Tonight I saw "Hail, Caesar!", the new Coen Brothers film. It features a huge cast of well-known stars including: George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, & Channing Tatum.
I loved it. It's a truly enjoyable send-up of the classic Hollywood era "studio movie" genre.
Interesting note: there are a couple of BETM connections. The movie is produced by Working Title Films. Also Patrick Lavallee (ensemble from the tour and several regional productions) is one of the dancers in the big musical number.
What movies did you see recently?
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CJ-Rochester
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Re: What movies did you see recently?
I went to see the first showing of The Young Messiah today. It is a film adaptation of the novel Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Ann Rice, author of The Vampire Chronicles. It purports to tell the otherwise unwritten story of the young Jesus (only His moment at The Temple aged 12 is mentioned in Scripture). I am not normally attracted to films of this genre, but I thought I would give this a go, as no one else has attempted to tell that unknown period of Jesus as a young boy (in this film, he is meant to be 7, but he looks and acts 8 or 9).
My first comment is that it is uneven. Certainly no studio budgets were over-taxed in its making (though there are several technically impressive scenes). The cast, too, is uneven; I felt that Herod and many of the Romans (excepting Sean Bean) were over the top and rather unconvincing. However, most of the tale focuses on Jesus and his immediate family, who act with great sensitivity and reverence for the story, without becoming mawkish. In that regard, it is a marvel.
Of note are Vincent Walsh and Sara Lazzaro, who play Joseph and Mary with great affection and care; Finn Ireland as James, Jesus' slightly older cousin, who both loves and resents him as a brother, and is the first to try to explain why Jesus is treated a little differently than the others. But the true star is Jesus himself, played by Adam Greaves-Neal, who perfectly skates his role from that of a boy who can somehow bring a bird back to life, to one who finally learns that his 'difference' is that he is God's son. His performance is simply elegant in its simplicity and, dare I say it, innocence? And believable.
There is also a mystery man, who is both beautiful and evil, that only the boy Jesus can see; he is the one who causes another cousin's death in a manner that looks as though Jesus caused it, leading to the family's expulsion from Alexandria back to Nazareth (Jesus seeks out the body and, like the bird, he brings him back to life). But no one - not even Jesus - knows where this gift comes from, except Mary and Joseph, who want to keep him innocent of this, for the time being. Perhaps the most stunning scene is when Jesus is taken by Satan to a mountaintop to see the future: Jerusalem in flames, and with Jesus then rebuking him. This, to my mind, is a metaphor for Revelation. In fact, the whole film is a tale of revelation, as Jesus learn his true identity. The scene in The Temple is another stunning moment of acting by the young Greaves-Neal.
The critics are mixed - The Guardian panned the film. Here, in Florida, and across much of the US, the film will be seen by many in church groups, and many alone. It is not a film that would offend a non-believer, who could view it with the same credibility as a Harry Potter film (Christopher Columbus is a producer). But, for the performance of young Adam alone, I think it would appeal to many who read this.
The trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGzns9_KaWg
My first comment is that it is uneven. Certainly no studio budgets were over-taxed in its making (though there are several technically impressive scenes). The cast, too, is uneven; I felt that Herod and many of the Romans (excepting Sean Bean) were over the top and rather unconvincing. However, most of the tale focuses on Jesus and his immediate family, who act with great sensitivity and reverence for the story, without becoming mawkish. In that regard, it is a marvel.
Of note are Vincent Walsh and Sara Lazzaro, who play Joseph and Mary with great affection and care; Finn Ireland as James, Jesus' slightly older cousin, who both loves and resents him as a brother, and is the first to try to explain why Jesus is treated a little differently than the others. But the true star is Jesus himself, played by Adam Greaves-Neal, who perfectly skates his role from that of a boy who can somehow bring a bird back to life, to one who finally learns that his 'difference' is that he is God's son. His performance is simply elegant in its simplicity and, dare I say it, innocence? And believable.
There is also a mystery man, who is both beautiful and evil, that only the boy Jesus can see; he is the one who causes another cousin's death in a manner that looks as though Jesus caused it, leading to the family's expulsion from Alexandria back to Nazareth (Jesus seeks out the body and, like the bird, he brings him back to life). But no one - not even Jesus - knows where this gift comes from, except Mary and Joseph, who want to keep him innocent of this, for the time being. Perhaps the most stunning scene is when Jesus is taken by Satan to a mountaintop to see the future: Jerusalem in flames, and with Jesus then rebuking him. This, to my mind, is a metaphor for Revelation. In fact, the whole film is a tale of revelation, as Jesus learn his true identity. The scene in The Temple is another stunning moment of acting by the young Greaves-Neal.
The critics are mixed - The Guardian panned the film. Here, in Florida, and across much of the US, the film will be seen by many in church groups, and many alone. It is not a film that would offend a non-believer, who could view it with the same credibility as a Harry Potter film (Christopher Columbus is a producer). But, for the performance of young Adam alone, I think it would appeal to many who read this.
The trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGzns9_KaWg
Re: What movies did you see recently?
Saw Lady in the Van, the BBC film adaptation of Alan Bennett's stage-play-cum-radio-play semi-autobiographical story about a dotty old lady who camps out in her van in his front drive - for fifteen years. This is an absolutely first rate film, with amazing performances from Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings (who should be cast as Elton John in any future film - the likeness is uncanny). See this if you can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA8tMziteZM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA8tMziteZM
Re: What movies did you see recently?
This film (Sing Street) has not been released here, but I saw the trailer at the local cinema today. The reviews (including Sundance) have been positive. The trailer said it is in the vein of Billy Elliot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYk2Vx1z6lk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYk2Vx1z6lk
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angelenroute
- Billy
- Posts: 3831
- Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:05 am
- Location: Malverne (Long Island), NY
Re: What movies did you see recently?
Last night, I attended the NYC theatrical premiere of No Letting Go. Fans of Billy Elliot The Musical will recognize both Gabe Rush (Michael in the Chicago and Broadway productions) and Jacob Clemente (Billy in the Broadway production) in this film. Tommy Batchelor (Billy in the Broadway production) was part of the production staff for the film as well. I got to see him a few times while he was in town this week, so he was able to get my partner and me tickets for the sold-out show. Thank you, Tommy!
After the film, many of the stars participated in a long Q&A, which I really enjoyed. In attendance for the Q&A (left to right, as I remember): David Schallipp (Timmy in first half), Julian Murdoch (his little brother in the second half of the movie), producer/writer Randi Silverman (whose family story was the basis for this film), Randi's son who the main character is based on, Carina Rush (producer and Gabe's mom), Gabe Rush (Frank), Jan Uczkowski (Timmy's older brother in the second half), Cheryl Allison (Timmy's mom), Lee Bryant (Timmy's grandmother), and two others who I'm currently forgetting (sorry).
The movie itself was very powerful. Though you wouldn't exactly call it a feel-good movie, it's a very important film, and I hope you'll support it. We watch from the beginning as little Timmy begins to act out and go through some unpredictable mood swings, and as the situation only grows worse, all of a sudden the film jumps (masterfully, artistically so I might add) to four years later as Timmy is still acting out, still struggling, and the whole family is left shell shocked by the trial of it all.
They go through doctor after doctor trying to help him, and finally they hire Dr. Nancy Harris (screen favorite Kathy Najimy) to help them figure this out once and for all. Kathy Najimy shines as she counsels both Timmy himself, as well as the rest of the family, on how best to deal with this. At one point after she's made her diagnosis (bipolar disorder), someone says, "So Timmy is bipolar?" Kathy looks at them and says something like, "No. [pause] He has bipolar disorder. It's important for you to distinguish between the disease itself and the person who's suffering with it." As I spent a hard year during college suffering with clinical depression, I must confess this scene among others really moved me!
No Letting Go is playing all this week at Village East Cinema in New York City, for those who are able to catch it. It'll make its west coast premiere next, and the DVD will eventually be available in wide release, too.
Photos from last night:
http://www.gettyimages.se/detail/nyhets ... /516435758#
(and)
http://getfirstlook.com/event/Tq6U4i
Trailer for the film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPx-WME8GMw
Official Website:
http://www.nolettinggomovie.com/
After the film, many of the stars participated in a long Q&A, which I really enjoyed. In attendance for the Q&A (left to right, as I remember): David Schallipp (Timmy in first half), Julian Murdoch (his little brother in the second half of the movie), producer/writer Randi Silverman (whose family story was the basis for this film), Randi's son who the main character is based on, Carina Rush (producer and Gabe's mom), Gabe Rush (Frank), Jan Uczkowski (Timmy's older brother in the second half), Cheryl Allison (Timmy's mom), Lee Bryant (Timmy's grandmother), and two others who I'm currently forgetting (sorry).
The movie itself was very powerful. Though you wouldn't exactly call it a feel-good movie, it's a very important film, and I hope you'll support it. We watch from the beginning as little Timmy begins to act out and go through some unpredictable mood swings, and as the situation only grows worse, all of a sudden the film jumps (masterfully, artistically so I might add) to four years later as Timmy is still acting out, still struggling, and the whole family is left shell shocked by the trial of it all.
They go through doctor after doctor trying to help him, and finally they hire Dr. Nancy Harris (screen favorite Kathy Najimy) to help them figure this out once and for all. Kathy Najimy shines as she counsels both Timmy himself, as well as the rest of the family, on how best to deal with this. At one point after she's made her diagnosis (bipolar disorder), someone says, "So Timmy is bipolar?" Kathy looks at them and says something like, "No. [pause] He has bipolar disorder. It's important for you to distinguish between the disease itself and the person who's suffering with it." As I spent a hard year during college suffering with clinical depression, I must confess this scene among others really moved me!
No Letting Go is playing all this week at Village East Cinema in New York City, for those who are able to catch it. It'll make its west coast premiere next, and the DVD will eventually be available in wide release, too.
Photos from last night:
http://www.gettyimages.se/detail/nyhets ... /516435758#
(and)
http://getfirstlook.com/event/Tq6U4i
Trailer for the film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPx-WME8GMw
Official Website:
http://www.nolettinggomovie.com/
"Good writers define reality; bad ones merely restate it." -Edward Albee
Re: What movies did you see recently?
I saw The Lady in a Van this afternoon. Maggie Smith was outstanding and drew the occasional tear. Do yourself a favour and see this fine film
Cheers
Brad
Brad
Re: What movies did you see recently?
I saw No Letting Go, a film about a boy with bi-polar disorder. This film really hit home, since I have a brother and sister with this illness. This is a very powerful film, based on a true story, showing how even children can and do suffer from mental illness. This film is new and getting excellent reviews at film festivals worldwide. It was recently released on various video on demand and streaming sources. I saw it on Walmart VUDU. Highly recommended.
.......__o
.......\ <,
....( )/ ( )
.......\ <,
....( )/ ( )
High-Rise blows huge chunks!
High-Rise blows huge chunks!
The new Tom Hiddleston film "High-Rise" is the worst film I have ever walked out of after 35 minutes.
It started off bad because I saw it in a decent Leicester Square movie palace, but we wuz in one of the little 50 seat theatres waaaay upstairs in what used to be a rear corner.
The place felt like a Times Square porn theatre (Yeah, once upon a time that's what Times Square was known for before Disney rebuilt it). Snicker all ya want.
The place had only four rows of seats, so the back row was a must. Fifteen minutes into the film after all the commercials a trio of enormous NFL-type football players (think 300 pound guys and well over 6 feet tall) file in and sit down right up against my seat on the end of the row.
I move. What sort of weirdos come into a theatre after all the promos and 15 minutes after the film actually has started, and think they can grasp a film with no real concept. Dunno. Don't care.
I stick it out a while longer and it just doesn't gather a thought on screen, just random situations. Tom does not help. I think his Bond chances just fell a bit.
No story. Disjointed dialogue. Think "Clockwork Orange" (just for the depravity ... I liked Kubrick) mixed in with "Eyes Wide Shut" and the previous film I thought was the worst of my life "Don't Look Now." Oh and remember there's lots of "Fellini Satyricon."
So, I got a first class case of the willies and headed out when I saw no possible way for the film to redeem itself.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWFUL!
tzwicky
The new Tom Hiddleston film "High-Rise" is the worst film I have ever walked out of after 35 minutes.
It started off bad because I saw it in a decent Leicester Square movie palace, but we wuz in one of the little 50 seat theatres waaaay upstairs in what used to be a rear corner.
The place felt like a Times Square porn theatre (Yeah, once upon a time that's what Times Square was known for before Disney rebuilt it). Snicker all ya want.
The place had only four rows of seats, so the back row was a must. Fifteen minutes into the film after all the commercials a trio of enormous NFL-type football players (think 300 pound guys and well over 6 feet tall) file in and sit down right up against my seat on the end of the row.
I move. What sort of weirdos come into a theatre after all the promos and 15 minutes after the film actually has started, and think they can grasp a film with no real concept. Dunno. Don't care.
I stick it out a while longer and it just doesn't gather a thought on screen, just random situations. Tom does not help. I think his Bond chances just fell a bit.
No story. Disjointed dialogue. Think "Clockwork Orange" (just for the depravity ... I liked Kubrick) mixed in with "Eyes Wide Shut" and the previous film I thought was the worst of my life "Don't Look Now." Oh and remember there's lots of "Fellini Satyricon."
So, I got a first class case of the willies and headed out when I saw no possible way for the film to redeem itself.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWFUL!
tzwicky
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ERinVA
- Site Admin
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- Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:33 am
- Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Re: What movies did you see recently?
So can we assume that you didn't like it? 
Ellen
"I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.”
-George Balanchine 1904 -1983
To follow the forum's Twitter at http://twitter.com/BEForum, click on the direct link in Applies to All Forums above.
"I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.”
-George Balanchine 1904 -1983
To follow the forum's Twitter at http://twitter.com/BEForum, click on the direct link in Applies to All Forums above.
Batman vs Superman
I have seen "Batman vs Superman" twice so far. Once on the 70mm screen in Leiscester Square, and once in the theatre right behind the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Several theatres are showing this film on a 70mm screen size, but I suspect the film being excellently stretched to fit that screen aspect is actually only a 35mm because you can see a grain pattern. Interesting. Never saw a film this way, but I would have hoped for 70mm film on a 70mm screen. You can also see the film in Imax but it's 3-D and I have no use for a process that ruins the whole idea of Imax. I dunno why the Imax people don't chime in on this. Perfect picture reduced to a blur with 3-D glasses.
The sound of this film is just awe-inspiring. Really loud. Almost always really loud. You even get to hear the Kryptonian World Machines at work, even though it's in a flashback. I think the sound design of the World Machines is the most perfectly created artificial sound ever created. I'd love to have it on a continuous loop playing in my "background" all the time.
I was wary of the whole concept of the film with Batman (mortal) battling Superman (more or less immortal). How's that work?
Watch the film because it all makes sense as it unfolds. The film launches the DC Comics Universe with a bang. Everyone in this film gets their own standalone film sometime soon. DC is playing catch up to Marvel, but I think it's gonna be all DC all the time if this one goes well.
Are you a Wonder Woman fan? She never did anything for me, but this latest iteration of Wonder Woman kicks butt and takes names and she is fierce doing it. Very hot woman.
And you see a few frames of Aqua Man played by that Drogo guy from "Game of Thrones." Nice to see he has work.
If you like loud, super hero franchise film extravaganzas, this one should tickle your fancy, or whatever films tickle on you.
tzwicky
Several theatres are showing this film on a 70mm screen size, but I suspect the film being excellently stretched to fit that screen aspect is actually only a 35mm because you can see a grain pattern. Interesting. Never saw a film this way, but I would have hoped for 70mm film on a 70mm screen. You can also see the film in Imax but it's 3-D and I have no use for a process that ruins the whole idea of Imax. I dunno why the Imax people don't chime in on this. Perfect picture reduced to a blur with 3-D glasses.
The sound of this film is just awe-inspiring. Really loud. Almost always really loud. You even get to hear the Kryptonian World Machines at work, even though it's in a flashback. I think the sound design of the World Machines is the most perfectly created artificial sound ever created. I'd love to have it on a continuous loop playing in my "background" all the time.
I was wary of the whole concept of the film with Batman (mortal) battling Superman (more or less immortal). How's that work?
Watch the film because it all makes sense as it unfolds. The film launches the DC Comics Universe with a bang. Everyone in this film gets their own standalone film sometime soon. DC is playing catch up to Marvel, but I think it's gonna be all DC all the time if this one goes well.
Are you a Wonder Woman fan? She never did anything for me, but this latest iteration of Wonder Woman kicks butt and takes names and she is fierce doing it. Very hot woman.
And you see a few frames of Aqua Man played by that Drogo guy from "Game of Thrones." Nice to see he has work.
If you like loud, super hero franchise film extravaganzas, this one should tickle your fancy, or whatever films tickle on you.
tzwicky