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‘Silver Linings Playbook’ Review

November 23, 2012 — 2 Comments

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Silver Linings Playbook tells a story of Pat Solitano; a bipolar patient, played by Bradley Cooper, who has just been released from a mental institution. After a tough breakup with his wife,  Pat must struggle  to find a way to reenter society. On his way to that he tries to win back the heart of his wife. He finds help on this journey from a troubled individual, by the name of Tiffany. Jennifer Lawrence plays the role of Tiffany, a widow who is coping with the lost of her husband. This movie also stars Robert Deniro, as the concerned father who tries to reconnect with his son. He uses his love of the Philadelphia Eagles and football to try and reconnect.

David O. Russel, the director of ‘The Fighter’, has a sleeper hit on his hand. Russel has captured the essence of Philadelphia through the movie. Robert Deniro and Jacki Weaver, who play the mother and father, play some of the most authentic Philadelphian personalities that I have had the pleasure watching in a long time. Robert Deniro’s acting is superb and shows no signs of declining with age.

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence display to the world that they are ready for more rewarding roles than their box office hits. Seems like just yesterday, I was  watching Jennifer Lawrence in the movie-adaptation of ‘The Hunger Games’. It’s nice to see how Jennifer Lawrence has progressed for a young actress. Bradley Cooper is establishing himself as a multidimensional actor, coming from roles like ‘The Hangover’.

I really enjoyed the way Cooper and Lawrence depict these troubled individuals. The emotions that they display during arguments and stressful times are very touching. The on screen chemistry caused by the clash of  these two personalities is a delight to watch.

The unstable lives of these characters makes you feel surprisingly at home. You’ll find it hard not to smile or laugh at the dark humor that happens through Cooper and Lawrence. There’s never a dull moment in the movie. You can’t help but root for Pat, a man who has lost it all and is trying his hardest to come to terms with his illness.

I highly recommend this movie. If it’s still available in your area go out and watch this movie. You won’t regret it. This heartwarming adventure of a man dealing with his bipolar condition will stick with you.

Review: 10/10 (Heartfelt and Moving)

AHS: Asylum: ‘Origins of Monstrosity’ Review

November 22, 2012 — Leave a comment

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After delivering the bombshell of the identity of Bloody Face last episode; American Horror Story delivers another solid episode. My expectations were a bit high for this episode. As the title of the episode implies; this episode examines the origins of some the characters in the show.

This week we see Bloody Face and Lana spending some quality time together. B.F reveals to Lana why he does what he does; his mother or lack thereof. This plot point is pretty predictable but it makes sense. Psychologically we all are shaped by our upbringing so if you were abandoned and never touched of course you would find yourself seeking some affection.

His character not only needs affection but he needs that sense of touch. Which he was refused his whole life from the system he was forced into. So he takes the warmth and affection of people who he sees as potential mothers by force; hence the mask.

I would have preferred to see Lana being cut to bits and pieces but somehow she convinced him otherwise. She is now forced into the role of mommy. I don’t see how things can get any worse for her character; as we see her character forced to do a certain maternal deed.

I think I was disappointed in seeing Shelly(Chloe Sevigny) being written off but I see there wasn’t much else you can do with her character after her exit from the asylum the last episode. Fortunately a new character has arrived to take her place.

I look forward to seeing if the alleged demon kid is actually telling the truth or if the writers of this show have another twist up their sleeve. An emotionless killer child would also please me as well though.

Pros

  • Bloody Face’s temper problems
  • Sister Jude’s Determination to reveal Dr. Arden
  • Opening up for more storytelling in the present
  • Sister Mary grooming the young demon

Cons

  • Sam Goodwin’s fate

This episode didn’t offer any twist like last episode but still offered ample entertainment through character interactions and flashbacks to the past and present.

Review Score: 8/10

‘The Evil Dead’ (1981) Review

November 22, 2012 — 2 Comments

In preparation for the Evil Dead remake, we take a look back at the original cult classic. A movie centered around a seemingly normal vacation to a a cabin in the woods, This film has been considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time and skyrocketed Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell to stardom.

This film is one of the most gruesome and gory films I’ve ever seen. Yes,  in a industry overrun by movies such as Saw and Hostel, this movie still happens to make me cringe, even thirty years after its release. The down right lack of ability of the newcomer actors didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this film in the least.

Most films in this genre nowadays take things much to serious and end up failing in being believable. Where this movie succeeds is in its ability not to take itself so seriously. Some of my favorite scenes in this film were the reactions of the characters to the demons in the cabin. Seemingly dreadful and gruesome scenes were for some reason unknown to me hilarious at times.

Computer generated graphics only played a minor part in this film and it made for a much more authentic experience. One of the best aspects of this film comes from practical effects. Sure they might have been crude and low budget but Sam Raimi and the staff did a wonderful job. Every impaled and dismembered body part was done masterfully. The make up for the demons in the cabin was also some of the best I’ve ever seen.

Sam Raimi suffered a life long chin injury filming the final scene of the film. The dedication to the cinematography truly shows in what is considered his finest work. The camera work was unique. Close ups on characters and filming from the demons perspective built up suspense.

The Evil Dead delivered an innovative piece of cinema for its time, yet, I don’t believe Raimi could have known the sheer joy his title has caused me. I’ve felt out of the loop for this film for so long. After hearing of its dedicated following I knew I had to watch it. What a great decision that was! Now it is truly instilled in my mind as the greatest horror film of all time.

Review: 9.5/10 (A Bloody Masterpiece)

 

Homeland: ‘Fly Away’ Review

November 21, 2012 — 1 Comment

This week’s episode of Homeland delved into the guilt felt by Dana about the hit and run that she took part of. In her time of turmoil, she turned to Mike for help.  Earlier on in the series, I had a small  dislike for Mike’s character. He has begun to grow on me now though.  He seems to genuinely care about the family and misses them. Hopefully there is a place for him in the family, sometime in the future. When I say that, I don’t  necessarily mean as a love interest with Dana’s mother. Fatherly figure seems more suitable for him, after all he has done for Jessica.

Meanwhile, it seems that all the lies and deception in Sgt. Brody’s life is finally taking a toll on him . His life as a double agent has forced him to make hard decisions that leaves his daughter angry with him. When his wife Jessica confronts him about lying about Carrie being out of the CIA, it can only get worse. All this pressure is causing him to lose his will to continue. I feel sorry for the guy. His family is falling apart despite his best intentions.

Because of these feeling, Brody ruins his meet up with Roya Hammad. If only it was that easy. If only he could walk away. But It isn’t that easy. The C.I.A needs him and without Brody as an asset, he’ll probably be spending some time in Guantanamo Bay(A thought he considers to be not all that bad if he can just stop all the lies). Still, the cogs turn and Carrie is still in play. After all, a threat is imminent. Carrie takes matters into her own and takes Brody off the radar. She convinces him that all his sins will be forgiven if he becomes this hero, who stops this attack on the U.S . Even the sins, against her she tells him will be forgiven.  All this eventually leads to them making sweet,sweet, love which is hilariously and masterfully cut into Saul and Quinn listening in.

It’s hard to tell whether Carrie is getting too attached with Brody, or if she is just doing it for the job. Saul shows his disapproval and asks her about it but she shoves it off as just being part of the job. Time will only tell how genuine Carrie’s feeling are towards Brody. Meanwhile, Brody sets up another  meeting with Roya Hammmad. Roya drives Brody out to the middle of nowhere and in a change of events her and the man from the Gettysburg massacre drags him out to a grass field where a helicopter is in the wait. It takes Brody off the radar for good. But unfortunately, this time he isn’t off the radar in the safe hands of the C.I.A. He’s now off the radar, in the hands of Abu Nazir.

I predict we will see in the next episodes of Homeland, whether Abu Nazir still has an effect on Brody. Will his memories of Issa, take him back to the other side? Only time will tell. I for one am looking forward to a conflicted Brody who can’t see right from wrong.

Review Score: ★★★★½