Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan stars in the latest adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel. The film is directed by Thomas Vinterberg (the Oscar nominated The Hunt). Mulligan plays Bathsheba Everdene, a woman who inherits a farm and discovers that running it satisfies her independent spirit. Though she is pursued by three different men, Bathsheba tries her hardest to maintain her liberated self. Far from the Madding Crowd is a romance but one that is understated and keeps its feminist themes intact throughout the entire movie. Bathsheba makes mistakes, learns from them and moves on. The film looks really gorgeous--many of the scenes are outdoors and shot beautifully by Charlotte Bruus Christiansen. Matthias Schoenaerts is excellent as Bathsheba's equally prideful true love. I can easily recommend this film to those who don't like stuffy and overcookedperiod dramas. The movie is alive and vibrant.
Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman star as an elderly couple who consider selling their 5th floor walkup Brooklyn apartment. The movie is a tender romantic drama, with some comedic elements about New York real estate. The film also flashes back to when Keaton and Freeman were younger and facing prejudice regarding their interracial relationship. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable; Keaton's frenetic energy plays well against Freeman's easygoing charm. Cynthia Nixon co-stars as Keaton's niece/broker and she's pretty funny. The thing is, the movie uses some low-hanging fruit for its satire (New York yuppies are so selfish! LOL!) and the movie feels like it was written by cranky old people. There are also some weird subplots that don't tie into the movie all that well. 5 Flights Up is best seen on demand or on Netflix.
Jack Black and James Marsden star in this black comedy/drama that takes a bromantic-comedy to its most natural conclusion (the ads act like what happens is a major twist so I'll honor that). The problem is that this movie isn't nearly as funny as it wants to be. Jack Black can be a great actor but his character here is pathetic to the point of being un-watchably cringeworthy. The guy needs more complex roles to flesh out his potential as an actor. The movie has some ideas about male friendship and sexual fluidity but doesn't quite know what to do with the ideas. The cast is amazing, though. Kathryn Hahn, Mike White and Jeffrey Tambor lend great support. James Marsden is remarkable--this is a standout performance for the actor. He maintains a tricky balancing act (acting cool while showing his own pathetic life) and it's amazing. I'd wait to catch this on iTunes as well. It's decent but lacks a strong comic voice.
Fans of James Marsden can take a double feature; this film has him co-starring with Emmy nominee Kristen Wiig. She stars as Alice Klieg, a woman with borderline personality disorder. Alice wins the lottery and uses the money to buy a talk show from station owner Rich (Marsden) and Gabe (Wes Bentley). Wiig's performance follows her post-SNL track of doing more humorous dramas than outright. Wiig can be funny, sad or scary and osmetimes all at once. She is really stretching her versatility. Her supporting cast, including Joan Cusack, is great also. The movie has some tone problems--it's hard to tell when to laugh but maybe that's the point? It's an interesting movie for sure. I think that if reading this strikes your fancy you should check it out.
Blythe Danner gets an all too rare starring role in this romantic drama about a 70-something widow who gingerly starts dating again. The movie is simple, sweet and effective. I found that there was a tonal imbalance within the script. There were scenes that wanted to be laugh out loud funny but weren't and some that even felt were in the wrong movie. Danner herself is radiant in the role; she's the highlight of the movie. Sam Elliot, Martin Starr, Rhea Perlman and Malin Akerman lend her great support. My biggest issue with this movie is how blindingly white it is. I don't even recall one person of color had a major supporting role.Overall, this senstive drama is worth a watch mainly due its star Blythe Danner.
MATM's Must See: Far from the Madding Crowd
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