Real Actor Review

Not such a Trainwreck

2015-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Up & Coming: Amy Schumer

It feels like the beginning of her career, and it seems like the generation is finally making a sharp turn for female comedians - but Amy Schumer has been doing stand up for quite a while. It seems she’s winning female-power-based awards left and right - with Glamour awards, woman of the year, Television Critics Awards and a Peabody, with Primetime Emmy noms waiting in the wings. Is she on the up and up? You betcha, let’s take a look shall we….

Mainly recognisable for her many standup appearances in Last Comic Standing, and Live at Gotham, it wasn’t long until she was making a small appearance in well known sitcoms 30 Rock and Curb your Enthusiasm.

Her relationship with Comedy Central kept her afloat through 2010, until she gained international recognition for the Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen.

With this success, she went on to film more comedy specials, it was only inevitable she would drift to film. Her first noticeable film would be the Sundance Film Festival smash Sleepwalk with Me. Though her role was uncredited, it was the beginning of her Indy Film career (famous comedian Steve Carell springs to mind for following this formula).

2012 was a busy year for the comedian, starring in small parts with Price Check and Seeking a Friend.

Her own show Inside Amy Schumer has ushered her into US audiences as a spokeswoman for women everywhere.

Now she is headlining a Judd Apatow film, her improv written Trainwreck, with SNL man of many faces Bill Hader. The film has already more than doubled its budget, and marks the beginning of this comedian’s career in film. As for her actual acting skill - let's get down to it; she has a natural likeability. She is completely self aware of herself, thus making her not that bad an actress on a natural level. She has a dry charisma that makes you forget that she's being filmed, her smart improv actually letting the viewer forget there's a camera and crew on the opposite side.

End Review: Her success isn’t anything overly groundbreaking, but it is great to see a woman with the spunk and tenacity of those old-school female comedians Goldie Hawn or Joan Rivers, not afraid to lay down some hard truths for a good laugh.

PAST: E-List stand up and touring in bars.

PRESENT: C-List but with the success of her first headlining film, there’s no doubt she will catapult to stardom quickly. Catch her hosting the MTV Movie Awards.

FUTURE: B-list with nominations in Primetime TV, perhaps hosting the oscars, but for her to get to A-list she will have to do what Hollywood will hate - - get serious.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Jurassic Pratt

2015-06-24T22:34:00.002-07:00

Actor Review: Chris Pratt

Don't let the name fool you - This young man seems driven. It seemed as if the transformed Chris came from nowhere - the tubby, funny sidekick guy into the buff leading man status that is eclipsing the Chris Evans / Chris Hemsworth / Chris Pine (all of the Chris's basically). Where is this leading to, though? Let's take a look shall we...

It's fair to say his big break, and where it all began is as the lovable and goofy Bright in the series Everwood. Even early on we had a wonderful view of his humour and charisma, and with a drama this sincere it was no wonder it catapulted fellow stars and guest stars. Unfortunately for Pratt, though, this was where he was initially dubbed the sidekick.

To get him started, Chris starred in some low-budget comedies, thereafter Pratt's first appearance in major films was; in Wanted he played the sleazy Barry. Jennifer's Body he was cast as Roman, playing third fiddle to then popular Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, and Adam Brody. His funny character Kyle in Take me home tonight... all the roles felt shockingly similar and typecast... until along came Moneyball.

Shedding some pounds to play Athletics baseball player Scott Hatteberg, he starred alongside a stellar cast lead by front man Brad Pitt in Moneyball.

Meanwhile, in television land, Chris was earning acclaim as Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation (earning him a Critic's Choice Nomination.)

It seems odd that he would backtrack with films like Vince Vaughn's offbeat Delivery Man, or the overly crass Five Year Engagement, his weight seeming to yoyo from role to role. His portfolio is already seemingly fat with comedy (if not bursting.) As Chris has been quoted to say his 'Wake up call' came when he was told that he doesn't have that 'IT' factor.

Zero Dark Thirty, his second acclaimed hit, Chris hits the mark as the muscular marine, gaining the attention to begin his catapult to success. Though he still soldiered through a few comedies to land his first leading man (or should we say voice) role - Emmet Brickowski in The Lego Movie.

Bring on the Guardians of the Galaxy. Chris leads an interstellar cast in this hilarious and fresh look into the Marvel Universe. Chris joins the Hollywood A-listers in the Marvel franchise, with talks of a tie-in with the Avengers: Infinity Wars storyline.

Now you can't help but feel the only way is up, with his current film Jurassic World out in cinemas. He plays the only man to ever train Raptors in the new reboot.

Final Review: I honestly feel this is just the beginning. He will have many big leading roles, and there is definitely going to be an Academy Award nomination on the horizon.

PAST: D-List - Everwood sidekick.

PRESENT: A - List since the Lego Movie.

FUTURE: A-list - with a nomination in the next five years for best actor or in a supporting role.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Gone with the Oscar Girl

2015-02-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

ACTRESS REVIEW: Rosamund Pike

One would consider her a sidekick female character, but to dismiss her would be costly; just ask Ben Affleck in their last outing of Gone Girl. Can England get a win for this great actress at the Academy Awards? Let’s take a look, shall we…

How many actresses can be this fortunate?- Studying and working on British telly, only to graduate and land a role as Brosnan’s Bond babe Miranda Frost in Die Another Day. Though somewhat predictable in the duplicitous behaviour, you can’t deny the model her sex appeal.

A stand out role for her is Pride & Prejudice; the not so simple sister Jane. Not a downplayed performance, and nailing a nomination at the London Film Critic’s circle, but seeming to take a backseat to the then on-the-rise Keira Knightley.

Following up the flop-of-the-year Doom, her career was taking a slow crawl with flicks like Fracture, Fugitive Pieces, An Education, Yesterday we were in America, Surrogates… I could go on and on about films that you haven’t seen and won’t rush to see either. They aren’t her best work, but make for an interesting acting portfolio. It was only in 2010 when she hit her a high note in the acclaimed Paul Giamatti bid Barney’s Version playing the woman he abandons his own wedding for. Her maturity and perfect posture in the face of Giamatti’s flawed protagonist make for an interesting watch, and you get the feeling that there really is something about Miriam Grant.

Made in Dagenham was her next well received performance, playing Lisa in a sexual discriminant era.

To add more diversity to her craft, Pike starred in the comedy Johnny English Reborn, a seemingly dangerous move to play second fiddle to Natalia Imbruglia’s earlier attempt at a love interest for funny man Rowan Atkinson, but nonetheless profitable at the box office.

Not afraid to push herself to the physical limits, once again she jumps into a franchise sequel with Wrath of the Titans, stealing the female lead of Alexa Davalos’s Andromeda, and an absent Gemma Arterton as Io.

This is where it starts to get more interesting for Pike; starring alongside the scene stealing Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher. This was one of those films, however, where Cruise didn’t take the show full throttle. Rosamund plunges into her character Helen with supreme confidence. A ‘nice’ movie to watch, with well-rounded acting that you can’t complain of either of the leads.

Deadbeat comedy The World’s End saw her in an oddball role as Oliver’s sister, Sam. As to why an actress of her calibre, with the likes of leading men Brosnan and Cruise, would even consider this a movie worthy of her time is anyone’s guess, but hey… even actresses have bills to pay.

She joined Brosnan again over a decade later for the suicidal analysis A Long Way Down as a pretentious TV hostess, only to destroy her acclaim with hanging out with Simon Pegg yet again in Hector and the Search for Happiness.

It was in this same year she starred in Gone Girl. All I can say is “wow.” From the moment you fall in love with her character to the moment you hate, to the moment you respect her, it is the role of a lifetime that should make you stand up and start clapping. Her only competition in the 87th Academy Awards is veterans Cotillard and Moore, but I fancy her as the one to beat. The role of Amy has too much of everything not to be regarded and rewarded.

Final Review; Rosamund Pike has cleverly been waiting in the wings for a role like this; to not be rewarded with it would be foolish on the Academy’s side, but also no more discouraging. Yes, better… no… great roles this one will get.

PAST: D-List - In British series and bit parts of film; even the Bond flick couldn’t catapult her immediately.

PRESENT: A-List thanks to Gone Girl.

FUTURE: A-list - A bright future with some awesome female lead roles. I dare say she won’t be making another (gulp) Simon Pegg film.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Oscar Sniper

2015-02-20T03:40:00.001-08:00

ACTOR REVIEW: Bradley Cooper

It feels like he has been around for a long time, and that’s because he has. Here we're going to look back at the good-looking leading man who wouldn’t give up. Let's take a look, shall we...

Who doesn’t remember the likeable Will Tippin in Alias? This was Bradley proving to be too good to be killed off early; and landed him a lead in his own serial Kitchen Confidential. Though it was cancelled for not hitting the mark, it would mark the beginning of an up and down journey through sitcoms and serials, with the occasional stint in film for the young actor.

Most people believe it was The Hangover trilogy that started it off, but it was the rip-roaring comedy The Wedding Crashers. For once Bradley plays ‘the bad guy’ - this time showing off how much depth he has in his craft.

Comedies like Failure to Launch and Yes Man were perhaps his most memorable up till then, but it was his side work in The Rocker and The Midnight Meat Train that kept his acting portfolio diverse and fresh.

In the romantic comedy He’s Just Not That Into You he plays the sleazy, dishonest Ben - once again showing off the many sides of Bradley and shedding that likeable persona.

Finally we get to The Hangover trilogy. Granted that the sequels don’t even come close to the original, but Bradley stands out as the multi-layered Phil. From his harsh playboy one liners, to the ‘surprise I’m a family man’ moment at the end, you can’t help but like him.

Hereafter Bradley was thrown in the spotlight, but his role as Face-man in the A-Team left a sour note with critics. Perhaps it was the script or direction, but one can’t help that feel a cast this picture perfect should have gelled better. Unfortunately it was a ‘hit and miss.’

Not a miss is his first team up with his personal hero and legend Robert DeNiro in Limitless. Loser Eddie Mora takes a pill and transforms into the successful man he was meant to be. An eye-catching treat, well-directed and perfectly acted. It will go down as one of Bradley’s best.

Silver Linings Playbook united Bradley with the rising starlit Jennifer Lawrence. His first Academy nomination and perhaps his homecoming to the A-List status that he had worked so hard to achieve.

His performance as the erratic Pat could only be pulled off by Bradley. To jump from rational and nice to angered and frustrated is a click in the face to wake up and watch.

The Place Beyond the Pines saw the two heartthrobs Cooper and Gosling mash-up for a split second of screen time together in this drama that boasts thought and something to cry over, but sadly it wasn't as enticing as the title. It’s a fair attempt, but the acting seems empty - Ryan’s big crash and build up sizzled out with a flat ending, that you feel could have gone harder and deeper into what brought these fated two to clash.

The heartache of Hangover Part 3 being so bad laid aside, Bradley teams up with David O. Russell to star as the ambitious FBI agent Dimaso in American Hustle. Despite the acclaim, one can’t help but feel the real acclaim comes from cast and director, not content. The best moments are Jennifer Lawrence’s scenes, other than that it’s a stand-off between Academy Award nominees and winners. The film comes close to goodness, but to say it’s worthy of so much acclaim is a mystery.

He hits the mark with Guardians of the Galaxy playing Rocket Raccoon. His quirkiness makes for an awesome furry, hardcore little critter. He and Groot steal the show, complimenting Chris Pratt’s unlikely obvious hero.

Serena sees Cooper reunited with Lawrence for a third time. The film tests Lawrence’s maturity, but leaves Bradley looking lost and insecure. Not one of his best films, or Lawrence’s either, which begs the question as to why either of them did it.

Now up to his present day nomination; American Sniper. It’s well acted, but to say worthy of a nomination begs debate. It’s my feeling he won’t win this year, not for playing a buff and tough American. If he wins I’m sure there would be a joke-set about how having a beard wins you an Oscar. Too much talent is wasted on these so-called ‘sure thing’ movies.

Final Review; Bradley Cooper is awesome to watch for guys and girls. He needs to maybe look back at projects like Limitless and Silver Linings Playbook and stick to films this smart. Perhaps a Chris Nolan / Bradley Cooper cooperation project would make for an Oscar winner. The Academy is dying to give him an award, they are just waiting for Bradley to step up to the plate.

PAST: D-List - Will Tippin was perhaps his most memorable role up until his breakthrough in The Hangover.

PRESENT: A-List with the Academy begging to give him an award.

FUTURE: A-list - another nomination has to be on the cards for this talented actor.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Wild Witherspoon

2015-02-20T00:51:00.000-08:00

ACTRESS REVIEW: Reese Witherspoon

An instantly recognizable actress with a silly pointy chin was what you would have called her five years ago, but now it seems her face is one you can't argue with or insult. It's a serious pointy chin. But is her latest performance too serious? Let’s take a look, shall we…

For those who recall the old days, before Reese went legally blonde, she was an earnest precocious teenager in the arguably for TV film The Man in the Moon. One can only commend an actress (or her managers) of such young years to take roles with this much heart attached to them, and this firework continued to spark through some good titles next to well known film veterans- working with names like Diane Keaton, Beau Bridges, Patricia Arquette, Danny DeVito, & Gary Sinise respectively.

In 1994 she won a Best Young Actress Award for the ’93 pic Jack the Bear.

What’s truly fascinating about her role picks is that she doesn’t limit herself to offbeat dramas. Take S.F.W. – and engine desgined to catapult the multi-textured Stephen Dorff, instead sending Reese off into other films with multi-dimensions.

Hard done-by Vanessa in Freeway, the dare to be rebellious to her own peril Nicole in Fear, her first topless stint as Mel in Twilight (Benton pic, not to be confused with the Book Saga), the stripper Ivy in Overnight Delivery.

Now we get to the good stuff. Who could forget the ensemble Reese and a then almost DeNiro like Tobey Maguire trapped in an old sitcom? – Pleasantville. A fine credit to have on your portfolio for any actor. Enough goofiness and hart to really garner attention – but strangely it was Tobey that seemed to steal the show.

Following up came Cruel Intentions, Reese playing alongside her husband-to-be Ryan Phillipe and Buffy’s Sarah Michelle Gellar as the sweet and innocent Annette. Despite it’s teen overtones and killer soundtrack, this film can easily be regarded as a milestone for what is now the Gossip Girl / OC teen dramas of today.

Then came her acclaimed performance in Election, alongside the stammering Matthew Broderick. This was almost an introduction into the political blonde we would be forced to endure in the overly commercial Legally Blonde. And it’s sequel Legally Blonde 2. Yes, you guessed it, as all good actors do, she sold out to commercialism, that paycheck to buy the house in Malibu. It’s sad when critics are laughing and praising these simplistic cliches of Dumb girl gets smart with a happy ending. But from an actress point of view you can’t help but feel that she is some criminal mastermind genius. Yes, it garnered her a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Globes in Musical/Comedy. Now, over a decade later, you can walk down Times Square and watch Legally Blonde the Musical Comedy. It’s more ingenious than that woman who wrote a trilogy of softporn novels about 50 shades of something…

Leaping forward, it was inevitable that she be nominated for the Johnny Cash story Walk the Line. This is when we realise she isn’t legally blonde, she’s literally brilliant. It’s easy to typecase an actress from one big money making movie, but Walk the Line blows apart all those fears for Reese. From hereshe started to go back to what made Reese so incredibly unique in the first place; the underrated Rendition, offbeat comedies Penelope, Just Like Heaven, Four Christmases.

Water for Elephants teamed her up with the infallible Chris Waltz, and though perhaps Pattinson wasn’t an ideal choice for lead on this, you can’t help but feel compassion for their passion. It’s a well conceived piece from Director Francis Lawrence, and perhaps not as acclaimed as one would hope.

Now she’s back with her second Academy Award nomination as Cheryl Strayed in Wild. At thirty-eight you would think she has hit her prime with Walk the Line and should be not as hungry, but boy-oh-boy is she more than hungry. Rumour has it that the Author Cheryl Strayed wouldn't release the book rights to Witherspoon's production company unless the chinny blonde was tied to the lead role. It's a seriously engaging performance from her, and the parts of weakness and strength in her character are up and down like a regular heart beat monitor. It’s a tough contender part this year with heavyweights Julianne Moore and Marion Cotillard swinging for the fences (no offence to Felicity Jones and Rosumand Pike), but our little blonde has a fearsome right hook. Regardless of the outcome, this is not the last we have seen of Reese.

Final Review; Reese Witherspoon is a force in Hollywood to be reckoned with. Her roles are focused and acted with a surgeon’s precision. She’s even producing nowadays… watch out.

PAST: A-List past.

PRESENT: A-List present.

FUTURE: A-list future.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

The Theory of Nothing

2015-02-20T00:35:00.001-08:00

ACTOR REVIEW: Eddie Redmayne

It’s anyone’s guess when it comes to Oscar night, will the votes swing to the veterans (Keaton and Carell) or place a drop of blood in the British shark pool and allow the Brit invasion to happen? With Cumberbatch, Pike, Jones and Knightley all in the running to scoop an Oscar, only one newcomer stands out (if you’ll pardon the irony) - newcomer Eddie Redmayne for his portrayal as wheelchair bound Stephen Hawking. Is the fresh recruit worthy of the accolade? Let’s take a look, shall we…

Eddie's first recognizable role was as Anthony Babington in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. It was this British period that place him on the radar for another epic historical moment in British history in the Henry Tudor inspired The Other Boleyn Girl.

Now with some names behind him, Eddie went on to star in offbeat films Powder Blue, Glorious 39, Blackdeath and Hick, until standing out as British filmmaker Colin in My Week With Marilyn.

From here he went on to star in the star-studded musical Les Miserables opposite Russell Crowe and the nominated Hugh Jackman. Though his performance was shadowed by big names, Redmayne caught enough attention to land the lead in what would be his breakthrough performance.

The Theory of Everything; what a breakthrough role. It's nothing new for a stand-out performance to win an accolade (the names Adrien Brody & Marissa Tomei spring to mind), and a performance like this will certainly get you recognised. All ready he's in line for his next major roles in Hollywood.

Unfortunately for Redmayne, he had to follow up this amazing role with the over-rated Jupiter Ascending. His role as Balem has been met with mixed to negative criticism. Yes, he looks like he is in pain; perhaps it's the tight pants, who knows? But one can't ignore it's a springboard to greater parts.

Final Review; Eddie Redmayne is up for an Oscar in the role of a lifetime. If he doesn't nail it this time, one wonders how can he ever receive another role that challenges him or pushes him to go this far? For now, Eddie should make his portfolio more diverse.

PAST: D-List - near unknown until this year with two back-to-back stand out roles.

PRESENT: A-List thanks to this nomination.

FUTURE: A-list - it would be best he tries to avoid the franchise pics, and stick to hard-hitting roles.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Still Julianne

2015-02-18T07:53:00.002-08:00

ACTRESS REVIEW: Julianne Moore

She’s no stranger to a red carpet, or a nomination for that matter, but she is still yet to bring home a golden man. How will this time be any different? Let’s take a look, shall we…

This actress isn’t afraid of a hard day’s work. We won’t stretch back into her portfolio and drudge up all the TV work she has done. It would take more pages than the internet offers, I fear, so let’s get to the meat of her performances, starting with the acclaimed Robert Altman pic Short Cuts. Nominated at almost every level, it was her breakthrough, leading to small commercial success in the pregnancy comedy Nine Months, and adrenaline surging Assassins behind Stallone and Banderas.

She could do no wrong at this point; catching the eye of Director Steven Spielberg for his much anticipated Jurassic Park: The Lost World. Panned by critics although a box office success, Julianne sights it as a turning point in her career, physically and mentally.

It’s difficult to argue with her on that, because then came Boogie Nights. Is there anyone in this film whose career didn’t take off afterwards? Sorry, Burt, but this one’s for Julianne, Mark and Heather. It’s these kinds of cult films that Julianne has an eye for. And there’s no doubt she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role. It’s a pulp classic that people still mention today.

This was topped off by next cult hit The Big Lebowski. With once in a lifetime roles like this in her path, one would ask why in the hell would she back track and remake an old Hitchcock film? Psycho was perhaps her weakest outing of the nineties.

After teaming up once more with Altman for Cookie’s Fortune, she went on to perform in An Ideal Husband, rousing enough attention for a Golden Globe nomination. That year she also landed another nomination for her work in The End of the Affair. This film would be her second Academy Award nomination. Far From Heaven granted her a third nomination… that meant she was up for two roles in the same year.

Her fourth nomination was for The Hours, looking the slightly prettier behind Meryl Streep and a prosthetic nosed Nicole Kidman. Why the Academy continued to give her the cold shoulder for her solid performances is anyone’s guess; maybe it’s the ideal that she is not going anywhere, so there will be plenty of time to reward her consistency in the future.

Who could forget the multi-faceted Magnolia? With more chambers then a giraffe’s heart, this film struck home the chord of multiple lives interwoven in one story that was too engaging to look away. But this time Julianne was overlooked.

Again the Academy turned away when she shone brightly as Annette Bening’s lesbian wife and Mark Ruffalo’s lady of interest in The Kids are All Right.

Her follow up films were a hearty mix of upbeat and drama (Don Jon, The English Teacher), with comedies like Movie 43 and Crazy, Stupid, Love in the mix. Now she can be seen as the influential and stern President Coin in The Hunger Games series. A wise choice, to be sure, but it’s comforting to see that she hasn’t dropped the sword just yet, breaking through with Still Alice playing a linguistics professor with early Alzheimer’s. I refuse to believe her days in cult classics are done, but this could be her one last powerhouse performance to covet a golden Oscar. Yes, she’s the one to beat this year, with only real competition being Rosamund Pike and Marion Cotillard.

Final Review; Julianne Moore has always had some influence over Hollywood; even behind a plain look, red hair and freckles. It’s a normality that most actors aspire to work towards but very few achieve. Behind all that is a natural talent; a soul and drive to stay in the industry.

PAST: A-List past.

PRESENT: A-List present.

FUTURE: A-list - this latest nomination is a big one for her. You can’t help but feel that her window on great roles will undoubtedly close in the next five to ten years if she doesn’t take home a statue.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Oscar-Catcher?

2015-02-18T07:46:00.001-08:00

ACTOR REVIEW: Steve Carell

Steve is never shy of feature film. He’s made us laugh and cry on many pics and tv, but is his style worthy of an Oscar? Let’s take a look, shall we…

One thinks Steve Carell and The Office pops into the mind instantly. Okay, it’s not where it all started, but it’s definitely where he stepped out of Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell’s shadow to gain some much needed recognition. His lines and obliviousness kept the show going stronger than you feel creator Ricky Gervais’ David Brent could have, and more importantly, the entire show relied on him. Of course when he left there was hole, but when there is limited time to make a mark in showbiz…

Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, Anchorman 1 & 2, The 40 Year Old Virgin… his comedy is without restrain and he is easy to place in these pics. That’s not the performance that keeps critics eyes glued to him though.

Little Miss Sunshine: Screen Actors Guild Award for best ensemble, and what an ensemble - Steve plays the gay and suicidal Frank, joining his family on a quest to empower their seven-year-old star gazing Olive as she attempts to enter a competition that could change her life. What’s powerful about Steve’s performance is there are no witty one liners, no moments of over-silliness. It’s a genuine act and a heartfelt low budget flick that deserved acclaim (arguably Steve’s best in my opinion.)

Steve loves his offbeat arthouse films, and we love to see him in them. He adds a detached flare, that you find yourself smiling or hopeful for his characters even in the most dire of consequences. Dan in Real Life is one of those pics; again overlooked by the larger critics associations, it’s a performance on many levels.

His attraction to the comedy world is not one that can be easily severed; in between his low budget pics Steve was the voice of Gru in Despicable Me and its sequel, as well as Hammy in Over the Hedge and Hammy’s own short film.

The comedy box office successes didn’t stop though; Date Night with his female counterpart Tina Fey, Dinner For Schmucks and the well-received Crazy, Stupid, Love alongside a stellar cast.

Sure he’s made some cringe worthy comedy on his way to this nomination, but you can’t fault his act as John Eleuthere du Pont in Foxcatcher. He creates these moments of uncomfortable awkwardness that makes the viewer want to laugh, but there is something more disturbing at work. You think to yourself ‘still an understandable old nut’ right up until the final act, when you’re left truly gobsmacked. He delved deep into the character, and that alone you can commend him for. I could only describe the first few hours of his performance like a nineties Batman villain, and it’s for that reason I’ll be surprised if he walks away with the Oscar, especially with contenders Michael Keaton, Eddie Redmayne and the ‘Hollywood wants him’ Cumberbatch out for the win.

Final Review; Steve Carell is known as a funny man. It was his bread and butter for many years. His delving into dramas once in a while was his own actors retreat which he is now being rewarded. Will he ever find another role that is giving him as much to work with as Foxcatcher? I hope the answer is yes, but I also hope this glimmer doesn’t dissuade him from doing what he does best; making the world laugh.

PAST: D-List - TV comedy regular before hitting the C-List with The Office.

PRESENT: A-List by giving up his Michael Scott persona for feature films.

FUTURE: A-list - He’s bankable and likeable, the question is how many more roles in the future can possibly push him as far as Foxcatcher? I hate to say it’s this or nothing.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

The Imitation Game's Afoot!

2015-02-17T05:12:00.003-08:00

ACTOR REVIEW: Benedict Cumberbatch

That superb voice; slick and commanding alongside a unique look and towering height makes this Oscar nominee a character to be noticed… but is it all for show? Let’s take a look, shall we…

He began in the Regent’s Park; his tall authoritative presence making a name for him off the bat in a string of theatre productions. He even did a stint at the Old Vic (not to be confused with East Enders) and the Barbican Theatre. From his off-on romance with theatre was also work on TV, including his rendition of Steven Hawking (ironically fellow Brit Eddie Redmayne is up against him for a nomination as Hawking 11 years later).

When he landed the lead as Sherlock, let’s be frank and say he showed screen legend Robert Downey Jr. that Sherlock is and always will be British, playing with a confident air that catapulted him to stardom. Yup, you guessed it; Baftas on the shelf and he’s off to conquer Hollywood.

Aside from his stint with all the UK regulars in the yawn-fest that was Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, his first memorable role was in War Horse. A likeable enough character with enough stamina to hold what little screen time he was given, but still somewhat Cumberbatch like. Very Major British.

From here he went on to star in the easily discarded Wreckers and Girlfriend in a Coma, to finally give Hollywood the taste they craved the most; that voice. It first began with the Necromancer in Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey, then in the second film The Desolation of Smaug. Who could forget the incredibly articulate dragon Smaug? A role reprised in his short lived CGI moments in Part 3. Whenever Thorin Oakenshield spoke of greed and possession, Cumberbatch was dubbed over… and over… and over again… Yes. It was too much, Peter Jackson.

In between these flicks was Cumberbatch’s first real shot at action, playing the iconic and not so surprising Kahn in Star Trek Into Darkness. Though his presence was awesome to behold, you feel was Cumberbatch is involved in this project purely to hear himself speak. Drawn out dialogue of forewarnings and transgressions that has you peeking at your phone while he stares at you.

Now here’s a performance worth remembering; Twelve Years a Slave. Cumberbatch portrays a religious man running a plantation. The irony and confusion he sets for himself as a character torn between being a white plantation owner in New Orleans, and a heartfelt man of religion is a short but memorable moment for him on screen. Arguably his most ‘out of his comfort zone’ role to date, that I have to hail as his best performance.

Now, because Hollywood wants to hang out with him for a night, he’s been invited to the Academy Awards. A prestige he’s earned, mind you, but not for this bit of work: The Imitation Game.

Cumberbatch plays a mysterious character, Alan Turing, but his role feels like one we’ve seen from him time and again: Troubled British man who is a genius. Why the performance still remains decent, one can’t help but feel Keira Knightley steals the show completely, for once appearing more intelligent and calculating than benignly lovely as she usually does.

Going up against contenders like Michael Keaton (Birdman), Eddie Redmayne (Theory of Everything), and Steve Carell (Foxcatcher), you feel he hasn’t gone into as deep a journey for an emotional and full connection as these actors to truly compete with their performances.

End review; Benedict Cumberbatch is no-doubt fun to watch, and will continue to be, but it would be nice to see him step out of his comfort zone. That’s where the accolades of his future will lie.

PAST: D-List in theatre before landing a spot on Sherlock, accessing him to C-List.

PRESENT: A-List in blockbusters, leading man material and the actor most Americans want to work with or hang out with.

FUTURE: A-list with perhaps another nomination in his future.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Project Miles

2015-02-13T01:44:00.001-08:00

UP & COMING: Miles Teller

Miles is always hitting the teen mark with his off-beat on screen naturalism, but can it last? Find out here…

Let’s not start with his short films or TV work, let’s cut loose (sorry, couldn’t resist) and go straight to the remake Footloose. Miles is known for his musical inclination, and he was fortunate enough to land the role as sidekick (sorry again) Will Hewitt. Foot stomping? Not like the original, but not a bad place to start. It was from here that Miles ascended into the documentary-style Nourizadah pic ‘Project X.’ Ever escalating, non-stop, bizarre moment after bizarre moment, up to the end credits you feel his character (also named Miles) not only stole the show, but signed it off.

The Spectacular Now… this is a Sundance film that will get you recognised. An acclaimed performance as a kid who is just ‘Serious about not being serious’ as he drinks his way through high school. Not over-acted, not show-stealing, purely captivating is the right words to describe the chemistry between Miles and his co-star Shailene Woodley.

Pushing past his next few films; That Awkward Moment and pay-the-bills Divergent, we get Whiplash. What an epic of an independent film. Loud, banging, intensely focused. Damien Chazelle directs Miles to his strengths; moments of bold cockiness mixed in with insane drive. Though J.K. Simmons steals the show, you feel he wouldn’t have a show to steal without Miles present to counterattack his bullying. It’s the hallmark of a good actor. The final moments take a nod to all big musical build ups (even eclipsing Napoleon Dynamite’s Jamiroquai dance) and leave you wanting to stand and applaud, no matter where you are.

It's worth noting he has no nominations for Whiplash or The Spectacular Now... but it doesn't mean he's far off the mark.

With the new Fantastic Four and Divergent: Insurgent scheduled to come out, you can’t help but want to shake this young actor, and beg him not to sell out to the blockbuster commercialism, but it seems the next logical step his agent would make in this young man’s career.

End review; Miles Teller is going places, of course he is, but he may be caught in the Hollywood trap of commercial hits and superhero movies that can drag him into an empty award space. Don’t make Shia Labeouf’s mistakes, Miles, stick to what you are good at…

PAST: D-List in short films before making a break into film.

PRESENT: B-List with some big names and films under his belt; of which he was leading man.

FUTURE: A-list with lots of potential for a nomination.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Surprise! It's Marion!

2015-02-12T01:20:00.001-08:00

ACTRESS REVIEW: Marion Cotillard

Everyone calls her nomination for the 87th Academy Awards a ‘surprise.’ But is it, really? Let’s take a look at the French actress’s best and worst (are there?) performances to date.

Starting with her move to Hollywood, 2003, Marion landed a role in Burton’s Big Fish as the wife of non-believing son. The over-looked classic threw her name out there, landing her roles in non-commercial, often offbeat films.

While keeping her hands to the grindstone on French films inbetween her Hollywood roles, it was in 2006 she landed the female lead opposite Russell Crowe in A Good Year. Though Crowe’s performance was panned by critics, Marion was untouchable, and thus paved the way for her next major role, moving on to her first Academy win in the epic French film La Vie en Rose.

Perhaps the best known vocalist in French history, it was natural only Marion could pull off an epic Edith Piaf- so faultless it made Madonna’s Evita look like a sing-star contest. Yes, the girl has a set of lungs on her. Director Olivier Dahan commented that he had her in mind before even asking her to take the role as he felt “she had the same eyes.” From her performance it was obvious that it was more than just her eyes that resembled the icon; the slouch, the demeanour of a child raised in poverty. The subtleties and nuances set this actress apart, making her the first actress to win an Academy Award for a French speaking role.

This accolade was enough to set her up alongside the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis in Rob Marshall’s acclaimed Nine playing Luisa (even though she auditioned for Lili). Her role garnered her a Golden Globe nomination.

It’s her subtlety that she lays powerfully into her acting. Behind those big eyes are working thoughts not of an actress but of the character she portrays. It’s a talent enough to do it in one language, but you get the impression if you asked her do to it in Klingon she would be able to.

It was at this point she was in talks with visionary director Chris Nolan.

Inception, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, showed off her potential to star in blockbuster films. Though her role was short, her appearance was haunting and memorable. This was enough for him to consider her as Talia in The Dark Knight Rises. Subtle, innocent looking up to the final hour only to switch instantly, becoming some other animal that begged to be explored. Her acting comes across as overshadowed in Dark Knight Rises; and we are left with an “ok” feeling, rather an epic “wow, this was the big twist” ending.

Her varying acting roles are textbook for an actress looking to expand her portfolio; Public Enemies with Johnny Depp, Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris, and Soderbergh’s Contagion. Critics can’t touch her performances, in fact any faults in all her films seem to point everywhere else but at her. Her acting is flawless and professional.

Now she is doing the same in the "you wouldn't have seen it unless someone told you" Two days, One Night. Commanding attention in her bilingual manner. At first glance, the cover of this film is one you would overlook in NetFlix, but the film itself could not be further from that. It's a powerful art movie with enough message and symbolism to satisfy any movie goer.

End review; why is she nominated? Come on… There is no surprise here.

Final Review on Marion Cotillard:

PAST: A-List in French movies, on to B-list in English movies

PRESENT: A-List in blockbusters, leading lady material.

FUTURE: A-list with more nominations in her future. Perhaps not a second Oscar win this time around, but it’s worth mentioning she will be tough to beat.

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

The Fault in Divergent Stars

2015-02-10T02:16:00.001-08:00

UP & COMING: Shailene Woodley

Today’s UP & COMING is a young actress that I know we will be seeing more of; the young scene-stealer Shailene Woodley.

Her introduction in front of the camera comes from various TV dramas; The District, Without a Trace, TV teen classic ‘The O.C.’ and many made for TV movies, but in 2011 she landed the role as George Clooney’s daughter in ‘The Descendants.’

With her troubled teen act, antagonist turning protagonist in The Descendants, it was obvious this young girl had talent, following the subtle acting techniques that have made Jennifer Lawrence an acclaimed A-list star.

Then came ‘The Spectacular Now’ - Shailene’s performance once again touching nerves of tweens that are considered “ever present.” The intelligence with which she delivers her material belies her young years in film acting. She has a presence that’s tangible.

Thereafter came the shout back to Hunger Games’s female heroine with the adapted series of ‘The Divergent.’ Like previous Lawrence fans, teen film goers are having their “Girl Crush” cake and eating it too with Shailene’s playful nature. Though her Divergent performance as Tris seemed flat and unfocused, one can’t knock the potential for further exploration into her character, or talk down the fact it has more going for it than the Twilight Saga.

Off the bat though comes this gem of a performance; The Fault in Our Stars.

The irony is- there is no fault in these stars... in terms of performance anyway. No make-up, no obligatory shots of her in a bikini to drag in teen lads - this is a heart tugging drama that is acclaimed and money making without all the icing that most teen films force you to swallow. There is no buff naked werewolves running around in the rain here, only honest performances that make you fall in love with a character’s soul. How Shailene, or Ansel Elgort, were overlooked for any consideration for an Oscar nod is purely down to their years and not their abilities. We’ve seen actors half as good walk away with ten times more acclaim.

Watch out for her next films - the rest of the Divergent series and no doubt more book adaptions that need an actor that displays heart and soul. She’s got the legs to go all the way to Oscars someday.

My final review on Shailene Woodley:

PAST: D-List (bit parts in TV shows and TV movies)

PRESENT: B-List

FUTURE: A-List before the release of the third Divergent film, as long as her agent keeps a keen eye on future drama rolls.

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com

Birdman vs Batman

2015-02-08T14:51:00.004-08:00

ACTOR REVIEW: MICHAEL KEATON

Michael Keaton is up for the Oscar title for his latest work - the Alejandro G. Iñárritu masterpiece that has smashed critics harder than a Bruckheimer blockbuster. The criticism isn't based on the picture itself, however, but the dramatic irony that the male lead is portrayed by an actor with a past that mirrors the main protagonist.

When Michael Keaton was asked if he was attracted to the role because of the vague similarity, or found anything in common with the aging actor struggling to get one last crack at glory he replied "I’ve never related less to a character. That’s lazy and cliche. It’s not me at all."

So, being an avid Michael Keaton fan, I decided to push his statement.

What makes Michael Keaton worthy of an Academy Award?

Like most acclaimed actors, he began his career in comedies and television. It was his performances in Night Shift & Mr Mom (how many people have actually seen these movies and recalled?), but nonetheless the acclaimed performances caught the eye of an up-and-coming director Tim Burton.

From here came the iconic Beetlejuice. How Keaton was overlooked for a nomination in any sphere (globes, oscars) begs the question; what's Hollywood's problem with Keaton?

The man was no stranger to the silver screen or rubbing shoulders (literally in terms of his lovelife) with the 'then' A-list.

Keaton was pre-panned when Burton announced the leap of making Keaton Batman, but let's face it, his performance paved the way for Bale. His epic decision of turning down Batman 3 left a sour taste in Warner Bros's mouth, but who could blame him? Joel Schumacher's lack of integrity had him bowing to whatever production company wished. Burton knew the material to be dark, and the leading man needed to be multi-layered. Schumacher was not a 'dark' material kind of guy. But let's look at Keaton's performance from then on; his A-list status was in jeopardy for not crawling to blockbuster needs.

Keaton as Bruce Wayne; goofy, witty, suave in a disassociated kind of way. But the transformation was epic. You wouldn't believe that Batman and Bruce Wayne were the same person. It was a class A performance that Kilmer and Clooney couldn't pull off with Schumacher's material.

As quick as he glided into theaters, Keaton and Burton didn't return, or set sights on other projects together.

Not one to be type-casted, Keaton sought out to mix roles; playing the villian (desperate measures), a politically inclined romantic (Speechless), a father with a limited timeframe (My Life)... the list is long and diverse.

Let's look at Multiplicity; not only is Keaton still showing off his natural knack for comedy, but how many layers he has in this genre. Intelligent, slapstick, wise-cracking... it was a joy to behold and a world class performance.

Jackie Brown; a Tarantino masterpiece that seemed the most overlooked when compared to his earlier work. There's no doubting that Keaton has a presence. There's no over-acting. There's no lime-light theft going on. He get's his job done with a simplicity that is hardly commended.

We can talk about every film, about how he almost landed the lead in the acclaimed LOST, and let's face it - he would have owned that show - but instead he kept to an area he felt comfortable. Movies is where Michael Keaton belongs, and Birdman is the reason why; he pulls away from himself, the man I mentioned previously. He isn't A-list actor turned D-list looking to be A-list again. Keaton was always A-list. In Birdman though, he does just that. You believe he went on this journey of stripping himself bare for one last shot of fame and infamy. It was uncomfortable to watch, how the actor's ego is so desperate for this that he doesn't care that he's running around New York in his underwear.

It beats every contender for the 87th Academy Awards, his only real competition being the young hopeful Eddie Redmayne, but in this case I'm confident that the Academy has forgiven and forgotten Keaton's turning away on their money-making franchises. With his journey to this point, they will look at not just this performance, but reward him for his commitment to his art.

My final review on Michael Keaton:
PAST: A-list, on the fringe of B-List
PRESENT: A-list
FUTURE: Heading for Oscar status

- James K. B. Brough

check out my books at www.jamesbrough.com