Reviews, awards predictions, best/worst lists, Flashback Reviews, and personal life inquiries with Daniel Moya.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Life #7: Oscar Season Approaches...
Gravity has premiered to rave reviews. Inside Llewyn Davis has premiered to rave reviews. 12 Years a Slave has premiered to rave reviews. Prisoners, All is Lost, and Blue is the Warmest Color the same. Scorsese, Jonze, Greengrass, Stiller, and Russell all have one on the way. Get pumped, it's here.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Ben Affleck is our new Batman
It was announced today that Ben Affleck is our new Batman for the upcoming 2015 release Batman vs. Superman. This is a choice I was not expecting, however I think he is a fine choice and will be able to bring his momentum as of late to this sure-to-be blockbuster. What are your thoughts?
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Elysium (2013) Review
3.5/5
This is an entertaining and often thrilling look at a bleak future for the world, complete with great acting and fantastic visuals. It also, however, has an agenda that requires a bit of conversation.
The visuals are arguably the best of the year, along with Pacific Rim. I'm a sucker for futuristic or CGI visuals implemented into a film over very rugged and real-looking settings. Add a handheld camera, and I'm sold. The director of this film helmed the previous Best Picture nominee District 9, and here, Neill Blomkamp uses the same visual panache to tell an even darker story. More on that in a minute. To sum it up, the visuals rock and keep you engaged the entire time.
Matt Damon is just the man for this film, as he successfully portrays a man driven by the will to live and alternately by the love of his life. His pain is palpable, his stress exudes tension, and we root for him from the opening frame. He has a working-man kind of humble sensibility about him that the audience wants to see succeed. Jodie Foster is great here as the brains behind the villainy, and Sharlto Copley is incredibly fierce as the brawn of the enemy. This is not the same Copley you will remember from District 9, and that fact makes him all the better of an actor.
This is a bleak, violent, and dark (sometimes darkly comical) look at what the United States will be in the year 2154. In a nutshell, it's not pretty. The privileged live on Elysium, a "habitat" above Earth, and the poor slubs who can't afford it live on Earth. It is an intriguing premise, but it also sets up a hole that it proved too ambitious to crawl out of. Aside from the lull in the second act, there is an issue here that prevented me from going higher than 3.5/5.
I appreciate a film with enough gall to stick with a political agenda so prevalent in today's world and integrate it into a story where it benefits from both the characters and the plot, as long as it is done subtly. Here, they just about paint their agenda onto a sledgehammer and pulverize your face with it. I was so invested in the story and the film itself, that I found myself a little turned off when I realized it was a device used to make me agree with their side. All politics aside, I don't believe that a film should do that.
Did it ruin the film? Not at all; on the contrary, you should seek it out as it's a hell of a good time. Enough of a good time to look past the agenda and just enjoy the film.
This is an entertaining and often thrilling look at a bleak future for the world, complete with great acting and fantastic visuals. It also, however, has an agenda that requires a bit of conversation.
The visuals are arguably the best of the year, along with Pacific Rim. I'm a sucker for futuristic or CGI visuals implemented into a film over very rugged and real-looking settings. Add a handheld camera, and I'm sold. The director of this film helmed the previous Best Picture nominee District 9, and here, Neill Blomkamp uses the same visual panache to tell an even darker story. More on that in a minute. To sum it up, the visuals rock and keep you engaged the entire time.
Matt Damon is just the man for this film, as he successfully portrays a man driven by the will to live and alternately by the love of his life. His pain is palpable, his stress exudes tension, and we root for him from the opening frame. He has a working-man kind of humble sensibility about him that the audience wants to see succeed. Jodie Foster is great here as the brains behind the villainy, and Sharlto Copley is incredibly fierce as the brawn of the enemy. This is not the same Copley you will remember from District 9, and that fact makes him all the better of an actor.
This is a bleak, violent, and dark (sometimes darkly comical) look at what the United States will be in the year 2154. In a nutshell, it's not pretty. The privileged live on Elysium, a "habitat" above Earth, and the poor slubs who can't afford it live on Earth. It is an intriguing premise, but it also sets up a hole that it proved too ambitious to crawl out of. Aside from the lull in the second act, there is an issue here that prevented me from going higher than 3.5/5.
I appreciate a film with enough gall to stick with a political agenda so prevalent in today's world and integrate it into a story where it benefits from both the characters and the plot, as long as it is done subtly. Here, they just about paint their agenda onto a sledgehammer and pulverize your face with it. I was so invested in the story and the film itself, that I found myself a little turned off when I realized it was a device used to make me agree with their side. All politics aside, I don't believe that a film should do that.
Did it ruin the film? Not at all; on the contrary, you should seek it out as it's a hell of a good time. Enough of a good time to look past the agenda and just enjoy the film.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Top 10 Most Anticipated Oscar Season Films of 2013
Well, we are just about getting to it. The fall festival circuit kind of begins in Venice but really starts in Toronto, and with that it is generally accepted that the first day of TIFF is also the first official date of Oscar season. That date, ladies and gentlemen, is September 5th. Start your engines.
Here, LCA Film presents our top 10 most anticipated films of Oscar season. Most have serious awards prospects, and all have the pedigree to become instant classics. This is one of the more exciting posts we write, because it is becoming more and more real: the heartbeat of the Academy Awards is audible, and there are few things so exciting. Let's start our Oscar season here at LCA Film with this article, and we will start this article at #10. Keep in mind that this was a very difficult list to compile, and I would see any one of these at any given time if given the opportunity.
10. The Monuments Men- With a cast that includes Murray, Clooney, Blanchett, Damon, Dujardin and Goodman you scream "Oscar!" Hopefully, it'll be as good as it's heist-driven plot insinuates. Directed by Clooney, this has a real shot at Oscar in multiple categories. I'm not sure if it could bring in the gold, but the season is oh so young. My head says "yes," but my gut is wary. In any case, I'll be on line opening night.
9. August: Osage County- This has Meryl Streep. Oscar. This has Julia Roberts. Oscar. This is based on a universally loved play and has a supporting cast to make you cry with joy. Oscar. Drugs and death are involved. Oscar. Also, these are all reasons why I want to see this as well. It is a powerhouse of talent and will certainly move most audience members to tears.
8. The Counselor- Cormac McCarthy wrote No Country for Old Men (my second favorite movie ever), and wrote this script. I instantly want to see it. It's directed by Ridley Scott and stars one of my favorite actors working today: Michael Fassbender. Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are all fantastic. I can't wait for this, truly.
7. American Hustle- David O. Russell is on an incredible hot streak and he assembled a hell of a cast for this film. I loved Silver Linings Playbook so much, and it surprised how Russell could tap into the genuine emotions of his characters. Add to the mix that the recently released trailer for this looks like a load of fun, and I am in 100%.
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty- I was absolutely floored by this trailer. For 2 minutes and 30 seconds I was transported, engulfed in a beautiful and fantastical world crafted by a master. Did I mention it was directed by Ben Stiller? I can't wait to spend more time in this world, and a wonderfully crafted world at that.
5. Inside Llewyn Davis- The Coen Brothers. That is all.
4. Her- Spike Jonze is one of the most underrated directors working today. His name rarely comes up in a conversations on the "greats" and it most certainly should; his body of work is more than enough proof at his insane creative talent. This movie, as evidenced by the trailer, will make you feel something in a totally unique way. Also, one of the best actors ever, Joaquin Phoenix, is the lead actor. What's there not to like?
3. The Wolf of Wall Street- I'll see anything done by Scorsese, and I'll see anything with DiCaprio, so I will certainly be first on line to see something with the both of them involved. The trailer promises zany fun with a necessary layer of drama, and a film that will be remembered for years to come.
2. Gravity- Alfonso Cuaron shooting in 3D with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney about getting lost in space that promises to be unlike anything that anyone has ever seen before? This is not just going to be a film, but a cinematic experience unlike any other and one that may very well put 3D back into the conversation of serious cinema.
1. 12 Years a Slave- Steve McQueen is one of the most brutal directors working today; his honesty with the camera leaves an audience torn and scathed yet changed and fulfilled. Shame was a masterpiece, Hunger was incredibly brave, and this looks to be a challenging yet masterful combination of the two. The cast (Fassbender, Pitt, Ejiofor, and Dano among others) will shine, and McQueen's steady yet unforgiving hand will force us into what will certainly be one of the best films of the year.
Here, LCA Film presents our top 10 most anticipated films of Oscar season. Most have serious awards prospects, and all have the pedigree to become instant classics. This is one of the more exciting posts we write, because it is becoming more and more real: the heartbeat of the Academy Awards is audible, and there are few things so exciting. Let's start our Oscar season here at LCA Film with this article, and we will start this article at #10. Keep in mind that this was a very difficult list to compile, and I would see any one of these at any given time if given the opportunity.
10. The Monuments Men- With a cast that includes Murray, Clooney, Blanchett, Damon, Dujardin and Goodman you scream "Oscar!" Hopefully, it'll be as good as it's heist-driven plot insinuates. Directed by Clooney, this has a real shot at Oscar in multiple categories. I'm not sure if it could bring in the gold, but the season is oh so young. My head says "yes," but my gut is wary. In any case, I'll be on line opening night.
9. August: Osage County- This has Meryl Streep. Oscar. This has Julia Roberts. Oscar. This is based on a universally loved play and has a supporting cast to make you cry with joy. Oscar. Drugs and death are involved. Oscar. Also, these are all reasons why I want to see this as well. It is a powerhouse of talent and will certainly move most audience members to tears.
8. The Counselor- Cormac McCarthy wrote No Country for Old Men (my second favorite movie ever), and wrote this script. I instantly want to see it. It's directed by Ridley Scott and stars one of my favorite actors working today: Michael Fassbender. Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are all fantastic. I can't wait for this, truly.
7. American Hustle- David O. Russell is on an incredible hot streak and he assembled a hell of a cast for this film. I loved Silver Linings Playbook so much, and it surprised how Russell could tap into the genuine emotions of his characters. Add to the mix that the recently released trailer for this looks like a load of fun, and I am in 100%.
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty- I was absolutely floored by this trailer. For 2 minutes and 30 seconds I was transported, engulfed in a beautiful and fantastical world crafted by a master. Did I mention it was directed by Ben Stiller? I can't wait to spend more time in this world, and a wonderfully crafted world at that.
5. Inside Llewyn Davis- The Coen Brothers. That is all.
4. Her- Spike Jonze is one of the most underrated directors working today. His name rarely comes up in a conversations on the "greats" and it most certainly should; his body of work is more than enough proof at his insane creative talent. This movie, as evidenced by the trailer, will make you feel something in a totally unique way. Also, one of the best actors ever, Joaquin Phoenix, is the lead actor. What's there not to like?
3. The Wolf of Wall Street- I'll see anything done by Scorsese, and I'll see anything with DiCaprio, so I will certainly be first on line to see something with the both of them involved. The trailer promises zany fun with a necessary layer of drama, and a film that will be remembered for years to come.
2. Gravity- Alfonso Cuaron shooting in 3D with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney about getting lost in space that promises to be unlike anything that anyone has ever seen before? This is not just going to be a film, but a cinematic experience unlike any other and one that may very well put 3D back into the conversation of serious cinema.
1. 12 Years a Slave- Steve McQueen is one of the most brutal directors working today; his honesty with the camera leaves an audience torn and scathed yet changed and fulfilled. Shame was a masterpiece, Hunger was incredibly brave, and this looks to be a challenging yet masterful combination of the two. The cast (Fassbender, Pitt, Ejiofor, and Dano among others) will shine, and McQueen's steady yet unforgiving hand will force us into what will certainly be one of the best films of the year.
Friday, August 9, 2013
The Spectacular Now (2013) Review
3.5/5
I am the age that is depicted in this film, so my take it could be different from others that you may have read.
The acting from Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley is outstanding. These characters are believable in their relationship, and when they have conversations one on one they appear to be real life friends falling in love. The lives that they live outside of each other is where I found a problem. The script seems to find a bravery within their love that I wish it sustained throughout the rest of its running time. For most of the runtime, while these two fall for each other, I was hooked. I am not big on romantic film but this romance rang so true it was hard to ignore. Kyle Chandler is a scene-stealer in a role I won't give away, and the supporting cast carries their weight.
The relationships between the high schoolers are relationships I had throughout my high school experience. I wish I was able to view my experience from grades 9-12 like a movie so I could see, like I did in this film, where the happiness and trouble would come from. There is a disconnect between the brain and the heart that is well documented in this film, and it's made clear which the filmmakers intend you follow the next time such a decision needs to be made. Unfortunately, the plot moves into formulaic territory by the end of this film, and I wish it had the nerve to do what wasn't expected. I was rooting for the ending, but I have to think there may have been a more gorundbreaking way to do it that falls in line with the rest of this anything-but-ordinary film.
There were a lot of parts to this film that made me shiver with familiarity. In relationships, this film hits it out of the park. In terms of plot and extraneous story-lines this isn't the way that high schoolers live, or maybe just not the way that I've seen. There is a certain cinematic flourish added to this story that kept me from completely giving in to the relatable nature of the characters. I am still waiting to see a film that every teenager in the world can watch and feel like they have been exposed on the screen. A few have come close, but I still think that film needs to be made. This is still a film worth seeing, because when Teller and Woodley are on screen, they click in a way that makes you fall in love all over again.
I am the age that is depicted in this film, so my take it could be different from others that you may have read.
The acting from Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley is outstanding. These characters are believable in their relationship, and when they have conversations one on one they appear to be real life friends falling in love. The lives that they live outside of each other is where I found a problem. The script seems to find a bravery within their love that I wish it sustained throughout the rest of its running time. For most of the runtime, while these two fall for each other, I was hooked. I am not big on romantic film but this romance rang so true it was hard to ignore. Kyle Chandler is a scene-stealer in a role I won't give away, and the supporting cast carries their weight.
The relationships between the high schoolers are relationships I had throughout my high school experience. I wish I was able to view my experience from grades 9-12 like a movie so I could see, like I did in this film, where the happiness and trouble would come from. There is a disconnect between the brain and the heart that is well documented in this film, and it's made clear which the filmmakers intend you follow the next time such a decision needs to be made. Unfortunately, the plot moves into formulaic territory by the end of this film, and I wish it had the nerve to do what wasn't expected. I was rooting for the ending, but I have to think there may have been a more gorundbreaking way to do it that falls in line with the rest of this anything-but-ordinary film.
There were a lot of parts to this film that made me shiver with familiarity. In relationships, this film hits it out of the park. In terms of plot and extraneous story-lines this isn't the way that high schoolers live, or maybe just not the way that I've seen. There is a certain cinematic flourish added to this story that kept me from completely giving in to the relatable nature of the characters. I am still waiting to see a film that every teenager in the world can watch and feel like they have been exposed on the screen. A few have come close, but I still think that film needs to be made. This is still a film worth seeing, because when Teller and Woodley are on screen, they click in a way that makes you fall in love all over again.
How Much? Box Office Predictions- August 9-11
This week sees the release of four new motion pictures: Elysium, We're the Millers, Planes, and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Which will take first? LCA Film is taking Matt Damon and the director of hit District 9 to the top, followed by the movie Disney originally planned to release straight-to-DVD. Blue Jasmine and The Spectacular Now (review coming tomorrow) should expand nicely. The reviews available on LCA Film can be found by clicking the "Review" tab. Here are the weekend's predictions:
1. Elysium- $36.5 million
2. We're the Millers- $28.7 million
3. Planes- $24.1 million
4. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters- $17.4 million
5. 2 Guns- $16.3 million
6. The Wolverine- $11.2 million
7. The Smurfs 2- $8.6 million
8. The Conjuring- $8.4 million
9. Despicable Me 2- $6.2 million
10. Grown Ups 2- $4.3 million
1. Elysium- $36.5 million
2. We're the Millers- $28.7 million
3. Planes- $24.1 million
4. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters- $17.4 million
5. 2 Guns- $16.3 million
6. The Wolverine- $11.2 million
7. The Smurfs 2- $8.6 million
8. The Conjuring- $8.4 million
9. Despicable Me 2- $6.2 million
10. Grown Ups 2- $4.3 million
Thursday, August 8, 2013
We're the Millers (2013) Review
3.5/5
This is one of the most pleasantly surprising films of the summer, if not the year.
The laughs roll in one after the other, with what I would call a 3:1 hit to miss ratio, and enough crazy antics to satisfy an audience member just looking to be entertained.
This is not a film meant for Oscars, but a film meant to keep you laughing and make you like these characters who really have no business being liked.
Jason Sudeikis is a fantastic leading man who keeps up the energy and gives us someone to root for. Jennifer Aniston has amazing talent and somehow manages to elevate films like this above what they would otherwise be. Emma Roberts is convincing and has one of the more realistic character arcs, but Will Poulter damn near steals the show with his oft confused look and deadpan delivery. Ed Helms is always welcome in any capacity. Nick Offerman is a tad underused here, as his expressions alone are classic (you may know him as Ron Swanson in the television series Parks and Recreation).
Normally, any amount of sentimentality in a comedy such as this is an instant turn-off, but there is something honest about the beginning snapshots into "tell-a-message" land that I didn't mind. By the end of the film, there are just about slapping you in the face with it.
There is enough raw comedy here to please just about everyone, and a post-credit blooper is well worth the price of admission alone. The characters here are so likable, I must admit I would be happy to see them again.
This is one of the most pleasantly surprising films of the summer, if not the year.
The laughs roll in one after the other, with what I would call a 3:1 hit to miss ratio, and enough crazy antics to satisfy an audience member just looking to be entertained.
This is not a film meant for Oscars, but a film meant to keep you laughing and make you like these characters who really have no business being liked.
Jason Sudeikis is a fantastic leading man who keeps up the energy and gives us someone to root for. Jennifer Aniston has amazing talent and somehow manages to elevate films like this above what they would otherwise be. Emma Roberts is convincing and has one of the more realistic character arcs, but Will Poulter damn near steals the show with his oft confused look and deadpan delivery. Ed Helms is always welcome in any capacity. Nick Offerman is a tad underused here, as his expressions alone are classic (you may know him as Ron Swanson in the television series Parks and Recreation).
Normally, any amount of sentimentality in a comedy such as this is an instant turn-off, but there is something honest about the beginning snapshots into "tell-a-message" land that I didn't mind. By the end of the film, there are just about slapping you in the face with it.
There is enough raw comedy here to please just about everyone, and a post-credit blooper is well worth the price of admission alone. The characters here are so likable, I must admit I would be happy to see them again.
Monday, August 5, 2013
How Much? Box Office Results- August 2-4
The family dollar couldn't trump the charm of Denzel and Mark. Woody Allen's latest did phenomenally with $2 million in 50 theaters, and the now is spectacular for The Spectacular Now as it grossed $200,000 is just 4 theaters. Th Wolverine held much better than his last solo outing, and it is incredible to watch The Conjuring keep trucking along. You can find our available reviews by clicking the "Review" tab above. Here are the results:
1. 2 Guns- $27.4 million
2. The Wolverine- $21.7 million
3. The Smurfs 2- $18.7 million
4. The Conjuring- $13.7 million
5. Despicable Me 2- $10.4 million
6. Grown Ups 2- $8.1 million
7. Turbo- $6.4 million
8. Red 2- $5.7 million
9. The Heat- $4.7 million
10. Pacific Rim- $4.6 million
There you have it, folks! Did you see any of the films this weekend? What did you think?
1. 2 Guns- $27.4 million
2. The Wolverine- $21.7 million
3. The Smurfs 2- $18.7 million
4. The Conjuring- $13.7 million
5. Despicable Me 2- $10.4 million
6. Grown Ups 2- $8.1 million
7. Turbo- $6.4 million
8. Red 2- $5.7 million
9. The Heat- $4.7 million
10. Pacific Rim- $4.6 million
There you have it, folks! Did you see any of the films this weekend? What did you think?
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Batman vs. Superman... Who should fill Bruce Wayne's shoes?
Warner Brothers and DC Comics announced a 2015 feature starring Batman and Superman to be called either Batman vs. Superman or Batman & Superman. Henry Cavill is taking over Superman as he did in Man of Steel, but the internet is ablaze at the moment because nobody know who is going to play the legendary Batman (AKA who wants to fill Christian Bale's shoes). Comment below with your thoughts! Here are some options from LCA Film:
1. Jason Clarke- He proved he can be good-guy badass with Zero Dark Thirty, and bad-guy badass with White House Down. Let the man just be an overall badass Batman.
2. Guy Pearce- He has the look and can do gnarly roles like this pretty well. He would bring an emotional weight to Batman as well.
3. Christian Bale- The studios definitely want him back, and he said he's not doing it. This would be great though because he is the man who carried all three of Nolan's blockbuster films and he did perfectly.
4. Unknown Actor- It may not fill the seats like Bale did, so this is probably not going to happen. But audiences may appreciate seeing someone in the role who is talented yet acting on screen for the first time so there are no preconceived notions of what they should be doing.
Remember, comment below with your casting thoughts!
1. Jason Clarke- He proved he can be good-guy badass with Zero Dark Thirty, and bad-guy badass with White House Down. Let the man just be an overall badass Batman.
2. Guy Pearce- He has the look and can do gnarly roles like this pretty well. He would bring an emotional weight to Batman as well.
3. Christian Bale- The studios definitely want him back, and he said he's not doing it. This would be great though because he is the man who carried all three of Nolan's blockbuster films and he did perfectly.
4. Unknown Actor- It may not fill the seats like Bale did, so this is probably not going to happen. But audiences may appreciate seeing someone in the role who is talented yet acting on screen for the first time so there are no preconceived notions of what they should be doing.
Remember, comment below with your casting thoughts!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
2 Guns (2013) Review
3/5
It is hard to critique a film when it accomplishes its mission to entertain and be over-the-top. Luckily, this film hits the mark, due in large part to its charismatic and talented stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.
When these actors are on screen, it is impossible to dislike them. They have wit, and they play off each other effortlessly. It makes for an enjoyable time at the cinema just to watch these two joke with each other, out-do each other, and fight with each other (and others). The rest of the cast does well also; Paula Patton, James Marsden, Edward James Olmos, and Bill Paxton each do their part and give fun, sometimes zany performances.
That the direction is quick and light on its feet is a bonus, and the editing keeps things tight and well-put together. The plot has some holes, however, but it doesn't really ruin the entertainment value. This isn't a perfect film, but it is a perfect late-summer action comedy.
It is my opinion that any film featuring Washington and Wahlberg shooting up a cartel back to back as they are showered in $100 bills that are on fire is worth the price of admission. This will leave you with a smile on your face and a few memorable lines, which is sometimes all you need.
It is hard to critique a film when it accomplishes its mission to entertain and be over-the-top. Luckily, this film hits the mark, due in large part to its charismatic and talented stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.
When these actors are on screen, it is impossible to dislike them. They have wit, and they play off each other effortlessly. It makes for an enjoyable time at the cinema just to watch these two joke with each other, out-do each other, and fight with each other (and others). The rest of the cast does well also; Paula Patton, James Marsden, Edward James Olmos, and Bill Paxton each do their part and give fun, sometimes zany performances.
That the direction is quick and light on its feet is a bonus, and the editing keeps things tight and well-put together. The plot has some holes, however, but it doesn't really ruin the entertainment value. This isn't a perfect film, but it is a perfect late-summer action comedy.
It is my opinion that any film featuring Washington and Wahlberg shooting up a cartel back to back as they are showered in $100 bills that are on fire is worth the price of admission. This will leave you with a smile on your face and a few memorable lines, which is sometimes all you need.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Spike Lee & Kickstarter: An Opinion
Titled "The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint," Spike Lee has initiated a huge deal of controversy with both supporters and naysayers taking to the social media streets and voicing their opinions on this new Kickstarter campaign. Allow us here at LCA Film to do the same.
Spike Lee is one of the most influential and important filmmakers in cinematic history. Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, and Jungle Fever are examples of his more talked about fare, and one can see why; blending visual panache with societal undertones is no easy feat and Lee pulls it off effortlessly. In terms of credibility, there is no question of his reach and power.
There seems to be a common thread among the "haters" (as Lee put it) of this crowdfunding campaign: "Why, in his wealth, does he need me to help him fund this movie?" It's not about needing the money, but where the money is coming from. Us. The fans. And not just fans of his, but fans of cinema. In his initial campaign update, he writes about how Hollywood cranks out blockbuster moneymakers but audiences want more than that. While an explosion fest is a good time, it is true; the cinema that sustains and that proven to pass the test of time have good and relatable characters, beautiful cinematography, and a worthwhile story to tell that is told with an artist's touch. Lee has proven he can do that.
Another thing about the campaign that I love is the lack of detail on the film. This is the full synopsis as of now: "Human beings who are addicted to blood. Funny, sexy, and bloody (and it's not "Blacula")..." When questioned on the lack of plot, he replied "It's a THRILLER." What this tells us is that he is concerned with good-old fashioned storytelling. No leaks, no spoilers, no nothing. He wants us to trust him and give him our money in order to make this film, and we are behind him 100%. I backed the film with no reservation. So did Steven Soderbergh, showing yet again that he truly cares about good cinema moving forward, with a $10,000 pledge that buys him dinner and a Knicks game with Lee in his court-side seats (and over 25 other people have pledged the $10,000 as well). Yes, there are prizes for pledging and most of them are worthwhile. A Knicks game, a day in the editing room, a smorgasbord of signed memorabilia...the list goes on and on.
It is exciting when a filmmaker (and Lee describes himself as an "indie filmmaker") experiments with the changing times and pulls something like this. We are just hoping he can pull it off before the end of the campaign so we can see the film that will certainly generate a massive amount of buzz upon its release. If history tells us anything, it'll be damn good as well.
Spike Lee is one of the most influential and important filmmakers in cinematic history. Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, and Jungle Fever are examples of his more talked about fare, and one can see why; blending visual panache with societal undertones is no easy feat and Lee pulls it off effortlessly. In terms of credibility, there is no question of his reach and power.
There seems to be a common thread among the "haters" (as Lee put it) of this crowdfunding campaign: "Why, in his wealth, does he need me to help him fund this movie?" It's not about needing the money, but where the money is coming from. Us. The fans. And not just fans of his, but fans of cinema. In his initial campaign update, he writes about how Hollywood cranks out blockbuster moneymakers but audiences want more than that. While an explosion fest is a good time, it is true; the cinema that sustains and that proven to pass the test of time have good and relatable characters, beautiful cinematography, and a worthwhile story to tell that is told with an artist's touch. Lee has proven he can do that.
Another thing about the campaign that I love is the lack of detail on the film. This is the full synopsis as of now: "Human beings who are addicted to blood. Funny, sexy, and bloody (and it's not "Blacula")..." When questioned on the lack of plot, he replied "It's a THRILLER." What this tells us is that he is concerned with good-old fashioned storytelling. No leaks, no spoilers, no nothing. He wants us to trust him and give him our money in order to make this film, and we are behind him 100%. I backed the film with no reservation. So did Steven Soderbergh, showing yet again that he truly cares about good cinema moving forward, with a $10,000 pledge that buys him dinner and a Knicks game with Lee in his court-side seats (and over 25 other people have pledged the $10,000 as well). Yes, there are prizes for pledging and most of them are worthwhile. A Knicks game, a day in the editing room, a smorgasbord of signed memorabilia...the list goes on and on.
It is exciting when a filmmaker (and Lee describes himself as an "indie filmmaker") experiments with the changing times and pulls something like this. We are just hoping he can pull it off before the end of the campaign so we can see the film that will certainly generate a massive amount of buzz upon its release. If history tells us anything, it'll be damn good as well.
We have our OSCAR HOST!
For the second time, Ellen DeGeneres will serve as this year's host for the Academy Awards ceremony, insuring a night of witty observations and improvisational observations. I, for one, think this is a great choice. Even if the recipients of the awards are disagreeable, I think DeGeneres will keep the night moving.
LCA Film is on Twitter! @LCA_Film
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Follow at the above Twitter name for reviews, box office news, awards predictions, best/worst lists, and things from around the web worth sharing.
Follow today for up-to-date offerings, and some shorter thoughts that may not call for a whole post on the site! This is a big step toward completing the full LCA Film social media experience, so stay involved!
Follow at the above Twitter name for reviews, box office news, awards predictions, best/worst lists, and things from around the web worth sharing.
Follow today for up-to-date offerings, and some shorter thoughts that may not call for a whole post on the site! This is a big step toward completing the full LCA Film social media experience, so stay involved!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
How Much? Box Office Predictions- August 2-4
The summer's final month has come and now we see if 2013 will truly attain the "summer to match" title it seems to be striving for. 2 Guns, The Smurfs 2, and The Spectacular Now all try to make a name for themselves while The Wolverine tries not to tumble too far and Blue Jasmine should expand nicely. Most people see family film with a franchise and think #1 but I'm going a slightly different direction. As always, the available reviews are posted with much more soon to come, (except The Smurfs 2). Let's have a gander at the predictions:
1. 2 Guns- $32 million (Review: Coming Soon)
2. The Smurfs 2- $23 million (I am not reviewing this one)
3. The Wolverine- $22.7 million (Review: Coming Soon)
4. The Conjuring- $16.3 million (Review)
5. Despicable Me 2- $11.6 million (Review)
6. Turbo- $9 million (Review)
7. Grown Ups 2- $5.3 million (Review)
8. Red 2- $5 million (Review)
9. Pacific Rim- $4.8 million (Review)
10. The Heat- $3.4 million (Review)
LIMITED RELEASE
Blue Jasmine- $1.2 million (Review)
The Spectacular Now- $340,000 (Review: Coming Soon)
1. 2 Guns- $32 million (Review: Coming Soon)
2. The Smurfs 2- $23 million (I am not reviewing this one)
3. The Wolverine- $22.7 million (Review: Coming Soon)
4. The Conjuring- $16.3 million (Review)
5. Despicable Me 2- $11.6 million (Review)
6. Turbo- $9 million (Review)
7. Grown Ups 2- $5.3 million (Review)
8. Red 2- $5 million (Review)
9. Pacific Rim- $4.8 million (Review)
10. The Heat- $3.4 million (Review)
LIMITED RELEASE
Blue Jasmine- $1.2 million (Review)
The Spectacular Now- $340,000 (Review: Coming Soon)
Museum Hours (2013) Review
4/5
This is not so much a narrative film as it is an art piece reflecting the world upon which it is set: an art museum in Vienna. Jem Cohen (serving as director, writer, cinematographer, editor and producer) has crafted a story in which each and every shot serves as a kind of moving portrait, and the eye searches vigorously around the frame to pick up every hidden and wonderful detail, akin to how one would treat a painting. It is a truly stunning cinematic feat to construct each frame with an artist's delicate touch and fill it with the beauty of a thousand brushstrokes.
The film, essentially, is like walking through a museum. We stop at each frame for sometimes a minute or two, and we look around it as we bathe in its overreaching glow. The beauty of it is that, within each frame, Cohen has populated the space with enough to keep the mind stimulated and the eye lively. Then, every so often as the mood shifts or the theme transitions, we cut to black and simulate the walking period between pictures as we stroll through this particular exhibit.
The cinematography, as if it had to be said, is stunning. Mary Margaret O'Hara, Bobby Sommer, and Ela Piplits put in very natural performances and help create this world and give it an emotional weight. They bounce off each other with calm elegance, and appear to have been living as these characters for many years. I do feel that the film could have been 15-20 minutes shorter and have gotten the same, if not greater effect. In any case, it is cinematically brilliant as is and is worth your seeking it out.
I would like to close by briefly discussing one moment in the film. It isn't a spoiler, however if you wish for your experience to be completely untainted you should stop reading now.
As the visitors of the museum in Vienna stroll through and watch, we watch them. It is an odd, almost surreal moment of tasteful visual eavesdropping, until the camera pans out and we see that each of these patrons are naked, completely, much like the subjects they look at. This is the moment where it is made most clear that the film is a museum of its own: we are looking in on this living artwork, in this time, in the present moment, as the subjects pose to inspect a painting or judge a sculpture. It is one of the most breathtakingly brave, gorgeous, and philosophical moments in any film this year. This moment alone is worth the price of admission, and the experience as a whole is one to be had in a theater.
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