The Descendants Movie Trailer Official (HD)

The Descendants

Film: The Descendants

Starring: George Clooney (The Ides of March) and Shailene Woodley

Director: Alexander Payne (Sideways)

U.S. Release: November 16th, 2011 (Rated R)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 115 minutes


As the Closing Night feature at this year's Philadelphia Film Festival, The Descendants was easily the most anticipated film throughout the two week affair. Director Alexander Payne, most remembered for his Academy Award Nominee Sideways, is never quick to commit to a film. It's been a long awaited 7 years since his previous work, and genuine fans of cinema can't wait to feast their eyes on his latest project. Payne has put all his eggs in the basket of George Clooney. As the film's only big name star, you wonder if Clooney can handle the pressure.

The Descendants tells the story of Matt King (played by Clooney), a backup parent who is forced to take the reigns of his family after a boating accident has left his wife in a coma. After receiving news that she will never regain consciousness, doctors inform Matt that they'll be honoring her last will and testament and remove her from life support. Upon gathering his two daughters Alexandra (played by Woodley) and Scottie, Matt struggles to bond with his children over this tragic event.

The Descendants proves to be another successful piece of work for its director Alexander Payne. Despite its lone star George Clooney, the film is brilliantly acted by its entire cast. The movie serves as a constant reminder of the old adage "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". Once again Clooney gives an Oscar worthy performance, but perhaps it's his co-star, Shailene Woodley, who proves to be most memorable. With a resume including almost nothing more than the television show The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Woodley's remarkable on screen effort makes her a dark horse for a Best Supporting Actress nod. Along with Woodley and Clooney, the entire cast feeds off of each other very well and it translates into a pleasant viewing experience.

Although the film offers terrific acting, The Descendants does have its fair share of faults. Its pacing is tolerable, but occasionally it delivers a scene that doesn't seem to fit. These brief, but noticeable, moments will leave you scratching your head. Furthermore, for being a director who is widely known for interweaving drama with comedy, Payne hardly masters this difficult balance. Rather than having them complement one another, the movie manages to separate these two qualities. As a result, The Descendants succeeds as a comedy, but struggles to do the same as a drama. Its laughable moments will certainly resonate and capture the true essence of the film. On the other hand, its prolonged stretches of dramatic scenes allow for the feature to lose its flare.

As a whole, The Descendants is a solid motion picture. It proves to be a strong script and a moving story. Therefore, if you're looking for a modest, yet enjoyable, film, The Descendants fits the bill. But if you're expecting the world's next masterpiece, then expect to be let down.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B

Brad Pitt to Call it Quits in 3 Years

It seems as though the Oscars may have to put an end to their "Lifetime Achievement" award. Brad Pitt is the latest star to claim an early retirement, and the actor/producer has even put a time frame on the issue. While speaking with Australia's version of 60 Minutes, Pitt made startling remarks that he plans on getting out of acting in three years, when he turns 50. It wasn't so long ago that we heard similar remarks from fellow star Ryan Gosling, yet Pitt's responses seem far more genuine. For a more in depth look at the interview, visit Collider.com by clicking below:

http://collider.com/brad-pitt-retirement/126340/

J. Edgar Movie Trailer

J. Edgar

Film: J. Edgar

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception) and Armie Hammer (The Social Network)

Director: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby)

U.S. Release: November 11th, 2011 (Rated R)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 137 minutes


It must be something Leonardo DiCaprio thinks about. Any great superstar feels the need to attain his profession's highest honor. Whether it's DiCaprio and his zero Oscar wins, or Dan Marino and his ring-less hands, it's all the same. For the immensely talented actor, however, 2011 was supposed to be the year, and famed director Clint Eastwood was supposed to change everything. What began being sold to the masses as "the role of a lifetime", it's an understatement to call J. Edgar "over-hyped". Months prior to its release, the biopic of the controversial former head of the FBI started generating some serious buzz. And now, just days before its release, critics alike are urging viewers to temper their expectations. I urge the same.

Clint Eastwood's J.Edgar explains the rise to power and unlawfullness career of J. Edgar Hoover, the former head of the FBI. Hoover's reign spanned eight presidents and lasted nearly five decades. The film is a non-chronological look at the controversial figure and his loyal secretary Helen Gandy (played by Naomi Watts), as well as his trustworthy assistant Clyde Tolson (played by Hammer).

J. Edgar is a well constructed examination of a notorious figure in United States history. Director Clint Eastwood offers a nicely progressing, well paced film that also manages to be extremely gentle and elegant. Instead of having J. Edgar unravel in a linear fashion, Eastwood jumps back and forth from his early life to his latter years. Such an approach helps strengthen the character development of Hoover by forcing the audience to see the similarities he continually exhibits throughout his life. The leaping back and forth isn't hard to follow, but something about it feels unnatural. Therefore, I'm still left debating whether or not it was the right decision. Either way, Eastwood uses the camera very well and the cinematography is excellent. It's a solid directorial effort and a welcome addition to his portfolio.

Another strength to the film is its well constructed cast. I'm uncertain if this is the role that will finally push Leo over the top, but he does deliver an effective performance. By J. Edgar's conclusion, DiCaprio's hard-nosed portrayal allows the viewer to feel empathetic for the title character. And to be honest, what more can you ask for? Similarly, supporting cast like Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, and Judi Dench are all memorable on screen. Often underutilized, Watts and Dench still manage to leave a lasting impression with the audience. Throughout the occasionally flawed J. Edgar, the strength of its cast enables the viewer to look past these glaring mistakes.

One big problem with the film is it's inability to choose a direction. Acting almost as an informative piece, J. Edgar fails to deliver a noticeable purpose to the audience. As the credits roll, you're left confused about its intent, as a a result, the movie is somewhat unsatisfying. In addition to it's lack of approach, the makeup in the film is awful. To the point of being distracting, it's shocking how bothering the appearance of an aged DiCaprio can be.

Simply stated, J. Edgar is good, not great. Although the film is definitely entertaining, it's a ways off from masterful. If you temper your expectations, there's much to be gained from watching J. Edgar. However, if you're expecting some amazing, you'll certainly be let down. If there's nothing else happening, take a chance on J. Edgar.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-

Philadelphia Film Festival Review 2011

My first ever Philadelphia Film Festival concluded over the Halloween weekend. I had the pleasure of viewing 13 movies all together and I'm already excited for next year's festivities. Here's a quick overview of my ratings for each film, as well as my own personal awards for the 6 major categories (Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor and Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress).



BEST PICTURE: The Artist
This black and white silent film depicts the rise and fall of a 1920's silent actor named George Valentin. George struggles to find his place in the entertainment world when "talkies" (movies with sound) become the newest craze.


Ratings (all out of 4 stars):

1) The Artist: 3 and a half stars / A-

2) Perfect Sense: 3.5 stars / A-

3) My Week with Marilyn: 3 stars / B+

4) Butter: 3 stars / B

5) The Descendants: 2 and a half stars / B

6) Goon: 2 and a half stars / B

7) Jeff, Who Lives at Home: 2 and a half stars / B

8) The Good Doctor: 2 and a half stars / B-

9) Anonymous: 2 and a half stars / B-

10) Martha Marcy May Marlene: 2 and a half stars / B-

11) Shame: 2 stars / C+

12) Like Crazy: 2 stars / C+

13) Melancholia: 1 and a half stars / C-






Best Director: David Mackenzie (Perfect Sense)
Mackenzie's Perfect Sense is beautifully artistic and unbelievably original. His strange, yet profound, blend of apocalyptic thriller and romance tells the story of a man and woman who fall in love during the outbreak of an unknown disease. This disease unexpectedly causes people to lose a different sense one at a time. It's remarkable seeing Mackenzie's interpretation of how the world manages to go on without senses like taste, smell, and hearing.



Honorable Mention: Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) and Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn)




Best Actor: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)
It's quite difficult to capture the attention of an entire audience over the span of nearly two hours, especially when there's no talking. Dujardin is mesmerizing as George Valentin in this year's homage to historic cinema, The Artist. By far, Dujardin offers one of the best portrayals I've seen all year.


Honorable Mention: George Clooney (The Descendants) and Michael Fassbender (Shame)




Best Actress: Michelle Williams (My Week w/ Marilyn)
Michelle Williams is wonderful as Marilyn Monroe in Simon Clark's My Week with Marilyn. Through the eyes of a young Colin Clark, the film follows the on set artistic struggles between Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier.


Honorable Mention: Berenice Bejo (The Artist) and Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene)





Best Supporting Actor: Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn)
Branagh gives a simply terrific performance as Sir Laurence Olivier. He expresses a wide range of emotions as he battles with Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl.


Honorable Mention: John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Dominic Cooper (My Week with Marilyn)




Best Supporting Actress: Carey Mulligan (Shame)
In Steve McQueen's Shame, Mulligan gives a brutally honest portrayal of an emotionally broken down young woman who has suffered abuse in her younger years. It's Mulligan like you've never seen before, as she demonstrates her fantastic ability to delivery in any role.


Honorable Mention: Judi Dench (My Week with Marilyn) and Charlotte Gainsbourg (Melancholia)


Now that the 20th annual Philadelphia Film Festival has come and gone, we can look forward to a strong end of the cinematic year. Keep an eye on some of these films, directors, actors, and actresses as we count down the weeks until the Academy Awards.

Official In Time Trailer [HD]