The Avengers Review

Iron Man and Captain America team up in The Avengers

 The Avengers

A+  

 A Review by Frederick Cholowski   

  

After prequel after prequel after prequel the long awaited Avengers movie has finally arrived. Expectations are super high for this massive mash up of Marvel superheroes. Fortunately, for the most part the Avengers is a fantastic film that delivers on being a big bombastic action film that is a blast to watch. 

For the most part all you need to know about the Avengers is that Thor’s grumpy, adopted, evil little brother Loki (Tom Hiddleson) is going to try and rule the world (I mean because what else is he going to try and do right) by opening a portal through a cube that is an infinite source of energy and raining an army of wired alien creatures to destroy Manhattan. Sound familiar? It’s up to good old Sam Jackson, I mean Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson who finally gets to appear in more than two scenes) to assemble a team of uncooperative super heroes that includes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo replacing Edward Norton), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and the often forgotten about Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) to save the world. That’s pretty much all you need to know.

While the Avengers boasts a simple plot the amazing thing is that director Joss Whedon dose is manage to intertwine 6-7 separate storylines and motivations into a single simple two and a half hour film that allows all the characters to fill each of their respective roles. In other words he does what the X men films have failed to do for year. Whedon succeeds by not trying to give equal screen time to all the characters. The most interesting characters are given the most screen time and for the most part carry the movie (for example Robert Downey JR’s brilliant Iron Man eats up a ton of screen time while Black Widow plays around in the background). The Avengers also surprisingly manages to hit a number of interesting character moments that really help flesh out the superheroes and their individual intentions. The one problem I have with the film is that the some of the relationships feel out of place (while the Hawkeye and Black Widow thing gives Jeremy Renner something to do it’s really rushed, same with the whole Thor and Loki dysfunctional brotherly relationship) and that some things aren’t really explained properly and rushed over (nuclear energy weapons and Hulk can suddenly control himself say hi). Overall, these things can be forgiven due to the fantastic pace and character control that is kept up throughout the film.

Robert Downey Jr. rules this film, period. He is the actor who gets the most screen time by far and it’s definitely for a good reason, he absolutely is dazzling in every scene he is in. It’s also great to see Sam Jackson being awesome (complete with eye patch and handgun) in a role that manages to be more than an extended cameo. Here Nick Fury is the glue that binds the dysfunctional characters together and who believes in them all. The surprise of the film is Mark Ruffalo who is the best Hulk yet (even over the always great Edward Norton). Ruffalo manages to bring a human nature to Banner that has never been achieved in past Hulk outings. The rest of the cast all works with no one feeling lost or out of place which is a true achievement in this kind of film that could easily be an acting disaster.

When all is said and done the meat and potatoes of this film is the action, and man does it ever deliver. The best part of the film is that it ramps it up to 11 and never let’s go. Action scenes have a great pulse to them and are constantly fun and energetic. The great thing about each scene is that they are multi layered enough to hold interest but clear enough to follow everything that is going on throughout the scenes. The cinematography is big and wide open, always focusing at multiple things at a time. It really gives a sense of scale in the bigger fight scenes and gives a certain feel to the character moments that feel important and tense. The score is nothing special, but neither does it get in the way as it provides big noises when big noises are needed.

The Avengers Rocks, Period. While it’s not The Dark Knight, it’s certainly is a game changer for big comic bookie superhero films of the future. The expectation is now go big or go home while still keeping a solid character basis. The Avengers is big, bombastic and really, really fun as well as being a great start to the summer blockbuster season.

Catching up on DVD: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) Review

Rooney Mara being Quizzical in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

A+

A Review by Frederick Cholowski

 

Only a year after Niels Arden Oplev’s Swedish adaptation of the popular murder mystery novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (aka the best film of 2010) hit American theaters, David Fincher’s English adaptation hit screens. The latest adaptation features an all star English cast along with one of the best working directors and one of the best working writers today. The result is a moody, atmospheric adaptation that is every bit as good if not better than its Swedish predecessor.

For those not familiar with the story by now, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows the stories of down and out journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and of the weird and tortured punk researcher Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). Blomkvist’s career has just been shattered after he was set up with fake evidence involving a scandal regarding a high up business man. During Christmas celebrations he is hired by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plumber) to investigate the apparent murder of his most loved niece Harriet in exchange for a large sum of cash and information that could help him dig Blomkvist out of the hole he is in. The twist on the murder is that it happened 40 plus years ago and no trace has ever been found. Meanwhile Lisbeth is going through tough times with her new sexually abusive guardian Niels Bjurman (Yorick van Wageningen). Soon the two paths cross and each attempt to solve the age old mystery.

The story is nothing new but the way it is this story has been presented feels fresh and new. First off Lisbeth has always been a fantastic character and arguably one of the best female characters ever written. Atmosphere has always been a key factor to these films as well and in this film the atmosphere is creepier and chillier than the Swedish offering. The fantastic cinematography and editing soar in this film taking center stage in developing the always cold winter of Hempstead Sweden.

Another thing with the Girl with The Dragon Tattoo is that it is all about the characters and their stories rather than the mystery itself. In this aspect director David Fincher and screenwriter Steve Zillian do a superior job to the Swedish version. The supporting characters feel way more fleshed out in this version than in Oplev’s version. For example the relationship between Blomkvist and his long time editor of the magazine (as well as sex partner) Erika Beger (Robin Wright) is way more complicated and developed than in the Swedish film adding a new layer of complexity to Blomkvist as a character.

Acting wise Rooney Mara steals the show and never gives it up. There seems to be something about the character of Lisbeth Salander that creates stars. It happened with Noomi Repace and it happens again here, despite them being radically different portrayals. The LIsbeth in this film is more vulnerable and human than the Lisbeth portrayed in the Swedish version. Both performances are fantastic but due to some writing decisions I find Rooney’s Lisbeth more compelling. Craig shows some range as Mikael and he never becomes bond or action star 101. Instead he is calm and level headed and he also feels vulnerable and shattered. The supporting cast is wonderful too with the always amazing Christopher Plumber leading the way as the old slightly unstable Henrik Vanger.

Another shout out has to go to the editing and the cinematography as they are both fantastic. Each set up a mood that is uncompromisingly dark and chilly. The fantastic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross adds to the atmosphere as well. Also the film is even more edgy and violent than the Swedish version with beginning with the “James Bond intro from hell” all the way to the stunningly violent climax. It’s hard to believe that Fincher got an R rating with some of the scenes in this film.

Overall Fincher’s adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a fantastic film and one of the best of 2011. My mind will rage on about witch film is better the Swedish or the American but overall it can be said that together the two films can easily surpass the material it is based upon.

The Hunger Games Review

Katniss is walked to her potential doom in The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

B+

A Review by Frederick Cholowski

Following the lead of Harry Potter and Twilight the latest teen book sensation, The Hunger Games, is hitting the big screen. The film helmed by acclaimed director Gary Ross (Seabiscut, Pleasantville) has massive expectations to live up to, with legions of fangirls and fanboys hotly anticipating the adaption. Fortunately the Hunger Games manages to pass the level of most teen book adaptation providing a film that has appeal for both adults and teenagers alike.

The Hunger Games is set in a post apocalyptic world in which North America is divided into 12 districts each with their own specific purpose. Each year each district has to give up 2 children ages 12-18 (one male one female) to fight to death in a broadcast battle called the Hunger Games. The lone survivor gets eternal riches and brings pride to their district. Cue Catniss Everdeen (Jenifer Lawrence), a young woman of the extremely poor district 12 who is forced to volunteer after her younger sister Prim (Willow Shields) was chosen. Her and the male tribute Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) are whisked away with their drunken mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) to face the press and then soon enough the games themselves.

The main flaw of the narrative is that it feels rushed up until the actual fighting begins. Despite the film being long (144 minutes) it never gives itself enough time to develop the world or some of the characters. As a result the first hour or so just feels like the filmmakers trying to move forward to all the bullet points of the first two thirds of the book. It’s not bad filmmaking by any stretch of the imagination it just feels a little bit incomplete. The other thing is that most of the tributes just feel like redcoats that are just there to be killed. Katniss never has to make any strong moral choices on whether to kill them she just kind of kills them. Most of them just feel like they have no payoff and are just ghost characters.

Despite these complaints the narrative here is very solid. There is a good screenplay and solid pacing that move the film forward. The direction is solid too using a lot of shaky cam and up-close shots to get a personal feel. The film is never glossy or superficial; instead the shots are personal and gritty and give off a more believable feel. The soundtrack is ambient for the most part, peaking and falling when needed. Nothing stands out as super amazing, although it is nice that no big pop hits are played until after the credits role.

Lawrence as usual is fantastic; she truly is one of if not the best young actress around. She brings vulnerability and innocence to Katniss and for the most part carries the film. Hutcherson is fine here although his relationship with Catniss is hit and miss throughout. The other standout acting wise is Harrelson who is fantastic as Haymitch. He’s dark character who despite the drinking problem rallies behind the District 12 tributes. He also gives the film a true sobering look at what the games can do to the winners and gives the film some well needed atmosphere.

Despite its flaws the Hunger Games is one of the best teen book to movie adaptations. It’s better than the first Harry Potters and significantly better than Eragon or Twilight. The script and acting are solid and the film doesn’t attempt to be flashy. While it misses the mark of greatness The Hunger Games is a great way of starting out this season of blockbusters.

           

The Revised Top 10 films of 2011

The Top 10 of 2011

  An article by Frederick Cholowski

So it’s list time again, time for some fun. I have started revisiting my lists after Oscar time every year because of the fact that I don’t have a chance to see some of the films I wanted to see before the year is over (not being a paid critic and not having access to press screenings doesn’t help). Despite this I still haven’t had the chance to see two movies that might have maybe made this list, Shame and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (witch when seen will be considered for the 2012 list). So here we go the new, improved (hopefully) best of 2011.

Honorable mentions (films that made the first list but got booted out of the new one): The Adventures of Tintin, Harry Potter 7 part 2, J Edgar, Super 8

10. Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen returns to form with a delightful romp through the wonders of classic Paris. Owen Wilson charms and the city Paris dazzles in this pitch perfect feel good film. Let’s hope this film sparks a streak Allen’s best kind of film, charming feel good comedies with fun inventive scripts.

9. Rango

The only mainstream animated film not offered in 3D also happened to be the best. Surprised? Rango was crazy fun with references of old westerns, fantastic action sequences, and a script that appealed more towards an older crowd. Unique and fun Rango manages to be the best non Pixar animated film that has come around in a long time.

8. Margin Call

One of this year’s little indie films that could Margin Call provided an intense look into a company on the verge of financial collapse. Driven by A list talent (Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons to name a couple) and a tightly woven script Margin Call is an excellent example of what first time directors can achieve.

7. Take Shelter

Yet another example of an indie film that turned out to be fantastic. Fueled by a fantastic performance by Michael Shannon and from master direction from Jeff Nichols give take shelter a frightening intensity. The film is easily one of the most intense thrillers and interesting case studies to come out in 2011.

6. Hugo

Easily the best family film to be released this year, Hugo is a wondrous and charming experience. The look, the feel, and yes the 3D all contributed to a fantastic film headed up by the greatest living director Martin Scorsese; Yes a Martin Scorsese film without killing, the mob or Robert De Niro, and yet it is still fantastic. Times have certainly changed.

5. Martha Marcy May Marlene

Despite having a title that doesn’t quite roll of the tong Martha Marcy May Marlene is a thriller that cannot be forgotten. Elizabeth Olsen gives the best female performance this year and first time, writer, director Sean Durkin delivers a tightly woven script and fantastic direction that make this film so mesmerizing. The intensity of this film is off the charts and it builds to an ending that left me absolutely breathless. Frightening and exciting Martha Marcy May Marlene must not be missed.

4. The Descendants

Alexander Payne delivers yet another slice of Drama-Comedy goodness. The script, the acting, and the beautiful cinematography help flesh out what could have been just another film in Hawaii. Payne never fails on giving us a blend of beautiful drama and black comedy and he hasn’t started with this fantastic piece of film making.

3. Drive

Drive is what happens when an action film actually tries to be unique and, well, good. Cult Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn delivers with a brutal action thriller that also has time for characters and plot. It’s refreshing to see an action film that spends its first 40 minutes making room for the things that matter. That doesn’t detract from the action though as it each sequence is pulse pounding and intense. That mixed with the best score of the year (who knew techno pop would make such a compelling soundtrack) creates the best action movie of the year.

2. The Artist

What is left to say about this film that someone else hasn’t already said? Compelling and unique The Artist takes an Idea that has been dead since the era it is replicating and makes it cool again. It also has the best male performance of the year given by the French comedian Jean Dujardin who looks sounds and feels like a silent movie star. My message is don’t be scared of the silence or the black and white because if you do you are missing out on a magical piece of film making that no one should miss.

1. The Tree of Life

Ambitious, powerful and challenging, there is no other film this year like the Tree of Life. The film is an absolute feast of creativity and style all the while challenging the way stories can be told in mainstream media. Mixed in between is a wonderful coming of age story told through memory like wisps of sight and sound. While there are many wonderful films in 2011 none are as masterful or ambitious as The Tree of Life.

Catching up on DVD: Drive Review

Ryan Gosling is performing maintenance on cars in Drive

Drive

A+

A Review by Frederick Cholowski

Action movies have had an identity crisis over the last decade. The genre has been tarnished by over reliance on special effects and little reliance on characters or a comprehensible plot. Then there is Drive, an action movie from cult Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn that hits all the right notes. It’s fast paced and action pact but at the same time takes its time to do the most important things such as develop characters and set up a plot.

  

 Drive follows the unnamed, silent protagonist simply named Driver (Ryan Gosling) who is a movie stuntman by day and a criminal getaway driver at night. He soon becomes friends with a neighbor Irene and her kid Benicio (Carey Mulligan and Kaden Leos) and continues to work with his right hand man Shannon (Bryan Cranston). During a heist gone wrong Irene’s husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) is shot and Driver has money that belongs to two high class gangsters Bernie and Nino (Albert Brooks and Ron Periman). This starts a cat and mouse like chase between Driver who is trying to keep his new found family and Shannon safe and Bernie and Nino who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

  

 The magic of Drive is that the first forty minutes is devoted to developing the characters. By the time the big events go down the characters are developed enough to the point that we truly like them and hope they come out on top. Another great thing about Drive is its constant levels of suspense that build throughout the film. You never know if Driver is going to live or end up six feet under so the film keeps you on your toes the whole way through.

Once the action starts it is brutal and uncompromising. Refn has a certain edge to the violence that is reminiscent of Tarantino and Rodriguez. The best part is that Refn also leaves a bit up to the imagination making for some truly brutal possibilities.

While Gosling isn’t all that big or muscular he is probably one of the best silent action heroes in many years. He doesn’t say much but his performance is described by his facial expressions and his actions. He doesn’t use a gun but the way he kills is uncompromising and brutal; and being a drama star Gosling is able to give a fine performance when not on the prowl. Mulligan is great and provides an innocence to the role she is given. The rest of the supporting cast works as well with Cranston, Brooks, and Periman all giving solid supporting performances.

Technically Drive looks, sounds and moves fantastically. The opening six minutes of the film (arguably the best part) is a pulse pounding heist scene that involves much planning and precision. The scene uses beautiful establishing shots of LA mixed with close almost claustrophobic shots of Gosling. In all the movie also has a very 1980’s feeling with hot pink titles, stylized action, and one of the best techno pop scores I have ever heard.

All in all Drive is an amazing action movie and one of the best films period to be released in 2011. The mix of pulse pounding action and character development all melds together in one flashy package. Drive is a fantastic film and is one action movie that shouldn’t be ignored.

Year End 2011 part 2: The Top 10 of 2011

The Top 10 of 2011

An article by Frederick Cholowski

The year of 2011 is over! Time to countdown the absolute best that film had to offer this year. Now this list is not “complete” because there are films I have yet to see that could be potential contenders and I usually revisit this list come Oscar time when I’ve caught up. For now though here are my top 10 films of the year 2011.

  

10. The Adventures of Tintin

Like Scott Pilgrim last year Tintin is the movie on this list that I had a ton of fun watching. From the creative action sequences, to the fun mystery plot, to the fantastic score by the legendary John Williams Tintin had it all. Steven Spielberg managed to channel the feelings I had while watching an awesome adventure movie. Above all though Tintin feels like it has a timeless quality making it a film that families may be enjoying for years and years down the road.

9. Midnight in Paris

It is easy to see why Midnight in Paris is Woody Allan’s highest grossing film. It is a charming film if I have ever seen one. The gorgeous setting of Paris in different time periods and the characters that are easy to fall in love with that make this movie light up. Not to mention the great witty writing that is present throughout. Midnight in Paris is a fantastic motion picture about life, one that kept me smiling the whole way through.

8. Rango

The best animated film of the year Rango is something truly special, an animated film that caters more to adults than to kids. From the obscure references to classic westerns to the seemingly constant use of jokes that kids wouldn’t get for the life of them Rango applied more to the parent than to the kid. Rango is also the surprise of the year for me as it delivered an experience like no other animated film had before it and I loved every second of it.

7. Super 8

J.J. Abrams’s homage to the Steven Spielberg films of old is one of this year’s best. The magic of this film is the ability to capture all the wonder and imagination of early Spielberg blockbusters while blending it with a great modern day sci-fi thriller. It finds the perfect mold of darkness and lightheartedness while telling a great childhood “coming of age story”. It’s an homage to film making at a young age, one that strikes all the right cords.

6. J Edgar

After a couple of interesting steps Clint Eastwood returns to being on top of his game in J Edgar. Leonardo DiCaprio and Armie Hammer deliver two of the best performances of the year in this film as they recreate two of the United States most powerful historic features. What truly pushes J Edgar forward though is not the plot it is the tension between the characters. There is an emotional power here that is very subtle and truly fantastic, one that makes J Edgar one of the most powerful films of 2011.  

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

After 7 books and 8 movies the Harry Potter franchise has come to an end, and did it ever go out on a bang. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the best Harry Potter film by far and one of the better fantasy films in recent memories. There are big set pieces and large emotional roller coasters that all lead to the ultimate show down between Harry and Voldemort. Most of all though the 8^th Potter film is the one that is the most finely crafted, it’s a lesson in story and character development on the fly. It even almost makes me forget about the massively disappointing first part of the Deathly Hallows, almost.

4. Margin Call

 Now to the movie no one watched. Margin Call is a fantastic thriller about a company on the verge of collapse. The all star cast featuring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Zachary Quinto and first time feature director J.C. Chandor’s fantastic script and direction make this film a much watch for anyone who loves a good dialogue driven thriller. If he keeps making films that are this good J.C. Chandor has a great career ahead of him.

3. The Descendants

  George Clooney teams up with great director Alexander Payne in this fantastic drama about the American man on the verge of collapse. Alexander Payne’s signature blend of comedy and drama mixed with great performances by George Clooney and Shailene Woodley make for a film that is super engaging and powerful. There is never a dull moment in The Descendants making this a 2011 film that can’t be missed.

2. Hugo

      Martin Scorsese director of Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas making a family film in 3D? And it’s fantastic? Tell me that before I saw Hugo and I wouldn’t have believed you. Having seen the film it gives me great pleasure to say that Hugo is a magical film that is one of Scorsese’s best. The mix of the whimsical nature of the plot, the gorgeous cinematography and the love of film that is present in this film make Hugo one of the greatest experiences of the year. Did I mention that this film has the best 3D in any film yet? Even better than the 3D in Avatar. Scorsese poured his heart and soul into Hugo and man dose it ever show. 

     

    1.The Tree of Life 

Without a doubt my film of the year this year is the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is both challenging and powerful achievement in film. It is also the most ambitious and original film I have seen in a long time combining a coming of age story and the creation of the universe. It dares you to challenge what film can truly be. It is a fantastic film that still resonates with me after multiple viewings and is the only film this year that had a great impact on me. Abstract, challenging, and powerful Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life is by far 2011’s best film.

Year End 2011 Part 1: The End of the Year Awards

The end of the year Awards

An article by Frederick Cholowski

Well it’s the end of the year time. Time to look back at all the good the bad and the ugly of the last year. Kicking us off is my fun little awards ceremony where I give out some fun little awards. Part two will be the top ten of the year (as of now I also try and go back during Oscar time and do another list because by then I have seen more of the movies I’ve wanted to). Part three will wrap things up with a look back at the year as a whole (kind of an editorial of sorts…). Now to kick us off here are the end of the year awards for 2011.

Most disappointing

Winner: Cars 2

 We are starting off this list with some positivity! While I never thought the original Cars was a great effort for Pixar, Cars 2 just fell flat. It was overlong and had no heart to it. The film felt like Pixar was taking a step in its maturity level as well by giving us a message that felt forced and unnecessary. Cars 2 was in every sense of the word disappointing. Hopefully going back to an original concept next year will put Pixar out of its funk.

Runner Up: Sucker Punch

Best Action Scene

Winner: AHH I’m climbing up the tallest building in the word: MI4

 Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol has a bunch of fantastic action scenes but none better than the Dubai sequence; especially in IMAX. You feel as if you are climbing the building with Tom Cruise. The scene may be the best edited of the year as it zooms in and out on Cruise to give you the scope and scale of the moment while managing to keep it decisively personal. No shots are fired or punches are pulled but it is the most intense and exciting scene of the year by far.

Runner Up: The ultra tracking shot of doom: Hannah

Most overlooked/underrated/unseen

Winner: Margin Cal

 Why did no one watch Margin Call? Because no stupid studio would pick it up for a long while, and when one finally did the film had a limited theater run. This is a shame because Margin Call is a fantastic film with an A-list cast and a great script. Anyone who likes interesting thriller dramas will love Margin Call. Now go rent/buy/find some way legal to watch it!

Runner Up: The Adventures of Tintin

Most Overrated

Winner: X Men First Class

While I think this is a good film I don’t understand why some people thought it was so great. I didn’t even like it as much as the first X Men films. Sure it was fun and had good action but it lacked focus and a solid plot. The film was more about getting to the end rather than the meat in the middle. Anyhow I still think this is good but not as good as everyone says it is.

Runner Up: Sucker Punch

Best Trailer

Winner: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

 Due note I haven’t been able to see this film which is terrible because the two trailers for this movie are awesome! The first is a punch you in the teeth quick cut trailer that is backed by an amazing cover of The Immigrant Song in the background. The second is a slower, creepier trailer focusing on the mystery at hand. Any way you slice this these trailers make The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo look awesome, and that’s what counts.

Runner Up: The Dark Knight Rises

Best TV Show

Winner: Breaking Bad

Anyone who knows me knows that this was an easy pick. Breaking Bad had its best season this year and that is saying something. It’s a show that is unpredictable fueled by fantastic writing and acting. Brian Cranston and Aaron Paul are absolutely fantastic in their respective roles and Giancarlo Esposito is a fantastic villain. I could go on and on about how amazing this show is but I will wrap it up by saying you need to watch this show!

Runner Up: Game of Thrones

Worst film of the year

Winner: Transformers 3

You saw this one coming. While I haven’t seen all the bad movies of the year (I can’t even watch all the good ones mind you the horrid ones) but in my mind nothing could be worse than Transformers 3. It’s big, loud, and super stupid and in all is one crappy package

Runner Up: Sucker Punch

The best of the year coming up in the top ten…