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Jurassic World Lands @ NYCC!

October 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms Leave a Comment

Nick Robinson, who plays one of the ‘kids’ trapped in Jurassic World’s fantasyland when all hell breaks loose, opened the gates for fans to walk through the gates at New York Comic Con earlier today.

Fans at the Comic Con were able to walk through the gateway and have their pictures taken with Robinson. A few of them even had the chance to get a scare from a life-size Velociraptor, straight from Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park. [Thankfully, they didn’t have to outrun the nine-foot-tall killing machine that can top speeds of sixty miles per hour!]

In the latest installment, velociraptor trainer Owen (Chris Pratt) and park operation manager Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) are the only ones who have a chance to save Claire’s nephews and stop dinosaur annihilation… of humans … on Isla Nubar. Anyone who has seen any of the previous films knows that there will be blood, humor, and the occasional mauling.

The fourth Jurassic Park film will debut on Blu-ray and DVD in two weeks on October 20, but fans can catch it at home or on portable devices on Digital HD today.

TIFF Hits: BLACK MASS

September 17, 2015 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Johnny Depp is back.

At least that’s what everyone is saying.

In some ways, it’s odd to think of Depp being ‘back’ when he never really went away. Certainly, he remains beloved by people around the globe (especially evidenced in the borderline chaos that erupted when he arrived in Toronto). Although,it’s fair to say that, by filling up his time with Tim Burton films and the Pirates franchise, the actor hasn’t really had a role to sink his teeth into over the past few years.

With Black Mass, that trend has changed dramatically.

Taking place in 1970s Boston, Black Mass tells the true story of James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp), the infamous crime lord. Approached by FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), Bulger is convinced to form an alliance with the agency in order to bring down the Italian mob. As their unholy alliance begins to spiral out of control, Bulger increases in his power, becoming one of the most infamous gangsters in U.S. history.

Deftly directed by relative newcomer Scott Moore, Black Mass is a dark exploration of the nature of evil. Backed by a solid script, he depicts Boston with grainy, bland colours reminiscent of 70s noir thrillers that remind us this is a world with a neutralized sense of morality. Most importantly though, Depp’s performance as Bulger creates a hurricane of chaos in the lives of the other characters, pulling them deeper into his own darkness. However, even though Bulger is clearly a man to be feared, he also maintains a human side that never quite disappears. Even in his darkest moments, Bulger is (mostly) seen as a man of loyalty to his family and friends.

With a performance as strong as Depp’s, one might imagine that supporting players would fade into the background. However, the film is also buoyed by strong performances by Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons and (even) Dakota Johnson. (Incidentally, Edgerton really takes things up a notch as conflicted Agent Connolly. Called to play a man who is torn between loyalty to Bulger and the law, he attacks the role and (almost) steals a scene or two from Depp.)

Even so, it’s Jimmy’s world–and the rest are caught up in it.

At it’s heart, Mass uses it’s characters to explore the relationship between humanity and evil. For instance, through Bulger, the narrative asks whether he is an example of evil incarnate or merely a broken man who was the victim of a darkened world. Meanwhile, through characters such as Connolly and William Bulger (Benedict Cumberbatch), the film asks whether or not it is possible to associate with darkness without being pulled inside yourself. In Black Mass, there is no clear sense of good or evil as the lines between them begin to blur. This depiction of sinful humanity reminds us that, if we are left to our own devices, redemption needs to come from outside ourselves.

Black Mass is sure to be in the conversation come Oscar season, not only as a film but definitely for Depp’s performance. This is the type of role that reminds us of his incredible talent when given material that suits him.

After all, it’s Depp’s world–and the rest of us are caught up in it.

Black Mass

Starring Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch

d. Scott Moore

Rated R for violence, language

****1/2 (out of 5)

TIFF Hits: BEAST

September 16, 2015 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

What do you do when you’re hunted by the truth?

In Beast, Jaime Gray (newcomer Chad McKinney) is a boxer in the Philippines. After he and his father (Garret Dillahunt) make a costly error in judgment in order to win big with a bookie, Jaime is torn between running in fear and doing what is right. Beast is gritty, honest, and realistic as it takes us into the heart of the underground world of poverty in Manila.

But don’t think that Beast is just another ‘boxing movie’.

The directorial feature debut of brothers, Tom and Sam McKeith, the film uses the world of boxing as a backdrop for the characters and their emotional journeys. Demonstrating genuine chemistry between them, both Dillahunt and McKinney are up to the task and offer honest performances. Still, while Dillahunt’s work here is very strong and reveals a loving father (albeit one who is willing to compromise morally), it is McKinney who absolutely owns this film. While it’s common for a main character to dominate a picture, it’s another thing to spend virtually every second of the film with them, not only within the frame, but close-up. As we look constantly on his face, there is a heavy emphasis on his emotional well-being. (This would be a challenge for any actor, let alone a relative newcomer.) Despite the challenges, McKinney’s performance is remarkably believable and carries the film.

What’s more, Beast also serves as a powerful spiritual narrative as well. While faith is not directly addressed within the film, there is a strong sense within the film that guilt can only truly be dealt with wholly in the form of repentance and ownership of our actions. Here, Jaime is both ‘beast’ and ‘angel’, trying to find redemption while running from the truth. Throughout the film, we–and Jaime–are always fully conscious that he cannot erase the consequences of his actions without humbling himself. (Incidentally, there is even a solid prayer scene that might be the first one I’ve seen in a film that doesn’t come across as awkward or out of place.)

In the end, Beast is a film is actually less about sports and more about reaping what you sow. Filled with solid performances, the film is a strong character piece about a young man who is battling his own demons and taking responsibility for his actions. Although the film doesn’t currently have a release date set, I highly recommend you take note and check it out when you hear of it.

After all, it certainly packs a punch.

NOTE: STAY TUNED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS FOR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH STARS CHAD McKINNEY, GARRETT DILLAHUNT AND DIRECTORS TOM AND SAM McKEITH…

Beast

Starring Chad McKinney, Garret Dillahunt

d. Tom and Sam McKeith

**** (out of 5)

TIFF Hits: EQUALS

September 16, 2015 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

“Knowledge is the new Scripture.”

Equals takes place in the future where scientific and technological advancement have become the new gods of the age. Through advancements in genetic modification, humanity has been forbidden from experiencing emotions, physical touch and — gasp! — sex in order to increase productivity. People like Silas (Nicholas Hoult) and Nia (Kristen Stewart) live quiet, drone-like lives until, one day, rumours begin to surface that a disease has erupted, causing humanity to ‘feel’. If discovered by the powers that be, carriers are quickly taken away, never to be seen or heard of again. When Silas and Nia begin to experience an unspeakable attraction to one another, the two must decide whether to suppress their feelings or attempt to run so that they can be together.

Visually, the film is stunning. Director Drake Doremus (Still Crazy) creates a world that reveals the emotional tension through the balance of cool, clean lines and lush gardens and landscapes. (Interestingly, one of the key jobs in the future seems to be gardening, a clear reminder that nature needs to be contained and repressed.) Further, while colours remain muted at the early onset of the film, they slowly begin to dominate the frame as Silas and Nia gradually give in to their impulses.

Unfortunately, however, the film takes far too much time to get off the ground. In an effort to reveal the emotional oppression of his characters, Doremus also makes it more difficult to connect with them. As a result, it’s not until the characters are allowed to express some forms of emotion that we can begin to appreciate the performances that are taking place. As they begin to express themselves to one another, the story moves along more quickly and becomes far more interesting. (Personally, I would also argue that I’ve seen far better work from both Hoult and Stewart in the past as well.)

Thematically, Doremus clearly believes that love is an essential part of the human experience. In a world where technology has created distance between one another, he argues that this film is a timely one. “Personally, I feel that it’s very current,” he begins. “It could have taken place in the past, present or the future. It’s really about a people who are set in a world rather than a world with people in it.” Consequently, the film carries an understanding of human nature and our role as created beings that breaks through the narrative. (Incidentally, it’s also interesting to see the number of Biblical names that appear, ranging from Silas and Barnabas to Nia changing her name to Eva, potentially revealing herself as the ‘first woman’ of a new world.) Despite humanity’s best efforts, they simply cannot stop their natural impulses from revealing themselves.

In the end, Equals is an interesting entry into the science fiction genre though it also doesn’t really blaze new territory either.

Equals

Starring Kristen Stewart, Nicholas Hoult

d. Drake Doremus

*** (out of 5)

TIFF Hits: Shooting Stars

September 15, 2015 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

At ScreenFish, we’re very conscious of those moments where faith and film collide… but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun as well! Here are some exclusive shots of the celebs around the city as the Toronto International Film Festival enters it’s second half. Pics will be updated as new sightings occur…

Black Mass premiere:

Johnny Depp