Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

The fiercest creature in the animal kingdom is a mother, meet Mildred Hayes. Mildred, played by Frances McDormand, is the fearless iron-willed mother whose daughter was raped, murdered and set on fire. The frustrating fruitless efforts by the local police inspire her to rent three billboards to write embarrassing remarks to egg on the police. The film is called a dark comedy; it tilts more to the dark. This film has many levels and the characters are complicated. The ensemble is terrific and deliver high caliber performances. When awards are given out they will be competing amongst themselves.

McDormand is a tour de force. Her steely determination seeking results is unstoppable. Putting up insulting billboards is the least of what she does for revenge. In a one and half hour movie she smiles once. This role is the antheses of the folky laid back character she won the academy award for Fargo.

 

Woody Harrelson is Chief Willoughby the target of Mildred’s ire. This is a bit of an unusual role for Harrelson who usually plays tough guys (True Detective, Natural Born Killers). He is frustrated and compassionate with Mildred. His role is brief, but it helps to frame the movie. He is a counter point to Mildred’s angst.

Sam Rockwell is phenomenal. He nearly steals all the lime light. He plays a red neck bigoted deputy who uses brutality first and doesn’t even ask questions later. During the movie he goes through a metamorphosis driving a critical part of the movie. If there is an awards contest it will be between Rockwell and McDormand.

Just a short comment on Peter Dinklage. He does not have a big role, but his character brings needed humanity. (I know I will burn in hell).

The ending was unique.

Thank God, we are nearing awards season and the studios are bringing out their serious films. Get a front seat and see this movie.

The Hunger Games-Mockingjay Part 1

The Hunger Games-Mockingjay Part 1

If this picture was not part of the Hunger Game franchise it would have less audience and less box office. Thanks to the HG devotees they flocked to this movie like moths to a flame. This movie lacks the Lord of the Fly motif of the prior two films. Instead of a hunt or be hunted movie with big brother watching it is just a rebellion movie. There are references to the prior movies and the roles of some characters but this movie can stand on its own. I think Part 1 was put in the title to distance this movie from the others and garner a broader audience.

Part 1 means this is the pen ultimate movie. This is movie is a place holder for the final movie. It keys up atrocities committed by the Capital and retaliations by the Districts. All of this conflict will be resolved in the final film. Unlike the other movies Katniss does relatively little fighting.  This is here least energetic role and she looks shabby and unglamorous.  There are no flaming dresses here, rather grey jump suits are de rigueur. Grey is the dominant color of the movie; it could be seen as a metaphor, “the grey before the dawn”. On the whole this movie is a set up for a hoped for mega box office in the final picture.

There are old and new characters. I think this is Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last movie. He looked like a card board cut out of himself. The twinkle in his eye was gone. Woody Harrelson’s character was more fun drunk. Donald Sutherland returned with his evil Cheshire smile. He is basically Hitler with a white Santa beard. Stanley Tucci does not even stand up in this picture, he smugly reclines in a chair; he is still very annoying. Even poor Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), the over the top image consultant, with much chagrin is forced to wear a grey jump which she accessories with grey bandana.

Julianne Moore plays President Alma Coin, leader of the rebellion. Her personality is best described as akin to cold salmon. She too is grey all over. It seems she went to the same hair stylist as Morticia Adams. There are other new characters. One is a video journalist who is a propagandist for the rebellion. Her most notable feature is the half shorn haircut currently in vogue adorned with a flower tattoo on the bald side. Her body will be easy to identify on the battlefield.

I know you join me in my anticipation for the final movie. How will I fill the void?

The Hunger Games- Catching Fire

 

Since this film is bullet proof my critique will just bounce off. This is the second installment of a trilogy (I think). From the inflated box office this movie has crossover appeal beyond the book’s devotees. It is a fast paced action film with a female leading star as the main protagonist which is rare in today’s cinema.

The story has two things going on, the nascent rebellion and the hunger games. These two events are related since the contestants of the Hunger Games are involved in the rebellion. From the movies perspective the parts do not complement each other. For now the contestants are more contestants than rebels. The games seem to be less brutal than the first movie; more contestants die off with a canon boom rather than being eviscerated on the big screen.

Jennifer Lawrence is a versatile actress (only 23 years old) who can go from playing a manic depressive to a dead eyed archer.  Acting as Katniss Everdeen is not too demanding; basically she is a super hero and that is usually uncomplicated. She does have some vulnerability, but she prevails with lethal effect. Lawrence has an athletic body which she uses to play the role. The Hunger Games are fast paced and unforgiving; there were some interesting killing scenes.  

Josh Hutcherson plays Katniss’s partner, Peeta Mallark in the games. His emotional range is limited to two facial expressions, stern and not too stern. As the forlorn love interest his bleakness serves him well.

It is refreshing to see Woody Harrelson playing a role other than a homicidal maniac. As the quasi alcoholic mentor to Katniss and Peeta, he keeps them alive during the games. Compared to his other demanding roles this was a cake walk for him.

Donald Sutherland plays evil President Snow with his usual languid performance.  His grandfatherly persona complete with white beard, belies atrocities he willingly inflicts. Sutherland’s air time is limited but his role is pivotal.

 Stanly Tucci plays the most annoying obnoxious TV host ever. Tucci has a rich resume of characters but as Caesar Flickerman he is over the top (in acting and in wardrobe). Caesar sells lies to his Capital audience.

This a great franchise for the stockholders and the audiences. Aside from the unique ways of killing people the script does not break new grounds. History is replete with true stories of resistance fighters sans stunt men.