Midnight Special (2016)

"Midnight Special", USA, Competition.at Berlin 66: Festival Reviews by Alex Deleon: Photo: Midnight Special press conference at Berlin, with Jaeden Lieberher, child star. "Midnight Special" by Jeff Nichols, 37, his fourth feature, featuring Sam Shepard and Kirsten Dunst, Starring Nichols' regular Michael Shannon, and introducing charismatic child actor Jaeden Lieberher, 11.

This is high style sci-fi kitch set in the American south with lots of nightime car chases and spooky set pieces like the bombardment from space of a gas station to demonstrate the extraordinary powers of the kid in the back seat with the shining eyes. Extraterrestial children with radiating eyes were first employed in the British sci-fi thriller "Village of the Damned", 1960, and this has since become a standard Scifi cliché to notify audiences that children who radiate optically are not Of This World. The reference to Close Encounters comes at the end when we are treated to a view of extragalactic Space City to which child with glowing eyes will return. This set which looks like a giant tangle of Mobius Strips extending to infinity was pooh-poohed by many hard nosed critics who claimed it was too kitchy. I personally liked it because it added the perfect kitch icing to what is essentially a high-kitch layer cake with style to burn. Everybody wants a piece of this kid with glowing eyeballs and amazing kinetic powers which escalate as the film proceeds. A religious cult headed by Sam Shepard, (who has the Right Stuff as a self-assured religious cult fanatic) --to connect them with God; the CIA, to use him as a Secret Weapon; and the local police on general principles, not to mention his mother, Kirsten Dunst, who just wants her child back after he is kidnapped by his feckless biological father. One tricky question: How did Kirsten Dunst (still looking good at 35) give birth Here on Earth to an Alien from a different world? -- but you don't let such trivia bother you when you're enjoying the ride, and this film is one Heckuva ride! PS: "Midnight Special" is the perfect title for a flick that is probably destined to become a cult favorite at the Midnite Movies. Alex, Hotel Alper, Berlin, Monday, Feb. 22.

Detail / Info

Genre : Adventure, Drama
Duration : 112 min
Release Date : 18 Mar 2016
Rating : 7.1
Writer : Jeff Nichols
Director : Jeff Nichols
Company : Warner Bros.
Movie Casts :
Michael Shannon as Roy, Kirsten Dunst as Sarah,Joel Edgerton as Lucas, Adam Driver as Agent Sevier, David Jensen as Elden, Scott Haze as Levi

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The Bronze (2015)

I caught this at the world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and I about lost control of my bowels from laughing so hard. The opening scene (no spoilers) sets the outrageous tone for the picture and it is stupendously raunchy and funny as hell. If that first scene doesn't make you laugh out loud then you should probably just walk away. Hope (Melissa Rauch) is such an ass to EVERYONE that it's no surprise that the only friend in the world she has is her father, Stan (Gary Cole) and even his patience is wearing thin. The cast is outstanding. Really. Haley Lu Richardson (as Hope's protégé, Maggie) is so adorably likable that there's no reason to think she won't go anywhere in this industry but up. She's delightful and the perfect balance to Hope. Thomas Middleditch fits his role of Ben, the co-owner of the gymnastics studio and burgeoning love interest of Hope (if that's even possible but it is). And Sebastian Stan is hilarious as the good-looking former two time Olympic winner who has a history with Hope and is on track to steal Maggie away from her and get him into the spotlight. There are too many actors to name that also do a splendid job but these five are the ones we follow throughout the picture.

It can't be said enough how raunchy and wrong (in the right way) Hope is. Her personality is black and the paramount of selfishness but in that way that allows you to laugh and cringe at the same time. When you break the story down to its basic elements, there's nothing all that new about it. But it's how director Buckley handles it, the VERY funny script by Melissa and her husband Winston and the aforementioned talent in front of the camera that breathes severely entertaining life into a tired and reliable trope found in most sports movies. If I had to single out one moment to praise (and there are many) it's the scene were two gymnasts get it on but it's in the way your wildest dreams would suggest gymnasts would (boy to be a fly on the wall in the Olympic village). It's a close second to TEAM America: WORLD POLICE (2004) for being the funniest sex scene ever filmed. WOW! Tears, man, tears from laughing so hard. The funny runs from start to finish and I do mean finish. Listen to the lyrics Melissa sings in the closing credits song. In the Q&A after the film with the filmmakers, they tell how Winston wrote the lyrics on the drive to the recording studio as they had just been informed that Melissa was invited to sing on the PTAF track. It works beautifully and it's a great way to end one truly funny, FUNNY movie. The worst part of seeing it this early is having to wait that much longer to buy it so I can see it again but more importantly turn my friends onto it and look like a rock star for doing it.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Comedy
Duration : 108 min
Release Date : 18 Mar 2016
Rating : 5.3
Writer : Melissa Rauch, Winston Rauch
Director : Bryan Buckley
Company : Duplass Brothers Productions
Movie Casts :
Melissa Rauch as Hope Annabelle Greggory, Gary Cole as Stan Greggory,Haley Lu Richardson as Maggie Townsend, Thomas Middleditch as Ben Lawfort, Sebastian Stan as Lance Tucker, Cecily Strong as Janice Townsend

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Cloverfield (2008)

If you haven't heard by now Cloverfield is a film about a giant monster attacking Manhattan all seen through the perspective of a 20-something's hand-held camera. The film has been hyped for months via viral marketing, JJ Abrams fan boys, and media coverage/ monster speculation. Did it live up to the hype? The answer is OH GOD YES Cloverfield is by far the most intense monster film I have ever seen in my lifetime, after the initial 15 minutes of character introduction and whatnot the film does not go 5 minutes without a HOLY CRAP moment. Constantly driving you to the edge of your seat at every turn and it really pulls no punches, I was surprised to learn it was rated PG13. Now the film is entirely filmed in shaky cam since you cant really survive a monster attack pushing a trolley around and it just works, you may get motion sickness though so be warned. The camera itself becomes a character of the film as it IS the viewer making everything happening on-screen more and more realistic. Now the acting is amateur but thats for the best considering that the film would have made no sense if they had used big name actors/actresses, the characters are not that deep either and mostly serve as fodder, comic relief, moral guidance, panic, commentary, puzzlement, a little bit of annoyance, in other words they're people surviving a monster attack. The presentation is brilliant, the only music heard is in the party and at the ending credits and the special effects are some of the most seamless stuff you'll ever see in a film. The monster itself is actually not seen in its entirety only being viewed from different angles for the audience to piece it together as the survivors themselves are, you pretty much know as much as they do about everything going on making you actually feel like you're there. Critics compare the film to Blair Witch meets Godzilla but it is so much more than that, Cloverfield is the definitive American Monster Film, best if seen on the opening weekend just to hear the audience's reactions not to mention the presentation is far greater on the big screen, watch it again to see the things you missed or just to enjoy the ride again, admittedly the shock value will wane with multiple viewings but for what it's worth Cloverfield is an excellent piece of film and special effect engineering and is the first great monster film of the millennium. Its also downright scary at parts.

Detail / Info

Genre : Action, Thriller
Duration : 85 min
Release Date : 18 Jan 2008
Rating : 7.1
Writer : Drew Goddard
Director : Matt Reeves
Company : Paramount Pictures
Movie Casts :
Lizzy Caplan as Marlena, Jessica Lucas as Lily,Odette Annable as Beth, Michael Stahl-David as Rob, Mike Vogel as Jason, T.J. Miller as Hud

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10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

If this is going to be an anthology or if this is going to be followed by that rumored third installment that has been recently spoiled by J.J. Abrahms, I can say that nobody doubts about the secretly marketed "10 Cloverfield Lane" is a great movie on its own. And a movie that if it were spoiled by someone here or at any review would be cruel.

Since the start it reveals to be a movie that doesn't hide an ace, but a hundred.

The pace can be a little slow at the first half only to add more and more tension, hooking the audience and introducing them into the movie like they were one of the people inside that bunker.

John Goodman will be a real trend the future days thanking its superb performance. He's so twisty, complex developed character. He and Mary Elisabeth Winstead make the movie shine alongside the story.

The story is so little, then so game-changer, with twists and turns that are smart rather than empty. It's one of that makes you guess all the time.

The ending is more of a bang than a whimper. Even when it succumbs to the action and polemic moves, it will leave you on a grim and high note, pestering for another outing if it's any good like this.

If the "Cloverfield" that started it all was about speaking without breath and CGI scares, this "10 Cloverfield Lane" is about deeper intentions, deeper tension and personal stuff that is scarier than a giant monster. While the connection to that movie is not so remarkable until the finale, this installment is so brilliant on its own, so well marketed (without ruining any twist) and so well ended that will surely please any viewer who were looking for a damn good movie. This is a scary movie like the classic ones. Don't miss it.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Mystery
Duration : 105 min
Release Date : 11 Mar 2016
Rating : 8.0
Writer : Josh Campbell (story), Matthew Stuecken (story), Josh Campbell (screenplay), Matthew Stuecken (screenplay), Damien Chazelle (screenplay)
Director : Dan Trachtenberg
Company : Paramount Pictures
Movie Casts :
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Michelle, John Goodman as Howard,John Gallagher Jr. as Emmett, Maya Erskine as Darcy, Douglas M. Griffin as Driver, Cindy Hogan as Neighbor Woman

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Excess Flesh (2015)

Which is really a shame. Because the movie or rather the idea behind the movie has a lot of potential. There are glimpses of genius hidden here somewhere. Unfortunately they are very well hidden and can actually not be found. And that's because the movie indulges in hammering its point home. I don't think you always have to be subtle, but you also have to be respectful to the viewers and their intelligence.

The acting has its ups and downs too. The social commentary drowns in that as it does in the editing (or rather lack of it at times). Of course some would argue that it's necessary to have a scene go on for a very long time, so that the dread of a situation is felt by the viewer. And I would agree to that to a point. Because if you have scene after scene, that are telling the same story/point, you're way beyond proving a point, you're into boring territory. A shame, but maybe also a learning process for the next one

Detail / Info

Genre : Thriller, Drama
Duration : 103 min
Release Date : 13 Mar 2015
Rating : 5.3
Writer : Sigrid Gilmer, Sigrid Gilmer, Patrick Kennelly, Patrick Kennelly
Director : Patrick Kennelly
Company : Walking to the Moon Productions
Movie Casts :
Bethany Orr as Jill, Mary Loveless as Jennifer,Wes McGee as Rob, Kristin Minter as Nina, Jill Jacobson as Beverly, Sheresade Poblet as Cathy

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Equals (2015)

I had expectations for this film, which were all exceeded. I expected the film to be somewhat even kilter from start to finish-- a character development story. What it is is a slow burning, impactive, stressful, hopeful story that will change the way you think about life and the world. Drake Doremus captures the essence of this seemingly peaceful Utopian world, but it is the connection between his two leads that bring this compelling story to life. I feel that people who don't like the film probably simply don't get it. It is deep, and it stays with you long after viewing. Of the films I saw at TIFF this year, this one is the only one I can't get out of my head. In fact, I liked it so well that I saw it at the second screening as well.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Science Fiction
Duration : 101 min
Release Date : 01 Jul 2016
Rating : 6.0
Writer : Nathan Parker
Director : Drake Doremus
Company :
Movie Casts :
Kristen Stewart as Nia, Nicholas Hoult as Silas,Guy Pearce as Jonas, Jacki Weaver as Bess, Bel Powley as Rachel, Claudia Kim as Voice of The Collective

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Heist (2015)

This is a rather typical action thriller starring a skinny Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Robert De Niro. Kate Bosworth is the 3rd pre-title name but she has a really small part in this.

Mixed martial artist Gina Carano is also present but underused here having only a few seconds of martial art. TV's Mark-Paul Gosselaar has also a surprise role and he is giving s good performance. That can't be said about De Niro who - despite the fact that his character has many layers - gives a sub-par and boring performance.

Anyway, as I said the plot is rather typical about a ...Heist, (obviously). There are some shooting and car chases and roadblocks, a couple of twists, a little bit of melodrama...

It's not bad. It gets better as it progresses and with a Hollywood type conclusion that most people will find satisfying, although somehow unbelievable.

Detail / Info

Genre : Action, Thriller
Duration : 93 min
Release Date : 11 Nov 2015
Rating : 6.1
Writer : Stephen C. Sepher (original screenplay by), Stephen C. Sepher (story), Max Adams (screenplay)
Director : Scott Mann
Company : Emmett/Furla Films
Movie Casts :
Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Vaughn, Robert De Niro as The Pope,Kate Bosworth as Sydney, Dave Bautista as Cox, Gina Carano as Kris, Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Marconi

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Midnight in Paris (2011)

The love between the French and the Americans has always been mixed with an element of dismissal even contempt but the love is real. Woody Allen walks that fine line in truly inspired fashion. "Midnight in Paris" is a delight. This is he first time I actually loved Owen Wilson. He is terrific as Woody's alter ego. Rachel McAdams superb. Her mean American girl is hilarious and frighteningly recognizably, so are Kurt Fuller and Mimi Kennedy as her parents. What a chillingly awful, normal pair. I loved the moment in which Owen Wilson, in a great close up, comes to accept what's happening around him. I accepted it too. Happily. Another stand out moment: the meeting with Salvador Dali, played brilliantly over the top by Adrien Brody. Highly recommended.

Detail / Info

Genre : Fantasy, Comedy
Duration : 94 min
Release Date : 10 Jun 2011
Rating : 7.7
Writer : Woody Allen
Director : Woody Allen
Company : Gravier Productions
Movie Casts :
Owen Wilson as Gil, Rachel McAdams as Inez,Kurt Fuller as John, Mimi Kennedy as Helen, Michael Sheen as Paul, Nina Arianda as Carol

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Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Superb espionage/military-drama from Kathryn Bigelow (who directed the even more impressive The Hurt Locker). Details the search for and elimination of Osama Bin Laden.

Tight, intriguing plot. Excellent direction from Bigelow - the tension is built, and even though you know how it ends, it stays incredibly engrossing throughout. You hardly realise that the movie is over 2 1/2 hours long, the high level of engagement is so constant and the pace of the movie so perfect.

Great performance from Jessica Chastain in the lead role. Good support from Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong and Jennifer Ehle. Minor parts for Joel Edgerton and James Gandolfini.

Detail / Info

Genre : Thriller, Drama
Duration : 157 min
Release Date : 11 Jan 2013
Rating : 7.4
Writer : Mark Boal
Director : Kathryn Bigelow
Company : Columbia Pictures
Movie Casts :
Jessica Chastain as Maya, Jason Clarke as Dan,Mark Strong as George, Joel Edgerton as Patrick - Squadron Team Leader, Chris Pratt as Justin - DEVGRU, Kyle Chandler as Joseph Bradley

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Amour (2012)

I thought I was going to be deeply affected by "Amour," based on my experience with Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon" and the film's premise. My wife and I just recently watched her father degenerate physically and mentally over the last few years until his recent death, so the closeness to me of the subject matter combined with Haneke's uncompromising approach to filmmaking made me feel sure that I would be deeply disturbed by his film.

And while I was watching it, I felt like I should be feeling that way, but never really did. It's by any definition a formidable piece of filmmaking, but it left me cold. The events depicted in the film count among my worst nightmares and are even more terrifying for the significant likelihood that I will have to experience them in some fashion. But I never forgot that I was watching actors performing in a movie. There's something about Haneke's style that's cold and clinical, and the same quality that can make his movies deeply disturbing can also make them inaccessible.

To be honest, I'm kind of glad Haneke's style kept me at an emotional distance from the film, because I think it might otherwise have been unendurable.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Romance
Duration : 127 min
Release Date : 20 Sep 2012
Rating : 7.9
Writer : Michael Haneke (screenplay)
Director : Michael Haneke
Company : Les Films du Losange
Movie Casts :
Emmanuelle Riva as Anne, Jean-Louis Trintignant as Georges,Isabelle Huppert as Eva, William Shimell as Geoff, Rita Blanco as Concierge, Dinara Drukarova as Nurse #2

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