7.07.2009

Movie Review – Public Enemies


4 words – “Christian Bale” and “Johnny Depp” – two of the best actors today finally in one film together. Although they rarely have scenes together they both contribute greatly to this sexy, dangerous crime film. Director Michael Mann takes us back to the Depression when robbing banks was the money making scheme of choice in a pre-Madoff world and John Dillinger (Depp) is named Public Enemy #1 by the head of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover. Melvin Purvis (Bale) is the FBI agent in charge of bringing Dillinger down. Depp and Bale are joined by an extraordinary support cast who create a thrilling cat and mouse chase based on actual events. Whether you love a crime film or you’re in love with Johnny Depp (like me) – “Public Enemies” will unshackle you from summer sequel boredom.

Pros:
- The Support Cast – Recreating an entire FBI department as well as an entire “gang” of bank robbers takes more than two leading men. The secondary characters of “Enemies” make the story more complete and in an understated way, fulfill the feel of the movie. They really are the atmosphere as much as the props, Bale and Depp. I was really impressed with the whole ensemble, which includes: David Wenham (“Australia”), Stephen Dorff, Channing Tatum (“Stop-Loss”), Rory Cochrane (“CSI: Miami”), Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”), Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard (Academy Award Winner for her role in “La Vie en Rose”), Giovanni Ribisi (“Perfect Stranger”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Wire”), Shawn Hatosy (“Southland”), and many, many other talented folks.

- The Cinematography – One of the most standout characteristics of “Enemies” is the way the cameras work. It’s shot in a documentary type style, which I really like because it brought me more into the story. As opposed to watching this bank robber’s life unfold the filming style has the audience living the height of Dillinger’s life with him. It’s also beneficial for Bale’s side of the story. When the cameras are on him, no matter how much you love Dillinger, you want Purvis to catch the man.

- The Visuals – Taking place around the Depression, Michael Mann and his creative team restore the distinctive 1930’s look by not recreating anything at all actually. Much of the film was shot at historical locations still standing that many of the Dillinger events took place such as the Little Bohemia Lodge where Dillinger and some of his gang were found by the FBI and engaged in a gun fight.


- The Soundtrack - Elliot Goldenthal has done notable scores for other films like “Across the Universe” and “Frida.” For “Enemies” he combines bad-boy, blue grass type tunes with music from the era as well as piano melodies that all help to paint the perfect picture.

- Christian Bale – Bale’s “Purvis” is serious. I don’t think he smiles once during the film (well maybe once in the beginning when he’s gunning down a famous gangster), but it works playing both to Bale's assets as an actor as well as the tone of the character.


- Johnny Depp – Oh how I love Depp, let me count the ways. Maybe I’ll save that for another post – I’ll stay focused for the sake of the review. Depp’s Dillinger is sexy with a sense of true danger. There’s a subtly that the man sometimes fears for his life and is deeply hurt at the loss of friends or their mistreatment. I feel like I got to know John Dillinger with all credit due to another phenomenal Depp performance. No wonder he’s my favorite!



Cons:
- Length – At over an hour and a half in length “Enemies” could have used a few more edits (just not cutting out any of Depp – hehe).

- How Much is True – Scenes such as Dillinger walking through the “Dillinger Division” of the FBI without any of the staff recognizing him and scenes like people waving at him like a celebrity while he’s being driven to prison then Dillinger not being recognized in a movie theater make me wonder how much of the movie represents actual events.

- Purvis Point of View - More of Purvis’ point of view or more of a glimpse into his personal life would have added a nice symmetry to the film.


Summary:
“Public Enemies” is a wonderful bio pic of two legendary Depression era men – one robs banks and the other hunts bank robbers - they both like their guns. The whole team behind “Enemies” should be quite proud. Although I don’t think it’ll be up for any major awards this season, it’s a must see. The talent is reflected in all aspects of the movie – everything from the camera angles, to the score, to the costumes and best of all – the ensemble cast (and Johnny of course - swoon).

What did you think of the 30’s era picture? Did you think the cast was right or that maybe Leonardo DiCaprio should have played the notorious Dillinger?

"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
Read more!

7.04.2009

Film Review - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen


I’m 60/40 about “Revenge” – I 40% liked it and 60% did not. I know it’s practically treason not like this movie, but, personally, I need more than CG and loud noises to enjoy an action flick. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like bits and pieces, but not enough to over rule the rest. The sequel to Michael Bay’s 2007 film, based on the toys by Hasbro, is louder, larger, geographically wider, and 6 minutes longer (it feels like 6 hours) than its predecessor. Some initial hype indicated there was more of a plot this time around, but, not surprisingly, there isn’t. The plot is just more complicated. Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro come together again and Ramon Rodriguez is a great addition to the cast of a not-so-great movie.

Pros:
- A Moment Here and There – There are a couple moments in “Revenge” that made me smile (or show some emotion other than disappointment). Any scene with Sam Witwicky’s parents is solid, relatable and genuine (with one exception). Scenes cover situations such as holding emotions back when your kid leaves for college, to fighting for their safety. The parent/kid relationship in this movie is very well written and plays authentically on screen (if you’re wondering what the “exception” is – it’s a scene where Sam’s mom eats pot brownies and runs around campus – it’s a stupid scene, but all others are great!). Another “Pros” moment takes place in the library. Particularly funny is when Sam gives Kaela a 10 second count down indicating when he will speak to her again. Anyone in a relationship will find the humor in this particular “must we do this now” type scenario.


- Ramon Rodriguez – I didn’t like the character of Sam’s college roommate…at first, but he grew on me. Turns out, Rodriguez (and his character) are pretty darn funny and is a refreshing addition to the robotic franchise.

Cons:
- Troublesome Characters - Man, what I wouldn’t give to have been a fly on the wall at the board meeting with Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg when they decided on the two ridiculous characters - Skids and Mudflap. I mean really, MICHAEL BAY and STEVEN SPIELBERG sat down one day and consciously chose to have these characters in the movie. Consider my mind blown.

- Louder Does Not Equal Better – More noise, faster robot transformations, expanded destruction and chaos on speed does not combine to create the greatest movie ever made. Not even close. Side note – at one point in the beginning of the movie some sort of robot destroys a city and breaks through an overpass. There is a lot of loud metal noises, but no sound effect for the crushed concrete and rebar, which for me made the movie that much sloppier.


- Clichés, clichés, clichés – There are three writing credits for “Revenge” and two of the writers also wrote for this year’s “Star Trek” and currently write for the show “Fringe.” With that said, it is unacceptable to have such overly used, 100% UNorginial lines as “Revenge will be mine” screamed from one of the Decepticons! Where’s the creativity - even an ounce? It’s like the writers gave up knowing that the CG would steal the show.


Summary:
The only folks I’d recommend this film to are people who want to waste nearly 3 hours of their lives and who want to leave with a headache with only a slight smile remembering the few sparse funny moments during “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” If that sounds like you, then by all means, check out this ridiculous film.

What did you think of this movie? Is it a good sequel? What are your thoughts on Transformers 3?


"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
Read more!