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Sean @ the Movies: I Melt With You
Amidst all of the fun and drama going on, I figured I deserve a much needed break and time to get another review done for all you fine folks out there. And actually on the ironic level, this sort of has the same tone to it, although my issues are no way even close to theirs. No need to worry about me.
I Melt With You, is directed by Mark Pellington , with a screenplay by Glenn Porter. It stars Thomas Jane, Rob Lowe, Jeremy Piven, and Chrisitan McKay as a group of 40 somethings, who every year get together for a few days to forgot about their lives and look at the past. And they also get really drunk and take numerous types of drugs, and with one of them being a doctor (Lowe), you can just imagine the kind of stuff they can get their hands on. But it seems there is a little more to their past, as it seems that they have a pact from the past that suddenly makes them realize that maybe things didn’t turn out as well as they had hoped.
You can split this movie easily into 3 parts. For me, the first hour, you watch a bunch of assholes get really wasted and even though I think you should feel sorry for them, I didn’t. And after one night of partying with some young ladies, including Sasha Grey, that dream of what they wanted to be at this point in their life, sounds more and more unlikely. And at that point, I start to feel a little sadness for the guys and I am somewhat invested in the movie. But as the details and effects of the pact become known to us the viewer, I felt like my investment in their story was still there. But as the end drew near and nothing really seemed to surprise me, I felt my investment, start to flail again.
Overall I would have to say that I don’t regret seeing the movie, it had some powerful and emotional parts in the middle, it was just the beginning and end which sort of ruined it for me. But on the plus side, there were some amazing visuals and musical choices that at least made it worth watching. I think it’s at least worth renting, but if at first it doesn’t grab you, give it a little before you give up on it.
That is going to wrap up this review and I am not exactly sure what is going to be next up. Been working a lot, plus getting ready for Vegas next week, and I’ve been trying to get caught up on some DVR. So basically pretty busy, but have no fear, I will be back soon with yet another review for your reading pleasure.
Until then, go out and see a movie
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Sean @ the Movies: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
2012 is going to start out with a bang, and of course I mean that my first movie of 2012 is going to be the next film in the Mission Impossible series, Ghost Protocol.
I have seen the previous films, and I remember liking the first and the third of the series, and was sort of looking forward seeing this one. Part of that reason, was the fact that Pixar’s own Brad Bird was behind the camera, and I was looking forward to seeing what he could do will live action movies.
And plus after hearing some great things about it, I decided to go on a little road trip to go see it in the best possible way, in glorious IMAX.
Ghost Protocol was written by Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec, and is based on the TV show from Bruce Gellar. Once again, Tom Cruise (and finally seems to showing a few signs of aging a little, he should really keep his shirt on) is back and this time he has a new team with him, including Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton. This time the IMF is shut down and on the run after they are blamed for a bombing at the Kremlin. They are out to stop the bad guy, played by Michael Nyqvist, who is out to start a nuclear war.
But the story is usually not the thing you look forward to when it comes to a Mission Impossible movie. And if action is what you want, action is what you get. And no matter what you like, people running, car chases, or some propelling up and down one of the biggest buildings in the world, we got plenty of it for you. And it looks even more amazing in IMAX, especially the hotel set piece.
And with the great visuals you also get a great score by Michael Giacchino, who has quickly become a personal favorite, mostly due to his work with Pixar.
This was a decent movie, and I am glad I saw it in IMAX and I would suggest seeing this one in the theaters, and do yourself a favor and drive the extra few miles to see this in a real IMAX theater. If you really want to feel like you are right there with the action, that is the best way.
And with that, this is going to bring an end to my first review of 2012. And this is just the first of many, as I am hoping to see at least 80 new movies this year, so stay tuned, there should be plenty of reviews to keep you busy.
Until next time, go out and see a movie.
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Sean @ the Movies: The Top Ten of 2011
It’s finally that time, after hours and hours of thinking and watching movies, it’s time to let you know what I thought was the best of the best for 2011. Even seeing 74 movies this year, I can say there was still a few movies I missed out on seeing. And I think the biggest one I missed was 50/50, which numerous people really enjoyed, and I have a feeling I would have too. But enough about what I missed out on, let’s count down the ten best movies I saw this year. Some of these may not be your cup of tea, but all that I really hope is that you will at least give them a shot. If you also like them, great. If you don’t, oh well, at least you gave it a shot.
#10 Super 8: Written and Directed by JJ Abrams
This was most likely one of my most anticipated movies of 2011, and luckily it ended up being one that I enjoyed. It has its faults at point, the obvious is the ending. But with JJ behind the camera, and some great acting from the cast, we were transported back to the days of watching movies like the Goonies and Explorers. After seeing this I was pretty sure this was going to be my favorite movie of 2011, but a movie came along later in the year, that knocked this one down a little. Still worth seeing either way.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
#9 Like Crazy: Directed and co-written by Drake Doremus
Yes, I enjoy me some sappy romantic dramas, with a little comedy thrown in. It’s a tale of a romance between two people during the good, bad, good, bad, and leaves you wondering if they are really meant for each other, even through all drama they endure. And with an ending that let’s you make that decision, just another reason why I enjoyed this movie. It reminds me a little of Lost in Translation, and you should all know how much I loved that movie. Both Anton and Felicity did an amazing job.
Might still be able to see it at your local independent theater, other wise coming soon to DVD and Blu-ray
#8 Melancholia: Directed and written by Lars Von Trier
I have to say that I was pretty much hooked from the beautiful opening montage, and then sent on a journey of two sisters, one who seems to going in the wrong direction, and then the other who tries to hide from what is right in front of her. This is one of those movies that cries for a repeat viewing, just to see the movie, knowing how it ends. It’s kind of slow at times and may not be everyone’s kind of movie. But it’s a thinking movie, that gives your brain a visual and mental workout by the end. As stated it’s a story of two sisters, and about a planet called Melancholia which is about to pass by the Earth. Which is actually a theme that will pop up later on my list. It’s good to see Kirsten back on the big screen, great comeback performance, and hopefully we will get more of her in movies like this.
Available on Itunes and some On-Demand services, otherwise it still might be playing at a independent theater near you.
#7 Martha Marcy May Marlene: screenplay and directed by Sean Durkin
This is another example great example of a movie that requires a second viewing. Some may think that is a bad thing. But I went into this movie, with a expectation from something I saw on Twitter, and then left thinking I liked the movie, but not as much as I was expecting. But then after a second viewing I have to say that I left really enjoying the experience. It’s about a young girl who after leaving a cult like community, tries to fit back into society, while staying with her sister and her husband. And as she struggles with that, she also deals with her past as it seems to relate to the present, and the lines between the two begin to blur. Elizabeth proves that good acting can come from the same family that gave us the Olsen twins. And plus another great performance from John Hawkes.
Will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in February.
#6 Another Earth: Co-written and directed by Mike Cahill
This is the other movie that deals with something you don’t normally see in the sky, and yes the title is correct, another Earth shows up in the sky. But there is more to the story, which revolves around a young lady, who after a horrible accident and some time in jail, tries to make up for what she did, as she tries to help the father, the only survivor of the other family in the car accident. But the more she gets involved with him, the harder it is for her to apologize for what she did. And while this is all happening, people are trying to figure out what the other Earth is. I don’t want to go too much more into the story, although I think they do give a little more away in the trailer, so maybe skip it. But the ending, is just an example of what makes a movie great, it leaves you guessing and thinking, and one that you want to talk to about with other people who have seen it. Leading lady and co-writer Brit Marling, gave a great performance, and I look forward to seeing more of her in the future. It seemed to be a good year for new and upcoming leading ladies.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
#5 Win Win: written (screenplay) and directed by Thomas McCarthy
This was another movie that came out of no where, and came to be one that really hit me this year. Paul Giamatti plays a lawyer and a high school wrestling coach, neither working out for him. But when he meets a relative of one of his clients, a runway, who just happens to be a really good wrestler, and in real life too. And give some props to Alex Shaffer, for doing a pretty good job for someone who has never acted before. It’s one of the movies that I really need to revisit it.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
#4 Beginners: written and directed by Mike Mills
At the half way point of the year, this was my favorite film, and it’s good to see that even with a pretty strong end to the year, this movie still is near the top of my list. It’s a heart warming tale about love and all the baggage that comes with trying to get over the bad times and look forward to a future with someone, no matter what your age or sexual preference. And for the dog fans out there, our leading man’s best friend, is his talking (subtitles) dog who adds some knowledge and humor to the movie. And for those that fell in love with Melanie Laurent in Inglorious Basterds, she continues to make her presence known in this movie. But the big acting presence goes to Christopher Plummer.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
#3 Drive: Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn
And Mr Fassbender wasn’t the only leading man who seemed to have a breakout year, and our leading man for this movie, Ryan Gosling, is the other. It seems he popped up a lot in 2011 and this was the big role that I think really surprised anyone. Who would have thought, an 80’s themed movie about a loner stuntman, who moonlights as a getaway driver, would be so compelling. But the overall mood and feel of the movie was one of the reason I really enjoyed this movie so much. It’s way more violent than I was expecting, but I had not seen any of the director’s other movies, so I would have been expecting it a little. And some would say it’s a slow burn, with little action, but I think the story and visuals, and of course some great acting from all the cast, were plenty enough to keep me entertained. This has been easily one of the most varied movies, when it comes to if you liked/hated the movie. I lean towards the liked it side, how about you?
Coming soon to DVD and Blu-ray
As we are about to head into the top two movies. Do you have any idea on what they might be. Well I won’t make you wait any longer, so let’s get to my top 2 movies of 2011.
#2 Attack the Block: written and directed by Joe Cornish
I can say that this was the movie that made my love for Super 8 dwindle. A somewhat similar movie, group of kids dealing with alien(s), but this one seemed to stick with me more. I originally drove all the way to Chicago to see it the first time, and ended up seeing it at least 3 times in theaters. Some may be thinking, I have never heard of this movie, and if that is true, I hope you make a solid effort to see this movie. It’s a fun ride, with some scary and funny parts, and pretty good for a movie that has no big name actors in it. Also have to give some props to the soundtrack/score, which just adds another great element to the movie. My one little thing to warn you about, if you do watch this, you may want to turn on the subtitles, the actors have pretty strong accents, so it may help at time. Other wise, plop it in your DVD or Blu-ray player and sit back and get ready for a fun ride.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
And can I get a drum roll please……… No drums, ok. Well it’s that time you all have been waiting for (at least I hope you have), my #1 movie of 2011.
A movie that really came out of no where for me. I don’t think I had seen a single trailer or ad for this movie and would have never given this a shot, if it wasn’t for the positive reviews that came streaming after it’s release. Take a director, doing a film that he had never done before, and add in a little extra dimension to the visuals and you get my #1 movie of 2011.
“If you ever wonder where your dreams come from, look around: this is where they’re made”
#1 Hugo: directed my Martin Scorsese
I went into this movie, not knowing a whole lot about it, saw the trailer once and it seemed like it was marketed as a kids movie. But in the end, I am not sure if this is really a kids movie, but a love letter to everyone out there who love movies and enjoy the experience. It’s not only a story about a boy trying to find his place in the world, but also about movie history, and a director who forget one of the big things he used to love. And even though this is a movie about the past, with the addition of some amazing 3D film making, it’s also a look towards the future of film. This is a movie you must see, and you must see it in 3D. I have yet to still see in 2D, but after seeing it twice in 3D, this is a movie that will make me really consider looking into picking up a 3D TV. Go out and do yourself a favor and check this out in 3D, it’s worth the extra few dollars. I left the theater after seeing the first time with such a sense of happiness, realizing why I love going to the movies so much, and this was the best example of this.
Still in theaters, so please see it in the best possible way, on the big screen and in 3D.
So that’s it, this is the best of the best, and like I said in the beginning, I can only hope that if you haven’t seen some of these movie, that you at least give them a shot. And please, let me know what you thought, was I right or wrong in my choices?
That finally closes out 2011 and as 2012 starts, I can’t wait to see what 2012 is going to bring us in movies.
And as always go out and see a movie.
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Sean @ the Movies: Honorable Mentions for 2011
Before we get to the best of the year, let’s take some time and give some recognition to some movies I feel deserve some attention, even though they didn’t make it into my top ten.
In 2011 I saw 74 new movies, either in theaters, DVD, Blu-ray, etc. And as the cuts started, things were looking pretty smooth, well that was until I hit the final 20 titles, all fighting to be in my top ten for the year. I can safely say it was a rough time trying to cut those 20 down to ten movies. I spent a few days, re-thinking and even trying to re-watch a few movies, to make sure I made the right decision.
But the following list are the movies that almost made the top ten, but I still think they are worthy of a viewing. And these are really in no particular order, other than I think the order in which I saw them during the year.
Somewhere: Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola
Another solid release from Sofia, who I have been a huge fan of since Virgin Suicides and of course, Lost in Translation. If you are a fan of her work, you will enjoy this movie, same general feel and look. Elle Fanning had a great year for movies, and this was a great example of why, solid performance
Currently available on DVD and Blu-ray
Sucker Punch: Directed and co-written by Zack Synder
A great mix of visuals and music (I think I listened to the soundtrack almost non stop after seeing it), and I think there is a little more to this movie, with some interesting twists and turns during movie. I would suggest checking out the Extended Edition, adds a little more action sequences and story to the movie.
Currently available on DVD and Bluray
Super: Written and Directed by James Gunn
Apparently I really liked movies that started with the letter S this year. Anyways, I saw this in theaters and actually ended up seeing a few times in theaters. If you liked Kick Ass, you are going to like this movie. Way more over the top than Kick Ass and overall a better movie. Even during all the craziness there is still a great monologue that will stick out every time I think of the this movie:
“You don’t butt in line! You don’t sell drugs! You don’t molest little children! You don’t profit off the misery of others! The rules were set a long time ago! They don’t change!”
Available on DVD and Bluray
Everything Must Go: directed and co-written by Dan Rush
Who would have thought that a Will Ferrell movie would be even close to my top ten. But when he isn’t playing the loud and crazy guy, he actually puts on a great performance. A pretty emotional tale about a man during his worst times, trying to get through it, with some help from a few new friends.
Available on DVD and Bluray
Bridesmaids: Directed by Paul Feig and co-written by Kristen Wiig
This is easily one of the biggest surprises of the year, an even bigger one will be coming a little later in my top ten movies. We all saw the trailer and thought, great another chick flick, a female version of The Hangover. Well after hearing some great things about the movie, I gave it a shot and boy did I enjoy it, way more than I thought I would. Give it a shot, and I am sure you will be very impressed by all the ladies involved.
Available on DVD and Bluray
X-Men First Class: directed by Matthew Vaughn
This year was the year I can say there was once again a good X-men film. After a horrible run of two movies, they are finally moving in the right direction. Great lead acting from James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, and not so much from January Jones. Some sub par special effects, but if you realize they put all this together in less than a years time, I am willing to overlook it, and that’s likely why I didn’t think it deserved to be in my top ten.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest: directed by Michael Rapaport.
This is also in the running for the longest movie title of the year. Anyways, this is a great documentary about the past, present and even future of one of my favorite rap groups of all time. And with Rapaport behind the camera, he does a great job of showing both sides of the story, when the times were really tough for the group. If you are a fan of music, it’s worth a watch, and they are also worth a listen too.
Available on DVD and Blu-Ray
Tucker & Dale vs Evil: directed and co-written by Eli Craig
This is basically a funny and somewhat gory comedy/horror movie that revolves around a failure in communication between two groups of people. This is one of those movies that you are better off not watching a trailer for, cause most of them ruin a few of the great scenes during the movie. But with Alan and Tyler involved, it’s worth watching it without knowing much about it. And it even has a little heart in it: “Don’t be sorry, it’s my fault. I should have known if a guy like me talked to a girl like you, somebody would end up dead”
Available on DVD and Bluray and currently on Watch Instantly via Netflix
The Muppets: co-written and directed by Jason Segel
This is another great example of why getting my top ten movies was so difficult this year. Yes, it is true that I liked this movie, and yes there were times where I was almost crying like a little school girl, the last 10-15 were the hardest. This is a love letter to all of us who grew up with the Muppets, and yes it’s true we still love them after all these years, and I only hope this movie will be enough to get the younger generation to fall in love with them too. This was a movie I figured I would have seen numerous times, but it’s sad to say I only saw it once so far. And for that reason, didn’t feel right putting it in my top ten for the year.
Still showing at some theaters, so please take your kids to see it. Let’s not let the spirit of The Muppets die with our generation.
Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence directed and written by Tom Six
And this is the last of my honorable mention movies, and I can’t think of a better film to end this list on. Over the top doesn’t even begin to describe this movie. This was the movie I was expecting the first one to be. And I am glad this was in black and white, cause I don’t think I would have been able to handle it in color. If you can see it, it’s a great movie to watch with a bunch of people, just to share in the shock and awe, and to see who has to leave cause they are about to throw up.
Will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on Valentine’s Day, might be able to find it at your local independent theater still.
And as we end the Honorable Mention list, you know what is next, that’s right folks, it’s finally time to unleash my top ten movies of 2011!! I shall give those to you very soon, can’t wait to see what you think.
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Sean @ the Movies: Young Adult
And here it is folks, the very last review for a movie I saw in 2011, yes I know it’s already the 4th of 2012. Just pretend that I really went wild and crazy on NYE and I am just now coming out of my party coma.
As 2011 was nearing, I headed off to get one more last little movie marathon in before the year ended. And this was the last movie of the day, and for 2011. And hopefully we will end the year on a good note.
Young Adult is directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody, who when these two combined forces, they introduced us to the quirky Juno, a movie I enjoyed, so you can guess that my expectations were somewhat high going into this one. The movies stars Charlize Theron, as a recently divorced and writer of a somewhat famous young adult series of books. It seems that things are not going in the right direction, and when she recieves a email, celebrating the birth of his child with his wife, from her high school boyfriend, played by Patrick Wilson. She packs up her things and heads back home and is set on a mission to get him back, even though it seems like everything is going ok with him and his wife, she thinks he isn’t happy. As the delusion seems to go farther and farther, she does run into one of her fellow classmates, played by Patton Oswalt, who survived a vicious bully attack, that ruined his life both physically and mentally. He tries to stop her and convince her that she needs to give up, but she is really set on proving him wrong.
You spend most of the people just amazed at how crazy and delusional she acts, which at some times makes you laugh a little. But I am not sure if we are supposed to feel sorry for her during the movie, or think she is just getting what she deserves in the end. She was a god during high school, but things have drastically changed, although no matter how ragged they try to make her look during the movie, she is still Charlize Theron. There was a point where I felt some sorrow for her, but in the end, I walked away from the movie, even wondering if she learned a lesson through all of this. And maybe that is what they intended.
The movie was ok, I kept trying to decide how I felt about it, and more times I came to the conclusion that it was a so-so movie. There are some signs of that greatness from these two, Jason shines in the credit sequence, and Diablo with some of her quirky dialogue, but not nearly as quirky as Juno or Jennifer’s Body. This is one, I think you can wait to check out on DVD or Netflix, nothing that you need to run out and see in theaters, unfortunately.
And that’s it folks, that is going to bring an end to 2011, and the only thing left to do is to finally post my top ten films of 2011, and that will be up very soon, I promise, so your patience will be awarded shortly.
Once again, just want to thank all of you out there who take the time to read my reviews and let me know that you enjoy reading them. I hope to improve my reviews a little in 2012, as the more I write, the more I kind find my groove.
As always, until next time, go out and see a movie
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Sean @ the Movies: The Artist
It’s 2012, but for this review, we are going to rewind a few years and return to the late 1920’s, for my next review, of The Artist.
The Artist is written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius, and stars Jean Dujardin, as a silent film movie star, who seems to be at the prime of his career. He is very charismatic and seems to carry that into his roles. Fame might be good to him, but his marriage to his wife, played by Penelope Ann Miller, seems to be not the greatest. One night, he stumbles upon a lady, played by Berenice Bejo, while leaving a movie premiere and the minute they meet, their lives become connected as she uses this chance as a way to get into show business. And while she starts from the bottom, she makes her way to the top, while his career seems to be dwindling, due to his stubbornness to leave silent movies and move onto “talkies”.
And there is one more thing, this is a silent film, that’s right, other than a few times, there is no sound other than the musical score. So that means there is some reading involved, as you do get some of the dialogue printed out for you. I can think back to a few Pixar movies where little dialogue was used, first half of Wall-e and who can forget the first few minutes of Up. But I was very curious to see how it would be for an entire movie. Well most of the time you can kind of read the actors lips, instead of waiting to see what they say. But one of my negatives about this movie, they don’t always let you know what the people are saying, and there is one particular moment towards the end, where a supposed speech is given to our main actor, and we are given no help in what the guy said to him. If you are going to make a silent movie, either have no words or have words for all spoken parts.But you also have to remember this is coming from the same guy who saw Ponyo while I was in Japan, and it didn’t have any subtitles, so I had no idea what was being said for the whole movie.
This is a great love letter to movie history, and if you are a fan of movies, I would suggest seeing this in the theaters, just for the simple fact, for a few hours, you can go back in time and experience what is was like to watch silent films back in the day. Both leading people did an amazing job, both really shined in their performances, and I also need to give some credit to our leading man’s dog, who was the comedic sidekick through out the movie. And I need to also give a little recognition to the leading lady in this film, Berenice’s beauty seemed to light up the screen every time she was on it, so you can’t help feeling a little swooning of your heart when she appears.
I stated earlier that this is a love letter to movie history, but for me I feel that Hugo was a better movie, in making you remember why you love going to movie so much in the first place. The Artist is not a bad movie in any way, I guess I ended up not liking it as much as many others did. It’s getting some Oscar buzz right now, which is really no surprise, But I don’t think it deserves Best Picture.
Let’s come back to 2012 as we wrap up this review, and I have one more review to finish up and then it’s time to finally post my top ten movies of 2012. So keep an eye out for that, which will hopefully be up in a few days.
Until next time, it’s a new year, why not go out and see a movie.
