Cast: Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Lily James,
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 112 mins.
Fasten your seat belt because you're in for a wild ride! Needless to say but Edgar Wright's Baby Driver is one of the hottest films to come out this summer. With it's jam-packed score, uber hot cast, and breathtaking action sequences, this is the kind of adrenaline rush you can't get enough of! After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver named Baby, finds himself taking part in a heist that is doomed to fail.
Edgar Wright has been consistently making outrageously breathtaking films with his singularly iconic vision since day one. We all know his work from Hot Fuzz and The World's End (review) but he takes Baby Driver to a whole different level, one that taps into all our senses to have us tingling from head to toe by the end of the film, especially the heart. I've never felt so emotionally and physically energized and drained after watching a film but that's what Baby Driver will do to you! It's a spectacular feat that is drenched in intense details, fully formed characters, and a banger of a soundtrack. All hail Edgar Wright for making another outrageously grandiose film that gives other car films a run for its money.
Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 97 mins.
I went to LA Film Festival this year and one of the best film I saw there was Ingrid Goes West (See vlog). It was their closing night film and I had no idea what to expect and boy, it hit me like a ton of bricks. The film follows Ingrid, who after the death of her mother and a series of self-inflicted setbacks, moves to Los Angeles to try to befriend an Instagram star, Taylor Sloane. Undeniably, this is one of the most accurate depictions of social media since EVER!
As someone who is just as obsessed with social media as anyone else living in this digital age, I felt personally attacked by the film. It was so accurate in it's portrayal of the LA socialite and our social media habits that this supposedly "satirical" film was jarring. Aubrey Plaza has never been better as the mentally ill fan girl who just wants to have friends and O'Shea Jackson Jr. as the most grounded and hilarious character in the film. Ingrid Goes West's screenplay is painstakingly humorous while the direction is razor-sharp, making this film, easily one of the best films of the year.
Despite living in Los Angeles my whole life, I've never been to Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema till now. And what a great way to kick it off but with a screening of Okja with a Q&A with Tarantino himself and Bong Joon-ho! I had such a grand time finally attending the theatre and watching the film. I also did a mini review of the film at the end of the video and least to say, I enjoyed the film! Especially Jake Gyllenhaal's wacky character! I'm so excited to attend more screenings at the New Bev and I hope to see you all there!
Cast: A$AP Rocky, Russell Simmons, Tommy Hilfiger,
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: NR
Time: 80 mins.
I recently went to the LA Film Festival (See vlog) and saw the streetwear documentary, Built to Fail. Built to Fail is a documentary by The Hundred's co-founder, Bobby Hundreds, as he takes a journey to define and document one of the most elusive fashion phenomena of our times, Streetwear. With interviews by Russell Simmons, A$AP Rocky, Benny Gold, and so many more, we get an insider's look at the history of streetwear and it's current state right now. This film is a primer for any streetwear obsessed teen or enthusiast, who wants to start their own brand. It's no easy ride and the film goes through the perils and tribulations of what the business has to offer and how it's evolving.
Like I said before, I would've never known about The Hundreds if it wasn't for my ex-boyfriend's obsessive passion for the streetwear culture. And I know I'm better for it because as a proud Los Angelenos, LA wouldn't be LA without its streetwear culture.
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 93 mins.
I never thought I would see the day when Sofia Coppola would direct a thriller but here we are with The Beguiled! This southern gothic story is set during the Civil War at a southern girl's boarding school. When one of the girls find a wounded soldier (Colin Farrell), they take him in and sexual tension starts brewing. Sofia Coppola crafts a razor sharp thriller that explores gender dynamics through the female gaze. The film is filled with atmospheric tension from start to finish especially with the music provided by Laura Karpman and Phoenix. The stunning cinematography by Philippe Le Sourd will leave you breathless and wanting more!
The Beguiled is a remake of the 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood and based on the novel by Thomas P. Cullinan. Sofia has been getting a lot of heat for removing a Black slave that was in the original film to focus on the gender dynamics instead of the race relations. But I don't see why it wouldn't have worked if it did so well in the original film but that's Sofia Coppola for you. Regardless of everything, I quite enjoyed it and I'm sure it will get some Oscar nominations! After all, she did win the Best Director award at Cannes this year!
Cast: Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin, Becky G
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: PG-13
Time: 124 Mins.
Who knew that 90's nostalgia would get the best of me?! Damn those amazing trailer editors! Whatevs, I'm glad it did because this is one reboot, I can get behind! Dean Israelite's Power Rangers gives all the right kinds of feels and with this new class of Power Rangers, I believe we're in good hands! Despite the natural corniness that comes with the film, it's the personal and poignant stories of each teen beyond their ranger status that makes the film such a rewarding viewing experience.
One of the truly bittersweet aspects of the new Power Rangers its lopsided pacing. The film invested so much time in building the foundation of each teen's origin story that by the time they were able to fully active their Power Rangers' power, the steam runs out quickly. Regardless of the cons, this reboot is a worthwhile franchise that has much to offer even if you didn't grow up with them.
Cast: John Gallagher Jr, Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, John C. McGinley, Melonie Diaz, Sean Gunn
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 88 Mins.
In The Belko Experiment, a 9-5 job never looked so deadly! Directed by Wolf Creek's Greg McLean and written by Guardian's of the Galaxy's James Gunn, The Belko Experiment is Battle Royale set in a office setting. In a twisted social experiment, 80 Americans are locked in their high-rise corporate office in Bogota, Columbia and ordered by an ominous voice via the intercom to participate in a game of kill or be killed. What could possibly go wrong? (Considering that most people hate their co-workers!)
This should've been an instant hit considering the talent behind it but sadly, the screenplay and direction succumbs to cliches. While the action is wholly satisfying to ultra violence lovers, the beautifully set-up character development and premise doesn't pay off like it should. Instead of utilizing the office space in its entirety as a battle ground and weapon registry, it relies on quick kills via a gun. Regardless, it was a thrilling watch but let's be real, this is no Battle Royale.
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, Common
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 122 Min.
John Wick is baaaacck and he is not messing around. As much as I was elated to hear that Keanu Reeves was reprising his role as Wick, all I could do was wonder "Why is he back?!" in John Wick: Chapter 2. Turns out for Wick to be able to quit the hitman game, he had to ask a favor from an Italian drug lord. And because of a marker aka a "blood oath", Wick has to now pay him back. Can't John Wick just live in peace?
It's no surprise why director Chad Stahelski was able to craft such an adrenaline-pumped and innovative action film as he was a stuntman for more than 20 years before he got a chance to release his directorial debut feature, John Wick. I went a little bonkers when I saw the trailer and for good reasons because there was a mini Matrix reunion and you know how much I love The Matrix! John Wick: Chapter 2 was one hell of a good time with a star-studded cast, ultra-violence and expansive look at the hitman culture! I can't wait to see what the third film has in store for us!
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell
Country of Origin: UK | US
Rating: PG-13
Time: 133 Min.
I wouldn't say that I'm a Potterhead but I can say with full confidence that as an avid fan of the potterverse, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them did not do justice to the beloved series. This film is J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut which is inspired by the book of the same name. Back in 2001, Rowling came out with the textbook under the pen name of Newt Scamander where it chronicles the magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe. We get a dose of breathtaking mystical creatures as well as a deep look into the magical world in the U.S.
As much as J.K. Rowling is an phenomenal novelist, when it comes to screenplays, the cohesive story structure is simply not there. I'm hoping for the next films that she will co-write with someone else. David Yates returns yet again as the director and he provides enough laughs and thrills for us fans who have been so famished for more stories of the wizarding world! There will be 4 more films in the Fantastic Beasts series where it will lead up to the much anticipated and epic battle between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. If only, Johnny Depp wasn't in it.
Writer: Seo-Kyung Chung & Park Chan-wook. Novel by Sarah Waters
Cinematography: Chung Chung-hoon
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Jo Jin-woong
Country of Origin: South Korea
Rating: NR
Time: 144 Min.
Park Chan-wook is back and he's better than ever! The Handmaiden is a decadent dessert that is luscious, super kinky, and full of deceit! Adapted from Sarah Water's novel, Fingersmith, Park takes the essential elements and transports the setting to the 1930's Korea when it was under Japanese colonialism. A con man hires an orphaned pickpocket named Sook-hee played by fresh-faced, Kim Tae-ri, to become the maid to heiress Lady Hideko in attempt to steal her wealth. The plan goes array when Lady Hideko falls in love with Sook-hee. I'm getting all hot and bothers here just writing the premise!
After the divisive reception of Stoker (See Review), I'm glad Park Chan-wook went back to making a Korean-language film that not only tantalized native Koreans but everyone else as well. Park was shocked to discover that some of the Americans that watched the film were so taken back by its provocative display of lesbian sex, contrary to his belief that most Americans are more "liberal". The Handmaiden is classic Park Chan-wook but with a more dense structure and erotic storyline that aims to beguile as well as seduce you! Once again, Park never lets me down and let's hope he never does. :D
Andrea Arnold's American Honey has been my most anticipated films of 2016 and let me say, it is one of the most finest films of this year! American Honey follows a free spirited teenage girl, Star, who leaves her troubled home in the midwest and hits the road with the mag crew--a group of outcasts who sell magazines door to door. They work hard and play even harder! Star meets the hardworking and charismatic Jake, played by Shia LaBeouf and falls madly in love with him. As expected, it's an audacious and bold social realism film that'll have you pin to the screen and grooving in your seat!
Andrea Arnold is one of my favorite filmmakers because her films portray life in all its beautiful chaos showcasing raw intimacy and electrifying performances. Sasha Lane and Shia LaBeouf's undeniable chemistry is an indulgence of pure ecstasy and dangerous passion. With a streamline of the hottest hip-hop songs from start to finish, American Honey not only shows a daring portrait about the socioeconomic landscape of America but also focuses the various people occupying it. It's no wonder Arnold won her third Jury Prize Award at Cannes this year with the film. It's explosive and engrossing, you HAVE to go see this film!
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: PG-13
Time: 120 mins.
For skeptical Star Trek fans that were scared that Justin Lin would ruin their favorite franchise, have no fear, Star Trek Beyond is out of this world! A surprise attack in outer space forces the Enterprise to land on a foreign world. Lizard-like dictator Krall needs an ancient and valuable artifact from the ship and so the crew must now battle a deadly alien species while trying to find a way off their hostile planet! This film was one of my most anticipated film of the summer and it did not disappoint!
With the old writers out and Simon Pegg and Doug Jung in, they take us back to the roots of Star Trek which foundation was built on the message of unity, diversity, and discovery. It's one exhilarating ride that seamlessly blends a story with palpable emotional weight, inventive action sequences, and a kickass score! I'm so glad that Lin was able to make this film his own while continuing the tone, essence, and general fun of the franchise that we all love so much. Without a doubt, Star Trek Beyond is the summer blockbuster of this year!
Cast: Anton Yelchin, Alia Shawkat, Joe Cole, Callum Turner, Patrick Stewart, Imogen Poots, Macon Blair
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R Time: 95 mins.
Jeremy Saulnier's Green Room has been my most anticipated film of 2016 since it premiered at TIFF last year and it's finally here! Saulnier has a knack for creating engrossing and gripping stories surrounding the theme of vengeance as seen in his previous film, Blue Ruin. Green Room centers on a punk-rock group who's just ending their not-so-fantastic tour when they book an unexpected gig in an abandoned warehouse. After witnessing a murder, the band is forced to fight to the death against the group of maniacal neo-nazis who runs the place. Sounds like my worst nightmare is just about to come true. Yikez!
If anyone could make you shiver in your boots and gag with fear, it's Jeremy Saulnier. When talking about the vicious cycle of vengeance, Saulnier is a master on covering all side of the spectrum whether his characters are on the right or wrong side of the situation. It also hones on the ethos of being a punk rocker in all it's DGAF and vagabond lifestyle. The story seamlessly ties everything together to tell one unforgettable story that is grounded in realism and is powerful in execution and style. Saulnier never lets me down and Green Room is undoubtedly one of the best films of 2016. Get your weapons ready because this film is one hell of a ride!
Crome Yellow and I went to Beyond Fest and one of our favorite films was Karyn Kusama's The Invitation! While attending a dinner party and his former home, Will (Marshall-Green) thinks his ex-wife Eden (Blanchard) and her new husband (Huisman) have other sinister intentions for him and the guests. I have been a huge fan of Kusama's earlier works like Girlfight and Jennifer's Body but The Invitation is by far her most masterful work yet! She crafts this suffocatingly tense thriller with such precision and artistry, the results will make you completely rethink dinner parties for good! Drafthouse Films is releasing the film next April which cannot come soon enough!
Writer: Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken, Damian Chazelle
Cinematographer: Jeff Cutter
Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr.
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: PG-13 Time: 103 mins.
Just when we didn't think we needed another sequel, 10 Cloverfield Lane proves that another rendition of the same material can work with a razor-sharp script and powerhouse performances. I had not watch the first Cloverfield film but as I've heard, 10 Cloverfield Lane is more like a cousin film rather than a sequel. Set in the same realm, Michelle (Winstead) wakes up after surviving a horrible accident, to find herself trapped in a cellar by a doomsday prepper (Goodman) who insists that he saved her life from the apocalyptic catastrophe that is occurring outside. It's a true nightmare when you have to decide which version of the a nightmare is more bearable, the human or extraterrestrial form?
10 Cloverfield Lane is one hell of a directorial debut feature by Dan Trachtenberg who utilizes his knit-tight and well-paced script to its full potential. It's clever, grounded, and one exhilarating ride that keeps you guessing till the very end! It's been a while since I've left a theater thinking "What a fantastic and well-done movie!". You have never seen John Goodman this good and he will seriously scare the pants off of you! And of course, the lovely Mary Elizabeth Winstead is incredible to watch as she commands every scene to escape this very dangerous situation by any means possible! (She's my hero!) This is one of the better films to have come out in 2016 and I can't wait to see what Trachtenberg does next!
Just when I thought 2014 was an incredible year for film, 2015 rolls up and kills the game even further. There were a plethora of tremendously groundbreaking, forward-thinking, fresh films this year but I picked 10 films that truly resonated with me to my core, ones that transported me to another realm, and films that were made by the blood and soul of a cinephile. I've thought a tremendous amount about my top films so you already know that these 10 films are my ride or die babies and I will back them up 110%! So without further ado, here are my top 10 films of 2015!
Top 10
Mad Max: Fury Road (Dir. George Miller)
It’s been 30 years since the last Mad Max film was released and with the long wait and arrival of Mad Max: Fury Road, it surpassed even the wildest dreams of the most hardcore fans! George Miller returns with a bigger and badder vision of his previous films, embodying a visual spectacle so grandiose, he elevates the genre and shows us how action films could be just as poetic and exhilarating at the hands of a mastermind by telling his story solely through action. This adrenaline-pumped, feverish, and ferocious goose chase is revisioned with a modern-day feminist stance which breaths fire into this already technically flawless film. It’s one film where as soon as it ended, I wanted to experience it again and again! // Trailer Reaction
Mustang (Dir. Deniz Gamze Ergüven)
It seems like every year, there is that one film that is deemed as a “Feminist Film” and this year, it is the Turkish film, Mustang. And while I was able to check off everything that make the film that genre, it completely surpassed all my expectations and more. Gorgeously shot and brilliantly acted by unknown actresses, the film portrays the raw vibrancy of sisterhood even in its darkest moments. The showcase of their resilience over their constant struggle was refreshing to witness as they navigate and fight against their oppression. This is one hell of a first feature by Ergüven that is self-assured, irresistible, and ultimately a powerful film.
Tangerine (Dir. Sean Baker) It's no wonder why Sean Baker's Tangerine is on all top-lists of 2015! He gives us an all access pass into the unseen world of Sunset Blvd where two transgender sex-workers are the centerpieces of this explosive revenge film. Riotously hilarious as it is poignantly tender, the film pulsates with authenticity through its vibrant cinematography and raw performances. Utilizing the iPhone 5s, trap music, and a refreshing story, Tangerine is one hell of a monster of a film that will chew you up and spit you back out! It's already become a Christmas classic that'll have you swerving down Santa Monica Blvd and screaming, Merry Christmas Bitch! // Full Review
45 Years (Dir. Andrew Haigh) It's a special moment when a film with a simple narrative can leave a mark and marinate in the deepest corners of your soul, rendering it to be a gem to be cherished forever. That’s what 45 years did to me and now, I am weak at the knees just by it’s mention. It's incredible how a subject as foreign and vast as a 45-year marriage can seem so relatable especially in the quiet struggle of unexpected news that rocks one harmonious marriage. It's the radically quiet yet nuanced performance by Charlotte Rampling that shows the depths of the emotional complexity and struggle that is singularly translated through just her facial expressions.
Adapted by Phoebe Gloekner autobiographical graphic novel, The Diary of a Teenage Girl tells a teenage girl's sexual odyssey with an acute and quirky observation that makes Minnie a quintessential voice to girls everywhere. Accompanied by an animated spirit of comic-book creator Aline Kominsky (via. animator Sara Gunnarsdottir), we bear witness to Minnie's journey through girlhood in all its awkward, embarrassing, and equally rewarding journey as she experiences the perils of first love and claiming her burgeoning sexuality. Marielle Heller's directorial debut is a powerful one that is crafted with precision and sincerity to truthfully represent the complexity that lies within a teenage girl's thoughts and emotion without judgement.
Magic Mike XXL (Dir. Gregory Jacobs)
Before you scoff at Magic Mike XXL, WATCH IT. Magic Mike XXL is one of the very few times the female gaze has been utilized and any use of it deserves praise and recognition! But even with that tremendous aspect, the film showed an honest and frank portrayal of brohood in all it's equally trivial and grandiose moments. Through the showcase of frank conversations of career aspirations, bromance, and female sexuality, the film exceeds all expectations and its predecessor. It’s one of the most fun cinematic experiences I’ve had in a while that had me hollering, wooing, and even in tears. It’s definitely one for the books. // Full Review
Victoria (Dir.Sebastian Schipper) Victoria is an film that MUST be experienced. It's a tour-de-force of a film and not just because of it's technical achievement of the 2.5 hour film being told all in ONE shot but because the film truly encapsulates the human experience in all its serendipitous moments and human connection, no matter how tragic. Taking place in real time and on the streets of Berlin, the story unravels steadily, taking us through a roller coast of emotions, a tender character study and ultimately showcasing one of the most audacious and ballsy cinematic experience yet. This is a MUST-SEE! // Trailer
The Revenant (Dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu) You would think that Alejandro González Iñárritu would rest after winning his freshly pressed Oscar for last year’s Birdman but he did just the opposite and delivered an uncompromising film that is literally a tour-de-force of will in front and behind the camera. Reuniting up with visionary cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki once again, The Revenant transports you to another world with stunning visuals that creates an immersive and visceral experience through the story's rigorous content that emotionally and physically demands just as much from the viewer as it does from the lead character Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He gives an astonishing 200% commitment which only further proves why he's one of the best actors of the 21st century.
Sicario (Dir. Denis Villeneuve)
Denis Villeneuve is a master when it comes to telling stories of the human experience especially in relation to violence and crime so it's no surprise that Sicario is one hell of a blistering drug war drama that will undoubtably leave you high and dry. It is ruthless in content, immaculate in form, and sweltering in bleakness from start to finish. The film is a piercing reality check as we witness the cyclical and political engine of the drug war in America stronger than ever in this ceaselessly soul-crushing thriller. Emily Blunt as Kate, an idealistic FBI agent, delivers a nuanced performance that will surely haunt you for days after. Guarantee. // Full Review
Carol (Dir. Todd Haynes)
Nobody can tell a 1950’s period piece quite like Todd Haynes can and Carol is proof of that. Adapted by Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, screenwriter Phyllis Nagy perfectly translates this love story with subtly and poise. Shooting on 16mm, every luscious shot by cinematographer Edward Lachman’s looks as if it should be framed and put up on The Louvre. It’s a love story as universal as it is realistic to the times. The performance by Rooney Mara shows the restrained and delicate nuances of the stirring and suppressed emotions of first love in a spectacular way. Every little detail down to the swoon worthy imagery to the sweeping music by Carter Burwell makes Carol one of the most decadent and moving love stories to date.
The Tribe and Girlhood were also on my list last year but considering it's been making their rounds, I am mentioning them once again because they are fantastic!
Evolution
Sworn Virgin
Crush the Skull
My Love, Don't Cross that River
Out of my Hand
Twinsters
Sal from Crome Yellow and I got to witness one of the most beautiful films of this year at Beyond Fest which is Hou Hsiao-Hsien's The Assassin. In ninth-century China, an exiled assassin must choose between love and her duty when she is ordered to kill a man from her past. This is unlike any other martial arts film you have ever seen! The film showcases the most stunning and breathtaking cinematography that will transport you through time and space to witness a story truly visionary and masterful. Any fan of Hou knows the steady pace he utilizes and to some it may be too slow, but with these kind of rich visuals, who cares!
The Assassin is China's official entry to the Oscars for Best Foreign Language film. It might have some serious competition with Deniz Gamze Ergüven's Mustang from France but regardless, you should experience these two singularly powerful films for themselves. I had a chance to go to a q&a with Hou a day after where he went over his filmography and filmmaking style. All I can say is that he is such a wacky cat! I need to definitely to check out his previous works because if they are anything like The Assassin, I am in for a real treat!
