To New Worlds and Beyond, J.J. Abrams Reinvigorates “Star Wars”

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega in "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

*Spoiler-Free Review*

In 1977, director George Lucas changed blockbuster filmmaking forever with his epic space opera, “Star Wars.”  The story of Luke Skywalker and his friends battling the evil Galactic Empire captured the imaginations of countless moviegoers, and we were then given two rip-roaring sequels with “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”  Between 1999 and 2005, Lucas wrote and directed a prequel trilogy that chronicled the villainous Darth Vader’s rise to the Dark Side, but it’s best not to dwell on those three movies.

When Lucasfilm was bought by The Walt Disney Company in 2012, they immediately went to work on a sequel trilogy, and I’m beyond happy to say it’s already off to an explosive start.  This new trilogy begins with director J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens,” and with a thrilling expansion of the franchise’s mythology and a union of characters both old and new, Abrams delivers the insanely enjoyable sequel we have waited a decade for.

I won’t reveal anything about the actual plot because I want you to experience the heart-pounding giddiness I felt when learning about the story for the first time through the opening text crawl while John Williams’ iconic theme music thunders through the speakers.  All I will say is the film takes place about 30 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi.” 

The sequel trilogy establishes many new characters in this chapter, but the one to which we must call the most attention is the main character, Rey, played by newcomer Daisy Ridley.  For any future blockbusters that plan to have a strong female role model at its focus, this is the template they should follow.  Rey exhibits the skills she needs to survive in the worlds she gets thrown into, and Ridley has the acting strength to carry this sci-fi series and be the leading force (pun intended) for this new trilogy.

The rest of the cast is filled with fresh characters.  There’s John Boyega as Finn, an ex-stormtrooper who joins Rey on her journey; Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, who is shaping up to be a formidable villain for the new trilogy, displaying the conflict between his character’s sympathetic qualities and Dark Side sensibilities; Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), an ace pilot who thrives on the excitement of high flying; and General Hux, played by Domhnall Gleeson, who channels the evilness that made Peter Cushing’s performance of Grand Moff Tarkin in “A New Hope” so memorable.

I really wish I could go into detail about the performances from Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, but it’s rather difficult to do so without giving away certain plot details, so I’ll leave it up to you to experience the surprises these characters offer.

Some of the new characters are given more development than others, but you can tell the lesser-developed roles will gain more significance in episodes eight and nine.

Although the story has many similarities to that of “A New Hope,” the screenplay by Lawrence Kasden, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt has enough world-building that sets much bigger things in motion for the next two episodes, which will be released in 2017 and 2019.  Kasden co-wrote “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” so it was a pleasure to have him back for this latest installment.  The story for “The Force Awakens” moves along at a great clip, opening with an action sequence that gets the audience excited to be back in the “Star Wars” world, and it doesn’t let up from there.

One of the things Abrams does that makes this film superior to George Lucas’ prequels is it has more of a balance between practical and CGI effects, whereas Lucas’ prequels had an overabundance of CGI that made you long for the moviemaking magic of the practical effects in his original creation.  Abrams brings his aura of mystique to the proceedings, as we have seen in his other films, particularly in his two “Star Trek” films, which showed he could take a beloved property and make it feel new while also respecting what made the franchise wonderful, and he pulls that off once again with one of the most popular film series of all time. 

Although Abrams isn’t directing episodes eight and nine, which will be helmed by Rian Johnson (“Looper”) and Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic World”), respectively, he has placed all of the pieces into position for what will surely be a grandly entertaining continuation of the “Star Wars” saga.

I wish I could mention more about this film, but the less said, the better.  I just want to say you should see this movie as soon as you can before you have its biggest surprises spoiled for you.  Given how long we had to wait for a superb “Star Wars” movie that helped get the bad thoughts of the prequels out of our heads, you deserve to go into the theater unaware of what awaits you.

Final grade: A-

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2015 - Part Two

Alicia Vikander in "Ex Machina"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

5) Ex Machina - We’ve seen many films over the years dealing with artificial intelligence, but none quite as unsettling as writer and director Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller.  The film tells the story of Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) a young programmer who gets invited to spend a week at his CEO’s (Oscar Isaac) getaway home/laboratory.  While there, Caleb is given the opportunity to interact with his CEO’s latest creation, a humanoid female robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander), in an experiment that will lead to unforeseen consequences.  The exchanges between Gleeson and Isaac are involving and thought provoking, but it’s Vikander’s eery and brilliant performance that makes this film a startling prediction of the future.  As a robot who may be capable of more than she’s letting on, this is a performance that introduced audiences to who may be one of our best new actresses.  As far as the story goes, just when you think it’s heading where you expect, you’re taken in a direction with much more disturbing implications, and after the cut to black at the end, you’ll want to immediately watch the film again to peel back the many layers even further.

Amy Winehouse in "Amy"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

4) Amy - Before I viewed Asif Kapadia’s documentary on the late Amy Winehouse, I hadn’t listened to much of her music, so I took some time to do so before seeing the film, and I’m very glad I did.  Becoming familiar with her music resulted in much richer viewing because you then have a greater understanding of the experiences Winehouse uses to write her songs.  With in-depth, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from Winehouse’s family and friends, we are given a thorough view of her journey to becoming one of the most soulful singers to grace the music industry.  Winehouse’s life ended much too soon, but this film is a moving and respectful tribute to her.  Although it may be better to listen to her music before seeing the film, you can still appreciate it even if you haven’t.  In fact, if you see this film without having listened to much of her work, I’m confident you will become a fan of her afterwards.  With the beautiful contributions Winehouse made to music, this is the cinematic chronicle she deserves.

Emory Cohen and Saoirse Ronan in "Brooklyn"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

3) Brooklyn - Romantic dramas are very common in cinema.  But, once in a while, we are given one that separates itself from the pack to present moviegoers with something truly special.  This year, one such film is director John Crowley’s “Brooklyn.”  Believe me, this movie gives your tear ducts a workout; not through emotionally manipulative scenes, but with scenes that truly earn the audiences’ tears.  The film takes place in 1952 and tells the story of a young Irish immigrant named Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), who leaves her home to pursue a new life in Brooklyn.  Although she feels very homesick, she finds a steady job in a department store and begins dating an Italian-American boy named Tony Fiorello (Emory Cohen).  But, after a death in Eilis’ family, she must return to Ireland to settle some affairs, and is then faced with circumstances that may influence her to stay there.  Saoirse Ronan offers a radiant and emotional performance, encapsulating what it meant to be an immigrant in the time period depicted in the film, and she has wonderful romantic chemistry with Cohen.  This is a story that has a very classic feel to it, and it will certainly become a classic in the years to come.  If you want to know what it’s like to be swept away by a film, “Brooklyn” will show you.

Michael Keaton (left) and Mark Ruffalo in "Spotlight"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

2) Spotlight - Director Tom McCarthy’s film is a story as eye-opening as it is tragic.  The narrative focuses on the “Spotlight” investigative journalism team at “The Boston Globe” in 2001, who was tasked with exposing the child sex-abuse scandals concealed by the Catholic Church in Massachusetts.  As the team begins their research, they will realize there is much more being covered up then they expected.  In a cast that includes Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, and several other acclaimed performers, this is the greatest ensemble in a 2015 film.  What’s remarkable about the cast is there isn’t a performance that standouts from the others because everyone is given nearly the same amount of screen time, and each actor is provided with the opportunity to make an impact in the film.  This movie is a team effort for the cast, and it shows.  The detail with which McCarthy goes into the scandal makes it feel as though we are reading the actual Pulitzer Prize-winning article as the film plays out, providing us with the rage-inducing specifics as to what was done to the victims of the scandal.  “Spotlight” will leave you aghast at what transpired behind the church’s closed doors, but also thankful for the news team’s dedication that made sure the victims were given the justice they were owed.

From left: Anger, Disgust, Joy, Fear, and Sadness in "Inside Out"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

1) Inside Out - Despite a few movies that didn’t reach their usual imaginative heights, Pixar Animation Studios has the power to impress us with their ability to craft an idea and present audiences with something they have never seen before.  This year, they have done it again with one of their finest films, which tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Riley who moves with her parents from Minnesota to San Francisco, and we see the personified emotions in her head as they try to help Riley process this huge change in her life.  With voices provided by Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, and Richard Kind, among others, Pixar’s latest creation offers one of the funniest voice casts of any animated film in the past few years, and everyone is a perfect fit for their part.  But, that is just one of many factors that make this film something to be cherished by adults and children alike, due to its originality, wit, emotion, and beautiful animation.  Leave it to Pixar to venture into deep territory that’s uncommon for a children’s film and have it result in them giving us, once again, one of the best movies of the year.

Come back in February to see my predictions for the 88th Academy Awards!

Top 10 Favorite Films of 2015 - Part One

Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in "Creed"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

10) Creed - Almost 40 years after the release of “Rocky,” it was difficult to imagine a sixth sequel that focused on Apollo Creed’s son would work.  But, sometimes, it feels good to be wrong.  Taking place in 2015, the story follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) who moves from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to start his journey in becoming a professional boxer, and asks Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to help him train.  Just like “Raging Bull,” “Million Dollar Baby,” and “The Fighter,” this film captures the brutality of the sport and all of the determination for greatness that goes along with it.  Jordan delivers a performance loaded with grit and heart, Stallone slips back into his iconic character as if he never left, and Tessa Thompson is luminous as Adonis’ musician girlfriend.  After director Ryan Coogler’s success with 2013’s “Fruitvale Station” and now “Creed,” he is a filmmaker to keep an eye on.  With endearing performances, a story that honors the original “Rocky,” and expertly choreographed boxing sequences, Coogler delivers a film that doesn’t waste a single punch.

Michael Fassbender in "Steve Jobs"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

9) Steve Jobs - All movies begin with a screenplay, and if it’s one written by Aaron Sorkin, all you have to do is find the right director and actors, and then everything else will fall into place, such is what happened with Danny Boyle’s biopic on tech innovator Steve Jobs, played magnificently by Michael Fassbender.  However, this isn’t your typical biopic, because instead of focusing on Jobs’ life as a whole, the story occurs backstage during the prep for three product launches.  Seeing the cast dive into Sorkin’s dialogue is intoxicating to watch, and his words never fail to bring out the best in the actors who speak them.  When you add Danny Boyle’s experienced direction, Fassbender’s commanding presence, and superb supporting performances from Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels, among others, you have a film that scorches the screen.  

Mark Rylance and Tom Hanks in "Bridge of Spies"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

8) Bridge of Spies - Despite directing movies for over four decades, Steven Spielberg hasn't lost a drop of his talent as a filmmaker, as we can see with this absorbing Cold War thriller.  Tom Hanks portrays James B. Donovan, an insurance lawyer tasked with defending prosecuted Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) in court.  Donovan then has to travel to Berlin to set up an exchange where he will trade Abel for an American pilot who has been captured by the Soviet Union.  This is a film that thrives on intrigue, tension, intricacy, and the bond between Hanks’ and Rylance’s characters, all of which blend together for a film that’s as intelligent as it is entertaining.  Right from the opening scene, Spielberg sets the espionage mood that instantly hooks us throughout the movie, and we are reminded why he is one of the most accomplished directors to ever work in cinema.

Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson in "Room"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

7) Room - Based on the stunning and heart-rending novel by Emma Donoghue, who also wrote the film’s screenplay, the story follows a mother named Joy (Brie Larson) who is kidnapped at 17, and her 5-year-old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay), the latter of whom has spent his entire life with his mother in a shed in the backyard of their captor.  Once they are free, Joy will have to learn how to re-adjust to the world, while guiding her son as he begins life anew in a world he has never seen before.  Emotional parent-child relationships aren’t hard to come by in film, but the one displayed by Larson and Tremblay hits you square in the heart.  The pair beautifully captures the novel’s essence of the bond between the two characters, showing how even the most unthinkable circumstances can’t damage the love between the mother and son at the center of the film.  Donoghue succeeds in translating the spirit of her novel for the screen, and director Lenny Abrahamson taps into the heartbreak, desperation, and tenderness in the scenario at hand, all in a film that I urge you to experience.

Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in "Mad Max: Fury Road"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

6) Mad Max: Fury Road - Who would have thought the third sequel in director George Miller’s long-dormant franchise would end up being this entertaining, artistic, and exhilarating?  It turns out it’s all that, and so, so much more.  Tom Hardy steps into the role of Max Rockatansky (originated by Mel Gibson), who gets caught up in a plot to help a rebellious soldier, Furiosa (Charlize Theron), bring a warlord’s five wives to freedom.  The film is basically a series of car chases, but they are spectacular.  In terms of action, let’s just say by the end of the first third, the dial breaks past 10 and stays there.  If you crave a cinematic rush of adrenaline, this is the movie you need in your life.  With strong performances and car chases that are ferocious and gorgeously shot, Miller’s unique vision of an apocalyptic future wraps you in its intensity, and you couldn’t ask for a more thrilling two hours at the movies.

Come back next week for part two of my top 10 favorite films of 2015!  

An Aspiring Boxer Seeks the Help of His Father’s Past Rival

Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in "Creed"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com 

Almost 40 years ago, John G. Avildsen gave American cinema one of the greatest sports movies and underdog stories with the 1976 film “Rocky.”  With a focus on amateur boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) trying to make a name for himself, while also falling in love with shy pet store worker Adrian Pennino (Talia Shire), “Rocky” captured the hearts of audiences as he persevered to make a name for himself.  

After four sequels released between 1979 and 1990, the sixth film in the series, 2006’s “Rocky Balboa,” seemed to signify the end of Rocky’s story.  However, there has been new-found invigoration for the series with Ryan Coogler’s “Creed.”  It was hard to believe that a seventh “Rocky” installment would ever be good, but with powerhouse performances, an emotional story, and masterful fight choreography, Coogler’s film displays considerable greatness that puts it nearly in the same league as the first “Rocky.”

In 1998, Adonis Johnson (the son of deceased boxing champion Apollo Creed and an extramarital lover), is living in a Los Angeles youth facility, where he is soon brought to live with his father’s wife, Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad).  Seventeen years later, while working at a securities firm, Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) partakes in boxing on the side.  He soon quits his job to pursue a career in the ring.  When he’s refused a spot to train at an LA boxing academy, he decides to move to Philadelphia and seek out Rocky Balboa to be his trainer.  While hesitant at first, Rocky decides to train Adonis and prepare him for an upcoming fight with British heavyweight champion Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew).

Michael B. Jordan brings a performance that’s as emotional as Stallone’s in the first “Rocky,” one that deserves to be in the hall of great boxing-film performances with Stallone’s, Robert De Niro’s in “Raging Bull,” and Hilary Swank’s in “Million Dollar Baby.”  As a young man trying to find success as a boxer, Adonis exhibits the strength of character it takes to make it in the ring, and it’s something that Jordan brings to the screen in abundance.  He displays the tenderness, determination, grit, and athletic heart of his role, all of it mixing to create a character who does justice in carrying the continuation of the series’ story.

To see Sylvester Stallone go from a boxer to a trainer is to see how far his character has come since we saw him throw his first punch in the original.  Because several of Stallone’s more recent films have just shown him in his action-hero persona, it was rewarding to see him in a role that actually required him to reach the level of acting he showed he was capable of in the original “Rocky.”  It’s a performance that reminds us why we were drawn to this character in the first place, showing us the kindheartedness and resilience that has defined Rocky throughout the series.  

The cinematography by Maryse Alberti captures the brutality of the ring with unflinching focus and incorporates many long takes into the film.  Before the fight between Creed and Conlan, we have an uninterrupted shot of Creed and Rocky walking through the stadium’s hallways on their way to the ring.  During this scene, you feel the electricity of the long walk, and you feel the sense of readiness Creed experiences as he makes his way to fight in front of thousands of spectators.  The climactic boxing match itself is something to behold in its visual style, and it puts the audience in Creed’s place as he participates in the vicious fight.

However, one of the most memorable parts of the film is a boxing sequence earlier in the movie that’s shot in one long take.  As you’re watching it, you can’t help but marvel at how the cast and crew were able to pull off such a scene, which exhibits some of the best camerawork of the year.  Because the scene doesn’t get broken up into any edits, you lose yourself in the sequence as the camera stays on the two fighters and captures their every move.

The screenplay by Coogler and Aaron Covington finds a respectable path in which to continue the Rocky-Creed story, never feeling like it’s going through the motions of just being another “Rocky” movie, or boxing movie in general.  Although the story follows some of the same beats as the original “Rocky,” that doesn’t make it any less compelling.  The material that the narrative provides shows this series isn’t just doing whatever it can to keep the story going, but truly has something new to offer.  

What’s wonderful about the screenplay is how, even though the primary focus is Adonis training to go up against Ricky Conlan, the story is about so much more.  It deals with Adonis wanting to prove he was meant to be a boxer; while also having Rocky realize he still has more to offer the world of boxing, despite not having been in the ring for quite some time.  It’s about an experienced boxer trying to impart knowledge and wisdom on his pupil so the latter may achieve the success his trainer did all those years ago, and it’s a powerful bond to see displayed in the film.

Before “Creed,” the only other feature film Coogler directed was 2013’s superb indie drama, “Fruitvale Station,” in which Michael B. Jordan also starred.  With Coogler’s latest film, he shows he can present as much artistry in a mainstream film as he can in a smaller film, and he proves himself to be a young filmmaker who’s career will continue to flourish in the years to come.  Coogler shows a confidence that every up-and-coming film director should display and uses it to add energy and emotion to this decades-old series. 

With its strong performances and uplifting story, “Creed” is one of the most surprising achievements in 2015 cinema.  This film provides the same sense of inspiration you feel when watching the first “Rocky,” and it’s worthy of being a continuation of the series that began with that 1976 classic.  If you want a movie this year that will have you cheering all the way through, you can’t do any better than “Creed.”  

Final grade: A     

In a New Life, Torn Between Two Homes

Emory Cohen and Saoirse Ronan in "Brooklyn"
Photo Credit: www.theguardian.com 

Romance is something we have seen in films of any genre from any part of the world.  Sometimes, these stories are told with an embarrassing level of clichés; and other times, they are told in such a way that has us swept away in their enchantment.

I’m more than pleased to say director John Crowley’s drama, “Brooklyn,” which is based on the novel by Colm Tóibín, falls among the latter and achieves in being a tender and emotional journey of a young woman moving to America.  In a film with passionate performances and a timeless story that washes over you with its charm, you’ll be overcome by this piece of magical storytelling.

In 1952, Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) leaves her home in Ireland to start a new life in Brooklyn.  Although she lives comfortably in a boarding house and has a steady job, she’s terribly homesick.  One night, while at an Irish dance, she meets a friendly Italian boy, Tony Fiorello (Emory Cohen), and they begin to date.  When a death in Eilis’ family occurs, she returns to her native land for a few weeks to take care of some affairs.  While in Ireland, several circumstances arise that cause her to consider whether to remain in Ireland, or go back to America.

Where do you begin to describe Saoirse Ronan’s tremendous performance?  We have to start by saying it’s, without question, one of the finest from this year.  Despite gaining considerable attention for her breakthrough role in the 2007 film “Atonement” at the age of 13, it’s clear her talent didn’t peak too early.  With her performance in “Brooklyn,” you see she’s one of the most talented young actresses working today.  As a young immigrant woman, Ronan injects so much emotion into her role that makes you understand and feel for her character as she struggles to adapt to her new home.  To see Ronan’s display of her character’s transition from shy and homesick to confident and hopeful is to realize how much Eilis goes through to establish a better life for herself.

Emory Cohen displays a warm and gentle presence as Eilis’ boyfriend.  Cohen wonderfully exhibits his character’s slightly shy, yet confident attitude of a man in the midst of falling in love with the girl of his dreams, and seeing him pursue Eilis with kind, simple gestures is one of many things that make Tony and Eilis’ romance an immense joy to watch.

Accompanying the two superb leads is a supporting cast comprised of some world-class talent, including Julie Walters as Ms. Kehoe, the no-nonsense, yet kindhearted landlady of the boarding house; Jim Broadbent as Father Flood, the caring priest who helps get Eilis situated in Brooklyn; and Domhnall Gleeson as Jim Farrell, a friendly young man who takes a liking to Eilis during her return visit to Ireland.

The screenplay by Nick Hornby may sound like a romance you’ve seen before, but trust me, this is a story that is told so beautifully, you’ll be completely won over.  One of the best aspects of the narrative is how, when it comes down to Eilis deciding whether to stay in Ireland or go back to Brooklyn, the decision doesn’t depend solely on her romantic connections, but on other important factors that Eilis must take into consideration, and it’s this aspect that keeps you invested in the story.

Despite the film being very moving, Crowley is careful not to make the more poignant sequences cloying.  There are several scenes that will make you shed a few tears, but those scenes deserve them because of how well they depict Eilis’ immigrant experience.  Crowley captures the beauty of Brooklyn and Ireland and what both places hold for Eilis, allowing us to sympathize with her as she must decide in which of these two places she will live her life.

If you want to be immersed in a film and feel the swell of emotions that cinema gifts us again and again, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but “Brooklyn.”

Final grade: A