Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Boyhood (2014)


The following is a spoiler review of Boyhood, a Richard Linklater film.

There’s something quite special about Richard Linklater’s Boyhood. This isn’t like anything else you’ve seen in the cinema. And I know what you might be thinking – is this like a documentary? No, this is not filmed like a documentary. No, this is not a mockumentary. You’re not going to see a Modern Family-like camera setting. This is simply a story about a boy, or rather a story about one kid growing up.

Now, this movie throws you some curveballs. Some might be led to believe this film is about parents splitting up – it’s not. Some might be led to believe this film is about a violent stepfather – it’s not really. Sure, there are elements of the aforementioned plotpoints. With that having been said, this film is simply about life. It’s about a single-mother, her disobedient daughter, sibling-rivalries, learning to allow your parents to move on from eachother. This is life.

Filmed over the duration of 12 years with the exact same actors – Boyhood is unique. The two main children are not really trained actors, as far as I understand, but following them grow up is a sight to be seen. Interestingly, the daughter in the film is the real life daughter of the director – and her character is significant. Mason Jr. (played by Ellar Coltrane) is really intriguing, but while he’s the main character in Boyhood, it’s his parents that provide the most stellar performances seen in a while.

I’m a big fan of Ethan Hawke, and his character’s transformation is possibly the most interesting. For while Mason Jr. & Samantha go from children to teenagers – Ethan Hawke’s Mason Sr. goes from mid-life crisis dad, worrying about his children forgetting his role in their life, to a new father – a new husband – trying to juggle two lives; becoming a role model in the process.

But while Hawke’s character finds his spot in the world eventually, he might be the only one doing that. Samantha and Mason Jr. go their seperate ways as they need to build their own lives – it’s exciting to watch Mason Jr. finally being able to build his life (in spite of some problems along the way).

This film is depressing too, though – and it is due to an amazing performance from Patricia Arquette’s Olivia. Arquette deserves an Academy Award for her performance, she really does, as she is dealt some very tough cards in life. It’s tough for Olivia, as she has seperated from Mason Sr. and rather quickly gets together with Marco Perella’s Bill Welbrock. Bill ends up being a heavy drinker, and a violent one at that – as becomes apparent when his strictness evolves into hitting Olivia in front of Mason Jr. And eventually another man becomes a problem. This is tough for Olivia, and I dare you to not feel heartbroken as Olivia finally breaks down in front of Mason Jr.

But as I said, this film is about life – and doesn’t rest by these plotpoints for too long. Life goes by fast, and so does the various events in Boyhood. So will Mason Jr. have a disappointing life, like his mother did? We don’t know, all we can do – as viewers – is to leave Mason Jr. at College – just like Olivia does. A boy became a man, and it is his job to evolve. We witnessed this coming of age-film – and it was absolutely perfect.

Overall Score: 10 out of 10. This is my favourite film this year, and it really is stellar. This is a unique film, don’t miss it.

REVIEW: The Great Gatsby (1925 – Novel)

This review marks the first time I officially review literature. Now, I won’t be releasing a lot of reviews – but some will come up as I finish certain books. Note that I won’t be giving a review score for literature, the reason for that can be found in Dead Poets Society – in the scene wherein Keating wants the students to rip out the introduction. I begin my literature review-process with what is called the great American novel. Themes of capital vs. romance and the American Dream are interweaved in a story of want – and objectification.

I wonder when students are assigned to read this novel in America – I guess that it might be in High School (as most Danes come across it at the corresponding level). Somehow I managed to miss this book though, other books were read by me in high school. I finally got around to reading it at University. Now, it is absolutely important to state that I will be discussing spoilers, and book reviews are seldom without spoilers. So, yeah, there’s your warning. Having said that, this book is a part of my curriculum – so I will leave out my in-depth analysis – so that I am able to use it for the exam.

Now, the book itself is written from the first person perspective, and our narrator (Nick Carraway) is extremely unreliable. But, for me, the reason why he’s unreliable is extremely important. I really love reading about friendships, and especially friendships that are more than just simple. Carraway’s relationship with Gatsby is extremely muddled, as Nick declares that Gatsby represents everything he loathes – while Nick almost drools over the illusion set forth by Gatsby, deemed ‘great’ by our narrator.

The novel is beautiful – as it highlights American origins, American Dreams – and the contemporary outlook. It has been said that this novel predicted the great depression. The final two pages are infamous for its imagery, both in describing Gatsby’s wants and dreams – but also for describing Dutch settling sailors – how they drooled over the Promised Land – and how Long Island – America – now is a wasteland.

I love this novel for its unreliable narrator’s almost homoerotic relationship with the titular character, for its late loathing of the main female character – but also for the dream. For the social mobility presented in this novel is extremely important to me, and so is the depressing ending – highlighting the proposed hope, while taking it away… And one fine morning.

This is the great American novel. While Gatsby’s greatness can be contended, the legacy of the book cannot. And while its dreams may be universal – it is the distinctly American Promised Land that makes us believe this showman, this Houdini – this illusionist. And yes, I think Gatsby was great.

REVIEW: BoJack Horseman – Season One (2014)


Recently, I decided to introduce season or show reviews for television shows, and coincidentally ‘BoJack Horseman’ popped up on Netflix as a fresh new binge-product. This will be my first season review of a television show ever – and as you should always do when reading my blog, expect SPOILERS. You’ve been warned, so without further ado – here’s my take on this new animated series starring Will Arnett and Alison Brie.

The show is centered around BoJack Horseman, an anthropomorphic horse. BoJack is a former actor best known for a sitcom in the 90s. BoJack lives in his Hollywood home with Todd (played by Aaron Paul), a friend of his. The show co-stars Alison Brie, primarily as Diane Nguyen a Ghost Writer for BoJack’s memoirs; Paul F. Tompkins, primarily as Mr. Peanutbutter, a rival of BoJack who has the same background as him; and Amy Sedaris as his Agent/ex-Girlfriend Princess Carolyn.

The show is incredibly ‘meta’, and features a lot of throwbacks to the golden age of US sitcoms. And though this show follows the feel of The Simpsons, Family Guy and American Dad, you will quickly notice that the show incorporates a linear narrative. Unlike the aforementioned animated television shows, this show is primarily about the sadness of celebrity, and you don’t expect a happy ending for ol’ BoJack. Inspite of the serious tone, the show is funny – though I find it much more poignant and strong, when the show leans on its depression-tone of storytelling.

The standout episodes for me are “The Telescope” (Episode 8) & “Downer Ending” (Episode 11) – with both episodes revolving around the very sad horse that BoJack is. One thing I wanted from this show was a heartwarming episode, not unlike many Futurama standouts, but the sorrow showed in the aforementioned BoJack standouts left me satisfied.

B+

REVIEW: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

The following is a spoiler review of Guardians of the Galaxy, a James Gunn film. 

Today I saw a movie that featured the characters that reignited a fire within me, reignited my passion for comic books – Guardians of the Galaxy. I’ve been really excited for this film for a long time, and I even feel like I’ve been ahead of the massive hype-train for a long time. In the following review, I will briefly discuss the credits-scene, I will shed some light on what I liked, disliked and what I would’ve liked to have seen more of in this film. Guardians of the Galaxy might become one of my favorite films of all-time sooner, rather than later.

Continue reading “REVIEW: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)” →

REVIEW: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Theatrical Release Poster – 20th Century Fox

The following is a quick spoiler review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – Directed by Matt Reeves.

In 2011, I quite enjoyed Rupert Wyatt’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, I must admit. And that was in spite of some mistakes that I had found in what I found to be a rather simple story. I liked that movie, but it pales in comparison to its 2014 sequel Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Gone is Wyatt, Franco and Pinto – in stays the amazing Andy Serkis. Continue reading “REVIEW: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)” →

REVIEW: X-Men Days of Future Past (2014)

WARNING: Expect spoilers from the movie, as well as some details about the end-credits scene

For a long time I had been looking forward to this movie, until it was only weeks away – then I became afraid that it would basically be another Hugh Jackman solo-movie. Boy, was I wrong. Though Jackman is the main acting presence – this movie belongs to McAvoy’s Xavier. This movie, though, does not leave the old stars behind – they get a lot of screen time – and it works. Continue reading “REVIEW: X-Men Days of Future Past (2014)” →

REVIEW: Godzilla (2014)

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Theatrical Release Poster – Warner Bros. Pictures

The following is a spoiler-filled review of Godzilla — Directed by Gareth Edwards.

Not long ago, I watched Gareth Edwards’ Monsters for the first time, and that was a perfectly fine independent movie. Now, in 2014, four years after his indie-monster-flick was released, he has been given the opportunity to recapture the spirit of the former movie, with more money, an iconic franchise, an iconic kaiju, and a guaranteed audience. Sadly, I cannot quite say that his film works as well as it should. Continue reading “REVIEW: Godzilla (2014)” →

REVIEW: Noah (2014)

When talking about movies like Noah or the Passion of the Christ, one migth evaluate the motion picture by how it fits in the original scripture. That is NOT how I will be reviewing this movie, I’ll be looking for Aronofsky-signatures, spirituality and how it moves forward as a story. Obviously, some SPOILERS may come forth in this post. I feel like I need to clarify that I do believe in a God, but I don’t swear by one sole book of scripture – and it will not impact the review at all. Also, I am not a vegetarian or vegan – and why am I saying that? Well, you’ll know soon.

I really like the cast of this movie, and how can you not? With actors and actresses known for their amazing performances appearing in the movie. Russell Crowe is really great in this role, and had he not been the somewhat superhero-like Noah – I don’t think it would’ve worked. As he goes from trusted father, to trusted servant of the Creator and all the way to Castaway-Tom Hanks. And there is something you need to know when watching this film – there’s a reason why it’s not called the Arc. This story is about Noah first, and the Arc second.

You will quickly recognize the motion picture signature of Darren Aronofsky in this film, as the fast cutting of images from all over the bible often appear – like how he showed the rush of addiction in Requiem for a Dream. Does it work in this film, however? I wouldn’t say so, but it does make me feel better about the film. So, apparently Aronofsky’s a vegan – and… I fear that may’ve impacted the screenplay too much – as I feel condemned almost at the very beginning of the movie. Early on in the movie we have adult Noah facing off with other men, who’ve just killed an animal to eat it. As Noah explains how they do it because they think it makes them strong, he quickly notes that that is not the case – only the Creator makes us strong. I don’t like how that was entered into the movie, and I did feel weird when watching that.

Now, I like the different approach to the movie – but I strongly disliked how the fallen angels looked like ents from Lord of the Rings. It felt somewhat silly, I must say. There are a couple of questionable decisions in the plot, all made by Noah himself. All involving the question of prolonging the human experience on Earth. This different take on Noah is really interesting, but as it moves forward it feels more like the story of Job. In a way this movie tries to be too big, trying to tell the tale of the entire first testament of the Bible. Also, trying to make it feel like a movie from the Tolkien universe – a different approach, indeed.

There’s also the question about symbolic interpretation and spirituality. In this case I fear I am not the one to judge, but my mother, who I consider to be very spiritual, even cried at the end of the movie – saying its message and symbolism was beautiful. I don’t feel as strongly about its symbolism, but I trust that my mother knows her messages in cinema. In the end, I enjoyed it somewhat, even if I felt it was severely flawed.

Overall: 6 out of 10.0. A movie that tries to be too much at once, but has a message that can shine through you if you are open to it.

 

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.

REVIEW: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

TAMS2 Poster
Release Poster – Columbia Pictures

This short updated review (2020) of Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) includes some story spoilers.

Today I want to talk to you about success. What makes a movie successful? Is it the merchandise it sells, the box office numbers, or the score on Rotten Tomatoes? I gave this much thought when I first saw Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2014, and I think I know why. I have always loved Sam Raimi’s first two Spider-Man films. I think Raimi really understood how to make the most of the characters and the universe, the music is obviously iconic, and I think the tone of the films is pitch-perfect. Then, along came the final installment in Raimi’s trilogy and it, frustratingly, didn’t work as well. It was undoubtedly a bloated film. However, when I look back at that third film, though, I am not all that sad. You see, I always looked at those three movies as the story of a friendship. Continue reading “REVIEW: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)” →

Documentary Watch: Blackfish & We Are Legion

In what can only be described as a serious veering from personal subjects, I am going to dive into a puddle of films that I don’t usually cover. Sure, I’ve seen Inside Job (2010), the odd documentaries I might find on Netflix and various Michael Moore films – but in trying to open my eyes to different subjects, I’ve decided to watch a ton of documentaries – and note how I feel about each – this post contains two documentary reviews. The documentaries I am going to cover in this post are all new to me – ones I’ve never seen before this day. The documentaries to be covered are: We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012); Blackfish (2013).

 

First up is We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012), by Brian Knappenberger, focusing, of course, on the Anonymous hackers. When I say that it focuses, in truth it’s about the origin of the group, but also the origin of their cause. In many ways trying to make us believe in the power of these people, and to view them as more than just pranksters – which some might call them. The focus itself is extremely interesting and topical. I found it really interesting, and I found that there was a lot I did not know. It was a nice guide from it being on 4chan to it being truly a global Internet power. I found it thorough and educational. The culture behind all of it was amazing for me to see in this documentary, and the way Knappenberger handled it really satisfied me. I rate it at 7.7 out of 10.

 

Next up we have Blackfish (2013), by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, focusing on killer whales. It has been highly discussed I’ve found, but this was the first time I got to see it. After encountering what can only be described as a scary introduction, the documentary starts focusing on the trainers and how stunning these animals are. And then we get thrown right back into the horror. Some of these horrific videos, pictures, and stories are sure to stay with you – that’s for sure. The horror comes in waves, and you are sure to be hit. As you encounter Tilikum the plot thickens, one might say. I definitely loved how this documentary was handled, and its impact on me was instrumental in forming my rating: 8.7 out of 10.0.

 

This was a nice change of scenery for me.

 

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.