Paper Towns Review (2015)

Paper Towns

  John Green's latest movie adaption stars Nat Wolff and Cara Delevigne as two very different teenagers who live next door to each other. Nat's character, Q, is very dorky and plays everything safe while Margo is adventurous and popular. Q has had a crush on Margo since she moved in next door when they were ten years old, but as they grew older they grew apart. That is until one night when Margo comes through Q's window asking him to be her revenge accomplice on her cheating boyfriend and fake friends. 

  As a reader of John Green's work, I was really excited for this film even though rotten tomatoes didn't seem to think very highly of it. I on the other hand, found it incredibly enjoyable. While the source material and script can seem conveniently plotted at times, something about this film is just so charming. It works with big themes and efficiently gets them across in it's strong 3rd act.  

  Granted, it does take from some of the cliches of your typical high school flick, but it does so in a way that feels much more earnest. Paper Towns aims high, and though it may not move us quite as much as it wants to, it does move us. 4 out of 5 stars. (It's Great!)

Southpaw Review (2015)

Southpaw

  I think it's fair to say that Jake Gyllenhaal's Prince of Persia days are officially behind him. Not only have all his movies in the recent years been incredibly good, but his method acting and nuanced performances, really show his depth as an actor. When I watch one of his movies, I no longer see Jake Gyllenhaal, I see Louis Bloom, or Detective Loki, and now Billy Hope.   

  In Southpaw, Gyllenhaal plays the number one heavyweight champion of the world. As spoiled in the trailer (which you should avoid if you can help) a certain tragedy strikes and Billy Hope loses it all. This film goes to some dark, heavy places, but if anyone is fit to bring us there, it's Gyllenhaal. Good performances aside (and there were a lot of good performances) I really was rooting for our protagonist, even when his methods weren't exactly ethical. 

  The style of the film and cinematography from scene one hook you and keep your eyes glued to the screen. Yes, the story is predictable at times and somewhat paint by the numbers, but the execution makes it feel entertaining and fresh. Despite Southpaw being a very good film, it isn't perfect. Hope's character arch felt a little abrupt to me, which is odd because it took a while for him to start turning his life around and working his way to the top. Also, I felt like there was such a big build up and not an epic enough climax. In the end, it isn't as memorable as Warrior or Rocky, but honestly, not many movies are. Southpaw is a solid film even if it's performances are more memorable than it's script. I'll give it a generous 4 out of 5 stars. (It's Great)