Review - The Lazarus Effect

The Dead Rise, But Should They?

By Paul Hall

In theaters 2/27/15

© 2015 Relativity Media

Biblically speaking, the rising of Lazarus from the dead was a prominent part in the Gospel of John and was understood to be a sign of the divine authority of Jesus. What then happens when a team of scientists finds a serum that will help bring the dead to life? That’s the premise of the new film, The Lazarus Effect.

Frank, Zoe, Clay and Niko have worked hard to come up with a way to bring life back to the newly deceased. With a success reviving a recently deceased dog, they bring in a documentarian to shoot the efforts of the team to perfect the procedure. Quickly they learn that while this dog is moving, he is not the same.

Abruptly, their research gets cut short. A leak has allowed the pharmaceutical company that now controls their grant money to become aware of their efforts. The university, under direction from this high-powered company, decides to shut down their lab.

Not deterred, the team enters the lab one last time to try and establish the proof that they are behind their experiments in an attempt to thwart any effort to steal the serum.

Attempting to re-create the experiment for the camera, something goes horribly wrong and Zoe is electrocuted. Frank will do anything to get Zoe back even if it means using the serum that was never tested on humans. But nothing can prepare the team for the horrors this attempt to play God will unleash.

A film with such deep moral and ethical questions should be a winner as the challenges are laid out in plain terms. Unfortunately, the film strays from addressing the questions and the challenges that exist with scientific research and it becomes simply a peripheral aspect in moving the plot along. The film settles for the easy answers to the tough questions.

I jumped occasionally but instead of the hairs on my arm standing on end, they just sat there.

It felt like the acting talent was just wasted on a boilerplate scary movie. I was waiting for that special horror movie that scares you to your core and not just as the result of cheap tricks. With the story that was inherently in place, this had the chance to be that film, and it failed. I wanted so much more for The Lazarus Effect.

As I rose from the seat that was my home for the short 83-minute film, I wondered if they finally got the result right by making someone rise from the dead.

The Lazarus Effect

PG-13

Directed by: David Gelb

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters

Paul's Grade: C-

Home Screening Room - Whiplash never felt so good

Home Screening Room - Whiplash never felt so good

By Paul Hall

Pick Of The Week

Whiplash / Rated R / Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons

Andrew is a promising drummer who is driven to succeed. Fletcher conducts the ultimate band at the conservatory Andrew attends and thus holds Andrew’s future success in his hands. Fletcher sees the talent in Andrew, but will his tactics drive the young man to success or to the brink of insanity? How hard can you push before you go too far? Director Damien Chazelle delivers an absolutely amazing look inside what drives people. This is the best film released in 2014. Take a look at my praise for the film as the Number 1 film on my Top 10 of 2014 here. (Grade: A)

Also This Week

Beyond the Lights / Rated PG-13 / Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker

Noni has been pushed to succeed in music by her mother since she was a young girl. Unfortunately, sometimes parents live through their kids, as looks to be the case here. When her life is on the brink, can the man who saved her help Noni realize her full potential as a person? A hidden gem in this week’s releases.

Big Hero 6 / Rated PG / Voices of Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit

When a tragic accident fells Hiro’s big brother Tadashi, he finds himself searching for answers. It will take joining forces with Tadashi’s friends and his creation, the lovable inflatable robot Baymax, to restore peace. A superhero movie with a heart that will endear itself to viewers of all ages with its wit and fun, and a delight for the whole family with a bonus scene waiting after the credits roll; don’t miss it. The BEST family film released in 2014 - Read my comments about the No. 6 film on my Top 10 here.

Horrible Bosses 2 / Rated R / Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis

A new invention allows Nick, Kurt and Dale to be their own boss. However, they quickly find out from father-and-son businessmen Bert and Rex Hanson that someone is always your boss. When the Hansons put a twist on the large order they made, the guys look for a way to take their company back.

Plus

Code Black / Not Rated

Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’s Curse/ Rated PG-13 / Julian Morris, voice of Ben Kingsley

Sons of Anarchy (The Final Season)

Remember – all release dates are subject to change.

Home Screening Room - Life Itself insists the Birdman should fly

Home Screening Room - Life Itself insists the Birdman should fly

By Paul Hall

This week is so loaded with releases that I can't get over it. I've told you recently that we are in a period with some of the best releases of the year, and this week is probably top to bottom right at the top. Possible Best Picture winner Birdman leads the slate and is the Pick of the Week. It's the one that everyone who hasn't seen it, should see and will most likely enjoy. The Number 2 film on my Top 10 list this year, Life Itself, will show you Roger Ebert like you've never seen him before. And the love story for the movies that was a big part of his life. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels get back together for Dumb and Dumber To (and yes it is hard to always type that title. Not many people got out to see St. Vincent and The Theory of Everything but they should do big business for folks that are picking it up to watch at home. St. Vincent delivers a steadfast Bill Murray and a wonderful Melissa McCarthy performance and will grab you with both humor and heart. And what can be said about The Theory of Everything other than Eddie Redmayne is probably the fiercest competitor to Michael Keaton for the Best Actor award this year.And if that wasn't all you get the controversial film The Interview and Tommy Lee Jones' The Homesman plus so much more.

And I also included Game of Thrones Season 4 in my main rundown, something I usually don't do. Why? It is quite frankly a marvelous 5 disc set that will have fans of the show engrossed for HOURS in preparation for the new season. It includes a BOATLOAD of extras to get you ready for season 5 and is truly a marvelous presentation of a television show. But do we really thing of HBO as "television" anymore? They could as easily produce a series of movies with some of their content.

So enjoy the week - I know I am...

Pick Of The Week

If you pick one movie this week … this is it.

Birdman / Rated R / Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis

Riggan Thomson is a washed-up actor best known for his role in the action series that created the superhero Birdman. In an effort to revive his career, he heads to Broadway. This spectacular look behind the scenes of how a Broadway show encounters many obstacles to get onstage is edited to appear as one single take. The unique perspective splendidly highlights the acting talent while creating an experience like few that have been seen before. It was number 7 on my Top 10 list of 2014 films and has a real chance to win Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards. Read why I chose it for my Top 10 here. (Grade: A-)

Also This Week

Dumb and Dumber To / Rated PG-13 / Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels

It’s been 20 years since Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne had their last adventure. But that ends today. After “the big reveal” at the hospital that Lloyd called home for the past two decades, the pair set off on another adventure across the country searching for a long-lost family member.

Game of Thrones (Season 4) / Not Rated / 
HBO had done it again, while I had a chance to explore only the DVD version of this release. Fans of the television series will not be disappointed by the effort. Coming off a successful series of showings in IMAX theaters of the episodes that got you read for the next season, this set is a welcome addition to the Thrones fans' libraries.

Life Itself / Rated R

Film critic Roger Ebert defined the movies for more than a generation. In this film, renowned documentarian Steve James talks to directors, actors, family and friends about the legend to find out what made Roger so beloved and such an iconic part of Hollywood history. One of the best films released in theaters in 2014, this is a co-pick of the week! Read what I wrote about the Number 2 film on my personal Top 10 for 2014.

St. Vincent / Rated PG-13 / Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy

Maggie and her son Oliver move in next to the eccentric Vincent while trying to start a new life. While Vincent initially pushes all the wrong buttons, Maggie befriends him to help care for her child after school. It’s that relationship between Vincent and Oliver that blossoms into something special.

The Theory of Everything/ Rated PG-13 / Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones

Director James Marsh tells the story of the incomparable Stephen Hawking, from his time at Cambridge to the man he is today. Seeing a vibrant young Hawking dwindle in physical ability all while possessing a genius intellect will tug your heartstrings. With awardworthy performances, Hawking’s growth is illuminated in this tale of the relationship with his wife that focuses on the personal world of a genius.

Plus

Dying of the Light / Rated R / Nicolas Cage, Anton Yelchin

The Homesman / Rated R / Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank

The Interview / Rated R / Seth Rogen, James Franco

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya/ Rated PG / Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan

Remember – all release dates are subject to change.

Random Monday Thoughts - Fifty Shades of Green

Random Monday Thoughts
By Paul Hall

A big weekend at the box office with Fifty Shades of Grey tying up the bulk of the ticket sales. With over $80 million at the US box office this weekend, there is no question this will be a profitable Romance, Infatuation and Spanking.
endeavor despite the middling reviews (at best) that came home. Mine, I was generous with a C / Read it here -

But while Fifty Shades doubled its estimated Budget, according to boxofficemojo.com  it was more impressive with a $158 million overseas opening.

The numbers in both markets are just the beginning as this week's new releases don't seem to go after the female audience driving metric very hard with The DUFF, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 and McFarland, USA as the wide openers. Sure HTTM2 will definitely grab some bucks and The DUFF is sure to siphon some of the teenage market (but they weren't supposed to be sneaking into Fifty Shades now were they).

I will be really interested to see if Fifty Shades is bound tightly hanging on to the top spot this week. My guess is yes, but this industry is always in for surprises. One way or another...it will continue to be talked about for weeks and months to come.

Also opening this weekend - with a good chunk of change, Kingsman: The Secret Service. Met with much better reviews, it rode the cast of Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton and even Mark Hamill to a second place for the weekend with around $35 million.

Other notes - 

- The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water takes in another $30 million to get ready to crash through the surface at over $100 million this week sometime.

- American Sniper adds $16 million and don't look now, but it crossed the $300 million threshold.

- Old Fashioned expanded to it's wide opening this week with an underwhelming $1 million on 224 Love Conquers All.
screens. A decent per screen average at close to $5K but not earth shattering - Read my review here -

- And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Still Alice. Expanding to 502 screens this week and a nearly 100% increase at the box office, the Julianne Moore starring vehicle is one to check out as it opens at theaters near you. You WILL be seeing the winner for Best Actress if you go see it. At least you SHOULD be.

Oh and if you missed last week's appearance on Real Milwaukee...well here is the link for that too! 

Have a great week everyone!

Tomorrow - Home Screening Room for the week...What 2 films that were in my Top 10 this year...are coming home?

Review - 50 Shades of Grey

Romance, Infatuation and Spanking

By: Paul Hall

Control. Many want it. Many desire it. Some desire to be controlled. Will the film Fifty Shades of Grey control you for 2 hours?

First, for those of you who don’t know the story let’s bring you up to speed. Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) gets sent to the wolf to do an interview with the ultra-successful Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). Reading her roommate’s questions, Ms. Steele is simply at the beginning of an infatuation.

Christian has an interesting way about him. He is not interested in a relationship. He lives his life in control of everything around him, including his women. The relationship that sparks with Ana is one that will have its footings in a contract. That contract allows Christian control of virtually everything in her life. The question is, will she submit to it?

There is a playroom, and it doesn’t contain an X-box. Filled with items that are not often seen in the light of day, the film explores handcuffs, rope and much more. But is this room for pleasure or pain? Or is there a gray area in the truth behind the room.

DAKOTA JOHNSON stars as curious college student
Anastasia Steele in the phenomenon "Fifty Shades of Grey".
Copyright: © 2015 Universal Studios and Focus Features.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

At its core, this is a love story. A young girl desires to be pursued by the tall, dark and handsome
stranger. She wants romance but she also is exposed to things that intrigue her. To get the man of her dreams, she has to step out of her comfort zone.

Dakota Johnson does a good job at showing us the naïve, yet curious girl who has never stepped out of her comfort zone. She is in control, for now. Jamie Dornan doesn’t seem as well cast in the Christian Grey role. Christian is tormented, yet composed, a predator and a pursuer. It feels like Dornan is more wooden in his role and only sometimes with intent.

The biggest problem for me is the structure of the dialogue between Christian and Anastasia. It felt unnatural and awkward. Again, some of these conversations were definitely intentional while others felt like just misses. I think future films could provide the depth of characters to make more of this onscreen romance palatable, but as a stand-alone film this doesn’t do it.

The views of women and men on this film will probably wildly differ. As a film, objectively, this offers less arousal and more questions. That being said, I do think that many of the fans of the series will get exactly what they are looking for from Anastasia and Christian. Will the non-fans return to the playroom for more romance, infatuation and spanking after this subpar effort?

GRADE: C

Fifty Shades of Grey

R

Stars: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, Luke Grimes

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson

Review - Old Fashioned

Love Conquers All

In theaters 2/13/15.

By Paul Hall

We’ve all done things in our life that we aren’t proud of. Changes have to be made, and sometimes (Rik Swartzwelder). His past includes time in college producing a Girls Gone Wildesque video series with his friends.

those changes are drastic. So is the case for Clay Walsh

But and event happens and makes him do a full 180 degree turn. Women are no longer thought of strictly as objects, but instead they are treated with the utmost respect. This treatment quickly needs to townspeople and his new tenant Amber (Elizabeth Ann Roberts) thinking he is at the least, quirky.

The single Amber sees something underneath the quirky, maybe even “weird” exterior. The care he takes with everything he does from the furniture that comes into his antique shop, Old Fashioned, to the repairs that Amber starts to deliberately cause in her apartment is showing through in his current actions.

Breaking through the shell will be challenging to say the least, but beneath all of the quirks, a relationship between Amber and Clay just might be in the cards.

As romance films go, Old Fashioned feels at times like a bit of a strange film. The quirks that are portrayed in Clay’s character feel too odd for this film. Rik Swartzwelder who also directed and wrote the film, felt almost too out of place for me to really enjoy.

Clay and Amber enjoying a fire.

Despite that, Elizabeth Ann Roberts as Amber brought a perkiness with a past to the film. Simple shots of her board of memories offer insights into the struggles she has had to endure with the cool and popular guys. And through it all, she still feels she knows romance is out there.

Although some of the film felt clunky, Roberts’ glow and efforts rescues things and provides for a glimpse and a bright future.

The best part about the film is the sweetness in the characters. Many guys are out there; nice guys like Clay, that virtually never are portrayed onscreen. And there are many singles looking for Mr. Right. He’s out there, and you don’t have to settle for something you aren’t comfortable with. Love conquers all and sometimes your diamond is closer than you think.

GRADE: B-

Old Fashioned

PG-13

Stars: Rik Swartzwelder, Elizabeth Ann Roberts, Tyler Hollinger, Anne Marie Nestor

Director: Rik Swartzwelder

New Movie - Kingsman: The Secret Service

Not offered for review...but also opening this week.

Based on the comic book, the film tells a story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits a promising kid in the the training program. And it is just in the nick of time as a threat is emerging on a global level from a twisted tech genius.






Kingsman: The Secret Service

Rated: R

Stars: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson

Director: Matthew Vaughn