uta-49633 Reviews

The Age of Adaline (2015)

A beautiful film

[8/10 · 30 April 2015]

Excellent performances, a truly poignant story. See it, you won't be disappointed.

Director Lee Toland Krieger wisely speeds through the scientific mumbo-jumbo, treating it as the least-interesting aspect of this tale. Instead, he focuses on the relationship fallout of Adaline's predicament. It's a disarmingly affecting film, and very sad at points. A rumination on loneliness. Cinematically, Krieger serves up numerous arching, overhead shots and slow-motion sequences. This coupled with the various time periods tackled gives the picture a buoyant sense of scope.

Particularly memorable in this is Harrison Ford. After stiff and stagey efforts in movies such as "42," Ford delivers a beautifully conflicted performance as a man trying to reconcile his past.

Highly recommended.

Playing It Cool (2014)

Worth a look

[6/10 · 30 April 2015]

Playing It Cool has its cake and almost eats it too. The film knows that average no-brainer romantic comedies are dopey, but insists on delivering one anyways.

When Chris Evans isn't playing Captain America, he still makes for a charismatic lead in downplayed productions. There are some funny quips within the circle of self-entitled screenwriters Evans' character surrounds himself with. The friendship they all have with each other feels authentic. The pack is made up by a sensitive Topher Grace, an aloof Luke Wilson, an amusing Martin Starr, and Aubrey Plaza using her knack for dry wit once again. The latter buddy is a nice addition since this proposes a Scott Pilgrim vs. the World reunion for Plaza and Evans.

Playing It Cool has all the flare of a project brought to us by first-time filmmakers who are still brushing up on how to – funny enough – play it cool. Playing It Cool is worth a look.