The Reader

Truly a remarkable film with amazing performances. The movie is off to a good start because it has amazing source material to work with. Then you add director Stephen Daldry into the mix and some fabulous actors including Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, and the young but great David Kross and an amazing script. I got completely sucked into the story and its metaphor on people coping post WWII and the Holocaust. The new generations reaction to their countries history and the story of this young boys affair with an older woman. I kept watching the film thinking this cannot be right she has to be good but she really is not. She is flawed she has done wrong. The performances in this movie are spectacular totally sweeping me away and it leaves you breathless. It makes you think about how fast life goes and you never know which way life will take you. This is definitely one of the best films of 2008 maybe even my favorite. I related to Michael's character very closely and saw a bit of myself in him probably because of our closeness in age. Then when seeing the older version of him and looking back at his life I sat wondering if this would be me. The story is epic, the performances astounding. The movie is sad, happy, erotic, depressing, thought provoking, and true. This is a movie everyone should see.

5 out of 5 Stars

War Horse

An absolutely beautiful film, almost too beautiful. Every single shot is pure artwork. For me this takes a little bit away from the realism of the picture, but I do not think that Spielberg cares. He has taken this story which is the perfect concoction for an epic. You can tell that Steven is really trying to make an epic but it doesn't matter that much because it works. You follow the story of this horse and all the people that come in contact with this dream horse seem to fall in love with it. You follow this story all the way and it is mainly about the boy who just wants his horse back but that is not what makes the movie good. It is when the war comes around in the picture and the movie shows that there are good people and bad people on both sides of the conflict. The most amazing scene is when one soldier from each side walk out into the open and help each other to free this horse from barbed wire and make a small friendship together. It really is incredible. The movie is pretty predictable at times and all of the characters are and do what are expected of them to fill the criteria of a typical Spielberg epic film but you know what, it still works. The cinematography, the score, and the acting all around is fantastic. In this film Spielberg makes me throw away some of my critical analysis and just let myself get caught up into this story and let the movie touch me. An enjoyable piece of work further showing Spielberg's skill as a director and at finding young talent to fill the roles in his movies.

4 out of 5 Stars

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

This is the fourth "Mission Impossible" film with Tom Cruise reprising his role once again. Based on the reviews on rotten tomatoes you would think this film to be spectacular, it really is not. It is a fun action flick, pure escapism and just fun to enjoy. I thought with the insanely good reviews it was getting that it would be pushing the envelope as an action film. It does not push the envelope it just is the envelope, the way it should be. It is an action movie done right. The script which is super confusing is pretty much there only to set up scenes in exotic locations with fighting. It feels more like a heist kind of movie rather then a spy film. The third film seemed more realistic and was very intense. This film relaxes on the intensity, adds more comic relief and just makes it a fun enjoyable ride. I liked it but felt a little let down after seeing all of the great reviews it was getting. It is a fun action flick the whole family will enjoy.

3 out of 5 Stars

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

I was extremely excited for the American remake of this fantastic Swedish film. With David Fincher behind the wheel of this project I thought it could only get better. The movie was good but a little bit of a let down for me. It is definitely geared towards an American audience used to going to blockbuster films. It opens as if it is the beginning of a James Bond film and then proceeds to follow the story that by now we know all so well. It really did not feel like a Fincher movie, by the way this film was advertised  and talked about, I thought it was going to break all the rules on the mainstream violence and sex level. I thought this would be the same thing but sexier, more graphic, and violent. Yes, there was more nudity but it did not feel sexier nor more graphic. The scene everyone talks about is worse and longer but not to the extreme everyone was making it out to be. The emotional impact of all these things was not there for me as much as it was in the Swedish film. In the original I really hated the bad men, these evil men, and I wanted to jump into the screen and kill them myself. In this version I did not feel that way. I do not know if this is because I have already seen it or what but it just did not hit me as hard. Everything is prettier in this film, all the good characters are more attractive and all the bad characters are uglier. The main problem that I had with this movie is it was not as intense. The solving of the mystery was not done as well as it was in the original, there really was no solving at all. In this film it felt more like they set it up and then they just immediately found out. There was no intense build up and it felt sort of predictable to me. The film is very long and went on after the original film ended which gave it a little of a feeling of "are we done yet." There is also a change made from the books and original film which is totally unnecessary but that is not my big complaint. I just felt this movie lacked as much oomph. You feel less for the big "James Bond" character then a real once unknown actor, and Daniel Craig gives no accent which was weird. Rooney Mara gives a great performance as Lisbeth Salander but you cannot help but think she is just completely copying off of Noomi Rapace's performance. There is more insight given into her character added in this movie but it is not that this movie gives more or better insight then the previous film it just gives different insight. Fincher adds some flair with cool camera angles and a more experienced director's take when shooting the film but the rawness in the Swedish film seemed to go with the subject. I like both movies very much and I am anxious to sit and watch this version again, just make sure you go into it with no expectations. I do find the Swedish film far superior but that does not mean this is not a good movie. The acting is all around great, the characters and story extremely interesting, and it is a joy to watch a favorite story done with a slightly different take on it. I feel the American version of "The Girl Who Played With Fire" could be better then its Swedish version because it is more of an action film with less artistry and that is what Hollywood is good at.

4 out of 5 Stars (Please see my Re-Review)

Hugo

Martin Scorsese takes us on a journey that never lets up and entertains us the entire time. I felt like I was eight years old again watching the most amazing 3D cinematography since "Avatar" and by seeing a children's story lead and turn into a homage for the birth of film and to the great director,  Georges Méliès. I think this film will go on to inspire children to become interested in classic film, rather then some of the trash released today that brain washes people. It may surprise you but there are people who thought movies like "The Box" and "Superbabies" were good thought provoking films. The cinema has so much more to offer and Martin Scorsese is one of the people who always produces quality film. "Hugo" has a great little charm to it and it has huge heart. I was swept away into the everyday lives of these two children who are just looking to discover. They are trying to "unlock the secret." Asa Butterfield and Chloe Moretz are fantastic as the two young leads. Moretz's character is almost like a new version of Hermione Granger from the first Harry Potter film. She is young and bright and eager to learn more. I identify with these children. I am a huge movie watcher and as they look and learn about early film and they discover the secret of Hugo's father and the automaton I find myself there. me, watching movies and learning and that joy you get by delving deep into movies. I loved this movie and yes, it made me cry. Martin Scorsese the master of gangster films and violence has come out with a children's movie that made me cry. This is why we go to the movies, this film right here explains it all. It is funny that the two great kids films from this year have in fact been about making movies. This film and "Super 8," it is hard for me to decide which is better.


5 out of 5 Stars

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

This movie has a lot of heart and is laugh out loud funny. The stars which include Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone all give fantastic comedic performances. We have Carell and Moore who are the experts and Gosling and Stone who are the newbies taking over. Emma Stone is good at comedy as she proved in "Zombieland" and showed her greater acting ability in this years "The Help." All of these stars do well in their roles whose stories are separated and predictably but in an unpredictable way, all connect. This is comedy done right. It has just enough serious realism in it to be believable and is not to graphically, grossly funny. It is a film the whole family can enjoy. It is not often when you can find the subject of divorce to be humorous but this film somehow figures it out, largely due to the well written script and the delivery of it from the actors. The film also pulls at the lovey, dovey heart strings just enough to make this the perfect romantic comedy for you and your date. Is the movie perfect, no, but how close to perfect can you get with a romantic comedy like this. This film does well at keeping you interested and actively involved in the thought process of the film. if you have not seen it yet then you should probably hold out till Valentines Day to watch this wonderfully enjoyanle film.

4 out of 5 Stars

The Ides Of March

George Clooney takes his seat in the director's chair once again following "Good Night and, Good Luck" and "Leatherheads" with this intense political drama/thriller about a presidential candidate and his campaign manager and what they go through to get to the top doing absolutely whatever it takes. Gosling is fantastic as he is always. He has proven himself especially this year that he is one of the best up and coming actors right now. He has come out with so many great films and has shown us some great acting performances and there is only more to come from him. In this year alone he has been the leading man in "The Ides of March," "Crazy, Stupid, Love.," and my favorite of the entire year so far "Drive." He is such a fantastic actor and has such a wide range of acting capabilities. I just cannot wait to see more and more films with him in it. Some other notable Gosling films to check out would be "Half Nelson," "Blue Valentine," and his career starter "The Notebook." Clooney is also good in this film giving an always promising performance but he is more noticeable behind the camera then he is in front. Clooney knows how to taske this political drama that could get slow and boring and keeps it intense and does it with an urgency. You may be watching a political drama but it feels more like you are watching Liam Neeson in "Taken." The movie keeps going and does well at not particularly siding with one party or the other whilst at the same time you feel like this is about Bill Clinton in a way. The film is completely star studded with A-list actors. We have here Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, and Jefferey Wright. This makes the film seem a little less real because of all of the familiar faces but it still works because they are portraying sort of political figures that would be famous and known and once you get past saying, "I know that guy" you get lost in the performance of that guy. The movie really is intensely gripping and emotional at the same time. My eyes were glues to the screen waiting to see what would happen next, it is one of the best films of the entire year and I am excited to see how it does during awards season. This will not be the last you hear of George Clooney as a director and it will not be long before Ryan Gosling brings home his own Oscar.

5 out of 5 Stars

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest

After much delay I finally got time to sit down, pull up Netflix, and watch the third installment of "The Millenium Trilogy" before the American release of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. This movie out of all of the Swedish films got the least love from critics for its lack of intensity almost like it was a let down. The film follows the story of the book which if you find less intriguing that is not the movies fault. I found this to be a fantastic conclusion to the whole series. The film sums up everything that has gone on with the characters even still leaving it open ended to imply story goes on. Everything is concluded but at the same time everything is not. It is hard to explain. Noomi Rapace gives a riveting performance as she did in the two previous films and this film seems to focus on to other sides of her character which we did not see before. Yes, this film is less intense but if you enjoy courtroom dramas and long to see what happens to these characters you should love this movie. The characters are just so intriguing and what happens to them is so intense. I do not think I could ever get enough of these stories and it is very unfortunate that Stieg Larrson, the author, has passed. The new American film is good but unfortunately does not hold up to the Swedish film and in my opinion every Swedish film is better then the David Fincher remake, I am excited for the future American sequels but they will not hold up to the fresh performances and direction found in the Swedish films. This movie is awesome but make sure to watch the previous films first. This is the final chapter of an intensely great story and the way it ends in its final minutes is so perfectly and artfully concluded.

5 out of 5 Stars

Secretariat

This incredible true story of the famous horse that broke all the records is truly captivating and inspirational. Disney does a good job in this movie by not making it feel like a Disney film. Diane Lane is what keeps this movie going by embodying her character and captivating her audience, just as she does in the more adult "Unfaithful." The film keeps everyone interested by its great story telling. Everyone knows how the film will end but because of our interest in all the characters and their emotions we stay impacted by the picture. The film makes Secretariat a character in the film itself, giving the horse emotion and feeling that probably was not truly there still makes for an interesting, fun, and kid-friendly story. A great family film to enjoy with your young children that exemplifies good values about never giving up no matter what anyone says that you cannot do. Randall Wallace directs his best film yet after a forgettable war flick, "We Were Soldiers" and an absolutely awful take on "The Man In The Iron Mask."

4 out of 5 Stars

Sunshine Cleaning

This film starring Amy Adams and Emily Blunt has a freshness to it. It takes simple concepts often explored in other films and gives a little bit of a twist on it. It is not often you come across a movie about people who clean up after murders and suicides. Amy Adams does an exceptional job at playing the girl who had it all back in high school but is now living a life she would have never hoped to live. She is dissatisfied with herself and ultimately ashamed. Emily Blunt also does great playing her younger sister who is also ultimately unhappy. The movie is good but not great. Despite its original premise there really is not much about the movie that is original at all. It has predictable plot turns and eventually adds up to exactly what you would expect it to. The performances and witty script still touched me and was an enjoyable experience.

3 out of 5 Stars

Greenberg

A little slow and pretty depressing, Noah Baumbach's second feature is about a man in his forties who has recently been released from a mental hospital and is now staying in his brothers home to take care of his house and dog. He eventually starts to fall for his brother's nanny/helper person. The movie has funny moment but drags for awhile at parts where you just feel awful for Ben Stiller's character. Stiller does a fantastic job as Greenberg, giving one of the better performances of his career, the movie just drags you through the muck too much without giving much hope for anything but just enough. Fans of Baumbach's "The Squid & The Whale" will likely enjoy this film but not think of it as highly. This movie is pretty clever in its story and script but not nearly as much in his previous film. Stiller is the star of this movie and is the standout of the whole thing. He gets you to like and care for this incredibly rude and selfish character that is the kind of guy you would likely call an "asshole" when running into him at a high school reunion or work party. Stiller grabs your attention and gives you insight into a character that you normally would not want insight on. He makes you want the insight and then wants he gives it to you, you begin to understand, he has feeling too, you feel sad for him and then you see a little bit of him inside of yourself.

3 out of 5 Stars

Terms Of Endearment

A critically acclaimed, waste of time. If you enjoy spending your hours watching these women whine and complain about pointless issues and struggles just for there to be next to no conclusion in the end, this is the movie for you. If this does not describe you and you are actually a normal, living, and breathing human being then this movie will reveal itself to be the crap that it actually is. I have never wanted to turn off a movie so badly the only redeeming aspect of the film was Jack Nicholson who even still practically mailed in his performance. The movie is just pure stress and to think that it actually won the award for Best Picture sickens me. These kind of choices are what give The Academy less credibility. I literally wanted to jump inside the television and kill some of these women even at the times when you are supposed to admire them. I was very disappointed with this film. This is the movie that got James L. Brooks started as a director. He later went on to direct "As Good As It Gets" and "Spanglish" which are both movies I thoroughly enjoyed. To go back and visit his Academy Award winning film you would think to be a memorable experience and it was, but for the wrong reasons. A waste of time and money, only five dollars but still. There are many more great movies in the world out there that would be a much better use of time. Do your best to avoid this tormenting and depressing experience.

.5 out of 5 Stars

Blood Work (Clint Eastwood Summary)

A cool idea, a decent performance from Clint Eastwood, a smart and not so stupid plot, and a poorly written script with some horrible and annoying supporting actors, and an extremely obvious ending make up "Blood Work." It is your typical cop thriller with a twist, where the famous cop is searching for the serial killer whose victim gave him his heart. It is interesting in hindsight to see that this film was immediately followed by the often referred to "Clint Classic," "Mystic River." This film is considered a masterpiece and a popular favorite among Eastwood fans. It is crazy to think how a director could go from this and immediately to something great. Immediately following "Blood Work" Clint really got on a role dishing out fantastic films which make him among one of the most respected directors in the industry and a favorite filmmaker of mine. He can really be hot and cold at times. After "Blood Work" came "Mystic River," "Million Dollar Baby," "Flags Of Our Fathers," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Changeling," "Gran Torino," and "Invictus." All of these films received critical acclaim, nominations along with awards and "Million Dollar Baby" received the prestigious Best Picture at The Academy Awards. Now that I have established what a good director Clint is let me talk about how bad "Blood Work" is. It starts out okay. The script is sort of cheesy but has like I said an interesting premise and seems like it would be fun to watch. It falls largely into the trap of having these terrible cardboard cut out characters that say and do exactly what you would expect of them. They do their little thing on the screen and then leave. Eastwood has no cool signature camerawork or any noticeable directorial style that comes across that is in so many of his other films. I am more critical on the film because Clint can do so much better. Paul Rodriguez should have gotten a razzie for his awfully annoying character, terrible acting, and ugly fat body. He was supposed to make the viewer laugh and I literally wanted to go into the screen and choke him. He is the first actor to speak in the whole film so it immediately started out bad. Why couldn't the serial killer murder him? At first I thought he would be a small role in one scene but he appears very frequently and seems to have more lines then Eastwood himself. As an actor Clint does fine amongst his terribly casted cast-mates but, he does what you would expect. The same kind of thing he does in "Gran Torino" and many others this just is not as good. What is cool about the movie is how you are trying to figure out how and why the killer is doing this, (sort of spoiler ahead) what exactly is his method, but almost all of this is forgotten because they take a small character and give it to an A-list actor who you know would never take such a small role in a movie unless there was more to his character. He is also way too typically nice. I knew he was the murderer from his very first scene. Clint drops the ball on this one. Is it the worst movie I have ever seen? No, not even the worst Clint film thanks to "Hereafter," but this film could have certainly been better.

2 out of 5 Stars

The Clint Eastwood Summary, as a director. I have not seen all of his films as there are 35 of them but I will list the ones I have seen and review them and will update this list as I see more.

Unforgiven-----------------------------------5 Stars (Top 100 List)
The Bridges Of Madison County-----5 Stars
Space Cowboys-----------------------------2 Stars
Blood Work-----------------------------------2 Stars
Mystic River----------------------------------5 Stars
Million Dollar Baby-------------------------5 Stars
Flags Of Our Fathers---------------------5 Stars
Letters From Iwo Jima-------------------5 Stars
Changeling------------------------------------5 Stars (Top 100 List)
Gran Torino-----------------------------------4.5 Stars
Invictus-----------------------------------------2.5 Stars
Hereafter----------------------------------------1 Star

Observe & Report

Another gross and hilarious comedy up for my review. "Observe & Report" starring Seth Rogen as a mall cop who wants to be legit. His big case at hand is a streaker, who flashed the hot girl at the salon. Normally Rogen plays a likable, high idiot. In this one he is really just a jerk. He is not a nice guy he is just really rude and mean to everyone. There are parts of the movie that I found hilarious but also a few full 5 minute instances that are not funny at all and the jokes fall flat. I can see the directors leaving all of it in laughing hilariously thinking it is all funny when really it is not and they need the length to fill the standard hour and a half length which it does not make. Particularly all the scenes with Michael Pena ("Crash") who really is a good actor are not funny. His whole character is kind of stupid. I feel like they casted him thinking he would be funny but he wasn't and they paid this A-lister to co-star in their film. Rogen is funny in the way he always has been but that is what everyone is paying for and expecting to see and Ray Liotta from "Goodfellas" and "Blow" does a good job, as does Anna Farris. I must say Celia Weston is the best by far. This is definitely a movie for older guys not like Kevin James' "Mall Cop" which was released the same year. This movie really did make me laugh and I have never been so surprised by a comedies ending.

3 out of 5 Stars

The Bank Job

Starting out slow and almost pornographic, "The Bank Job" picks up its pace and  become a quite enjoyable thrill ride. Statham does his usual thing, pretty much the same character as "Snatch" and "The Transporter." This film has more story to it, more depth. It engrosses you partly because of the fact that this is a true story, at least to a degree, this actually happened. It makes the film that much more entertaining with all the insane trickery and covert operations to know it is real. This is a heist film done right. The characters are likable and the action doesn't end after the robbery but more or less begins. Things get fun when the robbery is over. I liked the film a lot a just a fun movie to enjoy. The cast is strong and does well and the director knows how to do what he wants to do. A great film for a bunch of guys who want to watch a good heist movie. The film would get a higher rating but just like most of these films it really is not that deep or emotional. The script is clever but at the beginning it drags.

3 out of 5 Stars

The Savages

The critically acclaimed black comedy film from 2007 starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney about two siblings who live depressing lives and must come together and admit their ailing father into a nursing home is almost exactly what you would expect. The acting is great and the story is depressing. There are mildly funny scenes that make you smile but this film just does not feel as good as other movies like it such as "Sideways," "The Squid & The Whale," and "You Can Count On Me." All these movies have a similar independent filmmaking tone but this one didn't do it for me. The script is good and there really isn't anything specific to complain about except that the film did not really hit me emotionally. It was sad and depressing but not to where I was connected to it and felt sad it was more conscious and like "Hey, this is sad. Why am I watching this?" Linney got nominated for her strong portrayal as the annoying and sad sister however, she is better in other films and this is still pretty similar to some other roles she has played. This movie is lukewarm, not good or bad just simply..okay.

2 out of 5 Stars

Footloose (1984)

I bought this movie packaged along with "Flashdance" which I previously reviewed. Both of them are cult favorites among dancers and teens. Footloose is coming from the rebellious teenagers mad at the parents for their rules and restrictions. "Footloose" has since become a successful Broadway musical for its memorable song and dances. The movie is fun and Kevin Bacon does a good job. This is what made his career and he since become a pretty good actor. The film is very cheesy and a little overdone focusing a lot on the controlling pastor father who pretty much runs the town. There were some small towns like this but never to this extreme and not completely run by the church. Besides the good dancing which is only in one scene and at the very end the movie does not have much to offer, but it is a fan favorite for many and it is impossible for me to deny its popularity. The movie does represent what all young people feel in rebelling and having "our time." The fact is the movie is not that good and poorly executed. There is no extremely bad acting to complain about but there really isn't much there at all. I admit that when I stopped watching it I could not stop humming the song. I am interested in seeing the new 2011 remake which was accepted to generally positive reviews. I am hoping that the best qualities from this film came over into the new version.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Flashdance

I finally got around to watching Adrian Lyne's "Flashdance" working my way backwards after seeing and reviewing "Unfaithful," "Fatal Attraction," and "Indecent Proposal." "Flashdance" is a pop culture classic and it is how Lyne really got his start and got noticed. You can see less of his directorial style here because it had probably not been developed and he probably had less control of his films. The movie is about a young woman who works all day as a welder and works as an exotic dancer all night. She dreams of being a real dancer and being all that she can be, and longs to get accepted into this high class ballet school. The movie is inspirational and has some fantastic dance numbers and a great lead song which won the Academy Award in 1983. The song is the best thing about the movie and is largely responsible for the attention the movie received. Jennifer Beals' performance is subtle and great and she is a stand out. The movie however is pretty predictable and follows the route that anyone would expect it to go but the way the story is told and the fine acting from the lead actress makes the film the cult classic that it is. It was a great start for director Adrian Lyne who eventually went on to create in my opinion some great movies and eventually mastered his style. It's a fun movie to enjoy and if you are in fact a dancer I can see how this could be one of your favorite films.

3 out of 5 Stars

Bruno

The follow up to Sacha Baron Cohen's critically acclaimed comedy "Borat" has some comic genius in it but mostly resolves to using absolutely gross humor. The movie is funny, mostly because of how Cohen gets real people to show their true sides. The best scene is probably the interviewing of all these parents who will do anything to get their infant children a modeling job. One parent agrees to their child being hung on a crucifix next to Christ. All of these outrageous things is what makes "Bruno" so outrageously funny. It gets gross however when it gets way too graphic, in which there is a long scene of Bruno's penis swirling and talking. It is not better then "Borat" as some critics have said but there are many sidesplitting scenes that you will cry laughing at but the movie can be extremely offensive and too much for many people to be able to handle. It pushes the envelope, sometimes a bit too far but even if you absolutely despise the homosexuality and the crudeness of its humor you still have to admit that it made you laugh and that it is made and done well.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Dinner For Schmucks

This funny flick was in my opinion extremely entertaining. Steve Carell and Paul Rudd are a hilarious a comic team with some clever writing in their hands and great improvisation. I was at points crying with laughter. The movie is a feel good family film that most likely everyone will enjoy, but these PG-13 comedies keep getting away with more and more, leaning towards the R-rating side with their jokes. A sidesplitting scene about someone losing their wife's clitoris could be awkward to watch with your family depending who your parents are and the age of the children. The movie is all around funny filled with slapstick and double entendres. Everything that you would expect from a comedy like this. The ending however, does become absolutely ridiculous but it still remains funny and Zach Galifianakis continues to prove himself as a great comic. A good escape movie to just sit down and enjoy.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Manny & Lo

This is a movie about two sisters, on the run from everything. They left their if I understood correctly abusive foster homes after their birth mother passed and now live out of their car stealing from stores and the older sister Lo giving sexual favors for gas. Manny is only eight and is brilliantly portrayed by a very young Scarlet Johanson. Things get complicated when Lo gets pregnant but she knows she cannot go to a hospital because she will then be discovered and brought to jail for hr crimes. They decide the best idea is to kidnap this older woman who works in a baby supplies and toy store. They kidnap her and hold her in this winter house that is unoccupied so that she may deliver her baby. The movie obviously goes to the point where she becomes a motherly figure. She is played by Mary Kay Place very well but the movie just never picks up. It runs slow and lacks that emotional underlying that most of these movies have. It is supposed to be short and sweet but ends short with not that much of an impact. There are some great things about it but the film is mostly lacking.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Dirty Dancing

"Dirty Dancing" starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is renowned as a cult classic. A movie that defines a time period. The rebellion of the children. The movie is fun, and it is cute. Unfortunately, a great movie it is not. I enjoy it a lot but to no stretch of the imagination is it well made or well acted. You really do not identify with Baby's character very much except the idea of her turning from good to bad, just like "Grease." What makes the movie fun is the dancing and the music. It almost feels like a musical because of the fantastic soundtrack that is packed with fantastic classics such as; "Where Are You Tonight?," "In The Still of the Night," "Yes," "Time of My Life," "You Don't Own Me," and my personal favorite "Hungry Eyes." It is definitely a love story for the girls but it really is not a good one. The acting is off, the dialogue cheesy, and the story doesn't make much sense at points. It is fun to enjoy because it is such a fan favorite but other then that the film does not have that much to offer. I do highly recommend to download the soundtrack because it really does make the film. The movie is cute, that is about it.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Catfish

This documentary genuinely shocked me. Completely blew me away. It does not feel like a documentary because it is not like most. Most documentaries are trying to inform you of something or raise awareness and warn you. This one just simply tells and shows a true story about a regular guy whose friends decide to video document his life and relationship with this girl he meets over Facebook and proceeds to have a long-distance relationship with her. I do not want to share any more because I believe it will ruin this story but just know that you are about to watch an amazing example of how film can catch true and real things if the camera is at the right place and the right time. The film also gave me a deep and further understanding on other people. I now respect others that I do not understand more after seeing this film. There is more then meets the eye to the people you see everyday on the street. There is real pain behind everyone you encounter. This documentary to me is far superior to the convoluted and greatly biased "Inside Job" that won the oscar for the 2010 Academy Awards. When you get a chance take a look at this rare film that sheds light on the reason why people do certain things that to us make no sense and also examine the difference between your real self and the person you display online.

5 out of 5 Stars

Indecent Proposal

Another sexy and stylist film from Adriane Lyne that I specifically watched because of how much I enjoyed his newest picture "Unfaithful" that i reviewed a few weeks back. This film has gotten less critical acclaim, some of it being negative, then Lynes' other work. I personally, however, liked this more then his blockbuster hit "Fatal Attraction" and thought it dealt more with real emotional struggle rather then some cheap thrills. The movie stars Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore, at her sexiest, and also Robert Redford. Harrelson and Moore play the married couple who have been sweethearts since high school and have had a mostly happy marriage. They run low on money and will have to score fast to be able to keep the property they have been working on to sell. They go to Vegas where they are met by Redford's character who offers the couple one million big ones for one night. The couple's initial reaction is a strong no that quickly changes and leads to more things. The movie has an interesting premise with some extremely fantastic acting. At moments the movie seems unreal because lets be honest, this situation is near impossible, but the movie ends up dealing with real emotion and shows how awful infidelity is and can be. The struggles that involve with giving up someone you love to make their lives "better" or happy" can and will lead to consequences. I liked the movie a lot because of how well made it is and how great Moore is. The movie is sexy but stays away from some of the pointless nudity that Lyne puts in his other films. It is enjoyable and a bit of struggle but you eventually persevere through it just like a relationship should be, staying with it through the hard times to keep it together. With all of its unchristian morals in it, it sort of ends with a nice Christian moral message.

4 out of 5 Stars

The Mist (Frank Darabont Summary)

I just recently watched "The Mist" directed by Frank Darabont adapted from the Stephen King novella. It is a sort of weird and different horror story where a father takes his son casually to go get the groceries at their local grocer in Maine. A mist surrounds the whole place and a man comes out of it claiming that, "there is something in the mist." It is a unique idea and brings the question up of what you would actually do if something crazy like this happened. The people in the grocery store are ignorant at first, however when tentacles coming from nowhere start killing people they sing a different tune. I had a lot of problems with this movie while watching it. The acting comes across cheesy and unbelievable at times, especially because of the unbelievable setting they are put in. The seemingly casual and very violent horror flick takes an unusual turn as it goes on to explore themes from "Lord of The Flies" in how without a society people will do whatever it takes to survive and follow anyone who takes leadership. As a Christian, I had a problem with the film. They had to make a character, played by Marcia Gay Harden, who is an absolutely insane "Christian" woman. She starts preaching about how this is the end times and that God's wrath is coming to destroy everyone. My main issue with it is that she says a few things that are correct and then goes on to say things that are completely unbiblical and ridiculous. She is portrayed as the crazy woman and all of the other non christians are the normal ones. She eventually ends up being a leader, leading people astray saying that this is the apocalypse and that she has direct contact with God and finally that they need to sacrifice people to the beast outside to atone for their sins. Jesus died for our sins no person or child needs to be sacrificed. I hate the image of Christians Hollywood makes out of us. Are there a few wacko Christians? Yes, there are but not to this extent and let me tell you I am not the one who judges but they are probably not Christians. Besides this point the movie does get even more crazy and the most talked about thing is the shocker ending different from the novella. I thought that the ending was clever, unique, and smart but also completely unfulfilling.   After you watch this movie please ask yourself, What meaning or point is the director trying to make? I found it almost sick. First off it is a little ridiculous because a stupid and retarded decision is made so quickly and as an audience member I am sitting in my seat baffled. The movie has some smart things about it but ultimately falls short especially in comparison to Darabont's other films. Another random thing thing that bothered me is who in the world calls it mist? Everyone in the movie is like "Oh my God, the mist." Nobody in the movie ever calls it fog. Thats just one of the many things that made the movie seem fake.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Check out Darabont's other films that are far superior and one being an all time classic.

The Shawshank Redemption------5 Stars (Top 100 List)
The Green Mile------------------------5 Stars
The Majestic----------------------------5 Stars
The Mist--------------------------------2.5 Stars

Scary Movie

I laughed so much at this gross comedy. It is absolutely ridiculous, has no point or reddeming qualities, and it is so much fun. The movie parodies multiple horror movies including; "Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Dawsons Creek," "The Sixth Sense," "The Blair Witch Project," "The Usual Suspects," and probably more that I can't think of. If you've seen these other movies it will be more fun. It really is a movie aimed for teens (most parents will not find this funny, but it is.) I laughed so much and I know the movie is stupid and raunchy but it is just hilarious and a good time hanging out with your friends. I do not reccommend the other "Scary Movies" because most of them suck. This is the one to watch but do not watch it if you think raunchy comedies are gross because while this may be one of the funniest it is also one of the grossest.

3 out of 5 Stars

Total Recall

Paul Verhoeven directs this classic favorite sci-fi action adventure flick starring Arnol Schwarzenegger. Verhoeven ha also directed crowd favorites like "Basic Instinct" and "Robocop." He is famous for his over the top violence and gore included in most of his movies. Total Recall has a huge fan base following it and after watching it, it is easy to see why. The movie has awful dialogue and somepretty poor acting. Some effects look fake now in this day and age while at the same time some look incredibly ahead of its time. The characters are extremely cheesy, mostly due to the script and some action scenes look very chereographed. All of what I just said is true but it is such a fun movie. I can respect a film that is not trying to be super deep and meaningful and just have fun. The story is clever and smart and actually a bit of a thinker. Most of the effects are great and the action is fun and intense. You care about some of these cardboard typical action heroes and it is just a great family fun ride. It is an escape film. Just like "Star Wars" is so great with all of its cheesiness this is the same thing. I laughed, I was on the edge of my seat. Its graphically and unrealisticly violent which just adds to the fun. Arnold is jacked and fun to watch, as is Sharon Stone. The makeup of the characters is fasinating. It is like a more action filled "Blade Runner" that's funny. A remake starring Colin Farrel will be coming soon so make sure to check it out. I am expecting that they will take it more seriously and make it more of a dramatic action film instead of a fun flick but it willbe good too. The ambiguous ending makes the movie even cooler and fun to talk about and it is a great film to watch with non-movie watchers because they will enjoy it also. Sit back, grab the pop corn, and enjoy the ride.

5 out of 5 Stars

The Man Who Wasn't There

This film has earned its spot as one of my favorite Coen Brother films. The film isn't trying to be realistic like some Coens work but it is symbolic and characters represent different types of people. The movie is about how life doesn't always work out the way you have planned. Sometimes, you will settle for less because it is better then nothing. Billy Bob Thornton gives a spectacular performance as the barber, who lives a plain and simple life, (the movie is in black and white) one day he sees an opportunity to do better for themselves and things go awry. The acting, directon, script, camerawork are all perfect in this film. It is deep and sort of sad but will not leave you heart broken. It is a sort of fantasy story that show how life sometimes ends up in a more ruthful way then most movies do. Frances McDormand is fantastic as is the beautiful Scarlet Johanson. It is hard to talk about this movie without giving away how things happen as things change throughout so I will leave you with this, if you are a Coen fan you should love this movie, and if you are not afterwrds you should become a Coen fan. If you do not fall into one of these two categories...you have a problem. Comment and we'll talk about it.

5 out of 5 Stars

Miller's Crossing (Coen Brothers Summary)

I watched this Coen Brothers film about a week ago and forgot to review it amongst the many things that have been going on and I think because it did not leave a huge impact on me negative or positive. The film does have a huge fan base among Coen Brothers fans and is regarded as one of the great "gangster" flicks. I thought it was good but not as good as I would have hoped or expected coming from a Coen Brothers film. I did like it however, there are some great performances all around, the front runner being John Turturro who is a Coen favorite. He also appears in "Barton Fink," "O Brother, Where Art Thou," "The Big Lebowski," and maybe more. The cinematography is a clear standout along with some cool story telling techniques. I also liked the style of the film, just as all other Coen films are but to me this one just doesn't have that heart and that extra unique thing that most of their films have. I have nothing really to complain about it but not much to praise about it either. I like just as much Coen films as I find some to be not so good even though other fans love them. I am in love with "No Country For Old Men," "Blood Simple," "Fargo," and recently "The Man Who Wasn't There" but I have been disappointed with "The Ladykillers," "Barton Fink," and am still trying to like "The Big Lebowski" I recognize some of the greatness in the films that I am not as fond of but they are hard to like when some of their films are just so great.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

My Coen Brothers Summary.

Blood Simple.--------------------------------------5 Stars (Top 100 List)                  
Raising Arizona-------------------------------------3 Stars
Miller's Crossing-----------------------------------2.5 Stars
Barton Fink----------------------------------------2.5 Stars
The Hudsucker Proxy----------------------------(Have Not Seen)
Fargo----------------------------------------------5 Stars
The Big Lebowski---------------------------------2.5 Stars
O Brother, Where Art Thou?----------------------2 Stars
The Man Who Wasn't There-----------------------5 Stars
Intolerable Cruelty---------------------------------3.5 Stars
The Ladykillers------------------------------------2 Stars
No Country For Old Men-------------------------5 Stars (Top 100 List)
Burn After Reading--------------------------------3 Stars
A Serious Man------------------------------------4 Stars
True Grit------------------------------------------3 Stars

I will give my review for "The Man Who Wasn't There" next because I just watched it this morning and loved it. One more film left to watch and then I can say that I have seen every Coen Brothers film. They are enjoyable films and the Coens are astounding filmmakers. Even the movies that I am not crazy about have huge fan bases and get numerous amounts of critical acclaim. You should definitely check these guys out.

Little Children

This film really captured me right from the start, although it has a similar tone to Todd Field's other film "In The Bedroom" this movie is very different. Over a somewhat long hiatus since his last film Todd Field comes out with another movie that gets recognized at the Academy Awards without winning anything. The film reminds me a little of "The Royal Tenenbaums" in the way that the story is told about many different people who are all somewhat connected and by the way it is narrated. The narrator takes you through this journey of lives unfulfilled, of people who feel that they are missing something despite their living in the perfect "American Dream" suburb community. The story, Sarah (Kate Winslet) is tired of her regular life and routine and her distracted husband. She has a beautiful daughter that she loves very much but there is still something missing. Brad, (Patrick Wilson) is the answer to her question. He is the "perfect"dad who is very handsome whom the other suburban women refer to as the "prom king." He has similar feelings of wanting to get away and things transpire from there. There are other stories also going on at this time, the largest one being of a registered sex offender, returning home to live with his mother also with a less then welcoming from the rest of the community. The movie seems very real. There are women and people like this, I live in the suburbs, I would know. People do not realize it. I think everyone has a feeling that there is more to life then this and they try and fill this gap with marriage, children, drugs, alcohol, or false religions. Anything to make them feel better. This makes the movie very realistic and close to home for almost anyone seeing the movie. The film is also unique in the way that it remains funny and somewhat a comedy but at the same time can be so emotional and serious. The acting all around is perfect. Every single actor from this all star cast gives their best with the stand outs being the nominated actors Kate Winslet and Jackie Earle Haley however, any of these actors could have gotten a well deserved nomination. What I like about this movie is that you really care and you really relate. if you walked in on someone else watching the film it would be understandable to think "This is boring." You need to watch it from beginning to end to really get in the mood and understand. I am very excited fir more Todd Field films to come because he has proved himself to be a great filmmaker. "In The Bedroom" is also a fantastic film packed with great performances. I think Field really brings out the best in his actors. This movie is so emotionally deep and funny but ends at a point where you are at the edge of your seat and on the verge of screaming. The movie isn't for the faint of heart or for those who do not want to take some of these questions about life seriously. The film may be called, "Little Children" but i assure you it is not for the children. Your children should be in bed during this movie but do not let that stop you from watching it because there are great things to be gotten from this movie.

5 out of 5 Stars

Fatal Attraction

If you read my review for the film "Unfaithful" from a few weeks back then you knew that I liked that movie very much and that i was excited to go back and check out other Adrian Lyne films to see if they are any good. I did that here watching "Fatal Attraction" last night a film which has developed a lot of pop culture popularity and generated a lot of buzz at its release. The film was the second highest grossing film of 1987, after "Three Men and a Baby" and was nominated for 6 Academy Awards. The film is very sexy which is true of every Lyne film, this one being about a man who has a weekend affair with an apparent normal and reasonable woman while his wife and child are gone. When he tries to break it off the woman just will not let him go and things get heated and escalate as he tries to keep a hold on his loving family without anyone finding out about the incident. The movie is pretty well made with intense and fabulous performances all around from Michael Dougless and especially Glenn Close as the now iconic, "Alex." She is what makes this film. This is not a perfect film, the script is not perfect, it gets a bit ridiculous, and there is a very noticeable continuity issue that I think most men will notice but as far as entertaining thrillers go this is one of the best. It is just a fun flick but it is done with perfection in its area. The movie is not trying to be a critical phenomenon it is trying to entertain audiences and keep them gripped and at the edge of their seat. This film does just that. In some ways it is a not as raunchy, but better version of "Basic Instinct." It has had huge influence over the years in pop culture from Close's iconic whit dress to a phrase popular now in Britain, "bunny boiler." The movie is just good fun. It isn't deep its just fun to be entertained. I still look forward to seeing other Adrian Lyne films including one coming up in the future known now as "Back Roads" as he has proved to be a stylistic, gutsy, and entertaining filmmaker.

4 out of 5 Stars

Trespass

I watched this with a few friends and I had a good time getting to hang with them but this movie absolutely sucked. It is the worst film to come out this year that I have seen. The film is about a mother, father, and daughter held hostage in their own house to be robbed by this people for their diamonds. The plot then immediately gets super confusing whilst at the same time being utterly stupid. The acting sucks and pretty much every bit of dialogue spoken in the film is laughable. This is another crappy thriller from Joel Schumacher who is at the point where he needs to just stop making movies. He has no style, no depth for characters and what is funny about it is that he thinks he does. I was watching interviews of him hyping up this film talking about twists and great acting and I'm like "Are you serious." Either he is lying and knows his movie sucks or he is completely oblivious. The film holds an awful 13% on rotten tomatoes which, by the way, is the worst of the worst. "Trespass" however, holds on record being the fastest movie of all time to go from the theaters to DVD. This is not a record you want. It was such a huge flop theaters were kicking it out 8 days after release and the film only made a small amount over $24,000 with its 35 Million dollar budget. Mega losses here for producers and another disappointment from Schumacher. It is amazing how A-listers like Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, who was nominated for an academy award last year, can appear in such crappy movies.

0 out of 5 Stars

The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence

I can without question say that this is the grossest and most disgusting movie I have ever seen in my entire life. The movie at moments made me feel like I was about to throw up. This film, if it even deserves to be called a film, goes way beyond any gross, horror violence you have ever seen before. If you think movies like "Saw," "Hostel," and the first "Human Centipede" were gross then, as Al Jolson said, "You ain't heard, (in this case seen) nothing yet. This movie is beyond the grossest of gross demonstrating torture acts unspeakable and inhumane. There is no redeeming plot or purpose to this story at all, it begins with graphic torture porn and then ends. This is the kind of movie that has been titled a "gorno," a term that Eli Roth's "Hostel" created. I cannot however totally bash this movie, there is some sense of style and creativity, and if you are a horror fan just trying to see the next grossest thing, then this is the movie you need to watch. The creativity of this film mainly comes from the premise. I did not know how they could make a sequel to such a gross movie in the first place. The premise is a weird, possible mentally challenged man, who spends all of his free time watching and re-watching "The Human Centipede: First Sequence." This movie is not a continuation too the last films story but recognized that the first film is in fact a film and this guy is obsessed with it and wants to create a centipede of his own. I do think this is very creative and I think the point that director, Tom Six, is trying to make is that this is in fact just a movie. It raises the question, could a guy actually see something gross like this and be inspired by it. I was sitting there watching this movie, of this freak watching a gross movie and then acting on it. You realize as an audience member that you are "sort of" the guy on the screen entertained by the violence. He just acts on it and we do not...or do we? Or does he? I do not want to ruin the ending because it really is the best part of the film. The movie is not as stupid or dumb as it meets the eye, it is just hard to think deeply about a movie such as this because whilst watching it all you can think about is the terrible and awful things happening before your very own eyes. The director, Tom Six, is a messed up man. I do not know how he thought of these things, but I have come to the conclusion that he is actually a smart man, breaking the rules in cinema. He loves the awful reaction the film gets, and the God-awful reviews. But we know one thing and that is people are watching and buying. What does that tell us about our society today. Six promises "The Human Centipede 3" will make this film look like a Disney film. I don't know what more he can do but he will do it. The movie despite all this other stuff is actually stylistic, filmed in black and white and with a few cool camera angels. You can watch this movie with your friends to be grossed out and laugh, and you will, but also think about the beginning and the ending of the movie and how it genuinely relates to yourself.

3 out of 5 Stars

It's tough for me to admit how this gross and disgusting movie is actually smart and well made.

2001: A Space Odyssey

It took me way to long to finally sit down and watch this movie. I am a huge Kubrick fan loving his films, "A Clockwork Orange", "Paths Of Glory", and "The Shining." This movie trumps all of his others. I watched it once when I was ten years old on videocassette and I turned it off before anyone had even spoken in the movie at all, for the fear I would literally die of boredom. This time I had a totally different experience. I think I delayed watching it because of my first impression of it from when I was young and the knowledge that some critics share my small minded opinion from back then. I think that I can confidently declare that this is the most beautiful movie I have ever seen. The entire picture just hits you and it is very surreal. It really got me on, I guess, a spiritual level. The movie is hard to understand, I still do not fully understand it but that is not the point. My yearning to read about it and get it more just ends with me appreciating it on a higher level. While watching this I found myself completely taken. I completely forgot about all the other things in my life and was just involved in this movie. It is like a beautiful, magnificent painting or an incredible symphony that just entrances you. It isn't really about the story however, the story that is there is incredible and packed with symbolism just waiting to be uncovered. There is so much more to this movie then meets the eye but what does meet the eye is also really awesome. This movie came out nine years before the original "Star Wars." I repeat, NINE YEARS! The special effects are way ahead of its time and are done with much more tranquil-ant beauty then any other Sci-Fi flick that I have seen. This movie has the emotional power that this years, "The Tree of Life" was searching for, or trying to mimic. The effects and cinematography are absolutely astounding and literally breathtaking. I have never had an experience like this while watching a movie, it is just so unique. The film also breaks the rules. There are long hiatuses with absolutely no dialogue. There is actually no speaking until 25 minutes of the movie has already passed. You would think that you would get extremely bored but for some reason you do not. It is like examining many paintings in a museum but even better, it feels real. I could go on for forever about this movie. You will probably watch it and respond with, "What the heck is with the ending." I can't even fully explain it. I would try but I fear I would mess it up. You have to watch and experience it yourself and then read about it and try and understand it more. The movie is a phenomenon that has inspired multiple science fiction films, like 2009's "Moon," and ir will continue to do so. It completely took my breath away and I strongly recommend anyone and everyone to watch it if they think they are ready for it and if they commit to try and research and understand it afterwards. I also recommend that if you can, to watch this movie on blu-ray disc. For this film it makes almost all the difference in the world. This film puts Stanley Kubrick on a whole other level for me then what he was before even though I am obsessed also with "A Clockwork Orange" and could go on about that film, as well. I did not think that this movie could possibly be better, but it is. They both have incredibly high spots on my Top 100 List with "Clockwork" at number 22 and "2001" at 18. Prepare to be taken away by a film full of wonderment and a strange form of almost moveless excitement.

5 out of 5 Stars....Obviously

Cabaret

For some strange reason I kept delaying watching this movie. It has been sitting next to my bed to watch and for some reason it has never been the one I picked. It became a movie that I just need to watch because of all of its critical acclaim and I need to see it before I can officially publish my forever changing Top 100 List. Tis movie did earn a spot. It really is an amazing and sad musical. I find it weird calling it a musical because it does not feel like one. There is this great story about two people, in love that just can't get it all worked out. This story is broken in between with musical numbers at the Cabaret Liza Minnelli works at. All the numbers however, have to do with what is going on in her life and the story. The movie captures you with the performances and takes you to 30s Germany in the becoming of the Nazi party. This creates even more issues with what is going on. The numbers are great, the singing fantastic, the performances outstanding all around, astounding editing, and pure style from director Bob Fosse. This movie makes me think less of Chicago because of some similarities but the are both great musicals. I loved this movie you should definitely watch it. Despite its PG rating it is pretty mature so that is just a forewarning. The movie is currently number 75 on my Top 100 List but it could go up or down. If you enjoy musicals, especially classic ones you will love "Cabaret."

5 out of 5 Stars

Unfaithful

I absolutely loved this movie. The direction, the performances is all perfect. I was engrossed right when the movie opened with the reality of the subject. The casual suburban life that most of us live. The movie is about a woman who appears to be completely happy with her husband and child but something is missing. She yearns for some kind of adventure, I think. Diane Lane is fantastic in this movie and got an Academy Award nomination for her performance. She completely embodies her character. You will particularly notice her most talked about scene as she takes a train home after her first act of unfaithfulness. It was all done in just one take and then edited afterwards. The movie is full of style and sexiness all coming from director, Adrian Lyne who is famous for his movies about sexually charged characters and affairs. This is the first movie I have seen from him and I plan on seeing his other acclaimed films "Fatal Attraction" and "Flashdance." This movie just feels so real and really focuses on all the casual things that happen in life and how things would be different if just one thing did not happen. Towards the end the movie heads off in a different direction, how much will you fight for what you truly love. Richard Gere is also a standout in this movie. He could have been nominated also by just the silent look in his face. It is rare to find movies like this that seem so real, and the ending is perfect.

5 out of 5 Stars

Moneyball

This here is definitely an Academy Award contender. We have a true story, starring Academy favorite Brad Pitt, the director being Bennett Miller (Capote), and an awesome script from Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Aaron wrote the script for last years winner, "The Social Network" and Steven wrote some great scripts also including; "American Gangster," "Gangs of New York," and the best one being "Schindler's List," which appears on my Top 100 List. "Moneyball" is the true story of how baseball completely changed. The strategy involved with picking players to win. If you are a baseball fan you will love this movie. Most of the people in the theater were elderly men. I am not a baseball fan, I find it boring to watch, however this movie still captured me. I would be astonished if the movie did not get some Academy Awards attention and all the critics seem to love it. Pitt, does fantastic as does Jonah Hill in his first real dramatic turn. Maybe we will see some campaigning for him in the "Best Supporting Actor" category. I liked this movie a lot but I was not in love with it. There is nothing totally special about it versus other sports movies. It does have some emotional impact in it amongst all the logistics. It is also quite funny at times, thanks to the well written script and the great actors. It's a good watch for moviegoers and if you are a baseball fan it is probably one of the best baseball films you will see.

4 out of 5 Stars

Top 10 of 2010

Here I will post the Top 10 Movies of The 2010 year. It was a great year for movies. Now, I admit I did not see every single film from this year but I do believe I have seen enough to post this list. If there are any movies you think I have missed please comment and tell me to watch something you think should have made the cut. Two movies I have not yet seen from 2010 are "I Am Love" and "Somewhere" which I intend to watch soon and see if they make this list.

1. Inception
An absolutely mind bending, awesome film that I have watched multiple times and will continue to watch over and over again. One of the most ingenious films ever made and will be talked about for and debated over for decades to come.

2. Animal Kingdom
The best crime thriller of the year about a boy being stuck in the life of crime by his family. An emotional and impacting drama that will remain with you long after the end credits. How far will people go, to survive?

3. Blue Valentine
The best love story of the year about a relationship in the present and how it once was four years ago. Amazing performances from Gosling and Williams. Will leave you crying afterwards.

4. The Social Network
By far, the most critically acclaimed film of the year. It has been described as a movie that defines and "sums-up" the decade. David Fincher's film will take you through the story of the creation of Facebook. One of the most used things on the internet and something that has changed the way we live.

5. The Kings Speech
Definitely an Oscar prepped film but hey, it worked. An emotional story about a king with a stutter. He is needed to unite his country in their troubled time. Fantastic acting and a great story.

6. Black Swan
An intense, addicting, and smart thriller. The symbolism, acting, and art all combined together perfectly by Darren Aronofsky leaving you at the edge of your seat.

7. The Town
Similar to "Heat" but a great revamp of it. Awesome acting and directing from Ben Affleck. Twists and turns and just pure intensity. The most fun you'll have with a movie in 2010.

8. The Fighter
What  makes this great is the acting. Every supporting actor gives their absolute best. "F-word" after "F-word" after "F-word" but still a funny and emotionally touching story.

9. 127 Hours
Danny Boyle comes out with another great film loaded with a powerful performance from James Franco.
Never has a movie been so intense whilst only taking place at one single spot.

10. Kick-Ass
An absolutely fantastic and fun film. You care about the characters and you love them. A comedic masterpiece and just raunchy fun. Probably, the best super-hero flick I have ever seen.



I hope this list helps when looking back at the 2010 year to see what you missed.

Taking Lives

This movie is yet another film that I purchased from FYE, not expecting too much from it but, it does star sexy and promising, Angelina Jolie and has a "Two Thumbs Up" quote on the front. The script is absolutely awful and when I say script I specifically refer to the dialogue. I quote, "This sucks! This totally sucks!" This quote should be the tag-line for the entire picture. The acting is not the worst acting in the world but it is pretty bad. Ethan Hawk plays a slightly abnormal version of his usual character and does poorly, The only person without bad acting is Jolie. She is the only one capable of taking the horrid script and making it somewhat realistic. She does "okay" just not awful like everyone else. The worst performance in the film is from Gena Rowlands. You will recognize her from other below average movies like "The Skeleton Key" and some better films like her performance as the aging Allie in "The Notebook." In this movie her dialogue is the absolute worst and is super cheesy. She just cannot pull it off. The movie still is somewhat intense. Despite all of this Angelina Jolie is still super hot. There are two main twists at the end that you can see coming from a mile away but it is still somewhat enjoyable. I would say the most well done scene in the movie would be the Opening Credits sequence which is unique and different. After this the movie just goes down hill. If you want to watch a Jolie film watch something better, "Beowulf," "Changeling," and "Salt" are all better options. "Changeling" being a deeper drama and the other two being more entertaining flicks.

2 out of 5 Stars

Rachel Getting Married

This movie really is a great character study. It is unlike all the other Jonathan Demme films that I have seen and probably ranks with his best work but still not even close to "The Silence of the Lambs. This movie is about a very different kind of girl just like her unique name, Kym. She is just getting out of rehab to attend her sister Rachel's wedding. Let the awkwardness, the memories, the anger, the saddness begin. You can kind of see what sort of movie this is just by reading the general description. What makes this movie special is not the directing or the acting from the supporting characters although it is all good. This movie is all Anne Hathaway. The movie opens just with a close up of her face and your first reaction is "Oh my gosh, that is the really nice girl we all know from "Ella Enchanted" and "Princess Diaries." Why is she smoking a cigarrette. Right after your first initial shock is over, you completely forget all of Anne Hathaways's past "kiddie" roles and become completely immersed and mesmerized by Kym. Anne Hathaway is Kym, she is not playing Kym she has literally become her and embodied her character. That is what makes this movie good. I can see this film being somewhat difficult to watch if they are parents, especially to parents with children struggling with drug addictions. This movie really gets right to your emotions and the acting is phenomenal by of coarse Anne and also Rosemarie DeWitt, Debra Winger, and the best supporting cast member Bill Irwin who does a fantastic job as Kym and Rachel's father. Most people who see this film will admit it is well made but will not enjoy it. This is not a very fun subject matter and there are parts to this film that could really make you cry. The film is also not perfect. It falls into that trap most independent films fall into where it is so much about emotion and the acting that they think they can get away with long story lulls or in this case almost halts. Some movies it works, this one not really. The film is definitely worth seeing just for Hathaway's performance which got her recognition with an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress. Out of 5 stars Hathaway is a 5, but the movie itself does not do as well.

3 out of 5 Stars

Out of Sight

I saw this movie while shopping at FYE for a decent price. It's cover had a gun on the front with a Roger Ebert quote saying it was one of the best movies of the year. The movie is also packing an awesome cast including George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Albert Brooks, and a Sam L Jackson cameo. The movie also has a great director, Steven Soderbergh, who has directed multiple critically acclaimed films including "Erin Brockovich," "Contagion," and his by far best film "Traffic" which is on my Top 100 Movies of All Time List that I will be posting soon. This movie sounds like its got the goods. It also has been put on lists for being one of the sexiest movies ever made. Yes, there are two great, well written, hot scenes where Clooney and J. Lo flirt, but the movie is ultimately boring. The humor falls flat and there are huge story lulls. I stopped caring towards the end of the film to the point where I was just reading about all of Lopez's past relationships with Ben Affleck and Sean Colmbs on Wikipedia on my iPod. That is a lot more interesting then this movie. The main plot is that a bank robber falls in love with a federal agent. We have seen this thing before and it is not done well here. There are no problems with the acting and everyone just does fine but that is it, just fine. There is next to no action so my recommendation is just to simply watch something else.

1.5 out of 5 Stars