Change Your Image
graymattermovies
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
The Revenant (2015)
GMM: The Revenant Movie Review, A Truly Heart Pounding Experience
An experience that finds you shivering throughout the whole film, The Revenant will turn any theater into the cold harsh wilderness of 1823. This is a film that puts viewers on the edge of their seats through most of its two and a half hours. Taking place in a land where danger lurks around any corner, and sleeping with one eye open is key for survival, The Revenant is an adventure only fit for those with a strong heart. Left for dead, the fearless frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) must go toe to toe with Mother Nature herself as he struggles to survive the deadly winter elements of uncharted American territory.
This was one of the few films of recent years that truly makes you believe you are there watching the story unfold. Next time you want to say you are having the worst day ever, just think about Hugh Glass and what he had to undergo. With very few items on hand, every breath of survival was fueled by nothing but revenge for the man who put him in such a situation. A truly great performance by DiCaprio, viewers can really believe the struggle that he endures throughout his treacherous journey. Achieving the Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture-drama was well deserved. The primary antagonist (the human one) John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) is due credit for his performance as well. It is clear these two actors deliver on screen when you find yourself rooting for Hugh to prevail, and hating every second Fitzgerald is alive.
Director Alejandro Iñárritu spends a good deal of time shooting the surrounding environment. In most cases, this could cause the film to seem as though it is dragging on, but not here. The Revenant is an incredible viewing experience, showing the wintry remote conditions of Canada and Southern Argentina. Part of this had to do with the film being shot in all natural light. This typically isn't done due to relying on the position of the sun and clouds, but it pays off as this is one of the most beautifully shot movies of 2015.
There is absolutely no shortage of heart pounding moments. The biggest being the encounter with a grizzly bear (the primary non-human protagonist). An incredibly impactful scene, it demonstrates the raw power such a creature can have. This moment will induce your fight or flight response as you are sitting in your soft, safe, theater seat. What Iñárritu does so well in this, and other action sequences, is shoot them in one continuous shot. Most other films will cut back and forth between characters or movements, The Revenant does not. Viewers will find that this puts more focus on the event as a whole, versus just the few who are involved.
The story was based on true events, which makes the movie inspiring, but runs the risk of reducing its impact as many viewers might know how the plot unfolds. However, even if you know how it concludes before entering the cinema, The Revenant is brilliant in showing how Glass struggles to reach that point. Though they partly explain why Glass is in a certain mind state during the film, the dream sequences he has do occur a little too much. Nearly every time Glass closes his eyes, he has obscure visions. So for those aren't particularly fond of this type of genre, it may seem somewhat boring, and these moments could highly contribute to that.
A magnificent feast for the eyes, The Revenant is absolutely one of the best films of 2015. With stellar performances and cinematography, it depicts just how resilient the human spirit can be. As a recommendation, it is best to see this in the theater. So don't just wait for it to come out on digital or DVD, get the most from this movie by seeing it on the big screen. A strong Oscar contender in multiple categories (and winning a few golden globes), The Revenant receives a well deserved 8.5/10. (IMDB only allows whole numbers so between either an 8 or 9, it deserves a 9).
The Hateful Eight (2015)
GMM: The Hateful Eight Movie Review
Not falling far from the Tarantino tree, his Hateful Eight film is one of the most raw, gruesome westerns era. This isn't a movie meant for the squeamish, even though there is rich attention to detail within character interactions, some scenes are topped off with some gut splattering visuals. Having a keen eye on how to induce suspense where most other directors fall blind, Quentin Tarantino tells the story of a stagecoach carrying two bounty hunters, a prisoner, and the supposed new sheriff, being stranded in a not so warm cabin occupied by a group of skeptical characters.
Following up from Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino introduces his 8th directorial film, in a similar fashion. Like Django, The Hateful Eight takes place in an era where it is common to carry one or two revolvers around your waist. The film, though the name refers two eight essential characters, focuses more on Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins). From the beginning, the level of personal communication these characters engage in is very captivating to say the least. As they discuss their current business and past experiences, the film portrays a very intimate suspense as each person is suspicious of the true intentions of the others.
This type of theme carries on through the rest of the film. The sort of "I don't think this man is who he says he is", aura that surrounds each character as they are introduced keeps the viewers engaged, despite the films near three hour run time. The communication between the characters and witty banter does at times provide some comic relief as well. There could have been a few scenes, such as the extended time spent focusing on the scenery in the first portion of the film, which could have been shortened. It is clear that Tarantino wants to immerse the audience in the atmosphere of his on screen vision. However, despite the suspenseful drama of the film, sitting in a theater for three hours may be a turn off for many movie goers.
Other members of the eight include Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), General Smithers (Bruce Dern), and Bob The Mexican (Demian Bichir). The members of the eight, which have each won multiple awards for previous performances, play an intricate role in the development of the movie. Each actor not only portrayed their character well, they displayed the appropriate chemistry amongst each other.
A nice little addition is that The Hateful Eight plays out just like a novel. Dividing segments of the movie into chapters, which are displayed on the screen, actually adds to the flow of the film and makes it seem like you are essentially watching a book. Tarantino does an excellent job creating the tone of the movie as well as depicting its setting. You can see why he prefers it being shown on 70mm. Certain scenes encompass so much detail, such as those in the haberdashery, that the film expresses more emotion and element in the moment. He does seem to do this better here than he has in some of his more recent films, and it is clear even if you don't see it in 70mm.
Perhaps one of the deal breakers for some is the films level of vulgarity and violence. As with the Tarantino "genre", very strong language, blood, and gore are essential. It would not be surprising if one or two people left the theater during the showing due to these aspects. However, the language appears true to the time period and nefarious nature of the characters. Some of the gore is a little over the top, but again, this is how Mr. Tarantino uses his artistic directorial nature. For those who can handle the violence, it ultimately makes the movie more entertaining.
Overall, The Hateful Eight was a long, but fun and wild ride. Not being able to predict the character's action and the uncertainty of their true agenda elevates the thrill factor for the movie. Though some parts of the film, such as the run time and intense graphic content may not suit some, The Hateful Eight is a true raw western. I very much enjoyed the film and felt it contained an enthralling story. The Hateful Eight receives a non- hateful 8 out of 10.
Room (2015)
GMM: Room Movie Review
Envision spending your entire life confined to a single room, the size of a shed, with just a small skylight as your only perception of the outside world. For Jack (Jacob Tremblay), this was his life. This was all he knew. Room (2015) is a film based off of the best-selling novel by Emma Donoghue, told through the eyes of Jack, the five year old son of Ma (Brie Larson). Jack and Ma escape from this small confinement and attempt to adjust to something Jack never knew existed, the world.
Room is a small story driven independent movie. And like many of its kind, Room has to rely on a great screenplay, solid acting, and moving character development for it to get wide recognition. Room delivers on all of these aspects. You know a movie really tugs on the heartstrings when you notice multiple viewers in the theater crying during specific scenes. Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson are near flawless together on screen as they depict the highs and lows of being confined to a single room for years, as well as their transition back to society.
It was very interesting to witness the depictions of what a child would believe as real, or not, based upon what he has been deprived of. Luckily, Jack and Ma have a television, but Ma has had to shelter Jack from some aspects of what really is going on outside of the 10x10 shed because she fears what this knowledge might bring to him. Real, TV world, space, aliens, and people are concepts that are different to Jack. The only other person he sees besides Ma, is old Nick (Sean Bridgers), whom Jack only sees through the cracks of the wardrobe he sleeps in.
Once they escape this world called room, director Lenny Abrahamson is tasked with showing how Jack adjusts to this seemingly alien planet. Both trauma and confusion seem accurately depicted as Jack and Ma both have mixed responses to what Jack has never known, and what Ma's life used to be. By the end of the movie, it felt satisfyingly complete, as it touched back on the initial openings, reoccurring themes, and feelings of closure for Jack and Ma.
As mentioned above, the film does receive a standing ovation from bringing the viewers to feel deep compassion for the character. However, the times of suspense should only get a pat on the back. The sense of danger, fear, and urgency does not seem to suck you in. Part of this was attributed to the score that at times seemed more redundant and annoying. What seemed to be the same piano notes only appeared during scenes of sadness, awe, and joy, but nothing was there to enhance the other scenes.
The only criticism of the directorial style was the lapse in direction that the story was supposed to take towards the end of the film. The entire time the story was told through the eyes of Jack. However, towards the last part of the movie, there was a shift that included some of Ma's point of view. This slightly took away from the ways a five year old would try to explain certain behaviors or actions of adults. Also, for those who have read the book, don't expect the movie to include every aspect of it. Just like every other film based on books, graphic novels, comics, or even true events, only certain aspects can be adapted and some must be altered in order to try and make the best move possible.
Room is definitely an emotional journey through trauma and discovery. It has very strong storytelling and acting. Room fell short in some aspects, though they did not sufficiently diminish the overall experience of the film. It brings different concepts for those to learn from, such as the importance of family, experience, and empathy towards others. If you want to escape the confinements of recent big budget films, or want to experience something moving that you will not forget, go see Room. Room earns an unwavering 8/10.
Read more movie reviews and discussions from graymattermovies.wordpress.com
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Beasts of no Nation Delivers a Different Perspective on the Grueling Effects of War
Cary Fukunaga, very much known for his work directing the HBO series True Detective, has us follow the shortly experienced childhood of Agu, a boy born in an African country during the midst of a civil war. The playful and outgoing Agu, played by Abraham Attah, lives with his family in a village that is supposed to be within the safe buffer zone from the war. However, this changes as Agu is then forced into the violent culture of a civil war that frequently makes him question his recently engrained belief that he is fighting to rid the country from corruption and evil.
This film presents similar elements that other war movies have presented. It shows the changes in a character's personality and beliefs as a result of particular the gruesome acts of war, and their ability to adapt back into peaceful society afterward. What Fukunaga gives us is an altered perspective of this, being a war that does not represent American soldiers, a war where the viewers (for a portion of the movie) cannot decipher which faction is fighting for the just cause, and most of all, is through the eyes of a prepubescent child. As a viewer, understanding that the main character still young to where sexual metaphors would go way over his head, it is easy to empathize Agu and understand how easy it is for him to be manipulated into committing traumatic acts to further his party's agenda.
The film presents great atmosphere and environment really sucks the viewer in. Through the battered villages, lush jungle, and muddy trenches, one can even feel humidity during a scene when Agu is drinking a soda while patiently for his party to be done sleeping with a house full of women. Fukunaga did well in surrounding Agu with secondary characters, such as Strika, that not only propel Agu's story, but serve as a reminder that war can affect people in many different ways. The film presented multiple elements of foreshadowing or would point towards something occurring in Agu's future, however not every one of them was fulfilled. Not knowing what future actions the protagonist would take at certain points of the movie elevates the experience in that the outcome is less predictable and can yield more emotional responses.
Beasts of No Nation will definitely not be for all mature audiences in which some would find certain scenes very hard to stomach. Also, depending on the viewer, the ending might not have been satisfying enough and some questions were left unanswered. The mentioned foreshadowing that did not end up taking place may as well present somewhat of a letdown to some who are looking for Agu to take an alternate path or for other events to take place. Despite the film being rather enjoyable, but not everyone's cup of tea, it will most likely be nominated for a few minor awards. However, this film's success would be more rooted in the deep discussions it brings about. Such as how environment, influence, and individual perspective can change a person's moral beliefs.
Beasts of no Nation, Directed by Cary Fukunaga, starring Abraham Attah and Idris Elba receives a: 7.5/10 More movie reviews and discussions at graymattermovies.wordpress.com
The Night Before (2015)
GMM: The Night Before Movie Review
If the Grinch rolled National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and This Is The End into a blunt and smoked it, The Night Before would become the product of his high. In The Night Before, Isaac (Seth Rogan), Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and Chris (Anthony Mackie) are three best friends who spend every Christmas Eve together engaging in the same traditional, intoxicated, antics that over time have dwindled in excitement due to the inevitable, dreaded, adulthood. However, on this last night of their annual event, they have finally come across tickets to the nutcracker ball, a mega hyped Christmas party that only those who receive the red "golden ticket like" passes can enter.
The film itself already has an interesting trio at the helm. Seth Rogan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie, while not really fitting into the same typecast category, are all able to play well off of each other throughout the film. Along with other supporting actors such as Jillian Bell (Betsy), Lizzy Caplan (Diana), Mindy Kaling (Sarah), and Michael Shannon as Mr. Green, everyone in the film appeared to provide balanced chemistry amongst their interactions on screen. Not taking a good look at the full cast list beforehand also plays nicely as there are a few other Hollywood stars that are featured in some short parts.
As for the comedic aspect, you kind of know what to expect in a film with Seth Rogan. Yes there are plenty of vulgar, stupid, drug induced scenes in the film. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not, considering there are a few, I laughed so hard I nearly spilled my popcorn, scenes. Unfortunately, most of the really funny scenes consisted of the character struggling with their altered perception of reality, while the rest, consisting of minor chuckles, fell elsewhere.
There were some different cinematic choices that play into the overall comedic environment of the film. The use of camera phone points of view and the visual creation of perceived drug related hallucinations add a little more jingle. It does however fall short from being able to separate itself from the countless other holiday based comedies, although it does moderately deliver on its goal and doesn't seem to be too forceful.
The Night Before, while paying homage to some other Christmas films, seems like more than your old run of the mill illegal drug based comedy. While this may seem like the main focus of the film on the surface level, there are some underlying themes that can play into the true meaning of Christmas spirit. Isaac, Ethan, and Chris all struggle from some sort of relationship issues such as those stemming from finding new friends, significant others, parental attachment, and many more. The entire film is spent on these three not only re- discovering the important foundations of their friendship but also learning how to adapt them into their ever changing lives as independent "mature" adults.
The Night Before comes early in the first round of holiday based films of 2015. It may have been overshadowed on opening weekend due to the last installment of the Hunger Games franchise. But if you want a change of taste away from the scifi- adventure film, and are looking for something to do on Thanksgiving break, The Night Before will get you a some good laughs and help burn a few of those holiday calories off. The Night Before receives a sober 6.5/10.