Joe Wright's "Pan" Underwhelming; "Sicario" is Brilliant
As a kid who grew up watching the Disney animated classic films, Peter Pan was one of my favorites. Then in the 90s, a little film called "Hook" came around and my mind was blown as my love for the character and story grew. To me, Disney's classic animated feature and Steven Spielberg's "Hook" are the Peter Pan cinematic staples. There have been many versions of the beloved story since then, the newest being this weekend's Joe Wright-directed "Pan". I was optimistic going into this movie, because it looked really interesting, at least from initial impressions. That being said, though this movie had some shining moments, I walked out of the theater scratching my head with a dumbfounded look on my face because my brain was straining to figure out what exactly I had just watched. I was pretty sure it was Peter Pan, sorta. But then again...I just don't know! Let's break it down a bit.
What I DID like about this movie was that it was ambitious. It's definitely a fresher take on the story, giving us the tale of how Peter Pan became the boy-hero of Neverland after being whisked away from the orphanage his mother leaves him in. I love this idea. There are also many nods to familiar things, i.e. mermaids, crocodiles, fairies, a brief cameo of Tinkerbell, (which was kinda just thrown in there), and many others that gave this movie a definite "Peter Pan" feel. However, the movie speeds through the story and doesn't allow for any real character development. There's so much crammed into this piece that I wished for just one moment that the exposition train would have slowed down enough to really allow you to connect to the characters. I get that this is a fantasy film that was geared towards a broad demographic, but please...The Lord of the Rings was a fantasy story, and I care way more about Gollum and hobbits than I did ANYBODY in this movie. It's a real bummer, but it's true.
As for the acting, it wasn't bad. Hugh Jackman is the bright spot giving an over-the-top yet really entertaining performance of the menacing pirate captain Blackbeard. Young Levi Miller does a decent job as Peter, but mostly falls flat (I blame the direction he was given more than him). Garrett Hedlund's James Hook, an ally of Peter's in this story, is a mixture of Indiana Jones, Jack Nicholson, and moments of Heath Ledger's Joker. It was weird. I missed Dustin Hoffman. In fact, I think Hugh Jackman would make an excellent Hook. He should play hook in the inevitable sequel. Who cares if he already played Blackbeard. The Hook we have now is just odd. Every one's all up in arms with Rooney Mara as Princess Tigerlilly all because she's white. Well, honestly it doesn't matter. They're referred to as 'savages' rather than 'indians' throughout the movie, whether than means anything or not, and the tribe is actually made up of all different races. Honestly it was OK. But overall the acting was bland as the story chugged along. The CGI of the film (which is most of the film) was horrible at moments amidst the fantastic ones that really take you out of the story. When the little kid a few seats down from you says "that looks fake" when Peter is flying, you know you crapped the deck.
Man, so I wasn't trying to be all Negative Nancy here, but I gotta be honest. Where there's a redeemable quality to be found with this movie, it would be its amazing score as well as the fact that this movie will in fact appeal to families--given it's identity crisis with its tone--due to it's wholesome content. Given that a majority of films in theaters right now are rated R, this movie may take the box office with all the families going to see it. The movie isn't perfect, but there are moments when I saw true potential. It's just sad it couldn't be better.
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Emily Blunt is a freakin' beast. She's an amazing actress that is known mostly for her work in comedy and some dramas, but I'll tell you what...she's shaping up to be a mega-action star. Her newest film "Sicario" is one of my top ten favorite's of 2015 thus far. It's intense, action-packed, disturbing, enlightening, engaging, entertaining, brilliant, and one heck of a movie. Man...like I saw it last week and I still can't stop thinking about it. If you haven't seen it yet, repent and make restitution this weekend. You won't be disappointed.
The story follows Kate Macer (Blunt), an idealistic FBI agent who is enlisted by an elected government task force headed by Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico. It's a cop thriller that is visceral from the opening sequence with a cartel house raid, all through to the riveting end. The story has a good pace, allowing you to take in everything that is going on and then grabs you during the action and doesn't let go. It's insane how fun this movie is.
Blunt gives an amazing performance in this films. Kate is a good FBI agent who feels she's just not doing enough to make a difference. When faced with moral dilemmas on this heightened mission she goes on, Emily Blunt is able to tap into something real, giving us a really genuine performance that doesn't feel phoned in. Josh Brolin is uncharismatic and a bit of a mystery in the way of his motives, but given all the great performances, Benicio Del Toro steals the screen as the mysterious Alejandro. Shrouded in dark mystery, the movie does a brilliant job of unraveling who this guy is as he works with the task force. He's scary, intense, but equally charming and intriguing. His arc is by far the most interesting and is just a joy to watch.
Everything about the movie was top notch; the direction, editing, score, everything. It's a well-rounded film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't stress enough how cool it is, so just go see it already!
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