This’ll probably end up being my last bunch of smaller
review posts for this year, and I’ve only got one individual review left to do
for The Master. I’m pretty much finished up with 2012, and I’ll be moving on to
2013 soon. Awards season is now in full swing, so that’s where I’ll end up
turning my attention. Enjoy reading. I’ll do one post with five reviews, and
another for the other four.
This first post is for Bully, Hithcock, The Impossible, The
Imposter, and The Intouchables.
Bully:
With Bully, director Lee Hirsch gets down to the uneasy
topic of bullying in high schools. The movie follows several students, as well
as the families of these students, who go through this routine of suffering
from verbal and emotional abuse, physical contact, and even so far as bigotry
because of same sex preferences. Those kids who don’t have the strength to
shake it off or stand up for themselves have simply accepted it as an everyday
occurrence, bring weapons in defense of themselves, or have gone so far as to
kill themselves, seeing no other way out.
Bullying is an important issue that a lot of people
acknowledge, but few seem to genuinely take action against. While it doesn’t
get down to the issue of why bullying is around, there’s no denying that the
footage here is powerful, and that it bears a ring of truth. The movie points
fingers at teachers and officials sweeping the issue under the rug, a lack of
consistent ethics and guidelines, as well as intolerance for those with differences,
and it doesn’t shy away from these, at least not enough to criticize it for.
All in all, Bully is a film that should be mandatory viewing
for all schools. I’m not saying it isn’t an unpleasant issue, but it shouldn’t
be ignored. It should be talked about, strongly so in fact. And it shouldn’t
even stop there. Take action, start support groups, help a friend in need, and
talk to that friend so that friend doesn’t feel alone, because no child should
have to feel like there’s no way out.
STAND FOR THE SILENT!
****1/2 / *****
Hitchcock:
With credits full of the most enviable thrillers of all
time, it’s no wonder why Alfred Hitchcock has always been seen as the master of
suspense. In Sacha Gervasi’s Hitchcock, we see the man facing troubles with his
wife Alma. At the same time, he’s in action shooting his now oft regarded best
film, Psycho. Hitchcock is fairly enjoyable, but pretty average. One of the two
main flaws is that the movie lacks rhythm, and the other is how dry and almost
passive it comes across. The movie’s attempts at comic relief miss a whole lot
more than they hit. What’s even more disappointing is how flat Hitch, himself,
is, barely tapping into what should be a fascinating personality. While Anthony
Hopkins is good, it’s ironic that Hitchcock should be overshadowed by his own
wife, played by the wonderful Helen Mirren. The makeup designed by Howard
Berger and Greg Nicotero (both of The Walking Dead fame) is one of the few
excellent qualities in this movie.
**1/2 / *****
The Impossible:
Based on true events, The Impossible centers on a family on
vacation in Thailand, whose lives are affected after they’re all separated by
the tsunami that struck the land in December of 2004. Through the eyes of this
family, we’re witness to all the devastation and heartbreak surrounding this
catastrophe, all gritty to the point that makes it hard to watch at points,
although some of that may be the shaky cam as well. The whole cast is great,
Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor specifically giving some of the best performances
of their careers, pouring out so much sincere emotion. On a visceral level, on
an emotional level, it hits HARD. Not only does it hit, it practically delivers
a punch to the gut. If you can stomach the bloody material, you owe it to
yourself to see this undervalued gem.
**** / *****
The Imposter:
Constantly unsettling, but impossible to switch off once
started, The Imposter is a slow burning, but intense documentary that looks
into the case of Nicholas Barclay, who went missing in 1994, but was thought to
have been found in 1997, unbeknownst to many that he was someone else entirely.
The Imposter sets itself apart with the presentation of interviews with
reenactments interspersed, both a fascinating and distracting stylistic
approach. Still, the strength of the subject material is all so gripping,
slowly evolving from simple stolen identity to conspiracy mystery.
Specifically, the main subject (whose real name I won’t reveal) is a
fascinating person. Whether or not anything that he says is actually true, he
is a very interesting individual. It’s the kind of documentary that makes you
question so called “facts”.
**** / *****
The Intouchables:
Inspired by a true story, The Intouchables follows the
friendship between a rich man paralyzed from the neck down, and the man who
aids him in his daily life. The story itself is not overly special, and it’s
been done better many times before, but the movie rises above the mostly
standard quality thanks mainly to the rich chemistry between the two lead
actors. Their interactions are strong, humorous, and sincere, much to the
film’s benefit. It’s a feel good movie, and just as enjoyable as a feel good
movie can be.
**** / *****
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