INFERNO and the End of the World

Inferno, the third adaptation of Dan Brown’s intricate mythological and historical mysteries led by his protagonist, Robert Langdon, is a reasonably entertaining adventure that begins with disturbing imagery and the threat of global annihilation as it crisscrosses European locales.  Tom Hanks lends a credible presence as an amnesiac Langdon who is the key to unraveling a plot that harkens back to The Plague, and he is aided in his search for answers by a female doctor (Felicity Jones). As the pair is pursued by unknown, deadly forces, there are some startling twists and turns that climaxes in a tense, race against the clock. Inferno is about on par with Angels and Demons which about says it all. It worked for me as someone who has not read any of Brown’s novels, but I have seen some TV shows that generated a bit more tension and excitement.

**1/2 of **** stars

MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention Strikes Again

The annual MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention was another impressive display of movie/TV memorabilia with a mixture of new and old vendors selling posters, comics, dvd’s,  games, and much more. 

It was an opportunity to finally welcome actor Robert Conrad who has been sought after for years to visit Baltimore.  Conrad was extremely popular with constant long lines of fans who showered him with adoration for a long career especially on TV’s The Wild Wild West. I got a photo with the man and told how I grew up watching the show with my dad and how we loved his work and stunts.  Actor Robert Fuller made his fame in TV westerns like Laramie and as a doctor in Emergency. His lines were surprisingly huge and he was wonderful with his fans.

Other stars included two Bond girls, Britt Ekland (The Man with the Golden Gun) and Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball) who were often posing in tandem for photos with loyal fans. Likewise were Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood the stars of 2001: A Space Odyssey.  I remember my dad worked for the  Naval Research Lab, and we were invited as a family to see the premiere of 2001 at the Uptown Theater. Lockwood said that was actually the world premiere. Kent McCord (Adam 12) was terrific with fans as was Kathy Garver (Family Affair) who was just as exuberant as her character Cissy.  There were several other celebrities including mentalist, Kreskin, and TV favorite, Bernie Kopell.

The folks behind this convention always do such a nice job of creating an experience for fans and we can’t wait for next year’s lineup. Thanks to Laura who had her vendor table buzzing.

SULLY and the Essence of a Hero

Sully, the dramatization of Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s amazing water landing of a passenger jet in the Hudson River when both engines failed at once, serves as a jumping point for a deeper story of the subsequent NTSB investigation of the contradicting evidence of why the plane did not attempt an airport landing.  It is a fascinating, sobering examination of the possibility of human error and self-doubt that creeps into what should have been a celebration of courage under fire.  Reminiscent of films like Fate Is the Hunter and Courage Under Fire, where the narrative flashes back and forth with different points of view, the film is very much a study in the nature of heroism.  Tom Hanks is a wonderful embodiment of Sully while Aaron Eckhart gives good support as co-pilot Jeff Skiles. The actual flight is effectively rendered in great detail by director Clint Eastwood who never fails to maintain the human element that culminates in a powerful, emotional resolution. Well done.     

*** of **** stars

Third Time is the Charm in Star Trek Beyond

Star Trek Beyond is a thrilling space adventure that takes us on the third year of The Enterprise’s five year mission as the crew is sent on a rescue mission that becomes a struggle for survival against a lethal enemy.  Justin Lin (Fast and Furious) gives the franchise an energy boost with cast member Simon Pegg collaborating on a sharp screenplay that honors the original TV series with its vision of a hopeful, diverse universe (and emulating its retro uniforms) while reveling in the new cast’s strong chemistry and comaraderie.  Idris Elba plays a mighty, nasty villain with an interesting past, and while one wishes the film followed through on a couple situations and subplots that could have elevated this to a great film, what we have is an entertaining mix of action and character interaction that compares favorably with J. J. Abrams’ reboot of Star Trek and should delight most Trekkie fans.  Poignant, sentimental moments at the end are punctuated by noting the passing of Leonard Nimoy (original Spock) and Anton Yelchin (reboot Chekov).

SciFi Fandom on Display at Shore Leave 38

Shore Leave 38 in Hunt Valley, MD was another gathering of Star Trek and scifi fans in general with many fans dressed as their favorite character from Dr. Who, Star Wars, and Trekkies etc. There were plenty of vendors with memorabilia and art items with movie tie-ins. Of the several genre stars of TV shows and film, John Noble (Fringe) was the most notable, Karen Gillan (Gauradians of the Galaxy), and Anthony Montgomery (Star Trek:Enterprise) who talked about his first auditions for TV. It was a fun event as usual for fandom.

Friendships Tested in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Captain America: Civil War, inspired by the Marvel comic book arc, spins it into a darker, complex, character study of bromance and loyalty.  It is the deepest, most thoughtful super hero film since The Dark Knight, the most entertaining since The Avengers, and is a worthy followup to the excellent The Winter Soldier.  There has never been a multi-starring super hero film so well balanced while showcasing every major cast member. (Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice should take notes on how to do this kind of mashup.)

Due to past battles by the Avengers that resulted in massive, human loss, there are international laws to control the super heroes which brings brothers in arms, Captain America and Iron Man (Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr are great), on opposite sides, each with legitimate, compelling viewpoints. To complicate things further, the Winter Soldier is apparently implicated in a series of devastating attacks that test loyalties and friendships. The well written screenplay, which shifts among many locations, culminates in a couple of outstanding battles amongst our heroes against one another including an all-out, multi-hero faceoff  at an airport (worth the price of admission), and a brutal, climactic beat down loaded with emotional angst. All the while a mysterious figure is orchestrating events as our heroic group is disassembled.

There are tantalizing introductions of The Black Panther and Spiderman who have substantial roles. Part of the fun is watching various matchups and combinations of the heroes displaying their super abilities; the fight choreography is outstanding. The film surprisingly works on an intimate level-it never forgets the thread of Cap and his best buddy, Bucky (the Winter Soldier). While the average viewer may simply finds this a well-orchestrated piece of fantasy entertainment, the film works best for Marvel fans in terms of continuity and canon;  It does function as Avengers 2.5, but at its heart, it is the grandest Captain America film to date.  Well directed by the Russo brothers. (There are also two significant post credit scenes and a Stan Lee cameo to savor.) 

**** of **** stars (for Marvel fans)

 

The Magic Is Missing in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

So I did see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and it was nowhere as magical and special as the first film even though virtually every character makes a reappearance albeit older and not quite as original or funny. The script early on seems less fresh and the jokes don't quite work as the story parallels three subplots: the grandparents' marriage, Toula (Nia Vardalos) and Ian's (John Corbett) marriage, and their teenage daughter ready for college and romance. There are moments here and there that are appealing especially when things coalesce nicely at the end that make you wish the whole film had that vibe. Sweet, and good natured, it is nothing quite like its predecessor.

My Sweet Patty

I can't believe Patty Duke has died at 69. It was something anyone could have experienced and succumbed, but it is still hard to wrap my head around. I grew up with her on TV (Patty Duke Show, My Sweet Charlie) and movies (The Miracle Worker), and met her at the MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention several years ago. I have to tell you she was friendly, warm and engaging-a genuine person. She made you... feel good just meeting her. A lot of celebrities have passed away recently like the precious comedian,Gary Shandling, who I saw in person at a very early comedy club standup in L.A., and it goes to show that life is short and you should treasure the memories and relationships while forging ahead and living a good life.

A New World of Heroes in BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

DC Comics’ bid to expand its super hero universe and emulate rival Marvel’s stratospheric success was a huge financial gamble coming on the heels of the satisfactory Man of Steel.  With the same director who also did Watchmen, it remained to be seen if this could be the launch of several movie franchises particularly The Justice League. The verdict is yes, it achieves that goal but with a mixed bag of great moments highlighted by haunting imagery and some scenes that never quite hit their mark.  The problem lies partly in an ambitious storyline that tries to accomplish a bit too much thematically and introduce new Metahuman heroes while trying to connect a lot of dots despite its running time is 2 ½ hours.

Similar in plot to the upcoming Captain America:Civil War, it picks up the previous film’s battle that caused massive destruction (and personal loss for Bruce Wayne, extremely well played by Ben Affleck) and leads to the government to think about Superman (Henry Cavill) as a potential threat. As mysterious industrialist Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg is a hoot) assimilates Kryptonian technology and more, an elaborate conspiracy threatens Superman’s loved ones and pits him in a one on one battle with Batman (who is pretty clever and well- armed.)  As the titans do a battle royale, a formidable threat emerges, and a new hero arrives in Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot in a cool, different take). 

The film’s moody tone might be a bit too dark for some; there is a severe lack of humor or anything to balance the sense of pessimism.  There is, however, much to savor in some good action and visual effects including one startling, shocking scene in Washington DC.  Nice support from Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, and Laurence Fishburne and some nice cameos. (No, there is no post credit scene.) I would put this almost on par with Avengers:Age of Ultron, only longer.   

*** of **** stars (for comic hero fans)

2016 OSCAR PREDICTIONS FOR 2015 FILMS

OK, I have seen all eight best picture nominees and a few other titles but not all.  There are very likely surprises in a couple major categories.  Enjoy!

PICTURE-3 way race among The Revenant, The Big Short, and Spotlight- Momentum and timing are everything so The Revenant by a snowflake-hoping for Spotlight.                              

ACTOR-Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant

ACTRESS-Brie Larson in Room

SUPPORTING ACTOR-Sylvester Stallone in Creed but I loved Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies.    

SUPPORTING ACTRESS-A good year for Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl (The Man from UNCLE and Ex Machina) although Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs is a possibility.

DIRECTOR-Alejandro G. Iñárritu for The Revenant over deserved George Miller for Mad Max:Fury Road.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY-Spotlght

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY-The Big Short

ANIMATED FEATURE-Inside Out

FILM EDITING-Mad Max:Fury Road

CINEMATOGRAPHY-The Revenant 

PRODUCTION DESIGN-Max Mad:Fury Road

ORIGINAL SCORE-The Hateful Eight

ORIGINAL SONG-Til It Happens To You from The Hunting Ground

SOUND EDITING-Mad Max:Fury Road                                             

SOUND MIXING- Mad Max:Fury Road                                             

COSTUME DESIGN-Cinderella

MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING- Mad Max:Fury Road                                              

VISUAL EFFECTS-Star Wars:The Force Awakens but a sweep by Mad Max:Fury Road might happen

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM-Son of Saul                                                                                           

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-Amy

Various SHORTS-who cares?

Figure Mad Max will get a ton of Tech awards, some very good films may be shutout like The Martian, Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, and Carol.

Life Decisions in BROOKLYN

Brooklyn is one of the best films of 2015. Set in the early 1950s, a young Irish woman named Eilis, immigrates to New York City in America to find a new life. There she learns about the world and its culture, and she finds love and a sense of self through her growing pains. As she explores her new life, she is pulled by her family ties to Ireland. It’s an emotional film not unlike coming of age films like I Remember Mama and An Education. What's remarkable is Eilis’ character growth from naïve and lonely to self-assured and experienced. As Eilis, Soairse Ronan (Atonement) is a revelation in capturing the accent, body movement, and soul of a young woman in the big city. (She will be an acting force for years to come.) Very solid support by Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters. Beautifully shot, the details of period recreation and a peek into the bonds of an Irish family would make director John Ford (The Quiet Man) proud. It’s a sentimental, nostalgic film of another period of time, but it rings true in any age.

 What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. e of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected th
ets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trifecta. e of Gravity.) Matt Damon shines in a role that is demanding physically and emotionally as the ill fated astronaut marooned on Mars who must find resourceful ways to grow his food and much more. (You will never look at a new plant the same way again.)
What sets this film apart from others is its sheer goodwill in emphasizing the intelligence and ingenuity of experts who want to do right. There are also no villains here, and that in itself is refreshing. The filmmakers have also painstakingly made this film scientifically plausible.
Scott has previously made two of the greatest scifi movies, Alien and Blade Runner. With this, he has perfected the trif

The Harsh Beauty of THE REVENANT

The Revenant is a visually powerful work about survival and revenge; it also features an impressive performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as trapper Hugh Glass who in the 1800’s in the Midwest, was badly mauled by a bear and left for dead by fellow trappers (done previously as Man in the Wilderness with Richard Harris).  The primeval beauty and vastness of the American wilderness forms an overwhelming backdrop to a brutal, realistic depiction of one man’s impossible struggle in dragging his broken body across miles of rugged terrain amid the danger of Indians and French trappers while staving off starvation and the harsh elements.  Fueled by hunting down those responsible for his plight and the murder of his native son, Glass is singularly driven beyond the limits of endurance.  The cinematography is outstanding (Emmanuel Lubezki is gunning for his third consecutive Oscar).  DiCaprio, in a tortuous, demanding role, shines and is given a worthy adversary in Tom Hardy, (the ultimate chameleon of actors). This is a demanding film that should be experienced on the big screen, and when you finally reach the ending, you’ll be grateful for having survived it.

Reworking a masterpiece as MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Mad Max: Fury Road is a reboot of sorts by director George Miller of his original Mad Max trilogy, and he has lost none of his power. Given a canvas of desert expanse and a terrific cast including Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Miller totally reimagines a post apocalyptic world ruled by a ruthless gangs in weaponized vehicles who horde scarce resources.  Essentially structured as one extended chase over the course of the entire film, Miller extends his masterpiece sequence from The Road Warrior and embellishes it with super, spectacular action scenes, outrageous stunt work, and special effects. But what this visual stunner never loses sight of is the redemptive human element and how a group of disparate and desperate characters can bond together for a greater good and reveal a bit of humanity in a cruel, barren world. An outstanding piece of filmmaking that transcends its genre.

A Mother and Son’s Bond in ROOM

In the emotional film Room, the unthinkable becomes a way of life for Joy (Brie Larson) and her five year old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) whose existence consists of a room with one skylight window. Under the control and prisoner of a mysterious man, she must not only endure an abusive relationship but shield her child from the horror. It is this bond between mother and child and the dawning hope and reality of a world outside their existence that forms the core of this heart wrenching drama. This features not one (Larson) but two Oscar worthy performances with Tremblay a revelation. It is a haunting study of a mom's love and a child's self discovery. Thoughtful and memorable.

The Art of Denial in THE BIG SHORT

A fascinating microcosm of the financial world gone amuck and its subsequent collapse is detailed in The Big Short, based on the best seller by Michael Lewis (Moneyball). An ensemble cast (Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt) excels at depicting the few who saw the mortgage industry on the brink of failure and decided to take a huge risk by betting against Wall Street and potentially netting an enormous windfall in profit. Soon a picture emerges of a broken, corrupt system driven by phenomenal greed and ultimately undermined by subprime mortgages while the rest of the world was oblivious or in denial. It's a remarkable, factual chronicle that registers tension, macabre humor, and disbelief, and even though you know what's coming, it thoroughly engages its audience. One of the best films of the year.

CAROL and the Power of Love

Carol is an acting showcase for Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara under the sensitive direction of Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven). A frustrated housewife with a broken marriage meets a young female store clerk and the two are drawn to each other amid 1950's America. It is essentially about two lonely souls searching for comfort and happiness amid overwhelming social and personal adversity. Stylistically it shares much in common with the classic Technicolor melodramas of the decade (Peyton Place, Magnificent Obsession) with sumptuous period set details and costume design. Among the likely Oscar nominations for this thoughtful, fine film, count on acting nods for Blanchett and Mara; acting doesn't get much better than this.

The Promise of JOY

 

Joy, the latest pairing of director/writer David Russell and Jennifer Lawrence, is an entertaining and at times fascinating take on the real life rags to riches story of inventor Joy Mangano whose desire to create an invention and better her existence is stifled with a thoroughly dysfunctional family and the seemingly insurmountable challenges and heartbreak of starting her own business. Although this film is not quite as strong as American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, it showcases Lawrence's acting prowess in an Oscar caliber performance as a woman who empowers herself against tremendous odds. If you like Jen, go see it. She won't disappoint.

Abrams’ Triumph in STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS

 

I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the Uptown Theater with some hardcore fans/friends/family. The film is very good with plenty of reverence for the original trilogy especially in its style and spirit. There are rousing action scenes and moments of poignancy and yes, sadness. Director J. J. Abrams has achieved the right mix of respect and embracing the Star Wars legacy while forging new directions for the franchise that offers some startling surprises. The classic cast blends seamlessly with the engaging new faces. There are plenty of funny lines of dialogue that enrich a well written screenplay.  I already knew halfway that this film was way better than the prequels.  It is among the better Star Wars films and ranks probably just below The Empire Strikes Back.  In fact when it ended on a memorable shot.  I wished it could still go on.  If you loved Star Wars:A New Hope, then go see this one-it is your destiny.  seamlessly with the engaging new faces. There are plenty of funny lines of dialogue that enrich a well written screenplay. I already knew halfway that this film was way better than the prequels. It is among the better Star Wars films and ranks probably just below The Empire Strikes Back. In fact when it ended on a memorable shot, I wished it could still go on. If you loved Star Wars: A New Hope, then go see this one-it is your destiny.

The Brilliance of SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight is the best film about investigative journalism since All the President's Men. Based on actual events in 2001,The Boston Globe newspaper explored supposed molestations by local priests and the cover up of these crimes. The team of reporters uncovered a vast conspiracy of lies and silence amid a growing list of victims over the decades. Told in a non-sensationalistic, methodical narrative, the story starts as a mystery that unfolds bit by bit until the scope of the scandal grows to unconscionable proportions. Director/Writer Tom McCarthy has meticulously documented a tragic moment in history with support by a wonderful ensemble cast including Liev Schreiber, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Ruffalo. Rarely has journalism been so realistically portrayed on film. The screenplay has Oscar written all over it.