Machine Gun Preacher (2011)

When it’s over, this isn't a date movie. The film is based on the real life of Sam Childers (Gerard Butler), a criminal turned pastor, then turned protector to the children of Sudan, Africa. Violence is a prevalent character in this film, as it mirrors the horrors of civil war in Sudan, but the violence is never gratuitously used. The film’s title suggests a Rambo like vengeance rampage type of film, but do not be mistaken, because although it has the guns and flying bullets, it also has a meaningful story that leaves you feeling inspired, teary, and unsettled. This is one of Butler’s better performances of late. He may not resemble the real life Childers, but he captures the man’s spirit wonderfully, thanks to the skillful direction of Marc Foster. With a resume to include acclaimed films such as Kite Runner, Stranger Than Fiction, Quantum of Solace, Monster's Ball, and Finding Neverland, Foster is a director that commands respect. He is brilliant at bringing out the humanity in the most complex characters, and in this case, the multi-layered Childers whose personal struggles continue to test his faith in Jesus Christ. It is hard not to compare this film to Hotel Rwanda, since they are similar in how the main characters emotionally confront genocide, and how they offer safety to the oppressed. I think what separates the two is the execution of their beliefs. MGP has a bravado feel to it, whereas HR possesses silent strength and heroism. MGP is a good film, but not great. It's biggest flaw is its weak supporting cast - Childer's wife and daughter, Lynn (Michelle Monaghan) and Paige (Madeline Carroll), who play crucial roles in motivating Childer's actions. I think the film should have given more screen time to these two characters, or at least strengthen the scenes they are already in. Perhaps a scene that shows Lynn visiting Sudan in support of her husband when Childers is on the verge of giving up; or scenes that show Paige aiding in her father's dream, such as fundraising or writing letters or regular phone calls to express her love and support. These could have all been powerful scenes to strengthen character motivations and instill greater emotional pull.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Paperboy (2012)

When it’s over, creepy. Think backwoods. Think murder. Think dead animals. Are you getting the picture? A Miami reporter, Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey), returns to his hometown to investigate a controversial case involving Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack), a man on death row who may be innocent. Ward’s younger brother, Jack (Zac Efron), becomes the chauffer for his brother’s entourage, including Van Wetter’s slutty fiancé, Charlotte Bless (Nicole Kidman), and an African American writer, Yardley Acheman (David Oyelowo). These four characters make up the pillars that hold the film together. I like this film for the acting, but did not like if for its storytelling. Director Lee Daniels (Precious) directs the film well, but loses me on the editing table. I find the film confusing at times and some scenes are just unnecessary.  It’s not always clear from whose perspective the story is being told. Based on the opening scene, I gather the film is from the Jansen’s maid’s perspective, but as the film develops, I start to feel the story is from Jack’s perspective, then back to the maid's at the end. A clear point of view would have benefited this film. For me, endings are important, and The Paperboy ends in a less than fulfilling manner. I am not familiar with the book by Pete Dexter, which the film is based on, so I cannot compare the endings. But, I can add that the golden rule of "show, not tell" applies perfectly in this case, because seeing what happens to Van Wetter in the end would have been more satisfying for the viewer than being told what happens to him. The acting is top-notch and truly the main reason why I am recommending this film. Even though I did not particularly like the film, I couldn't take my eyes off it. The performances pull me in. McConaughey continues to prove that he is a serious versatile actor. Cusack departs from his usual roles to show us he can become a crazed enigma. Kidman transforms herself and sympathetically brings Charlotte’s vulnerability to the forefront. Efron surprises me with a bold transition from pretty boy to a complex young man in 1969.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Ted (2012)

When it's over, crude language, juvenile antics, and silly behaviour make for a surprisingly original film. Ted (voice provided by the writer, Seth MacFarlane) is a foul mouthed teddy bear who comes to life and becomes his owner’s, John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), best friend. Their inseparable friendship is tested when Lori (Mila Kunis) enters John’s life. I thought this film was going to be another senseless, brainless, waste of time, but as the story developed with plenty of unexpected teddy bear mischief, I couldn’t help but find the nonsense rather fun. Ted really is the star of the show. His bad boy behaviour in pint size furry form was hilarious. If you’re an 80’s fan, then you’ll love the fixation this film has on the 80's, making plenty of references to films and music to support the period. There are lots of stereotypes, both with women and men, plus ethnic races, but doesn't insult the targeted group. Not often does a combination of absurd scenes, including a fist fight between man and teddy bear, mold together to produce something funny. I can’t recall having seen all these elements in one film, with an added car chase, some paranormal activity, and a psycho kid. Also boosting the film’s overall appeal are cameo roles from musician Norah Jones, Tom Skerritt, and Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon TV series - US/British 1980's), with narration by Patrick Stewart. This film may not be for everyone, but if you can get through the vulgarity, it will be worth viewing. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Oblivion (2013)

When it’s over, one viewing just wasn’t enough. I felt I needed a second viewing to help me fill in the blanks. I was left with questions unanswered, and at some parts, confused. Tom Cruise is Jack Harper, an individual assigned to remain on earth to secure its resources for the humans that have relocated to Titan, a colony on Saturn. With the help of his partner, Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), Harper spends his days fixing drones, defending the water supply from the aliens, known as Scabs, and having dreams about a woman named Julia (Olga Kurylenko), who he does not know. All is not what it seems for Harper or for the audience. Since, this film was built on its surprises, I will not divulge any examples that may be spoilers. Contrary to some viewers, I did not feel the story was predictable. In fact, I had no preconception of how the film would end. I was surprised by some of the plot twists, and not completely satisfied with some of them, in particular, the ending and who Sally really was. The film felt a lot like a “part two” of a trilogy, because there were events leading up to Oblivion that I wished I knew more details about prior to going into the film, such as how the Scabs arrived, and are there more than 52 Jack Harpers, and the origin of Sally.  Running just over two hours seemed too short for a story that was comprised of multiple mini-stories, and too long for a sci-fi love story with more flashbacks/dreams than it really needed. The flashbacks were the culprit for disrupted pacing. A few flashbacks in the beginning were necessary, but as they continued to resurface, the scenes began to drag. The chemistry between Harper and Julia wasn’t there. They looked awkward together. They didn’t look like a couple in love, past or present.  I think if the female roles were flipped – Riseborough as Julia and Kurylenko as Victoria – it would have worked better. A few things I liked about Oblivion was its visual awesomeness, like an IMAX film. The cool tech stuff, the “I gotta have one” helicopter/plane/giant touch screen table, and the house in the clouds. The pool in the sky was sheer genius. The stunning visuals successfully put me in the film. Oblivion had an intriguing concept, leaving me wanting to know more, and because of this desire, I can’t wait to read the graphic novel by Director Joseph Kosinski, which the film was based on. Not a fantastic film, but worth a viewing, just for the visuals alone. 

My rating:  3.5 out of 5

Killing Them Softly (2012)

When it's over, Killing Them Softly killed me quickly. Jackie Coogan (Brad Pitt) is called in to clean up the mess after an amateur robbery affects local mob business. There was way too much jabbering about trivial things between the characters that have nothing to do with the storyline. The inclusion of Bush and Obama speeches in the background also had nothing to do with the storyline. I struggled to grasp this film, to like it, to be open minded about it, but I just couldn't get past the slow pacing and irrelevant scenes. The characters were boring and one-dimensional, and I could care less whether they got whacked or not. The worse part about the film was the talk about characters and events that the viewer never sees. For example, the character of Dillon (Sam Shepard) was shown for less than two minutes in the very beginning and was mentioned throughout the film, obviously an important character since Jackie works for Dillon, but disappeared from the screen like a phantom. The fact that Dillon died should have been shown, not mentioned. There were no conclusive endings to two of the characters – Mickey (James Gandofini) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn), who both got plenty of screen time, then forgotten completely. There were no human qualities in the film. No love. No loyalty. No friendship. No sacrifice. No regrets. No nothing.

My rating: 1.5 out of 5