Tag: Action
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (TRAILER #2)
Before Midnight, Man of Steel, & ST: Into Darkness
Before Midnight
It’s almost impossible to talk about this film w/o giving things away, but I highly recommend it (as w/ the previous 2 films)! Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) are now a middle-aged (WOW!) couple raising 2 adorable young daughters (twins) in Paris. This film takes place in Greece, where they’ve been vacationing. Jesse is feeling bad after his son from his marriage, Hank, leaves to go back to Chicago.
There are other actors (playing their friends/acquaintances) here, too, who are pitch perfect in their roles. “They got serious!” The young lady sitting beside my friend commented. This is a film about grown-up life and real situations, and it’s refreshing to see (for a change).
Man of Steel
First of all, this film is much better than Superman Returns (a debacle of a film I saw while visiting some cousins). I don’t remember much that happened. Secondly, that’s not high praise. This film is about 75% action/special effects and 25% acting/dialogue. Russell Crowe (an actor I usually love watching) does as well as he can w/ what he’s given.
I also felt bad for Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, who’ve been out of the spotlight for several years now. They barely have anything to do in this film- what a waste of talent. Hey, Hollywood, if you want viewers to care about characters (esp. iconic ones), you need to put in more development. We’re not all 12 y.o. old boys!
Star Trek: Into Darkness
There’s something about Zachary Quinto (and it’s not just his large, expressive eyes)! I noticed him first in Margin Call (a movie about Wall St. that I didn’t fully understand) a few months back. He created a very well-rounded character- a young analyst (w/ a science background) who was bright, ambitious, yet honest. I haven’t seen the first ST reboot film, but hope to in the near future.
I was VERY excited to see Benedict Cumberbatch (one of my fave Brit actors) on the big screen again. (He was in Atonement, playing another sort of villain, but that wasn’t a meaty role.) This film was pretty good (exceeded my expectations). Cumberbatch has some great dialogue, and just makes you feel for him/his people. (Our “enemies” are NOT one-dimensional, after all.) As for the action stuff, I esp. liked the scene where they navigate the asteroid field. Check this film out.
A critical piece on the casting of Cumberbatch
Some Quick Film Reviews
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Well, you really CAN’T go wrong w/ such a stellar cast! (Dev Patel, just 21 y.o., said how BIG of an honor it was to work w/ all these legends, in a recent NPR interview.) My fave characters were portrayed by Judy Dench, Bill Nighy (he surprised me w/ his skill), & Tom Wilkinson. Some viewers commented that Patel’s acting was very one-note (& I mostly agree w/ that). Perhaps he got bogged down in the Indian accent (he’s a British desi, after all); perhaps he just needs to learn more. The complete change of heart from Maggie Smith’s characters didn’t ring QUITE true IMO. There are some GREAT life lessons in this film, BUT it’s NOT schmaltzy or stereotypical.
Empire Falls (2005)
Fans of Paul Newman will be surprised by his (antihero) role in this HBO miniseries! There are some fine performances, esp. from Ed Harris, Aidan Quinn, Robin Wright Penn, & a young Danielle Panabaker. I thought it started out quite strong, BUT there is something disjointed about it. It’s set around two VERY different families in a working-class town of Maine.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Three reasons to see this film (in order): 1) Russell Crowe 2) Kevin Spacey 3) Guy Pearce. I’m pretty sure this film was a star-making turn for Crowe. Also, this is one of the BEST edited films I recall seeing. I was surprised that Kim Basinger was so capable- she didn’t annoy me in this film! I think you need to see it twice to appreciate it- I don’t think I paid attention the first time.
The Horseman on the Roof (1995)
This historical French film is GORGEOUS (& not just b/c of the two leads)! There’s a LOT of natural beauty- greenery, mountains, snow, etc. Olivier Martinez, who you may recall from Unfaithful, portrays a true “romantic” (a individual of high ideals). Juliette Binoche is perfect (as usual), though there is NOT much dialogue. Plus, you have to give props to a woman who’s not afraid to act w/ a man prettier than her- LOL! La Binoche never disappoints.
Knightleyemma 