Jurassic World

Like many 90’s kids, Jurassic Park was a staple of my awesome childhood. I remember seeing the frightening film in the theatre when it first came out and hoping, nay, praying, that the technology depicted was real and someday I would get to pet a dinosaur.
 For its time, the graphics were phenomenal, the first film to use CGI. The intensity that the iconic film portrays, especially when the glass of water begins vibrating in anticipation for the T-Rex, was enough to scare you out of your seat. Fun Fact: A guitar was plucked beneath the glass of water to create the ripple effect.

              I also recall seeing The Lost World: Jurassic Park in theatres. During the second time we saw it, I panicked when Julianne Moore’s character, Sarah, falls onto the glass in the trailer, even though I was expecting it. It slowly began to crack over the rocky shore, leading the audience to believe she was about to fall to her imminent death. My mom actually had to take me out of the theatre because I was so scared. Looking back now, I don’t know why that, of all things, caused such great anxiety. It’s all good though because my mom took me to the Disney Store to console me while my dad and grandpa finished the movie.

              There were many great memories associated with the franchise, so when I first found out Jurassic World was happening, I was filled with many emotions: excitement, anticipation, but, most of all, nostalgia. I was even more pumped after I discovered the cast: Chris Pratt (Yummy!), Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, and even little Ty Simpkins. I couldn’t wait to see where the new director was taking the franchise and how he was going to use these fabulous actors.

              My whole fam and I went to see the new movie together in IMAX 3-D, which was such a fun experience and SO worth it! The next night (I know, I’m crazy), my husband and I went again, but to the Standard showing this time. I can’t even begin to describe the difference, so just trust me on this: See it at least once in IMAX 3-D! You can thank me later.

              Jurassic World does NOT disappoint my high expectations. What it lacks in character development, it way more than makes up for in graphics, action (i.e. dino fights), and heart, cause, you know…"The Raptor Squad." For more on "The Raptor Squad," please read this hilarious article from Buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kmallikarjuna/blue-is-the-warmest-raptor#.sq3X1M6zmw.

So without further ado, here is a list of my top 10 favorite things about Jurassic World:

1)      "The Raptor Squad," obviously. #BlueTheVelociraptor #RaptorSquad4Lyfe

2)      With that theme, Blue, was clearly the most adorable velociraptor I have ever seen…and I want one!

3)      Chris Pratt as the “Alpha-mommy”

4)      The purposely over-emphasized product placement

5)      The throwback to all of the best scenes from the original

6)      Jake Johnson AKA “Lowery” AKA Nick Miller, for you New Girl fans.

7)      The fact that BDH wore heels the entire film while being chased by dinosaurs!

8)      The epic dino battle at the end: Rexy FTW

9)      Also, the fact that the T-Rex was the OG from Jurassic Park. Seriously, check her scars at the end, they’re from the final showdown with the raptors in the original.

10)   Finally, that there is an actual website for the fake park ( www.jurassicworld.com )

I would have liked to have seen a bit more background from Owen, Claire, Gray, and Zach, so I give this film a 9.5/10, only docking it for lack of character development.  Overall, it met all of my childhood hopes and dreams and I cannot wait to go see it for a third time!

Foxcatcher: Magic Mike vs. 'The Nose'

Let's just get it out in the open, Channing Tatum: not bad on the eyes. However, his portrayal of Olympic gold medalist, Mark Schultz in Foxcatcher gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent as a dramatic actor. I am used to seeing him in corny action films or silly comedies like 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike, however he was really able to push his limits and give a respectable performance.

Foxcatcher was a proving ground for Mark Ruffalo as well, and he was sensational as Mark Schultz’ older brother, Dave. I have never been disappointed watching him on screen since he easily morphs into each character. For instance, Thanks for Sharing is a story which follows a group of recovering sex addicts as they struggle with daily battles against the disease. Mark Ruffalo’s character was one of the recovering addicts; he looked hard, like he had been through the ringer, and he held his body conveying that same message. However, in The Kids Are Alright, he was laid back, lackadaisical, and somewhat carefree. And in Foxcatcher, his eyes are the only thing that give him away as himself. The best way to describe him is as a chameleon and the only way to understand is to go on a Mark Ruffalo movie binge.

I was also looking forward to seeing Steve Carell in a more serious role. Carell is very well known for comedy and he is one of the best, but it is much more interesting to see someone step out of their comfort zone. Carell did this a bit in Dan in Real Life and The Way Way Back (which I highly recommend), but both were more “dramedies” than true “dramas”.

 Based on a sad true story, Foxcatcher is the telling of the events leading up to the murder of Dave Schultz. It begins a few years after the Schultz brothers both win an Olympic gold medal for wrestling in 1984. Mark seems to live in his brother’s shadow seemingly lacking his own life; he is insecure, simple, and reserved. Dave, a family man, is the complete reverse of Mark; he is serious, soft spoken, and self-assured. They are night and day, but Mark relies on and looks up to his brother as they wrestle together, practicing for upcoming competitions. Mark is called to pay a visit to Du Pont, played by Carell, whose mother owns Foxcatcher Farm, an equestrian training center. Du Pont, an eclectic narcissist and mama’s boy, invites Mark to come and train with him to prepare for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Mark moves to Foxcatcher Farm, leaving his brother behind. After a while, Mark becomes Du Pont’s toy, using Mark to make himself look good. After a bit of this, Mark becomes depressed and resentful, drinking and doing drugs, rather than getting ready for his competitions. Eventually, Dave comes to coach at Foxcatcher Farm. Dave encourages Mark to change his lifestyle and focus on his training. Mark realizes Du Pont has selfish motives which boils down to him leaving the farm. Unfortunately Dave stays and eventually is murdered by John Du Pont. Just a few short months after Dave’s passing, Mark goes on to compete in and win a competition for the UFC.  

Being extremely versatile is one factor that qualifies someone as "talented". Foxcatcher allows actors who have already demonstrated their abilities in a particular field, to stretch themselves and prove that they offer more to their craft. 7/10

 

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby

James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain star in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, which is actually three separate films that tell the story of a married couples' strained relationship from different points of view. Chastain, who recently starred in Intersteller, is a talented actress who is quickly becoming a household name. I first saw her in The Help, where she played the charismatic and tolerant Celia Foote and more recently, one of my husband's favorite movies, Zero Dark Thirty. McAvoy, mostly known in America for his role as the young Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class and the like, is continually underrated, mostly performing in British films. It is exciting to see him in a story like this, one that pushes him into the American spotlight.

From reading other reviews about this project, there is no particular order that is recommended, but one suggested to start with The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him because Her is much more melancholy. I found this to be helpful since it sort of eased me into the story and prepared me for the especially emotional Her. Him is told from the perspective of McAvoy's character, Conor. The story picks up six months after Conor and his wife, Eleanor, lose their infant son. Conor runs a restaurant that is on its last leg while Eleanor tries desperately to cope with their loss. She battles depression, and after an attempt at suicide, she disappears from Conor's life, leaving him alone to cope with her absence, as well as the loss of their son. During this time, he has to make decisions about his failing business, repair the relationship with his dad and his best friend, as well as, finally weed through his son's belongings. As sad as this seems, it actually forces him to deal with his feelings and put the pieces of his disheveled life back together.

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her follows Eleanor during her break from Conor. It begins as she attempts to end her life and follows her as she tries to put her it back together. During this time, she stays with her parents, sister, and young nephew while attending NYU, where she takes classes just to "take classes," cuts her hair, and becomes free-spirit. One of the classes Eleanor takes is a psychology class, focusing on identity. Her professor, HTGAWM's Viola Davis, becomes her trusted confidant. She attempts to rebuild her life while trying to distance herself from Conor. Just like Conor, Eleanor needs the time to gather the shattered pieces of her former self and try to put them back as best as possible.

There is a third version, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them, which, from what I read, is pieces of the two films cut together. I didn't feel that I needed to watch it, although I may at some point. I will amend this if I get around to watching it.

Overall, the two movies are well done and easy to get into and the story is beautiful and sad at the same time. There is no "rulebook" for dealing with the loss of a child. This is an example of how one couple dealt with tragedy. It wouldn't be fair for me to say what I would do since I don't have children, and thusly have not lost any of them. But that's a conversation for another day. 7/10

The Theory of Everthing

After the Academy Awards, I decided I wanted to see all of the films nominated this year. So, last Sunday I rented The Theory of Everything, snuggled up with my mom & sister, and watched one of the most impressive films I have ever seen.

It opens with Hawking, played by Eddie Redmayne, as a gifted, young, cosmology student at Cambridge who meets and falls in love with Jane Wilde, a charismatic art student, played by Felicity Jones. Hawking receives devastating news early in the relationship: a diagnosis of ALS and a grim prognosis of only 2 years to live. Despite this death sentence, Jane marries Stephen and they start a family. Stephen's body slowing deteriorates, requiring Jane to become his full time caregiver, along with caring for their children

and finishing her studies. While his body wilts, his mind still functions at full capacity and he completes his doctorate, studying the origin of time. Even when he can no longer talk, he uses a computer that tracks his eye movement to communicate and publish his works. Essentially, the story follows the ups & downs of his relationship with Jane and their struggle with his awful disease. He was given 2 years to live in 1963 and is still alive today. Although wheelchair bound and reliant on a ventilator, his mind is still incredibly sharp.

The performance Redmayne gave portraying the intelligent Dr. Stephen Hawking was absolutely brilliant. I was surprised when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, to say the least, since there were many nominees that seemed to deserve it. Birdman was getting a lot attention, so I sort of figured Michael Keaton was a shoe-in for the win. However, now that I have seen The Theory of Everything, my tune has changed. Redmayne's performance as a progressing ALS patient was incredibly accurate. The way he held his body and face, as well as, his communication degradation while still staying in character was impressive. He certainly deserved the Oscar he earned. Everyone must see The Theory of Everything. EVERYONE. 9.8/10

And the Oscar goes to...

This past Sunday, I was one of the many Americans who watched the Academy Awards. Award season is my favorite time of year! Not only do I enjoy checking out the fashion of the red carpet, as well as, up & coming actors, actresses, and directors, but mostly it is a chance to see the new films recommended by the Academy.
I had been looking forward to watching the awards for several months and then, less than a week before, we had to cancel our cable! It was a sad day when I realized that I couldn't watch the Oscar's live at home. However, my mom's friend hosted an annual Oscar Party, PJ style this year. We were able to go and watch with some fellow movie buffs in the comfort of our jammies, as well as, wager predictions on the winners.

Now, I had seen maybe about half of the movies that were nominated, and I'll just put it out there: Grand Budapest Hotel was, hands down, my favorite movie of the year! It was so clever, funny, and artsy. If any of you have not enjoyed the unique and fantastical world created by Wes Anderson, you must! I had seen Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou back in high school with my dad and honestly, I didn't like it back then. Re-watching it recently, along with Grand Budapest Hotel & The Royal Tenenbaums, I realized I didn't get the humor before, but now I understand that this niche of films is absolutely hilarious! Grand Budapest Hotel centers around the story an old man, M. Zero Moustafa, tells a young author in 1968, who comes to stay at a hotel, which Moustafa owns. During a meal, Moustafa begins to tell the writer the story of how he became the owner and why the ran down hotel is so precious to him. He tells of a time when he was a young lobby boy working under M. Gustave (played by the indelible Ralph Fiennes), the seasoned concierge. Gustave, who takes pride in making guests happy, takes a particular interest in an older

wealthy woman, who leaves a beautiful painting to him after her mysterious passing. The young lobby boy and M. Gustave work together to clear Gustave's good name when he is framed for her murder by her greedy son, all while trying to keep the painting out of the wrong hands. Their journey includes several train rides, a stint in prison, an escape from said prison, and a trip to a mountainous monastery. This comedic cast includes: Jude Law, Bill Murray, Adrian Brody, Willem Defoe, Edward Norton, and Jeff Goldbloom, to name a few. Absolute comedic gold! 9.5/10

While watching the Academy Awards, 2 films other than Grand Budapest Hotel, stood out, seeing as they were both nominated for several categories. Whiplash, which was nominated for 5 Oscars, is astounding! I had not seen it prior to the awards, but I was able to watch it just 2 days later. The release of this film was one I had been waiting for quite some time. I was really excited about the music, but also the cast. J.K. Simmons, who portrays crazy conductor, Terence Fletcher, is extremely talented! I had seen him in too many movies to count, however, its the show that he is most famous for, Oz, I have not had the pleasure of viewing. Don't worry, it's on my list! Miles Teller, in the role of Andrew Neiman, is on my "up & coming" talent list. I absolutely enjoyed him in The Spectacular Now and am looking forward to seeing him as Mr. Fantastic in the reboot of Fantastic Four. Whiplash follows aspiring young drummer, Andrew, who eats, breathes, and lives the drums. He aims to be in the band conducted by Fletcher, a seasoned musician and teacher who is, in a word, an asshole. He demands far too much from his students, resorting to child-like antics, such as throwing things, yelling, or cursing at them when they perform any less than perfect. Andrew finds his way into Fletcher's class and soon realizes how hard he has to push himself to have a even a chance at a drumming career, many times ending up in tears with bloodied hands, sticks, & drums. The story follows them through the ups and downs of their student/teacher relationship while Fletcher pushes Andrew to be better than he ever thought possible. The score, which is absolutely stunning, builds up to a climactic musical stand-off between student and teacher. Even though the story is centered around a drummer, the musician in me, (a long-time pianist) appreciates it, as would any musician or music lover. Whiplash took home 3 Oscars, in particular, J.K. Simmons' intense and flawless performance earned him that golden statue for Best Supporting Actor. Well deserved! 7.5/10

Birdman is the other film that received a lot of attention receiving a whopping 9 nominations. I had not seen it prior to the awards. So I rented it the other day and watched it with the hubby, mostly out of curiosity. I had read several reviews on the film, and the range was from "Waste of Two Hours (1/10)" to "An excellent satire on showbiz (10/10)" on IMDB. I have actually never seen one of Alejandro Iñárrtu's films, however, I was aware that, like Wes Anderson, his films are in a genre of their own. Birdman stars Michael Keaton as a washed-up actor, Riggan Thomson, who was made semi-famous 20 years ago by portraying a superhero, Birdman. His newest endeavor is a Broadway play, written, directed, and co-produced by Riggan himself. After a fellow actor has an accident on set, Riggan has to replace the character with a difficult, fly-by-night actor, Mike, played by the always fabulous Edward Norton. Not to mention that his recovering-addict daughter, played by Emma Stone, is his assistant and his producer/lawyer/BFF, acted by a thinner & more serious Zach Galifianakis, is riding him to succeed, as well as, avoid a lawsuit. And, oh yeah...he has telekinetic powers and has an alter-ego, none other than.... Birdman! We follow Riggan as he copes with the roller coaster of his unique powers, difficult actors, a possible pregnancy, and the potential of fame, again. This movie is definitely not for everyone, however if you keep in mind that anything, and I mean anything, can happen, and enjoy artsy movies that buck the norm, you may like it. 7/10

After making predications during the Oscar party, which I shall post shortly, my mom and I ended up winning! The golden statue now resides in our window sill, at least 'til next year.

Amanda