The Way Way Back is a Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Journey to Understanding Adulthood, filled with great Laughs

The Way Way Back (4 out of 5 Stars)

Directed and Written by: Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash (wrote The Descendants)

Starring: Steve Carell, Liam James, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, and Allison Janney

Films of this nature are highly scrutinized, and the poster and advertising set the stage for this.  The poster on the The Way Way Back say from the studio who bought you Little Miss Sunshine and Juno.  This film is like both of these movies, and even stars some of the same people, yet in this Steve Carell is a bit of a dick and married to the person who played his sister in Little Miss Sunshine, and Allison Janney doesn't love dogs she just is too involved in everyone's business, and sexually repressed. 

People are going to cal this film this years "insert indie dramedy" or compare it to Adventurland and there is problem that takes away from the spirit of the creativity of this actual film. I could go on and on forever about the comparison of film, but and while Back has those similar threads its film with a fun unique feel.  The film once again like this years Oblivion has similar tropes to the "Little Miss Sunshine" film, but is also a great film in its own right.

Back centers around Duncan (James) who is heading to a Summer vacation home with his mother Pam (Collette), her new boyfriend Trent (Carell), and Trent's daughter Steph (Zoe Levin).  As soon as this foursome get out of their car they are greeted by Trent's neigh Pam, who gets too close too soon, possibly because she is recently divorced, but she also spits out truth about her sons lazy eye, her gay ex husband and much more within the first five minutes of meeting her.  As the Summer progresses Duncan can't help but feel out of place; he does not feel comfortable surrounded by all these people especially Trent who he feels mistreats him, and his mother.  

Duncan eventually meets and is befriended by Owen who owns a water park called Water Wizz.  After the two meet over Pac Man there is an instant mentor friend relationship which develops as Duncan taks on a job at the water park, and realizes that people care about him.  Duncan is lost and finds solace in the world of misfits who go to, and and work at the water park, including the films writer director pair, Faxon and Rash who are incredibly funny.  As much as the film explores Duncan's development, the film is about maturation of adulthood, and relationships from all levels.

One thing I respect about this movie is the way Faxon and Rash as first time directors, and now more experience screen writers crafted this world.  One of the interesting things about the film, is that as you sit through the film you wonder if this was meant to be set in the 80s with the music (REO Speedwagon), the fact that it centers around a water park, the station wagon, and much more.  Yet the great thing about this film is that themes of divorce, isolation, and friendship transcend the concept of decades.

Faxon and Rash who co-wrote (and each won Oscars) with Alexander Payne for The Descendants, created something less melodramatic, and more earnest.  This script hits the write notes, never feeling heavy handed or shoving the emotional journey down your throat.  The moments they created within their script then directed within the big screen felt natural, free flowing, and never out place.  Their script may fit a bit of a formula, but their direction along with the wistful emotions they evoke of nostalgia negate any lazy aspect of the film.

One of the key things to highlight within the film is the truly great ensemble assembled within this film, Carell, Collette, Janney, Maya Rudolph, Rockwell, Rash, Faxon, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry, AnnaSophia Robb, and Liam James.  The young actors who play the water park regulars also add some entertainment.  On paper this cast is a dream comedy cast, and they flex their dramatic muscles of course too.

In a Freaky Friday world Steve Carell plays a dick, and Sam Rockwell plays the good guy.  For those familiar with both of their work their pattern has been the exact opposite for most of their careers.  Do they pull it off?  Rockwell steals the film channeling some great Bill Murray (from his own mouth in interviews).  Rockwell is fantastic in this film as Owen who has a bit of Peter Pan syndrome, never wanting to grow up as he works at Water Wizz, but meeting Duncan helps him to realize he's the adult and he becomes a pseudo father figure to him.  Carell's Trent is simply put a dick, and Carell steps out of the "nice guy" roles and makes you hate him more than ever before, pulling off a solid transformation.

While Rockwell gives the best overall adult performance in the film, the scene-stealer is of course Allison Janney, her one liners are some of the funniest in the film.  Pam's character recovering from her divorce is just willing to say things how they are, but as you learn her veneer is a mask for loneliness you feel the character has fully formed, and you see this land many of the "adults" have made is a mask to hide from the real world.

At the center of all of this is Duncan, and Liam James starts this character from scratch; he is quiet, and watches as the world around him forms.  As he starts to run away from these adults who do not have their stuff together (but think they do); he runs to a world of adults who find solace in one another, and soon Duncan begins to grow on his own.  Susanna states "This is Spring Break for adults."  James is a solid younger actor, he gives the good as he begins to grow up himself, yet wanting his mother she does not need to settle for happiness.

Back was sold for the most money ever at Sundance, 10 million dollars, and the film had a production budget of only four million.  That's pretty impressive.  While the film does not reinvent the wheel, there is something special and fun about the story told here.  You can feel the personal touch from both Rash and Faxon, which make this movie beyond like able.  To me this is the combination of an homage/passion project, which make some of the best films.  Combined with these elements the cast is one of the best I have seen in a long time, making this one of the most enjoyable films of the year.

This is the End is a Hilarious Tale of 'Real' Celebrities Dealing with the End of Days

This is the End (4 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

Written by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Pineapple Express)

Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride

Imagine the world is coming to world coming to an end, and you are at a party at James Franco's new stylish pad, and go.  That is the basic premise to the the film This is the End (set to be released June 12).  Apocalyptic movies often have dark/ominous tones, but why not have some laughs as the world falls out from under your feet? Literally!

End starts as its centers around Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel two best friends from their Canada days playing themselves.  Everyone plays a version of them self in this movie, although Michael Cera's representation may be a bit exaggerated, and if not that's even funnier.  Jay is not an "L.A. guy" and is in town visiting Seth.  Seth and Jay end up going to a party at James Franco's house, insert a lot of amazing cameos from some of the funniest people working today, and you have one hell of a sequence.  After some pot and a need to get out of the party Jay drags Seth away from the fake Hollywood types only to have things go bat shit crazy.

I do not want to give any of the jokes from this film away, because they are far too funny.  Nor do I want to hype this movie the way people do with films like The Hangover or Bridesmaids, but its safe to say this may be the funniest film of the summer.  The cameos are endless, from Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, Kevin Hart, Mindy Kailing, Aziz Ansari, Emma Watson and many more.  There is one cameo towards the end which stole the show for me, but I will let you discover that masked man on your own.  

I think one of the best parts about this film is the clever way the script uses a version of reality to make fun of the situation, along with the actors and their true selves.  From the fact that Jonah Hill is a nice guy and now that he has an Oscar nomination he has to step up his game, or the gay jokes/rumors about James Franco, to the way the film pokes fun at films they have done like Seth Rogen in The Green Hornet.  Rogen knows his pals, and co-screenwriter (who has worked with all of these people before) knows how to stick the knife and jab with true comedic wit.  The script obviously has it flaws, the duo tend to sometimes let gags run on too long, and for those not in "the know" some of the gags may not make much sense.  Yet, the jokes were some of the funniest I have heard in a long time, especially anything that makes fun of Spider-Man 3.

This film is clever and a step ahead of both Superbad, and Pineapple Express (which came from the the same creative team.)  I have heard Seth Rogen talk about this project, and it was clearly something he was passionate about.  This film took a lot to get financed, and to find a production company, but when all was said and done the end result is something that will be remembered.  I like the direction from Rogen and Goldberg, they are taking comedy to a new level with this film.  While their previous collaborations have been funny, this film is both smart, and funny, which sets it apart from many films within its genre or type.  This is the End, is a not just a great comedy, but an laugh out loud enjoyable film.

Season (Series) Finale Schedule and Wishful Analysis

Get your DVRs ready folks the Broadcast networks are preparing to end the traditional television season, which what has most commonly been referred to as May sweeps.  In an interesting twist many shows actually ended in April or will be ending this week.

NBC shows The New Normal, which had a wedding and baby ended on April 2nd,  Go On ended April 11th, with a few episodes on Thursday nights further confusing fans and proving NBC has no idea how to put together a solid schedule.

Unlike NBC, the other "major networks are only ending one show each during this time, the CW had The Carrie Diaries (a midseason replacement) end on April 11th, ABC had Suburgatory end on 17th (another scheduling challenged network).

CBS will say end The Good Wife next Sunday on April 28th with a gubernatorial election for Peter and Alicia sucking face with Will.  I also think Alicia will join Carrie and they may both potentially leave Lockheart/Gardener.  The Good Wife traditionally leaves the air in April. FOX will also be ending Bones on April 29th, I do not watch so my comments are of course limited.

There are obviously cable and pay cable finales, but these never fit within that traditional September to May calendar season, but Shameless, Project Runway, Dallas, Spartacus, and Cougar Town have either ended this month or will be ending this week.

I guess I have to apologize in advance but I do not watch much CBS, so there is not much on here about that network.

One the main or may events!

May 1

The Americans (F/X) While this show did not strike my fancy I have heard good things, and I think it's great to see F/X doing so well!

May-2

Parks and Recreation (NBC) This year's finale does not have the same build up as last year, but that's alright!  Parks and Recreation has been knocking it out of the park.  Their development of all their characters and their growth is fantastic with keeping the core intact.

May 9th

Glee (FOX) While I have not faithfully watched this season, the show is a roller coaster of emotions, no not the story lines per say, but the back forth of I hate the the new folks, I love New York, no i like the new folks, why are they even in New York?  This show just got two more seasons, time pack it in!

Community (NBC) In what will very likely be the shows series finale (I wish last year's episode was) this show should use the cliche dream sequence because this year has just been bad, and I am going to pretend this season did not happen.  I miss you Dan Harmon!

May 12th

Once Upon a Time (ABC) The scene Regina versus Snow, who is this Tamara chick, and will Rumple go after his own grandson?  Once has not been as good as last year, but hopefully they tie things up rather than unravel too much.

Revenge (ABC) ABC has ADD with their shows they start with all this promise and the POOF nothing.  This is the case with the should have only been one season Revenge.  This season has been a big who cares!  Something will happen with initiative, Emily is getting engaged to Daniel again, come on folks lets get to more crossing people out with sharpies.

May 13th

How I Met Your Mother  (CBS) The wedding better happen, and I better get a glimpse of the mother, that's all I have to say!

May 14th

New Girl (FOX) There is no way CeeCee is going to make it down the alter, is she?  Schmidt and CeeCee belong together.  Excited to see more exploration of Jess and Nick, their first date was hilarious.

May 15th

Arrow (CW) One of the most entertaining first year shows of the 2012-2013 television season.  Interested to see how the will leave this show hanging.

May 16th 

American Idol (FOX) Spoiler alert, a woman will win.  Oh wait there are only women left.  Time to put this show out to pasture, who cares about any of these judges.

The Office (NBC) I am getting misty that this show is going to be ending forever this year.  I need the Pam and Jim fighting to end, I would like to see Michael back even if briefly.

Grey's Anatomy (ABC) What will Shonda do does she have something shocking planned?  I think after last year's ending this one will be way calmer.  My hope is good news for Meredith and her baby.

Scandal (ABC) I am intrigued to see where Olivia and the President will go next, I like the way Shonda amps up the drama.  Will Olivia be bested by Scott Foley's character, with her team not likely but who is working with the terrorist and why?

The Vampire Diaries (CW) So who is left on this show?  With a spin off and the end of high school on the horizon I am intrigued where this show is heading next.

May 19th

The Cleveland Show  (FOX) Goodbye Cleveland, this is a series finale, will he head back to Family Guy with his family, or is this the end of the permanency of this character?

May 22nd

Modern Family (ABC) Modern Family unlike most shows is more conventional and never has a major end of the year event, although last year they announce Gloria's pregnancy, I would like to see a Cam and Mitch wedding.  

May 25th 

Smash (NBC) I hope this is not the series finale, but maybe it's better for this show to go out on top, and with achieving its purpose.  I like the direction this show has moved toward.

Performer to Watch : Anna Camp

After watching Pitch Perfect for maybe the 10th time (or more) I was struck by someone other than "bigger stars" Rebel Wilson, Anna Kendrick, and Brittany Snow, the person who has stood out to me tonight was Anna Camp.

The first time I saw Camp was in the second season of True Blood as Sarah Newlin.  As Jason explored his hate for vampires with religious zealots he met the Newlins.  Jason wanted to do right by Steve, but the sexual tension between Ryan Kwanton (Jason) and Sarah Newlin (Camp) could be cut with a knife.  Camp was under rated performer in the show, and I am excited for her return this season, even though I think True Blood should have already ended.

Like many of the past performers to watch Camp started out in scene stealing roles in television series along with her role of True Blood, Camp had a long arc of the CBS drama The Good Wife, which helped set out the competitive nature within Alicia.  Camp was was also criminally under used in The Mindy Project this past season, how this show could not properly use her talent is beyond me, and shows the weakness within this television show.

Along with True Blood, Camp has had guest roles in the television series Glee, Mad Men, Love Bites, Vegas, and House of Lies.  Camp's first recognizable film role was a small part in The Help as one of the women was part of Hilly's circle named Jolene.  Pitch Perfect is Camp's largest film role to date, and  her vomiting scene made a mark!

Camp is going to be heavily courted for numerous television shows, watch she may be a part of the fall line up, but at the moment her main projects coming up this year are two films entitled Goodbye to All That, and Autumn Wanderer.  Camp is a performer to watch on the big and small screen, and she deserves it!

Oblivion is a Sleek Throwback to the Old School Sci-Fi, the Story may not be Original, but the End Result is Solid

Oblivion (3 1/2 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy)

Written by Joseph Kosinski, Karl Gajdusek (Tresspass), Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine)

Starring: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Melissa Leo, and Morgan Freeman

I think the the most common complaint I have heard with regard to this film is "been there done that."  Some of the most common themes throughout this film have been seen before, a desolate New York City landscape (Planet of the Apes), a bright glowing red light alien (2001: A Space Odyssey), robots mining the ground for safety which is similar to themes from Wall-E, and many more.  Over the years many themes throughout sci-fi have been shower rinsed and repeated, and while this film has many of repeated, but this film is still well made and is harkens back to classic sci fi films.

Oblivion centers around Jack (Cruise) in 2077 who is sent on daily missions to extract resources, and fix drones who protect the Earth from aliens, Scavs who attacked Earth.  Earth is in a desolate state and Jack along with his partner Victoria (Riseborough) carry out the tasks from Sally (Leo) on the space ship, which hovers above Earth, and holds the some of the people who made it out safely from the attack. While on the missions Jack sees glimpses of his past, scenes of him on the Empire State Building with an unknown woman, something he can'e help shake.  After a ship crashes Jack saves a woman who is almost killed by a drone, and the pieces of this peaceful missions start to fall a part,  and the glimpses of the memories he once had start to unfold.

Joseph Kosinski whose first feature film was Tron: Legacy steps up his directorial game.  While Tron was a bloated mess Kosinski has found this incredible balance which create great action packed drama, while never shoving the intense action packed world down our throats.  There is one scene where Jack is involved with a chase in his cruiser (do not want to give out any spoilers), and the direction blew me away, one solid action sequence that had me on the edge of my seat.  One of the other key pieces is the land he creates within this film, Kosinski has an architectural background, and this leads to creating some of the most beautifully designed areas, from the base where Jack and Victoria live to the destroyed New York Public Library.  

Kosinski was also the architect for the original graphic novel, which this film was based.  The film went through numerous re-writes, and while the writing is not bad, the strength of the film is not within the script.  The script was originally co-written by William Monahan, but Karl Gajdusek stepped in (and is credited) and Universal had Michael Arndt do a final overhaul on the script.  While the writers did a good job of making the complicated story, well less complicated there were moments when the love story fell flat, or they held on too long to a concept or an idea, like what the radiation zone actually was.

The thing which makes this film beautiful is the visual effects combined with the imagery captured bye Life of Pi cinematographer Claudio Miranda.  These two elements create a film, which has some of the most haunting moments that leave you wanting to be able to reach out and touch this world.  Miranda's shot of Jack and Victoria swimming, and under water were beautiful along with the dark and desolate dessert mixed with the hope of the life growing in the forrest.  Together these elements created a visual mind field of greatness.  Combine that with the perfect futuristic sounding score from M83 and the technical aspects make the film what it is!

In the end I have to give credit to Tom Cruise, while many dislike this man for his personal beliefs you can't hold against him that he is, and has continued to be one of the strongest leading men for a long time.  Cruise has the charisma you long for on the screen, and his believability within this role, helps you connect to his own journey as Jack reaches (great pun right-Jack Reacher-I digress) for a something which feels real in an artificial setting.  

Oblivion is much better than expected, and never say "this has been done before" because if you used that as excuse to say a movie is sloppy or bad, you would be saying that about most films.  This film is by no means perfect, but separates itself from most tent-pole action films with heart and determination.

Apocalypse Now? Film and Television's Obsession with the Apocalypse

Last night I saw the film Oblivion (review to come), and as I was sitting in the film I realized something, film and television have started to use the trope of the end of the world, more than ever before.  There have of course been numerous films about a post apocalyptic earth in both film and television ranging from The Planet of the Apes series (original 1968), to both versions of the television series Battlestar Gallactica (1978, 2004) to the Mad Max series (original 1979), 12 Monkeys (1995), The Road (2009), and so many more.  The end of world has always been on our mind, and whether its at the hand of apes, a cancer treatment drug, laziness, zombies, or aliens it appears to be on the mind of people more than ever.

NBC's Revolution may have been at the start of the most recent upswing.  The television series follows Earth as though the a big giant plug was pulled somewhere, and all the electronics we have come to rely upon have all but disappeared.  Like with most post-apocalyptic films or television series, a small group of tough as nails survivors battle against a group or people who will prevent the Earth from returning to its former glory.

Glory and empire status seem to be one of the trends which flow through these types of films.  As you you look at America specifically, America became a dominant power toppling the once great English empire in the Revolutionary War.

Martin Scorsese is quoted as saying "I love studying Ancient History and seeing how empires rise and fall, sowing the seeds of their own destruction."

Throughout time a cliche American phrase or quote has arisen "all great empires fall."  Which relates back to Scorsese's quote, and the recent trend within these apocalyptic films.  Film makers and television auteurs use these acts of destruction and rebirth to show the vulnerability and fragility within a people.

One of the few clever parts of the Oblivion screenplay is is the fact that Cruise's character picks up Thomas Babbington Macaulay's Lays of Ancient Rome, the passage specifically states:

“To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods?"

This quote relates beautifully to the the theme of Oblivion, but the book and the reference to the Roman Empire is what has started the inspiration for what I will refer to as the "end of days" films and television series.  As Scorsese stated studying the rise and fall of empires is fascinating, and many Americans believe the end is near or has essentially happened for America, so the jingoism is gone, and bring on the onslaught of films which not only show the end of one empire, but an end to everything.


Beyond this year's Oblivion and Revolution which started in the fall of 2012, there are numerous films about the "end of days" being released this year.  June kicks off with another film, entitled, After Earth which stars Will Smith, son Jaden, and directed by "I see dead people" M. Night Shyamalan.  Earth looks similar to Oblivion, in feel, but explores more of the father son dynamic as opposed to a love story in Oblivion.  World War Z looks more in the vein of I am Legend, and 28 Days Later.  Z follows the concept of a zombie like apocalypse, and a race for a cure to save the world.  Neil Blonkamp's August release Elysium is an apocalyptic world creating a division between the haves and have nots.

While Earth, Z, and Elysium follow the dramatics of an apocalyptic world, there are also numerous films which will explore the humorous side of the end of the Earth.  It's a Disaster is a comedy which follows two couples who are trying to escape a terrorist attack after brunch in New York City.  This is the End from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (release date June 12th) is another comedy much like It's a Disaster (unnamed at the moment, which sets a set of celebrities basically playing versions of themselves fighting an apocalyptic situation. Craig Robinson (The Office's Darryl) stars in This is the End, and has his own June Comedy "end of days" film entitle Rapture-Palooza, which is also a comedy.  Who knew the end of earth or society was as funny, but I am intrigued by this different take on the genre.

If you look at all films and television series recently there is one clear trend, the fear and fascination of our crumbling world.  Whether through the lens of laughter, tears, or an action packed sci-fi world, all of these films are trending at the moment the way in which vampires did the last few years.  Will we move on with the obsession, or is "this the end of world as we know it."

A Tribute to Boston and it's Great Relevance in History and Popular Culture

I am not one to manipulate to emotional capacity of one event, but as a resident of Boston it is hard to
ignore how much of an impact today's event had on me, my friends, the residents of of Boston, marathon runners, and many many more.  Today something happened in Boston, which has yet to be defined, but more specifically two bombs went off, people have passed away, and come out injured.  Yet the thing to remember is the beauty and resilience of this city.

I have never been a huge fan of Boston, partially because I am a New Yorker at heart, and it always feels as though the New Yorker in me battles it out with being a Bostonian.  Most of these rivalries come from the Yankees versus Red Sox, Celtics versus Knicks, Patriots versus Jets type rivalries.  Yet beyond the realm of sports rivalries and differences Boston is one great city with loads of spirit, and is a force to reckoned with maybe second to New York City.

Boston has such great relevance in the history of our country.  From the birth of many fore fathers, to the beginning of the fight of "no taxation without representation," the Boston Tea Part, all the way to Fenway Park, the Prudential Center, and of course Patriots Day/Marathon Monday.  The city of Boston represents the birthplace of the spirit with which this country has been founded.

Then of course as related to this blog there are great television shows, and films which have been set in this city like Cheers, The Practice, Fringe, St. Elsewhere, Good Will Hunting, The Town, The Departed, The Social Network and many more.  There are also numerous celebrities and famous folks born within this city ranging from the historical like John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Samuel Adams,  Calvin Coolidge, to the celebrities like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Mindy Kailing, and so many more.

Boston is home to lots of famous events, and famous people past and present, but the most important part is the people who make up the city, and the way they interact to make this such a special place.  Boston is an amazing place, and it will rise above the latest tragedy, and remain strong as we come together as one.