Kill Your Darlings

Movie Name: Kill your Darlings
Year of Release: 2013

Director: John Krokidas

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall, Jack Huston, Ben Foster, David Cross, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Elizabeth Olsen, John Cullum

Genre: Drama

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

"Kill your Darlings" is the feature debut from John Krokidas. It follows the coming of age story of American poet Allen Ginsberg and his relationship with Lucien Carr. The film introduces us to Allen Ginsberg, as he's about to go to college, and leaving behind a family life that is in shambles (with his unstable mother and father who has checked out). Once in college, Allen comes across the charismatic Lucien Carr, who is involved with an individual by the name of David Kammerer. Allen becomes tangled in a literary circle that also includes Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs, which expands his notions of writing, of life and also of his own sexuality. In fact he becomes very affectionate towards Lucien Carr, who while trying to dismiss David's attentions, ends up dramatically changing the lives of everyone.
John Krokidas builds with "Kill your Darlings" a portrait/snapshot of the beat generation movement. The ghosts of the war, the exploration of sexuality for new artists, experimentation with drugs, the fluid movement of music, all permeating and influencing what would become the next generation of writers and artists. The film is successful in it's depiction of the insecurities of young Allen Ginsberg, his attempts at finding his own artistic voice, and ultimately at finding his own sense of self (including his sexuality). The relationship that Allen slowly builds with Lucien Carr is one of mutual exploration for both young men, though it's ultimate resolution reveals more about the prejudices of those times.  The acting is uniformly good, with Daniel Radcliffe creating a young and emotional Allen Ginsberg, while Dane DeHaan is more cerebral and aloof as Lucien. The supporting cast is equally good, with highlights going to Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael C. Hall. A good film worth watching.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Movie Name: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Francis Lawrence

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen, Toby Jones, Patrick St. Esprit, Willow Shields

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

The sequel to the highly successful "Hunger Games" is back, this time directed by the competent Francis Lawrence. The film picks up after the events of the first one: Katniss Everdeen has returned to her district after winning the games, and in the process she, alongside Peeta, have become symbols for all the people being oppressed by the regime led by President Snow. In order to silence these insurgencies that are starting to pop up, celebratory games are devised, where the participants are selected from all the winners from previous games. Katniss and Peeta once again get dragged to this mortal game, where they have to forge alliances to keep themselves alive, in what is a different game setting for all of them.
Francis Lawrence is a director who has tackled both comic book characters (in his debut "Constantine") and big literary successes (both "I Am Legend" and "Water for Elephants"). In tackling "Hunger Games: Catching Fire", Francis Lawrence decided to pick up what Gary Ross had done with the first film, and expand the canvas. He has benefited from a bigger budget, which definitely gives the film a more polished and sophisticated look. Where the film clearly moves forward is in the production values that it showcases - from the special effects, through production design and even costume design. The screenplay in itself is a progression when compared to the previous film - it's cleverly constructed and allows the characters to have further depth, as opposed to being scared and frantic. The film has a fantastic cast, and they make the action believable and entertaining. A good entertainment, worth watching.

Dallas Buyers Club

Movie Name: Dallas Buyers Club
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn, Denis O'Hare, Dallas Roberts, Kevin Rankin, Griffin Dunne, Michael O'Neill, J.D. Evermore

Genre: Drama

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

Director Jean-Marc Vallee's "Dallas Buyers Club" follows the true story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician and rodeo bull rider, who in 1985 discovers he's been infected with HIV. Ron goes through the process of denial, and eventually comes to grips with the fact that this deadly disease is causing the demise of millions of people. Ron starts investigating ways to get on AZT trials, and finds out much to his dismay, that the medication is expensive and difficult to obtain. At the end of his wits, he decides to go to Mexico, where he finds alternative ways to battle the ailment with different drugs, not approved by the FDA. Upon his returns to the US, he starts providing people with these drugs, with the assistance of a young transvestite, by the name of Rayon.
The "Dallas Buyers Club" is a film that anchors itself on the fantastic work of the cast it has assembled and the poignant story of it's main lead. The homophobic Ron Woodroof, is charismatic and impulsive, but also holds on to his life with everything he has. His resilience and persistence is a testament to the capability of human beings to pursue life above all and against all obstacles. The film details his misadventures, since the time he discovers his diagnosis, but falters in giving some additional ground for it's supporting characters, namely Rayon and Dr. Eve Saks. Both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto go through startling physical transformations (that are quite impressive), both creating characters that indelible and unforgettable in their own terms. Jennifer Garner ends up with the more grounded character, as does the talented Denis O'Hare, however their characters are simple sketches without much depth. An interesting film worth watching.

All is Lost

Movie Name: All is Lost
Year of Release: 2013

Director: J.C. Chandor

Stars: Robert Redford

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 8

Synopsis:

Director J.C. Chandor is back, after his impressive feature debut with "Margin Call". "All is Lost" follows the story of a man who is crossing the Indian Ocean on his own, and who wakes up one day to discover his yacht has collided with a shipping container dumped in the ocean. This resourceful man manages to patch the damage the best way possible, but his situation goes from bad to worse, when a storm of epic proportions hits him, destroying his ship beyond redemption. His only alternative is to seek refuge on a raft and salvage whatever food and water he has left. Through his resources and intelligence, the man manages to overcome further obstacles, in the hopes of reaching an area where he can be hopefully spotted by a ship.
"All is Lost" is a seemingly straightforward story - how a man of a certain age and experience survives at sea on his own. But beyond that it also becomes the story of a person coming to terms with the certainty of his own demise. The main character is put through so many obstacles, so much torment that by the end of the film, it's only understandable his state of mental and physical fatigue.
The film provides a great canvas for Robert Redford to play one of his rugged and stoic heroes. However unlike some of his previous efforts, this is an every day man trying to survive a battle that far surpasses his means. The cinematography from Frank G. DeMarco and Peter Zuccarini is stunning. A great film worth watching.

Thor: The Dark World

Movie Name: Thor: The Dark World
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Alan Taylor

Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Christopher Eccleston, Jaimie Alexander, Zachary Levi, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgard, Alice Krige

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:

Following the success of the first "Thor" and "The Avengers", the sequel to the Marvel comics hero is here. The film follows the aftermath of the events of the "The Avengers" storyline - Thor is establishing peace in multiple realms, missing his dearly beloved Jane Foster who is on Earth. Loki in the meantime, is a prisoner in Asgard, all the while an ancient race, the Dark Elves, are looming in the darkness, unbeknown to the heroes, waiting to unleash a deadly weapon and destroy the Universe. It's up to Thor, Jane and their friends on Earth, to stop this deadly foe and vanquish the imminent darkness.
The Marvel studios films are becoming like standard products every year, churning out films that promise more visual gimmickry, spectacle on a grandiose scale that are always topping each other out. This year already had the wonderful "Iron Man 3", directed by Shane Black and featuring a very inspired screenplay, which elevated the film to a different level. "Thor: The Dark World", doesn't benefit of the same kind of humor, and the character at certain times feels almost too serious for it's own good, but there's no doubt that this film, as most of the films coming out from Marvel, are very well assembled products that allow for a good amount of entertainment.  Are these films ultimately becoming more anonymous in terms of direction? The answer is yes - Alan Taylor, the director of "Thor", does not have the credits brought in by Kenneth Branagh for the previous Thor adventure, but he manages to give the film a more rugged and textured look. As entertainment goes, this is a film that allows for the viewer to enjoy the time being dazzled by the beautiful frames on display and artistry of the special effects. The actors are uniformly competent, but it's still puzzling why someone like Natalie Portman ends up playing parts that are so very underwritten. Entertaining.

La Vie D'Adele/Blue is the Warmest Color

Movie Name: La Vie D'Adele
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Abdellatif Kechiche

Stars: Adele Exarchopoulos, Lea Seydoux, Salim Kechiouche, Aurelien Recoing, Catherine Salee, Benjamin Siksou, Mona Walravens, Alma Jodorowsky

Genre: Drama, Romance

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 9

Synopsis:

"La Vie D'Adele" is this year's winner of the Palm D'Or and brings forward the talent of the director Abdellatif Kechiche, and the two main actresses, Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux, all three having shared that main award. The film follows the story of a young high school student, Adele, who is an average young girl, with dreams of becoming a teacher surrounded by children, whom she adores. Adele is also wrestling with her awakening feelings towards women, and those come rushing in when she meets the beautiful Emma (and her blue hair). Both girls start a friendship, Emma being an older art student who guides Adele, and that initial platonic friendship slowly becomes an amorous relationship.
"Blue is the Warmest Color" functions as an intimate portrait of the growth of a young woman into adulthood and into her own skin. Adele goes through the conflicts of understanding her own desire and where she wants to be in life, and the audience partakes in that intimate journey. Emma is the other side of this journey, a young woman who has understood her choices, and how she wants to live her life. Both these young women become involved in a relationship that is erotic, intimate, adult - they make their life visible to us, the audience, in a way that is almost voyeuristic. The two main actresses make this film utterly vivid, authentic and imminently realistic, and deserve all the praise they've been getting. A fantastic film worth watching.

Great Expectations

Movie Name: Great Expectations
Year of Release: 2012

Director: Mike Newell

Stars: Jeremy Irvine, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Holliday Grainger, Robbie Coltrane, Toby Irvine, Sally Hawkins, Jason Flemyng, David Walliams, Olly Alexander, Ewen Bremner, Ben Lloyd-Hughes

Genre: Drama, Romance

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

Prolific and eclectic director Mike Newell is back, after his big budget extravaganza that was "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". His latest feature is an adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, that has seen quite a few iconic adaptations, the latest of which was directed by Alfonso Cuaron in 1998 and featured Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft and Robert De Niro. The film follows the story of young Pip, an orphan under the care of his older sister. Pip on one of his excursions to visit his parents graves in the cemetery, comes across a convicted criminal on the run, who threatens and begs Pip for help. Pip acquiesces, though the criminal is shackled again the following day. Pip also starts visiting the eccentric Ms. Havisham, a rich recluse lady living close by, who has an adopted daughter by the name of Estella. Pip develops strong affections for her, and as the years pass by, Pip continues to learn his trade as blacksmith, until he receives the news he has received an inheritance.
"Great Expectations" is a novel that has had quite a large number of adaptations, the most iconic being the 1946 one, directed by David Lean, featuring John Mills, Alec Guinness and Finlay Currie. Mike Newell is a director who has always transitioned between different genres with a certain ease, and also without much distinction in his style and perspective (he started his career working in television for many years). This adaptation is faithful to the novel and aims to portray with a certain degree of realism the streets of London in the early 19th century. The director succeeds in bringing verisimilitude to what is on screen, and much of that comes from the stunning production design, cinematography and superb casting. Though there's no genial vision behind this adaptation, the film is nonetheless engaging and an interesting interpretation of a classic novel. The actors are wonderful, in particular Helena Bonham Carter (spot on casting) and the always phenomenal Ralph Fiennes. A film worth watching.

Ender's Game

Movie Name: Ender's Game
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Gavin Hood

Stars: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Viola Davis, Ben Kingsley, Aramis Knight, Suraj Partha, Moises Arias, Nonso Anozie, Khylin Rambo, Conor Carroll

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:

Following the abysmal reviews that greeted Gavin Hood's previous directorial effort, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", the director went to television, and finally has returned to the big screen with an adaptation of the novel "Ender's Game".
The film follows the story of Ender, the main hero, a teenage boy who is being trained to be a commander of Earth's forces in the battle against alien invasions. Earth has been invaded previously, and fearing another attack from alien creatures, young boys and girls are being trained from a young age to develop skills on how to battle these creatures. Ender is a young boy who is possessed of amazing skills and intelligence, and that propels him to the top of his classes (also making him a target for bullies). He catches the eye of Colonel Graff, who sees in him the salvation of the Planet and who decides to groom him in that direction.
"Ender's Game" is a step forward for Gavin Hood - though far from a perfect feature, it's a well executed and visually stupendous film. The film, as has been the case with the director's previous directorial outings, falters in the dramatic tissue that brings the feature to life. There is a certain stiffness in the way the characters are brought to life and how their interaction exists (within the cliches that are created). In the end, the film functions as a showcase for fantastic visual effects - watching those young boys and girls playing with lives (digital ones) as if they are playing with video games, is one of the philosophical question that it poses (without many answers in the aftermath). The film allows for some good work from actors such as Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, Ben Kingsley and Asa Butterfield, who all manage not to be bypassed by the overwhelming panoply of visual effects. The cinematography from Donald McAlpine and the music from Steve Jablonsky are equally memorable. A film worth watching.

Halloween Wallpapers!

Halloween is upon us, and with that comes a different type of candy - visual eye candy. Check it here!

The Counselor

Movie Name: The Counselor
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Ridley Scott

Stars: Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Brad Pitt, Rosie Perez, Bruno Ganz, Dean Norris, Goran Visnjic, Natalie Dormer, John Leguizamo, Edgar Ramirez

Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 4

Synopsis:

Ridley Scott's prolific career continues, as the director returns a year later after "Prometheus" debuted to tepid reviews, with "The Counselor", the first screenplay written for the screen by acclaimed writer Cormac McCarthy. The film follows the story of a "Counselor" (whose name we never know), who is entangled with some shady businesses. He's engaged to the beautiful Laura (who's unaware of his dealings) and has a business partner by the name of Reiner. Reiner is himself involved in a series of businesses, and has a "dangerous" partner by the name of Malkina, who is a woman who has seen and done everything. When the Counselor gets involved in a drug business, he gets some instructions from Westray, a seasoned professional in the field. Everything seems to be on track, until things take a turn for the worse.

Ridley Scott has had a career punctuated by uneven films and subjects - his best features such as "Alien", "Blade Runner" and "Thelma and Louise" always had strong screenplays and visuals, the latter something that has always defined the work of this director. "The Counselor" however fails to achieve the interesting results that his latest features have garnered - the core of the problems lie within the screenplay. There's an array of characters, apparently doing very bad things for no specific purpose, but the surprising element to it, is the verbiage with which these so called criminals discuss the nature of evil, of duplicity, of love, women and so forth. The connection between what the characters are suppose to do or aspire to do, and their actions is non-existent - all of this is smothered in monologues/dialogues that feel awkward (and interminable). Whereas Quentin Tarantino creates films where the sound of his own words can extend a bit too long, those are still engaging and pertinent with the overall scenario he creates - in "The Counselor" that continuity is non-existent. The supporting female characters are severely underwritten - Penelope Cruz has barely nothing to do, whereas Cameron Diaz's evil Malkina, is borderline a comical one (which she emphasizes by wearing too much eye makeup and uneven haircut). It's painful to see the talented Michael Fassbender trying to give dimension to his Counselor, in what is a central character without a sense of urgency or fear. Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem create interesting, yet brief characters. For all the beauty on display in this film, it's surprisingly hollow and devoid of character. Avoid.

12 Years a Slave

Movie Name: 12 Years a Slave
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Steve McQueen

Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Lupita Nyong'o, Paul Giamatti, Bryan Batt, Scoot McNairy, Adepero Oduye, J.D. Evermore, Alfre Woodard, Garret Dillahunt, Rob Steinberg, Taran Killam

Genre: Drama

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 9

Synopsis:

Following the fantastic "Shame", director Steve McQueen is back, with another great film, which focuses it's attention on slavery. "12 Years a Slave" follows the true story of Solomon Northup, a liberated african-american man living in Saratoga, NY with his wife and two children, in the mid 19th century. Following a job offer in Washington, DC, Solomon finds himself kidnapped and sold as a slave in Georgia. Solomon's ordeal, escalates from bad to worse, when he ends up working in a plantation owned by the monstrous Edwin Epps. His only hope is that through some communication with his family in NY, he may end up being liberated.
Steve McQueen is an artist/filmmaker who does not shy away from the monstrosity of human nature. That was present in "Shame" and again makes it's appearance in "12 Years a Slave". The brutality, savagery and humiliation endured by people is depicted in the film in all it's revolting majesty. Unlike other shows and films that tackled slavery as a subject, this film focuses on a man with education, who at the time had to endure punishments and humiliations, in order to regain his liberty (and ultimately survive). The odyssey of Solomon is a testament to the capability of human beings to be resilient in the face or horror and brutality. This is a film that is both graphical in the depiction of the brutality, but also lyrical in the approach that it does to each person's dream of being free. The cast is stupendous, but highlights go to Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson, Lupita Nyong'o and Brad Pitt. The stunning cinematography from Sean Bobbitt should also be highlighted. A wonderful film worth watching!

Carrie

Movie Name: Carrie
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Kimberly Pierce

Stars: Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer, Gabriella Wilde, Portia Doubleday, Alex Russell, Zoe Belkin, Barry Henley, Hart Bochner, Katie Strain

Genre: Drama, Horror

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:

Though director Kimberly Pierce's career hasn't been very prolific, she has directed two interesting features, namely "Boys Don't Cry" and "Stop Loss". Her latest, "Carrie", is an adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name, a book that was also adapted by Brian de Palma in 1976, and that featured fantastic performances from Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. The film follows the story of young Carrie White, who has been home schooled by her mom most of her life. Carrie's mom is a religious fanatic, who prevents Carrie from understanding life in general and from adjusting to her ongoing growth as a young woman. In parallel with her isolation, Carrie begins to realize she has developed telekinetic abilities. Following a particular humiliating episode, Carrie gets the attention of another student, who alongside her boyfriend, try to redeem themselves by inviting Carrie to the prom.
When the original "Carrie" premiered in 1976 it was a big hit with audiences, and the film has since then become a classic in the horror genre in general and Stephen King adaptations in particular. The contemporary adaptation could have been a fruitful one, however updating a classic needs more than adjusting the technology and devices that populate the story and give it context. Every remake needs a point of view that is unique and makes the film relevant. Brian de Palma has always been a filmmaker with a universe of his own - he made "Carrie" his own by inserting his aesthetic, and sensibility into every frame. Kimberly Pierce's adaptation in comparison feels generic, bland and devoid of any authorship. The sophisticated special effects still don't compensate for the anemic lack of vision that is clearly present in the film. The highlights end up being Julianne Moore and Judy Greer, both of whom create interesting, even if a bit one dimensional characters. Forgettable.

Captain Phillips

Movie Name: Captain Phillips
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Paul Greengrass

Stars: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Mahat M. Ali, Michael Chernus, Corey Johnson, Chris Mulkey, Catherine Keener, Yul Vasquez, Max Martini

Genre: Drama, Suspense, Crime

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

Director Paul Greengrass is back, following "The Green Zone" which was released in 2010. His choices of directorial material are as always very coherent with his universe and with his style (witness "United 93", "The Bourne Ultimatum", "The Bourne Supremacy", "Bloody Sunday"). "Captain Phillips" follows the true story of the crew of the US MV Maersk Alabama freight ship, who are attacked by Somali pirates while navigating the coast of Africa. The crew smartly manages to deploy the situation, but their Captain is taken hostage on a small lifeboat. The US Navy and Seals are forced to intervene to try and resolve the situation.
Paul Greengrass is a director who always focuses his attention on depicting on screen events as realistically as possible. He also knows how to deftly build momentum and a sense of impending urgency and doom, which makes his films always riveting and thrilling. "Captain Phillips" is no exception - the film accompanies the process of the hijacking of the ship, and the ultimate kidnapping of the Captain almost in real time. The audience accompanies those individuals and is asked to embark on that little lifeboat and partake of the feeling of claustrophobia and fear that is created. The menace is presented in a very realistic way, as is the final part of the film, where the director stages the rescue attempts by the group of experts that are deployed. Tom Hanks is solid as the stoic and resourceful Captain, and the overall supporting group of actors depicting his kidnappers are equally strong in their performances. An overall entertaining film worth watching.

Gravity

Movie Name: Gravity
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Action

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 9

Synopsis:

Following the well received "Children of Men", director Alfonso Cuaron, decided to tackle an original screenplay he devised with his son, Jonas Cuaron. The result is "Gravity" which follows the story of a team of astronauts, orbiting Earth, who are suddenly endangered when a series of debris, crashes into their ship. This debris ends up damaging their means of transportation, and leaves the two remaining survivors trying to find an alternate means of getting back to Earth. That is until the more experienced one ends up floating in space and the only one who has to try to make it back is Ryan Stone, a doctor without much experience, who has to make the best of her training to survive.
"Gravity" succeeds in being a succinct story told very economically, but directed with a technical know how and precision, that makes it unlike anything else ever committed to screen. Alfonso Cuaron succeeds in creating a sense of wonder and beauty that comes from watching the planet from orbit, but simultaneously the menace of finding oneself without a safety net, and completely lost in a dangerous vacuum. The film also benefits from a fantastic central performance from Sandra Bullock, who is simultaneously vulnerable, fearful, resourceful and dynamic - this is truly her best performance ever captured. The wondrous special effects and camera work from Emmanuel Lubezki are unparalleled. The sense of wonder and veracity that is captured by this film make it a veritable classic. Worth watching.

Rush

Movie Name: Rush
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Ron Howard

Stars: Daniel Bruhl, Chris Hemsworth, Alexandra Maria Lara, Olivia Wilde, Pierfrancesco Favino, David Calder, Christian McKay, Stephen Mangan, Natalie Dormer, Colin Stinton, Alistair Petrie, Julian Rhind-Tutt

Genre: Drama, Action

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:

Prolific director Ron Howard is back after "The Dilemma", with his interpretation of the events that surrounded the rivalry of Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 70s. The film follows the ascent of both drivers, from Formula 3 drivers, to the big leagues, more precisely to Formula 1 racing. James Hunt is presented as a debonair, playboy type of racer, whereas Niki Lauda is presented as a more cerebral and focused counterpart. A rivalry between these two men propels them forward, with Hunt always trailing behind Lauda, until the latter one suffers a horrifying accident in a track, enabling Hunt to edge and come closer to the dream of being World Champion.
Ron Howard has a tradition for tackling stories without much attention for nuance. His films are unabashedly focused on making the audience create a sense of empathy with his core hero, without contemplating any darker side the character(s) may have. "Rush", written by Peter Morgan, suffers from this problem - the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda could easily be the one that Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer personified onscreen in Tony Scott's "Top Gun" in 1986, with the difference that this time around, the so called hero, actually is presented as an egotistical man, without much depth or sense of empathy (or dignity for that matter). The film fails in creating these characters as something palpable or even relatable - they are nothing more than archetypes, namely the playboy vs. the conservative man, whereas the women in their lives, are given nothing more to do, other than stay in the background, look preoccupied, and have brief scenes of walking into frame (and quickly exiting). The film is successful in presenting the dynamic of the sport and the sense of excitement that always prevailed in it - the fantastic cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle gives the film a look and treatment that are superb. Daniel Bruhl also manages to create an engaging performance, though it soon becomes a performance that runs always on a single view of the character. Though shot and impeccably recreated for the time it depicts, the film ultimately feels hollow and devoid of the emotion and excitement that always propelled these men and the fans to the circuits. Not recommended.