Our Idiot Brother (2011)

Paul Rudd plays the free-spirited, simply-minded brother to three sisters played by Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer.   After getting released from prison he hops from one sister to the next, screwing up their lives one innocent mistake after another.  This is your basic fun film, never really hilarious but never dull either.  It entertains probably more than it should mostly because of the cast, who all play off each other really well.   Mr. Rudd proves he's one of the most likable actors out there, transforming before our eyes into a character nothing like others he's played.   The movie might not save the world but it accomplishes its goal in a witty way.  Grade: B+

Lovely & Amazing (2001)

This is the third Nicole Holofcener film I've seen and I must say she's a wonderful crafter of women characters and of the effortless, funny plot.   Catherine Keener stars as a bitter artist living in LA whose sister, played by Emily Mortimer, is trying to make it as an actress and their mother, played by Brenda Blethyn, is having plastic surgery done on her belly.  Add an adopted young African-American girl into the mix and you have a lot of entertaining twists and turns.  I wouldn't say this is as good as Walking & Talking but it's certainly an enjoyable film to watch, worth the time.  Grade: B+   

The Twilight Zone (Season 1)

I just finished watching the first 36 episodes of this classic Rod Sterling TV show and loved almost all of them.  It's impressive when you consider there's only about three or four bad ones and the rest are all entertaining and as rewarding today as I'm sure they were back in the '50s.  Highlights are: Lonely, Time Enough to Last, What You Need, The Last Flight, Mirror Image, World of Difference and A Nice Place To Visit.  It's strange there isn't a Twilight Show like on now but I guess without recurring characters to attract an audience it's understandable.  Yet how fun it would be to have a new set of writers of science fiction, horror, magical realism and fantasy come up with a series of great stories about the 5th dimension, imagination.  Someday I hope it happens.  Until then I have season 2.  Grade: A-    

War Horse (2011)

Is it possible for a film to be so technically perfect that it becomes a distraction and actually hurts the story being told?  This boy and his horse WWI story certainly seems to answer that question with a resounding, yes.  There are times when John Williams' glorious musical score seems to float out beyond the screen with an identity all its own: Listen to me, don't I sound familiar to you, it's me another John Williams Score.  Janusz Kamiński's lighting and visual touch is so striking and the art direction so on-point the world feels artificial at times.  Even the acting from Emily Watson to Benedict Cumberbatch stick out as being too larger than life, if not staged.   Don't misunderstand me, I enjoyed this movie.  It's a good movie, remnant of older films made in the '40s or '50s.  I appreciate that Spielberg doesn't rush the story and develops the characters involved.  What I especially enjoyed about this film is Joey the horse.  Not since Robert Bresson's 1966 film Au hasard Balthazar has a animal as the main character delivered such a memorable performance.  If they gave out Oscars to non-humans Joey (or the many horses used to portray him) would get it easily.  In writing this I've thought a lot about why this fails at  delivering the emotional punch it aims for and I think one is because the story easily draws Spielberg into his major crutch as a storyteller and that's overstating the sentiment.  The other reasons is that a great director can rarely make a mediocre script better.   Grade: B+

Don't Tell (2005)

This Italian film, nominated for best foreign language film in 2005, is about a voice actress dealing with a dark family secret that her brother, living in America, must help her with in order for her to open up to her actor boyfriend.  That description doesn't do this well-made drama justice but that's the basics.  Grade: B+.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

How I wish I had seen this film in the theaters, what a great Summer blockbuster surprise.   I don't think there's been a better reboot to a franchise this good since Batman Begins.  This could have easily been a disaster but the characters and their relationships carry this entertaining film to a satisfying climax.  There really isn't a bad moment.  The special effects are impressive without being too showy.  Direct Rupert Wyatt deserves at lot of credit and I'm excited to see what he might do for a follow-up.  Grade: A.

Hell And Back Again (2011)

Nominated for best Feature Documentary this film follows a Marine both before and after he sustained a major injure.  At home his wife and he must cope with his physical changes and then on the battle field we get to see his actions in Afghanistan.  It's an uncompromising look at the military and our forces in the heat of battle.  It doesn't really make any strong statements, it allows the viewer to make his or her own.  This unbiased approach is refreshing.  I can't say I like what we're doing over there but at the same time I hate the Talban more.  If you enjoyed last years Restrepo, than you'll probably like this one.  Grade: A-

Beginners (2011)

I'm such a fan of Ewan McGregor and his choice of films to work on.  This semi-autobiographical film directed and written by Mike Mills is a moving and funny slice of life that touches on everything from death, parenthood, dog ownership, falling in love, gay rights, loneliness and the beauty of Los Angeles.   Ewan plays Oliver whose father, Hal (Christopher Plummer), comes out of the closet at 74; and then he must deal with Hal's death of cancer years later while starting a relationship with a French Actress (Mélanie Laurent).  This is one of those movies that is such a pleasurable experience, that's so moving and emotionally rewarding you can't believe more people aren't talking about it.  Well I am, it's a great little movie and I hope it finds a epic-size audience after its release.   We need more movies like these.   Grade: A.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

In preparation for the new Underworld movie I decided to check out this prequel about the beginning of the Vampire/ Werewolf war.  Did this film need to be made?  Not really, the back story is told perfectly fine in the first film.  Was there anything new discovered?   Not really.  Is it a waste of time though?  Again, not really.  It has its entertainment value and I enjoyed the Medieval setting and the "let my people go" story line.  But it's nothing more than a set up for the first Underworld movie and because of that it's only a decent adventure.  Grade: B

The Tree of Life (2011)

Terrence Malick makes beautiful boring works of art that push the boundaries of cinema.  He doesn't tell stories he makes cinematic poems.  His newest work is slightly different in that it's not dull, and if you're willing to stick through the first fifteen minutes and go with it you'll be rewarded with an ambitious and spiritual look at the universe and one man's soul.  In essence the story is about a man named Jack (Sean Penn) who thinks back when he was growing up with his two brothers, his beautiful mother (Jessica Chastain) and stern father (Brad Pitt).  It's a film about looking back and trying to find meaning in our life.  Is it a masterpiece?  I don't think so, even if it did go on to win at Cannes.  There are some brilliant moments but the story never transcends into anything more than stunning pictures mixed in with glimpses of character.  When I finished it  I couldn't help but feel it needed more focus, especially toward the end which is a tangled knot of confusing spirituality.  Not to say it's a failure, it succeeds on many levels if nothing else but as a special experience open to interpretation.  Grade: B+.

Warrior (2011)

What makes this dramatic and exciting Mixed Martial Arts movie work is that you have two heroes, each figher on a journey, so it's hard to know who to root for.  But someone has to win, there can't be two winners and that's what is so great about this film.  You will need to accept the silly set-up that two brothers could even enter the same contest without anyone figuring out they're related until later but besides this jump of reason it's a quality film.  Both Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton are fantastic and even Nick Nolte gives a powerful (if typecasted) performance.  And you don't have to know anything about MMA or even like the violent sport to enjoy this film.  It's just solid storytelling. Grade: A-.

Sin Nombre (2009)

A dark look into the Salvadoran gang known as Mara Salvatrucha.  This exceptionally well-written and crafted film tells the story of a gang member, named Willy, on the run and the family he comes into contact with while on a train to the Mexico-American border.  There's no big names, special effects or action sequences, but it's as exciting as a thriller and as rewarding as any drama out there.   In many ways this is a new classic of world cinema and I recommend it to anyone who loves movies.  Grade: A 

The Descendants (2011)

Director Alexander Payne is a master at getting into the heart of a character.  Adapted sublimely from the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, he introduces us to a father dealing with a crisis, his wife succumbing to a coma, and the complexities such an ordeal brings while at the same time negotiating a massive Hawaiian land trust deal with his relatives.  This is a beautifully made movie that's both funny and bitter sweet.  George Clooney is in top form, pulling off a minor miracle in that I forgot he was Mr. Clooney, Movie star, for two hours.  Then there's Shailene Woodley who plays his daughter who almost, but not quite, steals the show.  Grade: A 

Battleground (1949)

Sometimes it's hard to watch World War II films for me, because they almost celebrate and glamorize war instead of selling the concept that war is bad.  This one is an enjoyable one mostly because it's about soldiers being men instead of heroes and yet they're heroes for doing what it is they did.  But they are men, they whine, they concern themselves with comforts, they can be cold-hearted and they can make mistakes.  At the same time they fight to win and prove braver than most.   The story is like most films of this genre.  The audience follows a band of soldiers.  You get to know them.  They go through a series of battles and accomplish or don't accomplish their goal.  What's most welcome though is the matter-of-fact nature of death that occurs and a comic tone that seems organic throughout.  Nominated for an Oscar for best picture, this is one of the good ones.  Grade: B+.

The Red Shoes (1948)

This classic approach to Hansen Christian Anderson's fairy tale is a landmark of British cinema and one of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburge's best films.  But the artist who's work is showcased the most is legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff, whose colors and framing bolding take this story to the next level.  Glorious to behold with magical moments of trickery we follow a love triangle between a ballerina, her composer lover and the company's director.  Together they create a celebrated ballet of The Red Shoes.  But soon the ballerina, played by the beautiful Vicky Page, must choose between her lover or her career.  The film still holds up today.  Grade: A

This Sporting Life (1963)

Richard Harris plays a Rugby player who loves a woman who doesn't love him back.  He's a boorish and stubborn fool who seems to carry a rage in his gut.  It's a brilliant performance, the one that made Harris a star.  I liked the film but it's not exceptional.  I did like the non-linear editing style and think there's a lot to point out as great.  I just wish it was better paced and that it had a stronger ending.  Grade: B.

Hall Pass (2011)

This Farrelly brothers romantic comedy is about two husbands, starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis, who are given a week off of marriage from their wives, played by Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate.  Comedy ensues.  I really enjoyed this stupid movie with an ounce of heart.  Maybe I'm a sucker for love stories about married couples but there's a lot of funny truthisms about love and marriage in this adult-oriented comedy that only the Farrelly brothers can deliver.  Grade: B+

Fringe (Season 1)

This show is basically a redo of the X-Files filtered through the storytelling conventions of Lost.  It takes about a half of the season to really kick it into high gear but when it does come together it's a blast.  There are some very memorable moments that will make fans of most skeptics and when I finished the Season finale I had a strong feeling that the best is yet to come.   The main characters are FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), the jack-of-all trades Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) and his genius father and mad scientist  Walter Bishop (John Noble).   Together they investigate cases connected to The Pattern, which are criminal mysteries linked to Fringe Sciences.   This allows the writers to explore as crazy an idea as possible as long as they have a plausible scientific theory behind it.   Meanwhile there's a larger conspiracy going on that has Olivia uncovering secrets about her self and about the world she knows.   Olivia is a tough smart main character and I like what they're doing with Peter and Walter but in Season 2 I hope they gel a bit more.  I'm also hoping they develop a strong villain too, someone as memorable and complex as a Benjamin Linus from Lost.  Grade: A-

Her Highness (2011)

Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel star in Sword-and-Sorcery Sex Comedy about two Princes (McBrride and Franco) who venture on a quest to save a princess (Deschanel) and hence try and save the kingdom from an evil wizard (Justin Theroux).   Along the way they meet up with a warrior maiden (Portman) on a quest of her own.  Sure it seems like your typical fantasy plot, and it is, but with lots of raunchy, rated-R sex jokes.  The result is mostly positive but there is a lot of dead comic weigh at times.   What probably seemed funny on paper doesn't always work and the comic timing between the actors is a bit off.  Still I laughed and had fun but it's not one of those comedies you want to watch again.  Grade: B.    

The Devil's Double (2011)

A film that tells the true story of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi forced to become Uday Hussein's body double.  My first impression is that Dominic Cooper, who plays both roles, is fantastic.  My second impression is that Uday Hussesein was a crazy bastard.  My third impression is that for how entertaining this film is it could have been a little bit better.   It looks great and starts off just fine but it loses its narrative steam toward the end.  That said, I would recommend it for those interested in the subject. Grade: B+

Spoilers:  Films like these, based on true stories must be taken for a grain of salt especially since Latif's story isn't completely verified.  Not to say I think Uday Hussein was a decent guy.   I'm sure he was as evil as the film portrayed him, if anything the film makers probably toned it down. 

I Saw The Devil (2010)

The Korean equivalent of Silence the Lambs meets Seven.  I think I might have stolen this comparison from another reviewer but it's a great way to describe it.  A dark and twisted revenge, serial killer movie that goes deep down a deep horrific and violent path.  It's about a government agent who tracks down the serial killer who killed his wife.  Let it be said there are no happy moments and revenge has never been more a double sword than here.  Grade: A-

Attack The Block (2011)

Pure fun is what this film is all about.  A glorious science fiction action flick that captures the same vibe films like Predator did in the '80s.  It's the story of a group of hoodlums in a British ghetto, known as the Block, who must defend their neighborhood from aliens from space.  The aliens are these furry teeth glowing ape-like monsters that give the film the right amount of danger to make our heroes battle desperate and thrilling.  The heroes are likable without being too charming and the fact that people die keeps the story believable.  Oh, and it's funny too.  There's really nothing more to say about Joe Cornish's monster film, it's just gruesome, exciting fun.  Grade: A-. 

Rango (2011)

So far this is the best Animated film of 2011.  Johnny Depp voices the title character, a lizard who finds himself in the desert mixed up in a western cast by desert creatures.  With animation in par with Pixar (at least technically) and writing that's exciting and witty and fun, all I can say is bravo.  I'm not a huge fan of Gore Verbinski but if he wants to make animated films from here out, I say go for it.  The only element that keeps this film from being great is it lacks the emotional impact.  That said it's a winner in my book.  Grade: A-

Tiny Furniture (2010)

Here's what you have: a young film maker who with a small budget and a digital camera, her mother and sister as actors and a script full of self-indulgent whining characters.  If that sounds good to you then feel free to check this indie out.  I, on the other hand, wish I had watched something else.  This film isn't all bad, there are a few worthwhile moments and its refreshing to see a movie with normal looking people, that said this film didn't really do anything for me.  Is this because I'm a man and the men in this film are all jerks.   Is it because I don't get the subtle emotional complexities of a young woman just out of college and going home to stay with her wealthy artist mother?  Maybe.  I just think this film has a weak story and a hero that doesn't really have much of a problem but a bad outlook on life.  Grade: C+.

Certified Copy (2011)

If you're interested in a film about two characters talking while they tour San Gimignano and an intellectual exploration of copies and originals both in conversation and in the mysterious absurdity of plot then check this wonderful movie out.  If you want action and an easy to follow, naturalistic story then you'll probably find this one boring and confusing.  The always reliable Juliette Binoche plays a French woman who appears to take out an English writer on a tour of Italian art but through subtle hints and attitude there seems to be more a foot than what appears a causal stroll.  Grade: A-

Timer (2009)

I streamed this from Netflix and was delightfully surprised.  A science fiction romantic comedy that explores the complexities of love.  What if you had a timer on your wrist that told you when you'd meet your soul mate?  That's what this clever little movie proposes with a plot structure familiar to Sense and Sensibilities.  Emma Caulfield proves she's a talent beyond her role of Anya on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I hope because of this film we get to see more of her.  Certainly a B-movie but a good one.  Grade: B+.

Another Earth (2011)

Movies like these fill me with joy.   First you take a surreal science fiction concept that's huge and then you craft a small compact drama between two people around it.  What we get is a satisfying film that impresses on so many levels.  It makes you think.  It engages your heart.  It builds tension.   Written by Mike Cahill (who directed) and Brit Marling (who plays the lead character of Rhoda) this independent film won the Alfred  P. Sloan Award at Sundance.  On the night Rhoda makes a simple but horrible mistake another planet just like ours is discovered and her life is forever altered.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  I could write about the end but I won't.  Instead I would just like to write about my favorite scene.  It's so simple yet perfect and that's when Rhoda and John play Wii.  That one scene helps develop the characters into people we can relate to and want to root for.  Kudos.

Submarine (2011)

For the first film of 2012, I watched this quirky British film from director/ writer Richard Ayoade.  It's a coming-of-age story about a teenager living in Wales who falls in love while at the same time must deal with the fact that his parents are falling out of love.  That's not the best way to describe the plot, nor is this film's plot especially unique.  What's unique is the visual dynamic of the film that's reminiscent of Harold & Maude and Rushmore.  Another way to describe this film might be a film about unlikeable characters that become likable the more entertaining the action unfolds; this isn't a fair description either because that assumes complex characters with flaws are unlikeable.  I certainly enjoyed this film's sense of humor and its sense of style.  Grade: B+.