X-Men: Days of Future Past (An X-Fan's Review)

9.5/10

In 1995, a local comic book publisher (whose name I can’t recall) began printing X-Men Comics and selling them at your local CNA for R4.95. In the year or 2 that it existed, that publishing company played its part in hooking in a generation of South African comic fans, including yours truly.  As I got deeper into the mythology of the X-Men, I began discovering more grand story-lines: Age of Apocalypse, The Phoenix Saga, Onslaught, Inferno and Days of the Future Past (see image below). Back then, we could not imagine that stories of this epicness could ever be effectively represented on the big screen.

the cover of Uncanny X-Men #141 

Today, we live in a time where the difference between the printed page and the big screen is indistinct; where we can now watch the greatest story-lines in the 50 year history of X-Men brought to life on the big screen infused not only with the power of its source material but also the skill, coherence and grandeur of modern cinematic storytelling. X-Men: Days of Future Past is what happens when film makers get it right and craft a piece of X-Fan heaven.

A thrill ride of mutant powers, time travel, alternate universes, social commentary and giant killer robots, Days of the Future Past represents everything that is good about the superhero genre and everything good about what it will become. The strong performances by the ensemble cast, the incredible special effects, well-paced screenplay and reverence to the source material makes Days of the Future Past the most ambitious, but arguably the greatest, comic book film made to date.

While there are definitely issues to criticize and questions to ask, there is just so much to be excited about in the scale and ambition of this film, and what it means for the X-Men film franchise going forward. There isn't one true X-Fan who wouldn't appreciate what Bryan Singer has just achieved here. This is our childhood being brought to life on the big screen in a way that no one has done before.

Bring on X-Men: Apocalypse.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

8.5/10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a marginally superior follow-up to The First Avenger but also the best of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 2 films thus far, exceeding Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World. The plot is pretty simple. We follow Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as he gets dragged into an international spy conspiracy. A wholly unpredictable and high stakes thrill ride ensues pitting Captain America and his allies against a plethora of expected and unexpected enemies.

Chris Evans has truly made the mask and shield of Captain America his own, and is ably supported by Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johannson as familiar favourites Black Widow and Nick Fury. The film gives these supporting Avengers an opportunity to deepen their connection with audiences. We are introduced to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who dons a winged exoskeleton to become the Falcon. Robert Redford has a starring turn playing Alexander Pierce, a senior S.H.I.E.L.D. bigwig with a dark secret. And then of course, there is the titular villain, The Winter Soldier, a powerful mercenary shrouded in mystery. The reveal of his identity is sure to surprise some people (not me, cause I've read the comics).  MMA fans will be pleased to see the well known fighter Georges St. Pierre on form in a cameo role as Batroc, an Algerian mercenary.

The reason for my adulation of this film is simple. The Winter Soldier not only challenges the entire superhero genre by creating an action-packed espionage thriller, but it also shatters whatever preconceptions of what we think will eventually happen in the MCU. Surprising and exciting, The Winter Soldier relies on a smart narrative, slick action and powerful character development to put the entire superhero genre on notice. There is no doubt that Marvel are totally dominant in the superhero space and are only becoming stronger with every film. I can't wait for Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Inside Llewyn Davis

8/10

I went with a group of friends to watch Inside Llewyn Davis, a period drama set in the early 60s about the eponymous folk singer-songwriter. The reviews were mixed. The first school of thought was that the film was slow and filled with melancholy, a meandering and ultimately depressing view of the struggle of Llewyn Davis (played by debutant Oscar Isaac).  The other school of thought suggest that the film captured a sense of the mood of its time, was supported magnificently by an excellent soundtrack and  maintained the quirkiness and symbolism that one would associate with a Coen Brothers' film.

I belong to the second school of thought. Isaac brings to life the angst and dogmatic worldview of the tormented performer, whose frustration at not having made his dream come true causes him to lash out at the people around him. The ensemble, which includes Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund, Coen Bros Favourite John Goodman amongst numerous other familiar faces, counterpoint Davis' angst by providing him with a swirl of different challenges and scenarios. The second half of the movie, while meandering, is infused with a rich symbolism and a sense of foreboding that leaves you unsure as to Llewyn's ultimate destiny.

From a Coen Brother's perspective, this film feel likes A Serious Man merged with O Brother Where Art Thou. What does this mean? Well, if The Big Lebowski is your frame of reference for what constitutes a good Coen Brother's film, then unfortunately this film won't meet your expectations. It's good, not great. Truth be told, the Coen Brother's haven't made anything great for quite a long while.

This movie is worth a watch if you're an art house snob (like me) and love the Coen Brothers (like me). If not, you're probably better off watching the new Robocop.

12 Years A Slave

9/10

Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave is a gripping and brutal film detailing the story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man living a successful and happy life in liberal state of New York during 1820s, who was abducted and sold into bondage where he spent 12 years as a slave.

It's a pretty simple premise vividly brought to life by Steve Mcqueen, who infuses this brutality with a cinematic beauty that I have not seen for years. The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, acting as an emotional counterpoint that sensitizes the audiences to the brutal treatment. In addition, the use (or non-use) of sound adds real drama to the unfolding events. Ejiofor is outstanding as Northup, truly bringing to life the pathos of a man who must submit to injustice in order to survive and see his family again. Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch bring different sensitivities to their portrayals of the owners, but it is Fassbender's characterization of the cruel Epps that really brings home the insane sense of possession that Slave owner's felt over their property.

The film has widely been praised and is a front runner to sweep the Academy Awards. I feel that these kudos are well deserved.

Highly Recommended.

The Wolf of Wall Street

9/10

Disclaimer - This review has some high level analysis/spoilers so read on at your peril

Martin Scorcese's The Wolf of Wall Street is a biopic about the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stock broker who made untold millions through stock fraud. The narrative of the film follows Belfort and his team of brokers at Stratton Oakmont, as they merge an uncanny sales ability with the debauched Wall Street financial industry to create what can possibly be understood as a hedonistic monstrosity. An orgy of drugs, alcohol and sex ensues ends up leading to severe consequences...but consequences affecting who?  The key question asked by the film is around who are the winners and losers of all this mayhem. I'm still not clear.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a quintessential piece of Americana, highlighting the power of greed and lust in shaping the modern of American dream of the late 20th Century. Belfort and his team of brokers are beneficiaries of a broken financial system that encourages the swindling of the average joe, and their success results in hedonistic experiences akin to the orgies of Ancient Rome. The debauchery is unbelievable and almost cartoonish, leaving the audience questioning whether such madness is even possible.

This story is pulled off magnificently by the outstanding cast, led by virtuoso performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill, and supported by awesome turns from Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey and numerous others. Scorcese is on form as usual, with strong visuals, editing and script merging well to produce a well paced and engaging film in spite of its 3 hour running time. On the negative side, I did feel the film was almost too lighthearted for its subject matter, and didn't leave the audience much room to feel angry at Belfort and his team for swindling the masses. I think the film asks tough questions about the values of the financial industry and the status of the modern American Dream in light of the capitalist anarchy at play.

The bottom line is that the Wolf of Wall Street is so fun, so thrilling and so inspiring in the worst possible way that its will probably be the the Scarface of the 21st Century, inspiring a new generation to aim for the total debauched greed that it glorifies.

Highly Recommended.

Blue Jasmine

8.5/10

I've developed a very solid affection for Woody Allen's films over the years, and while not completely immersed in his old films, I have been a solid follower of his most recent work. Blue Jasmine stands up with Midnight in Paris as one of his better recent films, albeit it is far less whimsical than Midnight and acts as more a pseudo-depressing study of social disgrace and mental breakdown. Cate Blanchett is excellent as Jasmine, the destroyed, disgraced and spoiled former wife of a corrupt New York Banker (Alec Baldwin), forced to live with her sister (Sally Dawkins), in San Francisco.

The film surrounds Jasmine, who while still reeling from her nervous breakdown following her former husband's arrest and suicides, attempts to move on. Not much more to be said, other than the story is captivating, there are solid performances from the all-star cast including Alec Baldwin, Andrew Dice Clay, Louis CK amongst others, as well as dabs of witty humour that comes standard in Allen's scripts.

I think the film lends itself to deeper interpretation particular linked to the manner in which men and women are portrayed in the film. The film asks questions as to the nature of love, trust and honesty in relationships both sexual and familial. Blue Jasmine is a must-watch for Allen fans but also an enjoyable and interesting film that I would recommend to the art-house crowd.

Thor: The Dark World

6.5/10

I've gone through my old blog and the trend tends to be that I always review comic book movies. Most of those reviews are positive, and I am always pretty much showing mad love to Marvel, as I appreciate the amazing work that they have done in translating the Marvel Universe on screen in a way that builds a meaningful continuity and an interweaving story-line that brings to life all the amazing characters and stories that we have grown to love with the Marvel Universe. That being said, I can be critical of Marvel movies, and i will prove it with a semi-scathing review of Thor: The Dark World.

 

So, there's a lot thats good about Thor. It's entertaining from a narrative perspective, coherent, broadens the universe and, of course, the obligatory film-stealing turn from Tom Hiddleston as Loki. There's also a substantial amount in the movie thats somewhat dissappointing: excess cheesiness in Thor's interactions with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), a really irritating subplot with Darcy (Kat Dennings) and her intern - a sub-narrative punctuated by weak dialogue and bad acting, and then one shocking scene when one of the Warrior's Three gives Thor a cheeky salute. This salute shot was almost as cheesy as Spiderman's notorious hop in front of the US Flag in Spiderman 3.

That all said, I have to be true to my fanboy nature. Did Thor: The Dark World broaden the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Yes. Did Marvel hint at a super exciting future and begin planting seeds for the Avengers: Age of Ultron and Guardians of the Galaxy? Yes. Was the action cool? Yes.

In short, Thor: The Dark World ticks all the boxes of Marvel Comic Book movie, which makes it passable. The film just doesn't do much more than that, and is pretty lame at times. You're inevitably going to watch it anyway but its not, in my opinion, a memorable film.

Gravity

10/10

Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity is pretty much my favourite movie of the year. This film, which follows the quest of a rookie astronaut (Sandra Bullock) as she survives a freak space disaster, is visually astounding and action packed. Gravity features brilliant acting by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, and a directorial tour-de-force by director Alfonso Cuaron.

The best thing about Gravity is that the visual experience is so immersive that it almost makes you feel as if you are in space with the protagonists. Camera shots that move around as if they are in zero gravity, and probably the best use of 3D in history, punctuate this intense ocular overload. The narrative is strong with quick-paced storytelling that never stops for a moment.

I’m not sure if Gravity is a Science Fiction or if it is just an action-drama in space. But regardless of this quandary, the film is superb and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Podcasts are the Sh*T - My Top 5

I never realised that Podcasts were so awesome. They're totally free and unbelievably useful to me in my daily life and career. I'm not kidding. They give me a real advantage. I'm sharing this with you cause I wish more people had this advantage. Trust me on this.

Here are my Top 5:

1) Six Pixels of Separation 

This podcast by Mitch Joel, president of Twist Image, is probably the premiere digital marketing podcast (that i've listened to). Every week, Mitch interviews a quality guest dealing with another subject of digital marketing. The breadth and intellectual nature of the discussion really impresses me. I recently listened to a piece on the Collaborative Economy, which really opened my mind to this exciting new trend. Recommended for anyone, but especially useful for marketers.

2) The Art of Wrestling

Colt Cabana's podcast about professional wrestling is probably my favourite of the lot. Yes, it demands that one is interested enough in professional wrestling to listen, but whats really great is that it tells the amazing stories of pro-wrestlers from across the industry in an adult, mature and non-kayfabe (wrestling jargon for not-fake) manner. I really enjoy wrestling, i'm not ashamed at all, and Colt Cabana's awesome podcast reinforces my love for this sport.

3) Planet Money

A series of vignettes or stories that speak to an economic reality in the world today. Fascinating topics, global in perspective - i've really gotten into this form of podcast - short to the point, and highly interesting. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the world and the different economic challenges that countries face.

4) The Engaging Brand / Marketing Smarts by Marketing Profs / Social Media Marketing Podcasts

I'm bunching these podcasts together as a total package for marketers. They are all extremely useful resources for marketers, and open up a variety of doors or new ways of thinking for the common marketer. I think the essence of what i'm trying to say about marketing podcasts is that i feel that listening to a variety of them gives me a real advantage in my career.  All 3 of these are really excellent quality shows that I recommend to marketers.

5) 1ESAMP (First ever South African Music Podcast)

These podcasts are produced in South Africa by Matt Klawansky of Othermother Productions. They offer a really interesting take on a variety of musical genres in South Africa, with the stated intention of exposing new artists and musical trends. It's also great to listen to and support local podcasts.

So how do you go about downloading podcasts?

Google them / or find them on itunes, and download them for free. It's that simple, and I promise you it will change your life.

DO EEEET!

Pacific Rim

9/10

A couple of years ago, I was trawling Wikipedia, as I was wont to do back before the days of Reddit, when i discovered an article for an upcoming film called “Pacific Rim”. It had two major ingredients that got me really excited: Firstly, that it was directed by Guillermo Del Toro, one of my favourite directors, and Secondly, that it was about Giant Monsters vs Giant Robots, based on the greatest of anime traditions. So I waited patiently, and when the opportunity came, I grabbed the chance to win tickets to the pre-screening so I could see this movie before anyone else. (Thanks M-Net Movies – whom I must commend on their very interesting social strategy – maybe worthy of another piece).

Pacific  Rim is everything that I hoped it would be. An amazing visual spectacle, incredible action, awesome monsters fighting against awesome robots. The movie was chockful of moments that made me whisper “coooool” under breath and say “oh shit”, and to be honest, I haven’t had this much fun at the cinema since the Avengers – and that was a lot of fun. The whole film transported me back to when I would sit and watch Saturday Morning cartoons. A kid’s movie for adults!

I also appreciated the world building and this post apocalyptic world where these Jaegers and Kaiju live, but i would’ve appreciated a bit more effort in expanding the universe more. I would have liked to have seen more about how other parts of the world dealt with the Kaiju War. Also, sometimes the acting was a bit wooden, particularly Charlie Hunnam the male lead. But honestly, any criticism is just nitpicking – Pacific Rim is probably the most fun you will have at the cinema this year.