Boyhood (2014)

If you’ve been paying close attention to any of the numerous independent films released this year, chances are you’ve heard a lot about Boyhood, the remarkable 12-year project from Richard Linklater. However, if you’re not one to follow the indie scene, you may not have heard of this generation-defining film, or what makes it so unique.

On its surface, Boyhood sounds like a normal, maybe even boring motion picture about a boy growing up, but if that’s all you know of Boyhood, you’re missing out. The remarkable thing about Boyhood isn’t necessarily the script, or the directing, or the acting (although all of these elements of the film are impressively on point) what sets this film apart is how incredibly long it took just to film this movie. Instead of hiring several different actors to play the main character (Mason, who makes for a uniquely interesting protagonist) Richard Linklater made this film over 12 years, with the same actors as they actually aged over that time period. Thus, even though Boyhood is scripted, watching the film is almost like watching an actual boy progress through his childhood. I can’t stress enough how much of a difference this makes in the movie; the characters feel like real people and we really feel as if we are watching these people grow and not just as actors playing fictional parts, but it feels real. Honestly, I could write a whole essay about just how unique this aspect of the film is alone, but I’ll just leave it at this: it makes for a ground-breaking experience.

As for the story itself, it’s actually very engaging; young Mason goes through a lot of experiences that many of us have shared and some that maybe a lot of us haven’t, but through it all I felt as though Boyhood is the kind of film that all of us can relate to, and not just boys. This is really the story of growing up, and since all of us can appreciate that on one level or another, it’s the perfect film to watch and reminisce on your own life; I know I found myself getting excited when I recognize a few toys in the background that I’d owned myself as a child (anyone remember Gameboys?). In one scene Mason and his father (a virtually perfect performance by Ethan Hawke here) have a conversation over a campfire about whether there’ll be a Star Wars movie, (this of course was filmed long before anyone knew Disney would milk the franchise to the bitter end) it’s a simple scene but it made me laugh and reflect on similar conversations I’d had with my own father. That’s what Boyhood is all about.

Another thing I like about Boyhood is its objectivity; this isn’t a Disney film where the parents are/were perfect (dead) role models, but it isn’t a Steven Spielbierg movie either where the kids rule and the parents are just dumb bumbling idiots. There’s a delicate balance here as there is in real life and the film never offers an opinion on who’s right and who’s wrong. Several times Mason’s mother (his father and mother are separated so he lives with his mother) makes some questionable decisions, but the film never judges her, nor does it shy away from showing her imperfection. The same goes for the father, his relationship with the kids is just as flawed even though it’s drastically different.

When the film finally reaches the end, we the audience feel like we’ve been through a real journey, but it’s not really over; because really, Mason’s life is just beginning as he leaves boyhood and enters manhood. The way the film ends perfectly reflects that (I don’t want to give away any spoilers on this one) it feels like the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new one, and I couldn’t imagine a better way for this film to end.

Boyhood is a long film (almost 3 hours), and I could go on for pages and pages, but I’ll keep it short because this is a film that you should experience for yourself. I urge you if you see one film this year, make it Boyhood (but also go see Guardians of the Galaxy because that one’s just too much fun) I promise you it’s an experience you’ll never forget, just like your own childhood.

-Ryan Maples

Rating: 9.75

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1065073/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Into the Storm (2014)

“Sir, I’ve studied storms all my life and this is the biggest storm that has ever been!” Yes, this is an actual, serious line from Into the Storm… No, I don’t really know what to think of it either. Is it hilarious? I certainly think so. Is it so stupid it makes your head hurt from how hard your eyes just rolled? Absolutely it is. Is it awesome? I’m not sure how to answer that one, but one thing I do know is that from this one quotation, you can infer everything you need to know about this motion picture, for better or worse.

Into the Storm is yet another cheaply-made horror/action flick, this time from our friends over at New Line Cinema and Warner Brothers, and yet another in a long line of misguided found-footage films. Why this movie was turned into a found-footage project is beyond me as it seems like even the director and/or cinematographer aren’t really thrilled about the idea themselves. Although the film starts out like many other found-footage films (some annoying character you don’t care about is doing some really “amateur” filming on their home digital cam of other characters you don’t care about) it quickly departs from this, but more on that later.

Into the Storm is a very simple movie; if you love the idea of seeing a relatively small town getting torn to shreds then this movie was made for you. However, if the idea of seeing the world’s largest (fake) storm on screen doesn’t excite you, you’re most likely better off skipping this one altogether.

On a positive note, the tornadoes are pretty impressive and the action is appropriately intense for any action junkies looking to get their fix, however, there’s no real substance to this story no matter how hard the movie tries to make us care. Honestly, I think this is partially to blame on the over-abundance of characters in the movie, there’s simply too many people to keep track off in this one, and not enough reason to want to (and not nearly enough people die in the storm either).

The premise to this film is as simple as it gets and the characters are just so utterly forgettable (Lori from Walking Dead is in this, for some reason) that I’m just going to focus on the bafflingly inconstant camera work in this one. From the very beginning we’re introduced to this movie as a found-footage style picture, and of course all of the normal inconsistencies that typically plague this genre follow (why is there professional lighting in the living room? How are we getting cinema-grade quality from a Panasonic handheld? Who films people talking about such boring stuff? Etc.) but Into the Storm goes a step further once the storm hits. It seems as if the filmmakers are barely even trying to suspend disbelief on this one (cameras still work after being drowned in water? Ok then) several times there are shots and angles that range from impractical to impossible; in one instance, both a camera man and his camera are sucked into a fiery tornado and we see all of this footage. How? Was it found later in a grassy field? Was he live-streaming from his camera? (I don’t think so and it was never mentioned if he was) Perhaps the storm nicely returned it later. This isn’t the only instance of something like this happening, but it’s probably the most noticeable one. At a certain point, I just had to stop pretending this was any sort of “found-footage” and chalk it up as the film’s “style” just to prevent myself from being so distracted by the implausibility of it all.

Once the giant storm itself hits, that’s when things really get crazy (and people still manage to keep a firm grip on their cameras). This twister is unlike anything you’ve ever seen (because it’s like the biggest thing ever, remember?) it looks like at least a dozen large tornadoes put together, probably more and it certainly seems menacing in nature. So where do our brave heroes hide from the most biggest storm there ever was? (Minor Spoilers) A storm drain. That’s right the biggest storm of the century (which by the way tore apart the entire school and storm shelter) couldn’t even take out a simple storm drain (End of Minor Spoilers).

Of course, once it’s all over everyone learns a valuable lesson (even the school jock who appears at the beginning and then at the end and leaves us wondering why he even appeared at all) which is that family is important and storms are super dangerous, but awesome.

One final note: this storm hits the entire town completely unawares (they’re having a high school graduation when it hits for crying out loud) and my one question is this: how in the world does the “biggest storm that has ever been” just drop out of the sky without one single meteorologist even issuing so much as a tornado warning? The film attempts to explain this away by implying that the storm is just really tricky, but I have to believe in this day and age the town would at least be expecting more than a little rain. Then again, perhaps I’m just thinking this over too much, obviously more than the filmmakers ever did.

-Ryan Maples

Rating: 4.5

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2106361/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Summer Wrap Up (2014)

These are my top 5 and bottom 5 big movie releases of the summer. Hopefully, this'll help make the decision easier on what summer movies to catch up on, or rewatch as we head into Fall. (Note: I have not seen Sex Tape, Million Dollar Arm, or Get On Up so I can't speak for those films).

My Top 5 Movies of the Summer:

1. The Guardians of the Galaxy: A sci-fi movie so packed with action fun that it made me feel like I was watching Star Wars again for the first time, which is great because it will be amazing if the new Star Wars is even half as good. Chris Pratt makes a firm case to be the next big movie star of Hollywood, and Zoe Saldana is, as always, an alien. Also, I AM GROOT.

My rating: 9.

Check out my review.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.

2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: I remember when Rise of the Planet of the Apes was announced and I was convinced this series would be ridiculous. Remember that spectacularly awful Tim Burton movie? Well I was dead wrong, this movie takes it to a whole other level and it almost has me believing the Planet of the Apes could be possible. Also, the motion capture and visual effects are breathtaking.

My rating: 9.

check out the cast, crew and trailer.










3. 22 Jump Street: The first sequel made me believe in Hollywood comedies again. This one made me worship it. Possibly the greatest comedy of all time (definitely of the summer) this movie is the best skewering of Hollywood since the Lego movie (coincidentally directed by the same people). Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill prove that the buddy cop movie isn't dead, by giving us a brilliant parody of it.

My rating: 8.75.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.







4. X-men; Days of Future Past: Probably the most fun I’ve gotten out of an X-men film in a while; sure the time travel logic can get a little iffy and some of the mutants are unfortunately under-utilized (it’s a busy movie though), but I was completely on board for the whole ride. When you get down to it, this movie simply has everything you expect and could want from an X-men film: lots of action, plenty of mutants, a war with two sides you can sympathize with and whole lot of Wolverine (they’re even the latest movie to create their very own Kennedy assassination conspiracy theory).

My rating: 8.5.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.

5. How to Train Your Dragon 2: This would be a firm candidate for kids' movie of the year if it weren't for The Lego Movie. How to Train Your Dragon 2 manages to up the ante in every way without compromising the series and it doesn't shy away from showing real loss and grief. By going where a lot of children's movies won't, How To Train Your Dragon 2 sets itself apart from other animated films, in a good way.

My rating: 8.5.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.








My Bottom 5 Movies of the Summer:

1. Tammy: I don't have much to say about this one. It's simply so unfunny that I couldn't even sit through the whole thing. Melissa McCarthy really misses her mark here.

My rating: 2.


Check out the cast, crew and trailer.

2. The Giver: Possibly one of the most disappointing adaptations in recent memory and an absolute bore to watch. If you're thinking about watching this one, do yourself a favor and don't, or, you know, just Netflix it.

My rating: 3.

Check out my review.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.









3. Deliver us From Evil: A horror movie that also doubles as a cop movie, and it doesn't really get either genre right. The scares are more boring than frightening. The power of Christ has never been less compelling.

My rating: 3.5.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.

4. Transformers: Age of Extinction: If only the subtitle on this one were referring to the state of the franchise. Sadly, Transformers made all of the money this summer so we're definitely going to be seeing at least a full new trilogy. They made the upgrade from the whiny Shia Labeouf to the significantly more buff (but surprisingly still whiny) Marky Mark, but it doesn't help things much. At this point, you'll get less of a headache if you just bang your head on a wall for three hours, and that's free so, you know, your choice.

My rating: 4.

Check out the cast, crew and trailer.

5.Lucy: There are many people who will defend this film and say it was great, I'm not one of them. This movie was downright ridiculous and even though I'm totally willing to accept ridiculous premises, this one failed to win me over.

My rating: 4.

Check out my review.

Check out the cast, crew, and trailer.









-Ryan Maples

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

When it comes to sequels, Sin City: A Dame to Kill isn’t like most; this sequel comes a full nine years later and seemingly out of nowhere, unlike most sequels, which are teased almost immediately following the original film’s release; also, this Sin City isn’t a straight follow up to the last film, we see the same characters and some new ones, but their stories don’t build on the last film.  Unfortunately, what this new Sin City does have in common with a lot of sequels is that it doesn’t live up to its predecessor, no matter how hard it tries to top it.

On its face, this Sin City looks, sounds and feels just like the original. The graphic novel style is still there, all the characters still talk in the those gritty, gravely-voiced, self-loathing monologues and the action is still very cartoony (and yet extremely violent); however, this sequel is simply missing the heart and soul of the original. In fact, it almost plays like a parody of Sin City rather than a true sequel.

It’s hard to really pinpoint why this sequel feels so different than the first one, it could be that the dialogue just isn’t as fresh as the first one, or that the stories simply aren’t as compelling, or even that the pacing is uneven (or perhaps it’s all three), but regardless it just doesn’t have the right feel to it.

This is disappointing because in addition to bringing back most of our favorite characters from the original, the sequel boasts some potentially exciting new characters as well. Sadly, none of these new characters really deliver on their promise (except for Eva Green, who by this point must be able to do the femme fatale role in her sleep), and much of the drama surrounding them (especially in the case of Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character) seems rather pointless.

As for the old characters, it just doesn’t seem like there’s anything important to do in this film. Mickey Rourke pops up from time to time, but he’s mostly a hired hand and has no real cause as he did in the original Sin City. Bruce Willis simply floats around like a ghost (he is a ghost I guess?) lamenting the self-destructive behavior of his beloved Nancy (Jessica Alba). We do get to see the origin of Manute’s golden eye, but to be honest it isn’t even that exciting (although it is the goriest part of the movie); and of course, the senator is back and as corrupt as ever, although this time it just seems like he’s deliberately trying to be mean. Disappointingly, Rosario Dawson doesn’t get nearly enough screen time (in my opinion), even though she’s clearly one of the only two interesting characters here (the other being Eva Green). Finally, Clive Owen is replaced by Josh Brolin and I must say, I missed Clive Owen in the role (although I realize at this point in the story he is supposed to have a different face than in the original movie).

There isn’t much else to say about this second attempt at bringing Frank Miller’s Sin City to life; it succeeds in achieving the same look and overall feel of the original movie, but in the end it can’t reach the same quality as the 2005 film. If you’re desperate to see more Sin City then perhaps this movie will suffice, however, if you’re expecting anything as ground-breaking as the original, you’ve been warned. 

-Ryan Maples

Rating: 5.5.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458481/?ref_=nv_sr_1

The Fighter (2010)

It is rare in this day of sequels and remakes to find a quality film that is both original and engrossing, but the movie “The Fighter” definitely meets these standards in every way possible. While the story itself may not seem original at first (we’ve all seen the underdog boxer winning in the end in at least six Rocky movies) it is told in such a different way that it seems both fresh and familiar. The superb acting, directing, and story-telling all blend perfectly in a film that is neither melodramatic nor slow, but simply tells its story confidently the way it was meant to be told without trying to oversell it or “beef it up”.  One can only hope that other studios will take note and attempt to make more films like it, but alas this does not seem entirely likely.

 Many of us may have grown a bit tired of boxing films after all those Rocky films, which are admittedly pretty good boxing films, but still one grows tired of the same thing again and again. The Fighter, however, takes a much different approach than any of the Rocky films, as we really delve deep into the main character (Micky Ward). Rather than focusing on Micky Ward’s (played by an always charming Mark Wahlberg) training or his various fights as we often see in boxing movies, director David O. Russel chooses to focus more on Micky’s relationship with his family, especially with his brother Dicky (played by a remarkably thin Christian Bale here). The movie brings in several supporting characters and really makes us feel as if this story were really happening, and indeed the movie is in fact based upon a true story. Thankfully, Russel is very skilled at reminding us that this is in fact a real story without throwing it in our face. For example, when the movie begins it is presented in a documentary-type style, indeed there is a bit of a movie within a movie here before the film gradually transfers into a more typical film style.

 All of the characters are well rounded and we can see in each one of them their own selfish desires, even Micky is not immune to them. Neither is Micky’s girlfriend (the lovely Amy Adams), who seems to go overboard in her effort to separate him from his overbearing family. The film itself strives to teach its audience a few lessons, and it succeeds without ever really feeling preachy or melodramatic, which is quite an accomplishment unto itself.

Russell is truly effective at drawing us into the story, and to be honest I probably could have watched a film about any one of the various subplots and been satisfied, the boxing at the end really feels like icing on top of the cake. Of course, icing is often the best part of the cake, and that is truly the case in this film. Although we almost forget about Micky’s real goal amidst all the other drama, once the film reaches its climax we quickly realize this is the moment we have been waiting for all along.

Films like The Fighter seem to be rare now, but one can only wonder why. Perhaps there aren’t many special effects or much over-the-top action (although the fights at the end are plenty exciting), but the movie has what many other big films lack, a decent story and plot. The Fighter doesn’t try to make its story more than what it is with a loud blaring soundtrack or confusing dialogue and non-stop action, it simply tells its story, believing (correctly so) that it is good enough as is. Take note, Hollywood!

-Ryan Maples

Rating: 9.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0964517/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Europa Report (2013)

Europa Report is definitely not your average found-footage film. A fictional story about an international voyage to one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa Report is about scientists’ search for life outside of Earth, and how said voyage goes (predictably) horribly wrong. On its face this sounds a lot like Paranormal in space, but the pacing and cinematography serve to set this one apart.

It’s hard to know what to think of this film; the use of all the cameras on board of the vessel to present the whole story is very well done, and not nearly as distracting as many other found-footage movies of the past; also, the movie effectively makes you believe the crew is really in space and if you’re into astronomy there’s a lot for you to like in this one, but the fact remains, this movie is really slow.

The movie breaks up the footage of the crew with interview from scientists back on the ground, who tediously explain the mission and its purpose to us, which is honestly something I could have done without. It seems as if this is only done to try and foreshadow a horrible end for the astronauts on Europa, and also in part to stretch the length of the film, (it runs at a tight ninety minutes) but honestly it messes with the flow of the film and makes the whole movie less tense.

Another problem with the film is the wooden acting by all of the astronauts throughout. There are no recognizable American film stars in this one, but a few foreign actors that I recognized, such as Michael Nyqvist so it’s not as if these actors are inexperienced. However, I found it strange that for the most part the astronauts remain emotionless and cold through several, shall we say, emotional situations (no details in interest of spoilers) I don’t know if this was intentional or not, but it didn’t cause me to sympathize with the characters any more (if anything I sympathized less).

It’s hard to say much about the end without giving the whole movie away, but suffice it to say that most of the action takes place in the last twenty minutes. I definitely respect this movie for not going the jump-scare route that most found-footage horror movies tend to go (I’m looking at you Paranormal Activity 7), however, what does happen isn’t particularly exciting. In fact, a lot of what happens seems to be the consequences of questionable decisions made by the astronauts. In addition, I have to say I don’t understand the mentality of the crew; it’s clear that they are willing to risk their lives, despite the fact that many of them have families, all for the sake of proving that there is life elsewhere in the universe. Of course, I’m in full support of space exploration, and finding evidence of alien life would be ground-breaking, but I have to think my survival and my love for my family would have to come first, but I guess that must be why I’m not a scientist.

Europa Report is a confusing movie for me, I honestly can’t tell if I like it or not. On the one hand, the space footage is breath-taking and the idea behind the mission is original and refreshing; on the other hand, this movie simply lacks a heart and soul and fails to make me care about any of the characters. This is a shame because there is a real good film under the surface here. Really all Europa Report needs to make it a really good movie is a little less data and little more humanity. Of course if you’re obsessed with tales of space exploration this one is definitely up your alley, otherwise it has little else to offer.

-Ryan Maples

Rating: 6.75

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2051879/