"The Revenant" Review by TIm Hellman

'THE REVENANT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

This year's Oscar hopeful, from last year's Academy Award winning director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu; is this action/western epic (inspired by the life of American frontiersman Hugh Glass). It's set in the 1820's, and tells the tale of Glass's obsession for revenge; against the man who killed his son. The movie was directed by Iñárritu, and co-written by Iñárritu and Mark L. Smith; based loosely on the 2002 novel, of the same name, by Michael Punke. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy; and it costars Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter and Forrest Goodluck. The film was originally budgeted at $60 million; but costs ballooned to $135 million, by the end of filming (due to excessive filming hardships). It's received mostly rave reviews from critics, and it's also expected to be nominated for several major Academy Awards; with DiCaprio a favorite to (finally) win Best Actor. Despite the painfully slow pacing (at times), I really enjoyed it.

The story is set in 1823, and it follows a hunting party; searching for pelts, in the Louisiana Purchase wilderness. The most experienced hunter, Hugh Glass (DiCaprio), is mauled by a mother grizzly bear; protecting her cubs. Glass's party tries to keep him alive, and take him with them; but he becomes too much of a burden, to their survival. Captain Andrew Henry (Gleeson) offers three men extra pay; to stay behind with Glass, until he passes (to give him a proper burial). Glass's son Hawk, a half-blooded Native American, volunteers; as do John Fitzgerald (Hardy) and Jim Bridger (Poulter). The opportunistic Fitzgerald attempts to kill Glass, by smothering him, and instead kills Hawk, to silence him; when the boy tries to rescue his father (unbeknownst to Bridger). Glass, who's then left for dead by the two others, miraculously survives his deadly wounds. He then makes it his mission, to get revenge on Fitzgerald; for the death of his son.

The movie looks breathtaking, and the story always seems very epic. The action scenes are spectacular, and also very realistic looking. DiCaprio is amazing in the film; and he definitely deserves an Oscar (like he has for years now). Tom Hardy (my favorite actor) is also very good, in his despicable antagonistic role. Iñárritu is a very gifted director; but (like any really talented artist) when he's given complete reign of a project (like this), he lets his ego get a little too inflated. He's said to be a very hard filmmaker to work with, but he definitely gets results (this film does seem self indulgent though). The pacing is way too slow; with 15 to 30 minutes more cut out of it, it could have been a true masterpiece. It's still a great film though, and it's definitely worth seeing; for it's stunning visuals, entertaining action sequences, and amazing performances.

Official Character Posters for the Upcoming Western "The Revenant"

New Regency and 20th Century Fox recently released character posters for Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu's (Birdman, Babel) upcoming film "The Revenant. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter.

"The Revenant" hits theaters in limited release on December 25th and nationwide January 8th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-revenant

 Plot Synopsis:

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).

Official Trailer for the 1820's Western Drama "The Revenant"

New Regency and 20th Century Fox recently released a new trailer for Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu's (Birdman, Babel) upcoming film "The Revenant. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter.

"The Revenant" hits theaters in limited release on December 25th and nationwide January 8th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-revenant

 Plot Synopsis:

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).

"The Revenant": Official Trailer

First Stills from Alejandro G. Iñárritu's Upcoming Film "The Revenant"

New Regency and 20th Century Fox recently released stills for Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu's (Birdman, Babel) upcoming film "The Revenant. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter.

"The Revenant" hits theaters in limited release on December 25th and nationwide January 8th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-revenant

 Plot Synopsis:

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).

"Mad Max: Fury Road" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'MAD MAX: FURY ROAD': Five Stars (Out of Five)

George Miller's big-budget reboot to his immensely popular post-apocalyptic 'MAD MAX' trilogy (from the 70s and 80s). This one stars Tom Hardy, in the title role, replacing Mel Gibson (who played the role in all three previous films). It also stars Charlize Theron and costars Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne (who also played the villain in the original movie), Nathan Jones, Rosie Huntington- Whiteley, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton and Josh Helman. Miller directed and co-produced the film, as well as co-wrote the screenplay; with Brendan McCarthy and Nick Lathouris (two first time film writers). The story revolves around Max teaming up with another rebellious survivor, named Furiosa, as they try to outrun a crazed cult leader, and his army, and make it across the desert to Furiosa's homeland, with the cult leader's five wives. It was made on a budget of $100 to $150 million, but it's full of impressive practical effects and old school stunts (and a small amount of CGI). It's the first installment in 30 years and although it takes place after the events of the original trilogy, it also reintroduces us to Max; and goes back over his origins, as well as the origins of the world he now lives in. The film has gotten nothing but rave reviews from critics, at an unprecedented level (for a genre action flick like this), and it could be a possible 'Best Picture' contender, come awards time (it should be). I absolutely love this movie!

The setting is, once again, that of a distant, chaotic future; after normal civilization has collapsed, and just about everyone has gone crazy. Max Rockatansky (Hardy) is still a loner survivalist, on the run from his past (and the ghosts of his dead family). He's kidnapped by cultists, called War Boys; an army under the leadership of a fascist dictator named Immortan Joe (Keays-Byrne). When a beloved cultist commander, of Joe's, named Furiosa (Theron), goes rogue, and steals his five enslaved wives, Joe leads his whole army after them in pursuit. Furiosa is trying to lead the women to the place where she grew up, in hopes of a better life. She reluctantly teams up with Max, in order to do so.

I think seeing this film in the theater, was one of the greatest cinematic experiences of my life (and I plan on doing it again, really soon); I recommend to all true cinephiles, that they see it the same way! The visuals are breathtaking and the action is absolutely glorious, and non-stop; it also has an awesome score (by Junkie XL). It's full of extremely bizarre, and memorably quirky, characters too; and it even has a little heart, thrown in, as well. The movie feels like a throwback to the 80s; but it's also a groundbreaking milestone, in film and art (in general), in it's own right. Miller created an amazingly artistic, and disturbingly beautiful, world; of crazy characters and totally insane, and admirably captivating, chaos (as he did with 'THE ROAD WARRIOR', and to a lesser extent 'MAD MAX' and 'MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME'). The film is like 'THE ROAD WARRIOR' times ten though, and I'd rank it among the all-time greatest action movies ever (like 'ALIENS', 'TERMINATOR 2', 'THE DARK KNIGHT'and 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'). It's more than an action film though; people call it a 'punk western (on wheels)', which I agree with, but it also celebrates uniqueness and being different (as well as not conforming to popular society). It shows how mental illness can be a good thing; how some of the biggest heroes, among us, are totally mad! Believe all the hype; it's a pure cinematic masterpiece!

Official Character Posters for "Child 44"

Summit Entertainment recently released character poster for the upcoming political thriller "Child 44". The upcoming film is based on the best-selling novel by Tom Rob Smith. "Child 44" stars Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Paddy Considine, with Jason Clarke, and Vincent Cassel.

"Child 44" hits theaters on 4/17.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Child44Film

Plot Synopsis:

A politically-charged serial killer thriller set in 1953 Soviet Russia, CHILD 44 chronicles the crisis of conscience for secret police agent Leo Demidov [Tom Hardy], who loses status, power and home when he refuses to denounce his own wife, Raisa [Noomi Rapace], as a traitor. Exiled from Moscow to a grim provincial outpost, Leo and Raisa join forces with General Mikhail Nesterov [Gary Oldman] to track down a serial killer who preys on young boys. Their quest for justice threatens a system-wide cover-up enforced by Leo’s psychopathic rival Vasili [Joel Kinnaman], who insists “There is no crime in Paradise.”

Teaser Poster and First Stills for the Upcoming Political Thriller "Child 44"

Summit Entertainment recently released the first stills and the teaser poster for the upcoming political thriller "Child 44". The upcoming film is based on the best-selling novel by Tom Rob Smith. "Child 44" stars Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Paddy Considine, with Jason Clarke, and Vincent Cassel.

"Child 44" hits theaters on 4/17.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Child44Film

Plot Synopsis:

A politically-charged serial killer thriller set in 1953 Soviet Russia, CHILD 44 chronicles the crisis of conscience for secret police agent Leo Demidov [Tom Hardy], who loses status, power and home when he refuses to denounce his own wife, Raisa [Noomi Rapace], as a traitor. Exiled from Moscow to a grim provincial outpost, Leo and Raisa join forces with General Mikhail Nesterov [Gary Oldman] to track down a serial killer who preys on young boys. Their quest for justice threatens a system-wide cover-up enforced by Leo’s psychopathic rival Vasili [Joel Kinnaman], who insists “There is no crime in Paradise.”

Crime Thriller "The Drop" Lands on DVD and Blu-Ray

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment recently announced that the crime thriler "The Drop" will be hitting DVD and Blu-Ray. The Drop" The film is directed by Michaël R. Roskam (Bullhead) and stars Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace and James Gandolfini in one of his final roles.

Special features on the DVD and Blu-Ray includes Audio Commentary from director Michael R. Roskam and writter Dennis Lehane, Deleted scenes with optional commentary,Keeping it Real, Making of The Drop, Making Brooklyn Your Own, Rocco the Dog and Character Profile: James Gandolfini. "The Drop" hits stores on 1/20/2015.

Press Release:

The Drop

A phenomenal cast, including Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini, lead this gritty thriller about Bartender Bob Saginowski (Hardy) and his hardened employer Uncle Marv (Gandolfini) who must choose between survival and loyalty when they find themselves caught in a robbery gone bad, and on the hook for a mob debt they can’t repay.

Special Features
• Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Michael R. Roskam and Dennis Lehane
  o Millie and Bob talk at the bar
  o Bob puts away Xmas decorations
  o Bob talks to Priest o Bob scolds Rocco
• Promotional Featurettes
  o Keeping it Real
  o Making of The Drop 
  o Making Brooklyn Your Own
  o Rocco the Dog 
  o Character Profile: James Gandolfini
• Audio Commentary by Michael R. Roskam and Dennis Lehane

"The Drop" Review - Written by Jim Herling

It's time for me to come clean about something: I've got a hell of a man crush on Tom Hardy. I think he's one of the finest and most entertaining actors around right now, and I absolutely love the way he completely disappears into his roles. It always seems to me that he doesn't just act his roles, he lives them, and that's a powerful difference. His character in The Drop, Bob Saginowski, might not be as out there as some of his other roles, but that doesn't make his performance, one that is simultaneously quietly charming and subtly dangerous, any less impressive. And of course, it doesn't hurt that he shares half his screen time with the actor playing Bob's cousin Marv, the late, great James Gandolfini.

IMDB has The Drop listed as Gandolfini's final film role, and if that's the case, his career ended on as high a note as it always tended to hit. In fact, the acting is definitely a major strength of this film all the way around. Hardy and Gandolfini positively crackle when they're on together, but they're only half the story; Noomi Rapace is fantastic as the piece's female lead, Nadia. She's a great foil to the sometimes confused Bob, equal parts anger and vulnerability. But the real star of the supporting cast is Matthias Schoenaerts, who plays local lowlife Eric Deeds. He ends up being one of the best quietly menacing villains I've seen in some time, another joy to watch act against Hardy.

But I don't want to make you think this movie is carried solely by great acting performances, because it has a lot more than that going for it. Written by Dennis Lehane (based on his own short story called "Animal Rescue"), the movie's plot is great. There's a mystery (or two) at the center of it, starting with a robbery and the discovery of an abused dog in a garbage can, two disparate threads that weave together through twists and turns to a great ending. The dialogue throughout is smart and funny, and the characters all come across fully formed and real. Part of that is the writing and acting, but the direction deserves its due as well. Michaël R. Roskam shows an incredible amount of talent here in the way he sets scenes and atmosphere, making Brooklyn pop so much it's its own character; in the camera shots he goes for; and in what he is able to get out of his actors.

And in the end that's what it comes back to: while the writing and direction are both great, it's the cast that really make this gem of a movie shine. I went into it with very little foreknowledge and no expectations, and came out of it having the one of the best times I had at a movie this summer that wasn't Guardians of the Galaxy. This movie get 4 out of 5 stars and a "must see" recommendation from me.

Official Trailer for Michaël R. Roskam's Latest Film "The Drop"

Fox Searchlight recently released the official trailer for the upcoming film "The Drop" The film is directed by Michaël R. Roskam (Bullhead) and stars Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace and James Gandolfini in one of his final roles.

"The Drop" hits theaters in limited release on September 12th For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedrop-movie.com/  

Plot Synopsis:

THE DROP is a new crime drama from Michaël R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of BULLHEAD. Based on a screenplay from Dennis Lehane (MYSTIC RIVER, GONE BABY GONE), THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” – in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living – no matter the cost.

"The Drop": Official Trailer