The Lego Movie: everything is awesome

It is often the case that movie's get over-hyped.  I've been fooled many a times, and with all the press this got, I just assumed someone did a good job marketing a ridiculous child's movie.  And then the rotten tomato score came out.  And I must say, I was very appreciative of this movie.  Though I found all the bright colors and flying Lego pieces over-stimulating, the story was highly original.  And kinda meta... very legit.  The story centers on an average Joe who becomes extraordinary in a world of lemmings (and the Justice League apparently) and has a great message that both parents and children can enjoy.  And really does make you want to get out the ol' Lego set and build something.  Dan Lin, this was a very good look... though, it was perfectly fine in 2-D.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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!)

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)

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)

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)