Top Ten Films of 2010

Just like last year, for the last posting of the year, I give you the best films of the previous year.  I'd love to be more current but that's the way it must be since I have so many 2011 films still to see.  *Note: one of these films was released in 2010 but is considered a 2009 film, but I'm counting it as a 2010 film. 

Honorable Mentions: Gasland, Tangled, I love You Phillip Morris and 127 hours. 

10. The Fighter
9. Youth In Revolt*
8. The Social Network
7. Blue Valentine
6. Black Swan
5. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
4. Toy Story 3
3. True Grit
2. Inception
1. King's Speech

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

This is the Spielberg we miss.  Much like an Indiana Jones film, we follow the young Tintin and his dog, Snowy, on a quest to uncover the Secret of the Unicorn, a ship that sunk after a great sea battle with a pirate.   But unlike Indiana Jones, here anything can happen and feel possible because it's animated (motion captured, actually, which isn't really animation but that's a debate for some other blog).   This is such a fun film I wish everyone would go see it.  It has a slick and intelligent plot that's not dumbed down for the kiddies.  The characters are evolving and likable.  And what can I say about the eye-popping action, it's cleverly staged like a great Buster Keaton film on steroids (again only possible in this medium; if shot with film, people would be complaining like they did with the refrigerator scene in Indy 4).  What helps make this such a successful film though is the script written by Stephen Moffatt, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish (the British dream team of new writers -- Doctor Who and Sherlock, Shaun of the Dead and Attack the Block -- Holy trinity of awesomeness).   They cram every scene with diamonds and I'll have to see this film again to catch them all.   Of course I can't end this segment without mentioning the man who created Tintin, the Belgium cartoonist Herge (Georges Remi).  If you like where this film took you than check out his inspiring work.  I know I will.  Grade: A

Spoiler:  Okay, I just have to say there was only one part in the film that didn't work for me.  It's a minor little plot hole but I don't want anyone reading this blog to think, after my raving review, I'm blinded by the talent behind this film.  Tintin uses his last bullet to bring a sea plane down.  Then he uses that same plane (after tying the pilot and henchman up) to fly away.   First, what did he shoot to force the plan down and second how did he fix the plane?  Why not show us?  Oh well, it's a really nit- picky flaw but it did distract me for a minute.  Still, if that's all that bothered me, that's pretty impressive.

A Midsummer's Night Sex Comedy (1982)

Woody Allen is the master of the pleasant movie experience, a light and charming antidote to the overwhelming in you face kind of film making that has taken siege of Hollywood in the last quarter century.   Here is a story of early 20th century couples pining for love with each others' lovers.  Woody Allen plays Woody Allen confronted with a missed opportunity (Mia Farrow) while dealing with the inadequacy of his marriage to a frigid woman (Mary Steenburgen).  Tony Robert is back playing Woody's best friend and Jose Farmer stops by to play the Professor that doesn't believe in anything mystical.   Great cast, lots of laughs, and tons to keep you entertained for 90 minutes.  Grade: B+.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

I was duped again into seeing another unnecessary remake because of the talented director behind the project.  I feel so bamboozled.  First full disclosure: I've read the book and have seen the Swedish film.  Because of that it's impossible for me to judge this David Fincher's adaption without comparing it to the source material and the other film it inspired into being.   I don't want to go into a huge diatribe about why this film didn't even need to be made (because it didn't) and instead focus on its entertainment value and the quality of its film making.   Is it a good film?  Sure, because it's a thrilling dark story worthy of the silver screen.  What it's not is a great movie.  If you're like me and you've read the book or seen the Swedish version, I'd recommend you skip it.  Save your money and go see Mission Impossible instead.  If you have no intention of reading the book or seeing the Swedish film then go check it out, you'll probably love it.  The acting is great, the visuals stunning and they get the story mostly right (although it could have been way more faithful to the book).  Grade: B.

Spoilers:  Now let's get to the real review of this film.   First the good:  Daniel Criag and Rooney Mara are wonderful as the lead characters.  They have great chemistry and are equally as good as their Swedish counterparts (Michael Nyqvist and Roomi Rapace).  Basically the casting is fantastic (especially Christopher Plummer).  The cinemphotograhy is beautiful (albeit too perfect at times) and Fincher's skills prove exceptional.  Now the bad:  oh boy, the script is pretty weak.  Sure, Steven Zaillian keeps Blomkvist's daughter in the story and her noticing the bible verses which I liked, and I get the need to cut things out like how Blomkvist once lived with the Vanger family as a child and his sexual relationship with Cecil, that's fine, but to change the ending is almost unforgivable.   I know you've won an Oscar but that doesn't mean you should change the outcome of the story.  I've read an interview that he wanted to get to the resolution faster but that's just a cope out.  Having Blomkvist go to Austriala and meet Harrit for the first time wouldn't have taken any more screentime.  The audience has waited over two and a half hours, why not an extra minute here or there to get the ending right (an ending that fully realizes the mystery).  And if you're so concerned with time, why the unnecessary scene where Lisbeth threatens her Guadian Bjurman in the elevator; that's a couple minutes I didn't need.  I don't think the editor can be let off the hook either.  It is a long movie and it feels long too. True, I know what's coming because I know the outcome but it still felt sluggish.  What amazes me is the Swedish version moves more quickly and is able to stay more faithful to the book (even keeping the part where Blomkvist goes to prison).   So no one can use the argument that the book is too dense, and Zaillian had to change things to make a good film, because some Sweds already did it and did it better. 

Misssion Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Tom Cruise is such a bad-ass.  God, I love the guy.  I don't care if he believes in Pink Monkeys from Mars, the guy defines what a Movie Star is.  Here he's in his prime playing a role he was just meant to play, Ethan Hunt - Super Spy.  While most franchises fade by the fourth adventure, here the opposite is true; the series is just getting better.  I had a feeling this would be a fantastic ride when I heard Brad Bird came on to direct (yes, he might have only directed Animation before this but they just so happen to be three of the best animated films ever).  This time around Ethan Hunt and his crew must stop a madman from starting a nuclear war.  Okay, I know what you're saying, hasn't this been done before?   Yes, but who cares.  This film is just pure fun and worth the movie ticket.  I happened to see it on an IMAX screen too and would recommend it; Bird uses the IMAX camera wonderfully.  Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner are fantastic and I hope to see them in the fifth installment (and there will be a fifth one and I can't wait).  As a fan of the television show, I'm so pleased to see that the franchise is in good hands and flourishing.  Grade: A
 

Paul (2011)

Nick Frost and Simon Pegg of Shaun of the Dead fame, co-write and star in this comedy about two fanboy geeks from Britain who attend Comic con and then go on a UFO road trip only to stumble upon a runaway Alien (voiced by Seth Rogen).  Jam packed with many pop culture references from Star Wars to X-Files and surprise cameos to keep any fanboy entertained, what you have is a love letter to other geeks of the science fiction legion.  This is great if you are a geek, like me, but if you're not you'll probably miss a lot of the inside jokes.   I wouldn't say this is as good as I'd had hoped it would be.  Greg Mottola does a pretty good job at directing a story that's mostly a road trip movie tied up with a fugitive-on-the-run plot but there's something missing.  The comedy never really gels.  I'm not saying it's bad or that I didn't laugh, I laughed a lot, but with all that happens I felt unsatisfied by the end.  The alien special effects are great and I love Kristen Wiig's inclusion (even if Simon and her have zero romantic chemistry) but I wanted more with just Simon and Nick.  If I had to narrow down a flaw I'd say there were too many characters.  Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio are hilarious most of the time but I'd have to say their characters distract from the heart and soul of the story and that's Nick and Simon's relationship with Paul.  Grade: B. 

Spoiler:  I'm still scratching my head with the whole twist at the end where we find out that Jason Bateman's Man in Black character is a good guy helping Paul out.  This came out of nowhere and seemed to make huge chunks of the film seem unimportant.  Which leads me to the main problem I had with this film, there's just too much going on.  You have Jason Bateman's twist, Sigourney Weaver's reveal, John Lynch's trying to get his daughter back, Bill Hader and Joe Lo Trugklio turning psycho: it's all just too much.   I'd have rather seen a buddy road trip movie with an alien instead of all that other junk. 

10 Favorite Christmas Moments (Commentary)

Since I've already written a best Christmas movie list I thought I'd pick my favorite moments, those scenes or images that forever stick in my mind and entertain me.  Ten is almost impossible but there's the ten that popped up in my head the most.

10.Ernest Saves Christmas -  I love the image of all the reindeer on the ceiling of the shipping company.
9.  Home Alone - Kevin uses "Angels with Filthy Souls" to get him a pizza. 
8. The Office, Eps 2.10 "The Christmas Party" - This is a great episode but I love it when everyone tries to swap for the Secret Santa gift from Michael, the Ipod.
7. Arrested Development, Eps.1.8 "In God We Trust" - Tobias is a Never Nude.
6. It's A Wonderful Life - I love watching the passion as Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed share a phone.  It's an amazing scene.
5. Christmas Vacation - Uncle Eddie in his Bathroom Robe as he says  "Shitter's Full."
4. A Christmas Story - Santa telling Ralphie "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" as he kicks him down the slide.
3. Elf - It's a very obscure moment but when the whale emerges from icy waters of the north pole to say, "Bye, Buddy.  I hope you find your dad."  It gets me every time.
2. Christmas Vacation - "Squirrel!"  Do I need to say anything more?
1. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas - It's my favorite moment and it's when the Grinch's heart grows and he lifts the Sleigh over he's head.

White Christmas (1954)

Irving Berlin brings his biggest hit, the song introduced in the film Holiday Inn, back again in this '50s Christmas spectacular directed by Michael Curtiz.  Bing Crosby is paired with Danny Kaye as entertainers who follow two women, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, to a Vermont inn owned by their former army General.  There's really no conflict in this pleasant sentimental film, it's just two guys falling in love as they prepare for a show meant to honor a friend.  I can see why some watch this for the holidays but it won't be one of my favorites.  Grade: B+ 

R X-Mas (2001)

I don't know what Abel Ferrara was trying to do: make the worse Christmas drama ever made or make the worse gangster film ever made.  If you're in the mood for a Christmas drama, something that's not necessarily inspiring or uplifting but dramatic and thrilling, you won't find it here.  This is a pathetic film with only one redeeming part and that's the chemistry between the two leads, Drea de Matteo and Lillo Brancato.   Unfortunately they can't save this pointless film from failing.  Grade: C-  

The Gleaners and I (2001)

This documentary from famous French film maker Agnès Varda explores the concept of Gleaning, or the savaging of things being tossed as garage.  The term comes from the concept of farming peasants who collect anything left over after the harvest.  Varda then gives us a sampling of other versions of the same idea.  You wouldn't think watching people pick food out of the garage would be enlightening but it's all in how Varda does it, with a personal touch.  This film certainly makes our society look wasteful.  Grade: B+.

I Am Love [Io sono l'amore] (2010)

It's strange when I see one movie and the next one is so similar.  I just watched All That Heaven Allows and today I see a kind of modern version of it.   How crazy is that?  This Italian film directed by Luca Guadagnino stars Tilda Swinton as the wife of a rich textile manufacturer.  She lives a simple and wealthy life with her three children.  Then she discovers that her daughter is a lesbian and this triggers in her the realization that she never loved her husband.  Enter her son's good friend and chief whom she falls in love with, and you have a grandiose love story that celebrates, like a great opera, the beauty and tragedy of love.  Grade: A-. 

All That Heaven Allows (1953)

Douglas Sirk, the king of '50s melodrama, directs the story of a widow (Jane Wyman) falling in love with a younger man (Rock Hudson).   Her struggle to follow her heart or stay socially accepted and loved by her children is palpable.  I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would but if it weren't for Jane Wyman I think it would have failed.  Rock Hudson is okay, but it's his co-star that carries the picture.  A little sappy and very outdated, it's not a bad film to watch if you're interested in films made during this era.  Grade: B+ 

Uncle Boomee Who Recalls his Past Lives (2011)

I'm a huge fan of surrealism in storytelling and was excited when I heard about this Korean film and its a surrealistic approach.   The problem is that I'm not a fan of slow moving films.  This film is just slooooow.  I've also read that it's like a David Lynch film but he somehow can get away with his pacing because he injects so much mood and intense eeriness in his films that you're never bored.   Here I was loving what was happening but then nothing would happen as I kept waiting for something to happen.  I can't say it's a bad film though, it's infused with many wonderful moments.  The scene with the catfish was fantastic.  I just hated the overall pacing and because of that can't recommend it to anyone (unless they love weird films and have had an espresso shot). Grade: B

Paradise Now (2005)

Nominated for Best Foreign Language film of 2005, this controversial film about two Palestinian friends who become suicide bombers is a moving work of drama.  Some have complained that director Hany Abu-Assad gets his facts wrong and label this propaganda.  I, on the other hand, see it as a portal into the minds of the Palestinian people; it's their perspective and it's important to understand that.  Humanizing two men willing to kill themselves and others for a cause is a powerful way to try and understand their anger.  That's what this film is about, not about politics or if they're right or wrong.  Ultimately it's a story about two friends who get sucked into an idea that is false and to say this film argues differently is narrow-minded.  Grade: A- 

Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow [Ieri, oggi, domani] (1963)

Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni play three sets of lovers in a comedic film directed by Vittorio De Sica.  The first story of the three is my favorite, telling the story of a poor couple who keep having kids to keep the police from sending Sophia's character to jail for selling illegal cigarettes.  The second story is an amusing tale of a rich woman and the man she's having an affair with going for a drive.  The third story is about a prostitute and her "number one" client saving a young man by convincing him to become a priest.  It's light entertainment and watching Loren and Mastroianni together is magical; they really have great chemistry.  Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language film of that year, I can't say it really deserves the award yet but it's certainly a fun movie.  Grade: B+ 

Blogging Anniversary (Commentary)

Well, it's been a year of blogging and while I didn't blog every day I did write 275 blogs.   That was harder than I thought it would be.  Hopefully next year I can post them in a more timely manner and at least match that number.  A few things that make these kind of blogs hard is that sometimes I don't know what to say.  You can only say you loved or hated a movie so many ways.  I think for 2012 I'm going to worry less about that.  Sometimes a movie or book or TV show is entertaining but not really worthy of a lengthy "review".   Also I don't know if I like calling these brief "takes" on that which I'm writing about "reviews".   I'm not a reviewer, nor want to be.  I'm chronicling my storytelling experience and how it affects me.   That's it.  Still, as I write this I'm thinking it's a good thing to recommend something that might be ignored or warn those of something awful.   Well, I'm not going to over think it (although I probably should write a blog about the reasons for writing a blog someday).   Mostly this is a fun endeavor and an unique challenge.   The biggest thing is I don't want to be months behind anymore.  I need to post my blogs as soon as I write them, even if they're not expertly written.  Some might say that's unprofessional but I think of it as being more raw and true to life.   We'll see.  Then there's the question of my "audience".  I don't really have any.  I know of a few friends that have checked this blog from time to time, and that's great, but according to my status no one really checks.  Should this bother me?   It doesn't.  But for any of you out there who stumble upon these pages and keep reading, thanks.   And if you feel like it, post a comment; it doesn't have to be long just a quick symbolic nod that you're out there would be appreciated.  

Man Bites Dog (1992)

I love the idea for this film.  A documentary crew follows a serial killer as he kills and debases human life.  Shot in black and white with a satirical eye and a pitch-black sense of humor, the filmmakers Belvaux, Poelvoorde and Bonzel attempt to say something but what I'm not sure.  I enjoyed the film for what it was, a mockumentary, but at times it seems to relish its violence a little too much.  At least the serial killer comes across as a scary loser instead of a glorified cool guy, and its because of that this film works.   It's not for everyone, obviously; think Natural Born Killers without a love story or Oliver Stone's over-stylized touch.  Grade: B+.

Watch on the Rhine (1943)

Two Lillian Hellman film in a row.  I didn't plan it that way, honest.  This one is based on her play and adapted by her husband Dashiell Hammett, the story of a woman (Bette Davis) traveling back home with her three children to escape the Fascist regime's taking over Europe.  Her husband (Paul Lukas), a secret freedom fighter, ends up coming face to face to his enemies here in the United States, in a lesson that even here evil resides.   It's a gripping story about sacrifice and honors those who refuse to give up.   Paul Lukas shines here in a performance worthy of checking out; it's not dated at all.   Grade: A-

Dead End (1937)

The first film with the Dead End kids, this drama based on the play by Sydney Kingsley and adapted by Lillian Hellman tells of a section of New York where the poor and the rich collide.   We have a bunch of young hoodlums played memorably, if heightened for effect, by Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan, Leo Gorcey, Gabriel Dell, and Bernard Punsly.  There's Syliva Sidney who plays one of these kid's sister and while watching out for her brother she longs for Joel McCrea who in turn longs to escape the slums.  But the actor that sweeps in and almost steals the show is Humphrey Bogart who is a gangster on the run with a changed face returning to his neighborhood to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart.  With so many moving parts its impressive William Wyler kept it a coherent film.   Back in 1937 this was nominated for best picture and while it's lost some of its luster and impact I found it an entertaining look into class warfare.  Grade: B+.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

This film completely satisfies on so many levels.  With a cleverly structured script by Dan Fogelman and strong performances from Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, what we have here is a romantic comedy that feels fresh and dramatic without being too gimmicky.  There are many little surprises as the film unfolds and I'm glad I never saw the trailer because I'm sure it all would have been spoiled.   I love that we have a movie that celebrates the concept of a "soul mate" without feeling corny.  I love how each of the characters in his film learn something.  Grade: A- 

Hugo (2011)

Martin Scorsese is the prefect director for this film.  Sure it's a family film from the guy who gave us Goodfellas but I don't see why that matters.   Only a masterful director of his caliber can fashion an emotional complex film in such a way that the whole family can enjoy it.   Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is the secret clock caretaker of Paris' central station and he's working on a special project that his father was working on before dying.  But Hugo needs more gears and doodads to complete it.   Where better to steal such parts but from the Toy maker (Ben Kingsley) who has a booth in the station.   So begins Hugo's adventure into an old man's past and taking this mystery with him is the old man's niece, a book lover named Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz).  There are many fun eccentric side characters and Inspector Gustav (Sasha Baron Cohen) is the most memorable.  There are a few hiccups in pacing and for some reason the build to the end left me slightly underwhelmed, but this is a fine film with a strong story.  I had been wanting to read the book by Brian's Selznick for a long time and now I want to read it even more.  Grade: A-.

Side note: while I think the use of 3D thematically echos parts of the story I felt like it didn't always work, especially when there's a lot of action.  Such a film shows how imperfect 3D is and I can only hope that the technology improves (which it is from what I've read about The Hobbit) or I'll be avoiding this device for most films. 

 

Dexter (Season 5)

It's difficult to review a television show like this because by just setting up the story I'm ruining what happened in previous seasons.  So I'll just say this is another great season in the chronicles of Dexter, serial killer who kills killers.   New faces add to the fun and returning faces keep the story thriving.  I wouldn't say this is as good as Seasons 2 and 4 but it's equally as good as Season 3.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  At first I didn't know if I was liking where they were going with Dexter's story; having Rita's kids live with their Grandparents seemed a convenient plot device.   But what impressed me the most was how they effortlessly spun the story in a new direction, with Dexter saving a victim, played decently by Julia Stiles, and getting him to work with a partner.  God, I love this show but I admit it's getting harder to watch knowing that Dexter's world will someday collapse around him.   

Meek's Cutoff (2011)

There's something profound about a movie that lingers in the mind after watching it.  This pioneer western about some wagoners getting lost when their guide named Meek takes them the wrong way to Oregon is certainly not typical.   First it's shot in 1.33 just like the old westerns were in John Ford's day and second there's no real action in it.  This is my first experience with director Kelly Reichardt and I'll be checking out her other work soon (so stay tuned) but I wouldn't call this a complete success.   At times it's achingly slow and some of the better parts of the film don't happen until the last twenty minutes of the movie.  I will say, Reichardt knows how to build a great cast from Michelle Williams to an unrecognisable Bruce Greenwood to Paul Dano and Will Patton.  Mostly though this is an artistic approach to a true story that deserves a more traditional telling.  But I applaud Reichardt's bravery for making a western that goes against the grain.  Grade: B+    

Biutiful (2010)

Alejandro González Iñárritu's latest film richly weaves together the lives surrounding Uxbal, a shady peddler and responsible father who learns he's about to die.  Javiar Bardem is astonishing, as usual, delivering another deserving Oscar nominated performance.  Yet his supporting cast is just as exceptional starting with Maricel Alvarez who plays his bi-polar druggie wife.   There's many aspects to this film, from the supernatural to the gritty underworld, and all of it mixed just right.  I'll admit it's a heavy film to watch sometimes and it's not for everyone but it's a pretty beautiful film with a moving message.  Grade: A-.

Hanna (2011)

From Joe Wright's past work, all excellent, I've been keen to see what else he would do.  When I learned he'd be making an action/thriller I was excited.  Too bad the result is a mixed bag.   It's basically Bourne Identity with a girl (notice how all spy films nowadays are cloning the popular Matt Damon starring film).  Saoirse Ronan is wonderful as the kick-ass spy kid and this proves she can carry a film but the story goes really nowhere.  Eric Bana is her father who trains her in the ways of battle and how to survive as an international spy.  Cate Blanchet is the rogue CIA agent out to find her and kill her.  It's a nice set up but the mystery isn't that interesting and the motivations are vague and a little forced.   I'd only check it out if you love spy films and need to see a little girl action drama.  Grade: B.

Spoilers: Okay, why are Bana and Hanna hiding from a woman who isn't even looking for them anymore?  What is their plan exactly?  Revenge?  That's a pretty weak motivation in my opinion.  I had a lot of problems with this visually exciting but plotless film.  I will applaud the bookends in this movie as well as the scene stealing from Jessica Barden (who was so good in Tamara Drewe). 

The Future (2011)

Miranda July is a performance artist, actress and film director.  If you haven't heard of her then do yourself a favor and check out her film Me and You and Everyone We Know, a masterpiece in so many ways.  Of course, if you can't find that film, this one will do too.  It's darker and much more quiet but a great example of Miss July's talents.  It's the story of a couple who are waiting to adopt a cat that they brought in to the vet because it had a hurt paw.  As they wait they each make sudden changes to their lives that end up testing their love.  Some will try and fit this film into a magical realism mold or call it an absurd comedy/drama.  All I know is it had me hooked from the first couple images and pumped me up for her third effort.   Grade: A-.

It Came From Outer Space (1953)

When you hire Ray Bradbury you know you're getting a good science fiction story and that's what this is.  It still holds up for those who like retro '50s film making.  If you find that kind of thing "cheesy" and "dated" then you probably should skip it.  It's the story of a writer and his girlfriend witnessing the crash of a meteor only to learn when they investigate that it was an alien craft that fell from the sky.   Soon the visitors are stealing people and causing a havoc in town.  It's kind of funny how much of a big deal the "Alien" costume was back then, they actually burnt it after filming to keep it a surprise from the press.   Grade: B+

America, America (1963)

Elia Kazan's personal account of his uncle and how he came to America.  Beautifully shot in black and white and filled with complex characters and issues, you can see why it was nominated for Best Picture back then.  It's a little long and Kazan's voice over is completely unnecessary but it's a fine film.  Grade: A-

Limitless (2011)

Bradley Cooper plays a guy who takes a drug that makes him really smart.  Of course for a guy with such a high IQ you'd think he'd foresee what would happen to him but I guess the director Neil Burger and screenwriter Leslie Dixon expect their audience to be pretty dumb.  Somehow, even with this issue, this film succeeds as a slick entertainment with strong performances and an ending that cleans up any potential plot holes.  I'll have to check out the novel its based on by Alan Glynn called The Dark Fields. Grade: B+.

Spoiler:  I have two pet peeves with this film.  One is the notion that we as human beings can only access 10% of our brain.  This cliche overused in many science fiction films is a myth that's been proved false.  We do access our entire brains but for some reason this cliche is still being used when it's an easy fix: just makeup some pseudo science to explain it, be clever folks.  The second pet peeve I have is that the entire time I'm watching the movie I'm thinking, "Why doesn't this guy uses his new found brain to figure out where the drug comes from so he can learn more about it.   Actually he does this but we the audience are kept in the dark about this until the end.  Okay, I see you want to surprise us, but the affect is I'm spending the entire movie rolling my eyes thinking how stupid this movie is.  I'm not sure if that's a good idea.   I'm also not sure if I like a film that glorifies the use of drugs to improve our lives but that's just a minor morality thing, no big deal.

In Old Chicago (1937)

An early example of a disaster film, this one follows the O'Leary brothers as they make their way in Chicago.  Don Ameche plays the responsible lawyer who dreams of tearing down the poor neighborhoods and build a stone city of the future.  Tyrone Power is the business man and power broker of a saloon who with the woman he loves, an entertainer named Belle, sets out to make lots of money.   Soon there is a power struggle between these two men and it builds to a thrilling climax with the famous Chicago Fire of 1871.  Grade: B+

Spoiler:  That opening scene with the death of their father is quite impressive and surprising.  Of course, the O'Leary family gets over his death pretty quickly (which is humorous) but hey they're in Chicago now so maybe I too would move on. 

Incendies (2010)

Nominated for Best foreign language film of last year, this drama about twins setting out to fulfill their dead mother's final wishes, to deliver a letter to the brother they didn't know they had and to deliver another letter to their father is a dark and demanding film.  The mystery behind their mother unfolds in flashbacks as we follow the twins' journey.  A very beautiful tragedy that begs the world to love instead of hate.  Grade: A

Spoilers:  There are many great scenes but that bus burning scene was as shocking and as terrifying as they get.  I sort of could see where the film was going but its the way the handled the twist that works.  I'm on the fence if it should have won the Oscar.  It was certainly deserving of the nomination.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 7) - Series Review

I did it!  Sadly it's over.  No more Buffy to watch.  I must start the withdrawal process.  Now that it's over I can honestly say that this last season was a triumph.  While still fresh on my mind, I'd have to put it as the third or forth best season.  That said, it's a great ending and I am giving a standing ovation of the mind right as I write this.  It's another Apocalypse and the villain this time is the First and in many ways that's the perfect way to bring the series full circle because we return to Sunnydale High where it all began.   Instead of relying on a new actor to play Buffy's nemesis for this season they have the First look like anyone they want, which is refreshing.  That said Nathan Fallon's Priest character is welcomed sidekick.   Could this season have been better?  Sure there are some choices that would have been more satisfying for me and I'd have loved a few more episodes to visit older story lines and maybe a two-hour finale but that's all minor wishes. (Still the fact they jammed so much in an hour for the finale is impressive.)  Overall this is a successful conclusion to one of the most clever and entertaining television shows out there.  Grade: A.

Spoiler:  The single episode that blew me away was "Storyteller" where Jonathan makes a documentary and he ends up facing his own guilt.  That episode alone is proof at how great this show is.  There are many other great episodes but most of them blend together.   What would I have liked to have seen?  Maybe Buffy choose Spike over Angel, that was a slap to the face.  After building up a great love story between Buffy and Spike the writers toss it aside for Angel, a guy that's not been part of her life anymore.  That scene, while very well-written, felt emotional dishonest and left me cold.  The chemistry between the two of them that once was so palpable had lost its passion and no matter how good they are as actors they didn't convince me they still loved each other.   Not that I disliked the way Spike sacrificed himself at the end, but it would have been so much more powerful if Buffy committed to her love for him instead of Whedon stepping in and blocking the emotional arc of the scene. (I didn' buy his reasons in the commentary track either.)  Of the entire show, this is the only time I doubted Whedon's choices and disagree with the way he handled these unique and established characters.  I also felt Willow and Kennedy's hookup while necessary to show Willow's moving on, it's the kind of relationship that just won't work out.  But those are the only flaws I can see and I thank Joss Whedon and company for crafting such a splendid story. 

Win, Win (2011)

Paul Giamatti is rarely in bad form and has the golden touch selecting films to work on.  This is going up there on the top of my list as one of the best of the year.  It's such a well-written film, so complete and rich with developed characters, I'm rooting for it to make an appearance on Oscar night.  Small town lawyer and high school wrestling coach, Mike Flaherty, needs more money.  He takes responsibility as a guardian for one of his older clients to collect $1,500 a month only ending up caring for the man's grandson too, a kid that just so happens to be one of the top high school wrestlers in the nation.  I hate to over praise a film but I don't see how anyone could dislike this story.  Watch it and see for yourself.  Grade: A.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 6) - Series Review

Buffy has been ripped from the afterlife and brought back to slay again, only to battle her greatest foe in the series so far.  This is the best season of Buffy.  It has it all!  The Spike situation is intense and intoxicating.  Willow's battle with the dark arts and its seduction is amazing and unpredictable.  What is there not to like?  What's especially great about this season is the build to its conclusion which is driven by pure story and is perfectly executed.  Bravo!  Grade: A+

Spoilers: Okay, let's clear the air, I'm a musical fan so the all-Musical episode (One More Time, With Feeling) floored me.  It's the second best episode of the series and if there's one episode I plan to watch again and again it's that one.  Other great episodes: "All the Way" where Dawn sneaks out of the house, "Tabula Rasa" where Willow makes everyone forget, "Smashed" where Spike and Buffy hook up, "Older and Far Away" or what I refer to as the Luis Buñuel inspired episode, "Normal Again" where Buffy believes her life is a delusion and of course the last three episodes starting with "Seeing Red" where the dark Willow is unleashed.  Wow!  What I applaud the writers for pulling off the most is the Buffy/ Spike love story.   When I started to realize that they were going to have Buffy and Spike fall in love I thought to myself, that's a great idea but how the heck are they going to make it work.  Well, they do make it work and I have to say I'm more a Spike/Buffy fan then an Angel/ Buffy fan now.   

Charley Varrick (1973)

Walter Matthau was so good.  Here he plays the title character, a stunt pilot turned crop duster turned bank robber who with his partner in crime Harmen (played by Andy Robinson) must figure out what to do when they unintentionally steal mob money.  Charley is a smart, hard criminal running out of time.   He's just lost his wife, is dealing with an irresponsible partner and a hit man (Joe Don  Baker) out to kill him.   What he does next is really fun to watch.  I really enjoyed this Don Spiel production and loved the smart almost pulp fiction feel.  What a forgotten gem. Grade: A.

The Rapture (1991)

Mimi Rogers plays Sharon, a woman who becomes obsessed with the Rapture (the religious belief that the End Times are upon us and soon true believers in Christ will be taken to Heaven).  Soon she is born again, leaving a sexually free but empty life to get ready for the day Jesus saves her.   David Duchovny also stars.  What happens is dream-like and horrible and beautifully strange at the same time.  What writer and director, Michael Tolkin, accomplishes here is fascinating to behold.  It will leave you thinking, that's for sure, and maybe a little stunned.  Some might be put off by the religious rhetoric while other the nudity and sex scenes, isn't that ironic?  Grade: A-  

Rabbit Hole (2010)

Nicole Kidman has never been better in this adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by David Lindsay-Abaire.  John Cameron Mitchell directs and brilliantly takes his audience through the rough waters of a husband and wife dealing with the death of their 4 year old son.  Aaron Eckhart shines as the husband who can't figure out how to help his wife and sort out his own guilt in the process.  While a simple plot, it's a complex emotional journey that never feels too heavy for the audience.  I was worried that it would put me into a depression but it's actually very uplifting.  Grade: A-. 

Bridemaids (2011)

Kristen Wiig is a star, or at least she becomes one after this female version of the Hangover, that in many ways is better.  Written by Wiig and Annie Mumlo, it's about time the girls show us how a raunchy comedy is really done.  Not that it's a slam dunk, while there's many hilarious moments, it's about 10 long and falls into some formula motifs that make it kind of predictable.  But when you have the comic talents of Melissa McCarthy at your disposal, it's hard to fail.  That chick is amazing!  I was also delighted to see how funny Rose Bryne is, who I've know mostly for drama.  A strong cast of characters, a nice love story between Wiig and Chris O'Dowd and you have one good time.  Not recommended though for those who dislike raunchy comedies.  Grade: B+

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 5) - Series Review

Some have said that this is the season where the show jumped the shark and I completely disagree.   This is the season where Joss Whedon and company creativity super charger their show with new blood, while at the same time pushing Buffy's character into a better direction.   When Buffy suddenly has  a little sister, Dawn, its beyond weird, but once you see what the writers are doing and how this new character fits, it's really an amazing story thread.  The villain in this one isn't a demon but an actual God named Glory, searching for the Key to be able to take over the world.  Buffy is no match to Glory's strength so with Willow and Spike (yes, he's back and as fascinating as ever) they must find a way to defeat her.  Grade: A

Spoilers:  When talking about this season I cannot ignore the best episode of the series, "The Body".  It's so good on so many levels, that you could really watch this one episode to understand everything there is about Buffy and her world.  Of course, this is the episode where Buffy finds her mother dead on the couch.  What a bold decision and one that proves the class of this show.  Other standouts are "The Replacements" where we have two Xanders, "I Was Made to Love You" where baddie Warren builds a woman robot which leads to "Intervention" where Spike has a Buffy robot built to satisfy his new found love for her and the finale where they kill our leading lady.   That's how you end a series on one network (WB) before moving to another (UPN).  You could have ended the series there, but the best season was just around the corner.

In A Better World (2010)

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign film last year, director Susanne Bier takes us on a worldly story that deals with two families entering a crisis.   Anton is a doctor who works from time to time in Africa, a man who is against violence at any cost, but also a father whose in danger of losing his family because of an affair.  One of his sons, Elias, has become friends with Christian, a young man dealing with the death of his mother by lashing out at the world with anger.  This is a powerful film with universal truths about violence and how it rots the soul, and yet sometimes its hard to put out.   There's a lot to love about this film: it's beautifully shot, the acting is superb and the writing sublime.  Sometimes the cinephotography is too perfect but becasue of the strong story I can't call this really a bad thing.  I still have a few more films to see before I've seen all the nominees that year for the Foreign-Language Oscar but I can see why this one won.  Grade: A-

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 4) - Series Review

You almost could feel this was going to happen.  After two awesome seasons they'd have to falter and they do here with Buffy and Willow going to college.  What goes wrong is they have a lame villain and a love story without any passion (though they try really hard to convince us).  Still what's funny is that this season does have some of the best episodes of the series so it's not all bad.  Plus we see character development from Willow and Spike that cannot be missed.  Ultimately what you have is a mixed bag.  The overall arc is weak but this season is speckled with many great gems.  Grade: A-

Spoiler:  Episodes that stand out are "Pangs" or the Thanksgiving special episode, "Something Blue" where Buffy and Spike fall in love (magically), "Hush" where all of Sunnydale goes mute, "A New Man" where Giles becomes a demon, the two episodes where Faith and Buffy switch bodies "This Years Girl" and "Who Are You?" and "Superstar" where evil villain comedian Jonathan becomes the hero of the series.   See what I mean, there are a lot of great episodes.  Then there's the Willow and Tara love story arc that's ground breaking at the time a well as being just good storytelling. The problem is the end where Buffy battles Adam (a cyborg Frankenstein, boring) and must use the power of her friends to kill him.  It's really hokey and doesn't work.    The last episode is a mystical stuff that is experimental and somewhat enjoyable if not very climatic. 

Barney's Version (2010)

Mordecai Richler's novel acts as the bases for this Richard J. Lewis film, starring one of my favorite actors, Paul Giamatti.  I loved this movie as it flashes back and forth telling the story of Barney Panofsky through his three marriages.  Dustin Hoffman compliments Giamatti's performance as Barney's father, a police detective with an appetite for life.  It's hard to watch sometimes seeing a man make one awful choice after another but somehow it remains honest and never loses the balance between comedy and drama.  Grade: A 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 3) - Series Review

This is a perfect conclusion to the high school years for Buffy and friends.  Bring in the best villain of the series with Mayor Wilkins played with menacing charm by Harry Groener and add the dark Vampire Slayer in Faith played by Eliza Dushku and you have a recipe for one of the best seasons of the show.  You'd think this wouldn't work since they are also setting up the exit of two main characters in Angel and Cordelia.  But the tension between Buffy and Faith coupled with great writing make this a fun fest for the ages.  A+.

Spoilers: Episodes that stand out are . . . oh, I don't know, all of them.  The Wish was my favorite, introducing Anya and then the follow-up with The Doppelgangland.   Lovers Walk with Spike is a solid episode too. 

Trouble Twisters (Novel) by Garth Nix and Sean Williams

This first novel about twins Jade and Jack Shield is the kind of young adult fantasy we're all looking for but unfortunately the writing hampers the storytelling and what Garth Nix and Sean Williams give us is a cramped adventure without any pacing.  These guys do know how to write, creating a wonderful world worth checking out; I just wish they'd have spent less time trying to pump up the confusing action at the end.  There's some good mystery though and I'll admit I want to read the second book coming out next year.  But they're going to need to stop rushing the story because it's not exciting to read it's a dizzy chaotic experience.  Grade: B

A Little Help (2011)

Jenna Fischer is a talented actress and I can see why she would wish to tackle this script.  The character of Laura is complex enough to help improve her skills as an actresss.  It's too bad it's such a mixed bag.   Michael Weithorn might know how to write for television but he needed to consider revising this script  one more time.  Don't be fooled, this is not a comedy.  It's a drama with humorous tidbits but that's it.  My rule of thumb is just because there's a great moment here or there, you have to judge a movie by its whole. Grade: B-

Spoiler: Good stories usually (not always) deal with a hero rising up in the climax and acting, changing their fate to either win or lose what it was they set out to win.  But here we watch a character constantly get beat down only to do nothing at the end.  There's no end, not even an anti-climatic one.  It just keeps moving with our character's choice being as bland as the rest of her choices.  I really think this film could have been great if he'd fixed the third act.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 2) - Series Review

For me, this is the first real season of Buffy.  The introductions are over, now let's get to business.  And does Whedon and company know how to get to business.   This is as satisfying as television can get.  Everything from from the first season is taken to the next level.  What's especially great about this season is seeing Angel's development and turn.  I don't want to ruin it for those newbies out there but they really take teenage angst and transfer it in a dramatic way.  After I watched this season I couldn't imagine they'd be able to put out a season as good.  Boy, was I wrong.  There are three seasons better than this one and I'm still only a few episodes through the seventh.  It's amazing at how easy the writers make what it is they're doing look.  Grade: A.

Spoilers:  What a fantastic finish. Seeing Buffy kill the man she loves just as he turns good again is cruel and beautiful at the same time.  Many great episodes but two that stand out are "Halloween" and "I Only Have Eyes For You".

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 1) - Series Review

I can no longer wait.  The time has come to finish this series.  While I finish Season 7 of this classic television masterpiece I thought I'd go back and review the preivious six seasons.  I'm not going to spend too much time detailing every aspect of these seasons, because I'm not really going back to rewatch them either, but I thought it woudl be fun to give my lasting impressions on some of the best television ever made.  Some might say that's hyperbole but it's not.  This show was unique and nothing has come close to replacing it (okay, maybe Veronica Mars but that's the only show I can think of). 

Season One: The Beginning
This is an entertaining introduction to Buffy and her friends, Xander and Willow.  You get to meet the Rupert Giles her Watcher and, of course, Angel.  The explain what a Hellmouth is why Buffy must be there.  The villian, The Master, isn't really very creative but he's serviceable.  Basically this is a prologue season.  It's developing characters and previewing what kind of show this is.  It's a comedy but also a drama; it pokes fun at itself, while being driving by a strong story.   But being 12 episodes long it's a short season that really is only that, a beginning.  Grade: B+.

Camelot (1967)

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as a Musical.  While very much dated and long, this is a wonderful film worth watching if you like musicals, especially '60s musicals.  Richard Harris is awesome as King Arthur and Vanessa Redgrave might be the best Guinevere I've seen on the big screen.   The music is typical of that time with most of it being really good and a couple songs being unnecessary (The Lusty Month of May for example).  Great visuals, fantastic acting, what can more can you ask for (besides being a little shorter).  What I enjoyed most about this film was how it inspired me to go back and read the original tale. Grade: B+

The Damages (Season 2)

Glenn Close and Rose Bryne return for the second season of this legal/crime drama-thriller. Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt join in for the fun.  It has a slow start but once you get past the set up everything starts to heat up until you have a season that's better than the first (which I didn't see happening).  If you haven't started watching this show, please do.  While there are a few flaws here and there, there's a lot of good storytelling going on.  Grade: A-

Netflix Is In Trouble (Commentary)

I hate to say it but Netflix is sinking and it kills me because for me it's the best movie-watching experience out there.  But the studios don't like their business model and to make things worse Netflix management keeps making rotten decisions.   Thankfully they're not splitting off their website into two.   Qwikster is dead!  Celebrate while it lasts.  I will continue being loyal to this company to the bitter end but in order to survive what's coming in the next few years they're going to have to adapt and I can only hope I like what's left over. 

Keep DVDS:  Even with rumors that the post office will collapse Netflix can't afford to dissolve the DVD mail-in service.  There's just not enough available to stream yet.   Don't forget that its the DVD business that put you where you are. 

New Streaming Plans:  There's a way to raise prices without pissing off your customers.   Give them a product that they want to pay more for.  Create a Gold Streaming Plan where new releases and popular TV shows are available.  Get HBO on board by saying you'll charge your customers more for their content.   Once a show becomes less popular you can shift it over to the regular streaming plan.  But if you want a better library you're going to have to pay for it, just give the customer the choice.

No Commercials:  Never, never, never have commercials.  Once you do that you're toast.  I'll certainly cancel my subscription. 

Original Content:  Making deals with production companies for content that only you can stream is brilliant.   Make your customers stick around because there's programming that they can't get anywhere else. 

Overall I'm hoping Netflix survives.  I love how I can get hard-to-find titles and that I don't have to travel anywhere to get my entertainment.   But Amazon.com and Apple are hovering, wanting to take over.  Blockbuster wants to be on top again.  If they want to be around for awhile they'll need to take care of their customers and improve their library.   It'll be interesting to see how it all pans out. 

Red State (2011)

I'm not a Kevin Smith fan.  He just doesn't do it for me.  That said, he's improving and this his first good film shows that making four or five practice films does make one better.   I'm glad I didn't watch this for my horror film marathon because this is not a horror film.  It tricks you, starting out as a horror film (with a nightmarish scenerio of three young men kidnapped by a religious cult) but quickly turns into something else.  In many ways it's two films compressed into one and it's entertaining and inventive because of this structure.  Some of the heavy-handed commentary that Mr. Smith paints on is as thick as usual but it didn't bother me this time around.  John Goodman is great like always and there are many surprises worth waiting for.  Grade: B+.

Outside the Law (2010)

The Algerian War told from the point of view of three brothers.  This French production was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Oscar last year and it certainly looks it.  While some of the violence celebrates more than I would have liked, it's a good film and worth a viewing.  Jamel Debbouze plays the youngest brother, the one more interested in getting a head and making a dollar then winning freedom for his country.  Sami Bouajila plays the leader of the rebels, a man willing to put himself over the cause.  But its Roschdy Zem that I really connected to the most.  The loyal brother who will kill even thought it goes against his core beliefs.  There's much to love about this film.  Grade: A-

Black Death (2010)

We need more films that take place during the dark ages.  It's a bleak period but there's so much potential for drama.  Here's a perfect example that argues for my case.  Eddie Redmayne starts as a young monk who volunteers to guide a band of witch hunters lead by the always reliable Sean Bean.  Marketed as a horror film, this drama is not.  Sure it's a dark film but the horror is implied not really the core of this story. There's some real evil at work and it's not witchcraft but human folly and manipulation.   Grade: B+.

November Is National Novel Writing Month (Commentary)

November begins a tradition in my household and that's participating in NaNoWirMo, or National Novel Writing Month.  It's a celebration of the written word and in this case 50,000 words written in 30 days.  It's a fun challenge and I recommend that everyone try it.  It's easier than a marathon and afterward you'll have a novel to read, maybe revise and maybe give to someone to read.  Let's be clear though, publication is not the goal.  It's about quantity over quality.  Novels (or novellas, because let's be honest novels are longer than 50,000 words) written during this time are all probably crap.   Yet you never know, you might find something special in what spews out of you, some literary creature that with time you can nurture into . . . something.   If anything what this project does is activate people into writing and that's a great thing.   So give it a try.  You don't win anything if you succeed or lose anything if you come short.  I've done this for three years and once I wasn't able to reach my goal.  So what.  I finished in December instead.

Hallonween II (1981)

The original sequel to Halloween starts right where the first one left off.   Michael Myers is still alive and still hunting down poor Jamie Lee Curtis who's on the way to the hospital.   The film is more like your typical slasher flick with the death toll higher and some of the scenes being lamer (like the nudity shot of the nurse in the hot tub).  What makes it a good part two is John Carpenter and Debra Hill's brilliant twist toward the end that makes it all worthwhile.  Rich Rosenthal directs and while he does a decent job I can't help but wonder how John Carpenter would have handled the film, considering he is one of my favorites.  Grade: B+

Top Ten Horror Films (Commentary)

Happy Halloween!  As I eat my trick or treaters or . . . I mean, greet my trick or treaters I thought it would be fun to list the best of this goulish genre known as Horror.

10. The Descent (2005) - Being trapped is terrifying, but being trapped in a cave deep in the Earth where there's no where to go but down is horrific.  To double the fear add monsters.   Some advice: don't see the USA cut with the awful ending.  The UK version is fantastic. 

9. 28 Days Later (2003)  - Danny Boyle re-invents the zombie movie with rabid, fast moving Zombies that hunger for the living.  Cillian Murphy is great and the empty streets of London are eerie.  One of the better zombie movies made this decade.  Skip the sequel though. 

8. Dawn of the Dead (1978) - George A. Romero's sequel to the Night of the living dead.   Who better to expand on the idea of zombies, subtly adding social commentary, then the guy who made zombies more than just voodoo people.   

7. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) - The terrifying remake starring Donal Sutherland that had me thunderstruck when I saw it.  Is there anything scarier than a loved one or friend suddenly being different?

6. Hellraiser (1987) - Clive Barker's most beloved horror fantasy about a puzzle box that opens the door to Hell, where its gate keeper, a demon without a name (but we know him as Pinhead) enacts pain on he or she that opened the door.  The sequel is pretty good too. 

5. The Thing (1982) -  John Carpenter really out does himself with a horror film that works as a film noir too.  Ground breaking special effects and a fantastic cast help make this one of my favorites. 

4. Night of the Living Dead (1968) - Creepy in black and white, Romero's original still packs a punch.  One of the best endings to a zombie movie ever, actually it's one of the best endings to a film no matter the sub-genre.

3. The Ring (2002) - Sure it's a remake of a terrific Japanese horror film but there's something about this film that really hits you in the gut.  The visuals are perfect and beautiful and as creepy as I've ever seen.   The twist at the end leaves a haunted feeling that just gets worse. 

2.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) -  When I first watched this movie I couldn't believe it.  It really grabbed me by the throat and held me hostage.  Leather face is the monster Jason wishes he could be. 

1.  The Blair Witch Project (1999) -  For me, this is the first film that really scared me.  It builds so wonderfully that by the end I couldn't control myself.  Goosebumps spread across my body when we see that last image.  Personally there was something about those film makers too, they reminded me of friends I knew (I was the same age) and I just could relate.  Some people dislike the shaky camera but for me it works. 

Honorable Mentions
The Exorcist (1971) -  Yes, it's frightening but it's also really slow.  I will say though the version with the Spider-walk scene is the one to see.   The sound work and the acting and the make up are so gruesome it makes you believe in exorcisms. 

Paranormal Activity (2007) -  I'm going to wait to put this on the list because I want to see how it all pans out.   What I will say is that if there's one film that will knock off one of the above top ten films it's this one.   What a terrifying event.

Black Christmas (1974)

Bob Clark of A Christmas Story fame directs and writes the best Christmas-themed horror film ever made, a film that chills one to the bone.  Made years before Halloween, this is the one that really inspired the Slasher genre but in some ways its more complex.  The story is about a crazy maniac that sneaks into a Sorority house and calls the house after every kill to vent or unravel like a crazy maniac does.  The phone calls are what really freak you out, with the multiple voices and the strange back story that is mysterious as the killer.  Not to ruin the film for you but the end really is special.  Don't miss it.  Grade: A.

The Children (2008)

A dark and effective horror film that shouldn't be missed by those who love the genre.  I had a problem with some of the obvious forehadowing moments but flaws aside this is a gruesome gem.  A family of five drive out to the English countryside to visit their mother's sister's family for Christmas.  Their son vomits when they arrive and they assume he was car sick.  But next the littlest cousin becomes sick too and the horror begins to build with excellent tension and satisfying evil.  The main character is the teenage girl, who is the first to realize something is going on with the children.   Who will believe her though?  The writer and director, Tom Shankland delivers the goods here and I'm curious to see what else he might have in development.  Grade: B+.

Spoiler:  As stated above there are some flaws that nagged me enough to keep it from an A rating.  First is the use of the "disappearing pet" cliche.  Really?  The second you see the cat you know it's going to be tortured.   Secondly I always hate it when the main character can't just tell everyone what is going on.   She knows the children have become evil but doesn't say anthing, supposedly because she's in panic mode.   I guess that would explain how stupid she becomes at the end of the film, choosing to pound on a solid wood door instead of breaking the window, climbing outside and rushing to help her mother.   Still there's some wonderful implied violence and build up.  At the end you're led to believe the teenage girl is next which begs the question: is it because, no matter how grown up she thinks she is, she's just as much a kid as her siblings; or does this evil zombie like disease up from the youngest to the oldest, eventually turning adults as well.  I like endings like this that let you're imagination continue the story.

The Seventh Victim (1943)

Horror films of this era are really not that scary and a lot of the time I think they're not horror films at all.  This one produced by Val Lewton and directed by Mark Robson is mix between film noir and horror and I enjoyed how it unraveled.  It's the story of a young woman, named Mary, who leaves school to find out what happened to her older sister, Jacqueline?  What's especially twisted about this story is there's nothing really violent about it but there's an invisible psychological threat hovering over the central characters.  Check it out if you enjoy film noir with a sense of doom.  Grade: A-

Spoiler:  The scene that really affected me the most was when Jacqueline is being told by the Satanic worshipers that she must drink the poison.  It's a tense scene because you really think she might do it and the idea that a group could pressure you into killing yourself is a subtle but evil concept.  I didn't expect this film to go where it did.

Vampyr (1932)

This partly silent film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, who a film earlier delivered upon this world the classic film The Passion of Joan of Arc giving us one of the greatest performances by an actress ever, here dabbled in Vampires.   It's a slow film but with great frightful textures.  Not for anyone who dislikes dramatic silent films.   Grade: B+

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul (1964)

José Mojica Marins becomes Coffin Joe in a Brazilian horror film about an evil undertaker who kills people and seems to enjoy it.   He wants to find a woman to bear him a child but ends up leaving a trail of dead people.   Yet the forces of nature will have their justice of him and the spirits will have their revenge, even if he laughs in their face denying their existence.  While dated, his vileness is still very horrific and you can see why this first of a trilogy became a classic.  B.

Scream 4 (2011)

Why make another Scream film?  The trilogy is already fine.  Yet to my surprise Wes Craven and crew give us a good reason: play off the remake, reboot trend affecting Hollywood.  The result is a thriller/comedy that's as effective as the originals.   The cameos are fun, the suspense high and the mystery constantly ambiguous.   It was a joy to see the primary cast return and the new additions seem to fit just right.  Not really a horror film (a trend this month for sure) but an exciting horror-movie themed entertainment.  Grade: B+.

Masters of Horror: Pelts (2006)

For my first entry into the Masters of Horror series, I started out with this gory gem directed by Dario Argenta and based on a  F. Paul Wilson Story.  Meatloaf plays a scumbag fur trader.  One of his fur hunters discovers a temple in the forest with many mystical Raccoons.  From those Raccoons is made a fur coat that sends those near it into crazy land.  Lots of fun and short too.  Grade: B+.

Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

The third installment in the best series of horror films to be made in the last decade.   Okay, I'm not sure that's true, time will tell, but I am really enjoying what the makers of these movies are doing.  I was a big fan of the first film and thought the decision to make another one very silly.  The second film took me for surprise because it was a great sequel, a sequel that continues the story while at the same time adding to it in a clever way.  But lightning never strikes three times, right?  Wrong.  What we have here is a scary continuation that stands on its own while giving us more back history about the sisters, Katie and Kristi.  If you have not seen the first two films, you must; its better to see the story unfold backward although technically it could work in reverse.  But if you hate being scared or you don't like "found-footage" films like the Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield then you should stay away from this one too.  For me, these Paranormal films are the only ones I've seen in a long while that have actually scared me.  They freak me out and there's not a better communal experience then seeing this in the theater, where everyone jumps and scream at the same time.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  I do not believe in ghosts or demons.  But these films tickle my imagination and inspire me to doubt my own beliefs, if only for a few hours.  That's an achievement.  For those out there that find these films boring and not scary, I can only assume you're lying or that you lack an imagination.   The reason these films work for me is because they "feel" real.  Sure, I know they're actors.  I understand the gimmick is just that but it works.  When the camera pans back and forth on Dennis' fan contraption the tension is as uncomfortable as waiting for the shark in Jaws pop up.  This is a brilliant film with only a few minor flaws.  (Witches?  That's a little uninspired.)  I can imagine that Paramount will want to keep milking this cash cow and I pray they don't screw it up.   There are a lot of possibilities for a fourth film.  I do wonder if the "let's-tape-everything-while-we-sleep" concept can be stretched out for another film but I have decided to stop second guessing these guys.  They know what they're doing and that's making it hard for me to get to sleep at night.

The Human Centipede: First Sequence (2010)

This is a hard film to write about because my thoughts on it are all over the place.  Unless you've kept your head buried in the sand, you've probably heard about this controversial horror film about a surgeon who sets out to sew three people together mouth to anus as the title suggests.   Yes, it's a grotesque image and for a horror film the idea is brilliant.  I declare it the most horrific idea for a horror film since Freddy Kruger's ability to terrorize dreams.  It's such a creative concept I can imagine every horror writer from Stephen King to Clive Barker are gnashing their teeth in jealousy.  But alas, Mr. Six, the writer and director, botches it.   Maybe worried someone else would attempt a similar themed film, he rushed his into production with a script crammed with cliches and victims who frustratingly act without much believable common sense.  Not that the film is all bad, there are moments of true gruesomeness, scenes that force the viewer to imagine the suffering in a way that would make anyone flinch.  I applaud Six also on having a good visual eye, he knows how to frame and direct a scene.   I just wish the script was better.  But as I write this another question pops up: when did suffering become entertainment.   I'm not saying I think Torture Porn (as this sub genre is coined) is evil and should be banned.   These ideas aren't new.  The Marque de Sade wrote stories filled with debasement like this over a hundred years ago.  I actually think it's healthy for society to have artists like Six to be allowed to explore the sickest and most evil of ideas.  The only problem I can foresee with these movies is that usually the story is about the torture instead of the torture being a result of the drama.  There's only one moment of true drama in this film, and it's at the end and it's so brief it's almost not worth mentioning.   For some with a sick sense of humor, you'll laugh a few times, mostly because what transpires is at times so over the top you can't help it.  You'll probably gag.  You'll not want to eat anything for awhile.   And if you're like me, you'll wonder if such a surgery could really succeed.  The producers of the film say it's 100% medically accurate but this is a big exaggeration.   For a horror film this is certainly going to become a cult classic, but as a film it's pretty much garbage.   Grade: B-. 

Spoiler: Such a film doesn't really deserve much analysis but I can't help it.  I'm really mad at Six for tainting his film with such mediocrity.  First, the two girls are not the best actresses in the world, sure they're fine at playing scarred but in the first parts of the film they're really bad. It doesn't help that the script is so trite. The car-breaks-down-and-the-victims-knock-on-a-stranger's-door-for-help start is a very lame beginning. (Might as well name one of your characters Janet and have the other sing "Damn it, Janet"). Also the villain in this film is great looking and he's probably a fine actor but his character has no other side to him than cruel bastard. Wouldn't it be more horrific if he did what he did out of love, if he considered what he was doing to these poor people a privilege? Instead he acts like some Nazi nut job and that's not very entertaining to watch. It's much easier to brainwash people with kindness than with cruelty. I also like it when I feel a screenwriter is smarter than the viewer, always one step ahead of what the viewer thinks is going to happen. This makes for more tension. I hate it in a movie when the characters make choices that only a complete moron would make. Examples: Lindsay escapes the house but decides to go back to help her friend (who is unconscious). The Japanese guy (section A) stabs the villain in the leg and then tries to escape without using that same weapon to finish the baddie off. The sicko just sewed a woman to you ass and you let him live? I know the Japanese guy is probably not thinking straight after all that he's been through but not to kill your enemy when you have the chance is down right impossible to believe. Then there's the cops who at first act as police investigators should until the end when all their training goes out the door and they don't call for backup. Oh well, I will add one compliment; the last series of images are great, and as the movie closes I kept asking myself will Lindsay survive, and will she want to survive? The paramedics will be able to detach her but her face is ruined and she'll need therapy for the rest of her life. Then maybe I'll need therapy too for watching this movie.
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Insidious (2011)

Next to Paranormal Activity 3, this is the other great horror film to come out this year.  Made by James Wan and Leigh Whannell of Saw fame, here we have the kind of horror film that really succeeds at spooking you out.  Instead of a house that is haunted you have a child in a coma who attracts ghosts to come out and scare.  The always good Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne play husband and wife trying to save their son from a demon.   What I admire about this film the most is how they used practical effects to tell their story instead of relying on CGI.  If this film doesn't make you jump just a little bit than your a braver person than me.  Grade: A-.

The Beyond (1981)

I was disappointed in this film because of some buzz I'd read on the Internet (shows you how little you can trust what's written online).   Directed by Lucio Fulci, who made the more entertaining horror classic Zombie, I was excited to see what he did with a new location.   The location is pretty creepy, an old New Orleans hotel and its flooded out basement.   But all the rest is boring, really boring.  No matter how good of a story it might have, every horrific scene is shot without concern of pacing.  You watch a bunch of spiders kill a guy bite by bite for an extended amount of time.   The random killings have no reason and the story about the hotel being a gate way to hell is under-developed in the sake of more zombies.   I did like the final image on screen, an image that really does haunt but that's about it.  If Hollywood wants to make a remake, I say do it, because it couldn't turn out any worse.  Grade: C+.

Phenomena (1985)

Dario Argenta's horror fantasy about a teenage American girl (played by Jennifer Connelly, in a role that proved she was star worthy) moving to a Switzerland boarding school.   With the power to communicate with insects, she sets out to find a killer in the area who preys on young girls.  Atmospheric with a slow pace, it almost doesn't have enough going for it until the end which does succeed at being entertaining.  Too bad the entire film isn't as well paced.  Grade: B-.

The Perfect Host (2010)

David Hyde Pierce stars in this little film that delights.  I had a devilish good time watching bank robber Clayne Crawford become a guest to one of the most memorable dinner parties I've seen on film (the best of course would be The Exterminating Angel, but that's a different blog.)  The man that was Niles Crane dabbles in the dark depths of a new character and the result is a funny dark comedy that's not at all a horror film but who cares.   Many plot twists (most completely ridiculous) keep the film pumping all the way to the end.   Very fun rental, well worth checking out if you like dark comedies with a zany punch.  Grade: B+.

Trollhunter (2011)

Another film of the "found-footage" sub genre, this Noregian entry is a real winner.  I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would.  It's funny, it's exciting and well-made.   Three documentary film makers decide to follow a man who they assume is a bear poacher.  But he's not, as the title states, he's a troll hunter and after he agrees to let them film him the story really takes off.  There's shakey camera moments and night-vision sequences that some people might not like but I'm impressed at how well-filmed it actually is.  I recommend this for anyone who likes fantasy films and enjoys clever use of mythology.  Grade: A-

The Ward (2011)

John Carpenter returns to the director chair in this mild horror film that does what Sucker Punch wish it had.  It's more of a thriller and I wouldn't say its Carpenter's best film, in fact it's not that great really but it was entertaining and did have me second guessing myself.  Nothing really worth praising but it could have been a lot worse. Grade: B.

Spoiler:  I've read some people's reviews of this film saying it copies the plot twist from a film called Identity.  I can see where their coming from but I like how this film is set in an asylum instead of a motel.  Identity felt forced to me but in this one the twist is more believable.  So what I guess I'm saying is even if it is the same plot twist I actually think it works better in this film.  Who cares who came up with it first.  I'm certain Identity wasn't the first story to use the multiple personality twist.

The Final (2009)

I don't know the purpose of this film.  It's anti-bully and at the same time seems to glamorize high-school terrorism.  A film like this made ten years after the Columbine High School shootings seems irresponsible.  I don't care how cruel these "popular" kids were to the five outcasts turned monsters in this film, their night of payback is not justified or entertaining as a horror film.   If the film had been more of a conflicting drama and less a cheaply made torture film I might see a reason for it being made.  Instead what you have here is a bad horror film that lacks any moral complexities.  A slasher flick pretending to be something else, something its makers don't even understand.  Skip this trite, predictable and worthless film.  Grade: C-

Onibaba [Demon Woman] (1966)

This is pure cinema magic, a spell binding fable with dark consequences.  The story takes place during Japan's dark ages as two women survive by ambushing samurai and selling their armor and weapons to a nearby trader.  The young woman is the wife of the older woman's son, who went to war along with a neighbor.  The neighbor returns to inform them that her son and husband was killed.  Sexual tension rises between the two youths and the older woman will do anything to stop their romance.  Enter into the picture a samurai with a freaky mask.  If you hate foreign films, especially old foreign films then stay away from this one, but if you're like me this is a story that will stay with you for many days.  I loved it and thought it had an ending to rival the best of the genre.  Grade: A

Spoilers:  Remake?  I have to admit as I was watching this I thought to myself could this same story be told as an American horror film set during the Civil war.  It might be difficult with the mask part of it but I'd love to see someone try.

Scream 3 (2000)

It took awhile but I finally finished the Scream Trilogy, and just in time to watch the fourth film that's come out on DVD.  Why the wait?  The first time I tried to watch this film, on VHS, the tape was broken and I was too lazy to get a replacement.  The second time, many years later, I was able to watch the first thirty minutes only for the DVD to skip so badly that I gave up.   Then I just forgot about it.  I'm glad I finally finished it though because this is a fun and satisfying conclusion (or so we all thought it would be) of the Scream series.  The new killer is out there trying to find Sydney who is in hiding, and to get her attention Ghost-face kills cast members for the newest Stab film.  What's interesting about these films is that they're not really horror films but comedies that pay tribute to horror films while satirizing the genre and our media obsessed culture.  Here they take on the rules of a Trilogy and its very fun.  Again what I like about these movies is that they always find a way of surprising me.  I have yet to guess who the Ghost-face is.   While the scares are never as good as the first film the comedy just gets better.  Grade: B+.

I Walked With A Zombie (1943)

More of an elegant supernatural mystery than a horror film (at least for today's standards), this film features Zombies in the Voodoo tradition.  A young nurse named Betty (played by Frances Dee, who is really memorable in this movie) travels to West Indies to care for the catatonic wife, Jennifer, of a plantation manager.  Betty uncovers that there was a love triangle set against two brothers and that the woman she's caring for might not be a live anymore. Grade: B+.

After.Life (2009)

Christina Ricci stars in a movie about a teacher who wakes up in the basement of a funeral home and is told by the funeral director, played by Liam Neeson, that she's dead.  She doesn't feel dead but the director explains to her that he has a gift where he can talk to the recently deceased and that she's like most corpses and must come to accept that her life is over.   This film has a lot of promise but gets bogged down by too many story elements.  You have the boyfriend played by Justin Long having to cope with her death and a little boy who was a student at Christina's school.  No one delivers a great performance but at the same time there's nothing really horrible about the film either.  One thing I liked about it is its message that we should all appreciate our lives more than we do.  Grade: B-.

Ju-On: The Grudge (2003)

While I don't understand the curse of this story, I don't think its necessary and maybe that's why this is such a scary film.  Takashi Shimizu directs what starts out as a haunted house film but quickly becomes more.  A social worker visits a house where an old woman is staying with her son and family.  But when she gets there she stumbles upon the tormented ghost of a woman and her son who set out to kill anyone who sees them, no matter where they are.  The haunting is passed from victim to victim and plays out over a few years.  Later remade by the same director as the American film, The Grudge, I recommend just watching the original which is scarier.  I wish I had. Grade: A-.

The Rite (2011)

Anthony Hopkins plays the Vatican's top Exorcists in a film supposedly based on true events from a book by Matt Baglio.  Director Mikael Hafstrom makes a beautiful looking film but the story is pretty boring.  Mr. Hopkins is the only part of this film worth watching and to be honest he's not even that good.   This film's main problem is with the skeptical priest played by Colin O'Donoghan who keeps seeing these extraordinary proofs that possession is real only to deny it over and over again.  I wish it had been as good as the trailer made it out to be.  Grade: B-. 

A Nightmare On Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors

Freddy is back in this third installment to the franchise and he's in great scary form.  Here he haunts the dreams of teenagers locked up in a mental ward.  What a delicious idea.  Everyone thinks they're crazy as they die one by one.  Back from the first film, Heather Langenkamp brings some needed consistency as the psychologist who tries to help the group of troubled teens.  While dated it's still creepy fun.  Grade: B+.

Halloween (1978) - Revisited

I purchased the Blu-Ray of this classic film the other day for a good deal and watched it wondering if it would hold up, having not seen it in fifteen years.  All I can say is that I was impressed.  It's as exciting and creepy as it was the first time I saw it and I can appreciate how innovative it was.  John Carpenter didn't invent the slasher genre but its his patience and skill telling a story that makes this the best.  Jamie Lee Curtis plays high school student Laurie Strode who is stalked by an escaped insane inmate named Michael Myers, a maniac who ends up killing everyone around her to get to her.  There's an image that I can't get out of my mind from this film and that's when Laurie is in class and she looks out the window and sees Michael for the first time, standing next to a stolen station wagon looking at her.  He's wearing his famous mask (designed by from a Captain Kirk mask if you can believe it) and he's there, just watching.  Such a simple moment expertly shot.  While this film inspired a lot of clones (and still is inspiring them even today) most never come close to mastering what makes this film one of the best. Grade: A-.

Spoiler: I also want to give props to Nancy Keyes who plays Annie in the film.  She's so natural and funny in the movie it's a shame she has to die because I loved her character.  This leads to one of the primary reasons this film succeeds: no matter how cool Michael Myers is it's his victims that the audience roots for to somehow survive.   Most slasher films follow the easier concept of making their victims unlikeable so you root for the killer.  This is evident in the Friday the 13th movies, were you could careless about anyone and you're just waiting to see how Jason kills them.   How is this exciting? 

[REC] (2007)

A Spanish film that takes from the "found footage" concept, about a reporter who follows a squadron of fire fighters into a building only to run head into a zombie outbreak.   This is a fun and scary film, with top-notch performances and solid effects.  Remade as the American film, Quarantine which I haven't seen.  Grade: B+

Zombies of Mass Destruction (2009)

Zombie movies are great as vehicles for social commentary.  The makers of this film though need to learn subtly.  Much of the "commentary" is heavy handed and worse not that funny.  Probably inspired by Shaun of the Dead's humor, here they attempt to explore our Post 9/11 world with zombies.   You have the Muslim girl who gets kidnapped by her white neighbors who believe her to be a terrorist behind the outbreak.  And you have two gay men trying to survive in a Christian Mob.  These aren't bad ideas but this is a bad movie.   The gore is decent but never fantastic.   Not a complete waste of time but it is pretty forgettable too.  Grade: C+

October Horror Movie Month (Commentary)

October begins my traditional Horror movie month.  I plan to cram as many horror films I can in celebration of Halloween.  It's my favorite holiday and it's my way of getting ready for the spooky season.   The horror genre is one of my favorites because it reaches across every story convention.  There are horror comedies, horror thrillers, horror dramas, over the top Horror B movies and many other sub genres.  I love this about this genre, it's so versatile.  It's the only genre I know of that even when its bad its good.  Sometimes I even crave the bad ones.  I've started picking out a mix of new and old, so here's hoping for a successful run.

Drive (2011)

This is the year of Ryan Gosling and with director Nichols Winding Refn he delivers a performance that might be his most memorable.  He plays a nameless stunt driver and getaway expert who falls in love with a married neighbor, played by Carey Mulligan.  The sexual tension between these two is on fire and with just looks and pauses makes for a great cinematic experience.  Make no mistake though this is a drama first, action film later, but when the action arrives its very intense.  The soundtrack is ridiculously good and helps give this film an stark beauty.  Carey Mulligan might look a little young for her part at times but I was willing to overlook that for her connection with Gosling.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  The only aspect to this film that falters is the ending which kind of fizzles. It just doesn't have a clean ending that leaves shivers down my back.  It's not awful it just doesn't live up to the rest of the film.  When I left the theater I was a bit disappointed, wanting a more satisfying last image.  I didn't mind the ambiguity but I needed more than what I got. 

The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)

Peter Yates is such a good director and this crime film based on the book by George V. Higgins (he wrote the screenplay) is a great example of his talents.  Here he directs Robert Mitchum in a role that's rich with flaws.  It starts off as a bank robbery film but quickly evolves into a film about a gun runner trying to stay out of prison for a previous stunt.  Steven Keats is memorable as the gun seller that Eddie Coyle buys from.  It has that dated '70s feel but don't mistake that as a drop in quality; this is a forgotten classic. Grade: A-

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 1) - Revisited

Gene Roddenbury returns to the Star Trek Universe with a new cast, jumping decades past those days of Captain Kirk and Spock.  I loved this show when it was on and have always wanted to revisit the entire Star Trek Franchise.  So I am.  Season one is a great start for a television show.  The production value mostly still holds up and the writing is quite good.  From the very first show, where they introduce Q you can tell this show is special.  Patrick Stewart is the perfect actor to play a leader completely different than Captain Kirk and Brent Spiner is so good as Data it's no wonder he became as popular as he would.  Really though it's clear that the casting agent for this series earned a bonus; the chemistry between everyone is electric, even as they become more comfortable in their roles.  There are a few weak episodes, like the season finale, but overall it's great television show and a promising first season.  Just as I remembered.  Grade: A-

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

This is my favorite movie of the year so far.   It has one of the better love stories I've seen in a while with two actors that are in top form.  Matt Damon is the best actor working in the business today and Emily Blunt is always giving an impressive performance.  Together they make a magical pairing.  I believed in their love story and it's their commitment that sells this story.  Based on the Adjustment Team by Philip K. Dick, George Nolfi directs from his own script.  As a first film, Mr. Nolfi can hold his head high, keeping the story fresh and exciting all the way to the end.  What I love about the film is how it illustrates the old freewill verse destiny conflict in a fresh and clever way.  Matt Damon plays a young politician who falls for a young woman, but according to his "Plan" devised by "the Chairman" he's not meant to stay with her.  He refuses to follow the Plan and goes head to head with these mysterious men whose job it is to make sure everyone follows their Plan.  There's a lot here that would be hard to swallow if it weren't done so well.  It'll be interesting to see how long this film stays my favorite.  Grade: A.

The Leopard (1963)

Director Luchino Visconti brings Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel to life with Burt Lancaster in the starring role, playing a Prince watching his country bypass him into a new era.  I watched the Italian version of the film because I felt it was the director's version.  I thought it would be weird seeing Burt Lancaster dubbed over in Italian but it's not, the actor they used doesn't have that distinctive Burt Lancaster voice but it matches the character Mr. Lancaster is playing.  There is a lot to adore about this film.  For one its gorgeous and the acting is remarkable.  I can't believe Lancaster didn't get an Oscar nomination.  If you don't mind long movies made in the sixties then I recommend you check this masterful work out.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  It's strange that when you really analyze this film nothing ever happens.  No one dies.  The drama is subtle.  The Prince is a very passive character.   So you'd think this movie was boring but I was never bored.  How is that?  My guess is because Burt Lancaster just has the presence to carry any movie.  Bravo!

Qwister? (Commentary)

Netflix, what are you doing?  As a huge Netflix supporter, I've had to watch in horror as you make one blunder after another.  I'm one of the few who agree that you needed to raise your prices.  In order to stay competitive and obtain more content to stream, you had to raise your rates.  I get that.  Sure, you could have eased us into it but it was a necessary growing pain.  I like your service and I'm going to pay for it.  But now that you're going to divide your website into two, with one being called Qwister (awful name by the way), all I can do is laugh.  You're killing yourself!  No one wants to go back and forth between two websites to check on what's on your queue.  I'm loyal so I'll try it out but you're going to lose millions of subscribers and make it hard to compete as more and more companies line up to go head to head with you.  Amazon and Google for example.  Please, Mr. Reed, do the right thing and change your mind about this Qwister business.  I don't want to see my favorite company disappear. 

A Slight Case Of Murder (1938)

Edward G. Robinson stars in a comedy about a gangster that tries to go straight selling awful beer when Prohibition ends.  This is a charming screwball comedy with a host of hilarious character actors from muscle men trying to be the help, a wise ass orphan and a once moll turned devoted wife.  It's fast paced, silly and exactly what I was looking for when I ordered it through Netflix.  I can imagine that Mr. Robinson loved the idea of playing a gangster but in a comedy.  Grade: A- 

The Other Guys (2010)

Will Farrel and Mark Wahlberg team up in this hilarious comedy that makes fun of cop action movies while also tackling the real issue of the recent financial scandals.  Adam McKay directs what must have been a dream-come-true project.  This film probably has the funniest car chase ever put on film.  (Yes, maybe funnier than the Blues Brothers.)  If you like Farrel films then you'll like this wacky addition.  Don't stop watching when the movie ends though; the credits are really interesting.  Grade: B+.

Spoiler:  The Samuel Jackson and The Rock cameos almost steal the show.  But my favorite character is played by Michael Keaton as the Police Captain that works at Bed, Bath & Beyond for extra money.  Hilarious comedy most of the time, even though you can tell they're just making up most of their lines on the spot (a technique used for comedies made these days that feels flat most of the time for me).  

Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

A homosexual doctor and a woman have a love affair with the same man, a free spirited artist.  This drama is less love triangle and more about dealing with the idea of lost love or false love.  What makes the film work is that these are two very complex characters portrayed by two terrific actors: Peter Finch as the doctor and Glenda Jackson as the "other" woman.  There's many reasons to watch this film.  If you enjoy great character work, like other John Schlesinger movies or need something less formulaic than most Hollywood movies then check this one out.  Grade: A-.

Spoilers:  The best scene in the movie, a scene that cuts to the bone is when Glenda Jackson berates a little girl for almost getting hit by a car.  I really can't get this scene out of my head.  I also applaud the strange use of breaking the fourth wall at the end of the movie.  It works somehow but I don't think I can explain why, it just does.