Tag: Saving Private Ryan

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: 12 Strong

by MCDave

The war genre casts a wide net over a devout fan base, many of whom love to get lost in the rapid gunfire and battle for survival that overcomes a brotherhood of soldiers. And for that reason, Nicolai Fuglsig’s heroic true tale, 12 Strong, will appease an extensive collection of moviegoers. However, if you prefer a more character-driven story in the vein of Steve Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, which we all can agree is in a class that’s difficult to reach, then 12 Strong will leave something to be desired.

Immediately following the tragic events of 9/11 the United States government summons a Special Forces unit headed by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), who’s never actually spent time in battle, and travel to Afghanistan where they team up with an Afghani Warlord (Navid Negahban) to stop the Taliban from taking control of a major city. But as these dozen soldiers are tasked with overcoming unexpected obstacles and multiple gunfire encounters in a race against mother nature’s fast-approaching harsh wintry conditions, the odds of survival continue to plummet. Yet bravery knows no bounds as the unit risks it all to stop the Taliban from gaining a stranglehold over the entire country.

There’s something to be said for depicting a truly heroic untold story admirably well, and director Nicolai Fuglsig accomplishes just that with 12 Strong. And while his full commitment is evident, and the actions of these brave soldiers justifiably seize various emotions from the viewer, there are too many missed opportunities visible throughout the film. Its dialogue is effective, but a clear disinterest in developing characters and examining their relationships with one another hold the film back from being something special. The overlying facts of the story are astonishing, making 12 Strong a worthwhile tale to tell. However, the bonds between these American soldiers and Afghani militants are merely glossed over. Fuglsig instead trades away opportunities to expand the depth of the story in exchange for irritatingly out-stretched battle scenes that accumulate screen time and accomplish very little else. Yes, the magnitude of these events are crazy to even comprehend, but 12 Strong would be far better off devoting its resources in other areas. For example, the film’s main foe (played by Numan Acar) is given one scene to build his character. Therefore, when a moment of retribution finally arrives, its impact is devoid of significance because the villain hasn’t adequately earned our outright disdain. Nonetheless, the film’s trio of main stars, Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon and Michael Pena, all deliver stellar performances, as well as co-star Navid Negahban who also shines in a lofty role. With a magnificent true story as its foundation and a valuable collection of acting talent on board, 12 Strong stands represents a mediocre effort that comes with its strengths and weaknesses.

GRADE: 2.5/5

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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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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Bridge of Spies

by MCDave

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

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

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

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

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

GRADE: 4/5

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