Mission Impossible IV: entertaining throwback

The franchise, having started phenomenally strong, had waned in its later sequels.  To the point where I lost count of which one we were on (let alone what happened in II and the overlooked III). For those looking to re-experience the glory days of the original series, you are in for a treat.  Not only bringing back opt-in missions (saying the tagline “should you choose to accept”), but also with its traditional-style jokes.   Of course, it is chocked full of physically impossible scenes that take you on a world tour from Dubai to Mumbai.  All in all, it was a great joyride where the supporting actors (big ups to Renner and Pegg) only enhance Cruise’s antics.

Verdict:  It’s cool enough(matinee)

Sherlock Holmes 2: dumber yet enjoyable

Even though they kept all the characters from the first film, I’d say changes were definitely made.  Aesthetically, the ante was upped; I can confidently call the scene in the woods the coolest thing I’d seen in a really long time.  Opting not to mail it in like the Hangover II, Ritchie slowed the pace of the film, increased the humor (or lowered its quality), and made it easier to take in one sitting.  The first installment was quick, complex, and mumbled (forgive my American ear), making it hard to follow.  Though, the adjustments may have dumbed it down, it made the film far more enjoyable… they don’t call it a formula for nothing.

Verdict: I don’t regret it (full price)

A brief note on the holidays...

I have a love-hate relationship with the ridiculously hectic holiday season between November 21^st and Jan 2^nd.  I love the time I get to spend with family and old friends, the obscene amounts of food I consume, not to mention the new stuff you need to find space for in your overstuffed carry-on luggage.  The amount of money I spend on food, presents, and plane tickets is shameful, and the percentage of time I waste is unattainable at any other time of the year.  Still, this is the time I spend catching up on the last releases of the year.  A cherished pastime in my family, every year we’d see an average of 3 movies a week.  This year proved to be no different, spurring the volume of films seen in December (and then written up about early January... when I find the time).

A brief note on time management

Time is both the most consistent and inconsistent thing in a person’s live.  You can always find some of it, but it often seems to be used in the most frivolous ways… watching 3 seasons of Battlestar Gallatica in 2 weeks, staying out on a Tuesday until 4 am, having brunch for 3 hours.  All of these activities are limited to short-term, if not immediate consumed, benefits.  And always at the cost of something you “really should be doing.”  So, needless to say, I am returning from my hiatus (though to my defense, it was the first semester of grad school) to clock some long-overdue computer time.  Though I’m sure nobody missed me.

Friends with Benefits: I'm unsure

I didn't love it. But I didn't hate it. Somewhere between tolerated and liked.  It flirted with the traditional plots of any good rom-com (someone falls in love and it feels unrequited), though it took a more earnest approach to how that relationship evolves and matures.  To be fair, I have had many debates with friends about how it was the triumphant movie over No Strings Attached (I apparently am in the minority thinking FWB lost).

The Black List: Summer Bombs

I get the whole blockbuster season of the summer.  Eager boys riding their bikes to the local theater to watch nothing but stuff blow up and consume lots of sugar.  An expensive but profitable business model.  However, I am not a 13 year old boy.  Thus, the second installment of the boycott list Summer 2011:

Title	Rationale
The Change-Up	I really wanted to, I did.  But I have a sneaking suspicion that the funny parts are in the trailers, and the rest of the intended humor I would find unnecessarily disgusting.
Conan the Barbarian	I wasn’t interested in the first one, let alone a remake with an unrecognizable actor.  Had they cast Joe Manganiello, that would be a different story…
Cowboys & Aliens	And it had sooo much potential.  Great cast, zippy and unexpected twist on a classic premise… and yet this film just screams buyer’s remorse.  Considering the trailer’s lack of words, it still left a lot to be desired.
Green Lantern	I get that Ryan Reynolds wants to change it up, but he’s just so good at being understatedly funny.  As this looks like a hodge-podged plot for an unknown superhero, no amount of charm could save it.
Cars 2/Spy Kids 4/ The Smurfs in 3D	Aside from the fact there are too many numbers in their titles, I am just not the appropriate age for this. I like family movies as much as the next kid, but these seem a little too silly/ remedial (no Finding Nemo).

Larry Crowne: somewhat relevant

For something written by a middle-aged man, it was surprisingly hip.  Kudos to Tom Hanks.  It highlighted many of the generational differences between his character and the twenty-somethin’s of America.  Focusing on the somewhat capricious nature of kids today, when it rubs off on Larry and he finds his true passion, it’s a victory that everyone can enjoy. Though I’m a bit confused on the actual point of Julia Roberts’ character, the rest of the story was touching.  Not my favorite, but cute enough.

Verdict: you can wait (Netflix)

A Brief Note on the (Pre-)Sequel

There are some stories that are just that good.  It’s a fact.  Sometimes it’s because of the characters and sometimes it’s the plot itself.   And because they are so good, you want more: backstory, fiascos, triumphs and loves.  HOWEVER, not every movie can spawn a franchise.  Sometimes, it is meant to just be a movie.  You cannot feed me the exact same scenario and expect me not to be pissed.  I find it downright insulting when the powers that be (writers, producers, studios, etc.) just mail-in the movie and expect us to be happy.  Prequels and sequels require more than just the entertainment to original brought; it needs to enhance the franchise.  In other words, add value.  I should learn something new about Spiderman, Batman, Harry Potter, and/or Jason Borne.  Otherwise, don’t use the same flippin’ characters!  You know you’re wrong for that.  To be sure, I appreciate a franchise as much as anyone (Star Trek, Star Wars, Batman, etc.).  But there is a brand to maintain, or at least some pride.  

Harry Potter 7: Fantastic. Period.

Because there have been some artistic liberties taken with the Harry Potter series over the last decade, leaving out valuable and memorable connections between characters that validate the roles they play, I decided not to re-read the 7^th book.  Smart move.  Watching free of biases, I appreciated the story itself and the accompanying visuals.  To reiterate, really stunning effects.  I'm not sure if it followed the book to the letter (or fully explained when it half-heartedly did), but that was irrelevant to the story it told.  It definitely did the series justice, with enough action and story to truly make it an epic conclusion.

Verdict: Buzzworthy (Go for it!)

Transformers 3: 3>2 but…

So, after the second failed installment of this franchise, I seriously wanted to boycott this film on principal alone.  But I must admit, this installment’s attempt at redemption did add some goodwill towards robot cars.  While casting a super model female lead and having excessive body shots of her was unnecessary at best (she stays miraculously clean while running through a decimated Chicago), I was still amused by everything else.    While I teeter between amused by its ridiculous nature or by its entertaining qualities, at least it touches entertainment (which I could not say for the sequel).

Verdict: See at some point in time (Rent it)

X-Men—First Class: nostalgic fire

So, I found this one a 75/25; 75% rad, 25% unnecessary.  The rad part is the origins piece: dedicating an entire movie to backstories is always a good idea, and the fact that it tackles four well-known characters just adds to the awesomeness.  First Class explores Magneto’s hatred of humanity by demonstrating our shortcomings multiple times throughout the film.  The only downside of the film is the historical aspect (i.e. WWII).  One of the cool things about the X-Men saga is that it takes place in a non-descript time and place.  By placing this story firmly in our timeline, from the 40s to the 70s, forces us to evaluate the plausibility of the story rather than enjoy it in its own element (like Star Wars in a galaxy far far away…). 

Verdict: only if you’re a fan of the franchise (rent)

Tree of Life: artistically liberal

It was a lot to handle.  Characters are used like props in the background, rather than the focus of the scene like I'm used to.  It definitely took me off-guard as I sat through a 20 minute interlude (1/3 of the way into it) of natural photos and scenery set to an opera.  I was never quite sure what I was watching, or what I was learning about... but it was definitive that the piece had a viewpoint.  Yeah, piece rather than film.  It was like watching an installation on the beauty of nature in the M.I.A. (Mpls Institute of Art for those less familiar with the place).  However you classify it, it is not for those who are easily unnerved by the unexpected (there were dinosaurs) or those who expect to see much of Sean Penn or Brad Pitt.
Verdict: uh... yeah, I got nothing (Matinee?!)

Midnight in Paris: nostalgically adorable

Not going to lie, I'm not the biggest fan of Woody Allen.  I like intellectual banter as much as the next person, but it often overpowers the storylines, and makes them impossible to relate to.  However, this fantastic tale of a young couple in Paris picks the prenuptial jitters and runs with it.  Of course there is the needed pedantic antagonist, but his role has been reduced to a mild irritation.  The story still rewards the well-read (of which I am not), but not enough to overpower the story.  All in all, it is a great movie about love... the love of a life fullfilled, a love to share it with, and the love of the magic of Paris.
Verdict: Put it on the to-do list (Buzzworthy)

Bridesmaids: Crazy awesome

Although these reviews are meant to focus solely on the movie to help you decide whether or not it is worth your time and money, I'm just going to take a moment to awe at Apatow Productions.  I'm a die-hard fan of the down, dirty, and purely awkward imitation of life that is prevelant in its scripts.  Big ups to Judd Apatow and Paul Feig for doing it in Bridesmaids like only they can.  From the openining scene to the 13 that followed, this movie was non-stop amusing.  Ridiculous, raunchy, and excessive, but always amusing.  What's even better, is that half of the jokes in the trailers weren't in the movies.  You know it's always disheartening when you've seen all the funny parts in a film via the trailer, but Bridesmaids apparently just had that much useable material! I think this is one of the few that crosses over the gender divide beautifully, entertaining men and women alike.  Bravo Paul, Kristen, and Judd!!!
Verdict: Why wouldn't you?! (Summer must!)

Something Borrowed: Un-fortunate

So, I know I've said this before, but I do love a good chick flick.  I really do.  The predictable happily ever after that follows a mildly awkward confrontation, mostly stemming from an "I love you MORE" argument.  Who doesn't appreciate that?!  So, when you mess with the formula, it better be amazing.  There are about eight plot holes, compounded by a lack-luster "woe is me" heroine.  Because it tries to end about 5 times but aborts by introducing a new and unrelated issue that never gets resolved... just swept under the rug.  All in all it was underwhelming, even though it had so much potential (the book was kind of clutch).
Verdict: If you ever use your brain when watching a movie, don't do it (Skip)

Medea’s Big Happy Family: No words

So, Tyler Perry has yet to get the balance right with a black comedy.  I have the same problem with him as I do Vince Vaughn: too much.  You can poke fun at a few stereotypes, and even throw in some wise cracking old people, but to have only buffoonery characters, is unforgiveable.  Especially if they are only black (I really do think if there were some hillbilly white people, I feel less appalled).  And then on top of writing in those characters, they are directed  in a way that is like “You know how we embellish black people?  Let’s play only those aspects up!  More weed, Jesus, and incoherent babble!”  Overall, this movie was a hot mess, full of ignorant and offensive people.  And it had so much potential…

Verdict: Tyler Perry owes me money (skip)

A Good Man: Frustrating and engaging

I can’t dance...not really anyways.  One of my bucket list items is to develop a craft: drawing, dance, jewelry making, welding… the oboe.  The biggest obstacle from me currently is my utter lack of transforming an idea into something that invokes emotion and is aesthetically pleasing.  That’s why I find this film so fascinating as it follows a radically individualistic persona, Bill T Jones, through his entire creative process.  From an idea about the heroism of Abe Lincoln, to an inspiring dance piece portraying race and politics, this film highlights all of the frustrations of genius bearing its gift tro the world.  Though I don’t think I personally would have gotten the production if I had gone to see it blind, I appreciate the opportunity to peer behind the curtain and into the heart of its creator.

Verdict: If you ever wanted to understand a creative better (Do it)

Soul of Sand: Silly fun

I hate overly dramatic films, mainly because I have little tolerance for emotions.  I can barely deal with the tensions and misunderstandings of my own life, why would I pay to subject myself to the self-destructive and irrational behaviors of others?  Well, I have learned that there is something to be said for style.  The style in which Soul of Sand was overly dramatized, the embodiment of the casts, the stupidity of young love, mixed with a relatively hoaky storyline, made the film a joy to partake in.  Irrespective of if it’s the Indian approach to a film, I tip my hat to this film.  It may have been ridiculous, but it ended up in the “guilty pleasure” camp rather than “I want my life back.”

Verdict: don’t know how, but do it if you can (see it)

MSPIFF: Minneapolis-St Paul International Film Festival

I often don’t give Minneapolis enough credit, mainly because it’s niche specialties aren’t for me.  But I never thought I’d be as excited as I was for the Film Festival this year.  300 films, 3 weeks, and the member ticket discount.  <Angels singing>.   To be fair and equitable, we can assume that the festival is equivalent to the Olympics of films, and while you may be the best of your country, and far better than anything I could do, someone still has to lose, someone wins, and a bunch of people finish unrecognized.  Mostly I am judging based on 1) cultural education, 2) storytelling ability and 3) personal enlightenment.  So below is my running judgment of films I have made it to thus far.   

The Losers	Honorable Mentions	The Winners
A Screaming Man (Chad)	Reconciliation: Mandela’s Miracle (S Afr)	A Good Man (US documentary)
Mad Bastards (Australia)	I’m Not Black, I’m Coloured (S. Africa)	Soul of Sand (India)

Limitless: Exhilarating fun

The superpower of intelligence?  Fantastic!  It’s about time we’ve glamorized the awesomeness of the mind rather the destructive force of the brawn.  Though in this case it may or may not be from drug abuse, I’m just going to look the other way.  Baby steps.  The thing I found most interesting about this movie is how Bradley’s character exists above the law.  There are a bunch of shady things he does that he gets away with, and this toying with amorality adds a zippy twist to the film, for which I will overlook the films shortcomings.  Because, echoed in the ending message, it’s totally worth it if you can save humanity as an outcome…or is it?

Verdict: Buzzworthy (see it)

Arthur: Honestly charming

It was like Elf except instead of being imported from the North Pole to NYC around Christmas time, Arthur is imported from Britain and trapped inside a Marvel-themed party.  Though he is a full-fledged drunk with severe family issues, he has surprisingly good manners/morals for a ridiculously spoiled rich kid.  Even without knowing the value of a dollar and constantly distracting himself with thoughtless entertainment (he has a floating bed and a fleet of vehicles from cartoons, including the Batmobile), his idealistic view on love was touching and you can’t help but root for him to win.

Verdict: If you fancy, though you could do without (Discount)

Source Code: Confoundingly entertaining

The trailer for this film left much to be desired… there’s a special mission that allows a Captain to replay a crucial 8 minute scenario that, if solved, would save some people.  Don’t know who, don’t know how, and don’t know why he was chosen.  Apparently, neither does he, and so we learn what’s going on at the same time the officer does...  so you’re engaged in discovering the puzzle while you watch.  Similar to a Jason Bourne experience, swapping secret intelligence with sci-fi technology, we start with a fit of amnesia and uncover something no one was expecting.  While I’m still a bit puzzled as to what actually happened, they get points for trying a new storyline.

Verdict: worth your time… not necessarily your money (at your convenience)

The Black List: post-Oscar season sludge

Movies take anywhere from 2-3 hours of a person’s dedicated time.  And while I have spent a ridiculous amount of time to devote to this border-line obsession, even an avid movie goer such as myself knows when to draw the line.  There are some movies that are just plain awful and you know it without even seeing it (like any Katherine Heigl movie… she’s batting like 100).  A friend of mine captured it best: “it’s like they are just blatantly stealing my money.  Like they know it’s crap and didn’t even try to hide it.”  So, while sometimes Hollywood can fool me with a well-cut teaser highlighting the only funny jokes or romantic scenes in the entire film, there are some monstrosities no amount of marketing and publicity can save.  Thus, the boycott list of Winter/ Spring 2011 (you’ll notice a few patterns):

Title	Rationale
Battle: LA	I still don’t even understand its premise, but it looks absolutely pointless (people fighting aliens for LA without even the comic relief of Will Smith  or M Night Shyamalan’s reputation for suspense)
Beastly	While it actually looked enticing on the surface (I love re mixing a classic story), I just hate Vanessa Hudges, like all Disney teen idols.  Flare for the dramatic.
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son	The first one was terrible… adding another cross-dressing goof isn’t going to enhance much, regardless of what idiotic situation warrants the get-ups.
I am Number Four	Outside of being terribly named… yup, nope.  That’s about it.  Aliens being bounty-hunted; it’s like Escape from Witch Mountain without the adorable adolescents.
Sucker Punch	Similar to why I won’t be watching Beastly (Vanessa Hudges), angsty teens in a fantasy 300 world sounds like a terrible idea. Though I do like the cinematic liberties, it can’t overcompensate for an awful script.
Unknown	It’s the most predicable story line ever… Wolverine Origins or Bourne Series (“I curse the day I lost my identity and those responsible though I initially volunteered for it”) without the cool claws and the familiarity of the characters.

Inside Job: partially informative

I was a bit delayed in seeing this one, but it was definitely worth it.  Though it definitely has some personal biases flowing through the narration, it does a good job of breaking down a ridiculously convoluted process like the sub-prime mortgage market into a simple powerpoint flowchart.  It highlights the systemic issues with our capital markets today, and while I don't agree with all of the implied solutions, it definitely gets me thinking in the right direction.  For instance, maybe it is wrong to idealize wealth as status and coast at your job, as you could wind up a very rich criminal in the end.  Then again, I am about to start my HBS experience in the fall...
Verdict: It'll make you a better person... (do it)

Adjustment Bureau: refreshingly old-school

I love titles that provide insights to the movie that you don't realize until the movie's over.  Even though it flirts with the ever elusive concept of fate, the premise of the movie is really about a bureacratic establishment intervening in our affairs.  And what's funny is the whole concept sounds ominous and odd, but really it's like "It's a Wonderful Life," less the "if I was never born" spin. Well, not exactly-- there was some major deus ex machina going on that ruined the illusion for me that was not a factor in Stewart's film-- but I'mma roll with it; it definitely felt like the 50's though: from the fedora hats to the way they referred to their bosses, Mr. Richardson and Mr. Thompson.
Verdict: Don't spend anything on it, but not a complete waste if you did (Netflix it)

Hall Pass: ineffective delivery

I'm not really sure who this was targeted to: the man or woman of the marriage.  I like to at least try to make some sense out of who this movie was supposed to speak to, becasue it surely wasn't me.  Though, to be fair: I don't think I was the intended demographic.  The overall theme of the film was "I love my marriage" after understanding the shortcomings of acting like a 20 something when you are nearly 40.  It's like a toned-down raunchy man movie mixed with soft womanly messaging, which made for a sub-par combo.  Note to the Farrelly brothers: you can't please everyone, so don't try.
Verdict: Don't pay additional money to see this (Netflix Queue)

Oscar Predictions!

So, I could fill out an entire ballot, but really I only care about 7 categories, and so I’ll limit my ballot appropriately.  So, the way to read this is to note that the first column is who/what I want to win, and the second pertains to who I think will actually win.  So, do note, because they often differ, I just randomly guess at who will actually win, so take it for what it is…

Academy Award Category	My Vote	My Prediction
Best Picture	Toy Story 3	Social Network
Best Actor	James Franco	Colin Firth
Best Actress	Natalie Portman	Annette Bening
Best Supporting Actor	Geoffrey Rush	Jeremy Renner
Best Supporting Actress	Hailee Steinfeld	Amy Adams
Best Director	Darren Aronofsky	David Fincher
Cinematography	Inception	Black Swan
Adapted Screenplay	The Social Network	127 Hours
Original Screenplay	The Kids are all Right	The King’s Speech

Dogtooth: F***ing weird

Finn, of one of my favorite shows Glee, once stated it beautifully: “I have no idea what’s going on in this script, and it’s not in a cool Inception kind of way.”  I sat confused and disturbed for an hour and a half, and it really doesn’t help that it’s filmed in Greek.  Although, I’m not sure if the characters were speaking English it would have helped one bit.  So, long story short, this film is a warped tale of a family’s stab at utopia where the parents make up the rules of obedience and fun.  In the end, it all goes awry and the system fails, but in this case, I’m rooting for the kids; their parents are effing weirdos.

Verdict: Only if you want to be mentally disturbed (Skip it)

The Fighter: Good Look

I think this film would be more appropriately titled The Fighters, as it showcases the battles both of the brothers have to face but hey, that’s just semantics.  This is solid character story about two lives daring to be extraordinary… either chemically induced or otherwise.  The movie is full of the traditional ups and downs of overcoming any and all obstacles, including an overprotective and kind of crazy family.  There may have been some times in the film where I had no idea where it was going, but it got there eventually, which is all that matters. You definitely leave with that warm feeling of happiness. 

Verdict: Enjoy the ride (go for it)

Exit through the Gift Shop: Ironically funny

I definitely use the term “funny” loosely.  This film opens up the awesome (… and totally illegal) world of street art.  Following some of the most infamous artists, like Shepard Fairey, this film takes a peek into the newest trend in the art community.  From traditional and tacky graffiti to actually amazing and profound pieces, this film takes you through it all, ultimately landing on the rise of a truly untalented artist.  The way the general public then interacts with the resulting art, is both enlightening and terrifying, like a clown mirror.  Most people truly are a bunch of mindless droids. Though I must say, I liked the work too...

Verdict: An absolute MUST (See it)

Wasteland: literally artistic

Trash is pretty much gross; it smells, leaks, and can only bud on itself; it’s total waste.  But someone’s got to manage it; and this is their story.  This documentary sheds an artistic light on the lives of the people who mine the world’s largest landfill to find the few recyclable materials to sell off.  Just like the roles they play in Rio, artist Vik Muniz takes their lives and recycles them into works of art.  The story of how is truly moving and a great view into how art adds value, and showcases some awe-inspiring pieces.  Though, it really did made me squeamish seeing that much trash. It was like the Alps of trash…

Verdict: You'll appreciate it even if you only kind of like art (Discount)

JUMBLE: "Country Strong" becomes "The long road home" (musical)

Similar to how Chicago is about murderous lying women, The Long Road Home would be the story of a recovering alcoholic singer who meets her 3-show comeback tour with little dignity or grace.  After the first show, her extramarital lover leaves her.  The second, her husband.  With every show she gets drunker and drunker, and the numbers get feistier on and off stage.  She fights with all she’s got against everyone around her, until no one’s left and she takes her own life, as she lands heartily on rock bottom, ending as a somber tale with catchy yet slightly depressing tunes.

Changes:

• More musical numbers
• No side character stories (outside of how they interact with the main character)
• Ignoring a two steps forward-one step back recovery plan (the whole movie is about relapse)

The Green Hornet: Sufficiently entertaining

I really like buddy movies where the two friends probably should have never been friends in the first place... and would probably shank each other in real life. This film mimics the Chris Tucker/ Jackie Chan relationship from "Rush Hour," only to substitute an offensive black guy with an obnoxious white guy, and add talents to the asian (instead of just kung-fu skills). While the 3D effects rarely enhanced the action scenes themselves (in fact, the action scenes rarely helped the movie), the writing and acting itself was decent... though not enough to supplement the $15 price tag.
Verdict: 3D doesn't do discount (Rent)

No Strings Attached: pleasantly romantic

It's almost like they got the formula right for a chic flic that speaks to a man. Like adapting the Wedding Crashers for female characters. While they would then date in regular and non-elaborate ways, they keep the honest (...and crude) banter you would expect from a bunch of dudes. This movie, on multiple occasions, defies the traditional dating roles and does it in a fun and entertaining way. With an assortment of quirky side characters, this is pretty much fun for all. Adults. Between the ages of 18 and 35.
Verdict: Recommended date movie (see it)

The King's Speech: A triumph

Totally worth the pain it inflicted. It is really hard for me to see someone struggle to articulate their thoughts… whether it is due to a social awkwardness or a physical/mental handicap. I must tip my hat to Colin Firth for turning an awful experience like speech therapy into a pleasant journey of a man becoming a king. And Helen Bonham-Carter’s portrayal of the Queen Mum made me wish she was my mother. Or that I was British. Though that's just me... my friend who I saw it with commented that "it was definitely for old people. Like, I'd take my grandma to go see that."
Verdict: Pay the full price (Worthy investment)

Country Strong: Hot mess

I like Gweneth Paltrow. I like musicals. I even like country music. However, I do not like bad stories. While I did not find the acting bad in this movie, I found the script to be terrible... similar to watching a dramatization in an infomercial: like, someone who can't chop onions with a regular knife. It took an alcoholic's journey back to normalcy (which can be interesting enough on its own) and complicated it with ridiculous relationships of love, lust, and glory. Building drama into an already dramatic story rarely is done right... it just comes off overly dramatic. I don't like it in people and I definitely don't like it in films.
Verdict: Wait for Network (Only if it's free)

Tangled: Appropriately charming

Sometimes, you just need watch something that makes you feel all warm on the inside. This film didn't exactly hit the spot, but it was close. It was a cute fairy tale that wasn't overly sappy or juvenile... it was very fitting. While the plot is really predictable (as it should be), the way it's told is refreshed and entertaining. This is a win on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a small child to entrance, but it's not too shabby without one either.
Verdict: Worth $5 (See for a discount)

True Grit: Slow winner

Westerns aren’t my strong suite, basically because I find them anti-climactic after a drawn out showdown of some sorts; the outcomes are fairly straight-forward (someone gets shot—get on with it!)  While this story also follows a similar pattern and could have been 20 minutes shorter, the story is good and amplified with snappy banter and terrific acting. It was surprisingly funny, less violent than a typical Cohen film, and cohesively entertaining. I often miss the point on most Cohen films (Fargo, No Country for Old Men—not favorites of mine), but this one was right on target.
Verdict: Pay the full price (Worthy investment)

The Tourist: Unexpectedly off-putting

An innocent man gets tangled up by a beautiful woman and all hell breaks loose. This is the classic tale of mistaken identity and unnaturally fast lovers… almost. At this point in time, I expect every new movie to follow some type of formula (I’ve seen enough where I can guess nearly every storyline). However, this one does have a new and unforeseen twist of events that is just odd, leaving the audience perplexed and, at least with my experience, slightly angry.
Verdict: Wait for Netflix (Rent)

Tron: Legacy: Well done

As expected: the visuals were amazing. What was not expected: it also had a decent and cohesive storyline. I think that this was one of the few releases of 2010 that actually used the 3-D effect appropriately. Similar to how the Wizard of Oz used color, Tron uses the effect to create an alternate reality that looks super dope in faded neon. Not to mention the bad-ass soundtrack! If only the younger CG Jeff Bridges could mimic facial expressions better, then I would have no complaints. But he does well enough to get by.
Verdict: See in 3-D (Buzzworthy)

Black Swan: Trippy good

As you could have probably gathered from the trailers… there’s a bit of hysteria happening in this film. What makes it so great is that I’m not sure if it’s the characters… or me? The whimsical nature of ballerinas plays well into this environment of fantasy and delirium, where you just have to sit in awe and wonder of what is happening on the screen. Whether it’s because you enjoy the graceful ballet scenes or Natalie Portman’s fall through the rabbit hole… I’m not sure you will be able to tell. Just sit, stare, and enjoy.
Verdict: Pay the full price (Worthy investment)

Love and Other Drugs: Randomly disconnected

It was not exactly what I expected. Yes it’s a love story… but the title gave away more than I thought it did. There is a large dose of prescription drugs in this movie-- more so then I would have expected—that both Jake and Anne’s characters are dependent on… too bad I didn’t have some to numb me out through this movie. I do hate when trailers set you up to expect one thing and it turns out to be quite another. In this case, what masquerades as a light-hearted romantic story (doesn’t even guarantee comedy, which I respect) turns out to be more of a heavy and depressing story with romantic bookends.
Verdict: Just wait to see that much of Jake Gyllenhaal (Rent)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Necessary means…

To what better be the most awesome ending on screen ever! The first installment of the seventh movie is exactly what most first installments are: set-up. The set-up for what’s to come. The necessary evil. It’s just unfortunate that it had to come right before the anticipated, and action-packed conclusion of the Harry Potter Saga. So, if you’re into the HP series, this is an unavoidable waste of two hours (a lot of aimless wandering—but there is about 45 min of intermittent action). But I guess it’s better than reading the couple hundred pages it covers.
Verdict: Don’t see it in IMAX (see for a discount)

Morning Glory: Predictably decent

It is rather hard to reinvent the triumph of a woman. Start: a determined, but faulted, woman. Give her the opportunity to prove something. Enter male love interest. Struggle, struggle, struggle. Exit male love interest. Triumph! Male love interest returns. End. While the movie didn’t veer from the formula, it did put it in a new setting: a TV studio. And add socially awkward as the fault, rather than an underutilized brain (Elle Woods?) I don’t fault the unoriginality; if it ain’t broke…
Verdict: Only when you’re in the mood (Rent)

127 Hours: Exhaustingly amazing

The gravity of the situation, coupled with the intensity of its solution, are the bookmarks to the movie. The hundred and ten hours covered in the middle make up the majority of the film. The fact is that there is really nothing you can do to pass time but reflect on the choices you’ve made and the people you love. And then when that depresses you enough, focus on the things left in your control for as long as you can muster the energy. I definitely left the theater tense yet relieved, as if I had just experienced everything on the screen.
Verdict: Must see (Worthy investment)

Hereafter: uhhh… yeah…

I’m not going to skirt around it; I didn’t get it. Whether it’s because I don’t believe enough in its supernatural circumstances or because I can’t piece together the story, this three-piece disaster went over my head. The movie follows three characters attempting to deal with death and losses, while mismanaging their actual lives. As everything continues to unravel around them (their social lives wrecked by their obsessions), the film just kind of slaps a band-aid on the situation, and calls it a day. So, because of its abrupt conclusion, that left me as confused as when I started, I did not appreciate this particular work.
Verdict: Don’t bother (only if it’s free)

Unstoppable: Unexpectedly fun

Trains have never been more exciting. The film uses the train as the antagonist, pushing our two unwilling heroes close in an effort to save some piece of PA I’ve never heard of. There is a slow build from everyday life at the depot to the extraordinary feat of chasing down an out-of-control train. You think it would be fairly straight forward, but there are a few times were the crazy locomotive outwits the people. Though some stuff does blow up in the pursuit, the thrill of the chase is what keeps the viewer interested throughout the movie.
Verdict: Catch the matinee (see for a discount)

Notes on the Process

The Reviews are meant to be easily digestible tidbits on the film that help to either motivate or discourage the movie choice. Each film will have the following format: a two-word evaluation, a summary of why, and a verdict on whether or not you should see it. While I will try my best not to include spoilers, I make no guarantees. And because I see no value in unconstructive criticism, for the movies I do put on blast, I will do my best to add helpful edits that would have made the film that must better.

Please feel free to comment/make suggestions. Enjoy!