Underrated Awesomeness

Before the obligatory Christmas posts commence I feel I must share my feelings on two little seen movies released earlier this year. They are 1) The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and 2) Love & Mercy. The good news is both are currently available to rent so it's really easy to retrieve them immediately after reading this!

So without further ado...

1) The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

When I first saw the trailers for this movie I was underwhelmed. Hence why I didn't see it in theaters. After some badgering from a couple of friends and a lot from my mother (thank you btdubs), I decided to check it out. This is easily one of the more fun flicks to be released this year. If you love a good spy caper this is a must-see. 

It's definitely a departure from Guy Ritchie's other films, with this feeling more in common with the better Roger Moore "Bond" outings and a pinch of Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's 11 (especially the soundtrack). Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, and Alicia Vikander all have fun with their roles. Cavill and Hammer share a nice chemistry while their characters are constantly bickering and teamed up against their will. Vikander is having a great year, and her performance here is no exception.

The only downside is there's not really a standout villain here. Elizabeth Debicki tries, but her character is far too underwritten to leave much of an impression. That doesn't matter though because the movie is such a blast you won't think about the negatives until afterward. Definitely recommended! 

2) Love & Mercy

I remember reading a lot about Brian Wilson's story when this film was released earlier this summer. For some reason I never checked it out... until now. This biopic does an amazing job alternating between the 60s (Wilson writing "Pet Sounds"/struggling with the Beach Boys' successive album) and the 80s (Wilson dealing with his quack doctor while rediscovering his love for music AND falling for the love of his life). While it does feel slightly disjointed sometimes, it's never less than mesmerizing. 

The performances from the leads are extremely compelling. Paul Dano and John Cusack may feel like an odd pair to be playing the same character, but there's a nice continuity in both nailing Wilson's mannerisms. Dano in particular is wonderful when in the studio recording tracks for "Pet Sounds". Elizabeth Banks has never been better as Melinda, the car saleswoman whom Wilson falls in love with in the 80s. She gives her character a fire and tenacity while also being sharing a wonderful chemistry with Cusack. I hope she gets some love come award time. Paul Giamatti is great as the outrageous Dr. Landy. He's over-the-top without sliding into caricature, helping you understand the doctor's questionable motives.

This flick also has a great soundtrack. I've been listening to The Beach Boys' music all morning. I've always loved them, but now I have a greater appreciation from a behind-the-scenes standpoint. Even if you don't love their music, this film pulls you in and never lets go. Check it out!

Okay that's enough for now methinks. Get back to listening to Christmas music!