JonMLParker Reviews

Trouble with the Curve (2012)

"This is a movie about family, the human spirit and not so much about sport."

[8/10 · 9 November 2012]

Trouble With The Curve is a film you will not regret watching, full credit to Director Robert Lorenz for picking, in my opinion, the best possible cast for this film.

Despite Clint Eastwood's often indecipherable growling, he still gives you that slight hint of emotion that we saw in Gran Torino. My only concern is that Eastwood seems to be playing the same characters over and over again in his old age, I'm not sure if he's getting typecast or if he is just genuinely playing himself.

Amy Adams puts in the performance of her career and rises to the moment, often outperforming against the far more experienced Eastwood.

There is a certain magic quality about baseball and this film captures it well, the passion, the tradition, at times you can almost smell the leather of the catcher's mitt.

This is a movie about family, the human spirit and not so much about sport. If you're looking for crowning moments, championship wins and all American heroes then you've come to the wrong place. If you're after compelling drama, a beautiful narrative and just a hint of fun then this is the film for you.

Trouble With The Curve is a thoroughly enjoyable film and one that I would gladly watch again and again.

Sugar (I) (2008)

"A foreign language film that appeals to the masses"

[6/10 · 9 November 2012]

In 'Sugar', writer and director duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck have created a film that not only appeals to a wide audience but also plays on the heartstrings of American culture.

The portrayal of The American Dream as seen through the eyes of an outsider is an incredible insight into the fragile nature of the world. Far away from home, with a bare knowledge of the language, Miguel 'Sugar' Santos is trying to make his baseball dream come true, not just for him but for his whole family.

Although much of the film is subtitled, somehow this language barrier slips away and 'Sugar' becomes a mainstream American film, finally a foreign language film that appeals to the masses.

Whether you're a redneck truck driver or a uptown lawyer, we can all relate to the character of Miguel, we can all understand the daily struggles of trying to make your way in life, of having a dream and fighting for it.

Sugar is a film with real integrity and truth. It loses pace at times but that hardly seems to matter as Miguel Santos earns his place in the heart of the audience, a great performance from actor Algenis Perez Soto.

A must watch film.

Take Shelter (2011)

"This film will be remembered for years to come..."

[7/10 · 9 November 2012]

Michael Shannon once again shows why he's one of the best actors around at the moment. His haunting performance in Take Shelter is terrifyingly beautiful.

Only the second film in Jeff Nichols blossoming directorial career, Take Shelter proves to us that he has arrived on an international stage. Some critics may argue that the film is slow but the pace of the film adds to the tension until you suddenly find yourself pulled through a whirlwind of events and caught up in the mind of 'Curtis' who is played by Shannon.

This film will be remembered for years to come and certainly leaves a lasting impression on an audience. Whether you walk away confused, scared or just in awe of this wonderful film, you certainly will not forget it.

It's time to start watching Michael Shannon and Jeff Nichols very closely, I have a feeling that there is much more to come from both of them.

Transformers (2007)

"The 'dialogue' within Transformers often has the feeling that a chimpanzee might have been involved in the writing process."

[2/10 · 8 November 2012]

Michael Bay continues to barrage Hollywood with more 'hummingbird cinema'. Afraid of his audience looking away for even half a second, Bay uses a mix of explosions, CGI and rapid editing to ensure that nobody can take their eyes off the cinema screen.

His total lack of faith in his two leading actors is realised in a nightmare of CGI and explosions which minimise the screen time of LaBeouf and Fox so that even they can not damage the film too badly.

Unfortunately it's Bay's reputation that continues to take a battering on the back of his Transformers series, in fact he continues to take a battering on the back of every film he's ever touched. Seemingly unphased by the constant criticism he receives from industry experts and cinema-goers alike, you begin to wonder if Bay is in fact a robot himself.

Why so many screenwriters are credited with the creation of such drivel I have no idea. The 'dialogue' within Transformers often has the feeling that a chimpanzee might have been involved in the writing process. A thorough insult to the hardworking writers of the film industry.

Millions have been made off the back of this film and millions more will undoubtedly be made until we reach Transformers 162. When will this madness end? Nobody knows.

If you're looking for a movie with real style, substance and a truly gripping plot then you've come to the wrong place. However, if you want to sit down for a couple of hours, switch off and listen to your brain cells die one by one, then this is probably right up your street.

Young Adult (2011)

"I sincerely hope, for his (Reitman's) sake, that Young Adult fades into filmic obscurity quickly and quietly."

[5/10 · 8 November 2012]

Before I even utter a word, let me say this, I love Jason Reitman.

Reitman is an exceptional director, his uncanny ability to take the most unlikeable, selfish and self-loathing of characters and give them warmth and value for an audience is incredible.

Now let me say this, Reitman fails with Young Adult.

Charlize Theron is so unlikable from the outset that even a man of Reitman's ability couldn't make her character appealing. A woman like Mavis Gary would probably cause a mass murderer to become disinterested.

My praise of Diablo Cody's work has quickly dispersed since Juno, her one hit wonder is now all but confirmed. Young Adult lacks substance, style and a compelling narrative, which makes me wonder what Reitman ever saw in it.

With that being said, the film still carries all the hallmarks of a Jason Reitman film, his smooth style is easily injected and the film is an enjoyable watch. The lack of character attachment is the main reason that people will turn off this film. Had it not been for my love of Reitman's work, I certainly would have been one of them.

Overall the film is not a terrible experience. The utterly cringe-worthy scenes towards the end are nothing short of brilliant from Theron, but even her convincing performance as the self-absorbed Mavis Gary is not enough to make you want to watch her develop as a character. Audiences will be left wishing that the far more likable Matt Freehauf, played by Patton Oswalt, had been given more screen time.

For me Young Adult lacks that cutting edge and ends up being a complete disappointment. I will, of course, continue to be a big fan of Jason Reitman and I sincerely hope, for his sake, that Young Adult fades into filmic obscurity quickly and quietly.

Boiler Room (2000)

"His clear and effortless style give this film a pace and feeling that veteran directors are still failing to create."

[9/10 · 8 November 2012]

Every once in a while a film comes a long that changes your outlook on the industry. In his first directorial offering Ben Younger not only engages his audience but establishes himself, quite rightly, as one of the best up and coming talents in the film industry.

Giovanni Ribisi's outstanding performance in Boiler Room is without a doubt his finest hour, an actor who is frequently overlooked and always underrated, Boiler Room gives the world a reason to finally recognise this actors outstanding ability.

A wonderful supporting cast comprised of Hollywood talent that would ordinarily be more wooden than Pinocchio, give this film the ability to flourish. Boiler Room is probably the first time anyone has ever considered for a moment that Ben Affleck is a good actor.

Ben Younger is clearly able to motivate in a way that no other director can. His clear and effortless style give this film a pace and feeling that veteran directors are still failing to create. His choice of soundtrack compliments the edit and helps the film flow seamlessly.

Boiler Room is a marvel to behold, a triumph in every sense of the word. You would truly be considered a moron if you passed up the opportunity to see this film.

Chernobyl Diaries (2012)

"A group of unlikeable friends, lost in the wilderness, sound familiar?"

[2/10 · 7 November 2012]

In Bradley Parker's misguided attempt to establish a compelling and innovative horror scenario, he not only bores but also confuses and annoys his audience.

A group of unlikeable friends, lost in the wilderness, losing all contact with the rest of the world, sound familiar? The film goes from cliché to cliché as it's characters stumble around, almost falling through the endless plot holes.

The only guaranteed scares are from the usual combination of loud noises, any other genuinely scary themes and images quickly fade into hilarious obscurity.

If you're looking for a new and innovate horror film then Chernobyl Diaries falls far wide of the mark, however if you're looking to give your little sister nightmares then this film is definitely for you.