'The Disaster Artist' Review

[This review was originally written in December 2017 and is now being published that my internship is over. For an explanation of this, visit my Fall 2017 Important Update post.] 

Nominated For: Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Disaster Artist follows aspiring film actor Greg Sestero as he meets the strange and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class. The two quickly become friends and decide to move to Hollywood in order to pursue their acting ambitions. Once they decide they've faced enough rejection, the two decide to realize their dream by making their own movie. The Disaster Artist then details the conception of one of the worst films ever made, The Room.

The Disaster Artist is a film I've been looking forward to seeing for quite some time. While I hadn't seen The Room till far more recently, I had heard about it amongst conversation with the cult fanbase and was well aware of its existence so the idea of a film about the making of the disasterpiece intrigued me to say the least, and the trailer only increased my anticipation. However, I was slightly concerned that the Franco brothers and Seth Rogan might coast on purely recreating the most memorable moments from The Room. As per usual, my worries were unwarranted though.

One of the more interesting aspects of The Disaster Artist was how James Franco championed Wiseau's strategy of directing, producing, and starring in the movie. While he didn't fully follow in Wiseau's footsteps by writing The Disaster Artist's script, Franco was fortunate enough that Scott Neustadeter and Michael H. Weber adapted Tom Bissell and Greg Sestero's book. In order to make this work, everyone involved would require an insurmountable appreciation of The Room... and thankfully, it seems everyone behind the camera genuinely cared about telling a hilarious and heartfelt story surrounding a passion project that didn't pan out as the artist had hoped.

The Disaster Artist could have easily just mocked Tommy Wiseau and his entirely unique vision that is The Room, but instead Franco and the writers realized there was an emotional core to this story. It'd admittedly be difficult to discover and depict onscreen because that would involve analyzing and understanding one of the most mysterious men in Hollywood, but it was there. Everyone (even exceptionally talented people) can relate to putting their all behind something and being underwhelmed by the results, and that's exactly what Franco keys in on. He excellently explores what it's like to chase your dreams and end up with an undesirable outcome. The Disaster Artist is a film that takes Wiseau's willingness to put himself out there in wacky, weird ways and shows admiration for it. Not many would dare to do that, so I can't help but respect Franco for respecting Tommy Wiseau (which I'll touch more on in a moment).

For fans of The Room hoping to see their favorite moments recreated, there's a lot of fun to be had in that department... Especially with the endless stream of surprise celebrity cameos. Though The Room is certainly not essential viewing in order for you to enjoy yourself. Even if you haven't seen it, you'll likely laugh at the insane shenanigans and perhaps be inspired to go watch that film afterwards. With that being said, I think you'll have a deeper appreciation for everything if you have watched it. Also worth noting is the fact that there is a post credits scene. I had no idea a few weeks ago when I went to see the film, so I left before the credits were finished. I wasn't exactly expecting to Tommy Wiseau to be recruited by Nick Fury or anything so I didn't stay, but I personally like to watch those regardless of what they are, so I'm letting you know because I would have liked to have known when I first saw it.

At the center of The Disaster Artist is a totally transformative performance from James Franco that's managed to already earn a lot of awards acclaim, and quite frankly, it's the one I'm rooting for in the Best Actor race. Franco could have simply done a lazy impersonation of Wiseau, but his performance is surprisingly layered beyond nailing Wiseau's unique accent and quirky mannerisms. Franco seems to have a fundamental understanding of Wiseau's humanity, and the way he communicates it while maintaining the Wiseau's peculiar personality is absolutely incredible.

Dave Franco does a solid job ensuring Greg is a relatable, empathetic audience surrogate in this crazy story, and Seth Rogan is funny as Wiseau's script supervisor Sandy. As I mentioned earlier, there are countless other celebrity cameos, but I won't reveal them here so it remains a surprise if you choose to watch the film.

"It's not true! It's bull-sh*t!" The Disaster Artist is not a disaster as some may gleam from the title. The Disaster Artist is actually a great big Hollywood movie about a really terrible one (that was a line from The Room for those confused). 

Film Assessment: A-

'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' Review

[This review was originally written in September 2017 and is now being published to coincide with the digital home media release. For an explanation of this, visit my Fall 2017 Important Update post.] 

The LEGO Ninjago Movie centers on a surely standard teenage mini-fig named Lloyd. But as it turns out, Lloyd is not normal. His dad, Garmadon, is a maniacal overlord and Lloyd is secretly the Green Ninja, leader of a team of LEGO teenage ninjas who fight to keep the city of Ninjago out of Garmadon's grasp. When Lloyd decides he's had enough of his troubled life, he uses the "Ultimate Weapon" to try and stop Garmadon once and for all. Unfortunately, this "Ultimate Weapon" (a laser pointer) brings the fierce feline Meowthra to wreck havoc across Ninjago. It's then up to Lloyd and his friends to take part in a long, perilous journey of self-enlightenment to find the "Ultimate, Ultimate Weapon" so they can free Ninjago from Meowthra's CAT-astrophic claws...

The LEGO Ninjago Movie is essentially the third entry in Warner Bros. Animation's LEGO franchise of films, currently comprised of The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie, and the one least reliant on a pre-established Intellectual Property. Sure, there's already pre-existing LEGO sets along with an animated television series on Cartoon Network called LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitsu, but you'll have no idea what Ninjago is unless you're a kid that watches the show and plays with the toys. In comparison to the previous LEGO movies, this was the one I was least looking forward to due to my unfamiliarity with the world and characters. However, I grew more optimistic in my anticipation for The LEGO Ninjago Movie because both The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie were great.

The LEGO Ninjago Movie marks the feature length directorial debut of Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, and Bob Logan with a script penned by a collaborative brain trust of screenwriters who I won't expand upon simply because listing the names of nine writers is a bit excessive. While the beat-by-beat plot points of The LEGO Ninjago Movie are certainly conventional and it's seems like The LEGO Ninjago Movie was carefully constructed using a LEGO Movie instruction manual for reference, the spin-off distinguishes itself by paying homage to martial arts movies of the past in the same manner The LEGO Batman Movie honored the Caped Crusader's history. 

I wouldn't go as far to saying The LEGO Ninjago Movie used this style to the fullest, but it certainly made the film more interesting in spite of feeling formulaic. There's very little in The LEGO Ninjago Movie that you haven't seen elsewhere, but the common quirks of the LEGO-verse ease the tirades of tired tropes. It's elements like the blend of a live action cat running amuck in an animated LEGO city that make The LEGO Ninjago Movie enjoyable. The LEGO Ninjago Movie is also bolstered by a tremendous team of animators with a keen eye for detail. Keeping in line with its predecessors, The LEGO Ninjago Movie bears resemblance to a LEGO stop-motion feature as every character exhibits the authentic movement of an actual LEGO mini-figure. At this point the animation technique has been demonstrated twice already, and I'm still astounded by the facets and features Warner Bros. Animation have to offer.

Meanwhile, Dave Franco and Justin Theroux stand-out most among the cast due to the amusing interplay between their characters. Even though the fundamentals of their dynamic have been seen countless times already, Franco and Theroux are able to elevate the satire of father/son relationships with excellent comedic timing that provides tiny twists on the typical connection.

Jackie Chan puts forth two performances in the film, voicing Master Wu in addition to appearing in live-action form as a sagely shopkeeper. Neither of Chan's characters exceed the accustomed archetype of the wise mentor figure, but Chan fits both roles well. Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña, Zach Woods, Fred Armisen, and Abbi Jacobson fill out the cast as Lloyd's ninja crew (Jay, Kai, Zane, Cole, and Nya), but are unfortunately just around to spout crazy quips and silly zingers. None of the characters are really fleshed out beyond this, so their presence feels very forced at times.

In conclusion, The LEGO Ninjago Movie pales in comparison to its predecessors due to a lack of a unique identity. However, despite the fact that The LEGO Ninjago Movie is the least well-constructed of the LEGO movies released thus far, the film is entertaining enough on its own right and holds itself together as a cute, charming animated feature. 

Film Assessment: B-

'Nerve' Review

Nerve takes place in a world similar to ours in which an online game, Nerve, has a massive surge in popularity. In Nerve you can be a "Watcher" or a "Player", the Watchers send dares to the Players and if the Players perform the dare they are rewarded quite handsomely. There's a catch though, The game escalates quickly, verging on the blurred lines of legality and if you rat out the game you will be punished. I won't delve into said punishment as that's a major plot point that I'd rather not spoil. It's basically like "Truth or Dare" on steroids, and with no truth option.

I went into Nerve hoping for an entertaining time and I'd say directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman delivered on the intriguing concept. Joost and Schulman bring a vibrant neon color palette to an otherwise very dark world and along with the cinematographer effectively execute seamless fresh angles from inside phone/computer screens and make nice use of actually using the phone's camera in moments to further integrate into the world. The co-directors manage to instill feelings of suspense, humor, and happiness through the crazy antics that make for a well rounded flick.

In addition to all this Nerve features a fun diverse soundtrack full of catchy pop songs that was entertaining to listen to. but at times was a tad generic. My only nitpicks lie with the logic behind the storytelling. The screenplay penned by Jessica Sharzer based on Jeanne Ryan's novel has plenty of clever twists and turns, but is lacking in logic behind the Nerve game itself. Like it's honestly difficult to believe that this game would actually happen in real life. However these small problems can be forgiven thanks to the fact I was entertained throughout Nerve's entire hour and thirty six minute runtime.

Emma Robert's Vee (Venus) made for an authentic female lead and entertaining presence that felt genuine. Dave Franco plays Ian opposite Roberts as potential love-interest and does a remarkable job playing coy and maintaining a shifty demeanor about him so that for most of the running time you're unsure if he can be trusted. Franco and Roberts' chemistry is electric as they energize the film that's already plenty charged visually. As for other supporting characters, Emily Meade and Miles Heizer are nice additions but the only ones with enough substantial material worth mentioning.

Teens will likely have an awesome time and I wouldn't be surprised if Nerve became a cult classic. While Nerve may lack intelligent writing, its certainly one of the more interesting young adult novel turned movies thanks to the bright aesthetic, poppy soundtrack, and charming leads.

Film Assessment: B-

'Now You See Me 2' Review

Now You See Me 2 picks up a year after the original, although the film seemed unclear on that citing the time difference as 18 months and another point 2 years. Just a small nitpick that I felt the need to address that would have seemed random had I waited to discuss it. Anyways, the Horseman are the protagonists this time around with a few minor shakeups in regards to the cast, Isla Fisher's Henley has been replaced with Lizzy Caplan's Lula, the stakes are higher, the tricks are grander, and the action's even bigger. So yes, Now You See Me 2 should be diagnosed with sequelitis as it aspires to be bigger and better than the first. 

Like Now You See Me, this film hasn't been too well received by critics as both hold rotten critic tomato-meter scores on Rotten Tomatoes, but I enjoyed both regardless and still acknowledge their flaws which I will discuss in a moment. It's relatively rare that I find myself disagreeing with a majority of critics, although this year I feel they've been particularly harsh on quite a few blockbusters and I think this film found itself in the midst of that and it probably didn't help that critics weren't a fan of the execution of the magical Robin Hoods to begin with. 

Critics are primarily poking holes in Now You See Me 2's reliance on a sense of disbelief to wow the audience with magic spectacle, and while that is indeed true, I think that's not too farfetched considering the film is about magic and Fast and Furious gets away with ridiculousness all the time. 

Another weakness being pried at is the screenplay penned by Ed Solomon. The script doesn't really service all of the characters in regards to providing more character depth as some characters earn more focus that was certainly warranted while others remain supporting players and the writers had to factor in new additions to the story. The sequel also doesn't have as many twists and turns as the original, and unfortunately some were a tad predictable. I did enjoy the explanations behind the tricks like done in the predecessor and I was glad that element was carried over. 

Jon Chu takes over the director's chair from Louis Leterrier and brings a flashier visual aesthetic and high energy action. The editing kept a quick pace and allowed for some clean quick cuts that showcased some swanky cinematography. I liked the visual effects work as it looked believable when used, although in some cases the magic tricks they were accompanied with seemed outright impractical. While unfeasible, the magic sequences were quite enjoyable with some nifty tricks ranging from bonkers to amazing. 

The standout sequence in my mind, which wasn't a "trick" per say, but a practical sequence where the Horseman must exchange a card amongst the group. The scene delivered a nice balance of amazement, humor, and suspense. I must commend the action sequences that are vastly improved from the first with some claustrophobic fight choreography that was very cool and incorporated some nice feats by the various Horseman.

The talented cast from Now You See Me return, with a few exceptions, and I feel they elevated their performances for the most part. Mark Ruffalo's role is beefed up providing more for the actor to do as the Horseman's leader Dylan Rhodes and I felt he was the most relatable and sympathetic character this time around. Rhodes gets a cool action chase sequence in China and his character's backstory is more fleshed out with a meaty more well rounded role that allowed for some nice emotional beats. Ruffalo is a terrific actor and I think he was one of the standouts once again as the role cultivates nice ground for Ruffalo to showcase his talents. 

Jesse Eisenberg gets an intriguing arc as J. Daniel Atlas focusing on the qualities of his character, stepping on the toes of others as his ego encourages him to strive towards Dylan's position as leader of the Horseman. I felt Eisenberg did a nice job bringing out the cocky nature of his character and straying away from the awkwardness he exhibited earlier this year in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. 

Woody Harrelson plays two roles, and it was so awkward. Harrelson plays both twin hypnotists Merritt, returning Horseman, and Chase McKinney and I liked the comedic relief he brought with Merritt, but found his twin brother to be completely unnecessary and just plain weird. 

Dave Franco is charming as Jack Wilder, but his character once again felt flat. Franco has nice moments, but never felt like a rounded character as opposed to the other Horseman. 

Lizzy Caplan was a very welcome addition as Lula. I liked how her character acknowledged she was the only female in the group and her quirky, fun personality made for a nice shakeup among the group. Caplan exhibited great comedic timing and line delivery and I actually felt while watching that she would have been a great contender for a better female Ghostbusters cast (My issues with that will be reserved for my review of that next month). 

Caplan and Franco exhibit some nice chemistry as a potential romantic pairing and the Horseman cohesively once again carried charisma that made the proceedings all the more enjoyable. 

Daniel Radcliffe made for a delightful young methodical antagonist as Walter Mabry that just felt compulsory to explain the steps of his grand tricks completely foiling the illusion. Radcliffe isn't given significant depth like many of his fellow cast members but makes for an engaging presence onscreen. 

Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman return and I actually liked their inclusion as the continuation of their respective character arcs injected some surprise into the proceedings. A few nice additions in the supporting department are Sanaa Lathan as the FBI's Deputy Director Natalie Austin and Jay Chou's Li.

One thing to keep in mind if you plan on seeing Now You See Me 2 I would highly recommend either watching or rewatching Now You See Me as the film begins expecting the audience has seen the first film. This wasn't an issue for me since I rewatched it last week for a Throwback Thursday Review. 

In summation, Now You See Me 2 is without a doubt bigger than it's predecessor, and I personally feel that it was indeed better, but I can acknowledge the story flaws, lack of character depth, and over reliance on disbelief as weaknesses. However, the film's entertainment value is amplified thanks to Chu's extravagant aesthetic, cooler action sequences, and the talented cast making it a slightly more enjoyable experience in my mind.

Film Assessment: B

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Now You See Me'

This week I will be reviewing Now You See Me to coincide with the release of it's sequel this weekend. I recall being surprisingly blown away by the film as I went in with somewhat tempered low expectations based on the mediocre marketing put forth for the film and came out really enjoying it. This weekend there are three wide releases like last weekend and I anticipate at least reviewing Warcraft and Now You See Me 2 within the next week or so. I did end up seeing Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping yesterday and found it to be funny but not worth reviewing, I had a similar case with Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising as typically I don't think there's enough elements to discuss in comedies. The remaining Throwback Thursday Reviews I have planned for June include Finding Nemo, Independence Day, Tarzan, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial to correlate with the releases of Finding Dory, Independence Day: Resurgence, The Legend of Tarzan, and The BFG.

'Now You See Me' Review

Now You See Me can best be described as a mystery crime thriller that finds four illusionists called the Four Horseman (not to be confused with Apocalypse's Horseman found in X-Men: Apocalypse) performing a series of bank heists as acts of their stage show and the FBI's pursuit of the aforementioned magicians.

Louis Leterrier directs the sleight of hand heist flick and cultivates a quirky energy thanks to the awe and wonder commonly found with magic tricks that succeeds in maintaining audience interest, especially on the first viewing as there's a plethora of unpredictable twists and turns. Speaking of magic, there's plenty to be found behind the scenes with a riveting screenplay written by Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, and Edward Ricourt that caught me off guard with it's clever reveals that explain the logic and reasoning behind each of the film's big twists.

The cinematography looks great throughout with some gorgeous shots to be found in the two hour magic trick heist bonanza and Now You See Me also boasts big splendorous visuals due to the nature of magic created both practically and through CGI. While Now You See Me's action sequences aren't particularly memorable, it relishes in plot. The film entices the viewer with seemingly meaningless cheap tricks that turn out to be more vital with additional inspection that the film purposely downplays to outsmart the viewer.

Additionally, the film's cast brings quite a bit of energetic charisma to the table and there's no weak link to be found. Jesse Eisenberg seemingly leads the pack of Four Horseman as the cocky yet charming illusionist, J. Daniel Atlas with washed up hypnotist Merritt McKinney played by Woody Harrelson, former assistant turned solo act Henley Reeves brought by Isla Fisher, and sleight of hand pickpocket Jack Wilder portrayed by Dave Franco.

The four illusionists carried such great chemistry amongst their group that serviced the plot and made the mind games all the more fun, but these characters unfortunately weren't fully realized beyond their one note personalities. Not to say the performances were any less enjoyable, as all four actors give likable turns as the delinquent magicians.

Mark Ruffalo and Mélanie Laurent made for interesting protagonists as FBI investigator Dylan Rhodes and French Interpol agent Alma Dray and the two paired well off one another bringing out the best in the other's performance. Ruffalo and Laurent's characters' unique relationship allowed for some insightful verbal exchanges diving into their respective characters.

It was also nice to see seasoned actors in the cast with Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman both bringing great supporting performances as the stately elder gentlemen that are surprisingly quite integral to the plot.

In conclusion, Now You See Me makes for one of the more charming original summer blockbusters in recent years and actually held up quite nicely to repetitive viewing despite it's reliance on surprise for awe and wonder. To sum it up, Now You See Me is a fun mind game with lots of twists and turns, great visuals, and an all star cast that does however have some story weaknesses but these ultimately don't detract from the entertainment provided.

Film Assessment: B-