MAD MAX - FURY ROAD (2015)

A while ago I looked at the original Mad Max trilogy, featuring Mel Gibson. Then I mentioned that some of the greatest car chase scenes ever filmed can be seen in these movies. I am glad to report that it still holds true for this latest version of this franchise. Therefor it is no wonder that the six Oscars it received at this year's Academy Awards were all for the more technical aspects of movie making. Still, it is very impressive for a film of this genre. You can also be sure that this will add to its already existing cult status.

In true Mad Max fashion there is not much of a story but lots of action. Starring Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as the heroin, Imperator Furiosa, the two of them attempt to lead a band of refugees in a mad dash across the dessert to freedom. In turn they are hotly pursued by an evil warlord and his cohorts.

The vehicles are more bizarre, the villains uglier/scarier and the action more hectic than ever before. However, the special effects are so vast that it almost detract from what little plot there is. But that is only my opinion - others might feel that it actually adds to the whole spectacle. Be that as it may, I still rate it 3 out of 5 stars. 

Trailer link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjBb4SZ0F6Q

 The cars...

12 AND HOLDING (2006)

Many movie buffs will agree that over the years some of the best films came from the indie stable. This is yet another example of that. Someone wrote the following about it: "12 AND HOLDING is one of those little indie films that somehow slips through the cracks of public attention and only when it is released on DVD does it surface as brilliant a star of a film." I agree.

It's the story of three adolescent friends, each with his or her own challenges. Jacob (Conor Donovan) suffered the tragic loss of his twin brother at the hands of bullies. Leonard (Jesse Camacho) who struggles with obesity and Malee (Zoe Weizenbaum) with a mother that is never there for her. Together they try to deal with and make sense of the complexities of growing up.

This is coming-of-age at its best and the performance by the three young leads is simply marvelous. This is yet another film about children but not for children and therefor highly recommended for all fans of this genre. I rate it a good 4 out of 5 stars. 

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNgklDlzFxQ

 This poster says it all...

A BIRDER'S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING (2013)

You don't particularly have to be a bird watcher (or 'birder' as it is called here) to enjoy this movie. Although the love of birds plays an important role, this is actually more of a modern version of Stand By Me (1986), the standard by which all coming-of-age films are still being judged.

David Portnoy (wonderfully done by Kodi Smit-McPhee) is an avid bird watcher, something he shared with his recently deceased mom. And when he spots a very rare, thought to be extinct species of duck, he and a few friends embark on an impromptu expedition to find this bird. But it just so happens that his dad will be getting re-married the very next day, something which fifteen year old David clearly disapproves of. However, in the process he discovers much, much more than just a rare bird.

Although it follows the same recipe as many other coming-of-age movies over the years before (a bunch of kids going on some sort of adventure that unintentionally turns them into young adults) director, Rob Meyer, manages to keep it hip and fresh for today's movie going audiences. And the decent cast which includes veteran, Ben Kingsley, also goes a long way to give it street-cred. Therefor I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjFpyx9tkU

 Ben Kingsley, Nat Wolff, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Katie Chang

IT 'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY (2010)

"Charming, witty and smart, it's a coming-of-age story that's kind of a funny story..." this is how this movie is being described on the back of the DVD cover. I could not have epitomized it better.

Graig (Keir Gilchrist) is a typical teenager experiencing all the typical hang-ups and anxieties that go with it. When it all becomes too much for him too handle (he imagines killing himself), he checks himself into a mental hospital. There he meets an array of people that show him his life is not quite as bad as he thought it to be. But it is the crazy enigmatic Bobby (Zach Galifianakis of The Hangover fame) that has the greatest and most lasting effect on him. And then there is also the potential love interest in the form of Noelle (Emma Roberts), another teen patient that goes through much the same thing he is.

Despite the depressing background it is taking place in, this is a feel-good movie with some very funny moments and an excellent cast. But it is Zach Galifianakis that really steals the show. Again, is is highly recommended viewing, especially for the younger generation that has to contend with growing up in today's screwed-up society. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyFCpQK-j7U

 

 ...enough said

JUST LOOKING (2000)

Remember George from Seinfeld, the hugely popular TV series from the '90's? He, of cause, was played by Jason Alexander who directed this film. Maybe that is why some critics back in the day described this movie as nothing more than an extended version of some teen sitcom or the other. I respectfully disagree. I found it most endearing and almost cute.

Lenny (again brilliantly portrayed by Ryan Merriman) is a normal fourteen year old boy growing up during the 1950's in New York. And like most fourteen year old boys he has mainly one thing on his brain: sex. So when he gets the opportunity to witness two people performing 'the act of love' he naturally jumps at it. But what he ultimately gets, is totally different from what he had expected.

Don't let the underlying theme put you off from watching this little gem of a movie. It is actually coming-of-age at its best. It is sensitive yet funny and very relevant for the sophisticated youth of today. Besides, the acting all round is first rate and therefor highly recommended viewing. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. 

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hQBnuf74MY

 Ryan Merriman and Gretchen Mol