Just a quick view of my personal favorite films of the year. This is my opinion; it is completely biased. If you don't agree with the list, cool. I'm just giving you some insight into my taste in film. Without further ado, my Top 10 of 2013.
10. 'Gravity'
9. 'Prisoners'
8. 'The Wolf of Wall Street'
7. 'Fruitvale Station'
6. 'Mud'
5. 'Her'
4. 'Inside Llewyn Davis'
3. 'Out of the Furnace'
2. 'Lone Survivor'
and number one, my favorite film of the year is:
1. 'The Place Beyond The Pines'
'The Place Beyond The Pines' affected me emotionally like no other film I have seen this year or any year. It is filmmaking at its finest and is an original, bold, emotional, real and beautiful film. Pines is the type of film that makes people want to become filmmakers and stands as my number one film of 2013.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET REVIEW
'The Wolf of Wall Street' is the latest film from Director Martin Scorsese and Writer Terence Winter. The film spans a long period in the life of real life stock broker Jordan Belfort. Belfort is played flawlessly by Leonardo DiCaprio; give the man an Oscar nomination! Jordan Belfort begins as a young man with big ambition on Wall Street and becomes a money hungry, power hungry man.
The true trouble begins when he meets Donnie Azoff, a young man who Belfort partners with and creates his own unorthodox firm. When the money builds and builds, Belfort begins to embezzle. The characters in the film are all despicable people but they are so smart and so outrageous, you can't help but be intrigued by them. They are womanizers, drug addicts and thieves but they are brilliantly written by Terence Winter. These characters' actions are so ludicrous and crazy, they become remarkably interesting and entertaining to watch.
This film is also extremely funny. It is one hundred percent a dark comedy/dramady. Scorsese hasn't tackled a film of this nature yet and he pretty much nails this one. The direction is completely on point and fits the style and tone of the time very well. My one issue with the film is it could have been maybe 5 - 10 minutes shorter. At a certain point, it started to drag but that's a minor issue. All in all, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is a sex filled, drug filled, crime filled comedy unlike anything I've seen this year.
4.75/5
- George McCann
The true trouble begins when he meets Donnie Azoff, a young man who Belfort partners with and creates his own unorthodox firm. When the money builds and builds, Belfort begins to embezzle. The characters in the film are all despicable people but they are so smart and so outrageous, you can't help but be intrigued by them. They are womanizers, drug addicts and thieves but they are brilliantly written by Terence Winter. These characters' actions are so ludicrous and crazy, they become remarkably interesting and entertaining to watch.
This film is also extremely funny. It is one hundred percent a dark comedy/dramady. Scorsese hasn't tackled a film of this nature yet and he pretty much nails this one. The direction is completely on point and fits the style and tone of the time very well. My one issue with the film is it could have been maybe 5 - 10 minutes shorter. At a certain point, it started to drag but that's a minor issue. All in all, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is a sex filled, drug filled, crime filled comedy unlike anything I've seen this year.
4.75/5
- George McCann
AMERICAN HUSTLE REVIEW
'American Hustle' is Director David O. Russell's follow up to last year's Oscar winning film 'Silver Lining's Playbook'. 'American Hustle' stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner.
This film is the story of two small time con-artists (Bale and Adams) who get caught up with an over zealous FBI Agent (Cooper). While the FBI agent tries to catch these con-artists, he also attempts to con and entrap US Senators and the Mafia.
If this plot sounds convoluted, that's because it is. Sitting through this film is like driving down a random road without a map. Despite good acting, the film doesn't know what to do or where to go. David O. Russell and Eric Singer's script was nearly non existent. I wanted to love this film but in the end, it's just great actors acting without much of a plot and that doesn't make for a strong film.
Don't waste your time or money with 'American Hustle'.
2/5
- George McCann
This film is the story of two small time con-artists (Bale and Adams) who get caught up with an over zealous FBI Agent (Cooper). While the FBI agent tries to catch these con-artists, he also attempts to con and entrap US Senators and the Mafia.
If this plot sounds convoluted, that's because it is. Sitting through this film is like driving down a random road without a map. Despite good acting, the film doesn't know what to do or where to go. David O. Russell and Eric Singer's script was nearly non existent. I wanted to love this film but in the end, it's just great actors acting without much of a plot and that doesn't make for a strong film.
Don't waste your time or money with 'American Hustle'.
2/5
- George McCann
Friday, December 27, 2013
LONE SURVIVOR REVIEW
LONE SURVIVOR REVIEW
'Lone Survivor' tells the true tale of Operation Red Wing and the Navy Seals sent on the mission in 2005. Four Navy Seals were sent into Afghanistan in hostile enemy territory with the objective to take out a Taliban commander. In the course of the mission, the Seals encounter Afghan children, compromising the operation. They make the choice to let the boys go and high tail it out of the area. In that process, these men are pinned down for days, out manned and out gunned fighting the Taliban.
This film stars Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell, Taylor Kitsch as Mike Murphy, Emile Hursh as Danny Dietz and Ben Foster as Matt Axelson. These characters often refer to each other as brother and I felt that these men all felt like a tight knit group who had each other's backs, no matter what the cost.
Peter Berg wrote the screenplay for the film, which was based on Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson's book. The script is great and we bond with these men before and after they go through a barrage of assaults from the enemy.
Peter Berg's is direction is some of the best I've seen all year. He did a phenomenal job with 'Lone Survivor'. The film doesn't feel gratuitous but it is brutal and very real. It felt very similar to 'Saving Private Ryan' in that sense. 'Lone Survivor' is a war film grounded in reality that doesn't take political sides. The film just throws us into what we can only imagine this battle must have been like.
One of the best things I can say about 'Lone Survivor' is this, every time someone fell, tripped or got hit, I felt it. Not literally but about as close as it gets. This film is so real and raw that watching it almost hurts. That is a testament to the acting, direction and screenwriting. 'Lone Survivor' is a superb film on every level. The film is a serious Oscar contender and one of the best of 2013.
5/5
- George McCann
'Lone Survivor' tells the true tale of Operation Red Wing and the Navy Seals sent on the mission in 2005. Four Navy Seals were sent into Afghanistan in hostile enemy territory with the objective to take out a Taliban commander. In the course of the mission, the Seals encounter Afghan children, compromising the operation. They make the choice to let the boys go and high tail it out of the area. In that process, these men are pinned down for days, out manned and out gunned fighting the Taliban.
This film stars Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell, Taylor Kitsch as Mike Murphy, Emile Hursh as Danny Dietz and Ben Foster as Matt Axelson. These characters often refer to each other as brother and I felt that these men all felt like a tight knit group who had each other's backs, no matter what the cost.
Peter Berg wrote the screenplay for the film, which was based on Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson's book. The script is great and we bond with these men before and after they go through a barrage of assaults from the enemy.
Peter Berg's is direction is some of the best I've seen all year. He did a phenomenal job with 'Lone Survivor'. The film doesn't feel gratuitous but it is brutal and very real. It felt very similar to 'Saving Private Ryan' in that sense. 'Lone Survivor' is a war film grounded in reality that doesn't take political sides. The film just throws us into what we can only imagine this battle must have been like.
One of the best things I can say about 'Lone Survivor' is this, every time someone fell, tripped or got hit, I felt it. Not literally but about as close as it gets. This film is so real and raw that watching it almost hurts. That is a testament to the acting, direction and screenwriting. 'Lone Survivor' is a superb film on every level. The film is a serious Oscar contender and one of the best of 2013.
5/5
- George McCann
Monday, December 16, 2013
HER Review
'Her' is the latest film from writer/director Spike Jonze. Set in Los Angeles in the not too distant future, the film follows Theodore (played by Joaquin Phoenix who gives a superb performance) a down and out anti-social writer who can't connect with people due to a troubling past relationship. When Theodore decides to pick up the latest OS (Operating System) named Samantha (voiced marvelously by Scarlett Johansson) he kindles an unorthodox relationship.
'Her' is something very, very special. Spike Jonze has done something truly brilliant with this film. The movie has a lot to say about relationships and our technologically driven society. It is not only a beautiful, different original love story, but it is wickedly funny and is one of my favorite romance films of all time.
The performances are all top notch and Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson are both award worthy, as is Jonze's script.
Minus the film being a tiny bit too long and brief pacing issues, it's almost perfect. Rooney Mara, Amy Adams and Chris Pratt also give fantastic supporting performances.
4.5/5
- George McCann
'Her' is something very, very special. Spike Jonze has done something truly brilliant with this film. The movie has a lot to say about relationships and our technologically driven society. It is not only a beautiful, different original love story, but it is wickedly funny and is one of my favorite romance films of all time.
The performances are all top notch and Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson are both award worthy, as is Jonze's script.
Minus the film being a tiny bit too long and brief pacing issues, it's almost perfect. Rooney Mara, Amy Adams and Chris Pratt also give fantastic supporting performances.
4.5/5
- George McCann
Saturday, December 7, 2013
OUT OF THE FURNACE REVIEW
'Out of the Furnace' is the new film from writer/director Scott Cooper. The film is written by Brad Ingelsby and Scott Cooper. Scott Cooper may sound familiar because he directed the 2009 Oscar winner, 'Crazy Heart'. 'Out of the Furnace' is the story of two brothers, Rodney Baze, (played by Casey Affleck), and Russell Baze, (played by Christian Bale). Rodney is in the military and has served several tours in Iraq and is paying the price mentally. He is haunted by his experiences and that takes him down a dark path whereas, Russell is a straight laced mill worker whose one poor decision and bad luck land him in hot water.
When Rodney gets caught up in a debt with a dangerous sadistic man, Harlan DeGroat, (played by Woody Harrelson, he turns to bare knuckle boxing to off set the money issues. When Rodney doesn't return home after the fight, Russell takes matters into his own hands to find him.
'Out of the Furnace' is not simply a revenge film or action thriller. As a matter of fact, it's really neither. 'Out of the Furnace' is a hardcore, rough, disturbing family drama. The film examines the bonds of family (especially brothers), as well as the hard life of the working class in America. There are really only brief moments of violence but when they hit, they hit hard and are all in service of the story.
Scott Cooper is a somewhat new director. His first film was 'Crazy Heart' in 2009. New director or not, Cooper hits the ball out of the park with this film. The movie is very layered with issues of society and family. There are some beautiful, real scenes in this film and when I say real, I mean, I could see a person taking these actions in real life. I think what I loved most about the script and direction is the film never once felt "Hollywoodized." It always felt authentic even though the film has an unconventional narrative.
The performances in this movie are truly marvelous. Casey Affleck is heartbreaking and Christian Bale shows his massive range giving an understated performance for the majority of the film. All this being said, the film had a few minor issues. There is one scene that didn't fit the tone/arc of the film and at brief points the pacing slowed a little bit. All in all, 'Out of the Furnace' is a heartbreaking, must see film. It will disturb you and sadden you, but it is remarkable, must see filmmaking and it was a story worth telling the unconventional way Cooper told it. Go see 'Out of the Furnace'.
4.75/5 Stars
- George McCann
When Rodney gets caught up in a debt with a dangerous sadistic man, Harlan DeGroat, (played by Woody Harrelson, he turns to bare knuckle boxing to off set the money issues. When Rodney doesn't return home after the fight, Russell takes matters into his own hands to find him.
'Out of the Furnace' is not simply a revenge film or action thriller. As a matter of fact, it's really neither. 'Out of the Furnace' is a hardcore, rough, disturbing family drama. The film examines the bonds of family (especially brothers), as well as the hard life of the working class in America. There are really only brief moments of violence but when they hit, they hit hard and are all in service of the story.
Scott Cooper is a somewhat new director. His first film was 'Crazy Heart' in 2009. New director or not, Cooper hits the ball out of the park with this film. The movie is very layered with issues of society and family. There are some beautiful, real scenes in this film and when I say real, I mean, I could see a person taking these actions in real life. I think what I loved most about the script and direction is the film never once felt "Hollywoodized." It always felt authentic even though the film has an unconventional narrative.
The performances in this movie are truly marvelous. Casey Affleck is heartbreaking and Christian Bale shows his massive range giving an understated performance for the majority of the film. All this being said, the film had a few minor issues. There is one scene that didn't fit the tone/arc of the film and at brief points the pacing slowed a little bit. All in all, 'Out of the Furnace' is a heartbreaking, must see film. It will disturb you and sadden you, but it is remarkable, must see filmmaking and it was a story worth telling the unconventional way Cooper told it. Go see 'Out of the Furnace'.
4.75/5 Stars
- George McCann
Thursday, December 5, 2013
INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS REVIEW
Tonight I was fortunate enough to see an early screening of the Coen Brothers most recent film 'Inside Llewyn Davis'.
'Inside Llewyn Davis' takes us on a journey with a struggling folk singer during the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene. Llewyn Davis is played brilliantly by Oscar Isaac and this film really is Llewyn's story. Llewyn is in literally every scene of the film. A few supporting characters drop in... Jean (played by Carey Mulligan) a woman who Llewyn has a relationship with, as well as Jim (played by Justin Timberlake) Jean's boyfriend and singing partner. Other actors pop up as well in small but important and entertaining roles, such as John Goodman as Roland Turner and F. Murray Abraham as Bud Grossman.
Oscar Isaac plays Llewyn masterfully and to be honest, to say he plays this character isn't fair. Oscar Isaac became this character. He really played the guitar. He really sang the songs. There was no lip syncing and no sound looping with him. This was basically LIVE music put on film, which is rare and is even more rare when it is done well in narrative. Here, it is done masterfully.
The Coen Brothers took us back to the 60s with their beautiful direction and writing. I sat in a time capsule for two hours and loved every second of it. This film is so detailed and filled with a palpable atmosphere. The audience walks in Llewyn's wet shoes when he is on the road. We smell the smoke of the cigarettes in the cafe where he performs. All of us feel his pain as well as his passion.
The story of the film seems very simple. We follow this man, Llewyn, on his travels; but this film is anything but simple. There are tons of little nods to the real folk scene, hidden plot points and character tropes that we (the audience) find and figure out by the end of the film. This movie has tons of themes - family, art, passion, love, drive, perseverance, etc.
I tip my cap to Joel and Ethan Coen because they told a beautiful and relevant story in a non-traditional and unconventional way. The film leaves you wanting more (in a good way) and you think about the film long after you are out of the theater. It helps to have T-Bone Burnett's beautiful music and Bruno Delbonnel's gorgeous cinematography. 'Inside Llewyn Davis' is the one must see film of 2013 and it should bring home some gold come awards time.
I think the best thing I can say about the film is this: it made me think about my life and it made me want to watch it again, immediately after the screening. This is the art of The Coen Brothers. This is why they are so great and so well known and respected in the industry. I implore anyone and everyone to see 'Inside Llewyn Davis'.
5/5 Stars
- George McCann
'Inside Llewyn Davis' takes us on a journey with a struggling folk singer during the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene. Llewyn Davis is played brilliantly by Oscar Isaac and this film really is Llewyn's story. Llewyn is in literally every scene of the film. A few supporting characters drop in... Jean (played by Carey Mulligan) a woman who Llewyn has a relationship with, as well as Jim (played by Justin Timberlake) Jean's boyfriend and singing partner. Other actors pop up as well in small but important and entertaining roles, such as John Goodman as Roland Turner and F. Murray Abraham as Bud Grossman.
Oscar Isaac plays Llewyn masterfully and to be honest, to say he plays this character isn't fair. Oscar Isaac became this character. He really played the guitar. He really sang the songs. There was no lip syncing and no sound looping with him. This was basically LIVE music put on film, which is rare and is even more rare when it is done well in narrative. Here, it is done masterfully.
The Coen Brothers took us back to the 60s with their beautiful direction and writing. I sat in a time capsule for two hours and loved every second of it. This film is so detailed and filled with a palpable atmosphere. The audience walks in Llewyn's wet shoes when he is on the road. We smell the smoke of the cigarettes in the cafe where he performs. All of us feel his pain as well as his passion.
The story of the film seems very simple. We follow this man, Llewyn, on his travels; but this film is anything but simple. There are tons of little nods to the real folk scene, hidden plot points and character tropes that we (the audience) find and figure out by the end of the film. This movie has tons of themes - family, art, passion, love, drive, perseverance, etc.
I tip my cap to Joel and Ethan Coen because they told a beautiful and relevant story in a non-traditional and unconventional way. The film leaves you wanting more (in a good way) and you think about the film long after you are out of the theater. It helps to have T-Bone Burnett's beautiful music and Bruno Delbonnel's gorgeous cinematography. 'Inside Llewyn Davis' is the one must see film of 2013 and it should bring home some gold come awards time.
I think the best thing I can say about the film is this: it made me think about my life and it made me want to watch it again, immediately after the screening. This is the art of The Coen Brothers. This is why they are so great and so well known and respected in the industry. I implore anyone and everyone to see 'Inside Llewyn Davis'.
5/5 Stars
- George McCann
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