For those who waited for this prequel to X-Men, it was worth every moment, every day of anticipation. For those who have never seen X-Men, well, this is a great place to start. In the grand tradition of the comic book, this edition features the origins of The Wolverine, the mutant who is at the core of the storyline.
There have been some excellent renditions of the ‘Batman’, ‘Spiderman’, and ‘Watchmen’ series’ in recent years. With just the right mix of CGI, storytelling, and acting, we have reached new levels in the way comic books are depicted on film. Director, Gavin Hood, has taken these tools and designed an outstanding issue in this, the third installment of the series. The bar now rests at a higher level for those who follow. I enjoy director’s who compete with their peers. When they get it right, amazing results are often achieved.
Like the original comic book series, a tale can be told with the flourish of great graphics, coupled with minimal, but carefully selected text, to achieve a creative and comprehensible story line. The great artist, Jack Kirby (Captain America, Fantastic Four), was the initial artist in the X-Men series. While not the creator of the ‘Wolverine’ character, I believe he would have approved of the camera work in ‘Wolverine’. There is great stop action framing, perhaps homage to King Kirby. I also love the angles used in shooting. In many cases, the distant view of the entire scene is shown, much like in the comic books.
Hugh Jackman stars as ‘Logan/Wolverine’. He is perfect in every frame. The effort that Jackman has put into this portrayal is clear. He has turned himself into a physical specimen rarely seen in a starring role since Bruce Lee in ‘Enter The Dragon’. Add to this his powerful ability to project his lines in any manner and its clear Jackman is far beyond the coveted ‘triple threat’ that most entertainers aspire to be. His turns on-stage as ‘Curly’ in Oklahoma, ‘Peter Allen’ on Broadway, and film roles in ‘Van Helsing’ and ‘ The Prestige’ solidify that fact. For good measure, he was the song and dance, comedic host of the 2008 Academy Awards show.
There is excellent supporting talent at every turn in this production. Liev Schreiber is particularly nasty as the ‘hell bent’ Victor Creed. Musician, Will.i.Am,
Kevin Durand and Taylor Kitsch all lend nice supporting roles as well. I particularly liked Lynn Collins, as Logan’s love interest Kayla.
Dominic Monaghan (Lost) lit the way as mutant ‘Bolt’. He was joined by and ‘A-Team’ group of mutants that put on an excellent display of their superpowers. Rounding out the team was Tim Pocock, Ryan Reynolds (as Hal Jordan/The Green Lantern’ in production), and Daniel Henney. Their scenes epitomize what many comic readers love to see in the pages, action packed, and jaw dropping abilities. They did not disappoint here.
Technical
The Blu-ray edition is vibrant and exceptional at 1924 X 1080p, 120Hz. The sound is fine on all levels at 5.1, dts-HD. The special features are many. They include the customary commentary with the director (Gavin Hood), a great feature with Marvel Comics legend, Stan Lee, and former writer Len Wein. The back and forth banter is pure gold for fans. So many tidbits of fascinating information are thrown at you, seemingly as afterthoughts. Also included are ‘Ultimate X-mode’ (ability to sit in the director’s chair, pre-visualize Wolverine and X-Facts), a helicopter scene, insight segment, and an alternate ending. The language options are English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. The subtitles available are English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Cantonese.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Duplicity
They say revenge is a dish…well, you know the rest. ‘Duplicity’ is a twisty, witty, globe trotting spy’s night out at your favorite Italian restaurant, with a fine bottle of the house reserve. Of course, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen serve it up in a wonderful presentation. They play ex-spooks available to the highest bidder. Add a side dish of Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson, vying for your attention and we have a who’s-gonna-do-it in the grand tradition. If either of them went up in the supporting actor category, it would be to close to call. They made excellent use of the time and limited material they were provided with.
Owen has made great strides since his entrance onto the main stage in Croupier. He has steadily moved up the ranks and is now rubbing elbows with major star power. Not bad for a boy who seemed to misstep when overlooked as the heir to the 007 dynasty. Was it a fluke that he looked like the real McCoy (if only for a moment) decked out in a white dinner jacket for his first poolside scene with Ms. Roberts? Maybe. At any rate, Owen interacts well with Ms. Roberts and shows fine form. It appears that he is now firmly entrenched as the go to guy, the UK version of Nicholas Cage if you will. They even resemble one another.
Ms. Roberts is still A number one. She is quite cool and handles the role well. What, with a wagonload of talent on her heals it won’t be too long before she is bumped up to the Grand Old Dame home for yesterdays leading ladies. Don’t worry about her; she will be rewarded with elegant but tempered roles from here on out, albeit in the supporting category. There she will join the likes of Faye Dunaway, Helen Mirren, and Diane Carroll who have kept a seat warm for her at the bridge table.
‘Duplicity’ was written and directed by Tony Gilroy. He has an impressive resume as a writer: The recent ‘State of Play’, ‘Michael Clayton’ and the ‘Bourne’ Trilogy, He also directed ‘Michael Clayton’. The plot twists in ‘Duplicity’ are complicated only if you have the attention span of an action film connoisseur. In ‘Duplicity’, I found comedy, romance, suspense and intrigue. I also like the fact that not too much is given away early on. As an example, we do not know exactly why the services of the ex-agents are required. Gilroy does a solid job in piecing it together though (much like he did with Michael Clayton).
‘Duplicity’ is rounded out with nice performances from Oleg Shtefanko, as Owens’ field ops assistant; and Denis O’Hare, with Rick Worthy as the ops team leaders who provide some nice comic touches.
I recommend the film as seen on the Blu-ray edition. The picture is excellent, the sound quality superb (5.1 DTS HD, digital surround). I watch the material on a 40”, 120hz, 1080p high-end screen. I use headphones for all my reviewed as well. The extras however are limited to the ‘My Scenes’ feature mainly commentary provided by director Tony Gilroy and editor John Gilroy. That is OK, as I only use the commentary for subsequent screenings of films I find outstanding. The ‘Making of’ featurettes are nice, but not expected. Finally, I review all screenings directly after viewing.
Owen has made great strides since his entrance onto the main stage in Croupier. He has steadily moved up the ranks and is now rubbing elbows with major star power. Not bad for a boy who seemed to misstep when overlooked as the heir to the 007 dynasty. Was it a fluke that he looked like the real McCoy (if only for a moment) decked out in a white dinner jacket for his first poolside scene with Ms. Roberts? Maybe. At any rate, Owen interacts well with Ms. Roberts and shows fine form. It appears that he is now firmly entrenched as the go to guy, the UK version of Nicholas Cage if you will. They even resemble one another.
Ms. Roberts is still A number one. She is quite cool and handles the role well. What, with a wagonload of talent on her heals it won’t be too long before she is bumped up to the Grand Old Dame home for yesterdays leading ladies. Don’t worry about her; she will be rewarded with elegant but tempered roles from here on out, albeit in the supporting category. There she will join the likes of Faye Dunaway, Helen Mirren, and Diane Carroll who have kept a seat warm for her at the bridge table.
‘Duplicity’ was written and directed by Tony Gilroy. He has an impressive resume as a writer: The recent ‘State of Play’, ‘Michael Clayton’ and the ‘Bourne’ Trilogy, He also directed ‘Michael Clayton’. The plot twists in ‘Duplicity’ are complicated only if you have the attention span of an action film connoisseur. In ‘Duplicity’, I found comedy, romance, suspense and intrigue. I also like the fact that not too much is given away early on. As an example, we do not know exactly why the services of the ex-agents are required. Gilroy does a solid job in piecing it together though (much like he did with Michael Clayton).
‘Duplicity’ is rounded out with nice performances from Oleg Shtefanko, as Owens’ field ops assistant; and Denis O’Hare, with Rick Worthy as the ops team leaders who provide some nice comic touches.
I recommend the film as seen on the Blu-ray edition. The picture is excellent, the sound quality superb (5.1 DTS HD, digital surround). I watch the material on a 40”, 120hz, 1080p high-end screen. I use headphones for all my reviewed as well. The extras however are limited to the ‘My Scenes’ feature mainly commentary provided by director Tony Gilroy and editor John Gilroy. That is OK, as I only use the commentary for subsequent screenings of films I find outstanding. The ‘Making of’ featurettes are nice, but not expected. Finally, I review all screenings directly after viewing.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
State Of Play
‘State of Play’ is based on a BBC Television production of the same name. It is a political thriller set in Washington D.C. with the frantic edginess of ‘All The President’s Men’. There is even a suspense filled scene set in an underground parking garage. The Watergate Complex also makes a brief appearance. Perhaps, homage to Alan J. Pakula. Much of the film is shot in a vast, open newsroom. One simply cannot watch the film without thinking of the changes going on in real newsrooms. This is a credit to Director Kevin MacDonald, who paced the action well and made full use of the set.
The plot revolves around the collision of two reporters, one old media, and the other new. Russell Crowe is the grizzled veteran, Cal. His style is hitting the streets and sniffing out the leads and sources that will break the story. Rachel McAdams is Della Frye, Internet savvy and on the rise. When she enters Cal’s world to assist with a big story, she is reminded that her status is that of a Cub Reporter. The source of it, the Ben Bradley-ish publisher, Helen Mirren. Ms. Mirren adds a nice, whiskey in the morning bent to the cast.
Crowe is superb. His portrayal of ‘Cal McAffrey’ is intense, methodical, and steady. When the action kicks into high gear, Crowe’s pace does as well. At times, he reminds me a bit of the immortal ‘Aqualung’ depicted on the cover of the Jethro Tull LP. It may be an obscure reference, but I insisted it remain. He is secure enough in his talent, to allow the other actor’s, mainly McAdams, Ben Affleck and Robin Wright Penn to, on occasion, talk down to his character while he painfully winces, almost in acknowledgement. Lesser actors would never allow this to make the final script. It’s another reason why Crowe is among the very best.
Affleck gives a strong portrayal of a Congressman who gets caught up in the scandals that can easily be lifted from the headlines of many a Washington Post morning edition. The reminder that the plot is plausible makes a statement unto itself. Robin Wright Penn is effective as Affleck’s weary wife. While her part was more complex than most involving ‘the wife’, it could have been a bit healthier.
Rounding out the cast is a nice mix of talent. Jason Bateman in a superbly played role as a source in the investigation, Jeff Daniels, as the Congressional majority whip, Michael Berresse as the loner ex-soldier , Harry Lennex, great as usual, this time as the vexed police detective. Josh Mostel and Michael Weston also deliver nice chemistry as Crowe’s in the field tech specialists.
I also liked the appearance of Sarah Lord as ‘Mandi Brokaw’, the street hustling addict who has a break to offer Crowe in his investigation. She speaks volumes in her initial non-verbal scene, with her expression. Her style is intriguing, and I’d enjoy seeing her in a larger role, perhaps in the future.
The newspaper industry may be the last sign of an era that is phasing out. Papers are ubiquitous. They occupy a place on every corner of every major city in the world. Sadly, this is ending. But not before being documented in solid movies like this. Make sure to watch the end credits, as it takes a final look at the process of putting out a newspaper edition. ‘State of Play’ is one of the movies that will be remembered, in part, for portraying a much-loved industry.
The plot revolves around the collision of two reporters, one old media, and the other new. Russell Crowe is the grizzled veteran, Cal. His style is hitting the streets and sniffing out the leads and sources that will break the story. Rachel McAdams is Della Frye, Internet savvy and on the rise. When she enters Cal’s world to assist with a big story, she is reminded that her status is that of a Cub Reporter. The source of it, the Ben Bradley-ish publisher, Helen Mirren. Ms. Mirren adds a nice, whiskey in the morning bent to the cast.
Crowe is superb. His portrayal of ‘Cal McAffrey’ is intense, methodical, and steady. When the action kicks into high gear, Crowe’s pace does as well. At times, he reminds me a bit of the immortal ‘Aqualung’ depicted on the cover of the Jethro Tull LP. It may be an obscure reference, but I insisted it remain. He is secure enough in his talent, to allow the other actor’s, mainly McAdams, Ben Affleck and Robin Wright Penn to, on occasion, talk down to his character while he painfully winces, almost in acknowledgement. Lesser actors would never allow this to make the final script. It’s another reason why Crowe is among the very best.
Affleck gives a strong portrayal of a Congressman who gets caught up in the scandals that can easily be lifted from the headlines of many a Washington Post morning edition. The reminder that the plot is plausible makes a statement unto itself. Robin Wright Penn is effective as Affleck’s weary wife. While her part was more complex than most involving ‘the wife’, it could have been a bit healthier.
Rounding out the cast is a nice mix of talent. Jason Bateman in a superbly played role as a source in the investigation, Jeff Daniels, as the Congressional majority whip, Michael Berresse as the loner ex-soldier , Harry Lennex, great as usual, this time as the vexed police detective. Josh Mostel and Michael Weston also deliver nice chemistry as Crowe’s in the field tech specialists.
I also liked the appearance of Sarah Lord as ‘Mandi Brokaw’, the street hustling addict who has a break to offer Crowe in his investigation. She speaks volumes in her initial non-verbal scene, with her expression. Her style is intriguing, and I’d enjoy seeing her in a larger role, perhaps in the future.
The newspaper industry may be the last sign of an era that is phasing out. Papers are ubiquitous. They occupy a place on every corner of every major city in the world. Sadly, this is ending. But not before being documented in solid movies like this. Make sure to watch the end credits, as it takes a final look at the process of putting out a newspaper edition. ‘State of Play’ is one of the movies that will be remembered, in part, for portraying a much-loved industry.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Being There
An amazingly wonderful possibility takes root and grows in the most unlikely setting imaginable. What emerges is a truly witty and triumphant story. ‘Being There’ allows us to look at what we have become as a society and tears down the ladders we are expected to climb. What is left is a revealing look at the common denominator and the math involved in obtaining it. Along the way, it becomes clear that friendship, understanding and love are unaffected by the simplicity of one’s actions. Indeed, we find that it sprinkles the pathway with a chance to read one’s intent not through words, but by thinking, searching one’s eyes and trusting our instincts.
Peter Sellers is deeply entrenched in a character that may be the hardest role for someone of his intellect, oratory gifts, and physical presence to inhabit. I am not sure that I have ever seen a film that so brilliantly uses reactions as a major part of the script. This also makes for hilarious ‘what if’ scenarios. Sellers’ talent for this goes without saying. He is joined by an impressive array of old Hollywood talent who compliment his every gesture.
Melvyn Douglas rightfully earned the Oscar for his portrayal of Benjamin Rand, somewhat of a J. Paul Getty industrialist who has one foot in the grave and the President’s ear as well. Shirley MacLaine is wonderful as Eve, Rand’s devoted but antsy wife. Ms. MacLaine is always a good bet to take over any film she is cast in, and she steals several scenes. In one, she leaves us rolling on the floor laughing.
Jack Warden builds a role as the crafty and cranky President into a fine performance. Initially, it appeared that he would be used sparingly, but his subsequent scenes were very good. Ruth Attaway portrays Louise, a woman burdened by the truth, yet rightfully embittered by it. Richard Dysart provides intrigue as the skeptical Doctor Allenby.
‘Being There’ was directed by Hal Ashby. He was afforded an excellent script, cast, and crew. I think one of the reasons that great actors require great directors is due to their immersion into their roles. Mr. Ashby had the ability, as they say in sports, to ‘see the whole field’. It was an essential ingredient to making this a classic film. The movie was filmed in 1979, and there is much to date it. Yet, the core elements are timeless.
The movie is now on Blu-ray. There are a few extras, such as memories of the filming, an alternate ending and deleted scenes. It does look nice, but do not expect the normal HD experience. It was filmed almost 30 years ago. However, I sent this to the top of my Netflix list on the strength of its story. That and a message that I need to be reminded of from time to time when life seems absurd. This is a garden of earthly delights and one that makes being there special
Peter Sellers is deeply entrenched in a character that may be the hardest role for someone of his intellect, oratory gifts, and physical presence to inhabit. I am not sure that I have ever seen a film that so brilliantly uses reactions as a major part of the script. This also makes for hilarious ‘what if’ scenarios. Sellers’ talent for this goes without saying. He is joined by an impressive array of old Hollywood talent who compliment his every gesture.
Melvyn Douglas rightfully earned the Oscar for his portrayal of Benjamin Rand, somewhat of a J. Paul Getty industrialist who has one foot in the grave and the President’s ear as well. Shirley MacLaine is wonderful as Eve, Rand’s devoted but antsy wife. Ms. MacLaine is always a good bet to take over any film she is cast in, and she steals several scenes. In one, she leaves us rolling on the floor laughing.
Jack Warden builds a role as the crafty and cranky President into a fine performance. Initially, it appeared that he would be used sparingly, but his subsequent scenes were very good. Ruth Attaway portrays Louise, a woman burdened by the truth, yet rightfully embittered by it. Richard Dysart provides intrigue as the skeptical Doctor Allenby.
‘Being There’ was directed by Hal Ashby. He was afforded an excellent script, cast, and crew. I think one of the reasons that great actors require great directors is due to their immersion into their roles. Mr. Ashby had the ability, as they say in sports, to ‘see the whole field’. It was an essential ingredient to making this a classic film. The movie was filmed in 1979, and there is much to date it. Yet, the core elements are timeless.
The movie is now on Blu-ray. There are a few extras, such as memories of the filming, an alternate ending and deleted scenes. It does look nice, but do not expect the normal HD experience. It was filmed almost 30 years ago. However, I sent this to the top of my Netflix list on the strength of its story. That and a message that I need to be reminded of from time to time when life seems absurd. This is a garden of earthly delights and one that makes being there special
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