My Week in Movies - December 31st
Joy winds through the life of the titular character. Jennifer Lawrence's performance is perfect. The rest of the movie fails to support her and wastes her talents in a boring flick. There are hints of a good film here. A worthy protagonist, a compelling struggle and a winning end. But nothing shines as bright as Lawrence and that leaves this film muddling through the latter half of the run time.
I went into No Escape expecting a story of Typhoon Haiyan. Instead I found an action thriller. I'm not a fan of Owen Wilson. But this film convinced me he can perform well outside of a comedic role. Wilson guides his family through danger as the country devolves into revolution. Challenges abound and some timely help from Pierce Brosnan keep the family alive.
How about you and I pretend I didn't list Pan as one of my most anticipated films of 2015. Got it? Great. Thanks.
Jason Bateman continues to deliver interesting performances in smaller films. In The Gift, Bateman plays a bully who has a chance encounter with one his schoolyard targets. Joel Edgerton, writer, director and Gordo, delivers a creepy performance. Bateman's life starts a slow spiral as he tries to keep Gordo at bay. But everything crashes down around him as he resorts to his bullying tendencies.
War Room surprised me but I'm happy I saw it. I'm not a fan of religious films. Often their focus on miracles instead of every day living is disheartening. I'm sure miracle stories are inspiring to many. But the practicality of War Room inspires me. It offers guidance that doesn't rely on miracles to improve one's life. That prayer, or meditation, and a willingness to adjust one's lifestyle and forgiveness can do a lot. War Room isn't for everyone. But it was for me. The Danish Girl
Eddie Redmayne is excellent as is Alicia Vikander. There are qualms to be had with the subject source. I hope there was an attempt to cast a transgender actress. But their performances and the film as a whole are award worthy. This year has been the year of Alicia Vikander. Hope we continue to see her career grow.
Yep. Minions. I am not the targeted audience and it showed.
Is Concussion the film that kills American football? Probably not. Will Smith is superb. I'm not sure if the accent matches that of the person. But his performance with it was perfection. I know I wasn't keen on letting any future children of mine play tackle football. This picture shows the world why.