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 in NYC

The Grand Seduction (highly recommended): This enormously enjoyable film features the odd couple of Brendan Gleeson and Taylor Kitsch as a motivated resident of a wilting harbor and the doctor he tries to lure there to help it thrive again. It's a delight from start to finish. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine. My review will be up tomorrow.

Maleficent (mixed bag): This "Wicked" version of Sleeping Beauty features an intriguing and worthwhile premise but tells its story in a fashion that's not terribly effective, and certainly not for all ages. Now playing in wide release. Read my review from yesterday.

Night Moves (mixed bag): Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, and Peter Sarsgaard star as three ecoterrorists planning something big together in this slow-moving film that never really gets anywhere or achieves a satisfying finish. Now playing at the Angelika. Read my review from Thursday.

New to DVD

Nothing of note this week!

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Severe Clear (recommended): This 2010 documentary, advertised as the real “Hurt Locker,” still sticks out in my mind as a powerful and memorable picture of the war in Iraq, shot by a soldier while he was there as a diary of his daily life.

Movie with Abe: Maleficent

Maleficent
Directed by Robert Stromberg
Released May 30, 2014

Some stories deserve to be told more than once. Reimagining a classic fairy tale from an entirely different point of view can be immensely enlightening and enticing and offer boundless opportunities for creativity. Though it hasn’t (yet) been made into a movie, “Wicked,” which repositions “The Wizard of Oz” from the perspective of the Wicked Witch, has enjoyed a long and successful run as a Broadway musical. Now, Disney takes a stab at “Sleeping Beauty,” recasting the story in a new light, painting the seemingly evil Maleficent as a misunderstood hero turned bad by the ignoble actions of those around her.

“Maleficent” begins quite peacefully, as the title character begins as a young fairy with wings who guards over her magical land. An early friendship with a human boy, Stefan, turns sour as he chooses his ambition over their romance, betraying her to enable him to become the next king of his land. Predictably, being made to see like a vicious beast and outcast in effect turns Maleficent into one, though, since this is her story, the audience is privy to more than just the fearful public’s opinion.

There’s something inherently clever to the idea behind this film, turning a conventional and well-known story, whose origins date back to the late 1600s, into something fresh and equally enthralling. Painting humankind as the imperialistic enemy is also a brave ploy. Many members of the supporting cast – including Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville, and Juno Temple as fairies and Elle Fanning as Sleeping Beauty herself, Aurora – contribute greatly to the overall allure of this universe and its kinder characters.

The film as a whole, however, never quite achieves the proper tone. Maleficent seems too casually omniscient, well aware of everything going on around her yet hopeless to comprehend how easy it might be to fix. The film has a general air of silliness that detracts from its dramatic effectiveness. Leading the cast, Angelina Jolie has fun milking her role for what it’s worth, but thinking back to her directorial debut, “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” which featured horrific tales of war in Bosnia, it’s hard to believe that this is anything more than a paycheck for her. Sure, it’s a PG-rated Disney film, but it certainly doesn’t satisfy all ages in the same way that its Oz-set companion piece does.

C+

Movie with Abe: Night Moves

Night Moves
Directed by Kelly Reichardt
Released May 30, 2014

Ecoterrorism can be a very intriguing subject for a film. It’s a fascinating concept – being so taken with the idea of environmentalism to commit to something potentially violent and destructive, all for the sake of inspiring and forcing change. That served as an excellent premise for last year’s “The East,” and might have had the same promise here. In director Kelly Reichardt’s new film, it presents an opportunity for drama and intrigue but doesn’t manage to rustle up enough excitement or energy to make its plot worthwhile.

The three protagonists in “Night Moves” are portrayed by three talented and versatile actors whose previous roles help to define the nature of their characters. Jesse Eisenberg, eternally nervous and awkward, is extra antisocial in one of his pricklier parts as Josh, who can be seen as the organizer of this particular trio even though he seems to be the follower rather than the leader in all their interactions. Dakota Fanning delivered an astounding breakthrough performance at age seven in “I Am Sam” and has pretty much kept working since, here demonstrating herself to be a mature adult playing Dena, who is naïvely confident but still scared for her life. Peter Sarsgaard, who often plays creepy, is in regular form as the bearded, temperamental Harmon. Placed together in the same universe, these three are an odd bunch, hard to find sympathetic and not as alluring as might be helpful for such a story.

It isn’t inherently clear what these three are planning, only that they take issue with the way that things are being done and plan on doing something monumental to make an impact. “Night Moves,” which is the name of the boat that Josh and Dena purchase as part of their plot, thrives on paranoia, using the fear that something will go wrong and the plan won’t be executed flawlessly to drive its action. Like another film from Reichardt, “Wendy and Lucy,” this relatively isolating story suffers from glacial placing, in no rush to tell its story but unable to make its slower, quieter moments as effective as they should be. There are moments where it seems like “Night Moves” might rise to the challenge and become a different kind of film, but then it slows back down again and doesn’t manage to pick up to deliver a resounding emotional or cinematic finish that could have made it memorable.

C

Wednesday Oscar Retrospective: First Five Forgotten in 2013

Welcome back to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Retrospective. The First Five Forgotten is the sixth in a series of projects looking back at the past eight years of the Oscars, or further, in the case of this specific series, not to be confused with my first series, the Forgotten Five, which looked at the five films that came closest to getting nominated for Best Picture and ended up getting shut out entirely.

With the 2013 Oscar season wrapped, it’s time to take a look back at the past two years. I’ll be spotlighting the five performers that came closest to earning their first Oscar nominations and then ended up getting snubbed, in alphabetical order. If you feel I’ve left anyone off, please say so in the comments!

First Five Forgotten in 2013

Daniel Brühl (Rush): After a breakout turn a few years earlier in the Oscar-winning “Inglourious Basterds,” German-born actor Brühl was on track to earn recognition for a knockout performance as a driven car racer in the 1970s after a Golden Globe and SAG nomination. He had two factors working against him: a film that was much more popular with European audiences, and a sterling case of category fraud (he and Chris Hemsworth were really co-leads).

Adèle Exarchupoulos (Blue is the Warmest Color): This young actress was an ideal candidate for an Oscar nomination, delivering an astonishing breakthrough turn as a high school student enamored with an older woman. The film ultimately proved far too provocative for viewers, who must have forgotten about her incredible work.

James Gandolfini (Enough Said): Gandolfini graduated from “Hey, It’s That Guy” status with a career-defining role in “The Sopranos” that netted him multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. What turned out to be his final role showcased a softer, sweeter side of him that was a big part of why this romantic comedy was a success. Unfortunately, a posthumous SAG nomination was all he got.

Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station): It’s hard to ignore some knockout performances, but Oscar voters still manage to do so sometimes. That’s certainly the case with Jordan’s tour de force portrayal of a young man on the last day of his life in this Sundance smash. The familiar TV face will likely be back in the near future with something that could earn him what will then be an overdue Oscar nod.

Léa Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Color): This French actress didn’t necessarily have as much buzz as her leading costar, but, unlike her, she did have more extensive acting experience in a number of films. Her category was much less crowded than her costar’s, but there still wasn’t room for what to most was still probably the stablest part of a wild and controversial film.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: I’ll Follow You Down

Welcome back 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.

I’ll Follow You Down – Opening August 5, 2014

What doesn’t this movie have? Its main component, of course, is genre actors who we haven’t seen in a while. The last main role that Haley Joel Osment, an Oscar nominee at age 11 for “The Sixth Sense” who is now 26 (a month younger than me, in fact), had was way back in 2003 in “Secondhand Lions.” Now he’s grown up and he’s back in what appears to be a serious and challenging role as a young man haunted by the disappearance of his father, who he believes isn’t actually gone but just needs to be brought back in a science fiction-heavy way. Gillian Anderson, of “The X-Files” fame, was on NBC’s short-lived thriller “Crisis,” but that’s already been cancelled. I’ll always remember Rufus Sewell from the underrated 1998 sci-fi classic “Dark City,” and I think all I’ve seen in since is “The Illusionist” and the show “Eleventh Hour.” Victor Garber is always a dependable actor, and he appears to have a key supporting role. I’m a huge fan of time travel in almost all forms, and while wormholes get a bit more complicated, I think that this film, with its layered story dynamics, could be well worth it. It’s at least interesting to know what kind of project appealed to an actor like Osment who has been so absent from the film world since just after his big breakthrough at a young age.

Movie with Abe: Stand Clear of the Closing Doors

Stand Clear of the Closing Doors
Directed by Sam Fleischner
Released May 23, 2014

The New York City subway is an interesting place, to say the least. The diversity of people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and cultures who traffic through the many lines in each borough is astounding, and riding even just for a few minutes can present multiple memorable moments. When taken in by someone with autism, it can be even more mesmerizing and confusing. That’s the premise of “Stand Clear of the Closing Doors,” the new film that follows a thirteen-year-old autistic boy named Ricky as he rides the subway for days on end while his family worries about his whereabouts and whether something terrible has happened.

The film begins with Ricky (Jesus Sanchez-Velez) walking home from school with his sister Carla (Azul Zorrilla). It is clear that Carla does her best to be a good sibling to Ricky, but that his nature causes her frequent frustrations which occasionally lead to outbursts (which he also has periodically). Their mother Mariana (Andrea Suarez Paz) is a hard-working parent who seeks to ensure that both her children have bright futures and opportunities, and who receives little support from her husband, who is away on a job upstate and less than present, and not just physically.

Ricky’s curiosity gets the best of him after a difficult phone call with his mother, and he follows someone into the subway. What ensues is an aimless tour of the many lines and the people along the way. While Ricky is often near suspicious or threatening people, there is never a sense that he is in any true danger. When a stranger offers him a banana, nothing happens, and even when he is alone on a train or a platform at an odd hour, he is immune to those forces which could do him harm.

Seeing the city through the lens of its twenty-four-hour life is certainly intriguing, yet it doesn’t achieve the impact that it should. The timing of Halloween makes it so that people wear costumes and look even more outlandish than usual, an unnecessary device considering how crazy New York can be all on its own. Additionally, everything that occurs outside of the subway – featuring Ricky’s distraught family – is lackluster and rather dull. It all culminates in a less than satisfying ending which makes its events seem relatively pointless. It is a clever and thought-provoking concept, but one whose execution leaves plenty to be desired.

C

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 in NYC

Cold in July (highly recommended): This Sundance thriller is a dark, brooding showcase for Michael C. Hall to define his post-“Dexter” career with a role as a mullet-wearing Texan drawn into a disturbing but immensely watchable world. Not for the faint of heart. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from Sundance.

Frequencies (highly recommended): This innovative dystopian dramedy imagines a world where success is based on perceived intelligence and follows low-ranking, kindhearted Zak in his years-long pursuit of attaining some level of compatibility with emotionless Marie. It’s an energetic and wholly enthralling tale. Now playing at Cinema Village. Read my review from yesterday.

Stand Clear of the Closing Doors (mixed bag): This drama about an autistic boy wandering around the New York City subway for several days has a cool premise but doesn’t manage to deliver on it, offering up an unenthusiastic story with only occasional engaging moments. Now playing at Cinema Village. My review will be up tomorrow.

New to DVD

Nothing of note this week!

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Star Trek Into Darkness (recommended): This blockbuster sequel is just about as exciting and fun as its immediate predecessor, and a sure sign that this rebooted franchise is more than capable of sustaining itself. Benedict Cumberbatch and Alice Eve prove fine additions to an already functional and massively enjoyable ensemble.

Movie with Abe: Frequencies

Frequencies
Directed by Darren Paul Fisher
Released May 23, 2014

There are complications to every love story. In a society where status and success are determined by measured levels of intelligence, or “frequency,” it proves especially challenging for kindhearted Zak (Daniel Fraser) to woo the girl of his dreams, Marie (Eleanor Wyld), whose frequency far outweighs his. Yet any dystopia is ripe for someone to challenge the way things are, and this creative, involving film is just that: a marvelous and driven journey to push back against preconceptions and supposed fact and prove that free will is still very much alive and possible.

“Frequencies” begins early in the lives of Zak and Marie as the two classmates receive their diagnoses. Marie is the focus of the film at first, and Zak only becomes central after most of her story has already been unveiled. They can spend only one minute together, otherwise the universe compensates for the great imbalance created when they try to unseat its natural pull. Zak is inherently emotional, while Marie explains that she does not possess the ability to feel, so high on the intellectual spectrum that she cannot comprehend the purpose of small talk or anything other than clearly productive and logical activities.

“Frequencies” is full of smile-inducing moments, some derived from the ridiculousness nature of this world and others from its characters’ attempts to bring down its walls. There are layers of meaning and subtext to its plot, and its editing makes it particularly powerful, filling in gaps as it goes on by telling other people’s stories from a wholly fresh perspective. This could be just any tale of society gone wrong, yet it’s invigorated by a sense of originality and a deep excitement in all of its characters in discovering that things may not be nearly as determined as they always thought them to be.

The performances in “Frequencies” contribute greatly to its effectiveness, as the actors capture the inner emotions – or lack thereof – of their characters. Dylan Llewellyn and Georgina Minter-Brown help shape Zak and Marie at a young age, when all they know is what they are taught in school. Fraser and Wyld draw out the ways in which they have been influenced by the stoicism and predetermination around them, fleshing out energetic hope and controlled cynicism marvelously. “Frequencies” is certainly an unsettling and unnerving film, but it’s also a rewarding and surprisingly entertaining look at what love might look like if everyone told you it was scientifically impossible.

B+

Wednesday Oscar Retrospective: First Five Forgotten in 2012

Welcome back to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Retrospective. The First Five Forgotten is the sixth in a series of projects looking back at the past eight years of the Oscars, or further, in the case of this specific series, not to be confused with my first series, the Forgotten Five, which looked at the five films that came closest to getting nominated for Best Picture and ended up getting shut out entirely.

With the 2013 Oscar season wrapped, it’s time to take a look back at the past two years. I’ll be spotlighting the five performers that came closest to earning their first Oscar nominations and then ended up getting snubbed, in alphabetical order. If you feel I’ve left anyone off, please say so in the comments!

First Five Forgotten in 2012

Ann Dowd (Compliance): This relatively unknown veteran actress definitely scored votes for a performance that was all about the role. Portraying the manager of a fast food establishment who too readily took on the task of questioning and disciplining a suspected thief, Dowd displayed a disturbing calm and sense of duty. If only her film had landed louder.

Richard Gere (Arbitrage): This actor was actually also on my list a full decade early for his showy, Golden Globe-winning turn in eventual Best Picture winner “Chicago.” He really did nothing of note in the ten-year interval between these two, but his return to prominence in this well-received Sundance film signaled that the onetime awards contender might in fact be taking himself seriously again, though it couldn’t get him all the way.

Dwight Henry (Beasts of the Southern Wild): This near-nominee isn’t even really an actor. The baker by trade made his film debut in director Benh Zeitlin’s acclaimed film, and in theory had just as much of a shot as his eight-year-old costar Quvenzhané Wallis at earning a nomination. Ultimately, the film scored a few surprise nods, but Henry’s extremely genuine, real performance wasn’t one of them.

Matthew McConaughey (Magic Mike/Bernie): It’s a big thing to be working in the movie business for over a decade and not merit a single awards nomination other than from the Teen Choice Awards, and it’s an even bigger thing to be honored for two different films in the same year from a variety of organizations. While “Magic Mike” and “Bernie” couldn’t get him far enough, obviously it worked out fine the next year when he won the Best Actor trophy.

Jean-Louis Trintignant (Amour): While I’m not sure this 82-year-old French actor was ever truly in contention, since his only precursors were European and French, I did include him in my “one possible crazy scenario” predictions because I thought that the film might go over very well with voters. It turned out it did, scoring Best Picture and Best Director mentions, but nothing for an actor who matched his much more praised onscreen wife.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Interstellar

Welcome back 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.

Interstellar – Opening November 7, 2014

Somehow, I managed to watch this trailer without noticing or realizing that this was Christopher Nolan’s latest project. I’m actually glad I didn’t know that going in since it would very much have predisposed me to certain expectations about its content and format. This actually feels a lot less like “Inception” than it does “Super 8” or something grander in scope and less technological in nature. Its early scenes are reminiscent of the image that comes to mind when I think of Smallville, Kansas in any Superman production, and then it’s a whole lot like “Gravity,” which was an extraordinary successful venture into space. Nolan does have two of his regulars in the cast – Michael Caine and Anne Hathaway – but he’s also recruited some of the hottest talent available at the moment, namely newly minted Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck, Topher Grace, David Oyelowo, and Ellen Burstyn. The fact that these people are interested in working with Nolan almost makes it worth it all on its own, though it’s hard to know whether that’s the hype or the actual quality of this particular script, an original from Nolan brothers Christopher and Jonathan. Hopefully, this will have the same layered semi-logic beyond it related to the technical portion of its plotline, and that will make it both extremely appealing and hard to understand at the same time. I was very impressed with “The Dark Knight Rises,” much more so than the first two films of that trilogy, and so I have high hopes for this as the latest mind-bending cinematic experience from one of today’s most buzzed-about filmmakers.

Movie with Abe: Next Year Jerusalem

Next Year Jerusalem
Directed by David Gaynes
Released May 16, 2014

The phrase “Next year in Jerusalem” is the final element of the Passover haggadah, something said after a lengthy retelling of the story of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt following their term of slavery under a cruel Pharaoh. It is meant to indicate a sense of hope that, in the future, all Jews can celebrate Passover in the Jewish homeland of Israel. The words are often sung jubilantly, with the symbolic notion of being in Jerusalem just as meaningful and impactful as the physical act of traveling to the place. In director David Gaynes’ new film, both meanings are equally compelling.

“Next Year Jerusalem” documents the lives of eight nursing home residents in Fairfield, Connecticut, all between the ages of eighty-two and ninety-seven. Some are Jewish, some are Christian, but they all have a personal and spiritual connection to Israel and Jerusalem. Several are Holocaust survivors, who recount their persistence and survival despite while they were being persecuted. With varying degrees of mobility and energy, each exudes a sense of positivity and a wonderful attitude towards the life they still have left to live.

As suggested by its title, this documentary charts the run-up to a remarkable pilgrimage to Israel undertaken by the residents and staff of the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield. For some, it’s the first time in several decades that they have been to Israel, and much has changed since the last time they were there. For others, it’s the first trip altogether. The expressions on each of their faces and the sounds of their voices are truly magnificent, and it means even more to see how the caretakers and staff react to being in Israel, often showing just as much wonder and amazement as the residents.

This is the kind of documentary that captures events as they happen, editing them together in a visually and structurally compelling fashion to tell a coherent story. It does not present an argument and try to prove or disprove it, nor does it offer any conflict. These people know that the majority of their lives have transpired already, yet they face the future with hope and optimism, celebrating the now. It’s a tremendously moving and inspiring concept, and the film is a sterling showcase of the resilience of those who have faced challenges throughout their lives yet refuse to let themselves be defeated by anything, and certainly not a nonagenarian international trip.

B+

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 in NYC

Chinese Puzzle (highly recommended): This charming and creative movie stars Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Cécile de France, and a few actors who aren’t from France. Its layered story works very well, and it’s a delightful blast all the way through. Now playing at the Angelika and Lincoln Plaza. Read my review from yesterday.

Next Year Jerusalem (recommended): This documentary about a group of nursing home residents in their 80s and 90s is an inspirational and involving look at what’s possible when people put their mind to something. Now playing at Quad Cinema. My review will be up tomorrow.

New to DVD

Forev (highly recommended): Three relative unknowns – Noël Wells, Matt Mider, and Amanda Bauer – are all extremely entertaining in this unexpectedly funny and smart comedy. A simple premise and some superb dialogue is highlighted by the genuine, inviting performances of the film’s three breakout performers.

Her (highly recommended): My favorite Best Picture nominee from last year is an incredible, Oscar-winning vision from Spike Jonze of a man and his relationship with his operating system. Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson are both magnificent in this moving, completely captivating film.

Movie with Abe: Chinese Puzzle

Chinese Puzzle
Directed by Cédric Klapisch
Released May 16, 2014

It’s not always easy to describe what a film is about in specific terms. That may mean a complicated, layered story, and it’s up to the film in question to sort out its many plotlines and keep track of them. “Chinese Puzzle” centers on Xavier (Romain Duris), an author who follows his children from France to America when their mother moves them there. There are many elements of his life that make it a perpetually complicated ride, but that’s exactly what appeals about this inventive, heartwarming film filled with comedic and dramatic moments.

Xavier is defined in many ways by the women in his life. At the beginning of his story, which is not told chronologically in the film, the object of his romance is Wendy (Kelly Reilly), who gradually becomes less of a warm presence as she moves on to another man and tells Xavier that she is no longer interested in being with him. His best friend Isabelle (Cécile De France) is a lesbian in a committed relationship with an American, Ju (Sandrine Holt), who asks him to be the father of the baby they want to have together. And then there’s Martine (Audrey Tautou), an ex-girlfriend who also has two young kids and still seems to harbor romantic feelings for Xavier. He writes about his life, but it’s clear that the women are just as much a part of it as his kids.

What’s wonderful about “Chinese Puzzle” is that Xavier isn’t necessarily a bad guy. He’s hardly the most exemplary and put-together parent, but his intentions are completely good. He picks up his life to move to another country after a difficult airport goodbye, and does his best to make his minimal furnishings a hospitable environment for his children. The women in his life are far from perfect as well, each inhibited by their own vices. It’s a charming and immensely entertaining tale that’s at the same time whimsical and lasting.

The cast of this particular adventure compliments a superb script and fun directing to create a truly cohesive and enjoyable movie. Duris, who was the spectacular lead of “Heartbreakers,” is pleasantly endearing and affable as Xavier. Reilly and De France both imbue their characters with an edge that makes them both threatening and vulnerable, and Tautou and Holt make their less self-confident characters equally compelling. This is a wonderfully enthralling and great film.

B+

Movie with Abe: Forev

Forev
Directed by Molly Green and James Leffler
Released May 15, 2014 on DVD and VOD

Sometimes, you don’t need a big budget or a well-known cast to make a great movie. Independent films are supposed to be a launching pad for fresh new talent, and it can make the experience of watching a movie so much more impactful to not recognize any of the actors in it. There’s a certain excitement that comes with realizing a movie is good purely on its own merits, and not because of any outside factors related to production or paychecks. That’s the case with the new comedy “Forev,” which arrives today on multiple home video platforms.

“Forev” begins with a drunk Sophie (Noël Wells) stumbling into the wrong apartment with a guy she has just met. She realizes her mistake when she sees her neighbor Pete (Matt Mider), who doesn’t stop eating his pizza while looking on in amazement as Sophie and her date almost have sex right in front of him. After Sophie asks her new friend to leave, she grabs a slice of pizza before bidding Pete good night. The next day, after a miserable audition, Sophie bursts into Pete’s apartment, lies down on his floor, and vows never to get up. A bit of quick conversation leads to the notion of the two of them getting married and a hastily accepted suggestion that Sophie accompany Pete on the six-hour drive to Phoenix to pick up his sister Jess (Amanda Bauer). Predictable car trouble is the least of their worries, as a mix of humorous and serious conversations populate their long adventure on the road.

“Forev” is a film that extensively utilizes dialogue, allowing its three main characters to converse almost incessantly for nearly ninety minutes. A rich screenplay feels unrehearsed and marvelously unscripted. Its actors, however, truly make it work. Mider plays Pete as a kindhearted, completely oblivious everyman who isn’t inherently or excessively nerdy, yet doesn’t possess tremendous social skills. Bauer makes Jess an opinionated, clever character who considers herself just as crucial to the story as the central couple. Wells, who currently stars on “Saturday Night Live,” is particularly marvelous, giving Sophie a fantastic energy and spirit, always ready to entertain the siblings with whom she rides even if she can’t entertain herself. All of these actors’ interactions are so genuine, and the film succeeds in staying strong even when the illusion falls apart and reality has to set in. It’s a truly delightful treat, one that’s involving, amusing, and completely enjoyable.

A-

Wednesday Oscar Retrospective: The Deadlocked Duel of 2013

Welcome back to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Retrospective. The Deadlocked Duel was the fourth in a series of projects looking back at the past eight years of the Oscars, dating back to the first ceremony I watched and closely followed. With the 2013 Oscar season wrapped, it’s time to take a look back at the past two years.

Each year after the Oscar nominations are announced, there’s at least one category where two nominees end up in a heated battle for the award right up until Oscar night, dividing predictors and keeping Oscar watchers anxiously in suspense. This series is devoted to analyzing the biggest and most intense of those battles each year, in any category.

The Deadlocked Duel of 2013:

Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle) vs. Lupita N’yongo (12 Years a Slave) for Best Supporting Actress
The background: Two of the biggest movies of the year, both very different but highly acclaimed. The first was from director David O. Russell, who had earned Best Director nominations twice in the previous three years. The second was from Steve McQueen, who, despite sterling cinematic achievements, had not yet earned the distinction of an Oscar nomination. The women in question were a wildly popular American actress with two Oscar nominations, coming off a Best Actress win, concurrently starring in one of the biggest blockbusters of the years, and a Kenyan actress with barely any credits to her name.

Why it was just the two of them: The other film that scored as big an Oscar nominations take was “Gravity,” which netted its lone acting nod in the Best Actress race. Of the other three nominees, Sally Hawkins was the least likely to take home an award, meriting her film’s only mention aside from star Cate Blanchett. Julia Roberts, who won an Oscar for “Erin Brockovich” in 2000, earned her first nomination since then for a supporting performance that was overshadowed by Meryl Streep’s leading turn and didn’t have any real shot of winning. 84-year-old June Squibb surely got some votes for stealing all of her scenes, but it wasn’t enough to truly put her in the running.

Setting the stage: Jennifer Lawrence started out strong with a win at the Golden Globes. Lupita N’yongo triumphed at the Critics’ Choice Awards, but Lawrence took the BAFTA, which seemed like a blow to N’yongo since British voters should have appreciated her performance more. Going into Oscar night, “American Hustle” had ten nominations and “12 Years a Slave” had nine.

Oscar night: In one of the first announced categories of the night, N’yongo took the trophy. “American Hustle” went home empty-handed, while “12 Years a Slave” also picked up awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and the top prize, Best Picture.

Consolation prize for the loser: Lawrence did win an Oscar the year before, and has plenty of film roles coming up. N’yongo was ultimately the winner though, since this jump-started her career, setting her up to earn choice quality roles in the near future.

Come back next week for the First Five Forgotten of 2012!

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Lullaby

Welcome back 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.

Lullaby – Opening June 13, 2014

I came across this trailer as I often do while perusing Movie-List.com. It caught my attention because of its two top billed stars – Garrett Hedlund and Richard Jenkins – and because of its thematic content. In terms of its story, it doesn’t actually seem all that inventive or original, but focusing on a strained family relationship impacted by the impending demise of one family member due to a fatal disease can be quite effective, and it’s just up to the film in question to deliver and to deal with the subject matter appropriately. In terms of the cast, I remember first seeing Garrett Hedlund as Brad Pitt’s twin blond Trojan in “Troy” but being much more impressed with him as a member of the supporting cast in “Country Strong.” He also had a mostly silent role in “Inside Llewyn Davis,” and I think he has enormous potential. It’s clear that he has a passion for music, as that figures prominently in a performance scene from the trailer, and it’s good to see him playing to his strengths. Richard Jenkins is an actor I’ve long admired, and seeing him in paternal roles as varied as “Six Feet Under” and “A.C.O.D.” demonstrates what he is capable of, and I’m sure this will be an emotional performance. Three recent Oscar nominees – Amy Adams, Terrence Howard, and Jennifer Hudson – are also in the cast, as is a nominee from almost three decades ago, Anne Archer. This is a film that could work well if the appropriate effort is put into its execution, which I think seems very possible given the contents of this trailer.

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 in NYC

The Double (recommended): This Sundance feature from director Richard Ayoade is a dark but extremely intriguing dystopian tale of an anonymous worker whose exact double enters his life only to wreak havoc on it. Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska are just the right brand of off-kilter for the film’s tone, but it’s not as good as the similarly-themed “Enemy” with Jake Gyllenhaal. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine. Read my review from Sundance.

God’s Pocket (mixed bag): John Slattery is great on “Mad Men,” but his directorial debut, which screened at Sundance this year, leaves much to be desired. Its talented cast, including the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, Eddie Marsan, Richard Jenkins, and Christina Hendricks, has done better, and don’t do much with this half-interesting premise. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from Sundance.

New to DVD

Still Mine (recommended): I can’t say I remember much about this release from last summer, but veteran actor James Cromwell does deliver a strong lead performance embodying the notion of getting old and being told what you can’t do. It’s not a must-see, but it has its merits.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol 2: I realized just how much I loved the first of these two Quentin Tarantino films when I saw the second. Uma Thurman and David Carradine are perfect for the roles of the nameless Bride and her vicious husband in this ultraviolent, incredibly-crafted cinematic experience. Stay away if you’re not into Tarantino; otherwise, watch these immediately.

Wednesday Oscar Retrospective: The Deadlocked Duel of 2012

Welcome back to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Wednesday Oscar Retrospective. The Deadlocked Duel was the fourth in a series of projects looking back at the past eight years of the Oscars, dating back to the first ceremony I watched and closely followed. With the 2013 Oscar season wrapped, it’s time to take a look back at the past two years.

Each year after the Oscar nominations are announced, there’s at least one category where two nominees end up in a heated battle for the award right up until Oscar night, dividing predictors and keeping Oscar watchers anxiously in suspense. This series is devoted to analyzing the biggest and most intense of those battles each year, in any category.

The Deadlocked Duel of 2012:

“Brave” vs. “Wreck-It Ralph” for Best Animated Feature
The background: “Brave” was the twelfth film made by Pixar, and the ninth since the Best Animated Feature category was created. Eight of those films were nominated and six won, which presented excellent odds for the latest Pixar production, an ambitious movie set in Scotland and diverging somewhat from typical Pixar standards. “Wreck-It Ralph,” the story of a video game character tired of always being the villain, was a Disney film that netted mostly positive reviews (I watched it a few days before the Oscars and never had the chance to write a review).

Why it was just the two of them: The year before, two foreign films had scored a place in this category. Despite the release of three strong contenders - “From Up on Poppy Hill,” “The Painting,” and “The Rabbi’s Cat” - none made the cut, with my dead last prediction, “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” scoring the fifth slot. My early prediction for the win, “Frakenweenie,” was joined by a fairly similar nominee, “ParaNorman.” Tim Burton’s adaptation of his short had a shot, but it was definitely in third place.

Setting the stage: “Brave” got off to a good start by taking home the Golden Globe, but then “Wreck-It Ralph” won both the PGA Award and the Annie Award. There was a sense that Pixar, which for the first time in the history of the category had been snubbed one year earlier for “Cars 2,” was overrated and that the backlash might bias voters against “Brave.” I predicted “Wreck-It Ralph” to take the gold.

Oscar night: Each film merited just one nomination, and, after all, Pixar proved victorious and “Brave” won the award.

Consolation prize for the loser: None. Its only tangential victory was against Pixar, which saw its 14th film, “Monsters University,” snubbed for a nomination the following year.

Come back next week for the Deadlocked Duel of 2013!

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: They Came Together

Welcome back 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.

They Came Together - Opening June 27, 2014

I was very excited to watch this trailer, especially since I missed this movie at Sundance this year because I didn’t even know it existed. Truth be told, the trailer actually isn’t all that terrific, and I don’t quite get what it is that’s special or different about this movie from any other romantic comedy. That said, who wouldn’t want to see a comedy starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler as a romantic pair? The two were great together during Rudd’s recurring guest spot on “Parks and Recreation” as a dim-witted heir running against Leslie for city council, and they’ve both done plenty of comedy work in film and television over the years. The trailer makes this film seem very ordinary but still look like a lot of fun, with a wealth of comedy television talent including Bill Hader, Ellie Kemper, Cobie Smulders, Ed Helms, Christopher Meloni, Max Greenfield, Melanie Lynskey, Michael Ian Black, Ken Marino, and Jack McBrayer in the supporting cast. You get the sense that these people have a great time making movies together, and that’s a good part of what makes this appealing. I liked the last David Wain film I saw, “Role Models,” a lot better than the first two, “The Ten” and cult classic “Wet Hot American Summer,” but I think this one is a must-see based on its cast alone.

Movie with Abe: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Directed by Marc Webb
Released May 2, 2014

Even in an age of remakes and reboots, it’s rare to find two wholly separate franchises about the same character universe within the span of fifteen years, especially when the first was considered successful. After Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst played the roles of Spider-Man and love interest Mary Jane Watson, respectively, in three box office hits in 2002, 2004, and 2007, the superhero got a fresh start in 2012 with Marc Webb behind the camera and Andrew Garfield in the lead role, joined by Emma Stone as another love interest, Gwen Stacy. That film was a stronger and more effective cinematic realization of the character, and its sequel, unfortunately, isn’t quite as competent.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” didn’t focus on the traditional villains - Norman and Harry Osborn, whose family alter ego is the Green Goblin - and so it’s fair to assume that this film would. Yet that’s hardly ambitious enough for Marvel movies, which these days have multiple villains and plot threads to ensure that as much action as possible can be packed into two and a half hours. Enter Jamie Foxx’s Max, an Oscorp engineer shut off from society due to a case of eternal invisibility who, following an accident typically found in superhero forklore, becomes transforming into an energy-wielding monster, Electro. In a crowded and somewhat disappointing blockbuster jumble, the Osborns almost don’t register, which is especially lamentable considering the talent - Chris Cooper and Dane DeHaan - enlisted to portray them.

Garfield, whose lanky awkwardness served him well in the first film, is fine here, but he comes off as a bit too casual, aware of just how popular Spider-Man is despite constant beratement from the press and authorities about his true intentions and value. Garfield is destined for better thespian achievements, and hopefully this kind of role won’t hold him back from a promising future. Emma Stone, on the other hand, is delightful and extremely endearing as Gwen, who knows just where she stands with Peter and never passes up an opportunity to call him out on not treating her properly or prioritizing saving the world over showing up to hear her graduation speech. There certainly is a lot to enjoy in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” but as far as superhero movies go it isn’t one of the best. Its ending primes up another sequel, and in a generally enjoyable universe with decent actors involved, that means another chance to get it right with a movie that’s both fun and very good.

B-

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 in NYC

Belle (recommended): Underrated actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw gets the lead role she deserves in this epic story of a black woman well ahead of her time in 1700s England. The film’s story is compelling, even if not all of its parts are fully engaging or enthralling. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine and Lincoln Plaza. Read my review from yesterday.

New to DVD

Gloria (recommended): Star Paulina Garcia is hands-down the best part about this past Chilean Oscar submission for Best Foreign Film. She delivers a dedicated, honest, humorous performance in a film that’s often as entertaining as she is but not consistently so.

Whitewash (mixed bag): Thomas Haden Church stars in this intriguing but uninvolving tale of a drunk snowplow driver who accidentally hits a stranger in the middle of a storm. It’s a worthwhile concept, but the execution here is slow-paced and less than inviting. The film is currently available from Oscilloscope Laboratories on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, and XBOX Live.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Diana (mixed bag): This unfortunate effort starring the usually great Naomi Watts and Naveen Andrews tries and fails to capture the gravitas of Princess Diana and the way in which she seduced the world. Highlighting her personal life proves to be much less interesting and dynamic than it should be.

Forrest Gump and Gladiator should need no recommendations, but these two Best Picture and Best Actor winners are often maligned as being overrated. They are both excellent epics and films in their own right, and anyone who hasn’t seen them truly should. Tom Hanks and Russell Crowe are excellent, as are Oscar-nominated costars Gary Sinise and Joaquin Phoenix. These are terrific technical achievements (both films won Best Visual Effects) and deserve to be seen by all.

Movie with Abe: Belle

Belle
Directed by Amma Asante
Released May 2, 2014

Any good period epic should have a few recognizable themes. Forbidden romance, an important element of “A Promise,” another European drama released just a few weeks ago, is a must. Race and class conflicts can be crucial as well, mainly because they could represent such insurmountable obstacles to happiness due to the prevailing sensibilities of the time. “Belle,” which tells the somewhat true story of Dido Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a black woman raised in an aristocratic home in England in the 1700s, fits the bill of a classical tale of a woman greatly ahead of the time in which she lived.

Mbatha-Raw is an actress many might recognize but few will be able to identify by name, partially due to its pronunciation. After getting her start in British television and theatre, Mbatha-Raw was cast as one of the leads in J.J. Abrams’ new NBC series “Undercovers.” Partially because of the fact that she and Boris Kodjoe were relative unknowns, the show failed quickly, but those who saw it could tell that Mbatha-Raw had talent. Subsequent roles in FOX’s “Touch” and “Larry Crowne” didn’t utilize her abilities all that magnificently, but Mbatha-Raw now has the opportunity to own and define in a character in a movie that really is all hers.

Belle’s spirit is what defines her film. She has the fortune of being brought into a wealthy home by her father’s uncle, who chooses to recognize her despite the societal implications. She knows that there is something that inherently separates her from her adoptive family, yet she still grows up and lives alongside them in a capacity not of servitude but of relative equality. The color of her skin shouldn’t give her the chance to choose between suitors, but, as tends to be the case, the endearing nature of a true good heart outweighs the more convenient presence of a well-off competitor with less noble virtues.

Mbatha-Raw is the star of the film, and imbues Belle with an energy and sense of passion that makes the film work more than anything. The supporting cast is populated by notable British actors such as Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Miranda Richardson, and Penelope Wilton, better known as Isobel Crawley of “Downton Abbey.” The cast is able, but ultimately they are merely there to help tell Belle’s story, which is an occasionally inspiring, involving one supplemented by great costumes and sets.

B

Movie with Abe: Whitewash

Whitewash
Directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais
Released May 2, 2014 on DVD/iTunes/VOD

The weather can have an awfully big impact on the mood of a movie. There have been countless films about storms and natural disasters, and rain often plays a major part as well. But there’s nothing quite as recognizably mood-setting as snow. Movies like “First Snow” and “Frozen River” depend entirely on their covered white surroundings to be effective. “Whitewash” takes it one step further, utilizing the weather as the catalyst for the event that sets the movie in motion, as snowplow operator Bruce (Thomas Haden Church) kills a stranger one snowy night while driving his snowplow drunk.

Church is an actor who, after some solid TV work in the 1990s, burst onto the movie scene in “Sideways” as a man about to get married who meets another woman in a great semi-comedic performance that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He followed that likeable turn up a few years later by portraying villain Sandman in “Spider-Man 3,” which gave him the opportunity to play bad in a blockbuster superhero movie. Since then, he hasn’t done too much of note, and now he’s anchoring this film solo, spending most of the film sitting, walking, or driving all by himself, contemplating the state of his life while trying desperately to get on a better track.

“Whitewash” is an understandably isolating film, one which lacks much action and instead earns the categorization of “thriller” by creating drawn-out suspense and uncertainty in its blanketed Canadian landscape as Bruce moves around, occasionally interacting with others only tangentially connected to society. He spends much of the film in his own head, reading newspapers about the man he hit and worrying whether he has been identified as the prime suspect and the law or something more sinister is on his trail.

That mood, unfortunately, doesn’t amount to much. “Whitewash” is not a terribly accessible film, showcasing a stark event and its consequences but never truly getting to know its protagonist in a compelling way. His story is a lonely one and having him around for all of it isn’t much of a boon since his nature is not inviting or, conversely, intriguing because of his detachment from society. This is the kind of role that Church can play effortlessly, but he is equipped to portray similarly challenging characters in films that are more engaging and worthwhile to watch.

C