Birdman: A Full Review

BIRDMAN_MOVIEPOSTERWith a wink to his past and a subtle nod to his future, Michael Keaton captivates in his comeback performance as Birdman. The existential undertone of Keaton’s own career makes him perfect to play “Riggan Thompson,” a washed up actor who walked away from the third installment of his iconic superhero role. His hope to revitalize his career comes in the form of a Broadway play beside some major power players, including Ed Norton (Mike Shiner), Naomi Watts (Leslie), Emma Stone (Sam), and Zach Galifianakis (Brandon).

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu executed the daunting task of actually simulating a play, making the entire movie appear as if it’s shot in one continuous take, a magic trick much like Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rope.’The backstage drama boosts the film, with Thompson’s depression-driven turmoil beautifully juxtaposed against Shiner’s thespian antics, Sam’s rebellious rants, and Brandon’s failed attempts to temper the trouble. And for the folks who need a little extra entertainment inside this circus of delight, there’s some great shots of Norton in his underwear, who is near-naked for most of the film.

Each character is crafted with many layers, often wavering between confidence, depression, desperation, heroism, kindness, humor, and love. It’s clear that Keaton carries the film, and the actor takes no issue with the irony of his legendary Batman status. And though everyone is on the record as saying the film was not written with Keaton in mind, it’s a fitting mental conundrum, considering there’s a play inside a film that’s shot like a play that stars a guy who once played a bird on screen and in real life who is also launching a comeback on screen and in real life. GOT THAT?!!!

Watch the trailer below, and go see this film.

RATING: 5/5 DISHES


 

 

President Obama is ‘Between Two Ferns’ with Zach Galifianakis — Promotes Obamacare

President Obama visited Zach Galifianakis for a sit-down interview about The Affordable Care Act, and hilarity ensued. When Zach asked, “What is it like to be the last black president?” Obama replied with, “Seriously, what’s it like for this to be the last time you ever talk to a president?” According to CNN, the White House invited celebrities to find innovative ways to promote the Affordable Care Act, as it’s success depends on having 40% of its enrollees be between the ages of 18 and 34. The Executive Producer of Funny or Die’s ‘Between Two Ferns’ then met with Obama’s senior adviser, and the rest is history. The segment was met with a lot of interrupting laughter and ad-libbing. Watch below, and go to Healthcare.gov to get covered. Now’s your chance! You have until March 31st.

Quote of the Day: Zach Galifianakis on his January Jones Experience

” . . . if I remember correctly, she and I were very rude to each other. It was crazy. I was at a party — I’d never met her — and she was like, ‘Come sit down.’ So I sit at her table and talk for ten minutes, and she goes, ‘I think it’s time for you to leave now.’ So I say, ‘January, you are an actress in a show and everybody’s going to forget about you in a few years, so fucking be nice,’ and I got up and left. And she thinks that’s funny?” Zach Galifianakis’ take on his awful January Jones encounter, after recently hearing that she called him “the most naturally funny man she’d ever met.”

Movie Review — Due Date

This movie was a breath of fresh air, which is a strange statement because Robert Downey, Jr. spent most of the film feeling suffocated by Zach Galifianakis’.  It was light-hearted and funny with just the right amount of gross-out humor.  Galifianakis and Downey drive across the country together after they end up on a no-fly list.  Under no other circumstances would these two men hang out, which is why the film is so great.  Downey is a tightly wound guy who is a bit of prick, and Galifianakis is a sweetheart who likes everyone but is liked by no one.  I don’t think this movie could have survived without these two actors, and it’s worth seeing just for their performance.  Plus, have I mentioned I’m in love with Robert Downey?