A one hour and twenty-minute heart attack. That’s the immediate description that came to my mind after the AFI Fest screening of Charlie Victor Romeo. Good heavens is that movie stressful. Luckily for people getting a chance to check the flick out, the movie is far more interesting than one might think on first glance and provides a unique look into fascinating subject matter.
There are few films this year that will fill you with the kind of wonderment and joy than Saving Mr. Banks. Channeling the spirit of their glory years, Disney has managed to craft a tale that’s reverential without being overly sentimental. Showbiz stories often fail at this but Banks provides an interesting insight into the making of a fascinating picture.
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.