It's Sunday and what a great week it's been!

Let's get to this week's Picks and Flicks!



29 Photos That Prove “Breaking Bad” Had The Greatest Cinematography (BuzzFeed): Seriously, the cinematography was always one of my favorite parts of the show. So stunning.


Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg's Awkward Interview (Funny or Die): Kristen and Jesse mocking the gender inconsistencies in interviewing is everything. I love it so much that they were both down for this sketch and that they committed to it.


By The Sea trailer
So many tears and dramatic body poses that I am so in for this! This film should be subtitled 'Heartbreak.'


Taylor Swift Has Perfect Advice For Anyone Who’s Ever Doubted Their Worth (BuzzFeed): Taylor giving advice to fans on Tumblr is one of my favorite things. This time it's something that everyone needs to check out.


The Cast of Fantastic Four Plays “Would You Rather” (Collider News): This is such a fun interview with a really great cast. Say what you want about Fantastic Four, but I thought that the film was entertaining to say the least. Check out my review here!


Deadpool red band trailer
                                Graphic in so many ways and I. Am. Ready.


19 Fucking Things Only Women Who Love Swearing Will Understand (BuzzFeed): This is my day-to-day life. I feel the majority of these on a spiritual fucking level.


The Last Witch Hunter trailer (Collider News): Vin Diesel's been talking about this project for years now, so I've always been curious about it. I want to dive into the film's mythology and yeah, it may be scary, but damn if it isn't interesting.



Tune in next week for more Picks and Flicks!

Katherine

American Ultra Breaking Bad By The Sea Deadpool Jesse Eisenberg Kristen Stewart Picks and Flicks Taylor Swift The Fantastic Four The Last Witch Hunter

11:12 PM

So, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who actually enjoyed Fantastic Four...and that is okay.

I've been looking forward to this film since the castings were announced. Take a look at this stellar talented core cast: Kate Mara as Sue Storm (phenomenal in House of Cards and American Horror Story), Miles Teller as Reed Richards (top-notch in Whiplash and heartbreakingly authentic in The Spectacular Now), Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm (still can't talk about Fruitvale Station without crying and, of course, Friday Night Lights), Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm (I know him mostly from the under-seen action/sci-fi Jumper and his role in Snowpiercer), and Toby Kebbell as Victor Von Doom (who I wasn't previously familiar with, but now want to see more of).

It makes sense why the cast is one of the best parts of the film. From the subtle looks to the banter, you can tell that they really gel together well. Introducing the film with the core Reed and Ben friendship was such a crucial segment and it really worked smoothly in transitioning between the different time sections at the start. Plus, Reed and Ben as kids is just about the cutest thing ever. Sue and Reed's friendship is so sweet and you can read into there being something more there without it ever overshadowing the storyline at hand. They're playful friends and first-and-foremost scientists. Plus, Johnny and Reed's friendship makes me smile. From the almost-fist-bump to the smile and hug after their reunion later in the film, they connect on such a level that isn't expected based on their personalities alone.

The small moments are fantastic in this film. When Ben forgets to bring the toy car to the science fair. When Reed thanks the security guard by name at the Baxter Institute. Victor calling Sue 'Susan.' These moments give such deep insight into these characters without having to say much at all. I want to see the director's cut so, so badly. Even just seeing all of the countless scenes and shots in the trailers and other promotional footage that actually didn't make it into the film makes me wonder about all of the small scenes that are left on the cutting room floor.

It seems that too much was edited out, because the film feels disjointed. The first two-thirds is a clear, grounded, character-driven sci-fi film and the last third is a huge special effects spectacular. I definitely didn't hate the last third, but it certainly felt like it was from a different film. How could there be such a dramatic shift to the literal complete opposite of it being grounded? Going from the understated majority with only two scenes with overt special effects to the completely foreign, it doesn't read true to the heart of the first parts of the film and that makes me sad. Because the majority of the film is so good.

So maybe Fantastic Four didn't live up to your expectations. Maybe the drama surrounding the production or even the promotional tour clouded your judgment. Maybe you just didn't like it for a variety of reasons. That is okay. While there are negatives in this film for me (like the underutilized cast and how the script could've been taken up a few notches), I choose not to focus on those aspects. I'm concentrating on how much I truly adore this cast and how much I want to see their characters continue.

A crossover with X-Men was potentially in the works and I feel like, if anything, a disappointing box office return should encourage Fox even moreso on this venture. Combine the casts, continue exposing the fans to these characters, make them more accessible and desirable, then produce the Fantastic Four sequels. Yeah, the first one has bombed at the box office. The cast is right and the tone is different, but it works. The issues lie in the disagreements in direction and the third act of the movie really showcases that. Find creatives that have the same vision and work well together, utilizing the cast to their full potential, while remaining true to the characters, the tone, and the basics of storytelling and it can work.

Before you write off Fantastic Four completely, give it a watch and recognize all of its potential. Trust me, there's a fun future there and it's blazing.


Katherine

Movie Review The Fantastic Four

10:19 PM

Happy August!

Let's get to this month's film-centric picks!


August 7th: The Fantastic Four

Huge fan of this cast and the cinematography looks off the charts. Flame on!


August 7th: The Diary of a Teenage Girl

After months and months of festival buzz I knew I needed to see this special film.


August 14th: The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

This one has flown under my radar until this month. I love the sleek and stylized trailer aesthetic. Great cast in a blend of Pink Panther and James Bond.


August 21st: American Ultra

I am here for every whacked-out moment of this.


August 21st: Digging for Fire

Cannot wait to see what Joe Swanberg cooks up this time around!


August 28th: We Are Your Friends

Finally this movie is coming out! I absolutely cannot wait to see this. Again, though, who seriously takes the SATs in pen? Are you trying to make me panic for you?!


August 28th: Z for Zachariah
                                I get so tense every time I see this trailer, so I can only imagine how freaked I'll be in my theater seat.



What are your August picks? Hit me with them in the comments!

Katherine

American Ultra Digging For Fire The Diary of a Teenage Girl The Fantastic Four The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The Slate We Are Your Friends Z For Zachariah

9:53 PM