Before I jump into tackling Black Mass and Cooties, I'd like to recommend some quality docs out this weekend. Rosenwald is an amazing story that you may not know about, the philanthropy of former SEARS president Julius Rosenwald. Also Paul Taylor: Creative Domain is a gripping look at one of dance's real icons. Now click through for my enjoyable breakdown of why Black Mass and Cooties are two awesome films, but only one is my favorite release this weekend.
Black Mass is a well-paced suspenseful look at one of America's most wanted figures of the last few decades. James "Whitey" Bulger reign over the Boston mob scene was brutal while still being highly productive. The movie has two incredible performances as Johnny Depp completely embodies the blue-eyed killer and Joel Edgerton captures the luxurious qualities of FBI Agent John Connolly. Overall Scott Cooper's third foray into film is his most thorough and well shot film. DP Masanobu Takayanagi is a real powerhouse cinematographer as he captures the gritty under belly of life so well. With Warrior and The Grey he captured explosive action set in confining spaces while mixing in the colors of the environment perfectly. Silver Lining Playbook highlighted his ability to find greatness in depth as there are so many wide shots that capture amazingly emotional scenes. True Story showcased a more subtle lingering approach that illuminates Takayanagi's overall quality of capturing suspense. Though I think later this year we'll truly see his brilliance in THE SPOTLIGHT, I was utterly impressed with Black Mass. His previous work with Director Scott Cooper, Out of Furnace, lacked the suspense that Black Mass carries. From the opening sequence with a chubby Jesse Plemons as Whitey's old buddy Kevin Weeks you're hooked into the tale of this violent infamous figure. Overall an amazingly well shot and acted film with some truly great standout performances like Depp, Edgerton and Rory Cochrane as longtime associate of Whitey's, Steve Flemmi.
Cooties on the other hand!
Also shares an incredibly fun cast. Elijah Woods always seems so friendly and open as a lead actor. You just believe the guy and want to see him survive. Cooties sure puts him through the ringer as the humor and balls of the writers and directors behind this genius take on the Zombie craze never let up. Directing Duo Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion give us isolation, fear and downright hilarious sequences. Rainn Wilson utterly thrives in this chaos filled environment. But the writing power of Leigh Wannell (SAW) & Ian Brennan (GLEE) is witty, over-the-top and so brash. As my mother would say, these are "cheeky" people. The film never stops with the constant battle of violent children and non-stop bickering of bitching adults. Many folks would have f'ed this whole idea up, but in this group of funny folks it is just so damn enjoyable. Both Leigh and Ian play fun characters in the film, though Leigh's extremely abrasive lines stand out amongst all others. It's refreshing witnessing young filmmakers and writers test the boundaries of what's funny, decent and downright entertaining. Cooties is a relentless attack on your fear receptors and your giggling mechanisms. I hurt so much because I laughed so hard.
One more amazing stand out character is Nasim Pedrad as Rebekkah. As crazy and weird as Leigh's Doug is, Rebekkah is an even more of an out there figure. She doesn't have a filter and it's so perfectly timed throughout the film. Also Alison Pill is a perfect compliment to Elijah, and when she finally "cracks" its awesome!
So which one is better?
Black Mass has a more star-studded cast and the DP is honestly about to explode this year. But there are some issues. The ending for one is a massive hole. The on-the-lamb, capture and trial of Whitey are completely glossed over. I easily would have given another 15-20 minutes to see more of Depp as an aging running mobster then get a few still shot reads. Overall the way in which the FBI did make Whitey into a natural figure is a big key reason why this movie was pushed into existence so quickly. Why not show us the real downfall of the kingpin and maybe hear from the real victims? Joe Berlinger's amazing documentary, Whitey: United States Vs James J. Bulger, from last year holds so much more compelling information compared to Cooper's fun and violent ride along. The impact of this figure isn't fully realized.
But the transition from these petrified teachers.
To warrior poets fighting the good fight against the ravaging zombie pre-pub children is remarkable.
Overall Cooties is slightly better because of the full commitment of one, Rainn Wilson. Wade is one of the best bad ass assholes out there. A mixture of Ash from Evil Dead, any bully from any film ever, and Rainn's corky bravado all equal pure gold on screen.
Don't miss out on the best Horror Comedy since Shaun of the Dead.
For more information on Cooties please visit there website, here.
For more information on Scott Cooper's Black Mass please go, here.
