Author: Irwin

We Steal Secrets – The Story of Wikileaks

Bill I’s Review – 3 out of 5

Bill C would probably rate this higher than I did ’cause he loves documentaries. I just “like” them, and this is an excellent one, but maybe a little long at 130 minutes. It’s very timely (I sat through a panel discussion beforehand) given the Snowden situation going on now, with many parallels to Bradley Manning releasing tons of US government classified documents to Wikileaks, who then partnered with some major new organizations (including the NY Times) to publish the information. I thought this would be a very liberal take on it, lionizing Julian Assange, but it certainly is not that. It’s a very even handed take on all parties, and by the end reinforces my suspicion about Assange’s character, which is that he’s not so honorable (“all information should be free”), and ended up turning into what he was supposedly fighting, namely someone who is not transparent about information that he considers private (sexual assault charges against him). Even his former founders speak against him. Alex Gibney is the talented director/writer and he is a master at telling this story. Most interesting to me is Bradley Manning, whom I knew very little about. You will be shocked when you hear from him. He’s the real hero or villain, and you will wonder how different Assange is from the NY Times. The Times scrutinized and redacted information it deemed dangerous to people’s lives, while Assange did nothing of the sort, although he claimed to have a process – he lied.

This is the End

Bill I’s Review – Nutty out of 5

For some reason I really like to hear and see Seth Rogan, in any film (including Funny People) and in any role (seemingly playing himself in many cases). Same with Jonah Hill and more and more the same with James Franco, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride. Well, with all these guys in this film, including others of that vein such as Aziz Ansari and Michael Cera, I was predisposed to find this movie hilarious…which I DID!!!

I loved it, not expecting much of a meaningful plot, but I was smiling throughout. Emma Watson is a great surprise, along with Channing Tatum and some well hung devils. Don’t read about any of the scenes, just go and enjoy the wackiness.

Oh, I almost forget about Rihanna, playing a version of herself who does not let herself get slapped around.

Bill C’s Review – 4 out of 5

I also loved this movie!  All the actors are playing fictionalized versions of themselves during the rapture.  Luckily they don’t take their persona’s very seriously and they have a great time making fun of their perceived selves.  So much is going on in this movie that I might go back to see it again just to see some of the stuff I missed.

My only criticism is it probably could have been a little shorter and like Pineapple Express got a little too involved with the action instead of just focusing on the comedy at the end.  This is definitely my favorite movie of the summer so far.

IMDB

Rotten Tomatoes

Fans of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (writes of the movie should check out this great interview on the WTF podcast.

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The Great Gatsby

Bill I’s Review – 2.5 out of 5

I almost gave this a slightly better rating, but in retrospect, there’s not much to rave about in this film. It was pleasant to watch, and the story is lifted carefully from the book, but at no point did I get enthralled, surprised, or emotionally invested in the characters. Leo DiCaprio is excellent, Toby McGuire is serviceable, and Carey Mulligan is perfect as Daisy Buchanon. This might have been better as a made for TV movie of the week. The gangster side story was cliche’d, as was the speakeasy and party scenes. Elizabeth Debicki caught my eye as Nick Carraway’s love interest:

Bill C’s Review – 2.5 out of 5

I read this book a very long time ago so I don’t really remember it. The most interesting aspect of this version of The Great Gatsby is the presentation, and not necessarily the story itself.  The movie is directed by Baz Luhrman who is best known for the stye and showmanship that he brings to his films  His best known movie was Moulin Rouge which also had really interesting-looking sets and great use of music.

I agree with Bill that DiCaprio and Mulligan were excellent, although none of the characters were really likeable. Overall this was an OK movie. If you are really into the packaging, you might like this more than we did.

IMDB

Rotten Tomatoes

 

The Hangover Part III

Bill I’s Review – 2.5 out of 5

I rate this somewhat better than Hangover Part II, due to the fact that it’s got a different plot, although the great fun scenes are few and far between. Zach Galifinakas does the heavy lifting, while his buddies basically are there to react to his wackiness. Ken Jeong has a major role, and it’s not so funny. Heather Graham reprises her Vegas hooker with a heart of gold role, which is basically a wasted scene. I enjoyed it nevertheless, but it’s not a very good film.

Peeples

Bill I’s Review – 3 out of 5

A Tyler Perry production that is not typical, with no Medea in sight. It’s like an African American Meet the Parents, similar premise with a hard ass dad meeting his daughter’s beau, although in this case the dad is a super rich, snobby judge with a seemingly perfect family that in reality each member has their own secrets, unveiled as the story progresses. I had a smile throughout. Although the ending is predictable, it’s fun to watch.

Pain and Gain

Bill I’s Review – 3.5 out of 5

What a fun movie! Three muscle heads decide to get rich quick by robbing rich guys, and just make one dumb decision after another. Mark Wahlberg is amazing, and The Rock (Chris Johnson) almost steals the show with his Jesus-loving criminal character. Set in Miami, this could have been lifted from a Carl Hiasson or Elmore Leanord novel, instead it’s based on actual events, which the film reminds you of half-way through. This is remiscient of Goodfellas but without the organized mob or any well thought out plans. Imbeciles with new found money. Loved it!

Trance

Bill I’s Review – 4 out of 5

Reminiscent of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with its subject of memories lost then regained, it’s a crime thriller that keeps you guessing, so I won’t tell even what most reviews expose. James McEvoy superbly plays a high end art auctioneer that has amnesia so he can’t remember where he stashed the $150M Goya painting to avoid it being grabbed during a heist at a Christies like auction. Rosario Dawson is the hynotherapist he hires to delve into his forgotten threads of memory. Vincent Cassell is the lead thief who alternatively appears inscrutable and ultra violent. Rosario is excellent as someone whose voice can hypnotize most men, not to mention her stunning appearance. There’s a jaw dropping scene when she appears to give James exactly what he wants (remember, I won’t give it away); I almost knocked over my Diet Pepsi. The convoluted exposure at the end helps you understand the plot finally, and keeps you talking and thinking as you leave the theatre. Pay attention and you will enjoy!

The Place Beyond the Pines

Bill I’s Review – 4 out of 5

Why the weird title? It’s the translation for Schenectady, the film’s setting. I didn’t learn this until after watching the film, which made me keep wondering where are the pines and what place are they talking about. So, consider this a spoiler that actually improves your viewing experience – no need to waste time wondering about the title. Ryan Gosling kicks this movie off with a terrific sequence of him walking from his trailer at a carnival right into his role as motorcycle rider inside a metal globe along with a couple of others. I will not give away any of the plot other than to say the following:

  • Ryan Gosling is fantastic, compelling to watch as his character both exhibits deep flaws while recognizing, sometimes only minutes after doing something stupid, how he continually makes bad decisions. His humanity shines through and you don’t doubt his sincerity (OK, you might have doubts), while you feel highly skeptical about his chances for a successful life.
  • Eva Mendes makes a startling first impression, appearing as one of the most beautiful figures in cinema that I can recall ever seeing. Pay attention, because she’s not as compelling later on.
  • Bradley Cooper is also terrific, playing a more complicated character than he did in Silver Lining’s Playbook, maybe the best performance of his career.

The film is structured in three parts, with each part’s story line connected to the prior part. Not all parts are equally excellent, but the ending is perfect, and I never got bored for the whole 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Bill C’s Review – 3.5 out of 5

First – thanks to Bill for the info on the title – I’m sure  I would have been distracted the whole time without his explanation.

I liked this movie a lot but not quite as much as Bill.  I agree with Bill that Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper were excellent with Gosling being the hilight (and I was oh so impressed with Goslings high jumping ability in the bank scenes!).  The other performances were great too.  I especially liked Ben Mendelsohn as Gosling’s friend.

While Bill really liked the ending I liked the first 2 segments more than I liked the third.  I found those a lot more interesting and thought the last third was bit contrived to bring the story together and just wasn’t as compelling to me.  And maybe I’m just a little denser as  I didn’t know how to interpret the final scenes (so I couldn’t spoil the ending of this movie if I wanted to).    But this is definitely worth seeing.

IMDB

Rotten Tomatoes

SXSW Films – Irwin’s Reviews

Short reviews of the films I saw at SXSW Film Festival

Drinking Buddies – 3.5 out of 5

Great premise: bunch of guys working at a small craft-beer factory hang out with their one female co-worker, played by Olivia Wilde. For the first 10 minutes, the film portrays Olivia as everyman’s perfect woman: beautiful, easy going, loves joking around including food fights, beer drinking, pool playing at the bar after work, and enticing and loving at home. With a sophisticated Mr. Big type as a boyfriend, Olivia even dresses and leaves after their weeknight fun so she can be home for the morning. What more can a guy want? Well, apparently, not even Olivia’s character is perfect, and complications ensue. I really enjoyed the whole movie, and most of all appreciated it’s avoidance of cliche’s and typical Hollywood plot line. Anna Kendrick is terrific along with Jake Johnson (the latter a beer worker and aforementioned buddy, the former as his girlfriend).

Elena – 3.5 out of 5

Bill C. reviewed this below, and I agree, it’s excellent documentary about a young Brazilian woman who goes to New York City to become an actress. She ends up committing suicide (not a spoiler), and this story tries to undestand what happened. The interesting and unique part of this documentary is that it was produced by Elena’s younger sister, aided by 50 hours of home movies and audition tapes that she was able to uncover, and by her mother’s recollections. In other words, it’s all real, from the scenes of Elena as a 12 year-old singing and dancing in her parents living room, to current day when her mom and sister visit the apartment in NYC where Elena ended up. It’s very touching and artfully done. (not to be confused with another movie called Elena)

Some Girl(s) – 3 out of 5

Young man, about to be wed, decides to conduct an apology tour of his old flames, touring the country, meeting them in his hotel rooms, and confronting why they didn’t work, asking if they “are good”, but apparently not looking for a final fling. Sounds creepy and suspicious, but the film kept my interest by the actors interactions and variety of old girlfriends, one as interesting as the other. Adam Brody is believable as the guy, nice guy on the surface buy maybe not so nice if he left all these women without a proper break-up. Best of the women are Kristen Bell, Mia Maestro, and Zoe Kazan.

The Bounceback – 3.5 out of 5

Set in Austin, 20-somethings try to re-connect with their old loves, and/or find new ones, whichever is easier. Some hysterical scenes, some touching scenes, and plenty of memorable characters, especially Sara Paxton as self-styled slut, who takes no BS from her ex-boyfriend.

The Wait – 1.5 out of 5

I waited, and waited, for something to happen, while Chloe Sevigny’s character waits for her recently deceased mother to come back to life (in the bed she passed away in), and her sister and son go about their wandering ways in the Oregon upscale wooded community. Lots a strange scenes, many of which make no sense. Don’t waste your time.

Maladies – 2 ouf of 5

Going to a film festival movie I don’t have much to go on, certainly no reviews, so I thought I couldn’t go wrong with this film starring James Franco and Catherine Keener. Well, I learn something new every day and boy I needed reminding that while they are terrific actors, a good film needs a good story to be written, and that is not the case here.

Sound City – 3 out of 5

Solid documentary about a sound board – actually about the music studio that houses the board, and the many great artists who created legenday rock music there. Directed and conceived, and funded, by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Nirvana, it’s clearly a labor of love, as it is with his guest musicians, including Paul McCartney, Rick Springfield and John Fogarty.

 

Springbreakers

Bill I’s Review – 2.5 out of 5

I try to have no expectations other than to see a good film, so I was continually waiting for the good part to start while watching Springbreakers. It’s centered on 4 college girls who scrap up enough cash to head down to St. Petersburg for their wild week. Some of the girls are wild already, and the supposedly religious, “innocent” one, played by Selena Gomez, looking about 14 years old, goes along with the others, disregarding being warned by others to watch out for these girls. They partake in the MTV version of Spring Break, with alcohol flowing, bikini tops being dropped, and drugs being smoked and snorted. That’s not enough, so they delve into more extensive wildness “fun”, after meeting a captivating rapper/gangsta, and about that time I realized that the good part is not going to come at all, nor will my enjoyment. The girls and their lives are depressing, to live and to watch, and overall I did not find any redeeming characters to root for or learn anything about. James Franco plays the white gangsta, and it’s a tour de force, and the only memorable portrayal I will remember in a few weeks.