Life Review (2017)

Life

  Life is the story of a space crew that finds a living organism on Mars. As they tamper with this organism, experimenting with what it can handle enviormentally, they realize that maybe they should have just left it alone. I LOVED this movie for a lot of reasons, and here are some of them:
  1. The characters are smart. A lot of times in horror movies, the script will rely on stupid decisions made by characters to keep the plot progressing. Not in Life though. In Life, all of the characters responded rationally to the threats, making it even more horrifying when the organism would outsmart them.
  2. The organism (alien) itself. I liked that the alien wasn't just a mean, crazy monster. This alien is a survivor. Everything it does it based on it's need to survive. When it kills, it does so in self defense. I loved also the look of the thing, and how it evolved and changed as it went on.
  3. The pacing. While Life gives us a lot more quiet scenes with emotional depth than the average horror, it is never short on suspense. From the moment the alien gets loose, there is this claustraphobic tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the rest of the movie. Nobody is safe, and it makes that very clear right off the bat.
  4. The direction. While the acting is top-notch, (no surprise there) the real star of the film is director Daniel Espinosa and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey. It was just a truly good looking peice of work, and on a techincal stand point it really excelled.
  5. It was actually scary! This is a huge one for me because it takes a lot to actually scare me. Life however doesn't hold back. It's graphic, it's intense, it'll leave your knuckles white. For a sci-fi horror, it's extremely grounded in realism, and that makes it all the more terrifying.
  Is Life the touching, layered film that Arrival was? Not necessarily. But I don't think that was the point. 9 out of 10 stars. (I'd Buy It On Blu-ray)

Get Out Review (2017)

Get Out

  From the mind of comedian Jordan Peele, Get Out is a horror film about a young black man who is visiting his white girlfriend's family for the first time. All starts off well, until Chris (played by Daniel Kaluuya) realizes that things aren't what they seemed.
  When I first saw the trailer for this film, I had no interest in seeing it. Then it released, and opening week it got 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Like what? Obviously I had to see it after that, and I'm glad I did!
  I'll start off by saying that avid horror fans won't be scared by this movie. If anything, it's more of a thriller. That said, what Get Out does excel in, is comedy. Duh. It's Jordan Peele. I loved the satirical strain running through the film, and how it deals with subtle prejudice. Film has a way of shining a light on things that people feel uncomfortable talking about, and there is no better way of doing that than through humor.
  The score by Michael Abels was great, creating an uneasiness in tone and setting us in this moody, unfamiliar environment. The cinematography by Toby Oliver was brilliant. Kaluuya's acting? Holy cow. He was sooo good in this movie, and his American accent is on point. I knew he was a fantastic actor from watching that Netflix show Black Mirror, but here he continued to impress me. His co-star Allison Williams also really sells her character from start to finish, as well as Catherine Keener, Bradley Witford, and Caleb Landry Jones as her family.
  This is a film you will definitely want to see twice. Foreshadowing is cleverly weaved through the script from the very beginning, so if you're a fan of analyzing film, there are some really cool, subtle easter eggs and symbolism you're going to pick up on.
  Now for the qualms I had with Get Out. There are a lot of instances when we get into the more horror aspects of the film where you have to suspend your disbelief for the sake of the story. Some might not be able to do this and will think certain plot points in the film are stupid. Others will be able to and will highly enjoy the film. I personally had mixed feelings. I respected what it was going for, but there were just some holes in the conclusion and plot twist that left me scratching my head slightly. I always tend to like more grounded films, so when they go in the direction of, well, a movie like Split, it looses me a bit.
  In the end there is a lot going for this film, but it's definitely not perfect. 7 out of 10 stars. (Very Good) 

Logan Review (2017)

Logan

  *Wipes away tear* It's officially over. After 7 films, Hugh Jackman is done, and it's got me feeling all kinds of emotions.
  First off, let me just say that Logan is the perfect ending to one of my favorite Marvel franchises. Everything that didn't work with the last two Wolverine movies, worked here, and I think most of it had to do with the R rating. I am so glad they decided to follow in Deadpool's suit with this one. Similar to a Quentin Tarantino film, the already great action was only enhanced positively by the extreme, realistic violence, and it really demonstrated why this character feels like such a monster at times. That said, even more satisfying than the brilliant action, was the quiet emotional moments.   

  Logan is a bitter and broken man, and it's never been so clear as it is in this movie. I love that they never try to polish his character; that they allow him to be morally wrong and for his relationships to be messy. Specifically, I liked his relationships with Patrick Stewart (who was amazing), and Dafne Keen (who was also amazing and savage in her scenes). 

  While at times you definitely feel the 135 minute runtime, Logan is a rugged, gritty, grounded, and complex film that isn't afraid to make the audience uncomfortable. I'd even say that the tone felt more like an indie film then a big blockbuster, which is why it's made my top 3 favorite Marvel movies of all time list. 10 out of 10 stars. (A Must See)

PS: The marketing team for Deadpool is GENUIS. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

  

Moonlight Review (2016)

Moonlight

  Moonlight is a coming of age story about a boy who is growing up in the hood. His mother is addicted to drugs, his only father figure in life sells his mother those drugs, and he's constantly being bullied at school for being gay.
  Let me start off by saying that Moonlight is a very liberal friendly film in it's conversations about homosexuality and accepting yourself. Thankfully, this is more of a minor subplot then it is the main course, but it still does leave a bit of a bitter taste in your mouth.
  Now being objective, there was a lot to like about this film from a technical and story aspect. The cinematography by James Laxton is absolutely gorgeous and poetic. The way he uses color, the way he frames the shot. It's a great looking film with a beautiful score to accompany it.
  From a story aspect, it really is a nature vs nurture type film. It shows us this young, thoughtful boy, mature into a more hard, street-type character. Using three different acts and three different actors, we are forced to question how young Chiron might have turned out if these expectations for what black masculinity should look like hadn't been so present in his youth.
  Moonlight is a very layered and sophisticated film, designed to start much needed conversation. All of it's character's have a depth, vulnerability, and humanity about them that's not usually seen in cinema these days. 7 out of 10 stars (Very Good)

10 Obscure Films You Should Watch

Looking for something to watch? Well, here are my top 10 obscure films you probably haven't heard of! Drawing from movies released before 2015, and in no particular order, let's dive right in!

Belle

  This gem was released in 2013, and is the true story of a illegitimate, biracial girl raised in a aristocrat household by her great uncle. Belle does a brilliant job of tackling topics of racism, classism, and interracial romance.
   Gugu Mbatha-Raw blew me away in this powerful performance, highlighted by the sweepingly gorgeous, and authentic historical backgrounds, costumes, and sets. For fan's of period pieces, this is one to check out!

Children of Men

  When woman are somehow no longer able to have children, and the only functioning country is England, a man must get a pregnant refugee to a safe haven where she can deliver the baby.  
  Children of Men has some of the most gorgeous cinematography I've ever scene, which is no surprise considering Emmanuel Lubezki also did The Revenant, Birdman, and Gravity.
  Children of Men is an entertaining, thrilling, gut-wrenching, and moving, conversational piece that you absolutely should watch! 

Following

  This 1998 film follows a writer who stalks strangers for material. One of his rules is that he can never follow the same person twice. Let's just say that this is the first rule he breaks, and things get bad from there.
  Following is Christopher Nolan's debut film, which he directed and wrote. It had the budget of 6,000 dollars, but still managed to amaze both the audiences and critics who saw it. In Nolan-like fashion, it has all of the bells and whistles we've come to expect from the brilliant director. Big twists, strong dialogue, interesting characters. Best news of all, you can watch this highly underrated film right now on Netflix. What are you waiting for?

Inside Llewyn Davis

  Do you like folk music? Would you like to see Poe Dameron, Justin Timberlake, and Kylo Ren sing a duet? Well, look no further then this 2013 film. Inside Llewyn Davis focuses on the life and career of a young folk singer played by Oscar Isaacs. Not following a typical three act structure, this film plays out more like the way you'd write a song. It's sad, it's deep, it's directed by the Coen brothers, and it's got a great soundtrack that you'll want to buy after. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your list.

We Need To Talk About Kevin

  Looking for something to watch on Netflix? Look no further than this dark, 2011 drama/thriller. Starring Tilda Swinton and Ezra Miller, We Need To Talk About Kevin is the story of a mother who is struggling to love her child inspite of his violent, unnerving, and unnatural behaviors. What stood out most to me about this film, was the great performances, the use of color, the stunning cinematography, and it's tone. We Need To Talk About Kevin isn't afraid to go to dark places, but that's what makes it so great. Will you leave this film feeling warm and happy inside? No, but it will definitely give you something to think about. 

            Never Let Me Go

  This 2010 science fiction/drama is set in the future where clones are used as donors for their organs. Unlike most dystopian type films where the protagonist finds some way to escape, Never Let Me Go focuses on the sad souls who don't get out of the awful system they've been brought up in. This was one of the saddest films I've ever seen, mostly because of the emotionally restrained, nuanced acting from Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley, and Carey Mulligan. That said, just because a movie is sad, doesn't mean you shouldn't see it. Never Let Me Go is also a deeply moving and poignant film about the value of life, and what makes a human a human. 

Locke

    Locke is the story of a concrete farmer who has to make a long drive to London for reasons that will stay unnamed for the sake of spoilers. On this drive, he must make several, life-altering phone calls that could potentially destroy everything he's worked so hard for.
  Because this film is just one man in a car having conversations over the phone, it could easily be boring. Thankfully, we have one of the most brilliant actors working today, Tom Hardy, keeping us invested in the story. Beautifully written and directed by Steven Knight, we are given a profound, intimate look into this character's life. This is a story about second chances, forgiveness, and integrity.  

Lars and the Real Girl

  Taking it back to 2007, we have one of my favorite Ryan Gosling performances EVER. Lars and the Real Girl is a quirky comedy about a mentally ill man, who buys a sex doll off the internet and in his delusional brain thinks she's his girlfriend. While the description might sound like it was written by a creepy dude in a basement, it is actually hilarious, charming, sweet, and earnest. It's oscar winning script focuses on the importance of connection, community, and just how a little unconditional love can go a long way. What's not to like about that? Seriously, go watch it for free on Amazon Prime! 

Peacock

    When John Skillpa's split persona, Emma, gets out to the small community of Nebraska where he lives, he must do everything in his power to keep her from taking over his mind and life completely. Peacock is a treasure of a film because almost everything about it is perfect. From the tone, to the setting, to the tremendous score, to the acting. Cillian Murphy shines, bringing out both personalities in such a way that you start to believe yourself that they are two different people. I absolutely adore this Hitchcockian film, and I know for a fact you will too. Go watch it!

The Drop

  Last but not least, is 2014's The Drop. Staring Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and the late James Gandolfini, The Drop is the story of a gangster who winds up in the center of a robbery gone wrong. 
  While at times this film may feel a bit slow, The Drop pays off your patience in a extremely satisfying way, remaining unpredictable from start to finish. With a clever script, great acting, and a cute puppy, why would't you want to see this one?



  Annnnnndddd that about raps up my top 10 list of obscure films you should watch! Of course there are a lot of other great hidden gems that I could have gone on about, and maybe someday I'll do a part 2. If you'd enjoy that, please let me know. Also let me know what other kinds of lists you'd like to see me post in the future! Thanks for reading :)