Saturday, January 21, 2017

The Founder: Movie Review


   


Traditional bio-pic removes the emotion to tell an interesting story.
Structurally, The Founder is a traditional bio-pic, and I’m sure the brand name McDonald’s turns off a lot of people; however, the story itself is interesting. Perhaps most interesting and polarizing is the subject of the bio-pic and how this person alone can veer this film very far from a traditional bio-pic. Most bio-pics have the audience caring about the subject by the end; they have overcome adversity, achieved success and have an inspiring and touching story to tell. 2016

Directed by: John Lee Hancock

Screenplay by: Robert Siegel

Starring: Michael Keaton, John Carroll Lynch, and Nick Offerman

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Lion: Movie Review


   


Beautifully touching, deeply affecting film of hope, tragedy and triumph.
The true story that Lion is based on is one of those tug-at-your-heart-strings, clear-your-tear-ducts type of stories that you hope is more uplifting than just sad. That’s one of the things about Lion that stands out the most: it never concentrates on the sad or heart-string-y moments. It focuses on the interesting moments and just enough of everything else to make it emotionally-satisfying and not emotionally-draining. It’s a story so sincere and honest that Lion will stick to your heart. 2016

Directed by: Garth Davis

Screenplay by: Luke Davies
Based on the book by Saroo Brierley

Starring: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Hidden Figures: Movie Review


   


Crowd-pleasing history.
The best thing about Hidden Figures is its story. Based on real events about a trio of African American women who worked for NASA and literally helped launch a man into space, it’s a story that’s not all that well known, you’ll learn something, and it’s easy to get interested in. It also helps that the entire cast works well together and can add a lot of bravado and humour to the movie. A true crowd-pleaser in every sense of that phrase. 2016

Directed by: Theodore Melfi

Screenplay by: Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi
Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner

Friday, January 6, 2017

La La Land: Movie Review


   


A movie of love, music and soul.
La La Land couldn’t have a more fitting title. An homage to LA, but more than that, an homage to the dreamers of LA and the life-as-a-musical that they could have. La La Land sells itself strictly as a romantic musical. The characters sing and dance as they fall in love – and even if that’s all it is, it would still be a pretty good movie. It's a movie that survives on the pure cinematic experience, but also provides a bit of soul. 2016

Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Screenplay by: Damien Chazelle

Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling