Expectations were high for the release of the much
anticipated Gone Girl directed by David Fincher. The film closely follows the
#1 New York Times Bestseller book by Gillian Flynn. The film has an intriguing
dark edge, however the plot is sporadic and often unbelievable.
Nick become the focus of the media when his wife Amy
goes missing, with Nick the prime suspect for his murder. The twists and turns
of the plot are vague or implausible. For example, it was unclear to me why
Amy, apparently a sociopath, abandons her intricate plan to frame Nick for her
death, commit suicide and then adamantly returns to her despised husband.
I have trouble understanding all the claims that this
film conveys underlying messages prompting feminism and portraying a modern
marriage. While I can appreciate the cinematic techniques, the film appears to
me to be largely overrated.
(Image via Universal Pictures, found at TMV Tours)
Boyhood has received nothing by praise and exultation
from many movie critics. The New York Times referred to it as ‘one of the most
extraordinary movies of the 21st century’, while Film Comment labeled it
‘wondrous’. Unfortunately, I did not agree, earning Boyhood a place on the list
of overrated films.
(Image via Universal Pictures, found at The Guardian)
Boyhood was filmed, written and directed over the
course of twelve years by Richard Linklater. The film uses the same actors and
watches as Mason literally grows up from a child of 6 to a young man of 18. Starring
Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents, and Lorelei Linklater as
his sister Samantha, Boyhood captures the struggles of growing up and
parenting.
I didn't entirely hate Boyhood. It does nostalgically
capture the moments of childhood and adolescence incorporating important scenes
of family relationships, milestones, school and work. However, I thought it was
at best, an average film with a production technique more interesting than the
actual film.
(Image via Universal Pictures, found at Forbes.com)
