Grand Budapest Hotel Review

By.DigitaLoz

Plenty of films are released each year, yet most of them are throwaways made for the audience to sit back, watch for 90 minutes and have a good time. But a percentage of these movies are made by directors worth following. One of said outstanding directors is Wes Anderson. Anderson’s films are all full of stunning visuals, quirky characters and captivating camera work. Incidentally, I was looking forward to his next project: The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The Grand Budapest Hotel tells the story of the famous concierge M. Gustave (played by Ralph Fiennes) and his adventures with his new lobby boy, Zero Moustafa (played by Tony Revolori and F. Murray Abraham). With a cast of academy award nominees and winners, this Anderson flick pulls its weight in its troupe alone. And even the new comers, like Revolori, do a fantastic job. Yet among the A-list stars and big names there are two that shine brighter than the rest: Ralph Fiennes and Wes Anderson.

M. Gustave is a compelling character; he is a womanizer with an exclusive type of woman—rich, blonde, and old. Beyond his tastes in women, there is a sense of pride in Gustave’s work as a concierge for the Grand Budapest. His loyalty to his job is unquestionable. Fiennes manages to make an otherwise unlikable character into something enjoyable. He portrays Gustave with so much gusto that he seems to be having a blast.

 

Nevertheless, it is Wes Anderson’s directing style that really hits the nail in the head. All of Anderson’s trademark tricks, from the outdated look yet colorful environment to the use of symmetry in every shot, are all present in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The film is beautiful. It possesses the old timey feel that make all of Anderson’s films stand out.

However, The Grand Budapest Hotel is not all about pretty colors and engaging settings. In a way, it is a coming of age story for the character of Zero, which unfolds before a murder and the last will and testament of the victim. I was thoroughly entertained by everything this film had to offer, yet I’m not sure it is quite as good as Moonrise Kingdom. And even taking that into consideration, it still ranks in the top of Anderson’s work.

Jodorowsky’s Dune Review

By.DigitaLoz

“One does not go to the theater to escape from himself, but to reestablish contact with the mystery that we all are.” – Alejandro Jodorowsky

 Some films change the way we look and experience cinema. These flicks transcend the usual conventions of their times and become beacons of inspiration for future filmmakers. Films like Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Bergman’s Persona and Truffaut’s 400 Blows are still among the curriculum in film schools long after their glory days have passed.

Alejandro Jodorowsky is one of these filmmakers. As well as the others, Jodorowsky is a moviemaker who is passionate about his craft. Money and fame are not his goals, only the art of filmmaking is. Jodorowsky is the Chilean director and comic book writer responsible for some of the weirdest and astounding films (El Topo, The Holy Mountain) in the history of cinema. After his initial success, he was asked what his next project would be. It was then that he chose to adapt the critically acclaimed science fiction novel Dune. 

 Hence, Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on a journey to find his “spiritual warriors” (as he called them) and make a film that would change the world and humanity’s the consciousness forever. Jodorowsky’s Dune tells the story of Alejandro’s quest to make an influential film and the talent he found through the project. Jodorowsky’s teams’ talents didn’t come from their abilities, but from their love of the art. With a cast of unusual actors like Salvador Dalí, Orson Wells and David Carradine, artists like Jean Giraud (Mœbius), Chris Foss, and H.R. Giger making concept art, story boards and designing the aliens and the spaceships, and music by Pink Floyd, it was the dream team to end them all.

 At the helm, there was none other than Jodorowsky leading the team like a general. People seemed to be attracted to him. During the documentary, I could not help but be fascinated by the way Jodorowsky talked about filmmaking and life in general. But as expected, the film was ahead of its time and thus was never embraced by Hollywood. Yet another project rose from the ashes of Jodorowsky’s Dune: Alien.

 After watching this documentary, you will wish you could go back in time in order to have this movie made. It was intended to change the world; however, it’s intriguing to know that a film that never got made still changed sci fi cinema forever.

The Raid 2 Review

By.DigitaLoz

   In the year 2011 martial art fans got a glimpse of Iko Uwais amazing skills. The Raid: Redemption was an instant hit for its ferocious action, intense feelings of claustrophobia and hyper violence. Director Gareth Evans went down as having made one of the best action films of all time. So after all the hoopla, it was obvious that the film would get a sequel. How could it not? People were enthralled by Uwais dominion of pencak silat, which he had been practicing since he was very young, that it was apparent he should get more airtime.

   The Raid 2 forgets all about the enclosed spaces, and instead goes the direction of Jakarta’s ganglands and all the intricacies of gang violence in said place. It picks up where The Raid: Redemption left off. Rama agrees to go undercover in order to exploit the corrupt police members who protect the gangs. But to accomplish this, Rama must become friends with Uco, son of the leader of Bangun, one of the big gangs.

   Many things happen in this film; sadly, I think that is what fails for me. The story is convoluted and not terribly surprising. It’s clogged up with notions of grandeur. It replaces what I thought was fantastic about the first film, the frenetic pace and the claustrophobia, with a big sprawling city and some pretty boring and sometimes unnecessary scenes. The Raid 2’s core problem, for me, is its departure from the first.

   Now, don’t get me wrong. The film’s display of martial arts is fantastic. The choreography and stunt work is top notch. But I think they gave the director too much freedom. Take Hammer Girl and Baseball Bat Man for example, they have weird quirks and character traits, but you don’t really care about them (also, hitting people with line drives? Ridiculous). Sure, they are simple fodder for Uwais’ character to dispose of, but they appear so suddenly that it’s hard to appreciate them. Then there is the fact that awesome characters like Prakoso (Yayan Ruhian) get little airtime. 

   Nitpicking aside, this is a great martial arts film. Uwais’ and his co-stars’ display of martial arts from are incredible. The last fifteen minutes of the film are intense and filled with awesome fights. I personally preferred the first film, but this is still a fine example of what action films are capable of. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in martial art films in general. Check The Raid 2 out.

Musical Mayhem: Little Shop of Horrors Review

By. Mick Neeky

Let me begin by saying that Venus fly traps have nothing on Audrey II. Little Shop of Horrors is more than just a mere crossover between an alien plant and a musical. It’s a ride full of laughter, catchy beats, and well-rounded characters.

Alan Menken’s musical comes to life for the second time. The first time Little Shop of Horrors was portrayed in the big screen it was way back in the 60’s. Frank Oz, the director behind The Dark Crystal, takes the helm of this remake and is backed up by big name actors: Rick Moranis (Seymour Krelborn), Levi Stubbs (Audrey II), Ellen Greene (Audrey), Steve Martin (Orin Scrivello), among others. You’ll be impressed by the amount of detail that went into making this musical.

Little Shop of Horrors’ most enjoyable detail is its plot; in which Seymour buys a weird alien plant that is feeds on blood. In any other hands Little Shop of Horrors would’ve been a Horror movie, but it executes a don’t-take-me-serious style that works quite well. Frank Oz shines once more in his approach.

Oz manages to deliver a spectacular Audrey II. It looks beautiful, moves like if it were alive, and sings outstanding. The puppetry behind him is ahead of its time. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I say it.

Now, for the coup de grace: the music. Little Shop of Horrors songs are catchy and entertaining, yet the characters don’t just sing for the sake of it. It’s done as it should be: songs make the story move forward. I kept going back for more of Steve Martin’s character (a psychotic dentist) and one of his most laugh-out-loud scenes. Actors like Rick Moranis blend their acting and singing skills perfectly.  It works like a well-oiled machine. Yet, among all the praise and amazement, I do have one problem: Audrey. Her singing doesn’t sink with her characters squeaky voice. Most of the time it’s so annoying, it becomes a distraction.

That’s all for September’s musical. Little Shop of Horrors is a must see,—despite Audrey’s annoying voice—take my word for it. And remember to suggest your favorite musicals. Till next time!

Keep it Neeky.

Book Review: Divergent

by Lil' Leia 

Hi guys! Today I will be reviewing “Divergent” by Veronica Roth! OK, first I will tell you why I am doing this at this specific time. The reason is, the movie, starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James, will be released on DVD on Tuesday! Yay!  Anyways, time to focus on the actual review. If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know what Divergent is (besides it being a book and movie), it’s a story set in dystopian Chicago far into the future, where society is divided into five factions based on human virtues:  Amity (the peaceful and kind), Erudite (the intelligent), Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), and Dauntless (the brave and daring). Every year, the 16 year olds take an aptitude test that says which faction he/she is best suited for, but they don’t all receive one conclusive response, some receive multiple, in which case the person is called Divergent and has to keep that fact secret because the city considers it dangerous. The very next day, they have to choose (regardless of their test result) at the Choosing Ceremony whether to remain in their birth faction and stay with their family, or transfer to another faction and leave their families forever regardless of their test result. If they fail the initiation process for their faction, they become factionless and live the rest of their lives on the street in poverty.

   *SPOILER ALERT* IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK OR SEEN THE MOVIE, PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK*

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Beatrice and Caleb Prior are the 16 year old son and daughter of a high ranking government official from Abnegation. Since they are 16, they can choose whether to stay in their own faction or leave and join another one, but first have to take an aptitude test to see in which faction they belong in. Beatrice took her test and her test results showed she was Divergent, a dangerous status that she must keep secret. As an Abnegation, she is supposed to be selfless. She has to care for the needs of others before herself as part of her selflessness. At the Choosing Ceremony, Caleb chooses to transfer to Erudite, but Beatrice is torn between Abnegation and Dauntless. She takes a knife, cuts into her hand, and lets the drops of blood fall to the flaming coals of the Dauntless (Editor’s note of no importance: EXCUSE ME, WHAT?!). Beatrice meets Christina, Will, and Al on the way to the Dauntless compound and they quickly become friends, but she also meets some enemies and rivals, named Peter, Molly, and Drew. Beatrice, who shortens her name to Tris, meets Four/Tobias, her instructor, who also happened to be an Abnegation transfer 2 years before her. Before she becomes a full-fledged member, she must pass through simulations and combat training. The top 10 initiates become members, the rest are factionless. At the end of initiation, Tris comes in 1st place, and becomes a member of the Dauntless along with Will and Christina. Then every Dauntless member is injected with a serum that Dauntless leaders say is a tracker in case anyone goes missing, but in reality it’s a simulation serum that makes her fellow members trek to Abnegation headquarters and plan war. Since she is Divergent, the serum doesn't even affect her. She is soon noticed and dragged to Erudite (who were making war plans against Abnegation and were using Dauntless as an army) headquarters but later escapes to Amity.                                                                                

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That is the basic plot for those of you who haven’t read the book but want or need a more detailed description than the ones given in bookstores and websites. That said, let’s get on to the review! 

So the book starts out a little slow, but it’s for the good of the book because it gradually progresses from that at the beginning to being a little bit fast at the end, and it lets the author build up a good structure for the book, if you know what I mean. I like Veronica Roth’s writing style, for the reasons you can see right above ;).  I also really like how the characters and plot are developed. And I can relate to Tris’s struggle to understand who she is, which also can factor in XD. In short, I LOVED the book, and I hope you do too.  I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. See ya later this week with the movie review!