Tag: Mark Rylance

Geekscape Movie Review: The Trial of the Chicago 7

by MCDave

History has a way of repeating itself. And with his second directorial effort, Academy Award Winning screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network), transports us back in time to 1968, during the pinnacle of Vietnam protests where demonstrators and law enforcement clashed in an eruption of violence that mirrors the recorded imagery of present-day America. People were divided, political animosity had reached a boiling point, and a pivotal election was on the horizon. Ultimately, it was the result of that bitter 1968 election which set the stage for Sorkin’s latest film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, one that he demanded to be released by its distributor prior to election day 2020, with the hopes that maybe this time around history won’t repeat itself.

The Chicago 7 opens with a montage of footage regarding the assassinations of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy over a mere two-month span. Advocates for peace were being buried with bullet holes in their head, leaving anti-war groups with little hope that a non-violent approach would enact change and end the bloodshed abroad. Protest leaders like Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong) and David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch) attempted to obtain permits for peaceful protests in Lincoln Park, but were denied by the city’s mayor. After many days of protesting that included multiple violent encounters between law enforcement and protesters, disarray surrounding the Democratic party resulted in a loss of the election. Five months later, after Nixon took office as President of the United States, the surprising arrest of these protest organizers on federal charges of crossing state lines to incite violence sparked a controversial, months-long trial that placed the usage of America’s judicial system as a tool for political warfare under the public microscope.

The true story behind this iconic moment in United States history is unavoidably complex and detailed. Yet, the living wordsmith Aaron Sorkin delivers such a sleek and crisp script that unveils key components of these event in a purposeful and periodic non-chronological manner. Sorkin wastes very little time placing the audience inside the courtroom, where a majority of the film occurs and a setting that is a true comfort zone for the writer-director. And while The Chicago 7 never quite reaches the same heights as Sorkin’s legendary 1992 screenplay for A Few Good Men, there is still plenty to appreciate in this newest work. Humor and heaviness do a delicate dance between the pages of this script. The silliness of Sacha Baron Cohen’s and Jeremy Strong’s hippie figureheads make for exceptional comic relief when it’s so desperately needed. However, their hilarious quips and antics clearly take the backseat to a more serious and ominous tone that addresses themes of racism, politicizing our criminal justice system and violence at the hands of law enforcement.

The Chicago 7 is not only a brilliantly-penned screenplay, Sorkin also steps-up his game behind the camera as the direction here represents a stark and noticeable improvement over his debut film, Molly’s Game. Furthermore, it would be a grave injustice to avoid mentioning this star-studded cast and the outstanding onscreen performances given by this ensemble. Outside of the stellar and obvious lead performances from Redmayne, Strong and Sacha Baron Cohen, Oscar Winner Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies) brings to life such a noble and naïve character as defense attorney William Kunstler, and Frank Langella will crawl under your skin as Judge Julius Hoffman, an unfair ruler of law. These performances, in conjunction with Sorkin’s writing, create a handful of unforgettable onscreen moments. Yet, the constant busyness of having to provide an abundance of details occasionally leaves the film feeling flat in between these masterful scenes. The Chicago 7 may not be Sorkin at his best, but Sorkin not at his best is still extremely worthwhile. You can catch this bona fide Best Picture contender streaming on Netflix right now.

Stars: 4/5

SXSW Movie Review: Ready Player One

by MCDave

Iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg generates a stir whenever he announces a new project is in the works. Having helmed classics such as Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, The Indiana Jones franchise and Jaws, just to name a few, it’s easy to understand why his work garners massive amounts of attention. And as a unique visionary within the science fiction genre all throughout his illustrious career, excitement grew to unfathomable proportions when Spielberg announced he’d be directing an adaptation of the bestselling dystopian novel, Ready Player One, which he personally debuted at this year’s SXSW festival.

It’s the year 2045 and people escape the monotony of their overpopulated, everyday lives by logging into the Oasis, a virtual reality world where your wildest imagination takes shape right before your eyes. And when the creator of the Oasis, James Halliday (Mark Rylance), decides to hide an “Easter Egg” within the game, holding a half a trillion dollar prize and full control over the Oasis to whomever finds it, people and corporations flock to this virtual world in hopes of winning the fortune. However, when teenager Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) discovers a breakthrough that puts him atop the leaderboard, he must work with a close-knit group of allies to stop a maniacal CEO, Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn), from locating him in real life and taking control of the Oasis forever.

Spielberg’s latest is a visual masterpiece that combats its occasionally overwhelming CGI with a superbly-paced and completely absorbing story. The futuristic world in which Ready Player One finds itself immersed is an eerily realistic interpretation that feeds into its dystopian tale perfectly. Wade, like the millions of others seeking an escape from a reality that fails to offer them anything of substance, discovers a place where he belongs and holds a purpose. And the character’s unusual bond with his fellow gamers allows the Oasis to evolve into a convincing home-like atmosphere that mesmerizes more and more with every new introduction. Yet, for as lavish and enchanting as the Oasis is, Ready Player One’s most entertaining storyline revolves around the real-life quandary that Wade and Samantha face as they near closer to winning the prize. Tye Sheridan (Mud) and Olivia Cooke (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) have shown a propensity for carrying a film and they continue the trend here. Neither is necessarily asked to do too much, as Spielberg relies heaviest on a visual overdose and gripping adventure story, but Sheridan and Cooke deliver quietly effective turns that complement their director’s overarching vision. Ready Player One by no means breaks the sci-fi mold, however the film entertains with remarkable ease throughout its entire 140-minute duration and Spielberg once again shows why he’s a true legend of Hollywood.

GRADE: 4/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: The BFG

by MCDave

Stephen Spielberg is a filmmaker that needs no introduction. The two-time Oscar-winning director boasts a never-ending list of credentials that extends well beyond his most acclaimed classics like Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jaws. And with today’s release of Spielberg’s massively anticipated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s tale, The BFG, he adds another successful title to his long, storied career.

Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is a young orphan living in London who suffers from a self proclaimed bit of insomnia. One evening, while wandering around the orphanage at all hours of the night, she encounters a lovable giant named BFG (voice of Mark Rylance) dancing along the streets outside her bedroom window. BFG snatches Sophie from her room and introduces the girl to a secret world of other giants and the whimsical source of all our nightly dreams.

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Based on the source material alone, The BFG is a story that’s truly suitable for audiences of all ages. Couple that with masterful direction through the singular eye of legendary filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, and you’ve got an instant-classic. In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and declare The BFG as Spielberg’s finest film since his 2002 crime comedy, Catch Me If You Can. It’s his majestic perspective that magnifies an already solid tale filled with grand visual effects and a charming adventure. Mark Rylance, who won an Oscar himself at the hands of Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies just last year, provides the voice and soul behind the titular character. Yet, it’s the exceptional turn by youngster Ruby Barnhill that brings the entire film together. Her delivery is organic and fits the role extremely well. With so many shining qualities surrounding The BFG, Spielberg offers another brilliant effort.

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It’s difficult identifying glaring faults to the film, but I will admit that I was slightly underwhelmed by the children-eating giants who oppose BFG. They serve their purpose, but their inclusions in the film are merely mediocre at best. Furthermore, there are a few sluggish moments spaced far apart in this long but otherwise engaging journey. While The BFG has a few minor blemishes, they pass along fairly unnoticed thanks to an abundance of other amazing attributes.

Steven Spielberg’s The BFG is a wonderful adaptation that’s enjoyable for the entire family. Bursting with humor, heart and energy, there are so many special components that make this film one of 2016’s finest. You won’t find another film in theaters that will top Spielberg’s The BFG, so heed my advice and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

GRADE: 4/5

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Watch The Gorgeous Full Trailer For ‘The BFG’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It’s tough not to stare in awe at just how gorgeous this just-released theatrical trailer for Disney’s The BFG really is. I mean, wow.

Somehow, I’ve never read the beloved Roald Dahl book that the film is based on, but it’s tough not to get excited for what looks like another mysterious Spielberg family classic.

You can take a look at the new trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think! The BFG hits theatres on July 1st!

https://youtu.be/GZ0Bey4YUGI

The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle.

 

Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.

 

Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

Check Out The Teaser Trailer For ‘Disney’s The BFG’

by Bigyanks

Disney released the teaser trailer for its upcoming live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The BFG’. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film will follow Roald Dahl’s classic novel about Sophie’s adventure with The Big Friendly Giant. This marks the first time Steven Spielberg will direct a feature for the house of mouse.

Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies) appears as the Big Friendly Giant, with Bill Hader, Penelope Wilton and Rebecca Hall also appearing in the film.

I personally don’t remember reading the book or watching the 1989 cartoon movie, so I will have to default to my daughter about her anticipation for this film (assuming she would be excited at all).

Being that there is a perfect trifecta with Disney, Spielberg, and Dahl, I’m sure that it will be a great movie. The real question is whether or not today’s crowds will come out to see it?

Hopefully a full trailer can sway me into getting excited into the taking the family to the theaters.

Disney’s The BFG comes to theaters July 1, 2016!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG5MtenlP-A

The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg –
finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle.

 

Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.

 

Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Spotlight

by MCDave

I’ve always revered the overlooked work of screenwriter and director Tom McCarthy. More respected for his earnest screenplays filled with wonderful character development and light-hearted comedy, McCarthy quickly hops into the directors chair once again following a critical bashing of his previous well-documented dud, The Cobbler. But despite McCarthy’s recent poor showing, he bounces back in notable form – as you would expect from any artist and visionary with his talents – delivering one of 2015’s hottest titles, Spotlight.

When Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) is hired as the new editor of The Boston Globe in 2001, he assigns the paper’s finest team of investigators (known as Spotlight) to look into a surprisingly disregarded case of sexual abuse allegations against a local Catholic priest. And as Spotlight digs deeper into the facts, they begin to uncover a massive conspiracy by the church to cover-up decades of known misconduct. But with the powerful institution pulling strings throughout the entire city of Boston, unveiling this shocking true story proves to be mighty difficult task.

Spotlight 1

Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight unravels as one of the most compelling investigative dramas in decades. Tied to a national story that strikes a nerve in all of us, this entertaining fact-based tale commands the audience’s attention with elite acting from its entire cast. Michael Keaton follows up his Oscar Nominated turn in last year’s Birdman with another upper echelon performance that should return him to the big dance. Keaton not only finds stiff competition in the Supporting Actor race from Bridge of Spies’ Mark Rylance, co-star Mark Ruffalo could quite possibly give Spotlight the first pair of actors nominated in the same category since Bugsy‘s Harvey Keitel and Ben Kingsley accomplished the rare feat in 1991. And while critics and insiders have touted Keaton’s performance, there are moments throughout the film when the excellence of Mark Ruffalo dwarfs his co-star by comparison. In addition, Stanley Tucci continues to impress as one of the best character actors in the business. Spotlight‘s perfect blend of a hard-hitting story and an unmatched ensemble leave the film as a primed Best Picture contender.

spotlight 2

Despite all of the feature’s shining attributes, Spotlight is weighed down by a few glaring blemishes. The film does an adequate job of keeping the audience’s attention throughout its more than two-hour running time, yet there are a few noticeable lulls the viewer is forced to push through. Generally, these poorly paced moments occur as a result of McCarthy and co-writer Josh Singer’s quest for Hollywood dramatization. A collection of these scenes feel inauthentic and unnecessary to the progression of the film, which ultimately leave Spotlight as a flawed, albeit successful, title.

Considering the minuscule number of elite films in 2015, Spotlight positions itself nicely as one of the top tier entries. McCarthy relies on numerous fine performances to transition his gripping factual script to the big screen. If history is any indicator, for more than the last decade every Best Picture winner has debuted to audiences in some form prior to November. Therefore, there’s a strong chance Spotlight could be a major player during this year’s run to the Oscars, and it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss.

GRADE: 4/5

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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.

Bridge2

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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