The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

“Well, I’m back,” I said, plopping into my cushioned movie theater seat. Back again for another journey into Middle Earth.

To say that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a buzzy film would be like trying to admit that it didn’t have a ridiculous name. It was the event of the holiday movie season. Especially after the news that Peter Jackson would split the film into three parts AND had filmed the movie in 48 Frames Per Second versus the usual 24 fps. I was mostly excited to see Martin Freeman of Sherlock fame get introduced to American audiences.

But unfortunately, due to the 2D showing being sold out (BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS 2D IS WAY BETTER HOLLYWOOD) I had to see it in 3D. UGH. In line with that, all 3D showings are shown in 48 FPS which I had heard makes scenes look really fake, like a soap opera. Double whammy right?

Sort of. In many ways it was as awful and horrible as I had imagined it to be, but in others I was slack jawed, drooling over the cinematic effects exploding in front of my undeserving pupils.

Let’s recap the story for all you nerds who didn’t read The Hobbit or just haven’t seen it. About 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, the dawrven realm under Mt. Erebor (The richest in all the land) was utterly decimated by the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) who envied the Dwarve’s gold for himself. Smaug took the mountain as his own and the remnants of the Dwarf people wandered Middle Earth looking for a new home. By a chance meeting, Gandalf the Grey (Ian Mckellen) and the remaining Dwarf royalty Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), grandson of the king that lost Erebor hatched a plan to take back the mountain. Along with the 13 dwarves, Gandalf picked Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) an unassuming, proper Hobbit from of the Shire that never went on adventures, to join them.

For those that read the book, this particular film ends right after the group escapes from the mountains and is attacked by wolves. They look forward to Mirkwood (also known as the Greenwood) in the next film and a conversation between Bilbo and Smaug (MEANING WE GET A SUPER AWESOME SHERLOCK REUNION).

After The Lord of the Rings was met with much success, it wasn’t a question of when The Hobbit would be made, but a question of when. It took a while but I am glad that Peter Jackson eventually took the helm again with all major characters that could return, joining the cast. But then the dreaded news, PETER JACKSON SPLITS THE HOBBIT INTO 3 PARTS! This was preceded by the news that Jackson was going to split it into TWO parts. Gasp! Traitor. He is obviously just giving in to those wallet molesting baddies in Hollywood. For shame! I yelled, the loudest of detractors. Until I read an interview with Ian Mckellen who basically said that if anyone thought Peter Jackson did this because of Hollywood then they are sorely mistaken. The film split into 3 parts because Jackson decided to incorporate an incredible amount of detail that was included in Tolkien’s appendices to The Lord of the Rings but not in the original books.

All right Jackson, I’ll put up with it. But it better be good!

Guess what? It was. The Hobbit was originally intended as the children’s book it has turned out to be. But the events that occur within shaped everything that occurred in The Lord of the Rings, and not just the discovery of the ring. There’s so much more happening in the background, the Necromancer in the ruined castle of Dol Guldur, the Dawrven assault on Moria and Gandalf’s efforts to strengthen the Northern kingdoms in time for Sauron’s assault (Which didn’t just occur on Gondor, he attacked Erebor and the free city of Dale at the same time). It really adds a wonderful amount to the story and makes me want Jackson to do The Lord of the Rings again and make that EVEN LONGER! Yes, I am a Tolkien nerd. Don’t hate. So for now I am entirely pleased with the decision to break these films into three parts.

But now let’s get back to those visual hangups. The very first scene in the movie (between an old Bilbo and Frodo) looked awful. I regretted it entirely. Everything looked fake. You can tell they are acting. And this happened throughout the movie, you gradually get more used to it. But with very personal scenes the effect is very offputting. Backing up though, the effect is marvelous. Combined with 3D the scenery effects were mindblowing. I couldn’t get enough of them. I wish there was an option to switch back and forth. I honestly can’t decide if I would do it again. I’m going to go with no, but don’t let that drag you out of doing it. As an aside, I had a humongous headache afterwards from the 3D.

At the end of the movie I needed more. I craved more. Even though I knew it was almost 3 hours long, I wanted it to keep going. And that’s the problem, it doesn’t feel like a complete story because they never reach their destination. I would much rather watch all three at the same time then sit through one and not continue. I doubt I will watch it again without the other ones in hand.

It’s hard to return to a world that you loved so much the first time. But Jackson has definitely done the best he possibly could. Ian Mckellen and Martin Freemen were powerhouses, dragging me into the film. While there are some characters that weren’t in the original book (Rattagast the Brown, Azog, Saruman, Galadriel) their additions have added so much more to an incredibly complicated story.

Lord of the Rings fans should see this movie at once and recognize its brilliance within the overall story. They should forgive the childish tone, especially since it is still quite violent, and enjoy the incredible scenery. But wait for the next two before you buy it.

3 out of 4 stars

-Christopher O’Connell

P.S. The rock people were not in the book and totally weirded me out. Also, sorry for this length.

Lockout: A Quick Review

This is a terrible movie too. Actually when I searched for the Act of Valor poster, a poster for Lockout popped up.

Who greenlit this? There is quite literally the worst CGI sequence I have ever seen in a movie. It completely sets the tone for the eyeballmicrowaving awfulness that follows. Are all badguys in the future Irish terrorists?

On the plus side, Guy Pearce is super cool and should definitely become an action hero. And Maggie Grace is pretty attractive.

1/2 a star out of 4

-Christopher O'Connell

Act of Valor: A Quick Review

God, what a shitty movie. And a terrible way to celebrate veterans. Don't see it, go see Zero Dark Thirty or something. I've seen youtube videos with better quality that don't waste an hour of my time. Seriously, search Freddiew and thank me later.

On the plus side, at least they weren't afraid of killing off characters, props to that.

0 out of 4 stars

-Christopher O'Connell

Flight

It has been 12 years, but Robert Zemeckis is briefly back to making live-action movies (Remember Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Castaway, etc?).  Flight stars the always wonderful Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, and one of the best supporting actors, John Goodman.  

Whip Whitaker (Washington) is a extraordinarily talented pilot, which comes in handy when the plane hits turbulence or possibly has a equipment malfunction and he has to make a crash landing.  Luckily, he is able to save the lives of just about everybody on the plane.  Unluckily for him, he is addicted to drugs and alcohol and people begin to start investigating the possible causes of the crash. Whip must deal with his own addictions, while trying to relieve himself of possible blame for the ordeal.  Goodman plays Whip's best friend and the source of much of his cocaine and other drugs.

Like with such actors/actresses as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, and Sally Field, I would pretty much watch Denzel Washington in anything.  He is an incredibly talented lead actor and was able to portray someone who is completely controlled by their addictions and dealing with his ex-wife and poor relationship with his son.  He makes it all seem pretty effortless...which I suppose is what is entailed in being a great actor.  Also, John Goodman is awesome in anything he does.  I have loved seeing him in small roles in several movies this year.  He does not disappoint in his couple scenes in Flight.  He is absolutely hilarious in his couple scenes, including visiting Whip in the hospital, complete with cigarettes and dirty magazines.  

Just a heads up, the beginning of the film is a little scandalous.  If you wish to watch the movie without all of the skin, then simply skip the first five minutes.  I promise you will not miss any key plot points and you may feel better about yourselves for making that judgement call.  

I enjoyed this movie.  It has great actors, an exciting plane crash scene, gave some nice information about addictions, and hopefully was such an enjoyable experience for Robert Zemeckis, that he will want to make many more live action movies.

3 out of 4 stars...Denzel Washington and John Goodman...if you don't like them, then stay home and don't go to the Redbox when it comes to DVD

-Joseph Sbrilli 

Skyfall

It isn’t often we are treated to a Bond film. Oh wait, yes it is. It happens all the time. With stunning regularity. Probably the longest running movie series (Anyone know what number Land Before Time is at?) Bond is a movie staple that refuses to die. The only character who is okay to replace actors with; Giving filmmakers the chance to revive a character that should have gone stale long ago. Director Sam Mendes has taken the old martini Bond formula and given it a good shaking, resulting in the best Bond in years.

                

A little caveat for this entire review: I HATED both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Oh look, Bond is playing cards. He’s still playing cards. He just had a heart attack! Good thing the only gadget they gave him besides a smartphone was a defibrillator in his car. More cards. Testicle rope smacking. The end. That’s my synopsis of Casino Royale. I don’t even remember Quantum of Solace because I’m pretty sure I fell asleep. The bad guy was a wuss and the editing was a stunning homage to Transporter 3.

                

So I was a little wary heading into Skyfall. Even after seeing all the rave reviews. But it was all for naught because it’s a great film. It starts with a thrilling chase through Istanbul and a classic train fight. Unfortunately Bond gets shot by another agent and falls off the train seemingly to his death. But of course not. He kind of just ditches the whole spy thing and lives on a tropical island doing his thing. He comes back when an unknown terrorist blows up MI6 headquarters in order to stick it to M (Judi Dench).

                

Despite being an obviously broken man who isn’t as quick as he used to be, M sends out Bond to find out who blew up her office and who stole a data file containing all British secret agents embedded in terrorist organizations around the globe. The terrorist in question is former MI6 operative with questionable sexual tendencies and a bone to pick with M named Silva, played absolutely wonderfully by Javier Bardem.

                

In general this film feels more like a Bond film than the other two films helmed by Craig. We finally have a Q, all though his gadgetry is lacking. The Aston Martin makes an appearance, there’s thrilling set pieces, Moneypenny is finally brought in and finally we have a bad guy who can put up a fight.

               

But what sets Skyfall apart is the deeper themes running through it. We have Bond, reeling from a gunshot wound and semi-betrayal trying to perform at his peak. We have the constant tension of two agents (Bond and Silva) bound by their inability to ever give up, constantly trying to put the other off their guards. And finally we have a deep Oedipus Rex theme running through both Bond and Silvia’s relationship to M. Silva, being left for dead and disfigured because of M’s choices and Bond because, well, essentially the same thing. Just not as horrifying. Considering they both call her mom, this one could be explored pretty deeply. “Mommy’s been very bad.”

                

It’s also incredibly artistic, which I entirely credit to Sam Mendes. One of the most beautiful fight scenes is set in almost pitch black darkness with occasional gun fires. The whole time the audience is wondering which is Bond and which is his enemy. It was beautiful and done in one incredibly choreographed shot.

                

There are some things I take some issue with. Bond was clearly, and I mean CLEARLY, shot twice in the intro. But they only mention or show the one hole in his body. And he cuts out the bullet, weeks or even months later, BY HIMSELF with a combat knife. But realism isn’t really Bond’s thing. Q gives him two gadgets (if they can be called that) a gun that only shoots when Bond’s holding it, and a radio transmitter. Wow Q, going over the top. Bond lets that one girl die pretty easily, and the whole third act, while being a well shot awesome scene, is basically just Home Alone 4. Didn’t anyone think to call for backup at any time? No? All right, this just became Rambo.

                

The film rises above all that though. It is most certainly a ‘Bond’ film, with deeper plots and one of the greatest Bond villains of all time. The addition of Ralph Fiennes is also a wonderful change and I am hopeful for the next two in the series that Craig has signed on for, before he gets way too old and they need to find a new actor. I hope they change things up and give us a black Bond next time.

3 out of 4 stars

-Christopher O’Connell

Argo

I have long said that the only time I can stand Ben Affleck in a film is when he personally directs it. Or he has a very large hand in the films creation. Or if he dies within the first twenty minutes (Thank you Smokin’ Aces). Because Ben Affleck, is a great director. Not just good, not just talented, but great. Gone Baby Gone could have been a fluke. The Town meant that there had to be another reason besides a fluke. And now Argo confirms it, Affleck knows what he is doing.

                

Set amidst the political turmoil of late 70s and early 80s Iran, Argo is the story of six American embassy employees who were rescued through a hilariously sitcom like plan and international cooperation. If you remember your history correctly, you will remember that under the Carter administration the U.S. Embassy in Iran was taken over by a very anti-U.S. Iranians. About 40 or so Americans were held captive for over a year in Iran. What most people don’t know is that six of them escaped before the place was overrun and took shelter at the Canadian Ambassador’s home.

                

Enter CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck). A specialist in exfiltration, Mendez was assigned the responsibility of getting them out. After running through plan after plan that just didn’t seem to work Mendez got a crazy idea: pretend the Americans were a Canadian film crew working on a sci-fi film that they wanted to film a part of in Tehran. Mendez flies into Iran pretending to be Canadian, and gets the Americans to do the same so that they can all fly out together.

                

And it’s all a true story! Mostly. But the story that we have, however Hollywoodized is wonderful. The opening scenes of the movie, the gathering crowd outside the embassy, the horrified employees inside quipping, “it looks bigger today,” are so tense, everyone is waiting for the pin drop. And drop it does when the protesters finally decide to climb the wall.

                

Tense is the name of the game. The opening scenes, the walk and drive through crowded squares of angry Iranians and the final harrowing airport scene where one slipup of identity results in probable death for all involved.

                

The superb acting by all involved, especially Bryan Cranston, Ben Affleck, John Goodman, and Alan Arkin, coupled with both fantastic writing and pacing provides for a very entertaining film that does almost nothing wrong.

                

There are a couple of things I noticed. One, is the Iranian girl who looks like she might betray the Americans but instead risks her life for them. When she crosses the border to Iraq, we see nothing more of her. She isn’t explained in the credits which leads me to believe she was an entirely fabricated character for an interesting plot point.

                

And that is a real detriment throughout. There’s a nagging thought that reappears, “how much of this is real?” And for me, after doing some quick wikipediaing, enough of it is to disappoint me.

                

But the spirit of the film is still all there. The tension is through the roof and the sharp writing is both entertaining and dramatic. I’m sad I didn’t see it sooner.

4 out of 4 stars

-Christopher O'Connell

Trouble with the Curve

Clint Eastwood has lied to us again.  In 2004 he claimed he would retire from acting after Million Dollar Baby, four years later he made the same claim with Gran Torino.  Now he's back to fake retire from acting in Trouble with the Curve.  It was directed by Robert Lorenz and co-stars such talented people as Amy Adams, John Goodman, and Justin Timberlake.

Eastwood plays Gus Lobel a baseball scout.  He has eye problems though, so people want to force him to retire so that computers and young people can decide if a kid has talent or not.  Being the grumpy old man that he is, Gus will have none of that.  Luckily Pete Klein (Goodman), who is Gus' boss-friend combination asks his daughter, Mickey (Adams) to go along with him.  Not only is she a sassy lawyer with issues with her father who abandoned her as a child, but she also has talent for recognizing talent.  Somewhere along the way Johnny Flanagan (Timberlake), a young baseball scout joins in the fun and tries to woo Mickey.

This film has gotten mixed reviews, I must admit.  I got over it pretty easily, so hopefully other fans of the cast members can as well. Is it cheesy?  Yes, a little bit, but not Full House cheesy, so I thought it was fine.  Do we know what's going to happen between Gus and Mickey and Mickey and Johnny?  Oh for sure.  Clint Eastwood is a softy at heart and Justin Timberlake is very good looking.  

The acting and casting was great in this movie.  Eastwood and Adams have extremely natural chemistry with each other.  After The Fighter, and every movie that is not The Fighter, I have to learn to completely trust Adams' acting instincts.  If needed she can be just as tough as Eastwood, while still being beautiful and charming enough to entice that guy who sang that Madonna song.  I found out that Justin Timberlake is hilarious, so now it is a pleasure for me to watch him in movies.  Also, I love John Goodman, so very much...so if he gets a couple scenes in a movie than I'm completely in.  Comedy, drama, voice acting...does it all flawlessly.  

It was kind of long ago since I saw this, but I think I teared up at one point, so people have that scene to look forward though.  Sometimes you just need a movie to manipulate your emotions.

Also, Clint Eastwood is an American legend and a tremendous talent, in front of and behind the camera.  It does not matter that he plays some variation of the same character.  It works for him.  

To this day I still smile and/or laugh when I hear Clint Eastwood say, "What are you fellas starin' at?  I'm not a pole dancer."  If that's not hilarious coming from him, then I just don't know what is.  

That's about it.  I loved the cast and found it to be an enjoyable couple hours.  Sure, Eastwood and the rest of the cast have done more memorable work, but I'm completely okay with supporting the careers of these lovely people.

2 1/2 stars out of 4.

-Joseph Sbrilli