Movie Review: IF I STAY

IF I STAY
Director: R.J. Cutler
Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Jamie Blackley, Mireille Enos, Joshua Leonard, Stacy Keach

Who’s ready for another romance novel turned movie about two young lovers and tragedy? Mia (Moretz) comes from a musically inclined family. Her parents (Enos and Leonard) are young at heart, and her dad used to play in a rock band but stepped down once his family became his top priority. Their natural talent was passed down to Mia, but she gravitated toward the cello at an extremely young age. For two rocker parents, it took some time getting used to the sounds of a bow and strings instead an amp turned up. Her love of the cello carried on into high school and is her sole focus in life. Adam (Blackley) is a fellow classmate and known for fronting a popular rock band. He overhears her practicing in the band room one day and is immediately attracted to both her and her music. She’s the awkward, shy type who can’t really believe that someone so “cool” would be attracted to her, but nonetheless, a relationship is born and a teen romance ensues between these two musicians.

On a snowy day, it is announced that school has been closed due to the weather and Mia’s folks decide to play hooky to be with her and her brother. They go for a drive before the snow picks up and their car crashes into another vehicle coming around a curve in the road. Mia wakes up and realizes she is having an out of body experience as she looks down at her body and realizes she is in a coma. The film goes back and forth in the story’s timeline as we go through the journey of Mia and Adam’s relationship and how she copes with the aftermath of the accident.

If you are thinking this movie sounds just like every other teen soap movie, you aren’t too off base. It is based on the popular book by Gayle Forman, and there is a Nicholas Sparks type feel to it with its love story struck by tragedy angle. I’ll give this one credit for being a bit more plausible than Sparks’ stories that have been become so darn predictable and saccharine. The car accident happens very quickly into the movie instead of being used as a third act game changer. If you are familiar with this genre, there are some clichéd moments you can see coming a mile away. Of course Adam is the confident guy type and Mia has her insecure moments with him. They each have their heightened “it’s the end of the world” moments in their relationship that you want to roll your eyes at. She has an audition at Julliard while he contemplates a big move for his band on the opposite side of the country. This will no doubt turn some moviegoers off. I am willing to be more forgiving and give some of these scenes a pass as this story really is told through the perspective of two teenagers who are bound to be whiny and have their angst at times. It’s nice to see a teen couple in a movie that actually would be a couple in the real world. There are too many movies where we’ve got some dumb jock that falls for the nerdy girl because he’s “just not like those other guys”. In If I Stay, we’ve got two students that have a shared love of music and the arts, and they actually make sense together as a couple.

Chloe Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley play our two young lovers. It’s been interesting watching Moretz’s career as she’s grown up in front of the camera from films like Kick-Ass and Let Me In to last year’s Carrie remake. She’s only seventeen so I applaud the fact she’s actually playing someone age appropriate. Maybe we are seeing a trend where high school students in movies are actually played by teenage actors. She has stated in interviews that she likes playing these types of complex and damaged characters. While I understand the need to challenge oneself as an actor, I can’t quite seem to get on the Chloe Grace Moretz train yet. She seems to be a hot commodity, but I feel like she may be choosing and fighting for the wrong roles. Like Carrie, she always seems to be trying so hard to get certain emotions out that she comes across as pushing it too far into a forced melodramatic territory. While Jamie Blackley has some credits under his belt, this is his first major lead role. He definitely fares better and seems more suited for the role than she does. His heavier scenes feel a bit more raw and honest. Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard (The Blair Witch Project) make the most out of their smaller roles as Mia’s parents. They are clearly having fun with the rocker, hip, and funny parents that are loveable and mature despite their backgrounds. I would have loved to have seen more of their relationship and background explored in the flashback scenes. Enos has been really making a name for herself these past few years with roles in Big Love, The Killing, and World War Z.

This film will inevitably be compared to The Fault in Our Stars, which elevated the teen romance movie to a whole different level. If I Stay didn’t bring me to the ugly cry, but I was still engaged most of the time. It’s hard not to be moved by the end of the movie, especially after Stacy Keach’s heartbreaking monologue. It will resonate with anyone that has spent time in a hospital with a loved one not knowing if or when they may pass away. Classical music is a key factor of the movie with Mia’s passion for the cello. Moretz did learn how to play it but there’s a body double for some of the more complex pieces she plays. It really reminded me how much I love cello music, yet I never take the time to listen to it or use it to unwind to after a long day. I may just have to go to the library and look for some Yo-Yo Ma CDs.

Is It Worth Your Trip to the Movies? It’s better than some teen soap stories, but suffers due to its lead actress and predictability factor.

RATING: 3 out of 5 TICKET STUBS

2013 Twin Cities Film Fest: NEBRASKA

NEBRASKA
Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: Will Forte, Bruce Dern, Stacy Keach, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Mary Louise Wilson

There is something I love about seeing a studio logo in black and white. There is something so timeless and classic about it. Nebraska, the latest from Alexander Payne, is presented in black and white and I can't conceive of it being in color. I just do not think it would have the same affect. Woody (Dern) believes he has won a million dollars after receiving a sweepstakes certificate in the mail. He is a cantankerous old man who decides to walk to Nebraska from his home in Billings, Montana to collect his winnings. This seems to be the only thing he has going for himself in life, so he is determined to make it. You may be wondering what a man of his age would even do with a million dollars. Buy a truck of course! His wife Kate (Squibb) has about had it with him and his stubborn attitude.

His son David (Forte) always has to rescue him and bring him back home when he attempts his journey to Nebraska. He tries to warn him that it is all one big scam, but he won't listen. David decides to take him on a road trip to appease him, get him out of the house, have some father/son time, and give some peace and quiet to his mother. It is not long when Woody receives a head injury that derails their trip taking them to his hometown of Hawthorne, Nebraska which is also where he met Kate. He tells a couple of his old buddies that he has won a million dollars, and he becomes the town celebrity. Money brings out the worst in people as various family members and his old friend Ed (Keach) want a piece of his new fortune for old unpaid debts.

It is easy to say that this is a father/son road trip movie, but there is so much more to it than that. There are many rich layers and dimensions to uncover and think about throughout the movie. These characters written by Bob Nelson are so specific and real that you cannot help but relate to one of them and understand where they are at in life. Each one of them has their own stubborn qualities, ways of living, beliefs, or setbacks. I could not help but think about my family members. Watching Bruce Dern and June Squibb brought me right back to my grandparents and what they were like when they were alive. I can even envision some of my other family members growing into these characters. There is a simple shot of the two generations of men in Woody’s family sitting watching football that was so reminiscent of family gatherings I have been to. They were mainly all quiet or passed out watching the game while the women were gabbing and cooking in the kitchen.

The landscape and architecture of Hawthorne and Billings play such a vital part of the film as well. Nebraska is not only the place Woody grew up but also the place he is going back to. Even though his destination is another city, there is the idea of going back home again for someone of his age. Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael beautifully captures the Midwest in so many of his shots. The small town feel during the scenes in Hawthorne immediately took me back to Aitkin, MN where I have family.

I hope would hope that the ensemble of actors who all shine here end up with a SAG nomination for outstanding ensemble. Will Forte is known for his comedic abilities as being a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and doing a guest spot on “30 Rock”. He leaves all of the funny voices and characters behind to play David. There is no MacGruber here. He is quite warm and touching as he tries to do what is best for his dad. It is great to see him step out of his comfort zone and prove he is capable of taking on these other types of roles. Bob Odenkirk plays the older son of Woody who is a local television anchor. Bruce Dern and June Squibb give two of my favorite performances of the year. As an actor, I could not help but watch and take in all of the choices they made as Woody and Kate. Squibb is downright hysterical the majority of the movie. Kate is blunt and brash and is not afraid to speak her mind to anyone. The harsh words she lunges at Dern had the whole theater laughing. The vulgarities and verbal tirades she goes on are priceless and are so perfect for someone her age. I remember my grandmother making some choice comments in her final years that still make me laugh. I would not be surprised if Squibb and Dern receive Oscar nominations for their work. It will be a damn shame if they don’t. Dern is quite flawless at capturing that stubborn, funny, odd, and crotchety behavior of Woody. Earlier this year he was awarded the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

If you look back at the work of Alexander Payne, you will see that his movies have these serious and dramatic story lines but are mixed well with just enough humor that can be found in those situations. Election is the only one I would actually consider a comedy. The Descendants, Sideways, and Nebraska all have these hilarious moments despite the central characters being at a crossroads facing such life changing moments or decisions. This is also the first movie in quite some time that he did not help co-write. Some critics are calling this as "Minor-Payne", but I disagree. I personally think this is one of his stronger movies. I actually think it is better than The Descendants, but I did not obsess over it like others had.


RATING: ***** (5 out of 5 stars)

Movie Review: THE BOURNE LEGACY

THE BOURNE LEGACY
Director: Tony Gilroy
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach

Aaron Cross (Renner) "Number Five" has been secluded up in the Alaskan mountains as part of a training program for Operation Outcome. He has been given a special pill regimen of a green pill and a blue pill to enhance memory and strength. Aaron comes across operative Number Three and they commune in the lodge Number Three has been living in. After Jason Bourne exposes Operation Blackbriar and the Treadstone Project, Eric Byer (Norton) is called in to cover up the CIA initiatives. While Cross is out surveying the land around the lodge, a missile is shot and blows up Number Three. It has become apparent to Cross that the members of Operation Outcome have been targeted for elimination. He dislodges the tracker that has been implanted in him and forces it into a wolf that tried to attack him.

Dr. Donald Foite (Zeljko Ivanek) has been brain washed to kill his fellow scientists at Outcome who have been making the green and blue pills. The lone survivor of the rampage is Dr. Marta Shearing (Weisz) who hides until Dr. Foite pulls the gun on himself. Later at home, Dr. Marta is attacked again by the same CIA agents that were in charge of the rampage. Aaron Cross mysteriously shows up killing the agents and rescuing Dr. Marta. They escape and head to Manila, Philippines where the pills are manufactured. Byer learns of their plans and sends a team to Manila to capture them. Naturally, this leads to many more chase sequences and high brow stunts.

Tony Gilroy wrote and directed this Bourne reboot. He had previously written the other three Bourne movies, but decided to take over the director's chair after Paul Greengrass decided not to return to the series. With Matt Damon also deciding not to return, Gilroy had a couple of options if he was going to make another movie. He could recast the role of Jason Bourne, create a new spy in a new adventure, or create a new spy but incorporate him into the Jason Bourne story line. Gilroy chose the latter choice, which has its ups and downs. Jason Bourne is referenced in the movie, andmany of the supporting characters have returned like Joan Allen's Pamela Landy and David Strathairn's Noah Vosen. I think it is important to have recently watched the first trilogy before going into The Bourne Legacy. You won't fully understand the subplots or relationships if you don't remember the events from the other movies. While it is great to tie it into the series, the movie does not succeed in standing on its own. We get introduced to the new Aaron Cross character, but we do not know much about his history or how he got into the program. The majority of the movie is Aaron and Marta on the run. There is no real conclusion as it is merely set up to feel like the first movie in a brand new series. Do not be surprised if the ending comes out of nowhere.

If you can get passed the notion that there is no definitive plot structure with a beginning, middle, and end, the movie is still highly enjoyable. You might also sit through the first thirty minutes confused as to what is going on. Once Aaron and Dr. Marta are on the run, the film narrows in on the main chase and it takes off. The action sequences and chases are edge-of-your-seat. I found myself audibly gasping during the final chase. I think it was a great casting choice to have Rachel Weisz playing Marta. The Academy Award winning actress is used to appearing in heavy hitting dramas, so it is a refreshing choice on her part. She is completely believable as the scientist and tough enough for the action sequences. She is no wimpy babe running around screaming. Jeremy Renner is proving to be quite the little action star. This is his third big action movie recently following Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol and Marvel’s The Avengers. I do not know how many of his stunts he actually did, but he can sure run over rooftops, ride motorcycles, and scale down buildings like other action stars. He is more than capable of continuing this series if the studios want it. Will I go see a sequel? Yes, of course.

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