Delivery Man (2013) Movie Review

DELIVERY MAN (2013) MOVIE REVIEW

Although I did know what was exactly going to happen, I did find myself actually enjoying this film. To some extent.

After David (Vince Vaughn), an affable underachiever, finds out he has fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago, he must now decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of these children file a lawsuit to reveal his identity. While the film itself is incredibly cliché and simple in it's execution, I found the story quite interesting and I will admit it is something I have not seen before. It also brings up many moral questions regarding how can one father 533 children? Is it better that these children remain oblivious to their father's identity? All these questions and many more are reasons as to why I believe that this film's story and concept are incredibly original. While I cannot give the director and writers credit for this story, as the plot for this film is based off the French-American film Starbuck, I can say that no matter what film it originated from, both of these films had an interesting, daring and original concept for a movie.

Still of Vince Vaughn

Like I stated before, I personally found this film quite cliché in many different aspects. For example, the entire movie follows the whole everything is going downhill for David, then he finds out something that could change his life. Eventually it does and through many different events it all works out in the end for everyone, the end. And if I actually spoiled the film for you, come on, we all knew what was going to happen anyway. Anyhow, I'm not really sure what I can say about this movie, and this because much like an earlier film this year The Internship, I can't really find anything wrong with the movie, even if it is incredibly apparent that there are problems. However, I did find one or two main problems that stuck out to me throughout the film. First off, I felt that the film was little too rushed even for a two hour run time. This is due to the fact that because the film is based around so many characters, we don't really explore any of the kid's personalities and attributes much. This was a let down for me as one kid in particular I really liked, and that was the one who has a job as a barrister. Secondly, I noticed that there was one plot point in the movie that popped up, then disappeared. And this was the whole gangster trouble as they do something to David, and then just disappear for the rest of the movie. While it didn't bug me much, it still slightly bugged me. 

Still of Cobie Smulders and Vince Vaughn

As for the comedy in the film, I felt that the film really excelled in this category. I found pretty much everyone in this film funny in their own way. Vince Vaughn was funny in his generic role that he plays in every single movie, Cobie Smulders I felt did a good job as Vince's love interest, though in some parts, I felt was underutilized. Though out of everyone, the easy stand out for me is one of the most underrated actors in film right now, Chris Pratt. If anyone has watched the funny T.V show Parks and Recreation, then you should know that this man is one of the funniest actors to ever grace our screens. In this film, Chris plays Vince's good friend and lawyer throughout the lawsuit case. Because of his occupation, plus the fact that he is the dependant and tired father of four young children, this manages to create some incredibly funny and in some parts harsh scenes. Overall, I felt that all three of the main actors in this film brought their A-Game in this film and managed to let more people know about their respective comedic abilities. Yes, I'm talking to you Chris. 

Still of Chris Pratt

Overall, while many critics seem to have shunned Delivery Man for being generic and unoriginal, I think that that is what makes it a good movie. The film knows exactly what it is from start to finish, simple and heart-warming. And if that is what the movie was aiming to do, it did it's job more than well. 

OVERALL: 6.8/10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) Movie Review

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (2013) MOVIE REVIEW

When going into this film, I wasn't expecting great things as I didn't care much for the first one. After seeing this one however, I never thought I would say it is one of my favourite films of 2013.

Taking place after the events of the first Hunger Games film and book, Catching Fire once again revolves around our two protagonists from District 12, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). After their simultaneous victories in the previous Hunger Games, the Capitol sees them as a threat as this victory causes different acts of rebellion from all the districts across Panem. Because of this, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip-Seymour Hoffman) decide to eradicate their kind by choosing the victors from previous Hunger Games to compete in the 75th annual games. As a result, Katniss and Peeta must now find a way to stop Snow and Heavensbee's plan all while preparing for their inevitable enlistment into the 75th Hunger Games. While I have read the first book, I never got around to Catching Fire and Mockingjay, so I cannot say whether it is reliable or not. For the most part however, I felt the story was exactly what I wanted from the first film, though never really got enough of. And that is the political side to the Hunger Games. In this film, it shows how this battle to the death affects not only the entry, but their loved ones and even complete strangers. Overall, the story was incredibly compelling and showed it's strongest elements, which is the political aspects, and uses them to the absolute limit. 

Still of Donald Sutherland and Philip-Seymour
Hoffman

One of the reasons I did not enjoy the first instalment in this money grabbing franchise was because of the actual Hunger Games. I felt that the violence was toned down too much as although it is a PG-13 film, I'm sure you can get away with one or maybe even two semi-graphic scenes of violence. In this film, while the toned down violence is still incredibly apparent, the violence was much more cringe worthy than just simple blood and limbs everywhere. Me personally, I have always preferred violence and both mentally and biologically affects a victim, which they take full advantage of. For example, in the previous film, the most violent scene for me was when the wasp of bees killed one of the tributes, which wasn't really that violent to begin with. In Catching Fire, some of the violent scenes used include a poisonous acid cloud, monkeys which rip someone's throat out, electrocution, drowning and even the sounds of loved ones being tortured. Yep, that's defiantly an improvement. Anyhow, another aspect I felt that was lacking from the first film was the humour. While there was humour in it, none of it really stuck with me when I left the theatre. Like most things in this film, it is the complete opposite as the comedy in Catching Fire is just hilarious. When a dramatic event has just occurred, much in the same vein of Joss Whedon productions, it seemingly transitions into a joke without any awkwardness to it. This managed to happen so often that I was actually convinced that the script was on the calibur of that of a Joss Whedon. By the way if you don't know, Whedon is the director of The Avengers, just for comparison purposes. 

Still of Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and
Jennifer Lawrence

As for the acting, I was not surprised by it one bit. When you have A-List actors like Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Philip-Seymour Hoffman in the film, you know the acting is going to be spectacular. Jennifer Lawrence ultimately has to carry the film as the film revolves around her character, and thankfully, she once again carries the entire film and will unsurprisingly carry the franchise. Jennifer is without question my favourite actress in Hollywood at the moment as when she needs to be a badass, she's a badass. When she needs to be dramatic, she's dramatic and when she needs to be comedic, she just be's herself. Josh Hutcherson also did a really good job and an even better job then he did in the first one as he just seemed more like a 3-Dimensional character and not just their for the plot. Speaking of this, the relationship between Katniss and Peeta I actually bought in this film as in some scenes, one in particular, Katniss really does show how much he actually does care about Peeta, all the while still in love with Gale. Also, that brings me to another thing about the film. I loved how they managed to utilize Gale more into the story as in the first film, it seemed like he was just there. In this movie, it actually shows through the actor's emotions how angry he is and how in love with Katniss he is. Other actors who were great in their respective roles include Stanley Tucci as the energetic host Caesar, Lenny Kravitz as Katniss' stylist Cinna, Woody Harrelson as the drunken mentor Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as the polar opposite of Haymitch Effie. Out of everyone however, I felt that a new addition into the film managed to shine amongst all these great actors and characters. This person is Sam Claflin as Finnick. Watching this film I was more or less like "This guy is the smarmiest douchebag I have ever seen", and that's why I love him. I love how cocky and positive he is in a fight to the death. Thankfully, he is an ally of our heroes so we are all safe. Overall, the acting was almost perfect and managed to show off some known and unknown talent.   

Still of Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair

Overall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire showed me to literally never judge a book by it's cover. This film had majority of things I love in a film. Comedy, action, drama, political aspects and rebellion. For some reason I knew 2013 was going to be a good year for films, I just didn't know it would come out and show me in the form of a Hunger Games film. And because of this film, I am now a fan of the critically acclaimed book and films. Bring on Mockingjay!

OVERALL: 8.8/10

The Butler (2013) Movie Review

THE BUTLER (2013) MOVIE REVIEW

When I first watched the trailer for the movie, I assumed by the stellar cast and significant story that it would more than likely get nominated for an Academy Award. While I may have been wrong, it is still a damn fine film at that.

The Butler revolves around Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), a butler whom serves at the White House through the course of eight presidents. During this time, Cecil's life begins to be affected by his job as during many historic events, including the civil rights movement and the Vietnam war, his life, family and American society become affected as a result. One of the things that made this plot all the more engaging was the fact that all the events in this film actually occurred in real life, causing the audience, and myself included, more engaged and wanting to learn more throughout the film. While some people may criticise by saying that the plot has been done to death and that it seems unoriginal at this point. Myself however could not resist this temptation as I am just a sucker for anything related to the civil rights movement or know that I think about it, anything around the 1960's. Overall, I found the plot extremely interesting and caused me to look more into the events behind the story, which is of course never a negative in my books. 

Still of Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker

Like many people have said, the main reason that this film was really good was because of the cast and how their acting managed to nail the characters they were portraying. On the poster alone, the names mentioned include Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams and Clarence Williams III. When a movie poster can put 14 actors on it, you know that the cast must be the biggest aspect of the film. As for their characters, I felt that most of the actors managed to play their part up particularly well. Favourites amongst this stellar cast include Cuba Gooding Jr. as Carter Wilson, Cecil's first friend upon entering the White House. One of the reasons I liked this character so much was mainly because of Gooding Jr. as anything with him in it, I will be instantly hooked as I just love him as an actor, and here his dramatic and charismatic sides show. Another actor I loved in this film was James Marsden portraying President John F. Kennedy, just seeing Cyclops from X-Men as President for some reasons just brought a smile to my face, that and he was actually really good in the role. I felt he nailed the expressions and attributes that Kennedy was known for before his assassination. While the cast was incredible, I felt that certain characters were under utilized and I would have liked to explore their thoughts and struggles a little more. Two men who come to mind are Terrence Howard as Howard and Robin Williams as President Eisenhower. In terms of Howard, I felt he was not used very much as it seemed that he was only in the scenes he was in for the simple fact that it needed comedic relief. This was fine until we see him standing on his porch, and then the film immediately jumps to the next scene and we never see him again. As for Eisenhower, their were many more things that could have been done with this iconic president, though while I am not feeling as strongly as this as Howard, I still feel they could have utilized him a little more. 

Still of Forest Whitaker and Cuba Gooding Jr. 

Throughout the film, many significant events occur that really did change the entire course of American history. The way that these events were handled on-screen I felt were exceptionally good. Some of these events include the civil rights movement, in which they showed the hardships that these black people went through during these difficult times. One of the reasons I liked this part was, and not to sound like a terrible person, because of the fact that they showed all the violence and didn't cut anything out. Lee Daniels must have really been going for a cringe worthy experience and in this film, I think he may have done it all too well. Another historical and infamous event was the assassination of John F. Kennedy in which here, all they show is Kennedy before he leaves the White House and the next scene, it shows Cecil crying in the kitchen over his tragic death. Just the way this part was handled was extremely good as they never actually show the assassination and they simply explain it as it just happened in a heartbeat, which is why it jumps to the next scene instantaneously. While not a specific event, another aspect that I felt was handled very well was the transition from president to president as each of their final scenes, whether it be Kennedy, Nixon or Eisenhower, are with them conversing with Cecil. This dynamic I found very interesting and direct as it shows how this butler actually did spark a new age for America as a country. It also shows how these much these presidents do actually care about their employees. This is shown further with Kennedy and Nixon's goodbye respectively, which I won't spoil what happens in the scenes as I found it compelling and quite touching to say the least.  

Still of John Cusack, James Marsden and Robin Williams
portraying President Nixon, Kennedy and Eisenhower respectively

Overall, while The Butler may have been shunned by various critics due to it's slow pacing and awkward introductions, I personally found the film compelling, interesting and just an inspiring film. Although it isn't one of my favourites this year, the movie still is a damn fine one at that. 

OVERALL: 7.4/10

Prisoners (2013) Movie Review

PRISONERS (2013) MOVIE REVIEW

I see you going for that Oscar Hugh Jackman, don't think we didn't notice. 

When the Dover family go over to their friends house for thanksgiving dinner, they realise something terrible has gone wrong. After the two youngest daughters from each family goes to the Dover's house, everyone quickly realises that they are not there, resulting in them being determined as missing. As a result of this, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) contacts the police and gets introduced to Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) where he tells him that he will not stop until the girls are found. Now looking for these two young girls, Loki must now work with the police to follow various leads and possible sources, all the while Keller becomes taking matters into his own hands in order to find both their friends and their own daughter. When going into this movie, I knew that I was in for a tense and thrilling story. And that's exactly what I got. Throughout the entire movie, I was on the edge of my seat and attempting to guess who could have pulled off this kidnapping. This movie managed to show that you don't need guns and explosions to make a movie exciting and thrilling. It relies more on the characters and the development of them as normal human beings and seeing them struggle through various hardships and disappointments in the course of a 2 and a half hour film. Overall, the story in the movie was beyond excellent as every single possible plot point was left explained and everything managed to make sense by the credits. 

Still of Viola Davis and Terrence Howard

Out of everything in this film, I think the thing that I enjoyed most of all was the shear realism embodied within each character. No matter how big or small, every single character was relevant to the overall conclusion to the story. As a result, this means that the audience has to care for each character at some point in the story, no matter how creepy or off-putting they may be. Another aspect that made the movie for me was once again how real the film was. While watching the movie, it occurred to me that this very situation may have happened somewhere in the world, which is just frightening to me and really put me off during the movie, though thankfully, in a way that made the film that more enjoyable to watch. Sometimes showing the dark sides of stories can have a positive outcome on the quality of the film, and here, it more than works out in Prisoners favour. Back on the topic of the characters, I also enjoyed basically everyone in the film. Hugh Jackman's character while was getting annoying in terms of his frustration, though here it actually makes sense that he is annoying as he is just pleading for his daughter to be found. Another character that while underutilized, it did make sense for her to be, and that is Keller's wife Grace (Maria Bello). While she was only seen in few scenes, she was more than a relevant character due to her contributions to the story that will not be mentioned due to spoiler reasons. Out of everyone however, I actually found the two most interesting characters to be Detective Loki and Alex Jones (Paul Dano). Loki was interesting to me as I have always liked the story of a detective who is the best in the business, though is now faced with his greatest case yet. As for Paul Dano's character, I found him incredibly interesting as he is one of those misunderstood people who has incredibly bad social aspects and is the police's first suspect. Because of this, you kind of feel sorry for him as you don't know if it is actually him. That and he is played by one of my favourite up and rising actors. 

Still of Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal 

As for the acting...just..wow. Jake Gyllenhaal was superb as the frustrated though committed detective and showed just how good of an actor he is. Terrence Howard was really good as the worried father and was more or the less the borderline between good and bad throughout the film. In terms of up and rising actors, Paul Dano easily steals this category as he just manages to maintain his incredible acting even when put into scenes alongside legendary actors like Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. Speaking of Hugh Jackman, Hugh manages to be the ultimate actor not only in the film, but throughout the entire year. In this film, he really does give it his all and delivers a performance that was not only thrilling and powerful, but also managed to  give me goosebumps. I honestly believe that Jackman was not acting, I believe that the director kidnapped his daughter and just took his reactions and just put them in this film. Yep, that's how real and phenomenal his performance was. Overall, I'm not sure what else I can say about the acting as it is easily the best I have seen this year and managed to catch me off guard, especially Paul Dano and Hugh Jackman. 

Still of Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman

Overall, Prisoners is just one of those special kind of movies. It's the kind of film that manages to keep you second guessing, excited, shocked, emotional and most importantly, interested throughout the entirety of the film. As well as, the movie managed to completely surprise me as it is my favourite movie of 2013 so far. 

OVERALL: 9.0/10