Well I'm going to skip the normal introductions with this film considering most of you have probably already seen or plan to see it in the near future. This movie was talked about and anticipated for a very long time before it was finally released into the theaters. They hype was that it was the best Batman yet, and one of the best films of the year. I think I would have to agree with these assessments. This film is by far one of the best I've seen in a while, but not necessarily for all the reasons you'd normally expect. Sure the acting was good, the music was awesome as usual, but one of the things that really made the film for me, was the picture and cinematography.
If you haven't watched this movie on a good TV, using a blu-ray player, I hate to seem privileged or snooty, but you're missing out my friend. The picture during some of the helicopter shots over the city is absolutely breathtaking. The picture through the entire movie is absolutely stunning, and some of the camera angles and movements are pure genius. The audience is never bored, even during the transitions of scenes, and it's all to do with the spectacular cinematography.
The acting overall is quite good, as it has been in the previous Batman movies. Honestly after seeing The Dark Knight, I would have said no one would ever be able to top Heath Ledger's performance. However, I'd have to say that Tom Hardy's performance of Bane comes incredibly close. The funniest part of his character, is that if you watch the special features of the movie, you find out that the reason for the higher, more resonant tone in his voice is that a lower and more "intimidating" voice wouldn't carry through the mask he wore on set. That being said, his ability to take that direction and run with it is awe-inspiring. The character of Bane has a delightfully spine-tingling fear about him. His calm, and collected attitude does more to inspire this fear than I think any amount of deep or low voice would have. The character ticks that he has developed (such as standing with his hands on either side of his vest) are pure genius as well, and add a depth to the character that truly makes the audience believe in him and his abilities. Another great acting moment that I appreciated was Anne Hathaway's switch from innocent maid, to master jewel thief in the blink of an eye. Pay attention to that next time you watch the film. Finally, one can't forget Michael Caine's heart-warming and tear-wrenching performance as he struggles to help Bruce Wayne and then grieves his passing.
The other thing I think I should mention before I wrap this little critique up, is that so much was done to bring realism to the audience that they might not know about. Director Christopher Nolan spent a great deal of time, effort, and funds, on making sure that all the sets, shots, and stunts were as impressive as they could be. You'd be surprised how much of what's done in the movie was shot in reality. A great example is the first scene where Bane's men take over the government plane by jumping from their own plane and breaching the doors. A majority of that scene was shot using actual air jumps while flying over Scotland. Those are real people doing the stunts and a camera capturing them from another plane in mid-air. Obviously the breaking of the wings was created in the studio and plugged into the real footage, but it's incredibly impressive that ANY of that was shot in real life. Kudos to you, Mr. Nolan.
So in case you can't tell from my raving so far, I think this is definitely a movie you should see if you haven't, and you should watch again if you already have. It's beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, and something that's sure to be entertaining for everyone.
My rating: It's a must see for everyone.
Now it was suggested to me by a reader, that I try to get you all involved a little more at the end of these critiques, so starting this time I'm going to ask a few questions at the end and let you all comment on the post to answer them. Maybe I'll even chime in with my opinion occasionally as well, but mostly I'd just like to hear your opinions!
1. Who do you think had the best acting performance in the film, and why?
2. If you could recast one part, who would it be, who would you cast, and why?
3. What do you think is most impressive about the film, and why?
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Jeff Who Lives at Home: Marijuana Masterpiece
Well for my second review, I received a request from a good friend of mine that I watch the film, "Jeff Who Lives at Home," which is currently residing on Netflix. Honestly, Netflix is great for TV Shows and looking at some of those movies you used to watch but never wound up purchasing because they weren't so great, but for the most part cinematic genius doesn't tend to run on this application (after all, why would they if they thought the movie would still make money outside of it?). So when the request to review this came my way, I put it off... and put it off... and kept putting it off because even though I trusted my friend's judgement, I was still skeptical. Last night, however, I finally posted that bad boy into my instant que, grabbed a beer, and got ready to watch.
Upon first observation of the cover photo, I was pleasantly surprised to note that the two main characters were played by Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Ed Helms (The Hangover). I've always loved Jason Segel and thought he was hilarious, and Ed Helms had been fairly funny in The Hangover as well. Expecting some fairly light-hearted and possibly low iq humor, I settled in to watch this flick. Boy was I in for a completely different experience...
I don't want to divulge too much of the premise of this movie, because I thoroughly recommend that if you haven't already seen it, you look it up on Netflix ASAP and watch it. The story follows three main characters, Jeff (Jason Segel) who is a thirty year old man still living at home in his mother's basement and constantly smoking pot, Pat (Ed Helms) who is Jeff's older brother and a screw up in different ways including his marriage, and Sharon (Susan Sarandon) who plays the two boys fed up mother. I won't persist into the actual story much, but instead of a lighthearted comedy, this movie delves deep into the ideas of destiny, purpose, and normalcy. It is a refreshing reflection on what we decide is important in our lives vs. what is actually important. Jason Segel is absolutely phenomenal in this serious role, causing the audience to empathize and relate to his situation even if they aren't actually facing similar circumstances. Ed Helm's performance was also quite good, and Susan Sarandon captures the audience's heart from the moment she appears on screen. The acting was well done, the story is heart-warming and relevant, and the overall presentation will have you experiencing a vast array of emotions from happiness to despair.
My Recommendation: A Must-See for any film lover.
Upon first observation of the cover photo, I was pleasantly surprised to note that the two main characters were played by Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Ed Helms (The Hangover). I've always loved Jason Segel and thought he was hilarious, and Ed Helms had been fairly funny in The Hangover as well. Expecting some fairly light-hearted and possibly low iq humor, I settled in to watch this flick. Boy was I in for a completely different experience...
I don't want to divulge too much of the premise of this movie, because I thoroughly recommend that if you haven't already seen it, you look it up on Netflix ASAP and watch it. The story follows three main characters, Jeff (Jason Segel) who is a thirty year old man still living at home in his mother's basement and constantly smoking pot, Pat (Ed Helms) who is Jeff's older brother and a screw up in different ways including his marriage, and Sharon (Susan Sarandon) who plays the two boys fed up mother. I won't persist into the actual story much, but instead of a lighthearted comedy, this movie delves deep into the ideas of destiny, purpose, and normalcy. It is a refreshing reflection on what we decide is important in our lives vs. what is actually important. Jason Segel is absolutely phenomenal in this serious role, causing the audience to empathize and relate to his situation even if they aren't actually facing similar circumstances. Ed Helm's performance was also quite good, and Susan Sarandon captures the audience's heart from the moment she appears on screen. The acting was well done, the story is heart-warming and relevant, and the overall presentation will have you experiencing a vast array of emotions from happiness to despair.
My Recommendation: A Must-See for any film lover.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Pitch Perfect, or Atonal Mess?
Welcome back ladies and gents,
Sorry it's been so slow getting started, but I'm finally ready to do my first critique. I figured this one would have to be a great one to start on, so what better controversial movie than Pitch Perfect? Pitch Perfect was released in 2012 and directed by Jason Moore. It boasts a few bigger names such as Elizabeth Banks ("Scrubs") and John Michael Higgins ("Yes Man" "The Ugly Truth"), but also introduces some newer talents in the leads, Anna Kendrick and Skylar Astin.
So let's get started with my thoughts before seeing the movie:
1. "Great... they made Glee into a movie."
2. "Hey, this looks just like one of those horrible comedies that shows all the funny bits in the previews..."
3. "The 'Fat Amy' character is going to be the only saving grace of this 'film' because she's slightly amusing."
4. "This movie looks like a no-plot, cheap laughs, glee-centered attempt to steal my money."
So if you can't tell from that, I didn't have a high opinion of this film before I watched it. To be honest, the ONLY reason I watched it was because I was bored out of my mind and my mom and sister had taken over control of the TV. That being said, as much as I hate to admit it, I actually enjoyed this movie.
Sure, the plot isn't something that stands by great films like "Shawshank Redemption" or "Good Will Hunting," but it's not nearly as horrible as I thought it would be. There was a definite story, as cheesy as it was, and it did unfold as the movie went on. The things that really made this entertaining, however, had nothing to do with the plot. The characters, humor, and surprisingly the music are what make this worth-while. So let me recap in an organized fashion.
1. The Music
The Music in this movie is fantastic. I don't care if you're the snobbiest of music snobs, the mash-ups are way above the "Glee" quality, and regardless of some of the editing, most of the singing seems to be legit and boy can some of these actors sing. Anna Kendrick has a great voice, as does Skylar Astin and MOST of the rest of the cast. The mash-ups are actually genius, and one of the best places that this appears is in the "vocal battle" portion of the movie. The songs move seamlessly together, and the arrangements are actually quite good. As a music major from a respected university, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the music.
2. The Comedy
Lets be honest, this movie isn't trying to win Oscars. It makes fun of itself as much as anyone else would, which is totally fitting to the style of the film. It doesn't take anything seriously, but also doesn't push it to the point of insulting people (mainly "Gleeks" as they like to be called) but it does poke fun at the people who are so overly serious and insane about this type of music and college activity. One of the best scenes for this is the "initiation" scene where each member of the new groups is becoming initiated. This is done in complete jest almost to the extent of a stereotypical fraternity or sorority. Overall, as long as you aren't going to be offended or try to take this movie too seriously, it's incredibly funny. OH, and one of the best parts is the performance by Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins, who play the announcers at each of the competitions. Their banter back and forth is by far the highlight of the film.
3. The Breakfast Club
Yes, this needs to have it's own section. The incorporation of the ending of The Breakfast Club and using that to represent the love story, and eventually incorporating it into the final mash-up is absolute genius. Don't you (forget about me) is a great song, and it just adds such an emotional level to this movie that probably couldn't have been achieved otherwise. It lets the audience identify with the struggle of the main characters, and makes you root for the happy ending the whole way through.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I actually really enjoyed this movie. I am a little embarrassed to admit it because the premise is so cheesy and ridiculous, but the movie was really well done in a lot of ways. If nothing else, it's worth it for the comedy and the music.
My Recommendation: Give it a try, at least once.
Sorry it's been so slow getting started, but I'm finally ready to do my first critique. I figured this one would have to be a great one to start on, so what better controversial movie than Pitch Perfect? Pitch Perfect was released in 2012 and directed by Jason Moore. It boasts a few bigger names such as Elizabeth Banks ("Scrubs") and John Michael Higgins ("Yes Man" "The Ugly Truth"), but also introduces some newer talents in the leads, Anna Kendrick and Skylar Astin.
So let's get started with my thoughts before seeing the movie:
1. "Great... they made Glee into a movie."
2. "Hey, this looks just like one of those horrible comedies that shows all the funny bits in the previews..."
3. "The 'Fat Amy' character is going to be the only saving grace of this 'film' because she's slightly amusing."
4. "This movie looks like a no-plot, cheap laughs, glee-centered attempt to steal my money."
So if you can't tell from that, I didn't have a high opinion of this film before I watched it. To be honest, the ONLY reason I watched it was because I was bored out of my mind and my mom and sister had taken over control of the TV. That being said, as much as I hate to admit it, I actually enjoyed this movie.
Sure, the plot isn't something that stands by great films like "Shawshank Redemption" or "Good Will Hunting," but it's not nearly as horrible as I thought it would be. There was a definite story, as cheesy as it was, and it did unfold as the movie went on. The things that really made this entertaining, however, had nothing to do with the plot. The characters, humor, and surprisingly the music are what make this worth-while. So let me recap in an organized fashion.
1. The Music
The Music in this movie is fantastic. I don't care if you're the snobbiest of music snobs, the mash-ups are way above the "Glee" quality, and regardless of some of the editing, most of the singing seems to be legit and boy can some of these actors sing. Anna Kendrick has a great voice, as does Skylar Astin and MOST of the rest of the cast. The mash-ups are actually genius, and one of the best places that this appears is in the "vocal battle" portion of the movie. The songs move seamlessly together, and the arrangements are actually quite good. As a music major from a respected university, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the music.
2. The Comedy
Lets be honest, this movie isn't trying to win Oscars. It makes fun of itself as much as anyone else would, which is totally fitting to the style of the film. It doesn't take anything seriously, but also doesn't push it to the point of insulting people (mainly "Gleeks" as they like to be called) but it does poke fun at the people who are so overly serious and insane about this type of music and college activity. One of the best scenes for this is the "initiation" scene where each member of the new groups is becoming initiated. This is done in complete jest almost to the extent of a stereotypical fraternity or sorority. Overall, as long as you aren't going to be offended or try to take this movie too seriously, it's incredibly funny. OH, and one of the best parts is the performance by Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins, who play the announcers at each of the competitions. Their banter back and forth is by far the highlight of the film.
3. The Breakfast Club
Yes, this needs to have it's own section. The incorporation of the ending of The Breakfast Club and using that to represent the love story, and eventually incorporating it into the final mash-up is absolute genius. Don't you (forget about me) is a great song, and it just adds such an emotional level to this movie that probably couldn't have been achieved otherwise. It lets the audience identify with the struggle of the main characters, and makes you root for the happy ending the whole way through.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I actually really enjoyed this movie. I am a little embarrassed to admit it because the premise is so cheesy and ridiculous, but the movie was really well done in a lot of ways. If nothing else, it's worth it for the comedy and the music.
My Recommendation: Give it a try, at least once.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Introduction
Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to Dave's Critiques!
This new blog is a little experiment I'm going to attempt with the hopes of creating some entertainment for the masses, and continuing to develop my own writing style and sarcastic wit. So here's how this blog will work, I'll be writing my own critiques about movies, tv shows, and video games. I'm pretty harsh as far as critiques go, and I've got some superbly sarcastic ways to express my opinion, so that should be entertaining as it is. The twist that I'll throw in, however, is that I'll be critiquing both before I've actually seen the movies/shows, or played the games and then again afterward. This should make for a unique experience because either I'll have been right the first time around, or I'll be forced to change my opinion.
Either way there will be plenty of wise-cracks, and fun for all involved (except the creators, that is). So tune in, sit back, and enjoy Dave's Critiques!
This new blog is a little experiment I'm going to attempt with the hopes of creating some entertainment for the masses, and continuing to develop my own writing style and sarcastic wit. So here's how this blog will work, I'll be writing my own critiques about movies, tv shows, and video games. I'm pretty harsh as far as critiques go, and I've got some superbly sarcastic ways to express my opinion, so that should be entertaining as it is. The twist that I'll throw in, however, is that I'll be critiquing both before I've actually seen the movies/shows, or played the games and then again afterward. This should make for a unique experience because either I'll have been right the first time around, or I'll be forced to change my opinion.
Either way there will be plenty of wise-cracks, and fun for all involved (except the creators, that is). So tune in, sit back, and enjoy Dave's Critiques!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)