Cloud Atlas Review

Cloud Atlas: “Everything is connected” – This is the main theme in this ambitious new film from Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, and Lana Wachowski. The story spans thousands of years over six different storylines. The large cast, including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent all play multiple characters throughout the film. Tom Hanks (6 different roles) for instance, plays characters whose soul makes a complete cycle from killer to hero. Other big ideas are introduced, such as how an act of kindness can have a ripple effect that can change lives for hundreds of years. We are treated to many different genres, from drama to comedy to mystery to sci-fi; this is truly an epic film. Although there are some clear crossovers between the storylines, for the most part they stand alone. It is the themes that crossover and connect in different ways. I found the cinematography to be downright gorgeous at points. I also loved the score, it is big, beautiful, and connects with the emotions of the movie perfectly. The Wachowskis explained in a Q&A after the screening how they adopted this complex book from David Mitchell to the big screen. One of the big changes was interlacing all the storylines together, whereas the book sticks with 1 storyline at a time. I have to compliment them on how well the movie flowed; it was easy to follow and kept each storyline on the same pace. This is not a film that has a definitive conclusion, instead it offers big ideas and grand themes that you can reflect on for hours after the screening. See it in the theater, open your mind, and enjoy.

(RytheMovieGuy with Lana Wachowski). After the screening Lana also explained that the three directors worked as a unit. Instead of each directing certain segments, they worked as a team directing the movie as a whole. (The DGA made them put credits at the end to the contrary).

Rythemovieguy's Grade: 3.5 Jaws / B+

If This movie had parents they would be: Babel & Solaris

Argo Review

Argo: Ben Affleck makes it 3 for 3 on his directing efforts. In Fact Argo is his best film to date as a director. The Movie is based on a true story; In 1979 With the Iranian revolution at its peak, students and militants stormed the US Embassy in Tehran taking 52 Americans hostage. However 6 US Diplomats did escape the Embassy during the raid and they took refuge at the Canadian embassy. Figuring away to get these 6 Americans out of Iran proved difficult. The Idea the CIA rolled with was to send in CIA agent Tony Mendez (Affleck) posing as a Canadian film producer. He would meet up with the 6 American diplomats and have them all pose as a Canadian film crew scouting locations for a new Sci-Fi film titled: Argo. Giving them all Canadian passports and identities, not to mention setting up the movie with a studio, securing a budget and having actors reading for parts to make the film look legit in case there was any inquiring by Iran was all part of the plan. This is one tense ride, the kind of story that will have you on the edge of your seat a few times. It all starts with one heck of a scary opening scene inside the Embassy. From there, the story is engrossing and easy to follow. The style and look of the film are perfect.  We are also treated to some humor, thanks to John Goodman and Alan Arkin who are involved in the Hollywood studio behind Argo. This is one of the year’s best films – Don’t Miss it.

Ry’s Grade: 4 Jaws / A-

If this movie had parents they would be: Wag The Dog & Munich

Looper Review

Looper: Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a younger Bruce Willis in this latest Time Travel film from director Rian Johnson. Set in 2044 Levitt plays a Looper, a person who assassinates people sent back in time from the future. There is a need for this because in the future, people are “tagged” and tougher to just get rid of by the mob without getting caught. This is until the future mob sends back the older version of him to kill – thus closing his Loop. However the older version of himself (Willis) has a plan for traveling back in time and escapes getting killed. That is just the beginning of this complex story. Together they figure out why a person named the rainmaker is trying to close all the loops 20 years into the future. The film introduces some exciting new ideas about time travel, such as burning something onto your arm so your future self gets the message. Levitt meanwhile does a great job of acting like a younger Bruce Willis – mimicking his facial expressions and attitude.  Throw some fun action sequences into the mix and you have one of the better time travel movies in recent years. As with any time travel movie you will be thinking about the plot for a couple days after. I liked this one a lot –

Ry’s Grade: 3.5 Jaws / B+

If this movie had Parents, They would be: Terminator & Blade Runner