“Birdman” is by no means a subtle dissection of the life that Michael Keaton has led after his role as the iconic Batman on film. Once a very respected and comedy actor, his role as the dark knight kind of stifled his developing film career, and he unleashes his obvious bitterness and resentment toward the art of acting and the rise of fame over talent with “Birdman.” Alejandro González Iñárritu’s experimental drama is brilliant and absolutely mind blowing In the way it both mocks the superhero movie craze, while also conveying a sense of resentment toward its success. Keaton’s character Riggan Thomson sits in his dressing room before a play he’s gone nearly broke to fund, hearing on the news about Robert Downey Jr garnering millions to play a superhero. There with his own thoughts, Riggan dwells on how ahead of his time he was and how he may never be able to reclaim the ears thanks to his age.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) [Blu-Ray 3D/Blu-ray/Digital]
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.
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.
Five Friends Episodes Worth Watching
I don’t really understand the “Friends” nostalgia, since its aged very poorly since its days in the nineties. Even the episodes in the early aughts vary from mediocre to awful. But I’d be lying if I said I was never a “Friends” fan. In fact I used to watch the show religiously despite the main characters being woefully unlikable. Let’s face it, they are. Rachel is so despicable, it’s a wonder Ross chased after her for so long.
In either case, “Friends” is making its way to Netflix in January, and its loyal fan base are awash with excitement, so here are five episodes from the series that are still very funny and worth sitting through. They also require little to no knowledge of previous storylines. What are your favorites?
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.