Malawski's Movie Mania

Friday, January 19, 2018

Review Series: The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)

Batman Begins (2005)

He has been a staple in the confines of comic books. And now, the legendary "Dark Knight" gets a screen adaptation worth viewing. Unlike the 1989 "Batman" film starring Michael Keaton, where it relied heavily on comedy, this new take on the caped-crusader is heartfelt, emotional, and amazing.

Christian Bale does an amazing job in his performance as both Bruce Wayne and the Batman. Bale dawns the billionaire turned Gotham saving, Joker crushing and Bane destroying superhero in a performance that improves throughout the trilogy.

Christopher Nolan directs the first entry of the trilogy. Nolan does an excellent job making this look at the batman in a way that is fulfilling and satisfying. He uses any and all means necessary to make audiences feel the tension alongside Bales character(s). Nolan proves that this installment is a solid start to the legendary superhero saga.

Not only does Bale do an amazing job at portraying the hero/billionaire, but other cast members: Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman do a fantastic job at their respective roles.

The action and the films score are the films most pivotal elements. The action is practically everywhere in this film and it makes the film more exciting. The score on the other hand, is absolutely chilling. Collaborative duo Hans Zimmer (The Lion King) and James Newton-Howard (6th Sense) craft an eerie score to fit the tone of the film, which is primarily fear and darkness.

The film has an emotional intensity unlike anything I have seen before. This films emotional impact will stay with you throughout it's runtime of almost 2 and a half hours.

Cue the batman theme from the 1960's show. No. Don't. But anyway since that theme was just too cheesy, suitable for its presentation, it wouldn't fit with the overwhelming darkness of this film. The legendary character from the DC Comics gets an adaptation so rightfully deserved.

Rate: A-

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman, with Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 20 Minutes

Synopsis: The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation of the perennially popular comic-book series. The young Bruce Wayne (Gus Lewis) leads a privileged life as the son of wealthy, philanthropist parents, both of whom stress their commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of crime-ridden Gotham City. After his mother and father are murdered by a mugger, however, Wayne grows into an impudent young man (Christian Bale), full of rage and bent on retribution until encouraged by his childhood sweetheart, Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), to search for answers beyond his own personal vendettas. Wayne eventually finds discipline in the Far East under the tutelage of Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows who guides him in the study of martial arts -- and the ways in which an ordinary man can hone his senses to an almost superhuman acuity. After seven years away from Gotham, Wayne returns, determined to bring peace and safety back to the city. With the help of his faithful manservant, Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a scientist at his late father's corporation, Wayne develops a secret identity as Batman, a masked fighter for justice. But when a shady psychiatrist (Cillian Murphy) joins forces with the criminal underworld, Wayne realizes that putting an end to their nefarious plans will be very difficult indeed. Batman Begins also features Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon and Tom Wilkinson as the crime boss Carmine Falcone.

Photo: Warner Bros

The Dark Knight (2008)

http://malawskismoviemania.com/2016/08/the-dark-knight-2008.html?m=

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

A fire will rise. The monumental conclusion to the stunning and box-office smash series "The Dark Knight", ends here. The franchise has been an utter sensation since it first debuted in 2005. And now, it goes all out on trying to be the best of the series, topping the prior installment "The Dark Knight". It's fantastic, maybe not as much as the first film however, it does an excellent job at wrapping up the story of the Batman in a marvelous and action packed way.

He's dealt with Jokers, the mafia, Ra's Al Ghoul and now the sinister masked Bane. What makes Bales performance in this film unique beyond all measures, is his relentless efforts to portray the batman as a flawed yet determined character.

Nolan out does himself for the third and final who-rah. It's amazing because themes of severe pain and brokenness makes this film even more interesting. He also adds even more action than the first two films.

Once again, Hans Zimmer makes another gripping score to grab at audiences. It's fast paced, just like the film, and it has the consistency of getting more and more chaotic as the film progresses.

Newbies for this final chapter: Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy-plays a psychotic Bane, and Marion Cotillard define the franchise as it stands once the films credits roll. Their performances are phenomenal and special.

Perhaps it's the most successful franchise of its kind, "The Dark Knight", has been an iconic and revolutionary piece of cinema that fans of all kinds of film, even superhero films, will love. But be forewarned, this trilogy isn't your average superhero tale. This film presents an amazing and chilling end to an iconic saga of an iconic superhero.

Rate: A

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, with Joseph Gordon-Levett and Morgan Freeman

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 25 Minutes

Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

The Commuter (2018)

This new Liam Neeson thriller is similar to his other work "Non-Stop". In that film, his character has to save an airplane full of passengers, while in this film, he has to save passengers on a train inbound to the New York town of Cold Spring. I felt like this film was just like the airplane thriller, just in a different setting. This film was good, however, it was slow at the start picked up as it went on, and was too much like the 2014 film "Non-Stop".

Every film Neeson is in, he somehow manages to be the butt kicker of the film. And for this film, he is more so the watchful eye of suspicion. He does a good job at giving audiences an intriguing performance but his action sequences are dry and miss an opportunity to go all out crazy.

Jaume Collet-Serra, director of "The Shallows", conducts the madness on the train. He uses dramatic elements of suspense but has the tendency to drift off into a bit of boringness. And with a dry screenplay, this film is mediocre for its nature.

The film's score, made by Roque Banos, is suspenseful but doesn't necessarily fit into the climate. It seems too dramatic for a film like this. I would say that this film would be better if the score wasn't so dramatic.

This film has the ultimate elements of suspense and thrilling qualities. That is what makes the film enjoyable to watch. It also offers mystery and thought-provoking storytelling.

Would you do anything to a stranger if it benefited you and you didn't know what it was you had to do? Whatever your decision is, it could have consequences like in the film. This film is one of the years first thrillers and action films. It's a good one, but it is a little familiar to other works of Neeson's.

Rate: B-

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Starring: Liam Neeson, Verma Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth McGovern

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some intense action/violence, and language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Synopsis:
Insurance salesman Michael is on his daily commute home, which quickly becomes anything but routine. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Michael is forced to uncover the identity of a hidden passenger on the train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realizes a deadly plan is unfolding, and he is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy that carries life and death stakes for everyone on the train.

Photo: Studiocanal Studios

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Darkest Hour (2017)

The second film of the year to depict the events of World War II, the operation dynamo. The first film of the year to tell war tale was "Dunkirk". That film told more of the war in a combative style, whereas this film details the political turmoil in the United Kingdom and throughout the rest of Europe during this time. I have always been fascinated with history and films telling history. This film is unique in every way. You see the utter wit of quirky, yet feared leader, Winston Churchill. Gary Oldman is magnetic. He gives one of the best performances of the year in a fearless and determined fashion. This film is more in-depth historically and politically speaking, than any other film of its kind.

Director Joe Wright, makes an astonishing historical epic. It's filled to its utmost capacity with knowledge, truth and politics. It's a very engaging film that does well on keeping the story alive. This film also has the element of sophistication. It's the actors and actresses. The action, the drama and the score flowing so gracefully together that make this film even more necessary for viewing pleasure.

Not only does Oldman pull off a remarkable performance, but Lily James, who plays his secretary, does an outstanding job with all the madness day-and-out. The two make for an even amazing duo that's meant to be because they have instantaneous chemistry on screen. James' Ms. Layton, holds together Oldman's Trump-esq Churchill. Churchill is essentially the Donald Trump of his days, or maybe Trump is Churchill of now? Whatever the case may be, Churchill wasn't liked by different thinkers, same goes for Number 45. Churchill did amazing things for the UK and Trump is essentially trying to emulate that leader quality. How's that for a comparison? Eh?

The most striking thing to me about this film, was how Churchill described Hitler. He often referred to him as a Tiger. This was one of the films top chilling moments, after a group of soldiers getting sealed their fates by the fascist Germany.

On top of these amazing performances, the drama and war sequences are even more gripping. They grab you in so much that you can feel the intensity of what's happening. The score is also a major component to this films success factors. Dario Marianelli, assembles a riveting dynamic of sound. The score might not be as heart pulsating as Hans Zimmer's works for Dunkirk but, it is it's own creation. They're both part of the same story, just different avenues of the War were covered in them.

There were a lot of powerful moments in this film, but a few stand out for me. One, a scene where Churchill is late for work and has to take the "Underground". This is the equivalent of the "Subway". Winston gets in the train, and several British citizens surround him in shocking stares, silence and bewilderment. Two, the end scene, when PM Churchill gives a tumultuous and passionate speech. In his speech, he calls for the country to be warming and welcoming, united, yet vigilant. This speech showed that not all are created to be gifted orators-( Paging 45). It also showed the power of God is with them shoulder to shoulder to eradicate the Devil on Earth.

War of words? Or a War of choices? Whatever the case may be, World War II, was an economic and a human catastrophe. The leadership of Winston Churchill, was one of strength, struggle and determination. He had a battle plan but it was difficult to execute it. This film's subjects are rare, so rare that it's fitting for the current climate in their friend across the pond, good ol' America. Be that as it may, this film is a stunner. It should be witnessed by history lovers and those who like true-story based films.

Rate: A

Director: Joe Wright

Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristen Scott-Thomas, Ronald Pickup

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some thematic material)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes

Synopsis: A thrilling and inspiring true story begins at the precipice of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.

Photo: Focus Features

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Battle of the Sexes (2017)

It's one of the most highly watched sporting event of all time, the "Battle of the Sexes", tells the true story of Women's Tennis champion, Billie Jean King and her male rival, 55-year old Bobby Riggs. This film is an absolute inspiring epic of determination and resilience. This film does however, include one major setback. It's the story of King's lesbian affiar against her own husband. Other than that I'd say that this film is one of the years best true-story films.

Directors of Little Miss Sunshine, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris helm this tale. It's so gripping in this sense of the sport. The time this film is centered is when the real "BOTS" occurred in the 1970's and we see as viewers how it would've been. Faris and Dayton make it so real (again) in 2017 that you feel like you are there watching it in real time.

Emma Stone and Steve Carrell duke it out on the court as the dynamic duo. Stone's portrayal of King is so graceful and beautiful while Carrell's take on Riggs is aggressive and obnoxious. The two make some of the best performances to date. Despite thinking "La La Land" is still Stones best. Close second for this one? This is a first for Carrell.

Nicholas Britell serves up a score that is wonderfully peaceful and is stable with the film and all that surrounds it.

In 1973, the country was taken by awe with the charm of Billie Jean King. They stood with her as she and her teammates and associates close to her fought for an equal chance in this sport she loved so much. 45 years later, this film chronicles the hard fought and inspiring story of courage, determination and grace. Despite the sexual storyline and sequences, "Battle of the Sexes" is charming and is a memorable film.

Rate: B

Directors: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Starring: Emma Stone and Steve Carrell

MPAA Rating: PG-13 -(for some sexual content and partial nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours

Synopsis: The electrifying 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs was billed as THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES and became the most watched televised sports event of all time. The match caught the zeitgeist and sparked a global conversation on gender equality, spurring on the feminist movement. Trapped in the media glare, King and Riggs were on opposites sides of a binary argument, but off-court each was fighting more personal and complex battles. With a supportive husband urging her to fight the Establishment for equal pay, the fiercely private King was also struggling to come to terms with her own sexuality, while Riggs gambled his legacy and reputation in a bid to relive the glories of his past. Together, Billie and Bobby served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis courts and animated the discussions between men and women in bedrooms and boardrooms around the world.

I,Tonya (2017)

Once hailed as the world's best ice-skater, Tonya Harding, most infamous for her outrageous behavior and the attack on Nancy Kerrigan. This film laments that drama and the beginnings to one of sports most disgraced figures. This fillm has the format of a documentary, but, is not a documentary, in a sense it is, but it has dialogue and the action to keep the film going. This film is one helluva ride, one of the years most insane experiences.

Craig Gillispie, dives right in the action. What is thrilling about what he does, is the overall sense of drama and seriousness that comes with this crazy, real story. Star Margot Robbie is absolutely sensational.

She's crazy and broken yet whole. Robbie plays Harding in a way that is almost too real. Playing her abusive mother, is Allison Janney. Janney plays Harding's mother in an amazing way. You almost want to feel sorry for her daughhter. She may as well be played in a more chaotic way then her daughter.

This film has so much heart and drama that it's almost too dramatic. I guess that's the case for the events surrounding this film. It shows that people will go to the lowest of lows to acheive greatness. Even if that means bashing in your competitor, best friends knee for success.

This film is crazy exciting. It's dramatic. It's non-stop agression. The film throughout is an enjoyable work of a dark tale.

Rate: B

Director: Craig Gillispie

Starring: Margot Robbie, Allison Janney and Sebastian Stan

MPAA Rating: R-(for pervasive language, violence, and some sexual content/nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours

Synopsis: Based on the unbelievable, but true events, I, TONYA is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Featuring an iconic turn by Margot Robbie as the fiery Harding, a mustachioed Sebastian Stan as her impetuous ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, a tour-de-force performance from Allison Janney as her acid-tongued mother, LaVona Golden, and an original screenplay by Steven Rogers, Craig Gillespie's I, TONYA is an absurd, irreverent, and piercing portrayal of Harding's life and career in all of its unchecked--and checkered--glory.