[Trailer] Unbroken
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Angelina Jolie certainly hasn't faltered from being omnipresent in the film scene in recent years. It seems that there's always something coming out soon with her name attached to it, and usually the viewer's response is pretty positive after watching. In fact, her most recent film Maleficent has been her highest grossing project of all time, and the reviews seem to be reflecting that fact of the matter. As if she weren't already successful enough, I think it's safe to say that she just may have put herself in the running for an Oscar or two with her latest directorial work Unbroken.
Starring Jack O'Connell (Skins fans, get excited), the drama is based on the true story of Louis Zamperini. Once a child with a heavily rebellious side, he decides to turn his life around by working to improve his running skills for the track team. The years pass, and his discipline evolves into him becoming an Olympic champion. However, just when things seem to be going great, the demand of World War II calls for his service, and he is taken as prisoner by Japanese forces.
A true story of triumph and survival, I think that this will be one of the films that will be on my overwhelmingly long list of things to see come December. There are a lot of actors on the rise within its frames, including Garrett Hedlund, who I personally think is going to blow up soon enough. As if there weren't enough reasons to see this movie already, it was also written by Joel and Ethan Coen, who I believe are legends themselves. Unbroken will be in theaters December 25, so if Santa disappoints, head out and see it instead.
[Short Film] The Duet from Disney Animator Glen Keane
Animation might just be one of the most beautiful utilizations of art in existence. The ability to watch someone's imagination dance across a screen is an act that has always amazed me. Like most other children, I had a particular fondness for classic Disney films such as The Little Mermaid and Pocahontas. Toddler Mackenzie had no idea who to thank for these masterpieces, but Glen Keane is the answer for this. His animations have graced a variety of households with works also including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Tangled.
While most of his work may be within the Walt Disney Animation Studios, Keane found the time to produce his own short animated film called The Duet. The story, entirely animated and directed by the great animator himself, follows characters Mia and Tosh from birth to adulthood as their individual paths in life find themselves continuously intertwining. The illustrations from one scene and period in life for each character flows with such ease on the eyes, and the simplicity of the color scheme adds a beautiful aesthetic that has become extremely underrated with the advancement of animation technology over the years. The film is merely 3:42 long, but the story that unfolds within has a beautiful impact that lasts for a lot longer. Keane always seems to have a way to reach into the hearts of all who watch the films he's involved with, and I must say that his work with this one is absolutely no exception. I can't wait for whatever he plans to surprise us with next!
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[Trailer] Foxcatcher
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When Channing Tatum first came onto the scene with Step Up, I wasn't quite sure how I felt. So, okay, the dude could dance and look pretty, but was their any more potential? Since the film, I feel as if he's an actor that has really stepped up his game in the market. As a writer who attempts comedy on the occasion, I have this newfound understanding of how difficult it is to get others to laugh. My respect for Tatum was formed with 21 Jump Street and was even more emphasized with its sequel, 22 Jump Street. (If you're questioning my judgement because of Magic Mike, please keep in mind that Matthew McConaughey still won an Oscar after that terrible film.)
Now, throw in some names like Steve Carrell and Mark Ruffalo alongside Tatum, and my interest in a film may be peaked. Foxcatcher does just that. Based on true events, the film shares the story of two champion wrestlers and their relationship with an oddball millionaire. Wealthy heir John du Pont (Carrell) invites Olympic Gold Medal Winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Tatum) to move onto his estate and work to build a team to train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics in his personal training facility. Schultz immediately seizes this opportunity in the hopes of being able to step out of the shadow of his brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Du Pont sees this opportunity to coach and train a team as one to gain the respect of his peers and his own mother who looks down on him (Vanessa Redgrave).
Directed by Bennett Miller, a man with directing credentials for both Moneyball and Capote, this is a film that for sure looks worth a viewing. It will be in theaters November 14, 2014.
[Review] Particle Fever
Science is a subject matter that most people, including me, would rather not wade around in. The insane creations and laws of the world all seem to take their toll on the feeble minds of the average person. However, this fails to stop interest in major inventions or discoveries that have a positive economic impact for all. We may not all express interest in science, but its omnipresence is undeniable.
As far as the science field goes, there appears to have been one theory in particular that has left scientists, churchgoers, and educators scratching their heads for years: how did the earth begin? Well, I guess most churchgoers will yell at you how it ACTUALLY started without even hearing other arguments, but Particle Fever would offer more to argue against it.
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Particle Fever
Director: Mark Levinson
Rating: NR
Release Date: July 1st iTunes VOD, July 15 all other VOD platforms
Particle Fever follows the likes of six different physicists from 2007 all the way up to 2012 as they work together on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, or better known as the European Organization for Nuclear Research. For those who can remember, this is the large machine that would reproduce what happened at the “Big Bang” that frequented the news for years. This was the largest and most expensive experiment in the history of the planet. It brought together over 10,000 scientists from over 100 countries, some even rivalries politically. By the end of the over ten year old experiment, these brilliant scientists hoped to be able to recreate the events of the Big Bang and find the Higgs boson particle, which would essentially explain how all matter was created.
It wasn’t all fun and games for these hard-working scientists though. While their involvement may have been the honor of their lives, the upkeep with this 17 mile wide creation wasn’t always easy. Working 16 hours a day for years on end, it is actually surprising how they managed to keep their spirits up for so long. However, so much energy was encapsulated by each in Levinson’s directing, and a viewer couldn’t help but feel just as excited for this experiment to run for its first time as the people who were in charge of it.
The subject matter of the film is a little dense, yes, but when watching the film, it doesn’t take precedence of all it has to offer. Testimonies and beautifully displayed graphics from all of the scientists selected for the film clear up most confusion that viewers may have. However, this isn’t to say that one will become a master physicist after watching the movie. What I really liked about this film was its ability to make me feel like I was with these scientists over the years experiencing the same trials and errors that they all did. It’s execution was done with such energy, and I think this is what kept me going throughout.
Now, if you personally asked me how I felt about the film, I would praise it with high regard. Unfortunately, though, the density of the subject matter and it’s continual discussion throughout the film may come across as a drag to those who are not usually fascinated by the world of science. I felt at some moments of the film that it was kind of redundant, but at the same time the redundancy was necessary to make sure viewers could keep up with each stage of their large experiment. As far as documentaries go, it was most definitely one of the best ones I have ever viewed, and I hope that most will put their scientific indifferences aside in order to enjoy this optimistic work.
Mark Levinson has a few great credits to his name, but after watching this documentary, I can’t help but hope that this is something he will continue to pursue. I feel as if the explanation of science and its theories is something that could bore most, but there were very few moments where I wasn’t anxious to find out what was going to happen next. Particle Fever is a piece of work that defines a scientific generation. If there is any interest in defying religious values, definitely check out Particle Fever as soon as possible.
[RH Photos] The Orwells at Schubas (6/20/2014)
Photos by AngieStar Photo
Rock and Roll: a term used time and time again amongst people of all ages. For my parents and their friends, its definition was once one of rebellion and even an edge for danger. The pelvic thrusts of Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger’s wild movement around the stage, the grunge tones of Nirvana: these were the performances that made the crowds move in a way that lead people to think of scandal. But as the years advanced, technology did as well, and electronic synthesizers began to take over such a genre filled with the beautiful lust of sin. My generation has grown up in a world where bass beats composed on a computer are looked upon higher than the strumming of a bass guitar. As a result, people don’t even know what to do at concerts anymore. The music may be excellent, but the performance doesn’t captivate. The problem with a lot of music today is the emphasis on the roll and much, much less on the rock.
The Orwells, however, seem to be brought together in some way in order to change that. This past Thursday, on June 19, the group of young performers from Elmhurst held a special release party for their sophomore album Disgraceland at Schuba’s Tavern in Chicago, IL. Winners of a contest held by WKQX Chicago populated the audience that eventually filled the entirety of the intimate venue, and many fans eagerly waited for these guys to come on.
The clock strikes 8 and an impatient audience finally gets what they’re waiting for. After a brief introduction from the radio station, The Orwells took the stage, with lead singer Mario Cuomo quickly congratulating the crowd on their radio contest victories then switching into his signature, almost hypnotic, performance. The group rocked a few songs as the crowd jumped around a bit, but it wasn’t enough for Cuomo. “Man, they were right when they said that people who listen to the radio don’t know how to move, just driving in their cars all of the time,” said the lead singer as he feigned the action of driving a car. With every imaginary turn to the right or left, the crowd became more and more entranced into the mosh-movement that The Orwells are known for (even shutting them down at Bonnaroo this previous weekend). The collaboration of the band's steady rise into the rhythm of the next song and Mario's insanity was enough for the guys to take control.
The crowd from here on out grew with rowdiness with each and every note that the band would send out. Alternating from songs on their first album Remember When and those from their latest, the group had no reason to question that the crowd was loving every second of it. The placement of a thong from a fan on a face and the rolling around on the stage floor may seem like oddball antics for a singer, but they actually just are the usual for Cuomo. However, a pretty blonde in the front row managed to make this blonde maned wild child calm down for a few beats, and a lot of time was spent flirting with her from the stage. Despite a few heart breaks from other eager females who stood beside this lucky lady, this interaction, I think, added some great entertainment for everyone in the crowd. No performer disappointed, but I must say that Matt O’Keefe’s performance caught my attention more than maybe it was intended to. His guitar skills were mature in every essence, and it was as if every beat was becoming a part of his blood flow. Most people would think having a wild performer like Mario would cause some problems, but the band doesn’t seem to mind the diverted attention.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The final notes were played out, and the band members put down their instruments to exit off the stage and back out onto the street. Before they even left the stage completely, the demand for an encore was chanted out by the crowd. As O’Keefe, Corso, and the Brinners took over the stage, a switch was done. What at first appeared to be Mario in a t-shirt change and straighter hair was revealed to be his own brother. A moment of confusion ensued for the crowd as this seemingly identical man walked around with the other band members when Mario himself entered with another twist. Being carried with him upon the stage was a young woman dressed in black lingerie and her legs wrapped around his waist. If I’m not mistaken, this is the same young lady who was featured in their “Dirty Sheets” music video. Regardless, the audience went NUTS as she began to move and grind up on him for a minute. The girl departed as the band began to play "Cheap Beer" by Fidlar, a band they opened for last fall. A few middle fingers later, the song was concluded, and the guys officially exited for the evening.
It’s truly hard to explain the atmosphere that The Orwells bring with each and every performance. There is an electricity that spreads from the stage to the back of the room; a shock that I hardly ever feel when I see performers live. Seeing their set back at Lollapalooza in 2013, I knew that these guys were going to lead to something absolutely incredible, and their rise since then has only been on a sharp incline. If you don’t come out from one of their shows looking like a battered man or woman, then you obviously Orwelled wrong. Rock and roll should always feel like this wild, vicious animal that your parents would never want to approve of, and it’s refreshing that they can understand that.
[Review] Friended to Death
Do you ever have them nights where you're sitting around, hanging with your boys Ben and Jerry, and question everything in your life? No? Oh yeah, me neither... Anyway, for those of you who may have, perhaps you thought about a lot of things, like "Why aren't any of my friends texting me?" or "Should I order pizza too or is that too extreme?" Maybe you even thought deeper down into a dark place where you grow a curiosity for the hypothetical. In this state, you may have thought about death, but did it ever cross your mind to think about who would be at your funeral? Friended to Death, the latest dark comedy from Sarah Smick and Ian Michaels, tells the tale of a man who goes to extreme lengths via Facebook to find out. While it may not have been the most amazing comedy to be put on the market, I found an appreciation for the lighthearted nature of a topic that could be taken down an extremely serious route.
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Friended to Death
Director: Sarah Smick
Rating: R
Release Date: May 2, 2014
Michael Harris (Ryan Hansen) is a ticket-crazy Los Angeles parking enforcement officer who is just as obsessed about posting his ticketing adventures on Facebook as he is about administering tickets. What seems like a perfect day for him turns into a downward spiral with unemployment and the loss of a very good friend. However, Michael isn't the kind of guy to do nothing about this. With the help of friend Emile (James Immekus), he creates an alter ego of sorts using Facebook, the one thing he trusts the most in order to gain back the attention of Joel (Zach McGowan), the friend who left him to bite the dust. For a man who seems to be extreme, it only seems appropriate that he would go to the length of faking his own death in order to see who actually cares about him.
If you're looking for a comedy that will keep you laughing out loud to the point where you can't breathe and you regret buying popcorn because now you're choking on that, you probably won't get that out of this. Regardless, it should be kept in mind that that wasn't the goal of this film. It's very tounge-in-cheek, and I appreciate the cheesiness that emulates from it. With a character as ridiculous as Michael, it's not something that is supposed to be taken seriously, and I think it is a nice way of bringing to light a big social media addiction that seems to be rising up around the world.
This was Sarah Smick's first feature length directing gig, and I think that she was able to capture this character's ridiculousness and antiheroism in a way that left you somewhat pitying and relating to him on a level. I think that's a pretty impressive task considering not too many of us would go to the lengths this character did to pretend he is no longer alive. Talking about the cinematography, I think the colors are awesome. It's a very vibrant, cinematic film, and it really does justice to adding to this 94 minute satire. No, you won't see wild angles that have never been done before, but why would that be the point of making this anyway? I really think that the coloring of this contributed to this film in a very refreshing manner.
While I thought that the film was nice in its lighthearted selections, there was a point in the film in which I was kind of twiddling my thumbs because I was almost too annoyed by this guy's antics. It felt like he was going on with this for too long of a portion of the film. If there were to be improvements made, I would hope for a really big curveball that would seem impossible for him to get out of. This isn't to say that I didn't find enjoyment from watching how this all works out for Michael, but I think something needed to save me from my impatience.
Overall, I would definitely say that this film captured the light I was expecting to feel from it. Poking fun at the issues that many people are facing everywhere when it comes to social media and its addictive qualities, I would say it is just a film defending something I really like to rant about. I hope to see more from Sarah Smick and Ian Michaels as they create more movies, and I think they will only get better over time.
[Interview] Sarah Smick and Ian Michaels (Friended to Death)
Friended to Death is a dark comedy that embraces the age old curiosity of who would show up at your funeral if you were to die. Although, this creation from Sarah Smick and Ian Michaels encompasses this question in a whole new light: What if you were to fake your death so you could find out? A story about a man whose reliance on social media might just be a little extreme, the film is light hearted in a sense, regardless of its drive from multiple antiheroes. I was fortunate enough to get to interview Sarah and Ian and find out what it was like for them to work on this feature length film together!
[Review] Fading Gigolo
When I write my reviews, I feel as if it seems like I hate most romantic movies. However, that definitely isn’t true; rather I had yet the opportunity to see something recent and noteworthy in this genre. Without a doubt there remains a very simple essence to these kinds of films, and I dread the kind of movies that drag out the predictable end. I am a firm believer that good cinema exists in every genre. It’s only by those who can challenge the normal standards who will find progression. Fading Gigolo, with John Turturro and Woody Allen, maybe follows somewhat of a formula, but each scene describes the essence of just what it’s like to find your soulmate with the utilization of original thought and idea.
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Fading Gigolo
Director: John Turturro
Rating: R
Release Date: April 18, 2014
Fiorvante (Turturro) agrees to becoming quite the Don Juan due to his lack of financial sources after Murray (Allen), who is also an older man was just looking for a bit of cash. The attraction of women into this industry was simple enough with the charm of a few of Woody’s kind words, and his capability to get them to tell their darkest desires put him in line to be Fiorvante’s own “manager” or “pimp” of sorts. Like most things, though, money can’t buy a person love, and the pair finds themselves caught in between the cross fire of both the desire for money and love.
I thought this movie was absolutely beautiful. Turturro nailed every little detail about the film. A movie full of sex, lust, and love, it seemed only appropriate that the cinematography be utilized in order to keep the overall color of the film a sensual, sunset-like tone. And the soundtrack was perfect as well, for each song properly captured that optimistic feeling of the fall and dating around in New York City. The acting was impeccable as well. Woody Allen and John Turturros’ characters just bounce off of each other with an undeniable chemistry, where as the females in the film (Vanessa Paradis, Sharon Stone, and Sofia Vergara) have a fantastic delivery of their roles as well. I think that the film took the essence of something so seemingly simple and made it its own with such ease, and it’s hard to not like the slight charm throughout.
As much as I loved this movie, there are a few things that could use a few improvements. The biggest issue I noticed, however, was the seemingly abrupt ending. Now, I have no intention on spoiling it, but the final minutes of the film were the least expected. Sometimes surprise is nice, but little to no support as to why Turturro chose to end it how he did left a lot of viewers, including myself, wondering why he went down the route that he did. All of this aside, I think that the filmmaker’s project has evolved into something that can be remembered well by all of those who get the chance to see it.