2014 Oscar Preview: November Releases

With September and October in the books, friend and co-writer Greg Rouleau (Reel True) dissects the most Oscar-worthy titles coming to the big screen in November. And if all goes according to plan, November could give us plenty of films to be thankful for.

Interstellar

Release Date: November 7th, 2014

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain

The Scoop: The latest trailer for Christopher Nolan’s latest feature finally revealed some of the spectacle behind the sci-fi blockbuster, as well as a touching look at the emotion behind the plot which, at its core, is a story of a father and daughter.  Matthew McConaughey - who could take home an Emmy in the same year in which he won an Oscar, by the time Interstellar hits theaters – leads this fine ensemble.  Some technical nominations should be a given, but the big question is whether or not it’ll get Nolan that elusive first Best Director nomination.  If reception is strong, it could be a big player in the top categories.

Potential Nominations: Best Picture and Director are possibilities, along with Cinematography, Score, Visual Effects and Sound

Rosewater

Release Date: November 7th, 2014

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal

The Scoop: Little is known about Rosewater at this time, other than Jon Stewart was moved enough by the story to take a hiatus from his duties behind the desk at the Daily Show last summer in order to direct the political thriller.  The only available description of the plot states it’s about a journalist who is detained and tortured in an Iranian prison for 100 days.  It’ll be very interesting to see how the typically comedic Stewart handles such a serious subject matter.  Gael Garcia Bernal tackles the starring role of the journalist, and Oscar nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo is also on board.  The film will debut at the Toronto Film Festival this September with a November release date for the US. 

Potential Nominations: If the dramatics are just right, Best Picture and Director have an outside chance of being in the cards.

Foxcatcher

Release Date: November 14th, 2014

Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo

The Scoop: The long-awaited third feature from Bennett Miller will finally hit US theaters in November after being pushed out of the 2013 calendar to allow Miller time to perfect the final product.  It debuted at Cannes earlier this year, where it received rave reviews as well as the Best Director prize.   Early word has it pegged as a showcase for some revelatory performances including typical funnyman, Steve Carell, playing the dark, twisted Jon du Pont, and superstar on the rise, Channing Tatum, who could make everyone a believer - if he hasn’t yet, with his dedicated turn as Mark Schultz.

Potential Nominations: It's reasonable to expect nods in the Best Picture, Director, Actor (Carell and Tatum), Supporting Actor (Ruffalo), Screenplay and even Editing

The Imitation Game

Release Date: November 21st, 2014

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley

The Scoop: Biopics can be a tricky game.  While a subject may seem fascinating on paper, it doesn’t always translate to the big screen.  Take for instance, last year’s The Fifth Estate, which was DOA after some early negative critical reception.  The star of that film, Benedict Cumberbatch, returns to the biography genre again this year in The Imitation Game, which chronicles the life of British mathematician and codebreaker, Alan Turing during World War II. 

Potential Nominations: While I reserve some skepticism, Best Picture and Director are within question and the most possible recognition will be for Cumberbatch (Best Actor). Knightley also has an outside chance in the Supporting Actress race

Fury

Release Date: November 14th, 2014

Starring: Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman and Shia LaBeouf

The Scoop: It seems World War II is a popular setting for the fall movie season.  One of the major war films to keep an eye on is David Ayer’s Fury.  Brad Pitt plays Wardaddy, the leader of a young crew, which includes Shia LaBeouf and Logan Lerman, that he must lead behind enemy lines with their Sherman Tank, Fury.  Ayer, the director of End of Watch, has displayed a deft hand at directing action and violence and he could find himself as a dark horse in the Best Director category.  Brad Pitt and Logan Lerman look to be the ones in the conversation for acting nominations. 

Potential Nominations: Fury appears to hold a strong chance in the Best Picture, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing and Sound categories, while the acting races are a more distant possibility. 

A Most Violent Year

Release Date: November 18th, 2014

Starring: Oscar Issac, Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo

The Scoop: JC Chandor is certainly a director to keep an eye on.  His first feature, Margin Call, earned him an original screenplay Oscar nomination and his sophomore effort, All is Lost, received rave reviews, despite only earning one sound Oscar nomination.  The one-man show with Robert Redford proved that Chandor has some serious skill behind the camera and for his next project he’s lined up some impressive talent once again.  Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain star as an immigrant couple attempting to navigate the chaotic world of 1981 New York City, which is statistically one of the most violent years on record.  There’s a chance the film could be pushed back to 2015, however, as there’s still been no trailer or press releases yet.  With Telluride and the AFI festival still looming it could possibly snag a spot at one of those, but if not, we can definitely put this in the Oscar contenders for next year.

Potential Nominations: The film has a chance in almost every major category if it makes it out in 2014. Best Picture, Director, Actor (Issac), Supporting Actress (Chastain) and Original Screenplay seem feasible

*** Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at December's potential Oscar releases

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2014 Oscar Preview: October Releases

Yesterday, I took a look at the best possible Oscar contenders arriving to theatres in September. Now, I'm going to shift gears to the month of October. With a much stronger crop of titles in play, you can expect to hear a few of these names called at the Academy Awards. Let's take a look at the most notable films slated for an October release.

Gone Girl

Release Date: October 3rd, 2014

Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike and Carrie Coon

The Scoop: One of the most anticipated releases of the year, David Fincher's Gone Girl, hits theatres early enough to set the bar for this year's awards season. While contemporary wisdom has most Oscar-caliber features holding off until December, this adapted mystery is displaying an aura of confidence. Affleck stars as Nick Dunne, a husband who becomes the lead suspect in his wife's disappearance and is forced to face the court of public opinion. Fincher's one of the best filmmakers in Hollywood and the early trailers have looked fantastic. 

Potential Nominations: The possibilities are endless for Gone Girl. It wouldn't be far-fetched to expect Oscar love for Affleck (Best Actor), Rosamund Pike (Best Actress), as well as recognition in the Best Picture, Best Director and Adapted Screenplay categories.

Whiplash

Release Date: October 10th, 2014

Starring: Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons

The Scoop: The two most-raved about films out of this year's Sundance class were Richard Linklater's groundbreaking coming-of-age film, Boyhood, and the Grand Jury Prize Winner, Whiplash (full review here). Damien Chazzelle's gut-wrenching tale of a young music-school drummer (Miles Teller) who develops an obsession with greatness as a result of his instructor's (J.K. Simmons) demanding psyche is both gripping and intense. Transforming a story about Jazz drumming into a well-crafted character study is an impressive feat, thanks largely in part to a pair of amazing actors.

Possible Nominations: While Whiplash doesn't carry the prototypical Oscar bravado, J.K. Simmons (Supporting Actor) is truly remarkable and I sense an outside chance at an Original Screenplay Nomination.

Birdman

Release Date: October 17th, 2014

Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and Emma Stone

The Scoop: Definitely a little unorthodox, Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu's dark comedy, Birdman, has become a popular Best Picture prediction from many insiders. Michael Keaton stars as Riggan Thomson, a once-famous actor forced to overcome his ego and family issues in order to put on a Broadway play that will resurrect his career. The cast is crowded with A-list performers and Innaritu has certainly impressed the Academy many times before, making Birdman a legitimate Oscar contender.

Potential Nominations: It's feasible that Michael Keaton (Best Actor) and Edward Norton (Supporting Actor) earn triumphant returns to the final five, as well as Nominations for Best Picture, Director and Original Screenplay.

Kill the Messenger

Release Date: October 10th, 2014

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Michael Sheen and Mary Elizabeth Winstead

The Scoop: One of the more interesting titles set for release in October is Michael Cuesta's Kill the Messenger which tells the real life story of investigative journalist Gary Webb. In the mid-90s Webb (played by Renner) wrote a three part series for the San Jose Mercury News alleging that the Reagan administration and the CIA were aware of a Nicaraguan crack-cocaine smuggling ring that fueled a wide-spread drug epidemic throughout the United States during the 1980s. But it's the government's retaliation to Webb's fierce journalism that would forever taint his legacy and destroy his life. 

Potential Nominations: If Kill the Messenger can pull it off, there's a chance it could be a major player during awards season (Best Picture, Director, Actor - Renner). But it's safest bet, either way, is a final spot in the Best Adapted Screenplay race.

The Judge

Release Date: October 10th, 2014

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall and Vera Farmiga

The Scoop: David Dobkin is best-known for directing the 2005 comedy sensation, Wedding Crashers. Yet, this year he throws his hat in the proverbial Oscar-ring and attempts to stand toe-to-toe with many big-named contenders. His latest work, The Judge, follows a big-shot city lawyer named Hank Palmer who returns to his small town home after his mother passes away. While there, he discovers that his father (Robert Duvall), a retired local judge whom he hasn't spoken to in years, has become the center of a hit-and-run murder investigation. Dobkin hopes his courtroom backdrop to a bigger and more emotional father-son story will be his "golden ticket" the the Academy Awards.

Potential Nominations: If everything clicks with critics and audiences, The Judge has a high ceiling that could score a number of Oscar nods in the major categories (Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay). However, it's the performances from Robert Downey Jr. (Best Actor) and Robert Duvall (Supporting Actor) that have the best chance at recognition.

St. Vincent

Release Date: October 24th, 2014

Starring: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts

The Scoop: The major motion picture debut from writer/director Theodore Melfi, St. Vincent, has become a dark horse comedy-centered contender in this year's awards season discussion. After the divorce of his parents, Oliver and his mother (Melissa McCarthy) move in next door to a miserable old curmudgeon named Vincent (Bill Murray). Desperate for money, Vincent agrees to help the struggling single mother by watching Oliver after school every day for a nominal fee. She agrees and the grumpy old war veteran forms an unlikely bond with the young boy. I'd expect plenty of laughs from St. Vincent, but if the dramatics can resonate with moviegoers, the possibilities could be endless. 

Potential Nominations: Bill Murray (Best Actor) is still waiting on his first Oscar win and maybe this is the role to finally get him there.

*** Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at November's potential Oscar releases

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2014 Oscar Preview: September Releases

As we all know, the brunt of awards season releases are more likely to reach the big screen in November, December and sometimes even January (damn you qualifying releases!). However, the months of September and October tend to boast a few powerhouse contenders of there own. I'll be spending the next four days examining the most-likely films to make a splash on the road to the Oscars. Here's look at the potential Oscar-caliber releases arriving in theatres this September.

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby

Release Date: September 12th, 2014

Starring: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Viola Davis

The Scoop: Ned Benson's collection of three films, the Him, Her and Them versions, have separately  played the festival circuit at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and this year's Cannes Festival. The Them version, which is expected to be a formidable Oscar contender in the fall, tells the story of a couple desperate to recapture the love they once knew. It blends together pieces of the Him and Her versions which each tell the story of the couple's relationship from separate points of view. 

Potential Nominations: Jessica Chastain is always a name thrown around the Best Actress category.

The Equalizer

Release Date: September 26th, 2014

Starring: Denzel Washington and Chloe Grace Moretz

The Scoop: From the collaborative team that delivered 2001's Training Day, which landed Denzel Washington a Best Actor statue at the Oscars, director Antoine Fuqua returns with The Equalizer. Washington stars as a former black ops commando who fakes his own death to escape the service and live a normal life. However, when a robbery at his work and the abuse of a young girl he's befriended (Moretz) force him to come out of retirement, he finds himself pitted against the Russian mafia. 

Potential Nominations: While The Equalizer feels like one of September's long-shots at an Oscar run, history says you can never overlook the Denzel Washington/Antoine Fuqua combo.

The Skeleton Twins

Release Date: September 29th, 2014

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and Luke Wilson

The Scoop: Fresh out of this year's Sundance class, The Skeleton Twins marks a smooth transition from comedy to drama for its leading co-stars, Saturday Night Live alum Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. The pair star as estranged twins who reconnect after an unfortunate event, and the reunion prompts them to examine the current state of their lives. I was very impressed with The Skeleton Twins at Sundance and you can read my full review here.

Potential Nominations: While it proves difficult for comedy actors to score an Oscar Nomination with their first dramatic go-around, The Skeleton Twins will find its best chance at recognition coming in the Best Original Screenplay race.

Dark Places

Release Date: September 1st, 2014

Starring: Charlize Theron and Chloe Grace Moretz

The Scoop: Although little is known concerning the upcoming fall release, Dark Places, this adapted film has prognosticators anxious enough to warrant a mention. The mystery-thriller follows a woman who survived the brutal murder of her family as a child as is forced to relive the harrowing events of that day by a secret society fixed on solving the crime. I'd expect a trailer to be released fairly soon so we can finally catch a glimpse into this wild-card feature.

Potential Nominations: Charlize Theron is a perennial Best Actress contender for just about any role she takes on, so keep an eye out for her.

The Drop

Release Date: September 12th, 2014

Starring: Tom Hardy, James Gandolfini and Noomi Rapace

The Scoop: Everyone's aware of the terrible loss last year when James Gandolfini unexpectedly passed away. Michael R. Roskam's upcoming crime-drama marks the final performance from Gandolfini as he and Hardy star as a bar owner and bartender, respectively, who collect financial drop-offs for local gangsters. Yet, when the bar is robbed and the criminals demand the "real" money, the pair of cousins find themselves caught in the middle of a serious situation that puts their lives at risk.

Potential Nominations: Despite high hopes, the only realistic chance at a nomination comes in the form of a posthumous Supporting Actor nod to Gandolfini for a lifetime of achievements.

This is Where I Leave You

Release Date: September 19th, 2014

Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Jane Fonda

The Scoop: Much like her SNL counterparts mentioned above, Tina Fey continues her pursuit of a reputation as a legitimate actress. In Shawn Levy's comedy, This is Where I Leave You, Fey and Jason Bateman star as two of many siblings who reunite after the passing of their father, only to discover from their mother (Jane Fonda) that their dad's final wish was for the whole family to spend a whole week together living under the same roof. 

Potential Nominations: While Fey and Bateman seem unlikely to get recognized, an old veteran such as Jane Fonda could find her way to a Best Supporting Actress nomination.

*** Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at October's potential Oscar releases.

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Rapid Reviews: Get on Up and Wish I Was Here

*** Guest Review Courtesy of Greg Rouleau

This all seems very familiar.  That’s the impression we’re bound to get by the end of the James Brown biopic, Get On Up.  It’s another in the long line of musician biographies on film, this time tackled by The Help director Tate Taylor.  The Help featured an innocuous but heartfelt story of racism and civil rights in Mississippi during the 1960s.  In Get On Up we start back in roughly the same time period in Georgia.  Chadwick Boseman, who recently portrayed other famed African-American, Jackie Robinson in 42, plays the Godfather of Soul.

Boseman, who was rather underwhelming as Robinson, really impresses with his turn as Brown.  He’ll almost certainly, at the very least, be in the conversation for Best Actor at the conclusion of the year.  It’s unfortunate, however, the rest of the film can’t match the spark of his performance.   Taylor employs every biopic trope that even the audience can imagine each one being crossed off the figurative checklist.  From the rags to riches arc, the chance meeting that leads to a big break, marital and band issues as the result of an inflated ego and/or drug abuse, we’ve certainly been down this road before.

It’s understandable that we’re covering a mostly true story of a real-life figure, but perhaps more of a light should’ve been shined on the years where Brown made his mark.  It’s not all for naught, though.  The childhood years give us some decent albeit brief performances by The Help alum, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.  Nelsan Ellis is also a welcome addition on screen as Bobby Byrd.  Taylor attempts to keep up the pace by frequently switching between time periods, but few scenes seem to have a chance to really stand out.  Despite the formulaic story, the musical pieces are certainly enjoyable and that’s a credit to Boseman whose enthusiasm for this character is quite infectious.  At 138 minutes, though, I imagine those that aren’t enamored with the music of Mr. Brown may be squirming for a final number.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+ 




*** Guest Review Courtesy of Greg Rouleau

Much has been made over Zach Braff’s controversial Kickstarter campaign from last year.   As a huge fan of Braff’s directorial debut, Garden State, no complaints we’re made on this end, especially since it’s been ten years since Garden State was released.  It’s almost difficult to believe that much time has passed in between projects.  That, and the fact the audience funded much of this film, certainly increased expectations for the actor’s sophomore effort.

Wish I Was Here stars Braff as Aiden Bloom, a thirty something year old that discovers his father’s dying and won’t be able to pay for his grandchildren’s expensive private school anymore.  Aiden, with the help of his breadwinning wife, Sarah, played by Kate Hudson, attempts to home school the little ones and an adventure ensues.  The movie debuted at Sundance earlier this year and was met with lukewarm reception.  It’s hard to argue that Wish I Was Here isn’t a bit of a disappointment but it certainly isn’t one to avoid. 

Much like Garden State the soundtrack is a shining star here.  Even though that serves as a crutch for some potentially weak storytelling, Braff certainly knows his fair share of solid indie tunes.  We can also be thankful that Braff was able to get the likes of Mandy Patinkin and Hudson on board, as they deliver the best performances by far.  There’s a little too much pondering the wonders and tragedies of life, some of which doesn’t seem to lead anywhere.  The film also works better when it’s trying to be funny rather than when the emotion gets dialed up, which is frequently in the final act.  Even though it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s difficult not to admire the passion that Braff so evidently poured into the writing and directing of Wish I Was Here. 


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-

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Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (Red Band) and Whiplash

As Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez's long-awaited sequel, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, creeps closer to its late-August release date, new Red Band footage of the film has been delivered to the masses. Boasting a cast filled with A-listers such as Bruce Willis, Josh Brolin, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the return to one of cinema's most wicked towns is as anticipated as ever. Check out the R-rated trailer for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For below.





One of the most well-received films out of this year's Sundance class was the Grand Jury Prize Winner, Whiplash. Director Damien Chazelle's captivating tale of a music school Jazz drummer (played by Miles Teller) who develops an obsession with greatness thanks to his instructor's (J.K. Simmons) highly demanding personality. Whiplash is an impressive debut feature that successfully transforms Jazz drumming into an engaging backdrop to a much larger story. You'll definitely want to catch the trailer for this indie sensation below.

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Rapid Reviews: Begin Again and The Purge: Anarchy

Slowly expanding its way through screens across the country this month is John Carney's Begin Again. While many moviegoers will recall the title thanks to its biggest mainstream identifier, the film acting debut of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, I was eager to catch the movie because of a lead pairing that features Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley. Both performers starred separately in my two favorite films from this year's Sundance class, Infinitely Polar Bear and Laggies, and the idea of a collaborative effort immediately sparked my interest.

There's certainly a magic surrounding Begin Again, a tale of a deadbeat alcoholic father (Ruffalo) who loses his job as a music executive and haphazardly discovers a promising young talent (Knightley) while drinking his sorrows away at the bar. How he envisions her simple acoustic song transformed to new heights by a full accompaniment of instruments is a memorable scene and one that truly captures the essence of the film. Each and every musical arrangement serves as a stepping stone from beginning to end and help keep afloat an otherwise mediocre affair.

Begin Again harbors many weak plot lines and a character arc that doesn't feel 100% authentic for Ruffalo. High on aesthetics and low on substance, there are plenty of ups and downs surrounding the movie. However, valiant performances from the collective cast, which also features Hallee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Catherine Keener (The 40 Year-Old Virgin), and a hearty amount of fantastic musical performances help elevate Begin Again above the norm.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-




I typically get worked up for horror releases only to be let down by what transpires on screen. It's proven to be quite difficult capturing an effective scary movie nowadays. One of the most anticipated releases in recent memory was 2013's The Purge and, more so than usual, I was extremely disappointed in the final product. Yet, one feeling I remember having was that the premise was so intriguing, I would happily give future installments a fair shake at making the idea work.

New to theatres is the franchise's second go-around, The Purge: Anarchy. Undoubtedly a mighty improvement over its predecessor, the sequel takes the clever idea surrounding a futuristic American society where all crime is legal for one 12-hour period a year and sets it free. While the origin story is set entirely in a house during the annual purge, this latest effort takes moviegoers to the beastly streets where surviving the night seems very unlikely.

Interconnecting 3 stories of civilians on this stressful evening, most of whom want nothing to do with the holiday, it's Warrior's Frank Grillo who steals the show. The fast-rising actor adds a surprisingly effective action-hero element to this crazed horror tale. While Grillo's character takes to the mean streets to seek vengeance, he has a moment of sympathy for these helpless survivors and becomes their guardian angel with a machine gun. Although I still believe the franchise needs to wander away from the overly-referenced socio-economic subplots, as well as the whole guerrilla-style group who rivals the government, The Purge: Anarchy solidifies itself as a step in the right direction for the franchise. The well-conceived premise will always leave room for expansive creativity and it appears as though writer/director James DeMonaco finally recognizes that character-driven stories are the way to go.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+

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Fifty Shades of Grey and Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (Red Band) Trailers

Women everywhere can finally rejoice as the best-selling novel from E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey, has officially released a trailer for director Sam Taylor-Johnson's (Nowhere Boy) 2015 big-screen adaptation. Relatively unknown stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan tackle the roles of naive literature student, Anastasia Steele, and billionaire, Christian Grey, who develop a wild sexual relationship after a friendly interview together. Fans of the novel can check out the first look into Fifty Shades of Grey below.





Christmas brings an extra gift this year for fans of the 2010 wacky time-travel film, Hot Tub Time Machine, as its sequel is scheduled to reach theatres. Although John Cusack has bailed on the franchise, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson and Clark Duke all reprise their roles, except this time they've been sent far into the future. While the original had its fair share of hilarious moments, we'll all have to take the wait-and-see approach with this slightly over-reaching follow-up feature. You can catch the official Red Band trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine 2 below.

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Boyhood

Film: Boyhood

Starring: Ellar Coltrane and Ethan Hawke (Training Day)

Director: Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused)

U.S. Release: July 11th, 2014 (Limited - Rated R)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 164 minutes


By now most people have heard the rumblings about Richard Linklater's spectacular new film, Boyhood. There's very little I can add to the warranted praises that have flooded radio airwaves and internet websites. Truth be told, Boyhood is a magnificent cinematic feat that required vision and collective patience from its director, cast and crew. And I'm sure almost everyone involved would agree on one simple fact, it was certainly worth the wait.

Boyhood follows its lead character, Mason (played by an evolving Ellar Coltrane), from the ages of 5 to 18 where life experiences uniquely shape his world views. Mason travels around with his mother and older sister from town to town as the matriarch struggles to provide the quintessential family environment for her children. Filmed masterfully in bits and pieces over the course of 12 lingering years, the movie gives a once-in-a-lifetime perspective into a boy's transition through adolescence.

It's difficult to put into words the culminating experience of witnessing a masterpiece such as Boyhood. An unbreakable bond is established immediately as we watch Ellar Coltrane grow before our very eyes. The ride is both a mirror of our own personal ventures into adulthood as well as a reminder that all of us must set an individual path. Be assured that Mason has his own story, filled with complexities and obstacles that continually mold him into the spirited young man we see just before the credits start to roll. Even after a long-winded and nearly three hour endeavor, it's painful to accept a finale. It almost feels as though any ending would be unjust because, like with our own lives, the story presses on.

Despite the brilliance and handling of Linklater's undeniable instant classic, there were a few small hiccups existing throughout. For starters, Boyhood isn't compromised of many lasting moments like other coming-of-age gems such as Stand By Me and The Sandlot. Instead, the feature serves as a premier example of an instance where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, an overlooked facet that echoes the greatness of Linklater's achievement. But still, a couple more iconic scenes would have been preferred. Also, throughout a relatively well-paced 164 minute marathon to the finish line, Boyhood unravels with the occasional lull. However, a truly engaging and transformative journey eases the audience past all of the brief uninspiring moments.

Trust me, until you do, you've never seen anything like Richard Linklater's Boyhood. Perhaps more monumental in scope and execution than in substance and flavor, the result is still the same, an impressive feature that breeds innovation and personal connection. Boyhood is one of the year's finest films and something everyone deserves to witness.


Stars: 3 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: A-

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