10.22.15
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The Walk

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The Walk tells the fascinating true story of French acrobat Philippe Petit, who in 1974 hung a wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and walked on it.

Since after Forrest Gump, my favorite drama movie, was released and stole the Oscars that year, not many of Robert Zemeckis’ films have been appreciated and recognized as being his (with exceptions like Cast Away and Flight). The Walk is hopefully a return for him. A visual spectacle with a fascinating topic, The Walk delivers a fantastic storyline, lots told through constant narration from an extraordinary protagonist (like in Forrest Gump). Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers his best performance yet as the daring French artist, nailing a French accent and perfectly capturing the heart and soul of Petit. He captures every single emotion of the character terrifically and really transforms into the role. Knowing the movie is a true story makes you think more about the movie and the person Petit is. The supporting actors including Ben Kingsley are also great, but the spotlight always seems to be pointed on Gordon-Levitt, never pulling our interest away from him, but we are often wishing a few characters were a bit more developed.

The score by Alan Silvestri, who has frequently collaborated with Zemeckis on features like Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, is once again a wonderful score, brilliant, beautiful in many aspects, and soothing to listen to. The visual effects are, of course, flawless, and absolutely amazing to look at, with the Twin Towers being shown with amazing CGI, and although some details are obviously CGI, they are still very well done, which is a great accomplishment because obvious CGI is often irritating in modern cinema. Robert Zemeckis is a master of visual effects, having perfected them in every movie he has directed. Although the film ended up focusing more on the plot than the visual beauty, it still gives enough times for the visuals to shine. The plot is always sweet, heartfelt, and has entertaining narration from Gordon-Levitt’s Petit. It focuses on Petit’s life, love, associates, and especially his daring dream and soul. It is able to entertain, touch our hearts, and bring the setting to life, while being able to avoid overused biopic cliches such as closing title cards.

The climax of the film, in which Petit finally walks the wire, is the most well-put together, compelling movie scene of the year. With such thrills and 3D effects, you are pulled from your seat to the wire with Petit. In that final 20 minutes, you can feel your heart pounding as you watch this incredible moment in history brought to life in front of you.

The Walk is entertaining, touching, visually incredible, fantastically directed and acted, and easily one of the best films of the year, and one greatest 3D experiences of the decade, following the footsteps of Gravity and Hugo.

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10.12.15
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Sicario

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Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), an idealistic FBI agent, is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.

Denis Villeneuve, the director of 2013’s Prisoners, has returned to the director’s seat with another thrilling and powerful flick. Sicario was often marketed as just another action flick with nothing more than cliche gunshots and explosions, but with a director like Villeneuve, I knew that wasn’t what Sicario would ultimately be. Instead, Sicario is thrilling, heart-pounding, powerful, fantastically acted, and beautifully shot. Emily Blunt delivers a strong female performance, probably the best of her career. I have never seen her as such a deep, driven character, and she portrays her role with lots of emotion and fear that feels real. Benicio del Toro’s performance felt very mysterious and dark, which I liked. Josh Brolin is also great, as a fun, laid-back character.

The movie’s cinematography stands out in such an amazing way. Roger Deakins shoots every single shot of this movie with such brilliance and detail. There are some simply breathtaking shots, whether they are large scale shots of a warring Mexico, or shots through night vision goggles of geared-up FBI agents traveling through dark tunnels. Some of these night shots are made terrifying with the effects of the sound and angle at which they are shot. This movie’s cinematography is the best of the year, and definitely deserves an Oscar.

Although not much besides the action happens within the first half of the film, it is often thrilling, and even when there is only the slightest amount of tension, it can be very suspenseful. By the time I was at the final half of the movie, my heart was pounding from all the suspense. The suspense builds up, and is ended in a perfect way. The movie’s ending sums up the film perfectly, and didn’t need to go any further. The movie has some pessimistic themes about the US/Mexico border’s danger, but conveys it in a very realistic way that makes you pulled in even more to the film’s setting and characters.

Sicario is a very powerful and thrilling film, and another strong picture from Denis Villeneuve. With a strong theme, excellent cinematography, and great performances, Sicario has thrilled me like no other film this year, and is a definite watch for ages 15 and up.

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10.08.15
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The Martian

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During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

The Martian, like other recent space films such as Gravity and Interstellar, manages to exceed expectations and bring in tons of fun, character, and suspense. Although the marketing may have made it loom to similar to Gravity and Interstellar, it differs vastly with its plot, setting, tone, and overall theme. Matt Damon is excellent in the lead role. He is very charming, funny, and determined to survive. He is written very well, and when the stakes are very high and you know he might not survive, you are brought to high suspense. Jessica Chastain, like always, is badass and powerful in her role. Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Sean Bean are also great as a few NASA operatives down on Earth. Everyone else, including Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, and Michael Pena are great as some Ares 3 crew members.

The directing by Ridley Scott is perfect. Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors, and has directed some of my favortie movies (including Gladiator), but lately hasn’t been at his best, considering how terrible Robin Hood (2010) and Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) were. The Martian is a fantastic return for him, and allowed me to regain my faith in his contemporary work, and films of his that are yet to come. Scott focuses the film exactly where it should be (mainly Watney’s survival attempts on Mars, and NASA/the Ares 3 crew’s attempts to rescue him) when it is supposed to be focused on that aspect of the plot. Although the film is nearly 2 and a half hours, the length feels perfect and stretched well. The movie, unlike other recent space films, focuses much less on the visual effects and more on the plot, which in this case is done terrifically, but the visuals are still beautiful when you look at them. The film’s plot is thrilling, exciting, and always entertaining, never dragging or feeling rushed. The writing is great, as it constantly includes tons of humor, and doesn’t take itself too seriously at times. By the climax of the film, I was so thrilled and on the edge of my seat, and when the movie was over, I had a smile on my face because of how fun and awesome this movie was.

The Martian is a great return for Ridley Scott, with fantastic performances, directing, writing, visuals, cinematography, story, and suspense. The Martian is the best movie I have seen all year, is a definite must-see for ages 12-13 and up, and will leave you thrilled, and on the edge of your seat.

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10.04.15
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Please check out my YouTube channel!

I have recently put up a YouTube channel for which I will be posting videos about movies. For example, I’ll be talking about movies I’ve seen, one’s I’m awaiting, top 10 movie lists, and much more! Check out my first two videos below:

Here is the link to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSV89b28SYNKbmAk5PCDtZA

I hope you enjoy watching my videos, and stay tuned for more on my channel in the future!

09.19.15
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Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

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Thomas and his fellows Gladers have escaped the Maze, but they’re adventures weren’t over. They must now face a new set of challenges as they uncover the past of their desolate world.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is the latest addition to the YA dystopian sci-fi genre, which includes films such as The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Divergent. As the sequel to last year’s awesome action flick The Maze Runner, I expected a lot more from this film. One thing you should keep in mind is that I don’t care how differnet this film is from its book. I am reviewing this movie as a film, not a film adaptation. Anyway, this movie starts out completely rushed and would confuse anyone who hasn’t seen the first movie. Unlike the first film, none of the characters are able to deliver any emotion. Nothing is conveyed well or impacts the movie positively. Many characters are brought into the series too quickly and with barely any exposition, a lot of which is needed but lacked. The cast is mostly solid, but lots of the cast is barely needed. The action is decent and often fun, but it usually feels like a zombie movie when it has action, since most of the human race has been infected by a spreading disease from a solar flare. It eventually becomes messy with all the unnecessary twists and turns. The movie’s dialogue never completely knows where it’s going, and feels very cliche and tiring. By the film’s end, it’s completely frustrating and senseless, and leaving audiences not wanting to tune in for Part 3.

Overall, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is a complete downfall for its series. Lacking dramatization and originality, The Scorch Trials is ultimately not worth a ticket – or a sequel.

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09.19.15
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Everest

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Everest is the exhilarating true story of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, in which a climbing expedition on Mt. Everest, led by Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) and Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal), was devastated by a severe storm.

After Gravity showed you the suffering of being in space, Everest demonstrates the horrors of being at the highest place in the world, at a cruising altitude of 747, in dazzling IMAX 3D. Everest is a visual spectacle, using barely any CGI or effects, and filmed beautifully, showing you the amazing but terrifying landscape of Mount Everest. Every shot is incredible and beautiful look at. I felt sucked into the movie’s setting when I saw it in IMAX 3D. The movie’s score is also very well done.

Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, and John Hawkes all did an incredible job acting as terrified climbers who have something to come back home for. Jake Gyllenhaal is also very good in his role, but he’s only likable and decently written, not amazing. Emily Watson and Keira Knightley are also good, but Robin Wright is miscast and overacted. Sam Worthington has a decent small role, and Michael Kelly is solid, too.

Everest may seem like it’s only some amazing views, but that’s not it. Once you’re an hour through the film, a storm approaches, threatening the climbers that we have related with. At this point, all the terror and amazement increases as the climbers struggle to survive. There is so much suspense that my breath was taken away from me, and I was on the very edge of my seat. It is very hard to watch what these climbers went through, but the theater experience ultimately leaves you in awe.

Everest is ultimately able to convey the beauty and horrors of the titular mountain in such a touching, amazing, and terrifying way. It is realistic, intense, wonderfully shot and directed, well-acted, and an unforgettable way too kick off the Oscar season.

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09.13.15
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The FilmToppings Summer Movie Awards 2015

I recently held my 2nd annual summer movie awards on Instagram. You guys voted for the following categories. Here are the results:

Best Cinematography: Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Visual Effects: Jurassic World

Best Score/Soundtrack: The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Best Director: George Miller – Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Actor: Paul Rudd – Ant-Man

Best Actress; Charlize Theron – Mad Max: Fury Road

Worst Movie: Fantastic Four

Best Movie: Mad Max: Fury Road

Those are the winners of this Summer’s movie awards! A few Honorable Mentions, movies that were nominated a lot but didn’t win anything, include Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Tomorrowland, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Inside Out. I honestly thought this Summer was mostly a lazy time for movies, as it was filled with disappointments. However, a few movies, including ones that won, managed to live up to my expectations. Let’s see if these movies have luck in my Oscars at the end of the year!

Also, I have a YouTube channel that is up and I will start posting videos on it very soon!

09.12.15
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United 93

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In recognition of the 9/11 attacks 14 years ago, I decided to watch Paul Greengrass’ 2006 drama United 93 for the first time yesterday. Because of the occasion, I will review it, too.

United 93 depicts what happened on United Airlines Flight 93, hijacked on September 11, 2001, but the only one out of the four planes hijacked that day to not reach its target. It is an incredibly realistic and moving dramatization of the events the film depicts. Not much happens within the first 45 minutes, but after that, it becomes very intense. There isn’t a specified protagonist, and no known actors, but the performances feel amazingly realistic, without doubt. Once the hijacking begins, everything become so intense, real, and in the end, heartbreaking. Thanks to director Paul Greengrass, I felt like I was watching an actual event. He directs the film masterfully, and like he does with Captain Phillips, he is able to convey the story on flight 93 and the narrative of the attacks. It ends very dramatically, and takes your breath away at the last moment of the film.

Overall, United 93 is an excellent, captivating movie that feels realistic and emotional, and that I would recommend for ages 15 and up.

This review is dedicated to all the passengers who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

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08.23.15
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The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

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In the early 1960s, CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons.

After a month of mostly disappointments, we get The Man from U.N.C.L.E., an awesome, wildly entertaining action flick. Guy Ritchie takes a ’60s spy television series and brilliantly turns it into a Bond-style thriller that’s loads of fun. Henry Cavill is a great protagonist, and although his personality is not completely convincing, mainly because he’s a Brit playing an American, he has great chemistry with Armie Hammer, who also does a great job. Alicia Vikander is very good too. Since she made her breakthrough with Ex Machina this year, she has been very pretty and attractive in all her roles. However, she feels like a cliche damsel in distress by the end of the film. Elizabeth Debicki’s villain is also slightly predictable, with her motive not being completely clear, besides wanting to continue a criminal family business from past generations. Hugh Grant does a great job but could’ve had some more screen time. Nevertheless, I was mostly entertained by the movie’s cast.

The movie’s action, like other action films this year, takes it to a completely new level. There isn’t too much action within the first hour, but there is still plenty of action during the run-time of the movie. Whenever the action came on screen, I found myself entertained out of my mind. The action is amazingly coordinated and brilliantly shot, not to mention the awesome soundtrack that gives the movie a ’60s feel. The way the movie’s story is set up is great. The movie altogether entertained the hell out of me from the beginning to the end. It’s not your typical cliche action story except for maybe a plot point or two. It’s not as cheesy of a movie as it seems, and is much better as its approach with marketing.

Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, 2015 has been an excellent year for action movies. Kingsman: The Secret Service, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation all defied expectations and were awesome in their own ways. Now, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is one of those films. With its action, directing, cast, and soundtrack, it makes an awesome popcorn flick definitely worth checking out on the big screen.

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08.09.15
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Fantastic Four (2015)

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Four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

Fantastic Four brings the 4 heroes back to the big screen. For good? Unfortunately not. The movie was only made so that Fox could keep the rights to the characters. And despite the studio also making the film to re-imagine the franchise for a new decade, no good effort comes out of this movie. The  script is lousy, cliche, and couldn’t be more predictable. It’s everything we’ve seen before, and nothing new came out of it. The directing isn’t good either, and although director Josh Trank apparently had a much better version of the movie before its release, Fox interfered and forced him to re-shoot. The result is something that couldn’t be more cliche, and like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, was interfered massively by its studio, resulting in the movie being worse than the director’s original idea. I am tired of this happening in post-productions, especially with high-budget films. I don’t believe a studio is there to avert a movie from the director’s vision, is the director is the most important person behind the camera of a movie.

The cast members are all horrendous. They are not interesting to watch on screen, as they do not bring their characters to life well. Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell all deliver boring performances and aren’t special at all. Sure, they are great actors in other movies, but they didn’t work well with the script in this movie, especially because they didn’t deliver their lines well. Toby Kebbell gives a decent approach at first, but by the time his character becomes a villain, starts saying villain-y things and doing villain-y stuff, he isn’t interesting, either. Like the rest of the cast, Reg E. Cathey and Tim Blake Nelson are extremely boring, as two very cliche and predictable supporting characters.

Like I was saying earlier, everything about the story is extremely cliche, from the themes about family to the opening story about curious children wanting to solve the mysteries of science. There wasn’t a single bit of it I didn’t find to be familiar, just like my first impression of the movie when the first trailer was released back in February. The movie’s pacing is actually alright. It takes its time at first, but later it spends 40 minutes trying to convey the same thing over and over again, and then it ends way too early. It should have been at least 20 minutes longer, although no one would want to sit through 20 more minutes of utter garbage. By the end of the movie, the film’s approach is so awful. The ending is very weak, and they way they try to set it up for a sequel is in the most cliche and frustrating way possible, ti the point that I hope the sequel is scratched along with plans for a shared universe with the X-Men. I can’t yet decide what’s worse: this, or the dreadful 2005 Fantastic Four movie.

Unsurprisingly, Fantastic Four doesn’t satisfyingly bring the characters to the big screen, and more than that, it makes us want them to leave the screen. It’s time to put this franchise to rest.

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