Blinded by the Light

Based on the memoir Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion, and Rock N’ Roll by Sarfraz Manzoor, Blinded by the Light is the story of a British-Muslim college student who discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen as he finds inspiration as a writer as well as finding his own identity during a tumultuous time in late 1980s Britain. Directed by Gurinder Chadha and screenplay by Chadha, Manzoor, and Paul Mayeda Berges, the film is a coming-of-age story set in 1987 in the small British town of Luton where a young man deals with his father’s strict upbringing as he tries to find his own voice with help from the Boss. Starring Viveik Kalra, Kulvinder Ghir, Meera Ganatra, Aaron Phagura, Nell Williams, Dean-Charles Chapman, Nikita Mehta, Tara Divina, David Hayman, Sally Phillips, Rob Brydon, and Hayley Atwell as Ms. Clay. Blinded by the Light is a rapturous and exhilarating film from Gurinder Chadha.

Set in 1987 in the small British town of Luton during the era of Margaret Thatcher and the rise of the far-right fascist political party in the National Front, the film explores the life of a young British-Pakistani man whose life is changed by the music of Bruce Springsteen as it gives him inspiration to become a writer as well as make changes of the world around in his small British town of Luton. It is a coming-of-age film that begins in 1980 briefly where this boy who is given a Rubik’s cube for his birthday while his best friend received a bike as they look for ideas to get out of this small town. Then in 1987 as Thatcher continues to be in power as prime minister of Great Britain amidst economic and social turmoil. The film’s screenplay by Gurinder Chadha, Sarfraz Manzoor, and Paul Mayeda Berges that is based on Manzoor’s memoir definitely play into the times as it is told largely from the perspective of this young man named Javed Khan (Viveik Kalra).

Khan comes from a British-Pakistani working-class family who lives in the suburb where his father Malik (Kulvinder Ghir) works in a top position for Vauxhall Motors while his mother Noor (Meera Ganatra) sews and does alterations. Khan also has a younger sister in Shazia (Nikita Mehta) is a student and a cousin named Yasmeen (Tara Divina) whom Malik and Noor raise as if she was another daughter as she is to be married. Attending this small college in Luton in a school that is surrounded largely by white and black, Khan is the only other South Asian student as he would meet other South Asian student in Roops (Aaron Phagura) who would loan Khan two cassette tapes of music by Springsteen. Upon the news that his father has been laid off and work becoming scarce, Khan deals with this great uncertainty as he thinks about giving up his dreams to be a writer believing that his poems, essays, and stories won’t take him anywhere. Then by accident, he listens to those two tapes of music by Springsteen and his world completely changes as Springsteen’s music seems to say a lot of what he’s dealing with at home but also in his small town as he’s harassed by white racists of the National Front.

The first act doesn’t just succeed in establish Khan, his family, and the world he is in as the second act is about him gaining a new identity, a new sense of confidence in his writing as he would write for the school paper, and find a lot of things from Springsteen’s music. Even as he learns more about the man himself and how this man from a small town in New Jersey would write songs about experiences and such that Khan himself is going through. Khan would gain a girlfriend in student activist in Eliza (Nell Williams) as the relationship would inspire him to write lyrics for his friend Matt (Dean-Charles Chapman) for his synth-pop band who lives in the same neighborhood. The script also showcases the struggle that Malik endures in finding work but also holding on to his pride and maintaining his identity as a Pakistani as he would help out fellow Pakistanis in real estate deals without taking any money. He is a flawed man who means well but is also someone who seems to be lost in the ways of the world as it is something his son would realize more about during the film’s progression.

Chadha’s direction is largely straightforward in terms of the compositions that she creates though the setting of it does add an air of realism to the film as it is shot on location in Luton. Set in the 1980s during this period of Thatcher and a music culture that was more akin to slickly, over-produced pop music than the more earnest music of Springsteen. Chadha does make Luton a character as she focuses on certain locations including its mall, the neighborhoods, the college, and other parts as the usage of wide and medium shots play into this world that is unique but also filled with problems due to the growing unemployment and chaos that involves the National Front. Chadha’s compositions do help play into Khan’s growth as a person such as the scene where he listens to Springsteen for the first time in the song Dancing in the Dark as the lyrics would appear on the screen as it says a lot of what Khan is going through.

Springsteen’s music in the film definitely help drive the story as many of the songs used are from Springsteen’s first album in Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. to 1984’s Born in the U.S.A. as it bear an air of relevance to Khan’s development and the way he sees the world around him including racial prejudice as the music inspires him to stand up for himself. Even against the advice of his father who believes to not do anything which only made himself and other Pakistanis that he knows targets. That all comes to ahead in its third act when Khan gets the chance to buy tickets for a concert from Springsteen but it’s on sale on the day of Yasmeen’s wedding which coincides with a march from the National Front as Chadha’s direction really showcases this divergence of a young man’s dream to see his idol but also the reality that he briefly ran away from only to return to understand what is happening. Especially as it play into a clash of ideals and identity between Khan and his father with both of them being stubborn forcing the former to make decisions for himself but always find guidance from Springsteen’s music about who he is and what he’s become as well as to try and understand about his father and the frustrations his father is dealing with. Overall, Chadha crafts a touching and compelling film about a young British-Pakistani writer who finds inspiration and himself through the music of Bruce Springsteen.

Cinematographer Ben Smithard does excellent work with the film’s cinematography with its usage of lights and moods for some of the interior/exterior scenes at night as well as the usage of natural lighting for the scenes in the daytime. Editor Justin Krish does terrific work with the editing as it is largely straightforward with some montage editing for one of the film’s early moments. Production designer Nick Ellis, with set decorator Lucy Howe and art director Grant Bailey, does fantastic work with the look of the college that Khan goes to as well as the home he lives with his family including his room that would transform into a shrine to the Boss. Costume designer Annie Hardinge does amazing work with the costumes from the traditional Pakistani clothes the women wear as well as what men wear in ceremonies as well as the more street look that Khan would adopt after hearing Springsteen’s music.

Hair/makeup designer JoJo Williams does brilliant work with the 80s hairstyle that some of the kids sport including Matt as well as the more guarded look of Khan before he loosens up a bit. Special effects supervisor Chris Reynolds and visual effects supervisor Dolores McGinley do nice work with some of the elaborate moments involving the music such as lyrics popping up as well as bits of set dressing to make Luton more like the 1980s. Sound designer Glenn Freemantle does superb work with the sound as it help play into how music is sound through a speaker as well as the atmosphere of the locations including a day-timer club that Khan goes to with his sister.

The film’s music by A.R. Rahman is wonderful for its mixture of folk and Pakistani-inspired music as it help play into the culture that Khan is surrounded by while music supervisors Zoe Ellen Bryant and Pete Saville create a soundtrack that features a different array of music that include traditional Indian/Pakistani pieces as well as 80s Pakistani-pop from Johnny Zee & the Taz Stereo Nation and Heera as well as 80s music from the Pet Shop Boys, Level 42, Cutting Crew, a-ha, M/A/R/R/S, Mental as Anything, Danny Wilson, and Tiffany. Yet, the bulk of the music soundtrack features music from Bruce Springsteen including some rarities and unreleased song in I’ll Stand By You as the music of Boss is a major highlight as it goes into big hits, revered deep cuts, live bootleg material, and other rarities that fans of his work will enjoy.

The casting by Susie Figgis and Kirsty Kinnear is marvelous as it feature some notable small roles from Billy Barratt as the young Matt, Ronak Singh Chadha Berges as the young Javed, Kit Reeve as Matt’s girlfriend Emma who also works at a record shop, Lorraine Ashbourne as a regular alterations customer for Noor, Marcus Brigstocke and Olivia Poulet as Eliza’s parents, Sally Phillips as the school headmistress, Frankie Fox as the school deejay who dismisses Springsteen’s music in favor of what is considered hot as he proves to be the most uncool person out there, and Rob Brydon in a superb performance as Matt’s father who gives Javed a job for a bit while they share their love for the music of the Boss. David Hayman is terrific as the family neighbor/World War II veteran Mr. Evans who finds one of Javed’s poems as he would encourage him to write more as well as give him advice about being supportive to his friends and family. Hayley Atwell is fantastic as Javed’s English teacher Ms. Clay as a figure who finds promise in Javed’s work as well as also encourage him to find his own path in life instead of what his father wants from him.

Dean-Charles Chapman is excellent as Javed’s friend Matt as an aspiring musician that is trying to help Javed in getting girls and such while wanting to make music that matters to him despite his dad’s criticism. Nikita Mehta and Tara Divina are brilliant in their respective roles as Javed’s sister Shazia and cousin Yasmeen as two young women trying to maintain their values with the former carrying a secret about what she does at day-timers. Meera Ganatra is amazing as Javed’s mother Noor as a woman who works as well as be a mediator to the family while understanding that Javed isn’t trying to defy his father but reach for his dream. Nell Williams is remarkable as Eliza as a young student who is also active in politics as she is fascinated by Javed’s writing and his love for the Boss as she becomes a convert of his music. Aaron Phagura is incredible as Roops as a fellow South Asian student who introduces Javed to Springsteen’s music as they use the music as an act of defiance against racists and people who dismisses Springsteen’s music.

Kulvinder Ghir is phenomenal as Javed’s dad Malik as a Pakistani-born man who is proud of his heritage yet is angry and frustrated after being laid off as he tries to find work but is also upset over his son’s growing fascination with being a writer and listening to this American singer believing he’s Jewish as it is a touching performance from Ghir who creates a very complex and flawed character that is extremely relatable about the hopes and disappointments that fathers endure. Finally, there’s Viveik Kalra in a sensational performance as Javed Khan as this young British-Pakistani man who copes with his identity and the expectations from his father until he finds inspiration and solace in the music of Bruce Springsteen as he starts to find his voice as a writer as well as coming to terms with who he is and everything he wants to be but also hold on to his heritage.

Blinded by the Light is a tremendous film from Gurinder Chadha that features great performances from Kulvinder Ghir and Viveik Kalra. Along with its ensemble cast, vibrant visuals, themes of identity and pride, and an intoxicating music soundtrack that features a lot of phenomenal music by Bruce Springsteen. The film is definitely an uplifting and engaging film that explores the power of music and how it can drive someone to reach his dreams and share that with his family. In the end, Blinded by the Light is a spectacular film from Gurinder Chadha.

Gurinder Chadha Films: (Bhaji on the Beach) – (What’s Cooking?) – (Bend It Like Beckham) – (Bride and Prejudice) – (The Mistresses of Spices) – Paris Je T'aime-Quais de Seine - (Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging) – (It’s a Wonderful Afterlife) – (Viceroy’s House) – (Beecham House)

© thevoid99 2020

The Duchess

Based on the biography Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman, The Duchess is the story of the life of Georgiana who gets to William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire, as it leads to a troubled marriage as well as uncertainty into the role of her life where she’s expected to do so many things for her husband. Directed by Saul Dibb and screenplay by Dibb, Jeffrey Hatcher, and Anders Thomas Jensen, the film is a study of a woman’s role in British aristocracy as she tries to find friendship and love in that world that is restrictive as the character of Georgiana Cavendish is portrayed by Keira Knightley. Also starring Ralph Fiennes, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper, and Charlotte Rampling. The Duchess is a riveting and compelling film from Saul Dibb.

Set in the late 18th Century Great Britain, the film follows the life of Georgiana who is betrothed to the Duke of Devonshire in William Cavendish (Ralph Fiennes) as her task is to give him a male heir and be his wife as she copes with the role she’s given as well as his affairs and her own feelings for an old friend. It’s a film that play into a woman trying to play a role but also come out of it to express her views and such but also her own desires in life. The film’s screenplay by Saul Dibb, Jeffrey Hatcher and Anders Thomas Jensen follow Georgiana’s life as the first act is about her friendship with Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper) and then being married to Cavendish and the role she’s playing as well as deal with the affairs he had with maids. Notably as one of those maids he slept with would borne a child named Charlotte whom Georgiana would care for along with her two daughters in Harryo and Little Georgiana six years after she and Cavendish are married much to Cavendish’s dismay that Georgiana hasn’t produced a male heir.

The script doesn’t just to play into Georgiana’s relationship with Cavendish but also her friendship with Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster (Hayley Atwell) who would be a closest ally though their friendship is briefly tarnished by Foster’s affair with Cavendish whom she’s fallen for and bargained with as Cavendish would get her three sons to live with them. It would also explore Georgiana’s relationship with Grey whom she sees as someone who share the same ideals of bringing change to Great Britain yet Cavendish’s position in power can undo all of Grey’s plans. For Georgiana, her marriage to Cavendish isn’t just one about power and status but also this air of importance that she had to play in royal and political society.

Dibb’s direction is largely straightforward yet it does have some element of style while the compositions also says a lot about what is happening without needing to say a word. Notably in scenes during a breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the dining room between Georgiana and Cavendish with Bess later being part of this triangle where Dibb’s wide shots would showcase not just this air of disconnect between Georgiana and Cavendish with the former trying to get to know the latter but also it would also later lead to tension between the two with Bess being in the middle either as a source of disdain from Georgiana or as a mediator between the two. Shot largely at Twickenham Film Studios with exterior locations shot on various locations in England, the film does play into a world that is quaint and reserved though disconnected from some of the realities of what was happening to Britain during that time. Notably as much of Dibb’s direction is shot in palace halls, dining halls, opera houses, and these posh venues while there a few scenes of the streets where Grey is doing a speech with Georgiana’s supporting by his side as he’s talking to the regular people.

Dibb’s direction also uses close-ups and medium shots to play into the interaction between characters including a scene of Bess showing Georgiana the art of seduction and pleasure as it relates to the latter’s feelings towards Grey. The close-ups also add to the anguish that Georgiana is facing during the film’s third act as it play into her love affair with Grey and what Cavendish threatens to do. Yet, it also play into the role she has to play publicly as there is a scene in the film that is shown off screen that even Bess is repulsed by what is happening. Dibb would maintain that role that Georgiana had to play and the sacrifices she makes but also to ensure that she at least she had some impact into Britain’s future while making peace with those in her life. Overall, Dibb crafts a ravishing film about the life of a young duchess and her journey of self-discovery and the role she had to play in late 18th Century British society.

Cinematographer Guyla Pados does brilliant work with the film’s cinematography with its natural usage of lights for the exteriors as well as candle lights and other low-key lighting for the interiors set at night. Editor Masahiro Hirakubo does excellent work with the editing as it is straightforward with some rhythmic cuts to play into the drama as well as some nice matching cuts in some of the film’s compositions. Production designer Michael Carlin, with set decorator Rebecca Alleway and art director Karen Wakefield, does amazing work with the set design from the look of the rooms, dining halls, and many of the interiors as well as a few exterior sets including the town square where Grey speaks to the people. Costume designer Michael O’Connor does fantastic work with the costumes as the design of the dresses and men’s clothing is a major highlight of the film.

Hair designer Jan Archibald and makeup designer Daniel Phillips do terrific work with the design of the wigs and the lavish makeup for some of the parties that Georgiana host for the people in royal society. Special effects supervisor Mark Holt, along with visual effects supervisors Adam Gascoyne and Charlie Noble, does some fine work with some of the film’s minimal effects as it relates to a dramatic party scenes as well as a few scenes of exterior set dressing. Sound editor Catherine Hodgson does superb work with the film’s sound as it help play into the atmosphere of the parties as well as the sparse and uncomfortable silent moments in the film including a key scene off screen where the action is heard in a disturbing presentation. The film’s music by Rachel Portman is incredible for its lush orchestral score that play into the period with some themes that help define a few characters including its approach to the music of the times.

The casting by Lucy Beavan is great as it feature some notable small roles from Georgia King and Bruce Mackinnon as actors at a play that Georgiana, Cavendish, and Bess watch, Emily Jewell as a nanny, Richard McCabe as Sir James Hare, Sebastian Applewhite as Sir Augustus Clifford, Poppy Wigglesworth and Eva Hrela in their respective roles as the young and younger versions of Cavendish’s daughter Charlotte, Emily Cohen as Georgiana’s eldest daughter Harryo, and Mercy Fiennes Tiffin as Georgiana’s youngest daughter in Little G. Aidan McArdle and Simon McBurney are superb in their respective roles as political figures in Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Charles James Fox as two men who befriend Georgiana whom she engages in political and social discussions with as they also become political allies.

Charlotte Rampling is fantastic as Georgiana’s mother Countess Georgiana Spencer who reminds her daughter of the role she has to play but also sympathizes with the anguish that her daughter is dealing with. Dominic Cooper is excellent as Charles Grey as the future prime minister as a man whom Georgiana knew before her marriage as he is someone that is an idealist hoping to make some changes for Britain while having feelings for Georgiana leading to an affair that would bring trouble to his future possibilities. Hayley Atwell is brilliant as Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster as a woman that Georgiana meets as she would become her best friend until she falls for Cavendish as she later copes with her actions and what she had to do where she would later be the mediator between Georgiana and Cavendish as well as be the former’s closest confidant.

Ralph Fiennes is amazing as William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire as this royal official who is a complex individual as someone that is flawed and cold where he would do awful things to Georgiana but is someone who doesn’t like to show his emotions and his warmth to anyone believing it would make him vulnerable as it’s a remarkable performance from Fiennes. Finally, there’s Keira Knightley in a phenomenal performance as Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire as this young woman who is forced into marriage for social reasons where Knightley displays an air of charisma and anguish into a woman who is forced to play a role for society but is also someone eager to say something for herself as it’s one of her finest performances to date.

The Duchess is a sensational film from Saul Dibb that features an incredible performance from Keira Knightley. Along with top-notch supporting performances from Ralph Fiennes, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper, and Charlotte Rampling plus amazing costumes, set designs, cinematography, and a fascinating screenplay that focuses on character study and themes of social and political behaviors. It’s a period film that explores a woman dealing with the role and obligations she has to fulfill only to find her own voice in the role she chooses to play. In the end, The Duchess is a spectacular film from Saul Dibb.

© thevoid99 2019

Ant-Man

Based on the Marvel comic series by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, Ant-Man is the story of a recently-convicted thief who is given a chance to find redemption when he meets a scientist, who had created a shrinking technology many years ago, who wants his help to stop his former protégé from creating something similar to what he made in the hopes of global domination. Directed by Peyton Reed and screenplay by Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd, and Edgar Wright from a story by Cornish and Wright, the film is an origin story of sorts where this thief is given a chance to do good and fulfill the legacy of the man who was once donned the suit known as Ant-Man. Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Wood Harris, Martin Donovan, Michael Pena, Judy Greer, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Damian Dastmalchian, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym/the original Ant-Man. Ant-Man is an exhilarating and whimsical film from Peyton Reed.

The film is a simple origin story of sorts of a man who shrinks to the size of an ant where he fights off bad guys and can go back to normal size whenever he can. Yet, it’s so much more as it is about redemption not just for the man who created the suit and myth but also the one who would don the suit and stop the creator’s former protégé from creating one of his own for his own gain. Plus, it’s also the story of what happens when something so brilliant as its creator realizes what could wrong as he also bears the weight of responsibility over what happened as it relates to the loss of his own wife. The film’s screenplay which was largely written by Adam McKay, with Rudd writing much of the comic dialogue, doesn’t just explore two men wanting to do things right but also cope with the responsibilities of themselves.

For Dr. Hank Pym, he was the man that found the formula to shrink himself into the size of an ant and succeeded to the point that he would become Ant-Man and would create a suit for his wife as Wasp. Yet, a mission that involved the two led to Wasp’s death where Pym felt deeply responsible as he had become somewhat estranged with his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) who works for Pym’s protégé Darren Cross (Corey Stoll). Adding to the chaos for Pym is the fact that he refused to share his knowledge of what he created to anyone including his friends in S.H.I.E.L.D. where he realizes that Cross’ work on Pym’s formula is getting closer as he becomes uneasy about not in what could go wrong. It’s also in what happens if it goes into the wrong hands and used in ways that could make the world even worse where Van Dyne is aware of her father’s worries where she also works as a spy for her father. Upon meeting this recently-released thief in Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), Pym realizes that there is a way he could fix the mistakes in his life.

The Lang character is also very interesting as he is just this brilliant thief that has just been released from prison as he also has a young daughter that he wants to be there for. Unfortunately, his criminal record prevents from finding work as well as be able to see and support his daughter while his ex-wife is about to marry a cop who doesn’t like Lang. When Lang meets Dr. Pym and Van Dyne, he isn’t sure about donning the suit which he stole early in the story while being unaware of its powers. Yet, he realizes that his skills as a thief and breaking into some of the most highly secure places can benefit where he would also bring in a group of criminals to help him and Dr. Pym in getting the suit that Cross has created. While the script does have a lot of exposition and a narrative structure that is expected from the world of superhero origins. It does have a lot of humor but also some big dramatic stakes as it relates to what Cross is up to and the people he plans on making money with that includes one of Pym’s former colleagues from S.H.I.E.L.D.

Peyton Reed’s direction is quite straightforward in terms of what is expected from a superhero origin story yet manages to find ways to bring in a sense of style into the story. Shot largely on location in San Francisco with some shots set in Atlanta, the film does maintain something that is more homegrown as it plays into Lang’s attempt to set his life back on course while Dr. Pym is forced to sit in the sidelines as his business has grown into something bigger than he realized under Cross’ leadership. Reed’s usage of wide and medium shots do play into some of the big moments in the film while using the latter for some of the intimate moments where Van Dyne would reluctantly train Lang in becoming Ant-Man in combat fighting. The meshing of genres do work where it’s not just in the action and suspense but also in the humor.

Much of the humor doesn’t just involve some of the action sequences and Lang’s banters towards situations and those he would meet. It’s also in the supporting characters such as Lang’s former cellmate Luis (Michael Pena) who would provide some of the funniest moments that involve people he know and what he heard in these dizzying sequences that are ridiculous but fun. Reed would also create an air of suspense that is part of a homage to heist films as it relates to the climax that would involve Lang and Cross where it is elaborate but also thrilling. Even as Reed maintains the idea of what is stake but also uncover some huge revelations about a world that Lang would encounter. Overall, Reed creates an engaging and fun film about a man who shrinks to the size of an ant to save the world.

Cinematographer Russell Carpenter does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography as it is largely straightforward with some stylish lights for scenes set at night as well as well as the way some of the film‘s action sequences are lit. Editors Dan Lebental and Colby Parker Jr. do nice work with the editing as it is quite straightforward with some stylish flair in some of the montages and in some of the action scenes without deviating into intense fast-cutting editing styles. Production designers Shepherd Frankel and Marcus Rowland, with set decorator Leslie A. Pope and supervising art directors Nigel Churcher and David Lazan, do amazing work with the look of Cross‘ lab as well as the home of Dr. Pym and the apartment where Lang lives with other former convicts. Costume designer Sammy Sheldon does fantastic work with the look of the Ant-Man suit as well as the Yellow Jacket suit that Cross is designing while much of the clothes are very casual.

Visual effects supervisors Jon Capleton, Dinesh K. Bishnoi, Jake Morrison, Greg Steele, Dan Sudick, and Alex Wuttke do brilliant work with the visual effects from the look of the ants as well as the way Ant-Man would shrink and reverse at times along with a very surreal sequence set during the film‘s climax. Sound designers David Farmer, David C. Hughes, and Shannon Mills, with co-sound editor David Laurie, do superb work with the sound in the way some of the sound effects are mixed along with some of the natural moments in some of the locations and how Lang hears them when he‘s shrunk. The film’s music by Christophe Beck is terrific for its bombastic orchestral score that plays into the sense of adventure and comedy along with some of the dramatic moments while music supervisors Alejandro de la Llosa and Dave Jordan create a fun soundtrack that features music from Camilo Azuquita, Roy Ayers, the Commodores, HLM, and the Cure.

The casting by Sarah Finn is incredible as it features appearances from Hayley Atwell and John Slattery as S.H.I.E.L.D. co-founders Peggy Carter and Howard Stark, respectively, who deal with Pym’s departure knowing they’ve screwed things up while Anthony Mackie makes a fun appearance as Sam Wilson/Falcon who has a big encounter with Lang in a key scene. Other notable small roles include comedian Garrett Morris as a man in a car Lang meets, Gregg Turkington as a Baskin-Robbins manager who reluctantly fires Lang, Abby Ryder Fortson as Lang’s daughter Cassie, Judy Greer as Lang’s ex-wife Maggie who is reluctant to let Lang back into their daughter’s life, Wood Harris as a police detective named Gale, Tip “T.I.” Harris and David Dastmalchian as a couple of Luis’ friends who help Lang and Pym out for the film’s climax, and Martin Donovan in a superb performance as former S.H.I.E.L.D. executive Mitchell Carson whom Cross wants to make a deal with.

Bobby Cannavale is terrific as Maggie’s new boyfriend Paxton who is also a police detective that isn’t very trustful towards Lang as he later tries to find him after Lang escaped from jail. Michael Pena is great as Luis as a former criminal who has a lot of connections as he tries to help Lang out while later being part of a scheme to help Lang and Pym stop Cross as he is also the most hilarious character in the film. Corey Stoll is excellent as Darren Cross as Pym’s former protégé who created a formula similar to what Dr. Pym has created as he plans to make it into something bigger as it’s a role filled with some dark, comical humor and a sense of bravado. Evangeline Lilly is amazing as Hope Van Dyne as Dr. Pym’s estranged daughter who works for Cross as a spy for her father as she also deals with the fact that her father is hiding some things from her as it relates to her mother.

Michael Douglas is phenomenal as Dr. Hank Pym as the creator of a shrinking formula that he would use to be the original Ant-Man as he copes with the dangers of what happens when his formula is into the wrong hands while he deals with his own regrets as it’s a role filled with a lot of weight as well as some humor. Finally, there’s Paul Rudd in a marvelous performance as Scott Lang as a notorious thief who is trying to start over and do right for his daughter only to be forced back into crime where he meets Dr. Pym and get his chance at redemption where Rudd definitely exudes the idea of being a hero while also providing some funny banter along the way to make Lang more engaging as a person as it’s one of his finest roles to date.

Ant-Man is a remarkable film from Peyton Reed that features amazing performances from Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, and Michael Pena. Not only is it a fun action-adventure film but also a compelling one as it relates to the themes of redemption and wanting to do the right thing in a world that is often very complicated. Even as it is told in an entertaining fashion without deviating too much from the story. In the end, Ant-Man is an excellent film from Peyton Reed.

Peyton Reed Films: (The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)) - (The Love Bug (1997 film)) - (Bring It On) - (Down with Love) - (The Break-Up) - (Yes Man)

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Infinity Saga: Phase One Films: Iron Man - The Incredible Hulk - Iron Man 2 - Thor - Captain America: The First Avenger - The Avengers

Marvel Phase Two Films: Iron Man 3 - Thor: The Dark World - Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Guardians of the Galaxy - The Avengers: Age of Ultron

Marvel Phase Three Films: Captain America: Civil War - Doctor Strange - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Spider-Man: Homecoming - Thor: Ragnarok - Black Panther - Avengers: Infinity War - Ant-Man & the Wasp - Captain Marvel - Avengers: Endgame - Captain Marvel - Spider-Man: Far from Home

Multiverse Saga: Phase Four: Black Widow (2021 film) - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Eternals – Spider-Man: No Way Home – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Thor: Love and Thunder – Werewolf by Night - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Phase Five: Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – The Marvels – (Deadpool & Wolverine) - (Captain America: Brave New World) - (Thunderbolts*)

Phase 6: The Fantastic Four: First Steps - (Avengers: Doomsday) - (Avengers: Secret Wars)

Related: MCU is Cinema: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 – Pt. 4 – (Part 5) – (Part 6) – (Part 7) - The MCU: 10 Reasons Why It Rules the World

© thevoid99 2016

Cinderella (2015 film)

Based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault, Cinderella is the story of a young woman whose quaint and loving world is shattered by the death of her family as she is treated cruelly by her stepmother and stepsisters until a ball is announced where she would be able to go with a little help from magic. Directed by Kenneth Branagh and screenplay by Chris Weitz, the film is a lavish interpretation of the fairytale that also features elements from the 1950 Disney animated version with Lily James in the titular role. Also starring Richard Madden, Derek Jacobi, Stellan Skarsgard, Ben Chaplin, Hayley Atwell, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Nonso Anozie, Helena Bonham Carter, and Cate Blanchett as the stepmother Lady Tremaine. Cinderella is a dazzling and heartwarming film from Kenneth Branagh.

The film is a unique take on the fairy tale about how this young woman who lived under the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters where she is forced to serve them until a ball is announced where she would standout and capture the heart of the prince in her land through magic and a glass slipper. It’s a story that’s been told many times yet what director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz does is provide some back story for some of the characters but also add some offbeat humor into the story. The film begins with the life of Cinderella as a child where she was known as Ella who lived in a happy home with her family and servants until the death of her mother (Hayley Atwell) and her father (Ben Chaplin) eventually remarrying years later to Lady Tremaine until he would die tragically. It would set the events of what would happen where Tremaine and her stepdaughters would treat Ella cruelly and fire all the staff forcing Ella to become their servant. For all of the cruelty she endures, Ella maintains a strong front as she made a vow to her mother to be kind and have courage.

Branagh’s direction definitely plays to a very lavish style where it is largely fantasy as opposed to elements of intense reality. Shot largely in Britain, the film is set during medieval times but from a world where there isn’t much conflict nor poverty where everything is great but not perfect. Once Lady Tremaine comes in, she represents a woman who likes to live lavishly and with excess just like her own daughters who are full of themselves and expect to be treated as elite while Ella is a woman who is generous and uses whatever she can to live or sleep on with the aid of mice. Upon meeting the Prince (Richard Madden) during a horseback ride as the Prince claims to be an apprentice, it is clear that Branagh wanted to provide more depth to these character as the Prince isn’t some typical prince but rather a young man coping with what is ahead of him. Especially as the Duke (Stellan Skarsgard) wants him to marry another princess for political reasons rather than for love.

Branagh’s approach to compositions with its wide and medium shots get a good view of the landscape as well as the world that the Prince lives in along with the lifestyle that Tremaine and her daughters crave for. Branagh would also use some medium shots and close-ups to play into the life of Ella and how she would cope with the living situations in her life as well as the cruelty she endures. Once the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) arrives, the film lightens up where Branagh goes for some offbeat comedy as some of it is childish but also manages to be very funny. Even in the way Branagh portrays the stepsisters as buffoons manage to be entertaining while not losing sight into the story itself. Especially the message as it plays into the idea of depth and what one must endure in a world that is often very cruel and unforgiving. Overall, Branagh crafts a fantasy film that manages to be entertaining as well as enchanting.

Cinematographer Haris Zambarkoulos does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography with the usage of lights for many of the interiors set at night as well as in the ball scene to the exteriors for scenes set at night. Editor Martin Walsh does nice work with the editing as it‘s very straightforward with some rhythmic cuts for the scenes at the ball. Production designer Dante Ferretti, with supervising art directors Gary Freeman and Leslie Tomkins and set decorator Francesca Lo Schiavo, does fantastic work with the look of home Ella lives in as it‘s quaint yet warm while the palace itself is lavish to play into the world that the Prince lives in. Costume designer Sandy Powell does brilliant work with the costumes from the dresses and gowns many of the women wear including the blue ball gown that Ella would wear at the ball.

Makeup designers Naomi Donne and Norma Webb, with hairstylists Carol Hemming, Orla Carroll, and Wakana Yoshihara, do amazing work with the look of the characters including the hairstyles of Lady Tremaine and her daughters as well as the look of the Fairy Godmother. Visual effects supervisor Huseyin Caner does terrific work with the visual effects in some of the moments of magic as well as the design of the mice that Ella talks to. Sound editor James Mather does superb work with the sound in creating effects for some of the fencing scenes in the palace as well as some low-key sounds at Ella‘s home. The film’s music by Patrick Doyle is wonderful for its lush, orchestral-based score that plays into the sense of fantasy as well as some of the moments of innocence that Ella carries throughout the film while the soundtrack also features song from the 1950 animated film.

The casting by Lucy Bevan is remarkable as it features notable small roles from Rob Brydon as a family friend in Master Phineus, Nonso Anozie as the Prince’s guard captain, Jana Perez as a princess the Duke feels the Prince should marry, Eloise Webb as the young Ella, and Derek Jacobi in a superb performance as the King who sees the conflict in his son over what to do. Ben Chaplin and Hayley Atwell are fantastic as Ella’s parents as kind-hearted people who provide the many elements that would make Ella who she is with Chaplin as the worldly father and Atwell as the very kind-hearted mother. Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera are excellent in their respective roles as the stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella as they both provide a sense of comic relief in how untalented and dim-witted they are. Stellan Skarsgard is brilliant as the Grand Duke as the man running the kingdom where he is hoping to make some political maneuvers while conspiring with Lady Tremaine in the film’s third act.

Helena Bonham Carter is a total delight as the Fairy Godmother as this magical being who shows up to help Ella get ready for the ball as well as being someone that is just funny to watch. Richard Madden is amazing as the Prince as a young monarch who copes with the role he is about to gain while falling for Ella unaware of who she is as he deals with what to do as a prince and as a man. Cate Blanchett is incredible as Lady Tremaine as a wicked stepmother who treats Ella very cruelly while hoping that the ball would put her and her daughters out of debt and gain power in being part of the royal court where Blanchett adds a bit of restraint in her approach to humor as well as chewing the scenery. Finally, there’s Lily James in a radiant performance as the titular character as a young woman who copes with loss and cruelty while trying to raise her spirits and do what is right as well as be courageous and kind.

Cinderella is a phenomenal film from Kenneth Branagh. Armed with a great cast, gorgeous scenery, and an engaging story that manages to be faithful to its source and more. It’s a film that is also very accessible in terms of what it needed to say as well as be very entertaining. In the end, Cinderella is a splendid and majestic film from Kenneth Branagh.

Kenneth Branagh Films: (Henry V (1989 film)) - (Dead Again) - (Swan Song) - (Peter‘s Friends) - (Much Ado About Nothing (1993 film)) - (Frankenstein (1994 film)) - (A Midwinter’s Tale (1995 film)) - (Hamlet (1996 film)) - (Love’s Labour Lost (2000 film)) - (Listening) - (As You Like It (2006 TV film)) - (The Magic Flute (2006 film)) - (Sleuth (2007 film)) - Thor - (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit)

© thevoid99 2016

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Based on the Marvel comics series by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the story of Captain America uncovering a conspiracy involving the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization as he is also targeted by a mysterious assassin prompting him to face demons and new ideals about his new world. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the film has Captain America/Steve Rogers adjust to living in the 21st Century following the events in the 2012 film The Avengers as well as his past as Chris Evans reprises the role of Captain America. Also starring Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, and Robert Redford. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a rapturous and exhilarating film from Anthony and Joe Russo.

The film revolves around Steve Rogers working for S.H.I.E.L.D. as he copes with not just what he’s asked to do but also a world that is far more complicated once S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised by forces from within forcing Rogers to become a fugitive as well as being targeted by a mysterious assassin known as the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). There, Rogers is forced to realize that all of these ideas of keeping things in control have been compromised as he has very few allies he can count on such as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) who aids him in uncovering the mystery. It’s a film that explores the idea of what people are willing to do to avoid war and to keep people safe as someone like Rogers who lived during the time of World War II has a hard time trying to understand what S.H.I.E.L.D. is trying to do as he questions what Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) about these reasons to arm the world and keep them under heavy watch.

The film’s screenplay definitely plays into this world of conspiracies where Rogers would meet one of the heads of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) who is trying to get a project unveiled as he is an old friend of Fury where he questions Rogers about his own ideas and such. It is in that moment where the film’s second act comes to play where Rogers is on the run as the only people he can trust is Romanoff and a former USAF pararescueman in Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the latter is a soldier that Rogers can relate to. When Rogers and Romanoff uncover more secrets about what has happened within S.H.I.E.L.D., it becomes clear that there’s elements of Rogers’ past that has come back to haunt him as well as the identity of the Winter Soldier which would only trouble Rogers. The eventual confrontation between Rogers and the Winter Soldier does come ahead in the third act but the stakes are much higher as it relates to what Rogers can do to make the world safer amidst the terror from within.

The film’s direction by Anthony and Joe Russo is definitely sprawling in terms of its action sequences and set pieces but the Russo Brothers know what to do when there’s a need for a break from the action. Much of it involves some inspired use of wide and medium shots where a lot of it is shot in location in Washington, D.C. plus locations in Cleveland and Long Beach, California. There’s also some close-ups as it plays to the drama along with some very key moments in the film as it relates to some of the things that Rogers would encounter that includes the eventual identity of the Winter Soldier. The usage of high camera angles, wide shots, and medium shots play into the sense of action that occurs as it’s very frenetic which plays to the sense of danger and no-holds-barred attitude that Rogers, Wilson, and Romanoff are facing.

There’s also elements of flashbacks that play into Rogers’ past as he is trying to hold on to ideals that he had grown up on where he knows that he need to hold on to them as it adds to the drama and elements of suspense. It’s climax where Rogers has to face the Winter Soldier is definitely gripping as it’s filled with massive set pieces where it adds to the sense of high stakes for Rogers and his need for people to believe in something all over again in a world that is very cynical and chaotic. Overall, the Russo brothers create a very intelligent yet engaging film about a hero dealing with his new surroundings and the need to keep his old ideals intact.

Cinematographer Trent Opaloch does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography with its use of low-key lights and sepia lighting schemes for some of its interiors to the usage of low-level lights for the exteriors set at night. Editors Jeffrey Ford and Matthew Schmidt do amazing work with the editing to create some unique fast-cutting styles to play into some of the fights and action scenes while slowing things down for some of the film‘s suspenseful and dramatic moments. Production designer Peter Wenham, with set decorator Leslie A. Pope and supervising art director Thomas Valentine, does brilliant work with the look of the S.H.I.E.L.D. building as well as the heli-carriers and the secret buildings where Rogers and Romanoff uncover a very dark secret. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky does nice work with the costumes as it’s mostly casual with the exception of Rogers’ Captain America uniform.

Visual effects supervisors Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill, and Dan Suduck do fantastic work with the visual effects from the look of the heli-carriers in the sky to design of some of the big action sequences as well as the look of a character from Rogers‘ past. Sound designers David Hughes, Shannon Mills, and Al Nelson, along with co-sound editor Daniel Laurie, do superb work with the sound in not just creating some unique sound effects but also in the way the sound adds to the sense of terror and suspense that occurs in the film. The film’s music by Henry Jackman is terrific for its mixture of bombast and lush orchestral pieces to play into the action and drama while music supervisor Dave Jordan brings in a couple of music pieces from Marvin Gaye and Harry James’ Orchestra.

The casting by Sarah Finn is great as it features some notable cameos that includes the obligatory cameo from Stan Lee plus small roles from Garry Shandling as Stern, Maximiliano Hernandez as S.H.I.E.L.D. official Jasper Sitwell, Danny Pudi as a S.H.I.E.L.D. technician, DC Pierson as an Apple store employee who helps Rogers and Romanoff, Gary Sinise as a Smithsonian narrator for a Captain America exhibit, Georges St. Pierre as a mercenary Rogers confronts early in the film, and as a trio of council members of the World Security Council are Chin Han, Alan Dale, and Bernard White. Other notable small roles include Jenny Agutter as a World Security Council member, Hayley Atwell in a brief but memorable appearance as Rogers’ old flame Peggy Carter, and Emily VanCamp as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent assigned to protect Rogers at his home. Frank Grillo is terrific as the S.H.I.E.L.D. strike-team commander in Brock Rumlow who is part of the conspiracy as he proves to be a formidable opponent that is willing to take down Rogers and his cohorts.

Toby Jones is superb in his brief but eerie performance as Dr. Arnim Zola whom Rogers had dealt with back in the 1940s as he would be a key figure into uncovering the mystery that Rogers would have to deal with. Cobie Smulders is fantastic as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill who is one of the few people that Rogers and Romanoff can trust as she would help them and Wilson uncover the mystery behind the conspiracy on S.H.I.E.L.D. Sebastian Stan is excellent as the mysterious Winter Soldier who is known for being a fearsome assassin that is willing to cause damage as it’s a very menacing and nearly-silent performance that is all about action rather than words. Anthony Mackie is brilliant as Sam Wilson/Falcon as a former pararescuer who befriends Rogers as he later helps him and Romanoff uncover the mystery while proving to be a formidable soldier that Fury needs. Robert Redford is amazing as Alexander Pierce as a senior official of S.H.I.E.L.D. who would be the one that would make Rogers a fugitive over secrets Rogers refused to divulge as he represents this man that was part of an old world order as he wants to start something new for the sake of maintaining control in the world.

Samuel L. Jackson is great as Nick Fury as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. who is aware of Rogers’ reluctance about the ways of the world as he starts to question things himself where Jackson brings some humility to Fury who is forced to realize that his organization has been compromised. Scarlett Johansson is phenomenal as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow as this agent for S.H.I.E.L.D. who realizes what has been going on as she helps Rogers in trying to uncover the truth as Johansson brings some wit and a lot of ass-kicking into her role. Finally, there’s Chris Evans in a remarkable performance as Steve Rogers/Captain America who copes with not just the new rules of the world but also the conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. as he tries to unravel its mystery as well as elements of his past as Evans brings in that very straightforward manner to someone who feels out of place in the world but with old-school values that still means something.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a dazzling and thrilling film from Anthony and Joe Russo that features great performances from Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel L. Jackson. Not only is a blockbuster that entertains and enthralls but it’s also a film that is very smart and engages the audience into uncovering a lot of the suspense and intrigue that looms over the film. Especially with characters that audiences can root for as it has a lot of real-world ideas about the ways of the world. In the end, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a sensational film from Anthony and Joe Russo.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Infinity Saga: Phase One Films: Iron Man - The Incredible Hulk - Iron Man 2 - Thor - Captain America: The First Avenger - The Avengers (2012 film)

Marvel Phase Two Films: Iron Man 3 - Thor: The Dark World - Guardians of the Galaxy - The Avengers: Age of Ultron - Ant-Man

Marvel Phase Three Films: Captain America: Civil War - Doctor Strange - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Spider-Man: Homecoming - Thor: Ragnarok - Black Panther - Avengers: Infinity War - Ant-Man & the Wasp - Captain Marvel - Avengers: Endgame - Captain Marvel - Spider-Man: Far from Home

Multiverse Saga: Phase Four: Black Widow (2021 film) - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Eternals – Spider-Man: No Way Home – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Thor: Love and Thunder – Werewolf by Night - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Phase Five: Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – The Marvels – (Deadpool & Wolverine) - (Captain America: Brave New World) - (Thunderbolts*)

Phase 6: The Fantastic Four: First Steps - (Avengers: Doomsday) - (Avengers: Secret Wars)

Related: MCU is Cinema: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 – Pt. 4 – (Part 5) – (Part 6) – (Part 7) - The MCU: 10 Reasons Why It Rules the World

© thevoid99 2015

Cassandra's Dream

Written and directed by Woody Allen, Cassandra’s Dream is the story of two brothers who help their businessman uncle in conspiring to kill a business associate in the hopes that they can wipe off their debts. The film explores the world of greed and guilt involving two brothers and their family as well as what they want in life. Starring Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell, Hayley Atwell, Sally Hawkins, Phil Davis, and Tom Wilkinson. Cassandra’s Dream is an interesting but very predictable suspense-drama from Woody Allen.

The film’s premise is quite simple where two brothers who both have aspirations for certain things find themselves in debt as they turn to their rich businessman uncle for help. Yet, their uncle needs their help to kill a business associate who is charging him with financial conspiracy as the two brothers make the reluctant decision to help their uncles so he can wipe off their debts and help them in their future. They do the job but guilt eventually consumes one of the brothers as it would later create all sorts of problems about everything for the family and those closest to them. It is a film about guilt and temptation where two brothers get the chance to find a way that will help them get a better future but it would be at the cost of their own souls.

While Woody Allen creates a very interesting premise, the outcome of the story ends up being very predictable in which the film loses not just some suspense but also goes heavy into drama in the third act. Though it’s understandable why Allen would go more dramatic in the third act, it gets a little overboard where it would play into some key decisions into what should be done. Particularly with the character of Terry (Colin Farrell) who is the most reluctant to be involved with the scheme as he owes more 90 grand in gambling debts and just bought a new flat for himself and his girlfriend Kate (Sally Hawkins). While his older brother Ian (Ewan McGregor) is also resistant about doing the job, he needs it more as he just got a new girlfriend in an actress named Angela (Hayley Atwell) as well as a chance to invest in posh hotels in California. Still, the actions that they did for their uncle Howard (Tom Wilkinson) would play into the different reactions as it raises all sorts of questions.

Allen’s direction is quite straightforward in terms of its presentation and compositions while he does have some very intense moments such as the eventual assassination scene that is filled with some intricate tracking shots and such. Yet, Allen doesn’t inject a lot of meat into the suspense where he doesn’t do enough to make the action be unpredictable while the drama does get a big heavy-handed in scenes where it involves the idea of family although not everyone in a family can be trusted. Notably in the third act where Terry starts to fall apart prompting Ian and Howard to discuss what should be done as its climax is quite dramatic as well as tragic. While the film does have a nice premise and comments about greed, guilt, and family, it is an unfortunately disappointing drama from Woody Allen.

Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography as it‘s mostly straightforward for many of its exterior settings along with some low-key lights for some of the scenes at night including a break-in scene. Editor Alisa Lepselter does nice work with the editing to create a few montages to play up Ian‘s rise but also to play out some of the suspense in the assassination sequence. Production designer Maria Djurkovic, with set decorator Tatiana McDonald and art director Nick Palmer, does terrific work with the set pieces from the places Terry and Ian live in to some of the parties they go to.

Costume designer Jill Taylor does wonderful work with the costumes to play up Terry‘s working class look as well as the more livelier clothing of Kate and Angela. Sound editor Robert Hein does brilliant work with the sound to play up some of the suspense as well as scene in the third act which plays to Terry‘s guilt. The film’s music by Philip Glass is pretty good for its ominous orchestral score though it gets used in moments where it would play into a suspenseful moment that makes it too predictable at times.

The casting by Juliet Taylor, Gail Stevens, and Patricia Kerrigan DiCerto is superb for the ensemble that is created as it includes some notable small performances from Ashley Madekwe as a date of Ian’s early in the film, John Benfield and Claire Higgins as Ian and Terry’s parents, and Phil Davis as the man Howard wants killed in Martin Burns. Sally Hawkins is wonderful as Terry’s girlfriend Kate who becomes concerned about his behavior while Hayley Atwell is terrific as Ian’s actress girlfriend Angela who is eager to get Ian’s help to boost her career.

Tom Wilkinson is excellent as Terry and Ian’s uncle Howard who offers to clean their debts and more if they take part in an assassination plot where Wilkinson brings a real slimy approach to his character that is manipulative and cunning. Finally, there’s Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell in amazing performances in their respective roles as Ian and Terry. McGregor brings an energy as a man eager to succeed on his own terms and get what he wants while he later deals with Terry’s moodiness. Farrell displays some restraint to his role as a troubled gambler who finds himself dealing with a guilty conscience as he becomes confused and upset over his actions. Despite some of the heavy-hand parts of the script in the third act, McGregor and Farrell do create some amazing chemistry as two brothers trying to sort their problems but in the wrong way.

Cassandra’s Dream is a very dour and unexciting film from Woody Allen despite the performances of Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell, and Tom Wilkinson. While it has an intriguing premise on greed, guilt, and family, it is bogged down by its lack of suspense and not enough meat to make the drama more compelling. In the end, Cassandra’s Dream is a decent but underwhelming film from Woody Allen.

>Woody Allen Films: What's Up Tiger Lily? - Take the Money and Run - Bananas - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) - Sleeper - Love and Death - Annie Hall - Interiors - Manhattan - Stardust Memories - A Midsummer's Night Sex Comedy - Zelig - Broadway Danny Rose - The Purple Rose of Cairo - Hannah & Her Sisters - Radio Days - September - Another Woman - New York Stories: Oedipus Wrecks - Crimes & Misdemeanors - Alice - Shadows and Fog - Husbands and Wives - Manhattan Murder Mystery - Bullets Over Broadway - Don't Drink the Water - Mighty Aphrodite - Everyone Says I Love You - Deconstructing Harry - Celebrity - Sweet and Lowdown - Small Time Crooks - The Curse of the Jade Scorpion - Hollywood Ending - Anything Else - Melinda & Melinda - Match Point - Scoop - Vicky Cristina Barcelona - Whatever Works - You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger - Midnight in Paris - To Rome with Love - Blue Jasmine - Magic in the Moonlight - Irrational Man - (Cafe Society)

The Auteurs #24: Woody Allen Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 - Pt. 4

© thevoid99 2013

Captain America: The First Avenger

Based on the Marvel comic by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Captain America: The First Avenger is the story of how a young man named Steve Rogers became Captain America through an experiment as he helps Americans during World War II to fight one of Adolf Hitler’s evil henchmen. Directed by Joe Johnston and screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeeley, the film is an origin story about Captain America and his rise to power as he’s played by Chris Evans. Also starring Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Stanley Tucci, Dominic Cooper, Derek Luke, Neal McDonough, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones, and Tommy Lee Jones. Captain America: The First Avenger is a stylish yet exhilarating film from Joe Johnston.

A Nazi officer named Johan Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) has arrived in a small Norwegian village with a group of soldiers to retrieve a mysterious tesseract that possesses unlimited power. Meanwhile, a young man named Steve Rogers has tried out to be in the military but is rejected due to his sickly physical appearances and other ailments. With his friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) accompanying to an exhibition hosted by famed inventor Howard Stark (Hugo Weaving), Steve sees another recruitment office where he gets the attention of Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who admires Steve’s determination as he gets him enlisted. Despite Steve’s small appearance where Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones), an act of self sacrifice does manage to impress British agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell).

After Erskine reveals to Steve about an experiment that he collaborated with Schmidt that went out of control due to Schmidt’s power, he reminds Steve that it’s about being a good man that matters. With Steve taking part of the experiment led by Erskine and Stark, the success becomes a surprising success only for one of Schmidt’s assassins (Richard Armitage) to take a formula where Steve, in his new powers, manages to stop him from taking the formula. Though Phillips remains unsure of Steve, U.S. Senator Brandt (Michael Brandon) has Steve play the role of a costumed hero named Captain America for a tour to sell war bonds. During a stop in Italy, Steve learns that his friend Bucky is captured by some men of Schmidt along with many POWs. With Phillips refusing to help in order to avoid taking a risk, Carter and Stark decided to aid Steve in the secret mission that turns out to be a major success.

Though the mission has Steve meeting Schmidt for the first time under his real face, he also learns what Schmidt is doing. With a team that includes Bucky, Dum Dum Dugan (Neal McDonough), Gabe Jones (Derek Luke), Japanese-American Jim Morita (Kenneth Choi), British soldier James Montgomery Falsworth (J.J. Feild), and French Resistance soldier Jacques Dernier (Bruno Ricci). Steve and his team manages to destroy Schmidt’s factories and bases as well as capturing his biochemist Arnim Zola (Toby Jones) who reluctantly reveals information to Phillips. Realizing what Schmidt will do with the power of the tesseract, Steve decides to go ahead to create a mission that will stop him from destroying the world.

The film is essentially an origin story of how Steve Rogers became Captain America through an experiment back in the 1940s during World War II. Yet, it’s a very compelling story since Steve Rogers is just this young guy who doesn’t have a lot of physical strength and probably the last guy anyone would want in an army. Yet, he just wants to help out and is willing to do anything for his country where he would impress some people and later become this symbol of American patriotism. Of course, he would have to face this Nazi officer who sports a red skull due to a botched experiment as he’s obsessed with the occult and power that would make him far more powerful that Hitler.

The screenplay that Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeeley does play to a certain formula that is expected in an origin story based on superheroes. What makes it different is the fact that Steve Rogers isn’t like a lot of the people who would become superheroes. He’s a guy with an idea about what a hero should be and is from an era that was about doing what is right for the country. When he gets the power to be super-strong and be able to do things better than most humans. He becomes more confident but is grounded by Erskine’s words that to be a true soldier is to just simply be a good person. That is the opposite of a character like Schmidt who craves power but only to become more intent on destroying the world including the people he’s really working for.

Other characters such as Peggy Carter, Dr. Erskine, Colonel Phillips, Howard Stark, and Bucky Barnes are well-rounded supporting characters that surround themselves with Rogers. Dr. Erskine is a man who is intrigued by Rogers’ determination as he sees someone who is pure of heart. This may not impress the more no-nonsense Col. Phillips but Rogers’ determination and willingness to fight does eventually win him over. These characters including the charming Howard Stark and the supportive Bucky Barnes do flesh out more of Rogers character but it’s Peggy Carter that is really won over by Rogers. Notably as she sees him as a man that just wants to do his job while there’s also some romantic tension between the two as they’re both intent on winning the war.

Thanks to the film’s adventurous and character-driven screenplay, director Joe Johnston is able to create a film that is very entertaining as well as giving the audience a superhero to root for. With its gorgeous set pieces with some visual effects to play up the world that Rogers is in. With lots of amazing sequences involving a chase scene early in the film as well as some battles, Johnston always play up an element of suspense to see what might happen and how Captain America will succeed. Notably as it is to establish what Captain America is facing where he has to prove that he’s not just some lab rat used to promote war bonds.

The film also had Johnston take his time to allow Rogers to relax and be human where he is sort of awkward in the way he deals with women while is also a guy that likes to hang out with his buddies. The compositions that Johnston gives are quite simple but also engaging since it also involves some small moments of humor and drama. Notably the scene between Dr. Erskine and Rogers about the upcoming experiment and Schmidt’s origins as the Red Skull. Johnston knows how to balance action, drama, and humor while also including a wonderful musical montage where Steve has to play Captain America selling war bonds that is pretty cheesy but also entertaining. Overall, Johnston does an incredible job in creating a film that is exciting and also heartfelt in the way it portrays Captain America.

Cinematographer Shelly Johnson does excellent work with the film‘s very stylish cinematography that is filled with elements of sepia washes for some of the film‘s interior scenes along with more low-key blue-green shots for some of the film‘s battle scenes. Editors Robert Dalva and Jeffrey Ford do nice work with the editing in creating wonderful montages for the war bonds stuff and Captain America‘s battles against Schmidt‘s men that is intercut with Schmidt‘s own reaction. Production designer Rick Heinrichs and set decorator John Bush do fantastic work with the set pieces such as the design for Captain America’s shield, the expo held by Howard Starks, and other 1940s sets and things to play up that world that Rogers lives in.

Costume designer Anne B. Sheppard does wonderful work with the costumes to play up that period of the 1940s including the different versions of the Captain America outfit. Visual effects supervisor Christopher Townshend does superb work with the visual effects to play up the look of the Red Skull and some of the set pieces while some of the effects of Steve Rogers early in the film doesn‘t look that great in some spots though it was effective to display his character.. Sound designers Stephen Hunter Flick, Shannon Mills, Daniel Pagan, and Jason W. Jennings, along with sound editor Howell Gibbens, do terrific work with the sound from the atmosphere of the expo to the battle scenes to display the element of suspense and action that occurs.

The film’s score by Alan Silvestri is brilliant for its soaring orchestral touches with elements of big-band brass music to play up the 1940s period. Notably as it includes some themes that is very patriotic including an original song co-written with David Zippel called Star Spangled Man in the film’s musical montage that is quite fun to hear.

The casting by Sarah Finn, Randi Hiller, and Priscilla John is outstanding for the ensemble that is created as it includes a cameo appearance from Stan Lee as a war general along with small appearances from Natalie Dormer as Col. Phillips’ secretary, David Bradley as a Norwegian tower keeper, Richard Armitage as Schmidt’s assassin, and Michael Brandon as Senator Brandt. Other notable roles include Kenneth Choi, J.J. Feild, and Bruno Ricci as fellow soldiers of Captain America’s team, Toby Jones as Schmidt’s cautious assistant Arnim Zola, Neal McDonough as the bowler-sporting soldier Dum Dum Dugan, and Derek Luke as the intelligent yet crafty soldier Gabe Jones. Stanley Tucci is superb in a very warm yet mesmerizing performance as Dr. Erskine who gives Rogers the experimenting while giving him wisdom about what it takes to be a good man and a good soldier. Sebastian Stan is very good as Steve’s friend Bucky who wants to protect Steve from joining only to aid him in defeating Schmidt.

Dominic Cooper is terrific as the arrogant but witty Howard Stark who provides the tools that Rogers needs while Tommy Lee Jones is excellent as the no-nonsense Colonel Phillips who spouts out some very funny lines in the film. Hugo Weaving is wonderful as the villainous Johan Schmidt who is willing to try and attain a lot of power while being intimidating to those who oppose him including the people he’s working for. Hayley Atwell is phenomenal as Peggy Carter in the way she maintains her role as an agent while proving to be quite handy with a gun as she also has some amazing chemistry with the film’s star in Chris Evans. In the role of the titular character, Evans brings a real sense of the everyman in this character as well as someone who knows that he just want to do what is right. It’s a truly charismatic and very grounded performance that proves that Chris Evans is really an incredible actor who doesn’t get much notice.

Captain America: The First Avenger is a spectacular and thrilling film from Joe Johnston that features an outstanding performance from Chris Evans. Along with top-notch supporting work from Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Stanley Tucci, and Tommy Lee Jones. It’s a film that does manage to create a superhero film with style and substance as well as a character to root for. Particularly as Joe Johnston is able to give the film a look and feel that feels true to the comic’s roots. In the end, Captain America: The First Avenger is a remarkable film from Joe Johnston.

Joe Johnston Films: (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids) - (The Rocketeer) - (The Pagemaster) - (Jumanji) - (October Sky) - (Jurassic Park III) - (Hidalgo) - (The Wolfman (2010 film))

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Infinity Saga: Phase One Films: Iron Man - The Incredible Hulk - Iron Man 2 - Thor - The Avengers (2012 film)

Marvel Phase 2 Films: Iron Man 3 - Thor: The Dark World - Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Guardians of the Galaxy - The Avengers: Age of Ultron - Ant Man

Marvel Phase Three Films: Captain America: Civil War Doctor Strange - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Spider-Man: Homecoming - Thor: Ragnarok - Black Panther - Avengers: Infinity War - Ant-Man & the Wasp - Captain Marvel - Avengers: Endgame - Captain Marvel - Spider-Man: Far from Home

Multiverse Saga: Phase Four: Black Widow (2021 film) - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Eternals – Spider-Man: No Way Home – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Thor: Love and Thunder – Werewolf by Night - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Phase Five: Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – The Marvels – (Deadpool & Wolverine) - (Captain America: Brave New World) - (Thunderbolts*)

Phase 6: The Fantastic Four: First Steps - (Avengers: Doomsday) - (Avengers: Secret Wars)

Related: MCU is Cinema: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 – Pt. 4 – (Part 5) – (Part 6) – (Part 7) - The MCU: 10 Reasons Why It Rules the World

© thevoid99 2012