Fifteen years ago, “Guardians of the Galaxy” was one of the many forgettable teams from the Marvel Universe. In 2014, Marvel handed the premise over to someone who knew what they were doing and now we have a blockbuster. Not just a blockbuster, but a movie with substance, heart, resonance, and pure characterization. Director James Gunn has a knack for filming the unusual and the eccentric, and “Guardians of the Galaxy” relies on an environment where aliens and beasts lurk at every turn, and its team of ragtag superheroes is mismatched orphans. Gunn’s directing is excellent, dropping audiences in to the start of a lovable band of pirates that find a common bond and form their own impromptu family.
Category Archives: Movie Reviews
Lord of Illusions (1995): Collector’s Edition [Blu-Ray]
I appreciate what Clive Barker set out to do with “Lord of Illusions” by introducing us to Harry D’Amour, a reluctant private eye who’d be thrown in to horrifying situations that far outstretched mobsters and cheating wives. In “Lord of Illusions,” Scream Factor gives Barker the chance to present audiences with the director’s cut. This new cut is longer, re-edited, and given a heavier emphasis on the neo-noir crime investigation by D’Amour that leads him to the front door of a satanic wizard that intends to destroy the world, and everything in it. I really wish I could have seen what D’Amour would get in to in future cases. Perhaps the cenobites? Something Lovecraftian?
Neighbors (2014)
Director Nicholas Stoll’s comedy at least has entertainment value going for it. It may not be the most consistent or tonally even film of the year, but it’s kind of fun when you get down to it. That’s mainly thanks to Zac Efron and Dave Franco that save the movie from being another self indulgent Seth Rogen improv-athon. Rogen literally can’t play anyone but Rogen anymore, even when playing an alien from outer space, but the supporting cast for “Neighbors” really keeps the film from diving in to abysmal depths and keeps it a notch above mediocre. That also includes Rose Byrne, and the hilarious Carla Gallo.
Annie (2014)
What bothers me about the loose reimagining of “Annie” is that we’re introduced to Annie during her class where we see a young red haired girl in a dress giving a speech, who then tap dances to her seat. She’s named Annie, and the heroine from this film is called “Annie B.” Yes, her last name is Bennett, but the use of B, feels almost like the writers are subconsciously trying to remind audiences that this isn’t a new Annie, but an alternate Annie who, when all is said and done, isn’t the genuine article. That’s very disappointing and irritating, considering this should be what “Annie” should aspire for. It shouldn’t be a production about a Caucasian orphan being adopted in to wealth and love, but about any kind of girl whose optimism becomes her best tool against a harsh world.
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
While Craig Johnson’s “The Skeleton Twins” had every chance to be a self indulgent vehicle for two SNL alumnis, “The Skeleton Twins” ends up being quite fantastic, and compliments the idea that Kristen Wiig is more than a comedian. Co-star Bill Hader also proves he can handle dramatic material with the best of them. Hader’s turn as a self loathing homosexual who is one part of self destructive twins is something of a revelation, and his turn here is Oscar worthy. Maggie is on the verge of committing suicide when she gets a call from a hospital alerting her that her long lost twin brother Milo attempted suicide.
Wish I Was Here (2014)
When it isn’t trying to be profound or reaching for metaphor and goofy Spike Jonze style photography, “Wish I Was Here” ends up being a pretty interesting family melodrama. It’s not by any means Braff’s masterpiece. I think we’re a long way from ever seeing one. Here he repeats the same beats of his former indie drama “Garden State,” ad nauseum. He’s either intent on reminding people why the aforementioned was so good, or he’s bereft of offering anything new. There’s Jim Parsons, a fractured relationship with a father figure, the ghost of a dead mother, Braff’s character is an actor, and there be plenty ‘o montages set to indie rock music.
Trance (2013)
One thing you have to give “Trance” is that it’s not one of Danny Boyle’s typical films. Prone to delivering grit, even with family fare like “Millions,” his newest opus is something of a surreal and mind bending thriller that constantly shifts between plains of consciousness and vision that often fools the viewer in to trying to figure out what’s reality and what’s pure dream. And that’s the point of “Trance” in theory. It’s supposed to be about characters living in trances, many of whom are avoiding reality. It’s a shame the premise is so interesting as Danny Boyle’s film is a complete misfire.