My Summer in Film

Labor Day will close the blind on summer this weekend, so I'm going to squeak in with a little summer film commentary.

This was, overall, the summer of the mediocre film. I saw several films this summer: Malificent, X-Men: Days of Futre Past, Hercules (which mind you, was fun, but not brilliant), and Only Lovers Left Alive. What did I see in the cinema that might be worth your attention?

Chef: John Favreau directs a terrific cast and stars in this movie about a chef that has forgotten his passion and re-invents himself. It's an underdog movie and it's a father/son bonding movie, and I eagerly await for it to come out on disc so I can watch it over, often. With a cubano and a plate of plaintains.

How to Train Your Dragon 2: The depth of this animated feature surprised me. There is cost and sacrifice in this film for many characters, and there is a good deal of growth and change. Also, many, many eye-catching dragons and just plain beautiful art.

The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wow. This is the Russian nesting doll of stories. A story within a story within a story within a story. We get to the Ralph Fiennes level, and man, this is one quirky, strange ride. It's like Roald Dahl meets Russian literature. Not for the easily offended, this darkly humorous film will delight those whose humor is a little offbeat.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Well. I didn't know what to expect here. What I expected was camp. What I got was a team effort from a bunch of scene stealers (if you can believe that), some amazing dramatic moments, and some skilled portrayals of some Marvel characters. Did you recognize Karen Gillan? I didn't in that first go 'round. You wasted her, Steven Moffat. Just sayin'. Go see it for the one-liners, the empathy, the heartfelt friendships, and a feeling unlike any other Marvel film. I'm gonna go with dramedy for a label.

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Of course, there were a couple of good videos I saw too, but you'll probably hear more about them in my end of year round up.

You guys have a great holiday.

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.