound incompatible, the film is a lively retelling of the struggle in the Continental Congress on the question of American Independence. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its release, the film features really captivating and spirited performances, particularly by William Daniels as John Adams, Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin, and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson. Actually, the whole film relies on the entire ensemble cast, and none disappoint. The movie takes many artistic liberties (I highly doubt the delegates in the first Congress sang that much), but overall, it really puts into perspective how close America came to not being independent of England at all.



3.Glory

Another Civil War film, I know, but I couldn't leave it out! This movie stars some of my favorite people:
Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Cary Elwes!! The movie is really provocative in its portrayal of the injustice given to the first African-American regiment in history--injustice thrust upon them by the Union Army. The army that was supposed to be liberating them. The movie also shows an unflinching view of war, and how there aren't really "good guys" and "bad guys." just...guys. One of my favorite performances is that of Denzel Washington. He plays a man so angry at the world, he doesn't know who to fight, he just does. The scene where he is whipped for "deserting" is so disturbing, I can't help but wince every time. The film has a tragic end, but it doesn't hesitate to show that the soldiers made a big difference on the outcome of the war.


SO! what films did I leave out? feel free to comment and tell me your favorite "AMERICA IS AWESOME" movies!!

Is New "Annie" a Recipe for Disaster?

Jay-Z, only one of many producers, announced this film as a "modern re-imagining of a beloved musical." But if the musical is so beloved, does it really need a "modern re-imagining?" Shouldn't the integrity of the original work speak for itself? As an "Annie" fan, I can't say I am  particularly excited about this new adaptation, and I don't think many other fans are either. Here are a few reasons why I don't think "Annie" would really translate well from the 1930's (the time period the musical was originally written in) and now. For one, Annie is supposed to be this girl that brings sunshine to everyone she meets in an especially decrepit time--The Great Depression, America's most tragic economic downfall in history. I'm not saying that we couldn't use an optimistic young girl in our time as well, it's just...the original version is more of an extreme contrast to me. Second: the casting. I have no problem with Quvenzhane Wallis playing Annie, I adored the diverse casting we saw in The Wonderful World of Disney's 1997 musical film,  Cinderella, but on the other hand, Annie is best recognized for her red curly locks. The real casting issue I have is Cameron Diaz. She is way too young and hot to play Miss Hannigan, who is supposed to be pretty old, mean and pathetic, as well as a chronic drinker. I just...can't see Cameron Diaz as a woman like that. A more appropriate casting choice would be someone like Melissa McCarthy (who would certainly draw crowds) or, to make it more diverse, even Whoopi Goldberg would have been a better choice. Not to mention Diaz looks very moronic in the trailer; she's way too over-the-top. But I'll wait until I see the film to pass actual judgement on that one. Third, Can we talk about Jamie Foxx's character's name?? Benjamin Stacks?? WHEN DID OLIVER WARBUCKS BECOME A NON-HIP NAME???? Fourth, (last one, I promise), The music in the trailer seems awfully pop-ified. Annie is one of the most iconic Broadway musicals in history, and it's score is a distinctive Broadway score. Big brass, tap dance numbers, the whole shebang. If the original score is pop-ified, I will not be very happy.

        In my opinion, Foxx, Diaz, and Rose Byrne, and pretty much everyone in this movie deserve a much better Annie adaptation than the one in which they are participating in. (Actually exclude Diaz, she shouldn't even be there in the first place.) I won't completely write it off yet,and if I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it, but I have a strong feeling I'll be seeing Into the Woods to get my fill of movie musicals this Christmas instead.

REVIEW: The Fault in Our Stars

John Green's provocative teen novel captivated thousands when it was released just one year ago, so it's no surprise that Hollywood did what Hollywood does best: turn literary phenoms into multi-billion dollar franchises. Unlike The Hunger Games or Divergent however, this film is not an action-packed dystopian story, but a simple one.

The film is narrated by sixteen-year old cancer patient Hazel (Shailene Woodley) who meets and befriends Gus (Ansel Elgort)--also a cancer patient in a support group. Eventually their friendship evolves into something much deeper and they take us on the intimate journey of their budding romance and tragic heartbreaks. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical of this film at first. I was wary that it would turn out to be a Nicolas Sparks-type drag of a film, boy meets girl, boy likes girl, boy and girl have sex, someone gets cancer and dies. The end. I have to say, I have never been happier to say I was proven wrong! The film was not just a straight, boring, predictable love story, but a real story of two kids who were given a raw deal in life and have to find out how to live with it. One word to describe The Fault in Our Stars is FRESH. One reason (there are many) but one, is the superb casting. Many times in Hollywood romances, the two lovers usually look extremely perfect and beautiful; the guy is a strapping Channing Tatum and the girl is a curvy Olivia Wilde. With Stars, however, Woodley and Elgort are not these god-like beings of beauty. Woodley is perfectly lovely, of course! And Elgort is absolutely adorable--I'm not saying they were unattractive, but they were normal. They looked like regular teens. No washboard abs, no voluptuous breasts, just a pair of normal kids dealing with very abnormal circumstances.

Hazel and Gus are not shallow or conceited (as--let's admit it, most teen tend to be), but are philosophical, aware of the world and it's struggles, and witty. Wish more teenagers were like that. The Fault in Our Stars is a fresh, perfect blend of romance, humor, and emotion. In my opinion, it's the best love story since Titanic. At least, it's the best one I've seen in a very long time. Beautifully acted, with thoughtful narration and philosophy, The Fault in Our Stars most certainly is one to watch and is awarded a KAY! So, if you haven't seen it, get to the theater to watch it, and if you already have, get to the theater to watch it again! ...Okay?

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!

REVIEW: Million Dollar Arm

This new film, produced by Walt Disney Pictures chronicles the story of JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm) and his long shot plan to save his failing agency company by finding an Indian pitcher for Major League Baseball. Initially, the idea was conceived purely to gain revenue--an Indian pitcher in the major leagues would open up a whole new legion of fans in India, and such a novelty would attract media attention and investors to Bernstein's company. Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi) and Madhur Mittal (Slumdog Millionaire) portray the two young boys chosen to accompany Bernstein to America for a major league tryout.

Although Hamm's protrayal of Bernstein is touching, you can't help but notice that the role is a watered-down, modern version of his character on Mad Men, Donald Draper. Like Mad Men, Hamm's character works for an agency, a sporting one, that requires him to do a lot of pitching to his clients (just like in Mad Men), his character is cocky, and dates models (just like in Mad Men), and he is egotistical and a bit selfish (just like in...you guessed it, Mad Men.)

Sharma and Mittal give honest performances as two young boys from one of the most impoverished countries in the world dropped into one of the richest and indulgent countries in the world. Both actors spend most of the film speaking in their characters' native tongues, but bring clear emotion to words most of us in the English-speaking world wouldn't understand. Lake Bell (Boston Legal) plays Bernstein's charming and quirky neighbor, Brenda well, however her apathetic attitude in the film can be sometimes irritating. Alan Arkin also appears in a funny role, playing an old baseball scout; but it's a shame he wasn't in the film more often.

Overall, the film is touching, funny and a great story to tell, but it lacks the inspiration you find in other films of its kind, like Remember the Titans or 42. It also lacks the intelligence you'd find in Moneyball, but still is fun, heart warming and recommended. I give this film a K!

An Introduction

I never gave much thought to blogging before, until I searched through the dusty recesses of my mind and flipped on the light switch. I have to admit I'm incredibly novice at this entire culture. I began to entertain the idea on a whim walking out of a movie theater, after seeing a particularly terrible film, and wondered if anyone would be interested in hearing my opinion on it. Probably not. But, perhaps it would put my mind at ease.  

  If you haven't already guessed it, This blog will be dedicated to my (and hopefully your) love of movies. The blog will contain reviews on the latest films, opinions on Hollywood trends, awards, stars, trailers, as well as discussions on my (and perhaps our) favorite films, both old and new. I suppose that there are thousands of other blogs discussing movies, but this one will feature a new insight--my insight, to film. Here will be a place to celebrate the art of the movies!

 In regards to my reviews, if they pass my test, the film will receive a K (for Kay, which happens to be my middle name, and it sounds pretty cool, if I do say so myself.) if the film is extremely good, it will receive a KAY! I know there isn't much of a difference, but go with me! if the film is extremely horrendous, it won't get anything at all. Now that the boring preliminaries are out of the way, let us delve into the mystical, awesome, weird, romantic, world of the movies, because here, we are absolutely FILMATICAL about MOVIES!