Nebraska

If there was ever a film made this past year that captured the feeling of small town Americana it is “Nebraska.”

An elderly, alcoholic father, Woody, (Bruce Dern) sets out on a road trip to claim a supposed prize with his doting son, David (Will Forte). From Billings, Mont. to Lincoln, Neb. the pair runs across decades full of greed and disrespect. The mere notion of a one million dollar prize seems to give family and old friends the excuse to take a piece.

The film takes a very tender approach to life in a small town and touches very deeply on the aging process. Dern plays a man who is riddled by the plague of being “too nice.” Woody has been taken advantage of his whole life by those closest to him and this is only amplified by the thought of his impending fortune.

While his wife, Kate (played by the feisty June Squibb) and son protest the journey, Woody makes it a mission to seek out his prize money, albeit only wanting the money for a new air compressor and truck that he wouldn’t be able to drive. In one of the most touching moments in the film, David asks a broken-down Woody why he wants this money so bad. In a revelation so simple and so poignant, Woody divulges that he just wants to be able to leave his son something.

Love plays a prolific role in this movie. Whether it be the strained bond between father and son or the more complex relationship between husband and wife, Woody learns that those closest to him have his best interest at heart. Though his wife may be a spit-fire, always inserting her blatant opinion into every scene, their love is shown stripped down in one particular hospital scene. As Kate begins to leave her husband’s hospital room she bends down to straighten his hair and gives him a gentle kiss on the check. And in one gesture, the relationship that seemed strained after so many years lightens and we see why the two have stuck together for so long.

The black and white portrayal of this story sends a strong message. There are good and bad in this world, people who will be there for you through the troubled times and those who will swoop in when you’re at the height of your success. In life there are few who you can fully trust, but in the end the good guy shall prevail.

Take This Waltz

Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine) plays the lead in “Take This Waltz” as a restless housewife dealing with a messy love triangle. Living what appears to be an ideal life with a loving husband (the lovable Seth Rogen), Margot (Williams) seems devoted until a handsome new neighbor (Luke Kirby) comes on the scene.  Although the playful marriage she shares with Lou reflects a friendship that evolved into a life together, Margot wants some more passion than a five-year marriage has to offer. Enter the hot new artist next door.

Steamy glances and flirting ensues. Williams is incredibly convincing as a wife in the midst of an emotional struggle. Should she stay in a relationship with her husband or have an affair with the newcomer who literally describes how he would ravish her?

The movie becomes pro-longed and slows as the viewer waits for the decision. Although the premise could be relatable, the audience soon tires of the desperate longing of Margot. By the time she makes her life-changing decision the audience is weary and feels sorrier for Lou.

The most surprising performance in this film comes from Sarah Silverman who plays Lou’s sister, Geraldine. As a recovering alcoholic the comic relief and the most cathartic moments of the strenuous plot come from her. Towards the end of the film Geraldine has a discussion with Margot regarding her choice, saying that there are always gaps in life but she shouldn’t go around trying to fill them with just anything and everything.

If this film makes a statement it is about the acceptance of one’s life and the gravity of making such a choice. The conclusion doesn’t wrap up all the loose ends or whether Margot will definitely stay with the decision she has made. But life doesn’t always have a clean ending either, does it?

Mud

Set in the backwoods of a Mississippi River town, “Mud” explores a variety of issues including friendship, lost love and disturbing truths.

Matthew McConaughey (“Magic Mike”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”) gives one of the strongest performances of his career as the title character. Hiding out on an island in the middle of the Mississipi, Mud is discovered by best friends Ellis (the incredible Tye Sheriden) and Neckbone.  Cautiously the boys befriend him before finding out the crushing reality of why he is hiding out supposedly waiting for his self-proclaimed true love Juniper (played by the incomparable Reese Witherspoon).

The film intertwines the airy idealism of love conquering all before melding into the harsh truth of the real world. It’s heartwarming and surprisingly upbeat despite the consequences of some brutal actions endured by Mud and the posse tracking him down to exact revenge. 

Through it all, “Mud” shows the better, moralistic side of life. McConaughey plays a character that believes in love and respect. Although this belief is evident in his actions, the extremism in which they are portrayed suggests a broken man who only wanted to be with the woman he loves. After this ideal is shattered and the reality is suddenly clear to him, Mud begins the lovable act of protecting his new friends, at any cost. This comes at a risk to him and the boys, but through it all the friendship endures and almost makes this film an adaptation of “Stand by Me” or “A River Runs Through It”.

With outstanding performances by all involved, “Mud” shows a peaceful portrayal of a gritty world. It takes note of imperfect characters, showing all sides no matter how damaged. And the acceptance of these characters by the audience is a true testament to the film’s tragic quality.

Back from a short hiatus...

It's been awhile but I'm back and ready to review some films. The summer of 2013 was a bust for legitimate artful film-making (for the most part). Hopefully the fall/winter will be better, always is due to the Oscar buzz swarming around this time of year.

Starting us off is one of my favorite films from this past year, "Mud"...

The Dark Knight Rises

There is an especially dark shadow cast over this film. It’s obvious the nation is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy that makes no sense. Our world has been turned upside down once more. We may feel guilt, sadness and anger but, hopefully, we all feel empathy for the victim’s and their families.

It happened in a place where we should feel safe. A nice, quiet movie theater, but the truth of the matter is that terrible things can happen anywhere. But we shouldn’t feel afraid. Fear and chaos is what he wanted.

This blog has always been an opinion. It’s my views on movies and acting, but I would also like to share my view on this horrific act. Movies have been a source of escapism since they were invented. They transport you into the film while letting all other thoughts and stresses disappear. This is what makes this crime particularly invasive and cruel.

Some may see this film because of curiosity and some may see it because they have been waiting to do so for years, like I did. Some may not see “The Dark Knight Rises” because it may have potentially inspired the attack. But look at it this way: it’s not the film's fault. There are millions of people who watch violent movies and don’t end up killing anyone. The fact is that this guy wanted to be infamous by inciting panic and mass murdering a packed audience. He isn’t like the majority of us, he isn’t normal.

It is of course your choice to see this movie. But, for me, if I had not seen it he would have won.

Review

Christopher Nolan does it again in this action-packed, soulful take on the Batman legacy. “The Dark Knight Rises” is the perfect way to end this epic trilogy, although I still want more.

The film is set eight years after “The Dark Knight” and picks up with a crippled, recluse Bruce Wayne and a nearly peaceful Gotham City. Christian Bale (The Fighter) is perfect as Wayne/Batman, showing the age and heartbreak at losing Rachel Dawes in the last film. But soon he is strapping on his utility belt to find the elusively sly Selina Kyle/Catwoman (played by the enchanting Anne Hathaway).

But Wayne finds that Kyle isn’t his only foe in this story. Bane (played by the solid Tom Hardy) is out to destroy the government of Gotham by letting the people run free. This match-up is perfect for the last Nolan film, a battle between physical statures but also of goals engrained in them.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) is sensational as Gotham Police Officer John Blake. Blake is an easily likable character whose motives match those of Batman’s. He’s the non-masked version who strives for peace.

All the original characters are back: Alfred (Michael Caine), Police Commissioner Gordan (Gary Oldman) and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). They have been the backbone of this trilogy and live up to the past films in this conclusion.

This film is climactic with action beginning only minutes in. It also allows characters to delve into their own complex pasts and emotions. This isn’t common practice in most superhero movies. Most usually have campy moments but this film really sticks to the original concept created by Nolan. It may seem extremely dark but sometimes darkness is more realistic.
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If you would like to help the people of Aurora, Co., please donate here: http://www.crowdrise.com/helpaurora/fundraiser/brandigannon

Top Five Joseph-Gordon Levitt Performances...so far

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been around for awhile now. He started acting when he was just six years old. But the transition between child darling to A-list adult actor seemed to be pretty smooth with the help of several critically acclaimed independent films. Gordon-Levitt, 31, may be young but has made some of the most brilliant film choices of any actor in the business. He’s proven he’s versatile, giving him staying power for years to come. In preparation for the blockbuster premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises," here are my favorite films by this legend in the making.

   Honorary mention.  Arthur  from “Inception” and Adam from “50/50”

Ok, so I probably should chose just one honorable mention but I can’t help myself. Gordon-Levitt has an uncanny way of choosing films that I absolutely love. So, I chose two of the more well-known movies for this category.

“Inception” is already a classic sci-fi flick that does the impossible: it makes the audience think. Some of the glory of its reviews should go to Gordon-Levitt. His steady, reliable character Arthur knows the intricacies of the mind while competing in one the coolest fight scenes of all time. He delivers a quiet, mysterious performance fitting perfectly with the resonance of the film.

“50/50” is of a completely different palate than “Inception.” Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of a cancer patient is again quiet and understated but pulls at the heart strings of the audience. It shows the reality of such a tragic circumstance but doesn’t stray from the humor that can be had during those tough times.

   5. Tom from “(500) Days of Summer”

This indie hit brought Gordon-Levitt back to the eyes of the general public. He had working in independent movies for years before, but after this film made its way to a wider release, he was finally accessible again. This anti-romantic comedy is thoughtful and real. Gordon-Levitt’s performance as a man looking for his true love in quirky Zooey Deschannel seems simple enough. But adding layers of confusion and dismay catapults him to Golden Globe nominee status.

   4. Brendan from “Brick”

I’m not too surprised if you’ve never heard of this film. It’s one of those independent movies that you kind of have to be looking for to find it. Nevertheless, this film about a high school crime ring and the disappearance of a teenage girl is surprisingly intense and gritty. It’s a no holds bar take on the waywardness of teen life.  Gordon-Levitt plays a teen who will stop at nothing to find his ex-girlfriend, even if he has to infiltrate an intricate band of criminals to do so. His portrayal of an obsessive, neurotic teenager is edge-of-your-seat material.

   3. Lyle for “Manic”

This film marks the first time he and Zooey Deschannel teamed up. But this film has quite a different tone than “(500) Days of Summer.” For one, it certainly is no comedy. Manic tells the story of a group of unruly teens in a mental institution. Gordon-Levitt is scary good as a teen who is apt to have violent outbursts. Through group counseling the teens try and cope with their instabilities. But Gordon-Levitt as Lyle stands out among the rest. He seems completely unhinged and taps into his inner rage appearing completely out of control. All of his roles seem effortless but this one seems frighteningly real.

   2. Neil from “Mysterious Skin”

This role by Gordon-Levitt taps into every single emotion that could be fit into a movie. He plays a young man who has repressed a decidedly horrific memory and through trying to remember makes a few too many horrible decisions. There is anger, sadness and a type of blankness to Gordon-Levitt’s character that sets him apart from all the others in the film. He’s decided to do whatever it takes to get through life without really working it for it. It’s the complete rawness of the role that speaks to the audience. He may not truly be the protagonist, but that’s what I love about indie movies, they don’t have to follow the normal formula. They can create complex characters like Neil that we can love and hate at the same time. But it takes a solid actor to make those characters come to life, and that’s exactly what Gordon-Levitt did.

   1. Hesher from “Hesher”

This character has to be my favorite of all Gordon-Levitt films thus far. It’s a role that required Gordon-Levitt to be complete tool while showing subtle sensitivity in the end. He plays a drifter who loves Metal and destroying public property. Once again, indie films throw the rules out the window when it comes to character development. There are hints of protagonist and antagonist in Hesher, but there is no clear answer, even at the end. He shows remarkable compassion towards the conclusion while still maintaining the angst of the character he has created. It is a remarkable vision realized by an amazing actor.

Katy Perry: Part of Me

It’s been a year since a saw Katy Perry live on her California Dreams tour but the memory of cotton candy confection is still vivid in my mind. If you weren’t lucky enough to see the queen of pop in action last year you must see the new documentary “Katy Perry: Part of Me.”

The movie makes the musician come to life in an exciting concoction of concert footage, backstage preparation and personal turmoil. It makes Perry a real person. She has scenes with her hair pulled in a messy up-do with no make-up showing  the reality that stars don’t look red-carpet ready when they wake up. Don’t get me wrong Perry is still pretty, but she shows her more natural and vulnerable side in this music documentary. It completely encompasses the breakdown of her marriage to comedian Russell Brand without throwing any punches his way.

There is an extremely emotional scene when Perry is getting ready to perform in Brazil and completely breaks down behind the scenes. She’s dealing not only with a tour that is lasting a year but also a marriage that is strained by the distance. But by the time she reaches the platform that levitates her onto the stage, she has composed herself and flipped the switch to bright and cheery performer. I can only imagine the emotional and even physical toll this kind of career requires, but Perry battles on for her fans.

Some may not love Perry the way I do but you have to give her credit for being unique and sticking to her vision. She’s creative and strives to do her best which is portrayed in the film.

From her Gospel-singing roots to having five number one hits on a single pop record (tying the record set by Michael Jackson), Perry has fought for her title. She’s worked hard and produced some of the catchiest songs in the past decade. She wasn’t an overnight sensation; she struggled to be where she is now. Buy a ticket to be a part of Katy Perry’s crazy ride.