Rush (2013)

Rush (2013)

Director:  Ron Howard
IMDB Rating:  8.3 (1/4/14)
PuRock's Rating (10):  7 Assholes
If this film had a crazy cousin from the midwest:   Talladega Nights

Pros:  Well Shot, Nicely Paced, Captivating
Cons:  Lack of Character Likability   

Ron Howard brings to the screen a true story about a Formula One rivalry of the 1970's.  The rivalry is between James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl).  While their rivalry was intense, they were also good friends who challenged each other (something this film doesn't explore too much). Surprisingly the film wasn't half bad.  The film has received praise from both critics and viewers alike.  Its nicely paced and edited.  The action scenes (races) use interesting camera movements to mimic the feel of the race. The acting is good.  Lots of positives that you would expect from a veteran filmmaker.

The most interesting aspect of the story are the two different views on life and racing.  Hunt's character is emotional and lives life fast.  Meanwhile Lauda is cautious and calculated in his decisions.  Hunt is big, strong, and good looking.  Lauda is small, smart, and not the best looker.   It makes for an interesting tug-of-war throughout the film.  This theme plays out even to the last scene.

"Why would I drive fast, it only increases risk:" (Lauda)

"The closer you are to death the more alive you feel." (Hunt)

Above are contrasting statements from the two protagonists of the film.  You're really unsure as to who you're supposed to be rooting for.  Maybe that's the point.  My main gripe with the film is that neither of the characters are particularly likable. One man  is afforded great looks and a brash attitude which leads him to drink, be overly cocky, and land any woman he wants.  The other comes from money, has a high IQ, but is otherwise completely void of social skills.  According to him, everyone is an asshole.  Its hard to relate to either of these two extremes.

However, the film survives any pitfall and is really entertaining.  You don't have to be a racing fan to enjoy, although it doesn't hurt.  

The Grandmaster (2013)

The Grandmaster (2013)

Director:  Kar Wai Wong
IMDB Rating:  6.6 (1/4/14)
PuRock's Rating (10):  6 Kung Fu Styles
If this film had an older siblings:   Ip Man, 2046

Pros:  Set Design, Fight Sequences, Beautifully Shot
Cons:  Lack of Narrative, Disjointed Story   

"What's your style?"

This is a question I ask myself every morning in the mirror and I honestly don't know the answer.  We do know Kar Wai Wong's patented film making style, but this film fails to live up to its potential.  Oh how much I wanted to love The Grandmaster.   Kar Wai Wong's In the Mood for Love is one of my favorite films of all time. Then you get Tony Leung and Kar Wai Wong reuniting (again) in a martial arts flick?  Sign me up. Then came the disappointment.

The film is about a well known Kung Fu master, Ip Man. Most notably known for training Bruce Lee.  Now I'm not exactly sure what the film was aiming for. It wasn't a biopic (the character disappeared often).  It also wasn't a pure Kung Fu film (there were fights, but it didn't dominate the screen time).  What exactly was it? The narrative was very vague and broad, leaving you in confusion about the story.

The best aspects of the film are the fight sequences and set design.  I expect nothing less from Kar Wai Wong in creating a beautifully unique environment.  A visual playground where the actors can literally chew up the scenery.  The fight sequences inter-playing with the sets was very entertaining.  There's this one fight scene in the snow with a passing train that is an elegant spectacle,  poetry in motion.  

But besides the fight sequences, most of the action in plot occurred with narrative text on a black screen. Often telling us what has come to pass  Most of the story you want to see about Ip Man is summed up in text not in visuals. Almost as if the film is too good for the story.  But this is nothing new for Kar Wai Wong, his stories often lack narrative but there is usually a sense of direction and point.  Something this film struggled with.

Overall, its a mixed bag.  If you're interested in a film about Ip Man, its probably best to skip this and go watch Ip Man & Ip Man 2 instead.

Gimme the Loot (2013)

Gimme the Loot (2013)

Director:  Adam Leon
IMDB Rating:  6.6 (1/3/14)
PuRock's Rating (10):  7 Dirty Malcolm Socks
If this film had an older sister:   Frances Ha

Pros:  Slice of Live, Realism
Cons:  Acting, Story   

This film feels real.  I didn't feel like I was watching a film, but instead trailing along as if I were a trainee at a restaurant.  It's a slice of life of inner city New York.  I found the film very refreshing.

The story is about two inner city teenagers who want to make a name for themselves.  The plan?  To 'bomb' (graffiti) the illusive Mets' Citi Field's Home Run Apple.  I know the Apple well, I used to go to Mets' games when I was living on Long Island as a kid.  Of course back then Citi Field was known as Shea Stadium. The Home Run Apple was a big deal to us.  There was nothing like watching it pop out (mostly because a home run was just scored).  If the Apple were 'bombed,' I wouldn't think anything of it, but to the underground graffiti movement, its epic.  Hence, the motivation to the story.  They need $500 to pay a guy, to get them into the park, to complete the task.  What ensues is a an adventure that really has nothing to do with the described plot.

The stage is New York City. The city has never felt more real to me (besides when I traveled there).  My tour guides are Malcom and Sofia.  They aren't the best tour guides because their use of profanity would make any tourist feel off put. The acting of Ty Hickson (Malcolm) and Tashiana Washington (Sofia) is like a double edged sword. Nothing to write home about, but the actors felt natural in their roles.  The dialogue is very New Yorkish,  splashed with a ton of profanity.  Pairing the dialogue, acting, and the realism of NYC, you get a very 'adorable' tale of a boy and a girl.

A trend I'm noticing in a lot of films today, is the idea that to achieve the American Dream (or any dream in particular) you have to steal, cheat, and manipulate for it.  Its no different in this film, where Malcolm and Sofia do whatever it takes in order to obtain the $500.  Often times taking two steps back and one step forward.  What's an even more disturbing trend is that I find myself rooting for these dream seekers despite their methods.  An overall pleasant indie surprise.

12 Years A Slave (2013)

12 Years a Slave

Director:  Steve McQueen
IMDB Rating:  8.7 (1/1/14)
PuRock's Rating (10):  10
If this film had a crazy uncle:  Django Unchained

Pros:  Powerful Story, Reflective, Amazing Performances, Beautiful Visual Art
Cons:  Rregurgitated Sound Track

There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said about 12 Years a Slave.  This film IS POWERFUL. Even if you put the commanding story to the side, what you have is a beautiful display of visual art.  The two attributes combine to create one of the best films of 2013.  This is director Steve McQueen's third feature film and it comes with a bang. It follows his 2011 underrated film, Shame, which also starred Michael Fassbender.  In each of his prior films, the art was more of the centerpiece to the films, in 12 Years he has the narrative to excel.

This film is based on Solomon Northup's memoir of the same name.  Now there are some horrors that only one can imagine, and slavery is one of them.  But it speaks to the power of film that McQueen can place us as close as possible to an American travesty in today's world.  The emotional toll this film takes on the viewer is intense, and rightly so.  The story is about slavery, but its also about one man's struggles.  The way this film moves along with Solomon gives you a great narrative and someone to care and pull for while providing the commentary on the bigger picture .

There have been many films about slavery before, but none that really shed the slanted truths as honestly as this film does.  The common criticism of the film is that it can be considered as torture porn or on the same level as a modern horror film.  Yes!  That's the point, the big difference being that this is non-fiction.  This really happened.  The ugly images are meant to provide a realistic portrayal not sugar coat it like Hollywood normally does.

On to the performances, they were incredible.  Ejiofor, Fassbender, Dano, and Nyong'o all deserve the accolades that they are going to receive come award season.  Each performance was able to project a strong emotional response onto the viewer.  Ejiofor had to act much more with his eyes in this role as the character is required to show emotion without action.  (On a side note:  it's an interesting trend that Paul Dano gets beaten up in nearly every film he plays, twice this year alone!).  

While watching this film I couldn't help but to reflect upon the 2012 film about slavery, Django Unchained. 12 Years a Slave stands strong on its own.  But I have a feeling that if 12 Years a Slave was released before Django Unchained, Tarrantino's film wouldn't have been as highly received/  Django Unchained had creativity but it lacked the heart of 12 Years a Slave.  I realize its sort of comparing apples to oranges as the films sought separate responses, but I could not help it in this instance.

Between the brilliant acting, powerful story, and beautiful visual art, this film hits on all cylinders.  A film experience that should be seen by all.  

PuRock's Most Anticipated Films of 2014

Its January 1st and instead of reflecting on 2013, why not look into the crystal ball to see what I'm excited about for 2014.  Can't say the prospects are overly exciting, my #1 is clear cut for me.  Hopefully we get a lot of surprise films as well.  Let's start the countdown!

12) Only Lovers Left Alive (April 11)

Director:  Jim Jarmusch

Jim Jarmusch has brought us some pretty interesting darker films over his career.  I"m especially a big fan of his under appreciated film Ghost Dog.  Now he brings us a film about vampire lovers starring Tilda Swinton, who seems just perfect for the role.  

11) Transcendence (April 18)

Director:  Wally Pfister

Wally Pfister's directorial debut after being Chistopher Nolan's long-time cinematographer.  The film stars Johnny Depp in a sci-fi drama.  Should be well shot and crafted, but let's see how he digests the source material.

10) The Monuments Men (February 7)

Director: George Clooney

Clooney stars and directs this war drama about soilders who save works of art.  The release date has me a bit worried that it could be a dud.  But with a cast of Clooney, Damon, Goodman, and Murray its sure to produce something worth watching.  

9) Exodus (December 12)

Director:  Ridley Scott

So what you're trying to tell me is Christian Bale will star as Moses?  Man, do I need to see this. Considering a December release date, this film should have lofty expectations.  Ridley has been hit or miss recently.  I'm just hoping this isn't a long dry epic.

8) Noah (March 28)

Director:  Darren Aronofsky

Noah is another biblical epic that is on tap for 2014.  Aronofsky's last couple of films have been stellar (Black Swan & The Wrestler) so I am intrigued with what he can do with this tale. Russell Crowe stars as Noah along with Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Jennifer Connelly.  

7) The Interview (October 10)

Director: Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogen

After This is the End (let's not forget about the incredible Kayne West parody video also), I'm very interested in what Goldberg, Rogen & Franco dial up next.  Rogen & Franco have great onscreen chemistry and have been one of the funniest duos of late.  Hoping to laugh a ton with this one.

I'm also interested in James Franco's 2014 directed movie, Bukowski.  A biopic about the famous writer.


6) Jupiter Ascending (July 18)

Director:  The Wachowskis

The Wachowski siblings are at it again.  Their previous film, Cloud Atlas, was an ambitious film that left viewers with mixed feelings.  The directors of the Matrix series hope to strike gold again with this futuristic sci-fi adventure.  The film stars Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, and Sean Bean.  I can't say I'm overly excited about the cast, but I am interested to see what the Wachowskis bring to the screen.


5)  Gone Girl (October 3)

Director:  David Fincher

Another novel adaptation but with Fincher at the helm it should bring some good suspense in 2014.  This film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike in a film about a wife gone missing.



4) Knight of Cups and/or Untitled Project (2014)

Director:  Terrence Malick

It used to be that you'd have to wait five years for a new Terrance Malick film, well this isn't the case anymore.  There seems to be some confusion as to Malick's upcoming films.  Two of them are rumored for 2014,  Knight of Cups and an Untitled Project.  I am unsure if they are one film, or two different ones.  Both have a similar casts.  Either way, I'm excited for anything Malick churns out in 2014.  You either love him or you're tired of him.


3)  Interstellar (November 7)

Director:  Christopher Nolan

Nolan's first film away from the Batman series and it sounds very promising.  A star packed film about traveling through the first discovered wormhole.  McConaughey is one of the main stars, and he's been red hot as of late.  Can Nolan make a successful leap to sci-fi?    

2)  The Grand Budapest Hotel (March 7)

Director:  Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson fans unite!  Just when you think his ensemble cast can't get any better along comes this film. It will field performances by Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brodie, Jeff Goldblum.......let me catch my breath.........William Dafoe, Tom Wilkerson, Harvy Keitel, and many others, oh and ofcourse Bill Murray.  Should be more of the same, zany fun. 

1)  Inherent Vice (TBA)

Director:  Paul Thomas Anderson

Adapted from Thomas Pynchon's novel of the same title, this film should be a comedic crime blast.  The story is based on the adventures of a pot smoking detective, who will be played by Joaquin Phoenix.  They will be reunited again after Anderson's last film, The Master.  Anderson hasn't missed in long while and is really hitting his stride.


Honorable Mentions:  Edge of Tomorrow (June 6) - Doug Liman, Big Eyes (August 28) - Tim Burton, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (August 8) - Jonathan Liebesman, Sin City: A Dame to Die For (August 22) - Frank Miller & Robert Rodriguez, Fury (November 12) - David Ayer

Passion (2013)

Passion (2013)

Director:  Brian De Palma
IMDB Rating:  5.4 (12/31/13)
PuRock's Rating (10):  4 Revengeful Women (Actually 3 Women, 1 Man) 
If this film had a sibling: Mean Girls 

Pros:  2nd half is better than the 1st, Splashes of De Palma Style
Cons:  Acting, Screenwriting, Lack of Chemistry   

Brian De Palma has had a luxurious career and there is no fault in quiting while you're ahead.  He directs this revenge thriller starring the deadly duo of Noomi Rapace and Rachael McAdams.  This film came and went with little fanfare and probably for good reason.

First lets start off with my main complaint, the acting.  It was horrendous. I heard a rumor that both the main actresses showed up late and pictured their characters differently than De Palma's vision. Whether or not this is true is anyone's guess, but it definitely felt like this was the case.  McAdams was probably the weakest link.  She didn't feel right for her the character, an ambitious back-stabbing boss.  Pair that with bad delivery and the performance was a bit of a hot mess.  Rapace's performance was very dull and lackluster but was probably the best of the film.  On screen the chemistry didn't jive and the film suffered. 

On a positive note, there were splashes of De Palma style throughout the film.  The film also took a turn for the better in the second half where a more Hittchcockian thriller developed.  It finally snagged me like a fish taking the bait, but it was only a nibble as the ending felt slopply and tangled.  The film is also stuffed with many off-kiltered love triangles that left me feeling zapped of any emotion. In the end, I wish I revisited a Hitchcock film instead.

This is the last film of 2013 that I watched.  #620

In the House (2013 US)

In the House (2013)
Original Title: Dans la maison (France)

Director:  Francois Ozon
IMDB Rating:  7.4 (12/30/13)
PuRock's Rating:  8 Ralpha Males (Out of 10)
If this film had a father:  Rear Window

Pros:  Great Simple Story, Inventive
Cons:  NA

I'm envious of Claude, the protagonist of the film.  He's young, smart, and has an uncanny ability to get older women to fall for him.  His writing makes my blog look like Saturday morning cartoons (which I'm not debating against).  He composes a story which at times is touching and beautiful, as well as vicious and ugly.   You feel for Claude almost out of pity.  But you also get the same feeling that Mrs. Germain described during the film, that something just isn't right about him.  He creeps around people's houses, he doesn't mind damaging relationships, and yet he thinks everything will be okay. A dynamic character who sets the stage for the film.  

The film is about a teenage boy, Claude, who starts to write about an average middle class family.  In doing som he draws praise and assistance from his educator.  The story is sharp and inventive. Its like layers of an onion. Every layer is connected but carries its own suspense.  Its simplistic, nothing truly happens.  There are times you find yourself questioning, is this true or fictional?  

The moral behind the story is that every home has a story, and that story can easily be manipulated.  I compare this film to Hitchcock's Rear Window, where each home has a story to tell.  If you observe the story long enough, the ending changes.  

To be continued.....