42 Review

42

2.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

It's amazing to see a Jackie Robinson movie finally being made. After all, Jackie is one of the most important and well-respected athletes -- baseball or not -- of all time. So, a movie about the legend was bound to happen at some point. So, how does 42 fare? It's completely fine. But, unfortunately, it's nothing more.

42 isn't a full biopic in that it does not tell the whole story of Jackie's life. It only focuses on a couple significant years of his life. The movie begins with narration by Wendell Smith (Andre Holland) in the mid-1940s, who gives the audience some historical background and context on what is happening at the time, and what is happening in baseball. We then learn that Jackie (Chadwick Boseman) is an extraordinary baseball player in college. Branch Rickey (an almost unrecognizable Harrison Ford) is the executive of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He wants to do something radical, something that will forever change baseball. He signs Jackie, the first African American baseball player, to the team. Throughout the course of the film, we see Jackie's highs and lows as he struggles to be accepted -- and respected -- by his teammates and the public.

Writer-Director Brian Helgeland has made a "nice" film that feels very old-fashioned. The narrative is easy to follow, and its non-complicated structure is rather refreshing. It's a by-the-numbers underdog story that hits all the right notes. It makes you sympathize with Jackie and root for him. Then, when he starts killing it in the games, it'll make you want to cheer. The fact that Helgeland knows how to direct exquisite and exciting baseball sequences is a definitely plus. I'd say that the actual baseball sequences themselves are some of the best moments in the film.

To put all of this into simpler times, 42 is like a well made TV movie. It's something you can enjoy with the family because it pulls at your heart strings and teaches everyone an important historical lesson. (The profuse droppings of the n-word might offend some, but I think it's perfectly fine for parents to see this movie with their kids because it is an important conversation-starter, and there is nothing else offensive in this film).

42 does everything you expect it to do. Nothing less and nothing more. This is the biggest flaw with the movie. It plays everything too safe. Sure, it's inspirational and heartwarming, but it isn't that ambitious. It doesn't reach its full potential during the course of its overly long 130-minute runtime. I also disliked the fact that it feels rather manipulative at times. All of the slow-motion mixed with the overbearing score makes for some cringe-inducing moments. I feel that 42 could have been much more effective than it is simply if it took some risks and let the scenes speak for themselves. Perhaps it would have resonated with me more if it attempted to go beyond a normal, inspirational sports movie.

42 is a film that many people will eat up. It's a feel-good sports movie that will have you cheering and maybe even shedding a few tears. It's the birth of a star in Chadwick Boseman, who does an incredible job of giving a deeply affecting performance. It boasts an excellent supporting cast filled with many talented and well known actors. It's doing quite well at the box office. Ultimately, it's evident that moviegoers are absolutely loving this movie, due to its extraordinarily rare A+ CinemaScore grade. However, I feel somewhat let down by this film. It's pretty good, but it could have been so much more. Two and a half stars out of four.

Evil Dead Review

Evil Dead

3 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

When was the last time you used the word "gnarly"? Now think of the last time you used that word to describe a movie? "Gnarly" is a word that I never use, and yet, it's the first adjective that popped into my mind right after watching Evil Dead. It's a film that is so ridiculously over-the-top and so insanely crazy that it shouldn't work. And surprisingly, it does. Evil Dead is the best horror movie I've seen in a while. It's a blast.

This cross between a remake and a reboot of Sam Raimi's cult classic The Evil Dead follows a similar story to the original. (Side note: I have not yet seen the original, but I've heard that the plot of the 2013 film is similar to the plot of the 1981 original). Five friends venture to a cabin in the woods. The twist with this 2013 film is that the trip is not simply for recreation. It is taking place so that Mia (Jane Levy) can clear her head and break her heroin/drug addiction. Mia is joined by her brother, David (Shiloh Fernandez), David's girlfriend (Elizabeth Blackmore), and two other friends (Jessica Lucas and Lou Taylor Pucci). Soon enough, the five friends end up in a dark basement and discover a terrible book that unleashes some awful demons. Demonic possession and bloodshed occur as the friends attempt to stop this curse and live to see another day. 

Director Fede Alvarez must be praised for crafting the wildest horror movie in years. He succeeds in creating a film that is incredibly entertaining and sinfully fun. It's not as scary as you might expect, but it does have some nice jump scares. Alvarez knows how to sustain tension and makes good use of lighting so that the shocks and jolts pack a punch. However, amidst all the horror and suspense is a fair amount of humor. I found myself laughing out loud more than I expected -- and more than some of the other terrified audience members. Some of the scenes are so ridiculous that you can't help but laugh. However, Alvarez never delves too far into comedy. He walks a fine line between horror and comedy. Evil Dead is supposedly much more serious and horror-oriented than the original. However, expect to alternate between laughing, screaming, and squealing. 

What's most controversial about Evil Dead is the on-screen violence. This film was originally rated NC-17 before being edited down to a hard R. And boy, is this movie violent. There are multiple cringe-inducing moments that will have you squirming in your seat. The amount of blood and gore in this film is unbelievable. You're gonna feel like taking a shower after this one. I can't remember the last time I've seen so many brutal scenes of intense, grisly violence. Chainsaws, needles, knives, guns, and pokers are just some of the weapons used in this film. When you see some of these objects penetrate the flesh, it can be downright nasty. And yet, it makes Evil Dead that much more fun. The blood and gore absolutely fits the zany world of the story. It doesn't feel gratuitous or out of place. The fact that Alvarez chose to use practical effects throughout the film makes the violence all the more effective. The makeup is great, and the lack of cheesy CG is even better. Evil Dead promises a wild roller coaster of a movie, and it delivers on every level.

While Evil Dead is a great horror movie that's much better than the average horror release, it isn't without its problems. My main complaint with the film is that I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I suppose I identified a little bit with David and Mia because these siblings are the main focus of the movie. However, I was never emotionally attached to them. The other characters are pretty insignificant as well. There's not much depth to them. None of the characters are truly fleshed out, so you might not care either way whether they survive or die by the end. Another minor quibble is that besides Jane Levy, the cast is fine but not great. Levy gives it her all and has the most physically and emotionally demanding performance in the film. She is very good here. However, the other actors don't truly excel. By no means are any of them bad, but no one really stands out as outstanding either. Perhaps it's because their characters aren't given enough to do. Ultimately, these are minor flaws that don't really detract from the awesomeness of this movie.

Evil Dead is one hell of a ride, and I loved every minute of it. It's thrilling, funny, brutal, daring, and entertaining. What else could you want in a horror movie? It's worth the price of admission, and then some. Evil Dead is the most fun I've had at the movies this year. Horror fans, this is the movie you've been waiting for. Three stars out of four.

To the Wonder Review

To the Wonder

2.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

Malick fans: I know that you're going to see this movie, regardless of what I have to say. Non-Malick fans: you thought The Tree of Life was a doozy? Try watching To the Wonder, and let me know what you think. I'm going to start off by saying that it was difficult giving a rating to this movie. Therefore, I'm going to say that this is my initial review. I'm planning on watching this film again, and maybe my mind will change. After all, I had extremely mixed feelings after my first viewing of The Tree of Life. After the second viewing, I hailed it as one of the best films I've ever seen. So, I'm going to give To the Wonder the same chance. However, for now, this mild recommendation will have to do.

To the Wonder does not have much of a plot to speak of. Like The Tree of Life, it is more of an artistic poem than a straight-up movie. I'll do my best to give the rundown of the story: Marina (Olga Kurylenko) and Neil (Ben Affleck) are two lovers navigating both life and love. They spend a beautiful day at Mont Saint Michel, France, and they connect on a very deep level. Soon, Neil convinces Marina to move to Oklahoma. The couple -- and Marina's young daughter, Tatiana (Tatiana Chiline) -- attempt to adjust to this new life. Meanwhile, Marina confides in Father Quintana (Javier Bardem), a priest who is questioning his faith, and Neil rekindles a relationship with his childhood friend, Jane (Rachel McAdams). So is the "plot" of the film.

To the Wonder is so quintessentially Terrence Malick (in case you didn't know, he's both the writer and director). Even though this film has sort of an anti-narrative, it is still a deeply spiritual and philosophical film that explores the ups-and-downs of love, the struggles of faith, and the truths of human interaction. To the Wonder consists of strange lapses in time that span multiple months, or possibly years, without even letting viewers know it. The film has ambiguous poetic voiceover from the actors. It has magnificent, dizzying imagery and sound that lulls you into a spell. (More on that later).  Some may be profoundly moved by this film. Others may roll their eyes. However, you should know going into this film that it is 100% Malick. 

One of the greatest things about this film -- and Malick's direction -- is the use of sight and sound to evoke moods and feelings. We get wisps of gorgeous imagery in conjunction with a stunning score. Even though To the Wonder is currently on "Video On Demand," it must be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated. It's definitely a movie that deserves to be experienced in a big theater. Again, Emmanuel Lubezki proves that he is one of the most talented cinematographers in Hollywood. The way that he lights the actors, and the way that he makes even the most mundane images beautiful is quite extraordinary. What I found to be most jaw-dropping about the cinematography was the lush sensuality of some of the shots. In no way is this film sexually explicit. However, Malick and Lubezki get these lovely shots of the actors -- whether it's Kurylenko's bare shoulders or Affleck's toned torso -- that look like they could be used in beautiful perfume commercials. There is just some sort of marvelous sensuality to the shots that they get. I can't quite describe it in words. It's masterful.

Let's talk about the acting. As some of you may have heard, the actors don't have much dialogue. In fact, I'd be surprised if Ben Affleck speaks more than three lines in this film. However, just because the film lacks dialogue does not mean that the actors don't get much to do. Everyone here is spot-on. The performances are very internal. Ben Affleck gives a minimalist performance, and he gets that subtextual sense of complex feeling that is inherent to Neil's character. Olga Kurylenko and Rachel McAdams are lovely and glowing on screen. Javier Bardem gets some nice interactions with some Oklahoma townspeople that makes for some effective sequences.

Unfortunately, even though we get some fine acting from talented actors, we don't necessarily connect with all of these characters. The only character I identified with is Neil, which is interesting considering that he hardly talks at all. I didn't really care that much for the other characters. I think that Father Quintanas (who, in my opinion, is the weakest character in the film) has too much screen time, and Jane has too little. Maybe a flip-flop could have helped with developing the main characters more, and it could have therefore made for a more emotionally involving film.

I still can't wrap my mind around To the Wonder. I'm having a difficult time grasping the complexity of it all. At times, I was absolutely mesmerized. At other times, I was bored. The film does feel too long, even though it is just under two hours. However, I can't get this film out of my mind. No matter how hard I try, I keep thinking about it. To me, that's a sign of a successful movie. To the Wonder is a stunning and haunting picture that is really making me think. It's not a perfect movie. In fact, it can get downright maddening at times. However, it's a movie that I'm looking forward to watching again. Maybe after the second viewing, I'll be able to comprehend it more. For now, I'll just say that it's a flawed yet beautiful movie that I can't get out of my head. Two and a half stars out of four.

The Place Beyond the Pines Review

The Place Beyond the Pines

3.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

Bold. Epic. Ambitious. Stunning. Unforgettable. These are the appropriate descriptions for The Place Beyond the Pines, the latest film from director and writer Derek Cianfrance. It's a powerful and moving knockout of a film that will be seared into your memory for quite some time.

The Place Beyond the Pines consists of three interconnected stories. The first story follows Luke (Ryan Gosling), a heavily-tattooed stunt motorcyclist who puts on dangerous shows at the circus every night. At one of his shows, he runs into his ex-girlfriend Romina (Eva Mendes), who tells him that they have a son together. Wanting to provide for his son, Luke resorts to robbing banks, which leads to both stability and danger. Luke briefly crosses paths with Avery (Bradley Cooper), the main focus of the second story. Avery is a respectable police officer who uncovers the corruption that lies within his division. His investigations and experiences force him to confront and struggle with moral and ethical decisions of his own. Then, 15 years into the future, the third story arises. It covers the relationship between Luke's son, Jason (Dane DeHaan), and Avery's son, AJ (Emory Cohen). They are two high school outsiders who struggle to survive in a world that carries the consequences of their fathers' decisions.

If Pines sounds like a heavy and challenging film, then you're spot on because Pines is exactly that. Over the course of 140 minutes, the film explores the hardships of family, man's exertion of masculinity, and the consequences of bad decisions. It takes you on an unpredictable ride that is surprising with each minute of every story. You won't know where it's going, but that is what makes the picture so powerful. Sure, the film is a little long, but it deserves its long running time. It takes its time to set up the characters and the world in which they live. By the end of the film, you find that your patience is rewarded, as the stories collide and become one cohesive whole. It makes for a memorable, unshakable moviegoing experience.

Derek Cianfrance proves that he is an exceptional filmmaker who delves into some dark and complex territory. His last film, Blue Valentine, was one of the best of 2010. It explored the heartbreak and tragedy that comes with love. Whereas that film was small and intimate, The Place Beyond the Pines is enormous in scope and ambition. Cianfrance knows exactly how to handle the difficulties of this project. He knows how to dial down the drama so that it is quiet yet natural. He has a deft grasp of tension and understands how to let the suspense simmer. He knows how to challenge the audience without overwhelming it. Cianfrance has complete control over his movie. He is a daring and talented filmmaker who is one to watch out for in the future.

Perhaps Cianfrance's greatest strength is his cast, from which he draws outstanding performances. Pines is one of the most well acted films thus far in 2013. Ryan Gosling is nothing short of brilliant. Similar to his masterful performance in Drive, Gosling channels inner turmoil and brooding so well. Again, without any words, he is capable of expressing so much. (In one particularly effective scene,  Luke cries in a chapel as he watches his son get baptized. It's a quiet, heartbreaking, and surprisingly non-manipulative moment that gives proof to Gosling's immense talent). Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes give some of the best performances of their careers as these complex characters. It must've been difficult to dig deep down within themselves to channel their emotions, but they pull it off brilliantly. And last but not least, Dane DeHaan is phenomenal. His young, boyish appearance greatly contrasts with his intense (and sometimes frightening) performance. He is so riveting. It's no wonder that he is one of the most talented and exciting young actors working in Hollywood. I look forward to his future performances. What is most amazing about these actors is that they make the audience sympathize for their flawed characters. Even when the characters make bad or immoral decisions, we always identify with them. We understand them and even root for them. The actors are responsible for making Pines the deep and emotionally involving film that it is. 

The main flaw of The Place Beyond the Pines is that like many anthology films, not every story is equally good. Pines peaks at the beginning because Luke's story is by far the strongest and deepest segment. It goes slightly downhill afterwards. While many assert that the second story is better than the third story, I disagree. I found Avery's story to be the weakest of the three simply because it lacks some of the danger and drama present in the first and last. However, Avery's story is by no means a bad one. All of them are excellent. It's just a bummer that the film starts so high, then dips, and then comes back up, while never reaching the height of the beginning.

Ultimately, The Place Beyond the Pines is a towering achievement. Its cinematography and score is magnificent. Its direction and acting is impeccable. Pines is a timeless film for both the mind and the heart. Add it to the list of "must-see" films of 2013. Three and a half stars out of four.

Tyler Perry's Temptation Review

Tyler Perry's Temptation

2.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

After I saw Safe Haven (or I guess I should say the last 5 minutes of Save Haven), I thought I had seen the nuttiest film of 2013. Then comes along Temptation. Oh, what a wacky concoction. Part soapy melodrama, part erotic romance, and 100% Tyler Perry. It's hard for me to recommend a movie like this to everyone, especially intelligent moviegoers who enjoy plausible, coherent, well-made cinema. But if you like your films trashy and over-the-top, and if you are a huge Tyler Perry fan, you must check this movie out.

Temptation tells the story of Judith (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a smart and intelligent woman with an unsatisfactory life. Sure, she's married to a nice guy named Brice (Lance Gross), and she has a comfortable job at a matchmaking service company, but none of this is ideal. Judith wants to begin her own practice as a marriage counselor, and she wishes that Brice would remember her birthday every now-and-then. Things are too dull, and her life lacks excitement. Then comes along Harley (Robbie Jones), the rich, handsome investor who meets and works with Judith every day. Harley is absolutely entranced by Judith. He doesn't just want her. He lusts after her like a dog lusts after a piece of meat. He needs her. Judith won't admit that she's attracted to Harley. After all, she's married, and she's a "good Christian woman." So begins Judith's "temptation," which leads her towards a downward spiral of lies, danger, and immorality.

Boy, does Temptation have some problems. From the erratic pacing to the unintentionally hilarious dramatic scenes, this movie has a lot going against it. One of the main problems is that Perry seemed to struggle with translating his wild script to the screen. The movie is supposed to be dramatic, funny, romantic, and thrilling all at once. However, the film doesn't feel cohesive. The awkward tonal shifts are jarring, and I still can't figure out if some of the scenes were supposed to be funny or sad. (I, along with many of the people in the audience, were laughing so hard at some of the juicy dramatic moments that were supposed to pack an emotional wallop). It makes for a weird moviegoing experience, one that defies genre classification. When this film leaves theaters, will it be remembered as one of Perry's misfires or will it be remembered as a "so-bad-it's-good" film? I'm not really sure.

Temptation might infuriate many. The film is basically a cautionary tale for women. The main theme is that infidelity and sinfulness lead to dire consequences. The script follows Perry's trend of melodrama with a message. There is no subtlety to this film. It starts off fine, and soon dissolves into something very weird. Then, the final act arrives, and all hell breaks loose. It's so twisty and packed with so many surprises that it puts Days of Our Lives to shame.

Temptation is not all bad. I will say that the acting is quite good. Smollett-Bell, Gross, and Jones are all strong. They have steamy chemistry and attempt to add some depth to their somewhat archetypal characters. Smollett-Bell especially works hard to make audiences sympathize for a character who is, at times, downright unlikable. However, Perry seemed to have some difficulties with directing his actors. I got the impression that they didn't know exactly how to deliver their lines. For example, the soapy moments are so overblown, and the comedic moments lack some punch. So it's a little weird to watch, but the actors try to do their best. The performances are mostly successful. The supporting cast is great as well. Vanessa Williams is hilarious and charming as Judith's boss. Sure, Williams' French accent is strange, but when you figure out why she talks the way that she does, it's a riot. Brandy is lovely as Melinda, Brice's co-worker with a dangerous past. She gives the strongest performance in the film. She's a character with which you can identify because of Brandy's emotive facial expressions and emotional delivery. Unfortunately, Kim Kardashian is miscast as Ava, Judith's bitchy, snarky co-worker. She is basically playing herself, but she delivers her lines with such flat lifelessness that it sorta removes you from the film. (Kim's character actually gets some very funny, witty, and sassy lines. A stronger actress with some good comedic timing could have turned Ava into the best character in the film). Aside from one weak performance, the ensemble cast is the best part of this film.

After reading this review, you might be wondering why I'm recommending Temptation. It's a ridiculous mess that almost makes no sense. I was in a state of disbelief for much of the third act. I didn't believe the sudden twists and turns for a second. However, I must admit that I sorta dug this film. I went along with the crazy juiciness of it all, and I enjoyed the ride. Is this one of Tyler Perry's best works? No it's not. In fact, it might be one of his weakest films. (I've seen almost all of them and am a big fan of his works. Want to see his best films? Check out Why Did I Get Married? and I Can Do Bad All By Myself). However, is it a fun, entertaining flick? Absolutely. Don't watch the trailers. Don't read anything about it. Just go see this movie in a packed theater. Be prepared to throw popcorn at the screen and yell back at the characters. Brace yourself for the mind-boggling twists and hammer-you-in-the-head lessons. Most importantly, get ready to laugh your ass off and be entertained for two hours. Boy, is this a terribly strange movie, and yet, it might become a cult classic. Two and a half stars out of four.