Hugo

Hugo is a metamorphosis of a film transforming from a story of a lonely orphan boy into a tribute to one of cinema’s first filmmakers, Georges Melies. From the opening shot you know that you are in a magical place and if you are patient and watch closely, something wonderful and amazing will happen. Hugo, played by Asa Butterfield, is an intelligent boy who lives in the Paris train station. When his father died, he was taken in by his loutish, alcoholic uncle (Ray Winstone) who worked in the station as a technician winding all the intricate clocks. He taught Hugo how to do his job so he could lie around all day and drink. He also furnished him with a long forgotten apartment within the station’s attic. Here Hugo could stay out of sight and management would be none the wiser.

Throughout his day Hugo would navigate the ceilings, walls and tunnels of the railway station watching the regulars and getting to know their routines. In secret he became familiar with all of them especially the station inspector (Sasha Baron Cohen). The inspector has a penchant for rounding up orphans and sending them directly to the workhouse. Hugo avoids the inspector at all costs and only enters the public when necessary. At night, when alone, he works on an automaton that he and his father were restoring before his death. The robot was discovered forgotten in a museum storeroom and Hugo and his father were repairing him.

When Hugo’s uncle suddenly disappears, Hugo must start taking more and more risks by venturing into the station. By winding the clocks, everyone will assume that the technician is still on the job, but in order to survive Hugo starts stealing food and supplies. He also zeros in on a local toy maker and begins to steal parts for his automaton. The meticulous toy maker is on to him though and lays a trap to apprehend him. This is where the film morphs into another kind of story and both are equally fascinating.

Ben Kingsley plays the filmmaker Georges Melies and Chloe Grace Moretz portrays Isabelle, Melies’ young charge. When Hugo becomes upset over the loss of his father’s notebook, Isabelle becomes his ally and the two entreat Melies to give it back. The discovery of who Melies is and what he has done drives the remainder of the film. And as a cinema lover, I for one was enchanted. Not only do we get to share in the ecstasy of watching Isabelle’s face view her first film we also get to see the bittersweet moment when Mamma Jeanne (Helen McCrory) sees herself on the screen after years of believing their films were lost. Both of these moments spoke directly to me. I really love this film.

As a family entertainment some people may say that this movie is too long, complicated or slow, but I disagree. Not that it’s long or slow, but I disagree that that’s a bad thing. This film will defiantly enchant young viewers and it will educate them as well. They may get a little squirmy and lose focus now and then but the film will soon recapture them. As a lover of cinema and to illustrate Melies’ genius Martin Sorcsese incorporates many clips from his films. Adults and children as well will be amazed by the whimsical special effects that he created. Melies was an innovator and a pioneer and this movie is a tribute to his contribution. Let his magic capture your heart. Hugo is very special film.

Rating: Must See A film about love and cinema

Arthur Christmas

Do you spend much time thinking about Santa Claus? Like how does he deliver all those presents in one night and why with all our modern technology he seems to fly under the radar? Have you ever wondered why we can’t see him on Google Earth and how does he support all those elves and reindeer? Well it is obvious that the people at Aardman Animation and Sony Pictures have thought about this, a lot! They have created a wonderful film that is so detailed, intricate and full of explanation without destroying any of the fun, myth or joy of the season.

Arthur Christmas is funny, entertaining and full of holiday spirit without being cloying, sentimental or trite. There are no talking animals, no musical numbers out of nowhere and no cheap juvenile humor.  What we get is a magical world, fully realized and a three generational Claus family that is as dysfunctional as yours and mine.

Arthur Christmas (James McAvoy) is the youngest son of the reigning Santa (Jim Broadbent). He is a bit of a klutz, and kind of a mess, but he is so full of Christmas spirit and he truly idolizes his father. His older brother, Steve (Hugh Laurie) is the operations commander and he is expert and efficient at his job. On his seventieth mission, Santa has become little more than a figurehead and Steve really runs the show. But he is a good loyal son, protects his father and is waiting patiently to inherit the title. Meanwhile Arthur, his little brother, works away in the letters office.

Due to a technical error and being distracted by a Santa emergency, a little girl’s bicycle falls off the conveyor belt and she becomes the only child in the entire world without a Christmas present to open. Steve is upset for being blamed and having his promotion postponed by his father. Santa is clearly not able to complete the task; he doesn’t even know how to pilot the high-tech sleigh. So they both decide to let it go and rest on their near-perfect record. But, Arthur is appalled. In his mind every child deserves a Christmas, so with the help of his grandfather (Bill Nighy) and a diligent elf (Ashley Jensen) they go “old school”, hitch up Grandsanta’s sleigh and vow to deliver Gwen’s present before sunrise.

This movie is so well thought out and so visually rich that you won’t mind watching it again and again. It is sure to be a perennial favorite and it is the kind of movie that everyone will love. It is clever, adventurous and makes a statement about family and technology. No matter how advanced we get there is nothing like coming together over a good meal or a board game. Sometimes it’s good to go back to the basics. And this film would make an great family night out.

Rating: First Run Santa, all secrets revealed

Dolphin Tale

There has been a trend recently to make films that feature animals or ecological issues. Most are low budget and have a very short theatrical run. But Dolphin Tale, directed by Charles Martin Smith is better than most and contains an excellent cast consisting of Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman.

Based on an actual event, Dolphin Tale focuses on a boy named Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) and his relationship with a dolphin (Winter playing herself) who washed up on the beach with severe injuries. Sawyer cuts her loose from a crab trap and they quickly form a bond. But before Sawyer knows it the dolphin is being packed up and transported to a rescue and rehabilitation facility where she loses her tail due to an infection.

Sawyer, wanting to know her fate, begins cutting summer school to spend time with her at the facility. When his mother (Ashley Judd) finds out she is hopping mad. But after visiting the rescue center herself she sees how invested Sawyer is and how much he is learning in the process. She agrees to let him stay knowing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

After Winter recovers and Sawyer becomes best friends with Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), the doctor’s daughter, the two of them spend their time entertaining Winter and helping her to get stronger. But a new problem occurs. Dolphins are meant to swim with an up and down tail movement and Winter has adapted by propelling herself side to side. This is causing spinal cord issues and endangering her life. When Sawyer goes to a V.A. hospital to visit his wounded cousin, he marvels over all the prosthetics he sees and their wide range of variety. He introduces himself to one of the designers and asks if he’d ever considered designing a prosthetic for a dolphin.  The doctor (Morgan Freeman) is intrigued by the challenge and agrees to give it a try. Meanwhile, Dr. Clay (Harry Connick Jr.) is tasked with funding the project while still trying to keep his center from going under.

Dolphin Tale is essentially a movie about overcoming challenges and never giving up. Not a bad subject for a film to take the kiddies. It is not overly-maudlin and it is enjoyable even for adults. And the setting reminds me of my youth watching Flipper. I’ve always had a thing for dolphins and this film only reinforces that. Winter does a great job portraying herself and you can easily see how she has become a media star. The film does get a little sentimental but due to the fine cast and the light touch of the director it is not overdone. Dolphin Tale is an excellent family film and a palatable way to get a message across; don’t give up, find a way, and never let your disability define
you.

Rating: First Run A message film that entertains

Immortals

In order to discuss the film Immortals you must talk about the visuals. In fact it is impossible to talk about this film without mentioning them. As I was sitting there watching, it reminded me of being in a museum gazing at Renaissance art. I’ve had this experience before, sitting on a bench, staring at a religious scene or a setting of Greek mythology and being transfixed by the beauty. The art is so detailed and complex and the colors are vivid and striking. You get lost in the vision and are given a sense that there is more there than meets the eye. There is a magnificence and grandeur to everything you see. That is how I felt watching this film.

As far as the plot goes, it is very simplistic; a classic tale. King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) is trying to destroy humanity by acquiring the mythic Epirus Bow which is the only means available to release the Titans, warriors enslaved by the gods and entombed in the mountain Tartaros. The gods are forbidden to interfere, but Zeus (Luke Evans) has been secretly tutoring a peasant boy into manhood.  He has placed all his hopes in this young man (Henry Cavill) and believes that Theseus will rise to the occasion. Only a mortal with strength and conviction can stand up to the evil King Hyperion. But Theseus is only interested in protecting his shunned and persecuted mother. As a son with no father, he is loyal only to his own.

When King Hyperion attacks their village and murders all the remnants left behind. Theseus must witness the death of his mother and is taken prisoner after a valiant fight. Here is where he meets the oracle Phaedra (Frieda Pinto) and the thief Stravos (Stephen Dorff) his new fighting companion. Together they escape and look for ways to foil the king’s despicable plan. Theseus assumes his leadership role and the gods, defying their father, help them along.

Mickey Rourke is quite intimidating as King Hyperion. He is so menacing that anyone would want to stay out of his way. But I do believe that he overdid it with the eating. In his first scene he is devouring some kind of fruit in a masculine brutal manner with red juice and pulp dripping from his hands and beard. It is quite effective and conjures up imagines of blood or an animal feasting on his prey. But by the time you get to his third or fourth eating scene you say to yourself, okay, this guy is just a pig. When I start wondering what he is eating instead of what is going on in the scene then you know that the device is overdone.

Frieda Pinto is radiant in this film and I felt that her tone was just right. She is supposed to be a virgin and has been protected all her life for her prophetic gifts, but she also has a little fight in her. Esthetically she belongs in these gorgeous settings. She is like a princess with warrior DNA. Henry Cavill is also nice to look at with his strong features and muscular body.  I only wish that he had a voice to match. Voices like Charleton Heston’s are rare. You can see why he was so successful in these kinds of films. The voice is a big part of the package.

When it comes to the fight scenes there are a lot of special effects in the mix. Those familiar with 300, Suckerpunch, or other films of that ilk will recognized the distortion of time and how certain characters are separated, featured or highlighted for effect. It is kind of like a pop-up book where the director manipulates your gaze. It is all done for impact and esthetics and somehow it makes violence beautiful. As I said before, this is a very visual film and without the techniques employed by director Tarsem Singh this movie would fall flat. As directed it is a splendid mythic tale of gods and men; brave, beautiful, brutal, and fierce. It is good against evil both in heaven and on earth. Like the tales of old, virtue triumphs and evil must be put down.

Rating: First Run A film that deserves the big screen

J. Edgar

No matter how controversial the man was, there is no question that J. Edgar Hoover accomplished a mighty thing. As the founding director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation he was one of the most powerful men in the country and ran the bureau for over 37 years. He created a centralized record keeping system, pioneered forensics, and developed relationships with leading law enforcement agencies across the states. He also made it cool to be a G-Man helping to quash the romantic image of the mobster and placing the most famous of them into prison.

J. Edgar, as directed by Clint Eastwood, depicts Mr. Hoover warts and all. Portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio he is shown as a man with tremendous skills for organization and leadership, but with a lot of personal issues and insecurities. I’m sure that the intent was to give a full well-rounded portrait, but in my opinion some of these so-called ascertainable facts are unproven. It is difficult or impossible to know what goes on behind closed doors.  It may be fun to speculate, but it is also unfair.

As someone who loves history and who is a big fan of bio-pics, I did enjoy the film. But I also noticed that the audience around me thought it was very slow. I don’t mind slow if it’s interesting but I do agree that the film could have been tighter. Leonardo’s performance is very good and Armie Hamer is also excellent as Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar’s right hand man. Naomi Watts is equally good as the faithful Helen Gandy. She knew where all the bodies were buried and still remained loyal until his death. That says something about both of them.

In order to tell the story, the narrative jumps back and forth from the past to the present. The present being the time that J. Edgar Hoover begins his memoirs. When caught up we then move forward to his death and the end of era. Looking back over his life he accomplished many things. But people like to emphasize the more controversial parts. We seem to live in a time of backlash. Our heroes have let us down so often that we now feel it is necessary to grind them under our feet.

J.Edgar kept many secrets in his life and protected many others from public shame. He was hated and feared by the most famous and powerful because he catalogued their sins and wasn’t above using the information. Now the spotlight is on him and it will be interesting to see how he is viewed in a hundred years from now. The facts will remain the same, but how we view them is subjective. I’m sure that J. Edgar would prefer that the facts speak for themselves. He was a man of vision who loved his country and used every tool at his disposal to protect it. It will be up to history to decide if he went too far. In the meantime he’s left us the F.B.I. a crime fighting legacy to be proud of.

Rating: Bargain Matinee J. Edgar warts and all

The Descendants

The Descendants is a film about hanging on and letting go. George Clooney plays Matt King, a lawyer who is the sole trustee of the King family estate who inherited a large parcel of virgin Hawaiian land from their Royal Hawaiian ancestor.  A direct descendant of King Kamehameha, their great, great grandmother married her white banker and the land she inherited has been handed down for generations. Due to some legal issues the King family will be losing their land rights in seven years, so they have agreed to sell. Matt, as trustee, will make the final decision, but a sale of this magnitude will make his entire family rich. He has a very big decision on his hands.

At home, Matt’s life is falling apart. His wife is in a coma after a boating accident and his two daughters are acting out. He was always the back-up parent but with his wife in the hospital he must now step up. He yanks his oldest daughter out of boarding school (Shailene Woodley) while he goes around town apologizing for his youngest daughter’s behavior (Amara Miller). Scottie is being disruptive at school, breaking things at home, and sending inappropriate texts to her friends. Every phone call sends a shiver up his spine, what has Scotty done next?

As grim as this subject matter sounds, The Descendants is full of humor. As humans we can be quite ridiculous as we try to control things that are completely out of our hands. George Clooney plays a man who is in way over his head. And as life keeps piling it on he displays a classic comic pathos. Like a silent comedian of days gone by we feel for him but can’t help but giggle at his efforts. In a Shakespearean play he would be called a cuckold and he is desperately trying to regain some dignity.

There are a lot of fine performances in this film. Shailene Woodley is outstanding as Alexandra King who journeys from a rebellious teenage daughter to a surrogate mother for her younger sister. She puts her dad through all the paces but through a moment of new-found maturity she finally realizes that he is doing the best he can. For moral support she brings along a friend (Nick Krause) who is dumb looking surfer type. Matt can’t stand the kid and hates having a witness to the worst time in his life but it’s clear that his daughter is in charge. Matt is on the verge of rolling up into a fetal position. Also excellent is Amara Miller as Scottie King, the youngest. She has been protected due to her age but her instincts have been telling her that something is wrong. Unable to express her fears and concerns she has been acting out in violent ways. Poor Matt really has his hands full.

In addition to our leads Robert Forster packs a punch in his small role as Matt’s father-in-law. Beau Bridges makes a poignant appearance as one of the King cousins, and Judy Greer makes an impact as a betrayed wife whose husband (Matthew Lillard) is cheating on her.  Every character is integral to the film and reinforces the theme; how do you know when to hang on, or let go? Whether it is property, a marriage, a child, or the image of a loved one, life is constantly evolving. We either hang on for dear life or jump off the surfboard. The trick is not getting hit in the head.

Rating: First Run There's trouble in paradise

Young Goethe in Love

The arts owe a tremendous debt to unreasonable fathers. Throughout history there are legions of young men forced into to unwanted careers, only to rebel or fail miserably before finding their true calling in literature, art, music, or science. In the case of polymath Johann Goethe his father sent him to Wetzlar to be a law clerk after botching his final exams in school. Here he met Charlotte Buff, became part of a love triangle and the result was The Sorrows of Young Werther, a book that made Johann Goethe instantly famous.

Young Goethe in Love is an absorbing film that reenacts the events leading to Goethe’s famous work. It perfectly captures the angst of a son trying to be obedient, while at the same time being lured away by the things he values most, beauty, music, art and poetry. Alexander Fehling is lovely as the sensitive Goethe. He displays an exuberance that is delightful to watch and he will break your heart when his life turns tragic. His muse, played by Miriam Stein is a fresh faced young lady that exhibits a sense a fun as well as a strong sense of duty. Watching her struggle between her own desires and the love of her family is heart wrenching. These actors together make the film.

In addition to capturing the beginning of the Weimer Classicism movement, Young Goethe in Love presents to us the essence of a young man facing the world away from family ties. It also illustrates the passions and emotional complexity of a budding intellect. The costumes and art direction transport you to that time, yet the performances allow you to make contemporary associations. It is easy to relate to this talented young man who grew up influencing a generation in a variety of disciplines. Goethe was a genius and if it wasn’t for a driving father he may have never reached his full potential.

Rating: First Run Let’s hear it for pushy fathers

Tower Heist

What I love the most about Ben Stiller is his commitment. No matter how bizarre the concept is, he commits fully and lets the comedy speak for itself. He also favors actors who can do comedy instead of casting comedians who act. For this reason his films are consistently good and Tower Heist is no exception.

Tower Heist is a heist film with brilliant touches of comedy. But for the most part it is a satisfying action film. Alan Alda plays Arthur Shaw, an investment broker who occupies the penthouse in the richest, most luxurious apartment building in Manhattan. When he is arrested for defrauding his investors and placed under house arrest until his trial. The staff and crew must now serve the man who lost them their life savings. When Josh (Ben Stiller) is fired as the building manager for confronting Arthur Shaw on behalf of his employees he seeks out a neighborhood thug (Eddie Murphy) and enlists his help to steal their money back. As manager, Josh knows every detail there is about the tower and everyone’s schedules and secrets. With his knowledge and a little help, they can settle the score and get back everyone’s savings.

To help him with this heist, Josh brings in an ex-tenet, Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Boderick) a former Wallstreet investor, his concierge brother-in-law Charlie (Casey Affleck) and Enrique (Michael Pena) a new employee who is especially resourceful. With the tutelage of Slide (Murphy) and a safe-cracking maid Gabourey Sidibe, the team makes a plan to break in to the tower’s penthouse during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Just like any heist film there has to be a cop with a watchful eye and in this case Tea Leoni fits the bill as F.B.I agent Claire Denham. She becomes impressed with Josh when she views some security footage of him telling Arthur Shaw off and taking a golf club to one of his collectibles. But enamored as she is by Josh, she is the by the book type until you get some drinks in to her. Tea Leoni is especially funny sharing a conciliatory cocktail with Josh after he gets fired. They form a bond and Josh uses the information she leaks to his advantage.

I really enjoyed Tower Heist. I thought that the tone was consistent throughout and the action sequences were thrilling and suspenseful. The acting was top notch and the comedy came from the characters and not from any cheap bits or lines. This is a smart comedy, well executed with some original stunts that you’ll be sure to remember. Eddie Murphy is at his comedic best and Ben Stiller shows us glimpses of a real action star. Tower Heist is fun, exciting and family friendly. Everyone can enjoy this one.

Rating: First Run An action-comedy for the whole family

Oranges and Sunshine

In the 1950’s and ‘60’s, 130,000 unescorted children entrusted to the British government were deported to Australia and put in work homes. Told that they were orphans and promised with oranges and sunshine these children grew up in various institutions believing that they were alone in the world and without family. When one such child grew to adulthood she used her savings to fly to Nottingham, England in search of her identity and origin. Shipped out at age four, Nottingham is all she can remember of her former life.

Out of money and flying home the next day she crashes a support group meeting and tells her story to a social worker named Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson). Margaret finds her story incredulous and the woman is offended that Margaret disbelieves her. She shoves her research into Margaret’s hand and returns home to Australia.Unable to sleep that night Margaret begins to read the file and subsequently does some digging. Not only is the woman’s story true, her mother was still alive. Margaret is shocked and appalled. With the blessing of her husband she flies to Australia and discovers many others with similar stories. Margaret has now become a crusader.

Oranges and Sunshine tells the story of Margaret Humphreys and her tireless effort to give these people closure. Dividing her time between England and Australia, she collected stories, interviewed people and shined unwanted media attention on the institutions involved. Hugo Weaving gives a haunting performance as Jack, a man who could never get past his sense of abandonment. And David Lenham portrays Len, an abrasive, arrogant, unapologetic survivor with a chip on his shoulder. They become Margaret’s allies and help her to help others.

Oranges and Sunshine is a melancholy tale that will touch your emotional core. It is even sadder because it is true.  Hopefully this film will continue to bring attention to the plight of the “home children” and the work of The Child Migrant’s Trust. Britain has made a formal apology to these children but there is still a lot of work to do. This is a timely, moving story that needed to be told, and a beautiful film.

Rating: First Run A story that needed told