Risen:
I'm not a huge fan of these kinds of movies but I know the story and this seemed like an interesting take on a well known tale. Joseph Fiennes seems to be blowing up these days so I was interested in seeing his performance as well.
I have to say, this was probably one of the nicest looking films of this kind and the acting was decent as well. The costumes, make up and hair looked right and realistic and there really wasn't any special effects, no flash and bang to try and sell the story which I appreciated. The trailer doesn't give any hint to how it may end, but I think it's important to mention (spoiler alert, though you know the story) that they did cast an actor who looked more the part of Jesus then anyone I've ever seen in a major motion picture before. Cliff Curtis, who is of Maori decent played the Messiah and while he wasn't in the film for long, I was thankful they didn't cast another long-haired white guy who looked like he lived in Malibu rather then the desert.
They only part that was a little frustrating for me was the writing. In scenes that held a decent amount of dialog, it seemed as though the actors were in a rush to get their lines out and at times it made it difficult to follow or even understand what they were saying. Some even seemed to mumble and when you combine that with Hebrew words not very well-known today, you were left wondering what was just said. But again, the fact that the plot is so well known helped and kept audiences from losing any part of the story. I also cringed when Joseph's character finally spoke with the Messiah's disciples. I know they were all enamored with him and followed his teachings and spread his message throughout the lands; but I feel like the actors were really playing up their adoration to the point where they appeared drugged, almost goofy, when speaking about and interacting with the Chosen One. It was annoying to watch really. They appeared more like brainwashed cult followers then the wise and submissive disciples we've been taught about.
I appreciated the way the writers made a point of using the characters original Hebrew names. Jesus was Yeshua, God was Yahweh, Peter was Simon, etc. It made it more historically accurate for me and I think it also did some good in educating folks of the faith who only know they story from one perspective.
I'm not going to discuss whether I believe the tale to be based on fact or fiction but again, as far as the film was concerned, I think they made smart decisions on how to tell the story and make it as realistically plausible as possible.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF):
Despite the mediocre reviews and disappointing turn out at the box office, I was really looking forward to seeing this film, regarded as Tina Fey's best work to date.
Based on true events, WTF was hilarious and dangerous and full of heart with a ton of girl power thrown into the mix. The fact that I saw it on International Women's Day only made it better for me.
Tina did a great job as did the entire cast. The story comes from experiences reporter Kim Barker had had during her five year assignment in Kabul during a time of civil and international unrest. Though it doesn't really get political, it does highlight the issues surrounding the never ending war and the kind of life that the locals, military forces and media personnel try to lead while being forced to live and work around one another.
Every happy scene was paired with one of tension and potential danger. You were almost afraid to allow the film to put you in a good mood because you knew something bad was probably going to happen to a character you liked just minutes after and more often then not, that's exactly what occurred.
Without any spoilers, I will mention that this film does have a happy ending so fear not, you will leave with a smile on your face and a desire to see it again. Check it out, I think you'll be glad you did. And I have to agree, this really is the best role Tina has ever had.
