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
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