1. Kill Your Darlings
2. Mud
3. Warm Bodies
4. Fruitvale
5. Fill the Void
6. The Way, Way Back
7. The Look of Love
8. The Iceman
9. The East
10. A.C.O.D.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Top Ten Movies of 2013 (So Far)
We’ve already passed the halfway point of the year, and Movies with Abe has screened fifty-five films, which means it’s time for a tentative top ten list. Click on titles to read reviews and related articles about each of the films, and share your thoughts in the comments if any of your favorite films from this year aren’t on the list. Expect this list to be plenty transformed by the end of the year. It’s been a busy past few months, but the second half of the year is sure to include just as many films if not more.
1. Kill Your Darlings
2. Mud
3. Warm Bodies
4. Fruitvale
5. Fill the Void
6. The Way, Way Back
7. The Look of Love
8. The Iceman
9. The East
10. A.C.O.D.
1. Kill Your Darlings
2. Mud
3. Warm Bodies
4. Fruitvale
5. Fill the Void
6. The Way, Way Back
7. The Look of Love
8. The Iceman
9. The East
10. A.C.O.D.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Tuesday’s Top Trailer: The Counselor
Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.
The Counselor – Opening October 25, 2013
A teaser trailer can be a great thing, since the less it gives away, the more enticing it becomes. That’s definitely the case here with this preview, which selects a few choice moments from this intriguing thriller and doesn’t bother piecing together how they connect, instead firing off an impressive list of players, both behind the camera and in front of it. The two previous cinematic adaptations of Cormac McCarthy novels, “No Country for Old Men” and “The Road,” were dark, violent, involving looks at society gone wrong. Director Ridley Scott’s most recent film, “Prometheus,” was a thoroughly exciting and invigorating reboot of a dormant franchise, and he’s made a handful of truly excellent films over the course of his career. In front of the camera, there’s a great mix of established actors known equally for their acting abilities and for their sex appeal – Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Javier Bardem – and one more recent up-and-comer who definitely fits that bill: Michael Fassbender. I think Fassbender is making excellent career choices with the films he picks, and this looks like just the latest terrific role. Pitt and Bardem need little guidance, but it appears that Cruz and Diaz may have found the strongest roles they’ve had in recent years. In the supporting cast, some other notable names can be found, like Natalie Dormer, John Leguizamo, Dean Norris, Rosie Perez, and Goran Visjnic. IMDB’s one-line plot description references lawyers and drug trafficking, and that’s enough to make an already appealing trailer seem like one of the most worthwhile films of the fall.
The Counselor – Opening October 25, 2013
A teaser trailer can be a great thing, since the less it gives away, the more enticing it becomes. That’s definitely the case here with this preview, which selects a few choice moments from this intriguing thriller and doesn’t bother piecing together how they connect, instead firing off an impressive list of players, both behind the camera and in front of it. The two previous cinematic adaptations of Cormac McCarthy novels, “No Country for Old Men” and “The Road,” were dark, violent, involving looks at society gone wrong. Director Ridley Scott’s most recent film, “Prometheus,” was a thoroughly exciting and invigorating reboot of a dormant franchise, and he’s made a handful of truly excellent films over the course of his career. In front of the camera, there’s a great mix of established actors known equally for their acting abilities and for their sex appeal – Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Javier Bardem – and one more recent up-and-comer who definitely fits that bill: Michael Fassbender. I think Fassbender is making excellent career choices with the films he picks, and this looks like just the latest terrific role. Pitt and Bardem need little guidance, but it appears that Cruz and Diaz may have found the strongest roles they’ve had in recent years. In the supporting cast, some other notable names can be found, like Natalie Dormer, John Leguizamo, Dean Norris, Rosie Perez, and Goran Visjnic. IMDB’s one-line plot description references lawyers and drug trafficking, and that’s enough to make an already appealing trailer seem like one of the most worthwhile films of the fall.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Movie with Abe: Still Mine
Still Mine
Directed by Michael McGowan
Released July 12, 2013
A film with a title like “Still Mine” is certain to have a given type of premise. In fact, its moniker holds multiple meanings, as James Cromwell’s Craig holds on to both his marriage to a wife whose memory is fast fading and to his right to build a home with his own hands despite legal hurdles at every turn. This film is a very familiar story of a man struggling with getting old, facing problems not brought about by his health at his age but by the fact that others perceive him to be unfit and incapable of adapting to modern society.
James Cromwell, now seventy-three years old, has been working as an actor for years. His television career started in the 1970s, and he has appeared on TV in the past decade with recurring roles on series like “American Horror Story,” “24” and “Six Feet Under.” His work in film includes “L.A. Confidential,” “W.” and a handful of other well-known and less famous films. He earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1995 for playing the kindly farmer in “Babe.” Now, after so many years, he finally has the chance to anchor a film as its undeniable star.
Cromwell responds ably to that responsibility, enchanting viewers in the film’s opening moments as Craig launches into a story about baseball while he stands before a judge, on trial for violating court orders to stop construction on a new home that he started building for his wife. The film rewinds to the beginning of that ordeal, when Craig decided that he and his wife Irene, whose lucidity is inconsistent at best, need a smaller place to live where there is less chance of her getting lost or hurting herself. When he is told that he needs to apply for a permit, he goes to inquire about it, but finds all of the obstacles he must go through to get approval for his construction cumbersome and unnecessary. As expected, he starts to build anyway, prompting some to express doubt about his faculties and others to take decisive action against him to stop him from completing his project.
Cromwell infuses a great deal of emotion into this simple character, who is seen interacting on occasion with one of his many children but is otherwise defined only by the way he speaks with his wife. It is clear that their connection is unbreakable, despite her deteriorating condition. Cromwell delivers a strong lead performance, and Oscar-nominated actress Geneviève Bujold supports him ably with her heartfelt portrayal of Irene. This is not a complicated film, but much is implied and effected by the subtle turns from its lead actors. This is by no means a new idea, yet it’s a well-told and competent version of an age-old old-age story.
B
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Saving Mr. Banks
Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.
Saving Mr. Banks – Opening December 20, 2013
The trailer everyone seems to be talking about right now is that for the upcoming biopic of Walt Disney which, like many other recent cinematic biopics, isolates his life down to a single filmmaking experience, in this case, that of “Mary Poppins.” That formula didn’t work so well for “Hitchcock” last year, but with the full force of the Disney studio behind it and a family-friendly marketing campaign, I think this one should be a hit. Director John Lee Hancock’s previous film is the abysmally corny “The Blind Side,” which doesn’t suggest excellent dramatic prowess on his part, but maybe this one will be innocent and harmless enough to be enjoyable. Tom Hanks hasn’t had this kind of heartwarming, quality part in a while, and I think it be good for him to headline a film of this nature. Emma Thompson similarly hasn’t accessed her true thespian side in a while, and I think that she’ll likely steal the film as the author of the novel on which the classic 1964 film was based. I’m most pleased by the casting of Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak as the song-writing Sherman brothers, and having Paul Giamatti and Bradley Whitford in the supporting cast can’t hurt either. I just hope that this is an enriching and fulfilling experience rather than a watered-down, excessively pleasant cinematic rendering of the making of a memorable movie.
Saving Mr. Banks – Opening December 20, 2013
The trailer everyone seems to be talking about right now is that for the upcoming biopic of Walt Disney which, like many other recent cinematic biopics, isolates his life down to a single filmmaking experience, in this case, that of “Mary Poppins.” That formula didn’t work so well for “Hitchcock” last year, but with the full force of the Disney studio behind it and a family-friendly marketing campaign, I think this one should be a hit. Director John Lee Hancock’s previous film is the abysmally corny “The Blind Side,” which doesn’t suggest excellent dramatic prowess on his part, but maybe this one will be innocent and harmless enough to be enjoyable. Tom Hanks hasn’t had this kind of heartwarming, quality part in a while, and I think it be good for him to headline a film of this nature. Emma Thompson similarly hasn’t accessed her true thespian side in a while, and I think that she’ll likely steal the film as the author of the novel on which the classic 1964 film was based. I’m most pleased by the casting of Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak as the song-writing Sherman brothers, and having Paul Giamatti and Bradley Whitford in the supporting cast can’t hurt either. I just hope that this is an enriching and fulfilling experience rather than a watered-down, excessively pleasant cinematic rendering of the making of a memorable movie.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe
Welcome back to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I'm going to be providing a handy guide to a few choice movies currently playing in theatres as well as several films newly released on DVD. I’ll also aim to comment on those films I have not yet had the chance to see, and I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below. Understandably, some weeks will have considerably fewer releases to address than others.
Now Playing
Crystal Fairy (recommended): This bizarre comedy from the Sundance Film Festival is half road trip half drug trip, as Gaby Hoffman’s peculiar Crystal Fairy tags along with Michael Cera’s Jamie and his friends on their journey through Chile in search of a hallucinogenic cactus. While it has some trouble staying grounded, it’s intoxicating the rest of the time. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from Sundance.
Fruitvale Station (highly recommended): This Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance deserved its prize. Michael B. Jordan, who will be familiar to TV audiences, delivers an outstanding performance as a doomed young father and ex-con living out the last day of his life in this extremely powerful dramatization of true events. Now playing at the Angelika and AMC Lincoln Square. Read my review from Sundance.
New to DVD
The Gatekeepers: This Oscar nominee for Best Documentary interviews former heads of the Shin Bet, the Israeli Secret Service, with a decidedly critical slant. Most worthwhile because it reveals surprising opinions from important players, this documentary suffers from a clear bias in its construction.
Now Playing
Crystal Fairy (recommended): This bizarre comedy from the Sundance Film Festival is half road trip half drug trip, as Gaby Hoffman’s peculiar Crystal Fairy tags along with Michael Cera’s Jamie and his friends on their journey through Chile in search of a hallucinogenic cactus. While it has some trouble staying grounded, it’s intoxicating the rest of the time. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from Sundance.
Fruitvale Station (highly recommended): This Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance deserved its prize. Michael B. Jordan, who will be familiar to TV audiences, delivers an outstanding performance as a doomed young father and ex-con living out the last day of his life in this extremely powerful dramatization of true events. Now playing at the Angelika and AMC Lincoln Square. Read my review from Sundance.
New to DVD
The Gatekeepers: This Oscar nominee for Best Documentary interviews former heads of the Shin Bet, the Israeli Secret Service, with a decidedly critical slant. Most worthwhile because it reveals surprising opinions from important players, this documentary suffers from a clear bias in its construction.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe
Welcome back to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I'm going to be providing a handy guide to a few choice movies currently playing in theatres as well as several films newly released on DVD. I’ll also aim to comment on those films I have not yet had the chance to see, and I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below. Understandably, some weeks will have considerably fewer releases to address than others.
Now Playing
The Way Way Back (highly recommended): This winning comedy was one of my favorite films from the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The screenplay by directing duo Nat Faxon and Jim Rash is a blast, and the film features a terrific ensemble cast that includes Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry, Maya Rudolph, AnnaSophia Robb, and particularly Allison Janney and Sam Rockwell. It’s hard not to like this one. Now playing at AMC Lincoln Square, AMC Empire, and Regal Union Square. Read my review from Sundance.
New to DVD
Nothing to report this week!
Now on Netflix Instant Streaming
The Truman Show (highly recommended): This 1998 Oscar nominee ranks as one of my top ten movies of all time. Jim Carrey delivers the dramatic performance of his career as an affable man unaware that his entire life has been captured on camera, with able support from Ed Harris as the man behind the curtain and an astounding score from Philip Glass. A must-see film that has many layers to it.
Now Playing
The Way Way Back (highly recommended): This winning comedy was one of my favorite films from the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The screenplay by directing duo Nat Faxon and Jim Rash is a blast, and the film features a terrific ensemble cast that includes Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry, Maya Rudolph, AnnaSophia Robb, and particularly Allison Janney and Sam Rockwell. It’s hard not to like this one. Now playing at AMC Lincoln Square, AMC Empire, and Regal Union Square. Read my review from Sundance.
New to DVD
Nothing to report this week!
Now on Netflix Instant Streaming
The Truman Show (highly recommended): This 1998 Oscar nominee ranks as one of my top ten movies of all time. Jim Carrey delivers the dramatic performance of his career as an affable man unaware that his entire life has been captured on camera, with able support from Ed Harris as the man behind the curtain and an astounding score from Philip Glass. A must-see film that has many layers to it.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Movie with Abe: Monsters University
Monsters University
Directed by Dan Scanlon
Released June 21, 2013
It feels like most movies today are sequels, remakes, or prequels. It’s hard to find an original idea in cinema, and that can be frustrating, especially when the newer version is hardly as good as the first time around. Fortunately, that’s not always the case. “Monsters, Inc.” was released back when Pixar had made only three movies, one of which was a sequel that actually worked, “Toy Story 2.” Now, the animation studio has released several other sequels, and its latest, “Monsters University,” is its first official prequel, chronicling the story of the beginning of Mike and Sully’s friendship. Like so many of its Pixar predecessors, this one is an affirming hit.
What made “Monsters, Inc.” so enjoyable and clever was the fact that it utilized a universal concept, children being afraid at night, and turned it into a sincere and heartwarming comedy. Better yet, it turned that idea into a misconception by the end of the film, with the discovery that a child’s laughter is even more powerful than a scream. Some, including this reviewer, might have thought that revisiting this story would be unnecessary, but, once again, the Pixar brand proves strong. This tale is just as charming and entertaining as the last trip to this particular world.
Another token Pixar trait is the fact that its films are equally appealing to kids and adults. The physical comedy of “Monsters University” and its colorful visuals will surely delight young children, while their parents will laugh at the myriad of sophisticated references that make each already funny scene all the more delightful and brilliant. College students will also enjoy the extensive parody of a university and Greek life in particular.
A smart story is expected and delivered, and the voice work is entirely commendable. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are an unbeatable duo as the eccentric and excitable Mike and big lug Sully, respectively. In addition to returning voices like Steve Buscemi as Randy, Helen Mirren, Sean Hayes, Dave Foley, Charlie Day, Alfred Molina, Nathan Fillion, and Aubrey Plaza, among others, contribute to a lively ensemble that makes this film an entirely pleasant and superb comedy. Mature twists and a hopeful final scene make this film a solid prequel and a terrific case for another visit to this wonderful universe. There may be new ideas to explore, but this concept is well worth another shot.
B+
Directed by Dan Scanlon
Released June 21, 2013
It feels like most movies today are sequels, remakes, or prequels. It’s hard to find an original idea in cinema, and that can be frustrating, especially when the newer version is hardly as good as the first time around. Fortunately, that’s not always the case. “Monsters, Inc.” was released back when Pixar had made only three movies, one of which was a sequel that actually worked, “Toy Story 2.” Now, the animation studio has released several other sequels, and its latest, “Monsters University,” is its first official prequel, chronicling the story of the beginning of Mike and Sully’s friendship. Like so many of its Pixar predecessors, this one is an affirming hit.
What made “Monsters, Inc.” so enjoyable and clever was the fact that it utilized a universal concept, children being afraid at night, and turned it into a sincere and heartwarming comedy. Better yet, it turned that idea into a misconception by the end of the film, with the discovery that a child’s laughter is even more powerful than a scream. Some, including this reviewer, might have thought that revisiting this story would be unnecessary, but, once again, the Pixar brand proves strong. This tale is just as charming and entertaining as the last trip to this particular world.
Another token Pixar trait is the fact that its films are equally appealing to kids and adults. The physical comedy of “Monsters University” and its colorful visuals will surely delight young children, while their parents will laugh at the myriad of sophisticated references that make each already funny scene all the more delightful and brilliant. College students will also enjoy the extensive parody of a university and Greek life in particular.
A smart story is expected and delivered, and the voice work is entirely commendable. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are an unbeatable duo as the eccentric and excitable Mike and big lug Sully, respectively. In addition to returning voices like Steve Buscemi as Randy, Helen Mirren, Sean Hayes, Dave Foley, Charlie Day, Alfred Molina, Nathan Fillion, and Aubrey Plaza, among others, contribute to a lively ensemble that makes this film an entirely pleasant and superb comedy. Mature twists and a hopeful final scene make this film a solid prequel and a terrific case for another visit to this wonderful universe. There may be new ideas to explore, but this concept is well worth another shot.
B+