10s Movie Review - The Report

Director: Scott Z. Burns
Genre: Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Driver, Annette Bening, John Hamm, Ted Levine, Tim Blake Nelson, Maura Tierney, Corey Stoll, Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Morrison

Description: Idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones (Adam Driver), tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA’s post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 20: A FILM WITH A STRON POLITICAL OR SOCIAL MESSAGE
 
Review: In the years following the 9/ 11 attacks, it slowly but surely became clear that the US had little to fear in the war on terrorism. The CIA engaged in gross torture techniques on a large scale in order to extract information from often innocent suspects. “The Report” shows how one drive investigator brought the world’s most advanced intelligence agency to its knees.

Dan Jones is a young man with sky-high ambitions. When Senator Dianne Feinstein gives him the task of working with an independent team to investigate the CIA’s post-9/11 interrogation techniques, he bites the bullet. What he discovers bit by bit is unsettling and not for the faint of heart. The CIA saw little in the conventional interrogation techniques of Arabic-speaking agents who slowly tried to gain the trust of suspects. Two psychologists introduce new techniques, that they claim are scientific proof of more effective interrogating methods.

This is just the beginning. Whereas the CIA was initially cooperative, as Jones discovers more, of course, more and more doors are closing. Meanwhile, the investigative team he started with is thinning out. His colleagues no longer see any point in a mission doomed to failure. But Jones continues stoically.  

Adam Driver has already shown that he can play a wide range of roles. But he was made for this film. I think the film could have turned out a lot different with another lead actor. “The Report” may feel a bit ‘dry’ sometimes. It’s a lot of facts. Driver manages to create a character that you really want to succeed, even though he doesn’t show a lot of emotions. At least at first. Jones is a very stoic, pragmatic man, but when he gets deeper in the investigation, emotions do arise and that makes Driver’s performance even more impressive.

Unlike many American political films, for once it does not point exclusively at the Republicans. “The Report” is a very anti-America film if I may say so. But it’s still a political drama of integrity in the tradition of films like “All the President’s Men” and “Spotlight”.

The political drama is a sub-genre that might not speak to everyone. I happen to be drawn to it. Political intrigue keeps my attention and with “The Report” I was invested from start to finish. I can’t believe nobody talked about this film when it came out. At least, I didn’t hear a lot about it.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - First Man

Director: Damien Chazelle
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Patrick Fugit, Ciarán Hinds, Ethan Embry, Brian D’Arcy James

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 24: A MOVIE FROM A DIRECTOR YOU LOVE
 
Description: A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling), and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

Review: The true story of Neil Armstrong, the astronaut who became the fist man to walk on the Moon.
Director Damien Chazelle mainly tries to show that Neil Armstrong was a man of heart and feeling. A man who has a trauma to deal with in the form of a child death. That the loss and the almost obsessive drive for ambition and accomplishment also took their toll is elaborated somewhat less accurately. Armstrong’s family had to put up with a lot by having to put up with a father who only looked after his family with one eye.

With that, “First Man” does stumble on two minds. Space fans, above all, want to know how Armstrong and his men pulled it off. In this respect Chazelle does not disappoint and the fans are amply served. The director shows us creaking cockpits, makeshift repairs, predicaments and roaring rocket engines.
At the same time, the personal drama surrounding this achievement is flat. There could have been a lot more interaction between Ryan Gosling’s Armstrong and his wife Janet, played by Claire Foy. What effect this all has on Janet and their children isn’t shown much.  

Visually this movie is amazing, it proofs why Damien Chazelle is one of the great of his generation. “First Man” is nothing like his previous films “Whiplash” and “La La Land”, completely different theme, based on a true story, no focus on music or Hollywood.

This movie was tough to get through because of the pace. It’s extremely slow and I felt that the entire time. So, overall, it looks good, has a great performance by Ryan Gosling and an interesting story. But the drama lacks and the pace was way too slow for my liking.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Dark Places

Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christina Hendricks, Corey Stoll, Drea De Matteo, Tye Sheridan

Description: Libby Day (Charlize Theron) was only eight years old when her family was brutally murdered in their rural Kansas farmhouse. Almost thirty years later, she reluctantly agrees to revisit the crime and uncovers the wrenching truths that led up to that tragic night.

Review: In 1985, 8-year-old Libby Day witnesses the murder of her mother and sisters. Her brother Ben is identified as the culprit and disappears behind bars. 30 years later, an amateur investigator convinces Libby to delve once again into the evens of that horrific night.

Charlize Theron plays Libby as an unmotivated loner. This makes it very difficult to feel sympathy for her in the first half of the film. Fortunately, Libby as a character begins to come alive more as she confronts her past.

The film uses flashbacks to portray the perspectives of Libby, her mother and her brother. Because of Tye Sheridan’s strong acting, ben’s flashbacks stand out. The transitions are sometimes too abrupt, so the film often jumps into one timeline quickly.

“Dark Places” is based on the book by Gillian Flynn, whose “Gone Girl” was also adapted for film. That film was more successful, both as a book and as a movie. I believe the storytelling in the Flynn’s book works, but in the movie adaptation it is a bit lost.

I believe that “Gone Girl” was mostly more successful because of the director. David Fincher's "Gone Girl" is extremely stylish and atmospheric. That does not mean “Dark Places” is not an entertaining film, and it’s by no means bad. I enjoyed it, it just felt flat at times.

Rating: 3/ 5

20s Movie Review - West Side Story

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Musical/ Romance/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 156 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Brian D’Arcy James, Corey Stoll, Mike Faist

Description: West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

Review: It is important to note that Steven Spielberg’s version of “West Side Story” is not a remake of the original film. The filmmaker deliberately took the theatrical musical as his starting point. So those who know the classic film from 1961 well may wonder if musicals numbers were thrown out. The Latin American cast is also given a much larger role. Much Spanish is spoken and it was Spielberg’s explicit instruction not to subtitle it. However, the context is sufficient to understand it, even without knowing the language.
“West Side Story” is set in the New York of the late 1950s. the neighborhood is a victim of renewal or what we would qualify as gentrification. Only the store of the elderly Valentina (a newly written role played by Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for best female supporting actress in the original film) bravely holds out. The neighborhood is weighed down by the battle between two gangs. The Puerto Rican Sharks are fighting for a place in society and are diametrically opposed to the leather-jacketed Jets. Former Jet member Tony has just been released from prison and want to make a quiet new start. Then the inevitable happens: during a dance party, he falls madly in love with Puerto Rican Maria.
Already from the opening shot, where the wrecking ball takes us into the experiential world of New Yorkers, it is clear, in combination with Bernstein’s matchless music: this is going to be something special. So the question of whether there is any need to record a new version of “West Side Story” quickly fades. Spielberg didn’t add many big new things, but went for rather small subtle addition that made a big impact. For example, a nonbinary side character who floats between scenes and clashes only momentarily with the rest of the characters. Forced or overly woke, this addition doesn’t feel like it; in fact, Spielberg stands for diversity and inclusiveness.   
The romance that develops between Maria and Tony is one of attraction and little repulsion, but it is the rivalry of circumstances that creates difficulties. “West Side Story” is still a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But the romance here is rarely wry, but mostly sweet and beautiful without ever becoming overly sentimental.
The original had a store owner Doc, but he is replaced by his wife Valentina. She provies shelter for Tony but also the greatest emotional charge. Her fragile sung “Somewhere (aka “There’s a Place for Us”) provides goosebumps and poignancy. Rita Moreno’s Valentina forms the conscience, the calm and the spectator of Spielberg’s film.
Leonard Bernstein’s famed music has been rearranged and reworked but forms the rhythmic heart of this new musical adaptation. This is complemented by dazzling choreography that really splashes of the screen. The inexperienced lead actress Rachel Zegler, who was assigned the rol of Maria our of thirty thousand applicants, also deserves a special mention. Her Maria is independent and self-confident, but cannot resist the beckoning of love. When the romance does eventually turn sour, it is the circumstances that make it so.
In other hands, a new “West Side Story” might have become a mediocre film production. But Steven Spielberg has turned it into something very special, without compromising the heart of the original production. The direction and beautiful camerawork made it look like we are in the 1950s and the way they work with color is extraordinary. For example, the Jets are styled in dark and blue tones, where the Sharks are in bright and red/ yellow colors. You can see it best in the dance party scene.
This new adaptation of “West Side Story” is amazing. A movie I didn’t think was necessary, but I’m so glad Spielberg made it. It’s beautiful and a treat for every musical fan. Now streaming on Disney +.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Midnight in Paris

Director: Woody Allen
Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Fantasy
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, Carla Bruni, Tom Hiddleston, Alison Pill, Léa Seydoux, Corey Stoll, Kurt Fuller, Gad Elmaleh, Mimi Kennedy

Description: While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, nostalgic screenwriter Gil (Owen Wilson) finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.

Review: Gil Pender, from Pasadena, may be a successful scriptwriter in Hollywood, but he really wants to be an author of novels. His ambition is big and he wants to get inspiration. Together with his fiancée he travels to Paris.
Gil is a romantic. When clouds gather up above Paris, he takes the opportunity to wander the streets of Paris in the rain. While fiancée Inez and his mother in law open an umbrella. Owen Wilson is perfect for the role of Gil. There is something about that permanent nostalgic amazement of his, like he sees something we don’t see. Wilson drags us into that experience of his. He is also surrounded by an amazing cast, like Rachel McAdams as Inez and Marion Cotillard as Adriana. Two completely different women, who mess with Gil’s head. Or what about Michael Sheen as know it all Paul, who is really obnoxious. Kathy Bates does a wonderful job as Getrude Stein and Corey Stoll is fantastic as Ernest Hemmingway.
Director Woody Allen uses the power of the human desire for the past. “Midnight in Paris” shows the city of Paris at its best and it’s a magical story. I fell in love with this movie and it has become one of my all-time favorites.

Rating: 5/ 5 

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 77: Ant-Man

Director: Peyton Reed
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Anthony Mackie, Judy Greer, Michael Peña, John Slattery, Hayley Atwell

Description: Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Review: In “Ant-Man” we follow Scott Lang. Scott is a burglar who was just released from prison and is trying to straighten his life. He wants to do good for his daughter. Scott realizes that this isn’t easy: he is fired and his ex only lets him see his daughter when he has a steady income. Scott decides to do one last burglar job: break into a safe of a rich man. In that safe isn’t any money though, but a suit. This suit belongs to Hank Pym, a genius inventor. Pym set up the burglary and wanted Scott to steal the suit. The suit gives you the ability to shrink to ant size. Scott has been chosen to wear it and becomes Ant-Man, to stop Prym’s protégé Darren Cross.
Originally Edgar Wright was going to direct “Ant-Man”. Peyton Reed took over that job and he did it well. This time the hero isn’t a millionaire, God or scientist. He is an average man, even with a criminial past. And it’s not the end of the world that’s at stake, or the universe. It’s a lot smaller, but still important. This makes it all fresh and new.
It takes some time for something to really happen, but once we are there “Ant-Man” is great. There is a lot to enjoy: great action sequences, interesting characters, humor. The scenes where Ant-Man shrinks and enhances himself again are fantastic.
A lot of questions were raised when Paul Rudd was cast as Scott Lang, but I think he showed everyone he is capable of carrying a big movie like this. He did a great job, he is charismatic, funny and really perfect for the role.
“Ant-Man” is a highly enjoyable Marvel film. I loved it!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Favorites: Midnight in Paris

Synopsis: Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams) travel to Paris as a tag-along vacation on her parents' business trip. Gil is a successful Hollywood writer but is struggling on his first novel. He falls in love with the city and thinks they should move there after they get married, but Inez does not share his romantic notions of the city or the idea that the 1920s was the golden age. When Inez goes off dancing with her friends, Gil takes a walk at midnight and discovers what could be the ultimate source of inspiration for writing. Gil's daily walks at midnight in Paris could take him closer to the heart of the city but further from the woman he's about to marry.

Unique Selling Point: The movie is magical, I fell in love with it right away. It manages to show Paris in the most beautiful way possible. And the perfect leading man was chosen for the role of Gil Pender: Owen Wilson.

Most Valuable Player: Director Woody Allen. His unique way of telling a story, and showing the beauty of a beloved city, worked really well.

Best Moment: At the end, when Gil sees Gabrielle again. He tells her that he’s going to stay in Paris and Gil invites her for a cup of coffee. It starts to rain. Gabrielle tells Gil she doesn’t mind getting wet and that Paris is at its best when it’s raining.

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 31: This is Where I Leave You

Director: Shawn Levy

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Corey Stoll, Dax Shepard, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Rose Byrne, Katherine Hahn, Abigail Spencer, Debra Monk

Description: When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens.

Review: In “This is Where I Leave You” we follow a family that comes together after the father of the family died. There are a lot of unsolved issues, frictions and relationship problems and this doesn’t make the mourning process any easier.

After Judd finds his wife in bed with his boss, he gets a call from his sister Wendy, that their father passed away. His father wants to be buried within the Jewish tradition and this means they have a ‘sitting Shiva’. Here people will visit them for an entire week, to give them their condolences. Which also means that the family has to be together the entire time.

The family is a party of five: Judd, sister Wendy, oldest brother Paul, youngest brother Philip and mother Hilary. Judd is trying to deal with his upcoming divorce and he also bumps into a woman he used to like. Wendy is married with two children, but her husband is a work-aholic and she is secretly still in love with her first love Horry, who she was in an accident with. Paul and his wife Annie are desperately trying to have a child, but nothing has worked so far. Philip, who just brought home his new girlfriend Tracey who is much older, never really grew up. Mother Hilary has to deal with all her children, while also saying her final goodbyes to her husband.

The movie is a mix of drama and comedy, but the focus is more on the drama. Although that’s very light. There are subtle jokes and especially the dysfunctionality of the family is funny. All the characters are really interesting to get to know.

The cast is really good. Jason Bateman plays a role he has played before, but he is likeable and proofs he can carry a movie. Tina Fey is also strong in a more serious role then we are used to from her. Adam Driver is solid and Jane Fonda is delightful as the mother, who sometimes overshares information that as a kid you wouldn’t be very happy with.

“This is Where I Leave You” is an excellent film about a family with problems. Dysfunctional families somehow always interest me, it reminds me of how great mine is.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 32: Non-Stop

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Genre: Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 106 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Nate Parker, Corey Stoll, Lupita Nyong’o, Omar Metwally, Jason Butler Hamer, Linus ROache, Shea Whigham, Anson Mount, Quinn McColgan, Corey Hawkins, Frank Deal, Bar Paly, Edoardo Costa, Jon Abrahams, Amanda Quaid

Description: Air marshal Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account.

Review: Liam Neeson got his break with the big audience by playing the role of Oscar Schindler in “Schindler’s List”. Now, in his sixties, Neeson is most known for his action movies. In “Non-Stop” he plays an air marshal.

This air marshall, Bil Marks, has a hard life. He doesn’t like his job and drinks. He gets threats over the phone, where the unknown caller claims to murder a passenger when Marks doesn’t transfer a large amount of money to a bank account.

“Non-Stop” is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. He and Neeson also worked together on “Unknown”. “Non-Stop” is an entertaining movie, with a high tempo and with weird plot twist that seem incredible. But the solid acting by Neeson and the visual flair of Cobet-Serra make it enjoyable. Neeson has a killer charisma. Julianne Moore has a supporting role, but is underused.

I think that this is an easily forgettable movie, because the thriller lacks depth. But for a week night, it’s a good popcorn movie that Liam Neeson fans will appreciate.

Rating: 3/ 5