Snowpiercer

Written and Directed by South Korean Joon-ho Bong, this Action/Sci-fi/Thriller was a remarkable ride from start to finish. Scottish actress Tilda Swinton blew us away with her powerful acting as ‘Mason’, Chris Evans, Ed Harris, John Hurt, and Oscar winner Octavia Spencer (The Help) also displayed some solid acting chops. South Koreans Kang-ho Song and Ah-song Ko also had substantial supporting roles. 

Set in the future; this story shows how life has become unkind due to our own human destruction and those that are left behind still struggle with a built-up economic class system. The lower-class citizens battle their way to a surprising revolution that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. Exquisite camera-work and cinematography, great comic splashes and thought-provoking story. Despite the star cast and excellent acting and story, although the film’s budget was $39 million USD, they only made $4 million USD at the box-office. On a more positive note though; this movie got 20 nominations and 5 wins that year!

Makes for a thrilling night of fun! Enjoy this captivating and not-so-strange world.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

With 2 wins and 3 nominations so far this year; this 2014 comedy is one that will be celebrated for it’s beauty and uniqueness in time to come. The audience can see the pain-staking research and detail wrapped into every nook and cranny of each scene. Written and inspired by the writings of the late Austrian Stefan Zweig and adapted into screen play and directed by American Wes Anderson (whose been nominated for 3 Oscars) they bring to viewers the adventures and exaggerated stories of characters Mr. Gustave H and Zero Moustafa. 

Rated R for language, violence and some sexual content this film reminded me very much of ‘The Fantastic Mr. Fox’ minus the foxes. Instead of voices; we had a number of talented actors that committed themselves to each role; Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Lea Seydoux, Tilda Swinton, Saoirse Ronan, and Owen Wilson to name a few. 

Very canny humor and beautiful cinematography throughout; this is a film that you can marvel at without even following the story. But the story as put-together as it was was still quite engaging. Each character was entrancing and unique. It really makes for a light evening with good laughs.