Review: Batman Begins (2005)

Review: Batman Begins (2005)

So, Batman Begins came on HBO and I was bored, and I hadn’t seen it in awhile, so I figured I’d watch it.

Road to Oscars 2015:

Movies in 2015:

Review: Selma (2014)

So I finally got see Ava DuVernay's impactful and exceptional film, Selma.

And it was amazing.

First off, let me say that DuVernay was ROBBED of an Oscar nomination for her brilliant, emotive and innovative direction. From her brilliant use of slow motion to enhance and strengthen the already emotional story, to her ability to confidently steer her actors through the excellent screenplay, she directs the film with a seasoned confidence and sense of purpose. Never does she make the film feel heavy handed or emotionally manipulative, but rather, full of real emotion and real drama, and a real sense of both timelessness and immediacy. The screenplay also does an incredible job at translating the already dramatic events in Selma into a gripping and impactful narrative.

David Oyelowo plays King impeccably, perfectly syncing up with the screenplay in portraying the full Dr. King. We really get under Martin Luther King's skin in this film. We see him at home, both as a loving family man and as a flawed man who succumbed to several affairs. The film doesn't sugarcoat him, but it doesn't demean him either. It shows him as a full and complete person, a man with flaws who is simply wishing to do what's right with every fiber of his being. The best part is that his faith in God is in no way marginalized or glossed over. Instead, it's shown as the cornerstone of his crusade for equality and justice. From the hymn sung to him by a friend over the phone, to the quote from Matthew that gives him strength while in prison, it's all there, and it's brilliant.

The rest of the supporting cast is one the absolute best I've ever seen. From Tom Wilkinson's memorable and stern performance as President LBJ, to Tim Roth's sneering, arrogant Gov. Wilson, to actors like Common and Oprah Winfrey, everyone gives it their all and feels completely and fully developed. Nobody feels underwritten, and nobody feels inconsequential. They help strength and provide an excellent backing group to Oyelowo's electrifying performance.

The cinematography by Bradford Young is a work of genius. He works hand in hand with DuVernay to help craft an evocative emotional color pallet for the film that is beyond reproach. From the slow motion to the rich colors, it's all there, and it's a feast for the eyes. He just shot up my favorite cinematographer's list and that's a fact.

The music is a perfect mix of the old and the new, with old spirituals sitting right along side the original score and John Legend and Common's incredible musical offering. It's a rich light behind the screen of the film, glowing warmly and strongly.

Selma is a film that is both timeless and timely. In light of recent events around America, a film like Selma, which shows the struggle of Civil Rights at such a key and vital point in it's history, is the perfect film.

Five out of five stars.

Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel

So I finally got to see The Grand Budapest Hotel.

And what did I think?

IT WAS AWESOME.

Wes Anderson weaves his tale with gentle simplicity. He uses the absolutely gorgeous art direction and cinematography (once more Robert D. Yeoman) to create a wonderfully picturesque and angelic world of snow, mountains and bright colors, with everything looking as if it's made from the most wonderfully delectable candy in the universe.

His writing is understated as always, yet sharp and witty, giving us dozens of blink-and-miss-it jokes either by purely visual means or by the wonderfully intricate words and use of language.

He also uses his camera to help frame this world and it's multiple timelines, using three different aspect ratios to help the audience place themselves. However, it never feels like a gimmick, but instead enhances the storybook-like nature of the narrative.

The performances are understated as well, but never veer into emptiness or uninterested. Of special mention is, of course, Ralph Fiennes, who turns in an incredibly vibrant performance as the posh, unflappable Gustav H. He should definitely be considered for Best Actor, as his performance is, so far, the best I've seen all year.

Another special shout-out to Tony Revolori, who, in his film debut, is natural and likable as the adorkable Zero. F. Murray Abraham also gets props for giving the fine, bittersweet performance of M. Moustafa.

Of course, the cast is far too large to analyze actor by actor, so I'll just come out and say that this is some of the best ensemble acting I've seen in a long time. Everyone plays off of each other expertly, from the bizzare turn Mathieu Amalric takes to the creepy Willem Dafoe to the snide Adrian Brody. Of course, Wes Anderson alumni Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson give wonderfully memorable bit parts, and finally, Soarise Ronan shines as the wonderfully sweet natured and beautiful Agatha.

The film also is able to present an ending that, if done by anyone else, would be a very bittersweet one, but here, instead feels like the ending of a storybook. Yes, there is an element of sadness in the fate of the hotel, but we are instead told to remember how it was, a wondrous place, symbolizing a hyper-romanticized vision of old Europe. This feels like a world, that, while still 'real' is distinctly fantastical. Simply put, it's beautiful.

Also, Alexandre Desplat's music is absolute perfection, sounding more like actual folk music then film music, and blending into the film perfectly. I desperately hope it gets recognized come Oscar season.

I give a strong 5 out of 5.