The Theory of Everything - 9 stars out of 10

The Theory of Everything - 9 stars out of 10

From the moment that Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with motor neuron disease, his story was destined to inspire the world.  This story is so fascinating, so emotional, so inspirational that its transformation into an Oscar-winning film was inevitable.  The script, adapted from Jane Hawking’s memoir that gives a vivid portrait of her husband’s unlikely perseverance, is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.  While I don’t agree with Hawking’s religious views, I can still appreciate his unlikely journey.  The story has many facets that range from Hawking’s struggle with his disease to his world-changing physics theories and the incredible dedication of his wife.  The script is supplemented by Oscar-nominated performances by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.  Redmayne is incredible in this performance that deserves to be mentioned alongside Daniel Day Lewis in “My Left Foot” and Robert DeNiro in “Awakenings.”  At one point, I had to lean over to my wife and remind her that Redmayne could stand up and walk around if he wanted.  He is so convincing that you would believe that he was really bound to his wheelchair.  The contortion of his hands, his distorted walking style, and the limited movement of his face require a finesse that few actors achieve.  He will likely lose the Oscar to Michael Keaton for “Birdman,” but it doesn’t take a theoretical physicist to realize that Redmayne’s portrayal of the debilitative progression of ALS will last through the ages.  Felicity Jones matches the physical acting of Redmayne with the emotional content of her character.  She shows an equally drastic transformation from the enchanting young college student to the frustrated caretaker of her husband as she denies her love for another man in order to remain dedicated to her often distant husband.  She doesn’t stand a chance again Julianne Moore for the Oscar, but I hope that this notoriety paves the way for many more appearances in emotional roles.  David Thewlis also manages to be very memorable in such a small role, not allowing Stephen’s changing physical state to alter his perception.  The score by Jóhann Jóhannsson feels very traditional.  There isn’t anything groundbreaking about it as it explores the sheer beauty of the piano, harp, and strings.  It suits the images on the screen so well that I hardly noticed it over the course of movie and didn’t fully appreciate it until revisiting it afterwards.  “The Theory of Everything” wasn’t my favorite film of the year, but it lies among those films that bring history to life and allow us to feel as if we lived through the hardships alongside of the characters.

[Pictured: Redmayne and Jones are both deserving of Oscars]

Guardians of the Galaxy - 3 stars out of 10

Guardians of the Galaxy - 3 stars out of 10

I've been over the whole superhero craze for awhile, but the prospect of a wise-cracking, gun-wielding raccoon definitely caught my eye; unfortunately, even Rocket Raccoon couldn’t save this film from becoming just another contribution to the oversaturation of the superhero film market.  “Guardians of the Galaxy” subscribes to the same superhero equation that we have seen over and over again this past decade.  A Han Solo-esque rogue character stumbles upon several misfits (and a… tree-like humanoid?) who band together toward a good cause.  While I can’t deny the film’s visual splendor, I did not find the characters or the story to be very appealing.  I don’t know what I wanted, but it certainly was not the same old superhero film.  This one doesn’t exactly go by the books as these characters are a bit edgier and never claim to do things with complete innocence; still, there is something that feels very generic about this adventure.  Does it really matter if the characters saving the day are the Guardians, or could we just as easily substitute in the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, or the upcoming Justice League?  Needless to say, I won’t be seeing the inevitable sequel.  The only thing about this film that will be memorable to me is its unique soundtrack of 70’s classics.  Classics like Hooked on a Feeling, I Want You Back, Go All the Way, O-o-h Child, and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough kept drawing in my attention when my focus began to waver and, by the end of the film, I felt like I could relate to Quill through a mutual love of oldies.  This isn't a bad movie - it was just in the wrong place at the wrong time for me.  I appreciate the comedy and enjoyed a few of the action sequences but, in the end, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a generic continuation of the superhero films that came before it and the others that are on their way.

[Pictured: There is no denying that Rocket is an awesome character]

About Time - 8 stars out of 10

About Time - 8 stars out of 10

The theatrical poster for “About Time” suggests that it is a rip-off of “The Time Traveler’s Wife” - they even brought in Rachel McAdams!  But this film is anything but a cheesy chick flick; instead, “About Time” is a thought-provoking story about life and how we can learn to better appreciate each day.  Director Richard Curtis is well-known for his romantic comedies such as “Notting Hill” and the Bridget Jones movies, but this script digs a lot deeper than most.  Curtis tapped into the creative complexity that he used to write “Love Actually” and the result is this clever, heartwarming, and frustrating story about a man learning the personal consequences of changing the past.  The film was criticized for its plot holes, but this film can’t be approached like “Primer” and other sci-fi nerd  films (I mean that in a good way) that use science to prove the possibility of time travel.  The story is about living, not travelling through time.  It does have its cutesy moments, but I would still recommend this to the manliest people that I know.  Concepts like living each day twice to enjoy the little moments and using time travel to extend your time on earth are fascinating, while the characters live out a complex love story.  All of the acting is great, particularly Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson.  I watched “About Time” to make my wife happy  but, in the end, I was the one who fell in love with this story.

[Pictured: Great chemistry all around!]

No Country for Old Men - 8 stars out of 10

No Country for Old Men - 8 stars out of 10

“No Country for Old Men” is an adrenaline-packed Western that holds nothing back, especially when it comes to violence and blood.  The Coen brothers’ screenplay creates a game of cat and mouse between a man who stumbles upon $2 million, a sheriff, and a hitman who kills without sympathy or remorse.  Javier Bardem is pure intensity and makes one of the most terrifying villains ever.  In addition to being big and scary, his emotionless use of a captive bolt pistol on anybody (particularly innocent people) that stand in his way makes him unpredictable and heartless.  It isn’t often that an Oscar is given for a villainous role, but Bardem absolutely deserved it.  He is joined by Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, and Kelly Macdonald, who all turn in memorable performances.  While 2007 wasn’t a very strong Oscar class, the quality of acting in this film definitely made it my number one for the year.  It is deserving of its Oscar wins for Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay, even if it likely wouldn’t have won in more competitive years.  The script creates an atmospheric look at 1980’s Texas and, while it moves slow at times, it tells an interesting story.  Everything is awesome about this film… except for its anticlimactic ending.  I know that many critics have defended it saying “But you have to read into the symbolism of his dreams” or “They ended it the same way as the novel,” but if everybody walks out of the theater with disappointment, can it really be the right ending?  I’d definitely recommend “No Country for Old Men” as long as you aren’t expecting anything lighthearted or calm.

[Pictured: Don't mess with this guy]

The Intouchables - 10 stars out of 10

The Intouchables - 10 stars out of 10

“The Intouchables” is one of the best films that I have ever seen.  It is the perfect blend of comedy and drama to highlight the tough life led by quadriplegic Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and the loving bond that forms between these highly-unlikely friends.  The opening sequence is an intriguing introduction to the characters.  Their relationship to each other is left ambiguous and the law-breaking, playful, deceptive, Earth Wind & Fire series of events that occurs creates an immediate curiosity as to how these men found each other.  As if that isn’t enough to hook you, the “job interview” that follows will definitely grab you.  The script is well paced, providing just enough background information on each character to understand the improbability of a bond growing between them, and then progressively revealing the rest of their pasts while showing the transformation of their lives.  The progression of these characters from start to finish is incredible.  We even get to see the transformation of the other people that work in Philippe’s home during the smile-inducing dance scene.  It is definitely difficult to believe that this is a true story.  The characters are so dynamic and the series of events is as fascinating as the best fiction out there, especially the destination that they finally reach at the end.  It is completely unfair that this film did not receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film (and the exposure that it receives toward American audiences as a result).  I loved “Amore,” the film that won the category, but I believe that this film was ever better.  Even the best script is nothing without great acting.  Every emotion of François Cluzet relies completely on his facial expressions and his moments of discomfort are very convincing.  Even better is Omar Sy, who you would swear is a thug that they just pulled off of the street.  The chemistry between these two actors, especially in the moments where they don’t relate to each other, drives the entire film and leaves you feeling like you made a friend once is all said and done.  “The Intouchables”  is a hidden gem for American audiences but anybody who is lucky enough to see this heartbreaking and uplifting story will find a true perspective-changing experience.

[Pictured: How is this story true?]