Spring Movie Round-Up

We have been watching all kinds of movies over the last few months, but forgot to share our thoughts, opinions and profound wisdom with our readings (whoever and wherever you are). Behold, we have compiled nine sets of reviews for you to look at, examine and reflect upon at your earliest convenience.

Click "Read more" at the bottom of this post to move on to the reviews. And now, onto the reviews!!!

Brave:

Tali - Brave is the Disney Pixar film that features its first ever kick-ass female princess/heroine, Merida. Merida is a Scottish princess who goes on a journey of self discovery and wonder (along with her mom) in order to create her own destiny, despite the one she was biologically destined for. Some people will say that this isn't the best Pixar film (it isn't) but it is certainly one of the best Pixar AND Disney films to feature a female protagonist who takes charge of her future and defies the boundaries and expectations laid out before her. As a feminist, I found this film incredibly refreshing and also very entertaining. A must see!

Leo - I am a notorious animated family movie fan and I take a lot of shit for it but movies like this make it all worth it. This is a perfect example of a "kids movie" that really becomes so much more because of the character depth, even if the plot isn't. The emotions and action sequences are captured through excellent animation. The little brothers are potentially my favorite animated human characters in a very long time; they are a perfect mixture of clever and idiotic comedy that is just undeniably funny. I was laughing for a large part of this movie and incredibly focused when I wasn't. If you want to watch a movie with your feminist Girlfriend, this is probably a perfect choice. Otherwise, it's still an amazing choice if you haven't seen Up or How to Train Your Dragon. I'm not sure if I agree with the Oscar for best animated film (Wreck-It Ralph....) but I wasn't disappointed either.

Star Trek Into Darkness:

Tali - Star Trek Into Darkness follows Captain  Kirk, Spock  and the rest of the Enterprise team as they attempt to hunt a villain (later revealed to be Khan) and bring him back for prosecution. Though I know virtually nothing about the Star Trek legacy or its history, I have to say that this film is exhilarating; despite not knowing the mythology surrounding these beloved characters, I found myself completely engulfed in the story and rooting for the good guys, etc etc. Also, Benedict Cumberbatch is some kind of scary-sexy.

Leo - After we saw this movie somehow Tali got obsessed with Benedict Cumberwhatever who plays an amazing "super villain". It's really a theme lately that normal and even "bland" heroes are getting outshone by the villains in their respective movies (ie. Dark Knight trilogy) but that it somehow elevates the movie past its potential. This movie is no exception, as the audience may get somewhat sick of Kirk (unless you are a star trek nerd fanboy) they would never get sick of the supporting characters or the plot. The action sequences in this movie were well done and pretty standard.....until the scene where they are flying through the debris in space in special suits and it's fucked up (pardon my Klingon). I couldn't look away but I also had trouble not throwing up because it was perfectly choreographed. You need to see this movie. 

Iron Man 3:

Tali - Following the events "in New York" (RE: the Avengers movie), Tony Stark finds himself in a bizarre state of PTSD, and must shake it/work well with others/etc etc. in order to fight a new threat, a terrorist known as the Mandarin. What sets this particular Marvel franchise apart from the others is it's "lack" of action - a lot of time for Tony Stark/Iron Man is spent in reflection or in preparation for less frequent, though certainly larger and more spectacular battle scenes. Despite this, Iron Man 3 is still an amazing movie - the action, the perfectly timed humorous moments, and all of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Marvel universe definitely make this a summer must-see movie.

Leo - I just can't get enough of Robert Downy Jr. in any movie and it's like totally not even a man crush so don't even.....A perfect superhero is someone to whom you can relate and that everyone wants to be despite the fact that you see them go through immense physical and psychological pain in every movie. The scripts are so well-done for these movies because of the balance between the increasing darkness and the familiar lightheartedness of the plot. Pepper's larger role in the fight scenes is also something that is underratedly (I can't think of a better word) groundbreaking; it's something that really bends the stereotype of the hero saving the love interest. The performances by Guy Peirce and Sir Ben Kingsley were quite indicative of how a superhero movie is only as good as the super villains, and they were quite super. I would not say it is as good or fresh as Iron Man 1, but it's damn close.

A Single Man - 

Tali - A stunning film by fashion designer (!!!) Tom Ford, A Single Man is the movie adaptation of the novel of the same name, starring Colin Firth (!!!) as George Falconer, an English professor and closeted gay man who must secretly mourn the death of his partner Jim. Exquisitely shot and impeccably styled, A Single Man is an absolutely beautiful story of love and loss, the overwhelming sadness (which at times is just so beautiful) that one faces in death. Colin Firth, as usual, is amazing, as is Julianne Moore and Matthew Goode. There is just something about this movie that makes my heart ache; it is just so so so good I cannot speak when I watch it.

Leo - I used this movie as trade bait for Tali to watch Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, so I did not see this movie by "choice". However, I did really find the movie quite well done and definitely worth the trade. Colin Firth is just an amazing actor and he really carries the movie to the point where you do not mind the slow pace of the story. The plot is thick with depth about different feelings on all parts of the spectrum, which sounds terrible but works impeccably well in this movie. Definitely worth the watch.

This Must Be The Place - 

Tali - TMBTP is the story of retired and perpetually bored rock star Cheyenne and his mission to find the Nazi his deceased father believed to be responsible for his persecution at  Auschwitz. Despite what would appear to be a dark and difficult storyline, you must understand that this movie is incredibly light-hearted and filled with a heart warming feeling. Sean Penn, as usual, is brilliant and unwavering as Cheyenne; his one-liners and limited emotional capabilities are absolutely sensational. At times a little world, you find yourself just completely captivated by all of the unique minor characters. And the music is pretty great.

Leo - This movie was a perfect portrayal of the versatility and brilliance of Sean Penn. The one-liners were very funny and the dialogue was very effectively filled with irony and sarcasm. The story was somewhat anti-climactic, but for a movie like this it is really not about the "mission" as much as the characters overarching struggles within themselves. And yea that was deep, impressed?

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon:

Tali - An Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film, CTHD is a Chinese-American movie which features a ton of beauty, both in the incredible country side, as well as the absolutely incredible fight sequences. Set in the Qing Dynasty era of Chinese history, in short, CTHD is about the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the sword The Green Destiny. As a director, Ang Lee is always great - using every bit of the production magic, from the music to the effects and the scenary, CTHD is very entertaining not only as a martial arts film, but also as a great story of defying gender roles and surpassing your expectations and destiny. And the best part? There will be a sequel!

Leo - I had been trying to convince Tali to watch this movie for at least an entire year and I finally succeeded. It is a great story with a very authentic feel and a mythical Chinese martial arts twist. It has a very small amount of humorous moments but the dialogue (from what the voice dubbers say....) is really well done. It has something for everyone without having too much of one thing, including one of the the best fight scenes ever choreographed (the Green Destiny vs. a lot of other weapons) and better yet, it was two women which adds another level of sophistication for some (cough feminist cough) viewers.

The Place Beyond the Pines:

Tali - The Place Beyond the Pines tells the three interconnected stories of crime, corruption and forbidden love and friendship in New York state over the span of 20ish years. Ryan Gosling, as always, is gorgeous great (and is now usually some sort of professional driver?) and Bradley Cooper continues to move past his Hangover persona with serious roles that challenge him to be something bigger. There were some moments (especially within the last story, surrounding the sons) that seemed to go on forever (while others did not go on as long as you wanted them to) that made the movie at times feel disjointed and imbalanced. However, the film has a lot of powerful moments that make it pretty great.

Leo - Think Drive, but more complicated. You expect a mindless heist movie but again, there is a much deeper story and far less action, which can go both ways. This movie was very well thought-out with respect to the story and the casting, though its pacing could use some work. It has a ton of "holy shit" moments that make you feel like your mind has been blown because of the cool generational link between characters. All in all, great performances, great story, and besides the pacing, no complaints.

The Great Gatsby:

Tali - Based off of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby is the story of the rich and mystery Gatsby, a neighbour to Nick Carraway and their relationship to Daisy Buchanan in the roaring 20's. While Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant like always, I found the story to be kind of bland - to answer your question, yes, I have recently read the book, and I think my biggest problem with the movie/the original novel is that the story sucks. Despite being a very beautiful picture, it just isn't enough. In Baz Luhrmann's usual style, the film is interspliced with modern day music, to set the tone of grand mastery and the pompous attitude of the wealthy at the time. However, unlike his Moulin Rouge or Romeo and Juliet, I did not find the music added to anything about the movie (in fact, in some scenes, I felt it even took away from the mood).

Leo - Nothing really great about this Gatsby besides the acting, which was very good (even though Toby sucks and Carey Mulligan is the same crying character in every movie). Baz Luhrmann just took his stylistic signature and instead of having it incorporated tastefully throughout the movie he shat it out everywhere. "H' TO THE IZZAY" just ruins the atmosphere of the movie and I couldn't take it seriously. Gatsby does not have the luxury of having a stand alone story to carry the movie either. It wasn't horrible and I don't regret seeing it, but it's the worst movie I have seen in a very long time.

Oz, the Great and Powerful:

Tali - OZ is the re-boot and somewhat prequel to the 1939 Wizard of Oz film. It tells the story of Oscar "Oz" Diggs, a magician and con artist who somehow ends up in the land of Oz and and is said to be the leader that will free the people of the land. Here is the thing about this movie: it is so much less than you expect it to be. Almost 80 years later, you would think that cinema has evolved so much that when a movie is rebooted, it would create a renewed interest in the original story and the mythology surrounding it, but instead you watch OTGAP and you simply are not inspired. Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams are all perfectly casted, but James Franco is as out of place as Daniel Day Lewis was in Nine. Overall, the movie is good at some parts but ultimately MEH.

Leo - I was very impressed as someone who values logically sound plots (or at least to the point where I can justify it with minimal effort), as this movie does fit well as a prequel to the 1939 original Wizard of Oz. Beyond that, however, the only real positive aspects are the pretty witches (which may or may not be including the green witch if you're into that shit) and the funny monkey (played by Mr. Garden State). I guess the final "positive" aspect can be that there wasn't really any "negative" aspects of the movie. Nothing was bad, some of it was good.