Tag: Sam Rockwell

Geekscape Movie Review: Richard Jewell

by MCDave

Father time is undefeated. And like a professional athlete who’s showing signs that they can’t quite keep up with a younger generation of competitors, Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood’s latest offering leaves me questioning how much quality filmmaking the 89-year-old has left in him. In typical Eastwood fashion, he places his sights on the true story of title character, Richard Jewell, the security guard and cop-wannabe who became a controversial figure following the bombing of the 1996 Olympics at Centennial Park in Atlanta. Eastwood uses Jewell’s heartbreaking experiences as an exposé on the careless and destructive behaviors of the mainstream media, the film’s clear antagonist. Yet, what transpires feels more like the incoherent grumblings of a miserable old man than an enlightening and eye-opening examination of what’s actually a legitimate issue.

Richard (I, Tonya’s Paul Walter Hauser) is a poor, overweight security guard with such a deep-rooted desire to protect people that it leads to some questionable behaviors that cost him a couple jobs along the way. But when Richard jumps on the opportunity to help protect his country at the security-needy 1996 Olympics, he can’t possibly prepare himself for the horrors that he’ll encounter after he stumbles across a bag of explosives. Richard Jewell may have saved countless lives by diligently doing his job on that fateful evening, but his sketchy past and a lack of other leads make him a prime suspect and anti-hero that a local journalist, Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde), completely exploits with her reckless reporting.

Clint Eastwood’s film is a revolving conundrum. His intentions are deliberate, but meandering. His interpretation is clear, but clouded in hypocrisy. All of which make Richard Jewell a muddled mixed-bag of ideas and emotions. Eastwood waves a shameful finger at the news media and its desire for higher ratings and career-advancements built on the back of inconsiderate reporting. The film even goes as far as to accuse the now-deceased journalist Kathy Scruggs of obtaining private information from the F.B.I. by sleeping with an agent (played by Jon Hamm), none of which has ever been corroborated publicly, and this blatant disregard for truth and authenticity feels awfully hypocritical when you take into account the root of Eastwood’s story. It’s a back-handed low-blow by the director and his screenwriter, Billy Ray, who attempt to tackle the media’s obsession with releasing a story quickly rather than accurately, and the personal ramifications of those actions. Richard Jewell lived a grueling 88-day nightmare in the aftermath of the Olympic bombing, one in which he morphed from an instant hero to a devilish mastermind in the blink of an eye. In fact, this is the film’s most accomplished feat, hammering this burden and personal anguish into the viewer. However, Eastwood’s characterization of nearly every other facet of the story is shallow, superficial and deceptively inaccurate. Richard Jewell has the hopes of making an awards season splash but I’m not buying into this likelihood, even after Kathy Bates’ recent Golden Globe Nomination for her supporting turn as the security guard’s mother. Instead, Richard Jewell is another ho-hum effort from a once legendary filmmaker struggling to deliver a cohesive story in the twilight of his career.

GRADE: 2.5/5

Geekscape Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit

by MCDave

Philadelphia’s annual Film Festival brings elite Oscar-destined content to the tri-state area every October and this year was no exception. One awards season contender generating some serious buzz at year’s event is Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, a polarizing and relentlessly hilarious endeavor that, despite some early mixed reviews, continues to ride a wave of momentum following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. There, Waititi’s film captured the prestigious People’s Choice Award, an honor known for translating into legitimate Oscar success. And although Jojo Rabbit’s future seems inevitably bright, there remains a stubborn and steady critical backlash against Waititi’s effort. Yet, it’s a superficial and irrational sensitivity stemming from the film’s satirical spin on Hitler’s reign and Nazi Germany’s disgusting place in world history. But such complaints are wildly misplaced, as Jojo Rabbit delivers a tender and earnest coming-of-age story that spreads a message of love, compassion and acceptance at a time when it’s most needed.

The film follows 10 year-old Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a young and impressionable Nazi-fanatic whose most loyal companion is his imaginary friend Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi). But despite Jojo’s blind love and admiration for the real-life Führer, deep down he just doesn’t have the makings of a ruthless Nazi soldier. So when Jojo discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish teenager named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home, he becomes torn between his love of country and a strange new friendship.

Photo by Kimberley French. © 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

In an age of filmmaking riddled with unrestricted run-times and blatant over-extension, Taika Waititi provides a refreshing reminder that it’s possible to tell a sincerely funny, emotionally heartbreaking and morally uplifting story in both a fun and energetic way. Jojo Rabbit keeps a brisk cadence with hard-hitting and never-ending laughs that help navigate Waititi’s poignant tale. As writer, director and co-star, Waititi’s complete commitment and unwavering dedication to the film also prove to be the bloodlines of its effectiveness. Furthermore, Waititi’s wildly animated portrayal of Adolf Hitler is brewed with a wackiness and absurdity that always allows this emotional roller-coaster to circle back to its comedic roots. In the vein of The Great Dictator, a clear source of inspiration for Waititi’s vision, Jojo Rabbit boasts a fearlessness with its script and its performances that shouldn’t be overlooked. Waititi rounds out his cast with elite talent like Academy Award Winner Sam Rockwell and the always dazzling Scarlett Johansson. But most impressive are the turns provided by youngsters Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie, whose performances are perhaps most vital to the film’s success. McKenzie put her acting chops on full display in last year’s Leave No Trace, and proves it was no fluke by backing it up with another exceptional onscreen display. On the other hand, Roman Griffin Davis is an unknown who takes this first opportunity and makes the most of it. Countless performers in the film deliver the “Oscar goods”, so don’t be surprised if multiple cast members make an awards season splash. In addition to a well-rounded screenplay and brilliant ensemble, Jojo Rabbit’s cleverly worked soundtrack includes spectacular German covers of popular rock songs that help add even more layers to this well-rounded feature. The entire package is there, neatly wrapped in a pulsating and energetic exterior that solidifies Jojo Rabbit as one of 2019’s most enjoyable cinematic experiences and a bona fide Oscar contender.

GRADE: 4.5/5

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Favourite

by MCDave

If you aren’t familiar with filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, then you haven’t heard of or experienced one of the world’s most unique and bizarre voices. To attempt to explain his work is to do it a grave injustice. Lanthimos is an expert at tapping into the emotional gut of his audiences with a disturbing oddity that makes his work unequivocally singular. And in what is surely the filmmaker’s most tame and harnessed effort to date, The Favourite still manages to scratch at your core with its vile irreverence, a trademark effect of Lanthimos’ work, and helps propel this title to the top of his catalog.

In 18th century England a crazed and imbalanced Queen Anne (Oliva Colman) navigates her country through a war against the neighboring France with the aid of her stoic sidekick and close friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz). Their symbiotic relationship has long been cemented as Lady Sarah acts as a puppeteer controlling the strings of Queen Anne. However, things become unexpectedly tense when a new servant named Abigail (Emma Stone) begins to compete with Lady Sarah for the Queen’s favor.

The Favourite prides itself as an unconventional period piece. While the film’s set and costume design are superb in their own right, The Favourite circumvents period piece norms by relying on a gripping tale that would work just as well in any setting. Yet, it’s Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature style with tight shots, distorted imagery and sharp editing that elevates his work beyond the genre’s staple films. It’s no wonder why industry stars have been flocking to his titles. And in The Favourite we’re gifted with brilliant turns from the movie’s trio of co-starring actresses, each of whom mesmerize in drastically different ways. Emma Stone with her darling charm and nefarious deceit which almost make it feel like two separate roles. Conversely, Rachel Weisz becomes the epitome of strength and confidence, never afraid to voice her opinion and see things through to the bitter end. But it’s Olivia Colman’s infantile psyche and expert precision that acts as the glue to the film’s three prominent women. It’s been declared that Colman plans to campaign in the Lead Actress category while Stone and Weisz plan to go Supporting Actress. Typically, competing against a fellow cast member can serve as a roadblock to a nomination, but recent history suggests it’s very possible to pull off a two for one. Just last year Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson both scored Oscar nods for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Rockwell even went on to capture the statue. These performances are that good and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see all three actresses make it into the final five. Likewise, Yorgos Lanthimos is a legitimate Best Director contender and The Favourite, as a whole, possesses all the makings of a bona fide Best Picture candidate as it’s one of the year’s most notable standout features.

GRADE: 4/5

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

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

by MCDave

Martin McDonagh has captured the attention of critics and movie lovers alike, despite a relatively brief stint within the industry. McDonagh burst onto the scene with his eloquently-constructed 2008 hitman comedy, In Bruges, only to follow it up with the equally impressive and wacky dog-napping comedy, Seven Psychopaths. But in a wide open year such as this, McDonagh’s latest small-town crime comedy, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, may be his ticket to the awards season’s biggest dance.

It’s been seven months since Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) has heard from police regarding the violent rape and murder of her daughter. Desperate to keep the story relevant and with hopes that the attention will lead to an arrest of her daughter’s killer, Mildred rents a trio of billboards alongside a small-town road that question the efforts of local law enforcement and their superior officer, Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson). But when a volatile mama’s boy, Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), loses his cool over the billboards, tensions escalate quickly in the town of Ebbing, Missouri.

Three Billboards thrives on explosive humor and a timely examination of local law enforcement officers all across the country. And rather than crumbling to the divisive politicizing of speaking in false extremes, McDonagh accurately depicts the wide spectrum of policing, addressing both respectable and deplorable behaviors, as well as the stunningly beautiful ability to change. Therein lies the film’s greatest strength. And as the year’s end creeps closer and closer, most of the industry’s attention will be placed on the sorrowfully-effective performance from lead actress Frances McDormand. Even in a crowded year for female roles, she should certainly land a nomination and quite possibly an Oscar win as well. Yet, it’s supporting star Sam Rockwell who leaves a lasting impression beyond compare. While the brilliant performer has somehow managed to avoid singular recognition from any of the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and the Academy Awards, that’s all about to change. Measuring up to and surpassing anything you’ve enjoyed him in before, Rockwell’s portrayal of a short-tempered and unethical small-town cop who backlashes against the woman responsible for these unfair billboards is something to savor. All of these wonderful performances are born from a hilariously amusing screenplay and superb direction that help solidify Three Billboards as one of 2017’s strongest films.

GRADE: 4/5

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

‘Napoleon Dynamite’, ‘Nacho Libre’ Director Returns For ‘Don Verdean’! Watch The First Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I am so happy to see the Hess’s back in action.

I know that a lot of folks thought that Jared and Jerusha went off the deep end with 2009’s fabulous and super weird Gentlemen Broncos. Those folks, however, are dead wrong. Saying that the Hess’s went off the deep end implies that they weren’t there to begin with, and the fact that they embrace the completely absurd projects that the create have lead to some of the most heartfelt, quirky, and quotable comedies of our generation.

I also really miss the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon. Anyone else with me on that one?

In any case, the first trailer for the Jared Hess directed, Jared & Jerusha written Don Verdean has just hit the web, and if you’ve seen a single one of the Hess’s previous films, you know exactly what you’re getting into.

It’s weird as hell, and it looks insanely hilarious.

This time around, we’ll join Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Will Forte and Danny McBride as they uncover the world’s most sacred relics. “Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy from the filmmaking team behind Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre.” Yep. Hilarious.

Take a look at the first trailer for Don Verdean below, and let us know what you think! Are a you a fan of the Hess’s previous projects? Sound out below!

Don Verdean hits theatres and On Demand December 11th!

A ‘Galaxy Quest’ TV Show Is In The Works!

by Karson

Paramount Television is currently putting together a TV series project based on Galaxy Quest, the 1999 cult sci-fi movie about the cast of long cancelled cult sci-fi TV show! Keeping up?

In Galaxy Quest, the cast of the show reluctantly become real space heroes when they are accidentally transported to a spaceship and become responsible for saving an alien nation. The film starred Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub and Sam Rockwell. The film’s writer (Robert Gordon), director (Dean Parisot) and producer (Mark Johnson) are all involved in the project as potential executive producers, with Gordon penning the script.

Is there room in your crowded TV schedules for a show like this? Let us know in the comments below.

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Source: Deadline

Geekscape Sundance Reviews: Laggies

by MCDave

Writer/director Lynn Shelton is best known as an influential figure in the frequently coined “mumblecore” movement. This style of filmmaking often refers to a lower budget and the hefty use of natural improvisation rather than tightly sticking to a script. While the movement has gained a niche following and broader base, Shelton’s latest go-around is far from the “mumblecore” label.

Laggies stars Keira Knightley as Megan, an unmotivated woman in her late 20s who has no idea of what she wants to do with her life. After watching her longtime friends and boyfriend of over a decade cleanly move on to adulthood, she struggles to discover her own identity. And after lying about going on a week-long career retreat, Megan instead shacks up with a new high school aged friend (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her skeptical father (Sam Rockwell) in order to take some time to figure out her future.

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There’s something strange and crazy about director Lynn Shelton’s Laggies. For such an unorthodox story, the film is surprisingly heartwarming and honest. The writing and acting breeds an inordinate amount of purpose and identity to all of its characters. Some may refute that the feature’s secondary characters are campy and embellished, but in the entire context of the film they work quite nicely. It all begins with a solid foundation from leading lady Keira Knightley. Her sweet and soulful performance enables the audience to connect with Megan on a deeper level and look past her periodically flawed judgment. And while Chloe Grace Moretz dishes out fine supporting work once again, there’s two other names that need to mentioned. First, there’s up-and-comer Kaitlyn Dever. The young actress gave a breakout performance in last year’s unforgettable drama, Short Term 12 (one of my Top 10 films of 2013). Here she has a diminished role, although it’s one that adds spice and bravado to the movie. Furthermore, we’re given ANOTHER amazing turn from the vastly under-appreciated Sam Rockwell. From the moment he appears on screen, the film immediately picks up and dashes to the finish line. Rockwell is a true talent that’s never given the respect he deserves. But thankfully for his game changing performance, Laggies ends up being a wonderfully executed drama.

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Despite the feature’s exceptional dialogue and charming wit, Laggies has its detractors. The first act has a noticeable drag, but Rockwell’s introduction quickly takes care of that tiny problem. It’s easy to disregard a bumpy beginning thanks to a lofty amount of perfectly timed humor and fantastic performances throughout. And while some of the decision making of its characters feels suspect and unrealistic at times, these simply become minor flaws in an otherwise fine feature.

Lynn Shelton has found budding success in her filmmaking career, but you can expect Laggies to launch her to a whole other level. The movie generates an unbreakable bond between its characters and the audience, one that lasts long after the credits role. Making Laggies one of the finest films at Sundance this year and one that you should look forward to in 2014.

GRADE: 4/5

 

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Way, Way Back

by MCDave

Things aren’t usually better the second time around. Looking at real world examples like Hollywood remakes, cover songs and leftovers from last night’s dinner, it becomes a pretty difficult notion to refute. Therefore, when I heard about the back story surrounding this summer’s release, The Way, Way Back, I justifiably became a bit skeptical. From the same producers and featuring many of the same stars as the 2006 indie sensation, The Way, Way Back has been unfairly labeled as “the next Little Miss Sunshine“. While in actuality, The Way, Way Back stands tall enough on its own.

Duncan (played by Liam James) is an awkward and lonely teenager “forced” to spend the summer months at his mom’s boyfriend’s shore house. As Duncan’s mom (Toni Collette) appears blind to Trent’s (Steve Carell) harsh belittling of him, the teenager ventures off to be as far away from her boyfriend as possible. Duncan eventually stumbles across a water park and sparks a unique friendship with the manager, Owen (Sam Rockwell). Owen senses the youngster’s loneliness and offers him a summer job at the park. It’s there where Duncan finally learns how to open up and be his true self.

way back 1

The Way, Way Back represents yet another fine indie selection from this year’s exceptional Sundance Film Festival class. While it’s inevitable to pit this effort against its festival foe, The Kings of Summer, The Way, Way Back is an overall small step down, but clearly a delightful film all on its own. The heart and soul of the feature resides in the role-model relationship built between Sam Rockwell’s and Liam James’ characters. The vastly underrated Rockwell once again shows why he belongs in the same conversation as Hollywood’s best actors. He delivers his one-liners with remarkably-timed precision and his dramatic moments with profound tenderness. Through the use of his affable see-through “cool guy” exterior, Rockwell commands the screen and demonstrates that he can just about do it all. Furthermore, the always respectable Steve Carell goes against the grain and shows some versatility as a despicable and unforgivable confidence-crusher to the film’s teenage protagonist. Having grown accustom to Carell as an often-lovable character, he is regrettably convincing and most likely setting the stage for his Oscar-bound role in this 2013’s late-year release, Foxcatcher. Although I could continue to go on-and-on in detail about all of the other fine performances in the film, instead I will couple them together by reaffirming that The Way, Way Back is a wonderfully acted and heartfelt coming-of-age film suitable for just about any viewer.

way back 2

Despite the picture’s all-around winning vibe, there are a few blemishes to discuss. For starters, many of the film’s characters feel like completely overblown and animated caricatures. While the “good” are VERY good and the “bad” are VERY bad, The Way, Way Back suffers from a black and white approach to its onscreen roles. Therefore, expressing its characters in such a way creates an inauthentic and disingenuous feel. In addition, the feature opens in a very unusual manner. Although the first act fails to adequately hook the audience, it does serve a unique purpose to the film’s bigger picture. But when all is said and done, The Way, Way Back hurdles these faults and offers laugh-out-loud humor and an assortment of endearing characters.

While The Way, Way Back comes close to, but never quite reaches, the heights of 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine and its festival competitor The Kings of Summer, it’s still a praiseworthy coming-of-age tale all on its own. And since the jokes are abundant and the performances are stellar, there’s plenty to enjoy. When The Way, Way Back reaches theatres nationwide in July, you won’t be disappointed by catching another indie gem such as this one.

GRADE: 4/5

Check out a full Academy Awards preview or other fun things at Movie Reviews By Dave

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Seven Psychopaths

by MCDave

We’ve all heard the phrase, “sophomore slump” before. It often refers to a sub-par second performance given by an athlete, author or even a Hollywood director. After a successful Oscar Nominated effort for his debut film In Bruges (albeit for its screenplay), Martin McDonagh returns with his follow up feature Seven Psychopaths. Boasting a star-studded cast with the likes of Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken and Woody Harrelson, it goes without saying that McDonagh’s Seven Psychopaths is anything but a “sophomore slump”.

Marty (played by Farrell) is struggling with the screenplay for his next movie “Seven Psychopaths”, but with the right kind of inspiration it could be a masterpiece. Yet, when Marty gets caught up in a dog-napping fiasco with his best friend Billy (played by Rockwell) and Billy’s partner in crime Hans (played by Walken), escaping a maniacal cold blooded killer like Charlie (played by Harrelson) may be all the inspiration Marty needs.

 

 

Seven Psychopaths is the type of imaginative and twisted off-the-wall comedy that resonates with audiences for a lifetime. Behind the creative genius of writer and director Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths gets by on a clever script, crafty dialogue and a collection of gifted actors. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of McDonagh’s second feature is his ability to engineer multi-dimensional characters that the audience naturally clings to. Through the use of brilliant narrative and an onslaught of hysterical scenarios, Seven Psychopaths becomes a timeless comedy that clearly requires multiple viewings. Another aid in developing such strong characters comes from the versatile ensemble that McDonagh brings together. Most notable is Sam Rockwell who offers up an Oscar-style performance as Marty’s best friend and dog napper extraordinaire, Billy. Rockwell takes control of the feature and commands the audience’s attention with every precisely timed punchline and perfectly branded nuance. Despite Rockwell’s elevated level of performance, Seven Psychopaths succeeds because of the entire collective work of its talented cast. The manner in which Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell and Woody Harrelson feed off of Rockwell and each other is nothing short of groundbreaking. Their witty back and forth banter is absolutely hysterical and almost rhythmic. McDonagh manages to bring together a cast for the ages and a script that’s perfectly complementary to this group of actors. And as a result,Seven Psychopaths finds itself as this year’s best comedy.

In order to find any blemishes with McDonagh’s second effort, you really have to get nit-picky. One obvious flaw rests in the complete lack of realism to the story and its circumstances. However, we’re dealing with a comedy here so, in retrospect, how believable does the film really need to be? In fact, one of the most admirable qualities of Seven Psychopaths is its ability to transcend normalcy and take you to a world far crazier than the typical movie experience. Furthermore, a more unforgivable flaw occurs in the brief post-credits scene that McDonagh unfortunately decides to include in the film. This short-lived pay phone scene is awkward, strange and all together out of place. Completely unnecessary, it’s worth noting that the director could have done without that one. Otherwise, Seven Psychopaths is a wild, energetic and insanely fun time.

 

 

Many writers and directors find difficulty in elevating their work after a successful debut. McDonagh not only reaches the same level as his first feature In Bruges, he far exceeds it. Seven Psychopaths only reaffirms McDonagh’s creativity and ingenuity among Hollywood’s best and brightest, illustrating that the writer/director has a long and prosperous career ahead of himself. Seven Psychopaths is never short on laughs and the comedy proudly sets the bar for its genre. Superbly original, Seven Psychopaths hits theatres everywhere on Friday October 12th and it’s definitely the type of laugh out loud experience that you won’t want to miss.

 

Overall: 4.5/5

 

You can also check out MCDave’s other work at Movie Reviews By Dave

Watch The Red-Band Trailer For ‘Seven Psychopaths’!

by Shawn Madden

So, after seeing the green-band trailer for Seven Psychopaths I was already sold. Now we have a hilarious red-band Trailer for the upcoming dog-napping comedy directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges) and starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson and Christopher Walken. If this doesn’t sell you on this movie…I don’t know what will.

‘Seven Psychopaths’ follows a struggling screenwriter (Colin Farrell) who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster’s (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.

Seven Psychopaths will have a limited theatrical release on October 12th.

Check Out The Trailer For ‘Seven Psychopaths’!

by Shawn Madden

The movie Seven Psychopaths has got a new trailer and it looks crazy funny. But, with a cast that includes Christopher Walken, Colin Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell and Tom Waits…how could it not be?

From Oscar-winning writer and director Martin McDonagh comes a star-studded, blood-drenched, black comedy. Marty (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay Seven Psychopaths. All he needs is a little focus and inspiration.

Billy (Sam Rockwell) is Marty’s best friend, an unemployed actor and part time dog thief, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary.

Hans (Christopher Walken) is Billy’s partner in crime. A religious man with a violent past. Charlie is the psychopathetic gangster whose beloved dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie’s unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn’t think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale.

Seven Psychopaths hits theaters November 2, 2012.

[via Machinima]