Schofizzy's Movie Review

Review - The Woman in Black

2012-02-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

A young lawyer is sent to a remote English village to tend with some unfinished paperwork, once in the town the lawyer finds himself face to face with a unforgiving ghost who plagues the town.

"The Woman in Black" is a period horror that is at its best when it is setting the mood and providing a few jumps. One thing that immediately grabbed me within this vengeful ghost tale is the set and costume design. Both of which are stellar at helping to create the mood. Everything within the film is elegant, yet murky and grey giving off a classic eerie vibe. Even though they are not in any way connected, this movie felt like what Disney's Haunted Mansion should have looked like. A good old fashion ghost story with a really spooky house you should be weary about entering.

While "The Woman in Black" houses a number of quality jump scares, it never becomes a scary movie. There is tension that is being teased and pushed but it never fully resonates. Everything comes across safe even if the script is telling the audience otherwise. Ultimately, I never felt myself pulled into the story and was always one step ahead. A lot of this happens to rest in circumstance. The Woman in Black is another horror in the long line of revenge ghost stories. You probably thought Hollywood was done with them after the last wave of paranormal movies that followed The Ring and The Grudge but with Paranormal Activity having whopping success at the box office, audiences are sure to see another large helping of disgruntled ghost stories in the years to follow. Back to 'Woman,' the audience is slowly made privy to the backstory of what happened to this particular unforgiving spirit. Much like the other antagonistic ghosts, our main character tries to appease the wounded soul hoping it will find a true resting place. Following the path to appeasement is suspenseful to a point, but having been down this path so many times prior with other movies ends up taking away most of the thrill.

There are quite a few good jump scares throughout the horror, yet oddly enough Daniel Radcliffe never seems phased. The actor is so straight-faced throughout I wondered if he would ever get spooked. There is one moment in particular early on when Arthur Kipps (Radclife) sees the ghost in a window of the house while outside. Kipps hardly bats an eye at this reveal and I couldn't help but call foul. Seeing a ghost in a window for the first time you would think that person would fall down, or even do a double take. Kipps character is revealed to have some spiritual backstory but you'd think there would have to be some alarm when seeing a dark spirit, instead he goes running toward the ghost without any fear whatsoever. There is a level of disbelief that can be argued here as well, but at some point I expected the character to actually get scared.

This isn't to say Daniel Radcliffe doesn't deliver a capable performance, because he does. Radcliffe conveys a strong performance as Arthur Kipps. He carries the film on his shoulders and is able to pull a majority of the weight in between scares. Ciarán Hinds nails an engaging portrayal of a local member in the remote English village trying to ignore the ongoing paranormal activities. I loved the fatherly role Hinds played to Radcliffe's character Kipps. It was a nice touch in an story that was otherwise mainly focused on crafty jump scares. It should also be noted that the entire cast of townsfolk do a polished job of adding authenticity to the mystery within "The Woman in Black."

The high points in "The Woman in Black" are indeed the scares and the ghost. The build towards the reveal of the woman in black works. The presence of the woman in black throughout the horror ends up being my favorite aspect in the ghost story. Each time she is on screen or eluding to being on screen there is an eerie mood that persists. It never manages to crawl under your skin, but it is the right combination of creepy and fun that makes for a hair-rising experience. The audience gets plenty of small hints along the way bringing to attention tension the horror is building toward a jump. Much like riding a roller coaster, riders begin to anticipate the turns and drops, the audience can sense the scares coming in The Woman in Black but that doesn't deter from the enjoyment. This is a call back to classic horror, there is no gruesome slashing or gross-out techniques at play, just simple jump scares working off shadow play, creepy imagery, and old creaks within a haunted house.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the scares and set design within "The Woman in Black" though I never found myself completely attached to the story. Not the ghost story or what led to the angered spirit, because I actually found that backstory engaging, but the side arc to Arthur Kipps character. Kipps is a bore and how his backstory will tie-into the overall story is immediately too obvious. Despite a lack of fulfillment from the main character's arc and an overly basic vengeful haunting, I enjoyed this re-telling of Susan Hill's horror novel and would recommend it to any fan of the horror genre.

Teaser Trailer - The Devil's Carnival

2012-02-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Repo! The Genetic Opera fans have something to be excited for, and I'm not talking about the latest shadowcast show. Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich have teamed up once again to bring us "The Devil's Carnival." While 'Carnival' does not look to be directly linked to 'Repo!,' reports today called it a "follow-up," after viewing the teaser and website it certainly is coming from very similar territory. Take a look at the teaser trailer for yourself below.

As expected Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich's "The Devil's Carnival" looks to be a real treat. Cinematographer Joseph White looks to bring back the visual style of Bousman and Zdunich's not to mention their taste for horror. While this teaser doesn't reveal much outside of who will be involved in the Carnival, it is enough to get my mouth watering for new music and more exploration of Bousman and Zdunich's underworld. Bousman told THR 'Carnival' will be, "more accessible than Repo but also a lot darker than Repo."

As for plans to unleash "The Devil's Carnival" the official website reveals that the 55-minute follow-up musical will beginning a 30-city tour beginning in April. To coincide with the tour, there will be a 13-song soundtrack released. Terrance Zdunich (who co-wrote Repo!) also wrote the music to 'Carnival' with Saar Hendelman. Returning cast members from Repo! include Paul Sorvino, Alexa Vega, Bill Moseley, and Ogre (in roles not connected with Repo!). New cast members include Jessica Lowndes, Sean Patrick Flannery, Briana Evigan, Marc Senter, and Tillman Norsworthy. As much as I did get use to her performance (and even grow to like it), its nice to see that Paris Hilton wasn't brought back on staff.

Head on over to The Devil's Carnival website to sign-up for updates on the 30-city tour, browse the store, see some of the new characters, and read a bit more on the back story to this latest endeavor between Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich.

Review - This Means War

2012-02-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

Two CIA agents find themselves in a relationship with the same girl and working against each other to win her affections.

"This Means War" feels like a friend who came to a casual party all dressed up in a tuxedo, leaving them a little bit out of place. You know their intentions were good. They wanted to look good for the party, but by over doing it they end up just looking silly.

"This Means War" is plain and simple too glossy and ultra Hollywood. Director McG would have benefited from removing the extra layer of shine. Everything from the set design to post-effects just seem bright and shiny. Its like a catalog of brand new stuff. Every scene looks polished and as if some guy came by with a coat of turtle wax buffing everything in sight. Nothing actually looks lived in or real, but instead straight out of a store you could not afford. One specific example comes in a scene where Reese Witherspoon's character Lauren meets her friend Trish (Chelsea Handler) to discuss the two men she is dating. The girls meet at this children's gym or play place type location but it just screams a dressed set and feels phony. The rest of the movie thrives off that same feeling and if it were not for the comical banter between Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, this spy vs spy comedy would have failed on every level.

Chris Pine and Tom Hardy should bring a smile to your face as they play off each other. The duo's dialogue and scenarios not only gave me a smile but they brought plenty of laughter too. "This Means War" is the type of comedy I suspect will be better served with an audience in the mood for a few laughs. At home on the couch and I'm not so sure that it will maintain the same level of hilarity. That said, Pine and Hardy really turn on the funny. The editing back and forth between the opposing sides during the spy vs. spy dating sequences is particularly appealing. The audience gets a playful balance between the teams as one team tries to create the best date, the other tries to dismantle it and vice versa. These sequences generate the most laughter and end up being the highlight of the action-comedy but there are not enough of them. Walking away I felt jipped by how little spy vs spy we actually got.

Speaking directly to the action sequences, they are all a big letdown. McG shows he has zero ingenuity or desire to think outside of the box. Every single sequence feels copy and pasted from older and superior action movies. It is like tracing other images your whole life and never actually trying to draw the lines yourself, McG just lifts from what he thought was cool and retreads it back on screen with less impact.

One thing "This Means War" desperately needed was stakes, there is nothing at stake watching the film. Well, sure the script has stakes penned into the story, but they never feel tangible or do anything other than unfold like wrapping paper on a birthday present. Outside of knowing exactly which guy Lauren will choose, I'm sure most general audiences saw where this film was going after watching the trailer. Worse yet, as the action-comedy plays out, there are indicators revealing where this film will end up that are repeatedly flashed in the audience face like high beams on a two-way street.

"This Means War" is harmless and routine. The troubling aspect is the potential it had. It only skims the surface of its potential. The romantic angle is a prime example. There is absolutely zero attachment to the romantic arc. The romance feels tacked on. It feels like it is there solely to drive up the ticket sales. Like some studio head was demanding, an action movie that appeals to men and women, one they could open on Valentines Day. At least, they did a good job casting the men. Tom Hardy and Chris Pine are both easy on the eyes for the women and while I'm not attracted to Reese Witherspoon, I know quite a few men that are. The movie typically drives up the sex appeal on both sides, showing off the actors in a few skimpy outfits or in as minimal clothing as possible, but like I said there is nothing to attach yourself to. While I enjoyed the characters, I never became invested in them when I should have.

Which is a perfect way to sum up how I feel about the film overall. I enjoyed "This Means War," there were plenty of laughs to be had and it was a fun movie to just watch, but it is not a movie I walked away talking about. I didn't reminisce about a particular scene over and over or recount the laughs with friends. Instead it is a movie that I started to pick a part afterwards. It is a action-comedy I wished had done a better job with its action. It is after all, an after thought, something that could have been memorable but isn't.

Review - Chronicle

2012-02-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

A found footage film that chronicles three high school teens who develop the power of telekinesis after a brief encounter with an foreign object buried in the woods.

Our teenage years can be awkward. Not just the hormones and the changes our bodies are going through but the whole aspect of teen identity. That question we all ask ourselves, who am I and where do I fit in? For some, this part of life may come a little easier than others, but regardless we all go through it. "Chronicle" takes a interesting look at the question by focusing on three high school teens who form a friendship after gaining the power of telekinesis. Much like any friendship, these three share something that brought them closer. The nucleus could have been anything from sports to video games, but using telekinesis allowed screenwriter Max Landis to build a fascinating exploration through the bonds of friendship and the angst of our youth.

"Chronicle" is a found footage film and it mainly does an able job with the confines of the genre. There are a few moments that the audience must suspend disbelief and reasoning to stay in the story but overall director Josh Tank created one of the better found footage films of late. The set up as to why this Chronicle is a found footage film is immediately engaging. The audience is introduced to Andrew, our main character, who has begun chronicling his existence at home due to an alcoholic and abusive father. Andrew's recording then morphs into something else once he and two others come in contact with a foreign object in the woods. Director Josh Tank could have very easily strayed away from the boundaries within the found footage genre but instead he used the powers Andrew, Matt and Steve gain to enhance the found footage angle. Andrew begins to learn how to handle his camera without keeping his hands on it. Andrew is able to essentially create an invisible cameraman to chronicle the powers he and his friends have gained. This trick alleviates a number of restrictions you'd expect in a found footage movie as well as adding some fun angles from cinematographer Matthew Jensen.

Back to friendship for a moment, "Chronicle" is at its best when the audience is watching the trio become a close-knit group of friends. Friendship is a important aspect in our lives. Sharing something we enjoy with another person (or a group of people) can be a very enriching experience and thankfully Chronicle is wise not to skimp on illustrating that. It knows when to have fun, it knows when to give us some thrills, and it knows when to be genuine. Their powers obviously add to the enjoyment of watching the three teens form a bond but Max Landis' script and Josh Tank's direction both wisely elevate the concept from just being a gimmick. Meaning, Chronicle has a solid coming of age friendship behind the super powers and found footage boundaries.

It helps that actors Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan deliver decent performances as the friends with newly acquired powers. When the boys are together testing out their powers, the audience is having just as good of a time as the actors appear to be on screen. The flying sequences are thrilling, as are some of the other tricks the guys learn/show-off, but it is the more natural moments that really carry weight. Like eating Pringles at lunch or the group goofing off in a store. It reminded me of times I'd spent messing around with friends; being goofy, causing a ruckus, and just having a good time (maybe) at the expensive of others. The one area the actors do show off their weaknesses comes with arguments and meltdowns structured into the third act. Especially Dane DeHaan and Alex Russell, the word over-acting comes to mind. Unfortunately, the boys show they do not have the same level of authenticity in the more dramatic scenes as they displayed as typical teens.

"Chronicle" has a tremendous build, but where it is building towards, is not so tremendous. The third act is not bad, but it is recycled and feels simply too obvious. There is a whole lot of potential within the story, yet screenwriter Max Landis allowed himself to go down the familiar path we've seen in so many other forms. Outside of the direction of the third act, I did find the finale to be well executed with some rousing special-effects. It has a number of eye-rolling moments and things feel a bit tacked on in points but, it still managed to provide fulfillment and thrills.

"Chronicle" is a found footage movie that excels at the bonds of friendship. Like so many other coming of age stories, at its core it has a memorable story about people who found something that they could share and experience together. It falters a bit allowing the teen angst to outweigh the friendship, however its outcome can be defended as a natural outcome and it is easily a film I would watch again and again. Finally, director Josh Trank deserves some credit for doing a clever job of playing with the found footage genre as well as staying within its parameters.

Beetlejuice 2 is a Bad Idea

2012-02-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

News has been circling since last September that Warner Brothers and Tim Burton had given screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith the okay to tinker around with some ideas for a potential "Bettlejuice" sequel. It now seems that Seth Grahame-Smith is moving forward with Burton's blessing because he's told Ryan Turek of Shock Till You Drop that he's met with Michael Keaton to talk how to approach a sequel to the beloved 80's film. While Keaton's name conjures up some good feelings about the original, a sequel is a bad idea.

Last month I wrote a piece questioning Burton's abilities to give us something original again and this recent news is just another card to stack in the deck showing Burton has nothing new left in him. All he wants to do is continue drumming around with stuff he's already touched or putting his spin on something he's always loved. He's become a studios dream, a cog in the machine.

Name recognition is everything with studios these days and Grahame-Smith assured Ryan Turek that Warner Brothers wants to make "Bettlejuice 2" a priority. Of course they do, anything that people can wax nostalgically about is good for the studios. I'm sure a majority of Beetlejuice fans are salivating at the prospect of another story following the deviant bio-exorcist named Betelgeuse but we'd be better off just reminiscing about the good old days because chances of a good to even decent sequel are slim to none.

The one shred of credit I give to this potential sequel is Michael Keaton's commitment. Keaton is always a joy to watch on screen and you know he truly wants to get back into the black and white striped suit. Even I can admit that the idea of Keaton playing Betelgeuse again is enticing but it is a false hope. The chances that this team can bring back to life the magic Beetlejuice maintains to this day are very low. Like basement level low, no scratch that, like Earth's inner core level low. Think about it, Tim Burton's track record of late is nothing to boast about unless you are looking solely at overall branding and revenue he's made for Disney, WB, and himself. And I'm sorry but Seth Grahame-Smith has no track record to get genuinely excited about either. His novel Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter was mildly enjoyable for what it is, but to live up to twenty plus years of enjoyment is some ginormous boots to fill. I mean Beetlejuice is in the conversation when you talk about Burton's best work and there is no reason to try rekindling that fire. It is only going to end up a disappointment for all of us (well except for the pocketbooks of Warner Brothers executives).

One final reason why "Beetlejuice 2" should not happen, the last time Tim Burton continued to tool around in the underworld, we got an animated series. While I hope this potential sequel wouldn't be as awful as the Beetlejuice animated series, I don't expect it to be much better. On the bright side Seth Grahame-Smith revealed that this project is still very early on, with numerous other projects ahead of it, so it has plenty of chances to derail and or fall apart.

Source: Shock Till You Drop

Superhero Stakes High in 2012

2012-02-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Last summer we saw a bit of a dip in ticket sales for superhero movies at the box office. Whether you want to blame the economy or the characters themselves, audiences didn't flock out to see X-Men: First Class or Captain America quite the way they have previously for Batman, Spider-Man, and more recently Iron Man. This summer has some of comic book's biggest stars hitting the screen and I wonder how receptive general audiences will be. Are this year's superhero movies going to rival last year's numbers or are these superstar superheroes going to bring in the big tickets sales once again?

A big part of me wonders if the market is becoming over saturated with comic book movies. The last four to five years we have seen comic book movie after comic book movie release. Some have been heavy-hitting, A-list books that have millions of fans generating top proceeds at the box office, while most have been lesser known books that have a small demographic studios banked would show up.

Last year seemed like a very strong year for comic book character films yet the results all came in as if the films were just second-tier superheroes (in some cases they were). Captain America is an A-list comic book character yet you couldn't tell by its opening weekend numbers. "Captain America: The First Avenger" made practically identically the same amount as "Thor." Captain America is far more name recognizable than Thor, but wouldn't know it by looking at the box office. Other A-list characters like Spider-Man or Batman have generated close to double the numbers Captain America and Thor did, but why? Is it solely popularity?

If popularity is the answer, how do you account for Iron Man's box office success? Iron Man is not anywhere near the superstar Spider-Man, Wolverine, or Batman are, yet when the first "Iron Man" released in 2008, it nearly doubled the amount "Batman Begins" took its opening weekend. Perhaps movie goers were just really itching for a new superhero to get excited about and you have to factor Bat-fan exhaustion from previous Schumacher films into the soft opening for 'Begins.' Fans were rightfully weary that a reboot would end up just as bad as the last attempts. The same can be said about "X-Men: First Class" after 'Wolverine,' X-Men fans had a right to be furious and most of them stayed home exercising that right giving 'First Class' the lowest opening of an X-Men film since the original Bryan Singer directed film.

This brings me to summer 2012 and all of the tent pole superhero films releasing. Sony has the "untold" version of Spider-Man swinging into theaters and they could be facing the very same trend 'Batman Begins' saw back in 2005 and 'First Class' saw last year. Are general audiences ready for a new spin on Spider-Man only five years after the last awful installment? Sony recently had a sneak-peek event showcasing a few scenes from the new version directed by Marc Webb, dubbed "The Amazing Spider-Man." Word of mouth following the event was positive, but will that carry over into box office success is a whole other question. Sony is hoping that name recognition and promotions for this so-called "untold story" of Peter Parker will bring back the majority of audiences that gave the previous movies box office openings other studios only reached with sequels. In short, Sony hopes you are willing to give your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man another shot.

It will be interesting to see how things play out this summer. Perhaps we will see audiences back out in droves ready to watch the biggest superheroes in action once more or perhaps we will see something similar to last year. "The Dark Knight Rises" is clearly set up to break records again and I assume it will being the final piece to director Christopher Nolan's trilogy but what about "The Avengers" and "The Amazing Spider-Man"? Can we expect they will also hit a $100+ million opening weekend or will they settle somewhere in the $50 to $70 million dollar range? Marvel Studios and Disney certainly hope audiences will come out for the team-up they've been building towards for the last four years but if 'Avengers' only pulls in audiences like Captain America, Incredible Hulk, and/or Thor did, this massive team-up they've worked towards may end up a dud. Marvel is invested in building their brand and they are no where near done with the desire to continue making superhero movies, however the question remains, will audiences continue to want to see them.

Below I've included the latest trailers for "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Avengers" both of which do a damn fine job of selling the merchandise each particular studio is peddling this summer.

Finally, all of this is just fun speculation on my part and something I will continue to track. Box office results aren't what make a quality movie by any means, but I do find it engaging to track general audiences and their constantly shifting interests.

Teaser Trailer - Step Up 4

2012-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Maybe you'd call it a guilty pleasure but I have no shame in the fact that I thoroughly enjoy the 'Step Up' films. They remind me how much I enjoy watching amazing dancers strut their stuff. Much like the 'Fast and the Furious' films, the Step Up movies grab a niche and have done a thrilling job showing off the various forms of dance. Today our first look at where the fourth film in the series "Step Up 4" is set and just what we can expect hit the net. Take a look at the announcement for yourself below.

Can't help but think of the LMFAO song, "We're in Miami" after watching this trailer. After seeing our fair share of New York, the Step Up films take a trip down to Miami and look to show us a peek into the world of Flash Mob dancing. The romantic arc is to be expected and I'm sure will evoke plenty of eye-rolls and chuckles, but the music, moves, and dancing in this teaser got my blood boiling and excitement building for "Step Up 4" to release this summer on July 27th.

Source: Youtube

Trailer - Gob Bless America

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've been a fan of Bobcat Goldthwait since his stand-up days but his recent effort behind the camera has really made me take notice of what he has to say. His latest focuses on Frank, a terminally ill man who is disgusted with our society and begins a killing spree aimed on who he deems sickening. "God Bless America" is number ten on my most anticipated for 2012 and having now seen this trailer, that ten should be listed in uppercase bold because it looks like Bobcat has another solid movie on his hands. Check out the Red Band Trailer below.

Goldthwait is clearly touching on a number of levels of disgust with American society. This is a theme that filmmakers have been touching in various levels as of late. Two fresh examples are "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and "Carnage" both of which look at parenting in America. There are plenty of other examples that take aim on other various aspects in our society that people just seem to try and ignore instead of confronting it. "God Bless America" looks to not just confront these issues but blow their heads off. At the end of the trailer we hear Frank explain his actions by saying, "I only want to kill people who deserve to die. I know it is not normal to want to kill, but I am no longer normal." Goldthwait definitely looks to pour on the violence but the message behind all the killing is good. This is like Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers" with a real message. A message that asks, "Why have a civilization if we are no longer interested in being civilized?"

"God Bless America" hits VOD April 6th and will have a limited theatrical run beginning May 11th.

Source: Hulu

The "Untold" Spider-Man?

2012-01-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

We've known for some time that Sony decided to remake / reboot Spider-Man but now it seems time Sony starts to rev up interest. Let's face it, the last swing around New York City with Spidey wasn't very well received by fans despite making plenty of money at the box office for the studio. Instead of continuing that story arc, Sony's decided to start over with "(500) Days of Summer" director Marc Webb behind the camera and fairly fresh faced Andrew Garfield as our new friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Question is, how interested are people going to be in seeing a new moodier spin on something they've already seen? Sony seems to be well aware of that and has begun peddling an advertising onslaught that will explain exactly why "The Amazing Spider-Man" will be so much different. They are calling it "The Untold Story." See for yourself below.

Earlier this month in Japan a press conference was held on the upcoming Sony release swinging into theaters around the globe this summer. From the Japanese press conference followed our first official synopsis from Sony:

"The Amazing Spider-Man" is the story of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Sorry, but that doesn't really sound like the "untold story" of Spider-Man. What that sounds like is another spin on Peter Parker and his past. Granted Sony is going out of their way to point out that we will get new backstory on Peter's parents, but that story seems pointless. Aunt May and Uncle Ben have always been the driving parental force in Parker's life, lurking around in why Peter's parents left him could end up just as a big of a waste of time as learning why Darth Vader turned to the dark side of the force (Well, let's hope its not that extreme).

The one new thing that this reboot does guarantee is a look at is the Lizard, but even this point has a bit of a sting. Sam Raimi's 'Spider-Man' films featured Dr. Curt Conners and seemed to be building towards an eventual showdown between the two that I always wanted to see. Now we have a whole new arc of Conners to decipher where we find out he was a partner with Peter's dad. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out whatever backstory Peter discovers between his father and Dr. Curt Conners, it will fuel the fight between the Lizard and Spider-Man.

Reading this, you've probably gathered that I am not all that sold on this new spin on Spider-Man, and it seems that I'm not the only one. Sony recently unveiled a plan to screen scenes from "The Amazing Spider-Man" in select theaters around the world on February 6th to generate word of mouth and interest. Perhaps the studio is worried how well this darker, moodier, spin on Spider-Man will actually do? Are they second guessing the decision to reboot so quickly? As for the event, you can check The Untold Story Begins to see where the screenings are being held (and if any passes are still available). Most are outside of the United States. Sony has oddly only scheduled screenings in New York and Los Angeles within the U.S. and it appears that those screenings are already completely full. Perhaps Sony is really nervous about their overseas markets?

I'm pulling for this film. I want it to be great. I am a big fan of Andrew Garfield and liked Marc Webb's direction with '(500) Days' but something just hasn't grabbed me with this reboot of Spider-Man. This new marketing strategy doesn't help either. If Sony really wanted to generate a lot of interest, maybe they should take a note from Warner Brothers' book and attach a select scene ahead of another one of their films like "The Dark Knight Rises" was attached to the latest 'Mission: Impossible'. They only have TWO theaters in the U.S. showing these scene screenings which isn't much. Their are plenty of fans out across America who may not want "the untold story" and still feel the sting from 'Spider-Man 3'. Sony has "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" releasing in February and they could easily place a select scene from "The Amazing Spider-Man" ahead of 'Rider' to help pull audiences in to both see the new 'Ghost Rider' and simultaneously generate buzz for 'Spider-Man'. The decision almost seems to obviously. Will Sony do is yet to be seen and at this point seems unlikely.

Source: AICN | Coming Soon

Review - The Grey

2012-01-25T15:41:00.000-08:00

After a plane crash strands an oil drilling team in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness, the group must try to survive against not only the freezing temperatures and harsh elements, but a pack of wolves whose hunting territory they've invaded.

"The Grey" is not the movie I expected, it is better. Going in I thought the audience was simply getting Liam Neeson fighting wolves. A survival action with Neeson taking down some Alaskan wolf pack one by bloody one. I pictured director Joe Carnahan behind the camera revving up the action and going for the throat with edge of your seat thrills for ninety plus minutes. By every stretch of the imagination, I was absolutely content paying to see exactly that, but director Joe Carnahan wanted to make something that digs a little bit deeper than just your typical survival action. He wanted to peer into our psyche, our passions, our memories, our resolve, and our determinations. Director Joe Carnahan definitely went for the throat with thrills and action throughout "The Grey" but he also goes for the heart with patient characterization and tragically raw human emotions.

As you'd expect, Liam Neeson is riveting to watch. Neeson is one of those actors that has always carried himself in such a manner that you are automatically drawn to him, and here is no different. When he speaks, you are at attention and when he says to do something, you do it. Neeson's character Ottway, easily gravitates as the person to follow after the crash landing for the group of survivors. They latch on to his survival skills and from an audiences perspective, there's no questioning their decisions because of Neeson's persona, which seems to continually drip natural born leader and a bona fide badass. Ottway doesn't just lead in the way of survival tactics either, he models behavior the other survivors (and audience) admires and connects with. One prime example of this comes in the second act while the group are huddled around a fire and Ottway expresses his fear of survival. Neeson has you hanging on every word during this dire monologue and you feel the depth of Ottway's emotions as Neeson puts them out there for all to hear. Lastly, it was a nice touch to have Neeson speaking in his native accent. It is just another piece to the puzzle that makes Neeson such a distinguishable actor.

There is an unexpected patience Joe Carnahan displayed in "The Grey" that ended up propelling this movie from being a good action to an all around great film. One big reason is the amount of attention spent on characterization of the survivors. Carnahan's script allowed for each and every survivor to have something that the audience could connect with. These are real human characters on screen that are facing an extremely dangerous environment and dying. They are coping with tremendous fear and "The Grey" boldly slows down and allows for authentic moments and feelings to come out on screen. Carnahan also gives each of the survivors fitting deaths, he takes us through their pain and suffering before the release. He builds a bit of discomfort and uncertainty within the audience and balances it with stunning moments of serenity.

Let's talk about the wolves for a moment, actually wait, allow me to stop and applaud Joe Carnahan for not just making totally cgi wolves. Too many movies have actors running from a tennis ball on a stick imagining it will be a monster or wolf in the finished product, but here Carnahan went out of his way to make sure they utilized something that looked real. Something the actors could work with and see on set. The result is apparent on screen and there is a nice balance of real wolves, animatronics, and cgi enhancements that combined to make the wolves incredibly ferocious and undeniably frightening. One sequence I found absolutely chilling doesn't even feature physical wolves that the audience can see, but instead only their breath as they howl into the black Alaskan night. The suspense of the wolves throughout "The Grey" is without error. Any notion that a member of the pack is near is matched with instant tension that is palpable just as if the audience was watching a slasher horror film. From the growling, snarling, and/or howling to the panting breath as the pack would chase closer, each moment with a wolf on screen is met with white knuckle panic.

The wolves aren't the only thrills director Joe Carnahan provides either. Much of the sequences of the group battling the elements are equally thrilling. Seeing as the snow builds up on men's faces, as they sink deeper and deeper with each step forward, or as they struggle to maintain the fire against the seventy mile an hour winds. The endurance and resolve these characters/actors exhibit is both compelling and vivid. These men are facing their fears in the Alaskan wilderness and Carnahan along with cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi really put the audience in the perspective of the characters. This tactic is used most of the time with the attack sequences but also in a few scenes where the survivors face their fears. One fear in particular being heights and the first person point of view Takayanagi uses with his camera takes the audience right over the edge into a truly daunting experience. Some attention must also be payed to the intimidating crash sequence. Much of the crash focuses on Neeson's character Ottway, as the plane goes down. I loved the balance Carnahan again displayed throughout this sequence. Half unnerving, half soothing and the result of those two halves is totally spine-chilling.

"The Grey" is a tremendous start to 2012. It is a survival horror and a drama that will stand the testament of time. It houses rich characters and heavy hitting thrills that you will want to experience again and again. Ultimately it is a film that will leave you thinking and talking about it, but also telling friends to see it immediately.

Trailer - Casa de mi Padre

2012-01-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

Will Ferrell is an enigma for me, at times I love his schtick and others I can't stand it. Usually it is evident from the onset if I am going to be interested in a Ferrell project and his latest, a Spanish language effort, looks to be a scream! Late last year our first teaser for "Casa de mi Padre" was released and I instantly catapulted this project as a potential best for Ferrell. That initial teaser made me think Armando Alvarez could be a rival to Ron Burgundy. Thankfully the full length trailer keeps my hopes up. Check it out for yourself below.

This flick looks ripe will laughs and you can guarantee I will be hitting theaters to see it March 16th, when it releases. The big question is will the rest of general audiences? "Casa de mi Padre" will probably only see a limited release to start but will it gain enough traction to see a wider release being in a foreign language? Part of me believes that Will Ferrell is funny enough to pull in audiences to see him even if he is speaking Spanish, but the other half of me thinks that same demographic will turn their nose to reading subtitles for laughs. Native Spanish speakers who like Will Ferrell are in for a treat, but lets hope this comedy is good enough to break some of the subtitle barriers general audiences have built around them.

Source: Yahoo Movies

'Prometheus' Still Stirs Questions

2012-01-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend Amy Kaufman from the L.A. Times Hero Complex released an engaging interview with screenwriter Damon Lindelof on the promise of "Prometheus" being epic. Along with the interview was a brand new image of Noomi Rapace in some sort of corridor look at something off camera. The new image ended up stirring up more questions in me than the interview, because this new image clearly features not one but two space jockeys. The Space Jockey has been the one definite link we can all make between 'Prometheus' and 'Alien' but it also has become a constant source of discussion and intrigue. We want to know how and why the Space Jockey links 'Alien' to 'Prometheus'. Below I've put together a few things I have noticed pertaining to the Space Jockeys and how they might play into Ridley Scott's latest scifi.

This first image we've all seen before, it is taken from Ridley Scott's "Alien," and it is the Space Jockey chamber.

The second image is from "Prometheus" and you'll notice it is a very similar chamber from what we've seen in 'Alien' except the head is missing from the Jockey suit. You can see the remains to the back of the head, but the rest is obviously gone. You can also see a figure off to the right, but speculation on him should remain in a completely different post.

The third image appears to be back on the ship and shows Noomi Rapace and others observing what looks to be the removed head from the Space Jockey suit from the previous image. This again, is mere speculation, but it looks as though the team of explorers have removed the head and taken it back to do further research.

Ryan Turek over at Shock Till You Drop recently posted a link to an interview with Ridley Scott and Filmophilia where he extrapolated further on the Space Jockey. "It’s fairly pure [Alien]. And this one [Prometheus] does actually raise all kinds of other questions, because if someone could, a being, could be as monstrously clever to create something like we experienced in the very first one [Alien] – I always figured it’s a weapon, and I always figured that [the Space Jockey ship in the first Alien] was a carrier of weapons. Therefore, who is that, inside that suit? That wasn’t a skeleton, that was a suit. And if you open up the suit, what do you get inside it? And why were they going, where were they going?" In brevity, Ridley sounds like he's questioning what happens when you look inside the suit. He's clearly talking about the Space Jockey suit and the images above lead me to believe that question will be fully explored throughout Prometheus.

Piecing things together it seems that the Space Jockey's are pilots who are assigned to expedite the "weapons" Ridley Scott referred to in the Filmophilia interview. The imagery of the pods seen in the Promethus trailer could also add to this theory, not to mention a screen capture of what looks to be the Space Jockey chamber fully operational. A room that looks to deliver a digital map-out to the galaxy.

All of this is just speculation and only a piece of what Prometheus looks to have in store for us. Much of this is a curse, I wish I never watched the trailer in the first place. My original intention was to remain dark on this film until opening day. Now I will continue to over think and piece together the contents of this film with each new piece of production that leaks out. See what one new image of Noomi Rapace in a corridor did to me? All of this analysis and linking because of one new image featuring those damn Space Jockeys! Can this Ridley Scott scifi get here any quicker?!

Source: Hero Complex

Trailer - Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

Wes Anderson remains one of my favorite working directors. The man just has a certain flare to his films that appeals to me. This first trailer for his latest film "Moonrise Kingdom," is smothered in that particular Anderson flare. See for yourself after the jump.

The trailer is everything I could have hoped for our initial peek at Wes Anderson's new film, it sets the table without fail and leaves me eagerly awaiting the Anderson entree to arrive. Everything about this movie has me jumping for joy. Wes Anderson films always house incredible casts and once again Wes has put an exceptional one together including Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and that doesn't even account for the two kids who runaway together, who I must say look both absolutely hysterical and adorable. Yeah, I'm over-hyping this but its Wes Anderson and I'm allowed to be a little over-excited from time to time. "Moonrise Kingdom" releases May 25th, 2012.

Source: Apple Trailers

Help, Rewind This! Movie

2012-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

All the best movies come from some passionate place we love and some friends of mine via Twitter, are asking for our help to finish up a documentary about VHS movies. Its no secret that home video had a major impact on our society and this film aims to tell that story through a series of engaging interviews with filmmakers, video store owners, and VHS collectors alike. The production team are 90% done with the doc they've been working on for nearly two years and your help is going to help get it finished. Take a look below to see the first trailer for "Rewind This!" and how you can help get this passionate project about the transformation of media finished.

This is a project I have been watching from the distance and its time I step up and do what little I can to help spread the word about a documentary that I want to see (and you should too). If you are older than say 15, chances are VHS played a some part in your life. These plastic beauties allowed us all to watch the movies we love at home, repeatedly. They are an important piece of our history and for some of us, seeing that story told is very important. The filmmakers behind this project are 100% hardcore cinephiles who have gone above and beyond finding filmmakers, video store owners, other cinephiles and collectors like themselves, to help piece together a story that will be a lot of fun to see.

The introduction of home video had a massive impact on culture, business, and the development of media. The film-going public had unprecedented control over their viewing schedule, burgeoning filmmakers had inexpensive tools with which to create, and a new business was formed that expanded the reach of an already exploding industry. Videotape redefined the way modern society interacts with media. REWIND THIS! aims to be the definitive account of the home video revolution and a showcase of its continuing legacy.

As of right now the kickstarter funding for "Rewind This!" has reached 46% of its goal with 29 days left to help donate. The production team needs to hit $15,000 and has already had $6,976 donated. To entice donations, Rewind This! has a few special gifts you can earn depending on how much you donate including a postcard signed by the filmmakers, special thanks on their website, a poster of the movie, a handmade charm, an autographed copy of the DVD when it is completed, "The Vietnam War Movie Memorial" print by Tim Doyle, a "VHS Bed" by Kayla Kromer, a few other original art pieces, and the filmmakers eternal gratitude for helping their project.

Ready to help out? Head over to Kickstarter to donate what you can.

Source: Rewind This! A VHS Love Story

Can Burton Be Original Again?

2012-01-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

News recently broke that Tim Burton is in talks with Warner Brothers to direct a new live-action Pinocchio with Robert Downey Jr. possibly set to star. This feels like the umpteenth time the children's book has been adapted in some form, however the ever so popular trend these days is a new twist, and here we will see the story of Pinocchio told from Geppetto's perspective. Despite of my lack of enthusiasm for this "new" version of Pinocchio, the news reminded me how badly I long for another original Tim Burton story. It seems like it has been forever, has it?

Over the last decade Tim Burton has directed eight movies (counting the stuff he's still currently in some form of production on), out of those eight movies, three have been original (one is actually a remake to Burton's own short Frankenweenie). So technically, only two movies have been original content, "Corpse Bride" and "Big Fish." The latter is last film of Burton's I not only enjoyed but loved and that was eight years ago! Most of Burton's best work has been from his own creations, not his twisted interpretation of some pre-established property. Outside of Batman and Pee-wee, every property he has taken on has ended up underwhelming. Titles like Planet of the Apes, Alice in Wonderland, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory all do nothing but leave me with a bad memory, meanwhile titles like Edward Scissorhands, Mars Attacks!, and Beetlejuice leave me with a whopping smile on my face. I crave those original stories. Even though Burton did not direct, The Nightmare Before Christmas is another perfect example of how powerful Burton's originality can be.

Back in October, on Halloween to be specific, my family and I went to see the Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA. This was a collection over his lifetime, from drawings to actually props from movies. Walking through this exhibit was extremely bitter-sweet. You saw just how many great ideas this visionary has had over the years. The art show was set up much like a timeline of Burton's life and there was this point when the exhibit lost its luster. Oddly enough that was right around the turn of the century when Burton got lost in remakes and adaptations. The collection gets real thin at this point too, no more elaborate and imaginative drawings just uninspired movie props like the straight-razors from 'Sweeney Todd' or the helmets from Planet of the Apes. It made me question if Burton's creative juices are dwindling. Has he lost his bone-daddy mojo? Where are the original stories like 'Scissorhands' and The Nightmare Before Christmas that awed us?

It seems we have entered a phase in Burton's career where he's happy just adapting the things he's always liked and not creating anything original. He just finished up shooting "Dark Shadows" an adaptation of a old Gothic TV show, prior to that was 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Wonderland,' both of which I'd rather forget. Alice in Wonderland made Disney enough cash that they agreed to let Burton develop a full-length version of Frankenweenie, which should please the Burton die-hard, but truthfully it works fantastically in short format and I'm not so sure we need 90 minutes of it. What we do need is Burton to dream up something new and original again. Hell I'd be interested in seeing him do another biography-style movie like Ed Wood. 'Wood' still happens to be my favorite movie Burton and Depp collaborated on.

Sadly it has become clear over the last decade that Tim Burton is in the business of making movies not making really good stories and this realization hurts. It is like losing a good friend. Since I was eight years old I followed Burton's every development. I remember begging my mom to take me to see Beetlejuice, the new movie from the director of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, and I want that feeling again. I loved Burton, now I just reminisce about the good old days. What makes this hurt even more is to know that Burton has enough pull and clout to challenge the studio system with some original content again. He doesn't have to continually regurgitate older stories with Burton's style. He could make actual new Burton material but does he want to? I'm starting to believe that Burton is just fine being a cog in the studio wheel continually turning out re-imaged property after re-imaged property.

Source: THR

Favorite Old Movies Seen in 2011

2012-01-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine on Twitter @bobfreelander, who loves making lists on his blog Rupert Pupkin Speaks, each year makes a Best of Year End List but instead of being comprised of the Favorite New Movies within a given year, it is a list comprised of the Favorite Old Movies he's seen for the first time in a given year. For instance your friends have always scoffed at how you've never seen "Deliverance" so you finally decide to see it and you love it like everyone else has always raved. That film would count for consideration on this particular Favorite Old Movies Year End List. Being an avid movie watcher, I loved the sound of this idea so I went ahead and copycatted Mr. @bobfreelander (with his blessing of course). Within 2011 I watched 492 movies, 268 of those movies were first time watches, and 122 of those titles could be considered under the stipulations listed above for my own Favorite Old Movies Seen in 2011 list.

45% percent of the films on this list were seen within the friendly confines of Los Angeles's New Beverly Cinema. A majority of which were also seen during Quentin Tarantino's March Madness. A month long celebration where Tarantino programs a number of his favorite films. This year the event climaxed with a special week long engagement of Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair" uncut as one thrilling movie. Okay, okay, enough of the setup; here's my Favorite 20 Old Movies Seen in 2011:

20. Electra Glide in Blue (1973)

At some point last year, I saw the trailer for this Robert Blake film and knew I just had to see it. From the trailer the film looks like a soft core for motorcycle police. The opening of the film, even goes out of its way to give the audience an extended suit up sequence with homo-eroticism on display. Plus a line-up all before the bike cops ride off on their designated patrols. Once the drama settles in however, it is apparent that 'Electra Glide' isn't just a movie about how great a Harley Davidson is, this film had something to say about the era. It looks at stereotypes and pits the "good guys" in a darker light then you'd expect from the trailer. The main character, John Wintergreen wonderfully played by Robert Blake, doesn't connect with the other officers who badger and harass locals in the rural Arizona town. He's sees himself as an outsider and I really connected with the character study the film took on. I expected a motorcycle enthusiast film and got that plus a well developed drama underneath that takes a stark look at society during the 70's.

19. Stone (1974)

This is "Point Break" twenty years before its time, except instead of revolving around surfing, it is pure motorcycle erotica. A dated Aussie biker movie that follows a cop who goes undercover and joins a bikie gang The Grave Diggers, that are being killed off one-by-one by an unknown assassin. While the film has a loose structure or plot to carry it along, the film really is an honest depiction and appreciation of bikie gangs in Australia. Plus a heaping pile of riding footage. The film includes a ton of thrilling stunts but I really loved all the electric POV motorcycle riding. The film is pretty rough around the edges, but the director Sandy Harbutt nailed the brotherhood of a biker gang. You can read my full review of "Stone" here.

18. 100 Rifles (1969)

Burt Reynolds, Jim Brown and Raquel Welch a cast that just smolders sex appeal for both men and women. I'm a sucker for the western genre and have been trying to catch up on all the old westerns I've never seen when then this title popped up on Netflix Watch-Instantly reminding me how much I wanted to see it. I'd also heard there is a scene with Raquel Welch showering and as lowly and chauvinistic as it is, that was a major driving force in seeing this film. Ok, enough testimonial, 100 Rifles is a solid western with a ton of chemistry between the studded cast. Reynolds has always been a charmer and here is no different. His sarcastic exchanges with Jim Brown are a riot and kept a smile on my face throughout. As for Welch, she is stunning as always and the shower sequence was definitely wet! 100 Rifles isn't the best western by any means, but its a fun ride and well deserving of a spot in this list.

17. Charley-One-Eye (1973)

A survival and friendship tale told through very peculiar means. The film follows an African American who is on the run from a bounty hunter and runs into a Native American. The two strangers travel together across the desert in search of water and shelter. The drama is pretty abstract and goes out of its way to put the audience through the experience but its actual weight comes in the stark look at racism during the late 1800s in America. This film also houses a poignant metaphor of how all men crave normalcy and have aspirations through use of a chicken, yeah, a chicken. Read my full thoughts on "Charley-One-Eye" here.

16. Johnny Firecloud (1975)

A harrowing revenge set in Arizona that follows a Native American returning from Vietnam to find his town overrun with racists. The film is uncomfortable with all of the racism going on, which is kind of a good thing. It is important Americans look back at how cruel we were, this movie is a neon sign of racism towards Native Americans during the 70s and is something we should be aware and ashamed about. The film isn't all just enduring racism though, because there is a tipping point and when it happens you are treated to an onslaught of violence at the hands of one Johnny Firecloud. Most of the kills are blatant stereotypes of Native American practices but they still are pretty damn fun to watch unfold. Lastly, I gotta mention one line of dialogue that I just can't wipe from my memory banks, EVER. "Sooner or later we are gonna tangle assholes." The craziest fighting words I have ever heard. For more on "Johnny Firecloud" checkout my full write-up here.

15. The Last American Hero (1973)

A racing movie set in the south with a fresh-faced Jeff Bridges behind the wheel. The Last American Hero is an inspiring story about a bootleg runner who turns to circuit racing trying to find a legal means of keeping a roof over his family's head. Watching this movie it is clear that Bridges has always had his charm. Whether he is behind the wheel or not Bridges shows off why he is a Hollywood icon. One disappointment about this film is the thrill of the racing sequences. When Bridges is bootlegging and evading the authorities, I've got no complaints, but once confined into a circuit race track all the thrill was lost. Much of this can be blamed on the cinematography that never really gives the audience a clear understanding of the stakes of the race. Positioning, cars bumping, the lay of the track, instead we get a multitude of close-ups of Jeff Bridges and the other racers faces. Complaints aside, The Last American Hero is a memorable ride. Bridges and the rest of the fully loaded cast all shine in a genuine picture of the south during the 70's. You can read my full reaction on "The Last American Hero" here.

14. The Hot, The Cool and The Vicious (1976)

Three badass fighters on display for 90 minutes of pure unadulterated martial arts. Well, maybe not totally unadulterated, but really really close. The great Tommy Lee put together all of the choreography seen throughout and each fighter/actor really does a excellent job of displaying his strong-suit. Don Wong with his dynamic punching ability and Tao-liang Tan showing off his incredible leg strength. The story is pretty cut and paste, a mother is murdered and vengeance will be had but one extreme high point is the most hilarious torture sequence I have ever seen. Read my full rundown on "The Hot, The Cool and The Vicious" here.

13. Black Belt Jones (1974)

While talking about "Black Dynamite" with some friends Black Belt Jones came up and I embarrassingly revealed that I had not seen it. I was given the look of shame by the group along with a wagging of the finger, which promoted me to track down the Blaxploitation action film. How had I gone thirty plus years of my life not seeing this glorious piece of cinema I don't know! I had been deprived, but thankfully I now know the legitimacy of Black Belt Jones and his hilarity. The opening of the film is a perfect mood setter. The soundtrack is a classic 70's groove written by Dennis Coffey that is sure to get your toes tapping. I love the freeze frame editing within the opening as well, it showcases our main character in a light that gears the audience up for the rest of the film. As for the rest of the film, short and sweet. There's nothing new to storyline just loads and loads of good laughs and hilarious action.

12. The Mechanic (1972)

The remake to this Charles Bronson film was about to release last year when I realized, I'd not seen the original. Luckily, Netflix had it up on Watch-Instantly and I settled in for some Bronson-style wet work. Bronson is, like always, spot on as the hired gun. Bronson just has the stoic sense of masculinity that really worked in roles like this. The first thing anyone will notice watching this for the first time is its lack of dialogue. The thriller has zero talking for the first sixteen minutes, just Bronson's character Arthur Bishop setting up one of his jobs. The audience see how precise Bishop is at his work, which is all setup for the cat and mouse game that plays out for the rest of the film. The opening of The Mechanic cleverly sets up that Bishop will always have the foresight to think a couple steps ahead. Bronson creates in Bishop an iconic character that can go down as one of the better hit-men in a long list of assassins in cinema. Truthfully, this is easily one of my favorite Charles Bronson movies, one I watched three times last year.

11. Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

Outside of his new release "The Ward" last year, this was the last remaining John Carpenter movie I had not seen. Carpenter is a director/storyteller I adore and scratching this title off my must see list was an enjoyable one. First off, Carpenter is known for his scores and Assault on Precinct 13 is another magical piece of music that really helps to drive the action-thriller along. As far as the film goes, edge of your seat white knuckle thrills all set in nearly one location, absolutely brilliant! Carpenter really knows how to build tension and Assault is just another wonderful example of that. If you've never seen this Carpenter classic, make haste and see it!

10. Fandango (1985)

At the beginning of the year I told myself I wanted to have a 24-hour marathon of Kevin Costner movies. I've always been a fan and a defender of Costner's films, yes, even the ones most people hate like "The Postman" and "Waterworld." Anyways most of this marathon I wanted to be a select few titles of Costner I'd not seen or films I'd only seen once. So I selected about thirteen titles to watch and had about five or six alternates ready to go so if on a whim I felt like watching something different. So yeah about nineteen titles to choose from, anyways kicking off the marathon I went with one of Costner's films I'd never seen Fandango. Told in a day in the life format, the film follows a group of friends after graduating college in late 60's and decide to take off on a short adventure. Along the way we learn that each of the friends had gone to college to avoid going to Vietnam and now that they'd graduated they would have to join the war. Let me just say that Fandango is a great friendship movie and the backdrop of the Vietnam war gives the film some poignant emotions to chew on. What it must have been like to have that weight on your shoulders. Outside of the heavy and controversial war storyline, Fandango is really a barrel of laughs too. Kevin Costner and Judd Nelson really plays off each other in excellent fashion. This was a rising start to my 24-hour Costner Marathon and a film I will definitely be watching again and again.

9. Fish Story (2009)

Yoshihiro Nakamura is a director you should all be aware of. He is a director that is currently creating continual powerful cinema. Fish Story is one of two movies of his I watched in 2011 both of which are incredible. The other film is actually a new release (Golden Slumber) so it doesn't qualify but Fish Story is available on Netflix Watch-Instantly and I highly recommend you watch it. The film is kind of complicated to explain but the gist is a Japanese rock band wrote a song called "Fish Story" and this song will save the world. I know, it sounds far fetched, but it really is a one of a kind film. I don't want to run off some explanation of the film because it will spoil the fun of it. All you need to know is it is well worth your time and by the end of it you will be singing the song along with the movie.

8. Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972)

I've seen "Shogun Assassin" and "Shogun Assassin 2: Lightning Swords of Death" a bunch growing up but I'd never seen the original source material. Shogun Assassin is the English language dubbed version of 'Lone Wolf and Cub' and decided it was time I sat down and watch the original films in the entire Lone Wolf and Cub series. There are six movies and 'Sword of Vengeance', the first, is by and large my favorite of all six movies. One thing remains constant throughout these films is the love a father has for his son. While most of these movies are heavy handed with ridiculous violence, there is a softer side to them, one that really pushes my parental emotions. Of course the violence is a blast to watch and Tomisaburo Wakayama wielding his samurai sword will always continue to be cheer educing. Wakayama is so iconic as hired assassin who tows his son around wherever he goes. Some mention must also be made of Akihiro Tomikawa who plays the child. While he isn't given much to do, the little guy sure pulls his weight on screen. One of these years I'd like to buy a definitive set of the 'Lone Wolf and Cub' series, it is a piece of cinematic history that belongs on any action/martial-arts fan shelf.

7. The Driver (1978)

Walter Hill is a damn good director that has made a number of films I cherish. Last year, during Edgar Wright's Wright Stuff II at the New Beverly he programmed a driving double feature including Walter Hill's "The Driver" and Steven Spielberg's "Duel." As for the evening, it included a sensational Q&A with Walter Hill himself after watching his Noir crime thriller about a nameless driver that has never been caught. The Driver is a quiet thriller, one that probably not everyone will enjoy. Much like this year's film "Drive" (which was clearly influenced by Walter Hill's classic) the movie is not overloaded with action. It is deliberately paced and takes it time building the tension between a wheel-man who has never been caught and a cop hellbent on catching him. That said, the action that is within is precise and electric. If you loved "Drive" this year and haven't seen Walter Hill's "The Driver," make it a priority.

6. Midnight Run (1988)

Described to me as possibly the best action-comedy of all time left this title in some mighty big shoes to fill and me constantly hesitating to watch it in fear of not liking it. Well, its placement in the list is a dead giveaway I finally broke down and watched. While I wouldn't call it the best action-comedy, Midnight Run is a definitely a worth considering. Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin play off each other like so many of the other great comedic tandems. In retrospect, it is a shame that these two didn't work more together. Not in a crappy sequel or anything but just another movie, like how Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor continually worked together. Perhaps the on screen chemistry, was just that on screen only, leaving De Niro and Grodin to not hit it off in real life. Who knows, back to the film, I can safely say this is the best bounty hunter action-comedy I have ever seen. The movie itself is pretty standard, but the performances are so good they elevate the film into a different territory, a territory that easily landed Midnight Run a spot on the list.

5. Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971)

This midnight movie is a erotic delight full of surprises that I totally loved. The film basically starts off by taking the inner-sexual thought process of a teenage boy and projects it on to the big screen for all to see. On the surface 'Maids' seems like a film that was just made to feature tons of hot women in revealing clothing or no clothing at all, but it really has a lot more going on that is better left untold. Let it be known that Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry wrote the script, and its nothing to mistake as some cheap midnight smut. Read my full breakdown of "Pretty Maids All in a Row" here.

4. Sheitan (2006)

Over the summer Reel Grit, a weekly screening group I belong to, planned a 12 hour marathon titled; Reel Grit: From Dusk Till Dawn. Plan was to watch 6 genre titles across 12 hours and luckily it went off without a hitch. Smack dab in the middle of the marathon was this French horror gem starring Vincent Cassel. Directed by Kim Chapiron, Sheitan follows a group of twenty-somethings who end up at a strange farmhouse out in the french countryside after clubbing at a disco in the city. This horror threw me and the rest of the Reel Grit crowd for a loop. It is imaginative, provocative, spliced with comedy and horrific through and through, not to mention the unanimous winner of the marathon. This is a film that is best left knowing as little as possible about and just watching. Allowing the movie to lead you along the path it intends. To its strength, this is a horror film that doesn't really compel the audience to question the motives or actions, instead it flows really well and just happens. Last I checked, this title was still available via Netflix Watch-Instantly, so have at it! A movie you are likely never to forget.

3. Branded to Kill (1967)

If a movie is within The Criterion Collection, chances are its a good movie. Clearly, I jest. Film lovers know that anything under the Criterion banner has some form of cinematic quality worth appreciating. Over my years I have always tried to watch as many of the Criterion titles as I could. I'll admit I have not seen all of them. There are a number I need to see and Branded to Kill was one at the top of my list for a couple of reasons but mainly because it revolves around the Japanese Yakuza. This is a film I'd heard about since college. Always branded with, "you've never seen Branded to Kill?" as if the film was handed down to every child at birth to watch. Being a film that was heavily built up over years, I have to say it is a magnetic film that wears its acclaim in tremendous fashion. Joe Shishido is perfect as Goro Hanada, the Number Three Killer. You can see film noir's influence all over Branded to Kill while the film also steps out on a limb and becomes very avant garde creating its own wave of influence. Seeing this movie having watched so many of the films that were influenced by it added to the enjoyment of this watch. It is like looking into the past and seeing what inspired some of my current favorite filmmakers.

2. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969)

This flick is easily in the Top 5 of Best Romantic Comedies ever. Director and writer Paul Mazursky delivers a realistic and humorist look into relationships. The film is dated to the late 1960's when American amoral society was changing but all of the themes and topics still hold water in today's relationships. This movie is utterly honestly and hilarious. It houses some of the funniest martial sequences I've seen, sequences that anyone who has gone through a lengthy relationship has endured. It is provocative, whimsical but it never pull any punches, it is one of the best, if not the best film Paul Mazursky has directed. Read my full review of "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" here.

1. Dark of the Sun (1968)

The best men-on-a-mission movie I have ever seen, period. A true classic with heart-throb male leads, edge of your seat action and stunts, an infectious score that will leave you humming, and outstanding moments of comedic relief. Dark of the Sun is overall just a powerhouse of a movie. It is a sin that Warner Archive has not released this film to Blu-Ray. Rod Taylor and Jim Brown just drip of charm throughout meanwhile they take on dangerous stunts one after the other making today's "action stars" look like cheap impressions of these true action stars. Dark of the Sun is a film I can't recommend enough, track it down and see it. Checkout my full write-up on "Dark of the Sun" here.

So there you have it, started this list thinking I'd only talk about 10 films, but I just had to make it 20 because they were all worth sharing.

Paranormal Wave in 2012

2012-01-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is a predictable wave of reactionary studio film making. One studio hits it big with a successful franchise or genre idea so the other studios follow suit trying to steal a piece of that particular demographic. Like how Pixar and "Toy Story" created a surge of new CGI animation in late 90's, the success's of "Superman II" and Tim Burton's "Batman" spawned the superhero genre, horror movies like James Wan's "Saw" and Eli Roth's "Hostel" generated a bunch of torture horror titles, "The Blair Witch" created an entire genre of found-footage films. Take vampire movies, they have been around forever but a film like "Twilight" is a success and it brings on a whole new wave of romantically spun fantasy-genre titles. This is a perpetual cycle in Hollywood that can create both good and bad titles. Looking ahead at 2012 calendar it appears the next wave is ready to hit, one based off the box office success of the "Paranormal Activity" films, unfortunately this wave doesn't look like too fun to ride.

While creating my 12 Anticipated in 2012 list I was noticing a ton of movie titles that eluded to ghost, haunting, or possession stories. This got my brain turning and raised suspicion that we'd be seeing a number of paranormal activity-like movies coming our way. So I investigated further and found 7 movies already slated dealing with some type of apparition. And that doesn't even account for the recently announced sequel to "Paranormal Activity 3" or any other titles that have yet to land a release date.

This is ultra typical of the horror genre. Studios are constantly trying to find the winning combination at the B.O. and sadly leech off other previous ideas that work. Rarely it works, mostly these titles come across feeling like kitchen sink horrors or just another bad re-tread.

Sure I could be overreacting, there have been always been ghost stories. I mean the US remakes of "The Ring" and "The Grudge" certainly did there fair share of resurrecting the angered spirit storyline having studios vying for the next big hit out of a tormented soul. Still titles like "The Devil Inside," "The Woman in Black," "Playback," "The Apparition," "Sinister," "The Possession" and "ParaNorman" jump out as positioning to swipe a bit of the 'Paranormal' crowd's dividends in 2012.

Our first one hits this weekend too with "The Devil Inside." Ironically, the trailer for this one ran ahead of "Paranormal Activity 3" and the crowd took the bait hook, line, and sinker. Recently, I saw ads for 'Devil Inside' using the exact same promotional tactics the PA films have, like recording test audiences jumping during the screening, crowd testimonials after and using them in the promotional trailers to tease how scary the movie can be.

The real question is will any of these titles be good? Because if one of these movies is actually a good film and stands on its own two feet, is it a bad thing it started off as a reactionary film? There are plenty of reactionary films I can think of that were a good thing. Hell, the original "Superman" directed by Richard Donner was a reaction off the sci-fi/fantasy "Star Wars." Warner Brothers wanted a piece of the fantasy demo and thought 'Superman' was the perfect way to grab it. "Dick Tracy" and "The Rocketeer" are another couple of great reactionary title examples that came riding the coat-tails of Tim Burton's 'Batman' in a good way. On the other side of that, we have films like "The Phantom" and "Steel" that also rode the same coat-tails, except in the worst way possible.

The jury is still out on whether any of these new paranormal wannabes will be good or become a viable success at the box office, what is for sure, its fun to notice and think about these trends both their good and bad sides.

Trailer - ParaNorman

2012-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

A few days ago while watching some new trailers via Hulu Plus I came across a new stop-motion film by people who brought us "Coraline" caled "ParaNorman" and it looks good enough I had to share it with you. Take a look at the trailer and poster below...

First off I love the look of this film! The animation is just weird enough but not too crazy it becomes diverting. Secondly I love the Donovan song playing throughout the trailer, "Season of the Witch." Nice track to match the mood of the trailer. While the trailer doesn't really give much of anything away other than imagery, the synopsis reveals that ParaNorman is a misunderstood boy who can speak to the dead. "ParaNorman" releases August 17th, 2012.

Source: ParaNorman

12 Anticipated in 2012

2012-01-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It is that time to look ahead at 2012 and what upcoming theatrical releases we are excited for, or more specifically, which titles I'm totally itching to see. Right off the bat 2012 seems loaded with movies worth seeing and while in the past I've done Top 25 Anticipated, think this year will just go with 12. Why twelve, I don't know it is 2012, it rhymes, or maybe I'm just being lazy but its what I've decided to do.

Something I noticed while compiling this list is the overload of major studio pictures. Generally my anticipated lists for upcoming years favor much of the buzz from festivals and new independent films but this year most of the films making the cut were all larger studio endeavors. What does that mean? First, I'm glad the major studios seem to have made a substantial amount of quality products I am genuinely excited for. Second, its still early in the year. Sundance or Cannes haven't happened. Much of the smaller studios will be scooping up independent titles and filling in release dates within the first two quarters of 2012. So that means this list could very well change, it also means that 2012 looks to be an amazing year of cinema.

So here we go, twelve flicks I can't wait for in 2012...

12. The Cabin in the Woods

This played BNAT13WOLF and crushed. Friends of mine who I trust, told me I would flip for this comedy/horror so here it is, No.12 on the list. I'm excited to see Chris Hemsworth doing some more work outside of the Marvel universe and glad to see the MGM title that looked to be just collecting dust on a shelve is finally seeing a real release. I've been told NOT to watch the trailer (after I'd watched the trailer of course) so I will pass along that message. "The Cabin in the Woods" is directed by Drew Goddard and releases April 13th, 2012

11. Cogan's Trade

Brad Pitt is back with the director of "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" Andrew Dominik for a gritty crime drama about a professional enforcer who is hired to investigate a heist that went down during a mob-protected high stakes poker game. Pitt stars in the tile role with James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta, Vincent Curatola, Garret Dillahunt and Sam Shepard alongside him. The film is based off a novel of the same name written by George V. Higgins and is yet to receive an official release date though the Weinstein Co. holds US distribution rights.

10. God Bless America

Bobcat Goldthwait is a comedic legend to me and with "World's Greatest Dad" he illustrated how great of a director's eye he has. Now he's back with his second feature and it sounds just as riveting as his last. Joel Murray stars as as a man who goes on a killing spree with a teenage girl at his side. Described as a 21st Century Bonnie and Clyde it is sure to be another dark comedy from Goldthwait. Magnet picked up the film after playing at Toronto International Film Festival last year. "God Bless America" releases in limited theaters April 11th, 2012.

9. Skyfall

007 is back, so he's back on the most anticipated list! Admittedly I'm a bit weary considering this project has stalled so many times, but now that it is officially up and running things are looking good. I'm excited to see what Sam Mendes will do in the director's chair with Bond, plus Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes are sweet additions to the cast. "Skyfall" releases November 9th, 2012.

8. Argo

People close to me know I'm a sucker for Ben Affleck, I'll see anything he's done. Now with his acclaimed work behind the camera others are beginning to catch the fever. His next directorial effort is going to once again see him both behind and in front of the cameras in a comedy/drama titled "Argo" about a CIA exfiltration specialist who creates a shaky plan to free six Americans in the middle of the Iranian revolution. "Argo" releases September 14th, 2012.

7. Django Unchained

Tarantino! The man is an icon and I love his work. His latest, a western following a slave turned bounty hunter who sets out to rescue his wife from a evil plantation owner. Hell to the yes! The only thing that has lessened my interest a smidgen was the fact QT did not cast Will Smith. I love Smith and would have really loved to see him under the guise of Tarantino but instead we get Jamie Foxx which isn't the worst consolation prize in the world. The rest of the cast for this is incredible and I can't wait to sit in a darkened theater watching Tarantino's latest. Finger crossed the end of the world doesn't hit December 21st, because "Django Unchained" releases Christmas Day, December 25th.

6. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Peter Jackson is back in Middle Earth and all is right with the world! So friggin' excited to see more of this world as told by Peter Jackson. The man made one of the best fantasy trilogies in cinematic history and now he's back at it again. I've watched the trailer more times than I have digits on my hands and feet and as the trailer has indicated, things looks exactly as Jackson left them. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" releases December 14th, 2012

5. The Avengers

We've been building up to this for what seems forever. In actuality, four years since "Iron Man" released, but regardless the Marvel team-up is finally here and I can't wait to see what happens. Marvel studios did fanboys one proud by hiring Joss Whedon to direct, lets just hope it pays off the way we all hoped. There is a lot riding on this film and it better be good otherwise fans are going to be mighty upset. As excited as I am, there is some fear, fear that this will end up just being okay. I want a damn good movie, not one I have to search for reasons to enjoy. "The Avengers" releases May 4th, 2012

4. The Dark Knight Rises

The climax to Christopher Nolan's Batman saga. Just soak on that for a minute. Nolan is one hell of a director and I believe that if he s going to end his Batman saga, he's going to do it in the best way possible. At least that is the hope. The world is there, we know he's got it in him, essentially all the pieces are in place its just a waiting game to see if it all comes together. Finger crossed. "The Dark Knight Rises" releases July 20th, 2012.

3. Moonrise Kingdom

Wes Anderson is in my top five for greatest working directors, I love him. Each movie he's made, I cherish. Everything he does is highly re-watchable and ends up becoming a new favorite. Enter his latest project, one that has a phenomenal cast, PHENOMENAL! Regulars Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman but also Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Bob Balaban, and Harvey Keitel. What's the synopsis you ask, it is irrelevant, this is a Wes Anderson movie. "Moonrise Kingdom" releases May 25th, 2012.

2. Prometheus

Ridley Scott is back doing science fiction after thirty years and its about damn time! Not only is he back in sci-fi but he's making a prequel to a movie that I hold as my favorite of all time, "Alien." When this project was announced I told myself to stay in the dark, to not seek out any information on it, then the trailer hit the net. Yeah, I watched the trailer, about a billion times! I am running circles dying to see this movie. All that said, I am trying to keep expectations in check. "Prometheus" releases June 8th, 2012.

1. Wettest County

This movie has the magic combinations that pushed it all the way to top of my most anticipated of 2012 list. I mean it beat out the prequel to my favorite movie of all time, not to mention a double dip of fanboy delight with TDKR and The Avengers. So how'd this movie you've probably never heard of do it, let me explain. It starts with a director that has knocked me on my back twice, John Hillcoat. Hillcoat is an amazing talent with a perfect eye for telling dark thrillers. His previous two films "The Road" and "The Proposition" both were favorite films for the given year they released. Second, enter Nick Cave. A singer/songwriter who has tried his hand at writing novels and screenplays to acclaimed success. I adore this man, plus Cave wrote Hillcoat's prolific Australian western "The Proposition." Third, the synopsis. "Wettest County" is adapted from a novel set in a Depression-era south and is focused on a set of bootlegging brothers as they try to avoid the authorities in Virginia. This is a storyline I can eat up. Historically, its an era I love to absorb and with the combined hive mind of Hillcoat and Cave this is bound to be gold. Fourth, the cast. "Wettest County" is dripping with talent. Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Shia LaBeouf, Mia Wasikowska, Jason Clarke, Noah Taylor and Jessica Chastain. A bunch of actors I would go see in anything they would do on their own, but together, its like a roll call of baddassery. Those four factors all combine to allow Wettest County to sit safely at the top of my list. "Wettest County" releases April 20th, 2012.

Finally, here's a list of films that I am really excited for but didn't make the Top 12: The Grey, The Lorax, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, MIB 3, Brave, The Secret World of Arrietty, Total Recall, Warm Bodies, Premium Rush, Paranorman, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Headhunters, Bullet to the Head, Chimpanzee, Looper, Dredd, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, Red Dawn, World War Z, Untitled Kathryn Bigelow Project, and Rivals.

Top 10 of 2011

2012-01-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone. One way I always put the year to bed is a Top 10 list. Ten movies that, in my opinion, were the best this particular year had to offer. In 2011 I watched 492 movies, 268 of those movies seen were for the first time and 146 of those first time watches were titles that had a theatrical release in the U.S. within 2011. This year was a really good year for a lot of really good movies. As I narrowed down my list of movies watched I had close to 60 titles, all of which were memorable films I would recommend and champion from here on out. Needless to say it took some work for me to definitively say these are my Top 10 in 2011 but after much deliberation, I've done it. Some titles were much easier to include while others had been pulled, re-positioned, and replaced a number of times before finally reaching their official spot in the Top 10.

We all have our own rules or qualifications for a year end list and mine are pretty simple, a film must have had a limited release in New York and Los Angeles for consideration. This qualification leaves out films that only had runs at film festivals or foreign titles that have yet to find U.S. distribution within the calendar year of 2011.

There are a few titles I did miss seeing in 2011 that I will probably regret. Films that have either dawned a number of other lists of people I respect or just films I wanted to see but didn't get a chance. That list includes: A Separation, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, My Week with Marilyn, We Bought a Zoo, Carnage, The Future, A Dangerous Method, Melancholia, and Certified Copy.

One big trend I noticed to my Top 10 is the human element or realism. The movies I connect most with have real, raw human emotions on display and this year like no other each and every title has some prevailing human element that shined through the story. Another big arc I noticed was fatherhood or a protector role. Knowing you have the well being of others in your hands and the emotions that responsibility can stir is powerful and a number of films in my Top 10 shined executing that. One last trend I noticed was love or romance. Generally, I am not a big romance fan, but this year I saw a number of romantic tales told in a way that really won me over. Alright enough set up, let's get to it!

Honorable Mentions: 50/50, Warrior, Ceremony, Project Nim, and Attack the Block

10. Moneyball

Never expected this movie to make my list, hell it wasn't even in my most anticipated list for 2011. It surely was a movie I was aware of but not something I was really itching to see. I knew the story from when it happened, mainly because an Los Angeles Angels fan and the Oakland Athletics are a rival team to my Halos, so of course I know about Billy Beane and his moneyball scheme up in Oakland. If you watch MLB there's no way you don't know who he is, he changed the face of the game but Moneyball isn't entirely about baseball. It has a much larger profound message within it that really crept over me and left me in awe. I fell in love with Moneyball and the resolve Billy Beane displayed amidst his failures. It is a feel good movie. Now that said, the film will alienate audiences with all the baseball nuts and bolts. It is a technical baseball movie on the surface that is drenched in baseball, but if you can get past all that, you just might find the revelation like I did.

9. I Saw the Devil

Imagine the love of your life was murdered and you had the ability to catch and punish the person who did it. Would you do it? In I Saw the Devil the answer was yes and then some. This horror is absolutely brutal and I loved every last lengthy minute of it. Director Kim Jee-woon is a natural talent and once again he pushes the confines of the genre he is playing in. I can't recommend this enough, just an all out horrific ride that never lets up. (Full Review)

8. The Last Circus

When I first heard about this flick all I knew was it revolved around clowns and was making its US premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas in 2010. The first few images I saw from it looked magical and horrifying immediately drawing me further into a web of desire to see it. Thankfully, the film found US distribution this year and I was able to not only see it, but purchase it on Blu-Ray to have and to hold for the rest of my days. The Last Circus is by all means a tragedy. It is a horrific love triangle about three people who work for a circus in Spain. Their love, hatred, and need for each other. The cast is superb, the delivery of the tragedy is pitch perfect and the film continued to stay with me after the fact. I couldn't get the story of the sad clown out of my head. The emotions, the drama, the anguish, and also the rage. The Last Circus is like nothing I've seen before yet it houses so many themes that we can all connect with; love, hate, sorrow, fear, shame, and revenge to pinpoint a few. It is a romantic, it is over-the-top, and it is a thing of beauty.

7. Take Shelter

Uneasy and uncomfortable are generally not two words I use describe movies I love, but in the case of Take Shelter they are. This thriller directed by Jeff Nichols is a chilling through and through. Following a husband and father who believes an apocalypse is approaching, he begins to plan for its inevitable arrival. His planning however, begins to crumble every aspect of his life around him. His job, his friends, even his family begin to lose faith in him. Michael Shannon delivers one of the most unnerving performances of the year. He is spellbinding as the husband and father who is allowing his visions to get the best of him. Much of the film feels like a nightmare with an eerie calm slowly erupting. Where the story will erupt or if it will erupt are part of the mystery that Jeff Nichols creates so precisely. There is also a shade of ambiguity to the film that I really enjoyed. It helped to keep the uneasy tension building throughout. (Full Review)

6. The Skin I Live In

Maintaining an compelling, edge of your seat story is no easy task but filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar does it in incredible fashion with The Skin I Live In. This thriller is the most elaborate revenge tale I have ever seen to date, one that kept dropping my jaw to the floor with its bewitching twists and turns. Oddly enough it is also one of the happiest revenge tales I have ever seen. Generally you think revenge, you don't think happy, but somehow Almodóvar found a way to achieve it without seeming to neat and tidy. One aspect to the film that helped to keep the contorting thriller captivating is Alberto Iglesias's score. Iglesias pushes you through each twist with a fabulous use of string sectioned orchestra. In particular one violin riff that returns repeatedly to ignite a energy within me very few scores did this year. As you'd expect with any film making a Top 10 list, the performances are spot-on, but there is nothing stand out here. This film relies on the story, the performances definitely play a hand but it is Almodóvar's writing that really land this film its high praise. Unique, alarming and seducing, The Skin I Live In is not to be missed.

5. Meek's Cutoff

This is the one movie on my list I feel like needs to include a disclaimer, it is also the one movie on my list I feel like I have to explain the nature of it to everyone. Meek's Cutoff is a portrait of what it was like to be a 19th century settler pushing west in America. This is actually a horrible movie at explaining what you are witnessing. There is no narration, no set up, it just is the experience. By all accounts this film is hard to watch and it is suppose to be that way. This isn't a movie to sweep you up with emotions and make you feel good, it is again, here to show you what the emigration experience was like. How hard and grueling it was. How unnerving it must have been to walk day in and day out alongside a squeaky wagon wheel. It intends to show the audience how much paranoia and fear could be raised when the length of your trek is unknown. When you are unclear if savage Native Americans could be in the area or where the next source of water is. The film is meant to induce panic, tension, fear, uncertainty and it does so in a most tremendous fashion. I feel for the cast, who all deliver phenomenal portrayals, what they must have went through making this film. You can see from the film, these actors lived the experience. Lastly, Meek's has a heaping serving of ambiguity to it that I truly appreciated. It is a risky call because the decision will divide a portion of the audience just simply because they don't get it. In actuality it is a bold and hard move to leave the audience in the same place as the settlers. It is the final piece to this window of the emigration experience settlers faced during the early 1800s in America's western territories. Meek's Cutoff is a arduous experience, one that I recommend you endure to see just how hard the emigration push was. (Full Review)

4. Drive

When you buy the soundtrack to a movie and are upset that the tracks are out of sequence with the movie, so you re-order those tracks sequentially with the film just so you can re-experience that film on some level outside of the theater, that is a sure sign you're hooked. Drive is a movie I was obsessed with since hearing director Nicolas Winding Refn wanted to direct a movie adaption of James Sallis short novel The Driver and film it in Los Angeles. One year later the movie came out and it was everything I could have hoped for. Drive captures Los Angeles like no other movie in 2011. Refn made a throwback to the quiet thrillers of the 70's and a slap in the face to big budget Hollywood action movies. He powerfully demonstrated how reserved and steady a action film can be while still being flashy and laced with brutality and high octane. Lastly, how long has it been since we had a nameless hero? It was a breath of fresh air to have a hero without a backstory or a name, yet he is still the definition of what we know as good. A protector that goes against his better judgement for the sake of saving someone else. Drive captures a classic tale and projects it under the grime and crime of Los Angeles in expert fashion. (Full Review)

3. Hanna

Biggest surprise of the year for me. Friends of mine had this one on their anticipated list in 2011 and I never even took notice. One big reason is director Joe Wright, prior to making Hanna he'd made nothing but stuffy romantic period films that I'd turned my nose to. Stupidly I thought, he can't make a good assassin action-thriller. Boy was I ever wrong, Joe Wright made the best action movie this year hands down. Part of why I consider this the best action movie is the usual tropes he broke. He didn't use fast cars, big explosions, gigantic robots, aliens or any other form of fantasy elements but instead used a little girl. Not even a dolled up womanized female, but a plain girl who by appearance, wouldn't hurt a fly. Hanna broke the mold when it came to a feminine action movies and deserves mounds of acclaim for doing so. Outside of breaking the typical cliched female action movies mold, Hanna is a enthralling thriller with twists and turns filled with exceptional characters and performances. Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander and Eric Bana are absolutely electric in each of their portrayals. Hollander's whistle has stuck with me all year long much to be credited to The Chemical Brothers for their intoxicating score. Another score that is a perfect companion to the already stellar film. (Full Review)

2. The Descendants

Alexander Payne is probably the best director out there telling really sad stories in a delightfully comical way and The Descendants is another triumph by him. Set in the paradise of Hawaii, this dramedy reminds us that life in Hawaii isn't always paradise. That people who live in Hawaii go through just as much pain and suffering as anybody else in America. The film beautifully sets in and tells us a story that feels like something you'd hear a close friend tell you over dinner. Matt King's wife is in a coma after a dangerous boating accident and she isn't going to wake up, now Matt must face raising his two daughters on his own. Rounding out the story and providing a clever relief to the mourning aspect, Matt is negotiating a huge land sale in Kauai that will make his family a substantial amount of money. George Clooney once again provides a seasoned portrayal as Matt King and our narrator to the emotional tale. Clooney in my opinion, deserves the Best Actor for his portrayal here, it is the most subdued, comedic, and emotional I've seen him hit. Despite centering on such painful topic, Alexander Payne finds all the right moments to lighten the blow with comedic relief. None of this ever feels forced either, but instead natural. It is the basic human characteristics that make us laugh, things that people would do or say in normal situations that Payne's film is so effortless at displaying. The mood throughout The Descendants is set by a tremendous soundtrack of traditional slack key guitar Hawaiian songs, each of which emit this seemingly piece of paradise. It is an incredible balance the music creates, you have this peace that settles over you, meanwhile you watch a story play out filled with heartache and trimmed with laughter.

1. The Myth of the American Sleepover

No other film remained with me like The Myth of the American Sleepover in 2011, it is a daydream of what it was like to fall for someone for the first time. It is like looking through a View Finder to our teenage years of confusion, frustration, and passion. Those feelings, those rushes, and those urges we all got when someone of the opposite sex grabbed our attention. Myth captures the simple act of talking about someone you liked with friends. The nerves we got when that person looked our way or talked to us. Director David Robert Mitchell captures the innocence and emotions without error. He takes a bold leap making a film that feels outside the traditional teen coming of age films, both in film-making and storytelling, but wisely centers the content on universal emotions that audiences can all connect with. Told in a simple day in the life format, Myth follows four different narrators as they move through the last weekend of summer in Michigan. Myth is a timeless piece of film that really could have come from any point in the last forty years. Lastly, it is a new beloved favorite, one that easily topped 2011 in my mind. ( Full Review)

So that's my definitive Top 10 of 2011, I'm sure there are titles you don't agree with and that is okay, just as long as you are seeing movies and supporting the medium that deserves your patronage. Until next time...

Top Movie Honors in 2011

2012-01-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Top 10 lists never seems to be enough to tell you about all the quality cinema within a given year. 2011, like so many other years housed a plethora of good movies that I feel like I need to share with all of you. In order to do that the way I see fit, I've decided to break down 2011's best films into ten genre based categories i.e. Foreign, Drama, Horror, Festivals, etc. You'll notice there isn't a set number of films in each group, just the titles I felt necessary to share from this calendar year under my criteria for consideration (films must have at least a New and York and Los Angeles limited release within the calendar year to be considered). Some categories are low because of so few quality titles or because I did not see enough quality titles in that particular sub-category to include more. There is also no set ranking here, the titles are just listed in random order. So without further ado, here we go...

Top Foreign Films in 2011

13 Assassins

Japanese director Takashi Miike is a beast when it comes to making movies. Every year it seems he turns out multiple films and each year they are not only worth watching but memorable. This year Miike's 13 Assassins easily made my list. Its a thrilling action that was on a number of year end lists in 2010, but based off my own qualifications 13 Assassins only played festivals within the United States barring it from consideration until this year. 13 Assassins follows a group of assassins that come together to seek revenge on an evil lord in 19th century Japan, a time when the samurai was losing his stature and power. The action has a delicate build to a relentless 3rd act that should not be missed. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Blu-Ray and DVD

A Somewhat Gentle Man

This one of the first movies I saw in 2011. Highly praised at a number of festivals in 2010, A Somewhat Gentle Man was a film I had to see. The comedy/drama follows Ulrik, a Norwegian man (Stellan Skarsgård) who has been released from prison after doing a twelve year stint and must readjust to life outside of prison. The dark comedy left me with a stitch in my side from all the laughter stemming from the situations Ulrik has to cope with in regular life. The foreign comedy has a dry sense of humor that isn't for everyone but I really found it be a nice surprise. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full review)

Submarine

Coming of age stories always intrigue me, and this wonderful little British comedy received high praise from 2011's Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah making it a must see for me. Richard Ayoade's directorial debut follows Oliver Tate, a fifteen year-old who is dedicated to loosing his virginity before his next birthday. The comedy is snappy and filled with witty dialogue that is prime for continuous laughter. Oliver is a hilarious character and actor Craig Roberts does a notable job in the lead. Actors Sally Hawkins, Noah Taylor, and Paddy Considine too deliver performances that help to make this comedy a memorable one. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

The Last Circus

From the first production still and plot description I was bent on seeing this movie. Then it played Fantastic Fest in 2010 to rave reviews making that unwavering desire to see it even stronger. Set in Spain and spanning multiple decades the horror tells a multi-generational story of a father and son who are clowns. The film focuses mainly on the son, who must play the role of the sad clown. The Last Circus is like a opera without any singing. It is a beautiful tragedy. It is over-the-top and totally insane in moments and absolutely gut wrenching in others. It is heavy-handed yet carries a certain level of grace and sophistication. The easiest way to describe it is stunning. It is a movie I will gladly keep on my shelf for many many years and share with as many people as I can. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Blu-Ray and DVD

The Skin I Live In

Pedro Almodóvar is one of those directors that if he made it, it is worth watching. Not all of his films have been my absolute favorites, but nonetheless his movies always make me think. His latest is no different. The Skin I Live In threw me through the ringer. I tend to like revenge movies and boy is this ever one of the craziest tit for tat stories I've seen in some time. I'm not going to spoil any of the details to this film, all you need to know is Pedro Almodóvar directed, Antonio Banderas gives a spectacular performance, and it is fabulous. It also contains one of my favorite scores in 2011 by Alberto Iglesias. Availability: Currently in Theaters/Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on March 6th, 2012.

The Yellow Sea

This is one of the best thrillers I have seen in years. Brutal and thrilling from beginning to end. The story follows a cab driver whose wife has gone missing and the lengths he is willing to go through in order to try and find her. Director Hong-jin Na is really setting a standard for edge of your seat thrillers. The Yellow Sea features some of the best and most grueling action I've seen this year. It also houses one of the best knife fights I've seen in a long while. Availability: Import Blu-Ray or DVD

Cold Fish

Every since I saw "Suicide Club" I knew Japanese director Shion Sono was someone I needed to keep my eye on and Cold Fish is another example of why I was right. This thriller is about the lengths one can push another individual, ultimately creating a killer. It is hilarious in moments, erotic in others but horrific throughout. Most of all Japanese actor Denden delivers an award worthy portrayal of a serial killer that caught me by surprise and left me stunned. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

I Saw the Devil

Earlier I said "The Skin I Live In" was one of the craziest revenge movies in 2011 and I stand by that but I Saw the Devil is one of the most relentless revenge films ever. The story follows a secret agent whose pregnant fiancee is murdered by a local South Korean serial killer. The secret agent takes matters into his own hands setting out punish the serial killer repeatedly. When I say repeatedly, I mean it, in a catch and release method the secret agent really puts a stretches the limits of what we thought the human body could endure and still live. The horror is not an easy watch and certainly contains a number of scenes that could make squeamish audiences turn their heads but it is well worth it. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Trollhunter

Shot in a documentary fashion this enjoyable fantasy horror follows a group of college students who are ghosting a Norwegian trollhunter. The film provides a number of chills and thrills as well as some fun action following the trollhunter as he takes on trolls throughout Norway. For a low budget found footage movie, I really dug the troll encounters and the tension each capture would contain. This is another horror that I would happily own and show off to friends for years to come. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Top Documentary Films in 2011

Senna

I hate car racing. It bores me. I like cars, but car racing, not interested. In comes Senna a documentary I'd heard absolutely nothing but positive about. Like-minded people who do not fancy car racing raved about this doc, so I had to give it a chance. They were right! Senna is a beautiful and painful human story about one of the world's best Formula One racers. He was an hero to Brazil, his home country and a icon to so many other Formula One drivers. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Blu-Ray, DVD

Project Nim

No other documentary took me through such an emotional roller coaster than Project Nim in 2011. The doc follows a chimpanzee throughout his life who was used in a scientific research. The research, if a chimpanzee could string words together to formulate sentences and communicate with humans. This movie made me laugh and cry. It infuriated me and fascinated me. It is a documentary that certainly deserves a look. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on February 7th, 2012.

Tabloid

Errol Morris is one of those filmmakers that when he makes a new documentary, you should probably watch it. Once again Morris delivers a engaging focus point, a sizzling tale about a former Miss Wyoming who was charged with abducting a young Mormon missionary into sexual escapades. The documentary is consuming. Listening to Joyce McKinney as she recants her side of the story is like the best gossip from co-workers or friends. The documentary isn't really an awareness documentary with some mission to it but instead just an eye-opener to one crazy story that is a lot of fun to listen to. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Blu-Ray, DVD

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never

Love him or hate him the kid has talent and this concert documentary displays that talent in a way that may make a few new fans of the pop star. Before seeing this documentary I'd never heard a full track of Justin Bieber, after watching, I bought his album. I'm not saying this movie will make you into a listener of his music but it will open your eyes to his talent. Not only that but Bieber is a true internet sensation and director Jon M. Chu does a solid job of documenting it and re-creating some of the fan fervor this Canadian kid has created by uploading some tracks to youtube. Regardless of your opinion on the pop star, this is a documentary that is worth watching just for the human story of this kid propelling himself from nothing to selling out Madison Square Garden. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

How to Die in Oregon

Assisted suicide is a loaded topic of discussion, one that many of us probably have very heavy beliefs and/or opinions about. How to Die in Oregon is a touching doc that focuses on a number of patients who have chosen to use assisted suicide under Oregon's state law. The film chronicles the various subjects from different periods in their decision making process to the final day. Let me just say that this documentary does not hold back very much if at all. A few subjects leave the actual passing out of the documentary but the impact is still there. This is one that left me thinking long and hard about my own feelings on this matter. The documentary has an agenda, but it is presented in a way that is not overbearing. Availability: Releases on DVD February 14th, 2012

Page One: Inside the New York Times

The transformation of how we get our news since the birth of the internet is a fascinating topic. The internet changed news and how we absorb it. Page One is a consuming documentary chronicling one year inside the New York Times media desk, a department that was created to cover the transformation of the media industry. The film digs into aggregate journalism something that I myself am apart of. When I first started this blog much of my day-to-day post were nothing more than aggregate journalism. Scouring the net for movie related news, then posting the information with my thoughts on the particular subject. There are thousands of sites just like mine doing the exact same thing. And I'm only covering entertainment industry news, there are bloggers covering world, political and local news as well. Perhaps this doc hit a little closer to home because of the blogging I do and how other people like myself have changed how people take in their news for better or for worse. It is a fascinating subject that is still evolving and Page One does a stellar job of illustrating the whole picture. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Top Animated Films in 2011

Winnie the Pooh

Disney went old school and it totally worked. I've been begging for a call back to hand drawn Disney animation and it looks like I wasn't the only one, Winnie the Pooh is a return to the old bear we've known for so many years. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

The Adventures of Tintin

Tintin is a big ball of fun! It reminds me of all the adventure movies I loved growing up. It is a genuine blast! Steven Spielberg shows us that even with the 3D cgi motion capture action, he still knows how to direct a thrilling adventure around the globe. The movie also contains the best one track shot in all of 2011. Availability: Currently in Theaters

Kung Fu Panda 2

The first Kung Fu Panda is a lot of fun and the sequel didn't disappoint. One testament to the sequel is that it doesn't necessarily feel like a sequel, it could very well stand on its own. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Rango

I've always been a big fan of westerns and Rango is just a fun western playing into all the typical tropes of the genre. It moves along a fun pace that will keep audiences of all ages engaged and houses some stunning animation that wasn't created by the juggernaut that is Pixar. One thing I loved about this movie was its ability to make the cgi desert creatures look authentic. Some of these desert animals are ugly and kinda scary to look at and I applaud that they didn't try to make them look cutesy in fear of scaring little children. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Top Comedy or Musical Films in 2011

The Guard

Technically, this film should be in the Foreign category being made in Ireland, but it is so damn funny that there is no way I could not include it in the Comedy category. Brendan Gleeson plays Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a unorthodox Irish police officer who is blessed with the gift of wit. Gleeson is a riot in the role. Nearly every line of dialogue can be mined for some form of laughter based off Gleeson's confrontational and sarcastic portrayal. Don Cheadle also stars as an uptight American FBI agent who finds himself unexpectedly working alongside the quick-tongued Sergeant Boyle. The laughter in this comedy stems from a darker more dry place, but it is nonetheless side-splitting. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 3rd, 2012.

Bridesmaids

One of the funniest movies of the year. What looked to be just another ensemble comedy ended up being a hilarious vehicle for longtime SNL regular Kristen Wiig to show of her wit. A rising comedy that had me crying from laughing so hard. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen back in top form with a film that appeared to be just another romantic comedy set in Paris but ended up being a superb homage to drawing inspiration from Paris. Owen Wilson delivers a first-class portrayal of a man awe inspired of the history that unfolds at night in Paris. A Woody Allen film always deserves a look but this one deserves a buy. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

The Muppets

The Muppets make their return and it was everything I could have hoped for. It made me laugh, it made me cry, hell it made me laugh and cry at the same time. The film is connectable for old fans of the Muppets while also easily attachable for a new generation. As a friend described to me after seeing the film, "Its like a nostalgic blanket of joy." A statement I couldn't agree more with. The Muppets is a joyful return to a group of characters I've cherished for a long time. Availability: Currently in Theaters

The Trip

Another film I could technically place in the Foreign category because it is from the UK but it is an absolute scream and I've placed it here instead. The film is a cut-down version taken from a six-episode UK television series. The Trip follows Steve Coogan who has been asked to tour and review six of the country's best restaurants. When his girlfriend backs out on going, Coogan is forced to call a friend to tag along who is also a constant source of vexation. Coogan and Rob Brydon who have collaborated previously in "Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story" are dynamic together. The duo really just work fabulously off each other providing continuous laughter. The fact that this film also mirrors as a food/travel show really adds something I extra, pardon the pun, ate up. I love travel and eating shows and The Trip very much plays itself like a mockumentary of that type of programming. Think Anthony Bourdain without the clever insight and just a ton of jokes. The movie is great but I also recommend tracking down the six episode series from the UK as well. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Blu-Ray, and DVD

Top Horror Films in 2011

Contagion

Some would want to argue its placement in Horror, but Steven Soderbergh's film is exactly that. Contagion is a gripping look at a horrifying virus and its spread across the world that is sharply put together and executed. It may not be a Horror in terms of a masked killer running around, but the elements of horror are all over this film like germs in a public bathroom. Cliff Martinez deserves major credit for creating one of the year's best score's, an odd combination of unnerving and addicting. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 3rd, 2012

We Need to Talk About Kevin

A must see film. A haunting horror about a mother who fails to develop a motherly bond with her first born son. Tilda Swinton delivers a chilling portrayal that could easily warrant an award. We Need to Talk About Kevin really worked under my skin because of the way it is structured and executed. The film leaves a lot of development untouched and opens more questions than it actually answers but it stayed with me after the fact. The film feels like a slap in the face to American parenting but it also raises a question on whether the film would reach the same outcome even if every precautionary step was taken. It is a film that will leave you talking and discussing with everyone who has seen it. Availability: Releases in limited Theaters on January 20th, 2012

Insidious

On paper this looks like another haunted house movie with all of the typical elements in place and while that all may be completely true, the James Wan directed horror still works in tremendous fashion. It provided scares in all the right moments, maintained a level of paranoia and unknown throughout the tale, and most importantly had a assembly of characters I didn't spend the movie picking apart. Insidious also holds one of the better haunting figures in 2011. The demon which looks like half goat and half Darth Maul really stayed with me after watching. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Blu-Ray, and DVD

Paranormal Activity 3

The third film in the mega-successful franchise is probably the most rewarding of the entire trilogy. This time the focus is on young Katie and Kristi and directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman find inventive ways to keep the same paranormal shenanigans going on back in the 1980's while being recorded via VHS tapes. As you'd expect Paranormal Activity 3 hosts a bunch of jumps and a ton of thrills and just enough new backstory to keep the audiences coming back for more. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 24th, 2012 (Full Review)

Top Thriller or Sci-Fi Films in 2011

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

A movie I waited all year long for and boy was it ever worth the wait, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a sophisticated spy thriller that is builds its intricate web of elusiveness with absolute precision. The period thriller is gorgeous to look at and should warrant itself a Academy Award nomination for the wardrobe/costuming if nothing else. Director Tomas Alfredson made a quiet thriller that takes a lot of patience and certain level of concentration to follow but packs a near-perfect riveting finish. This is the kind of film that deserves multiple viewings to decode and decipher all of the covert action and subtle details that are laced throughout the absorbing story. Finally the film belongs in a category of best use of score this year with Alberto Iglesias's jazzy and elegant original music. Availability: Currently in Limited Theaters/Expands Nationwide January 6th, 2012

The Lincoln Lawyer

Here's a film that I did not expect to any good. Over the year I've grown fairly weary for law procedural dramas or thrillers, but The Lincoln Lawyer is so good I finished it hoping to see further installments of defense attorney Mick Haller in action. Sophomore director Brad Furman didn't re-invent the wheel by any means but what he did do was put together a smart thriller that pushes all the right buttons at all the right moments. It helps that Matthew McConaughey was made for the sleazy lawyer role. The Lincoln Lawyer has a great cast, a engaging story, and really is an unexpected treasure in 2011. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

A reboot that actually did reboot the storyline instead of just start over. Rise to the Planet of the Apes may have given a few slight nods to the original franchise but this origin story sets up a whole new storyline that focuses on new more current political issues than retreading back through the old threat of nuclear war themes from the previous installments. This reboot firmly establishes a new timeline that 20th Century Fox should pursue with further installments under the 'Apes' banner. Rise also captures yet another enthralling motion-capture performance by Andy Serkis. Serkis brings Caesar to life like a real character. It really is a sight to behold. Serkis quite honestly deserves a nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Attack the Block

One of the most buzzed about films in 2011 and for a very good reasons, Attack the Block is filled with thrills, chills, laughs and pure gratification. Set in the UK a group of teen hoods come face to face with an alien invasion and set out to protect their neighborhood. The action comedy has witty dialogue throughout and a cast of teen actors that make each of the characters new favorites to enjoy repeatedly. The creature effects and action provide all of the chills and thrills but it be a sin not to mention Steven Price's entrancing score that helps to propel the adventure along. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I'm going to account for this as one film. I skipped watching Part 1 in 2010 so that I could enjoy the finale of the franchise as one lengthy experience in 2011. I've never read the Harry Potter books so each film was all new to me and reaching the conclusion in these final two parts was a bitter sweet affair. Simply put, I loved The Deathly Hallows. It is not my favorite of the Harry Potter movies, but it was a thrilling finish to a franchise I enjoy and a wonderful conclusion that served me through a full range of emotions. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Hobo with a Shotgun

A new breed of melodrama grindhouse that wont be for everyone but for those that enjoy offbeat extremely violent satire, you are going to eat up Hobo with a Shotgun like broken glass. It does an excellent job of playing to its audience. It is a 21st century film that feels like it could have come from the 80's. It is excessive, hyper-violent and full of energy. It is flawed but overall it is a widely enjoyable film that quickly will become a new favorite of mine. A grindhouse I can easily watch over and over and show to anyone in the mood for a violent and extravagant experience. Lastly, I have to thank Jason Eisener for giving me another Rutger Hauer role to love. I grew up with Hauer and seeing him on screen again which so much passion and vigor really was a dream come true. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Top Action/Adventure Films in 2011

Fast Five

Its strange when you are watching the fifth movie in a so-so franchise and realize its finally caught its stride, but that was the sensation that zoomed over me while watching Fast Five. The fifth installment in the franchise embraced all the right components of the previous movies and put them together in one magnetic action. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Hanna

The best assassin thriller movie I never expected. Hanna has incredible balance. It works as a simple suspense action. It works as fish out of water drama. It works as a fairy tale. It works as a espionage thriller. It works as a coming of age tale. It also works collaboratively between all of these various subplots. All of the various levels come together quite nicely and make a exhilarating cinematic experience. Finally it would be a sin to not make mention of The Chemical Brothers hypnotic score. The score energizes all the action while also having an enchanted and playful feel for the more fairy tale elements on display. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Hugo

Martin Scorsese decided to try his hand at 3D and it ended up being a wonderful love note to filmmaking and the movies. The basic story is about one boy finding his place in life but there is so much more happening within the film that is a real joy to experience. Multiple times throughout the film I was rejuvenated with the spirit of why I love watching film so much. Martin Scorsese really has an adventure to tell in Hugo and while he tells it we realize how much cinema and the art of preserving film means to him (or how much it should mean to all of us). Availability: Currently in Theaters

Captain America: First Avenger

The best Marvel studio movie since Iron Man back in 2008. Director Joe Johnston brought the right bit of classic nostalgia and adventure to a period action with a lot riding on its success. Growing up I read a lot of Captain America and it goes without saying I was very nervous about how this project would turn out. The final product shows that Marvel took extra care with this banner character ensuring a quality product was turned out. The film kept a smile on my face from ear to ear and despite having a rushed finale really was a exceptional experience in 2011. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

X-Men: First Class

Before First Class X-Men fans were pretty weary about anything 20th Century Fox was releasing under the X-Men banner. I mean Fox shit the bed with "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and restoring faith seemed like mission impossible but low and behold they pulled it off. First Class is actually my favorite of the X-Men movies Fox has turned out. They went out and got a quality cast, created a engaging script that incorporated historical events providing an extra sense of intrigue, and made it all come together in brilliant fashion. Fingers crossed Fox continues with the First Class storyline and doesn't squander away the good faith restored with this installment. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Director Brad Bird comes along and makes Mission: Impossible worth talking about again. M:I-4 has a wafer thin plot and a forgettable villain but it houses some of the best action sequences of not only the year, but of the entire Mission: Impossible franchise. Availability: Currently in Theaters

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

There is only one reason this movie made my list, the last hour of it. The last hour of this action is an all out assault on your senses seen in the right confines. The Chicago sequence in 3D true IMAX was a sight to behold. It was again, an assault on the senses. Much of it is completely ridiculous and the movie is by and large a over-long mess but this finale makes it all worth watching. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Top Drama/Comedy Films in 2011

Ceremony

Often times my favorite movies come from a very personal place. Something that while watching you can connect with because it feels natural. The film and its characters do not come across as a charade, as some put-on or laced with fantasy but instead something that is very close to a writer/director's chest and utterly authentic. Ceremony is one of those movies. It is undeniably charming and repeatedly hysterical. It is a film that grabbed my attention from the onset with its abrupt start and never let go. A good portion of that rests in the hands of the versed cast but the real meat of it comes from the incredibly talented first time writer and director Max Winkler. A man who now has my undivided attention for any forthcoming future endeavors. Availability: Blu-Ray, DVD, and Netflix Watch-Instantly (Full Review)

The Descendants

One thing that rings true about every single film featured in this category is its ability to have a simple story that focuses on basic human characteristics. Stories that we all can connect with. Movies that feel real and are about people that feel real. These movies I connect with like no other because they are raw stories that get my natural instincts. They aren't forced or derivative they are natural. The Descendants in particular illustrates a genuine balance. The film tells a tragic story in a funny way revolving around a husband and father who must confront the fact that his wife is dying and he must now raise his two daughters on his own. This is a movie that wears real life on its sleeve giving the audience a balance of emotion like none other in 2011. George Clooney gives yet another fantastic performance that could easily earn him awards. Availability: Currently in Theaters

The Myth of the American Sleepover

The Myth of the American Sleepover is a gentle, timeless look at the wonderment and exploration of our youth. It is a poignant coming of age tale told from four main characters perspectives as they move through the final weekend of summer. Writer and director David Robert Mitchell deliveres a beautiful film fixed on expressing true human emotions in a dream-like state. Emotions audiences far and wide will be able to relate with because of their universal connectivity. Availability: Netflix Watch-Instantly, Releases on DVD February 28th, 2012 (Full Review)

Beginners

A simple film that covers some heavy material. It is whimsical, passionate and smart when it needs to be. It is a brave film that feels extremely close to the chest of writer/director Mike Mills yet it is familiar enough that everyone watching will take something away from it. Its non-linear structure does leave the film feeling a little disjointed but in the confides of the story, memories are rarely pragmatic so it is easily rationalized away. Overall this a touching drama that I'd recommend any adult to see. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

50/50

50/50 is an emotionally enriching experience. It houses great laughs, a few tears and some very warm unexpected moments. It is hard hitting when it needs to be and satirical in all the right places. Director Jonathan Levine demonstrates an ability to capture some of the more gentile moments in a battle we can all associate with and balance them in between heartbreaking drama and generous humor. 50/50 is by all means one of the most touching and hilarious films of the year. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD January 24th, 2012 (Full Review)

Everything Must Go

Will Ferrell delivers a dynamite performance as a middle aged alcoholic who loses his wife and job on the same day in an unexpectedly good dark comedy. There is nothing new about Everything Must Go in terms of themes being covered. I'd describe it as a watered down "Bad Santa" without Christmas as the backdrop. Saying watered down isn't being fair because the relapse dramedy has its own heart that really shines through, what I meant is without all the extreme bad language and adult situations Bad Santa contained. It takes another person (who happens to be a child) to help the character learn to better himself. It was nice to see Ferrell not goofing off for a change and he really brought his A game to this quiet independent film. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Top Drama Films in 2011

Meek's Cutoff

I went to college wanting to be a history teacher. All of my upper division focus and research was on Manifest Destiny and the New West movement. Anything having to do with the expansion and development of the western American territories post of the Louisiana Purchase I wanted to soak up and learn as much about. Enter Meek's Cutoff, a film as a historian, I ate up. Not so much because of the story and its historical significance but because of the way it completely submerses the audience into the experience. Historically, the film is actually awful at explaining what you are witnessing. There is no setup whatsoever and it finishes off with what could be mistaken as an ambiguous ending. The drama is more of a companion piece for someone who already knows the historical background to the infamous Oregon Trail blazed by Stephen Meek and a number of emigrant settlers across the rugged desert. This is a "what they went through" and not a "lets give you a history lesson" film. While I appreciate both types, I've come to enjoy historical films that expect their viewers have a little background knowledge before going in. It allows the filmmaker to focus on the content, characters and their emotions rather than detailing all of the historical specifics. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

The Ides of March

An engaging drama that focuses on one political staffer getting a lesson in politics while working for a Presidential candidate on the campaign. The Ides of March houses three award worthy performances from Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti. Gosling carries the film without error however both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti overshadow him each in their own pivotal scene. Outside of all the caliber performances, Ides delivers a powerhouse drama illustrating the power political ideologies can have over the masses as well as a crash course in how cutthroat politics can be. Availability: Currently in Limited Theaters, Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 17th, 2012

The Tree of Life

There are things we rarely talk about with other people. Things we internalize and wrestle with ourselves. Questions about who we are and how we became the people we are. Thoughts about what happens when we die. Questions that can be traced back to our upbringing and our parents but also things that are inherent in everyone and everything. Broad stroking questions and/or themes that have been prevalent since the dawn of existence. The Tree of Life comes across as director Terrence Malick's personal thought process through a variety of these massive over-arching questions that we all can relate with. It is poetically inspired, visually stunning and a daring expression of one person's tussle with the questions of life. It is a film that feels inherently personal yet is equally universal. It is a experience like none other, a film that houses fantastic performances conveying honest questions about faith, the meaning of life and innocence. See it, absorb it and discuss it. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Moneyball

Moneyball is a very quiet film that started to work its magic on me after seeing it. It is one of those movies that gave me a huge "aha" moment after watching and just blew me away. On the surface the drama is a nuts and bolts movie about the inner-workings of MLB management. A movie that could alienate some audiences with all of the baseball lingo and statistics but the human element really carries all of the weight. Moneyball hits a home run with its subtle yet profound message about our own ambitions and determinations in life. Brad Pitt delivers a subdued portrayal as the A's general manager Billy Beane that really helped to build the human element to the drama. Availability: Currently in Limited Theaters, Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 10th, 2012

Drive

Drive represents a new western set in modern Los Angeles. The drama takes risks that pay off time and time again like little exchanges between Irene and the Driver where no words are said yet all the emotions are conveyed. There is a crazy balance in Drive that is steady and reserved but peppered with brutality and volatile eruption. It feels like Nicolas Winding Refn wanted to make a throwback that paid homage to the thrillers and muscle car movies of the 1970's while it also comes across as a slap in the face to the conventional blockbuster action movie. It plays off stereotypes we see repeatedly and it could have very easily came across cliched and trite but instead it is handled with precision, care, and attention. Drive is a breath of fresh air and reminds us that not all of our heroes have to have a name or even a backstory to leave a lasting effect. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD January 31st, 2012 (Full Review)

Jane Eyre

I remember being assigned to read this book in high school and hating it. In fact, I did not read more than the first four or five chapters before just saying, "screw it, I'm not finishing this." Fast forward twenty years and enter director Cary Fukunaga who gained my undivided attention with "Sin Nombre" decided to adapted the story and I had to give it a watch. That watch was well worth it, Jane Eyre is absolutely stirring. It is a elegantly told gut-wrenching love story. Both Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender deliver striking performances that capture the full joys and pains of undying love. I've yet to watch any other versions of this classic tale and for my money, I've got my definitive version thanks to Cary Fukunaga's direction. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

The Help

Adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, The Help is not based on a true story although it certainly details aspects of a long standing subculture inherent in south. In actuality, the novel started off as a way author Kathryn Stockett used to remember a maid/nanny she was co-raised by. What the book (and film) became however, is much more meaningful. It is a powerful snapshot of how bravery the of a few people can inspire change in many. The period drama is an emotional experience that balances rage, sorrow and gratification in a nearly-spotless fashion. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

A Better Life

On the surface A Better Life is a compelling drama about a father and a son. Focusing on a father trying to teach his son to be a better man. Underneath that tried and true theme however is a much bigger story of a illegal immigrant trying to remain invisible in East Los Angeles while also providing for his son. This is a political drama without ever standing on a soapbox. The story is divisive in that it has a message it is pushing on its audience, but at the same time it never becomes the bleeding-heart that you could expect from a drama with ulterior motives. This is instead a poignant story of what continually happens in the United States. It is a political hot spot that causes plenty of debate on both sides of the topic, however this film presents the situation (or controversy) in the simplest of terms, raw human emotion. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD (Full Review)

Take Shelter

There is a recognizable weight upon a father's shoulders knowing full well they hold the livelihood of others in their hands. Take Shelter sets its sights on a father who fears something terrible is coming and must prepare his family for the worst. Each of his decisions effect all the people he loves tremendously. As a father, I found the drama directed by Jeff Nichols to be bone chilling and unnerving through and through. On the surface, the film focuses on a father/husband whose world is crashing down because he is having paranoid delusions about an apocalyptic future, but beneath the surface the film feels like a stark metaphor for a worsening economic climate. What makes the film so terrific is that both the literal and figurative definitions work without error. Availability: Releases on Blu-Ray and DVD February 14th, 2012 (Full Review)

Warrior

Warrior is an assault on your emotions. The film batters you all the way through with emotional punch after punch after punch. It is utterly manipulative and entirely on the nose. Everything is written to conjure some specific emotion within the audience. Thing is, despite it being very obvious how much this movie wants to emotionally tear you apart, it works. Part of what makes Warrior work is the devastating performances by both Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. Both sides of this story build beautifully. The opposite stories contrast one another and also mirror each other following two estranged brothers seeking the same goal for different reasons. Much like so many other movies within this list, Warrior feels close to director Gavin O'Connor. There is something he is working through within this film and the culmination is tremendous. The body language that is developed between the brothers in the final fight is utterly remarkable. I could feel each and every punch and kick coming across clear as dialogue. Finally, Warrior features the best bookend of music this year with The National's two song's "Start a War" and "Today." Both songs are a perfect match to film and its destination. Availability: Blu-Ray and DVD

Top Festival Films in 2011

The Invader (L'envahisseur)

It is clear with his feature length debut director Nicolas Provost wanted to make a splash and he certainly achieved that with The Invader. It is a film that soothes, shocks, leaving you bewildered and needing to reflect. It is uncharacteristic look at an immigrant vying to figure out how he fits in and exactly who he is but it is also a haunting tale that leaves the audience thinking about the impact Amadou is certain leave with them. Availability: TBD (Full Review)

Rabies (Kalevet)

The best horror movie I saw this year! Rabies is not your traditional horror, instead it plays off all the typical tropes we've seen reused time and time again in countless horror movies. This film surprised me repeatedly which tends to be a hard thing in horror these days. Every time you think you know what is about to happen, Rabies flips it on you. I really hope this film Isreali horror film finds itself a US release in some form so others can enjoy a true change of pace in horror. Availability: TBD

The Loneliest Planet

I saw a lot of quite movies with very little happening throughout 2011 but none that affected me as much as The Loneliest Planet did. The film follows a young couple as they backpack through the Georgian wilderness. The film plays the off the notion how one gesture can change the entire dynamic of a relationship. The film builds slowly capturing the gorgeous Georgian countryside in a very strange enclosed way. Director Julia Loktev does a compelling job of keeping the audience secure within the confines she wants. For instance we never see the sky, giving a feeling of entrapment within a majesty of the wilderness. Availability: 2012 TBD

Beyond the Black Rainbow

Easily the most interesting experience I faced in a movie theater. It is an endurance challenge that most will not want to take. It is psychedelic, hypnotic, tedious, and eerie. Described to me as John Carpenter meets Stanley Kubric, it is clear that director Panos Cosmatos was going for a different feel to his film and wanted to challenge his audience. The film only runs 110 minutes yet it feels like a 180 minute experience. Its a movie that you can take a deep sigh of relief once its finished, but then it begins to work its magic. Beyond the Black Rainbow stays with you and infects you like a virus. I saw this film at AFI Film Festival and I wanted to see it again later on in the fest It is a film that I would proudly own and test out on would-be victims from time to time. Availability: 2012 TBD

The Innkeepers

A skeptic ghost story. A film that builds off the conventions of what we believe to be a paranormal haunting and raises the question, what is actually happening? Is there a ghost or are we just psyching ourselves out? Ti West is a brilliant director and really knows how to play with the confines of horror and here in The Innkeepers he does exactly that. By the end of the movie, audiences could have a valid argument about what occurred and both sides could have valid grounds. There is a bit ambiguity to Ti West's tale that again, leaves it up to the audience to decide what actually happened. Sara Paxton and Pat Healy work incredibly well off each other as the last two employees working on the last days of a old Inn deemed to be closed. Healy provides laughs in basically every scene he is in and Paxton is pitch perfect in the lead. Availability: Currently available via VOD, Releases in limited Theaters Feburary 3rd, 2012

Extraterrestrial (Extraterrestre)

Director Nacho Vigalondo seized my attention with "Timecrimes" so I had to see his follow-up. Extraterrestrial is a real funny romantic comedy. Nacho described it himself as Three's Company with an alien invasion going on in the background, which is a pretty accurate description. The romantic comedy is filled to the brim with laughs. Nacho shows off his dialogue skills displaying a uncanny ability to write engaging and hysterical comedy that provides a ton of laughs and feels natural. The cast also helps to ring in the laughs as does the situations that Nacho sets up the romantic triangle set to an alien invasion. Availability: 2012 TBD

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

The Duplass brothers are two guys that I want to see everything they do, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is the duo's second major studio film starring Jason Segel and Ed Helms. Told in a day in the life format, the story follows Jeff as he's sent out on a routine errand by his mother which ends up turing into an adventure that leads Jeff to discover his destiny. Its a small adventure with big heart and laughs. The Duplass brothers have a knack at telling natural stories that focus on simple, mundane ideas and actions but making them feel grand. Once again they pull it off without error. Availability: Releases in Theaters on March 2nd, 2012

You're Next

Another horror film that plays with the confines of horror genre. You're Next feels like "The Strangers" meets "Deliverance." A film that follows a family who re-unites for a weekend only to have their getaway interrupted by a group of armed assailants. The hitch is the assailants did not expect to find a survivalist among the family who begins to strike back. Much like the burglars in "Home Alone" face various traps for their demise, so do these attackers. The horror is full of energy and has some brutally fun kills that horror audiences are going really cheer for. Availability: 2012 TBD

Review - Sleeping Beauty

2011-12-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Lucy, a college student who is willing to do anything for the right price, takes on a job that introduces her to a whole new world of submission for pay.

Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the world. Since ancient times men and women alike have been selling their bodies for profit in some form. These practices are something that has generally remained a taboo part of society. We know it is there and that it goes on, yet the majority just turn a blind eye to it. "Sleeping Beauty" is not seeking to elaborate on the legality of the system, but more so to paint a portrait of one individual. The problem is that the individual 'Beauty' chooses to focus on, is so generic and drab there is zero intrigue following her character other than simple carnal desires.

The character of Lucy is a dime a dozen. A pretty girl that is willing to do anything in order to make money. Everything from medical testing to prostitution. If she can make money using her body, she will do it. Actor Emily Browning plays Lucy as able as she can, but there is nothing to hold on to. Her character is a hollow vessel. She is a portrait of too many women in this world that rely on their good looks to get them through life. Writer and director Julia Leigh adds a minor downward spiral to Lucy's character, but it doesn't stick, the character is simply too vanilla to care. She's not a character that you look at and say, "what is she doing with her life? She could be doing so much more." She's not a character that is so dark and deplorable resentment is able to fuel watching the character spin out of control either, instead she's bland and boring.

The only spark of intrigue in "Sleeping Beauty" is within the world Lucy is brought into. A secretive high-society network of unspoken desires. Lucy is approached to take part in a practice that she will have no control over. As a participant she will be rendered unconscious for a period of time, while asleep, paying individuals will be able to carry out their personal fantasies with one hitch; absolutely no penetration. The men that pay for this service require complete privacy of what goes on while the beauty sleeps. It is these men, that provide any shred of intrigue to "Sleeping Beauty." I've seen a story about the lengths a person will go to make money dozens of times, but one about what some are willing to pay in order to carry out their fantasies, that seems far more taboo and worth exploring. Eli Roth for instance dug into this idea with his film "Hostel." His path albeit much darker than Julia Leigh's film, was at least daring enough to push the boundaries of the evils that man can do. Perhaps Leigh's film is more about submission, but unfortunately that doesn't provide enough of a spark to give the film any lasting effect. The film is lackluster and outside of a few brief moments, tedious.

One thing that really worked against the erotic tale is the cold exterior it gives off. The film tries to carry a level of elegance. That elegance is on display in the set dressing, but not in the story or execution by any means. Instead it comes off cold and concealed. Some of this is intended, the world Lucy is made privy to is suppose to be anonymous, the patrons pay a premium to remain nameless and the person running the operation works very hard at maintaining that. That said, the anonymity ends up working against the tale. The audience is never given any reason to connect or care. In fact, the audience is never pushed in any direction. Both sides of this service could provide despicable actions within the plot that could have given the audience some kind of reaction, yet the film again remains cold. Neither side is allowed to become anything other than right down the middle. It is as if Julia Leigh did not want to really dig into the nature of this concept. If anything this film feels like a first pass. Something that only skimmed the surface of the topic, when instead it should have gone much deeper into either of the sides within the tale. Unfortunately "Sleeping Beauty" tries to rely on eroticism and it isn't enough, Leigh's film needed to take things a step or two further.

The last thing I feel needs touching on is the title itself. Using a title like "Sleeping Beauty" instantly resurrects thoughts and feelings about the classic Grimm fairy tale. While watching Julia Leigh's film I wondered if the erotic drama was even going to try and evoke any fantasy elements or metaphors we could possibly relate with the classic tale. The answer, barely. The slumber Lucy is put under holds a slim representation to the metaphor of sleep being death. There is some interesting food for thought about Lucy's willingness to submit to this slumber repetitively. The problem is Julia Leigh's script doesn't dig into the character's reasons for participating outside of the basic monetary gain. Then there's the topic of breaking the spell, and once again, Leigh's film only skims the surface of what it could really explore.

Fight for 35mm

2011-11-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

Going to the movies is one of my favorite pass times. Its something I've loved since being a wee lad. The excitement of seeing a movie I've longed to see, the act of arriving at the cinema and seeing the movie's title on the marquee along with its poster, the smell of popcorn, the rush of sitting with a crowd of people who are also excited to see the movie, and the dimming of the lights, all play into my life long love for the cinema experience. Studios (specifically 20th Century Fox) are now vying to alter that experience, they want to stop distributing archival 35mm prints. The notion is to shift to only digital projection. Reasons for doing this are plain and simple, cost. Storage, shipping, and sustaining the 35mm film print is more expensive than digital. While I can understand the dollar and cents mentality the studios have, my appreciation for 35mm film and the people who operate and care for these prints outweigh the financial reasoning. There is a human element, a sense of pride and real care projectionists put into screening a film print for an audience, something that could eventually vanish with this digital transition. One place that takes pride in the fact they only screen 35mm film prints is the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles California and they have decided to start a petition urging studios to continue producing and distributing 35mm film prints. Guess what, you can help! Take a look below to see how you can help the New Bev and other revival theaters around the country continue to showcase cinema that makes up the fabric of film history from around the globe.

Julia Marchese, a passionate employee of the New Beverly Cinema and cinephile alike started the petition after reading the press release from 20th Century Fox. Julia's vehement response to the Fox decision on her blog is one I share. I do not want to see film projection turned into a simple button pushing task that requires no skill. Since the Industrial Revolution, we've seen machines take away the human element of work. Slowly but surely working our way from craftsmanship waving a banner reading production and efficiency, but truly representing cutting cost. Projectionists have a real passion for film, something that I believe rings through when I watch a 35mm film projected. Why? I know that someone has previewed each film beforehand. They've prepared it for my viewing. They also sit throughout the screenings ensuring the projection and sound quality are at their best. Taking on that job is someone who adores cinema and I want that person continuing to have a job. You reduce film projection to button pushing, hard drives, and digital projection, you'll likely take away all the pride projectionist have in their job thus losing the position altogether. If there is no skill, you can hire anybody to do the job, hell you could even make the system fully automated. As I'm hammering home, it wouldn't be the first time industry removed the human element.

The human element is something that the folks at the New Beverly Cinema are really good at. When you are there you can feel how important film is to them. Everything from the programming to concessions has the patrons in mind. Their programming at times can be overwhelming because they can fill a calendar with nothing but amazing programming you do not want to miss on a big screen. I'd hate to think that the New Beverly would be unable to continuing screening awesome archival prints because Fox wants to cut costs. There is real history in those prints. History that deserves to be shared, maintained and then shared again and again for new generations to enjoy in a theater. Please help this cause and sign Julia Marchese and the New Beverly Cinema's petition by visiting Fight for 35mm today!

Review - The Invader

2011-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

An African immigrant living illegally in Belgium is desperate to find his own sense of belonging.

"The Invader" is an uneasy movie on a number of levels. One, it tells the depressing struggle of an illegal immigrant living in Belgium who is essentially under a form of enslavement. Two, it parallels the desperate plight of a man struggling to find acceptance within society. Three, it houses a eerie depiction of a man as he becomes more and more infatuated with an affluent woman. These three arcs blend together in an downward spiral of the main character Amadou that is absolutely riveting to watch unfold.

Director Nicolas Provost creates delicate balance between sorrow and fear for the main character Amadou that will leave you spellbound. Early on, the story leans heavily on the manipulation of Amadou's despairing situation. His blunt arrival, the confines of his job and housing, added with the disappearance of a close friend are all played to invoke sympathy. Then little by little that empathy for Amadou is chipped away and replaced with anxiety. Each new situations that crumbles around Amadou wears on his psyche. On screen Amadou's slow yet steady decline of mental stability is haunting, though off screen, the audience's exchange from rapport to restlessness with Amadou is what is sure to keep your mind turning after the fact. The character of Amadou works his charm so that the audience lowers their guard but by then he has you, and the title of "The Invader" resonates its full meaning.

Issaka Sawadogo is hypnotizing as Amadou. The role is not an easy one by any means. Director Nicolas Provost is asking a lot from any actor portraying the character of Amadou and Sawadogo pulls off the transitions with utter precision. He's charming, he's endearing, he's intimidating and he's most of all recognizable. He is a common man people can associate with. Maybe not his exact situation, but his struggle of trying to find a place in life, is something we all face. Those inner emotions that we rarely talk openly with others, Amadou wears these on his chest and Issaka Sawadogo portrays them with pure conviction.

Another entrancing factor to "The Invader" is the guerrilla-like cinematography utilized by Frank van den Eeden capturing the cityscape of one bustling Belgium city. Much of the film follows Amadou as he moves throughout the city. These scenes capture the comfort Amadou feels within this hustling city as well as the despair. The audience watches as he sweet-talks people walking past in moment and then sits lethargically on a park bench the next. These sequence blend in and out of consciousnesses. Almost like Amadou's sanity is balancing between two planes. It came across completely intentional and I loved the emotions it left me tooling around with.

It is clear with his feature length debut director Nicolas Provost wanted to make a splash and he certainly achieved that with "The Invader." It is a film that soothes, shocks, leaving you bewildered and needing to reflect. It is uncharacteristic look at an immigrant vying to figure out how he fits in and exactly who he is but it is also a haunting tale that leaves the audience thinking about the impact Amadou is certain leave with them.

Review - Miss Bala

2011-11-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

A pageant hopeful in Tijuana is forced into the hyper violent modern world of organized crime in Mexico.

"Miss Bala" is a thriller dedicated to giving the audience a no-nonsense telling of the Mexican cartels and their stranglehold in modern society of Mexico. The film uses a beauty pageant hopeful named Laura who is pushed against her will as the focus to propel the story but it is the overarching depiction of how entrenched the cartels are in Mexico that becomes the truly horrifying aspect to watch. Their control could be described as an octopus, in that the cartels have their tentacles wrapped around every possible tangible from politics to the economy in order to maintain dominance and fear. Director Gerardo Naranjo's footnoted statistics that dovetail the film actually burn like salt in a wound because it is clear that stories like "Miss Bala" go on and have been going on for quite some time in Mexico.

Director Gerardo Naranjo chose a very specific story to depict the cartels control and I was never able to feel the tension that was intended through Laura's plight. Even without disassociation from the character, Laura never felt more than a pawn in the cartel's scheme. Just another cog that helped to make their machine continue to turn. While on a human level clearly I felt for what Laura is going through, but based on her decisions and motivations, it was hard to care about what was unfolding. As awful as it sounds, Laura solely comes across as another lamb to the slaughter, but perhaps that is just a defense tactic so that I never allowed myself to care for the character.

Stephanie Sigman delivers an effective performance as Laura Guerrero. The role is bleak from the onset not to mention nearly mute and Sigman conveys a full range of panic and fear without error. Sigman illustrated a woman complacent in the fact that there is no where that she can hide from the clutches of the cartel and their plan. She has been selected and she can either play along or be killed like so many others. The crux to Laura's fear is connected with the character of Lino Valdez aptly portrayed by Noe Hernandez. Hernandez displays a genius methodical villain in Lino that is soft spoken and gentle yet deeply intimidating. I could easily watch a spin-off film focusing solely on Lino and his masterminding. Hernandez is the one thing that really pushed a sense of alarm in "Miss Bala," his presence is absolutely hair-raising.

Cinematographer Mátyás Erdély and director Gerardo Naranjo do an interesting job of disorientating the audience with the camera work. Much of the perspective comes in a third person sense, as if we are following directly behind Laura as she is subjected through a number of situations and schemes to execute the cartel's agenda. Naranjo also chose a very deliberate pace that feels hellbent on slowing things down for the situations to play out. Many of these sequences become uncomfortable, pushing the suspense forward while others feel over-thought and just a bit too heavy-handed.

"Miss Bala" is a success in that is brings to light the deeply disturbing control of the cartels in Mexico. Where it waivers is its dedication to mixing the ills of Mexican cartels in the plight of a beauty pageant hopeful. Laura is a connectable character and plenty will have a raw connection to her, though I believe a more gritty account of the cartel would have made a deeper impact than this soft spoken tale. The thriller is built as an intense ride but it never fully captured the true sense of paranoia and fear it intended.