Aug 25: RocknRolla

"In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, attracting some of the city's scrappiest tough guys and its more established underworld types, all of whom are looking to get rich quick. While the city's seasoned criminals vie for the cash, an unexpected player -- a drugged out rock 'n' roller presumed to be dead but very much alive"

Directed by: Guy Ritchie, Rated: R, 114 minutes

A Guy Ritchie film is always a unique film, combining high energy with wild characters and even wilder situations. RocknRolla is no exception to that fact and while it's not Ritchie's strongest outing, it still proves incredibly entertaining. Sure, the plot can be a little confusing at times as there is so much going on and so many different people in the film but, once it's over, you don't feel like you missed anything. Hell, a painting at the central part of the story is just a MacGuffin to move the plot forward. Once you realize that, it's all easy riding from there. Ritchie is a master of dialogue and RocknRolla features wise-cracking, genius writing that makes the characters even more enjoyable. The film can be quoted just as much as his other films and has equally memorable moments. 

The lack of Mickey is disheartening. 

The film follows Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson), a mob boss who has control over the real estate in London. The Wild Bunch, a group of criminals named OneTwo (Gerard Butler), Mumbles (Idris Elba), and Handsome Bob (Tom Hardy), look for a way to make money quick and turn to Lenny for help. After Lenny f**ks them over, the Wild Bunch look for a way to get back at him. Uri, a Russian developer who Lenny owes quite a lot of money to, agrees to help Lenny with his real estate business and gives him a painting to hold for "good luck". Unknowingly, the Wild Bunch steals Uri's money while Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell) steals the painting. This piece of art shifts many hands throughout the film, including Stella's (Thandie Newton), a smart woman who knows the books as well as the streets, and even a couple of junkies who pawn it off for a "fix". As each party attempts to get away with the money or the painting, Lenny seeks revenge against the Wild Bunch and will do whatever it takes to get it back. If the list of actors wasn't impressive enough, the film also features Jeremy Piven, Ludacris, Marc Strong, and Karel Roden. 

I would totally watch a movie following just these guys and their "shaky" music-producing careers. 

The best part of the movie is the cast. Butler, Hardy, and Elba easily carry the film as the Wild Bunch and the chemistry the three have together is so entertaining, you can't help but wonder how close they are in real life. After 300, Butler kind of faded into the romantic comedy and super (stupid) drama worlds, so seeing him in a legit comedy caper (with a good amount of action) is so much more refreshing. Idris Elba, who as I have stated needs to be in so much more, constantly exudes his "cool factor" and Hardy, as Bob, is more hilarious than you can imagine. The situations that play out with him and Butler are not only surprising, but so entertaining. However, the man who steals the show is Toby Kebbell as Johnny. He's quite the eccentric character who doesn't seem right in the head but still seeks his revenge on Lenny. Hands down, Johnny has the best lines in the film and his jumping from coked out "philosopher" to violent criminal is perfect. I've mentioned how much I've enjoyed Kebbell in my Dead Man's Shoes and Wrath of the Titans reviews, and with RocknRolla, I'm even more surprised why he's not popping up everywhere. 

RocknRolla follows a familiar formula for Ritchie fans but does it with such gusto and pizzazz you can easily accept it as it's own original movie. The film is just too fun to hate and I would highly recommend it. While it's not as good as Ritchie's previous outings, Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, it's another great edition to his filmography. It's also worth noting that the film ends with a tease that the Wild Bunch will be back for a second movie and certainly leaves you wanting more. The film has been out for four years though and Ritchie is busy with the Sherlock Holmes franchise, so any hope for a sequel may be futile. 

The Good:

a phenomenal cast that's clearly having fun making the movie, and I can only imagine are dying to come back for a sequel

The Bad:

a story that's a little too messy...

The Ugly:

...and a conclusion that leaves much to be desired 

Overall: 7.5/10

Trailer:

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March 25: Green Lantern

"A test pilot is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe." 

   Next to Batman, Green Lantern is one of my favorite superheroes and thus, I highly anticipated this film. I first watched it when it was first released and I felt very neutral about it. I think my love for the character hindered my ability to see through the mess of the film and now, after re-watching it, I have learned the error of my ways. Green Lantern is a horrible film that completely tarnishes the Emerald Knight and all of the incredible mythology wrapped around him. After finishing the film, I felt very similar to how I felt after watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull- a beloved character brutally murdered by poor writing and over-the-top special effects. 

Rest in peace, Dr. Jones... rest in peace

  If you look at Green Lantern on paper, you'd think there's a masterpiece in the works. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Marc Strong (Sinestro... hell yes), and directed by Martin Campbell, one would think nothing could go wrong. Somehow, it does, and it gets worse the more you watch. Now, Reynolds is Hal Jordan, the ace fighter pilot who becomes the Green Lantern and he fits the role perfectly, bringing his natural charm and charisma to the part. But, even then, it can't save the film. Martin Campbell directed Casino Royale and you would think that the action sequences would be at least similar to those in the Bond flick. Everything's just too over-the-top, including the special effects, and it completely takes away from any sense of danger or peril given by the action, as well as the human factor to the Green Lantern as a superhero. The film really should have been named Green Screen, because everything is computer generated. 

$200 million right here

   Green Lantern could have been so much better. The stars were aligned and a good man was at the helm, but clearly all of the budget went to making it look pretty and not on the script. It may be that the mythology of the Green Lantern is just too vast and deep to ever bring it to film in the proper way. One of the weakest parts of the script is having to explain how everything happens, who everyone is, and why it's all happening. The film does have a post-credits scene building up to a sequel that could be badass, and it teases you about what could be. Here's hoping all the mistakes of Green Lantern will be repaired by its sequel and that The Emerald Knight can have the movie he deserves. 

The Good:

Ryan Reynolds does the best he can with what he's given and I fully believe his casting was very smart

The Bad:

the film is about 80% CGI and it's more of a video game than a movie

The Ugly:

a disgustingly bad script with awful dialogue

Extra Ugly:

Blake Lively continually trying to act and being taken seriously

Overall: 4.8/10

Best Quote:

No, nope, never, nay, not going to happen

Trailer:

Jan 27: Kick-Ass

"Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so."

   Kick-Ass is a one of a kind movie that takes every piece of superhero lore and turns it on its violent, badass side. I figure the only way to end "The Glorification of the Great Nicolas Cage" week is with a brutally epic finish. I remember seeing Kick-Ass in theaters and wanting to go out on the streets and fight bad guys myself. After another viewing, I still have that urge, and if these blog entries stop after tonight, you know I have committed my life to fighting crime... or died trying.

   The film follows a teenage nerd who thinks he has what it takes to be a superhero and meets other actual "heroes" in the process of becoming one himself. When I was his age, I just kept praying that I would be bitten by a radioactive spider or find out that I'm an alien from a planet far away. This kid actually does something about that desire to be a hero, and he really does kick a lot of ass. Sure, a lot of the stuff he goes through and the things he can get away with seem far-fetched, but the way everything goes down is just too cool to question. There are a handful of action sequences that are not only filmed well but scream badass louder than Clint Eastwood riding a flying Velociraptor into a space-war to fight Hitler. 

No camera could capture such epic-ness.

   Nicolas Cage finally has a role (post National Treasure) that is absolutely made for him. He plays Big Daddy, a more violent, mustached version of Batman and even channels his inner Adam West when he's in costume. One of the coolest scenes in Kick-Ass is when Cage fights his way into a warehouse and brutally murders a group of thugs, all set to the theme from 28 Days Later. Everyone else is just as good in their roles, and each character has a moment to show how much they can kick ass themselves. 

Yes. 

   Overall, Kick-Ass is the kind of action film you want to take home to your mother...if she doesn't mind getting punched in the face. The film has just the right amount of over-the-top violence, action and cheese that you can't help but love it. Nicolas Cage is amazing in his role, and Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) shows he really can do what his name states. Chloe Grace Moretz is the one to reckon with as Hit Girl, who dishes out the most beatings, kills, and f-bombs in the entire film. Kick-Ass has everything you would want in an action movie and a superhero movie. Imagine a time and place where Batman wouldn't just throw his villains into prison, but slit their throats and shotgun them in the face, and you get Kick-Ass. 

Sight: The visuals fit the plot very well, each action scene showing the visceral carnage and rage behind each beating and killing in all sorts of ways (including a scene lit by gun fires and a first person night-vision view of the bad guys).

Sound: A lot of the songs in Kick-Ass' score will sound familiar, as a lot of the music is borrowed from other media. However, the recognition of the songs makes the scenes feel even cooler. 

Skill: Great casting all around as each actor fills his/her role with ease. And, everyone looks like they are having too much fun... you get jealous. 

Script: Great one-liners and with a simple script, Kick-Ass does just that as simple as possible without an over-cluttered story or an overload of villains. 

Overall: 8.6/10

Best Quote:

Damon: "So... Have you thought a little more about what you might want for your birthday?" 
Mindy: "Can I get a puppy?" 
Damon: [surprised] "You wanna get a dog?" 
Mindy: "Yeah, a cuddly fluffy one, and a Bratz movie-star make over Sasha!" 
[Damon is stunned] 
Mindy: [laughs] "I'm just fuckin' with you Daddy! Look, I'd love a Benchmade model 42 butterfly knife." 
Damon: [relieved] "Oh, child... You always knock me for a loop!"

Jan 12: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy*

"In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons."

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is not a movie for everyone. This is a movie that may be too smart for its own good. This is not a popcorn flick, nor is it something you can just have on in the background while you do stuff around the house. You need to sit down and focus, and I know a lot of people who can't do that. I actually had a couple leave about thirty minutes into the movie. So thus, this review will be my first super serious one. 

  The plot is simple- George Smiley (Gary Oldman) must figure out who the mole is at MI6. The ensuing attempt, however, is not that simple. The film cuts to flashbacks quite often, and you are left to your own devices to figure out what time frame of the scene you are watching. The location is constantly changing as well. With all of this jumping around, the audience is just as puzzled as Smiley, trying to solve the mystery. I believe this was all intentional. 

   The acting in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is absolutely phenomenal. Lead by Oldman, the cast never misses a beat. This is a movie driven nearly completely on the dialogue, and a cast this good was needed for this film to succeed. Oldman has had a career of playing a variety of characters, from the Dracula to Sirrius Black. This role is much more grounded and "normal" than a lot of his roles. The smallest nuances he has, from the way he moves his mouth to the way he touches his coat, are so perfect. Every little detail adds to his character, and he completely becomes George Smiley. One scene stands out, where he is retelling of his encounter with a captured Soviet. Instead of using a flashback, Tomas Alfredson (the director), let's Oldman act it out as though it is happening now. I read the script for this scene before I saw the movie, and seeing Oldman act it out was beyond any imagining I had. 

  Speaking of directing, Alfredson is masterful. The camera is almost a peeping tom, spying in on all of the actors and their actions. Many scenes are seen through windows and from a far that it really feels like you are just watching in on the events unfolding. The sound is exceptional as well, with just as much attention to the detail. The opening of a wrapper, the buttering of toast, and even the tiniest drops of rain are captured and intensified, contrasting with the silence and almost distracting the viewer. Again, I believe this is all to throw the viewer off, and have the reveal all that more suspenseful. 

  One of my only complaints of the film is how easy it is to get lost in the dialogue. Although the script is smart and tight, the characters use a lot of names you don't quite know the faces to until later in the film. 

  Overall, I found Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to be an exceptional film and worthy of a viewing. I would love to have this film shown in a class or group and have everyone dissect it and give opinion. There is just so much on the screen that cannot be absorbed in one viewing, and I cannot wait to see this film again. 

Sight: Filmed with the grittiness of the 1970s, the camera work is praise worthy as you feel you are merely peeking inside the world of espionage. 

Sound: With a large portion of the soundtrack being from a direct source (radio, singing, record player), and the sound effects heightened, you feel you are really submersed in the world of the characters. 
Skill: Every actor in this film deserves praise, but it is Gary Oldman that absolutely steals the show. He is a master of his craft. 
Script: Well written and very suspenseful, the puzzle is slowly unraveled to a very exciting conclusion. 

Overall: 9.7/10

Best Quote: 

George Smiley: "We are not so very different, you and I. We've both spent our lives looking for the weaknesses in one another."