Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

Based on the DC comic series by Jordan B. Gorfinkel and Chuck Dixon and the Harley Quinn character created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is the story of an anti-hero who teams up with other women to protect a young thief from a Gotham crime boss who wants to take over the crime world of Gotham and get rid of Joker’s former flame. Directed by Cathy Yan and screenplay by Christina Hodson, the film explores the character of Harley Quinn following her break-up with the Joker as well as trying to find herself and be part of a team with different women who all feel out of place with society as Margot Robbie reprises the role of Quinn. Also starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rosie Perez, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, and Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis/Black Mask. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a dazzling and exhilarating film from Cathy Yan.

The film explores the journey of Harley Quinn following her break-up with the Joker as she tries to find herself only to realize that all of Gotham’s criminal underworld want her dead as she makes a deal with the mob figure Roman Sionis to retrieve a diamond in exchange for protection. Yet, the diamond is in the hands of a young pickpocket who had swallowed the diamond as it leads to chaos but also Quinn gaining a conscience to protect this young girl leading her to get the help of three other different women who get involved with this young girl. Christina Hodson’s screenplay is largely told from the perspective of Quinn who narrates the film and breaks the fourth wall at times but also play into the events that lead to her trying to find herself and embrace the idea of not needing the Joker. The first act establishes the events in Quinn’s life that lead to her break-up with the Joker as it doesn’t become known to the criminal underworld despite her sullen behavior until she destroys a major symbol of their relationship where everyone discovers the truth.

Among those that discovered a key evidence of this breakup is Gotham detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) who has spent years building a case against Sionis as well as wanting to capture Quinn but is often passed over for a promotion as well as not getting credit for the work she gets. Sionis’ club singer/chauffeur Dinah Lance/Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) turns informant when she learns that the young pickpocket Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) had stolen a diamond that Sionis wants as Montoya tries to protect Cain. The second act revolves around Quinn taking Cain as well as learn of the bounty on Cain for half a million dollars while it’s open season on Quinn who is trying to not get killed. It is also the moment where Quinn learns about Cain where she hopes to use her as a deal with Sionis but then becomes conflicted and gets to know Cain. Adding to this growing chaos is a mysterious assassin known as the Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) whose family was killed by various mobsters including Sionis’ right-hand man Victor Zsaz (Chris Messina) as she would find herself involved in protecting Cain as she, Montoya, and Lance would team up with Quinn to deal with Sionis who hopes to rule Gotham.

Cathy Yan’s direction is definitely stylish as it play into this crazed world of crime and mayhem as it relates to the chaos that Harley Quinn surrounds herself in. Shot on location in Los Angeles, Yan plays up into a world that is separated into camps where one is the criminal underworld and the other is the streets where not much is happening and people are struggling as Quinn is in the center of both as she was part of the underworld but is living in an apartment above a Chinese restaurant with her new pet hyena named Bruce. While there are some stylish compositions that includes a hand-drawn animated sequence that narrates Quinn’s life with the Joker, Yan does manage to create some straightforward compositions as well as emphasize on the characters where she does manage to allow audiences to get to know Montoya, Cain, Lance, and the Huntress though it does remain Quinn’s story.

With some second unit work from Stahelski in some of the action scenes, Yan does manage to keep things simple when it comes to characters interacting with one another such as a scene of Quinn and Cain watching cartoons and eating cereal or all five women just talking to each other. Yan also uses medium shots in some of those interactions and close-ups that either play to some moment of drama or for something funny. Yan doesn’t go for anything serious as the film’s climax that involves the formation of the Birds of Prey and going up against Sionis and his gang as it is balls-to-the-wall action with all sorts of outlandish moments. The mixture of humor, action, and suspense is key to the film’s success with Yan also creating something where women take charge and allowing its central character to realize that she doesn’t need a man to define her. Overall, Yan crafts a riveting yet thrilling film about an anti-hero who tries to protect a young pickpocket from a mob boss with the help of three other women.

Cinematographer Matthew Libatique does brilliant work with the film’s colorful cinematography with the usage of vibrant colors for some of the daytime scenes along with stylish lights and moods for some of the interiors and nighttime exterior scenes in the film. Editors Jay Cassidy and Evan Schiff do excellent work with the editing as it emphasizes a lot on style with elements of jump-cuts and stylish montages as well as allowing shots to establish exactly what is going on in the action and humor. Production designer K.K. Barrett, with supervising art director Kasra Farahani plus set decorators Jennifer Lukehart and Florencia Martin, does amazing work with the sets from the apartment that Quinn lives in as well as Sionis’ nightclub and the abandoned amusement park where the film’s climax takes place. Costume designer Erin Benach does fantastic work with the costumes from the colorful clothing that Quinn wears as well as the black leather of Huntress, the tight pants of Lance, and the casual look of Montoya as the clothes help flesh out the personality of the characters in the film.

Hair designers Adruitha Lee and Nikki Nelms, with makeup artist Miko Suzuki, do terrific work with the look of Quinn’s hair as well as Lance’s hairstyle and the look of Zsaz. Special effects supervisor Mark Hawker, along with visual effects supervisors Yael Majors and Greg Steele does wonderful work with the visual effects as it help play into the colorful visuals as well as bringing some grit and over-the-top style to some of the action scenes. Sound designer Paula Fairfield and sound editor Katy Wood do superb work with the sound as it play into the atmosphere of the locations as well as the way weapons sound and such as it is a highlight of the film. The film’s music by Daniel Pemberton is incredible for its mixture of orchestral music with rock and jazz as it help play into the humor and action while music supervisors Gabe Hilfer and Season Kent create a chaotic yet fun soundtrack of music that ranges from pop standards, classic rock, classic soul, and modern music from Heart, Barry White, Ohio Players, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion with Normani, Lauren Jaurengi, Charlotte Lawrence, and many others.

The casting by Rich Delia is marvelous as it feature some notable small roles from Francois Chau as a rival mob figure of Sionis, Dana Lee as the owner of Quinn’s favorite Chinese restaurant in Doc, Steven Williams as Montoya’s former partner/superior Captain Erickson who often takes credit for her work, Bojana Novakovic as a club goer Sionis humiliates, Ella Mika as a young Helena Bertinelli, and Ali Wong as Montoya’s former girlfriend/district attorney Ellen Yee who is reluctant to help Montoya but often puts Montoya in trouble in favor of saving her own ass. Chris Messina is superb as Sionis’ right-hand man who is also a fierce killer as he is also a major target of the Huntress. Ella Jay Basco is fantastic as Cassandra Cain as a teenage pickpocket who steals a diamond that Sionis wants as she copes with having a price on her head while trying to understand Quinn whom she would see as a big sister. Ewan McGregor is excellent as Roman Sionis/Black Mask as a mob figure with a narcissistic personality who hopes to rule Gotham as he wants this rare diamond to have that power to buy off anything and anyone he wants to.

Rosie Perez is brilliant as Renee Montoya as a police detective who often feels spurned by others as she often speaks in 80s cop clichés while is someone who is cynical but believes there is hope as it relates to Cain while is reluctant to help out Quinn. Jurnee Smollett-Bell is amazing as Dinah Lance/Black Canary as a singer who sings at Sionis’ nightclub while also working as his chauffeur as she is a street-smart woman who knows Cain as they live in the same apartment building while also carries a weapon that she inherited from her late mother. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is incredible as Helena Bertinelli/the Huntress as a crossbow assassin who is the daughter of a revered Mafia figure who was killed along with her entire family as she goes on a quest for vengeance while reluctantly helping out Quinn as Winstead maintains a low-key demeanor to her role. Finally, there’s Margot Robbie in a phenomenal performance as Harley Quinn as the former psychiatrist turned insane criminal who is trying to find herself following her break-up with the Joker where Robbie brings that air of charisma and energy into the character but also someone who is conflicted in wanting to create trouble but also wanting to help this young pickpocket where Robbie brings that humanity to the character as well as someone who is willing to be a team player as Robbie has great rapport with her other female cast members.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a sensational film from Cathy Yan that features a great leading performance from Margot Robbie. Along with its ensemble cast that include top-notch performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rosie Perez, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ella Jay Basco, and Ewan McGregor as well as colorful and dazzling visuals, high-octane action, a witty sense of humor, and an energetic music soundtrack. It’s a film that refuses to take itself seriously while also being this off-the-wall and thrilling action-adventure comedy with some suspense and drama with a woman teaming up with a bunch of other ladies to take down some bad guys. In the end, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a phenomenal film from Cathy Yan.

DC Extended Universe: Man of Steel - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Suicide Squad - Wonder Woman - Justice League - Aquaman -Shazam! - Wonder Woman 1984 - Zack Snyder's Justice League - The Suicide Squad (2021 film) - (Black Adam) – (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) – (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom) – (The Flash) – (Blue Beetle) – (Batgirl)

© thevoid99 2020

Swiss Army Man

Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Swiss Army Man is the story of a man stranded on an island where he finds a corpse that he would use to help him do things while being a companion as he longs to return home. The film is an unconventional comedy-adventure film that has a man dealing with his situation as he tries to find a way to return home as well as stay alive despite his own suicide attempt. Starring Paul Dano, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Daniel Radcliffe. Swiss Army Man is an offbeat yet thrilling film from Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.

The film is a simple premise about a man stranded on an island as he tries to kill himself only to find a dead body who would get him back to land though they get lost in a forest on their way back to civilization. While it doesn’t have much of a plot as the body does come to life and brings a sense of companionship to this man who was stranded on an island. The screenplay by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert does follow the situation that Hank Thompson (Paul Dano) is in as he’s stranded on an island trying to reach for help as he’s at his most desperate while longing to be with this woman named Sarah (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) whom he’s been fond of from afar. Upon finding his dead body named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe), he realizes that Manny possesses some special powers that include farts that can get him to place as well as the ability to help him create things or be used as a weapon. Yet, he would become fond of Manny as Hank would also tell him about things of the world and such as their relationship would become complex as they reach towards civilization.

The direction of Kwan and Scheinert is filled with some quirky moments yet it also has elements that are adventurous with elements of surrealism given the film’s premise. Shot largely on location in California at the town of San Pedro and some scenes at Humboldt County, the film does start off with images of trash with messages for help as it would then show Hank attempting to hang himself as he contemplates his own loneliness and inability to reach out to Sarah whom he doesn’t know much except through the pictures on his phone. There are some wide and medium shots in the direction as it play into the scenes at the woods that include these intricate yet weird scenes of recreation of civilization that includes a bus ride so that Hank can give Manny an idea of civilization.

The direction of Kwan and Scheinert would also have some close-ups to play into Hank and Manny’s interaction as well as these scenes where the latter is trying to understand the idea of humanity as well as the idea of love. Even as he would see a magazine with half-naked woman or a picture of Sarah as he would get an erection which is used as a compass. The direction also play into this idea of fantasy vs. reality as it relates to Hank and his own faults as it relates to Sarah as someone he wants to be with making Manny believe that she’s his soul mate. Yet, the emergence of reality for both Hank and Manny would come to ahead in the third act once they do reach civilization but also deal with the realities of nature and Hank’s own troubles with reality which brings some revelation to Manny on the way he sees things. Overall, Kwan and Scheinert craft a whimsical yet heartfelt film about a man who befriends a dead body and uses it to get him back into civilization.

Cinematographer Larkin Seiple does excellent work with the film’s cinematography in its usage of vibrant colors to play into the look of the forests as well as some scenes in the beach for the scenes in day and night. Editor Matthew Hannam does brilliant work with the editing as its stylish usage of jump-cuts and montages help play into some of the emotional aspects of the film as well as some of the humorous moments. Production designer Jason Kisvarday, with set decorator Kelsi Ephraim and art director David Duarte, does fantastic work with the look of the homes that Hank and Manny built in the woods to play up Hank’s idea of a world that Manny could be in. Costume designer Stephani Lewis does nice work with the costumes from the ragged clothes than Hank wears to the ruined suit of Manny as well as the clothes they wear for their fantasy scenes.

Makeup artist Leslie Devlin does amazing work with the look of Manny in his decayed state as well as the moments where he’s being used as an object. Visual effects supervisor Alvin Cruz does terrific work with some of the film’s minimal visual effects as it is largely based on scenes relating to Manny’s powerful farts as well as the things he does with his body. Sound editor Brent Kiser and sound designer Andrew Twite do superb work with the sound as it play into the atmosphere of the locations as well as some of the sounds that Manny makes when he’s first trying to talk or when he’s being used as an object. The film’s music by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell is wonderful for its low-key yet choral-based score that relies on organic musical instruments and vocals to play into some of the dramatic moments of the film while music supervisor Lauren Mikus provide a soundtrack that include contributions Hull and McDowell’s band Manchester Orchestra, a traditional music piece, and the theme of Jurassic Park by John Williams.

The casting by Nina Henninger does incredible work with the casting as it include some notable small roles from music composer Andy Hull as a news cameraman, filmmaker Shane Carruth as a coroner late in the film, Richard Gross as Hank’s dad who appears late in the film, Antonia Ribero as a young girl named Crissie, Timothy Eulich as the young girl’s father, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead in a fantastic small performance as Sarah as the object of Hank’s affection whom he carries pictures of her in his phone as he hopes to win her over as well as being Manny’s object of affection. Paul Dano is great as Hank Thompson as a young man stranded on an island as he copes with the disappointment in his life as well as being lonely as he struggles to get back into civilization as well as bring some meaning to his life and win Sarah’s affections. Finally, there’s Daniel Radcliffe in a sensational performance as Manny as a rotting corpse who comes to life and does things while trying to understand the ideas of life as it a physical yet endearing performance from Radcliffe who isn’t afraid to be an object also one that isn’t afraid to be funny and display emotion as it’s Radcliffe at his best.

Swiss Army Man is a phenomenal film from Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert that features great performances from Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano. Along with its weird and surreal premise, gorgeous visuals, and a hypnotic music score, the film is definitely a strange yet enchanting film about what a man will do to live but also find companionship through a farting corpse that comes to life. In the end, Swiss Army Man is an extraordinarily rich and witty film from Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.

Related: (The Death of Dick Long) - Everything Everywhere All at Once

© thevoid99 2018

Smashed

Directed by James Ponsoldt and written by Ponsoldt and Susan Burke, Smashed is the story of a schoolteacher who decides to get sober as she deals with her alcoholism as well as the aspects of her troubled life including her husband who is also an alcoholic. The film is an exploration into a woman’s attempt to get sober as she also tries to deal with the world around her where her life had been driven by alcohol. Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Octavia Spencer, Megan Mullally, and Nick Offerman. Smashed is an extraordinary film from James Ponsoldt.

It’s a film that explores the world of a young woman whose drinking has finally gotten her to do some very dumb things where she would find herself waking up in places she doesn’t know or being hung-over in class where she actually vomited in front of her students. That moment along with other strange things forces her to confront the fact that she’s an alcoholic as she gets help from her vice-principal Dave (Nick Offerman) to go meetings as she also deals with the fact that her husband is also an alcoholic. During the course of the film, Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) tries to maintain her sobriety with help from Dave and a recovering alcoholic named Jenny (Octavia Spencer) as the latter becomes her sponsor. While Hannah’s husband Charlie (Aaron Paul) tries to be supportive, he continues to drink which causes problems into the relationship as Hannah’s need to be honest would finally cause more problems with her own life.

The film’s screenplay doesn’t have much of a plot as it’s more of a character study about this woman and her battle with alcoholism as she struggles to maintain her sobriety. Even as she admits to lying to her students by accident and later to her principal Mrs. Barnes (Megan Mullally) that she’s pregnant as she is later consumed with guilt over what she’s done. While Dave, who is also a recovering alcoholic whose been sober for nine years, is the first to notice Kate’s problems. He is also the one that offers her help while admitting to having his own issues trying to meet women which shows Kate that even maintaining sobriety is hard work. Notably as she’s forced to meet with her estranged mother (Mary Kay Place) as well as Charlie’s own drinking where she questions him about him really being supportive that would eventually cause some problems with the relationship.

James Ponsoldt’s direction is very engaging in the way he explores a woman’s struggles to becomes sober as Ponsoldt goes for a hand-held, cinema-verite style to make it feel as realistic as possible. Even as the drama gets intense that includes a scene of a drunk Kate walking to a nearby convenience store to buy alcohol at two in the morning where the clerk refuses to sell it to her because it’s against the law. Yet, a lot of the presentation is very simple in its framing as well as some scenes where Kate and Charlie ride bicycles through the city where they would be drunk early in the film. Even in the AA meetings where Ponsoldt keeps the direction very simple without the need to embellish and just keep it simple. Even as things would intensify in the course of the film where Kate struggles with her sobriety and the fact that she is an alcoholic where she realizes she needs to face up some responsibilities. Even as it would affect many parts of her life including her marriage. Overall, Ponsoldt creates a very poignant yet mesmerizing film about a woman’s struggle with alcoholism and her need to become sober.

Cinematographer Tobias Datum does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography from the nighttime exteriors of the locations in Los Angeles to the look of the bars and places the characters go to. Editor Suzanne Spengler does fantastic work with the editing to play up some of the chaos in the drama with some straight cuts as well as using some stylish cuts to help structure the story and create some abrupt moments. Production designer Linda Sena and art director Sarah M. Pott do nice work with the set pieces from the classroom that Kate teaches to the bars and meetings that she goes to.

Costume designer Diaz Jacobs does terrific work with the costumes as it‘s mostly casual to play up the personality of the characters. Sound editor Ryan Collins does superb work with the sound to play out the atmosphere of the bars as well as the quietness of the AA meetings. The film’s music by Eric D. Johnson and Andy Cabic is wonderful as it features a largely indie-folk score to play out the drama while music supervisors Tiffany Anders and Lukas Barry bring in music that is similar to the score that includes pieces by Bill Callahan and Linda & Richard Thompson.

The casting by Kim Coleman and Avy Kaufman is brilliant for the ensemble that is created as it features some notable small performances from Kyle Gallner as Charlie’s brother Owen and Mary Kay Place as Kate’s estranged mother Rochelle. Megan Mullally is terrific as the school principal Mrs. Barnes who wonders what is going on with Kate as she think she’s pregnant until she learns the truth. Nick Offerman is excellent as Kate’s co-worker Dave who learns about her problems as he tries to help her out while revealing his own struggles in being sober. Octavia Spencer is amazing as Kate’s sponsor Jenny who helps her with being sober as well as tell her about the struggles that goes on. Aaron Paul is fantastic as Kate’s husband Charlie as a man who loves his wife as he hard time not drinking without her as he wants to be supportive but is afraid of how much she might change.

Finally, there’s Mary Elizabeth Winstead in a remarkable performance as Kate as a woman whose alcoholism has finally gotten out of control as she tries to be sober. Winstead’s performance is quite charming and engaging at times but also intense in the way she can act like a very crazed drunk who can be mean and confrontational. It’s definitely a performance that is unforgettable as well as a true break-out moment for Winstead.

Smashed is a phenomenal film from James Ponsoldt that features an incredible performance from Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The film isn’t just a very realistic yet harrowing look into the world of alcoholism but also to showcase a woman’s struggle to be honest with herself and to be sober. Even as it showcases the lows that she goes through as well as deal with her husband’s own alcoholism. In the end, Smashed is a sensational film from James Ponsoldt.

James Ponsoldt Films: (Off the Black) - The Spectacular Now - The End of the Tour - (The Circle (2017 film)

© thevoid99 2013

The Spectacular Now

Based on the novel by Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now is the story of a high school senior who faces reality after being dumped by his girlfriend as he meets another young woman who would change his idea about living in the now. Directed by James Ponsoldt and screenplay by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the film is a coming-of-age story of sorts that revolves around high school life where a young man doesn‘t think about the future as he prefers to live in the now. Starring Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Kyle Chandler, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The Spectacular Now is a charming yet engaging film from James Ponsoldt.

The film is about this young man named Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) who likes to live in the now as he likes to drink and party while being cool with everyone. Yet, his longtime girlfriend Cassidy (Brie Larson) dumps him as Sutter thinks she’ll come back until he meets another schoolmate named Aimee (Shailene Woodley) who is different from other girls. There, Sutter not only finds a young woman he might want to spend his time with while she challenges him to face the real world as he doesn’t think about the future at all as he just wants to live in the moment. Even as he has to deal with who he is as well as the fact about his parents split up as he lives with his mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh).

The film’s screenplay is largely told from Sutter’s perspective as he is this guy that loves to party with the people in his school, he loves to drink despite the fact that he’s only 18, and he loves to work at a men’s clothing story where he’s also buzzed most of the times. Yet, he’s also quite flawed as he often thinks about himself and being the guy that ladies love where he would often think about Cassidy who has a new boyfriend. Even Sutter’s friend Ricky (Masam Holden) thinks that Sutter won’t do the right thing to Aimee as he knows that she’s just a really good girl who could get hurt.

Fortunately, Aimee is able to hold on to her own while she doesn’t mind taking a sip of alcohol as she has some issues at home. Still, her time with Sutter would help make some decisions of her own about her future while she would be the one to push Sutter to find out about his dad (Kyle Chandler) whom he hadn’t seen for many years. Yet, that would be a moment in the third act that would force Sutter to think about where he might go if he continues to act the way he is. Notably as he also has to get answers from his mother and his older sister Holly (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) about why they don’t talk much about his dad.

James Ponsoldt’s direction is quite straightforward as he doesn’t really go for anything that is over stylized as he just wants to keep the presentation simple. Shot in location in Athen, Georgia, Ponsoldt does manage to create some unique compositions and scenes that is filled with some humor but also some low-key drama. Ponsoldt knows how to put the camera into a frame and how to create an atmosphere in a scene where it is all about telling a story as Ponsoldt also has a few montages to play up Sutter’s own sense of misadventures where he might have no idea about what he did. Still, Ponsoldt does create some tension in some scenes such as the eventual meeting between Sutter and his dad which showcases some chilling realities that Sutter might face. Even as the third act would have Sutter face things about himself as well as how it would impact his relationship with Aimee. Overall, Ponsoldt creates a very tender yet exhilarating film about a young man dealing with a possible future with the help of a young woman.

Cinematographer Jess Hall does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography to play up the gorgeous look of the daytime scenes in Athens to some more-low key yet stylish lights for the scenes at night. Editor Darin Navarro does nice work with the editing as it‘s mostly straightforward while it has a few montages and some methodical cuts for some the dramatic-suspense that occurs. Production designer Linda Sena and set decorator Jess Royal do terrific work with the set pieces from the look of the school the characters frequent at to Aimee‘s room that displays her unique personality.

Costume designer Peggy Stamper does wonderful work with the costumes as it‘s mostly casual with the exception of the prom dresses the girls wear. Visual effects supervisor Matthew Bramante does superb work with the film‘s minimal visual effects where it plays in only one scene that is very dramatic as it‘s one that is very unexpected. Sound editor Ryan Collins does marvelous work with the sound to play up the atmosphere of the parties as well as some of the smaller moments in the film. The film’s music by Rob Simonsen is fantastic for its low-key score that is a mixture of indie and ambient music while music supervisors Gabe Hilfer and Season Kent create a fun soundtrack that is a mix of country, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and indie music.

The casting by Angela Demo and Barbara J. McCarthy is brilliant for the ensemble that is featured as it includes some notable performances from Masam Holden as Sutter’s friend Ricky, Andre Royo as Sutter’s math teacher who is concerned about his future, Dayo Okeniyi as Cassidy’s new boyfriend who feels threatened by Sutter’s presence, Kaitlyn Dever as Aimee’s concerned friend Krystal, and Bob Odenkirk in a terrific standout performance as Sutter’s boss who appreciates Sutter’s help but has concerns for his well-being. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is excellent in a small role as Sutter’s holder sister Holly who becomes concerned about Sutter’s questions in relation to their father where she eventually gives him an answer. Brie Larson is wonderful as Sutter’s ex-girlfriend Cassidy who has a hard time trying to move on while revealing her frustrations towards Sutter.

Kyle Chandler is superb as Sutter and Holly’s estranged father Tommy who seems like a nice guy but reveals a lot of flaws that would eventually make Sutter realize what he might become. Jennifer Jason Leigh is amazing in a small yet crucial role as Sutter and Holly’s mom Sara who is concerned with Sutter’s life and behavior while being very cagey about his father as she does have this great scene where she talks to her son about why she hid the truth.

Finally, there’s the duo of Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller in remarkable performances in their respective roles as Aimee and Sutter. Woodley brings some wit and energy to her role as a young woman who is an outsider but also someone that is very engaging as Woodley makes Aimee a very unique character. Teller adds a sense of charm to the role of Sutter as someone who seems un-likeable for his lack of ambition and such but makes up for it by playing it cool while later dealing with his flaws. Teller and Woodley make a great pair in the way they interact as well as bring some realism to the situations they encounter.

The Spectacular Now is a phenomenal film from James Ponsoldt that features riveting performances from Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley. The film isn’t just a tender yet engrossing coming-of-age film but also one that explores the world of youth and how they try to live in the now unaware that there’s a whole world ahead of them as it’s told by a lost young man. In the end, The Spectacular Now is a sensational film from James Ponsoldt.

James Ponsoldt Films: (Off the Black) - Smashed - The End of the Tour - (The Circle (2017 film))

© thevoid99 2013

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

With the popularity over comics and graphic novels becoming films, it’s no surprise that audiences are seeing a new culture of geeks who are influenced by comics and video games. One such story is in the form of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim series. The graphic novel series tells the story of a young slacker from Toronto who falls in love with an American girl only to learn that in order to go out with her. He must defeat her seven evil-exes. With the sixth and final book Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour finally released on July 20, 2010, O’Malley has also allowed for his series to be adapted by British director Edgar Wright for a film named after the second book called Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Directed by Edgar Wright with a screenplay written by Wright and Michael Bacall, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World tells the story of a young Toronto slacker who plays in a band has his love life changed by an American girl. Wanting to go out with her, he must defeat her seven evil exes in a video-game style of conflict. Along the way, Pilgrim has to deal with the fact that he’s growing up and how took some of his ex girlfriends for granted as one of them is going after the woman he loves.

With an all-star cast led by Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim. The film also includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, Mark Webber, Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Brandon Routh, Mae Whitman, Brie Larson, Chris Evans, and Jason Schwartzman. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an enjoyable, off-the-wall film that is truly fantastic.

After meeting a 17-year old Chinese girl named Knives Chau (Ellen Wong), Toronto-based slacker Scott Pilgrim is in a new relationship. While he lives with a gay roommate named Wallace Wells (Kieran Culkin) and plays bass in a band called Sex Bob-omb with former high school girlfriend Kim Pine (Alison Pill) and Stephen Stills (Mark Webber). Scott is still an immature 22-year old with no job as he starts to have weird dreams with this mysterious young woman. After seeing her at the library and later at party, he learns that she is Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Ramona is an American girl who works for Amazon as Scott asks her out during a delivery as sparks flew.

After inviting Ramona to a gig where Knives also attends, Scott finds himself in trouble during a performance where Ramona’s first evil-ex boyfriend Matthew Patel (Satya Bhabha) appears to challenge Scott. After Ramona tells him that he must defeat her seven evil-exes so he can date her, Scott realizes he is up for a challenge as he also makes some bad decisions. After breaking up with Knives, Scott has to deal with Ramona’s other exes including actor Lucas Lee (Chris Evans), musician Todd Ingram (Brandon Routh), a ninja-like girl named Roxy (Mae Whitman), and a couple of Japanese pop twins named Ken and Kyle Katayanagi (Keita and Shota Saito).  Scott also to deal with another ex-girlfriend in Envy Adams (Brie Larson), who is now a pop star playing in a band that Todd is in.

Dealing with exes overwhelm Scott as he also has to deal with how its affecting his relationship with Ramona. When Sex Bob-omb is finally getting noticed, the person taking the band is none other than Ramona’s last ex-boyfriend in Gideon Gordon Graves (Jason Schwartzman). Scott realizes that what he must do to defeat Gideon which includes facing himself as well.

Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series about Scott Pilgrim tells the story about this young slacker who falls for his dream girl but has to deal with her exes as well as gaining some self-respect. What writers Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright do in adapting the series into a feature film is take that premise of a guy defeating seven exes and bring it to life. Exposing a pop culture world filled with indie music, video games, and all sorts of worlds. The film plays like a video game of sorts starting with the Universal film logo designed like an old 8-bit video game with 8-bit music.

While it’s known that adapting a book or a series of books into films aren’t easy, Bacall and Wright do a great job in not just getting the characterization and the world of Scott Pilgrim. They also bring enough that is told for a feature film, though it was made when the sixth and final book was in the works. While various subplots about Scott Pilgrim’s relationship with Kim Pine as well as more stories about various characters including Julie (Aubrey Plaza) and Scott’s younger sister Stacy (Anna Kendrick) aren’t featured as much. They’re given enough exposure of what is needed to be told for the story of Scott Pilgrim’s journey.

The development of Scott Pilgrim as this young, slacker kid who doesn’t have much clue about love nor has a clue about how his own decisions towards the people he hurt has affected them. When he’s with Ramona, he starts to grow up a bit but still acts as an immature kid though he steps up when he gets into fights. Ramona Flowers is just as complex as this young woman desperate to escape from her past and finds something different in Scott Pilgrim. Yet, she admits to being a bitch while feels bad for putting Scott into this situation. Another major character that gets exposure is Knives Chau, a 17-year old Chinese girl who is introduced to a new world. Yet, when Scott breaks up with her. She takes up stalking to the point that she pretends to date Young Neil (Johnny Simmons) while plotting to destroy Ramona Flowers.

The screenplay succeeds in not just using what is needed to tell the story but also in giving many of the film’s supporting characters to play their role to the story. Particularly in setting up each confrontation that goes on. Within each opponent that Scott faces, the stakes become higher and more intense where there’s a great structure to the story within each confrontation. Even as it plays like a video game where the levels become much tougher and more overwhelming. The script overall is truly amazing as it’s captured with such energy and style from its director Edgar Wright.

Using some of illustration of O’Malley for several scenes as well the use of split screens for comic-book style framing. Wright’s direction is truly stunning in terms of recreating the comic book to life with lively visual effects and video-game style. Wright definitely goes for a pop-art element for film he uses visual effects to display heightened emotions. Even if he’s capturing the energy of the concerts and fight sequences. The staging of scenes has Wright framing things as if they look the same book presented them. Even if it’s an awkward scene where Scott and his friends meet The Clash at Demonhead, the band featuring Envy and Todd.

Wright definitely displays a sense of confidence in his directing where he allows the actors to do their stunt work as well as show their funny sides in the most natural way. The humor isn’t forced or gimmicky as it flows well in the way O’Malley’s books have as it doesn’t take itself too seriously or go for silly gags. The action scenes show Wright taking on different angles for the fights as each one has its own sense of energy. Notably the Scott vs. Todd scene where the two battle each other with their ability to play bass. Another noted factor that works for the film are the title displays for the characters to figure out their personalities or how smart they are. Wright’s direction overall, shows a director finally given the chance to create something that is spectacular and fun without going overboard or make things look cheap.

Cinematographer Bill Pope does excellent with the film’s colorful photography as it’s shot on location in Toronto. Pope’s photography is full of color where the white snow in daytime scenes work with the colors clashing for whatever moment if it’s a funny or a dramatic moment. Pope also succeeds in creating dazzling lights and colors for several scenes including the concert and fight scenes without a lot of flashy, polished photography. There’s a bit of grit to the look as Pope’s work is phenomenal.

Editors Jonathan Amos and Paul Machliss do amazing work with the film’s stylized yet energetic editing. From the use of split-screens and other formats, the editing moves the film in a fast but rhythmic tone for many of the film’s fight and concert scenes. Yet, Amos and Machliss know when to slow down when it’s for something more dramatic while using comedic sequences with great timing.  The editing of the film is definitely masterful for its array of rhythms and stylization. Production designer Marcus Rowland, along with set decorator Odetta Stoddard and art director Nigel Churcher, do fantastic work with the set designs for the clubs and places the characters are in. Even as they recreate places just like the novel did in its illustration as the art direction is truly spellbinding.

Costume designer Laura Jean Shannon does some nice work with the costumes from the casual clothing that most of the characters wear to the indie-like clothes that Knives Chau were later in the film. Even the look of Envy Adams with her big heels are great as the costumes reflect the personalities of the characters along with the hair and make-up work that bring more of a unique look to the characters Visual effects Frazer Churchill does amazing work with the visual effects of the film that has a comic-book like feel to play to exaggerated emotions and other sound effects sequence. Even for the fight and concert sequences that plays to a heightened level of intensity as it’s truly spectacular. Even as the Shynola visual arts team do some crazy work for the film’s opening credits sequence.

Sound editor Julian Slater and sound designer James Boyle do brilliant work with the film’s sound work. Bringing the use of 8-bit video game sounds for effects reason, the sound has a video game-like feel while there’s texture to the layering of the sound effects during the fight and concert scenes. The mixing is truly astonishing in its presentation while the design for the 8-bit effects adds humor. If there’s a real technical highlight of the film, it’s the sound department.

The film’s music is truly amazing with a dream-like yet frenetic score by renowned producer Nigel Godrich. Godrich, along with contributions by Beck, Dan the Automator, and Osymyso, creates a wide mixture of music from 8-bit style electronic music to frenetic garage rock and other strange pieces. Dan the Automator provides the cheesy electro-pop song for Matthew Patel while Cornelius brings a high-octane electronic piece for Katayanagi twins. The rest of the soundtrack has Beck providing music for the band Sex Bob-omb with his fast-paced, rocking sound.

Other artists in the soundtrack include Beachwood Sparks providing a cover of Sade’s By Your Side for a wonderful love scene between Scott and Ramona. Metric contributes a song as they provide the music for Envy’s band The Clash at Demonhead while others like the Broken Social Scene, Frank Black, the Rolling Stones, Black Lips, Plumtree, and the Broken Social Scene also contribute cuts to what is certainly an amazing array of music.

The casting by Robin D. Cook, Jennifer Euston, and Allison Jones is truly amazing for the people that are cast as the characters all look like the people from the novels. Small roles include Christine Watson as Matthew Patel’s demon hipster chick, Chantelle Chung as Knives’ friend Tamara, Ingrid Haas as a partygoer named Monique, Kerr Hewitt as Stacy’s date Jimmy, Nelson Franklin as Comeau, and Ben Lewis as the Other Scott whom Wallace sleeps with. The film also has some great cameo appearances but none is as exciting or as funny as the two men who play the Vegan Police.

For the roles of the seven evil exes, the casting on that side is truly inspiring as each individual definitely get to stand out on their own. Though they don’t have any dialogue, Keita and Shota Saito as the Katayanagi twins are excellent for the presence they have as they battle Sex Bob-omb in an epic battle that is truly fun to watch. Mae Whitman is very funny as Roxy, another ex with a real grudge for Scott and Ramona as she sports makeup and acts like a ninja as she definitely stands out. Though he was known for playing Superman in the very underrated Superman Returns, Brandon Routh is truly a marvel as the vegan-powered Todd Ingram. Delivering his dialogue with a stylized, deadpan style, Routh adds a lot of humor by doing so little with his role as it is definitely a great performance. Satya Bhabha is excellent as Matthew Patel, the first evil ex who does a bit of dancing while providing some comical moments to his role.

Chris Evans is hilarious as Lucas Lee, an actor with a raspy voice who hires his own stunt doubles to do the fighting while acting all cool. Then there’s Jason Schwartzman as Gideon Graves, the final ex who is the ultimate king of cool while proving to be a slimy son-of-a-bitch as Schwartzman really gets to ham it up a bit. Another notable ex that is superb is Brie Larson as Scott’s ex-girlfriend Envy Adams as a pop star who is trying to make Scott miserable while trying to intimidate Ramona as Larson is truly cool for that role. Other notable small but memorable characters that gets a lot to do is Aubrey Plaza as the bitchy Julie who despises Scott for being a dork while Johnny Simmons is great as Young Neil, the kid who is one of the few fans of Sex Bob-omb as he often spouts some funny words.

Alison Pill is excellent as Kim Pine who often delivers a dead-pan, monotone dialogue for some of her scenes to show her bitterness towards Scott though she heightens it up whenever she screams “We are Sex Bob-omb, 1-2-3-4”. Mark Webber is very good as Stephen Stills, the talent in the band who is often anxious before each gig while hoping to get signed. Anna Kendrick is really good as Scott’s younger but mature sister Stacy who is shocked over what Scott is doing while providing him with some wisdom. Kieran Culkin is a hoot as Wallace Wells, Scott’s cool gay roommate who offers advice while freaking Scott out with his own sexual escapades.

The film’s real discovery goes to Ellen Wong as Knives Chau, the 17-year old Chinese girl who falls for Scott only to get dumped where she unleashes her crazy side. Wong definitely brings a sense of innocence and naivety to the role early in the film as she is introduced to a new world. When she loses Scott, she becomes a stalker while getting ready to go head-to-head with Ramona as Wong hits all the right notes in terms of comedic timing and being a supremely bad ass chick. If Wong is the discovery, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the film’s breakout performance as Ramona Flowers. Winstead brings a sense of wit and charm to her character while admitting to be flawed as she is also quite secretive. Winstead truly brings Ramona to life with different hair colors and a sexiness that isn’t overt. This is really Winstead’s moment as she and Wong are the highlight of the cast.

Finally, there’s Michael Cera in what is definitely his best work to date. While he’s known as a one-note actor with a very limited range. Cera, definitely steps up a bit in playing a character that’s not entirely likeable but not a total asshole as well. Cera definitely shows the character’s sense of immaturity as well as someone who is willing to fight for what he wants. It’s really a marvelous performance from the young actor, even as he has great rapport with the cast. Though some might feel it’s a variation of the roles he’s played, it’s one that broadens his work as an actor while showing there’s more to him that just being the kid from Arrested Development and Superbad.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an extraordinary film from Edgar Wright that truly lives up to Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novels as well as bringing it to life in such a grand way. Featuring an amazing cast, a superb soundtrack, amazing visual effects, great humor, and brilliant fight scenes that keeps the film exciting. It’s a film that bends all sorts of genres and puts into one exciting film where the fun doesn’t stop. Fans of the books will be amazed by Wright’s vision while it will also bring in new readers interested in the world of Scott Pilgrim. In the end, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a magnificent film that definitely brings out the fun for a dreary summer year.

Edgar Wright Reviews: (A Fistful of Fingers) - Shaun of the Dead - Hot Fuzz - The World’s End - Baby Driver - The Sparks Brothers - Last Night in Soho

© thevoid99 2010