The Talking Reel

Reel talk. Without the commercial interruptions.

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42 (2013)

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Short-tempered, short stop Jackie Robinson is approached by the Major League Baseball Association in 1945 to try out for the Montreal Royals.  He makes the cut, and moves forward in the owner Branch Rickey’s plan to remove the color line from the field.  Robinson is challenged by players, coaches, fans, and communities; and learns to fight back with his bat and speed on the field, winning ball games for his team.  Making his debut in 1946, Robinson becomes the first African-American player in the major leagues, signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

A powerful part of history that we briefly discuss each year, has now made a forever presence in the world of cinema.  I appreciated a new face to the screen as the iconic Robinson, Mr. Chadwick Boseman.   He was refreshing, believable, and did a stellar job.  Great casting overall, good story line, and Harrison Ford is precious.  It is so important to know our past, understand our progress, and plan for our future.  I had no idea the MLB honored Robinson yearly by wearing the 42.  Epic!  

I proudly offer a grand applause to the film 42.  An amazing experience, tear-jerking, and I look forward to children seeing this film and learning more about the evolution of our country’s culture.

Permalink Sandy Patterson was living an average, comfortable life with a decent job and beautiful family.  When the promotion of his dreams presents itself, Sandy has to travel to Florida to stop the other “Sandy Patterson” from stealing his identity, ruining his credit, and costing him a better future for his family.  With the criminal in tow, the two set off for a cross country adventure, running from drug-lords, a bounty hunter, and the police. Funny, and then some!  I love the evolution of Jason Bateman’s career, where he is now the go to guy for comedies.  Arrested Development, we thank you!  And Melissa McCarthy is a comedic genius!  She always delivers a great, memorable performance that we can laugh about for years.  I even appreciated the message of doing whatever it takes for your family in the movie.  Very sweet. Identity Thief receives a grand applause.  Appearing in my dvd collection very soon.
Permalink Worried about his son, John McClane heads to Russia, hoping to help clear his son’s record.  Upon arrival, John discovers that Jack is a CIA agent, and thanks to him has just blown an important operation.  Working through their father-son issues, the two join forces to save the world from nuclear terrorist. I wanted to hate it, but could not.  Bruce Willis still kicks butt, but man were some of his one liners cornier than ever!  Lots of action, great story line.   A Good Day to Die Hard receives a general applause from me.  I was surprisingly entertained.
Permalink Imprisoned for stealing food, Jean Valjean receives parole to rejoin society.  After an act of kindness, he vows to be a better man, and changes his identity to start a new life.  Years later as mayor of a town, he receives word that a man is being tried as a fugitive under his name; and struggles to make the right decision for his life.  He encounters a miserable former worker from his shop, Fantine, and promises to protect her daughter, Cosette, for all of her misfortunes.  Valjean continually bumps into an old acquaintance, Javert, the police inspector that has been searching for him since he was released 17 years ago.  Set during a time of political turmoil, Valjean fights to keep his promise to Fantine, Cosette, himself, and God. Visually stunning, with a memorable performance by Anne Hathaway.  Insert chills and tears - amazing Anne!  Hugh Jackman was really good.  Some of the dialogue should have been changed to the characters just talking versus a singing conversation, especially because Crowe is not the singer he needed to be for this role.  I love him, but was disappointed how one of the most powerful songs was played down for his lack of vocal capability.  Phenomenal actor, but next time avoid casting the name, and cast the best talent for the part. Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen were amazing - perfectly cast and played! Les Miserables receives a general applause.  I enjoyed it, but would prefer to see it on stage, always. P.S. I am Jean Valjean!
Permalink En route to be sold at a slave auction, Django is freed by a German dentist, who happens to also be a bounty hunter.  The two become partners, and head off to kill and collect across the country.  Django’s main mission is to find his wife, who the doctor discovers has been sold to the Candyland plantation.  To get her back, they need a top notch plan, with the mental, financial, and physical weapons to support. Man was this movie long, but so good!  I adore Christoph Waltz, and fell a little more in love with Leo - he is so great!  Jamie and Kerry gave good performances; but it was that Samuel L. Jackson that stole the show!  Some people were offended by the gore and racist content, but what else can you expect when you see a Tarantino film about slavery!  I thought it was clever, entertaining, and the perfect blend of comedy and action. Not to be confused with the 1966 original Django (which I will Netflix at a later date), I give Django: Unchained a grand applause.  Bloody funny.  Literally.
Permalink After a premature departure from a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano returns home under the care of his superstitious father and mother.  Claiming he is in perfect health and ready to get back to normal life, he instantly begins obsessing over reuniting with his ex wife.  Pat’s best friend sets him up with his outlier sister-in-law, Tiffany, hoping to shift his focus.  Facing deep issues of her own after the loss of her husband, the two are able to create an odd friendship through an entertaining partnership. Believe the hype - it is that good!  I dragged my friends to see it back in December for my birthday, and they were so happy I did.  It was such a good movie!  Bradley Cooper pushed himself in this role.  I was impressed.  And Jennifer…I thought she would forever be Katniss in my eyes, but I am now reminded of her briliance in Winter’s Bone and bow to her true talent.  She is funny!  Robert Deniro is always a delight; and Chris Tucker pretty much played himself.  Funny.  All in all, a great story and cast. Silver Linings Playbook receives a standing ovation!  If you have not, go see it right now.  You will not regret it.  This will be a new addition to my DVD collection.
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Permalink Living in Jungle Village, the battlegrounds of rival animal clans, a blacksmith was torn between loving his craft and hating what his creations were doing to his people.  With his weapons in high demand, he saved every penny to someday escape with the love of his life.  When word reaches The X-Blade that his father, head of the lion clan, is murdered, he returns to Jungle Village to seek revenge.  The blacksmith and The X-Blade join forces with a rogue Brittish officer to defend their people, cease the hijacking of a shipment of the government’s gold, and bring honor to their families. Hmm.  I did not hate it.  But, I did not love it.  I enjoy kick ass fight scenes, which were present.  I enjoy women who are kicking ass in fight scenes, which was present.  I really enjoyed Russell Crowe in his character, although a little too much at times, he was fantastic.  The story was interesting, the art direction was…interesting, and the Bronze Body guy was amazing to see - he is so thick!  RZA, you did a good job creating this story.  I will even say in directing it too.  But acting…it did not help nor hurt the experience.  I definitely thought it was a Tarantino film from the gore and other elements, but surprised to learn it was not.  Not at all.  Interesting. The Man with the Iron Fists earns a general applause.  Fun, intense moments, but overall, just okay.
Permalink Taking over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran in November of 1979, militants held the American staff hostage in protest of their deposed Shah.  Six staffers are able to escape, and seek refuge in the home of their neighbors at the Canadian Embassy.  The CIA calls Tony Mendez to the table to help strategize a rescue mission.  With no other full proof ideas, Mendez proposes creating a fake movie; which needs a producer, director, studio, actors; buzz, an exotic location like the bazaar in Iran, and on the ground will claim the six escapees to be the Canadian film crew.  Mendez reaches Iran, pitches the idea to and prepares the six for the greatest roles of their lives, sacrificing his life to the mission to return them home safely. Wow.  This was a brilliant film.  Based on a true event known as the “Canadian Caper,” the screenplay was fantastic, and cinematography had my adrenaline pumping - I was on the edge of my seat!  Affleck directed this film, and superbly so if I may add.  I felt like I was 1 of the 6, knew them intimately, felt their fears, and I think I may be in love with Tony Mendez!  Argo receives a standing ovation.  This is a great example of why I love film.  Amazing. Art.
Permalink An aspiring dj, Barden University freshman Beca is forced by her father to join a campus organization.  She signs up for The Bellas, an all-girl acapella group on campus, hoping to use it as a creative outlet.  Bella captain Aubrey thrives on traditions, however desperately recruits an unconventional group of lady singers.  Beca and the Bellas go up against themselves, and the Treble Makers, Barden’s all-male acapella group, all the way to the International Championship of Collegiate Acapella. A - hooray for another female lead, hilarious cast!  Job well done ladies!  B - the vocal talents of stars we didn’t know could sing - go Anna Kendricks and Brittany Snow!  Throw in a professional like Esther Dean, and the comedic timing of Rebel Wilson, magic!  C - it is a good movie, with a fun story, and great cast - a must see. I give Pitch Perfect a grand applause.  I am still singing the songs, and laughing at/quoting the puns.  “You just got pitch slapped!”