Interstellar (2014)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan 

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine

    Interstellar is a sci-fi masterpiece of epic proportions. It is a Nolan masterpiece. By 2014, the release date of this movie, we are well aware that Christopher Nolan is not a director to shy away from a challenge-with the mind-bending Inception or his re-invented Batman movies. This big-budget science fiction journey is one everyone needs to take, because while it may be a nearly three hour long commitment with some confusing space travel mumbo-jumbo, its more simply a tale of love and sacrifice. This movie is the definition of a film you see in IMAX on the big screen. The visual effects are as astounding as the breathtaking story. 

     The story opens in an un-specified year in the distant future. The world as we know it, has fallen victim to a famine caused by overpopulation and blight that is killing crops and causing massive dust storms. Nitrogen is reaching a new high in the atmosphere, and the new fear is the human race will die from suffocation and famine. The movie presumably on purpose, does not specify a year that this is all taking place- I'm guessing its somewhere around 2040. Former NASA engineer and pilot, Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) owns and operates a huge corn farm with his family: son Tom, father-in-law, Donald (John Lithgow) and his daughter, Murph (Mackenzie Foy). Cooper and his daughter are lead by almost supernatural means to chain-link fence surrounding a super secret building. At this location is Coop's old employer- NASA, led by Professor Brand (Michael Caine). NASA has been working at this secret location for years, trying to figure out a way to save the human race. They present Coop with two plans they have formulated; the first being contracting a massive interstellar aircraft that could transport as many humans into outer space as possible. The second plan is to re-populate a new planet with frozen embryos- however this plan involves the current human race on planet earth to fade away, while a new one is created.
     As if all this isn't already swelling your brain, we learn about a wormhole in our galaxy near Saturn. This wormhole was presumably placed there by (alien) entities of extreme intelligence, who are trying to help the human race by giving us this entry to another galaxy. This galaxy through the wormhole holds potentially habitable planets. A decade ago, 12 astronauts were sent into this hole to discover the planets, in hopes of finding one that could support human life. Now, Cooper must pilot a ship that will travel into the wormhole and make the final call to ultimately decide the fate of the humankind. He is joined on this mission by Professor Brand's daughter, Dr. Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway); scientists Doyle (Wes Bentley); and Romilly (David Gyasi); and the highly advanced robot, TARS. Back on ground, a now adult Murph (now played by Jessica Chastain) is working as Brand's second in charge- also helping to find a way to save mankind.
     The dialogue of this movie may be dense at times with science talk, however it is never impenetrable. Nolan does a great job at working explanations into the script. The first 45 minutes of the movie are used as an introduction to not only the global famine, but the love shared between Murph and Cooper. This was a great stepping stone to the gripping middle half of the movie. The first part  of the movie allows us to see why it was so hard for Coop to leave for this mission, and why Murph still shows resentment over her father leaving after all those years. Once in space, the white knuckle moments begin. Over the course of the nearly three hours, the movie really never bores. Especially in the last 20 minutes, where I don't think my jaw ever left the floor.
     I may have left with a few unanswered questions at the end, but I still feel Nolan did a fine job at portraying this complex story to us in a comprehensible manner. Matthew McConaughey was the perfect fit for the lead role in this. He is the glue that holds everything together in this movie. He is basically the one expected to save the human race. The supporting cast is riddled with big names, but they all fall short considering the monstrous story. The acting is fine- but with the amazing visuals, the excellent score by Hans Zimmer, and the huge lead role from McConaughey- its hard to pay a lot of attention to the supporting acting roles. One of 2014's best movies. This is what the genre science fiction exists for. Everyone needs to see this.

I give Interstellar a...

8/10

Manchester By The Sea (2016)

Directed by Kenneth Lonergan

Written by Kenneth Lonergan 

Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges and Kyle Chandler 

     A dark film brought to us by the minds of Matt Damon and John Krasinski (yeah, you heard right- Jim from The Office) and written and directed by Oscar nominated, Kenneth Lonergan. Manchester By The Sea is a film that tells the story of a good man who is now wallowed in grief and a completely different person than his former self. 

     Lee (Casey Affleck) is an un-social janitor/handyman in Quincy- who floats through his work days with no emotion until the night when he can get to the bar and drink, with an extreme lack of social skills. Lee's monotonous routine is disrupted when he receives a call from the hospital of his former "home," Manchester. His older brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler) is in the hospital again because of his diagnosed congestive heart disorder- but may not make it this time. Lee makes the 90- minute drive up there, just to discover he was too late. He is left to take on the responsibility of planning his brother's funeral, and taking care of his 16 year old son, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Lee soon is informed of the startling news that Joe has named him the guardian of Patrick. He is now forced to make some big life decisions as to wether to uproot Patrick from his life and move to Boston- or to reluctantly return to Manchester- a town with some disturbing memories for Lee.
     Through some flashbacks throughout the film, we soon learn this isn't just about Lee becoming the legal guardian of Patrick. Lee has an ex-wife, Randi (Michelle Williams) and a past life in Manchester- which makes it extremely difficult for him to return without some bad past memories. To talk about the flashbacks in detail would be major spoilers, but I will say I wish there were more flashbacks to further tell the story behind Lee's now un-social, depressive state.
     If having spot-on New England accents is the reason to dole out Academy Award's to this cast- then I expect to see all nominees (Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and Lucas Hedges) standing at the podium award night. I was hoping to get more emotion from the cast, especially Affleck- but I suppose that is the reason their performances were so real. Affleck's character experiences so much loss throughout his life that by the time his brother passes, he is suppressing some major emotion. I was kind of hoping for a big emotional scene where he finally has a breakdown of some sort. He did punch a window at one point- I guess that was it? Affleck does a pretty good job at playing an extremely one-dimensional character. Lee is a man of not many words, holding in a lot of despair and Affleck embodies that. Michelle Williams role was very limited which I was disappointed about. She did bring some strong emotion to the film, however. Newcomer, Lucas Hedges was key to the movie; bringing a lot of typical teenage angst and drama (like having two girlfriends) which leavened the very dark manner of the film. He is well deserving of his best supporting actor nomination at this year's Academy Awards.
     The appeal of a dark, depressing movie like Manchester By The Sea is limited; so I can see why it was released so close to award season. The slow-pace nature of this film will not appeal to many who seek more cinematic, adrenaline filled, gleeful movies. If you're seeking a movie with deeper experiences, this is for you.

I give Manchester By The Sea a...

6/10