LA Movie Review- Noah

  

   Noah is a man chosen by God to see that the good in the world survives a forthcoming flood. To fulfill that responsibility Noah must build an ark, fend off armies, and make incredibly difficult moral decisions. Darren Aronofsky directs the film based on a screenplay that he co-wrote with Ari Handel.

   This is first and foremost Darren Aronofsky's film. Aronofsky takes creative control and he doesn't entirely follow the Noah story from the bible. Nor should he have. This is his take on the story and he does not need to limit the plot to what occurs on the pages. He expands on it, goes in different directions, and tells the story that he wanted to tell. The story he tells is very good. The way he tells the story places it on a massive scope, that you as an audience member feel from the beginning. He creates this strange and unfamiliar world that feels as though it exists outside of time. He fills it with things images and ideas you couldn't possibly imagine. His vision is unlike any recent biblical film.
   Noah contains the flavor of a war movie and even dips into the disaster film, making for a compelling drama, whose's tone is gritty and at times adventurous. All of that is blended into a film led by Russel Crowe.

   Russel Crowe is an immensely talented actor. He is given much to do in the role of Noah. He has to portray a father, a husband, and a defender. It isn't anything Crowe can't handle. He's terrific in the role of titular character. He is a man whose' faith is intact so much so, that he would do even the most unspeakable things for his creator. He's almost haunted by God and the responsibilities God has entrusted to him. Russel Crowe gives a great performance. Jennifer Connelly plays Noah's wife and she too is great in the film. You never doubt her because of what she brings to her performance. As Noah is in touch with God, his humanity fades in favor of the greater good. That's where Connelly adds to the film. She is the human side of Noah. She helps us connect to him because of how easy it is to connect with her character. Emma Watson is good in the film but she does take some adjusting too. When she first appears all you see is Emma Watson instead of the character. That all changes when her character arc is revealed, allowing you to buy into her as an important part of the film. Logan Lerman plays Noah's middle child, a character who has a sense of disconnect from his family. While at times selfish and cowardly, you always understand Lerman and the motivation for his actions. Ray Winstone plays the antagonist, a king who takes what he wants whenever he wants. The key to a good villain is that in their eyes they aren't a villain. This element is found in Winstone's character. Anthony Hopkins appears in a small but enjoyable role in the film as Noah's grandfather.
   The film is visually stunning. It was shot by cinematographer Matthew Libatique who also shot Black Swan and the first two Iron Man movies. The film's score has an epic feel to it, that was composed by one of my favorite composers, Clint Mansel. The screenplay by Ari Handel and Aronofsky is a compelling one. The writers flesh out each character and build toward moments with  weight and meaning. But there are moments where the film feels as though it loses its footing. Particularly between the first and second half of the film. The first focuses on the imminent flood while the second focuses especially on decisions of the family. The film is also quite long and doesn't end as strongly as it could have. The first half was more entertaining than the second half but the second half was more compelling than the first. That doesn't change the fact that Noah is a great film that was directed by a talented filmmaker.
4.3/5

LA Movie Review- Non-Stop

   An air marshall is put to the test when he receives text messages from an unknown passenger threatening to kill someone every twenty minutes unless they receive $150 million. The air marshall must try to keep the passengers alive while looking for the murder in the middle of a transatlantic flight. Liam Neeson's career as an action hero continues with this mystery-thriller.
   This movie really surprised me. It was less action, more suspense. I liked that about it. This movie really took its time in creating a suspenseful environment. It does a good job setting up possible suspects just like any other mystery. In the vein of 2011's Source Code, it takes advantage of the element of time and uses it efficiently as a way of creating a sense of panic and tension. Director Jaume Collet-Sera makes an enjoyable movie. Most of the time, I would be upset if the director chooses to use shaky cam for the action sequences but by placing the movie in such a compact setting, it makes sense.
   Liam Neeson plays the air marshall, who is being framed as a high jacker. Like all Neeson characters this one is smart, resourceful, and threatening. He does what Liam Neeson does and  that's always fun to watch. Julianne Moore is the female lead and she's fine in the movie. Recent best supporting actress winner Lupita Nyong'o is in the movie and has absolutely nothing to do. The rest of the cast is good, with no real standouts.
    Non-Stop is a good addition to the Liam Neeson archive of action. By no means is it perfect but it is an entertaining popcorn flick. This movie gave me exactly what I wanted from it.
3.7/5

LA Movie Review- 300: Rise of an Empire

 *Warning, there are spoilers for 300 in this review*

   Greek general Themistokles attempts to band together the rest of Greece in an effort to stop the conquering God-King, Xerxes. Noam Murro takes over the directing reigns from Zack Snyder in this prequel/sequel to 300.
   300 was known for its graphic novel-inspired visuals, slow motion, and bloody action. While Rise of an Empire has all of that, it is missing an essential element- a hero we can root for. The characters are more important than the story. If you don't care about the characters then you won't care about their story. That is the biggest problem that this movie has. In 300 we saw the life of King Leonidas from his birth to his death. We knew all there was to know about the character. In this film we learn very little about General Themistokles. There was nothing particularly special about him. In fact, it would have been impossible to differentiate between him or any of the soldiers if they didn't stick a blue cape on him. Sullivan Stapleton plays the generic general who just makes you long for Gerard Butler as Leonidas. Eva Green, however, is just the opposite. She overshadows Xerxes as the true villain of the story, Artemisia. Her performance is the best part of the movie. Eva's character is a damaged individual who is as manipulate as she is deadly. Eva really plays up the damaged part and makes you care about her character the most.
    Visually this film is similar to the original. Everything appears to have been shot on a green screen. The movie is just as violent and bloody as expected. The action for the most part looks good, but at times feels like a video game. The constant slow motion and CGI blood ensures that.
   The screenplay was written by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad. It replaces most of the land action from the first one with naval battles. It feels unnecessary, but to their credit it was something we had never before seen in this world. Their screenplay is a generic one, which includes plot holes and rewrites the ending of the first movie. You read that correctly. They changed the ending from 300, which in my opinion, was much superior to the one it was replaced with. That film ended with10,000 Spartans commanding 30,0000 Greeks into battle against Xerxes' army. Apparently that wasn't good enough so they changed it in favor of something less hopefull.
   300: Rise of an Empire is not as entertaining as 300. It isn't everything you loved about the first but does have some of those things. The movie definitely benefits from Eva Green's performance, but it doesn't change the fact that this is a disappointing movie. If you turn your brain off then you may be able to find enjoyment in this movie. 300 set the bar high and this movie just didn't hit it.
3/5

LA Movie Review- The Wolf of Wall Street

     Based on a true story, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the tale of Jordan Belfort, a stock broker who creates his own  business, Stratton Oakmont. Jordan Belfort lives a life full of money, drugs, and sex. Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo Dicaprio and Jonah Hill in a film that is an instant classic. 

   "Stratton Oakmont is America"- Jordan Belfort. In all of its glory and decadence, it just may be. I believe Scorsese had that in his mind as he perfectly directed this fantastic story of rise and fall. Mr. Belfort is a man of multiple addictions and he will do whatever it takes to fulfill them. Jordan's confidence takes him through penny stocks, into his own firm, and allow him to emerge as The Wolf of Wall Street.

   Leonardo Dicaprio brings life to the  junkie. He delivers a performance layered with charisma and narcissism. This is a truly memorable character as he is the epitome of everything that is immoral. He's funny, smart, and selfish. Some moments do shine a light at some of the good within him but it doesn't change the fact that he is a terrible person. Leonardo Dicaprio proves that he is one of the best in the world at what he does with this performance. Jonah Hill plays Donnie Azoff, Belfort's right hand man. Hill is very funny as the bumbling stock broker. He has some great moments and really adds to the film. Margott Robbie's break out role is that of Jordan's mistress and second wife. Robbie brings presence to the screen while holding her own on screen with Dicaprio. Rob Reiner is funny in a supporting role and Matthew McConaughey steals a scene early in the film.

   Martin Scorsese directs a great script from Terence Winter. Some people may complain that the film is too long but there isn't one scene I would have cut out. Watching this film you feel that Scorsese was confident in his experience because of how bold this is. This is such a well made and engrossing film that its three hour running time flies by. 

   The Wolf of Wall Street is a great film that in my opinion was the best of 2013.

5/5