Tag: Lawrence Sher

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX (2024)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 

Written By: Todd Phillips and Scott Silver 

Based on characters created by: Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Paul Dini, and Bruce Timm 

Cinematography: Lawrence Sher 

Editor: Jeff Groth

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Leigh Gill, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Bill Smitrovich 

Arthur Fleck, now incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital, who encounters Harleen Quinzel, a fellow patient who becomes dangerously obsessed with his Joker persona. Their shared psychosis fuels a destructive and increasingly chaotic relationship, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The film delves deeper into Arthur’s mental state, exploring the complexities of his condition and the enduring power of his iconic villainous persona.

This is more a free-expression sequel than a typical continuation. 

One Refuses to rate it as it doesn’t work as a sequel. People who match it will view it differently as expected and wanted. It seems to be less about commerce here and more of a message and commentary on useless unnecessary sequels.

The story and discussions built up by the first film come off as meaningless. As the continuing story of the main character. Ends up being an imposter or that of a wannabe. Whose story while eventful has no true reasoning or purpose.

While having a singing superstar as his co-star, Joaquin Phoenix showed no talent or aptitude for singing. Though helps show the delusional message of ourselves singing to ourselves it is more about the emotion, mood, and lyrics an expression than talent. Thought for others it is more about wanting to experience it all including image and talent. 

While also leaving Phoenix a reason to return to a character and make him more of an interest to the actor. Though like slipping on yesterday’s worn clothes. A return with comfort but wanting to change or move on. Despite winning an Oscar for his first portrayal and for an actor who wants to be more of a chameleon it feels like a trap or curse only coming back for the check and making it fun for themselves. Making a mockery of all the hoopla and the Hollywood system in general.

A rebellious act when a studio forces a filmmaker to make a sequel never quite designed and what they do with it. An artistic enterprise but also a center move to insult not only the powers that be but in true punk rock fashion even the audience. Encouraging them to think for themselves and find meaning in what was worth it not necessarily what they are given. Don’t let them force-feed you what is not good for you, but fans spending money on these Hollywood films looking for an escape sided against it as it was their anti-hero who they cared about doing to them what he was doing to the establishment.

Just as when the public sides with Jones and disrupters as clowns like Tom Green in the past and all was fun when laughing with them but when the joke is on you. not as happy and truly see how the others felt. The power is held by the comedian who feeds off of reaction.

If anything this is more dour and dull. It also seems like Todd Phillips is going for a vision and not be accused of copying another film or filmmaker like he was with the first Joker film oddly similar to the films of Martin Scorsese TAXI DRIVER and KING OF COMEDY in particular

Even though most of the musical scenes are borrowed from other classic musicals and sung in full. Though with no artistic flair or dancers no flash. Though the of my friends who can see me now are at least notable for trying 

As is said in the film. The people care about the Joker, not Arthur Fleck. This film Seems to be more about Arthur Fleck and that pissed the audience and studio off. 

So Some might argue this is a character piece that explores his fractured embracing and obsession with musicals and things played out in the same way. As well as getting to play and have commentary on pop culture and the simulators of what he is going through as well as the situations he finds himself in. 

Not adding any flash to the mundane most of the time. Disillusionment and only a minor character if any to the Gotham City residents. As he is more a means to an end of inspiration than into the more fantasy-based realities. It plays more like a courtroom drama with some Personal insights from the characters 

Not living up to other’s expectations your berries never quite being who you are sorry for them

To be your ideals and be the mascot or symbol for others’ actions and emotions when it really has nothing to really to do with them or what they believe so they become More A symbol. Waking up to reality over fantasy 

A story ultimately about being used as a representation for something you have no connection truly with and being dumped when you Don’t  Live up to others’ ideals. Which seems to be the exact reaction to this film. As well as a perfect ending to this particular franchise making sure there will be no follow-up. 

Idolization and the origin story or dramatizing similar events to some known Characters. As far as this movie gets into the official DC universe. It comes off as one of the more interesting side stories you might see on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Only

Of course, mroe adult-themed here.

Can give Todd Phillips credit as this is one of his more original and nuanced films that he has made where he goes over the line and still doesn’t feel like too much, but an all-over-the-place portrait.

THE CHUMSCRUBBER (2005)

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Directed By: Arie Posen 

Story By: Arie Posen and Zac Stanford 

Written By: Zac Stanford

Cinematography: Lawrence Sher 

Editor: William Scharf And Arthur Schmidt 

Cast: Jamie Bell, Camilla Belle, Justin Chatwin, Lou Taylor Pucci, Rory Culkin, Glenn Close, Carrie Anne Moss, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Lauren Holly, Caroline Goodall, William Fichtner, John Heard, Allison Janney, Rita Wilson 

a dark comedy about the lives of people who live in upper-class suburbia. It all begins when Dean Stiffle finds the body of his friend, Troy. He doesn’t bother telling any of the adults because he knows they won’t care. Everyone in town is too self-consumed to worry about anything else than themselves. And everybody is on some form of drug just to get themselves through the day. After Troy’s death, local drug dealers at the school run out of their stash. They convince Dean to get Troy’s stash or they are going to kill his brother that they kidnapped, but they grabbed the wrong kid.

This show is an intriguing failure that seems to be some sort of statement or satire on disaffected teens coming apart at the seams in suburbia after tranquilizing themselves on recreational drugs for so long that they seem to be scared of their own emotions. I wish the film played and explored more of what I just described.

Instead, the film seems more interested in the adult characters, who are not as deep and as types. This only makes their stories seem melodramatic or the product of a soap opera. Which makes one wonder how the film got such a powerful cast for a film that feels more like a desperate Housewives spin-off

The film seems to shy away from too much depth to focus more on the quirks and offbeat comedy.

The film is all surface but tries too hard at times to seem deep almost like a pretty girl reading an intellectual book and you notice over weeks each time you see her she is on the same page as she only does it for the attention or seems smarter than she might actually be

The ending feels too. The end feels too clean cut which one could see if this was based on pre-existing material but as it is an original production, it could’ve been worked on a bit more. It feels too self-serving, trying to please an audience instead of going for emotional truth.

It ends up playing more like a studio version of an independent coming-of-age film. With the parents so busy with themselves, they never pay attention to their own kids, even after one commits suicide, which might be blatant science for attention and help or even subconscious ones.. though the adults seem to anodize themselves with Work and each other as a form of hiding.

The film tries to tighten it like video games and not feeling real trying to achieve a numbness or doing things so that they can feel something. Not fall into the same traps and behavior as their parents, though it seems they easily follow suit.

Has a good score which other than the cast seems to be the most accomplished thing about it.

Grade: C

WAR DOGS (2016)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 
Written By: Todd Phillips, Stephen Chin & Jason Smilovic 
Based on the ROLLING STONE Article “Arms and The Dudes” By: Guy Lawson 
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Jeff Groth 

Cast: Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Ana De Armas, Kevin Pollak, Bradley Cooper, Eddie Jemison, Wallace Langham 

Two friends in their early 20s living in Miami Beach during the Iraq War exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Starting small, they begin raking in big money and are living the high life. But the pair gets in over their heads when they land a 300 million dollar deal to arm the Afghan Military – a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people, not the least of which turns out to be the U.S. Government. Based on true events.

The film is surprising while based on a true story. It comes across one film PAIN AND GAIN another based on a True story. Though Left out some important true details. To be either more comedic or dramatic. Though this one Manages to drag you Back down to earth. Amongst the fantasy and convenience. 

The film never becomes as gritty as it could be and always feels Like it has a shiny coat that keeps it away from Being as deep and serious as it might seek to be.

The strength of this film is that you can tell director Todd Phillips is trying to do something different than his usual comedies. While this has bits of humor and his touch. It is more dramatic and of more importance. As in this film not only Is it based on a true story but it deals with consequences that can be fatal. This feels more devoted to a rebellious spirit. Just like the main characters. 

So while the film doesn’t entirely succeed at its Aim. You Can tell the director, cast and crew really tried and put their hearts into it.

Jonah Hill is memorable in the film. As his character is more The showboat but also the more Loathsome of the main characters. By the end, he is the one you Remember. While Miles Teller is more the innocent heart of the film.

The film Is overly Stylish which can become distracting at times but also adds visual Flourish to scenes especially The action-oriented Ones and the scenes showcasing their success and wealth. 

Despite the epic storytelling the film surprisingly in size and scope still feels smaller. 

The character Teller plays particularly has a lot of heavy lifting yet never feels engaging or appealing until taken advantage of.

The film also feels like a chance for the actors and directors to be seen in a different way. A little more adult and show their strengths, as well as more range than maybe others, might have thought them capable of, just lien the two main characters they want to be viewed a little more serious and taken that way while still having some fun.

Bradley Cooper plays a more minor but integral role in the film. As his character is always in style and always surprising in action and some of the things he says. Though comes off like a minor James Bond villain only in real life.

Grade: C+

THE DICTATOR (2012)

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Directed by: Larry Charles
Written By: Sacha Baron Cohen, Alec Berg, David Mandel & Jeff Schaffer
Cinematography By: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Greg Hayden & Eric Kissack

Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Bobby Lee, Aasif Mandavi, Jason Mantzoukas, Joey Slotnick, Kevin Corrigan, Chris Elliott, Kathryn Hahn, Megan Fox, Ian Roberts, Jon Glaser, Chris Parnell, Chris Gethard, Fred Armisen, J.B. Smoove 

The Republic of Wadiya is ruled by an eccentric and oppressive leader named Hafez Aladeen. Aladeen is summoned to New York to a UN assembly to address concerns about his country’s nuclear weapons program, but the trip goes awry. 

It seems most of the time the only real comedy in this film is more the shocking aspects of the material. As the regular, more comic nature gags seem like they go well on paper, but physically fall flat.

The film plays like a Saturday Night Live skit character who gets their own film But struggles to fill out the premise. So that the film feels like a collection of skits tied together with a rather thin plotline. Soon the envelope is pushed so far all the outlandish details become common. You start to wonder if anything will be considered sacred. 

Unfortunately when it comes to Sasha Baron Cohen who is a gifted comedic performer. His best ability that has so far been shown is his ability to stay in character while improvising around and off of real people not in on the joke, With hilarious awkward, and shocking moments. As others around him seem to drop their guard and open up themselves mostly to his questions and suggestions that have worked for him so far. While he has defined characters he also became more recognizable. So with small roles in other films the natural next plateau was to try to create feature films with characters though more scripted. Though try to feature the same type off the cuff comedy. With a certain looseness in the filmmaking leaving room for happy accidents. In this film he seems to be the only one allowed to do anything really funny, others try but are either cameos that go nowhere or just weak. So this film feels almost like a vanity project. 

He is funny and a good performer, but he is also better than this material. Which only seems to only be shocking to be shocking. No real reason it can’t be funny without going to such extremes. It’s like stand-up who’s act is full of offensive and shocking scenarios. Just no real jokes or sense of humor. Though everything said is supposed to be in some type of humor. Which is a shame especially when you have a cast that is full of funny actors. 

It feels like a mash-up of Different Charlie Chaplin scenarios and scenes from his films only updated badly. –It seems that Sasha Baron Cohen is the closest that we have to a modern Peter Sellers as he totally allows himself to truly be lost in character and there seems to not be any breaking and not know where one ends and where another begins. Also, his films tend to revolve not only around characters that he plays but almost exclusively around him and his character. There are other comedians and characters but most of the humor revolves around only his and others’ reactions to him. 

His previous films that play more off of hidden cameras and regular people reacting to his antics are a bit more powerful as they reflect more of a social satire with a reality. This film is more sketch than anything else scripted satire that is made to look off-kilter but is obviously more formulaic. It’s a shame as the film shows peaks of comedic brilliance and some interesting ideas that are quickly dropped for more traditional comedy in the form of just trying to make the jokes way too offensive and shock humor. 
Which seems to be on the rise in the form of comedy instead of humorous jokes and situations. Comedies seem to be more of a barometer of how much they can get away with that is off-color. There are of course exceptions, but Comedies seem to be going the way of horror with torture porn. The more shocking and graphic it seems the better. 

Like the film, it seems to be inspired by just a bit Charlie Chaplin’s THE GREAT DICTATOR it has a great speech at the end that tries to inform and send a message. It’s more didactic and not inspiring like its influence. 

The film has a love story that doesn’t work nor is it really needed, but since it seems that most films today have one whether they are needed are not have one involved in the film. Why not this one? 

Grade: D

GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS (2019)

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Directed By: Michael Dougherty
Written By: Michael Dougherty & Zach Shields
Story By: Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields & Max Borenstein
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Roger Barton, Bob Duscay & Richard Pearson

Cast: Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Charles Dance, Ken Wantanabe, Ziyi Zhang, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Aisha Hinds, Thomas Middleditch, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Straitharn, CCH Pounder, Joe Morton, Anthony Ramos

The crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.

The trailer made it look like a different type of film. Where it seemed like he formed a bond with Millie Bobby Brown’s character.

Now while this movie is cliche-ridden. It seems to have the mentality of if it ain’t broke why fix it and makes everything feel familiar. Especially since the film and title character is already well known. 

I can admit to not necessarily being a big fan of these films and have only seen a handful of them. Though I have seen the recent franchise of films. Plus it doesn’t help when also having seen the clones of this film. 

What is of interest is the casts of these films. Which are recognizable to get audiences interested or at least not make them so disposable and asks you to care about their peril more without having to write too much personal material for them. Here we get an international cast to interest and sell to foreign markets. 

The cast is here more for the human interest element and explains the mysterious monster nature that is like the animal kingdom. Which by now we watch and study, but sometimes as they are violent and excuse them. As it is in their nature. The same here with the monsters live amongst us and cause damage but when left alone. Just do what comes naturally.

With the grand casts, it feels like the modern equivalent of disaster movies from the 1969’s and ’70s. Where there is plenty of destruction to property. Mass deaths where you wonder who will live or die amongst the stars. While rooting for certain people to perish not because of the character they play.

The film feels like a battle ROYALE of matches for Godzilla to face off against. The greatest hits of enemies. Even though there is the main opponent. This again makes this feel like a wrestling card and how when you watch it. It feels like life and death only here the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Whereas in wrestling it’s the fate of the league wrestling world. This movie also allows them to set up sequels for other enemies for him to face.

Just as in wrestling she takes a major beating at first then comes through or at least goes full Hulk Hogan and adding the drama that is needed. There is even tag-teaming. As essentially this is a movie about a dinosaur fighting lizards and an alien.

The warm up fights seem to be a case of sending minions to weaken him. After the first battle. Where you know it can’t be over. As there are some after fight getting licks in to start a rivalry.

The film isn’t as visually interesting or stylish as the previous GODZILLA film. Though this one seems to have a love of blue filters. 

Again this is a better film to experience or watch on a big screen. As even for a popcorn movie this wants you to have more experience or interact with it. This is a film to have more fun with as it doesn’t move as fast and takes its time with the story but offers more of a science fiction element.

The film tries to be smart even with it’s more special effects, action-oriented scenes, and material. It’s a bit long and definitely bloated but stays entertaining 

As we wait for the build-up until the finale showdown, really the main event. Luckily the film never feels boring or bogged down even with a lot of exposition. Though luckily not THE MATRIX sequel’s level of exposition.

Will admit it feels strange like. G.I. JOE movie with this being Cobra’s newest plan and a joe’s family somehow involved and by the end must use their own monster Godzilla to battle the evil monsters that cobra has unleashed. 

Each new monster feels like a new toy or action figure and each presentation/Birth/Opening is an introduction of their nature and powers As well as strengths. They also provide mini practice bouts as Godzilla is like a gunslinger who shows up for fights and to save humans these monsters are the heels and he is a fan favorite trying to stop their reign or just trying to stop similar to his kind trespassing on his property and domain. So essentially like the animal kingdom marking his property. 

The monsters he faces seem like Pokémon. Collectible and have to Catch them all

Though Vera Farmiga’s character theory and plan don’t sound so crazy. Even if more a product of Stockholm syndrome to a degree. Just the means to go about it. Sort of like in AVENGERS: END GAME. Where it just seems a bit harsh. 

Her theory is right but the follow-through seems to become like a tournament for the title, with all the dramatic entrances. You have a doctor mind reader mad scientist type who is bent on a plan of world domination or would change the natural order of things. 

Many films have done less to affect the audience so you can appreciate the attentiveness and concern 

This is Kyle chandler’s second giant monster film. Interesting the sequel is GODZILLA Vs. KING KONG. He was in a remake of the later’s film. 

Grade: B-

JOKER (2019)

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joker1

 

Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Todd Phillips & Scott Silver
Based On Characters Created By: Bob Kane, Bill Finger & Jerry Robinson
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Jeff Groth 


Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert DeNiro, Brett Cullen, Francis Conroy, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Josh Pais, Marc Maron, Bryan Callen, Glenn Fleshler, Chris Redd, Brian Tyree Henry, April Grace 


Joker centers around an origin of the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Todd Phillips’ exploration of Arthur Fleck, a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale. If you are looking for a comic book tale. You will be disappointed. While it doesn’t include the joker and the Wayne family as well as Gotham and arkham. It seems more tied into a psychological character study thriller. That uses all those comic book elements and storyline as a frame for it’s own ideas.

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DUE DATE (2010)

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DUEDATE

Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Alan Freedland, Alan R. Cohen, Adam Sztyikel & Todd Phillips
Story By: Alan Freedland & Alan R. Cohen
Cinematography By: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Debra Neil-Fisher

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galafanakis, Juliette Lewis, Jamie Foxx, Danny McBride, Michelle Monaghan, RZA, Matt Walsh, Brody Stevens

High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay on a road trip in order to make it to his child’s birth on time.

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WISH I WAS HERE (2014)

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wishiwas

 

Directed By: Zach Braff
Written By: Adam J. Braff & Zach Braff
Cinematography By: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Myron I. Kerstein 

Cast: Zach Braff, Joey King, Kate Hudson, Josh Gad, Mandy Patinkin, Ashley Greene, Alexander Chaplin, Michael Weston, Donald Faison, Jim Parsons, James Avery, Leslie David Baker

‘Wish I Was Here’ is the story of Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. He winds up trying to home school his two children when his father can no longer afford to pay for private education and the only available public school is on its last legs. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn’t find.

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