The Tree of Life (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | January 22, 2012 | 1 Comment
5 Stars
The Tree of Life is about a man who has just gotten the news that his brother died. The man, named Jack remembers and reflects on his childhood. When he was a boy he lived in Texas in the 50′s with a mom, a dad, and two younger brothers. The mother says early on in the movie that there are two ways of life: the way of nature and the way of grace. Jack thinks about his memories including his rough relationship with his father, his mother’s niceness, his attitude towards his brothers, and his desire to fit into the world.
If you’re thinking this sounds like your average drama it’s not. The family flashbacks are interspersed with sequences involving dinosaurs, jellyfish, outer space, and the formation of Earth. These breathtaking moments are magical and quite obviously intended to be seen on the big screen. However it’s testament to the power of the director Terrence Malick’s vision that when I watched the movie on an iPad in a bumpy car that I was still completely wowed by, for example, a scene in which the entire universe is created. But although the film could be the most epic independent movie ever made I’ll pause from raving about the special effects for a minute and talk about the actual story.
I was very connected to all the characters because of how great the actors all were. A startlingly mature Brad Pitt and the angel-like Jessica Chaisten are equally fantastic at respectively embodying nature and grace. I was also amazed by the stunning Hunter McCracken in his debut role as the young Jack. There are scenes that are very sad including one in which the Father loses his temper. Pitt is very different than he was in Moneyball. In Moneyball he was a good person in tough situations, but in this film he’s a troubled person in touch situations. I disagree with others that there are scenes that ramble on and I was surprised that I never got bored because I was so fascinated with the story.
I can understand when critics say that they think Malick has made this movie for himself rather than an audience (says ABC radio) but this is the kind of movie that is meant to be discussed and debated. But seriously what is Mike Ward (of Richmond.com) talking about when he says “I admire The Tree of Life – in the same way I admire the white-haired lady in the Guinness Book of World Records with 28-foot fingernails.” With a story this intensely emotional however I found it completleey impossible not to be hooked by this tale of love, family, space, life, and death.
It is very interesting how Malick displays his thoughts bout god and the universe. I think that all the characters are in some way trying to fit in the world or understand what life is about. The reason that Malick has decided to include scenes of dinosaurs is because he shows how different people have different thoughts in different situations for example when the dinosaur decides not to kill the other dinosaur, it’s an example of grace. Both ways of life come with consequences, because nature can make you lonely because you are the only person who has everything they want and grace could make you disappointed that even though you are helping many others you don’t have what you wished. The director’s point is not to decide which is necessarily the right way, but rather for others to decide and form their own opinions.
Amidst all the shots of stars and space is a very personal story about life and death. I suspect this film will become a classic. Many people will have different ideas about it, but when I was done watching it, the idea that was most in my head was this was a truly great film.
My favorite scene is near the end of the movie so I won’t spoil it. It involves people talking about a gun. I like it because of the great performances from Hunter McCracken and Laramie Epler and the scene is also very moving and emotional.
I am not sure who my favorite character is because I didn’t fully agree with any of their beliefs. Also the actors are all equally great so it really is hard to pick. I think Sean Penn was kind of wasted because he didn’t really do anything. I would like to point out that the rising star Jessica Chaisten was good and very different than how she was as Celia Foote in The Help. I also thought Brad Pitt was good and different than how he normally is. I also am guessing McCracken will soon become very popular.
The Tree of Life is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some thematic material, and I agree.
This is one for the best movies of 2011 and it’s truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen. I suggest you see it right away because the cast is great, and the special effects are stunning. This is magical movie making at it’s most magical.
84th Oscars Predictions (Flack’s Predictions)
Posted on | January 22, 2012 | 2 Comments
84th Oscars (for movies that were released in 2011)
This year there will be 5 to 10 films nominated for Best Picture. A film must get 5% of the number 1 votes to qualify. Click here to read the rules announcement. This makes it more confusing to predict the nominees, but join Flack as he predicts the possibilities.
Since the nominations have not been announced yet, I’ll focus on the Best Picture predictions. I have not seen all the films I’ll be talking about, but based on predictions from such resources as Entertainment Weekly, Empire Magazine, the New York Times, my own movie knowledge, and help from other people, I will do my best.
So far I think there are 3 obvious front runners: The Descendants, War Horse, and The Artist. I cannot see the Descendants, but I did see War Horse and The Artist. War Horse is one of my favorite films of the year, but The Artist is pretty good too. Hugo and The Help also have good chances. Predicting the next batch of films is a bit trickier. The way you can tell which are the 5 front runners are for Best Picture when there are more than 5 movies nominated is by comparing them with the movies also nominated for Best Director. This a bit hard obviously because we don’t know which movies will be nominated for Best Direcor so I guess I’ll just have to get those as well. I’m guessing the nominees for Best Director will be Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist), Steven Spielberg (War Horse), Alexander Payne (The Descendants), Martin Scorsese (Hugo), and Tate Taylor (The Help). If there are any more than 5 nominated for Best Picture, I’m guessing they will be The Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris, and Moneyball. If there are 10, the last 2 would probably be blockbusters, like Harry Potter or dramas that got mixed reviews, like The Ides of March.
The Golden Globes can sometimes make predicting the nominees a little easier but only one movie (Slumdog Millionare) in the last seven years has been both the Best Picture winner for the Globes and the Oscars. Also for the Globes there is Best Drama and Best Comedy or Musical instead of one Best Picture like the Oscars. This year it didn’t help much either but as many had predicted The Descendants won Best Drama and The Artist won Best Comedy or Musical. Although War Horse hasn’t fared so well in the awards season I am guessing that the Academy will find it hard to ignore the movie’s emotional epicness and Spielbergian story.
The Help is likely to have Viola Davis win Best Actress and Octvaia Spencer win Best Supporting Actress. Meryl Streep, however could beat Davis and for Best Actor George Clooney for The Descendants is likely to beat Brad Pitt for Moneyball and Jean Dujardin for The Artist. I think that War Horse will also win for Best Cinematography, Musical Score, Adapted Screenplay, and Director as well as Picture. It will probably not win or even be nominated for any of it’s actors but in the past Titanic and The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King (2 of the 3 movies to win 11 Oscars, which is more than any other) didn’t win in any of the acting categories. The 3rd movie was Ben-Hur, which won Best Actor for Charlton Heston and Best Supporting Actor for Hugh Griffith.
I am expecting War Horse to win but things might change. Almost 8 months ago I thought War Horse and The Tree of Life would be the two frontrunners and then in September I thought it would be War Horse against J. Edgar. See, things change. But will The Descendants, with it’s acclaimed script and applauded acting beat War Horse. Or could it be The Artist with it’s unique premise and magical music?
I think Billy Crystal will be a good host because he’s good in Monster’s Inc (Mike) and The Princess Bride (Miracle Max). Many people thought last year’s show with Anne Hathaway and James Franco was horrible but I thought they were just okay. I hope that this year the show can mix funny jokes, silly spoofs, celebrity cameos, great guests, and terrific hosting to excellent effect. If they can they will have succeeded at creating an enjoyable show.
Now I will list 8 movies. I’ve seen all of them except The Descendants and I have put them in order from most likely to win to least likely to win.
And the nominees will probably be…
Here are the top 5 no doubt about it nominees:
1. War Horse: Chance: I think this is the frontrunner. Why: The Academy loves epics and this is just that. Steven Spielberg is likely to win his third Best director award and second Best Picture award for this war adventure film. Other Possible Nominations: Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, Costumes, Editing, Art Direction, and possibly a few others.
Possible Total: 7
2. The Artist: Chance: I think is tied with The Descendants as the second most likely film to win. Why: Fantastic, fun, greatly acted, superbly directed, and sad. This movie is very entertaining and a good bet. Other Possible Nominations:Best Director (Micheal Hazanvicius), Actor (Jean Dujardin), Supporting Actress (Berenice Bejo),Original Screenplay, Original Score, Costumes, Editing, Art Direction, Editing, and possibly a few others.
Possible Total: 10
3. The Descendants: Chance: I think this is tied with The Artist as the second most likely film to win. Why: This George Clooney movie has been favored by many critics. The Academy usually prefers epic dramas rather than independent ones like this but the movie has gotten great reviews so I think it’s still a strong contender. Other Possible Nominations: Best Director (Alexander Payne), Actor (George Clooney), Supporting Actress (Shailene Woodley), Cinematogaphy, and possibly a few others.
Possible Total: 5
4. The Help: Chance: I think this movie probably won’t win but will definitely be nominated. Why: With a great cast and an inspiring story, the movie is a definite nomination. In terms of winning however it’s chances are rather slim. Other Possible Nominations: Best Director (Tate Taylor), Actress (Viola Davis), Supporting Actress(Octavia Spencer), Supporting Actress (Jessica Chaistan), Original Score, Original Song, and possibly a few others.
Possible Total: 7
5. Hugo: Chance: I think this movie will be nominated but not win. Why: Superbly directed and terrifically acted, the film has a good chance. Even though I highly doubt it will win it has gotten stronger buzz after Martin Scorsese won Best Director at the Golden Globes. Other Possible Nominations: Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Visual Effects, Original Score, Costume Design, Cinematography, and possibly a few others.
Possible Total: 6
I’m guessing this year there will be 3 more extra nominees:
6. Midnight in Paris: Chance: I think this movie will be nominated but not win. Why: Woody Allen’s “comeback” film has gotten strong reviews. I disagree with many others that is a frontrunner and I’m betting Tate Taylor (for The Help) will beat Allen for a Best Director nomination. But with a smart script and creative cast this movie will definitely get nominated. Other possible nominations: Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and possible a few others.
Possible Total:3
7. The Tree of Life: Chance: I think this movie will be nominated but not win. Why: The winner of the Cannes Palm D’Or Award, the film has slightly lost it’s momentum from a definite front runner to being a possible possibility. Still Terence Malick could be a possible Best Director nominee and the Visual Effects could get a nod. Other possible nominations: Best Visual Effects and possibly a few others. Possible Total: 2
8. Moneyball: Chance: I think this film will be nominated but not win. Why: Brad Pitt will be no doubt about it be nominated for Best Actor. And the director Bennett Miller could be a surprise nominee. The script and Jonah Hill are also likely. Other possible nominations: Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Best Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill), Best Adapted Screenplay, and possibly a few others.
Possible Total: 4
I doubt there will be any other nominees for Best Picture, so I’m not going to list any more. If there are though I’m guessing they would probably be one of the following: Bridesmaids, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, The Ides of March, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, or the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
The final verdict: So far the race has been narrowed down to 3 top movies, although Hugo and The Help are good options too. The top 3 are in my order: War Horse, The Artist, and The Descendants.
I’ll be back to talk about the nominees (possibly with Flick), after they are announced on Tuesday by Melissa Leo and Colin Firth. In the meantime go buy the amazing book, The Academy Awards®: The Complete Unofficial History — Revised and Up-to-date. It tells you all the winners from 1927 to 2010. Also I cannot wait to watch Wings, the first movie ever to win Best Picture at the Oscars. You can get it on Netflix. The book Oscar Fever is also good but it is different than the other one because it is more of behind the scenes history of the Oscars. I can’t wait until February 26 (the show) but January 24 comes first (nominations announcement.) If you’re impatient go to the website to watch the show’s hilarious trailer and don’t forget to catch up on watching all the actual movies.
Midnight in Paris (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | January 8, 2012 | 4 Comments
4 Stars
Midnight in Paris is set in 2010 and is about Gil Penders, a Hollywood screenwriter who longs to write a great novel. When he travels to Paris with his girlfriend, Inez and is bored with all the parties and dancing, he decides to take a stroll. The clock strikes midnight and Gil is escorted to Paris in the 1920′s and there he meets F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso and more. But as his writing career falters and he realizes he doesn’t have much in common with Inez, he wonders what will happen.
This is the first Woody Allen movie I have ever seen and it’s very entertaining. Owen Wilson leads a great cast and the supporting actors are delightful. Before I saw this movie I read a New York Times article about the famous people Gil meets in the film, so I understood the movie better. If you don’t know anything about Picasso or Fitzgerald you might be a bit bored… But if you do you’ll have a great time! Charming and witty at the sometime, this is a great film.
The story is fun and magical. Woody Allen directs magnificently. In some scenes you really feel like you are in the 1920′s with Gil in Paris. The film has some nice twists and turns and the music is perfect. There is not much depth to the character and it would be interesting if the conversations between Gil and the other writers and artists, were longer but the movie is still a lot of fun. Also it’s interesting to learn about all the famous people.
My favorite character is Gil because it’s interesting when he gets advice from writers. Also Owen Wilson is great at switching from seriousness to silliness effortlessly.
My favorite scene is when Gil talks to Adriana (Marion Cottilard) and tells her the only thing he has in common with his girlfriend, Inez, is that they both like pita bread, and my other favorite is when Gil talks to Salvador Dali (Adrian Brody). I love those scenes because they are both funny.
This movie is rated PG-13 for smoking, drinking, kissing and some romance.
Midnight in Paris is a wonderful movie. Even though its not that complex, it still has a great cast, a marvelous story, excellent music, fun scenes, super direction, nice shots of Paris and hilarious moments.
The Help (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | January 2, 2012 | Add Comments
The Help (Flack’s Review)
5 Stars
The Help tells the story of Skeeter, a young white lady trying to get a job as a writer. She lives in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s and tries to get black maids to share their stories for a book called The Help. Aibileen and Minny, two maids join with Skeeter and begin their controversial journey to try to publish the book and try to change other people’s opinions about colored people. As problems mount they must go against all odds to stay safe, show their opinions, get other maids to also share their stories, and be free.
The Help is an emotional movie that is at the same time sad, enjoyable, funny, and encouraging. Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone lead a great cast. All the actors are excellent and help the movie’s story flow. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Hilly Holbrook. She makes you not like her and in this case that’s good. The ensemble cast works great together and their chemistry is some of the best I have ever seen.
The movie is 146 minutes long but is never boring. The director, Tate Taylor, also wrote the screenplay based on the book by Kathryn Stockett. The story is very interesting and teaches a good moral about not judging books by their covers. It is a little complex but now that I understand it I would like to watch it again.
There are lots of subplots in the story and the last 25 minutes of the movie could have seemed too neatly done. But the cast and crew make sure you feel every emotional moment and you get attached to all the characters. The suspense builds nicely and when one scene is done you are compelled to watch the next scene.
Although the story is a drama there are a few moments of fun comedy including an incident surrounding a pie. All the parts involving Viola Davis are great but the ones meant to be sad and emotional (I cried) stick with you. I also think that the movie’s characters are very well developed. Jessica Chastain as Celia Foote and Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan anchor a strong supporting cast.
It is hard to choose my favorite character because the actors worked together as an ensemble. Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone are magnificent. However for Oscar chances, Viola Davis (for Best Actress) and Octavia Spencer (for Best Supporting Actress) are particularly strong candidates.
My favorite scenes are when all the maids come to Aibileen’s house, when Aibileen talks about her son, the bittersweet ending, and two particularly funny scenes involving pranks. The first scene I listed makes you want to stand up and cheer. The next two I mentioned are very sad and made me cry. The final two I talked about are hilarious.
The movie is rated PG-13 for some thematic material by the MPAA. I rate it PG-13 for complex content, foul language, some brief romance, smoking, drinking and implied violence. However I was not allowed to see one short scene in the film about miscarriage so I cannot completely comment on the rating or the movie. Also I do not know all about the Civil Rights movement to comment on how well it presents history and if it is glorified or not.
I think this film is excellent. The actors are great. The direction is superb. The story is emotional. And the movie is a must see. I look forward to one day reading the book the movie is based on because people have said it is one of the best books ever. This is one of my Top 5 favorite movies of the year. People should see it because it will entertain them and teach them a good lesson at the same time.
The Adventures of Tintin (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | December 30, 2011 | Add Comments
4 stars
The Adventures of Tintin tells the story of a boy reporter named Tintin. He goes on a journey with the drunken Captain Haddock and together they must find a lost ship called the Unicorn. Out to stop them is Sakharine and a gang of criminals. They travel around the globe and go from a massive cargo ship to a burning airplane. But will they unlock the secret of the Unicorn?
Steven Spielberg directs this Indiana Jones-ish animated family film. Compared to War Horse this is nothing. Compared to Alvin and the Chipmunks this is Oscar-worthy. The movie does not have much of a story and one scene involving a pirate battle flashback goes on forever. Even though the scene is essential to the plot it could have been cut shorter. However with the brilliant motion capture animation and some of the funniest scenes of the year, this is a movie you won’t want to miss. The action scenes are dizzingly exciting and the CG is very realistic. Jamie Bell as Tintin isn’t nearly as iconic as Harrison Ford, but he does an O.K. job. Andy Serkis, the master of mo-cap (motion-capture) is memorable as Captain Haddock. Other action movie actors lending their voices to characters include Daniel Craig and Toby Jones.
The animation is some of the best I’ve ever seen and the pace is so relentless that you won’t care that you don’t ever get emotionally attached to any of the characters. The battle scenes are awesome and the mo-cap is miles better than the 2009 Disney A Christmas Carol‘s video game-ish style.
My favorite character is Tintin because he is the classic adventure hero. It’s also cool when he swings into your face in 3-D.
My favorite scene is when Tintin and Captain Haddock battle the bad guys on the boat because it’s one of the most exciting battle scenes of the year. It’s also just very fun to watch in 3-D.
The Adventures of Tintin is exciting and it has great CG mo-cap Animation. It’s a must see in 3-D and there’s a great John Williams score. Sure, it’s nowhere as good as E.T.but it’s still loads of fun. The story’s not great or emotional, but if you think about it Raiders of the Lost Ark’s story wasn’t amazing either. However this movie copies Indiana Jones a little and none of the actors are as iconic as Harrison Ford which means it’s not as great as Indy 1. But if you want an animated movie then this a good one. However early hopes of being nominated for the Best Picture Oscar will soon be diminished. I do think that Spielberg has crafted a movie good enough to definetly win the Best Animated Movie Oscar. Thrilling, hilarious, gorgeous, and with a great opening credits sequence, this a movie that’s fun for the whole family. All those people begging for a Indy sequel that’s as good as the first can watch this movie and have a great time even if this time Spielberg makes the action that’s not gory a bit more important than the story.
The Artist (Flack’s review)
Posted on | December 29, 2011 | Add Comments
4 stars
The Artist tells the story of George Valentin, a silent movie star. One day he literally bumps into a lady named Peppy Miller, and they eventually fall in love. George helps Peppy become a star. She moves from bit parts to title roles. When talkies come Valentin quits making movies because he only likes silent movies. However everyone likes Peppy’s movies, which means the two of them are now at odds with each other. Will they ever love each other again and will George accept the talkies? Find out in The Artist, a black and white new movie that’s mostly silent.
The Artist is a delightful little movie that will make you sad and possibly laugh at the same time. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo are joyfully charming as George and Peppy, and Uggie, the dog, provides hilarious comic relief. The movie’s mix of serious and funny tones doesn’t always quite work but the love letter to cinema aspect succeeds brilliantly. The scenes in which sound effects are used become heavily distracting and they really take you out of the time era in which the movie is set in. However the last scene uses sound brilliantly helping show the transformation of George. Some parts in the middle also go on a bit too long but that powerhouse of a finale will make you not care.
The movie is filled with funny moments and there’s a surprising twist ending. The black and white cinematography is also nice. There’s also a dazzling dance sequence later on. I was a little disappointed with the movie because of all the hype. It’s enjoyable but not “best picture winning worthy”. Also if you don’t know about movie history you won’t enjoy this film as much. Luckily if you do, you’ll have a delightful time. Even if you don’t know movie history you’ll be moved by the final scene.
My favorite character is George Valentin because he goes through a transformation in the story. Jean Dujardin does a good job using facial expressions to play the character effectively.
My favorite scenes are the last two. It’ll make you happy and even want to dance in the dazzling dance finale.
This movie is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for a crude gesture and a disturbing image. I would rate it PG for tragic scenes and a disturbing image.
The Artist is a more serious version of Singing in the Rain. It might drag a little but overall it’s a delightful love letter to movies. Plus it has a musical score to rival War Horse’s John Williams soundtrack.
War Horse (Flack’s Review)
Posted on | December 26, 2011 | 1 Comment
War Horse (Flack’s Review)
5 Stars
War Horse is about Albert and his beloved horse named Joey. Joey is taken off to World War 1 but sadly,Albert is too young to join. Many lives are touched as the miraculous horse goes through various yet kind owners. Eventually Albert is allowed too enlist but amidst the horrors of war the two wonder if they’ll ever see each other again.
The latest film from Steven Spielberg came out yesterday and it will be a classic that won’t be forgotten. I had high expectations. I’d read the great book by Micheal Morpurgo and I’d seen the Tony- winning Broadway play. However nothing can prepare you for the stunning ride Spielberg takes you on. Both visually dazzling and emotionally powerful, this movie is excellent. This is the first non fantasy or action movie directed by Steven Spielberg I’ve ever seen. And boy, is it just wonderful.
Although it will definitely be remembered as a modern classic it seems as though the movie could have been made in the 50′s. One of the final shots looks just like Lawrence of Arabia and the epic battle scenes seem nicely old fashioned. Jeremy Irvine in his big screen debut is only in about less than half the film yet still delivers an Oscar worthy turn. Everyone else is great especially Tom Hiddelston. He was rather mediocre as Loki, the villain in Thor but makes you really care for him when he plays Captain Nicholls here. The score by John Williams is his best since the Jurrassic Park theme, back in 1993,19 years ago. Januz Kaminski’s cinematography especially captures the war battle scenes nicely.
Many of the scenes are very memorable including a long battle scene involving gas bombs and No Man’s Land. I would however be lying if I didn’t say that the middle was a bit too long but I do disagree with most other critics who thought that the beginning was boring. The scenes in which Albert and Joey must work together to plow the field is exciting,suspenseful, and eventually very cheerful. In fact, the only part of the film that should be cut out is when Joey is pulling the tanks, a sequence that comes two quarters of the way through. Other than that however I couldn’t have wished for a more Spielbergianly emotional movie that has both jump out of your seat and cheer parts as well as sad and gloomy yet epic war sequences.
My favorite scene is at the end of the film(SPOILER-FREE!!!) It involves a hospital and I absolutely love it because it’s one of those times when you want to just scream yay.
My favorite character is Joey because of how compassionate he is. I also think the horses playing him is pretty brave.
This movie is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of war violence and I definitely agree. It’s good for kids ten and up.
If this movie wins the Best Picture Oscar (which I hope and think it will) it will be the second time in the row that I’ve seen the winner, after The King’s Speech in 2010. This movie is a must-see. You’ll walk out of the movie theater with a smile on your face, a tear in your eye, and the feeling in your heart that Steven Spielberg has created a masterpiece.
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