Can life get more interesting than this? I mean really. We wake up having a crap job and one day, someone decides to offer you a career in spy work that leaves you ultimately deciding whether or not to justify being a savior of the planet. Things happen though…especially for these characters. How unorthodox is Kingsman that it allows you to enjoy the film much further for its narrative storytelling, fast-paced entertaining action sequences, and comedic filter placed over. The world is introduced to Taron Egerton who plays the character, Gary “Eggsy” Unwin, who is the film’s star as well as new upcoming actor in his own right from Wales. With the assistance of Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Firth, one of the finest gentleman from the Brit Pack, this film delivers iconic hilarity towards British culture, homages to classic spy films (i.e. James Bond), and a villain with a lisp that is more hysterical than a nerd from the 80’s.
Story Introduction
The films begins with a mission being carried out by the Kingsman who are out to stop a terrorist cell. Galahad aka Harry (Colin Firth) threatens the terrorist but he is tricked and luckily one of the Kingsman gives his his life to save the rest of the members. Learning of his mistake, Harry pays a visit to their fallen member’s family and gives them solace that he lived up to his bravery. Harry meets the son, Eggsy, and gives him a coin with a symbol stating he can contact him when the time is right. We flash forward to Professor James Arnold (played wonderfully, but briefly by Mark Hamill) being held captive soon rescued by Lancelot, one of the Kingsman, and attempting to free the professor. He’s soon killed by Gazelle, the right-hand to Richmond Valentine, the antagonist of the film. His plans involve a scale of world domination to such extent he’s willing to “reboot the world and save the planet”.
Valentine: Mankind is the virus, and I’m the cure.
Valentine’s motives stretch to the Kingsman who search for not only a new Lancelot but how to stop the mad man’s plans from coming to past. With an arsenal of power, Eggsy, Merlin, and Roxy go head-to-head with Valentine and Gazelle to stop the elimination of planet earth.
For this film, I won’t give away too much because the film NEEDS to be watched by those who just love a good fun movie. Not the nitpicking critics similar to yours truly…okay, that’s a lie, I’m not even a proper critic because I didn’t go into major detail. Tee hee.
[Valentine and Gazelle step out of Fitting Room 1]
Valentine: Mr. DeVere. What a coincidence. You are totally the reason I’m here. When you left my house, I was thirsting for that dope-ass smoking jacket you had on. And since I’m going to Royal Ascot, apparently you need one of these penguin suits. Here I am. What are you doing here?
Valentine: Oh. I have trouble understanding you people sometimes. You all talk so funny.
Why am I watching this film?
Suffice to say, this film has been on my mind for at least when they released its teaser. There was an unknown reason as to why but I just had a good feeling about the film. I didn’t realize at all these three things: 1) Matthew Vaughn was involved. 2) The plot line of this film at all. 3) The craziness involved with this project and that it is a comic book film…COMIC BOOK!!!!!!
With a homage to a lot of classic spy films (something we haven’t seen as much in this day and age…at least real good ones besides James Bond), I can insert to people who are fans of Vaughn’s previous work (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, Snatch, Stardust) will enjoy this film for its manic, realistic dialogue, and recognition of pleasing audiences with original source material mixed in with formalism embellished within this film. I would take it a step further by saying there is another reason why I love this film but I’ll sum it up with two words:
Church Scene.
I’m also keeping this limited to wording since I’ve done plenty of spoilers in previous posts in my reviews. Let’s continue on shall we?
WTAF Moments
I don’t think there was a moment I didn’t say “What the “f—?” as the film began and proceeded. Prominently, one of my favorite scenes, Church Scene, was Harry’s statement right before Valentine’s experiment begins.
Harry Hart: I’m a Catholic whore, currently enjoying congress out of wedlock with my black Jewish boyfriend who works at a military abortion clinic. Hail Satan, and have a lovely afternoon madam.
You can’t get more B.A. than that unless you’ve done something slightly more epic. Colin Firth needs to get credited for an Oscar in this performance. That’s just how I feel about his performance.
The end credits scene was…surprising. I did not have any idea what Vaughn was going to do but even yet, who dedicates the entire film to their mother?!?!
A film of this caliber, I should say.
Whatever, Matthew Vaughn, you…sigh…wanker.
Does the music keep up with the film?
Henry Jackman has impressed me numerous times with his compositions. These pieces he did alongside Matthew Margeson were astounding. Vaughn must have worked real close with these two to maintain the upkeep for this film. I caught so many little tidbits that made the film worthwhile but I can say the composer from Big Hero 6 has my definite approval of amazing soundtrack. Damn Matthew Vaughn for knowing good collaboration!
Final Words
The last thoughts can be this film has a courtesy of being rated by the 10 out of 10 scale. Now, normally, I haven’t thought about putting this out there, but I will stake I’m now waiting on HONEST Trailers and/or CinemaSins to post their thoughts on this film. There are plot devices that definitely went askew from the plot whereas it makes up for not asking those questions because of the continuity within this action-packed spy/adventure/comedy. The rating gets a 8.7 out of 10 and I, like most of the fandom of comic book nerds and action fans, would definitely hope Mr. Vaughn puts out a sequel involving more of Colin Firth…or Taron Egerton.
I also want to say I’d ask Roxy or Gazelle on a date…I think one of them is older than me…? Eh. That’s life though right?
Riggan Thomson (Keaton) and Mike Thomson (Norton) discussing the play in Birdman (2014).
I’m claiming on the ideals of a filmmaker that if this doesn’t get an Oscar, I will damn well riot!!!
Anyway, hello, once again! It is I. Mr. Allnightcinema back with another responding review to a black comedy-drama that is helped by its smooth transitioning and film capturing operating used throughout the film’s storytelling. This is one for the books in its own right because it draws you in further while you’re viewing the performances. It has this bizarre layout put within its world that…I can’t really explain but I enjoy it rather a good amount to laugh at and without a style of context that fits more into the reality of today (especially with today’s film making) its better than the reboots and remakes I keep seeing everywhere popping up. Seriously. I mean, how can reboot Indian Jones?!?! Never mind…moving on to the plot.
Story’s Introduction
Riggan: Just find me an actor. A good actor. Give me Woody Harrelson.
The most interesting about the plot line is that it really isn’t a central plot story but more of a man’s ambition to become recognized. The belief system he upholds has cost him everything: marriage, paternal relationship, his career, social encompassing (lack thereof but SPOILER!), and common sense. Michael Keaton stars as Riggan Thomson, a former comic book hero that struggles to become noticed in a new, more blossoming society that is more indulged in the finer works of MARVEL STUDIOS and other superheroes (I’m looking at you D.C.) and his dream to make something great for not only the audiences and masses, but as a comeback for his career to launch back into the acting world. Joining Keaton, we have Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, Zach Galifinakis, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, and Lindsey Duncan as the main and supporting cast of this illusion blurred film. I state this because throughout the film, the focus is everyone striving to become something great and recognized for their potential, much like many aspiring actors; both brand new and recovering, alcoholic, addled, serious actors. The dynamic with each character is just as shockingly intense for a drama such as Riggan’s will to rid himself of a terrible actor by causing an accident on set, Mike’s (Norton) attempt to ruin preview night because of his asshole charm and stale view of the acting world, and Sam’s desires to prove to her father that she can be more than a failed actor’s assistant and recovering addict. The drama is powered up by the psychological insanity of being in Riggan’s mind where we hear the former comic book hero making suggestions as Riggan’s conscious slowly (to the audience) is breaking down and he loses himself in becoming the best by ANY. MEANS. NECESSARY. (Spoiler: he shoots his nose off towards the end of the film during the play in front of the audience on opening night). I was highly impressed by Zach Galifinakis’ appearance when viewing the film and was utterly startled he hadn’t made a stupid, idiotic joke that he would eventually would be famous for himself (referring to the Hangover trilogy, in case you didn’t know). The man had a pretentious attitude of his own accord that each cast member appears with.
Riggan: That’s you Mike. You’re Mr. Natural. Mr. “F – k the scene, just stare at my massive hard-on,” right? That’s the truth of the moment.
Some of my favorite scenes were the feature of Norton and Keaton’s characters. They gave this performance of lunacy and sentiment for me to call them “crazy, but emotionally damaged”. I feel their characters were expressions of their other films they may have done but, I digress and I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s better to see it visually. Matter of fact, here’s a clip of Mike and Riggan just “going for coffee” (Sorry, I can’t be less discreet than I tried to be.)
Why am I watching this film?
In times of today, there’s always that bit of humanity in you that asks “Can I be famous?”. These are dreams our parents imprint on us from birth. All these ambitions, for example, of a young actor/actress can be easily shattered by a single word or maybe the previous generation had pushed and pushed but couldn’t give the shove that directors, producers, and etc. wanted. The film is a representation of passion, dreams, and overcoming tragedy by turning it to something. These are my thoughts on the film, to be honest. I could care less how someone else perceives it. There’s different ideals which is what makes a different actor and what makes them shine cannot only be the drivel we watch on television or films everyday or else that would put us in a cycle. I trust this film, with its underscore of dark comical elements, still is enough to have people believe there’s something inside themselves to become and achieve greatness of their own accord. (Okay, I’m rambling I do want this film just to win a damn OSCAR!)
Does the music keep up with the film?
In clear observation we have these drum and classical snippets throughout the film. Representing the melancholy to the intensified, I applaud Antonio Sanchez (Jazz drummer) for his sets and the feature of this black guy who kept popping up in the scenarios. The drums represented something was about to happen that would shift the tone of the story and keep the audience on their toes. I love the mix of Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and other classical composers blended into the emotional scenes signifying the deep grasp of the audience. When it comes to asking if the music is upkeep alongside the film, I can say they matched and blended themselves together like PB&J.
WTAF Moments
I’m just going to leave a quote here and let you process the statement. Is that good? Okay, cool.
Clara: Now, is it true that you’ve been injecting yourself with semen from baby pigs?
Clara: Okay, then I’ll just write that you’re denying it.
Riggan: No, don’t write anything! Why would you write anything? I didn’t… don’t write what she said.
And this quote:
Young Birdman: It’s a beautiful day. Forget about the Times… everyone else has. Come on. Stand up! So you’re not a great actor. Who cares? You’re much more than that. You tower over these other theater douchebags. You’re a movie star, man! You’re a global force! Don’t you get it? You spent your life building a bank account and a reputation… and you blew ’em both. Good for you. Fuck it. We’ll make a comeback. They’re waiting for something huge. Well, give it to them. Shave off that pathetic goatee. Get some surgery! Sixty’s the new thirty, motherfucker. You’re the original. You paved the way for these other clowns. Give the people what they want… old-fashioned apocalyptic porn. Birdman: The Phoenix Rises. Pimple-faced gamers creaming in their pants. A billion worldwide, guaranteed. You are larger than life, man. You save people from their boring, miserable lives. You make them jump, laugh, shit their pants. All you have to do is…
[Riggan snaps fingers, and explosions occur, shooting starts, soldiers get shot, choppers fly and shoot, one gets shot down]
Young Birdman: That’s what I’m talking about. Bones rattling! Big, loud, fast! Look at these people, at their eyes… they’re sparkling. They love this shit. They love blood. They love action. Not this talky, depressing, philosophical bullshit.
[Birdman shoots laser in giant mechanical bird above the building, it screeches]
Young Birdman: … it’ll explode into millions of eardrums. You’ll glimmer on thousands of screens around the globe. Another blockbuster. You are a god.
[Riggan starts flying]
Young Birdman: See? There you go, you motherfucker. Gravity doesn’t even apply to you. Wait till you see the faces of those who thought we were finished. Listen to me. Let’s go back one more time and show them what we’re capable of. We have to end it on our own terms… with a grand gesture. Flames. Sacrifice. Icarus. You can do it. You hear me? You are… Birdman!
Final Words
Birdman is the type of film to have when you’re having doubts. I solely will say that for myself. As for the audience who wishes to watch this, you will get laughs and you’ll sit in a thoughtful conundrum that this film seems to want to seed into your minds and sprout. I give Birdman a 4.8 out of 5 stars for not the camera operation alone (which is magnificent), but for the poetry within the film that delivers itself outwardly to those who want to “keep the art” and make something to BE something. It’s human nature. The one standout element. Nice job, Alejandro González. You actually made me watch an artsy film without letting me fall into the cycle of the indie crowd. *Applauds*
Once again, friends, colleagues, children who have late night ceremonies well into the night. It was Valentine’s Day and I thought it was necessary to invoke on a film that had romance…but not too much if you got what I’m saying because Fuck. That. Shit. Who wants to spend all their times molesting someone with Hallmark cards and tell people about how much they love each other. It’s not a simple cat and mouse game either. Hell, I was supposed to be drinking wine and watching Birdman with Michael Keaton! As far as it goes, I watched this crazy rom-com-zombie film and I have to say: This made me think Aubrey Plaza is one of the sexiest women I’ve seen on television and film. Life After Beth is something I can cherish as a cult classic of its own right into my memories, but let me be frank…(You can be George…sorry had to do it and Harry Potter reference, eh?) this film came together so well with the likes of Dane DeHaan as leading man and a surprising all-star cast of random actors from associated genres and culture. I was oddly enough hungry after watching this film…I’ll explain what that meant later.
Story introduction
The film begins with a nice girl going on a hike. Sounds innocent, right? WRONG! The film then just proceeds to the opening scenes of a funeral of someone who has recently passed away. Now, before the film takes its course I presumed it was the girl because WHY THE FUCK NOT? Let me stop being so vulgar because the good parts haven’t even come up yet. To continue with my phenomenon of amazement, we meet Zach Orfman, a emotionally depressed teenager who loses his girlfriend and cannot seem to get over her. It begins to border on psychological tendencies, in which I say, DeHaan is the idealistic choice for dramatic, tearful and pity roles…yes, even in comedies. We see his life progressing somewhat with his bonding with his girlfriend’s family (who surprisingly aren’t as grief stricken to the core as most parents SHOULD be) and Zach trying to make the most out of his attachment to their daughter, Bethany. Eventually, we get to a point in the film where Zach realizes his girlfriend is not dead, but a zombie…a, and I quote, “fucking zombie!” Now I don’t know what made me laugh harder, the dialogue exchanged between actors John C. Reilly and Molly Shannon, Beth’s parents or Maury and Geenie with Zach on their explanation of not telling Zach or the way everyone reacts to the situation on NOT telling Beth the truth. We see the film escalate carefully where smooth jazz is the instrument to keep a hungry zombie at bay, deterioration of the human flesh from a dead body, constant necrophilia, the dark humor layered among the scenarios, and of course, my favorite piece, the romantic comedy ensuing around the apocalyptic insanity. To sum up a film’s attempt to make necrophilia appropriate (it really is not…), the performances from the cast were pretty decent and you can definitely note the moments of improvisation and a few sight gags to key in.
This is the fan based idea of how I would probably perceive an end of the world scenario…aside from This is the End, Zombieland, and Supernatural. Yes, this is for the geeks indeed. That’s all I can on exploit for the time being on that subject matter.
Why am I watching this film?
The big question I asked myself throughout the film was “How can I not be attracted to Aubrey Plaza?” As we progress into the story, it still shows how, ironically enough, a relationship is important to the girl even if she’s in the afterlife stage of their relationship (see what I did there?). The fact Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Mystery Team) is not only relinquishing her deadpan style into the film (most filmmakers call it a typecast on her front although, she’s mentioned in an interview she doesn’t mind because it means she did her part) but we see a fun side to her similar to her character, April Ludgate-Dwyer in Parks and Rec. When you have the likes of Anna Kendrick, Matthew Grey Gubler, Jim O’Heir (also, on Parks and Recs as the famously punching bag, Jerry), John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, and Paul Reiser, it’s bound to be a gaggle of fun. The tone of the film sets itself across a tangible line between where you can cross boundaries and where an obsession becomes addiction and finalizes a solution. The last sentence threw you, the reader, off I know but watch the film and I think you’ll come to understand where I’m going with this. The film became something of an intrigue to me because I love a good rom-com as much as the next guy. Plus, I can’t deal with ACTUAL romance because let’s face it: I’m a nerd. Only a nerd can understand how I feel when they read something like this post-Valentine’s Day. Laughs. My last point to why I watched this film is because it took place in Los Angeles. I’m not directly from that part of California but I’ll be damned to say the scenes made me miss San Diego and how the possibility that a lot of shit can go up in flames in a matter of minutes to appreciate how well done the production piece of this film was.
Does the music keep up with the film?
I’ll keep this one brief: the film score of this movie was pretty much a cheesy, stylistic music (besides the bed music of smooth jazz that even the protagonist begins to hate) with some indie-rock mixed into the fray. Ironically, I can allude to the fact the music just made the film much funnier, even aside from the crazy zombie eating and existential metaphors presented.
WTAF Moments
My favorite segment of my reviews has to be WTAF moments because I type things like this: WHO THE FUCK LET’S THEIR DAUGHTER MAKE OUT HARD IN THE LIVING ROOM IN FRONT OF THEIR PARENTS?!?! Apparently, Maury and Geenie for the fact at hand their daughter was recently deceased. I have never seen such ridiculousness poured into a zombie film since Dawn of the Dead was released in theatres. Let me tell you, that is some CRRRAAAAAZZZY shit going on in the movie. Sorry, once again, readers who do not condone vulgarity. Another scene I found slightly disturbing was Zach and Beth having sex on a playground. First of all, the girl is dead, so this already didn’t sit well with me like the time I watched Twilight (worst mistake ever). Second, I would love to point out that seriously dude, did you not have sex with her while she was alive? I mean, come on…Third, it is never justifiable to eat one’s own parents after you’ve become a full-fledged zombie. That’s problematic for both your relationship with your significant other and your family. Why am I talking about this like it is a therapy session? It’s the zombie apocalypse. Not Death Valley (RIP to a great show). It’s funny how I was freaking out about the daughter make-out session in your family’s presence then I was the other things…ahem. Shall we move on?
Final Words
Overall, the film was given 3.5 out of 5, in terms of quality, storytelling, comedic effect, and its position on how far some people would go for love. It’s…too…much…However, I will say in this current modern age and the way society lives now. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a Zom-Apoc that goes down where we would witness a few people trying their hardest to feign for a possible dead loved one that they once had surrounding them in their lives. To critique, I think my favorite scene was between Kendrick, DeHaan, and Plaza outside of the breakfast diner discussing who is who. I just cracked up straight out. Thanks cult zombie films. You’ve made another Valentine’s Day worthwhile.
Oh, and from this point on, I think I’ll add the trailers for those who wish to watch these films I review. Go ahead and check it out below.
Benedict Cumberbatch is starting to have too much of an effect of…well, everything these days. The man clearly defines his performances by his gravitas by not only in his use of character dramatization, but the actions and portrayals to nail as close to make his prowess a believable visual sight. This historical drama (can I just say I LOVE history?) is an enlightenment of what was going on in the United Kingdom during World War II, the war between the Nazis and Allied Powers were depleting, and the one man who despite his…ahem…shall we say “condition” managed to crack the code that saved the world and no person ever knew.
Story’s Introduction
We are introduced to Alan Turing, a young man with a disdain pleasure for being an introvert and highly motivated genius with the acquisition to match wits, make enemies, deduces clues, and believe in the greater good (Sounds like a perfect fit for the man who is Sherlock, right?). We see Turing offer up his services for one core reason: to solve the puzzle. Turing’s attitude is that of an adjusted child to which Ben invokes excellently with ticks and the awkward schoolboy pauses only seen in a posh private school setting. Something about him irked me (I swear it wasn’t the fact he was a homosexual) but I think that’s what gave the layout from Turing growing into the man he later becomes as his infatuation with his schoolboy friend/ love interest, Christopher. Alan meets a group of scholars who are just as capable of doing what Alan himself does. Although, he gets carried away and a little headstrong to maintain his goals within sight, Alan trucks on and shows signs of what his status was throughout the war as he recounts to the teenage years, his time at Bletchley Park as a codebreaker of Enigma, his issues and love affair with Joan Clarke (played by Keira Knightley), and where he would stand in history. I’ll take this moment to commentate on the subject of history…in my own words.
History has a way of never remembering heroes but only what we deem as heroism itself. The story of Alan Turing’s life was shunned for about fifty years before the truth came to light and it is believable that we tend to forget that one person can change the world, even if they are the most unlikely of heroes. With this, it’s probably why when I watched this film, the emotions I felt were strong, infuriating, boisterous sadness for the man. He was striving to live a life and find his path during a war that literally broke through the following eras.
Let me add that I know I’ve been rambling, but I just wanted to summarize how much of a big deal this film was in my eyes and how much history the world hides before we realize that there are many unspoken heroes who won’t see the light of day for decades or centuries.
Why am I watching this film?
Two core reasons were explained throughout the story’s introduction that I merely summed up into a reaction that could generate my view on the world: history and facts. For a guy who’s not known for using his left side of his brain too often, I recognized the historical value of this film (The Queen herself pardoned Turing post-mortem of his gross indecency crimes the previous year) and an article I read opened my eyes to the world as a reminder: we, the human race, are cruel. I state this for a soul who has passed long ago over his “crimes” and suffered a chemical castration for saving us. I mean, for God’s sake, he was one of the first spies in MI6! He did all this work and came out a leader while giving mankind a gift: Computers. Furthermore, I will stress that director Morten Tyldum’s capturing of the novel, Alan Turing: The Enigma isn’t irregular but doesn’t mean everything was accurate. One aspect is the relationship between Joan Clarke and Alan Turing. Keira Knightley’s portrayal was pretty dull, to be honest, and didn’t sit well with me as I watched the film. For a guy who usually loves Knightley’s performances (Pirates of the Caribbean, Domino, Pride & Prejudice, Anna Karenina), this had a stale effect from her. When I say stale, I mean “Woman, what the hell are you so touchy-feely for? Just let Benedict do his thing so we can stay on the focal point of the story, PLEASE!”
On the other hand, it was fun to see the interaction of Clarke and Turing who were known to be best friends (depending on historical accuracy or factual, we might never really know) and their dialogue back and forth. I’m still a fan of the scene actually when Turing proposes to her out of sheer will of the fact she stated she was to go home because her parents told her so (Another Sherlock reference again for those fans if you know what I’m talking about).
Does the music keep up with the film?
Alexandre Desplat, French composer, is a man I gladly wouldn’t mind shaking hands with at all and begging for a film score. His previous works are virtually movies I admire to the core of my pinky toe (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Pt. 1-2, The Golden Compass, Moonrise Kingdom, The Queen, Godzilla) and would gladly listen to the soundtrack only because of the orchestration throughout The Imitation Game without fault. I think there could have been more said but if you want to blend yourself in with emotional strings of this magnitude then I suggest this musical composer to be on your wish list.
WTAF moments
In truth, there wasn’t really one for a movie of documented history. I guess you can say anything Turing did while he was alive was pretty comical in itself as he was a man people wanted to “punch in the face” (Sherlock references galore in this film with the exception of him being slightly MORE childish [laughs]) and a sudden urge of credible identification to what you can make of Turing’s actions throughout the war, to which I believe, was right.
Final words
Alan Turing is basically the father of computers and the reason why codebreaking, to this day, has now become highly revered in the world of technological advancement/warfare. Turing’s accommodations should surely be remembered for what it provided us: Hope. The film takes also the turn in asking us, the audience, and the question to what Alan Turing was: a monster, a hero, a lover, a traitor, a villain, a mathematician, or simply just a genius? Food for thought, ladies and gentleman, food for thought.
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