Films watched in 2012
New Years resolution is to watch more films and I want to keep track of what I've watched this year.
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124 titles
- DirectorAlex ProyasStarsWill SmithBridget MoynahanBruce GreenwoodIn 2035, a technophobic cop investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, which leads to a larger threat to humanity.6.5/10 not bad, bit cliched, this story has been done about a million times, Will Smith just about saves it.
- DirectorScott StewartStarsPaul BettanyDennis QuaidCharles S. DuttonWhen a group of strangers at a dusty roadside diner come under attack by demonic forces, their only chance for survival lies with an archangel named Michael, who informs a pregnant waitress that her unborn child is humanity's last hope.4/10 maybe not even worth a 4 to be honest. Not a good film in any way, only redeaming feature was old Grandma swearing and then climbing up onto the ceiling. Here's the pitch - "God comes to punish humanity Old Testiment style by sending angels to turn everyone into Zombies." Must have been a quiet month when this got commissioned.
- DirectorShane MeadowsStarsPaddy ConsidineGary StretchToby KebbellA disaffected soldier returns to his hometown to get even with the thugs who brutalized his mentally-challenged brother years ago.7/10, low budget British revenge film which was both sad and disturbing in equal measures. The theme of revenge is very powerful, and the feelings of guilt, anger and disgust at his own neglect by the main character come across very well.
- DirectorBernardo BertolucciStarsMichael PittLouis GarrelEva GreenA young American studying in Paris in 1968 strikes up a friendship with a French brother and sister. Set against the background of the '68 Paris student riots.6/10. Strange, slightly pretentious Ménage à Trois movie.
- DirectorChristian VolckmanStarsDaniel CraigCatherine McCormackJonathan PryceA young gene researcher, Ilona, is kidnapped in a future Paris. Police Captain Karas and his team are in charge of finding her.6/10 I got confused between the plot of this and I, Robot at times, having watched the latter only a couple of weeks ago. Not the easiest film to follow, and I flatter myself by saying I'm no dummy. I liked the atmosphere created by the animation, although it was a little confusing at times. Interesting twists just about kept me interested to the end.
- DirectorDavid WainStarsPaul RuddSeann William ScottElizabeth BanksWild behavior forces a pair of energy drink reps to enroll in a Big Brother program.7/10. Ok its not Citizen Kane but is actually a very funny entertaining film, loved the minotaur Power drink!! KISS references, D&G stuff, all worked well into the story - even the Beth number at the end, especially the Beth number at the end!
Was that Wings on the end credits?
16/01/12 - DirectorForest WhitakerStarsSandra BullockHarry Connick Jr.Gena RowlandsBirdee Calvert must choose between her morals and her heart after her husband divorces her and a charming young man, who her daughter disapproves of, comes back into her life.6/10, a missed opportunity of film I feel. I think it could have been a whole lot better, but just seemd to coast a little too much. I really enjoyed the role played by the little nephew and SBs daughter. I thought the other characters could have been developed a little better especially SBs, not sure if this was her acting or the script or both. Again, the theme's been done many times, x returns to small town after fall from grace type thing. Apart from these criticisms I still thought it was a "nice" little film with some heartwarming touches. The theme of family breakup is no more relevant than now with 1/2 of marrages in many countries ending in divorce. As a father of 3 children I just didn't get the way the father acted towards his daughter towards the end of the film - I felt like punching him!! 19/01/12
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsJeremy IrvineEmily WatsonDavid ThewlisA young farm boy enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. His hopeful journey takes him out of England and onto the front lines as the war rages on.5/10. I expected Cheese, but this was like a 4 cheese pizza at a fondue party. With the West Country accents and the not-so-subtle John Williams soundtrack I kept expecting Sam Gamgee to pop up "I'm sorry Mr Frodo siiiiir". Never has ploughing a field been Wrought with such high tension and excitement. In fact if the film had finished right there I wouldn't have been surprised to be honest. Anyway some other very touching stuff happened with a parade of saddo's falling in love with the beasty, from simple French farmer to German deserters and various honest working soldiers, until the climatic end when the strings are turned up, the soft focus....err softened and not a dry eye in the house. To be fair the Battle scene was amazing but wasn't enough to save this from making "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story" look like a gritty drama.
20/01/12 - DirectorJonathan GlazerStarsRay WinstoneBen KingsleyIan McShaneBrutal gangster Don Logan recruits "retired" safecracker Gal for one last job, but it goes badly for both of them.6/10. A decent stab at the British Gangster flick - has all the right elements - cockneys...check, spanish location....check, menacing gangland boss....check, one last heist.....check.
21/01/12 - DirectorHoward HawksStarsCary GrantGinger RogersMarilyn MonroeA chemist finds his personal and professional life turned upside down when one of his chimpanzees finds the fountain of youth.6/10. Entertaining screwball comedy with Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers and Marolyn Monroe. They don't make them like this anymore, etc.
- DirectorGregor JordanStarsBilly Bob ThorntonKim BasingerMickey RourkeOne week in L.A. in 1983, featuring movie executives, rock stars, a vampire and other morally challenged characters in adventures laced with sex, drugs and violence.5/10. Not as terrible as the reviews would make out. Not a great film, but not terrible, some interesting appearances, I thought Kim Basinger and Chris Isaak stood out as putting in good performances. The ending was a big disappointment as it just meant the film didn't go anywhere , which is the biggest criticism - what was the point? I'm not sure there was one.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweAbbie CornishAlbert FinneyA British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.7/10. I really enjoyed this film, a lovely story about how we lose what's important in life when we chase the money. Not an original plot, but one which deserves re-telling and with this cast and script a very worth while addition to the Genre. The comedy moments generally add to the overall film, and whilst its no 'Sideways' nonetheless there are enough bitter-sweet moments to carry the film along. I guess it didn't do too well at the box-office but I suppose that's more of a sad reflection on the conditioning of the cinema going public who are fed on a diet light in dialogue but swamped in violence and CGI.
23/01/12 - DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczStarsGene TierneyWalter HustonVincent PriceA simple Connecticut farm girl is recruited by a distant relative, an aristocratic patroon, to be governess to his young daughter in his Hudson Valley mansion.6.5/10. Great Gothic drama with Vincent Price, outstanding atmosphere created by the soundtrack and cinematography. Very much enjoyed the sense of foreboding created.
- DirectorXavier BeauvoisStarsLambert WilsonMichael LonsdaleOlivier RabourdinUnder threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay.7.5/10. A really fantastic and quite daring film! I don't think I've heard so much silence in a film before, the silence of contemplation and prayer, a very bold thing to dramatize in this day and age. The portrayal of everyday life of the monks was beautifully filmed, it gave a real sense of the duty they felt to the locals and to their calling, Yet this is no morbid portrayal of people with a death wish or a Martyr complex, they are scared, they are confused, they want God to speak to them, like the Priests in Shusaku Endo's "Silence" or the whiskey priest in Graham Greene's The Power and The Glory, human frailty is not shy'd away from. The supper scene with the Swan Lake music was just amazing as was the somber shot at the end. A poignant end to a great film.
24/01/12 - DirectorMark WatersStarsMatthew McConaugheyJennifer GarnerEmma StoneWhile attending his brother's wedding, a serial womanizer is haunted by the ghosts of his past girlfriends.5.5/10. Harmless morality comedy, entertaining enough but easily forgettable.
24/01/12 - DirectorPaul McGuiganStarsStephen McColeMaurice RoëvesGarry SweeneyThree twisted tales of abuse, drugs, displaced personalities, and insect life by Scottish writer Irvine Welsh.5/10. Three short films in one, the first 2 just about cut the muster, the second one in particular about a cuckhold husband was a brilliant piece of film. The 3rd film? Oh dear oh dear. As bad as bad can be, so bad I can't even describe it, a bloke on a acid trip swaps bodies with a baby, maybe it has some potential as a story but this is a trainwreck and as such spoiled the overall feel of the 3 stories, I just switched off before the end it was so bad. I suppose overall the swearing and heavy scottish accents won't be to everyones taste and it lacks the more subtle performances and comedy in Trainspotting which made that such a great film.
25/01/12 - DirectorNeil BurgerStarsBradley CooperAnna FrielAbbie CornishA mysterious pill that enables the user to access 100% of his brain's abilities transforms a struggling writer into a financial wizard, but it also puts him in a new world with many dangers.5.5/10. Not a great film, I thought the idea was good - what would happen if you could access 100% of your brain, but the way he came across the pills just seemed unbelievable, and then seeming to forget to pay the loan shark even though he's now the brightes guy on the planet just didn't make sense. Could have been so much better.
- DirectorNicole KassellStarsKevin BaconKyra SedgwickYasiin BeyA child molester returns to his hometown after 12 years in prison and attempts to start a new life.7/10. Kevin Bacon has to be one of the modern day greats of film. This was a disturbing subject to tackle and his understated performance was outstanding. Really, his performance made the film, no easy character to play with the viewer at once repulsed by him but also feeling somewhat sorry too.
- DirectorWayne KramerStarsHarrison FordAshley JuddRay LiottaCrossing Over is about illegal aliens of many nationalities in the Los Angeles area and the authorities and individuals dealing with them.8/10. Amazing film, Harrison Ford is brilliant as a jaded cop. The stories were weaved nicely together, all believable. A telling inditement of the immigration system in America and the post 9/11 paranoia which clouds rational actions.
Without doubt the best film I've seen this year. 27/01/12 - DirectorDanny BoyleLoveleen TandanStarsDev PatelFreida PintoSaurabh ShuklaA teenager from the slums of Mumbai becomes a contestant on the show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati?' When interrogated under suspicion of cheating, he revisits his past, revealing how he had all the answers.7.5/10. Really enjoyed this, great story fantastic cast, brilliant setting. Really fast paced story with nice twists and turns, can't recommend it highly enough. Loved it!
29/01/12 - DirectorBen PalmerStarsJames BuckleyBlake HarrisonJoe ThomasFour socially troubled 18-year-olds from the south of England go on holiday to Malia.7/10. Like a long episde of the TV series really, and as the TV series was brilliant there really is no need to change the formula. A kind of coming of age holiday movie with the usual toe curling moments from the socially inept crew, good laughs and easy watching.
27/01/12 - DirectorPatrick AlessandrinStarsCyril RaffaelliDavid BellePhilippe TorretonDamien and Leito return to District 13 on a mission to bring peace to the troubled sector that is controlled by five different gang bosses, before the city's secret services take drastic measures to solve the problem.6.5/10. Free running stunts galore in this French done-by-numbers action flick. Ambitious in scope, stunts and special effects its the kind of film I doubt could be made in many places outside of the US. Apparently its a sequal, but having not watched the first one I had no pre-conceived ideas about the film. The story line is a bit ridiculous, but if you ignore that and just let it wash over you its not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
29/01/12 - DirectorMichael CurtizStarsHumphrey BogartIngrid BergmanPaul HenreidA cynical expatriate American cafe owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.7/10. Never watched it all the way through before, so made the effort this time! I'm glad I did, really enjoyed it, Bogart's a legend obviously and Bergman is stunning.31/01/12
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsMickey RourkeMarisa TomeiEvan Rachel WoodA faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle.8/10. A stunning performance from Mickey Rourke, a really heartbreaking film. Filmed in gritty close ups, amazing story and acting and one of the best films I've seen in a long time. Its an old story line - the washed up fighter/wrestler/football player who just can't give up the day job. What makes this one stand out is the sense of hopelessnes which follows Rourke's character around, the cold loneliness of his existence, just makes it an utterly believable portrayal of a man who knows no other life. 02/02/12.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsEwan McGregorPierce BrosnanOlivia WilliamsA ghost writer, hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy.7.5/10. Great, tense political thriller, the parallels with Tony Blair are all-too obvious, but its a great story well played, the claustraphobic effect of the island and the bad weather make for a great atmosphere. I have to admit I'm not a great fan of Mcgregor, this may be due to the wooden performances from the Star Wars films, and I can't quite get those out of my head when watching this either. Apart from that a great film. 02/02/12