The Darkest Hour (** out of ****)

The Darkest Hour is a film that I had such low expectations of going in I ended up quite liking it. So in terms of entertainment value it's not actually a bad film at all. In terms of story, suspense and believability it is the complete opposite. Sean (Emile Hirsch) and Ben (Max Minghella) are in Moscow to propose a social network venture. They meet Natalie (Oliva Thirby) and Anne (Rachael Taylor) in a night club when as luck would have it, aliens invade. These invaders are cloaked in a electromagnetic field that makes them invisible to the naked eye but cause electronic devices to react in their presence. I actually liked the actors in the film so perhaps personally I overlooked boring characters here. The film goes for a mix of apocalyptic atmosphere (ala 28 Days Later) and the simple alien fighting genre. Moscow in ruins is pleasing to the eye for apocalypse junkies such as myself. Perhaps if the aliens didn't look like Pokemon I'd have been drawn into the world more. Then again it's not great in the first place. I had a decent amount of fun watching though (some russians caused me to laugh hysterically due to their getups). If you don't examine the film and turn off your brain then fun times are ahead. Of course I couldn't do that and hence the poorer rating.

** out of ****

Carnage (*** out of ****)

There is both little and lengthy things that can be said about this film. The plot is simply two couples set to discuss a fight their children had at school. Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz are an upper middle class couple that have the hint of superiority here. It comes down to that Waltz is bored endlessly by this tediousness while Winslet fakes interest which can only last so long. The other couple is played by John C. Reilly and Jodie Foster. Reilly has the job of the one who thinks this is all unnecessary and this meeting is just a bad idea. Foster must play the reasonable one that is looking to regain control of their lives. The film is a short 76 minutes mostly because it's all in real time in a single apartment. As the situation progresses each distinct character  eventually gives into their carnage. They have come to meet as reasonable adults but in not getting what they want have reverted to childish and simple yelling. Allegiances shift, people seek to disarm one another, hilarity and melodrama occur all backed up by great performances (although Foster is a bad too manic near the end). From my understanding the film is weaker than the play. Nearly every time I read something about the film they said the theater play was better. Well since I've never seen it I didn't need to compare the two. So the final product here seems fresh to me and an upscale kind of fun.

*** out of ****

The Adventures of Tintin (*** out of ****)

It's easy to see why Tintin is such a famous character. He has a clear understanding of right and wrong, is very bright, not afraid of a fight, has a taste for mystery and a lovely fox terrier named Snowy. Tintin hails from a series of comic books written in Belgium, They're quite big in Europe and India. Spielberg tapping into his inner "Indy" brought the series to the big screen. It is captured in glorious motion capture with talents such as Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg involved.

Tintin and Snowy get caught up in a mystery to find a great treasure. The villainous Rackham seeks to take the prize for his own but needs something in Tintin possession to proceed. Both however need Captain Haddock to remember the final clue. The film contain some thrilling sequences (one involving a hawk was some of the most fun I had this year), some quick humor and dazzling views. As far as adventure film goes it contains all the elements it need to succeed. Some of this is greatly enhanced with 3D. In the end you'll have fun and have a new heroic face to remember. Sometimes that's all we need in a film.

*** out of ****

Most Anticipated Films of 2012

2011 is near a close and I'm forming my "best of" lists still. I have a couple more films I need to watch in order for me to satisfied with my lists. I expect by mid January to have everything up. However this does not mean that I can't post a list I still look forward too making. Twenty films that I greatly anticipate for next year. It's not ranked but the higher on the list the better. Sure there will be films that will grab my attention later and some films I may post might not be released in 2012 (On The Road and A Swim Two Birds never came out this year) but as of the end of 2011 this is what I'm looking forward too.

- Prometheus
- The Dark Knight Rises
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- Seven Psychopaths
- Untitled Terrence Malick Project
- Cogan's Trade
- World War Z
- Django Unchained
- The Place Beyond The Pines
- Only God Forgives
- Cosmopolis
- On The Road
- Stoker
- Celeste and Jesse Forever
- Looper
- Byzantium
- Wettest County
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- Gravity
- This Is 40

Margin Call (*** out of ****)

The biggest strength of Margin Call comes from its cast. It features Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany, Kevin Spacey, Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker and Jeremy Irons. All are capable to achieve greatness and when put together create a unforgettable product. As actors they make the dialogue the script presents all it could be. J.C Chandor as a first time writer and director has done very well with the material. However his words are so heavy that they may have come off as algebra on screen. Yet the actors pull of this dialogue to give it a thrilling pace. In fact the way every scene is created seems like a dialogue heavy thriller rather than a film about wall street yuppies. It it great work by everyone involved.

Quinto's character has uncovered something big that may mean the end of their company. It's the story of banking crisis and the collapse of wall street that we all know. However now the audience is given a first hand a first hand look at the stress involved. For the type of film it is, its made exceptionally well. Margin Call is confident and bold in its ideas and has the material to back it up.

*** out of ****

Immortals (**1/2 out of ****)

Roger Ebert described this as "the best looking bad film ever". I can't disagree but neither will I call it bad film. Filmmaking means analyzing all aspects on the screen. Fantastic costumes and art direction play a role  when creating a film. In that aspect it leaps beyond what is normally deemed at as acceptable to a treat for the eyes. I could watch some of the images presented in Immortals all day and feel fulfilled. Also since this is a action film, that quality is also met quite well. Where this story falls apart is at the script. The story is too sudden and childish to be anything noteworthy. The images are an A, the script is around a D.

King Hyperion (Micky Rourke) declares war on humanity and the gods by deciding to release the Titans. He needs the Epirus Bow, a mythical item to release them from their prison. Zeus (Luke Evans) and the other gods can not interfere in human matters but fear the release of the Titans. They guide Theseus (Henry Cavill) to defeat Hyperion. It is inaccurate to greek mythology but I can overlook that if the film is good. Of course the story presented is miserable so yes I'm allowed to judge it now. Some fun action and great visuals make this definitely watchable but nothing to look back kindly on.

**1/2 out of ****

Weekend (*** out of ****)

Film is largely about identification. We look at the silver screen to see a story that can be affectionally understood. It doesn't mean all the time that the story is relatable. However being able to step into the shoes of those on and behind the camera is the goal. Feeling the struggle, emotions, heartbreak, and excitement is easy in Weekend.

Russell (Tom Cullen) leaves a house party with his straight friends to go to a gay night club. He wakes up in the morning with Glen (Chris New). What might have been a one night stand turns into a story where the two spend the weekend together and fall in love by the end. Being a film about two gay men doesn't mean its not easy to relate to the leads. It's strongly written, well acted and actually has a point for being a film that seems bland on the surface. It is subtle and delicate in the way Russell warms up to Glen. Sometimes love means stepping out of your comfort and just going for it.

*** out of ****

Boy Wonder (*** out of ****)

Here is the serious and near realistic version of Kick-ass & Super. It centers on Caleb (Sean Steinmeyer) who lost his mother when he was ten. She was killed in a car jacking. His father before that use to beat both her and Caleb. He's sober now that Caleb is about 18. Caleb works hard in school and works out heavily afterwards. Caleb goes looking for criminals that have attacked children like when he was younger.  Teresa (Zulay Henao) is a cop that he befriends but she in turn is hunting this vigilante. The film contains rich characters, complexing emotions, development and a interesting device. Often Caleb imagines characters are rash and harsh but they are really calm. This adds some weight to whether or not Caleb is righteous or misguided. In the end it does what it set out to do quite well.

*** out of ****

Restless (**1/2 out of ****)

As predictability goes this film has it all. You could have told me the plot in say a single long sentence and I'm sure I could tell you near the exact way the story would unfold. I guessed near where every scene would head to confirm what I thought beforehand. However some stories have basic structures that work. Earlier this year I said Win Win followed a predictable pattern but work wonders within its field. Restless does near the same thing but just slightly down on the whole scale of things. Enoch (Henry Hooper) crashes funeral (I've heard this story before) for various reasons. What he is really at heart is a bit different. He meets Annabelle (Mia Wasikowska) who is unique and cute. She is dying of cancer and has three months left. They decide to date for her remaining time. Looking through their eyes is the best way to watch the film. Their joy ever present and love flourishing. However it still doesn't mean that the story is anything great. I enjoyed most of it for what it is worth.

**1/2 out of ****

Insidious (**1/2 out of ****)

I can say quite confidently that my opinion means little here. Not that I'm wrong in any sense but I really would like the viewer to make their own. Insidious has a world of it's own that is more terrifying than any other horror film in years. Its imagination is daring and the film's best quality. However there are scenes here that are both silly and mood ruining. A strength the film finds is letting the audience work it's own theories but this ends around an hour in. The film casts aside wild dreams for basic explanation. So the audience is expected to know everything but it just leads us into confusion. Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson do their best and never skip a beat even when the story requires the use of force pushes to gain the audiences attention. It has some good a lot of potential but I also saw some serious problems. However this is my opinion and I will respect just about anything anybody says about the film. Just don't say it is a total disaster. I had some fun and fear while watching it and I feel that is there general view as well.

**1/2 out of ****
(I avoided a picture of the demons because I think they should be seen for yourself)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (*** out of ****)

Know that I'm being very kind here in giving this three stars. I decided the good outweighed the bad after sleeping one it. The reason I wanted to rate this film lower was one of the biggest flaws I've seen in some time. However this flaw may be more personal than the film's fault. When Holmes and Watson were speaking often I found myself bored. So I let my mind drift only then to realize I was missing story points. So then I'd pay attention again until about a minute later I found my self bored again. This happened repeatedly though out the film and luckily the scenes changed quickly. I can imagine watching the same dialogue but with no action being a miserable time. Yet this is where the film achieved it's greatness. Both in action and visuals.

Sherlock Holes: A Game of Shadows boosts one of the more entertaining at action sequences of the year. The heroes run through a forest as soldiers chase after them. Trees are torn asunder with mortar rounds, the ground crumbles and there is a sense of fear that this will be the place of Holmes' and Watson's grave. There is some clean cut and exciting editing in this that keeps the film flowing kinetically even if the dialogue slows it down. Also some strong art direction and costumes make this dazzling to look at.

I've seen to have talked about the major features of my film without even touching the plot. I think I'll leave it this way. I just want to say that the two heroes played finely by Robert Downey JR. and Jude Law are joined by Noomi Rapace in hunting down "the Napoleon of stealing" (a affective Jared Harris). I don't think this was a great film. However I will say it passed my expectations in some cases. Once again the good outweighed the bad here.

*** out of ****

The Sitter (* out of ****)

When the only time you actually laugh during a comedy is to something completely unintentional then that is a bad sign. I had perhaps three chuckles and that one case of random laughter for what was a grueling 81 minutes. I can say full heartily that not only is this a unfunny film, it is one of the worst of the year.

Jonah Hill babysits for three kids one night but then brings them to NYC as he tries to get laid. I think leaving the kids at home with the doors locked and some food would have been the best choice. Hill could've been back in like two hours but then we don't have a movie. I'm not to sure if getting rid of this movie in general is such a terrible thing though.

With a recent trend of pushing comedies to their limit with cases such as Horrible Bosses, Cedar Rapids, and Bridesmaids you'd figure a movie described as the "filthiest R rated babysitting movie ever made" would do something good. Nope. Awful plot devices and a lack of jokes make this one. I say the three children are blameless though. They were given bad characters that had cliche characterization. I don't know where to place the blame or even if finding the source is worth my time. 

I can say though that David Gordon Green is coming close a point of no return in the case of my interest. All The Real Girls was one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. Snow Angels (which also stars Sam Rockwell who in The Sitter plays ass of a drug dealer) was quite the great film as well.  I will even say Pineapple Express, his first comedy was a monstrous success and one of the best of last decade. Your Highness was atrocious and the most disappointing film I saw this year. Yet somehow The Sitter is even worse. I said quite confidently after seeing it that I would consider getting cancer over watching the film again. After sleeping on it I feel the same way.

* out of ****

Perfect Sense (***1/2 out of ****)

Ewan McGregor has quite the great year. Beginners which he starred in is one of the year's best. Now comes Perfect Sense which teams him back up with the underrated director David Mckenzie. The film is one of the most moving of the year. In the sense of emotion in is perhaps the best. The Tree of Life and Beginners are both moving in their own right but not like this. This is a entrancing romance mixed with sci-fi epidemic. It's the strongest in perhaps both categories this year.

There is a virus spreading on a global scale. It cause people slowly to lose their sensory perception. First goes smell, then taste and so on. It's actually horrifying when you think about it. Losing a sense creates fear, distrust and irrational behavior. However the theme of the movies is also the result of the virus. Humans adapt to the situation that befalls on them and they move on with their life. The ideas presented in the film over how people dealt with the senses were both brilliant and heart filled.

McGregor plays Michael who is a chef in Glasgow. A chef is the perfect career for this film FYI. He meets  Susan (Eva Green) who is a scientists who originally helps to try to cure the virus. The two begin to get close and become very romantic. Green's and McGregor's chemistry is hypnotic. Personal lives and emotions are much better topics when talking about a global catastrophe. Melancholia showed a single family dealing with the end of the world rather and it was astonishing. Contagion told multiple stories that got us involved because of big name actors but was a bit of a let down. Perfect Sense has found a good middle ground where we see the world panic but are moved more by the love story presented. This is the film Blindness should have been. Perfect Sense for me was one of the profound and emotional experiences in some time.

***1/2 out of ****

Young Adult (***1/2 out of ****)

When breaking down this movie it's odd that as a product it's so successful. Mavis (Charlize Theron) is a character that the audience likes less of by the minute. However somewhat like the residents of the town we keep giving her a second chance. To warm up this film seems strange and the easiest thing to do. The film is above all else hilarious, executed well, contains unique characters and is very well acted. Young Adult is the dark comedy of the year.

Mavis was the most popular girl in her high school when she was younger. The blonde girl that we see in movies that walks around with an entourage and everyone puts on a pedestal as a golden god. Mavis is now 37 and has peaked hard. She is a somewhat successful author (the book series is failing now hence somewhat) lives in a Minneapolis condo in a pigsty. There are a lot of little characteristics Mavis has that will bring a goofy grin to your face. Mavis finds out her high school sweetheart has a kid and is married. Mavis being the upstanding citizen must rescue him for a loving family in a small town. Yes Mavis is the villain. She flirts with Buddy (Patrick Wilson) and drinks heavily with a geek she use to never give a thought about. The geek is played by Patton Oswalt in a terrific role. He's the heart the film needs so that Mavis' actions seem plausible. Charlize Theron gives one of her best performances in this fantastic film. I expected high things from the returning team of Retiman and Cody and I was not let down in the slightest. Every laugh comes with a little slap but you'll want to leave battered and bruised.

***1/2 out of ****

The Skin I Live In (***1/2 out of ****)

This film devoured me. I was mesmerized by the events presented to me. So lost was I that the near two hour run time was over before I knew it. I haven't felt such a thrill since Perfume: Story of a Murder. Before I get ahead of myself let me dial the praise back a touch. I want to do this review right.

I won't say much of the plot. Only that it will draw you in like you've never felt before. What I do think should be shared is the basics of Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas in his best performance). Ledgard lives in quite the manor. A nice touch of classic woodwork and paintings but also modern furniture. In this house is a woman. She is dressed in a skin looking suit and is locked in a room at all times of the day. All we know she looks delicate and her name is Vera (Elena Anaya). Ledgard spends most of his time working in his stylish lab. He's working on a skin that will be immune to heat, disease or a host of other harms. Of course he needs a test subject. See where this is going? Trust me when I say the story will shock you with the twists and turns the film will take.

Pedro Almodovar is a director unlike no other. I've said it before and I'll say it again his films are all terrific. What he has done here is that he's made a horror film with no screams. There will be terror and suspense but we won't be waiting for the jump to give us a break. No The Skin I Live In knows how to build intrigue mixed with horror. Almodovar films all have beautiful soundtracks and a emphasis on colors. He has a lust for the color red and his films support this. The artistic design of the film is ravishing that the story won't be the only thing to keep your eyes glues to the screen. Dark sexuality breathes through this film to leave you drained yet wanting more. The Skin I live In is something to adore for reasons of human nature. It appeals to all our senses. It is one of the year's best.

***1/2 out ****

Water For Elephants (**1/2 out of ****)

With a film containing actors such as Robert Pattinson, Reece Witherspoon and Chrisoph Waltz, it's funny that the elephant Rosie steals the show. She has more heart and fun then the entire cast really. Not that this is a bad film. Just one that seems forced and disinterested some times. Jacob (Robert Pattinson) due to some life changing circumstances stowaway's on a train. The train belongs to a traveling circus that he soon joins due to his veterinary experience. Jacob sees Marlena (Reece Witherspoon), the show's main attraction one night and they begin to make cute. She is married to the ringleader (Christoph Waltz with some glamor) who you know will turn out to have a nasty side. The film has a nice eye for it's depression era sets and costumes, some nice acting, and a moving soundtrack. However at times  the emotion seems quite forced. That pleasant soundtrack is part of it's downfall. The audience is tricked into believing some scenes are moving due to a piano score but is that because of the images or the music accompanying them? Is that a bad thing in the end though? I mean it all adds to a finished product. Water For Elephants is a fine film but not one that will stick with you. Even the time watching it makes you think that you'll soon leave to perhaps see something better. I sound quite negative here when I shouldn't be. I did like the movie and if given the chance I think it is worth the watch. Take that part away from this review.

**1/2 out of ****

Trespass (*1/2 out of ****)

LOUD NOISES!!!
Brick Tamland's iconic quote is all I could think of when watching this film. it is more or less 90 minutes of people screaming at one another in a display of overacting. Nicholas Cage here may not be overacting enough for my taste. Cage and Nicole Kidman are taken hostage by the worst criminals I've seen in some time. They want the diamond's in his home safe but Cage won't give them up easily. The film is silly, stupid and once agin very loud. I've seen worst movies which is why I won't give this the one star. However I did think about it before writing this film. Part of me actually liked the team of very stupid criminals (Ben Mendelsohn what happened, you were such a great villain in Animal Kingdom). Criminals normally have everything planned down precisely but these goons would make me look like Keyser Soze. I had a little fun watching these buffoons run around. Then we were twenty minutes in and I had to endure some bad things.

*1/2 out of ****

We Need To Talk About Kevin (**1/2 out of ****)

The year's most divided film has come through my life and has left as meteor shower might. It will give me some memories but never those that I think about as defining moments. More mere moments in time that passed through my life. Some people have watched this film and seen a masterpiece, the scariest film of the year, something horrifyingly true and a film to never watch again for the good reasons. Others like myself saw potential perhaps never reached. Then there are those who despised this film but that is far from my thoughts. I myself wanted more.

The film is about Kevin who is a high schooler that killed many of his classmates. He is sick, deranged, twisted and many other negative words that I personally can't think of right now. What the film wants us to decide if he was born evil or was made that way. His mother played ferociously by Tilda Swinton gives us reason to believe elements of both. This begins with jumping time frames between before and after the massacre. Swinton in the present is in her own hell and it can easily be felt by the audience. The confusion of time at the beginning was part of the films strength until about midway throughout he film just straight up tells of the leading up events. The film seems distant and soulless but not in the way it should be. Kevin may be a son of a bitch, but not one that will haunt our dreams. Well maybe for some because this film is the American Dream horror film that some have been craving. Once again to me I saw a film that didn't connect well. Swinton and big ideas (not all of which fulfilled) make this worth it in the end.

**1/2 out of ****

Everything Must Go (*** out of ****)

I can say with honest sincerity that Will Ferrell has the ability to be great dramatic actor. He chooses to be a great comedian which in all honesty I prefer. I have a nice warm home in my heart for Ron Burgundy and Brennan Hoff. However much like Jim Carrey and Robin Williams; Ferrell has given us a performance to show how special an actor he is. It is exceptional work but I wish the film could keep up with him. The story is of Nick (Will Ferrell) who has just been fired and lost his wife. She threw all his stuff on the front lawn, left town for a while and want's him to leave permanently. Nick decides to live in his front lawn however which really is him reclining in a chair and drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon. Nick is not a likable character, Ferrell's presence tries to make us like him. Nick has done a lot of things wrong he isn't looking to change. Of course you know with the help of two neighbors played by Rebecca Hall and Christopher Jordan Wallace (Biggie's kid) that he may become a nice man. The film is shinny when nick is happy and dark when he is sad. The contrasts are quite nice. Ferrell makes this one special in the end.

*** out of ****

The Green Lantern (*1/2 out ****)

The Green Lantern is the worst superhero movie that I took seriously. Did I expect Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer to be good? Of course not. However part of me held up hope for The Green Lantern. I told myself to loom past the awful reviews when starting it, of course the critics were right. This film is dead upon arrival.

Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds playing himself) is a fighter pilot when he receives the ring. The Green Lantern Corps defends the universe using rings powered by the universe's will power. I don't mind the silly idea because I'm a comic book fan. I like the Green Lantern story but defiantly prefer others. The Corps greatest fighter is killed by a mighty power called Parallax, the ring then chooses Hal. He trains with the Lanterns to dispel fear. Also Hal flirts with Carol (a pretty but boring Blake Lively), a fellow pilot and his superior. There action isn't special, the characterization is dumb and the overall plot in general is in the gutter. The film doesn't even have any guilty pleasure fun, it's all boring. The only saving grace is Peter Sarsgaard as the villain Hector Hammond. He's a brilliant scientist that can't compete with Hal for Carol's affection (Hector isn't the best looking guy). Sarsgaard pulls off a near impossible character with ease and has some fun doing it. I see Green lantern not as a movie that was made to tell a story but one to make money. The producers knew that superhero movies are hot right now so why not make one that hasn't been touched yet. Too bad no emotion or soul was put into this adaption.

*1/2 our of ****

The Devil's Double(*** out of ****)

Uday Hussein was said to be "beyond a psychopath". His actions were cruel and uncalled for most of the time. US soldiers found an iron maiden in Uday's mansion after his death even. Uday was cruel but his body double was kind. Uday forced his schoolmate Latif to become his double. Latif would even go as far as to speak to Iraqi soldiers on the front line when Uday would party back home. The film shows the inside story of Uday and how Latif struggles with with impersonating a demon. Dominic Cooper plays both roles in a incendiary effort. Cooper is mesmerizing as Uday and gains the audiences sympathy as Latif. It's a very strong performance indeed. A great performance and story almost larger than life makes this one to see.

*** out of ****