Movie of the Week – Star Trek

This week’s movie: Star Trek (2009).

The sci-fi action adventure sees the coming together of the crew of the Enterprise, Starfleet’s flagship. On their first mission, they encounter the most dangerous of threats when a Romulan, having just seen his world destroyed, time-travels into the past bent of eradicating the Federation one planet at a time in revenge for them failing to save Romulus.

Director J.J. Abrams helms the film, resurrecting the Star Trek franchise from the lull it occupied for almost a decade. Basically, he took a franchise that had appealed to a niche and ramped up the action and the pacing creating something that would appeal to everyone (though, this has left some hardcore Trek fans upset, as these things always do). Abrams brings along his frequent collaborators as well – Michael Giacchino provides a fantastic score, Daniel Mindel’s photography rejuvenates the look of the franchise, and Scott Chambliss’s production design is pitch perfect.

Casting the film must have been a very difficult undertaking with Kirk and Spoke having such iconic portrayals by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy respectively. That said, the cast is wonderfully suited to their roles. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin star as the crew of the Enterprise. Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Ben Cross, Winona Ryder, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Morrison, Rachel Nichols, Faran Tahir, and Clifton Collins Jr. feature in support.

The film Star Trek: Nemesis and the series Star Trek: Enterprise had essentially brought the Star Trek franchise to an end in terms of popularity and marketability to the masses. But, Abrams’s reboot changed all that. The upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness is one of the most anticipated summer blockbusters (probably in the top three with Iron Man 3 and Man of Steel). While this film is not what Star Trek use to be, it is incredibly fun and exciting, which is what a blockbuster movie should be. It is a must-see for fans of action/adventure oriented sci-fi.

Trailer: Here

Available on: Blu-ray and Streaming

Like Crazy (2011) – Review

Review: Like Crazy is beautiful and tragic, almost at the same time. The romance story follows Jacob and Anna, two college students who fall in love – the problem is that Anna is in the States on a school visa, and she overstays it to be with Jacob. Thus, when she goes home to England to visit her parents and attend a family wedding, she is unable to return to the States and be with Jacob, setting up the struggles of maintaining a long-distance relationship. Writer-director Drake Doremus seems to be most interested in each character’s internal struggle between their commitment to each other, which is difficult as they are separated by about 5,400 miles and due to this distance each develops their own life where they are, making it all the more challenging to stay committed. Doremus takes such a naturalistic and organic approach to the story, which is very refreshing (given the current cinematic climate of boring structurally cliché romances), with his aesthetic style (using natural light and freehand camera work) and mostly improvised dialog (allowing the actors to play off each other in the moment). This approach is very appealing and ultimately leaves the film feeling a cut above most in its genre as the viewer does not know where the story or characters are headed (unlike almost every other romance or rom-com to come out recently). It does not seem to have a conventional three-act structure either (and while one can be argued, it does not work in the same way as most films). The emotional journey of Jacob and Anna does not follow the high-low-high formula; it plays much more organically with highs and lows of varying degrees happening much in the same way they would happen if this were a real relationship, and not something completely phony (aka, essentially every rom-com and most romances). And the characters themselves feel more real than what the genre typically gives us. Neither one is right or wrong, rather both are right and both are wrong. In the vein of The Graduate, the ending is ambiguous (something critics, cinema and indie fans seem to like and cheap-entertainment seeking movie-goers hate), but it works very well given the structure and characters. Basically, the whole film has been building to the last scene(s), the characters facing many obstacles and triumphs and here they are where they wanted to be and now what. Doremus handles the last moments extremely well, as Anna and Jacob face the future and present which seems a bit on the murky side, but they look to the past specifically why they love each other, but again we are left to make our own conclusions. I also think that the film and Doremus play with the idea of soul-mate versus obligation (or commitment). Do Anna and Jacob fight so hard and give up so much because they really do love each other (and are soul-mates) or do they feel a socially dictated obligation to each other, growing up in a society that still puts pressure on things like family, commitment and so on as moral goals (and norms)? Like Crazy is a good film because it does not placate or sell itself out to typical genre beats; rather it respects the idea of love and delves into the joys and struggles of what being in a relationship is really about. As viewers, we can all relate because it is so honest.

Technical, aesthetic & acting achievements: Drake Doremus has written and directed three other features, but Like Crazy is the first to receive any form of real commercial distribution (thanks to winning Sundance and having marketable cast names), thus it in a way can be treated as his first feature (at least in a commercial sense). That said, it is a great first film. His approach to the genre is really what stands out and makes the film as endearing as it is (even though I would not call it a feel-good movie). Like many directors that have put out great films, early in their potential careers, this year, I look forward to seeing what he does next. Composer Dustin O’Halloran’s score (his first in a distributed film) is perfect for the tone and style of the film. It also goes hand-in-hand with the good found music, but is not overshadowed by it (here is an excerpt). It hits the right emotional notes to accompany the performances. John Guleserian’s cinematography is beautiful. He utilizes natural light wonderfully, but what really stood out was his use of color, which also goes with the work of production designer Katie Byron who presents the film in such a real space but also has an eye for striking color. (While I honestly do not remember completely if this is the case, I think) the color in the falling in love scenes is so vibrant that when things start to become more of a struggle, there is an almost shocking lapse in color. It is very good work. The film’s narrative is really centered on two characters, with all supporting roles mostly reduced to space-holders. However, Charlie Bewley and Jennifer Lawrence are good in their small roles. Oliver Muirhead is probably the standout in the supporting cast as he sort of steals most of his scenes. Anton Yelchin is very good as Jacob, as he weighs the emotional decisions on his face. Felicity Jones is wonderful as well. She brings so much life the character and film that it is difficult to see some of her light dampened through the narrative. Both give so much with their faces that really the film could have played without dialog.

Summary & score: Like Crazy is a touching romance (both sad and happy) that rejuvenates the genre. 8/10 

Fright Night (2011) – Review

Review: Fright Night is yet another film in which Hollywood (in this case Disney) tries to cash in on the current (and maybe fleeting) vampire craze – and not only that, it is also a remake. But, much like last year’s Let Me In (a remake of Let the Right One In), this version of Fright Night is just as good as the original. Director Craig Gillespie’s film has fun action, a wonderful dark aesthetic and sort of a mix between a dark and light tone (dark in terms of visual, narrative content and the amazing score and light in terms of the Marti Noxon’s jovial spirit of the script and the fun the actors have with their characters), leading to a film that works quite well – being both entertaining and scary. It exists in a grey area between being a comedy adventure and a horror adventure, but seems to focus more on the horror aspects. The comedy works for the most part (mostly centering on two characters: Peter Vincent and Ed), but the film is not nearly funny enough to really be deemed a comedy. It is much more an action horror adventure (that also has funny moments, similar to say Raiders of the Lost Ark, minus the horror genre). Thus, those looking for laughs as the primary reason for seeing it may be left feeling a bit disappointed (and that is really only a critique on the expectations of viewers). Going in cold (as in knowing nothing) or expecting a horror film, it plays much better. To a degree (and I feel this is true about many films with characters that are not quite fleshed out enough or have potential for more – aka the narrative is not tight or strong enough to make the film feel fully complete or sufficient as is), Fright Night may have worked better with everyone involved as a miniseries. The characters have a lot of rich potential and the narrative feels very rushed, having to get through the whole story in less than two hours. Since there is so much plot to get through, the characters do not have enough depth (for my liking). That said, the story is good enough, Gillespie’s narrative does not stall or drag and viewers want to see the resolution and are thus kept interested despite the weaker characters (though, I imagine the film does not work as well on repeat viewings). All in all, Fright Night is a fun and enjoyable horror adventure (in a genre that seldom delivers anything but crap) that is worth seeing.

Technical, aesthetic & acting achievements: Craig Gillespie seemed like a good choice coming into the film from a comedy perspective (having a drama/indie style of comedy), but really what worked the best was the horror aesthetic he created for the film (it is my favorite of his three to date). The great aesthetic look of the film also has a lot to do with the excellent work by cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe (who in a weaker year than this, as this year has featured a lot of really well shot films, his work might be up for a yearend LeapBackBlog award) and production designer Richard Bridgland (Las Vegas and the cookie-cutter residential development made for a great setting). Ramin Djawadi’s score is pitch-perfect. It is menacing, has sort of a classic horror throwback to it and fits the material very well (definitely among my favorite scores of the year, here is a suite). Gillespie (et al.) also did a fantastic job casting the film. Toni Collette, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Imogen Poots (a star to watch) are great in their supporting roles, but David Tennant is brilliant (very funny and charismatic). As good as Tennant is, Colin Farrell steals the movie. Jerry the vampire seems to be a part that is just right for him – brooding good looks, an ironic sense of humor and yet still able to come across as frightening and dangerous. Anton Yelchin is good in the lead, but a bit overshadowed.

Summary & score: Horror films are rarely good these days, but Fright Night is a funny and action packed adventure horror. 7/10

Stars to Watch: Part 6 – Movies Spotlight – August 2011

Cinema constantly has new talent each and every year, making great films and opening audiences’ eyes to new characters, stories and worlds. August offers new films from three such talents.

Jessica Chastain

What She’s Been In:

Chastain, 30, got her start in 2004 with a role in the TV adaptation of Dark Shadows. From there, she continued to get small TV parts (shows like Veronica Mars, ER, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, and Journeyman) until 2008 when she got her first feature film role in Jolene, for which she receive acclaim from critics winning the Seattle International Film Festival award for Best Actress. Next she co-starred in another small film Stolen. But, big things were just around the corner.

Breakthrough:

Chastain won the role as Mrs. O’Brien in Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, starring opposite Brad Pitt. She is fantastic in the film, giving a performance that is both strong and completely venerable. In a way, she serves as the film’s emotional heart. Though she began work on other big roles prior, The Tree of Life is her first major starring feature film performance showcasing her talent to critics, fans and industry professional yielding her a very busy schedule – not including The Tree of Life she has eight films due in 2011/2012. She is likely to be 2011’s breakthrough female star.

August Film:

In August, she co-stars in The Help with Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Bryce Dallas Howard. The film is about a young writer, Skeeter, who decides to do an article from the perspective of the black house workers in her southern hometown. The film taps into the civil rights moment of the time, and one that is still on-going. Chastain plays the newest resident to Jackson, Mississippi, who forms a friendship with Minny, one of the disgruntled house workers. 

Upcoming:

Chastain has a ton of stuff coming out – in September she co-stars in The Debt and Take Shelter. The Debt is about three Jewish operatives that hide a terrible secret, while Take Shelter is about a man who is plagued with apocalyptic visions which begin to take an effect on his family. Then, she stars in Al Pacino’s adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play Wilde Salome and co-stars in Texas Killing Fields about a local detective who teams up with a NYC cop to investigate a series of unsolved murders. In 2012 she has two high profile prestige projects: Terrence Malick’s untitled new film, a love story also starring Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Rachel Weisz, and Javier Barden, and John Hillcoat’s The Wettest Country in the World about Depression-era bootleggers. It also has a wonderful cast with Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman and Mia Wasikowska.

Career Highlights:

1)      The Tree of Life (2011) – leading* [Rent]

*Editor’s picks

Anton Yelchin

What He’s Been In:

Yelchin, 22, got his start at the age of nine in the indie film A Man is Mostly Water. From there he continued to get small film roles in 15 Minutes, Along Came a Spider and Hearts in Atlantis. However, TV offered him bigger opportunities and provided his career a spark. He appeared in Taken, The Practice, Without a Trace, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and NYPD Blue before getting a series regular role in Huff. Meanwhile, he was also receiving bigger feature film roles, co-starring in House of D and supporting in Fierce People and Alpha Dog. Recently, he appeared as Mel Gibson’s son in The Beaver and voiced Clumsy in The Smurfs.

Breakthrough:

Yelchin’s breakthrough came in two parts: first he had his first leading role in Charlie Bartlett, with Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis and Kat Dennings in support. He is quite good in the film, garnering recognition across Hollywood, leading to part two. He next won huge supporting roles, playing iconic characters in two of the 2009’s biggest films: J.J. Abrams’s Star Trek and Terminator Salvation (playing Chekov and Kyle Reese respectively). Being the biggest movies of his career, Yelchin’s face is now recognizable to many movie fans.

August Film:

In August he stars in the remake of Fright Night (the original came out in 1985), playing opposite Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Imogen Poots (another star to watch, see below), Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Toni Collette.  The film is about Charley Brewster, a teenager living in a suburb of Las Vegas who suspects his new neighbor is a vampire. Yelchin plays Charley. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie and looks to be a great mix of action, horror and comedy.

Upcoming:

Yelchin has a lot upcoming, mostly indie films but also a few Hollywood productions. In late 2011, he co-stars with Felicity Jones and Jennifer Lawrence (another star to watch) in the romance Like Crazy, which won Best Film at Sundance. He has a supporting role in Roland Joffe’s lesbian love story You and I and co-stars with Emma Roberts (yet another star to watch) in the teen drama/romance Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac (though both of these films are struggling to get distribution and may both go straight to video). In 2012 he is set to star in Odd Thomas, a mystery thriller with Tim Robbins, Willem Dafoe and 50 Cent, and The Winter Queen, an action crime drama with Milla Jovovich. In 2013, he will reprise his role of Chekov in the next installment of Star Trek.

Career Highlights:

1)      House of D (2004) – leading [DVD/Rent]

2)      Alpha Dog (2006) – supporting [Blu-ray/DVD/Rent]

3)      Charlie Bartlett (2007) – leading [DVD/Rent]

4)      Star Trek (2009) – supporting* [Blu-ray/DVD/Rent]

5)      Terminator Salvation (2009) – supporting [Blu-ray/DVD/Rent]

6)      The Beaver (2011) – supporting [Blu-ray/DVD/Rent]

7)      Like Crazy (2011) – leading [Rent]

*Editor’s picks

Imogen Poots

What She’s Been In:

Poots, 22, got her start as a model while also taking a role in one episode of the British series Casualty in 2004. Her first film role (and second role overall) came in 2006 when she was cast as Young Valerie in V for Vendetta. Then she started to garner more work, appearing in 28 Weeks Later, Miss Austen Regrets, Me and Orson Welles, Waking Madison, Chatroom, Christopher and His Kind, and the TV series Bouquet of Barbed Wire – mostly all British productions.

Breakthrough:

Poots’s breakthrough (for more avid film viewers, as these movies were not widely seen) came in the form of four films released in 2010 and 2011. The first of which was Solitary Man, starring Michael Douglas and Jesse Eisenberg. Poots has only a small role, but commands the screen. Next, she had another small role in the action adventure Centurion with Michael Fassbender (a star to watch); while her role was again small she again made an impact on the film. She was perfect in the role of Blanche Ingram in Cary Fukunaga’s Jane Eyre. And finally, she played a great mean boarding school girl in Cracks, playing well off Juno Temple. While all four roles were quite small, Poots stood out in each film.

August Film:

In August, Poots co-stars with Aton Yelchin in Fright Night (see above). It is her first big Hollywood role and should get her name and face out there in the States. I like her poster for the film (as seen here, though it is not as good as David Tennant’s) and on a side note, KiD CuDi’s music video for the film is great. She plays the role of Amy in the film, Charley’s love interest and friend, who the vampire, played by Colin Farrell, also takes an interest in.

Upcoming:

Poots looks to have a breakthrough year in 2011/2012 as in addition to Fright Night, Jane Eyre and Cracks she has seven films scheduled for release. First, she co-stars in A Late Quartet about a world-renowned string quartet that struggles to stay together, with Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener. Then, she co-stars with Craig Roberts and Kevin McKidd in Comes a Bright Day, a theist thriller. Next, she co-stars with Juno Temple and Emily Mortimer in the thriller A Single Shot, to be followed by a drama The Laureate with Orlando Bloom and Kerry Condon. Then, she co-stars with Penn Badgley in the music drama Greetings from Tim Buckley, with James McAvoy and Jamie Bell in the crime comedy/drama Filth, and finally with Richard Ried and Julie Christie in the vampire romance (because another one cannot hurt) Hello Darkness.

Career Highlights:

1)      Centurion (2010) – supporting [Blu-ray/DVD/Rent]

2)      Cracks (2011) – supporting [DVD/Rent]

3)      Jane Eyre (2011) – supporting* [Blu-ray/DVD/Rent]

*Editor’s picks