Teenage Fan Club: Review of Spiderman: Homecoming

Spiderman: Homecoming

Director: Jon Watts

By Alex Watson

Spiderman has been a hit and miss affair ever since he webslinged his way onto our screens in 2001. Sam Raimi's original trilogy brought us two excellent outings and completely forgettable third. Marc Webb's two Spidey pictures were excellently acted but seemed to lack a certain substance. For Spiderman: Homecoming, director Jon Watts goes with a lighter touch and for the most part succeeds. This movie might just be the most accurate depiction of Peter Parker yet.

Still buzzing from helping Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) in Berlin, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is anxious to make full use of his powers. Given a new suit, he is soon keeping the neighbourhood safe while at the same time crushing on classmate Liz (Laura Harrier). Former salvager Adrian Toombs (Michael Keaton) has moved into the heist business as flying criminal Vulture. Despite the warnings of Stark, Parker is determined to bring him down.

What makes Spiderman: Homecoming a breath of fresh air is how honestly it portrays Peter Parker. Coming off as the ultimate Avengers geek, we see him make a video diary of his time in Berlin. The bane of Happy Hogan's (Jon Favreau) phone, Parker is shown as your typical immature adolescent. This side of the character was always lacking before and he never seemed to come across as uncool enough. Watts puts all that to rights because Parker is believably nerdy alongside his fellow geek friend Ned (Jacob Batalon). Always failing to keep his feelings for Liz under wraps, his problems are always neatly (and sarcastically) summed up by classmate Michelle (Zendaya). Keen to run before he can crawl, Peter doesn't know the limits of his own powers. Tony Stark in this picture comes off as the surrogate Dad figure, who is always scolding his new prospect for the right reasons.

Vulture is definitely Marvel's most straight up villain but unfortunately not its deepest. A former blue collar worker attempting to salvage scraps from the Avengers New York Smackdown- he is sadly booted off the site by Stark's people. Toombs is in the game to make some green, so there's no tragic backstory or sinister revenge motive needed. Despite some well-acted moments, he just doesn't come across as particularly threatening. He is a smart guy and his schemes are always fool proof, this movie needs a stronger nemesis to make Spidey sweat. Another key issue is the lack of love interest, while Liz is a pretty and sweet young thing- she just doesn't seem deep enough for Peter repeatedly crush on. Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) feels drastically underused but thankfully she doesn't have the task of reminding us of power and responsibility. Despite these minor flaws, there is little else to really grip about.

Watts had a tough job balancing Spiderman: Homecoming, but he seems to stick the landing. His control of the action sequences is never less than gripping. The standout sequence comes when Spidey must save his friends at the Washington Monument. Rather than just retread the old and well known Peter Parker backstory, Watts simply gets on with the job. This lighter touch serves this reboot well and avoids adding more content than the film can handle. Peter's new suit is a recurring source of laughs, especially since he is barely in control of it. An array of cool new weapons (who knew Spidey had grenades?) could be a handy tool in future outings.

Tom Holland has been the perfect choice for Peter Parker and he comes the closest to accurately playing him. So lame he kind of cool, Holland embraces the awkward yet brave side of the character. Running headfirst into difficulties, Holland's over-excited Parker is believably rash when it comes to his choices. However, he gives this character a maturity that serves him well in the later stages. Michael Keaton again shows what great presence he can bring and how intimidating he can be in the right role. The problem is his Adrian Toombs doesn't have enough outside his tough guy persona. Keaton is great as the everyman wanting to provide, but this character is made for heavy lifting.

Spiderman: Homecoming shows that despite excessive reboots, Spiderman is still a character that has not lost its appeal.

The Golden Arches: Review of The Founder

The Founder

Director: John Lee Hancock

By Alex Watson

Ray Kroc's ascent to the top of the fast food world with McDonald's is given a surprisingly gentle touch by John Lee Hancock. Making the most of Michael Keaton's great performance, The Founder is a tale of a man wanting to win at all costs. Kroc might not be this year's most sympathetic character, but the brains and sheer balls he demonstrates make us admire him. This tale of rags to riches isn't a completely happy one and his usurping of its originators will be tough to swallow.

In 1954, Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is a struggling milkshake machine salesman who is having trouble making money. One day when following up on a large order, he travels to San Bernardino, California where he meets restaurant owners Dick and Mac McDonald (Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch). Entranced by their 'speedy system' of delivering orders in 30 seconds and their quality standards, Kroc immediately wants in. Over the years Ray begins to make McDonald's into a household name, all the while alienating the brother's efforts.

The first act of The Founder sets up Kroc's persona nicely as he lives his life on the road. Giving his same cliched 'Chicken and the Egg' speech to a number of uninterested diner owners, he finds himself being continually shown the door. Along the way, he finds himself routinely frustrated by slow service and wrong food being given at a number of drive-in diners. Coming across McDonald's for the first time is like gazing upon an exciting new world. His genuine confusion and amazement as his burger is presented to him within moments will crack a smile, "where do I eat it?" he asks. The brothers are a pair who run their joint like a military operation and are dedicated to quality. Although Ray urges them to franchise, their resistance to change is what sets the rot in this relationship. Ray is a man who is never content with just having enough and his desire to better is what makes us love and hate him in equal measure.

His frustration is what sets about him building an empire. His contract has a slow approval process for anything he suggests and both Dick and Mac's refuse to betray the principles of their beloved restaurant. In the movie's second half he emerges as a ruthless businessman. Realising he will never make the bucks he desires from the brothers, Ray turns to buying land for franchises right under their noses. More than that, he founds another company based on the very company name for whom he has been generating business. Ray looks at himself as the underdog going up against the heavyweights, sad truth is that he fights way dirtier than necessary. Soon he starts enacting his own changes while similar copying the same service standards of the brothers. Dick fumes when he nationally issues powdered milkshakes to all restaurants instead of using ice cream. Ray's ideas are innovative and his success begins to make him believe he is untouchable.

John Lee Hancock treads a fine line with his portrayal of Hancock, presented as a lovable loser in the beginning soon his charm begins to blur the lines. By the movie's climax, we see a cunning and almost psychotic money maker. His dedication comes at the cost his marriage to wife Ethel (a barely used Laura Dern) and he soon catches the eye of singer Joan Smith (Linda Cardellini). In capitalist America, this tale of gaining market ground and branding will ring painfully true. Treating McDonald's like his own personal baby, Ray indeed builds this company from the ground up but only by breaking what he swore to uphold. Dick and Mac's short-sighted approach doesn't make them come off as complete victims. Stubborn to the point of being unreasonable and refusing nationwide exposure to due fear of not controlling their products, it is little wonder Ray goes against them.

Michael Keaton's fine form continues with a bold performance as Ray Kroc. Channelling his own will to dominate along with his everyman charm, this is a winning turn. Since Birdman, Keaton is the process of a big revival and Hancock's movie just proves further how is able to anchor a big movie. Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch also make fine supporting fodder to Keaton. Offerman's almost anal retentive presentation of Dick McDonald makes for perfect resistance to change. Carroll Lynch's turn is perhaps the more devastating as the gentler of the two brothers as the stress mounts from Kroc's offensive campaign. Laura Dern sadly is stranded in a nothing role which gives her nothing to work with. One of the most underrated actresses around, she really deserved a better part.

The Founder is a movie that reminds us that the cost of doing business sometimes involves being underhanded to get ahead.

City of Ghosts: Review of Spotlight

TIFF EXCLUSIVE

Spotlight

Director: Thomas McCarthy

By Alex Watson

Thomas McCarthy's movie Spotlight is one that gives a powerful voice to the victims covered in the Boston Globe's 2001 Pulitzer winning campaign. All the way through this movie treads a fine line between what journalistic boundaries are allowed to be crossed. It may be lacking the needed tension and the lead characters are not nearly as well-developed as we would like. But the feeling of past trauma's being painfully dragged forward is an emotional force that drives the movie. 

Boston Globe reporters Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton), Sasha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) and Michael Rezendes are all members of the Spotlight section. When their new editor Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) takes an interest in an old case that hints at a sex abuse scandals involving catholic priests, they begin to dig deeper. However, the further they go old wounds become reopened and throughout their investigation it becomes clear the rabbit hole goes further they ever imagined! 

One of the main strong points of Spotlight is the feel of the close-knit community of Boston that is key to their investigation. People in this heavily catholic city do not like talking, especially when it involves speaking up about past trauma's. Soon it becomes apparent that this paper was tipped off about this scandal years before, but chose to bury it. Baron although a quiet almost background like figure is the one who gets the ball rolling. The statues of limitations is largely biased against survivor claims and it becomes clear that some lawyers are willing defending guilty clergymen to line their own pockets. Only determined lawyer, Mitchell Garabedian (Stanley Tucci) is willing to fight to get the case tried in open court. The legal obstacles both progress and hinder the story and in places make the movie feel longer than necessary

The lead characters are the ones given the principal focus and this does slightly interfere with the narrative. Also they do not feel nearly as explored as they could have been, Rezendes and Robinson are both weary and burned out men who live for their jobs. Sasha while her uncertainty about her catholic faith makes for an interesting side note isn't really a character who holds our attention. McCarthy does well keep the movie driving along despite a slightly stalling feel story wise. His movie does contain some real stand out scenes which have the ability to shock, such as Sasha's interview with an old priest who happily admits to molesting boys. The scene is so tongue in cheek, you wonder if should dare laugh at such things? 

Overall Spotlight is a strong effort from Thomas McCarthy and he does succeed in shedding a heavy light on the effects of the abused, many of whom were kids from tough neighborhoods seeking comfort. As one survivors puts it "It was like God coming to your home" and their betrayal combined with their lifetime of shamed silence have torn lives apart. The voices of the innocent are ones that touch the central trio greatly and in the wake of events such as 9/11 occurring, the desire to bring forward the injustice suffered is always burning. There are always mentions that high up church members were aware for years of scandal happening. Soon into McCarthy's film, you get the distinct impression that God has abandoned this city long ago. 

Michael Keaton keeps up his fine form after his great turn in Birdman last year. Robinson is a jaded editor of a small section who is just trying to do the right thing. Keaton however doesn't go for fireworks and instead comes off as the cool and collected member of the picture. Mark Ruffalo is the figure who truly holds our attention as Rezendes and throughout is a ball of energy. His bitterness towards his betrayed beliefs in his catholic upbringing makes for some intense work. Ruffalo could well be an interesting consideration for a supporting actor prize. Stanley Tucci once more give a scene stealing masterclass as Mitchell Garabedian. His wish to see wrongs righted, no matter what the cost marks him out as one of the few honest men around. 

Thomas McCarthy is slowing adapting himself to life in the mainstream and Spotlight is a movie that is a puts him on course. It may have its flaws, but you cannot deny the power of story telling here. The people involved in this scandal were put to justice, but the scars of the actions taken will live forever.

Big Yellow: Review of Minions

Minions

Directors: Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin

By Alex Watson

Finally Minion mania has the film that it so desires. The result of Minions is one that although typically uneven in places stays on the right side of idiotic to very funny ride. Forget the slightly cliched and unoriginal plot and just engage your inner child and enjoy. These little yellow men have taken the world by storm and here demonstrate their ability to carry a franchise on charm alone. So far the box office bell is constantly ringing and this is one adventure kids will not be able to get enough of.

Set prior to Despicable Me, this tells the story of the evolution of the Minions and their sole life quest to serve a master. After a series of misadventures, three minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob (Pierre Coffin) set on a mission to find a new bad boss. After encountering world renowned villainess Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and her husband Herb (Jon Hamm) she sets the three little fellas on a mission to capture the crown of Queen Elizabeth (Jennifer Saunders).

Starting with a cute but hilarious introduction voiced by Geoffrey Rush, we see how the minions came to be. It is impossible not to laugh at these guys accidentally going through multiple evil masters such as T-Rex, Dracula and Napoleon. Minions may offer little in terms of story, but it carries itself well on sheer belly laughs. Watching them travel to Orlando for the infamous 'Villian Con' there are laughs to be had, such as their encounter well typical American but bank robbing Nelson family (Michael Keaton and Allison Janney).

When the gang meets Scarlett, the story doesn't quite feels as fluid as it should. She is a typically stylish and icy cold femme fatale, but she doesn't seem meaty enough to co-balance the film. The plot involving stealing the crown jewels so Scarlett can become Queen of England is one we have seen many times before. Although when Bob accidentally comes to power, it does give things an interesting twist and our heroes lives suddenly hang in Scarlett's grasp. The screenplay by Brian Lynch is one that depends too much on element rather than being more rounded.

The physical comedy on display though cannot be beat. The Minions have captured the world's heart through their excellent prat-falls and indecipherable gibberish language. Here the adorable factor is impossible to dislike, even as we watch them play polo while riding corgi's. From stealing the Despicable Me franchise, these googled mini men have the cinema world in their three fingered hands. There is enough giggles and the right amount of silly humour to ensure there will likely be a sequel in the near future.

Voice wise Sandra Bullock does well as Scarlett Overkill, but doesn't quite give it the needed amount of relish. Her voice has the right amount of vanity mixed with fierce desire to succeed, but the after effect is slightly underwhelming. Jon Hamm covers the needed ground well as her odd yet devilish inventor husband Herb. Going for over the top glory, Hamm firmly nails the landing. Jennifer Saunders also excels as the surprisingly hard Queen Elizabeth.

Minions is probably everything that fans will want it to be and more. It may lack sufficient ground on story, but what does that really matter when it can provide laughs like these so easily? Expect these guys back soon- High Three!  

Flying Without Wings: Review of Birdman

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

By Alex Watson  

If someone had told you that acclaimed Mexican director, Alejandro González Iñárritu's return to the big screen would be a black comedy starring Michael Keaton (aka Batman) then most people would probably ask you how many pints you had consumed! But it appears that this has come to fruition and the Babel and Amores Perros director returns with his dark satirical film, Birdman. Keaton hasn't had a role this meaty in years, can Iñárritu bring out the best in him? 

Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) is a washed up movie star who was once the beloved star of the Birdman movie franchise. In an attempt to be taken seriously, Thompson is adapting a Broadway stage production of Raymond Carver's story 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' which has been beset by problems, including egomaniac method actor Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) and his drug addict assistant daughter Sam (Emma Stone). But in the midst of the mayhem, can Riggan keep his head and give an 'honest' performance? 

Birdman is a bizarre but ultimately brilliant piece of original work from Iñárritu. Armed with a fascinating pitch black tone and beautifully shot by Emmanuel Lubezki, the Mexican maverick has created something truly special and the talented cast succeeds in carrying the weight of expectation. Riggan is a man who after passing on Birdman 4 over 20 years ago, has become permanently trapped inside his winged character (the character speaks to him in his mind off stage) and he is straining regain any sense of credibility which on stage is difficult to come by, as Lindsay Duncan's acid tongued reviewer tells him "You're a celebrity, not an actor!" and then informs him she will destroy his play for invading her turf before she has even seen it.

The camera work by Lubezki also contributes a great seamless feel to this movie and as we glide in and out of various rooms, it feels as if we are glimpsing the actors in their most personal moments which gives an almost intrusive feel to proceedings. The script however by Iñárritu , Nicolas Giacobone, playwright Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo, is one to savor. Together they bring us a story complete with shocking yet natural humour along with a building psychological feel of a man who has bitten off more than he can chew.

All around Riggan's production there are problems to be seen, firstly star Lesley (Naomi Watts) has encouraged him to bring on board her arrogant boyfriend Mike, who although a big box office draw is immediately dismissive of Riggan's talent and seems to cause mayhem over the littlest details, including drinking real gin rather than water on stage which results in disastrous preview performances! Along with being continually belittled by Sam for being more of a 'has-been' because he rejects bloggers and twitter, the man's mind is beginning to crack and his feathered friends words are speaking louder than ever.

Iñárritu also makes the audience think about a number of important factors such as the importance of careful stage planning, the ego of actors and finally what it means to be creative in this world. Riggan is literally investing his whole life in this make or break piece of art and we secretly we fear the effect of an ill received performance. But unlike this earlier work, there is a brilliant sense of rawness and reality to Birdman, which accurately demonstrates the misgivings life in theatre can bring. One sequence we see our hero lock himself out the theatre mid performance and having to make an impromptu sprint through a crowded Time Square in just his underwear! 

Michael Keaton is given the role of a life time to play and he pulls things off magnificently! Playing an man with everything to prove to the acting world, Keaton exceeds all expectations and firmly captures Riggan's ambition along with his continually beaten down persona. Under the influence of his old Birdman friend, Riggan is a man who seems able to put all things aside and make the show go on as planned. A career best for Keaton and it has to be said, a very smart piece of casting by Iñárritu because few men on the planet would understand this role better than Keaton himself!

Edward Norton also makes for a memorable on screen jerk as Mike, his ego soars higher than Birdman himself could probably fly. Throughout the production he berates and insults the man who gave him the role and continually rants on about stage is the only honest acting art. Norton does well to poke fun at his apparently troublesome antics when making movies and firmly marks the supporting honours as his own. Also look for a surprising straight performance from comedian Zach Galifianakis as Riggan's weary lawyer who forever has his work cut out for him.

Alejandro González Iñárritu has delivered one of 2014's most memorable and engaging piece of cinema and Birdman is a stunning change of direction for this man. If you needed proof of Michael Keaton's talent, then look no further than this film. This has one of my highest recommendations and this kind of cinema deserves to be seen by all!

Three October Movies To Get Excited About

As we move closer to award season, the films that will be in contention are slowly rearing their heads. TIFF brought us a taste for what is to come, but now we are back to regularly scheduled multiplex showings. Here are my three picks for October!

Nightcrawler 

Dan Gilroy's suspenseful and pulsating Los Angeles set crime thriller has been a smash hit with critics so far. Telling the story of ambitious freelance crime journalist Lou (Jake Gyllenhaal) who becomes gradually more obsessed with the dark underbelly of his occupation which leads to him crosses a dangerous line! Gyllenhaal has been proven to do intense acting well and it appears that this could be one of his career best!

Fury 

War movies have always been a staple of award season nominations and it appears that director David Ayer could have a contender on his hands with Fury. Set against the backdrop of WW2, Sergeant Dan 'War Daddy' Collier (Brad Pitt) commands a fatigued Sherman tank crew who soon find themselves involved in one hell of a battle where the odds are firmly stacked against them! From the clips on display this could prove to be an exciting underdog stories with a firm heart to support it! With a solid cast including Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, Logan Lerman and well... Shia LaBeouf this is one to watch.

Birdman 

Mexican maverick, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu returns next month with his comedy-drama Birdman. The revolves around fading star Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) who is synonymous for playing superhero 'Birdman' and his attempting to get his career back on track by staging a bizzare broadway show- only for his mind to slowly unravel! From the looks of things this could well be a memorable and dark comedy drama from Inarritu and most likely, a revaletory turn from Keaton that cleverly mocks his former turn as 'The Dark Knight' aka Batman!