Gamer Girls, Game On

I was going to post my next set of (long overdue) movie reviews, but something more current has happened, something that interests me: E3. Despite my lack of knowledge on current games (part of it being that I'm more fond of retro games, another being that I focus more on film and TV), E3 had quite a few things that filled me with joy.

But that's not what I'm starting with, I'll cover that next time. No, today, something that infuriated me. I'm not going to claim I'm a champion for women's rights, nowhere near such a level, but I know women can be as capable as men in so many things. Gender has never mattered to me, it's your actions and opinions I will notice.

So, on the subject of opinion, some repulsive ones have come to light.

This is a Tumblr post I read, the catalyst for the post you're reading now: http://femfreq.tumblr.com/post/52673540142/twitter-vs-female-protagonists-in-video-games

Basically, several people decided the best way to talk to someone who raised a concern they had was to be as sexist and backwards-thinking as possible. And here I thought humanity was getting better in this respect.

While it's never really bothered me if a game has or doesn't have a female protagonist (since the player can always project their own selves onto a character, or treat it like an interactive movie), that doesn't mean it's not a valid concern.

And all the misogyny and venom this one Tweet has caused has made me wonder where it comes from and why people would hold on to such opinions?

There are two reasons in particular that this bothers me, aside from just not being sexist and having respect for people (as much as I can, at least. Again, it all comes down to the individual).

1. It's disrespectful to the women in these men's lives.
   Before anyone pipes in with “Well, DUH!”, let me elaborate: with some of the Tweets mentioning cooking/cleaning/floral arrangement, it's obvious these guys still have the “men go out and work, women stay home and do housework” mentality. Again, obvious, but here's the thing, and I'm going to address the men in question for the next few sections: guys, I'm guessing a lot of your mothers did a large portion of the housework, if not all of it. So, this attitude you're displaying, this looks like a slap into the face to the women who raised you.
   
   
   And if you have sisters or other female members in your family that choose to stay at home (or even if they don't), are you saying what they do is invalid and worth criticising? Even though raising a family is arguably the hardest thing in the world to do? I don't want to throw stereotypes here, since we're already on the subject of the housewife stereotype, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of you live up to the typical “gamer stereotype” of living on a diet of nothing but Doritos and soda, while calling people “noob” over a game of Halo/Call Of Duty/insert some FPS here. And if that's the case, what do YOU do that makes YOU better than them? As far as I see, not a damn thing.
   And if you're in a relationship with a woman at the time I'm posting this, I want to know exactly how you maintain that relationship when you clearly think so little of your partner.
   Unless... oh, I get it now. It's the “Friend Zone”, isn't it? You're being rejected time after time, and thus, you think being sexist is the way to go. Honestly, I shake my head at humans sometimes.

2. Pushing women gamers away= less people to play with.
   This should be self-evident. Why on Earth would we want to push gaming people away based on something like gender? Or for that matter, race, sexual orientation, political leaning, etc. This kind of elitism means less potential opponents for multiplayer games, which means less opportunity for fun! Why would we deny fun, when we have too much in the world trying to drag us down?
   Whenever I find fellow gamers on Twitter/FaceBook/what have you, I'm always excited, because it generates discussion, same with other things I like. My first question to female gamers isn't issuing them a challenge like “Name all eight Robot Masters in Mega Man 2”, it's often “Favourite game/console?” or something that shows I'm eager to discuss games (though bonus points if Pokemon comes up, since I love the Pokemon franchise).
   Twitter has made it easier for me to find fellow gamers/pop culture geeks, from all walks of life, and I cherish that. Why would I throw away possible friendships simply because they're biologically different to me? Hell, I don't want to be me some of the time, so why would I want to be with people EXACTLY like me? Is that what you guys want, to hang out with people who are carbon copies of yourself? Is this an ego thing?
   The way I see it, the more people that would want to play Mario Kart with me, the better! And if they like games, but don't want to play with me, that's fine too, so long as they can game in peace.

I think I'll leave it there. At the end of the day, I don't get why we would want to push people away from a fandom for such an arbitrary reason. If you want someone to leave a fandom because they're trolling you, or bullying members of said fandom, that I can understand. But you shouldn't be so cold to someone so eager to join something, or question an aspect in a mature manner.

Especially since I imagine than a large quantity of geeks have been bullied, or made outcasts, simply for what they liked. Why would the bullied become the bullies, when they know what it's like to face ostracism?

(Note: if anyone's offended by the use of “girls” as opposed to “women” in the post title, my apologies, I did that for alliteration. It's one of the little things in life I love)

Well, We're Movin' On Up

Yeah, so it's been a while since I posted anything for my readership of... five? Anyway, besides general laziness when it comes to this, there has been another reason: I achieved the biggest resolution I had for this year, and moved back out of home a few weeks ago.

It's a bit hard to describe how it feels to be out on my own again, so to speak. Living with my brother, his fiancee and a friend of ours is something we all wanted to do again, and I have not one single regret about moving in, but it's still a period of adjustment for me. Still, it is nice to have everything I own in one room, and being able to grab it at my leisure for the first time in three years is just one of life's little pleasures I'm glad to have back.

Now, it's taken about three weeks to get the internet back, and in that time, I worked on something I should have done a long time ago, that being a computer archive of what I own. Books, movies, TV shows, comics and video games. And I have a LOT. Especially in the movies department, so taking lists that are half alphabetized and half random additions and compiling them into a reorganized alphabetized list takes a long time.

And now, I'm back. Not that anyone reading this is going to care, but hopefully next week, I can get back to reviewing movies and such, especially since June's got some good releases coming my way.

So, check back next week, when I do another triple hit of movies to try and catch up some more.

Catching Up, Part 1: Two Hits And A Miss

OK, I've left this long enough. I've seen that many movies I've been meaning to review that it's getting out of hand.

So, for a little while, going to post a few at a time, no plot synopsis, just my thoughts. If you are interested, check the IMDB pages for the general story breakdown. Sorry about taking the easy way out, but if I want to catch up, I'd better get into gear. Besides, some of these, I don't have much to say anyway (oh and there may be a few small spoilers littered throughout).

Silver Linings Playbook

Pros:

-The acting. The biggest selling point of this film is its cast, and no one slacks off (and when you have Chris Tucker in your cast, that IS a big accomplishment. He's not an actor I would consider to be great by any stretch, but if he does more stuff like this, that could change).

This is arguably the best film De Niro's been involved with for years, and it helps that he's not playing a tough guy or hamming it up (I will say at this point that to me, his last outstanding role was in Stardust, where he also tries something different), but instead a man who doesn't know how to connect with his son any more, with Jacki Weaver offering superb back-up as the mother who tries to keep the peace in the family.

Bradley Cooper's great too, my favourite role of his to date. His character's plight, to get back together with his wife and regain some sense of normality, garners great sympathy.

The stand-out, however, is Jennifer Lawrence, who says what she wants and doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks. She has her vulnerabilities, but she doesn't let them drag her down. Like all good characters, the flaws help define them without pigeon-holing them, and the relationship between her character and Cooper's is believable, seemingly running with the message “people are screwed up, but sometimes, they find other screwed up people and find out you can be screwed up and happy, and compliment each other's weaknesses”.

- The dance scene at the end. First off, I'm not much for dancing, and know little of technique, but I'll be damned if that wasn't an impressive display. It's wild, energetic, and it's plain to see that Cooper and Lawrence are having so much fun while doing it than you can't help but feel a little pumped. Bonus points for one of the songs in their medley being Fell In Love With A Girl by The White Stripes. The dance itself is also a great representation of the two of them in a nutshell: it's unconventional, it changes tone without warning, it's confrontational, uncaring of what other people think, but between the two of them, it makes perfect sense.

Cons:

- Well, there's really only the one, and not much of one at that, but the movie can make you uncomfortable early on, with some of its confrontational scenes. I mean, that was the point, but I can't help but wonder if David O. Russell didn't go a little too far.

One of the better films I've seen this year, and worthy of all Oscars it was nominated for, and definitely so for those it won. 4/5

Flight

Pros:

- The sequence which leads to the crash that sets up the plot. It's amazingly shot and acted, and I actually felt like I was there in the plane. Which is also a bad thing, since I've never flown and I'm actually afraid of flying, so this only added to that fear...

-While the supporting cast are great (especially Don Cheadle), this is pretty much Denzel Washington's movie, and in his role as Whip Whitaker he carries it fantastically. This portrayal of a self-destructive, egotistical man is a little different from Washington's usual fare, and it's probably my fave role of his to date (before anyone asks, no, I haven't seen Training Day yet, I'll get to it one day). Denzel's character is a complicated man, and his journey of self-discovery never enters a place in which it strains credibility.

Cons:

- I mentioned the supporting cast are great, and they are, but with one character, we have a puzzling element. Harling Mays (John Goodman) is a dealer friend of Whip's, and a close confidant. Before Whip's court appearance, Whip drinks himself to near-death and is in no shape to turn up. Enter Harling, who knows how to whip Whip (no pun intended) back into shape. I should note his leitmotif, if I can use that here, is Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones, and his role is played for comedy. Considering the serious nature of this film, this is rather jarring, and an unnecessary distraction.

So far, this is my favourite movie of the year, though we're only about a third of the way through, so there's still plenty of contenders. Even so, I highly recommend this, even with a review that doesn't give it any justice at all. 4/5

This Is 40

Pros:

-Uh... well, the music is nice. No, seriously, the musical selection, I dig it. And since music and the marketing of one group is a subplot, you would expect the music to be decent. Thankfully, it is. I had never heard of Graham Parker And The Rumor before, but I can't say I regret listening to the music.

Cons:

-Is it me or are films trying to make me hate Leslie Mann? Seriously, most of the movies I've seen her in, it looks like she's not having any fun. It's almost like she's Debra from Everybody Loves Raymond (oh, how I hate that character), she has to be mean-spirited to nearly everyone, even though her husband is a reasonable guy (that's not a compliment to Ray Barone from that show, though, he's almost as bad as his wife) and her few heartfelt moments are... well, few and far between. It's sad when a film from earlier this year, ParaNorman, shows she can play lovely characters.

And keep in mind, she's married to the director of this film, Judd Apatow. Dude, are you trying to make us hate your wife? Why?

-The other characters don't get off scot-free, but a lot of them are useless and go nowhere anyway, just like their subplots. Biggest example: Mann's character, Debbie, runs a boutique, and she finds out one of her employees is stealing money. She confronts Desi (Megan Fox, whose performance is unremarkable) about it, but Desi says it's the other employee, Jodi (Charlene Yi and dear God, I swear Apatow is trying to make me hate her, too! I hated her in Knocked Up, and she's irritating here, too. She started off annoying when she was in the last season of House, but I did warm up to her there). Turns out Jodi has a drug habit, that's never hinted at, and as soon as Debbie fires her, the subplot ends on a joke about her being out of it, and that's it. Yeah, that sure needed some screentime, not like you don't have enough going on already...

Speaking of Desi, while she sticks around, she doesn't exactly get better, and the ends-as-quickly-as-it-started subplot with Ronnie (Chris O'Dowd) and Jason (Jason Segel) trying to get into her pants. Keep it classy, guys. It's near the end of the movie, so what's the point? The movie's runtime is a little over two hours, we could have had this cut and lost nothing.

-OK, these last two are nitpicks, I'll admit. First, I'm sick of all the promotion for this film saying “semi-sequel” to Knocked Up. It makes no reference to Seth Rogen's and Katherine Heigl's characters from that film, so you'd never know it, and we already have a term for that: spin-off. This is a spin-off, just call it one.

Next, the title's kind of arrogant isn't it? Like, is this what we're all going to be doing/have done at 40? No, this is “privileged whiny white arsehole's version of 40”. Or, First World Problems: The Movie, if you were.

If you don't want to bother with this movie, I don't blame you. There are some bits I laughed at, but not so much that I'd recommend this. So far, the weakest film I've seen this year. 2/5

Yeah, sorry there isn't a lot of meat on them, but it's been a while since I've seen this films, so some details will have been missed. Hell, they probably come off as looking like slightly better Chris Bores movie reviews (and the slightly better might be giving myself too much credit).

Next post, another three films, so that I can keep on catching up.

I Just Keep Fighting That Windmill

So, yeah, been a while since I updated. There's a reason for that, one I intend to discuss today.

And before I get to it, a disclaimer: anyone who wants to leave a comment about me whining or having a pity party, this is MY blog, and I'm entitled to complain. Yeah yeah, first world problems, I'm better off than some people and all that, but really, if we kept playing that card, no one could complain about anything ever.

I've talked about this before, but now it's getting worse. I work 5-6 nights a week, depending on the week. This month has been a nightmare, due to the amount of holidays (Labour Day and Easter), and that means a lot more to do.

Being at my workplace kills a lot of motivation for everything else in my life. The stream, doing this very blog, even going to the movies. Mainly because, sometimes, they feel like work. And on my nights off, which gives me a great amount of time to catch-up, my mind rebels, because of that feeling. I have so many movies to review, but sometimes, I lose the desire to actually talk about them.

At my work, I feel like I give and I give, and return, all my workplace does is take and take and ask for more. And quite frankly, I don't know how much more I can give.

So, you're asking, why not just quit? There are a multitude of reasons, but perhaps the biggest: there's nothing wrong with ME. I'M doing what I'M supposed to do. I'll be damned if I'm leaving just because I care. I'm not trying to talk myself up, but I put in a damn good effort.

What I'm getting at is, because of how much of a mental toll it's taken on me, I've become concerned with some of the thoughts I've had lately.

Going back to what I said about motivation, caring is also a factor. Sometimes, I don't know if there's enough room in my heart to care about anything else. It's like the joy has been sucked right out of me.

To quote the song “Going Through The Motions”, from the Buffy The Vampire Slayer episode “Once More With Feeling” in Season 6, nothing seems to penetrate my heart. I do pretty much the same thing, day-in, day-out. I just don't a lot of people see how much it gets to me. Or, to quote another song, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' “The Tracks Of My Tears”:

“So take a good look at my face

You'll see my smile looks out of place

If you look closer it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears”

The concern mostly comes from the fact that, dealing with the public has also made hate humanity just that little bit more. Not humans as individuals, because a lot of the ones I know are outstanding.

When a large portion of people can't remember the basics of etiquette, how can we expect them to be mature about the concerns of society, such as allowing marriage equality for the gay community (not going to rant about that here, but long story short, stop denying that right to them!)

Due to the constant rudeness and ingratitude, it's getting to the point where I imagine inflicting pain upon people, and that's the closest feeling to joy that I experience. And really, that kind of scares me.

Using another Buffy reference, there's a scene from Season 3 I keep coming back to, in the episode Amends, in which Angel, the vampire with a soul, contemplates suicide. His line is one of the most amazing I've ever heard in any fictional story: “It's not the demon in me that needs killing, Buffy. It's the man.”

I often wonder the same thing about myself. By killing any sense of honour, any morality about myself, would I then be free of the shackles of my situation?

Or should I just remove myself from the planet altogether? Maybe I AM the demon myself.

There's a saying that everyone is the hero of their own life, their own story. But what if... what if I'm the villain? What if the people I know are really the protagonists, and I'm the dragon that needs to be smote? That would explain why I feel this way, and why the universe designated me as one of its many butt monkeys. Maybe I'm just a bad person, and I'm only just coming to terms with it now.

One of the biggest recurring themes in these past blog posts has been references to Batman, and I'm reminded of something Batman once said to his second Robin, Jason Todd, after Jason came back from the dead and became an anti-hero/villain (long story): “You're broken and I can't fix you”.

Maybe that's what it is, really. Maybe I'm just broken, and can't be fixed. Or it wouldn't be worthwhile to fix me.

I'd like to think I'm a decent person. But I spend so much time doing so much for people I don't care about, that I don't feel like I'm doing enough for the people I DO care about. Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a room that's far away from everyone else, with only a solitary window, and I see everyone I care about, but can do nothing for them. Story of my life.

So, where do I go from here? I guess I just keep going through the motions, waiting for something to give. Either me or my job. Won't be long until I'm in a padded room, I dare say.

As for the blog itself? Well, updates will probably be sporadic, mostly movie reviews to catch up on my long list. We'll have to wait and see.

To finish, another song reference, this one from Tears For Fears' “Mad World”:

“And I find it kind of funny

I find it kind of sad

That dreams in which I'm dying

Are the best I've ever had”.

Thank you and sorry to depress you. Even if it's probably just two people reading. And that's being ambitious.

Unchained And Unleashed

Going to try reviewing things in a slightly altered style, so that these reviews don't just look like walls of text (well, they still will be, but at least it might be more accessible).

So, let's jump right into Django Unchained.

Django (Jamie Foxx) is a slave, freed by dentist-turned-bounty hunter, Schultz (Christoph Waltz) to help him find the Brittle brothers. In return, Schultz offers to help Django rescue his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), an endeavor that leads them to the affably evil Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCpario).

Rather than just things off paragraph by paragraph, jumping between good and bad, I'm just going to review this (and the movies for the next few posts) with a pros and cons list.

Pros:

• The acting. Oh my Lord, the acting is sensational. Jamie Foxx is just a badass, so stoic and determined, and fantastic with a gun. He's able to roll with the punches (figuratively and literally), but get him talking about his wife, and you can hear the devotion in his voice, and see it in his eyes. Jamie Foxx may not have been the first choice but as far as I'm concerned, he's the best choice.
  Leonardo DiCaprio... it's actually really hard to hate his character, despite being racist and despicable. He's just so charming, and even somewhat caring. I mean, he's still a bad person for his racist tendencies, but he's much less of a racist than any of the other antagonists (I know that doesn't make up for anything, but he's actually a really complex character). Hell, his manservant, Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson) speaks to him harshly, but Calvin treats him like sage council, and seems to have the utmost respect for him.
  Kudos to DiCaprio for adding layers to what otherwise would have been a stock standard villain.

But the one who steals the show is Christoph Waltz. Just about anything that comes out of the guy's mouth is hilarious, and he's always cool and collected under pressure. Aside from his general cool attitude, he's also a progressive thinker and loyal to a fault. As good as he was in Inglorious Basterds, he's even better here.

• The gunplay. Typical for a Tarantino film, there's a whole lot of talk, and a whole lot of action, both of which are most welcome. Unlike Gangster Squad, where the choice to use blood splatter to gore up a scene was head-scratching, it's not bothersome here, mostly because Tarantino is playing fast and loose.
  Hell, sometimes, it's downright hilarious, especially towards the end. Sometimes, it even resembles a rail shooter! I can't remember the last time I laughed at an action sequence. Though, I should point out, this was laughter of “Holy crap, what ideas ran through this mad man's head?!” kind, because it's off the wall, insane and I have not one single problem with it.
• My favourite scene, however, is actually quiet in terms of action, and is actually really heartwarming. In this scene, Schultz is telling Django a story about a knight named Seigfried, who rescues his wife Broomhilda after a long and arduous journey. Not only is it something that lifts Django's spirits, it's a nice little parallel to the movie itself (with the use of the name Broomhilda perhaps being the least subtle thing about it). Sometimes, in fast-talkin', fast-shootin' films, it's the quiet moments that prove to be the most effective.

Cons:

• Speaking of Broomhilda, let's go over to the character featured within the movie. Now, I have nothing against Kerry Washington, but her character in this film is basically a living prop. All she does is scream, or look scared or confused (up until the very end, where she does show different emotions) and even partly contributes to the plans not going... well, to plan.
  I can't really entirely blame her, the character is poorly written. Which is a shame, since Tarantino knows how to write a strong woman (see the Kill Bill films for many examples). On the plus side, if they ever do a Super Mario movie, she's got Princess Peach's mannerisms down (yeah, I know Peach isn't black, so what? Kingpin wasn't black in the Daredevil comics but Michael Clarke Duncan was the best thing about that movie).
• Ending fatigue. I'm sure I've gone over this before, but in case, I haven't, ending fatigue is when a movie (can apply to other mediums, but let's stay with movies here) looks like it's about to end, but keeps going, even though most of its loose ends are tied up. This is a criticism commonly thrown at films like The Return Of The King, the last couple Pirates Of The Caribbean films, The Dark Knight/The Dark Knight Rises and Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (that last one I'll definitely agree with).
  And, sorry to say, it kind of kicked in here for me. (Slight spoiler here). After a big shoot-out in Calvin's mansion in which Django is outnumbered and lacking in ammunition, Django is captured. What happens after that I won't reveal, since I think I've said too much already, but really, if Tarantino had changed a few things, and had that shoot-out be the end of it, I'd have been perfectly content. I mean, I don't hate what comes after, but once that part starts, you begin to wonder whether or not the movie actually IS ending soon. And since it concludes the way we expect it to, it's not like we actually needed it.

All in all, another solid offering from Tarantino, and an early contender for my top five for the year. Will it stay that way? Bit early to say, but either way, it's a Hell of a ride.

Take A Shot For Every Argo Reference

Well, the Academy Awards have rolled around again. Oh wait, no, they're pulling a Shazam! on us and calling it the Oscars. I have no idea why.

But anyway, much like last year, I'm going to post my brief thoughts on each of the Best Picture Nominees, and pick who I want to win in the major categories, and guess who will actually win.

This year's picks are a lot better than last year's, in terms of what appeals to me, and what I've actually seen (that is to say, not many, but some are only just getting released now). With two exceptions, if I haven't seen it, I'm going to, though whether or not it'll be by the end of this year I don't know.

So, let's see the Best Picture Nominees.

1. Amour- this literally only came out a few days ago down here (as of this posting), and it skipped my local cinema, so I have no choice but to wait for DVD. And it's not even a high priority. I mean, I do want to see it, but nothing about it screams “See me immediately!” Probably won't win.
2. Argo- this one is on the other end, in that this movie DOES command me to see it. I have the DVD pre-ordered, and it is due in a few days time. I will be reviewing it for the blog, but even though this is jumping the gun, can I say I want this to win? I don't care if I haven't seen it, this movie looks great. As much as I actually respect Ben Affleck's acting ability, if he had to be an actor or a director, and only one of those (exclusions made for the acting portion if he's also directing the movie), I vote he directs. Gone Baby Gone is excellent, and The Town is also damn good. One of the strongest contenders to win.
3. Beasts Of The Southern Wild- I know next to nothing about this one. Probably won't see it. Don't see it winning, either.
4. Django Unchained- finally, one I HAVE seen. This will also be the next review for the 2013 movies on the blog (we WERE supposed to get it December last year, pushed back for reasons unknown). In short, another great Tarantino effort. It'd be great if it wins, but I somehow doubt that.
5. Les Miserables- wasn't a high priority, will catch on DVD. Again, don't see this one taking the award.
6. Life Of Pi- see above.
7. Lincoln- like Django Unchained, an upcoming review. The most likely winner, and my pick for who will emerge triumphant (though I still want Argo to win. Nothing against Lincoln, it is a very good movie, and I give it my recommendation, for what little that's worth).
8. Silver Linings Playbook- probably my next review after Django Unchained (can you tell I'm a little behind in my movie reviewing?), but this could actually have a shot at beating Lincoln and Argo.
9. Zero Dark Thirty- … OK, I don't want to turn this into a huge rant or anything, or make some controversial statements, but the long and short of it is: I do not want this movie to win. I do not want this movie to exist. You know what, Flight should be here, Flight's a great movie (also an upcoming review). If any movie other than this wins, I will be happy (but I'll be even happier if Argo wins. I'll settle for Django Unchained or Silver Linings Playbook)

And for some reason, only nine movies, even though I could have sworn they were going with ten from now on. So... why not add Flight?

But anyway, besides one or two entries, a fairly solid list. Granted, Lincoln pretty much has this in the bag, since it's a biopic on a famous white man from back in the day but hey, at least it's not a World War 2 movie, right?

So, on to the next major awards, though without going into as much detail as I have above.

Best Director- Ben Affleck (OK, he's not nominated, but I want him to win. Also, WHY?! Why is he not nominated?!) I guess if I have to use the official list, I want Spielberg to win. Who probably will win, too.

Best Actor- Denzel Washington (want to win. Seriously, his acting in that movie is fantastic), Daniel Day-Lewis (probable win)

Best Actress- Jennifer Lawrence (both, actually. I think her role in Silver Linings Playbook was outstanding, and I think she has this locked in, especially since Meryl Streep isn't nominated this year)

Best Supporting Actor- ...argh, so many to choose! If I have to pick one, I want Robert De Niro to win, since Silver Linings Playbook is the best thing he's done in ages. Tommy Lee Jones will probably win, though I definitely do not object, he was great in Lincoln.

Best Supporting Actress- Sally Field for both, she holds her own in Lincoln.

Best Animated Feature- I didn't do this one last year, but this year's picks holds a few surprises. I've only seen two of them (Frankenweenie and ParaNorman, both I've reviewed already), but the other three (The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, Brave and Wreck-It-Ralph) I've been very keen to see for some time. Wreck-It-Ralph will probably win, and I want it to most of all, but anyone of these winning is something that pleases me.

I could be here all day, but I think I covered the biggest bases. I know that The Avengers and Skyfall have nominations for some of the technical awards, and more power to them.

On the subject of Skyfall, I haven't heard any of the other songs for the Best Original Song category, but Adele's Skyfall theme MUST win. Seriously, the love I have for that song, I'll never be able to do it justice.

As of writing, the Oscars are a day away. At the time they're on, I'll probably be sleeping, due to my nocturnal nature. So, I'll have to wait until I wake up to find out if my picks were right, and if Argo does win. Have I mentioned I want Argo to win?

Why Can't You Be Friends?

Well, Valentine's Day has rolled around again. You may recall last year that I posted a blog saying that love should be all year round, and not limited to one day.

Well, this year, I'm afraid I'm going to talk about something a little more negative. I admit, this is something I could talk about almost any time of the year, but given what I'm going into, something tells me Valentine's is when this crap will occur the most.

Recently, I learned of a Tumblr with posts from a site called OK Cupid,. A Tumblr devoted to self-professed “nice guys” bitching about being stuck in “the friendzone” with women they're attracted to, and feeling like they're entitled to something (a relationship or even just sex on its own) simply because they're “nice guys”. I'd share the link, but I believe it's had the plug pulled, though this article has an example of one said pic: http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-12-21/nice-guys-of-ok-cupid-the-scariest-tumblr-of-dudes-you-never-want-to-date/

People much smarter than myself have already weighed in on the issue, but I still would like to share my thoughts on it, and why these guys need to have a foot planted firmly up their arse, to greatly paraphrase Red Foreman. As such, I'll be breaking these down in dot point form, ranging from smaller nitpicks to outright criticism.

* First off, while I have no idea who coined the term, don't drag the word “zone” into it! Zone is a cool word, that shouldn't be related to something negative! The Twilight Zone, the Phantom Zone, the Zones in the Sonic games, the Kenny Loggins song Danger Zone, all examples of coolness using the word zone! I think it's the Z, the Z makes it sound cool. Kinda like X. Point is, use another word! Not realm, realm's also a cool word.

* Second, women aren't entitled to give you anything at all. This isn't the days of old (and it was wrong back then too) so playing the “White Knight” and expecting a reward isn't what happens these days. But with society being over-entitled these days, maybe that's the root of the problem.

* Next, when did being friends with women become a bad thing? Friends are awesome! I like making new friends. I'd say “Make friends!” is my motto, but I have one above that one, and that's really the motto of the incredibly awesome Sarah Wilson, aka Pushing Up Roses (check out her gaming videos here: http://pushinguproses.com/ . And a lot of my friends are female, too. I've always gotten along better with women as opposed to men, and I think it's because a lot of men I see in public seem to communicate with grunts and as little dialogue as possible. Unless it relates to sport, drinking and/or women. Maybe that's just because I live in Australia, or maybe the type of people I want to interact with are elsewhere at the time.

* But the biggest point I have to make: if you're a “nice guy”, but you bitch about a friend just because she won't date you, you revoke any rights to call yourself a nice guy.

You know all those arseholes you complain about, the ones she may date over you? Well, moaning about that makes YOU an arsehole too. Except she won't date you once she finds out what you said. So really, you're digging your own grave there.

Also, are these guys really arseholes, or are you just painting them that way because “they're in your way of being in a relationship”? I mean, do you spend time with them, or have you already dismissed them simply because they chose to date your friend? Granted, it IS possible that their character is poor, but intervening when he does something questionable is what a friend is supposed to do, not someone swooping in to take his place as spouse.

Look, I've been here before. I mean, most of us have, right? Pining for someone who is in a relationship, wanting something more, while still being friends. The difference is, most of us don't go out of our way to make our friend's partner look bad, or spread nasty rumors about our friend behind their back out of bitterness. We accept things for what they are, and move on.

There are worse things in life for nice people than not being with the right person. Like being treated like a doormat, for example. I know a whole lot about that...

And that's all I have to say on the matter. So, to these “nice guys” out there: prove it. Be good and nice for the sake of being good and nice.

(On an unrelated note, I know I missed a lot of holidays last year, especially noticeable with a Mother's Day post but not a Father's Day. Can't say it'll be different this year, but I'll work something out)

The Gang's All Here

Right, I have no real creative way to start this... so, Gangster Squad!

It's 1949, and Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) is the kingpin of the Californian criminal underworld.

Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) is picked by Chief to wage war against the boxer-turned-gangster and bring his empire to its knees. So he assembles a team of sharpshooting, hard-fighting cops and goes on the attack.

The most obvious film comparison people have made is L.A Confidential, and to be honest, I don't see it. I mean, yeah, that one's a period piece about crime and corruption, but that one was a little more... layered, for lack of a better word. I haven't seen that one in ages, so maybe there's more to the comparison than what I'm seeing, but for me, the most obvious comparison is The Untouchables, one of my absolute favourite movies. Both have a by-the-book cop assemble a team to take on a kingpin, one of those members isn't much for the violent side of things, there's an older, more experienced cop (who share similar fates, trying not to spoil that. Matter of fact, same thing happens to the team members whose expertise isn't with gunplay), both kingpins go to jail for the same thing in real life (Gangster Squad's changes the ending, for more action-packed fare I dare say).

But how does Gangster Squad hold up on its own? Well, it's a pretty good action flick. It comes in two flavours, shootouts and fisticuffs. Personally, as good as the shootouts are (particularly towards the end), I prefer the fisticuffs, it's more intense, more personal. And the end confrontation is no exception (slight spoiler), in what amounts to a no-holds barred slobberknocker. The entire fight is well shot, and it's what you'd expect between a driven man and a former boxer.

Acting-wise, Josh Brolin reminds me so much of a young Tommy Lee Jones (and for the record, I haven't seen Men In Black 3 yet) and really, that's a good call for a cop film. He's determined, unrelenting and shows great leadership.

Sean Penn, I can't remember the last time I saw him in a film. His character is kind of unbalanced and skittish, but that only helps reinforce how dangerous he can be, the kind of quality you need in a gangster, and he does a superb job.

Ryan Gosling... well, it's almost like he took his character from Crazy Stupid Love and traveled back in time with it. His character loves the ladies (and himself a little) and a good time. But when he's called into action, he gets right into the thick of it.

Emma Stone is the other big player in this movie, playing Mickey's girlfriend, who has more depth than it may seem at first. I'd say she has great chemistry with Ryan Gosling, but since she too was in Crazy Stupid Love, and involved with him there too, it's kind of obvious.

If there are flaws in this movie, it's a couple of minor things.

First, some of the comedic moments feel really out of place, almost taking away from the seriousness of the situation.

Secondly, the blood splattering. Now, obviously, when bodies get riddled with bullets, it's not going to be clean. But the way the blood splatters, you'd think you were watching a particularly gory horror movie. I think I saw less blood in the head-exploding scene from Scanners.

So, all in all, an enjoyable action romp. 3.5/5

Sorry for the less meaty blog post, I'm considering revisiting a couple of these films on DVD later in the year.

Behind Every Great Man...

Sometimes, there are movies you are very keen to see, but then they disappear off the radar for a while, only to pop right back up and announce they're coming out soon. Hitchcock was one such example for me, ever since I found out Anthony Hopkins was involved (OK, I'd have probably seen it regardless, but that's still a big incentive), and for a while, I thought the project had died off.

But no, it was actually being made all this time, and the release date just surprised me. So, naturally, I made it a priority to see.

What's it about, exactly? Well, it details the making of Psycho, his most well known film, but it's also a look at the relationship between Alfred and his wife, Alma (Helen Mirren).

Really, that's all you need to know. It's not a “from birth to death” style biopic, although I wouldn't object to that. This will end up being a short blog, because whether or not this film works boils down to one question: do we have the right cast for the job? The answer is yes, yes we do.

There really isn't much Anthony Hopkins can't do these days, he's a magnificent actor. He embodies the pomposity and snarkiness Hitchcock was said to have had, and he has the look down-pat.

If there's anyone who comes close to outdoing Anthony, or even outright outdoing Anthony, it's Helen Mirren, stepping in with firm support and a quick wit. The amount of work she did on Psycho can't be denied either, and she is the one who suggested the famous musical cue during the shower scene. The two compliment each other well, being able to one-up each other with dry wit. Even when Alfred confronts Alma with accusations of adultery, he never disrespects or diminishes her dutiful work, and that is a huge plus with me. She is portrayed as every bit an equal as Hitch, and maybe even more so.

That doesn't mean the supporting cast aren't great either. In fact, I'm ashamed to say I didn't recognize a couple of them, and they're actresses I like a lot! Jessica Biel and Toni Collette disappear into their roles as Vera Miles and Peggy Robertson respectively, and Ralph Macchio's in this, too! Seriously, I only just found that out now! Yes, the Karate Kid himself!

Scarlett Johansson was as classy as I've come to expect as Hitchcock's leading lady Janet Leigh, and she continues to be one of my favourite actresses currently in the industry.

And Kurtwood Smith, despite his very small role, well, it's always great to see him.

I was also fascinated by parts in the film in which Hitchcock appears to be talking to Ed Gein, usually in a dream sequence, or the like. Goes to show how devoted to his work Hitchcock was, how obsessed he was, and, on some level, maybe how eccentric and borderline crazy he might have been. I mean, we all go a little crazy sometimes...

So, yeah, short blog, probably not very informative, but that's often the thing with a biopic. The casting is often the most important thing, or else the project falls apart. Luckily, we have a stellar cast on hand. 4/5

If only this could be a TV series, and we could see the process behind all his films. Can this happen? Please? I'd love to find out what happened behind the scenes on The Birds.

I Talked With A Zombie

So, it's been a while since I've posted. I'd say I was hoping that February would be less hectic in terms of movie watching, but with Australia getting the rest of the Best Picture nominees, and some of them looking really good, those hopes are dashed. And I'm seeing another couple films tomorrow, so I'd better get cracking on the movies I have seen.

So, 2013's film season kicks off with ParaNorman (and yes, I know America had this film for a little while before us, but I can't help it if they keep hogging all the good movies, so it'll still count for my end of year fifty.)

Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is an outcast amongst his peers and even within his own family, because he talks to the dead and no one will believe him. But that's all about to change when the dead walk the Earth as a witch's curse over the town takes hold.

I've heard some high praise for this movie, and having seen it, I can see why some of it is justified. Some of it. Overall, I think it's a very good movie, with some aspects being more impressive than others, but a few things bothered me, mostly with character conception.

Like with Norman's friend, Neil (Tucker Albrizzi). He's an overweight, easily excitable kid with no friends and says stupid things, usually trying to be comedic when the time doesn't call for it. Gee, wherever did they pluck that idea from? *Rolls eyes*

The character just bugs me. I'm not sure if it's the design of the character, the dialogue, the voice acting, or all of the above, but this is a stock character. He's not all that funny, and as moral support for Norman, he kind of fails. Norman doesn't really need him, and the story only throws him in there so that his big brother, Mitch (Casey Affleck, fave performance of the film, by the way) has a reason to provide transport for the characters.

Another character I have an issue with: Norman's father, Perry (Jeff Garlin). Now, I get that he may be worried about his son, and thinking he's a little crazy, since Norman is the only one who can see ghosts (barring his uncle, Mr. Prenderghast, voiced by John Goodman, who dies early on. Not a spoiler, either), but his dialogue and voice reading make him come off as an abusive parent. I mean, seriously, if this were a darker film, he WOULD be abusing Norman! He's never positive about his son at all (until the end, naturally), he acts like he's a burden, he shouts a lot, and quite frankly, it makes the movie uncomfortable. Doesn't help that he dresses like a typical blue collar worker, leading to all sorts of unfortunate implications.

In spite of those aspects, however, I do recommend the film, because the good does outweigh the bad. The stop-motion animation, for example, is some of the most impressive ever committed to the big screen, particularly when it comes to the set designs and skylines. Those skies are just beautiful, and the effects for the witch only enhance its glory.

But what impresses me most is the bait-and-switch villainy. I've talked about this before in my review on Rock Of Ages, but this is a different kind (and there will be spoilers here).

Throughout the film, we've been lead to believe that the witch is the antagonist, and that she is the personification of evil for this particular town. It is then revealed that the undead currently roaming the town are the same people who sentenced a little girl to death, over 300 years ago. So, naturally you want to hate them for their heinous act. But upon speaking with Judge Hopkins (Bernard Hill), Norman learns they regret their actions, acting merely out of fear.

So, it looks like we're back to the witch being pure evil right? Well, since she was the little girl sentenced to an early death, she naturally feels vengeful and malicious. Completely understandable. But Norman gets through to her, and makes her feel like she's not alone because of her gifts, and she becomes the sweet little girl she once was before departing.

What I like about it is, despite the fact that we've been lead to believe this film has a villain with a truly despicable nature, but in both cases, we uncover sympathy within our antagonists, thus giving the movie a complexity that a lot of other movies can't say they have.

So, not the strongest start to a film season (though, when you begin a year with something like Black Swan, that's not easily topped), but still well worth your time, and I will definitely be grabbing this on DVD at some point later in the year. 3.5/5

The Movies Of 2012: The Right Way Of Doing Romance Vs. The Wrong Way

Well, here we are. My favourite five of the year, and the five least favourite.

For the least favourite, like last year, I'll do the order from #46-50.

#46. Straw Dogs (Rod Lurie)

So, what did this remake/second adaptation do differently to the original? Nothing worth noting, except adding moral ambiguity. Whether or not that works, I'll leave up to you. Not the worst remake/second adaptation in film history, but if you want to stick with the original and the original only, can't say I blame you. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/keep-knockin-but-you-cant-come-in.html

#47. Melancholia (Lars Von Trier)

After Antichrist, I should have expected more pretension and dullness. Well, I am a fool for expecting something better. Yes, the soundtrack is lovely, and some shots exquisite, but boring characters and slooooooow pacing kill any interest faster than a planet about to collide with Earth. No big loss to that Earth, I say. 2.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/melancholia-and-infinite-blandness.html

#48. Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor)

Would I have been as leiniant with this film if it was straight-to-DVD? Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that it's rather disappointing. The first wasn't a classic, but this makes it seem so by comparison. No one seems to care about what they're doing, the action is weak, and some shots are pointless (the scene, which is repeated, of Ghost Rider “pissing flames” for example). Just reboot, guys. I don't see a third coming now. 2.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/hes-trying-to-catch-devils-boy-across.html

#49. Wanderlust (David Wain)

I hate how even with low expectations, some films can't even meet that. All I expected from Wanderlust was a decent little film, with a chuckle here and there. What I got was a bunch of jerkasses and stock villains. Alan Alda may be the sole saving grace for this movie. If you're going to watch, watch for him. Everything else can be disposed of. 2/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/ill-just-keep-wanderin-thank-you.html

But which film, amongst all others, is the lowest of the low? None other than...

#50. The Five Year Engagement (Nicholas Stoller)

I will reiterate this: I was not coerced into seeing this movie, I didn't go with anyone who wanted to go, I saw this of my own volition. And much like the entry above, all I wanted was a nice film, that maybe challenged a few things we've seen a lot. Instead, I'm “rewarded” with idiotic characters who should know better, telegraphed jokes, an ending that doesn't seem just, considering everything we've seen, and everybody seems to be ganging up on Jason Segel's character, even when there are more reprehensible characters.

It's been a long time since I've said this, but I've found a new contender for the worst movie I've ever seen. I HATE this movie. Considering all the talent involved, this should have been better. This should have been smart. Even if it didn't redefine the genre, it could have given it a solid movie. It didn't even manage to be cookie-cutter! How does it fail on a level like this? For a modern movie, it sure as Hell doesn't seem like it. Avoid. Avoid like the goddamn plague. 0.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/can-we-put-this-wedding-on-hold.html

Right, now that we've been swimming in sewage, let's close out with the gems of the year, the golden standards, counting down from #5-1

#5. The Amazing Spider-Man (Marc Webb)

Show of hands, who expected the reboot to actually be any good? Keep them raised if you expected it to not only match but even surpass the Raimi films. This film is another reason that reboots CAN work, if done properly. Much like Batman Begins, just because we know the story, doesn't mean the creative team can't find new ways to make us care. The characters are well-rounded, the chemistry between Garfield and Stone is completely adorable, and the action scenes are what I expect from something bearing the Spider-Man name. Bring on The Amazing Spider-Man 2! 4.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/is-it-good-listen-bud.html

#4. The Cabin In The Woods (Drew Goodard)

The shot in the arm horror films needed. Don't get me wrong, 2011's Scream 4 is a reinvigoration I whole-heartedly welcome, but this is on a level comparable to Drag Me To Hell (especially with the ending. Oh, the ending is glorious in these films). Joss Whedon's writing shines through, the characters are among the best written in the genre, and the laughs are most welcome, especially since you'll get little reprieve with this beauty. Treasure every minute of it. 4.5/5 

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/if-you-go-out-in-woods-today-im-sure.html

#3. The Dark Knight Rises (Christopher Nolan)

I admit, I expected this to take out the top spot, even with the competition of The Avengers. Well, upon second viewing, I admit some things could have been tightened up. Despite that, and forgetting about popular opinion, I could not ask for a more fitting end to a terrific trilogy. The emotional stakes are even higher, the new characters make for welcome additions (I will say that Bane is the best villain of any film this year) and the close-combat action keeps you on the edge of your seat. I'm sad to see this universe go, but I am forever grateful to everyone involved, for everything they've done. I have never been more proud to call myself a Batfan. 4.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/were-on-eve-of-destruction.html

#2. The Avengers (Joss Whedon)

When Iron Man was defeated by The Dark Knight, it's almost like that inspired Marvel to just lick their wounds and strike back, bigger and better. Well, this year, the Caped Crusader bows to Earth's Mightiest Heroes. A team effort, held together by action scenes that would make Michael Bay salivate and Whedon's wonderful writing, that pays off. Much like The Dark Knight shattered and rebuilt the game back in 2008, so too has Avengers laid the hammer down (no pun intended) and demanded that the world catch up. I will say this now: as good as the Justice League movie could be when it comes out in 2015, I'm already calling it now: Avengers 2 is the winner. And this movie is proof as to why. DC/Warner, Marvel has pushed back and is saying “Your move”. 4.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/recruit-team-of-heroes-with-attitudes.html

But which film, amongst all others, do I deem to be the best release of 2012? The answer may surprise you...

#1. Ruby Sparks (Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris)

The amount of reasons as to why I love this movie... well, that's what my review is for. But one reason I didn't include reaffirms why this is a work of art. It is the polar opposite to The Five Year Engagement. Whereas I expected something good, and got spat on, Ruby Sparks transcended all expectations, from being a merely good film to being a masterpiece.

The performances, the passion, the dialogue, all of it combines to make something that seems to capture the essence of fiction itself.

If this film were a person, and it was also performing a play, I would be rushing out to buy three bouquets of roses. It stirred something in my heart and it made me feel alive.

Granted, the same can be said for The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises, but I expected them to be as great as they were. Ruby Sparks embraced me, whispered sweet nothings in my ear and disappeared into the night, leaving me bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Films like this don't come along very often. Cherish them when they do. 4.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/the-manic-pixie-dream-girl-in-all-her.html

Well, there you have it. Another year, another 50 films. I will be doing this again for 2013, and the film season has almost started. I hope I've inspired you to seek out a few of these films, and discover what magic they hold.

The Movies Of 2012: Hunger Games, Games Of Shadows, They're All Just Games In The End

OK, Part 2 of the fifty 2012 movies begins. Listed below are movies #25-56

#25. The Dictator (Larry Charles)

Or, “Sacha Baron Cohen Plays Wacky Foreign Guy Again”. Though that may come off as a potshot at the man, at least this is funnier than Bruno. Dropping the “mockumentary” angle of Bruno and Borat helps it from feeling like too much of a retread, even if the story progression is too fast for its own good. But hey, it lets Anna Faris play someone who's not an idiot, so that makes it look favourable. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/or-borat-if-he-had-power.html

#24. Hugo (Martin Scorsese)

Unlike 50/50, I can get why this is so highly thought of. It pays homage to the origins of cinema, and treats it with the respect it deserves. I can't, however, give the film such high regard, since Hugo himself is unlikeable at times. If the film had been about Isabelle instead, I might have given it a higher rating. But don't take that as a deterrent, as Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen (there he is again!) are wonderfully cast. Worth your time, for sure. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/should-have-taken-platform-nine-and.html

#23. Dark Shadows (Tim Burton)

Coming from slightly overrated, to slightly underrated, I actually do think this film works on its own merits (I haven't seen the show, can't vouch for it) and the solid cast hold it up. What doesn't is the inconsistent tone and the all-too-neatly-wrapped up conclusion revelations. But the good does outweigh the bad, and when you have a soundtrack this kick-arse, that helps. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/why-cant-neighbours-have-vampire.html

#22. J. Edgar (Clint Eastwood)

Another well done biopic, but not without problems. Much like I mentioned above with Dark Shadows, the tone is off at times, but in reverse. Instead of being lighthearted when it should be serious, it takes serious scenes and makes them laughable. Not sure what Clint was going for there... but all in all, an interesting account of Hoover's life, and Leonardo DiCaprio is superb. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/gaze-into-abyss-and-abyss-gazes-into.html

#21. Frankenweenie (Tim Burton)

The better of the two Burton films, but suffering from one of the same problems (the ending should have undergone another draft at least), but this story seems to be closer to Burton's heart, which is why it looks like it was made with more care. Burton's really good with the stop-motion films, so I hope that when it comes time for the new Addams Family film he's involved with, that stays in stop-motion. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/my-pet-monster-now-with-actual-pets.html

#20. The Hunger Games (Gary Ross)

As good as the book, for better or worse. Some of the supporting characters get shafted in terms of development, but the leads are great, especially Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. The visuals are much more impressive than I expected and the chemistry between Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence is very convincing. I expect good things with Catching Fire, due later this year. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/women-who-kick-ass-and-chew-bubblegum.html

#19. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky)

If coming-of-age dramas were made in a style similar to this, I'd probably watch more of them. The characters are well cast, the music excellent, and with the author of the book at the helm of the film, the themes and feelings remain consistent from the source material. Granted, some of the subplots didn't make the cut (even though they get hinted at in the film) and I was disappointed by the severe lack of Paul Rudd screen time (a real shame considering a film entry on the next post...), but this is a film that is comparable, or even better, than the book itself. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/some-flowers-just-need-little-love.html

#18. Justice League: Doom (Lauren Montgomery)

The best of the bunch from this year's DCUAO, though that's not saying much, as this year hasn't been a fantastic year for the line. Despite the watering down from the source material, the concept still works, the voice cast is excellent and the changes are (largely) still well thought out. A great effort, all things considered. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/plans-plans-plansthey-always-have-their.html

#17. Shame (Steve McQueen)

A depiction of sex addiction, confronting and passionate. Michael Fassbender proves why he'll have a long and prosperous career, as does Carey Mulligan. Not the easiest picture to sit through, nor should it be. But it still needs to be seen. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/addiction-by-any-other-name.html

#16. Young Adult (Jason Reitman)

If you can see only one Charlize Thereon movie on this whole list, make it this one (yes she's in Prometheus, but that's not a leading role for her). She and Patton Oswalt have a great rapport, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. It's also a huge deconstruction on the “person tries to clean up their life and win over person from their past” schtick. Great work. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/glory-days-well-theyll-pass-you-by.html

#15. Prometheus (Ridley Scott)

Debate rages on as to whether or not this is actually part of the Alien franchise, and about its quality based on said connection. I think any way you slice it, you have a solid science-fiction film. Yeah some of the supporting characters are dicks (and it was a boneheaded move to age up Guy Pearce when you could have hired someone like Max Von Sydow or Christopher Plummer), but it goes for the horror feel of the first Alien film, while trying to sow the seeds of that universe's genesis. Also, perhaps Noomi Rapace's finest role to date. I just hope other directors see her talent and utilise it. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/space-space-i-wanna-go-to-space.html

#14. Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (Guy Ritchie)

Hey look, another Noomi Rapace movie! OK, she's not the strongest aspect of it, but she does well here. Of course we can't expect her to be what carries the film, that's what Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are here for, with their wonderful comedic timing, separate from each other and together. Throw in a wonderful Moriarty, Stephen Fry as Mycroft, and heart-pounding action, and you have a superior sequel to an already great movie. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/dont-think-about-batman-dont-think.html

#13. The Cinema Snob Movie (Ryan Mitchelle)

This guy needs a bigger fanbase, then more people would see this dynamite Kevin Smith-styled film. Snappy dialogue, characters who feel real, and a murder mystery! What more do you need? Go the Cinema Snob website and buy it now! 4/5

http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/its-lloyd-approved-what-more-can-i-say.html

#12. The Muppets (James Bobin)

Despite not being a huge Muppets fan growing up, I appreciate the old school feel this film radiates. Much like an entry that I'll be getting to, the film works by keeping the same charm of the old and transplanting it into the modern era, acknowledging the change in times. Also, the songs are delightful! And I'm not just saying that because I have Me Party stuck in my head... 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/well-its-not-quite-mop-its-not-quite.html

#11. Looper (Rian Johnston)

I really hope Rian gets a higher profile from this, this is his third solid outing as director. A time travel-action-thriller, with a superb cast (except for the kid. Ugh.) Joseph Gordon-Levitt just goes from strength to strength doesn't he? 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/old-man-look-at-my-life-im-lot-like-you.html

#10. The Three Stooges (Peter and Bobby Farrelly)

Much like The Muppets, by keeping the fundamentals of the Stooges on display, while making the setting modern, the film makers have proven the Stooges can still be relevant, and downright hilarious. Hayes, Sasso and Diamantopoulos capture the essences of the Stooges exceptionally well, and this is without a doubt, my favourite comedy of the year (not counting the next few entries, since some are comedy/drama mixes. This is the best straight-out comedy of them all). 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/oh-brother-where-art-thou-chowderhead.html

#9. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher)

Loved the book, loved the Swedish version of the film, loved this one. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara are one of the best pairings of leads in a film this year, the settings and atmosphere are grimmer than I ever thought they could be, and the music is great (especially Karen O's cover of Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin. One of THE best covers I have ever heard, for any song ever). 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/penny-all-grown-up.html

#8. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (John Madden)

Some of the best of the British come together to make a delightfully entertaining movie, and making the most of its exotic scenery. Yeah, there are some cliches here and there, but the film is warm and inviting, and that's what matters. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/hotel-or-hostel-i-know-where-im-staying.html

#7. Skyfall (Sam Mendes)

From start to finish, a Bond film surely to join the upper levels of Bonddom. A charismatic villain, greater screen time devoted to the supporting cast, a BRILLIANT theme song (I cannot stress this enough, Skyfall by Adele is simply divine) and arse-kicking action. Bond will be back, and I will be there. 4/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/todays-bond-movie-is-brought-to-you-by.html

#6. Super (James Gunn)

Like Kick-Ass, if Kick-Ass was just a touch more realistic. Genuine shocks, a truly contemptible villain, and Ellen Page being awesome (as if she could be anything else). I expected something lighthearted, but this went totally in the opposite direction, and I love it more than I expected to. 4.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/wrench-to-face-new-arrow-to-knee.html

Well, in the next post, we look at the bottom five and the top five. Though I imagine there will be few surprises, at least where the top five is concerned...

The Movies Of 2012: Tinker, Jailors, Hunstman Guy

Much like the films of 2011, now's the time I rank the fifty films from 2012 that I have seen, over the course of three posts.

Just a reminder of the ground rules (and for new readers, this will be the first time you see these rules) that I have obeyed for the year's film crop:

• Since I've done reviews for each 2012 film listed, I'll provide the links to those if you want a greater analysis or general plot details, otherwise these posts would be bigger mountains of text than they are.
• Some of these films may have seen release in 2011 overseas, but since I'm Australian, I'm going on Australian release date and availability for myself.
• Not everything is going to be a huge, blockbuster release, so remember that this isn't what I think are the best films of the year, these are ALL the films released this year that I have seen and reviewed and all of them will be ranked. Granted, I did want to see stuff like Killing Them Softly, Wreck-It-Ralph and Argo (that's my biggest movie regret in 2012, not watching that one), but I can rectify that with DVD.
• Much like the 2011 rankings, the top five and bottom five will be in the last post, and the first two posts will count downwards. This post will cover #45-26.

With that out of the way, let's get started!

#45. 50/50 (Jonathan Levine)

The performances are right, but something's lacking in this comedy about cancer. Not a bad film, but missing something to properly propel it. Critically acclaimed, for reasons I don't get. 3/5
http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/cancer-cults-and-carl-jung.html

#44. Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark (Troy Nixey)

Oh, I'm not afraid of the dark. I'm actually laughing at it, because the creatures of the night are pathetic. The acting's OK, but I'm not sure this was clamoring for a remake. I hope this doesn't deter re-release of the original, though, I'd like to see that. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/meet-insane-cousins-of-borrowers.html

#43. Total Recall (Len Wiseman)

Speaking of remakes we weren't screaming for, I have a question for this movie: why so serious? A movie that has confused itself with Blade Runner, except forgetting that both that movie and the original Total Recall had ambiguity at play. Yeah, the action and music are decent, and Bryan Cranston is dynamite, but there isn't much more on offer. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/do-you-remember-21st-night-of-september.html

#42. Hostel Part 3 (Scott Spiegel)

Still not sure why “Part” is a necessary word, this isn't the Godfather trilogy we're dealing with. Just another standard straight-to-DVD horror movie with tenuous connection to its predecessors. Gore-wise, yes, it's good, but if you don't see this, it's not the end of the world. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/hotel-or-hostel-i-know-where-im-staying.html

#41. The Woman In The Fifth (Pawel Pawlikowski)

The book is almost always better than the film, and this certainly proves that right. This adaptation feels watered down, and the ending is just as big a cop out as the book's. If you have to choose between one or the other, go with the book. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/lacking-in-certain-je-ne-sais-quoi.html

#40. Martha Marcy May Marlene (Sean Durkin)

Elizabeth Olsen is great in this film, but the dialogue doesn't leave us with anyone truly likeable. A lot more could have been done with this premise. A shame, really. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/cancer-cults-and-carl-jung.html

#39. Red State (Kevin Smith)

Smith's trying to move out of his comfort zone here, and this is proof of why staying in the comfort zone isn't always a bad thing. The action works, and John Goodman nails his role, but if you're trying to make me sympathetic to the one dimensional characters, I'm confused as to what you're trying to say. Oh well, they can't be juggernauts, eh? 3/5

http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/believers-do-darnedest-things.html

#38. The Descendants (Alexander Payne)

On the one hand, the scenery is lovely and Clooney's very good. On the other, some of the supporting characters are dreadful, and the ending infuriates me. All in all, though, a nice film. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/dont-take-my-wife-please.html

#37. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Tomas Alfredson)

Great choice in cast, and the atmosphere is fitting, but it's not always that engaging. Maybe if I had read the book before hand. But hey, it's Gary Oldman in a lead role, so that's almost always a win for any movie. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/spy-vs-spy-vs-some-other-spies-vs-some.html

#36. Snow White And The Huntsman (Rupert Sanders)

In which the Huntsman is the more interesting character (and better acted). Kristen Stewart is meh, Charlize Thereon is all over the place, and the final confrontation stretches credibility. But still, an enjoyable fantasy tale, though where will they go from here now that the sequel has been confirmed? 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/witchy-woman-see-how-high-she-flies.html

#35. Ted (Seth Macfarlane)

If you like Family Guy, here's more of the same! If you don't, turn away now. I can tolerate Family Guy these days but Ted should have risen above it, even just slightly. But it suffers from some of Family Guy's problems, like trying to have a heartwarming ending after tons of dick and fart jokes. Not buying it, guys. Still, acting's great, Patrick Stewart's narration is hilarious and I dig the premise. A good first try for Seth's film directing career, but let's hope he builds upon it from here. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/i-just-wanna-be-your-teddy-bear.html

#34. Rock Of Ages (Adam Shankman)

The perfect movie example for a balanced set of pros and cons. Pros: very good supporting cast and good music selection. Cons: poor choice in leads and bait-and-switch villains. For me, the good ultimately wins out, but only just. Doesn't deter me from wanting to see the stage musical, though. 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/well-here-i-am-rock-me-like-hurricane.html

#33. One For The Money (Julie Anne Robinson)

I was hoping this would have found a larger audience, I love the books (the ones I've read so far at least) and I want this to be a franchise. And I did have fun, but not as much as I should have been. Something's lacking, but I can't put my finger on it. Still, I didn't hate Katherine Heigl's performance, and I really don't like a lot of the stuff she's in. Maybe we can try again in TV series form? Please? 3/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/women-who-kick-ass-and-chew-bubblegum.html

#32. A Dangerous Method (David Cronenberg)

I have to wonder if this was a stage production turned film, because it certainly seems like it. The three leads are well utilized and turn in marvelous performances. Good thing too, because the film would have fallen apart with nothing else to rely on. Still very much recommended. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/cancer-cults-and-carl-jung.html

#31. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns- Part 1 (Jay Oliva)

It should have been a slam dunk. Take a classic Batman story, split it into two films to properly cover it, and let the magic happen. But the creative team made the critical errors of removing the internal monologues and brightening the look of Gotham, a serious detriment to this and, potentially, Part 2. That's not to say it's all bad, but this is probably my least favourite from the DCUAO line. Please, please let Part 2 be better. 3.5/5

http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/im-getting-too-old-for-these-hits.html

#30. The Great Mint Swindle (Geoff Bennett)

The only made-for-TV film on the list, and the only Australian one, but a decent effort. Shane Bourne goes against type, and the rest of the cast is very good, too. I doubt too many of you will see this, but it's not bad. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/call-that-fair-cop.html

#29. Chronicle (Josh Trank)

The plot's an interesting take on the superpowered person angle. Shame the villain and his motivations are so textbook. One of the better found footage films I've seen, filled with surprises. I hear a sequel is in the works, curious as to how that will turn out. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/its-all-fun-and-games-until-someone.html

#28. Superman Vs. The Elite (Michael Chang)

I think a 4 rating was a little too generous, now that I think about it. Sure, it's a very good film, but not quite up to snuff with previous Superman animated features (namely, All-Star Superman). Voice cast is nice, the story is great, but it just feels a little too streamlined. Still, none of the DCUAO films have sucked, but this year's batch hasn't been as good as the previous years. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/beware-superman-not-actual-superman.html

#27. The Woman In Black (James Watkins)

If this is Hammer's way of saying “We're back”, consider that a good return. Supporting cast doesn't do much supporting, but the atmosphere works and the attempts at jump scares properly utilize the concept. Nice work, Daniel. Good to see you do well in post-Potter productions. 3.5/5

http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/silent-hill-edwardian-era-style.html

#26. My Week With Marilyn (Simon Curtis)

Very pleasant biopic, and Michelle Williams delivers a stellar performance as Marilyn. Hope her profile gets an increase after this, she is the best aspect of the film. 3.5/5

 http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/wed-need-more-than-week.html

Alright, that's Part 1 done. Part 2, it'll be movies #25-6.