Note: I am taking a class all on Martin Scorsese. Scorsese is one of my all time favorite directors. This class is one I am taking to not only have fun, but to learn more about his auteur directing that makes his films spectacle.

 

Mafia films have always caught my attention. Especially Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas.” With “Goodfellas,” Warner Brothers became concerned since it contains extreme violence and language. The controversy also caused acknowledgments of being the worst preview response in the history of Warner Brothers. Scorsese even said, “The numbers were so low it was funny.” Scorsese did not make any changes to the movie (thank goodness for that because a crime thriller is not good without violence), he released this masterpiece, and Scorsese’s reputation of being a great filmmaker was increased.

 

This thriller is set in New York (home of the mafia classics). What the experience is like however, is like watching HBO’s “The Sopranos” (I know “Goodfellas” came along before “The Sopranos” but I did not experience “Goodfellas” until 2008, and now I watched it again and enjoyed it as much as I did six years ago). Only thing is that this mafia team is not the brightest. A gangster is involved with his gang and has a plan for a robbery. However, two other crime men kill everyone in a robbery, and the anarchy begins.

 

Ray Liotta is Henry Hill, the main character that takes part in a robbery. Robert DeNiro is James Conway, the man that recruits Hill to do some dirty work. Joe Pesci is Tommy DeVito, the third gangster teamed up with Hill and Conway. One mistake is made and all the blame is on Conway and DeVito; but Hill has a family and is at risk since he is in the mafia business. Not to mention his paranoid wife Karen Hill (played by Lorraine Bracco).

 

What captivated me the most with “Goodfellas” was its screenplay. Scorsese is known for having narrations by the main characters with his movies and that is an art; not just because the film is easier to understand, but it makes the audience feel they are part of the mafia era. The camera angles do a good job with helping us feel involved also. As Karen visits Henry in jail, the camera pans the misery that this crime family is in.

 

The film is two hours, and twenty-six minutes long. There were a few times when the film was a bit disorganized, but the screenplay, the setting, and the acting helps to find the action moments more attention grabbing.

 

Despite the disorganized moments, “Goodfellas” is extraordinary, intense, and involving—a must-see flick by Martin Scorsese.

 

Three-and-a-half stars.

 

 

 

One day in the city of downtown Chicago, I saw Richard Linklater’s most talked about movie “Boyhood.” I was in amazement with how elegant it was. Linklater brings a heartfelt film with actors that have been in the works of this production for the last twelve years. We see a few big name celebrities, but the audience is introduced to new celebrities as well. It stars Ellar Coltrane (as Mason), Lorelei Linklater (as Samantha), Patricia Arquette (as Mom), and Ethan Hawke (as Dad). Even though, we are still months away from nominees of movies, “Boyhood” is already receiving a ton of Oscar buzz.

 

“Boyhood” was filmed in twelve years with the same cast. The film is an innovative adventure through the eyes of a child named Mason. Mason grows up before we know it. His mom and dad have relationship problems and are divorced. Mason’s sister is Samantha. “Boyhood” establishes the life of childhood unlike any other childhood film.

 

“Boyhood” is technologically great with being chronological. The editor Sandra Adair (did editing for a variety of Linklater’s films including “School of Rock,” “Before Sunrise,” “Before Sunset,” “Before Midnight,” “Suburbia,” and more) does a tremendous job with snapshots of adolescence with road trips, family dinners, birthdays, and graduation of high school. The best part of this is that all of the moments in between become transcendent and set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. “Boyhood” is an artsy masterpiece that is both a sentimental time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting.

 

The film is two hours and fifteen minutes, quite long for a childhood drama. When “Boyhood” is experienced though, it does not feel that long at all. However, the challenges that Mason faces were not always understood at first. At like three instances, it was unexplained with why Mason would be angry.

 

Despite the moments of unexplained scenes, “Boyhood” is spectacle, involving, and charming—and one that is a must-see.

 

Four stars.

 

 

One of the traits that Marvel used in “Guardians of the Galaxy” was references to classic music and movies at awkward moments. There is a bunch of unexplained issues, indeed, that these superheroes are not that professional. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is action-packed though, although it is action-packed with twists of humor.

The plot: In the different locations of space, an American pilot under the name of Peter Quill, realizes he is in the object of a manhunt after his immature judgment of stealing an orb.

“Guardians of the Galaxy,” assembles all of the members of this Marvel team: Peter Quill (known as Starlord), Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket. This team is like aggravated detectives, or a punishment on each others’ behavior. What really caught my attention is how they all fight differently. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is a laid-back man that loves his music and is skilled with weaponry. Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is a green lady that is skilled with martial arts. Drax (Dave Bautista) is a grumpy and muscular purple man that does not put up with people’s garbage. Groot (Vin Diesel) is a human tree that can grow in a variety of ways and only knows how to say, “I am Groot.” Then there is Rocket (Bradley Cooper), a ruthless, gun-slinging Raccoon with a bad attitude.

This is one film that is similar to many Marvel films, but it leaves us laughing, rather than being curious about the next serious marvel film. There is a finale with much action. However its resolution is quirky moments of something joyful.

Marvel fans will really have fun with this movie. If many have read the comic books (which I am sure they have), this is a Marvel film where they will be laughing more than they expect to be. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is done well by James Gunn, with comedy and action. It provides its fans with the style of Marvel adaptations that they love.

Three and  a half stars.