Reviews

This film is unexpected and an experience like none I've had in the movie theater recently. This is exactly why I enjoy Darren Aronofsky's work, I go to the cinema to be blown away, see something I've never seen before and he's so good at that. It's a difficult watch in parts I won't lie but I certainly wouldn't consider it horror like some were saying. It's suspenseful, shocking, some will absolutely love it and others will despise it. I loved it because it comes at you like a ton of bricks or a car that's gone out of control - it grabs you and doesn't let go. Its a cerebral thrill ride, a mystery of epic proportions until the end, at which point your brain is scrambled eggs.

Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem were incredibly good together, I worried if they would have any energy between them, so I was pleasantly surprised by that. I think Lawrence has matured greatly as an actress and leading woman, she grabbed the reigns on this film, commanded it and held it strongly for the entire film. She's evolved and its obvious, Aronofsky rightly just let her shine and she did. People hate her for whatever reason and that's cool but you can't deny her talent. I couldn't even begin to consider who could've done this role as well as she did. Javier was wonderful as always, truly one of the greatest underrated actors working today.

Michelle Phiffer and Ed Harris were a great addition to the film and I realized how much I miss seeing Michelle on film. I'd like to see her get nominated but I doubt it. Jennifer may or may not get nominated, I think its 50/50 but I definitely don't see a win. I could be wrong on both counts.

I'd be lying if I said the film didn't have its issues because it does, but I still really enjoyed it. There were lots of other surprises which I wont spill here and I hesitate to say much more about the film for fear of ruining it, but go into this with an open mind. Aronofsky always has something to say and this film is pulpy, its deep, open your mind when you walk in and let Darren take you on this strange trip of a film he called 'mother!'. (B+)

The Zookeepers Wife is the true story of Antonina Żabiński, her husband Jan and the Warsaw Zoo they ran in Poland right at the start of World War II. Jan was a respected zoologist and scientist at the time, and Antonina was an equally respected author in her own right. With the bombings in Poland and the Nazi's vying for control of the country, the Żabiński's do all they can to save as many people as they can, putting themselves and their own son at great risk. This is the story of two people, that could not stand by and stand idly by while innocent people die. George Bernard Shaw once said:"The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity" and this story is the essence of those words.

Nikki Caro, whose brilliant direction has spearheaded multiple highly acclaimed movies (probably best known for North Country), helmed this film.. Caro is able to reflect humanity, sincerity and earnestness in her films, which captivates and entangles the viewer. That's the beauty of film isn't it? To be totally swept up in another person's story, another one's life. Caro's directing prowess brings to mind the ideology of the male gaze vs. the female gaze in films, and while I won't get into detail about that here, Caros perspective is fresh and her films are unique. Different people perceive things differently, and some directors present films through their eyes lens, essentially seeing and interpreting the story with their own eyes (and biases). With Nikki Caro though, I feel as though I'm witnessing a life lived, purely, rather than someone's perspective of that life. I think that's why I appreciate her directing style so much, there is clarity and candor in the way she captures the film and that honestly pulls you in. Caro is a superb director and I cannot understand why the woman has only directed a handful of films, we need her making more films! So you all know how much I love Jessica Chastian, but I left this film loving her and her talent even more. She is the only, I mean the ONLY woman that could've played Antonina. Jessica is a shining light of energy, power, compassion and love and I'd imagine Antonina was the same. Animals know who to trust instinctively, and Chastain's kinship with them spills out of the film and into your heart, this makes her portrayal of Antonina all the more palpable. In many scenes it seemed like Antonina was bathed in light, and I appreciate those subtleties because I think it represents her inner light. I know it seems so silly but I always feel that these little things directors do are very deliberate and calculating. I love and appreciate the little things. I like to see it as the physical light shines on her the way her inner light shined on all the people she saved. Jessica Chastain is by far one of the best actresses working today, and I predict its only a matter of time before she takes an Oscar home.

Johan Heldenbergh, the Danish actor who played her husband was great too, he and Chastain were a force to be reckoned with and had great chemistry. Michael McElhatton was also fantastic in his supporting role as Jerzyk, I recognized him from Game of Thrones where he played the conniving Roose Bolton. He is a very talented actor and shined brightly in his supporting role. Also, Daniel Brühl is an exceedingly good actor, he is very good at playing a certain kind of role. That's all I'm going to say about that because I don't want to ruin it for anyone!

The Zookeeper's Wife was tough to watch in some parts, but its in tragedy and hardship that hope thrives. This film reminded me that there are angels around us every day, there are good people in this world, no matter how bad it must seem. There is always hope. This message is powerful and really resonates, right now. For some it might seem hopeless, but there are always people that WILL do the right thing even when their life hangs in the balance. I felt filled with compassion and empathy; as I said before I know it seems like compassion is something people can no longer comprehend, but that's not the case. I promise! It is still possible to find love and comfort in the darkest of times. Love is all around us. We must be the vessel through which hope and love spreads. Antonina believed this with her whole heart which is why she and Jan did what they did. There are brave people all around us: fighting for our rights, fighting for theirs, their family, their country - bravery comes in so many forms. This film reflects this: there is bravery in combat and 'silent' bravery. One is not greater than the other.

Another thing I want to make sure I note is the effects animals have on healing. It's widely known that animals help people heal. You can read more about that online if you are so inclined, but I think it's so poignant and it pulled on my heart because I can identify on a personal level. My dog Tasha was a rescue from a puppy mill, my best friend had just lost his dog to cancer, I just lost my cat also to cancer, and here I am thinking we saved her when she really saved US. I wanted to note it here, but it will make so much more sense when you see the film.

All in all it was great and plus it was incredibly well done, by an incredibly talented director with an amazing cast. This is a spectacular story, more than worthy of a trip to the theater. Go see it, and support women directors!

I enjoyed it! I really did. It was fun the fight scenes were awesome. You can tell Fassbender, Labed, Williams and the entire cast worked hard to make the fight scenes look authentic. I appreciate the... Assassin's Creed: Entertaining AF, but… I enjoyed it! I really did. It was fun the fight scenes were awesome. You can tell Fassbender, Labed, Williams and the entire cast worked hard to make the fight scenes look authentic. I appreciate the lack of CG (Michael mentioned this many times at interviews) very much, its so refreshing. I can't imagine how much time they spent training, both he and Labed obviously worked extremely hard perfecting these scenes, so BIG kudos to them.

One of my favorite parts of the film was Ariane Labed's character Maria, without saying too much she was so damn awesome – loved her a lot. You will understand why Michael said at an interview recently, that Labed was one of the best things in the film, because he was right.

Cotillard was good, but I will honestly say I didn't really see the same fire I saw from her in Macbeth and some of her other films. She didn't disappoint but I was surprised to feel a little underwhelmed (especially because I love her SO MUCH). Granted the source material can't compared to Shakespeare, but still. Brendan Gleeson was a welcome and strong presence in the film – that's all I'll say about that. I love seeing him and I am looking forward to them both reuniting in Trespass Against Us.

The film was exactly what it was supposed to be – a fun film with strong action sequences. What I think sets this film apart is the grittiness that Justin Kurzel brings as director. It gives it a unique and very hands on feel, rather than the inauthentic feel of wires and green screen. I absolutely loved Macbeth beyond words, so I was happy to see Kurzel's touch on this film. There were some parts that seemed a bit slow, I feel like they could've shaved off 15 minutes or so off the film and been fine. Without giving anything away, there were some things I didn't like, but I did understand why they chose to do it the way they did, you will just have to go see the film to know what I mean. Another thing I appreciated was the cinematography and locations – absolutely breathtaking. I loved the element of using the bird as means of tying everything together, I thought that was pretty inspired. In terms of casting, I was so happy to see such an incredibly diverse cast, Fassbender has always been a huge advocate of diversity in film, so it was something I noticed right away and appreciate him for. On the film score, I truly understand why Jed Kurzel is being lauded right now for his work on the film, because it was really great. Perfectly added some suspense to the film and helped to elevate it – no question. It's currently the newest addition to my Spotify playlist. All in all, this film can proudly boast itself as one of the best video game film adaptations out. So many video game movies are exceedingly terrible, this was not one of them. I had fun, I laughed, the fights had me on the edge of my seat. Despite a few missteps, it was a good movie. I think if it was a tad shorter, it would've been better but otherwise it was awesome – I had a blast. I would definitely go see it again.

Some final notes: Congrats to Michael Fassbender on is 'p.g.a' designation on this film! I was really happy to see that when the credits rolled; also congrats to Ubisoft, and the whole cast - the film was fun true to the games while simultaneously developing an independent identity. I am really excited to see what comes with AC:2! Rating: B+

Dreams. LaLa Land is about dreams. The tag line is

"Here's to the fool who dreams"

…and its truly fitting. Emma Stone was lovely, charming and bright per usual (fan of hers since Easy A), but I was most impressed with Ryan Gosling. I had no idea he was so talented! I was astonished by his grace and pure perfection as Sebastian; I mean, Ryan Gosling as a jazz musician was everything I never knew I needed. He sang, he danced, he was absolutely sublime. Like many others would say, Emma and Ryan have a chemistry that is undeniable and it's hard not to watch them together on screen. They are captivating to watch, the energy flows through them and into the audience and its really something special. John Legend was pretty excellent in a supporting role, initially it took me a second seeing him in a different capacity but he was great! Acting isn't his trade, but I liked seeing him even though I thought it was a bit brief. Having him sing in the film was a real treat for those who may not be familiar with his music. His voice is like a fine wine; like honey in your mouth – thick, rich and sweet. His addition to the cast was smart and really upped the ante musically, because John is just so supremely talented.

As far as direction, Damien Chazelle was able do what so few directors can, and that is create magic on film. It's really astonishing considering the undertaking this film must've been for someone who's only directed one other feature film. LaLa Land was directed as if by a seasoned veteran, scenes were seamless and so precise, in some parts it felt like I was watching a live play. The film is the best kind of fantasy, filled with love, joy, and life. You can't help but walk away thinking about your own dreams, feeling inspired to make those dreams a reality. This film is a homage, a love song to a film genre that's been long gone and sorely missed. It reminded me of old Hollywood glamour – the sophistication and raw talent seemed to have the audience gripped from start to finish. It was refreshing and yet envelops you like a warm blanket on a chill winter's morning. It was effortless, clean and pure perfection.

I did like that the film also had some clear undertones and commentary on Hollywood as well as personal growth. Without saying too much, I think that these points really rounded out the film making it very robust and multidimensional. The film was able to position itself as somewhat nostalgic while not being cliché or predictable. One of my favorite lyrics in the film is, "madness is key to give us new colors to see," and this is so true and poignant when it comes to the dreamer. The dreamer is mad, considered not to be practical – similarly Steve Jobs once said, "the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." Sometimes madness and genius go hand in hand, so don't fear it, embrace it; embrace the mad chaotic beauty of having big dreams, hold tightly to them and remember that its always worth the fight to make it a reality.

Bottom line: LaLa Land is a must see. You must experience the songs, the dancing, the joy and happiness this film brings you. It infuses you with hope and sends you back out into the world as a dreamer. I highly suggest this film be experienced by all, it is an incredible achievement – the amout of applause at the end of the screening I saw as deafening. This is a definite Oscar contender, no question about it. Go see it! A++

'Loving' was outstanding. I know I review a lot of films that star a person people I love, but this film was one of the best ones I saw this year (Moonlight. GO SEE IT). I hesitated even writing that, thinking it couldn't be true, but it was. I was emotionally vested, riveted and compelled by it. Jeff Nichols' did a beautiful job directing this film in its fantastic simplicity, allowing Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton to deliver stellar performances as Mildred & Richard Loving. Joel Edgerton specifically stood out to me as I was a fan of his since King Arthur with Clive Owen (love Clive to death, but it was bad) and I absolutely love seeing him on film. He was remarkable as Richard Loving, communicating so much with his eyes and body language, I think it was a role that challenged him and I appreciate the impeccable job he did. Equally talented, Ruth Negga was also outstanding as Mildred Loving. She communicated so much just through her eyes! She is a very talented young woman who will have one outstanding career ahead of her. Marton Csokas and Michael Shannon make short but memorable appearances, honesty though both men are superbly talented so it's a real treat to have them pop up in smaller roles. Fun fact: Jeff Nichols directed Michael Shannon in another film I really liked, "Take Shelter".

This film is about two people in love, an understated but very deep love which altered the very course of American history. 'Loving' begins in the late 1950s, right when racial tension was at its highest, just as the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. Compounded by this and social pressures from within their community, the Lovings were forced to live in fear and even meet under cover of night. No one should have to live like this, ever. Nichols did a wonderful job of illustrating just how much this impacted their lives. How this couple, who only wanted to have a family and be together in peace, lived in a persistent state of paranoia fearing violence or worse just because they loved each other. It really is beyond all comprehension, that a black woman and a white male would be violating law simply being married. That tune sounds very familiar doesn't it, when likened to present day? All those lovely gay couples who can't hold hands just because they are scared that you are unable to mind your own damn business. Such a shame.

'Loving' is also about hope. The beautiful glory of hope and love. Even despite everything, all the adversity and hardship there is always hope. That was one thing I really took away from the film. When asked how she is able to keep fighting, Mildred Loving, played by the wonderful Ruth Negga, says: Well, you loose the small battles to win the big war." This film is also about freedom, liberty and rights. This is the land of the free after all, but only free if you're not black, or gay, or anything not considered the status quo. The Lovings fought for years tooth and nail for the right to be able to love each other and raise a family the poignant part of this film to me is the ridiculous fact that they had to endure years of crap for something they should've had all along.

Overall the film was just wonderful, I was moved and felt it in a very real way. The story is palpable from many perspectives which I think was a pretty challenging feat for Nichols accomplish, but he did so with efficacy. The narrative is clear: Love is love, live and let live. I say go see it, fall in love and carry it with you.