If you are an avid movie fan, this is the very best time of year. I had stopped movie blogging for quite some time for a few reasons, some personal, some just related to me seeing so many movies it was becoming too much of a chore. But I do love sharing my opinions, both of movies I love and hate. This is the best time of year though because studios start releasing most of their movies geared at winning awards. It's also the time of year I get extremely frustrated because many of my favorites go unnoticed. Here is my running list of the best films of 2011. This post won't be complete until February or so, which is typically when I've seen the majority of the films as they are released slowly - and it often takes months to see them if you don't live in NYC or LA.
1. Win Win - (R) - It's a touching story of a good man who does a bad thing. Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan are brilliant, as are the rest of the cast. It's a feel good movie with smarts, and still my favorite movie of the year. It's on DVD now.
2. Another Earth - (PG-13) - I can tell you right now this is a love it or hate it kind of movie. I loved it. Everything was so creative, from the script to the cinematography to the score. And the last ten seconds blew my mind more than any film in a long time. It's on DVD now.
3. The Muppets - (PG) - Sure, the plot is paper thin and it's about a group of fabric figures, but no film exuded more joy and fun this year. It was one of those movies that I didn't want to end. The soundtrack is exceptional as well. In theaters now.
4. The Descendants - (R) - I love films by Alexander Payne, and this one is no different. What is different is the tone - it's a very depressing little movie, but it's also a very powerful one about family, loss, and love. It's worth seeing for sure.
5. Source Code - (PG-13) One thing that I hate about certain thrillers is they often wrap themselves in a mystery so grand, the writers can't figure out how to end them so it ends up with either no ending or a stupid conclusion. This movie ends perfectly and kept me hooked the entire way. It's on DVD now.
6. Midnight in Paris - (PG) - Woody Allen and I haven't seen eye to eye on what a good movie was in a while, but finally he releases his best film since "Match Point". This is the very simple story of one man who is a romantic in a world (and time) where those around him are not. I loved it. On DVD 12/20.
6. 50/50 - (R) - A story about a twenty-something with cancer should not be a feel good film, but I left this movie feeling inspired. On DVD 1/24.
7. Take Shelter - (R) - A absolutely great little thriller that will leave you shook. Takes paranoia to a place few films do, and I loved it.
8. Hugo - (PG) - I had never read "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" before seeing this movie adaptation. Some have told me the movie is terrible compared to the book. While that often is the case, I really have a hard time believing it in this instance, as the story was so heartwarming that it would take a real scrooge not to like it. It is a little "artsy" for a family movie I guess, but I still found it very impressive. In theaters now.
9. The Beaver - (R) - Mel Gibson is one of the most hated people in Hollywood. But he still is a great actor. If you can separate the art from the artist, I would urge you to see this Jodie Foster directed (and costarring) film. When a man sinks so far into depression, his only hope for recovery is a discarded beaver puppet. It sounds absurd, but it's very well done, I assure you! On DVD now.
10. The Tree of Life - (PG-13) - This earns my honor as the film I 'appreciated' most. It's a work of art - a beautiful work of art. It's also really long, and with a piece of art, I am not the patient kind of person who can stand too long and look at anything, so this movie did take forever to finish. It's a real accomplishment though, and I'm very glad I saw it. On DVD now.
11. Fast Five - (PG-13) - The fourth sequel in a series I wasn't too fond of surprised me more than any other film this year in that I went in thinking I was going to hate it and instead had a blast! It's like an Ocean's movie with cars, and it's so much fun. On DVD now.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Dan Awards 2011
THE DAN AWARDS - 2011
For those of you that don't know, every year for the past six or seven years, the day before my birthday I reveal my picks for the best and worst things in the previous year of my life. There are some odd categories, there are some odd winners and, for that matter, odd losers. Categories come and go as I see fit, and I make no apologies for any award or diss that is distributed - these are the Dan Awards, and if you don't like them, I really don't care. So if you choose to keep reading, know that these awards might mention you. You might not like what you see, but that is what the comment section is for. If you happen to win an award, feel free to leave an acceptance speech in the comments as well. If Kanye West has anything to say, at least he cannot interrupt you, but he can post whatever he wants if he disagrees with my choice in any category. And for what it's worth, I don't like Taylor Swift either. (This is almost exactly the same intro as the 2009 awards, but it still fits here so I'm not going to change it.)
This thing is also chock-full of spelling and grammar errors. I wrote it early and in the AM, most of it, so I don't care. You can correct me if you want, but I won't change anything.
THE BEGINNING
Welcome to the 2011 Dan Awards. If I was to choose a host for this show, that honor would go to the first recipient of a Dan Award:
Dan Award for Person Who I Would Most Like to Host This Show:
Amy Poehler - Tina Fey has won this award the past two years, so it's time to give her a break and throw this to an almost equally talented comic force. Parks and Recreation has gone from crap to AMAZING from season one until now, in it's fourth season, and her Leslie Knope character is priceless. I actually want the host to be Knope. But since this is a low budget awards show, you get me anyhow.
THE ENTERTAINMENT ONES
As an avid movie fan, I feel it only appropriate to next reveal my favorite movie that I watched in the past year of my life (note that all the awards are from things that happened from September 27th, 2010 - September 26th, 2010). There were many great contenders, but....
Dan Award for Movie That Totally Rocked This Past Year:
Win Win - It was so close! It was between this, and 127 Hours. If I think about it too long I will change my mind back. Another Earth would also be a close third. Win Win balances being a sweet movie with an original story that hinges on the performances. Fortunately, Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, and a bunch of others turn in their very best, making Win Win live up to its name.
Dan Award for Movie That I Hated the Most This Past Year:
Little Fockers - It was between this and Skyline. Skyline I knew was going to be bad – it was – and it was no fun either – why I hated it. But LF should have been good. BETTER anyways. There was so much wasted talent that the only thing it will win is this award.
Dan Award for Best SCRIPTED Television Show:
I LOVE 30 Rock, and it has won for as long as I can remember - and it wins again. Hands down. There isn't a smarter, more consistent comedy on the air now. There was this medical study done that said if you are looking forward to a comedy show at night, your whole day at work is better. Thursdays are the best day for that then. Their live episode last fall was genius, and while it's become more and more crazy, I love every minute. I must say, The Good Wife and Modern Family were both contenders.
Dan Award for Best REALITY Television Show:
The Amazing Race lost the Emmy only one time out of like nine or ten (to Top Chef), but it never has, and most likely never will, lose the Dan Award. If you haven't watched this show yet, you're absolutely missing the very best hour on television period. If you think you hate reality tv, you haven't watched this yet. I dare you to watch a season of this and not love it. I actually get more excited about this show than I should – I mean, I always order dinner for the first and last episodes of every season to have my own personal viewing party.
Dan Award for Most Promising New Show of This Fall:
While I really enjoyed the new show Two Broke Girls, I would have to say the show that shows the MOST PROMISE is Up All Night. The first two episodes were very solid – not brilliant – but solid. I love the characters, especially the self-help TV guru played by Maya Rudolph (who I almost always call Maya Angelou). And it doesn't hurt it's from SNL and 30 Rock producer Lorne Michaels.
Dan Award for Television Show That Was So Bad I Wouldn't Watch More Than One Episode:
While Whitney sucked, Cummings likability will get me to watch one more episode. I won't however watch the horrible reality show Take the Money and Run again. Bertram Van Munster, my hero (co-creator of Amazing Race) directed and co-produced this dreadful little misfire where contestants are supposed to hide a briefcase and then get arrested while investigators search for it. The premise is fun – but the execution is laughable.
Dan Award for Best CD That I Purchased Legally:
First of all, I never download or rip music I haven't paid for. So that being said, my most satisfying CD purchase of the last year is an easy choice. Doo-Wops and Hooligans from the incredible Bruno Mars. He is one of the best new singers to emerge in a long time, and his CD boasts one hit after another.
Dan Award for Song of the Year:
This took some serious thought, and the winner ends up at “Shine the Light” by Sugarland. It's such a moving song about friendship and being there for people. Basically for me it's sort of a “I wish I had someone like that” song that makes me kind of sad when I hear it, but it's so good.
Dan Award for Best Concert That I Attended:
The winner is Brandon Flowers - his show at the House of Blues in Boston was incredible, and proved he could successfully break off from leading my favorite group The Killers to put together a solid CD.
Dan Award for Worst Show I Paid Money For:
I love Daniel Tosh - but when he came to Boston, and I paid $75 bucks, he let me down in a big way. He mocked Christianity - but the bigger offense to the masses was that he wasn't very funny. I can take a religious joke now and then - we're a funny people - but I cannot take being bored when spending so much money.
Dan Award for Celebrity Who Annoyed Me the Most (aka Dr. Phil Award):
Oh there are so many! I actually enjoyed watching the Charlie Sheen thing pan out, so he doesn't win. Each member of the cast of Jersey Shore could be contenders, but they aren't THAT bad. I don't allow politicians in this category. So with that said, the winner is Lady Gaga. She (He? It?) is everywhere. She (He? It?) isn't horrible, but she (He? It?) is unavoidable. I am not a fan, so this is a bad thing. And the antics and costumes she wears to make headlines are pathetic. As someone who works with youth, I also hated her performance of “The Edge of Glory” where she acted out a suicide. And the song “Judas” is pathetic – including her release of it during Holy Week. Fortunately, Adele is kicking her Kermit clad butt on the CD chart.
Dan Award for Best Book He Actually Finished As Opposed to the Eleven Others He Started and Still Plans to Finish But Knows Deep Down He Probably Never Will (This is Kind of Like the Book Equivalent of Watching the Television Show 'Lost'):
I am now a Hunger Games freak, and this is the year it all started. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins was the second entry, and IMHO (which is all that matters at the Dan Awards, TYVM), was the strongest of the three. Usually middle books (who I am kidding, I mean middle movies) are the weakest as they really just connect the beginning to the end, but here Collins shifts the story in a better direction and creates some very interesting conflict. Loved it.
THE BUSINESS/WEB ONES
These are a little more rapid fire for the most part.
Dan Award for Best Fast Food Restaurant: Panera Bread (good place for a vegetarian)
Dan Award for Best Dine-In Restaurant: On the Border (best Mexican)
Dan Award for Best Appetizer: Remy's Nachos (Boston Harbor Location ONLY)
Dan Award for Best Guilty Pleasure Eating: Denny's (I love it, and I don't even get drunk before I go.)
Dan Award for Best New Beverage Flavor: Vitamin Water Zero Blood Orange and Mixed Berry (that's one drink, with a long name – I made this category up just to give it something it's that good. But only when cold. Really cold.).
Dan Award for Best Product I Discovered: Vinylmation – they are 3' and 9' inch collectable Mickey Mouse molds painted to represent hundreds of different things and characters. My collection has begun!
Dan Award for Store That I Still Continue To Hate Despite Often Going In: (tie) Yankee Candle and Lowes
Dan Award for Best Online Store: Duh, Amazon.com
Dan Award for Worst Online Site I Visit Every Day: EW.com – the ads are maddening! I subscribe to the magazine so I should get an ad-free website to visit.
Dan Award for Best Social Media Site: Despite being very annoying and changing every month, Facebook still wins.
THE PERSONAL ONES
Dan Award for Best Accomplishment of My 27th Year:
This was a pretty slow year. A couple of years ago the award here was me getting on a national reality show. Before that meeting President Obama (before he won) and hitting a low weight were contenders. This year I can barely think of one. So I guess there isn't one this year. (CROWD GASPS). I mean, I guess I could say seeing like 130 movies in theaters in one year is an accomplishment, although that may be more a sign of an illness so I don't know.
Dan Award for Best Vacation Moment:
Back at the end of May, beginning of June I went to Florida for a week. The time was mostly just okay – family tension – ugh – nearly ruined the trip. But a lunch with my former boss at my university library/friend and another great friend almost single-handedly (sp?) salvaged the trip. So the winners here are Grace Veach and Lora King. Thank you for being great friends.
Dan Award for Best New Friend:
My DVR won this last year, and since I cannot give it to that again, I will have to say no winner here. There is a contender (a person) in the works, but it's too early to say.
Dan Award for Kindest Unexpected Gesture From a Friend:
I will have to say the staff at Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services for kicking in and getting me a birthday present. It was not called for, not expected, and so touching. If you have any extra money and want a good organization to throw it to, they should get it – they do great social work with so little. Also, I just got a card birthday card in the mail from Megan from I Survived a Japanese Game Show – didn't expect it and it was SOOOOO nice and surprising.
Dan Award for Friend Who, Out of Nowhere, Was a Jerk:
So I retired this award last year, as I don't like negativity (LOL, well, I'm trying not to like it). This year I had to bring it back though - there had to be a winner. Normally I have no problem calling someone out, but here I do. So this will remain a mystery...but the recipient probably knows who they are....and they are probably reading this....BUM BUM BUUUUUM.
Dan Award for Most Uplifting Friend (aka The Lora King Award):
Everybody in the world needs a Lora King in their life. I met her in college, and she is one of the only people I still talk to almost every few weeks. She is an incredible person, and even when she's going through crap in her life, she is always more concerned what's going on in the lives of others. She is truly a blessing.
Dan Award for Friend of the Year:
She's won this award many times, and again, she defends her title. Lora King, as mentioned above, is one of the kindest and most caring people one will ever meet. She is hilarious and genuine and well, if you don't know her, you should. If you do know her, and don't think she's amazing, you are probably an idiot.
Closing 27th Year Remarks:
As my birthday is on September 27th, I always thought in some superstitious way that my 27th year would be my best. Well, I got strep throat three times, and a viral infection. Had a bunch of other stuff occur that I won't discuss here. And basically hated much of the past year. If this is my best, that's really depressing.
Looking to 28:
Well, it won't be worse than 27. Most likely. Hopefully. Is anyone still reading this? I feel like writing a swear just to check, but I think I have a web-stalker or two out there who I don't want to offend. Hi both of you! How are your cats? And with that, we now rejoin your local news.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My Time as an Extra on the Set of Ted
It seems like every post I start out apologizing for how bad I've been with blogging lately. Between being crazy busy at work, having strep twice, and dealing with a lot of other stuff in the past month, blogging fell way down the priority list. I did recently have a neat movie going experience which I will start here, and have you finish reading about on my friend's site if you're so inclined. Enjoy!
My Time as an Extra on the Set of Ted
by Dan Barbour
I won’t be walking down read carpets any time soon, but when the movie Ted hits theaters next year, I am going to proudly state that I’m in it. And I won’t be lying. As in most films, the upcoming vulgar teddy-bear movie starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane needed background actors (more commonly known as ‘extras’) for a concert scene at the Hatch Shell in Boston. Extras are people who don’t have lines in a movie, but are seen doing something around the primary actors/action in a scene. Say you’re watching a movie where the lead characters are eating dinner at a restaurant, the extras here would be those dining at the other tables. It’s a simple yet important factor in creating a realistic environment in a movie. Continue reading by clicking here.
My Time as an Extra on the Set of Ted
by Dan Barbour
I won’t be walking down read carpets any time soon, but when the movie Ted hits theaters next year, I am going to proudly state that I’m in it. And I won’t be lying. As in most films, the upcoming vulgar teddy-bear movie starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane needed background actors (more commonly known as ‘extras’) for a concert scene at the Hatch Shell in Boston. Extras are people who don’t have lines in a movie, but are seen doing something around the primary actors/action in a scene. Say you’re watching a movie where the lead characters are eating dinner at a restaurant, the extras here would be those dining at the other tables. It’s a simple yet important factor in creating a realistic environment in a movie. Continue reading by clicking here.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Five Word Review Updates
Ironically enough, last May I updated my blog every day. This year, May was crazy, and I didn't update it at all. I look forward to writing throughout the whole summer season though. Here are some five word reviews to fill in the gaps of when I last posted....because as always, while I have been too busy to write about movies, I have not been too busy to see them!
Hanna - Good action movie, not great. (6/10)
Something Borrowed - A terrible terrible romantic "comedy". (2/10)
Fast Five - Silly yet entertaining heist flick. (7.5/10)
Rio - Only for the little ones. (4/10)
Win Win - My favorite movie so far. (9/10)
Thor - Entertaining and exciting superhero saga. (8/10)
Bridesmaids - Overly raunchy yet still amusing. (6/10)
The Beaver - Touching and well acted drama. (8/10)
Of Gods and Men - Sad, moving story about monks. (7/10)
Pirates of the Carribbean 4 - So boring, dumb, and long. (2.5/10)
Pirates of the Carribbean 4 - So boring, dumb, and long. (2.5/10)
Hangover 2 - Not as good as the first. (5.5/10)
X-Men: First Class - Entertaining, classy, and very fun. (8/10)
Everything Must Go - Too sad to suggest seeing. (4/10)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Movie Review: SCREAM 4
I remember the first movie that I watched behind my parents back. I was 17. Normally, I obeyed my folks, but I was totally frustrated with their super-strict ways, and I felt like a rebel popping in a VHS copy of the newly released Teaching Mrs. Tingle (oh, and did I mention it was only rated PG-13). This movie changed my life. Not because it was amazing, but because it's what first introduced me to crappy fun horror films. Since then, I've watch dozens upon dozens of others, and none of them have topped the Scream trilogy. When I heard they were making a fourth, I was excited. Many of the familiar characters would be back (the surviving ones anyways - including heroine Sidney Prescott), and it's been a while since we the viewer have been to Woodsboro. I was okay with them cashing in (or trying to as it turns out) because I liked the previous entries so much.And boy what fun it is! Not because it's an amazing cinematic achievement (not by a long shot), not because of the great acting (it's campy as heck), and not because of the new ground it's breaking (it's a total retread). I loved it because I felt like I was back in my bedroom with the volume way down so nobody would hear, sneaking something new and forbidden, and I was having one heck of a good time. The tension was high, the blood was everywhere, and I didn't see the twist coming. I loved the way the direction had the characters going on and off screen, keeping the number of suspects at a maximum. Alone in the theater, I was literally muttering "Oh it's gotta be her" and "It's him! It's him!" only to have the people in question slaughtered in the next scene. This is why I go to this type of film, and this is why I left happy.
Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette are a few returns to the series, while Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Emma Roberts (It's Kind of a Funny Story), and a slew of other new potential victims add to the fun. As I said, it's not amazing, but it's very fun. If you don't like this type of movie, you shouldn't go. But if you've missed the fun the Scream trilogy offered many years ago, this is a must see. I would give it a 7 out of 10.
Family Take: Um, if countless stabbings aren't enough for you, there is enough profanity to fill 100 R rated movies.
If You Like Scream 4 Try: Try the original trilogy. Actually, you really should see those first.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
More Mini-Reviews
I can't believe it's been about a year since I started this blog! The last couple of months have not been great post-wise, but I've been crazy busy (some work, some fun, all busy), and this doesn't take top priority. I still love blogging though. Here are a few more mini reviews and soon, the full reviews will be back.
Your Highness - A terrible waste of talent in a terrible film. I hated this more than most this year. 2 out of 10.
Soul Surfer - Probably the best film of faith ever made, unfortunately that's not saying much. This true story about a girl who loses her arm to a shark (in a hilariously campy scene) is both moving and silly. 6 out of 10.
Water for Elephants - If Big Fish were stripped of all it's magic, it would be WFE, a harmless yet pretty boring movie that's well acted and shot. I didn't hate it, but I won't watch it again. 5 out of 10.
Madea's Big Happy Family - Going to a Tyler Perry film is a cultural experience. I don't want to sound racist, but these films aren't exactly made for white guys in their twenties. That being said, while the film was overacted and silly (both in good ways and bad), I found myself laughing through the entire film. It dragged a bit (no pun intended) but it will still please Madea fans. 6 out of 10.
All right, full reviews will come with the next movie I see! Peace!
Your Highness - A terrible waste of talent in a terrible film. I hated this more than most this year. 2 out of 10.
Soul Surfer - Probably the best film of faith ever made, unfortunately that's not saying much. This true story about a girl who loses her arm to a shark (in a hilariously campy scene) is both moving and silly. 6 out of 10.
Water for Elephants - If Big Fish were stripped of all it's magic, it would be WFE, a harmless yet pretty boring movie that's well acted and shot. I didn't hate it, but I won't watch it again. 5 out of 10.
Madea's Big Happy Family - Going to a Tyler Perry film is a cultural experience. I don't want to sound racist, but these films aren't exactly made for white guys in their twenties. That being said, while the film was overacted and silly (both in good ways and bad), I found myself laughing through the entire film. It dragged a bit (no pun intended) but it will still please Madea fans. 6 out of 10.
All right, full reviews will come with the next movie I see! Peace!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Mini-Review Catch-Up
Things have been absolutely crazy, and again, while I have been going to movies, I haven't had the time or energy to write about each one. Once May hits, things should get a little bit better. Here are my mini-reviews:
The Lincoln Lawyer
A well told, entertaining legal thriller starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillipe, and William H. Macy. I liked it alot, but also felt I could see the same thing if I tuned into Law & Order. There wasn't a single twist I didn't see coming, but again, I was entertaining. Out of 10, I would give this a 6.5.
Limitless
Bradley Cooper, who got his start on one of my favorite shows of all-time, Alias, plays a man who discovers a pill that lets him live to his full potential. The first half-hour of this movie is brilliant. The rest is sloggish, and the ending is wrapped up so quickly I was ultimately unsatisfied. It would score a 4.5 on my scale.
Battle LA
Finally, they've made a film for those who like explosions. They didn't bog it down with plot, character development, good dialog - no, they just decided to blow a bunch of crap up and hope people would pay to see the destruction. For me, this one joins Sanctum as one of the years very worst. 1.5 out of 10.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2
Maybe it's because I work in a library, and maybe it's because I think the book series is exceptional, but I found myself laughing far more than I expected to at this second outing with Greg Heffley, the middle school modern era Charlie Brown. I loved the characters and the sequel greatly improved on the original. I would give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Mars Needs Moms
And I wish they'd take this awful movie too. 2 out of 10.
Source Code
My early favorite movie of the year. People keep comparing it to Inception but that's not really fair. This terrorism, war game, Groundhog's Day, style thriller is original, fast-paced, and does what many movies fail to do (including Inception) - wrap up the story perfectly. I loved it. Great acting from Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and the ever exceptional Vera Farmiga. I've seen it twice already. 8.5 out of 10.
Hop
I was absolutely bored to death watching this never-ending story about the Easter bunny to be. Little kids will like it (as did my mom), but I was definitely not their target audience. It just made me appreciate Pixar all the more. 3 out of 10.
Alright, that's all for now!
The Lincoln Lawyer
A well told, entertaining legal thriller starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillipe, and William H. Macy. I liked it alot, but also felt I could see the same thing if I tuned into Law & Order. There wasn't a single twist I didn't see coming, but again, I was entertaining. Out of 10, I would give this a 6.5.
Limitless
Bradley Cooper, who got his start on one of my favorite shows of all-time, Alias, plays a man who discovers a pill that lets him live to his full potential. The first half-hour of this movie is brilliant. The rest is sloggish, and the ending is wrapped up so quickly I was ultimately unsatisfied. It would score a 4.5 on my scale.
Battle LA
Finally, they've made a film for those who like explosions. They didn't bog it down with plot, character development, good dialog - no, they just decided to blow a bunch of crap up and hope people would pay to see the destruction. For me, this one joins Sanctum as one of the years very worst. 1.5 out of 10.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2
Maybe it's because I work in a library, and maybe it's because I think the book series is exceptional, but I found myself laughing far more than I expected to at this second outing with Greg Heffley, the middle school modern era Charlie Brown. I loved the characters and the sequel greatly improved on the original. I would give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Mars Needs Moms
And I wish they'd take this awful movie too. 2 out of 10.
Source Code
My early favorite movie of the year. People keep comparing it to Inception but that's not really fair. This terrorism, war game, Groundhog's Day, style thriller is original, fast-paced, and does what many movies fail to do (including Inception) - wrap up the story perfectly. I loved it. Great acting from Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and the ever exceptional Vera Farmiga. I've seen it twice already. 8.5 out of 10.
Hop
I was absolutely bored to death watching this never-ending story about the Easter bunny to be. Little kids will like it (as did my mom), but I was definitely not their target audience. It just made me appreciate Pixar all the more. 3 out of 10.
Alright, that's all for now!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Movie Review: CEDAR RAPIDS
photo © 2009 Shana Fagan | more info (via: Wylio)Cedar Rapids, produced by the same folks who did one of my all time favorite movies, Sideways, is the exact type of indie-comedy that on paper I would expect to love. A likable cast (led by Ed Helms of The Hangover and The Office fame), a simple but nice premise, and a stamp of approval by many who saw it upon it's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival left me with high expectations. Unfortunately though, for every joke that's successful, there are two more that aren't. And there are barely enough jokes good or bad to even label this a comedy in the first place. The film follows the *sarcasm* exciting *end sarcasm* world of insurance sales people attending an annual conference. Tim Lippe (pronounced Lippy), is a man who tries to live life "correctly". He doesn't drink, isn't crazy, and has become content with his simple life. His only fault is his ongoing affair with his childhood schoolteacher played by Sigourney Weaver (who was grossly underused.) When he attends his first conference, he is thrown into a pretty unbelievably exciting world of debauchery.
The best part of this movie was Anne Heche, who turned in a phenomenal supporting performance as Joan Fox, a flirtatious and fun rep. While many parts of her character were left undeveloped, there was something about the character that made you really like her.
While this movie wasn't a complete failure, and there were a couple of very good moments, the overall tone was kind of mean-spirited. It's not a black comedy, but it comes pretty close. I think the film lacked the proper direction to really connect with me. One moment characters are dealing with infidelity, drugs, and strong sexual themes, while the next moment they are lighting farts on fire and playing around in a ball-pit at a kids play place. Overall, I would give it a 6 out of 10. Wait for the DVD,
Parental Take: This R rated comedy is crass and vulgar, and most certainly not for children or teens.
If You Like Cedar Rapids Try: As I said, the same folks produced the far superior movie in Sideways.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I've Fallen Behind!!!
Sorry everyone! I have been terrible about updating the blog for the past few weeks. I went to do it one time and the service was down, and then saw so many movies I got overwhelmed. So I am going to post a bunch of really short reviews simply to catch up. If you want to talk about any of them, message me or leave a comment and I will share further thoughts/arguments.
Barney's Version - An excellent indie film - don't miss it (if you can find it!). 8.5/10
The Ride - Amazing Race host's documentary about his charity bike ride across the country. Decent, but too long. 6.5/10
Unknown - Stupid stupid stupid, but very entertaining. 6/10
Sanctum - Stupid stupid stupid, but...well, no buts. 3/10
I Am Number Four - Cheesy CW style movie that was a heck of a lot of fun. 6.5/10
Just Go With It - Typical Adam Sandler with a very likable Jennifer Aniston. 6.5/10
The Eagle - Disappointing period film that was very dull, boring, and nearly unwatchable. 3/10
Hall Pass - The funniest film since "The Hangover" - there, I said it. 7.5/10
Rango - Amazing animated film to look at with an average, overdone storyline. Not for young kids. 7/10
The Grace Card - Preachy Christian film that is laughably bad. 3/10
The Adjustment Bureau - Inception this ain't. Still fun, but almost no depth. 6.5/10
Take Me Home Tonight - Like watching a sitcom. But a fun sitcom. With more swearing. 6/10
All right, sorry for this "cop out", but I've been running non-stop at the library where I work, but still going to movies....just not having the time to write about them. Peace!
Barney's Version - An excellent indie film - don't miss it (if you can find it!). 8.5/10
The Ride - Amazing Race host's documentary about his charity bike ride across the country. Decent, but too long. 6.5/10
Unknown - Stupid stupid stupid, but very entertaining. 6/10
Sanctum - Stupid stupid stupid, but...well, no buts. 3/10
I Am Number Four - Cheesy CW style movie that was a heck of a lot of fun. 6.5/10
Just Go With It - Typical Adam Sandler with a very likable Jennifer Aniston. 6.5/10
The Eagle - Disappointing period film that was very dull, boring, and nearly unwatchable. 3/10
Hall Pass - The funniest film since "The Hangover" - there, I said it. 7.5/10
Rango - Amazing animated film to look at with an average, overdone storyline. Not for young kids. 7/10
The Grace Card - Preachy Christian film that is laughably bad. 3/10
The Adjustment Bureau - Inception this ain't. Still fun, but almost no depth. 6.5/10
Take Me Home Tonight - Like watching a sitcom. But a fun sitcom. With more swearing. 6/10
All right, sorry for this "cop out", but I've been running non-stop at the library where I work, but still going to movies....just not having the time to write about them. Peace!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The 2011 Oscar Predictions
photo © 2011 WEBN-TV | more info (via: Wylio)The Oscars - 2011
It’s Oscars Eve, and time for my annual predictions. I could write on and on about how this is the Superbowl of movies, the epitome of my previous year, and so on - but I won’t bore you. I am simply going to go through each major category, and say what will win, what should win, what should have been nominated, and who/what shouldn’t be there. I will also predict every other category. The numbers indicate how many of the nominees that I've seen.
To see a full list of nominees, click HERE.
Best Picture (10/10):
This is an interesting race, with ten solid films nominated. Of the ten, only five are serious contenders (The Fighter, Black Swan, The King’s Speech, The Social Network, True Grit) - the films that were also nominated for Best Director. Of these five, awards season has made it clear that it was a two-way race between The King’s Speech and The Social Network, with those two being virtually the only two that earned the various “best film” honors at other shows with similar voting pools.
Will Win: The Social Network - Many say The King’s Speech will ride various guild awards to an Oscar win, but I still think TSN will take it. I could be wrong, but that’s my prediction.
Should Win: Toy Story 3 - Due to the best animated film category, lack of a Best Director nomination, and a poor history for animated best picture contenders, there is no chance it will win. But it should. It was the most emotionally moving film, and did this while being accessible to all movie goers.
Should Have Been Nominated: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - I’m never done praising this movie, and it would be great for the Academy to recognize more than just one super surreal crazy inventive film (the other one is Inception...although Black Swan might count).
Shouldn’t Have Been Nominated: The Kids Are All Right - I liked this movie, but it was overrated. I actually felt the movie didn’t treat it’s characters with respect they deserved, and while it’s a good movie, it’s not a great one.
Best Director (5/5):
Will Win: David Fincher, The Social Network - Tom Hooper of The King’s Speech has a chance, but not a very good one. Whether or not TSN wins best picture, Fincher is a pretty sure thing here...pretty sure.
Should Win: Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan - This movie was directed so well, that in weaker hands it would have just come off as absurd.
Should Have Been Nominated: Christopher Nolan, Inception - I don’t know what this guy needs to do to get nominated. He directs well made, original movies that gross huge amounts of money, and still, he’s left out of the party. One day.
Shouldn’t Be Here: David O. Russell, The Fighter - The movie in general lacked something for me - originality. I didn’t find anything overly special in the direction. It’s really a crime that he’s here, and Nolan is not.
Best Actress (5/5):
Will and Should Win: Natalie Portman, Black Swan - No doubt. People are buzzing that Annette Bening could upset, but that really would be criminal. What Portman did in Black Swan is the definition of Oscar worthy.
Should Have Been Nominated: Noomi Rapace, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - I don’t know how the Academy could forget such a brilliant performance.
Shouldn’t Be Here: Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine - She did a great job, but putting her head-to-head with Rapace, she loses.
Best Actor (5/5):
Will Win: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech - The closest thing to a lock in the acting categories, Firth turned in a very strong title perfomance.
Should Win: James Franco, 127 Hours - Franco WAS 127 Hours. Without a strong center, the film would have been terrible. His performance reminded me of Tom Hanks in Cast Away. And I mean that as a compliment.
Should Have Been Nominated: Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine - I really appreciated the work Gosling turned in with Blue Valentine, and he was much better than...
Shouldn’t Be Here: Jeff Bridges, True Grit - Okay, seriously. All Bridges did was put on a cowboy hat and play the same role he did last year when he won (and rightly so) for Crazy Heart.
Best Supporting Actress (5/5):
Will Win: Melissa Leo, The Fighter - A few weeks ago, she was a lock. Then she ran some controversial ads in film periodicals, and now things are nowhere near as positive. A lot of her supporters may jump ship and go with Amy Adams also in The Fighter. If this happens, their votes will split giving True Grit fans a victory with awarding Hailee Steinfeld the Oscar. This very well might happen. But I am still sticking with Leo. Last year Mo’nique ticked a lot of people off during awards season, and she still won.
Should Win: Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom - Yeah, I know, I haven’t shut up about her performance all awards season, so this is the last time I will say it - Weaver deserves this more than anyone.
Should Have Been Nominated: Rosamund Pike, Barney’s Version - I haven’t reviewed this movie on my blog yet (I loved it), but Pike was tremendous. She wasn’t better than Weaver in my opinion, but she brought something special to this little seen film. I would have also liked to have seen Barbara Hershey for Black Swan.
Shouldn’t Be Here: Helena Bonham-Carter, The King’s Speech - She was great, just not as good as the rest in her category, and, in my opinion, Pike and Hershey as mentioned above.
Best Supporting Actor (5/5):
Will Win: Christian Bale, The Fighter - Bale was excellent as a drugged-up boxer, the brother of Mickey Ward. Personally I thought his character was a little too over the top, but I still think he was tremendous.
Should Win: Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech - I think when the ‘best supporting actor’ award was invented, it was to honor performances exactly like this. Rush was perfect as the speech therapist who supported the king. I loved this part so much, and I hope he wins.
Should Have Been Nominated: Bill Murray, Get Low - I liked Get Low, and that was in large part to Murray's pitch-perfect comedic performance.
Shouldn't Be Here: Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right - He was very good, just not as good as Murray..
And in the other categories....
Animated Feature Film (3/3): Toy Story 3 should and will win.
Art Direction (4/5): Alice in Wonderland will and should win.
Cinematography (5/5): True Grit will and should win.
Costume Design (3/5): Alice in Wonderland will win, and I could care less.
Documentary Feature (3/5): I haven’t seen all the nominees, but Inside Job will win, whereas I loved Exit Through the Gift Shop.
Documentary Short Subject(0/5): Poster Girl will win, but I haven’t seen any of them.
Film Editing (5/5): The Social Network will win, Black Swan should win.
Foreign Language Film (1/5): In a Better World will win, and I’ve only seen Biutiful and it doesn’t deserve to win.
Makeup (3/3): The Wolfman will win, but I would love to see Barney’s Version win something.
Music Score (5/5): The Social Network will win, but I liked the score best in How to Train Your Dragon.
Music Original Song (4/4): “If I Rise” from 127 Hours will and should win.
Animated Short Film (5/5): The Gruffalo will win, but I think The Lost Thing should - it’s so amazing.
Live Action Short Film (5/5): Wish 143 will win, and I’m okay with that as it’s really good, but my favorite of all the nominees was The Crush. I would be angry if Na Wewe won - it sounded great in the bio but was terrible. Should not have been nominated. Many are predicting that The Confession will win, but I really thought it was poorly done - a good idea though - but poorly done.
Sound Editing and Sound Mixing (10/10): Both will go to Inception and while I am no expert on these categories, I would say it’s deserved.
Visual Effects (4/5): Inception will win, and it should. I was very happy though to see a nomination for Hereafter. The tsunami scene at the beginning was the single best visual effects scene of the year.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) (5/5): The Social Network will win, but I would prefer a victory for 127 Hours.
Writing (Original Screenplay) (5/5): The King’s Speech will win, but I think Inception should.
All right, that’s my round up. I’ve seen all of the major nominees, but missed out on most of the documentaries and foreign films as the majority haven’t even opened up near me. That’s okay, can’t catch them all. I cannot wait to see how everything goes down tomorrow night!! Thoughts?
Best Picture (10/10):
This is an interesting race, with ten solid films nominated. Of the ten, only five are serious contenders (The Fighter, Black Swan, The King’s Speech, The Social Network, True Grit) - the films that were also nominated for Best Director. Of these five, awards season has made it clear that it was a two-way race between The King’s Speech and The Social Network, with those two being virtually the only two that earned the various “best film” honors at other shows with similar voting pools.
Will Win: The Social Network - Many say The King’s Speech will ride various guild awards to an Oscar win, but I still think TSN will take it. I could be wrong, but that’s my prediction.
Should Win: Toy Story 3 - Due to the best animated film category, lack of a Best Director nomination, and a poor history for animated best picture contenders, there is no chance it will win. But it should. It was the most emotionally moving film, and did this while being accessible to all movie goers.
Should Have Been Nominated: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - I’m never done praising this movie, and it would be great for the Academy to recognize more than just one super surreal crazy inventive film (the other one is Inception...although Black Swan might count).
Shouldn’t Have Been Nominated: The Kids Are All Right - I liked this movie, but it was overrated. I actually felt the movie didn’t treat it’s characters with respect they deserved, and while it’s a good movie, it’s not a great one.
Best Director (5/5):
Will Win: David Fincher, The Social Network - Tom Hooper of The King’s Speech has a chance, but not a very good one. Whether or not TSN wins best picture, Fincher is a pretty sure thing here...pretty sure.
Should Win: Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan - This movie was directed so well, that in weaker hands it would have just come off as absurd.
Should Have Been Nominated: Christopher Nolan, Inception - I don’t know what this guy needs to do to get nominated. He directs well made, original movies that gross huge amounts of money, and still, he’s left out of the party. One day.
Shouldn’t Be Here: David O. Russell, The Fighter - The movie in general lacked something for me - originality. I didn’t find anything overly special in the direction. It’s really a crime that he’s here, and Nolan is not.
Best Actress (5/5):
Will and Should Win: Natalie Portman, Black Swan - No doubt. People are buzzing that Annette Bening could upset, but that really would be criminal. What Portman did in Black Swan is the definition of Oscar worthy.
Should Have Been Nominated: Noomi Rapace, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - I don’t know how the Academy could forget such a brilliant performance.
Shouldn’t Be Here: Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine - She did a great job, but putting her head-to-head with Rapace, she loses.
Best Actor (5/5):
Will Win: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech - The closest thing to a lock in the acting categories, Firth turned in a very strong title perfomance.
Should Win: James Franco, 127 Hours - Franco WAS 127 Hours. Without a strong center, the film would have been terrible. His performance reminded me of Tom Hanks in Cast Away. And I mean that as a compliment.
Should Have Been Nominated: Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine - I really appreciated the work Gosling turned in with Blue Valentine, and he was much better than...
Shouldn’t Be Here: Jeff Bridges, True Grit - Okay, seriously. All Bridges did was put on a cowboy hat and play the same role he did last year when he won (and rightly so) for Crazy Heart.
Best Supporting Actress (5/5):
Will Win: Melissa Leo, The Fighter - A few weeks ago, she was a lock. Then she ran some controversial ads in film periodicals, and now things are nowhere near as positive. A lot of her supporters may jump ship and go with Amy Adams also in The Fighter. If this happens, their votes will split giving True Grit fans a victory with awarding Hailee Steinfeld the Oscar. This very well might happen. But I am still sticking with Leo. Last year Mo’nique ticked a lot of people off during awards season, and she still won.
Should Win: Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom - Yeah, I know, I haven’t shut up about her performance all awards season, so this is the last time I will say it - Weaver deserves this more than anyone.
Should Have Been Nominated: Rosamund Pike, Barney’s Version - I haven’t reviewed this movie on my blog yet (I loved it), but Pike was tremendous. She wasn’t better than Weaver in my opinion, but she brought something special to this little seen film. I would have also liked to have seen Barbara Hershey for Black Swan.
Shouldn’t Be Here: Helena Bonham-Carter, The King’s Speech - She was great, just not as good as the rest in her category, and, in my opinion, Pike and Hershey as mentioned above.
Best Supporting Actor (5/5):
Will Win: Christian Bale, The Fighter - Bale was excellent as a drugged-up boxer, the brother of Mickey Ward. Personally I thought his character was a little too over the top, but I still think he was tremendous.
Should Win: Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech - I think when the ‘best supporting actor’ award was invented, it was to honor performances exactly like this. Rush was perfect as the speech therapist who supported the king. I loved this part so much, and I hope he wins.
Should Have Been Nominated: Bill Murray, Get Low - I liked Get Low, and that was in large part to Murray's pitch-perfect comedic performance.
Shouldn't Be Here: Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right - He was very good, just not as good as Murray..
And in the other categories....
Animated Feature Film (3/3): Toy Story 3 should and will win.
Art Direction (4/5): Alice in Wonderland will and should win.
Cinematography (5/5): True Grit will and should win.
Costume Design (3/5): Alice in Wonderland will win, and I could care less.
Documentary Feature (3/5): I haven’t seen all the nominees, but Inside Job will win, whereas I loved Exit Through the Gift Shop.
Documentary Short Subject(0/5): Poster Girl will win, but I haven’t seen any of them.
Film Editing (5/5): The Social Network will win, Black Swan should win.
Foreign Language Film (1/5): In a Better World will win, and I’ve only seen Biutiful and it doesn’t deserve to win.
Makeup (3/3): The Wolfman will win, but I would love to see Barney’s Version win something.
Music Score (5/5): The Social Network will win, but I liked the score best in How to Train Your Dragon.
Music Original Song (4/4): “If I Rise” from 127 Hours will and should win.
Animated Short Film (5/5): The Gruffalo will win, but I think The Lost Thing should - it’s so amazing.
Live Action Short Film (5/5): Wish 143 will win, and I’m okay with that as it’s really good, but my favorite of all the nominees was The Crush. I would be angry if Na Wewe won - it sounded great in the bio but was terrible. Should not have been nominated. Many are predicting that The Confession will win, but I really thought it was poorly done - a good idea though - but poorly done.
Sound Editing and Sound Mixing (10/10): Both will go to Inception and while I am no expert on these categories, I would say it’s deserved.
Visual Effects (4/5): Inception will win, and it should. I was very happy though to see a nomination for Hereafter. The tsunami scene at the beginning was the single best visual effects scene of the year.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) (5/5): The Social Network will win, but I would prefer a victory for 127 Hours.
Writing (Original Screenplay) (5/5): The King’s Speech will win, but I think Inception should.
All right, that’s my round up. I’ve seen all of the major nominees, but missed out on most of the documentaries and foreign films as the majority haven’t even opened up near me. That’s okay, can’t catch them all. I cannot wait to see how everything goes down tomorrow night!! Thoughts?
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