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)