Joe (2014) Movie Review

Over the years it seems as though Nicolas Cage has built an insane internet following, while also being resented by much of the general movie going public. Both these factions seem to be motivated by his quirky personality, and odd choice in films (often B-movie, straight-to-DVD garbage). However, with his new film Joe, directed by David Gordon Green, Cage looks to put himself back in the good graces of the regular movie goer, as well as the self-proclaimed cinephiles around (me).

What happens when a teenager from an abusive, broken home connects with good hearted, broken shell of a man? This is what lies at the heart of film, and what really carries it along through some of more unbelievable moments. Gary (Tye Sheridan) is a 15 year old teenager living in a house full of addiction and violence with his parents and younger sister. His father Wade (played by unknown Gary Poulter) is an alcoholic who has no problem beating the hell out of Gary if it means getting alcohol, or money for alcohol. Gary's mother simply stands by while this happens, and his sister is too scared to speak. Gary ends up getting a job working for Joe (Nicolas Cage), and forms a friendship and father/son relationship that he clearly yearns for.

Cage is fantastic as the titular Joe, bringing a rough honest performance to the screen. Joe is someone who we all like, but clearly has something much darker going on. Cage simply owns the screen whenever he is there, giving his best performance since Adaptation. I think because the vitriol is so strong towards him, people forget that Nic Cage can be an amazing actor. He's clearly not the action star he wants to be, but is at home giving toned down natural performances. I'd love to see him have the type of career comeback that Matthew McConaughey (my spirit animal) recently completed.

Gary Poulter, a local homeless man where the film was shooting, also gives a wonderfully authentic performance as Wade. Perhaps it is due to his life experiences, but he owns being a drunk. He shows that he doesn't hate his lifestyle, but knows it's bad. And loves Gary, but also completely hates him. Ronnie Gene Blevins also gives a weirdly unhinged performance as Willie-Russell, an old friend/enemy of Joe's, and someone who has taken a special interest in Gary.

However the film is really carried by Tye Sheridan, who some may remember from his fantastic performances in Tree of Life and Mud. This kid is quickly proving he's got the acting chops to become a major talent in Hollywood, reminding me of a young Joseph Gordon Levitt. As Gary, Sheridan gives a wonderfully multi-faceted performance of a kid just wanting to be a kid, searching for guidance, but knowing the harsh reality that he will always have to be the man in his family. His natural charisma and ability to play of Cage really ground the film, and gives a beautiful friendship between Gary and Joe.

Much credit should go to David Gordon Green, as well. While he has made his money directing Judd Apatow comedies such as Pineapple Express, Your Highness and The Sitter, as well as many episodes of the HBO comedy Eastbound and Down, it's been nice to see him return to his indie roots with Joe and his last film, the criminally underseen, Prince Avalanche. His style and direction really come through in setting the tone for the film, and I can't wait to see what he's doing next. (Hint: It's a movie called Manglehorn with Al Pacino).

Ultimately, Joe is a film you should check out. It does suffer, greatly, at times from pacing issues, and certain characters or plot points could have been completely written out in favour of more Gary and Joe, but it still works. A film that should be seen by lovers of Nicolas Cage (looking at you Ian Kuiack), and those who doubt he can still do great work.

Grade: B

Watch: First Trailer for David Fincher's Gone Girl

Ben Affleck in Gone Girl

Fox has premiered its trailer for its upcoming mystery thriller Gone Girl, based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn, and god damn, it looks great. This trailer definitely has a music video vibe (Fincher used to be a music video director), which feels like the first trailer for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

Adapted by the author Flynn herself, Gone Girl centers around the uncertainty as to whether Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) murdered his wife (Rosamund Pike) after she goes missing on the couple's fifth wedding anniversary. Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickensand Patrick Fugit co-star.

Fincher is back with all the people that made The Social Network and TGWTDT, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross providing another predictably eerie score. Hopefully this is the movie that convinces people of Affleck's abilities as an actor, because I feel like Pike is gonna bring her A-game. Below is a look at the trailer as well as the first official poster. 

Gone Girl comes out in theatres October 3rd.

Whoop Dreams (2014) Movie Review

The cast of Whoop Dreams, sans Laremy

When you think about what a Juggalo is, what exactly do you think? Is it the Insane Clown Posse? Is it a bunch of social outcasts doing crazy shit? Or is it a group of slightly unstable people looking for a place to feel normal? Honestly, you wouldn't be wrong if you thought any of these, but the short documentary Whoop Dreams, directed by Mike Eisenberg of Tall Tale Productions, showcases a side of Juggalo culture that isn't seen by the average person if they aren't looking. They show a side of the culture that can only be found at The Gathering of Juggalos.

Starting out as a weird obession/admiration for Juggalos on the Filmdrunk Frotcast, one of my personal favourite comedy podcasts, the idea to visit the Gathering came about as a Kickstarter project. If listeners backed this, then Filmdrunk's own critic Vince Mancini, fellow Filmdrunk member Ben Kaplan, as well as frequent Frotcast guests Matt Lieb, a San Francisco comedian, and Laremy Legal, a Seattle film critic, would take a film crew and go. Seems like a crazy idea that no one would put up money for, right? Well, because the internet can be great sometimes, they put up the funds, and then some, and sent them on their way.

At a brisk 43 minutes, Whoop Dreams moves along at a surprisingly quick pace, never trying to cram the entire experience into the short runtime, instead opting to highlight individuals and events. You get a real sense of what it must be like for these people to look forward to the Gathering every year, and what a sense of coming home it is. Being a Juggalo is all about family, and the film does a great job showing those bonds. Want someone you don't really know to rip out your nipple rings with their teeth? Don't worry, my ninja, family. How about spray a group of people with Faygo, then throw flour bombs at them? Family.

While there are a great cast of Juggalos characters creating an anarchistic Brady Bunch, the stars of Whoop Dreams are the fellas. The Frotsmen seem to constantly be experiencing fear, bewilderment, amusement and uncertainty, though they also seem to know what they signed up for. Matt Lieb in particular seems to be having a blast, and gets far too comfortable in his surroundings, in a coversation I'm sure he's had with himself since then. Ultimately, Whoop Dreams offers up a surprisingly heartfelt look into the Juggalo culture, through the eyes of four men who have no business being there.

Grade: A

Dom Hemingway (2014) Movie Review

Jude Law in Dom Hemingway

There's something I really love about cockney gangsters. Maybe it's how violent every word sounds, or maybe it's how violent every action is. Either way, Dom Hemingway is right up some weird perverse alley of things that make a movie enjoyable to watch. Let's make every other word "fuck", do tons of cocaine and hookers, beat the shit out of people, and opening the movie with a monologue by the title character about how glorious his cock is while getting a blowjob from another man while in prison? Yeah, it's weirdly and fucked and I loved it.

So Dom Hemingway (Jude Law), which is a brilliant name considering how he speaks in such a beautifully flowy manner mixed with piss and vinegar, is released from prison after twelve years, and wants his reward from his former boss (Damian Bichir) who he could have sold out, but didn't. In fact, he wants some fucking interest. AND A FUCKING PRESENT. Oh, he also has a daughter who he hasn't seen in that time (played by Khaleesi Amelia Clarke), who hates him because he went to jail and her mother died soon after because of cancer. He has to deal with all of this along with his old friend and right hand man Dickie (Richard E. Grant)

Jude Law is absolutely fucking wonderful as Dom Hemingway, giving a completely unhinged crazy performance that felt like the weirdly comedic cousin of Tom Hardy's Bronson. It's a performance unlike anything you've ever seen him in before, as he fucks hooks, does cocaine, beats the shit out of people, fucks a safe, and walks around an orchard buck ass naked. Yes, you get a glimpse of his penis. They should have called the movie Giant Dong Hemingway. But there's also a yearning for more; an unresolved want for closure and direction in his life. It's in the moments when Dom feels alone that Law reminds you he's a brilliant actor.

In support, Grant is a wonderful straight man to Law's batshit crazy performance. While Law is foaming at the mouth, Grant shows off a calm demeanour and understanding, having seen this from Dom for years. Damian Bichir is also very strong as Ivan, Dom's former boss, who knows he owes Dom, but will not hesitate to kill him and everything he's ever known or loved. It's a fun menacing performance. Jumayn Hunter (Attack The Block) also shows up as a small time thug who is the son of one of Dom's old rivals, giving a fun performance along the way. Clarke is her reliable self as the daughter Evie, giving the movie heart when it needs it.

Writer and director Richard Shepard (The Matador) creates a wonderful story about a character who literally does whatever the fuck he wants. Dom Hemingway does as he wants because he's Dom Fucking Hemingway. I'll admit a lot of people will be put off by the fact that there isn't a larger story to the movie, instead opting to be about Dom's journey from prison as he tries to get his life back in order. The movie also had a couple of a scenes that could have been cut for the sake of pace.

Ultimately, Dom Hemingway is a good time. It feels like an early Guy Ritchie movie with a sizzling performance at the center of it. I'd love to see Jude Law try more of these characters, because it's so off beat. If you are a fan of pulpy British films, or the use of the words "fuck" and "cunt" a lot, then this movie is for you.

Grade: B

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) Movie Review

Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan in Captain America: The Winter Soldier

What happens when you are put into a world that you are still trying to understand, only for everything you believe in to not make sense anymore? This is the central dilemna in Marvel Studios annual movie release Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Cap (Chris Evans) is now a full time SHIELD super soldier after the events of The Avengers, and is also pretty damn good at his job. He stops bad guys, and looks good doing it. But hey, don't push him, he doesn't have time for the ladies. All he has time for is America. Captain America. The Winter Soldier.

I know I seem like I'm probably being sarcastic because I didn't like it, but truth be told, this is easily among the best movies Marvel has put out, it's not quite as good as Iron Man or the Avengers, but it does a fantastic job of making Cap a real character, with genuine problems and heart and makes me think of him as much more than a piece of exposition. Cap really only knows how to be a soldier, but doesn't know if that's what he wants anymore, in a world where being a soldier isn't as cut and dry as it used to be. With secrets held at every corner, whether it's Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) or Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Cap just wants to do good. But doing good comes with a price. Especially when it's from someone you would never expect.

Chris Evans is very good as Captain America, giving easily his best performance as the character. He shows the burden and sacrifice that comes with being a hero, and the deep sense of duty he feels. They also do a great job of finally showing what living in the modern era is like for him. Johansson and Jackson are also both reliably solid in support, as well as Anthony Mackie as Cap's sidekick Sam Wilson aka Falcon, Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow aka Crossbones and Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce, the head chairman of SHIELD. Redford never looked so damn good chewing scenery. Sebastian Stan is also very solid as the Winter Soldier, as is Cobie Smulders returning as Maria Hill. Former UFC Middleweight Champion George St. Pierre makes a quick cameo as Batroc the Jumper, putting his fighting skills to good use.

Speaking of fighting, the action in this is excellent. I know a lot of people go to these movies for the CGI spectacles that they are, and while the third act is chalked full of it, this movie takes a much more grounded approach to the combat, often with practical effects, gunfights and plenty of hand to hand combat. The hand to hand combat is particularly fantastic, as it shows off the skill of Cap, as opposed to just his super strength. Every fight between him and the Winter Soldier is excellent, as Evans and Stan both clearly are working their asses off. The fight with Batroc at the beginning is also quite well done.

Joe and Anthony Russo put together a wonderful script and direct this film with a unique flair, which makes me excited for the next Cap, and shows they are more than just the guys who direct excellent episodes of Community and the recently cancelled Happy Endings. Also Danny Pudi. Also, out of curiosity, how are people still leaving before both post credit scenes? There have been so many Marvel movies, and this do it every time. There are two scenes, sit in your damn seats till the end.

While the movie may have been a shade too long, and some of the lines were clearly a lot cooler on paper than spoken, as well as Emily Vancamp as Agent 13 seemingly being there to flesh out in the sequel, and not quite doing enough with Mackie and Smulders, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is one of Marvel's best, and is a film I wouldn't mind seeing again. And I'm a DC fanboy.

Grade: B

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Movie Review

Tony Revolori and Ralph Fiennes in The Grand Budapest Hotel

There is something about every Wes Anderson film that gives off a whimsical feel whenever you are watching. It's like watching a fairytale story book, but made for adults. The dialogue is snappy and has a fun punch to it, and actors who are all so aimly deliver. The Grand Budapest Hotel is about Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a conceirge at the aforementioned hotel, where he runs the place with a twinkle in his eye, and his business all up in the old wealthy women who stay there. He begins to mentor a young lobby boy named Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), as he continues another fling with Madame D (Tilda Swinton), named that because you are what you eat. Nomsayn? This is where our story begins, and it's quite the ride from there.

Madame D. is found dead, and her estate is being split up, while Gustave H is torn up about her death, he has to deal with her asshole son Dmitri (Adrien Brody) and his muscle Jopling (Willem Dafoe). The Grand Budapest Hotel leads a merry chase between Gustave H and Dmitri, as Zero and Jopling tag along, as well as all the regular Wes Anderson faces. Who you ask? Think about anyone that has shown their face in a Wes Anderson movie. That's who.

Fiennes is absolutely brilliant as Gustave H, giving one of the best performances of his career. He manages to find the right amount of gravitas and dignity, mixed with a general oblivious aloof nature that makes every second he is on screen a treat. Revolori is also quite solid as young Zero, playing the straight man in most scenes, but fitting nicely into the world. Jeff Goldblum and Saoirse Ronan, as well as the previously mentioned Brody and Dafoe, are all solid in supporting roles, as well as Edward Norton, Harvey Kietel, F. Murray Abrahams and Jude Law. The other Anderson regulars are relegated mostly to cameos, but all make perfect use of their time. To give away any more about the characters or their importance would diminish the experience.

Of course, I'm not going to discount the amazing work of Anderson himself. Accompanied by a wonderful score by the always brilliant Alexandre Desplat and beautiful camerawork from Robert D. Yeoman, Anderson adds another wonderful chapter to the worlds he constantly creates and seems to fully realize. And let's not forget how great his writing always is. Honestly, Wes Anderson is to quirky names and offbeat humour what Quentin Tarantino is to revenge stories and close ups of women's feet. So many great lines are sprinkled and delivered throughout this film that it makes it hard to recount my favourite. If I had to pick one, it'd be "This is the beginning of the end of the end of the beginning". 

Overall, this is simply a film you have to see if you've enjoyed any of Wes Anderson's previous work. While it doesn't quite surpass Moonrise Kingdom or Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, I have no problem putting it in the same league as those two.

Grade: A