I Would Have Rather Watched The Superhero Flick "Birdman"

Birdman (2014)

Rated R

Starring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Naomi Watts, Edward Norton

Written and Directed by Alejandro Inarittu

The Story:

Riggan (Keaton) is a former movie star of the Birdman superhero franchise. But he wants to be taken seriously, so we writes, directs and stars in a play on Broadway, sinking all of his cash into the film. They bring Mike (Norton) onboard at the last minute, but his volatile acting style is going to push Riggan into making either the best play ever seen, or the final humiliating nail in his acting coffin.

Well, that was something.

Keaton plays an actor who's most successful film was a superhero film with popular sequels from over 20 years earlier in his career.

Talk about typecasting!

:)

This is an unusual film, as it is almost strictly a drama, but it keeps you watching thanks to the presence of the actors, especially Keaton and Norton who keep blowing up what you are watching and keeping it fresh and entertaining as a look behind the scenes of a Broadway play.

Then the Birdman angle rears its head...

And it is unusual, to say the least.

Is there really a Birdman?

Has he imbued his talents into Riggan?

Does Riggan actually have powers, or is he falling into psychological hallucinations?

Don't know.

Watch the film and judge for yourself.

Because just when you think you have it figured out, the movie decides to end with a scene that will have you question everything you thought you just saw.

It's a good film, but since I would likely never watch it again, it cannot be a "great film" on my grading scale, because I'm all about wanting to watch a movie all over again sometime in the near or distant future.

Final Grade: B