Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek Into Darkness (J. J. Abrams, 2013)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Star Trek, Science Fiction, Based on TV series, Action

Oh, how I love a good science fiction romp through imagined worlds and futures. The last Star Trek film in this new series didn't do anything for me, really, but this one was different. A fun, fast-paced, and entertaining film that will dlight most viewers-- even those who have never watched a single TV episode. Maybe especially those folks. I heard there were some plot devices that were disagreeable to die-hard Trekkies, but so be it. Go watch this with an open mind. And get all enamoured with Benedict Cumberbatch as he steals the show. He's so awesome as a villain. 

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May Challenge: The Bridge on the River Kwai

The Bridge on the River Kwai (David Lean, 1957)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

WWII, Prisoners of War, Pride, Honor, Morality, Duty

It's hard not to feel nervous at some point while watching this film. An amazing story of how and why war can do strange things to people. I found myself feeling mixed up--Who am I with? Who am I against? I found it hard not to be challenged. Sometimes right and wrong are not so clear and even the best intentions can go horribly awry. A true classic with timeless performances from William Holden and Alec Guinness.

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May Challenge: The Best Years of Our Lives

The Best Years of Our Lives (William Wyler, 1946)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

WWII, Veterans, Homecoming, Adjustment, PTSD, Complex Relationships

Why have I waited so long to see this?! A new favorite classic for me. Everything about this film is great--the narrative threads, long shots, the acting, the music... It is so important that we tell the veterans' story in a simple way. And even though The Best Years of Our Lives was about WWII--released just after the war ended, in fact--it still holds up today, showing the same kinds of problems veterans face now. There are beautiful moments (yes, I cried a few times) and everyone ends up happy, which isn't necessarily reality, but it is exactly what the film should do. Plus it has Hoagy Carmichael. How can you not watch a film that has Hoagy Carmichael! :)

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The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby (Baz Luhrmann, 2013)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

 

Based on book, 1920s, Decadence, Romance, Class, Pride, Philosophical

Bright, glittery, magnetic, fantasy. This film is completely delicious. Luhrmann outdid himself, as we all expected, and all that decadence works. I was surprised by how Gatsby could be a true escape film- it is wonderfully fantastic but still anchored by the book and by the present. This is a good film but, in my opinion, a really great adaptation. Adaptation is a fine art that can go horribly wrong (almost as wrong as a bad music cover). Often both entities become tarnished. But done right and everything shines. Something magical happens on screen, when you return to the page, and in the audience.

Many critics hated the film but I disagree with all of them. Click here to read one I totally agree with.
 

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May Challenge: Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur (William Wyler, 1959)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

 

Honor, Loyalty, Roman Empire, Christ, Morality

 

This is a true epic of... epic proportions. So many grand meanings, dramatic scenes, intense dialogues, and conflict. Some parts of the film feel long, other parts are gripping. I especially enjoy the conversations between Judah and Messala. This relationship is the anchor of the story--the good, bad, and turmoil in all of us. Ben-Hur is richly colored and looks and feels very much a part of the 1950s. The acting, while occassionally forced, is mostly good and somehow fits the period portrayed and the timeless story. I will not watch the chariot race sequence again... true agony, but for some reason I could not turn my eyes from the screen.

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May Challenge: An American in Paris

An American in Paris (Vincente Minnelli, 1951)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Musical, Romance, Uplifting, Art

It is weird to think that I hadn't seen the entirety of this classic until now. I love all the songs (Gershwin fan) and dance sequences, love the actors, love the groundbreaking finale. A feel-good romp!

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Les Miserables

Les Miserables (Tom Hooper, 2012)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=1

Musical, French Revolution, Honor, Justice, Pride, Struggle, Sacrifice

This film in one word=feat. What an amazing feat to create the landscape and emotion of the time but also remain truly timeless. It is no wonder that so many people love this musical and are captivated by its sheer epic qualities. While the first half moved smoothly and kept my attention, the second part became a bit stretched and less gripping--that is, until the end sequences. This is probably due to my own attention span with musicals: longer than 2 hours makes me fairly restless.

Wonderful performances from the entire cast. I especially liked Enjolras played by Aaron Tveit.

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May Challenge: Shane; Blow Up

Shane (George Stevens, 1953)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Western, Father/Son, Frontier, Action

Oh, Westerns. I love the comfy-ness and goodness of each story and relationship. Shane is a feel-good film about redemption, honor, pride, and all those other great noble dealings. I loved watching the relationship between Shane and little Joey. More films with curious and intelligent kids need to be made!

Blow Up (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1966)

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Rating: Q=6, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

 

Cult, Mystery, Art, Real vs. Unreal, Psychological, Intellectual

This film is way more than meets the eye and way more than anyone could write about. Antonioni created something quite powerful and intriguing, abstract and dream-like. It is hard for me to really like films of the "new wave" persuasion but I appreciate the layers of meaning and depth of artistry. Another viewing is in order but it might be a while...

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May Challenge - 8 Classic Films I Still Haven't Seen

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of lists and film challenges. Several years ago, AFI came up with a list of 100 Years, 100 Movies. I, naturally, made it a goal to see them all eventually. I'm still working on the list and decided to designate May as my month for some classic film watching. Here's what I'm planning...though I have seen parts of most of these, never the entire film. Once I see it, as usual, I will post my impressions!

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)


The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)


The African Queen (1951)


An American in Paris (1951)


Shane (1953)


The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)


The Defiant Ones (1958)


Ben-Hur (1959)