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.
Life’s a Breeze
Greed is an interesting thing, one of the seven deadly sins which sometimes brings out the very worst in people. Money is a very attractive motivator and in desperate times, can turn good-natured individuals into devious scoundrels. The Irish dramedy Life’s a Breeze does focus on greed and the unfortunate effect it has on family but it does it in a way that is light and at times, rather farcical. It is a film about family, first and foremost, and how something as material as money can either bring the family together or tear it apart.
Honeymoon
It would appear that the modern horror film is severely lacking this day and age. Loud crashes and found cinema seem to be all the rage since Saw’s ridiculously gruesome torture porn reign is over. Filmmakers seem to be at a loss when it comes to originality when scaring their audiences. Luckily, there is the occasional spark of horror creativity. The latest comes from newcomer director Leigh Janiak who has taken audiences into the woods for what may seem predictable and by-the-numbers but is actually a fresh take on an established setting and popular formula. Honeymoon is a tense and unpredictable horror/thriller which may actually throw you for a loop.
The Quitter
Independent dramedies can be a thing of absolute beauty. Powerful acting contained within the world of a crafty director’s lens, joined in by a script dripping with realism and quirkiness are the film’s most essential ingredients. When these important factors mix, cinematic magic is bound to happen. The Quitter is one such indie that blends all of these ingredients and the results are utterly sublime. It is a romantic dramedy with heart, humor and at times, baseball.
A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY
When it comes to emergency situations, fires rank very high. Blazes damage property, injure people and sometimes, take lives. They are feared by many and are sometimes, uncontrollable and it takes a certain type of personality to combat these terrible forces. Firefighters are the heroes who are called to extinguish the flames and save lives and the new HBO documentary A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY shines a spotlight on the brave individuals, soldiers who go toe to toe with fires, put them out and rescue those in the process.
Unger the Radar 