The Spectacular Now (2013) - Review

The Spectacular Now (2013) - Starring Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bob Odenkirk. Written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Based on the novel by Tim Tharp. Directed by James Ponsoldt. Rated R. Now in Theaters. 

The Spectacular Now just might have become my favorite movie of the year. Sorry, The Way, Way Back, you'll still be second, at least. 

The Spectacular Now follows Sutter (Miles Teller), the life of every party he goes to, as his outlook on life is changed by his relationship with Aimee (Shailene Woodley). What is great about this film is that at any moment it could easily delve into the standard high school clichés, but it doesn't. There are only a handful of movies that actually capture what is like to be in high school and this is one of them. Since I graduated from high school two years ago, I could easily relate and realize how true to life this film was it. In addition to the authenticity of the high school experience, the relationships in the film feel true to life and authentic. It was amazing how relatable many of the relationships are and that's due to the amazing writing and acting, especially Teller and Woodley. Another point of authenticity: the small town that this takes place in feels like a real place. It doesn't seem like it was created by set designers. It feels insanely real, which most of this film does. 

The film is very emotional, and there's many points in the film that hit close to home to me. It's heart-breaking at times, triumphant at others. You get invested in these characters, because you can either see yourself in them, or see your friends in them.

I think the best thing the film does is take the stereotype of the "party guy" and explain why he acts and thinks like he does. I can't even fully explain how great some of the scenes are where you see his motivations and actions without ruining the film, so I won't. Just trust me and go see it. My only complaint with this movie is that it ended. I could have watched these characters for so much longer. It's fantastic, or I suppose you could say, spectacular.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Smashed (2012) - Review

Smashed (2012) - Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Octavia Spencer. Written by Susan Burke and James Ponsoldt. Directed by James Ponsoldt. Rated R. Available on DVD.

A heart-breaking, yet hopeful film, Smashed tells the story of a married couple (Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul, of Breaking Bad fame) who have built their relationship on their mutual love of alcohol and getting "smashed." The film sees them both hit rock bottom and the wife attempt to get sober, which puts a strain on their relationship.

What's exceptional about this film is how terrifying and realistic it is. The relationships seems very real and not forced it all and the struggles the two main characters have are relatable. These characters seem like people you actually know, a fact that's helped by great acting by the entire cast. The writing is great and seems natural, as does the direction.

I recommend this film, but be prepared that at times it's not easy to watch. Not because it's a bad movie, not even close. It's because the situations feel so real, it's scary. It makes you see the effect that alcohol can have to ruin and control people's lives.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The Crying Game (1992) - Review

The Crying Game (1992) - Starring Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Adrian Dunbar, Jim Broadbent. Written and Directed by Neil Jordan. Rated R. Available on Netflix Watch Instantly.

The Crying Game is a bizarre film. Once it was over, I didn't know whether I enjoyed it or not. I still don't. What makes this film so difficult to me is that it doesn't fit any type of genre. It starts off as a war hostage thriller, takes a turn into a romantic storyline, and then goes into a crime thriller. And to top it off, there's an insane twist, that while interesting, doesn't really do anything to add to the overall plot. Maybe I'm missing the point of the film. I guess the twist does add to the development of the main character, but it felt random to me.

If you haven't seen the movie, don't let anyone ruin the twist for you. It is better if you don't know what it is going in.

The acting in this film is pretty good, but the directing feels like a typical 90's movie. The interesting part of this movie is the story, because it is so bizarre. It is quite critically acclaimed, but I'm still not sure if I liked it or not.

Rating 3 out of 5.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002) - Review

Punch-Drunk Love - Starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Luis Guzmán. Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Rated R. Available on Netflix Watch Instantly. 

Punch-Drunk Love follows a troubled guy (Sandler) who finds love. That's the simple summery of this movie. But it also includes Sandler's character buying large amounts of pudding and getting in trouble with the operator of a phone-sex line. But the plot isn't really all that strong. What is interesting in this film is the artistic choices made in this film. The visual style and the music that is used takes the film to a whole different level. When the music gets chaotic, the audience can sense Sandler's character's feelings of being overwhelmed. When it gets happy, the character is happy. The music is fantastically utilized. The visual style includes the use of specific colors to express a mood that worked quite well. That is what makes this film compelling.

I also think Adam Sandler did quite great in this film. I found his performance to be much quieter than anything else he had ever been in, which was an interesting choice for Sandler. Hoffman also does fantastic in his too brief appearance.

This film is definitely interesting and an unique perspective for a film, but the plot doesn't seem that strong. But it is a good film, just not one I would watch more than once.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The Way, Way Back (2013) - Review

The Way, Way Back (2013) - Starring Liam James, Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette, Steve Carrell, AnnaSophia Robb, Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry, Zoe Levin, River Alexander. Written and Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. Rated PG-13. Now in Theaters.


The Way, Way Back was a fantastic movie that was lost among all of the big, loud blockbusters that came out this summer. It has a standard concept - a coming of age story set during the summer- but is infused with an unique perspective and sense of humor by the writing/directing team of the Oscar-winning Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (They won an Oscar for their work on the film The Descendants.) The jokes made in this film are great and are evenly paced with the emotional heart of this film. It's compelling and entertaining.

The best part of this film is probably the acting. Everyone is fantastically cast. Steve Carrell does fantastic, playing against type, as the main character's mom's jerk of a new boyfriend. Allison Janney does great as an inappropriate, borderline alcoholic neighbor. Liam James, who portrays the main character, gives a performance that seems wooden and lackluster at first, but on further thought is exactly how a kid that age would act. However, the best actor is Sam Rockwell, an actor who should be more popular than he is. He does absolutely terrific as a waterpark manager, who hasn't really ever grown up. He is a mentor and a friend to the main character at a time when the kid needs someone to be that. Rockwell's humor and charisma elevates this film to be even better than it would've been without him.

While some of this film might feel familiar, the acting and humor make it fresh enough for an audience to really enjoy it. I highly recommend it and it might be my favorite movie of the summer.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Struck by Lightning (2012) - Review

Struck by Lightning (2012) - Starring Chris Colfer, Allison Janney, Rebel Wilson, Dermot Mulroney, Christina Hendricks, Polly Bergen, Angela Kinsey, Sarah Hyland, Ashley Rickards. Written by Chris Colfer. Directed by Brian Dannelly. Not Rated. Available on Netflix Watch Instantly.

Struck by Lightning, written by and starring Glee's Chris Colfer, is a high school movie that tries to put a unique spin on the high school movie genre. Yet it still feels the same. We've seen the scheming, snarky overachiever so many times before. We've seen the kid with a bad home life with a crazy mom and an absent father. This movie doesn't really add much to those elements. Nobody in the film is that likable. Colfer's character is too snarky and bitter to really relate to. Janney, however, does great as always, even though her character is a very typical one.

What makes this film impressive though, is the fact that it's Colfer's first foray into screenwriting and it's not that bad. It shows that he has talent in that area and that, given the chance to develop it, he could become a part of the film industry outside of acting.

I recommend this film for those who are either fans of the high school genre or fans of Colfer. But it's definitely not for everyone.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.