Tag: Nicole Kidman

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 Reviews: Boy Erased

by MCDave

Actor-turned-director Joel Edgerton appeared at last night’s Philadelphia premiere of his new awards contender, Boy Erased, and proclaimed that he was pushed into making the film as an embattled inner-reaction to reading Garrard Conley’s memoir by the same name. Conley’s lifetime of trials and tribulations as the son of a pastor coming to grips with his own sexuality through a forced conversion therapy clearly provoked a bitterness in the director, something Edgerton felt compelled to bring to big screen as an eye-opening realization of this outdated procedure. And through the filmmaker’s respectful portrayal of Conley’s burdened journey into adulthood, Boy Erased highlights a still-present debate in our society’s ongoing quest for acceptance and equality.

Jared (Lucas Hedges) is a popular teen living what many would label as a “normal” life. He’s the son of loving parents (Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman) who push him to to remain dedicated to God, while also playing on sports teams and dating a popular girl in school. Yet, despite this wholesome and envious upbringing, Jared finds deep-rooted temptation in his undeniable attraction to the same sex. And after an incident at college brings this secret to his parent’s attention, Jared attempts to correct his natural impulses by attending a gay conversion program at the demand of his pastor father.

Boy Erased’s non-chronological flow helps unveil iconic moments to Garrard Conley’s true experiences in a substantially appropriate sequence. This young man’s difficult journey, both emotionally and psychologically, is often inconsolable, scarred by tragedy and a helpless uncertainty that brings depth and moral complexity to the lead character. Rising star Lucas Hedges absorbs these wide-ranging emotions, illustrating a truly ambivalent onscreen persona that’s absolutely heartbreaking at times, and unapologetically fearless at others. It’s truly empowering to witness Jared’s metamorphosis from a scared and confused teenager to a self-accepting and resolute young adult. He faces off against his overbearing and religious father, who’s wonderfully portrayed by Russell Crowe, and even alters his mother’s stance on the family dilemma. Speaking of which, Nicole Kidman generally targets Oscar-baity roles, ones which allow her to suck all the air out of scenes. Yet, in a surprising turn of events she delivers a more tempered performance, but one that still highlights her singular talents. If anything, Boy Erased places a focus on the absurdities surrounding these conversion programs, knowing very well which audiences can and can’t be swayed by this dramatization. While I continue to waver back and forth on the film’s Best Picture prospects, Boy Erased still marks a strong and impactful follow-up feature for Joel Edgerton.

GRADE: 4/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Lion

by MCDave

It feels like the “based on a true story” tag exists on just about every movie nowadays. This alarming frequency tends to dilute any semblance of realism meant to be injected into the story. But in rare real-life instances, the truth is just too amazing to discredit, and that certainly exists in the debut drama from Garth Davis, Lion.

As a five year-old boy living in the slums of India, Saroo (Sunny Pawar/Dev Patel) is accidentally separated from his brother and mistakenly travels 1,600 km across the country. Lost from his family, the young boy is left to fend for himself on the devilish streets of Calcutta until he is taken in and adopted by a couple living abroad in Australia. But as Saroo grows up under the roof of wealth and privilege in his new home, a memory from his childhood is triggered and prompts him to venture back to India in search of his lost biological family.

Lion possesses a far greater appeal in retrospect than as it unfolds on the big screen in real time. And once the story shifts to an adult Saroo, there’s an abruptness to the character’s widely evolving emotions. From sadness, to resentment and eventual acceptance of the life he’s been forced to endure, these feelings are highlighted but never actually earned. As a result, Lion struggles to break the emotional barrier necessary to elevate its sentimental finale to appropriate heights. From a filmmaking standpoint, Garth Davis delivers adequate direction that’s enhanced by majestic cinematography and a memorable score courtesy of Volker Bertelmann and Dustin O’Halloran. Much has also been made about Nicole Kidman’s performance but, even during a year of thin competition within the Supporting Actress race, it fails to leave a lasting impression. Lion‘s remarkable true story isn’t quite handled with the care it deserves, yet the film’s heart-warming conclusion helps salvage this otherwise flawed work.

Grade: 3/5

Check out other reviews, movie lists and trailers from MCDAVE at his host site

Watch A Disturbing New Preview For ‘Stoker’

by Derek Kraneveldt

A few days ago we showed you a creepy clip of Nicole Kidman in Park Chan-Wook’s upcoming thriller Stoker. Today, just as the film is hitting the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, a short but sweet new preview has been released.

 

The new previews is very snappy, and cuts all over the place, so don’t blink or you may miss something. Stoker hits theatres on March 1st.

 

 

After India’s (Wasikowska’s) father dies in an auto accident, her Uncle Charlie (Goode), who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother Evelyn (Kidman). Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

Nicole Kidman Goes Creepy In A New Clip From ‘Stoker’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Looks like we’re in for a treat with this one. An unusual, disturbing, terrifying treat…

 

A new clip has been revealed from Park Chan-Wook’s (Oldboy) English debut, Stoker. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode, Lucas Till, Dermot Mulroney, and more!

 

Check out the (uncomfortable) new clip below, and let us know what you think. Stoker hits theatres on March 1st.

 

 

After India’s (Wasikowska’s) father dies in an auto accident, her Uncle Charlie (Goode), who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother Evelyn (Kidman). Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

Watch The Trailer For ‘Stoker’

by Shawn Madden

The trailer for Oldboy director Park Chan-wook’s English-language debut Stoker has been released online. It definitely appears that there are going to be some strong performances from the cast in this one. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode, Jackie Weaver, Lucas Till, and Alden Ehrenreich.

After India’s father dies in an auto accident, her Uncle Charlie who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother. Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

Stoker will be released in theaters March 1st, 2013.

Geekscape’s Before First Class – What If An X-Men Movie Was Made In The Early 90s?!?

by Joe Starr

With an announced sequel to X Men: First Class, and the rumors of a rebooted 1960’s Fantastic Four, retro Marvel is officially IN. This has led Geekscape to wonder: what if different Marvel franchises had actually been released in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s?

Or, maybe you think it’s stupid to cast a Marvel movie in a different decade, justify the lineup, and pitch a plot. Well, that’s why we at Geekscape consider ourselves to be heroes, in a way. We waste our time doing the stupid things the world is afraid to do.

 The 90’s: THE X MEN

It’s 1994. X Men: The Animated Series is wildly popular, and the X Men are settling in as the most popular comic franchise of the decade. A movie spinning out of the popular Jim Lee designs of the animated series using its lineup has to happen. It just makes sense- why wait until 2000? It is only logical that the Uncanny X Men join the film legacy of 1994: The Flintstones. The Mask. Speed. Star Trek: Generations. Speed. Speed.

The pitch: All has been quiet in the mutant world since Magneto exiled himself to Asteroid M. Government tensions are at an all time high with the self appointed savior of mutantkind in orbit. The uneasy peace is shattered when Magneto is approached by The Acolytes and their leader Fabian Cortez, who manipulates Magneto and his followers into a declaration of war against the surface! And Gyrich is there, too! The only ones that can prevent a third world war? THE X MEN! Dwee do do be dooooo do do! Dwee do do be dooooooo do da! X MEN THEME SONG.

And who will play the mutants in a world that hates and fears them?

CHARLES XAVIER

Morgan Freeman? Are you crazy? SUCK IT, WORLD, YOU’RE CRAZY. There’s more to Xavier than being a bald white guy. He’s also wise, inspiring, and got his start doing Listerine commercials. Fresh out of The Shawshank Redemption, Freeman brings the cred as the telepathic founder of the X Men. Plus, it’s at least 30% appropriate that one half of Marvel’s civil rights metaphor is actually black. At least.

MAGNETO

Magneto. The exiled mutant leader and Holocaust survivor. Powerful. Intelligent. Charismatic. Handsome enough that Rogue constantly wants to bang him. Jeff Goldblum. Jeff Goldum you say? Don’t mind if I do. “Sure John, but at Disney, the Pirates of the Caribbean didn’t come to life and use their magnet powers to kill the flatscans.” Words we can all live by.

SCOTT SUMMERS

Val Kilmer. The man who would be Bruce Wayne would make a much better Scott Summers. Stoic. Serious. Handsome. He will be your wingman anytime. I can’t think of anyone in 1994 better groomed to lead the X Men into battle. Except maybe Zero Cool from Hackers. I thought long and hard on that one. Heh. Long. Hard. 90’s humor.

JEAN GREY

The woman who would be the weird character who wanted to bang Bruce Wayne. If Nicole Kidman could put up with Tom Cruise, she can deal with the enormous pressures of the Phoenix. And she can totally pull off constant fainting and shouting ‘Scott!’ and ‘Logan!’ That’s probably the audition. “Slate please. Now look right off camera here and shout ‘Scott.’ Thank you, you’ll hear from us soon.”

FABIAN CORTEZ

Is Michael Wincott super Fabian Cortezy? Possibly not. But was he the awesome bad guy in The Crow? Fuck yes he was. Can you see him being Jeff Goldblum’s right hand man and then (1991 spoiler alert) turning on him? Yes. Yes you can.

GYRICH

Gary Oldman. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, High Ranking Racist Pentagon Official.

STORM

Angela Bassett. Originally Vivica Fox, but we’ve really got to make some tough decisions about who could eventually look better with a mohawk in 1995’s sequel X Men and Jubilee (played by Angels in the Outfield’s Joseph Gordon Levitt).

ROGUE

Perhaps it’s just because I’m the president of the ‘this chick deserved a better career’ club, but Rogue goes to Kari Wuhrer. You know her from 8 Legged Freaks and Command and Conquer: Red Alert. I know her from pictures on AOL when I was becoming a man. And what stronger choice to make for the woman who can’t touch anyone than a woman that a 6th grader really, really wants to touch? It’s poetic and artistic. Like something Alan Moore would write. You guys know Alan Moore? He’s the greatest writer of all time. And he would love this movie. I’m 70% sure of that.

BEAST

James Spader was crushing the sci fi world as the geek that can also kick ass if he has to in STARGATE. Put blue fur on this man immediately! Fun fact: I bet they could have made him look better in 1994 than they did in X Men: First Class. BURN.

WOLVERINE

The Quick and the Dead’s Russell Crowe. He’s the best at what he does. And what he does is throw phones at people in 15 years.

GAMBIT

Cut from the film. Special effects weren’t available in 1994 to replicate his accent properly.

Editor’s Note: Screw you, Joe! You don’t want Van Damme in ANYTHING (except you)! And where’s my Brian “The Boz” Bosworth as Colossus?!?

HAVOK

Come on, how is this not better than Gambit? Rogue can fall in love with him AND he’s the angry younger brother of the team leader. And if the 90’s taught us anything, no one plays ‘angry young brother of the team leader’ better than CHRISTIAN SLATER. This really makes me wish that his character in Pump Up The Volume was actually Alex Summers and at the end his power manifests and he blows up all those FCC trucks. And then he yells ‘Stay hard!’

So who would direct this all out 90s X-Fest? How about a director who spent the end of the 80s making kick ass action film after kick ass action film?

KICK ASS 90s DIRECTOR

John McTiernan made Predator in 1987, Die Hard in 1988 and The Hunt for Red October in 1990. On top of his game, he then made the critical Sean Connery bomb Medicine Man in 1992 and broke Arnold’s hot streak with Last Action Hero in 1993. Ouch. We’d rewrite history to have McTiernan making an X-Men movie for 1994 instead during these dark years before he made Die Hard: With a Vengeance in 1995. How’s that for a career save? We can’t help him with 2002’s Rollerball though…

Well, we’ve learned a lot about me with this one. Mainly, that I wrote more about Kari Wuhrer than Gary Oldman, so I guess we get my priorities. Next week we’re turning the clock another ten years back to avenge the Reagan era! I want my where’s the beef! Members Only Jackets Assemble! I’m casting an 80’s Avengers movie.