Dec 25 2015

The Hateful Eight

Post Civil War Wyoming in the winter, a blizzard setting in, two bounty hunters meet along the road to Red Rock both with intentions of turning in their catches. Waylaid by the storm the travelers bunker down at Minnie’s Haberdashery to let the weather blow over, but, dirty dealings and deceptions all round might make this their last stop. hateful8The eighth film Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino, and appropriately named, combines many elements of previous works, rich and poignant dialogue, favorite cast members such as Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Michael Madsen, James Parks, and Tim Roth, adding in a host of new faces to the Tarantino menagerie Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bruce Dern, and Channing Tatum. This go round, shot and assembled in the spirit of classic western action and drama Tarantino has even tapped Ennio Morricone to provide the haunting accompanying score. Plus, a revisit and homage some may recall from movie theatres of the 60’s and 70’s or Grindhouse (2007), an actual (and needed) intermission between acts and a theatrical Overture lulling the audience into the world of Tarantino Western style come to mind. And of course, who could forget the classic Tarantino standoff, each character more twitchy than the next and ready to pounce. You could almost call this a greatest hits of Quentin. But don’t let that dissuade you from jumping into the fun, even though it could be considered an acquired taste. Fans of Tarantino will no doubt appreciate how all the pieces still fit together. The Hateful Eight is rated R.


Dec 25 2015

Concussion

Highly decorated pathologist and immigrant from Africa, Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) makes a horrific discovery as to the impact of brain damage sustained by football players who suffer repeated concussions while playing the game. Publishing his findings Omalu finds himself square in the cross-hairs of the NFL, a battle that will take support from medical friends Dr. Bailes and Dr. Wecht (Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks) and his soon to be wife Prema (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). Where can this possibly go? concussion Directed by Peter Landesman this true David and Goliath story comes at a time in the year when nearly every NFL team has suffered several losses due to injury, giving pause to think about just how violent, dangerous, and lasting the impacts of football really are; as a dialogue opener a perfect lead in has been found. While the overall ensemble plays well, Smith’s portrayal of Omalu almost melds completely, compliments to the dialect coach, and for Smith could this be a refreshing new start pushing towards more serious roles? Furthermore the pedigree of the film is clearly aimed at awards season with score by James Newton Howard, Cinematography by Salvatore Totino, and editing by William Goldenberg. Worthy of your time, Concussion is rated PG-13.


Dec 25 2015

Joy

A mother, Joy (Jennifer Lawrence), struggling to keep her entire family afloat, Grandmother, Mother, father, and kids finds the opportunity of a lifetime with her invention of the miracle mop. Through the power of a burgeoning industry, QVC, Joy’s idea catches fire and her life is forever changed.Joy Inspired by the true story of Joy Mangano Director David O. Russell has created a fine companion piece to his previous works Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle having settled onto an ensemble cast that mirrors previous works with Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro also adding further support from Édgar Ramírez and Isabella Rossellini; and, while the film is primarily Joy’s story, the rest of the supporting players weigh heavily into the film’s overall success in their true to life nuttiness. Setting up for a strong start and middle act, Joy’s final act is perhaps the weakest point of the film ringing a bit hollow, still the overall takeaway is still smiles and hope. Joy is rated PG-13.