For this week’s review, I took a recommendation from my cousins when I visited them on my spring break trip to Florida (which was much needed and way too short). When I saw them at Christmas and they said that Big Hero 6 wasn’t just for little kids and they were fully entertained, I was a little skeptical. However, their constant praise of the movie was able to influence me, and I couldn’t believe how well the film could combine so many emotions perfectly.

When the audience is first introduced to Hiro Hamada, the fourteen year old protagonist of Big Hero 6, we see his lifestyle of competing in illegal bot fighting in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. Worried that Hiro will is wasting his brilliance and talent, older brother Tadashi shows Hiro the robotics center at the university and his own project, Baymax, a “personal healthcare companion.” Hiro is impressed with the robotics work, and vows to be accepted to the school. He creates microbots, tiny robots controlled through brain waves, that configured into any arrangement possible, which fully impresses Professor Callaghan, the head of the robotics program. Hiro is instantly accepted to the university, but his ecstasy is destroyed when Tadashi and Callaghan are killed in a fire at the university.

After months of seclusion and depression, Hiro accidentally activates Baymax and becomes annoyed with his constant attention to Hiro’s condition. However, Hiro and Baymax are drawn to a warehouse after one of Hiro’s microbots, believed to be destroyed in the fire, acts strangely. At the warehouse, Hiro discovers a masked figure mass-producing microbots and using them for his own purpose. Angry that someone has stolen his idea, Hiro programs Baymax with a battle chip and builds him a suit of armor. Hoping to stop the masked man from ruling the world with the microbots, Hiro also designs super powers for Tadashi’s friends (Wasabi, Fred, Honey Lemon, and GoGo), and the six become a team that attempts to stop evil.

The film works well in portraying Hiro’s emotions through the screen, making the audience feel exactly what he is going through. Whether it be anguish over losing a loved one, excitement of finding a new friend, or anger over someone stealing our idea, the audience relates to Hiro’s adventure and feels the same emotions. One of the main components of the film is the relationship between Hiro and Baymax. Even though Baymax is a robot (an inflatable, lovable one that resembles a marshmallow), he becomes a protector and dear friend to Hiro who helps him to cope with Tadashi’s death. The pair become a formidable team, and Baymax is effective in helping Hiro to heal from his sorrow.

The combination of so many elements of the movie is blended together so well that the film can appeal to any audience. The action scenes resemble those of other superhero movies (it should since Big Hero 6 is a Marvel property). You will probably find yourself crying or teary-eyed at least one time during the movie, which speaks to the ability of the movie to create characters we truly care for. The lighthearted humor, especially Baymax’s inability to understand human interactions, will be sure to make you laugh and love Baymax’s personality.

Overall, I thought Big Hero 6 was a great superhero movie that truly has a heart and has a sincere message of friendship helping us through our darkest times. After this movie, I have a feeling that you will want to have your own Baymax to be your companion. I give the film 4.5 stars out of 5.

Images by Walt Disney Pictures.

For this week’s review, I decided to go back to 1993, the year where Bill Clinton began his presidency, Beanie Babies were first sold to children all over the world, and the film Philadelphia was released. As one of the first mainstream Hollywood films that dealt with the HIV/AIDS epidemic and homosexuality, it carved a path for public discussion into the subject matter.

Philadelphia tells the story of Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a promising young lawyer that has quickly risen in his law firm, even while concealing his sexuality and AIDS diagnosis. After a meeting with the partners of his law firm, led by Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards), Andrew is assigned the firm’s most important case and works diligently to finish the paperwork. Even though one of the partners notices a lesion on his forehead and he works from home due to his illness, he completes the paperwork only to have it mysteriously vanish the next day. Andrew is fired the next day for incompetence, but he begins to question the validity of his firing and believes he was sabotaged. After unsuccessful attempts to find an attorney to take on his wrongful termination lawsuit, he turns to personal injury lawyer Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), who initially refuses Andrew’s request due to his homophobic and mysophobic (afraid of germs) tendencies. However, after reevaluating his own beliefs and witnessing the discrimination directed towards Andrew, Joe takes on the case.

Throughout the trial, Joe attempts to show the jury that the partners fully knew about Andrew’s disease, and in a state of panic and discrimination, fired him. The defense, led by attorney Belinda Conine (Many Steenburgen), use the argument that Andrew’s firing was solely based on his work performance, and his illness was his own fault due to his sexual orientation. The trial proves to be some of the riveting moments in the film, as the audience notices Andrew’s declining health in the face of fighting for justice. While we are introduced to new arguments in the case, as well as intense questioning, the trial also reveals some of the common stereotypes surrounding homosexuals and AIDS in the early 90s.

Hanks (one of my favorite actors) is mesmerizing as Andrew, fully embodying the true devastation that AIDS can bring to the body. He delivers a performance full of emotion and strength, summoning the desires of the gay community that wants to be acknowledged equally in society. While Hanks displays true heroism in a great role (he won his first Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal as Andrew), it’s Washington’s character that undergoes the greatest personal transformation throughout the film. He portrays the conflicted Joe with courage and sensitivity, allowing the hardened shell of the character that initially disregards Andrew’s request to becoming his greatest ally. The relationship between the two is magnified, allowing Joe to see a different side of life from his conventional family views. The two form a strong team and friendship, even as Joe battles with his beliefs to learn to accept Andrew for his true self.

One of my favorite aspects of the film is the camera work during lines of dialogue. During many scenes of conversation, the characters look directly into the camera, appearing that they are speaking directly to you. I like this aspect of the film, as the audience is fully able to become engrossed in the film and understand its subject matter. I think the directing of the film, led by Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs, a personal favorite), helps bring out the emotion of the movie, focusing on Andrew’s difficult path for acceptance and justice.

Overall, I thought Philadelphia fully brought out the importance for equal rights for gays, and still proves to be a turning point in the increased push for gay rights in the country. Even though the film has some flaws and reveals some bias towards characters, it still resonates with those fighting for acceptance in society without fear of judgment. I give the film 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Images by TriStar Pictures.

For this week’s review, I decided to watch a film that has been regarded as one of the best of the year and won 4 Oscars this past Sunday, including Best Cinematography, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director for Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, and Best Picture: Birdman. While the title implies a superhero movie with action and special effects, the film is an intelligent piece of cinema that satirizes the entertainment industry while boasting beautiful cinematography and acting.

Birdman, or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) follows the story of Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a struggling and washed-up actor known for his role as the superhero Birdman in three blockbuster films decades earlier. While Riggan attempts to move past his Birdman character, he consistently hears his voice and is tormented by his messages. The audience meets Riggan as he is rehearsing for a Broadway play that he is writing, directing, and starring in, hoping to reinvent himself and bring his career back to the heights of his Birdman days. He instantly encounters conflict as one of his actors is severely injured by a stage light, causing him and his producer/lawyer (Zach Galifianakis) to search for a new actor. They are able to land Mike Shiner (Edward Norton), a serious but well respected theater actor that Riggan believes will help his show. However, Mike’s actions backstage and during the show previews jeopardize the play from being released to the public.

With Riggan’s play on the verge of collapse because of Mike stealing his thunder, his struggling actresses (Naomi Watts and Andrea Riseborough), and his addict daughter Sam (Emma Stone) not supporting his dream, he maintains doubts about whether his comeback can be complete. This leads to Birdman being a strong influence in his mind, causing him to lose his mind and hallucinate about his powers. Even though Riggan’s life is falling apart, he finds his best skill and uses this to save his play.

Before watching Birdman, I had heard about the rave reviews of how this movie was one of the best of the year, and it did not disappoint. The acting in this movie was superb, truly altering themselves to meet the requirements of the character. Norton is volatile and cocky as Mike, but proves his depth by taking over the stage. There is a particular scene in the beginning where he and Riggan are rehearsing lines, causing the two to bring out the best in each other by their anger and hunger for power. In this scene, we are reassured that Norton gives his all to mold Mike into one of the main antagonists to Riggan’s success. While Stone is minor, she plays Sam with maturity and fire, able to embody her troubled character. The real star of the film is Keaton, who delivers one of the best performances of the year. He easily blends humor, frustration, and insanity, turning Riggan’s troubled hero mentality into chaos. He channels an inside desire to succeed and reflects Riggan’s pursuit of a comeback. It appears he was made for the role, as he also was part of a successful superhero (Batman) and is looking for a comeback. His complex approach to the character assists in the quality of the film.

While the characters (most of which are highly developed) aid in the story, the film flourishes on its visual appeal. The cinematography is creative and beautiful, creating new angles that bring out different aspects of the characters’ egos. The editing makes the film appear as one continuous shot, a bold strategy that pays off and crafts a unique viewing experience. There are aspects of the film that seem impossible to achieve in one shot, adding to the brilliance of the film. Some of Riggan’s “powers” are truly spectacular to witness, and you will be left wondering how the filmmakers were able to create these effects. The film also occurs mainly in the theater, allowing the audience to see inside the tumultuous world of Broadway.

Overall, I thought Birdman was a masterpiece in filmmaking and will be drawn upon for years. Everything from the cast, to the script, to the cinematography, was exquisite, and aspiring filmmakers should watch this film to see how to truly create art. The themes of glory and success are clear throughout the film, indicating that our own rise in society can be ruthless. I give the film 5 stars.

Images by Fox Searchlight.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day last weekend, this week’s review will be on (500) Days of Summer, because romantic comedies are what Valentine’s Day (if you bring up The Notebook I might flip). While I didn’t have a Valentine to share it with, I watched it with some of good friends (which I guess equals out?) Anyways, I was actually impressed by the movie and could actually recommend it to guys without feeling weird (probably a little judgment towards me, but I’ll get over it.)

(500) Days of Summer follows Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a greeting card writer that previously studied to be an architect, as he pursues a romance with Summer (Zooey Deschanel), the new assistant to his boss. Tom is attracted to Summer and develops a crush, but he conceals his feelings for her to avoid embarrassment. After the office decides to have a company karaoke night at the local bar, Tom’s coworker drunkenly tells Summer about Tom’s feelings for her, which catches her off guard. However, she begins to become fond of Tom, and the two begin a relationship. While Tom begins to fall deeply for her, Summer only enjoys his company, not wanting a boyfriend and not believing in true love.

While the two are intimate and continue to maintain a steady relationship, Summer gradually loses interest in Tom, leaving him feeling empty. Summer officially ends the relationship after the two watch The Graduate, which Summer is emotionally moved while Tom is unaffected by the outcome of the movie. Although Tom doesn’t care for the movie, the breakup lands him in a deep depression, costing him his position at work and affecting his social life. Tom and Summer meet months later at a wedding for a coworker, and their connection appears to resume, leaving Tom optimistic that he and Summer can work out their differences and become intimate again.

I don’t want to reveal too much more, as I believe it will ruin the rest of the movie for you guys. On the other hand, the quote by the narrator at the beginning of the movie saying this is “not a love story” should be remembered.

The movie is presented in a nonlinear format, with the first scene of the movie being Tom’s response to the breakup. While the audience already can tell how the movie will go, I think that it works for the film, as we are able to work from the start and see how Summer has slowly affected his life. The repetition of certain images throughout the film emphasizes how Tom views Summer as perfect, even if she has different ideas about their relationship. I also liked the fact that every day of the 500 days was presented to the audience before the scene begins, giving us an idea of what stage of the relationship we are viewing.

I thought the performances added to the quality of the movie, making it more relatable and emotional than a typical romantic comedy. Tom’s lovestruck personality mirrors anyone who has deep feelings for a certain person, only to have them crushed. Deschanel plays Summer with great energy and spirit, disregarding the social norms for women and wanting to pursue her own life. The two on screen seem perfect for each other, having great chemistry throughout even if their relationship hits rough patches. The movie is not a typical romantic comedy, but it strikes a chord with those that have experienced the highs and lows of romance.

Overall, I thought (500) Days of Summer was a break from the romantic comedy mold, infusing it with more energy and relevance to real life than the melodramatic and unrealistic expectations that accompany certain romantic comedies. The movie sets the standard for a new breed of films to come, and will be remembered by this generation as our great romantic comedy. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Images by Fox Searchlight

For this week’s review, I decided to change up my current trend of discussing new releases and look back to a classic film. Upon request my a fellow commenter (thanks Greg), I watched the 1980 comedy film Airplane!, considered by many to be one of the greatest comedies ever made. While I was aware of the comedic gold and influence that Airplane! has had on society, I wanted to truly experience what made the movie so iconic.

Airplane! follows the antics that occur on a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, including everyone from the pilots, stewardesses, and passengers. While the audience follows the stories of the multiple characters, each with their own distinctive scenes, a source of plot development comes from the romance between Ted and Elaine. The movie starts with Elaine leaving Ted for her stewardess position on the central flight in the film, forcing Ted to go after her and buy a ticket on her plane. Throughout the film, it is revealed how the two met when Ted was serving in the “war”, complete with Saturday Night Fever references when the two begin to dance and fall in love. The relationship begins to crumble when Ted becomes traumatized by his actions in the war, influencing Elaine to leave Ted for his own good.

While the relationship is historicized on the screen (and Ted’s story “victims” become suicidal listening to him), the flight begins to become crazier. After many of the passengers experience food poisoning from eating fish for dinner, the concern on board the plane begins to escalate, culminating in the pilots to pass out from their illness and leaving the plane unmanned. Even though he has his doubts about his flying ability, Ted is now the only one to take control of the plane and ensure it lands safely for the sick passengers.

Although the film has a very uneven plot, the success of the film depends on the quality of the humor and the zany nature that the jokes are delivered. Even as it spoofs the disaster films that were popular in the 1970s, it stands alone as a true comedic masterpiece. The jokes come rapidly, and if you are laughing from one you might miss the next one coming at you. While some older comedies may have outdated jokes and humor that audiences wouldn’t appreciate today, Airplane! delivers its material that is still funny today, and widely used in other movies and television shows.

Another strength of the movie comes from its perfect casting, as the characters fully sell the wacky nature of the film with sharp wit. I was surprised to see Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, in the height of his basketball career, take part in the film, but he sells it as a copilot who may or may not be the actual Abdul-Jabaar. One of my favorite characters in the film is Dr. Rumack, played perfectly by comedy legend and spoof movie expert Leslie Nielsen. While his character should be concerned with the lives of the passengers on board, his behavior detracts him from his profession and uses his skills hilariously. The diversity of the characters also adds to the humor, each presenting flaws that create great comedy.

Overall, I thought Airplane! was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, and I can definitely see how it became engrained in American comedy. Although you may never have to speak “jive”, have multiple people tell you to “get a hold of yourself”, or be on a plane with “Otto” pilot, it’s not hard to appreciate what this movie has done for our comedic landscape. This is the movie that the Scary Movie franchise wishes it was. I give the movie 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Images by Paramount Pictures.

Before you read this review, I want you all to think about the harshest and cruelest person you know. Whether it be a tough coach, mean teacher, or that popular kid that insults you for no reason, we all know that horrible person. They are nothing compared to Terrence Fletcher, the sadistic and fearsome jazz conductor in Whiplash.

Whiplash tells the story of Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller), an aspiring drummer who is in his first year at the Shaffer Conservatory, a prestigious music school known for its jazz performers. Andrew wants to be one of the great drummers, drawing inspiration from prominent jazz drummers like Buddy Rich. After his talent is noticed by Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), Andrew is recruited to join Fletcher’s jazz ensemble, the top group in Shaffer. Even though Andrew is excited to perform under Fletcher, he quickly notices his wrath and rage towards his students that don’t live up to expectations. Andrew is also subject to this rage in his first practice, as he is physically and emotionally abused by Fletcher after he fails to match his tempo.

This experience begins to take its toll on Andrew, causing him to dedicate his entire life towards his goal of meeting Fletcher’s expectations. He breaks up with his new girlfriend, he becomes more distant from his father, and he becomes less sociable. He commits to his drumming through blood, sweat, and tears, fueled by his love for jazz and his disdain for Fletcher. While Andrew transforms from wide-eyed student to angered musician, Fletcher continues to use his tactics to psychologically berate Andrew. The movie builds to an ultimate confrontation, where Andrew is pushed to his limit and makes his feelings known towards Fletcher.

Whiplash is one of those films that entertains and causes you to become interested in a new topic. While I was familiar with jazz music, the heavy usage of the terminology and music opened me up to this art form in a new way. I played the drums for my school band in middle school, and I couldn’t imagine being in a group of talented players.

I thought the film was very well done, from the performances of Teller and Simmons, to the directing style of Damien Chazelle. Chazelle, who also wrote the great script, is able to represent the tension of the scenes between Teller and Simmons with great clarity through his camera choices, including numerous closeups. The rehearsal scenes maintain an orange tint, expressing the fire that Fletcher maintains for perfection. Chazelle’s script and style keeps the film moving at a steady pace, never stalling or quickly moving along. In jazz terms, the film is never “dragging” or “rushing”.

The true strength of the film comes from Teller and Simmons, who give some of the best performances of their respective careers. Teller portrays Andrew with intensity and grit, transforming over the course of the film to become a drummer driven by hatred. While Teller is great, Simmons steals the show in one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. He becomes a monster on stage, pushing his students to their sanity limits while maintaining a menacing and abusive mindset. He carries the film throughout, ensuring that his harsh influence is present even when he is not shown on screen. Simmons deserves an Oscar for his role, creating a character so frightening and powerful that it seems real.

Overall, I thought Whiplash was phenomenal, revealing the human drive to be the greatest and to overcome ruthless power. I give the film 5 stars.

Images by Sony Pictures Classics

For my first film review, I decided to discuss a movie I watched a couple weeks that still makes me think and entertained me. Gone Girl, based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn, is dark, full of twists (I won’t reveal spoilers), and carried by a breakout performance by Rosamund Pike, who deserves to be recognized for her work as the calculating and psychopathic Amy Elliott-Dunne.

Gone Girl follows the events surrounding Amy’s disappearance on her five year wedding anniversary to her husband Nick (Ben Affleck). After Nick goes to the bar he owns with his twin sister Margo, he returns to find his house has been broken into, with a broken coffee table and blood splattered across the kitchen. Amy’s disappearance gains national attention, as she is the inspiration for her parents’ successful Amazing Amy series of children’s books. While the press is focused on Nick, his actions during press conferences and public events for Amy is heavily criticized. This causes the suspicion to turn to Nick, who appears sociopathic and lacking concern for his missing wife.

As the events play out, we also witness flashbacks of Nick and Amy’s relationship, as told by Amy’s diary entries. While their relationship starts off well as lovers in New York City, Amy reveals that their marriage has begun to disintegrate. The two both lost their jobs in the recession, they become increasingly distant, and the couple move to Nick’s Missouri hometown to care for his sick mother. Once in Missouri, the pair have lost interest in each other, and Nick’s aggressive behavior is revealed in a fearful entry from Amy. This, along with evidence of the couple’s financial troubles, Nick’s lack knowledge of Amy’s social life, and a suspicious crime scene, causes Nick to become the prime suspect in Amy’s disappearance.

The film continues to explore Nick’s disruption due to Amy’s disappearance. Nick sets out to find the truth behind Amy, reaching out to her ex-boyfriend Desi (Neil Patrick Harris, in a creepy role) and hiring defense attorney Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry). As Nick searches for answers, he realizes he has little time to repair his image and discover where his wife has gone.

I thoroughly enjoyed Gone Girl, especially on its analysis of the news media and David Fincher’s direction. The film draws us into this twisted world, with dark lighting and unforgiving characters. Fincher, who also directed such films as Fight Club and The Social Network, adapts the novel into his bleak vision, allowing the audience to feel the tension and suspense of the story. The media’s fixation on Nick’s every moment reveals flaws in our own society, quick to assume and reach conclusions based on little evidence. The commentary on this issue, including a Nancy Grace impersonator, increases the magnitude of the plot.

It is Pike’s performance, however, that still resonates in my mind. She delivers her role as Amy with intelligence and a sense of insanity, able to portray the scorned and vengeful nature of the character. Pike makes us initially feel disdain for Nick, but her actions reveal the attempts to correct the wrongs done to her. With her blank stares and borderline bipolar personality, she has caused a new generation of men to think twice about the woman they are planning on marrying. Pike is Oscar worthy as Amy, and I hope that she comes away with the win.

Overall, I thought Gone Girl was a thrilling, twisting, and ominous experience. I wish I would have read the book before hand, but I still thought the story carried through beautifully. I give Gone Girl 4.5 out of 5.

Any suggestions for movies? Leave a comment.

Images by Twentieth Century Fox.