Kim Gentes

Crashing and Burning. Oh ya, and a plane goes down.

Summary: Denzel Washington is the everyman, superhero and legend that we all look up to. Except now. Flight is a brilliant detour of character for one of the best actors of our generation. In a film that looks like no airline movie you've ever seen, Robert Zemeckis and Denzel Washington both have their careers and modus operandi take a sharp turn from the past. Heroic and tragic, this very serious film about serious issues may be one of the top 3 movies of the year. An absolute must-see. NOTE: it is important for people read my rating caution at the bottom of this review.

Full Review: We've had nearly 100 years of commercial air flight in the modern world. And there has been some powerful and poignant issues to have been played out on the silver screen using the backdrop of an airplane. Flight is a new movie that takes hold of four topics in that sphere and plays them closely together in a deceptively simple plot. The idolization of pilots, the fear of crashing, the power of government regulators and investigators, and substance abuse are spun into a riveting yarn. Centered around pilot Whip Whitaker, who's rags to riches to addiction story unhinges the audience from loving the central character, this may be one of the best airplane movies ever.

Whitaker (played by Denzel Washington) is an airline captain with uncanny abilities. He grew up, mentored by his crop-dusting pilot father and doating grandfather, to be an expert Navy pilot. He made the dream of flying for a big commercial airline and successfully managed years of untinged record. Yet his family life was dismal. Divorced and bitter over the loss of relationship with his only child, Whitaker drinks and abuses drugs to prop his life up and keep him "flying straight".

[Mini-spoiler- the follow paragraph reveals some of the plot that is important in the story. It doesn't give away the outcome, but we wanted to warn you that it reveals a significant point of the plot]. When tragedy strikes and the plane he is piloting crashes, his amazing piloting abilities save most of the passengers and he is initially hailed as a hero. But toxicology records threaten to reveal his secret life and thus begins a descent into the hell of Whip Whitaker.

This movie is excellent. Denzel's performance alone is worth the price of the ticket. There is one small blip in the storyline that seemed slightly contrived, and left me from giving it my highest ranking (A+), but the direction and acting are so good you will not be disappointed.

That said, this movie is very intense in its treatment of drugs, alcohol and language. While I personally believe it could be a very poignant story, I understand the graphic representation of these topics in a film might be very offensive to some. I am warning you of this now- buckle up and sit down, or don't get on this plane. There will be turbulence- violent turbulence.

RATING CAUTION: For parents, this movie should be reserved for children that are actually 17 and over. With full frontal nudity, drug/alcohol usage and excessive swearing in parts, the movie rating is apt at MPAA "R" rating. I am highlighting this rating because it stretches the limit of what many people will be comfortable with seeing in a film. Overt and repeated drug & alcohol use, and an opening scene of nudity. You should know this going into the film.

Amazon DVD Link: http://amzn.to/VVKXc2

Review by Kim Gentes

Intense, overwrought, bad-a.. Super-serious, superheros.

Summary: Imagine getting super-powers. Not just one of them, but the kind that let you basically do anything. Now imagine that you and your two best friends all got those powers. Woah. That is "Chronicle"! What starts off as a gangly teenager, geek-to-hero movie turns into a dark, serious look into the human soul. A ravaging view into the pithy phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely".

Full Review: Every high school teenage boy thinks "wouldn't it be cool if I had super powers". But Andrew, Matt and Steve actually get their wish in the sleeper success movie "Chronicle". The three young men happen to ramble down to a newly opened cave where a presumed glowing alien artifact somehow imbues them with telekenetic powers. The story begins with their acquistion of this power and follows the three through the "found footage" filming technique used on such films as "Cloverfield".   As they learn to harness and exercise their powers, one of the three (Andrew) begins to become excessively violent, using his power to express his rage at his personal life and situation as well as his formerly "nerdish" reputation.

The movie turns darker by the moment as Andrew lets his rage overtake his personality and his powers spin into complete destructive overload. His friends try to confront him but tragedy awaits them.

This is a super-hero movie you likely will have missed this year, with some huge blockbusters coming out- Avengers, Dark Night Rises. But this hero story is by far the best, from this reviewers perspective. Partly because the super-powers are a showcase for the full expression of humanity, both for good or evil.  The direction is intentional and brings you to a conclusion that all such power corrupts with ultimate persuasiveness. Yet, there is some hope. If you don't see any superhero movies ever- see this one. If you do- see this one.  There are some very minor character errors in the script, but they are neutralized by the seriousness of the acting done here.

Of all the movies out so far in 2012, Chronicle is the best by far (at from this reviewers perspective). Creators Josh Trank (director, writer) and Max Landis (screenplay, writer) have envisioned a viceral, get-under-your-skin movie that starts off moping along like a gangly-teenager-to-superhero movie. But artfully and tragically, it morphs into a 21st century sci-fi of a raging "Carrie", guy-style.  As Cujo was to Lassie/dog movies, so Chronicle is to superhero movies.

For parents, this movie should be reserved for children that are actually over 13. The movie rating is apt and the intensity of this movie is perhaps slightly underplayed by its MPAA rating. 

Amazon DVD Link: http://amzn.to/U1WNyP

Review by Kim Gentes

Inspired. Well acted. Thoughtful.

Summary: Heroic lives can sometimes turn into schmaltzy stories when Hollywood gets a hold of them. This is the fear I have whenever I see a movie that says it is a "true story" or "inspired by real events". "Unconditional" is a movie whose preview warns you it is based on a real life. But rather than retreat into a script of stereotyped plot mechanisms and clichéd character lines, this movie soars. It is a film about life and love that doesn't rely on chapters with romanticised epigraphs of why life really matters.

Full Review:  Samantha Crawford and Joe Bradford (played by Lynn Collins and Michael Ealy respectively) are two adults whose lives have re-intersected after having been apart since childhood. The stories of their intervening years were markedly different. Joe's life was a redemptive story of "meeting God in prison" that led him to a life of serving at-risk children. Sam's life was of the childhood artist whose idyllic adult marriage and young adult experience turns terribly tragic with the death of her saintly husband.  The two main characters had grown up as best friends in grade school, but after drifting apart beyond childhood, are reunited by a seemingly random event in which their paths cross again.

Once reunited, Sam and Joe learn about each other's lives and it is in this context that the movie unfolds. The story told is both for their learning and ours. Because this is a film of tragedy turned to redemption, it can be easy to expect, and in turn dismiss, the impact of its virtues as tediously moralistic (or worse, religious).  Yet, "Unconditional" doesn't run aground of trite "pop spirituality" as a plot device to rescue our characters from otherwise missing important themes.  Collins and Ealy play their parts with finesse that provides their characters with personal warmth contrasted by broken humanity. You enjoy the story as it unfolds. You grasp the tension of their narratives. You are brought into the plot and find yourself engrossed in the idea that hope may actually win the day.

As a Christian, I have always been interested in seeing quality art and media that reflected personal glimpses into real faith. But I, conversely, have seen so much half-hearted, poorly-produced modern media (done in the name of Christian values) that the potential of a strong story is lost in a schmaltzy presentation done by sub par participants. Let me be clear, "Unconditional" is the first film I have seen that has modern film chops while exploring hopeful, spiritual possibilities. It's not a hackneyed "Christian film". And thank God.

Parent-rating wise, the film has some scenes and concepts which are disruptive for kids below 10 years old, though it's almost certain nothing here would be shocking to kids who have watched any prime time TV. The MPAA rating for the film is PG-13, primarily for some brief violent scenes and themes. I won't go against that rating. It seems apt, if not conservative.

Are there momentary pauses of heroism and sentimentalism to bask in? Yes, but none are too long or unbelievable and all fit the story. In short, the story and acting are so intriguing and delightful they center the gravity of the film to its characters, keeping it well grounded. The direction and visuals are given both well done. Poor cinematography and effects are the points in which other films with low-budget or weak leadership often bleed out on a film- you see none of that in "Unconditional".  This is the first time, in a long time, that I've been emotionally engaged in a movie and not felt guilty for it- this story has the ability to grip you.

I strongly encourage you to consider seeing this movie. It may be warmly emotional, but it forecasts the movie style and expectations well in both the previews and the promo copy script. I highly recommend "Unconditional!" Go see it!

Movie link: http://unconditionalthemovie.com/

Review by Kim Gentes

Dry. Focused. Artful. Perfect.

Summary: Real life seems to be the rage in recent movies. The challenge becomes more arduous for major productions when the plot doesn't include any of the silver screen big five: superstars, sex/romance, CGI, suspense (or horror) and action.

The new film "The King's Speech" is a screen rendition of the book "The King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy" co-written by the grandson of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helps Albert (titled as King George VI) to achieve his ability to speak publicly without stammering.

Directed by Tom Hooper, the film has low star power- Colin Firth plays as "Bertie", the common name give King George VI by his family. While Firth is recognizable to many, he is certainly not a popular draw. Geoffrey Rush likewise plays the uncompromising speech therapist, Logue.  Great character acting is done by both. The cinematography has the predictably drab realism of grey, dreary England. The contrast of royal furnishings and clothing are all that holds hope for any visuals that might wake up the audience.

Content caution: for moms, dads, and such- this film has no objectionable content, violence or images. Except, that is, for two specific and demonstrative examples of extensive cursing from which its R-rating is completely based. I say this to clarify the rating. To the film's credit, it is completely in context for the script, where it is meant as a therapeutic exercise. Both times the tirade of language is contained, strong and over quickly.  I wouldn't bring a child under 13 to this film, but anyone over that age would not be unfamiliar with any words spoken in this film.

Beyond that, the plot is swift and simple and unfolds in just that manner. Bertie is crowned King George VI after the death of this father, King George V, and subsequent abdication of the throne by his older brother, Edward, just a year later.  In just weeks, the new king must deliver a crucial speech to address the nation and empire as the United Kingdom declares war on Hitler's Germany.

Firth becomes what he must for this film- the consummate professional. Acting along a thin line between historical fact and brilliant character development, Firth bristles with life. There is no perfection, because the character himself was rife with imperfection. But there is life, because the character becomes a very realistic, endearing and human example of determination and perseverance. Firth is balanced in two spheres by Helena Bonham Carter (as his characters' wife, Elizabeth) on the royal homefront and by  the aforementioned Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist, Lionel Logue.

With such a thin plot, there is little to rely on for sensation. The movie is based purely on character development with a touch of humor. I won't pour out more details, when they are best picked up in the viewing of it.  This was the first film I have seen in quite a while that audience members clapped spontaneously at the end.  It is, in a word, brilliant.

Amazon DVD Link: http://amzn.to/pUv5va

Review by Kim Gentes.

Aliens, borders and human smuggling - a new kind of monster.

Summary: Are the monsters we create sci-fi movies about really Freudian projections from our minds? This movie about that and much more. Follow a couple finding themselves while trying to sneak past aliens and get into America!

Full Review: Imagine earth has been infected by alien life forms. For the time being it seems we have quarantined the aliens to a containment area in northern Mexico that we call the infected zone. The United States builds a massive wall along its border, hoping to keep the aliens out. Both Mexico and the US regularly deploy military operations against the infected zone, trying to eradicate the aliens. Against this backdrop, two people become stranded and are forced to try to make their way through the zone any way possible, trying to get back home to America.

Scoot McNairy stars as Andrew Calder, an American photographer who works for a popular magazine/publisher (we are never told the name of the publication). Whatever the name, the CEO of that company has a daughter who has been trapped in central Mexico by an attack caused by the aliens. She, Samantha Wynden (played by Whitney Able) is not badly hurt but is now in need of help to get her back to the US. Her father instructs Calder to escort her in the journey back to the US. What begins as a simple transportation task turns into an odyssey as the characters encounter constant detours (literally and metaphorically). The last reasonable option they have devolves into the most dangerous situation.

I won't tell you how they fair in reaching their destination. The movie is too good to give it away in a review. But the plot of this movie is, perhaps, the lesser of all its strong points. First, this is a low budget sci-fi. Because of that, the effects and visuals of the alien creatures seem almost 70s nostalgic in application. They keep the audience just on the edge of going "that kinda looks corny". But it is the avoidance of high-end effects that makes the viewing of aliens and visual displays return to a minimalist approach. And this actually works.

The subplot surrounds the relationship of the two characters, that grows throughout the film. As the viewer grows in knowledge of the world in which the film is set, parallels are constantly being alluded to regarding relationship (traveling/migration patterns of the aliens, mating rituals etc). Again, all this is just happening as the film unfolds and you don't catch it the first time through, but the subplot turns slowly towards the real intent of the film, not as a sci-fi, but as an emotional drama without the sappy discourse. I later learned that the co-stars of this film married due to their relationship that developed while filming this movie. It truly feels like you are catching that kind of chemistry as the film unfolds.

There are other obvious narratives that the writer/producers are trying to communicate with this film. Not the least of which is the building of a massive border wall, the military actions to secure the border, the labeling of the aliens as an "infection", the banter of the characters about what it feels like trying to get into America from the outside, and even the bribery and hiring of a crew of smugglers to try to get the main characters into America. This none-to-subtle allusion to US immigration policy seems obvious to me, but perhaps I am over thinking it. Maybe aliens are just aliens. I leave that to you.

The best part of this film is the pacing and the uncompromising acting by these two co-stars. You feel like the movie is too real, perhaps too plodding at times. But this is just how it should feel, I would guess. The mundane breakdown of equipment, the conniving deciept of the smuggler/dealers, the in-your-bones frightening scenes that turn out to just be nervousness, the terrible reality of a single dead human being- all of these things are in stark contrast to overwrought, flying, super 3D, city-destroying alien movies we've become used to.  Here, the film makes you feel like you have to take it personally. And that is it's power.

It's been out for 3 years now, but for the thoughtful movie-goer, it is an excellent movie for your Netflix, Amazon Instant or rental queue.  The director is already working on a sequel, and this is a film that could become one of those indie legends as the story unfolds. See it now, before the second film makes it a main stream Hollywood hit and you can say you found it before the crowd. I found this film on the recommendation of a friend. You should too. I'm your friend. Go rent or see it. Now.

Amazon DVD (or Instant) Link: http://amzn.to/14X81uz

Review by Kim Gentes