12.4.2012 | By SBC Staff |
The New York Film Critics Circle surprisingly voted yesterday wins in three different categories for “Zero Dark Thirty” as the Best Picture, Kathryn Bigelow for Best Director and Greig Fraser for Best Cinematography. Despite not winning in the Best Actress department, Jessica Chastain (protagonist of ZDT) is nevertheless one of the favorites to win it at the Oscars come February 24th, 2013. Read More
12.4.2012 | By Jack Rico |
‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is by far the best action movie of summer 2012, while it does have some flows they are easily overseen. For those of you that have been waiting for the final chapter of the trilogy I suggest you do it right and watch it in IMAX, because it truly takes the film to an unbelievable level. Director Christopher Nolan really completed the task of the Batman trilogy on a high note, this was such a delicate project that could have easily gone wrong, but now that it is complete we can be happy to say that Nolan didn’t harm it but enhanced it. The beauty of the trilogy is that they complement each other, as some offer better things than others so there’s not really a point in comparing them; but I can say this one offers the most action out of the three.
The story picks up eight years after the Dark Knight (Christian Bale) damaged his reputation in order to give the city of Gotham a more appropriate hero in his opinion. Bruce Wayne is urged to come out of retirement when Selina Kyle aka Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), a young police officer John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and entrepreneur Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard) show up at his doorstep. The final push come when him and Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) quickly realize that they merely put a lid on crime when Bane (Tom Hardy) the ultimate villain arrives to Gotham with catastrophic plans.
Villain wise there’s no comparison to the Joker (Heath Ledger), he was such a well-rounded and unforgettable character that is hard for any of the new villains to match up to him. Nonetheless, Bane is a different type of character because what he may lack in wit he makes up for in strength, and his plans in large scale are what makes him the ultimate villain when at times even Batman doesn’t seem like a fair adversary. Hardy certainly became the monster behind the mask with his brute strength and cold heart, something he gave us a glimpse of in one of the best movies of 2011 ‘Warrior’. Hathaway is one of the best actresses in Hollywood because of her versatility and she proves that once more as Catwoman, she obviously dazzles in the cat suit but also gives depth to a character that we are not told much about, I won’t give much away about her performance except that she steals every scene she’s in, even some of the ones where Batman is present.
The best thing about ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ are all the surprises it delivers, it is so engaging that once it’s over you won’t feel like you spent almost 3 hours of your day in a dark movie theater. With all its up an downs it is a bit draining but quite fulfilling. Some scenes are painful to watch but the ones where there’s redemption and action truly make up for it. There are also some emotional moments that give the film a more rounded feeling. The new ride “The Bat” is quite awesome to see in action, as well as “the Batpod” showing off a couple of new tricks. The nicest thing about this film is that although Batman is the main character, and Bale was born to play the role as he shows endlessly time and time again it is not all about him. Some of the new characters such as Blake easily get our attention and that surely was done on purpose. Gordon-Levitt was the perfect choice for the role as he’s shown aptitude for these types of films like he did in ‘Inception’.
Although Bane is an excellent bad guy especially because of his look he is very hard to understand when he speaks, his speech is supposed to be sophisticated and intelligent and there were various angry comments about it when the prologue was shown last year; they went back to the studio to change it and it makes a huge difference but at times it’s still he’s hard to understand in a theater surround sound and all. Some scenes might disappointing the comic book fans, but honestly some of the changes help make the movie uplifting, relevant and even humorous. This is not a PG-13 type of movie like ‘The Avengers’ in every sense is more dark and needs every moment of comedic release it can get; this is definitely for a more adult audience. By Now Nolan has created his own world of Batman that can stand on its own, but here the complicated parts of the story come from the interaction between some of the new characters and the old ones as some seem forced, also some parts of Bain’s sinister plan get too convoluted. Finally, reality is forgotten at times which can be annoying but this is a movie after all.
Batman’s greatest appeal is that he’s a superhero without superpowers and that’s exactly what makes this last chapter the more appealing, because everyone that comes in to complement the story such as Catwoman, Bain and Blake are humans with different gadgets and abilities that cater to the audience. Nolan is a cinematic genius and he proves it once more by giving the viewers chills in some of the scenes, you get so invested in the story that there’s a connection with what happens in it; also because of the familiar landmarks shown that makes it the more real, although it takes away the whole “Gotham” myth which may bother some. To me this last part of the trilogy fulfilled all my expectations and the fact that a movie can keep you entertained for so long says a lot. Get ready to enjoy the most anticipated movie of the summer and the last chapter of a trilogy that many will cherish and already do.
12.3.2012 | By SBC Staff |
There are very few changes for this week; ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 2’ continues to reign at the box office, staying at number one for the third consecutive week with $17.4 million dollars. This was certain a very weak weekend at the box office, the hype from the Thanksgiving holiday has died down.
‘Skyfall’ continues its strong hold of the second spot with $17 million dollars, continuing to earn profits for Sony. Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes should certainly be proud.
The biographical film ‘Lincoln’ also stays at number three with $13.5 million dollars. Without at doubt this has been a hit for Steven Spielberg. The rest of the places in the box office remain the same up to number seven with ‘Killing Them Softly’ coming in to change the rest of the Top 10, along with ‘The Collection’ at number ten.
The Top 10 in the Box Office are:
1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 – $17.4 mil
2. Skyfall – $17 mil
3. Lincoln – $13.5 mil
4. Rise of the Guardians – $13.5 mil
5. Life of Pi – $12 mil
6. Wreck-It Ralph – $7 mil
7. Killing Them Softly – $7mil
8. Red Dawn – $6.6 mil
9. Flight – $4.5 mil
10. The Collection – $3.4 mil
11.27.2012 | By Jack Rico |
This week from Miami, on the Enrique Santos Morning Show, Jack Rico reviews the new DVD/Bluray releases: the gangster/western movie LAWLESS, thestop motion 3D comedy thriller PARANORMAN, and the disappointing MEN IN BLACK 3.
You can hear our DVD review segment in Miami on the ‘Enrique Santos Morning Show‘ every Tuesday at 7:25 AM and 9:25 AM by Univision Radio ‘MIX98.3FM’ in Miami or the global network by visiting: http: / / www.enriquesantos.com/
11.27.2012 | By Jack Rico |
*Note: Watch Jack Rico’s recent interview in Spanish with Gael García Bernal.
According to Variety, Mexican actor Gael García Bernal and actress Ashley Hinshaw (“Chronicle”) have begun filming the movie “Deserted Cities” in Mexico City. The movie is a comic adaptation of influential Mexican author Jose Agustin‘s novel, and has director Roberto Sneider, the director of “Tear This Heart Out” Mexico’s pick for 2008 Oscar contention, at the helm.
The $3 million film will also have the production design of Eugenio Caballero, the craftsman behind Guillermo del Toro‘s “Pan’s Labyrinth”. According to Bernal, it will mix a “number of political angles between the couple, the other the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, and another is between the archetypical Mexican macho and the contemporary feminist woman.”
Bernal is very respected in the indie circuit and in Mexican cinema. Most of his indie films are seen as must-see for movie connoisseurs and usually are highly admired with socio-political messages.
His latest movie “No,” has just been picked up by Sony Picture Classics, with a soon release.
The story for “Deserted Cities,” o “Ciudades Desiertas” in Spanish, goes like this: Susana, a female Mexican writer flees her home to attend an international workshop in the USA, leaving her husband Eligio (Bernal) behind and completely unaware of her whereabouts. A hot-tempered intellectual with a somewhat cynical and misanthropic sense of humor, he works his way to catch up with his wife, arguing to have only done so to find out why exactly Susana left.
They almost immediately suffer a cultural shock upon their arrival, although they are already well acquainted with the typical American lifestyle. The American residents, with a small town mentality, are depicted as largely more ignorant of the visitors’ culture and society; whereas the latter, especially Latin Americans, show a contemptuous reluctancy to try and fit in, perhaps Susana being the most remarkable exception. Throughout their journey, both try to pinpoint their relationship’s setbacks, as well as their own flaws.
The two attempt to show a sense of individuality and emotional disattachment from their spouse, each according to their respective point of view. While Eligio tries to make sense out of things, halfway acknowledging the extent of his feelings for his wife, still paradoxically giving in to outbursts of rage on occasions; Susana strains to convey an ideal of utter independence, as she feels the routine of her marriage holds her back. Motivated at first to prove her own self-worth, which she does find, she eventually experiences the certainty of her love for Eligio, in spite of all her efforts to stay away from him.
11.26.2012 | By SBC Staff |
Moviegoers set an all time high for this year at the box office, giving the industry a push. Over the Thanksgiving holiday ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2’ stays at number one with $43.1 million dollars, with a total of $227 million domestically and $577.7 million globally. This last chapter is not disappointing the studio and will surely continue to bring in more.
Last week’s number two ‘Skyfall’ remains with $36 million dollars, giving it a total of $221.7 million domestically since it opened. This is the highest domestic number of any Bond film. Sony could not be happier and will certainly begin the next Bond film soon.
‘Lincoln’ also stayed at number three with $25 million dollars, increasing its intake from last weekend. The film has sparked interest and curiosity because of the ravishing reviews and talks of an Oscar.
The Top 10 in the Box Office are:
1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 2 – $43.1 mil
2. Skyfall – $36 mil
3. Lincoln – $25 mil
4. Rise of the Guardians – $24 mil
5. Life of Pi – $22 mil
6. Wreck-It Ralph – $16.8 mil
7. Red Dawn – $14.6 mil
8. Flight – $8.6 mil
9. Silver Linings Playbook – $4.6 mil
10. Argo – $3.9 mil
11.26.2012 | By Jack Rico |
Argo beware. Les Misérables is now the favorite to win Best Picture at the 2013 Oscar Awards. Director Tom Hooper has created a cinematic masterpiece drenched in powerful performances. The film boasts stunning cinematography and memorable camerawork. It also features a haunting score sure to provoke tears of joy and sadness.
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11.23.2012 | By Jack Rico |
If you pay money to see ‘Rise of the Guardians’ in 3D, you most likely will be watching the film that will win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year (Disney’s ‘Wreck-it-Ralph’ is a very close second). It’s simpatico characters, wondrous-action-packed universe and crisp-immersive 3D, make this a fun and overwhelming joy to watch with adults, teens and young children, not kindergarden kids.
The story is very similar to the Avengers – a group of the most powerful childhood legends, called The Guardians (Jack Frost, Santa Claus, The Easter Rabbit, Tooth Fairy and Sandman), assemble to put an end to The Bogeyman, a villain that has attained ultimate darkness and whose mission is to erase the Guardians from existence by robbing children of their hopes and dreams. Jack Frost, a reluctant new recruit who’d rather enjoy a snow day than save the world is who the film revolves around.
‘Rise of the Guardians’ is an epic animation with loads of adventure, touching moments, humor, and some twists to keep you sharp. The voice actors, formed by Alec Baldwin (Santa Claus), Hugh Jackman (Easter Bunny), Chris Pine (Jack Frost), Isla Fisher (Tooth fairy) and Jude Law (Bogeyman), do a commendable job. The best voice actors are those whose voice changes enough to not discern who they are immediately. Law doesn’t quite live up to those standards, yet his is a pleasing and soothing voice worth listening to. The rest of the cast provide are enjoyable vocal performances and don’t overshadow the visuals.
Speaking of visuals, this film is a 3D spectacle. I am not a technical graphics animator, but I can recognize when my eyes and mind have a psychogenic orgasm. I remember seeing ‘Avatar’ and not feeling as wowed by the 3D as James Cameron had promised, but here, for the first time in my life I felt I was actually inside a movie. The skin texture of the characters, the universe where they reside in, the color richness, lighting, and cinematography were just sublime. Perhaps the greatest cinematographer Hollywood has is Roger Deakins and he served as the visual consultant to the production in selecting and composing the shots that would best be suited to 3D. The 3D technology used here is called “Tru 3D” – it’s a standard in all DreamWorks Animation films – and is utilized here in an organic way that was integral to the story, not as a stunt or an afterthought. As a result, the movie has a sense of wonder and magic, not to mention a lustrous feel to it all. The best moments to appreciate the 3D are during Jack Frost’s scenes. The snowflakes falling from the sky feel like they’re falling inside the theater and the characters close-ups look like they’ve popped out of the screen. Just wonderful.
Worthy to mention, award-winning, Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who collaborated with DreamWorks Animation as a creative consultant on “Megamind” and was an executive producer on “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “Puss in Boots,” returns as an executive producer for the movie.
Overall, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ is an ambitious, visually stunning and sophisticated animation that has a wonderful message at its core – a quest to never stop believing in goodness. If there is one family movie to see this year it’s this movie… and in 3D.
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11.22.2012 | By Jack Rico |
Imagine being able to travel back in time and see history unfold before your very eyes when Abraham Lincoln, arguably the best President in US history, fought to abolish slavery no matter the opposition, dirty politics or the burden of seeing thousands massacred for the cause. That is what master director Steven Spielberg has provided us in ‘Lincoln,’ a beautiful, powerful and lasting film that is the definitive Lincoln movie ever made. Daniel Day-Lewis not only plays Lincoln, it feels like he is Abraham Lincoln. It is almost eery.
If you think ‘Lincoln,’ is a movie about his life, think again. Astutely, Spielberg limits the action only to the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office where a nation was divided by war and the strong winds of change. Due to the perpetual torment the country was going through, Lincoln was obligated to pursue a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. His choices during this critical moment is where the movie begins.
Spielberg has not lost his directorial touch at all. Even ‘War Horse,’ which was nominated Best Picture at the Oscars earlier this year, was aesthetically and expertly directed. But without doubt, ‘Lincoln’ is his best film since ‘Saving Private Ryan’. By using Tony Kushner’s adaptation of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book, ‘Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln’ as a template, Spielberg was able to meticulously capture that period in the White House and return us to what it would have been like if we were a fly in the Oval Office. Amongst all of its virtues, the one thing that this film won’t be recognized for is for its rousing emotional fulfillment. It won’t be met with a thunderous applause or a profusion of enthusiasm the way ‘Rocky’ or even 1984’s ‘The Karate Kid’ made one feel. You’ll be a witness to history, but with mixed emotions for the way that Lincoln had to achieve the liberty of blacks.
The performances of the cast for ‘Lincoln’ are the best of the year. Expect SAG and Critics Choice awards for the ensemble. Day-Lewis is sure to win the Oscar for Best Actor, as well for other award galas, for his strong and memorable portrayal of Lincoln. Also worthy of mention is Sally Field, as Lincoln’s volatile wife, who I have not seen deliver an emotional acting punch in years, if not decades. The rest of the cast is fantastic including Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, John Hawkes, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It truly is the best ensemble cast of 2012.
There are so many ways to have wrecked a biopic of a historical figure like ‘Lincoln’. All you need as proof is Clint Eastwood’s ‘J. Edgar’. Soporific is one word to describe that film, not to mention overly-acted and melodramatic at times. We are fortunate to have seen a biopic, like this one, done the right way. I feel Lincoln himself would not have objected.
11.22.2012 | By Jack Rico |
*Updated 2026
In 2026, when filmmaker biopics are judged for what they reveal beyond icon worship, Hitchcock still works best as a playful movie-lover’s look at Psycho and its maker.
