"As I live and breathe, 'The Wolverine'." Logan Review

Logan

4/5

Directed by: James Mangold

Rated: R

           The Wolverine has grown tired of his mantle. He has turned his back on the world, only to make his home in a dry piece of land in the deserts of  northern Mexico. No longer purely invincible. No longer perfectly healing every bullet hole or knife cut on his body. Only working to stay alive and keep his few friends breathing. He has nothing to lose, and nothing to live for. Until, a young girl enters his life, as do the dangerous men hunting her. Spurred on by fear and intrigue, Logan embarks on what could be his last heroic act.

           James Mangold, director of Marvel's The Wolverine (2013), returns to write and direct this grizzled and primal film. Logan is a far cry from previous X-men movies. Instead of branching off following several individually storylines, Logan is narrow and focused. The film is even simplistic, by visual standards. The camera work has been downplayed for added realism. The usual flashy comic book style cinematography has been replaced with the rough and tumble of a handheld aesthetic. Though the use of CGI and practical effect are scattered throughout the film's action scenes, what stands out in these intense moments is the film's score. More than paralleling the rises and falls of the plot, Marco Beltrami's music captures an emotional center, and gives a greater sense of scope to the film's complex characters.

           The most prominent cinematic element in Logan are the performances. Hugh Jackman dons his mutton chops and adamantium claws, as he revises his starring role as Logan/The Wolverine for his seventh time. For 17 years Hugh Jackman has offered an original portrayal of the iconic animal in all of his films, and Logan is no exception. Full of grit, heartbreak, and faint echoes of his former self, Logan features Hugh Jackman's most vulnerable and human performance of the character. Patrick Stewart also reprises his role as Charles Xavier. He plays the once dignified professor and team leader as a crotchety old geezer who's kind soul is buried somewhere beneath his dementia and prescription drugs. Debuting in this picture is the young and aggressive Laura, played by able actress Dafne Keen. Though she says little, she has a massive onscreen presence. She can appear equally alongside two of the greatest comic book personas in cinema, and in some cases she outshines them. These three characters are represented within the metaphor of a generational family. Charles is the grandfather, Logan is Charles' son, and Laura is Logan's daughter. It's a unique take on these memorable characters, but one that ultimately pays off, and marks Logan as an unexpectedly humane story.

           While Logan shares similar traits with other Marvel super hero movies, the film's plot is more akin to a western. Logan was mainly shot in New Mexico, and the film primarily takes place in the western region of the United States. The main protagonist of the film is a lone gunman, Logan. Instead of pistols, he uses claws. The lone gunman also has an adversary, played ingenuously by Boyd Halbrook. This adversary admires and wants many of the same things the lone gunman wants, but has a vile way of going about achieving these goals. Even the slow but unyielding pacing of Logan is highly reminiscent of Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns.

           Aside from departing from the usual super hero genre, Logan also abandons the light hearted nature of most comic book movies. The R rating is well deserved. An incessant tirade of F bombs make up the first act of Logan's screenplay. Few of them are justified, but most of them feel unwarranted. The action scenes also feature severe illustrations of viscera and bloody dismemberment. Though the choreography of these fights is considerably predictable, it is unrelenting and animalistic. There are also more adult themes in Logan, such as suicidal thoughts, the trafficking of children, losing ones mind and dignity to old age, and the need to parent future generations. Logan is not for the casual comic book fan, however a more mature and well minded audience will appreciate this blood stained and unabated film.

The Verdict: Logan embodys a relentless atmosphere full of remarkable performances, heart reaching music, intense primal action scenes, animalistic viscera, emotional humanity, and mature themes.

"I can Save Today. You can Save the World." Wonder Woman Review

Wonder Woman

4/5

Directed by: Patty Jenkins

Written by: Allan Heinberg

Rated: PG-13

           For the past four years, movie audiences, myself included, have wanted to see a great DC extended universe (DCEU) film. While the DC comics are filled with detailed characters and memorable stories, the DCEU films have shown little care to represent this same quality. So far all three entries in the DCEU are composed of weak story telling, confusing character arcs, and poor direction. Wonder Woman is beyond anything the DCEU has released. This film takes its place at the side of other great comic book movies, and, in some cases, Wonder Woman rises above them.

           Wonder Woman's story is an epic, set during World War I. The film's runtime is a lengthy two hours and twenty one minutes, but it does make good use of the bulk of this time. The film includes a variety of lifelike locations, memorable heroes, nefarious enemies and several interwoven story arcs. The way the film's overarching story plays out is well done, and appears to have no gaping holes within its narrative. Sadly, the start of the film's final act lacks the depth and force that the rest of the film carried. It does not detract from the rest of the film, but it is jarring. The film's conclusion, however, puts the story back on track, and sends viewers off satisfied.

           Wonder Woman's considerable screenplay is complemented by multiple powerful performances from both the main and supporting cast. Gal Gadot portrays the iconic role of Diana, Princess of Themyscira. Gadot fills her speeches on love and war with emotional palpability, without force or unnecessary suppression. She emerges onto the screen with gravitas, and plays her dynamic character with an intensity of grace and fury. Chris Pine characterizes the talented World War I pilot and American spy, Steve Trevor. Pine plays this character with an air of charisma and comedic charm. His impeccable comedic timing lands all of his jokes, and provokes a range of laughter. From light chuckles to loud embarrassing guffaws, audiences will enjoy Pine's genuine humor. Along with these two capable performances, most of the supporting characters exhibit this same level of vitality. Two standout performances from the supporting cast are David Thewlis' portrayal of the British military general, Sir Patrick, and Elena Anya's stark depiction of the feared German chemist, Dr. Maru. Both performers play their parts with humanity, as neither wholly good or evil. From the supporting roles to the hundreds of unnamed fighters, all of Wonder Woman's characters are portrayed with excellence.

           Wonder Woman also features some incredible on screen action scenes. Battles play out on both large scale open landscapes, and in close quartered sets. Despite how massive or minimal the fight scene is, all of them are executed with powerful and hard hitting punch. Soldiers are not taken down with ease. Every defeated enemy is a victory, and every fallen friend is a casualty. The carefully timed choreography of each battle gives nearly every hit a tangible sense of impact. During one of the film's intense battle scenes, I found myself dodging gun fire and raising my wrist in defense, as if I felt I could deflect the bullets back into the screen (bare in mind, I did not see this film in 3D).

           Beyond this film's well done story, powerful performances, and incredible action scenes, Wonder Woman is an important film. Currently there is a harmful stimulus influencing several cinematic releases. Modern movies feel inclined to deliberately select a gender and promote it as the more powerful, more important, and more worthy. While the majority of audiences expect Wonder Woman will fall victim to this same overt stimulus, viewers will be surprised to find Wonder Woman is without agenda or gender bias. Diana is not shown as a candid dependent heroine who is simply aesthetically pleasing, and Steve is not an incapable imbecile who is only along for the ride. In addition to this, neither gender is grossly over glorified above the other. The film plays equally to Diana and Steve's strengths, illustrating them both with an impression of noble courage and valor. Wonder Woman is a film all audiences will be able to fully enjoy. Avid DCEU fans and casual movie goers will enjoy this great standalone film from director Patty Jenkins and writer Allan Heinberg.

Verdict: Wonder Woman offers all viewers an epic story, full of powerful genuine characters, vivid locations, and incredibly intense actions scenes, worth experiencing in theatres.

"You Know Who You are...Who You Truly are." Moana Review

Moana

3.5/5

Directed by: Ron Clements and John Musker

Rated: PG

           Disney's famous directing duo has created another instant classic, and one worth owning and rewatching. Ron Clements and John Musker, directors of The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), and The Princess and the Frog (2009), return to Disney Studios to bring families their new original film. Moana is the story of a young woman living on an island, longing to explore what’s just beyond her reef. When disaster strikes, Moana must set sail on a dangerous voyage. She will face obstacles, meet new companions, and gain a deeper understanding of what she's been searching for her whole life, her identity.

           Most Disney films are mainly famous for their lead title characters, and Moana is a wonderfully rich character. Voiced by newcomer Auli'i Cravalho, Moana is a self taught sailor, a sensational singer, and a feisty fighter. She is a strong willed heroine, but she is also vulnerable, and encounters her fair share of almost unbeatable struggles. Though she has much to learn, before she can be the chief everyone on her island needs her to be, she's wise enough to remember and put into practice what she learns. It's enjoyable watching Moana grow as a character and a young woman, and it also makes her character infinitely more relatable than Disney's other prefect princesses. It would be a joy seeing Moana reappear on screen, and seeing how much further her character develops.
           Moana adds a brand new colorful cast of memorable characters to Disney's extensive list. Along with Moana, there is the great demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson. He wants nothing more in life than to be thought of as a hero, a rather self centered goal. It's understandable why Maui is so self focused, considering his body is covered with tattoos of all his victories and adoring crowds. The only way Maui was able to achieve all of those wins was through the use of his magic hook. He used it to pull up islands from the sea floor, bring the sun in closer to make the days longer, steal fire from below the world's surface, and  create several other natural phenomenons. He even uses his hook to transform into any animal or creature. A creature Maui would not want to turn into is Moana's unintentional animal sidekick, Heihei. This dimwitted chicken, voiced by Alan Tudyk, offers some of the greatest comedy relief in Disney movie history. Though the animal is always over the top, Heihei's humor does not distract from the story's critical moments.
           Moana is an original story, rife with mythos, danger, excitement, and heart. The impact of Moana's story is heightened by the film's visual beauty. For a 3D animated film, each frame appears as rich and colorful as the scene's from Disney's earlier hand drawn films. Each of Moana's locations is meticulously crafted, and the results are stunningly gorgeous. The most unique element of Moana's visual storytelling, is its fascination with water. Each droplet is full of detail and life. Even though there are whole scenes where the screen contains nothing but ocean, the film never feels empty. The sea is not simply the medium of transportation on this voyage. The ocean is a vivid and inviting expanse. It is the gateway to discovery, both of the world and of the self. As long as the sea is on screen, audiences know Moana's adventure will continue.

           Moana’s music submerges audiences in a lively atmosphere of sound and verse. It's a splendid collection of catchy tunes, and empowering melodies. The lively orchestral score was composed by Mark Mancina, the musical composer of Tarzan (1999). Most of the songs and lyrics were written by Hamilton composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda. His iconic voice even graces two of Moana's original songs. Fans will recognize an uncanny amount of similarities between the songs in Hamilton and Moana. Though some of Moana's songs are considerable ear worms, surprisingly, none of them are annoying. In the vein of other great Disney films, Moana offers irresistible music that is sure to lead to uncontrollable humming and occasional spontaneous singing.

Verdict: Moana is an amazing original adventure, complete with memorable characters, a visually gorgeous atmosphere, and impactful toe tappin' music from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

"Stories are Wild Animals." A Monster Calls Review

     A Monster Calls

    3.5/5

Directed by: J.A. Bayona

Written by: Patrick Ness

Rated: PG-13

           Our story begins "with a boy, too old to be a kid, too young to be a man, and a nightmare" (Ness 2016). Conor O'Malley lives in a dreary spot in the U.K. He spends his days at school, where a bully taunts and beats him. He comes home to his grandmother's house, where he cannot touch anything, for her fear of destroying any piece from her delicate legacy. His mother is sick, and his father infrequently visits. So Conor, a young boy afraid and confused by his world, calls for help. That night a monster came walking.

           A Monster Calls is teeming with life, brought about through its tremendous cast. The monster is tremendously played by Liam Neeson. Through the use of motion capture, and practical effects, Liam Neeson interweaves fiery violence, and gentle compassion into this memorable performance. He supplies the monster with a gruff, deep, and strong voice. Even when the monster is whispering, his voice rumbles the floors, and makes the ceiling quake. In the same way Liam Neeson makes his fantastical character lifelike, and emotionally rich, all of the lead performing artists give their character's a sense of true humanity. Lewis MacDougall debuts, as Conor O'Malley. He handles the complexities of his character with an earnest openness, and sincere professionalism. Felicity Jones plays his mother with passion, grace, and humor. Sigourney Weaver is Conor's grandmother. Her commitment to her role, gives the character a beautiful balance between an evil witch and a loving parent. Every performance in A Monster Calls benefits the film.

           Another powerful element within the film is its unique visual design, which is showcased through the film's dual environments. The real world is often shown using gray and muted tones of color. The rain drips slowly from the sky, and the world is a  vast empty and dreadful place. When The monster arrives, he brings darkness, but one made of flaming reds and oranges. The stories he tells are illustrated, through wildly imaginative 3-D animated water color paintings. Their colors are rich, and inviting. In each of the film's environments are elements of uncertainty, terror, tears, and wonder. All of them give A Monster Calls an individually engaging and visually stimulating atmosphere.

           Perhaps the film's greatest flaw is its difficultly understood nature. The story is meant to confound and only be fully understood at its climax. This long awaited conclusion may prompt viewers to express aggravation at the film's slow pace, while it may give other viewers a much needed catharsis. Because of this pacing, younger viewers who should watch this film may be inclined to turn off this confusing story. Adults will likely ignore this rich fairy tale, because of its young protagonist and fantastical plot. No matter what the age, A Monster Calls unfortunately has a hard time reaching its audience. The niche this film successfully speaks to will cherish A Monster Calls, and return to it time, and time again.

           Though it is hard to properly state what A Monster Calls is about, director J.A. Bayona best describes this complex genre combining film. He says A Monster Calls is a "cinematicall story. It's about the bond between Mother and Son. It's a movie about truth. It's about love, and legacy, and it's about art."

Verdict: A Monster Calls is a unique film with a tremendous cast and a rich aesthetic, but it's complex story may offer audiences either unwanted confusion, or much needed catharsis.

"The price for your glory is their suffering!" Silence Review

Silence

5/5

Written and Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Rated: R

           How deep the roots of someone's faith. It is firmly planted in good soil. In the spring it blooms with new life. In the winter it bolsters itself in the midst of challenges. How strong someone's faith. What happens, when one faith enters an unfamiliar environment? Will it grow, and take new roots? Will it be choked out by thorns and weeds? Will the faith never grow, because the new land is a swamp? Will the faith dwindle from the one who entered the swamp? How deep are the roots of someone's faith? These questions, and more, are asked through Martin Scorsese's latest film, Silence.
           Silence tells the story of two Catholic Priests who arrive on the distant and unfamiliar shores of Japan. Their mission is to preach the Gospel in a country where to do so means death. The Priest's' main goal is to find Father Ferreira, who apostatized the Christian faith, for they do not believe such a sin from their mentor is possible. The screenplay focuses on Father Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield), and his inner spiritual turmoil. As a devout follower of Jesus, he is caught in a torturous series of attacks on his faith, his will, and his sense of truth and guidance.
           This palpable story is headed by an incredible cast. Andrew Garfield gives a captivating performance, as the tormented and Christ filled Father Rodrigues. His spiritual struggle is visible, through his physiological actions, and his unforgettable delivery of lines. Accompanying Garfield is Adam Driver, as Father Garupe. Driver illustrates his characters' solace, and constitution, through his steady voice, and discerning gaze. Aside from these Catholic Priests, there are also standout performances amongst the people of Japan. Yôsuke Kubozuka is the sinful Kichijiro, continuously apostatizing and seeking absolution. Issei Ogata is the Old Samurai, who persistently questions Rodrigues' mission in Japan, and insidiously attempts to break down the Priest' will and Christian faith. Liam Neeson gives a haunting performance as the denounced Father Ferreira. Though he is in few scenes, his inclusion adds tension and an unsettling atmosphere to the film, and those experiencing it.
           Silence's score is mesmerizing. Instruments are rarely heard, as much as Japan's natural ambiance; the rain, the wind, the waves. Often the only instrument is the incessant chirping of cicadas. They can be harmonious, or they can drive someone out of their senses. There are times when these insects are insufferable, and the insertion of drums foreboding death is perceived as merciful.
           Silence is an epic, but it also belongs to an oft unseen genre. Silence goes beyond the constraints of a thriller, and becomes a spiritual thriller. It is not a struggle of the mind, but one of the soul. It asks impossible questions with the hope they linger forever in audiences' minds:Are there any unforgivable sins? Does apostasy separate a sinner from their Lord forever? How strongly can someone hold onto their faith and ideals? What is martyrdom, and is it martyrdom, if the martyr is not the one being killed? Amidst trials, how can someone hold fast to what they believe is righteous? According to an article by Peter Travers from the Rolling Stone, Scorsese says Silence is a story "about the necessity of belief fighting the voice of experience."

Verdict: Silence is an unforgettable experience best watched in a group setting, because it fills audiences with impossible questions, internal anguish, and an overwhelming appreciation for Scorsese's film.

"How can a Story Never Die?" Beauty and the Beast (2017) Review

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

3/5

Directed by: Bill Condon

Rated PG

           Once upon a time, Disney produced a beautiful animated classic. More than 25 years later, they brought their piece from the page onto the silver screen as a live action movie. From 2D hand drawings into 3D live action shots, this Disney classic has been revamped and modified for contemporary audiences. In most ways it is drastically different from its predecessor, but in every way it is still the beloved tale as old as time.
           Beauty and the Beast's standout element is its remarkable cast of memorable characters. The two titular characters are portrayed with honesty, realism, and a touch of enchantment. Emma Watson's performance as the beloved Belle is a delight. She adds an air of intuition and thoughtfulness in all of her scenes. Dan Stevens' Beast is vengeful and terrifying, but he slowly becomes something tender and passionate. Heroes are great, but what's a Disney film without a great Disney villain? Beauty and the Beast has one such detestable rogue audiences around the world will love to hate. Luke Evans plays the brawny hunk, Gaston. He overtakes all of his scenes with his devilish smile, and his narrow minded determination to win Belle's heart. Both suave and abhorred, Luke Evans' performance is hard to forget.
           In addition to this stunning main cast, there are several fantastic performances amongst the supporting cast. Ewan McGregor and Ian McKellen are the classic comic duo of Lumiere and Cogsworth (respectively). These two can brighten up any scene, with their perfectly timed back and forth banter and hilarious French accents. Kevin Kline plays Belle's father, Maurice, and his earnestness and loving heart will endear both the young and old. Emma Thompson is the loving and gentle Mrs. Potts. Stanley Tucci plays the magnificent and slightly out of tune Maestro Cadenza. Audra McDonald plays the flamboyant and operatic dresser, Madame Garderobe. Josh Gad plays Gaston's infatuated and morally conflicted sidekick, LeFou. Every single one of these actresses and actors plays their role with vitality, and gives their characters a unique personality.
           The cast' performances' are remarkable, but their singing is less than what is expected from a Disney musical. The two title characters are auto tuned, so no matter how much passion Emma Watson tries to put into her solos, it cannot stop the fact that she sounds like a robot. The orchestrations underneath the solos are far better than the singing. Composer Alan Menken has created songs worth singing and melodies impossible to forget. Audience members who own the soundtrack will most likely listen to the irresistible score more than the sub par vocal arrangements.
           This film's visual design is astonishing. The castle appears as torn and tormented as the Beast's heart. Though it crumbles under its own weight, and is haggard and beaten by the winds from the west, it remains stalwart and is ever alluring. Within the castle is something far more exquisite, a wide array of gorgeous rooms and stark towers. This desolate and serene setting gives this film its own personalized visual appeal.
           The uniqueness of this visual design is also illustrated, through the film's visual effects. For the most part, the CGI compliments this aesthetic. Though there are moments when the castle's cursed servants appear as life like as Emma Watson, there are other moments when they appear as flat and fake as their hand drawn counterparts. The Beast' presence is never felt on screen. His face is unfortunately composed of too much computer graphics imaging that it is difficult to look past and see his rare conveyances of humane and realistic emotion.
           The story of Beauty and the Beast is relatively the same as the animated classic, although there are some major changes in this retelling. Without spoilers, the opening monologue is read by an alto instead of a bass, Gaston is far more insidious, the Beast is less angry, there are new songs, and certain story elements have been removed or changed. These changes will distract avid fans of the Disney classic, but they may not annoy newcomers who see Beauty and the Beast as an individual film.

Verdict: Beauty and the Beast is a charming fairy tale filled with delightful characters, an insidious villain, impressive orchestrations, beautiful set design, and considerably well animated visual effects.

"Life Doesn't Give you Seatbelts." The LEGO Batman Movie Review

The LEGO Batman Movie

3/5

Directed by: Chris McKay

Rated: PG

           From those really cool dudes who gave the world the LEGO Movie, thanks guys, comes another amazing movie. It's cinema's first intentional Batman comedy, The LEGO Batman Movie. This is a movie about Batman, the villains in his life, the friends and family he struggles to let in to his world of crime fighting, and the awesome action packed comedy they had together. It will make you laugh, cry, sigh, and beet box.
           The visual design of The LEGO Batman Movie is insane. It's made of mostly multi colored LEGO bricks, and none of them are wasted. The Bat cave is massive and stuffed with cool gadgets and vehicles, Gotham City is packed with minifigures and personality, and Arkham Asylum is loaded with bad guys. Everything in this movie is built with 1000 more bricks than necessary. The smallest of items have an extreme amount of detail. It gives this batman story more energy, more punch, and more eye popping sights than any other Bat film.
           This movie has an exorbitant amount of top class comedic voice actors. Will Arnett is back in black as the tremendously hilarious awesome vigilante, Batman. His performance builds off of what audiences saw in The LEGO Movie, and develops his one minded moody attitude from the first film into a full fledged full of himself protagonist. Along with showing off his impeccable comedic timing and top notch dark and brooding Batman voice, Arnett also drops some sick Bat raps.
           Joining Arnett is Michael Cera as the super positive no pants boy wonder, Robin, Rosario Dawson as the take charge can do commissioner's daughter, Barbara Gordon, and Ralph Fiennes as the ever faithful kick butt butler, Alfred. It's not just these heroes who make up this fantastic cast. There's also a whole rogue's gallery of bad guys and great stars. The enigmatic and psychotic Joker is voiced by a maniacal Zachary Galifianakis, filled with villainous intent and vulnerable heart. It sounds paradoxical, but it works, and it's adorable. It is one of the most unique and charming Joker performances audiences will see in theatres. There's also Jenny Slate as Harley Quinn, Siri as the voice of Batman's computer, Conan O' Brien as the Riddler, Channing Tatum as Superman, Billy Dee Williams as Two face, and loads others.
           This movie does not just have jokes. It has sight gags, reference humor, perfect timing, classic bits, and jabs at the comic book industry; all of this and a side of lobster. The majority of people will not be able to help themselves from laughing obnoxiously. These jokes work along with an unexpected storyline about Batman's relationships with his Butler, the Police, his young ward, and his villains. This story, however, will slow down its pace, in order to make time for more jokes. It also has to slow down progression of the story, when Batman tries to start being serious. It never abruptly stops the film, but it is noticeable. It will make viewers question whether they should see this in theatres, but it is definitely worth watching with friends, when it's available on home release. People who should definitely watch this film are fans of The LEGO Movie, fans of the Batman franchise, fans of action packed relationship comedies, and people who are best of friends.

Verdict: The LEGO Batman Movie is an amazing super-hero comedy, with ridiculous LEGO packed sets, an incredible voice cast, a bonkers sense of humor, Bat references, Bat action, and Bat raps.