TWIN CITIES LIVE- August 1, 2014

TWIN CITIES LIVE
August 1, 2014

1. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel
2. A MOST WANTED MAN, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, starring Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum

Here's the video:




Video courtesy of Twin Cities Live/KSTP

You can find all of my past segments HERE.

As always, thank you so much for watching and your continual support. I truly appreciate it!

DEAR READERS

DEAR READERS

The In Memoriam segment of the Oscars is always a tough part to watch as we say goodbye to those that have touched us in some way. This year's piece was especially sad as one of my idols, Roger Ebert, was included. I wrote about him last year soon after he passed away. They also paid tribute to the hilarious Harold "Don't cross the streams" Ramis and the extremely gifted Philip Seymour Hoffman. I wanted to spend a little time looking back at these two gentlemen and their fine work.

PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN (1967-2014)

If I remember correctly, my first encounter with Philip Seymour Hoffman was when he had a supporting role as Scotty J. in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights. There was something mesmerizing about watching him take this minor role and making it so memorable. Many of my favorite Hoffman performances have been in Paul Thomas Anderson films including Magnolia and The Master. In high school, my friend Jenny and I had many trips to the movies together. Two of my favorite movies I saw with her happen to be The Talented Mr. Ripley and Almost Famous where Hoffman, yet again, played minor characters that leave that ingrained impression in your head. I always associated Hoffman with John C. Reilly as they worked together quite a few times. They both appeared in the Broadway revival of Sam Shepard's True West switching roles each night. I would have died to have seen that production. While Reilly's career has veered into more mainstream comedies, I always admired Hoffman's choices. He was a four time Oscar nominee for his work in Doubt, Charlie Wilson's War, The Master, and Capote, for which he won the Best Actor award. Those four diverse roles are prime examples of the masterful work Hoffman was known for tackling. There was always an intensity and mysterious quality Hoffman brought to each of his characters. As an actor myself, he is someone that I never get sick of watching as there is always another layer to his work to discover and learn from.

There are so many characters and performances to showcase, but these were the first four that instantly came to my mind when I think about his work.

2012's The Master- Lancaster Dodd



2005's Capote- Truman Capote



1999's Magnolia- Phil Pharma



1997's Boogie Nights- Scotty J.



HAROLD RAMIS (1944-2014)

Many people may be surprised to hear that National Lampoon's Animal House and Caddyshack are two of my favorite comedies. They are two of my go-to late night movies if I can't fall asleep. As a matter of fact, Caddyshack was one of the inflight movies I chose on my flight home from Paris. The man who penned both of those films is Harold Ramis. Audiences probably know him best as an actor in Stripes and as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters. Ramis was also found behind the camera directing Analyze This, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Groundhog Day. He was a man of many talents, and while some of his newer comedies were not as great, these three will always be revisited in my house.

1984's Ghostbusters- Actor: Dr. Egon Spengler



1980's Caddyshack- Director/Writer



1978's National Lampoon's Animal House- Writer



It's time for your input. I'd love to hear what Philip Seymour Hoffman performances have left their mark on you or what Harold Ramis films do you always find yourself laughing at every time you pop them in the DVD/Blu-Ray player.

Thanks for reading,
PAUL

Movie Review: THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Lynn Cohen, Donald Sutherland

I have seen enough of these movies adapted from young adult books to know that the majority of them are crap. I love that The Hunger Games series has set a high bar which others in a post-Harry Potter era will have to compete with when it comes to gaining a wide audience base outside of screaming teen girls. The second film, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, kicks it into high gear in every possible way. Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are back as District 12 victors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Malark, respectively. Their joint victory of the 74th Annual Hunger Games have defied the odds and broken the rules according to President Snow (Sutherland), the ruler of The Capitol and all of Panem.

With their victory, the two of them must go on a victory tour of the twelve districts of Panem to pay their respect to the fallen tributes that lost their lives in the Games. They are both sickened from killing innocent people as part of the Games and are now suffering night terrors. Their win came from a suicide pact between the two of them in an attempt to defy Snow and the Capitol. In an unannounced meeting, President Snow informs Katniss that the people of Panem are now rebelling just like their heroine has done. He threatens her that if the rebellion keeps up, he will harm her family and loved ones. She must convince the people and President Snow that their suicide pact was done as a romantic move between the two of them and that their love is "real" and all is well in the Capitol. Sounds like so many of the fake romances coming out of Hollywood. We all know that is not true as as Katniss' heart belongs to childhood friend Gale (Hemsworth). To add another wrinkle in their lives, Snow and new Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Hoffman) announce the Third Quarter Quell. The Quarter Quell happens every twenty five years and brings back the surviving winners of past Hunger Games for an all-star version that is more challenging than anything they experienced the first time. Katniss and Peeta are both thrown into the competition knowing full well that only one of them will come out alive.

I was a bit leery at first when it was reported that Francis Lawrence would be taking over the directorial duties after Gary Ross stepped down after the first one. His last film was Water for Elephants which I loathed. Call me converted as he delivers a fast-paced, high octane thrill ride. Even though the third book “Mockingjay” will be released into two movies The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has the tone and feel of what the middle part in a trilogy should feel like. Lawrence knows how to carry out the fact that author Suzanne Collins has upped the ante and raised the stakes not just for Katniss, but for all of our characters. The rebellion and conflict within the districts and within the Capitol rises as we approach the Quarter Quell and the impacts it will have on our two victors are even more life threatening. For a two and a half hour run time, Lawrence keeps the pace up and the action flowing without comprising on the story, dialogue, and character development. You cannot help but notice the production design is more grandiose then its predecessor. The lush rich costume design by Trish Summerville (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) spans the spectrum from the gorgeous gowns worn by Katniss to the sports wear and hard military design of the Peacekeepers. Many of Effie Trinket's designs are straight from the Alexander McQueen collection.

Credit should also be given to Oscar winners Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) and Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine) who adapted the screenplay from the book by Collins, which many consider the best in the series. Both are new to the series but have penned a rich adaptation allowing the story to showcase not only Katniss and Peeta, but have given some more depth to the some of the supporting characters like Haymitch, Effie, and Caesar. Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Stanley Tucci are all fantastic character actors who start to peel off the layers of these larger than life characters to make them more than simple cartoonish figures of the Capitol. Sam Claflin, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone, and Lynn Cohen are all newcomers to this world as they play the former victors who must compete again in the Quarter Quell. Malone brings the sass and attitude that she is known for playing before. The only newcomer to the cast that seems a bit out of place is Phillip Seymour Hoffman. We have seen him play evil characters before, so it seems a bit like he is phoning it in at times here.

The anchors of the story are Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Hutcherson brings his charm and cuteness to Peeta that really makes you question why Katniss is still pining after Gale. It should not be too hard to fake a romance with Peeta. As you can tell, I am clearly Team Peeta. What is not to love about Jennifer Lawrence. Her rich and complex portrayal of Katniss puts her leagues above say Kristen Stewart in those darn Twilight movies. Katniss' ferocious drive against the Capitol makes her one of the best action heroines since Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley slayed an alien or Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor battled a terminator. Her Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook was no fluke. I think her down to earth personality shines through in each role and makes them each a little bit more believable and realistic, no matter if they are in an action/sci-fi flick or a heavy drama like the upcoming American Hustle.

I have seen the film twice now and I can easily say it is better than the first one. The two and a half hours goes by swiftly and culminates into a pulsating cliffhanger of an ending. Another amazing thing is the fact this is shown in regular 2D. No crappy post-production 3D baloney here that costs us an extra few bucks, and it still rang in some serious change at the box office. What a concept! I think more action/sci-fi films should take note.

RATING: **** 1/2 (4.5 out of 5 stars)

Movie Trailer: SALINGER

SALINGER
Director: Shane Salerno
Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, John Cusack, John Guare, Tom Wolfe, Danny DeVito

When I saw Blue Jasmine last week, I was fascinated by a new documentary coming out from Shane Salerno. Salerno digs deep into the life of reclusive author J.D. Salinger. I think it is pretty safe to say that almost anyone that read their required reading list in high school has read "The Catcher in the Rye". I know I read it and loved it. I still consider it my favorite book but I haven't read it since my high school days. Would I still sympathize with the misunderstood Holden Caulfield or find him annoying? Maybe I'll pick it up again soon.

Salerno has interviewed dozens of actors, writers, journalists, family, and friends of Salinger to delve into why people are so fascinated by him. I am intrigued by all of the controversy that surrounds like book. How does one book move someone like Mark David Champman to murder? Salerno definitely seems to have done his research and literary fans will most likely flock to to this documentary to learn more about his life.

Here's the trailer:

Movie Trailer: THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

Movie Trailer: THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Donald Sutherland, Sam Claflin, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson



I must say that this teaser trailer was more than I expected. Usually teaser trailers contain a couple of images from the film with some narration or dialogue from the film playing over it. This teaser feels like your standard full length trailer. The second in the The Hunger Games trilogy looks to be just as thrilling, exciting, and exhilarating as the first part. Now that Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Hutcherson) have won The Hunger Games, they must embark on a victory tour of the districts in Panem. Their win sparks controversy and rebellion which does not sit well with President Snow (Sutherland). Another competition, known as the "Quarter Quell", is announced that could leave a massive impact on the districts. This competition, which only happens once every twenty-five years, pits Katniss and Peeta against each other again and are now joined by previous winners to leave the last man or woman standing.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin, and Jena Malone are all newcomers to the series. Hoffman is always fantastic whenever he plays mysterious and untrustworthy characters. I am already looking forward to his scenes with Sutherland based on this teaser alone. Francis Lawrence takes over the director chair from Gary Ross. His previous films include Water for Elephants and I am Legend. I hated Water for Elephants, but I attest that to the book and not him. I expect huge box office numbers as this opens Thanksgiving weekend which is always a big movie going weekend. I know what I will be doing after stuffing my face with turkey and pie.

RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2013

Movie Review: THE MASTER

THE MASTER
Writer/Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Laura Dern

Freddie Quell (Phoenix) is trying to make a living as a veteran in a post World War II society. He left a girl behind when he went to serve in the Navy and now he is a drifter trying to find a steady job. He finds temporary work as a photographer in a department store. His problem with the bottle seems to get him into more trouble than he realizes. He can't seem to stop the drinking especially since he makes his own potent concoction. Paint thinner just happens to be one of his secret ingredients. Stumbling around town one night, he boards a private boat lit up for a party. Aboard this boat is Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman), his faithful wife Peggy (Adams), the rest of the Dodd clan, and some other party-goers.

Freddie wakes up and is escorted to Lancaster's room. Lancaster reveals to Freddie that he opened up to him about all of his problems. Freddie does not recollect that part of the evening, but he goes along with what Lancaster is saying. Lancaster tells Freddie he can help him out in life. Lancaster is an author and religious leader. He has started a small following of people that believe in his way of beliefs and living, called The Cause. Lancaster's beliefs seem to be controversial. He holds these counseling type sessions with an individual person while a group of other followers stand around and watch. The always charismatic and strong-minded Lancaster has reeled Freddie in. Freddie follows Lancaster and his family as they travel around promoting The Cause. Freddie is tested once Lancasters son, Val (Jesse Plemons), reveals to him that Lancaster is making this all up as he goes along.

The Master is not an easy film to watch for many reasons. The movie was labeled as controversial very early on in as it bears similarities to L.Ron Hubbard and how he founded Scientology. I think that many be the reason why many people are seeing the movie. I do not know enough about Scientology to know if Lancaster Dodd and The Cause are a direct comparison to Hubbard and Scientology or if the movie is more of a look at these types of contemporary religions with charismatic leaders. The film feels very slow at times. I would not say that I was bored, but I was often wondering where the movie was going or what was going to happen next to Freddie. Would he wise up to Lancaster's way or would he continue to fall into the rabbit hole? I could tell that many people around me were feeling bored.

The movie was beautifully shot in 65 mm by Mihai Malaimaire, Jr. Not many movies are filmed in 65 mm anymore as we are in this digital age of the cinema. Anderson has previously directed many actors to Oscar nominations and a win for Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood. I expect to see Phoenix, Hoffman, and possibly Adams named in this years list of nominations. Phoenix gives a full-force performance. He is constantly contorting and moving his body. His voice can be inaudible at times often mumbling through the side of his mouth. This may bother some people or not if you can actually understand him. This is the fourth collaboration between Hoffman and Anderson. He gives one of the best performances of his career. He makes Lancaster a very mysterious character. He plays him as someone that always seems to be "on". Often performing or being a larger version of himself for the followers under his rule. You never find out who Lancaster really is or where he came from or how he got to this point in his life.

Paul Thomas Anderson has never been known to make a simple movie. He never writes and directs a movie that does not challenge him as a filmmaker. He never makes a movie that does not ask something of the audience. His latest is no different. In fact, I would say it is the most daring movie to date. I think this may be considered this years The Tree of Life. It is another movie that is very artistically made and has a lot going for it. It will be hailed by critics as cinematic geniousness, but it will leave a lot of cinema goers scratching their head as they leave. I have always loved the work of Paul Thomas Anderson. I never took my eyes off the screen, but at the same time I was never able to fully sink in and go with the movie. I was not as drawn into it as I was with Magnolia or There Will Be Blood. I would be curious to see what it is like with a second viewing.

RATING: *** 1/2 (3.5 out of 5 stars)

Movie Trailer: THE MASTER

THE MASTER
Director/Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, W.Earl Brown

I first reported about Paul Thomas Anderson's latest movie back on May 10, 2011. You can find that post "here". I think Anderson is a genious filmmaker. Magnolia is in My Top 20 Films list. He is known for writing gritty, thought-provoking, and controversial films. He casts exceptional actors which landed an Oscar win for Daniel Day-Lewis for his performance in There Will Be Blood. The Master seems to be no exception. Hoffman, Phoenix, and Adams are all top-notch past Oscar nominees and appear to be delivering strong performances once again. The film centers around Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) who creates a new religion called "The Cause". World War II vet Freddie (Phoenix) joins "The Cause" and becomes one of Lancaster's strong supporters. Freddie's life start to go in the wrong direction the deeper he gets into Lancaster's cult like teachings. Some early reports claim that Anderson based Lancaster Dodd on L.Ron Hubbard who started Scientology. He apparently has screened the movie for Tom Cruise. Hoffman has come forward to say it is not based on Scientology, so we shall what the reaction is like once it comes out. I.cannot.wait.

Here is the official trailer as well as some of the teasers that were previously released.

Release Date: October 12, 2012