Last month was theater-free for me. Warcraft tempted me a few times, as did May's X-Men: Apocalypse, and I even made an agreement with my brothers that if Independence Day: Resurgence got good enough reviews we'd go see all three -- but it didn't, and we didn't see the other two either. However, I did finally see one March movie that I would have gone to the theater for if it had actually played in my theater -- Midnight Special! I took a small risk and bought it, pretty confident that I'd like it and it paid off spectacularly! Not only did I love the film more than enough to want to watch it multiple times, it was also worth it for some neat and informing special features. A review will be incoming soon, but I'll go ahead and say that I strongly recommend it.
How was your month of June? And how is your July looking? Happy Summer!
The Legend of Tarzan
Jul 1st; PG-13
I'm pretty much only mentioning this one because I thought it looked interesting before any reviews came out. Now, of course, it seems obvious that it would be no good -- now that I've actually sat down and watched the trailer. I didn't expect it'd be great, but I probably should have seen a low RT score like this coming. The adventure appeal of it distracted me a little. And someday, if ever I can get it for free and am feeling resilient to disappointment, I probably won't be able to help myself from watching it for that same reason.
The BFG
Jul 1st; PG
The latest from Steven Spielberg is a kiddie movie based on a book. Giants and magic and sweeping music is involved. I like Spielberg (who doesn't?) and the cast has Mark Rylance and Jemaine Clement who are great (but they're both playing animated giants so you can't actually see them, though the BFG does look quite a lot like Rylance (I actually recognized his face before I did his voice)) and it looks like a good kid's adventure movie, but maybe not quite to the point where it'd be a great movie for adults too. Especially for people like me who don't have a sentimental attachment. Still, the director and cast practically guarantees that I'll wind up seeing it someday. And I wouldn't be surprised if I enjoyed it.
Ghostbusters
Jul 15th; PG-13
Da-da da-da. Dada da-da da-da. Okay, no. I debated even mentioning this one, but decided to so that I could voice my opinion of how much I wish this movie didn't even exist. Based on the epic number of dislikes on the trailer, most people share my opinion, but I wanted to make my view clear anyway. Set out to attempt to destroy the classic by association, and so steeped in extreme feminism that all criticism of it has been (and probably will continue to be) labeled sexist, this is a film that I am happy to announce I will completely avoid for all eternity. The trailer is painfully unfunny, and the idea is completely pointless. Who you gonna call? The real, ORIGINAL Ghostbusters.
Cafe Society
Jul 15th; PG-13
Woody Allen's latest venture is set in the 30's, and focuses on the glamorous life of society people in Hollywood and New York through the eyes of Jesse Eisenberg. Also starring Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, Steve Carell, and Corey Stoll. This one seems slightly similar to Midnight in Paris which is my favorite of Allen's films. It look like it has lots of vintage style and classic Allen-esque quirky conversations. Early reviews aren't as promising as my previously mentioned favorite's, but I think it'll turn out to be worth a look.
Equals
Jul 15th; PG-13
Another Kristen Stewart movie. Sometimes I surprise myself by watching her movies, but then I remember that I've never actually disliked her in anything -- and she's slowly wearing off the stain of Twilight... Anyway in this one Nicholas Hoult co-stars and it's a sci-fi, so it certainly has my attention. It does look very moody though, and that may very well be a downfall. But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to find out for myself.
Star Trek Beyond
Jul 22nd; Not rated yet
This is hands-down the most exciting release of the month, yet it has a a very sad side to it, because of the untimely and tragic death of Anton Yelchin who plays the fan-favorite Chekov. He will be sorely missed in the years to come. Beyond doesn't have the guaranteed success that Into Darkness seemed to either because of the new director coming on board. However, I think, and have thought from the first that this installment looks every bit as good as the last one. I like the episodic, smaller-scale nature it seems to be bringing, and am very excited to see how Simon Pegg's script turned out. A definite must-see!
Jason Bourne
Jul 29th; PG-13
Bourne is back and bigger than ever. Actually, I'm not sure "bigger than ever" is a good thing; at some point things are going to go over the top, and the grounded feel of the previous Matt Damon Bourne's was a huge part of the appeal. However, I doubt it'll matter much -- this film looks solid. With Damon and Greengrass back, how could it not? Julia Stiles is back too, and it's also got Tommy Lee Jones, and Alicia Vikander, which means promises of good things. This may very well be a must-see as well!
Showing posts with label Steve Carell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Carell. Show all posts
Friday, July 1, 2016
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
The Way, Way Back
Wow -- that was an incredible movie.
Such is the only thought I could muster once the credits rolled on this long-awaited movie. Let's see if I can create some longer, more coherent thoughts and opinions on why it's so incredible.
Duncan (Liam James) is going to be spending his entire summer in a beachfront cottage, and he's miserable about it. See, the cottage belongs to his mom Pam's (Toni Collette) boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) who's overbearing and insulting in an underhandedly "well-meaning" way. He waits for Pam to be asleep before he tells Duncan, as he sits in "the way, way back" rear-facing seat of the station wagon that he thinks on a scale of 1 to 10, he ranks a 3, and callously encourages him to improve. Trent's daughter Steph is even less subtle in her disdain. Trent's friend Kip (Rob Corddry) and Joan (Amanda Peet) are obnoxious and patronizing. Then there's the neighbor, Betty (Allison Janney) with her rude, unfiltered mouth, her weird son Peter with a lazy eye, and sullen but pretty daughter Susanna, (AnnaSophia Robb) who just seems to bring out all the most embarrassing awkwardness in Duncan. Beachfront or no, this is looking like the beginning of an awful summer.
To escape, Duncan bikes around town on a little pink bike and happens upon exactly what he desperately needs: Sam Rockwell. Owen is a fun-loving, full-time jokester and manager of Water Wizz, and most importantly, the direct opposite of Trent. Even though he never overlooks an opportunity to poke fun, he gives Duncan a job, and along with other water park employees Caitlin (Maya Rudolph) and Roddy and Lewis, (Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, also co-writers and directors) makes him begin to feel comfortable, welcome, and at home. So maybe this summer won't be complete torture after all.
Okay, so that was anice, short plot summary -- now where to start? How about with the spot-on and simply amazing writing and directing from Faxon and Rash -- their overall story in general is never ground-breaking or very original, I'd say it's a very classic indie coming-of-age plot, and I wouldn't say it's a bad thing, but it doesn't matter because the story goes way beyond ridiculous trappings like trying to be "original" and instead focuses on being actually meaningful, and honest. In that, it's wonderfully successful, and from it comes a surprising amount of originality. (How paradoxical!) Based partially on the writers' childhood memories, every situation has a sense of familiarity, particularly the awkward and painful moments, as we unfortunately all know the glory of an awkward stage. There's also a wonderful balance of sharp, brilliant comedy and potent, unforced drama, and we get a nice, hard look at human nature.
The characters are perfectly fleshed out in that not-too-obvious way classic to independent films that I love. Each character is complex and realistic, and (more or less) has their commendable and flawed sides. And even though every one of them appear at first to fit snugly into a stereotype, finding just one word to perfectly describe any of them is difficult. Here is where praise for the writing begins to blend with praise for the acting. With this movie more than most, I realized the teamwork it takes to create such great characters, and Faxon and Rash were obviously very lucky and scored and all-around brilliant cast who enhanced their great characters in the most complementary way to the writing possible.
Duncan is basically the epitome troubled loner introvert hiding in a tightly closed shell, and Liam James embodies him impeccably, with pitiful awkwardness and slumped shoulders. It's impressive acting anyway for a fifteen-year-old, but I find it even more impressive considering the vast difference between this role and playing the younger version of class-clown Shawn Spencer in Psych for four years. When he left the show to get into films, I thought it was an ignorant move; I was wrong. Even with all those well-seasoned older actors constantly surrounding him and in spite of his character being such a wallflower, he still consistently holds the spotlight of our attention and affection.
The only one who really distracts us from Duncan is the ever-incredible Mr. Rockwell. The great thing (or one of many, anyway) about Sam Rockwell -- and therefore Owen too -- is that he can be the most immature goof-off, spewing a relentless torrent of wise-cracks and punch lines, each more sharp and hilarious than the last, but when it's time to be serious, he's equally amazing, trading in his goofy immaturity for some somber and kind sincerity. Owen is the main source of the best and most consistently funny comedy I've seen in a long time, but he's also a part of the most compelling and heartfelt moments of the film.
Also worth a quick mention: Allison Janney is the next person in line to scene-steal with sharp comedy, and she does get away with a few, but in order to really appreciate her performance, watch her in an interview first or something -- otherwise you'll think she's naturally that way. Toni Collette is exactly as wonderful as Pam as you would expect her to be if you've seen her before. She plays the struggling single mother exceptionally well. And I don't hold the popular opinion that Steve Carell is a classically "likeable guy," I more appreciate his ability to be a funny jerk than a charming everyman, but still I felt shocked at how awful his character was being, and he did it horribly -- amazingly -- well. AnnaSophia Robb hit my "serious actress" radar with her role; Amanda Peet was very simply a perfect bit of casting, and Maya Rudolph had a cute dynamic going with Rockwell.
Still, add up all these positives I've mentioned and it still comes short of how much I love this movie. I think what I'm leaving out are many wonderful, small, or seemingly insignificant details (some of which I cannot mention due to spoilers) that made this movie everything I was hoping and predicting it'd be. I love the subtlety in the movie with its straightforward pace, always from Duncan's perspective, and its simple scenes that understand that very often silence can be much more effective than even the best dialogue. The nostalgic vintage feel, the awesome soundtrack, or even tinier things, like that fact that no one uses cell phones, or that Susanna dresses a tinge more modestly than her "friends," all add a little to the wonder of the film. Then there's the last ten minutes or so -- a nine-digit budget and all the special effects in the world won't buy you an ending with a heart like that, plain and simple.
Jumping back to that awesome soundtrack I mentioned... Here is its best song -- or my favorite at least -- it's featured in its entirety in the film, matches it perfectly, and has a great set of lyrics: Power Hungry Animals by The Apache Relay.
But after ALL that, I still think my first thought sums it up the best...
Wow. What an incredible movie.
Such is the only thought I could muster once the credits rolled on this long-awaited movie. Let's see if I can create some longer, more coherent thoughts and opinions on why it's so incredible.
Duncan (Liam James) is going to be spending his entire summer in a beachfront cottage, and he's miserable about it. See, the cottage belongs to his mom Pam's (Toni Collette) boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) who's overbearing and insulting in an underhandedly "well-meaning" way. He waits for Pam to be asleep before he tells Duncan, as he sits in "the way, way back" rear-facing seat of the station wagon that he thinks on a scale of 1 to 10, he ranks a 3, and callously encourages him to improve. Trent's daughter Steph is even less subtle in her disdain. Trent's friend Kip (Rob Corddry) and Joan (Amanda Peet) are obnoxious and patronizing. Then there's the neighbor, Betty (Allison Janney) with her rude, unfiltered mouth, her weird son Peter with a lazy eye, and sullen but pretty daughter Susanna, (AnnaSophia Robb) who just seems to bring out all the most embarrassing awkwardness in Duncan. Beachfront or no, this is looking like the beginning of an awful summer.
 |
| How to be miserable while on a yacht 101: Ridiculous life-vests. |
To escape, Duncan bikes around town on a little pink bike and happens upon exactly what he desperately needs: Sam Rockwell. Owen is a fun-loving, full-time jokester and manager of Water Wizz, and most importantly, the direct opposite of Trent. Even though he never overlooks an opportunity to poke fun, he gives Duncan a job, and along with other water park employees Caitlin (Maya Rudolph) and Roddy and Lewis, (Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, also co-writers and directors) makes him begin to feel comfortable, welcome, and at home. So maybe this summer won't be complete torture after all.
 |
| Roddy, Owen, Duncan and Caitlin ready to procrastinate. |
Okay, so that was a
 |
| I also love how realistically the scenes flow, especially group scenes like this one. |
The characters are perfectly fleshed out in that not-too-obvious way classic to independent films that I love. Each character is complex and realistic, and (more or less) has their commendable and flawed sides. And even though every one of them appear at first to fit snugly into a stereotype, finding just one word to perfectly describe any of them is difficult. Here is where praise for the writing begins to blend with praise for the acting. With this movie more than most, I realized the teamwork it takes to create such great characters, and Faxon and Rash were obviously very lucky and scored and all-around brilliant cast who enhanced their great characters in the most complementary way to the writing possible.
 |
| This lady, Allison Janney, is one prime example. |
Duncan is basically the epitome troubled loner introvert hiding in a tightly closed shell, and Liam James embodies him impeccably, with pitiful awkwardness and slumped shoulders. It's impressive acting anyway for a fifteen-year-old, but I find it even more impressive considering the vast difference between this role and playing the younger version of class-clown Shawn Spencer in Psych for four years. When he left the show to get into films, I thought it was an ignorant move; I was wrong. Even with all those well-seasoned older actors constantly surrounding him and in spite of his character being such a wallflower, he still consistently holds the spotlight of our attention and affection.
 |
| I still think he was the best "little Shawn" though. |
The only one who really distracts us from Duncan is the ever-incredible Mr. Rockwell. The great thing (or one of many, anyway) about Sam Rockwell -- and therefore Owen too -- is that he can be the most immature goof-off, spewing a relentless torrent of wise-cracks and punch lines, each more sharp and hilarious than the last, but when it's time to be serious, he's equally amazing, trading in his goofy immaturity for some somber and kind sincerity. Owen is the main source of the best and most consistently funny comedy I've seen in a long time, but he's also a part of the most compelling and heartfelt moments of the film.
 |
| This guy never ceases to amaze me. |
Also worth a quick mention: Allison Janney is the next person in line to scene-steal with sharp comedy, and she does get away with a few, but in order to really appreciate her performance, watch her in an interview first or something -- otherwise you'll think she's naturally that way. Toni Collette is exactly as wonderful as Pam as you would expect her to be if you've seen her before. She plays the struggling single mother exceptionally well. And I don't hold the popular opinion that Steve Carell is a classically "likeable guy," I more appreciate his ability to be a funny jerk than a charming everyman, but still I felt shocked at how awful his character was being, and he did it horribly -- amazingly -- well. AnnaSophia Robb hit my "serious actress" radar with her role; Amanda Peet was very simply a perfect bit of casting, and Maya Rudolph had a cute dynamic going with Rockwell.
 |
| Really though, with a movie set at an awesome water park, you just can't go wrong! |
Still, add up all these positives I've mentioned and it still comes short of how much I love this movie. I think what I'm leaving out are many wonderful, small, or seemingly insignificant details (some of which I cannot mention due to spoilers) that made this movie everything I was hoping and predicting it'd be. I love the subtlety in the movie with its straightforward pace, always from Duncan's perspective, and its simple scenes that understand that very often silence can be much more effective than even the best dialogue. The nostalgic vintage feel, the awesome soundtrack, or even tinier things, like that fact that no one uses cell phones, or that Susanna dresses a tinge more modestly than her "friends," all add a little to the wonder of the film. Then there's the last ten minutes or so -- a nine-digit budget and all the special effects in the world won't buy you an ending with a heart like that, plain and simple.
Jumping back to that awesome soundtrack I mentioned... Here is its best song -- or my favorite at least -- it's featured in its entirety in the film, matches it perfectly, and has a great set of lyrics: Power Hungry Animals by The Apache Relay.
But after ALL that, I still think my first thought sums it up the best...
Wow. What an incredible movie.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Upcoming Movie Roundup -- July
Here we are... the first in what will be -- if all goes according to plan -- a monthly summary post on my thoughts, opinions and predictions about upcoming movie releases. Obviously, I can't touch on every movie coming out in a month; I'll probably mostly include movies I'm interested in seeing... or movies I definitely don't want to see... or ones I haven't decided on yet. But I guess we'll see.
Despicable Me 2
Releasing July 3rd
Starring Steve Carell as Gru, the previously reformed bad guy, who is now being recruited by the good guys to help them stop more bad guys.
I'll be honest; I only wanted to see the original because of that "it's so fluffy I'm gonna die!" line. And the movie didn't turn out bad, but it wasn't great, just, mildly funny. The sequel is, well first of all, it's a sequel, and that doesn't usually mean good things. Then, if the trailer is anything to go by, I can guess who everyone's favorite characters are -- the minions! And they only mean less plot and more kiddie-humor. So maybe I'll see it in a couple years when it comes on tv... if I'm really bored.
The Lone Ranger
July 3rd
Starring Armie Hammer and the man in the mask, and Johnny Depp and his wierder-than-I-remember Indian sidekick.
"The Lone Ranger" aka, "The Johnny Depp Show" and don't bother denying it... Nevertheless, I still want to see it eventually. I don't hate Depp or anything, and it looks fun... stupid, but fun. Plus, you gotta see the film reboots of old tv shows! There's no way this is a really good movie, but if my high hopes come through it'll be a briefly exciting summer blockbuster, and that'll be good enough for me.
The Way, Way Back
July 5th
Starring Liam James ("little Shawn" from Psych, anyone?) as Duncan, who's having something of a hard time while on vacation with his mom (Toni Collette) and her annoying boyfriend (Steve Carell). Also starring the ever amazing Sam Rockwell.
This film wins "most interesting July release." Sam Rockwell and Dramadies is one of the best combinations ever, and reviews so far say he steals the show. I'm already sold. Plus the trailer makes it look like such a funny, endearing coming-of-ager.
Red 2
July 19th
Starring Bruce Willis as a retired CIA operative, who is still getting into trouble.
When I heard they were making a sequel to Red, one of the most cheesily awesome action movies I've ever seen, I was temporarily very excited, until I found out that Karl Urban wasn't going to be in it! Things went downhill from there, and now I'm not sure I want to see it at all. There's lots of explosions and ridiculous stunts, but it mostly looks like a step-down-from-the-original rehash, and it'll have to get some pretty good reviews to really convince me otherwise.
The Wolverine
July 26th
Starring, of course, Hugh Jackman as the Wolverine.
What do you do when you have an un-killable superhero on your hands? Create a way to kill him, of course! Otherwise this movie would just be a carbon copy of that X-Men Origins movie... ugh. The Wolverine is a very highly anticipated movie, but for some reason all that stylish action and drama and what-the-heck moments in that trailer isn't too terribly exciting to me. But I want to want to see it, so in a couple weeks I probably will. I mean, it is Hugh Jackman after all.
Despicable Me 2
Releasing July 3rd
Starring Steve Carell as Gru, the previously reformed bad guy, who is now being recruited by the good guys to help them stop more bad guys.
I'll be honest; I only wanted to see the original because of that "it's so fluffy I'm gonna die!" line. And the movie didn't turn out bad, but it wasn't great, just, mildly funny. The sequel is, well first of all, it's a sequel, and that doesn't usually mean good things. Then, if the trailer is anything to go by, I can guess who everyone's favorite characters are -- the minions! And they only mean less plot and more kiddie-humor. So maybe I'll see it in a couple years when it comes on tv... if I'm really bored.
The Lone Ranger
July 3rd
Starring Armie Hammer and the man in the mask, and Johnny Depp and his wierder-than-I-remember Indian sidekick.
"The Lone Ranger" aka, "The Johnny Depp Show" and don't bother denying it... Nevertheless, I still want to see it eventually. I don't hate Depp or anything, and it looks fun... stupid, but fun. Plus, you gotta see the film reboots of old tv shows! There's no way this is a really good movie, but if my high hopes come through it'll be a briefly exciting summer blockbuster, and that'll be good enough for me.
The Way, Way Back
July 5th
Starring Liam James ("little Shawn" from Psych, anyone?) as Duncan, who's having something of a hard time while on vacation with his mom (Toni Collette) and her annoying boyfriend (Steve Carell). Also starring the ever amazing Sam Rockwell.
This film wins "most interesting July release." Sam Rockwell and Dramadies is one of the best combinations ever, and reviews so far say he steals the show. I'm already sold. Plus the trailer makes it look like such a funny, endearing coming-of-ager.
Red 2
July 19th
Starring Bruce Willis as a retired CIA operative, who is still getting into trouble.
When I heard they were making a sequel to Red, one of the most cheesily awesome action movies I've ever seen, I was temporarily very excited, until I found out that Karl Urban wasn't going to be in it! Things went downhill from there, and now I'm not sure I want to see it at all. There's lots of explosions and ridiculous stunts, but it mostly looks like a step-down-from-the-original rehash, and it'll have to get some pretty good reviews to really convince me otherwise.
The Wolverine
July 26th
Starring, of course, Hugh Jackman as the Wolverine.
What do you do when you have an un-killable superhero on your hands? Create a way to kill him, of course! Otherwise this movie would just be a carbon copy of that X-Men Origins movie... ugh. The Wolverine is a very highly anticipated movie, but for some reason all that stylish action and drama and what-the-heck moments in that trailer isn't too terribly exciting to me. But I want to want to see it, so in a couple weeks I probably will. I mean, it is Hugh Jackman after all.
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