2014 Review Blog
Guardians of the Galaxy
Grade: B 08/05/2014
In 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (Marvel's latest - ahem - marvel), we meet a wisecracking protaganist, Peter Quill/Star Lord (Chris Pratt) who steals a mysterious Orb that is sought after by a plethera of shady customers (including Lee Pace's villain, Ronan). To help fight the various foes, Peter assembles a ragtag team of misfits including a warrior alien (Zoe Saldana), a vengeful brute (Dave Bautista), a genetically-engineered raccoon (well-voiced by Bradley Cooper), and his loyal tree/man hybrid named Groot (Vin Diesel). Together they must retrieve the Orb, defeat their enemies, & save the galaxy. I enjoyed 'GotG' for a host of reasons: offbeat characters, quirky humor, an awesome 70s soundtrack, outstanding sets. But the plot summary I provided above? We've seen it all before. The narrative template is strikingly/alarmingly similar to other superhero flicks. Furthermore, I would like to have experienced more good-natured fun with the cast and a deeper script rather than suffering the incessantly hectic CGI-heavy action sequences that litter the midsection of the film. Still, I had a good time with the movie. I just wish I were overjoyed with it and not just merely satisfied.
Grade: B 08/05/2014
In 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (Marvel's latest - ahem - marvel), we meet a wisecracking protaganist, Peter Quill/Star Lord (Chris Pratt) who steals a mysterious Orb that is sought after by a plethera of shady customers (including Lee Pace's villain, Ronan). To help fight the various foes, Peter assembles a ragtag team of misfits including a warrior alien (Zoe Saldana), a vengeful brute (Dave Bautista), a genetically-engineered raccoon (well-voiced by Bradley Cooper), and his loyal tree/man hybrid named Groot (Vin Diesel). Together they must retrieve the Orb, defeat their enemies, & save the galaxy. I enjoyed 'GotG' for a host of reasons: offbeat characters, quirky humor, an awesome 70s soundtrack, outstanding sets. But the plot summary I provided above? We've seen it all before. The narrative template is strikingly/alarmingly similar to other superhero flicks. Furthermore, I would like to have experienced more good-natured fun with the cast and a deeper script rather than suffering the incessantly hectic CGI-heavy action sequences that litter the midsection of the film. Still, I had a good time with the movie. I just wish I were overjoyed with it and not just merely satisfied.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Grade: A- 07/24/2014
The filmmakers behind 'How to Train Your Dragon' have done a great job making this sequel as invigorating & emotionally satisfying as it is (how many sequels have we seen disappoint?). It also does what sequels should do: take the protaganists into new adventures while also enrichening their continued growth as characters. Everything that made the 1st film so wonderful: gorgeous visuals & humor (some of it too juvenile for my liking) ... are all present in this sequel, as well; as is the addition of a touching mother-son subplot. I also love how the film highlights strong 'disabled' characters in our 2 heroes, Hiccup & Toothless. Movies nowadays need role models of all shapes, sizes, genders, & forms. What else can I say? I'm enamored with this movie.
Grade: A- 07/24/2014
The filmmakers behind 'How to Train Your Dragon' have done a great job making this sequel as invigorating & emotionally satisfying as it is (how many sequels have we seen disappoint?). It also does what sequels should do: take the protaganists into new adventures while also enrichening their continued growth as characters. Everything that made the 1st film so wonderful: gorgeous visuals & humor (some of it too juvenile for my liking) ... are all present in this sequel, as well; as is the addition of a touching mother-son subplot. I also love how the film highlights strong 'disabled' characters in our 2 heroes, Hiccup & Toothless. Movies nowadays need role models of all shapes, sizes, genders, & forms. What else can I say? I'm enamored with this movie.
The Hundred-Foot Journey
Grade: B+ 08/27/2014
Okay, let's look at the ingredients if this film: director Lasse Hallstrom (Cider House Rules, Chocolat), Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, a poignant story about life, love, food, & culture clashes in France's rural countryside ... and they all combine to create a delectable cinematic dish. The Kadam family (led by Om Puri) moves from India to France and clashes with Madame Mallory (Mirren), head of a celebrated French restaurant. Why the clash? Because the Kadams open their own Indian eatery directly across the street from her. Tensions are subdued after Mme. Mallory witnesses the talents of young chef Hassan (Manish Dayal); taking him under her wing ... which then sets off another string of tensions, haha. There's something gentle, charming, & enticingly old-fashioned about 'The Hundred-Foot Journey'. But really, this type of film is kinda sorta in my wheelhouse. That may sound strange coming from a 34 yr. old male but, when done right, I love these types of languid, picturesque, uplifting family films. And it doesn't hurt that Helen Mirren stars (one of my favorite actresses). The story at hand may be simple, but it's lovingly told, & though we feel that happiness awaits the major characters in the end, the journey they take never felt phony. It's a delight to watch for these very reasons.
Grade: B+ 08/27/2014
Okay, let's look at the ingredients if this film: director Lasse Hallstrom (Cider House Rules, Chocolat), Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, a poignant story about life, love, food, & culture clashes in France's rural countryside ... and they all combine to create a delectable cinematic dish. The Kadam family (led by Om Puri) moves from India to France and clashes with Madame Mallory (Mirren), head of a celebrated French restaurant. Why the clash? Because the Kadams open their own Indian eatery directly across the street from her. Tensions are subdued after Mme. Mallory witnesses the talents of young chef Hassan (Manish Dayal); taking him under her wing ... which then sets off another string of tensions, haha. There's something gentle, charming, & enticingly old-fashioned about 'The Hundred-Foot Journey'. But really, this type of film is kinda sorta in my wheelhouse. That may sound strange coming from a 34 yr. old male but, when done right, I love these types of languid, picturesque, uplifting family films. And it doesn't hurt that Helen Mirren stars (one of my favorite actresses). The story at hand may be simple, but it's lovingly told, & though we feel that happiness awaits the major characters in the end, the journey they take never felt phony. It's a delight to watch for these very reasons.