R | 1h 30min | Animation, Comedy, DramaReview - Matt Mungle**In select theaters January 15th 2016**Synopsis: A man crippled by his mundane life experiences something out of the ordinary.Review: If ever there was an anomaly in the movie realm it would be the stop motion animated film from Charlie Kaufman, ANOMALISA. It is vastly complex in its simplicity. Kaufman and co-director Duke Johnson strip away any sort of pretense and white noise to deliver a stunningly moving and touching story. The use of this medium is genius in that it gives them the ability to navigate what the main character is going through in a way that live action movie making could never do.
Michael Stone (voiced by David Thewlis) is a popular author in the realm of Customer Service training. He spends his days traveling to seminars to teach and instruct others in the field of customer relations. This in its self is a paradox since Michael is unable to interact with others on any sort of deep level. He is void of emotion and nothing stirs him to excitement. He is a shell of a man walking numbly through life. Michael is on a routine business trip when he hears the voice of a stranger. It is a voice that moves him and awakens every one of his senses. That is when he meets Lisa (voiced by Jennifer Jason Leigh).
The audience is instantly able to relate and comprehend what Stone is going through due to the brilliant decision of the filmmakers to use the same voice (Tom Noonan) for every character other than the two main leads. At first it is a bit unsettling and confusing. But it takes no time for your brain to catch the rhythm and grasp the concept. Everything in Michael's world is stagnant. His wife, co-workers, strangers he meets; they are all a monotonous repetition of the same. Nothing moves him. Nothing causes him to react. Having all of these voices sound the same, regardless of gender, immediately pulls you into his world. You sense how he feels and are saddened by the reality of how he goes about each day.
There is an elevated level of excitement when we hear Lisa's voice at the same time Michael does. We have been in his head and feeling the staleness. So to hear another voice stirs the audience. We perk up too. Few films have ever captured a character like this. We can watch and witness and feel in other movies. But this one adds an element that grabs the soul uniquely. We seldom stop and think about how much the human voice plays into our recognition and interaction.
Anyone who has studied or watched the art of stop animation knows how painstakingly tedious it is. Normally we see it with family films, funny animal antics, and adaptations of stories much lighter and fanciful. It is one thing to make a sheep dance around. But to manipulate the pieces in order to display dramatic, human emotion is on another level all together. And again the filmmakers do it with such subtlety and minimalism. Nothing is wasted nor are there any frivolous extras. Each still frame is like an elaborate portrait. The lighting gives dimension and depth so that the colors pop and the characters become scarily lifelike. Hands down the most beautiful film ever made in this fashion.
But looks aren't everything. This one has a wonderfully written story and dramatic nature that rivals most live action flicks. You will get so wrapped up and lost in the dialogue and events that it is easy to forget that what you are seeing is puppetry. It is based on an original play written by Kaufman and the transition to the world of animation seems a perfect fit.
ANOMALISA is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language. The first two items are contained in one set of scenes and the language is never gratuitous or vulgar. Most comes from Michael's anger and frustration at the way his life is. So nothing is salacious or gratuitous. But it is a very adult film both in content and themes. I give it 4.5 out of 5 wake up calls. It is a film that will stay with you for some time. It is a brilliantly crafted story that is emotional and sobering.
R | 156 min | Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Review - Matt Mungle
**In theaters January 8th 2016**
Synopsis: A frontiersman named Hugh Glass on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s is on a quest for survival after being brutally mauled by a bear.
Review: Some films based on true events are a tad bit easier to fathom than others. We can relate to housing market crashes, press scandals, and rags to riches stories. But THE REVENANT is a mind blowing tale of survival with a look at scenarios few men could overcome. The word "unbelievable" forms on the mouth several times.
Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a tracker, explorer, and leader trying to help his men trap a few furs and return home in one piece. They are battling the winter elements, the American wilderness, and savage natives. When Glass is ruthlessly attacked and mauled by a mother bear he is near death. His troupe must decide if it is worth risking their own lives to try and save his. When a small group stay behind to tend to him Glass is betrayed and left alone by his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Glass must fight his way back to camp using his knowledge of the land and his endearing spirit of survival.
Glass has an inner fortitude that enables him to do the impossible. As he attacks each obstacle you wonder what mere human could beat those odds. One of these elements alone would shut down most men yet he runs headlong into several. The hardest could be the betrayal of his fellow man.
You can see the tenacity on DiCaprio's face as he stares out from the movie poster. Part of that is his portrayal of Glass and part could be his own personal determination to finally win an Oscar; the gold statue which has eluded him his entire career. That drive along with Alejandro González Iñárritu's direction gives us a powerful character that eclipses anything we have seen Leo do in the past. He grabs you, pulls you to the edge of your seat, and dares you to try and look away.
Alejandro González Iñárritu won the Academy Award for Best Achievement in Directing last year for the Oscar winning film BIRDMAN. He uses his unique approach to film making here to create a beautifully shot and expertly constructed movie experience. Like Glass, Alejandro used the elements to aide him in his objective. Relying on natural light and the splendor of the landscape he creates a massive backdrop that submerges the viewer into Glass' world.
The supporting cast includes a few worth mentioning. Will Poulter we have seen in comedies like THE MILLERS as well as the YA based film, THE MAZE RUNNER. This time we see a more mature, focused, and emotionally engaged actor. Poulter is out to show the world that he is versatile and capable of running with the big boys. He plays Bridger, a young man pulled between his devotion to Glass and the powerhouse personality of Fitzgerald. What Tom Hardy does with the character of John Fitzgerald is disturbingly soul shaking. His is the type of personality that haunts your nightmares for weeks to come. Not in that overtly sadistic and horrific way but the subtle, dark, and determined way. And those are the most spine tingling.
To circle back around, Iñárritu uses his cast to his advantage by allowing them to do what they do best and then capturing it with stunning clarity. There are tight shots on Hardy's eyes as he is delivering dialogue that are the most dynamic ever offered. It is probable cause as to why this may be the film that not only gets DiCaprio his first Oscar but gathers in a ton of additional accolades as well. It is a must see for those who appreciate the exceptional art of movies.
THE REVENANT is rated R for strong frontier combat and violence including gory images, a sexual assault, language and brief nudity. This is an adult film visually and emotionally. It isn't awkward to watch but will drain you of every ounce of energy and wring you out. Those who follow the award season as if it were the Final Four of college basketball should not miss this. True it is not for every taste bud this is certainly one that critics and aficionados will watch and study for years to come. I give it 4 out of 5 "please let Leo finally win an Oscar"s. Powerful. Emotional. Stunning.
PG-13 | 111 min | Action, Biography, Crime
Review - Matt Mungle
**In theaters January 8th 2016**
Synopsis: "The Masked Saint" is based on a true story about one pastor's mission to help his community by risking his identity and returns to his former life as a wrestler.
Review: Everyone has a story to tell and this one is quite interesting and entertaining; regardless of how loosely based it may or may not be on actual events. And though it commits many of the same sins as most faith based films it has enough redemptive elements to warrant a smidgen of grace.
Chris Samuels (Brett Granstaff) is a former wrestling champion who leaves that world behind to pastor a faltering Baptist church. His foes in the ring were nothing compared to the struggles he now faces. A dwindling congregation, stacks of over due bills, a community wrapped in crime, judgmental parishioners; all things Chris and his wife Michelle (Lara Jean Chorostecki) battle with a strong faith and a trust that God is in the middle of it all. When he decides to put his mask back on in order to help the church an inner battle ensues. One that may save the day or leave it all in ruins.
Wrestling is what sets this story apart from other church geared films. There is something about that sport that, love it or hate it, you can't help but get sucked in to. The over the top characters. Cheering the good guy while despising the bad guy. As fake and staged as most of it is there is no more exciting pageantry than professional wrestling. The scenes set in the ring are the stand out moments of the film.
Granstaff is a believable and endearing Chris Samuels. With the mask or without you rally behind him and become an advocate for his mission. His acting is solid. He looks comfortable in the ring and that is important to his character. Also, you feel his passion and tenacity outside the ring as he faces injustice in his community. At times the script does feel like a super hero wanna be tale but those times are fleeting and not a destructive intrusion. Granstaff is able to save face even during the most poorly written moments.
The films three count comes though in the over acting performances of the secondary characters and their stereotypical mannerisms. It is the cardinal sin of faith based movies. Is it so hard to write and direct a movie about faith? Their are so many eye rolling moments. It is sad when professional wrestlers act more convincingly than anyone else. How often do we see the same hardened individuals spitting in the face of religion only to be miraculously turned around in 90 minutes? Yes it happens in real life but never in the way that these films portray it. The church ends up looking comical and unrealistic. But the message is strong and there are enough stand up and cheer moments to out weigh the cringe worthy ones; if just barely.
This is one of the last films that the well known wrestler Roddy Piper starred in. He plays a wrestling promotor with that same rough and rowdy persona that made him loved by many in the sport. If anything this film allows us to see him one more time in his element.
THE MASKED SAINT is rated PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements. As mentioned, professional wrestling is a large part of the film and it does not tone down the action in the ring. Thankfully so because those truly are the highlight moments. It is a safe film for anyone over the age of 10. The message of redemption, recognizing your God given gifts, and working together to salvage a community will sit well with the faith based audiences. I give it 2.75 out of 5 arm bars. As a fan of the sport it took me back to my childhood and even though it stumbles in many aspects it was entertaining and encouraging where it mattered.
PG-13 | 124 min | Biography, Comedy, DramaReview - Matt Mungle**In theaters December 25th 2015**Synopsis: Joy is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.Review: Everyone seems to be on the Biography Drama bandwagon. Adapting real life stories into Hollywood plot lines has pushed out any solidly crafted, inspirationally unique attempts at writing. Though the characters may be intriguing the movies do not always end up as such. Case in point, JOY.
Joy Mangano's (Jennifer Lawrence) claim to fame and success was wrung out in a nifty household devise called the Miracle Mop. This struggling, single mother of two is drowning in a sea of family disfunction. Her father (Robert De Niro) and mother (Isabella Rossellini) are divorced and her ex-husband (Édgar Ramírez) is living in her basement. Her mother never leaves the bedroom and her dad is always dropping by with needs of his own. The only constant in her life is her Grandmother Mimi (Diane Ladd) who repeatedly reminds her she is destined for greatness.
This film may have been sabotaged by expectations. It is written and directed by David O. Russell who along with three members of this esteemed cast brought us 2012's Silver Linings Playbook and 2013's American Hustle. Plus it is releasing on Christmas Day in the height of award season. So obviously hordes expected this to be memorable and powerful. But sadly it is forgettable and mediocre.
One main issue could be that even though Joy's journey is remarkable and we love to cheer an underdog success story there is simply not enough meat on the bone for a full length drama. And where there is some nice nuggets of intrigue they are lost in a myriad of family outbursts and repetitive dysfunction. The viewer ends up seeing the devastating result of actions without every getting the benefit of seeing how it developed.
The plot rides a roller coaster of ups and downs as we witness Joy make smart decisions followed up by bad advice taking. The two steps forward and one step back dance eventually trips and face plants in a "how did we end up here" finale. The antagonist is her family and how they manipulate and misguide her. But the dialogue between them all is choppy and lacks the flow of a well crafted drama. This takes away from many of the more impactful scenes.
Bradley Cooper makes an appearance as Neil Walker the head of a new TV station that America soon knew of as The Home Shopping Network. Neil gives Joy the break she needs but sadly even this doesn't help her overcome her horrible business practices. It may have been a better movie if it dealt strictly with the mop side of the story and less with the family drama. Or make it about a young entrepreneur dealing with the ugly side of success. Regardless there is too much going on for nothing to really transpire. So we end up with a ho hum film that could easily show up on Lifetime or the Hallmark Channel.
JOY is rated PG-13 for brief strong language. In a nutshell De Niro's character drops the F bomb once. Other than that this could easily run on prime-time family channels with little or no editing needed. In fact that is where I suggest watching it. And that is a sad statement considering who all is involved in this film. I admire them all and wanted so much more. I give it 2 out of 5 shards of broken glass. Best to throw out the script and mop up the rest as best you can.
R | 130 min | Biography, DramaReview - Matt Mungle**In theaters December 23rd 2015**Synopsis: Four outsiders in the world of high-finance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight and greed.Review: The Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and many film groups have listed THE BIG SHORT as a movie to see. Whether it be for ensemble cast, individual performances, or the directing of Adam McKay there is much to applaud. Highlighting one of the most confusing and for many devastating events of the 2000's the story is fast paced and infuriating.
Dr. Michael Burry (Christian Bale) saw it coming first. How? Other than a brilliant mind and sixth sense for finance, he just looked. He looked where no one else did. And what he saw was the ginormous housing bubble with billions of dollars riding on it. And he bet against it. Once word of this trickled out it reached the ears of other insurance and financial brokers who decided that he was either right or insane. But the more they started digging the scarier everything looked. And, good or bad, they all wanted a piece.
Plot lines are woven through separate groups of people all connected by their interest in the banks that are holding all these mortgages. No one is as angry at the system and out for blood more than Mark Baum (Steve Carell) who rose to fame betting against subprime mortgages. Then there is Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) a mortgage trader for Deutsche Bank whose insight helped him to win big as well. And finally Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt), a reclusive and eccentric broker who along with Cornwall Capital walked away with close to eighty million in profit. Several of the names were changed. Some were not. But the facts remain as detailed in the book by Michael Lewis, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine.
The entire crisis of 2008 is almost impossible to understand. THE BIG SHORT does a decent job of making it clear and decipherable to the common man. McKay will take a break from the business jargon to have real celebrities define and interpret hard to grasp phrases using metaphors and smaller words. This is both clever and distracting. Though, yes, it does help, it also breaks the rhythm of the script. Having Selena Gomez talk to me about how the financial betting world works is a tad demoralizing. But I did learn something, so go figure.
If you are looking for outstanding performances there are two in this one. Steve Carell and Christian Bale. Though they are never on screen together theirs are the characters to watch. Burry with his savant mind and Baum with his passionate zeal are fodder for explosive and high velocity characters.
The bottom line and most thought provoking thing about the film is, who do you root for? You definitely can't root for the banks and the mortgage companies. These fat cats are making zillions off of hard working Americans. You can maybe look at those who took them on as heroes but in the end they made billions too. As always it is the middle and lower class that lost. And lost big. So there is no winner. No shining moment. No let's cheer for Captain Vengeance. If you are hoping for an "Erin Brockovich" this movie has none. But it is still incredibly insightful and at times mind-blowing.
THE BIG SHORT is rated R for pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity. The sexuality/nudity is brief and most adults will be able to gloss over it with little objection. It is intended for thinking adults and those who, like me, love a chance to peak behind the scenes of some of our world's most prominent news headlines. The language is prominent but fits the frustration of the characters. I give it 4 out of 5 dotted lines. It is a shocking story that will make you shake your head in bewilderment. It is also sobering to think that it could easily happen again. All of this topped off with fine dramatic performances.
