Arrival (2016) - 10 stars out of 10

Arrival (2016) - 10 stars out of 10

“Arrival” is a story of communication and language in an impossible circumstance.  Its unique science fiction setting might seem off-putting to a lot of viewers but this is truly a film that every moviegoer will enjoy.  I think that it is an easily relatable sci-fi movie because it does not take place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.  The events of this film could take place today in our own backyard.  Moreover, this film appeals to our sense of realism through a scientific approach to language.  The story is driven by the concept of linguistic relativity which hypothesizes that the structure of a language shapes the way that we perceive the world around us.  Much like the language of the heptapods, the entire film is circular and in the end, we see all of the pieces of the story as a whole.  It also helps that these otherworldly, animal-like aliens are different than the humanoids that we have come to expect from alien movies.  There is no question that this will be the Oscar-winning, mind-bending science fiction hit of 2016.  A Best Actress nomination for Amy Adams is inevitable.  She boldly carries the entire film on her shoulders with intensity, several different dynamics of raw emotion, and convincing interaction with the CGI.  I love that her character approaches linguistic communication with a teaching methodology.  This further enhances the realism when compared with a film like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” in which a simple tonal language allows both sides to miraculously speak through music.  Jeremy Renner also turns in a nice performance through the chemistry that develops with Adams as the film progresses.  My main disappointment with the film is Forest Whitaker.  His presence in a film brings an expectation of great acting but his character is completely static and could have been played by any average actor, leaving me wondering why he signed on.  In spite of this small letdown, “Arrival” is a great film from top to bottom.  It answers all of the right questions to leave us satisfied but leaves enough questions unanswered to maintain the mystery.  Whether you are a fan of science fiction or not, “Arrival” is the movie that you need to see before Oscar Sunday.

[Pictured: The film's approach to deciphering linguistics is stunning]

Monkey Business (1952) - 4 stars out of 10

Monkey Business (1952) - 4 stars out of 10

“Monkey Business” (not the Marx Brothers version) is a silly film about a scientist who discovers a youth serum.  You need to approach this film realizing that there is 0% realism contained within and that it is just an excuse to put famous adult actors into juvenile situations.  If you are a fan of Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers, you will get a kick out of watching them act like 8-year-olds.  Unfortunately, what would make for a fun 10-minute sequence turns into an entire film and loses its charm after a while.  The cheesiness of the film is apparent even before the end of the opening credits, with Grant interrupting them only to be told “Not yet, Cary.”  Even with the star power of Grant and Rogers, Marilyn Monroe is the most memorable actress (probably because she doesn’t act like a child so we take her more seriously).  “Monkey Business” (not the Marx Brothers version) isn’t exactly a classic like “To Kill A Mockingbird” or “Some Like It Hot” but it is amusing and worth watching for a few good laughs.

[Pictured: The juvenile sequences are really funny.  There are just far too many of them]

10 Cloverfield Lane - 9 stars out of 10

10 Cloverfield Lane - 9 stars out of 10

Ever since I saw “Cloverfield” in theaters, I have been dreaming of its sequel.  And it is nothing like I expected.  Rumors of a parallel found footage film of the same events shot from another angle sounded incredible but the sequel that actually came to fruition aspired beyond a retelling of the original.  “10 Cloverfield Lane” is barely connected to its predecessor but delivers the thrills that we were promised.  The film sets its tone with a stunning opening sequence that creates a heightened sense of being trapped through its musical score and amplified sound fx.  Even though we are drawn in by the mystery of what may be happening to the world (if anything), the film is actually about being a victim.  This underlying theme takes many forms throughout the film and you won’t even realize it until the end credits begin to role.  Unlike the effects-driven story of “Cloverfield,” this story relies completely on the incredible performances by John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr.  The film would fall flat with anything less than virtuosic acting and all three thrive as the script peels away each layer of their personality.  The film creates a fascinating mystery outside of the bunker and yet, the true mystery lies within Goodman’s character.  I know that he won’t earn an Oscar nomination for this performance but he deserves to be there.  I love the normalcy throughout the set as the outside world seems to fall apart.  The inclusion of oldies is reminiscent of J.J. Abrams’ work on “Lost” and I can’t help but wonder about the significance of these songs in his films.  As the mystery descended deeper and deeper, my worry of an unsatisfying conclusion grew stronger.  The ending has definitely been the most controversial part of this movie and it took several days to properly form an opinion on it.  While it may seem disjointed from the rest of the story, I actually think that it is the only proper way to end the character’s journey.  There are plenty of articles out there to spoil the ending for you so I won’t dig in too deep, but I feel that anything predictable would leave an incomplete story arc.  Once you reflect on the film, you will realize that the character’s transformation happens much later than you initially thought, further necessitating the shocking finale.  I am still trying to figure out how this film is connected to the original but does it really matter?  “10 Cloverfield Lane” is a seminar in impressive acting, chilling dialogue, endless layers of mystery, and an empowering moral.  Maybe we will understand its relationship to a found-footage monster film someday but until then, it stands strong on its own.

[Pictured: This film is so tense that it will leave your stomach in knots.]