LA Movie Review- Transcendence

   Dr. Will Caster is a scientist who is close to creating a new artificial intelligence, one capable of being smarter than the entire population of the world. Threatened by the possibility of Caster creating what could become a God, a terrorist group known as Rift attacks Dr. Caster. Fearing for his life, Will Caster's wife uploads his consciousness into a computer as a way of keeping him alive. Transcendence is directed by Wally Pfister and written by Jack Paglen. The movie stars Johnny Depp as Will Caster, Rebecca Hall as Evelyn  Caster, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, and Kate Mara as the leader of Rift.

   This is Wally Pfister's first time as a director, he has primarily worked as a cinematographer. He worked on such films as The Dark Knight Trilogy, Memento, Moneyball and even won an Academy Award for Inception. Jack Paglen has never written a screenplay before this one. So what you have is a first time director directing a screenplay written by a first time writer. The combination of these elements make for a very lackluster film. That saddens me to say because not only was I looking forward to this movie, I also really wanted to see Wally Pfister succeed as a director. He made a movie with interesting ideas that ultimately go nowhere. The first third is the point at which the film peaked. It contains topics of morality which are interesting but at the same time there are little red flags in the beginning which are cringe worthy. You hope the film will get past them and continue to tell a compelling story but it never does. After the first third the film was moving very slowly and wrapped itself up with an unsatisfying finale. This film's science fiction element isn't anything we haven't seen before. Even the love story doesn't hit as strongly as it could have. The fact that the love story fails is a major reason why the movie isn't good. The love story between Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall is supposed to be the soul of the film and when that along with the sci-fi  isn't connecting you get a dry film. 

   Johnny Depp can be a terrific actor when he wants to be. Unfortunately here, the screenplay just doesn't allow that as he is essentially playing a computer. Rebecca Hall tries but her relationship with the computer just doesn't work unlike in the film Her, where a man falls in love with his operating system. The difference is in that film the operating system had a personality. In Transcendence we have Johnny Depp who has no personality at all for most of the film. It takes two to tango and as much as Rebecca Hall tries, the rule remains true. Kate Mara plays the leader of the terrorist group who believes Will Caster should be stopped. Once again, Kate Mara tries and the screenplay tries to make her a formidable opponent but you never really buy that. If the screenplay was better it would have expressed what the audience was thinking and that was that her character didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of victory. Cillian Murphy plays an FBI agent who along with Morgan Freeman is trying to stop this new Artificial Intelligence. Cillian Murphy as talented as he is brought nothing to this movie. I don't believe that's his fault either, there was just nothing to his character. The same goes for Morgan Freeman who had nothing to do in the movie. The once exception to all of this is Paul Bettnay who plays a scientist who was a friend of Dr. Caster. Paul was good in the film as he was a character who you understood and could get behind.

   There are good things about the film. Wally Pfister made a good looking film with the help of cinematographer Jess Hall. Jack Paglen raised some interesting ideas in the beginning of the film.  The other two thirds of the film really bring the quality down. It isn't helped by a one-note Johnny Depp and a cast that is mostly underwritten. This could have been a great sci-fi movie but unfortunately Transcendence  falls flat on too many levels.

2.5/5 

LA Movie Review- Captain America: The Winter Soldier

   When Captain America discovers that the line between freedom and fear is becoming more blurred than ever, he'll become a fugitive as he takes on corruption while battling his ever-haunting past.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the newest film to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is however unlike any of the previous films that exist within that universe. This film doesn't fit into the superhero genre. It transcends it. Captain America II is an action filled political thriller that takes you on an incredible journey.
   Directors Anthony and Joe Russo's film is a game changer for the Marvel cinematic universe. They directed a film which contains the fun of previous Marvel movies while managing to take itself more seriously than any of the other Marvel movies. The brothers Russo seemed like an odd choice to direct this film as they have primarily directed sitcoms such  as Community and Arrested Development. They did a tremendous job with this film. They did a great job of building up tension in scenes that demanded it. There were plenty of moments where I believed characters would die. They took me right into their world and made me believe anything could happen in it. The action sequences were the strongest element of the movie. They were shockingly good. I don't mean in a way suggesting that I assumed they would be bad. I was shocked by how much they raised the bar with their action scenes as they are absolutely incredible. Every punch, kick, and throwing of a shield is hard hitting. The film has some truly intense moments during these scenes which make them all the more better. The tone set by the brothers is fun and exciting. The screenplay they directed ensured that their Marvel film would stick out from the others.
   Christopher Markus Stephen Mcfeely wrote the screenplay based on themes of trust and betrayal. They clearly have something to say about today's world and they say it through this film. Aside from their clear message on freedom, they also did a good job handling the characters. There are some scenes that don't work as well as you want them to. They don't hurt the film in a major way, but they still do hurt it. Aside from a few hiccups they do an exceptional job. They along with the brothers Russo did a great job of making this film feel like a political espionage type thriller.
   Chris Evans was great as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Evans has the unique role of playing a patriot from the past in today's world. You sense that freedom runs through this man's veins. Scarlett Johansson is given much more to due with her character in this film. She has a larger role than previous films an with it she is  funny, fierce, and a friend to Cap. She is quite good in the role of Black Widow, who is an ever growing character. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury is also expanded upon in the film. He has trust issues like Bruce Banner has anger issues. There are also several new additions to the cast. Alexander Pierce is a new character in the film. He's a powerful and cunning individual played by the legendary Robert Redford. Anthony Mackie is a fun addition to the cast as Falcon, Captain America's partner. Sebastian Stan plays the mysterious Winter Soldier. He was a villain done right. He has great screen presence. He was a deadly character who was a legitimate threat to favorite shield carrying hero.
   The first superhero film of the year has set a high bar for those who follow it. This film has a relevant message and a layered plot with unparalleled action. This sequel raises the stakes to an unexpected level and is a guaranteed great time at the movies. The Russo brothers have delivered a film that in my opinion is as good as The Avengers. 
4.8/5