"While Everyone else is takin' life, I'm gonna be savin' It." Hacksaw Ridge Review

Hacksaw Ridge

4.5/5

Directed by: Mel Gibson

Rated: R

           "You have heard it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22, NIV). These words struck a young man living in 1943, and even though it was a time of war, he would not break the rules of his religion. He desired to fight for his country on distant Japanese shores, but he would not fire a bullet. On his days in combat, instead of taking lives he saved them. Hacksaw Ridge is the emotionally gripping true story of war medic and decorated  Medal of Honor veteran Private Desmond Doss, and the 75 lives he saved without a rifle by his side.
           Portraying the life of Desmond Doss on the silver screen is no easy task. To begin with, Doss himself was always unsure about letting movie studios use his story. Doss' son, Desmond Jr. told People Movies “The reason [his father] declined is that none of [the studios] adhered to his one requirement: that it be accurate." Most of the film is historically accurate and all of it is founded in Doss' beleifs. This is because Gibson's goal from the start of pre production was to do Doss' story justice and give the credit to whom credit is due.
           One of the hardest challenges of making this incredible war story was finding the right actor to portray Doss, but this too was overcome. According to IMDb.com "Desmond Jr. attended [Garfield's] screening and was moved to tears by [his] accurate portrayal of his dad." Garfield's performance is filled with light hearted humor at his home in Virginia, and unrelenting perseverance on the plains of Hacksaw. What gives heart to Doss' character is his foundation of faith. His choice to follow the Good Book instead of the rule book is what motivates his actions through training and combat. Hacksaw Ridge will cement the name Desmond Doss in the minds of audiences everywhere, and they will pray alongside him for miracles, and cheer for the victories he was able to achieve.
           In order to give vitality to the true story behind the conscientious objector and war medic, Gibson and screenwriter Robert Schenkkan did extensive research on Doss' life in the army. In an article by Time Entertainment, Schenkkan stated he based the story "on military records and footage of interviews with Doss, though finding ample material proved challenging because his subject’s modesty made him averse to the limelight."
          The screenplay for Hacksaw Ridge focuses on three main points, Doss' Christian values, the horrors of war, and the men Doss risked his life to save from the bombarded plains of Hacksaw Ridge. While all three of these elements are strongly emphasized in the story, they are not always in balance with each other. There were whole five minute chunks of bloody war footage, and Private Doss is nowhere to be found. After this brief hiatus from the main protagonist, he arrives back on screen and arrests the eyes of audiences all they way to the film's magnificent conclusion.
           Doss' heroics on the battlefield are magnified by Gibson's scenes of the casualties of war. It is visceral, bloody, and will make the squeamish cringe. In an article by People Movies, a veteran from Okinawa stated, “It was graphic...When you’ve been there, that’s what it’s like.” It's not glorified or dignified. It injects the narrative with dramatic tension, fills the performances with genuine fear of death, and gives audiences a reason to applaud for this masterful film. After all, Hacksaw Ridge "received a standing ovation lasting nine minutes and 48 seconds at the Venice Film Festival" (IMDb.com).

Verdict: Hacksaw Ridge is a masterful heaven of a biopic (because it certainly ain't Hell), with an engaging performance by Andrew Garfield and haunting imagery from Mel Gibson's direction.

"Here at NASA we all pee the same Color" Hidden Figures Review

Hidden Figures

2.5/5

Directed by: Theodore Melfi

Rated: PG

           When a film has an interesting story about NASA's pursuit to put a man on the moon, it is sure to get noticed. When a film features a knock out cast line up, including Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Mahershala Ali, it is sure to get noticed. When a film features original music from Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer, it is sure to get noticed. For a movie about three African American female mathematicians, it's a no brainer why Hidden Figures stands out at the box office.
           Hidden Figures is based on the true stories of Katharine G. Johnson (Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Monae). The three of them worked for NASA during the 1960's. The main story is strongly centered around Katharine, her early work as a computer, and the daily prejudice she had to endure. One of Katharine's most famous contributions to NASA and history were her calculations of John Glenn's launch and landing for his orbit around Earth, which is featured in this movie. The other two girls on the poster are not shown as much, and are considerably unimportant to the plot line of the narrative. While the two of them made great strides in U.S. history, neither of them is given a worthwhile amount of screen time.
           The screenplay works well for this movie. It is occasionally funny, often repetitive, and every now and then insightful. It, however, is not entirely accurate to the state of historic events. It is common for biopics to bend audiences' perceptions of historical events for the sake of dramatic narrative. Hidden Figures, however, centers the majority of its dramatic moments around events that did not happen. For example, the movie features Katharine leaving her desk during the day to use the colored restrooms, which are on the other side of the facility. When her boss asks her where she goes for 40 minutes everyday, she says she has to use the restrooms on the other end of the campus, because there are no closer colored restrooms. This event would not have happened, as, according to historyvshollywood.com "when Katherine started working [at NASA], she didn't even realize that the bathrooms at Langley were segregated. This is because the bathrooms for white employees were unmarked...It took a couple years before she was confronted with her mistake, but she simply ignored the comment." This and other examples of explicit discrimination shown in the movie are inaccurate. Katharine Johnson, herself, said in an interview with WHROTV, "I didn't feel the segregation at NASA, because everybody there was doing research...I knew it was there, but I didn't feel it."
           The greatest drawback in this movie is it direction. It ranges from poor to inconsiderate. There was never a moment where it appeared the director added depth or stronger emotional appeal to a scene. There were seldom any memorable shots, because the director did not give the cinematographer anything amazing to shoot. The camera rarely remained on actors and actresses, when they finished talking. It was constantly jumping to a close up of the next person speaking. No actor or actress had a chance to give the full heartfelt performance they could have given, because the camera would cut away from them before they could act nonverbally. In moments when the director needed to establish a new room, he chose to continue the dialogue instead, without accounting for the audience's reaction to the sudden change in scenery. In particular, there was a sudden jump cut from the NASA break room to one of the girls' houses. The change in interior scenery was so jarring, one of the people in the theatre had to ask me "whose house were they in?" If the audience is having trouble following a basic transition, then it is a prominent sign the direction in this movie needs improvement.

Verdict: Hidden Figures is an average movie, with a genius cast and an interesting story, but its poor direction greatly detracts from the movie's theatrical experience.

"Here's to the ones who Dream" La La Land Review

La La Land

5/5

Written and Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Rated: PG-13

           An original modern day cinematic musical; could it be done? It hadn't been done in over 50 years. Why make a new one? Director and writer Damien Chazelle states in a featurette, "I became interested in this idea of how do you use color and music and sets and costumes as expressionistic elements of old school movie making. How do you use those to tell an emotional story, but update it in a way that felt modern?" Here is his answer. La La Land is an original modern day cinematic musical, and it's extraordinary.
           From the first showstopper to the final curtain call, Chazelle's direction is admissible. One of his strong suits are his film's edits, and these were done by editor Tom Cross. The cuts in La La Land range from zero to innumerable. Unbroken takes felicitate the vibrato of La La Land's massive musical numbers, while rapid jumps keep the speed up in the jazz numbers. The pace of the film is a perfect fit, and it respects the film's cinematic exoticness. Though it features improbable visual aspects, La La Land's make believe world of lights and stars never detracts from the audience's viewing experience. Along with Chazelle's choice of vibrant colors and iconic set design, the film's aesthetics are exemplarily.
           Even though the nature of La La Land is fantastical, its characters are beyond real. Emma Stone's character, Mia, is brought to life with heart. Stone plays a barista in Hollywood, who longs for one successful audition to start her career as a silver screen actress. Accompanying Stone is Ryan Gosling as the charming prick, Sebastian. Gosling plays the role of a pianist who desires to have his own personalized jazz club. La La Land also features splendid performances by John Legend and Finn Wittrock. There's also a spot of high brow humor brought in an excellent scene with J.K. Simmons. La La Land's cast is outstanding, and its two leads, Gosling and Stone, gave all of their energy to give this film its magic.
           Gosling and Stone prepared tirelessly for their roles. According to IMDB.com Gosling "spent two hours a day, six days a week in piano lessons learning the music by heart...He was able to play all the piano sequences seen in the film." Gosling's instrumental playing is beautifully complimented by Stone's wonderful singing. Her voice ranges along a spectrum of innocent, catty, exuberant, agonized, desperate, and vulnerable. To top all of this off, their dancing is sharp and delightful. Each move is motivated and newly alive. Gosling and Stone's preparation paid off, because Mia and Sebastian's relationship is one audiences will embrace and adore for generations.
           What would Gosling and Stone's singing and dancing be, if they had no music? This is brought in by composer Justin Hurwitz. The music of La La Land soars above imagination and past the realm of thought. Hurwitz's pieces touch the heart and embrace life. His soundtrack alone tells Mia and Sebastian's story. Leitmotifs are the repetitious paragraphs. Chords display the mood. Themes illustrate the characters. Reprises unfold the changes in their relationship. A final medley recaptures their life. It is tremendous.
           La La Land's direction shines, its characters fascinate, and its music soars, but all of this could have fallen apart due to a lacking screenplay. If the lines were too light hearted or the lyrics simplistic, this film could have been written off as matinee fluff. Thank writer Chazelle and lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for their wonderful work, because La La Land's screenplay is remarkable. With a clever balance of bright humor and melancholic tenderness, the dialogue is memorable and impactful. There is humor, charm, and passion present in every frame. The lyrics are whimsical and unforeseeable. When a song seems predictable, it becomes newly captivating.
           La La Land's lyrics and script are, like the rest of the film, magnificent. It has been a long time since filmmakers dared to make movies like this, and even longer since there has been an uplifting film made with this refined quality. La La Land is a dreamer's love letter worth viewing with friends and family in theatres, or, if nothing else, seeing when it receives home release. Do not let this chance pass you by. Seize it with open arms. Let yourself be carried away to La La Land.

Verdict: La La Land is an original cinematic technicolor marvel of a musical, with admirable direction, spectacular performances by leads Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and wonderful music.

"What law is there sayin' I got to like you?" Fences Review

Fences

4/5

Directed by: Denzel Washington

Written by: August Wilson

Rated: PG-13

           In 1983 renowned playwright August Wilson published his Pulitzer prize winning drama, Fences, a story of broken redemption about the life of a man who was father, brother, and son. Although several film studios wanted to make adaptations of it, no one knew how to take a story with one set, less than ten characters, with all of its action in the dialogue and make it into a compelling film. For years Fences was referred to as an "unfilmable" script. Denzel Washington heard none of that.

           If anyone could give justice to August Wilson's tragic and peerless script, it would be Denzel Washington. This is the third film he has directed. He also directed Antwone Fisher (2002) and The Great Debaters (2007). Denzel has already performed in Fences on Broadway in 2010, so he has a strong grasp of the beats and units within the story. His deliberate choices of when to go wide or when to go close up increase the intensity of scenes. He uses the positions of his characters to visually illustrate relationships, placing two friends further and further apart in frame until their friendship breaks. He even makes certain background elements stand out or take precedence in a shot, giving Fences its own iconic imagery. Since August Wilson's play could be done as an audio drama, it is incredible how Denzel gave this film visual impact beyond its dialogic impress.

           The main reason Fences was thought to be an "unfilmable" script is because a literal description of the play is people talk at a house. The beauty of Fences script is in its subtext. A simple scene about a son repaying a loan is about a father letting go of his hubris. Everything means something more than its surface. Often times the most crucial elements of the script are the words not said, such as "truth" "hate" and "love". In the script's darkest moments there is humor, which makes it humane. In life laughing and crying are never far apart from each other, and this script acknowledges this to the fullest. It never feels fake. Fences' script is a masterpiece in the hands of gifted talent, and this cast is gifted.

           What places this film's cast of characters above other films is their choice to not play characters. They are people; real people. Nothing is forced. There's no hesitation in anyone's performance. They are heartbreaking and heartfelt. The frontrunners are Denzel Washington as the arrogant Troy and Viola Davis as his faithful wife, Rose. Both received acting nominations in this year's Golden Globes, and why is a no brainer. These two are palpable on screen. Their relationship is a beautiful explosion. Though it wrenches the heart to watch the destruction, you can not help but stare in shock and wonder at the fire and what might survive its flames. Audiences will never forget what they witnessed, nor will they forget what they learned from this family. Fences has much to say. Listen.

Verdict: Fences is a heartbreaking and heartfelt film with iconic visuals, a masterpiece script, and an unforgettable cast of real people.

"Rebellions are built on Hope" Rogue One Review

Rogue One

3.5/5

Directed By: Gareth Edwards

Rated: PG- 13

           Since the year 1977, The Star Wars franchise has been breaking new ground on the fields of special effects, sound mixing and editing, and production design, and now with their first of many anthology films, they are breaking new ground again. Aside from their upcoming and eagerly awaited eighth episode, Rogue One is the first of new additions to the seven Star Wars movies audiences have come to know and enjoy. Rogue One is a story of a planetary threat's shadow, an empire resolute on bending the galaxy to their will, and a sinister leader discontent with anything less than total rule through fear. It is a story of a young woman torn away from her only family, a ragtag team of fighters apart of a newborn rebellion, and the single most important mission this team would ever execute.
           What separates this story from the other entries in the Star Wars galaxy, is Rogue One's steadfast main team of characters. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is our able bodied heroine on this impossible mission. She is a daring and dynamic character, who, I am glad to say, is a great addition to the growing cast of Star Wars characters. Leading her on this mission is the alliance member Cassian (Diego Luna), a conflicted and cunning man. More than just the team's captain, Cassian is a sharpshooting pilot and an important mentor to Jyn. Their co- pilot is K-S20 (Alan Tudyk), an imperial droid who, since his reprogramming, has gotten into the habit of speaking whatever is on his circuits. These three are later accompanied by four other crew members, each with their own personalized fighting style and individual motivation to fight. When these seven members come together, the audience benefits. From their entertaining back and forth banter, comical witticisms, and admirable cooperative fighting style, this team is unforgettable. When they enter the heat of battle, there's no stopping them, and they will fight to the bitter end.
           Their mission brings them to distant planets, close to the grasps of death, and into the heart of the Empire. The story's vitality is shown through it's impressive action scenes, most of them featuring well crafted visual effects, precisely choreographed close quarters combat sequences, and heart stopping moments of suspense. Sadly though, this story is a slow burner, and it regrettably takes about 45 minutes for the movie's spark to ignite its fuse. The pacing in the opening half of the film is sluggish and at some points overbearingly gritty. There is a copious amount of tedious scenes, and it's easy to pick out which ones are unnecessary. It distracts from the story, and removes audiences from the cinematic wonder the film is trying to have.
           Once these scenes are over with, the rest of the film is fully engaging. Rogue One features one of the greatest climaxes I have witnessed in theatres (not just Star Wars climaxes, but film climaxes in general). It's gripping, action packed, and intense. The special effects are incredible, the action is fast paced, and it plays out on three different interacting stages. This film's crisis is worth the price of admission, for any Star Wars fan, however those who are new to Star Wars would do better watching this film when it comes out on home release.
           I am pleased to say, Rogue One is a good movie and a worthy start to the new Star Wars anthology films. The best aspect of these new anthology films is their potential for possibility. These new movies can introduce us to new characters, reintroduce us to some of the franchises' most familiar faces, and explore further into the galaxy far far away that audiences have come to know and love. I look forward to these new films, and I have to wonder where are we going next.

Verdict: Rogue One is a good film with an impressive cast of various characters, a good amount of action, and a well done climax that is sure to leave audiences satisfied and ready for seconds.

"Yesterday, a Wizard entered New York with a Case" Fantastic Beasts Review

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

5/5

Directed By: David Yates

Written By: J.K. Rowling
Rated: PG-13

           In the roaring 20's another day begins on the busy streets of New York City. A man walks to his job at a canning factory, members of the Magical Congress of the United States (MACUSA) file wand permits, an elderly woman makes her way to the steps of a bank where she will hand out leaflets, a sister waits at home and makes clothes to pass the time, a little girl recites a nursery rhyme, a boy sits alone in the darkness of his room, and a gentleman in a blue coat arrives from across the sea with only a wand and a case, a case full of fantastic beasts.
           David Yates' Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Fantastic Beasts) is a marvelous tale of estranged wizards, brave witches, a brilliant no-maj (non-magical), a wicked family, dark and terrible presences, and a numerous multitude of remarkable creatures, who have unfortunately escaped. In its essence, the film is a simplistic story about a team searching New York for these escaped creatures. More than this, though, the film dives into elements of oppressing magic, a need for understanding the unknown, the archetypal good pursuing knowledge, and the inherit evil attending chaos.
           The first standout ingredient of Fantastic Beasts is its marvelous characters. The main protagonist is the quirky magical zoologist and lead chaser of creatures Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). Accompanying him is the inquisitively sharp MACUSA magical police officer Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterson). Joining them is the no-maj with impeccable comedic timing and an extraordinary heart, Jacob Kowalski (Dan Folger), and Tina Goldstein's delightfully splendid sister, Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol). In addition to the film's outstanding main cast is a whole city of memorable characters, such as the impressive President of the MACUSA, Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo), the cunning director of magical security, Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), and the tentative and aloof son, Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller). To say the least, all of the characters in Fantastic Beasts are uniquely genuine, and part of the joy of watching their adventure is seeing for yourself what they are capable of and where they go within this world.

           The world these characters inhabit is brought to life through the film's cinematic design. Each location is filled with detail and every object feels as if it has its own story and purpose. Every shot is engaging and often impossible to look away from. The camera movements are clearly done with care and precision, so as to bring audiences closer into the streets of 1920's New York City. The special effects and computer generated beasts are astonishing. The magic is tangible and the creatures could almost come home with you. All of these visual elements never distract from the unfurling adventure. They enhance the film by adding intensity to great battles, tenderness to soft whispers, or amazement to the next mystical creature sighting.

           Perfectly complimenting the visual aspects are Fantastic Beats' noteworthy orchestrations. The accompanying  music adds a new facet to this alluring motion picture. It is used to parallel the action on screen, and also to bring out new and indescribable feelings deeper within the story. The music also found unique ways to counteract what was happening onscreen making viewers perceive a moment with a visual and emotional perspective. I listen to the soundtrack often, for it reminds me of my splendid time at the theatre and how much I long to revisit this world.

           What makes this world so inviting by bringing these characters visual effects and musical compositions synergistically together is the story. This screenplay separates and elevates Fantastic Beasts above other films. This screenplay is an original work by J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter novels), and she has outdone herself. The dialogue runs the gamut of style and tone. It is fast paced witty and hilarious, engrossing enchanting and aw inspiring, or methodical revealing and crepuscular. Like the visual design, it always enhances and never distracts. Rowling's tale always felt free and wild, as if she could take her audience anywhere. Everything Rowling yearned to show her audience was present, because unlike her Harry Potter series Fantastic Beasts is not an adaptation. There is nothing missing from it, which gives the narrative a fundament of completeness. This is the whole work, and everything in is delved into with adventurous spirit and thrilling intrigue.

           While Fantastic Beasts is an original narrative, it takes place within J.K. Rowling's familiar and wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry. Fantastic Beasts is in a sense a prequel to the Harry Potter series, however it does not rely on the success of that franchise. The film never uses emotions drawn from the Harry Potter franchise to construct the audiences' opinion of Fantastic Beasts. There was no deliberate use of nostalgia, and all harkens back to the first eight films were not without purpose and importance in this film. Audiences do not have to see any of the first eight films in order to appreciate this new and fantastic motion picture. This is a fresh start, and I implore you to hop on board.

           There is an uncountable number of gifts Fantastic Beasts has. Perhaps the greatest gift it offers is it is a treat for everyone. In our modern culture there are ever so few films with the ability to attract viewers of all ages and keep their focuses maintained. I am delighted saying Fantastic Beasts is a film for all ages and for the ages. The youngest of children will be dazzled by the playful nature of the film's characters and creatures. Youths will be entertained by the magnitude of this new and explorable world and the darker places lurking within it. Parents can rest assured their family will have a splendid time with this picture, while they too are hooked on the dynamic drama provided in this piece. Everyone will find something magical within Fantastic Beasts they will want to relive, and there will always be something new to discover with each viewing experience.

Verdict: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an engaging adventure with a riveting screenplay by J.K. Rowling herself, marvelous characters, remarkable creatures, and breath taking visuals, making for one unforgettable experience not to be missed.

"Forget Everything you Think you Know" Doctor Strange Review

Doctor Strange

3.5/5

Directed By: Scott Derrickson

Rated: PG-13

There is more to this life than anyone can possibly imagine. What is seen in this physical world is only a fraction of what exist. In our daily lives, there is a battle raging, a battle between a greater will power and endless darkness. It is a never ending assault on us to stop pursuing a life of humility and take from this world what we believe we deserve. Every second of our lives, there is an inward struggle. It is only magnified by what exist outside, not just outside of our bodies, but outside our understanding. What can we not explain? What will we never be able to explain? Few films have dared to explore this realm, and none of them are as engaging and mesmerizing as Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange.

Doctor Strange is the story of a man, a physician, with status, wealth and talent far beyond everyone else. He is a suffering man who hoards his bountiful gifts for himself; excessively lavishing himself with luxuries, placing himself on a pedestal above his neighbors, and refusing to treat patients in fear of losing his portrait of perfection. All this is taken from him in an instant. One fateful car wreck takes away all of his perceived gifts. Without his hands to operate and his wealth to keep him blissful, he is nothing but the man he already is. Searching the world for answers and miracles, he finds a group of prudent wizards following one enlightened leader. Through his time with these enchanters, he learns powers beyond his imagination, sees dangers no man can face alone, and hears the call to rise up and become a hero.

The special effects in Doctor Strange are second to none. The psychedelic promises from the trailers are all true, and they are not disappointing. Worlds collide with each other, matter bends in on itself, skyscrapers and streets merge, and unmatched shadows flood the screen. These effects never try to deliberately wow the audience, rather they employ themselves only when necessary. There are moments when buildings are flipping in on themselves and it takes the audience's breath away, but there are other times when a simple hand reaching through a portal is all that is needed. Doctor Strange is a great balance of mesmerizing kaleidoscopic cinematic scene-scapes, and the simple graces of a man floating up out of darkness.

Beyond the special effects, and unique story elements, Doctor Strange offers tremendous performances from its entire cast. Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect casting as Dr. Stephen Strange. Without his skill and commitment for his craft, this latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could have been just another origin story worth nothing more than simply passing the time. Thankfully, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the leading role of Dr. Stephen Strange, with charisma, charm, and an unattractive arrogance. More than any other character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stephen Strange is dynamic. He not only rises up through gaining magical powers, but also through letting go of his ego. His development is engrossing, and worth watching.

Though the film has much to offer, there lies a great problem in Doctor Strange. Unfortunately it is a systemic one. The editing and pacing for the film is atrocious. Jump cuts do not seemed planned. The camera moves from room to room, without first establishing in which room the action originated. Characters wildly trade blows with each other, but the audience is left guessing for themselves who is winning and if they truly have the upper hand. This makes the fight scenes overbearing and difficult to pay attention to, but it is not enough to make the film unwatchable. Personally, I think most audiences will not even see this as a problem.

Marvel Studios Doctor Strange is a reminder to ourselves that there is more to life than we can possibly imagine. Stephen Strange is an excellent reminder of this. Even if all our work is lost, our efforts are in vain, and we sink lower than we could ever rise, there is always something more. There is something worth striving for greater than ourselves. For the power to flow out of your own body, fight the forces of evil with unrelenting passion, and bend time to your will is nothing compared to the true strength which comes through self sacrifice.

Verdict: Doctor Strange is a mystifying experience, with unforgettable special effects, excellent characters and a strong message on the temptations of pride and the heroics of humility.