Tag: movie

“Suburbicon” and the Stories We’re Told About the Fifties

Knotwise the Poet
Knotwise the Poet Coolidge
3514
 

A new trailer for the upcoming motion picture Suburbicon dropped, causing much excitement among the writers on a couple of geek movie sites I visited. I think this is mainly due to the talent behind it. It’s directed by George Clooney from a script by the Coen Brothers and starring Matt Damon.

Now, while Clooney and Damon are darlings to the Hollywood Left, their political pinheadery has made their names into big turn-offs for a lot of conservatives. I try to separate artists and entertainers from their politics, though, so I’m open to what most Hollywood celebrities cook up provided it looks good. And I think the Coens are respected for their talents by just about everyone across the political spectrum.

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Remembering Ayrton Senna – a movie recommendation not in Oscars

Eb Snider
Eb Snider Coolidge
75
 

With the Oscars over I thought I’d recommend a documentary film that was not involved, but that some Ricochet members might find interesting – Senna. After compiling and editing countless hours of video and audio the film was released in 2011. The affection for Ayrton Senna and the desire to have something in his memory drove director Asif Kapadia and Manish Pandey to create this emotionally charged niche film. When notable musical composer Antonio Pinto heard a rumor that the pair were trying to make a film about Senna he insisted that he’d make the music.

For those who don’t know Ayrton Senna he was a Formula 1 racing driver in the 1980s and early 90s. His impressive racing talent made him a champion. His vibrant charisma made him a superstar. His veneration for truth and his humanity made him loved. Senna became an icon. But one doesn’t need to be a racing fan to enjoy this film. It’s ultimately a real story about a man’s life in triumph and tragedy. 

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The Accountant – A Movie in the Black

JimGoneWild
JimGoneWild Coolidge
3915
 

accountant-movieIt’s nice to pay for a movie and not be disappointed. I know that sounds odd, but in this day and age of Hollywood where more and more movies are created for foreign consumption, it is nice to be able to say it. Not only was I not disappointed–I actually enjoyed it.

I watched The Accountant starring Ben Affleck. Here are some more things to like. None of the characters are really unlikable, not even the bad guys. It doesn’t bash any group or take political shots—when it could. Even Ben Affleck’s character, a high functioning autistic, manages a small smile once in a while.

The plot twist is pretty good — clever and original. I won’t give it away, but you’ll like it. Hollywood moguls must have rejected this script 100 times until someone decided to treat the viewer like they had a brain. That or someone screwed up.

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Hyena Road

Tenacious D
Tenacious D Inactive
107
 

Today I went to see a movie called Hyena Road. It was written and directed by Paul Gross, and stars him and Rossif Sutherland (brother of Kiefer and son of Donald).  The subject of this movie is the war in Afghanistan (if you need a content warning, there it is), specifically Canadian combat operations there. I found it to be a very powerful movie and would recommend that other Ricochet members see it if you get the chance (I’m not sure how wide of a release it will get). 

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Tomorrowland’s Message: Trust Us.

JimGoneWild
JimGoneWild Coolidge
157
 

I watched Tomorrowland over the weekend. Some impressive graphics and an OK story line but as you would expect with a George Clooney movie, it had message. And that message was, “Trust us. Trust the intellectuals, scientists, artists and know-it-all’s, and just do what we say. Only then can the world be safe.”

None to surprisingly, the film uses all the standard Hollywood tricks: Never use a good idea twice; Have a boogie man (Hugh Laurie is excellent); End your movie with a really big fight scene.

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Atlas Shrugged III

Frank Monaldo
Frank Monaldo Coolidge
2012
 

I just watched Atlas Shrugged III at a movie theater. Here are my initial reactions.

[1] It was beautifully filmed with soft lighting and plentiful use of bokeh. The production values were good.

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