ARRIVAL (2016) - Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker

Director:     Denis Villeneuve

Writers:       Eric Heisserer (screenplay) 

Actors:        Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker

COMMENTS:   Twelve mysterious alien spaceships appear at strategic locations around Planet Earth.  Are they conquerors or are they space travelers with peaceful intentions?

Since no one seems able to communicate with them, the world must choose: Attack or befriend?  Amy Adams, who portrays linguist Louise Banks, is soon recruited to figure out a language for communication with the ET’s.

Jeremy Renner portrays Ian Donnelly, her physicist cohort.  While he offers theories of his own, very quickly we trust Louise’s theories more.  Amy Adams inhabits her role of brilliant scientist.  Yet the nuances of her human normality shine just as brilliantly when we witness the lingering heartbreak in her personal life and her inherent terror at facing the alien visitors.

Jeremy Renner is less effective.  The only time I believe in his character is when he’s fighting to protect Amy Adams.  I wish I could have seen some emotional passion in him.

The scenario is entirely believable.  When General Shang decides to attack one of the ships, we know that would be a big mistake.  Surely a civilization which can travel through galaxies has superior weapons?  It’s Louise Banks who saves the day, and there’s a nice twist in the story which makes this possible.

Director Denis Villenueve has opted for scenes which emphasize the predictable reaction of humanity at the dramatic arrival of ET’s on earth.  Of course there’s immediate military takeover of the situation, but shouldn’t we be patient and achieve communication before attacking?

There is no violence per se in this movie, but the fear factor is there. In the end, we are forced to consider the possible destruction of all humanity, and that is scary enough.

SUMMARY:  GEN:  8; JUST:  9; HUVA:  10   

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Arrival, Denis Villenueve, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Extraterrestrials, Science Fiction, Linguist

   

 

ALLIED (2016) - Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris

Director:      Robert Zemeckis

Writers:       Steven Knight

Actors:        Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris

COMMENTS:   Brad Pitt has grown up.  I still remember his beauty as the youth in THELMA & LOUISE.  I thought then he was destined for a successful career.  Boy, did I underestimate the trajectory of his career (and life).

This movie is about love set in a time of world war between nations.  A man and a woman meet as Allied spies in the beginning of war, get married and establish a home base in London.  Marion Cotillard is a fine actress, one whose beauty derives not only by virtue of an attractive body and features, but more so because of her dazzling courage, her bright spirit, elegant intelligence and integrity of character.  The combination makes her absolutely irresistible.  Brad’s beauty has matured from his youthful days into a sexy version which elicits love more than lust.  He has endured the test of time imbued with a masculine depth and complex soul wisdom which totally fulfills all of the potential of his youthful self.

Their acting rings so profoundly true any real-life spouse of either one of them would feel challenged by the mutual love and respect they exude for each other as man and wife on screen.  The director, Zemeckis (the theme is quite darker than his BACK TO THE FUTURE movies), chose to elucidate the workings of the human condition as opposed to the dark violence of war.  Yet, we understand that the conflicts of war engage not only those between nations but those within the intimate closeness of people who love each other.  This is a beautiful love story.  Having watched this, I have no doubt that, during times of war, people on both sides are challenged every day, every minute and every second to question their love for country pitted against love for another human being.

SUMMARY:  GEN: 9;  JUST: 5 (The good guys are bad and the bad guys are good, so who can tell what’s just or unjust?); HUVA:  8 (the ending is at great cost, but it was paid in the only way possible).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3640424/?ref_=nv_sr_1
TAGS:  Allied, Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris, Robert Zemeckis, World War II, Allies

ROGUE ONE - A STAR WARS STORY (2016)

Director:     Gareth Edwards

Writers:       Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy (screenplay)

John Knoll, Gary Whitta (story by)

Actors:  Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed

COMMENTS:   It’s a Star Wars movie, so of course I had to see it.  I’d been a fan since the first one and worked at Fox when it was released.  I liked things about it and felt saddened by other things.

What I liked about it:  The grandeur, the scope, the overall vision and the action/adventure aspects are absolutely breathtaking.  George Lucas, who conceived and initiated this franchise must have a telephone line directly to extraterrestrial species who are telling him the true nature of our reality.  With the billions of galaxies out there, and the billions of stars in each galaxy, somewhere out there this kind of thing must really be happening.

What saddened me about this movie is the sheer complexity of the storyline.  It was so hard to follow.  I lost track of who were the good guys vs. the bad guys. The first movie had so much to say about human frailty and emotional territories.  This one focuses more on techno aspects and galactic territories.

Maybe that’s the reality… that compared to the uncountable ET species out there who have evolved through thousands and millions of years, our intellect is like an ant’s mind compared to human IQ.  Maybe we need to pay attention to movies like this to prepare for what some day may arrive to confront us.  If we don’t evolve fast enough to use more than our current 10% brain-usage standard, then we ain’t got a chance against future reality.

That’s just what I think.  Back to the movie:  It’s a Star Wars journey where an individual dares to revolt against an entire galactic power (an ant deciding to bite all humans on Earth?).  It’s a heroic journey for Jyn, well rendered by Felicity Jones. Forrest Whitaker has a forbidding character to play, and he does so with exquisite artistry.  I wished Diego Luna, who portrays sensitive characters well, had put more dash and derring-do in his portrayal.  But then, there’s only one Harrison Ford, right?    I LOVED Donnie Yen's character, the superb, but blind martial artist.  His story is worth watching in a separate movie, along with his wonderful sidekick, played by Wen Jiang. Gareth Edwards directed with vision, but I yearned for George Lucas's understanding that ultimately, it comes down to heart and soul.

Nevertheless, I believe this movie is worth watching on so many levels, especially the CGI effects, which are complex, sophisticated beyond human ken, and unquestionably brilliant.  Just be prepared to get lost a few times.  I wasn't prepared for the surprise ending, which made it fun!

SUMMARY:  GEN: 8;  JUST: 6 (Darth Vader is still alive, but then there would be no future movies if he died, right?); HUVA:  5 (of course in wars, human values are nearly zero).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/?ref_=nv_sr_2
TAGS:  Star Wars, Rogue One, Gareth Edwards, Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Forrest Whitaker, Donnie Yen, Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy

JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK (2016)

Director:     Edward Zwick

Writers:       Richard Wenk; Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz

Actors:        Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge, Danika Yarosh

Now in his 50’s, Tom Cruise can still outwit and outfight the bad guys of the world.  As Jack Reacher, he walks the path of the lonely, misunderstood  idealist who acts with practical necessity to be true to himself.  He brings honest conflict to a role which requires an inner angst only a man can convey if he’s truly lived it. There is raw pain and regret in the history of this man beset with many emotional challenges.  Unlike most men who are forced to kill, he acts not only because he wants to survive, but because he is driven to defend those he feels are unjustly wronged.  Finally, even if he senses ultimate betrayal in his loyalties, he still must act in a way to affirm his inner truths.

I truly like Jack Reacher, the man and the movie.  Tom Cruise is such a strong presence he generally overwhelms any character he plays, but in this role, he sublimates that enough so we see the soul of Jack Reacher, and occasionally forget that he's the actor, Tom Cruise.  I love the honesty of the ending.  As producer of this movie, Tom influenced it in a way I truly respect.  In one scene, when Tom and Cobie Smulders (the person he chooses to save) are being targeted by the bad guys, they make a point to chase out the restaurant kitchen staff so they don’t get killed in the gunfight which ensues.  For this alone, I give this movie an “8” (out of 10) for human values.  By comparison, I give “Jason Bourne” a “3” because that movie USED humans as protective shields against gunfire.  The only reason it isn’t a “1” is because Jason did try to protect the people who were on his side and he was fighting for truth.

In this movie, I also loved the exploration of father-daughter mechanics… the theme of accepting responsibility for one’s actions, whether past, present or future.  In all other production values (directing, choreography, writing, acting, etc.), I would also give it an “7”.   The directing is experienced and competent, though I was hoping for some scenes with a more profound subtextual revelation.  Cobie is fabulous as a tough woman who can take rough treatment as well as give it.  The screenplay/storyline was only TV-average. Action afficionados might be disappointed that the “kill” scenes aren’t more elaborate and thrilling, but that’s actually why I liked this movie.  It’s more about being human in a violent world rather than being violent in a human world.

Did the protagonist and antagonist get their just endings?  I give Justice  a "9".  The bad guys got caught, and our hero is still lonely and misunderstood... but quite free to continue his hero's journey.

  

SUMMARY:  GEN: 7; HUVA: 8; JUST: 9  

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3393786/?ref_=nv_sr_1
TAGS:  Tom Cruise, Jack Reacher, Cobie Smulders, Edward Zwick, Richard Wenk, Marshall Herskovitz

SULLY (2016) Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

Director:     Clint Eastwood

Writers:       Todd Komarnicki

Actors:        Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

Based on Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s book, (“Highest Duty”), this movie is presented in documentary style, so it lacks the exaggerated theatricality of spectacular dramas.   It’s based on true events, so this seems appropriate to me.  Clint Eastwood has always been superb at capturing the internal turmoil beneath the outward calm, and Tom Hanks is a master at portraying unassuming heroes with profound courage and integrity beneath the surface silence.  This is an excellent movie which depicts how an honorable man triumphs over slanderous accusations of ineptitude and misjudgment.

I love Clint Eastwood’s decision to make this about moral and ethical issues rather than sensationalizing the dramatic event of a plane crashing into the Hudson River. In our narcissistic society which tends to celebrate egoistic heroism, this movie stands out as a magnificent homage to the human spirit of a man whose only goal is to save the lives of his crew and passengers.  Tom Hanks, as always, embodies this type of man with the ease of an eyeblink. Aaron Eckhart, who plays his co-pilot (and, in my opinion, a heroic type himself), admirably sets aside his own charisma to give Tom Hanks the full spotlight.

As patiently and quietly as the story unfolds, once I understand what’s going on, I’m outraged that a pilot with 40 years of experience is questioned for his last-minute decision to land his damaged plane on the Hudson River, an action which ultimately SAVES the lives of all the crew and passengers on the plane.  How can anyone question his decision given the outcome?  Well, insurance carriers can because blaming the pilot will absolve them of having to pay off insurance claims.

This isn’t a blockbuster movie.  Rather, it’s a thoughtful, heartwarming movie which will survive the test of time and be loved by moviegoers far into the future.   

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3263904/?ref_=nv_sr_1
TAGS:  Sully, Plane Crash, Hudson River, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Todd Komarnicki

SNOWDEN (2016) Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto

Director:     Oliver Stone

Writers:       Kieran Fitzgerald; Oliver Stone  

Actors:        Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto. Shailene Woodley, Tom Wilkinson

Someday, history might name this phase of human endeavor as the Disclosure Period.  If so, the Snowden information leak will be at the top of the disclosure list.  In this movie version, there are no gunfights, car chases nor snipers hidden in tall buildings.  The suspense is generated in a more subtle way.  We, the audience, engage in Snowden’s dilemma:  Will he be hunted and killed as a traitor by a government which is willing to destroy lives to protect its secrets.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the title role and he’s excellent.  The techno elements of the leak is probably beyond the average moviegoer’s purview (it sure was for me), so the focus is on the HUMAN element.  Snowden wants to be of service to the world, and his superior techno skills get him a job at NSA in no time at all.  Then he discovers secrets which erode at his conscience:  Is the constitution being sabotaged for the sake of so-called  “national security,” bypassing ethical and moral considerations?  He remains silent as he witnesses arguable “atrocities.”  Ultimately, he reaches a point where he cannot endure what he personally feels is a wanton disregard of human “rights.”  Knowing he will probably be branded a “traitor,” he decides to listen to his inner truth and disclose information to the public.  He distances himself from close friends and family and launches into a journey that will brand him for the rest of his life.  It will inevitably compromise his health and he knows the ramifications of his act will burden his conscience for as long as he lives.

Gordon-Levitt shows us the angst and turmoil of Snowden’s choice as we witness the sacrifices he must make to complete his self-appointed task.  Shailene Woodley is affecting and passionate as his girlfriend, and Tom Wilkinson (who excelled in a previous disclosure movie, “Michael Clayton”) connects in his journalist role.

In terms of blockbuster numbers, this ain’t a movie that fits in that category. Nevertheless, in terms of significance and importance, it should be at the top of the list.  It’s a “must see” for self-aware, courageous people who refuse to blindly follow authority “just because” they’re authority.  It’s for people who question complex situations which generate the dilemma of what the ethical and moral principles are of “greater good.”  Who defines the parameters of “the greater good”?  At what point is one individual's life more valuable than "the greater good?"  Difficult questions, but someone has to ask them.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3774114/?ref_=nv_sr_1
TAGS:   Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Wood, Oliver Stone, Kieran Fitzgerald, Disclosure, SNOWDEN, Surveillance, Tom Wilkinson, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto

JASON BOURNE (2016) Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander

Director:  Paul Greengrass

Writers:   Paul Greengrass, Christopher Rouse

Actors:    Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander

For me, this movie had good things and bad things.  Let’s start with the good.  There’s Matt Damon, of course, physically credible as the bad ass, Jason  Bourne.  What I really like about him is that his acting is all internal.  While his face remains impassive and calm, we can intuit and identify what he’s thinking and feeling, the sense of outrage and betrayal, the conflicted passions of his heart as he tries to understand his father.  The script is good in that we intuit Bourne’s inner angst because of his actions, his indomitable spirit to survive, and his superhuman ability to risk and accomplish incredible physical feats.  Tommy Lee Jones is good in a similar way… his villainous deeds are reflected in the striations of his aging face and flat determination in his eyes.  The choreography of chase scenes on foot, on motorcycle, and in cars reflects all the chaos and destruction inherent in this type of action/suspense thriller.

Which brings us to the bad.  I saw very little humanity in this film… no act of tenderness or love between the characters which would balance the death and mayhem.  What satisfies me in many of Bruce Willis and Jason Statham films is that there’s usually a powerful moment of humanity so my heart becomes engaged. There’s usually someone innocent and vulnerable in danger, which justifies the violence which Willis and Statham must resort to. Protecting someone defenseless somewhat justifies killing the enemy.  In this movie, neither Bourne nor the government is defenseless.

No doubt about it, this is a political film, exploring the boundaries of moral right and wrong.  By now, we all know we’re each one of us under government surveillance. Television’s Person of Interest and Snowden’s disclosures have ensured that.  What disturbs me most about this film is that, ultimately, it demonstrates how we, the ordinary citizens of the world, are all just pawns in a worldwide game of power.  In the way Bourne and his enemy use crowds to fulfill their personal agendas, we realize it doesn’t matter how many innocent people are killed in their quest for triumph over each other.  All that matters is that they win and survive.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4196776/?ref_=nv_sr_1
TAGS:  Jason Bourne, Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles, Robert Ludlum, Paul Greengrass