New Release Birb: First Reformed

First Reformed
Starring: Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried
Written and Directed by Paul Schrader
US Release Date: May 18th, 2018
My First Viewing: May 30th, 2018

A former military officer turned Reverend deals with the struggles of guilt and despair in his own life as well as the world around us in First Reformed, starring Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried.

Hawke plays Reverend Toller, who at the beginning of the film starts a one-year journal exercise to write his thoughts in the truest way possible, by putting pen to paper. In his small congregation (which is run by a superchurch run by Cedric "The Entertainer" Kyles) is Mary (Seyfried) and her husband Michael (Philip Ettinger). Mary wants to set Michael up with Reverend Toller because he is depressed about global warming and he wants her to get rid of their unborn child because he doesn't want to bring another life into this world.

This is a very deliberately paced film, but it keeps you invested. Hawke's performance is the standout of the movie as Toller. He has to deal with his own personal demons that come from his divorce, his poor health, and how he questions his own beliefs when Michael and Mary come into his life. The pacing help with the third act reveals, where you don't know what exactly is happening, even when the movie cuts to black and the credits start rolling. There were quite a few audible "what's" coming from the audience at the conclusion of the film.

The messages it sends about religion and global warming can be very heavy, to the extent that at some points it feels like it is beating you over the head. However, with great performances from it's leading cast, amazing cinematography that matches Toller's off-kilter mindset, and a smart screenplay by writer and director Paul Schrader, this is one of my favorite films thus far in 2018.

What were your thoughts on First Reformed? Follow me on facebook and instagram and leave your comments.

First Reformed is rated R for disturbing violent images.

-birb

Comments

Best Picture Birb: The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water Starring: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, and Richard Jenkins Written and Directed by Guillermo del Toro US Release Date: December 1st, 2017 Most Recent Viewing: March 3rd, 2018 Image Credit: movieposter.com Garnering the most nominations at the 90th Academy Awards with thirteen, The Shape of Water gives us Guillermo del Toro's best film since Pan's Labyrinth. This cold war fairy tale is a visual tour de force and a compelling story, all of which was told through the eyes of the main character who doesn't say a word. Sally Hawkins stars as Eliza, a mute janitorial worker at a secret government facility who is trying to find her place in the world. When an Amazonian monster is brought to the facility by the head of security Richard Stickland (Michael Shannon), Eliza and the monster (Doug Jones) build a bond. Octavia Spencer plays Eliza's workmate and friend Zelda, and Richard Jenkins plays Giles, Eliza's neighbor, and best friend. Jenk

New Release Birb: Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2 Starring: Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin Directed by David Leitch US Release Date: May 18th, 2018 My First Viewing: May 17th, 2018 image credit: movieposter.com Nearly two and a half years after turning the superhero/comic book genre on its ear with the original, Ryan Reynolds returns with a new director, but with the familiar quips and fourth-wall breaking in Deadpool 2. Taking place after the events of the first film, we follow the Merc with the Mouth as he continues his mercenary ways. However, after a hit goes wrong, Mr. Pool tries to turn a new leaf by trying to help a young mutant Russell (Julian Dennison, Hunt for the Wilderpeople ) while also becoming an X-Man (trainee) . On the hunt for Russell is Cable (Josh Brolin), traveling back from the future to try and kill Russell. This is a much different movie from the first Deadpool. While I preferred the first due to it's more spontaneous nature, the sequel had a lot to live up to, and for the most par

Best Picture Birb- The Post

The Post Starring: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks Directed by Steven Spielberg US Release Date: December 22nd, 2017 Most Recent Viewing: March 3rd, 2018 Image Credit: movieposter.com Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actress- Meryl Streep and Best Picture), The Post tells the story of the Washington Post and their handling of The Pentagon Papers, confidential information on the United States actions in the Vietnam War that spanned over five different presidential reigns. Streep and Hanks are plastered all over the advertising as the leads, Streep playing Post owner Kay Graham, who takes over the family business after her husband's death. Streep is predictably good in this role, showing her evolution from quiet background player to a presence. Hanks plays editor-in-chief Ben Bradlee, who is headstrong in the Post's First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, pushing hard to be able to publish the story even with the Nixon administration doing what they can to bl

Random Movie Birb

Search This Blog