Oldboy

                                                                         

                                                                   

          They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Now while it can be in some cases, where does reimagining fall? For some reason reimagining is ok for movies, so why isn't ok for everything else. Can you imagine someone doing that to a Rembrandt or a great novel? Now I am not trying to be broad, not at all, I think sometimes you can reimagining a movie, but I think you can only do that with movies not many people saw. You cannot do that to a classic, I mean that is just wrong.

     Well Spike Lee and Mark Protosevich have done just that, as they do a “reimagining “of Chan-wook Park’s 2003 classic “Oldboy”. Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin) is not a good guy. He drinks way too much and neglects his wife and his three year old daughter. Joe is one of those guys who had it all in High School and is still living life like he is unbreakable. Well someone does not like Joe very much, in fact the dislike him so much they imprison him for twenty years. Joe is in a room that looks like a motel room, except in this motel you check in, but you don’t check out. While locked away he learns for the TV that his wife has been killed and that he is the chief suspect, and that his daughter was there as well. Time passes and Joe is clueless to why he is locked away, then one day he awakens outside, with money and a clean shave and haircut. All Joe wants to do is find out who put him away. Along the way he meets a social worker named Marie (Elizabeth Olsen), who helps him in his journey to find his captives. What follows is a true tale of revenge and a twist that will leave you talking about it afterwards.

    I like Spike Lee; in fact Lee has been one of the great filmmakers for the last thirty years, so I guess he was due for a mistake. If “Oldboy” was an original Spike Lee film based on the magna stories that both the original film and this film were based off of, and then it wouldn’t be bad. Where the problem lies is that this “reimagining” is nowhere near as good as the original, but I do not blame Lee completely. I just think that the story is culturally specific tale of redemption and revenge that does not cross over well. Brolin gives a strong performance as does Olsen; they just can’t save a story that does not translate well. Lee has said that this was not a remake of the 2003 film, but with so many key elements staying the same, how can you say that. You cannot make something better if it is already great. This is like if someone decided to do the same to the “Godfather” or “Goodfellas”, it is just not possible. Don’t waste your money on this, instead go out and buy the 2003 film, because greatness cannot be duplicated; only imitated.

Brian Taylor

Frozen

                                                                     

                        Life is full of comforts that we all know and love, it could be a cup of coffee on your way to work or the way something feels. To me growing up it was Disney cartoons, everything from “Peter Pan” to “Aladdin”. It was something about those movies that made everything better, they were funny and entertaining, I mean they had those great song and dance numbers. Then Pixar came out with “Toy Story” and everything changed. The images looked amazing, I mean they were three dimensional instead of that two dimensional stuff we were use to. Who needed a pencil and paper when you had a computer that could make everything look so much better? Disney tried to hold on to its way of storytelling, but the masses had spoken and it was out with the old and in with the new. Well lucky for us Disney rediscovered its magic starting in 2010 with “Tangled” and last year’s fantastic “Wreck-it-Ralph”. The streak continues with its newest film “Frozen”

                       Anna (Kristen Bell) is an optimist who for reasons unknown to her has been locked away with her family in her castle. It seems Anna’s sister Elsa (Idina Menzel) can make things freeze with a touch of her hands. After an accident that nearly killed Anna, The King decided it was best that Anna did not know of Elsa’s gift and to shelter his children from the outside world. When an accident robs Elsa and Anna of their parents, the shelter that they had built to protect their daughters also comes down. The day has come for Elsa’s coronation and with it the opening up of the castle’s gates. Anna is beside her self, for she has never seen so many people, but Elsa fears people finding out what she can do and shunning her. Elsa’s fears are soon realized after she gets angry and curses her home town into an endless winter. Elsa escapes into the mountains with Anna in pursuit. On the way she meets Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his trusty reindeer, and a snowman named Olaf (Josh Gad) who doesn’t quite know what the return of the heat will do to him. Together they try and talk Elsa into bringing back summer, and as per usual only an act of true love can make everything right again.

                      I am going to admit it, I like Disney Cartoons. Now I am not one of those fanatics or anything like that, I just enjoy them. Well maybe not all of them, just the really good ones. I was happy to see that Disney found their mojo again with “Tangled” and I got better news for you, with “Frozen” they got a sure-fire-hit.  “Frozen” is just pure fun, with all the Disney magic with Princesses and that lovable sidekick character. Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Snow Queen”  “Frozen” adds a sense of warmth even as it is dead of winter on the screen. I feel like we are about to be in a new golden age for animated movies. You have Pixar being Pixar as well as the other new animated studios who seem to just put one gem after the other, and now Disney is back to doing what it does best. I can’t really recommend the 3-D, it doesn't add much to the film, it is however the focus of the short “Get a Horse!” before the movie starring characters that haven’t been seen on the big screen in decades.  So don’t skip out this holiday weekend on this one, after all you don’t want to be left out in the cold do you?

Brian Taylor

Delivery Man

                                                                 
                                                             

      In a world where there is so much difference you really shouldn't view it in black and white. The way you should view the world is in gray, that way you accept everyone and everything for what it is. When it comes to movies I do tend to view them in black or white, or I either like the movie or don’t like the movie. Everything I see falls in that category, but everyone once in a while I see a movie in that gray area.

     “Delivery Man” to me exemplifies a movie in the gray area. David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) sucks at life. He works for his family meat store delivering their meat all around New York. He never seems to have it together, and just can’t seem to get ahead in life no matter how hard he tries. He has reached rock bottom, his girlfriend Emma (Cobie Smulders) wants to leave him and there are not so friendly people after him for debts owed. Then one day he finds that thing that Jack Nicholson referring to in “As Good as it Gets”, that thing that makes you wanna be a better man. David finds out that because of a mistake at a fertility clinic, he is the father of 532 kids. Now just take that in for a second, 532 kids, can you imagine the family picture? Well it turns out 142 have filed a lawsuit so that their father can be revealed, who is only known to them as Starbuck. Instead of running away, David starts to check in on these kids, one by one, helping them with life challenges. In doing so David finds himself and how good life can really be.

    The screenplay was written by Ken Scott, who also directed the film. It is based on the Canadian film named “Starbuck”, which is based on a true story. The story starts off slow, but the good news is it gets a lot better as it moves along. It starts off with Vince Vaughn being Vince Vaughn, you know the same guy he is in every movie. Now I like Vince Vaughn, I just wish he wouldn't be the same guy every time. Well I get my wish in the second half of “Delivery Man”; it is like he changed right before our eyes. I don’t know maybe it was the story, but Vaughn goes from the guy everyone wants to hang out with, to the guy everyone is cheering for. Chris Pratt does a good job as Vaughn’s lawyer friend, who helps defend him in the case brought against him by his kids. For all the things this movie had going against it, Vaughn being his normal self, and all the funny parts being shown in the trailer, “Delivery Man” rebounds and turns out to be an enjoyable movie. So with Thanksgiving coming up, watch a movie that shows what happens when you give to others, because this one really delivers.

Brian Taylor 

Thor: The Dark World

                                                                 

                 Every family has a black sheep. Now being a black sheep is not a bad thing, it just means that you don’t seem to fit in with everyone else. That is what I felt Thor must be to The Avenger family after watching “Thor” in 2011. It seemed to me that “Thor” was only made so you would know who he was in “The Avengers” and to give S.H.I.E.L.D. some more face time. The first film felt rushed as they tried to explain to everyone just who this “Thor” guy is. Well here we are with another go around, and after “The Avengers”, it can only get better right?

               It seems like if you were a family of Gods that you would have everything worked out. Well Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is back from saving Earth and has locked up his troublesome brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) so that he cannot cause any more trouble. In the time between the first film and now, it has been over two years, and Thor has been a busy guy. Not only did he save Earth, but he has also been bringing peace to the Nine Realms. Meanwhile back on Earth, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) is still waiting for Thor to come back for her. Jane though is not sitting in her room eating ice cream; no she is still discovering new things in the name of science. One discovery takes her to another planet, where something attaches itself to Jane. Like a knight in shining armor, Thor comes and takes her to Asgard, so that they can learn what inhabits Jane’s body. What they find is an evil long thought to have been destroyed with a power that can rip apart the universe.

              You have to hand it to these superheroes nowadays, because the one thing they are is consistent.  Everywhere they go the leave a trail of destruction. Yeah I know they save the day, but how many buildings have to be destroyed before that happens? Thor this time helps make a mess of a part on London, at least New York gets a break this time. The screenplay was written by Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFreely, who also are responsible for the Captain America sequel. Well if this movie is any indication of what is to come all I can say is that it is not good. The story is just not exciting. It is like; we have to make these “Thor” movies so we can put him in “The Avengers”. I for one think Thor deserves better. There is nothing wrong with Chris Hemsworth, it is just the material he’s been given, I mean can’t we come up with better stories for the God of Thunder? (after hundreds of issues of comic book stories). In the end everything will be OK  this film will make two hundred million, and they will talk about “Thor 3”. Let’s just hope that by then Thor will not get the movie he needs, but the movie he deserves.

Brian Taylor 

Last Vegas

                                                             

                        There is an old saying that things get better with age. Now I can believe that is the case for some things, but let’s face it, being young is so much better. Being young and being older are just two different worlds, and no better place says that more than Las Vegas. You have downtown for the older and established crowd, and then you have the fresh and new strip. Well a few years ago we were given “Hangover” and we got to see how Vegas can be for that younger generation, but how would it be for the sixty and up crowd?

               Well lucky or unlucky, depending on whom you are, someone has tried to tell us that story. Billy (Michael Douglas) is what I picture as your typical rich 71 year old Californian. Looking much younger than he really is, very tan, and of course dating a much younger woman. Billy has decided he wants to marry his younger girlfriend, and calls his three childhood friends to meet in Las Vegas for a bachelor party. So Billy calls Sam (Kevin Kline), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Patty (Robert De Niro) to meet him in Vegas for a great weekend. Once in Vegas we are given all kind of jokes about being old, even throwing in a fanny pack joke for good measure. We have parties, lots of scantily clad women, and of course a reference to Viagra. Just remember the saying,” what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”

                I will say I enjoyed watching the first “Hangover”, Just because it was different and pushed the envelope. Then they wanted to give us more, and like a real hangover one was enough. I only bring up “Hangover” because you may hear people refer to “Last Vegas” as the hangover for the older crowd. Well let me say that would be a bad comparison, because at least “Hangover” was funny.  Yeah there are some cute moments in this movie, and it will definitely play to a certain crowd, a crowd that reached retirement age already. Written by Dan Fogleman, who brought us the very good “Crazy, Stupid, Love” last year and directed by Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure), neither of which live up to their past endeavors. To top it off most of the actors, seem to be mailing it in, and treat this more like a payday than a fun role. The one good thing with this film is that is brought back Kevin Kline, who doesn't act as often as he should. I think what someone should do next is Vegas with a bunch of teenagers, that way the circle is complete. It is easy to make comments about the age factor in this movie, but in the end that does not matter. What matters is, if you are going to make a comedy, the movie should be at least funny, and this movie is not at all. So if you want a story about a weekend in Vegas, book a trip there, just do anything else but watch this movie.

Brian Taylor

Austin Film Festival 2013

                                                                           

Day 1

             This is my first film festival, so I thought it would be a good idea to keep a little diary and tell you about the films I saw. I got my film pass and set off to indulge myself in all the film I could watch.  I wanted to get to the venues early, and because of that I forgo eating (bad idea by the way). So enough about my boring day, here is why I am writing this.

            The first movie I saw is called “Sombras de Azul”, a film written and directed by Kelly Daniela Norris. The film is about Maribel (Seedne Bujaidar) who after the lost of her brother takes a one way trip to Cuba. She chooses Cuba because it is a place that her brother wanted to visit, but never did. While there she meets Eusebio (Yasmani Guerrero) who shows her the beauty of Cuba and helps her find herself again. “Sombras de Azul” is a beautifully written and directed. The idea of traveling to help you get over something is a noble and classic thought. Cuba and its people play a major part in this movie, but the real star is Bujaidar. A childhood friend of the director and with no acting experience, she brings Maribel alive, and speaks so much so often with no words. This is a wonderful movie, and I definitely suggest you see it when it comes around.

           The nightcap was a film called “Jack,Jules,Esther,and Me”, a film written and directed by Daniel Poliner. It is the story of a boy names Luis (Alexander Flores) who on the last weekend before going away for collage puts a plan together to get the girl of his dreams Jules. His plan falls apart, but at the last minute, with his friend Jack, and a girl he knows names Esther, Luis just might land the girl of his dreams. The film has a little John Hughes feel to it, if John Hughes made a film about teenagers today, but without the memorable characters. The great thing about Hughes films, is that you fall in love with his characters, or at least relate to on some level, with this film you want to, but just can’t. The story is good enough, but in a sea of movies about teenagers, it might get lost.

    Well, stay tuned for day 2, until then...

Brian Taylor

                                           Day 2

      Day 2 was a lot like day one, but this time I saw two very good films. It seems though that I spent most of the day in line, and not all of it was for a movie. Had a chance to go to Franklin’s and enjoy some of the best BBQ I have ever had. After spending three hours in line to eat, I figured whatever line awaited me for a movie would be a breeze. I am sure you care much more about the films I saw and not so much what I ate, so with that, here is a round up on what I saw. 

             The first film I saw is called “Project”. It is a documentary about the story of the Puntland Maritime Police Force, a shadowy group of pirate hunters off the Somali coast. The film was directed by Shawn Efran and Adam Ciralsky, who follow the formation of the police force and up to the recapture of a ship and its crew. The film does not tone down the violence that haunts the country of Somalia and its cost. It is an eye opening experience, and a fantastic documentary.

            As for the next film I saw it is Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska”. It is the story of Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) and his belief of a million dollars that he has won. Everyone knows it is not true, but Woody wants to go to Nebraska to claim his prize. Dave (Will Forte) decides that it would be good for his father to take the trip, even though it is against his mother Kate (June Squibb) wishes. Together they head to Nebraska and along the way stop at his parents’ home town, where he is joined by his brother Ross (Bob Odenkirk). Payne directing a film for the first time from a screenplay he did not write, which in this case was written by Bob Nelson. This is a beautiful movie, well written and directed, and with amazing performances from the entire cast, especially from June Squibb, who almost steals the movie. You won’t find better movies than this to see this year, so don’t miss this when it comes out.

     Stay tune for day 3 I got a pretty full day, hopefully more great movies, and a lot less line waiting. (Though probably not)

Brian Taylor

                                            Day 3

          I know what you are thinking, is this going to be another paragraph on how he waited in line all day? Well even though I did wait in line quite a bit today, I am going to tell you about what all of you want to hear, and that is about the movies I saw today. So far 8 movies in 3 days, so without further ado.

       “Always Learning” is a film written and directed by Robert Krakower. It tells the story of Tobiah (Drew Jones) who has been home schooled his whole life. Tobiah’s life is pretty boring thanks to his overprotective mother and his friend Eli (Julian Huguet). That changes when a new boy named Joey (Sam Martin) joins their group and gives Tobiah the courage to stand up for the things he wants to do. It’s a comedy about with more awkwardness than comedy.

        “Sole Survivor” is a documentary about the sole survivors of plane crashes. The film is directed by Ky Dickens, who follows George Lamson Jr. as he tries to connect with other lone survivors from plane crashes across the world. There are only 14 known sole survivors of plane crashes, and each one of them has to deal with the guilt of surviving in their own way. A touching and moving film that may make you believe in miracles.

       “Whitewash” is a film directed by Emauel Hoss-Desmarals about film about Bruce (Thomas Haden Church), who meets Paul (Marc Labreche), a stranger who is more then he appears. Bruce is just trying to survive the Canadian winter, but when a death occurs, Paul, who struggles with the guilt, soon finds himself in a prison that he has created for himself.

        “Waking” is the story about when a girl of one guys dream, really turns out to be true. Ben (Skyer Caleb) has a girlfriend and a good job, but when he meets a pretty girl in the park named Nadia (Meg Cionni) he can’t stop thinking about her. Every night Nadia, appears in Ben’s dreams, and in one dream Ben, gets Nadia’s phone number, so the next day he calls and she answers. It is the perfect tale of when the woman of your dreams becomes reality. Written by Skyer Caleb and directed by Ben Shelton, “Waking” is a nice little romantic gem.

       Stay tune for my next entry, until then, I will see you at the movies.

Brian Taylor

                                                     Day 4

                 Here I am four days in and 9 movies later. I have enjoyed my first festival and look forward to coming back or even making my way to more. Today was my light day, I only made it to one film, I instead did something else, but that is not important. What you have come here for is to hear about the exciting movies I am seeing, so here is the one I saw today.

       “Circle the Wagen” is a documentary about David Torstenson and his purchase of a 1972 VW bus. David bought the vehicle off of EBay for $800 and got what he paid for. The movie follows Dave and his friend Charlie as they try and get the VW bus from Iowa back to California. Along the way they discover a VW support group that provides assistance to other VW owners in need. This is a movie about triumph against what seems like impossible odds. A very entertaining movie and a trip you will enjoy taking.

Brian Taylor  

                                             Day 5

                        Well my first film festival is winding down. Tomorrow will be my last day, and I will have to say I will miss it.  I have had a lot of fun and met a lot of new people, and most importantly have seen a lot of great movies. Today I saw three more movies, and also tried another local restaurant that was real good. This though is not a food blog; it is a movie blog, so here is what I saw on day 5.

                       “Life and Crimes of Doris Payne” is a documentary about Doris Payne. Who is Doris Payne you might ask? Well she is a woman who is an international jewel thief, who has stolen over two million dollars of jewels in her lifetime. Directors Matthew Pond and Kirk Marcolona follow Doris as she is facing jail time for a theft at a department store in San Diego. Doris has no problem telling you about her pass escapades and you can see how charismatic she is and how she did what she did for so long. Remember the name Doris Payne, because in the next few years, this won’t be the only movie about her.

                   “Take Away One” is a documentary about Mary Baratta-Lorton, a revolutionary math teacher and her mysterious death. Mrs. Baratta-Lorton believed students would learn math easier by hands on manipulative materials. It was a method that took off nationally and for long time changed how students were taught math. Mrs. Baratta-Lorton was murdered in San Francisco at the age of 34, a murder that to this day has yet to be solved. Director William Lorton, who also happens to be Mrs. Baratta-Lorton’s nephew, examines all the great she has done with her life.

              “Inside Llyewn Davis” is a new film by Ethan and Joel Coen. It tells the story of Lleyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) and his gift of playing music, and of having a hard time living life. Isaac, who plays and sings all original songs for the movie, gives an amazing performance. Co-staring with him is Coen fave John Goodman, Carry Mulligan, and Justin Timberlake. It is a Coen brother’s film, so really, what more can I say?  Except, go see it.

Brian Taylor

        

                   

                                         Day 6

                   Well the festival is going through the 31^st, but for me this is the end of the road, life calls. Today was just like every other day for me. Wake up, go and eat somewhere that is pure Austin, and then wait in line to see movies that I may never get to see if I was not here. Today for the last day I saw just two films, one domestic and one foreign and now let me tell you about them.

                  “Light Years” is a film written by Matthew Mullen and Maggie Kiley and directed by Maggie Kiely. It is the story of a heartbroken boy (Chris Lowell) who is trying to find a way to get back with the girl of his dreams Charlotte (Rose McIver). In the process of trying to be the person she wants him to be, the boy discovers who and what he really is. “Light Years” really is your typical indie romantic comedy, decent story, obscure music on the soundtrack you will want to find, and a few people you will recognize for familiarity.  “Light Years” is not the best story, but a whole lot better than the stuff we see most of the time.

         “I’m Dating You Not” is a film from Spain, written by Pablo Flores, and directed by Guillermo Groizard. It is the story of Roberto (Dario Frias) as he tries to win over his crush Paula (Virginia Rodriguez). The story moves fast as Roberto a guy most guys can relate to, tries to get that girl that most would believe is out of his league. The dialogue is fast and witty and this story of boy meets girl will have you laughing. Shot over ten days and for a little over two thousand dollars, this was one of the better films I saw during the whole festival.

             The Austin Film Festival prides it’s self as being the writers film festival. There is just something about being around the artists who create these films and around other film lovers that lends its self to being a great experience. This was my first film festival, but it will not be my last. I have decided that I will make this trip every year. I saw fourteen movies in six days, and even though it was more for fun, next year I will plan it better so I can see even more films. Thank you Austin Film Festival for a grand old time and for introducing me to so many new films.

Brian Taylor

                                         Day 6

                   Well the festival is going through the 31^st, but for me this is the end of the road, life calls. Today was just like every other day for me. Wake up, go and eat somewhere that is pure Austin, and then wait in line to see movies that I may never get to see if I was not here. Today for the last day I saw just two films, one domestic and one foreign and now let me tell you about them.

                  “Light Years” is a film written by Matthew Mullen and Maggie Kiley and directed by Maggie Kiely. It is the story of a heartbroken boy (Chris Lowell) who is trying to find a way to get back with the girl of his dreams Charlotte (Rose McIver). In the process of trying to be the person she wants him to be, the boy discovers who and what he really is. “Light Years” really is your typical indie romantic comedy, decent story, obscure music on the soundtrack you will want to find, and a few people you will recognize for familiarity.  “Light Years” is not the best story, but a whole lot better than the stuff we see most of the time.

         “I’m Dating You Not” is a film from Spain, written by Pablo Flores, and directed by Guillermo Groizard. It is the story of Roberto (Dario Frias) as he tries to win over his crush Paula (Virginia Rodriguez). The story moves fast as Roberto a guy most guys can relate to, tries to get that girl that most would believe is out of his league. The dialogue is fast and witty and this story of boy meets girl will have you laughing. Shot over ten days and for a little over two thousand dollars, this was one of the better films I saw during the whole festival.

             The Austin Film Festival prides it’s self as being the writers film festival. There is just something about being around the artists who create these films and around other film lovers that lends its self to being a great experience. This was my first film festival, but it will not be my last. I have decided that I will make this trip every year. I saw fourteen movies in six days, and even though it was more for fun, next year I will plan it better so I can see even more films. Thank you Austin Film Festival for a grand old time and for introducing me to so many new films.

Brian Taylor 

About Time

                                                           

             When I get together with my friends sometimes we always have the discussion that I think most people have with their friends. That conversations about what super power you would choose if you could choose one, oh wait that is just me and my friends? Anyway the one thing I wish I could do is to be able to travel back in time. I don’t want to be able to change history, just to be able to have a redo on something I did. Well that will never happen, but is exactly what “About Time” is about.

              Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) has just turned 21 and his father (Bill Nighy) has a family secret to tell him. It is nothing like something evolving a dark secret in their past, the secret is that the men of their family can travel back in time. This secret is met with disbelief and doubt and of course the desire to find out if it is true.  Tim decides to go back to the night before at his parents New Year’s Eve party and kisses a girl at midnight, something he missed on the first time. What would you do with such a gift?  Get rich? Make your life perfect? For Tim his choice is to use it for love.  Tim now armed with this new ability heads to London to start his life, and to find his true love. It is not long after that he meets Mary (Rachel McAdams) and Tim uses his gift to correct his mistakes in his courting of her. Tim and Mary start a life together and a family, and Tim discovers that living everyday to its fullest is truly the secret for a happy life.

         I know what you are thinking a love story about time travel, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” all over again. Well I have good news for you, even though they both have Rachel McAdams in common, that is the only thing they share. What makes “About Time” different? Well that is simple it is written and directed by Richard Curtis (Love Actually). Curtis knows how to tell a love story, he just seems to make the relationships in his movie feel real. We have all heard the “only in the movies” line before, but Curtis makes it feel real. “About Time” has that feeling, from the awareness of the first time meeting someone, to the feeling you get when you meet the right person. As good as Curtis’s material is, it would all be for nothing if it didn't have the right actors. Gleeson and McAdams are magical together, and you can’t help to especially enjoy Gleeson’s preference. There are so many movies dealing with love and relationships that come out every year. Some are funny, some are sad, but most of them get it wrong, because things that happen in those movies don’t happen in real life. Well with “About Time” you get something that feels real, and if that is not enough, you get one of the better movies about love that you will see all year, and it is about time for that.

Brian Taylor