Drive

Drive

A Film Review By: David Ramirez

****/****

Driver is a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can't help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene, a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard. After a heist intended to pay off Standard's protection money spins unpredictably out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals. But when he realizes that the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash in his trunk - that they're coming straight for Irene and her son - Driver is forced to shift gears and go on offense. - Yahoo


Ryan Gosling stars as the character simply known as "Driver". Gosling does a great job as the soft spoken and very mellow man of mystery. The character is a man of few words, this could be troublesome for some actors but not Gosling, who himself is soft spoken by nature. At times when the movie calls for violence, he never acts as one would expect in an action movie but then again this is no ordinary action movie and he is not your typical action hero. Gosling delivers a great performance in a role where he is using very few words to express varied feelings that go from love to anger, and from tenderness to revenge.


Carey Mulligan co-stars, as Irene the neighbor whose home situation is not perfect and is rather emotionally fragile. She doesn't get much screen time, however during the time we do see her on screen she wears her emotions on her sleeve and we truly feel for her and hope that she can get out of her situation. One of the most refreshing things about her character is she doesn't change; she doesn't out of nowhere find some inner strength or toughness that was never there.


One of the fantastic things about drive, is that there are many scenes with no dialogue between the characters. The dialogue is replaced with an 80's inspired soundtrack and powerful emotions delivered through looks and actions of the characters. There is something very powerful about using this method and very refreshing. 


The film's stunning cinematography truly captures the audience in the proceedings. they are not as many of them as you would think but the adrenaline-fueled car chases are furiously shot and nothing short of thrilling. Director Refn's camera also beautifully captures the Los Angeles skyline and the sprawling lights of the city. 


The film is an electric mixture of beautiful and lingering cinematography, a pulsating soundtrack, lean dialogue and short bursts of graphic, bloody violence. It's tense and involving- almost impossible not to get immersed in it. 'Drive" is truly one of the stand out films of this year and proves that less can work best in a movie.

Spy Kids 4D: All The Time in The World

Spy Kids 4D: All The Time in The World

A film Review By: David Ramirez

*/****

On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all...married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids. But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly don't want her around, is her toughest challenge yet. Also, her husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), wouldn't know a spy if he lived with one which is exactly the case - Marissa's a retired secret agent. Marissa's world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she's called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the now-defunct Spy Kids division was created. With a little help from a couple of very familiar Spy Kids, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), they just may be able to save the world and possibly bring their family together while they're at it. - Flixster


Robert Rodriguez is back again with another installment of his "Spy Kids" serious. This time around Rodriguez has employed two new young spy's to take over where the now grown up spy kids left off. Outside of a semi new cast ( the two original spy kids are here too), there really is nothing new here, other then "Aroma-Scope".  The story is full of action and special affects and jokes that are 100% family friendly. 


The two new "Spy Kids" are Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook). What can i say but they both play their parts very well. Honestly that shouldn't be too difficult considering they're kids, who are playing kids. The nice thing when watching these two young actors on screen is they don't try to overact or be too cheessy.  

Rounding out the cast is anumber of adults; Jessica Alba (Marrisa Wilson), Joel Mchale (Cecil Wilson) and Jeremy Piven (Danger D'Amo / Tick Tock / Time Keeper).  Leading the cast of adults is Jessica Alba, who basically plays a family friendly version of her character in "Dark Angel".  Joel Mchale, has  minor part has the father/TV Star and unfortunately this is not the Joel Mchale from talk soup,  he is lacking in humor and well everything else, that would make us want to see him in a movie.  Rounding out the adult cast is Jeremy Piven who plays two different characters ( I would say three but two are the same person). This is not one of Piven's best roles or movies for that matter, his character is janaric and just like any other spy kids bad guy cheesy. 



"Spy Kids 4" not only has many of the same jokes, characters (With new names) and same moralistic ending as all the others.  if you're looking for a family movie that the kids will enjoy and you won't go completely crazy at, then i say take the kids. In the end your kids will more then likely enjoy "Spy Kids 4" but as an adult you will just feel like you've seen this all before.  

Rise of The Planet of The Apes

"Rise of The Planet of The Apes"

A film review by: David Ramirez

****/****

A young scientist is trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer's disease by testing a genetically engineered retrovirus on chimpanzees, he gets more then be bargained for. When his most successfully test subject is forcibly put down, it would seem that all hope is lost. Hope returns in the form of a baby to whom the test subject secretly gave birth. Ceasar has inherited his mother's high intelligence; and learns quickly. Soon Ceasars life and his adopted human families life will change forever.

This origin story plays out for most of the film, but Caesar ends up becoming the focus. Although he says nothing, he generates incredible sympathy through consummate mo-cap actor Andy Serkis . Being able to generate the kind of emotion that is shown here by Serkis is truly a skill that not many actors can pull off. As you watch him on screen you forget that it's man playing a part and start to truly believe Caesar is very real and is in this extraordinaire situation. Andy Serkis who has already done work like this before in 'Lord of Rings' and 'King Kong', out preformed most actors in Hollywood without barely saying a word

James Franco plays scientist Will Rodman, who's experimenting with his Alzheimer's cure on apes. Franco delivered a superb performance as the talented scientist who is hell bend on finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Franco truly becomes the charictor he is playing, and there is nothing fake or forced about him. Do to this fact it truly makes the story that much more interesting and truly entertaining.

Instead of the very obvious route of action and various explosions, we get  a story with character development and real emotion. Also not only do you have visually stunning CGI apes but you also have a great story that is being told with very talented actors.  Add to that the burgeoning scientific moral dilemma and "Rise" builds quite the captivating story. It's intelligent, thought provoking, emotional, and very entertaining.

Bronson

A Film Review By: David Ramirez

"Bronson"

✭✭✭✭ out of ✭✭✭✭

BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST VIOLENT PRISONERS.

Charlie Bronson (born Michael Petersen) has the distinction of being Britain's most notorious criminal. Despite never having killed anyone, and mostly being a petty thief, at the age of 56 he has spent 34 years in prison - with 30 in solitary confinement. He has also won awards for his art and poetry. He has one ambition: “All my life I've wanted to be famous.” And so he is.

Tom Hardy is the lead as Michael Peterson, sporting a shaved head and a John L. Sullivan handlebar mustache. Hardy's performance, shifts between a subtle insane calmness to a manic intensity. Pulling off these two things is something many actors have tried and failed miserably, but Hardy succeeds entirely. This of course is because of his talent: being both versatile and daring. When you are playing in a film as stylized as this one, you need a lead actor who can keep the audience engaged. Again, Hardy proves triumphant.

Not only does Tom Hardy give a great performance, but the story is told in a very interesting way, the filmmaker uses an on and off linear narrative: something that isn't seen in many mainstreem modern films. The film(s) style is something very reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange, in the way it intercuts and is told by the lead character. Music plays another large part and is much more than backdrop: it is truly part of the story.

I am encouraging you to watch this film. You will be introduced to one of creations most fascinating people. Enjoy the superb cinematography of this film. Marvel at the character which Tom Hardy has so electrically embodied. There is little if any fault I can find with this film. I was mesmerized, not only by the stunning performance by Tom, by the mastery of the movie's execution, but mainly by its' subject, a man out of time, out of place, but not out of his mind.

Win Win

A Film Review By: David Ramirez

"Win Win"

✭✭✭/✭✭✭✭

Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty (Giamatti), who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy's mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything. - IMBD

Paul Giamatti stars in “Win Win” and does honestly what he does best; becoming the character he's portraying. The easy way for Giamatti to play this part would've been one of two ways: first, as a total scumbag or secondly, completely over stressed baskitcase family man; fortunately for us he does neither of these things. What we get from Giamatti is a man who truly loves his family and would do anything to make sure they never need anything.  Many actors could try and pull this off but not many can do it as well as he does, he is truly an actor who wears his heart on his sleeve and because of it, his performance here is truly something special. Even when he is doing something that is less then admirable, you don’t dislike him, instead he makes you understand why he is doing it. This is a performance from him that people will be talking about for years to come.

New comer Alex Schaffer plays Kyle, the grandson of one of Giamatti’s clients and a wrestling phenom. Schaffer does a great job as a young man who has been through so much that he doesn’t care about his atmosphere anymore. Some young actors would have really tried to make it very obvious and painful that their character doesn’t care about much. Instead Schaffer acts like any other teenager in this situation; he is just plain old oblivious to everything.  Thanks to Schaffer real life wrestling skills he does add another dimension of realism to his character. Given the right opportunities I think Schaffer is a young man that we will see in many movies to come.

Rounding out the cast is Amy Ryan as Giamatti’s loving wife and mother to his children. We also have Bobby Cannavale as Giamatti’s best friend. Ms. Ryan does a great job as a wife and the loving mother of her children, and shows Kyle how a mother should be.  Cannavale is really funny as a man who is not only going through a divorce but only seems to be a little lost and is trying to find his place in his new life. These two characters truly add a layer of wormth and heart to the film, and do a great job as supporting characters.

The writing of the film is something that is truly a joy to see, it has some smart humor and moments that really makes you think. The story that is told here has a little tenderness that feels true but completely without mush; unlike many of the films we see today about family and the hardships of life. The situation presented here is not perfect, and the ultimate outcome of the picture is extremely fitting. The irony of the title fades as “Win Win” wins you over.

Source Code

Source Code

A Film Review By: David Ramirez

★★★/★★★★

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.  In an assignment unlike any he's ever known, he learns he's part of a government experiment called the "Source Code", a program that enables him to cross over into another man's identity in the last eight minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again, gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack.

Jake Gyllenhaal is our hero in this Sci-fi thriller and I must say I really enjoyed his performance in this film.  In a movie where he could have easily overacted and been way too dramatic, he did the very opposite.  At the points where he was required to show emotion he does it much like a soldier would, controlled but still not afraid to display some of it.  Gyllenhaal’s performance in the film is enough to make us believe he was really in this strange situation and truly was the hero the film required.  Like many of Gyllenhaal’s performances he truly seems to in body the character he is playing and in Source Code he does just that.

Michelle Monaghan plays Christina Warren a young women who is a friend of the man who Gyllenhaal now inbodies and she also is a passenger on the train that is about to explode.  Monaghan gave the right performance for this role, she never once try's to steal a scene or just be overly dramatic.  Instead she did the very opposite and played it cool, despite the very strange happenings around her.  
                         

Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright round out the cast as Gyllenhaals only contacts outside of the “Source Code”, and the only ones who can give him answers.  Over all they both gave solid performances in their respective roles.  Farmiga at many points came across as very caring and in a sense, almost motherly toward Gyllenhaal and his ordeal. Wright played it differently, very hard nosed, stubborn and all about the mission.

The basic premise means there is a repetitive series of events that will cause Gyllenhaal to go back and forth between the two set pieces. Director Duncan Jones, working from Ben Ripley's clever script keeps all the puzzle pieces in constant motion and making sure the audience stays on the edge of their seat.  Also, the action is perfectly placed and never over the top, as many modern day Sci-fi/”Action” films can be.  Is Source Code for everyone? No it’s not. But it's certainly worth watching for any film viewer who wants to dive into an interesting story, or at the very least, be entertained.

The Sunset Limited

A Film Review By: David Ramirez


The Sunset Limited 


★★★★/★★★★

In The Sun Set Limited we have two nameless characters, a God fearing ex-convict played by Samuel L. Jackson and a professor played by Tommy Lee Jones. Just before the film begins, Jackson saves Jones from throwing himself in front of a train, the Sunset Limited. Jackson is an ex-convict and an evangelical Christian. Jones is an atheist and a professor. They debate the meaning of human suffering, the existence of God, and the propriety of Jones attempted suicide.


Tommy Lee Jones not only stars in “The Sun Set Limited” but he also directs the film, and he does a great job as both an actor and director. One of the tasks Jones undertakes is to tell us a story that takes place entirely in one place, Jackson’s one bedroom rundown apartment. This could be a daunting task but Jones takes it and makes it part of the story. He does this with various camera shots, and angels. As one of the film’s stars he truly delivers a great performance.


As he speaks of his lack of faith in God and all around lack of faith in humanity, we hear some very real conviction; and underlined sadness. The emotion does not only come across in his words, but in his facial expressions’, and his tired run down look. This has to be one of Tommy Lee Jones best performances.

Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson star in HBO film,
"The Sunset Limited"

Samuel L. Jackson plays the ex-convict and evangelical Christian who has stopped Tommy Lee Jones from committing suicide. Much like Jones, Jackson delivers a great performance, one he will be remembered for for years to come. Jackson is known for being an over the top performer, and in this film he does have one over the top moment, but it truly works for this character. One of the most outstanding things about Jackson’s performance in this film is the way he makes us believe that despite his surroundings and Jones negative attitude his faith remains intact; and that he will not let his surroundings get him down.


As he tries to show Jones that there is another way other then suicide, he is constantly met with resistance but still refuses to let it get him down, and he does not waiver in his faith. It’s the characters’ unwavering faith and motivation to do Gods work and Jackson’s performance that truly makes him a compelling character.


An interesting and unconventional part of “The Sun Set Limited” is the fact that the film takes place entirely in one room. One would think that after awhile you would lose interest due to the fact that the environment doesn’t change, but you don’t because of the performances delivered by the stars. The back and forth that goes on between Jones and Jackson keeps our interest, and you can easily get lost in the emotions that are delivered. The actors were both so authentic, really bringing to life the two distinct points of view.


To say “The Sun Set Limited” is a moving and very powerful film would truly be an understatement. The film takes a very bold and eye opening look at faith and the lack thereof. I would highly recommend that you take a ride on “The Sunset Limited”.