Review: Foxcatcher

I grew up with wrestling.  My dad coached, I watched.  I spent many hours in a gym or at tournaments.  Although I never wrestled competitively (I believe my high school wrestling experience lasted all of one initial team meeting; I decided to focus on my cross-country and track careers of continually finishing in the lower quarter of nearly every race), I can certainly appreciate the sport for its excitement and athleticism.  

“Foxcatcher” captures this, yet goes beyond to tell the story of lost souls, deceptive mentors and ultimate violence.  This is, after all, a true story.

It would be easy to see this film and point out its allegorical references to homosexuality.  While this is apparent, it is too simple.  Rather, the film focuses on a different storyline.  Its initial scene, one that shows Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) practicing with his brother, Dave Schultz (a nearly unrecognizable Mark Ruffalo), sets the tone for the entire movie.  Stretching leads to slapping, which leads to hitting, which leads to pure and ferocious violence.  Explosive, animalistic and savage.  This scene mutates and cleverly repeats itself throughout the movie again and again.  

Much of the hype has been about Steve Carrell’s performance as Mark du Pont.  It is subdued, cold, calculating - a Carrell performance we are not accustomed to.  However. the real stars of the film is E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman’s screenplay and Bennett Miller’s direction.  Both are among the best work in film in 2014.

Halfway through the movie, Schultz introduces du Pont to a group in Washington by calling du Pont the father he never had. Schultz steps off the stage and into a hallway.  In the background, slightly faded, are a line of waiters and waitresses - Schultz has joined the help.

A bigger game is above, each of us a pawn.  Sadly, sometimes that game ends tragically.

Most Overrated Films of 2013

As promised, I have resurrected this blog.  For now, I'll use it to focus on film.  During the normal course of a year, I average about 146 movies.  It's my intention to guide you to films that are great, steer you away from those that are not, and to expand your viewing horizons with some surprises.  I hope you enjoy reading this.

Today's post is about the movies from 2013 I found most disappointing.  A few of these are critical darlings. Others are movies that fell short of the high expectations I had for them.

Let's start!

American Hustle

I always walk away from David O. Russell films disappointed.  "Three Kings" felt ridiculous and "Silver Linings Playbook" had me begging for the end within the first 45 minutes - the final dance and kiss scene felt completely forced.  "American Hustle" is no exception.  Russell now has his stable of regular actors, a middle-age brat pack.  While their performances are fine, it's the story that really brings the film down.  It's confusing, it's long and it's just plain boring.  Not even a surprise visit from a favorite gangster can help.

I like Amy Adams, but what's with the disappearing/reappearing British accent (even when it wasn't supposed to)?  Jennifer Lawrence is clearly someone to watch - she's captivating when she's on screen (I've been a fan since "Winter's Bone"), but in this case, I don't believe the Oscar accolades are justified.  All of the big names seem to overplay their characters, nearly winking at the camera.  A big rule in comedy is to not break the fourth wall and laugh at your own joke.   Many times throughout the film this seems to happen.

Overall, this feels like a poor tribute to Martin Scorsese films - made even worse by the fact Scorsese released a film at the same time that is far better.

The Butler

If you dare, go back and watch "Forrest Gump."  I recall seeing it in the theater, walking out and thinking that I just saw a masterpiece.  It, of course, went on to win best picture.  A few years back, I watched it again and to my dismay found it to be schmaltzy and silly.  Convenient and corny, it wasn't what I remembered - this was clearly a film that didn't age well.

The same can be said about "The Butler."  The story, full of cinematic cliche, wraps up 50 years of presidential and civil rights history in two hours.   The story could have been more powerful if it focused on the relationship between the butler and the president or if it focused on the story between the butler and the trials of his family.  Instead, it paints a rosy and perfect picture by the numbers.

Don Jon

The trailer had so much promise.  It was funny and it showed the return of Tony Danza in a role that looked to be a bit risque.  Turned out, it wasn't that funny and the story was pretty middle-of-the-road.   In fact, the story is just plain sad.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote and directed this film.  In an interview with Howard Stern, he talked about influences and how long it took him to get this movie made.   There's no doubt he's talented and this is likely the beginning of a very prosperous career in screenwriting and directing.  In concept, this story seems like a good idea but like "American Hustle," it drags on too long.

I am curious to see what is next for Gordon-Levitt (an career arch I hope is similar to Ben Affleck).  In the meantime, check out the little seen "(500) Days of Summer."  You won't be disappointed.

Spring Breakers

Mix Dante's "Inferno" with dub-step techno and the flavor of the day.  Box-office gold, right?

Wrong.

This movie wants to be "Bonnie and Clyde" in bikinis.  What it really turns out to be is annoying story about a bunch of spoiled, want-to-be-thug teenagers who rob and murder their way to fun and excitement.  The only way this movie could have been worse is if there was a song on the soundtrack by Selena Gomez.

Don't believe the hype, skip this.