Gravity is just a habit - 9 stars out of 10

Gravity is just a habit - 9 stars out of 10

"Gravity is just a habit" is a fascinating short subject documentary about the filming of OK Go's "Upside Down Inside Out" music video.  It is one of the coolest music videos that you will ever see but the story behind it is just as cool. As is always the case with this band, they take a decent song and elevate it through an innovative, imaginative music video that is sure to go viral.  I appreciate that the music video is usually related to the content of the song.  In this case, everything that happens on the airplane is upside down and inside out.  Even better, the song lyric "gravity is just a habit" is emphasized through this physics-defying imagery.  One would assume that this video was a one-take endeavor because of the expenses involved in pushing an airplane in zero-gravity over and over again but there was a lot to this process.  In addition to the nausea, paint on the camera, and the band showing up without a plan, we get to see the problem solving required when the band encountered issues with the length of each plane free fall and the length between dives.  All of OK Go's music videos are amazing (especially "The Writing's On the Wall," "This Too Shall Pass," and "The One Moment") but once you see "Upside Down Inside Out," you will have to know how it was done.  Thankfully, the band has put together "Gravity is just a habit" to give us a glimpse into the creative process behind their awe-inspiring music videos.

Watch the "Upside Down Inside Out" music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWGJA9i18Co&feature=youtu.be

[Pictured: The only thing cooler than seeing these tricks is finding out how they were done!]

Blue Streak - 3 stars out of 10

Blue Streak - 3 stars out of 10

Before you get your hopes up that “Blue Streak” might be a movie about a classic wooden rollercoaster, let me clarify that it is not.  It is a buddy cop comedy starring Martin Lawrence.  So… absolutely nothing like a classic rollercoaster.  The plot is actually rather clever as it forces a jewel thief to infiltrate a police station in order to recover a hidden diamond that he stashed in the ventilation shaft while the building was under construction.  The execution of this clever plot is exactly what you’d expect from a Martin Lawrence comedy.  It isn’t worthy of any awards but it delivers a few laughs when you need them.  The chemistry between Lawrence and Luke Wilson is unique since they are partners and enemies at the same time (without Wilson being aware).  The rest of the cast doesn’t offer much, particularly Dave Chappelle.  While his character necessitates an annoying performance, I found myself distracted during his scenes because I could not wait for him to go away.  My biggest disappointment with the film is that none of the characters have a transformation.  The resolution of the story is a bit of a stretch but gets the job done while the action makes up for the shortcomings in the film’s script.  “Blue Streak” is good for a few laughs but I’d recommend rewatching an early 90’s Adam Sandler comedy if you’re looking for mindless entertainment.

[Pictured: It seems like Lawrence makes this same face for 90% of this film]

Hidden Figures - 9 stars out of 10

Hidden Figures - 9 stars out of 10

“Hidden Figures” explores three themes that resonate well with modern audiences: Racial equality, women’s rights, and gender equality in the workplace.  It is no surprise that this film has received rave reviews but I like to think that its warm reception is a result of the solid execution of a true story, not just because of its statements on race and gender.  The story of Katherine Goble Johnson is nothing less than miraculous and is sure to inspire you.  The film sets the scene with the prodigious math skills of a young elementary student.  Her hopeful future is quickly blended with the challenges of racism and gender discrimination in 1960’s Virginia.  The trio of leading ladies, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe have the perfect combination of spunk and poise to take on these challenges and each win their own individual battle.  It is easy to see an Oscar nomination coming to one or more of them during tomorrow morning’s announcement.  The underrated performance in this film comes from Kevin Costner as the director of the Space Task Group.  His role in breaking down the barriers of segregation drives the plot just as much as the female leads.  The cast also includes Kirsten Dunst (who I barely even recognized after several years since her last role in a blockbuster), Jim Parsons (who provides the necessary levity in this otherwise harsh environment), and Mahershala Ali (who I love in “House of Cards” but left me unimpressed, especially in an Oscar season that has him as a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor in “Moonlight”).  While the film is dominated by the aforementioned themes, I was quite taken by its portrayal of technology replacing human jobs.  I’m sure that everyone else had the same epiphany when they realized that “computers” were initially referencing the human workers who compute numbers and then later referred to the machines that can now do that work.  “Hidden Figures” successfully tackles several issues related to racism and gender equality, but I love it for its impressive acting, well-written script, and success in transporting us back to this often untold moment in US history.  Oh yeah, and of course for the incredibly clever double meaning of its title!

[Pictured: There are parts when it is hard to believe that this story is actually true!  It is amazing to see the resiliency of these characters and their moments of retribution, like here where they meet John Glenn.]

Hacksaw Ridge - 10 stars out of 10

Hacksaw Ridge - 10 stars out of 10

"Hacksaw Ridge" is the best war film since "Saving Private Ryan."  Director Mel Gibson has captured the heart of this tale about a soldier whose patriotism led him to enlist, even though his religious beliefs prevented him from touching a weapon or fighting on the Sabbath.  I am probably most impressed that Hollywood allowed this film's strong Christian message to hit the mainstream without being mocked or criticized.  Granted, it's message could factor into the Oscar race but I hope that it will earn recognition through some much deserved nominations and wins.  The film does everything right from its acting and score to the limitation of special effects (to enhance the realism) and straightforward storytelling.  The story takes places in basically three different chapters.  It creates an immediate attachment to Desmond Doss with a cute love story, explores the complications of his convictions through the training sequences, and then shows his heroism on the battlefield.  The war scenes are pretty brutal and give a vivid insight into the treacherous conditions on Hacksaw Ridge.  Be prepared to see legs being blown off, bullets tearing holes through bodies, and men being set on fire with flame throwers.  It is difficult to watch but will also enhance your appreciation for the veterans who have served our country in battle.  The cinematography and script work hand in hand to create a visual depiction of the attacks that is easy to follow.  The score by Rupert Gregson-Williams works on multiple levels as it enhances the love story, facilitates the drama caused by Desmond's convictions, and paints the hopeless atmosphere of Hacksaw Ridge.  The thing that ties all of these details together is an Oscar-worthy performance by Andrew Garfield.  The combination of his accent, emotions, and dedication to the role will make you think that you are watching the real Desmond in a flashback.  He has a great supporting cast around him, including some great moments from Sam Worthington and a stunning performance by a nearly unrecognizable Hugo Weaving.  He brings an impressive amount of subtle emotions to the emotionless, shell shocked father that contrast the moments where his emotions must escalate.  Vince Vaughn seems like a horrible casting choice for a drill sergeant (we all wish that we could forget the "Psycho" remake) but he brings just the right amount of comedy to the role while transitioning into the serious character necessary for the war scenes.  Finally, Teresa Palmer has the perfect look for a 1940's love interest.  Our perception of Desmond hinges on the love story humanizing him at the beginning of the field and the chemistry between Garfield and Palmer is perfect.  "Hacksaw Ridge" is not easy to watch (mainly the second half) but it is worth enduring the blood and gore to get to the strong themes of religion and patriotism that permeate the bleak hopelessness of this battle.

[Pictured: Andrew Garfield delivers the best performance of his life to drive the intensity of this film]

Vacation Kingdom at Walt Disney World (1977) - 6 stars out of 10

Vacation Kingdom at Walt Disney World (1977) - 6 stars out of 10

“Vacation Kingdom at Walt Disney World” is an 8mm reel that was commercially distributed in 1977.  While the short 9-minute segment may not hold much interest for your average person, it provides an interesting perspective for Disney fans.  We are all familiar with the parks and rides available at the Walt Disney World Resort but this film was intended to promote everything else that was available.  It captures a time before EPCOT Center was open and a trip to central Florida revolved around dinner shows, resort recreation, Discovery Island, River Country, and the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (recently transformed into Disney Springs).  A vacation for your beyond-average Disney fan still involves many of these non-park amenities but it is interesting to see that there used to be more to do OUTSIDE of the park than in.  Walt Disney World has certainly grown like a young child into a sophisticated adult over the past 40+ years and this film helps us to remember the simpler times.  “Vacation Kingdom at Walt Disney World” doesn’t provide the fun imagery of rides inside of the park that you can find from each year’s Vacation Planning DVD but for many Disney fans, this will be a great way to appreciate what once was and what we have now!

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u1tL9Gr18k

[Pictured: We’re all familiar with the image of the Monorail gliding through the Contemporary but in 1977, this view would have been an epiphany]

Rising Sun - 3 stars out of 10

Rising Sun - 3 stars out of 10

“Rising Sun” is a decent crime film.  The only reason that anybody would really seek this film out is if they are a fan of Wesley Snipes and Sean Connery, but it is good enough to hold your interest for two hours.  The content of the film is definitely geared toward adults.  The crime revolves around a murder that occurs in the middle of a sexual act, which resulted in a graphic portrayal of the act and then a consistent revisiting of the scene throughout the film.  It definitely could have been done in a more tasteful, family-friendly manner but since I haven’t read the book, I can’t judge whether Michael Crichton’s original source material necessitated it.  I definitely prefer his stories about dinosaurs to this one.  Connery and Snipes offer average performances compared to their typical output and establish an interesting buddy-cop-but-not-buddies chemistry.  This is a great example of using a diverse cast to bring the characters to life.  The white-washing of Hollywood films is always a hot topic but this film proves two things: 1. Using actors of the proper ethnicity for their character helps to create realism.  2. When you properly use actors of ethnicity, you do not have to parade it around as a victory against racism.  This film was properly cast and it isn’t necessary to turn it into a political statement.  “Rising Sun” won’t leave you feeling like you wasted your time but there are hundreds of better crime films that I would recommend before prioritizing this one.

[Pictured: “Rising Sun” isn’t good but it isn’t terrible either]

Fences - 8 stars out of 10

Fences - 8 stars out of 10

“Fences” is an emotional expression of unfulfilled dreams, perceived (but not always present) racism, and 1950’s Americana.  It is an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson and is impressively acted by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.  Denzel also directs the film, which is completely logical since his character drives every plot development in the film; in fact, I would estimate that there are less than 15 minutes where he is not onscreen.  His performance is full of emotion and the disillusionment of a man who is quick to blame his inadequacies in life on racism and a vindictive Grim Reaper.  He is a shoe-in for a Best Actor Oscar nomination and this is a guaranteed Best Actress Oscar win for Viola Davis, especially after she unexpectedly didn’t win for “The Help.”  She creates an amazing progression as her character passively yields to her husband, allows her silence to grow into a pensive frustration, and eventually explodes into a highlight-reel monologue that will earn a spot in the cinema hall of fame.  The film also includes impressive performances by Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, and Russell Hornsby (plus an okay performance by Mykelti Williamson as Gabriel).  The natural chemistry between the cast comes from their collective involvement in the 2010 Tony Award-winning revival of the show on Broadway (with the exception of Adepo).  The chemistry creates an energy that fuels the unexpected twists and emotional outbursts that make the film so memorable.  The conversational nature of the first 20 minutes definitely feels like a play than a movie.  It creates some confusion as it lacks the scenic visuals that we expect in a movie, but it also lacks the intimacy of a play with a small cast.  However, everything feels more organic once the film hits its stride.  The theme of baseball serves as a relatable bridge between modern times and 1955 while the allegory of the fence creating a border between a man and everyone around him teaches an important lesson about empathy.  I really appreciate the Pittsburgh setting of this story and that the production staff elected to film it in a house in the Hill District to preserve its authenticity.  “Fences” offers the raw, dramatic performances that we crave during Oscar season and will help to preserve August Wilson’s play forever.

[Pictured: The entire cast is impressive, but these two are the reason that you must see "Fences"]