(*** out of five)
From the director of Dallas Buyers Club, comes his new film, Wild. It's a beautifully shot movie about a young woman who travels the entire Pacific Crest Trail over a period of three months. It is a true story and from the book about Cheryl Strayed. I have not read the book, but I'm sure it's good. Also, don't confuse Wild with another movie that just came out called Tracks. While the two have a similar plot, the characters are extremely opposite.
The film opens with Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) setting off on her trip. With little to no experience in hiking, she is so unprepared that she cannot even put on her own pack, which receives the nickname "Monster" by some other hikers. Along the way, she has flashbacks about her family and her life before the hike. Cheryl was a good kid growing up, and then after a traumatic event, she becomes promiscuous, and a heroin addict. After her husband cannot take care of her anymore, he files for divorce. Cheryl realizes the place she in, and believes the hike will help her rediscover the girl she used to be.
The cinematography is beautiful. I knew there were several different terrains along the Pacific Coast, but it is breathtaking to see. It made me want to bust out my old hiking gear from storage. Much of the film takes place in the Mojave Desert. It gradually changes to grasslands, mountains, and forests. It is scary that she is by herself. She has a few dangerous encounters with men along the trail. But the good news is that she does make some friends, too.
The opening scene is quite gruesome, and we know that she has been hiking a while before the story starts from the beginning. There is always a part of her that is wanting to quit, and she is constantly tempted. The only contact she keeps on the road is with her ex-husband. It hurts her to contact him, but it also teaches her an important lesson about the mistakes she made and the affects they have on others. Cheryl reflects on wisdom given to her by her mother, Bobbi (played by Laura Dern), and recognizes what to do in uncontrollable situations. This hike is teaching her how to grow up, how to mourn when it is deserved, and how to be strong without the expectations of others.
I didn't feel extremely moved by Wild. It might have been that I recently saw Tracks, or that Into the Wild was such a great movie. Either way, it is a movie that I will watch again soon. It was entertaining and emotionally moving, but not to the extreme. Some people might describe it as a "feel-good" film, and every now and then, I need to see a film like this. It won't be a hugely nominated film, and Witherspoon has taken on tougher roles, but it'll be fun to talk about.
(**** 1/2 out of five)
Wow! This film was a shocking surprise. You may have to visit a local independent theater to see it, but it is definitely worth every penny. I originally thought Jake Gyllenhaal would be winning the Academy Award for best actor after seeing Nightcrawler, but I have never seen such phenomenal acting from Michael Keaton. And honestly, I didn't expect him to pull off a performance like this. I probably would have skipped this one if I hadn't read the other critics raving about it. Now, I understand what they meant. It also took some real balls for Michael Keaton to play the role that he did, considering it is partially shadowing his real life. So, what's Birdman about?
Michael Keaton plays a washed-up actor. He was famous for two Birdman movies he did years ago (obviously the Batman films). The entire movie is set in a theater, shot in eight continuous shots. Yes, this was a little distracting to me. I kept waiting for edits, but they barely happened. I went home and researched the cinematography. Eight shots. And I only noticed one. Basically, it feels like watching a play. The actor is trying to put on a Broadway show, rejuvenating his previous fame, but struggling with his identity throughout the movie. Emma Stone had an amazing scene in which she tells him that he is a failure and his glory days are over. Another character, a theater critic, tells him that he is a celebrity, not an actor.
As opening day approaches, a new supporting actor is needed, and Edward Norton is introduced into the film. Just like Michael Keaton, Norton is obsessed with himself and his importance, causing a thrilling clash between the two. Keaton is reappearing into stardom, and he cannot have Norton getting in his way. The Birdman actually speaks to Keaton several times in the film, and even appears a few times as his malicious voice of reason.
What makes the movie so edgy, is that, yeah, this is where Michael Keaton is right now. He hasn't done any movies in several years. He probably misses the gossip about him. Think about it. When's the last time you heard about a movie starring him? He is trying to make his big comeback. In Birdman, he does. Congratulations Keaton. You nailed this one.
Birdman is a fast-paced drama, and it will keep you entertained the entire time. It has its deep moments, specifically when Birdman is telling Keaton that the audience doesn't care about his thought-provoking play; they want explosions and gunfights. The viewer might feel a bit guilty. I know I did. Birdman is a film that cinema has been missing. It will entertain and move you in many ways. Do not miss out on this spectacle. And good luck to Keaton! You deserve the Best Actor award for this one.
(*** out of 5)
Mockingjay Part 1 is the film that is starting to wrap up loose ends. If you haven't seen any of the other films, then you will most likely not understand what is going on in this one. The first two films are now readily available on Netflix if you are needing to get in the game. Pun intended. I was slightly skeptical as to why the last book was being split into two films, but after seeing it, I completely understand. I do not consider Mockingjay an action film, but a drama buzzing with sci-fi. Here is what to expect.
*SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FIRST TWO FILMS, DO NOT CONTINUE UNLESS YOU HAVE NO DESIRE TO SEE THEM, AND, FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, YOU WANT TO READ THIS REVIEW. I DON'T JUDGE.*
Mockingjay Part 1 is an intriguing flick, but it struggles to find its independence from its predecessors. The Hunger Games presents us with Katniss Everdeen, a teen struggling to protect her mom and sister in a community that is barely alive. After she and Peeta win the Hunger Games, a small spark of rebellion has started to appear in the other districts. In Catching Fire, she is thrust into the political world, trying to comprehend how she can be a public figure. Unhinged from the terrors of the first games, the President throws a broken girl into a second round of games. As turmoil heats up in the districts, she is rescued during the games, but her beloved, on-screen boyfriend is left.
This new film is dark. Hunger Games and Catching Fire are all about the games; the audience is rooting for a winner. Mockingjay not only shocks the characters into reality, but the audience as well. The lives of countless others now count on the direction that Katniss takes. Just like fighting for freedom in the Hunger Games, she now has an army at her disposal. However, she must prove that the war she sparked is worth fighting for.
The dark undertones carry throughout the film, from beginning to end. It opens with Katniss in a hospital, tinted with dark yellows. She hears someone crying and gets out of bed to find Finnick sobbing on his bed, wishing that everyone were dead. Shortly after, several people are shown getting executed at gunpoint in the districts. Later in the movie, Katniss is asked to sing for the Mockingjays. The Hanging Tree is haunting. She sings while the audience sees a group of rebels attempting to bomb a dam at the Capital. Yes, like everyone else, I was dreading that this was about to turn into a corny musical number, but it doesn't. It's probably one of my favorite scenes in the movie.
Under the advisory of the rebel leader, President Coin, Katniss must learn to accept that she may never see Peeta again, and if the battle is worth fighting for. Can she stir the rebellion and get them to wage war? Or will she fail, leaving the other districts at the mercy of the Capital?
The movie lacks action. I felt a little empty after leaving. While the story was required in order to set up for the final film, it didn't seem to stand out. I did enjoy the drama and hope that the last film follows in its steps, yet giving it the action that it deserves. The running time is around two hours, but it goes by fast. If you have a free night and nothing on your plate to see, this one won't disappoint.
