Nerd 5 Presents: What We Learned This Week at the Movies: Oct 20th – Oct 27th 2013

Welcome back to weekly editions of What We Learned This Week at the Movies, it’s been a little bit since we posted a true edition of the article and I’m excited to get back into it. It’s the week of Halloween and I want to wish all of our dear readers a very happy All Hallows Eve! This article has a look at some recent Halloween films and one classic, however, it’s not a full Halloween article. If you want an in depth look at our thoughts on great things to watch on Halloween, take a look here at last year’s article! http://www.nerdfive.blogspot.com/2012/10/top-5-things-to-watch-on-halloween.html.  But as for this week, let’s dive right into our 5 lessons this week at the movies, and enjoy!

Movies Seen In Theatres This Week: The Birds; Carrie; Rush; Romeo & Juliet; Ghost Team One; Captain Phillips

Lesson 5. Don’t Paraphrase Shakespeare! – There is a reason that William Shakespeare is a household name and Julian Fellowes is not. The 2013 version of Romeo & Juliet is one of the absolutely worst written films I’ve ever seen. How? That’s a good question considering it’s based on one of the most well-known and beloved plays of all time. Fellowes takes several liberties with Shakespeare’s dialogue, he doesn’t try to update or modernize the language but instead Fellowes ties to rewrite scenes in Shakespearean tongue. Some “classic” lines now attributed to Shakespeare are “why was this man so rude? He likes to use his tongue to filet a woman,” “The Princes kindness is a golden ax that cuts off my head” and “Same as Juliet. Blubbering and weeping, blubbering and weeping.” The entire film is filled with painful gems likes these. The worst of all is Friar Laurence, played by Paul Giamatti, sounds like low rent Dr. Seuss character. I really can’t understand who thinks they can rewrite and improve Shakespeare’s dialogue. Fellows goes so far as to cut classics scenes such as the “Do you bite your thumb at me, sir?” Apart from these issues Romeo & Juliet  is terribly directed; it seems as if director Carlo Carlei lets the actors go on their own in most scenes with very little direction. It’s clear that Carlei focused all his attention on the production design, filming sequences and costume design (these elements are the only thing that shines in the film.) Good actors such as Damian Lewis, Stellan Skarsgard and Giamatti give off the rail performances and academy award nominee for True Grit Hailee Steinfeld seems utterly and completely lost as Juliet. Actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, who plays Benvolio, is the only bright spot on the acting side; I’ll be excited to see what he does in the future. Romeo & Juliet is a straight forward take on the story and is almost a complete waste of time as it brings nothing new to the story and hurts some classic elements. If you want to watch a film version of this great play stick with the ’68 Franco Zeffirelli classic or Baz Luhrmann’s ’96 modernization Romeo + Juliet (which is an unequivocal masterpiece compared  to the current adaptation.)

Lesson 4. What Goes Up Must Come Down – Over the last week, I went down to Ballard Underground and Ghostlight Productions as they showed a free screening of The Birds in promotion for their upcoming production of Rope, which I’m excited to see. It was a great time and I’ll for sure be visiting them again. With that said. I worship at the altar of Alfred Hitchcock, he a great filmmaker, but even the best of us have misses and I’m sorry to say that The Birds is as miss. Now, before you start viciously flying toward me beaks agape pecking out my eyes I’m not saying it’s, I’m saying it’s a miss and Hitchcock’s misses are far better than most peoples best. Sadly The Birds doesn't hold up; the puppet birds aren’t scary, the plotting and travel scenes drag and the characters reactions are very broad. With that being said, there are long stretches of this film that highly enjoyable and if you've never seen The Birds its worth a fun watch with friends. My main issue comes with the end of the film… AND IF YOU'VE NOT SEEN THE BIRDS STOP READING AND SKIP TO LESSON 3… still here, okay then you've seen the film and you know how it ends, and man is it anti-climactic. These birds, who have been angry and attacking the town, for no good reason, all of sudden, just as quick as it started, stop attacking and let the family walk out of there and to safety. They pass right by a group a bird who were bloodthirsty mere moments ago and now they are like “eh… walk on by, have a good day” It’s the most annoying and terrible end that I could think of for the film. It’s a clear case of not knowing how to end the movie, and it really hurts the outcome. Unless I’m missing something and if I am, bring it on please tell me.

Lesson 3. Don’t Waste Opportunities -- Was there a need to remake Carrie, no. Could this have been a good film, yes.  Could this film be worth your time, no. This time around Carrie is played by Chloe Grace Moretz and her mother Margret White by Julianne More and this relationship should be the focus, center and emotional core of the film, it fails miserably at this. You never quite care about Carrie, or anyone else in this picture and it falls flat for this very fact. The 2013 Carrie plays with the exact themes and styles of the book and the Brian De Palam ’76 film of the same name; while they could have actually had a unique spin on the film instead they choose keep it familiar and in some scenes almost like a shot for shot remake. What could have been unique about this film is that it could have been a female take on this overtly female story that had previously only been adapted and written by dudes; instead it feels like a studio driven traditional horror film that follows it’s paint by number formula to a tee and bores it’s audience into lull.

Lesson 2. Don’t Get Upstaged – Ghost Team One is weird film. It’s a good film, but it’s a weird film. This little-film-that-could made its debut at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, a festival that takes place at the same time and place as the Sundance Film Festival with the goal to showcase the “true” independent filmmakers and their films. Because of its success at Slamdance Ghost Team One and has gotten it’s self a limited nationwide release date. I’d be surprised if this gets a full nationwide release, and yet, we are sitting at the starting line of cult phenomena. Ghost Team One is the type of film college students and high school students are going to find on DVD, streaming, on-demand or however they will be finding films in 5 years and fall in love with it. Always raunchy, always profane, at times raciest and completely oversexed Ghost Team One tells the story of Sergio (Carlos Santos) and Brad (J. R. Villarreal) college roommates who find out their house used to be a brothel and is haunted by its former madam. Filmed as if it were a documentary Ghost Team One uses its style, actors and it unique take on the horror comedy genre well. The film falls off the rails in its extremely adult and exceedingly bizarre ending, nonetheless Ghost Team One is an above average film with a strange and eerie point of view that would make for a good time on Halloween.

Lesson 1. Once More, With Feeling! – Lesson 1 this week is twofold. The Oscar films have started to roll out this year and two of the first ones out of the gate are Rush and Captain Phillips and while nothing per say wrong with either film, in fact both are quite enjoyable in their own rights, neither film has enough gusto to get over the top and be a true contender. Both films fall into the category of not doing anything wrong but also not really going above and beyond to become memorable classics. Both films feature fantastic Oscar caliber  performances from their Best Actor contending lead actors, Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt in Rush and Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips in the film of the same title (I think Hanks will be a serious contender this year either for this or Saving Mr. Banks). Both films are good and worth seeing but both need a little more feeling, a little more oomph behind them! Let’s take a quick moment to look at the films individually. 

Rush is a film in Ron Howard's mold and yet feels distinctly different from his recent films. This film looks at the racing rivalry between James Hunt (Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) and picks up when their rivalry kicks into high gear. Rush is a slow starter and anti-climactic finisher but has strong middle section. You can’t really blame the film for its anti-climactic ending because it does it’s best to work around the real life ending that did not play out perfectly. Howard did a good job with Rush but not a great one.

Captain Phillips is the “true” story of Rich Phillips and the Semolina pirate attack on his cargo ship. I put true in quotes because the film is telling a story that Phillips, a hero, did all he could to avoid the situation, when in fact he’s being sued by his crew for the exact opposite thing. Casting Hanks is a genius move as it makes Phillips instantly relatable and loveable and he plays him as convincingly kind. That aside, Captain Phillips is a good film. It’s compelling at times, gripping at others, but overtly long in the end. When you know the true story (The Captain himself wrote the  New York Times best-selling book that this film is based on) it’s hard to wonder what going to happen and director Paul Greengrass’ film  feels longer then the story it has to tell. In one of my screenwrighting classes, my professor said to me that a film should have a problem that takes an entire film to solve; Captain Phillips would do well to learn this lesson. In the end the film is full of great individual pieces, but sadly never adds up to a satisfying whole. 

Nerd 5 Presents: The Top 5 Bleakest Films

            With this weekend’s release of The Counselor the king of harsh, bleak, and unapologetically real stories is back at the movies. Cormac McCarthy is a novelist of such great books as The Road and No Country for Old and has now jumped into the screenwriting game with The Counselor. A script that got decent buzz while in pre-production. so much so that Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz (yikes!) signed on to star and Ridley Scott, a man whose career has been pretty bleak recently (Prometheus, Robin Hood and Body of Lies), is on as the director. For some reason I can’t get super psyched for this film, but only time will tell.

            What makes a film bleak? It’s more than just an ending devoid of happiness or a film that gives you no hope for its characters. A bleak can be these things, but overall it lacks a sense of warmth, comforting or kindness, a film that is simple in its cold and raw nature. A bleak film can end with hope for a character in a hopeless world or situation. For some reason bleak films have always been somewhat appealing to me (hmmm what does that say about me) even to the point where in college I tried to convince people that we should have a depressing movie marathon featuring some of the films on the list? At the bottom you can see college Josh’s recommendation for The Most Depressing Movie Marathon.

            Some of the greatest films of all time have been extremely bleak. Including best picture winner No Country for Old Men and cult and film buff classic A Clockwork Orange but you won’t find either of those films on this because while both films paint an tremendously bleak picture they transcend their bleak nature leaving the audience with a sense of catharsis that some of these other films do not. Also missing from the list is Sophie’s Choice, a film so sad and depressing that it hurts to even think about it, a very well made film and Meryl Streep (who plays Sophie) earns her Oscar win, but Sophie’s Choice is such a brutal watch and it’s hard to recommend watching the film if you’ve seen it before. The final omission from the list is probably the first bleak film that kids are exposed to nowadays. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, a film that introduces us to unhappy endings and stories. Empire is left off the list because (when the category allows for such things) I strive to broaden the film knowledge of my readers by picking films that may not be in the main stream consciousness. And now Nerd 5 presents The Top 5 Bleakest Films

5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008) – Originally titled The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (in all countries except America this film keeps the spelling of the original book) this film is set in WWII and tells the story of Nazi Germany through the eyes of two 8 year old boys, Bruno the son of a reluctant Nazi commandant (David Thewlis) and Shmuel a young Jewish boy inside a concentration camp. This small British film packs a big punch with amazing performances from its cast, especially Thewlis, Asa Butterfield (Hugo, Ender’s Game) as Bruno and Jack Scanlon as Shmuel. This film hinges on their relationship and is given the perfect tone of childhood exploration and ominous doom; director Mark Herman proves he knows how to handle himself behind the camera as well hitting all the right moments of storytelling. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas builds to its surprising and seamless climax that is pitch-perfect for this film and doesn’t allow for a dry eye in the house.

4. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – A true classic and a giant turning point in film history. George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead is a the birth of an entire genre of film and has one of the simplest plot lines of all time; A group of people hideout in a farmhouse while trying to survive an attack from the dead AKA bloodthirsty zombies. It’s not shocking to see death in a zombie film, but in 1968 Dead’s flesh hungry zombies were nothing short of the most extremely gruesome horror on the screen to date. What was truly surprising about the film is end, and spoiler alert for this 45 year old film, where the sole survivor of the group escapes the zombies and his barn hideout only to be mistaken as a zombie himself and killed by a group of zombie hunters; the final image of the film is of the survivor body being tossed onto the pile of zombies, a truly haunting image that shows that whoever has survived this night is at the beginning of a terrible life. End Spoiler Alert. The overall tone of the film is filled with despair, made during the Vietnam War, Night of the Living Dead represents more than just one groups fight against the undead, whom just keep coming, it represented one nations fight against a war that just kept coming.

3. The Road (2009) – This is the films that actually made me respect Viggo Mortensen as an actor; he gives a performance that is compassionate, strong and heartbreaking as a father who is trying to survive and teach his son to survive by any means necessary in a post-apocalyptic world. The Road, novel by Cormac McCarthy, is haunting at every turn, brutal in moments and heart wrenching at its best. Beautifully shot by director John Hilcoat The Road is a journey that works well when you know very little about it; thus why I stop here and suggest you seek it out. Heads up it’s currently streaming on Netflix.

2. Ace in the Hole (1951) – This film is just another reason why Billy Wilder is an amazing director, who knew how to make exactly the film he wanted even within the oppressive and money drive studio system of the 1950s; Ace in the Hole (renamed The Big Carnival for it theatrical release as the studio thought it would draw better, but now goes by it’s given title) was easily the darkest and most depressing film of Wilders career, which included Sunset Blvd., The Apartment and Some Like it Hot. Ace in the Hole stands a stark contrast to most of Wilder’s other films. For our plot summary this time I’m quoting the words of West Anthony of The Auteurcast “Chuck Tatum is an amoral, cynical, muckraking scumbag and a wretched excuse for a reporter whose ruthless ambition and lust for success at any cost drives him to distort the truth, make up outright lies and put human life in mortal peril. Fortunately for him this is exactly the kind of thing America has been waiting for! And his results turn out to be wildly successful, even if they do make a mockery of journalist integrity, undermined the value of the reporter as a crusader for truth and get someone killed. In short, Ace in the Hole is a documentary about the early start up days of FOX News.” This is the start of a great episode of this great podcast, check out the show at this website, http://battleshippretension.com/?p=9016.

Ace in the Hole, staring Kirk Douglas and Jan Sterling, was a film far ahead of its time calling out the media for its sensationalism and need to create news for profit. It serves a hard-hitting examination of the newspaper industry and is semi-based on several true stories of people who fell into a deep hole and were not saved but covered heavily by the news instead of helping the victim. Even though Ace is firmly set in its own time, the 50s, it only becomes more and more relevant as each day passes. It presents a completely bleak look at the media and it’s relation to its stories. Wilder visuals are great and his shots are constructed with the highest precision and can only be called darkly clever. The story and characters are equally strong, and Douglas and Sterling on top of their games, on top of it all this film holds up. If I had one word to describe the film it would be “cynical”.

1. Requiem for a Dream (2000) --Show this film to middle school students, stop D.A.R.E. and start therapy. Darren Aronofsky’s second film is the bleakest film I’ve ever seen. Devoid of hope, all happiness is sucked from these characters by their own bad choices. Requiem for a Dream is the story of four Coney Island residents who lives are torn to pieces and dreams are tossed to the wayside as their lives deteriorate right in front of your eyes.  Following the lives of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) her son Harry (Jared Leto) his girlfriend Marion Silver (Jennifer Connelly) and their best friend Tyrone Love (Marlon Wayans) Requiem’s bleakness comes from its paring of stories with these 4 characters. While Harry, Marion and Tyrone are heroin addicts; Sara’s addiction comes out of the idea that she needs to fulfill the American dream. By putting these two stories side by side Aronofsky asks us the question “what is the real drug?” A question that Aronofsky gives a very disturbing answer to.  A great film full of memorable and moving performances, but Burstyn is the stand out. She is perfection on screen when portraying Sara and although she was nominated for an Oscar it’s one of the biggest snubs in the history of the ceremony that she didn't win. Sorry Julia Roberts, that’s a true statement.

College Josh’s Most Depressing Movie Marathon:

1^st Requiem for a dream – Start the night with Requiem and realize that all things will kill you in overt amounts, get sad, pop some popcorn.

2^nd Sophie’s Choice – put in Sophie’s Choice realize all the good things you have in your life, including the popcorn.

3^rd Se7en – put in Se7en realize that the world is full of crazies, but be okay with because Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman will be there, start to enjoy your popcorn; realize what’s in the box, lose faith in humanity, give up on the popcorn.

4^th Empire Strikes Back – because you need a pick me up, and seeing a boy find his father, lose his hand, his best friend get frozen in carbonate and his annoying robot be disassembled isn’t all that bad in retrospect, finally enjoy the popcorn.

The Top 5 Stephen King Film Adaptations

Opening this week nationwide is the newest adaption of Stephen King’s Carrie, this time staring Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer, and a full cast of CW guest stars and regular cast members. The most interesting part of the Carrie remake is director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry, Stop Loss, The L Word) a talented director who always has a clear and unique visual style and approach to story. On top of Peirce being a very talented director, it’ll be great to see a female take on a very personal story of female adolescence. Carrie is not so much a remake of the 1976’s original horror classic directed by Brian De Palma Film and staring Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, and John Travolta, but more a new adaptation of the original novel by Stephen King.

In terms of film adaptations, Stephen King is one of the most prolific writers of all time, like he is in every other way. At this point he may be second only a too little fellow named Shakespeare (this “fact” has no actual basis in fact except that it sounds truth-y in my head). Why does it sound truth-y? Because for a 25 year span you couldn’t turn around without a new King adaptation coming into theatres or the small screen. Growing up in 80s and 90s, an era of full of highly successful horror films, King was one of the lords of the genre, with hit films such as Cujo (1983), Children of the Corn (1984), Pet Sematary (1989), Christine (1983); as well as several hit TV series and mini-series including It (1990), The Dead Zone (film 1983, TV series 2002) and The Stand (1994). But above and beyond the horror genre, King has made his mark with less obvious (and scary) adaptations, including Stand By Me (1986), The Green Mile (1999) and The Shawshank Redemption (1994), all based on King novellas and all distinctly non-horror films. But we will get to some of those more later.

We’re smack dab in the middle of Halloween season, and a new Stephen King romp is on its way to theaters, so we present the Nerd 5 Top 5 Stephen King Film Adaptations.

5. The Mist (2007) The Mist is not a perfect film, but man, is it an enjoyable watch. When a freak storm, featuring a large and random mist, engulfs a small town a group of survivors hole up in a grocery to try and survive what’s waiting for them in the mist. This film provides a great part for lead actor Thomas Jane as well as great supporting parts to Marcia Gay Harden and Toby Jones, but the entire ensemble brings it. Writer/Director Frank Darabont (most recently known for The Walking Dead) weaves a sense of foreboding and dread throughout the entire fabric of the film. The Mist is underrated and worth a look if you haven’t seen it. But what makes The Mist one of the five best King adaptations? In this case it’s the difference between the film and the source material. Darabont makes a choice at the end of the film that differs from what King wrote and is the PERFECT end to this story. It’s haunting, gripping, and gut wrenching all at the same time. Darabount had to make many sacrifices to get his ending to the film, including a much smaller budget than he was originally promised. King himself has admitted that the ending to the film is better than his ending, and for King to say anything that humble is truly shocking.

4. Misery (1990) Have you seen Misery? A question that was passed around my high school friends first as a legit question because the film blew our minds, then as a joke because we asked it all the time, and finally as a joke threat because of the amazing performance of Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes. Misery tells the story a famous novelist, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), and what happens when he’s “saved” from a car crash by an obsessed fan. It was ahead of its time in some ways, especially in terms of its examination of fans and celebrities. Its themes, visuals, and performances stand up today, 23 years after its release. Misery was released at the height of Rob Reiner’s career and stands as one his most critically successful films of all time. It gave Bates an Oscar and gave any celebrity a brutal portrayal of what happens when good fans go CRAZY. So I ask again, have YOU seen Misery?

3. The Shining (1980) It’s been a long journey for The Shining and me. When I first saw this film I was in high school and railed hard against most “classic” horror films. I hated them the instant they started and could not be won over. Well, fast forward to present day and The Shining has done exactly that, it won me over. Is it my favorite film? Nope. Does it have elements, actors, and performances that I can’t stand? Yup. Is The Shining a masterpiece of film and one of the most important and influential films of all time? Absolutely. While I can’t stand Danny Lloyd (that kid bugs me), most find him cute, but Shelley Duvall and Jack Nicholson are gold in this film, as well as director Stanley Kubrick’s shot construction, visual style, pacing, storytelling, and foreshadowing… I could go on and on about all the things Kubrick does right with The Shining. This film has even spawned a new documentary called Room 237 which is based on a bunch of conspiracy theories surrounding Kubrick’s messages in the film. The Shining is the best pure horror film based upon King’s works, and considering that most of his films lean toward that genre means it really stands out as great. King hates this version of the film and even wrote and directed a made-for-TV version in 1997 staring Stephen Webber and Rebecca De Morney. That version is a more straightforward adaptation of the book, and is flat and terrible. Stick to what your good at, sir. Writing books not making films (Don’t get us started on King’s only self-directed feature film, Maximum Overdrive…).

2. The Green Mile (1999) Breathtaking, heart-crushing, and moving, Darabont (for the second time) proves why he is the master of King adaptations. The Green Mile features amazing performances from its entire cast including Tom Hanks, David Morse, Doug Hutchison, Berry Pepper, and James Cromwell. They’re all great, but three supporting performers steal this show. Michael Jeter as the simple Cajun prisoner we fall in love with because of his caring for and training the mouse “Mr. Jingles,” Sam Rockwell as the violent prisoner who enters the jail and serves as a great foil for our third performer, the academy award nominated Michael Clarke Duncan. Duncan plays John Coffey, who is a giant of a man, but as kind and caring as possible and possibly wrongfully accused murder and rape. The relationship between Coffey and head guard Paul Edgecomb (Hanks) is the center of the film and Coffey is the absolute heart and soul. Darabount is a master of showing the story rather than telling it, giving you the information you need when you need it and taking his time to give you a unquie, and very un-Stephen King like film, though a very true (almost unwavering) adaptation of the fabulous serial novel. The Green Mile is a beautiful film and only Darabont himself can top it with his first feature…

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) A landmark film no matter how you look at it. Darabont’s The Shawshank Redemption is the top film on our list (and most others) and by far the best film based on a King work. Based upon the short story Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, it tells the story of two prisoners bonding over many years of incarceration and eventually finding redemption through their acts of decency and rebellion. For a long time The Shawshank Redemption held the number one spot on IMBD’s best films of all time, and still remains in the top 3. It is one of the best loved and most critically acclaimed films of all time, in spite of its lackluster box office success. It made $28 million in theaters, which was barely enough to cover the films budget. But like most critical darlings, its long life has been in part because of its seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Actor for Morgan Freeman, Adapted Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Sound, and Thomas Newman’s Original Score. Although it didn’t win a single award, this film stands up as Darabont’s masterpiece and a moving tribute to humanity’s light and darkness, dignity and integrity in a place lacking hope or freedom. And of course, The Shawshank Redemption was where America and the world fell in love with the idea of Morgan Freeman narrating their lives.

Some honorable mention films/television shows we won’t go into, but are worth a watch: Hearts in Atlantis, Carrie (the original), Stand by Me, Apt Pupil, Bag of Bones, and Under the Dome. 

Happy Halloween everyone! Enjoy Carrie (responsibly...).

Fall & Holiday Blockbusters - The Breakdown

5. Frozen (November 29) Disney’s take on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson is either going to be great or terrible, there’s really no room for middle ground here. Jennifer Lee, the co-writer of Wreck-It Ralph, co-directs this film with Chris Buck (Surf’s Up) and if the trailer is any indication Frozen will play more like a Dreamworks film then a Disney classic. A film that is looking like it’s tossed the timeless nature of Disney animated films by the wayside, Frozen is off to a rough start. I’m a perennial fan of Disney animated films so I’ll be giving this one a shot and hoping beyond all hope that Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Alan Tudyk  can push this film that looks to be an animated fairy tale love triangle over the top and into greatness. (Jeff’s Note: I loved Surf’s Up, and I have every hope that this will follow more in the steps of Tangled than burning any bridges. Even if it’s not “in the mold” maybe it will break new ground and give us more Disney to love.)

4. About Time (November 1) A film that is sure to be overshadowed due to its release date, the same day as Ender’s Game and Free Birds (the next Dreamworks Animation film), About Time is almost guaranteed to make this guy shed a few tears. Richard Curtis of Love Actually, Pirate Radio, and Notting Hill fame will try to recreate his romantic comedy magic, this time with Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2) along for the ride. About Time focuses on a family in which the men have the ability to time travel. Strange premise? Yes, but it looks like a GREAT one. This film looks to be a story of love and loss, of fathers and sons, of life, and the choices we make - all wrapped up in the question of what could happen if you could change every major choice of your life. Curtis has grown on me as a director as his career has progressed. I’m hoping that all I can say after seeing this film is, about time. (Jeff’s Note: Richard Curtis Rocks! Even back in his TV days, Blackadder forever!!!!)

3. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (November 22) Catching Fire is easily my favorite and the best of The Hunger Games books. I’m hoping the film can do the same. A change in director from Gary Ross to Francis Lawrence (I am Legend, Constantine) could actually do this film some good. Although Ross is a good director, he wasn’t the best with the action sequences in the first Hunger Games film, but I have faith that Lawrence will deal with these unique characters and interesting landscape in an intriguing new way. Joining Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrleson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland are Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, and Sam Clafin of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White and the Huntsmen fame—yikes. It’s not good that he’s playing Finnick Odair, the biggest and most important new character of the series) to tell the second installment of this series and the events that surround the quarter quell. If Catching Fire is any sort of good it has a chance to be one of the biggest blockbusters of all time and quite frankly I’m super psyched to see where this series goes. (Jeff’s Note: I haven’t seen The Hunger Games.)

2. Saving Mr. Banks (December 20) A film that should warm your soul. It’s the story of how Walt Disney brought what many consider to be his masterpiece, Marry Poppins, to the big screen and his tumultuous relationship with author P.L. Travers. The only person alive today who could play Walt with the reverence and respect he needs is Tom Hanks, and luckily that’s exactly who is in the role. Hanks is a giant star and charming enough pull off the role, plus some. The other half of this pair is the ever amazing Emma Thompson who plays the hardened, yet honest and touching Travers. Paul Giamatti, Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson, Bradley Whitford, Rachel Griffiths, Jason Schwartzman, and B.J. Novak round out the cast of this sure-to-be box office success. I’m hoping it umbrella floats its way into my heart for years to come and serves as a great companion to one of my favorite films of all time, Marry Poppins. (Jeff’s Note: Emma Thompson is my dream girl. I don’t care that she’s playing old ladies now…. Dibs.)

1. Thor: The Dark World (November 8) Alan Taylor, who directed several episodes of Game of Thrones, Mad Men, and The Sopranos, helms the next installment in the Marvel cinematic universe. Phase 2 continues as Thor (Chris Hemsworth) faces an enemy that forces him on his most personal journey yet and reunites him with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Original cast members Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba and Kat Dennings are joined by Chris O’Dowd, Zachary Levi, and Christopher Eccleston in this sequel. I have high hopes of it becoming the first GOOD Marvel sequel (I’m looking at you Iron Man 2). Thor: The Dark World looks to be doing what a good sequel should: further its characters, deepen it’s world, and raise the stakes. I’m hopeful this is the rare strong second, and above all that the Marvel trend of good films continues. (Jeff’s Note: The God of Thunder fights Dr. Who!!! I’m in.)

           

Oscar Contenders

5. Gravity (October 4) A film that could have ended up being Sandra Bullock’s Castaway, and but instead is an elegant and moving tribute to the possibilities of cinema. We saw this on opening day, and Oh man, it’s a good one. Bullock, who’s an extremely lovable movie star but perhaps not always the best actress, pulls it out in this film and gives the star performance that will land her a second Academy Award nomination and possible win. In space with her is George Clooney and the voice of Ed Harris in supporting roles, which only makes this film better. Gravity is directed by Alfonso Cuaron, and frankly that’s all I need. Cuaron, who hasn’t directed a film since 2006’s great work, Children of Men, is a director who always gives us visually stunning films and uses the medium in a way that is truly unique. Cuaron came to the forefront with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban though earlier than that he had made a name for himself with Y Tu Mama Tambien and the children’s film you either love or hate, The Little Princess. Gravity is certainly worth talking about, as well as lining up to see again. (Jeff’s Note: Actresses wait lifetimes for a role like this. Sandra has been around the block a couple of times and knows not to let this moment of opportunity go to waste. She “leaves it all on the field” and I have no doubt that she called on every ounce of her veteran screen talent to knock this one out of the park. This could be a second wind for her, and all I can say is that it’s well earned and well deserved.)

4. 12 Years a Slave (October 18) Steve McQueen (director of Shame, not the awesome actor in The Great Escape) brings the story of Solomon Northup to the screen. Northup is a free African American man living in the New York prior to the civil war. Chiwetel Ejiofor (Serenity, Children of Men, American Gangster) finally gets the chance to carry a major film and if the past holds true, we are going to get a great performance. Along with Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, and last year’s 9-year-old Academy Award nominee Quvenzhane Wallis, McQueen look to deliver a unique point of view on the well-tread subject. If he can pull it off, this film screams Best Picture. Only time will tell what is in store for 12 Years a Slave.  (Jeff’s Note: All reputable sources say that this is a brilliant script, full of subtlety and courage in the face of very difficult subject matter. All from the writer of Undercover Brother, Red Tails, and The Wanda Sykes Show.)

3. The Wolf of Wall Street  (November 15) based on the real-life story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street is the third consecutive film where we’ll see Leonardo DiCaprio playing a wealthy man of power dealing with his personal/personnel issues. Martin Scorsese his taking his unique cinematic eye and shinning it on the Wall Street boom of the 90s, I’m excited to see what his examination of the decade of decadence says about the current state of American life. The Wolf of Wall Street has the best trailer I’ve seen all year (so far) and it looks like Scorsese and DiCaprio are determined to win Leo his coveted (and long overdue) Best Actor Academy Award. I’d be shocked if this film didn’t have Oscar gold poured all over it. A great supporting cast, including Johan Hill, Kyle Chandler, Jon Favreau, Cristin Milioti, Margot Robbie, Ethan Supplee, Jean Dujardin (Best actor winner for The Artist) and the revived Matthew McConaughey (who if he’s half as good as he is the trailer scenes will have Best Supporting Actor in the bag) points to The Wolf of Wall Street not missing the mark. (Jeff’s Note: Yes! Second coolest trailer. It’s Scorsese, so the soundtrack will rock, the visuals will be stunning, and the movie will be funny and horrifying in equal measure. Also funny and horrifying, Leo’s face if he gets passed over again.)

2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (December 27) In the running for best trailer of the year, Walter Mitty looks to be something straight out of left field. Ben Stiller is back with a vengeance and looking to prove that he is more than just that dude from the “Focker” and Night at the Museum films. Based on short story by James Thurber, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty explores the life of an office worker who lives inside his daydreams full of action, adventure, and romance that eventually starts to affect his performance at work. The pacing, visuals and performances of this film look breathtaking (based on the trailer) and it’s really nice to Stiller show off the fact that he can make a really good film (his other good work includes Reality Bites, Tropic Thunder, and Zoolander). Mitty gives great parts to Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott (yes! About time!), Patton Oswalt, Kathryn Hahn, Shirley MacLaine, and Sean Penn. I’m hoping that the amazing trailer attached to this film hasn’t suckered me in. (Jeff’s Note: I’ll say best trailer of the year, that is the original trailer, featuring the amazing song “Dirty Paws” by Of Monsters and Men. Without any words, this trailer was told me everything it needed to in order to completely sell me on this film. Stiller directs and writes this film, the rights to which have been connected to almost every prominent director at SOME point over the last 30 years, and it looks like he’s attacking it with a soul that sometimes goes missing in his comedies. Stiller is an artist and I know that come winter he’ll be recognized as one by everyone who might usually write him off. Plus: that shot of Stiller shoving Adam Scott through a wall and free-falling into the street? Wow.)

1. Inside Llewyn Davis (December 6) The next film from The Coen Brothers. Need I say more? Every Coen Brother’s film is an event, considering that almost all of their 16 films are unique and great in their own right. The trailer is absolutely engrossing and you already feel the cold nature of the environment, and the angst and pain felt by the lead character Llewyn Davis. Set in 1961 in Greenwich Village Inside Llewyn Davis follows this folk singer through a week of his possibly tragic, yet quirky life. Working with the Coen Brothers this time through are Oscar Isaac, Cary Mulligan, Justin Timeberlake, Garrett Hedlund and John Goodman. To me this will be the little film that can - take the world by storm.  (Jeff’s Note: What he said.)

Oscar Season 2013 Preview Part 1 of 2

It’s been an eventful year so far and we’re looking forward to a crowded and possibly amazing end of 2013. Now, in October, we’ve passed the dog days of summer and the dumping ground of September and can start to see the first entries into the Oscar movie season, as well as attempts to cash in on Halloween. That and the coming glut of family films around the holidays and studio flicks pulling out all the stops to make some cash and create a blockbuster hit before the ball drops on 2013.

The end of the year is always an exciting time for film fans for very polarizing reasons. The blockbusters strive to be big, fun spectacle-filled affairs and the awards season films are character pieces which strive for moving moments, great performances and the elusive joy of critical praise. These two very different types of film make the end of the year box office bliss.

The end of the year in 2013 is full of pieces by filmmakers with great reputations, who usually do great work and almost always deliver stories worth talking about. From Academy Award darlings to big-budget, big-name directors, fall and winter of 2013 will have it all. Let’s take a quick look with some quick takes on a few honorable mention films.

Quick Takes Fall & Winter Blockbusters

Rush (September 27) – Ron Howard brings out the big guns and tries to get back in the Oscar “race” with this film about the (European) legendary rivalry of Niki Lauda and James Hunt staring Daniel Bruhl (Inglorious Basterds, The Bourne Ultimatum) and Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth

Machete Kills (October 11) – Robert Rodriguez returns to his roots with this sequel to Machete. Rodriguez takes the reins in earnest this time as he and star Danny Trejo look to recreate B-movie 90s magic.

Ender’s Game (November 1)—Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi classic Ender’s Game finally gets the big screen treatment and brings on board three actors under the age of 18 - who all have Oscar nods - Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin and Hailee Steinfeld. Rounding out the cast will be Harrison Ford (!), Ben Kingsley, and Viola Davis; all helmed by X-Men Origins: Wolverine director Gavind Hood. Due to the director, the film possibly enters theaters with one strike already against it.  

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (December 13) – Peter Jackson makes another over-ly long film out of about three sentences of a book that should only have taken one film to cover. Need I say more? You care or you don’t. Most people’s minds are already made up. 

The Monuments Men (December 20) – George Clooney takes on the director’s chair, producer’s hat, writer’s pen, and actor’s smile again - and this time brings a star studded cast with him. Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Hugh Bonneville, Jean Dujardin and Bob Balaban go on a romp through WWII to save stolen art work from the Nazis. Part Argo, part Ocean’s 11, The Monuments Men has a chance to be the biggest film of the 2013 in terms of both money and accolades.

Anchorman 2: The Legend of Continues (December 20) – Did we need another trip to San Diego to hang out with Ron Burgundy? YES! Maybe… Who knows? We’re getting one! We love the first Anchorman, easily one of the best comedies of all time, but comedy sequels…? Eww, that a rough category. take Ghostbusters 2, Hangerover Part II, Caddyshack 2, Blues Brothers 2000…(this sounds like a future Nerd 5 list…). Things that are in Anchorman 2’s favor is that the entire original cast and director is returning, it’s been 9 years in the making, and the film is a passion project of Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and director Adam McKay rather than a studio begging for a payday.    

    

Quick Takes Oscar Contenders

Don Jon (September 27) – Joseph Gordon Levitt’s directorial debut stars himself, Scarlett Johansen, Julianne Moore and Tony Danza, and is the rare film that crosses both into blockbuster and award contention.

Captain Phillips ­(October 11) – Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks look for Oscar gold as both try to regain top form in Captain Phillips. They look at the true story of the Somali pirate hijacking of a couple of years ago.

The Counselor (October 25) – Ridley Scott and the KING OF BLEAK, Cormac McCarthy, team up to tell a story about a lawyer in over his head when he gets wrapped up in a drug trafficking scandal. Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt (the first of their two films together this fall) Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz (gulp), and Javier Bardem star in this film hoping for critical praise and golden glory.

Nebraska (November 22) – Director Alexander Payne (Election, Sideways, The Descendants) brings a small black & white film to the main stream. Bruce Dern gets the lead role he’s needed for a few decades and Will Forte is given a chance to shine in a rare dramatic turn. The good buzz from the Cannes Film Festival make this film one worth looking forward to.

Out of the Furnace (December 6) – Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) is back for his second film, and this could be the biggest sleeper of the awards season. Staring Christian Bale, Casey Asffleck, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson, Forrest Whitaker, and Sam Shepard. Out of the Furnace will be a rough, bumpy ride - but maybe in the best way possible

American Hustle (December 25) – David O. Russell is doing his best Martin Scorsese impression with this film, and who knows? It could be good. Featuring a cast full that’s a mash up of The Fighter (Christian Bale and Amy Adams) and Silver Linings Playbook (Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro) but toss in Jeremy Renner and Louie C.K. for good measure, American Hustle drops Christmas day for your holiday enjoyment.

Her (December 27) – Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Where The Wild Things Are) tells the story of a lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) who forms a romantic bond with a new computer operating system designed to meet his every need. It’s like Siri, except that he falls for Siri instead of using her to find a Jack in the Box at 1 am like the rest of us. These are the roles I would love to see Phoenix play more of, people who have feelings and actually show emotion. Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, and Rooney Mara round out the cast.

Those are our quick takes, come back next time for an in-depth breakdown of the blockbusters and Oscar bait that will really take over the season, including our favorite movie of the week, Gravity.

A Factually Correct Tribute to Fantasy Focus: 06010

This might be the most personal article I’ve posted to Nerd 5, and by that I mean it might just be for me. If I had to make a top five list of passions and hobbies in my life (my work is theatre arts education, my love is a special girl in Florida right now) the list, in no particular order, would look something like this: Movies, Disney/Pixar, Harry Potter, Baseball, and Podcasts. On this blog I’ve written about movies a ton, my love for Disney/Pixar is very strong, and I’m never really quiet about Harry Potter, but the last two things on my list are more personal. I love baseball. I always have, and although I don’t have many people in my life who I can share that with, it’s a big part of me. Podcasts are great, whenever possible I’m listening one that I’m passionate about. I don’t talk about these things on Nerd 5 a ton, just not the format of the blog. But today I would like to.

In 2007 I was getting ready for another season of fantasy baseball and looking for a new way to get some advice on the game. I found a show on some little-known network called ESPN, and that show was Fantasy Focus: Baseball, it’s now seven seasons later and I’ve not missed an episode. Through the end of college, ACT, Southridge, moving to L.A. and back, and now to Seattle, Matthew Berry, Nate Ravitz, and Pod Vader have been in my ear buds almost every day. Fantasy Focus 06010, as it would nicknamed by the hosts, is a daily podcast covering both Baseball and Football from the middle of March to the very start of January. I always knew that for an hour or two of my day I knew where to go for a laugh and a distraction when I desperately needed it.

On Tuesday’s baseball wrap-up show a very sad announcement was made. Ravtiz and Berry would be leaving the baseball edition of the show, and most likely the show altogether at the end of football season. The October 1, 2013 show would be the last show of Fantasy Focus: Baseball as we knew it. You will be missed gentlemen.

It’s simple to say that most things I’ve learned about fantasy sports, I’ve learned from these guys. While that’s true, that doesn’t quite cover the whole story. When you listen to something  five days a week for almost seven years straight, it seeps into your life. Berry’s self-deprecating sense of humor combined with a faux air of arrogance is something that I have taken into my writing and critical analysis. Berry says that Howard Stern is an inspiration to him, and as Sternis to Berry, Berry is to me. I can only hope one day to have a podcast as successful. The producer of the show, Jay “Pod Vader” Soderberg, had the tough job of steering the ship and made himself a vital part of the show. Although no one will admit it publicly, Jay does a fantastic job with the show. For this listener, the heart and soul of the 06010 was Ravitz. It was always a down day whenever he missed a show. A calming, smart and subtly hilarious personality, the weasel of the show, Nate was the person I connected to more than the others.

I’ll leave with this. The Fantasy Focus was my gateway into podcasting, and I am eternally grateful for the show. It was not unexpected-the great Eric Karabell and Tristan Cockcroft took over doing regular Friday shows- today’s announcement seemed only logical. It’s my hope that Karabell and Cockcroft take the show on full time next season, but it was very sad. I wish nothing but the best for Berry and Ravitz (whose careers I’ll continue to follow), I will give the new show a chance but there is defiantly a gap in my day now as, without TV, I followed my favorite sport by listening to this show (and the now dead ESPN Baseball Today). I’m hoping that ESPN can continue to give content to help fill my day. However, there is only way I could end this tribute and that’s to say thanks to a show that I love and will endlessly miss.

Peace Out.