High Fidelity (2000)

High Fidelity (2000)

Directed by: Stephen Frears
Screenplay by: D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack, and Scott
  Rosenberg

Genre: Comedy | Drama | Music | Romance
Running Time: 113 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

A comedy about fear of commitment, hating your job, falling in love   and other pop favorites.

[IMDb]

Comments: I was ecstatic earlier this year when I learned High Fidelity was coming out on Blu-ray. It's one of my absolute favorite films - it's so funny, yet so unbelievably poignant too. John Cusack is terrific; he makes the act of breaking the fourth wall continuously throughout the film feel so natural. However, Jack Black is the one that really steals the show. The early 2000 time period is my favorite for Black; films like Orange County and Saving Silverman are so much better because of his involvement. But when it comes to High Fidelty, it's not just Black and Cusack - literally everything in this movie works for me. It's fantastic and easily one of my all-time top ten films. And yes, that is Peter fucking Frampton.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight (2008)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Screenplay by: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan

Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 152 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Why so serious?

[IMDb]

Comments: Watching The Dark Knight in theaters was probably my favorite movie-going experience ever. I can remember shaking with excitement as I saw this spectacle unfold onscreen. I loved every minute.

Unfortunately, upon subsequent viewings I found that the last thirty minutes didn't hold up to the awe-inspiring two hours before it. But having watched the movie tonight for the first time in a few years, I found that I had a renewed appreciation for the final act, even if it might not be quite up to par with the rest of The Dark Knight.

But yeah, the film's amazing. Bring on The Dark Knight Rises.

Batman Begins (2005)

Batman Begins (2005)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Screenplay by: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer

Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Fantasy
Running Time: 140 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

[IMDb]

Comments: As I'm sure many are, I'll be watching Christopher Nolan's first two Batman films this week before checking out The Dark Knight Rises this weekend. I'm one of the few that liked Batman Begins more than The Dark Knight, and after watching it for the first time in a couple years, I'm glad it still held up for me.

I've always been a huge fan of superhero movies. I never read the comic books or watched the cartoons for any of them, but when it came to movies, I watched all of them (though in recent years there's been so many that I haven't kept up as much). But Batman Begins was the first superhero movie that was different for me; it made me completely forget that I was watching a movie about a guy running around dressed up as a giant bat. It was that powerful. It especially says a lot that as I watched it again tonight, seven years after the film was initially released, I enjoyed Batman Begins as though I was seeing it for the first time.

Words cannot even begin to describe how excited I am for The Dark Knight Rises this weekend. I'll go into that excitement a little more when I watch The Dark Knight (likely tomorrow or Thursday). But as for Batman Begins, I'll leave it with this: it's not a just an exciting superhero adventure. It's top-notch movie making and a fantastic film. Period.

Troll 2 (1990)

Troll 2 (1990)

Directed by: Claudio Fragasso
Screenplay by: Rossella Drudi and Claudio Fragasso

Genre: Fantasy | Horror
Running Time: 95 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Netflix Watch Instantly

One was not enough!

[IMDb]

Comments: I had hope to get through Season Two of Breaking Bad this week. However, as of this writing I've only watched one episode. Why? Fucking Minecraft on the 360, that's why. That game is both amazing and addicting as shit. It's really put a dent in my movie/TV watching.

Anyway, I generally reserve five star ratings for only the best worst films, which Troll 2 certainly is (coincidentally, there's a documentary about Troll 2 called Best Worst Movie that I may watch tomorrow). Seriously, if you haven't seen this film and enjoy awfully good movies, do yourself a favor and check this out. It's Hard Ticket to Hawaii good.

The Descendants (2011)

The Descendants (2011)

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Screenplay by: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash

Genre: Comedy | Drama
Running Time: 115 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Theater

[IMDb]

Comments: Wow, The Descendants was fantastic. It's touching, sad, heartwarming, funny, and best of all - real. George Clooney is great as always, giving an Oscar-caliber performance (he already won the Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Drama), but I really loved Shailene Woodley's performance as Clooney's oldest daughter. She delivers the goods with being intimidated working next to the Clooney. And it also didn't hurt that I wanted to do various unspeakable things to her.

Anyway, I can't recommend The Descendants enough. I've loved Alexander Payne's films in the past (Sideways is a personal favorite), but this might be his best piece of work. Just outstanding.

Drive (2011)

Drive (2011)

Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Screenplay by: Hossein Amini

Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 100 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Some heroes are real.

[IMDb]

Comments: The first time I watched Drive in theaters, I think I was overwhelmed by all of the awesomeness onscreen and I was unable to process it all. Don't mistake me, I loved the film originally. However, now that I knew what I was getting into (with all the gratuitous '80s stylings and Nicolas Winding Refn's penchant for graphic violence), my love for Drive expanded exponentially. This is my favorite film of 2011.

But just for the sake of completeness, here's my original review:

Drive was a very fuckin' cool movie. I'll be honest by saying that it didn't completely live up to my ungodly enormous expectations, but it came pretty damn close. The first half was amazingly well done, as I was giddy with anticipation of what was about to unfold over final half of the film. I can't remember having that feeling during a movie in a long, long time (The Dark Knight comes to mind, and similarly I felt that film didn't quite finish as strongly as it started). Drive is also very brutal, as the violence is turned up to 11 when it's killing time (no complaints from me there; the messier, the better). There's also this odd '80s vibe throughout (as evidenced by the stylized text during the opening credits and the odd music selections throughout the film - that were really great, don't get me wrong). I really enjoyed Drive and highly recommend it. It may not have finished as strong as it started, but it's still a fucking fine piece of cinema.

Superman Returns (2006)

Superman Returns (2006)

Directed by: Bryan Singer
Screenplay by: Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris

Genre: Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi
Running Time: 154 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

[IMDb]

Comments: I friggin' love Superman Returns and have since I first saw it back in theaters in 2006. This is the first time I've watched the film in a few years, and my feelings toward it haven't lessened at all. I know a lot of people didn't like this version, but everything about Superman Returns worked for me.

- I love superhero movies, but I've never been a big Superman guy. Part of it is because I think it's insane that Superman doesn't wear a mask, yet no one can figure out that he's Clark Kent (which didn't bother me at all in Returns for some reason). However, my main issue has always been the 1978 Christopher Reeve film, which in my opinion has one of the most ludicrous and shit-tacular endings of all time. I could go on a mega-rant here, but I'll save that for another time. (Spoiler: But seriously, spinning Earth backwards to go back in time?)

- I particularly enjoyed Brandon Routh. I think he had great mannerisms as both Clark and Superman. It's a shame he's never really been cast in anything major after this, because I think he has the ability to be a big star (he was great in Season Three of Chuck as well). Granted, he can be a bit wooden at times, but Keanu Reeves still gets roles, right?

- I've also just realized that Kate Bosworth and James Marsden were also in the Straw Dogs remake together as well. That has nothing to do with this movie, but whatever.

- The score was top notch as well.

- While I'm eagerly awaiting the 2013 reboot, Man of Steel, I am still a little bitter that I never got to see a sequel with these Superman characters. But at least I have Superman Returns - and even if many didn't like it, I'll keep it for myself as one of the best superhero movies ever made.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Directed by: David Fincher
Screenplay by: Steven Zaillian

Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 158 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Theater

What is hidden in snow, comes forth in the thaw.

[IMDb]

Comments: As I was creating this post earlier, I thought back to 2008 when going in to see Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler. Due to the positive reviews, my love of Aronofsky's previous films, and the fact that I was interested in the subject matter, I knew I'd probably be watching my favorite film of the year. Similarly, I felt the same way with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo going in - this could be the best film of the year. I think David Fincher has made some of the best films of the last twenty years, and I really like dark shit. This was all set up too well. So for the first time in awhile, I was right.

- Early on in the film, however, I wasn't so sure. I saw the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo back in 2009. While I enjoyed the film, I wasn't blown away and really don't remember much of what happened (and I haven't read the book either). But memories of Niels Arden Oplev's film came rushing back today, as the first hour or so evoked constant reminders of the original film (outside of the sweet title sequence featuring Karen O belting out "The Immigrant Song"). Luckily, Fincher's version soon came into its own and I became 100% invested in what was occurring onscreen (likely because my mind is mush, and I can't remember the second half of the 2009 version).

- The acting was solid all around, but I was particularly drawn to Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander. I was a fan of Noomi Rapace as well (who was great in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows; I forgot to mention her on Monday), but Mara is utterly compelling in the role.

- My last thought on the film for the evening is that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score for the film was a bit disappointing. It seemed fairly standard compared to the great score for The Social Network. It could be that I was just too engrossed in the film, so I may have a differing opinion on repeat viewings.

- I loved every minute of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Sure, I was reminded of the original early on, but soon the film took on a life of its own. As the credits rolled, I just wanted to stick around and follow the characters for a bit longer. If that's not the sign of a good film, I don't know what is.

Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart (1995)

Directed by: Mel Gibson
Screenplay by: Randall Wallace

Genre: Action | Biography | Drama | History | War
Running Time: 177 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

What kind of man would defy a king?

[IMDb]

Comments: I loved Braveheart growing up. It was one of, if not my favorite movie at the time. It was one of the few VHS tapes I owned, and one that got plenty of use (come to think of it, it's only one of three films I've owned on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray - the other two are American Beauty and Fight Club). I just loved everything about the film. However, it's been several years since I've laid eyes on Mel and company, so I decided to give it a whirl this afternoon, and holy fuck, do I still love this movie. Braveheart is emotion. Every scene, every note in the score, every look the actors give - emotion just pours out. If you can't tell, I love this movie as much as I ever did.

Se7en (1995)

Se7en (1995)

Directed by: David Fincher
Screenplay by: Andrew Kevin Walker

Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Running Time: 127 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Long is the way, and hard, that out of hell leads up to light.

[IMDb]

Comments: I've finally decided to break in my Blu-ray of Se7en, one of my all-time favorite films. I can remember watching this masterpiece for the first time as an impressionable youth and geeking out because I didn't know Kevin Spacey was the baddie, and I can remember receiving the New Line Platinum Series DVD as a gift (it was the first DVD I owned; a birthday present from my father along with an Apex DVD player that still works and is still used occasionally to this day); this is just a movie that sticks with you every time you come in contact with it. I have so many distinct memories of watching this film over the years - it's always an event when Se7en is onscreen. I think my most memorable moment was a few years back when I was working in retail and going to school. I was in and out a lot, and it just happened that Starz had the film in heavy rotation. No matter if I was getting ready or unwinding after a long day, Se7en was on one of the channels and I would be watching, over and over again. It was fucking glorious. (I also recall a similar time with Armageddon; not my finest hour, but dammit if that isn't a terrific popcorn flick.) So what am I getting at? This movie fucking rules.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko (2001)

Directed by: Richard Kelly
Screenplay by: Richard Kelly

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi
Running Time: 113 Minutes (Theatrical Cut)
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

[IMDb]

Comments: Donnie Darko is one of those movies that I remember exactly what was going on when I first watched the film. I was a freshman in college (it was 2003), and I had heard a lot of things about this movie with a giant rabbit. So one Friday evening, I was looking for something to kill time before it turned beer o'clock. Usually I played some online poker (the rage at the time), but this one night I decided to watch Donnie Darko. And when I finished the film, I was just completely hypnotized. What the fuck did I just watch? Could it get any more amazing? There's nothing like watching a film that just fucks with you so much that you just want to shut off the outside world when it ends and think back on what recently occurred. Granted, once I went out to party and got shifaced, the haze lifted (and another haze set in! *rimshot*). But the film just messed with me, and continues to do so on repeated viewings.

I had held off on buying the film on Blu-ray, simply because the picture quality was shitty. When I heard news that a four-disc 10th Anniversary edition was coming out, I was excited. I was hoping that we'd get a deluxe remastered version. Instead, we got the original Blu-ray with the shitty picture quality, disc two of the 2005 two-disc Director's Cut set, the original theatrical cut disc from the 2002 release, and a brand new disc with the digital copy (oh joy!). So in essence, it's a shit release... and I bought it anyway. I read an review that quoted Richard Kelly (he didn't even know the 10th Anniversary release was coming out), and he stated there was an issue with obtaining the film to remaster it between companies, and that we likely wouldn't see a remastered version anytime soon (I looked for the review so that I could link it here, but for the life of me I can't find it). So I picked up this edition at Walmart the other day, and while the PQ isn't great, I'm glad I have yet another copy of this film (my third; I also have three editions of Ghostbusters - four if you count my VHS tape back home). If you haven't seen Donnie Darko yet, well... seriously, what the fuck?

Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987)

Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987)

Directed by: Andy Sidaris
Screenplay by: Andy Sidaris

Genre: Action | Adventure
Running Time: 96 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned DVD

This ain't no hula!

[IMDb]

Comments: This is the greatest fucking movie ever made. I'm not joking. May I present you with Exhibit A:


So let's recap. A guy launches an attack on two special agents on a skateboard using a blow-up doll as cover. The guy shoots one of the special agents IN THE FUCKING HEART (OK, he's technically hit by shrapnel) and he's merely inconvenienced. Then, the agents hit the guy with the car, launching him into the air. Whilst airborne, Agent #2 uses A FUCKING ROCKET LAUNCHER to blow him out of the air. Oh, and then he bazookas the shit out of the blow-up doll too, for good measure (while it's still in the air and without damaging them or their car at all). And this is two minutes of the movie. TWO FUCKING MINUTES. It doesn't get better than this.

Elephant (2003)

Elephant (2003)

Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Screenplay by: Gus Van Sant

Genre: Crime | Drama
Running Time: 81 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned DVD

An ordinary high school day. Except that it's not.

[IMDb]

Comments: I recall watching Elephant the first time a few years ago; I was bored through most of it, (patiently waiting) until those final scenes. I knew what Gus Van Sant was trying to do - show everyday life and how it is destroyed by unthinkable violence. There just wasn't anything that held my attention until the end. But watching the film again, I found out just how Elephant is incredibly well made, and that mundane feeling throughout truly helps elevate what is to come. You get to know many of these characters even thought you're never given much, and you feel what they feel when staring into a gun. I can't put a finger on it exactly, but the film is so much more powerful to me than when I watched it originally. I feel uneasy now just typing this. Elephant certainly isn't for everyone, but if you go into the film ready to watch a slow, dramatic piece, you may see just how powerful it is.

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.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters (1984)

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Screenplay by: Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis

Genre: Adventure | Comedy | Fantasy | Mystery
Running Time: 105 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

They're here to save the world.

[IMDb]

Comments: Now that I've upgraded to Blu-ray, I'll definitely be stringent when it comes to upgrading my DVD titles (at least at first). I have a pretty basic setup, and my TV isn't very large, so having upconverted DVDs will do the trick for now. I will make an exception for my favorite films, and that certainly starts with Ghostbusters. My love for this movie is never-ending; it was my favorite as a child and it's my favorite as an adult. Sure, it's silly at times, but it hits the mark for every genre it crosses into. I've always loved how realistically heroic everyone is at the end as well; they may be completely fucked, but they're going out fighting without being over-the-top prototypical action heroes. I was a little disappointed in the Blu-ray, as it's very grainy at times, but some scenes are really nice-looking. And why not release Ghostbusters II on Blu-ray? Sure, it's not as good, but I've always loved it as well and it really holds a soft spot in my heart. Now if only they release Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Blu-ray...

The Town (2010)

The Town (2010)

Directed by: Ben Affleck
Screenplay by: Peter Craig, Ben Affleck, and Aaron Stockard

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 125 Minutes (Theatrical Cut)
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

Welcome to the bank robbery capital of America.

[IMDb]

Comments: Original review: Ben Affleck has been the butt of many jokes over the years, mainly due to the fact that he has made some poor career choices (and that Matt Damon was the actual talented one of the two). I've never had a problem with the guy, mostly because I enjoyed him in the several Kevin Smith films he did. But Affleck set out to change the public perception a few years ago when he directed the excellent Gone Baby Gone, a film I really enjoyed. The Town is his second directorial effort, and as soon as I saw the trailer for The Town, I knew I'd be seeing it in theaters (Warner obviously didn't trust Affleck's reputation either, as they failed to mention his name when stating the film was "from the director of Gone Baby Gone"). The Town certainly didn't disappoint. While the film isn't perfect (the very end of the film is certainly clichéd), it is right up my alley in terms of the plot and entertainment value, hence the five-star rating. I was hooked for the entire two hours, as was the rest of the packed house (during a moment of silence toward the end of the film you could've heard a pin drop in the theater). At times, I was reminded of Michael Mann's crime classic Heat (which isn't a bad thing), and I would favorably compare the two. The Town is everything I want when I go to the theater, and I really couldn't have asked for more. Kudos, Ben.

The Town (2010)

The Town (2010)

Directed by: Ben Affleck
Screenplay by: Peter Craig, Ben Affleck, and Aaron Stockard

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 125 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Theater

Welcome to the bank robbery capital of America.

[IMDb]

Comments: Ben Affleck has been the butt of many jokes over the years, mainly due to the fact that he has made some poor career choices (and that Matt Damon was the actual talented one of the two). I've never had a problem with the guy, mostly because I enjoyed him in the several Kevin Smith films he did. But Affleck set out to change the public perception a few years ago when he directed the excellent Gone Baby Gone, a film I really enjoyed. The Town is his second directorial effort, and as soon as I saw the trailer for The Town, I knew I'd be seeing it in theaters (Warner obviously didn't trust Affleck's reputation either, as they failed to mention his name when stating the film was "from the director of Gone Baby Gone"). The Town certainly didn't disappoint. While the film isn't perfect (the very end of the film is certainly clichéd), it is right up my alley in terms of the plot and entertainment value, hence the five-star rating. I was hooked for the entire two hours, as was the rest of the packed house (during a moment of silence toward the end of the film you could've heard a pin drop in the theater). At times, I was reminded of Michael Mann's crime classic Heat (which isn't a bad thing), and I would favorably compare the two. The Town is everything I want when I go to the theater, and I really couldn't have asked for more. Kudos, Ben.

The Office - Season Two (2002)

The Office (2001-2003)

Created by: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant

Season: Two (2002)
Genre: Comedy | Drama
Number of Episodes: 6
Episode Running Time: 30 Minutes
Viewed: Owned DVD

[IMDb]

Comments: Original review: Throughout all of my years, all of the awesome films, marvelous television shows, and wonderful trash I have watched, there is nothing to me greater than the original Office. There is no film or television series that has made me both laugh and cry like a little baby like this one has. From the epic performance by Ricky Gervais as David Brent to the amazingly told love saga of Tim and Dawn, this show is absolute perfection to me. I own the three seasons of the new Office with Steve Carell, but have not been able to watch it. I saw the first ten minutes when it premiered and turned it off; it was too similar to the original. I have read many reviews stating it found its footing in the second season, so one day I will have to visit the new Office. Until then, I have Tim, Dawn, David, and even Gareth to keep me company. Absolute perfection.

Updated thoughts: Don't get me wrong, the original Office is my favorite show of all time. But I really didn't realize how much I enjoyed the new Office, and how much it has grown on me. It really is a great show as well, and upon revisiting the show I probably will rate it higher (I still think there's a few too many episodes a season though). And finally, no matter how obsessed I was with Tim and Dawn (and how many times I watched their penultimate scene), I did find myself missing a little bit of the absolute chemistry and wonderfulness that is Jim and Pam. That's one thing I never thought I'd say.

The Office - Season One (2001)

The Office (2001-2003)

Created by: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant

Season: One (2001)
Genre: Comedy | Drama
Number of Episodes: 6
Episode Running Time: 30 Minutes
Viewed: Owned DVD

[IMDb]

Comments: Original review: Throughout all of my years, all of the awesome films, marvelous television shows, and wonderful trash I have watched, there is nothing to me greater than the original Office. There is no film or television series that has made me both laugh and cry like a little baby like this one has. From the epic performance by Ricky Gervais as David Brent to the amazingly told love saga of Tim and Dawn, this show is absolute perfection to me. I own the three seasons of the new Office with Steve Carell, but have not been able to watch it. I saw the first ten minutes when it premiered and turned it off; it was too similar to the original. I have read many reviews stating it found its footing in the second season, so one day I will have to visit the new Office. Until then, I have Tim, Dawn, David, and even Gareth to keep me company. Absolute perfection.

Updated thoughts: Don't get me wrong, the original Office is my favorite show of all time. But I really didn't realize how much I enjoyed the new Office, and how much it has grown on me. It really is a great show as well, and upon revisiting the show I probably will rate it higher (I still think there's a few too many episodes a season though). And finally, no matter how obsessed I was with Tim and Dawn (and how many times I watched their penultimate scene), I did find myself missing a little bit of the absolute chemistry and wonderfulness that is Jim and Pam. That's one thing I never thought I'd say.

Rear Window (1954)

Rear Window (1954)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay by: John Michael Hayes

Genre: Crime | Mystery | Romance | Thriller
Running Time: 112 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Viewed: Owned DVD

In deadly danger... because they saw too much!

[IMDb]

Comments: I liked Rear Window a lot better when it was called Disturbia. And that Jimmy Stewart guy could sure learn a thing or two from the great Shia LaBeouf. Seriously though, I could never imagine being more enthralled in a film where the main character never leaves his apartment throughout the entire film. It's rather remarkable, if I do say so myself.