WILD

So what’s it about?

Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) embarks on a 1,100 mile hike up the west of America in a battle against her demons. After divorcing her husband, the death of her mother and years of reckless behaviour she challenges herself to walk from Mexico to Canada.

In other words…

A lot of physical and mental pain.

Wait, wasn't this a book?

Yes, it’s based on Cheryl Strayed’s novel Wild: From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Nick Hornby adapted the screenplay and like Cheryl does with the unnecessary pages in her books, he shreds the parts that aren't needed. While the book tends to wallow in self pity, Hornby presents a tougher version of the main character.

The main men and leading ladies…

Reese Witherspoon (obviously) steals the show in this solo journey of human endurance. She’s nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for what is arguably her best performance since Election. She was nominated for the same award at the Golden Globes but didn't win.

In the chair…

Jean-Marc Vallee is best known for last year’s Dallas Buyer’s Club and he kept the same editor and cinematographer he worked with on the award winning 2014 hit. 

So…?

This is a journey in ever sense of the word but while it’s beautiful and inspiring it’s all a bit clichéd. Ok we get it, life sucks, go on a profound trip, rise to the challenges and come out the other end a better person. Throw in a series of flashbacks and some emotional monologues and you have the crutch of this movie. Or any travelling-to-find-yourself movie for that matter. Nothing makes this stand out from the rest. There’s no real climax and the end is forgettable because the drama isn't what happens to her, it's what happens inside her. There was also too much emphasis on feminism that instead of making her seem stronger it did the opposite and undermined her. In saying that, though, it is exciting, tense, well acted and actually a very uplifting journey.

Worth the money?

Check it out when it comes on TV. While Hornby does his best to deter it away from the cheesy emotional tone it's still quite Oscar baity. 

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

So what’s it about?

This Stephen Hawking biopic begins with him (Eddie Redmayne) meeting Jane (Felicity Jones) while he’s at Oxford University studying for his PHD and goes on to reflect their relationship throughout his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

In other words…

A love story with an unwelcome third wheel.

The main men and leading ladies…

Eddie Redmayne is an strong contender for Best Actor at the Oscars after picking up a Golden Globe for his outstanding depiction of the scientist. From his body movement to his speech the resemblance is remarkable. Felicity Jones has been around for what feels like forever but this will help catapult her onto bigger things now. She expresses her love, affection and frustration beautifully making it easy to identify with her.

In the chair…

James Marsh hasn't done much to date (Shadow Dancer, Project Nim and the documentary Man on Wire are as big as they come) but he's worked with screenwriter Anthony McCarten, who adapted this story from Jane Hawking’s memoirs, for his biggest mission to date.

So…?

For those who don’t know much about Hawking this is an educational and insightful tale, and those who are a bit more clued up will appreciate the humanity and emotion behind it. This moving biopic is excellently written and captures the imagination. The story is less about physics and more about love and thanks to Redmayne the audience will have fallen in love with Hawking. His mischievousness shines through and despite his inability to speak towards the end of the movie you still feel a strong connection with him. No prosthetics or special effects were used to create his mannerisms or body language either, what you see is what you get with Redmayne and that extra effort (and physical discomfort) deserves credit. 

Worth the money?

Unless you have a heart of stone, yes.

BIRDMAN or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

So what's it about? 

Years after staring as iconic superhero Birdman, washed up actor, Riggan (Michael Keaton), attempts to make a comeback in the form of theatre. But in the lead up to his opening night he has to battle a midlife crisis, overcoming his own ego and the rocky relationships with everyone in his life.

In other words…

Delving into the murky world of theatre.

The main men and leading ladies…

Could the former Batman, Michael Keaton, be reflecting his own story here as the former superhero superstar making a comeback in a dark, complicated, arthouse drama? Edward Norton is back to his best, Emma Stone never left her best and wait, is that Zach Galifianakis playing a serious role?

In the chair…

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu makes life difficult for himself by making the film look as though it’s shot in one long take. The use of steadicams and clever, discreet editing emphasises the feeling of claustrophobia backstage in a theatre.

So…?

With many underlying themes and troubled characters, Birdman is deep and complex, done in a beautifully unique manner. Just like theatre itself it’s strange, cold and harsh. The director chose to shoot and edit in this slick style because in reality life is one take - nothing is edited and something is always around the corner - perhaps a lot more realistic approach to cinema than 3D? Riggan is out of touch with everything; people, reality, his career, even social media and he has to battle Birdman, his alter ego who acts as both the devil on his shoulder and the voice of reason. It could have been hideously pretentious but instead it worked like a treat. And take note The Grand Budapest Hotel – this is how percussion should be used.

Worth the money?

For sure.