My 10 Favorite Films of 2009 plus some other crap…
This list is in no particular order…read away!
Inglourious Basterds
Tarantino’s fictional take on the fall of the Third Reich stands out as the year’s best and my favorite. It was a horrible time in the history of the human race however to see history re-written like this was very satisfying. Tarantino’s characters are so well developed that you can’t help but connect with them. Bloody and disturbing with moments of humor make this a unique creation. Sadly, Mike Meyers cameo falls flat but the film succeeds on many levels and is definitely going to be nominated for Best Picture. See my review for more detail.
Up
Disney/Pixar continues its successful streak of beautifully written and rendered animated films. I can still remember the tears and laughs coming from the audience (and myself) upon first viewing. The movie was a sight to be seen in its 3D form. Living artwork and thrilling sequences made this a must for movie lovers. See my review for more detail.
Star Trek
Wow a lot of hardcore fans wanted this film to fail without even seeing it. And guess what, It became one of the biggest hits of 2009 with critics and audiences alike. It was spectacular, witty, emotional and all together a perfect resurrection to a dying franchise. Thanks J.J. for breathing new life into Roddenberry’s vision. Also thanks for bringing some of the hottest new talent to light (Chris pine anyone?) See my review for more detail.
Coraline
Director Henry Selick took a surprisingly dark children’s story by Neil Gaiman and made it digestible to the masses. Although it’s still a pretty eerie children’s tale, it has a lot going for it. Beyond the technical aspect of stop motion animation, the story reminds children to be careful what they wish for. Completely immersive in 3D and well worth the time at the movies.
The Hangover
This is one of the funniest and most unpredictable movies of the year. Todd Phillips creation just keeps building and building and ends on a surprisingly warm note… then bam!, more raunch! It’s an interesting construct which works because of its characters. The great thing is a lot of us can relate to similar stories of a drunken forgotten night in sin city. It’s just craziness!
Avatar
Writer/Director James Cameron returns to bring us a somewhat generic story about greed, inhumanity and love. Although the story has been told many times, its Cameron’s telling that changes the game. The use of technology, motion-capture, face-capture, CGI and 3D makes the film all the more special. All of it would be nothing without engaging characters and incredible sequences. Awesome job James.
District 9
Social commentary within a gritty Science Fiction film succeeds in this Neil Blomkamp film. Don’t get me wrong, its chock full of amazing effects, bloody violence and incredible CGI Prawns lol. The movie is grounded in the real world and its authenticity makes the entire story work. See my review for more detail.
The Road
A post-apocalyptic tale based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy about the survival of one man’s family. Viggo Mortensen and child actor Kodit Smit-Mcphee turn in amazing performances within this dark subject matter. As heavy as the film can be, it has moments of sincerity and truth that show humanity in its true light.
(500) Days Of Summer
One of the most romantic movies I saw this year. Its hits on all the right notes and shows the truth behind those subtle times with a new love. It’s the little moments that amount to so much in a relationship but are they enough to label it as “the one”. Zooey and Joseph deliver casual, likable, and believable performances. The soundtrack alone can transport you into many moments you’ve had yourself. A relatable film about creating a relationship in a young professional’s world.
Guilty Pleasures of 2009
2012- Don’t blame me for loving the destruction of Los Angeles but the effects and sound work were awesome. Cheesy dialogue be damned!
G.I. Joe- True to the over the top cartoon of the same name. A popcorn flick that doesn’t need to be taken seriously, and if you do, it’s your loss.
Jennifer’s Body- Diablo Cody Dialogue and Bloody boy eating Megan Fox add to this crazy cool movie. Also thanks Amanda Seyfried for playing the “straight” girl.
Worst Movies of 2009
Wolverine- Why in the world was this movie so full of crap? You have some great characters but let’s just throw in every single mutant we can. Wtf! Not good, not fun and an overall waste of a movie.
Terminator: Salvation- Effects aside this movie had so many awful boring moments. Bad acting and sub-par directing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
New Moon- The most overhyped piece of cinematic garbage to ever make 300 million. Here’s hoping Eclipse will get New Moon out of my head.
Movies I have yet to see in 2009
Up in the Air, Precious, Brothers, A Single Man, The Hurt Locker
Movies I’m looking forward to in 2010
Clash of The Titans
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Iron Man 2
Inception
Toy Story 3
The Wolfman
DayBreakers
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt. 1
Alice in Wonderland
The Crazies
Rapunzel
Tron: Legacy
Twilight: Eclipse
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Showing posts with label Favorite Films List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favorite Films List. Show all posts
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Sunday, January 4, 2009
My 10 Favorite Films of 2008 plus some other crap...
This list is in no particular order..read away
-Cloverfield-
New York yuppies get together to give Rob a going away party. He is in love with his best friend Lily but can not commit to her now that he is leaving. Meanwhile, A monster emerges from the depths of the ocean to destroy anything and anyone it see's. Our party goer's enter the streets of Manhattan in a shaky cam fight for survival. I loved the the first person view of the Camera. Although some people experienced motion sickness, I was able to follow it pretty well. Also I loved the grim ending Cool fact: The very last scene with the characters at Coney island, you see something fall from the sky and land in the water.
-Iron Man-
The superhero film that put Robert Downey Jr. back in the spotlight. Tony Stark is a weapons manufacturer and technical genius. After surviving an IED attack in Afghanistan, He returns home with a new sense of purpose and an electro-magnet in his chest that keeps him alive. The cast of the movie is great. The effects are awesome. There is plenty of humor, action and drama to keep you involved. The one thing I still do not like is the music. The score is bland and generic. I sure hope they get a better composer for the sequel.
-Wall-E-
By far one of my favorite Pixar films. It's funny because my other favorite is Finding Nemo and it was directed by the same person, Andrew Stanton. Wall-e is the last "clean-up" robot left on Earth. He is driven by function but has somehow grown a personality. He's longs for a connection with another being. This is a simple and sweet love story set against the devolution of human beings. There is a message about blatant consumerism and our current wasteful culture. However what holds me in this movie is the sincerity of the characters and the overall feeling that we are nothing without love. The animation is amazing!
-The Dark Knight-
I am a fan of Director Christopher Nolan. His films never cease to amaze me. Insomnia, Memento, and The Prestige are all top notch films. So when he tackled Batman Begins he really reinvented the character for today's audience. His Batman is tough, brooding, challenging and just plain cool.
So does the Dark Knight live up to the hype? Yes. There was a guy in our audience tonight who stood up during the credits and decided to share his opinion with his group of friends. He said "a lot of cool sequences but it doesn't live up to the hype." It actually made me a little angry only because I don't think he gave the film a chance to show him its worth. Should you go in blindly and not take the reviews to heart? Yes!. Even my mini review. This is a great film with great performances. So many things that I wasn't expecting. Amazing action, tense drama and some awesome thrills.
Hands down, Heath Ledger is amazing. He has taken a character that sometimes people dismiss because of his appearance and made him truly frightening. Don't get me wrong, I love Nicholson's Joker. I always will. This Joker is a disgusting son of a bitch. He is what you most fear, a man with nothing to lose. His performance will stun you while making you snicker. I am sorry Heath is gone. I would have loved to see him continue this role.
The rest of the cast is great. Bale owns Batman. Michael Caine is perfect as Alfred. Gary Oldman does very well. Another standout for me was Aaron Eckhart. He is amazing as Harvey Dent/Two Face. Very strong performance. I won't spoil the movie anymore. Go into this movie, sit down and let it take you, you will not be disappointed. I must admit some parts really annoyed me. Sorry Maggie you were hot in the Secretary but you've got nothing on Katie Holmes.
It saddens me to think that this 'real-world' Gotham Nolan created may not see the crazy villains of Batman's Universe. I would love to see Catwoman get another chance, or the Riddler or the Penguin for that matter. But we'll see. All the actors are signed for a third film, so lets hope it comes out great.
-The Fall-
Director Tarsem takes you on a very emotional and wondrous journey into the imagination of a young girl. The movie is filled with amazing visuals and costumes. The story has a such sweet sadness. Lee Pace is a great actor. He definitely needs more work. (see Soldiers Girl)
-Doubt-
Meryl Streep will surely be nominated for best actress this year. Her performance as Sister Aloysius was gripping. A pungent, evil woman who justifies her methods by believing she is doing the right thing. Amy Adams has a great supporting role as the young optimistic nun. Philip Seymour Hoffman turns in another strong performance. The movie plays very much like a stage play but I think it makes it work. The locations are slim because all that matters is what is going on in that Catholic School.
-Hellboy 2: The Golden Army-
Guillermo del Toro brings a fantastical world to life. I enjoyed this movie immensely because of the visuals, music, and story. Reality is killing fantasy and imagination. I'm glad this point was being made in the movie. Overall very entertaining and much better than the first film.
-Vicky Christina Barcelona-
This has become my favorite Woody Allen film since Bullets Over Broadway. The story is simple and so engaging. Vicky and Christina are spending the summer in Barcelona. They meet a charismatic Spanish man played by Javier Bardem. His passionate ex-wife is played by Penelope Cruz. Buy a bottle of your favorite wine and watch this movie. The atmosphere in the movie is so warm and makes you long for another life in a European country.
-Quarantine-
I don't know how many people saw this but I loved it! Its another first person camera kind of directing, like Cloverfield or the less succesful Diary of the Dead. The first 10 minutes is slow but when shit goes down, its awesome! The best part is that you're not entirely aware of whats around you or whats happening. This made me very uneasy. Great horror flick.
-Milk-
A moving bio-pic about Harvey Milk. Sean Penn will certainly be nominated for best actor. I enjoyed him in the movie more than I ever have before. The supporting cast is excellent. The politics of the movie mirror life today in a very sad and upsetting way.
Guilty Pleasures of 2008
Twilight - What can i says I love Vampires!
Mamma Mia! - What Can I say I love Vampires..I mean musicals :P
Worst Movies of 2008
The Women - How could anyone screw this classic up? Try uninspired casting and bullshit modern movie cliche's. Insulting to the audience it was meant for. Please see the original.
Mad Money- OMG talk about unwatchable. Queen Latifah is this movies saving grace. Katie Holmes is chewing scenery and Diane Keaton is a one note. Bad pacing, lame gags, and a flat story make this a real a stinker!
The Happening- Wow this movie was such crap! After the first 5 minutes it became the worst movie of the year. So So So Bad. Don't believe me, rent it! I dare you to watch for more than 20 mins max!
2008 Movies I have yet to see:
Slumdog Millionaire; Revolutionary Road; Curious Case of Benjamin Button;
Frost/Nixon; The Wrestler; The Reader; Valkyrie
Movies I'm looking forward to in 2009:
Coraline
Watchmen
X-men Origins: Wolverine
Up
Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince
Terminator Salvation
Star Trek
2012
Where the Wild Things Are
New Moon
The Princess and the Frog
ya Cheers thanks a lot!
Rich
-Cloverfield-
New York yuppies get together to give Rob a going away party. He is in love with his best friend Lily but can not commit to her now that he is leaving. Meanwhile, A monster emerges from the depths of the ocean to destroy anything and anyone it see's. Our party goer's enter the streets of Manhattan in a shaky cam fight for survival. I loved the the first person view of the Camera. Although some people experienced motion sickness, I was able to follow it pretty well. Also I loved the grim ending Cool fact: The very last scene with the characters at Coney island, you see something fall from the sky and land in the water.
-Iron Man-
The superhero film that put Robert Downey Jr. back in the spotlight. Tony Stark is a weapons manufacturer and technical genius. After surviving an IED attack in Afghanistan, He returns home with a new sense of purpose and an electro-magnet in his chest that keeps him alive. The cast of the movie is great. The effects are awesome. There is plenty of humor, action and drama to keep you involved. The one thing I still do not like is the music. The score is bland and generic. I sure hope they get a better composer for the sequel.
-Wall-E-
By far one of my favorite Pixar films. It's funny because my other favorite is Finding Nemo and it was directed by the same person, Andrew Stanton. Wall-e is the last "clean-up" robot left on Earth. He is driven by function but has somehow grown a personality. He's longs for a connection with another being. This is a simple and sweet love story set against the devolution of human beings. There is a message about blatant consumerism and our current wasteful culture. However what holds me in this movie is the sincerity of the characters and the overall feeling that we are nothing without love. The animation is amazing!
-The Dark Knight-
I am a fan of Director Christopher Nolan. His films never cease to amaze me. Insomnia, Memento, and The Prestige are all top notch films. So when he tackled Batman Begins he really reinvented the character for today's audience. His Batman is tough, brooding, challenging and just plain cool.
So does the Dark Knight live up to the hype? Yes. There was a guy in our audience tonight who stood up during the credits and decided to share his opinion with his group of friends. He said "a lot of cool sequences but it doesn't live up to the hype." It actually made me a little angry only because I don't think he gave the film a chance to show him its worth. Should you go in blindly and not take the reviews to heart? Yes!. Even my mini review. This is a great film with great performances. So many things that I wasn't expecting. Amazing action, tense drama and some awesome thrills.
Hands down, Heath Ledger is amazing. He has taken a character that sometimes people dismiss because of his appearance and made him truly frightening. Don't get me wrong, I love Nicholson's Joker. I always will. This Joker is a disgusting son of a bitch. He is what you most fear, a man with nothing to lose. His performance will stun you while making you snicker. I am sorry Heath is gone. I would have loved to see him continue this role.
The rest of the cast is great. Bale owns Batman. Michael Caine is perfect as Alfred. Gary Oldman does very well. Another standout for me was Aaron Eckhart. He is amazing as Harvey Dent/Two Face. Very strong performance. I won't spoil the movie anymore. Go into this movie, sit down and let it take you, you will not be disappointed. I must admit some parts really annoyed me. Sorry Maggie you were hot in the Secretary but you've got nothing on Katie Holmes.
It saddens me to think that this 'real-world' Gotham Nolan created may not see the crazy villains of Batman's Universe. I would love to see Catwoman get another chance, or the Riddler or the Penguin for that matter. But we'll see. All the actors are signed for a third film, so lets hope it comes out great.
-The Fall-
Director Tarsem takes you on a very emotional and wondrous journey into the imagination of a young girl. The movie is filled with amazing visuals and costumes. The story has a such sweet sadness. Lee Pace is a great actor. He definitely needs more work. (see Soldiers Girl)
-Doubt-
Meryl Streep will surely be nominated for best actress this year. Her performance as Sister Aloysius was gripping. A pungent, evil woman who justifies her methods by believing she is doing the right thing. Amy Adams has a great supporting role as the young optimistic nun. Philip Seymour Hoffman turns in another strong performance. The movie plays very much like a stage play but I think it makes it work. The locations are slim because all that matters is what is going on in that Catholic School.
-Hellboy 2: The Golden Army-
Guillermo del Toro brings a fantastical world to life. I enjoyed this movie immensely because of the visuals, music, and story. Reality is killing fantasy and imagination. I'm glad this point was being made in the movie. Overall very entertaining and much better than the first film.
-Vicky Christina Barcelona-
This has become my favorite Woody Allen film since Bullets Over Broadway. The story is simple and so engaging. Vicky and Christina are spending the summer in Barcelona. They meet a charismatic Spanish man played by Javier Bardem. His passionate ex-wife is played by Penelope Cruz. Buy a bottle of your favorite wine and watch this movie. The atmosphere in the movie is so warm and makes you long for another life in a European country.
-Quarantine-
I don't know how many people saw this but I loved it! Its another first person camera kind of directing, like Cloverfield or the less succesful Diary of the Dead. The first 10 minutes is slow but when shit goes down, its awesome! The best part is that you're not entirely aware of whats around you or whats happening. This made me very uneasy. Great horror flick.
-Milk-
A moving bio-pic about Harvey Milk. Sean Penn will certainly be nominated for best actor. I enjoyed him in the movie more than I ever have before. The supporting cast is excellent. The politics of the movie mirror life today in a very sad and upsetting way.
Guilty Pleasures of 2008
Twilight - What can i says I love Vampires!
Mamma Mia! - What Can I say I love Vampires..I mean musicals :P
Worst Movies of 2008
The Women - How could anyone screw this classic up? Try uninspired casting and bullshit modern movie cliche's. Insulting to the audience it was meant for. Please see the original.
Mad Money- OMG talk about unwatchable. Queen Latifah is this movies saving grace. Katie Holmes is chewing scenery and Diane Keaton is a one note. Bad pacing, lame gags, and a flat story make this a real a stinker!
The Happening- Wow this movie was such crap! After the first 5 minutes it became the worst movie of the year. So So So Bad. Don't believe me, rent it! I dare you to watch for more than 20 mins max!
2008 Movies I have yet to see:
Slumdog Millionaire; Revolutionary Road; Curious Case of Benjamin Button;
Frost/Nixon; The Wrestler; The Reader; Valkyrie
Movies I'm looking forward to in 2009:
Coraline
Watchmen
X-men Origins: Wolverine
Up
Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince
Terminator Salvation
Star Trek
2012
Where the Wild Things Are
New Moon
The Princess and the Frog
ya Cheers thanks a lot!
Rich
Friday, January 4, 2008
My 10 Favorite Films of 2007 plus some other crap
My 10 Favorite Films of 2007
These are in no particular order. It may be a bit long so prepare to read. Comments are welcome.
-Juno-
Great performances by Ellen Page, Allison Janney and Jennifer Garner. Great dialogue and so much heart. Some critics have compared it to Little Miss Sunshine, but this movie is sooooooo much better. Can't wait to own it.
-La Vie en Rose-
Oscar worthy performance by Marion Cottillard as Edith Piaf. Fantastic film about the life of the French singer. Beautifully filmed and acted. Prepare yourself to be completely wrapped up in this movie.
-Bridge to Terrabithia-
I know some of you may think this is a childrens film but the themes in this film are very much adult. It can be considered a coming of age, escapist fantasy film. I never read the book growing up but this film reminds me a lot of the Neverending Story, which I love. I know that it was marketed as a fantasy film such as Narnia or Golden Compass but I believe the heart of this story is much better.
-Ratatouille-
This film is gorgeous! The story, artwork, voice talent are incredible. I love all Disney/Pixar films (except Cars, what a let down) but this film surpasses in story. The story is sweet, sad, funny, and clever. Worth watching over and over.
-Grindhouse-
I was one of the lucky few on opening weekend that was able to see the whole Grindhouse Experience (Tarantino and Rodriguez's double feature). The movie was not making enough money so the studio decided to split it up on DVD to recoup some of the box office loss. The two films are "Death Proof" and " Planet Terror". Death proof is absolute genius but you have to let yourself into the movie. Don't expect that you know what you are getting into it works best that way. Planet Terror is like watching the original Dawn of the Dead, very funny and gory with great action scenes. Both are great but distinctly different in tone.
-Superbad-
I've have not laughed out loud at a movie so much. Great film although the cop sequences can really try your patience. Hysterical film with a fair amount of Heart.
-Stardust-
A great film with fantastic performances by Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Claire Danes. Claire Danes is just so good in this movie. I loved watching this and I really wish I had watched it in the theater. A charming romantic, epic, fantasy that equals A Princess Bride.
-The Host-
A Korean film about a monster that terrorizes the city. I know simple premise but the way this film is shot scares the hell out of me. To see the monster running behind camera (basically your P.O.V) or running along side you, basically trying to get you is insane. Its shot in broad day light mostly so there is no mystery as to what you are witnessing. Its funny, sad, suspenseful and scary all at the same time.
-Transformers-
I'm a sucker for popcorn flicks but this one was one hell of movie. It was funny, exciting, huge and let's face it a bit nostalgic. I loved Transformers all my life and the 1986 movie was amazing to see in the theater. So maybe I am biased but who cares, Transformers rock and this years film was spectacular.
-Waitress-
A sweet and funny film about a waitress with an a-hole husband and a talent for baking. Great dialogue and a bit predictable but enjoyable to watch. I think I'm going to bake a "I need a new job" Pie.
GUILTY PLEASURES of 2007
Norbit – Come on, this shit was funny. How you doin!
AVP-2 - Not a great film but damn bloody and fun.
WORST OF 2007
Smoking Aces – If you were able to get through 10 mins of this trash, you deserve a medal.
Spider-Man 3- WTF? This movie was everywhere!! I'd rather watch Spider-Man 2 TWICE than this piece of shit!
Shrek 3 – Ya know what? No more fckn shrek movies pleeeeeaaaaaaasssssssseeeeee! Sad attempt at plot and NO laughs!!!
Ghost Rider- OMG This movie was absolutely terrible. Don't even waste your time.
Looking forward to these films in 2008:
The Dark Knight
Cloverfield
Wall-E
Jumper
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Where the Wild Things Are
Star Trek
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
ya Cheers, Thanks a lot!
Richie
These are in no particular order. It may be a bit long so prepare to read. Comments are welcome.
-Juno-
Great performances by Ellen Page, Allison Janney and Jennifer Garner. Great dialogue and so much heart. Some critics have compared it to Little Miss Sunshine, but this movie is sooooooo much better. Can't wait to own it.
-La Vie en Rose-
Oscar worthy performance by Marion Cottillard as Edith Piaf. Fantastic film about the life of the French singer. Beautifully filmed and acted. Prepare yourself to be completely wrapped up in this movie.
-Bridge to Terrabithia-
I know some of you may think this is a childrens film but the themes in this film are very much adult. It can be considered a coming of age, escapist fantasy film. I never read the book growing up but this film reminds me a lot of the Neverending Story, which I love. I know that it was marketed as a fantasy film such as Narnia or Golden Compass but I believe the heart of this story is much better.
-Ratatouille-
This film is gorgeous! The story, artwork, voice talent are incredible. I love all Disney/Pixar films (except Cars, what a let down) but this film surpasses in story. The story is sweet, sad, funny, and clever. Worth watching over and over.
-Grindhouse-
I was one of the lucky few on opening weekend that was able to see the whole Grindhouse Experience (Tarantino and Rodriguez's double feature). The movie was not making enough money so the studio decided to split it up on DVD to recoup some of the box office loss. The two films are "Death Proof" and " Planet Terror". Death proof is absolute genius but you have to let yourself into the movie. Don't expect that you know what you are getting into it works best that way. Planet Terror is like watching the original Dawn of the Dead, very funny and gory with great action scenes. Both are great but distinctly different in tone.
-Superbad-
I've have not laughed out loud at a movie so much. Great film although the cop sequences can really try your patience. Hysterical film with a fair amount of Heart.
-Stardust-
A great film with fantastic performances by Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Claire Danes. Claire Danes is just so good in this movie. I loved watching this and I really wish I had watched it in the theater. A charming romantic, epic, fantasy that equals A Princess Bride.
-The Host-
A Korean film about a monster that terrorizes the city. I know simple premise but the way this film is shot scares the hell out of me. To see the monster running behind camera (basically your P.O.V) or running along side you, basically trying to get you is insane. Its shot in broad day light mostly so there is no mystery as to what you are witnessing. Its funny, sad, suspenseful and scary all at the same time.
-Transformers-
I'm a sucker for popcorn flicks but this one was one hell of movie. It was funny, exciting, huge and let's face it a bit nostalgic. I loved Transformers all my life and the 1986 movie was amazing to see in the theater. So maybe I am biased but who cares, Transformers rock and this years film was spectacular.
-Waitress-
A sweet and funny film about a waitress with an a-hole husband and a talent for baking. Great dialogue and a bit predictable but enjoyable to watch. I think I'm going to bake a "I need a new job" Pie.
GUILTY PLEASURES of 2007
Norbit – Come on, this shit was funny. How you doin!
AVP-2 - Not a great film but damn bloody and fun.
WORST OF 2007
Smoking Aces – If you were able to get through 10 mins of this trash, you deserve a medal.
Spider-Man 3- WTF? This movie was everywhere!! I'd rather watch Spider-Man 2 TWICE than this piece of shit!
Shrek 3 – Ya know what? No more fckn shrek movies pleeeeeaaaaaaasssssssseeeeee! Sad attempt at plot and NO laughs!!!
Ghost Rider- OMG This movie was absolutely terrible. Don't even waste your time.
Looking forward to these films in 2008:
The Dark Knight
Cloverfield
Wall-E
Jumper
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Where the Wild Things Are
Star Trek
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
ya Cheers, Thanks a lot!
Richie
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