So, in full disclosure, I have never read the book that this movie is based on. Many with me in the theater though had read and loved this book as a child. Those who have read this semi-classic novel by Orson Scott Card may disagree with how I feel concerning this movie, but so be it.
Ender's Game is set in the future, 50 years after an invasion of an alien race known as the Formics. It is decided that Earth's best hope for survival is genius children because they can comprehend complex situations faster than adults can. The best and brightest of these is Andrew Ender Wiggins, or Ender. Ender then goes through training in Battle School and Command School so he can prepare for an all out offensive against the Formic race. I won't spoil the rest for those of you who haven't read the book, but I did not see the end of this movie coming at all.
Some of the visuals and effects in this movie were just breathtaking. It was very well done from that perspective and apparently this movie took nearly 3 years post filming to finish. There are certain scenes, especially in the last major battle simulation where I can really see how that could be. Some of those visuals are just insane. However, at the same time, director Gavin Hood creates some parts of this movie that just seem to drag. While the movie doesn't bore you at all, there are times where you wish it would get to a good part. Though, in Hood's defense, as he also served as the screenwriter, those are some of the more important plot sequences.
The acting in this movie was decent. You get an alright performance from Asa Butterfield, who plays Ender. He is obviously young and newer to acting, and as such, some of his more emotional moments felt forced and I did not feel like it was genuine. He was at his best though in battles and at the command. He was sharing the screen with Academy Award Nominees Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, and Viola Davis along with Academy Award Winner Ben Kingsley and held his own for the most part. The supporting work, especially from adult commanders Ford, Davis and Kingsley was great and I loved the nearly emotionless Ford who pushes Ender to, if not past, his own limits. As a side note, Harrison Ford has put together a decent year in film between this, 42 and Paranoia. It's good to see him getting back to form after making some terrible films the last few years like the new Indiana Jones and Cowboys and Aliens.
Overall, this movie is entertaining though it did lack some of the punch I felt it could have had. The message behind it was one I could get behind, though I think it missed some of its ability to portray it to an extent. While there were gorgeous visuals, some of the sci-fi action sequences were a tad bit bland, or were over too quickly to keep my interest as it went. I liked this movie, though I feel it could have been better. I give it a B.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
12 Years A Slave Review
As I begin to write this review, I have to take time to pause and say something about this film, as it is one that should move any viewer to the very soul. This movie is a real story of a real man named Solomon Northup. He was a free man, born in the northern states and then later kidnapped and sold into slavery where he remains for 12 years, hence the title. That being said, this movie does not hold anything back. You see the realities of life as a slave and they are harsh, brutal, and for many will, and for all should, make you sick to watch. Never have I felt so moved by a film to want to change and have more compassion for my fellow man since I saw Crash for the first time 6 years ago. I ask that you see this movie, but do not see it for its value as entertainment because you will be disappointed. See this movie because it should change who you are, and how you feel about those around you.
As I said, this movie centers on the life of Solomon Northup who was illegally sold into slavery. There he faces brutality and the horrors of life as a slave. He has to give up his name, his family, and has to hide the fact that he is an educated man with the ability to read and write. Three time Golden Globe Nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor gives what may end up being the most moving performance of the year as Northup. He is one of the most consistent actors working today and gives a career best performance. His work is transcendent and Oscar level and I believe he has a great chance to become the first African American winner of the Best Actor Academy Award since Jamie Foxx for his role as Ray Charles.
The supporting work in this movie is amazing as well, though many of the characters are people who you will despise through the end of the film. Paul Giamatti has a short role as a man named Freeman who is one of the most purely evil and despicable characters I have seen in film since Cristoph Waltz's character The Jew Hunter in Inglorious Basterds. He is amazing and, like many other actors in this, his role is nomination worthy. I don't believe he will garner any awards momentum though due to his shorter running time in the film. Michael Fassbender gives what may be the best role of his career as a brutal slave owner named Edwin Epps. Even as Magneto, I didn't believe him to be this sadistic and hateful, but Michael Fassbender, who I believe to be one of the best younger actors working today (though he is 36) and his performance should garner huge awards consideration. The other great character worth noting is Ford, a southern gentleman played by the always solid Benedict Cumberbatch (who has had one of the best years in films this year with three great roles in Star Trek: Into Darkness, this, and The Fifth Estate, the latter which may garner him some awards talk). He has a chance to show compassion on Solomon but passes up the opportunity and Northup's life delves further and further into hell.
The writing in this movie is unflinching. The directing by Steve McQueen is fantastic. This movie does not apologize for its subject matter. It just shows it how it is. It isn't a fantasy movie like a Gone With The Wind or Django Unchained. It is a real life story that happened to real life people in America. The fact that this movie is not apologetic about that I truly appreciated. It made it that much better. I loved this film for being everything a film should be. I hated the emotional tear it left in my soul, but this could be the best movie of the year, and in my opinion, is the first truly important movie of the decade. I give this movie a resounding A+
As I said, this movie centers on the life of Solomon Northup who was illegally sold into slavery. There he faces brutality and the horrors of life as a slave. He has to give up his name, his family, and has to hide the fact that he is an educated man with the ability to read and write. Three time Golden Globe Nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor gives what may end up being the most moving performance of the year as Northup. He is one of the most consistent actors working today and gives a career best performance. His work is transcendent and Oscar level and I believe he has a great chance to become the first African American winner of the Best Actor Academy Award since Jamie Foxx for his role as Ray Charles.
The supporting work in this movie is amazing as well, though many of the characters are people who you will despise through the end of the film. Paul Giamatti has a short role as a man named Freeman who is one of the most purely evil and despicable characters I have seen in film since Cristoph Waltz's character The Jew Hunter in Inglorious Basterds. He is amazing and, like many other actors in this, his role is nomination worthy. I don't believe he will garner any awards momentum though due to his shorter running time in the film. Michael Fassbender gives what may be the best role of his career as a brutal slave owner named Edwin Epps. Even as Magneto, I didn't believe him to be this sadistic and hateful, but Michael Fassbender, who I believe to be one of the best younger actors working today (though he is 36) and his performance should garner huge awards consideration. The other great character worth noting is Ford, a southern gentleman played by the always solid Benedict Cumberbatch (who has had one of the best years in films this year with three great roles in Star Trek: Into Darkness, this, and The Fifth Estate, the latter which may garner him some awards talk). He has a chance to show compassion on Solomon but passes up the opportunity and Northup's life delves further and further into hell.
The writing in this movie is unflinching. The directing by Steve McQueen is fantastic. This movie does not apologize for its subject matter. It just shows it how it is. It isn't a fantasy movie like a Gone With The Wind or Django Unchained. It is a real life story that happened to real life people in America. The fact that this movie is not apologetic about that I truly appreciated. It made it that much better. I loved this film for being everything a film should be. I hated the emotional tear it left in my soul, but this could be the best movie of the year, and in my opinion, is the first truly important movie of the decade. I give this movie a resounding A+
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