What does a former James Bond, Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker do when a younger, stronger actor takes his place on the screen?

Rating: 9/10 (16 November 2014)

Birdman brings a whole new "magic to the movies" that I haven't felt in a very long time. CGI and other amazing talented movie makers have given us the middle earth (Lord of the Rings) and realistic twin brothers (The Social Network). It's not a bad thing at all -- we are living in such an amazing time for movies and TV shows. That said, rarely do I walk away from a movie completely in awe of how it was made.
Enter Birdman. While there is some CGI to it, it's the camera-work that is truly outstanding. It's like watching a play in front of your eyes, the camera never breaks as it walks you though the story. No second shots. No fades to black. It's as if the actors and crew had a one-day shoot with quick costume changes and breaks between the scenes. Please spend your hard earned money supporting this movie at your local theater -- even if it's just to appreciate and support the talented folks behind the cameras that made this movie.
Now for the folks on screen -- amazing. Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Ed Norton. I have a personal motto when it comes to movies ... "If Ed Norton is in, I'm in". Of course he wouldn't let me down. Yet again he comes to the screen with some of the best acting I've seen. After watching Naomi Watts play a Russian stripper in St. Vincent, it was awesome to see her in a completely different role a Broadway actress struggling with confidence on and off the stage. Emma Stone was brilliant. Not only would she be a great friend to have ... she is proving herself as not just a pretty face but a talented actress who I see getting a golden statue someday.
And Michael Keaton -- we've missed you. What a wonderful comeback story to bring to us. His real-life comparison playing Batman over 20 years ago made this movie eerily creepy in a touching way. But Keaton was not only great because he once himself a Birdman, he was great because he is a great. A few times I did hear a bit of Beetlejuice in his rants, which brought back more fond Keaton-memories.
I felt a lot of vulnerability from Keaton. It seemed personal. And there is nothing better than genuineness on and off screen. Keaton, Stone, Norton - they gave it their all.
You may love this movie, you may not. It is a true independent film -- if you're favorite movies are Hollywood blockbusters this is not going to be on top of the list. However I still encourage you to see this movie. It's an interesting story about life after big Hollywood (think modern-day Sunset Blvd.). What does a former James Bond, Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker do when a younger, stronger actor takes his place on the screen? After watching Birdman, you may even have a bit more respect for our childhood superheroes and their courage after the sets are closed.