Mini-Reviews: Amour and Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Amour (2012)

Trintignant as Georges.

Directed by Michael Haneke
Produced by Margaret Menegoz
Written by Michael Haneke
Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, and Isabelle Huppert

****

When his wife Anne (Riva) suffers a stroke, Georges (Trintignant) must adapt to her new behavior and the challenges of caring for her in their home.

At long last, Haneke is an Oscar nominee, and it could't be more deserved. Not only is this one of 2012's best films, but it also boasts two outstanding performances by the leading French veterans. There's a lot to be said for subtly on screen, which I'm more drawn towards than flashy performances anyway. In this case, Trintignant and Riva strip away any artifice, giving us these two characters as lived-in, authentic people. They are fully committed to their characters, and it shows in the pain on their faces, in the pain they feel just trying to go on with their daily routine. As hard as it may be, Anne must go on for Georges, and Georges must take care of her in order to keep her with him a little longer. Apart from Haneke's superb direction and fine screenplay, these two actors are the key to making this film work. In addition, the quiet atmosphere of Haneke's films is all the more effective in this devastating masterwork, as we watch this elderly couple try to overcome this challenge together. The film takes it time, but it's worth the wait if you can stick with it. A triumph on all accounts, this is one you should seek out.

Oscar Tally: Nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Foreign Language Film

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Chastain as Maya.

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Produced by Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, and Megan Ellison
Written by Mark Boal
Starring Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, James Gandolfini, Frank Grillo, Mark Strong, Edgar Ramirez, Stephen Dillane, Joel Edgerton, Harold Perrineau, Mark Duplass, Jennifer Ehle, Chris Pratt, and Kyle Chandler

**** 

Maya (Chastain), a CIA operative, leads the manhunt to track down the wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden, who was killed by Navy SEALs in 2011.

This highly anticipated film is a very direct piece of information, which manages to entertain and educate. Bigelow gives it to us straight, and never loses focus on the task at hand. Every scene advances the plot, and the actors deliver simple, straightforward portrayals of real people. On a first glance, Chastain might not have much to do, but it's her character's dedication to her job that drives Maya to succeed. This she (Chastain) achieves whenever she's on screen. It might be a minimal performance, but that doesn't mean she should be punished for portraying Maya that way. Though we never really get much insight into her, the film isn't strictly about her. The bin Laden manhunt is front and center, and Chastain and company give great performances in guiding us through these series of events. Also, the film, thankfully, knows when to end. It gets in and gets out, without compromising the story or its importance. I've no idea if it's too soon for this film to be made, but I have a feeling time will look kindly on this great cinematic achievement.

Oscar Tally: Nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Editing

Mini-Reviews: Anna Karenina, Holy Motors & Killing Them Softly (2012)

Anna Karenina (2012)

Gorgeous, but 'meh'.

Directed by Joe Wright
Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Paul Webster
Written by Tom Stoppard (script); Leo Tolstoy (novel)
Starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Alicia Vikander, Olivia Williams, and Emily Watson

***

In this adaptation from Leo Tolstoy's famous novel, an aristocrat (Knightley) begins an affair with a young Count (Taylor-Johnson), resulting in the chagrin of and persecution from her husband (Law).

Wright and Knightley make a good team, previously collaborating on Atonement and Pride and Prejudice. Both of those films are beautifully made and boast fine performances from the Oscar-nominated actress. Karenina, on the other hand, is neither her nor Wright's finest hour. A legendary novel set in 1800s Russia sets the stage for a lavish production with heartwrenching drama. Unfortunately, this film succeeds greatly on the former and fails admirably on the latter. While everything looks superb, the story comes across as distant and dull. I loved what I saw on screen, but I was never invested in these characters. Though the cast and crew should be commended, I was disappointed with the disconnect I experienced. However, I can slightly recommend it for its technical achievements, not to mention the fact that you might find it a more engaging film than I did.

Oscar Potential: Best Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Holy Motors (2012)

Lavant gives a phenomenal performance.

Directed by Leos Carax
Produced by Martine Marignac, Albert Prevost, and Maurice Tinchant
Written by Leos Carax
Starring Denis Lavant, Edith Scob, Eva Mendes, Kylie Minogue, Elise Lhomeau, Michel Piccoli, and Jeanne Disson

****

Monsieur Oscar (Lavant) is paid to role-play. Or is he? This follows him for a day, as he performs these roles for the unknown viewership that is watching.

Carax has been out of the filmmaking loop for a while, and he's back with a phenomenal, if divisive, film. Told in an episodic format, this film is free to experiment, which it, of course, does at every opportunity. It's a bizarre, moving, and mysterious film that features Denis Lavant in one of the best leading male performances of all time. He plays every role with such conviction, and he simply blew me away. The cinematography is worth mentioning, but the real star here (apart from Lavant) is the fantastic use of makeup. Not unlike Cloud Atlas, this is a film that thrives on the wonderful - well, memorable at the very least - moments the viewer experiences. There are scenes here that will stay with me forever. Whether you like (or will like) this film or not, it definitely leaves an impression, and must be seen to be believed. Consider this a restrained, spoiler-free rave for one of the year's best films.

Oscar Potential: Best Original Song ("Who Were We?"), Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Killing Them Softly (2012)

Jackie (Pitt) and Frankie (McNairy)

Directed by Andrew Dominik
Produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, and Anthony Katagas
Written by Andrew Dominik (script); George V. Higgins (novel)
Starring Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, and Sam Shepard

***1/2

A card game robbery gone right causes unrest in the local criminal world, leaving Jackie Cogan (Pitt) to clean up the mess.

I genuinely cannot wrap my thoughts around this film, which I will certainly revisit as soon as possible. There's a lot of dialogue, and the film manages to be quiet one moment and in your face the next. Moments of brutality are drowned out with endless scenes of character-driven conversation, some of which work better than others. Brad Pitt may be the name about the title, but several of the other cast members, especially Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, and Ray Liotta, steal the show. These violent, twisted, and disillusioned characters will determine how much you like this film. If you don't want to spend time with them, you'll probably be disappointed. I enjoyed most of their interactions, yet the film is no paragon of pacing. Maybe it's the crisp style that made the film drag after the first hour, as it eventually looses steam. What starts as a low-key marvel ends as a daring, somewhat uneven, work from Andrew Dominik and company. Regardless, I was impressed overall.

Oscar Potential: None

Mini-Reviews: Flight, Wreck-It Ralph & The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)

Flight (2012)

Washington gives one of his best performances.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Produced by Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, and Jack Rapke
Written by John Gatins
Starring Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman, Bruce Greenwood, and Melissa Leo

***

An alcoholic pilot (Washington) successfully lands a broken plane, saving all but six lives. However, he was intoxicated on the flight, and he must deal with his alcoholism amidst a criminal investigation.

Washington delivers a fine performance as Whip Whitaker, depicting his turmoil, self-denial, and hopelessness combined with his charm, courage, and sense of self-reliance. The film also has great work from Reilly, Goodman, Greenwood, and Cheadle, all of which fit their characters like a glove. Special mention of James Badge Dale, whose brief performance as a cancer patient is phenomenal, must be given as well. He's only in one scene, but he'll likely be on my ballot for Best Supporting Actor. Need I say more? There are strong performances all around in this character piece, and the film takes an interesting direction that you might not see coming. If you've watched the trailer (or read my synopsis), there is much more going on in the film than it indicates, but it's best to discover it for yourself. Go see it.

Oscar Potential: Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Ralph and Vanellope - unlikely friends.

Directed by Rich Moore
Produced by Clark Spencer
Written by Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee
Starring John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch

***

Ralph (Reilly) is a video game bad guy, whose job is to wreck things, destroying them for Fix-It Felix (MacBrayer) to repair. When Ralph ends up in a racing candy-themed game with a monster bug on the lose, he meets pixel-ridden Vanellope (Silverman) and must try to fix things this time.

Though you might not think so initially, the voice cast is quite good here. Reilly leads the show, and he brings a flawless blend of uncertainty, clumsiness, anger, bravery, and tenderness to Ralph. Silverman, McBrayer, and Lynch are terrific casting decisions as well, lending the appropriate humor and various emotions to their characters. The gorgeous animation must also be addressed. It is, literally, eye candy, combining the style of the Wachowskis' Speed Racer with the look of Candy Land. If anything, this should be seen for the look of the film. It has heart, looks stunning, and is a great time spent at the cinema.

Oscar Potential: Best Animated Feature Film

The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)

RZA's directorial debut is, if nothing else, fun.

Directed by RZA
Produced by Marc Abraham, Eric Newman, and Eli Roth
Written by RZA and Eli Roth
Starring Russell Crowe, Cung Lee, Lucy Liu, Myron Mann, RZA, Rick Yune, David Bautista, and Jamie Chung

***

A blacksmith (RZA) makes weapons in an ancient Oriental city. When the King's gold is stolen, he and British officer Jack Knife (Crowe) must take back the treasure from the rebels and deliver the city from its impending doom.

At best, this is a cheesy kung-fu movie with numerous fights, pounding music, and widespread ridiculousness. And you know what? I enjoyed it. As an actor/director, RZA is no tour-de-force, but he performs admirably and steers the film in the right direction as an over-the-top guilty pleasure. Of course, Russell Crowe is awesome in this, reveling in the crazy antics of a knife-wielding killer. I could only smile whenever he was on screen. (Picture here.) Lucy Liu is also a welcome presence, and the rest of the cast does enough to keep the film from falling apart. Again, the fight scenes are many, and are overblown wonders. Will this be remembered even a month from now? Maybe not, but I had fun for an hour and a half.

Oscar Potential: None

Mini-Reviews: Cosmopolis, Frankenweenie, and Oslo, August 31st (2012)

Thoughts after the cut.

Cosmopolis (2012)

Yay! No vampires.

Directed by David Cronenberg
Produced by Paulo Branco and Martin Katz
Written by David Cronenberg (screenplay); Don DeLillo (novel)
Starring Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Mathieu Amalric, Jay Baruchel, Kevin Durand, K'naan, Emily Hampshire, Samantha Morton, and Paul Giamatti

***

A twentysomething billionaire (Pattinson) wants a haircut, so he travels in his limo across town in the midst of a chaotic, apocalyptic Manhattan. Over the course of the day, he encounters several people, discussing life, philosophy, economics, and the universe, among other things. 

It's a slick, yet grimy vision full of musings and somewhat witty banter that is sure to bore some viewers. There's a lot of talking in this film, and most of it can seem like empty or heavy-handed garbage. Really, part of me thinks it's just nonsensical ramblings for the sake of sounding intellectual. Apart from the excessive babbling, the performances are, in general, nothing special. However, Robert Pattinson makes the most of his somber Twilight persona in his best performance yet, and the supporting cast of names and unknowns does a decent job. As much as I was disappointed, I can't help but admire the film's gall. I'd even see it again. 

Oscar Potential: None

Frankenweenie (2012)

A gorgeous dud.

Directed by Tim Burton
Produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate
Written by John August (screenplay); Tim Burton (idea)
Starring Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tyran, Atticus Shaffer, and Winona Ryder

*1/2

When Victor's dog Sparky meets an untimely end, the boy resurrects him with lightning, aka Frankenstein-style. Things take a turn for the worse when Victor's classmates learn of his experiment before the upcoming science fair. 

Burton's latest animated feature is a crisp black-and-white horror knockoff. Clearly, Burton was having a blast just getting to make this fun, nostalgic film, yet I was uninterested from the start. Though most of the voice cast consists of noteworthy talent, the largely unrecognizable (to me, at least) voices, thankfully, do not draw attention away from the story. Not surprisingly, Danny Elfman's score is one of the highlights of the film. But that's all the praise I can give. I wanted to be engaged with it, but the film felt like it was on auto-pilot for an hour and a half. For a better Frankenstein send-up, just watch (or rewatch) Young Frankenstein. I'd even recommend Dark Shadows over this one. 

Oscar Potential: Best Original Score, Best Animated Foreign Film

Oslo, August 31st (2012)

Lie gives a fine performance in one of the year's best films.

Directed by Joachim Trier
Produced by Hans-Jørgen Osnes and Yngve Sæther
Written by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt (screenplay); Pierre Drieu La Rochelle (novel)
Starring Anders Danielsen Lie, Hans Olav Brenner, Ingrid Olava, Ystein Rger, Tone B. Mostraum, Kjrasti Ooden Skjeldal, Johanne Kjellevik Ledang, Petter Wioth Kristiansen, Renate Reinsve, and Anders Borchgrevnk

****

Anders (Lie), a recovering drug addict, gets a one-day leave from his rehabilitation center for a job interview. Being on the outside isn't an easy adjustment, and he struggles to deal with old relationships and, of course, the pain of his addiction. 

In only his fifth credited film appearance, Anders Danielsen Lie delivers a striking portrayal of a sick man fighting himself, as he depicts Anders' inner turmoil in a subtle, authentic performance. The rest of the cast is solid, but can only support the great work by Lie. Addiction is tough to pull off, and a hard sell for me. Last year, raves poured in for a film about sex addiction, but I actually prefer this understated gem. It doesn't need the explicitly stunning visuals of the aforementioned Shame to make the most of its quiet, depressing moments with its tortured protagonist. Although this film hasn't received as much notice, it is one of 2012's finest offerings. 

Oscar Potential: None

Mini-Reviews: Seven Psychopaths, Nobody Walks, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Check out my thoughts on each new film after the cut.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Rockwell (right) is best in show.

Directed by Martin McDonagh
Produced by Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin, and Martin McDonagh
Written by Martin McDonagh
Starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Christopher Walken, Tom Waits, Abbie Cornish, and Olga Kurylenko

***1/2

Martin (Farrell) is writing a screenplay entitled Seven Psychopaths. With his friend Billy (Rockwell) along for the ride, he meets a series of psychopaths, including a gangster (Harrelson) who loves his dog, a man (Waits) with a bunny, and Billy's fellow dog "borrower" (Walken), en route to finishing his screenplay. 

If you've seen In Bruges, McDonagh's humor and writing style will be instantly recognizable in this film. That style also works here, yet it seems a bit too tongue-in-cheek this time around. Of course, the film is funny, and the cast does well with the material. But no one, apart from Rockwell, really stands out. Though McDonagh's twisted sense of humor is still there, it doesn't have as much bite and irreverence that made his previous film so much fun. It's enjoyable, but its uniqueness appears too blatant at times. 

Oscar Potential: Best Original Screenplay

Nobody Walks (2012)

Thirlby is a great reason to see this film.

Directed by Ry Russo-Young
Produced by Jonathan Schwartz, Andrea Sperling, and Alicia Van Couvering
Written by Lena Dunham and Ry Russo-Young
Starring John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, Rosemarie Dewitt, India Ennenga, Dylan McDermott, and Justin Kirk

**1/2

New Yorker Martine (Thirlby) visits Los Angeles to work on the sound of her new short art film with Peter (Krasinski). Staying with Peter and his family causes a number of problems, and the family is forever changed from her brief stay. 

Trailers make some good films look great, and this is how I felt about this one. Essentially, the film is a small-scale success with very little to bring you back to it a second time. Though this indie is slightly disappointing, the cast is very good. Thirlby, Krasinski, and Dewitt give solid performances. And the cinematography and sound design are also worth mentioning. It's a rather lightweight film, but it's still a worth a look. 

Oscar Potential: None

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Lerman gives one of the year's best performances.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky
Produced by Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith, and John Malkovich
Written by Stephen Chbosky (screenplay/book)
Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miler, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Joan Cusack, and Paul Rudd

****

Charlie (Lerman) is a troubled high school freshman without any friends. Fortunately, he meets seniors Patrick (Miller) and Sam (Watson), who open his world to great music and a wonderful new life with strong friendships. 

When films like these succeed, they usually have great writing, performances, and a little something extra. Surprisingly, this film is an example of that. Lerman delivers one of the year's best leading performances, and Miller and Watson also turn in good work. If the film belongs to anyone, though, it's Logan Lerman. In addition to its fine screenplay, the film features great music and beautiful cinematography. For me, it's an excellent coming-of-age film that will, unfortunately, receive little awards play, like 2009's Adventureland. 

Oscar Potential: None