Dec 12 2014

Top Five

Attempting to break out of his type cast roles as “a funny actor,” comedian Andre Allen (Chris Rock) is on the precipice of what could be a turning point for his career with a dramatic, albeit horrible, film about to be released and a televised marriage to a reality TV star (Gabrielle Union). But when a writer and critic for the New York Times (Rosario Dawson) takes an interest in Allen’s latest work begging for an interview, it’s clear the star’s world is in chaos. Can Allen right his ship, will he find his funny again, and into which woman’s arms will his heart lead him? top5 Written, Directed, and starred in by Chris Rock it’s clear Rock has the gift for film and a toolbox of skills that are growing ever sharper. That being said, while his writing is often on point, acting on the other hand perhaps not his strongest asset, regardless, we’re left with an endearing film that achieves laugh out loud respect. Looking for a fresh comedy this weekend, look no further, you’ve found it. Top Five is rated R.


Dec 12 2014

Wild

In the mid 90’s Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon), a young woman from Minnesota hit rock bottom following the loss of her mother (Laura Dern) coupled with a mix of substance abuse and a sexually destructive lifestyle. Setting her compass straight would be no easy task and it would come in the form of a self imposed wilderness trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. Facing her demons and confronting her weaknesses along the trail would take her to the breaking point on multiple accounts, the big question being, would she have enough inner strength to continue and prevail on her own journey?wildposter Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club) this nearly one woman show serves as a fine carrier to demonstrate a depth and range for Witherspoon, ironically similar to the same acting trajectory Matthew McConaughey has been on more recently, leaving phoned in simpler roles for dramatic powerhouse roles. And, in some respects serving as a modern day and female version of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Vallée and Strayed’s examination of the human soul and drive makes for fertile drama farming– even in the barren Mojave desert. Worth your time and inspiring material for a hike here in the Cascades, Wild is rated R.


Dec 12 2014

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Following the book of Exodus from the Old Testament, Moses (Christian Bale), defiant leader and “son” of the pharaoh Seti (John Tuturro) is cast out of the land to die when it’s discovered he is not the pharaoh’s son but in fact a Hebrew prophesied to destroy the Egyptian empire. Years later, and with provocation from God, Moses would return to his former land to negotiate with the new Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) and lead 600,000 slaves to salvation out of Egypt escaping torture, plagues, and suffering. expdus Directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator) this biblical spectacular does indeed live up to the grandeur in its mythic and large scale wonder without melting into a giant CGI mess on the silver screen. And, despite the usual quibbles of historical films featuring inappropriate British accents and odd casting choices, Sigourney Weaver, John Turturro, and Ben Mendelsohn come to mind; once we get past these oddities, the overall film holds up surprisingly well in the acting department. After all, there’s nothing quite like the parting of the Red Sea and a Nile river running red to bring a little holiday cheer into the Hanukah and Christmas season, if only there had been a nod to Edward G Robinson? In the mood for a two and a half hour re-telling, you could do a lot worse, worth a few pieces of silver, Exodus: Gods and Kings is rated PG-13.