Review: Brave

Brave (2012)
100 minutes
Rated – PG
Directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell

Grade: C+

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In Brave, we get another strong female lead character trying to defy all odds when adversity stares her down. That’s been quite the theme this year with movies such as The Hunger Games and Snow White and the Huntsman, but here we’re presented with Pixar’s point of view of a princess story. This is monumental for the studio since all of its previous films starred male lead characters, but the end result gives off a strange vibe from Disney instead of Pixar’s consistency to keep pushing the envelope.

In traditional princess story-telling, Merida is a young girl who has expectations to act proper, marry a prince, etc. But the tomboy, bow and arrow wielding red head just wants to be heard from her strict mother. This is where the heart of the story lies, with Merida’s father and her three younger brothers serving as the comic relief throughout.

Brave uses the “be careful what you wish for” message and runs with it as Merida visits a witch, who in turn concocts a potion to “change” her mother. But when this changes her to a bear, Merida immediately regrets her decision and does everything she can to protect her mother from the hunters, including her own father. The real suspense comes in the second half of the film when Merida and her mother only have a limited amount of time to reverse the spell before she permanently becomes a bear.

While the film is visually incredible, everything else is uneven, from the plot down to the characters and their development. There are heart-felt moments, especially towards the end of the movie between Merida and her mother, but other than that there aren’t many emotional aspects during Brave. Also, I understand that the three brothers are supposed to serve up some laughs, but they were hardly funny. Even the King’s jokes were off-key and had me questioning if anyone actually laughed.

Following up the disappointment of Cars 2, Brave is a Pixar film that disappoints in another way. For years, Pixar has provided true family entertainment with animations that kids and adults could enjoy equally. Brave doesn’t contain material sufficient enough to keep the adults engaged, and oddly enough this film is arguably the scariest Pixar production to date (I did see the film in Dolby ATMOS, which gave a much louder and clearer sound, but the bears’ roar resulted in a theater of crying children).

Brave felt too much like a Disney film with its princess stories and its medieval setting. It’s a feel-good movie that rarely takes any risks, which directly contradicts its title. This is a Disney formula, not a Pixar one. Is it possible that Pixar’s bar is higher than other studios’, resulting in critics to be harsher than they should. I believe so, but that’s better than being surprised by a decent film when you expect nothing from it. But simply put, I hope their upcoming films resemble more WALL-E and Ratatouille and less Brave.

Movies to Watch in 2012

We can all agree that the year 2011 wasn’t the best for films. It definitely had plenty of solid films, but it certainly lacked the handful of great films where we can think back and say “2011 was a fantastic year for films.” This is why I’m looking forward to 2012, where Hollywood hopes to recover from disappointment. Here are the films to look out for:

The Master

One of my favorite directors, Paul Thomas Anderson, returns with his first movie in five years. It’s uncertain if this film will see a 2012 or a 2013 release, but I’m sure hoping to see this film sooner than later. Boasting an incredible cast including the return of Joaquin Phoenix, I am sure PTA will not disappoint.

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The Hunger Games (3/23/12)

Studios are always looking for the “next big franchise” to release onto the big screen. Since Harry Potter has wrapped up and Twilight is coming to an end, The Hunger Games trilogy is the next highly anticipated series that has fans jumping with excitement and studio executives nervously praying they have hit the jackpot. As for me, I’ve read the novels and look forward to how Gary Ross will adapt them. Oh, and I believe Jennifer Lawrence will absolutely become a star these films.

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The Cabin in the Woods (4/13/12)

I guess 2012 must really be the end of the world because I’m actually pumped up to see a horror movie. But let me explain myself. Joss Whedon co-wrote the film and this is Drew Goddard’s debut in directing (his credentials include writing and producing TV-shows like Lost and Alias). Everyone is being incredibly hush-hush about this project, which makes me even more stoked to see it. What kind of things could possibly happen to these five friends stranded in a cabin in the woods?

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The Avengers (5/4/12)

We’ve all seen our fair share of superhero films before, but not anything like the potential of this super, superhero movie. Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk and Nick Fury all in one movie?! Okay, I have my concerns about screen-time and a muddled plot, but come on! With Joss Whedon as co-writer and director, I can’t imagine not enjoying this film.

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Prometheus (6/8/12)

Ridley Scott returning to the sci-fi thriller? If that isn’t all you need to be completely stoked, then I don’t know how to excite you for one of the most anticipated movies of the year. What will Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) have in store for us with Prometheus? Is it an Alien prequel? Who cares! Another plus to be excited about this film, two budding stars in the making: Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender.

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Brave (6/22/12)

Here’s something you’ve never heard in your lifetime: Pixar is looking to bounce back from a bad movie. Cars 2 was the studio’s first major disappointment and they’re trying to get back on track with Brave, an ambitious, magical film with Pixar’s first female lead. I am slightly concerned to how this film will be received by the public, but from the clips and trailers they have released, I’m sure Brave is going to be a film that everyone can enjoy.

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The Dark Knight Rises (7/20/12)

There are a lot of big movie franchises releasing films this year, but none compares to the anticipation of the third and last installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. It’s going to be a very difficult task to keep up with his incredible resume thus far, but I have all the faith that Nolan still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. The additions of Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Marion Cotillard can only mean a better movie from its predecessors, right?

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Gravity (9/21/12)

If you haven’t heard anything about this film yet, well then you can thank me later on in the year. Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, this is an Alfonso Cuaron sci-fi thriller that is highly being discussed for Cuaron’s innovative film-making tactics. Guillermo del Toro said this about the film, “the same way that he pushed the narrative in Children of Men…[they] are absolutely pushing a new boundary in film-making, completely mind-blowing. And they way they’re making [Gravity] will, I think, forever change certain types of productions.” Quite high praise from an incredible visionary himself.

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Les Miserables (12/7/12)

My favorite Broadway musical is coming to the big screen starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen just to name a few. With one of the hottest directors, Tom Hooper, who is fresh off of taking the awards ceremonies by storm (The King’s Speech, John Adams), the sky is the limit for this film. One of my questions is, who’s going to play the heart-breaking role of Eponine? I’m praying it’s not going to be Taylor Swift.

UPDATE: Taylor Swift has been offered the role for Eponine. That decision in itself almost made me remove Les Miserables off my list of films to watch, but still, Hooper and the rest of the cast should make up for the obvious ploy to attract the young demographic.

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12/14/12)

Look who’s back, surrounded by Hobbits and another magical adventure? Peter Jackson has returned to the Lord of the Rings franchise and the level of excitement I have for this film is unmatched. If The Hobbit prequels are anything close to the quality of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then keep them coming!

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This is Forty (12/21/12)

Remember that hilarious and underrated film Knocked Up? Well, Judd Apatow is back with a new chapter of the bickering married couple of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann). This is sure to be just like any other Apatow production, which means I cannot wait to see what kind of shenanigans he’ll present to us. Also adding Jason Segel to the mix can’t hurt.

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The Great Gatsby (12/25/12)

Am I dreaming? Is this film FINALLY being released? After studio changes and Baz Luhrmann’s uncertainty about the project, The Great Gatsby is finally coming out. Taking one of the greatest American novels of all-time and then casting Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan as leads, I have very high hopes for this movie, even though I’m not a great Luhrmann fan.

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Django Unchained (12/25/12)

There aren’t too many directors who have a bigger following than Quentin Tarantino. He’s one of a few directors who express their style and love for film-making in every one of their films. Django Unchained should be no different. Also, check out this male-dominant cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christph Waltz, Kurt Russell, and Jamie Foxx. I promise you that we’re in for something special.

Toy Story 3 Poster

Yeah I can’t wait.

The 82nd Academy Awards: My Predictions

Hey everyone’s doing the whole “Who will win, who should win” formula… so I will too!  Let’s get to it!

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Best Picture

Who Will Win:  The big award of the night will either go to slightly favorite The Hurt Locker, insanely popular Avatar, or the hilarious and entertaining darkhouse, Inglourious Basterds.  Although I am VERY uneasy at The Hurt Locker’s chances, I’m still going to go with my gut and the safe choice by saying The Hurt Locker will win.

Who Should Win:  The Hurt Locker.  It’s the only film from the ten nominees that really leaves you with a lingering effect.  Last night I watched Inglourious Basterds and enjoyed it just as much as I did when I watched it the first time.  It’s an awesome, cool movie.  Very entertaining.  But then right after (at 1 a.m.) I watched The Hurt Locker and I was simply in awe.  This was the third time watching the film and it only gets better.  There’s no doubt that The Hurt Locker is the best film of the year… now will The Academy award the best film?  Or will they give it to a film more popular like Avatar or Inglourious Basterds?

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Best Director

Who Will/Should Win:  Kathryn Bigelow.  This will be the first time a female director walks away with this award and Bigelow deserves it.  Sure, Avatar was visually stunning and Basterds was witty… but The Hurt Locker is on its own level.  The small cast of characters in the film are all brought to life.  The guerilla style camera-work gave the film its gritty, documentary feel.  It’s the closest film to perfection from any film in 2009 and Bigelow should be awarded for the accomplishment.

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Best Lead Actor

Who Will/Should Win:  Jeff Bridges.  Unless there’s a unanimous sweep for The Hurt Locker and Jeremy Renner steals this award (which I would honestly be fine with).  But Bridges has done his time and he is a great, established actor who was excellent in Crazy Heart.

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Best Lead Actress

Who Will Win:  Sandra Bullock.  It was clear in my mind once The Blind Side recieved a Best Picture nomination that The Academy really loves that movie.  On top of Bullock being a fan favorite wherever she goes, this is hers to lose.

Who Should Win:  Carey Mulligan.  She’s a very talented and young actress who was the star in An Education.  She’s a lot more than just a pretty face invading Hollywood.  She has personality and subtle strengths that makes her one of the best up-and-coming actresses.  I look forward to when she’s back in this category for years to come.

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Best Supporting Actor

Who Will/Should Win:  Christoph Waltz.  If you have seen Inglourious Basterds, then you know that this man deserves this award.  He steals every single scene and gives his menacing villain a lot of layers.  I hope he stays in the States for more films instead of continuing his legacy in German cinema.

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Best Supporting Actress

Who Will/Should Win:  Mo’Nique.  A prediction that I thought I would NEVER make in my lifetime.  But yes, Mo’Nique was stunning in Precious and she deserves this golden statue, and she will get it.

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Best Original Screenplay

Who Will/Should Win:  Quentin Tarantino – Inglourious Basterds.  This is probably the tightest race of the evening.  Between The Hurt Locker and Inglourious Basterds, it’s basically a coin-flip to determine who’s going to win.  I feel that since The Academy will be awarding The Hurt Locker with two of the biggest awards of the night, Tarantino will get his due in this writing category.

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Best Adapted Screenplay

Who Will/Should Win:  Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner – Up in the Air.  It’s not easy taking a pretty serious and dismal occupation and bringing out so much charm, humor, and romance in a movie.  It all starts with the screenplay and Up in the Air was one of the best.

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Best Animated Feature

Who Will/Should Win:  Up.  It was nominated for Best Picture.  No other animated films were.  That should be enough reason for it to win.  Plus, it’s a Pixar film.  Seriously, when has a Pixar film done you wrong?

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The rest of my predictions are listed below:

Best Foreign Film:  The White Ribbon
Best Documentary Feature:  The Cove
Best Original Score:  “Up” – Michael Giacchino
Best Orignal Song:  “The Weary Kind” – Crazy Heart
Best Cinematography – The Hurt Locker
Best Costume Design:  The Young Victoria
Best Art Direction:  Avatar
Best Makeup:  Star Trek
Best Sound Mixing:  The Hurt Locker
Best Sound Editing:  Avatar
Best Film Editing:  The Hurt Locker
Best Visual Effects:  Avatar

2010 Oscar Nominations Predictions

All right folks, it’s that time of the year (and one of my favorites).  Tomorrow morning The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce their nominations for this year’s Academy Awards.  This has been quite a year for cinema.  You couldn’t last a month without a Sandra Bullock film in the theaters, animation was especially strong this year, war movies were actually well-received, and records were smashed by a sci-fi film about blue people.

So that means I’m going to try to predict the nominations for all the major categories.  Let’s see how I do after tomorrow.

Best Picture

• A Serious Man
• An Education
• Avatar
• District 9
• The Hurt Locker
• Inglourious Basterds
• Invictus
• Precious
• Up
• Up in the Air

Notes:  I’m pretty sure that I’ll atleast get 8/10 in this category.  Possible films that could sneak into the Best Picture category include:  The Messenger, Nine, (500) Days of Summer, and Star Trek.  The films that I chose that could get the boot are District 9 (because it’s a film with late momentum hoping to sneak in) and Up (because it’ll become only the second animated feature to be nominated, and also Fantastic Mr. Fox has been stealing some praise).  Which brings me to this point… was 10 nominations necessary?  We have an excellent group of FIVE films here (Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, Up in the Air), films 6-10 don’t even have a shot in hell at winning.

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Best Director

• Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
• James Cameron (Avatar)
• Lee Daniels (Precious)
• Jason Reitman (Up in the Air)
• Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds)

Notes:  Congrats to Kathryn Bigelow to become the first female to win the Best Director award from the DGA.  Now can she do it at the Oscars?  Ex-husband James Cameron and the beloved and over-due Quentin Tarantino are very strong candidates to spoil her party.

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Best Actor

• Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart)
• George Clooney (Up in the Air)
• Colin Firth (A Single Man)
• Morgan Freeman (Invictus)
• Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker)

Notes:  I’m almost positive this group of five will be nominated tomorrow.  The only concern is if Jeremy Renner will be replaced by a bigger name… possibly Viggo Mortensen (The Road) or Tobey Maguire (Brothers)?  I sure hope not because Renner’s performance in The Hurt Locker is stunning.

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Best Actress

• Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)
• Helen Mirren (The Last Station)
• Carey Mulligan (An Education)
• Gabourey Sidibe (Precious)
• Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)

Notes:  I’m not taking any risks in this category.  There is a chance that Tilda Swinton (Julia) or Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria) can sneak into this category.  If that happens they would probably replace Helen Mirren.  But I don’t think that’s going to happen.

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Best Supporting Actor

• Matt Damon (Invictus)
• Woody Harrelson (The Messenger)
• Christopher Plummer (The Last Station)
• Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones)
• Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

Notes:  The only think noteworthy about this category is that Christoph Waltz is going to win.  Anyone else should just be happy with a nomination.

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Best Supporting Actress

• Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air)
• Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air)
• Mo’Nique (Precious)
• Julianne Moore (A Single Man)
• Samantha Morton (The Messenger)

Notes:  The only thing noteworthy about this category is that Mo’Nique is going to win.  Anyone else should just be happy with a nomination.

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Best Original Screenplay

• (500) Days of Summer
• A Serious Man
• The Hurt Locker
• Inglourious Basterds
• Up

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Best Adapted Screenplay

• An Education
• District 9
• Fantastic Mr. Fox
• Precious
• Up in the Air

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Best Animated Feature

• Coraline
• Fantastic Mr. Fox
• Ponyo
• The Princess and the Frog
• Up

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Well that’s that.  I’m not going to get into the technical categories.  So let’s see how well I do tomorrow morning.

NYFCC awards ‘The Hurt Locker’ as Best Picture of 2009

The results are in for the New York Film Critics Circle.  Once again, The Hurt Locker takes the grand prize as Best Picture of the Year.  By no means does this indicate that this is the frontrunner for the Academy Award, in my opinion.  I still have a feeling Avatar and Up in the Air will be very serious contenders, but what can be guaranteed is a nomination for Best Picture and one for Kathryn Bigelow for Best Director.

Here are the rest of the winners:

Best Director:  Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)

Best Screenplay:  In the Loop

Best Actor:  George Clooney (Up in the Air)

Best Actress:  Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)

Best Supporting Actor:  Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

Best Supporting Actress:  Mo’Nique (Precious)

Best Cinematographer:  Christian Berger (The White Ribbon)

Best Animated Film:  Fantastic Mr. Fox

Best Documentary:  Of Time and The City

Best Foreign Film:  Summer Hours

Best First Film:  Hunger (Steve McQueen)

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Other quick notes:  Fantastic Mr. Fox has been topping Pixar’s Up in these critics awards precursors.  What does that mean?  Well, this certainly hurts the chances for Up to be included as one of the ten Best Picture nominations that a lot of people have been discussing.

Meryl Streep’s win as Best Actress over Carey Mulligan came to a bit surprise for me.  And George Clooney continues to have a very strong case to be the slight front-runner in the extremely talented and packed Best Actor category this year.

AFI announces their Top Ten Films of 2009

The American Film Institute announced its top ten films of the year.  The films include:

- A Serious Man
- A Single Man
- Coraline
- The Hangover
- The Hurt Locker
- The Messanger
- Precious
- Sugar
- Up
- Up in the Air

To me, I was surprised that such an unknown film like Sugar made AFI’s list.  Also, the inclusion of The Hangover really shocked me.  To think that the film institute picked The Hangover over other films like Invictus, Avatar, 500 Days of Summer, Inglourious Basterds, etc. is very mind-boggling.

What does this mean for the Academy Awards Best Picture race?  Probably not much… but as we near the voting process, it’s hard to imagine that there won’t be a few head-scratchers with ten nominations this year.  All I have to say is that I really hope The Hangover doesn’t get a Best Picture nomination.

Top 7 Movies of the Summer (2009)

7.  Funny People

While not as strong as his first two creations, Judd Apatow’s Funny People was a bold attempt in the dramedy genre.  Close to 2 1/2 hours, the movie was a roller coaster ride of emotions.  With the sensitive issue of death as a main component to the plot, many times the serious tone overshadowed the comedy element.  But even though the movie struggled to find a balance, actors Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Eric Bana, and Leslie Mann displayed great chemistry together.

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6.  The Hangover

The sleeper hit of the summer starred a three-some of funny actors who were under the radar: Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis.  This buddy-mystery-roadtrip-party-movie had it all.  I enjoyed the over-the-top situations thoroughly.  Galifianakis stole the show from the other actors even though everyone was hilarious.

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5.  District 9

A message film hidden behind a sci-fi/action about aliens living in the ghetto of District 9 being mistreated by the humans.  There is a lot to take from this movie.  Whether it’s the blinding parallels to apartheid or just the sheer excitement of the suspense and action, this film left you with a lingering feeling.  To me, I left the theater with satisfaction that originality still exists and how a summer film can challenge the audience to think.  Although the film was a bit uneven, it was still effective and very well-made.

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4.  The Hurt Locker

This was an extremely intense and suspenseful film that excelled in its simple story structure.  The film is about a group of three men who diffuse bombs in Iraq.  I haven’t seen this perspective of the war yet and therefore that was refreshing.  The theme of “War is a drug” was apparent as we watched the hero, William James, degenerate from a human to a war machine.  There were a lot of things done right in this war-film.  Very well done.

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3.  Up

Pixar comes through with another home run with their most recent animated feature.  This was the most emotionally invested film from the studio’s collection to date, which might play into how this ranks among my favorites.  It’s truly brilliant how Pixar is able to create films that appeal to both children and adults at the same time.  Up is no different as the wild colors, adorable creatures, and humorous characters entertained the kids.  But for adults, the film told a tale of an elderly man coping with the death of his wife and the much-needed father figure of a little Asian-American boy.  Aww.

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2.  Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino makes “cool” movies.  So what did I expect when viewing a fictional World War II film about a group of Jewish Americans using guerrilla tactics with one mission only: to kill Nazis?  I expected blood, action, and awesomeness.  But Tarantino delivered so much more than that.  Led by Christoph Waltz as Nazi Col. Hans Landa, his performance alone is worth watching Inglourious Basterds.  Of course, the Basterds were nothing short of kick-ass, led by Brad Pitt and Eli Roth.  This is one of those films meant for pure pleasure and entertainment, and Tarantino nailed it.

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1.  (500) Days of Summer

Just like my favorite films of last summer, I had high expectations that were exceeded by this movie.  Joseph Gordon Levitt and Zooey Deschanel shine in this non-love story, romantic-comedy.  You can really feel the independent approach in this film from the direction and the raw emotions expressed by the characters.  And let me just add, this movie is very funny.  On top of that, this movie is very heart-breaking (that’s not a spoiler).  Overall, this was my favorite movie of the summer and is one I know I’ll watch over and over again for years to come.

Tweetle Dumb: The Week’s Worst Tweets

Really?  You watched 12 Rounds, again?  Well, anyone who likes to “bounce outta hurr” has to have a dumbed down movie opinion.

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So there’s no film called “Set IF Off”… but the typo hints at “Set It Off.”  A 1996 film about four black women who rob banks.  We definitely have a difference in opinion when it comes to the best movie ever (besides Lion King).

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Back to my pet peeve… spell the movie title correctly!

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Grrrrrrr.

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I never understood how anyone could do anything during a movie.  Especially when you’re enjoying a film like this person was.  If it’s so crazy and “excited” then you shouldn’t have time to send a tweet.

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I remember these people.  The ones who went to Blockbuster or Best Buy and rented/bought Pan’s Labyrinth and then came back to the store irate and upset.  It’s rated-R.  If these adults can’t correctly pick a children movie, I feel bad for their kids.

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Oh yeah… “obiusly” that jonas brothers 3-D film is the best movie ever.

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He didn’t wish his life was happy.  Instead, he wants it to be a movie.

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FOLLOW ME on Twitter and make fun of my tweets!

Box Office Results: The Proposal gets rid of The Hangover

Studio Estimates (June 19-21):

1.  The Proposal – $34.1 million
2.  The Hangover – $26.9 million
3.  Up – $21.3 million
4.  Year One – $20.2 million
5.  The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 – $11.3 million

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Finally, The Hangover falls out of the #1 spot in its third weekend at the box office, beaten by the opening weekend from The Proposal.  With $34.1 million, The Proposal is Sandra Bullocks’ biggest opening weekend ever (which is surprising because she’s been in a number of hits).  Pixar’s Up continues to make a run at the summer’s biggest movie, though Transformers and Harry Potter should hold that title by summer’s end.  The other new release this weekend, Year One, grossed a decent $20.2 million but placing 4th was disappointing.

As for our predictions, I was the only one able to predict all the Top 5 films and in the correct order.  Aside from Sheehan’s gross estimate for The Proposal, his estimates were the most accurate.

Check back on Friday for our new weekend predictions.  There are two new releases this weekend:  the heavy drama, My Sister’s Keeper, starring Cameron Diaz.  And the super blockbuster, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.