One of the handful of Oscar films on the list to see before the big date of February 22nd. I went in expecting honestly, the alternate sequel to Titanic. The way is played up it's very much what it seemed to be. With the rekindling of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet it wasn't hard to guess which audience this film was aiming for. I also went into this film hoping to be taken aback by Kate Winslet's performance.
And I was.
Kate Winslet was definitely the highlight of this film. Though I have not seen much of her work (not even Titanic), I wasn't sure what to expect. I heard very good things about her position in this film and she definitely delievered and extremely strong performance.
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is about a suburban family (husband/Frank - Leo; wife/April - Kate) living in a small town in Connecticut during the late 50's who are struggling with personal problems, raise their children, and trying their hardest to work together and regain their family structure.
I have despised the film Titanic for the sole reason I am in disbelief that it deserves to be #1 of all time on the National and World-Wide box office. A feat that I don't think will ever be beaten. Because of this I developed a hatred for DiCaprio, and a dislike for Winslet, but that has subsided.
Since his work on BLOOD DIAMOND, DEPARTED, and BODY OF LIES I have become a more positive fan of DiCaprio. But his portrayal in this film was shaken at best. He seemed almost uncomfortable and overly dramatic in parts. It could be the fact that he is being over shadowed by Kate's amazing performance but something about his part in this seemed a bit out there. Also, the talent of Michael Shannon can not be forgotten. An astounding performance by mildly veteran actor. Though I have not really seen much of his past work (Bug, WTC) it's hard to compare this compelling performance to his other work.
The story was, a bit over dramatic at points. A definitely developed idea and saddening plot of an even present day problem; the dysfunction of a family structure. It's always a strong subject to write on, and the ordeals that each partner faces in order to keep their sanity to themselves and each other is passionate. From the opening to the end you can feel that things are not quiet what it seems between the couple, and you can't help but hope for a good ending for them.
The old like style of the cinematography definitely gives power to the plot and setting. The way the camera is held throughout on the couple it definitely gives a sort of inner fill of the emotional struggle each deals with, and harsh choices they are making.
Overall, an ok movie. Though I wasn't taken aback from the story or characters, it was definitely Kate Winslet (I felt) that kept this movie going. Leonardo DiCaprio has a soft performance, but I think it could of been done better; because he's done it. If you are a fan of Winslet, or of Oscar worthy actress I'd say watch it. Otherwise, catch it on Netflix, online, tv or whatever.
In the end; 8/10
Next up, Reviews on; CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, FROST/NIXON, and UNDERWORLD 3
Monday, February 16, 2009
GRAN TORINO
So, I've got some back tracking to do. I'm going to start with films I've seen since the beginning of 2009. So far that's nine titles. I'll do my best to get these out quickly, especially the Oscar titles, being that the Oscars are next Sunday. And; with no further ado...
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It's really hard to call yourself a fan of film without knowing who Clint Eastwood is. These days he's not the rowdy cowboy he use to be, but he still has the uncanny ability to make a film entertaining; albeit the star or the director. And with Gran Torino you get a dose of both.
Clint Eastwood is a man of the screen, he always has been, and even so far into his career he still has that spark that makes you want to see him play.
Gran Torino is about a elderly man named Walter who has just lost his wife, and is realizing that things around him aren't quiet what they use to be. Set in a small Michigan town Walt's once white dominate neighborhood is changing from the incoming crowds of Hmong. One family is that of his nextdoor neighbors Sue and Thao Lor. When a local Hmong gang causes problems around the neighborhood and Walt accidentally becomes the local hero after protecting Thao and his family, and after a failed attempt of stealing Walt's prize possession (1972 Ford Gran Torino), Thao becomes his own personal helper. Walt teaches Thao on how to becoming a better man, while Walt learns to accept the changes in his life.
The film was really well done. A hand full of unknown and brand new actors herald by an acting legend is hard to do, but the young actors Ben Vang (Thao) and Ahney Ver (Sue) are quiet capable of keeping up with the strengths of Eastwood. They displayed some very good skills in an obvious strong essence of Eastwood attire. Eastwood plays his of late disgruntled elderly man trying to get through life, and doesn't miss a beat.
The story was well done, and definitely gives a perspective into a culture that may not be known all to well, and opens up to the levels of horrors that really go on in our everyday world. Powerful scenes, and emotions throughout it delivers on many of levels. The dialogue was very casual, and believe. Though some of the interaction seems a bit out stretched between Sue and Walt. I would thing there would be more agnosticism from Walt, but it helps to speed the story by not growing on Walt's dislike for his neighbors (as much as he already did.)
Cinematography wise seemed very casual and basic. No need for dramatic or overly structured camera angles, or close ups. Very precise and to the point.
Overall, the film was very entertaining. My main draw was Clint Eastwood; as both the director and actor. So if you're a fan of either of his titled works I'd recommend this film. And like I said, it also shows a very rare glimpse of the Hmong culture, which isn't seen to much in film. Definitely gave me some insight to a friend of mines life and family.
In the end I'd give the film a 8.5/10.
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It's really hard to call yourself a fan of film without knowing who Clint Eastwood is. These days he's not the rowdy cowboy he use to be, but he still has the uncanny ability to make a film entertaining; albeit the star or the director. And with Gran Torino you get a dose of both.
Clint Eastwood is a man of the screen, he always has been, and even so far into his career he still has that spark that makes you want to see him play.
Gran Torino is about a elderly man named Walter who has just lost his wife, and is realizing that things around him aren't quiet what they use to be. Set in a small Michigan town Walt's once white dominate neighborhood is changing from the incoming crowds of Hmong. One family is that of his nextdoor neighbors Sue and Thao Lor. When a local Hmong gang causes problems around the neighborhood and Walt accidentally becomes the local hero after protecting Thao and his family, and after a failed attempt of stealing Walt's prize possession (1972 Ford Gran Torino), Thao becomes his own personal helper. Walt teaches Thao on how to becoming a better man, while Walt learns to accept the changes in his life.
The film was really well done. A hand full of unknown and brand new actors herald by an acting legend is hard to do, but the young actors Ben Vang (Thao) and Ahney Ver (Sue) are quiet capable of keeping up with the strengths of Eastwood. They displayed some very good skills in an obvious strong essence of Eastwood attire. Eastwood plays his of late disgruntled elderly man trying to get through life, and doesn't miss a beat.
The story was well done, and definitely gives a perspective into a culture that may not be known all to well, and opens up to the levels of horrors that really go on in our everyday world. Powerful scenes, and emotions throughout it delivers on many of levels. The dialogue was very casual, and believe. Though some of the interaction seems a bit out stretched between Sue and Walt. I would thing there would be more agnosticism from Walt, but it helps to speed the story by not growing on Walt's dislike for his neighbors (as much as he already did.)
Cinematography wise seemed very casual and basic. No need for dramatic or overly structured camera angles, or close ups. Very precise and to the point.
Overall, the film was very entertaining. My main draw was Clint Eastwood; as both the director and actor. So if you're a fan of either of his titled works I'd recommend this film. And like I said, it also shows a very rare glimpse of the Hmong culture, which isn't seen to much in film. Definitely gave me some insight to a friend of mines life and family.
In the end I'd give the film a 8.5/10.
WELCOME....
So, I started doing this a few years ago and stopped doing it because I just didn't find the passion for doing it anymore, or the time really...
But now, with so much extra time in my life why not start again.
And what better time than OSCAR SEASON!!!
Generally, I'll review new films I see in theater. I might occasionally throw in a graphic novel, book, CD, or comic but generally this will be a MOVIE REVIEW page.
Enjoy.
- Beau
But now, with so much extra time in my life why not start again.
And what better time than OSCAR SEASON!!!
Generally, I'll review new films I see in theater. I might occasionally throw in a graphic novel, book, CD, or comic but generally this will be a MOVIE REVIEW page.
Enjoy.
- Beau
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