We've had to deal with crap like MacGruber, (I hate you Tony.) and The Wolfman, but we were given true gems this year and here are most of them.
10. Daybreakers
Why is there so much hate for this movie? Let me start by saying I've had it up to here with damn vampire movies, for a couple different reasons. 1. They never bring anything new to the table (Underworld) or they get everything wrong (Twilight). 2. They tell the same story in the same way we've seen a million times. That's what makes Daybreakers so good. Not only does it tell the story in a new and interesting way, it also bring new things to the table. It boasts a great cast (Ethan Hawke, Willem DeFoe, Sam Neill) and an even cooler style. It's one of the few January releases I whole heartedly endorse. I wish it did well enough to have a sequel, but it's a horror gem that's gone unseen. It really is a must.
On DVD now.
9. 127 Hours
The real life story of a man trapped in a canyon for 5 days. I just saw this one the other night and am in awe of it. It's hard to watch at times and even more intriguing on how they made a movie about a guy stuck in a canyon for so long interesting for almost 2 hours. James Franco is great and the script is decent and I loved the sound design, it really helps the movie be so difficult to sit through. The biggest issue with it is the end where you actually see the real Aaron. I am not a Danny Boyle fan, but he did earn his Best picture nomination this year.
In Theatres Now
8. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
It's the story of Scott Pilgrim who falls in love with a girl who has 7 evil exs who want to kill Scott Pilgrim. From the director of such greatness as Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead comes another great comic adaptation. It's sad that it is such a niche film because it's actually really good and a lot of fun. It's not perfect by any means. The first 15-20 minutes is a tad slow admittedly, but the rest of the movie more than makes up for it. The video game jokes through out are great and the whole experience really pulls you in. They go as far as to make the distribution companies logo 8-bit as well as a lot of the music. If you're in to video games or comics at all you'll really enjoy this movie and to top it off Michael Cera is actually tolerable in this one too.
On DVD and Blu-Ray Now
7. The Town
The sophomore film from one of my new favorite directors, Ben Afflack, yeah you heard that right, Ben Afflack. He's a much better director than he is actor. I loved his first film, Gone, Baby, Gone and The Town doesn't disappoint. It tells the story of a bank robber who falls in love with a woman his team took hostage. It's slow and plodding, but it's highly enjoyable with some soft character moments and funny sight gags. Ben Afflack delivers a good performance as well as Jeremy Renner. It should be getting more award attention, but I am loving what is winning the awards.
On DVD and Blu-Ray Now
6. Shutter Island
Oh, Shutter Island. What a long forgotten movie. Sad really directed by the one and only Martin Scorsese. The story of a detective investigating the case of missing patient 69. Leonardo has slowly become one of my favorite actors. He gives a great acting job with Mark Ruffalo and Scorsese in near top form. Shutter Island is a great thriller with everything you want, action, drama, love, hatred. It has its flaws, but the story more than makes up for the problems it has technically.
On DVD and Blu-Ray Now
5. Tron: Legacy
Tron: Legacy is one of the coolest movies I've seen in a while. With a thumping score created by Daft Punk and advised and couched by Hans Zimmer, the score is a character in and of itself. It has visuals that will leave you spellbound and my favorite part, when you're in the real world the movie is 2D, but when you're in the computer it's 3D. That just adds an extra layer to the movie that is unmatched thus far in the tech world of 3D. Was the 3D amazing? No. This is why I am not a huge fan of 3D because it's still not that good, but over all Tron is a great sequel and a solid technical movie. Can't wait to see what's next.
In Theatres Now
4. Toy Story 3
Normally I don't put pixar on this list, but it's been a weak year and I had to fill the void. I don't care if it's "unoriginal", but I truly believe it's the best of the 3. Any body who is close to my age feels something for the toys and for Andy, I mean shit we grew up with him. This is one of the most heart wrenching and ballsy cartoons ever made. I was in tears multiple times. If you haven't seen it by now you fail at life.
On DVD and Blu-Ray Now
3. Black Swan
If you know me at all you know my love for Darren Aronofsky, his films are gorgeous, heart breaking and many times hard to watch. Black Swan is no exception. Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis put out a stunning performance. Aronofsky breaks his rule of minimal CGI and creates a story that all artists can relate to. It's a breath-taking view into the struggle of someone who is giving EVERYTHING to do something they're completely passionate about.
In Theatres Now
2. The Social Network
Social Network, the story of a huge contemporary icon. The script is adapted from the book, "The Accidental Billionaires" and the biggest question about the movie is how real it is. Is it fake, is the story real? The funny part is the ONLY person saying the movie is false is Mark Zuckerburg himself, the writer, Aaron Sorkin, says that everything in the movie has something to back it, may it be court documents or Mark's own blog. When Aaron Sorkin wrote the 166 page script he knew that some of it would be cut especially since the director, the brilliant David Fincher, would be under contract to make the movie at, around, or near 120 minutes. Fincher read the script and decided instead of cutting anything the best thing to do would be to make all the actors talk faster. This movie is a thing of beauty, the direction, the cinematography, and even the amazing score created by Nine Inch Nails band member, Trent Reznor. The greatest thing about The Social Network is that it's culturally relevant, it actually means something now. It was so perfectly released in history, any earlier and it would be laughed at, any later and it would be meaningless.
On DVD and Blu-Ray and in Theatres Now
1. Inception
Here it is...are you surprised...probably not. Now in all actuality The Social Network is probably the best movie of the year, but Inception has something that TSN doesn't have amazing mind blowing visuals. I know I talk a lot about movies being more than "just entertainment" and that's why Inception takes the top spot. Not only is it a terrific story, that is nothing but brilliantly and artistically well done, but it also doesn't skimp on stunning visuals and entertainment galore. Inception is the summer movie with brains and that doesn't come along every summer.
On DVD and Blu-Ray Now
Hidden Gems
Red Riding
It's an interesting made-for-British TV 3 part film. The story spans 3 years and multiple people dealing with a series of murders. Red Riding is a plodding, interesting piece that keeps you wondering the whole time. The new Spiderman and hopeful Best supporting actor nominee, Andrew Garfield, plays a reporter attempting to get to the bottom of the murders. Red Riding is a little seen thriller that really deserves more attention. Even I have only seen the first, but if 2 and 3 are half as good as the first it is a movie that must be seen.
Exit Through the Gift Shop
A terrific documentary about the English street artists Banksy and Mr. Brainwash. It's a very cool and slick look into a subculture that frankly very few of us have even looked at. If you haven't seen this yet I highly suggest it.
RED
You may have heard of it, but probably didn't see it. You have Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malchovich, and Helen Mirren and ex-CIA agents. With character actors, Richard Dreyfuss and Ernest Borgnine as well as Carl Urban from Star Trek, it's one hell of a cast and a fun ride.
Winter's Bone
The indie movie that is very depressing and not nearly as fun to watch as one would like, but I still suggest it. It's nominated for best picture and Best actress. The story is about a girl who needs to get her father back before the bondsmen take their house away. Definitely see it to see subtle subdued acting at it's best.
Other Great Movies
Kick Ass
I loved Kick Ass. I loved the trailers. I loved the idea. Frankly it's what 2008's Hancock should have been. It's cool and stylish. It's fun and surprising. It's irreverent and doesn't care. In a world where we're all forced to be PC, it's nice to hear a 9 year old say cunt. hahaha I'd probably scream if I heard a real child say that, but that's beside the point. Kick Ass is one of those movies that may not look the best and it may not be a stunning piece of cinematic genius, but it's got a lot of heart and that counts for a lot. It's not a just a guilty pleasure it's a solidly done comic adaptation.
The Expendables
Lots of people hate it because of no story or some stupid crap like that, but come on you don't see this for the story, you see it for Sly, Arnold, Bruce, Mickey, Dolph, Jet, Jason, and other actions stars. It's a lot of fun.
Despicable Me
A great cartoon that isn't getting nearly the respect it deserves. A great story, great characters, and hilarious side characters, with great site gags.
Alice in Wonderland
It's a sequelish of the original cartoon. It's fun to look at and fun familiar characters.
How to Train Your Dragon
The rare great piece of cinema from Dreamworks. Great voice acting, amazing animation, and terrific script.
The King's Speech
Yes it's good. Yes it is superbly acted, but it's not best picture of the year. It's a movie about the true story of a king with a speech impediment, during WW2...So let's recap, period costumes, funny accents, a disability, and during WW2. That's Oscar bait, but those movies don't win. They rarely win. Dont' get me wrong it's a good movie it's just not THAT good.
The Kids Are All Right
It's this years Juno and Little Miss Sunshine. The Oscars pick one tiny comedy/drama to put on a pedestal every year as a form of charity or something. Again it's good, it's just not THAT good. The acting is above average and I LOVE Julianne Moore. I do like it, but am not a huge fan of the ending.
Get Him to the Greek
I love Russell Brand and I love Forgetting Sarah Marshall and this is a psedo sequel. You have to see this insanity!
The A-Team
It's fun and not much more. I liked the cast and loved the fun of it. It fits well with the original show.
Machete
Amazingly full of shlock, it's a great addition to the Grindhouse push from Robert and Quentin.
Worst Movies of the year
1. MacGruber
2. Clash of the Titans
3. The Wolfman
4.The Last Airbender
And Most Overrated
True Grit
People are going to hate me. I liked it, I just didn't love it. It felt too average to be a Coen movie. Jeff was mediocre. His drunkenness was over the top and not very endearing. Sad really. I wanted to love it.
So does anybody have thoughts? Any out of order in your mind? Stay tuned to discuss the Oscar nominations and my predictions in my next blog post.
Don't miss the next hidden gem.
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