Seven Samurai

★★★★★
(Loved it)

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Takashi Shimura, Shinobu Hashimoto
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 207 Minutes
Distributor: Toho
Release Date: November 19, 1956

Introduction

As I have read across countless "Top x Films" lists, one film that has been consistently ranked high is "Seven Samurai". Coming in at number 13 on the imdb's Top 250 list, "Seven Samurai" is a film that has been on my must watch list. While I have not gotten around to it as quick as I would have liked, I finally was able to give it a few this week. I would not say that I am a huge fan when it comes to older films. I have found myself having a hard time calling films such as "Lawrence of Arabia", "Citizen Kane", or "2001: A Space Odyssey" all time masterpieces. So going into "Seven Samurai", I was not sure if it would fall in the aftermentioned category or if I would stumble across a real gem.

The Film

The very first couple minutes of the movie had me very worried. I just could not shake the annoyingness of the villages as they complained. As the story progressed, my feelings shifted from being annoyed to intrigued and eventually in awe. The story tells the tale of a village that has been ransacked by bandits. The farmers converge with the village elder on developing a plan. The elder finally sets the task of sending farmers on a search for samurai to protect the village. The farmers return with seven samurai to protect the village and the battle ensues.

What leaves me in complete awe of "Seven Samurai" is how it was superbly made. For a film that was made in the early 50's (it was released in '54 in Japan, as opposed to '56 for the states) it honestly made films of that time and later downright laughable in terms of production. It has great lighting, props, sets, scenary, and most importantly characters. Each character is carefully crafted into a person that you cannot forget. Every character has a different look, personality, reasoning, and well-being to themselves that you do not experience in other films. Even the most minor characters that may be on screen for less than five minutes leave a big impact. There will be characters that you love, admire, and hate that combine for a chemistry that works so well.

"Seven Samurai" is masterpeice in story-telling. It knows when the film needs to be serious, comedic, romantic, and horrific. During the course of the film I do not think I have felt such shame, empathy, laughter, anger, or sorrow over the course of a film. I am having a hard time explaining everything that is present, but I feel that "Seven Samurai" nearly covers all aspects that one can think. What do people do when their only interest is themself? How does fear dictate what people do? How does the lust for an individual portray your way of life? The film asks questions on social aspects of life that are not limited in time, but human nature.

Many younger people today have a disdain for old films. I myself have found it hard to love some classics that many older people are in love with. I feel however that "Seven Samurai" is one that should just be skipped over. I feel that it needs to be watched by everyone at a certain point in their life. For filmmakers or film nuts, this film is a true gem that needs to be experienced immediately. While some people may not get too crazy over it, it hards not to pay respect to "Seven Samurai" in some regard. Akira Kurosawa carefully crafts "Seven Samurai" into not only a masterpiece of techincal beauty, but most an enlightening story with a memorable cast of characters.

From reading the review, it may sound like "Seven Samurai" is the greatest film off all time. I feel that is certainly not the case. The only reason I say that is that I don't have an absolute love for the film like I have for say "The Shawshank Redemption". Granted, it's one of the best movies I have seen but the replay value for this won't be extremely high. Clocking in at 3 hours and 26 minutes, it's hard imagining coming back to this often. This film is one that I can enjoy every 10 years ago and love. That said, "Seven Samurai" earns my highest recommendation.

The 81st Academy Awards - My Picks

The Academy Awards are rolling around tomorrow night at 7pm CST. As much as people love to disagree with the Academy over a few botched years (2005, 1998 come to mind). However, I feel that the past two years they have hit the nail right on the head. 'The Departed' deserved the Oscar for 2006 and 'No Country for Old Men' deserved it for 2007, despite people wishing for "There Will Be Blood".

I feel that this year is dramatically different from the past two years. Last year were called "The Dark Oscars" for the multiple nominations of films with dark nature. The Best Picture nominees were Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country for Old Men, Sweeny Todd: Barber of Demon Street There Will Be Blood. With Juno being the odd film out... all weren't your usual Best Picture nominees.

This year is far different, but I do feel that the partly snubbed some incredible films. I'll give my thoughts and snubs with each category.

WINNERS IN BOLD

Technical Awards

Best Visual Design

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Dark Knight
-Iron Man

Best Sound Mixing

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Dark Knight
-Slumdog Millionaire
-Wall*E
-Wanted

Best Sound Editing

-The Dark Knight
-Iron Man
-Slumdog Millionaire
-Wall*E
-Wanted

Best Original Song

-Down to Earth - Wall*E
-Jai Ho - Slumdog Millionaire
-O Saya - Slumdog Millionaire

OK, here comes my first Oscar snub. The obvious snub in this category was Bruce Springsteen's song 'The Wrestler' for the movie... well, uh "The Wrestler'. Due to Slumdog Millionaire having two nominees in this category, and surprise win for Wall*E could happen. That said, I'm sticking with 'Jai Ho' to win Best Original Song.

Best Original Score

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-Defiance
-Milk
-Slumdog Millionaire
-Wall*E

While Defiance was one of my personal favorites, it just can't match Slumdog Millionaire's. Slumdog takes it. On a side note, The Dark Knight should have been nominated for Best Original Score.

Best Makeup

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Dark Knight
-Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

Best Film Editing

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Dark Knight
-Frost/Nixon
-Milk
-Slumdog Millionaire

The clear front runners for the Academy Awards are Slumdog and Benjamin Button, and the outcome for Best Picture could start right here. To be honest, I haven't seen Benjamin Button, but all signs have been pointing to Slumdog picking up this category.

Best Documentary

-Nerakhoon
-Encounters at the End of the World
-The Garden
-Man on Wire
-Trouble the Water

Uh... read my latest review.

Best Costume Design

-Australia
-Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Duchess
-Milk
-Revolutionary Road

There's been an odd rule that's proven it worth the past couple of years. The older the film takes place, the more likely it is to win. That said, this one belongs to The Duchess.

Best Cinematography

-Changling
-Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Dark Knight
-The Reader
-Slumdog Millionaire

Best Art Direction

-Changling
-Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-The Dark Knight
-The Reader
-Slumdog Millionaire


Major Awards

Best Foreign Film

-"Waltz with Bashir" (Israel)
-"The Baader Meinhof Complex" (Germany)
-"The Class" (France)
-"Departures" (Japan)
-"Revanche" (Austria)

Best Foreign Film will come down to two films, "The Class" and "Waltz with Bashir". "Waltz with Bashir" has been the favorite going in, but "The Class" has been gaining ground. I'm sticking "Waltz".

Best Animated Film

-"WALL-E"
-"Kung-Fu Panda"
-"Bolt"

This is the second safest pick for the night. Wall*E easily.

Best Adapted Screenplay

-"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Eric Roth
-"Doubt" John Patrick Shanley
-"Frost/Nixon" Peter Morgan
-"The Reader" David Hare
-"Slumdog Millionaire" Simon Beaufoy

Best Original Screenplay

-"Frozen River" Courtney Hunt
-"Happy-Go-Lucky" Mike Leigh
-"In Bruges" Martin McDonagh
-"Milk" Dustin Lance Black
-"WALL-E" Andrew Stanton/Jim Reardon

I would love for "In Bruges" for win this, but the favorite is "Milk".

The Big Six

Best Supporting Actress

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Amy Adams "Doubt"

Penelope Cruz "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

Viola Davis "Doubt"

Taraji P. Henson "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Marisa Tomei "The Wrestler"

I feel that Viola Davis should win this. The only problem is that two actors from "Doubt" have been nominated. This causes trouble for Adams and Davis as it will likely split the voters. Due to this, Penelope Cruz should win. Don't rule out Viola Davis though.

Best Supporting Actor

Josh Brolin "Milk"

Robert Downey Jr "Tropic Thunder"

Philip Seymour Hoffman "Doubt"

Heath Ledger "The Dark Knight"

Michael Shannon "Revolutionary Road"

The safest bet, without a doubt is Heath Ledger. While Hoffman took Ledger's Oscar in 2005, Hoffman's excellent role wont top Heath Ledger's. I think that this is the best category out of any in the night, I absolutely love all of these actors and all of them are incredibly talented. Some people want to say that the only reason Heath will win is because he died. Those people are foolish.

Best Actress

Anne Hathaway "Rachel Getting Married"

Angelina Jolie "Changeling"

Melissa Leo "Frozen River"

Meryl Streep "Doubt"

Kate Winslet "The Reader"

Another fine category, and this one will most likely go Kate Winslet. Winslet is 0 for 5 on Oscar night, but tonight will be the night that she finally earns one. The only one who can sneak up and take it away is Meryl Streep... who has had 14 nominations before this.

Best Actor

Richard Jenkins "The Visitor"

Sean Penn "Milk"

Frank Langella "Frost/Nixon"

Mickey Rourke "The Wrestler"

Brad Pitt "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Probably the biggest horse race of the night, it's going to become between Penn and Rourke. While I have a feeling that Penn might take it, I just can't choose against Rourke. Many others feel the same way and that just might put Rourke on top.

Best Director

Danny Boyle "Slumdog Millionaire"

David Fincher "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Stephen Daldry "The Reader"

Gus Van Sant "Milk"

Ron Howard "Frost/Nixon"

I'm not going to lie. I absolutely love Danny Boyle's work, he was one of my favorite directors before Slumdog Millionaire released. I had high expectations for the film and it even exceeded them. Danny Boyle is the clear front runner for the category and I see him earning an Oscar. My biggest problem also lies here. I do not see why Stephen Daldry was nominated for Best Director. It's not big secret that the Academy has a thing for him, he's been nominated two times before for mediocre films, and The Reader hasn't been anything different. Daldry's spot should have gone to Christopher Nolan for his work on "The Dark Knight".

Best Picture

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

"Milk"

"Frost/Nixon"

"The Reader"

"Slumdog Millionaire"

Slumdog Millionaire is the front runner and I expect it to take the Oscar Sunday night. The only one who could take it from Slumdog is Benjamin Button, but if it doesn't take of of Slumdog's awards Sunday night, it's got no chance. And to be honest, my Best Picture nominees would have been: The Dark Knight, Frost/Nixon, Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Wrestler. With Slumdog still winning.

Man on Wire

★★★★★
(Loved it)

Director: James Marsh
Starring: Philippe Petit
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 90 Minutes
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: July 15, 2008
Notes: Academy Award nomination for 'Best Documentary'.

Introduction

I was a Junior in High School when I had to do a report over the September 11 attacks. During my research, I came across a series of photos that I just could not believe. A tightrope walker crossing between the World Trade Center. The first thought that races through my mind is that the guy is either brilliant, or just flat out insane. Unfortunately, at the time of my research I could not find a lot of information on this individual who committed something extraordinary. Fast forward to current times, and a little documentary called "Man on Wire" is released. I was immediately ecstatic but to my dismay was not able to view it in theaters. So here I am over six months after it's release and I am reviewing "Man on Wire".

The Film

Philippe Petit is sitting at a dentist's office. He's suffering from a horrible tooth ache. While sitting in the lobby with countless others, Petit stumbles across something in a magazine. Two structures that tower of the island of Manhattan. In this instance Petit realizes something, a dream. Looking at the towers closely, Petit grabs a pencil and makes on small line. This small line connects the two towers of the World Trade Center, and it's immediately apparent what his dream is.

'Man on Wire' has a very interesting set up in which the film operates. It is split up into the following: Interviews with Philippe Petit himself and his team, video documenting the prepartion and other stunts leading up the walk at the World Trade Center and a recreation using actors to portray the day they set up the line at the top of the two towers. To my surprise, I felt that this worked extremely well. I absolutely loved how a lot of real footage was shown of Petit preparing for this feat. It certainly adds to the immersful experience and a offers a direct relationship with Philippe. You certainly feel as if you were by his side from day one watching all of this planned. In other words, for the footage being taped from the late '60s to the early '70s, it certainly has a Discovery/History channel show feel to it. Of course no documentary is complete without the interviews of Philippe and the cast themselves. Philippe is perhaps one of the most passionate guys you will ever see. While his crew thought he was crazy, they stood by him and made him accomplish his goal. The recreation certainly has a 'bank heist' feel to it, which fits perfectly for the story. That's basically what this is, a great heist into the World Trade Center to tightrope across the two towers.

[Slight spoilers in the next paragraph, jump to the next paragraph if you don't want to see them]

The World Trade Center walk is not the only event depicted. Two other walks prior the World Trade Center included a walk between the two towers on Notre Dame, and two towers on a bridge in Sydney, Australia. I was already in absolute awe watching him cross Notre Dame and the bridge, but absolutely nothing can compare for what he does in New York City. It is not only that Petit walks back and forth between two points, but the fact he also sits, and lies down on the wire. Philippe Petit's walk on the World Trade Center is without a doubt one of the most magnificent things I have witnessed. If there is only one thing you need to see to get you to see this documentary, it's the poster above.

[End slight spoilers]

If the cliche quote "all dreams come true" were to derive from one event, this is it. 'Man on Wire' offers an exhilerating ride that will keep you glued to the screen for the 9o minutes it runs. It's a documentary I could watch once a year for the rest of my life and it will still be as rewarding and fun as the first time I do it. Do not miss out, 'Man on Wire' is the best Documentary to come not only this year, but perhaps the decade. 'Man on Wire' earns my highest recommendation.

The Visitor

★★★
(Enjoyed It)

Director: Thomas McCarthy
Starring: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Gurira, Hiam Abbass
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 104 Minutes
Distributor: Overture Films
Release: April 11, 2008

Notes: Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor - Richard Jenkins

Introduction

In light of the Academy Award nominations, I have stumbled across a few brow raisers. The two in question are Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" and Melissa Leo in "Frozen River". Granted, I had no doubts about either one of their performances, I just found it weird that I did not hear about either one until the nominations were announced. That said, the first film I got around to seeing was "The Visitor". Quite frankly, it's quite hard to go with this film aside a few complaints.

The Film

We come across Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) who is a college professor in Connecticut and lives a life of seclusion. Walter spends a lot time alone due to his wife passing away by practicing the piano and writing a new book. When Walter gets called to New York to present a paper, he leaves and spends time at his apartment near the conference. It's here that the story's plot takes form. Walter walks in on two people living in his apartment, Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and Zanaib (Danai Jekesai Gurira). Not kicking them out completely, a friendship eventually grows between Walter and Tarek and Zanaib. Tarek and Walter are able to connect due to Tarek being an impressive djembe player. Walter himself even takes up the djembe with Tarek and eventually play with eachother in Central park. All the characters are extremely likeable in their own ways. I found it very hard to nitpick about any of the characters and I feel that everyone has a connection with each one of the characters in some way or another.

The easy standout in the film is Richard Jenkins, who earned an Academy Award nomination that's easily earned. Jenkins gives off a classic character study performance. I just had a good time watching his personalitly transform from the beginning of the film to the end. For Richard Jenkins it just seemed that role came so easy to him and that he had no troubles expressing Walter Vale. Tarek also plays a standout in the film, I just personally felt a connection with how truthful and happy he lives. Tarek's mother Mouna (Hiam Abbass) finally ventures into the film towards the end. Hiam Abbass gives another good role, just maybe a little cliche. She just felt to me as the straight up concerned mother that would do anything for her son, a common character played in the film industry. However it's hard to knock a film off for that, because that's just a common character that cannot be changed.

My main gripe with the film is that I felt it just got too boring or sluggish in some parts. I felt that a few scenes were carried just a little too long. I personally wished that Tarek's viewpoint of the situation was played out a little bit more from his perspective. Ultimately what I feel is memorable about the film are the characters themselves, with the story slightly lagging behind. I feel that the first half and the very end hold much more weight over any other part of the film.


I personally feel it's hard to dislike "The Visitor". The characters are so likeable I would have a hard time finding anyone with an objection to them. However, while the characters are the main standouts, the film is a little slow at times. The film is certainly one that will slowly and unexpectedly take people and absolutely surprise them. Others may sit and watch the film and that surprise may never come. I guess for myself I fall slightly in between the both of them. That said, I do like "The Visitor" and I give it a recommendation.

Doubt

★★★★
(Really Enjoyed It)

Director: John Patrick Shanley
Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 104 Minutes
Distributor: Miramax Films
Release: December 12, 2008 [Limited]
Notes: Academy Award Nominations for Meryl Streep (Best Actress), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Supporting Actor), Amy Adams (Best Supporting Actress), and Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress)

Introduction

'Doubt' was a film that completely flew under my radar. I had hardly heard anything about it until after it's December 12 release date. A quick look under Rotten Tomatoes shows a 76% percent rating, and while Rotten Tomatoes can certainly be a misleading gauge for quality films, I figured I would view the film when I would get the chance. Just viewing the trailer alone made me unsure about the film, but with an open mind I went ahead and viewed 'Doubt'.

The Film

'Doubt' takes place in the 1964 at a Catholic Church located within the Bronx. The Church is headed by Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and in the first minutes of the film gives a speech about doubt. Flynn describes how feeling of doubt can be a unifying force as powerful as faith itself. This concerns Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) and warns fellow nuns including Sister James (Amy Adams) to be on guard of any suspicious behavior. The Catholic Church is also a full-time Catholic school, in which Sister Aloysius is principal. Here we learn just how strict and demanding Sister Aloysius really is. Sister Alyosius does not condone any progression for the school or the church, showing a great dislike for the radio and ballpoint pens, instead preferring the old pen and ink method for writing. Sister James quickly stumbles onto a situation involving Father Flynn and the only African American student Donald Miller. This situation is the primary focus of the film, pitting Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius against eachother.

The performances of Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis are spectacular. Each actor/actress has picked up an Academy Award nomination for their performances, and each are well deserved. Streep's character is intimadating, and at the end of the movie you are sure as hell glad that you never met her in real life. Streep certainly plays the "my way or the highway" character in the film, and while she is absolutely ruthless you no doubt (no pun intended) are rooting for her in her campaign against Hoffman. Philip Seymour Hoffman gives out another wonderful performance. Hoffman's character is definitely more sympathetic and light-hearted, and is certainly the more likeable character. However he plays a character that you ultimately feel like you can't trust, having a very sly feeling to his persona. Amy Adams certainly plays the simple life charater that does not want any confrontation. Easily gullible and afraid to take action for herself, Adams certainly finds herself in a position that she does not want to be in. The character with the biggest impact, is none other than Viola Davis. She plays a small role in the film, but her brief appearance certainly strikes close to the viewer. Every person has a part of Viola Davis' character inside them, which is why I feel like her role was extroadinary. It was simple, to the point, and highly effective. All around, the performances in the film are ultimately everything you could ask for.

While the story is very interesting and keeps the viewer engaged, I do feel like the story suffers a little bit. Certain points of the film certainly feel dull, and feel pointless. The very ending also left me pretty disappointed. My big complaint was that the situation between Father Flynn and Donald Miller was never straight straight up stated. It was ultimately the big white elephant in the room that nobody wanted to talk about. Only beat around the push and only keeping the viewer doubting themselves. Needless to say that was my biggest gripe about the movie. The film also tried to make race an important issue... but was never really expanded on or ultimately played a major part. It was simply something that was brought up as a serious point and then never mentioned again. These are the only things from holding the good experience from being great.

There's much to like about 'Doubt'. It has some fo the best performances you will see in 2008. A story, while with issues, keeps the viewer attached to the story. There could be many themes talked about in the movie, and I could type an entire essay about, but will refrain from doing so in this review. 'Doubt' contains some of the best performances of the year, and while it has an engaging story, it does feel palpable. I ultimately give 'Doubt' a recommendation.

The Wrestler

★★★★★
(Loved it)

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
Rating: R
Runtime: 115 Minutes
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Academy Award Nominations: Mickey Rourke for Best Actor; Marisa Tomei for Best Supporting Actress

Introduction

When Fox Searchlight released the plot synopsis for 'The Wrestler' I would not have called myself excited. The good old cliche resurrection story is one that I have watched countless times, and pondered to myself if I even needed to watch another. Then it won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. As the holiday season approached, it started gaining much critical acclaim from critics alike. It was not until I saw the trailer that I quickly made it one of my must see films for the holiday season. I can gladly say that I was not in the least disappointed...

The Film

I do not in any way shape or form am a fan of professional wrestling. That said, The Wrestler is without a doubt one of the finest films of 2008. I feel like it's a damn shame that it's not nominated for Best Picture by the Academy; but is anyone really surprised?

Randy 'The Ram' Robinson is a professional wrestler who was a star in the 1980's, who finds himself twenty years later past his prime. Robinson now lives in a trailer home and drives an old beat up van in the ghetto of New Jersey. On the weekends he spends his time at independent wrestling events earning extra money. Robinson has a non-existant relationship with his daughter Stephanie Ramzinski (Evan Rachel Wood) and has deep affection for his favorite stripper Pam (Marisa Tomei). Mickey Rourke's character is one of the most like-able characters to hit the big screen. Rourke's fantastic performance is probably a once of a lifetime time endeavor. The performances of Rourke, Tomei, and Wood are what make this film so great. Everyone of them is a completely believable person who does not come across as hollow or gimmicky. Rourke and Tomei have both picked up Academy Award nominations for their performances. To be honest, as much as I liked Tomei's performance, I felt that Wood's performance had a bigger impact and was better. While I feel Wood should have been nominated instead of Tomei, I am completely content with the nomination of Tomei for Best Supporting Actress.



Darren Aronofsky isn't the Director you would expect to direct a film of this nature. Aronofsky's other ventures include Requim for A Dream, The Fountain, and Pi. I feel that this is by far Aronofsky's most approachable and watchable film that he's done. If you're a fan of Aronofsky's work, then you will find much to like. The most similarities to his past works include rough, erratic transitions from one scene to the next. Aronofsky's look into human emotions and relationships in no less effective in 'The Wrestler'. One aspect that is noticeable right at the very start is strong presence of film grain. While at first you certainly notice, I can't recall it every being a problem after the first ten minutes. It does add a nice touch to the film to show Rourke's gritty, outlandish lifestyle. Sound is once again no problem here, when Rourke is wrestling it's an engaging audio track. The ending left me absolutely mesmerized. I wont go into spoilers, but it was probably my favorite part of the film.

I'm sitting here trying to finish this review, and wondering to myself if I see any flaws. I am having hard time finding any, to be honest. I think the a prime complaint that the certain people may have is the rough transitions between certain scenes and alas, the ending. While I loved the ending and feel that most people will, I can see how some people may be upset. Once again, no spoilers but take from it what you will.

'The Wrestler' was without a doubt one of my favorite films of the year. If I had to rank, I would put it at number 2 for the year, ahead of The Dark Knight but just behind Slumdog Millionaire. While the sport of wrestling is something I do not like, and often make fun of it, 'The Wrestler' is a must see film for everyone. The performances are stunning across the board, the editing by Aronofsky is superb and Springsteen's song 'The Wrestler' is one of the better original songs I have heard in a motion picture. 'The Wrestler' earns a rare five stars, and I can give it my highest recommendation.