Django Unchained

Django Unchained takes place two years before the Civil War in the South. This film is about a slave, Django (Jamie Foxx), who is given the opportunity to acquire freedom. The movie begins with Django helplessly traveling with his brutal slave owner. As they walk through the cold woods the group runs into a bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), who is seeking Django's assistance. After Schultz helps Django escape, he makes a propostion. If Django helps him kill the dangerous Brittle Brothers, then Schultz will reward him with freedom. Django also asks Schultz to help him find his wife who he lost many years before. Schultz despises slavery and happily accepts Django's request. Although these men are skillful and intelligent, they face various challenges that are nearly impossible to overcome. Can they kill the Brittle Brothers? Do they find Django's wife? Can they defeat all the threatening slave owners who resent Schultz's behavior? Will this team make it out alive?

Django Unchained is an action packed American western film directed by Quentin Tarantino. The unforgettable acting, writing, and cinematography within this film is extremely entertaining to say the least. Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kerry Washington play complex characters that bring the film to life. I was very impressed with every single main character's performance. Quentin Tarantino movies always have a unique premise to them. In Django, he successfully adds humor, gore, and drama into a movie about a slave's struggle. Viewers laugh, cry, and wince as the story of Django unfolds. The most impressive aspect of this film, besides the cinematography, is Christoph Waltz's performance. After I saw this film, I realized that he is, unquestionably, my favorite actor. His body language and tone throughout this production is flawless. His entire body and personality morphs into his character. It always seems like a completely effortless task for him. Waltz doesn't play a part, he is his part. 

Dallas Buyers Club

Last night I saw Dallas Buyers Club, an American biographical drama film. This movie takes place in Dallas, Texas when the HIV epidemic hits its peak. This true story is based off Ron Woodroof's (Matthew McConaughey) battle to overcome HIV. The film introduces Ron as a an out of control homophobic who is addicted to drugs, partying, and getting into trouble. Ron is diagnosed with HIV after he visits the hospital because of a minor injury at work. When the doctors predict he has merely 30 days to live, Ron begins to take the only FDA-approved drug (AZT) to treat his illness. Unfortunately, like most patients with HIV who took this drug, he almost dies because of its side effects.  Ron realizes that the only way he will survive is if he finds other remedies. He begins to smuggle anti-viral medications from all over the world in order to treat himself. Other AIDS patients begin to ask Ron for his effective drugs. In result, with the help of a fellow AIDS patient Rayon (Jared Leto), Ron forms the Dallas Buyers Club. Members pay money to receive an endless amount of helpful drugs. With many buyers clubs forming, the FDA and pharmaceutical companies quickly take action to stop the "illegal" drug flow. This creates another battle that Ron and his club members are forced to face.  

The acting in this film is absolutely incredible. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are truly versatile performers that will do anything in order to portray a character correctly. To play a believable AIDS patient, both actors lost an overwhelming amount of weight for each role. These actors appear to be extremely malnourished which adds to the reality of the film. In addition, Jared Leto's depiction of a transgender was finominal and Matthew McConaughey has never been better. I will not be surprised if McConaughey or Leto get nominated for an Oscar. 

Jared Leto

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Matthew McConaughey

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