The Force is Strong - Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I gave this film: 5 stars

Why?

This was the chance for Star Wars to redeem itself, and it certainly did. With new characters intertwined with old, the perfect amount of nostalgia and the anticipation of a new story made for a very exciting film. The two main characters, Finn and Rey, had interesting storylines and amazing chemistry, creating a solid base that carries the film. They were supported by old and new characters, but so many so that it became difficult to keep track of all the heroes and villains. In all, the relationships between these characters were meaningful and held high stakes, so it became very complex and the audience waited in anticipation of the outcomes.

The film is filled with treats for fans and can stand alone as its own amazing adventure. The one major weakness was the repetition of plot and sequences from the previous films, including fighting a major political power and some battle sequences.  But, it can hardly be counted as a weakness because those sequences are so well done. The special effects in combination with the performances, comedy, and music created awesome scenes that draw the viewer in.

The adrenaline begins right from the beginning and continues to build until the end. It was not especially groundbreaking in terms of story or effects, but the use of a diverse cast with a strong female protagonist was extremely refreshing. I anticipate the coming films in this newest trilogy because of the foundation set in this first installment. The ending (with no spoilers) did not tie up any loose ends, creating a clear path to the next film, which will hopefully be fast-paced, funny, and more original.

Unholy Alliance: Black Mass

I gave this film: 5 stars

Why?

This film is a stark glimpse into the secretive world of crime through the pale and ever-watching eyes of Whitey Bulger, chillingly embodied by Johnny Depp. A strong albeit large supporting cast builds the world of Bulger and his complex relationship with the U.S. government. The film is effective in the fact that the audience can empathize with each character, even the murderers. Family life in South Boston contrasts sharply with the brutally violent crimes that happen just next door. Each main character, from FBI agents to mob members, embodies relatable human characteristics that build complex layers of theme. Loyalty, honesty, truth, and justice all play a role on both sides: the criminals and the law chasing them. This mirroring of morals of both the "good" and "bad" creates an intriguing conflict that makes us think.

The story was completely driven by character; the setting, dialogue, and music never overpowered the actors' performances. The most impactful moments were the silent ones. With a muted color palette and realistic set, the audience could focus on the complex behaviors of the characters. The moments of violence can of course be said to be shocking and memorable. But, the human facets of cold-blooded killers were the moments that are truly terrifying ones. It was unsettling when we could relate to these "monsters." For a dramatization of a story that unfolded over many years, the film does a great job of contrasting everyday moments and heinous crimes that gives a look at the many sides of each character.

Tension is high throughout, especially at meal time, and I was captivated by each scene. At some parts, I wanted to close my eyes, but couldn't. I didn't want to look into Whitey's eyes but I had to. The hypnotizing quality of the film draws the audience in and doesn't let us look away.

Not Just Cars and Flames - Mad Max: Fury Road

I gave this film: 5 stars

Why?

An action-filled wasteland that is constantly moving, the world of Max is chillingly similar to our own. Glory is given to machinery and power, and the flat desert acts as an expansive stage to display all the action. This film was a wild ride from start to finish, filled with exciting climaxes and poignant moments, as well as spectacular action sequences. It's advertised as a chaotic 2-hour car chase, and it is. But, the characters inside the vehicles have strong motivations and literally drive the film forward to an exciting conclusion. This is the main factor that separates the film from other action films. Both the female and male characters have believable strengths and weaknesses, and the female protagonists are given tangible drives that don't revolve around romance, which was refreshing and empowering.

The action sequences have their merit but would not have been successful without the depth of character. A devoted warrior battling over loyalty and glory, a shell of a man determined to find a purpose, and a high-ranking warrior searching for redemption give the story layers and meaning. Though the individual stories of the characters could have been explored more deeply, the nuances they were given allows the audience to invest in their journey.

The technical aspects, the cinematography and quality of the props, namely the entirely real cars and explosions, created a striking look of professionalism and spectacle to make the film even more exciting and raw. The rawness of this film in terms of the costumes, makeup, props, and stark desert landscape set it apart as a world of its own where the audience is transported. The score created the aura of this industrial world of metal and sand with pounding drums and screeching guitars adding to the chaos. Each car chase is fueled emotionally, and the quieter scenes of the film explain where that emotion is coming from. The score creates emotional peaks and valleys from the intense rock music to epic orchestral themes, carrying the audience on a wild ride through the film. The pacing of the film was a bit erratic but was all a part of the chaos of the warring clans of the wasteland. I was out of breath by the end, confused and slightly shocked, but also very satisfied.

Oscar News! Part 4 of 4

Short Film - Animated

1. The Bigger Picture
2. The Dam Keeper
3. Feast
4. Me and My Moulton
5. A Single Life

Short Film - Live Action

1. Aya
2. Boogaloo and Graham
3. Butter Lamp
4. Parveneh
5. The Phone Call

Sound Editing

1. American Sniper
2. Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
4. Interstellar
5. Unbroken

Sound Mixing

1. American Sniper
2. Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
3. Interstellar
4. Unbroken
5. Whiplash

Writing - Adapted Screenplay 

1. American Sniper
2. The Imitation Game
3. Inherent Vice
4. The Theory of Everything
5. Whiplash

Writing - Original Screenplay

1. Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
2. Boyhood
3. Foxcatcher
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel
5. Nightcrawler

Oscar News! Part 3 of 4

Directing

1. Alejandro G. Inarritu (Birdman)
2. Richard Linklater (Boyhood)
3. Bennett Miller (Foxcatcher)
4. Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
5. Morton Tyldum (The Imitation Game)

Music - Original Score

1. Alexandre Desplat (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
2. Alexandre Desplat (The Imitation Game)
3. Hans Zimmer (Interstellar)
4. Johann Johannsson (The Theory of Everything)
5. Gary Yershon (Mr. Turner)

Music - Original Song

1. "Glory" - Selma
2. "Everything is Awesome" - The Lego Movie
3. "Grateful" - Beyond the Lights
4. "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" - Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me
5. "Lost Stars" - Begin Again

Documentary Feature

1. CitizenFour
2. Finding Vivian Maier
3. Last Days in Vietnam
4. The Salt of the Earth
5. Virunga

Documentary Feature: Short Subject

1. Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
2. Joanna
3. Our Curse
4. The Reaper
5. White Earth

Foreign Language Film 

1. Ida
2. Leviathan
3. Tangerines
4. Timbuktu
5. Wild Tales

The Oscars air on Feb. 22nd!

Oscar News! Part 2 of 4

And the nominees are:

Cinematography:

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
2. Birdman
3. Ida
4. Mr. Turner
5. Unbroken

Editing:

1. The Grand Budapest
2. American Sniper
3. The Imitation Game
4. Whiplash
5. Boyhood

Production Design

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
2. The Imitation Game
3. Interstellar
4. Into the Woods
5. Mr. Turner

Visual Effects

1. Interstellar
2. Captain America: Winter Soldier
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
4. X-Men: Days of Future Past
5. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Costume Design

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
2. Into the Woods
3. Maleficent
4. Mr. Turner
5. Inherent Vice

Makeup and Hairstyling

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
2. Guardians of the Galaxy 
3. Foxcatcher

Airing: February 22, 2015!

Oscar News! Part 1 of 4

The ceremony is on February 22, 2015!

The nominees are...

Best Picture

1. American Sniper 
2. Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
3. Boyhood
4. Selma
5. The Grand Budapest Hotel
6. The Imitation Game 
7. The Theory of Everything
8. Whiplash

Best Actor in a Leading Role

1. Bradley Cooper (American Sniper)
2. Michael Keaton (Birdman)
3. Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)
4. Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)
5. Steve Carell (Foxcatcher)

Best Actress in a Leading Role:

1. Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything)
2. Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)
3. Reese Witherspoon (Wild)
4. Julianne Moore (Still Alice)
5. Marion Cotillard (Two Days, One Night)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

1. Edward Norton (Birdman)
2. Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)
3. J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
4. Robert Duvall (The Judge)
5. Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

1. Emma Stone (Birdman)
2. Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)
3. Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game)
4. Laura Dern (Wild)
5. Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)

Best Animated Feature

1. Big Hero 6
2. Song of the Sea
3. How To Train Your Dragon 2
4. The Boxtrolls 
5. The Tale of Princess Kaguya