Tag: Ethan Coen

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Hail, Caesar!

by MCDave

The dynamic sibling duo of Joel and Ethan Coen have already left a tremendous imprint on the film industry. As gifted writers and prolific visionaries who are all too familiar with Oscar acclaim, any entry of theirs is graciously accepted by critics and viewing audiences alike. Oddly, though, Joel and Ethan’s latest cinematic work, Hail, Caesar!, lands as an early year release competing in theaters against numerous elite Oscar contenders, something the brothers haven’t experienced since they debuted The Ladykillers in March of 2004. But despite their multiple pieces of Academy Award-winning hardware, Hail, Caesar! reveals itself as a comedy-heavy film that’s far from the brothers’ finest achievements.

Set throughout 1950s Hollywood, Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is a movie executive for Capital Pictures who’s known for cleaning up a mess or two (or three). If a director encounters a problem or the acting talent becomes entangled in a poor decision, Eddie arrives to reset the world back to normal. But when the studio’s most prominent release of the year is compromised because its leading star, Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), is kidnapped and held for ransom, Mannix begins to question his love for the job while he works to fix this potentially final problem.

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Although it suffers from a few devastating flaws, Hail, Caesar! serves as another fine comedic endeavor for the Coen brothers. The laughs are endless and the film’s tone is almost absurdly jocular enough to overshadow its blatant disregard for a cohesive storyline. This self-mocking examination of Hollywood and filmmaking in general possesses a certain spark and bravado that eases the viewer to the final credits. Hail, Caesar! engages with a natural wit and humor that’s effortlessly provided by a star-studded cast which includes Brolin, Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes and newcomer, Alden Ehrenreich. Be warned, though, the film is completely devoid of any dramatic elements whatsoever, making Hail, Caesar! a limited effort from a duo with unlimited potential.

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Through no fault of its own, Hail, Caesar! will unfairly be measured beside a long list of exceptional titles previously released by the Coen brothers. And in no way, shape or form can this new entry stack up against hits such as Fargo, No Country for Old Men and The Big Lebowski. Structurally, the Coen’s offer a jumbled story that struggles to develop characters and deliver a meaningful message. The film is riddled with random scenes and highlighted moments that work well on their own but fail to amount to a greater whole.

If you’re dying for the next great Coen brothers epic, you’ll have to keep waiting. Hail, Caesar! is a reasonable comedy that gets by on mild humor and admirably committed performances. Yet, the film falls well shy of the duo’s reputable heights which will surely disappoint many. Rushing out to theaters to catch it on the big screen may be a bit rash, but there are still a few reasons worth enjoying Hail, Caesar!.

GRADE: 3/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Bridge of Spies

by MCDave

Whenever the great Steven Spielberg takes a seat in the director’s chair, audiences worldwide watch intently in hopes of another epic masterpiece. That comes with the territory when you’re a two-time Academy Award winning filmmaker. But even though Spielberg has cemented his legacy with classics like Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T., it’s unreasonable to confuse his latest winning effort, Bridge of Spies, with these other exceptional films.

After insurance lawyer, James Donovan (Tom Hanks), is handed the undesirable task of defending a newly arrested Soviet spy (Mark Rylance) during the height of the Cold War, his dedication to The Constitution and his belief that his client deserves a fair trial turn Donovan into a social target. But when an American pilot is shot down and captured by Soviet forces, Donovan must venture to Europe and negotiate an exchange of prisoners between these two enemies. With an entire nation relying on his efforts, Donovan must put his greatest bargaining skills to the test.

There are plenty of highlights surrounding Steven Spielberg’s finest motion picture in over a decade, but perhaps none shine brighter than a terrific collaborative screenplay from Mark Charman and the Coen brothers. Their charming and witty dialogue form the foundation for this Oscar destined feature. And who better to bring these words to life then the greatest living actor, Tom Hanks? The two-time Academy Award winning actor shows he still has the skills to compete with the best as he nails the performance and makes a strong case for contending in the wide-open Best Actor race. But despite the massive amount of screen time devoted to Hanks’ James Donovan character, supporting star Mark Rylance does an outstanding job of standing toe to toe with his highly regarded counterpart. Rylance’s exceptional turn as a detained Soviet spy becomes so memorable that he feels like a safe bet in the Supporting Actor competition. Bridge of Spies also benefits from sound direction at the hands of Steven Spielberg, leaving the film as another all-around solid effort from the legendary director.

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Although engaging dialogue and impressive performances sustain Bridge of Spies, the feature also suffers in a few notable areas. The intriguing true story being examined is actually quite simplistic. However, in typical Spielberg fashion, he finds a way to out-stretch the series of events into an unnecessary two hour and twenty minute affair. By the closing moments you’ll be begging for the credits to roll and it’s an unfortunate reality. In addition, after a gripping opening sequence that works perfectly on all levels, the film finds itself completely fixated on Tom Hanks and his character, James Donovan. Consequently, all of the difficult circumstances surrounding the captured U.S. pilot are blatantly overlooked and make it extremely difficult for the audience to forge a connection when these time-sensitive negotiations begin. Clearly these blemishes prevent Bridge of Spies from being an instant classic, yet the film still manages to do a stellar job of entertaining the viewer.

In what has become a recurring theme with 2016’s lackluster collection of releases, Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies culminates as another good, but certainly not great, title. The film is worthy of a viewing for its Oscar-caliber performances from Hanks and Rylance, but just make sure to temper your expectations.

GRADE: 4/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Unbroken

by MCDave

Perception and reality are two completely different things. And unfortunately for Angelina Jolie’s once-upon-a-time Oscar frontrunner, Unbroken, reality has officially set in. Based on the remarkable true story of an Olympic runner turned prisoner of war during the course of World War II, an adapted screenplay by the Coen brothers had all of Hollywood buzzing about the film’s potential. Sadly, though, Unbroken culminates as little more than a “what could have been” experience.

Growing up as a trouble-making youth in California, Louis Zamperini (played by Jack O’Connell) is recruited to join his school’s track team by his brother Pete. Louis goes on to compete in the Olympics as a distance runner and breaks the official record for the fastest final lap time. Years later he ends up as a member of the U.S. Air Force, where a failed recovery mission lands the soldier and a few of his crewmates lost at sea for a nearly month an a half. After being spotted by a Japanese vessel in the middle of the ocean, Louis is transferred to a brutal internment camp where he’s pushed to physical and psychological limits by the prison overseer Watanabe (Miyavi).

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I’ve heard countless recollections of the impressive story told throughout Laura Hillenbrand’s biography of Louis Zamperini. What’s more surprising, however, is how empty Angelina Jolie’s sophomore effort, Unbroken, feels. After a rapid introduction that never adequately develops the constantly harped-on relationship between Louis and his brother Pete, it becomes quickly apparent that almost all subplots will be ignored. Instead, Jolie takes the audience on an abusive-centric ride battered with religious undertones. In a Christ-like manner, Louis welcomes the punishment on such a regular basis that you almost become desensitized by the beatings, and unphased when the prisoner is able to withstand more torture than his villainous nemesis, Wanatabe, can physically offer. And throughout this unnecessary and visceral brutality, a depth-less screenplay by the usually reliable Joel and Ethan Coen submits to this unjustifiable mishandling of a truly heroic tale.

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Of all the clear blemishes made visible throughout Unbroken, one bright spot does reside in the film’s leading star. Newcomer Jack O’Connell gives a fully committed performance and does the best he can with what he’s been given. Yet, rudimentary dialogue and a one-dimensional vision from the movie’s high-profile director overshadow an otherwise valiant portrayal from O’Connell, leaving Unbroken as a hollow and unworthy potential Oscar contender.

It’s generally a curse being thrusted into the early spotlight of awards season, and Jolie’s latest effort is no exception. Elevated expectations only make matters worse for this devastatingly run-of-the-mill film. Yes, you’ll witness the heroism and struggles that Zamperini is forced to endure, but you’ll leave the theater far more curious about the ramifications of his experiences and what happens next in his life. I guess I’ll have to turn to Hillenbrand’s biography for those answers.

GRADE: 2.5/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Inside Llewyn Davis

by MCDave

At the exact moment the final credits rolled, leading man Oscar Issac scurried from the back of the theatre to discuss his newest film, Inside Llewyn Davis. And much to the surprise of the audience members, the handsome clean-shaven actor resembled nothing of his shaggy and depleted onscreen persona. Issac talked at length about famed sibling directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s latest offering and the warm reception it received earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival in France. The multi-talented actor/musician expressed that, at Cannes, the crowd just “got it”. Much like the woes and hardships prevalent in 1960s American folk songs, the Coens mirror their main character’s life to the same brand of music that flows naturally from his lethargic body. It’s clever and it’s creative, but its also uninspired.

Lleywn Davis (Oscar Issac) is a struggling folk musician living in New York at the start of the 1960s. While spending night to night crashing on the couches of various acquaintances and friends, Llewyn makes one last push at jump-starting his career before he decides to walk away from it all. But no matter how skilled and talented the performer truly is, Llewyn appears to be his own biggest hurdle.

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There’s a somber and sorrowful ambiance surrounding Inside Llewyn Davis, something that’s both elegant and depressing all at the same time. Like a magnet, the title character attracts each and every hardship that he encounters. Yet, Llewyn is still shown nonchalantly laughing off the proposed notion that he welcomes these burdens. You see, it’s very important to remember that Llewyn is an artist, perhaps even ahead of his time. His perspective on life and music is slightly off-center, which makes for a remarkably fascinating, but not always likable, character. Thankfully, the Coens bring Drive‘s Oscar Issac to the stage, where he delivers a knockout performance that provides buoyancy to the film. During the periodic moments where Inside Llewyn Davis struggles to thrill the audience, Issac never disappoints. He trudges on, just like his character stomping through the frigid Chicago snow. Although the feature feels more like a mediocre effort from a Coen brothers standpoint, Inside Llewyn Davis still manages to be beautifully filmed and superbly acted. Both of which are regular staples in Joel and Ethan’s long list of accomplished work.

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While the Coens have obviously mastered the craft of storytelling, Inside Llewyn Davis has an heir of incompleteness. The tale’s metaphoric foundation and soulful delivery are enough to keep it afloat, but the picture lacks resolve and closure. Despite the rumblings regarding Joel and Ethan’s ineffective endings that have been heard throughout their brilliant careers, Inside Llewyn Davis is definitely worthy of such criticism. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand the clever purpose behind a final Bob Dylan reference and the slamming of the barred door leading into the dark alleyway. However, I envisioned a bleaker more indelicate conclusion, a place the siblings clearly weren’t willing to go. Occasionally wading through a tiresome and exhausting expedition en route to an unsatisfying resolution, Inside Llewyn Davis suffers from a few self-inflicted limitations.

Trapped in the midst of a cinematic year that feels so feeble in comparison to 2012, all eyes shifted to the Coen brothers. Looking for some film, any film, to run away with this awards season race, it’s suddenly apparent that Inside Llewyn Davis isn’t “the one”. But in conjunction with a collection of fine roles from Oscar Issac, Carey Mulligan and many more, a solid humor-induced script and a smattering of phenomenal live-music performances help guide you along Llewyn’s bumpy journey.

GRADE: 3.5/5

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The Coen Brothers ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ Gets A First Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

The first trailer for the latest film from the Coen brothers, Inside Llewyn Davis, has just been released online.

 

The finished folk-rock film currently has no planned release date, but I expect that will change shortly after the movie’s Sundance premiere. Watch the trailer below, and let us know what you think!

 

 

Little is known about the plot of the film at this point, but it’s said to loosely follow the life of musician Dave van Ronk, who was huge in the New York folk scene in the 20th century.

 

Are you a fan of the Coens? Are you looking forward to this one?