By the time 12 Years a Slave had finished it’s running time, I found myself having to take stock of myself. The film, directed by Steve McQueen, is certainly an experience, painting a tough portrait of what happened to many Black people. Though I managed to make it through the film without much incident, I felt a small sense of disconnect, having endured through the movie but not thoroughly engaged, inspite of knowing the film was good. Luckily, there was enough artistry and ideas to keep the film bouncing around my mind and some truly astonishing performances to smooth the issues.
Don Jon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt‘s directorial debut, certainly means well. However just because a film means well doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed to be a good film and unfortunately for audiences, Don Jon isn’t one. Despite its sterling supporting performances and interesting subject matter, the film feels like little more than an exercise for a man
Looking forward into the film year, it’s going to be tough for any film to match the kinetic energy that Rush, the biographical racing drama arriving in theaters nationwide this weekend, manages to conjure up. Moving with purpose but never hesitating to show off stylistic flourishes, Ron Howard’s forray into Formula 1 racing history is anchored by two great performances, a solid script and awesome action.
There’s a war going on in Mother of George, not just among family obligations and societal pressures, but against the very film itself. On the one hand this is movie that tells an engaging story of a couple facing struggles when they can’t conceive a baby. Yet, on the other hand, this is a film so concerned with its visuals and being stylistic that it often gets in its own way. So then how does Mother of George fare in this war? Not well, I’m afraid. Though I want to recommend and champion this movie, the film left me so frustrated and robbed of a good experience that even on the nicest of days it’d be tough for me to give it my blessing.
Originally published during Sundance at Awards Circuit
Do you all remember that split screen in 500 Days of Summer where we see the main character’s expectations vs. reality? Well my screening of Ain’t Them Bodies Saintswas very much like what the main character went through. In my mind, Aint Them Bodies Saints was a thrilling yet poetic film that would put Malick to shame with a lot of meat for gifted actors to chew on. However, in reality, it was a plodding, dimly lit slog of a film that was more style than substance.