100 Words or Less

100 Word Review - The Avengers

2012-05-06T21:50:00.001-04:00

After years of preparation geek icon Joss Whedon finally assembles earth's mightiest heroes for the first blockbuster of the year The Avengers. Cast out from his home-world the god of mischief Loki assisted by an evil alien race makes his way to Earth with a vengeful plot that will require everything that S.H.I.E.L.D. can muster to prevent. With the grandeur one would hope for in such a huge superhero undertaking Whedon takes the increasing quality of the Marvel film franchises laces it with a humorous script, and throws in enough emotion to ensure the film will resonate with audiences everywhere.

100 Word Review - The Hunger Games

2012-03-27T23:01:00.001-04:00

As the latest young adult series to make the jump to film The Hunger Games launches moviegoers into a bleak dystopian world in which the once rebellious states of Panem are forced to offer up 24 young tributes. Tributes who will be prepared to fight to the death on television as a reminder of the unending power of their capitol oppressors. Keeping much of its original thematic element intact the film creates a solid adaptation of the novel while still remaining accessible to the uninitiated viewer through the use of a steady pacing and bursts of well placed character-driven moments.

100 Word Review - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

2012-03-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

An overwhelming definitive environmental resolve, the latest entry into the Seussian films does revolve.
Telling a tale from within a world gone astray, engulfed by industry, pollution, decay.
A young boy smitten, taken in by his crush, soon will be written into a tale long kept hush.
With a seed, a story, and a glimmer of hope, he'd set out to save thneedville from it's slippery slope.
Unfortunately for him the trees weren't the matter, his story was broken, the characters just chatter.
This ominous tale would be best left alone, the children may cheer, yet the parents will groan.

100 Word Review - Gone

2012-02-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

It's usually a fair assumption that with a handful of b-list actors on a cast list that a film is probably one to avoid, but with Amanda Seyfried leading the cast you might want to think otherwise. Well don't, Gone thrusts Seyfried into the role of a mentally unstable past kidnapping victim who after her sister's recent disappearance has gone mad attempting to find her. The concept is solid though mundane, but fueled by a cast of vapid, shallow characters the plot quickly fizzles out to the point of needing constant bursts of illogical actions to move the story forward.

84th annual Academy Awards: Winner Predictions

2012-02-22T23:27:00.002-05:00

With the 84th issuance of the coveted golden statuettes less than four days away it is time that I finally quit my stalling and make my predictions for who will walk away with their heads held high. This year's nominations have been regarded as some of the most odd and predictable and though that is true on some fronts there is always the chance for some great upsets.

Will "The Descendants" dethrone the award favorite "The Artist?" Can Mara take the reigns away from Hollywood elite with her edgy performance? or can Payne or Allen in his prime split the director and best picture categories keeping "The Artist" from total domination?

Probably not, so after weeks of deliberating (procrastinating) and hours of sifting through the historical statistics here is my attempt at safe picks for the 84th annual Academy Awards this Sunday night.

Best picture - "The Artist"
Best actor in a leading role - Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Best actress in a leading role - Viola Davis, “The Help”
Best actor in a supporting role - Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”
Best actress in a supporting role - Octavia Spencer, “The Help”
Best director - Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
Writing (adapted screenplay) - Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, “The Descendants"
Writing (original screenplay) - Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
Animated feature film - “Rango”
Art direction - "Hugo"
Cinematography - "The Tree of Life"
Visual effects - “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
Original score - Ludovic Bource, “The Artist”
Sound mixing - “Hugo”
Costume design - “Hugo”
Film editing - “The Artist”

Do you agree with my choices, or have some different choices of your own? Let me know who you are putting your money on and why in the comments.

100 Word Review - Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

2012-02-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

With Nicolas Cage reprising his role as the demonic Ghost Rider the directorial pair of Neveldine and Taylor take the helm for this hellish sequel. Still yearning for release from his deal with the devil Johnny Blaze is tempted into the task of protecting a child in return for a cure to his curse. A simple plot that plays into the director's act now, dialogue never style both casts Spirit of Vengeance ahead of and behind its predecessor. With the lean toward action we get a visually stunning film that despite its thin story still offers a marginally fun experience.

100 Word Review - The Woman in Black

2012-02-12T19:12:00.000-05:00

In his first post Potter role Daniel Radcliffe teams up with director James Watkins for the ghastly thriller The Woman in Black. Pulling away from Hollywood horror The Woman in Black tells a more traditional ghost story in which the young lawyer Arthur Kipps is tasked with sorting out the eerie estate of a woman who's untimely passing has stirred up fear amongst the locals. By conjuring a constant cloud of suspense that will envelop viewers The Woman in Black leaves audiences in a truly fearful state. A fear that in these tired times feels both fresh, and inviting.

100 Word Review - Trick 'r Treat

2012-02-07T12:58:00.001-05:00

In an era where modern horror couldn't be more predictable and redundant it is a rarity to find an interesting twist on the genre. 2007's Trick 'r Treat is the disorganized attempt at doing just that. Telling the story of the Halloween happenings of a town dedicated to the traditions of the once sinister holiday Trick 'r Treat plays out more like a collection of short stories woven together with a thinly strung theme. Once you get past the apparent structural flaws of the film the stories within bring out a campy, but ultimately fun and definitely unique horror film.

84th annual Academy Awards: Nominations & Reactions

2012-01-24T13:22:00.002-05:00

The Academy Awards this year have taken a liking to "The Artist" by no surprise, as well as lending favor to Scorsese and "Hugo" in a lot of categories. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top this year as only a few of the categories seem to lock in a definite winner at this point in time. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for my predictions of who will be taking home the major awards.

Best Picture

"The Artist" Thomas Langmann, Producer
"The Descendants" Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" Scott Rudin, Producer
"The Help" Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers
"Hugo" Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers
"Midnight in Paris" Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers
"Moneyball" Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers
"The Tree of Life" Nominees to be determined
"War Horse" Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers

I am rather surprised to see "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" make it into the best picture category but then again we all know that the only two that really matter in this category will be the race between "The Artist" and "The Descendants" for the prize.

Actor in a Leading Role

Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"

Once again another category that will likely boil down to a race between "The Artist" and "The Descendants" though the overall nominations are rather shoddy and cut out some great leading performances such as Ryan Gosling for either "Drive" or "Ides of March," Micheal Fassbender for "Shame," and Leonardo DiCaprio for "J. Edgar."

Actor in a Supporting Role

Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Supporting actor doesn't really bring any surprises. At the Golden Globes it was the only category to recognize "Drive" with a nomination for Albert Brooks who didn't seem to make the cut this time around. Instead we get nominations for Nick Nolte's performance in "Warrior" and Max von Sydow's role in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close."

Actress in a Leading Role

Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"

After a win at the Golden Globes we all knew it was coming. Meryl Streep manages to muscle her way into the Leading Actress category and push out some other more deserving candidates. It is however nice to see Rooney Mara make the cut representing "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and giving us a brilliantly performed underdog to root for.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"

As great as it is to see Melissa McCarthy get some love for her work in a very non-Oscar style film like "Bridesmaids" it also comes with a disappointing twist as her nominations squeezes out the very deserving work of Shailene Woodley for "The Descendants."

Animated Feature Film

"A Cat in Paris" Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli
"Chico & Rita" Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
"Kung Fu Panda 2" Jennifer Yuh Nelson
"Puss in Boots" Chris Miller
"Rango" Gore Verbinski

This is the one category so far where I am extremely pleased with the nominations. The Oscars seem to have much better taste in animated films than the other award shows, and the exclusion of "The Adventures of Tintin" which has been taking various guild awards as well as the Golden Globe will free up the spot for Verbinski's "Rango" to finally get the recognition it deserves.

Directing

"The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Alexander Payne
"Hugo" Martin Scorsese
"Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen
"The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick

Another category that isn't very surprising. Scorsese gets some love for "Hugo" after taking the Golden Globe for directing. Would have loved to see some recognition for Fincher and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" here but it isn't very surprising that it wouldn't make it.

Music (Original Score)

"The Adventures of Tintin" John Williams
"The Artist" Ludovic Bource
"Hugo" Howard Shore
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Alberto Iglesias
"War Horse" John Williams

This category left me a bit awestricken. Even with a big name like John Williams making a few entries this year the exclusion of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is inexcusable.

Music (Original Song)

"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets" Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
"Real in Rio" from "Rio" Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown Lyric by Siedah Garrett

All I can say here is that I am glad the Academy Awards didn't muck up this category with the filth that the Golden Globes brought to it, and of course I am ecstatic to see "The Muppets" will get their inevitable win for "Man or Muppet."

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

"The Descendants" Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Hugo" Screenplay by John Logan
"The Ides of March" Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"Moneyball" Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Story by Stan Chervin
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan

The running for both writing categories has been a rather tough one this year with big names like Aaron Sorkin, great films like "The Descendants," and the undeniable frontrunner "Hugo" who is getting plenty of attention from the Academy this year. It will be a hard section to predict a winner in.

Writing (Original Screenplay)

"The Artist" Written by Michel Hazanavicius
"Bridesmaids" Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
"Margin Call" Written by J.C. Chandor
"Midnight in Paris" Written by Woody Allen
"A Separation" Written by Asghar Farhadi

I understand that you still need a screenplay even in a film with no dialogue but it still irks me every time I see "The Artist" as a nomination in this category. I would still put my money behind Woody Allen and "Midnight in Paris."

The rest of the awards I have very little to say about so I will just leave you with the remaining portion of the list.

Art Direction

"The Artist" Production Design: Laurence Bennett; Set Decoration: Robert Gould
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
"Hugo" Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"Midnight in Paris" Production Design: Anne Seibel; Set Decoration: Hélène Dubreuil
"War Horse" Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales

Cinematography

"The Artist" Guillaume Schiffman
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Jeff Cronenweth
"Hugo" Robert Richardson
"The Tree of Life" Emmanuel Lubezki
"War Horse" Janusz Kaminski

Costume Design

"Anonymous" Lisy Christl
"The Artist" Mark Bridges
"Hugo" Sandy Powell
"Jane Eyre" Michael O'Connor
"W.E." Arianne Phillips

Film Editing

"The Artist" Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Kevin Tent
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"Hugo" Thelma Schoonmaker
"Moneyball" Christopher Tellefsen

Foreign Language Film

"Bullhead" Belgium
"Footnote"
"In Darkness" Poland
"Monsieur Lazhar" Canada
"A Separation" Iran

Makeup

"Albert Nobbs" Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
"The Iron Lady" Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

Documentary (Feature)

"Hell and Back Again" Danfung Dennis and Mike Lerner
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front" Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory" Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
"Pina" Wim Wenders and Gian-Piero Ringel
"Undefeated" TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Richard Middlemas

Documentary (Short Subject)

"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement" Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
"God Is the Bigger Elvis" Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
"Incident in New Baghdad"James Spione
"Saving Face" Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom" Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

Short Film (Animated)

"Dimanche/Sunday" Patrick Doyon
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
"La Luna" Enrico Casarosa
"A Morning Stroll" Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
"Wild Life" Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Short Film (Live Action)

"Pentecost" Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
"Raju" Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
"The Shore" Terry George and Oorlagh George
"Time Freak" Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
"Tuba Atlantic" Hallvar Witzø

Sound Editing

"Drive" Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Ren Klyce
"Hugo" Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
"War Horse" Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom

Sound Mixing

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson
"Hugo" Tom Fleischman and John Midgley
"Moneyball" Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, Dave Giammarco and Ed Novick
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin
"War Horse" Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson

Visual Effects

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" Tim Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson
"Hugo" Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossman and Alex Henning
"Real Steel" Erik Nash, John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Matthew Butler and John Frazier

100 Word Review - The Descendants

2012-01-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

A heavyhearted monologue about the misperception of paradise, an onslaught of establishing shots of beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes, and sunbathed mountainsides, the interior of a hospital room as a man stands over his comatose wife. Your introduction to The Descendants sets the tone for the whole film as an out-of-touch father struggles to take care of his two daughters while dealing with the fallout from his wife's boating accident. With inspired performances from both seasoned veteran George Clooney and relative newcomer Shailene Woodley director Alexander Payne weaves a heartbreaking story that still manages to create an uplifting and engaging experience.

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards: Nominations & Predictions

2012-01-15T13:47:00.000-05:00

With the less serious of the major award shows set to air tonight it is only right that I offer up my predictions for tonight's awards. Since it is the go wild, drunken frat party of award shows I think its only right that I have some fun with my predictions and call out who I'd like to see win, not who will inevitably win everything coughcoughTheArtistcough.

After going through all of the television categories it has occurred to me how few television series I actually watch frequently and keep current with. So besides saying I would love to see David Duchovny take an award for Californication I have no predictions to make in that area.

Nominee

My Predicted Winner

Actual Winner

Best Motion Picture - Drama

The Descendants
The Help
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

To actually predict the winner in this category is a tough task. I will admit I haven't seen War Horse, and have no intent on seeing it in the near future but that wouldn't stop me from swaying toward The Help.

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture - Drama

Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep - Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton - We Need To Talk About Kevin

I have a sneaking suspicion that my choice here may very well be the underdog in this category but I don't mind. I am backing Rooney Mara for best actress in a drama.

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture - Drama

George Clooney - The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio - J. Edgar
Michael Fassbender - Shame
Ryan Gosling - The Ides of March
Brad Pitt - Moneyball

Can I pick Ryan Gosling for Drive? No? Okay then it is a pretty close toss up for me between DiCaprio's portrayal of J. Edgar and Mr. George Clooney. I will sway with Clooney based entirely off his heartbreaking crying scene in The Descendants.

Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical

50/50
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight In Paris
My Week With Marilyn

Midnight in Paris will probably get trounced by The Artist but I loved it and it has made its way to being one of my favorite Woody Allen films.

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical

Jodie Foster - Carnage
Charlize Theron - Young Adult
Kristen Wiig - Bridesmaids
Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn
Kate Winslet - Carnage

I'm not fond of this category so my support is simply going to the craziest nut in the bunch Charlize Theron.

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical

Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Brendan Gleeson - The Guard
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 50/50
Ryan Gosling - Crazy, Stupid, Love
Owen Wilson - Midnight In Paris

Once again, had I be given a different Gosling character who lacked a name to put my support behind he'd be sitting pretty but instead I will have to put my vote with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Best Animated Feature Film

The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss In Boots
Rango

I don't think there is really any competition here. Of the films nominated Rango was the most original and standout offering.

Best Foreign Language Film

The Flowers of War (China)
In The Land Of Blood And Honey (United States)
The Kid With A Bike (Belgium)
A Separation (Iran)
The Skin I Live In (Spain)

As I haven't seen any of these yet I will refrain from any guesses.

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture

Berenice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help
Shailene Woodley - The Descendants

I am sure this award will end up in the hands of either one of The Help or The Artist but I would love to see Woodley take home the prize for her work in The Descendants.

Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture

Kenneth Branagh - My Week With Marilyn
Albert Brooks - Drive
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Viggo Mortensen - A Dangerous Method
Christopher Plummer - Beginner

Choosing Plummer for this one needs no explanation.

Best Director - Motion Picture

Woody Allen - Midnight In Paris
George Clooney - The Ides of March
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Alexander Payne - The Descendants
Martin Scorsese - Hugo

How can you argue against Woody Allen? His neurotic stubbornness will run you ragged until you finally give in and back him anyway.

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture

Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Nat Faxon, Alexander Payne, Jim Rash - The Descendants
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon - The Ides of March
Woody Allen - Midnight In Paris
Stan Chervin, Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian - Moneyball

This was a tough one because there were so many great screenplays this year. The likely choice will be Moneyball because Aaron Sorkin in a pretty easy bet at the globes. I will put my money behind Allen once again though as I found that I enjoyed the dialogue of Midnight much more than Moneyball. Really the only choice in this category that will bother me to see win though is The Artist.

Best Original Score - Motion Picture

Ludovic Bource - The Artist
Abel Koreniowski - W.E.
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore - Hugo
John Williams - War Horse

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross win. That is all I have to say about that.

Best Original Song - Motion Picture

"Hello Hello" - Gnomeo & Juliet
"The Keeper" - Machine Gun Preacher
"Lay Your Head Down" - Albert Nobbs
"The Living Proof" - The Help
"Masterpiece" - W.E.

I refuse to chose any of these based on the lack of songs from The Muppets being nominated.

100 Word Review - The Devil Inside

2012-01-05T22:28:00.001-05:00

Through the low-budget faux documentary style film-making ruse employed by horror series like “The Blair Witch Project,” and “Paranormal Activity” “The Devil Inside” tells the story of a young woman who after her father's death is looking for answers as to what happened to her mother. Her mother of course being the criminally insane occupant of an Italian psychiatric hospital run within the Vatican. Though not without its jumpy frights, and bone snapping squeamish moments “The Devil Inside” finds its biggest flaw in maintaining the disturbing ambiance and creepy story you'd expect from an exorcism film.

100 Word Review - Man on a Ledge

2012-01-04T00:21:00.000-05:00

With a name this self-explanatory you wouldn't think “Man on a Ledge” would be the complex story that requires a lot of set up, and it doesn't. The film tells the story of a officer who after being framed for the theft of the monarch diamond; has escaped from prison, and is using a suicide attempt to gain an audience and prove his innocence. Part drama, part heist movie, and part fast-paced action “Man on a Ledge” takes a simple story, laced with sub-par performances, and grimace worthy one-liners and weaves it into a flawed but amusing film.

100 Words or Less Top 10 Films of 2011

2011-12-29T18:11:00.000-05:00

It is a rather unfortunate thing but I feel as though every time I make one of these year-end movie lists I will always be forced to preface it with a few films that I feel would easily make the list had I seen them. This year that preamble includes the likes of "The Artist," "Hugo 3D," and "The Descendants." All three films are ones that have been highly regarded by many critics and more importantly people I tend to find myself agreeing with when it comes to films. So they are absent from this list, but not for a lack of quality.

#10 "Moneyball" - If the quality performances by Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill weren't enough of a reason already the ability for "Moneyball" to take a sport that I find very little interest in and weave a story that didn't require knowledge of or interest in the sport to enjoy is some what of a impressive accomplishment.

Brad Pitt looking to change the game in "Moneyball"

#9 "Bridesmaids" - Many people simply equate "Bridesmaids" to being the feminine answer to raunchy bromance comedies like "The Hangover" but Kristen Wiig, and Paul Feig deserve more recognition than that. The duo manages to create a great comedic atmosphere that is only furthered by an amazing ensemble cast.

One of the best ensemble casts of the year from "Bridesmaids"

#8 "Young Adult" - The dark and neurotic comedy from Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman "Young Adult" uses a dysfunctional cast of characters to create a genuine feeling that is too rarely seen in films.

Charlize Theron getting scoped out by Patton Oswalt in "Young adult"

#7 "Rango" - Gore Verbinski's animated answer to the tall tales of classic westerns. A great story filled with fun characters. The unique styling of "Rango" coupled with its undeniable amount of heart create an animated experience that is hard to top this year.

Our reptilian hero rides in "Rango"

#6 "50/50" - When I first heard about a comedy based on a story in which the main character finds out they have cancer I was a bit skeptical as to how the film would play out. I was pleased to discover that despite its misleading trailers and television spots "50/50" put together a respectable look into a young man's cancer ordeal. An undeniably powerful performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt elevates this film to one of the best of the year in my eyes.

Anna Kendricks counseling Joseph Gordon-Levitt in "50/50"

#5 "J. Edgar" - The kind of film I will walk into with admittedly little knowledge or expectations of made "J. Edgar" a pleasant surprise. Clint Eastwood directs an exquisite cast who help to drive this film into my top 10 of the year. The performances by a lovestruck Armie Hammer, and a torn up Leonardo DiCaprio make for a story that is as unforgettable as it was controversial.

Leonardo DiCaprio having a word with Armie Hammer in "J. Edgar"

#4 "Midnight in Paris" - The latest in Woody Allen's films "Midnight in Paris" is as much a love letter to the roaring 20's as it is a cautionary tale about living for today. The true enjoyment in this film comes from Allen's portrayals of various cultural figureheads of the era who create a humorous and at times spot on depiction of how many of us would imagine them.

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams in "Midnight in Paris"

#3 "Beginners" - Oddly enough the second dark comedy involving cancer on my top 10 list. "Beginners" is one of the most honest comedic films I think I have seen in a long time. A heartbreaking story in many different ways "Beginners" finds genuine humor amongst a quirky cast that exhibit some of the best on-screen chemistry of the year.

Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor in "Beginners"

#2 "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" - This makes it official, Fincher is now two for two at landing... well second in my top 10 list. This year's offering of his remake of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" was a story that is as uniquely Fincher as you can get. His style of creepy suspense added a level to the film that elevates it above the original. If a brilliant director wasn't enough the spot-on performance of Rooney Mara as the vengeful heroine Lisbeth Salander keeps the film feeling fresh and in my opinion a contender come Academy Award nomination time.

Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

#1 "Drive" - A strange calm stylized film that can go from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. Mesmerized by the performances of Ryan Gosling as the guilt stricken hero, Carey Mulligan as the starry-eyed love interest, or Albert Brooks as a calm and collected force to be reckoned with I couldn't help but be drawn into this film. What stood out most with "Drive" though was its ability to convey emotion and story without feeling the need bloat a scene with dialogue. The quite, often speechless scenes in "Drive" create an almost ominous calm that leave the viewer anticipating. It isn't until the viewer becomes accustomed to this quiet calm that the film decides to throw you through a loop. A plethora of quality performances, and a unique artistic style leave my number one film of 2011 asking "Hey kid, you want a toothpick?"

Ryan Gosling doing what he does best... Driving in "Drive"

100 Word Review - The Adventures of Tintin

2011-12-23T00:18:00.002-05:00

Backed by the WETA Digital director Steven Spielberg takes to CGI to resurrect the comic hero Tintin. In a film that merges three stories from the Tintin catalog we find the adventurous young journalist being robbed and kidnapped after purchasing a model ship at the market. Accompanied by his dog Snowy and the drunkard Haddock, Tintin must discover the secrets of his model ship the Unicorn before its too late. Though the story seems to drone on about thirty minutes too long, the vibrant visuals, and adequate balance of action and story create a fun family film anyone can enjoy.

100 Word News – The Hobbit Trailer Release

2011-12-20T22:28:00.001-05:00

Its hard to say whether it is simply my inner geek flaring up but with the first trailer for Peter Jackson's highly anticipated prequel to The Lord of the Rings finally hitting the internet I have become embarrassingly giddy. Though the two and a half minute trailer doesn't delve to deeply into the events of the film it does offer an introduction to the band of dwarfs the film revolves around and for the keen eyed watcher who knows the story of The Hobbit you may pick up some quick shots of familiar characters, events, and settings from the book.

100 Word Review - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

2011-12-20T22:08:00.003-05:00

The time is finally upon us to revel in Hollywood's remake of the wildly successful Swedish film series based on Stieg Larsson's novels. For those unacquainted the film tells the story of a legally troubled journalist who after losing his libel case and stepping down from his magazine is contracted to help solve an forty year old murder case. Between the amazingly sadistic performance from Rooney Mara in the roll of Lisbeth Salander and the brilliant dark mood cultivated through the undeniably talented directorial styling of David Fincher “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” manages to rival the original.

100 Word Review - Like Crazy

2011-12-16T10:41:00.000-05:00

First premiered during Sundance 2011, Like Crazy uses its highly improvised style to convey the turmoil of long-distance relationships. During a semester in the states Anna the London native engages into a relationship with her student teacher Jacob. An affair that is soon cut short by the expiration of her student visa the couple must make due maintaining a relationship overseas. With solid performances from both Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, Like Crazy runs the gauntlet of emotions from the almost sickeningly happy and cute, the depressing low points, and mind-numbing indifference creating a romance that feels genuine and unique.

100 Word Review - The Muppets

2011-12-15T01:04:00.001-05:00

Put in the capable hands of the admitted puppet enthusiast and gifted funny-man Jason Segel The Muppets break their twelve year hiatus to return to the big-screen. While on vacation in LA Gary and his brother Walter uncover a plot to do away with the historic Muppet Theater. Faced with losing their old theater the Muppets must reunite and put on a charity show before the evil oil tycoon Tex Richman turns it into an oil well. With everyone's favorite cast of Muppets intact The Muppets pulls off the entertaining family-friendly humor we all expect without alienating more nostalgic demographics.

100 Word Review - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

2011-12-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

With the fourth iteration of the Mission: Impossible series at hand, franchise staple Tom Cruise drops himself once again right into the center of a fast-paced espionage thriller. On the brink of global nuclear war recently resurfaced I.M.F. Agent Ethan Hunt finds himself framed for the destruction of the Russian Kremlin and tasked with bringing the guilty down before they unleash a threat much worse. As a solid next step in the series Ghost Protocol makes for an acceptable action-packed blockbuster that combines enough beautiful visuals and over-the-top action sequences to mask the mediocrity of the fun but bland plot-line.

100 Word Review - Young Adult

2011-12-13T22:31:00.002-05:00

From the director of 'Up in the Air' and the writer of 'Juno' comes the dramatic comedy 'Young Adult.' Telling the typical mid-life crisis story in a fashion that feels original we are introduced to the once prom queen now fading author Mavis who is hell-bent on returning to her hometown and winning back her high-school love Buddy. Only problem? Buddy's wife and newborn are standing in her way. The film makes a solid run at comedic moments playing off the character's unwillingness to recognize any of their blatant dysfunction which lends to a more genuine view of character personalities.

100 Word News - Men In Black Are Back

2011-12-12T12:48:00.003-05:00

If you grew up in the 90's there is a pretty good chance that you have some fond memories of planting yourself in a theater with a bucket of popcorn and reveling in the aliens, laser cannons, and cheesy humor that made up the Men in Black films. Well it is that time once again with the third installment that looks to jump the proverbial shark (hard to think a series accompanied by those campy Will Smith rap songs hasn't already done that) as they launch the series back in time to 1969. Check out the brand new trailer below.

100 Word Review - J. Edgar

2011-12-04T22:21:00.001-05:00

In his latest project Eastwood takes to telling the story of the man who revolutionized criminal science, J. Edgar Hoover. A man who's life was built on secrets, J Edgar tells the story of the elderly FBI director as well as the younger years that lead him to where he was through a series of well integrated flashbacks as he dictates his memoirs. With the directorial experience of Clint Eastwood, the proven acting greatness of Leonardo DiCaprio, and the inspired excellence of the relative newcomer Armie Hammer “J. Edgar” reveals a gripping story about a man shrouded in mystery.

100 Word Review - In Time

2011-11-28T17:35:00.001-05:00

Set in a future world where people don't age past 25 but instead are left with one year that they can either work to increase or squander away; In Time tells the Robin Hood style story of a man left with nothing aching to rebel against the system. Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, In Time can be taken as either socialist propaganda or a cautionary conservative tale, but however you take the film it will likely still measure up the same, an interesting premise, executed with mediocrity to create a fun but ultimately forgettable sci-fi feature.

100 Word Review - Immortals

2011-11-13T01:37:00.001-05:00

Lightning never strikes twice, and unfortunately for the producers of 300 not even a god capable of hurling bolts from the heavens can bring them that spark again. The story finds a humble peasant Theseus who must rise to his destiny and stop a tyrannous king from releasing the titans in an act of revenge against the gods. As one would expect these looming circumstances are a breeding ground for slow-motion fights filled with cartoonish gore interlaced with the occasional poor acting break. Taking itself too seriously Immortals misses the mark for cheesy fun, and lands around just plain bad.