Jack Reacher: empty fun

So, regardless of my personal feelings for Tom Cruise, it is undeniable that he is a pretty good actor. He makes decent movie decisions but always delivers an outstanding performance; it was nice to be reminded of that. Jack Reacher is a well-done film about a bad-ass cop solving a really hard case.  It's like Die Hard, but less improbable/ extravagent.  It is unfortunate that it comes at a bad time, on the heels of the Newtown incident, as it's about solving a senseless and random shooting.  Though you really don't get why this nomadic hermit is as good as he is or as involved as he is, you learn to appreciate his presence and style in the investigation.  Though violent, it's not excessively graphic so that you can still enjoy the victory in getting the bad guy.
Verdict: Catch the matinee (discount) 

A brief note on long movies

There are far too many movies out this season that are over 2 1/2 hours long.  Between travel time, previews, and the actual movie, I lose close to 4 hours of my day.  While I love movies, that seems a bit excessive.  And what's worst, is that they feel that long.  As a general rule of thumb, I think the ideal running time should be between 90 and 120 min.  Anything shorter doesn't allow for any type of character development and only enough time for the conflict and resolution; even "Clueless" was 97 minutes long.   Case and point: "Friday after Next"

Anything longer and I feel like there is always 20 minutes of filler that I want back in my life.  In fact, I know the exact 20 minute segment I want to nix from the 165-minute "Dark Knight Rises."  I'm not even remotely interested in seeing the director's cuts on those bad boys.  So, please, stop making them sooo long now-- either turn them into 2 movies or cut some stuff out.
Thanks, the audience

Life of Pi: beautifully inspiring

Put a tiger and a bio-luminescent whale in a trailer, and I'm sold.  Add some beautiful sunsets and sunrises and the most stunning ship sinking since the "Titanic," and I'm content.  And add a whopping dollop of religious discovery and I'm intrigued.  For a boy who was named after a pool instead of a mathematical constant, he sure can tell a good story.  So, after having the senses dazzled in 3D and watching a fascinating display of animal instinct for survival, I was very pleased with Ang Lee's work.  My intrigue had little to do with the actual story and all to do with the aesthetics   It was an enchanted journey that was a bit too long (I can only look at a placid ocean, a tiger, and an emaciated boy for so long), but was an intriguing story of faith and perseverance.

Verdict: if it fits your fancy (buzzworthy)

Flight: light & dark

The opening scene of the film said it all: the type of person we would watch struggle for clarity of mind and conscience.  The problem was that he is not really pitiable.  In fact, he is downright unlikable.  This is a confounding story of an incredible act of heroism made by a nonredeemable man.  Rarely do I enjoy addiction stories but this one was better than average.  While that doesn't make this one of my favorite movies of 2012, it was an enjoyable experience.  It helped that the acting was incredible; nearly every role was superbly executed.  The characters are somewhat understandable, the story is decent, but the people (even John Goodman) make that world go round.
Verdict: only if you really like Denzel, go now (rent it)

Wreck-it Ralph: pretty good

When Alan Horn came to visit one of my classes this year, one of the movies he gave a resounding endorsement was Wreck-It Ralph.  While not my favorite animated film of recent years, it was pretty clever.  While we get to appreciate the fish-out-of-water feeling that Ralph tries to combat (and the lengths he goes through to fit in), it takes some fairly dark turns for a movie mostly set in an arcade version of "Candyland."  And it is because of these deviations from a traditional bubble-gum kids movie that it is a good movie for a grown-up who just wants to see a wholesome yet interesting story.  Additionally, Pixar/Disney (but mainly, Pixar) does a fantastic job of not only personifying mundane objects but also romanticizing the forgotten.  From Toy Story to Wall-E, there is the overt reminder that "old" does not mean irrelevant and should not be discarded as such.  Wreck-It Ralph is no exception.
Verdict: Good choice (worth it)

Skyfall: favorite bond

I know, that is a strong statement-- this is my favorite Bond--but, in the spirit of transparency, I haven't seen every one of them and I don't remember the ones I have seen.  In general, as stated in an earlier post, I find these kinds of films overly complicated and frustrating.  But this one was refreshing: it was a simpler story about a couple of spies going through transitions, and dealing with them in radically different ways.  As I prefer character stories to intricate plots (most of the time), this film is complemented by its great acting (Javier Bardem was fantastic) that truly enhance the film.
Verdict: Worth the $10 (buzzworthy)

Cloud Atlas: ...ummm...

I think I need to read the book.  It was confusing and jumbled and LONG and somewhat painful to sit through.  From what I read about it, this was a ridiculous undertaking in the first place, and it is a cleaner version of the book: they simplified the characters by having the actors play multiple roles.  And yes, it did in fact look like a make-up artist's "white whale," turning all the actors into at least one alternative ethnicity.  But, the story is disjointed and nearly impossible to follow, having no clear theme that explains why their lives are intertwined or circular.  Again, in summary, I think I need to read the book.
Verdict: It's a dense book... (skip it unless you fully commit)

Pitch Perfect: hilariously grand

I loved this movie.  I saw it like 2 months ago, but since it is still in theaters, I figured it's still relevant.  It is one of the few movies ever to be gifted as a DVD and still be in theaters.  And I get its appeal: it's a really funny movie, even though it's a story that has been told a thousand times.  There is the young misfit with great talent being brought into a team where its leader has something to prove.   Picture "Bring It On" (the original) but with only 1 black person and change out cheerleading with acapella.  What I think makes this movie exceptional is how it doesn't even attempt to be substantial.  Like, at all.  It is purely superficial fun that everyone can enjoy, from teenagers to grownups.
Verdict: Check it out (go for it)

Argo: very good

As a terrible American, I had no idea that this event ever happened or how it turned out in the end.  To my credit, it doesn't help that it is about a CIA covert op that never publicly claims credit.  Regardless, this is a well done film.  Consider Oceans 11 except the prize is American lives.  We get to watch the assembly of an "ace" but unconventional team of CIA and Hollywood, the pre-work to an outlandish cover to smuggle Americans back home, the unrest in Iran continue to build as the escaped Embassy workers hold their breathe and wait it out.  Now there are some obviously glaring artistic liberties taken with this movie (the sheer number of narrow escapes-- I'm talking seconds away from all the good guys dying-- can only be fabricated), but it does help to make for a gripping tale.  Thank you Ben Affleck; from start to finish, it is a riveting story that you can't help but sincerely hope it all works out.
Verdict: Just do it (Buzzworthy)

The Master:...I got nothing

I will keep this brief. There is not much I can say, as I have no idea what I watched.  There was a story about two men who stumble upon each other and...and...I don't know actually what follows beyond that.  I think there was a real point of view here, but I am not of the right mind to decipher what it was.  The characters were good, I think, but without a sound storyline for me to contrast it with, I can't tell you if they really did a good job.  Honestly, I'd only see this as an intellectual challenge to prove to yourself that you are artistically refined enough and intelligent enough to get the point.
Verdict: if you dare (skip)

A brief note on simple crime movies

Color me simple, but I appreciate a straight forward crime story.  No high tech gadgets, no spies and government agencies, and no conspiracies.  That doesn't mean I don't like the Bond series, I just prefer a simple thug story that focuses on the people rather than the overarching plot a la Snatch.  A devout minimalist, this does not mean skimp on the story; it still needs to be clever and entertaining.  But if you need to spell out for me the entire plot, as no one in the audience would have ever pieced it together on their own, 10 minutes before the final showdown scene, then you are doing the most (and not in a good way).  It is an insult to my intelligence (not only can I not solve the puzzle on my own by design, but it completely ignores the fact that I might want to try).  I get that some people like it, but I think a far greater number of people appreciate a good old-fashioned heist.  In summary, when devising a good story, don't over think it.

Perks of Being a Wallflower: a little extra

Though I have gotten a lot better, I am definitely not one for reading.  So, the fact that this was a book for over a decade before becoming a film is almost of no consequence. I walked in, blind, hoping to see an uplifting coming-of-age story to put me in a good mood.  Note: that is a terrible expectation of this film.  It delves much deeper into the issues of the ever reserved and proper Charlie, as we go through his freshman year of high school with him.  Picture the Breakfast Club meets Girl Interrupted.  While the darker tone gives it a grittier and more realistic feel (and frankly makes it better), it was far more than I bargained for and completely overwhelming.  In short, it had a great cast  (props to Ms. Emma Watson) and was very well done.
Verdict: Only if you know what you're doing (worth it)

Looper: fantastically intense

I dare say this is one of the top 5 movies released this year.  It is a wonderfully inventive storyline, where the writer strikes a fine balance between plot development and the science.  Based on a premise that mercenaries in the present kill criminals (...and themselves evenually) from the future, the mechanics of it all are inessential  to the rest of the story.  It almost morphs into a "what can I change in the past to prevent the hellish future I just came from?"- Terminator type story, but way more engaging to watch.  After it ended, I noticed an acute pain in my shoulders-- from being hunched and tense for the previous 2 hours.With dazzling special effects (there is a scene in the living room of the farmhouse that was amazing!), and simple humor, I highly highly recommend.
Verdict: totally worth it (Buzzworthy)

The Words: morally interesting

This was an enjoyable watch.  Founded on a simple premise, it chronicles the life of a budding writer as he confronts the decisions he makes to be a prominent writer.  While I found the female roles in this film utterly useless, they come across as filler really, the central internal struggle of Bradley Cooper's character was really interesting to see. Not only do we watch from his perspective, but we also follow the fictional stories that were written as well.  Winding in literature and flashbacks to the present and reality is novel and keeps you engaged throughout.  As always, I appreciate when I can't predict what will happen in the end.  This story takes an interesting approach to a timeless story of guilt and success.
Verdict: Netflix/Amazon prime it (Rent it)

The Odd Life of Timothy Greene: mediocre at best

So, on the heels of watching an amazing family film, I watched this one, which may or may not be coloring my opinion.  In general, I found this movie confused.  We have this miraculous occurrence of a child growing from a garden, to a set of good-natured and hopeful parents.  But there is a learning curve on how to raise a child.  And so we watch these two bumble around like bats in the open afternoon air.  And in contrast, the focal point of the film, we have this sweet yet odd child who sprang from the ground one night.  Sometimes talented, sometimes not, this kid could test the patience of any parent. So, in the end, I still don't know if the lesson was about the perseverance of parenting or the need to "chillax" what it means to have a perfect kid.
Verdict: rent it if you really want to... (skip)

Brave: more than cute

I'm a little late on this one, but I am pleased that I got a chance to see it during what will propbably be its last week in theaters.  The trailer left much to be desired, but I could not ignore the positive reviews, and am happy to report it did not do the film justice (whoever cut that 1:20 spot might need rethink his or her career path).  While it does center around a spritely redhead with a resolve not to be married off, it is far more substantive.  It is a touching story of family and fate, even with a little bit of fist-fight. Similar to how Finding Nemo served up a lesson for both father and son, Pixar has done it again, swapping a Scottish mother-daughter duo for the father and son clownfish. 
Verdict: if you can find it in a theater near you (go for it)

A brief note on books and movies

It is a known fact that when a book becomes a movie, 90% of the time the book will be better.  Once I've seen an early release trailer or heard rumor of its production, I often go back and forth on whether or not I should read (or re-read) the book before the movie or see the movie and, if I like it enough, read the book (funny how neither scenario will stop me from seeing the movie).  I was reminded of the source of the debate while listening to the Great Gatsby on a 6 hour drive: the audiobook took 7 hours (even when narrated by the expressive Tim Robbins) to detail the imagery, the sentiment and provoke the imagination.  The details that aren't specified you make up anyways, making the personal impact that much greater. 
So to answer the original question of which order is best, as any well-trained MBA will tell you, it depends.  The book is a richer experience while the movie can be 20x better than your imagination. When in doubt, read it later. I got to enjoy the Hunger Games, reading what I missed out on after the fact, and ruined the HP film serial by critisizing the critical details left out of the films. 

Ted: Peter, meet Brian

Seth MacFarlane has a schtik.  A very good schtik, but a schtik nonetheless.  It's crude and extra (as in over-the-top for no particular reason) with a hint of intelligence.  This movie is no different, and I guess I don't know why I expected it to be.  But seeing some of the scenes that are normally reserved for his 'toons play out in real life was were a bit disturbing (e.g. cartoon violence is funny... in a cartoon).  However, the actual story of the movie was decent.  Starting with a novel concept of a "Pinocchio"-esque wish fast-forwarded 25 years, we see a man unwilling to grow up and a toy that never has to.  It's a mash-up of all of the Family Guy characters (less the never-interesting Meg) learning to be decent people.  In short, it's a good buddy movie... for the most part.
Verdict: Wait if you've ever seen an episode of Family Guy (rent it)

Magic Mike: 50-50

So, of course, the only reason why I wanted to see it is for the gorgeous bodies.  It happens; I'm human and easily swayed.  And I had very little expectations for the actual plot/storyline.  I think it barely met that expectation.  This is the classic veteran-rookie story where the rookie learns the craft and the veteran learns what it means to be a better person.  But with strippers.  I appreciated the coordinated openning dance numbers and the shirtless men, but yeah...not much else to it.  I wouldn't say it was the worst movie ever made, though that has been said, but I can't say much else for its favor.
Verdict: Wait for Redbox (Rent)

The Amazing Spiderman: authentically done

So, I'm not one for comics, but when the reboot for Spiderman was announced and the love interest was not Ms Mary Jane Watson, I had to do my research.  What could be so different to require a new female lead?!  Apparently, Toby McGuire's version was all sorts of historically incorrect.  Garfield was a far more awkward Peter Parker than I was expecting, but the story itself was more authentic and followed the comic closer.  While I am still far more excited for the third installation of the Batman/Nolan series, I was not terribly disappointed in this movie.  Only slightly... well I was severely disappointed in the 3D effects and the gratuitous flying scenes.
Verdict: See it in 2D and at 4 pm on a Tuesday (Discount)

The Black List: Summer boycotts

Before reading on, this is not to the confused with THE black list, the list of hidden gems of indie scripts, but the list of films not worth my money and almost not important enough to write about... so here is my brief acknowledgment to their existence.

Goofy comedies are running amock as we ease into the apex of summer.  While I am a fan of the stupid yet entertaining, these seem like they missed the mark on entertainment.  Though I could be very wrong, on principle they are included on the newest installment of the boycott list Summer 2012:

Title	Rationale
The Dictator	This is one of those "good in theory" type movies.  I have been fooled a few times before and would hate to be douped again by SBC.
Battleship	Yeah, I liked Friday Night Lights, but after John Carter, Taylor Kitsch isn't enough to draw in the masses; I simply just was not interested.   I'm over games turned into movies based on transportation vehicles.
Katy Perry: Part of Me	It looks like it offers insights into the strenuous life of a pop star, slave to the fans, and doing goofy hijinks to relieve the stress.  Boo hoo, you're an untalented multi-millionaire-- I care not about the trials and tribs that go with being lucky.
Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection	I'm Tyler Perry'ed out.  Though I appreciate that this is the first movie with more than 1 white person who is not the devil-incarnate, I'm still good on it.  I'll watch it on basic TV in 2 years...
Madagascar 3	Similar to the trilogies that came out last year, there is too high a number in its title and I am just not the appropriate age for this. Though I will be seeing Brave later this summer.  Sorry Dreamworks, still a Pixar fan.

Men In Black 3: total fan

So, I do not remember, nor do I care to, MIB2.  It was overly silly (with those chain-smokin' Cheech-roaches) and just left a bad taste overall.  However, I am a fan of learning organizations and it seems like the addition of Etan Cohen made this Mulligan a fantastic film.  Without requiring much knowledge of the previous installments, you could enjoy the J/K relationship and its evolution throughout the movie.  Not too long, it gives you enough of the mystery upfront to keep you engaged until its resolution at the end ("oh, that's how all those pieces fit together").  Additionally the acknowledgements to its 60's backdrop were a nice touch (similar to a Zach Morris cellphone being indicative of the 90's). With a summer chart topper on the soundtrack, all in all, I'm a fan.
Verdict: Enjoyable summer blockbuster (Go for it!) 

Think Like a Man: surprisingly better

Unfortunately, with a crap ton of supporting evidence, I had essentially written off the predominantly black comedy.  From the cross-dressing to the one-dimensional characters and stereotypically-acted script, an all black cast typically entertained me but yet made me feel that I had to apologize for its existence.  This film, however, broke the mold to come up with a relevant way to discuss the topic of African-American dating.  Though it wraps up with a cheesy happy ending and contains every prominent black star (music and acting) under the age of 30, it was one of the best ensemble romantic comedies I've seen since Love Actually came out.
Verdict: Worth the fanfare (Go for it!) 

Jiro dreams of sushi: inspiring and depressing

If you ever wanted to see a real life man-version of a Cinderella story, where he doesn't cop out by wishing really hard to marry a princess, this documentary is for you.  Learning all of the intricacies of making O-toro, Jiro Dreams of Sushi details the art of honing the craft of sushi (after practicing for 60 years).  Though there is gratuitous footage of perfect pieces of sushi, this film allows you to extrapolate to see what pursuing your passion looks like after all is said and done.  This relentless journey  obviously creates some tradeoffs... such as a terrible family life and enormous pressure on yourself and your children to succeed you.  However, Jiro is a compelling look into what you can do with your life with focus and a never ending desire to better yourself.    Verdict: Check it out (totally worth the trip to your local indie theater)

The Hunger Games: well done

So, I first will caveat: I have not read the book; it goes against my "no expectation" viewing process.  I actually went to see this movie based on the trailer alone (before it was hyped to have the largest opening weekend gross of all time).  As someone who did not recognize "may the odds be ever in your favor," I had no idea what the objective of the games actually were.  All in all, it was engaging, giving just enough context to understand what's important and fast moving enough to not be bored.  I did not expect the primitive nature of children battling to the death so it was clearly more intense than I thought it would be.  Nonetheless, it's a compelling story that is more than about children's games; it's about the rules that keep a diverse society in delicate balance.
Verdict: totally worth it (go now)

21 Jump Street: intentionally cheesy

It makes fun of itself, so I figured I have the right to do so as well.  What makes this story so great, is how it contrasts the stereotypes of high school kids from 1987 to 2012.  Granted that is a 25 year evolution, so there are bound to be some differences, but the revelation that smarts are in and jocky is out was beautifully executed.   It's also worth noting the girl-power counter duo kicking ass at the station.  It both acknowledged and defied its original roots, even with a new take on the war on drugs.  It's the new aged bromance where we learn to appreciate what everyone can bring to the table, the loyal and the jackasses,the smart and the stupid, the athletic and the not.
Verdict: enjoyable (...when you're in the mood)

Project X: absolute mayhem

It's pretty much Superbad, on speed, and with far more drugs.  And overall destruction: bodies, minds, and neighborhoods. I get a good prominence-from-nothing story, but this...the nerdy kid throws the party, adds ridiculous amounts of people (more than the kid has ever known), X, and pot and then of course sex and vandalism ensue.  All I could do was sit in the theater, mouth agape, and pray that it stopped, or at least at some point became apologetic. It never did.  No morals, consequences, or lessons.  Just one raucous party that took out a suburban col-de-sac.  I worry for young people.
Verdict: only if you are curious how bad can bad be (Skip)

Safe House: needed...something...

Simply put, this movie was lacking. Lacking a story, lacking development, lacking purpose.  To be fair, the story was focused: get a criminal mastermind into the Fed's custody.  But the catch is that it will take a junior FBI agent two hours to do it.  Nothing else... just the logistics.  No real backstory for why the characters are the way they are.  No real motives.  Just killing and transporting.  I really have nothing else to say about that...
Verdict: why would you? (skip)

Oscar Race 2012

Same drill: the first column is who/what I wanted to win, and the second pertains to who I thought would 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… 3 out of 9 is a terrible batting average (but no one saw Meryl's upset or the sweep of The Artist coming).

Academy Award Category	My Vote	My Prediction
Best Picture	The Artist	The Artist
Best Actor	Demian Bichir	George Clooney
Best Actress	Rooney Mara	Viola Davis
Best Supporting Actor	Christopher Plummer	Christopher Plummer
Best Supporting Actress	Melissa McCarthy	Octavia Spencer
Best Director	Martin Scorsese	Terrence Malik
Cinematography	The Artist	The Girl w/ the Dragon...
Adapted Screenplay	The Ides of March	Moneyball
Original Screenplay	Bridesmaids	A Separation

Hugo: an ingenuous throwback

There was a time in which movies were pure fantasy; they were neither a mimic of reality nor a deeply moving creation.  It was about true movie magic-- which I never understood or appreciated.  But this season's sweep of wistful cinematic reflections has been enlightening to the young'uns of today, and Hugo is no exception.  Centered on an orphaned boy, Hugo is a story about purpose and dreams.  While there are some situational moments of eccentricity, whether it be comical or dramatic, and it moved a bit slow, the overall elements of chimera were integrated in a way that wasn't hokey but captivating.  I only wish I had the option to see it in 2D (the 3D add-on was completely useless).
Verdict: Buzzworthy (do it)

The Artist: fantastically charming

It's hard not to have high expectations given its 10 Oscar nominations.  And even with the built-in expectations inherent in that, I still came out impressed by the movie.   And this goes beyond the fact that it managed to tell a story without words, never mind primary colors (... I am a sucker for technicolor). With just the right notes of music and a sly smile from a Frenchman, I was thoroughly engrossed in every scene.  Comical yet realistically emotional, this silent film reminds me of what a compelling story can communicate to an audience, without the need for the excessive add-ons we have become accustomed to these days.  Engaging and delightful, this film is for anyone who can use 2 hours to escape from their lives and enjoy some good ol' fashion entertainment.
Verdict: A must see (Buzzworthy)

We Bought a Zoo: touchingly corny

Similar to the Descendants, it's the story of a man trying to re-define his life and his family with the loss of his wife.  However, without the critical acclaim... and some tigers. And no infidelity. But add in Scarlett Johansson.  So, in summary, nothing like it.  In fact, I found this story to be more engaging than the subtle Descendants.  While it is a bit over-the-top on the sap factor, the discovery on how to connect and how to cope with a loss made this an enjoyable film (and the use of cute baby animals).
Verdict: A holiday picker-upper (Matinee)

Red Tails: good... enough

I was definitely one of those people who jumped on the pro-black stories band wagon (similar to the rationale I used to see the Help).  And given that it was a pseudo-war movie, I figured it would naturally lend itself to drama beyond issues of race.  I was wrong.  From the angry one to the wise-crackin' southern one, we have every one-dimensional black man you can find.  The film is also chock-full of unbelievable death-defying acts (... not in a good way), that both undermine the spirit of the film and belittle the struggle of the soldiers.  And it felt soooo long.  So while it ends with a triumphant victory for the novel and groundbreaking endeavor of the Tuskegee program, the charactured journey presented in the film left it wanting.
Verdict: A Nice-to-have (Amazon Prime)

The Descendants: almost forgettable

I appreciate a good human story as much as the next person, with one simple crisis to face.  The focus in this film shifts from a chain of events to the characters and how they react and evolve to the simple problem.  In this case, it's about a man struggling to unite his family, discovering what paradise in Hawaii truly means.  Of course you have the disgruntle teenager, the offbeat adolescent, and the absent workaholic father, trying to define how to get along in the world.  At the end of the day, it's a good family story, but not re-inventive enough to stand the test of time.
Verdict: when you're in the mood (Rent)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: conformingly raw

If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend because it may be easier to brace for what's coming, when you know what you're looking for.  I appreciate how closely the film was adapted, given its strong violence-against-women theme.  Though it is harder to handle in film than in a book (with a lack of imagination and an ability to skip pages), the underlying mystery was just as captivating.  And Rooney Mara was as awesome and maladjusted as I expected Lisbeth to be on the screen.
Verdict: It's the holiday's sensation (see it!)

Super 8: scary and endearing

It really is like E.T. for the 21^st century.  Though movie kids today are more skeptical and rebellious than they were 20 years ago (no one befriends an alien and hides it in the closet), it is similar nonetheless.  This was a surprising revelation since I knew nothing about this film when I saw it (a practice I highly recommend—thank you J.J. Abrams).  The one thing I appreciated the most about this film was the lack of deliberate killings.  Yeah, accidents happen when something breaks lose from a  military train, but things started disappearing more so than dying, making it even more appropriate for the kiddies who enjoy a good suspense.
Verdict: Novel enough (Netflix)