CORIOLANUS Review

It is really amazing how intense Ralph Fiennes can get and how he can make even you as an audience member feel puny and as if you’ve crossed him. As Caius Martius Coriolanus in his directorial debut Fiennes plays the Roman general who is at one point poised for greatness and the next being opposed by the rioters in the street who were whipped up by Brutus (a brilliant James Nesbitt) and Sicinius (Paul Jesson) into not supporting him. This is a strict translation of the Shakespeare play that was believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608 and was based on the tragic life of the Roman leader of the same name. Fiennes has set his version in a more modern world where it is almost hard to decipher between the fact this is a fabrication of history made long ago and not an interpretation of what is going on over seas. Unlike all those films from a few years ago that attempted to depict America in its workings with Iraq and Iran though this is still based in Rome it simply shows how relevant and similar that what was happening then is in many ways still going on. It some ways it shows how little we have evolved from our ancestors while displaying a central character who seems so tyrannical we can only feel relieved to live in a country where the gap between the common man and those isn't as wide, or at least as wide as Coriolanus lets it be known. Like Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of 'Romeo & Juliet" this telling updates the setting while leaving the language intact. This makes it somewhat harder to follow for the modern movie-goer but Fiennes has surrounded himself with such a great supporting cast and a stellar performance himself we decipher what they are saying by the passion in their acting.

Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes, center) is surrounded by his
family and Roman council members as he is recognized for
his bravery.

Before hearing about this film, "Coriolanus" was one of Shakespeare's plays I had not heard of. While it may be one of his lesser known pieces it certainly contains many of the elements and themes that are present in his more popular plays. Coriolanus is a general, not yet a ruler, but he denounced those in the general public and those who he feels have a lack of military service. In the tense and well choreographed opening battles of the film Coriolanus leads his men to siege the city of Corioles. They are able to force open the gates of the city, and conquer it. Even after this, Coriolanus finds his fellow general and aids in fighting the Volscian force. The commander of the Volscian army is Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) a bloody enemy of Coriolanus's. They meet in combat and are only both left alive by the sheer intensity of their fight and the fact their fellow soldiers drag them away from the battle. Upon his return from battle Coriolanus is persuaded by his mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave in a great performance) to run for Consul which he is usually hesitant to do, but decides to give it a try on his mothers suggestion. Coriolanus also returns to a wife, Virgilia (Jessica Chastain) and a son. In his attempt to win a place on the consul he easily wins over his peers on the Roman council but when it appears he has also won over the commoners is that moment Brutus and Sicinius turn the tide and have Coriolanus exiled instead. The way in which Fiennes has translated this to modern day works for the majority of the film, but it was in this scene that it felt the most unnatural. That it could not simply be spoken for a man of his stature to be exiled but more would have to go into it, a formal hearing at the least rather than a talk show discussion.

Gerard Butler as Tullus Aufidius. 

Fiennes knows how to take your attention off such aspects though as he delivers Shakespeare's words with such violent vigor that when he speaks such lines that translate as, "it is he who banishes Rome from his presence." We realize the level at which he sees himself and the betrayal he no doubt feels from everyone around him. In seeking revenge on the city he fought for that has outcast him he seeks out Aufidius and offers to let Aufidius kill him in order to spite the country that banished him. Butler has, since his breakout "300" role chosen hits and misses to elevate his career but in 2011 seemed to re-evaluate his choices and takes a turn not only for the more credible here but with a limited amount of screen time turns in a performance that elicits all of the correct characteristics we should feel for Aufidius. He is moved by Coriolanus's plight and honored to fight alongside the great general, they embrace Coriolanus, and allow him to lead a new assault on his former city. It ends up being a tale of vengeance that goes unfulfilled but it is the way with which Fiennes approaches the material that makes it so much more than watching a bunch of good actors recite old English. The handy cam that invades each characters space as if literally trying to get inside their head allows those not able to keep up with the language an alternative way to understand the story and the conflict that is going on on screen. Fiennes, as I mentioned earlier, also has the knowledge to fill his cast with capable actors that can translate this material as if it were natural. Both Redgrave as the domineering mother and the always fantastic Chastain give performances that create a subliminal dynamic of why Coriolanus has become the man he is and what he could be. Brian Cox should also be noted as giving a stellar performance as Menenius, the only man in Coriolanus's corner with some of the juiciest lines. This combination of tragedy and gore with the elegance of Shakespearean language creates a relevant message with an age old tale.

Coriolanus is persuaded by his mother Volumnia (Vanessa
Redgrave) to stop his plan to attack Rome. 

The best thing about "Coriolanus" though is that it feels right. It feels like it fits and for being the first project Fiennes took on as a director it feels exceptionally grand. He relies sometimes a little too heavily on the news highlights to relate the main story points to those in the audience who may feel a little lost, but that is understandable. He has created an overall tone though that feels like something Shakespeare himself would love and feels represents his story correctly. Even if you cannot understand the language all the time it consistently has an electric tone. There is something urgent about it, something that helps us understand the theme and meanings Shakespeare was trying to point out in a world that suffers many of the same problems. A leader who is raised to believe he is of a special breed, a fascist that has the nerve to be so easily influenced by a mother that can bend him any which way she pleases. It is so engaging dramatically I was left wonder why more of Shakespeare's plays are not attempted to be modernized and translated to the big screen. It is a concept rich with possibilities and as "Coriolanus" shows great possible outcomes. Though it was only in limited release here in the U.S. and will be making its way to the rental shelves no doubt sooner than it should this is a visually and dramatically arresting drama that deserves to be seen and serves as a great jumping off point for Fiennes in his directing career. I can only wonder what his next project might be and hope with great anticipation that it is as fulfilling as his first.

CORIOLANUS Review

It is really amazing how intense Ralph Fiennes can get and how he can make even you as an audience member feel puny and as if you’ve crossed him. As Caius Martius Coriolanus in his directorial debut Fiennes plays the Roman general who is at one point poised for greatness and the next being opposed by the rioters in the street who were whipped up by Brutus (a brilliant James Nesbitt) and Sicinius (Paul Jesson) into not supporting him. This is a strict translation of the Shakespeare play that was believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608 and was based on the tragic life of the Roman leader of the same name. Fiennes has set his version in a more modern world where it is almost hard to decipher between the fact this is a fabrication of history made long ago and not an interpretation of what is going on over seas. Unlike all those films from a few years ago that attempted to depict America in its workings with Iraq and Iran though this is still based in Rome it simply shows how relevant and similar that what was happening then is in many ways still going on. It some ways it shows how little we have evolved from our ancestors while displaying a central character who seems so tyrannical we can only feel relieved to live in a country where the gap between the common man and those isn't as wide, or at least as wide as Coriolanus lets it be known. Like Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of 'Romeo & Juliet" this telling updates the setting while leaving the language intact. This makes it somewhat harder to follow for the modern movie-goer but Fiennes has surrounded himself with such a great supporting cast and a stellar performance himself we decipher what they are saying by the passion in their acting.

PROJECT X Review

You don't really expect to go into a movie that is labeling itself as The Hangover on steroids and not get a good amount of ridiculous. All those commercials we have been bombarded with over the last few weeks have used words like epic, awesome, insane, wild, best party movie ever. In a sense they are right. "Project X" is not shying away from what it is and makes no qualms about what it isn't. This is a movie that exists to bring to life the aspirations of every high school student that exists right now or has ever existed. No matter if you were the most popular kid in school or an unknown this is a party you wish you'd thrown and our protagonists reach a status we all enjoy seeing and don't have to pay the consequences of. Though in the end everything is wrapped up a little too neatly and the kids get off a little too easy it isn't the eventual after effects that matters. It is the here and now, the living in the moment without wondering if it will all be worth it tomorrow. It seems to be the message of the movie that risking everything for one legendary night is in fact worth it as you are made celebrities for it. Though part of me couldn't believe what was going on and I realize the stunts these kids were pulling didn't stand too tall when logic is brought into the equation, but the other half was laughing its butt off at the absolute absurdity of the whole thing. I couldn't help but to laugh no matter how irresponsible, immature, and ridiculous the situation got. While it seems wrong to reward such behavior by glorifying it, the movies have been doing it for years and this one may have accomplished it on such a scale that it will be a staple for high schoolers for years to come.

From left: J.B., Thomas, and Costa experience the party of a
life time in "Project X".

The movie hits all the of the typical party cliches as far as stock characters like the fat kid with glasses best friend (Jonathan Brown as J.B.) and then there is our stories hero Thomas (Thomas Mann) who is just now figuring out his hot girl best friend is the one he was meant to be with. Oliver Cooper is the leader known as Costa who puts this whole shindig together and leads the film with a flair for arrogance while clearly being unsure of what he has gotten himself into. Mann handles leading man duties well as he is actually allowed to develop his character as someone conflicted by knowing he is going to pay for this and reveling in the awesomeness of what is actually going down in his back yard. There are fun bits with a drug dealer that is off his rocker as well as a new dad neighbor who wants the party shut down by 11:30. Then we reach the point where midgets are hopping out of ovens, dogs are being airlifted by balloons, and cars are being driven into pools. I have always appreciated a comedy that is willing to not only go the distance for a laugh but one that is also willing to get so over-the-top and out there that it leaves audience members stunned by the pure ridiculousness of what is happening. That is where "Project X" succeeds. This is not simply just a high school film about a bunch of underage kids getting together and doing bad things, but it escalates to a point that is legitimately unbelievable. No doubt countless attempts will be made by young ones around the world who see this this weekend to recreate the event but most will be hard pressed to find a flamethrower that can do THAT kind of damage.

Security is upheld by two unlikely adolescents that take
their job really seriously.

It also has to be noted that this is shot in the "found footage" documentary style that has become increasingly popular this year. While I didn't look too highly on either "Chronicle" or this film upon first seeing trailers for them, both have turned out to be rather good surprises. While audiences are becoming more accustomed to this style of film it also really adds an authenticity to the entire proceeding that with the comedy genre at least makes it feel not just more real to the audience but it puts you in the middle of that it becomes an experience you often times feel a part of. There is just a difference in watching this cast of unknowns as they achieve everything we wanted our high school years to be and watching established comedic actors executing a well tuned script. Most people, and likely probably those hard edged adults, will look at this as derivative of any point and another sign that the apocalypse is getting closer. Others will simply ignore it and some will only see it as a geek's escapism into what he could do had he rich enough parents and friends that really don't care about him. There is a lining in "Project X" that makes me want to agree with those people. Part of an ethics code that makes me want to look at this as an "adult" would and say that it is dumb and outlandish, but most of all irresponsible. Still, the movies have always been something of an escape for me and for anyone who wants to see such ludicrous situations be lived out without actually having to deal with the consequences. That is what the movies are here for, to show us things that would be impossible in out day to day lives. This provides that escapism in spades and it is also consistently hilarious. I'd be mad if it didn't make me so damn happy.

The Boys get in a little trouble, to say the least, when
Thomas parents arrive back home.

There is no doubt this will largely be bashed by critics and while I have to rate the production of it and overall story as a pretty average film it does have a killer soundtrack and is nothing short of a good time. Sure, we don't actually get to participate in the party and we are literally the only people participating in the event that are in a right state of mind but that only allows us to realize scale of the madness at which this movie documents. Director Nima Nourizadeh, a music video vet, does his best on his first feature to separate the redundant highlight of the film with pretty montages of the kids having a good time set to a good mix of old and new school songs. Each montage gives us what we pay for while the chemistry that infuses our trio of leads holds over the loose storyline that mainly has them dealing with keeping things under control and hiding their party from the cops. It is when they lose all control that the movie really begins to become not just interesting but ultimately entertaining. For the first half hour or so it skates by on the charisma of the kids and their ability to feel like typical teens we can all relate to but by the time helicopters from the local news stations start showing up it is full scale madness and that is what we paid to see, that is why we show up to movies that look like they were shot on our phones. "Project X" will incite many arguments among those who loved it and want to live it and those who won't admit they can enjoy it without taking it too seriously. Others will simply be so offended they won't believe a movie like this was even made. I had fun though and I won't deny the teenager in me wasn't smiling the whole time.

PROJECT X Review

You don't really expect to go into a movie that is labeling itself as The Hangover on steroids and not get a good amount of ridiculous. All those commercials we have been bombarded with over the last few weeks have used words like epic, awesome, insane, wild, best party movie ever. In a sense they are right. "Project X" is not shying away from what it is and makes no qualms about what it isn't. This is a movie that exists to bring to life the aspirations of every high school student that exists right now or has ever existed. No matter if you were the most popular kid in school or an unknown this is a party you wish you'd thrown and our protagonists reach a status we all enjoy seeing and don't have to pay the consequences of. Though in the end everything is wrapped up a little too neatly and the kids get off a little too easy it isn't the eventual after effects that matters. It is the here and now, the living in the moment without wondering if it will all be worth it tomorrow. It seems to be the message of the movie that risking everything for one legendary night is in fact worth it as you are made celebrities for it. Though part of me couldn't believe what was going on and I realize the stunts these kids were pulling didn't stand too tall when logic is brought into the equation, but the other half was laughing its butt off at the absolute absurdity of the whole thing. I couldn't help but to laugh no matter how irresponsible, immature, and ridiculous the situation got. While it seems wrong to reward such behavior by glorifying it, the movies have been doing it for years and this one may have accomplished it on such a scale that it will be a staple for high schoolers for years to come.

WANDERLUST Review

I was admittedly worried when "Wanderlust" was pushed from last October to February. Though neither month is usually good stomping grounds for movies that studios expect to do well, February is decidedly worse. It is that time of the year when we are coming off all the high prestige projects that are recieving Oscar nominations and all the big budget effects-driven summer films. That time of year when studios dump movies on unsuspecting crowds that might venture out to something they may not have seen were it released at any other point in the year. Fortunately, "Wanderlust" is as funny and ridiculous as I could have hoped for. Director David Wain has a history of not only collaborating with co-writer Ken Marino but also star Paul Rudd. The three have collaborated on "Wet Hot American Summer" and 2008's "Role Models" as well as "The Ten". While they seem to have really found their groove with "Role Models" they continue to grow in the right direction with "Wanderlust". While this may not be as consistently funny as "Role Models" was it certainly has the amount of charm and despite hitting familiar beats story-wise it also has the guts to go a little gonzo and stretch for the slightly weird. This might appeal only to certain movie-goers tastes but it allows itself this quality by sporting such a widely-liked cast that stand by the out-there material while delivering some seriously good laughs along the way. "Wanderlust" may be all I needed it to be but I can understand where some will not be as pleased with it, but even they have to admit that for this time of year "Wanderlust" is giving us a break from the other releases we might have settled for.

George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) are
relieved after spending their first night at Elysium.

The story here is rather straightforward and like "Role Models' doesn't really matter all that much because the actors involved create characters (or stick with their personas) that elevate not really the material but simply make us more invested in them and convince us they are worth hanging out with for an hour and a half. Rudd and Jennifer Aniston are George and Linda, two New York Manhattanites who love their city life, well kinda. George has an office job that he hates but does well in supporting Linda who hasn't yet found her niche. When we meet them they have just purchased a "micro-loft" which is realtor speak for studio apartment. Linda is trying to pitch a documentary about penguins with cancer to HBO in her latest effort to find a career when George loses his job and now broke and having to sell their new place they have no choice but to travel down to Atlanta where George's brother Rick (a perfectly macho/idiotic/snarky Ken Marino) has a job for him at his porta potty business. Along their way George and Linda stumble upon a hippie commune posing as a bed and breakfast where they have a night of care-free fun that hasn't seemed to be a part of their life for a long time. As it is called, Elysium is a place of free love, pot smoking, and vegans. "Wanderlust" has such a great supporting cast populating the members of this little tribe we understand why George and Linda are so taken by them. Frequent Wain and Rudd collaborator Joe Lo Truglio as Wayne the nudist wine maker, Malin Akerman (The Heartbreak Kid) is Eva who wants to experiment the free love philosophy with George, Kathryn Hahn as Karen (who always seems to be playing the crazy lady whether it be alongside Rudd in "Our Idiot Brother" or alongside Rudd in "How Do You Know" and let's not forget "Step Brothers", "The Goods" etc...) and Justin Theroux as headmaster Seth who steals every scene he decides to show up in. Even Alan Alda as Elysium patriarch Carvin gets a few solid laughs and seems to be having a great time.

George watches on as Linda loves her new found freedom,
but Seth (Justin Theroux) seems to enjoy her changes more.

It is in this humbled and awkward group of people that George and Linda find a kind of solace from the busy world of, as Seth would put it, "web of beepers and Zenith televisions and Walkmens and discmens and floppy discs and zip drives, laser discs, answering machines and Nintendo Power Glove..." and where director Wain has tapped into a culture with a bizarre sense of humor that is a perfect platform for Rudd and the rest of his cast to lampoon. As Seth, Theroux gets his first real acting break with a role he can really bring something to after being the behind the scenes go-to-man for years. Every line the guy spits out is so full of ridiculous, made-up philosophy it all feels like great improv and on a movie like this you can't ask for much more. He is complimented nicely by the earnest Rudd who is so lovable and has an essence of being that every guy, that family man and to see him go all the way for it and sacrifice himself for a joke is not just endearing but it's hilarious. Every time. Wain knows when to let Rudd shine too, despite the obvious emotional trips his character is taking we watch as George knows what he should do and instead goes completely the wrong direction until his late in the game epiphany that rolls out the expected conclusion. As said earlier though the story stays within a safe structure but it is safe to say the content does not. What made "Wanderlust" so appealing was the idea of being what in essence the movies are about: escaping reality. And as Linda, Aniston continues her winning streak and lets her inhibitions fly free. She is hilarious in small moments and completely convincing in her turn. She is a vet at playing opposite comedic leading men yet this time she is given room to spread her own wings and she nails it.

Rick (Ken Marino) tries to get out of a sticky situation with
wife Marissa (Michaela Watkins).

While "Wanderlust" is certainly not going to be for everyone, for those that love Paul Rudd (how couldn't you?) it is a good time and there are plenty of laughs to be had. Everyone on screen seems to be having such a good time and none of them taking themselves seriously. It is an engaging film that offers up a trip none of us would likely mind taking given the grind of the work week and stress of bills. We are given a buffet of engaging characters and are treated to 98-minutes of consistently funny gags and chuckles. It certainly won't go down as Wain and Rudd's greatest collaboration but it is a noteworthy addition to their already stellar collection. Whether they are sending up cynics and helpful organizations, summer camps or hippies there is a quality about their films that give them a "we're just messin with ya..." vibe that never makes it feel like it would actually offend anyone, rather they would just laugh along at the truth the movie is hitting on and therefor truly bringing the funny. In a cinematic world of comedies that are either big hits or big misses it is nice to have a laid back romp that can offer a getaway and a fun time. Plus if you're not into that whole scene there is always the fall back reason to see this movie which is full frontal nudity by senior citizens. Suck on that for a while and tell me you don't love the idea of "Wanderlust".