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Oldboy (2013)

Posted by amateurcinefile on March 9, 2014 in 2013 Film Reviews

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Review by-Jarrett Leahy

Of the many things the internet has had a noticeable impact on, the prevalence, acceptance and appreciation for foreign films by a wider American audience is pretty high up on that list. Through the help of websites like IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes along with the plethora of movie blogs, popular and critically acclaimed movies from all around the globe now have a fairer chance to find an appreciative audience in a country stereotypically believed to be allergic to any film containing subtitles. One such film that grew in popularity over the last decade through the power of digital word of mouth is the 2003 South Korean revenge thriller, Oldboy.  Masterfully suspenseful, violent, and disturbing, Oldboy is not an easy watch by any means, but director Chan-wook Park’s ability to skillfully craft and unravel a multi-layered storyline was hard to ignore or write off. So hard in fact that Hollywood, in all their pilfering glory, decided it would be a great idea to bring in director Spike Lee along with Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen in the hopes to creating an “American version” of this cult classic film.

Brolin stars as Joe Doucett, an obnoxious, self-centered advertisement executive who is a functioning alcoholic. After botching an important advertisement pitch, Doucett goes on a wild bender, drinking himself into a blackout stupor. The next morning, Joe awakens to mysteriously find himself imprisoned in an undisclosed hotel room with no contact with the outside world other than the three daily meals slid under the door. As weeks turn into months, Doucett has a great deal of time to re-evaluate his life choices, especially the empty relationship he had with his young daughter. Inexplicably released after twenty years of solitary confinement, Doucett goes on a vengeful rampage in an attempt to find those responsible for his kidnapping and also to reunite with his long lost daughter. Aiding Doucett in his search for answers is Marie Sebastian, a triage nurse played by Elizabeth Olsen.

From the opening scene, Josh Brolin sets a tone of simmering intensity, committing to an unrestrained performance that could have but never did turn farcical. Olsen adeptly brought to her character a nurturing sense of over-compassion, as Marie is someone who struggles with her own inner demons and wants to help this damaged man. If there is one redeeming thing about this version of Oldboy, it would have to be the chemistry between Brolin and Olsen. Unfortunately, just about everything else however is a mess. Storylines involving Samuel L. Jackson and Sharlto Copley of District 9 fame, both felt outlandish to the point of being droll, and plot twists meant to create feelings of surprise and shock instead felt rushed and were ultimately unsuccessful. The blame for this falls on the shoulders Spike Lee, a director far past his prime whose celebrity status is now bigger than his resume. The perfect example of the ineptitude of Lee’s filmmaking is his woeful attempt to recreate one of the most memorable scenes of Park’s film, a slow motion attack sequence where the protagonist cuts through a hallway full of assailants with just a hammer. While the original’s violent depiction created a feeling of shock and awe, Lee’s looks and feels uninspiringly senseless.

The vengeful storyline of Oldboy is very taste specific. I would not recommend even the original to anyone who is squeamish about graphic depictions of violence. But what makes this 2013 version even harder to recommend is its disregard for the mysterious, dreamlike suspense the original film so masterfully created. Those unfamiliar with the story, tread lightly, and for the Oldboy fans out there, keep your expectations for this version really low.-JL

Grade: C-


Edited by-Michelle Zenor

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Last Vegas (2013)

Posted by amateurcinefile on March 7, 2014 in 2013 Film Reviews

last vegas
Review by-Jarrett Leahy

Paddy (De Niro), Billy (Douglas), Archie (Freeman), and Sam (Kline) have been four lifelong friends since their childhood growing up in Brooklyn. When Billy, forever the bachelor, spontaneously proposes to his much younger girlfriend, “The Flatbush Four,” now in their sixties, decide to relive their youth with a Las Vegas bachelor party weekend to send him off in style.

The only real reason to watch Last Vegas is simply to see Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline, a group of legendary actors that have a combined 14 Academy award nominations and 5 acting Oscars between the four of them.  It’s an impressive feat that director Jon Turteltaub and Co. were able to get actors of this caliber to all sign on to do this project and there is a genuine camaraderie between all of them.  Michael Douglas, in all his orange fake tan glory, perfectly embodies the pompous swagger of a permanent playboy and De Niro is yet again the stereotypical New Yorker complete with a killer right cross.  But if I had to choose a leader of this gray haired Rat Pack, it would have to be Morgan Freeman, who offers the most heartfelt and amusing performance of the four.

While casting can be a make-or-break aspect of a movie, unfortunately with Last Vegas it seems as if the filmmakers involved thought their work was done after landing their four golden tickets. The premise of the film obviously doesn’t lend to an Oscar caliber screenplay, but even actors this gifted can only carry a cliched, paper-thin script so far. Boozing meatheads, bikini contests with scantily clad bimbos and every other Vegas banality is wielded in front of the camera with the hopes of creating some sort of cheap laugh.  Adding to the painful attempt at comedy is an absurd over abundance of elderly jokes with punch lines that include Lipitor, AARP, and Medicaid.  Being a fan of Robert De Niro, it pains me to watch the man who helped give us Goodfellas, Heat, and Casino starring in a film of this middling quality.  Perhaps with his recent string of less than stellar films, I should be used to it, but I still refuse to admit that this is the best he can offer his many adoring fans, especially after seeing what he brought to the screen just last year in Silver Linings Playbook.

At its best, Last Vegas is playful and light entertainment that has brought together on screen four of the best actors of any generation.  There are some genuinely touching moments, highlighted by a Morgan Freeman dance scene that truly made me chuckle.  Unfortunately at its worst, Last Vegas is a highly predictable, unoriginal, geriatric tourist video complete with every bad Vegas cliche. Overall, Last Vegas is spectacularly unspectacular.-JL

Grade: C


Edited by-Michelle Zenor

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Drinking Buddies (2013)

Posted by amateurcinefile on March 4, 2014 in 2013 Film Reviews

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Review by-Jarrett Leahy

Jake Johnson, best known for portraying Nick Miller on New Girl, and Olivia Wilde play Luke and Kate, co-workers at a small brewery in Chicago.  Though each is in a committed relationship with someone else,  Luke and Kate share a very playful and flirtatious friendship.  After meeting at one of the brewery functions, Kate’s boyfriend Chris (Ron Livingston) invites Luke and his girlfriend Jill (Anna Kendrick) up to his family cottage for the weekend.  Over many beers and wine, conversations are had and the future of both relationships begin to look at bit less certain.

Writer/director Joe Swanberg was reportedly given a budget of just under $1 million to make Drinking Buddies.  Despite the many difficulties that come with independent cinema, there are also creative freedoms that are not always seen on bigger studio films. This type of flexibility allows ambitious filmmakers to take artistic chances as Swanberg did with this unique piece of cinema.  Drinking Buddies had no script, but instead was completely improvised as the actors were given only a vague framework of the story.  The talented young cast genuinely seems to be enjoying the freedom of this unorthodox style of filmmaking, as it allowed each actor to more personalize their dialogue.  Olivia Wilde perfectly encapsulates the hot girl next door who just loves to be one of the guys.  From the start, the on-screen chemistry between Wilde and Johnson is palpable, each exuding the flirtatious energy of two people who should probably be together if it wasn’t for the fact that each is already with someone else.  Anna Kendrick is yet again the ultimate supporting star as she not only offers consistently splendid performances, but also makes every actor she works with better.

Overall, my best description for Drinking Buddies is it’s just a really cool flick; it poignantly captures the beautiful randomness of life.  For those who desire a more straightforward romantic comedy plot, this film might not be for you.  However, for cinema fans that appreciate more experimental indie films, what Drinking Buddies lacks in formal structure, it totally makes up for in charm and genuine emotion.  We see relationships at various crossroads, complete with the awkward silences of things left unsaid, and jealous tension flairs as the film explores the perils of trying to be “just friends” with someone of the opposite sex.  I can’t stress enough the importance of supporting smaller films, and one this ambitiously unique is definitely worth seeking out.

Grade: B


Edited by-Michelle Zenor
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In A World…(2013)

Posted by amateurcinefile on March 2, 2014 in 2013 Film Reviews

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Review by-Jarrett Leahy

Carol is a struggling voice coach who is forever in the shadow of her father Sam, a legend in the cutthroat industry of commercial voice-over acting. To make matters worse, she is now being forced to crash at her sister and husband’s place when her father’s much younger girlfriend decides to move in. Fortunes change however when Gustav, Sam’s voice-over protege, gets sick and is no-show for a highly desired job voicing a trailer for the latest big budget quadrilogy, The Amazon Games. In a pinch, Carol is asked to fill in and record a temp track. Her recording impresses the film’s executive producer so much that Carol is now in serious contention to land this sought after assignment. Upon hearing the news that Carol and not Gusav is now the front runner, her father, never one to be outshone, tries to use his industry clout to usurp this prestigious gig, setting up a contentious audition competition between father, daughter, & protege.

In-A-World-SmileIn A World…, recently released on DVD, is a charmingly confident little independent comedy written, directed, and starring Lake Bell. Bell, a gifted young comedienne, has spent the last six years cutting her teeth on the absurdist comedy show, Childrens Hospital where she plays Dr. Cat Black and has recently directed four episodes. Two of her fellow Childrens Hospital co-stars, Rob Corddry and Ken Marino, lend their comedic talents to the project, playing Carol’s brother-in-law, Moe, and the rival voice-over talent, Gusav. Bell was also able to cast her close friend, Cameron Diaz, who makes an amusing uncredited cameo in The Amazon Games trailer.

In A World…sneaks up on you and slowly unravels its sweet, quirky goodness. A subject as obscure and silly as voice-over acting runs the risk of turning campy and spoofish, so it is a testament to Lake’s skillful writing that the story remains sincere and lighthearted throughout. However, within that lightheartedness is a subtle yet important personal message from Bell, as she sheds light on an industry where women struggle for respect and job opportunities. I have a soft spot for a film where the star is also listed as the writer and director. When you are the sole creator of a work of cinema, there is nowhere to hide if things don’t pan out. I admire filmmakers that have the courage and the confidence in their talents and their work to take on all three roles. A true triple threat talent is rare to find, and Lake Bell certainly has made an unanticipated statement with In A World…-JL

Grade: B


Edited by-Michelle Zenor
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Movie Hall of Fame-CLASS OF 2014!!

Posted by amateurcinefile on March 1, 2014 in Cinema Hall of Fame, Cinema Journal

List by-Jarrett Leahy

Of all the sections I’ve created for this site, my Movie Hall of Fame is without a doubt the one I am most excited about.  Like every film fan, I have certain films that stand head and shoulders above the rest, the films in my personal “private collection” that I revisit more often than I’d like to admit sometimes.  I wanted a section where I could, even on just a small scale, honor and share my love and appreciation for these special cinematic works of art.

As mentioned in previous posts, because this is the first Hall of Fame class, I have selected 12 All-Time Favorites.  Each class thereafter will be a maximum of 6 films.  Trying to select ONLY twelve films was excruciatingly difficult.  It pained me to leave certain films off, but I did find some solace in idea that they will be highlights of future Hall of Fame classes.  The only real eligibility requirement I established was a 10 year wait after a film is released in theaters.  This mean films from 2004 and back were eligible for selection.  I was very conscientious about not having a list of just contemporary movies, so as part of my selection process, I decided to choose a favorite film from each decade in order for this first class to offer the widest representation of films (you will see in parentheses which voting slot each film fell under in order to be selected).  Enough with the rules and regulations, let’s get to the Inductees…

class of 2014


Almost Famous (The Director’s Cut) (2000) Cameron Crowe-(All Time Favorite)-I love this film.  I LOVE THIS FILM!  Director Cameron Crowe spent his teenage years touring with some of the greatest rock bands of the 1970’s as a writer for Rolling Stone magazine.  Based on his many wild “on the road” experiences, Crowe created this semi-autobiographical story of a young rock fan who becomes a writer for Rolling Stone and goes on tour with Stillwater, “a mid-level band struggling with their own limitations in the harsh face of stardom.”  I have watched Almost Famous countless times. It is a wonderful love letter to Rock ‘n Roll and there’s not an insincere scene in the entire film.  If I was forced to only select one film for this inaugural class, Almost Famous would be the one.  Did I mention I love this film?!

Before Sunset (2004) Richard Linklater-(1st Ballot HOFer)-There are SIX films from 2004 that are among my All-Time favorites and each has a legitimate chance of induction in future Hall of Fame classes.  However, Before Sunset is the only one being honored as a First Ballot Hall of Fame film today.  What director Richard Linklater and stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have been able to create in their Before trilogy is one of the most uniquely original love stories ever put on film.  Each installment, set nine years apart, gives us an almost voyeuristic peak into the world of Jesse and Celine.  Though I love them all, if I had to choose, Before Sunset is my personal favorite of the three films.  Because of my self-imposed ten year wait, Before Midnight, which was released last year, is not yet eligible for Hall of Fame inclusion.  But I can all but guarantee if I’m still doing this in 2023, it will be most likely be a first ballot selection as well.

Lost in Translation (2003) Sofia Coppola-(2000’s Decade (00-04)-I may be bending the rules a bit by calling this film my 2000’s representative (since Almost Famous and Before Sunset would have claimed that slot before Lost in Translation), but it’s my Hall of Fame and this inaugural class would not be complete without Sofia Coppola’s sublime comedy.  Filled with dry, subtle, incidental humor, Lost in Translation, the winner of the Best Original screenplay for 2003, remains the crowning jewel for both its stars, Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned the TV volume to all the way up, desperately hoping to hear what Bob whispers to Charlotte in that final classic scene.

Pulp Fiction (1994) Quentin Tarantino-(1990’s Decade)-Can any film be more deserving of being the 1990’s representative than Pulp Fiction?  Tarantino’s crime opus, and winner of the 1994 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, set the world of cinema on fire upon its initial release, inspiring a slew of copycats (which is ironic in that Quentin is also known for…borrowing ideas from his past favorites).  Among the now dozens of iconic scenes, the uniquely opinionated conversations between Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta) still crack me up every time.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) Woody Allen-(1980’s Decade)-When it comes to Woody Allen and his extensive list of films over the last 50 years, I have come to the conclusion that rarely do you find movie fans who do not fall under one of two simple categories, those who love his work and those who loathe it.  I obviously fall under the first category, and no Allen film has moved me more than Hannah and Her Sisters, the 1986 Oscar winner for Best Original screenplay.  As the opening line to my review of the film states, in a decade chock-full of sugar coated popcorn sellers, Hannah and her Sisters is a breath of fresh air, proving that truly great films were still made during the 1980′s.

The Godfather (1972) Francis Ford Coppola-(1970’s Decade)-While Almost Famous is my favorite film, if you were to ask me which movie do I feel is the greatest, without hesitation my answer would simply be Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather.  What can I say about the Best Picture winner of 1972 that hasn’t already been said?  The Godfather contains the finest actors of an entire generation giving some of their best work in a powerful and entertaining story that never disappoints.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Stanley Kubrick-(1960’s Decade)– According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of an odyssey is-1: A long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune. 2: an intellectual or spiritual wandering or quest.  Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is all of those and more.  Some find 2001 to be too slow or quiet, but I, like its many of its adoring fans, simply believe it to be the finest example of the science fiction genre to date. 

Anatomy of a Murder (1959) Otto Preminger-(1950’s Decade)-I expect some may disagree with my choosing Otto Preminger’s whip smart courtroom drama over the likes of 12 Angry Men, All About Eve or Sunset Blvd., but my love for Anatomy only grows with each viewing.  Anatomy of a Murder tells the story of a defense attorney who agrees to represent an Army Lieutenant who is on trial for murdering his wife’s alleged attacker.  This film is biting, tense, and cynically funny with amazing performances from all involved; to watch Jimmy Stewart and George C. Scott go back and forth during the courtroom scenes leaves me in sheer cinematic ecstasy.

Casablanca (1942) Michael Curtiz-(1940’s Decade)-The Best Picture winner for 1943, the legend of Casablanca has grown so large that some now take this enduring film for granted.  When I came up with the short list of possible 1940’s films for inclusion, it quickly became quite clear that no film came close to matching the passion or emotional power of Casablanca, with its iconographic images of Bogie and Bergman, the haunting melodies of As Times Go By, and the countless number of classic lines that have now joined the lexicon of everyday language.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) Victor Fleming-(Pre-1940’s)-With so many historical films to choose from, selecting a film for this Pre-1940’s category was an extremely difficult decision.  But despite having to pass on Chaplin’s many influential efforts, I just could not leave Oz off this inaugural class.  Every time I watch The Wizard of Oz I find myself in awe of MGM and their ability to create such a vibrant and technically brilliant film in 1939.  My favorite moment in the film is still Dorothy’s landing in Munchkin land and that magical transition from black & white to color.  Rarely does a year goes by where I don’t find myself visiting this iconic film at least once.

The Godfather Part II (1974) Francis Ford Coppola-(Wild Card #1)-Rarely does a sequel live up to the greatness the original film.  However, The Godfather Part II, the Academy award winner for Best Picture of 1974, is one of the rare exceptions to this rule.  In this continuation of the Corleone crime family saga, I love Coppola’s decision to intertwine the two stories of Michael and Vito’s rise in power and the contrasting effects this had on their family.  Part II is the only film in my movie world that has a legitimate case to overthrow The Godfather as the Greatest Film of All Time and there was no question in my mind about its inclusion in this first Hall of Fame class.

Before Sunrise (1995) Richard Linklater-(Wild Card #2)-Since I’ve already gushed over Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, please allow me to give a quick synopsis of Before Sunrise for the few that have yet to experience the romantic wonders of these films.  Two young people meet on a train heading for Vienna and strike up a conversation.  Jesse, an American, is flying back to the States the following day out of Vienna and plans to just wander around the city until morning because he can’t afford a hotel room. Celine, a French college student, is on her way back to Paris after visiting her grandmother in Budapest.  Smitten during their chance encounter, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train and explore Vienna with him until he has to catch his flight.  Simply put, these films are so personally beloved that I couldn’t have Sunset on this list without Sunrise.

Well that’s it, my Hall of Fame Class of 2014, twelve films with a combined seventy Academy Award nominations including eight Best Picture nominees, winning a total of twenty one Academy awards including three Best Pictures.  If you haven’t had the chance to see any of these films, I hope you take the time to seek them out, and then come back and let me know what you thought of them.  I’d also love to hear what you think of my first Hall of Fame class.  Feel free to leave any comments you may have, or a list of films that would be in your personal Movie Hall of Fame.  My hope is for this to be an annual event on my little site, so be sure to keep an eye out for the 2015 class next year during Oscar season.

Edited by-Michelle Zenor
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