August Osage County (2013)

I originally wanted to see this film on opening weekend. Just my luck, I live in an area that didn't get the film. I even called and asked the theatre about it, and they said that the film is only playing in select theatres. Leave it to Northern California to get the film, months later, at a discount theatre. There's one benefit! Seeing Meryl Streep's screen presence for only $1.50!

The film was as intense as expected. The Academy Awards had already passed, giving well deserved praise to the nominated cast, so by the time I got to see the film, there were very few secrets left. My official opinion about the film, is that the story would've been better on a stage.

August Osage County is about a severely dysfunctional family living in rural Oklahoma. After the Father Beverly, head of the family, played by Sam Shepherd, goes missing one of the daughters living close by calls the rest of the family to their Mother Violet's house, played by Meryl Streep. Violet is a chain smoker, on many medications that suppress her mouth cancer. It's a wonder she has mouth cancer, when she is the most foul mouthed out of everyone. Once the family is together, the skeletons begin to come out of the closet. Many secrets are exposed, and the already broken family has a breakdown, which everyone suffers. The connection that moves us is between Violet and her daughter Barbara, played by Julia Roberts. By the end of the film, no one wants to be around Violet and her inconsiderate "truth telling," and drug addiction.

Nothing really changes within the family dynamic. One could argue that some members of the family were living in denial, or wearing rose colored glasses. But after several exposed secrets, everyone is forced to see, and live with their demons.

If there is one thing I have learned from the state of my own extended family, it is that life is too short to allow anyone to make you feel bad about yourself. Sometimes we choose to stay away from those who create chaos and cause unhappiness in our lives.

First I need to acknowledge the cinematography. The film was shot with excellent simplicity and sharpness! The cast was out-of-this-world! Meryl Streep was over the top, but she was also very raw and honest. Brutally honest! Julia Roberts was shadowing Streep's onscreen style, bringing back a little Erin Brockovich attitude to the character of Barbara. Playing Barbara's husband Bill is Ewan McGregor. He is always great in his films, however his American accent needs more rehearsing. Their teenage daughter Jean is played by Abigail Breslin. She has come a long way! Jean is an angst ridden teenage girl, in the middle of an identity crisis. Barbara's sisters are played by Juliette Lewis and Julianne Nicholson. The three sisters all have their own personalities and opinions of right and wrong. Their bond was very present, making it easy for the audeince to sympathize with the girls. One surprise was Benedict Cumberbatch. In contrast to Ewan McGregor, Benedict's American accent was flawless! And his role as Cousin Charles was tough to watch since he is directly involved with a great family secret. The rest of the cast, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, and Margo Martindale proved very impressive as well.

There are a few points in the film I think deserve recognition. During a dinner scene, the family is together post-funeral, and it has been requested that Charlie, played by Chris Cooper, say grace. The others at the table are awkward, and impatient, as it takes Charlie a little while to say grace. As I'm watching this moment, I realize that what was said during grace is actually the most heartfelt moment in the whole story. It is the one time the family is together, without hatred or malice.

The next moment I think is worth mentioning is during the same scene, after grace, during their meal. When Violet begins mouthing off and going overboard, Barbara asks what pills she has taken. Violet then takes out a small bottle of pills from her pocket and begins to brag about how great they are. Out of no where, Barbara lunges towards her mother, reaching for the bottle, tackling Violet to the floor. Family members fall over each other to regain control over Barbara. It is a great eruption that the audience craves! Even I wanted to see the daughters take the pills away and help their mother achieve sobriety. In the play, that tackle takes place on a sofa center stage. I felt the impact was greater when it was during their meal at the formal dining table.

While watching the film certain ideas crossed my mind: Family affairs, truth, identity, drama, family secrets, burden, demons, and mirrors. Most of these are self explanatory. Identity and mirrors are in relation to inherited traits within the family. Exposed family secrets means the family has to live with the mistakes of others. Awkwardness, and the results of poor choices.

On stage, the play received a lot of attention at the Tony Awards in 2008. In Violet's shoes, the stage has witnessed the likes of Phylicia Rashad and Estelle Parsons. The set is a simple set, reminiscent of A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen. It's a grand, old fashioned, two story house, cut open for the audience to see into the lives of this mad family.

It is heart breaking when you learn of tragic family secrets. It becomes a greater struggle to come to terms with your own demons. Choose your battle wisely. You can only take so much!

A great film, with a phenomenal cast. However, I recommend seeing the play live for a better, more in depth experience.

 The official film poster.

My personal favorite film poster, when Barbara is fighting Violet for the pill bottle.

A different perspective, film poster. This one is less threatening than the previous.

Violet, Bill, and Barbara

The climax of the film.

On Broadway

Estelle Parsons

Phylicia Rashad

Winter's Tale (2014)

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a great movie. I decided to see Winter's Tale. This was an unexpectedly deep story, and I was not prepared for it. And the cast was one surprise after another. I believe the best reviews come from a completely open mind. I didn't research the film or sneak a peek at the cast list beforehand. I wanted to experience it as the rest of the audience does at my local movie theatre. I have to say, this is the first time I went to a movie at the local theatre, and the crowd was quiet. We were all hanging onto the plot, desperate to know if this love story has a happy ending. It does, and it doesn't depending on your perspective.

The film is based on the book by Mark Helprin. Knowing this now, could prove to be problematic. Some reviews have said the film doesn't do the book justice. I hope to read it soon, and then add more to this post. 

The film takes place in New York in the early 1900's. Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) is a thief working to escape his "boss" Pearly Soames (Russell Crowe). We learn quickly that Pearly knows something about Peter Lake's destiny that we don't. For some reason, he needs to stop it. Peter comes across a white horse that seems to want to help him escape, and is led to the house of Beverly Penn. Peter meets her while attempting to burglarize the house. Peter falls in the love with her, and eventually wins over her family as well. When his destiny begins to fall into place, Beverly dies. Peter lives the next 90 years, lost his memory, and time has not aged him. Peter's memory is beginning to come back when he runs into Virginia (Jennifer Connelly) and her daughter Abby. Virginia helps Peter find and remember his past. Broken hearted, remembering his loss, he tries understand why he is still alive after all this time. He will learn, there is more to his destiny. 

This is a story about love stronger than time and dimension. It's about the miracle true love is. It's a beautiful story, very original, romantic, with great depth. The script is well written and intelligent. When Peter and Beverly fall in love, you will fall in love as well. 

My favorite moment in the film, was when Beverly and Peter are having tea after she caught him burglarizing her family home. With a smile she asks him, "What is the best thing you've ever stolen?" He replies, "I'm beginning to think I haven't stolen it yet."

Colin Farrell is great with the younger cast. In Saving Mr. Banks he had great chemistry with his on-screen daughter in that film. He is really great to watch when paired with kids. 

There were a few surprises in the cast, aside from the surprises in the plot. Will Smith has a very interesting part, that I thought he played very well! The whole theatre erupted when he was suddenly introduced. He was perfect for the part, and I'm sure he challenged himself with this one. William Hurt plays Beverly's Father. Graham Greene plays a confidant to Peter, Matt Bomer of White Collar fame plays Peter's Father. And the great Eva Marie Saint, known best for On The Waterfront (1954) and North By Northwest (1959), plays Beverly's little sister, grown up. 

Russell Crowe is the villain in this film, and plays it well. I can't tell you too much about his character because there is some magic to the world in the film. The only problem I had with his role, was the accent. He was playing Irish, but in many moments the accent was almost mumbled and I couldn't understand what he was saying. Then there was a fight in the snow towards the end of the film, and the dust was kicking up in the scene from the fake snow. In the slow-motion sequence is became painfully obvious it was fake snow. Finally, I wish the ending was more romantic. The story ends  unexpectedly, and with no romance. I felt the story deflated when the plot changed. The first 3/4 is what makes the film wonderful. 

The makeup and special effects were dynamite! The effects particularly enhanced the cinematography of the film. The landscapes were beautiful, the snow around the early 20th century architecture was majestic and mysterious. The performances were perfect, and at moments heartbreakingly honest. It becomes apparent that the director wants you to feel the depth of emotion and passion the characters feel. Bring tissues.

Overall, a brilliant film. The story is about believing in miracles and having hope. It is a timeless love story. A great contrast to the film Valentine's Day (2010).

Diana (2013)

Growing up, I always watched the royal family on tv. I grew up right along with William and Harry. But no one captured my attention more than Princess Diana. I always considered her to be the most beautiful person, inside and out. Her humanitarian efforts is what I remember most. I once saw a newspaper comic with her standing next to Mother Teresa, holding hands in heaven. Princess Diana always had a big heart, which the royal family and the paparazzi filled with heartbreak. Her desperation for privacy led to her death in Paris, August 31, 1997. I remember my mother was devastated with the news. The whole world cried for Diana that night. The film Diana, was an intimate look inside her personal life post royal family. This is the story of the press wanting too much from her, ruining the one relationship that meant the most, and leading to her death.

In the opening of the film, we are already hit with Diana's apparent loneliness and her attempt at coping with her failed marriage to the royal family, and the media coverage of her heartbreak. We also see that the circumstances didn't deter her from being the caring, loving, and thoughtful Diana we would expect. Living in comfortable surroundings in Kensington Palace, she was always kind and respectful towards her staff, never requiring too much from them. A frantic call from a friend led to Diana arriving alone at a hospital without any security. Here is where she met Hasnat Khan, in 1995.

After living like a Princess for so long, Hasnat was able to remind her what "normal" felt like. Having dinner one night in her Palace, he was seemingly uncomfortable. Diana sent out for Burger King to give him the much less formal dinner he prefers. After this we learn of their two different worlds. I'm surprised there wasn't more controversy surrounding his Islamic background and her interest in it.

The film had quirky, fun, normal relationship moments, yet others I found to be very awkward. I think the awkwardness is intentional, that way the audience could feel what Diana must have been in an effort to have the normal life she desired. She would even wear wigs and disguises in order to go out on dates with Hasnat. It was in the early development of their romantic relationship that she did the famous interview with Martin Bashir from Panorama BBC. The personal backlash wasn't what she expected. She knew the public would be buzzing with all of the new juicy information, but she didn't expect it to have any effect on Hasnat. He very much wanted to maintain his private life. She would take great care to give Hasnat what he wanted, so they could be together, which proved not to be enough.

This film, based on Kate Snell's book Diana: Her Last Love, shows us Diana's last bit of happiness before the end of her life. The problem I had with the film was that we didn't see her be a Mom. There is one moment with her kids, very briefly towards the end of the film, that was all. I really think they should've expanded the scene. I know the purpose of the film wasn't her role in motherhood, but the film drops the image and creates a different identity for her. Instead we see her vulnerability in place of strength. Perhaps this is necessary. We are not used to thinking of Princess Diana as a sensitive or vulnerable person. Publicly, she always exuded strength, kindness, and love.

After going through great lengths to keep the man she loved, the media made a spectacle of their relationship that Hasnat, nor his family, wanted to compete with. Not long after their relationship ended, Diana met Dodi Fayed. She never stopped loving Hasnat, however she made a point to let the media see her enjoying herself. Only a month later, in 1997, Diana and Dodi in an effort to escape the swarming paparazzi outside a Parisian hotel, they would die in a collision in a tunnel.

The film focuses on the media constantly violating her privacy. Dining in restaurants on vacation and hearing a camera shutter at a neighboring table would prove an unsettling sound that would make anyone feel violated. Truly a heartbreaking story about the most loved public figure in the world.

The cast in the film was impressive. Naveen Andrews played Hasnat Khan. I appreciate his charisma on screen. Naomi Watts played our beloved Princess. She was good, and brought the raw emotion and substance needed to give the character depth. She brought out the human side of Diana we are not used to seeing. However, I felt she played it too vulnerable. During the reenacted Bashir interview, Naomi played her deep breaths with sadness that seemed awkward. After comparing the film to Princess Diana's actual interview, I noticed she had sad eyes, but had stronger, more comfortable body language conversing with Bashir.

Overall a beautiful story, with humor and dignity. Bring tissues folks!

Behind The Candelabra HBO (2013)

We all remember the great showman as a very talented pianist and entertainer. When I was growing up, I'd see rerun specials about his show, the sparkly wardrobe, and showing off his million dollar smile. My generation also learned about AIDS, and how some of our leading men of old had fallen to the virus. Liberace didn't want to be famous, or remembered for his lifestyle and choices, but for his talent. I'm not sure that legacy has been altered too much, but our perspectives may change in the way we appreciate him now. 

Behind The Candelabra: My Life with Liberace was an expose written by Liberace's former boyfriend, Scott Thorson. The book inspired the film, starring Micheal Douglas as Liberace, Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, Debbie Reynolds as Liberace's mother, Rob Lowe, Paul Riser, Dan Akroyd, and Scott Bakula. The film is the story of how Scott met Liberace in 1977, and how the showman became fond of him in return. They began a mostly physical relationship that later turned into a marriage-like arrangement in the 80's. There is no doubt these two loved each other, regardless of lifestyle, drugs, fame and fortune. Since marriage wasn't an option, due to the risk surrounding Liberace's career and reputation, Liberace wanted to adopt Scott. He even had his plastic surgeon redesign Scott's face to have a similar liking to that of Liberace. In this way, they would become "family." 

Personally, this film was extremely difficult to watch. I did not know Liberace well, nor knew much about his life and career. The film exposes many personal details within their relationship, Scott's drug addiction, and Liberace's obsession with himself. We also learn about Liberace's hair piece, plastic surgery to look younger, and how candid he was with his live-in boyfriend around the staff in his home. Michael Douglas and Matt Damon make for a convincing couple. The perfect portrayal of imperfect men. 

Steven Soderbergh was the perfect director for a film like this. However, it felt that he wanted us to feel close to the characters. At moments too close during love making scenes, or tender moments lying in bed talking. Some moments for me were too invasive. I don't necessarily want the voyeuristic perspective into the personal details of their affair. Some scenes I also felt the cinematography was out of sync with the rest of the film. It created an inconsistent perspective during stressful events. 

Michael Douglas didn't change anything about himself for the role. Many scenes with him shirtless, or even near naked, and he let it all hang out. The obvious older physique next to Matt Damon's youthful muscles. Rob Lowe playing the surgeon, was almost unrecognizable with his very stretched face. The makeup for him, and technique to maintain the same expression throughout the film were amazing! Dan Akroyd made an impression as well, with a great set of glasses and a fluffy hair piece, acting as Seymour, Liberace's manager. Debbie Reynolds was graceful and memorable. Paul Reiser played Scott Thorson's attorney during the couples "separation."

The makeup team had their work cut out for them. After the surgery on Scott's face to make him look like Liberace, Matt Damon had to wear latex pieces for his nose to be longer with a tip, a cleft chin, and higher cheekbones. Michael Douglas had a realistic bald cap for Liberace's hair loss under the wig. Debbie Reynolds looked great in her prosthetic pieces, but her eyes gave her away. I don't know what they did to Rob Lowe, but it looked amazing!

The actors were perfect in their performance, going all in. Matt Damon really surprised me. I've never seen him play a character filled with so much aggression and rage. When Scott was tested to his limits, he made sure to let Liberace know how he felt. I suppose when you are playing passionate characters, you can't hold back any emotion. You just go for it!

Liberace made many promises to Scott, and almost always broke them. Before he died, he made Scott promise to keep a few secrets as well. I guess we could assume Scott gave his promises as much validity as Liberace did. 

Behind the Candelabra is worth watching at least once. You'll witness the masters portraying the most raw and honest material we've seen in years.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014)

I know Philip Seymour Hoffman from The Big Lebowski, Twister, Patch Adams, Capote, Doubt, Charlie Wilson's War, and The Hunger Games. In every role he plays he always delivered beyond expectation. His capacity to perform and understand life's complexities is what all actors hope to achieve. 

It's amazing when we listen to the circumstances surrounding his death, we dismiss the tragic end and are quick to celebrate his life. We don't think poorly of him for his choices, we instead mourn what would have been. 

He is a beloved actor, who demonstrated a higher standard of quality film and performance we hope to see again in the entertainment community. 

Rest in peace old boy.

Read the Twitter posts, via PEOPLE Magazine, from friends and fellow actors here.

Bram Stoker's DRACULA (1992)

Well. This film is definitely a show stopper. For me, it was amusing to say the least! I'm going to dig right in.

The story of Dracula has many versions, but this one is probably the best written, and the most referenced. Dracula loses his love in his time, 13th century. Devastated, he promises to arise from his death and bring darkness with him. He survives 4 centuries when Jonathan Harker visits him about real estate. Harker ends up a prisoner in Dracula's castle. After seeing a photo of Mina, Harker's fiancee, Dracula pursues her believing it is his love. After he finds Lucy first, Mina's close friend, he feeds on her to preserve himself. Fallen ill, Lucy is looked after by Dr. Van Helsing who discovers what she has turned into. Eventually Dracula romances Mina, and she remembers her past life. Either she chooses immortality, or Johnathan rescues her.

Keanu Reeves is Harker, who has a terrible English accent, and amatuer acting qualities. He has certainly come a long way! Lucy is Sadie Frost, who was excellent! Winona Ryder is Mina, who didn't explore her character until the very end. It was only in the enthrallment of Dracula's love that she became convincing. Dr. Van Helsing is played by Sir Anthony Hopkins, who always performs well. In a college acting class, my instructor read a quote by Sir Anthony. It said he reads his scripts 150 times, to fully understand the circumstances, the characters, and himself. I assume Gary Oldman follows the same method, because his part playing Dracula himself, was outstanding! When you first watch the film, you'll find it difficult to keep watching, until we are acquainted with Dracula. Once we've met him, we can't help but watch the film for him. We want to know more about him. Gary Oldman plays great characters. He stole the film, and made it worth watching.

The director and producer of this film was Francis Ford Coppola. This was shocking to me! The amatuer special effects, transitions, and cinamtagraphy is something I wouldn't expect from the director of The Godfather. I was surprised the effects weren't better presented. Star Wars was released only 2 decades prior, and the special effects were much smoother. Star Wars proved that very little can do so much more, when filmed right.

This film has many problems. I will probably never watch it again! However I think it is worth watching at least once. It will motivate you to read the book! I plan to read the book soon and compare notes.

I am an aspiring makeup artist with only a few credits to my name, and the makeup artist for Gary Oldman in this film is a former student of the school I want to go to. The makeup in this film was just amazing, scary, detailed, and definitely hard work!
www.joeblasco.com/blascoschools/index.htm

The surprise about this film, Cary Elwes. He is a fantastic actor, who probably doesn't receive much credit because of his famous "fun" roles in The Princess Bride and Mel Brooks films. I really enjoy Cary in more serious/complex roles. I found it really funny, the degrees of separation between this Dracula film and Mel Brooks' Dracula, Dead and Loving It. If Cary had played Harker in the spoof, it would've been a perfect match!

Eragon (2006)

Eragon is a film we all hoped would've been a success. The book series, written by Christopher Poalini, has won the hearts of fantasy readers all over the world. The cast for the film is very impressive, with the likes of John Malkovich, Rachel Weisz, Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Djimon Hounsou, and even Joss Stone. Unfortunately the film flopped at the box office with many readers complaining the film didn't do the story justice. Still, I believe the film had great potential. I own it. And I'm a proud owner.

The film is set in a fantasy world where a farm boy mysteriously comes across a large, blue egg. Dragons and riders have been long gone since their evil king took control, killing all of his predecessors. The farm boy, Eragon, keep the egg hidden until it happens to hatch in a beautiful blue dragon. Now Eragon is in trouble. If the King discovers him, he will be killed. Brom, a local man who was once a rider himself, educates Eragon about his dragon, and how to fight. Jeremy Irons plays Brom. He is very strict and stern with Eragon. Only he knows the risk, and what challenges are ahead. Rachel Weisz plays the voice of the blue dragon, named Saphira. She is the perfect, melodic, friendly voice needed for such a beautiful dragon. John Malkovich plays the King Galbatorix, and Robert Carlyle plays the Shade, Durza.

The film is beautifully shot, with opulent landscapes, light and lush, with touches of darkness to represent evil. I'm a sucker for fantasy, beautiful cinematography, dragons, and action! This film has great potential, but is lacking substance in the plot to keep the audience interested. They included large portions of the story from the first book, but I'm sure they left out some interesting points. The main character is super naive and foolish. It is annoying because you want him to be better, stronger, a leader. It isn't until the end we see Eragon finally assume his role. Saphira is a beautiful creature, exactly as I imagined. The CG images were awesome to watch. The ruggedness of the film reminds of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, and the beauty reminds me of Narnia.

The book is as slow moving as this film. I think it was well cast, but wrongfully played. The characters would've been better portrayed if they had courage to begin with, and the knowledge to make better choices. Films and books are two separate entities. A film can be appreciated if it is a successful execution regardless of origin. However there is a risk when making a film based on popular books. The filmmakers have to make sure they please both the film audience as well as the readers who will watch with a certain expectation.

If they made a second film, I have no doubt that it would've been better executed. It's a shame too, because this film leaves you with a cliff-hanger at the end!

I still think the film is worth watching, but it is an acquired taste. If you enjoy fantasy, this is a film I recommend.