Tuesday 15 January 2013

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

#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

#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

#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

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

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

#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 

#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

#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

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

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.




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Monday 14 January 2013

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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

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...
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Sunday 13 January 2013

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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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


#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

#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

#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

#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

Alright, that's Part 1 done. Part 2, it'll be movies #25-6.
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Tuesday 1 January 2013

The Resolutions Will Not Be Televised

Happy New Year to my readers! How was your Christmas? I know I should have asked in an earlier blog, and I apologize, but with this being the holiday season, it's not THAT late for me to be asking.

Well, the new year is upon us. What have we learned from this year?

  • That even after absolutely devastating attacks from Mother Nature, New York didn't just give up, they struggled to rise up and face hardship head on.
  • That the gun control debate will be a never-ending cycle, as the bodies keep piling up.
  • That sometimes, good does triumph over evil, and the right man for the job gets to keep his, while the loser acts like an ingrate, perhaps revealing his true colours.

But what have I learned on my own experiences over the year? Well, in the circumstances of my job, I've learned that the time tested adage “If you want something done right, do it yourself” is never more true when it comes to the workforce. Sometimes, I wonder why I don't just have someone build a shack above my workplace and I could use a fire pole to get to work. Would make commuting that much easier.

Otherwise, I learned two things last year both for the good.

First, I learned that Twitter was more useful than I thought. Besides being able to promote this blog (wait, why am I talking about this blog in a section on the good?), I've been able to speak to so many awesome people about all different things. I've spoken with several members of TGWTG, which I doubt I would do without Twitter, I've chatted with fellow Whedonites, and it's almost always fun going on Twitter.

Secondly, and this is the big one (and somewhat tired into the one above), I've learned that maybe I'm not as socially reviled as I've lead myself to believe. Besides a constant presence on Twitter, I've made a couple of friends through work who I often see, and the stream, of course. All these opportunities happened in 2012, and without them, I'd have no social life at all. And for anyone who's reading this, be they a Twitter follower of mine, a friend, a family member, or even a random stranger, thank you for reading.

So, in this brave new year, have I set up any goals or resolutions for myself? Yes I have.

  1. I'm going to save up for better tech. An actual video camera, new computer accessories, perhaps even a new computer. And while this would be for entertainment purposes, a Wii U (dying to play New Super Mario Brothers Wii U and Zombi U. And I may even see how Assassin's Creed 3 holds up on a Nintendo console). It would be nice to produce video content, and eventually turn this into a vlog, and maybe go further.
  2. On the subject of saving up, I want to try living on my own again. I've been living with my father, step-mother and siblings since the second half of 2010 and while I love being here, and will always be grateful to my family, it's time I got back out there. OK, chances are I'll be living with my brother and future sister-in-law, but we've had that arrangement before and we loved it. Circumstances meant I had to leave that situation, but that had nothing to do with me or them, so it's ideal for all of us. And it will be nice to have all my stuff on shelves again, I'll be able to pull them out easily without having boxes upon boxes to sort through.
  3. I will devote more time to personal projects that I really should have started by now, mostly pertaining to my belongings and such. And obviously, I will continue this.
  4. And on a much smaller scale, I will clean up my paperwork and actually get a better filing system... and work out if I actually need half of it anymore.

Whatever your goals may be, I wish you the best of luck, I thank you once again for reading my stuff and let's make this year a better year than most!
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