NEW THIS WEEK
Nominated
for 8 Oscars, this new scifi thriller from writer/director Denis Villeneuve
tells the story of a mysterious alien invasion, and the linguist (Amy Adams)
who makes an attempt to connect to the strange new creatures. As humanity
prepares for potential interplanetary war, the power of language is pushed to
its limits in this stunning and intense film.
We Said: “Arrival
consistently and strenuously challenges the viewer at every turn. And now the
challenge is on other filmmakers to try and live up to the example Arrival
has set as one of the best modern pieces of sci-fi we've seen.” Rating: 4 out of 5
The Good: Arrival
is hands-down one of the best movies of 2016. It tells a complex and
beautiful story that, while fanciful and science fiction-y, is still deeply
human and beautiful. The visuals are absolutely incredible, Amy Adams gives one
of the greatest performances I’ve seen in a long time, and the film’s ending
leaves you awe-struck and wanting to watch it again immediately. Arrival
is the very best of what the scifi genre can be.
The Bad: The movie can move
a tad slowly, and has a bit of a rough time toward the beginning with grabbing
the audience’s attention properly. Having watched the film all the way through,
I now understand why it’s paced this way and I ultimately appreciated the
unconventional storytelling, but it still does move slow nonetheless.
Overall: Arrival
is an intense and beautiful thriller that is equal parts heart-racing
and heart-breaking. Definitely check it out if you haven’t. If you have seen it, then you know why you
should watch it again!
Based
on the life of boxer Vinny Pazienza (Miles Teller), Bleed for This tells the inspiring
story of his comeback to the ring after a near-fatal car-crash threatens to
leave him paralyzed.
We Said: “Ultimately, Bleed
for This is a flawed movie. The pacing is very weak, and the dialogue
is far too on-the-nose and formulaic. The performances, direction, and editing
all elevate the movie well above the rather basic script, and turn it into an
enjoyable and mostly compelling sports drama. It might not be the most
memorable, but it’s certainly a fine enough film overall.” Rating: 3 out of 5
The Good: Everyone in Bleed
for This does a good job at portraying their characters as more than
just stereotypical sports-movie stock characters. Visually the film is pretty
interesting, especially during the fights. The scenes of actual boxing are
brilliantly intense, and well worth the build up. If you’re the kind of person
who enjoys inspirational sports dramas, this is right up your alley.
The Bad: Most of the movie’s
script is incredibly formulaic. No amount of great acting can fully save
moments as by-the-numbers as some of the scenes in Bleed for This. The film
moves at a million different speeds, with the actual plot kicking in about an
hour into the run-time. Ultimately, there is very little to separate Bleed
for This from other movies in the genre.
Overall: Bleed
for This is perfectly fine for what it is. Fans of these kinds of
sports dramas will certainly enjoy it, and it very well might pick up the
interest of a few newcomers as well with some of its climactic boxing
showdowns. It’s a perfectly enjoyable paint-by-numbers biopic.
Based
on the best selling novel of the same name, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk examines
the life of young Iraq War veteran Billy Lynn. Through flashback, it tells the
story of his harrowing tour, contrasting it with the hero’s-welcome halftime
show waiting for him at home.
We Said: “There is much to
like in the individual performances, including from newcomer Joe Alwyn, and
much to regret in a heavy-handed, message-laden screenplay and curious visual
choices by [Director Ang] Lee. […] Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk
doesn't take a pro or anti-war stance; its faith resides in our servicemen and
women. And so we should also have faith that Ang Lee, who is still a tremendous
director by any measure, will rebound from a well-intentioned but disappointing
effort.” Rating: 2.5 out of 5
After
high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) finds out her best friend is
dating her older brother, her awkward-loner phase kicks into overdrive. Relying
solely on her teacher (Woody Harrelson) for advice, Nadine navigates the hell of
high school, while developing a relationship with an equally shy guy from her
school.
We Said: “The
writer/director is newcomer Kelly Fremon Craig, who has clearly learned much
from [producer James L.] Brooks about how to make a comedy like this work
instead of collapsing into a puddle of its own neuroses.” Rating: 4 out of 5
Also Available: City of Dead Men, Embrace, Deep Water, Mercy Street: Season Two, The Babymoon, Love vs Kentucky, Priceless, and King Cobra
