Prisoners (2013)

Director-Denis Villenueve

Rated-R

Length-153 min.

In this suspenseful thriller about the abduction of two young girls, Hugh Jackman (Keller Dover) gives the performance of a lifetime. Jackman plays the father of the abducted who resorts to some extreme measures to bring his daughter home. Jake Gyllenhaal (Detective Loki), the lead detective on the case, is forced on an endless search for these girls and is eventually the one who puts all the pieces of this intricate puzzle together.

 

I must admit that I was still left with some questions at film's end, but after talking it through with a fellow moviegoer, I figured it out. And that's the purest sign of a good picture; when you're still contemplating it's outcome well after the curtains have closed.

 

This film showed us how we can all be Prisoners in some way, shape or form. And for some, they may never escape those bars.

It also kept a high level of curiosity throughout, giving us a glimpse into the agony of losing a child, as well as one into the sick and twisted minds of those who would commit such horrific crimes.

 

I would go as far to say as this is one of the best films of the year. And although a bit strung out at times, it leaves a haunting conclusion to a very realistic depiction of life. Must see.

West Of Memphis (2012)

Director-Amy Berg

Length-147 min.

Rated-R

For most of you, like myself, who are unaware of who the "West Memphis Three" are, let me introduce you to Jason Baldwin, Damien Wayne Echols and Jessie Misskelley. In 1993, these three young men were convicted of the brutal murders of three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. In the 20 years that have passed since their conviction, an array of new evidence has emerged in their defense. From new DNA matching that to members of the boys' families at the crime scene, to a number of witnesses admitting to lying on the stand; there is no doubt in these men's innocence.

In one of the most controversial examples of justice being overturned, this film delves deeply into the investigation of these three boys deaths and comes away with a chilling conclusion to this infamous murder case. And although the true killer has been exposed and continues to roam free, the "West Memphis Three" finally have their own form of justice.

This is truly a memorizing tale of how the hard work of some eventually pays off, and how a few investigative journalists can unveil the truth. I would recommend this film to all "Cold Case" lovers out there, for it is a true life story of how the justice system doesn't always get it right the first time. Sometimes they just want to pin it on a suspicious-looking group of kids. This is one of the best films I've seen in quite some time. I think everyone needs to know about what took place, West Of Memphis.

 

At Any Price (2012)

Director-Ramin Bahrani

Length-105 min.

Rated-R



Nominated for the prestigious Gold Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival, I expected this to be a ballpark home-run. However, with its lackluster dialogue and an extremely drawn out plot, this film failed to reach my expectations. As this film was shown not only an official selection in Venice, but at the Toronto Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival, alike; not to mention it's magnificent trailer, I thought this film had real potential. But with pretty boy Zac Efron (Dean Whipple) starring opposite of usually stellar Dennis Quaid (Henry Whipple), who played the underachieving role of a cheap cars salesmen; this film was anything but extraordinary. The story takes place in a small farming community in Iowa, where land is just as valuable as water. The fight over property is a vicious cutthroat trade with lots of unreliable allies and backhand deals. But sometimes that's what it takes to stay ahead of your competitors. Unfortunately for Henry, who has done everything in his power to keep the family farm afloat, his son Dean has plans of becoming a NASCAR driver. But when Dean injures himself in an accident and his father is investigated for his mischievous dealings, his son finally comes to his side. This is a story of father-son relationships and how quickly they can disappear. And although this did throw a bit of a curveball in its conclusion, it was still overshadowed by mediocre acting and little to no believability in its outcome. I don't care if you have the code for a free movie at your next Redbox visit, this film is NOT worth your while, At Any Price. 

The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)

Director-Derek Cianfrance

Length-140 min.

Rated-R

In this film, Ryan Gosling (Luke) plays a motocross outlaw who is trying to provide for a family he barely knows. Bradley Cooper (Avery) finds himself in a father-son dilemma that seems to never end. And Eva Mendes (Romina) seems to be caught up in the same love affair that she can never seem to kick. Now I must admit that I had been looking forward to this film ever since I first saw it's trailer, considering it's star studded cast. But after viewing it for the first time this evening, I was moderately unimpressed. Although it did provide a good overall plot, the film was far too long and could have done without some of it's less meaningful plot sequences. Director Derek Cianfrance seemed to be in the pursuit of recreating the Gosling we saw in Drive, which is impossible to replicate. There were great moments of cinematography in his use of long shots and experimental camera angles to accompany a fairly decent soundtrack. But at film's end, I expected this extremely intricate plot to come together as one, which it unfortunately did not. And even though it showed signs of brilliance, I would say this was somewhat shortcoming of this Academy-Award nominated cast. The Place Beyond The Pines takes far too long to get there, and once you do, the view was better from the other side.