Vindicated

watched: The Station Agent

The Station Agent

From a perspective of someone who just has not bought into the whole obsession with Game of Thrones, I still find Peter Dinklage to be a wonderful actor from what I’ve seen him in (which is a very small amount.) That being said, I gave The Station Agent a shot because I enjoy the other two films that the director, Thomas McCarthy has made (Win, Win and The Visitor). Thomas McCarthy has a knack for realistic and hard hitting drama, it shows in his writing. All three of his films have felt very cerebral. This film isn’t going to knock the socks off of anyone, but it is a very good example of just how far great writing will take you. Peter Dinklage and Bobby Cannavale carry the weight on their shoulders as far as the acting duties are concerned. Both are very commendable actors and I think they earned their dues to deserve the reputations they have.

7.5/10

film

film review

thomas mccarthy

game of thrones

peter dinklage

dinklage

the station agent

station agent

bobby cannavale

Watched: The Impossible

The Impossible

The tsunami scene was heart wrenching and definitely one of the best scenes of 2012. The film is really heart felt at times. It’s a good outlook on just how resilient the human heart can be at times. I almost cried a few times during the film, especially one scene in particular with Ewan McGregor breaking down on the phone with a relative of his. Standout for me was child actor Tom Holland, as he was practically the lead role. Definitely worth the watch.

7.5/10

the impossible

film

film review

movies

movie review

naomi watts

ewan mcgregor

Watched: Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty

I’m not calling this a terrible film by any means necessary. An 8/10 is still very good in my book. I was just expecting a lot more. I never felt the intensity that Bigelow presented in The Hurt Locker. It was overall well acted/written/directed but it just didn’t grasp me the way I thought it was going to be. The only “edge of your seat” part was the final 30 minutes, which was the best part of the film entirely. I just felt incomplete the entire time watching it. I wanted a lot more. One thing that could have made it more intriguing is if they focused more on the team that executed the mission. Just snippets here and there throughout the film before the big scene. I understand it was more about the individuals who pursued Bin Laden for years, but more of those guys wouldn’t of hurt.

8/10

film

film review

zero dark thirty

Recently watched quick reviews:

Gimme Shelter: Excellent documentary. If you love classic rock and The Rolling Stones, watch this. Rolling Stones meets Sons of Anarchy meets Woodstock. 8/10

Black Snake Moan: Surprisingly good. I wasn’t expecting much. Had some great cinematography at times paired with great acting all around. Worth the watch. 7/10

After Hours: A stylized comedy by Scorsese that I loved? Yup. Such a fun film. 8/10

film

film reviews

film review

gimme shelter

black snake moan

after hours

Just watched: Badlands

Badlands

Took me a hell of a long time to see it because I have mixed feelings about Terrence Malick. I’m really glad I took the time to watch it though, what an incredible first viewing. I can totally see where Tarantino got the inspiration to write True Romance. Everything was fantastic from the acting, the writing and especially the breathtaking cinematography. Martin Sheen plays one of the best characters ever written for screen. You the man, Malick.

8.5/10

badlands

film

film review

martin sheen

terrence malick

watched: Killing Them Softly

Killing Them Softly

A very stylized approach to a look in on how the economy has even been effecting the crime industry. Filled with killer dialogue/action scenes and great acting all around. James Gandolfini’s character though was very unneeded, it felt like his scenes were never going to end/his character played very little relevance to the film as a whole. Some beautiful cinematography going on, you can tell it was an atmosphere created by Andrew Dominik. Still a film worth seeing despite a few blemishes.

8/10

killing them softly

film

film review

brad pitt

andrew dominik

Watched: Lincoln

To sum it up shortly, Lincoln was not your regular biopic at all. I wouldn’t even call it that. It focuses more on the movement to abolish slavery more than the man himself. It’s a educational, moving and surprisingly hilarious account on a historical effort. Daniel Day Lewis was good as the powerful Lincoln but it was no where near his best role. Tommy Lee Jones deserves all of the Oscar buzz he is obtaining from this film. However, the one person that hasn’t been talked enough is James Spader’s role in this film, I felt he was as good if not better than Jones in his limited screen time. Hell of a cast either way you look at it, one of the best ever to be assembled. Lincoln is immensely different than the dull trailer that was released to the masses. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

8/10

film

film review

lincoln

Just watched: The Master

The Master

Too many good things going through my head right now about this film. So many positives. I’ll write a full review later… but for now just a rating will do.

10/10 (I never give out 10’s on first viewings.)

the master

film

film review

Just watched: Our Idiot Brother

Our Idiot Brother

Not a bad watch at all. It wasn’t a dull comedy what so ever. Paul Rudd has great comedic presence/timing. I was laughing throughout. I can see it even holding up in a re-watch.

7/10

our idiot brother

film

film review

Just watched: Marathon Man

Marathon Man

There are only a handful of films that can keep me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Marathon Man was one of those films. From start to finish I was in anticipation of everything happening on screen. Dustin Hoffman was a tour de force the entire length. Laurence Olivier wasn’t too bad himself. I also enjoyed Roy Scheider. The entire second half of the film is damn near perfect. I was floored, really. Hoffman’s character went to hell and back… and back to hell again. Really underrated direction from John Schlesinger.

9.5/10

marathon man

dustin hoffman

film

film review

john schlesinger

laurence olivier