Reviews
Ant-Man (2015)
Sometimes, a movie is a pleasant surprise.
I didn't expect a lot from this movie. Now, I am a big Marvel fan but I'm also picky about the films and there have been a few that disappointed me, but Ant-Man was the opposite. The previews were not well done and I was worried it would be a little too silly, but couldn't resist going anyway. Am I ever glad that I did!
Paul Rudd really pulled off his role well. The arc of his character was so well written, you couldn't help but root for him. He showed me a bit more as an actor than I'd ever seen from him.
In fact, the entire cast did well. If there was a glitch at all, it was in the failed attempt to make Michael Douglas look younger in the opening scenes (there's only so much you can do there) but the acting overall was excellent.
The film was a little more family-oriented than most of the Marvel fare, and it was light in comparison to most, but there was enough of the Marvel storyline to keep the fans engaged and also bring in a younger or less hard-core Marvel audience.
The effects of course, were great. There's always a question of scale consistency when it comes to movies relating to altering the size of objects, but they did a good job of making it work so that you could suspend disbelief and just go with the idea.
Also, if you do see this movie (and it's worth seeing it on the big screen, especially in IMAX) stay till the end of the credits. In true Marvel style there are two epilogues...one at the end of the feature credits, and one at the very end, both of which are great foreshadowing scenes of what's to come in the future.
Boychoir (2014)
Well acted story
Boychoir as a movie was nothing earth-shattering or surprising in it's material. It's the typical 'kid who got a rough deal in life finally gets someone who believes in him' story and has all those things that normally show up in that kind of story. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't see it...quite the opposite in fact.
First off, the script is pretty good, but fairly predictable. There are some great moments in terms of how the script is filmed though, and obviously the director is the one who deserves the most credit. The performances he pulls from the actors are fantastic, and because of this there were dozens of times when you laughed, or felt a tear well up, or just wanted to shout at the screen to support the players. That's why we go to the movies; to become emotionally involved in a story, and Boychoir accomplishes this very nicely.
Hoffman is Hoffman...there's not much else to say about him. He gives the exact right performance as you would expect. Garrett Wareing manages his role as the boy Stet very nicely, and it's a big task, a little too big for him at times, but there's potential in this young actor and it definitely surfaces. Josh Lucas and Debra Winger in their small roles add nicely to the cast, and Eddie Izzard and Kevin McHale are great in their supporting roles. The scene stealer in this film though, as is usually the case with her, is Kathy Bates. Every moment she is on screen she pulls the audience deeper into the story and injects just a touch more life into the film.
Finally, it would be remiss not to mention the music, which really is the cornerstone of the film. Watching the choir process and listening to the building sounds as the film progresses adds so much to the experience, and really helps build on the emotional lines of the story.
Boychoir is an emotional journey, and it was a nice experience to be at the premiere and be able to stand up and applaud the cast that were present, and who completely deserved the ovation.
Take This Waltz (2011)
A study in emotion
I watched this film at it's premiere last night and found it quite entertaining and insightful. This was a film about the path that Margot's (Michelle Williams) emotions take as she struggles with the question of fulfilling the parts of her marriage that are missing through infidelity. Michelle gives a very inspiring performance as her character progresses....completely letting the audience in on every facet of her internal struggle and the toll it takes on her. There are times when you empathize and root for her, and times when you shake your head and wonder why she can't see what the audience sees.
Seth Rogen is surprisingly effective in his role as the geeky, but loving husband. I found myself constantly rooting for him. He did a great job of making his character imperfect but likable, but most importantly, believable.
Sarah Silverman delivered nicely in her role, especially near the end of the film. If there was a weak link, it was Luke Kirby, who never seemed to show much emotion at all, in a role where there was such potential for it.
Sarah Polley's writing and directing was excellent, although the pacing was at times a bit erratic. She managed to really capture what life is really like at times, without going over the top. By celebrating the little joys in life, she garnered sympathy for the main characters and the situations that developed, without forcing it. She also showed Toronto off very nicely, which was a bonus.
In all, if you're into character driven films, this is a very good one. The best part of it all, though, is Michelle Williams performance.
Virginia (2010)
Interesting film.
I saw the premiere of this film tonight at the tiff festival in Toronto. Most of the starring cast was on hand for the premiere, which was nice, and they appeared very proud of the film.
In all, the film was a bit above average, but the pacing was a bit off in places and so it seemed that just when it sucked you in it let you go, and that repeated several times during the show. It's a good film though, with a great deal of humour and subtleties, but doesn't quite get there enough to make it a great film.
Jennifer Connolly gives a very inspired performance, and she's really the one who draws you in the most and really puts you through a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. She's over the top, silly, tragic, and lovable, though you never quite figure her out. Ed Harris plays a wonderfully complex and very understated role, but it's the underlying parts of his character that he brings out so well.
In the end, you don't quite come out with a feeling that you were completely happy, but you have a lot of good parts to look back on. I would have given this film an 8 if not for the uneven pacing of the film, and if you're into character driven stories then you'll likely enjoy this one.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Exactly what I wanted
I really don't know why people are complaining about this film. It was a good romp...you knew going in what you were in for and you got it. The effects were excellent, the battles were exciting, and the suspense was smothering. It was one of the rare movies I've seen on the big screen where I didn't feel like I got ripped off for my admission price.
If someone went expecting a "Silence of the Lambs" quality story, then they obviously aren't up to date on what Alien and Predator movies are about.
Relax, enjoy a good action film, and try not to figure too much out. It's pure entertainment, and there's nothing wrong with that!
Mystery, Alaska (1999)
A Snapshot of a Hockey Town
The biggest mistake you can make watching Mystery, Alaska, is to think that this is a film about hockey. It's not, not by a longshot. What it is, is a snapshot of a small town who's identity is defined by it's love of the game. The film doesn't deal with individuals on a deeply personal basis, but rather inserts them into the mosaic of the town, so that by then end, the feeling you get is that if you were to visit Mystery, you'd feel like you'd been there before, though you really didn't know anyone very well.
This is accomplished nicely, and while the emotions of the hockey game are entertaining, finding out how the town interacts and functions as a community is what really drives the film.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys watching people, and how they interact. It's a light, but fun walk through a small Alaska community.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Very nice effort
As a retelling, this story was very good, if a little predictable at times. I think the only down sides for me were the lack of any acting talent in Mark Wahlberg, and the obvious 'we're planning a sequel' ending. Other than that, it was a very enjoyable experience, and the addition Heston was a treat. But to be perfectly honest, Helena Bonham Carter is one sexy monkey. :-)