Rogue One

Yesterday, I fulfilled one of my movie bucket list desires.  I saw the film Rogue One.  I had been wanting to see it since the opening day, but as time would have it, I needed to be other places before I could get to a theater.  Here’s my two and a half cents take on, what I found out this morning, was the most ironic of days to review this gem.  There are a whole bunch of twists and turns that really makes me want to, no, need to, see it again, possibly several times.

This is the glue that holds the Star Wars saga together.  As the theater manager said before the film started, the good news is, there is no Jar-Jar Binks, to which, an audible sigh of relief was heard from the crowd.  Due to the fact that it was Christmas Break, we were also treated to the ads that were shown during the Star Wars Holiday Special.  I’d love to have a copy of that film, no matter how bad it was, however, I do have some of the toys that were issued and shown in the ads.  That was something I didn’t expect and realized that 95% of the audience wasn’t even alive when the first (but now should read as Episode V) film made its way to the big screen in 1977.  Yikes, that’s forever and a day in most people’s books, but I digress.  You want to know about this film and why you should see it. 

My only real criticism is that it took me a while to understand the back story and warm up to the characters.  More input, please.  Once I got that foothold into the imagination of George Lucas and understood what the point of the film was, we were back in the saddle and galloping on into Space, the Final Frontier (yes, I know that’s Star Trek, but it’s so fitting) and looking for a way to stop evil from dominating the universe.  Someday, when the series is finally complete or before I’m too old and feeble to hold my head up and watch a movie (hint, won’t happen in my lifetime, even if I’m blind and deaf), I will watch from the first to last episode in the proper order, of course.

Felicity Jones and Diego Luna are the champions with Donnie Yen, Forest Whitaker, Alan Tudyk (voice only) and a cast of thousands, who, by a series of Force-u-nate events carry-on the work of the Rebel Alliance.  Of note, Mr. Tudyk has a lovely turn as the voice of a snarky robot (seems reasonable), he does snarky so well, reminds me of the PG rated Iron Giant.  In any case, you’ll be wowed by the special effects and I’m not just talking blowing things up or traveling at hyper-speed.  This is an amazing film.  It’s not “tidy”, it takes big risks, and brings the meaning of the Force into full play.  In other words, how in the heck can you call yourself a Star Wars Fan if you don’t see this film?  Rating:  3.75 Light Sabers  Rest in Peace Carrie Fisher. 

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

The joy of Thanksgiving this year was the chance to get to see this film.  I’m a died in the wool Harry Potter fan, start to finish.  I’ve ready all the books, seen and own all the films.  I read the screenplay beforehand, and I can tell you outright that you won’t be disappointed with the transition from page to screen.  If anything, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  Eddie Redmayne is Newt Scamander, 100%.  The risks this actor takes are incredible.  He exudes magic from every single pore.  The beasts are CGI, of course, and yet, so real.  It must be terribly perplexing to react to something that you literally can’t see, but hey, that’s why they (actors) get paid the big bucks. 

Set in the Roaring 20s, New York, the story takes place 70 years in advance of Harry Potter’s arrival.  Newt has travelled all the way from Hogwarts on a ship.  Would that we could travel as lightly as he.  There’s magical murder afoot and the mystery begins, what I’m told, is a series of books and films.  J.K. Rowling has beautifully incorporated our understanding of the differences between the magical communities in England and the United States.  She’s introduced us to a character who is environmentally conscious, and shows us that compassion for animals is something that transcends the “real” world, and love is love whether you’re a muggle or a no-maj, a witch or a wizard. 

I don’t know how many of you have seen The Hudsucker Proxy (you know, it’s for the kids); this gave me the same feeling and I’m looking forward to many more stories and films to come.  As Billy Joel sang, “It’s just a fantasy, whoaoaoho, it’s not the real thing, ohohohoh.  Sometimes a fantasy, is all you need”.  Thank you Ms. Rowling…I needed that.  Rating:  a Niffler, an Erumpent, a Demiguise, and of course, Frank. 

Ghostbusters (2016)

Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon….now that I’ve listed the names of these four amazing women, you must know that they are extremely brave.  Not because “they ain’t ‘fraid of no ghosts”, but because they took on the monumental task of recreating a cinematic comic masterpiece and gender-bending it.  Harold Ramis (Egon Spengler) in the original and writer, couldn’t be in the remake, but I’m pretty sure he would have approved.  Along with Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts, who cameo throughout, much like Stan Lee in the Marvel films, we have Chris Hemsworth on board as the worst assistant, but cutest, on the planet.  He puts the “D” in dumb.  All of the players are tightly held to the belief that ghosts are slimy (ectoplasm), scary (boney, skinless, ethereal, and sometimes dangerous), have a link to the present (that’s why they haven’t moved on), and if given the opportunity, would scare the bejesus out of anyone who messed with their space.  This also reinforced my dislike for dark basements.  It will scare little children…do not think that it won’t.  That being said…this is a remake, not a carbon copy of the original.  The ladies are on a mission and I, for one would love to see a sequel.  I heard something really weird, what's 'Zuul'?  If you don’t come away believing that Kate McKinnon is one of the most chameleon-like actresses of this century, you haven’t been watching her work.  They’re all phenomenally talented and I’m anxious to see this again, because I’m sure there’s a ton of stuff I missed the first time.  So, who you gonna call?….say it with me folks:  Ghostbusters!  Rating: Do…Re….Egon!

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

And they lived peculiarly together forever after.  That's not a spoiler, believe it or not, it's a fact.  The stories that intertwine and evolve from this quirky and somewhat disturbing tale of children who are kept out of the mainstream from other "normal" children is pretty fascinating.  Everyone, not just a few people here and there, from whatever culture, or country, or time, can be considered peculiar, just in different degrees.  We're talking about extremes here, from the ability to heat the house with ungloved hands, morphing (ala Mystique), to the ability to change from a bird to a human and back again. 

Tim Burton has taken on a monumentally complicated task of interpreting the books by Ransom Riggs and the adapted screenplay by Jane Goldman (Kickass, Kingsman-The Queen's Secret Service, X-Men:  Days of Future Past and X-Men:  First Class) to the Campbell's condensed version of a story that spans decades and an unlimited imagination.  The combination of these three and the casting has resulted in a look at what possibly could be considered a new classic fantasy for Mr. Burton.  This is sort of an Alice (Jake) In Wonderland/Wizard of Oz from Hell with the Wicked Witch of the West played by none other than Samuel L. Jackson and a time warp that will take you from present day to 1943 and WWII Wales and England in a heartbeat.

Although the story deals with children, peculiar or not, it is not a movie for little children.  There are examples of extremely disturbing imagery, monsters and mayhem.  The special effects are dynamite and some of the peculiarities are definitely laughable, while others are downright scary.  Asa Butterfield, as our "hero", Jake,  has matured into a young man who, in an earlier time, would have made a perfect "Harold" to Ruth Gordon's "Maude".  In fact, if that film is ever remade, I'm voting for him in the lead.  Additional actors of note, Alison Janney, Terrance Stamp, Chris O'Dowd, and Rupert Everett, and everso briefly, Dame Judi Dench.  Eva Green is the morphing, pipe-smoking Miss Alma LeFaye Peregrine, and the lovely and talented Ella Purnell is Emma, our high floating dream girl who literally can take your breath away.  Oh, now I'm hearing The Police in my head.  Rating:  The eyes have it, with or without sauce (3.4 stars). 

Definitely check out all three of the books:  Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, Hollow City, and Library of Lost Souls...and as an extra treat, Tales of the Peculiar.    

The Jungle Book - 2016

It’s barely necessary to do this review, but here goes anyway.  From Sabu to relative newcomer, Neel Sethi, Rudyard Kipling’s classic Jungle Book has taken on a new feel.  This is a drop-dead gorgeous film.  It captures the beauty of the landscape and the lushness of the jungles of India.  The animals are CGI and so real, you’d swear they can speak English.  Shere Khan is one heck of a scary tiger and Mowgli is one heck of a plucky man-cub/wolf, who’s also part panther, bear, monkey, and antelope.  The voice actors are simply wonderful—Sir Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Bill Murray as Baloo, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Lupita Nyong’o as Raskshi, Christopher Walken as King Louie (he lives up to the title), and Idris Elba as Shere Khan.  Of note, a prickly little porcupine is on hand to start off the action and is voiced by the late Garry Shandling.  Not as “cartoony”, but still has the basic feel of the animated Disney version enjoyed by my niece and I so many years ago.  We couldn’t stop singing the songs on the way home.  The songs are incorporated subtly and a flood of memories come to the surface.  There are really great ending credits, so I’d suggest you stick around before the logo comes on and you’re at the blue screen.  As far as age group….I’d recommend a range starting at around 8 and older.  There are some scenes that will make you jump and for a little kid, a good scare lasts a long time.  Unless you’re ready to forgo sleep because somebody has regular nightmares that don’t include Mike Wachowski…I suggest you view this gem first to determine if your little ones will need to wait a few years.  I, for one, will watch this again, and again, because I believe a well-made film really is one of the bare necessities of life. Rating:  a bunch of bananas, a temple full of monkeys, a swing through the trees, and a ride on the back of an elephant.       

Jurassic World

Oops, they did it again, only this time it's Disneyfied dinosaur sea world, with Rock'em Sock'em Raptors.  I believe this was predicted in the first episode of Jurassic Park.  Maybe the people attending this wonderful new concept in terror should have taken a cue from the first three films.  I'm sure somebody took notes, and would not have gone there had they realized how many things can go awry just by messing with dinosaur DNA.

Bryce Dallas Howard has the best hair and make-up people on the planet.  That, however, is not enough to save this film from disaster with a capital "D".  The special effects are probably some of the best you'll ever see and the fact that most of it lent itself to 3D visually is a plus.  I've never wanted a helicopter, ever, until now.  Beige platform heels; I've run in heels before, up-hill even, but this film has the character, Claire, walking and running in terrain that you wouldn't even stand in, unless you're wearing steel-toe hip waders.

The characters and the premise is just plain "make you jump scary".  Chris Pratt is establishing himself as the next generation action hero...he's funny, physical, and slightly left of center.  Please don't make him the next Batman or Spiderman.  I just can't wrap my head around that, more Guardians of the Galaxy, sil vous please. 

Five supporting actors that caught my attention were B.D. Wong (The Freshman), Vincent d'Onofrio (Men In Black), Irrfan Khan (The Namesake, Life Of Pi), Omar Sy (The Intouchables), and Jake Johnson (The New Girl).    Without them, there would be no Jurassic World and no need for this review, so kudos to them all for playing in no particular order good and evil.    

So, they're baaaack, rent the DVD, oh heck, if you're that much into it, buy it, but remember this line, always:  "Run!"   Rating:  2 1/2 Stars...and an E-ticket to Disneyland. 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Has it really been 30 years since “The Return of the Jedi”?  Wow!  My, how time flies when you’re having fun.  In all honesty, I wish we could have forgone the “prequels” and just started up with this continuation; no Jar-Jar Binks, or crazy compatibility-free relationships.  We know Darth Vader is Luke and Leia’s real dad and so pointing out something that was already clear, just seemed a bit redundant, however, with this go, the questions continue right up to the last scene, as in “Where’s Luke?  Although everyone in the series is from a planet long ago and far away, this is a more “human” portrayal of the dark side than I think we’ve ever been exposed to in any of the first six episodes.  It reminded me, just a very tiny bit, of the Death Star Cafeteria by Eddie Izzard.  If you’re not familiar with this, it’s a conversation between a Cafeteria worker serving lunch to Lord Darth Vader.  Definitely worth a peek on YouTube or wherever you can get a listen.  So, in the infamous words of Diane Keaton in “Sleeper”, “rebels are we, steadfast and free”, but not if the dark side has anything to say about it.  The galaxy/universe is a big place, so why beings with magical mystical supernatural powers want to oppress others and not find a place where they can be happy and free and do their own thing without demanding others go with them, is totally beyond me.  It’s probably just me, but I think the strongest character is Rey, the “orphan”.  She’s had to kick-butt and take names for an awfully long time.  Follow her up with Finn, a recently defected Stormtrooper with a Han Solo attitude, a couple of new villains, a roly-poly droid, and some key members of the franchise and we’re off on a new adventure in that galaxy long ago and far away.  J.J. Abrams is at the helm under the wings of Disney and the transition, to say the very least, is brilliant.  Rating:  Pick a laser sword, any laser sword…blue, green, red, purple = 4 stars and may the Force be with you.

Hail Caesar

I was so looking forward to seeing this comedy by the Coen brothers and hoped, upon hope that this would be as good as something like O’ Brother Where for Art Thou?  Sadly, it was just “meh”.  The closest I could compare it to is Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (a film I’ve yet to not fall asleep to, even in a theater—sorry Steve Martin…I just can’t keep my head up even though it was brilliantly edited with clips and actors from some of my favorite film noir classics).  I couldn’t really get past the bullet delivery and disjointed dialogue.  It’s sort of like waking up from a conk on the head similar to what the “hero”, although it’s hard to say who the “hero” really is here and understanding that he’s just screwed the pooch by becoming a part of the issue instead of solving the problem.  Josh Brolin is the pivot point…he runs a fictional movie studio who’s dealing with personal issues, trying to stop smoking, keep his contract actors on the up-and-up, stop the local gossip hounds from destroying careers, and  complete a biblical epic similar to The Robe/Quo Vadis/The Ten Commandments/Spartacus/and-or Ben Hur.  It’s so bad you’d think they put it together with a giant can of Cheez Whiz.  This is not to say that the entire movie was bad, there are some very bright spots.  For example:  Scarlett Johansson (a semi-reasonable facsimile of Esther Williams), Channing Tatum (tapping his way into the hearts of manly men in uniform everywhere), Ralph Fiennes (a director without an equal in delivering lines using the Queen’s English), Alden Ehrenreich (the singing stunt cowboy who is phenomenal on a horse with a rope, but not so much as a debonair man about town), and we get an ever-so brief glimpse of the divine Frances McDormand (Mrs. Joel Coen).  As always in a period piece by the Coen’s, attention to detail is extraordinary.  If nothing else, I would give this a big thumbs up for the set design, hair and make-up, and costume design.  Although I’ll probably see this once again when it’s out on DVD or streamed or something digital…I can’t recommend it until then, so it’s getting a 2-star salute to films in the forties.