Travis Simpkins

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Charlie's Angels (2000): Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu

Directed by McG, based on the 1970's television show, Charlie's Angels (2000) was greeted by an attentive audience in both theaters and DVD release… spawning an action-packed sequel three years later. The fast-paced story concerns a trio of elite female private investigators in the employ of an elusive millionaire, tasked with solving a dangerous case involving abduction, theft, daring heists and the nefarious use of voice-recognition software. The action and fight scenes are well-choreographed and mix nicely with a thoroughly comedic overtone. Part of what makes the film work so well, is that the cast obviously had great fun in making it. Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu are beautiful and brilliant as the "Angels." The supporting cast is great as well, including Bill Murray, Tim Curry, Sam Rockwell, Kelly Lynch and Crispin Glover.

Drew Barrymore, Bill Murray, Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Tim Curry and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Tim Curry: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore, Bill Murray and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels

Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz: Charlie's Angels

Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu: Charlie's Angels

"Charlie's Angels"- movie trailer

Saturday, February 28, 2015

American Hustle (2013): Worcester Art Museum, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence and Rembrandt

American Hustle: Worcester Art Museum & Rembrandt

by Travis Simpkins

Co-written and directed by David O. Russell, American Hustle (2013) started receiving accolades, fanfare and critical success even before it was released. The story is loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM operation of the late 1970's. Offering great insights into the art of the con, the interrelations between the criminals and law enforcement are blurred and fascinating. A few scenes in American Hustle were filmed at the picturesque Worcester Art Museum, with Rembrandt's "Saint Bartholomew", the European Galleries and the Renaissance Court nicely featured. The scene stated that the Rembrandt painting is a fake, which it isn't, but Saint Bartholomew took a hit for the team. I was on set for filming at the museum, which took one full morning to shoot. The scenes were hushed, with the HVAC briefly silenced to eliminate background noise, and the cast and crew were pleasant all-around. Top-notch acting runs from start to finish. Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper are excellent as the male leads. Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams, both clad in stylish form-fitting open front dresses in 1970's fashion, are radiant and exceptional in their respective roles. The supporting cast is great as well, including Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K. and Robert De Niro.