So's Reel Thoughts: Films 2017

Showing posts with label Films 2017. Show all posts

Year: 2017

Director: Edgar Wright

Writer: Edgar Wright

Cinematography: Bill Pope

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.

Year: 2017

Director: Matt Spicer

Writer: David Branson Smith & Matt Spicer

Cinematography: Philippe Le Sourd

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!

Year: 2017

Director: Bobby Kim, Scott Weintrob

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.

Year: 2017

Director: Sofia Coppola

Writer: Sofia Coppola

Cinematography: Philippe Le Sourd

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!

- Trailer Reaction -

Year: 2017

Director: Patty Jenkins

Writer: Allan Heinberg

Cinematography: Matthew Jensen

Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, David Thewlis, Elena Anaya, Danny Huston, Said Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, Eugene Brave Rock

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: PG-13

Time: 141 mins.

Wonder Woman is not only the best DC film ever (because that doesn't say much) but a great Superhero film! As this is the first Wonder Woman film to ever exist so naturally the film focuses on her origin story. Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, Princess of the Amazons and trained warrior. When a pilot (Pine) crashes offshore of the Amazon island of Themyscira and tells Diana about the war in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and destiny.

Director Patty Jenkins did a magnificent job at crafting unforgettable action sequences, three-dimensional characters, and a powerful story about hope. Even though it's a superhero film, it feels very different than the ones we're used to seeing, it's better. There is more compassion, humanity, and love in this story which is why Wonder Woman is exactly the kind of film we need to see in the world right now. I'm so beyond proud to finally see a female superhero in her own film, kicking ass and taking names! Wonder Woman 2 can't come out soon enough!

- Trailer Reaction -

Year: 2017

Director: Dean Israelite

Writer: John Gatins

Cinematography: Luis David Sansans

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.

Year: 2017

Director: Greg McLean

Writer: James Gunn

Cinematography: Luis David Sansans

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.

Year: 2017

Director: Chad Stahelski

Writer: Derek Kolstad

Cinematography: Dan Laustsen

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!