Tag: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Reviews

THE MARTIAN

Michael J. Casey

Of all the people to get stranded on Mars, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is the lucky one. Smart, resourceful, cunning and, most importantly, optimistic, Watney can grow potatoes using human feces, manufacture water simply and reconfigure every possible piece of technology available to him. All while maintaining hope in the face of certain catastrophe and sanity in spite of being the only living soul on a planet. Yes indeed, Mark Watney is one of those rare-breeds. The Martian is a shipwreck story located in the barren wasteland of Mars, set to swinging 70s disco music, and featuring a diverse cast of incredibly … Continue reading THE MARTIAN

Movie Beat

Movie Beat – 05.16.14

Michael J. Casey

Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case – Reactionary and revolutionary Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei is out on bail. Apparently the Chinese government is taking cues from The Untouchables, because Weiwei was thrown in solitary confinement for 81 days due to Tax Evasion. Ai Weiwei tries his best to dismantle the system from the inside, but the battle is taking its toll. Andreas Johnsen directs the documentary that follows China’s infamous political activist. International Film Circuit gives it a limited release.   Chinese Puzzle – Marriage can sometimes be very complicated. Especially when you toss lesbian-lovers, green cards and psychotics into the … Continue reading Movie Beat – 05.16.14

Best Of..., Reviews

Oscars 2014

Michael J. Casey

Formed in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was designed to deal with improving the industries image. At that time, movies were not seen on the same sophisticated level as literature, music and painting, so the Academy decided to congratulate its own in hopes of lending credence to their medium. It worked, and 86 years later, the Oscar ceremony is the largest, most watched and possibly most discussed award ceremony of the major four (Grammy, Emmy and Tony being the other three). 2013 proved to be one of the best and most diverse years for movie going in recent … Continue reading Oscars 2014

Best Of..., Reviews

2013: Another Year of Moviegoing

Michael J. Casey

2013 was an excellent year at the movies, but I said the exact same thing about 2012. Film critic for The New Yorker, Richard Brody, chose to open his year-end summary with this quote, “The year 2013 has been an amazing one for movies, though maybe every year is an amazing year for movies if one is ready to be amazed by movies.” I am always ready to be amazed by movies, and 2013 did not disappoint. I was consistently surprised how many movies continue to develop and unfold in my mind days, weeks, and months after I saw them. They refused to leave and I … Continue reading 2013: Another Year of Moviegoing

Movie Beat

Movie Beat – 10.18.13

Michael J. Casey

2 Jacks – A modern and comic spin on a classic Leo Tolstoy story, “Two Hussars” set in Los Angeles. The Jacks are both movie directors, with the son following in the father’s footsteps whether he likes it or not. It’s a cutthroat business, this movie business, and it takes a cutthroat individual to make it happen. Danny Huston plays Jack Sr., Jack Huston is Jack Jr., Sienna Miller and Jacqueline Bisset play the girl, and Billy Zane and Rosie Fellner add to the cast. Bernard Rose directed and Breaking Glass Pictures gives this one a limited release.   12 … Continue reading Movie Beat – 10.18.13