In 1999, The Blair Witch Project came out in theatres and totally amazed audiences around the globe. Shot with a budget of 22 thousand dollars and filmed on small, handheld cameras, this film took the horror genre to a whole new level. Since then, there have been numerous films that have attempted the same style. These films include Cloverfield, Quarantine, and Paranormal Activity. Now, we have been given the latest attempt in the new film, The Last Exorcism.
In the film, Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) is a minister in Louisiana. Being raised in the church, he has been a messenger for Christ ever since he was a kid. He has even done several exorcisms and helped chase demons out of people. However, in recent years, he seemed to have lost the faith and now believes that exorcisms are just a joke. So, he decides to film a documentary showing him performing one last exorcism to prove that it’s all a sham. So, with a camera crew along for the ride, they drive down to a small farm deep in the middle of nowhere in Louisiana to a farmhouse where a 16-year-old girl named Nell (Ashley Bell) is supposedly possessed by a demon. She lives there with her father and brother. At first, Marcus performs a phony exorcism with simple special effects to make them buy into this madness. When he leaves the farm, he thinks that it went well and that all was in their heads. However, later that night, when Nell shows up at Marcus’s hotel room, he knows that something is wrong with the girl. He believes that she needs psychiatric help, but her father is convinced that she is still possessed and that if Marcus won’t help her, then he must kill her. So, Marcus agrees to do another exorcism. Soon after, Marcus and his camera crew see far much more than they ever thought was happening there. Directed by Daniel Stamm and written by Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland, The Last Exorcism is a very slick and stylish horror film that, unfortunately, is ruined by a very poorly executed and downright awful last 5 minutes.
By first glance, many might see this as another film to follow the tradition of The Exorcist. However, with the style which it was filmed, it certainly feels more like The Blair Witch Project. For the most part, the movie is actually really good. The premise of a minister who has lost the faith and is going to do one last exorcism is very interesting. In fact, my favorite scene in the entire film is where he conducts the phony exorcism because it shows his tricks and how he is able to sell the lie. There are also quite a few good scares in the movie as well that will certainly keep audiences on their toes. This, however, brings me to the negative. With a movie that does such a good job at building a proper horror film and holding the suspense well, the twist that they threw out of left field in the last 5 minutes of the film is so bad that I actually felt that it ruined the entire movie altogether. I personally can’t understand just how the filmmakers came to the decision to end the movie like that.
Bottom line, The Last Exorcism is, for the most part, a very solid scare fest that actually shows that the exorcist is a real person with real issues. However, thanks to the horrible ending, I personally can’t recommend this movie. I guess I would say to see it, but to keep an eye on your watch and leave before it ends. So, with that being said, I give it 2.5 out of 5. Until next time, I’m the Movie Dude saying, “That’s Entertainment!”
Other The Last Exorcism type of films:
The Exorcist
The Blair Witch Project
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Quarantine
Paranormal Activity
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Three years ago, Jason Bateman played a guy who was going to adopt a baby from a teenager in the film Juno. Now, he has finally met his actual son in The Switch.
In the film, Bateman plays Wally, an uptight and neurotic businessman who seems to be perfect at scaring off all women, except for his best friend Kassie (Jennifer Aniston). The two are the best of friends, however Kassie has become desperate to find the right guy so she can have kids which Wally keeps chasing them off. Then, she decides to find a sperm donor and be artificially inseminated. At a special party that she throws to celebrate it, Wally gets very drunk and pours the actual sperm down the drain. So, he replaces it with his own. Soon after the party, Kassie reveals that she is pregnant and that she is moving away to be with her family. Seven years later, Cassie returns with her son, Sebastian and the similarities between him and Wally is so spot on that there is no doubt that is his kid. However, after their return, Kassie begins dating her presumed donor (Patrick Wilson) and Wally forms a tight bond with Sebastian. Wally soon begins to have feelings for Kassie and falls in love with her, but can’t find the moment to tell her the truth about Sebastian. Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, written by Allan Loeb (Based on the short story “Baster” by Jeffrey Eugenides), and featuring a supporting cast that includes Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis, The Switch is a good idea for a Romantic Comedy that, unfortunately, suffers from the same old clichés we have seen before.
Just like every movie he has done before, Jason Bateman has a unique touch that really makes this film worth watching. He has the ability to play the uptight straight man as well as show real emotion to the material presented. However, in terms of The Switch, his performance was really the best thing going for it. In what seemed like a funny and unique idea that would have been comedy gold for the team of Judd Apatow, The Switch settles for mediocrity by using the same old, recycled, run of the mill clichés that we have seen so many times before. For example, in just about every film like this, we always get the best friends that dish out the same old stupid advice. In this case, we have Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis playing the same characters they have played before. Also, in these movies, we always get the new boyfriend that is supposed to complicate the situation, but really seems to be an unnecessary character. As far as Jennifer Aniston goes, while she may have been everyone’s friend on television, in my opinion, she still hasn’t proven to be much of a descent leading lady. Personally, I think she would be better fitted for a more supporting role, like the one she played in Office Space.
In conclusion, The Switch sounds like it could be a real winner, but it settles for average due to the fact that it’s filled with the same old, worn out jokes that make this a predictable and not very funny film. However, the performance of Jason Bateman and the relationship between him and the little boy in the film is so touching that it actually is slightly better than most. Overall, I give it 3 out of 5. Personally, I’d wait for the dvd on this one. Until next time, I’m the Movie Dude saying, “That’s Entertainment!”
Also recommended:
She’s Having a Baby
Office Space
Knocked Up
Juno
The Proposal
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With the summer drawing to a close, maybe you have one last trip in mind. How about a beautiful weekend in Rome? Or, how about going and finding inner peace in India? Better yet, how about the beautiful land of Bali. If these places sound like keen places to visit, but are a little strapped for cash, maybe jet setting to the theatre to join Julia Roberts in her new film Eat Pray Love might suffice.
In the film, Roberts plays Elizabeth Gilbert, a writer who feels like her entire life has spiraled out of control. With her recent divorce from her husband Stephen (Billy Crudup), her new relationship with an actor named David (James Franco) not really going anywhere, and this total feeling of emptiness inside, Liz begins to wonder just what happened to her life. So, in a last ditch effort to keep her sanity, Liz decides to put her entire life on hold for one year to go on a journey of self discovery. First, she heads to Rome. While there, she explores the beautiful architecture of the ancient city, meets new friends that really help her discover what it means to be Italian, and certainly has her fill rediscovering the importance of food in life besides energy. She then moves on to India, where she stays at a sanctuary of a Guru. While there, she is exposed to Indian culture, achieves inner peace through much needed meditation, and meets a man named Richard (Richard Jenkins), who is on a similar journey to find inner peace. Finally, she arrives in Bali, where she looks to find total peace from an elderly Healer. While there, she meets Felipe (Javier Bardem), a man who has felt the same kind of pain that she felt. So, what happens to her at the end of the journey? Well, while the destination is beautiful, it’s really the journey that is most important. Directed by Ryan Murphy and adapted by Murphy and Jennifer Salt (Based on the memoir of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert), Eat Pray Love is a lush and beautiful looking film that may seem very compressed (and it is), but is as rich as life itself.
For some reason, when it comes to movies today, the only ones that get sequels are films that are based off of book series or comics. However, when a film like Eat Pray Love comes around, we really wish it could have been broken up. With each of the three destinations of the film being very rich in character and spirit, I really felt that each of the stops are good enough to be made into separate films altogether. However, the way that they do it by putting it all in one film, we get the feel that it’s too compressed and shallow.
Nevertheless, the film boasts many beautiful and exotic locations. In fact, for a while there, I actually felt like this was a movie made for the Travel Channel. As always, Julia Roberts proves why she is America’s Sweetheart giving yet another good performance. However, it is the supporting actors who really shine in this one. My personal favorite in the film is the performance of Richard Jenkins as a man who is trying to forgive himself for past mistakes.
In conclusion, Eat Pray Love is a sweet movie about life, love, and self discovery. It allows us to not only examine the life of this woman, but it even makes us think about our own lives. Now, grant it, they should have made it into three films to really show the emotional and spiritual significance of each of her destinations, it is a lovely journey that’s well worth taking. Therefore, I give it 4 out of 5. Until next time, I’m the Movie Dude saying, “That’s Entertainment!”
More good films after Eat Pray Love:
Steel Magnolias
Pretty Woman
The English Patient
Erin Brockovich
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With summer coming to a close very soon, it’s probably a good time to go for one last dip. Maybe a trip to the lake might be in order for that. However, before you plan that trip, you may want to rethink that after seeing a movie of profound sensibility, high moral standing, and, oh who am I kidding. The movie is Piranha 3D.
It’s Spring Break, and the town of Lake Victoria is about to be overrun by thousands of drunk, horny college kids looking for a place to party. However, before the fiesta begins, an underwater earthquake opens a cave in the depths of the lake releasing a massive swarm of prehistoric Piranhas. Having to deal with the situation is the town sheriff (Elisabeth Shue) and a scientist (Adam Scott). Meanwhile, her son Jake (Steven R. McQueen) is hired by a porn executive (Jerry O’Connell) to help him find good places to shoot his latest video. Very soon, blood enters the water and the dinner bell is rung as the Piranhas act as literal party poopers eating anything in the water. While I can go into more detail about the other elements of the story, I honestly don’t want to give it all away. Directed by Alexandre Aja, written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, and also featuring an ensemble cast that includes Ving Rhames, Dina Meyer, Kelly Brook, Eli Roth, Christopher Lloyd, and Richard Dreyfuss, Piranha 3D is a very silly horror film with plenty of gore and nudity to go around, but is actually a lot of fun.
Now, before you think that this is going to be an amazing work that is going to be a very special film going experience, let me first explain something. When it comes to a movie like Piranha 3D, you really have to set your expectations very low. For the most part, the story is bad, the effects are silly, the body count is usually massive and they usually die in crazy ways, and the performances are bottom line. Basically, Piranha 3D excels at doing just that. Once the fish hits the fan, there’s certainly enough gore to go around with people getting just about all their limbs ripped off and blood everywhere. Also, for those horny fan boys who felt that Hostel and the Friday the 13th remake didn’t have enough nudity in it, well they will certainly see plenty of it in this.
Now, while it sounds like I’m ripping this film apart the same way the Piranhas in the movie rip apart a drunk idiot (which I kind of am), there are a few good things about it. First of all, the very talented ensemble actually adds a bit more charm to it and makes it more enjoyable because we see these talented actors actually having fun and making something of this craziness. One scene in particular is when we see Ving Rhames rip a boat motor off of a boat and use it to chop up hundreds of fish. For some sick reason, I enjoyed that scene more than if it were a no name actor. Plus, Elisabeth Shue actually does a really good job as the hero of the story, and, as always, Christopher Lloyd is an absolute blast as an eccentric pet shop owner who knows all about these Piranhas for some strange reason.
Bottom line, Piranha 3D is very gory, shows too much skin, and is down right dumb. However, I guess if you go and see a movie called that, I’m pretty sure you weren’t looking for something Shakespearean in the first place. So, while most people will come out saying that it was a bad movie (which it is), I personally enjoyed it because it was 90 minutes of sheer guilty pleasure fun. So, I give it a surprising 3 out of 5. I would say to see it (Especially since it’s in 3D), but I’d really save it for a late night rental. So, until next time, I’m the Movie Dude saying, “That’s Entertainment!”
Here are some other Creature Features Piranha 3D would go great with:
Jaws
Critters
Tremors
Snakes on a Plane
Planet Terror
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In 1983, musician Pat Benatar released the song, “Love is a Battlefield”. This year, Michael Cera discovers that the hard way in the new comedy, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Set in the far away land of Toronto, Cera plays the title role of Scott Pilgrim, a young man who is currently dating a high school girl named Knives Chau (Ellen Wong) and is in a band called “Sex Bob-omb”. However, his world gets rocked when he meets Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a mysterious delivery girl that he believes is the girl of his dreams. Then, just as he thinks he will be able to live happily ever after with Ramona and his band is going to hit it big, Pilgrim discovers a dark secret about his girl. That secret is that she has seven evil exes that have banded together and he must defeat all of them in order to date her. Among her evil exes include a tough as nails action movie star (Chris Evans), a fellow bass player (Brandon Routh), and a nightclub owner named Gideon (Jason Schwartzman). So, will Scott Pilgrim conquer the seven evil exes and get the girl in the end? Well, you don’t really expect me to tell you the ending, do you? I certainly hope not. Directed by Edgar Wright and adapted by Wright and Michael Bacall (Based on the Canadian comic book by Bryan Lee O’Malley) and featuring a talented young cast that also includes Kieran Culkin, Aubrey Plaza, and Anna Kendrick, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a fast paced and trippy action comedy that is an absolute blast.
So far this summer, there have only been a handful of movies that really delivered. Thankfully, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is one such film. After the success of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, British director Edgar Wright continues to wow us with Scott Pilgrim. His type of humor is so silly but smart that it really works for the film. Also, he really makes this film unforgettable with the very “unique” visual style that the film offers. While watching the film, we see wild images that reminds us of video games from the 80’s and 90’s. For example, when a bad guy is destroyed, they turn to coins and a score appears. Plus, with other things like extra lives, super powers, and even the old video game style music, it really feels like we are in a living comic book and that makes it even more interesting. The film also boasts a rockin’ soundtrack will want to make viewers wish there was a band called “Sex Bob-omb”.
The cast is also outstanding and fresh. As usual, Cera brings his very nervous and sarcastic style of comedy and really does well at it. The rest of the cast is also great. However, my personal favorite in the film is Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona. Her comic timing is downright perfect and her and Cera display excellent chemistry that makes the situation even sweeter for us.
In conclusion, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is simply a fun summer movie. While the British style of humor and the radical visuals may not be for everyone and there will be many who will argue me on this, but this film was a very fun and unique experience that is among the best films I have seen this summer. So, I give this 4 out of 5 saying, Game On! So, until next time, I’m the Movie Dude saying, “That’s Entertainment!”
If you enjoyed Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, you will probably enjoy these:
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Shaun of the Dead
Youth in Revolt
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Here’s an idea to think about. If you were to take Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and put them all into one film, what would you get? Well, this actually happens in the new film, The Expendables. While “die hard” action fans have been waiting a long time for this gathering and expect it to be one of the single greatest action films ever, I have a feeling that most will be disappointed.
In the film, Stallone plays Ross, the leader of a group of mercenaries called the Expendables. Among the members in the group are: Christmas (Statham), Yang (Li), Gunnar (Lundgren), Caesar (Terry Crews), Toll (Randy Couture), and Tool (Rourke). After their last mission went awry, Gunnar is kicked off of the team and the fate of the crew is in question. However, after meeting with Mr. Church (Willis) and Trench (Schwarzenegger), the Expendables are assigned to go to an island off the coast of South America to kill a dictator and his followers. The mission gets very risky when their contact, who is actually the sister of the dictator, is captured, and a rogue CIA agent (Eric Roberts) and his bodyguard (Austin) stand in the way. The result is a slam bang, big, over the top finale. Directed by Stallone and written by Stallone and David Callaham, The Expendables certainly feels like a heavy weight with the boom, but is actually a lightweight in disguise.
Obviously, with a film like this, the expectations of delivering a riveting piece of work is thrown out the window and explodes. However, certain things can’t possibly go unnoticed. First of all, for a movie that has an insanely large cast of action movie vets that happens to be called The Expendables, they certainly didn’t take the time to really introduce any of the other characters in the film besides Stallone and Statham. In fact, at times, I found myself asking, “Now, who are these guys?” about some of the other characters like Couture and Crews. Secondly, during the big action scenes, I felt that the camera was moving way too fast that it almost became impossible to be able to tell exactly what was going on. Personally, I would have incorporated the same way of shooting that the way they did 300, which was by pulling the camera back and slowing the action down so we can really get a good look at what is going on. Finally, I felt that with a cast that was that big and for all of the hype that was behind it, the story should have been on a much bigger scale. I think that perhaps them trying to bring down a terrorist organization would have worked better.
In conclusion, The Expendables is a very big, loud, and explosive film that is sheer mindless entertainment. There is no doubt that action movie fans will flock to the theatres and love this film, and they should be satisfied, for the most part, for the action scenes. However, as stated before, I felt that with all of the bang and the stars that they were able to put in the film, they could have done so much more with it to really make it one to remember. Nevertheless, The Expendables is simply a fun, slam bang, no real plot necessary thrill ride that is sure to please fans. I give this film 3 out of 5. So, until next time, I’m the movie dude saying, “That’s Entertainment!”
After The Expendables, check out these action films:
First Blood
Die Hard
Jet Li’s Fearless
Commando
The Losers
The A-Team
(Movie review by WSNO contributor Brad "The Movie Dude" Emge)
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I like Chili’s. And Outback, and O’Charley’s, and all those myriad national chains. But there’s something special about local restaurants, and one of WSNO’s primary purposes is to introduce those locally owned and operated spots to you. So here are a few reasons to try out some area spots this week.
1) KEEP YOUR MONEY HERE.
Chain restaurants get their supplies from corporate warehouses, usually counties or even states away. Local places, though, are far more likely to be purchasing their product from local vendors. That means your money stays in the area and supports local jobs beyond the doors of that one establishment. Local businesses are also traditionally big supporters of community events, activities, and charities. It’s like built-in money recycling!
2) UNIQUE DISHES.
One-of-a-kind dishes come from one-of-a-kind places. Let’s be honest: the national big boys are all variations on the same theme. Sure there are minor differences, but they are just that—minor. But there are innumerable one-of-a-kind places with incredible house specialities you can’t get anywhere else. Just watch Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” sometime if you need some evidence. If you want something special, something unique, hit up a restaurant that is special and unique.
3) THEY’RE FOODIES.
When a menu is developed by and a meal prepared by people who have a passion for food, it shows in taste, quality and service. Local restaurateurs are in the field because they chose to be. They’re invested in it, more often than not, because they love it. It’s the difference between a job and a calling…and that can make all the difference in your dining experience. Eat with a foodie…eat local!
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With the summer movie season in full swing and almost every film being mindless entertainment costing over 100 million dollars to make, a smart, low budget film may be hard to find. However, if you happen to look in the right places, they are out there. One such film is Winter�s Bone.
In the film, relative newcomer Jennifer Lawrence plays Ree Dolly, a 17 year old girl living in the Ozarks with her 2 younger siblings and her very ill mother. With her mother in her condition and her dad in prison, Ree must act as the caregiver to keep the family together. One day though, a bail bondsman comes to the house telling her that her dad skipped bail and put the house up for bail. He informs her that if he doesn�t show for his court hearing, they will lose the house. Desperate to keep a roof over her family�s head, Ree sets out on a frantic search to find her father. She does so by asking many of the locals if they have seen him. At first, they tell her nothing and to go home. However, not satisfied with their answers, she continues to dig deeper to discover the truth. She also looks to her Uncle (John Hawkes) for help finding her father. The road to the truth of her father is not an easy road and ultimately leads her to discover the truth that she was never meant to see. Directed by Debra Granik and screenplay by Granik and Anne Rosellini (Based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell), Winter�s Bone is an emotional powerhouse that is breathtaking and down right heroic.
When it comes to the positive notes about this film, they get it right on every single note. Granik does a brilliant job at capturing the natural beauty of the environment all while capturing the bleak nature of the story without getting too depressing. Granik also shows that she has excellent pacing by building the emotional tension throughout the course of the story. The screenplay captures the humanity of the characters so well that we begin to believe that these are real people and that makes us sympathize with them even more than most other films. However, the one element that really makes this film shine above almost every single film this year is Jennifer Lawrence. Her performance in the film is so gripping and powerful that we truly find ourselves rooting for her to come out alright at the end. She embodies a very fine line between strength and vulnerability that makes this a very admired and well rounded character. In fact, I would even go far enough to say that her performance reminded me of Meryl Streep�s breakout role in 1978�s The Deer Hunter. So, like Streep in that role, this is certainly the breakout role for Lawrence and hopefully will land her an Oscar nomination.
In conclusion, Winter�s Bone is a stunning achievement in filmmaking. Unlike any other film that I have seen this year, this one captures the human spirit far better and is far more compelling. This gives us a character of such inner strength that we really want to root for her more than any superhero or government agent we have seen in any action film this year. It is her conviction to save her family that really inspires us in the long run to do everything possible to make sure our loved ones are taken care of.
So, all and all, Winter�s Bone is a film that is certainly not to be missed and is very easily one of the best films of the year. I certainly hope that people will go and see this film. This is a very powerful, emotional powerhouse that will captivate you and features the best performance I have seen in any film so far this year in the form of new star Jennifer Lawrence. So, with all of that being said, Winter�s Bone very easily gets a 5 out of 5 from me. So, until next time, I�m the movie dude telling you, �That�s Entertainment.�
Winter�s Bone is now in limited release playing at the Aperture Cinema in Downtown Winston as the Carousel Grand Cinema in Greensboro.
Along with Winter�s Bone, also check out these films:
Frozen River
No Country for Old Men
The Wrestler
Crazy Heart
Review by contributing writer Brad Emge
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For many years now, moviegoers have loved buddy cop films. It seems that ever since classics like Beverly Hills Cop and the Lethal Weapon films, studios have been trying to cash in on this popular genre. However, most of them (like Kevin Smith’s Cop Out which came out earlier this year) are not as impressive. Now, we have been given another installment in the form of The Other Guys.
Set in New York City, The Other Guys is about Detectives Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg), two cops that have been put together and assigned to desk duty filling out paper work for Detectives Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson) and Danson (Dwayne Johnson), the two top cops in the city. After looking up to them for some time, Hoitz wants to be the top dog, but Gamble doesn’t want to do any fieldwork. However, when Highsmith and Danson are both killed in the line of duty, just about every cop in the department wants to be the next top dog. After trying to impress the Captain (Michael Keaton) with no luck, Gamble convinces Hoitz to help him investigate a case he was working on that involves a billionaire named David Ershon (Steve Coogan). However, while they are investigating, they get in really deep and end up running for their lives as they get closer to solving the case. Directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay, Ferrell, Jimmy Miller, and Patrick Crowley, and costarring Eva Mendes, Rob Riggle, Damon Wayans Jr., Anne Heche and even Yankee all-star Derek Jeter (in one of the best cameos of the year), The Other Guys is a descent comedy that unfortunately suffers from being just like every other cop film.
After last year’s debacle Land of the Lost, Will Ferrell hopes to rebound with this film. While I’m sure he will do that, I found this to be just an ok film. While there are some good laughs throughout the film, it’s really the same old, over used plot that really lets this one down. Ferrell is back to his old tricks with his odd ball antics. Wahlberg also does a pretty good job with his first turn in a comedy. Also, there are some pretty cool car chases that will certainly excite many, and the closing credits is very interesting because it displays facts about the financial crisis that has gone down over the past couple of years. However, the story really lets this one down. By that, I mean that they pass by the opportunity to really give us an awesome story to give us just the average, run of the mill cop film that we have seen so many times. Plus, as far as the humor goes, the big laughs are few and far between and numerous instances of mindless, out of left field bantering about totally ridiculous stuff is there to fill in. After a while, I actually felt that the Judd Apatow crew should have stepped in to really spice it up with their R rated brand of humor that really ticks.
In conclusion, The Other Guys is not a bad movie. In fact, it is actually a descent little comedy that is certainly better than Cop Out. However, the word descent is the best word I can use to describe it. While it does offer some good laughs and cool car chases, the story is what brings this one down and leads me to say that this is not a must see movie. Nevertheless, I give it 3 out of 5. Will Ferrell fans will probably love it, but I personally say wait for the dvd on this one. So, until next time, I’m the movie dude saying, “That’s Entertainment.”
Other good buddy cop films to consider:
The Lethal Weapon Series
The Die Hard Series
Hot Fuzz
Review by contributing writer Brad Emge
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“Welcome, to the real world.” This memorable line from the 1999 hit The Matrix was a sign that our world would never be the same again. Just 10 years later, James Cameron’s Avatar changed the world, much like The Matrix did. Now, in 2010, a new film has come out that may make us forget about those groundbreaking films. The movie is Inception, from director Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
In the film, DiCaprio plays Cobb, a thief who also specializes in a very rare form of robbery. He and his associates have the ability, thanks to a machine, to travel into other people’s dreams and steal their secrets and ideas, which is referred to as extraction. After his latest job, which was really more like a test, Cobb is hired by Saito (Ken Watanabe) to perform one last job. However, this time, the task is different. Instead of stealing an idea, Saito wants Cobb to commit inception (which involves planting an idea in someone’s mind through their dreams. With the promise that he will finally be able to return home, Cob accepts and begins to assemble his team. Among the members of his team are: Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) “The Point Man”, who does the research involving the targets; Eames (Tom Hardy) “The Forger”, who specializes in impersonations; Yusuf (Dileep Rao) “The Chemist”, who comes up with the drugs necessary to enter the dream world; and Ariadne (Ellen Page) “The Arcitect”, who is to design the dream world for them to enter. Their target is Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), a young man who has just inherited a major company from his late father. With all of the players in place, the game begins as they all enter the dream world. However, there is a wild card in the deck, which is called The Shade (Marion Cotillard) and makes this a very interesting game. While I could easily go on for the next hour about intricate details, I really don’t want to ruin the surprises that await.
Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, Inception is a pulse pounding, visually stunning, and flat out amazing in every detail. With an outstanding cast that also includes Michael Caine, Tom Berenger, and Pete Postlethwaite, Inception is a pitch perfect example of what happens when you cast the right people in the right roles. DiCaprio gives yet another fine performance, Page, Cotillard, and Watanabe are all outstanding, yet I think that it’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy who really steal the show here. Visually, Nolan and crew have really done a great job by moving cities, running trains down the middle of the street, and even shifting water in a glass to make us realize that anything can happen when we dream.
Bottom line, Inception is a rock solid film from a great director who has made yet another great film experience. Ever since his 2000 film Memento, director Christopher Nolan has wanted to bring us very smart and complex thrillers that will stay with us long after the credits have finished, and boy has he ever. After Memento, Nolan gave us Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, and now, Inception. With this very impressive line of films, Nolan, in my mind, has secured himself not only as the best “modern” filmmaker, but one of the best directors ever. He shows an eye for the odd and brilliant much like Hitchcock and Kubrick.
So, in closing, Inception is the big movie event that we have been waiting for all summer. It shows that a 200 million dollar budget can be spent on a film and make it great. It also shows that summer blockbusters can be very intricate and intelligent. And it shows that, though we live in a world of sequels, remakes, and reboots, there is still hope for the human brain to come up with anoriginal idea that achieves the level of being a masterpiece. Until next time, I’m the Movie Dude and “That’s Entertainment!”
Inception: 5 out of 5.
If you love Inception, get caught up in these other mindbenders:
Blade Runner
The Matrix
Memento
The Prestige
The Dark Knight
(NOTE: This review is by contributing writer Brad Emge)
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IT'S HERE!!!
Today we will be adding a link on WinstonSalemNightOut to National NightOut Radio. The link will be directly below the Search Box on the upper right side of your page. This will open the player in a new window so you can listen as you browse WinstonSalemNightOut.com. You can choose Rock, Country, Christian or more raw music in the 18+ tab simply by clicking on the tab of your choice. Local bands will be able to upload their own music and once it is reviewed for content and quality it will be played on over 250 Night Out stations across North America. National exposure for your local band!
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80°F
