The Boxtrolls Review

LAIKA is a studio that specializes in stop-motion animated films. They have been around for almost a decade doing contract work for films such as Corpse Bride and are responsible for a very funny segment in A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. But what they are most well-known for is their two films, Coraline and Paranorman. These two films changed the game for stop-motion animation, it allowed the sub genre to develop more creative and detailed worlds while having relatable characters and intense stories to go with it. In my opinion, these films make LAIKA the Pixar Studios of stop-motion. But as Pixar stumbled early by releasing A Bug's Life after their masterpiece Toy Story, LAIKA has made a similar mistake with their latest The Boxtrolls. It's a decent film that takes risks throughout, but in the end it never reaches the high-caliber quality that Coraline and Paranorman have.

The main positive that this film has going for it is the fact it is not afraid to be too dark or intense for children. The film deals with the theme of dealing with differences and being equal with one another, but the film does not sugarcoat the extremes that conflict this theme. It also deals with genocide, a theme that is hardly ever shown in children's films. The film deals with these themes bravely and openly and it doesn't tone it down to avoid scaring children. The fact the film even has this theme and handles it well gives it major respect points from me.

The stop-motion animation, per usual from LAIKA, is astounding to look at. The details of the setting and characters are all so refreshing to look at. The hard work that is put into making these films is amazing and it truly shows here. However, while Paranorman and Coraline develops the world around them, The Boxtrolls really doesn't do that. The camera quickly glances at the world around the characters every so often, but in not enough time for us to truly feel we're entering the world of the story like those other two films did.

The voice casting works well here too. Richard Ayoade and Simon Pegg's characters steal the show as the philosophical henchmen, while Kingsley does great with the villain role. The rest of the cast does well in their respective roles.

The main issues I have with this film come from the script. The plot itself is very predictable, there are no real twists or things coming out of left field. Every twist that this film tries to have can easily be guessed and has been seen a million times. Another pitfall that the script suffers from is not developing the main characters well enough. Paranorman and Coraline's biggest strengths come from developing all of the characters, main or side. With this film, I felt the side characters were well developed, but the main character was just a standard archetype of a boy and I felt that the Boxtrolls were meant just to look cute for the kids and really nothing more. As a result, I feel that LAIKA made this film cutesy just to get the money rolling by appealing to families instead of making a film with memorable characters and a well-written script that will appeal to all.

While The Boxtrolls does have a few great dark moments and some funny jokes, this is easily LAIKA's weakest film to date. The script should have been worked on as hard as the animators work on their fantastic stop-motion. While it is entertaining and it does take risks every so often, the film just doesn't impress me as much as Paranorman or Coraline did. Hopefully, LAIKA's next film will focus more on the creativity those two films had rather than playing it safe like The Boxtrolls did.

Rating: 7 out of 10

The Maze Runner Review

As I mentioned in my review for The Giver a few weeks ago, YA adaptations are a big trend in Hollywood. To be honest, I think they may become just as big if not bigger than superhero movies in a few years. Every few months, there is a new YA movie that has a huge fan base behind it and these movies typically involve these elements: a forced love triangle that is the main focus instead of the actual plot or the action scenes, a dystopia that should show dark and twisted ideals but instead tones it down to keep the PG-13 rating, and the end credits/certain scenes being an advertisement for big name indie artists. I was very worried going into this one that it would be another typical YA movie showing at least one of these elements. But to my surprise, The Maze Runner is not your typical YA movie. It's a fun and dark YA adaptation that could become a game changer this sub genre.

One strong positive that this film has is that it strays away from the YA genre and does its own thing instead. While the plot involves a dystopian area with a bunch of boys and only one girl shows up, there is no forced soap operatic romance subplot. Instead the focus is on the plot, which has very refreshingly dark and twisted moments. This is welcoming to me since most YA movies don't even try to take this risk. The other thing that's refreshing is that this movie relies on a really impacting and tense score only and not indie bands trying to make quick cash by showing their music in the end credits or certain action scenes.

Two other strengths this film has to offer is in the acting and directing. I was very skeptical about Dylan O'Brien in the main lead since I am not a fan of his TV show Teen Wolf, but I was very impressed with his performance here. He displays the fear, curiosity, and leadership that his character is written to be perfectly. I have a feeling we will see more of him in movies. Another great performance is Will Poulter, who is best known for playing the naive nerd in We're The Millers. Here,  he plays a ruthless and cruel dictator that audiences love to hate. To my surprise, he plays this part exceptionally well and it truly shows Poulter's range as an actor. The rest of the actors do very well too, going to show that the director picked them for their performances and not their looks. Speaking of the director, this is the debut film for director Wes Ball. He is a visual effects consultant for many films and his choice sounded very wary at first. Especially since the last YA adaptation that had a similar director debut (Eragon) tanked horribly, but Ball handles his directing well. He not only creates a beautifully dark world, but manages to focus on the acting and the characters as well. I hope he gets another big project soon.

While I enjoyed this film, it had some issues. One major issue is that were some unnecessarily slow scenes throughout. Some scenes it worked to build the characters and to develop the plot further, but other scenes were too slow to the point that it could have been cut down to get to the action faster. The biggest problem happens to be in the last 20 minutes of the film. While the first 3/4th's of the film took its time with its characters and action scenes, the last act really falls through. It is rushed to the point where the action scenes feel too quick and easy to get to the ending. And certain plot points feel too quick because of it.

Regardless of its flaws, I really enjoyed The Maze Runner. This is the YA movie I have waited for even though it is not perfect. It's refreshingly dark, doesn't rely on a dumb love triangle, and the performances are all great. Debut director Wes Ball has a great career ahead of him after this film. This film is the start of a potentially great franchise.

Rating: 8 out of 10

The Giver Review

Lois Lowry's book The Giver was one of my favorite books from elementary school. Its original plot of a dystopia with rules of sameness and theme of embracing what life has in store still has impact after years of reading it. The book must have impacted Jeff Bridges as well, because for many years he has wanted to make the book a movie with his father as The Giver. Unfortunately, many studios did not want to touch the book until now when YA novels are becoming a strong trend in Hollywood. They hired Phillip Noyce (Salt and Rabbit Proof Fence) to direct and the famous Weinstein Brothers (The King's Speech) to produce. I was happy for an adaptation until the first trailer came out where I was starting to get hesitant because it looked like it was trying to please fans of The Divergent Series and Hunger Games rather than pleasing fans of the book. I still had hope, and after watching the film I can happily say that fans of the book will be more than pleased with this adaptation, even though it does have a strong fatal flaw.

The performances in this film were surprisingly strong. Jeff Bridges was fantastic as The Giver, he embodied exactly how I envisioned The Giver in the book: a kind, protective, and peaceful old man who wants this community to see the truth. The real surprise in this film is Brenton Thwaites. He plays Jonas with strong naivety and you feel with his character's changes throughout the film perfectly. Thwaites has been in minor roles in many films this year, including a wasted performance in Maleficent, but his performance here proves his talent and he deserves bigger roles in the future. The rest of the cast does well too, even though some of them were heavily advertised but were not in the film very long. But regardless, everyone plays their parts well.

The visual effects are the strong point in this film. The film starts in black and white, since the community cannot see color. But as Jonas gains memories and starts to see color, the film blends black and white with these colors. The finished product looks stunning because of this effect and it goes to show Hollywood that you can make powerful visual effects with a low budget.

The fatal flaw I mentioned earlier is the film's third act. While the film's first two acts were strongly written and faithful to the book, the third act ends up being a cliché of other YA adaptations. The chase scenes have terrible shaky-cam, characters make really dumb choices, and the additional stuff that did not appear in the book had its moments, but ultimately were not necessary. If a stronger writer and director were attached, this third act would have been better executed.

Other than the messy third act, I still really enjoyed The Giver. Its performances, strong themes, and beautiful visuals make up for the third act. I really don't understand why critics gave this film a hard time and compared it to other YA adaptations. In my eyes, this film does what other YA adaptations like Twilight and Divergent don't: has a heart, brain, and social commentary that everyone can take away from in the end. If you're a fan of the book, don't listen to the critics and check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Into The Storm Review

A recent trend over the past five years is the rise of found footage movies. Found footage involves handheld cameras showing a larger than life event through the POV of strictly one person or a group of people. These are typically horror films that showcase a group of people experiencing a supernatural event of some sort. However, more different genres have tried the found footage style. Some have worked, like the 2012 superhero film Chronicle. Others not so well, like the 2011 sci-fi film Apollo 18. The most recent entry in the found footage style, Into the Storm, tries mixing the disaster sub-genre with the found footage style. The end result is a fun and unintentionally hilarious 90 minutes that could have benefited from a stronger script.

What really made this film work was the technical aspects. The visual effects are astounding in this film particularly. The storm is very realistic looking and the damage done with the storm makes it look believable. The cinematography helped make the storm sequences even more intense. You get a good glance of it throughout and actually witness the intensity brings very well. Even the few shaky handheld shots in this film worked well in the environment they are used in.

Although the visual and technical aspects were fantastic, you can tell watching this film that the director mainly put his focus towards the effects and not the script. While the actors tried in their roles, anyone could have played them. These characters really have no distinctive personality at all and are very cliché disaster movie characters. Same goes with the plot, other than the storm there is really nothing else interesting throughout the film. Not to mention the script throws elements from other films we've seen thousands of times, such as certain characters' backstories. The film itself is very predictable, but the predictability helps its unintentional humor.

In the end, Into The Storm is an entertaining mixed bag. The star of the film really is the storm itself and it saves the film from complete mediocrity. Although I really do wish that more time was put into the script and characters, I was never bored in its 90 minute span and I do feel that the found footage style is very effective here. Into The Storm is basically a big-budget SyFy channel film: entertaining, short, unintentionally hilarious and fun when nothing else is playing.

Rating: 6/10

Guardians of the Galaxy Review

This past weekend, Marvel Studios' latest Guardians of the Galaxy shattered August box office records and exceeded modest box-office expectations. This is surprising given that this is the studio's first non-sequel property since 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger. It is also based off an obscure comic from the company and no one figured how well it would do since it's not a big comic and has no big name stars. Well, after seeing the film I can see why Marvel was not skeptical at all. This is their strongest film in their filmography and this is hopefully the start of a great franchise.

The acting here is truly stellar. Chris Pratt is fantastic as the film's lead, Starlord. He puts his all into his role and you can truly feel for him every step of his journey. Watching Pratt's performance reminds me of Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man performance, there really is no one else who can play this role as wonderfully as him. The rest of the cast does wonderfully also, with specific praise to Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper who steal the show with their voice acting performances.

The film's script is its strongest point though. This script written by director James Gunn and Nicole Perlman combines wacky humor, well done character development, and spectacular sci-fi action sequences. Looking back on the film, this is the first Marvel film in a while that actually delivers a strong message that viewers can reflect on. This is a film about loss and how people can gain their lives back after their loss. This is refreshing given that some of Marvel's recent films (i.e. The Avengers) rely on action scenes and leave the message out.

The visual effects are as stunning as the script. Combining both CGI and practical effects, these help tell the story rather than distract from the plot. All in all, Guardians of the Galaxy is a strong film in the Marvel canon. This is my new personal favorite Marvel film and I hope to see these characters be around for a while. Fresh, funny, and exciting, Guardians of the Galaxy is a must-see and worthy of many rewatches.

Rating: 10/10

Top Ten Films of 2013

I know it's been a full year since I posted on this blog, but I'd figure I start again since I have more free time. I've seen lots of films this year: some good, some bad, etc. However, these ten films really spoke out to me this year during my blog absence and since 2014 is approaching I'd figure I share my top ten films of the year with you. Remember that I haven't seen every film this year ( Nebraska, Her, Saving Mr. Banks, etc.), but the ones I have seen you should keep a look out for. Enjoy!

10. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (director: Francis Lawrence)

Never I'd thought I see the day where a Francis Lawrence film is on my top ten of the year. However, this film is an exception. This sequel manages to top its predecessor based on fixing every little flaw that the first film had (camera work, some character development, action, etc.). Most importantly, it showed me not only how confident Lawrence is as a director, but how great of an actor Sam Claflin can be when in the right role. All in all, this is a sequel that easily tops the first and could go down as one of the greatest sequels of all time years down the road. I cannot wait for the next one.

9. Star Trek Into Darkness (director: J.J. Abrams)

Yes, another sequel on my list. However, this one assures me that not only is this franchise is in the right hands, but the Star Wars franchise as well. It's a beautifully done blockbuster with spectacular action sequences and impressive character moments. Many of the positives I've mentioned are why I am excited for Abrams to direct Star Wars Episode VII. He takes a lot of inspiration from those films and makes it feel refreshing and new. A fantastic film that was undeserving of negative fanboy backlash. A sci-fi suspense film to look back on for years to come.

                                                                                   
 8. Fruitvale Station (director: Ryan Coogler)

This film is the little indie that could. A powerful and unforgettable story with wonderful performances from Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer. It has a lot of meaning and can spark discussion on how discrimination is still an issue today. A heartbreaking film based on a shocking true story, this film should not be ignored.




7. All is Lost (director: J.C. Chandor)

This is easily the most ambitious film I have seen this year. With an unforgettable near- silent performance from Robert Redford and an impressive survival tale, this film doesn't have much dialogue, but speaks more than any other survival film I have seen this year. Not to be missed.

                                                                                   


6. 12 Years A Slave (director: Steve McQueen)

This is single-handedly the most important and provoking film of the year. However, its brutality and many hard-to-watch scenes make it a film only certain audiences can handle. With great performances from Chiwetel Eljofor, Lupita Nyong'o and Michael Fassbender, this film is not to be missed if you can handle it. A powerful, heart-wrenching, and at the same time, disturbing account of slavery.




5. Philomena (director: Stephen Frears)

This easily could have been a simple buddy comedy about a journalist and an old woman looking for her lost child. But Steve Coogan's screenplay and Stephen Frears's direction makes it anything but. It is an unpredictable, beautifully done dramedy with career-best performances from Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It is best going into this film knowing nothing of the true story behind the film, it will make this film a fantastic surprise for the audience.

                                                                                

4. Wolf of Wall Street (director: Martin Scorsese)

Scorsese's latest collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio may be one of his most fearless films of his career. With impressive performances, wonderful humor, and tons of shock value, this film is wholly entertaining and interesting throughout its three-hour running time. This film is this generation's Goodfellas. I really hope DiCaprio can get a nomination for this film, it's the best performance of his career.

                                                                                   





3. Prisoners (director: Denis Villeneuve)

A shocking, suspenseful, and intelligent tale of how far a man will go to find his kidnapped daughter, Prisoners really startled me throughout. It's a tale of moral corruption, a dark police investigation thriller, and a twisty psychological drama. Its sense of dread is felt from the very first frame and stays with you long after the film is over. If only this wasn't a year where the Best Actor category was crowded, because Hugh Jackman truly deserves the award. It is the best lead performance I've seen this year and I hope for many more performances like this from Jackman.

2. Inside Llewyn Davis (director: Coen Brothers)

The Coen Brothers' latest is one of their smartest, funniest, and more meaningful films in years. The dark tale of a folk singer trying to make it big really spoke to me since I am leaving college soon trying to make a career out of film editing. The pace is wonderful, Oscar Isaac is fantastic as the title character, and the folk soundtrack is incredible. Looking forward to seeing what's next in their careers. This almost was my favorite of the year, but however...





1. American Hustle (director: David O. Russell)

This film takes the cake. What more can I say about this film that already hasn't been said? It's a hilarious, unpredictable, and unforgettable ride. It has one of the best ensembles I have seen in recent years where all actors have great chemistry with one another and one does not outshine another. It has a brilliant screenplay that is a game changer for the historical drama genre. All in all, this is my favorite film this year. David O. Russell has done it again, it's another achievement in his career. It's a film that stands mighty among many other great films this year.


Honorable Mentions: Man of Steel, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Frozen, Gravity, This is the End, Bad Grandpa, Frances Ha, The Way Way Back, 42, Pain and Gain

Worst Film of 2013: After Earth

There you have it, hope you all enjoyed my list. Looking forward to 2014 and their films. See everyone next year!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review

I'll start off my review saying that I am a massive fan of Peter Jackson's Lord of the RIngs trilogy. All three of those films are fantasy masterpieces in my book and is one of my favorite film trilogies of all time. For being a fan of Lord of the Rings, I was both skeptical and excited for The Hobbit. I was excited to return to Middle Earth, however, with the high frame rate and expanding the film into a trilogy I was concerned that Jackson was turning this into more of a visual cashgrab. No need to worry LOTR fans, this installment is sure to please all of you regardless of the issues with 48 frames per second.

It's wonderful to return to Middle Earth and it has never looked better. The visuals are astounding here, the details and the scenery all look so beautiful. The monsters and the CGI are very impressive as well. Gollum even looks better this time around, this is the best he's looked in all of the movies. I also think the 3D here is incredible, it's even better than Life of Pi's.

The cast was great in their respective roles. Martin Freeman does a wonderful job as Bilbo Baggins, he mixes seriousness and humor very well. I was also surprised by Ian McKellen's returning performance as Gandalf, he seems to be having more fun with the role than in previous roles where he was more serious. It's also refreshing to see Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, and even Elijah Wood return as their respective characters. I also thought that the dwarves were fun to watch too.

I really enjoyed the story of this film as well. It stuck really close to the book and its tone. However, although it's a strength for the film, it's also its biggest flaw. The film tends to change tones very quickly from fun and playful to violent and serious. Sometimes this tonal change works. Other times it's awkward and feels unnecessary. I also thought that the burp and gas jokes were not needed for this kind of film. I know that it was originally a kid's book, but I feel that the film would have worked just fine without those types of jokes.

As most of you are wondering, how is the 48 frames per second? Well, it was very distracting at the beginning, but close to the end of the film it wasn't as bad. It's definitely a new thing and it's very weird to watch, but I feel the next two films are going to look better. I think the way it was left was intentional for Jackson to show his audience so he can learn for the next two films. It's not great, but it's weird and not the best technology around. However, it does not ruin the quality of the movie.

If you are a LOTR fan, then you will enjoy The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as much as I did. It's not as good as the original trilogy nor is it supposed to. It is its own movie and it works well on its own. I'm excited to see what Jackson has up his sleeves for the next two films, I'm hoping they're going to be better and better as each film comes along. Definitely see this over the Christmas season, it's well worth it.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10- Near Excellent