The Counselor (2013)

Director-Ridley Scott

Rated-R

Length-117 min.

 

In a film that had all the ingredients to be another No Country For Old Men, Ridley Scott's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Counselor, was a bust. With beautiful and talented stars ranging from Cameron Diaz and Penelope Cruz to Michael Fassbender and Javier Bardem, I truly can't believe this film was not an instant classic. Now have you, there were definitely some thrilling and enticing moments throughout the film, but as a whole, it tried to tell too many stories at once.

 

The film begins in El Paso, Texas, right on the border of the U.S. and Mexico. This city of desert and desolation hides many secrets within its city limits and those who've become wealthy, usually have done some back-end deals to achieve that wealth.

Our main character, the Counselor (Michael Fassbender), has found himself in a bind for money, as he just recently shelled out a hefty sum to keep that little ring finger of his new wife Laura (Penelope Cruz), shining bright. Reiner (Javier Bardem), is a former client of the Counselor and one who plays that of the lavish entrepreneur who takes all the risks, but reaps all the rewards. As Reiner tries to warn the Counselor of the dangers of his business, he ignores his warning and moves forward with his dangerous ventures. But the real player in this situation is Malkina (Cameron Diaz), who plays a sly little vixen and Reiner's mistress. Her true intelligence is not fully realized until film's end, but as goes for so many greedy women, they don't give up until they get what they want.

 

The plot that plays out onscreen is that of all bad decisions gone awry, and the consequences of those who've made those decisions. Some learn from their mistakes and some don't live to see that day of redemption. But when all is said and done, those with no heart and a hunger to devour the weak prevail.

At film's end, I must admit that I was extremely confused, as the film's conclusion was not fully explained and I left the theater with a feeling of disappointment and wonder. I think Scott tried to incorporate too many stories within one grand scheme, and if he would've stuck to the main sequence of events the story would have played out a little more smoothly. Overall, this wasn't a bad film, it just didn't live up to all it's hype. The Counselor.

Rush (2013)

Director-Ron Howard

Length-123 min.

Rated-R

 

In this monumental true story of two Formula 1 drivers and their passion to live life on the edge, the intense Rush is kept at a consistent high.

 

James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) are bitter rivals on the racetrack, each of which have a very different approach to each race. Hunt is an infamous playboy party animal who thoroughly enjoys how close every race brings him to death. Whereas Lauda is highly strategic in his preparation, analyzing every turn and taking all the proper precautions. But when the two meet on a rainy day at the German Grand Prix, everything changes as Lauda takes a nasty spill, leaving his face and body immersed in flames.

 

The rest of the story plays out as the relationship of these two rivals develops over time, and shows how each man is different in how he handles fame, fortune and love.

 

This is a truly inspirational tale, and the casting for the film deserves a round of applause, for their depictions of real life characters were spot on. I must admit that although this was a fantastic fictional film, I still think Driven is a superior film about Formula 1 Racing. Having said that, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and now you have mine.

 

I still think this is a very important film in it's storytelling of two men's lives and how they are consistently intertwined. Although some adult language and nudity, this is a film for all ages as it tells a truly heroic tale of lives lived and lives lost. See it.

Gravity (2013)

Director-Alfonso Cuarón

Length-91 min.

Rated-PG-13

 

This high intensity action thriller was an absolute blast to view on the big screen. Sandra Bullock (Ryan Stone) puts forth the performance of a life-time in her remarkable transformation of character in this role.

 

For anyone who can't handle roller coaster rides or intensely gripping action sequences, this is not the film for you. But for those of you who enjoy a good thrill ride, this is one for the record books. Gravity jumps right into the action from the very start and has you on the edge of your seat throughout.

 

The Cinematography and special effects put on display in this film were absolutely out of this world, both literally and figuratively.

 

The story begins with your everyday space odyssey, when Dr. Stone is accompanied by Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and another astronaut to complete a mission on one of the many space stations orbiting the Earth. But all hell breaks loose when a serious of floating debris destroys their space shuttle and takes the lives of their entire crew. The rest of the film follows Kowalski and Stone on their journey to find a way home.

 

This film will keep your heart pounding faster than ever thought possible and may even produce a tear from time to time. But all in all, this is a fantastic film from start to finish, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who can stomach a trip to space.

 

One thing's for sure, this film makes me so glad I didn't have childhood aspirations to become an astronaut. I think I'll stick to critiquing films instead:) 

Don Jon (2013)

Director-Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Rated-R

Length-90 min.

In Joseph Gordon-Levitt's debut as both writer and director, Don Jon does anything but woo you into loving his film. Although realistic in it's depictions of relationships and male obsession with pornography; annoying Boston accents, repetitive scenery, and an extremely obnoxious soundtrack make this feel-good tale a dud.

 

Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) plays the ultimate deuce bag Guido who's only "true" interests in life are getting laid and getting yoked; you know, your stereotypical meathead Neanderthal. And his meaningless little life seems to be going pretty well until he is swept off his feet by the ghetto fabulous Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson). This girl is different from the rest in the fact that she doesn't let "The Don" just hop into bed with her right away. And she seems to be changing Jon for the good until she finds out about his obsession with porn.

 

The rest of the film plays out in the real transformation of Jon, which takes place with the help of a very unsuspecting character who truly shows him the meaning of love.

 

Even though this film did have a good overall message, it was hard to read through the excessive pornographic images and loud club bangers playing consistently throughout.

I am a huge fan of Gordon-Levitt and his roles in films like 500 Days of Summer and 50/50, but maybe this superstar should stick to the acting side of things, because directing doesn't seem to be his forte. 

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.