Sweet and Satisfying 'Justice'

JUSTICE LEAGUE
dir. Zack Synder

This Review is SPOILER FREE

     Justice League presents a very interesting cinematic conundrum. It's a superhero film that on one hand is one of the most entertaining films of the year with enough action, humor and comic book antics that one expects from the superhero genre but on the other hand is a confusing and somewhat patched together piece that either subtracts too much or adds too much in some of its sequences. But either way, it is certainly a fun and exhilarating ride from start to finish and is most certainly memorable when compared to some other superhero films.

Picking up post Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad, Batman is looking to form a special team to protect the earth from Steppenwolf who wants to turn the earth into a suitable home for an even bigger entity. Most of the core of the film is centered on Batman trying to band the league together despite their differences in both abilities and personality. All the heroes give excellent performances with Ezra Miller (The Flash) and Jason Momoa (Aquaman) standing out and alongside Ben Affleck's (better than awesome characterization of) Batman and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman. The tone is much lighter than Dawn of Justice without veering into camp or self-awareness and still connecting to the previous entry in the overall universe. The special effects within action scenes and some more emotional pieces range from average to mediocre but with the brisk frequency of the film, you'll hardly notice unless you're really looking out for that and any other flaws with a fine toothed comb.

That aspect is definitely where this movie earns some higher marks than say Thor: Ragnarok or Spider-Man: Homecoming. It keeps going and chugging along it's own track without having entire sequences, character arcs, "Next Time on..." segments or dropped plotlines clog up or slow down the film. Now, granted, there are still some of those elements scattered along the film but like The Flash, they arrive and then dissipate within seconds.

Where some of the film trips in on itself is when its trying to connect itself to the other films in the DCEU, fix things that were set up previously, and make every audience member happy, all at the same time which makes it feel a tad disorienting and loose like someone who is happy with their final project but is still fixing it all the way up until it is presented.

The strong points (which also include Danny Elfman's score and the insane and blood-pumping action-sequences) mostly outweigh the weaker ones to make for a super-fun, entertainingly brisk and satisfying end of the year blockbuster.

A Mighty Good Film

POWER RANGERS
dir. Dean Israelite

   One of my first movie-going experiences that I remember was seeing the first "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" film in my town at the Glen Drive-In with "Casper" back in the summer of 1995 and while that film has a nostalgic place in my movie-going history, it has some flaws and dated clichés. As for this version for the new generation, it's an exceptional teen superhero film and a step in the right direction for a future franchise.
   Our main heroes meet in detention (ala "The Breakfast Club") and afterwards, they all meet up again by chance and discover special power coins that give them superpowers and they eventually learn that they are destined to be earth-defending warriors known as the "Power Rangers" and have to stop the evil Rita Repulsa from destroying the world. Each one of the rangers are very well-written and fleshed out teenagers that are not only believable for this generation but for any generation for that matter. It never feels like their actions or attitudes are superfluous or just there to meet a millennial diversity quota. They are a good compliment to the supporting celebrity performances of Bryan Cranston, Bill Hader and Elizabeth Banks who just relishes and shamelessly (in a good way) flaunts her evilness as Rita.
  The biggest thing that almost derails the film as a whole is the less than average level of action for a modern superhero blockbuster but what action sequences are there (and most of them are in the final act of the film) feel fun and vibrant without being too darkly light or filmed Bayhem-style.
    It isn't as deep and character based like "Logan" or pointless and hollow like "Max Steel" but it fits and settles nicely in that middle ground that can entertain fans of the original run of the franchise but also attract the new YA blockbuster audience that looks for characters that speak to them and their generation.

Rating: 4/5 Reels

The Long, Intense Ride into The Sunset

LOGAN
dir. James Mangold

    It seems like yesterday that I saw the first X-Men film when it was released on home video in late 2000. Hugh Jackman joins that pantheon of cinematic superheroes wherein the actor isn't seen on screen, the actual hero is seen. "LOGAN" gives that hero an long, intense and emotional farewell that doesn't feel like a gimmick like other "final" films but instead feels like the end of an era and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
    "LOGAN" is set in a post-mutant world where there hasn't been a mutant born for some time and the X-MEN have become a faded memory that exists only in legend. Logan is old, tired and (more importantly) lost. He is lost as he doesn't feel any purpose or meaning and only lives now to help out Professor X who is losing his mind and control, both mentally and physically. Logan then has to protect a new mutant with similar powers to his while battling his own demons and selfish desires.
    Hugh Jackman gives his final performance as the title hero his all and it shows. There isn't a moment where it feels phoned in or over-dramatic. Patrick Stewart also gives it his all as he brings a sense of a lost leader who still wants to help others but also has to ask for help to take care of himself. The biggest standout is Dafne Keen who brings a wild child-esque aspect to her character without making it too far off the grid that it goes into annoying kid territory. The action is stylized and intense. The violence isn't just for show or a gimmick as every battle and hit has consequences attached to it. The only thing that made the film just shy of perfect was its somewhat sluggish pacing. There are just too many moments that feel like filler and take up too much running time especially for a film that's all about a chase and getting away from the villains.
    "LOGAN" like "Deadpool" is a game-changer and goes back to a story and character based superhero story which is good. It never feels like we're supposed to be taking notes or figuring out how it connects to the other films. Instead, it gives itself a drive and purpose and goes for it even if it stumbles a bit along the way. It's a fine farewell to an iconic performance of an iconic character.

4/5 Reels

A Truly Emotional and Powerful Piece of Cinema

The Shack
dir. Stuart Hazeldine

   God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit invite a man to a shack......that sentence sounds like the setup to a potentially offensive joke or an otherwise oversaturated drama but instead, "The Shack" is a truly emotional and powerful piece of cinema that walks its fine line between being over-sentimental and underwhelming perfectly by providing enough drama and emotion for both religious and non-religious audiences.
   The core of the movie is how one deals with the loss of a loved one and how that can affect not only ourselves but also those we are connected to. Mackenzie (played by Sam Worthington) is struggling with the abduction and murder of his youngest daughter, Missy. His depression is not only made him reclusive and drone-like but he is also unable to connect with his other two children and wife and helping them cope and move on from this tragedy. He receives a mysterious note from "Papa" (Mackenzie's wife's term for God) inviting him to the shack where Missy was taken from this world. Mackenzie goes and from there he goes on a deep personal journey where the holy trinity teaches him how to cope and release the "great sadness" that is sending him into despair.
    A film with this emotional and deep questions and thoughts could have easily been a 2-hour schmaltzy tele-movie but instead the director and writers truly craft the idea of a man meeting with the holy trinity with the same flair and awe effects that could be found in a big budget blockbuster but still keeping it grounded in its meaningful and deeply rooted concepts and ideas of letting go and forgiveness. The supporting cast give excellent portrayals that don't overstep or over-intellectualize whom they're playing especially Octavia Spencer and Avraham Aviv Alush who help to truly shape and showcase their embodiment of God and Jesus Christ. Tim McGraw and Radha Mitchell bring their A-game to the material without phoning it in or over-trying.
      Another wonderful aspect about "The Shack" is its ability to make you laugh, cry, think and feel as if you knew (or even were) Mackenzie and his family as your own. Some may see it as emotional manipulation to play and explore such ideas as God, The Holy Trinity and Faith-based experiences but what is film if not to explore the whole spectrum of the human condition through stories like these. I laughed, I cried (more than I ever have cried in a multiplex), It made me think and feel and that is the goal of a true piece of filmmaking. If it doesn't make you emotionally invested (whatever the material), its no better than a piece of cheap gum that is just there to keep your jaw moving. I personally find faith-based cinema to be hit or miss, either it can inspire and reach to both sides of the coin like "Miracles From Heaven" or "Noah" or it ends up being a cheaply made excuse to use your local multiplex as a political platform to spew outdated (and borderline hateful) ideas about Christianity and Non-Believers like "God's Not Dead" and its sequel.

If you're religious or like faith oriented cinema, go see "The Shack"
If you're not religious or find films like these to be "exploitative" and "preachy",
go see "The Shack" anyway.

It's a film that helps us understand and connect with our own feelings and perception of not just God and Religion, but of what it means to feel, to lose loved ones, to reconnect with that which makes us whole and to let go of what bogs us down. "The Shack" is that movie that helps a moviegoer to relax and know that everything is going to be okay which makes it a rewarding experience, no matter what your background or beliefs are.

5/5 Reels
 

THE REEL CINEVIEWS 2016 YEAR-END REVIEW SPECIAL

2016 has come and gone and 2017 is already in motion and with the many awards presentations and year end lists, I look back on all the films I've seen and pick out the good, the meh and the burn immediately. These are just my own personal picks out of the ones that I was able to watch this year. Overall, 2016 was a better than average year in cinema despite some bumps in the road (ridiculous whiny fan rage, constant schedule shifting, etc.). Before we look forward to the upcoming slate, here are my picks of the titles that stood out in either a good or bad way.

MY FAVORITE FILMS OF 2016

DEADPOOL

This is easily the best and my favorite superhero film of the year. With just the right balance of humor and action, Deadpool manages to change the game while honoring it at the same time plus what other movie can you see a hero breaking the fourth wall and literally counting his bullets.

FINDING DORY

Disney has a tremendously successful year with some pretty excellent movies but Finding Dory is a rarity as its a sequel that tops the original in every way from its emotional core to its humor. From its opening frame with Baby Dory to its final moments, its a fun adventure that is most definitely memorable.

GHOSTBUSTERS

This was one of the most talked about and discussed films of the summer and despite all the hoopla (both positive and negative), Paul Feig's reinvigoration of a team of parapsychologists who create the technology to bust and trap ghosts was both fun, funny and had some great action set pieces especially in the big final fight climax. But, the single best part is the chemistry between McCarthy, Wiig, Jones and McKinnon with the latter practically stealing the show in some scenes. If loving this film is a crime, guilty as charged.

HARDCORE HENRY

Hardcore Henry takes what would normally be a clichéd action storyline, injects it with adrenaline and speed and plants you dead center in the middle of the action. The technical prowess and skill it must've took to this film resulted in some of the most jaw dropping action stunt pieces I've ever seen in a cinema. The experience might be dizzying to some but it's one that will be planted into the action genre as a cult classic.

LA LA LAND

La La Land is a cinematic treasure that is more than just another film released around awards season.  It captures the spirit of cinema and music and melds it together with a modern sensibility that creates for an unforgettable experience. If I could take only one film on this list to a desert island, It would most definitely be this one.

THE LOBSTER

One of the biggest surprises of the year for me this year was The Lobster, a dark-warm-humorous-sometimes frightening look at a dystopian reality where you have 45 days to find someone to love or you are turned into an animal of your choosing. It examines the extremes of relationship thinking while presenting a romantic story of two people caught in the midst of this reality.

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP

Unlike "The Lobster", Love & Friendship is a much more lighter on its view of romance and relationships. With a terrific central performance by Kate Beckinsale and some very witty writing and banter, it's a period piece that manages to have as much humor and funny moments as a modern day rom-com along with the flair and stylings of Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" or Milos Forman's "Amadeus".

MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN

Faith-based films always walk a tight rope from appealing to everyone or appealing to no one. This one tells a universal story of family struggles and triumphs, mother's love for their children and what truly makes a miracle to a family that goes through some traumatic experiences. Jennifer Garner gives a fantastic performance as Christy Beam and along with a great supporting cast and some surprisingly colorful cinematography makes this a nice, warm and emotionally satisfying treat.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

While "The Force Awakens" may have revitalized "Star Wars" and paved the way for further adventures of both the new and original characters, "Rogue One" is the film that gives you a look at the "Wars" aspect of "Star Wars". It is an action packed blockbuster that doesn't skimp on the emotionality or dark aspects of its leads or setting. "Rogue One" manages to connect itself to its corresponding chapter very well but most importantly, it stands as its own unique and almost perfect chapter in the "Star Wars" saga.

ZOOTOPIA

Zootopia could've been just a mindless animated buddy cop comedy set in a world where animals evolved instead of humans but the makers decided that there was more to this idea than just that. It's a smartly written, fun, and thought-provoking action-comedy that tells a universal and timely story without losing the smile-inducing touch that Disney Animation is well known for.

MOST DISAPPOINTING FILM OF 2016

WARCRAFT

This year had not one but four video game movies released in theaters but if there was one that I was really rooting for, it was this one as not only did I like the director involved (Duncan Jones) but also the cast (featuring Travis Fimmel of "Vikings" and Toby Kebbell) showed some real promise as most of them weren't established stars. Unfortunately, something was somehow and someway lost in translation and what should've been a world-spanning LOTR-type of epic was diluted into a jumbled incoherent mess that required a encyclopedia sized knowledge of the source material. It isn't one of the worst films of the year but man, this was an angering letdown of gigantic proportions.

THE WORST FILMS OF 2016

MAX STEEL

Based on Mattel's action figure line and cartoon series, this "superhero origin story" is one of the most vapid, boring, rage-inducing movie going experiences that I have ever had. It doesn't even feel like a film as much as its a rejected television pilot for a tween action series. The acting, story, special effects and structure are so poor and make the intended audience feel like they've never seen a film like this before but its still so confident in itself. It's even so sure and confident of itself that it leaves a lot open for a potential "franchise". Keep dreaming, Max Steel because the only potential that you have is where your spot is going to be in the bargain bin barrel if you'll even be in there at all.

THE DO-OVER

Mr. Sandler, I liked "Blended" and "Pixels" and I grew up with films like "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison", Why must you lazily put out something as mean-spirited and dumb like "The Do-Over". It's 90 minutes of pure dumb humor with a twist that is so out of left field that it makes this film like two bad films crammed into one travesty. Please, Mr. Sandler, I beg you, Leave your contract with Netflix and come back to making decent funny movies. They don't have to be masterpieces but come on, man. You are so much better than this garbage of material.

BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE

The next time someone tells you that "Batman & Robin" is the worst film based on the Caped Crusader, point to this and say "Are you really sure about that?". "The Killing Joke" graphic novel by Alan Moore is a one-shot comic classic that had a major influence on many incarnations of The Dark Knight including being one of the major influences behind Tim Burton's "Batman" from 89'. This "adaptation" however is a misguided, confusing and borderline misogynistic mess with animation that ranges from standard to really poor. If you want Batman in animated form done right, watch "Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm" or any episode of the Batman animated series. This is just a bait and switch to get people talking and doesn't have any replay value whatsoever.

Into the Dark Rabbit Hole We Go

SPLIT
dir. M. Night Shyamalan

(This Review is Spoiler-Free)

      Whether his work is great or terrible, M. Night Shyamalan manages to create something memorable and discussion worthy every time he steps behind the camera. With "Split", he's found something more and not only will you talk about it after you see it, but it will warrant repeat viewings to piece and connect together what you missed watching it for the first time.
       James McAvoy portrays Kevin who shares the same mind with 22 other individual personalities. Kevin kidnaps three teen girls to sacrifice to what the personalities call "The Beast". McAvoy shows his mastery as an actor as you can tell apart which personality is which and he brings out the true emotionality in each one to the point where you can almost see past the terrifying and disturbing actions and dive into what makes each "person" tick. Shyamalan brings his signature style and mysterious tone as the core of the film is a psychological thriller but also manages to fit in some darker humor and tragedy as the picture progresses. It has a lot of disturbing undertones that don't overcrowd the intense thrills and moments of dark levity.
      "Split" may look like just another "meh" and "okay" January release but there is so much more lying underneath the surface that makes this one of the first (of hopefully many) great films of 2017. It thrills you with a intense and scary ride while diving deep into themes of mental health, perception and acceptance and facing our inner fears and demons.

Oh, and as always with Mr. Shyamalan's work, there is a twist and its a damn good one.

Rating: 4.5/5 Reels

'Assassins' killing time, literally

Assassin's Creed
dir. Justin Kurzel

     This was one that I had hopes for as I like the idea of a great actor like Michael Fassbender getting his own action franchise plus he was supported by some A-list talent like Jeremy Irons and Marion Cotillard and the source material (for which I'm vaguely familiar with) seemed already cinematic and action packed in a unique original way with concepts and ideas that could've made for a compelling action-fest. Then, why is my mind only coming up with words like monotonousness, sluggish, and pedestrian to describe what is supposed to be the start of a promising franchise? Because, "Assassin's Creed" is all of those things and then some.
     There is good so let us start with that. Like I said before, the cast is A-list and give some good depth to what they're given which unfortunately is a lot of exposition dumps and re-explanations of things that already happened in the films narrative. The action scenes (especially in 3D) are intense and feel like a crafted and detailed world and not a glorified overpriced animated spectacle. You get a sense that there was hard work in choreographing the fight scenes and parkour which the game franchise is well known for. But, A-list acting and good action sequences aren't enough to save this as it is bogged down with too much over serious exposition that feels like something out of a mini-series or inaugural season of a cable show. It just repeats techno-speak and story factoids that either aren't important to the overall story arc or scenes and terms that we already seen and know of.
     "Assassins Creed" could've been a game changer but it feels too save in its own assurance that everything will be resolved in future installments and instead of providing an action-packed parkour fight fest, this leaves us the audience in a state of boredom with nothing other than some above average techniques and acting that is much better suited for anything other than this 120 minute time waster.

2/5 Reels

For The Love of Celluloid Dreams

LA LA LAND
dir. Damien Chazelle

           When films are made that yearn for or try to replicate the filmic stylings of the past, they can either be well intentioned but hollow copies of better films like “The Artist” or well detailed recreations of films of a particular era like David O. Russell’s love letter to the films of the 1970s, “American Hustle”. “La La Land” shatters both these conventions and presents a vibrant old school musical that is brimming with colorful originality and that touch of detail that will appease both lovers of cinema and general audiences looking for something unique in today’s sequel/reboot/superhero saturated cinematic marketplace.

            Set in Hollywood, We follow Mia and Sebastian both of whom are trying to fulfill their dreams. Mia wants to be an actress and Sebastian wants to own and run his own jazz club. Their initial meetup is classic “I’m not into you” brashness which eventually evolves into love with song, dance, jazz and movies. As their relationship grows and matures, they have a hard time balancing the floating colorful bliss of their dreams and the hard duotone concrete of reality.

            Without the stellar songs and score, this could’ve been just another forgetful romance but the original music along with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s perfect, irresistible chemistry, the bright and flash filled cinematography, and the director’s nods to classic cinema make this nothing that this generation’s audiences have seen before especially when it comes to original musicals (not Broadway or stage based) made for the silver screen.

            Some will undoubtedly (and unfairly) call this “Oscar bait” but “La La Land” is more than just a critics delight or awards contender. It’s a reflection of what people need now more than ever, colorful escapist dreams that we can all relate to and take us away from our stresses and worries for two hours and some change. That alone should earn it at least a few awards.

Rating: 5/5 Reels

The Search for Soul and Family

LION
dir. Garth Davis

       “Lion” tells the true story of Saroo Brierley whom was separated from his family when he was very young and later adopted by an Australian couple who raise him. He realizes he was separated from his real family as an adult and begins a search for his family using Google Earth.

         Using that description alone, you would think that this film would be just another standard biopic with lots of flashbacks and inner monologue voiceover narrations. Luckily (and shockingly), it uses none of these clichés and instead shows (not tells) us the long and at times epic life journey of this man and his search for not only his family but also himself and his own individuality. We see the stages of his growth and those who have an impact on him. The films pace has a unique flow to it that makes it both conventional for modern audiences and yet unconventional at the same time. The first quarter of this is subtitled (those who “hate reading” during a movie should be aware of this) but the body language and acting of the young actor playing young Saloo shows everything you need to know about what he’s going through and perceiving.

            The themes are a lot like Disney's reimagining of "The Jungle Book" that was released earlier this year as "Lion" deals with ideas of what truly defines family and how that defines an individual as he or she grows up later in life. The performances of Dev Patel as Saloo as an adult and Nicole Kidman as Saloo’s adoptive mother are A+ and Rooney Mara gives a great supporting performance as Saloo’s girlfriend. This may be a bit of a tough sit for some but like the journey of the film’s central character, it’s an emotionally satisfying one.

Rating: 4/5 Reels