Gone Girl (2014)

Gillian Flynn pens the screen adaptation of her own best-selling novel.  As the original author, she has an intimate knowledge of the characters' complex mindsets and emotions.  In a very unique manner of storytelling, the audience is given a first person account by Affleck's Nick in the present, and a first person account by Pike's Amy in the past through diary entries. The two separated by stylistic fades to black--both presenting biased narratives.  In this way, the story unravels at a very deliberate pace, with reveals around every corner.

Adding to the intense level of suspense is the soundtrack by frequent David Fincher collaborators Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.  The electronic sounds are ominous; they creep up on you and the tension builds mirroring the film perfectly.  Even if not terribly musical in the traditional sense, the score is so fitting and integral to the foreboding ambiance of the movie.

On the acting front, Rosamund Pike stands out in an excellent cast.  Without giving too much away, her character's mental state is quite complicated but she does a very good job.  Ben Affleck, too, acts convincingly as the "concerned" husband who is under close scrutiny for his wife's disappearance. And of course, thanks to David Fincher's direction, this all comes together eerily well.

Dirty Harry (1971)

After a lengthy discussion on 80s New York vigilante Bernhard Goetz in class, we watched this classic featuring Clint Eastwood in his iconic role as inspector Harry Calahan.  Quoting from my course syllabus: "The film is, and was so regarded as, a critique of, and protest against, the Warren Court's imposition of new constitutional rules on police procedures in the 1960s."  The film makes a very clear statement, with the police finding justice when the law fails to do so.  There is the constant conflict between due process and crime control that in a perfect world would not exist.  The law since the 1960s has been designed to deter bad police behavior and protect criminals' rights.  Dirty Harry could not care less about criminals' rights.

Of course, Dirty Harry is known for his famous line: "Go ahead, make my day" which doesn't appear in this film, but instead we get equally glorious "You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?".  Eastwood does what he does best, playing a character is filled with intensity; he is the ultimate tough guy.  The film editing is exciting, the action is enticing, and the score is just perfect.  

The Giver (2014)

The movie is never quite as good as the book.  This movie never really captures the essence of the Newbery Medal winning book for which it is based. Lois Lowry creates a world of her own imagination, rich with detail.  This "perfect" world eliminates choice through a strict set of rules, creating a society of equality, sameness.  To start off, Jonas narrates the rules of the society.  But he does not explain to the audience what this society is about, only scratching the surface of the Lowry's creation. For those who have not read the book, they are thrown into this utopia/dystopia without the proper background.  Hollywood created a love story where there is none, not understanding that the people in the society are not capable of love.  Even the ending is slightly different (read: worse), not leaving room for audience interpretation.

The dialogue moves very quickly, with characters almost speaking over each other with little pause in between responses.  It comes off as almost robotic.  Maybe the director was going for flat to depict the lack of emotions, because even the incomparable Meryl Streep (whose role does not appear prominently in the book) and Jeff Bridges gives uninspired performances.

It is a very short film and the plot moves very quickly, so the audience is not given much time to digest anything.  But in that short time, there is some really beautiful cinematography.  The contrast of the black-and-white and the vibrant colors is stunning, and the flow of memories produce some incredible images.  In conclusion, read the book. 

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge of Tomorrow avoids the trap that so many science fiction films fall into.  The concept is refreshingly different and makes you think and thankfully, the plot is not so insane that you can't follow the story.  That comes down to good execution.  The audience doesn't know exactly what's going on until Tom Cruise's character finds out for himself, at which point it is described in thorough detail to make sure we all get it.  My one complaint on the plot is a minor glitch in the timeline that is either not explained well enough or an overlooked mistake.  

The movie resembles a video game, in which death only means starting again from the last checkpoint.  If you get it wrong the first time, you can go back and try again.  What we take for granted in video games is used in the movie as military strategy in a battle that resembles an alien D-Day.  Each day plays the same way, much like a computer program written to do very specific things in a game. Continuing the theme, the imaginative design of the movie is reminiscent of video games, complete with full-battle suits and robotic aliens.    

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Widely considered to be the first horror film to win the Oscar for best picture,  this film epitomizes the thriller genre.   Anthony Hopkins is so delectably creepy as the legendary Hannibal Lecter.  Although Hopkins steals the show,  Jodie Foster holds her own and develops her own juicy character of Clarice Starling.  Hannibal is a psychopathic mentalist who analyzes people,  using his skills to mess with people.   But Clarice sees through it and it is revealed that Hannibal can be useful in solving her case.  The two form a bond of sorts that is difficult to describe.    As with all horror movies,  the cinematography is very important.   It keeps you at the edge of your seat in anticipation,  whether it's through the lenses of night vision goggles or watching the elevator descend. Unlike many horror movies today,  the writing is superb.  It's so smart and Hannibal's dialogue is so creepy that it stays with you.    

My Emmy Picks 2014

Predicting the Emmys is very difficult considering the shear amount of high quality TV nowadays.  This is really a testament to the depth of the medium of television.  There are 26 categories at this Monday's Emmy telecast:

Acting

Lead Actor in a Comedy: Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory) should repeat here in a relatively weak category

Lead Actress in a Comedy: Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), long overdue, should finally win her maiden Emmy though I would not count out Julia Louise Dreyfus (Veep) to win her third in a row

Supporting Actor in a Comedy: I pick Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) to win his first but watch out for Tony Hale (Veep) to repeat

Supporting Actress in a Comedy: Allison Janney (Mom) also won this year for her role in Masters of Sex and could win a second, but don't underestimate the influence of Modern Family with its two-time winner Julie Bowen

Lead Actor in a Drama: It's a dead heat between Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Matthew McConaughey (True Detective) and I think McConaughey will win over Emmy voters though Bryan Cranston is probably the most deserving

Lead Actress in a Drama: Juliana Margulies (The Good Wife) gave her best performance yet and this will be the consolation prize for the snub in the Drama series category, but keep an eye out for Robin Wright (House of Cards)

Supporting Actor in a Drama: I see a three way race between Josh Charles (The Good Wife), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones).  I think Emmy voters will not pass on the chance to award Paul one last time but I would be happy to see Charles win for his final season

Supporting Actress in a Drama: Remember when Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) used to be a dead lock? But this is Anna Gunn's (Breaking Bad) race to lose.  A win for Christine Baranski (The Good Wife) would also be acceptable

Lead Actor in a Movie/Miniseries: In a very strong field, Billy Bob Thornton (Fargo) is the favorite to win

Lead Actress in a Movie/Miniseries: Cicely Tyson (The Trip to Bountiful) won a Tony for playing the same role on Broadway

Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries: Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart) makes a huge transformation for his role as a man with AIDS; I would also look out for Martin Freeman (Sherlock) who could win a consolation prize here since he will likely lose in the the Lead Actor category to his costar in Fargo

Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries: Allison Tolman (Fargo) has gotten the most buzz and the trio from American Horror Story will likely split voters paving the way for Tolman

Writing

Comedy: Orange is the New Black

Drama: Breaking Bad (Ozymandias, though it could easily be Felina)

Variety Special: 67th Tony Awards

Miniseries/Movie: The Normal Heart

Directing

Comedy: Modern Family

Drama: Breaking Bad

Variety Special: The Kennedy Center Honors

Miniseries/Movie: The Normal Heart 

Programs

Comedy: This probably comes down to a race between perennial favorite and four-time reigning champ Modern Family and the newcomer with the momentum Orange is the New Black.  I love Modern Family, but I'm betting on Black.

Drama: This category will mirror the Lead Actor category, but don't let the outcome of that race influence this one. Breaking Bad should edge out True Detective for its superb final season that wrapped everything up so perfectly.  Breaking Bad will go down in history as one of the best shows ever and I imagine they will go out on a high note. 

Variety: Last year, The Colbert Report ended The Daily Show's long reign and they could easily repeat this year, though Jon Stewart is still very much a factor.  However, this year also saw the rise of Jimmy Fallon and a revamped Tonight Show that has done well in the ratings and continues to deliver.  I predict a win for the Tonight Show

Miniseries: Fargo, hands down

Movie: The Normal Heart, because Emmy voters love Hollywood stars who do TV, but I love Sherlock. Sherlock is really the best

Reality: The Amazing Race used to win every year, as it should.  I pick Amazing Race to come back as it has before when Top Chef dethroned it.  The reigning champ The Voice is also a very strong contender but it really should be Amazing Race

Update: 11/26 in what was a very surprising award show.  American Horror Story and Sherlock swept the miniseries/movie acting categories (Sherlock deservedly, but surprisingly, so) and Sherlock also picked up a writing award.  Other surprises: Netflix shutout, Ty Burrell a two-time winner, Fargo and The Normal Heart go 0/10 acting awards

Tammy (2014)

Tammy is Melissa McCarthy's latest reincarnation of the same old character she always plays.  She typecast herself in a role that does not really let her talents shine.  She is a very funny comedian but I fear that in the future she will continue to be typecast.  The character is great in Bridesmaids,  but I think the audience has tired of it.  Susan Sarandon makes for a great crazy grandmother character.   The dynamic between her and McCarthy,  however, does not work nearly as well as with McCarthy and Sandra Bullock in The Heat.   Sarandon really gives it her all given subpar script.  It is amazing how many big names this script attracted and really goes to show the power and popularity of McCarthy.