Les Miserables (2013)

I saw Les Miserables with my parents and watching my dad's reaction was almost as entertaining.  The entire movie was sung, I was not expecting that, but being the musical/Broadway geek I am rather enjoyed it, finding it very opreaesque.  My father on the other hand... after the introduction of Jean Valjean and Javert leaned over to my mom and asked if the entire film would be sung, responding with a shoulder shrug.  After a respectful mourning period for Fantine began singing what he'd like for dinner to the tune of "I Dreamed A Dream" (it was eggplant Parmesan in case you were wondering).  Twenty minutes later he was checking his email, and then began comparing Hugh Jackman's hair-do to that of Michael Landon's in Little House on the Prairie. (although what would you expect from someone who pronounced it Less Miz?)

But what did I think of the movie?  I really enjoyed it.  I thought the costumes and setting were phenomenal with Anne Hathaway's rendition of I Dreamed A Dream being a showstopper and one of the highlights of the film for me.  That having been said, (and I had a premonition of this before entering the theater)  the second half felt rushed; it would seem almost impossible to squeeze a 1,000+ page novel into 2 hours and 45 minute movie.  Upon leaving the film both my mom and I (my dad made his feels pretty clear) decided that it was a good movie, but didn't think it would transfer well on the small screen as the production was so massive.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012)

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Charles Dickens last (incomplete) novel.  A novel of love and murder.  a love triangle between Edwin, Rosa and his Uncle John Jasper.  It reminded me of Wuthering Heights as I felt Rosa loved Edwin and was the safe reasonable choice but she was in love with Jasper, the bad boy.  After much fluctuation of the triangle Edwin ends up dead, but Dickens died before revealing the killer.  

Laura Linney, the host of Masterpiece theater introduced The Mystery of Edwin Drood had been completed in the way they thought Dickens would have wanted.  Well sure, he's dead, you can say whatever you want without being contradicted.  I went in with a bad taste in my mouth.  I later ate my words, I hope this is the way Dickens would have wanted it because I could not turn my eyes away.  Every character good or evil were creepy and all could have had motives for offing Edwin.  This film was terrifying, in the sense that all the character were mental.  Jasper was just insane and had hallucinations throughout, Edwin and Ceylonese Neville undergo a fight on race.  Meanwhile, Rosa is confused on what she wants with Neville's sister Helena only trying to help.  

I have not read the book so have nothing to compare it to, but I thought it was fabulous with a mega twist, to Edwin's murder.  The lightening was dark  adding to its eeriness and I felt such a liking towards the good natured Mr. Drood that I was chomping at the bit for there to be justice.  And with that in mind this adaptation was very fulfilling.

Oz: the not so great and powerful (2013)

I saw Oz on Thursday, despite horrid reviews and this article in The Atlantic stating that a good adaptation of The Wizard of Oz has not been made since 1939.  The stars were aligned in the Golden Age of Hollywood and have yet to meet again.

The beginning showed so much promise, Kansas was in sepia tone and there was a nod to MGM's film during Oscar's decent in the twister; things flying through the air and his balloon basket landing like Dorthy's house; I also enjoyed the transition for black and white turned color.  But once the Witch turned green it was all down hill.

The acting was actually pretty good and was impressed by James Franco's portrayal of Oscar "Oz" Diggs; although, I think the movie dwelled too much on the three witches (South, East and West) and would have preferred a bigger focus on the Wizard.  It did explain the animosity between the three witches, east and west being scorned by Wizard for south.  All three were aware that the Wizard was a fraud and because of which formed alliances. 

The ending had a battle scene that went on way to long, something that could of been condensed into 5 minutes was spread out into 20.  It felt like they just wanted to show off all the special effects they could do.  I debated walking out but by that point I had invested so much time into it that I had to see it out.

When Oz first came out I saw an interview with the cast and director, all were very subdued and noncommittal.  Now I know why, this movie was an embarrassment akin to the Wizard's lack of magic.

Life of Pi (2012)

The premise of Life of Pi is of a boy named Pi who becomes stranded on a boat with a menagerie of Zoo Animals, mainly a Bengal Tiger named Richard Parker.

The plot sounded strange and I dislike animal and animated movies, so having animated animals in a film felt like a double whammy to me.  I took a pass.  But then Ang Lee won Best Director and I began to question my prejudices.

We begin with Pi as an adult meeting with a novelist to whom he tells his story.  He begins with his life story at the age of 12.  He grows up with his father the owner of a zoo where Pi learns that not everyone (be it person or animal) is not always as cuddly as them seem.  the Patel family are Hindu, but Pi, going through a discovery phase also practices Christianity and Islam.  Watching Pi incorporate all three religions into his life was very clever and amusing.  In short, he had a full life.

That is until his father decides to sell the zoo, the animals going to various zoos around the country and the Patel family packing up for Canada.  Along with the animals, they choose transportation of boat.  A storm brews, sinking the ship with the sole survivor being Pi, along with a zebra, hyena, orangutan and Richard Parker, the Bengal Tiger.  All in one small lifeboat, until primal instincts kick in.  I will cut out the gory details of the animal food chain and simply say that Pi and Richard Parker are the only two left.  As Pi looks like a tasty treat to the tiger, he must use survival skills not just to get through this ordeal but also out of reach of his furry friend.

Even though Pi and Richard Parker will never be BFFs I was reminded of Wilson and Tom Hanks in Castaway.  being all they have they form a bond that is almost heartbreaking and when the tiger eventually departs the cut was as deep as Wilson floating out to sea.

One of the reasons I dislike animal movies, is because they are so sappy, heartfelt and so cutesy that I want to vomit.  Yes, I felt for the tiger/human camaraderie and was sorry to see him go, but I wasn't crying Old Yeller, it was a good balance.

The animation was great and blended nicely in with the live action.  It was not over-done screaming "look what we can do!"  but rather subtle and looked seamless.

The conclusion of this tale, just when you think it can't become anymore unbelievable, Pi makes you question everything he just divulged into what if?

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

As I have stated before, I'm a huge fan of the Oscars and watch every single movie.  The Silver Lining's Playbook was up for all four acting categories (Jennifer Laurence winning best actress) and best picture.  Thus my mom and I saw it in the theater in preparation.  I thought it was good, it would have been a great summer movie as all the elements were there, romance-to-be filled with obstacles conquering all with a happy all is right in the world ending.  Although, I wasn't sure if I would consider it Oscar worthy.

A co-worker of my dad's recommended it, and asked me to add it to our Netflix queue.  So I did.  I liked it better than I did the first time, recognizing its dry humor and caught my attention a bit more.  Speaking of humor, Pat has promised his new friend Tiffany that he will partner with her a dance compition if she helps him reconcile with his wife.  She agrees.  They show several practice scenes and I kept waiting for them to do the Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey Dirty Dancing lift.  Sadly, I was disappointed.

The negative, I had a problem with the bi-polar thing.  I will probably come off sounding like bitch, and that persons with the disorder have their ups and downs, but by the dance competition he was too up.  Too normal.  Too Hollywood.  I guess I enjoyed it more than the first time, but I still think it would have made a better summer flick.

Capote (2005)

One of my favorite books is Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, so when a movie was made on Truman Capote's reporting of the Clutter murders, it was only natural that I would be looking forward to it.

Hollywood has been known to blow nudity and violence out of proportion in movies so I was nervous that they would make the murder scenes too graphic.  Despite the brutality of the murders the sights where very minimal, a staging of Nancy was shown and a brief look during the confession.  I also like that actual photos of the Clutters where Incorporated (alive and crime scene) Alvin Dewey the lead KBI agent and even Truman Capote.  Anyway, I appreciated these small touches.

Away from the true crime factor I thought the muted colors of cinematography and costumes was appropriate and set the tone for the film, serious colors for a serious theme.  Even though Truman Capote was flamboyant, I think adding bright colors to his wardrobe would have ruined the design of the film, with outlandish clothing drawing attention away from the subject matter.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman was dead on with his portrayal of Truman Capote and if he had been a few inches shorter would have been a dead ringer. His hand gestures, mannerisms and dress set him apart from the crowd.  There is a scene in which he turns around to show off a new coat and another proclaiming his scarf was "Bergdof" truly setting off his character, but this also made him oblivious to other's reception of him or a consideration to others.

This is where Nelle Harper Lee steps in (played by Catherine Keener) she has the soft touch and by relating to the town members is able to get Truman Capote "in" (although it also helps that Mrs. Dewey has read fiction)  Anyway, I felt Keener did a wonderful job of keeping Truman in line and being light-hearted at the same time.

On a side note, I liked that they Incorporated the publishing of "To Kill A Mockingbird" in the film.

I think Capote hit the mark and deserved it's Oscar nominations and Philip Seymour Hoffman's win.

Persuasion (1995)

Anne Elliot is persuaded to break off her engagement to Fredrick Wentworth because it is felt that it was not a suitable match and far beneath her.  Several years have past and the Elliot's financial situation leaves them with the decision to rent out their estate to Admiral Croft who is also acquainted with Captain Wentworth who has since become a wealthy man and suitable bachelor.  With a chance that he has not been persuaded to relieve himself of his affections towards Anne. 

I have mixed feelings about this film. Of course I enjoyed the story but found the acting to be lackluster.  Anne Elliot is a huge push over thinking little about herself.  Amanda Root who plays Miss Elliot has the wide-eyed puppy dog face down pat and wanted to slap her every time it was made because it was so completely pathetic.  Because of this I had a hard time feeling for the character, although in the novel I don't feel this way at all, so I will point the finger at the acting.  Unlike other Austen heroines I had a hard time liking this Anne disconnecting me from the movie.  These said characters can really make or break it and this adaptation just didn't cut it for me.