Trailer Breakdown: Why You Should Be Excited For "The Wolf of Wall Street"

A storm came through the internet last week and it was in the form of a 2 minute and 15 second trailer for the new Martin Scorsesse/ Leonardo DiCaprio film Wolf of Wall Street. If anyone told you they were expecting anything close to what we were shown then they are probably lying and you should dismiss anything they say for now on....

 No, really, you should, because no one was expecting all the beautiful, exhilerating, hilarious goodness that The Wolf of Wall Street trailer provided. And for fans of the book by Jordan Belfort, this must be like Christmas. I haven't even read the book and after this trailer I was racing to my nearest bookstore to buy myself a copy...

So here are the highlights of the trailer...

Slightly tanned? Slick back hair? Stern expression? Next to Leo lifiting a drink to toast, does anyone feel this is a common look in his films?

“The year I turned 26, I made $49 million, which really pissed me off because it was three shy of $1 million a week.”

McConaughey-hey!

Now this part kind of brought back some bitterness. The fact that McConaughey was not nominated for Killer Joe or, yes, even Magic Mike, but Jonah Hill is on top with DiCaprio....

"What's wrong, daddy?"

Wait. Is that Kanye playing in the background?

Make that 3 common things in Leo's films.......

PARTY LEO! AW YEAH BUDDY!

Sweet Jesus, we're tossing tiny people.

And more partying...

AND 

THEN

THIS.

 

Seriously, if that part alone doesn't make you want to see this then you are a lost cause, I'm sorry.

For the love of God, they have a monkey in a button down and khakis!

And of course we have to end this epicness with McConuaghey who I can already tell will be snatching weaves and stealing scenes in this movie.

I've actually watched this trailer so many times that I know this little hum/chest beat thing they do by heart. No shame.

*A few weeks before this trailer came out, I had asked people if they thought Leo could do comedy (sorry, I don't count Catch Me If You Can as  comedic role.) A lot of people laughed and said they just couldn't see it. However, it's clear that with the right script and director (and lets be honest, Leo would dress up like a pumpkin for Scorsese) Leo can be play a comedic role. And that's why we are so excited by this trailer. It's a type of role we've never seen Leo do before. He's dancing for Christ sake! How can you not love it? He's taking a risk, going outside what we usually expect from him and I think it's going to pay off, I really do.

Review - World War Z: The Film That Was Supposed to Suck, But Really Didn't

Unless you were living in a pueblo, somewhere, in the outskirts of Arizona, then you've probably  heard about the massive problems that Brad  Pitt's World War Z faced during its filming. With production problems and major re-shoots, World War Z was labled a  flop before the film was even released. All signs were pointing to a huge disaster and this was my mindset when I saw it last weekend. It was like I was attending a Elementary school play. I knew it wasn't going to be great, all signs pointed to it not being great, and all I wanted to do was make an appearance, see it, and just go about my day.

Except, this was not the case. In fact, I wouldn't even call it the worst film of the summer. I can easily say that World War Z is not the awful movie that people predicted.

Brad Pitt plays Gerry Lane, a former employee for the UN who must solve the mystery of the strange

virus (or bacteria, not sure) that is turning people into "zombies." With his wife and children anxiously awaiting his return to safety, Gerry must visits several parts of the world to figure out what is happening and how they can contain and stop the outbreak.

The movie jumps right into the action, which moved the story along really well. Why worry about in-depth back stories and deep family dynamic when zombies are taking over the world? I felt that the Lane family portrayed by Pitts character, his wife, and 2 daughters, felt authentic and believable without being too melodramatic. This is one thing the film gets right when it

comes to its characters. The film doesn't take the time to give you a 101 analysis on each person (ain't nobody got time for that) but you feel for them and you root for them. I was listening to the SPILL crew the other day and they do bring up a good point. Usually in these types of films, the main character does certain things or makes decisions that are completely stupid and nonsensical. And that has always been my number one complaint with the horror genre.

Seriously!? You're really going to walk into the insanely dark room with just a flashlight and no protection!? This isn't some Saturday morning Scooby-Doo cartoon, idiot! Use your head!

This was not the case with World War Z. What I liked most about Pitt's character was that he was smart and actually thought things through before acting. Sure some moments were obviously pulled off by the grace of movie magic, but I never had that frustration I get when a fully functioning character makes stupid decisions.

Now, zombie films are not my expertise, so I can't judge whether this was a good flick when it comes to portraying the undead. For me, zombies that can run, leap, jump, and climb, are terrifying enough. Those bad boys in World War Z were pretty insane and I thought that the movie illustrated how

deadly these zombies were. I was properly freaked out. The film has a lot of tense moments which really had me at the edge of my seat. And I was not expecting that.

The real problem I had with the film was the ending. As I said before, the movie goes right into the action and the first two acts really deliver on many levels. However, the end, the final show down, the grand finale, left me a little cold. Like there should've been something more. I am always hesitant to nitpick plots to films that are based on books, because I don't know if it was part of the original content. However, when the credits started rolling I just felt empty. I wasn't expecting a big, cataclysmic ending with zombies falling from the sky, but I did feel a little unfulfilled and disappointed.

Update: Since, finding out that there will be a sequel, I feel a little better about the ending.

The real star of this movie is Brad Pitt's hair. Those golden locks tucked behind Pitt's ear should've had their own credits in the movie. Sure Pitt is getting beaten up and chased by zombies, but look at that hair shine. Maybe, those zombies just wanted to touch his head. I mean, that's plausible, right?

Initially, when I saw World War Z  I said it wasn't good but it wasn't bad either. That ending had me feeling kind of cranky so I filed it under "just okay." Now thinking back to it and really evaluating certain points of the film that I liked, I now think that WWZ is a good, solid film, but nothing spectacular. It is certainly not the hot mess that people were expecting, and I hope that the mistakes that occurred during the making of this film will not be repeated for the sequel. I think it's funny, that the film I was expecting to blow me away ended up disappointing me (Man of Steel) while a film I was totally expecting to fall short actually delivered (World War Z. )

Against all odds World War Z managed to be a major success. And for that I tip my hat off. A solid film with a weak ending, I give World War Z a strong 7/10.

*Check out Moviefone's article on how World War Z avoided becoming a huge disaster at the box office HERE

First Look: Images from Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" + Why McQueen Is Shaking The Film Industry

New stills of McQueen's third film 12 Years a Slave were released and unsurprisingly people are buzzing. The film, based on the novel by Solomon Noethup about his life in enslavement, has a high callibar cast including the star power push of Brad Pitt. Naturally, people are already buzzing about Oscar season and whether it will be a contender (it's being released on December 27th, so it's cutting it close.) Here are a few images provided by IndieWire

Clearly, putting a story like this in the hands of breakout director, Steve McQueen, is going to stir many emotions. McQueen's directing style is so raw, authentic, and intense, that it pushes ones comfort level to a place that you never thought it could go. In Hunger it was the emaciated Michael Fassbender playing Bobby Sands slowly withering away in a hospital bed as he dies of starvation or the sex obsessed Brandon in Shame who has a full on breakdown during a threesome. These moments made my heart stop for a brief moment and had my breath staggering. I couldn't relate to these people in any way shape or form. However, McQueen's filmmaking hits so close to the home that it's almost unsettling. And that is what we need in film today. We need someone like him making more films that give us honesty, truth, and depth. Films that make us think and lingers in our minds afterwards. I was shaken by Shame. I didn't know what I just saw. I was racking my brain around it for weeks and even longer than that. I can still talk about that film today with the same passion I had right when I saw it the first time. McQueen has a level of artistry and creativity that puts him above many independent filmmakers.

McQueen is not only blunt in his film making, but also in real life. I have heard several people label him and his films as pretentious. I think some are taking his honesty and unwillingness to abide by typical Hollywood standards as something of a renegade or someone who thinks highly of himself. Granted, McQueen is not afraid to speak his mind (and his dry British sense of humor probably doesn't help either. I attended a Q & A and you couldn't tell sometimes if he was joking or being serious.) However, he's not coming from a bad place. He's unapologetic and he sees things a bit differently than the average filmmaker. During a Hollywood Reporter roundtable interview, McQueen had a lot of people squirming when he asked about the lack of casting for black actors.

McQueen is the type of director that I can see many actors wanting to work with. He helped showcase the talent of Fassbender and I have a feeling that he will do the same for Chiwetel Ejiofor (who really does deserve the recognition by now.) McQueen has a way of pushing actors and really getting the best performances out of them. And knowing McQueen's flair for the realism, I know that  I'm going to see certain actors a bit differently after 12 Years a Slave.  The man has a vision and he is very straight forward when it comes to that vision. He's the type of director who leaves little room for negotiation when it comes to the integrity and the creative freedoms of his films. And, in my opinion, I think it's time we had a filmmaker like him to mix things up. No holds barred McQueen is the best McQueen.

[Insert Title] IMDB Pro STARmeter Casting: Cumberbatch, Lawrence, DiCaprio, Clarke, and Pine

One of the many perks of having an IMDBPro account (no, seriously, I love it.) is that I can monitor the actors and actresses that are trending right now. Sometimes, for fun, I like to

cast the the Top 6 actors and actresses in a make believe movie with a budget and everything (I'm a Film Studies major, it's what I do for fun. Making my own film package to sell to imaginary investors.) I started making so many of these fake movies in my head that I have decided to blog about them for my own amusement.

Now here we have a very good looking cast of people. Pine and Eve who are still riding high from Star Trek: Into Darkness, followed by Mother of Dragons Emilia Clarke who is gaining much attention from Game of Thrones, Leo DiCaprio, because he's Leo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, because she's Jennifer Lawrence, and Benedict Cumberbatch for Star Trek and the legions of "Cumberbabes" (or the large majority of Tumblr) who worship his mahogany rich voice. 

We have 3 men and 3 females, which automatically wants me to start pairing off. I'm thinking a dark, spy genre that's laced with witty dialogue and subtle suspense. Rival spy agencies compete over one ultimate prize. We have the the female spy team of Eve, Lawrence, and Clarke who are so organized and in-synch that they have never botched a mission since they've been working together.

Then you have the boys club of DiCaprio, Pine, and Cumberbatch. All 3 have extremely distinct personalities. In an obvious casting decision Cumberbatch is the straight laced, play by the rules analytical, Pine is the loose cannon who uses his gut instinct instead of common sense, and DiCaprio is the ring leader with a love for strong scotch and a brooding demeanor (I know there's nothing new or original here, gimme a break.) Several close encounters with the women of the rival agency and the men's world is turned upside down. As for the romantic pairings:

Cumberbatch & Eve: They both hail from across the pond and are quite popular in the UK. I've seen them do interviews together and they seem to have a nice report with one another. Story wise I would be intrigued to see these two interact with each other. And riding off of Cumberbatch's surge of popularity, we could do a lot marketing wise.

Pine & Lawrence: These 2 could have a lot of fun with each other. Both are charming and I feel that there chemistry (not so much sexual, but friendly) would bring the film some levity. They have proven that they can do dramatic, action, and comedic so I am completely on board with these two.

Clarke & DiCaprio: First of all, that is a good looking pairing. Clarke has been killing it on Game of Thrones and I think she would be fantastic doing dramatic scenes with DiCaprio. I can imagine Leo doing his signature flip out (like in Revolutionary Road after Kate Winslet tells him she doesn't love him) while Clarke holds her own, looking calm and collected, like a true Khaleesi. I can see it.

Shooting locations would range from Burbank, London, New York, and Sweden (again, in my world where I have an unlimited budget.) 

                                              Since, Sam Mendes has made me a happy girl, and is

most likely directing the next 2 Bond films, I would want him to direct this with Roger Deakins as director of photography, of course. As for release time I was thinking early Fall, but I think I'm going to risk it and have it come out in December during the holiday season. This could either work or come back to bite me and flop financially.

Finding a writer would be the most challenging part of all this. The dialogue needs to be sharp and smart but it can't be clinical and distant. I want the audience to be emotionally invested in these characters. I also want the film to have some light comedy. Not so heavy that it feels awkward and out of place with the rest of the film. It needs to be natural and genuine.

Marketing for this film would be a fun process. I'm thinking late night shows, press junket, a

creative group photo shoot in W Magazine, a UK and LA premiere, and so on and so forth. Title is up in the air but I want it brief and to the point. Not one word but something that captures the true nature of the film. I want it spy themed and have it roll off the tongue.

So this is my rough movie package. In my imaginary world where I can produce films and actors work for close to nothing, because the films are just so amazing that it would be foolish to pass up. These are the things I think about when I see the latest STARmeter. If any Hollywood producers wants these ideas or wants to utilize my vast creative think tank I will accept payment in Chipotle gift cards.

TV Dish: Scandal "Seven Ffity Two": Huck's Life Sucks, Olivia Is Still Mad, and Fitz Does Not Care *Spoilers*

752, 752, 752, 752……if you haven’t gotten that number engrained in your head right now, then congratulations and lucky you.

After 3 weeks of waiting, tweeting, and pretty much sitting on our thumbs, Scandal came back in full force with a new episode. Bed ridden Olivia Pope (who looked all kinds of pissed off) continues to leave Fitz in the cold as he tries to reconcile and  make amends. As she questions his love for her, Jake lurks in the shadows, keeping an eye on the couple. Only in TV land can

Olivia have a concussion, be in the hospital, and still have perfectly blown, straight hair (I'm sorry, I'm bitter. I just spent an hour putting my hair in curlers....)

Then we have poor Huck who is still getting kicked in the balls by life and is traumatized by the storage unit incident. As each member of Team Gladiator give their life story, Huck continues to repeat Seven Fifty Two, Seven Fifty Two, Seven Fifty Two…...

Flashback to several years, where we find out that Huck was not always the lovable, puppy eyed-looking hobo, that Olivia Pope picked up off the street. Huck was a solider, a husband, and a father.  Of course, this is Scandal and a character can’t be happy for long without some kind of drama or tragedy. Huck is thrust into the life of a professional killer and you see him going full on Dexter with saran wrap, tools, and all that jazz. Creepy stuff.

Okay, can we first talk about how frustrating Liv and Fitz are right now? These two. I can’t even begin with them. They just need to meet up at a local Starbucks, order a couple of grande chai lattes and just hash it out. These yelling fits in hospitals and on the phone will get them NOWHERE. It just leaves frustration for them and for us who have to sit through it. Makeup, make out, and lets move on!

Then poor Fitz, bless his soul, is clueless to the fact that only hours ago, his right hand man, Jake, was doing the freak nasty with his woman (and was the reason she’s hurt in the first

place.) And Cyrus, who was totally the jealous ex-wife when he was introduced to Jake, is all kinds of salty, because he is slowly being pushed out of Fitz’s life. Jake better watch it, because Miss Cyrus is a cobra who will attack when he feels threatened (he almost took out his own husband.) The guy is ruthless and no one is off limits (not even his frenemy, Olivia Pope.)

Now we scoot over to Olivia Pope and Associates where it is Fix Huck Day (bring your own drinks, because you’re going to need it.) Abby, Harrison, and Quinn try to talk to Huck (but really it was just an excuse to give them a monologue) in hopes of bringing him back to reality. However, Huck was not having it and 752 kept going and going (I wonder what Guillermo thought when he saw the script for this episode. Was he like “Sweet! All I have to do is repeat 752? Psh, nice!")

*When it was finally revealed what 752 (or 7:52) meant I literally felt like I got tackled on the 50 yard line by an entire football team. Way to make the feels real, Shonda. Can we just give all the aawrds to Guillermo Diaz? Emmy, Oscar, Teen Choice Award, VMA Award, CMA Award. Just all the awards. He was in rare form tonight and he brought it. So good. This episode also made me feel really bad for the many times I have walked passed homeless people asking for change. I could've found my own Huck (probably not, but I really should start keeping change in my pocket...)

Olitz lovers got all in a tizzy when Liv and Fitz’s song theme song played in the hospital room. For people who don't know this is a warning for a huge flood of Olivia and Fitz loving, which will lead to either sex, kisses, sweet words of love, or angsty moments of Olitz turmoil (or all of the above.)Everyone freaked while I was here thinking “Oh, you can not seriously have them going at it in the hospital in broad day light! CODE BLUE! CODE BLUE! It’s going down!” In typical Olivia fashion, she stops the passionate embrace and leaves poor Fitz blue balled, sad faced, and alone (she does that a lot, doesn’t she?)

But, oh, let’s not forget Mellie who has had it and is ready to let the shit hit the fan. She’s done, she’s tired, and so over it. And honestly, I don’t blame her. You just can’t hate on her for being

upset. She’s looking like a chump at the White House while Fitz is with Olivia. And I love Fitz and all but this whole "nothing else matters but Liv" attitude is getting really old. If he’s willing to drop everything, every time something happens with Liv then I don’t think he should be leading the country. I know we’re in Shondaland where reality and realism gets dropped kicked out the window, but COME ON. Homeboy is talking about re-election, but he is so deep in the River of Liv that there is no way that he can continue acting like this and still consider running for a second term. He needs to make a choice. Fitz, you and I are cool, but I’m done making excuses for you. Shape up and fly right!

Honestly, I don’t know whom to trust anymore. Everyone seems to be connected with someone else and it’s slowly building to this weird 6-Degrees of Kevin Bacon sort of deal. It’s giving me a headache. I will be very interested to figure out who Jake is working for and how this all connects with Huck. I’m not convinced that he’s the bad guy that fans think he is. That would be way too obvious to pin him as the mole. We will see! See you next, week Gladiators!

 *I should've known that 752 was a time. They weren't saying seven hundred and fifty two like  a normal number. Silly me.

The Search For Tarzan

Who will don the notorious leopard skinned loin cloth? I have always found it interesting when the names of actors who audition for certain parts are leaked. Usually, it's very hush hush except when it's a part that a lot of people are vying for (and the search for Christian Grey continues...)

With that being said I was rather surprised by the shortlist of actors who could possibly play Tarzan. Charlie Hunnam, Tom Hardy, Alexander Skarsgard, and Henry Cavill, were named as the top casting choices for the jungle man and according to Anne Thompson of IndieWire, director David Yates is already meeting with Hunnam, Skarsgard, and Cavill while Warner Brothers is eyeing Hardy.

Now I am fond of Skarsgard, Hunnam, and Hardy as public figures while I feel that Cavill has potential to be a great leading man (waiting for 'Man of Steel' to see how he does. I hear some say he's great while others have called his performances 'wooden'.) Since I am more familiar with 3 out of the 4 actors, I have my own personal opinions on who I think could benefit and pull off this role. David Yates is best known for directing the past 4 Harry Potter films so the guy knows his stuff. I don't think this is going to be some cheesy melodrama with a beefcake leading man with a waxed chest and oiled pecs. I can see a darker Tarzan. More rugged and less kitchy. I mean when you have Tom Hardy as your top choice you know this isn't going to be a Jungle version of Nicholas Sparks.

Let me just start off and say what I think about the possible candidates:

Hunnam: Yes.
Hardy: No.
Skarsgard: No.
Cavill: Yes.

Whew. That was easy.

Hunnam: I started catching up on Sons of Anarchy this summer and I was immediately hooked. The quasi-Hamlet driven plot line has so much blood and action it's downright twisted. However, the show's success can also be pinpointed to the show's lead Charlie Hunnam whose deep guttural voice (which tries-sometimes in vain-to hide an accent that can only be described as 'one of a kind') and intense glares has won over a sub-section of fans (mostly women.) You see Hunnam is a rare bird. If you read his interviews throughout his career he seems to be all too aware of the dark side of the entertainment industry and it's 'bullshit'. He's an artist. He's not in it for the fame. He aspires to be low key like Daniel Day Lewis (don't we all wish we could be like Daniel Day Lewis, sweetie?) He's the type of actor who could've been big by now, but has chosen his roles with the utmost procession (in other words he didn't choose every script that has been thrown at him.)  He's got the physicality and the emotional depth to play the part. He keeps in shape and would probably have no problem doing his own stunts. He also is a good actor. Despite his ever changing accent on Sons of Anarchy he can be mincing and dangerous one minute and bring on the water works the next minute. If given the part I can see Charlie definitely making the character his own. VERDICT: YES.

Hardy: Oh how I adore Hardy. Handsome, insightful, talented, recovering from a dark past, and a sense of humor which reaches the epitome of British wit. The man rocks. Which is why I'm not surprised that Warner is itching for him to take the role. His career is hot right now and you can't blame the company for wanting a piece of the action. Hardy has one thing that the other 3 don't have. He is appealing to both men (gay and straight) and women. He's a guy who isn't afraid to show his sensitive side but will curb stomp you to the ground if you act up and push his buttons (Hardy is a total hood by the way.) He hasn't had a leading man role yet (this will change when Mad Max comes out....or at least manages to finish filming on time.) However, out of all the guys Hardy is probably the safest bet on box office success. The guy is always trying something new and I could totally see him as Tarzan. However, the guy is BUSY. Super busy. Like every 2 weeks he's attached to some kind of project. Something tells me that he isn't going to try and open his schedule to make way for a Tarzan remake. Also, I just can't see him wanting to do it. This role totally seems like a role for an up and comer and not an established A-lister like Hardy. Maybe a few years ago when he was just breaking out, but now he has joined the big leagues. VERDICT: NO.

Skarsgard: I watch True Blood for Alexander Skarsgard. If the show had killed him off I would've been out by now. He is the sexy blonde viking which has millions of women watching every week in the summer. Being the oldest offspring of Stellan Skarsgard, he has made a solid name for himself in the entertainment community. With one quasi-high profile relationship and a big blockbuster under his belt he is still climbing the ladder. Alex has all the fixings of a Hollywood golden boy. Tall (so tall), handsome, blonde, charismatic, and a goofy, but charming smile. It's all there. However, in my opinion, he has yet to shine or showcase what he can really do outside of True Blood. Something physical like Tarzan could do the trick, but I just can't see it. Maybe, because he's getting up there in age or maybe it's because of something else I can't pinpoint, but when I see Alex, I don't see him as 'wild' like Hardy or Hunnam. Even when he's scruffy, he still seems so clean cut and, dare I say it, a tad generic to me. I really do like Alex and I am excited to see what he does after True Blood ends, but I personally don't think Tarzan is it. VERDICT: NO.

Cavill: Now here is a name that I can definitely go with. British export Henry Cavill who will being making a big debut in 'Man of Steel' has already started some chatter in the film community. I don't  know much about him, but I do sense that he is so fresh on the scene that it may be good for him. He's a blank slate. This could give him a chance to broaden his target audience and launch his career. He is the youngest of the bunch which I think gives him a slight advantage (again they may want a fresh, new face) and if 'Man of Steel' takes off then the studio would've hit the jackpot with him. Also, he is extremely handsome w/wo facial hair so playing a jungle man will def. bring out the women at the very least. Not sure about the men, but I think Cavill has a very masculine air about him which I think will draw men as well. VERDICT: YES.

What do you think?

Drive By Reviews- 11/3/12 "Drive" "South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut," "Heathers"

3.5/5- Giggled a lot and enjoyed the songs (which is why Trey Parker and Matt Stone should write more musicals. Book of Mormon is a revelation.)

3.5/5- Can see why this is a cult classic but I thought it was decent. Enjoyed the 80's fashion and its always nice to see Winona Ryder in her prime.

4.5/5- The visuals, the camera shots, the action, the suspense (which totally reminded me of 'No Country For Old Men'), and the acting. I loved it all. I get the Gosling hype. I finally get it. Of course the director is the same person who directed one of my favorite films "Bronson." Tres Bien.

W./E. Film Review

The story is about the passionate love affair of American-born Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. As history goes when forced to choose between his throne or Wallis, Edward (we're going to be calling him David since that's his nickname in the film) gives up his title and his future just to be with her (and may I say thank you because we wouldn't have Prince Harry naked pictures if it wasn't for that.) The film's other storyline is based in modern day where we have our lead Wally Winthrop who is married to a super rich British psychiatrist. Wally is having her own issues due to her struggle to have a baby and her husband's wandering eye. As the film goes on we are given an insight into both Wally and Wallis Simpson's life and how they endure their individual obstacles.

The main issues I had with the film stems mostly from the modern day storyline. With 50 Shades of Grey styled dialogue we are introduced to Wally's sad, pitiful life. We see these exaggerated yuppies come up to her, telling her how lucky she is to have a husband like hers who is so successful, handsome, and British (all this while he's practically mouth groping some blonde's ear.) Wally plays the dutiful wife ignoring his indiscretions and pumps herself up with hormone shots to increase her chances of pregnancy. All this would be fine and dandy if the lead actress played by Abbie Cornish wasn't so bad. I want to believe it’s the dialogue she's been given but she just comes off as a dead fish, flat lining most of her lines. You can play aloof and closed off without being a sopping wet blanket. Also Wally seems to have a thing for touching 18th century items in museums (something that is brushed aside because apparently it is totally okay to take off an antique dress worn by one of the most famous people in history and have NO ONE stop you or arrest you.)

The film itself is all over the place. Extremely inconsistent and no sense of flow whatsoever.

Maybe it’s due to Madonna's musical prowess but W./E. tends to play like a chic music video. It’s trying to be innovative and edgy with close up and out of focus shots. I found some of the transitions to be extremely uneven. 

This is definitely a vanity project for the Queen of Pop. See! Look what  I can do with a camera. Aren’t I amazing with my minimal, black and white styling? Huh? HUH? Can you believe this is my first time making a film? Yes, Madonna I can tell this is your first crack at film making. And I am totally cool with artist trying out different outlets and the film is decent for a first time.  I'm just saying that there is a reason why this didn't sweep the Oscars and The Kings Speech did.

The film is very disjointed as it flips back and forth from 1930's Wallis Simpson and modern day Wally. First it’s about her having a baby, then it’s about her obsession with Simpson and David, then it’s her husband who is probably cheating, and the list goes on. And I could care less. I wanted more Wallis and David. It was their love story after all. The film was trying so hard to pull a “Julie and Julia” and failed miserably.

I LOVED Andrea Riseborough who played the role of Wallis Simpson (which is funny because she stars in one of my least favorite films Angel.) I don't know much about Simpson but Riseborough totally portrayed the character as a strong female who I was rooting for the entire time. When she and Cornish were together it was like day and night. Which is why I scoff whenever they tried to parallel the two stories. Of course you feel sympathy for Wally when she is being physically and verbally abused by her husband but I have the distinct feeling that the real Wallis Simpson would roll her eyes at her. As Wally lives vicariously through Simpson the film makes her seem pathetic and a tad obsessive. They try to throw a weak reason onto why she is so invested in the story (she was named after Wallis Simpson, I guess) but that alone doesn't support some of her actions. How can Wallis be compared to this limp bag of potatoes Wally who slaps on Chanel and some Black House White Market clothes and think she's emulating Simpson. Not even! In one scene which has Wally magically transported (in her mind) to the 1930’s Wallis tells her to “Get a life." Wow, some ones actually telling this girl what she needs to hear.

The thing that I did enjoy about this film was definitely the style (because I feel that the movie focused more on looks then actual content.) The cinematography is stunning and the set pieces and costumes were gorgeous. Also there were times when the camerawork was very interesting (but like this movie it was inconsistent and was all over the place after awhile.) Another little touch that I enjoyed were some of the song choices. Madonna tries to incorporate different genre of songs into the film to give it a certain edge. One song in particular called "Love, Love Alone" by Blind Blake is used very cleverly. Listen:

The song is great. However, it is used at the worst place in the film. Their are even times when dramatic scenes are accompanied with peppy upbeats that belittle and dilute the drama. It's like she had a bunch of songs that she desperately wanted to use and tried to crow bar them into scenes where it was not needed.

The story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward is very interesting. Being a history buff myself, I was so intrigued. I wanted more information. When did they start falling in love? How did Wallis meet her second husband? What was David’s relationship like with his brother (this was shown unsuccessfully by a random spurt of the two playing together, once again, at the worst possible time in the film) and etc. I was hungry for this information and when it started getting interesting it would flip back to modern day, to Wally, who I could give two flying flips about.

Now I do have to give Madonna credit. The movie was not a failure by any means. If this was directed by anyone else I’m sure the reviews would’ve been a tad kinder. I think the style of the film was beautiful. Some of the shots were very lovely and it was a very interesting way to tell a story so aged. However, her inconsistencies come through. Their was one scene which involved booze, drugs, and the Sex Pistols, but the film doesn’t know whether to be edgy (kind of what Coppola did with Marie Antoinette) or stay classic, sophisticated, and chic. It jumps back and forth and their seems to be no clear vision.  

The film could've been so much more.  If only they had nixed the modern day storyline and kept with Wallis and David's story (or at least focus more on them and less on Wally's story.) The style alone is one of the films few saving graces but it can't hide the flat story being told. The film is beautiful on the outside but hollow on the inside. No depth whatsoever and left me feeling disenchanted. C-