In this space not too long ago, I made it a point to ask –
practically beg – you not to watch two movies by one self-indulgent director
named Lars von Trier. Neither his Melancholia nor his Antichrist are worth
your valuable time.
Now, allow me to highly recommend a terrific young director
who has directed and written three feature films: Brick (2005), The Brothers
Bloom (2008), and Looper (2012).
Rian Johnson is a young man who hails from California and
first came to my attention a while back when his debut feature film, “Brick,”
was praised constantly by my favorite film criticism podcast, Filmspotting.
Matt and Adam loved the movie so much that they actually created an annual
honor called “The Golden Brick” that they award to some film of that year that
was terrific but for whatever reason was not seen widely enough or not praised
nearly enough.
So, I rented “Brick” and was mesmerized. It is a classic
film noir set in a modern California high school with students playing all of
the requisite roles. There’s a murdered girl. There’s a haunted hero. There’s
the classic “Big Guy.” There’s the requisite “tough.” The dialog. The look. The
feel. The entire movie pays homage to classic film noirs like The Maltese
Falcon (1941) and Double Indemnity (1944). Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the
hero but the true scene stealer is Lukas Haas as The Pin. And, for goodness
sakes, Richard Roundtree is in the movie. You don’t get much more badass than
that. This film is available on Netflix Instant and I suggest you watch it
immediately.
Johnson’s next feature film was The Brothers Bloom, which
stars Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel Weisz. I’m not going to say a whole
lot about this film because, honestly, it was not my favorite. It felt
scattered. I didn’t think the directing was as sharp.
So. . .when Johnson’s next feature film was released in
2012, I was a bit apprehensive. Was Brick a grand fluke? I let my nervousness
get the better of me and I didn’t go see it. Instead I waited. And waited. Now Looper (2012) is available on movie channels and for rent. You must see it.
Now.
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily
Blunt, Looper is a great thriller with a science fiction bent that includes
time travel. Now, I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to say, “Oh,
man, time travel. That stuff always hurts my head.” And, generally speaking, I
tend to agree. Some movies have used the time travel element well (The
Terminator (1984)) and others not so well (just about all of the other Terminators). But here’s the deal. . .the brilliance of this film is how
easily Johnson explains the use of time travel in this instance. You get it.
You understand it. It becomes a key, but understandable, part of the plot.
And – BONUS!! -- the acting is great. Gordon-Levitt, Willis
and Blunt all bring their “A” games. The secondary characters are all well done
and play key roles. I will say that it will take a few minutes for you to get
used to Gordon-Levitt’s prosthetic make-up. He is Willis’ younger self, and his
mannerisms and look need to somewhat mirror Willis’ look and mannerisms. But
you get past it. Trust me.
I’m not going to say a whole lot about the film because I
want you to experience it “cold.”
One thing you need to know: It’s violent. Bloody violent.
So be prepared.
So there you have it. Go watch Looper and Brick. I
promise you won’t be disappointed.
