2014 @ The Movies Archives - Sept.

Below is a monthly compilation of my 128 2014 film reviews originally published on Facebook:

September 6 2014 through September 28 2014:

2014 @ the movies take 83: “Frank” Where I was expecting a quirky musical comedy, I found a subtle portrayal of mental illness. The papier-mâché head is just a detail as the film looks at an array of coping mechanisms unraveling through the lens of a band of musicians on the fringe of sanity. One of these mechanisms being songwriting as shown in the opening sequence which, on its own, is worth the price of admission. And, of course, Fassbender is perfect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-catC4tBVyY

2014 @ the movies take 84: “No Good Deed” I am all about the empowerment of black female characters - Jackie Brown all the way. However, that should not come at the expense of every other character, the plot, or the believability of events. Every male character  is evil, stupid or dead. Every white female character is blonde, pointless or killed (possibly with a shovel). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_ENrqSmIhE

2014 @ the movies take 85: “Calvary” A powerful allegory examining the role of the catholic priest in Ireland post-pedophilia scandal. The film strikes a hard-to-pull balance of quirkiness and despair ensconced in a perfectly shot locale.  Don’t miss the end credits for a nice coda of the film’s decor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGM5rq_vX4U

2014 @ the movies take 86: “Tusk” Although it all started as a crazy digression on his podcast, Tusk might be Kevin Smith’s most ambitious film yet. Yes, it is a bit too long and over the top, but I bow to the “jusqu'au-boutisme” (relentlessness) of the enterprise. Smith is channeling is inner Tarantino and delivers some interesting moments. Michael  Parks shines as usual and the mysterious Guy Lapointe will tickle your inner Québecois. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60EUG-CDC_k

2014 @ the movies take 87: “L’écume des jours” (Mood Indigo) Gondry’s adaptation of Boris Vian’s novel is probably the best one that could be done. The source material is so unfilmable, it is quite a feat to have taken this up. The constantly surreal elements tend to take over the plot, but it is still a very unique visual experience. The way the tragedy of Chloé foreshadows Vian’s own demise is still very poignant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38ugyccL5zU

2014 @ the movies take 88: “The Trip to Italy” This movie is not really a sequel to 2010 “The Trip”. It is more of a “requel” - it is basically the same movie: Coogan & Brydon goof around while eating great food and tackle couple/family issues with an unexpected bitter-sweet ending. As long as it is only every 3 years, why not? It’s like checking in with fun pals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55OtglvtXuI

2014 @ the movies take 89: “The Drop” A crime drama that hits perfectly where you don’t expect. Belgian director Michaël R. Roskam serves a great script with a slow-burn character-driven yarn. Although it is James Gandolfini’s very last movie, Tom Hardy steals the show with a subtle and powerful performance. Highly recommended!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lCiDIcqMe0

2014 @ the movies take 90: “Equalizer” It starts off as a stylish portrait of tortured OCD-prone mystery agent, but it quickly devolves into a run-off-the-mill super-hero/spy fest with the requisite nonchalant-walk-away-in slow-mo-from-a-huge-explosion scene (YAWN!). Fun fact about the Russian mob (in case you are looking at single-handedly dismantling a human trafficking network): every Russian mobster (and the Boston cops they have on the take) use the exact same model of smartphone that indicate the name of the caller in large font in the Roman alphabet - using Cyrillic or encrypted caller ID might have confused super-Denzel as he was booby-trapping the local Lowes with home-improvement weaponery. Rumors are that Equalizer 2 will take place at “Bed, Bath & Beyond” - can’t wait! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt0GkVZK8zA

2014 @ the movies take 91: “Man on Wire” I had missed this 2008 documentary about the French tightrope walker who took on the Twin Towers in 1974 - thank you Moxie Cinema for fixing that. It is a wonderful illustration of the French phrase “pour la beauté du geste” When the purpose of an act is the act itself and the moment it generates. Precious. Also, a good opportunity to learn the word “funambule” which is much more poetic than the very stiff “tightrope walker”...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIawNRm9NWM

2014 @ the movies take 92: “The One I Love” This film is impossible to describe without spoiling its unique take on marital crisis. It lands on the unlikely bridge between Igmar Bergman and Rod Serling. Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss steal the show fair and “squared". Oops, I will not say more… Go catch it at the Moxie Cinema and you will feel “renewed." 
The trailer is actually superb as well - it tells you everything and nothing:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCOvhojlZzQ