Life Itself (2014)

I had just started blogging when I first read about Life Itself. A fellow blogger described it as one of the finest films he had seen and a must-see for movie lovers, so I added to my watch-list. It's only later that I learnt it was a documentary and I kept putting it off ever since. I'm really into documentaries now, and before this phase wears off, I checked it out.

The documentary tells the story of renowned, Pulitzer winning film critic and television personality Roger Ebert, summing up both his publish and private life and documenting the end of it as he is dying of cancer.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

I'm still on the insane quest to watch every single movie Sam Rockwell has made and, among all those I haven't seen yet (I'm planning on watching some I've already seen, The Green Mile to made one, that I haven't reviewed), I picked Confessions of a Dangerous Mind because this is George Clooney's directorial debut and Charlie Kaufman wrote it. Most important though, I liked the title.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind depicts the life of popular game show host and producer Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell) who, at the height of his career, was recruited by the CIA as a contract killer. Well, at least that's what he said.

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)

Patty Jenkins's Wonder Woman isn't the only movie about the famous superheroine that made it to the big screen last year. There was also Angela Robinson's Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, a biopic about American psychologist William Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman. 

It's 1928. William Marston (Luke Evans) and his wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall) teach and work on their research at Harvard and Radcliffe College. Williams hires one of his students, Olive Bryne (Bella Heathcote), the daughter of Ethel Bryne and niece of Margaret Sanger, as a new teaching assistant. The three of them fall in love, which was forbidden at the time, and these two women will be his inspiration for the Wonder Woman comics.

Leopardi (2014)

Original Title

Il giovane favoloso

Genre

Biography | Drama | History

Director

Mario Martone

Country

Italy

Cast

Elio Germano, Isabella Ragonese, Anna Mouglalis, Michele Riondino, Massimo Popolizio, Valerio Binasco, Paolo Graziosi, Iaia Forte, Sandro Lombardi, Raffaella Giordano, Edoardo Natoli, Federica De Cola

Storyline

The film tells the short but fruitful life of the great Italian poet and philosopher Giacomo Leopardi (Elio Germano).

Opinion

I won't waste time saying how much I love Giacomo Leopardi's work. Just shame on me for catching "Leopardi" up only now because it truly is a stunning, emotional film that wonderfully portrays the life of one of the greatest Italian poets ever lived.

The problem with biopics is that they tend to be quite tedious if not handled properly, especially if you already are familiar with the biography of the portrayed figure, but this film is quite the opposite to that. Rather it is a surprisingly smooth film, without a single dull moment, that tells the tormented life of a man. And I'd like to point out that the writers - Mario Martone and Ippolita Di Majo - decided to tell the story of Leopardi's life chronologically.

In addition, staying true to the poet - or at least it was for me -, director Mario Martone didn't make use of the melancholy of the poet, and the way he saw the world, but he decided to focus on the poetry, and let it speak by itself. And it is through those beautiful poems that we see the real Leopardi: a restless mind, a tormented man, a wandering child.

The screenplay and the direction are not the only great things about the film. In fact, the scenery plays a very important role, as it manages to capture the essence of Leopardi. The costumes are also beautiful, so are the cinematography and the musical score.

At last but not least, the acting, or should I say the leading actor, Elio Germano. He was given a character that is definitely not easy to work with, but he nailed it. Basically he became Leopardi and his portrayal was so astonishing it almost felt like he was Leopardi. Easily one of the best performances of recent years.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Genre

Biography | Comedy | Drama | War

Directors

Glenn Ficarra | John Requa

Country

USA

Cast

Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Christopher Abbott, Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina, Sheila Vand, Nicholas Braun, Steve Peacocke, Evan Jonigkeit, Scott Takeda, Josh Charles, Cherry Jones, Sterling K. Brown, Thomas Kretschmann

Storyline

News copywriter Kim Baker (Tina Fey) decides to leave the comfort of a New York desk job to accept the assignment to work as on-camera war reporter in Afghanistan. 

Opinion

I am not a huge fan of war films but since this one is was supposed to be more of a comedy rather than a drama and it's directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the two guys who directed "Crazy, Stupid, Love." some years ago, I decided to give it a try. Was it worth it? It's complicated.

As for the black comedy part, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" is a decent and overall watchable film, as for the issue addreses, it is a pretty well done picture.

I don't know the real story so I am not able to make comparisons and I won't even look it up on the internet and pretend like I did know it. Instead I'm going to say that the story of this brave woman is quite interesting and that the storytelling flows quite well.

At some point though it got me worried because it felt like a drama pretending to be a comedy that was also asking us to sympathize with the main character who wasn't sympathetic at all. Just like happened in the dreadful "Eat Pray Love". But eventually the film showed off its well written character and mostly important, it addressed a serious issue that many don't even think about: that non-return point when a reporter gets used to the danger and that life on the razor's edge that ends up considering it normality, and that would do anything for an exclusive, even endanger their and the others lives. The filmmakers really did a good job at portraying the kind of addiction war can be for a reporter.

On the other hand there is the comedy. The film doesn't really work as such, but the good thing is that the drama is there and does work. And Tiny Fey gives a pretty solid performance in her dramatic role.

Concussion (2015)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Peter Landesman

Country

USA

Cast

Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morse, Arliss Howard, Mike O'Malley, Eddie Marsan, Hill Harper, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Stephen Moyer, Richard T. Jones, Paul Reiser, Luke Wilson, Sara Lindsay, Matthew Willig, Bitsie Tulloch, Eme Ikwuakor

Storyline

In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.

Opinion

Last night I finally watched the film with a lot of interest because of its sensitive subject and because of Will Smith's performance that according to everybody was Oscar worthy. I was disappointed.

"Concussion" would have been a compelling drama, and an excellent biopic if it wasn't so long and so unfocused.

So the film tells the story of Nigerian pathologist Bennet Omalu who discovered that football players, just like boxers, can suffer from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), and the NFL knowing it and did not say anything about it, more or less accurately. The problem is the way it tells it, so awful it made the film barely watchable.

It is a sport related story, but the film doesn't really establish a relation between the doctor and the sport. American football gets mentioned only to attract fans of the sport, it doesn't really have another purpose. 

Then the filmmakers thrown in a romantic sub-plot in order to give Smith something to do other than cut brains of dead footballers. A romance that is pointless, flat and whose only purpose is to lengthen the film. 

It also seems like the filmmakers tried very hard to make a mess out of the film. In addition to a non-linear narration that doesn't make any sense, and an awful editing, the focus shifts from the legal battle to the inner struggle of Bennet Omalu to be considered a doctor in America.

At least Will Smith's performances is excellent. I actually was afraid that his attempt on Nigerian accent would have made him into a caricature, but thank god that didn't happen. Instead, he brings a lot of intensity in each line spoken, and his portrayal of the character is amazing. The supporting cast is average, nobody really stands out. 

What can I say? Maybe it just needed to be a documentary.

Mention-Worthy Quotes

Bennet Omalu: Need is not weak. Need is need... You have to be the best version of yourself. If you don't know what that is you pick something and fake it

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Genre

Biography | Comedy | Drama

Director

John Lee Hancock

Country

UK | Australia | USA

Cast

Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, B. J. Novak, Jason Schwartzman, Kathy Baker, Melanie Paxson, Rachel Griffiths, Ronan Vibert, Kristopher Kyer, Victoria Summer

Storyline

After 20 years, when she's financially strapped, author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) finally considers Walt Disney's (Tom Hanks) offer to make a film of her book, Mary Poppins, but won't approve unless Disney does it as she wants. So she goes to California, and while working on bringing the character of Mary Poppins to life, she starts reflecting on her childhood, upon which the book is based.

Opinion

Although this film has been on my watch-list for a while, I was reluctant because of some negative reviews I've heard and read. People complaining about Walt Disney being nothing like the man portrayed by Tom Hanks, others complaining about this being not a biopic worthy of such a man. Well, I'm not sure those people have quite understood what the film is really about.

Saving Mr. Banks actually tells the story of the making of the Mary Poppins film, and if it has to be considered a biography, it is surely not Walt Disney's but P.L. Travers's. Now, the fact that the story is more or less accurate, and that maybe there is a spoonful of sugar too much to make the film suitable for families is another thing.

Having said that, Saving Mr. Banks is a feel-good dramatic comedy, both witty and sentimental, that draws you in.

The film praises imagination and its power to help some grow, by lighting up childhood and its natural path towards adulthood. It also praises those people that, even though they have grown, are still capable of dreaming, like P.L. Travers or Walt Disney.

There are some outstanding performances too. Emma Thompson play P.L. Travers beautifully. Cold and definitely not likable in the first part (as required), she brings out all the emotions, and the serious aspects of her character. Tom Hanks does a nice job as Walt Disney and seems to be enjoying himself but this is not one of his best achievements. The supporting cast offers strong performances, especially Colin Farrell, who brings vitality and interest in the parallel story about Travers's childhood. 

Don’t you ever stop dreaming. You can be anyone you want to be. - Travers Goff

Walt Before Mickey (2015)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Khoa Le

Country

USA

Cast

Thomas Ian Nicholas, Jon Heder, David Henrie, Taylor Gray, Jodie Sweetin, Sheena Colette, Hunter Gomez, Ayla Kell, Armando Gutierrez, Arthur L. Bernstein, Kate Katzman, Timothy Neil Williams, Conor Dubin, Flora Bonfanti, Briana Colman, Beatrice Taveras, Maralee Thompson, Natasha Sherritt, Frank Licari, Randy Molnar, Donn Lamkin, Nancy J. Barber, Owen Teague, Demitri Vardoulias, Noah Forgione

Storyline

Walt before Mickey takes viewers on a journey through the passion, ambition, and dreams of a man who would go on to capture millions of hearts across the world, and inspire dreams for generations to come.

Opinion

Walt Disney is the icon that has given birth to many icons, and that has entertained entire generations. But what's the story - and struggles - behind this great man? This film, based on Timothy Susanin's book, answered that question. In unflattering way.

Uninspired and unable to hold the attention of the viewer, Walt Before Mickey is the proof that dreams don't always come true.

The story is pretty solid, but the screenplay is a real mess. I did not read the book by Timothy Susanin - also approved by Diane Disney Miller, Walt's daughter, very misleading considering the quality of the film - so I cannot comment how closely the film sticks to the book, but I can say that it seems more like an adaptation of a student's paper rather than anything else.

Some parts don't make much sense either. For instance Walt Disney hiring Friz Freleng because he has been told Friz is great at voices - later demonstrated - years before the advent of sound. I have been wondering why hiring him when you can't even afford to pay the animators salaries, and what was he even doing in the studio. Also Freleng has not a single voice credit on IMDb.

The way Walt Disney's character is conceived is no better. Besides the accurate portrayal of a chain smoker, it's hard to believe that he is an actual person. 

The acting isn't better than some I've seen in junior high plays. Thomas Ian Nicholas - American Pie's Kevin - really makes you cringe in those moments when he seems to be rehearsing instead of acting, and does not bring neither personality nor soul into the role. Jon Heder looks completely lost as Roy Disney, but at least he looks a bit like his character. The supporting cast goes from decent - Armando Gutierrez as Ub Iwerks and Timothy Neil Williams as Fred Harman - to uninspired and overacting.

If there's something I know for sure is that Walt Disney never would have approved anything like this.

Everest (2015)

Genre

Adventure | Biography | Drama

Director

Baltasar Kormákur

Country

UK | USA | Iceland

Cast

Jason Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, Thomas Wright, Martin Henderson, Elizabeth Debicki, Naoko Mori, Clive Standen, Vanessa Kirby, Tom Goodman-Hill, Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson, Charlotte Bøving, Micah Hauptman, Chris Reilly, Chike Chan, Vijay Lama, Mark Derwin, Mia Goth

Storyline

On the morning of May 10, 1996, climbers from two commercial expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With little warning, a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. Challenged by the harshest conditions imaginable, the teams must endure blistering winds and freezing temperatures in an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds.

Opinion

Once again I had high expectations and once again I've been disappointed. Stuffed with famous names, Everest is a well done chronicle film, that only invites to observe and not feel.

With an overlong first half focused on the preparation of the climbing itself and acclimatization to the high altitude, and a second half focused on the tragedy itself, the film does not lack credibility or attention in the reconstruction of the events, but it's soulless. Apart from the fact that the division between part one and part two is like a clear cut, the film does not go beyond telling the facts as they are, and completely fails in showing the difficulties you may encounter in such a climbing, and the hostility of the environment.

The characters are a washout. The only well outlined character is climber Rob Hall, that with his company Adventure Consultants guided even clients with little experience on the top of the Everest. Unfortunately, Hall's rival Scott Fischer is very superficial, portrayed as an reckless drunkie. The other characters are just plot elements, and characterized by some small details - like Doug, the mailman pursuing his dream, or Yasuko, the woman completing the seven summits. Also, Anatoli Boukreev definitely deserved more space in the story.

The actors are wasted. While Jason Clarke and Josh Brolin give good performances, Jake Gyllenhaal's only purpose is delivering stupid lines, Emily Watson's New Zealand accent is unconvincing, Keira Knightley occasionally shows up crying, and Robin Wright doesn't even need to be in the film.

Lords of Dogtown (2005)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Sport

Director

Catherine Hardwicke

Country

USA

Cast

Heath Ledger, Emile Hirsch, John Robinson, Victor Rasuk, Michael Angarano, Nikki Reed, Rebecca De Mornay, William Mapother, Vincent Laresca, Elden Henson, Mitch Hedberg, Stephanie Limb, Mike Ogas, Don Nguyen, Melonie Diaz, Eddie Cahill, Laura Ramsey, Steve Badillo, Pablo Schreiber, America Ferrera, Sofia Vergara, Johnny Knoxville, Jay Adams, Ned Bellamy, Tony Alva, Charles Napier, Skip Engblom, Stacy Peralta, Tony Hawk, Joel McHale, Bai Ling, Shea Whigham, Alexis Arquette, Jeremy Renner, Lance Mountain

Storyline

The Z-Boys, as they come to be known, perfect their craft in the empty swimming pools of unsuspecting suburban homeowners, pioneering a thrilling new sport and eventually moving into legend.

Opinion

I had good expectation about this film, but as soon as I saw Catherine Hardwicke's name appear in the opening credits, my expectations dropped down like a bomb, because it's common knowledge Hardwicke is the female Michael Bay, aka she can't do her job.

I am not really into skateboarding, but I was interested in seeing how it developed, and I really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, Lords of Dogtown tries to be deep, sad and entertaining, but at the end it's just boring.

The story was a great idea for a film, but the storytelling is not compelling, the events happen without much of an explanation or background, and there is lack of dialogue.

The "documentary-style" is really annoying. First, Stacey Peralta, one of the skaters, has already made a documentary about his/the story named "Dogtown and Z-Boys", so there was no point in making a film about the same story, and giving it the documentary look. Second, documentary filmmakers don't go around shaking the camera at things like they have Parkinson's disease. And Catherine Hardwicke should stop calling it a style, because it's not.

However, the great soundtrack really adds a lot to the film. And I must compliment Hardwicke for choosing Heath Ledger as Skip. He did a wonderful job, but unfortunately he didn't have a lot of screen time.

Quotes

Skip: You gotta approach every day as if it's your last!

Blow (2001)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Ted Demme

Country

USA

Cast

Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths, Ray Liotta, Paul Reubens, Jordi Molla, Cliff Curtis, Max Perlich, Miguel Sandoval, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Gage, Tony Amendola, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jesse James, Alan James Morgan, Emma Roberts, Jaime King

Storyline

Son of a struggling small business owner, George Jung (Johnny Depp, adult - Jesse James, young) vows never to share a similar fate. In his twenties, he moves to California where he starts his own post pushing operation. When he goes to jail, he finds out about the wonder of cocaine, and, when released, he establishes the American cocaine market in the 1970's.

Opinion

Recalling Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas every single minute of it, Blow isn't witty, nor engaging as the 1990 masterpiece; instead it is dull, shallow, and, despite its title, it doesn't blow anything.

Director Ted Demme - died in 2002 of accidental cocaine induced thrombosis heart attack, as reported on several websites - made a film that not only glorified criminality, and the same substance and kind of person that eventually killed him, but attempted to make the audience feel sorry for the drug dealer, when you should feel sorry for the lives he has ruined. And what makes me cringe the most is that for many people he succeeded in that. In fact, it is plenty of people out there who thought, "Oh, poor George!".

Having said that, the film doesn't even tell the exact story of George Jung - some filmmakers really like to change people's lives, and yes, I'm talking about Clint Eastwood too. Many things have been omitted in order to clear his name, and to make him look like the good guy.

Among the multiples plot holes, there are some in particular that made me think. How is it possible than both Depp and Cruz's character never showed any drug addiction symptoms, like physical or psychological dependence, after years of heavy use? And shouldn't' be their daughter kind of addicted to cocaine considering her mother was snorting during the whole pregnancy?

At least is has Johnny Depp before he became Jack Sparrow. He gives a great performance, and his portrayal of drug dealer George Jung has depth. Ray Liotta gives a credible performance as Fred Jung, George's father. Notable performance also comes from Penelope Cruz. 

Quotes

Fred Jung: Sometimes you're flush and sometimes you're bust, and when you're up, it's never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you never think you'll be up again, but life goes on.

Foxcatcher (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Sport

Director

Bennett Miller

Country

United States

Cast

Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Redgrave, Sienna Miller, Anthony Michael Hall, Guy Boyd, Brett Rice, Samara Lee, Jackson Frazer, Jane Mowder, Daniel Hilt, Lee Perkins, David Bennett

Plot

The film tells the dark and fascinating story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between an eccentric multi-millionaire and two champion wrestlers.

Opinion

Finally released in Italy last Thursday, I went to see it last night. I don't like wrestling and I wasn't expecting much from this film, but it disappointed me in a good way. Foxcatcher is a story about defeat, that goes beyond the sport, and delves into the complexities of the protagonists' psychologies.

The acting is excellent. Channing Tatum proves that he is not just a pretty face, but he act and he is quite good. The way his character punished himself reminded me of "Of Mice and Men"'s Lennie. Forget about the sex comedies guy, because this Steve Carell is different and unrecognizable - great job on the make up - and he delivers an excellent performance, definitely his best so far. Mark Ruffalo gives a superb performance.

Quotes

John du Pont: You're going to do great things, Mark.

Mark Schultz: I'm gonna give you everything I have.

Rating

8.5/10

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Ron Howard

County

United States

Cast

Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, Josh Lucas, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Vivien Cardone, Christopher Plummer, Judd Hirsch, Jason Gray-Stanford

Plot

The film tells the story of John Forbes Nash Jr. (Russell Crowe), a mathematical genius, who made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim.

But soon Nash finds himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery once he is diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Opinion

I tried to watch this film about a year ago, but I didn't like it and I quit. I gave it another try and it was worth it. A Beautiful Mind is a fantastic film, and a great tribute to the life of John Nash. Although mathematics is a pillar of the plot, the film is never boring.

Ron Howard does an amazing job engaging the audience, and making them experience mental illness. Akira Goldman's screenplay, based on Sylvia Nasar's A Beautiful Mind, is brilliant. 

Russell Crowe is excellent. He does not act as Nash, he is Nash. The way he conveys mental illness is amazing. The elaborate makeup partially age Nash, Crowe does the rest. And most important, Crowe does not overshadow Nash. Jennifer Connelly is amazing as well as supporting actress. The chemistry between them is amazing.

Quotes

Dr. Rosen: Imagine if you suddenly learned that the people, the places, the moments most important to you were not gone, not dead, but worse, had never been. What kind of hell would that be?

Nash: What truly is logic? Who decides reason? My quest has taken me to the physical, the metaphysical, the delusional, and back. I have made the most important discovery of my career - the most important discovery of my life. It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logic or reasons can be found. I am only here tonight because of you. [looking at his wife] You are the only reason I am. You are all my reasons. Thank you.

Rating

8.8/10

Unbroken (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | War

Director

Angelina Jolie

Country

United States

Cast

Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Miyavi, Finn Wittrock, Jai Courtney, Luke Treadaway, Travis Jeffery, Jordan Patrick Smith, John Magaro, Alex Russell, John D'Leo, Vincenzo Amato, Ross Anderson, Maddalena Ischiale, Morgan Griffin, Savannah Lamble, Sophie Dalah

Plot

Louis Zamperini (Jack O'Connell), an Olympic athlete, joins the armed forces during World War II.
Captured by the Japanese navy after a plane crash in the Pacific, and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp, Zamperini must continue his fight by surviving through the war.

Opinion

This film got so much hate and I sincerely don't understand the reason. Based on Laura Hillenbrand's "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" Unbroken is a brilliant film about friendship, inner strength and love.
A great and bright cinematography is provided by Roger Deakins. Coldplay's "Miracles" - ending credits - perfectly fits in the story and I couldn't imagine of a better song.
Jack O'Connell - I recently mentioned him in Eden Lake's review - is the real deal, and puts his efforts to portray such a man. Miyavi as The Bird does a great job.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Pete: A moment of pain, is worth a lifetime of glory.

Rating

8.5/10

The Iceman (2012)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Ariel Vromen

Country

United States

Cast

Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, James Franco, David Schwimmer, Stephen Dorff, Erin Cummings, Robert Davi, Weronika Rosati, John Ventimiglia, Christa Campbell, Jay Giannone, Vincent Fuentes, Ashlynn Ross

Plot

Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father in reality Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon) is a ruthless contract killer. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters have any clue about his real profession.

Opinion

I had to wait almost 2 years - it was released last Thursday in Italy - to watch this film and was it worth it? Hard to say. Based on Philip Carlo's biography of Richard Kuklinski "The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer", The Iceman is an average mob film. It is dark and bold but there is not enough excitement or tension. Ariel Vromen wasted the potential of the book and gave birth to a shallow film.
Michael Shannon , who plays Kuklinski, does such a good job, delivering a performance filled with emotions, and uplifts the film a bit. 

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy/Rent on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Mr. Freezy: I only feel alone around other people. Couldn't be truer.

Rating

7.5/10

The Iron Lady (2011)

Genre

Biography | Drama | History

Director

Phyllida Lloyd

Country

France | United Kingdom

Cast

Meryl Streep, Alexandra Roach, Jim Broadbent, Iain Glen, Olivia Colman, Anthony Head, Nicholas Farrell, Richard E. Grant, Susan Brown, Martin Wimbush, Paul Bentley, Robin Kermode, John Sessions, Roger Allam, David Westhead, Michael Pennington, Angus Wright, Julian Wadham, Nick Dunning, Pip Torrens, Ronald Reagan, Reginald Green

Plot

An elderly and prisoner in her own home Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep), Britain's first woman Prime Minister, talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband (Jim Broadbent) as she struggles to come to terms with his death while scenes from her past life, from girlhood to British Prime Minister, intervene.

Opinion

The Iron Lady is not as good as I thought. The storytelling is a huge misfire. Boring at first, enhances a bit, and it gets boring again. This film is mostly about an elder and mentally unbalanced Margaret Thatcher, which remember her life through flashbacks. I would have liked a deeper insight into how she run the country.
Meryl Streep is outstanding and mesmerising as always, but she slightly uplifts the film.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy/Rent on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Margaret Thatcher: Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that. And I think I am fine.

Airey Neave: If you want to change this party, lead it. If you want to change the country, lead it.

Rating

6.0/10

American Sniper (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | War

Director

Clint Eastwood

Country

United States

Cast

Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Max Charles, Luke Grimes, Kyle Gallner, Sam Jaeger, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Navid Negahban, Eric Close, Eric Ladin, Joel Lambert, Rey Gallegos, Kevin Lacz, Brian Hallisay, Jonathan Groff, Ben Reed, Billy Miller, Elise Robertson, Keir O'Donnell, Marnette Patterson, Jason Hall, Leonard Roberts, Sammy Sheik

Plot

Growing up in Texas, Chris Kyle's father (Ben Reed) teaches him how to hunt deer and shoot a rifle. Years later, Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) is nothing more than a rodeo cowboy, when he sees news coverage of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and enlists in the U.S. Navy, where he is eventually accepted for SEAL training, becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper.

After marrying, Kyle and the other members of the team are called for their first tour of Iraq. Kyle's struggle isn't with his missions, but about his relationship with the reality of the war and, once returned at home, how he manages to handle it with his urban life, his wife and kids.

Opinion

American Sniper is a story about war, death, violence, fear, hope and love; and it well describes the moral dilemma that undergoes a sniper in war, and how it does affect a man spending 3 years of his life so. 

While Clint Eastwood, once again, proved to be a major director - the reason why he wasn't nominated as best director is a mystery -, the real story of Chris Kyle is far more complex than shown in the film; because Chris Kyle didn't solve all his problems in a session with a psychiatrist; and he wasn't only scared of sudden noises: while sleeping one night, Kyle almost broke his wife's arm; not to mention his alcohol problems and his several arrests - full story at The New Yorker.

Kyle killing Mustafa is the best scene, photography talking: I loved the way the scene was edited.
Multiple Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper wonderfully portraits Chris Kyle. 

Quotes

Taya: You're my husband, you're the father of my children. Even when you're here, you're not here. I see you, I feel you, but you're not here.

Taya: I need you... to be human again. I need you here.

Rating

9.0/10

The Imitation Game (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | History | Thriller | War

Director

Morten Tyldum

Country

United Kingdom | United States

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Rory Kinnear, Alex Lawther, Jack Bannon, Victoria Wicks, David Charkham, Tuppence Middleton, James Northcote, Steven Waddington

Plot

The film shows Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his team of code-breakers in Hut 8 racing against time as they attempt to break Nazi Germany's Enigma code at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. 

Opinion

Alan Turing, not a man, a genius. If I am able to write this and you are able to read it, it is because of him. But let's return to the film, shall we? The Imitation Game is a wonderful film, and, if you haven't already, I highly recommend you to watch it. It gets emotional at some point, and I will not deny that I cried.

Don't be fooled by the plot, because the essence of this movie is not breaking the Enigma's code, but the diversity: the protagonist's behavioural diversities and homosexuality; but also being a woman in a man's world.

I read somewhere on the Internet that Benedict Cumberbatch's performance was not that good after all. Well, may I dissent? Benedict Cumberbatch was almost perfect. I don't think there are many actors that could have portrayed with such sensitivity this forgotten genius.

Quotes

Alan Turing: Are you paying attention? Good. If you are not listening carefully, you will miss things. Important things. I will not pause, I will not repeat myself, and you will not interrupt me. You think that because you're sitting where you are, and I am sitting where I am, that you are in control of what is about to happen. You're mistaken. I am in control, because I know things that you do not know.[pause] What I will need from you now is a commitment. You will listen closely, and you will not judge me until I am finished. If you cannot commit to this, then please leave the room. But if you choose to stay, remember you chose to be here. What happens from this moment forward is not my responsibility. It's yours. Pay attention.

Alan Turing: Do you know why people like violence? It is because it feels good. Humans find violence deeply satisfying. But remove the satisfaction, and the act becomes... hollow.

Joan Clarke: Do you know, this morning I was on a train that went through a city that wouldn't exist if it wasn't for you. I bought a ticket from a man who would likely be dead if it wasn't for you. I read up, on my work, a whole field of scientific inquiry that only exists because of you. Now, if you wish you could have been normal... I can promise you I do not. The world is an infinitely better place precisely because you weren't.

Joan Clarke: Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.

Rating

9.5/10

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Romance

Director

James Marsh

Country

United Kingdom

Cast

Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Maxine Peake, Charlie Cox, Harry Lloyd, Emily Watson, Guy Oliver-Watts, Simon McBurney, Abigail Cruttenden, Charlotte Hope, Lucy Chappell, David Thewlis, Christian McKay, Enzo Cilenti, Georg Nikoloff, Alice Orr-Ewing, Stephen Hawking

Plot

The film tells the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of - time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed.

Opinion

The Theory of Everything is a heartbreaking masterpiece by James Marsh. Do not expect a mostly scientific film since the human side takes over, through the delicate, difficult and extraordinary love story of Stephen Hawking and his wife Jane.

The score (Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee), by Jóhann Jóhannsson, in particular in the last scenes, gave me goose bumps. 

I would have never expected such a performance by Eddie Redmayne: he is extraordinary in portraying a clear mind, brave and hilarious Stephen Hawking. 

After the stunning work in Like Crazy, Felicity Jones delivers an emotional performance as Jane Hawking.

Quotes

Stephen Hawking: There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there's life, there is hope.

Rating

9.0/10

Philomena (2013)

Genre

Biography | Drama

Director

Stephen Frears

Country

United Kingdom | United States | France

Cast

Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Anna Maxwell Martin, Mare Winningham, Michelle Fairley, Ruth McCabe, Barbara Jefford, Peter Hermann, Simone Lahbib, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Amy McAllister, Cathy Belton, Sean Mahon

Plot

1952. Teenage Philomena (Sophie Kennedy Clark) became pregnant and her father sent her to Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea. Ireland.

After giving birth, she was forced to work in the convent laundry, seven days a week, for four years to pay off the cost of her stay.  One day she discovered that the nuns had given her son to a couple for adoption.

2002. Philomena (Judi Dench) hasn't given up on finding her son (Sean Mahon) and she wants to find out what kind of person he is now. 

Journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) helps her in the search.

Opinion

Philomena is a high emotional content film. The real story is told with great accuracy by a talented director, Stephen Frears. He deserves special mention because a lesser filmmaker could have turned this project into junk. Judi Dench is brilliant as the adult Philomena. 

Quotes

Philomena: Just because you're in first class doesn't make you a first class person.

Rating

8.0/10