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.

Prison Break: The Final Break (2009)

Prison Break: The Final Break (2009)

Directed by: Kevin Hooks and Brad Turner
Screenplay by: Nick Santora, Seth Hoffman, Zack Estrin, and Karyn
  Usher

Genre: Action | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 89 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Viewed: Owned DVD

Prepare yourself for the truth.

[IMDb]

Comments: The reason why Prison Break: The Final Break is probably one of the best things the show's done since the first season is that there's only so much you can do in 90 minutes. Had this been Season Five, the entire premise would have been stretched over 22 episodes, with at least 50 twists thrown in. Not that it made the show less fun, but like the last few seasons of 24, there were so many twists and turns throughout the show that the viewer (or at least I) became extremely desensitized to it all. The Final Break is a great sendoff to a pretty decent show. It's a shame others can't go out as good.

Prison Break - Season Four (2008-2009)

Prison Break (2005-2009)

Created by: Paul Scheuring

Season: Four (2008-2009)
Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller
Number of Episodes: 22
Episode Running Time: 60 Minutes
Viewed: Owned DVD

Revenge begins now.

[IMDb]

Comments: Once you get past the ridiculous opener, Prison Break's final season is a generally entertaining (if far-fetched) send off. The asinine events that take place in the premiere, which only serve to set up the season, almost made me stop watching the season. Luckily, things pick up a bit afterward. As a whole, this season feels a bit like a bastardized version of 24, which isn't a bad thing. But the show isn't nearly as good as it was in the beginning, and I'm glad this is the final season. Farewell, buzz cut brothers.

Inception (2010)

Inception (2010)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Screenplay by: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Running Time: 148 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: On Demand HD

Your mind is the scene of the crime.

[IMDb]

Comments: Original review: Inception is pretty fucking awesome, as I expected it would be. I don't really want to go over the plot that much, since it's much more fun to simply experience the film. But I will say that I am extremely impressed with Christopher Nolan (again), as not only did he direct the film, but he wrote one intriguing top-notch script (I did find it hard to empathize with the characters a bit; there's not a lot of development and Inception could be considered a little cold to the touch). I did have a few issues with the logic of the film, particularly toward the end (such as limbo, and how characters come and go; many of these are discussed in the IMDb's FAQ section for the film). However, it's the "good" kind of issues/confusion, much like when I watched Donnie Darko for the first time and had no idea what happened at the end, other than I loved the hell out of the movie. Anyway, Inception is definitely one of the best of the year so far, and well worth your time. It's a film that is going to demand multiple viewings, so be prepared. But it's an awesome ride.

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...

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Directed by: Edgar Wright
Screenplay by: Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright

Genre: Action | Comedy | Fantasy | Music | Romance
Running Time: 112 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Viewed: Owned Blu-ray

An epic of epic epicness.

[IMDb]

Comments: Awesome.

Legion (2010)

Legion (2010)

Directed by: Scott Charles Stewart
Screenplay by: Peter Schink and Scott Charles Stewart

Genre: Action | Fantasy | Thriller
Running Time: 100 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Starz On Demand

When the last angel falls, the fight for mankind begins.

[IMDb]

Comments: I'm not exactly sure why I chose to watch Legion over other great films I could have watched On Demand (A Prophet, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), but it probably has something to do with me sucking at life and being a glutton for punishment. Anyway, as expected, Legion's pretty laughable. When I've imagined fights between the Angels Gabriel and Michael, I've always pictured them using machine guns and a giant death mace. Parts were entertaining, but as a whole the film was a mess. I don't know what else I was expecting, but I guess Legion passed the time. Is this what my life's coming to? That I pass the time on a Saturday night by watching Legion?

Prison Break - Season Three (2007-2008)

Prison Break (2005-2009)

Created by: Paul Scheuring

Season: Three (2007-2008)
Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller
Number of Episodes: 13
Episode Running Time: 60 Minutes
Viewed: Owned DVD

Prisons were made to be broken.

[IMDb]

Comments: After bitching about the length of the past two seasons, I finally got my wish as Season 3 was a strike-shortened 13 episodes. However, the story arcs still feel drawn out (and a bit re-hashed). Parts of the show are still good, like the escape scenes, but I was mostly uninterested in the season. The addition of Jodi Lyn O'Keefe is laughable, particularly when she tries to be a bad ass. T-Bag is generally wasted as well, and the only characters I really enjoyed were Mahone (William Fichtner) and Bellick (Wade Williams). I know I said last week I was going to hold off on this season, but I figured I get through the 13 episodes rather quickly. I was thinking of holding off on Season Four as well, but I might as well finish 'er out.