Capote (2005)

A truly exquisite film. Simple, elegant cinematography, the best actors possible, and a perfectly written screenplay. I can't say enough good things about this film. If you haven't seen it yet, it is definitely worth a look! Young actors might use this Philip Seymour Hoffman performance as a lesson.

Truman Capote was a famous author. He wrote articles, novels, and plays. Among his most famous, Breakfast At Tiffany's and In Cold Blood. The film Capote is a behind the scene's look into Capote's research into the lives of two murderers on death row. After reading an article about a Kansas family that was brutally murdered, Capote arranges interviews with the detectives, police, and even the killers, finding inspiration for his next book. While interviewing the murderers, Capote develops a friendship with one, Perry Smith. In Cold Blood was written as a nonfiction novel documenting Perry Smith's life story, and the murders. This would mark one of the most traumatizing events of Capote's life. This film is a moving depiction of those events.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance is perfection. Because of him, this film will be rendered a classic among American Films.

Capote is filmed with the same simplicity as an Ang Lee film. Neutral color palette, minimal musical score, and an honest screenplay. A masterpiece.

"More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones." - Truman Capote

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Not many stories can top Jane Austen. And Sense and Sensibility is one of the best stories ever written. The 1995 Ang Lee film is also difficult to top, since it is one of the greatest films in cinema history. Ang Lee is an award winning director with an eye for excellence. The winner of 3 Academy Awards, Sense and Sensibility is the model of elegance, sacrifice, and love.

Sense and Sensibility is about a family devastated by the loss of their father, Father Dashwood. Since the family is from the father's second marriage, his son from his first marriage inherits all of the property and money, leaving very little money and no house for the stepmother and her three daughters. When the brother Dashwood goes to his family to offer financial aid, his wife talks him out of it. The stepmother and daughters Dashwood move in with extended family until the daughters can be married off. There are a series of ups and downs surrounding the daughters finding love, but in the end everyone ends up where they need to.

This film demonstrates the sacrifices one makes for love, and also the terrible circumstances that can prevent one from what they desire. Courtship and marriage between couples were arranged based on the 18th century standards. One couldn't always marry for love, but for security and class.

The cast is outstanding! Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie, Alan Rickman, among others. Everyone was at the top of their game, but I do have a problem with how the men were portrayed in this film. I'm not quite sure if it was period accurate as to how men behaved, but they were awfully stiff and unnatural. Hugh Grant was especially awkward throughout the film. We've seen him perform better since, I just wish the men had more personality. Although, for the character of Willoughby, it was discussed in the film that his extravagant behavior was not that of a gentleman. Even Alan Rickman displayed more emotion and dimension in his character Col. Brandon.

Otherwise this film is one of the greatest ever made. Definitely worth a look!

Lost in Translation (2003)

This film was a complete surprise for me. I didn't expect what I ended up getting with this one. The way it was advertised implied something less. This is probably one of Bill Murray's best!

The film is about a middle aged actor, played by Bill Murray, who is in Japan to be the spokesman for a product and later do a talk show. This is also a chance for him to take a break from a family life he is unhappy with. In the same hotel is a young woman, played by Scarlett Johansson, who is left alone while her young husband is working all day. These two lonely people run into each other at the hotel and form a friendship. It ends up being stronger than they anticipated, but it is just what they needed. 

The relationship that develops between these two characters is actually tender, sweet, and endearing. These are probably things they are not getting from their marriages, so they seek this with each other. Bill Murray was especially unique, honest, and relatable. There is a certain vulnerability these two share, and when they are together they complete each other.

I can't say enough good things about this film. It's funny at times, but also sweet and heart warming. You just have to see it!

The Iron Lady (2011)

I didn't know what to expect with this film. I didn't know much about Margaret Thatcher other than she was the first female Prime Minister of England, and that Austin Powers doesn't find her attractive! She is actually a remarkable woman who knew what she wanted and didn't allow anything to stop her from achieving her goals. And she is regarded as one of the best leaders in history.

The Iron Lady is the story of Margaret Thatcher. The film begins "present day," her last days before she passed in 2013, and flashes back and forth through her childhood, political education, and her time in office. Through this we learn how close she was to her father, and what motivated her to become a figure in politics. We also witness her struggles as a woman in the 1950's running for a political seat. Margaret had to learn to be sharp and quick tongued to keep up with her male colleagues. Her ambition would finally pay off when she was asked about running for Prime Minister. She was quick to assume that position would never see the likes of her, but she would be wrong.

Meryl Streep always delivers her best in any role. Playing Margaret Thatcher is definitely one of her best. This role won her an Academy Award, which is well deserved. Jim Broadbent plays her husband. Their relationship is sweet, and well balanced. He was attracted to her ambition in the beginning, and was proud of her success.

This is a great film for many purposes. It is portrays Margaret Thatcher well, with great respect. I received a great education from this.

What To Expect When You're Expecting (2012)

I was just sitting at home, waiting on laundry, when I came across this film on Netflix. I didn't expect what I ended up getting.

What To Expect When You're Expecting was not only funny with a star-studded cast, but also honest. It's a film about a collection of relationships; one couple is adopting, another have been trying to conceive, and for others it was unexpected. The film is as up and down as I'm sure pregnancy is. A very touching set of stories, and a hilarious, masculine outlook on the idea of parenting.

The cast was very impressive with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, and more. Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lopez deliver competitive performances exploring the emotional journey of pregnancy versus adoption. These two were the most moving for me.

Anna Kendrick was a surprise. It is apparent that she is very talented, and really knows how to charm her audience. We will see many more great things from her.

I felt Rebel Wilson was a bit unnecessary. Friends with Elizabeth Banks' character, Wilson plays a southern girl, not too intelligent, but supportive of her friend. I found her a bit unnecessary. She is like a female Chris Farley, only good for a certain brand of humor.

My favorite group of people in this film, were The Dudes. Four Dads with babies strapped to them while they walk through the park together, pushing strollers. Their outlook on their marriages and parenting are funny, quirky, and honest. They all had one thing in common, they all aim to be great fathers.

Bring tissue for this one! There will be tears of sadness and joy!

California Solo (2012)

I am a big fan of independent films. I appreciate their honesty and the quality of the emotional journey. I am also a fan of Robert Carlyle. I've watched his work for many years, and have a great admiration for what he brings to film and television. After catching up on my Once Upon A Time on ABC, I wanted to explore more of "Bobby's" work. Netflix only has a few of his best works. California Solo is a newer one, and it was worth watching.

The story is about a former Scottish rocker living in Southern California has been threatened with deportation. Desperate to stay in the USA, he reconnects with his ex wife, and estranged teenage daughter. Late in the film, he begins to slowly rebuild his life. This film doesn't have the happiest of endings, but perhaps it was all for the best.

This film is brutally honest, beautifully shot, and Robert Carlyle always delivers. The best moment, for me, was at the end of the film. Carlyle's character is playing an acoustic guitar, with the green corn field as a backdrop. For a moment, he stops playing and the camera zooms into his face. The expression on his face is hard to describe, but we all know the look. It's the look when he realizes what's about to happen to him. It's the look when the reality of the circumstances have had time to sink in. Then it closes to black, before rolling the credits. It's a beautifully honest moment, and very moving. This film did not disappoint.

The film poster is quite misleading. The female lead wasn't as prominent as the photo implies.

JOBS (2013)

Recently I heard that another Steve Jobs film was in the works. Knowing that this one had already been made I didn't understand why they would be talking about making another only months later. JOBS doesn't cover every important aspect of Jobs' eventful career and life. He certainly had an extraordinary life.

JOBS tells the story of how Steve Jobs and his team of innovators perfected the idea of the personal computer over the course of more than two decades. In the beginning, while working at ATARI, Jobs recruited the help of his friend Steve Wozniak. From here they worked together to form Apple Computers. Jobs' perspective in his work, as well as in life, was that the stasis of everything could always change. He fought for enthusiasm, and vision among his creative teams. In this way, the passion would keep everyone on track towards changing the world and the future of technology. When others told him he couldn't do something, he accepted the challenged to make it possible. Steve Jobs believed in his product. Everyone doubted him, and he proudly proved them wrong.

The cast list for this film was a surprise, many familiar faces. Ashton Kutcher played Steve Jobs brilliantly. I've never been acquainted with his dramatic mask, but this was a perfect performance. It was easy for me to follow along with every emotion. Ashton's performance was moving, honest, and heartfelt. I really appreciate the depth of his character. Jobs wasn't an easy person to impress or get along with. When he made up his mind, there was no changing it. Ashton delivered a version of him we could all find ways to relate to and believe in.

Josh Gad plays Steve Wozniak, a sensitive but brilliant engineer who helps push Jobs' idea to fruition. Lukas Haas plays a good friend of Jobs'. We also see the likes of Dermot Mulroney, Matthew Modine, J.K. Simmons, Lesley Ann Warren, Masi Oka, and James Woods.

I suppose I can see why another Steve Jobs biopic is in the works. This film focused on the Apple and Macintosh products progression, and not as much on Jobs' personal battles. It was apparent that there was an imbalance in his life, but this film didn't touch on it much. In the beginning, the film focused on his youthful lifestyle as a college dropout. He never wore shoes, had poor hygiene, but survived by his ideas. Ideas that he was meant for something bigger, but he wasn't sure what yet. There was a long bit towards the beginning of the film that highlighted his experience getting high on LSD with his girlfriend and friend. While high, he seemingly has an epiphany. After this, the innovator in him was awakened.

The film began slow, but once Jobs and Wozniak begin working together, the film picks up. It was beautifully shot, representing the mid 1970's well. This was probably the performance of Ashton Kutcher's career, so far. For that alone, I recommend seeing this. Very riveting, and inspirational.

My favorite quotes from the film, Steve Jobs says,

“When you grow up you tend to get told that the world is the way it is and you're life is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money. That's a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it… Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again.”    


"Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently…they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius."

Steve Jobs

Ashton Kutcher in JOBS