Tag: Margot Robbie

Geekscape Movie Review: Promising Young Woman

by MCDave

Throughout Emerald Fennell’s pulse-pumping revenge thriller Promising Young Woman, you constantly hear the refrain, “but I’m a good guy”. Well talk is cheap, and the film’s protagonist Cassie makes it her life mission to teach these “good guys” that actions speak louder than words. From a male’s perspective, the film not only delivers a thrilling psychological tale of vengeance, it also speaks volumes about society’s alarming attempt to normalize the toxic “boys will be boys” mentality that’s pervasive in everyday life.

Cassie (Carey Mulligan) is scarred. Years after a night of heavy drinking resulted in tragedy for her best friend Nina, the former Medical School standout has purposely devolved into an unpleasant coffee shop barista dead set on righting a cultural wrong. Cassie spends her nights frequenting local clubs and masquerading as a helpless lush who’s too intoxicated to comprehend her own vulnerability. She knows that this ruse will attract the attention of some male predator and provide Cassie the opportunity to expose their disgusting behavior.

This cunning little game that Cassie plays is far from the entirety of the film. Fennell’s script also sends Cassie on a trip down memory lane when a former Med School classmate Ryan, played superbly by Bo Burnham, runs into her at the coffee shop and a relationship ensues. Ryan’s character serves as a beacon of hope for a woman so entrenched in her negative views of the opposite sex, all while pulling Cassie back to the darkest moments of her life. There are so many other twists, turns and deviations thrown onto the canvas of Fennell’s screenplay that elevate Promising Young Woman to something far beyond a statement film. Cassie’s guarded character slowly reveals more about her personal psyche as the story progresses and she’s utterly fascinating. And the thrill ride she’ll take you on can only be topped by the towering onscreen performance from Carey Mulligan. She owns the role and runs with it, crafting an insidious unpredictability to Cassie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Promising Young Woman represents that rare and impactful type of movie experience that not only carries a powerful message, but wraps it in an engaging and brilliantly delivered package.

GRADE: 4.5/5

The Geekscape ‘Harley Quinn: The Birds Of Prey’ Special With Ian Kerner!

by Jonathan

Yay! The Harley Quinn solo movie is here! But it’s not REALLY a solo movie because they introduce the Birds of Prey characters and force Harley to be in what sometimes feels like THEIR movie! Does it sound like a mess? Well, you’ve got NO IDEA how much it is! Ian Kerner joins me for a new Geekscape Special as we piece through Harley’s movie, celebrate the things that worked in it… and then detail the rest. What changes were made from the comics and did they hurt or help the movie? How was Ewan McGregor as Black Mask and what other Gotham City villains make an appearance? And WHY was the box office so tepid for this movie? It’s all here in a new Geekscape Special! Enjoy!

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Geekscape Movie Review: Bombshell

by MCDave

Director Jay Roach broke into the industry during the 90s as the fresh new comedic voice behind beloved classics like Austin Powers and Meet the Parents, both of which spawned successful movie franchises of their own. But despite the loads of laughs he’s generated over the years, Roach finds himself immersed in a much more serious light with the filmmaker’s latest effort, Bombshell. Chronicling Fox News Anchor Gretchen Carlson’s courageous lawsuit that exposed the despicable behaviors of former CEO Roger Ailes and became a precursor to the #MeToo movement, Roach’s important subject matter sadly disappears in a fumbling and erratic narrative that puts shock value and salacious details over character-driven emotional substance.

After watching her career as a Fox News Anchor crumble in the wake of rejecting sexual advancements by her boss, Roger Ailes (John Lithgow), Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) reaches out to a group of attorneys to help bring this monster down. Unfortunately, their lawsuit’s credibility hangs in the balance of the other women at Fox News who have fell victim to this systemic inappropriate misconduct and whether or not they’ll speak up against their bosses. Thankfully, truth reigns victorious when brave young women like the fictitious Kayla (Margot Robbie) and the influential voice, Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), decide to betray the hands that feed them and stand up against Ailes and the repulsive misogynistic culture he created at Fox News.

Bombshell is a disgustingly slanted and politically motivated drama that cares more about bashing Roger Ailes and “Right Wing Media” in general, than recognizing an obligation to tell a truly personal story of sexual abuse and the rippling effects of staying silent. Look no further than the tasteless title bestowed upon the film, one in which playfully tiptoes around the severity of these documented events. Instead, Roach force-feeds an obnoxious amount of anti-Trump rhetoric that grows frustratingly asinine, even to a left-leaning “snowflake” like myself. Still, what I was hoping for in Bombshell was a poignant and uncomfortable examination of victimhood and the collateral damage of these psychological horrors. Yet, depth is nowhere to be found here. Rather, Roach and writer Charles Randolph devote their two hours of storytelling to a TMZ-esque interpretation of these real-life tragedies. The film acts as a nonchalant head-nod to these victims via a headline and premise, instead of corralling the responsibility of pioneering social change through a visual and experiential lens. Occasionally, the magnitude of certain moments is definitely felt and captured adequately by the director, but these moments are mostly the result of a superior collection of acting talent that includes Academy Award Winners Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron and Oscar Nominated actress, Margot Robbie. This trio of strong women all have to fight against the labels of feminism in their quest for justice and civility. It’s also worth noting the supporting work of Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon and John Lithgow, both of whom completely command the screen at every opportunity. There’s certainly a bigger, bolder and more impactful story buried within the truth surrounding Roger Ailes his malicious oversight of Fox News. Unfortunately, Jay Roach fails to give us anything remotely close to that in Bombshell’s immature and perverse retelling of a reprehensible and disturbing era in American history.

GRADE: 3/5

Geekscape Movie Review: Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood

by MCDave

Quentin Tarantino is an iconic filmmaker who needs no introduction. His latest and ninth feature film, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, made a splash with its premiere at this year’s Cannes festival, the first time Tarantino debuted a movie there since 2009’s Inglourious Basterds a decade ago, and gave audiences a small taste of what this year’s Oscar season could look like. The two Tarantino films, Basterds and Hollywood, also share a common theme. Both use real life stories as backdrops to an alternate sensationalized reality that grows like a parasite from the depths of the writer and director’s perversely brilliant mind. This makes for a truly fascinating ride that, while certainly not an example of Tarantino at his best, proves Tarantino not at his best is still pretty darn good.

Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio (it feels awfully nice saying that) stars as fading actor Rick Dalton, a neurotic and immature performer who’s struggling to accept the downturn in his career and who’s completely reliant on his salaried friend and former stunt-double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). While Dalton enjoys living his Hollywood lifestyle, a pretty young actress named Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and her famous husband, director Roman Polanski, move in right next door to Dalton. And little do they know that Cliff’s flirtatious encounters with a pretty young follower of cult leader Charles Manson could end up causing a bloody mess.

Some others that I have spoken to disagree with me on this, but Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood felt nothing like a Tarantino film until its unhinged final climax, a clear staple spread throughout the director’s accomplished catalog. Despite unraveling in a more traditionally delivered and less stylish demeanor, the film certainly provides handfuls of unforgettable moments, many of which come from the phenomenal onscreen work of DiCaprio. Leo’s brutally committed turn in this effort stands miles above any other performance I’ve witnessed all year and could possibly send him hunting his second Oscar. Pitt is no slouch either, ushering in a “cool guy” persona that flows from the actor with such a natural fluidity. But despite the film’s many strong performances and countless iconic moments, there’s obviously a hitch in its step early on and it’s one that lingers for some time. This isn’t what you hope for from a 160-minute marathon of a movie, yet the conclusion makes it all worth the ride. Once Tarantino gets all of his storylines and characters rolling, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood flows masterfully, pulsates with a meteoric energy, and culminates in a bold, bloody finale that doesn’t disappoint. Tarantino’s latest could tread water throughout the fall Oscar season or fade away as just another fun summer flick, I wouldn’t be surprised either way. And although the film is far from Tarantino’s best, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood represents another must-watch entry in the director’s mighty impressive filmography.

GRADE: 4/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Mary Queen of Scots

by MCDave

The stakes are raised for new releases with each passing day, it’s the cruel and unapologetic reality of Oscar season. And that means if a movie isn’t viewed as “good enough” to stir the pot amongst early front-running favorites, then it often falls by the wayside and quickly becomes a forgotten memory. Unfortunately, this is exactly what’s bound to happen with Josie Rourke’s finely crafted period-piece drama, Mary Queen of Scots.

In the late 1500s Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), the rightful heir to the throne, travels back home to Scotland after the death of her husband, the King of France. Meanwhile, Mary’s cousin Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) has ruled over England in her absence and is shocked to learn of Mary’s return. A struggle for absolute power inevitably emerges between these two women and the men closest to them as the fate of England, Scotland and the entire world rests on their shoulders.

Mary Queen of Scots superbly captures the cutthroat underworld of royal monarchy by closely mirroring contemporary issues regarding women’s equality through a gut-checking period-piece set over 400 years ago. We’re thrust into a world of power, privilege and familial duty where cunning backstabbing becomes the norm while climbing up the ladder of succession. And as a film that checks-off many of the once vital Oscar boxes (biographical period piece, check … star-studded cast, check … compelling story, check …), Mary Queen of Scots has somehow faded from the awards season without a whimper. This surprising absence cannot be blamed on the film’s central performances. In fact, two of the five Best Actress Nominees from just last year devour the film’s screen time and they do so with brilliance. Saoirse Ronan’s stern and fearless demeanor builds with every subsequent scene, while Margot Robbie’s unstable and borderline paranoid psyche is magnificently delivered. Both women deserve higher praises than they have received to this point, but that isn’t meant to overshadow James McArdle’s eye-opening supporting turn as Mary’s half-brother, James. Admittedly, I’m no historical expert on this time period, but I do believe that Josie Rourke’s interpretation of these events would cause much debate among scholars. But still, adequate pacing and a gripping biographical tale make Mary Queen of Scots a well-acted and worthwhile addition to 2018’s crop of films.

GRADE: 3.5/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Shape of Water

by MCDave

While I’ve longed respected the career work of Pan’s Labyrinth director, Guillermo del Toro, somehow his films have always failed to resonate with me. But after catching an early screening for the filmmaker’s new Oscar-bound fantasy-romance, The Shape of Water, those sentiments no longer ring true. Welcome to my heart, Mr. del Toro.

Set during the early 60s, in the midst of America’s tenuous Cold War with the Soviet Union, Sally Hawkins stars as Elisa, a mute cleaning lady who works alongside her chatty friend Zelda (Octavia Spencer) in a high-security government laboratory. Caught in the monotony of her safe and low-key daily routine, Elisa stumbles across a new living and breathing “asset” that’s been brought to the facility where she cleans. And as Elisa sneaks behind the backs of everyone in the lab to forge a deep-rooted connection with the beast, she also learns of a sinister government agent’s (Michael Shannon) plan to terminate the creature.

Often referred to as a master of storytelling, Guillermo del Toro  establishes a daring tale of romance that hurdles the traditional love story. But even more absorbing than the magical fantasy he creates, it’s Sally Hawkins who steals the spotlight with an absolutely majestic performance, one that could very well top my annual list for lead actresses. Her work doesn’t grab you with a loud and verbal demanding of your attention like awards season rival Margot Robbie in I, Tonya. Instead Hawkins lures the viewer using an earnest and wholesome charm that feels so sadly unfamiliar nowadays. She tap-dances her way into your heart and catapults an odd and profound romantic affair that straddles the line between derivative and innovative remarkably well. The Shape of Water also comes with a wide range of engaging subplots and co-starring talent. While my personal taste navigates a preference towards the supporting work of Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spencer, both Michael Shannon and Michael Stuhlbarg prove invaluable to the film as well. Any of them are fair game for awards season success, further validating how well-rounded of a movie del Toro has created. Everything from Alexandre Desplat’s enchanting score to del Toro’s sleek and calculated direction, there’s hardly a blemish to be found. The Shape of Water is beautifully filmed, superbly acted, boldly told and without a doubt my favorite film of 2017 so far.

GRADE: 4.5/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Monday Music: ‘Skrillex & Rick Ross – Purple Lamborghini’ From The Suicide Squad Soundtrack

by Shane O'Hare

This year’s SDCC was an incredible exploration. Suicide Squad had an awesome panel in the legendary Hall H, where they debuted a remix of the films trailer set to original songs from the upcoming soundtrack. Coinciding with that new trailer was the release of the audio for, arguably, the best song on the record. Check out Skrillex & Rick Ross – Purple Lamborghini

https://youtu.be/bX9CvhbfQgg

It’s so awesome, and slightly nostalgic, to hear some of Skrillex’s old samples. Hearing “my name is Skrillex!” followed by Rick Ross’s “Maybach music” was weird as hell. Yet, fitting.

This is the perfect combination of Skrillex’s dubstep/festival trap influences with Rick Ross’s hip hop drive. The hook is 100% Sonny Moore. The digitally altered sample of Rick Ross at 1:12 gave me goosebumps. I am super excited to see what kinds of remix’s we will see from this tune.

The New ‘Suicide Squad’ Trailer Is a Real Ballroom Blitz

by Eric Francisco

Though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was the cinematic equivalent of a dumpster fire, it wasn’t enough to stop excitement for the upcoming Suicide Squad, releasing in theaters August 5. Starring Will Smith, Jai Courtney, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, (deep breath) Viola Davis, and many more, the new trailer — which premiered during the MTV Movie Awards tonight — cements Suicide Squad‘s place in the Justice League cinematic universe.

This thing, using Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz,” is loaded with new footage, showing more of Ben Affleck’s cameo as Batman as well as comedic moments that Suicide Squad aims to inject into this otherwise grim and dour superhero universe. (I have no may of knowing if these scenes came from the current reshoots happening right now).

It’s less crazy editing than the “Bohemian Rhapsody” one that wowed us all a few months ago, but it’s still quirky and way more fun in just three minutes than two and a half hours of Zack Snyder’s monstrosity.

Suicide Squad is being directed by David Ayer and hits theaters August 5, 2016.

Introducing Task Force X: First Cast Photo of ‘Suicide Squad’!

by Eric Francisco

On the weekend that Marvel Studios seems poised to take over with the massively successful Avengers: Age of Ultron, one surefire way to steal some thunder as their biggest competitor is to show what you’ve got cooking. Suicide Squad director David Ayer just served up a nice, hot appetizer, so dig in. (By the way, I’m kind of hungry, can anyone make me something?)

David Ayer tweeted the first official cast photo, seen below.

If you’re darting your eyes looking for Jared Leto as The Joker, you can lean back in your chair. He’s not in it. While this is from Suicide Squad, it’s a photo of the assembled Task Force X, and rumors of Joker playing more of a villain than anti-hero protagonist seem to be true.

But if you want to know who makes up Task Force X, here’s the breakdown:

Adam Beach (Slipknot), Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang), Cara Delevinge (Enchantress), Karen Fukuhara (Katana), Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flagg), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Will Smith (Deadshot), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Killer Croc), and Jay Hernandez (Diablo).

Out the gate, I can say one thing: I like it! If any of the upcoming DC movies has me the most excited it’s Suicide Squad, and this first look hasn’t disappointed me. Yeah, it’s erring on the comically gritty tone that DC seems to be aiming for that I’ve had quite enough of, but this is nice. I’m picking up what they’re putting down (or, uploading online).

One of the most crucial elements to nail down for Suicide Squad is Harley Quinn, a tall order as she’s been a longtime fan favorite that hasn’t had her day in the cinematic sun. Margot Robbie looks amazing so far, so consider expectations for Suicide Squad raised. It’s certainly a 180 from how I felt about Jared Leto’s Juggalo-on-meth Joker.

That’s not all though. Here’s a clearer look at Will Smith as Deadshot in full costume that Ayer tweeted shortly after.

Excited? You’ve still got over a year to go, so just relax. Suicide Squad is set for August 5, 2016.

Warner Bros. Announces ‘Suicide Squad’ Cast!

by Eric Francisco

According to Newsarama, Warner Bros. has just announced the cast of Suicide Squad, the next entry in their line-up of DC movies after Batman v. Superman.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the Suicide Squad:

Jared Leto as The Joker

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn

Will Smith as Deadshot

Tom Hardy as Rick Flag

Jai Courtney as Boomerang

Cara Delevingne as Enchantress

What a hell of a cast! If you’ve been following the rumors this list isn’t a surprise at all, rather it’s the accuracy of those rumors that have been raising eyebrows.

From Newsarama:

The movie will begin shooting in April 2015 in Toronto, and is the second film on the WB/DC mega-docket announced in October, following Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“We look forward to seeing this terrific ensemble, under David Ayer’s amazing guidance, give new meaning to what it means to be a villain and what it means to be a hero,” said WB President Greg Silverman.

Ayer has previously said the film will go by the credo, “Does a movie really need good guys?”

It is not yet known who will be playing Amanda Waller, the government liaison and shot-caller of the squad. Jesse Eisenberg, who is portraying Superman villain Lex Luthor in Batman v. Superman, is also rumored to be involved with Suicide Squad in some capacity, but how much or even if at all is unknown.

Let’s get the big reveal out of the way: Jared Leto as The Joker. First, The Joker has never really been a regular on the Suicide Squad roster all that much in the comics, so his involvement with the movie is definitely Warner Bros.’/DC’s way of getting him to eventually cross with Batman. There is no question.

As great as the Oscar-winning performance Heath Ledger was when he was the Clown Prince back in 2008, that’s his performance. One actor alone cannot define a character. I always rolled my eyes when fanboys shouted that the Joker should be retired from film. Keeping other artists from contributing to the life of a character, that’s dumb. I can’t say I’m a fan of Jared Leto, but seeing how The Joker character has brought out some of the best performances from great actors in the last few decades, I look forward to seeing how Jared Leto fares.

The other big news: Will Smith as Deadshot! That’s a great choice. Yeah, he has a weird family, but that shouldn’t have any bearing on him as a performer. Furthermore, it will be interesting how he plays a cold-hearted killer when for years he’s been known as America’s best friend. The guy who wore hot pink shirts and rapped (with PG-friendly lyrics) about partying in Miami will play the deadliest assassin in comic books. I can’t wait to see him. Also, there are some very close-minded comic fans who come out every so often deriding racial casting changes of their favorite characters. So far, I haven’t heard a single peep about Will Smith as Deadshot. Why so quiet, bigots?

The rest of the cast range from solid to fascinating. Tom Hardy, playing his second DC villain, is on the verge of a cultural comeback. I love Tom Hardy as an actor, and I know it has only been two years since The Dark Knight Rises but his momentum as a Hollywood star slowed somewhat after that. He only had one movie, the critically-acclaimed Locke, in 2013 and The Drop this year. But with a slew of new movies coming up, among them Mad Max: Fury Road and now Suicide Squad, your girlfriend (or boyfriend!) will be going back to the theater more.

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn will have an interesting shoe to fill. While Harley has never been in a movie before, she is so beloved by fans. From her debut in Batman: The Animated Series to the critically-acclaimed Batman: Arkham City, fans can’t wait to see The Joker’s paramour on screen. But with no previous shadow to step out of (unlike Leto), Robbie has a chance to cement her own legacy. She might actually be the one thing I’m looking forward to the most from this movie.

David Ayer will be helming this Expendables-esque blockbuster of super baddies and will be in theaters August 6, 2016.

How do you guys feel about the cast of Suicide Squad? Honestly, it’s still hard  for me to believe a DC Universe movie series is really happening.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Wolf of Wall Street

by MCDave

You can leave your doubts at the door. If you’re one of those contemporary Martin Scorsese skeptics who feel like his recent work has diminished greatly, then perhaps the famed director’s latest adventure, The Wolf of Wall Street, can set you straight. The undeniable bro-mance between Scorsese and his leading man, Leonardo DiCaprio (who stars in 5 of the filmmaker’s previous 6 features), carries on in grandiose fashion. This is both Martin and Leo like you’ve never seen them before. It’s wild, energetic and exactly what the doctor ordered.

Centering on the real-life story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio), The Wolf of Wall Street follows the rise and fall of this ambitious and carefree go-getter. Determined to become a millionaire and left jobless after the 1980s stock market crash known as “Black Monday”, Belfort dabbles in penny stocks and discovers a way to build an empire. Starting his own company with friend and side-kick Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), the duo lie and cheat there way to the pinnacle of success, only to find themselves under the watchful eye of the FBI.

wolf1

For the most part, Scorsese’s elongated three-hour affair moves swiftly through the life of Belfort thanks in large part to a surprising amount of comedy infused into the screenplay. The humor is consistent and never-ending, from the moment the film opens, all the way to its final scene. It’s misleading to label The Wolf of Wall Street as a drama. Scorsese and company understand that the film’s tiresome length and overall success hinge on the effectiveness of its comedic tone. One that is delivered with such excellence and precision. The dialogue is off the charts and the flow is rhythmic, enough so to keep any audience comfortably tuned in to the movie. Furthermore, The Wolf of Wall Street isn’t only an enticing and hilarious spectacle for its viewers, the entire cast obviously had a blast while filming all of Scorsese’s designed debauchery. It isn’t difficult to spot laughs and smiling faces from the “extras” on screen, a sure sign of a fun-filled affair. And although the director’s long-time friend and film companion, Leonoardo DiCaprio, is given the keys to the ride, it’s actually co-star Jonah Hill who stands out most among the plethora of fine performances. Hill, who has been mostly ignored throughout the early going of this awards season race, offers his finest performance to date, one that will be remembered for its expansive range. Hysterical, dramatic and everything in between, Jonah Hill is certainly deserving of a Best Supporting Actor Nomination. All in all, The Wolf of Wall Street just may be the most engaging three hours you’ll ever spend in a movie theatre.

wolf2

Despite completely captivating its audience, Scorsese’s newest feature has a few select shortcomings. For starters, Leo is more than fine in his leading role, however, the gifted actor never creates a sympathetic character. And as a result,The Wolf of Wall Street suffers in the drama-department and relies solely on humor. This is all well and good, yet there’s another deeper element that’s missing, perhaps one that could have catapulted The Wolf of Wall Street to insurmountable heights. But instead, the credits roll with an unfulfilled conclusion and a gaping disconnect between Belfort and the viewer, which may surely hurt the film during a long journey to the Academy Awards.

Martin Scorsese is a genius and an artist. He envisioned an epic tale of ambition and greed during a period when our nation’s economy finds itself struggling to sustain. The timing is perfect for his feature. When the cinematic year has been flooded with mainly cerebral and emotional options, we’re handed a seductive treat. With a surplus of nudity and enough cocaine on screen to put the entire country of Columbia to shame, I’m amazed that The Wolf of Wall Street only received an R-rating. But no matter what the MPAA says, be sure to buckle up and prepare for a wild ride, as Marting Scorsese returns to form and delivers the goods.

GRADE:4/5

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