Transcendence - Half Baked Cautionary Tale

Transcendence is a science fiction cautionary tale from first time director Wally Pfister. It tells the story of Doctors Will and Evelyn Caster, played by Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall, who are pioneers in the artificial intelligence field with a particular passion for creating one that is fully sentient. After Will is fatally poisoned by a rogue anti technology terrorist group, Evelyn makes the irresponsible decision to upload her husbands consciousness and thereby makes him a self aware intelligence system who is now omniscient throughout the internet and soon the world.

A cautionary tale of the risks that follow when human beings decide to play God is meant to be fascinating and raise intriguing questions that an audience can wrestle with; however Transcendence has a tragic weakness when the film fails to take a strong stance on what it actually thinks about the topic. At moments, Dr Will Caster's consciousness is making a positive difference and developing methods that can save ailing humans and the Earth itself. There is never a moment in the film when the audience is filled with real dread or concern at the thought that this advanced intelligence system will spiral out of control and hurt the human race. Nor are the human "antagonists" so unreasonable that they prove the the necessary of the intelligence system.

This issue is further perpetuated by the lack of development for the main character of Evelyn Caster, who has so many opinions and ideas at the beginning of the film but is rendered a useless puppet once her husband dies and she's moved like a plot pawn instead of an active character contributing to the story. The same can be said of supporting actors Paul Bettany and Morgan Freeman whose talents are reduced to lines of exposition.

While it's a pleasure to watch a science fiction film that tries to tackle an issue that is quite relevant in our technology obsessed culture, it is ultimately unfortunate when a plot about sentient intelligence fails to express its ideas clearly and ironically lacks the necessary self awareness. (C-)

Noah - A Sinking Ship

Noah (2014)

Noah (according to Moses) tells the story of a man, husband, and father, who due to his holy life, gains favour with his creator. Through a dream, it is revealed that God, fed up with mankind's wicked ways, has decided a great flood will wipe humans from the face of the Earth. Noah is tasked with building a great ark and starting over with his family and a male and female of every living animal. Noah, according to Darren Aronofsky and Paramount Pictures, is the latest in what will be a string of many grand scale films based on biblical stories.

Aronofsky and studio executives unfortunately struggled with using the simple story laid out above and decided to weigh down the plot with extraneous side stories that turn this apocalyptic tale into an obligatory blockbuster. From teenage tantrums of not being able to find a spouse in time, to Noah turning into a deluded psychopath considering infanticide, to a more than contrite final showdown between Noah and the leader of a small tribe. While dedicating screen time to these mini conflicts, we eventually lose the humanity behind what is meant to be the end of the world and therefore lack emotional investment when all is eventually lost and then found again.

Russell Crowe does do justice portraying the reluctant titular hero and gracefully transitions from environmentalist to tyrannical ship captain to doubting man whose heart wrenching struggles go unanswered by a God who has gone silent. Crowe's acting ability is one of the only things that makes Noah remotely watchable for all its 138 minutes. One thing also worth mentioning, is the films beautiful visual effects, some that bring about awe inspiring images from stony fallen angels, to the massive deluge from first drop to global wasteland, and finally the most stunning representation of the creation story that I've ever seen.

We live in a time where technological advancements will allow us to imagine and portray the imaginative stories of the Bible but this cannot be the only focus of these films. Unfortunately for Noah, the visuals, while gorgeously executed, and the competent acting were not enough to float this drowning drama. (C-)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - A Mighty Marvel

Captain America: The Winter Solider is the latest in the single hero installments of the Marvel super heroes franchise. After the less than stellar showings of Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World, my thoughts for The Winter Soldier were less than optimistic. However, directors Anthony and Joe Russo have managed to shift Steve Rogers from a less than interesting human Popsicle and transform him into a mature and moodier presence that shifts the series in a more serious tone.

Chris Evans and Scarlett Johannsen's subtle performances help develop their characters into more than the two dimensional one liner suppliers that we were previously used to, however they are helped by Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan who hold their own as supporting characters the Falcon and Winter Soldier. This sequel also pleases audiences with some very intriguing new world order espionage plot full of backstabbing, assassination attempts, and enemies hidden in every corner.
What's most impressive about The Winter Soldier is the technical levels director brothers Anthony and Joe Russo elevate the film to. Well cut scenes from hand to hand combats to wide sweeping VFX driven sequences that put some other Marvel films to shame.

Overall, there were a few moments that could have been left on the cutting room floor and one does have to get past the fact that a simple text to some super friends would have expedited the solving of this epic crisis, however Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a visual treat that is sure to dazzle young and older fans alike- definitely worth a trip to the theatres. (B+)

Jack the Giant Slayer- Fun Folktale

Jack the Giant Slayer is a fantasy action adventure from director Bryan Singer, which features Nicholas Hoult as Jack, the plucky protagonist who unwittingly participates in an evil plot to bring about a reunion of war between mankind and the resentful giants who live between Heaven and Earth- and at the same time must rescue the Princess in distress, who he happens to be in love with.

The story is simple and the stakes are high: save the Princess and stop the giants or all is lost. Bryan Singer, along with his talented cast, competently takes the audience on a whirlwind adventure filled with laughter, scares, thrills, the ever handsome Ewan McGregor, and most of all FUN.

Not the most artfully made film and certainly won't be in an Oscar pool any time soon, but it was definitely a pleasure to sit back, relax, and be taken on this adventure.

Django Unchained- Freedom Reigns

Django Unchained is the highly charged exploitation film from director Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Fox, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio, which pays homage to the 1966 Italian spaghetti western with the same named protagonist. Tarantino, fearlessly and unapologetic, paints a controversial time in American history to portray a heart wrenching and graphic revenge story fueled by true love while testifying to the endurance of the human spirit in the most dire of circumstances.

Tarantino takes the traditional heroes journey and sets it against a time that not many directors are willing to tackle, especially when including moments of African American slavery rife with humor and purely exploitative and often gratuitous violence. But it is all in good faith as the viewer trusts the director and actors' nervy head first dive into a project that oozes with passion.

The landscapes are beautiful, direction is motivated and stunning, the soundtrack is sublime, Christoph Waltz is a shoe in for another Oscar nomination but he'll have to wrestle Leonardo DiCaprio for the win as his portrayal of the evil plantation owner Monsieur Candie still gives me heart palpitations.

What a treat to watch a film unafraid of offending and is quite frankly one of the best of 2012 and is a project I think Quentin Tarantino should be very proud of.

Cloud Atlas- One Drop That Ripples

Cloud Atlas is the ambitious Wachowski siblings (writers of The Matrix Trilogy and V For Vendetta) film, adapted from the brilliant science fiction novel written by David Mitchell. The story travels through the intimate lives of seven seeming individuals whose journey's inevitably connect and intertwine over the span of almost 2000 years.

The movie is beautiful but the real gift that comes from this film are the actors' natural abilities (with the aid makeup and prosthetics) to take on the characters they represent in each of the separate seven stories that eventually stream together as one. The other treat is the masterful editing skills of Alexander Berner who constantly cuts between the separate story lines yet naturally brings them together as one cohesive thought that impels an audience to follow along.

Everything is connected. We are all one and even the smallest drop in an ocean significantly contributes to that ocean- thoughts we've heard before but Cloud Atlas and the Wachowski's effortlessly drive this theme home through this creative and ambitious film adaptation.

The scope of their vision is to be admired and Cloud Atlas is a must see for science fiction fans who love the journey just as much as the destination.

Argo- Nothing Fake About this Film

Argo, the latest thriller from director Ben Affleck, is a recounting of actual events surrounding the Canadian Caper- a 1979 joint rescue mission of six American diplomats in Iran by the Canadian government and the American CIA. Affleck flawlessly directs a suspenseful tale filled with engaging characters, a simple yet gripping plot, and stunning cinematography featuring barely discernible CG effects used to convincingly portray a 1970's America and Iran.

Even knowing the eventual happy ending, Argo successfully keeps it audience on the edge of their seats as it creatively takes one on the harrowing journey from beginning to end, while respectfully showing a particularly stressful period in North America's political history. It is a pleasant surprise to see such attention to detail, natural acting, and an emphasis placed on quality film directing.

Argo is a definite must see for cinema lovers everywhere who are looking for more than a sequel or remake.

Looper- A Time Bending Must See

Looper is a futuristic time travelling action film from the mind of Rian Johnson (director of Brick) and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. The actors play one man, Joe, a "looper" who in the year 2042 begins murdering individuals that the futuristic mob deems necessary to kill from 2072. The job of a looper is clear and the retirement package is finite- when the mob is done with you, they close your loop by sending back your futuristic self along with a delicious gold payload that signifies the beginning of a looper's final 30 years.

The plot is simple enough and doesn't dare try to justify or explain the complications that such time travel would entail. The movie is filmed efficiently with style despite limitations and does its best to present a plausible looking future world, however, all is not perfect. Rian Johnson throws in some plot points that seem forced- better yet pushed in order for the audience to accept the events that have to inevitably happen (i.e. do we really need the presence of TK mutants? Well you better remember this fact, it will probably become part of the plot in 30 or so minutes when Joseph and Bruce get tired of chasing each other).

What's appreciated in this film is the dedication to the cause. It is genuinely refreshing to see a talented director/writer give their all in trying to create a new and stimulating science fiction film. Looper is ultra slick, violent, creative, and incredibly tense. There were real moments when the audience ohh'd and ahh'd together at gruesome or pleasantly surprising scenes. Furthermore, it is a delight to see a cast of well rounded and very talented actors (in particular, Joseph Gordon-Levitt who takes on Bruce Willis' mannerisms and tone with seasoned ease) present an engaging story that definitely kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Resident Evil Retribution- Dangerously Cheesy

It's difficult to adjust ones mindset when beginning to enjoy a movie from the Resident Evil movie franchise. Paul WS Anderson is not a creative director and Mila Jovovich, while stunning and never aging, is not in the running for an Oscar any time soon- however, the latest installment of Resident Evil Retribution does something quite wonderful and that is revolutionizing the concept of a "video game" movie.

To be more specific, it's quite enjoyable to follow a main protagonist literally walk from level to level as a computer program dictates which bad guys or bosses they will fight and which weapons they will employ in order to make it to the end of the "game". It is also refreshing to watch a project that employs the use of RealD technology, with purpose, in every scene.

What's unfortunately disappointing in this film is watching Paul WS Anderson lose all of the minimal character development he took the time to establish in the first Resident Evil film (which personally remains my favorite in the series). It is also a bit heartbreaking to watch the opening sequence, of a gorgeous reverse slow motion action packed scene, filmed to technical perfection and then watch the quality of the acting and story slowly decline to the final frame.

But for a good time, not to be taken seriously, Resident Evil Retribution provides an audience with non stop RealD action that stays true to the creative concept of a video game film adaptation.

Expendables 2: Can't Beat The Classics

Is it going to win an Oscar? Hell No. Will Stallone get that SAG award he's been dreaming of? Not a chance. Is this an enjoyable action film that keeps the excitement moving from scene to scene while producing genuine laughs as you scream, "It's the muscles from Brussels" at the screen? You bet his sweet buns it is.

The second installment of the Expendables franchise is missing a lot- critically acclaimed actors, sweeping landscape shots, slow motion walking, meaningful soliloquies, but in what it lacks there one finds a mighty treasure... genuine nostalgia. Expendables 2 does its audience the pleasure of bringing back their favorite 80s and 90s and current action stars while placing them in impossible situations that they always manage to fight their way through.

It's oddly refreshing to watch a trailer and receive exactly what it promises to deliver. Expendables 2 isn't meant to be epic, not many films are, and nor does it try to be; however it excels at doing what most franchise reboots and sequels fail at: having fun.

Overall it's a good time played to a rocking soundtrack and where else in this time are we going to be able to say, "is that Chuck Norris coming out of the fog in this abandoned Albanian town?"...

The Bourne Legacy- Spy vs Spy?

The Bourne Legacy attempts to catch us up to six weeks after the havoc Jason Bourne stirs around in The Bourne Ultimatum, by introducing us to Aaron Cross (played by Jeremy Renner)- a slightly different kind of super spy who relies on regimented genetic drug enhancements to make him faster, stronger, and yes, even smarter. The only trouble with this is Aaron Cross has to wrestle with the ghost of Jason Bourne and the direction in this movie doesn't make it easy (it also doesn't help to mention Jason Bourne's name literally every two minutes within the first hour of the film).

Immediately, the audience is subjected to the usual tactless "Bourne" trademarks: vomit inducing hand held cameras, fast paced string music that indicates when one should become excited, constant running so that each chase scene becomes more mundane than ever thought possible, the scene in the bathroom where the hero and the damsel make meaningful eye contact, and frequent cuts back to the frantic CIA agents who always try to track their man but unfortunately fall one step behind him. 

But as long as the main protagonist has an interesting story line (i.e. forgetting ones memory and painfully coming to the realization that the patriotic work you do may not be completely on the level) then things should remain engaging right? Exactly, and that's why it's a little hard to empathize with Aaron Cross when he's crossing the country and risking his and Rachel Weisz' life to get more of drugs that make him super awesome.

All complaining aside, on it's own, The Bourne Legacy is an average to good action movie. It is proficiently filmed, has interesting locations, the fight scenes are choreographed well (when you can catch them between camera movements), and the acting is pulled off with ease. However, when attempting to expand a franchise without its most familiar face, one can't help but ask the question: what was the point?

Total Recall- No thanks, I Prefer Forgetting

What's in a name? Apparently nothing because after seeing the Len Wiseman remake of Total Recall, it is clear he and his producers gave no thought to how to make this film great. It seems this day in age, that with competent actors and more than lovely CGI/digital effects, that all that's left to do is write a story filled with depth and passion- unfortunately this is something that Total Recall lacks.

After viewing this two hour Kate Beckinsale acting reel (seriously, why was there so much of her face?!?!), it didn't even seem worth the effort to review a B movie that Hollywood so obviously and haphazardly mashed together. However, after a long walk home it was decided that, while unpleasant to do, it is necessary to express ones growing disappointment in the dressed up schlock "directors" insist on pumping out year after year.

I am disappointed. I assume Philip K. Dick would be as well, although being the paranoid man he was... he probably saw this coming.

Dark Knight Rises- A Pretty Building With No Foundation

Like the foolish man who builds his house upon the sand, Christopher Nolan attempts to fool his audience into believing the great illusion of Hollywood- That talented and attractive actors set against a beautifully crafted aesthetic, make up for a lack of story telling wrought with transparent dialogue and shoddy editing.

Dark Knight Rises misses its mark by fatally investing three things: past success drowned in hype, monologues, and flashbacks. All are used to insult the audience by reminding them of what they have enjoyed about the Batman series in the past. Nolan literally grabs aspects directly from Batman Begins (i.e. Bruce Wayne becoming re-born again after a stint of isolation and captivity and the actual ghost of Ra’s Al Ghul) and tries to re-purpose them to mask the holes within his “story”.

As remarked upon before, it is undeniable that Wally Pfister (DOP) is a man of his craft and that the actors in this film were cast ingeniously. The solid performances of Michael Caine and Gary Oldman are quite comforting like mom’s chicken noodle soup. But the most pleasant surprise of all is the superb portrayal of Selena Kyle from the talented Anne Hathaway- her natural delivery attempts to add to the much lacking depth. However, it is worth mentioning the disappointment of seeing Bane, the man who broke the bat, reduced to a love sick puppy with asthma and Boy Wonder “Robin” foreshadowed as not Dick Grayson but a nameless John Blake.

So while I calmly remove Mr Nolan’s hand from my wallet, I quietly celebrate that this hopefully will be the final chapter for the caped crusader but I have no plans to hold my breath.

Avengers- A Smash!

Avengers Poster

What a delightful foray for Joss Whedon (creator of Firefly and Dollhouse TV series) into the world of the Avengers. The film is filled with witty banter, well developed characters, beyond proficient CGI effects, and an overall sense that more effort and heart was dedicated to this film than many other already seen this year.

Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr stand out with great performances as they grow a camaraderie between Dr Banner and Tony Stark. What a fun time to be at the movies- makes me look forward to all of the summer blockbusters this year, however Avengers has set the bar imaginatively high and the future projects of Joss Whedon will definitely be on the world's radar.