With few special effects, the film relies on the actors and plot to produce an eerie otherness, similar to Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. Shannon seems initially miscast as the desperate father, usually playing the villain, but is quite effective in the role and he is supported by an excellent cast, including Kirsten Dunst as Alton's mother. In an age of over-the-top sci-fi, it's refreshing to watch a film that prize's story over spectacle. Recommended.
Showing posts with label Michael Shannon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Shannon. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 January 2017
Midnight Special
This is an odd science-fiction film from my Amazon subscription. Roy Tomlin (Michael Shannon) and his young son Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), accompanied by Roy's friend Lucas (Joel Edgerton), flee across the American South pursued by both the Government and the agents of a religious cult.
With few special effects, the film relies on the actors and plot to produce an eerie otherness, similar to Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. Shannon seems initially miscast as the desperate father, usually playing the villain, but is quite effective in the role and he is supported by an excellent cast, including Kirsten Dunst as Alton's mother. In an age of over-the-top sci-fi, it's refreshing to watch a film that prize's story over spectacle. Recommended.
With few special effects, the film relies on the actors and plot to produce an eerie otherness, similar to Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. Shannon seems initially miscast as the desperate father, usually playing the villain, but is quite effective in the role and he is supported by an excellent cast, including Kirsten Dunst as Alton's mother. In an age of over-the-top sci-fi, it's refreshing to watch a film that prize's story over spectacle. Recommended.
Saturday, 24 December 2016
99 Homes
A topical drama from my Amazon subscription, Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) and his family are evicted from their home after losing his job and the court case against the bank. Through a twist of fate, he ends up working for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the man who evicted him, who then teaches him the ins and outs of the business.
Very much a Faustian tale of our times, Garfield and Shannon do well to show how misfortune can shape men into monsters that prey, in turn, on the misfortune of others. Garfield is good, but, as you would expect in such a role, it's Shannon who gives the star turn (he won a couple of Best Supporting Actor awards). Recommended, but not easy viewing.
Very much a Faustian tale of our times, Garfield and Shannon do well to show how misfortune can shape men into monsters that prey, in turn, on the misfortune of others. Garfield is good, but, as you would expect in such a role, it's Shannon who gives the star turn (he won a couple of Best Supporting Actor awards). Recommended, but not easy viewing.
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Man of Steel - "Welcome to the Planet"
More Summer of Cinema with the Superman reboot in 3D. Clarke Kent faces his ultimate challenge when his Kryptonian past catches up with him and the people of Earth.
Absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed every minute, although it was a bit exhausting. Henry Cavill was good as Superman (he's a big, chunky lad!), coming to terms with his destiny, Amy Adams as Lois Lane was as cute and sparky as you'd expect, but it was Russell Crowe as Jor El and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent that gave the film it's class acting, Crowe especially relishing the role. Michael Shannon's Zod was also notable, making the character less of a meglomaniac than Terence Stamp's version and more someone driven to save his people whatever the cost.
However, it was the Giger envisioning of Krypton was what made it special for me: it was a suprise and felt absolutely right, giving Krypton an organic, metalic, insectoid, alien look, working especally well in 3D.
Highly recommended: go and see it and be as gobsmacked as I was!
Absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed every minute, although it was a bit exhausting. Henry Cavill was good as Superman (he's a big, chunky lad!), coming to terms with his destiny, Amy Adams as Lois Lane was as cute and sparky as you'd expect, but it was Russell Crowe as Jor El and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent that gave the film it's class acting, Crowe especially relishing the role. Michael Shannon's Zod was also notable, making the character less of a meglomaniac than Terence Stamp's version and more someone driven to save his people whatever the cost.
However, it was the Giger envisioning of Krypton was what made it special for me: it was a suprise and felt absolutely right, giving Krypton an organic, metalic, insectoid, alien look, working especally well in 3D.
Highly recommended: go and see it and be as gobsmacked as I was!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)