Oz The Great and Powerful tells the story of Oscar Diggs, better known by his stage name Oz, a small time circus magician whose quick hands and quicker tongue often get him into trouble. When Oz's lies and womanizing ways finally catch up with  him, Oz makes his  escape in a hot air balloon which takes a turn for the worse when it gets sucked into a tornado and is taken to the magical Land of Oz. The film is both a prequel and an  homage to the classic film “The Wizard of Oz”. From the very beginning the movie captures the feeling of the classic by opening the movie in black and white with black bars on the side . This effect gives way to one of the most visually striking scenes in the film  when Oz first looks onto the Land of Oz and the film slowly and gradually widens the screen and adds fantastic color.  

 

Oz runs into some eclectic characters that are welcomed additions to the story. They are a gorgeous porcelain doll and a very chatty monkey (voiced by Zach Braff). Oz eventually is led to the Emerald City by Theodora (Mila Kunis, stunningly beautiful as always). There he meets the witch Evanora (Rachel Weiz, whose performance is one of the films highlights), and is sent on a quest to kill the wicked witch and claim the throne. But instead he meets Glinda the Good Witch (Michelle Williams).  

 

Unfortunately the casting  for the movie was poorly done. James Franco was not the first actor to be considered to play the character of Oscar Diggs ( Robert Downey and Johnny Depp turned it down among others)  and they should not have settled on him. He does not seem to  care about his performance. He just swaggers about as if he is above the material and the other actors. Also the script makes  his character so unlikable that you really do not  care much  about him. While Franco is in his own little world, Mila Kunis just looks lost in her performance. She is not believable as the wicked witch of the West and just comes across as lightweight compare to her sisters played by Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams who are both much better actors than this film deserved. Weisz in particular gives the film's best performance because she at least makes an effort and  has fun with it. Williams does the same with her role, making her sweet tooth character a joy to watch and brings a real sincerity to the role which is a god sent because of how insincere Franco is in his.

 

The visual effects  are stunning and beautifully crafted.  To be fully appreciated try to see it in the 3D version at IMax as I did. The colors are vibrant, the atmospheres are lush, and the entire effect it has on a viewer, young or old, is eye-popping and awe-inspiring. The movie succeeds in creating a stunning   new  world of OZ, complete with eccentric characters. . It is wonderful to see the world of Oz on the big screen again, revised and made extravagant for 2013 .  .

While the movie isn't perfect my any means, Oz is entertaining and fun for the whole family.

 

Clark. 

 2.8*** out of 4***

 

 

PITCH PERFECT  3.2****

                                                                                   Becca (Anna Kendrick) is a freshman at Barden University who dreams of going to LA and becoming a DJ, but her father is a professor at Barden and urges her to study there at least for one year. If she doesn't like it, then he promises to help her  with her plans to go to LA, but under the condition she get more involved in the College activities. That is when she decides to join the Barden Bellas, an all-girl a-cappella group headed by two other students: Chloe  and  Aubrey . After a disastrous performance in last year's collegiate finals, Chloe and Aubrey are having a hard time recruiting new blood. Besides recruiting Becca, they  have to pick some very unconventional coeds (i.e. not the pretty glamorous types) but those picked are talented and are needed in order to be good enough to face last year's champions: the all-male group from Barden, The Trebles, who are the favorites to win the competition again, But the Bellas are determined  to win but must overcome the “do the safe songs” attitude.

“Pitch Perfect" is basically "Bring It On” ( the rather good competitive cheerleading movie)", but with a cappella singing groups instead of cheerleaders and without the dirty tricks to sabotage the other.…and it's also much funnier. It’ll also remind you of TV’s GLEE.  If this doesn't sound generic enough, there is also a love story subplot centered around Beca and a guy who looks shockingly like Dane Cook. OK, so if this sounds like every teen flick that you've ever seen, about a misunderstood misfit who ends up helping the popular kids (that were mean to her in the beginning ) try to win their something-or-other championship/tournament, only to discover that in the end that they are all the same,  then that is only because  "Pitch Perfect” is exactly that. But before you write this dark horse off, let me just say that it is a real movie treat due to a sharp really funny script and a surprisingly hilarious, eccentric and immensely engaging cast, which include the likes of  Rebel Wilson (as Fat Amy… she was also the fat one in “Bridesmaids”) and  Anna Kendrick (as Becca). There is also  the perfectly hilarious banter from Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins, who play the two commentators of the national a cappella competition. “Pitch Perfect" elevates itself far above the mundane-ness of your everyday teen comedy. In fact, from the non-stop laughs, to the quite satirical teenage dialogue and the great music  … this is a quite fun “feel good” movie.  

This film also gives you a full dose of musical entertainment. Many of the songs will be familiar to you and you will be tempted to sing-along because the music and singers are so enthusiastic. It’s infectious. My wife had to nudge me a couple of times to pipe it down.

The movie is fun and sassy and just a hoot to watch. The “perfect” type of movie for having a truly fun experience.

Clark

LIFE OF PI   4.0***

 

 

         You will see no more imaginative and thought provoking than Life of Pi. It is primarily the thrilling story of a young Indian teenager boy name Pi who is stranded alone on a 26 foot lifeboat with a 450 lb. man eating Bengal tiger (actually it’ll eat anything ) in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. How he gets there and what happens is for you to see and enjoy for yourself.  While Pi and the Bengal  tiger are sharing the boat that does not mean they get along, not at all. The film makes it vividly clear  that while they are stranded together, Pi is a human boy and the a Bengal tiger is a carnivore with a huge appetite The beauty of this scenario is that it never mistakes that the only common traits between these two  is that they are stranded together and both are mammals. The acts of sheer courage and  ingenuity Pi is called upon to use to keep him and the tiger alive are amazing … more like astounding.   

 

Ang Lee ( “Brokeback Mountain” and “Crouching Tiger” ) directs the film  with absolute grace and expertise and along the way employs 3D as perfectly as I have seen . Among the many spectacular elements of this film is  the magnificent CGI (computer generated images). The Bengal tiger is perhaps the best animated animal ever created ! The angry green eyes, richly textured orange & white striped skin and every hair on its fur look rich and full of life and is accentuated  by the 3D.And then when your hear the thunderous roar for the first time, you  realize this is as real as it can get! The rest of the animals ( the film’s opening is at a zoo in India) look great too. The lovely blue ocean and its resident creatures are the jewel in the crown.  

 

There are many scenes of such wonderful amazement that words fall short of describing it… you really have to experience them for yourself. Right from the beginning credits to the poignant scene where Pi is in the  lifeboat  and watches the mammoth ship sink underwater,then the heart-pounding introduction of the Bengal tiger on the lifeboat, the surreal dream sequence of Pi, the many sunsets and nights at sea, the mesmerizing scene with the jellyfish and blue whale and just so many other scenes that each one can be paused and made into a collection of brilliantly picturesque wallpapers. Such brilliant cinematic quality is very rare and it needs to be experienced on the hugest screen possible and in 3D. It's why we go to the movies.   

Thanks to, Ang Lee, this is a movie  that lets you enjoy it on so many levels. If you are just looking for a beautiful 3D movie to feast your eyes on, this is it . If you are in a mood for a thrilling, spine tingling adventure epic this is it.  If indeed, you want to experience something very thought provoking, Life of Pi never forces on you  a particular thought, instead it whispers ever so slightly to think about matters of human and animal natures  while caressing your senses at times and then rocking them at other times  with fabulous visuals and remarkable action sequences.

Life of Pi, is a rare masterpiece that stands as a prototype not only for a perfect book adaptation and a 3D movie( sorry Avatar, you have just been replaced), but also for a movie based on the intricacies of human nature This is an impressive triumph of a film.

Clark

Rating: 4.0*** out of 4

 

 

 

 

Here is another movie worth seeing this year. In fact, it’s  a MUST see if you enjoy well done “feel good” Rom-Coms.. The story follows a family in a very serious situation, but we can all identity with the truth and emotions that comes with struggling through hard  times. It's a story that's easy to connect with, and it's a film that will make you smile from beginning to end.  

 

Silver Linings Playbook is about a man named Pat, played by Bradley Cooper  who has just been released from an eight month sentence in a psychiatric hospital as a result of a plea bargain for a serious assault. He wants to get his life back  on track so he can get his wife back but is being held back by his parents and his unstable condition Also the fact that his wife has a restraining order prohibiting him from seeing or being anywhere near her is a big problem. . After a little while, he strikes up an interesting friendship with Jennifer, played by Jennifer Lawrence .  She is a friend of Pat’s wife and he sees her as a possible go between. Both of these characters are going through  difficult  problems which makes their friendship even more quirky and thought-provoking.

Because a large amount of romantic comedies are stale and overdone, Silver Linings Playbook is a breath of fresh air.. What's original about Silver Linings Playbook is that it doesn't follow that same old predictable story line in the slightest. It is unpredictable but at the same time, more relatable The most surprising aspect of Silver Linings Playbook, however, is  the “Oscar” worthy performance of Bradley Cooper. Even though this is a comedy, Cooper plays what is maybe one of the most serious roles he's ever performed. This is without a doubt Cooper's best work thus far in his career. Jennifer Lawrence has a performance of equal caliber  She's quirky, complicated, hilarious, and you really just can't get enough of her. Robert DeNiro also delivers a strong performance as Cooper's over the top, almost fanatical Philadelphia Eagle's fan and loving, somewhat OCD father. Chris Tucker of “Rush Hour” fame plays a surprisingly mellow role . But even though he’s mellow, he is still very comedic in a toned down way.

Silver Linings Playbook is full of creativity and has a minimal on romance clichés. It is hands down one of the best romantic comedies to be made within the last couple of years. This film contains many laugh out loud moments and a number of scenes that will warm your heart to the point where you can't help but leave the theater smiling. Silver Linings Playbook is the perfect date movie that both men and women can easily enjoy. Be forewarned, the dialogue contains several uses of the “F” word but there is no violence or nudity.

 

Clark

 

 

 

ARGO  4.0***

 

    Argo, the third feature film directed by Ben Affleck, simply stunning. Taking place during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, Argo takes your breath away as it very accurately portrays the covert CIA operation, led by Ben Affleck’s character,  to extract six Americans who escaped before the takeover of the Embassy. They escaped out the back exit the of the  Embassy. They took refuge in the Canadian Ambassador's home but were very much in danger as they were constantly being looked for by Iranian soldiers. CIA extractor Tony Mendez (Affleck) hatches a scheme to disguise the six citizens and himself as a Canadian film crew scouting Iran as a location for a fake science fiction movie called "Argo." The plan is then for them to hopefully sneak back into USA using the Iran International Airport, leading to a nail-biting finish.

Amazingly, after only 3 films, Ben Affleck has become an excellent Director. The first two movies he directed (Gone Baby Gone and The Town) were outstanding and he has now outdone himself with his latest installment, Argo. Though Argo is not as gritty as the previous films directed by Affleck, the intensity level is just as high. As a viewer, you will have to wait patiently for the climax to build but I can assure you, you will be rewarded with one of the most tense movie experiences this year. Ben Affleck did a very nice job of letting the plot grow and develop on its own. You don't feel forced to care about these stranded American citizens. Instead, the movie sucks you into their dilemma and the film grows so  that you find yourself worried and scared for these people without even realizing it. Even if you know the story, you will still be left in shock and awe as you witness this adaptation of the courageous mission that took place. Kudos to Ben Affleck for drawing me in and not letting go.

The acting here is top notch with everyone involved, including Affleck himself delivering some awesome performances. The dynamic between Affleck and Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston is perfect creating a duo that both entertain as well as keep this story on track. The biggest treat in this film are brilliant. And there are exceptionally  funny performances from John Goodman and Alan Arkin. These guys really bring all the Hollywood aspect to the film to life while delivering Oscar worthy performances that will hopefully be recognized. The gritty look to this film really helps to capture the vibe and tone of the film while combined with the attention to detail, helps take you into the time period it takes place.

 

Argo is an Oscar worthy picture. It really is a movie event at its finest and gives you hope for the future of film making.  . You do not want to miss this exciting political thriller.

Clark

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD ..3.0***

 

   An interesting premise for a movie. What if the world is to end in 3 weeks when a 70 mile wide asteroid collides w the earth. What would U do ... What would others do ... What would happen to law & order ??

 

   Initially  the movie focuses on one man , Steve Carell, who is alone. His wife left him early on when news of the forth coming disaster first broke  The story focuses on him to see how he copes or not….. he's the one "seeking a  friend for the end of the world" He's about as laid back & in control as U could find ... a very different look & persona for Carell who is often way over the top.

 

By accident he is throw in with Keira  Knightly who lives  is in the same  apartment building & is  just breaking up with an annoying clinging boyfriend. Carell and Knightly unexpectedly (a scary  riot erupts in their neighborhood) have to flee together  in her car in what becomes a road trip where each hopes to find their end of the world someone. What ensues is rather fascinating... A road trip where surprises are plentiful & discovery is meaningful.

 

It sounds like a familiar journey from another movie? Well, "Seeking A Friend For The End of the World" takes you in one direction you think you're going, and then often makes a sharp turn when you least expect it. The movie is also funnier than the premise suggest and has some startling moments I never saw coming nor expected, and keeps you watching for many reasons.

 

There are other things you wonder while watching this movie. Most notably, is the world really going to end? Everyone in this movie seems to think so. While it's fascinating to see how different characters react to the news, you keep watching because you want to see if it really does. It can't be a dream or a delusion, can it?

 

Clark

 

 

 

 

FLIGHT   3.5****

       Robert Zemeckis is a  director many may not think of when it comes to some of the best directors of all-time. But when you actually go back and look at his career, there hasn't been a lot to shake your head at. Director of an acclaimed franchise in Back to the Future, an Oscar winner for his direction for Forrest Gump, followed by Cast Away after which  he became the motion capture master behind The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol, it was exciting to hear that Zemeckis was moving past motion- capture and back into live action film. Even more exciting was the idea of Zemeckis working with Denzel Washington on a challenging film for both director and lead actor.

The result of Zemeckis and Washington's partnership is the film Flight, the story of an airline pilot who miraculously crash lands a nose-diving jet, saving the lives of 96 people. The conflict? Pilot Whip Whitaker is an alcoholic and cocaine user and was under the influence of both the morning of the crash, a crash that resulted in six deaths and could result in life in jail for Whitaker.

The opening thirty minutes of Flight are some of the most intense minutes of film this year. While we know from the previews that this plane is going to crash, the process of filmmaking the turbulent nose dive is brilliant by Zemeckis. The camera shakes seemingly uncontrollably as the plane starts to fail in the sky, bags and items fly about the cabin, passengers scream, and Denzel powerfully acts as Pilot Whip trying to regain control of the plane as it plunges to a certain crash. These moments are edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding filmmaking at its best and something everyone will want to see on the big screen rather than from the comfort of their living room.

But after the crash the film becomes a dark character study about a man who cannot resist the urges that have haunted him for years and years. It is a study of not only this character, but of the morality of him. Even if the crash was a colossal mechanical failure, how can Whip not see the danger he put all the passengers in the minute he stepped onto that plane?  

It is clear that Denzel Washington devoted himself to this character. Every move that Washington made is true and you believe every action of his character because Washington is so convincing. The film didn't need to continue having as much action as the first part of the film (the plane crash) because watching the development of Washington's character was so interesting. Even though Washington steals the film, he is backed up with some very respectable supportive acting. Don Cheadle  plays Washington's attorney and delivers some powerful moments in the film.   But the real scene stealer is  John Goodman (Argo, The Artist)who  plays the comic relief in Flight. Even though Goodman is only in the film for a short amount of time, he delivers some of the best scenes in the movie.

The film is a very accurate portrayal of the struggles and despairs of being an alcoholic. With a fine director and an expert lead role along with many great supporting roles, Flight is a film that shouldn't be missed. The only minor problem with Flight is that it's a little lengthy when it doesn't need to be. Other than that, Flight is a very well made drama .