filmchasing Reviews

12 Years a Slave (2013)

A Story of Survival

[8/10 · 16 February 2014]

A free man is captured and sold into slavery.

This film was based on a true story, so for folks like Solomon Northup, there's no escaping the memory of torment from his oppressors. All he has is hope and the will to survive, and that speaks volumes even in today's world.

Brutal to watch (which is the point) but much more difficult to live out (the actors- I commend you).

Steve McQueen takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions. From anger to rage to bewilderment to despair to understanding to hope. There's no sugar-coating any of it; what you get is raw, unfiltered storytelling here, and the actors grab onto it with courage and dive off the deep- end, pulling you along with it.

This film will rip your heart out and hopefully stitch it back together again.

8/10

Detention (2011)

Get Me Outta This Detention...

[6/10 · 16 February 2014]

A serial-killer goes on a rampage of murdering high school students.

A smörgåsbord of every teen movie ever made set in a high school horror story. That said, the visual and stylistic aspects are out of this world.

Sadly, a film can't survive on just that. With no clear mood established, the audience is left confused as to what to feel -- unless you're under the age of 25, media-obsessed and happen to like films that appear surface-cool (i.e. music videos) with one or two "heart-to-heart" moments force-fed into the script.

Overall a fun and strange watch if you don't take it too seriously, but not my cup of tea.

6.2/10

Contagion (2011)

Time To Become A Germaphobe...

[7/10 · 16 February 2014]

International experts race to find the cure of a deadly disease.

Great production values with a slightly sluggish pace are topped off by some solid performances by Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, & Jude Law.

Although the story's definitely compelling, with so many subplots, many characters become unnecessary and/or lack depth.

The ideas don't stray far from similar films of this genre, but at the very least, it's entertaining!

Caveat to the guy who started all the drama in this film: if you're sick due to international travel, stay at home & stop spreading contagious diseases. Thank you.

7.3/10

Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011)

Small-Town Charmer

[7/10 · 16 February 2014]

A man who lives at home follows signs that bring him closer to his destiny.

Most of these characters are facing life/relationship problems, but Jason Segel brings a lovable, quirky dorkiness to a film that inevitably carries lots of heart.

The premise only works if you go along for the ride, and it doesn't hurt that the characters are likable - for the most part.

Part fun, part strange, it's a down-to-earth world that becomes large because of its themes and ideas. Check it out!

7.3/10

Love Me If You Dare (2003)

The French Know How to Have Fun

[8/10 · 1 May 2011]

A game of dare between two friends spans across time, taking playfulness to new heights.

An original love story that is as refreshing as it is creative, with fun elements of magical realism mixed in. There's nothing these characters won't do as they juggle the costs and rewards of their games, with the stakes raised as they get older...

Charming and funny with great performances by all and a few surprises to make sure you're paying attention.

Marion Cotillard wows yet again.

I loved it!

8.4/10

Dark City (1998)

Fascinating World of Darkness

[9/10 · 1 May 2011]

A man wakes to find his memory gone while being hunted by two groups of folks.

It's City of Lost Children meets The Matrix meets the Adjustment Bureau. Inspiring set designs & stylized cinematography add to this scifi-mystery set in an ever-changing metropolis.

Thrown into an eerie world of darkness & confronted by sinister forces, anything can happen. You're never sure what's really going on until the end. Pretty good effects… one can only imagine what they'd look like today.

A visual & cinematic treat heightened by a great score. Bizarre and absolutely fantastic!

The Fighter (I) (2010)

And a one, two, punch

[8/10 · 20 March 2011]

Tale of a boxer against all odds.

Raw, gritty, intense. Everything you'd expect from a boxing movie. Christian Bale really steals the show.

Micky Ward's sisters add a great, humorous balance to this crazy mix of characters.

With the hand-held camera & old-school effects, there's nothing picturesque about this.

Only thing that bothered me was that it felt like a scene was missing at the end.

Altogether? Spirited & inspiring.

8/10

Amélie (2001)

One of my favorite films!

[10/10 · 20 March 2011]

A young woman sets out to better the lives of others & finds romance along the way.

This film started my love affair with cinematography with all of its gorgeous tones & unique framing style filled with such charming, expressive and one-of-a-kind characters! There's such an energy to it!

Everything about this is just good.

Direction, writing, acting, set designs, you name it.

Jean Pierre Jeunet and his endless well of creativity has created a masterpiece of top-notch filmmaking!

10/10

It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

Let's have some fun with this....

[8/10 · 20 March 2011]

A depressed teen admits himself into a psych ward & meets some colorful folks.

Complex issues switched up and told in a free-spirited way. There's nothing sugar-coated about these characters, which is probably why I like them so much. Pluses for having them relate to our current society; these characters could be someone on your own street.

With a narrative & creative style similar to 500 Days of Summer, this is an oddly inspirational tale.

Comic relief provided by the excellent Zack Galifianakis.

Great music, great film!

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Big Brother is Watching

[8/10 · 20 March 2011]

Story of a young politician who decides to take fate into his own hands after meeting a ballet dancer.

Emily Blunt & Matt Damon are electric as they fight for what they want. They each reflect something about society and how our relationships impact our lives.

With danger from a supernatural force, the tension builds to create something entertaining & meaningful. Some really original prop ideas, settings, and characters, even though they could have developed it more.

Although it's a little rough around the edges, it's definitely worth watching for the more unique aspects.

7.7/10

Morning Glory (2010)

Ehhhhh.....

[6/10 · 20 March 2011]

MORNING GLORY

A TV producer gets hired to run a show with poor ratings & a motley crew.

Starts slow, it takes an hour to get to the heart of the story, which to be honest, isn't that great to start with. The characters aren't likable and the acting doesn't feel as genuine as it should, especially for a story like this.

Diane Lane is great so it's a shame she isn't used more. A nice message for workaholics but a bland film overall.

In short, Bridget Jones does it better.

127 Hours (2010)

127 Hours

[8/10 · 20 March 2011]

A mountain climber takes a day trip through canyons & finds himself stuck.

A harrowing struggle of man vs. nature. James gives a brave, believable performance, & you're with Aron every step of his struggle. In addition, you get glimpses of his past and the building blocks that have made him who he is as a person. Gripping stuff.

Fast editing choices that are signature Boyle intersperse with poignant moments beautifully shot.

Universal themes on what it means to survive, endure & live.

I'll never look at water the same way again.

8/10

Let Me In (I) (2010)

Don't Wanna Mess with Her

[7/10 · 20 March 2011]

A 12-year-old boy meets his new neighbor only to find she has a few secrets of her own.

Quietly disturbing horror film that strays on the supernatural side with an almost identical story and style as the original.

While I prefer the directing style of 2008, this one's pretty decent, though it's basically a carbon copy.

There's a generous assortment of bloody, scream-filled moments accentuated by a classy score.

As for the characters? Let's just say you don't wanna get on Moretz's bad side *shudder.*

7.4/10

I Am Love (2009)

Gorgeous to look at........

[8/10 · 20 March 2011]

In a story of identity and passion, a family woman develops a relationship with her son's friend.

Beautiful filmmaking. The music & lighting work to create a timeless, intimate mood. This is a film you could bathe in, if that were possible and you were one to do that sort of thing. You can almost feel what the characters are feeling.

Watch it for the mood & imagery. It's like taking a leisurely journey through layers of meaning. Not a ton of dialogue because the pictures speak loudly.

7.7/10

Boy A (2007)

Fascinating Character Study

[8/10 · 20 March 2011]

A complex story of a young man with a troubled past.

It shows just how far the past can influence the present. Great directing by John Crowley makes you look twice at what you see. Interesting imagery you can look out for.

Andrew Garfield gives such a brilliant performance; his every nuance is truthful and compelling. The question becomes not if, but when will he get his Oscar nod?

I like that this film isn't just a melodrama, it makes you think instead of jump to conclusions.

7.8/10

In the Name of the Father (1993)

Disturbing Truths

[9/10 · 20 March 2011]

A man and his family are accused of the 1974 Guilford pub bombings.

This story is a force to be reckoned with, showcasing the morality of human actions between displays of brutality and tremendous courage.

As for cinematography, really excellent gritty quality that lends itself well to the mood.

A powerful tale of truth and justice. There are some riveting and intense performances, especially by Daniel Day Lewis.

It's impossible not to be rattled after seeing this. It is that strong of a film.

I highly recommend this.

9/10

Unstoppable (2010)

Think "Speed" but on Trains

[7/10 · 20 March 2011]

An engineer & a train conductor try to stop a train from derailing.

A plot that gets your adrenaline pumping as a nonstop, runaway train blasts through every scene. What makes this work is its quick editing and killer sound mixing.

Denzel and Chris Pine make a fine, engaging duo as they charge into some sticky situations & tackle obstacle after obstacle.

Let's be honest, we'll watch anything with Denzel Washington. He's one cool dude.

Based on a true story (though some details are exaggerated). It helps that these characters are based real people. Gives the film an extra oomph.

7.4/10

Rango (2011)

Not bad I suppose.....

[7/10 · 20 March 2011]

A chameleon with an identity crisis stumbles upon a desert town with a water crisis.

As an animation it's pretty good. Solid story, sympathetic & fun main character, but everything else is a little too generic for my tastes. You've seen the same cowboy story a hundred times.

On the plus side, there are some stunning shots of the sky, along with a few adventurous scenes with lots of devilish characters.

If you like films of the animal persuasion, you'll probably dig this. Good morals at the end.

7.4/10

I Am Number Four (2011)

Great Time @ the Cinema

[8/10 · 19 February 2011]

A young man, one of the last of his kind, is on the run from those who want to kill him.

Wow! This film was an absolute blast! Cool effects, intriguing plot line, & impressive battle scenes.

It was like watching Terminator but with supernatural beings.

There's a little something in it for everyone. The sci-fi/fantasy genre mixes in with some romance and action. My kind of flick.

I haven't read the books but here's hoping there's a second film because man this was so entertaining!

Highly recommend watching this on the big screen. This reminded me why I go to the movies.

7.8/10

The American (2010)

Tedious. So many better films.....

[3/10 · 7 February 2011]

An assassin goes to Italy for a job, but things don't go according to plan.

Tedious and dull. If you want a slow-paced film that alienates the viewer for an hour while simultaneously boring them to death, this might be for you. With the occasional scenic shot here or there, but even that those are ineffective without any context.

A summary without revealing too much? George Clooney walks around, sometimes uses a gun, and... that's about it. There's very limited dialogue, plot, and character development. The bland music isn't helping either.

There's nothing exciting, suspenseful or remotely interesting about this.

Never Let Me Go (2010)

A Thought-Provoking Film

[9/10 · 6 February 2011]

A dystopian story of three friends who uncover the meaning of their strange existence.

Visually beautiful & moving. Powerful performances, but Andrew Garfield is exceptional. A thought-provoking drama/romance beneath a dark, unsettling truth.

What's so vital are these characters, who are so human & relatable, yet shown as separate and remarkably different. It's engaging but somber. You'll definitely need some tissues.

The novel by the same name is a great read and digs even deeper into their lives and emotions.

9/10

Tron: Legacy (2010)

Vroom vroom vroom

[7/10 · 18 December 2010]

Summary: A son looks for his father and finds himself in a new world.

A dizzying digital light-show of epic proportions. One awesome soundtrack matches the fast-paced, nonstop action and visual effects perfectly. My pet peeve was that Kevin Flynn, in his 'younger' character, is digitized and looks fake/out-of-place.

However, these guys have built a one-of-a-kind world, the script is interesting, and with a fine cast, this is solid entertainment.

Sort of like watching a really, really good music video, only longer and with cooler graphics.

7.3/10

A Single Man (2009)

A Quality Film

[8/10 · 18 December 2010]

Summary: Day in the life of a man who has just lost the love of his life.

Fascinating character study with a superb performance by Colin Firth thanks to a very well written script. It's dramatic but not too dark. All of the characters are well-rounded and have a hint of intrigue so you want to know what happens next. This film flew by for me.

Along with the vividly beautiful and unique cinematography that correlates to George's emotions, a great score keeps the mood mysterious and poignant. Really good filmmaking.

8/10

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

My rating: 6.8 / 10

[6/10 · 18 December 2010]

Summary: Lucy & Edmund travel back to Narnia with their cousin Eustace for a journey at sea.

Disappointing…the digitized look was less than quality. The story felt too cluttered and not as well-written as the others. Why do we follow Eustace's narrative only sporadically? Overall, not great, but not terrible. Some exciting action in between the odd effects and plot detours.

I am a fan of Narnia, but this strays a bit. Still, it's a magical film made for kids but it probably won't stand the test of time.

6.8/10

Enduring Love (2004)

Painful.......

[5/10 · 27 November 2010]

One tragic event leads a man into a downward spiral.

My two main issues: the script is missing a lot. Without character development, the character motivations are unclear & the characters themselves aren't likable.

Second, Joe's dialogue is weak and makes no logical sense unless he's lost the ability to argue/speak for himself. Great actors aside, strong performances still can't salvage a film with an incomplete storyline (run time: 100min), although it has the potentials of a decent thriller.

Even if the production values are good & the visuals are nice, this film's not good enough.