xaniver Reviews

The Giver (2014)

Not bad but didn't blow me away

[6/10 · 13 January 2015]

Had I known Taylor Swift was in this movie, I might have been less enthusiastic about the film, however, I can promise you that any Taylor Swiftness on posters and in promo is all a marketing ploy. She has a tiny – if important – role in the film and has very little screen time. The real star of the show is Brenton Thwaites as Jonas and he's really quite lovely in his role as the compassionate and curious Receiver.

The Giver film is competing against franchises like The Hunger Games, Divergent and even The Maze Runner. In order to give The Giver more teen appeal and to capture The Hunger Games/Divergent audience, the movie tried to be a lot that the book was not. The movie – despite being adapted from the predecessor of the modern dystopian trend – feels a little too familiar and cliché because it tries a little too hard to fit in aesthetically and tonally with the other YA adaptations. I wish the film had foregone the shiny technology additions and stuck with the utilitarian world-building of the book. I can also understand why the film producers chose to up the age of the protagonists and up the angst as well, but I'm not sure it really added all that much to the overall story except making it feel like another teen movie when it should've been so much more than that.

Where the film did excel was in the cinematography and use of black&white and color. This is described well in the book, but the visual medium of film really brought this to life. I do think they could've done even more with that, although I think they were trying to stay true to the book here. I was also hoping for more of an emotional impact from certain scenes between the Giver and the Receiver in the film. Some of those scenes in the book are brutal and really broke my heart for Jonas. It didn't have quite the same impact for me in the film – perhaps because the character was older.

The ending of the book disappointed me but the film managed to deliver a very similar ending in a way that stayed true to the book while also providing a greater sense of closure. Where I think the book meandered into allegory, the movie developed the plot and made a more compelling story overall, even if some of the 'science' of how all this was possible is dubious at best.

A major highlight from the film for me was seeing the usually uber sexy and seductive Alexander Skarsgård playing a nurturing father figure who worked in the nursery with newborns while his wife – played by the petite Katie Holmes – was involved in politics. Seeing 6'4 Eric Northman – sorry, Alex Skarsgård – so tenderly caring for tiny babies really highlighted the gender dynamics and theme of equality in the book. It was a very clever casting choice.

Overall, this movie was fine but not amazing. Given the source material and how beloved this story is I felt they could've done much more with it.

Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves (2012)

Heart-breaking and authentic

[10/10 · 9 December 2014]

In the wake of The Normal Heart - which is still affecting me! - I didn't think another AIDS story would or could get to me the way this mini-series did. Set refreshingly in Stockholm, TATUH tells the story of two young gay men who come from very different yet similarly oppressive backgrounds: Benjamin is a Jehovah's Witness from Stockholm, Rasmus is a country boy from Värmland who goes to study in Stockholm and discovers the gay scene.

Having only recently learned about how much more liberal and accepting the Swedes were of gay people in the 1980's, this series still shocked me and showed many parallels to what was happening across the Atlantic in the States when it came to understanding and dealing with the disease.

In true Swedish fashion, this series is beautifully shot with a sometimes bleak cinematography that gives additional meaning to the metaphors and symbolism used throughout the series for added gravitas.

Despite the subject matter and coming from a culture where sex and nudity is not scandalous, I found the love scenes in TATUH quite tame and tasteful, some even beautifully rendered to illustrate the love between the characters.

I strongly recommend this series to anyone who wants to explore what the LGBT scene was like outside of the US during the AIDS crisis.

Across the Universe (2007)

Exceptional and Exquisite

[10/10 · 5 October 2014]

I'm a sucker for musicals. I grew up on the classics like Camelot and Show Boat, My Fair Lady and Oliver so the musical aspect of this film is what intrigued, despite my lack of affection for The Beatles.

Across the Universe blew my mind! The way the story is woven around the themes of Beatles songs, borrowing not only lyrics for dialog but characters from the songs was pure genius.

Aside from the clever and multi-layered story line, this film delivers exquisite scene after exquisite scene particularly once we head in the more psychedelic segments of the film. The cinematography impressed and enthralled me throughout - the strawberry fields sequence is particularly noteworthy! The guest stars featured in certain sequences were also a great treat and lent the film that little something extra.

The performances here blew me away. I've liked Evan Rachel Wood since I saw her in Thirteen, but I never imagined she could sing and sing well. Another surprise was Joe Anderson who had little to no voice training prior to doing this film. Jim Sturgess though, steals the show as scruffy Jude. His voice is raw and honest and just right for the style of music.

Sure, some of the plot was contrived and tropes abounded, but ultimately this film captured the essence of the Beatles as well as the spirit of the era in a movie that dazzles the eyes as it ensorcells the ears. This is one movie I will never get tired of watching.

17 Again (2009)

Fun and good for a laugh

[7/10 · 5 October 2014]

I don't really do comedy. Most comedies leave me rolling my eyes rather than laughing, but this somehow made me smile throughout.

Zac Efron might not be about to win an Oscar but he definitely knows how to pull off quirky comedy and does it well in this movie as an older man trapped in a teenage body. If you think it bears a passing resemblance to High School Musical you might be right given Efron's floppy bangs and basketball attire, but this movie is about a lot more than raging hormones and who to take to the promo. The banter between Efron and Thomas Lennon is particularly well done with a few wry moments that had me chuckling.

This movie isn't meant to be taken seriously and for a comedy, it has a rather sweet message, almost poignant actually, and a satisfying conclusion.

Mr. Nobody (2009)

Outstanding in every way!

[10/10 · 5 October 2014]

This movie took my breath away, and continues to do so every time I watch it. This entire film hinges on an existential concept, that of choice and that in the moment before we make a choice, everything is possible.

Nemo as a child is presented with an impossible choice, and because he is unable to choose, everything is possible. This is where the movie spins out into the tangential and convoluted, dipping into quantum theory and various structuralist and deconstructionist philosophies. If you're looking for an action-orientated sci-fi flick, look elsewhere. This film is higher grade, requiring constant concentration - for about three hours! - and probably a second or third viewing to catch all the subtleties and nuances present not only in the obvious story, but happening in the background thanks to some truly fantastic cinematography.

Jared Leto is incredible in this film. He plays not one, but 12 iterations of adult Nemo, following the various trajectories his life could've taken given choices he could've made all stemming from the one he cannot make as a child. Of course, these various life trajectories becoming increasingly complicated and interwoven, becoming entangled with each other as Nemo's choices continue to change and distort reality.

This movie is at times contemporary romance, YA love story, sci-fi action (which some amazing scenes on Mars!), sci-fi thriller, high drama and family saga. All these threads weave together to create an epic tapestry that is difficult to digest all at once. I strongly suggest multiple viewings of this film, and it's so beautiful and with a stunning soundtrack, and so sincerely acted by Jared Leto who transforms physically and psychologically between the roles so effortlessly that I don't think setting aside three hours for this film more than once is such a tall order.

Mr Nobody is quite easily my favorite film of all time and I strongly recommend it to those who enjoy sophisticated science fiction that delves beyond the superficial aesthetic of a shiny future.

Looper (2012)

Flawed but not without merit

[6/10 · 5 October 2014]

Looper, made note-worthy thanks to the incredible prosthetics applied to Joseph Gordon-Levitt turning him into a young Bruce Willis. That alone was enough to pique my curiosity.

I expected a Total Recall romp with lots of action, improbable gun fights, heroic martial arts displays, a fair amount of running away from the bad guys and playing with futuristic gadgets. Looper was all of that and then some. There was actually substance to this story and the film felt a lot more like a drama than an action movie. The trailer is a little misleading. Without being too spoilery, suffice it to say, that all those cool action shots aren't really what the movie is about. At it's core, Looper is about a guy examining his choices in life, how those choices affected others and how far he'd be willing to go for others. Pretty intense and dramatic stuff.

As the credits rolled, my friends and I looked at each other and said "That was good." As in, far better than we expected because honestly we expected flashy sci-fi action and got a more introspective story, which was pleasantly surprising.

Fast forward an hour to when the initial post movie stars in our eyes had faded to bear glimmers and we started analysing the story. So the analytical phase began and the more we examined the movie the worse Looper became.

*Warning: There be spoilers ahead*

1) The whole premise is deeply flawed. Apparently, people are sent back in time because disposing of a body is hard in the future – Um, why? But they never elaborate and we just have to accept that this is the way the world works.

2) Loopers are sent the future versions of themselves to kill and 'close the loop' along with a payout in gold and early retirement. This is where things go wrong, so why send the Loopers their future selves to kill? Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to send the offending Looper to another Looper for regular offing? Again, this is never explained and we just have to believe it's the way the world works.

3) Having closed the loop, the Looper in question is free to enjoy his gold for 30 years before being sent back to the past for offing in some sort of weird continuing cycle that honestly defies the laws of physics. Physics and quantum theory of time travel aside, why on earth would you give this Looper a bunch of gold and 30 years to live when you could just off said Looper in the present and save all future woes? This system makes NO sense. None. I've tried looking at it from every angle and it just isn't practical or economical. It's not good business.

4) In a completely random and almost completely unrelated subplot turned mainplot, by 2074 people will have evolved a special telekinetic gene. Why? How? No one knows but it's convenient for making little boys into super creepy antagonists. I don't even know why this TK-gene thing was shoved into this story that would've been way more awesome as an existential examination of what happens when a Looper is accidentally sent their future selves to kill because if you know you're going to have to off your future self one day, what's the big deal? You go in knowing this is going to happen. Again, the trailer is misleading because it implies that future-self meeting present-self is all a surprise when it very definitely isn't.

So, at first glance Looper is a great movie – fun and intriguing, creepy and dramatic, action packed and occasionally comical but don't think too hard about the story because as soon as you look a little too closely, the whole thing starts to fall apart. Looper could've been brilliant but it just wasn't. Instead of dishing up thought-provoking science fiction, it dishes up mediocre action with a dash of anorexic romance that just disappoints if you're looking for anything more than two hours of brain numbing entertainment.

Zerophilia (2005)

Totally unexpected and delightful

[10/10 · 5 October 2014]

The blurb/description for this is actually quite misleading. Luke isn't insecure in his masculinity until his recently post-pubescent body starts becoming more feminine as his sexual desires become increasingly intense. The speculative fiction element proposes that Luke has a certain extra chromosome, which doesn't allow him to change sex at will, but rather to spontaneously switch gender after climax. This makes for a few rather amusing scenarios, as Luke so aptly puts it:

"I make out with a girl, I start turning into one. You've gotta admit that's a little weird."

While the science in this film is questionable at best, I absolutely love the idea of spontaneous gender-swapping.Of course this situation gets more complicated for Luke as he starts falling in love with a girl… even though he sometimes finds himself more physically attracted to her brother.

Aside from the hilarity that ensues when a teenage boy starts turning into a girl, there's an underlying thread of philosophy here, an important one that raises the question of gender identity, of love in the face of flexible sexuality, and of self-actuality. It's a refreshingly light-hearted take on some serious subject matter that ultimately results in a more spiritual-sexual awakening rather than just a typical coming-of-age watershed. While not explicit, the film doesn't shy away from open discussions of sex, including masturbation and the loss of virginity so be prepared.

I'd like to leave you with another favorite quote from the movie, which not only sums up the gist of this story and why I think this film is so special:

Luke: "I am supposed to be a guy."

Michelle: "There's no supposed to be anything. You just are."

Equilibrium (2002)

Brilliant dystopian

[10/10 · 2 October 2014]

This film predates the dystopian hysteria that has since taken over young adult literature and the sci-fi movie world. When I first watched this, I had no idea what tech-noir was and only had a passing understanding of what a 'dystopia' actually was - thanks Orwell and Huxeley.

This movie had me enthralled and in many ways changed the type of books I read and sci-fi films I watched. Despite some Matrix-esque aesthetics, this film is all about the big questions: what makes us human? what is love? can we live without the ability to express emotion? It expertly balances action and introspection, providing a bleak image of the future while delivering an underhanded dose of hopefulness.

While Christian Bale seems entirely incapable of facial expression, his dead-pan visage worked perfectly in this film. I really really wish there had been a comic book series or spin-off TV show or something more set in this world. There was so much more to explore and the ending to the film, while fitting, left me feeling unsatisfied and in need of a sequel at very least.

In Bruges (2008)

HIlarious

[9/10 · 2 October 2014]

This movie had me in tears... from laughter. I had absolutely no expectations going into this and didn't expect to laugh half as much as I did. Colin Farrell is brilliant as the not-so-smart thug. His dialog and facial expressions provide much of the comedy in this film.

The setting - Bruges, Belgium - makes for quaint and romantic scenery somewhat at odds with the brutish storyline which only adds to the quirk. Brendan Gleeson is classic as always, fueling the comedic fires even when they burn black.

This film exceeded all my expectations and is definitely up there with Guy Ritchie films like Snatch. Like those films though, you might need subtitles even if you're an English speaker given those thick Irish accents.

Sunshine (2007)

Philosophical sci-fi at its best

[10/10 · 2 October 2014]

This is a film I have watched over and over again and will no doubt rewatch a dozen more times. At the time of release, the concept of the film was pretty unique and the fact that the main character is a nerdy physicist instead of a muscle-y hero immediately made me love this movie a little bit more. Then of course there's the eerie soundtrack by John Murphy and the breathtaking cinematography by Danny Boyle. Add to that some solid acting by the oh-so-arresting blue-eyed Cillian Murphy and you have the recipe for a haunting sci-fi drama.

This is not a Michael Bay, explosions-galore type of movie although there is plenty of action. This is a more introspective sci-fi film that presents existential questions in a way I've never seen before or since. It's a truly unique take on the survivalist film culminating in one of the most disturbing and beautiful climaxes.

If you enjoy more thought-provoking sci-fi that's more about the characters than the CGI, then I strongly recommend this film.

The United States of Leland (2003)

This movie left me broken

[9/10 · 2 October 2014]

I've never been ga-ga for Ryan Gosling but The United States of Leland affirmed his status as an outstanding actor even if I don't think he's the hottest celeb in Hollywood.

This movie is a multi-layered, interwoven tale of family woe with a stellar cast including Jena Malone (a long time fav actress of mine), Lena Olin, Kevin Spacey, Don Cheadle, Michelle Williams - gosh the list is long! This powerhouse ensemble cast delivers an amazing and nuanced story about a boy who sees the world a little differently and how these families' lives unravel when said kid makes a bad decision with good intentions.

Kevin Spacey is perfect as the cold almost heartless father. Lena Olin is disarming and heart-breaking in her role as the gutted mother. Jena Malone delivers yet another natural and raw performance, and Ryan Gosling steals the show with his off-beat, quirky delivery of some charmingly awkward dialogue.

This film is all about the characters, so if you're looking for a fast- past, plot-driven film, this might not be for you. If you're into family dramas that tug at your heart strings with powerful performances by amazing actors, then this is a movie you will definitely enjoy.

Stay (I) (2005)

Mind-bogglingly good

[8/10 · 2 October 2014]

I love quirky stories that play with the concept of perceived reality. At first this film seems part sci-fi, but as it unfolds it reveals hidden layers, becoming more gritty drama examining the turbulent lives of various broken characters in a way that keeps you guessing and wondering about not only the characters' sanity but also your own as the plot twists and turns in unpredictable ways.

As a fan of Shakespeare, I loved the allusions to Hamlet, adding an extra dimension to the story. Performances by Ewan McGregor and Ryan Gosling are fantastic and I loved the art angle. This movie also has one of my favourite bits of dialogue ever, delivered by Ryan Gosling to his shrink played by Ewan McGregor. When McGregor's character asks Henry why he burns himself, Henry replies that he's practicing for hell - it's that sort of wry humor that adds another dimension to this somewhat bleak film.

This would've been a ten for sure had the ending not felt a little too contrived and like a bit of a cop-out.

Broken (IV) (2012)

A poignant family drama

[9/10 · 2 October 2014]

Disclaimer, I'm a huge fan of both Tim Roth and Cillian Murphy so the fact that they were both in this movie just made me all kinds of happy.

There's something incredibly raw and real about British cinema. There's nothing glamorous about this story dealing with a neighborhood embroiled in all sorts of disputes on different levels of the social strata. Eloise Laurence just blew me away in her role as the precocious yet delightfully naive Skunk. Despite Roth's and Murphy's star-power, it was Laurence who stole the show.

If you enjoy gritty family dramas on the darker side of the emotional spectrum, and are looking for something a little quirky and different, then I strongly recommend this film. In some ways it reminded me of Imaginary Heroes and The United States of Leland, but with a distinctly British personality.

Imaginary Heroes (2004)

My all-time favorite film

[10/10 · 2 October 2014]

This is quite possibly my all-time favorite film. I have watched and re-watched this and discover something new every time.

At it's most basic, Imaginary Heroes is a dissection of an upper middle- class family struggling through a major loss of a loved one. As the various - and brilliantly portrayed - characters deal with this loss, the various layers of the story are peeled away, revealing issue upon issue in this seemingly normal suburban household.

Sigourney Weaver is as mesmerizing as always but it's Emile Hirsch who steals the show here, and who absolutely stole my heart with his portrayal of a troubled teen pianist. And before you jump to conclusions and roll your eyes at the 'troubled teen' cliché, just know that this movie is incredibly brave, broaching themes and topics I have never seen before or since in a film.

Just writing this review makes me want to re-watch this outstanding movie for the umpteenth time. If you're a fan of dramas and don't mind sniveling into a tissue or two, then I cannot recommend this film enough!

Gravity (2013)

I don't get the hype

[2/10 · 2 October 2014]

I honestly don't get the hype about this or understand why this was Oscar nominated.

Sure, it's a pretty space movie with decent cinematography but it's lacking any sort of plot, never mind solid characterization with any sort of depth. I kept waiting for the movie to begin, for something to happen, to be shown anything about these characters that actually made me care. I was still waiting as the credits started to roll.

The dialog was predictable, the imagery prosaic and cliché, and the conclusion inevitable. Nothing about this film impressed or surprised me - except how much everyone loved it. I was bored, and bitterly disappointed.

Space Station 76 (2014)

A not-so-funny but poignant allegory

[8/10 · 2 October 2014]

If you're expecting a comedy, you're better off looking elsewhere. Despite the label, I didn't find this film funny at all, but rather quite tragic with scattered moments of pitch-black humor.

That said, this was a rather clever and poignant allegory of middle- class suburban living aboard a spaceship floating through a region of space devoid of any other ships, inhabited planets or stations. It's this pervasive sense of isolation that becomes a recurring theme as we meet the motley crew of characters, each suffering from some form of emotional disconnect, not only from the rest of the station's crew, but from themselves as well. The themes present in this film are universal and are relevant today despite the retro setting.

These characters broke my heart, but none more so the leading trio of the captain, lieutenant and Ted played by Patrick Wilson, Liv Tyler and Matt Bomer respectively. Wilson's role in particular tugged at my heart. And of course Matt Bomer shines no matter what role he's given. His portrayal of Ted the welder comes across as extremely authentic despite the sometimes gauche elements of the film.

While I did enjoy the movie I found the ending a little abrupt and disappointing, as if they'd made their point and decided to leave it there instead of providing some sort of thematic resolution.

Don't watch Space Station 76 expecting a slick, CGI-tastic sci-fi movie. Similarly, don't go in expecting a raucously funny Austin Powers-esque romp. This movie is neither and so much more. It's a study of human nature and family drama, the secrets we keep from our loved ones and the lies we tell ourselves in order to survive the daily grind of existence.

The Normal Heart (2014 TV Movie)

Heart-breaking yet inspiring

[10/10 · 2 October 2014]

The Normal Heart isn't my first HIV/AIDS focused movie. I watched and shed several tears during Philadelphia and I sobbed through the end of Dallas Buyers Club, but as potent and meaningful as those two films were, neither hit me half as hard as the TV film adaptation of The Normal Heart. I think this is due in part to the fact that The Normal Heart is written by a man who lived through the very crisis at the heart of the story and that the semi-autobiographical leanings of the screenplay lend a certain gravitas and authenticity to the film. The fact that a gay man, Ryan Murphy, directed The Normal Heart and that the film starred several known gay actors like Matt Bomer and Jim Parsons also added to the reality of what I was seeing. These people aren't just playing at being gay or being affected by the issues highlighted in the film – these men are living in a world directly affected and shaped by the events taking place in the story and that somehow packed a significantly greater punch.

I couldn't watch The Normal Heart in one sitting. It was too much. Mark Ruffalo is outstanding in his role as Ned Weeks (a fictionalized Larry Kramer) and the monologues he delivers in the film whether to his brother, lover, friends or enemies, often had me choked up with ineffable emotion, overwhelmed by the bitter desperation in his pleas for those around him to take note of their plight.

What left me the most destroyed after watching this film was the relationship between Ned and his one true love, Felix Turner – played by the beautiful Matt Bomer. Why does it matter that he's beautiful? Because we see a healthy, young and exquisite man wither and die on screen and that physical transformation in itself was shocking and devastating. (Kudos to Matt Bomer for risking his health to drop 40 pounds for the role). But the physical ramifications of the disease weren't nearly as eviscerating as the emotional journey for these two characters coming from very different backgrounds: Felix has an ex-wife and son who he is not allowed to see, but despite that has still allowed himself to love and form committed relationships with men, while Ned is blatant about his sexuality yet emotionally repressed to the point of denying himself any emotional connection, preferring nameless one-night hook-ups. In the words of Felix:

Men do not naturally not love. They learn not to.

It's only when Ned meets Felix – again – that Ned allows himself to love, which of course results in tragedy when Felix is diagnosed with AIDS. Watching their relationship unfold in a candid portrayal of how the disease physically progresses – seriously, little is left to the imagination – as well as the psychological and emotional affects on these lovers and those around them, didn't just bring me to tears, but actually made me nauseated, as I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to watch one of my loved ones disappear in front of me without being able to do anything about it.

Doomed love story aside, this film is about the triumph of the human spirit and the determination, preservation and dedication of people like Ned Weeks who eventually helped make the HIV/AIDS crisis a top national priority, resulting in better education and medical care for all sufferers of the disease, gender and sexuality aside.

If I have any criticisms of this film it's that I could've done with a bit less politicking and a lot more emphasis on the development of Ned and Felix's relationship. I know that wasn't the point or focus of the story, but things seemed to progress quickly and largely off-screen when I really wanted to see their love grow and witness more of how it affected these characters in the midst of the health crisis.

Suffice it to say, I am so glad this play was made into a film otherwise I might never have known it existed. As hard as this film is to watch, I strongly recommend it. There is nothing glamorous about The Normal Heart, but it is extremely brave and honest, which is why I will be taking shares out in Kleenex and rewatching this film again and again.

The Signal (2014)

Not what I was expecting - in a good way!

[8/10 · 2 October 2014]

From the trailer I expected The Signal to be a sort of Blair Witch take on an alien encounter with some retro, creep-tastic Hazmat encounters. While there were certainly elements of that in the film, the actual storyline exceeded my expectations, as did the philosophical undercurrent to the film. This is a movie that explores the dichotomy of human nature, specifically the war between logic and reason, and emotion. These characters are fighting themselves as much as they are extrinsic factors. Kudos to the Brenton Thwaites (an actor I'd never heard of before now) for keeping me emotionally and mentally engaged throughout the movie and holding his own against the filmic might of Laurence Fishburne.

In short, this felt a bit like Dark City meets Signs, and I really enjoyed the weird twists and turns in a narrative I fully expected to be formulaic and predictable.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

Excellent adaptation

[8/10 · 2 October 2014]

I absolutely adored the book by David Mitchell, but I had no idea how they would adapt a genre-bending, structurally challenging novel into a two hour or so film. The directors had a mammoth task and I'm delighted to say they got almost everything right.

I loved the film but two things marked this down from a 10.

1) If you haven't read the book or at least know something about the book, it's nonlinear storytelling and overarching themes then I think you will be lost as some things definitely were lost in adaptation.

2) Certain themes so subtly woven through the novel are turned into hammers and used to bash home the point into viewers. I would've preferred a more subtle take on some of the philosophy here. Even the trailer with that voice over gives away far too much of what makes this story so unique.

If you like your sci-fi epic and multi-layered then Cloud Atlas is a film you'll want to and even need to watch more than once. If you're into sci-fi for cool tech and explosions, then this movie probably isn't for you.