Congratulations to all the winners at the 85th Academy Awards- especially Argo for taking home Best Picture. I did not watch much of the Oscars this year. Because we have not been to the movies since our son was born, I have not seen any of the movies nominated for Best Picture; but I did keep up with the winners. It was a big night for Life of Pi, leading the way with 4 Academy Awards, including Best Director. I was excited to see Django Unchained take home a couple of little men as well- Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz). Again, I haven't seen it, but I've read reviews from multiple people saying it is better than Inglorious Basterds. If that is the case, it has to be an awesome film.
As far as my Oscar predictions, I didn't do too bad. I correctly guessed 13 of the 24 categories; I was 6 for 7 in what I consider the 'big' categories (Picture, Direct, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and Foreign), missing only Best Director. Not bad for not having seen any of them. Now I just need to start watching all these movies. Hopefully by the time the 86th Academy Awards rolls around I will have done so.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Weekly Recap: Feb 17- Feb 23, 2012
A recap of the movies I watched for this first time this past week.
Featured:
Men in Black III (2012)- 5/10
In the third installment of Men in Black, Agent J (Will Smith) travels back to 1969 to stop Boris the Animal from killing a younger Agent K (Josh Brolin). Agent K originally took Boris' arm and arrested him in 1969. I wasn't a big fan of MIB II, and this one wasn't much better. I just didn't like the villain- Boris the Animal. But I did like the concept of going back in time. It was impressive how Josh Brolin pulled off a younger Tommy Lee Jones so well.
The Rest:
The Birds (1963)- 7/10- I would have liked to known the reason 'the birds' went so crazy, but it was still a solid Hitchcock thriller. I won't look at birds the same again.
Chariots of the Gods (1970)- 7/10- It is pretty dated being over 40 years old, but an interesting documentary about the possibility of alien visitations to Earth in the past.
Movies watched this week: 3
Movies watched in 2013: 30
Source: FilmAffinity
Featured:
In the third installment of Men in Black, Agent J (Will Smith) travels back to 1969 to stop Boris the Animal from killing a younger Agent K (Josh Brolin). Agent K originally took Boris' arm and arrested him in 1969. I wasn't a big fan of MIB II, and this one wasn't much better. I just didn't like the villain- Boris the Animal. But I did like the concept of going back in time. It was impressive how Josh Brolin pulled off a younger Tommy Lee Jones so well.
The Rest:
The Birds (1963)- 7/10- I would have liked to known the reason 'the birds' went so crazy, but it was still a solid Hitchcock thriller. I won't look at birds the same again.
Chariots of the Gods (1970)- 7/10- It is pretty dated being over 40 years old, but an interesting documentary about the possibility of alien visitations to Earth in the past.
Movies watched this week: 3
Movies watched in 2013: 30
Source: FilmAffinity
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Oscar Predictions 2013
Every year my wife and I sit down with a blank ballot and see who can predict the most Oscar winners. Most years we have seen at least a majority of the movies nominated, but this year we have seen exactly zero of the movies nominated for Best Picture. In fact, I have only seen 7 full length features and one short nominated in any category (Ted, Mirror Mirror, Snow White and the Huntsman, Brave, Paranorman, The Avengers, Prometheus and the short film Paperman). So this year could be kind of tough. Regardless, I am still going to make my predictions for this year; we will see how it turns out.
Best Picture: Argo- it looks like a lot of fun.
Best Director: Stephen Spielberg (Lincoln)- his name alone wins it.
Best Leading Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)- same as above.
Best Leading Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)- She wins this time.
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)- Loved him in Basterds.
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)- I hear she is great.
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour- It is nominated for Best Picture...easy call.
Best Original Screenplay: Zero Dark Thirty- The other movie that could win Best Picture.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Argo- To go with the Best Picture win.
Best Film Editing: Zero Dark Thirty- A lot goes into a good combat movie.
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi- I don't have a good reason for choosing this one.
Best Music (Score): Argo- If the music is like it is in the trailer.
Best Song: Skyfall- It is just a good sound.
Best Art Direction: Les Miserables- A bunch of big sets.
Best Costume Design: Les Miserables- A lot of old costumes required.
Best Makeup: The Hobbit- Just a hunch.
Best Sound Mixing: Les Miserables- It is all songs, so why not?
Best Sound Editing: Zero Dark Thirty- I'm sure with all the guns fire it wins.
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi- I hope The Avengers wins, but not likely.
Best Animated Feature: Paranorman- Finally one I have actually seen.
Best Short Film- Animated: Paperman- Wasn't in love with it, but folks seem to be.
Best Documentary Feature: The Invisible War- Who knows?
Best Documentary, Short Subjects: Kings Point- Again, who knows?
Best Short Film: Asad- No logic behind this one either.
Source: FilmAffinity
Best Picture: Argo- it looks like a lot of fun.
Best Director: Stephen Spielberg (Lincoln)- his name alone wins it.
Best Leading Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)- same as above.
Best Leading Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)- She wins this time.
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)- Loved him in Basterds.
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)- I hear she is great.
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour- It is nominated for Best Picture...easy call.
Best Original Screenplay: Zero Dark Thirty- The other movie that could win Best Picture.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Argo- To go with the Best Picture win.
Best Film Editing: Zero Dark Thirty- A lot goes into a good combat movie.
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi- I don't have a good reason for choosing this one.
Best Music (Score): Argo- If the music is like it is in the trailer.
Best Song: Skyfall- It is just a good sound.
Best Art Direction: Les Miserables- A bunch of big sets.
Best Costume Design: Les Miserables- A lot of old costumes required.
Best Makeup: The Hobbit- Just a hunch.
Best Sound Mixing: Les Miserables- It is all songs, so why not?
Best Sound Editing: Zero Dark Thirty- I'm sure with all the guns fire it wins.
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi- I hope The Avengers wins, but not likely.
Best Animated Feature: Paranorman- Finally one I have actually seen.
Best Short Film- Animated: Paperman- Wasn't in love with it, but folks seem to be.
Best Documentary Feature: The Invisible War- Who knows?
Best Documentary, Short Subjects: Kings Point- Again, who knows?
Best Short Film: Asad- No logic behind this one either.
Source: FilmAffinity
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Weekly Recap: Feb 10- Feb 16, 2013
A recap of the movies I watched for this first time this past week.
Featured:
The Living Daylights (1987)- 7/10
In Timothy Dalton's first appearance as James Bond, he has to stop a Russian officer and an American arms dealer from starting a World War. I quite liked Dalton as Bond. He only made one more 007 movie, so I will wait to see how that one is before I decide where he ranks among the 5 Bonds. As for the movie itself, it had an action packed plot and the villain/s were solid Bond villains. I wasn't too impressed with Maryam d'Abo as the Bond girl- she was kind of bland to me. But overall it was another solid Bond flick.
Movies watched this week: 1
Movies watched in 2013: 27
Source: IMDB
Featured:
In Timothy Dalton's first appearance as James Bond, he has to stop a Russian officer and an American arms dealer from starting a World War. I quite liked Dalton as Bond. He only made one more 007 movie, so I will wait to see how that one is before I decide where he ranks among the 5 Bonds. As for the movie itself, it had an action packed plot and the villain/s were solid Bond villains. I wasn't too impressed with Maryam d'Abo as the Bond girl- she was kind of bland to me. But overall it was another solid Bond flick.
Movies watched this week: 1
Movies watched in 2013: 27
Source: IMDB
Friday, February 15, 2013
The Terminator!
The other night I caught T3: Rise of the Machines on TV. I must say I was not a big fan of the third installment at first, but after watching it again, it is actually a pretty good movie. It works as a nice little bridge between Terminator 2: Judgement Day and the newest to the franchise, Terminator Salvation. I think now that I have seen Salvation, and we get a glimpse of the world after Judgement Day, I can fully appreciate what T3 offered.
I am a fan of the whole Terminator franchise, but I would not consider myself to be a huge fan. The Terminator was a solid flick, and I loved T2, but there was always something lacking with Rise of the Machines to me. After watching it again, I'm not real sure what my problem was with it. Nick Stahl is actually pretty solid as John Connor (now 10 years older than in T2). Claire Danes isn't great as the future Mrs. Connor, but she isn't bad; and Kristina Loken looked pretty good as the T-X- although really just a female version of Robert Patrick's liquid metal Terminator in T2. Like the first two films, it is the machines sending one of their own back in time to knock off key members of the resistance, including Mr. and Mrs. Connor, before they are actually even a part of it.
The movie has its flaws, but all of them do really. Heck, the entire plot of the first movie still baffles me. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) is sent back in time by John Connor to protect his mother, Sarah (Linda Hamilton), from being killed by a Terminator that was send back in time to kill her and prevent John from being born. Kyle sleeps with Sarah and then John is created. It's kind of like the chicken or the egg scenario- which came first? To quote Craig Robinson in Hot Tub Time Machine- "Like The Terminator; its cyclical. Right? The machines send Schwarzenegger back to kill Sarah Connor so that John Connor can never be born. But if John Connor don't send Michael Biehn back to protect her, and they never f***, then John Connor ain't born in the first place." I love that movie.
I guess my point is that I'm glad I gave T3 another shot. It is a nice lead in to Terminator Salvation, which I think I enjoyed more than most. It was nice to see the battle between the resistance and the machines finally play out. Arnold does make a cameo, but we need more of him in the next one- which is already confirmed. So he officially will be back!
I am a fan of the whole Terminator franchise, but I would not consider myself to be a huge fan. The Terminator was a solid flick, and I loved T2, but there was always something lacking with Rise of the Machines to me. After watching it again, I'm not real sure what my problem was with it. Nick Stahl is actually pretty solid as John Connor (now 10 years older than in T2). Claire Danes isn't great as the future Mrs. Connor, but she isn't bad; and Kristina Loken looked pretty good as the T-X- although really just a female version of Robert Patrick's liquid metal Terminator in T2. Like the first two films, it is the machines sending one of their own back in time to knock off key members of the resistance, including Mr. and Mrs. Connor, before they are actually even a part of it.
The movie has its flaws, but all of them do really. Heck, the entire plot of the first movie still baffles me. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) is sent back in time by John Connor to protect his mother, Sarah (Linda Hamilton), from being killed by a Terminator that was send back in time to kill her and prevent John from being born. Kyle sleeps with Sarah and then John is created. It's kind of like the chicken or the egg scenario- which came first? To quote Craig Robinson in Hot Tub Time Machine- "Like The Terminator; its cyclical. Right? The machines send Schwarzenegger back to kill Sarah Connor so that John Connor can never be born. But if John Connor don't send Michael Biehn back to protect her, and they never f***, then John Connor ain't born in the first place." I love that movie.
I guess my point is that I'm glad I gave T3 another shot. It is a nice lead in to Terminator Salvation, which I think I enjoyed more than most. It was nice to see the battle between the resistance and the machines finally play out. Arnold does make a cameo, but we need more of him in the next one- which is already confirmed. So he officially will be back!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Top 10 'Romantic' Movies
Most men don't want to admit they enjoy 'romantic' movies, but there are some out there that are really good. With Valentine's Day coming up tomorrow, I give you my Top 10 'Romantic' movies.
10. Along Came Polly (2004)- 8/10
After being dumped on his honeymoon, Reuben (Ben Stiller) reunites with an old classmate, Polly (Jennifer Aniston), who takes Reuben far outside of his play-it-safe lifestyle. This was nominated for a Razzie is 2004, but I really enjoyed it. It's one of those I will watch anytime it comes on TV. Phillip Seymour Hoffman steals the show as a former childhood actor and Reuben's best friends.
9. Fever Pitch (2005)- 8/10
Ben (Jimmy Fallon) has two loves in his life- his girlfriend (Drew Berrymore) and his baseball team. Now that I can relate to. But who will he choose in the end? Fever Pitch brings the romance, but disguises it with a lot of baseball and a good comedic performance from Fallon- something he fails to do with his late night TV show.
8. Three to Tango (1999)- 8/10
Oscar (Matthew Perry) and is business partner (Oliver Platt) are hired for a $90 million dollar restoration project by a wealthy business man. Believing Oscar is gay, the business man asks Oscar to keep an eye on his mistress, Amy (Neve Campbell). Oscar, however, is not gay and ends up falling for Amy. Things unwind in a hilarious way as Oscar tries to play along. This role was made for Matthew Perry.
7. Just Friends (2005)- 8/10
After Chris (Ryan Reynolds) professes his love to his best friend Jaime (Amy Smart), she responds that she too loves him...as a friend. He then runs off to LA, loses weight and becomes a womanizing music manager. He returns home one Christmas, runs into Jaime, and begins on the path to being more than just friends. Ryan Reynolds is hilarious, Anna Faris brilliantly plays a pop singing sensation, and Chris Klein shows his comedic side as 'Simply Dusty'- another high school classmate going after Jaime.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)- 8/10
After being dumped by his movie star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), Peter (Jason Segel) decides to take a trip to Hawaii...where he runs into Sarah and her new boyfriend, pop star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). This one just has a great cast of funny people- including Mila Kunis and Jonah Hill. Plus, Jason Segel is one of my favorite comedic actors working right now.
5. Romeo + Juliet (1996)- 8/10
Romeo and Juliet is one of the greatest love stories of all time. This version, staring Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, puts the story in modern times, without losing any of the great story. Mainly because most of the original dialogue was used throughout. We just get gun fights rather than sword fights.
4. 500 Days of Summer (2009)- 9/10
A chronicle of the 500 days of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his love for a girl named Summer (Zooey Deschanel). I don't' have much more to say other than this is just a great movie. It is a smart, unique comedy, and the cast is superb. The 'dance' scene is one of my favorite scenes of 2009.
3. Can't Hardly Wait (1998)- 9/10
This movie follows a few high school seniors on graduation night, including Preston (Ethan Embry), who sets out to tell Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), who was recently dumped by her boyfriend, how he feels about her before he leaves for school the next day. This is a classic from my childhood- I was in love with Jennifer Love Hewitt. I couldn't wait to get to high school after watching this one; and I still smile every time I hear Paradise City.
2. For Love of the Game (1999)- 9/10
An aging pitcher (Kevin Costner) goes for a perfect game at Yankee Stadium. Doesn't sound 'romantic' but while on the mound he flashes back to the woman he loved and lost (Kelly Preston). Plus the word love is in the title. With this one, Kevin Costner added yet another great sports movie to his filmography.
1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)- 9/10
Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) don't like each other at first, but years later become very close friends. Then sex screws it all up. This is simply a superb movie- a classic. The chemistry between Crystal and Ryan is unmatched in this one. And we all remember the scene in the diner.
Source: IMDB
After being dumped on his honeymoon, Reuben (Ben Stiller) reunites with an old classmate, Polly (Jennifer Aniston), who takes Reuben far outside of his play-it-safe lifestyle. This was nominated for a Razzie is 2004, but I really enjoyed it. It's one of those I will watch anytime it comes on TV. Phillip Seymour Hoffman steals the show as a former childhood actor and Reuben's best friends.
Ben (Jimmy Fallon) has two loves in his life- his girlfriend (Drew Berrymore) and his baseball team. Now that I can relate to. But who will he choose in the end? Fever Pitch brings the romance, but disguises it with a lot of baseball and a good comedic performance from Fallon- something he fails to do with his late night TV show.
Oscar (Matthew Perry) and is business partner (Oliver Platt) are hired for a $90 million dollar restoration project by a wealthy business man. Believing Oscar is gay, the business man asks Oscar to keep an eye on his mistress, Amy (Neve Campbell). Oscar, however, is not gay and ends up falling for Amy. Things unwind in a hilarious way as Oscar tries to play along. This role was made for Matthew Perry.
After Chris (Ryan Reynolds) professes his love to his best friend Jaime (Amy Smart), she responds that she too loves him...as a friend. He then runs off to LA, loses weight and becomes a womanizing music manager. He returns home one Christmas, runs into Jaime, and begins on the path to being more than just friends. Ryan Reynolds is hilarious, Anna Faris brilliantly plays a pop singing sensation, and Chris Klein shows his comedic side as 'Simply Dusty'- another high school classmate going after Jaime.
After being dumped by his movie star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), Peter (Jason Segel) decides to take a trip to Hawaii...where he runs into Sarah and her new boyfriend, pop star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). This one just has a great cast of funny people- including Mila Kunis and Jonah Hill. Plus, Jason Segel is one of my favorite comedic actors working right now.
Romeo and Juliet is one of the greatest love stories of all time. This version, staring Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, puts the story in modern times, without losing any of the great story. Mainly because most of the original dialogue was used throughout. We just get gun fights rather than sword fights.
A chronicle of the 500 days of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his love for a girl named Summer (Zooey Deschanel). I don't' have much more to say other than this is just a great movie. It is a smart, unique comedy, and the cast is superb. The 'dance' scene is one of my favorite scenes of 2009.
This movie follows a few high school seniors on graduation night, including Preston (Ethan Embry), who sets out to tell Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), who was recently dumped by her boyfriend, how he feels about her before he leaves for school the next day. This is a classic from my childhood- I was in love with Jennifer Love Hewitt. I couldn't wait to get to high school after watching this one; and I still smile every time I hear Paradise City.
An aging pitcher (Kevin Costner) goes for a perfect game at Yankee Stadium. Doesn't sound 'romantic' but while on the mound he flashes back to the woman he loved and lost (Kelly Preston). Plus the word love is in the title. With this one, Kevin Costner added yet another great sports movie to his filmography.
Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) don't like each other at first, but years later become very close friends. Then sex screws it all up. This is simply a superb movie- a classic. The chemistry between Crystal and Ryan is unmatched in this one. And we all remember the scene in the diner.
Source: IMDB
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Weekly Recap: Feb 3- Feb 9, 2013
A recap of the movies I watched for this first time this week.
Featured:
The Watch (2012)- 6/10
I was very intrigued by this one when the teaser trailer was released. I figured a movie with Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill had to include a few laughs. Then I found out it was about aliens invading their town- not at all what I was expecting from the first trailer. I went in expecting to be underwhelmed, but it really is a decent comedy. Not great by any means, and a bit over-the-top at times (to be expected in a comedy about alien invaders), but in the end, pretty fun.
The Rest:
Magic Mike (2012)- 7/10- Actually a pretty good movie. For those who are worried, there is only one 'money' shot, and it is easily avoidable.
Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music (1970)- 5/10- It definitely paints a good picture of Woodstock, but I would have preferred just a little commentary in a 4 hour documentary.
Tornado! (1996)- 4/10- Bruce Campbell and Ernie Hudson chasing tornadoes sounds fun, but it really isn't.
Arthur (1981)- 3/10- I actually found the remake with Russell Brand to be better; neither are very good though.
Movies watched this week: 5
Movies watched in 2013: 26
Source: FilmAffinity
Featured:
The Watch (2012)- 6/10I was very intrigued by this one when the teaser trailer was released. I figured a movie with Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill had to include a few laughs. Then I found out it was about aliens invading their town- not at all what I was expecting from the first trailer. I went in expecting to be underwhelmed, but it really is a decent comedy. Not great by any means, and a bit over-the-top at times (to be expected in a comedy about alien invaders), but in the end, pretty fun.
The Rest:
Magic Mike (2012)- 7/10- Actually a pretty good movie. For those who are worried, there is only one 'money' shot, and it is easily avoidable.
Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music (1970)- 5/10- It definitely paints a good picture of Woodstock, but I would have preferred just a little commentary in a 4 hour documentary.
Tornado! (1996)- 4/10- Bruce Campbell and Ernie Hudson chasing tornadoes sounds fun, but it really isn't.
Arthur (1981)- 3/10- I actually found the remake with Russell Brand to be better; neither are very good though.
Movies watched this week: 5
Movies watched in 2013: 26
Source: FilmAffinity
Friday, February 8, 2013
Movie Discovered!
I always enjoy it when I uncover a movie that I have seen, but not rated. I've been rating movies for almost 8 years now, so I pretty much covered all of them. In fact, it has been a few years since I have found a missed rating, so I thought I had found them all. But the other night I caught the movie North on TV (Elijah Wood and Bruce Willis). Now I have already rated this movie, but I was reminded of a movie I watched numerous times when I was younger. I couldn't remember the entire plot, but I could remember it was about two young boys that ran away from their parents; the older brother had the younger brother convinced he was super human, or something to that effect; towards the end the younger brother spends an awful long time in the tanning bed trying to cure himself; and on the flight home, the younger brother bites down on foil and it hurts his teeth- he thinks this is because of his condition, but the stewardess lets him know it is because of his fillings.
It didn't take but a few internet searches to find the movie- Josh and S.A.M (1993). Much to my surprise, I had not rated this movie. Score! I read the detailed plot summary and it all came back to me. Josh and S.A.M is now rated, so maybe now I have found all the movies I have seen. But it is possible there are a few from my past hiding out there.
Source: FilmAffinity
It didn't take but a few internet searches to find the movie- Josh and S.A.M (1993). Much to my surprise, I had not rated this movie. Score! I read the detailed plot summary and it all came back to me. Josh and S.A.M is now rated, so maybe now I have found all the movies I have seen. But it is possible there are a few from my past hiding out there.
Source: FilmAffinity
Monday, February 4, 2013
Star Wars: Episode XII
Just over a week ago Disney announced J.J. Abrams will be directing Star Wars: Episode XII, which will likely be released in 2015. This is great news for Star Wars fans. Abrams has directed Super 8, Star Trek and the upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness; plus he produced Cloverfield. So the guy certainly knows his sci-fi. But I find this to be an odd choice. It is a little weird, in my opinion, that Disney has hired the same guy that brought the Star Trek series back to the big screen to continue the Star Wars saga. Isn't there supposed to be a rivalry between Trekkies/Trekkers (whatever they want to be called) and Star Wars fans? For those who have seen Fanboys (funny flick) know that some folks take that rivalry seriously. I wonder what these two groups think about this decision.
That being said, I have all the confidence in Abrams with the next Star Wars. Abrams' Star Trek is an awesome ride, and Star Trek Into Darkness is at the top of my most anticipated list for 2013. Plus he really only has to out-do Episodes I-III, which most will agree, don't compare to the original trilogy.
Source: JoBlo.com
That being said, I have all the confidence in Abrams with the next Star Wars. Abrams' Star Trek is an awesome ride, and Star Trek Into Darkness is at the top of my most anticipated list for 2013. Plus he really only has to out-do Episodes I-III, which most will agree, don't compare to the original trilogy.
Source: JoBlo.com
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Weekly Recap: Jan 27- Feb 2, 2013
A recap of the movies I watched for this first time this week.
Featured:
Looper (2012)- 7/10
It will take me more than a few lines to describe the plot for this one, but you can read it here. I wasn't as in-love with this movie as a lot of folks seem to be, but it is a solid sci-fi flick; it is certainly an original story, so that was refreshing. I was especially amazed at how much JGL really looked like a young Bruce Willis.
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)- 4/10
The fifth installment of the Resident Evil franchise brings back a lot of old faces- including Jill Valentine for all those fans of the game. Gamers will also appreciate the introduction of Leon to the big screen. But in the end, Retribution is just another mediocre installment to a franchise that started off so well.
The Rest:
Rock of Ages (2012)- 6/10- Tom Cruise's character was strange at times, but the music was enough to keep me entertained.
Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)- 5/10- A decent animated feature, but no where near as good as the first Ice Age.
Gran Torino (2008)- 5/10- Clint was good, but I didn't see what all the fuss is about.
Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (2000) - 5/10- The movies just aren't as good as the old TV series.
Movies watched this week: 6
Movies watched in 2013: 21
Source: FilmAffinity
Featured:
Looper (2012)- 7/10
It will take me more than a few lines to describe the plot for this one, but you can read it here. I wasn't as in-love with this movie as a lot of folks seem to be, but it is a solid sci-fi flick; it is certainly an original story, so that was refreshing. I was especially amazed at how much JGL really looked like a young Bruce Willis.
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)- 4/10
The fifth installment of the Resident Evil franchise brings back a lot of old faces- including Jill Valentine for all those fans of the game. Gamers will also appreciate the introduction of Leon to the big screen. But in the end, Retribution is just another mediocre installment to a franchise that started off so well.
The Rest:
Rock of Ages (2012)- 6/10- Tom Cruise's character was strange at times, but the music was enough to keep me entertained.
Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)- 5/10- A decent animated feature, but no where near as good as the first Ice Age.
Gran Torino (2008)- 5/10- Clint was good, but I didn't see what all the fuss is about.
Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (2000) - 5/10- The movies just aren't as good as the old TV series.
Movies watched this week: 6
Movies watched in 2013: 21
Source: FilmAffinity
Friday, February 1, 2013
Top 10 Movies of 2011
Yes, I know, the year is 2013. So why am I posting my Top 10 movies from 2011 rather than the Top 10 from 2012? Simple. I have only watched 51 movies that were released in 2012. How can I create an accurate Top 10 list when I have yet to see films such as Agro, Zero Dark Thirty or Lincoln? I have a son that is not yet 1 year old, so needless to say, I have not been to the theatre in months. I like to give myself an entire year to catch up on all the movies released the year prior- it allows me to create a more accurate list. My sample from 2011 is over 150 movies, so much better for a Top 10 list. Feel free to strike back below.
10. Attack the Block- 8/10
A teen gang in London protects their block from an alien invasion. This little gem combines sci-fi, horror and comedy. The cast of youngsters are brilliant, and we get Nick Frost as the pot selling neighbor. What more could one want? Plus the ape-like aliens look fantastic for the budget they were working with.
9. The Change-Up- 8/10
A family man (Jason Bateman) and his bachelor best friend (Ryan Reynolds) switch bodies after making a wish while peeing in a fountain. As you can imagine, things go haywire in a hilarious way. This type of movie has been done before, but nevertheless, it had me laughing hysterically throughout.
8. Take Shelter- 8/10
Terrified by reoccuring apocalyptic dreams, Curtis (Michael Shannon) builds a storm shelter outside of his house. His erratic behavior begins to cause strain on his marriage, and causes tension with his friends in the community. Michael Shannon brilliantly plays a man that knows he may be going crazy, but can't help to feel that a 'storm' is coming and his dreams will come true. The most thought-provoking ending of the year.
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- 8/10
After being accused of slander and discredited as a journalist, Mikael (Daniel Craig) is hired to solve an unresolved family disappearance that occurred 40 years prior. He teams up with an unconventional computer hacker (Rooney Mara) to uncover the secret. Based on the popular novel, David Fincher delivers a top-notch thriller with a top-notch cast. Rooney Mara is fantastic as 'The Girl.'
6. Moneyball- 8/10
Brad Pitt stars as the Oakland Athletics' General Manager, Billy Beane, that built a very competitive team on a limited budget using computer-generated analysis. Jonah Hill earned his Oscar nomination by playing the man behind this system. I am a huge baseball fan, so it should come as no surprise that this movie is in my Top 10. It was depressing seeing the Texas Rangers at the bottom of the standings each time they were shown.
5. 50/50- 8/10
After being diagnosed with spinal cancer at the age of 27, Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) copes with the news with a little help from his best friend (Seth Rogen) and a young therapist (Anna Kendrick). It is not easy to pull off a comedy involving cancer, but 50/50 does just that. It is a very sincere movie and is not all laughs. JGL proves why he is emerging as one of the great young actors around.
4. The Descendants- 8/10
After his wife has a boating accident that puts her in a coma, Matt (George Clooney) finds out she was having an affair. With his two daughters at his side, he goes out to confront the man his wife was seeing. George is his usual brilliant self, and the rest of the cast is strong as well. Especially Shaliene Woodley who plays the oldest daughter. Even with the sensitive subject matter, there is still a few laughs throughout.
3. Thor- 8/10
Adding to the series of movies based on the Mavel comics, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast out of the realm of Asgard and down to Earth by his father Oden. He then falls in love with a scientist (Natalie Portman) while battling his brother Loki. Loki is, in my opinion, the best villain featured in the Marvel movies thus far. It is no wonder he was the featured villain in The Avengers that was released in 2012.
2. Captain America: The First Avenger- 8/10
In another movie based on a Marvel comic, we are introduced to the Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) who is injected with a serum that turns him into a super solider. The movie takes place during WW2 as Captain America battles the leader of the evil HYDRA organization. Cap is the most sincere of the Marvel heroes, as he knows what it is like to be 'weak.' Hugo Weaving delivers a terrifying performance as the leader of HYDRA, Red Skull. Cap Am is up there with Ironman as the best Marvel movie.
1. Warrior- 9/10
The journey of two brothers, one a war hero (Tom Hardy) and the other a school teacher (Joel Edgerton), that leads to them meeting in the final round of a mix martial arts tournament. I am not a big fan of MMA, or UFC, or any other of the fighting leagues that are so popular. But this movie almost made me a fan. This movie is much more than a 'fighting' movie. Each fighters story outside of the cage is just as intriguing as the awesome fights that occur in it. It was also nice to see Nick Nolte as he delivered a powerful performance as the alcoholic father.
Source: IMBD
10. Attack the Block- 8/10A teen gang in London protects their block from an alien invasion. This little gem combines sci-fi, horror and comedy. The cast of youngsters are brilliant, and we get Nick Frost as the pot selling neighbor. What more could one want? Plus the ape-like aliens look fantastic for the budget they were working with.
A family man (Jason Bateman) and his bachelor best friend (Ryan Reynolds) switch bodies after making a wish while peeing in a fountain. As you can imagine, things go haywire in a hilarious way. This type of movie has been done before, but nevertheless, it had me laughing hysterically throughout.
Terrified by reoccuring apocalyptic dreams, Curtis (Michael Shannon) builds a storm shelter outside of his house. His erratic behavior begins to cause strain on his marriage, and causes tension with his friends in the community. Michael Shannon brilliantly plays a man that knows he may be going crazy, but can't help to feel that a 'storm' is coming and his dreams will come true. The most thought-provoking ending of the year.
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- 8/10 After being accused of slander and discredited as a journalist, Mikael (Daniel Craig) is hired to solve an unresolved family disappearance that occurred 40 years prior. He teams up with an unconventional computer hacker (Rooney Mara) to uncover the secret. Based on the popular novel, David Fincher delivers a top-notch thriller with a top-notch cast. Rooney Mara is fantastic as 'The Girl.'
Brad Pitt stars as the Oakland Athletics' General Manager, Billy Beane, that built a very competitive team on a limited budget using computer-generated analysis. Jonah Hill earned his Oscar nomination by playing the man behind this system. I am a huge baseball fan, so it should come as no surprise that this movie is in my Top 10. It was depressing seeing the Texas Rangers at the bottom of the standings each time they were shown.
After being diagnosed with spinal cancer at the age of 27, Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) copes with the news with a little help from his best friend (Seth Rogen) and a young therapist (Anna Kendrick). It is not easy to pull off a comedy involving cancer, but 50/50 does just that. It is a very sincere movie and is not all laughs. JGL proves why he is emerging as one of the great young actors around.
After his wife has a boating accident that puts her in a coma, Matt (George Clooney) finds out she was having an affair. With his two daughters at his side, he goes out to confront the man his wife was seeing. George is his usual brilliant self, and the rest of the cast is strong as well. Especially Shaliene Woodley who plays the oldest daughter. Even with the sensitive subject matter, there is still a few laughs throughout.
Adding to the series of movies based on the Mavel comics, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast out of the realm of Asgard and down to Earth by his father Oden. He then falls in love with a scientist (Natalie Portman) while battling his brother Loki. Loki is, in my opinion, the best villain featured in the Marvel movies thus far. It is no wonder he was the featured villain in The Avengers that was released in 2012.
In another movie based on a Marvel comic, we are introduced to the Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) who is injected with a serum that turns him into a super solider. The movie takes place during WW2 as Captain America battles the leader of the evil HYDRA organization. Cap is the most sincere of the Marvel heroes, as he knows what it is like to be 'weak.' Hugo Weaving delivers a terrifying performance as the leader of HYDRA, Red Skull. Cap Am is up there with Ironman as the best Marvel movie.
The journey of two brothers, one a war hero (Tom Hardy) and the other a school teacher (Joel Edgerton), that leads to them meeting in the final round of a mix martial arts tournament. I am not a big fan of MMA, or UFC, or any other of the fighting leagues that are so popular. But this movie almost made me a fan. This movie is much more than a 'fighting' movie. Each fighters story outside of the cage is just as intriguing as the awesome fights that occur in it. It was also nice to see Nick Nolte as he delivered a powerful performance as the alcoholic father.
Source: IMBD
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