Be Kind, Please Rewind

He’s an Attitude Problem Solver. He’s the…

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Week of February 13, 2015

If we didn’t have problems we wouldn’t have liquor. First up…

Nightcrawler

A degree in journalism guarantees you a bright future in an unrelated field.

Conversely, no degree secures the self-starter in this thriller the lead story every morning.

Lou (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a motivated night-owl with sociopathic tendencies looking for a career that compliments his anti-social lifestyle.

When he meets a freelance photojournalist (Bill Paxton) who sells graphic news footage to the highest paying network, he finds his calling.

With camcorder, police scanner and navigator (Riz Ahmed) in tow, he sells questionable footage to an unethical news director (Rene Russo).

But when he films a murder, he starts manipulating the story to get the biggest pay-off.

A seedy commentary on the fear-mongering perpetrated by the media for ratings, Gyllenhaal’s off-putting performance is only part of what makes Nightcrawler so superlative. 

Incidentally, before filming a car crash make sure to take a selfie with the trapped victims.  Green Light

The Interview

If everyone was interviewed liked a celebrity accident victims would have to walk the Mani Cam runway.

Thankfully, the interviewer in this comedy sticks to soft interviews… until now.

Determined to make a show that matters, TV producer Aaron (Seth Rogen) and shallow talk-show host Dave Skylark (James Franco) decide to interview North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un (Randall Park).

When Kim’s handlers accept, the CIA (Lizzy Caplan) asks them to assassinate the troublesome tyrant after their interview.

However, Dave’s budding friendship with the despot threatens their secret mission and US security.  

Pulled from theatrical release due to death-threats, the Interview isn’t as scandalous as expected, but it does exceed comedic expectations.

With Franco’s endearing dimwittedness stealing the show, The Interview finds the duo returning to, as well as refining, their buddy-comedy format.     

Besides, if pap journalists started interviewing world leaders wars would become red carpet events.  Green Light 

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

If it weren’t for bad days you would have no reason to yell at your kids after work.

Thankfully, every family member in this comedy is suffering.

For his 12th birthday, born loser Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) wishes that his father (Steve Carell), mother (Jennifer Garner), sister and brothers would all experience a bad day.

Magically they do: his mom’s typographical error threatens her career; his sister becomes contagious before a school performance; his brother fails his driver’s test and; his dad catches fire.

Meanwhile, Alexander learns that it’s not the day that determines your fate but your attitude towards adversity.

Based on a 1970s’ kids’ book, this updated adaptation is tough to say but easy to swallow. 

Thanks to its competent cast, uncomfortable family encounters and its clever, kid-friendly script, Alexander is a surprise classic. 

Incidentally, I thought everyday you spent with your family was a bad day. Green Light

***Picture Imperfect***

One Hour Photo

Nowadays, it’s not just the one-hour photo employees that see your nude pics…it’s everyone on your phone.

This thriller, however, takes place before digital photography.

As senior technician of the photo lab in the local drug store, Sy (Robin Williams) is privy to the private lives of all his patrons.

His favourite customers are the Yorkins (Michael Vartan, Connie Nielsen, Dylan Smith), whose photos Sy steals on the sly for his giant collage of the unknowing family.

But when he uncovers evidence of the husband’s infidelity, Sy’s obsession with him and his perfect life turns to resentment and uncontrollable anger.    

Robin Williams’ most underrated performance, the comedian’s take on the fixated sociopath Sy will make your skin crawl. 

While less impactful overtime, this disturbing story still clings to your psyche.

Furthermore, it’s nice to visit a time in history when your personal photos weren’t the property of Facebook.

He’s a Photoshop-lifter. He’s the…

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