REVIEW: Aloha

3/10 - Perfect movie to leave on the TV for your cats when you go out. 

I really like Cameron Crowe, even though his movies aren't pushing the limits of filmmaking. At his worst he captures heart and sincerity in his movies, and that's better than most. I also really like Emma Stone, who doesn't. Bradley Cooper, yes please. Rachel McAdams another delight. Bill Murray?! Are you kidding, sign me up for this film.

None of those talented people could save Aloha. It's a shallow snooze-fest with nothing worthwhile to say. Halfway through I was wishing someone would buy a Zoo.

Aloha follows Brian a military contractor (Bradley Cooper) as he dicks around on Hawaii going between millionaires who want to exploit the Hawaiian resources (Bill Murray and Alec Baldwin) and the native Hawaiians, inexplicably represented by Emma Stone. Brian's ex-wife is also there with her new husband (Rachel McAdams and John Krasinski) where they do some stuff with their kids.

There is very little about Aloha that doesn't feel contrived. I've come to expect Cameron Crowe rom-coms to feature very little conflict and represent more personal journeys, and this is almost an attempt to do the opposite. It's so story heavy that it doesn't play to any of Crowe's strengths and it just an incomprehensible bore. Even Bradley Coopers character doesn't come across as likable, and all the other characters seem to exist solely as predictable roadblocks. The story becomes a diluted cocktail of American military pride, astrophysics, Hawaiian culture, and romantic feelings, where none of those story points fully come through, and all them them become weaker in combination.

I can't even sign off on this film representing Hawaiian culture despite the name. There's the obvious Emma Stone controversy that I can't add to, other than to agree that she was a terrible casting choice and her character does Hawaii a disservice.

Perhaps I'm disappointed with the film because I had hoped that beyond the initial kick back the film faced, there might be something redeeming about it. I couldn't find anything to make this movie worthwhile. There's no major trainwreck moment, it's just the kind of movie that makes you want to netflix and nap.

IMDb - Aloha (5.5)
Wikipedia - Aloha
Rotten Tomatoes - Aloha (19%)
Amazon.ca - Aloha

REVIEW: About Time

6/10 - Perfectly fine in a quiet romantic, ideal world kind of way. 

About Time marks the second occasion where Rachel McAdams marries a time traveller. A strange way to get type-cast, but with charisma like hers she can make whatever movies she wants. There is something special about making a romcom with a time travelling twist. It's an adventure that is specifically and solely about sentimentality.

If you're wondering what this movie is about, you'll catch on pretty quickly in one viewing. It's one of those movies where there is a message and it hits you over the head with it. In fact, the movie is basically saying "This is the way to live your life. Here, look, this guy is doing it and he's happy! See? DO IT."

The problem with this kind of hammer on nail morality tale is that it puts plot in second place. There are so many problems with the story that I cannot possibly mention them all in this post.

Do not try to follow the "rules" of time travel. They don't exist. If you're a sci fi junkie and thought Looper was problematic, then don't even consider this film. The only "rules" that are stated are all broken at some point in the movie. All of them. But of course, time travel is a metaphor! Sure, sure. Then don't ruin your metaphor by breaking the rules.

It's also a movie about appreciating life you have and finding the best way to spend your time. Of course, it's easy to demonstrate this with a mid to upper class privileged, steadily employed family. Appreciate what you have! When you're well off, and there's no risk of losing what you have.

That's the essential problem with About Time. There is no external conflict, just an internal debate about the best way to use Time Travel to have the fewest regrets. There are mildly irritating friends who are charming in their own flawed ways. His sister gets into trouble, but they use that as an opportunity to come together as a family. It's all a little too perfect, but perhaps that's the perk of being a time traveller, you get to have perfect.

Overall there are some brilliant moments that makes it an enjoyable movie. The seasoned direction of Richard Curtis makes the movie feel intimate and romantic. Domhnall Gleeson is captivating as a growing, slightly awkward kid who grows into his family. It's genuinely fun to relive all the awkward moments and the terror that comes with meeting someone new and almost losing them. It's easy to become quite invested in the warm Bill Nighy as the guiding father. It's a good movie, but not one I would ever want to rewatch.

IMDb - About Time (7.8)
Wikipedia - About Time
Rotten Tomatoes - About Time (69%)
Amazon.ca - About Time