The Descendants

Directed (and co-written) by Alexander Payne, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2011. Starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Beau Bridges and Robert Forster.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Question: Can you feel sympathy for a character that neglected or ignored his family but then suddenly has to pay attention when thrust back into the responsibility of being a parent? Honestly, you have to answer that one for yourself. For me, I could not. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know but will give you my thoughts on the film; and I will let you decide on your own after you see it.

I went to my first movie theatre screener last night with The Descendants. Since the end of the movie, I have been mulling this story over trying to figure out if I liked it or not. There is a lot of buzz about this movie, specifically about George Clooney and Alexander Payne (who last came out with Sideways, which I loved), so I was really looking forward to this film. However, something fell short for me with the story and its main character.

The movie started out with panoramic views of Hawaii (some beautiful and some not-so) with Matt King (George Clooney) giving his first narrated monologue. Usually narration kind of annoys me or I think it's overused today but know sometimes it is necessary and beneficial in certain films. For The Descendants it was actually a perfect fit. In fact, the opening narration struck a chord with me. Pay close attention to what he says about living in paradise. From that point I was really enjoying the film and attentive of all introductions of characters and story-lines but somewhere along the way the film sort of lost me.

I suppose I should back up a little. A brief (very) synopsis of the film. Matt King is a father, husband and lawyer who is the trustee of a large parcel of land in Hawaii that has been in his family's possession for over a 100 years. He is quite wealthy but doesn't spend his inheritance and works all the time for his law practice while pretty much ignoring or neglecting his immediate family. A tragic accident happens to his wife, who ends up in a coma, and things start to unravel for him.

All of the above is revealed within the first 15 minutes of the movie; and you meet a distraught man who has no idea how to cope with the sudden responsibility of taking care of his daughters. He even reveals "I'm the back-up parent." When I first heard that line in the previews, I thought he and his wife were either separated or divorced. So when I found out differently I had difficulty sympathizing with this character, and in certain scenes it made it even harder to see his plight. Pay attention to his first "talk" with his wife in the hospital. That made me retreat as a spectator and become very cautious, but I waited for some sort of redemption for his character after that.

That is all I will say about that because I feel I have gone against my norm and revealed a little too much.

So let me focus on other details for now: George Clooney did an excellent job portraying a man in crisis. He may be one of a handful of actors that can just sit there, silently, but still reveal so much emotion and depth. Don't believe me? Well, watch Michael Clayton, an excellent film, but the last 5 minutes of it proves George Clooney's talent of silent acting. He was brilliant.

In The Descendants you will see him use that gift again and again. I won't be surprised if he is nominated for many awards for this role. However, I just never developed much sympathy for his character despite what he went through during the movie. Perhaps I just saw his character's arc differently than most, because after the "talk" with his wife and then later there was a scene he shares with the young fellow, who is friends with his daughter, just left me cold. It is all about perception, I suppose. You all may see something different.

Alexander Payne has created other characters that maybe many don't care for or find a kinship with; but somewhere over the course of the movie you understand them, feel for the character or the character redeems themselves in a pure, honest way. However, in The Descendants, he did not win me over with the main character. Many may disagree with me but that is how I saw it.

Sorry, this may not be the typical movie review for me or that I may have just changed your mind on seeing the movie. Many reviewers saw the opposite from me; and George Clooney did perform beautifully, so I am not saying don't see it. Just keep an open mind.

My favorite part: Perhaps I forgot to mention that it is quite funny at parts. I did giggle.

My least favorite part: Realizing what it takes for some people to fully understand that their neglect really affects others.


Rating: R
Length: 115 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10


Based on the novel by the same name: The Descendants: A Novel (Random House Movie Tie-In Books)

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Like Crazy

Directed (co-written) by Drake Doremus, Paramount Vantage, 2011. Starring Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence and Alex Kingston.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Question: When was the last time you fell in love? I mean really fell in love? If you can't remember perhaps you should watch Like Crazy and recall that special time when the one person sitting across from you makes you happier than you can possibly imagine. If you haven't fallen in love yet, you should see this movie. It will inspire you to know love is worth it.

I have a favorite word: Always. For me it represents the power of what love can be for us humans. When you are truly in love - you always have a person to be there for you whether it be when you are happy, sad, silly or just existing. When you find true love, you always have the ability to see beyond any struggle. When you meet your soul-mate they don't make you happy, they always make you happier. See where I am going with this? Always equals love for me. When you have true, real love, you find the possibility of greatness beyond measure and that is something that should always keep you looking for that one person...that's just right for you. Like Crazy showed that type of love and it made me smile.

A couple of months ago I posted the preview for Like Crazy and have been counting down the days until it opened. Something about that preview just spoke to me. (Yes, it showed a little too much) So on this misty, sometimes rainy day, I finally saw this film. It ended up being the sweetest, most tender tales of love I have seen on film in ages.

Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones star in this love story as two college seniors who meet towards the end of their academic careers and fall madly in love. It begins with a note from one to the other and soon the possibility begins. It always does. I was mesmerized by the level of realistic passion these two characters felt for each other. When together they fit like perfect puzzle pieces, but when apart they feign happily existing but really long to be to with one another. I found myself getting teary-eyed during the longing scenes. Have you ever missed someone so much that you just don't feel whole without them? That is exactly what these two people felt. It was heartbreaking at parts.

Not a lot happens in this story but it was a lovely one just the same. Two people meet, fall in love, are pulled apart, struggle to move on but can't and eventually they try....wait! I am not going to tell you. All I will talk about Like Crazy now is the acting. It was superb. I really felt that these two were in love because of the ease of it, the sweetness of it and an overwhelming desire, that I think everyone in the theatre probably thought, to feel like them with someone. Who doesn't want to be in love like that?

Do you have that person that always makes you smile just thinking about them?

My favorite thing: So many things, actually, but I suppose I will choose that part of it was filmed in London - my favorite place in the entire world.

My least favorite: I am going to keep this one to myself.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 90 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10




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Soundtrack: The Moderns

It's been a little while since I posted a soundtrack where I never heard of the movie before. Coming in at #74 on the EW's Top 100 Soundtracks* is The Moderns (1988). The movie stars David Carradine and Linda Fiorentino.

Now I was alive when this movie came out but I was either graduating from high school or attending my freshman year in college that year, so I am pretty sure I wasn't pay much attention to movies that year. I had to research this one and when I read what this movie was about I am sort of kicking myself that I never saw it.

A quick synopsis: An American artist, in the 1920's, moves to Paris and tries to sell his paintings. He ends up hanging with the expatriates crowd at cafes, drinking too much and becomes involved in some unscrupulous means of making some money. Now you see why I might be kicking myself? No? Well I was obsessed with Art History back then and even knew that as my major even before graduating from high school. Anything about art - especially during a time like the 1920's - would have made me very happy to watch. On Netflix Instant Play queue now.

Unfortunately, I haven't spoken about the soundtrack on this post. Sorry, however, I can't seem to find a way to listen to it. So I am just going to describe or paraphrase what others have written: It's romantic, sultry, and filled with violins, sax, upright bass all woven together to evoke an enchanting mood. Now I must go hunt this down.

The Moderns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Mark Isham






* Entertainment Weekly Top 100 Soundtrack 

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Directed (and written) by Sean Durkin, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2011. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, Hugh Dancy and John Hawkes.

Genre: Drama, Thriller.

Question: What happens to you if you were abandoned as a child, end up not having a proper upbringing, and in search of wanting someone to love you and take care of you? That's easy - you're vulnerable and easy prey for those who like to manipulate and control others. Martha Marcy May Marlene explores one woman's experience in a manipulative and abusive cult-like "family" after she escapes and tries to have a real family member help her.


Martha Marcy May Marlene is not an easy movie to watch/experience, that is not to say it is a bad movie - quite the contrary. However, there were scenes that were hard to watch especially when the manipulation and abuse are depicted on screen. It is a poignant film that displays pure, raw emotions. Most of the credit should go to the lead actress: Elizabeth Olsen. She was spectacular!

I was blown-away by her skill to draw you into her mental decline as she recalled the good, the bad and the horror of her past with the group. Her eyes and facial expressions during certain moments of silence were just as powerful at displaying the intensity of the moment as compared to when she is being physically violated or having a full blown paranoia attack. All these scenes leave you drained.

This is a slow film but a thought-provoking piece that will leave you wondering if characters or story-lines were real or imaginary. As I was watching this film, which I enjoyed, I kept recalling another movie I saw nearly a decade ago: Swimming Pool. It had the same feel as that drama/thriller.

A couple other actors should have a mention or two. Hugh Dancy, who usually plays the sweet, British male lead character in his films definitely played against type. It was refreshing. I almost didn't recognize him because of it. Another actor whose name you won't recognize, John Hawkes, but you should recall his face, played the leader of the cult. His portrayal was seductive, charming and scarily real - you could almost feel why someone girls would allow him to control them. Shivers. He should receive some sort of decent acknowledgement for his performance.

I don't want to tell you any more about Martha Marcy May Marlene - like why it is called that or any other details of the plot because it is a thriller except to say I really enjoyed the cinematography in this film.  There were extreme close-ups, that were almost disconcerting, when two people were conversing, but I understood what the filmmakers were trying to communicate. I am not going to tell you what I think - nope. This film asks questions and lets you answer them which is my favorite kind of story. I so enjoy when something isn't shoved down my throat and I am allowed to come up with my own conclusions.

One last part that I have to share: the editing and the dialogue. It was simply brilliant. The story goes back and forth from her present day to flashbacks of when she was with the cult. The editor chose perfect aspects of editing to make you wonder if it was a dream or if it was real in order to let your emotions sink you in deeper into the tale. Also, there was some profound dialogue that left me almost breathless. That is all I am going to say about that.

As you may have figured out, Martha Marcy May Marlene may not be a film for everyone; but if you enjoy good storytelling that is off-beat and filled with meandering emotions then this one is for you.


My favorite part: Having a film that lets it's audience think for themselves.

My least favorite: The abuse portrayed in this film.

Rating: R
Length: 102 minutes


Review: 7 out of 10

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A Preview That Got Me!

Okay, getting ready to leave LA but had to share something I saw a few days ago. Some of you may have already seen this so sorry for any redundancy. However, this made me laugh out loud!



My favorite: "Lead female's name!"

Preview: Haywire

Hello from LA. Just dropping in to say one thing: I AM GOING TO SEE THIS FILM! Haywire



Someone said this movie might have been made just for me. I think they might be right: Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender and a kick-ass lead female character....yep!
Bye!

Tired of Previews Goes to Hollywood

I won't be posting the rest of week, although, I will probably be watching a lot of movies. This week I am flying to Hollywood, CA and will have plenty of time to watch the movies I downloaded as I travel across the country. Got to love iTunes.

Why am I going to Hollywood, you wonder? You are probably thinking I am attending a film premiere or going to a movie screener like all the other movie reviewers. Nope - although that sounds fun. Someday, I hope. Well, actually, I am going because I am finalist in a screenwriting contest and I am attending the awards ceremony. This is a first for me. Never before have I had the possibility of winning an award based on something that I created. This is virgin territory for me.

The excitement I feel is almost hard to contain - not so much for the award, frankly, because I don't expect to win. Yes, it really is nice to just be nominated. However, I have always wanted to go to Tinseltown. I can't believe it has taken me this long to travel to LA; but with my recent career change it makes sense now to hop on a jet to the Entertainment Capital of the World. Interior design, my former career, never forced me across country - although Hollywood Regency style WAS all the rage a few years ago.

While I am there I must do some networking (or is it called schmoozing?) - not my forte but it is imperative. I have several meetings set up with different industry folk. In fact, part of the awards ceremony is a networking dinner. This part really has my emotions at an all time high more than the anticipation of the possibility of winning.

Now I am a relatively shy person. Sure, you see me go on and on about movies on my blog, but sit in front of me in reality and I clam up because I really don't like people looking at me. I do not like being the center of attention. Sitting in a dark room, relatively alone and silent, is my kind of perfect day. So this ceremony/dinner event has me shaking in my boots, so to speak.

However, this is my passion now, movies, and nothing is going to hold me back - nothing!

Following your passion will lead you anywhere, everywhere and places you never dreamed of because the drive to obtain these goals is unpredictable, unbelievable and unstoppable. And I, for one, am truly grateful that I am on this path now.

See you in Hollywood!

Monthly Wrap-Up October 2011

I may not post many reviews or posts this week but here are a few from last month to keep you all busy:

50/50 - 7 out of 10
Trollhunter - 7 out of 10
Summer in Genoa - 6 out of 10
Little Voice - 6 out of 10
The Ides of March  - 5 out of 10
The Perfect Host - 7 out of 10
Remakes - Why Make Them?
Real Steel - 7 out of 10
Burzynski - The Movie: Cancer is Serious Business - Documentary
Letter to John Hughes
What Makes Me Laugh

Soundtracks:
The Sweet Hereafter
A Clockwork Orange
Repo Man


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© by Tired of Previews

Searching For Bobby Fischer

I feel like changing things up today. I want to talk about one of my favorite movies in the entire world: Searching for Bobby Fischer. I sincerely hope you all have seen this film, but if you haven't let me tell you a little bit about it and why I love it so much.

The movie came out in 1993 but I don't think I saw it then. I recall renting this film a year or so later but not knowing one thing about it. Sure it had Ben Kingsley and Joe Montegna in it. I knew who they were, of course. But I had no idea who Bobby Fischer was, and once I discovered this was about chess, I really wasn't sure a film about it would appeal to me. Why? Well, I don't play chess. I tried a few times but it just isn't my game. Trust me.

Nonetheless, I watched the film and sat that there in awe throughout the entire movie and beyond. It turned out to be one of the most inspirational movies I have ever seen. The movie is based on the book by New York Times writer, Fred Waitzkin. It's the true story about his son Josh Waitzkin, a 6 year-old boy, who turns out to be a chess phenom. Still doesn't sound appealing - well, wait!

The story isn't so much about how great this little boy is at chess but what great character he possesses. Most stories about a person's unexplained ability usually begs the question: How does someone, at the age of 6, become one of the best chess players in the world? Searching for Bobby Fischer doesn't answer that but asks: How does a 6 year-old have so much compassion for people that he doesn't want anyone to feel bad especially when he beats them in chess. I know, some of you out there are thinking - but it's a competition. You have to WANT to win and get over the fact that your opponent will feel bad if you win. It's the nature of the game (of life), right?

Well, I for one do not like making anyone feel bad and go out of my way to make sure I never do. I don't like playing games because of that. I prefer things like solitaire or other types of time consuming activities where there is no winning or losing - no killer instinct here. So I reveled in the moral of this story - you can be the best or even just good at something but you don't have to hate your opponent or even dislike them in order to beat them. But if you disagree with me - that's fine. There is so much more to this film that you must see.

Another aspect of Searching for Bobby Fischer that keeps this movie in my top 10 - learn when to have fun and not let the competition control your life. Sometimes we all let goals and dreams consume us and forget there is more to life. This film shows that there needs to be a good balance between work and play or you will go insane. Throughout the film, Josh narrates facts about Bobby Fischer and it really makes you think he may be on to something with this "not hating your opponent" mode of thought.

I can't tell you how many times I have watched this film. In fact, I watched it a few months ago with my children, who by the way are both really good at chess, and they enjoyed the film. This is a good tale for all ages. It doesn't talk down the the audience - especially the young ones. I believe showing a real story about a young boy who struggles with a quality he has is a great way to show your kids, and maybe a few adults, that somethings shouldn't be altered - no matter how much others want you to change.

My favorite part: The final scene with the last line that Josh says to his friend. It makes me choke up and smile all at the same time - at every single viewing.

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Preview: Martha Marcy May Marlene

I keep hearing buzz about this film and finally broke down to watch the trailer today. Okay, this did a decent job without spoiling much. And it's a thriller. Now I am really looking forward to this one. Martha Marcy May Marlene

In theatres December 21, 2011

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The Rum Diary

Directed (and written) by Bruce Robinson, GK Films, 2011. Starring Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli and Aaron Eckhart.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Question: What would your reaction be if you were hired to work for a failing newspaper; the editor doesn't care for the writers at all; you have a bit of an alcohol problem and you can't find your writer's "voice"? Well, you actually have more problems than that but I won't give the whole movie away. However, I just saw The Rum Diary - a movie based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson and that's what's this movie is about, mostly.

If I were in a situation like that, my reaction, if you must know, would look like this: I would write about what I love (movies), really hope Karma works because payback's a bitch, have a few glasses of red wine or maybe I should try a gin and tonic, realize most days are like Fridays (best day of the week) because I had my "voice" all along. I would also befriend the staff at the newspaper because that's what creative minds do..find a support system that actually understands you. But this movie isn't about me now, is it?

I must say right off the bat - that the preview I saw for The Rum Diary was bit misleading. It portrayed the film as a comedy or a really offbeat story. Now, don't get me wrong, there were parts where I smiled and even giggled but I would call this a drama. Also, I am unclear why it was also listed as a mystery & thriller by IMDb. I didn't find it to be either.

The Rum Diary is about a man, Paul Kemp played by Johnny Depp, who moves to San Juan to write for a newspaper. He is an unpublished novelist who doesn't have faith in himself as a writer and he's a bit of a lost man. However, when he gets down to Puerto Rico he gets sidetracked when he becomes in involved with some unscrupulous people. Paul Kemp has a bit (understatement) of a drinking problem but apparently everyone on the island likes to drink rum. That's it - no more detail about the story.

I started off liking the film, it was quick, funny and I enjoyed meeting all the characters. However, the movie slowed down a bit towards the middle - to almost a standstill and I got a little bored. In fact, I almost stopped caring about the characters including the lead. I am not sure the vision of the book translated well to the screen but since I didn't read the book I can't be certain. Plus, something was off with the editing of The Rum Diary. It seemed like scenes were either cut short, cut out completely or some just added in to show off the dialogue. (I'll get to the dialogue in a minute.)

There was one thing that I loved throughout this film: the dialogue. It was brilliant. I want to leave some quotes here but there were so many I could share that I don't think I could pick just one. Hunter S. Thompson was a stellar writer with his own unique vision of how to describe things. For that alone I would recommend the movie. Plus, Johnny Depp delivered the lines beautifully and in such a subtle way. I really want to see it again just for dialogue.

There is some narration in the beginning and then it picked up again at the end. Not sure why there wasn't much in the middle. I believe it would have helped when the story stagnated.  Anyway, if you are writer and if you have ever struggled with it - and you know we all have - this story might just inspire you.

My favorite thing: So many great quotes. Wish I could manipulate words that brilliantly.


My least favorite thing: I got a little bored.

Rating: R
Length: 120 minutes


Review: 5 out of 10

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Preview: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Normally I sit through previews at the theatre with my headphones on playing music loudly to drown everything out. However, this one caught my interest. First, the young boy looked a little like my son especially with the blue eyes. Then there is a shot that brought goosebumps and a tear or two. I took off my headphones and paid attention to this one. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close .

The same director, Stephen Daldry, of Billy Eliot - a favorite of mine directed this film. Check it out!

UPDATE: Movie Review of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close