Parabola's Films Watched in 2012
Films that I've watched in the 2012 calendar year.
My Ratings Scale:
10 - an all-time favorite, happy to re-watch any time and go out of my way to recommend it. Probably needs a few years post-release to be promoted this high.
9 - something really memorable that I would likely own and tell others about as a must-see.
8 - better than most, would likely watch again. Something about it that makes it stand above the rest.
7 - perfectly enjoyable movie, worth the time to watch.
6 - meh ... alright, but nothing to get excited about.
5 - not overly enjoyable, but somewhat watchable.
4 and below: scale of awfulness.
My Ratings Scale:
10 - an all-time favorite, happy to re-watch any time and go out of my way to recommend it. Probably needs a few years post-release to be promoted this high.
9 - something really memorable that I would likely own and tell others about as a must-see.
8 - better than most, would likely watch again. Something about it that makes it stand above the rest.
7 - perfectly enjoyable movie, worth the time to watch.
6 - meh ... alright, but nothing to get excited about.
5 - not overly enjoyable, but somewhat watchable.
4 and below: scale of awfulness.
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- DirectorGareth CarrivickStarsChris O'DowdMarc WoottonDean Lennox KellyWhile drinking at their local pub, three social outcasts attempt to navigate a time-travel conundrum.Amusing and nerdily well thought-out, but not as funny as I was hoping. 6/10 (1-JAN)
- DirectorMichael BliedenStarsPatton OswaltBrian PosehnMaria BamfordFollow four comedians as they tour the States.Interesting look at life on the road for a group of comedians; features some familiar faces (even though their names may not be). I think you have to be a little crazy to be a good comedian. 6/10 (1-JAN)
- DirectorDebra GranikStarsJennifer LawrenceJohn HawkesGarret DillahuntAn unflinching Ozark Mountain girl hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact.Be warned that it's slow and the rural life/people are depressing, but it still held my attention. Jennifer Lawrence was good, as buzzed about during awards season. 7/10 (1-JAN)
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsAnne HathawayRosemarie DeWittDebra WingerA young woman who has been in and out of rehab for the past ten years returns home for the weekend for her sister's wedding.Yes, Anne Hathaway is definitely good, but I can see how people would either really like or dislike this movie. The talky characters and family dysfunction feel real, but could also seem annoying. I liked it, but probably wouldn't watch again. 7/10 (1-JAN)
P.S. - shaky camera - DirectorJoe CornishStarsJohn BoyegaJodie WhittakerAlex EsmailA teen gang in South London defend their block from an alien invasion.Really fun and original alien invasion movie. 8/10 (2-JAN)
- DirectorPhilippe FalardeauStarsMohamed FellagSophie NélisseÉmilien NéronAt a Montréal public grade school, an Algerian immigrant is hired to replace a popular teacher who committed suicide in her classroom. While helping his students deal with their grief, his own recent loss is revealed.Very thoughtful and touching, and incorporates a lot of contemporary issues. The main kid actors do a great job. 9/10 (5-JAN)
- DirectorGuy MaddinStarsJason PatricIsabella RosselliniUdo KierGangster and deadbeat dad Ulysses Pick embarks on an unusual journey through his home.Like other Guy Maddin movies, you don't always know what the hell is going on, but I've always been captivated anyway. This is a strange mash-up of gangsters and ghosts and elusive memories. 7/10 (6-JAN)
- DirectorNathan MorlandoStarsScott SpeedmanKelly ReillyKevin DurandWWII vet Eddie Boyd is torn between providing for his young family and an unfulfilled dream of becoming a Hollywood star. He discovers a way to do both, but his dream leads him down a path of danger and tragedy.What it lacks in character depth, it is a very thorough recap of one of Canada's most famous bank robbers. I had never heard of the story, so found it very interesting. It's a very nicely shot film, especially considering it's a first-time director. 7/10 (6-JAN)
P.S. - features Ethan and Keamy from Lost. - DirectorPaul FeigStarsKristen WiigMaya RudolphRose ByrneCompetition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef.Hilarious and highly re-watchable. 9/10 (7-JAN)
- DirectorJason EisenerStarsRutger HauerPasha EbrahimiRobb WellsA homeless vigilante blows away crooked cops, pedophile Santas, and other scumbags with his trusty pump-action shotgun.Purposely crazy and over the top, it's pretty fun to watch. 6/10 (7-JAN)
- DirectorKen ScottStarsPatrick HuardJulie LeBretonAntoine BertrandAs his lover announces her pregnancy, a fortysomething slacker receives other life-changing news: 142 people, all of them the result of artificial insemination, have filed a class action lawsuit against him, their biological father.Very funny, despite some pretty unbelievable bits. 7/10 (10-JAN)
- DirectorGuy ÉdoinStarsPascale BussièresGabriel MailléLuc PicardOn a dairy farm in the Eastern Townships, in the middle of a drought and while the land is parching, a drama will disrupt the life of the Santerre family. Confronted to each other they will have to learn to forgive.Life on a farm is depressing enough, but then to have a sad, slow story take place there just makes it worse. It's well done, though, just not very exciting. 6/10 (11-JAN)
- DirectorJean-Marc ValléeStarsVanessa ParadisKevin ParentHélène FlorentA love story between a man and woman. And between a mother and her son. A mystical and fantastical odyssey on love.I really liked this the first time around, even though you spend a lot of time wondering how things fit together. Afterwards, it leaves an impression and a lot to think about. I just saw it again, and I'm still impressed and would definitely recommend it. 9/10 (13-JAN and 15-JUN)
- DirectorGary HustwitStarsManfred SchulzMassimo VignelliRick PoynorA documentary about typography, graphic design, and global visual culture.You wouldn't expect a film about a font to be so entertaining, but it is. 7/10 (14-JAN)
- DirectorGary HustwitStarsPaola AntonelliChris BangleAndrew BlauveltA feature-length documentary about our complex relationship with manufactured objects and, by extension, the people who design them.Not as good as Helvetica because -- understandable, since the subject isn't as well-defined. 6/10 (14-JAN)
- DirectorSébastien PiloteStarsGilbert SicotteNathalie CavezzaliJeremy TessierMarcel Lévesque, a quick-witted car salesman nearing retirement, lives to sell. He has been salesman of the month for the last sixteen years at the dealership where he has spent his career, in a declining industrial town in Lac Saint-Jean, where it's cold enough to scare away the tourists and buying a car sometimes seems completely absurd. There's just one thing on his mind: getting his beloved Detroit rides off the lot. Marcel Lévesque is a salesman from a bygone era, a man who learned his trade by telling tales - "fibs dressed up with flowers" - and making his customers happy. But a tragedy will change everything for this peddler of dreams.The director described it well beforehand: a movie that shows little details, but is about bigger ideas. So, not recommended if you're easily bored. :) 6/10 (14-JAN)
- DirectorSarah PolleyStarsMichelle WilliamsSeth RogenSarah SilvermanA happily married woman falls for the artist who lives across the street.There was a lot I liked about this (humor, characters) ... but just as much that seemed distracting (certain story parts & filming style). In the end, still enjoyable. 7/10 (14-JAN)
- DirectorGottfried KolditzStarsJana BrejchováAlfred StruweEkkehard SchallAfter a six year journey, the Spaceship Cyrno lands on the planet TEM 4 from where they had received a call for help. Strangely enough, the Temers deny having sent this message. As commander Akala prepares the spaceship to leave they get an invitation from the rich ruler of TEM 4 to be a part of a lush party. Not only do the opulent food and the seductive dancers cloud their minds, but also the drugs mixed into their food manipulate their consciousness. Only navigator Suko was left behind on the spaceship for security reasons and makes an unexpected, terrible discovery.The Soviet-era sci-fi B-movie I originally went to see was rescheduled, so I saw this one instead. Pretty much what you would expect from a 70s, East German, sci-fi, B-movie ... Including bad clothing, bad dancing (yes, that's right ) and absurd villains. It's a cheesy good time. 5/10 (20-JAN)
- DirectorAndrei TarkovskyStarsAlisa FreyndlikhAleksandr KaydanovskiyAnatoliy SolonitsynA guide leads two men through an area known as the Zone to find a room that grants wishes.Much more psychological than I was expecting, and I probably need to see it when I'm not so tired in order to fully appreciate it. I hoped as a strange, post-apocalyptic sci-fi type story it would be more engaging, but you really need to be in a thoughtful frame of mind for it. I give it a 6/10 for my own viewing, but willing to give it another shot. 6/10 (21-JAN)
- DirectorJonathan LevineStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittSeth RogenAnna KendrickInspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.Very funny but also serious, really enjoyed it. 8/10 (28-JAN)
- DirectorAndrei TarkovskyStarsNatalya BondarchukDonatas BanionisJüri JärvetA psychologist is sent to a station orbiting a distant planet in order to discover what has caused the crew to go insane.Oddly, not as dark as I remember the Soderbergh/Clooney-remake to be, but this original is still more engaging. Maybe the contrast between the bright environment of the base and the strange happenings make things more unsettling. A good psychological sci-fi. 8/10 (2-FEB)
- DirectorHarold RamisStarsBill MurrayAndie MacDowellChris ElliottA narcissistic, self-centered weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day.Why haven't I made this a yearly tradition?? Classic. 8/10 (2-FEB)
- DirectorZoya AkhtarStarsHrithik RoshanFarhan AkhtarAbhay DeolThree friends decide to turn their fantasy vacation into reality after one of their friends gets engaged.I heard this described as "Bollywood bachelor party road trip" and although it does have some famous names in it, it's much more indie than typical Indian movies. I was actually surprised at how authentic and often hilarious the film was, and the Spanish setting was a great landscape. Definitely some cheesy bits, but still well worth watching. 8/10 (11-FEB)
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsAudrey HepburnAlbert FinneyEleanor BronA couple in the south of France non-sequentially spin down the highways of infidelity in their troubled ten-year marriage.Finney and Hepburn are a good match showing the many ups & downs of a relationship; Hepburn in particular is charming as expected. 7/10 (18-FEB)
- DirectorJohn MaddenStarsHelen MirrenSam WorthingtonTom WilkinsonIn 1965, three Mossad Agents cross into East Berlin to apprehend a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, the secrets the Agents share come back to haunt them.A pretty good action film, better than I expected. 7/10 (18-FEB)
- DirectorSteve JamesStarsTio HardimanAmeena MatthewsToya BateyA year in the life of a city grappling with urban violence.From the hype, I was expecting much more. Sure, the "interrupters" are to be commending for trying to help, but overall I didn't get much of an impression that things are that organized or that they are accomplishing much. 5/10 (18-FEB)
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsOwen WilsonRachel McAdamsKathy BatesWhile on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.I think this is one of my favorite Woody Allen films, even though it has some of the same themes as many of his past ones. But the cast is really good, even Owen Wilson, and the Paris setting and time-travel (just go with it) all make it fun and fresh. 8/10 (18-FEB)
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsMichael FassbenderKeira KnightleyViggo MortensenA look at how the intense relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud gives birth to psychoanalysis.Disappointing and ... dull is the best word to describe it. 6/10 (12-JAN and 18-FEB)
- DirectorGerardo NaranjoStarsStephanie SigmanNoé HernándezIrene AzuelaAfter entering a beauty contest in Tijuana, a young woman witnesses drug-related murders and is forced to do the gang's bidding.Seemed to have promise, but seemed to meander and didn't have much in the way of explanation of the story. 5/10 (18-FEB)
- DirectorAlexander PayneStarsGeorge ClooneyShailene WoodleyAmara MillerA land baron tries to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident.Less than two months since the honeymoon in Hawaii, it was hard to watch this without longing to go back. :) But regardless, it was still a good movie that had a nice balance of funny and serious, and Clooney is probably the most "everyday family guy" he's ever played and he does it well. 8/10 (18-FEB)
- DirectorMiguel Ángel VivasStarsFernando CayoManuela VellésAna WagenerThree hooded Eastern-European criminals burst into a home in a Madrid gated community, holding the family hostage in its own home, and forcing the father to empty his credit cards.A good home-invasion thriller that has some originality to it. 8/10 (19-FEB)
- DirectorKim Jee-woonStarsLee Byung-hunChoi Min-sikJeon Gook-hwanA secret agent exacts revenge on a serial killer through a series of captures and releases.Good thriller with plenty of suspense. 7/10 (19-FEB)
- DirectorPeter McDonaldStarsAndrew BennettScott GrahamMichael McElhattonIreland 1977. Eleven-year-old Damian Lynch (Scott Graham) is called in at the last moment to serve as an altar boy at an important mass in his local parish. Following his last appearance as an altar boy when he knocked Father O'Toole off the altar, Damien is serving a 3 month ban from his only passion in life...football. To make matters worse, Damian's team, Liverpool FC, are playing in their first European cup final in two weeks time. Damien's father (Michael McElhatton) offers him a reprieve and crucially a chance to see the European cup final if he serves the mass correctly. Damien now faces a choice: either conform to the status quo or never watch his beloved Liverpool play again...Pretty good with some amusing moments and a nice buildup to the conclusion. 7/ 10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorMax ZähleStarsWotan Wilke MöhringJulia RichterKrish GuptaA German couple adopts in Kolkata an Indian orphan. Their child suddenly disappears and they realize that they are part of the problem.I feel like I've seen this story told before ... 6/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorTerry GeorgeStarsAnthony BrophyConleth HillPacky LeeThe story of Joe and Paddy, whose childhood friendship is shattered by the troubles in Northern Ireland. Twenty five years later they are reunited.Some funny bits. 6/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorAndrew BowlerStarsMichael NathansonJohn Conor BrookeEmilea WilsonA neurotic inventor creates a time machine and gets lost traveling around yesterday.Lots of funny bits! Worth a watch. 7/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorHallvar WitzøStarsEdvard HægstadIngrid VikenTerje RanesEverybody will die one day, but 70-year-old Oskar will die in 6 days. He is now ready to forgive his brother for a long-ago disagreement. Will he reach his brother, whom he believes live on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, before it is too late?Certainly original and whimsical. 7/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorPatrick DoyonStarsChantal BarilNatalie Hamel-RoyJacques LavalléeOn a typically boring Sunday a small boy goes to church with his parents before being taken to a relative's house for a family lunch. Still bored he amuses himself by placing a coin on the adjacent railway track,an action which has unfortunate and bizarre results for a passing bear.Barely remember this one after the fact, not a great sign. 4/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorGrant OrchardWhen a New Yorker walks past a chicken on his morning stroll, we are left to wonder which one is the real city slicker.Odd but amusing animated short. 7/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorAmanda ForbisWendy TilbyStarsAdam BlackwoodLuba GoyAnthony BekennCalgary, 1909. An Englishman moves to the Canadian frontier, but is singularly unsuited to it. His letters home are much sunnier than the reality. Intertitles compare his fate to that of a comet.Solid animation style, interesting historical story. 6/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorWilliam JoyceBrandon OldenburgMorris Lessmore, a young writer, wanders into a mysterious library after a storm devastates his city. The library is home to magical flying books that literally come to life.Very nicely animated, enjoyable short. 7/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorEnrico CasarosaStarsTony FucileKrista ShefflerPhil SheridanA fable of a young boy coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. It's the first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. Will he be able to find his own way?Very nicely done, one of the ones I'd try to find again. 7/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorDavid BaasStarsJason GrohA cautionary mockumentary set against the foreboding backdrop of the Antarctic.A little too cutesy, but still alright. 6/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorSerguei KouchnerovTwo abstract characters - Plus and Minus come from opposite poles and when their predicament forces them to unite, they create a new, startling, energy form - The Hybrid Union.Odd and not all that interesting; luckily short. 5/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorAlister LockhartPatrick SarellStarsCliff EllenTristan SarellA man with road rage confronts an elderly driver. Then all hell breaks loose.The animation is nicely done and the story was amusing, although too long. Good ending. 6/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorSam ChenIn the dangerous world of the Amazon Rainforest, finding a meal proves to be an impossible task for a little treefrog named Bounce. His luck changes when he meets Biggy, a blue-bellied treefrog who takes him under his guidance and shows him the ways of the jungle in this animated journey set to Beethoven's Symphony No.8.This one's style was way too cutesy. 4/10 (28-FEB)
- DirectorBennett MillerStarsBrad PittRobin WrightJonah HillOakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.A movie about statistical analysis and the Oakland A's? That's a winner in my books! Also happens to be a good film anyway. 7/10 (10-MAR)
- DirectorMichel HazanaviciusStarsJean DujardinBérénice BejoJohn GoodmanWhen George, a silent movie superstar, meets Peppy Miller, a dancer, sparks fly between the two. However, after the introduction of talking pictures, their fortunes change, affecting their dynamic.A good crowd-pleasing movie, even though it's B&W and essentially silent. Still good on this repeat viewing. 7/10 (17-MAR)
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsJonah HillChanning TatumIce CubeA pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.Better than expected, very funny. Both Hill and Tatum are surprisingly good. 7/10 (24-MAR)
- DirectorErrol MorrisStarsRandall AdamsDavid HarrisGus RoseA film that successfully argued that a man was wrongly convicted for murder by a corrupt justice system in Dallas County, Texas.Seems almost cliched viewing it after hearing of so many miscarriages of justice, but this documentary was one of the first to use the style of re-enactment fused with 'talking-head' interviews. Notable that it lead to the case being re-opened and leading to release. Some of the film re-enactments seem cheesy now, but overall it's effective. 7/10 (25-MAR)
- DirectorErrol MorrisStarsAlbert BitterlingRoscoe CollinsGeorge HarrisA documentary on the eccentric residents of Vernon, Florida.Not much of a narrative here, just an odd assortment of strange people from this town in Florida. 6/10 (31-MAR)
- DirectorErrol MorrisStarsLucille BillingsleyZella GrahamCal HarbertsA documentary about a pet cemetery in California, and the people who have pets buried there.As you'd expect to find in a documentary about a pet cemetery, there are a lot of ... interesting ... people out there. Drags on a little long, but still good. 7/10 (1-APR)
- DirectorTom McCarthyStarsPaul GiamattiAmy RyanJeffrey TamborA struggling lawyer and volunteer wrestling coach's chicanery comes back to haunt him when the teenage grandson of the client he has double-crossed comes into his life.Good story & acting performances; Paul Giamatti is the MVP of sack sad mid-life crisis guys. 7/10 (1-APR)
- DirectorTegan BukowskiLoressa ClisbyKevin MacdonaldStarsHiroaki AikawaCindy BaerTeagan BentleyA documentary shot by film-makers all over the world that serves as a time capsule to show future generations what it was like to be alive on the twenty-fourth of July, 2010.Interesting compilation of submitted footage from around the world on the same day. Most of it is unspectacular, but isn't that the reality? While there are many differences, it's also remarkable to see all the similarities. 7/10 (2-APR)
- DirectorJames MatherSteve Saint LegerStarsGuy PearceMaggie GracePeter StormareA man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the President's daughter from an outer-space prison taken over by violent inmates.Harmless sci-fi adventure; surprised to see Guy Pears in something this mundane. Not surprised to see Maggie Grace in something so mundane. 5/10 (11-APR)
- DirectorDrew GoddardStarsKristen ConnollyChris HemsworthAnna HutchisonFive college friends head out to a remote cabin for a getaway, but things don't go as planned when they start getting killed. They soon discover that there is more to the cabin than it seems.Inventive and original take on the horror genre. Lots of humor, as would be expected from Joss Whedon. 8/10 (12-APR)
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsChris HemsworthAnthony HopkinsNatalie PortmanThe powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.Pleasantly surprised by this one, as I didn't really know much about the story. Hard to see how this fits into the overall Avengers mythology since he's basically a God while others are humans, but I'm interested to find out. 7/10 (14-APR)
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsChris EvansHugo WeavingSamuel L. JacksonSteve Rogers, a rejected military soldier, transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum". But being Captain America comes at a price as he attempts to take down a warmonger and a terrorist organization.Another pleasant surprised, as my childhood memories of Captain America don't recall him being the most exciting of superheroes. But the story was well done. 7/10 (15-APR)
- DirectorKurt KuenneStarsKurt KuenneAndrew BagbyDavid BagbyA filmmaker decides to memorialize a murdered friend when his friend's ex-girlfriend announces she is expecting his son.It's almost unfair to criticize some of the amateur aspects of this film, because it's really a heartfelt and touching end product. It's very tragic, but at the same time cannot be missed. 8/10 (21-APR)
- DirectorMarc SingerStarsMarc SingerA cinematic portrait of the homeless population who live permanently in the underground tunnels of New York City.Came across this randomly on Netflix and it was quite a surprise. It's almost a secret world that these homeless people live in, and the filming style gets right into their lives. Fascinating. 7/10 (22-APR)
- DirectorLiz GarbusStarsBobby FischerDavid EdmondsAnthony Saidy'Bobby Fischer Against the World' is a documentary feature exploring the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, from his troubled childhood, to his rock star status as World Champion and Cold War icon, to his life as a fugitive on the run. This film explores one of the most infamous and mysterious characters of the 20th century.I never realized how wacky he was nor all the details that this doc covers. Very interesting. 7/10 (22-APR)
- DirectorRichard PressStarsBill CunninghamAnna WintourMichael KorsA profile of the noted and extraordinarily cheerful veteran New York City fashion photographer.Not the most interesting subject matter, but still an engaging story of the man I had never heard of. 6/10 (11-MAY)
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.Excellent start to the summer movie season! Not only was it a great movie, but I'm ecstatic for Joss Whedon to receive all the credit that's due to him. This was a great mix of the superheroes and lots of humor that Whedon is known for. Great job! 8/10 (22-MAY)
- DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsJeff BridgesMatt DamonHailee SteinfeldA stubborn teenager enlists the help of a tough U.S. Marshal to track down her father's murderer.A solid western with excellent performances. 7/10 (25-MAY)
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsEmilio EstevezJudd NelsonMolly RingwaldFive high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a great deal more in common than they thought.Good 'ol 80s Hughes nostalgia. Not one of my most-loved, but still good. 7/10 (2-JUN)
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.Simply a classic, although suffers from the dated tech that is sometimes hard to ignore. 9/10 (2-JUN)
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsNoomi RapaceLogan Marshall-GreenMichael FassbenderFollowing clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone.Oh how I wanted to really like this more. I still came away impressed and entertained, but some characters/plot points were infuriatingly silly. But the scope and vision were really stunning, I can forgive some of the unanswered questions if we learn more in sequels. Afterall, this film sheds light on some of the mysteries of Alien 30+ years ago. A hesitant 8/10 (8-JUN)
- DirectorConstance MarksPhilip ShaneStarsKevin ClashWhoopi GoldbergFrank OzThe Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash.A feel-good story about Kevin Clash's journey to become the puppeteer & voice behind one of the most loved characters on Sesame Street. Straightforward, but a good watch. 7/10 (10-JUN)
- DirectorTanya WexlerStarsMaggie GyllenhaalHugh DancyJonathan PryceThe truth of how Mortimer Granville devised the invention of the first vibrator in the name of medical science.Walks a fine line of being too jokey about the subject matter vs. being too graphic. In the end, it's a funny film and I enjoyed it on repeat viewing. 7/10 (10-JUN)
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsMartin LandauWoody AllenBill BernsteinAn ophthalmologist's mistress threatens to reveal their affair to his wife while a married documentary filmmaker is infatuated with another woman.An enjoyable Woody Allen film that I hadn't seen yet ... not sure why, it was pretty good! 7/10 (13-JUN)
- DirectorLucy WalkerKaren HarleyJoão JardimStarsVik MunizOn the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro is Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill, where men and women sift through garbage for a living. Artist Vik Muniz produces portraits of the workers and learns about their lives.Some interesting personal stories, but it felt a little drawn out to make it feature-length. Not much time was spent on the process of the art-making. 6/10 (14-JUN)
- DirectorGary RydstromStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackThe toys throw Ken and Barbie a Hawaiian vacation in Bonnie's room.Funny and worth watching! 7/10 (15-JUN)
- DirectorJeff StilsonStarsChris RockMaya AngelouAl SharptonChris Rock explores the wonders of African-American hairstyles.Very entertaining and quite surprising as to the extent of the industry. Chris Rock is not a great interviewer, though -- lots of shots of him just nodding along to what the speakers are saying. 7/10 (16-JUN)
- DirectorMark WatersStarsLindsay LohanJonathan BennettRachel McAdamsCady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.Still really good after a number of years. It's funny to see think of how Lindsay Logan and Rachel McAdams are doing now, considering the characters they played. 8/18 (29-JUN)
- DirectorSteven C. MillerStarsRyan HartwigFabianne ThereseRay WiseFour heavily armed hitmen and two unusual teenagers go to war over $500,000 of stolen cash.Pretty bad to watch, from the acting to the story. It's rather depressing that this is the sort or work that a couple of Twin Peaks alum must resort to. 4/10 (29-JUN)
- DirectorChristopher SmithStarsMelissa GeorgeJoshua McIvorJack TaylorFive friends set sail and their yacht is overturned by a strange and sudden storm. A mysterious ship arrives to rescue them, and what happens next cannot be explained.I wanted to like this more and to give it credit for its originality and ambition, but there were too many plot details that nagged at me (and maybe I didn't fully reason out whey they might make sense). 6/10 (1-JUL)
- DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneRhys IfansAfter Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.In isolation, this was very well done and I thought Garfield and Stone were a great match. But it comes so soon after the earlier Spider-Man films that it feels like too much of a rehash. That probably knocks it down a rating, even though I realize it's unfair because ultimately I quite liked it. 7/10 (9-JUL)
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleMichael CaineKen WatanabeAfter witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.A great reboot to the franchise; prepping for Dark Knight Rises a few days later. 8/10 (16-JUL)
- DirectorJason ReitmanStarsCharlize TheronPatrick WilsonPatton OswaltSoon after her divorce, a fiction writer returns to her home in small-town Minnesota, looking to rekindle a romance with her ex-boyfriend who is now happily married and has a newborn daughter.Had its moments, but when the main character is so unlikeable it's hard to get into. 5/10 (18-JUL)
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.Prep for Dark Knight Rises the next day. 8/10 (19-JUL)
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleTom HardyAnne HathawayEight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.It has some issues like the previous films, but they can be overlooked by how well done and engaging the whole thing is. 8/10 (20-JUL)
- DirectorWill GluckStarsEmma StoneAmanda BynesPenn BadgleyWhen Olive lies to her best friend about losing her virginity to one of the college boys, a girl overhears their conversation. Soon, her story spreads across the entire school like wildfire.Very well done and holds up on repeated viewing. Emma Stone does a great job. 8/10 (22-JUL)
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsNoomi RapaceLogan Marshall-GreenMichael FassbenderFollowing clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone.We saw this again because I won tickets and they were good for 3D showings. It looked even more fantastic. Still troubled by some of the annoying characters and the questions left unanswered, but still very impressed by the good stuff. Wish I felt more confident in my rating, maybe it's getting a bonus point for wishful thinking. 8/10 (26-JUL)
- DirectorTommy WiseauStarsTommy WiseauJuliette DanielleGreg SesteroIn San Francisco, an amiable banker's seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when his deceitful fiancée embarks on an affair with his best friend.This poses a dilemma, as this is a film so bad that it is hilariously entertaining to watch, especially with a group of friends. Unlike many good films that you will forget, this is a horrible one that will stick with you. 2/10 for quality, 7/10 for 'you gotta see this to believe it' (18-AUG)
- DirectorYang Ik-joonStarsKim KkobbiHwan LeeYang Ik-joonA bitter loan shark strikes a friendship with a troubled schoolgirl as he faces his own troubled past with his abusive father.I was surprised by this one and how good it turned out to be. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsLaurence OlivierJoan FontaineGeorge SandersA self-conscious woman juggles adjusting to her new role as an aristocrat's wife and avoiding being intimidated by his first wife's spectral presence.It was good I didn't know much about this before watching it. It was a good mystery and makes we want to check out more of Hitchcock's work that I haven't seen. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorSteve GagneStarsMichael ClelandMatt ConnorsSteve GagneJack is on the run from two of the most rival con gangs in the city. Little do they know, they've just been serving as small pawns in Jacks ultimate game of con.Not much to the story, an excuse to have some fight scenes. 5/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsJodie FosterKate WinsletChristoph WaltzTwo pairs of parents hold a cordial meeting after their sons are involved in a fight, though as their time together progresses, increasingly childish behavior throws the discussion into chaos.It's clear this has roots as a play, given the intimate setting and small cast. But what a cast it is, and excellent "verbal jousting" as I've heard it described. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisAnanda GeorgeRay SahetapyA S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.A film that knows it all about the action and doesn't try to pretend any differently. Keeps up the pace throughout. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorJohn MaddenStarsJudi DenchBill NighyMaggie SmithBritish retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than advertised, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.Excellent cast, and quite funny. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorLarry CharlesStarsSacha Baron CohenAnna FarisJohn C. ReillyThe heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.Funnier than I thought it would be, given the so-so reviews. Some hilarious, if "wrong", bits. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorGary RossStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.Haven't read the books yet, but I thought this was well done and I look forward to the sequels. Jennifer Lawrence does a great job. 7/10 (18-AUG)
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJoseph Gordon-LevittElliot PageA thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.I think this was the first time I've rewatched it, and it's still mesmerizing even though I have a few problems with the logic. 9/10 (19-AUG)
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJoseph Gordon-LevittElliot PageA thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.I had to buy my own copy and watch it again. 9/10 (25-AUG)
- DirectorBenh ZeitlinStarsQuvenzhané WallisDwight HenryLevy EasterlyFaced with both her hot-tempered father's fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.A very distinct vision and an incredible, natural performance by Quvenzhané Wallis as the young girl. I wasn't as engaged with the story as I thought I might be, given all the buzz, but this is definitely an original film worth checking out. 7/10 (1-SEP)
- DirectorJacques TatiStarsJacques TatiBarbara DennekRita MaidenMonsieur Hulot curiously wanders around a high-tech Paris, paralleling a trip with a group of American tourists. Meanwhile, a nightclub/restaurant prepares its opening night, but it's still under construction.You have to go into this knowing it's more of a technical piece of film making to be experienced rather than a cohesive storyline; it's almost experimental, although there are mini-stories going on. But it was purposely filmed in a wide aspect, as there's often tons of different things going on. It feels as if everything on screen has been specifically planned out. This is supposed to be a rather classic piece of film, so it's probably best viewed from that historical point of view. Best viewed on the big screen to take it all in. 6/10 (2-SEP)
- DirectorCraig ZobelStarsAnn DowdDreama WalkerPat HealyA normal Friday service at a fast food restaurant becomes interrupted by a police officer who claims an employee stole from a customer, but something more sinister is going on.This is a film where if "based on a true story" weren't flashed on the screen beforehand then it would feel ludicrous and insulting to your intelligence. But to know these events actually did happen, and variations occurred dozens of times, leaves you incredulous about some people -- either for their depravity or their naivety. In any case, the film is worth watching and I give it credit for trying to get across what might have been going on in peoples' mind to explain their actions (or lack thereof). 7/10 (2-SEP)
- DirectorSam MendesStarsKevin SpaceyAnnette BeningThora BirchA sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.Sakina had never seen this film, and given the description she wasn't sure why Sven and I were so excited to see Jason Reitman's live script reading at TIFF. It had been a while since I'd seen it, but it still holds up quite well with excellent performances all around. 8/10 (5-SEP)
- DirectorJacques AudiardStarsMarion CotillardMatthias SchoenaertsArmand VerdurePut in charge of his young son, Alain leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Alain's bond with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after Stephanie suffers a horrible accident.I wasn't as impressed by it given all the buzz. Yes Marion Cotillard is good and holds the screen well as always, but I wouldn't necessarily consider it "best actress" material for the year. I couldn't really relate to the characters, although it was a still decent film overall -- just not as great as you might expect. 7/10 (7-SEP)
- DirectorShari Springer BermanRobert PulciniStarsKristen WiigAnnette BeningMatt DillonA failed New York playwright awkwardly navigates the transition from Next Big Thing to Last Year's News.Was called "Imogene" when I saw it. The characters & performances of Kristen Wiig and Darren Criss (he seems like he could have a good post-Glee career) were well done. There were a lot of good laughs to be had, but sometimes things were just too over-the-top (Matt Dillon and Annette Benning). Its quirkiness was too forced. The brother's character seemed like something written for Zach Galifianakis. It didn't live up to the potential, but it was still OK. 6/10 (7-SEP)