12 Years a Slave is not the First Film about Slavery, but its the Most Realistic, and the Best

12 Years a Slave (5 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by: Steve McQueen (Hunger, Shame)

Written by: John Ridley (Three Kings, U Turn)

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong'o, Adepero Oduye, and Michael Fassbender 

No film has captured the American slavery as well as 12 Years a Slave.  Roots may be one of the few things that does a solid job (up until now) because it was in a mini-series format, but Solomon Northup's book, with which this is based on, allows one of the darkest chapters in American history to be fully explored on every level.

12 Years a Slave is based on the true events, which happened to Northup (Ejiofor) starting in 1841, .  Northup was a black man who lived in Saratoga, New York with his wife and two children.  Northup played the violin, went into stores, bought things for his family, and unlike most black people during this time. Northup was of course a free man.  One day he was approached by a white man in his town.  Northup was connected with two other gentlemen named Brown and Hamilton, the two offered to take him to Washington D.C. to play violin with a traveling circus of sorts.  Northup was then drugged and sold into slavery, where he lived between different plantations for the next 12 years of his life.

There are two men who will get most of the acclaim for this film, and that director Steve McQueen, and the star Chiwetel Ejiofor.  When people hear the name Steve McQueen, many often assume the "action" film star of the 1960s and 1970s.  This McQueen is now directing his third feature film, and his style, and focus in the director's seat has reached sheer perfection.  McQueen's second film Shame (2011), was one of my favorite films from that year.  McQueen's direction is purposeful, and focused he knows how to keep the camera on a moment, when the audience is ready for the moment to be over.  

While some have detracted McQueen's "art-house visuals" I have always embraced them and feel as though he extends them within this, mixing the traditional narrative of Solomon's story.  McQueen's structure with his direction works even better within this film because of the superb connection with diary-like format of John Ridley's script.  Ridley and McQueen work hard to make you feel as though everything we see, and hear comes from vantage point of Solomon.  These two men are the first black men to direct and write a film about the experience of slavery.  

Together all the people behind the scenes create the perfect window into the evil world of slavery.  Sean Bobbit's brilliant cinematography can not be ignored; he has worked with McQueen on Shame, and Hunger.  This man knows how to create the perfect shot, within Shame there was the sequence where Michael Fassbender was running through New York City, and in this film its the sequence of shots where Solomon is almost hung from a tree.  These series camera of shots from 12 Years haunt me.  Joe Walker's editing cuts just the like whip within each lashing, there is this precise movement showing every pain.  These two men like McQueen, and Ridley are the creative minds who made this an incredibly real experience.

The man who plays Solomon Northup, Mr. Chiwetel Ejiofor is going to brace for the attention he is going to get for this film.  Ejiofor has been around in numerous films and television movies, but this performance is wrought with grief, his face tells the story so well.  As you watch Solomon deal with each intense moment you champion him and hope he can endure the harshness escape, and become free once again.  Solomon's inner strength shines through; he knows he is a free man, but has to endure to both the beatings, and the malignancy from the white people he encounters in the south.  Ejiofor is the glue that holds the film together on screen.

The ensemble within this film is one of the most cohesive, and powerful, this was Solomon's story, but as he interacts with his first master Ford (Cumberbatch), Eliza (Oduye), a young mother being sold into slavery with her children, his second master Edwin Epps (Fassbnder), his wife Mistress Epps (Sarah Paulson), Patsey (Nyong'o) the slave who was the object of Edwin Epps affection, and so many more characters.  Together this ensemble tells a story of brutality, and injustice.  Men of color at this time needed white men to speak for them even though Solomon was educated, and had a voice because of the color of his skin in the antebellum world he was seen as less than by most.  Even as he is going to fetch groceries for Mistress Epps, and looks to run away he runs into lynching.  There is no place to escape, no way to run away from the evils of slavery. The film never forgets the details of each slaves experience, treating their journey as a new story for Solomon to experience.

12 Years a Slave is not the first film about slavery, but its the most realistic, and the best ever made.  The brutal nature of this film proves that this story about a free man ripped from his own life is something people often never think about.  This film tackles the cruelty of slavery has never been handled before, and changes the game for film making, it's brilliant.

JJ Abrams knows the Star Trek World well, Going where men have Gone Before, but Creates an Incredible Journey

Star Trek Into Darkness (3 1/2 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by JJ Abrams (Super 8, Star Trek)

Written by: Robert Orci (Mission Impossible III), Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek), Damon Lindelof (Prometheus)

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Benedict Cumberbatch

I was never a fan of Star Trek growing up, I was raised on Star Wars by my father.  Star Trek (the original series) was a little ahead of my dad, so he did not grow up on it.  My grandfather used to watch Next Generation and all the other modern versions, and i would watch sometimes with him.  When the reboot was announced with JJ Abrams attached I was beyond thrilled.  Abrams, and Joss Whedon are the modern day champions within this genre, and they do things right.  They get great actors, they put their heart into the film, and know how to satisfy the fans.  This film continues this legacy.

Into Darkness starts with the Starship Enterprise doing what they do best exploring planets, but mainly helping  prevent a volcano from destroying a "primitive" civilization.  Their mission is suppose to go undetected, but they Starship Enterprise is seen, and this calls into question Kirks leadership.  As all of this is going on someone who works within the Star Fleet has a young daughter dying; he is visited by a mysterious man (Cumberbatch) who give the girl his blood in order to help her live.  This comes with a price, and John Harrison (Cumberbatch) sets in a motion a plan to take down the Star Fleet.

I was intentionally vague about the plot, for this film, because for me half the fun within seeing this particular film is the way the screenplay sets things in motion.  While the script is not as good as the first film there are some fun twists and turns throughout the film, which make this story worth watching.  One of the interesting elements is the role in which Star Fleet is compared to the armed services, and not always in a good way.  There is an interesting underlying tone, about this higher power having control, and setting things in motion to create a war which is not needed.  There are many present day parallells to that, and while some will bemoan this, Simon Pegg's Scottie helps laughingly balance the heavy nature rounding out the the tone of that story element.

Cumberbatch and his character's story arc is central to what drives the latest Star Trek film.  I am not giving away spoiler, because if you look up on imdb.com he is listed as playing Khan.  Khan is known as the greatest villain to Star Command; he is not only dangerous, but almost unbeatable.  In this story Khan is out to enact his revenge, and the lines of right and wrong become blurred.  Who is good vs. who is bad, is Kirk and his team fighting on the right side, or are they headed in a direction from their own people which could get them into hot water with the Klingons.  The concepts of terrorism foreign and domestic run through this film, and the screenwriters do a good job of never letting the message overwhelm the fun within the script. 

Abrams not only knows this world, but he has made it an action packed adventure.  One of the signature aspects to Abrams direction is the lack of steady camera work, which makes you feel like you are part of the action.  This was used much more in Cloverfield, and Super 8.  While Abrams did not direct Cloverfield, this lack of steady camera work made me feel nauseous, when Abrams was at the helm in both this film and Super 8, the technique worked.  While there are times when the camera work becomes a bit much, I liked feeling a part of film, and it sucked me into the action of the film.  Abrams motto with this film was go big or go home, and he did with incredible visual effects, and some action sequences like a massive erupting volcano, which set this film apart.

The other thing which makes this a great film, is the cast, Abrams has some of the best casting directors, and his actors he uses in this film flesh out the Enterprise in ways the original cast not have the opportunity.  The best of the regular cast is Zachary Quinto who steals the show from Chris Pine.  Spock was always a beloved character, and Quinto is fantastic within the role; he is both hilarious and captures the Vulcanisms. Chris Pine is actually the weak link of this cast; he is an attractive guy, but one of the most wooden actors.  Cumberbatch is new to the franchise; he takes on a classic role and is a tour de force; he is such a brilliant actor, and I love the way he makes you love and hate him in the same moments.

So how does this compare to the first film?  I think it matches, but does not equal the reboot.  The film is funny, has great action sequences, a solid plot, and continues to work with the great characters.  The first in this series just launched something so brilliant, and was one of the best films of 2009. Into Darkness is a film that will not disappoint, because it is good, and also proves that there are so many stories to be told. This film is great, it's fun, and entertaining, but does not advance anything it merely adds a great next chapter within the franchise, which is not a bad thing.

Performer to Watch: Benedict Cumberbatch

Many people are familiar with Benedict Cumberbatch, but this weekend even more people are going to know who he is because of his role in the Star Trek: Into Darkness.  People will also become enamored with his name, because it is honestly one of the most fun names to say over and over again.  Beyond saying his name Cumberbatch has made his mark already, in BBC television, and small art films, but as this year proves he is a star, and major player on the rise.

Most of Cumberbatch's early work is from British television, namely television shows, and mini-series like Fortysomething, Silent Witness, Broken News, The Last Enemy, and National Theatre Live.  Yet it's his work in the show Sherlock on BBC, which has become the show getting him the big roles.  British shows/mini-series have had success in the States before the 2010s, but their adaptations US adaptations like The Office and Being Human, and first run series like Downton, Luther, and Sherlock have never been more popular.  Aside from the US adaptations the PBS broadcast BBC shows like Downton and Sherlock are popular because they transcend the ocean which separates the UK and the States.  Sherlock Holmes is one of the most popular characters in all of literature, and this series helps bring him to life from a different vantage point.

In the BBC version Cumberbatch plays Sherlock more true to form to the literature, heightening his unlike able characteristics, but in a modern day setting   Sherlock and Watson team up against Moriarty of course, but its Cumberbatch's performance which help further the success of this series.  Cumberbatch does a great job with this role, but this was not his first role of note.

Cumberbatch has not only done many British television series but he has done a great deal of British produced films including Atonement, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.  In both films Cumberbatch has this quiet brilliance.    In Atonement his despicable, and makes you hate him only with a few scenes.  In Spy he conveys so much of the emotional character through his face.  Both of these film roles along with Sherlock have proven his strength within the acting world, and now his most recent role in Star Trek will launch him into the world of bigger films.

Cumberbatch is no stranger to being part of of big budget films.  Cumberbatch played Major Jamie Stewart in War Horse and the Necromancer in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. While Horse was mostly focused on, well the horse, and the young boy, and Cumberbatch was hidden while playing the Necromancer, there is no hiding in the role of Khan in Star Trek.  Cumberbatch never chews the scenery; he merely creates the complex, layered villain many have come to loathe, and become intrigued by within the world of Star Trek.  Cumberbatch is brilliant in the role, and he steals the film, people will be talking about him all Summer!

While Cumberbatch is going to be someone talked about all Summer he also going to be on people's minds starring in three major films, which may get a lot of Oscar attention.  August Osage County (John Wells), 12 Years a Slave (Steve McQueen), and The Fifth Estate (Bill Condon).  I am predicting it now, Cumberbatch will receive a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination.  Along with these three major roles, he will be part of the rest of The Hobbit trilogy, and Sherlock third season (probably it's last).  Cumberbatch has so much going for him, and he deserves to be on the rise!

Dream Emmy Nominees in Other Categories (Mini-Series/Movie, Reality Television, Animated Programming, and Technical Categories)

The Emmy Awards are not just about Comedy and Drama, but they also have many other categories , which contribute to the fabric of primetime television.  Here are some of my dream nominees for variety programming, reality series, animated series, and the mini-series/movie category.  Six days until the nominations are announced!






                                                                                    Outstanding Reality Competition Series
RuPaul's Drag Race-A reality show so different, yet the same as many others that keeps you excited about the action week after week.  RuPaul has made Logo something to be proud of (a rare occasion).  This reality competition program continued to be on fire this season, and glitter bombs the competition into dust.  

Outstanding Reality Host

Cat Deely-So You Think You Can Dance-Deely makes hosting so effortless, and fun, as it should be; she is one of the more natural hosts working today and I appreciate her most.I am not a huge fan of this reality show (mainly because i have an ex that is associated with the show at one point) but Deely makes the reality show fresh with her natural hosting abilities.

Outstanding Variety Series
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-One of my least favorite SNL cast members who could never keep a straight face for the camera has turned out to be one of the strongest late night hosts.  Fallon is terrific, and he has found his grove in comedy so much so that even when he hosted SNL this year he was actually one of the best hosts of the season.  Most of this can be attributed to his maturity, thanks to great work on this show.




Outstanding Mini-Series/Movie
Sherlock Holmes: Scandal in Belgravia-Although I kind of wish this went into the drama series category like Downton Abbey, I think this is one of the mini-series I have ever watched.  Mark Gattis, and Stevem Moffat constructed the most beautifully brilliant writing combined with great performances.  Choosing this specific "movie"within the second series was brilliant.  Sherlock Holmes versus Irene Adler, the henchwoman of Moriarty.  This was one of the best constructed episodes which explores more emotional levels of Holmes, brilliant!

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Mini-Series/Movie
Benedict Cumberbatch-Sherlock Holmes: Scandal in Belgravia-One of the best performances I have seen this year.  Holmes is usually cold, full of procedure, and unwilling to open up.  In Belgravia Holmes meets Irene Adler, and this opens up the emotionally raw side of him, letting one of the most touching yet heart wrenching performances commence.  Cumberbatch is brilliant as the typical Sherlock, but also shows more depth.


Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini-Series/Movie
Julianne Moore-Game Change-When Tina Fey did her impression, audiences laughed.  When Julianne Moore stepped into these shoes for this film everyone was floored in a different way.  Moore played this polarizing role with passion, without mimicry, and that makes me feel for Palin at times, while walking away from the film hating her.  What a performance!


Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series/Movie
Ed Harris-Game Change-What's a nomination for Sarah Palin's portrayer without the man who was actually poised for the White House.  Harris gave a strong performance that was not even close to mimicry; he was strong stoic, and did the repeat loser for the bid for the highest office justice.




Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series/Movie
Frances Conroy-American Horror Story-Lange was the stand out, but Conroy was may be another over looked scene stealer in this category merely because she does not have a big name.  One of my favorite parts of this show was Conroy, I hope she can steal a nomination.

Outstanding Main Title Design
American Horror Story-I recently sited this as one of the best main title designs of all time, hence why it should be nominated and win the Emmy for this category this year.  The design is spooky, and brilliantly ties in the plot of the series.

Outstanding Animated Series
Archer-This is not the traditional animated series, but it's currently the most original on the air, and deserves to win over the tired Simpson's and South Park.  My hope is that the show gets its due and get nominated.

Outstanding Original Song-Lazy Sunday Part 2 performed by Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg-Saturday Night Live-The perfect sequel to part one, and one of the best ways for Samberg and his creative team behind his digital shorts to leave SNL.  The digital shorts made SNL relevant again, and Samberg, the mastermind behind these, had a brilliant sequel.  The first Lazy Sunday short was the first of its kind, and it made me smile to see a sequel.

The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes

Yesterday I finally sat down and started watching the first series of Sherlock, the BBC television series, which is an adaptation of the works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Scottish author and physician Doyle created the character of Sherlock Holmes in 1887, in a series of short stories.  Holmes is seen as a "consulting" detective for Scotland Yard; he uses an acute sense of logical reasoning, has a knack for disguises, and forensic science to help solve crimes.  Doyle's characterization of this man, has left an indelible mark of literature that has moved into being an important part of film and television.

In more recent years Sherlock Holmes has captivated audiences in many different methods.  One of the most interesting adaptations, or interpretations is the television series House (or House M.D.).  Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie) is a cantankerous doctor who uses that insane acute logical reasoning, along with medical knowledge to help his team solve medical mysteries at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.  House's confident and closest friend is Dr. James Wilson, the more kind hearted, and level headed of the pair.  Most loyal fans of the show have seen this connection, but to everyday viewer probably misses out on how Doyle's massively famous detective influenced television creator David Shore.  Shore brilliantly deduced that Holmes popularity could be translated in a not so obvious way to Laurie's sarcastic doc.  The show was a massive success and recently just ended its series run this past May.

In 2009 Sherlock Holmes received a more literal adaptation with film distributed by Warner Brothers entitled, go figure, Sherlock Holmes.  This film centered on 1891 London and the the relationship between Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusty side-kick Watson (Jude Law) as they investigated the supposed death of Lord Blackwood.  The film, directed by Guy Ritchie,  was released on Christmas Day, opened to decent reviews, and made a large sum at the box office proving that the legend of this famous detective had a lot of bite.  Two years later in 2011 Ritchie returned to the directors chair, and brought back Downey Jr. and Law in the sequel entitled Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.  The sequels reviews were not as strong, and audiences did not show up right away but in the slow holiday season, audiences returned to 221 B Baker to watch Holmes take on his arch nemesis Professor James Moriarty (Jarred Harris).

The real crowning achievement (quality wise) in the world of adaptations is the recent BBC adaptation of the classic story.  The television series entitled Sherlock, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a modern day Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson his faithful sidekick.  This modern birthed by Mark Gattis, and Steven Moffat puts Holmes and Watson in similar mysterious situations, but uses modern day touches to help carefully create beautiful stories.  Steven Moffat's writing is brilliantly paced, and within what the Brits call the first series (or season) the three episodes explore mysteries with a commercial free 90 minutes that allows the mystery, and character development to unfold nicely.  Gattis and Moffat use classic Holmes stories to help construct their modern day adaptation of this story.  One of my favorite aspects of the show is that Watson is a blogger instead of a physician turned author, that minor detail never feels trite or pandering merely the sign these men know how to construct a modern adaptation of classic literature.

In the fall Sherlock Holmes is getting an American adaptation with the television series Elementary.  The differences are that Holmes is moving the New York, and his sidekick is Joan Watson a female played by Lucy Lui.  Obviously one of the differences here is that the homoerotic undertones to Holmes will be missing in this series, which are beautifully woven in the BBC version.  This show could be a massive success because of the lore of the character, and it's on CBS, which will pull in a wide demographic.  The major question is why does this character translate so well?

These television shows, and films are just a hand full of the most recent adaptations within 2000s.  Before the 2000s there were films dating as far back as 1939, and television series adaptations as recent as the 1980s.  This character's intense ways for crime solving are indelible.  Doyle left a lasting mark in literature that has evolved into more recent mediums of popular culture, much like the way Shakespeare influences popular culture today.  The character of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are the perfect dynamic duo, they complete each other signifying this great push and pull.  There is chemistry on friend level, which allows these two men to work congruently as they fight crime, and solve the most fascinating mysteries.  People love well plotted mysteries (they even love poorly plotted ones), but within this varying adaptations we are left with incredible adaptations of one of the most complicated men, solving mysteries, what more could modern day audiences want?  Nothing.