Skins - Season One (2007)

Skins (2007-????)

Created by: Jamie Brittain and Bryan Elsley

Season: One (2007)
Genre: Comedy | Drama
Number of Episodes: 9
Episode Running Time: 60 Minutes
Viewed: Owned DVD (Region 2)

[IMDb]

Comments: I'm not live blogging the Oscars tonight, so I feel like telling a story about why a 25-year-old man loves TV shows full of teen drama and good romantic storylines.

When I was in high school, I used to take "personal days" every few weeks. You know how college kids skip classes? I never did that, but the hell if I didn't take two or three days off a month in high school (it was so much easier to catch up). Anyway, one day after convincing my mother of my "sickness," I promptly went back to sleep watching reruns of Saved by the Bell. When I woke up a bit later, some girly show called Dawson's Creek was on. While I normally would have scoffed at this show and turned on SportsCenter, I was too lazy to reach over and change the channel. By the end of the hour, I was hooked. I had never seen TV like this before. People that were (supposedly) my age, doing awesome things and falling in love. Living a life that I would love to live. And so it began.

The show aired four (four!) hours a day. The episode I watched was in the second season, so it was up to my trusty VHS tape to record the show every day for the next several months. When I got home, I'd immerse myself in this fantastic dramatic world. Joey and Pacey? Hell yeah! Dawson doing that goofy ass crying? You bet! I watched the Creek religiously after school until that fateful day when TBS aired the rerun of the finale. This show can truly be heralded as the one that sent me on my melodramatic journey through life so far.

I've watched a number of shows like this over the years. From the teenagers (The O.C.) to the adults (Grey's Anatomy), I've become enamored with romantic dramas. My favorite is still Tim and Dawn from the original Office, but Chuck and Sarah (of Chuck) has been the most recent to tug on my heartstrings. I loved these shows because not only were they addicting, but they gave me a glimpse at something I've never had.

For a guy that loves all kinds of movies, there's not much more that I enjoy than a skillfully crafted television show that makes me wish I lived that life. That's why I have so many TV shows on DVD (and now Blu-ray), because to me there's nothing greater for a lonely, bored guy than getting wrapped up in a fantasy world. Sometimes I wish my life was just a fifth as interesting as these characters.

So what does this have to do with Skins? Not a whole lot, to be honest. But the teen drama of show has made me feel like I used to in college (specifically the later years): wishing for something fucking interesting to happen. Skins is far from a perfect show, but it's pretty much exactly what I look for. I'm really disappointed these characters last only another ten episodes - specifically Cassie. She's so well acted that I would love to know her despite how fucked up she is. See below...

Antichrist (2009)

Antichrist (2009)

Directed by: Lars von Trier
Screenplay by: Lars von Trier

Genre: Drama | Fantasy
Running Time: 108 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

[IMDb]

Comments: Hot off the news that Criterion is going to slowly pull their films from Netflix Watch Instantly for Hulu (gay!), I decided that it might be time to start plowing through my queue. Up first is Lars von Trier's Antichrist, a film I've wanted to see for awhile based mainly on the bizarreness that was supposed to unfold. Through the first hour, however, I was a little unimpressed. The film was alright, but it was mostly two characters talking with not a lot happening. Luckily, the second half really brings Antichrist home. Not only does all of that talking really come together, but the film just gets balls-out crazy. And in the awesome way. While Antichrist may not me everyone (or most people's) cup of tea, I certainly enjoyed the hell out of it.

Unknown (2011)

Unknown (2011)

Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Screenplay by: Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 113 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Theater

Take back your life.

[IMDb]

Comments: Unknown to me is the definition of a snowy Sunday afternoon movie. It's nothing that I need to go see Friday night when it premieres, and since the football season's over I need something to occupy my time during the tail-end of the weekend. The setup is well executed, and I was certainly into everything the movie was offering - until the dreaded twist. To be honest, once we 'know' the Unknown, it's not all that bad. It's just very reminiscent of a film that came out ten years ago (I don't want to spoil the film, but will say a review on the IMDb spoils it with the comparison in the title of the review). The middle of the film is also a bit sluggish, which elongates the running time and loses the steam it had built up at the beginning. There's not much to write home about in the acting department, but I was surprised at how off January Jones is. I've not had the pleasure of seeing Mad Men yet, but maybe thrillers aren't her thing. She was very awkward at times. Still, Unknown is an entertaining excursion, and certainly worth at least a rental when it comes out on Blu-ray. Perhaps you could save it for a Sunday afternoon.

Hatchet II (2010)

Hatchet II (2010)

Directed by: Adam Green
Screenplay by: Adam Green

Genre: Action | Comedy | Horror | Thriller
Running Time: 89 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Viewed: Blu-ray

Victor Crowley lives again.

[IMDb]

Comments: What the hell is up with Danielle Harris' eyebrow? She has to have some sort of facial tick or something. I noticed her giving The People's Eyebrow way back in the first scene... and it never went away. I don't recall seeing it in Rob Zombie's Halloween, but apparently it was there. During my extremely scientific research while writing this review (while also revisiting her nude scene in Halloween - for purely educational purposes), I searched Google for "Danielle Harris eyebrow" which brought me to an interview with the actress. In it, she talks about seeing herself onscreen and notes that "it’s gnarly, I’ve got an eyebrow thing." Indeed, Danielle, indeed. Oh, and Hatchet II was pretty damn entertaining.

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

Directed by: Banksy

Genre: Documentary | Comedy
Running Time: 87 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

The incredible true story of how the world's greatest Street Art
  movie was never made...

[IMDb]

Comments: Although I've heard much praise for Banksy's Exit Through the Gift Shop, I didn't know what the film was about, other than street art. But being a dumb ass, I had no idea that "street art" essentially meant "graffiti." Anyway, I wasn't sure where the film was going at first, but once Thierry met up with Banksy, I really enjoyed the film. It got progressively funnier as the film went along too, which was great. I definitely think Exit Through the Gift Shop is deserving of it's Academy Award nomination and worth your time... especially when you can just stream it on Netflix.

Dogtooth (2009)

Dogtooth (2009)

Directed by: Giorgos Lanthimos
Screenplay by: Giorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippou

Genre: Drama
Running Time: 94 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

[IMDb]

Comments: I'm amazed that Dogtooth was nominated for Best Foreign Film at this year's Academy Awards. That's not to say it's a bad film; it's actually very good. It would be excruciatingly funny too if it wasn't so fucked up. And I really mean fucked up. And I like movies like that, but there's just such a bizarreness to it that I have trouble truly allowing myself to enjoy it. The performances are great and the direction is solid. So it's certainly worth a watch if you think you're up for it. But be prepared, because I don't you will have seen anything like this in awhile.

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Directed by: Mark Romanek
Screenplay by: Alex Garland

Genre: Drama | Romance
Running Time: 103 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

[IMDb]

Comments: As much as I anticipated watching Never Let Me Go, I couldn't get into it throughout most of the film. I really didn't like Andrew Garfield (even though I thought he was pretty good in The Social Network), and I never bought the love between him and Carey Mulligan. I do admit, I got caught up in the film at the end and it really redeemed it for me. But although Never Let Me Go is very well-made, I simply could not get completely entwined in the film. It's still certainly worth a watch, though.

Red Hill (2010)

Red Hill (2010)

Directed by: Patrick Hughes
Screenplay by: Patrick Hughes

Genre: Crime | Thriller | Western
Running Time: 95 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Revenge just rode into town.

[IMDb]

Comments: I'm a bit torn on Red Hill. On one hand, I really liked the film; on the other, I expected more. From watching the trailer a few weeks ago, I concocted this film in my head that was a gritty, dark experience. That really isn't Red Hill, so perhaps the film's shortcomings reflect my own expectations. The lead, Ryan Kwanten, is solid and is particularly good at getting his ass kicked fairly often. His innocence and reluctance did feel overplayed at times, and I felt the need for him to get more involved sooner. Anyway, one of the more interesting aspects of the film is that if you changed a few small details, Red Hill easily transforms into a horror flick (and it was filmed like one during several scenes). I guess that's just obvious to me from all the slasher films I've watched over the years. Overall, I liked this western. But even the theme on the menu builds the film up to a standard it can't reach; listen to it over the menu and then watch Red Hill. Tell me you just don't expect a little more by the end.

The Social Network (2010)

The Social Network (2010)

Directed by: David Fincher
Screenplay by: Aaron Sorkin

Genre: Biography | Drama | History
Running Time: 120 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.

[IMDb]

Comments: Often, a film that has received glorious critical reviews usually fails to match my high expectations. I guess sometimes - or most of the time - I expect too much. But that was not the case with The Social Network. The film was directed by one of my favorite directors, David Fincher, and was written by Aaron Sorkin, whose writing style I love (thanks to the wonderful West Wing). The two combined to create a wonderfully crafted film that was both captivating and thought-provoking. I really have no issues placing this at the top of the Best of 2010 list.

Easy A (2010)

Easy A (2010)

Directed by: Will Gluck
Screenplay by: Bert V. Royal

Genre: Comedy | Romance
Running Time: 92 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Let's not and say we did.

[IMDb]

Comments: I remember seeing the poster for this film at my local theater and thinking Easy A was just going to be another shitty teen comedy. Gradually, I started hearing better things about the film, until my interest was completely peaked when Easy A was mentioned in Filmspotting's Golden Bricks show, where they talk about films that won't get "end-of-the-year" praise but deserve to be seen nonetheless. I was so interested that I blind-bought the film, and I'm really glad I did. Easy A is probably the best teen comedy I've seen since Superbad; it's funny, witty as hell, and really heartfelt. Emma Stone (who coincidentally was also in Superbad) is wonderful, and she really reminds me of Lindsay Lohan in Mean Girls - back when people talked about the potential she had. Let me emphasize that Stone has way more talent than Lohan did several years ago, but the films are very similar; I just hope that Stone stays on the straight-and-narrow and continues to do great things. Not snort a lot of coke and steal jewelry. Highly recommended.

The Last Exorcism (2010)

The Last Exorcism (2010)

Directed by: Daniel Stamm
Screenplay by: Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland

Genre: Horror | Thriller
Running Time: 87 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Believe in Him.

[IMDb]

Comments: I didn't realize going in that the film starred Professor Jeremiah Lasky of Saved by the Bell: The College Years fame. It made me wonder or not if I could buy into his character, or if I'd just see Lasky. But surprisingly, not only did I buy into Cotton Marcus, I sort of bought into The Last Exorcism. Sure, it gets a little silly in the end (which I thought was reminiscent of something that would have happened in an X-Files episode), but the film did a decent job setting up the plot while navigating around the "shot on home footage" aspect. It's not a particularly great film - it certainly won't be remembered for years to come - but I liked it enough for a Friday night viewing. And it was definitely better than The Rite, so take from that what you will.

Revanche (2008)

Revanche (2008)

Directed by: Götz Spielmann
Screenplay by: Götz Spielmann

Genre: Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller
Running Time: 121 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

Whose fault is it if life doesn't go your way?

[IMDb]

Comments: So one thing I didn't expect with Netflix was the number of titles available from Criterion - titles that usually run $25 - $40 apiece. So in taking advantage of this, I decided to watch Revanche knowing only that it was highly praised and had a great looking DVD cover. Luckily for me, I found a great film; one that despite it's slow pace really captivated me. There's no camera flourishes - there's not even a score (or any music throughout) - but Götz Spielmann's Revanche really hit the spot. I'm really loving my decision to sign up for Netflix.

Hanger (2009)

Hanger (2009)

Directed by: Ryan Nicholson
Screenplay by: Ryan Nicholson and Patrick Coble

Genre: Horror
Running Time: 90 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

Payback is a bitch of a whore.

[IMDb]

Comments: So I was a fan of Ryan Nicholson's Gutterballs enough that I anticipated his new film, Hanger (despite the negative reviews). What his films lack in quality is usually made up in complete over-the-top ridiculousness. However, two things ruined my experience watching Hanger: the non-anomorphic transfer and awful picture quality, and the fact that the film's just a complete piece of shit. Hanger seriously feels like something Troma would have produced in the '80s. Is this what Nicholson was going for? Sure, the abortion-with-a-hanger scene is about as explicit as possible (and let's not forget about the dude fucking another dude's colostomy bag hole), but those parts, along with all the other so-called "shocking" scenes, are completely laughable (provided you have a strong stomach). While I could have should have watched something so much better, movies like this make me proud to be an American. Despite the low rating, it's probably worth at least a watch if you like the envelope pushed.

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

Directed by: Kurt Kuenne
Screenplay by: Kurt Kuenne

Genre: Documentary | Crime | Drama
Running Time: 95 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

[IMDb]

Comments: I finally caved in and signed up for Netflix (streaming only), despite the fact that I have over 2,000 DVDs (many of which are unwatched). While they don't have many new releases, I am particularly impressed with their newer foreign releases, and the massive TV collection that's available. But I signed up basically because I wanted to see three documentaries that I knew were available: Restrepo, Exit Through the Gift Shop, and Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father...

Wow. I have seen a lot of hard-to-watch films over the years, but I'm having a hard time thinking of a movie that's made me so sad yet so nauseatingly sick to my stomach (Requiem for a Dream is the main one I'm thinking of now). In terms of documentaries, it's not particularly the most well-made film I've seen, but goddamn, it packs a fucking punch. Hearing Shirley Turner's recorded voice speaking to Zachary, even without knowing what was to come, was simultaneously chilling and sickening. I certainly recommend this one, but be prepared: it's like watching the worst Dateline special ever (and I mean that in the best way).

So Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father may not be the 'happiest' choice to start out my Netflix obsession (which is what will happen), but I'm thrilled at the films I've added to my instant queue: Dogtooth, Enter the Void, Revanche, and Hanger. If you're wondering why the hell Hanger is included with those films... well, then you just don't know me very well.

She's Out of My League (2010)

She's Out of My League (2010)

Directed by: Jim Field Smith
Screenplay by: Sean Anders and John Morris

Genre: Comedy | Romance
Running Time: 104 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

How can a 10 go for a 5?

[IMDb]

Comments: I enjoyed She's Out of My League a lot more than I thought I would. Sure, it's a bit clichéd, and there's several telegraphed moments where you knew exactly what was coming, but I did find it pretty funny. I particularly enjoyed the supporting cast: Kirk's friends (two of which were in Cloverfield) are solid and his entire family is well-cast and really makes the movie. She's Out of My League is nothing new, but it is at least worth a rent for a snowy Saturday night.

The Rite (2011)

The Rite (2011)

Directed by: Mikael Håfström
Screenplay by: Michael Petroni

Genre: Drama | Horror | Thriller
Running Time: 114 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Theater

You can only defeat it when you believe.

[IMDb]

Comments: Ugh. Where to begin? As a devout horror fan, I did want to see this film, despite the terrible reviews it received. As a devout atheist, I realized this film had to hit the right notes for me to be fully invested in the film and not think it's a giant crock of shit (I generally don't care if a movie's religious; it just has to be good). Throughout the first 30 minutes or so, I was actually invested and enjoyed the film. However, right around the time a possessed woman starts coughing up the nails from the crucifixion, The Rite became what I expected: a giant crock of shit. And it didn't get better after that, trust me. Doesn't Anthony Hopkins have better projects to pick from?

Please Give (2010)

Please Give (2010)

Directed by: Nicole Holofcener
Screenplay by: Nicole Holofcener

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Running Time: 90 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

[IMDb]

Comments: When renting this gaggle of movies for the weekend, I was informed at the counter that I qualified for a free rental of an 'older' new release. I was ready to go, so I grabbed the first film I recognized: Please Give, which was yet another Filmspotting recommendation. Granted, only one of the hosts really liked the film, but I figured I'd give it a shot. I was split throughout most of it, as there were parts I liked (mainly those with Rebecca Hall), but I really didn't empathize with any of the other characters. By the end though, I really enjoyed the film, and I felt like I was sucked in more to each character and the way the were portrayed. Please Give is a quirky little dramadey that hits its stride more often than not, so that was good enough for me to enjoy it.

Harry Brown (2009)

Harry Brown (2009)

Directed by: Daniel Barber
Screenplay by: Gary Young

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 103 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

Every man has a breaking point.

[IMDb]

Comments: By default, I think everyone is reminded of Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino when looking at Harry Brown from the outside. But now that I've seen the film, I realized it's nothing like Gran Torino, with the exception that the main star is an old guy that's had enough with the ever-shittier world around him. Harry Brown is really reminiscent of a few '70s exploitation films, and I was reminded of Death Wish a few times throughout. It's a gritty, visceral experience that I enjoyed a hell of a lot more than I thought I was going to originally. There's several parts of the film that just feel dirty; the look of the film combined with the great score really make you feel like you are in this shithole that Harry Brown inhabits. The semi-'twist' at the end left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth, but it did serve as a decent way to wrap up the film. Overall, however, Harry Brown is dark film that really met my expectations and exceeded them at times. Another solid recommendation.

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko
Screenplay by: Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Running Time: 106 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

Nic and Jules had the perfect family, until they met the man who
  made it all possible.

[IMDb]

Comments: The Kids Are Alright is a film I've wanted to see for awhile, but my interest was ratcheted up after the guys at Filmspotting praised it, and in particular the performances. I really agree on the performance aspect, and in particular Mark Ruffalo. I've always enjoyed him, but felt he's been wooden in several films (Collateral comes to mind). But he, along with Annette Bening and Julianne Moore are stellar (I can't forget about the kids, who were terrific as well). The story, even though it's about two lesbians, felt a bit familiar at times, and I thought the resolution occurred a bit too easily. But I'm certainly not complaining, as The Kids Are Alright is definitely worthy of the praise it's received. Definitely recommended.

Animal Kingdom (2010)

Animal Kingdom (2010)

Directed by: David Michôd
Screenplay by: David Michôd

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 113 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Rental DVD - Family Video

A crime story.

[IMDb]

Comments: Thanks to my my new favorite podcast Filmspotting, I'm being exposed to a wealth of films I've only heard of in passing (now if I could take the time to start watching more films, I'd be set). Animal Kingdom is a prime example, and what a wonderful film it is, especially considering it's helmed by a first-time director. Actually, I think the direction is the aspect I like most; it's beautifully filmed and a pleasure to watch. The story in itself is excellent, and one really becomes immersed in this sociopathic crime family. Really worth the price of admission, or the free rental I used to watch it.