THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

The Film Fatales visit Middle-Earth one last time...

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. 2014. 144 minutes. Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Evangeline Lily, Stephen Fry, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee, Manu Bennett, Aidan Turner, Dean O'Gorman. Directed by Peter Jackson.

Bilbo and Company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth. [IMDb]

Nicole: Well, it is true that all journeys must come to an end...and so must it be with the final installment of The Hobbit trilogy. Peter Jackson's epic trek through J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth has taken 17 years to complete (yes, you read that right), and thanks to his vision and dedication fans and film buffs now have six movies that stand together as the ultimate love letter to Tolkien geeks and devotees everywhere.  This self-described geek was lucky enough to attend an advance screening in NYC of The Battle of the Five Armies thanks to the LA Times HeroComplex event planners. The screening included a post-film Q&A with stars Richard Armitage and Lee Pace, who graciously and kindly answered interviewer and fan questions.

elizabeth:  I felt my heart just break ever so …who am I kidding? So the tale of the little men with big ears is over? Why don’t you all go out and visit a mall?

Thranduil and Bard make their bargain with the King Under the Mountain...to no avail.

Nicole: Ignoring you. I'm still trying to assess what I feel about this last film in the series, so I will try my best to express my thoughts without revealing too many spoilers. The film picks up right where The Desolation of Smaug left off, with Smaug wreaking havoc on Lake-town and the Erebor dwarves searching for the Arkenstone. Their leader, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), has succumbed to the dragon sickness, which spurns his blood lust for wealth, greed and hatred. Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Elrond (Hugo Weaving) and Saruman (Christopher Lee) defend Gandalf (Ian McKellan) against the Necromancer (aka Sauron) at Dol Guldur. The Mirkwood elves, led by Thrandruil (Lee Pace), learn of the dwarves' success in taking back the Lonely Mountain and arrive in Erebor to reclaim the treasure that was taken from them generations prior. And, let's not forget, that an army of vicious Orcs, led by Azog (Manu Bennett) are preparing to end the line of Durin and take over Middle-Earth. Still with me? Elizabeth! Wake up!!!

elizabeth: I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow. I have all the symptoms of that dragon sickness. Damnit, I just lost another scale.

Thorin Oakenshield asks his company of dwarves to follow him #onelasttime.

Nicole: I knew you had something; I just couldn't put my finger on it. While the name of the movie is The Hobbit, this installment very much belongs to one character: Thorin Oakenshield (played to perfection by Armitage -- if Viggo Mortensen managed to snag an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, I see no reason why Armitage shouldn't receive the same accolades. His performance was equally strong, and even more wrought with emotion). Martin Freeman's Bilbo, however, still does steal many a scene with his display of loyalty and bravery -- not to mention his endearing mannerisms. Luke Evans' Bard is also strong, rising from mere bargeman to dragon slayer to leader.

elizabeth:  I just saw Martin Freeman on Saturday Night Live. I have been under the false impression that those were his real ears. 

Bilbo realizes what he must do, despite the consequences.

Nicole: *rolling eyes* In many ways, The Battle of the Five Armies is reminiscent of The Two Towers. I had some flashbacks, in a good way, to Helm's Deep. But in no way is this film derivative. Alluding to its title, you can guess this movie is mostly about war. This film contains a sequence of battle scenes that lasts 45 minutes. Lest that scare anyone away, Jackson cleverly handles the staging of the battles by focusing on the main characters, switching between locations and introducing eye-popping visuals. Believe me, you won't be bored and it won't seem like, pardon the pun, overkill. And, while the conclusion is highly emotional, it's both fitting and satisfying.

elizabeth: Did you see bright colors and have the sensation of floating during your flashbacks?

Nicole: No, but I saw BOFTA in IMAX 3D, which I normally shy away from -- as I have a tendency to vomit from 3D-induced motion sickness (thanks James Cameron...I'm still waiting for my Avatar refund). A movie of this scope is incredible in SD, much less in IMAX 3D: Jackson's Weta team outdid themselves on the digital effects, as well as the standard special effects. It's utterly immersive and all-encompassing; rich with so much detail you won't want to blink. 

Galadriel uses her gifts to revive Gandalf at Dol Guldur.

elizabeth:  Might I make a  suggestion? If you suffer from motion sickness then maybe request that Jackson’s next movie have a cast of hand puppets.

Nicole: He's been there and done that. Ultimately, though, it's about the story and bringing it to a justifiable end. Purists will argue about the focus given to non-Hobbit characters like Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Tauriel (Evangeline Lily), but Jackson and his writers Philipa Boyens and Fran Walsh handle their inclusion creatively and with respect to the source material. With respect to Legolas, his presence ties nicely into The Lord of the Rings trilogy -- which future generations will watch in the correct sequence. For doubters, just trust Jackson -- he always  has the best intentions.

Tauriel and Legolas look on the refugees of Lake-town.

elizabeth: What the hell are you talking about? Seriously, I do think some of the 3D and digital special effects take away from us using our imagination. Don’t show me everything and please don’t put it in my face. I can imagine. I do have that power. Take that, Bilbo.

Nicole: *sigh* I almost don't want to end this post, because it will mean having to say goodbye to Middle-Earth...and frankly, I'll never be ready to do that. Instead, I will say adieu and happily await the extended edition of The Battle of Five Armies on DVD, which will include a rumored extra 30 minutes of screen time. But, rationally, I know that due to the rights issues over Tolkien's works, this is very likely the last time Jackson will visit Middle-Earth...so, allow me a moment to thank him and his wonderful team for giving us a glimpse into a world that we'd never have known but for our own imaginations. And now, for #onelasttime, I'm off to the Shire for elevensies. 

Bilbo pleads to Thorin's better sense of judgment, as war looms.

elizabeth: Have we met? What have you done to Nicole? Oh, that’s right. You are now renting a 2 bedroom apartment.  42 Geek Ave., Apt. 3D, Middle-Earth. Can you get pizza delivered there?

The Film Fatales give THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

 

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

The  Film Fatales let you know if it is worth taking The Hundred-Foot Journey.

2014. Rated PG. 122 Minutes. Starring  Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon.  Directed by Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, What is Eating Gilbert Grape, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, and a personal favorite of one of the Film Fatales: My Life as a Dog).

The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory's Michelin-starred eatery. (IMDb)

 

 

 

elizabeth: Sometimes I think movies came to be as purely a form of escape from the world. Give us two hours and we can transport you to places you might not otherwise visit. Let us show you strength and resilience in a character or two and you might leave feeling inspired and also feeling a little silly from crying and moaning about things that you won’t remember next week or even tomorrow. End of rant.

There was a lot of hype about The Hundred-Foot Journey and I would like say that the hype was right on. The storyline is about the Kadam family from India who leave all behind in search for a better and safer life in France. One thing they know for sure is that the elder son, Hassan (played by the oh-so-handsome and charismatic Manish Dayal) inherited his mother’s gift to create culinary wonders. But then the fun begins in the form of Helen Mirren’s (The Queen, Hitchcock, The Debt) uptight and bitchy Madam Mallory. It seems the old girl has no other life than the restaurant that stands 100 feet from the Maison Mumbai.

Nicole: (I concur regarding Dayal – I suspect he’s going to become quite sought after. He certainly has the makings of a heartthrob.) This film was a delight for the eyes, as well as the mind. Set against the loveliest of French countryside backdrops and intermixed with the culinary arts, you’re sure to leave in the mood to travel and savor never-tasted cuisine.

I enjoyed the interplay between Madam Mallory and the Kadam patriarch, played by Om Puri—as well as the budding, yet complicated, romance between Hassan and Marguerite (Le Bon). But what was most interesting about this film was the “journey” taken by Hassan. It ends not where you’d expect it, but you’ll be pleased by his choice. That’s all I’ll say – I don’t want to spoil it.

elizabeth: While I found The Hundred-Foot Journey to be in the “ charming movie” category, please know that is deals with great loss and discrimination against people who don’t look like us. But the characters rise above the enormous hurt and loss and made a new life while they honored the old. The Kadam family and Madame Mallory showed what was really important in life -- a good cooked meal and not having to do clean up. Okay, they teach us that the good life does not end because of pain or loss. And Madame Mallory will surprise you, but then again, can Helen Mirren do anything wrong? 

Nicole: No, she cannot. Even if it’s a crappy movie, she redeems it. Not many actors can do that.

elizabeth: I have the urge to make an omelet.

The Film Fatales give THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

The Film Fatales transport themselves back to the Roaring Twenties to attend a magic show, a séance, and a French fete with the likes of Mr. Darcy himself, Colin Firth. Join them as they dish about Woody Allen’s latest, Magic in the Moonlight. 

Magic in the Moonlight. 2014. PG-13. 97 minutes. Starring Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Simon McBurney, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver, Eileen Atkins, Hamish Linklater. Written and directed by Woody Allen.

A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. (IMDb)

To read the entire review, please visit SMITTEN BY BRITAIN, our home across the pond...

September DVD & On Demand Releases a la The Film Fatales

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray September 9th
EARLY RELEASE On Demand: Check your local digital cable provider.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

2014. PG-13. 136 minutes. Starring Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan. Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo and Joss Whedon.

Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier. [IMDb]

Nicole: Oh, man, my Fangirl is in overdrive! I can’t believe I’m going to say this but Captain America: The Winter Soldier was actually better than The Avengers. (No! Did she just…? No, she couldn’t possibly have said it, but – oh, yes – she did.) From the second this sequel starts, you better buckle up – ‘cause you’re in for one hell of a ride.

elizabeth: Well, I have never been a fangirl of any of these types of movies. I just don’t get them blowing up everything and calling it acting. Was there any acting or just men in tights (and I am a fangirl of this look).

WORDS AND PICTURES
Read the rest of the review at our home across the pond, Smitten by Britain.

2013. 111 minutes. Starring: Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche, Bruce Davison, Valerie Tian, Navid Negahban, and Amy Brenneman.

An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important. (IMDb)

Elizabeth: I got all giddy when I saw the trailer of Words and Pictures. A movie for adults, starring adults, about adults–who would have thought it possible? No car chases, nothing blowing up, and just the right amount of obscenities; I nearly fainted. But I’ve been fooled before; sucked into thinking this might be a movie that tells a story about two people not in their twenties, but I’m here to say this movie was a joy to watch. I was happy to see two imperfect souls make me believe again.

Nicole: I had my fair share of great teachers, but I certainly would have enjoyed counting him among them. I sat thoroughly engrossed by this film. It was like a truly great symposium led by talented artists. I felt a deep connection with these characters, mainly with Clive Owen’s Jack Marcus, because he is a man of words. But Juliette Binoche’s Dina Delsanto resonated with me as well, because she spoke to the artist who resides within me. I left the theatre feeling inspired…awakened…and wanting more.


Available on DVD & Blu-Ray September 16th
EARLY RELEASE On Demand: Check your local digital cable provider.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS 

2014. Rated PG-13. 125 minutes. Starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Willen Defoe, and Laura Dern. 

Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel's other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. [IMDb]

Nicole: Elizabeth can attest that for about 80% of this movie I was a slobbering mess and a distinct displeasure to be seated next to. After all, I knew this would happen; I couldn’t make it through the trailer without bawling like a maniac. I was miserable afterward, too; unable to shake the emotions and my eyes were puffy for a solid day-and-a-half. That being said, I want to stress that this is a terrific movie, filled with wonderful performances, which should be seen. Just have plenty of tissues on hand...and chocolate. You’ll need lots of chocolate. 

elizabeth: I have to say that I wanted to see this movie, but had reservations since it is about two teens and I wondered if the people involved could make a movie about two teens  relevant to all who come to sit in the dark for over two hours. They did. The storyline is just miserable. It makes you think about how unfair life is. But then you witness the love of life that Hazel (Woodley) and Gus (Elgort) have and you realize this is life. It is not always fair, but we are here for only a blink of the eye, so what would you do if you knew that life could end before the next sunrise? Most people live like they have time to do everything – thus the stupid bucket list came to life. Don’t make a damn list. Just do it. For the record, I did tear up a little. But I get it – this is life. Life sucks sometimes. Who says we get 80-plus years?

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray September 20th
EARLY RELEASE On Demand: Check your local digital cable provider.

CHEF 

2014. R. 114 minutes. Starring Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Sofia Vegara, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt, Emjay Anthony. Written and Directed by Jon Favreau.

A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family. (IMDb)

Nicole: Every now and then a movie comes along that renews your faith in the art of storytelling. Chef is one such movie. I can't wait to express my enthusiasm for this movie. I gotta get it said right now: I loved every second of this wonderful film. From the originality of the story, to the stellar art direction, to the ingenious casting, to the toe-tapping, hip-swaying soundtrack--Chef adds up to one satisfyingly delectable watch.

 

elizabeth: Look at this: Every time you start a review, you read my mind about what I am going to say. Stop it! The day after we saw Chef, I posted that this movie will make you happy, hungry and you will move your moneymaker. Someone sent me a note asking if a moneymaker meant one’s butt. Dear Nervous Smile, yes it does. And this is from someone who just got a new right hip. I couldn’t sit still. It took my mind off the hunger pangs. If this movie does not get some Oscar nominations, I will sell off my red carpet gowns. Once I buy them.

August DVD & On Demand Releases a la The Film Fatales

Now available on DVD, Blu-Ray & On Demand...

SUMMER IN FEBRUARY:
Read the entire review at our home across the pond, SMITTEN BY BRITAIN...

2013. NR. 100 minutes. Starring Dominic Cooper, Dan Stevens and Emily Browning. Directed by Christopher Menaul.

Based on Jonathan Smith’s novel about love and loss among a bohemian colony of artists, which flourished in the wild coastal region of Cornwall before the First World War.  [Metrodome Distribution]

Nicole: I do love a good period piece…unfortunately, not this one. Summer in February had the potential to be one of those sweeping, moody, gripping period pieces that draw you in…were it not for its slowly-timed and unorganized script. The true tale that inspired this film has everything – passion, love, betrayal, death – and yet, despite all of those elements it failed to hold my attention. 

Elizabeth: I think I was a tad disappointed with the film until I realized at the end that these characters were not from someone’s imagination, but that they really existed and impacted each other’s lives and deaths. I must say I wanted to watch the move all over again. I think my annoyance would have been quieted if I had known that Florence Carter-Wood’s inability to choose a lover was for real and not from a bad screenplay. I wanted to slap her about the room.

BELLE
Read the entire review at our home across the pond, SMITTEN BY BRITAIN.

2013. Rated: PG. 104 minutes. Starring:  Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton, Sam Reid. Directed by Amma Assante
 

An illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle. (IMDb)

Everything about Belle, Amma Assante’s romantic and political period piece, is mesmerizing. It must be stated, however, that a tremendous amount of artistic license was taken with respect to the script. It is not historically accurate, except on the vaguest of levels. Nonetheless, this film doesn’t lack merit because it alters events to tell a compelling story.

Robin Williams: RIP

The Film Fatales would like to share their deepest sympathies to the Williams family, his friends, and his colleagues. His talent, energy, and incredible humor will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Mr. Williams. 

ROBIN WILLIAMS

1951-2014

Please visit LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, where we share our thoughts and memories about Robin Williams and his career.

A MOST WANTED MAN

The Film Fatales try to hunt down A Most Wanted Man. 

A Most Wanted Man. 2014. Rated R. 122 minutes. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Rachel McAdams, Willem Defoe, Grigoriy Dobrygin, and Homayoun Ershadi. Based on the novel by John le Carre. Directed by Anton Corbijn. 

A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. [IMDb]

Nicole: One would have hoped that Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last starring role would have been a revelation…a performance that would epitomize his stellar career as one of America’s finest actors. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Hoffman plays a misunderstood and betrayed spy who operates a highly covert small band of Hamburg spies, tasked with tracking down terrorists. By description, one might assume this involves a lot of cloak and dagger, with high-speed chases and Bond-esque high-tech trickery. A Most Wanted Man, however, is more cloak than dagger. But, that is not unusual for film adaptations of le Carre’s novels. His are quiet, cerebral dilemmas solved by navigating by tip-toe through intricate webs of deceit. And, in keeping with the tone of le Carre’s novels, Hoffman’s performance is equally quiet. 

elizabeth: All through this dull as a doorknob movie, I couldn’t get away from the fact that the brilliant Phillip Seymour Hoffman was playing a man with many addictions – addictions that plagued his real life and ultimately took his life. I was somewhat appalled and horrified that he took on this role. Then I got caught up with what responsibility should studios take when hiring actors for certain roles. He drank too much, smoked too much and ate a lot of crap. He was playing his own life. His battle with addictions was well known, so I left the theatre feeling that this role could have led to his own demise. A little overly theatrical on my part? Well, if I had to play a role that called for inhaling one herbal cigarette after another, I would be back to smoking the killer cigs. I have no doubts.

Nicole: It was, at times, tediously dull. I’m on the fence. It held my attention, certainly, but it is definitely a film I’d never watch again. No one actor stood out. The direction wasn’t spectacular, counter to what was predicted. And, the plot was less than gripping. There are certainly better stories to be told, and I’m not quite sure why Hollywood chose to make this one. 

elizabeth: I also had problems with Hoffman’s accent. I have no problems with him taking on one, but I wished he had enunciated his words. I was giving up even trying to follow the plot because I was getting annoyed.  I think the movie picked up at the end, but it was for about 57 seconds and then back to so bloody dull.  I hate blasting a movie that starred some great actors. I will give slight kudos to Defoe, McAdams and Wright and I apologize to the late Hoffman for not caring about this movie.

Nicole: I’d say, unless you’re a hardcore le Carre or Hoffman fan, wait to see this movie on DVD. Perhaps the extras will be more of a draw than the film itself. 

The Film Fatales give A MOST WANTED MAN