Crescent Theater Spotlight & Review: My Week with Marilyn

Spotlight: The Crescent Theater
Mobilians in the know are well aware of the local treasure that is the Crescent Theater. A small, one-screen movie theater in the heart of downtown Mobile, the Crescent is a movie lover's quaint little haven. An independently-owned theater with a passion for showing great films, the Crescent usually shows about one film per week, with showtimes generally at 6pm and 8:30pm nightly, with a 2pm matinee on Saturdays and Sundays. During special occasions (Christmas, Halloween, etc.) they will bring back old favorites (like Home Alone and It's a Wonderful Life) and cult classics (like Rocky Horror Picture Show). Whoever happens to be working at the Crescent that day will always introduce the film before it begins, often providing the audience with little pieces of trivia before heading upstairs to start the reel. There is an honor system at the Crescent: if you suddenly have the urge for more candy, feel free to run to the lobby and grab something; you can pay after the show. If you get there early enough, you can even claim one of the plush leather recliners positioned in the first two rows.

Today I saw My Week with Marilyn at the Crescent Theater, though I sadly did not make it in time to claim a recliner...

My Week with Marilyn
Directed by Simon Curtis, My Week with Marilyn is a wonderful film based on a memoir by Colin Clark. It focuses on the relationship formed between Colin Clark and Marilyn Monroe during her time in London for the shooting of Sir Laurence Olivier's film The Prince and the Showgirl. As with most bio-pics, it is easy to be harshly critical of the actors portraying icons, especially those as well known as Marilyn Monroe. But after the first scene featuring Michelle Williams as Monroe, I was convinced. There was something so deeply moving about Williams' portrayal of Monroe that it is difficult to articulate. Perhaps it was because the audience got to experience both sides of icon: the bold, sexual screen beauty, and the troubled, deeply insecure woman. Perhaps it was that we saw Marilyn come back to life on screen. Whatever the reason, Williams is absolutely mesmerizing. Similarly, I have to give credit to Kenneth Branagh for his wonderful portrayal of Sir Laurence Olivier. Both actors are well deserving of their Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. The film also stars Eddie Redmayne (as Colin Clark), Judi Dench and Emma Watson.

Review: Warrior

Warrior
Warrior is a gripping film centered around an estranged family reunited during an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) tournament. Writer / Director Gavin O'Connor (with fellow screenwriters Anthony Tambakis and Cliff Dorfman) provides the expected surface-level suspense of most fighting-themed films, but adds multiple layers to the story through the exploration of the main characters. While the character of Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton) is the typical heroic underdog, his brother Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy) offsets the balance with his character-defining anger and mysterious past. Though vastly different from one another, they share the common link of disdain for their father (Nick Nolte), a recovering alcoholic trying to reconcile the rough past between the Conlons. It is Nick Nolte's portrayal that is truly at the heart of the film. Deservedly nominated for a Screen Actor's Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor, Nolte's Paddy Conlon gives this unique and captivating film its emotional depth. This film is a must-see.

The Celluloidian is Back!

Hello fellow film buffs! I am pleased to announced that after a lengthy hiatus, The Celluloidian is back! And what better time to revamp this little blog than at the start of the 2012 awards season! So, let me begin this comeback with my reviews of 3 films nominated for awards this year.

Midnight in Paris
Midnight in Paris is an absolute gem of a movie. Whimsical, smart, funny and romantic, this film is nominated for several Golden Globe awards and recently won Best Original Screenplay at the Critic's Choice Awards. Set in Paris, the film is a tale about Gil (Owen Wilson), a man coming to terms with his life, his view of love, and his writing. Walking along the streets of Paris at midnight, he is transported back to the 1920s to mingle with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. Writer and Director Woody Allen creates this shift between eras so effortlessly and with such confidence that the audience never questions it; the ride is the most important part, not the logic behind it. Furthermore, what makes this film so special is that it rids itself of perversity and controversy and presents itself simply and beautifully. Co-starring Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, and Kathy Bates (to name a few), Midnight in Paris is a delightful film that is well deserving of its accolades.

Moneyball
Directed by Bennett Miller, this film is deservedly up for several Golden Globe awards this year. Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin (remember The Social Network?), and Stan Chervin recently won the Critic's Choice award for Best Adapted Screenplay for this film. Starring Brad Pitt, Moneyball chronicles the historic 2002 season of the Oakland A's baseball team under the management of Billy Beane. While it can easily be categorized as a film about baseball, I actually see it more as a film about a man who happens to be in the business of baseball. It's an intelligent character study that is so tightly focused on Pitt's Billy Beane, a baseball-inept layman like myself can still get caught up in the statistical jargon and follow along effortlessly. This film is smartly crafted, emotionally gripping, and well cast (Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright). I highly recommend this wonderful movie.

The Tree of Life
It is rare for me to be unable to finish a movie. But, sadly, after the first 45 minutes I could not handle The Tree of Life any longer. Expecting beautiful cinematography coupled with powerhouse performances from Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn, what I found myself watching was Terrence Malick's over-the-top montage of images about life...or crisis...or maybe God...? (It's a seemingly endless montage about something.) Though the cinematography was, in fact, beautiful (it recently won the Critic's Choice Award), there were so many images that the film felt more like a final project for an editing student than a cohesive film with a centralized plot. It's no wonder some American movie theaters were forced to display a disclaimer about the confusing construction of this film after numerous walk-outs and refund requests (source: imdb.com). And believe me, I am generally a fan of non-linear structure and original storytelling technique. But Tree of Life essentially has no story. It is one man's (Malick) pretentious artistic expression of nature versus faith. Oh, and there are dinosaurs.

"Rent Me!" Pick of the Weekend: UHF

This Weird-Al film is the perfect remedy for the uneventful weekend blues. Universally panned when it was first released in 1989, UHF is like the younger awkward sibling of the much loved Airplane and Naked Gun films. It's a parody-filled hodgepodge of hilarity and ridiculousness that follows a man trying to salvage a run-down local cable television station. The film is so delightfully "B-movie" it's difficult to dislike. Featuring 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Michael Richards, and Fran Drescher, UHF will have you laughing until your stomach hurts.










Photo Credit via Google: mutantreviewers.wordpress.com

Three Reviews: Pirates, The Hangover, & Big Happy Family

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
This movie felt like the writers (Elliott & Rossio), desperate to squeeze out something of a working plot to appease the money hungry producers, grabbed the script of The Curse of the Black Pearl, threw in some mermaids and called it a day. Stranger Tides is one giant gimmick: a broken record of over-used cliches and forced one-liners. The introduction of Penelope Cruz as a love interest was some attempt to give Captain Jack a bit more depth, but even that could not save a film who desperately needed to give the franchise a sense of progression. As much as I hoped for Stranger Tides (under the direction of Rob Marshall) to harken back to the good ol' days of the first film, I was sorely disappointed to find that it was only a sub-par copy cat.




The Hangover: Part II
Speaking of copy cats, Part II should be the poster child. This film was almost unbearable. I could tell from the previews that it would adhere to the format of the first. Back then I appreciated it; I thought, why change a good thing? And then I sat down to watch it and realized that I was oh so wrong. Part II is like walking though a haunted house when all the lights are on. There is no anxious anticipation of what's around the corner because you can see it coming. And maybe the filmakers knew this, so instead of producing something clever, they took the time to devise ways to make it more vulgar and uncomfortable. Save yourself the $10 and just sit on your couch and imagine that the first film took place in Bangkok instead of Vegas. You'll most likely have a more satisfying experience.




Madea's Big Happy Family
Tyler Perry's latest film made me laugh enough to stay seated. I think anyone who goes to see a Tyler Perry film already anticipates corny dialogue, long-running and obvious ad-libbing, and over-the-top situational drama. Big Happy Family is all of these elements plus a few highly annoying characters. But, having that anticpation makes the pill easier to swallow. Tyler Perry as Madea was the one saving grace of this Tyler Perry Tyler Perry Tyler Perry film. And, like I said, it made me laugh.







PLEASE NOTE: The Hangover: Part II is rated R for language, nudity, sexuality, etc.

Photo Credits: imdb.com

Review: Thor

I walked into the movie theater having no previous knowledge of the comic book hero that is Thor. I simply watched the trailers and found myself interested. I do enjoy comic book movies, and figured that in order to jump on the upcoming Avengers movie bandwagon, I needed to make it a point to see all of the films leading up to said future blockbuster.

Thor is one of those films that tends to suck you in. Just as the first three minutes go by and you find yourself asking, "Am I going to like this movie?", all of a sudden it's at the closing credits and your wishing it kept going. Unlike fellow future-Avenger Iron Man, Thor requires a more open mind and a willingness to accept that while it isn't plausible, it sure as heck is entertaining.

Directer Kenneth Branagh does three things very well with this film: (1) he properly balances the other-worldly elements of Thor's character and history with the more relatable earthly elements,(2) he keeps the momentum going, and (3) he keeps the characters focused on the situation at hand. Even in quiet moments between Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Jane (Natalie Portman), it furthers their relationship and strengthens each characters purpose without sacrificing the pace of the plot.

And speaking of the characters, let me just take a minute to comment on the great cast. Thor is a character who could very easily become nothing more than a hulking beefcake that smashes things with a large hammer. Luckily, Chris Hemsworth plays Thor as the dynamic character he is, allowing audiences follow his transition from an arrogant would-be king, to a man dealing with his mistakes. Natalie Portman's Jane is lovable as all Portman characters generally are. Some would consider Jane to simply be the straight man to Thor's antics, but Portman brings a subtle bit of depth to Jane that makes her far less flat a character than another actor playing Jane could tend to make her. And then there's the great Anthony Hopkins as Odin, who is one of those actors who can just show up and do a good job and never really fail the character he plays.

I enjoyed this film. Like I said before, it takes a willingness to open up your imagination and appreciate it for what it is. Thor is well directed and well cast, and even hosts some of the most visually stunning scenes in any action/sci-fi film I've seen in quite a while. The sound design is brilliant, and could potentially become an Oscar contender for sound editing. The pace keeps your adrenaline going, and coupled with it's stunning visual effects, it sort of envelops you in the action as a well-made action movie should. It even caused a few guys sitting near us to yell out profanities in a sort-of "go get 'em!" type manner. Also, be sure a stay until after the credits for a fun little Avengers Easter Egg...



Photo & Fact Credits: imdb.com

An Oldie but a Goodie: Sunset Boulevard

It's a Saturday afternoon and you're planning on staying in the for the evening. You know you want to rent a movie and sit on the couch in your pajamas, but you can't quite decide what you're in the mood to watch. I suggest you take my advice and rent Sunset Boulevard. It's a classic film that won three Academy Awards and is considered by many to be one of the best films of all time. If you're not one to choose a black-and-white oldie, this is a perfect time and a perfect film to start with. A film about Hollywood and its toll on one of its former shining stars (played chillingly by the late great Gloria Swanson), Sunset takes your assumptions about what it was like during the "Golden Age" of Hollywood and turns it on its head. The film is fascinatingly modern in its themes, cinematically stunning, and is incredibly well-acted. Sunset Boulevard is well deserving of your Saturday night.



Photo Credit: moviezeal.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com

Happy Birthday, Al Pacino

Today is the 71st birthday of Al Pacino, one of the most beloved actors of all time. In honor of Mr. Pacino, I'd like to briefly showcase some of my favorite Pacino films:

The Godfather
Considered one of the best American films of all time, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather was the catalyst to Pacino's incredible career. If you've never seen The Godfather (and can handle the language and violence), it should be at the top of your need-to-see list of films. You'll be amazed at how many phrases and scenes you were already familiar with without ever before realizing it. Pacino was nominated for a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Academy Award.








The Godfather: Part II
Hands-down the best sequel to a film ever made. Pacino's Michael Corleone is hardened, determined, terrifying, and heartbreaking. It is a brilliant performance that earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.











Dog Day Afternoon
Directed by Sidney Lumet, Dog Day Afternoon is a film about an actual bank robbery in Brooklyn in the early seventies. Pacino plays Sonny Wortzik, an average man who decides to rob a bank to get money for his lover's operation. As expected, the plan falls apart and Wortzik finds himself in the middle of a hostage situation. Pacino was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for the role.








Scent of a Woman
Pacino won an Academy Award for his role as Frank Slade, a blind former Lieutenant Colonel who takes his young caregiver (Chris O'Donnell) on an unexpected trip to New York City.











The Godfather: Part III
Though the final chapter of the the Godfather saga pales in comparison to its predecessors, Part III is still a wonderful character study about a man (Pacino's Corleone) coming to terms with the choices he's made as he nears the end of his life.










I love Al Pacino. I could list several other excellent films that are wonderful expamples of Pacino's skill (Serpico, Donnie Brasco, etc.), but I know you know he's great, so I'll spare you.
I suppose one of the reasons Pacino is so beloved, aside from his talent, is how mesmerizing his eccentric personality is. Therefore, because I love Pacino, and because I also love Johny Depp (Pacino's co-star in Donnie Brasco), I'll leave you with this YouTube video of Depp discussing "crazy" Pacino on Dave Letterman:








PLEASE NOTE: All above-listed films are rated R and contain language and/or violence and/or sexuality

Photo Credits via Google: (In order) mymoviebanners.com, wildsound-filmaking-feedback-events.com, impawards.com, movieposterdb.com, withfriendship.com
Video Credit: youtube.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com

Actor Spotlight: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway should be given more credit. Oftentimes when people reference Anne, they either conjure up images of her as the teenage star of The Princess Diaries, or as the co-host of what many deem the worst Oscar Ceremony broadcast to date. But like her or not, Anne ranks right at the top of the Hollywood "It Girl" hierarchy alongside Natalie Portman and Amy Adams. Reason: the girl's got talent. Now before you scoff (as I'm sure you can't get The Princess Diaries out of your brain), take a look at some of the highlights of her career:

2001: Anne stars in the sleeper hit (and her first film) The Princess Diaries, showing off her comedic chops alongside Julie Andrews.
2005: Anne co-stars in Brokeback Mountain, hands-down the most talked about and controversial film of that year.
2006: Anne co-stars in The Devil Wears Prada with Meryl Streep, an entertaining (and surprisingly emotionally insightful) chick-flick of a film. Streep was given an Oscar nomination for the role.
2008: Anne co-stars in Get Smart alongside Steve Carrel, arguably the most beloved comedic actor of the decade.
2008: Anne stars in Rachel Getting Married. If you have not seen this movie, I beg you to Netflix it immediately. The film itself is so beautiful and brilliant...I could literally spend hours discussing this film. Anne was nominated for a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and an Oscar for her performance as Kym, the black sheep of the family coming home for her sister's wedding. Anne won the following awards for her performance: Austin Film Critic's Best Actress Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Best Actress Award, Chicago Film Critics Association Best Actress Award, National Board of Review Best Actress Award, and several others.
2010: Anne co-stars in Tim Burton's highly anticipated Alice in Wonderland as the ethereal, black-lipsticked White Queen.
2011: Anne co-hosts the Academy Awards with James Franco.
2011: It is announced that Anne is cast as Selina Kyle (Catwoman) in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, which will, without doubt, be the highest grossing film of 2012.

Not convinced?
What if I told you that Anne is a trained singer who was considered for the role of Christine Daae in Schumaker's 2004 adaptation of Phantom of the Opera?
Or that her role as Kym was ranked by Paste Magazine as one of the top 25 roles of the decade?
Or that she's been a top-billed actor in over 13 films in the past ten years and she's not even thirty?

Still not convinced?
I tell you what, I challenge you to rent Alice in Wonderland and Rachel Getting Married, watch them back to back in that order, and then leave me a comment telling me that I'm wrong and that Anne has no talent whatsoever.
I challenge you.




PLEASE NOTE: Rachel Getting Married is rated R for language and brief sexuality

Photo Credit: google.com (images)
Fact Credits: imdb.com

A Serial Synopsis of the Silver Screen

The precursor to this blog was my Do I Dare to Eat a Peach?, which existed as a medium for self-expression primarily during my time of unemployment. The blog lacked focus or direction. In general, the only time I found that I could write extinsively was when my attentions were focused on filmmaking.
Anyone who knows me well understands that I am quite the movie buff. If given the opportunity, I could ramble on for hours about trivia of the most useless nature. My poor husband is both awed and annoyed at the factoids I'll occasionally shout out during our weekly post-Blockbuster-raid movie nights.
In college I was blessed with the opportunity to be Freed-Hardeman University's movie critic for a semester, exposing Bell Tower readers to my ramblings in my column "Confessions of an Opinionated Moviegoer". Though it was short-lived, it was a wonderful experience which allowed me to express my thoughts and opinions on an artistic medium I hold close to my heart.
Now, as my husband and I have finally bitten the bullet and purchased internet access (until now we either stole a weak signal from the Burger King a few blocks away or had to haul our ancient laptop to the local Starbucks), I've decided to create this blog as not only a means for freeing my crowded mind of it's useless trivia, but more importantly as a way in which friends, family, and random readers can gain insight on films past and present.
I would like to preface all upcoming posts by saying that I approach film, in general, with an open mind. I am a Christian woman, and more often than not, actions displayed in film are in opposition to a lifestyle that I hope to lead. However, film is a medium for storytelling. While I may not choose to live like Vito Corleone, I respect that it is a reflection of the lifestyles of others. Film can be a window to unknown or unfamiliar worlds; it is a collective piece of art that aims to both entertain and enlighten. It is my personal goal that with each review, I include some information about possible suggestive matter that may help people approach the film with caution. I never wish to offend anyone.
That being said, I hope you enjoy this little blog.
I submit The Celluloidian to you fully aware of my own nerdy-ness.