Although suffering from an abhorrent, regurgitated screenplay, "Transcendence" proves to be a well-directed film about issues related to consciousness. While difficult to enjoy as the exchanges of ideas collides loudly and sometimes discordantly with the drama and action on screen, this film concludes with a profound and mature statement on the nature of "artificial" intelligence and consciousness without the pomp of a scholar and instead the sophistication of a good storyteller, as Wally Pfister proves with this work. Tasteful performances by Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman, and Kate Mara.
Succinctly written and shot with finesse, "Edge of Tomorrow" is a delightful sci-fi action film with an intriguing narrative. Precise performances from Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt lift this film as a discussion of characters as much as ethics and morality. Among a mode of existential sci-fi action films in recent years, "Edge of Tomorrow" stands far ahead of its lot.
This charming and traumatic memoir on everything that went into making "Mary Poppins" as a novel and film, really, has little to do with the Disney legacy. Instead, "Saving Mr. Banks" is a profound yet at times melodramatic reflection on art-making and the art-maker. With exact performances by Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, B. J. Novak, and Jason Schwartzman, this film is deceptive in its success as a lesson in wisdom, integrity, artistry, and psychology.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut is one worth celebrating as "Don Jon" proves to be a thoughtful meditation on how popular ideas, expectations, and values about sex, love, and eroticism are primed by fantastic pleasures. With impressive performances by the entire cast, this film is thoroughly entertaining and fun while being thoughtful, wise, and aesthetically mercurial with Gordon-Levitt behind the lens.
"Delhi Belly" masquerades as a genius and intense comedy while being a transcendental work that honestly depicts young and rising India. Ruthlessly funny, beautifully shot, and wonderfully performed, this film is delightful. One of the best comedies in the last two decades of any cinematic industry.
