isaacsuttle Reviews

Inside Out (I) (2015)

Hilarious, Emotionally Resonant, Pure Genius - One of Pixar's Best. (9.8/10)

[9/10 · 19 June 2015]

'Inside Out' Review

Pete Doctor, the man behind Up and Monster's Inc, and the rest of the Pixar crew have crafted yet another animatec classic with their most recent release - Inside Out.

Now, it's hard to review this film because it is the kind of film you need to go into knowing as little as possible. Without spoiling anything, this may just be Pixar's most adult film to date. Yes, there is a lot of stuff here for kids to enjoy, but at the film's core lies very emotional, thought-provoking concepts and truths about the necessities of our emotions.

This is a story that could only have been told through animation, and Pixar nailed it. They managed once again to seamlessly blend laugh-out-loud gags with emotionally resonant moments.

The film is also gorgeous to look at, as well. The world that the emotions inhabit is vibrant, colorful and filled with great characters. The voice acting here is on point, and everybody character is enjoyable to watch in their own way.

My only complaint I had with it is that it was a tad bit slow in its first 15 minutes, but that is such a minimal complaint in this near-perfect film.

Simply put this as one of the best things Pixar has done. It's unique, beautiful, hilarious and emotionally moving. I wouldn't be surprised to see this gem get a nomination for Best Picture and some other accolades as well. It deserves it.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

An Action Masterpiece. Ridiculous In All The Right Ways. (9.5/10)

[10/10 · 14 May 2015]

George Miller returns to live-action filmmaking with one of the greatest action films ever put to screen. 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is ridiculous in all the right ways.

For those who have seen the original films and loved them, you'll fall in love all over again with this film. Tom Hardy takes the reigns this time around as Max - a man of few words who has been hardened by the world in which he lives. Along with him is Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa - a woman who seeks redemption by helping five young '"wives" escape from the film's antagonist.

Leading up to the film's release, many speculated if this would be just another action film that lacks a solid narrative and motive, but I am happy to say that this is simply not the case. Yes, the film does fill 80% of its run-time with action sequences, but it never gets in the way of the humanity between these characters that Miller has brought to life. There are some emotional moments. Specifically, with Theron's character. Is the story something we haven't seen before? Not at all. But in a film loaded with action, it's nice to see a solid narrative.

Now, how about those action sequences? Incredible - exhilarating - jaw-dropping. George Miller has put together some of the greatest, most memorable action set-pieces ever. One thing that sets the action in this film apart from a good majority of mediocre action films today is that every action the character's make have an affect on them. For good and for bad. The action is not pointless. It's motivated. And it's glorious to behold thanks to the use of practical effects, incredible stunt work and stunning cinematography.

'Mad Max: Fury Road' has set a new standard for action films. It's arguably the greatest action film of the 21st century. It's that good. George Miller has brought back what we loved about 80's action films while also brining new ideas to the table. It's the best time I've had in a theater in a long time, and I couldn't help but laugh in appreciation of the ridiculousness that was unfolding before my eyes. The film left me feeling giddy, with a big smile on my face.