Carol - 8 stars out of 10

Carol - 8 stars out of 10

“Carol” is a beautiful work of art.  The acting is subtle, the script is simple, and the 1950’s culture comes alive in this period piece.  It is a shoe-in for Oscar nominations in Production Design, Costumes, and probably Best Picture.  But there is one scene that will overshadow all of the other elements.  The writing of an adapted screenplay comes with a responsibility to stay true to the source material but less is often more in these sorts of scenes.  The human imagination is powerful and some of the most intimate scenes in cinema history have been filmed through tasteful images that do not necessitate graphic nudity.  There is a reason that “50 Shades of Gray” does not deserve a place in the Oscars.  In an artsy film like this, I actually believe that it would have been more artistic to use the powerful musical score and creative cinematography to portray this scene.  The score by Carter Burwell is sublime and pulls the subtle acting and time period together into a tapestry of emotion.  Its minimalist quality is reminiscent of Philip Glass’s Oscar-nominated scoring of “The Hours.”  The highlight of the film is Rooney Mara.  She brings so much innocence to this role and has an amazing classical look.  I would have never predicted that after seeing her in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," but that’s what makes her such a versatile actress.  She is physically contrasted by Cate Blanchett, who brings an entirely different set of emotions to the film.  The beautiful thing about this film is the self-discovery that these two characters experience together but in different ways.  The acting is absolutely wonderful and the film's energy comes directly from the vivid portrayals of these characters.  We spend most of the film waiting for something big to happen, only to realize that the “something big” is happening inside of Therese and Carol.  This film needs to be approached like a painting.  Rather than looking for something unexpected, you will experience the beauty of "Carol" through the growth of its characters and by absorbing the visually marvelous 1950's atmosphere.

[Pictured: Both Blanchett and Mara are completely timeless]

Accused at 17 - 3 stars out of 10

Accused at 17 - 3 stars out of 10

"Accused at 17" is everything that you expect from a Lifetime Original Movie.  Melodramatic story, mediocre acting, and an addictive quality that won't let you turn it off once you've gotten a half hour into the story.  The story begins with a teen whose boyfriend cheats on her.  It progresses to the teen's friends accidentally murdering the girl while trying to teach her a lesson.  The rest of the film focuses on a series of lies told in order to keep their secret.  There are a lot of bothersome production moments, like the fact that we never see the murdered girl's parents (even when they are at her house) and the cheating boyfriend awkwardly trying to apologize.  Also, the overly boisterous cops and the completely absurd ending.  But sometimes you just have to shrug and say "It's a Lifetime Original Move."  The kids acted better than the adults (probably because we have a higher expectation for adults.  Barbara Niven, William Moses, and Lindsay Taylor seemed like they walked directly off of a soap opera set, but I actually really enjoyed Nicole Gale Anderson's performance.  Not in an Oscar way, but in a "you fit your typical teen character well" way. I turned on "Accused at 17" knowing exactly what I was getting into and, as long as you have that expectation, you'll enjoy this over dramatic story and be curious to see how it ends.

[Pictured: SO MUCH teenage girl conflict]

Creed - 10 stars out of 10

Creed - 10 stars out of 10

I was skeptical about "Creed" but this film rivals the greatest films in the Rocky franchise.  We can only watch Rocky make a comeback so many times (and we can all agree that the fifth time was too many) but this spin-off brings a fresh approach to the classic story.  Apollo Creed is a beloved character to all film fans and the friendship formed in “Rocky III” fuels this entire plot.  Apollo’s illegitimate son possesses the baggage and natural-born talent that make him the perfect fit for a formulaic Rocky underdog story.  We are in his corner from the moment that he gains our empathy in the first scene.  The cinematography and editing of the boxing sequences are astounding, particularly the tracking shot during the first major boxing match.  A three-minute round of boxing has never felt so long as this shot rotates around the boxers without ever cutting away from their close-up punches.  It brings perspective to how long one round must feel to the boxers.  This sequence is brutally intense and a cinematic marvel.  The climactic match at the end is creatively assembled by combining HBO footage, POV shots, and an array of camera angles that make it impossible to perceive whether their punches are staged or actually making painful contact.  I didn’t care for the background music selections which obviously reflect Adonis’ race but when the Rocky theme starts playing during the final fight... Wow.  It is one of the most magical movie moments I've experienced in a long time (well, at least since seeing "The Force Awakens" a week ago).  Michael B. Jordan has set this spin-off series  up for success through his strong acting and physical embodiment of a boxer.  Sylvester Stallone deserves a ton of recognition for this strong comeback.  He is on the radar for a Best Supporting Actor nomination though, if I'm giving a nomination for reviving an old character, Harrison Ford gets my vote.  I would have liked to see more of Phylicia Rashad but her absence is necessary for the growth of Adonis.  “Creed” has made the Rocky formula (training montages, personal drama, high-intensity boxing matches) relevant to the modern generation and I believe that it will continue to grow in popularity for at least two more films.  Our society will continue to yearn for inspirational stories, no matter how many times this tale is told.

[Pictured: Stallone's reprisal of his Rocky character 39 years later is something special.]

Rocky IV - 8 stars out of 10

Rocky IV - 8 stars out of 10

“Rocky IV” is often celebrated as the best film in the series and if I only had time to watch one Rocky film, it is probably the one that I would choose; however, just because a film is everybody’s favorite doesn’t mean that it is the best.  “Rocky IV” has more action than its predecessors, higher stakes, and the best fight sequence of the entire series.  It also has a far-fetched plot, Brigitte Nielsen’s overacting (this is why you shouldn’t cast your wife in your film), and feels like déjà vu when placed into the context of the series.  As a standalone film, it seizes our emotions through a serious event and uses that momentum to keep us engaged until the conclusion.  But it has less punch when viewed in context since his drive in “Rocky III” was fueled by a similar event (wasn’t sure if I could get through that without spoilers, that’s a relief).  One of my biggest issues with the film is the robot.  It seems very unnecessary and better suited for a sci-fi film.  I guess that it creates some comedic moments but I don't really feel like those moments are needed.  And what parent would fly to Russia and leave their kid at home alone with a robot as the babysitter?  Haven't they ever seen "Terminator"?!?  This film has its problems, so why do we still love it?  First, we love watching Rocky tackle an insurmountable task and there are few villains more imposing than Ivan Drago.  Second, it reminds us of why we love these characters.  Adrian is strong-willed, Apollo is overconfident, and this is the film that makes me love Paulie.  He has always bothered me throughout the first three films but his speech when he realizes his friend might not survive (and comedic one-liner shortly after) secured his place in my heart.  Even though this story has all of the elements of the previous Rocky films, it is the culmination of his hard work and determined spirit.  The montage that contrasts Drago’s steroid-induced, technological training with Rocky’s mountain climbing regiment has become iconic because it reminds us that anything is possible.  But the thing that makes this film unique from the rest is its bold political relevance.  Most of the Rocky films make a statement about a man's ability to persevere, but this one borders on allegory as it makes a Cold War statement about an entire nation.  There is so much hatred and tension between the characters but Stallone’s script uses the Rocky equation to show how there can still be hope.  “Rocky IV” is not the best film in the series but its powerful message resonates with audiences in a way that has preserved it as a favorite for many years.

[Pictured: The only way to top a sprint to the top of the Rocky stairs]

Rocky III - 8 stars out of 10

Rocky III - 8 stars out of 10

"Rocky III" hits the ground running and never backs off.  It offers a recap of the last fight between Rocky and Creed, followed by an exciting montage that contrasts Rocky's success with Clubber Lang's ascent of the boxing rankings.  The opening montage is set to “Eye of the Tiger” which, in addition to being an awesome Oscar-nominated song, establishes a theme that will become one of the main lessons that Rocky learns throughout the film.  It's fun to finally see The Italian Stallion as a successful boxer and enjoying his fame.  The first films portray Rocky as a hard worker whose success is half skill and half luck; this time, he continually proves his skill and is rewarded for it.  As a result, Rocky becomes more like Apollo and Lang becomes more like Rocky.  The film takes an interesting turn with the whole Hulk Hogan charity match (which I always felt was out of place) but I now see how it fits in with the growth of Rocky's image beyond his control.  The best thing about this movie is that there is a ton of boxing and it is frequent from start to finish.  The editing of the boxing sequences continues to grow more impressive and intense as the series progresses.  It seems like each film in the series gives another actor a chance to come alive and this one is Talia Shire's.  Her character is very shy and reserved but this is where she transforms into a strong woman.  “Rocky III” is underrated and often overlooked in favor of the fourth film, but the emotions that drive “Rocky IV” are completely dependent on the developing friendship between Rocky and Apollo in this film.  The iconic ending seals our hatred for the Russian in IV.  If you binge-watch the series, you will find that there are a lot of moments recycled from prior films (Rocky learning a new style of boxing, wanting to give up, needing a motivational speech then working the hardest that he ever has), but for whatever reason this equation works over and over again.  “Rocky III” is a great film that marks important developments in Rocky’s boxing success, his relationship with Apollo Creed, and his relationship with his wife.  It may often be forgotten but I would argue that III is pivotal in the story arc of the entire series, especially now that “Creed” has been released and heavily relies on these developments.

[Pictured: Stallone is as fierce as ever in the Creed shorts]

Rocky II - 9 stars out of 10

Rocky II - 9 stars out of 10

“Rocky II” picks up with a recap of the first fight and answers the question of “What happens next?”  The plot is well conceived as Rocky retires from boxing and must find work to support his family.  This is contrasted by Apollo Creed, who struggles with the naysayers who believe that Rocky should have been awarded the split decision.   In true Rocky fashion, The Italian Stallion must come out of retirement to make some money and defend his family’s honor when Creed launches a personal attack.  I am good with all of this (even the overemphasis on Rocky’s lack of education) and glad that there is some action in the first half of the film, but the whole coma thing is way overdramatic.  I’ve come to expect some cheesiness from this series but that was really unnecessary.  Still, it is hard to fault a film that has twice as many training montages, a better climactic fight, and an ending that will have you choked up.  In fact, the ending dialogue of this film provides my favorite moment of the entire series.  This film gives Burgess Meredith another opportunity to shine and Carl Weathers steals the show just like he did in the original.  His character transforms throughout the film and manages to make us love him and hate him at the same time.  When you combine his performance with the empathy that we develop for Stallone, there is a lot on the line in the final boxing match.  The boxing sequence is just incredible and it is impossible to tell whether they are acting or actually making contact.  “Rocky II” is very similar to the rest of the series: It has a few slow points but the final showdown is so amazing that nothing else matters.

[Pictured: Rocky running through Philadelphia and up the Rocky steps with his entire community behind him (literally) is movie magic]

Rocky (1976) - 8 stars out of 10

Rocky (1976) - 8 stars out of 10

“Rocky” is a classic, but the classics aren’t always perfect.  This movie is consistently ranked as one of the greatest sports films of all time and I agree.  From the moment that the opening fanfare plays, you will be looking forward to the ending fight.  But the exciting finale may keep you from remembering exactly what happened in the middle.  First, the acting of Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire (in her one scene where she gets to show a ton of emotion), and Burt Young is top notch as it drives the underdog story.  The most dynamic actor is Carl Weathers as the outspoken Apollo Creed.  His well-spoken nature is a stark contrast to Rocky’s uneducated manner of speaking.  This is where the script leaves a lot to be desired.  I understand that Rocky is a simple character whose lack of intellect requires simple language but, after an hour of 4-word exchanges, it feels like Stallone should have spent more than three days writing the script.  I strongly disagree with the film’s Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay but agree with the rest, particularly Best Sound Mixing, four acting nominations (though I question whether Shire would’ve been nominated if she wasn’t already well-known for her role in the Godfather series), and the win for Best Film Editing.  The boxing sequences are what make this film special and they are woven together in a way that is exciting yet easy to follow.  The film’s downfall is that there isn’t any training or boxing in the first hour of the movie.  Sometimes the character development can be more interesting than the actual fighting, but not when you have the aforementioned simple script.  “Rocky” is an iconic underdog story whose classic training montage and boxing showdown created a beloved film character and help us to forget its pedestrian dialogue.

[Pictured: Rocky's boxing sequences are vivid and bring the violent sport to life]