To the Wonder

The Film Fatales wonder about To the Wonder. Is it Magnifique or pure merde?

IN THEATERS & ON DEMAND. 2012. 112 minutes.  Starring Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel McAdamsand Javier Bardem. Directed by and written by Terrence Malick

Michel, Marina and Neil come to Oklahoma, where problems arise. Marina meets a priest and fellow exile, who is struggling with his vocation, while Neil renews his ties with a childhood friend, Jane. (imdb)

 elizabeth: The beginning of this movie is just breathtaking with Paris as the backdrop. You felt transported to the city of lights and I was completely charmed by what was shown and not said in the first few minutes of the movie. It was moody and mysterious and the passion between Ben and Olga’s characters almost jumped off the screen and landed into an unmade bed. But then very quickly, the scenery changed and I was confused by why anyone would leave Paris for the flatlands of America. And the only thing that intrigued me was Affleck’s strong jaw line. But can that sustain a movie? Methinks not.

Nicole:  No, no it cannot. Then again, I sat through Australia for Hugh Jackman’s shirtless scenes, so I’m no one to judge.

elizabeth:  I must confess that I must have nodded off during the movie because I read the review above and do not recall half of it. I found myself not really caring about the characters because I don’t think they knew what they were doing there. They felt stiff and plastic and even all that dancing could not loosen them up.  I don’t think you should have to read a review of the movie after you see it so you can understand it. I am not that thick. (Nicole, please insert barb right about here.)

Nicole: Well, you’re kind of handing this to me, aren’t you? Other film critics have the same complaint as you, Cassidy – if that’s any consolation. In retrospect, I’m glad you were kind to warn me off this film and saved me the extra $7.99 on my digital cable bill. That being said, I am the one who suggested we check it out, so I must admit to just the tiniest bit of schadenfreude at the moment.

elizabeth:  I really tried to follow and embrace  this movie. I even read the subtitles without moving my lips. I wanted to feel smug that I get the French’s point of view, but I enjoyed watching my cat clean himself over Javier Bardem’s portrayal of a priest. And to know me is to know that given the choice to choose between Javier and Colin Firth – well, I would take both.

Nicole:That’s really saying something, considering how you feel about Javier Bardem (which is pretty much illegal in 22 states).  Isn’t it interesting how great actors somehow end up in bad films? Is it because they want to work with a certain filmmaker or cast? Or is it because they want the paycheck?

elizabeth: This is really pathetic but I don’t remember how the movie ended.  I would write more but my cat needs help. He can’t reach his back. Fade to black.

The Film Fatales give this movie the boot.

 

Lincoln: Now On Demand & On DVD

The Film Fatales, a couple of New York yanks, court President Lincoln.

NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD. 2012. 150 mins. Starring Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones and David Strathairn. Screenplay by Tony Kushner. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves. [imdb]

Nicole: Upon seeing the first stills from the set of this movie, I had a feeling it would be a masterpiece. Daniel Day Lewis in full Lincoln costume – uncanny resemblance. Those stills and the previews that followed proved my hunch right. Spielberg honored Lincoln, arguably our greatest president, with a delicate respect and truthfulness. By relying on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s weighty tome “Team of Rivals,” Spielberg was certain to make film history. Source material aside, this film might not have been as masterfully crafted if not for Spielberg’s careful and dedicated direction.
 

 

elizabeth: I also knew upon walking into the theatre that this would be a movie for the ages.  We all know how it ends, so I appreciated the very intimate portrayal into the life of this gentle man, his family and the country he presided over. Spielberg’s genius in taking this book to film made me grieve for the potential that ended at the Ford Theatre on April 15, 1865. 

 

Nicole: As for the cast – it’s hard to imagine better. I think Daniel Day Lewis was born to play this role. At times, he disappeared into Lincoln and I was certain I was watching Lincoln himself. Day Lewis’ portrayal afforded us a look at Lincoln’s sense of humor, innate gift for telling stories, and affectionate character.  Day Lewis turned Lincoln from a political icon into a human being. If he doesn’t win the Oscar, he’ll have truly been robbed. 

 

 

Sally Fields, who fought hard for this role despite the 10-year age difference between her and Day Lewis, was also remarkable. The tired, old POV of Mary Todd Lincoln as a hysterical, irrational woman is now cast aside. Instead, we’re given what is probably a more accurate picture of Mrs. Lincoln: A woman struck with grief over the untimely death of her middle son. A woman who was not afraid to mourn in a time period when prolonged grief was often misconstrued for madness. Fields delved deeper into Mrs. Lincoln’s personality, producing a feisty, outspoken and fiercely devoted mother and wife. 

 

 

elizabeth: I have to agree with you on Day Lewis and Field. Daniel Day Lewis is the finest and most gifted actor we have around and while I would like to see him up on the screen more often, I am glad that he waits for a role that propels him to shed his own skin and become the character. Trust me when I say this, you are not watching Daniel up on that screen. Somehow and I don’t know how he does it, but he is channeling Lincoln in this movie. He is Lincoln. And I admired how Day Lewis captured Lincoln’s gift of storytelling as well as his subtle and amusing sense of the absurd. I won’t add another word about Sally Fields’ Mary Lincoln, It annoys me to say this, but your comments on Field’s compelling and heartbreaking performance are spot on. 

 

 

Nicole: Other standouts – Tommy Lee Jones and James Spader. I won’t discuss their roles too much, because the former’s payoff is truly rewarding and the latter’s humorous turns are a total treat. If I had anything at all negative to say, it would be only that the historical figures portrayed are many and we might have benefitted from better identification and a touch more back story. But, that’s nothing cracking open a book won’t cure. Overall, I think this movie will stand at the apex of biopics. Any future filmmakers and actors who attempt to tackle the story and roles in the future will have a very difficult time surpassing this incredible feat. 

 

elizabeth: Another stand out performance is the cinematography. It holds all the characters and storylines together. The reduction of color casts such a somber mood over the film and rightfully so. The country was in the middle of a bloody war between the states and a highly contested vote to emancipate the slaves was coming up. Mr. Lincoln, we could use you right about now. This is what going to the movies should always be about. Well, this and the upcoming Hangover 3.

 

The Film Fatales give Lincoln

  

 

DVD Special Features:

• The Journey to Lincoln: Steven Spielberg and his collaborators discuss the challenges and excitement of bringing this story of a complex and very human president to the screen. 

2-Disc BLU-RAY Special Features:

• The Journey to Lincoln: Steven Spielberg and his collaborators discuss the challenges and excitement of bringing this story of a complex and very human president to the screen. 
• A Historical Tapestry: Richmond, Virginia: Steven Spielberg and team discuss the historical significance of Richmand, Virginia, and why they chose to shoot the film there.

Silver Linings Playbook: Now On Demand & On DVD

The Film Fatales tell you whether Silver Linings Playbook has a winning team (or goes for the gold).

NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD APRIL 30! 2012. 211 minutes. Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, Jackie Weaver, and Chris Tucker. Directed by David O. Russell.

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own. [imdb]

 

elizabeth: Mental illness sucks. Whether you are born with the ailment imprinted on your tiny soul or whether society beats you down so much that you lose your grip on reality, it sucks. And Hollywood sometimes does not do justice in allowing the audience to see just how someone in the throes of a mental illness really behaves if only to make the audience more compassionate toward people with an illness that you can’t readily see.  

Bradley Cooper does a stellar job in bringing Pat Solitano’s demons to life. You feel his pain, you want him to win and when he slips, you want to comfort him. But Pat doesn’t need our help. Cooper takes a man beaten down by mental illness and brings out his humanity, survival instincts and humor and without giving the ending away, he puts in a performance that is worthy of an Oscar nomination. Thank God he did this while waiting to take on The Hangover Three. Hey, Bradley, act in more movies like this and I will make a beeline to the theatre.

Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Tiffany, the young wounded widow, is heartbreaking, but it was worth the price of the movie ticket to watch an actress who can get into the soul of her character and become someone else. Major kudos to this young actress. Hollywood keeps dragging poor Lindsay Lohan back into the public’s eye. I think Lindsay needs to go away and get healthy, really healthy. Jennifer can handle the leading roles coming up just fine, thank you.

Nicole: God, I hate it when we agree. But I digress. When Hollywood deals with mental illness, the characters sometimes come off as caricatures. When bi-polar disorder and (what I presume to be) hypomania manifest, they tend to be in very particular ways that are different to each person affected. Sure, there are commonalities, but it’s not a cookie-cutter experience. I guess for some actors it’s easier to play a stereotype than the truth. It was interesting to watch Cooper and Lawrence showcase a truer interpretation of mental infirmity. Just two people who come together as they each come back to life after terrible setbacks.

I’m really impressed with Lawrence. I think she’s definitely got a long career in front of her. Even if it’s hard not to have chemistry with Cooper, ‘cause – well, let’s face it, he’s handsome, talented and for God’s sake, the man is fluent in French. So, I can’t imagine making the sparks ignite was too hard a task.

elizabeth: My only one complaint about this movie is that it is a tad too long. And if you hate football like I do, it can get a little painful. While I love DeNiro’s performance as a dad with his own set of problems (and with no fashion sense. Paging Tim Gunn), I was getting anxious for them to move on. I do get the part about the playbook (and so will you when you see it), but football cannot hold a candle to the family drama that is Silver Linings Playbook. And it was refreshing to see a movie that makes my own family appear to be “borderline normal.”

Nicole: I agree…again. This has to stop. As much as I love DeNiro, I felt like his character was predictable. I found myself wondering why he took this part. It could have been played by anyone, really. It certainly wasn’t a stand-out role. There were some different choices I might have made script-wise – the length being number 1. They certainly could have come to the same resolution by shaving off 30 minutes.

elizabeth: Okay, I have two more complaints. I could not remember the title and I hope it doesn’t hurt the movie. Another terrific movie was The Shawshack Redemption and that title hurt the movie when it came out. Good thing people found that movie later on. So write the title down, put it in a safe place and go see Silver Linings Playbook. My last compliant and then I promise to go away: I would like Bob DeNiro to know that a brown shirt and grey pants will never ever go together. Not in my shallow little world. 

Nicole: This isn’t Project Runway, Cassidy. And you’re not Heidi Klum. Auf Weidersehen.  

The Film Fatales giving Silver Linings Playbook

DVD Special Features:

• Deleted Scenes
• Featurette: Silver Linings Playbook - The Movie that Became a Movement
• Q&A Highlights
• Dance Rehearsal
• Learn to Dance Like Pat & Tiffany
• Going Steadicam with Bradley Cooper

Life of Pi: Now On Demand & On DVD

 The Film Fatales take a voyage with Pi & Richard Parker.

The Life of Pi. NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD. 2012. Rated PG. 127 minutes. Starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain. Directed by Ang Lee. 

A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger. [imdb]

Nicole: Ooof, let me tell you Cassidy – I am glad we waited to see this On Demand. I don’t relish the thoughts of the house lights coming up in the theater after the movie ends and everyone making their way out,  only to see me reduced to a sobbing mess. I cried for 20 minutes (COUNT THEM) t.w.e.n.t.y. minutes after Life of Pi ended. And, not because the ending was Beaches-caliber sad. I chalk it up to being in a state of complete, gripping tension for 2-plus hours and then crying out of utter relief that the ordeal was over. 

elizabeth: I hate to agree but I was glad that I watched this movie while reclining on my bed with one of my cats sleeping on my hip. I have been banned from ever watching any nature documentaries because I just can’t stomach animals making lunch out of fellow animals. I know about the food chain, but I don’t need to see it. If I did, I would be reduced to eating whatever accumulated on the bottom of my shoes. But we are taking about Life of Pi and not my strange addictions. 

Nicole: Now I know why you’re always eyeing my shoes. 

elizabeth: I thought that it was a beautiful film about surviving against what would seem to be insurmountable odds and Pi certainly had his share of them in his young life. I did do my share of crying because I can’t stand to see animals hurt – live or animated. I could give you a list of some people I would like to see hurt, but not one animal comes to mind. Hell, I save crickets from the jaws of Henry, one of my cats. And when Henry is successful, I tell the remains that they will like cricket heaven. The doctor will see me now? 

Nicole: Ah, Henry. At least he’s a vegetarian. But before you go and think I hated the movie, let me say that I didn’t. While parts of it were extremely difficult for this animal rights advocate to watch, other parts were literally marvelous. I usually steer away from any movie that centers around animals, because, well – you know: Something bad almost always happens. 

elizabeth:  I really like this soft side of you. I know it won’t last for long, so let me just take a moment.

Nicole: Literally rolling my eyes at you. 

elizabeth: I think Life of Pi can be a leaning moment for people who have seen or will see this movie. We can go on. We must go on. We can’t let the cruelty of mankind or Mother Nature kill our spirit. You got to get up and go on -- even if you are a Bengal tiger. And because there was much to gain from viewing this movie, I am glad that Ang Lee won for best director. And if Spielberg calls to do our life stories, I will tell him that I was surrounded by thousand of meerkats at the time I made this statement.

Nicole: You seriously have to stop taking antihistamines. So, do I recommend this movie? Yes, if only for its stunning visual effects and testament to the strength of human (and animal) will. But I do suggest having a box of tissues and/or some sort of mood stabilizer at hand. 

The Film Fatales give Life of Pi

Hitchcock: Now On Demand & On DVD

The Film Fatales ruin their manicures due to nail-biting suspense.

Hitchcock. NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD. 2012. Rated PG-13. 98 minutes. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson. Directed by Sacha Gervasi. 

A love story between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho in 1959. [imdb]

elizabeth:  You know when you go out and have a really spectacular meal with close friends or you are kissed by someone who knows what they are doing that the feeling stays with you and you just want to keep revisiting it? Well, Hitchcock was like a kiss on my lips and I felt full and satisfied when the credits started to roll. I got to say that this is one of the best movies made in 2012 – a movie that did not get its due. I apologize to director Sacha Gervasi for not going to see it in the theatre. My bad.

Nicole: Oh-oh. We’re going to come to blows over this one, aren’t we? (Finally, I’ve been waiting to get into fisticuffs with you.) While I liked the movie in part, I couldn’t help being distracted by some questionable creative decisions. But I’ll let you digress before I really tear into it. 

elizabeth: What a terrific cast. Anthony Hopkins was unrecognizable as famed director Alfred Hitchcock and there was such great on-screen chemistry with his wife Alma Reville, who was portrayed brilliantly by Helen Mirren. Can this woman ever do a bad movie?  And this was a well-written and witty movie that elevated the viewer and never insulted our intelligence. 

Nicole: OK, I will relent that the casting (aside from Scarlet Johansson as a very unconvincing Janet Leigh) was well done. But hands down, the best thing about this movie was Helen Mirren. Best scene in the movie is when she gives him his comeuppance (and I do hope that actually happened, word for word). 

elizabeth: There was quite a bit on Hitchcock’s fantasy life on the screen and I felt that just made him appear more vulnerable, flawed and maybe a little more likable. He was the boy who never gets the girl. But let me just say that if I was on the set and he came over to me, I would have hit him with a shovel. The Creep Meter kept going off in my head.

Nicole: Ah, you’ve touched upon one of the things that irked me. Hitchcock’s obsession with his blonde leading ladies is the stuff of notorious Hollywood legends – well, more fact than legend according to many tell-all autobiographies. And save for the filming of the shower scene, I don’t think the movie accurately portrayed his crazed obsession and anger management issues. I also don’t think the relationship between Hitch and Alma was accurate – they didn’t like each other nearly as much as this film portrayed. From what I understand, their relationship was more in keeping with the portrayal seen in HBO’s The Girl, starring Sienna Miller. You want creep factor – I grew to hate Hitchcock as a person after seeing that movie, which was difficult considering how Rear Window is in my Top 5 films ever made. 

One final note on the script: I felt the scenes in which Hitchcock was channeling the book version of Psycho were uninspired and forced. I think the time could have been better spent on the cutting room floor. 

elizabeth: Visually, this was a beautiful film that was having a love affair with the 1950s. You saw people walking around all dressed up with a cigarette in their hands and not an iPhone. Women wore stockings – well, I never liked that. Too much work.  And, it was fun to see how the movie Psycho got made back in the dark ages…and how one of the Film Fatales will be checking behind the shower curtains once again.

Nicole: Yea, yea. So, meet me out in the parking lot at 3pm sharp for a throw-down. It’s on. 

One Film Fatale gives Hitchcock 

The Other Film Fatale gives Hitchcock