Lady Bird (2017)

Directed by Greta Gerwig

Written by Greta Gerwig

Starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges and Timotheé Chalamet 

      Greta Gerwig sets out to prove to audiences that she can do more that just act for the camera, she can step foot behind it and bring an amazing story to life about a young high school girl coming of age in the early 2000's. These types of stories can normally be riddled with cliches, and fall beneath the cracks and are forgotten by movie goers, but Gerwig creates a comedic masterpiece with Lady Bird. 

     Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) is a high-school senior from "the other side of the tracks" growing up in Sacramento. She is always searching for more adventure and sophistication but is falling short of that dream at her Catholic high school. The movie follows Lady Bird's senior year, including participating in the school play, finding love and most importantly, applying to college. What would this teenage experience be without being perpetually angry with your condescending/loving mother though? 

     The relationship between Lady Bird and her mom (played by Laurie Metcalf) is so entertaining to watch. From the very first scene of the movie where they're bickering in the car, you know their scenes together are always gonna be ones to look forward to. The dynamic of this mother-daughter relationship that Gerwig creates is so comical yet endearing to watch. You see that Metcalf's character does everything she can to provide for her daughter, you see that she does love her but seems to only be capable of showing it through snarky remarks and stabs at her daughters intelligence. On the otherside you see Saoirse's character can snap easily at her mom and may not always see all that she does but she also is quick to defend her to other people. Ronan and Metcalf steal the show in this and both deservedly receive lots of praise from their performances. 

8/10

A Star Is Born (2018)

Directed by Bradley Cooper 

Screenplay written by Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper and Will Fetters 

Based on the 1954 screenplay written by Moss Hart and the 1976 screenplay written by John Gregory Dunne, Joan Didion and Frank Pierson

Starring Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga and Sam Elliott

          A Star Is Born is arguably the best film of 2018, hands down! I went into this movie a bit hesitant with Cooper's first time directing and Lady Gaga's first big acting gig outside of American Horror Story- but I can now say that my pre-screening worries were shattered after the first 15 minutes of the movie. 

     Jackson Maines (Bradley Cooper) is fresh off his most recent concert when the alcoholic rock-star stumbles into the closest bar to get his next drink. This bar happens to be a drag bar where Ally (Lady Gaga) is performing a sultry cover of "La Vie En Rose." After being moved to tears over the amazing voice behind this mystery girl, the two spend the night getting to know each other, where Ally discloses to him her struggles in becoming a musician. The next day, Jackson invites her to join him at his next gig, where she reluctantly gets on stage with him and performs everyones favorite, "Shallow." From there, the two go on tour together and their love story unfolds with many things trying to get in the way like drug addiction, alcoholism, jealously and one career sky rocketing as the other faces its downfall. 

     If I could pick a new tagline for this film it would be, "Who knew Bradley Cooper could direct and Lady Gaga could act?" I mean, we all had a feeling after her AHS days that she had the chops, but that was a very different project then this. Gaga did a fantastic job portraying this budding musician starving for fame turned mega pop-star. The most remarkable part is that Ally is nothing like Lady Gaga herself. A challenge you run into with an actual mega pop star playing a pop star on camera, is that the two are too similar. But Ally's music and overall look is different from that of Lady Gaga's actual music career and persona. Cooper not only does a fantastic job directing, but also playing an addict country/rock star. Who knew he was a decent singer? Sam Elliott deserves an honorable mention, as he plays Jackson's older brother/manager, Bobby. All three stars got acting nods at the Academy Awards while Gaga deservedly so took home the little gold man for best original song for "Shallow." 

     9/10

      

  

The Notebook (2004)

Directed by Nick Cassavetes 

Written by Jeremy Leven (screenplay), Jan Sardi (adaptation) and Nicholas Sparks 

Starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling 

   After 15 years I finally saw the famous "chick flick" and I've gotta say I was slightly underwhelmed.  I am a sucker for a soppy love story, so that aspect of the movie certainly soothed my cravings, however it just didn't excite me as much as I expected. 

It's the story of a poor man who is driven by his passion who falls in love with a young girl who comes from the other side of town. Their love story is absolutely incredibly to watch, the chemistry between Gosling and McAdams is undeniable. Maybe it was the kind of predictable ending that I didn't like? Not to say I didn't shed tears still. This movie is definitely still worth the watch! 

6/10

Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Written by Stephen Chbosky (screenplay and novel)

Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd

          Based on the critically acclaimed novel written by Stephen Chbosky, comes another film revolving around high school students- although, this time it isn't awful. Perks of Being a Wallflower centers around a group of teenagers who consider themselves "outsiders" and embrace their non-conformist status. This film will have you reminiscing on your social status from high school and convincing yourself that you were also an outsider like Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller- because they make not following the status quo look desirable. Anyone who read the book will love the movie adaptation, considering the books author also wrote the screenplay. 

     Set in the 1990's, the story begins with the quiet and reserved, Charlie (Logan Lerman) entering his freshman year of high school. Charlie enters high school feeling alienated and with his head down, with that scary question we all probably faced at one point in our adolescence: what table do I sit at during lunch? He is quickly embraced by two sympathetic seniors; the highly sarcastic and lovable Patrick (Ezra Miller) and the mysteriously beautiful, Sam (Emma Watson). Patrick and Sam (who are half siblings much to Charlie's surprise) take pity on the shy, dorky freshman and begin to take him under their wings as they attend football games and parties. Eventually we see Charlie fall into their inner circle, and even starts dating the punk buddhist, Mary Elizabeth (Mae Whitman)- despite his enormous crush on Sam, who has a boyfriend. While Charlie finds himself more adapted into this friend group, we still see remittence of something darker lurking in the back of Charlie's mind. He has a lot of ghosts from his past, and when things start to look poorly with his new friends, he struggles to hold on to his composure. 

    This movie serves as a sort of "coming-out" for Emma Watson as she tries to distance herself from Hermione Granger- and move on to other roles. Her portrayal of Sam shows her true potential as an actress and was incredible to watch. Watson is given more range with this character, and occasionally upstages Logan Lerman with her performance. Lerman plays the troubled teenager who is stricken with love and blinded by the beauty of Sam. It only makes sense that Watson would upstage Lerman, because Charlie is caught in the gravitational pull of Sam's star like qualities. Ezra Miller plays a very likable, very gay character and does an impressive job. Like many teenage movies, Perks of Being a Wallflower is riddled with familiar names playing the adults in the movie. The most notable being Paul Rudd, as Charlie's english teacher. We also see supporting roles from, Dylan McDermott and Joan Cusack. 

     The cinematic translation of this film from the novel- should leave fans of the book very satisfied. Even those who didn't read the book will fall in love with this movie. Its emotional, heartwarming, and even has a sprinkling of humor within its sometimes dark dialogue. A movie about teenagers that everyone needs to see. Current teenagers can relate, adults will feel nostalgia. 

I give Perks of Being a Wallflower a...

8/10

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

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts 

Written by Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Connolly and John Gatins 

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and John C. Reilly 

     Once again, King Kong has risen from his figurative cage and roared and banged on his chest at the big screens. This time however, it wasn't for another re-make of the original movie. Kong: Skull Island, is a completely different story and time period (the 70's to be exact), where that film-crew from the original movie, never entered the island. This time instead of a film crew, its a scientific investigation of the never before inhabited, mysterious: Skull Island. With the same amount of monster fights (if not more), shooting guns, running through the jungle, and a big hairy ape with a thing for blonde women as the original- this is a fresh new story with all our favorite aspects of the first Kong story. All the more reason to love it. 

     This time around, the story begins with a government backed group of scientists, fronted by Bill Randa (John Goodman). He has his eyes and heart set on getting to the mysterious, Skull Island, so he and his team can explore. Bill and his team believe that this island could hold manners of wonder, perhaps beyond human imagining. Once they get the go-ahead to fly into this dangerous island, they embark on the mission with military assistance led by Lt. Col. Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) and his unit. Also along for the ride on the dangerous mission is the feminist, anti-war photographer, Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), and the world's most handsome mercenary, James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston).  Once the team penetrates the thick storm clouds which surround Skull Island, they come face to face with the gigantic, famous Kong- who, to the shock of some, isn't the real monster to fear. Skull Island is crawling with much creepier, more menacing, and just as big beasts that don't show as much mercy as Kong. After being swatted down in their helicopters by the mighty Kong, the team is scattered on the island- forced to face the many creatures this island has to offer-while they all venture to the opposite side of the island in attempt to be rescued. Of course they have some help from a local islander played by John C. Reilly- however I won't get into much detail on his character to spare everyone from potential spoilers. 

     It wouldn't be a Kong movie without incredible set and monster design- which this movie exceeds in. With the time period of the film being post Vietman war, they actually did most of the filming in Vietnam, thus providing for a realistic looking set. So sure, this movie may have most of the cliche monster movie attributes like the intense battle to the death between two building high monsters- but this kind of action is what the audience eats up with their popcorn, so to not include it wouldn't be fair. It's hard to criticize the cliche's however when they're so beautifully done. The special effects are so incredible, the monsters are so big, the noises are so loud- you can't not enjoy it. 

     Step aside Jessica Lange and Naomi Watts, Kong has a new doll, and she's certainly feistier than her predecessors. Larson's character may be a photographer, but its more than her camera that she is pointing and shooting. Her and Kong may not have as close of a relationship as he and his other gal pal's had- however they do share a lot of sympathetic glances throughout the movie. Samuel L. Jackson plays the character that the writers make you hate. Haven't we seen this before? Though he may not be the handsomest cast member (that goes to you Tom), Reilly has the most significant role bringing lots of humor to this action packed flick. 

     Aside from nailing an all-star cast including two oscar nominees, an oscar winner, and a former Taylor Swift boyfriend- the film succeeds on many levels. 

I give Kong: Skull Island a...

8/10 

     

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Directed by Rob Burnett 

Written by Rob Burnett (screenplay) and Jonathan Evison (novel)

Starring Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez and Jennifer Ehle 

          I was pleasantly surprised with The Fundamentals of Caring. This movie was limited to being released on just Netflix, but easily could have succeeded in theaters. This is one of those movies were you can't stop saying how "cute" of a movie it was after you have finished it. If asked to define why it was "cute," I am not sure what I would even say. It is a funny, feel-good, drama all in one.  Thats all I can say. Plus, you can never get enough of Paul Rudd's cheeky personality.
     Ben (Paul Rudd) is a man suffering from extreme loss (the loss of his son), and is in the middle of a divorce. In the midst of all this, he decides to take a course on becoming a caregiver. Immediately following the completion of the course, Ben takes a job interview with a family- a single mom (Jennifer Ehle) with her 18-year old son suffering from MS, Trevor (Craig Roberts). The mom very reluctantly hires him for this extremely difficult, important task, despite Ben's lack of experience. On top of having to keep track of Trevor's stretching, medication and meal schedule- Ben literally has to wipe his butt for him. Aside from the daunting daily tasks Ben does for Trevor, there isn't much else, considering Trevor is very introverted and spends his days watching TV and eating the same meal of waffles and sausage. Looking to make a difference in his life, Ben convinces his patient to go on a road trip with him to see the deepest pit in the world: a landmark that Trevor oddly has always wanted to see. Along the way they pick up a trash-talking, sarcastic young runaway, Dot (Selena Gomez). The three then embark on a journey where they all learn something about themselves.
     The road trip that the main characters go on, at first appears as a way just to get Trevor out of the house- but it ends up being so much more. Ben is recovering from a tremendous amount of despair after his young son died and this road trip is serving as a perspective change on life for him. Dot is discovering herself as she runs away from her old life, and Trevor is seeing the world beyond the four walls of his house. This movie was filled with heart-warming moments, but no singular cliche emotional scene at the end of the movie. Thats what I liked so much about this movie, based on the book written by Jonathan Evison.
     Aside from the emotion was a genuinely funny movie as well. Craig Roberts did a great job at bringing humor to his characters shitty situation. He could have been a depressing man wallowing in his emanate death from this crippling disease, but he was a sarcastic teenager that made a lot of jokes about his ass being wiped. Paul Rudd has always been a favorite of mine, and I always have appreciated the emotion and humor he brings to any of his characters. This role just adds to his wide array of strong characters. Selena Gomez was given a role of a snarky, rebel 20-something year old- and she played it well. She's not just a singer and a wizard of waverly place. This was a very heart-warming movie so bravo to Netflix for bringing this wonderful piece of work to us. 

   
I give The Fundamentals of Caring a...

7/10