Throughout history, there have been those who have instilled change and promote progress. Individuals such as these are often seen as heroes and their efforts to better things don’t go unnoticed. Simon Bolivar is one such individual and his political and military endeavors are the stuff of legends. The latest film The Liberator is an epic biodrama that highlights Bolivar’s life and his valiant efforts which made a significant historical impact on Latin America. It is a big budget biography with high ambitions and an even higher production cost.
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The Little Tin Man
Little people are often overlooked in films. Sadly, those who are smaller are looked upon as inferior and unimportant. That is a highly ignorant point of view but that ignorance is combated in the latest quirky dramedy The Little Tin Man. It is a story about a man who is anything but inferior and the film raises awareness of little people and makes them as human as the next person. The film is sweet, touching, heartbreaking and downright funny.
Pride
The issue of gay rights has always been a controversial one. Homosexuality and same-sex marriage are sadly seen by some as taboo and unacceptable. Thankfully, today the stigma has melted away significantly but in the 1980s, gay people were seen in a less favorable light. The new British dramedy Prime tackles the issue of gay rights in a way that isn’t just lighthearted and funny but inspirational and truly meaningful. All of the cinematic elements come together here to form a film that audiences gay and straight will find charming and downright great.
Days and Nights
When attempting to achieve artistic greatness, filmmakers (or auteurs) as they are often described as or want to be described as, there are varying opinions when these directors try to pass off their work as “brilliant”. Art is a highly subjective thing and when a film like Days and Nights is made and features strong themes, decent acting and a script full of pretentiousness, questions may arise and confusion runs rampant. That confusion stems from the fact that all of the actors including writer/director/actor Christian Camargo (Dexter, The Hurt Locker) believe that this film is high art. It sadly is not and it tries so hard to be.
Good People
They say money is the root of all evil and on occasion, it is but in some instances, it can be very necessary and used for good. In the new gritty thriller Good People, human nature and ethics are examined when money becomes the source of a major story conflict. The film benefits not only from a taut script but from a strong central cast. James Franco, Kate Hudson, Tom Wilkinson and Omar Sy elevate the film to great heights and it is a movie that is both subtle and suspenseful, drawing the audience in with its clever plot and fine performances.
Not Cool
In recent years, the teen sex comedy has become close to extinct. Quality writing and memorable performances in this genre have decreased and the much of the cinematic output been restricted to direct-to-DVD garbage and late night cable/Netflix fodder. Not Cool sadly follows in this vein and attempts to recreate some of the comedic magic and allure of American Pie and even Superbad but it is a lackluster attempt at best. Sure, there are a few decent jokes scattered throughout and the story is a tried and true formula of romantic complication but it is a film that tries way too hard with very little payoff.
This Is Where I Leave You
The family dramedy is a tried and true example of quality modern day cinema. Conflicts among relatives can make for some truly interesting storytelling. Fighting can often test the bond of even the closest of family units and the latest film This Is Where I Leave You is a prime example of that. The film has an ensemble cast full of Hollywood comedic A-listers and a screenplay rife with sharp wit, realism and plenty of heart. It is a film perfect for both those craving pure escapism and at the same time, those seeking a movie which is devastatingly authentic and may hit close to home.
The Zero Theorem
Terry Gilliam is a filmmaker who possesses what seems to be a truly unlimited imagination. His science fiction and fantasy films over the years have been the stuff of legends. The worlds he creates are vivid, weird and downright beautiful. The man has been dazzling audiences since the 1960s with his work with the comedy group “Monty Python” and with his bizarre yet gorgeous directorial efforts. His latest film The Zero Theorem continues in that vein of offbeat cinematic output and while it is a work full of the filmmaker’s signature quirks and unique style, it might detract casual moviegoers.
A Walk Among the Tombstones
When one thinks of Liam Neeson, one thinks of revenge-fueled action cinema. Since 2008, the rugged actor has firmly cemented himself as the aging master of hand-to-hand combat and an expert at handling firearms. Taken was the film which got the ball rolling and that ball continues to roll with the Irish actor’s latest action/thriller A Walk Among the Tombstones. The film is more or less, your standard Neeson fare but with a few twists that keep things interesting. The body count isn’t too high as the film tends to focus more on story and the somewhat interesting mystery. Nevertheless, it is an average popcorn picture which will be sure to entertain even those who aren’t the biggest supporters of Neeson.
Tracks
Spiritual journeys are the usual basis for many a movie. Everyone at some point or another asks the important questions and seeks the answers that usually can’t be answered. That quest for knowledge is what keeps us going and it normally provides for some rather thrilling cinema. Tracks is the true story of one such person, a young woman who basically picks up and ventures out where it is basically only her facing the sometimes harsh elements of nature and the darkness of the great unknown.
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