Przeslak Express

[keegsta]

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2015

1.    Star Wars: The Force Awakens

    Surprise surprise, my favorite film of 2015 is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This was my most anticipated film of my entire life thus far. There is no reality in which this movie isn’t my favorite film of the year so in some ways I’m incredibly biased. That being said, JJ Abrams finally delivered the goods. Of course the realistic feel and the mind blowing visuals were great but what really knocked this film out of the park was the cast. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Adam Driver are my new favorite people on this planet. The old cast was perfectly used sparingly so that you don’t notice their age. This film is firing on all Star Wars cylinders for me, so surprise, it’s my number one.

2.    It Follows

    Now that Star Wars is out of the way, this can get interesting. It Follows steadily remained my favorite film of the year until December came around. I love this movie. It’s a love letter to everything I love; John Carpenter-esque horror. The premise will turn most people off right away but if it doesn’t, you’ve got to see this movie. It’s surprising that It Follows was only made for $2 million because at times it looks like a bigger budget studio film. The score really steals the show here though. This is easily one of the best horror scores of the last decade.

3.    Jurassic World

    This film feels extremely similar to my number three pick last year, Godzilla. Jurassic World isn’t a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination. It is however some of the most fun I’ve had at the movies in a long time. I love the cast of this film. Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt in particular shine together in the second half. I’m also a sucker for giant monster movies and that’s what this film sort of became. I was really impressed with how director Colin Trevorrow managed to fit in a giant monster fight in the climax of Jurassic World. Spoilers, it’s awesome.

4.    What We Do In The Shadows

    This is easily the funniest film that I saw all year. The premise of the film is simple, a group of vampires live in a house together and hilarity ensues. Several times throughout watching this film I was laughing out loud, which is saying quite a bit. The film explores day to day happenings and struggles of what being a vampire would actually be like. One example is that since vampires can’t see themselves in the mirror, they must dress puppets to see if they will look good for the day. Obviously seems extremely simple but the film portrays several of these struggles with great fun. Everyone should see this movie as soon as possible.

5.    The Hateful Eight

    Another year, another Tarantino film makes my end of the year list. The Hateful Eight is a master class in storytelling. The film plays out as if it were a stage play, right down to an actual narration of the story by none other than Tarantino himself. This film features gorgeous 70mm photography, fantastic actors and a progressively bloody affair. Like all Tarantino films, Hateful Eight packs a massive punch for the third act and this one doesn’t disappoint. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you to see this movie, but please, see this movie.

6.    Mad Max: Fury Road

    This is easily the most bonkers film of 2015. In fact, this is easily one of the most bonkers films I’ve ever seen. George Miller returns to his franchise which I honestly never had much affinity for. This film however completely blew me away. The amount of practical effects on display throughout Mad Max: Fury Road boggle the mind. Simply put, this film feels dangerous. It seems that at any moment, things could go wrong and a lot of people are going to get hurt. Top it all off with a great character from Charlize Theron and you’ve got one of the best films of 2015.

7.    Predestination

    Predestination was the most surprising film of the year for me. This film is about a sort of time cop that travels back in time to catch a notorious serial killer. Easy sci-fi premise right? What follows is a mind blowing film that turns out to be an emotional roller coaster. The film is ultimately about what it means to love another person. The film also explores identity and self identification. If you do seek this one out, get ready for a crazy ride through time. You will be rewarded in the end.

8.    The Martian

    This film is just an absolute crowd pleaser. I went into this film hoping for Interstellar type ideas about space and the expanse. What I got was much more grounded in reality. That being said I loved this film. Matt Damon is completely hamming it up as Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded alone on Mars. He is asked to carry much of the film by himself and he pulls it off with ease. While I can’t say this film explores any deep thought provoking ideas, it does remind us that space travel can be done. We just have to work together. While it seems like a simple proposition, it’s easily forgotten.

9.    Straight Outta Compton

    Who knew that a film about the beginnings of N.W.A. would end up being this good? The actors picked for these iconic figures are remarkable. My favorite newcomer that has inevitably gained quite a bit of attention following this film’s release is Corey Hawkins. His portrayal of Dr. Dre is the heart of this film for me. Having said all of that the direction of this film is top notch film making by F. Gary Gray. All around, this film is a perfect rendition of the hip-hop business. Did I mention seeing Straight Outta Compton in the theater meant you got to hear N.W.A. songs blasting out of 7.1 surround sound?

10.    Krampus

    I was set up to love this film for a multitude of reasons and guess what? I love this film. Krampus is directed by Michael Dougherty, the same man behind the best Halloween film of all time, Trick r’ Treat. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he managed to craft a great Christmas horror movie. That being said this film doesn’t rise to Trick r’ Treat level for me but it is great. Krampus is full of inventive Christmas creatures that are all a ton of fun. This film instantly became regular viewing every holiday season from now on.

Best Television of The Year

The Leftovers Season 2

    I created an all new category for my end of the year list just so I could include this pick. The second season of The Leftovers repeatedly knocked me out of my chair episode after episode. This show was created by Damon Lindelof of Lost fame but it’s a completely different type of show. Over its ten episode second season I’m pretty sure I cried at least once an episode. I don’t mind admitting that because The Leftovers is that strong. This season culminated with three of the best episodes of television I have ever seen, and I don’t say that lightly. Please, I beg you, give this show a chance. You won’t regret it.

Worst Movie of The Year

Terminator: Genisys

    I hated this film from beginning to end. It’s a boring retread of the Terminator films we know and love. It’s a waste of a franchise that could actually be viable. I found myself pondering throughout the film, why on earth was this boring piece of crap made? What is the point? Why are we wasting Emilia Clarke on such an idiotic plot in a shameless Terminator sequel? These are questions we will never know the answers to. Luckily the sequels that were planned after this film have been canceled. Hallelujah.

[keegsta]

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2014

1.    Interstellar

     Christopher Nolan's incredibly ambitious exercise in science fiction is easily my favorite film of the year. The film begins with small moments of family but quickly spirals into a barrage of awe-inspiring space imagery. However, the film doesn't lose its heart in all of the drool worthy interstellar travel. It actually builds as the film fly's off into the unknown. Interstellar has one of the most gut wrenching and emotional scenes I have ever seen on film. Matthew McConaughey is an emotional beast in that scene (which takes place in front of a computer screen) and throughout the entire film. Interstellar left me in tears and with my brain firing on all cylinders. It is a film that feels exactly made for me.

2.    Guardians of The Galaxy

      While I was intrigued by this film before the year started, I thought there was no way anyone could ever pull off this group of characters. I was proven wrong by director James Gunn when I sat down for what would become one of my favorite films of the last few years. While Guardians is a crowd pleaser like all of Marvel's films, this one is elevated by great characters and a unique director. Most Marvel super hero films are directed by average directors without a distinct voice. That all changes with this film. I don't think I had more fun all year in the theater than I did watching Guardians of The Galaxy.

3.    Godzilla

     Godzilla is by no means a perfect film. However, it easily makes notches at the top of my favorites of the year based on the pure joy it brought me. The depiction of Godzilla in this movie is exactly what I want out of a monster movie. Sure, the story is average and the characters are one note but the film does enough in both categories to keep the film moving. Gareth Edwards uses the Jaws monster movie formula. This means that you show the monster sparingly until the final battle. By doing this it raises the tension and stakes for the end of the film and makes the audience truly excited to see the big guy on screen in all of his glory. The next Godzilla film can't come soon enough.

4.    Boyhood

     Richard Linklater's 12 year project to tell the story of a boy growing into an adult is one of the best stories about life that you'll ever see. The film was filmed over the course of 12 years using the same actors to portray their characters story arcs. The standout here in the boy himself, Ellar Coltrane. Somehow Linklater found the perfect kid for this ambitious project. Coltrane is understated throughout the film but he gives an unforgettable performance. In fact for such a huge project, the film itself is actually understated. It's a simple story of growing up and what comes with that.

5.    The Babadook

     This film is remarkable for a bevy of reasons. First of all it's a great horror film. Second, it's a great film in general. Third, it was directed by a first time director. Lastly, this film introduced to the world one of the most terrifying ideas in movie history, Mister Babadook. While the film isn't as scary as the marketing has made it out to be, it is in fact scary. However, that's not as important as the core of the film. The film is ultimately about the relationship of a mother and a son dealing with a major case of grief. Oh yeah, they also have to deal with Mister Babadook. This one shouldn't be missed. If it's in a word, or in a look, you can't get rid of the Babadook...

6.    Gone Girl

     I was certainly excited to see Gone Girl going in to 2014 but only because of director David Fincher's previous work. I was skeptical that this so called "airport fiction" story would work on a larger level than just schlock. This film blew me away. Fincher's unforgettable style is working throughout the film. Ben Affleck is great but it's really Rosamund Pike who elevates the material. Pike is perfectly unpredictable and dangerous to the point that you'll have no idea what will happen next.

7.    Under The Skin

     Under The Skin is this year's Upstream Color. Chances are that statement means nothing to a lot of people reading this. Under The Skin tells the story of a mysterious woman who drives around picking up random men off the street. To say anything more than that would venture into spoiler territory, so I won't do that. Scarlett Johansson goes for gold in this film. She is put through a lot of physical and emotional stress and it works. The film's ending is one that will leave you thinking about it for weeks. If anything I said above interests you at all, check this one out.

8.    Dawn of The Planet of The Apes

     This is the second film in the new Planet of The Apes franchise. Matt Reeves (director of a small film called Cloverfield) gets his chance to make a giant blockbuster. Not only is Dawn of The Planet of The Apes a great action set piece film, it also serves as a fantastic character piece for Caeser, the ape. I don't think I'll ever forget the opening 20 minutes of this film. There is not a single line of dialogue spoken as it opens with the Apes simply living their lives in the forest. It's breathtaking. I will also not soon forget what looks like a simple scene of an ape joking with a human gone terribly violent.

9.    Edge of Tomorrow

     This film unfortunately failed to light up the box office when it came out in the summer of 2014. That's a huge shame. Edge of Tomorrow is one of the best sci-fi films I've seen in a long time. It takes the premise of repeating a day (I.E. Groundhog Day) and runs with it. This film is one of the most fun rides of the entire year. Tom Cruise is appropriately charismatic but his character also isn't a perfect hero from the get go which makes his arc exciting to watch. The real star of the film however is Emily Blunt. She kicks major ass in this film. The only problem with Edge of Tomorrow comes in the third act. It's just so much fun leading up to the end that it doesn't really live up to that. Don't let that get in the way though. If you haven't seen Edge of Tomorrow, please do so now.

10.    The Guest

    The Guest is probably the smallest film in terms of release and reception on this list. It's directed by Adam Wingard, of You're Next fame. It stars Dan Stevens as a mysterious veteran returning home. This film never lets on what exactly is happening, not even at the end. The Guest is an 80's throwback film that the only way to describe it is The Terminator mixed with The Bourne Identity. From the 80's inspired synth score to the insane third act of this film, you really have to see it to get it. Just remember, it's supposed to be fun.

Worst Movie of The Year

Pompeii

   This film is an absolutely atrocious giant piece of garbage. Pompeii is unbearable on every level. The film features god awful acting, painful special effects and some of the worst digital photography that has ever graced the big screen. I hated this movie from beginning to end. Don't waste your time watching this abomination. If I can persuade you to not watch one film from 2014, it would be Pompeii. Save yourself.

[keegsta]

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2013

1.    The Conjuring

     This is one of the best horror films in the last ten years and it's also my favorite film of the year. James Wan quickly established himself as a new legend of horror with lower budget films like Saw and Insidious. The Conjuring is his best film yet. From his insane camerawork to the terrifying score, The Conjuring is the whole package. My two favorite scenes in the film aren't even really part of the main conflict. In case you're wondering what I'm talking about, both scenes involve a terrifying doll. The film as a whole however will haunt its viewers for years to come.

2.    Evil Dead

      It's hard to explain why a frivolous film like this years remake of The Evil Dead should be ahead of more heady films like Gravity and Her. However, since this list is my favorite films of the year, Evil Dead certainly earned a top spot. I am first and foremost a horror fan. When this film was originally announced I was hugely skeptical of how anyone could remake such a horror classic. Having seen Fede Alvarez's new vision of Evil Dead over eight times now, I can say that I love it. Alvarez made a noble decision to use mostly practical effects throughout the film and it shows in every blood drenched scene. I won't spoil anything here but this film has one of the best finale's of any horror film.

3.    Gravity

     Alfonso Cuarón finally released his space epic this year and didn't disappoint. Gravity opens with a 20 minute long continuous shot that doesn't cut away from the action once. The film is filled with these unedited sequences that forces the viewer to stay in those moments. It never allows you to look away from the screen. Sandra Bullock gives a great performance, which is essential because she is the only person on screen for much of Gravity's 91 minute run time.

4.    Her

     This is actually the last film I saw from 2013 that will make my list. Her is a futuristic look at the very idea of love. While it may seem childish that the main character of this film falls in love with his computer, this film is extremely heartfelt. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a towering performance that will test any film lover's tear ducts. Scarlett Johansson gives an equally great performance but all through her voice as the electronic OS. Her is an absolutely captivating experience in which I could barely look away from the screen, all in the name of love.

5.    Pacific Rim

     This is Guillermo del Toro's massive giant robots versus giant monsters movie. Pacific Rim actually topped my list of most anticipated films of 2013 at number one. Did it live up to the hype that I bestowed upon it? Almost. The aspects of the film that blew me away were the amazing visuals overall and the battle sequences. However, the characters left a lot to be desired. The biggest offender here is Charlie Hunnam in the lead roll. He is just plain boring in this film. While the film may be a mixed bag, the good certainly out-weighed the bad. In the end it just isn't my favorite movie of the year like I expected it to be.

6.    You’re Next

     You're Next is a film I had been waiting to see since I first heard the buzz around it in 2011. Being able to finally see this film in theaters this year was an absolute treat. As stated above, I'm first and foremost a horror fan, so naturally I love this film. It takes a basic home invasion premise and gives it a little shot in the arm. I don't want to spoil the film for those who haven't seen it. The acting may not always be there throughout You're Next, but it is one of the most fun films I saw this year.

7. About Time

     This film sneaked up on me towards the end of the year. I had heard about it but wasn't really anticipating its release like most of the other films on this list. About Time is what I would describe as a romantic comedy time travel film. It's not a spoiler to say that there is time travel involved in this film because it is the very premise. The main character, Tim, comes from a long line of time traveling men in his family. All he has to do to turn back the clock is go into a dark place, close his eyes and think about a moment in his life. The film is ultimately about appreciating the present as well as appreciating the ones you love. If you have a heart you should seek out this film because you won't regret it.

8.    Upstream Color

     This is definitely the most experimental film on my list. Upstream Color is from director Shane Carruth. He also wrote the script and plays one of the main characters in the film. This guy is one of the only people in Hollywood that produces his films entirely on his own. With those things in mind he was free to make the weirdest yet captivating film of the year. This is another film I don't want to spoil what-so-ever. What I will say is that Upstream Color is ultimately about our identity as individuals and why we do the things we do. If you seek this film out, you will likely be confused, but that's sort of the point.

9.    The World's End

     This is Edgar Wright's conclusion to his Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. If you don't know what that means, it means that it belongs in spirit with two other films Wright directed, Shaun of The Dead and Hot Fuzz. I was very excited for this film and it didn't disappoint. While this film takes a slightly more serious tone than the previous films, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are still hilarious throughout. The World's End is simply a ton of fun to watch. The film actually ranks second to me in the trilogy behind Shaun of The Dead but just in front of Hot Fuzz.

10.    The Wolf of Wall Street

     Seeing The Wolf of Wall Street in theaters with a couple of my friends was one of the best times that I experienced in cinema all year. This film is about incredibly heavy stuff like drug addiction and illegal stock trading, but it's an all out blast. Leonardo DiCaprio gives one of my favorite performances of the year as the real life Jordan Belfort. He's charismatic for much of the film and even a little terrifying towards the end. His character is obviously not a good guy but much like a car wreck, you can't take your eyes off of him.

[keegsta]

Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2013

1.    Pacific Rim

     Guillermo del Toro’s absolutely insane monsters vs. giant robots film. It was tough to pick between Star Trek and Pacific Rim as my most anticipated film of 2013, but we know what to expect from Star Trek Into Darkness. Pacific Rim could be my favorite film of 2013 or one of the biggest disappointments of 2013. Let's hope it's the former. July 11th

2.    Star Trek Into Darkness

     J.J. Abrams sequel to his incredible Star Trek reboot. I’ve never been a fan of Star Trek, but his reboot made even me climb on board the Trek train. I am anticipating this film even more now because JJ has been announced as the director or Star Wars: Episode VII. I can't wait to see what J.J. does for his Star Trek follow up. May 17th

3.    Man of Steel

     Zack Snyder’s reboot of the Superman franchise. I can’t wait to see what Snyder has done with the Superman universe. The trailers for this film show a different side of Snyder’s direction. Hopefully the trailers are an indication and translate into the actual film. June 14th

4.    Evil Dead

      My personal favorite genre is horror, so Evil Dead is an easy pick for me. I was fairly skeptical of anyone rebooting the 80's classic Evil Dead, but Sam Raimi's comments and a completely insane red-band trailer have me absolutely on board for this film. Not only does it look great just from face value but this remake may not actually be a remake at all. There are some clues in the trailer that could point to this film being a potential quasi sequel of some kind. Sam Raimi has recently joked about writing "Evil Dead 4" this summer. What if this "remake" actually takes place during The Army of Darkness? What if Ash makes an appearance at the end? We will find out April 5th

5.    Elysium

      Elysium is director Neill Blomkamp's follow up to his incredible 2009 film, District 9. District 9 was one of those films that unexpectedly took the world by storm. It was also Blomkamp's first ever feature film. That fact makes me all the more excited for this sci-fi epic. I'd explain more of what the film is actually about, but I am trying to stay away from info on this one. August 9th

6.    You’re Next

      You're Next is the first movie on this list that is questionable if it will even come out in 2013. This film has been repeatedly been pushed back for years and is supposed to finally get a release from Lionsgate this year. This is another film that I am trying to stay away from information about the plot because it is supposedly best viewed with a fresh mind, and I can't wait. August 23rd

7. The Green Inferno

      The Green Inferno is the second movie on my list that may not get a 2013 release. Even though all signs point to this year at the moment, I could definitely see this film getting pushed into 2014. This film is only director Eli Roth's fourth film that he has actually directed. Roth has been busy acting in Inglorious Basterds and producing a ton of other films. Now we finally get to see him back in the directors chair and I can't wait. The Green Inferno is supposedly some kind of homage to the infamous Cannibal Holocaust and is, you guessed it, a cannibal film. Consider me beyond enthusiastic for this one. I just hope we get to see it this year. Sometime in 2013

8.    Iron Man 3

      Iron Man 3 is our first post Avengers Marvel film. Just the fact that this is our first glimpse at the now fully connected Marvel universe makes Iron Man 3 an easy film to anticipate. We will get to see how Tony Stark deals with his life following the events that took place in The Avengers and what is his next big threat. The film will need to address why Iron Man can't just call in his super hero pals to save the day, but I'm confident that it will and won't disappoint. May 3rd

9.    Insidious: Chapter 2

      I was completely in love with James Wan's 2011 horror film Insidious, so obviously I can't wait to see what he has in store for the sequel. James Wan has stated in the past that he wishes he would have stayed on to direct the Saw franchise because he believes it was run into the ground. Now that Wan knows what can happen when he lets go of his film's sequels, I am really anxious to see how he handles his first sequel. Hopefully it feels like the first film but also builds on the great scares and suspense that Insidious thrived on. September 20th

10.    Oblivion

      Look, I am a huge sucker for high concept sci-fi. This film's slick aesthetic alone has it pretty high on my overall 2013 list. That combined with Tom Cruise as the lead and a more than interesting story about Earth's demise has me considerably excited. Hopefully the film is substantial and not forgettable in the end. April 26th

[keegsta]

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2012

1.    Prometheus

     This is one of the grandest science fiction displays of all time and my favorite film of the year. Prometheus asks some of man kind's biggest questions like, Where did we come from? Why are we here? Is there a god? The film answers most of those questions in perfect science fiction fashion. It also leaves a lot to be discussed. This is my favorite kind of film, one that will be dissected for years to come.

2.    The Cabin In The Woods

     This is a once in a lifetime kind of film. As stated in my review, I don't want to say a whole lot because this film is easy to spoil. The Cabin In The Woods essentially portrays the entire horror genre in one huge masterpiece. If you haven't seen it yet you need to shut your computer off and go watch it NOW.

3.    The Dark Knight Rises

     Chris Nolan managed to give his Batman trilogy a perfect and fitting end. The only problem I had with the film is that it was not as good as The Dark Knight which I believe is a perfect film. I don't think The Dark Knight Rises is a perfect film but I do believe it is a perfect end to Nolan's entry in the Batman pantheon.

4.    Looper

      Rian Johnson's first entry into science fiction is one of the most original films of the year. Looper doesn't feel like a single other film that came out this year. It has its own beat and wavelength. Part science fiction epic, part character study. Looper is an insane sci-fi thrill ride that you must see for yourself.

5.    Django Unchained

     Tarantino continues to rewrite history in one of the most fun films that came out this year. Django Unchained tells the story of a slave that is set free by a bounty hunter that needs help. The first half of this film is hilarious and a ton of fun. The second half is much more dark and sinister. An all out Tarantino blast. That would be my pull-quote.

6.    The Avengers

      2012 in film will likely be regarded as the year of The Avengers and for a good reason. Joss Whedon was able to meld together six superheroes that span five separate films into one massive comic book lover's dream. The Avengers has tons of action, explosions and it might also be the funniest film of the year. The summer movie to end all summer movies.

     7.    The Innkeepers

     This was a hard film to include on this list because it is unclear when it actually was released to mass audiences. The DVD release was in February of 2012, which I believe to be the first time it was widely available. With all of that aside, The Innkeepers is one of my favorite horror films of all time. It took a second viewing to really get the appreciation I now have for Ti West's throwback ghost story. The film's strength is its script and Sara Paxton's performance. Some say nothing happens during the entire film, I say it is just a lot of fun to hang out with the hotel's employees. However, if you are looking for a massive scare fest, you will be disappointed.

8.    Skyfall

     Had it not been released in the same year as Prometheus, Skyfall would be the best looking film of the year. Not only does this film looking stunning, but it is a great modern take on the Bond franchise. This film is great because it doesn't rely on ridiculous gadgets and stunts. Skyfall is a much more stripped down Bond than previous entries, focusing on the man inside 007.

9.    The Impossible

     I decided to only include one survival film on my list and it came down to Life of Pie or The Impossible. Ultimately, Life of Pie is just too muddled with religious undertones, weird narrative flashbacks and an ending that leaves a lot to be desired. However, The Impossible has none of those problems and is a much more emotional journey. This film is about a family that gets caught in a tsunami during their vacation. Not only is The Impossible more emotional and a much larger scale, but it is a true story. If you get the chance to watch this film, you absolutely must see it.

10. Moonrise Kingdom

     The last film on my list is Wes Anderson's children romantic comedy. Moonrise Kingdom features two completely unknown/first time actors. The film is about a young boy and girl who fall in love and run away together. Ridiculous set design, dialog that would rival the Coen Brothers and two great young performances make Moonrise Kingdom a one of a kind delight.

[keegsta]

My brother and I have decided to start a film oriented podcast. The way it works is that we start off by just talking about something we have been watching lately, such as a film or television show, then move on into a joint review of a film. Now as far as the films we will be picking for the main review, we will likely pick movies available on Netflix instant streaming for our first podcasts. That way the films are easily available to both of us. However, we will probably do theatrical films eventually. For our first podcast, we decided to review the film Brick because it was directed by Rian Johnson. Please check our podcast out, subscribe and let us know what you think! I am @Keegsta on Twitter and Ben is @BenPrzeslak.

iTunes Link

[keegsta]

The Dark Knight Rises (4.5 out of 5 stars)

            The Dark Knight Rises is the epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. It stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Anne Hathaway as Catwoman and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a Gotham City cop named John Blake. Christopher Nolan is back in the directing chair for his third and final Batman film. The film follows both Bruce Wayne and Batman’s fight against the villainous Bane, played by Tom Hardy. Is The Dark Knight Rises a fitting end to Nolan’s trilogy? I will do my best to give you a spoiler free take on the most anticipated film of the year.

              Easily the most remarkable aspect of The Dark Knight Rises is that the film is a visual masterpiece. From the breathtaking cinematography to the actual computer generated effects it’s a beautiful film. Nolan’s style is present in every single shot. My favorite example is a carefully crafted montage that leads up to some pretty hefty football stadium mayhem. Not even the actual mayhem itself, which is great on it’s own, but the montage that leads up to it is something of cinema beauty. Even if the story or script lapses in quality for a couple of seconds the visuals make those moments hard to find.

              The overall tone of the film is a bleak and somber one. If The Avengers was this summer’s all out hilarious blast, The Dark Knight Rises is this summer’s Shindler’s List. That’s not necessarily a problem with the film itself it’s just worth noting. Surprisingly, Hathaway turns out to be the bright spot in an otherwise dark atmosphere. Catwoman’s playful dialog with both Bruce Wayne and Batman are really the only moments that allow for a laugh or feeling of ease. Again, that’s not so much a problem with The Dark Knight Rises as much as it is a reflection on Batman’s previous film.

              The Dark Knight Rises only real problem is that it’s the sequel to one of the best films of all time, The Dark Knight. While watching Tom Hardy’s performance as Bane in the film it’s hard not to think of Heath Ledger’s legendary performance in The Dark Knight. Unfortunately for Hardy, Ledger already gave us the trilogy’s greatest villain as The Joker. It’s not that Hardy’s performance isn’t a good one, it’s pretty good, but it in no way compares to the previous film’s villain. So, in a way, Nolan’s only misstep in making The Dark Knight Rises is that it was impossible to out do The Dark Knight.

              Nolan spends most of the screen time wrapping up the trilogy in an incredibly satisfying way. However, instead of having fun with Batman for almost three hours, we get the end of an arc. While it’s a fitting end for our favorite caped crusader, it’s just not as fun as The Dark Knight. So is The Dark Knight Rises a perfect end to one of the best stories of all time? Yes. It is just that, the perfect ending. The Dark Knight trilogy is our generation’s Star Wars. In the same way that Return of The Jedi isn’t as good as Empire Strikes Back, Rises is not as good as Dark Knight, but it’s still one of the best films of all time.

[keegsta]

The Amazing Spiderman (3.5 out of 5 stars)

            The Amazing Spider Man is Sony Picture’s reboot of the Spiderman universe. The film is directed by acclaimed indie director Marc Webb. Playing Peter Parker this time around is the relative new comer Andrew Garfield. Emma Stone embodies Peter Parker’s love interest, Gwen Stacy. This film is a completely new universe set apart from Sam Raimi’s Spiderman trilogy that concluded in 2007. The Amazing Spiderman focuses more on character relationships and high school life than actual web slinging and feels much more grounded in reality than the original trilogy.

            Easily the most remarkable aspect of The Amazing Spiderman is Peter Parker’s relationship with Gwen Stacy, or should I say, Andrew Garfield’s relationship with Emma Stone. Their onscreen chemistry is great fun to watch and enjoy. It is evident that Webb can convey relationships between multiple characters with a ton of heart. Oddly, their time together in the film is more fun to watch than the action set pieces. However, that’s not an indication that the set pieces are not well done, but more so a compliment to the two cast members. The other well-done relationship is Peter and his Uncle Ben, played by Martin Sheen. Their arc is a very short but emotional and is crucial to Peter Parker’s journey to become Spiderman.

            The only real problem with this film is the story is seemingly cut up and edited down quite a bit. Even the trailers have several scenes and lines that didn’t make the final cut. The film is 136 minutes long and still seems like it is missing quite a few pieces of plot points. Even though Parker and Stacy’s relationship is great as is, it seems as if there should be more interactions between the two before the third act hits. This is likely the result of editing the film down to a palpable level. There is so much going on that this could be separated into two films. I commend Webb for exploring so much in a single film, but certain sequences feel quite quick and sporadic. Overall though, The Amazing Spiderman is an incredibly fun origin story that has great performances and remarkable relationships. It’s just too bad it couldn’t have been a bit longer.

[keegsta]

Prometheus (5 out of 5 stars)

              Prometheus is an astoundingly bold science fiction film that explores the origin of human life. The film is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Noomi Rapace alongside Michael Fassbender. Rapace plays a young scientist named Elizabeth Shaw, who is searching for the beginning of humanity. Fassbender plays David, a mysterious character that I’d rather not reveal in this review. This film was written by former Lost show runner Damon Lindelof. Prometheus reminds everyone why they go to the movies and what cinema is all about.

            The most evident mastery of Prometheus is the visuals that the film puts on display. From the wide tracking shots of space to the gritty expedition led by Shaw, this film looks like real life. This is likely due to Scott’s use of the maximum amount of practical effects that he could possibly incorporate. Within the first 45 seconds, you can already feel the universe Scott is trying to create blasting out of the screen. Prometheus is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen in my entire life. It could be the most beautiful film I have ever seen. Needless to say, you will be blown away by the visual spectacle on display throughout the film.

            Now for the most controversial part about Prometheus; the story. This film asks some of mankind’s biggest questions. Where did we come from? Where do we go after we die? Were we created by someone or something? Its these questions that have many audiences divided on whether Prometheus is a masterpiece or just pretty sci-fi with no meat. I happen to fall in line with the former. Prometheus may not answer every single question or mystery that it poses, but Scott and Lindelof let you decide the answers for yourself. Much like Lost paved the way for in-depth discussions on it’s own mythology, Prometheus will be dissected for years to come. Scott conveys enough mythology over the film’s 124 minute runtime to understand some of the big ideas. After that, it’s for you to decide what you believe. 2001: A Space Odyssey was despised when it was originally released for having unanswered questions. It was not until years later people realized it was one of the best films ever made. I believe that in time Prometheus will be regarded in the same light. If you like science fiction or just beautiful films, you have to see Prometheus.

- “It’s what I choose to believe.”

[keegsta]

Chernobyl Diaries (3 out of 5)

            Chernobyl Diaries is a horror film that tells the story of a group of friends that want to tour something a little more exciting than Paris. The film was directed by Brad Parker and stars Jesse McCartney playing brother to Jonathan Sadowski. Chernobyl follows their journey to the nuclear disaster site known as Chernobyl. The Chernobyl Diaries has an interesting story and easy to get along with cast of characters, but mostly an average horror flick.

            Easily the best feature of Chernobyl Diaries is the incredibly eerie atmosphere that Parker pulls off perfect. From the moment the film kicks off there is an audible noise that sounds like a nuclear reactor. The opening credits slowly flash in and out as Parker introduces the audience to his characters. A sense of doom and gloom resonates quickly and sets the tone for the entire film. Unfortunately, this great atmosphere loses it’s uneasiness as soon as the group finds themselves into trouble. After the first couple big scares, Parker seems to have forgotten what made The Chernobyl Diaries interesting in the first place, Chernobyl.

            After the creepy mojo that worked in the beginning of the film wears off, the film feels more like any other horror film. Running scared from an unknown entity that will likely hurt the characters. Instead of ramping the scares up in the third act, Parker stops trying to scare and mostly has everyone running and screaming in the dark. This film has a lot going for it though; great atmosphere for half of the film, interesting locale, enjoyable characters, and even a few chuckle worthy jokes. Ultimately, Chernobyl Diaries is a interesting take on what is really lurking in the shadows of Chernobyl and worth checking out if you’re into horror films.

[keegsta]

The Avengers (4 out of 5 stars)

            The Avengers is an ensemble super hero film that draws in all of the recent Marvel characters into one big picture. The film was directed by none other than Joss Whedon. Whedon produced the recent horror film The Cabin In The Woods and is responsible for many geek favorites. It would be rather difficult to list the notable actors that appear in this film, so I won’t do that, but it’s safe to say this cast is huge. In fact, every single facet of The Avengers is just that, HUGE. Whedon manages to squeeze not only all of the actors, characters, and their own arc’s, but also present it in a comprehendible story.

            Whedon deserves a lot of credit for merely attempting to make this massive film a reality. He deserves even more credit for pulling it off with such stylish ease. All six Avengers have comparable screen time and lines that don’t get lost in the chaos. Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye have their own self-sustained stories at play over the 142-minute runtime. The film is crafted so that it never becomes a task for the audience to follow each character along the insane journey. It never becomes a task mostly because Whedon injects humor into every single scene. Some of the best moments in the film are simply jokes related to The Hulk. Whedon’s blend of action, style, and comedy make the film into a superhero rollercoaster.

            While all of the characters are trying to save the Earth from certain destruction, the special effects in The Avengers illustrate the destruction beautifully. It’s obvious this film had what feels like an unlimited budget. From the aircraft carrier turned helicopter to the alien creatures that threaten humanity, The Avengers effects are nothing short of spectacular. Everything has a good weight to it and never looks remotely fake.

            My only gripe with The Avengers is that the film could stand to be a couple minutes shorter. There is a stint of about fifteen minutes towards the middle where the narrative slows down. Luckily, it’s merely fifteen minutes that end rather quickly so the film can get back on the fast track. I’d say that is a miniscule issue in an otherwise perfect summer blockbuster. The Avengers will appeal to an audience as big as the film itself. There is something for everyone to love, superheroes, explosions, good-looking actors, and even aliens. If you were thinking about watching The Avengers, shut off your computer and go see it.

[keegsta]

The Raven (2.5 out of 5 stars)

              The Raven is an alternate history tale about a killer that uses Edgar Allan Poe’s violent poems as inspiration for murder. James McTeigue, a man mostly known for his previous work on V For Vendetta, directed the film. John Cusack plays Poe, while Luke Evans plays a detective named Fields. The film revolves around a mystery murderer that captures Poe’s love interest that leads him and Fields on race to save her life. While McTeigue directed V For Vendetta, The Raven is nowhere near as good as V. The mystery throughout however is enough to be a fun ride, but nothing more.

                Easily the best aspect of The Raven is Cusack’s portrayal of Edgar Allan Poe. While I don’t personally know what Poe was like in person, Cusack is great fun playing him. Cusack kicks off the film with long adjective filled tirades that are fairly complex, but that is how I would imagine Poe acted when he was alive. Cusack handles these crazy lines of dialog with ease and surprisingly doesn’t become irritating. After Poe realizes his beloved has been kidnapped, he turns into a crazed man trying to solve his own riddles and stories. Cusack is believable in both of these areas and carries the film.

                The question of who the murderer is and the chase to save Poe’s girlfriend are interesting enough mysteries for the film not to be boring. Poe and Fields spend the entire film relating the murders back to Poe’s original poems. Fans of Edgar Allan Poe will definitely appreciate seeing a lot of his work reenacted in this film. If you’re not a big fan of his, this film is still worth checking out mostly for Cusack’s remarkable depiction of Poe. The Raven is ultimately a fun and mystery filled ride that you will most likely forget about the moment you walk out of the theater.

[keegsta]

The Cabin In The Woods (4.5 out of 5 stars)

              The Cabin In The Woods is a new age horror film that has a not so big name director at the helm. This film is the directorial debut of Drew Goddard. Goddard has been involved in several TV and big screen projects including Lost and Cloverfield, Cabin is the first film he has ever directed. That fact is important because Goddard has created something here that is a horror and film geek’s dream in his first try. This film stars Kristen Connolly and Chris Hemsworth, two of five young adults who embark on a weekend getaway deep in the woods. The Cabin In The Woods is a tough film to review because it’s the kind of film that demands to be seen without any prior knowledge of the plot. I’ll do my best to leave out all big plot points in my review, please, just go see this film.

                While The Cabin In The Woods looks like it reveals itself in the first couple minutes, it asks more questions that it answers. This film is set up almost like a television show that gives you more and more with each episode until the climax unmasks all. Cabin manages to fit an incredible amount of questions and information in a 95-minute runtime. Because of all the mystery involved, this film is a ton of fun. Scene after scene after scene Goddard manages to keep the audience involved while making them wonder, “What on earth is happening here?”

                There are several scenes throughout The Cabin In The Woods that have remarkable cinematography. This film obviously has horror elements and could have easily just looked like most current films in the genre. Goddard has a great sense of depth and awareness about where the audiences view should be placed. The best example in the film is a tracking shot moving towards the eerie cabin. There is an atmosphere created in that shot the audience can simply feel. It sucks you in immediately. It asks, what is so bad about this Cabin? What exactly is going on here? What am I in for?

                The final act of this film should remain a mystery until you see it for yourself. I will just say that it is an all out blast. I would explain more in depth about what I mean, but that would give it away. If you want to see a film that transcends the horror genre, you have to see this movie. The Cabin In The Woods is one of the most memorable films of all time and will be re-watched for years to come.

[keegsta]

John Carter (2.5 out of 5 stars)

              The film John Carter is a science fiction film produced by Disney that stars Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins under the direction of Andrew Stanton. Kitsch plays the lead character John Carter, a man born in Virginia that is transported to a divided Mars. Collins plays the princess of a civilization on the red planet. The film centers directly on John Carter’s adventure and transformation from being just a gold searcher in the mid-west to becoming a savior of Mars. While the story of John Carter promises a sci-fi action epic, the film is ultimately just another average big budget bore.

              The biggest problem with John Carter is the wealth of information that Stanton either didn’t have time to explain or didn’t care to. There are several moments throughout the film in which a character will just show up on screen with no explanation of who they are or why they are important. Even worse, Stanton glazes over the mythology of all three colonies introduced on Mars. This means that most of the film you have no idea what is going on. However, if you can get past all of these shortcomings, there is a grand special effects spectacle to be seen.

              Special effects are John Carter’s only big time redeeming quality. This is no surprise considering Stanton’s previous work being two Pixar animated features and the film’s 250 million dollar budget. Several “Wow” moments are displayed over a 132-minute runtime. Specifically a skirmish that takes place in the skies of Mars early on in the film involving crafts that are reminiscent of Star Wars pod-racers. While it’s never explained how the crafts work, they sure put on a good effects show.

              What makes John Carter an average big budget bore is the character relationships that basically don’t exist. From beginning to end emotion is hard to find anywhere in the film. While Kitsch does an okay job playing a typical action hero, he never really comes off the screen. Any kind of relationship between Carter and the princess feels completely fabricated. The only character I wanted to laugh with or care about is a dog-like creature that doesn’t talk named “Woola”. Other than that, the emotional ties displayed in John Carter are as lifeless as the rest of the film. Ultimately, John Carter is an average action film that relies on special effects and sub-par acting more than the interesting mythology that is barely discussed.

[keegsta]

Take Shelter (4 out of 5 stars)

              Take Shelter is an "apocalyptic" film directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. Shannon plays Curtis, a middle-American father that begins having dreams of a coming storm that would spawn multiple tornado's and destroy all life on Earth. Chastain plays Samantha, Curtis' wife and mother of their deaf child. The film revolves around Curtis dealing with his violent apocalyptic dreams while trying to still be a loving family man.

                The acting displayed in Take Shelter is absolutely incredible. Specifically Shannon's depiction of Curtis' life being torn apart right in front of him. Shannon has an intense mood throughout the film that you can really feel coming off of the screen. Curtis' story goes from very happy to very upset several times in the film. Shannon pulls this off flawlessly. Just Shannon's face tells most of the story and is really most of his acting in Take Shelter. Since the entire film is told from Curtis' point of view, a strong performance is required for the rest of the story to even be worth it.

                Take Shelter was produced for a mere $5 million. However, it's not easy to tell because the film's visual effects are absolutely remarkable. Over the course of it's 121 minute run time, Take Shelter provides quite a few "Wow" moments. Particularly when Curtis' is dreaming about what he thinks could be a coming apocalypse. There are overcast skylines filled with tornados, or even just flocks of birds flying in unusual patterns. Whatever the case, it looks simply beautiful. Nichols must have really known where to spend the money and get every dollar out of their budget.

                Overall, this film will likely come down to the final 15 minutes or so for most viewers. As previously stated, Curtis has "visions" or "dreams" of a coming apocalypse over the duration of the film. The ending will have many audiences divided. For me, the film works on so many levels even before the final sequences, I enjoyed it tremendously, regardless of the outcome. The relationship between Shannon and Chastain are fully realized and it's easy to sympathize with their daughter's disability. So even before the big reveal at the end, it's an awe-inspiring look into this family's life and one man's obsession with the world coming to an end. If you want a film that will make you think about it's ending for days, Take Shelter is a must see.

[keegsta]

The Woman In Black Video Review

My buddy Erik Hoff and myself decided to do a video review of The Woman In Black about a week ago. He was in town and we just thought it would be a fun thing to do. Hopefully we will get the chance to do another one sometime because it was a lot of fun. So please, check it out!

[keegsta]

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2011

1.     Super 8

2.     Hugo

3.     Drive

4.     Insidious

5.     Attack The Block

6.     Scream 4

7.     X-Men: First Class

8.     Rise of The Planet of The Apes

9.     Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

10.   Moneyball