True Grit (2010)

    There has been a lot of buzz about Joel and Ethan Coen's remake of the 1969 western "True Grit".  The Coens' last film, "A Serious Man" was not their best work, but in 2007 the Coens took the Academy Awards with their western "No Country For Old Men".  This film was good, but did not deserve best pic over Paul Thomas Anderson's masterpiece "There Will Be Blood".  "True Grit" features Jeff Bridges, fresh from winning Best Actor, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross.

     The story begins with Mattie Ross getting off the train in the town where her father has just been murdered.  She learns that he was killed by a lunatic named Chaney (Brolin).  While everyone advises the fourteen year old to take her father's body and go home, she insists on finding Chaney and bringing him to justice.  Mattie knows that she cannot do this alone, so she employs Rooster Cogburn (Bridges), a seasoned U.S. Marshall.  After following Chaney into dangerous Indian territory, the pair team up with a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Damon), who also happens to be seeking Chaney.
    "True Grit" is done very well by two experienced filmmakers, but does not appear to be made by the Coens.  It lacks the style and, besides the humorous Rooster Cogburn, does not have the interesting characters the Coens are known for.  As expected, the acting from Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon is spectacular.  We see Damon like we have never seen him before.  As for Bridges, he exhibits one of his best performances to date, but was neglected by the Golden Globes.  This is understandable because this is not one of his more serious roles.  Up and coming actress Hailee Steinfeld was very convincing as the persistent Mattie Ross.  This will not be the last time we see her.  "True Grit" is a good film and a great western.  Joel and Ethan Coen have returned to the fabulous filmmaking that they are known for.  This film is one of this years top ten, but does not "wow".

ACTING: 9

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 8

STORY: 9

ORIGINALITY: 8

REPLAY VALUE: 9

OVERALL RATING: 8.6/10

Life During Wartime (2010)

     "Life During Wartime" is a 2010 film starring Shirley Henderson, Allison Janney, and Ally Sheedy.  This is a loose sequel to director Todd Solondz's acclaimed film "Happiness".  While the characters are the same in both films, "Life During Wartime" takes place some years later and stars different actors.  The film focuses on one extended family in a series of segments.  All of Solondz's films focus on severely dysfunctional suburban families and this is no exception.  Solondz is never afraid to touch on topics such as pedofelia, suicide, or perscription drug abuse.

     This film is so heavy and so unafraid to be vulgar.  One could tell that this is a Todd Solondz film in the first five minutes.  "Life During Wartime" is so disturbing that the film becomes funny.  The acting, especially from Dylan Riley Snyder, who plays Timmy, is spectacular.  Allison Janney is devilishly funny.  This is a balanced film and would be amazing if it were not so similar to Todd Solondz's other features.  "Life During Wartime" may be a repeat performance from  Solondz, but the cinematography is great.  There is a scene where Joy, played by Henderson, is walking down the streets at night in her nightgown.  It is utterly beautiful.  Overall, "Life During Wartime" is good, but nothing special.  If you liked "Happiness", it is worth two hours of your time, but otherwise, you can skip it.

ACTING: 8

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 8

STORY: 7

ORIGINALITY: 5

REPLAY VALUE: 5

OVERALL RATING: 6.6/10

Lady Blue Shanghai (2010)



    "Lady Blue Shanghai" is a short film written and directed by legendary filmmaker David Lynch.  It was released earlier this year.  The short, starring Marion Cotillard (Inception, La Vie En Rose), is a promotion for a Dior handbag.  Lynch, director of such films as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, is no stranger to making commercials or short films.  That is why when you view this artistically beautiful short, you do not even feel like you are watching a commercial.  It is basically a David Lynch film with product placement.  Cotillard's acting cannot really be judged, due to the fact that she does not have very many lines, but she was perfect for this role.  This film demands to be viewed over and over again in order to be fully understood.  You can interpret it for yourself by watching it on YouTube here.  Please post any input you may have.  

The Fighter (2010)

    

   "The Fighter" is independent director David O. Russell's new film, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams.  Since it's release last Friday, "The Fighter" has scored a lot of points with the critics and the viewers.  Getting six Golden Globe nominations is no easy feat.  But being nominated and actually having a chance are two completely different things.                

      "The Fighter", contrary to common belief, is not a film about boxing.  This is truly a film about brothers and family.  Micky Ward, played by Wahlberg, is a street paver who is striving to become a professional boxer.  He plans to do this by enlisting the help of his mother and brother.  His older brother Dickie (Bale), who is an ex boxing star is going to help him make it to the top.  The problem is that Dickie is never there for Micky.  He is always off somewhere getting high.  Dickie's drug problems, in combination with Micky's overbearing mother, are causing him to lose all of his matches.  Not until Micky meets Charlene (Adams), does he open his eyes and realize this.  "The Fighter" is ultimately about Micky's struggle to keep his family and friends while still achieving his dreams of boxing.

        This film is an inspiring story about being torn between two loves to which anyone can relate.  From round one you are sucked in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts and befriend everyone in the town.  You feel like you are part of the gang.  This feeling can be attributed to the fact that this movie has first class acting from Wahlberg, Bale, and Melissa Leo, who plays their mother.  While Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale are both nominated for Golden Globes, Bale's win is the only certainty at this point.  Christian Bale's character of a crack-addict older brother is very convincing and moving throughout the whole film.  Bale, normally disliked by MoviesPig, has redeemed himself in the role of his career.  Though Wahlberg's performance was good, he has not completely reached the point in his career where he will be respected as a serious actor.  Perhaps in his next performance he will receive the recognition he deserves.  

      Just because the movie is not about boxing, does not mean the movie does not contain boxing.  The fighting matches will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Micky.  As for the cinematography, it is perfectly balanced between stylized and static, as to not overpower or underemphasize the subject matter.  Overall, "The Fighter" deserves all the credit it has received thus far and more.  This film is funny, heartwarming, and exciting throughout.  It is definitely one of this year's top five. 

ACTING: 10

                                                                    STORY: 10 

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 8

                                                              ORIGINALITY: 8

REPLAY VALUE: 9

                                                       OVERALL RATING: 9/10 

            



Director Spotlight: David O. Russell

      Today was the wide release of Golden Globe nominated film "The Fighter", by the acclaimed director David O. Russell.  Russell is most known for directing the Persian Gulf War drama "Three Kings" and the cult comedy "I Heart Huckabees".  Not only has he been nominated for the Golden Globe for best director, he has won awards in the past.  David O. Russell's critically recognized first feature, "Spanking The Monkey", won numerous awards at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival, such as Best First Screenplay, Best First Feature, and The Audience Award.

      Russell, having studied English and Political Science in college, focuses on politics in most of his films.  In his 2004 documentary, titled "Soldiers Pay", Russell protests the war.  He is also known to get fired up on the set.  During the filming of "Three Kings", David O. Russell got in an altercation with George Clooney.  Clooney claimed that Russell was verbally abusing people on the set.  At one point, Russell had his hands around Clooney's throat.  When asked if he would ever work with Russell again, Clooney responded "Life's too short".

      All of David O. Russell's films are very different from each other.  His sophomore film "Flirting With Disaster", is a black comedy starring Ben Stiller, where Stiller's character is trying to locate his birth parents.  After a jump to political drama in "Three Kings", he switches to a comedy starring Jason Schwartzman and Mark Wahlberg called "I Heart Hucakbees".  Huckabees is Russell's masterpiece about two men trying to grasp what reality really is.  Now with his new film, "The Fighter", Russell is really gaining more respect as a director.  He, just like Wahlberg, the star of most of his films, is becoming a serious artist and great entertainer.  MoviesPig is really looking forward to reviewing his work in the future.

Actor Spotlight: Mark Wahlberg

     In honor of Actor Mark Wahlberg's Golden Globe nomination, and the realease his new film "The Fighter", MoviesPig examines our three favorite Wahlberg roles.

3. Staff Sgt. Dignam - The Departed (2006)

        While this performance may not be worthy of an academy award,  it is definitely worthy of the MoviesPig top three. Why? Simply because it is hilarious.  Wahlberg as Dignam is an instant classic.

2. Tommy Corn - I Heart Huckabees (2004)

       Tommy Corn in David O. Russell's (The Fighter, Three Kings) "I Heart Huckabees" is not your average person.  He is a character.  Tommy may be a buff, handsome firefighter, but he is constantly striving to get a grasp on what life and the universe really are. 

1. Dirk Diggler - Boogie Nights (1997)

          Paul Thomas Anderson's "Boogie Nights" isn't just one of the greatest films of all time.  It stars one of the greatest characters of all time as well.  Dirk Diggler started off as just a kid with a huge penis, jerking off for people for money, but he took his talent and turned it into something special.  Dirk Diggler's eagerness to learn and determination are what ultimately made him a star.  He wasn't just in it for the money.  He really wanted to make a difference in the world.  Wahlberg's breakout performance as Diggler really showed that he could be a serious actor and it gave us a taste of what was to come.  That is why Dirk Diggler is MoviesPig's pick as Mark Wahlberg's number one performance.

MoviesPig Sneak Peek: The Tree of Life (2011)

           
          If you were wondering what that strange trailer before Black Swan was, you are in luck because MoviesPig has the inside scoop.  It was an abstract and artistically beautiful trailer of what we now know is called "The Tree of Life".  This is elusive director Terrance Malick's (The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven) highly anticipated new feature.  Though the film is slated for a May release, we know our fans want to hear the news as soon as we get it.
          Not much is known about the plot of "The Tree of Life", due to the fact that Malick is a very private and secretive filmmaker, but he did say that the film is about three brothers and centers on the eldest.  In an interview with Malick he explained that "The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence".  The movie is a period piece that takes place in a farm town in the mid fifties.  Brad Pitt plays the tough, but loving father of the boys and Sean Penn plays a supporting role.  This is Pitt's (Inglourious Basterds, Seven) most serious role since "The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons"(2008).  While no trailer is availible online as of yet, the preview that premiered on December 3rd with Black Swan gave us a sample of the beautiful and scenic camera work that Malick is known for.  The film was shot on IMAX cameras, but may or may not be shown in IMAX theaters.
          The road to "The Tree of Life" has been a long one.  Terrance Malick has been trying to get this film made since late 2005.  Many actors have been on and off the project since then.  At one point Mel Gibson was set to star and Malick also spoke with Colin Farrell about the possibilty of a role.  In the late stages of preproduction Heath Ledger was slated to play the father, but after his tragic death, director Terrance Malick had to find someone to replace him.  Finally Brad Pitt stepped in and took over.  During the 2010 Telluride film festival the feature was screened to Fox Searchlight Pictures and Sony Picture Classics.  In the end, Fox Searchlight Pictures snagged the deal and set the release date to May 27th, 2011.  All of us here at MoviesPig are very excited about "The Tree of Life" and will do the best we can to keep you up to date on this film in the future.

I Love You Phillip Morris (2010)

        From the writer/director duo that brought you "Bad Santa" and "Bad News Bears" comes a new romantic comedy starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor.  In "I Love You Phillip Morris", Steven Russell, played by the hilarious Jim Carrey, is the perfect father and husband, but there is only one problem.  He is secretly a homosexual.  Only after a horrible car accident does Steven leave his wife, played by Leslie Mann (Funny People, Knocked Up), and live the life that he has always wanted to live.  But the life that Steven wanted to live was beyond his means, so he turned to a life of crime in the form of
insurance fraud.  These crimes wind him up in prison, where he falls in love with Phillip Morris, played by Mcgregor.  And thats when the story begins.

       This film is fun, exciting, and unlike any Jim Carrey movie to date.  This is the first time that Carrey has wowed me since "External Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", and he does it without completely giving up his signature wackyness that we all love.  As for McGregor, we see a performance very similar to his in "Big Fish".  This can be attributed to the fact that he uses that southern accent in the guise of an innocent boy.  The editing and cinematography were nothing special, but the bright color pallet really set the tone for the film.  It was really a breath of fresh air to see a homosexual version of a romantic comedy.  It is a shame that it is not attempted more often.  Thoughts of Gus Van Sant's "Milk" and Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain" come up, but this film is much more light-hearted.  I thoroughly enjoyed "I Love You Phillip Morris" and would recommend it to anyone looking for a laugh or a cry.

ACTING: 8

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 7

STORY: 8

ORIGINALITY: 9

REPLAY VALUE: 8

OVERALL RATING: 8/10



Black Swan Scores Four Golden Globe Nominations

             As if we didn't already expect it, Black Swan, MoviePig's pick of the year, was just nominated for four Golden Globes.   The nominees were announced this morning by Katie Holmes, Josh Duhamel and Blair Underwood.  MoviesPig predicts that Darren Aronofsky will snag best director and Natalie Portman will win best actress in a drama, but it is a toss up for best picture between Black Swan and The King's Speech.  You know who MoviesPig is rooting for, but the critics seem to love The King's Speech.  Mila Kunis was also nominated for best supporting actress, but her performance was not powerful enough to make the race a blowout.  You will just have to tune in on Sunday, January 16th on NBC to find out.  For a complete list of the nominees click here.

Winter's Bone (2010)

           Winter's Bone is a 2010 film directed by Debra Granik and stars Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes.  This film is the tragic tale of Ree (Lawrence), a seventeen year old girl searching for her father Jessup in a rural town.  Jessup is on the run from the law and put the family house up for his bond.  Ree must find her father in seven days or her and her two younger siblings are going to lose the house.  There is only one problem, none of Jessup's friends will tell Ree where he is.  They even threaten to kill her.  Ree must enlist the help of her uncle Teardrop (Hawkes) if she is going to save the day.
          I was interested in this film because it won best picture and best screenplay at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  To be honest with you, I have no idea how this movie could have won best picture.  This movie has almost no story and no point.  Ree just runs around looking for her dad and everyone tells her to just give up.  I just did not feel sympathy for her family.  The dialogue was pretty impressive, but the country dialect that the actors spoke in seemed forced at times.  It was a little too much.  Do not get me wrong, the movie was not bad, it was just not worthy of the Grand Jury Prize.  The acting was pretty good.  Lawrence performed very well and we see John Hawkes (Deadwood, Eastbound & Down) like we've never seen him before.  Overall, this movie was alright.  It is not my cup of joe, but it may be yours.

ACTING: 8

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 7

STORY: 5

ORIGINALITY: 7

REPLAY VALUE: 4

OVERALL RATING: 6.2/10