Tag: Actors

The Bourne Legacy (Now Playing)

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I REALLY liked the 3 earlier Bourne movies, so decided to check this new one out yesterday (w/ a movie Meetup group).  Matt Damon is such a strong presence in those films!  Also, I had never seen Jeremy Renner’s acting; he plays Black Special Ops agent Aaron Cross- the lead in this installment.  Aaron is joined by the medical doctor who’s been enhancing his mental/physical abilities, Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz).  Not to give things away, but Aaron and Marta end up being targeted by the CIA.

 

I was NOT impressed, aside from the interesting opener in Alaska and the (running/motorcycle) action scenes in the last 25% of the film.  These were shot in the crowded metro/slum areas of Manila, Phillipines.  The film took time to get started, which I expected.  I was looking for a LOT more character development!  What’s up w/ Edward Norton’s character?  (He has history w/ Aaron.) 

Without a doubt, good dialogue and character chemistry are needed for a successful film.  Unfortunately, I saw ZERO chemistry between Renner and Weisz.  (This is NOT unusual; many capable actors don’t have screen chemistry w/ each other.)  You can skip this movie.

Vids for fellow Richard Armitage fans!

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Richard plays Thorin Oakenshield (king of the dwarves)

The Hobbit panel at Comic Con 2012 (26:11)

The Hobbit cast interviewed by Entertainment Weekly mag (8:42)

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A brief interview w/ Richard from Fandango.com (2:42)

Another short interview w/ Richard from TheOneRing.net (3:55)

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Drawf Star – profile of Richard by WSJ Digital Network (4:10)

Richard takes fan questions from Twitter fans (3:36)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey behind-the-scenes video (13:14)

Some Quick Film Reviews

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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.