Posted by Zach Davis on Tuesday, April 9, 2013,
In :
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Win Win Zach Davis
Directed by: Thomas McCarthy
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Alex Shaffer, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, and Melanie Lynskey
I’m a fan of Thomas McCarthy’s two previous works, The Visitor and The Station Agent, but Win Win just doesn't work for me. McCarthy is much more a writer than a director. He relies heavily on original down-to-earth characters in most of his films, and this is exactly what Win Win sorely lacks. The characters are all disingenuous.... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Brown on Sunday, July 8, 2012,
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Jane Eyre
Directed By: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Judi Dench, and Jamie Bell
There are always films that slip through the cracks that even I don't get the chance to catch while they're in theaters. There are so many hidden gems out there, and it's my mission to catch them all with a drink in hand. That's why retro reviews are so important to STMR. 2011 was a big year for a lot of young actors, namely Ryan Gosling, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Fassbender.... Continue reading ...
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox, Jessica Chastain, and Paul Jesson
It's hard to jazz up Shakespeare these days. After a good 400 years, there aren't too many new ways you can bring his works to life unless you're donning a cape and hammer like Marvel's Thor. Aside from my cheap references to The Avengers, Shakespeare's works have been done to death both on stage and on screen. It's rare that someone breaks new ground wi... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Brown on Friday, July 6, 2012,
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Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Directed By: Woody Allen
Starring: Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn, and Chris Messina
Woody Allen manufactures movies. He keeps putting out at least one new movie year after year and has been doing this for decades. As any manufacturer knows, quality control is absolutely critical to putting out a good product. Over the years, one could argue that Woody Allen has had some issues with this critical item. Ev... Continue reading ...
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Donna Murphy, John Hawkes, Nina Arianda, Dagmara Dominczyk, Bill Irwin, Joshua Leonard, Ebon-Moss Bachrach, and Taissa Varmiga
It's got to be really hard to direct and act in the same film, especially if the individual is the star of a film. As an actor, I can imagine that a person would be used to direction from someone else other than himself. As a director, there's probably no time whatsoever to get behind the camera. The dual... Continue reading ...
Posted by James Brown on Tuesday, March 6, 2012,
In :
0.03% Wine Coolers
Take Shelter
Directed By: Jeff Nichols
Starring: Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain
Watching a mental breakdown is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You get a front row seat for all the carnage and chaos that builds to a devastating climax. That's why I love movies about crazy people. You get a taste of what leads to their breakdowns and a better understanding of what makes them tick. Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter is one such film.
Posted by James Brown on Friday, January 13, 2012,
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Black Swan
Directed By: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder
There's a thin line between genius and insanity. Ultra-talented people are often really screwed up. In the arts and entertainment, many of these folks are like supernovas. They briefly shine brighter than anything or anyone before them, but all of a sudden, they're gone too soon. Their personal issues take center stage, and they get the better of them. Just think... Continue reading ...
