Movie Rentals Releasing Tuesday March 19, 2013
Walt Disney Pictures, Roth Films,
James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, Joey King, Tony Cox, Abigail Spencer, Martin Klebba, Bruce Campbell
Oscar Diggs (James Franco) is a carnival magician, and a master of B.S. who courts all the pretty girls in each town. But he goes one step too far and has a strong man from the carnival out to twist his head off for chasing after his girl, so he escapes in a hot air balloon, which is carried away in a fierce storm and carries him to the magical land of Oz long before they ever heard of Dorothy. Now Oz has lost their king, and are looking for a new leader, and the legends tells of a powerful wizard who will drop from the sky, but currently it’s being run by a gaggle of witches, some good and some purely evil. This prequel to The Wizard of Oz uses the characters from the stories and the world of L Frank Baum, the author without stepping on the copyrights, and is a fabulous prequel to the early days of the Land of Oz.
Wow, this was a long awaited picture for me, and I paid the price to see this one in one of the old original real IMAX screens in 3D. It was a long trip to get to see it on a real Imax sized screen, but newer little Imax modified screens just wouldn’t cut a film like this. Oh how I was NOT disappointed by this movie. This is the best movie I’ve seen in many years! If I were to look for a weak spot, it might be James Franco. I’m not sure why they cast him as the lead, and he did his very best, but I know there could be a better casting choice, but then I thought and though and thought, and I can’t really come up with someone who would be perfect for this role. Plus, I am a real fan of the original Judy Garland “Wizard of Oz” and I remember loving it as a kid, and I still do. I also really enjoyed the Oz books, all of them. This film did a tightrope walk of homage to the Wizard of Oz, but they had a couple of problems, and they did a great job of working around them. L Frank Baum’s books are about a real land called Oz, and it was absolutely real. MGM, for some reason, threw that all away and made it a little girl’s dream. “And you were there, and you were there, but you couldn’t have been, and all I could think about was how to get back home.” (This is paraphrased with a lot missing, but you get the point.) Perhaps they figured that audience in that day could not handle a movie with so many strange characters that was not somehow just a dream. But this movie is true to the Land of Oz of Mr. Baum’s books, so they treat it as a real place. Still, as you watch, you’ll see a lot of stuff that is pure homage to the original movie, and the ignore some of the stuff that doesn’t quite work out with a fantasy dream world. Disney did an awesome job building this story.
The greatest strength of this film is the beautiful world that was created. The beauty of this world is the most wonderful place we’ve seen since perhaps Avatar, and it reminds me a lot of the world of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with all the whimsy and wonder, but a beauty of waterfalls and flowers that has to be seen (preferably in IMAX) to be believed. There’s some really cute characters that you probably have seen in the previews, but I’m not going to say more because they way the are found and the way they fit in is really wonderful.
The story is A++ and the characters are great, but this is PG rather than G as it might be a little too scary for little bitty kids. Once they’re old enough to understand that it’s a movie and the witches and monsters are just pretend, it would be okay, and this is highly different for different kids, but little kids could really get nightmares from some of the really scary monsters like the witch’s flying baboons and the witch’s threats and really bad attitude. So keep the 1 year old’s away, but older kids, and teens will probably love it. Whether you’re familiar with the original OZ or not (and who isn’t?) there’s very much to enjoy in this film for everyone, so it’s one not to be missed. This is Disney at it’s very best. Go see it as soon as possible.
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
Super Crispy Entertainment,
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Mary Kay Place, Kyle Gallner, Bree Turner, Mackenzie Davis, Patti Allison
Kate Hannah (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and her husband Charlie (Aaron Paul) have been hard drinkers all their lives. Charlie’s parents have a lot of money, and pay their way, while Kate is a teacher, trying to bring some decency to her life. But a very hard night of drinking and a big misunderstanding turns into a really big deal and Kate decides it’s time to give up the chemical dependence she’s harbored all her life. With the help of a friend from work, she starts into the AA program, but finds it’s harder to face the reality than it is in the hazed world of being drunk every day. Kate has a difficult time trying to do the right thing.
There is an old country song which goes something like, “I sobered up and I started thinking, You ain’t much fun since I stopped drinking.” That’s really the story of this movie, in a way. It’s a short film, a little over an hour, and it’s very simple. But it’s a really realistic story of alcohol and drug abuse and a person trying to make a better life for themselves. With good characters such as Octavia Spencer as Kate’s sponsor, Nick Offerman as a friend and a co-worker, Megan Mullally as the principal, and Mary Kay Place as Kate’s mother, they add a bit of richness to the story. The two main characters are pretty good, although I’m not really familiar with either of them. They certainly play their roles in a competent manner.
This is a very pro-AA movie, and people who do not believe in the “step” programs such as AA will probably just be annoyed. Likewise, there’s no surprises, the story is very predictable. This plays much more like a TV movie than a Hollywood Film, and it’s a Sundance Film Festival movie, so it’s got a bit of pretentiousness to it. But that aside, it is a simple story that gets right to the point. If you’re interested in the story, or a fan of the lifetime type films about substance abuse, this is a decent little film.
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
Such Much Films, Rhino Films,
John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood, Annika Marks, Adam Arkin, Rhea Perlman, W. Earl Brown, Robin Weigert, Blake Lindsley
Based on the story and personal experiences of Mark O’Brien (John Hawkes) who contracted polio as a child, and spends all his days inside an iron lung to help him breathe. He’s a writer and in his late 30’s when he decides it’s time to experience sex for the first time. He’s got a lot of guilt though due to the childhood death of his sister and his strong religious Catholic upbringing. He talks with a therapist who recommends Cheryl, a typical wife and soccer mom who is also a sex therapist to help him to get over his fears and get in touch with his own feelings.
This is a raw, but very touching story. The tale goes back and forth between the two key people in his life in these days. Before going through with the plan, Mark checks with his priest, played very well by William H Macy for understanding and probably some easing of conscience. The relationship between Cheryl and her husband and son is also briefly glimpsed. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a film that is so slow moving and hell bent on character development that is so touching and tender and so in your face at the same time. Few films today are so bold with all the skin on display, but I guess it is sort of necessary to tell the story. If you’re uncomfortable with total female nudity, then keep away from this one. Helen Hunt has no fear in this movie, for sure. But when the movie is over, you have gained a great deal of respect for what disabled people like this have to go through.
Is it based on a true story? Well, somewhat. It is definitely built on a magazine article written by Mark O’Brien based on his experience with sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene. But it doesn’t mean that it is all true. Based on a short story means a lot of material has to be added. But the essence of the story is true and it an amazing film. Winner of many awards at Sundance, this film really has an audience with many people. Others will not be so highly impressed. I enjoyed the masterful way the story is told, but did not find that it’s a life changing experience for me. If you’re interested in the subject and are not bothered by the excessive nudity, then go ahead, but this film truly earns it’s R rating and then some.
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
New in theaters this weekend Friday March 15, 2013
Last Weeks top Box Office:
1 – Oz the Great and Powerful
2 – Jack the Giant Slayer
3 – Identity Thief
4 – Dead Man Down
5 – Snitch
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