So's Reel Thoughts

Hirokazu Koreeda has once again masterfully constructed another family drama but this time, centered around two brothers who are separated by their parents disintegrating marriage in I Wish. The film is about the powerful notion of family unity as well as the inevitable deterioration and the painful yet calming freedom that comes from it. The original title is Kiseki ("Miracle") and it is a miracle the two brothers, Koichi and Ryu, played by real-life brothers Koki and Ohshiro Maeda wishes for in order to reunite their family. The parents part ways leaving the mom, Nozomi (Nene Ohtsuka) to return to living with her parents with Koichi in her hometown of Kagoshima in which an silent volcano is at the possible cusps of eruption. Meanwhile the father, Kenji stays in Osaka with Ryu to pursue his laid-lack lifestyle of trying to maintain day jobs while attempting to be a guitarist in a band.

Read the rest at JapanCinema.net!

Look what we have here! It's been already ten year since Zach Braff made his directorial debut with Garden State which is personally one of my all-time favorite films. EVER. Now, here we are a decade later and with the help of the internet ($$$), he was able to make his sophomore film, Wish I was Here.

Side note: How insane that through Kickstarter, he was able to raise more than 2 MILLION dollars in just three days! Absolutely NUTS!

Wish I Was Here is a story of Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, father, husband, who at 35 is still trying to find his identity and purpose to his life. It sounds just like the premise of Garden State but if we had seen Andrew Largeman move to the City of Angels and had a family. And voila, now we get to! And ding! ding! ding! is that The Shins I hear? For a second, I truly did think I was watching just a trailer of Garden State but with the vivacious energy of another independent film. All though, it is very reminiscent of his first film, it seems to have a lot more elements of adventure, heart, imagination and naturally, maturity.

I'm also so glad to see Kate Hudson back on the big screen as a mom and not as another single thirty-something year old looking for love! The film premiered at Sundance and I haven't heard much buzz but apparently it did sell big time to Focus Features for 2.75 million dollars (WUUUT?!). Hopefully, the film will be good and this is actually the last film James Avery (Uncle Phil of Fresh Prince) was in before he passed away. And despite all the rants from critics and audiences aside, I am most likely going to see this when it comes out on July 25.

It's HERE! It's finally HERE! After countless months of updating every nook and cranny of this film from teasers to still to trailers, and posters (see all here) I am so ecstatic to announce that I have seen the greatness that is Jim Jarmusch's long awaited film, Only Lovers Left Alive. Only Lovers Left Alive is seriously one of the most romantic films I have ever seen. Jim Jarmusch is one of the very few filmmakers that know how to make my heart swoon with his endless night roaming, nostalgia for the past, and the presentation of the eternal love between two people. I absolutely adored every aspect of this film especially it's soft yet dark cinematography, the passionate love between Adam and Eve, and simply their rants about the lost world. Only Lovers Left Alive comes out April 11. Wait for it!

If you don't know who Gia Coppola is already, you will very soon. Her last name sound a bit familiar? That's right, she is part of the legendary Coppola clan and is taking the same footsteps of her grandfather Francis Ford Coppola and aunt Sofia Coppola. She started out making short films for one of my favorite brands, Opening Ceremony which starred Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman (Of course, keep it in the family) and went on doing more with Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Palo Alto will be her directorial debut which is an adaptation of James Franco's short story collection of the same name. This high school drama has an interconnected narrative that surrounds the forbidden relationship between soccer player April (Emma Roberts) and her coach Mr B. (James Franco) who is a single father. Obviously, we all know where this will go. I was a bit apprehensive about hearing this because it seems like the ultimate collaboration of indie hipster celebrities and wasn't sure if the materials were going to be even worthy (maybe just my jealousy talkin'). But after watching the trailer, I am swooning with angst and teenage puppy mushy feelings that is very reminiscent of The Virgin Suicides. I am now incredibly intrigued by the film as it not only stars Franco and Roberts but also Val Kilmer (WUUUT?)

It's interesting to see the trailer now after hearing James Franco's slight scandal of trying to hook up with a 17-year old girl. But I can't help but wonder if this is all just a perfectly executed stunt to promote Palo Alto. Or if Franco really is just infatuated with young females as it is a story he wrote in his book. Either or, I could care less about Franco's personal life and I'm sure girls are smart enough to say no when it's necessary or I can hope (EKK!) Palo Alto will be released in limited theaters on May 9.

The 1990's version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was absolutely fantastic so naturally, I was very skeptical about the remake. Not only is it a remake but it gets the whole Michael Bay treatment with its overdosed CGI and Megan Fox. I mean come on, there wasn't even a single shot of a PIZZA (xtra cheese please)! If you know anything about these babes is that they LIVED for pizza (like we all do.) After seeing the trailer, I am further convinced that I am not a fan of it but probably will see it! Maybe, just maybe! Check it out!

Boy, do I blab a lot in this review of Divergent! Divergent is amongst the many young adult adaptations that are coming out along with The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. I was apprehensive about watching this film but was pleasantly surprised by the product even if the story was a little soft. I honestly think that maybe it was the story that was lacking rather than the film because execution-wise, everything was one par. The chemistry, the suspense, the action were clearly done perfectly to the beat. I am definitely now a fan and can't wait to see the next one!

The Raid 2: Berandal is one of my most anticipated films of 2014 and it did not let me down at all! I am overwhelmed with joy and ecstasy by Gareth Evan's masterpiece. The first film was incredible and this time, he hits us harder, faster, gorier, and just generally more badass!

Backstory to Hammer Girl & Bro:

Apparently when they were younger they were abused by their father and he would toss a coin and see which one would be his victim for the night. Until eventually, Hammer Girl & bro teamed up and killed him!

I recently wrote a review for CAAMFest on Meera Menon's Farah Goes Bang which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival last year. Farah Goes Bang is directed and written by first-time filmmaker Meera Menon and co-written by Laura Goode, who tell a female-centric story about what is means to be a multicultural person in modern America! Check out my review!

The Grand Budapest Hotel is by far one of Anderson's most accomplished film in a decade! I had so much fun with this film in contrast to his previous films like Moonrise Kingdom and The Fantastic Mr. Fox. They were all imaginatively superb but The Grand Budapest Hotel is layered with such heart, nostalgia, and tragedy! New comer Tony Revolori as Zero Moustafa really carries his own next to the renowned and revered Ralph Fiennes as Gustav H, the legendary concierge at the infamous European hotel. Definitely a must-see!

You can say David O. Russell’s American Hustle is the All American film due to its themes of success, survival, and dreams. And of course, in high-powered American fashion, Russell constructs a incredibly razor sharp screenplay that spits fire in the perspective of his different protagonists that is deliriously intoxicating through its super-charged performances, screenplay, and editing. Russell’s ability to infuse serious themes with outrageously humorous dialogue not only propels the performances of his individual actors but his own “auteur” voice shines through and speaks aloud with uncanny clarity. All aspects of this film is of innovative and top notch quality, but it is the individualized rambunctious and powerhouse performances provided by every single cast member even down to an extra that propels the film to be one of Russell’s best.

Hana and Alice is a 2004 Japanese teen romance film directed by the multi-faceted filmmaker Shunji Iwai who also dabbles in video art and documentaries. Hana and Alice is about two average teenage girls who like most teenage girls are attached to the hip, goof around, and crush over boys whenever they’re not frolicking in their tutus. Hana, an impulsive and manipulative girl (Anne Suzuki) falls in love with Masashi, a boy the girls have been teasing about on the train for some time. After one stalking spree by Hana, she witnesses Masashi hit his head and get amnesia. In lightening speed, she ceases the chance to convince him that she was his girlfriend before his “memory loss.” Naturally, a continuing series of lies leads Alice to partake in the deception by pretending to be Masashi’s ex-girlfriend. Soon enough, all parties are involved in a love triangle, which tests their faith in their friendship, perception of love, and emotional stability.

Read the rest at JapanCinema.net!

Leonardo DiCaprio as the real-life Jordan Belfort is ELECTRIFYING, COMMANDING, & DOWN RIGHT INTOXICAT(ING) & (ED)! This is Scorsese's most stylistic film that pushes the boundaries of what's appropriate when it comes America's perception of success, sex, and drugs. Overdosed and super charged by adrenaline that'll leave you either feeling invincible or craving drugs. Either way, this is one power-trip worth taking even if the film is a whooping 3 hours! Be forewarned: You might wanna act real naughty after.

I thought I would spice things up by taking you out of my room and to the LA Art Book Fair! I went there to check out what it was all about as well as ask fellow art lovers what their favorite film of 2013 was! I got to meet incredible artists, actresses, and art lovers from across the globe. It's always an incredible communal experience when bathing in a creative environment and talking to like-minded people. As much as I love watching movies day in and day out in my little femme cave, there is nothing quite like the feeling of interacting and witnessing art in real space. So I hope you enjoy this video! (click the vid for credits).

I just recently started writing for JapanCinema.net and wrote my first review on on Jake Clennel's The Great Happiness Space.

On the other side of the world, in the bright and bustling streets of Osaka, Japan, there resides a cluster of "host bars”--a place where wealthy woman are willing to spend thousands of dollars on champagne service to “financially investing” for the affection of handsome twenty something year old escorts. The director Jake Clennell had no previous knowledge of this trend when he encountered hosts on the streets. He joins us on this journey to explore the surprisingly gender-reversed realm of host bars by showcasing interviews with a number of hosts, customers, and daily routine of the hottest club, named Rakkyo.

(Read more at JapanCinema.net!)

Holy crap. The trailer to Jonathan Glazer's (Sexy Beast, Birth) Under the Skin starring Scarlett Johansson is finally here! There is no denying the creepy, hypnotic, and sultry story that is embedded into every mysterious shot of this trailer. Johansson never ceases to amaze me and here with her red lipstick, sex bed hair, and brown fur coat, I can only dream I could look this good if I was an extra terrestrial being who was sent to Earth (reasons unknown?) and preying on men to stay alive. Come to think of it, sounds a lot like my kind of movie! (MUWHAHAHHA!)

I have not watched anything Glazer has done even though I've been meaning to watch Birth for quite a while now. And considering how Calum Marsh from LA Weekly has named this film one of the top 10 films to see in 2014 AND called Under the Skin, "A genuine revelation. We may finally have an heir to Kubrick." makes me think either this kid's a bit overreacting or HE IS COMPLETELY RIGHT (& I FEEL REAL STUPID TO EVEN THINK OTHERWISE). Either way, this is a helluva trailer that is hauntingly beautiful in every aspect from the story, cinematography, score, and performance. We get to witness yet another side of Johansson that showcases her ever-expanding range even further and if you ask me, her English accent ain't so bad either. Under the Skin comes out April 4.

2013 was a MASSIVE year in film. We had powerhouse films like 12 Years a Slave, Gravity, Wolf on Wall Street and even little indies like Her and Frances Ha that took the film scene to other lengths and heights of thoughtful and innovative filmmaking. That considered, it's going to be a strenuous task for 2014 to beat its predecessor. But like any younger sibling, it's not about trying to step out of their big sibling's shadow but highlighting the differences and uniqueness of the individual.

While there might not be another 12 Years a Slave, those films have created more opportunities and heightened the standard of films that now Hollywood is FINALLY (they've been) realizing with great storytelling, direction, and performances, that a film can succeed artistically and commercially. Just a few weeks ago, the open letter Martin Scorsese wrote to his daughter regarding the future of filmmaking and it quite possibly the most optimistic, heartwarming, and reassuring message that he could tell not only his daughter but this generation of struggling filmmakers and cinephiles alike. Scorsese's words has and will resonant throughout years to come which also makes me incredibly excited for 2014. So, without further adieu, here are the most anticipated films of this year!

Boyhood

Director: Richard Linklater

Plot: It tells a story of a boy name Mason (Ellar Coltrane) as he grows from a six-year-old to a college freshmen. Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette star as the boy's parents, while Linklater's daughter Lorelei plays Mason's sister.

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater,

Why I'm Excited: Boyhood is Richard Linklater's most ambitious twelve year project that started back in 2002. Linklater would shoot one sequence of the film every year for the remaining years and I'm sure the finished project would be a timeless yet majestic look at the dynamics of time and family. Definitely one film that will challenge the test of time through the medium of cinema.

Release Date: TBA

Nymphomaniac: Volume I

Director: Lars von Trier

Plot: A self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating.

Cast: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgard, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Jamie Bell

Why I'm Excited: Lars von Trier is one of the few filmmakers that can really puncture my soul (others, PTA & Denis Villeneuve) with his hard-hitting, raw, and brutal stories that take the extreme to another level. He has been slowly churning the hype factor little by little throughout the past months and finally, it is revealed that this epic film is going to be cut into two films! And who doesn't want to see Shia and Charlotte get down and little dirty? We all win here guys.

Release Date: March 21, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer // Poster

The Raid 2

Director: Gareth Evans

Plot: Only a short time after the first raid, Rama goes undercover with the thugs of Jakarta and plans to bring down the syndicate and uncover the corruption within his police force.

Cast: Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle, Yayan Ruhian, Donny Alamsyah

Why I'm Excited: Even before the Sundance raves made their uproar, I've been squealing at the thought of being once again bombarded and almost suffocated by the out of this world martial arts by Rama (Iko Uwais). And now that the Sundance reviews are in, I am literally choking on my saliva as we speak. It's petrifying enough to hear that Raid 2 is more action packed than its predecessor but now I hear that it is possibly the best action film ever made. Heart-attack much?

Release Date: March 28, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer // The Raid: Redemption Review

Godzilla

Director: Gareth Edwards

Plot: A giant radioactive monster called Godzilla appears to wreak destruction on mankind.

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston

Why I'm Excited: If you saw the trailer you would agree with me. The opening scene of the trailer alone where the soldiers jump out of the helicopter and into the swirling vortex of doom that is Manhattan(?) is enough to make any skeptic into an instant fan. Edward has tackled monsters before with his previous indie film "Monsters." But it is quite incredibly to see him jump into this gigantic scale production that includes big up-comers like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, and DUH, Bryan Cranston! Edwards has worked in the special effects realm before so it will be no surprise that the graphics are simply going to be knit-tightly realistic and mind-blowing.

Release Date: March 16, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves

Plot: Survivors of the simian plague trigger an all-out war between humanity and Caesar's growing forces.

Cast: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis

Why I'm Excited: The original 1968 Planet of the Apes starring Charlton Heston is one of my favorite films of all time (see review). Hence why, I was sad to hear that there would be a remake starring none other than James Franco called Rise of the Planet of the Apes. (How many title variations are they going to have?) To my surprise, it was very well done due to the excellent facial expression acting provided by Andy Serkis, the real mastermind behind the success to this film as well as The Lord of the Rings series. Serkis's performance alone created enough tension without any verbal communication that reminded me why cinema reigns supreme when the story is purely told through visuals. And seeing the trailer for Dawn of the Planet of Apes, I am ecstatic to see Caesar and his army in action! They're bigger, smarter, and badder than the first time around so let's do the Tim Burton remake some justice and make this a good one yeah?

Release Date: July 11, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer

Gone Girl

Director: David Fincher

Plot: A woman mysteriously disappears on the day of her wedding anniversary. Based on the novel, "Gone Girl."

Cast: Rosemund Pike, Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris

Why I'm Excited: While Gillian Flynn's popularity was quickly inflating due to Gone Girl, I was still reading her second book, Dark Places which was my first encounter with her work. And then, after quickly learning that she was once a writer for my bible, Entertainment Weekly, I swiped Gone Girl at the local B&N and was hooked! Although my distain for Ben Affleck is unwavering, I will accept him to play the asshole that is Nick in this particularly dark tale of marriage. And who better to play the sinister yet angelic missing girl than Rosemund Pike, whose charming looks could equally serenade and deceive our souls. What I am even more excited by is not that Fincher will be directing this adaptation but Flynn is writing the screenplay and willing to slaughter (her own words) her original story ending to write a completely a different and mind-blowing ending.

Release Date: October 3, 2014

Other Stuffz: BUY THE BOOK

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Director: Wes Anderson

Plot: The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who become his most trusted friend.
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan

Why I'm Excited: After the Royal Tenenbaums, I often thought Anderson's work followed his classic and indistinguishable filmic traits too often that his work became lackluster by maintaining and relying on the same quirkiness that initially helped him succeed. But I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it right? WRONG. Maybe. I don't know! Although, I hope he strives to continually challenge cinema in his own unique way, I just wanted something different than the usual. But with this new film that just opened Berlin International Film Festival, I'm sure it's stacked stacked stacked cast is sure enough to attract even the most non-Wes Anderson fans into those red seats. And of course, can't wait to see Tony Revolori in action and see Swinton play a granny with impeccable style.

Release Date: March 7, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer // Cast Breakdown

Inherent Vice

Director: PTA!!!

Plot: In Los Angeles in 1970, drug-fueled detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

Cast: Jena Malone, Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Reece Witherspoon

Why I'm Excited: This is Paul Thomas Anderson we're talkning about here. His work is as vast and distinct as Daniel Day-Lewis's performances. No matter how many years passes by, his work is significantly more defined and poignant than the one before. And it's no wonder why he is one of the most prominent voices in American cinema today. We can't talk about American cinema without talking about the Film School Graduate generation like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg that paved the way for later kids like Paul Thomas Anderson to succeed. Doesn't matter what project he's working on, if it has PTA's name attached to it, I'm THERE. (Also hello, Joaquin and Jena is in this one!)

Release Date: TBA

The Double

Director: Richard Ayoade

Plot: A comedy centered on a man who is driven insane by the appearance of his doppleganger.

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Jesse Eisenberg, Sally Hawkins

Why I'm Excited: If you saw Ayoade's first film Submarine (see review) you would eternally understand my love for this man. He's a first time director but it is undeniably the clarity and promise he has in his voice as a filmmaker. Even though Submarine was about a 15-year old boy going through the perils of boyhood and family life, I couldn't help but resonant with his dilemmas. To see such a refined, innovative, and clear coming-of-age story come to life, I am fully an Ayoade fan girl now. Bring it on Eisenberg!

Release Date: May 9, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer

Only Lovers Left Alive

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Plot: A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries.

Cast: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin,

Why I'm Excited: I can say that Jim Jarmusch is an auteur in all sense of the word. The first film I saw of his The Limits of Control (see review) was one of the most extreme cinema experiences as it tested my patience like it has never been tested before. He has a certain style that cannot be replicated because his films takes long pensive strides along our brain cells and forces us to reflect on our values as human beings. Not everyone can do that! And enough promo materials from the posters to clips to trailers have been slowly making waves on the interwebs that I am certified bloody hungry for this film to be released! We all just want to see Hiddleston naked right? Just me? *Runs to the corner.

Release Date: April 11, 2014

Other Stuffz: Trailer // Poster // Clips

Other Films:

Christopher Nolan's Interstellar

Denis Villeneuve's Enemy

Jonathan Glazer's Under the Skin starring Scarlett Johansson,
Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider Man 2
Noah Baumbach/Greta Gerwig Public School Project
David Wain's They Came Together
I Origins
Carol (Lesbian love story, oOOooOOo!)
Gregg Araki's White Bird in a Blizzard
Justin Simien's Dear White People

Facebook // Tumblr // Instagram // Twitter

Wes Anderson's new film The Grand Budapest Hotel is one of most anticipated film of 2014 and it's no denying that the revered and stacked cast will help this film be one of the great films to come out this year! The cast entails some of the best actors of this generation that has done everything from gangster films to love stories to war dramas to slapstick comedies and here they are in one project to support the one man that could highlight and challenge their individual talents the only way he can (with a touch of quirkiness), Wes Anderson. My anticipation was solidified once I saw an oddly young and handsome William Dafoe shoot me a snaring look after punching the Lobby Boy (Tony Revolori) with his brass knuckles. Super hot. And if that's not a good enough reason for you have you seen Tilda Swinton in her luxurious granny get up? Simply entrancing! The Grand Budapest Hotel is open for business March 7, 2014!!! (But foreal, where the ladies at?!)