Tag: Armie Hammer

Geekscape Movie Reviews: On the Basis of Sex

by MCDave

Politics are everywhere nowadays and that’s made the soon to be 86-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her desirable lifetime seat on the United States Supreme Court such a hot-button issue. But as a social crusader who has lived through the still-evolving transformation of Women’s Rights in America, Ginsburg’s fingerprints are all over the female push for absolute equality. And her landmark participation as an attorney embroiled in one of history’s most consequential court battles has become the centerpiece of Mimi Leder’s new biographical drama, On the Basis of Sex.

The movie opens with Ruth (Felicity Jones) embarking on a law degree as one of only nine female entrants accepted into Harvard’s prestigious program during the mid-1950s. And with the unified support of her fellow law-student husband, Martin Ginsburg (Armie Hammer), the couple overcome a host of obstacles en route to a pair of degrees that help land Martin a cushy a job at a successful law firm and send Ruth into the classroom as a college professor. Yet, watching change happen from the sidelines leaves a burning desire inside of Ruth that forces her to pounce at the opportunity to finally step into a courtroom and argue against gender equality all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

On the Basis of Sex is a safe and marginally appealing film that never really understands its own purpose. Muscling back and forth between a sleek courtroom drama and a deep, personal examination of the fearless Supreme Court judge, there’s an unsatisfying murkiness to the film. But with such likable characters, it starts to feel like that awkward relationship with a neighbor or co-worker. They’re such nice and friendly people that you don’t want to speak poorly of them. And that’s no exaggeration here as Martin Ginsburg becomes the quintessential progressive and supportive husband that allows his wife to become a beacon of change. There are moments when I find myself wondering if this truly is one of Armie Hammer’s best performances, or if I just like the character so much that it’s clouding my judgment. The same can be said of Felicity Jones’ fine turn as the fierce and stubborn Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Either way, it’s the film’s formulaic construction and familiar development that provide a disastrously unstable foundation to the feature. And these faults are only amplified by writer Daniel Stiepleman and director Mimi Leder’s unfortunate inability to make the movie feel as daring and courageous as the real-life centerpiece of their story. Consequently, On the Basis of Sex becomes far too neat and flavorless to do Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s remarkable life achievements the justice they deserve.

GRADE: 3/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Call Me by Your Name

by MCDave

Although it took a pair of tries to finally get it right, last year’s Best Picture award went to Barry Jenkins’ poetic and astounding drama, Moonlight. The film focuses on a central character who experiences a life-long journey of uncovering his sexual identity. This underlying similarity also reigns supreme in Luca Guadagnino’s critically-adored festival darling, Call Me by Your Name, which makes it categorically impossible to avoid a distinct comparison between these two cinematic achievements. Yet, no matter how much you try to weigh one against the other, much like Barry Jenkins’ prestigious award-winner, Call Me by Your Name appears destined to end up as a Best Picture Nominee from the Academy Awards.

Set against the picturesque landscape of Northern Italy circa the early 1980s, Elio (Timothee Chalamet) is a gifted scholar and musician born to a professor (Michael Stuhlbarg) who’s gathering research during the summer months. And as his father’s latest research assistant Oliver (Armie Hammer), a strapping American man radiating with confidence and a chiseled build, visits and stays at the family’s residence, Elio’s sexual curiosity begins to transform from an internal passion to an exterior pursuit. The seventeen year old boy eventually confesses his feelings to Oliver and they embark on an unforgettable summer romance that’s doomed by an inescapable expiration date when Oliver must return home to the United States.

Call Me by Your Name is a sweet and subtle examination of first love in all of its beauty and heartache. James Ivory’s adapted construction of Elio’s sexual evolution from an inward curiosity to an outward plea for Oliver’s companionship is a true marvel. And while the film’s ability to stir an emotional response occurred more in a meditative retrospect than in the actual moment of viewing, mostly due to an overly detailed and laboring pace, director Luca Guadagnino achieves his ultimate goal and delivers an effective dramatic story. Speaking of Guadagnino, his eye is spectacular as he captures an array of masterful shots that are emboldened by pristine cinematography. These technical and atmospheric accomplishments are further supported by a fantastic lead performance from Golden Globe and SAG Nominee, Timothee Chalamet. The youngster serves as the life-force behind Call Me by Your Name and he effortlessly captures the undulating teenage emotion engulfed by first-time love. And despite my mixed feelings regarding Armie Hammer’s onscreen work, perhaps a little off-putting due to the clear age difference between the characters, fellow supporting star Michael Stuhlbarg mesmerizes with an unforgettable closing soliloquy regarding intimacy and the important of discovering love in its purest form. Experiencing Call Me by Your Name can often feel like a chore, wading through the sometimes exhaustive nuance of Luca Guadagnino and James Ivory’s storytelling, but it’s also a tender and heartfelt journey that’s worthy of your patience.

GRADE: 3.5/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

by MCDave

In the modern world of remakes and reboots, the industry’s current lack of creativity and imagination usually leads to a complete mishandling of movies and television shows we once held near and dear to our hearts. However, one filmmaker has done an indescribable job of issuing successful returns to the characters we love. After a well-executed two film go-around with the mystery solving, Sherlock Holmes, Guy Ritchie tries his hand at transforming the iconic 1960s television show, The Man from UNCLE, into a big screen phenomenon … and boy does he succeed.

Napolean Solo (played by Henry Cavill), is a former thief turned suave CIA specialist who finds comfort in working alone. Yet, when Solo discovers he must partner up with a super-trained Soviet KGB operative (Armie Hammer), the pair attempts to put their differences aside for the good of the world. The unlikely duo use the daughter of a missing scientist (Alicia Vikander) to try and locate his whereabouts in order to stop an underground criminal organization from producing large quantities of nuclear weapons.

Uncle 1

Anyone familiar with Guy Ritchie knows that he’s a stylish auteur with an impressive film catalog. And his latest endeavor, The Man from UNCLE, hovers right around the top of the director’s filmography. Ritchie has a knack for brilliantly meshing action with comedy, and UNCLE becomes yet another platform for him to unleash his skills. Boasting a clever script filled with sharp and jovial dialogue, these elegantly chosen words are brought to life by a perfectly selected trio of talents. As an outspoken hater of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, I had very little praise for anything involved with the film, Henry Cavill’s performance included. However, Guy Ritchie manages to extract the best from his actors and actresses, like he always does, and Cavill demonstrates his true potential in a role that was destined for him. Co-star Armie Hammer refuses to take a back seat and delivers a performance equally as effective to his counterpart. Alicia Vikander rounds out the trio in what’s proving to be an acting year for the ages with the success of Ex Machina and the upcoming Oscar shoe-in, The Danish Girl.

Uncle 2

Although a well-rounded script and gifted performances would usually be enough to hang your hat on, UNCLE takes its winning formula even further with tasteful and exhilarating action sequences that never disappoint. Everything from the opening car chase scene to finely-tuned and choreographed fights, there are a plethora or positive attributes that helps make UNCLE the type of film that satisfies a diversity of audiences. And despite a finale that pushes on just a tad-bit too long, it’s a blemish that’s swept under the rug by a barrage of other outstanding traits.

As someone who went into the film with modest expectations, I was blown away by the level of excitement and laughs splashed all throughout The Man from UNCLE. Guy Ritchie has always been a fantastic source of fun-filled entertainment and his latest work is no exception to the norm. So do yourself a favor and take a chance on one of 2015’s most thrilling and engaging offerings. You won’t regret it.

GRADE: 4/5

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SDCC 2015: Check Out The Five Minute Trailer For ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ 

by Josh Jackson

At Comic Con 2015, Warner Bros. revealed their latest trailer for the upcoming spy thriller, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 

Based on the 1960s television show, the film stars Superman, (Henry Cavill,) the Lone Ranger, (Armie Hammer,) and Alicia Vikander play a team of international spies during the heart of the Cold War. While the American and Russian are constantly at each other’s throats, the team must come together to tackle a mission with the fate of more than just their warring countries at stake.

The latest trailer gives an extended look at what we can expect from the upcoming action flick. As you’d expect, the car chases and explosions are plentiful, all set within a throwback time period. But more importantly, what is it with Brittish actors playing Americans so well? Cavill manages to fool us again!

What say you on The Man From U.N.C.L.E.? Is it currently on your summer viewing schedule when it releases in August? Watch the trailer below, then tell us what you’re excited about!

See Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer Be Spy Bros in ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ Trailer!

by Eric Francisco

Currently blowing up your feeds is the trailer for Guy Ritchie’s newest film, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a feature film adaptation of the old TV series. If you haven’t seen it yet YOU NEED TO.

The film stars Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Debicki, who might be my new celebrity crush.

I’m a big fan of Guy Ritchie’s bombastic style, and this film oozes his swagger. It’s sexy, thrilling, amusing and incredibly well-crafted in the right ways.

We can all make jokes about this film being Superman fighting the Lone Ranger (who wants to remember that movie?) but I think it has the potential to be a really great buddy cop action movie for the modern age. That’s a genre I confess to kind of miss. Plus, Cold War-era spy thrillers are back in vogue with Archer and The Americans kicking all sorts of ass. If you aren’t sold yet, why not?

Also, I’m just really glad Armie Hammer is still working. The Lone Ranger was a total mistake, but I like his screen presence and I think he has the potential to be a great leading man. It’d be a shame if his talents weren’t used to their full advantage.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is slated for release August 14, 2015. Oh man, August. I can’t wait for the weather to be nice and hot again. Fuck this snow.

Side note: Guy Ritchie has just joined Twitter (@RealGuyRitchie) and Instagram (@GuyRitchie). I hope it’s just him handling his social media and not a PR team. Guy Ritchie’s eyes through Instagram filters could be insane. Follow him! Just don’t stalk him, of course.

Saddle Up With A New Full-length Trailer For Disney’s ‘The Lone Ranger’

by Shawn Madden

A brand new action packed trailer has arrived for the Gore Verbinski directed The Lone Ranger starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp. This one definitely looks like it’s going to be making some serious money at the box office next summer.

The Lone Ranger saddles up July 3, 2013.

RUMOR: WB Looking At Armie Hammer To Play Batman In ‘Justice League’

by Shawn Madden

We’ve got another casting rumor floating around this week. But just like the last rumor, this one doesn’t sound entirely unlikely. It appears that Warner Bros. has their sights on actor Armie Hammer (The Lone Ranger) to play Batman in their upcoming Justice League film. Keep in mind that Armie Hammer came very close to donning the cape and cowl once already. He was up for the role in Warner Bros. Justice League: Mortal movie that never came about.

The actor has on numerous occasions expressed his disappointment in interviews, explaining that they were only days from shooting when the roof caved in on the project. According to Moviehole they have sources that tell them that Warner Bros. has Hammer at the top of their list to for the in their upcoming Justice League film.

“Hearing, from a very good source, today that Hammer, who is now a hot commodity after such flicks as “The Social Network” and “Mirror Mirror”, not to mention his upcoming lead role in “The Lone Ranger”, is ”back on WB’s radar” for the part of Batman. Not for a solo flick, but for the ensemble “Justice League” movie [again].”

The site also goes on to say that Hammer may only be wanted for the studio’s Justice League meaning that we could see another Batman cast later on down the line for solo films. Hoping for a DC Cinematic Universe? You may not get it if that turns out to be true. Well, you may still get it but not a very consistent one. We will be sure to keep you updated as we learn more. But like any rumor…take this very lightly for the moment.

Source: Moviehole

Check Out Three New Images From Gore Verbinski’s ‘The Lone Ranger’!

by Shawn Madden

Walt Disney Pictures has released three more images from the Gore Verbinski-directed action Western starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

The Lone Ranger” is a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

The Lone Ranger is set to hit theatres on July 3, 2013.

Source: MSN UK

Geekscape Casts ‘Justice League’

by Matt Blackwood

After the strength of The Avengers, a Justice League movie is definitely happening. Or is it?

Geekscape’s own Uncanny Shawn Madden argues that a Justice League movie won’t work now, but let me offer a few points in the film’s favor:

1-No Need For Origin Stories

In 2008, my non-geek friends couldn’t have picked Iron Man out of a lineup. The insignia of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, on the other hand, are known all over the world. Even my immigrant grandparents know DC’s Trinity (though to be fair, all immigrants know Superman, the ultimate refugee).

Marvel needed 4 set-up movies, DC doesn’t. Everyone knows Batman and Superman’s origin stories (or orphan stories). For better or worse, the American public still has the idea of a Green Lantern ring fresh in their minds.

2-Years of Groundwork

Warner Brothers has already been running the best Justice League ad campaign for over 20 years: cartoons.

In 1992, Bruce Timm gave us Batman: The Animated Series and a nonstop series of quality TV shows and features since, including this year’s epic Justice League: DOOM. Even before that, we had Super Friends. In fact, DC superheroes have been on celluloid for over 70 years.

Kids today know who the Justice League is- and so do the kids of yesterday.

3-Smart Audiences

People are familiar with the concept of different actors playing the same part. No one freaked out when they replaced Aunt Viv on Fresh Prince or even Darrin on Bewitched. There have been 6 official James Bonds!

The audience is OK with new actors, as long as they’re the right actors. So who are the right actors for a Justice League movie? Here are some options:

The Big Three

ARMIE HAMMER as SUPERMAN

He has the build, the eyes, the commanding presence. And that fantastic booming voice! Hammer has already played a dual role as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network, preparing him for playing Clark Kent. But who wants to see Supes act mild-mannered in a League flick anyway?

 

SAM WORTHINGTON as BATMAN

We already know Worthington can handle action- he’s been a terminator and a demi-god. But the actor can also handle intense emotion. Check out the measured fury he brought to his performance as a frustrated cop in last year’s indie Texas Killing Fields.

 

AISHA TYLER as WONDER WOMAN

Few actresses have the beauty, the body, and the talent to be remotely credible as the world’s premiere superheroine. Peruse Tyler’s body of work and you’ll see such varied performances as a sarcastic spy on Archer and a mutilated Somalian model in Nip/Tuck. Peruse her body and you’ll see an athletic 6-foot beauty who would have no trouble playing the Amazon warrior.

For some other Wonder Women, check out this classic Geekscape article.

 

The League

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM as THE FLASH

Not only does Rosenbaum look the part- he’s already played The Flash on 56 episodes of the Justice League cartoon series, where he stressed Wally West’s humor and perseverance.

 

ROGER R. CROSS as JOHN STEWART

Cross has already shown he can be a team player as able field team leader Curtis on 24. He has just the right gravity and self-control to play the ex-Marine wielder of the Green Lantern’s light.

 

KATE MARA as HAWKGIRL

Mara is a hardworking actress with a great range who would look amazing in the costume. And what other actress can you name with mace experience under their belt, as Mara got in last year’s Ironclad?

 

KEEGAN MICHAEL KEY as MARTIAN MANHUNTER

When most people think of Martian Manhunter, they hear the bass timbre of Carl Lumbly’s voice. But Key, who shows his chameleonic abilities on his own sketch show Key and Peele, with his tall, wiry frame, would be a good fit for both J’onzz’s human and original martian forms and was born to perform the motion capture necessary to portray the shapeshifting alien.

 

The Alternates:

NORA ZEHETNER as ZATANNA

Zehetner is a dead ringer for the pixie prestidigitarian, and you can see her dangerous side as a femme fatale in the 2005 high school neo-noir thriller Brick.

 

MICHAEL CUDLITZ as GUY GARDNER

It’s a short leap from gruff cop to gruff space cop for a veteran actor like Cudlitz, who is used to dealing with those that worship evil’s might day-in and day-out on TNT’s Southland.

 

MANDY MOORE as BLACK CANARY

We know Moore has the pipes and the proper hair color (Canary is really a brunette too). She also has the nerd cred, recently portraying Lois Lane in the “Death and Return of Superman” Internet short.

 

The Villains:

HUGH LAURIE as BRAINIAC

It’s only been a few weeks, and I already miss Laurie’s brilliant but misanthropic performance as House, M.D. Imagine how deliciously evil he could be as the malevolent android.

ROBERT JOHN BURKE as METALLO

Burke has already been part machine in Robocop 3, but for a truly interesting villain, check out his nihilistic turn as an immortal monster in No Such Thing.

JASON MOMOA as VANDAL SAVAGE

Speaking of immortal, Savage’s strength and intellect make him a formidable foe for the entire League. Momoa was a barbarian twice last year, but he brought extra depth to his role as Khal Drogo on Game of Thrones.

RON PERLMAN as SOLOMON GRUNDY

Who else could play the empowered zombie? Perlman could bring pathos and power to a mostly silent role, just as he did in 1981’s Quest for Fire. As a bonus, who doesn’t want to see Hellboy punch Superman?

JOSH PENCE as BIZARRO

OK, Superman’s warped mirror image might be a hard sell to general audiences, but if they do go with Bizarro, here’s the perfect casting. Pence has already played Armie Hammer’s evil twin as the body double for Tyler Winklevoss in The Social Network.

Who’s Playing Finnick In “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”?

by Scott Alminiana

With filming set to begin this fall on the much anticipated sequel “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” speculation/rumor as to who will play the character of Finnick Odair are running rampant.

Last week saw the rumor that sparkly vampire Robert Pattison at been cast but those proved to be untrue, shocking, I know.

Well, this week we have more casting rumors to report. E! online is claiming that sources at Lionsgate are saying that the list of actors in contention is down to three. And those three actors are…. Armie Hammer, Taylor Kitsch, and Garret Hedlund.

Armie Hammer, most recognizable to audiences as the Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network,” will next be seen alongside Johnny Depp, where he will be playing “The Lone Ranger.” Taylor Kitsch, last seen in the bombs “John Carter” and “Battleship,” could use the work for sure, but his casting seems highly unlikely to me. Garret Hedlund, played the lead role in Disney’s “Tron Legacy” and was last seen in the film adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road.”

While the source says the studio has narrowed it down to the three actors, yet another source claims that Lionsgate is also considering casting an unknown in the role. Who knows who will end up in the role, but it’s probably safe to assume that the role will be cast soon.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” begins filming this fall. Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth are set to reprise their roles. “I am Legend” director Francis Lawrence is slated to direct.  The Quarter Quell begins in 2013.

Who's it gonna be?

 

First Photo From Disney’s The Lone Ranger Hits The Web

by Matt Landsman

Thinking about Disney’s The Lone Ranger, the term “Development Hell” comes to mind.  Producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean) tweeted this photo this morning from the film.  After some budget cuts, the film is finally on schedule and is slated for release May 31st, 2013 directed by Gore Verbinski. From the bird on his head to the warpaint, one can only wonder if Johnny Depp will be channeling The Crow.  Who’s excited for The Lone Ranger?

The first image of Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer in The Lone Ranger