5 Major Reasons Why I Hate Boyhood (Film Analysis)

Boyhood; raved by critics as the best movie of the year, greatest movie of the decade, and an absolute masterpiece…I hated it.

2014 Mid-Year's Best 20 Films (Film List)

It’s unavoidable…

The Giver (Film Review)

I was surprised by The Giver, pleasantly surprised that is.  I never read the book in school (nor have I ever for that matter) and admittedly its trailer looked quite lackluster.  Hasn't this story been told dozens of times before?  Even recent films such as Divergent looked way too similar in premise to The Giver’s trailer (though technically The Giver’s book came out 18 years before).  After seeing the film, I can safely say my prediction was wrong; in fact The Giver is somewhat refreshing.  Unlike many dystopian films before it, The Giver feels…simple…thoughtful, yet simple.  There are no prolonged action scenes, no maniacal dictators, and no decisive “right decision”; the film sticks to its basic, rational ideals, and in doing so actually says more than expected.

Blue Ruin (Quick Review)

Blue Ruin is one thrilling film to watch; containing intense stuff throughout that can even border on horror.  The plot itself is a contained one:  two families are caught in a cycle of revenge, both refusing to contact law-enforcement in order to have the satisfaction of vengeance.  The film (funded successfully through a Kickstarter campaign) contains a relatively obscure cast; even its protagonist Dwight (Macon Blair) is someone I've never seen before, yet was impressed with his performance.  Dwight represents the avenger for his family, who are presented in a much favorable light then their redneck family opponents.  Yet Dwight’s quest for revenge is neither righteous nor portrayed positively in the film; it’s a gruesome path that will only end with abundant bloodshed (Dwight’s old high school friend comments that what he’s doing “is ugly”).  Physically weak, somewhat cowardly, and alone against many weapon-crazed hillbillies, Dwight’s uphill battle is frighteningly intense and exhilarating to watch. 

A Most Wanted Man (Film Review)

I find that few films ever meet the expectations their trailers display.  A Most Wanted Man’s trailer boldly showcased critical reviews raving about the film’s greatness, along with being one of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s greatest performances before his untimely death last year.  Despite efforts not too, I found my expectations to be moderately-high; yet worried that the film would not meet them.  Rest assured, A Most Wanted Man not only meets its trailers claims, but exceeds them!  The film is a wonderful mix of calm and logical, yet engaging and thrilling; containing a slew of great  acting alongside an excellent final performance from Phillip Seymour Hoffman.