Out of the Furnace

Genre: Crime/Drama
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Christian Bale, Wood Harrelson, Casey Affleck and Forrest Whitaker. 
Running: 116mins

Out of the Furnace...wow! What a cast we have here. Director Scott Cooper has managed to gather a collection of fine actors who try so hard to make this movie stand out. It does, kind of. 

There is a big gap between Crazy Heart (2009) and even further back with Austin Powers: The spy who shagged me (1999). Jeff Bridges picked up an award for best actor in Cooper's Crazy Heart respectively.

Out of the Furnace is a bleak outlook on the economic crises and its impact on every character surrounding the small town of Rust Belt, Pennsylvania. Unlike his brother, Russell (Christian Bale) is proud to work in the old mill which seems like the only place willing to feed the majority of blue-collar workers. Russell is struggling to cope after losing his missus (Zoe Saldana) to Wesley Barnes (Forrest Whitaker) following a drunken car crash. Fresh out of jail, Russell is desperate to put the past behind him. On the other hand younger brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) is haunted by his servings in the Iraq war. Desperate for money, Rodney takes up bare-knuckle boxing through local gambler and money launderer John Petty (William Defoe).

When Russell finds out about Rodney's blood sport antics he fails in a bid to make him see straight. From there we follow Rodeny down a dark road which leads him to Satan himself Harlan Degroat (Wood Harrelson). Harlan offers Rodney some fights, however Rodney is unaware of the potential outcome of dealing with such an individual.

It is Prisoners all over again as Wesley informs Russell of Rodney's disappearance leading to a build of anger and worry. Destined to take the law into his own hands, Russell struggles to cope with the possibility of never seeing his brother again.

Out of the Furnace is smothered with different characters offering various angles to a film that struggles to hold down an official plot. The scenes are wonderfully shot with the old mill signifying the dirty setting of a troubled town. Far from warm, the woods are the haunting surroundings to an environment struggling to stay on its feet. It is the habitants that live amongst the existing villains of the town who are finding it hard to pack up an live a better life else where. And that is where Scott Cooper's movie tries reeling you in to find sympathy in the movie's protagonist Russell (Bale) when really there is none.

Out of the Furnace is a negative movie based on negative characters caught up in a time of financial crises. The only female in the movie is supposed to be relevant in the life of Russell but adds nothing to the movie. The movie is dominated by males, with Forrest Whitaker, Affleck, Dafoe all performing out of there skin. And that is the small problem with this movie; the method acting is so outstanding that it brushes aside any room for a plot resulting in an underwhelming story. Sure, Bale was ecstatic as always along with Harrelson who is terrifying and unforgettable. It almost suffers from the "villain disease",when a cast of excellences are out-shined by the antagonist; Lawless, Gangster Squad, it happens and this just happened. The scenes involving Harrelson are the most memorable with a climax that is merely satisfying but to look back at the movie you understand why Out of the Furnace was not one of the most talked about movies. It came in under the radar following the fantastic American Hustle which is probably a bit unfortunate for Scott Cooper but these things happen.

Out of the Furnace is not a bad movie (as some critics have labelled it) but you expect the director to create something more extravagant with the actors at hand.

Overall: It is watchable and enjoyable in parts. Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson are the heart and soul of a movie with no obvious plot - but when there is one (relating Casey Affleck) it's over before you know it.











Prisoners

Inside Llewyn Davis

Genre: Drama
Directed: Joel and Ethan Cohen
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman. 
Running: 104min

The Cohen Brothers, or better known to close friends (in which I am not) as Joel and Ethan, are known for their brotherly love on set. They have gone on to write, produce and ultimately direct some of Hollywood's finest movies. I have gone on to see a few such as Fargo (1996) and The Big Lebowski (1998). Both movies supply a comedic premise with a dramatic twist with Fargo offering a darker concept; one we have come to recognise in No Country for Old Men (2007) and True Grit (2010) A Cohen Bros. movie is renowned for leaving stones unturned with the credits most likely to show unexpectedly. It is a crafty way of film making, it's unusual but as a fan it's satisfying, but not for everyone. 

Inside Llewyn Davis is just that; grey skies, dry humour with little or no plot. However it is a recognised creation by the Cohens; meaning it thrives on your engagement regarding the protagonist, putting this musical and slightly depressing drama down to your consensus on Llewyn's troubles - if you think there is any. 

The year is 1961 and the scene of New York is frosty, so cold that the majority of folks spend their days listening to live music in the Gaslight cafe; an independent stepping stone for upcoming musicians. One such is Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) who sets the tone of the movie by performing a wonderful song titled "Hang Me". Llewyn and his guitar is a recognised image but far from liked. Llewyn's past is one that tends to haunt him through-out and one that prevents him from achieving the solo height he so strongly feels he deserves. However his habit of moving from couch to couch in order to survive the cold sees his once close friends look upon him in despicable ways (ways in which I found myself disagreeing with, anyway). 

Llewyn Davis (Issac), Jim (Timberlake) and Al Cody
played by Adam Driver

Llewyn is not aloud forget his former partner in which they had wider success and to rub it in, close friends Jim (Justin Timberlake) and Jean (Carry Mulligan) are moving on from his burden. At the same time, Llewyn's hopes of financial regain hit a brick wall when his manager tells him that his latest album is not selling.  All of Llewyn's troubles seem financially focused along with the presence of Jean and his moral ambition to return a cat is what may seem to be the plot of this movie. 

But it is the travels of Llewyn is what is most engaging as the story doesn't necessarily unfold to anything, it just becomes deeper and more personal as he seeks to forget a past in order to help prolong a career that has struggled to pay the bills - you either ride along with Llewyn in support or to witness him fail. The characters in his life are placed to paint a picture of a man they either know too much about or nothing at all. Nevertheless, this is a Cohen Bros movie so there is no consensus regarding the leading protagonist. That said, the down an out character portrayed wonderfully by Oscar Isaac shows little or no personality but he is darkly humorous in parts and goes on to perform out of his skin for the most as everything you hear is live.

The trouble for some people seeing this movie may be just that; all style no substance. I found myself singing along from the off but I also enjoyed each of the character's dialogue and the simple film making involved within it. I can see where some people may despise this film - particularly as it ends in typical Cohen Bros fashion. 

Overall: Great characters portrayed wonderfully by Oscar Isaac, Carry Mulligan and not forgetting John Goodman. With a plot that is not entirely obvious, Inside Llewyn Davis thrives off self-motivation, ambition, selfishness and crude personalities, this musical story is simply crafted but may not answer all of your questions. 

Tomorrows review:
Out of the Furnace, starring Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson. 

Trailers R Us

For those who missed the recent spam of upcoming movie trailers; I am here for you. It seems while we are reaching the end of what has been a mediocre year at the multiplex, the trailers below are setting us up for a decent run of entertainment come 2014.

What better way to keep us dedicated movie fans guessing than to throw in a teaser or two with Dawn of the Apes and Godzilla. Or how about the reliance of Happy Madison production to consistently remind us that Adam Sandler is in fact walking the earth unhinged! Movies such as Rob the Mob an Edge of Darkness may be prove a surprising result, and of course we have the return of Chris Nolan...like he would ever abandon us.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Directed: Matt Reeves
Starring: Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell and Jason Clark.

Expectation: Early days of course, but considering Rise of the Apes was one of the best movies of 2012, I see no reason why we can't get the same treatment in this highly anticipated sequel. Excluding James Franco this time, Gary Oldman and Jason Clark isn't a a bad substitution.

The Expendables 3
Directed: Patrick Hughes
Starring (everyone)

Expectation: Mindless as were its predecessors. Pretentious? Never! Amusing, maybe. I love everyone cast for the third movie, as I did in parts one and two. I expect (as should you) nothing more than a brain farted blockbuster; one in which reminds of the existence of those we forgot about...Snipes (cough)

The Amazing Spiderman 2 

Directed: Mark Webb

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Jamie Fox and Emma Stone

Expectation: If the trailer is anything to go by, this sequel should be wonderful and a real fresh of breath air considering the Avengers takeover. 

Rob the Mob

Directed: Raymond De Felitta

Starring: Andy Garcia, Michael Pitt and Ray Romano

Expectation: Good story decent if not random cast; Rob the Mob looks a treat with it's apparent true story concept. I like Michael Pitt and I do wish he would do more. I hope this movie holds up. 

Godzilla

Directed: Gareth Edwards 

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olson and Bryan Cranston.

Expectation: Following the dog shit we saw back in 1998 when we were forced to follow that awful actor they call Matthew Broderick around New York for over two hours, how can this movie not be good? Heck, it may even be excellent! 

Interstellar

Directed: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Michael Cain, Jessica Chastain and Casey Affleck.

Expectation: Chris Nolan, I am your bitch! Sorry, I mean, yes, this movie based on time travel may prove enjoyable...

Into the Darkness

Directed: Doug Liman 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt and Bill paxton

Expectation: A follow up from Elysium (2013), oh wait. This identical futuristic movie looks pretty good. Ignoring the oblivious dog-poop of yes, you guessed it, Oblivion, Tom Cruise better be of some worth this time around. 

Blended

Directed: Frank Coraci
Starring: Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore

Expectation: Just when we thought Sandler can do no worse, he does, by simply continuing to act. I am not slating this doofus for his acting skills either, it's just, well, his movies are rubbish. If you remember the last time we saw these two on screen was 50 first Dates (2004), but better yet, The Wedding Singer; a film in which I am willing to give Sandler credit for, as with some other movies of that era (his era) one in which is long deceased. This should be like any modern Adam Sandler flick, awful (and that is putting it nicely).

The Class of 92

Genre: Documentary 

Directed: Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner

Starring: Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes

Running: 99 mins

Attention football fans: If this DVD is not on your Christmas list, put it on. Same for movie fans; if The Class of 92 is not sitting under your tree Christmas morning go back to bed, your either up too early or your loved ones fucked up!

The class of 92 is a retelling and somewhat nostalgic flashback to the great days of Manchester United. This articulate film is creative in its chapters divided into the lives of six icons of the red shirt; Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Neville due Gary and Phil; all of whom began their careers in an era of prominence for both the world of football, politics and music.

Director Benjamin Tuner crafts the years of 1992/99 into a wonderful story of six working class individuals reliving the moment they first entered the club with a plethora of stories told by each player regarding initiations, idols, the fear of Fergie and the ghost of the Busby babes all tied in with a soundtrack of The Stone Roses and blue rival supporters Oasis. However the core of this documentary is the fascinating insight into each player; Giggs the play maker, the Neville brothers who are described as the under dogs of the club, angel face and right foot messiah Beckham; the biggest Manchester United supporter to have played in Old Trafford. 

Nicky Butt; the man you want by your side in a bar fight and the story of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in which he stepped in for a suspended Roy Keane in Barcelona's daunting Camp Nou. 

My favourite chapter of the movie is Paul Scholes who isn't too complicated in his small and intriguing little animations with a driving force on the pitch deemed powerful and legendary, but his mind-set off the pitch is surprisingly opposite - Paul is cute and very normal. 

Cameos from director Danny Boyle, Zinedine Zidane, Tony Blair, Ian Brown and Eric Cantona gives Benjamin Turner's movie an unbiased outlook at the personalities in football, the historic moments (as an Arsenal fan, I could watch Giggs destroy our worthless defence in the FA cup with a smile this time), the stone roses and their dominant takeover, and Liam Gallagher's cheeky package to Gary Neville; this is a terrific documentary and a real treat for film fans of all genres. 

9/10

The Amazing Spiderman 2: Second Trailer

Excuse the language but holy shit have you seen the latest Spiderman trailer? Following the Electro advertised teaser we all saw a few months back, the official trailer is here and my god it makes me think why I would ever wish Marvel to go on holiday for a while...okay The Avengers was something special); as was The Amazing Spiderman (2012). 

I am going to go out on a limb here and say, and while it is still early days, this might be the best Marvel superhero blockbuster since The Avengers (2012). 

Friday the 13th - reboot?

Stop the clocks, Paramount Pictures, having been granted the rights through previous guardian Warner Bros. are on the verge of rebooting Friday the 13th. The last time we saw our not so favourite horror slasher (thanks to Jason - X and so forth) was Marcus Nispel's Friday the 13th (2009); was it a reboot? What in god's name was that film? Sure, it advertised butchering at its best, but surely we are entitled to a storyline?

Oh, Michael Bay overlooked it also...just saying.

It is early days yet with a Jason rekindled (or devious mother) hanging in the balance for a number of years now. Empire reports Damian Shannon and Mark Shift of Freddy vs Jason (2003) have crafted some ideas for a script worth looking at. 

Personally, while I am not a huge fan of the franchise believe this will not serve the prolific history of slasher movies any justice. 

It's ironic I am debating the idea of reboots, modern sequels etc with myself because just recently, I watched a documentary called The American Nightmare (2002); based on the origin of horror, crediting the dying breed of Wes Craven, Georgeo Romero, Tobe Hooper and more. Check it out over on YouTube - well worth the look. 

Sabotage Trailer

The trailer for Arnie's upcoming action movie Sabotage has landed and it looks a beast of a movie.

Question his age and acting skills if you will, and while The Last Stand and The Expendables  are quite forgetful, Sabotage; starring Terrance Howard and Sam Worthington (ugh) advertises Arnold Schwarzenegger in great fashion.

Head of a DEA task force, Breacher (Swarzenegger) finds himself surrounded by corruption in a team he once trusted. Following a major drug bust worth 10million, the money goes missing, leaving questions marks over each member of the group. As Breacher struggles to come to a conclusion, he starts to lose members of his team through a anonymous killer.

Director Davide Ayer is no joke either; packing movies such as Training Day, End of Watch and Harsh Times - Arnie may have bagged a gem here. What we may agree on is that Arnie is looking slicker than his John Wayne portrayal in western slash modern parody The Last Stand.  We can all forgive Arnie for some, we refuse to forgive him for many, so let's all agree The Last Stand was a small stepping stone back to what we know best (sorry I didn't see Escape Plan); and that is a big Austrian with a bad-ass haircut chasing down the cartel , all while he enjoys a fat cigar!