Philip Seymour Hoffman

Blu-ray Review: P.T. Anderson’s Divisive ‘The Master’ Continues to Mesmerize

BrianTT — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:08:15 -0500

CHICAGO – I’m always stunned when anyone calls P.T. Anderson’s very divisive “The Master” boring. There are a number of totally valid criticisms that can be thrown at the film but it’s never boring. The performances are too strong, the images too striking, and the thematic play by Anderson too captivating for this viewer to comprehend how anyone could be bored while watching it. Frustrated? Sure. Annoyed by the lack of characters or narrative thrust? I get that. But I think that’s what Anderson wants. He wants to challenge the viewer in ways that he only hinted at in “There Will Be Blood.” He wants you to be puzzled and annoyed, to take the film home with you and work it over in your mind. And now you can do so over and over again on Blu-ray and DVD.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

“The Master” contains traditionally strong elements like the best lead and supporting performances of the year from Joaquin Phoenix & Philip Seymour Hoffman but also works best when one stops trying to approach it traditionally. Let its themes of animal vs. wrangler and free will vs. religion play in your mind. Just appreciate the craftsmanship of a masterful filmmaker willing to present you with something unlike any other film from 2012. I chose it as the best of that year and I stand by that decision even more after seeing it in glorious HD and checking out the fascinating special features that accompany the home release.

Even the Blu-ray release of “The Master” can’t be traditional, right? The special features allow a viewer to “Play All” and it starts with twenty minutes of deleted scenes, outtakes, alternate takes, and seemingly improvised bits. Assembled in no order with no chapter breaks, it’s almost like a 20-minute short film — “Missing From The Master”. Some of it is absolutely fascinating, including a great speech from Amy Adams and even a song from Melora Walters (“Magnolia”). There are shots, including one of Phoenix sleeping on a boat, that would stand among the best in any film in 2012 visually and they’re supplemental material for this one. Some of the deleted material isn’t as perfectly restored as the film itself, which looks breathtaking in HD. I saw it in 70MM in one of its first presentations and I’m so happy the Blu-ray comes as close as possible to replicating that experience.

The rest of the special features are pretty light but great, especially the teaser-trailers that so energized the film-loving community last summer and the documentary from John Huston about WWII veterans, “Let There Be Light” (1946). There is also some behind the scenes material but it’s very raw and uncut. Don’t expect it to provide thematic answers. One first wishes for a commentary or further dissection of “The Master” but I like the lack of closure or detail about the making of the film or what it means. “The Master” stands on its own.

The Master was released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 26, 2013
Photo credit: The Weinstein Company

Synopsis:
Haunted by his past, WWII veteran and drifter Freddie Quell crosses paths with a mysterious movement called The Cause, led by Lancaster Dodd aka The Master and his wife Peggy. Their twisted relationship is the core of this film that is “a glorious and haunting symphony of color, emotion and sound with camera movements that elicit an involuntary gasp and feats of acting that defy comprehension” (A.O. Scott, The New York Times). Awarded Best Actor for both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson at the 2012 Venice Film Festival, “The Master is a film which casts a spell like a fever dream” (David Ansen, Newsweek). Stunningly photographed in 65mm, The Master stands as an undeniable cinematic experience. Will Freddie be able to outrun his past? Will The Cause help or hurt him? Can this tortured, violent creature be civilized? Or is man, after all, just a dirty animal?

Special Features:
o Back Beyond — Outtakes, Additional Scenes
o Unguided Message — 8 Minute Short/Behind the Scenes
o Teasers/Trailers
o Let There Be Light (1946)

“The Master” stars Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Laura Dern. It was written and directed by P.T. Anderson. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 26, 2013.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Film Review: ‘A Late Quartet’ is Passionate Symphony of the Human Condition

PatrickMcD — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 21:55:03 -0400

CHICAGO – Those who know the language of music at its highest levels seemingly know the secret of the world. But as “A Late Quartet” demonstrates, they also possess the same human foibles as the rest of us. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken portray maestros at an emotional crossroads.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

The film is magnificently passionate, with a literal script that debates the finer points of a successfully routine ritual, long relationships and the decision to face the end of a career. It focuses on four people who are intertwined by a business relationship – that of a high level symphony string quartet – but hiding the emotional context of that interaction, leading to inappropriate expressions of their truth once it all comes to the surface. The acting is superb, especially the old lion in winter Christopher Walken, gratefully pulling away from his stereotypical persona and delivering a nuanced and subtle performance.

The film opens with the quartet taking the stage. There is a hesitation between them that indicates some unspoken conflict. It then divulges the story of the four – the lead violinist Daniel (Mark Ivanir), second violin Robert (Philip Seymour Hoffman), viola player Juliette (Catherine Keener) and celloist Peter (Christopher Walken). It is revealed that they are one of the world’s finest quartets, that Robert and Juliette are married and that Peter is about to announce that after 25 years that he may be retiring from the group.

Peter’s announcement opens up years of repressed opinions, especially from Robert. These rocky pronouncements begin to have an effect on the dynamic of the quartet, which also begins to involve Alexandra (Imogen Poots), the daughter of Robert and Juliette. Every member of the long-time symphony companions are about to go through their greatest career and emotional challenges, as long simmering consequences are about to boil over.

“A Late Quartet” had a limited release, including Chicago, on November 2nd. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanir, Wallace Shawn and Imogen Poots,. Written by Seth Grossman and Yaron Ziberman. Directed by Yaron Ziberman. Rated “R”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “A Late Quartet”

The Foursome: Daniel (Mark Ivanir), Robert (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Peter (Christopher Walken) and Juliette (Catherine Keener) in ‘A Late Quartet’
Photo credit: RKO Pictures

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “A Late Quartet”

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Pairs of Passes to ‘A Late Quartet’ With Philip Seymour Hoffman

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:34:34 -0400

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 25 pairs of movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of “A Late Quartet” starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Christopher Walken!

“A Late Quartet,” which opens on Nov. 2, 2012 in Chicago and is rated “R,” also stars Catherine Keener, Imogen Poots, Wallace Shawn, Mark Ivanir, Madhur Jaffrey, Liraz Charhi, Marty Krzywonos, Megan McQuillan, Anne Sofie von Otter, Jasmine Hope Bloch, Rebeca Tomas, Nina Lee and Cristian Puig from writer and director Yaron Zilberman and writer Seth Grossman.

To win your free “A Late Quartet” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our unique Hookup technology below. That’s it! This screening is on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! You must be 17+ to win this Hookup.

Note: You can enter for our “A Late Quartet” Hookup as well as our earlier “Flight” Hookup, but you can’t win both as they’re taking place on the same evening.

Before entering, make sure you allow pop-ups.
If viewing this on your phone, click “Go to Full Site” at the bottom of the page to enter.
Deadline: Entries can continue being submitted through Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012
at 5 p.m. CST. These Hookup winners will be awarded via e-mail that night.
If necessary: To see your entry count on a repeat visit, submit your name and e-mail again.

Here is the synopsis for “A Late Quartet”:

When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life-changing diagnosis, the group’s future suddenly hangs in the balance. Suppressed emotions, competing egos and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship.

As they are about to play their 25th-anniversary concert – quite possibly their last – only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy. Inspired by and structured around Beethoven’s Opus 131 String Quartet in C-sharp minor, “A Late Quartet” pays homage to chamber music and the cultural world of New York.

The movie poster for “A Late Quartet” starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Christopher Walken.
Image credit: Entertainment One

The movie trailer for “A Late Quartet” can be watched now below.

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple! Just get interactive in our unique Hookup technology above. We will award 25 admit-two movie tickets based on social entry numbers and/or randomly via e-mail for our “A Late Quartet” Hookup. Good luck!

Disclaimer
Winners need to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis. Since showings are overbooked to ensure a full house, winners are not guaranteed entrance and must arrive early. We recommend arriving 45 minutes before the showing’s scheduled start time. HollywoodChicago.com LLC is a promotional partner with the studio and its partners and doesn’t assume any liability for this giveaway. Note: Comments are closed in this Hookup.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Film Review: Meandering ‘The Master’ Serves Up Powerful After Effects

PatrickMcD — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:24:21 -0400

CHICAGO – ‘The Master’ is the type of film that invites days of contemplation. It is a film about America, but only a certain type of American. It is a film about the need to belong, but in the end it separates all its characters away from each other. Lead actors Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix radicalize writer/director P.T. Anderson’s strange alchemy.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Like Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood,” this film also meanders very slowly in episodes, rather than the beginning/middle/end narrative structure. Except for a certain timeline, the scenes in this film could be thrown up in the air, spliced back together, and still create the same film about what is depicted. There are some amazing sequences, though, especially anything having to do with confronting the relative truth of what The Master is selling. Because this is an original story, it mesmerizes within the provocative filmmaking of P.T. Anderson, but can also be quite chilly in trying to access the story and its characters.

Freddie Quill (Joaquin Phoenix) is a World War II naval veteran that has obviously been mentally affected by the conflict. He is shown in transition to civilian life in a number of psychological tests, hospital time and a series of jobs that he eventually can’t hold. He loves making homemade alcohol concoctions – a holdover from the war – and it is in the midst of a bender that he meets Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Dodd is also known as The Master, a proprietor of a cult-like society called The Cause, which deals in past lives.

The Master takes a shine to the volatile Freddie, and soon the navy vet becomes part of the traveling entourage that seems to be the core followers of what The Master is preaching. This includes his wife Peggy (Amy Adams) and son Val (Jesse Plemons). Val is the doubter in the group, and challenges Freddie in this discretion. Freddie is fast becoming the enforcer of The Master’s word and methods, so much that he seems to be losing what little is left for himself. The path to redemption in the world of The Master is rockier than what is sold.

“The Master” opens everywhere on September 21st. Featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons, Christopher Evan Welch and Laura Dern. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Rated “R”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Master”

Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd in ‘The Master’
Photo credit: The Weinstein Company

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Master”

Film Review: Stunning Ambition Drives P.T. Anderson’s ‘The Master’

BrianTT — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:53:44 -0400

CHICAGO – Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” screened publicly last week in Chicago for only the second time in the world. It was shown in glorious 70mm, the format in which the film was shot, but in which most people will never get the chance to see it. While much of the conversation surrounding the screening seemed to hinge around the technical specifications, the increasing dearth of actual film projectors in the city, or the aspects of the plot related to Scientology, those aren’t the elements of the film that have been rolling around my head for the last four days. I haven’t been thinking (much) about the future of digital film or how angry Scientologists are going to be at the film. I’ve been contemplating Anderson’s incredibly ambitious themes of instinct vs. religion, animal vs. wrangler, and free will vs. destiny, while also simply marveling at the film’s technical accomplishments. I’ve been also been wondering if its two amazing stars – Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman – have ever given better performances. And, while I’ve been sometimes critically stuck on a certain lack of narrative cohesion in “The Master”, the recurring theme in my many thoughts and conversations about one of the most remarkable film-going events of my life has been this – Paul Thomas Anderson may be the most ambitious filmmaker working today.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Let’s get this out of the way since it seems to be such a concern to some: “The Master” is as much about Scientology as “There Will Be Blood” is about oil. Clearly, it is an important element, but it is the background on which Anderson paints his story, not the entire story. I’m concerned that lesser journalists will pin “The Master” as “The Scientology Movie” when that’s a remarkably reductive way to view the film. In fact, the core of the story – in which a young man finds himself in a particularly unique community where he finds both purpose and frustration - shares a lot in common with “Boogie Nights,” and no one would reduce that film to a simple commentary on the entire porn industry. (Even the final moment of “The Master” could be a sibling of the last scene in “Boogie Nights.”)

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “The Master” in our reviews section.

Similar to how “Blood” opens with a series of dialogue-free scenes to set tone and character, “The Master” starts with a young seaman named Freddie (Phoenix) and, through his actions alone, his worldview is made clear. He stares into the distance, chops a coconut with a machete, makes alcohol out of anything he can find, performs an uncomfortable act of sexuality on a woman made out of sand on the beach, and masturbates into the ocean. He is a creature of pure instinct. He drinks what he wants. He screws who he wants. He runs off to join World War II because that’s what he wanted to do in that particular moment (most of the film takes place in 1950 after Freddie’s return from action). After he leaves the military, he picks a fight with a client in the department store at which he works as a photographer simply because he’s in the mood. Then, following a traumatic event in which one of his homemade batches of alcohol may have killed a man, Freddie runs and stows away on a boat filled with well-dressed party goers.

The next morning, Freddie learns that the man who owns the boat is a well-respected author named Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman), the man behind “The Cause.” The true design of this quasi-cult isn’t instantly clear, and Anderson very purposefully reveals it slowly over the course of the film (and so I wouldn’t dare spoil it here), but the crux of it seems based on giving purpose to our most base instincts. On the boat, Freddy sees Dodd’s followers listening to recordings about controlling our animal nature. Dodd also preaches that the issues that define our lives have defined past lives, even going as far as to put people under hypnosis to reach them, although he argues that he’s actually bringing them out of the hypnosis of our real world. Dodd has his own insecurities but is ably assisted by a supportive wife (Amy Adams), son (Jesse Plemons), daughter (Ambyr Childers), and new son-in-law (Rami Malek).

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “The Master” review.

“The Master” stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons, Ambyr Childers, Rami Malek, and Laura Dern. It was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. It opens in Chicago on September 21, 2012.

The Master
Photo credit: The Weinstein Company

Blu-ray Review: Oscar-Nominated ‘The Ides of March’ With Ryan Gosling

BrianTT — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:10:40 -0500

CHICAGO – One of the more surprising choices this week by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was to cite the Adapted Screenplay for George Clooney’s “The Ides of March,” recently released on DVD and Blu-ray. The Ryan Gosling-led drama has some strengths, but it’s script is the weakest element of the film. The sheer force of talent of the people who bring it to life may have led some to believe it’s better than it actually is. See for yourself.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

They don’t make movies like “The Ides of March” much any more and, for that fact alone, I think many have been tempted to overlook the film’s flaws. Personally, I’d love it if we had more star-studded political thrillers like they used to make in the ’70s. Given today’s controversial political times, it seems appropriate for the genre to make a resurgence, but this ain’t gonna do it. It just barely works, in no small part due to stellar supporting performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatii, but this is a definite disappointment considering the pedigree of the talent assembled to make it.

The ubiquitous Gosling stars as Stephen Myers, the hot new political whiz kid (who does some of the dumbest things in the history of political whiz kids in this film, puncturing a believability hole in the very foundation of the story…this kid’s not smart enough to get this high on the ladder). He’s the right-hand man to a legendary campaign runner named Paul Zara (Hoffman), who is currently spinning the plates for Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), a man considered by most to be the frontrunner for the next POTUS. But it’s a tight race. And Myers is presented with an opportunity on the eve of the Ohio primary, a vote that could turn the entire Democratic nomination and create the infighting that could push the Republicans back into the White House — jump ship.

The Ides of March
Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Tom Duffy is the captain of the other ship, Morris’ rival, who comes calling for Mr. Myers. The fact that Myers even considers making such a move, even going to a meeting about it, sets a series of dominoes falling, ultimately revealing a major, career-ending secret in the hotshot Governor’s personal life. There are other personalities circling Stephen’s world including reporter Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei), fellow staffer Ben Harpen (Max Minghella), influential Senator Thompson (Jeffrey Wright), and tempting young staff member Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). “The Ides of March” is a film about a young man both trying to keep his political future on course and possibly shaping that of the entire nation.

The Ides of March was released Blu-ray and DVD on January 17th, 2012
Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Stephen is a cipher, someone who feels more often like he (often unbelievably) reacts than makes decisions on his own. Consequently, “The Ides of March” is a thriller without a hero. As much as I LOVE Gosling (and he’s good even here considering what he was given), it’s a flaw that the film is stolen so completely by the supporting players. Stephen Myers is just not an engaging lead. To be fair, Hoffman and Giamatti are spectacular, and a late scene with Clooney ranks with the actor’s best. They’re reason enough to rent the film. I just wish I could give you more reasons to buy it.

As for the Blu-ray, it’s a strong edition, as one would expect from a Sony film with this kind of hype. Sony treats even their small critical darlings well. They’re not going to drop the ball with an Oscar nominee.

Synopsis:
Ambition seduces and power corrupts in a nerve-wracking thriller from Academy Award® nominated director George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck). Idealistic campaign worker Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) has sworn to give all for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney), a wild card presidential candidate whose groundbreaking ideas could change the political landscape. However, a brutal Ohio primary threatens to test Morris’s integrity. Stephen gets trapped in the down-and-dirty battle and finds himself caught up in a scandal where the only path to survival is to play both sides. The all-star cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood.

Special Features:
o Commentary with George Clooney and Grant Heslov
o Believe: George Clooney
o On the Campaign: The Cast of The Ides Of March
o Developing the Campaign: The Origins of The Ides Of March
o What Does a Political Consultant Do?
o BD Live Enabled

“The Ides of March” stars Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Max Minghella, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, and Evan Rachel Wood. It was directed by George Clooney and was released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 17th, 2012.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-ray Review: Excellent ‘Moneyball’ With Brad Pitt Rewards Repeat Viewing

BrianTT — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:39:57 -0500

CHICAGO – Bennett Miller’s “Moneyball” is one of those films that was circling around my top ten when it came time to write it in December. Honestly I had about fifteen films that could have fallen anywhere between 6-20 (my top five was pretty set as I saw those films). I rewatched many of those movies to determine where they should be and one of the most rewarding second viewings in there was the story of Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s. This is a great movie that only gets deeper the second and even third time (and ended up #7 on my list and #5 on Patrick McDonald’s before winning the CFCA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Don’t miss it.

Blu-ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

Giving the best performance of his career (and an amazing uppercut after the left hook of Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life”), Brad Pitt stars as Beane, the man who knew he had to do something drastic if he wanted to compete with teams with much higher payrolls like the New York Yankees. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, “Moneyball” is a film that may, on the surface, seem to be about baseball but it’s about something much deeper. It’s about appreciating the daily effort instead of just the end result. Miller said at a press conference that his film was about this wonderful statement, one that I’ve tried to take heart personally — “It’s about the journey, not the grail.” What a daring thing to try to represent in a major motion picture. And he pulled it off. Maybe even more impressively than you thought the first time.

Moneyball was released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 10th, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis: Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) challenges the system and defies conventional wisdom when his is forced to rebuild his small-market team on a limited budget. Despite opposition from the old guard, the media, fans and their own field manager (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Beane - with the help of a young, number-crunching, Yale-educated economist (Jonah Hill) - develops a roster of misfits… and along the way, forever changes the way the game is played. Special Features: o Deleted Scenes o Billy Beane: Re-Inventing The Game o Blooper with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill o Moneyball: Playing the Game o Drafting the Team o Adapting Moneyball o BD Live Enabled

“Moneyball” stars Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Robin Wright Penn. It was written by Aaron Sorkin and Aaron Sorkin and directed by Bennett Miller. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 10th, 2012.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Film Review: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney in ‘The Ides of March’

BrianTT — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:37:54 -0400

CHICAGO – George Clooney’s “The Ides of March” is a star-studded political thriller of the variety that was made much more commonly in the ‘70s and would therefore seem like a perfect vehicle to restart for today’s controversial times. We could use more political thrillers with complex dialogue aimed at adults to offset the fact that a vast majority of motion pictures are aimed at children. Sadly, “The Ides of March” is not the film to use as proof that there is still vitality in this genre. A striking disappointment, the film barely works due to the sheer force of talent brought to it by the ensemble but it’s not even close to the landslide victory that it should have been.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is the hot, young political talent. He’s the right-hand man to a legendary campaign runner named Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who himself has the ear and sometimes even the voice of Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), a man widely considered to be the frontrunner for the next President of the United States. Morris is in arguably the most important days of his campaign as he’s watching polls in the day up to the Ohio primary that pundits think will turn the entire Democratic nomination and, given the lack of strength on the other side, likely determine the President.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “The Ides of March” in our reviews section.

There are other personalities circling Stephen’s world including rival campaign manager Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), reporter Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei), fellow staffer Ben Harpen (Max Minghella), influential Senator Thompson (Jeffrey Wright), and tempting young staff member Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). Each will play a role in the biggest drama of Stephen’s life as he first makes a crucial career mistake and then discovers a potentially campaign-ending secret about his mentor. Neither will be revealed here, but let’s just say that Stephen spends most of the movie scrambling to keep his own professional reputation above water while realizing that he could essentially shape the future of the country through his actions.

There is a deep, nearly-fatal flaw in the core of the screenplay for “The Ides of March” by Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon in that the protagonist, as well played as he is by Gosling, never feels fully defined. Who is Stephen Myers? If he’s the new whiz kid of K Street, the guy who’s going to shape politics for years to come, why does he make so many AWFUL decisions? It’s impossible to believe, based on his actions here, that Stephen really would have climbed this high up the ladder. So, perhaps “Ides of March” should be viewed as a story about the loss of innocence and idealism (and some intelligence)? Even there, the script doesn’t come together because the action of the piece doesn’t allow for enough character. Stephen is a cipher, perhaps even to himself, but that makes for a thriller without a hero. As much as Gosling brings to the part (he’s typically fantastic), he’s just not an engaging lead.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “The Ides of March” review.

The Ides of March
Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Film Review: Brad Pitt, Baseball Evolve in Magnificent ‘Moneyball’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:50:36 -0400

CHICAGO – Using sports, especially baseball, as a metaphor for life can get dicey – sometimes the symbolic pieces don’t fit universally for everything. But “Moneyball, ” starring Brad Pitt, hits a grand slam with this old allegory, and educates regarding the true nature of modern large dollar sports.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

As he did in “Capote,” director Bennett Miller guides a real life story as a basis for the bigger picture. Just as we saw Truman Capote get sucked into the fame machine and spit out in less than favorable ways, baseball is targeted in this based-on-truth narrative for what it has become – a cynical, cash oriented, mercenary shadow of its simple roots. The game though, as we are taught in the film, is never over, and that is where Moneyball displays its best intentions and heart.

Brad Pitt is Billy Beane, the real life general manager of the Oakland Athletics. The year is 2002, and the Oakland A’s have lost their two best players to free agency, and “only” have $41 million for their payroll, as opposed to the New York Yankees with $125 million. Faced with the prospect of competing in such a market and trying to avoid a lost year, Beane is willing to roll the dice, and he hires a economics major from Yale as Assistant General Manager. Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) has developed a new system for signing players, based on their statistical on-base percentages. Basically, Beane and Brand go after the undervalued players in the market with high on-base stats.

This of course goes against the established baseball scouts in the Oakland system, and their on-field manager, Art Howe ( an understated Philip Seymour Hoffman). The crew of cast-offs that Beane and Brand assemble at first have difficulties on the field, but their paper statistics slowly begins to show some promise. At the same time, Beane deals with a daughter from a previous marriage, and his devotion to her factors into his work. When the risky player experiment begins to yield some fruit, the next era in baseball is launched.

“Moneyball” opens everywhere on September 23rd. Featuring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Bob Costas and Tammy Blanchard. Adapted for the screen by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Directed by Bennett Miller. Rated “PG-13”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Moneyball”

Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Big Lebowski’ Really Ties Your Collection Together

BrianTT — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:29:23 -0400

CHICAGO – Most Coen brother releases on Blu-ray are going to cause a ripple through the film-loving community. Who doesn’t want to own “Fargo,” “Miller’s Crossing,” and even less-beloved films like “The Man Who Wasn’t There” or “The Hudsucker Proxy” in 1080p? Joel and Ethan Coen have long been visually-gifted filmmakers and those gifts shine through brightly in HD. But the release of the massively-adored “The Big Lebowski” in a special Blu-ray edition? Well, that’s more of a wave than a ripple.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0

It’s not often that a movie comes along that so gets under the skin of its fan base as “The Big Lebowski.” The movie is so beloved that not only does it screen regularly to quote-a-long audiences but also spawns an annual event called Lebowski Fest, the 2011 edition of which just came to a hazy close. People dress up like Jeff Bridges’ The Dude. They quote him. They are inspired by him. They know everything about him. And they’ve seen “The Big Lebowski” two dozen times. If you’re one of those Dude-aholics, this edition of your favorite film will almost certainly be your favorite Blu-ray of the year.

All you need to know is that this release does your favorite movie justice. You probably own it already (most movie fans do) in one of the many DVD incarnations over the years but the new video quality and U-Control-enabled special features, along with a nifty hardcover book case, warrant the upgrade. The HD transfer is good (not great), but it’s the special features and, of course, the movie itself, that will keep fans busy for days. It’s a release loaded down with bonus material, including several U-Control features that allow behind-the-scenes details to play picture-in-picture without interrupting your favorite flick.

The Big Lebowski was released on Blu-ray on August 16th, 2011
Photo credit: Universal

Synopsis:
“From the Academy Award-winning Coen brothers (Fargo, True Grit), The Big Lebowski is a hilariously quirky comedy about bowling a severed toe, White Russians and a guy named…The Dude. Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski doesn’t want any drama in his life…heck, he can’t even be bothered with a job. But, he must embark on a quest with his bowling buddies after his rug is destroyed in a twisted case of mistaken identity. Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Turturro, experience the cultural phenomenon of The Dude in the “#1 cult film of all time!” (The Boston Globe).”

Special Features:
o U-Control: Scene Companion - Watch behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and more during key scenes with this picture-in-picture companion
o U-Control: Mark It, Dude - This on-screen counter really ties the film together and keeps track of the “F-bombs,” Dudes” and Lebowski-isms
o U-Control: The Music Of Big Lebowski - Instantly identify the songs heard while watching the film and create a custom playlist
o Worthy Adversaries: What’s My Line? Trivia - Test your Lebowski knowledge during the film by finishing lines of dialogue in this interactive game
o The Dude’s Life
o The Dude Abides: The Big Lebowski Ten Years Later
o The Lebowski Fest: An Achiever’s Story
o Flying Carpets and Bowling Pin Dreams: The Dream Sequences of The Dude
o Interactive Map Jeff Bridges’ Photo Book Making of The Big Lebowski
o Photo Gallery
o BD Live Enabled
o Pocket Blu
o Digital Copy Of Feature Film

“The Big Lebowski” stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. It was released by Universal on Blu-ray and DVD on August 16th, 2011.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com