The Great Gatsby (2013)

Director: Bar Luhrmann

Rated: PG-13

Length: 142 min.

From the director who brought you Moulin Rouge, Bar Luhrmann once again outdoes himself with the mise-en-scene of this film. With lavish costume design and extraordinary sets, The Great Gatsby is just a flash of vibrant colors and modern soundtrack with no narrative structure to stand on. Now don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack; however, the modern music did not play well with the 1920s scenery. This is simply the tale of high society’s obsession with materialism and its effect on two specific love affairs.  Although Leonardo DiCaprio (Jay Gatsby) and Carey Mulligan (Daisy Buchanan) are both magnificent actors, the performance by Tobey Maguire (Nick Carraway) as the type cast pathetic loser, once again confirmed his place in mediocrity. This film was far too long and could have been cut by at least 30 minutes while still telling the same illustrious tale. It’s unfortunate that this story was not told in a more believable fashion because this is a story we all remember reading in our adolescence, and the nostaglia brought forth by that memory is unforgettable. This was everything I thought it'd be, and the time spent on the visual appeal of the film was simply overshadowed by its poor dialogue and unnecessary awkwardness. No need to rush to the theater for this summer dud. 

Crafting A Nation (2013)

Director: Thomas Kolicko

Rated: Unrated

Length: 104 min.

               This past Thursday evening I was invited (along with a packed house) to attend the premiere of Crafting  A Nation at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Littleton, CO. This documentary focused on craft breweries and the hardships they face in making it in big brewery America. Director Thomas Kolicko, who also directed Beer Culture, followed the opening of Black Shirt Brewery in Denver, Colorado, along with numerous other craft brewers across the country as they told their stories of how they gave up everything to be a part of this industry. The focus put on brothers Chad and Branden Miller, founders of Black Shirt Brewery, gave this documentary a real home-style feel to it. Their participation in the after screening Q&A gave the audience a chance to see the actors of the film as real people, as well as displaying the true passion of these brothers who sacrificed their livelihoods for the sake of their brewery. Interviews with Jim Koch, co-founder and chairman of Boston Brewing Company, along with co-founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Ken Grossman, gave this film a great deal of credibility. The narrative, soundtrack and cinematography played extremely well off of each other; however, this film seemed to be a bit strung out and repetitive as it came to its conclusion. It could have been cut by 20 minutes while still telling the same inspirational tale of how small town brewers have made their way. All in all, this film played a significant role in opening up my mind to the hard work put in by all of these craft brewers, as well as a gained sense of respect for local brewers who are trying to get their name out there. 

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Director: Shane Black

Rated: PG-13

Length:130 min.

This high intensity action hero juggernaut surprised me by providing an ample amount of witty charm brought forth by the always entertaining Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) while changing the game with its consistent hilarity that breaks away from the stereotypical hero film. I have always said never make a triology because you're just going to end up reusing old plot ideas and tying to blow your already successful first film outta the water; but in this case, I make an exception. Iron Man 3 blew the sequel away primarily because of the unexpected humor provided throughout. This film should have been the sequel to the first Iron Man, and they could have stopped there, feeling a rightful sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, they will continue to milk the money maker with The Avengers 2, and Downey Jr. will hopefully make that film bearable. Overall, this film is exactly what I expected, non-stop action followed by extremely outlandish plot sequences; however, in this case, the two compliment each other well. This is a film that the whole family can enjoy and I say take 'em!

The Master (2012)

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Rated: R

Length: 144 min.

Either this was a bad year for movies, or the critics are just going easier on films these days. This film was filled with complete and utter nonsense, much like PT Anderson's last film, There Will Be Blood; so I guess we shouldn't be surprised. The narrative follows a World War II vet named Freddy Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) as he struggles to cope with reality after the war and turns to alcoholism to cope with his past. Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) sees Freddy as a poor lost soul and takes him into his care in hopes that he can save him from his path of impurity. Stellar performances put forth by Hoffman and Phoenix; as well as stunning cinematography and soundtrack, could not save this lackluster narrative that just followed Lancaster on his tireless escapades, which quickly wore thin. I lost any and all interest about halfway through the film, as Anderson drug out the plot well beyond the necessary closing point. This film is a supposed portrayal of L. Ron Hubbard and the foundation of Scientology, but instead conveyed the gibberish one man made up and the people he got to believe in it. The only thing Anderson's the master of is putting people to sleep. Keep this garbage out of your your living room. The Master.

Rust and Bone (2012)

Director: Jacques Audiard

Rated: R

Length: 120 min.

This inspirational French film takes you down a path of depression, recovery and the bond of love. The ever-so-lovely Marion Cotillard (Stephanie) shines through as a recovering amputee who discovers a reason to live after losing both of her legs. Matthais Scohenaerts (Alain van Versch) plays the role of the "macho" single father who's involved with multiple women and an illegal fighting ring. Initially Alain just sees Stephanie as a helpless sex object with whom he shows little emotions towards, but as their relationship develops he realizes what she truly means to him and finally tells her what he's been suppressing for so long. This is a fantastically moving film, and although the sexuality is a little explicit at times, it is a beautiful portrayal about how love can triumph over any feat. Must see. Rust and Bone.