DRAMA
RYAN: We just saw the remake of Gone Girl and it’s better than the original. NATHEN: (laughs) It does have its similarities. RYAN: I liked this a lot more; but Gone Girl had a better score. Based on another bestseller, The Girl on the Train, which I never read; it’s very good. It’s twisted. And just give Emily Blunt the Oscar. This ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: This movie starts out in 1809 and covers slavery in a way that should be required viewing – it’s, as ever, an outrage and a necessary education. This is based on the true story of Nat Turner, a slave who fought back, in a way making this a loose non-fantasy version of Django Unchained. BECKY: (laughs) ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: This is based on the true story of the worst oil disaster in US history. I was so nervous during this movie that I – more than in any other movie – shouted out, “Oh God! Oh God!” during this film. I was cradling in my seat it was so upsetting. It’s such a ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: This is a true story based on the life of the recent chess champion from Uganda – a young girl – brilliantly portrayed by a new actress on the scene, Madina Nalwanga. She’s incredible. This is her first movie and she carries it so well. She could get a nomination, as could Lupita Nyong’o in the supporting category. ..
COMEDY
RYAN: This is a remake of the 1960 film starring Yul Brynner which I didn’t see. But this one marvelously epic. It’s shot in a way that looks like Gone with the Wind. There is a majestic, sweeping scope. CHUCK: The western frontier, if you will. RYAN: It’s the western to end all westerns. Everything about it ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: Director Oliver Stone is really the King of the biopic. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as the whistle-blower, who between 2004 – 2013 worked at the CIA and other places, raising questions about whether government has the right to spy on us – all in the name of national security. JGL is amazing in this. He ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: And thus the Oscar race begins – this is a biopic focusing on one chapter of pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger which is truly cinematic, fascinating and heroic. Expertly Directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Tom Hanks who is nomination worthy here. He’s just as great as he’s ever been. We often see legends adapted to ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This film is “inspired by true events” and that’s where I have to begin this review because I was absolutely beside myself watching this film. CAROLINE: Yeah I have to imagine, considering the subject matter, it’s one of those movies that’s sad it’s based on, or inspired by reality. Daniel Radcliffe basically infiltrates a ..
COMEDY
RYAN: This is a new dramedy directed by and starring John Krasinski. It features one of the best ensemble casts I’ve ever seen. It’s so perfectly balanced between the drama and comedy – and several are like that – but this is the first one wherein I’ve ever been able to simultaneously be sad/crying and ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This movie kind of snuck up out of nowhere. I wasn’t really aware of it until I was invited to review it as an online screener – which is key because viewing it at home had several implications. CAROLINE: That, clearly, requires some explanation. RYAN: Well when you’re watching at home, there are distractions ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This is a romantic drama, based on a best-selling novel, which is a real tearjerker. I love the stars – Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. They fell in love, in real life, on the set of this film and are currently an item. So you know their chemistry is real. I love this movie ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: This is a biopic of Roberto Duran – a Panamanian boxer from the 70s/80s. I wasn’t interested in seeing this movie and then it turned out much better than expected. It’s very easy to watch and his life is a good story; the boxing sequences are shot differently than I’ve seen in other boxing ..
