Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of "Silver Linings Playbook" - Part 3

Matthew Quick Interview: Finding the Silver Linings- Part 3  

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Continued from Part 2:

PFF: Do you have any plans to adopt any of your other books into screenplays? 

MQ: Yes, I would love to do that, but my agents keep telling me I’m a brand now; you are a novelist. There’s a screenplay for “Like a Rock Star” and there’s some interest in “Boy 21”. I think all the stuff I write is rather cinematic. We are kind of waiting to see how SLP is received before making some decisions going forward. I have an adult book that I can’t currently discuss at the moment, which would be a great film and follow up to Silver Linings, in both book and film formats. We are excited about that, but it’s hard not to say anything else.

“Leonard Peacock” would be a brilliant film. “Perks of Being a Wallflower”, which was great, I love that book; I almost didn’t want to see the film. I would love to meet Stephen [Chbosky]; I’m unabashedly a fan.  I saw “Perks” and thought “Leonard Peacock” would be in the same ballpark. I would answer his call any day; I’m a huge fan of his.

PFF: Do you have a favorite "silver lining" moment?

MQ: There are definitely a lot of them… One really beautiful moment was that of my Uncle Pete is a Vietnam Vet. He is a stock options trader, a very intense man. I mean that in the best of ways, he knows who he is; he doesn't take anything off anyone. He’s the kind of guy who makes money, but wears camouflage all the time. He’s a brilliant man, but lives on his own terms. He’s not someone I thought who would encourage me to write, but when I told him my plans the first time, he said to me, “Risk & Reward”. He played the stock market, “You want to do something great; you need to take a risk.”  He’s one of the very few people at the time who understood what I had to do.

I remember when I wrote “Sorta Like a Rock Star”, there is a character name Private Jackson and he is aVietnamveteran – he’s not my Uncle Pete, but all the stories, I learned from him.  My uncle counsels vets and is very serious aboutVietnam. Shortly before the book’s publication, I told him about this character. He looked at me quite seriously, and said “You better not mess that up. If you made this character look bad, you’re in bug trouble”.  He was very serious.

Uncle Pete went out and bought the book on the first day of its release, and to put this in perspective, the cover is white, had rainbow letters with a teenager girl. This is not the type of book my uncle would generally read. He mainly reads book on history and war. He was the first in my family to read the book and he called me up to tell me – I got it right, this book is beautiful.  He is such an unlikely reader for that type of book. It really struck me hard because I realized the power of stories, to transcend all the differences. He related to that story because it was about people that were wounded, connecting in a very intense moment. That was a beautiful silver lining for me. To connect with my Vietnam Veteran uncle through art was something I never expected to happen.

PFF: Is there any advice you can give to aspiring artists that can help them find their silver lining on their artistic journey?

MQ: I felt so lonely when I went through this process of writing. Without exaggeration, dangerously lonely.  Really, sometimes I was so depressed, I just wanted this so much, I felt like it was something I could do. There were so many times I felt it wasn’t going to happen. So when I talk about this stuff, one of the things that strikes me, and I try to be as honest as I can, how many people say that, “I’m in this situation, and it resonates so strongly with me.”? Not even artists; just people that come up to me and say, “I’m a CEO of a company, and I started when I was your age”, our stories are the same. Or “I started a law firm when I was 29; everyone said I was crazy, but I followed my vision.” You end up seeing; this is the journey of the hero. It is exactly what people go through. I honestly think we don’t talk about it enough, and we don’t encourage people to leave the herd. In our society, especially in our schools, we tell kids, “Be the same. Make sure you get the right score on the SAT. Make sure you go to the right college.”, instead of saying “Find the authentic You. Find what you can put into the world.”  I love the fact [the book & film] inspires people to make art and keep going. If I had quit 5 days before I sent my query letter to my agent, and this book was rejected by a lot of agents in New York, we wouldn’t be talking now. David O. Russell wouldn’t have made the film. I have a novelist friend, Ron, he told me, “People are quitting everyday.” What he meant by that, is that part of making it is not giving up. We need more people that help those people who are trying not to give up; that shine the light on some of the positive things. People are leaving the "Silver Linings" movie or reading the book, and saying “Wow, I feel uplifted after this.” We need more of that.

“Silver Linings Playbook” opens in theaters nationwide November 21, 2012. For more information about on the novel “Silver Linings Playbook” or any of Matthew Quick’s other novels visit http://matthewquickwriter.com

Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of "Silver Linings Playbook" - Part 2

Matthew Quick Interview: Finding the Silver Linings- Part 2  

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

 Continued from Part 1

PFF: After reading the book and watching the film, each on its own are fantastic. One scene that was left out of the film that was in the book was the scene at the beach. Do you know why such a poignant scene didn't make the final cut?

MQ: That was my favorite scene of the book. I think when you make a movie, there’s all kinds of constraints. The had planned to film on the Pennsylvania side of Philly, but the beach is on the New Jersey side, so I’m not too sure. You would have to ask David why, but thank you for saying that.

PFF: In the literary world versus the film world, have you found it easier or more difficult than the film development process, in terms of getting to the finished project?

MQ: It’s different. There is more at stake in the film world, given that David’s budget was $26 million dollar, which in Hollywood terms, is not an extraordinary budget, but it would be unheard of in New York to have a book budget that large. In New York, things are done on a much smaller scale, but there is more books published than films produced in L.A., so it’s hard to compare. The Weinsteins have sent me out on tour, which is great. I love coming out to talk about the film and book; this is getting a lot of PR out there. That’s not as typical in the book world; you’re networking is more intimate (Librarians, Schools, etc.) so it’s more of a long term plan, but they both have their pros and cons about the process.

PFF: If you had to identify with one of the characters from Silver Linings, who would it be and why?

MQ: I think there’s a little of me in many of the characters. Obviously, Pat is someone who is trying to reinvent himself; especially Pat always working out in the basement (book version); I was writing my novel living in a basement, so there’s definitely some things people can pull. I’m a huge Eagles fan; Pat’s a huge Eagle’s fan, but I think Tiffany as well. Tiffany has this explosive quality about her; she’s not embarrassed about that. She’s very volatile and loyal at the same time. I’m incredibly loyal, but I expect a lot from people – I’m not afraid to push. She’s messy; part of my personality is like that too Dr. Cliff… I counseled troubled teens for a long time. He’s a guy I would want to do therapy with – sign me up, absolutely!  That’s not a conscious thing – I’m just trying to be me, telling a story. Your conscious is always at work. There’s other books (of mine), now when I listen [recorded version] to them now, I’m surprised, and I wrote them!  I don’t remember that part. One of the characters will say something and it’s like, wow… it’s a bit of a mystery, fiction writing. I do get frustrated with writers who say “No, no, no, I was in control the whole time; there’s nothing mystical about the process.” I really thing it’s a disservice you do for a lack of a better word, channel the stories. If I had to now sit down and write Silver Linings, it would be a completely different book. It is a snapshot of my psyche at that time in my life and I couldn't do that again because I’m a much different person now.  The work that I’m doing now is a reflection of where I am now and what’s going on in my psyche/ subconscious. What things I’m interested in; what’s happening in my life – that’s what comes out.

PFF:  Do you ever hear back from old students feedback on Silver Linings Playbook?

MQ: Yes! Those are some of my favorite emails. Last year I received a glowing review from the New York Times, I would trade for student emails any day.  When I hear from a former student after they've read my stuff, actually I received one last night in fact, a student I hadn't spoken to in 10 years  said, “Mr. Quick, I see what you’re doing and it gives me hope – you’re living what you told us in class.” She is someone that is pursuing the arts as well. “All that stuff you said all those years, you weren't lying. You really believe it.” At my Boston screening, some students showed up and said they had read the book and said, “It’s so you! It’s like being in your class again!”  Right now, I’m mentoring a former student who is writing a novel, who attended the Philly premier with his family.

Whenever I hear back from students, it means a lot to me. I was quite attached to my students, as I don’t have children of my own. When I was teaching, people would ask if I had kids and I would tell them, “Yeah, I have a thousand of them.”  I really took teaching as a responsibility. There’s a saying Latin where it says something to the effect “You’re the parents in the absence of the parent.” I took that very seriously, so when I hear from those kids, it means the world to me, and it really does.

I’ll say this on record anywhere to get the message out there. Teachers have the hardest job in the world. I did not know that to be a High School English teacher, to do a good job, you are asked to wear so play so many roles. Parent, college prep adviser  therapist; they all work so hard. A thank you letter to a teacher, you have no idea how much fuel you give that teacher. I know when I was teaching, every time I got to my lowest point and couldn't face the day, almost serendipitously, I would get a letter from a student and think, “OK, wow, I’m doing this.”, and walk back into the classroom.  Reach out to your former teachers and let them know they’re doing good work out there. They need all the fuel they can get, so please thank them.

Click here to continue - Part 3

Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of “Silver Linings Playbook” - Part 1

Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of “Silver Linings Playbook”  

Finding the Silver Linings – Part 1

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Phoenix -  When a High School English teacher decides to peruse his dream of becoming a novelist, never in his wildest dreams did he anticipate that he would be touring the country doing publicity for a Holiday release film for his first novel, “Silver Linings Playbook” starring A-List celebrities Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Nor did he expect to have a brilliant name such as David O. Russell behind the camera bringing his pages to life. A great story behind the story itself, Matthew Quick is a name you want to keep on your radar and your bookshelf stocked with his novels as he is not only a brilliant storyteller and writer, he’s an all-around great guy to back it up with.

PFF: Tell me about what your journey was like bringing “Silver Linings” into novel form.

MQ: When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to write. I thought to myself, “What is the easiest job I could have?” I looked at my English teacher and thought, “Wow. Summers off. Home by 3 pm everyday. Great.” In my naivety, I thought I’ll be an English teacher; I’ll have a ton of time to write. In college, I was a Secondary Education English Major and I fell in love with teaching – I didn’t expect that. I became very passionate about working with troubled teenagers and so when I woke up one day and I was suddenly in my 30’s, not writing anymore, I had this total panic attack.  I was known in town as a very passionate teacher, a kind of go-to teacher for kids that were in trouble. I was doing important work but the best part of me was dying.

My wife and I decided, along with her encouragement; to quit our jobs, sell our house to make this huge transition. We traveled around to Peru, South Africa and hiked the Grand Canyon, finally ending up moving with my in-laws, which was a really difficult decision for me because I did not have the full support if my family and friends behind me. I come from a family of bankers; my friends I grew up with came from a blue collar neighborhood and now had great jobs, living lifestyles their parents never could afford. So when my friends were buying bigger houses, having kids, getting nicer cars and I’m in a basement writing a novel, people really didn’t understand. It was a very lonely time for me.

David (O. Russell – Director) talks about re-introducing Bradley Cooper; that you think you know Bradley, but here’s a new version of Bradley Cooper, and that’s why he cast him as Pat. The story of Pat is that he comes home from a mental institution; you think that you know the old me, but I’m gong to reinvent myself and everyone thinks he’s delusional. In the book he’s the same way. Pat comes home and says “I’m going to do these things, get my wife back and even though on some levels, he is delusional, he’s trying really hard to be a better version of himself.

I has spent all this time teaching high school English, telling kids “You should pursue the arts; it’s OK to be an artist”, I started to feel like such a hypocrite because I wasn’t following my bliss. When I left [teaching], I remember my principal, Dr. Joe Ruzico said, “you’ve been telling these kids to follow their dreams and now you’re doing it”.  When he said that, it really hit me in the face because not only was it a great compliment, but I felt really responsible. What if I told all these kids “You can do it and I go out and fail?”.

It was a very difficult time, those 3 years of writing and when I started “Silver Linings”, I knew I really had something. That became scary as well because you think you want something, then when it really starts becoming real, movie deals come in, people are giving you money; that was a transition period that took a while for me to go from “guy in the basement” who everyone thinks is delusional, to guy that Hollywood people are giving money to.  When you’re creating a movie, it really took me a while to wrap my mind around the whole process.

PFF: When you were going into the movie deal, did you work directly with the screenwriter or did they say “Hey we love the book, we’re going to adapt it and we want you to write it?”

MQ:  I received a call from my agent at CAA. I was hosting a party in Vermont when I got a phone call. When you’re a fiction writer and you see a number pop up on your screen whose area code you don’t recognize, you get really excited because it’s either New York or L.A.  Low and behold, it was L.A. and the guy says “Hi, I’m Rich Green, I’m your film agent at CAA.” I was like “I have a film agent?”. I didn’t even know I had a film agent, but my lit agent has a partnership with him. They started throwing out all these names at me like Anthony Minghella (The English Patient), Sydney Pollock (Tootsie), the Weinsteins, and David O. Russell.  At first I thought, “Are these my buddies playing a trick on me?” Of course, it was real and the first question I asked was “Can I write the screenplay?” There was a long pause. Then, “I think David O. Russell will write the screenplay. (Laughs). I’m a huge fan of David’s work, and he’s a story telling hero of mine, so that was a silver lining moment in and of itself.

I’ve heard people say, some talk bad about the whole experience and it can be attributed to Ernest Hemmingway, but I’m not sure, “Doing a deal with Hollywood for a novelist is like doing a drug deal.” You go to a wall, throw your manuscript and they throw back a bag of money and you run away as fast as you can. That has not been my experience at all. The Weinstein Company has been very good to me, sending me out on publicity, being able to talk about the story. I wasn’t involved with the screenplay or casting; they didn’t bring me in until they started filming, out of a courtesy. Since then, I have developed a relationship with David. He called me before seeing the film in New York – it was very important to him that I like the film. In the press that I’ve done with David, in retrospect, I can see that it was a huge task for him to take something so personal to someone else. This is his first adaptation, making it into his film and that was something that he had to do; I understand why I wasn’t around in the beginning. He had t take something so authentically me and make it so authentically him; the fact that he was able to do that so when my family saw the finished print, they didn’t feel it was a betrayal at all, which is a hard feat to pull off.

Click here to continue to Part 2

Hitchcock Movie Review

Hitchcock   

Starring:  Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johannson, Jessica Biel, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, James D’Arcy

Directed by Sacha Gervasi

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 98 mins

Genre: Biography/ Drama

Opens November 23^rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

“Good Evening.”  Was the greeting of every "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", running on television from 1962-1965, whom viewers simply knew as the “Master of Suspense”. Alfred Hitchcock was the man who gave the film world the MacGuffin was an enigma himself, but little people know about the woman behind the man, Alma Reville.

Very little people know the story behind the story of the making of Psycho, Hitchcock’s most well-known film. It al starts with a killer fromWisconsin, Ed Gein who was captured in 1944, featured in the novel Psycho by Robert Bloch. After the release of “North By Northwest”, Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) was looking for a project to sink his teeth into; something that would be unique, shocking and to prove that he still had “it” as a director. Alfred’s wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren) was pushing for another script by screenwriter Whitfield Cook (Danny Huston), but when Hitch stumbled across the Psycho novel, he was hell bent on making this his next film.

Trying to get the studio’s approval was tricky as he had one picture left on his contract withParamount. The studio wanted another “North By Northwest”, but Hitch wouldn’t budge in his decision. After talking it over withAlma, the decision was made to finance the picture himself and see how things go. This could be a total crap shoot, and soon the pressures of the film, outside influences and Hitch’s heath take a toll on his marriage. Will the film finish on time or will this be the biggest disaster of Hitchcock’s career?

A exceedingly clever film starting with the opening credits, as it captures the essence of Alfred Hitchcock’s greeting before every television show, Hitchcock gives the feel of a behind the scenes featurette of a DVD feature , with the bonus of a glimpse into the private life of the notorious director. More of an inside look of a mad genius’s mind and the birth of Psycho into the cinematic world, Anthony Hopkins plays the notorious director with an air of arrogance, wit and mystery, making it immensely enjoyable to watch. The chemistry with Dame Helen Mirren is equally dynamic as the two powerhouses compliment each other beautifully. The rest of the supporting cast, although interesting choices from afar, do work well in their respective roles from Scarlett Johannson as Janet Leigh, Ralph Macchio as screenwriter Joseph Stefano and James D’Arcy as Anthony Perkins. The essence of the late 1950’s, early 1960’s was capture beautifully in the small details; from the twin beds in the Hitchcock’s bedroom, to the wardrobe selections to the sets at Paramount Pictures; the greatest attention was paid giving the viewer the feel of the time period. Hitchcock is fiendishly fun and deviant entertaining, paying homage to the “Master of Suspense” in a respectable manner. Check out Hitchcock when it opens at Harkin Camelview starting Friday November 23, 2012.

Silver Linings Playbook Movie Review

Silver Linings Playbook   

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Chris Tucker

Directed by David O. Russell

Rated: R

Run Time: 122 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

With a few  film festival awards under its belt, Silver Lining Playbook looks like it may have a head start going into the awards season. Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, David O. Russell assembled a brilliant, interesting cast to bring the quirky, endearing novel to life.

Pat (Bradley Cooper) has little recollected of the past few months. He’s been locked away at a mental institution for a violent act that he can’t quite remember, but cased his wife to leave him until he gets better. Or that is what Pat thinks. His mother Dolores (Jacki Weaver) is his primary caretaker, bring Pat home to live with her and his father Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro).   Although everyone is happy to have Pat home, everyone is weary, yet on edge due to Pat’s past behavior, which included explosive, violent outbursts.

Pat believes that he will win back his wife Nikki (Brea Bee) by becoming a positive, more loving, culture man; being the man Nikki always wanted him to be. His therapist Dr. Cliff Patel (Anupam Kher) is helping him work through his issues, by trying to help him uncover why Nikki actually left him and how he can overcome such behavior in the future. But can he really? His friends want him to move on from Nikki, even setting up an arranged “blind date” with his friend’s sister-n-law, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman with an equally troubled past with mental illness. With Tiffany’s help, can Pat win Nikki’s affection or lose her all over again when he regains his memory? Will Pat be able to repair the relationships he damaged with his illness before his court ordered medical vacation? Or will Pat grow into the man he thought he should be, but will his past be enough or will a future with someone else be his silver lining he has been chasing after?

Whenever books are adapted into film, there is always a concern that the film won’t be as enjoyable as the novel. Rest assure, this film lives up to the novel and delivers powerhouse performances from a brilliantly assembled cast. Bradley Cooper performs the best role of his career, since his breakout role in “Wedding Crashers”. In “Wedding Crashers” we saw a glimpse of his neurotic, violent behavior, but in Silver Linings, he channels that energy into a brilliant interpretation of a man suffering from bi-polar disorder. Jennifer Lawrence delivers an equally strong performance as the sexually driven, grief-stricken bipolar widow, which despite her young age plays the role with the wisdom and neurosis of a woman of the age the role was meant for, mid thirties.  One would think that the age difference between Cooper and Lawrence wouldn’t translate well into chemistry on-screen, but the performance and comprehension of the characters gives the audience a memorable couple with Pat and Tiffany. The supporting cast is equally grand, although subdued in nature, which is surprising with the actors that surround the protagonists. Robert De Niro normally has such a strong presence on screen, but it balances out well with Cooper’s neurotic performance; that if De Niro was let loose, the story would have been too outlandish for the drama.  Keep this one on your awards season watch list as Cooper and/or Lawrence are strong contenders for at least a Golden Globe. Check out Silver Linings Playbook when it opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012.

Movie Review of Life of Pi

Life of Pi   

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Adil Hussain, Tabu, Shravanthi Sainath

Directed by Ang Lee

Rated: PG

Run Time: 125 mins

Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Opening this week, among many other new releases, is Academy Award winning Director Ang Lee’s new film Life of Pi. Based on the best selling book by Yann Martel, Life of Pi has won the Audience Award at the 2012 Mill Valley Film Festival.

When a freelance writer heard that he should meet am man named Pi (Irfamn Khan) because he has an unbelievable story, he was intrigued.  The writer had been searching for his next project and was at an impasse. As he sits down to hear the wild tale of Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) the 16 year old boy who spend 227 days at sea, stuck in a life boat with aBengaltiger.

When he was a boy, Piscine Molitor Patel, a.k.a. Pi, grew up in a small coastal town ofIndia, living on a piece of land that was once a botanical garden converted into a zoo.  When he was still a small boy aBengaltiger arrived named Richard Parker. Pi felt a connection with this animal as he had been on a spiritual quest to find meaning in his young life. He studied 3 main religions, including hi native religion, Hinduism against the wishes of his father, demanding he approach life from a rational view of thinking.

About the time Pi was in high school, his father decided to sell the zoo and move the family toCanada. They would use the animals from the zoo as collateral for their move; placing them in zoos inNorth Americafor purchase. The news deeply disturbed Pi as he just starting dating a beautiful young girl from a dance troop he played drums for.   Somewhere along the way, the Chinese freight ship sinks during a fierce storm, killing all aboard except for Pi, a zebra, hyena, orangutang andBengaltiger.

The first few days were challenging as natural selection took over until all that was left were Richard Parker and Pi. Pi was able to survive with the supplies in the life raft, but taking care of Richard Parker would be a challenge. When they were in India, Richard Parker would be fed several times a day, so Pi needs to learn to co-exist with Richard Parker so they would not both be claimed by the grandest danger of all; the Ocean.  Exposed to the elements, Pi’s faith, courage and character are placed to the ultimate test, and what he finds is the ultimate spiritual journey, finding proof of God.

When there have been so many movies that utilize the 3D technology, very few can make it look authentic and believable. The only genre so far where it had been worth watching is the animated films, and a handful of live action films such as "Avatar" and "Hugo". "Life of Pi" is one of those films whose cinematography is stunning to watch in 3D and is one that must be experienced in that format. The colors are vibrant, and the world comes alive, surrounding the viewer with such intense imagery that it’s impossible not to get swept up in the film. Although most of the story takes pace at sea and the only dialogue are really that of Pi talking to himself, God or the tiger Richard Parker, it lacks the finesse of previously other survivor films like Cast Away or 127 Hours. This is the most visually ambitious project Ang Lee has taken on since “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” but is an astonishing feat of visual imagery. Check out "Life of Pi" when it opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012.

Life of Pi - Guest reviewer

  Life of Pi 

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Adil Hussain, Tabu, Shravanthi Sainath

Directed by Ang Lee

Rated: PG

Run Time: 125 mins

Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens November 21^st

Review by guest reviewer, Eric Forthunn of Cinematic Shadows

Life of Pi is a visual triumph, a movie that put me in a state of wonderment over its prolonged poetic movements. It's a film of seemingly abstract purpose, providing astounding landscapes on an ocean front with nothing more than a young, abandoned boy and a Bengal tiger fighting for their lives. It's remarkable in the sense that we don't get a true advancement of plot outside of this character's survival, but a character study in the most base use of the word. Ang Lee's vision here is admirable, sometimes breathtakingly so, for it encapsulates a spiritual flow that the movie wants to emphasize in its themes; for the most part, the film's closing moments help demonstrate that wonderfully. I'm skeptical when films rely so heavily on faith as their main driving force, because that can lead to exploring religion in forced and obvious ways. But there's a subtlety here in its approach, using a faith-based narrative that challenges this main character and us as viewers. Are we supposed to believe that this happened to this man, that these extraordinary circumstances lead this boy to the life he lives today? That's a question posed near the end, one Lee doesn't shy away from. His style here is outstanding, the 3D the finest I've seen in years, and the film one of the most visually stunning I've ever come across.

The film, based on the 2001 novel, has Pi (Irrfan Khan) telling the story of what happened to him when he was a boy. The man who's listening, a writer (Rafe Spall), has been struggling lately and finds some hope in Pi's story, asking to write about it. Pi details his life as Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma), an Indian boy who goes with his family to Canada in hopes of starting a new life. They run a zoo, so they intend to travel with the animals, sell them upon arrival, and use that money to find a new home. As they're travelling by ship, they hit a huge storm that begins to overtake the crew. Pi, being the adventurer that he is, wakes his brother and asks him to go yell at the thunderstorm; his brother refuses, his parents are asleep, and Pi heads out on the deck. The storm is worse than he anticipated, for he is laughing and enjoying the chaos until he sees men on the other side being overtaken by the currents. He sees the destruction around him and doesn't know how to react, only to finally stumble upon the life boat that the remaining crew surrounds. Pi searches for his family, but their barracks are flooded beyond belief. After much entanglement and struggle, Pi is the only one to make it onto the boat, along with a wounded zebra, a hyena, and a Bengal tiger.

As you can imagine, the tiger wins out and he's the only one remaining. Pi stays off the boat with a life-raft he creates, using the canned water and bread in order to survive. The tiger and him don't necessarily get along, because for all he knows, that tiger is a true animal with no soul. His father even told him so, forcing him to watch the tiger mutilate and kill a goat as a young boy. His father said that when you look at an animal, you can't look into their soul as they say; all you see is your own reflection in the tiger's eyes. Pi doesn't necessarily believe him at the time, but what is he supposed to do? He samples religions here and there as if they were taste tests, and his mother approves because she says he's finding his way. She's also faith-based, holding the religious beliefs in the family, while his father says it's a waste of time. Particularly, he finds that believing in all of those religions is contradictory and won't get Pi anywhere. They each want what's best for him, and their arguments of faith are rather strong; his mother mentions that science can explain everything except who we truly are as people. His father says that science has done more in a few hundred years than any religion has for all of our existence. Both have valid points.

The movie plays like Pi's spiritual journey to accepting himself and the world he inhabits. Certain things are inexplicable, others driven by karma. Some dumb luck, some healthy coincidence. The film's final half hour lays on the element of God guiding him on his path, and while I traditionally don't care for narratives that berate the audience with religious beliefs, it makes sense for this character. And the visual effects in the film only enhance that, giving us the sense of amazement that Pi is undoubtedly receiving. The film is a beauty, whether that be with a scene of flying fish (thousands occupying the screen seamlessly), the whale breaching in an ocean lit only by jellyfish, or the stars occupying the ocean floor as they lie in the boat. The most understated part of it all, though, is that Bengal tiger, who we forget is CG if only because it's that seamless. Pi's interactions with him, including the brilliant introduction of the tiger on the boat (him pouncing at the screen in what might be the best 3D gimmick I've ever seen), are gorgeously rendered, and the tiger's animations are crisp enough that we forget he exists on another plane. The 3D, as I mentioned, is truly remarkable; outside of last year's fantastic Hugo, this is the best 3D film I've seen since Avatar.

Life of Pi takes a while to build to its spiritually guided level; the film's first half hour sets up characters in a rather conventional way that led me to believe I would be getting an average film. But this is an unforgettable film in a year of truly magnificent features; there are so many undeniably impressive elements. This one is full of no names; the only recognizable ones are Depardieu and Khan, but even then they aren't the focal points. Sharma is a star here, carrying the movie's heavy burden on his shoulders, for he anchors a solid hour-and-a-half of the film's running time all by himself (well, with a little help from that tiger). The movie's visual effects feel otherworldly at times because of how truly advanced they are; the 3D goes leaps-and-bounds over where it was a year ago, providing us with not only the immersion required to be effective, but giving us an all-around experience. I've been a staunch critic of 3D, saying for the most part that it is unnecessary on almost every film, but if you're going to see a movie with the new technology, make it this one. Lee's vision requires that extra depth, that little extra glimpse into this wonderful world that could've only been created in today's modernity. Yet the movie has an old-fashioned sensibility that makes it relatable, understanding, and loving. This is an accepting, rewarding film, one of the year's most gorgeous features.

Review of Silver Linings Playbook by guest critic, Colin Boyd

Silver Linings Playbook

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Chris Tucker

Directed by David O. Russell

Rated: R

Run Time: 122 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens November 21^st

Reviewed by Guest Critic, Colin Boyd

What's that old equation? Tragedy plus time equals comedy? Based on his career, filmmaker David O. Russell missed that math class. He has an open season rule for just about anything, and it seems as though the more he can push the envelope, the more he tries to wring every last drop of absurdity out of it.

Incest ruled the day in his first film, Spanking the Monkey. Nailed -- a film that was never completed because the money dried up -- centered on a woman who developed deep sexual urges after being accidentally shot in the head with a nail gun. Now there's Silver Linings Playbook, which doesn't outwardly play bipolar disorder for laughs but doesn't discourage them, either.

Russell has not shied from controversy and with a lesser filmmaker, the controversy would win. But Silver Linings Playbook is far and away the best, most interesting, most mercurial work in a very unusual, very individual career. And as it is with many great films that are linked forever with their director, it's unlikely anybody else could have made this movie this way.

Pat (Bradley Cooper) has just been released from an institution. Eight months earlier, he was happily married, or so he thought: Pat came home early to find his wife in the shower with another man and the plea bargain from the beating he issued the other guy meant spending some time under supervision and on heavy meds. Now back home, Pat is trying to adjust to his life. He lives with his parents (Robert De Niro and Jackie Weaver) and wakes up every day working toward some balance. Pat hates his condition but not as much as he hates everything that goes along with it -- the judgment, the drugs, and the wild swings.

On his way back to normal, he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). She dealt with her recent emotional upheaval a different way: After her husband died, Tiffany slept with everyone in her office. She's tough on Pat, he's not very nice to her, and you -- like every other character in the movie -- can see exactly where they're headed.

Because our lead characters aren't processing stimuli in the most straightforward manner, Silver Linings Playbook moves at an agitated pace. Dialogue races by, scenes are smashed together, emotional states bounce around like kids on a trampoline. And with a looser grip, David O. Russell would have lost the movie. But there's something remarkably controlled about all of it; this chaos is intentional.

The deliberate pulse of the picture becomes more apparent as Pat and Tiffany grow closer. The more trust they establish, the more things start to slow down. It never feels or plays like a traditional classic Hollywood romance, but the waves don't crash with the same volatility after a while. Fittingly, these two frenetic souls are bound to each other through a dance competition, which not only develops more propinquity but also keeps two kinetic characters in motion.

Mental illness, of course, is no laughing matter. Russell definitely walks a line here by presenting bipolar disorder so broadly. But he also trusts Pat implicitly, which is a mark of a good director. Pat does not want to be defined by his diagnosis and takes its consequences in stride. If that means saying or doing the wrong thing, he'll live with it. So does the director. Sometimes those wrong things are funny while others, which get nearly equal representation here, are heartbreaking.

If you love really good acting, you've come to the right place. There was a 20-year period in this country when Robert De Niro's onscreen dominance was indisputable. He was the most dangerous actor in the movies. Then came everything after Casino. But Silver Linings Playbook gets De Niro back on solid ground. He's not playing a cop for a change, he's not overdoing it, and he's come at his supporting role with sage experience and youthful vigor.

Bradley Cooper, on the other hand, has by and large not been taken seriously. Credit the limpid blue eyes and the mop-up duty he had in the stupendously successful Hangover movies. But...the guy can act. And here, he acts his ass off. It's great work, and much like Russell's direction, could go flying off the rails if he didn't know what he was doing. Cooper's all-over-the-road performance is actually the grounding influence on the film.

But it's Jennifer Lawrence (she of The Hunger Games) that you need to see. Only 21 when this was filmed, she's added an exclamation point to an extremely promising young career. Put it this way: Hollywood producers hiring actresses under 30 who aren't named Jennifer Lawrence are  just throwing their money away. She has shown with Winter's Bone, Hunger Games, and now Silver Linings Playbook exactly what an actress should be able to do. She's played dark drama, action, and now Oscar-worthy human comedy with uncanny perfection. It just doesn't happen this easily this suddenly this often.

And the perfect occasion to announce that she's here for keeps is Silver Linings Playbook, a film truly worth the attention and affection it's receiving.

Movie Review for Rise of the Guardians

Rise of the Guardians   

Starring:  (Voices of) Chris Pine, Jude Law, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman

Directed by Peter Ramsey

Rated: PG

Run Time: 97 mins

Genre: Family/ Animation/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

What a way to kick of the official start of theHolidayseason!  This delightful family film is adapted from William Joyce’s novel “The Guardians of Childhood” and his short film “Man in the Moon”. This film won the Animation of the Year award at the 2012 Hollywood Film Festival.

When the Man on the Moon gave Jack Frost (Chris Pine – Voice) his role in the world, he was jazzed that he was given the ability to fly, create stunning ice etchings and wield some gnarly abilities with a staff. The only nagging issue that he has about being The Jack Frost is that no one is able to see him nor do they believe in him.  He has been reduced to a cliché expression that is sung about during the Holidays and a warning for mothers to give children before playing in the snow.

Three Hundred years pass and a few days before Easter, an ominous sign appears at the North Pole. North, a.k.a. Santa (Alec Baldwin – voice) bears witness to the event and sends out a signal to the other Guardians to assemble. The other guardians include the Sandman (to help children have pleasant dreams), Tooth, a.k.a. the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher – voice) and Bunny (Hugh Jackman – voice) a.k.a. the Easter Bunny. When they al arrive at the North Pole, North informs them that a dark force has arisen, threatening the children of the world and the guardians existence. This dark force, better known as the Boogeyman/ Pitch (Jude Law – voice) creates fear and nightmares among children, extinguishing any belief in wonder, joy or dreams. The Guardians must act fast, but the Man on the Moon informs them that a new guardian will join their ranks to help defeat Pitch, Jack Frost.  Some of the guardians, especially Bunny, are wary of bring Jack into their ranks as he’s know to be self serving and cause too many issues.   Jack, when approached, agrees to the consensus, but falls in with the group as time is of the essence.

Pitch has kidnapped all the tooth fairies helpers and the teeth they collect, as they hold all the childhood memories. Quickly children start un-believing in the Tooth Fairy, and she looses her abilities. The Guardians find a way around this, which infuriates Pitch. He then garners enough strength to take down each guardian until all that is left is Jack Frost and one child left who believes in the Guardians.

Will Jack Frost believe in him self although others lack faith and belief?  Will Jack be able to save the Guardians or fall to the darkness of Pitch and his evil ways?

Even children know that there is a sort of darkness that lingers around the world today, that some of the magic and wonder that storytelling and film once had have been replaced by special effects, 3D and lackluster storytelling. Rise of the Guardians ignites that magic and wonder and breathes new life into family/ holiday films. This is an inspiring, uplifting family film that would turn the most Scrooge-like spirit into a jolly one.  With that said, the animation and 3D effects were quite good, and the characters were adorable and likable.  The only qualm I had with the film was the modern take on the “Santa” character, North. Am I the only one that thinks tattooed forearms of “Naughty” and “Nice” on Santa is just pain wrong? Be sure to check out Rise of the Guardians when it opens nationwide starting Wednesday November 21,2012.

Movie Review for Red Dawn

Red Dawn 

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Adrianne Palicki, Josh Hutcherson, Josh Peck, Isabel Lucas, Jeffery Dean Morgan, Connor Cruise

Directed by Dan Bradley

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 93 mins

Genre: Drama/Action

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

With all the Hollywood remakes, reboots and revamps, can it take a wildly revered movie and refresh it to fit today’s mindset, culture and attitude? Its usually a coin toss if it will be any good.

Set in Spokane,Washington, a small town is invaded by North Korean soldiers in an effort to reform the U.S. from its evil crony-capitalism, consumer-driven, immoral ways. A Marine who is home on leave, Jed Eckert (Chris Hemsworth) quickly steps into a leadership role getting his younger brother Matt (Josh Peck) and a few other of Matt’s friends out of town and up to the family cabin away from the chaos. Jed and Matt’s father  (Brett Cullen) was caught behind as he is one of the town’s sheriffs, along with Matt’s girlfriend Erica (Isabel Lucas). Matt is uber distraught, but keeps it together with the intent of going back for his father and Ericka.

Once at the cabin, they are able to regroup, process and plan for what is coming next. A few of the teens end up going back, feeling that if they cooperate with the North Koreans that they will help themselves and their families. To prove their loyalty, they lead the soldiers back to the cabin to arrest the rest of the group, but they were out trying to gather info and food. When the boys don’t come forward, the soldiers burn the house and kill Jed and Matt’s father. This ignites the flame of revenge and to take back their town from the soldiers. Jed trains the rest of the group to fight guerilla style, learning how to take weapons and materials from the soldiers. As one teen puts it, he’s  now living Call of Duty.

The “Wolverines”,  as the renengade teens call themselves, wage war against the Communist occupiers. Will they be able to defeat the Koreans and return to their lives without too much collateral damage? Or will too many of their friends and family perish under the invading regime?

The original release of Red Dawn  in 1984 played a large role in the cultural mindset of the era. Now that some of the same issues have recycled into the public psyche, will this film have as much box office pull the second time around?  The modern remake of Red Dawn accomplishes a few key things: It is entertaining. It is loaded with action-packed, edge-of-your seat, adrenaline pumping drama and makes you feel a little proud for our country. Sure it has a few differences as the North Koreans invade the West Coast and the Russians invade the East Coast; The original it was a Russia/Cuba combo. Although this is a remake, it does justice to the original film with the cheesy dialogue and fills in some of the plot holes.  Will this film strike a chord with the younger viewers and appease the older generation who grew up with this film? Be the judge and go see it when it opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012.

Anna Karenina Movie Review

Anna Karenina   

Starring:  Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Directed by Joe Wright

Rated: R

Run Time: 130 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens Novemeber 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, another release this week is the modern retelling of the story by 19^th Century novelist Leo Tolystoy, Anna Karenina. In this version of the film, stage and screen scribe Tom Stoppard and Director Joe Wright put their artistic touch on a classic story. On the 2012 film festival circuit, Anna Karenina picked up a few awards for Production Design at the Hollywood Film Festival and Breakthrough Performer Awards for Domhall Gleeson and Alicia Vikander at the Hamptons International Film Festival.

Set in 1874 Empirical Russia, Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) and her husband Count Alexi Alexandrovna Karenin (Jude Law) are a part of Russian high society, very well respected and well-known in St. Petersburg. When Anna receives a letter from her brother asking her to visit to help straighten out a situation that his wife is about to leave him for, she travels to Moscow to act as a mediator to rectify the issue.  When she arrives, she is introduced to Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the attraction is instant and intense. Anna tries to stay away from Vronsky, but he follows her back to St. Petersburg, where a torrid affair ensues. Anna, unable to deny her feelings for Vronsky, is ordered by Alexi to stay away from the Count and behave like the respectable married woman she is (supposed) to be.

As karma would have it, Anna ends up pregnant and now must choose between her life with Alexi, filled with honor, respect, dignity and wealth or leave her husband for Count Vronsky and have the reputation of shame, disgrace follow her for the rest of her life, along with loosing her son whom she has with Alexi.

In this retelling of Anna Karenina, a few thoughts sprung to the forefront of my mind while watching this film. The art direction, although quite lovely, was disconnected to the film and the artistic element of shifting scenes as a stage production was confusing and unnecessary to convey the essence of the story. The transformation from stage to scene was a dizzying arrangement, leading to further disconnect from the characters and the story. On a positive note, the costume design was spectacular; from the jewelry  to the gowns to the military uniforms and men’s formal attire, the wardrobe selections are a visual feast for the eyes. The acting was decent, but it would have been preferable to have some Russian accents with some of the characters instead of all British accents; it slightly took away from the period and setting of the story. Just saying.  It seemed to this reviewer that this film was trying to capture the intensity of the novel but setting to a pace/ artistic style more like "Moulin Rouge". You be the judge when Anna Karenina opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012

A Royal Affair Review

A Royal Affair   

Starring:  Alicia Vikander, Mads Mikkelsen, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard

Directed by Nikolaj Arcel

Rated: R

Run Time: 137 mins

Genre: Drama/ Romance/ History

Opens November 16^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Friends, if you’re a fan of world cinema then we have a treat for you! This film was nominated for a few Silver Berlin Bear Awards at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival and won in two categories – Best Actor & Best Screenplay.

In the 1700’s there was a movement that was sweeping across Europe and eventually found its way to the American shores where as our country was founded on: The Enlightenment. In Denmark, there rules a young king, King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) whose peculiar ways made those who surround him and had an agenda made it easy for their plots to be approved unnoticed.  Until Christian’s bride arrives, Catherine Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) from England does things start to lean towards change. The marriage between Christian and Catherine was prearranged, so when she arrived in Denmark, his behavior was unbeknownst to the poor girl. She is now stuck in a foreign county, betrothed to a lunatic, who prefers the company of whores as his bride is not “fun enough”. After their first child is born, Christian embarks on a grand royal tour of Europe, where he expected to be away for almost two years. Catherine refused to accompany him, so he takes off on his own. Along the way, the royal cabinet decides he needs a personal physician to oversee Christian’s irrational behavior. In Germany, two ex-pats of Denmark who had been thrown out of the royal court, learn of a Dr. Johann Friedrich Strunsee (Mads Mikkelsen) who had been working in the sick wards of he Schleswig-Holstein area. Dr. Strunsee was chosen by Christian as he was able to communicate with him and get him to submit to a more rational way of behaving.

When the tour ended, Dr. Strunsee was kept on and brought back toDenmarkto live at the palace. Catherine was on guard with the doctor as he had too much power when it came to Christian. The marital issues between Catherine and Christian did not improve by his absence, driving him more into the insane world that he has built to protect himself. Dr. Strunsee tried to help at the insistence of Christian to make him wife more “fun”, but the closer that Strunsee grew to Catherine a royal affair blossomed.

Catherine and Dr. Strunsee knew if they could bend Christian’s ear, putting some of the Enlightenment movement ideas into his head, they could reform the laws that would help the people of Denmark live better lives.  Christian at first was nervous, but Strunsee told him to imagine himself as an actor playing a part as a powerful king; how would Christian perform the role? That bit of advice help the people of Denmark by cleaning up the streets, starting an orphanage and many other public works that the people were grateful for but enraged the establishment. Will the affair become public knowledge, destroying everything that Christian, Catherine and Strunsee worked so hard for or will the establishment rise to regain their power once more?

It was fascinating to see how the ideas and founding principals took shape in other countries during the same time ofAmerica’s establishment.  “A Royal Affair” is an exquisite film that is heartbreaking, inspiring and gripping that will stay with you long after the film has ended. If you are a fan of world cinema this film is surely one you will not want to miss as it has all the elements of a dynamic film experience. From the sets, the costumes, the acting and the story, everything was put together brilliantly. Be sure to catch this film when it opens at Harkins Camelview Friday November 16, 2012.

Lincoln Review

Lincoln   

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon Levitt, David Strathairn, James Spader, Lee Pace

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 149 mins

Genre: Drama/ Biography/ History

Opens November 16^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Can you feel it in the air?  Aside from the crisp cool weather, Oscar watch is officially underway and does this film pack a wallop! Director Steven Spielberg (per usual) artfully and brilliantly assembled a cast worthy of bringing such a notable historic figure to life.

The year was 1865. The Civil War was deep into its fourth year, and Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) was starting his second term as president. He and his cabinet were earnestly searching for a resolution to bring the war to an end, butLincolnknew that he had to bring the 13th amendment to pass before it would end.  If not, every man that died would have died in vain andLincolnwas not about to let that happen. Over the course of 3 months, President Lincoln had to convince his cabinet, his constituents, his family and get Congress to pass the 13th Amendment before he could let the peace talks begin. The film chronicles the high and low points of the historic amendment, ending slavery and beginning the talks of bringing the Civil War to a close.

What is so fascinating to watch in this film is how every actor brought to life the prominent figures they were cast in and how poignant, artful and humanistic each role was. Daniel Day-Lewis’s transformation on screen as Lincoln makes the viewer forget that this was the same man that was the Butcher in Gangs of New York. He is so utterly perfect in this role that it is hard to imagine any other actor cast as Lincoln.  The supporting cast was equally brilliant from Tommy Lee Jones as Sen. Thaddeus Stevens, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and even James Spader as lobbyist W.N. Bilbo. Each actor was excellent in their respective roles and was more pleasantly surprising to see when entered on screen. Take for instance Lee Pace as Democratic Senator Fernando Wood. Pace has been in a handful of film roles but most notable for his TV role on Pushing Daisies. Another example would be Jared Harris as Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who has been in several films such as the latest Sherlock Holmes as Moriarty, and more recently in TV as the evil genius David Robert Jones on Fringe.

The cinematography was equally stunning by the use of light. The way that the light paints the scene adds to the mood, making appear as a painting or a picture from a Lincoln when it opens in theaters on Friday November 16, 2012.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 Review

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2   

Starring:

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Dakota Fanning, Jackson Rathborne, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Bryce Dallas Howard, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Xavier Samuel

Directed by Bill Condon

Rated:  PG-13

Run Time: 115 mins

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Romance/ Thriller

Opens November 16th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

In the 5th installment and final of the Twilight Series, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are now parents of a baby girl and Bella is a full blown vampire. Now their world is perfect, except for Jacob (Taylor Lautner) imprinting on their daughter Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) and the vampire clan the Volturi learning that Bella and Edward have a child. The very existence of Renesmee can put the Cullens and the rest of the vampire world at risk, which the Volutri see as a risk they are unwilling to take.

Now Bella, Edward and the rest of the Cullens must assemble as many witnesses as possible  to confirm that Reneseme is not a threat, but a blessing to their existence or fight to the death trying. Will Bella and Edward be able to protect their family or will their love story end in tragedy, just like a Shakespearean play?

***SPOILERS*** FROM THIS POINT ON….

I have to admit that Breaking Dawn is my favorite book out of the series. As for the films, I honestly haven’t been a fan due to the abundance of amateurish acting and Katherine Hardwicke’s poor start of the series. With that said, I genuinely enjoyed Part 1 of the film, but Part 2 was only subpar. They did get a few things right as it did not deviate too far away from the book and they ended it with an additional scene that was not in the book that should appease the male viewers that get dragged to the film. It wasn’t until this film that I noticed how ridiculous the dialogue was from the book, but still found it amusing to hear it performed on film. The first scene of where Bella is hunting in the forest to feed was too campy in my opinion as the running seemed like it was out of a late 1970’s tv show. The fight sequence was choreographed well, but again the special effects were lackluster. The FX artists did manage to get the sparkle on the skin and Bella’s shielding effects right. The most moving part though had to be in the credits where the look of the book and the film met, creating a beautiful wrap up to the last 5 films and ending the trilogy nicely. Breaking Dawn Part 2 opens in theaters nation wide Friday November 16, 2012.

Lincoln review from guest critic, Colin Boyd

Lincoln   

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon Levitt, David Strathairn, James Spader, Lee Pace

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 149 mins

Genre: Drama/ Biography/ History

Opens November 16^th

Reviewed by guest critic, Colin Boyd

It says a lot about the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis that Lincoln, an otherwise perfectly fine but unimpressive film, could be about 40% worse and still be worth seeing. It arrives at the time of the year when performances are supposed to stand out, and Day-Lewis will likely stand out the most.

There's a short list of actors who are generally considered among the best in the world and the two-time Oscar winner (My Left Foot and There Will Be Blood) can be found at or near the top of it. If you're an actor with a conscience, bringing to life any historical figure to life on screen has inherent responsibilities. In American history, nobody else quite rises to the level of Lincoln. That raises the stakes, and Day-Lewis, by virtue of his pristine track record, raises the expectations. Amazingly enough, he manages to quietly surpass them.

Steven Spielberg's film is taken from the pages of Doris Kearns Goodwin's book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, and it has had a long gestation. Spielberg heard about the proposed book from the author in 1999 and committed to adapting it on the spot. Liam Neeson was confirmed to play Lincoln for the better part of decade while Spielberg worked on other projects and replacement screenwriter Tony Kushner adapted a dense story into a script (at one point, the screenplay reached 500 pages). Finally in 2010, Day-Lewis signed on and production slowly began.

Appropriate for the current political climate, Lincoln is long on gridlock and grind. The film begins in what we would now call the lame duck session, after his 1864 reelection, with Lincoln hatching a plan to outlaw slavery once and for all. His Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order freeing current slaves in seceded states, but the Thirteenth Amendment would be the final word. And Lincoln used the North's momentum in the bloody Civil War as a tool to leverage the legislation.

It may have been the biggest political risk in U.S. history -- keep up the fighting until the amendment would pass instead of negotiating an earlier peace -- and it certainly had very little support beyond Lincoln's closest allies. As a film device, this may rub audiences the wrong way, dealing as it does with negotiations and tactics more than the life and even most of the personal struggles of our tragic 16th president. What Spielberg has done here is not present a timeline or even a biography. This is instead evidence of Abraham Lincoln's character through a particularly trying time, even by the standards of his particularly trying presidency.

Much of the screenplay seems like recitations of speeches or diary entries, and while that gives Lincoln some historical credibility, it also leads to some very long monologues. Some are fantastic and others are just long. The film's primary drawback is its pacing and tone, and those speeches are a big reason why. However, Lincoln also goes for laughs at strange times (just look for James Spader) and occasionally offsets the president's somber nature with boisterous scenes that don't play well.

There are too many characters. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, playing Lincoln's eldest son, is adrift. Congressmen come and go with blinding frequency. And while those things may have been important at the time, they are not as important to the film and only take away from what is important, namely that central performance.

Tommy Lee Jones (as Rep. Thaddeus Stevens) and Sally Field (as long-suffering Mary Todd Lincoln) will get a modicum of Oscar talk, but the only real achievement is by Daniel Day-Lewis. It not only captures what we know about Lincoln but also illustrates those things we don't. It goes beyond technical proficiency into immersion, and does so without ever sliding into mimicry. This is one of the extremely rare portrayals that redefines a character from our shared history, like DeNiro's Jake LaMotta. Lincoln will never look or sound exactly the same again thanks to Daniel Day-Lewis.

Harkins prepping audiences for Hitchcock by screening classics

Fans to enjoy warm up for exclusive engagement of Hitchcock at Harkins Camelview 5 Theatres  

For one week only, Harkins Theatres presents some of Alfred Hitchcock’s most celebrated films exclusively at Harkins Valley Art Theatre. Beginning Friday, November 16, Hitchcock fans can relive the intensity of Rear Window, Vertigo and Psycho on the big screen.

All three films will show each day throughout the run, in anticipation of the new feature film, Hitchcock, opening Friday, November 23 exclusively at Harkins Camelview 5 Theatres. Hitchcock is the true-story behind the difficult production of Psycho, and delves into Hitchcock's fascination with the real-life serial killer who served as the inspiration for Norman Bates. The film stars Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock and Helen Mirren as his wife, Alma and Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh and is rated PG-13.

Visit www.harkinstheatres.com for tickets and showtimes. Standard ticket prices apply.

A Royal Affair is getting noticed

A Royal Affair is opening this Friday (11/16) at Harkins Camelview and is getting rave reviews. It's a film that was made in Denmark but is getting some great acclaim in the United States. Fresh off it's World Audience Award at AFI Fest, it was named the Phoenix Film Critics Society movie of the week this week. Then there's the national reviews that have been pretty great. Here are some of the quotes from reviews: “SUPERBLY ENTERTAINING AND SUMPTUOUSLY PRODUCED. Mads Mikkelsen gives a marvelous performance.” – Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

“A SLAM DUNK IN THE GENRE, SATISFYING EVERY PERIOD PIECE CRAVING. A Royal Affair enthralls where many historical dramas start to sag. NOTHING BEATS A WELL TOLD TALE OF A SCANDALS PAST THAT YOU’VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.” – Mary Pols, Time

“FIRST RATE. EVER SO MUCH MORE THAN A HISTORICAL ROMANCE.” – Roger Ebert, Chicago SunTimes

“MAGNIFICENT! A ravishing, stunning epic with superlative performances. A riveting, compelling love story from a brilliant filmmaker. A must see for fans of great world cinema.” -Pete Hammond, Boxoffice Magazine

“SUMPTUOUS AND ENTHRALLING WITH RIVETING PERFORMANCES. A gripping chapter of history recounted with elegance and intelligence. Admires of classy costume drama will eat up this well-crafted film.” - David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

You may want to give it a look this weekend.  Here's some more information about the film.....

Director: Nikolaj Arcel

Screenplay: Rasmus Heisterberg & Nikolaj Arcel

Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Trine Dyrholm, Alicia Vikander, William Jøhnk Nielsen, David Dencik, Rosalinde Mynster, Cyron Bjørn Melville, Søren Malling, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Laura Bro

Synopsis: A ROYAL AFFAIR is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen's heart and starts a revolution. Centering on the intriguing love triangle between the ever more insane Danish King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), the royal physician who is a man of enlightenment and idealism Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda (Alicia Vikander), A ROYAL AFFAIR is the gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for their people… Above all it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation.

Move Review for A Late Quartet

A Late Quartet    

Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanie, Imogen Poots

Directed by Yaron Zilberman

Rated: R

Run Time: 105 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens November 9^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

For the past 25 seasons, the Fugue Quartet have traveled the world together, performing in world famous venues, for thousands of people. The quartet was formed in the late 1980’s by students and a faculty member of Carnegie Hall.  Daniel Lerner (Mark Ivanir) holds the position of 1^st violin; Robert Gelbart (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) currently holds the 2^nd violin chair; Juliette Gelbart plays the viola and Peter Mitchell (Christopher Walken) rounds up the group by playing the cello.

In the past year, the dynamic of the group was rocked to its core when Peter had to step aside to mourn the loss of his wife, Miriam (Anne Sofie von Otter). Upon his return, he notices that he is not able to play as well. He seeks out medical help and is diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Peter decides that this season if he is well enough to play with the aid of medication, will be his last. The rest of the group is shocked, but in various stages of denial or planning their next moves. Juliette is adamant that Peter will play as they have chosen Beethoven Opus 131 C-sharp minor quartet as their opening selection. Daniel is trying to figure out who can replace Peter and if he can get the same cellist that replaced him in his absence after Miriam’s death, Nina Lee. Robert, on the other hand, is looking at this as an opportunity to shake things up by alternating with Daniel the roles of playing 1^st violin. Robert is tired of playing second to Daniel and wants to grow as a performer.

Juliette and Daniel vehemently disagree with Robert, meeting secretly to discuss how to change his mind, continuing to play 2^nd violin. Robert is one of the best at that position, and to change his position so late into their group’s history is unsettling. Juliette and Robert discuss the change up one night on the way home from a gathering at Peter’s home, which results in Robert storming of angrily, not returning home for the evening. Their marriage has also been hanging by a delicate thread, mostly due to the lack of emotional support by Juliette. The news about Peter has caused Juliette to push Robert further away, and now with the lack of support about his future aspirations, Robert makes a heinous decision that could end his marriage and the group altogether.

In Daniel’s world, he is also facing a set of personal challenges that could possible destroy the group. He has been coaching Juliette and Robert’s college aged daughter, Alexandra (Imogen Poots) at the suggestion of Peter, as she has immense potential to become a 1^st violin player one day. The more time that Alexandra and Daniel spend together, the attraction and temptation becomes too much until she makes the first move. At first, Daniel pushes her away, but quickly succumbs to his feeling and desires.

Will the quartet be able to make it to their season opener with Peter or will his health quickly deteriorate? With all of the personal drama between Daniel, Juliette and Robert be able to be set aside for them to continue professionally or will this truly be the last time they all perform, if they make it that far?

Mimicking Beethoven Opus 131 C-sharp minor quartet, the story starts off rather slow, builds to a slow crescendo of interpersonal drama between the characters, finishing off in a loud and boisterous way, meaning to be grandiose and poignant. What stood out above the story and acting performances were the musical selections, becoming the unspoken character that kept some bit of sanity among the group. It was refreshing to see Christopher Walken in a more serious role, and for those expecting more cowbell and his usual zany tactics, you may be disappointed or surprised by his subtle performance.  A Late Quartet opens in Phoenix starting Friday November 9, 2012.

Movie Review for Flight

Flight 

Starring: Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Kelly Reilly, Brian Geraghty, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle, Melissa Leo

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Rated: R

Run Time: 138 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens November 2nd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Phoenix Film Fans! If you have been looking for a hard-hitting drama, with a cast full of award winning actors, here's a movie for you. This week we checked out the new Robert Zemeckis film "Flight", starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Don Cheadle and Melissa Leo.

Veteran airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) never imagined that a simple flight from Tampa to Atlanta would result in a plane crash.  He and one of the flight attendants from his crew had been partying the night before, and was still slightly inebriated that morning. To help with his hangover, he grabs some orange juice and vodka from the beverage cart for a hair of the dog remedy.

His co-pilot, Ken Evans ( Brian Geraghty) may not have as much experience as Whip but he notices the alcohol smell he is emitting.  The flight takes off during a storm, which Whip navigates the plane through with ease.  The rest of the flight should have been a smooth ride, until a few miles outside of Atlanta; the plane's equipment starts to fail and goes into a dive.  Co-pilot Evans freaks out, waking Whip from his nap he was taking. Whip quickly, but calmly, puts the plane into an inverted state, leveling out the dive, gliding them into the crash site.  Fortunately, the plane crashed into an open field where there was bystanders able to help until rescue services arrived.

The aftermath of the crash left 6 people dead, two of those being crew members.  An investigation into the site will not only reveal that Whip had been drinking, but had other illegal substances in his system.  While in the hospital, Whip meets a young woman, Nicole ( Kelly Reilly) whose overdose on heroine cost her a trip to the E.R.  Recognizing the pain in Nicole that he feels himself, Whip promises to visit her when he gets out.

Even though people are calling him a hero, Whip knows he is in for some serious trouble. Long time friend and union rep, Charlie Anderson (Bruce Greenwood) is standing by Whip, willing to get him the help he needs and through the investigation into the crash.  He even hires hot-shot attorney Hugh Lang ( Don Cheadle) to bury the toxicology reports from the day of the crash.  Will Whip be able to cover up his illness, his lies and alienate those who want to see him get better? Or will Whip continue to spiral out of control until he crashes and burns himself?

Denzel Washington in the role of alcoholic pilot Whip Whitaker, although a decent performance, is only made better by the supporting cast. Standout performances by John Goodman and Don Cheadle helped lighten some of the heavier moments of the film, moving the story forward.  This film features drug use, some sexually explicit scenes and showcases the dark nature of alcoholism, not much of a family friendly film.  Check it out when it opens in theaters nationwide Friday November 2, 2012.

Movie Review for The Sessions

The Sessions

Starring: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood

Directed by: Ben Lewin

Rated: R Run time: 95 mins Genre: Drama

Opens November 2nd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, the week we checked out The Session, a film based on the true story of paraplegic poet/writer, Mark O'Brien. Fun fact about O'Brien, as this is not the first film about him. He was the subject of the 1997 Academy Award winning documentary, "Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien".

Mark O'Brien (John Hawkes) wasn't always paraplegic. At the age of 6, he was struck with polio, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. His parents were told that he wouldn't make it past childhood, if he were to survive that long. Defying all odds and surpassing everyone's expectations, Mark went on to graduate from University of California, Berkeley in 1978 with a degree in English Mark lived a happy life (for what it was), charming all he would meet. One day, he gets a call from an editor friend who asks him to write an article about sexuality in the handicapped. Mark accepts but thinks it is odd that he was asked considering he's never actually "done the deed", so to say. Yes, that's right, before there was Steve Carrell as the 40 yr old Virgin, there was Mark O'Brien, the 38 year old virgin.

As he conducts his interviews, he realizes, that for him to have a proper article, maybe it's time to pop his cherry. He still has full feeling and functioning blood flow to the nether region, so he is referred to a "sexual surrogate", someone who's not quite a prostitute but helps people get past their barriers of leading a healthy sexually active life.

When Mark meets Cheryl (Helen Hunt) his sexual surrogate, he is extremely nervous. He had discussed his concern with his new priest, Father Brendan (William H. Macy) as he was worried about how this would look to God. Will his soul perish in Hell for eternity because he has sex outside of marriage? Father Brendan gives Mark a "free pass" clearing his conscious on being able to proceed with the article.

Cheryl explains the whole process to Mark, letting him know they only have 6 sessions total to work on his "therapy". Sometimes it takes less than 6 sessions to achieve the goals set, but everyone is different. Will Mark be able to perform and reach his goals of having intercourse and being ale to please a woman? Or will his religious upbringing/ guilt get the best of him, hindering his sex life even further?

Anytime dealing with sexual issues in a visual media such as film, there is a certain amount of sensitivity that need to be addressed, especially when dealing with the handicapped. Director Ben Lewin did a fantastic job, as did John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and William H. Macy in bring the life of Mark O'Brien and this timeframe of his life for portrayal on screen. The film was handled with such humor, grace and love that it shines through the performances and story. Even though it is a sensitive subject, the film is filled with many lighthearted, laugh-out loud moments. Just keep a few tissues handy for those who cry easily in films, this one for some will be a real tearjerker. I would be shocked if this is not nominated for at least some acting awards in the upcoming award season. Be sure o check it out when it opens in Phoenix Friday November 2, 2012.