Mr. Holmes

Mr. Holmes Surprises

                                       

Mr. Holmes – a movie review by Tony Baksa 7/26/2015

Rating – 4 Suns

Summertime moving going can present problems for the serious cinephile.  With the abundance of sci-fi and superhero blockbusters, the serious minded film goer must wait out the summer for the fall and winter explosion of erudite offerings. Well, hidden in the pile of populous bill of fare is a movie that seems so out of place for this time of year – thankfully so. I admire the usual bombastic summer fun at the movies but “Mr. Holmes” is a welcome relief from the noise.

Sherlock Holmes has to be one of the most filmed literary characters ever. However, it seems, we never tire of him. He has been portrayed in diverse ways by many fine actors. One of our finest actors working today has now taken the old sleuth on. In “Mr. Holmes” the prolific Ian McKellen (Harry Potter & Hobbit movies) presents Sherlock as you have never seen him. In retirement, battling serious health and aging issues, Holmes is haunted by his last case which if not resolved professionally has never been resolved emotionally. It doesn’t help that his memory or lack thereof, has become his enemy. With dignity to spare, McKellen portrays a proud, realistic and compassionate man at the end of his days trying to make sense of it all.

The case in point is a fascinating one involving a young married couple’s tragedy, marital unrest, mysterious strangers and psychic forces. This complex scenario stirs in parallel plots involving a concerned house keeper (Laura Linney) and her brilliant young son (Milo Parker), a Japanese admirer (Hiroyuki Sanada) and bee keeping. Parallel lines meet at the end, of course, as all good mysteries demand. It’s the getting there that makes or breaks a good mystery.

“Mr. Holmes is a warm, wise and wonderful film based on the book “A Slight Trick of the Mind” by Mitch Cullen.  Moving at a pace that should work against interest, director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, The Twilight Saga) wisely chooses a languid momentum to mirror Sherlock’s elderly reveries. McKellen gives an Oscar worthy performance with unblinking honesty as a man facing the end of his remarkable life. Laura Linney is solid as always. The miracle here is 12 year old Milo Parker as Holmes’ young protégé. His strong performance has depth and uncanny understanding for someone so young. We are seeing hints of what Sherlock Holmes might have been like as a boy. The relationship is a classic one between an old man and a young boy. It is the heart of the movie.

Set in rural Sussex, England, we are treated to lovely misty pastel landscapes. Director Condon mixes the many plots with such ease employing flashbacks galore – yet, never cumbersome or confusing. The story remains intriguing to the very end. An added treat – we go away learning some very interesting facts about bees. 

INSIDE OUT

‘Inside Out’ brings childhood anxieties to life

Wednesday July 22, 2015 | By:Tony Baksa |

Disney/Pixar has created a classic. “Inside Out” is compelling in its originality and deeply moving. It is the story of an 11-year-old girl’s journey through depression. Funny and sad, “Inside Out” tackles this delicate subject matter in a most surprising and entertaining way.

Young Riley is uprooted from her suburban home in Minnesota to San Francisco, due to her dad’s job transfer and she is faced with the reality of building a new life. The cleverness of this movie cannot be overstated. As Riley sinks into unhappiness, her inner voices become characters – Fear, Anger, Disgust, Joy and Sadness. Expertly voiced by a brilliant and expressive cast, “Inside Out” is profound, intelligent and speaks to all ages.

Front and center are Joy battling Sadness – not in a mean, cartoonish way, but gentle and loving. We learn that Joy and Sadness are necessary allies for Riley’s well-being. Fear, Disgust and Anger cannot be dismissed and also aid in motivating Riley to adjust to her circumstances.

Beautifully animated and filled with delightful characters, “Inside Out” succeeds in bringing childhood anxieties to life. The surprising level of suspense supplies an irresistible momentum that is breathtaking.

Standouts include Bing Bong, Riley’s imaginary friend that still lingers in her memory, even though she has outgrown such things. Voiced by Richard Kind, Bing Bong is sweet and funny and ultimately touching. Sadness, voiced by Phyllis Smith, is the star of the show. She is strangely loveable and completely necessary. Her chemistry with Joy, voiced by Amy Poehler, is the engine that runs the movie.

Credit co-directors Peter Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen, along with their team of writers, for the abundance of imagination brimming over in this remarkable film. Essential to the emotional life of this movie is the delicate score composed by Michael Giacchino.

Be prepared to laugh. “Inside Out” is very funny. Be prepared to cry— several times— as “Inside Out” astonishes you with its power.

http://www.thesunnews.net/around_town/927-'Inside_Out_brings_childhood_anxieties_to_life.html

San Andreas

San Andreas – a movie review by Tony Baksa – 6/10/2015

3 Suns

It was with a cozy touch of nostalgia that I viewed “San Andreas”. We, of a certain age, remember the rash of what was labeled “disaster films” a few decades ago.  “The Towering Inferno”,” Airplane”,” Hurricane” and “Earthquake” were just a few of the more successful films of this genre.  Director Brad Peyton returns us to an updated hi-tech disaster earthquake that will blow your mind. In this summer’s first official blockbuster, California is decimated by the mother of all earthquakes.  

Scientists have gone on record stating most of what we see here is improbable.  Who cares.” San Andreas” is a highly entertaining visual and visceral feast.  Starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino, this roller coaster ride is fun from start to finish.  High rises topple, tsunamis overwhelm, streets and houses crumble, Hoover Dam is destroyed. Failed and successful rescue attempts abound. To use a well-worn cliché’ – there is never a dull moment.

Well, hardly ever if you can ignore the corny personal dramas of the stock characters. Trust me, this you can do.  I won’t even bother recounting these scenarios. They really are beside the point.  The obvious mission of “San Andreas” is to take its audience on a thrill ride. Mission accomplished. This flick is jam-packed with jump out of your seat moments.

“San Andreas”, with an enormous special effects and stunt team, is state of the art. And it is a sight to behold. Excitement is guaranteed. A special nod goes to film Editor Bob Ducsay for his seamless work.

 The cast which also includes quirky character actor, Paul Giamatti, is likable which makes us care for their survival despite their less than imaginative backstories.

The best thing about this movie is that it runs just under 2 hours.  With its non-stop deluge of comic book danger, the smart filmmakers know when to quit.

“San Andreas” can also be seen in 3D. Save yourself a few bucks and catch it in 2D. With all the action exploding continuously, who needs a brick or two in the face. This film’s major asset is its fine ebb and flow. 3D gimmickry sabotages this effect.  Just stay on the ride until its breathless conclusion. You will smile at the impossibility of the last line uttered by Dwayne Johnson as the American flag unfurls. Not even Brando could make it plausible. But that’s the fun of “San Andreas”.  What could be more appropriate than shaky science in an earthquake movie.

Tomorrowland

Don’t waste today on ‘Tomorrowland’

Thursday June 4, 2015 | By:Tony Baksa |

Disney’s latest sci-fi adventure, “Tomorrowland”, is a big, bad guilt trip. This preposterous tween movie’s premise is that we have no future if we continue to be negative. Positivity will save the day. Just believe in a future and all will be well. It’s pretty simplistic and definitely not a strong enough theme to support a 2 1/2-hour scolding.

Director Brad Bird and team have filled the screen with the most boring visuals and special effects. Lots of noise and fast movement assault our senses with no significant meaning. It brings to mind Macbeth’s famous line, “It is a tale full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” It is also a tale full of confusion. I really didn’t know what was going on. It made me wonder if the target audience would have the same difficulty.

“Tomorrowland” stars George Clooney as inventor Frank Walker, scarred by youthful rejection. We first encounter him as an optimistic boy (Thomas Robinson). He fails to impress the judges at The Hall of Inventions with his jetpack, which actually doesn’t work. However, the young Athena (Raffey Cassidy), feels it has potential. Somehow, her opinion has some weight. She is a bit of a mystery for most of the film until the final reel when she, who has not aged, reunites with the pessimistic adult Frank (Clooney). Then the lame mystery is solved, but still doesn’t explain her purpose.

At the center of this confusion is the feisty, optimistic Casey Newton (Britt Robertson). She discovers a pin from the 1964 World Expo that transports her to Tomorrowland when she touches it. She learns that the future is governed by Nix (Hugh Laurie) who is determined to destroy the negative present to ensure a positive future. Casey becomes convinced that the world needs saving from this lunatic. The odd thing is that “villain” Governor Nix is on the right side of the issues. He has proposed solutions to global warming, political and sociological unrest. So, if he lives in the future and cured these worldly ailments, then where’s the conflict? We are left with the message that the world needs more dreamers and that everyone should drink Coke – mucho product placement – and visit Disney World, especially Tomorrowland. This is a shameless overstuffed promo for Disney.

The performances lack enthusiasm, except for Cassidy as the enigmatic Athena. As for the direction and screenplay – Bird and crew may know what “Tomorrowland” is about. Perhaps they can film a tutorial and let us all in on the “fun.”

http://www.thesunnews.net/scene/749-Dont_waste_today_on_'Tomorrowland.html

Still Alice

‘Still Alice’ a devastating story of Alzheimer’s

Thursday May 21, 2015 | By:Tony Baksa |

At the center of this very sad tale is Alice. She is smart, strong, loving and lovable. She will break your heart. Her descent into Alzheimer’s is truthfully depicted. The drama is carefully measured as to avoid histrionics and theatrics. It is quite an achievement.

We watch hopelessly Alice’s unavoidable decline. Memory loss is a major symptom of Alzheimer’s and the most devastating. Alice experiences episodes where she doesn’t recognize her children and her husband. She also has bouts of disorientation – not knowing where she is. She goes out jogging only to find herself not recognizing the street or why she is there. It is harrowing, in its quiet way.

This is a powerful film. Is it entertaining? Well, not in the normal sense. Yet, in its authenticity, it is deeply involving. There is a stand-out scene with Alice lecturing as she bravely fights her limitations. It just may be the most moving moment in film this year.

Julianne Moore as 50-years-old Alice gives a quiet, subtle portrait of a vital woman knowingly facing this terribly cruel disease. Her intelligence in dealing day-to-day with strategies she devises for herself is inspiring. There is no implied light at the end of the tunnel here. We know, as does Alice, her story has a predictable, inevitable conclusion.

Alice – ironically a linqiustics professor – is prominent and accomplished in her field. She shares her life with an equally successful husband (Alec Baldwin) and three grown children. Her youngest daughter (Kristen Stewart), an aspiring actress, puts her career on hold to the barbed amazement of her siblings so she can be with her mother in her obvious time of need. Hunter Parrish, as Alice’s only son, also stands out. He puts credence to the old Stanislavski proverb, “There are no small parts, only small actors.” With very few lines and screen time, Parrish fashions an emotional portrait of a loving son hit hard by his mother’s struggle.

“Still Alice” is a film that’s difficult to recommend. I’m glad I saw it but, frankly, I wouldn’t see it again. Its realness is its strength and its weakness. It is just too depressing.

The movie’s authenticity may, in part, be due to the sadly fascinating fact that “Still Alice” was co-written and directed by Richard Glatzer, who was suffering from another terminal neurologic disease, ALS, during the filming. This was his last film before his death in March of this year.

“Still Alice” has been re-released due to Moore’s Oscar win as best actress. This was a movie that very few people saw the first time around, but the audience has grown.

I think the most important message I took away from this film was how necessary efforts are to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. This disease, like this movie, does not have a happy ending.

http://www.thesunnews.net/scene/360-'Still_Alice_a_devastating_story_of_Alzheimers.html

Eyes Wide Open - A Commentary

Eyes wide open: Rediscover classic film

Wednesday April 22, 2015 | By:Tony Baksa |

For movie-lovers, this is the golden age. Not necessarily because movies are better but that they are so abundant. And with abundance come choices and so many wonderful ways to access this great art form.

I love movies – new, old, short, long, intimate, epic, black and white, color, Cinemascope, 3D – so many bad flicks but so many good ones, too.

You can go the conventional route and catch the latest releases at your local Cineplex. You can rent or buy the movie of your choice on DVD. Television and the Internet offer plenty of options from On Demand, premium channels and streaming.

And then there’s another option – my favorite – Turner Classic Movies. Bless TCM. Bless Robert Osborne – TCM host, guide and film expert. While I’m at it – Bless Thomas Edison and the Lumiere Brothers.

I pick movies the way I pick books. One of my favorite “libraries” is TCM. I adore this television network. It isn’t nostalgia that beckons me to this channel. It’s an aesthetic. TCM, like a library, has the good the bad and the interesting.

Today on TCM I watched a series of short Lumiere films – movies from the 1800’s! Two of them were in color. What an experience. Viewing movies from two centuries ago was like a visitation from Marley’s ghost – chilling, thrilling and a little scary but also a kind of spiritual experience.

I recently watched “Giant’ with Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean and Rock Hudson. It was fabulous. I was astounded to realize what a great actress Taylor was, in her prime. I was surprised at how good Hudson was and how bad the forever young Dean could be. “Giant’s” director George Stevens was a revelation.

Another surprise was the phenomenal performance by a young and very beautiful Natalie Wood in “Splendor in the Grass.” Warren Beatty made his movie debut in “Splendor” and was pretty stunning – all the earmarks of a screen star. Directed by Elia Kazan, Wood’s heartbreaking performance was never equaled by her.

TCM is a treasure trove of great 20th Century “literature.” Yes, TCM also shows bombs but viewed as history, these bombs blow away many of today’s hits – you know – like the repulsive “Hangover” movies, the stupid Jennifer Aniston romcoms, the grating Adam Sandler indulgences, the smarmy Paul Rudd buddy flicks, the recent spate of senior citizen romantic comedies starring the likes of Diane Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep and Robert Dinero.

I am not saying old movies were better than today’s efforts. I am saying that today’s garbage is smellier. In an attempt to be real, many movies have given up wit, true humor and poetic vision. That said, today we have Ang Lee, Spielberg, Scorsese, Danny Boyle et al making very good movies. There is much to enjoy and savor today, but ah - yesterday’s Bette Davis, Kazan, Garland, Cagney, Charles Laughton, Montgomery Clift, Geraldine Page, Ava Gardner, Kim Novak, William Inge, Hepburn, David Lean, Brando, Coppola, Lumet, MGM musicals and that marvelous roaring lion and so on.

But I don’t have to dwell in a nostalgic mist. I just turn on TCM and catch a dream – eyes wide open.


    http://www.thesunnews.net/scene/227-Eyes_wide_open_Rediscover_classic_film.html                                       

American Sniper - Rating 3 Suns

'American Sniper' is heartbreaking to watch

Friday March 13, 2015 | By:Tony Baksa |

HAMBURG— I do not understand the controversy surrounding this film. “American Sniper” is a straightforward movie about a reluctant war hero. Chris Kyle is a Navy Seal sniper with an uncanny talent for accuracy. He is so proficient that he gains the title “legend” from his peers. What he does is not pretty. But war is not pretty. He is good at what he does. Often, he must make the difficult decisions. Aiming his gun at the enemy, which sometimes includes women and most horribly, children, are his most disturbing decisions. It is heartbreaking to watch. These scenes are harrowing and will very likely cause you to have conflicting feelings. But this is why Kyle is a hero. How many people could perform such a duty and hold on to their sanity?

As portrayed by Bradley Cooper, Kyle is a sympathetic character. His demeanor is very much like his director’s persona – Clint Eastwood. Cooper is masterful. Eastwood’s direction is sturdy and penetrating.

By the way, “American Sniper” is a true story set in Texas and Iraq. It is compelling and ultimately quite sad. Kyle’s fate is tragic and unfair. Unblinking in its narrative, we are shown battles and skirmishes with Kyle’s sniping as the main tactical maneuver. These are the scenes that are most wrenching.

We are given some relief from the war zones with family scenes back home in Texas, when Kyle is on leave. These scenes are fraught with great love but laced with unnerving anxiety. We know he will return to Iraq, culminating in four tours with the Seals.

So, if this film is to be believed and I have no reason to feel otherwise, Kyle was a hero. He was a decent man with a deadly talent that served his country. The devastating details of his life make him even more heroic, in my opinion. The so-called “controversy” regarding this movie is lame and insulting.

My one quibble with American Sniper is its failure to deal head-on with the final chapter of Kyle’s story. I would have preferred the film to include a dramatization of a key incident. The impact could have been stunning. Nevertheless, its final denouement still packs a punch.

In the supporting cast, Sienna Miller as Kyle’s wife, Taya, delivers a beautifully realistic performance. Taya is torn between her desire for domestic stability and her necessary support for her husband’s duty. As their marriage progresses, they have children and a seemingly normal life – except for his long departures when he must leave to serve his country. Her demands for this normal life are thwarted by his need to serve and the Seals’ need for his special ability.

The look of the film is rather mesmerizing. Eastwood shoots his war scenes so honestly. He forces us to be witness to what war is really like. There is one scene shot in a sand storm that is brilliant in its unnerving aspect.

American Sniper is not your glossy Hollywood war film of yesterday. And Bradley Cooper is not John Wayne. This is an engrossing story about true commitment, a believable victory and gritty honor.

American Sniper is currently in theaters.


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