Closed Circuit

The Film Fatales weave through the streets of London on the heels of suspense: Closed Circuit. The review.

2013. Rated R. 96 minutes. Starring Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Jim Broadbent, Ciran Hinds. Directed by John Crowley.

A high-profile terrorism case unexpectedly binds together two ex-lovers on the defense team - testing the limits of their loyalties and placing their lives in jeopardy. [imdb]

Nicole: Ever get the feeling your government has a dark and sullied underbelly? Operating under covert measures to catch those Most Wanted criminals despite unintended (or not) collateral damage? And, they’ll stop at nothing to keep their secrets well hidden? That’s the modus operandi at work in Closed Circuit: A taut, cerebral crime drama that will appeal to all diehard fans of PBS’s Masterpiece Theater and Mystery. I almost wish this wasn’t a major motion picture, but instead a BBC series. It has the makings of a really great serial drama.

elizabeth: Do I ever think that governments around the world have dark and sullied underbellies? Shirley, you jest. One thing that I found frightening, besides Close Circuit's storyline, is that while we were sitting in the dark some dastardly deals were being made all over the world by people I would not invite to dinner. The other thing is that I must go visit Mars during movies like this because I got a tad confused at times. I know, who would have thought? I think what they do is introduce all these characters and before you can put a name to a face they start offing part of the cast and you don’t know who is doing what to whom. They never do this sort of thing on Mars.

Nicole: Stop calling me Shirley. And, I'll take it from you on the interstellar space travel thing. If anyone's been tripping the light fantastic, it's you. So, let me 'splain some of the details that may have gotten lost while you were in zero gravity. Eric Bana plays Martin Rose, an arrogant barrister who’s been assigned to replace a friend and fellow barrister (who committed suicide – or so it would seem). The case: to defend the UK’s most-hated man, a terrorist responsible for a deadly bombing at Bourough Market. The defendant’s assigned advocate, Claudia Simmons-Howe (played by Rebecca Hall), is reluctantly paired with Rose – with whom she has a shady past. Together, they learn the lengths the government will go to make sure the outcome of this trial turns in their favor. The underhandedness comes through best via the bone-chillingly nonchalant performance by Jim Broadbent (Attorney General). *Shivers* Without revealing too much, Closed Circuit will teach you not to trust anyone. And, in our quickly-becoming Big Brother society, realize that your every move is being tracked. It’s enough to make conspiracy theorists sound rational. Maybe we should listen to the guy in the tinfoil hat—he might know a thing or two after all.

elizabeth: Did you say something? I was cleaning out the mothership’s glove compartment. Jim Broadbent was quite chilling and I enjoyed when he showed up to mess with everyone’s minds and futures. Erica Bana’s Rose and Rebecca Hall’s Simmons-Howe had a slow shimmer on the screen, but I think the tension between the two of them could have been hotter. The movie sometimes felt a little stalled but I was very grateful to be watching a movie that did not insult my intelligence.  I want more moves like this. Challenge our brains. We don’t need to kill off anymore brain cells.  Thankfully Closed Circuit is no Honey Boo Boo.

Nicole: Agreed. The plot is very winding and detailed—and the nuances of the British legal system may confuse Americans – but my advice is to stay with it. It’s well worth the watch and comes to a satisfying, thought-provoking conclusion. And, hey, Eric Bana’s easy on the eyes. Yes, I’m that shallow. Deal with it.

elizabeth:  Shallow, eh? I don’t think I can get you membership on Mars.

The Film Fatales give CLOSED CIRCUIT

Blue Jasmine

Blue Jasmine. 2013. Rated PG-13. 98 minutes. Starring Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Dice Clay, Louis CK, Sally Hawkins. Written & directed by Woody Allen.

A life crisis causes a vapid and narcissistic socialite to head to San Francisco, where she tries to reconnect with her sister. [imdb]

Nicole: After seeing Blue Jasmine, I find myself conflicted. Not about whether it was a good movie or not, ‘cause it most certainly was. (Head and shoulders, in fact, above Woody’s last film To Rome, with Love.) I felt myself with odds about how badly I felt for its main character, Jeanette aka “Jasmine” – played to absolute, heart-breaking perfection by the incredible Cate Blanchett. True, Jasmine is a snob. True, she’s superficial. But, there’s more to her than the “misfortune” of wealth.

elizabeth: What I feel conflicted about is that I thought Andrew Dice Clay gave a very moving performance. I thought this movie was dark and depressing and I longed for the witty brilliance of a Woody Allen screenplay that comes to life on the screen.  I needed a couple of clever lines to keep me from going off the edge. (Note to all: Do not attempt to see this movie on a day when everything blows up in your face. Leave it for a day when you see puppies and rainbows. If I wasn’t such a strong person, I would have gone home and started to cut myself).

Nicole: Dramatic much? Damn.

elizabeth: ...but I really got into the storyline and the characters who showed all their vulnerabilities and angst on the screen. Let me put it this way – I would not like to lead either the lives of the formerly wealthy or the gang that thought they deserved so little in life. But the acting made this one of the best movies I have seen in 2013. I am a sucker for a Woody Allen movie, except for the disaster you mentioned before.

Nicole: I don’t know that I’d rank the entire movie as one of the best all year, but I would rank Blanchett’s performance as undoubtedly one of the best performances this year – Oscar-worthy, in fact. To say Jasmine is undone by her husband Allen’s (Alec Baldwin) cheating and underhanded business dealings is putting it mildly. Suffering from a debilitating nervous breakdown after her husband is jailed for his financial misdoings, Jasmine (bereft of all her once-lofty connections) seeks shelter with her sister (Sally Hawkins), whose choice of men, job and living conditions are way out of Jasmine’s comfort zone. Like it or not, Jasmine must find a way to make it in the world without the benefit of her husband’s money. But her mental fragility leads to many false starts and a vain attempt to recapture her status in the arms of another man.

elizabeth: I think almost all the performances made this such an important piece of cinema. I love when I forget that they are actors up there. They become us and show us our fragilities and ugliness and that is such a credit to Woody Allen. I wish Alec Baldwin was more sinister in his role. Maybe they needed to have some paparazzi around to set him off. He was almost invisible. Or maybe the movie needed someone without any emotion. I will get back to you on that.

Nicole: So, when does Alec’s restraining order against you expire? Here’s the thing. If either of us knew Jasmine in real life, we’d dislike her intensely for her vapid nature, her snobby behavior, and her superficial, label-centric mindset. But, scratch under that surface and there’s a terribly fragile person who is perhaps somewhat judged unfairly and deserving of our sympathies. I think, but don’t presume, that through Jasmine Allen is trying to get us to dig a little deeper before we pre-judge someone for their outward appearances. Not everything is black and white – life has a lot of grey.

elizabeth:  I think Woody does wants us to look beyond the surface and see that people who we assume have everything are really the ones who have the least. And being one of those who have the least, I would like to be in a Woody Allen movie. I can do superficial quite well. Call me.

The Film Fatales give BLUE JASMINE

The Heat: Now On Demand & On DVD

The Film Fatales get out of the AC and into The Heat. 

NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD. Rated R. 117 minutes. Starring Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport, Jane Curtain, Demian Bichir, Taran Killam. Directed by Paul Feig. 

Uptight FBI special agent Sarah Ashburn is paired with testy Boston cop Shannon Mullins in order to take down a ruthless drug lord. The hitch: neither woman has ever had a partner -- or a friend for that matter. [imdb]

Nicole: Well, cassidy. I really had my fingers crossed this was going to be a good movie--mainly because of how much I love Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. And, I’m relieved to say I really liked it. 

elizabeth:  I was a tad concerned about seeing The Heat because of all their TV commercials.   A lot of comedic movies show all the funny lines in 30 seconds so I end up boycotting funny movies (because they are weak and dumb). I have to say I am right more times than not, but Bullock and McCarthy worked really well together and delivered a funny movie.  And it was nice to hear two women swear more than I do. 

Nicole: You may be pressing the truth a little there, missy. Maybe my memory is escaping me, but this is the first female law enforcement buddy movie, right? I’ve seen co-ed buddy movies, where the plot is usually ruined by sexual tension. I’ve seen male buddy movies where the machismo always bites off a bit more than it can chew. I’m glad it only took Hollywood a gazillion years to come up with this concept. 

elizabeth:  I think Hollywood is afraid of women carrying a movie, but these two actresses’ comedic and acting skills will make The Heat one of the biggest movies of this  summer. Bullock was brilliant (and quite annoying) as an uptight FBI agent while McCarthy’s cop role was completely off the wall.  Completely. But I would want them watching my back as long as McCarthy does not put me into a death hold.

Nicole: LOL, yea. McCarthy does pack one helluva punch. Bullock and McCarthy are a good comic pairing. It’s odd to see Bullock playing the straight “woman” when she’s usually cast as the cut-up in comedies. But with an actress like McCarthy – it was a pretty obvious choice who was going to clown it up. No one plays bad-ass crazy quite like her. But that didn’t stop Bullock from getting in a few, really solid comedic punches. 

elizabeth: I liked how McCarthy’s Mullins got the men even if it meant she threw them out the next day (like that is a bad thing) while Bullock’s Ashburn couldn’t even handle a pet.  If you get pass all the F bombs and some violence, you will appreciate the storyline going on about families and friends. Not that I would  invite any of them to a Thanksgiving dinner. Well, maybe the cat.

Nicole: Really good point. They totally played against type here and made McCarthy the Maneater, which is something film audiences are not used to seeing -- and should see more of. I could easily see this becoming a sequel. Based on reviews and box office predictions, we can expect one. I say bring it on. 

elizabeth: A sequel idea makes me a little nervous. Unless they can get all the actors back to do a sequel, I would beg some screenwriter to pen another story that will do justice to all of the talent that was up on the screen. 

Your DVD Options:

The SD version of the DVD isn't going to get you any special features, but the Blu-Ray disc is filled with some good extras, such as:

• Mullins family fun
• Von bloopers
• Deleted, alternate & extended scenes
• Acting master class
• 5 commentaries including Paul Feig and Mystery Science Theater 3000

IRON MAN 3: NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD

The Film Fatales get snarky with Tony Stark.

NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD. Iron Man 3. PG-13. 130 minutes. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley. Directed by Shane Black.

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. [imdb]




Nicole: You know what happens with movie franchises: They either sink or swim after that first amazing effort. And, since Iron Man 2 was at times uneven and a pale comparison to Iron Man 1, I was thinking this might be Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) swan song. I’m really, really glad to say I was wrong.

elizabeth: Are you getting kickbacks from Mr. Downey? I just don’t get the appeal. Iron Man gets squeezed by a Mandarin? Oh, I’m scared.

 
Nicole: Humph, I only wish. From your lips to God's ears, Cassidy. Look, it's not enough to say Iron Man 3 was a great movie – it had a lot to live up to after the success of last summer’s The Avengers, which brought together Marvel’s team of superheroes (Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye and, of course, Iron Man) under the incredible direction of ultimate fanboy Joss Whedon. The camaraderie that Tony Stark (Iron Man) enjoyed with the Avengers is, admittedly, hard to match – but Downey Jr. is always able to pull off a terrific performance of equal parts kick-ass action, hilarious one liners and hubris-laden bravado. (Maybe I’m not qualified to write this review, since I admit to being biased on all things RDJ: I would seriously watch him read the phone book.)

elizabeth: I think RDJ (as you call him; what is this your new pet name?) is quite the talented actor, but when talent succumbs to films like this, I start to mourn the actor’s ability to do anything else. He will always be labeled Iron Man and that will hinder his ability to get more serious roles. I am acting like I am a Hollywood insider. Let’s take a meeting.

Nicole: Oh, pah-lease. You woefully underestimate his talents. He's a chameleon. He could easily switch from highbrow drama to tongue-in-cheek action seamlessly. I have no worries about the direction of his career; I'm just so very glad he has one. (Bobby, make the check out to CASH.) Iron Man 3 takes place post-Avengers saving NYC (and, by default, the world) from alien takeover. And, it’s clear Stark is still dealing with those events. Suffering from PTSD, represented by severe panic attacks and insomnia, we’re reminded that Stark is human after all and that Iron Man is just a suit he wears. What’s more, Stark comes to this realization himself in a very meaningful and life changing way. But, that’s all I’ll say. You take the journey with him…and ask no questions. Just enjoy the ride.

elizabeth: So Iron Man never heard of valium? Meditation, a vegan diet, cheap wine and free rentals from the library? So does he open a bakery with the most beautiful woman in the world?

Nicole: Based on that last sentence, I think you could use a valium. Like Stark, the people around him are growing and changing, too. Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), no longer Stark’s bodyguard, has moved up in the ranks of Stark Enterprises to head of security. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), now comfortable in her role as the CEO of Stark Enterprises wields not only power in the boardroom, but in her relationship with Stark as well. Don Cheadle, is – unfortunately – forgettable as Iron Patriot/Col. James Rhodes. Guy Pearce, as pathetic crackpot inventor turned evil genius Aldrich Killian, is just this side of smarmy. And, Sir Ben Kingsley as “The Mandarin” is…without revealing too much…inspired.

elizabeth: You really like this crap, don’t you? Do you see what I am saying here – Gandhi is now a terrorist. Geeez.

Nicole: Yes, yes I do like this crap. I admit it! My name is Nicole...and I'm a Fangirl. Franchise devotees will no doubt enjoy Stan Lee’s cameo (blink and you’ll miss it, just the way he likes ‘em) and an end-of-credits scene that is well worth sticking around for. So, go see Iron Man 3 and don’t worry a hair on your head that it won’t live up to your expectations.

elizabeth: Beam me up, Scotty! Wrong franchise? Foiled again!

Here's how your fixed for renting/purchasing IRON MAN 3 on DVD or ON DEMAND:

Iron Man 3
(Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy)

Special Features:

• Deconstructing The Scene
• Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Look - Marvel's Thor: The Dark World
• Marvel's Iron Man 3 Unmasked
• Gag Reel
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Audio Commentary

Iron Man 3
[Includes Digital Copy]

Special Features:

• Deconstructing The Scene
• Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Look - Marvel's Thor: The Dark World
• Marvel's Iron Man 3 Unmasked
• Gag Reel
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Audio Commentary

Iron Man 3
(Three-Disc Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy)

Special Features:

• Deconstructing The Scene
• Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Look - Marvel's Thor: The Dark World
• Marvel's Iron Man 3 Unmasked
• Gag Reel
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Audio Commentary

Iron Man 3
(Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack)

 

WORLD WAR Z: NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD

Not for the faint of heart: The Film Fatales are sleeping with night lights on.

NOW ON DEMAND A& ON DVD. 2013. PG-12. 116 minutes. Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, and a billion or so zombies. Directed by Marc Foster.

United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself. (imdb)

 

elizabeth: I want to start off by saying that if you go to this movie (and you should) please bring a spare arm. If you are like me – a sensitive soul who loves puppies and rainbows, than a spare arm will come in handy. You will need something to squeeze and punch as this movie moves along. And the only person who yelled more than I did was a man with Tourette’s in the audience. I am not making this up.

Nicole: You're far, far braver than I am. The only zombie movie I can tolerate is Shaun of the Dead...because it's a comedy. Otherwise, the mere suggestion of a zombie revolution makes me want to run and hide. And, let it be known, should the real shit go down -- you don't want me on your team. I would only be a liability. I don't wanna live through any Armageddon-like situation. Just put me as close as possible to the epicenter and end it. OK, back to the movie.

elizabeth: Nicole –what is that standing behind you? It looks dead.

Nicole: I see how you’re playing this. Payback’s a bitch, cassidy.  

elizabeth: I don’t normally go to movies like this because I am sick and tired of violence and can’t tolerate blood and guts – especially if it comes in 3D. WTH? But, with Brad Pitt producing and starring in this movie, I reckoned that he would be placing some subtle political statements in it for us to discover. My hope is that people won’t leave the theatre and go on about how cool it was – all those zombies, man. This is a movie with a statement while being entertaining…if the person sitting next to you can get over you ripping off their arm hair – one by one.

Nicole: Maybe I should have gone. I am due for an arm wax.

elizabeth: World War Z kept my emotions on edge. There are scenes in this movie that might bring a tear to your eye. My frustration level went through the roof at times. This is not a typical zombie movie. In some ways, the zombies are just background noise. This is about human beings messing with the ecosystem and Mother Nature giving it right back at us. It is an assault on our apathy to what is happening to our planet...and the zombies just might win. And, I like Brad Pitt with long hair. 

Nicole: You're so shallow. Well, I'm too much of a wimp to see it -- so you'll have to tell me the ending in private. No spoilers for our brave readers who head out to see this one on the big screen. 

 

You've got your choice of DVD options for rental/purchase. Here's how you're set to experience WORLD WAR Z on the small screen:

World War Z
(Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)

World War Z
(Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)

World War Z
(DVD)

 

 

Lee Daniels' The Butler

A look at two 20th-century Americas. Lee Daniels’ The Butler. 2013. 132 minutes. Starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Adriane Lenox, James Marsden, Liev Schreiber, Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave, John Cusack, David Oyelowo, Elijah Kelley. Directed by Lee Daniels. As Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man's life, family, and American society.(imdb)

elizabeth: This movie rested very heavy on my heart and soul. As a young child, I got to experience a lot of the events depicted in The Butler as they unraveled. The nightly news exposed us to very cruel and sickening time in this country’s history.  The lynchings, the bombings, the deep, deep hate in the dead hearts of the Klan, politicians and ordinary people. I am so glad that I got to live through this knowing that I would never, ever subject this kind of hate against another human being.

Nicole: Every time I see footage of these injustices, I have to consciously remind myself this happened in America – only 50 years ago. Fifty years…and we still have so much work to be done…so much to learn. Two Americas indeed. 

elizabeth: Forest Whitaker shed his skin and became Cecil Gaines, one of the butlers who toiled in the white House starting with the Eisenhower administration. Whitaker‘s Cecile was just so moving albeit heartbreaking at times and I think his performance helped almost every actor bring their characters to life. There was such an intimacy among these actors--like this story hit too close to home. They wanted to get this story out because this country’s memory is quite limited and I applaud director Lee Daniels for bringing this story to the screen. We need to be reminded all the time about the horrific things we were capable of doing.

Nicole: …we are in dire need of constant reminding, that’s for certain. And, yet, it seems we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. We have made progress as a country. But recent injustices, like that brought upon Trayvon Martin, should spark in us the desire to right wrongs, not repeat them. This movie should be required viewing. And, I couldn’t agree with you more on Forest Whitaker’s performance. If he doesn’t win the Oscar for this, he will have been robbed.

elizabeth: My only disappointment in this movie was Oprah’s performance. She was the only one who I felt was acting like Oprah and she missed becoming Cecile’s wife, Gloria. Kudos to David Oyelowo and Elijah Kelley who played their sons. They could break your heart.

Nicole: Get out of my head, please! I thought the same thing. Every time she was on screen, all I saw was Oprah. She did not disappear into this performance. And, when acting beside Whitaker, her lack of acting prowess is all the more obvious.

elizabeth: I can only imagine that John Cusack is still showering after playing Richard Nixon and Jane Fonda playing Nancy Reagan made me laugh out loud. 

Nicole: Playing against type much? LOL.

elizabeth: In my opinion, films like The Butler are not just made to entertain us for over two hours, they are lessons on our country’s history and a loud-and-clear call for all of us to do better. I would go as far as to say that this movie should be shown in our schools--starting with the first graders.

Nicole: I hate it when we agree. Oh, and the next time you call me a big baby when I cry during a movie, you’re getting a large-sized bag of popcorn dumped on your head.

The Film Fatales give LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER

The Great Gatsby: NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD

The Film Fatales travel back in time to Roaring 20s Long Island and mingle with the upper crust of East and West Egg in A Tale of Two Gatsbys... Won't you join us, old sport?

NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD: The Great Gatsby. 2013. PG-13. 142 minutes. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan. Directed by Baz Luhrmann. 

The Great Gatsby. 1974. Rated PG. 144 minutes. Starring Robert Redford, Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow. Directed by Jack Clayton.

A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor (imdb). Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

Nicole: There are, to date, six film versions of The Great Gatsby—but we’re focusing on just two (because this is a blog, not a friggin’ dissertation). When it comes to adapting novels into film, creative decisions never fail to amaze me. One team’s interpretation can either elevate the written work or insult it: In both the 2013 and the 1974 Gatsbys, it’s thankfully the former.

elizabeth: I have to say that this was a genius idea on my part for us to compare these two versions of The Great Gatsby. Oh, it was your idea. Never mind.  I discovered the internet. With Al Gore by my side, fanning me.

Nicole: Hmm, I suppose you're also responsible for sliced bread... Stylistically, the two films could not be more different. Some may argue that’s because modern filmmaking has the benefit of digital tricks. But I think most of the differences between the two films lay in pacing, acting, and plot choices. Clayton’s ’74 adaptation is a slow-moving, thoughtful and careful interpretation with very little wavering from the source material. Loyal though it may be, I think it failed to capture the novel’s fever-pitched scenes or depth of character. Redford’s was a quiet, cool Gatsby. Farrow’s was an over-the-top, hysterical Daisy Buchanan. Waterston was a passive, if convincing, Nick Carraway. Lois Chiles was an under-developed, yawning Jordan Baker. And, Bruce Dern was a nonchalant Tom Buchanan. 

elizabeth: I agree that technology has taken us to places that would never exist years ago. But does that make for a better film? Does it shortchange our imagination when they put it all out there? I liked the slower pace of the 1974 version because I felt Redford’s Gatsby was a man of quiet intelligence and mystery and he looked hot in that one-piece bathing suit. Not every man could pull that off.  But can someone explain his over the top love for Mia Farrow’s Daisy Buchanan? Okay, if not for Redford and Waterson’s relationship in this movie, which I thought was touching and well developed, I am quite comfortable in saying this version sucked and the townspeople should run Farrow’s Daisy out of town. I think Farrow ruined the movie with her hysterics.  I think the wrong character got shot.

Nicole: Tell us how you really feel, cassidy. Look, I worship at Redford’s feet: He is Gatsby personified in many ways, but DiCaprio nails it. Finally, the dark, disturbed, obsessed Gatsby emerges. He plays the role with equal parts forceful nature, manic obsession and deluded anguish. It’s a heartbreaking performance made all the more wrenching by his sad demise. And I think DiCaprio filled out his one-piece suit quite nicely. I swear, scout's honor (try and prove I wasn't one), that I've never found DiCaprio the least bit attractive...until this film. 

elizabeth:  Got to disagree with you big time. I felt Luhrmann photographed DiCaprio beautifully at the beginning and I was really looking forward to seeing this version unfold. But as Gatsby’s life got a little messier, DiCaprio’s Gatsby looked like he was a tad constipated and that distracted me from the storyline. I wanted to see those eyes dance across the screen again and I will acknowledge that he gave a good performance, but facial expressions are so important. Go with more than one. Now as far as Redford goes – he can just sit there and no nothing. I would be quite content.

Nicole: Constipated? Hmm, I think your letting your Redford-lust blur your film-reviewing vision. The problem with Redford's performance is his quietness. Gatsby is supposed to be filled with rumbling turmoil that's disguised by a cool exterior, which at times bursts forth to reveal his deep obsession. Mulligan’s Daisy Buchanan is head and shoulders above Farrow’s. But, we mustn’t forget that Luhrmann and company portray this Daisy (intentionally) as far more sympathetic, so that does have some bearing on her choices. I’ll leave it at that: Devotees of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work will certainly have pick with this plot diversion.

elizabeth: I agree. Alert the media. But I will take Mulligan’s portrayal of Daisy over Farrow’s any day. Have I mentioned that I hated Mia’s performance?

Nicole: You've mentioned it, yes, but it bears repeating. She.was.awful. McGuire’s Nick Carraway, like Daisy, is changed up a tad. He’s a bit less passive than Waterston’s and takes to actively judging rather than remaining a silent witness. Again, purists will find his storyline a bit contrived with regard to the narration technique. I feel it was an unnecessary choice, but not detrimental. 

elizabeth: All this agreeing is making me constipated.

Nicole: Some extra fiber in your diet might do the trick. Elizabeth Debicki’s Jordan Baker is, alas, as underdeveloped as Chiles’—though played far better, with a snobbish, pervading coolness. Joel Edgarton’s Tom Buchanan is hands down much preferred to Dern’s lacking portrayal.

elizabeth: You just go on and on, don’t you? 

Nicole: Ignoring you. Normally, I shy away from Luhrmann’s movies (I generally find them an assault on all senses). They’re all too much for me—a dizzying swirl of excess. But his choices and obvious devotion to the era and Fitzgerald’s work show through. You could pause this film at any frame and display it as a work of art. Absolutely magnificent—from cinematography and set direction to costuming and special effects. He knew precisely the right moments to feverishly present a scene and exactly when to slow it down—like a rollercoaster—evoking the desired reaction from the audience. Whereas the ’74 version remained a dull dive, that never quite captured the hedonistic vibe of the roaring 20s—except through set direction and costuming. The pace was too even-keeled and lulled the audience into a near catatonic state. 

elizabeth: The Art Deco era was well represented in this film and you could tell that Luhrmann was having a love affair with the 1920s, but I wonder if F. Scott Fitzgerald would have told Luhrmann to tone it down.

Nicole: Ultimately, modernity wins over in my book. Despite the obvious plot divergences, the 2013 Gatsby rises well above the ’74 version in every possible way.

elizabeth: I am sticking with the 1974 version. It has Robert Redford in it. Before he went out in the sun without any sun protection.

Nicole: You know what I just realized? This our first Film Fatales split-decision. Frankly, I'm relieved. Agreeing as much as we have been has been giving me the creeps. 

  

When it comes to DVDs, you've got your pick. Here's the lowdown on your rental/purchase options:

The Great Gatsby (2013)
Special Edition * 2 Discs * Includes Digital Copy * UltraViolet

Special Features:

• The greatness of Gatsby
• "Within and without" with Tobey Maguire
• The swinging sounds of Gatsby
• The jazz age
• Razzle dazzle: the fashion of the '20s
• Fitzgerald's visual poetry
• Gatsby revealed
• Deleted scenes
• 1926 The Great Gatsby trailer 

The Great Gatsby (2013)
2 Discs * Includes Digital Copy * UltraViolet * 3D/2D * Blu-ray/DVD

The Great Gatsby (2013)
2 Discs * Includes Digital Copy * UltraViolet * Blu-ray/DVD

Special Features:

• The greatness of Gatsby - follow director Baz Luhrmann's journey to bring The great American novel to the silver screen
• "Within and without" with Tobey Maguire
• The swinging sounds of Gatsby - see how a group of legendary musicians were brought together to meld a sonic masterpiece
• Deleted scenes with alternate ending
• The jazz age
• Razzle dazzle: the fashion of the '20s
• Fitzgerald's visual poetry
• Gatsby revealed - an exclusive look into the actor workshops and the rich creative process that went into some of the most memorable scenes
• 1926 The Great Gatsby trailer 

The World's End

2013. Rated R. 109 minutes. Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman. Directed by Edgar Wright. 

Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival. [imdb]

Nicole: What a ridiculous movie--and I mean that in the best way possible. While this final (or is it?) installment of the "Cornetto" series (named as such for its loosely connected visual imagery of the popular European ice cream treat) didn't tickle me as much as its predecessors (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) it was still a silly, fun romp.

elizabeth: I remember hearing about Shaun of the Dead and did the intelligent thing – I forgot all about it till you mentioned it. Whatever happened to Mr. Darby? Too alive for you?

Nicole: Oh, no. I am an equal opportunity employer when it comes to period British men. Make no mistake: There's enough of me to go around. Back to the plot, which revolves around five school chums, trying to recapture their youth though conquering the Golden Mile (which consists of having a pint of beer at each of their town's 12 pubs). But, since they've left their hometown -- everything's changed, except Gary King (Simon Pegg) -- who remains as immature as ever. Naturally, his chums have grown up and moved on, but Gary can't get beyond the fact that they never completed the Golden Mile all those years ago and is determined -- no matter what the obstacle -- to complete the quest. And, by the way, those obstacles include almost every resident of his hometown having been turned into an alien race of blue-liquid oozing robots.

elizabeth: Good grief! I wonder how Hemingway would have handled this storyline. Are the blue-liquid oozing robots part of the royal family? Get it: blue ooze. I crack myself up. You are making this up, right? Please tell me you are. Colin Firth is on the phone and he is getting a restraining order. Plus, he says that Mr. Darcy is not alive either. Maybe he can hang with Shaun and Gary and have a few pints?

Nicole: Your obsession with Colin Firth knows no bounds. OK, so I won't say too much more lest I spoil the plot. But if you're a fan of these movie-making buddies, you're going to want to round out your collection with The World's End. It's not as satisfying on many levels as Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz (or the TV series Spaced, for that matter), but it's good for a chuckle and clever banter. 

elizabeth: Don’t you remember what I say to you when you go on and on: Get out and let the sun bake your skin. At least you won’t run into any oozing robots. I am so glad I missed this classic.

The Film Fatales give THE WORLD'S END