Burnt, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, Rock the Kasbah, Bridge of Spies, and Steve Jobs - Reviews
FEATURED REVIEWS THIS WEEK:
With the year winding down, fewer big blockbuster movies are hitting the big screen, making room for the potential Oscar noms that show up around this time. This weekend's new release "Burnt" is probably not going to make it in the running, but its lead actor just might, which isn't much of a surprise. Bradley Cooper isn't new to the Oscar world, being nominated for best actor in "American Sniper", "American Hustle", and "Silver Linings Playbook" consecutively. His performance in this film isn't quite up to the caliber of his past performances, but not by much.
Cooper plays Chef Adam Jones. A two-star Michelin Jedi master in the kitchen, Jones had it all. However, as most rock stars do when bogged down by fame and fortune, Jones eventually destroyed his career with drugs and an ego to boot. After paying his self-dealt penance, he cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can possibly gain him that coveted third Michelin star. It's a movie about finding one's passion and doing whatever it takes to achieve it; a lofty but righteous quest for anyone in any field.
The story itself is a bit choppy at the start. It's really unclear as to the details behind Jones' past. We're given clues throughout the movie, but it's muddled overall. You can chop that up to poor writing if you want, but I'm taking the more positive route and stating that the ambiguity if his past was purposefully meant to be so. After seeing the film, you realize you really don't need to know all the details. Cooper does a fantastic job at bringing the emotional pain and anguish that Jones' past has left him with, which is enough to drive the story. Diving back into his craft, Jones utilizes the kitchen as a cathartic release, but ultimately learns that one's own redemption is not always a personal, lonely endeavor.
The story moves at a decent pace. The supporting cast does a great job behind Cooper. Sienna Miller (American Sniper) plays Helene, a chef who doesn't quite know her true potential until the infamous Adam Jones convinces her to work for him. Helene is just as bull-headed as Jones which makes for great drama and tension between the two. The chemistry between Cooper and Miller is palpable, which we saw in "American Sniper". Overall the movie was acted well, along with decent writing and decent direction. "Burnt" may not take the number one spot in the box office with this being Halloween weekend, but it definitely shouldn't be missed.
It's Halloween this weekend and that means scary movies. It's unfortunate, however, that there aren't very many to choose from at the cinema. "Crimson Peak" and "Goosebumps" are at the forefront of most people's list, if they haven't seen them already. Let's not forget though that there is one more that can satisfy your spooky craving. However, with the way the movie industry is going, and with a revamped deal struck with the Video OnDemand peeps, you'll be limited to where you can see it in theaters. Of course I'm talking about "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension", the sixth and final film of the found-footage franchise. Because of its low-budget nature, it will be released on VOD a lot sooner than normal. Because of this, a handful of theater chains are boycotting the film, refusing to show it. It's a bummer, because this movie was a lot of fun.
Now before you burn me at the stake, let me just start by saying that these movies are not the greatest. They're low-budget flicks that use cheap jump scares and re-use the same tactic in each and every movie. I get that, I do. I remember when the first one came out and how it blew everyone away. I was earnestly creeped out for a couple of days after. It was a jarring experience. It really harnessed the use of found-footage in a way that was eerily effective. Many movies have tried since then to copy this tactic but have failed to be as effective...including its sequels. But even though they're all basically the same, they do have an interesting story arc that is addressed throughout the entire franchise (although now seeing Ghost Dimension, I find it hard to place the previous film The Marked Ones in the whole scheme of things).
In this film, a family finds an old, custom video camera that allows them to see the spectral world. Tobey, the benevolent demon that has haunted the entirety of the franchise, is back and for the first time we get to see him. Well, actually we just see a blackened figure and floaty spectral dust particles, but it's still really creepy. The Ghost Dimension is the first one to add something new to the drawn out franchise. Not only do we now get to see the activity going on, rather than just hearing it in past films, the use of 3D really adds to the tension. The movie is primarily in 2D, until the special spectral camera is used. Every time we see the world through the lens of the new camera, we're shifted into the 3D world. As a fan of the franchise it was a really cool addition to see.
The plot is basically the same as the other films, only this movie takes the time to connect back with the previous films, primarily the third movie where we're introduced to young Katie and Kristi. The plots of the other films are briefly mentioned as the father of the family and his brother investigate the spooky VHS tapes they find along with the camera. As for the overall arc of the film, I won't give anything away, I try to stay spoiler free. I will say though that the Tobey arc comes to a close, which I guess serves as an overall arc to the franchise. I was still left with unanswered questions, but that's okay. I was pleasantly surprised how it ended, which wasn't how I expected. It was a treat to see this movie in theaters, even if I had to trek a half hour to see it. If you're a fan of the franchise I think you'll really like it. See it in 3D because it really adds to the overall experience. Of all the scary movies playing in theaters right now, this one is the creepiest, which should make for a fun Halloween viewing. Just be sure to check your local listings.
ALSO THIS WEEK:
"Rock the Kasbah" is a fun little film that I think most people will miss. The all-powerful Bill Murray is at it again, showing off his legendary acting chops with this mediocre story. Murray plays Richie Lanz, a down-on-his-luck music manager, who is desperately searching for a reason to continue in the business. Parading around as a big hot shot, he travels on tour to Afghanistan with a local talent (played by Zooey Deschanel) and discovers a teenage girl with an extraordinary voice. Against all odds, and the customs of the land, he takes her to Kabul to compete on the popular television show, Afghan Star, risking both his career and is life in the process.
The set up of the film seems ready to flow, but the direction just isn't there. Barry Levinson (director) has a hard time establishing what kind of movie Rock the Kasbah should ultimately be. At times it's a satire on the music industry, then all of a sudden it's a War drama. Bill Murray is great, and plays the fish-out-of-water well enough. It's just not tonally sound, waving in and out of what it's ultimately striving for. That being said, it's still enjoyable, thanks to the wonderful cast.
Bill Murray is just one of those guys who seems to get better and better with age. Known for his comedic presence, the guy's range is massive. It's a shame, however, that we only get a glimpse of that in the film. Don't get me wrong, I really liked it (surprise, surprise) but the story overall was lacking and Murray did a fine job going with the flow. The supporting cast was good enough to fill in some of the cracks. But overall the story, though a bit weak, does flow well, keeping you engaged enough to pay attention. It's funny, heart-warming, sad, and sometimes just out-right ridiculous. It's a decent movie, but one that might serve better from a home viewing.
Steven Spielburg's "Bridge of Spies" is a wonderfully directed historical drama. For whatever reason, he seems to knock these things out of the park. Maybe it's because he's probably the best living director on the face of the planet. Seriously. It's insane how talented he is. Bridge of Spies follows the "based on true accounts" of lawyer James B. Donovan (played by the maestro himself, Tom Hanks) as he is asked to defend an accused Soviet spy, Rudolf Able (played remarkably be Mark Rylance), in order to show the world what the American democracy is all about. It's a riveting drama that is just masterfully crafted.
There is little to no action in this movie, so if you're expecting that I hate to disappoint you (spoiler alert?) The tension and suspense of the film is found through the portrayal of the characters on the background of the Cold War. Yes, it's somewhat of a political piece, but doesn't fist-feed you with political doctrine. It's a story about one man's courage to stand in defense of the laws of a country where the remaining population would rather not. When the accused Soviet spy is brought forth, Donovan takes the opportunity (unwillingly at first) to defend him because doing so would ensure that the laws of the land would be upheld, in spite of the overall opposition to just kill the guy.
When an American spy pilot is shot down, a covert negotiation is put into play to exchange the two. Playing the middle man for America, Donovan once again steps up to the plate. This is a war movie where the battle doesn't consist of weapons but words. If the negotiations were to have gone south, or the wrong thing was said, war would've definitely broken out, possibly to the end of both nations. It's got all the intensity of "Saving Private Ryan" with the dramatic tension of "Lincoln". "Bridge of Spies" has been out now for a couple of weeks and if you haven't seen it, don't miss it. It's one of the most masterfully crafted films of the year; balancing the drama with emotional tension, great acting, great directing, and a patriotic story that will leave you feeling good. I highly recommend it.
When I first heard about the movie "Steve Jobs" I immediately hung my head in confusion. Why would there need to be another movie about the guy, I don't know. This movie marks the third film about the digital revolutionary; the previous film "Jobs" being only two years removed. You all remember that movie right? The one with Ashton Kutcher? No? It's okay, because after seeing this film no one will remember it (sorry Kelso). I'll admit, I wasn't too keen on seeing this film, mostly because of the fact that we just had a film about Steve Jobs. It felt redundant. Like when "White House Down" released after "Olympus Has Fallen". Just unnecessary. But let me tell you, if I had to choose one of the three Steve Jobs films (the other one is 1999's "Pirates of Silicon Valley), this latest one should stand as the sentinel for all.
Michael Fassbender dons the black turtle neck of Jobs in the film directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) and written by Aaron Sorkin (Moneyball). The movie takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, painting a visceral portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story is unique in that it takes place in three similar locations. A majority of the movie takes place backstage at three iconic product launches: the unveiling of the Mackintosh, the NeXT Cube, and finally ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac. Three distinct moments in technological history, and within these moments we gain a sense of who Jobs was, how passionate he was with his work, and how it ultimately affected his family life.
Fassbender blows it out of the water in this movie. He looks nothing like Steve Jobs, but you won't care. He brings the intensity, passion, swagger, and smarts to the technological genius. The supporting cast is equally engaging. Jeff Daniels as CEO John Sculley will more than likely garnish an Oscar nom (as well as Fassbender, you'll see). Even Seth Rogen, who plays Steve Wozniak did a fabulous job at not being the comedic dufuss we know him to be. Like, he can actually pull off drama and do it well. I applaud the man. The writing is quick and witty, signature of Sorkin for sure. It's comical, emotional, and harrowing as we see how the choices Jobs makes in how he deals with the people in his life ultimately affect him in the long run.
Like I said, I had no desire to see this movie. I had heard a lot of positive buzz about it and decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. Forget the previous two movies and go see this one. You're not going to see a docu-drama pinpointing the various stages of Jobs career, but rather three glimpses into his epic life that will make you appreciate yours even more. If we can take the movie to be accurate (which no movie based on true events is) then Jobs' life was sad. Not all the time, but enough to make you wonder if his passion had a lot to do with his health. He's definitely an icon in our history and "Steve Jobs" is one of the best films of the year.
With the year winding down, fewer big blockbuster movies are hitting the big screen, making room for the potential Oscar noms that show up around this time. This weekend's new release "Burnt" is probably not going to make it in the running, but its lead actor just might, which isn't much of a surprise. Bradley Cooper isn't new to the Oscar world, being nominated for best actor in "American Sniper", "American Hustle", and "Silver Linings Playbook" consecutively. His performance in this film isn't quite up to the caliber of his past performances, but not by much.
Cooper plays Chef Adam Jones. A two-star Michelin Jedi master in the kitchen, Jones had it all. However, as most rock stars do when bogged down by fame and fortune, Jones eventually destroyed his career with drugs and an ego to boot. After paying his self-dealt penance, he cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can possibly gain him that coveted third Michelin star. It's a movie about finding one's passion and doing whatever it takes to achieve it; a lofty but righteous quest for anyone in any field.
The story itself is a bit choppy at the start. It's really unclear as to the details behind Jones' past. We're given clues throughout the movie, but it's muddled overall. You can chop that up to poor writing if you want, but I'm taking the more positive route and stating that the ambiguity if his past was purposefully meant to be so. After seeing the film, you realize you really don't need to know all the details. Cooper does a fantastic job at bringing the emotional pain and anguish that Jones' past has left him with, which is enough to drive the story. Diving back into his craft, Jones utilizes the kitchen as a cathartic release, but ultimately learns that one's own redemption is not always a personal, lonely endeavor.
The story moves at a decent pace. The supporting cast does a great job behind Cooper. Sienna Miller (American Sniper) plays Helene, a chef who doesn't quite know her true potential until the infamous Adam Jones convinces her to work for him. Helene is just as bull-headed as Jones which makes for great drama and tension between the two. The chemistry between Cooper and Miller is palpable, which we saw in "American Sniper". Overall the movie was acted well, along with decent writing and decent direction. "Burnt" may not take the number one spot in the box office with this being Halloween weekend, but it definitely shouldn't be missed.
--
In this film, a family finds an old, custom video camera that allows them to see the spectral world. Tobey, the benevolent demon that has haunted the entirety of the franchise, is back and for the first time we get to see him. Well, actually we just see a blackened figure and floaty spectral dust particles, but it's still really creepy. The Ghost Dimension is the first one to add something new to the drawn out franchise. Not only do we now get to see the activity going on, rather than just hearing it in past films, the use of 3D really adds to the tension. The movie is primarily in 2D, until the special spectral camera is used. Every time we see the world through the lens of the new camera, we're shifted into the 3D world. As a fan of the franchise it was a really cool addition to see.
ALSO THIS WEEK:
"Rock the Kasbah" is a fun little film that I think most people will miss. The all-powerful Bill Murray is at it again, showing off his legendary acting chops with this mediocre story. Murray plays Richie Lanz, a down-on-his-luck music manager, who is desperately searching for a reason to continue in the business. Parading around as a big hot shot, he travels on tour to Afghanistan with a local talent (played by Zooey Deschanel) and discovers a teenage girl with an extraordinary voice. Against all odds, and the customs of the land, he takes her to Kabul to compete on the popular television show, Afghan Star, risking both his career and is life in the process.
The set up of the film seems ready to flow, but the direction just isn't there. Barry Levinson (director) has a hard time establishing what kind of movie Rock the Kasbah should ultimately be. At times it's a satire on the music industry, then all of a sudden it's a War drama. Bill Murray is great, and plays the fish-out-of-water well enough. It's just not tonally sound, waving in and out of what it's ultimately striving for. That being said, it's still enjoyable, thanks to the wonderful cast.
--
Steven Spielburg's "Bridge of Spies" is a wonderfully directed historical drama. For whatever reason, he seems to knock these things out of the park. Maybe it's because he's probably the best living director on the face of the planet. Seriously. It's insane how talented he is. Bridge of Spies follows the "based on true accounts" of lawyer James B. Donovan (played by the maestro himself, Tom Hanks) as he is asked to defend an accused Soviet spy, Rudolf Able (played remarkably be Mark Rylance), in order to show the world what the American democracy is all about. It's a riveting drama that is just masterfully crafted.
There is little to no action in this movie, so if you're expecting that I hate to disappoint you (spoiler alert?) The tension and suspense of the film is found through the portrayal of the characters on the background of the Cold War. Yes, it's somewhat of a political piece, but doesn't fist-feed you with political doctrine. It's a story about one man's courage to stand in defense of the laws of a country where the remaining population would rather not. When the accused Soviet spy is brought forth, Donovan takes the opportunity (unwillingly at first) to defend him because doing so would ensure that the laws of the land would be upheld, in spite of the overall opposition to just kill the guy.
When an American spy pilot is shot down, a covert negotiation is put into play to exchange the two. Playing the middle man for America, Donovan once again steps up to the plate. This is a war movie where the battle doesn't consist of weapons but words. If the negotiations were to have gone south, or the wrong thing was said, war would've definitely broken out, possibly to the end of both nations. It's got all the intensity of "Saving Private Ryan" with the dramatic tension of "Lincoln". "Bridge of Spies" has been out now for a couple of weeks and if you haven't seen it, don't miss it. It's one of the most masterfully crafted films of the year; balancing the drama with emotional tension, great acting, great directing, and a patriotic story that will leave you feeling good. I highly recommend it.
--
When I first heard about the movie "Steve Jobs" I immediately hung my head in confusion. Why would there need to be another movie about the guy, I don't know. This movie marks the third film about the digital revolutionary; the previous film "Jobs" being only two years removed. You all remember that movie right? The one with Ashton Kutcher? No? It's okay, because after seeing this film no one will remember it (sorry Kelso). I'll admit, I wasn't too keen on seeing this film, mostly because of the fact that we just had a film about Steve Jobs. It felt redundant. Like when "White House Down" released after "Olympus Has Fallen". Just unnecessary. But let me tell you, if I had to choose one of the three Steve Jobs films (the other one is 1999's "Pirates of Silicon Valley), this latest one should stand as the sentinel for all.
Michael Fassbender dons the black turtle neck of Jobs in the film directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) and written by Aaron Sorkin (Moneyball). The movie takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, painting a visceral portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story is unique in that it takes place in three similar locations. A majority of the movie takes place backstage at three iconic product launches: the unveiling of the Mackintosh, the NeXT Cube, and finally ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac. Three distinct moments in technological history, and within these moments we gain a sense of who Jobs was, how passionate he was with his work, and how it ultimately affected his family life.
Fassbender blows it out of the water in this movie. He looks nothing like Steve Jobs, but you won't care. He brings the intensity, passion, swagger, and smarts to the technological genius. The supporting cast is equally engaging. Jeff Daniels as CEO John Sculley will more than likely garnish an Oscar nom (as well as Fassbender, you'll see). Even Seth Rogen, who plays Steve Wozniak did a fabulous job at not being the comedic dufuss we know him to be. Like, he can actually pull off drama and do it well. I applaud the man. The writing is quick and witty, signature of Sorkin for sure. It's comical, emotional, and harrowing as we see how the choices Jobs makes in how he deals with the people in his life ultimately affect him in the long run.
Like I said, I had no desire to see this movie. I had heard a lot of positive buzz about it and decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. Forget the previous two movies and go see this one. You're not going to see a docu-drama pinpointing the various stages of Jobs career, but rather three glimpses into his epic life that will make you appreciate yours even more. If we can take the movie to be accurate (which no movie based on true events is) then Jobs' life was sad. Not all the time, but enough to make you wonder if his passion had a lot to do with his health. He's definitely an icon in our history and "Steve Jobs" is one of the best films of the year.
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