Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Director Taika Waititi

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 24th, 2016 (Streaming on Hulu & Netflix)

“A national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.”

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is directed by New Zealand native Taika Waititi, who most recently directed the hilarious and very over the top vampire comedy, What We Do in the Shadows. The film is a coming-of-age story about a troubled teenager bouncing around in the foster care system in New Zealand. The cast includes Julian Dennison, Sam Neill, Rima Ti Wiata, and the always hilarious Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords).

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an infectiously entertaining and heartfelt adventure in the New Zealand bush, and it is easily one of the summer’s guiltiest pleasures. I was extremely excited for Taika Waititi's latest film after I first watched the trailer, and it was everything I hoped it would be. The scenic beauty is stunning from beginning to end and to be quite honest had me nearly researching a vacation to the island nation. One of my favorite aspects of the film was the incredible soundtrack. In my humble opinion, a quality soundtrack can take a film with heart and an important message from good to great, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople took full adventure of this, making it feel authentic and unique. How they were able to portray such a whirlwind of emotion throughout while maintaining a fun and easygoing feel is beyond me.

The cast in Hunt for the Wilderpeople was absolutely perfect and does not seem to miss a beat. Julian Dennison is unmatched in his role as troubled teenager Ricky Baker, who finds himself bouncing from foster home to foster home. This is the young New Zealand actor’s third film and certainly showcases his talent. I find myself replaying scenes in my head where he didn’t even speak a single word, but instead simply used his body language and facial expressions to make you laugh out loud. Veteran actor Sam Neill, with over 120 acting credits on his IMDb resume including Jurassic Park and Event Horizon, develops a unique chemistry with the young actor and they play off each other very well. Make no mistake, even though the scenery is breathtaking the film is built on its characters and how well they help to unfold the story, and let's just say a standing ovation is in order.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an independent film that is certainly unique with its own brand of goofy and sometimes dry humor. What pleased me most and is likely why the film is so highly rated by critics is the fact that it manages to deliver on all fronts. It actually had me baffled more than a few times, trying to figure out how everything came together so seamlessly, or so it seems from the viewer’s standpoint.  With plenty of laughs, a great message, and yet another reason why Taika Waititi is a very talented director, Hunt for the Wilderpeople deserves to be seen as soon as possible. Unfortunately the release is quite limited and it may not be available in theaters near you, but if that is the case, keep an eye out for a release On-Demand or rental/purchase on Blu-ray this Fall. I will surely be adding this to my growing collection. 

Manchester by the Sea

Director Kenneth Lonergan

Genre Drama

Cast Casey Affleck, Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges

Rating R

Release Date December 16th, 2016

“An uncle is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies.”

Manchester by the Sea is an intensely emotional drama, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The film takes place in an actual town called Manchester-by-the-Sea located on the North Shore of Massachusetts. The town was known simply as Manchester until 1989, after a controversial campaign to change the name. Manchester by the Sea premiered at Sundance Film festival in 2016, and was previously featured on the 2014 Blacklist- the list of the most "liked" unmade scripts of the year. The film stars Casey Affleck, Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges.

Revolving around a difficult and understandably depressing subject matter, Manchester by the Sea is expertly acted and genuinely heartfelt. It honestly felt like an eternity from when I heard about this film to when it finally received a wide-release in my area, but it was well worth the wait. This is the epitome of film as an art form by way of showcasing human emotion in all its varying complexities. I had a pretty good idea what to expect from the premise as a whole but I was honestly taken back a bit in terms of just how deep and involved the script was, which was well beyond what was presented in the trailer or the synopsis. In my humble opinion, what makes the success of this film so impressive is the fact that it was built from the ground up with raw "ingredients," compared to that of the standard CGI-heavy super hero movie. Manchester by the Sea shines thanks to a deeply emotional and heartfelt script, flawless directing, and a uniquely talented and hardworking cast with incredible chemistry. To an extent I feel as though you need to have experienced a significant loss at some point in your life to truly connect with the emotions the characters are experiencing, and the fact that each and every individual handles loss in a variety of ways. But at the same time, what makes Manchester by the Sea such an impactful film is the depth of the characters, making it possible for audiences of varying backgrounds to appreciate the powerful message conveyed by the film. 

You simply can't deny the importance of the screenplay in terms of the success achieved by Manchester by the Sea, but none of that would matter without the performances delivered by an outstanding cast. I personally feel like Casey Affleck is easily the most underappreciated actor in Hollywood, and the guy delivers one incredible performance after another. Affleck seems to be the rare actor that is genuinely selective in terms of the projects he is willing to take on, and although he has starred in some great films, rarely are they big-budget releases that catch the attention of pretty much everyone worldwide. Every now and then his name will pop up as a supporting actor in a big Hollywood release, but generally when he is the lead, the film is almost always of the independent variety. I can just about guarantee the majority of you reading this have yet to even hear about Affleck's 2013 film Ain't Them Bodies Saints, where he starred alongside Rooney Mara and Ben Foster. If you can appreciate a quality indie film with an artful feel, check that one out. To no surprise Affleck is absolutely amazing in Manchester by the Sea, as he manages to display a range of emotion rarely seen, while playing the role of a man holding on to more pain than most of us will experience in our lifetimes. Affleck deserves a shot at Best Actor, no question about it. Another actor who deserves mentioning come award time is co-star Lucas Hedges. Hedges delivers what I consider a breakout role as he develops impeccable on-screen chemistry with Affleck. Michelle Williams delivers a beautiful performance by somehow perfectly matching Affleck's emotional intensity during the crucial scenes they have together. Overall, just an outstanding job by the entire cast bringing their characters to life while exhibiting the highest level of human emotion. 

As pointed out by star Casey Affleck when he recently hosted SNL, Manchester by the Sea is a seriously depressing film due to the all-encompassing "dark cloud" hovered over the characters, but it is so well-written and expertly acted that you will be captivated nonetheless. This is a fine example of a film that works because everything comes together perfectly. The script has depth, the directing style and cinematography make you feel like you are there, and most importantly the emotion displayed by the characters will undoubtedly give you chills. I had sky-high expectations and Manchester by the Sea met my expectations and then some. This is a film that feels very real, and includes real-life characters dealing with some of life's most trying times, so if you are expecting a cookie-cutter script with a fairy-tale ending, you will be disappointed. If you want to experience one of the best film's 2016 has to offer, look no further. Highly recommended. 

Moonlight

Director Barry Jenkins

Genre Drama

Cast Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex R. Hibbert, Trevante Rhodes

Rating R

Release Date October 21st, 2016

“A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.”

Moonlight is a powerful coming-of-age film directed and co-written by Barry Jenkins. Although Jenkins experience lies with short films for the most part, he does have experience with a somewhat similar subject matter. His other full-length film released in 2008 entitled Medicine for Melancholy, which he wrote and directed. Categorized as a romantic drama taking place over a 24-hour period, it received wide acclaim from critics as a limited release. Moonlight stars Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex R. Hibbert, and Trevante Rhodes. 

Moonlight is much more than a movie, it is a powerful exercise in emotion that will continue to resonate well after the credits roll. This is the rare film that somehow manages to bring a sensitive issue front and center without feeling exploitative in any way. That is no easy feat especially in this day-and-age, trust me. You can't even cast a film without backlash for "whitewashing", or "yellowashing,” or even "bluewashing" (an all Blue Man Group cast perhaps?). Who knows what they will come up with next? All kidding aside, we live in a sensitive time and for that reason Moonlight absolutely needs to be experienced by each and every person in society. The seamless transition from a young boy to a teenager, and on to a grown man is a pleasure to experience, as heartbreaking as it may be at times. Our journey through life takes us to many different places, and may force us to face various inner demons, whether we are prepared for them or not. Moonlight proves that no matter what, staying true to oneself is the first step in becoming who you were meant to be from the very beginning. 

In what is shaping out to be an exciting award season for groundbreaking indie films, Moonlight finds itself leading the pack according to early pre-award season buzz. For a film to even be considered for many of the prestigious awards handed out when the time comes, acting is undoubtedly one of the primary determining factors. Moonlight may not include the A-list cast that everyone will immediately recognize, but I promise you the talent level is unmatched. Lead by veteran actor Mahershala Ali, the cast is extremely well rounded. Ali should be a familiar face for most of you, although he is far from a household name. He had a supporting role in The Place Beyond the Pines, and most recently he played a big part in The Free State of Jones. He also starred as the nemesis to Luke Cage in Marvel's exclusive Netflix series. Ali is dynamic in this role, as he totally invests himself in a rather complex character with a tough exterior, that over time proves to have a deeply hidden sensitive side yearning for an escape. The protagonist (or main character) starts as a young boy, develops into a teenager in high school, and eventually becomes a grown man, so clearly he has to be played by 3 separate actors. What I found interesting is the fact that each "version" of him has a different title due to the various nicknames he is given as he grows up. As a boy he is known as "Little" and is played by Alex R. Hibbert. As a teenager he is played by Ashton Sanders and is known as "Chiron,” and as an adult he is played by Trevante Rhodes and is known as "Black.” All 3 actors deliver extremely impactful performances and ensure the films message is delivered the way it was meant to be. 

Moonlight is an incredible film with a powerful and long-lasting message. Director Barry Jenkins proves that he has a knack for films like this and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.  Hopefully he takes on his next project without an 8-year gap. Moonlight is deeply engaging but for some this can be construed as slow, so a certain level of patience is required. If you give Moonlight a chance, it will absolutely have an impact on you, I promise you that. If you are someone who likes to see the films guaranteed to be prevalent come award season, Moonlight should be at the top of your list. Highly recommended. 

The Edge of Seventeen

Director Kelly Fremon

Genre Comedy

Cast Hailee Steinfeld, Blake Jenner, Haley Lu Richardson, Woody Harrelson

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother.”

The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age dramedy (that's a drama/comedy for those of you unfamiliar with sophisticated Hollywood terminology) about a High School junior and the struggles she faces, not only as a typical awkward, often moody, teenager, but also in unexpected life events. It is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and The Edge of Seventeen is her directorial debut. The film has an impressive cast including Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 2), Woody Harrelson, Blake Jenner (Everybody Wants Some!!, Glee), Kyra Sedgwick, and Haley Lu Richardson (The Bronze).

With an incredibly smart and uniquely engaging script, as well as a very talented cast, The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age film tailored for all ages. I'll admit, I enjoy and sometimes even prefer films of the coming-of-age variety, but this particular film raises the bar. Not only is the script smart, it’s insightful and has tremendous depth, touching on traditional family drama in a way that is engaging and emotionally enriching. This is the story of a teenager struggling to find herself while being dealt some of the worst cards life can offer, and it is a pleasure to experience. The characters come to life and develop complex relationships, even outside of the main character. Relatively inexperienced director/writer Kelly Fremon Craig out did herself, and I can't wait to watch her sure to be promising career unfold.

The Edge of Seventeen does a lot really well, and veering away from the impressive script for a second, the acting is also top tier. Hailee Steinfeld is dynamic in the lead role of misunderstood high school junior, Nadine. The range of emotion she is able to display speaks volumes for her talent as an actress. I am a huge Woody Harrelson fan and have been for as long as I can remember, the guy is a genius within the acting profession. Coming as no surprise to me, he is incredible in this film. As Nadine's history teacher, he has arguably one of the biggest influences on her as she navigates the treacherous road that is the high school experience. I could watch their scenes together over and over again. Kyra Sedgwick and Blake Jenner are perfectly cast as Nadine's mother and brother and the chemistry between them is almost otherworldly.

Unlike so many films that came before it, The Edge of Seventeen isn't built on one-liners, it's built on moments of raw emotion that will make you feel something. It is a crowd pleaser that will more than likely take you by surprise. Do yourself a favor and forget the notion that coming-of-age films are below you or are similar to what many consider to be "chick flicks". This is an example of quality filmmaking no matter what the genre and demands to be seen. I will be adding this to my entirely unnecessarily large Blu-ray collection and who knows, I may even see it a second time in theaters. Highly recommended.

Arrival

Director Denis Villeneuve

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A linguist is recruited by the military to assist in translating alien communications.”

Arrival is a sci-fi drama brought to us by acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve. The screenplay for the film is based on the science fiction short story entitled Story of Your Life, written by author Ted Chiang. The film originally shared the same name but after negative feedback from test audiences, the title was changed to Arrival. The film stars Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, and Michael Stuhlbarg. 

Arrival is a thought provoking and hard hitting sci-fi drama, showcasing what may be the best performance of Amy Adams’s illustrious career.  Although it is science fiction, Arrival simply feels real, and that alone may be what sets it apart. I have heard a few comparisons to Christopher Nolan's Interstellar due to a few similarities. No offense to Nolan, who is a genius in his own right, but in my personal opinion Arrival is a superior film. Director Denis Villeneuve is putting together quite the resume, with hits like Prisoners and Sicario. Arrival is the newest notch in his belt and similar to the other two I mentioned, the strength of this film falls on the cast, script, and his proven talent behind the camera. Villeneuve struts his directorial muscles with impressive cinematography contributing perfectly to the feel of the film. The effectiveness of a quality score is commonly overlooked when it comes to what makes a film great, but the contribution made by Academy Award-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson for Arrival is incredibly moving. It will give you chills (don't worry, it's of the positive variety).

The cast is absolutely outstanding in Arrival, lead by a masterful performance from Amy Adams. Within minutes into the start of the film, Adams’s character develops as a relatable and extremely empathetic individual. Jeremy Renner is incredible as well, helping to establish one of the best actor/actress tandems in recent memory. The two previously starred together in 2013’s hit film American Hustle. Forrest Whitaker deserves to have his name mentioned as he delivers a strong supporting role alongside Adam’s and Renner. Veteran actor Michael Stuhlbarg, who most recently played the role of Arnold Rothstein in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, also makes his mark with a strong performance. The rest of the supporting cast is unquestionably effective but the aforementioned leads and supporting actors carry the weight for the length of the film.

Arrival is a unique experience and not only will it have you mesmerized, it will catch you by surprise and have you talking long after the credits roll. Denis Villeneuve went to work with a cast and a script determined to impress, and that it does. If you enjoy being challenged intellectually or can simply appreciate quality filmmaking, Arrival is well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

Hell or High Water

Director David Mackenzie

Genre Crime | Drama

Cast Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, Katy Mixon

Rating R

Release Date August 12th, 2016

“A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family’s farm in West Texas.”

Hell or High Water is directed by David Mackenzie, his next project after directing 2013’s sleeper hit, Starred Up. The film is written by Taylor Sheridan who also wrote 2015’s cartel drama Sicario, his very first writing credit. As an actor just now transitioning into writing, fans of the FX series Sons of Anarchy would recognize him as Deputy Chief, David Hale. The crime drama has a very impressive cast including Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges.

Hell or High Water, a gritty heist drama set in West Texas, will leave a lasting impression and is easily one of the best films of 2016. It combines beautiful cinematography, incredible acting, and a uniquely engaging story. The film’s script serves as a character study of sorts, providing audiences an in-depth view of both sides of the law. The chemistry between Chris Pine and Ben Foster quickly develops into a bond only brothers could share, leaving little doubt as far as what they are willing to do for each other. The West Texas setting is absolutely picturesque considering the premise and overall message of the film. Director David Mackenzie and writer Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) click on another level and truly bring the story to life. I also really enjoyed the attention to detail shown by Mackenzie, with an accurate and often times very bleak portrayal of West Texas and its economic issues.

With Hell or High Water it's difficult to narrow down the greatest strength of the film, but acting is undoubtedly near the top of that list. The cast is absolutely incredible and I can't picture anyone else doing a better job. Ben Foster is a very talented actor but is easily the least known out of the leads in the film. He built a reputation as a loose cannon starting with Alpha Dog, right on through 3:10 to Yuma where he starred alongside Russel Crowe, and The Mechanic where he tussled with Jason Statham. Ain't Them Bodies Saints was an under the radar gem of his that truly showcased his skills. Foster is a fantastic actor and understands how to develop a character. The other two lead actors need no introduction, Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges. Pine and Bridges find themselves on opposite sides of the law but the two actors provide the perfect balance and undoubtedly bring out the best in each other.

Hell or High Water is one heck of an experience and should not be missed. I can’t wait to see it a second time so that I can really appreciate some of the smaller details I may have missed. Rarely does a film effectively deliver all aspects of great filmmaking, but when they do, the end result is something special. Audiences may be relatively in the dark as of right now when it comes to this little known gem, but come award season, Hell or High Water will be on everyone's radar. Highly recommended.

Captain America: Civil War

Director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Genre Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 6th, 2016

“Political interference in the Avengers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.”

Captain America: Civil War is a follow-up to 2014's successful film Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Civil War and The Winter Soldier share the same directors, brothers Joe Russo and Anthony Russo. Prior to directing The Winter Solider, they had an interesting directorial resume and it seems they worked on the majority, if not all, of their projects as a two man team. Together they directed the 2006 comedy You, Me, and Dupree, but aside from that they focused almost primarily on directing episodes for TV, namely Arrested Development, Happy Endings, and Community. They also worked on the little known sitcom Carpoolers, which ran from 2007-2008, and helped give actor T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley, Deadpool) his start as his first comedic role. Captain America: Civil War stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, and many others.  

Captain America: Civil War is a triumphant achievement in filmmaking, and one of the more entertaining movies to release in the past decade. This is the most excited I have been about the stars and stripes since 2011, when Seal Team 6 took out Bin Laden. Seriously, I was pumped up. I felt like I was at a concert because of how often the audience clapped after some of the more epic scenes. Captain America: Civil War executes the rare balance between non-stop superhero action and the humanistic aspect of war that takes into account collateral damage. In a sense it felt similar to the issues raised in the recent modern-day war film, Eye in the Sky. It actually makes you think beyond the surface of a movie pumped full of action. This is a feat Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice attempted to achieve but failed miserably. Perhaps Zack Snyder lacks the vision the Russo brothers seem to possess. Or maybe as far as actors with emotional complexities, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr are on a level Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill simply are not. Either way, this is a clear and decisive victory for Marvel in 2016. I realize I am getting off topic so let me just reiterate the one point that needs to be made, which is the fact that Captain America: Civil War is an incredibly entertaining film with a balance rarely achieved this day and age. My only complaint is the unfortunate realization that a vast majority of the remaining 2016 movie releases will fall short of what this film achieved. That is a fact.

It almost feels silly to touch on the quality of the acting in Captain America: Civil War, I mean honestly, where do I start? I have been racking my brain and for the life of me I cannot think of another film that includes this amount of A-list acting talent. Obviously the closest to compare would be the Avengers films but this is still a step up. The addition of Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) made a huge impact on the film. He was absolutely fantastic and took the comedic dynamic to another level. It was great to have Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) on screen with the rest of the crew thanks to the undeniable chemistry he has with Chris Evans. I was blown away by Chadwick Boseman in his role as the Black Panther, I mean that guy is a badass. He nailed the character perfectly right down to the accent, and even though I was initially disappointed that Michael B. Jordan didn’t get the nod as Black Panther, I am very pleased with who they chose. I am definitely looking forward to Marvel’s Black Panther releasing in 2018. Another pleasant surprise was 19-year old UK born actor Tom Holland, in his role as Spider-Man. As far as overall entertainment value is concerned, he may just be my favorite addition to the film in terms of the direct impact his character had. Captain America: Civil War reinforces one age old saying, which is the fact that you simply cannot have too much of a good thing, and amen to that! 

Captain America: Civil War is a film that begs to be seen in IMAX 3D, and it isn’t so much the 3D aspect, which is still great and comparable to The Winter Soldier. It is the incredible action scenes that deserve to be experienced on a huge screen accompanied by speakers that will rattle your brain (in a good way of course). Writing this review has proved to be very difficult for me because I want so badly to talk in detail about this movie. I want to mention the many surprises, plot twists, and memorable action scenes that I continue to replay over and over in my head. Or just the many perfectly timed jokes that had me chuckling like a child. But rest assured, as I will not allow my journalistic integrity to waiver, and I will allow you the viewer to enjoy this masterpiece for yourself. Just be sure to see Captain America: Civil War soon because my guess is before too long someone will start force-feeding you spoilers. So go now, and enjoy!! 

The Jungle Book

Director Jon Favreau

Genre Adventure | Drama | Family

Cast Neel Sethi, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray

Rating PG

Release Date April 15th, 2016

“The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan. Guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don’t have his best interests at heart.”

The Jungle Book originally released in movie format in 1967 and became an instant classic. It began in 1894 as a collection of stories written by English author Rudyard Kipling. Fast forward to 2016 and we have the new and technologically superior version of The Jungle Book brought to us by director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Cowboys & Aliens). The film has a stellar cast of voice actors including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, and Scarlett Johansson.  The Jungle Book is a live-action adaptation of the 1967 film, but the filmmakers decided to adapt elements from the novel to make it more adventurous and dangerous.

The Jungle Book is incredibly entertaining, immersive, hilarious, and to be quite honest one of the more genuinely satisfying experiences I have had at the movie theater in quite a while. I made sure not to leave any stone unturned as I went to see it in IMAX 3D and boy was it worth the extra $5. Right away I was in awe of the world that was created for the audience and honestly I still have a difficult time believing the film is essentially 100% CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) and green screen. The Jungle Book sets a new standard for what CGI is capable of and it has me extremely excited for the future. The animals were very realistic in their movements and on-screen presence and I read that they were created using actual animal behavior, which was then re-created by the actors using motion-capture VFX.  

The voice acting in The Jungle Book is absolutely top notch and I would be lying if I didn’t say that Bill Murray stole the show as the voice of Baloo the bear. I wouldn’t go as far as to agree with the older couple exiting the theater who stated, “Bill Murray made the movie,” but he certainly had quite an impact. I felt like they did a great job casting Neel Sethi as Mowgli who was the only actual human actor in the film. As an actor he delivered a genuine feel for his authentic presence and somewhat of a fish out of water appeal in the beginning. He gracefully transitioned into a resourceful and very determined little boy who above all knew exactly what he wanted out of life and where he felt he should call home. Idris Elba was the perfect choice for dreaded nemesis Shere Khan (the tiger), as he possesses an authoritative and very frightening tone to his voice. I certainly wouldn’t cross him as a real-life human being or voice actor.

The live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book is an amazing experience and one that should not be missed. The more I think about it the more I realize the fact that this film appeals to everyone. Whether you are able to achieve a nostalgic sense of your childhood or enter as a newcomer with sky-high expectations for an experience like no other, The Jungle Book will not disappoint. Granted IMAX 3D will probably break the bank if you take the entire family out to see it, sacrifices must be made and this is one that will be worth it in the end, I promise you that. Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book gets the Ted Takes stamp of approval. The Jungle Book 2 has already been announced, you’re welcome in advance.

10 Cloverfield Lane

Director Dan Trachtenberg

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher, Jr.

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 11th, 2016

“Waking up from a car accident, a young woman finds herself in the basement of a man who says he’s saved her life from a chemical attack that has left the outside uninhabitable.”

10 Cloverfield Lane is the directorial debut for Dan Trachenberg, who is the co-host of the weekly internet broadcast The Totally Rad Show, whatever the heck that is. The script for the film was originally entitled The Cellar, but it was tweaked and Cloverfield was eventually added pre-marketing. Interestingly, the film was created in secret and was officially announced only 2 months prior to release, with a debut trailer shown at theater screenings for 13 Hours (which was my first glimpse at the trailer). Producer J.J. Abrams did confirm that the film is not a Cloverfield sequel but did not deny a connection to the 2008 film. 10 Cloverfield Lane stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead , John Goodman, and John Gallagher Jr.

Simply put, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a masterful film that focuses entirely on what makes a movie great; a well-written script, top notch acting, and to my surprise some very impressive directing. You will find yourself sucked in right from the beginning and you will be on the edge of your seat throughout. 10 Cloverfield Lane is the epitome of a character-driven film and things become so tense and unpredictable that you will do your best to save the bathroom break for after the movie. Trust me. My biggest issue with the film is the ending, or last 10 minutes I guess I should say, and it boggles my mind because it felt unnecessary. Whether the ending was climactic, anti-climactic, or a mystery altogether, it could have been executed a thousand different ways. I won’t give anything away (because I am not a huge jerk) but I will say that the ending felt forced in order to justify having Cloverfield in the title. 

As a white-knuckle thriller in a very claustrophobic environment that puts a microscope on the cast, chemistry is of the utmost importance. The chemistry between the three leads in 10 Cloverfield Lane is some of the best I have ever seen. If you are expecting to see late 80’s/early 90’s Roseanne John Goodman, well let me just say you are in for a traumatizing surprise. Goodman is beyond creepy in his role as conspiracy theorist Howard, and he manages to portray a unique and highly unpredictable individual with some very dark secrets. I will be honest and say that I am not all that familiar with Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s work even though she has quite the resume. She really shines here and I hope to see more from her. John Gallagher Jr. plays the perfect supporting role and provides an important balance between the clashing of the other two characters.

Whether or not changing the name was a marketing ploy or a cash-grab attempt, 10 Cloverfield Lane was a true pleasure to experience and will serve as quite the notch in the belt of director Dan Trachenberg. Regrettably, the final act was disappointing to say the least but the film’s ability to hold up considering that is impressive.  Do yourself a favor and see 10 Cloverfield Lane soon because it is only a matter of time before someone spills the details and ruins it for you.

The Revenant

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu

Genre Adventure | Drama | Thriller

Cast Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter

Rating R

Release Date January 8th, 2016

“A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.”

One of the best director/actor combos has been Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorcese, teaming up on The Wolf Of Wall Street, Shutter Island, and The Departed, to name a few. Now DiCaprio has teamed up with another director who is building quite the resume, Alejandro González Iñárritu (I cannot for the life of me pronounce his full name without looking it up) who is responsible for 2014’s critically acclaimed Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) starring Michael Keaton and Edward Norton. DiCaprio and Iñárritu have teamed up for The Revenant and as expected viewers and critics alike had very, very high hopes.

I went out to see The Revenant not long after its release because to be quite honest, I was looking forward to this for at least 6 months. The buzz had me expecting nothing short of a masterpiece and that is precisely what I had anticipated spending 2 ½ hours of my life experiencing. Well ladies and gentleman, the good news is that The Revenant satisfied my expectations but it is also worth noting that many friends and acquaintances (otherwise known as convenience friends or work friends) were let down by the motion picture blockbuster for a variety of reasons. The trailer for The Revenant makes it feel like a sort of John Wick style revenge film but that would be an ill-conceived notion. Consider The Revenant to be more of the cool calm and collected revenge film, think Leon: The Professional minus young Natalie Portman or any attractive females for that matter. The revenge will come my friends, but you must eat your vegetables first, some people are so impatient!

I apology for the relentless ranting of analogies but I feel that it had to be said, now on to what matters. I felt The Revenant was exactly the movie I expected it to be. It is a film about revenge and the undeniable strength of the human spirit when faced with the most brutal circumstances. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy are incredible in their performances and even though DiCaprio received the nomination for best actor (which I feel he deserves) a nomination could have easily gone to Hardy as well. Both make a strong case with their performances and bring unique abilities as actors to the table. To be honest one of my favorite aspects of The Revenant is how artful and beautifully shot the film is which did not go unnoticed given its nomination for best picture. To me it felt somewhat similar to the very underappreciated film Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. The similarities come down to a number of beautifully shot scenes with very little if any dialogue.

The Revenant is a unique film that not only deserves to be seen but any fan of quality filmmaking owes it to themselves to experience what Iñárritu crafted for us all. Just be sure that you can handle graphic content and intense violence because it has that in spades. Highly recommended.