It's Kind of a Funny Story

Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, It’s Kind of a Funny Story is about a teenage boy who checks into a hospital following an attempted suicide jump where he is hospitalized for depression as he meet other individuals struggling with their own mental illnesses. Written for the screen and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the film is an exploration of a teenage boy dealing with the pressures of society and his own shortcomings as he would try to understand himself as well as those suffering from anxieties. Starring Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan, Jeremy Davies, Zoe Kravitz, Thomas Mann, Aasif Mandvi, Bernard White, Laverne Cox, Viola Davis, and Zach Galifianakis. It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a witty and engrossing film from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.

With the pressure to succeed both in school and in life just before it’s really about to start, the film is about a teenage boy who checks into a hospital following a suicide attempt where he would stay for nearly a week as he meets various people with similar struggles as well as other forms of mental illness. It’s a film that explores the anxieties of a sixteen-year old kid where he would meet people around his age who also deal with problems as well as adults who are also coping with some form of illness. The film’s screenplay by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck is told mainly by its protagonist Craig Gilner (Keir Gilchrist) who attends a prestigious high school in Brooklyn as he’s due to finish an application for a prestigious summer school as his father George (Jim Gaffigan) expects him to do so while he is also in the shadow of his friend Aaron Fitzcarraldo (Thomas Mann) who is dating his longtime crush Nia (Zoe Kravitz). After imagining the idea of jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge where he would think about how his family would think, it would force Gilner to check into a hospital thinking he would stay for a short period of time.

Yet, the stay would be for a week for observation and therapy where Gilner meets an adult patient in Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) who is dealing with his own issues as well as trying to get a home to stay after he gets discharged. Gilner would also befriend another teenage patient in Noelle (Emma Roberts) as all of the teenage patients are staying at the adult ward due to renovations for the teenage ward. Noelle is there for self-harm as Gilner deals with the fact that he’s got a lot going for him but the pressure to succeed eventually got to him where he is able to gain sympathy from the other patients and the hospital’s therapist Dr. Minerva (Viola Davis) who is aware of his troubled thoughts.

The direction of Boden and Fleck is largely straightforward in terms of its compositions and setting while it does have some stylistic elements in the film as it relates to the drawings that Gilner would create. Shot on location in Brooklyn as well as parts of New York City, Boden and Fleck would use some wide shots but maintain an intimacy into the hospital setting such as its hallways, rooms, and common rooms for patients to socialize at. The usage of close-ups and medium shots as well as stylish moments of fantasy help play into the film’s quirky and offbeat tone while Boden and Fleck would know when to keep the film grounded in reality. Even in the group therapy sessions, simple conversations between Gilner, Bobby, and Noelle, and other moments where Gilner has to deal with elements of reality including small meetings with his family.

With Boden also serving as the film’s editor, she and Fleck would also create some stylish montages that play into the anxieties in Gilner’s life as well as some surreal sequences about the idea of what his future might be. Much of Boden’s editing would have some stylistic flair in the montages and in some jump-cuts that include a dream sequence of Gilner and other patients playing Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie. With the aid of animation director Brian Drucker, the animated backgrounds would play into this idea of fantasy but also hope for Gilner. The sense of realism does occur for its third act but there is also this element of hope as it relates to the time Gilner spent as well as realize that there’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to depression and mental illness. Overall, Boden and Fleck craft a touching and heartfelt film about a teenage boy seeking help at hospital where he learns about those that are also in need of help.

Cinematographer Andrij Parekh does excellent work with the film’s cinematography as it is largely straightforward for many of the interior scenes at the hospital and at Gilner’s school while there’s some low-key lighting for a few interior/exterior scenes set at night. Production designer Beth Mickle, with set decorator Carrie Stewart and art director Michael Ahern, does fantastic work with the look of the rooms, common rooms, and hallways at the hospital as well as the homes of Gilner’s family and friends. Costume designers Kurt and Bart do nice work with the costumes as it is largely straightforward with the exception of the glam-inspired costumes for the fantasy sequence.

Special effects makeup artist Michael Marino does terrific work with the makeup for the fantasy sequence as well as the look of the scars that Noelle is sporting on her body. Visual effects supervisor Anthony Luigi Santoro does brilliant work with the visual effects in bringing the animation to life as well as be used as an element of hope in the real world. Sound editor Paul Hsu does superb work with the sound as it play into the atmosphere of the hospital and some of the sparse sounds that are made throughout the film. The film’s music by Broken Social Scene is wonderful for its indie-folk approach with melodic guitars and offbeat rhythms while music supervisor Andrea von Foerster provide a mixture of different musical genres from indie, punk, rock, hip-hop, and pop as it includes some songs by Broken Social Scene as well as the xx, Drum, Queen and David Bowie, the Damned, the Wowz, Pink Mountaintops, White Hinterland, Kurtis Blow, the Tom Robinson Band, Pharoah Sanders, Method Man and Redman, Common, Rachid Taha, and Black Sabbath.

The casting by Cindy Tolan is amazing as it feature some notable small roles and appearances from novelist Ned Vizzini as the hospital’s music teacher, Laverne Cox as a transgender patient, Ethan Herschenfeld as a Hasidic Jewish patient named Solomon, Mary Birdsong as Bobby’s ex-wife, Aasif Mandvi as Dr. Mahmoud who would be the first to analyze Gilner’s problems, Matthew Maher and Adrian Martinez as a couple of adult patients in their respective roles as Humble and Johnny, Morgan Murphy as a young patient in Joanie, Dana DeVestern as Gilner’s young sister Alissa, Bernard White as an Egyptian patient named Muqtada, and Jeremy Davies as a hospital monitor named Smitty who watches over everyone as he makes sure everyone is fine.

Thomas Mann and Zoe Kravitz are terrific in their respective roles as Gilner’s friends Aaron Fitzcarraldo and Nia with Mann as an overachiever who always get what he wants and Kravitz as Gilner’s crush who becomes interested in him during his time at the hospital. Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan are fantastic in their respective roles as Gilner’s parents in Lynn and George with the former being more concerned about her son’s well-being while the latter is hoping his son will get better and get back on track unaware of the pressure he’s putting towards his son. Viola Davis is excellent as Dr. Minerva as the hospital’s therapist who analyzes Gilner as well as be someone who is understanding and willing to listen as it’s a low-key yet somber performance from Davis.

Emma Roberts is brilliant as Noelle as a teenage patient with issues of self-harm as someone who is intrigued by Gilner as well as being also witty and aware of her own situation. Zach Galifianakis is incredible as Bobby as an adult patient who is going through issues of his own but also offers a lot of wisdom to Gilner about life as well as the fact that things do get more complicated in adulthood but there’s also hope. Finally, there’s Keir Gilchrist in a remarkable performance as Craig Gilner as a teenage boy with a lot going for him as he copes with the pressure to succeed as well as a lot of the anxieties where he learns how to cope as well as not be afraid of seeking help.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a marvelous film from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Featuring a great ensemble cast, a superb music soundtrack, touching study of mental illness and depression, and the desire for hope in a complicated world. It’s a film that manages to showcase a young man trying to deal with his own anxieties and demands of the world where he finds solace through people who are also going through similar struggles. In the end, It’s Kind of a Funny Story is an exhilaratingly rich film from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.

Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Films: Half Nelson - Sugar (2008 film) - Mississippi Grind – Captain Marvel - The Auteurs #71: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck

© thevoid99 2019

The Lego Batman Movie

Based on the characters from DC Comics and Lego Construction Toys, The Lego Batman Movie is an animated film in which Lego Batman is trying to defeat the Joker and other villains while dealing with his own fears when he finds himself adopting a young boy who would become his sidekick. Directed by Chris McKay and screenplay by Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stern, and John Whittington from a story by Grahame-Smith, the film is a comical take on the Batman story told through Legos as it’s a spin-off of the 2014 film The Lego Movie with Will Arnett reprising his role as Batman. Also starring Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson, Michael Cera, and Ralph Fiennes as Alfred. The Lego Batman Movie is a fun and exhilarating film from Chris McKay.

The film follows the Caped Crusader who is once again battling the Joker (Zach Galifianakis) and his army of villains to save Gotham as he isn’t sure what to do next after the Joker suddenly surrenders to the Gotham’s new police commissioner in Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson). It’s a film in which Batman is forced to face his greatest fear as he refuses to believe that he can work with other people preferring to work by himself. The film’s screenplay explore Batman’s desire to be the hero of Gotham and his belief that he can do it himself yet he remains haunted by the fact that he lost his parents as a child and couldn’t cope with the idea of a family. Yet, at a gala to celebrate the retirement of Jim Gordon (Hector Elizondo) where they announce Gordon’s daughter Barbara as his replacement. Batman in his true identity as Bruce Wayne would meet a young orphan in Dick Grayson (Michael Cera) where he unknowingly adopts him. Adding to this is the fact that he would use Grayson to retrieve a weapon at the home of Superman (Channing Tatum) in the hopes he can get rid of the Joker but he is unaware of what the Joker is planning.

Chris McKay’s direction is definitely stylish as it play into this world where it all Legos and all of the characters are Legos while using references to all of the Batman films of the past. While McKay would use wide shots to get a look of Gotham as well as some extravagant action set pieces in which Batman would battle various villains. McKay would also utilize medium shots and close-ups to play into the humor and some of the drama as the latter relate to Batman’s issues over needing some companionship as the only person he has around him is his butler Alfred. McKay would infuse a lot of offbeat moments in the animation as well as footage of films such as the 1966 Batman film and Jerry Maguire with the latter being a film that Batman likes to watch. It’s among these moments that provide that heightened sense of entertainment as well as moments where Batman reluctantly makes Grayson his sidekick known as Robin.

The film also has McKay maintain a look that fit in towards every set piece and how the characters would build something through whatever Lego piece they can find. Helping McKay with the look is production designer Grant Freckelton in the way Gotham looks as well as Wayne Manor and what the Joker would do to it for its third act. The film’s third act doesn’t just feature Joker teaming up with various villains from other stories such as Gremlins, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and other franchises/films. It just adds to a climax that is crazy but also filled with a lot of humor and moments that aren’t afraid to be ridiculous. Overall, McKay creates a joyful and exuberant film about a vigilante struggling to deal with the idea of needing a family again.

Editors David Burrow, Matt Villa, and John Venzon do amazing work with the editing as it is stylish to play into the action without deviating too much into chaotic editing styles while playing up to the film’s humor with its approach to rhythmic cuts. Sound designer Wayne Pashley does brilliant work with the sound in creating some of the sound effects as well as how the voices matches up with whatever objects the characters are using to shoot. The film’s music by Lorne Balfe is fantastic for its orchestral-based score as it has a lot of bombast in the percussions and in the string arrangements while the soundtrack feature a lot of music from artists and acts like Patrick Stump, DNCE, Harry Nilsson, Wham!, Alesso with Tove Lo, Cutting Crew, Rick Astley, and Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine.

The casting by Mary Hidalgo is great as it feature notable small voice roles and appearances from Eddie Izzard as Lord Voldemort, Jermaine Clement as Sauron, Jonah Hill as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, Channing Tatum as Superman, Adam DeVine as Barry Allen/the Flash, David Burrows as an anchorman and Mr. Freeze, Doug Benson as Bane, Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Conan O’Brien as the Riddler, Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face, Jason Mantoukas as the Scarecrow, Riki Lindhome as Poison Ivy and Wicked Witch of the West, Seth Green as King Kong, Kate Micucci as Clayface, Mariah Carey as Mayor McCaskill, Lauren White as Chief O’Hara and Medusa, Susan Bennett as Batman’s computer, and Hector Elizondo as Gotham police commissioner Jim Gordon who retires and gives the job to his daughter. Jenny Slate is wonderful in her small voice role as Harley Quinn as the Joker’s girlfriend who would help him conspire his scheme to defeat Batman and destroy Gotham.

Ralph Fiennes is excellent as Alfred Pennyworth as Batman/Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler who is aware of Bruce’s reluctance to invite people into his life as he sees Dick as someone that could probably help Bruce. Rosario Dawson is brilliant as Barbara Gordon as Gotham’s new police commissioner who wants to make some changes as she hopes to rid Gotham of crime once and for all yet realizes how much she needs Batman to help achieve these ideas. Michael Cera is fantastic as Dick Grayson/Robin as an orphaned boy accidentally adopted by Bruce Wayne as he would become Batman’s sidekick where Cera brings in that sense of boyish energy that is needed to be Robin. Zach Galifianakis is amazing as the Joker where he provides a lot of wit and depth into the character as well as providing a complexity to the Joker as someone who just wants some respect from Batman and is willing to do anything to get that. Finally, there’s Will Arnett in an incredible voice performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne as the Caped Crusader who thinks he is cooler than everyone and doesn’t need anyone’s help but also has this torment inside over the idea of having a family again as it’s a very comical performance from Arnett.

The Lego Batman Movie is an awesome film from Chris McKay. Featuring some dazzling animation, some very funny and adventurous moments, and a lot of high-octane action. It’s a film that definitely manages to be something fans of Batman can enjoy as well as be something that is just pure fun for audiences of all ages. In the end, The Lego Batman Movie is a marvelous film from Chris McKay.

Related: The Lego Movie - (The Lego Ninjago Movie)

Batman Films: (Batman (1966 film)) – Batman (1989 film) - Batman Returns - Batman Forever - Batman & Robin - Batman Begins - The Dark Knight - The Dark Knight Rises - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - The Batman (2022 film)

© thevoid99 2017

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and written by Inarritu, Armando Bo, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Nicolas Giacobone, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is the story of a once-famous film star who tries to mount a comeback by staging a production of Raymond Carver’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Love as he deals with professional and personal issues. The film is an exploration into the day of a life of a man whose greatest claim to fame was playing a superhero on film as he struggles with his ego, failures as an actor and as a man, and all sorts of things just days before he tries to make his comeback. Starring Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Lindsay Duncan, and Naomi Watts. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a sprawling yet engrossing film from Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

The film explores a week in the life of a once-famous film star in Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) who is trying to make a comeback by directing, writing, and starring in a Broadway stage production of Raymond Carver’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. Yet, Riggan’s life starts to spiral downward as he copes with the bad decisions he made in his life as an actor and as a man while his attempts to gain legitimacy as an actor has him questioning his worth. It’s a film that explores a man who is at a crossroads where the play that he’s doing starts to mirror the chaos of his own life while famous alter-ego that he played many years ago is stalking him about the decisions he’s making. Even as parts of his own life from his troubled relationship recovering drug-addict daughter Sam (Emma Stone) to who he is play into this turbulent week as he struggles with his past glory and the fear of failing as he’s putting everything on the line.

The film’s screenplay is quite complex in the way it explores a production that is quite chaotic where Riggan is trying to do everything he can but there’s a lot that isn’t working. After purposely taking out an actor from the production because he sucks, Riggan would bring in the very popular but pretentious theater actor Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) who would do whatever to usurp Riggan as he would also make first-time Broadway actress Lesley (Naomi Watts) insecure as she had previously dated Shiner. Riggan’s relationship with another actress in Laura (Andrea Riseborough) starts to fall apart as she feels unappreciated while Riggan’s relationship with his daughter Sam is often filled with tension as Riggan blames himself for not being there for her. With his ex-wife Sylvia (Amy Ryan) appearing to see what is going on with him while his friend/producer Jake (Zach Galifianakis) tries to keep things under control.

The script also showcases much of Riggan’s reasons to want to make this comeback and why he chose Raymond Carver as his comeback vehicle. Yet, his reasons only gain questions from Shiner who also knows Carver’s work as he believes that Riggan isn’t authentic enough to do Carver justice. Adding to Riggan’s own self-doubt and low self-esteem issues is the notorious theater critic Tabitha (Lindsay Duncan) who despises Hollywood and its actors believing that they’re not good enough to do theater. It all plays to ideas in Riggan’s head in his attempt to find legitimacy and shake off the Birdman character that he had played a long time ago as it leads to questions of existentialism and art. Even as it plays to the idea of one man against the entire world.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s direction is truly astonishing as it is presented in a mostly one-continuous shot that follows the turbulent week of Riggan trying to mount his production. While it is a feat that is quite amazing, Inarritu does use some editing and visual tricks to make it feel like a film that is presented in an entire take. It is quite engaging for the way it explores a theater production coming together as the usage of steadicam and hand-held cameras in intimate, cramped-up spaces such as hallways and dressing rooms. Much of it has Inarritu use a lot of medium shots and close-ups where the compositions are engaging such as a scene between Lesley and Laura talking about Shiner. There’s also these smooth transitions where the camera is often moving in a crane shot or on a dolly track where it would have a character in a scene and then be seen again in a few seconds in another scene.

While the film is shot on location in New York City in its Broadway setting, there is something that feels loose in its direction such as a scene of Riggan walking through the city at night in his underwear. Even in the scenes where much of the theater performances has this sense of energy where it would evolve into something more authentic as well as daring. Especially in its climax where it is about this opening night performance as Riggan will do whatever it takes to become the star of the show in this mentality of me against the world. There’s also elements of surrealism in the scenes involving Riggan struggling to get Birdman out of his life as it would play into Riggan thinking about returning to the character as an act of defiance where a sequence of him flying and saving the world plays into Riggan’s desire to act and prove that he has what it takes. Overall, Inarritu creates a very thrilling and mesmerizing film about a man trying to mount a comeback against all odds while dealing with his ego and is troubled personal life.

Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki does brilliant work with the film‘s very entrancing cinematography from its colorful approach to theater lighting in some of its scenes to more low-key yet naturalistic look in its interiors plus some unique lights for the exterior nighttime scenes in New York City. Editors Douglas Crise and Stephen Mirrone do fantastic work with in a few montages that is created in the film‘s opening and a sequence near the end while using some tricky editing skills to make the film feel like an entirely continuous shot. Production designer Kevin Thompson and set decorator George DeTitta Jr. do excellent work with the set pieces from the look of the theater sets as well as the bar next to the theater where Riggan would wind down as he has to endure Shiner in one scene. Costume designer Albert Wolsky does amazing work with the costumes from the clothes the actors would wear onstage to the casual clothes behind the scenes as well as the design of the Birdman costume.

Special effects makeup designer Mike Elizade does nice work with a few of the minimal makeup work that the actors would do for the play along with the look of the Birdman mask. Visual effects supervisors Jake Braver and Adam Howard do terrific work with the fantasy sequences that involves Birdman in a reminder of what Riggan used to be and what he could be again. Sound designer Martin Hernandez and co-sound editor Peter Brown do superb work with the sound from the sparse sounds that happens in the theater to the raucous sounds of the locations including the bird screeches that remind Riggan of Birdman. The film’s music by Antonio Sanchez is just incredible as it‘s mostly this very hypnotic and energetic jazz-based score led by drums that is either played on location or in the scene while music supervisor Lynn Fainchtein brings in a soundtrack filled with some classical pieces from Piotor Tchaikovsky, Gustav Mahler, John Adams, and Sergei Rachmaninoff to play into Riggan’s own sense of fantasy.

The casting by Francine Maisler is great as it would feature some notable small roles from Merritt Weaver as the assistant director Annie, Benjamin Kane as the Birdman character that stalks Riggan, Jeremy Shamos as the original actor that Shiner would replace, and Lindsay Duncan in a wonderful performance as the very vicious theater critic Tabitha who adores Shiner and hates Riggan and everything he’s about. Zach Galifianakis is excellent as Riggan’s friend/producer Jake who is trying to make sure nothing goes wrong as he deals with legal issues as well as the money that Riggan is giving away making Jake nervous. Naomi Watts is fantastic as Lesley as a girlfriend of Shiner who is eager to star in her first Broadway production as she becomes very insecure due to Shiner’s arrogance as she is annoyed by Sam’s presence. Andrea Riseborough is amazing as Laura as Riggan’s girlfriend who feels unappreciated as she tries to reach out to him amidst his own issues while helping Lesley with her insecurity issues.

Amy Ryan is brilliant as Riggan’s ex-wife Sylvia who tries to understand what Riggan is going through as well as expressing concern for Sam and their troubled relationship. Emma Stone is incredible as Sam as Riggan’s recovering drug-addict daughter who is working as her father’s assistant as she tries to deal with her dad while flirting with Shiner to cope with her anger towards her dad. Edward Norton is superb as Mike Shiner as this arrogant theater actor who craves for realism in every aspect of the performance as he makes Riggan insecure while being a dick to everyone but Sam. Finally, there’s Michael Keaton in an outstanding performance as Riggan Thompson as this once-famous film star who tries to mount his comeback on Broadway as he deals with his ego, his issues as a man, and all sorts of things as it’s a performance that has Keaton be quite funny but also lay it on the line with monologues and scenes about the art of acting as it’s really a performance for the ages.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a magnificent film from Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu that features a tour-de-force performance from Michael Keaton. Along with a strong supporting cast as well as amazing technical work from Emmanuel Lubezki and Antonio Sanchez’s brilliant score. It’s a film that definitely blurs the line between the world of art and reality as well as being a film that features technical feats that isn’t seen very often in mainstream films. In the end, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a gloriously tremendous film from Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Films: Amores Perros - The Hire-Powder Keg - 11'9'01-September 11-Mexico - 21 Grams - Babel - To Each His Own Cinema-Anna - Biutiful - The Revenant - The Auteurs #45: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

© thevoid99 2014

Up in the Air

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 12/25/09 w/ Additional Edits.

Based on the novel by Walter Kirn, Up in the Air tells the story of a corporate downsizer whose job is to fly around the world to fire people from their jobs while hoping to reach his goal of a large frequent flyer numbers. During his journey, the man accompanies a young woman doing the same but with new technology while he falls for a traveling woman who also shares his philosophies about traveling. Directed by Jason Reitman with an adapted screenplay by Reitman and Sheldon Turner. The film is an exploration of a man's empty life and the world he surrounds himself in during a tumultuous time where the recession is hitting hard in the world. Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Danny McBride, Melanie Lynskey, Amy Morton, Sam Elliot, Zach Galifianakis, and appearances from J.K. Simmons and Jason Bateman. Up in the Air is a witty yet harrowing drama about isolation and the world that revolves around a single man.

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a man whose job is to fly from city to city where he tells people that they're fired. The reaction to those who are fired is shocking yet Bingham isn't really concerned with people's feelings as he's just there to do a job. Bingham flies millions of miles throughout the year hoping to reach the goal of 10 million frequent flyer miles to be part of a rare, prestigious club. When he's not flying or working, he lives in an apartment that he is rarely at in Omaha. On his spare time, Bingham also gives seminars on how to live a life without attachments where during those travels, he meets with another traveler named Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga) where the two share an attraction towards each other.

When Bingham is called back to Omaha by his boss Craig Gregory (Jason Bateman), Bingham learns of a new strategy that could impact his job and lifestyle. A new young employee named Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) has just introduced the idea of firing people through the Internet and on video screen. Upon the realization that Natalie has little experience in interacting face-to-face with the people she's to fire, Gregory decides to have Natalie accompany Bingham so she can have experience. Bingham reluctantly takes her in while showing her the ropes on how to travel and how to do things properly. Natalie becomes unaware of the emotional implications of what to do when firing people as she angers a fired employee (J.K. Simmons) where Bingham would calm the man down.

With Bingham's own personal life having little attachment as he learned his younger sister Julie (Melanie Lynskey) is about to get married. He is asked by his sister Kara (Amy Morton) to take pictures with a cardboard picture of Julie and her fiancee Jim (Danny McBride) in various places. Bingham reluctantly does with help from Natalie and during a stop in Miami, he meets up with Alex again as she shares her own philosophies of life to Natalie as they crash a party. With Natalie still trying to get her footing on how to fire people as well as the way Bingham's life works. She and Bingham are suddenly called back to Omaha as Bingham makes some unexpected moves on his own in choosing to go to his sister's wedding. During this visit where Alex accompanies him, Bingham begins to question his own life along with his growing attraction to Alex.

The film is about a traveling man traveling all across the country doing his own thing without any kinds of attachment to anyone or anything. Yet, he would end up meeting people that would change all of these philosophies that he lives by while pondering about his own lifestyle. The film itself is an existential drama with dabbles of humor. Yet, it all centers around the character of Ryan Bingham. A man who loves his job, loves to fly, loves to live in nice hotels, and have all of the benefits. Yet, he would often be attached to a woman in Alex, who does the same as they're attracted to each other. When he takes Natalie on board as his new protegee, Bingham is suddenly faced with questions from Natalie about his lifestyle and his goals. Bingham avoids them only to realize that Natalie might have a point near the end of the film.

The screenplay that Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner is wonderfully structured from the first act of Bingham's world and the introduction of Natalie where he bring her on his travels. The second being his increased attraction to Alex and guiding Natalie into this cruel world of firing people. All of this would lead to a dramatic third act that would impact not just Bingham's own development and feelings about the world. It would also impact about the people around him where there is a harsh revelation about Alex along with Natalie's own feelings about the world. Along the way in the journey, there's moments where all three characters would learn about themselves and have fun as the lesson in life is there's no life without interaction or attachments.

The script Reitman and Turner creates definitely raises questions about existentialism and the way the world works. Even as it is told at the right place and right time when America as of late 2009 is still going through a horrible recession where people are losing their jobs. The reactions of the people who are fired are told realistically of what they could be going through or what they went through. While to Bingham, it may not affect him very much but to someone as young as Natalie. It's a cruel reminder of the way the world is as her idea to fire people through the computer without human interaction would change her in such a way. Notably in a tragic moment in the third act that would impact not just Natalie but also Bingham in relation to what Natalie is feeling.

The screenplay definitely features some amazing writing in its dialogue and moments of humor. Yet, it's Reitman's direction of the film itself that is truly stunning. From the opening credit sequence of ariel shots of various cities and landscapes to his engaging compositions of everything he's shooting at the airport, hotels, and various cities. It's as if Reitman is taking the audience onto a journey from city to city where as troubled as it is. America is still a beautiful and interesting place from the ariel shots of the cities at night to the airports they're at. Yet, Reitman's direction is filled with close-ups and zooms to emphasize what is happening to the characters. Even as they're facing the emotional upheaval of what they're doing or going through. Even if it's a funny moment where something isn't meant to be funny but can come across as something that is quite hilarious.

The sarcastic humor that Reitman creates works in its sense of rhythm that keeps the film going. The dramatic staging that Reitman does is superb as he knows where to distance himself from he and the actors as they're performing. Yet, some of those dramatic moments and compositions do create moments that are stunning. Notably in the world of Ryan Bingham as he faces the idea of isolation and trying to find some meaning in his life. The result of these intimate moments, light comical moments, and intense, heavy sequences and compositions show that Jason Reitman is becoming a director that will engage the audiences with themes and ideas as he is really just getting started.

Cinematographer Eric Steelberg does brilliant work with the film's photography from darkly-lit but colorful interior nighttime scenes at the bar where Alex and Ryan meets to the bright colors in the interiors of the airports that Ryan frequents in. Even in some shots where things are a little grey in the exterior scenes as Steelberg's work is phenomenal. Editor Dana E. Glauberman is excellent in its rhythmic pacing, straight-cuts and transitions while moving the film quite leisurely for the most part. Even in scenes where it's funny or for dramatic effect.

Production designer Steve Saklad with set decorator Linda Lee Sutton and art director Andrew Max Cahn do great work in the art direction of the film. From the look of the party that Ryan, Alex, and Natalie crash to the hotel rooms, and even Ryan's own apartment home which looks somewhat empty all have something to say in Ryan's life. The costume design of Danny Glicker is really good from the suits that Ryan wears along with the business-woman clothes that Alex and Natalie wears where Alex has a sexier look with Natalie a more uptight look to emphasize their characters. Sound editors Barney Cabral, Perry Robertson, and Scott Sanders do fine work in the film's sound from the way airplanes sound in and out, the intimate sounds of the conferences that Ryan speaks in, and the atmosphere of Natalie talking through people in the computer in their termination as it's done quite superbly.

The music score by Rolfe Kent is lightly playful and subtle to emphasize on Ryan's continuing journey in life and the people he encounters. Yet, the soundtrack compiled by Randall Poster and Rick Clark is wonderful with songs by Sharon King and the Dap-Kings, Graham Nash, Elliot Smith, Charles Atlas, and Crosby, Stills, & Nash in playing up to the journey of Ryan Bingham.

The casting by Mindy Marin is superb with some cameo appearances from Young MC at the party Ryan, Alex, and Natalie crash in along with J.K. Simmons and Zach Galifianakis as terminated employees. Simmons as a hardened, bitter man who plays it quite straight while Galifianakis does a great job in playing up for laughs in his own fantasies about being fired. Sam Elliot also makes a funny cameo appearance as an airline pilot who sits with Ryan. Danny McBride is very good in a very understated yet restrained role as Ryan's soon-to-be brother-in-law while Melanie Lynskey is wonderful as Ryan's younger sister. Amy Morton is fine in a small but memorable role as Ryan's older sister who is not happy about his lifestyle choice while Jason Bateman is great as Ryan's smarmy boss.

Anna Kendrick is superb in a real breakthrough role as Natalie Keener. Already known for a fantastic role in Rocket Science and more recently, in the Twilight film series, Kendrick delivers in being a great foil of sorts for George Clooney while going head-to-head about the way things are. Kendrick is also funny and dramatic as she not only steals a few scenes from Clooney but makes her character to be very memorable and realistic about how young people are trying to figure out the world. Vera Farmiga is excellent as Alex, a sexy woman who likes to travel and do all sorts of fun things with Ryan Bingham. Yet, there's also someone who has seen a lot in life in a character like Alex as she helps not only guide Natalie through the world of adulthood but also help Ryan find a world other than traveling that would later be part of a very dramatic set-up. Farmiga's performance is definitely phenomenal as she definitely can go toe-to-toe with someone as big as George Clooney.

George Clooney, himself, delivers in what is definitely his best dramatic role yet. While Clooney is a movie star who can deliver the goods in a performance. He's also an actor that will provide the right notes in a performance. Maybe not in the style of a method actor like Sean Penn or as grandiose as Daniel Day-Lewis. Yet, Clooney's performance as Ryan Bingham is very realistic in its development of a man in an existential journey where he not only tries to fight in saving a lifestyle that he only knows. He would end going into a realization that living life without attachments aren't really worth living. It's a remarkable performance from Clooney who not only can dominate a scene but is willing to share it with other actors, notably Farmiga and Kendrick. What Clooney creates is a role that is shows his range as an actor while giving it a personality that only Clooney can create.

Up in the Air is an amazing film from Jason Reitman and company with great performances from George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick. Audiences who want to see witty films that is entertaining and smart will definitely enjoy this. Though at times, the tone is bleak, it's a film that really tells a story that is relevant and what is happening while telling stories about the way life works. For fans of Jason Reitman, this film will truly show a massive stepping stone into his career as it is clear that he will become a director to watch in the years to come. In the end, Up in the Air is a remarkable achievement from Jason Reitman while giving its star George Clooney one of his best roles yet.

Jason Reitman Films: Thank You for Smoking - Juno - Young Adult - Labor Day - (Men, Women, & Children) - Tully - The Front Runner - Ghostbusters: Afterlife - The Auteurs #30: Jason Reitman

© thevoid99 2011

Into the Wild

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 10/6/07 w/ Additional Edits & Revisions.

Jon Krakauer's 1996 novel Into the Wild about the late Christopher McCandless and his exploration into the Alaskan wilderness. The story of a young man who came from a wealthy suburb in West Virginia and to rebel against his upbringing by taking a life-changing journey proved to be inspirational. One of those readers was actor Sean Penn whose work as a director such films as The Indian Runner, The Crossing Guard, and The Pledge has given him critical acclaim for his unique take on films. For his fourth feature in the directing front, Penn tells the inspirational tale of late, young life of Christopher McCandless.

Adapted into a script by Penn and the book's novelist Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild is a film about Christopher McCandless who leaves his tumultuous family life in West Virginia to take a road trip of sorts towards his destination in Alaska. During his trip, he encounters various people and such while dealing with his troubled family life that included his bickering parents and his loving sister.

In the role of Christopher McCandless is Emile Hirsch, who is known for his unique performances from mainstream films like The Girl Next Door and The Lords of Dogtown to more independent fare like The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys and Imaginary Heroes. Also starring William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart, Zach Galifianakis, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn, and Hirsch's Dangerous Lives co-star Jena Malone as his sister Carine. Into the Wild is a poignant, complex, and eerie film from Sean Penn.

After graduating from Emory College in Georgia in 1990, Christopher Johnson McCandless meets his parents Walt (William Hurt) and Billie (Marcia Gay Harden) and his younger sister Carine for dinner as they offer to buy him a new car to replace his old one. Though he politely declines, he bids them farewell as he decides to disappear for two years to go on a trip to the Alaskan wilderness under his new alias Alexander Supertramp. Getting rid of his ID card and giving his grant money to charity, Christopher goes on his journey where he later rids of his car and finances. After meeting a hippie couple in Rainey (Brian Dierker) and Jan Burres (Catherine Keener), he finds common ground over his disdain towards the material world that he felt trapped by from his life with his parents.

Continuing on his journey towards north, he stops at South Dakota where he works for a harvester named Wayne (Vince Vaughn) who gives him advice on what to do before arriving into Alaska. After a stop in Washington as he leaves his books under the bridge, he goes kayak rafting on the Colorado River without a permit as he meets a Danish couple (Thure Lindhardt and Signe Egholm Olsen) on the way to Mexico. Sneaking back to the U.S. via train, he arrives at Los Angeles only wanting to go further away as he returns to Washington to meet up with Jan and Rainey where he meets a young teenage girl named Tracy. After some time with Tracy, Jan, and Rainey, Christopher goes on another trip before arriving into Alaska where he meets an old man named Ron Franz (Hal Holbrook).

Ron befriends Christopher as he gives him some wisdom about what to do before going to Alaska as Christopher finally arrives in mid-1992 for a life of adventure. Living in an abandoned bus that he calls the "Magic Bus", he finds himself confronting his own past as well as the harsh world of nature itself.

While the story of Christopher McCandless is a tragic one, that doesn't mean his story is one that is both inspiration and cautious. It's really about a young man who tries to find himself in a world that he doesn't know only to reflect on the things he fears from. While a few changes were made in the adaptation, Penn's script that includes narration written by Susan Olds along with contribution from the real-life Carine McCandless and Jena Malone. The narrative style is more straight forward as it moves back-and-forth into McCandless' experience in the Alaskan wilderness and his journey. A third narrative is also told, this is from the perspective of Carine McCandless about the family's struggles and how Christopher had been angry at them that included some harsh, family secrets.

Penn's approach to the script and its multi-layered narrative is definitely wonderful as it doesn't lag or feel rushed. Rather in making a film that's conventional and in a Hollywood style. Penn definitely draws from the inspiration of Terrence Malick in terms of its voice-over narration as well as his naturalistic-imagery that often includes wonderful shots of nature. While a lot of the visual and storytelling ideas are definitely Malick-esque, by the time McCandless struggles with nature's harsh realities, the film becomes darker in a way that would be from the viewpoint of Werner Herzog.

Still, Penn chooses to focus on Christopher McCandless. Despite some of his ideas and excitement for adventure, here's a man that's also very flawed. Penn doesn't portray him as a hero nor as a tragic figure but rather a human being who doesn't truly understand the world and how he ends up struggling with nature's harsh realities. While Penn's direction is solid throughout the entire film. Shooting on location in Alaska as well as all of the places McCandless went where the camera is in the river and kayaking through the rapids. It does have a few flaws, notably the ending. It's not the content or what is shown. Rather the approach to what happens yet, some might like it, some won't. Still, the enchanting approach to the film and all of its imagery shows that Sean Penn is getting better as a director.

Cinematographer Eric Gautier brings some wonderful camera work to the film and most of all, it's exterior sequences that includes wonderful evening, nighttime shots of the outside world. Including some amazing shots of the city from afar. Gautier also uses some grainy camera work to convey the emotions of Christopher's mind in relating to his parents in the flashback sequences. Longtime Penn collaborator in editor Jay Cassidy brings some wonderful cuts to convey the sense of emotion as well as humor of Christopher McCandless that works in every level to give the film some relief from its heavy-drama. Sound designer Martin Hernandez does some wonderful work in the sound to convey the atmosphere and location of where Christopher is that includes the noise of winds, animals, and cars as Hernandez' work is amazing.

Production designer Derek Hill and art director Domenic Silvestri do some wonderful work in re-creating the beaten bus as well as the hippie-commune that Jan and Rainey live in. Costume designer Mary Claire Hannan also does great work with the hippie clothing in those scenes along with the realistic clothing of Christopher McCandless. The film’s music and score by Michael Brook is mostly acoustic tracks with contributions from Khaki King. The music plays to the sense of poignancy and adventure while the rest of the soundtrack includes songs by Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder. Vedder's songs are wonderful with its mix of acoustic and rock-like ballads that are almost reminiscent of work of Cat Stevens. Vedder's music is also poignant for its emotion and how it captures the mind of Christopher McCandless.

The film's cast is very unique with notable small appearances from Zach Galifianakis, Steven Wiig, Thure Lindhardt, Signe Egholm Olsen, Cheryl Francis Harrington as a social worker, and Bryce Walters and Haley Ramm in their respective roles as the young Christopher and Carine McCandless. Hal Holbrook's appearance is very memorable as a grandfather-like figure who bonds with Christopher while telling him about ideas of the world and the opportunities he's wasting. The last shot of Holbrook in the film is really one of the most emotional. Brian Dieker and Catherine Keener are wonderful as this old hippie couple who, like Christopher, try to live without society's rules with Keener giving the stronger performance as a woman dealing with the past life she's left behind.

Kristen Stewart is wonderful as the charming young girl who falls for Christopher while proving her talents as a singer where she has this wonderfully sexy yet ragged look. Vince Vaughn strays from his typical, comedic persona for a very memorable, wild performance as Wayne. A man who gives Christopher a job while giving him more pointers on adventure and the world as Vaughn is just amazing. William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden are wonderfully portrayed as Christopher's parents whose life takes a turn after his appearance. The despair as well as the fact that despite their problems, they're not portrayed as bad people but rather loving parents despite Christopher's point-of-view early in the film.

While Jena Malone's appearance is minimal, her contribution in her performance as Carine is just brilliant in being the film’s lone observant. With little dialogue Malone gives in her performance, it's her voice-over narration that is really striking as she plays the observer and how she is the one trying to deal with his disappearance and being the only one to understand why. Her voice-over work and contributions is more reason into why she remains overlooked among her 20-something acting peers.

The film's real star is Emile Hirsch in what is definitely a career performance for the young actor. Hirsch brings the kind of innocence, humor, energy, and excitement into the character that is a joy to watch. The scene where he talks to an apple he’s eating is fun to watch while he brings a lot of life to the film and character. When he is forced to engage into more darker territory, Hirsch really shows his depth as an actor as the scenes where he's really struggling shows his complexity. This is no doubt a performance that will be very memorable and hopefully, Emile Hirsch won't be overlooked come Oscar time.

While not a perfect film, Into the Wild is still an enchanting yet harrowing film from Sean Penn and probably his best work to date as a director. With a great cast that is led by Emile Hirsch in a superb performance. Fans of films about nature will no doubt love the inspiring world that is Alaska while seeing the wonders of the American wilderness in all of beauty and ugliness. While it's a long film with a running time of almost two-and-a-half hours, it's one that is worth seeing on the big screen. In the end, Into the Wild is an amazingly, sprawling film from Sean Penn.

Sean Penn Films: (The Indian Runner) - (The Crossing Guard) - (The Pledge) - 11'9"01-September 11 (USA)

Eddie Vedder-Into the Wild OST

(C) thevoid99 2011

The Hangover

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 12/26/09 w/ Additional Edits.

Already known for such comedy hits such as Old School and a film version of the hit 70s cop show Starsky & Hutch. Todd Phillips is one of the new breed of comedy directors who delves into the world of raunchy humor. 2006's Schools for Scoundrels with Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder wasn't a hit film with audiences or critics that put a dent of Phillips' streak of hit comedies that began with 2000's Road Trip. In 2009, Phillips rebounded in a big way with what turned out to be the biggest hit comedy of that year about a group of guys trying to figure what happened one night in Las Vegas through a slew of mayhem entitled The Hangover.

Directed by Todd Phillips and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore with un-credited rewrites from Phillips and Jeremy Garelick. The Hangover tells the story of four guys going to Las Vegas to celebrate a man's upcoming wedding. The next day, three of the men are hung-over as they find a tiger in their bathroom suite, a baby, and memory loss as the groom is missing. Meanwhile, they encounter a stripper, a gang of Chinese gangsters, and other strange occurrences in a crazy weekend. Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Sasha Baresse, Rachael Harris, Ken Jeong, Mike Epps, and Jeffrey Tambor. The Hangover is a witty film that doesn't reach a lot of laughs despite an excellent concept.

Doug (Justin Bartha) is about to get married his longtime girlfriend Tracy (Sasha Baresse) as he decides to go out on a weekend to Las Vegas. Joining him is Tracy's socially-awkward brother Alan (Zach Galifianakis) who is excited to go on the trip. Even as he will be taking the vintage Mercedes owned by Alan's father (Jeffrey Tambor). Joining them on the trip to Vegas is Doug's friends Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms). Phil hopes from a break from his family life and work as a schoolteacher while Stu plans to propose to his longtime but very strict girlfriend Melissa (Rachael Harris). Arriving into Vegas where they stay at a luxurious suite, everyone is having a good time as they drink a shot of alcohol on the roof of the hotel they're staying.

The next morning, no one knows exactly what happens as Alan finds a tiger at a bathroom along with a baby in the closet, a hospital bracelet in Phil's wrists, and Stu missing a tooth. Doug is also missing as they also learn that they had stolen a police car that the valet gave them as they go to the hospital where they have traces of roofies in their blood stream. Learning that they were at a wedding that crazy night where Stu learns he has married a stripper named Jade (Heather Graham), they go to a wedding chapel where they encounter a couple of Asian gangsters shooting and beating up the police car. After finding Jade at her apartment where she's revealed to be the mother of the baby. They are suddenly caught by a couple of police officers (Rob Riggle & Cleo King) who are the original drives of the police car.

After taking part in a police exercise in exchange for their freedom, they also got back the Mercedes where on their way back to the hotel. They find someone in the trunk as it's revealed to be a naked Asian man (Ken Jeong) who beats them up as their day gets worse as Alan reveals the source of where he got the roofies thinking it was ecstacy. Returning to their hotel room, they get a surprise visit from Mike Tyson who was looking for his stolen tiger demanding that they give it back to him. Returning the tiger to Tyson proved to be troubling as they tried to drug the tiger only to wake up at the Mercedes while Tyson reveals the tape of what happened that night. After getting attacked by Asian gangsters that was led by the naked man who is named Leslie Chow. Chow demands $80,000 that he was owed or else Doug will be killed. With Doug's life in the hands of Chow, it's up to Alan's knowledge of card-counting to help them get the money with help from Jade as they succeed but end up with a surprise of their own as they wondered what the hell went wrong.

The story about three guys trying to find their friend while figuring out what the hell happened on a night they don't remember at all is definitely a great idea for a comedy. The problem is that it doesn't entirely work in its execution. There's some moments that are humorous and engaging to watch while the script is well-structured in its set-up. It's just that the script doesn't set-up the comedy as well as it should've been. There's time where the audience knows what will happen and it's not executed in a great way. At the same time, director Todd Phillips goes for moments of raunchy humor but it doesn't really hold itself together as a film. The better moments of Phillips' direction is when there's a surprise cameo from Mike Tyson that is funny along with scenes where Phil, Alan, and Stu are just trying to figure out what's going on in such a subtle presentation. Despite a lot of its flaws and shortcomings, Phillips does create a film that is watchable and engaging in its premise.

Cinematographer Lawrence Sher does nice work with the colorful look of the film, notably the nighttime flashy exterior of Las Vegas including some dark colors for the interior scenes at the home of Mike Tyson. Editor Debra Neil-Fisher does fine work with the editing in creating fast-paced moments to keep the film going along with the comedic moments while it's mostly leisurely paced for the most part. Production designer Bill Brzeski with set decorator Danielle Berman and art directors Andrew Max Cahn & A. Todd Holland do some good work in the look of the suite that the guys stay along with the look of the wedding chapel that they go to. Costume designer Louise Mingenbach is also good for the dresses that Jade wears and the casual clothes that the men wear. Sound designer Tim Chau does some fine work in the sound for some of the film's action-like sequences and location scenes.

The music by Christophe Beck is pretty good for its funk-keyboard style and comical musical sequences. Yet, the film's soundtrack is mostly filled with party songs and such from the likes of the Baha Men, Phil Collins (with singing by Mike Tyson), Wolfmother, Usher, Kanye West, T.I. & Rhianna, the Donnas, the Belle Stars doing Iko Iko in a funny reference to Rain Man, Danzig, and members of the cast singing their own original songs which are quite funny. Another notable soundtrack regular of Todd Phillips work is the Dan Band performing raunchy version of some 80s classics.

The casting by Juel Bestrop and Seth Yanklewitz is pretty good with some cameo appearances from Wayne Newton, Carrot Top, and most of all, Mike Tyson as himself in a very funny performance. Small roles like director Todd Phillips as a creepy guy in the elevator, Ian Anthony Dale and Michael Li as Chow's henchman, Mike Epps as an inept drug dealer, Bryan Callen as a wedding chapel owner, Sasha Baresse as Doug's fiancee, Matt Walsh as a doctor, and Jeffrey Tambor as Alan's dad are pretty good. Rachael Harris is intense as Stu's girlfriend Melissa though she doesn't have much to work with. Cleo King and Rob Riggle are funny as two angry cops who decides to abuse Stu, Phil, and Alan in front of kids at the expense of their amusement. Ken Jeong is kind of funny as an effeminate Chinese gangster in Leslie Chow that Jeong does go overboard with his performance at times.

In a role that was originally slated for Lindsay Lohan, Heather Graham is pretty good as Jade. A stripper with a heart of gold who helps the guys win money while helping Stu loosen up. Justin Bartha is decent as Doug, the groom who goes missing though he doesn't get much to do but be calm and then disappear throughout most of the film. Ed Helms is also good as the straight-man of the group in Stu, a man fearful of his girlfriend's anger as he loses a tooth and deal with the fact that he has to grow some guts in order to be a man. Bradley Cooper is excellent as Phil, a man wanting some freedom from his stressful family life as Cooper plays it straight for the most part of the film while saying some funny lines. Zach Galifianakis is alright as Alan, Doug's soon-to-be brother-in-law who is socially awkward as he tries to fit in where Galifianakis provides some funny moments. Mostly without pants.

While The Hangover doesn't have some of the off-kilter humor of Todd Phillips' previous films, it is still a decent comedy from the director with a good cast and premise. Fans of raunchy comedy will definitely enjoy this in what has definitely been a very down year for comedies. For anyone that wants something wild and fun to watch, The Hangover is the film to go see. Audiences with a much broader idea of comedy might best go for something else.

(C) thevoid99 2011