What you Should & Shouldn’t see – The Easter Debacle.

So, it’s Good Friday and for those looking for an outing after 5, will be heartbroken in knowing that next to NOTHING is open. However, it does mean it’s a perfect time to go to the movies. So, what’s worth seeing? What should be avoided like the plague? And if cinema’s not an option, what’s worth renting and such. Here’s the movies you should be seeing, should not be seeing and should be running away from at all costs!

Current cinema releases:

SEE!

This Must Be The Place:

Don’t let the limited release fool ya, this is the best pick for this weekend and possibly in the next few weeks, pure magic.

The Raid:

What you call an action movie, this call’s practice. It’s in Limited release, see it ASAP!

21 Jump Street:

It’s actually funny and it has a heart… considering most comedies about these days, that’s quite a rare combination. If you haven’t seen it yet, what in the hell are you waiting for?

The Hunger Games:

It’s the franchise flick that’s flawed to no end but still entertaining as hell. Well worth seeing if you haven’t. And if you have… well, hey, two times a charm, as they say, they say that, right?

Margin Call:

Smart, interesting, sophisticated and makes it’s 107 minutes worthwhile. Money and Unemployment seemed felt so interesting.

So, they’re the must see’s.

As for the “Run, and don’t look back” releases that should be avoided at ALL costs:

American Reunion (I wish there were some other way but it really REALLY sucks)
&
Mirror Mirror (Really, were you even gonna bother?)

And for every movie released this year, in order of quality to shit.
(E.g the movie at the top of the must see list is the best of the year and the movie at the bottom of the skip list is the worst.)

SEE

The Grey
The Artist
Weekend
Wish You Were Here
Hugo
Carnage
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
A Seperation
The Raid
My Week With Marilyn
Black & White & Sex
J. Edgar
Footnote
Killer Elite
The Hunger Games
Margin Call
Young Adult
The Muppets
The Descendants
21 Jump Street
Titanic 3D
The Rum Diary
The Deep Blue Sea
Shame
A Few Best Men
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Headhunters
Contraband
Like Crazy
Sherlock Holmes 2
Chronicle

RENT

A Dangerous Method
Arrietty
Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace: 3D

SKIP

Underworld: Awakening
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
John Carter
Man on a Ledge
American Reunion
Mirror Mirror
Any Questions for Ben?

I hope you all have a LOVELY Easter and just remember, American Reunion really does suck.

 

The Quarter-Year Report

Alrighty, so we’re 3 months into 2012 already, and having seen almost 35 movies in cinemas already, it’s probably a good a time as any to pick the 5 best and 3 worst movies of this year, so far.

As rules go, only theatrical releases (festivals count), and they had to have been released after the 10th of January. Even if the film was released last year in the U.S but only came out in AUS this year, it still counts, after all, how in the hell can we put it in last year’s list when we weren’t able to see it then?

And before we get into it.. Let’s start with:

Biggest Disappointments:

Mirror Mirror:

When the really lame and unfunny bad film couldn’t even maintain a level of pretty. Directed by Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell) This embarrasingly cringe-worthy family film thought it was much more clever than what it was, and that visual spark we’ve come to know and love from Tarsem wasn’t even there… And to those who just saw the trailer and are thinking “Well, what in the hell were you expecting”… A fun movie that looked decent… nothing more. Yet, it couldn’t even get that.

And… the biggest disappointment of all:

A Dangerous Method:

This coming from another great director, David Cronenberg along with his good luck charm, Viggo Mortensen (A History Of Violence, Eastern Promises) is a film so dull and lifeless, not even a better than solid Keira Knightley could make it anymore interesting. Michael Fassbender also stars but mostly phones in, and the direction itself is so empty and involves scenes that could’ve been apart of any midday movie ever made. What could’ve been great or at least interesting… isn’t. At all.

Biggest Surprises:

The Hunger Games:

Maybe it’s because I was expecting another CGI-filled, bad performance ridden franchise flick dedicated to 13 year olds… and that’s about it. Not the case at all. Yes, the final 20 minutes are attrocious and exactly what you’d come to expect from a teen franchise flick, but the first 2 hours are quite something. With odd costume design, decent performances (Jennifer Lawrence is a force to be reckoned with) and a very solid screenplay, you have an entertaining popcorn flick which does all it can to be different and interesting and mostly succeeds. Just expect the cameraman convulse every 20minutes.

My Week With Marilyn:

Now this was a pleasant surprise. What could’ve been an overlong, sloggish and depressing bio pic (given Marilyn Monroe’s story), is instead a fun, breezy, well directed 90 minute flick which looks at the friendship between Monroe (played by Williams who should’ve won the Oscar, yes you heard right) and Colin Clark, an eager film student working on the set of her latest film with Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) and shows a tender love and friendship between the two rather than something contrived or fake. It’s a beautiful little movie worth seeing that doesn’t make you feel awful afterwards.

And Now… to the Best and worst of 2012 so far:

Almost made it on the list/Some of the best of the best:

Black & White & Sex
The Raid
Carnage
My Week With Marilyn
J. Edgar

The Best – Top 5

5. Hugo

4. Weekend

3. Wish You Were Here

And for the no. 2 and 1 spot… we have a tie for #1. (It may be cheating but for those who’ve seen both films will understand)

1. The Grey:

Never, has a survival flick been so gritty and philosophical yet letting the audience invest in its characters. It also includes some of the most astoundingly tense scenes you’ll see in any film this or last year. Liam Neeson is the man, and if you didn’t know it before, then you sure as shit will know it now.

1. The Artist:

Yes, it won Best Picture at the Oscars this year and Yes, you’re probably sick of seeing it on everyone’s favourites list. However, there’s a damn good reason for it. A polar opposite to The Grey, The Artist tells a story with next to no words yet has some of the most jaw-droppingly wonderful set pieces you’ll see for a while. The performances are extra good and it’s a film that deserved every award it got (finally, a Best Picture winner that isn’t phoned in or boring). No film so far this year will fill you
with this much wonder and joy.

And Unfortunately… the Worst of 2012 so far:

3. Man On A Ledge:
Sam Worthington as a stone faced New Yorker with an Australian accent?… How does he pull it off?

If only he jumped and saved us all 102 minutes.

2. Mirror Mirror:

Here it is again.Just look at Armie Hammer’s face,… my sentiments exactly.

And the absolute worst movie of the year so far:

1. Any Questions For Ben?
How can a movie with such a strong supporting cast be completely dismantled and put to waste by one of the douchiest leads ever to be put on film? Apparently, quite easy.

Any Questions for Ben? No, now please burn in hell.

That’s my picks so far, as for other picks:

Cameron Williams of The Popcorn Junkie: http://thepopcornjunkie.com/
Best:
Martha Marcy May Marlene
The Raid

Worst:
Project X (“By Far”)

Julian Wright of Reel Review Roundup: 
http://reelreviewroundup.wordpress.com
Best:
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Hugo
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Worst:
Project X

Simon W of The Cinema Scene:http://simwmovies.blogspot.com.au/
Best:
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Worst:
Wrath Of The Titans

Lisa Malouf a local film connoisseur and avid film goer:
Best:
The Artist

Worst:
A Few Best Men

So, when all’s said and done, what’s your picks thus far? (All answers including Project X or Mirror Mirror as favourites will be thrown in a pit and made to watch Jingle all the Way for 6 months)

 

For Your Consideration – Oscar Prediction and Preferences

Ok, so, yes, I am late in the game, but even with a few hours till the actual ceremony, I couldn’t just not have anything posted in regards to the Oscars.It will be brief as all that can be said and predicted.. well, has. But, why not contribute in some way and hope that the Oscars can pull at least one surprise in the mix.

Before the predictions -

Ranking the best picture nominees in order of quality, in the humble opinion of I: (Best to Worst)
- The Artist
- Hugo (It’s essentially a tie between the two)
- Moneyball
- The Tree of Life
- The Descendants
- Midnight In Paris
- The Help

Bottom of the barrel

Just below hell

- War Horse.

NOTE: (Unfortunately I was unable to see Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close before the ceremony, but in all honesty, do you really think it’s going to win?)

And just for fun, what if there were 10 nominees (but of course, 9 is the preferred number) for Best Picture and If I had a say in the manner:

- Drive
- The Artist
- Hugo
- Moneyball
- The Guard
- The Grey
- The Tree of Life
- The Ides of March
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
- Midnight in Paris

(Although some aren’t personal favourites of mine, they are films that challenge the norm yet strike a nerve or two, thus fitting the Oscar ballot bill almost perfectly)

And Now to:

THE PREDICTIONS
(Including preferences)

Only some categories will be included, not all, but rest assured, it’ll be the ones everyone will be making an effort to watch:

Best Supporting Actress:
THE NOMINEES
Bérénice Bejo in The Artist
Jessica Chastain in The Help
Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer in Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer in The Help

Prediction: Octavia Spencer – The Help
Preference: Bérénice Bejo – The Artist

Although, Octavia Spencer, even though next to NO ONE has her down as a preference, was one of the better things about The Help.

Best Supporting Actor:
THE NOMINEES:
Kenneth Branagh in My Week with Marilyn
Jonah Hill in Moneyball
Nick Nolte in Warrior
Christopher Plummer in Beginners
Max von Sydow in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Prediction: Christopher Plummer – Beginners
Preference: Christopher Plummer – Beginners

Albert Brooks should be nominated in this category, he should also win for Drive. However, putting that aside, Plummer really was wonderful in Beginners (also one of the best things about it) Shout out to Nick Nolte. Also, just quickly, What in the hell did Jonah Hill do in Moneyball that triumphed over Brooks or anyone else in this category?

Best Actress:
THE NOMINEES:
Glenn Close in Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis in The Help
Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams in My Week with Marilyn

Prediction: Viola Davis – The Help
Preference: Michelle Williams – My Week With Marilyn

Many are jumping on the Meryl Streep wagon on this one as of late, but there’s two things to consider. 1. Streep already has two Oscars and will have more than 40 chances to claim a third, and 2. The Iron Lady isn’t a good movie, and even the Academy agree’s with that one (although her performance, of course was something.) My pick is Williams as Marilyn as it’s the best performance I’ve seen as the fallen star but Viola is a close second. Plus, people LOVED The Help, it’ll deserve at least these Oscars.

Best Actor
THE NOMINEES:
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
George Clooney - The Descendants
Demián Bichir - A Better Life
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball

Prediction: George Clooney – The Descendants
Preference: Jean Dujardin – The Artist

I hope I am so incredibly wrong on this one, I want Jean to win, but does anyone remember the 2009 Oscars? Mickey Rourke won almost every award, come Oscars time when he was a sure lock to win, Penn won his second Oscar. I sense this happening again this year, as the Oscar’s one and only surprise (The cruel bastards). As said I hope I’m wrong, Clooney’s performance was fine, but it was no Dujardin. And in case any one thinks I’m mad for choosing this, How many actually love The Descendants as a movie, putting aside Clooney’s performance? All that early Oscar buzz had to come from some place?

Best Director:
THE NOMINEES:
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Alexander Payne - The Descendants
Martin Scorsese - Hugo
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
Terrence Malick – The Tree Of Life

Prediction: Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist
Preference: Martin Scorsese – Hugo/ Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist

In terms of direction, they were both flawless.

AND FINALLY:

Best Picture:
THE NOMINEES:
The Artist 
The Decendants 
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 
The Help 
Hugo 
Midnight in Paris 
Moneyball 
The Tree of Life 
War Horse

Prediction: The Artist
Preference: The Artist (Or Hugo)

And just quickly:

Best Original Screenplay: Midnight in Paris – Prediction
                                      The Artist – Preference 

Best Adapted Screenplay: Moneyball – Prediction
                                       The Ides Of March, Hugo or Moneyball – Preference

…. And Rango for best animated feature film.

It’s nice to see a year where the best picture front runner is one that ACTUALLY deserves it and is an original piece of work rather than a sequel or emotional sap fest adapted from a $1.99 romance paperback.

Hope you enjoy viewing and are having a drink or two to get by the usual oscar boredom.

As long as War Horse doesn’t win a thing (Unless Best cheap shot and Best use of a horse to encourage tears and irritation are nominees) then all is right with the world.

For Your Consideration.

 

Films of 2011: An Evaluation

Best and Worst of 2011

Horrah! This year was much better than last in terms of films. Last year we had A Single Man, Inception, The Killer Inside Me, and I can assure you, it was easy making 10, this year however, it wasn’t. We have the usual 10 best of the year and 6 of the worst (it was originally 5 but one film couldn’t be left out).

And at the end of each list, I’ll be including some of your favourites.

Note: Some of these films will Have been released in the US in 2010, but they were released here in 2011, I include them on this list because, how in the hell are we meant to include them on a best and worst of the year list when we didn’t see them at that time? (That’s the ridiculous and poor release system Australia has).

Before we continue, some that just missed the list but are definitely worth seeing:
Tinker Tailor Solider Spy
The Woman
Attack the block
The Tree of Life
Hobo With a Shotgun
Crazy Stupid Love
How Do You Know
and The Guard

So, without further ado:
10.

Terri
A coming of age story with John C Reilly as a cool yet desperate principal? Yep, it’s heartfelt and
genuine alright. Oh and for those who think they’re really cold and out of touch with reality, watch the
last fifteen minutes of this film, you’ll know right then and there if you have a heart or not.

9.

Moneyball
 I have no knowledge of baseball and this is about its players and statistics, it makes you care and
it’s the best directed film of the year. Plus Brad Pitt gives one of his best performances (of many)

8.

Biutiful
Javier Bardem plays a single father of two who finds out he’s dying of cancer. It has some of the
toughest scenes to watch in 2011 and it’s VERY depressing but every bit of it is rewarding.

7. 

Cedar Rapids
The funniest comedy of 2011 and one that ACTUALLY has a heart and good-intentioned
characters. Ed Helms and John C Reilly deserve any acclaim they get for their performances.

6.

The Fighter
Focusing on the families rather than the sport. Mark Whalberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and
Amy Adams all give great performances, and brilliant direction from David O Russell, this is raw,
genuine cinema.

5.
Super
Rainn Wilson from The Office running around the streets dressed in an odd superhero outfit
bashing drug dealers and child molesters with a wrench while yelling “Shut up, crime!”? Yep,
that’s best movie of the year material alright.

4.

Drive
Everyone’s pick for best movie of 2011 for a good reason; it’s also the coolest movie of this year or
any year. With a hero who utters very few words yet can stomp someone’s head in and drives
around at night listening to 80’s esque pop-songs… Yeah, this is great stuff.

3.

The Ides Of March
All the performances are brilliant and it’s the best thriller of the year, do you know why? It
doesn’t need a gun or a single ounce of blood to keep you on edge. George Clooney is a good
actor but he’s shaping up to be an even better writer and director, this is beyond riveting material.

2.

Red State
Red State and my pick for best film of the year, could be placed in a tie, they’re both brave and
original and challenge average film conventions, This is Kevin Smith’s best film; it’s dark, ugly,
brutal, and its three films in one, it challenges everything we know about conventional cinema
and has a performance from Michael Parks who gives a 15 minute sermon on the state of America
which is probably the best scene of any film this year. I’m grateful that movies like this exist.

1.

Birthday
An entire film that’s filled with human drama and cinema magic? Yes, that’s why Birthday’s the
best movie of the year. From a pitch perfect performance from Natalie Eleftheriadis and
outstanding direction from James Harkness, this is what people should see when questioning the
quality of Australian films and well, drama’s in general, they have a sense of humour, something to
say, and when all’s said and done, they give you something in return. This is why we go to the
movies.

And for other people’s choices for best movie of the year:
- We Bought A Zoo
- Drive (x100)
- Warrior
- Hanna
- The Tree Of life
- Senna
- Contagion
- Melancholia
- The Ides of March
- Game of Thrones – Entire series (It’s not a movie, but they were adamant)
- Midnight in Paris
- Red State
- Captain America

And just to make this quick here are the worst movies of 2011:

6. Bad Teacher – She’s a bitch and she wants a boob job, that’s the joke…and the plot too.
5. Battle: LA – There was a battle? The cameraman was breakdancing way too much for me to tell.
4. Fright Night – One of the worst CGI 3D bullshit fests i’ve seen. See the original, right now, please.
3. Faster – A guy named ‘Killer’ shows up and pouts, The Rock is named ‘Driver’….smart flick.
2. Final Destination 5 – Terrible acting, boring deaths while CGI is thrown at you non-stop
1. Just Go With it – This isn’t comedy and no adult could’ve funded it, and you can’t say Adam
Sandler for that one.

 
(If Only)

2011, you were kind, but enough about me, what did you think? See anything that made you laugh or cry, intentional or otherwise? Like or comment and let us know.

 

Here it is… now what?

Alrighty,here it is, my new wordpress spot, so each week i’ll try my very best to update the page with film reviews and any requests for any films that they wanna see but are too afraid to spend 10 bucks on, send me an email and I shall see it and review away!

Each week, I’ll have a section where I recommend a random movie as I’m constantly asked by people “what’s a good movie to watch?”

Anything else people wanna see on the site, let me know and It shall be posted