Movies seen in 2012 - #36: The Vicious Kind (2009)
This is definitely a film that showcases Adam Scott’s dramatic acting skills. The chemistry between Scott and Brittany Snow is so on-point that it’s ridiculous.
I kinda expected a little more from the Peter and Donald characters, but the movie was still very well-done.
Rating: 8.5/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #35: The Avengers (2012)
I still remember how shocked I was at that after-credits scene of Iron Man. The idea that they were bringing The Avengers to the big screen was certainly something to be anticipated.
Four years later, it’s finally here. And believe it or not, it was worth the wait.
Leave it to Joss Whedon to be able to bring all these characters together, give each of them the proper amount of screen-time and pathos, in addition to making action sequences that get better and better as the movie progresses. And to top it all off, Whedon brings a certain class to it all, with plenty of moments that catch you off-guard.
I feel that Scarlett Johannson and Mark Ruffalo surprised me the most. You finally get some insight into Black Widow’s background, and realize that she isn’t entirely prepared for some of the things that happen to her. Mark Ruffalo, on the other hand, pulled off the shy, secretive Bruce Banner very well.
Add Tom Hiddleston to the mix (as he plays Loki to a tee), and a thundering score by Alan Silvestri, The Avengers is a great way to kick off the summer movie season.
I know it’s pricey to see it in 3D these days, but seeing it in IMAX 3D (or Regal’s RPX) is highly recommended.
Rating: 9/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #34: Super High Me (2007)
An informative (and funny) chronicle of Doug Benson’s 30 days of not smoking pot, followed by his 30 days of non-stop cannabis consumption.
Rating: 8/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #33: The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
This movie is destined to be this year’s sleeper hit comedy.
Usually romantic scenarios like these are more heavy on the drama, but this one manages to pull it off with solid humor that never gets too stale. On that subject, the writing in this movie is the best I’ve seen in a long time. Jason Segel is just too fucking talented.
Jason Segel and Emily Blunt are excellent leads, but the supporting cast is just as incredible. Without a doubt, Chris Pratt and Alison Brie steal the show as Alex and Suzie. They’re so damn funny on-screen, and their chemistry is probably the closest we’ll ever get to seeing a Community/Parks & Rec crossover (with the exception of Donald Glover and Aubrey Plaza in Mystery Team, of course).
The only (minor) problem I had was that the third act felt dragged out a little too long.
Regardless, The Five-Year Engagement is highly recommended.
Rating: 9/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #32: Foxes (1980)
For what it was, this film felt pretty honest for a coming-of-age drama. It’s not surprising that Jodie Foster was already getting roles like these a few years after Taxi Driver. She can hold her own as a lead, even at that age.
I’m kinda hoping that the script I’m working on now can run parallels to a movie like this. While I won’t be filming in the San Fernando Valley, hopefully I can apply the same principles to a San Diego suburban neighborhood.
Plus, most of the movies that Giorgio Moroder did music for were good. The version of Donna Summer’s “On the Radio” that plays throughout the film encapsulates the vibe of the movie really well.
If you don’t believe me, just watch the first five minutes of the movie.
Rating: 8/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #30: Shame (2011)
Brandon Sullivan’s sex addiction takes a turn from bad to worst to fucking terrifying, and Michael Fassbender’s commitment to the role make it that much more believable. Carey Mulligan is excellent in the film as well, playing Brandon’s fractured sister.
The one thing I came to respect the second time around was Steve McQueen’s usage of long takes and steadicam shots. They’re executed very well, and McQueen usage of mise-en-scene is pretty damn good.
It’s definitely one of the most riveting dramas I’ve seen in a while.
Rating: 9/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #31: Art School Confidential (2006)
The Zwigoff/Clowes combo gets it right again! Kinda.
While it’s not as good as Ghost World, Art School is still fairly solid, mainly due to its cast.
Rating: 7/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #29: Submarine (2010)
The beauty about Submarine is that it never feels too pretentious, and never gets obnoxious with its themes. It’s a subtle balance of honest writing, good acting, an ethereal soundtrack, and VERY beautiful cinematography.
I can tell when I really love a movie, because I’ll attempt to purchase it on Blu-ray as soon as I physically can. It happened with Days of Heaven, and it’ll certainly happen with this film.
Rating: 9/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #28: Lockout (2012)
It’s Escape From New York meets Die Hard…in space.
It was funnier than I thought it would be (thanks to Guy Pearce), and fairly enjoyable to boot. And jeez, did anyone else feel like that goddamn motorcycle chase was a shitty PS1 CG cutscene?
Rating: 6/10
Movies seen in 2012 - #27: The Hunger Games (2012)
I guess the fact that I love the original Battle Royale movie influenced me walking in to The Hunger Games with a significant amount of bias.
I will say that I’m a fan of Jennifer Lawrence, and she plays Katniss pretty well in this movie. James Newton Howard also chips in a solid score with some nice piano pieces.
However, when it comes to everything else…I was a little uneasy. They pull that Paul Greengrass shit where everything is just close-up shaky cam 60% of the time. I felt that certain characters that died didn’t have the effect that they should’ve had on me. The whole kid-on-kid violence came off very bland, and Peeta, the one person I expected to see more in the story, didn’t really do as much as I thought he would (besides prove how good he was as making himself look like tree trunks).
I didn’t love the movie, but for what it was, it was enjoyable.
I’m mainly bummed out that my dad actually shelled out the money to see this in IMAX.
Favorite scene: Katniss utilizes the Tracker Jackers
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