This Blog Has Been Moved!

Hello!

My film reviews, along with my other two blogs, have been relocated to WordPress! I'm very happy with the change and I hope that you will be too!

My WordPress page can be found here.

If you're interested specifically in my film reviews, those and only those will appear here.
And yes, I am continuing 100in2013 over there! In fact, you're already three behind!

Thanks for all of the support and I look forward to seeing you at my new home in the vast workings of the internet!

Thor (2011)

"Well, 'Magic's just science we don't understand yet.' Arthur C. Clarke." Dr. Jane Foster

My favorite thing about Thor is how amazing Jane is. She's intelligent, independent, she takes intiative, and she's not afraid of things that she doesn't understand. She embraces them and analyzes them. This is the kind of woman that needs to be featured in these kind of films. (Marvel has proven to be very good at this. See The Amazing Spider-Man and Iron Man 3.) Beyond that, we have a pretty interesting plot here. I mean, it's pretty daring to take a superhero film and remove the superhero from it. Thor is mortal for a good portion of this film and his story becomes less about his powers and more about his journey to find himself and fight for what he believes to be right. He grows up and matures throughout the film and it's just done very well. Though the true villain of the film isn't particularly interesting, the development of Loki as a character is. He makes plans, and you never really know how much of them you know about. He may or may not do exactly what he says he will, and you never really know his true motivation behind any of his actions. He's an interesting character with an interesting past and a whole lot of ideas in his head. Though he's not really the villain in this film, he's a good character who has his own journey to finding himself. The relationships between all of the characters are crafted very well and are portrayed flawlessly. None of them are just skin deep. They are used in interesting ways to further the story and they are entertaining to watch. For a series which has so far been entirely based around science, the 'magic' was done well and explained in a very scientific way to help Thor fit into the rest of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film itself was beautiful and the attention to detail in the sets and the costuming was breathtaking.

Rank: 36

Iron Man (2008)

"Let's face it, this is not the worst thing you've caught me doing." Tony Stark

I really love Tony Stark. I think that he is absolutely hilarious. This film really sets the tone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We see both scientific and political themes. We get this idea of futuristic, but now. We see characters faced with things that would break most people, and we see determination to rise above. We see honing of skills and ideas. And of course, we see boring superhero-paralleled villains. Let's talk about the good stuff first. The science that we see in this film is freaking gorgeous! Even better, it's believable that we're not in some distant future. It seems attainable and current, though still foreign. It's something that only people with money to burn can afford, and it's beautiful. It's clean and clear and smart and absolutely incredible to see used. We see how world-wide events affect Tony. We see the politics that he must (and fails to) abide by. We see Tony put into a situation and forced into submission, only to prove that he doesn't answer to anyone. We see development, trial and error, and change. We see Iron Man become what he needs to be and we see the process that taught Tony exactly why the end result is what it is. It's all done so well. Robert Downey Jr. takes Tony from this arrogant prick who can't see three feet in front of his own face to someone with beliefs, ideas and a reason to fight for them. Plus, he manages to keep that brash sarcasm that makes Tony Stark who he is throughout the whole process. It's beyond entertaining. The biggest fault with this film is the villain. Not only is he boring and incredibly predictable, he pretty much becomes Iron Man for the final battle. Now, I know why this has to happen. If Iron Man just fights a normal person, it's obvious who will win. So they make Iron Man fight wannabe-Iron-Man, which in my opinion is just boring. They've brought them so closely to the same level that they might as well just have a thumb war and call it a day. The same thing had to happen at the end of The Incredible Hulk. Like fights like. What would be infinitely more interesting would be if the villain had some kind of strength or power, just not the exact same one as the superhero who's trying to stop him! Don't put Iron Man against wannabe-Iron-Man who is basically just going to cancel out his awesomeness by having the same abilities. Put him against someone with superhuman strength or someone who can scramble J.A.R.V.I.S.'s systems. It would not only have been a more interesting (and less predictable) fight, but it would have been more empowering for Tony. It would have taught him more about both himself and Iron Man.
Basically, this film is brilliant. It falls victim to Marvel's highest hurdle, but the rest is so good that you don't really care. (I've just had a lot of time to think about much cooler the final battle could have been.)

Rank: 37

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

"Secrets have a cost, they're not for free. Not now, not ever." May Parker

The thing that really puts this Spider-Man film above previous Spider-Man films is Gwen Stacy. Gwen Stacy is the perfect love-interest for Peter Parker. She's popular and well-liked, but also intelligent and independent. I never got beyond the hot-popular-redhead-ness of Mary Jane Watson. She wasn't a character that could really work with Peter. She was just something to aspire to and want with no real logic or reasoning behind the desire. Peter needs someone who will fight for him, keep up with him, challenge him, and sometimes even ground him. The characters and their relationship is played so much more realistically than the parallel pairing of the first trilogy. Of course that is helped by Emma Stone's and Andrew Garfield's real life relationship, in which Emma completely embodies Gwen and teaches Andrew to be as good as he can. (Seriously, just check out this gem!) The on-screen chemistry is believable which makes all of Peter's decisions regarding Gwen seem that much more troubling, real and critical. Where the film struggles with villians, in classic Marvel style, it makes up for in characters. Ultimately, that's why we watch superhero films. For the Superheroes. For the way they deal with problems. For the people behind the mask and the real-life troubles that they face which allow us to see heroes and heroines in everyday people. That's what Marvel is amazing at, and that's what makes this film so enjoyable.

Rank: 38

Captain Phillips (2013)

"Thank you!" Captain Richard Phillips

I don't have many words for this film. Mostly just a series of whimpers that translates roughly to, "This film is amazingly done. The actors are incredible. The dramatic tension is insane. The direction is spot on. And OH MY GOODNESS THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED!" Since I'm trying to review films, I think that I can muster up a few more actual words.

Though not for the faint-of-heart, this film is freaking brilliant. The direction adds to the inherent intensity of what is actually happening here. The way the story is unfolded, the way the information passes between people, the angles that we view each progression from, it’s just so cleverly thought out and executed. The plot legitimately writes itself. The intensity is paralyzing. I found myself afraid to move and stiff with fear and anticipation. With each new development, you’re more on edge. Despite how far the odds seem against his favor, you just keep rooting for Captain Phillips and his crew. He is a strong, easy to love character. His dedication to his job, family and crew is unparalleled, and you want nothing more than for him to persevere. His journey from leader to composure in the face of danger, to absolute fear is heart-wrenching and beautifully portrayed by Tom Hanks. The fact that he wasn’t even nominated for an Academy Award is a massive insult. Most actors do not have the ability to play such a wide range in one film with so much conviction. Barkhad Abdi was also incredible. He played in control and scared at the same time so well. He showed the softer sides of his character so discretely, yet deliberately. Without knowing much about his character, we know his background. We know that he has been taught that this is what he must do to make a living. This is just a job, and though he completes it and treats it as one, he does not enjoy doing it to good people. Brilliant acting, direction and dramatic tension would mean absolutely nothing if it weren’t for the plot. The plot is clear and effective, strong and simple. Here’s the kicker, it’s based off of a true story! Captain Phillips is an actual man who was the captain of a boat with no armed backup that was overtaken by pirates while sailing around the horn of Africa. If that’s not enough for you, none of the captives actually got hurt. He managed to lead his crew to safety! Talk about a hero! The story of Captain Phillips is incredibly uplifting and inspiring, the actors did this brilliant story justice, and the director was an absolute genius at displaying the events of the situation in an intelligent and intensity-enhancing manor. 

Rank: 39

Would be higher if not so emotionally draining. Seriously, it's brilliant. You just don't need to rematch it for a little while.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

"I don't wanna kill anyone. I don't like bullies. I don't care where they're from." Steve Rogers

I didn't realize until I got to the end of this film that I had already seen the ending. It was pretty disappointing honestly, and it's not even the film's fault. The film itself is great. It's a strong superhero, science fiction, action movie with strong characters and an intriguing story line. It is definitely helped by the previous films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Howard Stark is a great character, but the reason why we really feel connected to him is Tony and Iron Man 2. This film is surprisingly world-expansive without coming off as "Meanwhile, on this side of the galaxy." It expands the world throughout time, which is just brilliant. It's a risky thing to do, but it's done beautifully and cleverly. Again, the heart of the film is the characters. Steve is a great character with such a strong heart. He was always being forced to prove himself and he always did. He's an inspiring character to watch because he decides that he can do more, and then he does. (Except for the whole scientifically engineered body thing. If you want a better, stronger physique, I wouldn't suggest trying to become friends with a multi-millionaire scientific genius. There aren't many of those. Steve got lucky. Just stop whining and go to the gym.) Seriously though, the characters are great. They are strong and they relate to each other well, which is really entertaining for the viewer. The ending is slightly heartbreaking even though you had to see something like it coming. It's a well done film and definitely worth a watch.

Rank: 40

Iron Man 3 (2013)

"Remember what I told you about bullies..." Tony Stark

It's nice to see Tony Stark grow up a bit. He finally has something on his mind other than being cranky and miserable and completely self-centered. (I promise that I really do love Tony. I think he's hilarious. He's just a bit of a selfish asshole.) He's proven that he isn't perfect and that things bother him and that he has no idea of how to deal with his issues, and it's refreshing. Finally he's finding strength by analyzing his shortcomings, and it makes him more of a hero than he was in the past. He's finally become a role model. The story is interesting enough, the Iron Man suits are amazing, and Pepper Potts is freaking incredible. Seriously, she's strong, opinionated, and unique. She stands up for what she believes in and for what she needs to make her life better. Not only that, but she saves Tony from what's taking over his life and allows him to move on. As sad as I was to see the Iron Man suits destroyed because they are beautiful and awesome, I'm quite happy for Tony Stark to return, and for Iron Man to take a bit of a hiatus. Tony is finally ending a film in a good place, both physically and emotionally, and as a character he deserves some time to enjoy that, kick back with his science buddy Bruce and allow both himself and Pepper to heal and move on past all the shit he brought down on them. The characters truly are what make this film what it is, as is true in most Marvel films. Iron Man is finally teaching us that it's okay for someone who is strong to have difficulty dealing with something, that it isn't a weakness, but a part of evolving and growing.

Rank: 41

Doctor Who (1996)

"I love humans. Always seeing patterns in things that aren't there." The Doctor

This film is pretty much everything fabulous about Doctor Who put into one movie-length episode. We’ve got the Doctor, the Master, a regeneration, further exploration of both Time Lord biology and the T.A.R.D.I.S., a race against time, and some pretty fabulous companions. It’s the perfect blend between classic and modern Doctor Who. It’s just a shame that it didn’t actually spark the reboot. (Or maybe that’s not a shame because, let’s be honest, America probably would have screwed it up. They threw in a couple things that many fans have retconned from overall canon.) Yes the film has some problems but it’s a DOCTOR WHO MOVIE! Who cares?! Seriously, Paul McGann is an absolute delight as the Doctor. He’s got a charming way of talking a mile a minute while figuring something out. He manages to be both inviting and mysterious. He’s both romantic and completely confused by the concept. There is no doubt that he is the Doctor, and he is a great one at that. Definitely worthy of the elite club and unfortunately the most incredibly underused. It’s an absolute shame that this is his only full story and yet he still shares the screen time with Sylvester McCoy. (Don’t get me wrong, I love Sylvester. It’s just so heartbreaking that Paul McGann has never been the only person to play the Doctor in an onscreen adventure.) If you’re a fan of Doctor Who, you need to see this film. It’s an accessible classic story for modern fans as well as an accessible modern story for classic fans. I can only hope that someday Paul will grace our screens again. Until that glorious day, this film is a great way to quench your thirst. 

Rank: 42

Les Miserables (2012)

"Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!" The Students

I really couldn't help but love this film. I've got a bit of a love-hate relationship with the stage musical. I remember seeing it once and being bored out of my mind, and then another time and being on the edge of my seat. The music is incredible, the characters are flawed and dynamic and you can really do a lot with a gritty aesthetic. I think that this film was very well done. A lot of people have made complaints and the more I think about this film, the less I care. Hugh Jackman is the perfect Valjean. Russell Crowe was great as Javert. Their voices embodied what I really wanted to get from these characters. Basically I acknowledge what everyone complains about regarding this film, and then I understand why they did it. They wanted I Dreamed a Dream to be as up close and personal as possible. Yes that means that you stare at a 20 ft tall imagine of Anne Hathaway's head for a few minutes, but it's raw and personal. Then add in the fact that what you're seeing is her singing, not just her mouthing to a pre-recorded track. Very few films get that personal, and for a character who isn't around very long, they wanted you to feel connected to her. The most widely agreed-upon success of the film was Aaron Tveit. His fans from before Les Miserables loved seeing him on the big screen in such a powerful role, and his fan-base extended to people who never would have heard his name before. The cast is very strong. Just looking at the names gives you goosebumps thinking about what these people are capable of producing. The visuals of the film are beautiful and moving. The stark contrast between the gritty streets and the prim nobility is crisp and clearly defined throughout the entire film. It's beautiful and detailed and shows how despite the times and the people, the same struggles still exist. The large ensemble numbers are executed gorgeously. In was in those moments when I was entirely invested and couldn't be happier with what was playing in front of me. Lastly, the music. I already said that the vocals were incredible. I'm sure it was a massive amount of work, both on the part of the actors and the sound crew, to film and record at the same time. Unfortunately the theatre that I saw this film in did not have the best sound quality. It was quite difficult to hear at times, and I can't imagine that was an overlook on the part of the post-production team. At first, that definitely hindered my view of the film, and I'm glad that I was able to accept that as a one-off and enjoy the film for what it is: a brilliant and realistic adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical.

Rank: 43
Would likely move up upon rewatch.

Exam (2010)

"Any questions?" Invigilator

Exam is a classic psychological thriller. It's about the idea of what could happen and what you would do in this situation. You are given a small enough amount of information about the characters so that you can see yourself or people you know in them. They are meant to be a cross section of humanity so that you are likely to find one that you can relate to. The story itself isn't about the exam or the job. It's about the process, the interactions, the trains of thought, the reactions. It's about which person represents you and if you would do anything differently. You cheer for the person you relate most to. You want that person to succeed. And you learn about yourself by watching them fail or succeed. You see how their weaknesses hinder their ability to pass the exam and you see how their strengths propel them forward. And then you start to think about if they really are weaknesses and strengths or not. To me, the deeper message here is that there are different people in the world. Some people will be right for some things, and others wont be. What is a weakness in one situation is a strength in another.

Rank: 44

Primer (2004)

"He took from his surroundings what was needed, and made of it something more." Aaron

The more that I think about this film, the more I love it. I want to share this film with everyone. Now I know that this film isn't for everyone and that it's incredibly unrealistic to think that everyone would enjoy it. I also know that you can't just decide to sit down and watch Primer when you want to watch a movie. This film assumes that you are invested in the storyline, assumes that you are intrigued with the idea of time travel, assumes that you are intelligent enough to use deductive reasoning, and assumes that you will actually think both throughout the entire run-time and for ages after it's finished. It’s a big assumption to make, but if it’s true it pays off exceedingly well. You will walk away from this film blown away by both the magnitude of the story and the details of the repercussions. This is a beautiful human drama with an intricate time travel plot woven in between. It doesn’t glorify man nor does it glorify time travel. The film is gritty and the acting is real, and each element make this film that much more brilliant. 

Rank: 45

Would definitely move up upon rewatch. (Actually, should just move up because of how much I love to think about the intricacies.)

Good Will Hunting (1997)

"I look at you. I don't see an intelligent, confident man. I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius, Will. No one denies that. No one could possible understand the depths of you. But you presume to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine. You ripped my fucking life apart. You're an orphan, right? Do you think I'd know the first thing about how hard your life has been, how you feel, who you are, 'cause I read Oliver Twist? Does that encapsulate you? Personally, I don't five a shit about all that, because you know what, I can't learn anything from you I can't read in some fucking book. Unless you want to talk about you, who you are. Then I'm fascinated. I'm in. But you don't wanna do that, do you, sport? You're terrified of what you might say. Your move, chief." Dr. Sean Maguire

I find it quite strange that it took me so long to see this film, but it definitely help up against all of the hype. From a human interest point of view, you're given a really interesting character arc, not just for our main character, but for those around him. This film shows how one person can have such an affect on those around them, and how in real life, not just one person changes. The story is so raw and so true. That might come from the fact that it was the first film project of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They were new writers and filmmakers, so they wrote about what they knew. Real relationships with real people. As a native New Englander and a student of both Mathematics and Psychology, I thought that I would get more from those aspects of the film, but that's not what it's about. It's about the characters. It's about how their abilities and knowledge affect the way they live their lives. Professor Lambeau looks at the world with logic. He doesn't think about other people. He thinks about what is in front of him and acts accordingly. Dr. Maguire looks at people as changing beings and generally gives them the benefit of the doubt. He understands people and wants to understand them, likely more than himself. Will is the combination. He starts out being logic based and focusing on what he is presented with at any given time, and eventually learns the importance of looking at people not as obstacles or statues, but as important and changing beings. People who are in his life for a reason. People who want to help him to be the best Will Hunting that he can be. The acting is, of course, incredible. Unbeatable. The one thing that viewers may have issues with is the thickness of the Boston accents. If you've never heard a thick Boston accent before you may find yourself questioning what exactly is being said sometimes. For the most part, it's okay. It just adds to the realism of the characters. This film is a classic and for good reason. See it and learn from it.

Rank: 46

Mr. Pip (2013)

"You cannon pretend to read a book. Your eyes will give you away. So will your breathing. A person entranced by a book simply forgets to breathe. The house can catch alight and a reader deep in a book will not look up until the wallpaper is in flames." Mr. Watts

This film was definitely not what I was expecting. I had never read either Mr. Pip or Great Expectations. I knew that there was a connection in Mr. Pip to Great Expectations, however I didn’t know of what nature the connection would be. The story itself is very interesting and moves forward rather smoothly. The main plot is easy to keep track of, however some of the smaller plots aren’t made to be very clear. You can’t quite tell what’s happening on the periphery of the story, therefore they don’t further the main plot in the way that they were originally meant to. The highlight of this film is definitely the actors. These actors elicit such strong feelings from the audience. They age and develop quite well, and they speak without opening their mouths. There are a few moments in the film where the director has chosen to convey information simply through actions and facial expressions and these are the shining sequences of brilliance.  If they’re that powerful without even speaking, imagine how strong their performances are as they say their lines. Hugh Laurie has this brilliant steady tone to his voice, regardless of what Mr. Watts has just gone through. It’s almost chilling, and it adds something so special to the character. Xzannjah is brilliant as Matilda. She plays innocent, disturbed, brave, and so many other traits exceedingly well, while still allowing the audience to believe that this is all in the scope of her character. I’ll warn that the film is much more violent than I expected. If violence isn’t a worry for you in films, I would definitely suggest it. The performance of this cast shouldn’t be missed. 

Rank: 47

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

"I love you, but you don't know what you're talking about." Sam Shakusky

I commend this film for being different and for pushing the limits. What would normally be considered "bad acting" is turned into characterization and atmosphere. This atmosphere contributes to the idea that you are in a very rural and secluded area of the country. Life here is different, and it’s easy to accept that with how the world is presented by the filmmakers. This film may not be for everyone. It is weird, and it is awkward. I think that this is a good example of Americans taking the elements that make cringy British comedies and adapting them to use in their own way. I wouldn’t necessarily call this film a comedy, but it has a similar feeling to one. There is some pretty dark material, however it’s done in such a way that you don’t take it too seriously. There’s action and adventure, and you know that the film is weird enough that it can take a turn and do something both morbid and unexpected, but you don’t believe in your heart that it will. You take the emotions seriously, which is strange because the characters themselves aren’t very emotive. They say how they’re feeling without really showing it, but you believe them. Then you realize that maybe their inability to emote is due to the fact that they are young children coming face to face with some very adult emotions. This film is definitely interesting. If you’re not put off by some weirdness and the idea of young children struggling with adult problems, then I would suggest it. It’s a nice escape from everyday, for the characters, for films, and for you as the viewer.

Rank: 48

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Special Extended Edition (2002)

"That doesn't make sense to me, but then you are very small. Perhaps you're right." Treebeard

This film is interesting. It's absolutely brilliant, but I can never quite remember exactly what happened with each of the three story lines. The battle at Helm's Deep is the most iconic sequence in this film, but that leaves me wondering where we're at with the hobbits. I guess that's some sort of middle movie syndrome. I don't blame the film at all. I blame my inability to differentiate between films when I remember events from the trilogy as a whole. I also blame, to a lesser extent, watching all three films in such quick succession.

This film is beautiful. The landscapes are gorgeous, the sweeping massive scenes of battles are crisp, and the ents are so detailed and fabulous it blows me away. Thank you Peter Jackson and Weta for bringing Middle Earth to life in such a remarkable way. This film is also exceptional at displaying our characters. Seeing their development and how their relations with those around them develop is a brilliant way of showing the audience that time is passing and that things are changing. It's difficult to show time passing in films like this. There must be so many days of the journey where very little happens, and so you're given a snapshot of the most action-packed parts of the journey without getting much in between. Seeing things such as the growing friendship between Gimli and Legolas or the growing fatigue of Frodo show us in a subtle way that time has continued and that this is truly an epic journey. It's brilliant direction, brilliant actors, brilliant makeup and brilliant effects, all thanks to a vision to do these films correctly.

Rank: 49

Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

"What he's demonstrated, very clearly, is that you have a choice. He took all that torment, all that agony, all that confusion and pain, and he transformed it into something beautiful. He's like the silkworm, you know? You take this raw material, and you transform it. You come out with something that wasn't there before. Something beautiful. Something perhaps transcendent. Something perhaps eternal." Rick Emmerson

A truly inspiring documentary. You probably wouldn't think that a documentary could be well written and directed and keep you guessing as to what is actually going to happen, but this one does. The way the information is presented to the viewers and the way you see how the search for Sugar Man proceeded is so interesting. I'm not sure what else I can say about this film without giving away the coolest part. So I'll just say, the story is magnificent, the music is both inspiring and inspired, and the journey is incredible. If you like good music, good people and an uplifting story, then this is definitely the documentary for you!

Rank: 50

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011)

"There are plenty of others willing to call you a failure. A fool. A loser. A hopeless souse. Don't ever say it of yourself!" Captain Haddock

This film suffered by something completely out of its and my control. After getting about 30 minutes in (just after all of the exposition is laid out and the story is about to take off), the brand new bluray started to skip and judder. Continuation of the film had to be put off until a new disc could be acquired. The pacing of the film is brilliant, and I think that I would have enjoyed the second part so much more if I had gone straight into it after watching the beginning. I just found it quite difficult to get back into it after putting some time in between viewings.
That being said, the film is fun and interesting. I like the amount of ground that it covers. The characters go to so many different places and end up is so many different situations. It's what every action film wishes it could be but doesn't have the budget for. It really keeps you guessing as to what's coming next and how they're going to manage to get past it. The uncanny-valley-ness of it didn't really bother me. Enough of the characters were caricatures, and what needed to look real was beautiful and relatable by contrast. I especially loved the animation of Snowy. He is so realistic (probably the most realistic animated character, but because he's a dog it's not so creepy) and so brilliant. I love when a film makes great use of a leading animal despite the fact that they cannot talk. The animation of Snowy and the obvious relationship between Snowy and Tintin are remarkable. The two really are an incredible team. Basically, the film is fun and entertaining for both younger and older audiences. I'm assuming that fans of the comics would have a special level of appreciation of the film as it is brilliantly bringing life to these fantastic characters. Definitely worth a watch, but try to do it all in one sitting if you can.
Let me all mention the killer cast that worked on this film. Such a wonderful marriage of filmmakers, writers, producers, directors, actors and special effects. Seriously. This team is full of all stars.

Rank: 51

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)

"Search your feelings, father. You can't do this. I feel the conflict within you! Let go of your hate!" Luke Skywalker

Once you get past the silliness at the beginning, this film is freaking amazing. The original Star Wars films were so good at expanding the universe every chance they got. Three films in and we're still seeing new planets, new species, and new ways of living. I think that this film is so well done. The pacing is great and the story is all coming together and we've still only hit the tip of the iceberg with how large this universe is. My favorite thing about this film is Luke. He's such a strong-willed person. It is his strong will and his belief is what's right that bring Anakin back from the Dark Side. I think that Anakin truly admires his son and who he grew up to be. He admires his ability to stand up for what is right and to keep true regardless of the adversity presented to him. I think that's what ultimately brought Anakin back. Not seeing his son tortured and almost killed, but seeing his son stand back up despite being tortured and almost killed. Luke also teaches Anakin that things don't have to be all about hate. He teaches him that you can be angry because of your love for someone, and that love is what actually makes a person strong. (Basically, Anakin was the biggest pessimist ever and Luke taught him that the glass could be half full.) Let's also talk about how brilliant everything on Endor is. The visuals are lush and bright. The battles are well conceived, effective and easy to watch. Han getting all emo and telling Leia that he'll step aside was pretty frustrating and felt very middle-school, but of course everything ends happily. This is my favorite film in the Star Wars series to date, and I definitely think that everyone should watch the original trilogy at least to see this film and how brilliant it really is.

Rank: 52

Fermat's Room (2007)

"Pressure is unpredictable. It can turn coal in dust or a diamond." Pascal

I love math, but I hate subtitles, so Fermat’s Room could have gone either way for me. I absolutely loved it. The story is so compelling, and so are the characters, which is interesting because you get very little information about them. I guess that could be why they're so compelling. You don't need to understand math to be able to understand the story, yet it's an added perk for math nerds like myself. This film is a psychological thriller in the vain of Saw or Cube though more accessible (due to lack of gore). Though it is very dialogue focused, it still manages to get you onto the edge of your seat. My suggestion, definitely watch this film but with the pause button on hand. It's important that you understand what they're saying and that you see what's happening around them. The subtitles don't go too quickly, but I tend to read subtitles frantically for fear of missing something, which then causes me to miss something. It's worth catching on to all of the nuances that are included in both the script and the direction. It may extend the run-time a bit, but it will be worth it.

Rank: 53

Pacific Rim (2013)

"Numbers are the closest we can get to the handwriting of God." Dr. Herman Gottlieb

Pacific Rim is a fun, original, larger than life film. It's action on a massive scale. The science and technology of the film are both interesting and intriguing and the visuals are spectacular. This is a massive story told very well. It gives us the scale of the issue, but doesn't give us too much to focus on and too many plot threads to cause confusion. The character relations are very telling of the world that this story takes place in. We see the tensions and the history. We also see an interesting theme of opposites working together and getting the job at hand done effectively. Different cultures, backgrounds, personality types, work ethics, etc. To overcome something larger than ourselves, we need to come together and it is our differences that will make us stronger. Pacific Rim is well written and well acted, which are both necessary to ensure that an entirely original film succeed in today's film industry of remakes, adaptations and sequels. Favorite thing about this film, Burn Gorman! It's great to see a beloved Torchwood actor play a more calculated and soft-spoken character. One thing that I think took away from the film was the styling of Mako Mori. I know she was meant to look different and unique, but I just saw the same haircut and color as Knives Chau from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. When you can do anything, don't do something that's already been done.

Rank: 54

ParaNorman (2012)

"You think just because there are bad people that there are no good ones either? I thought the same thing for a while. But there's always someone out there for you. Somewhere." Norman Babcock

I remember being quite pleased while leaving the cinema, though at this point, some plot details have entirely escaped my memory, which is such a shame. The film itself is done well. The animation is fun and edgy to look at without being a Tim Burton rip off. I love when stories establish their own history and superstitions. Those established in ParaNorman are done so well that rooting the plot entirely in them isn’t lost on the audience at all. Information is shared when necessary so as to not be overwhelming, regularly enough to keep viewers in the loop, yet there’s still some mystery left for you to play along. One of my absolute favorite things about this film is the openly homosexual male who is not stereotypically homosexual! Not only that, but the reactions of other characters to his sexuality are not at all along the lines of disgust, surprise or humor. It was incredibly tasteful and a good way to show younger viewers especially that being homosexual is completely acceptable and normal.

Rank: 55

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

"For a hero, you're quite a hypocrite!" David

This film is everything you expect and want it to be. It’s hilarious, slightly rude, frustrating, heart-warming, and gruesome in that lovely faux-horror way. The style and direction of this film are brilliant. It moves quickly and in stride with our “hero”. Wright and Pegg wrote a brilliant script that makes you go back and forth between relating to our main characters and laughing at their hijinks to being completely frustrated with them and just wishing that they’d grow up a bit. Shaun of the Dead is hilarious, and though in my mind the weakest of the “Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy” it is still strong and wildly entertaining. It’s a great example of the fun “horror” film where everything turns out alright in the end. It even makes fun of itself by briefly showing us the team that most films would showcase, the team that survives. This film is the outcome of teamwork. Amazing script, edgy direction, and a strong cast.

Rank: 56

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

"You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you!" Obi-Wan Kenobi

If anyone was questioning if it was possible for Anakin to get any more frustrating after Attack of the Clones, you now have your answer. It’s awful to watch a character with so much potential throw everything away, even if you know that it’s coming from the beginning. The real brilliance of this film is the order to set the plan into motion and how seamless the Sith takeover really is. It’s so unfortunate to see that the Jedi really don’t stand a chance. They were doomed from the beginning and, even worse, they were lulled into a false sense of security. They thought that they were making headway and that the clone army was with them. At least the clones actually know how to hit a target when they’re on the side of the Jedi (since Stormtroopers have obviously taken target practice off the curriculum come Episode IV). It’s a heartbreaking twist for both the audience and the light side of The Force. Then to have to watch Anakin attack the only two people still on his side, it’s all quite emotionally draining. We always knew that Darth Vader trained under Obi-Wan and that he must have had a wife to have two children, however we never saw how that went down. We didn’t see Obi-Wan plead with Anakin to return and set things right. We didn’t see Anakin toss his wife aside, fulfilling his visions of her death. We didn’t see Anakin slaughter the Younglings. It’s heart-breaking. It’s very well done, but it’s hard to watch.

Rank: 57

I Give It a Year (2013)

"Be good to people, and they will be good back to you." Guy

If you can’t handle cringy comedy, then you might be better off giving this one a miss. If you enjoy cringy comedy, then this will be a favorite. This is one of those films where you’re cringing at the thought of what could happen, and then it happens and you cringe even more. But it’s also absolutely hilarious! I found myself laughing that embarrassed laugh we all know too well. This film will always make you laugh, without a doubt, providing that this is the kind of humor that you enjoy. The actors are amazing and their ability to keep a straight face throughout the insanity is absolutely staggering. I’m very glad that this movie exists. It’s a text-book British Rom-Com with wonderful British actors and cringe-inducing British humor.

Rank: 58

Ashens and the Quest for the Gamechild (2013)

"It's not a quest!" Stuart Ashen

I wouldn’t have considered myself a “fan” of Stuart Ashen’s YouTube videos. I’ve seen them and I’ve been in stitches laughing at Clendars and horribly written packaging, but I wouldn’t seek out his latest product review just for something to watch. I appreciated the reviews that I saw, which led me to sit down and watch his full-length movie, which was absolutely brilliant. I found myself laughing and really loving every minute of the quest. It’s not alienating to non-regular viewers of his channel, yet it’s definitely something that regulars will find great entertainment in. The cast is really talented and the story is fun and slightly over the top, which is exactly what you’d want and expect from a film like this.

Rank: 59

Serenity (2005)

"I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar." Hoban "Wash" Washburne

Serenity has some problems, which stem mainly from trying to stick an entire season worth of story into one movie while still closing the story off enough to end. Parts feel quite rushed and as if they were added for the sake of fan service. I mean, I wanted Kaylee to get with Simon as much as the next girl, but it could have been done better. Some of the characters that we love from the series are either unrecognizable or drastically underused. That being said, I love the story. The origin story of the Reavers is awesome, and the risks that the team take to both uncover them and share them reminds us why they are heroes. I would have loved this story to be fleshed out throughout a season similar to the first with little bits being revealed to the audience as we followed along. Better, I guess, to have the story in this condensed form than not at all. One last note, I had Wash's death spoiled for me pretty much from the beginning of my time watching Firefly. It didn't ruin Serenity for me at all. I knew when it was coming, but I still felt all of the emotions associated with losing a beloved character. That's good character building and film-making!

Rank: 60

The Sting (1973)

"Christ, they'll probably miss you and hit me." Henry Gondorff

This film had always been on my watch list, however the thing that really pushed me to watch it was my love of Hustle. While I was approaching the final episode of season one, I was told that if I wanted to enjoy The Sting, I should watch it first. The Sting is a brilliant movie with the potential to be overwhelming on fist viewing. Luckily, I felt like I was able to keep up with it very well because I had seen five episodes of elaborate cons with clever Plan B’s. The brilliance of this film is in the details. The minds of Gondorff and Hooker are amazing to watch in action. Every little thing comes together, every scenario is accounted for, and they make everything work. It’s a classic scenario of routing for the “bad guys.” These bad guys are just so good at being bad, and it’s a treat to watch.

Rank: 61

Oblivion (2013)

"I can't shake the feeling that Earth, in spite of all that's happened, Earth is still my home." Jack Harper

The title of this film is brilliant. The satire of this film is brilliant. We are so busy following orders and trying to be what others expect of us that we never approach boundaries, we never question if we’re doing the right thing, and we never learn how to think for ourselves or make our own decisions. We’re a bunch of clones carrying out the same orders everyday in a mindless fashion, thinking that we’re making a difference. We are oblivious. If we aren’t now, then we will be someday. This film tells us that we can be more. We can dream. We can change. No matter how bad things are, we have the ability to overcome and to make things better for ourselves. This film tells an elegant story in a beautiful, yet minimalistic way. Our main cast is small, our sets are either clean and sleek or desolate wasteland. There’s not too much to look at so that there is nothing to distract us from the human drama. Furthermore, when there is more to take in, we notice by contrast. This film focuses our attention in the best way possible to teach us a little more about being human and living on Earth.

Rank: 62
Would definitely move up upon rewatch.

Star Trek (2009)

"Now, your father was captain of a Starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother's and yours. I dare you to do better." Captain Christopher Pike

This was my first step into the Star Trek universe and I have to say I was slightly disappointed. It’s a good film, and the concept to be able to create a whole new line of canon is clever. It was just forgettable. The acting was quite strong, particularly from minor characters. The story line was slightly convoluted and it took a bit too long to make sense of. My biggest disappointment stems from the fact that these are not really the characters that I was expecting them to be. They have stated in the film that the character relations in this timeline are quite different from the relations in previous Star Trek material. I felt like I was getting punished for not being a fan of the franchise already. Everyone who was already a fan gets to see this awesome parallel timeline with characters that they already know, whereas everyone who thought that now would be a good time to start tuning in has to get to know characters in an environment where they are most unlike themselves.

Rank: 63

Epic (2013)

"Ozzie, no kisses!" M.K.

It’s nice to get a fun and beautiful animated picture that creates a whole mystical universe within our own. The science used in the film is interesting, yet understandable. The characters are adventurous, yet headstrong. Sometimes they clash but they learn to work together, flaws and all, for the good of the many. The world and its politics are very expansive. They make the film unique and give you so much to look at. I’m sure that this is one of those films where you see a new thing with each viewing, be it the use of a leaf or the detailed design of a character. Though the concept was based off of a book, the story is mostly original which is always nice to come across.

Rank: 64

Now You See Me (2013)

"What is magic? Focused deception. But deception meant to entertain." J. Daniel Atlas

I remember thinking that this film was quite fun. More fun than most people seemed to think, actually. I guess it might have something to do with the fact that I love magic. I love slight of hand and big illusions that seem impossible. It was great to see a film that showcases both magic and mystery. How did they do that? Why did they do that? The twists were predictable, yet delightful. I was quite happy with the path that the film took as well as the destination. The characters were intriguing, both in their own characteristics and in their relations with those around them.  They each felt real with unique strengths and weaknesses. Fun really is the best word for this film. It’s fun trying to figure out why The Four Horsemen are doing what they’re doing. It’s fun to think about how they pulled off their stunts. It’s fun to see how they interact with each other and the people hunting them down. It’s fun to think about why they think it’s worth it. And, mostly, it’s just fun to see the illusions.

Rank: 65

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

"Dying is the day worth living for." Captain Hector Barbossa

The Pirates franchise has been on a downward spiral since the second installment, which is incredibly disappointing considering how brilliant the first film was. (Note: I liked the third way more than the second, but it was still leagues below the first.) It was nice to have a film that focused entirely on pirates, specifically Sparrow and Barbossa. The two work so well together and make for some insanely brilliant interactions. At first look, Angelica is an awesome replacement for our female in the series, though she later proves to be both frustrating and spineless. Still, a vast improvement over Elizabeth Swan. Thanks to some overdue cutting of some dead weight, it’s a good refreshing addition to the universe. Unfortunately, I don’t think that Pirates will ever be able to be as good as it was at the beginning.

Rank: 66

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

"Now you could study Shakespeare and be quite elite,
And you can charm the critics and have nothin' to eat.
Just slip on a banana peel,
The world's at your feet!" Cosmo Brown

I wanted to love this film. I’m glad to report that there are some absolutely brilliant moments. Some of the songs are amazing, both lyrics and choreography. I think that I initially judged this film a bit too harshly based on the Broadway Melody sequence. It’s basically a ten minute digression from the plot that makes no sense what-so-ever. It’s well done, but you just can’t wait for it to be over so that you can get back to the story and characters that you’re already invested in. The film itself is brilliant, but it would be even better if Broadway Melody was 8-10 minutes shorter. Other than that, the songs are all fun and entertaining, both to watch and listen to. The characters are engaging and believable. The film itself is enjoyable and the songs are incredibly catchy. Definitely worth seeing if you have been a fan of musicals in the past. I can see why it’s considered a classic.

Rank: 67

Prometheus (2012)

"I was designed like this because you people are more comfortable interacting with your own kind." David

This film IS the modern version of Alien. I know it's a prequel, and it is quite a good one at that. It’s not amazing but it’s what I would have wanted from Alien and what, I’m assuming, people got from Alien when it came out. It does a very good job of showing us things that could have led to the events of Alien while still leaving room for questions and another film. One thing that I particularly love is the fact that this franchise continues to view women as strong characters who can put complex puzzles together and can push through and survive when no one else can. Women are complex and intelligent and daring. I've heard many complaints that this film isn't enough of a prequel, and I completely disagree. I think that people look at a prequel and expect it to be the events immediately leading up to the beginning of the first film. If anything, this prequel is more so establishing the world in greater depth and allowing us to piece together the information and fill in the gaps so that we get to the beginning of Alien on our own (or with the help of a sequel/prequel).

Rank: 68

Life of Pi (2013)

"Animals have souls... I have seen it in their eyes." Pi Patel

I wish I had read the book before seeing the film. The film was beautiful, however there is a very important piece that is lost in translation from book to screen: the ending. When you've just seen the entire story play out with the animals, you're going to pick that version when you're told "But it could have happened with people, what do you think?" The story is touching and potentially enlightening if presented to the right person. The pace, however, is not optimal for film and without that big eye-opening finale, there isn’t much to reel the audience back in. Since I haven't read the book, I don't know how much was cut or changed, so I'm not sure if the pacing issues are due to the director doing a true translation or trying to change/add/subtract too much. The reason to see this film, simply put, is that it is a beautiful piece of art. 3D, framing, camera angles, colors, and special effects all work together and do exactly what they are supposed to do. They create magic on screen. There are very few films that are this visually stunning.

Rank: 69

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

"Size matters not." Master Yoda

It's very interesting watching this film for the first time and knowing Yoda. Everyone knows Yoda these days. We know what he looks like and how he talks, regardless of if you've seen every Star Wars episode or none of them. I can only imagine for people watching at the time to have had a full film with mentions of "Jedi Master Yoda" how crazy it was to see that Yoda was this tiny little green guy who just seemed to get in the way. I said directly to my viewing partner, "Why is Luke being such a jerk to Yoda?" before I realized that Luke would have no idea that this little creature making his journey particularly difficult was Yoda. End anecdote.
This film really starts to expand the massive Star Wars universe. We see new species, new planets, new powers. The characters really start to come into their own, showcasing their flaws along with their strengths (mostly Luke and his impatience since we already know how stubborn Leia is and how arrogant Han is). The main thing we're meant to see here is how similar Luke is to his father. We're being shown how Luke is training and coming to the force and how he regards his friends, and though we haven't really seen Anakin do all this yet (assuming you watch in release order) it's implied that they led quite similar paths. Anakin knows that his son will be impatient and not up to snuff on his force work (hehe pun) but will run off to protect the people he loves. Anakin was expecting his son to be so much like him that he would also immediately drop everything to stand in the dark. I think that seeing Luke choose falling to almost certain death over "eternal glory" is the first step in convincing Anakin that he may have made the wrong decision all those years ago.

Rank: 70

King Kong (2005)

"I make people laugh. That's what I do." Ann Darrow

Humans suck. I would have been so much happier if this film ended when Ann is rescued and everyone just went back to New York and left the island as it was. Unfortunately Peter Jackson was too interested in being true to the original and reminding us how we feel the need to ruin anything beautiful and natural that we can get our hands on. Aside from that, the film is beautiful. We can really get a feel for how large and wild that island is, and we can really immerse ourselves in this universe. Some scenes are... grotesque, but again that's just Peter Jackson (a) wanting to be true to the original and (b) wanting to make a film that looks and feels incredibly realistic. The characters are very believable. Their development and the way they connect with each other is beautifully written, directed and acted. It feels real and it is a pleasure to watch unfold.

Rank: 71

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

"Opportunity comes when you least expect it." Oscar Diggs/Oz

I remember being quite fond of this film when I first saw it, however I don't believe it's aged very well in my mind. I feel that I've forgotten most of it and very few things stand out about this film still. The biggest critique that I heard from this film is that it wasn't canon with Wicked, to which I think that people just need to give up. That's not what this film was meant to be. What this film was meant to be was beautiful, and that's precisely how I remember it. The land and the towns and everything were pristine and detailed and insanely gorgeous. China Girl was the most perfect execution of CGI (until Gollum in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) in that you entirely believed that she was a walking china doll. (Kudos to the sound department on that as well!) One of my biggest critiques was Mila Kunis as the Wicked Witch, and at no fault of her own. She has such a sweet round face, and the Wicked Witch is all about angles. They basically just stuck an angular nose on her, but it didn't work. She didn't look wicked enough. She looked like she was in a (very elaborate) Halloween costume. Maybe that's part of why they cast her, to throw the audience off at the beginning. I can see that. Either way, the transformation wasn't big enough.

Rank: 72

Ice Age (2002)

"I don't know about you guys, but we are the weirdest herd I've ever seen." Sid

Though you kind of know exactly the path that this film is going to take about ten minutes in, you still find yourself invested in our main characters and how they’ll face the challenges posed to them. Our characters are all slight extremes of their stereotypes: aloof giant who cares way more than he wants to, awkward fool who is good at heart and brings the group together, and cunning bad guy trying to deceive everyone. However the reason why they are these stereotypes is because the combination works. There are multiple conflicts that need to be resolved in order to reach the end target. There are some dark themes with extremely negative connotations. There are plans that can go wrong. And there’s a time limit. It’s formulaic, however that’s precisely why it’s as enjoyable as it is.

Rank: 73

127 Hours (2011)

"This rock... this rock has been waiting for me my entire life. For its entire life, ever since it was a bit of meteorite a million billion years ago up there in space. It's been waiting, to come here. Right here." Aron Ralston

This film took me two sittings to get through. Not because I couldn’t handle it, but because I’m squirmy and my viewing partner wasn’t positive that I’d be able to watch the film at all. I have a thing with violence in movies. I’m fine with blood and gore and wounds. What I can’t handle is the process. I was incredibly uneasy as Aron is trying to pull himself free of the rock because I was imagining that I was about to see his arm break and a bone pop out or something. Also, I did not watch the amputation scene. Process. What’s brilliant is that Danny Boyle included an audible version for those of us who feel the need to look away. The music and the loud bursts of feedback representing Aron’s pain were a brilliant touch. I feel like I didn’t miss out on anything by not watching the amputation itself. For a film with one character who is alone for the majority of the film, it is engaging and beautifully directed. You find yourself routing for Aron even though you know that he’s only been trapped for a day and he still has four more to go. I was quite squirmy at Aron’s recklessness, however I’m sure that’s exactly how someone as cautious and cowardly as myself is meant to feel.

Rank: 74

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)

"Mmm. Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing. How embarrassing." Master Yoda

I’m so conflicted. Obi-Wan is one of the coolest members of the entire Star Wars universe and his story here is interesting, compelling, and still heart-breaking. Anakin is one of the whiniest and most immature members of the entire Star Wars universe and his story here is boring, predictable, and way too easy to make fun of. Unfortunately, they split the movie quite evenly between the two. When I’m with Obi-Wan, I’m engaged and can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. Then we cut to Anakin who is being more awkward than a 12-year-old on a first date in his attempts to woo Senator Amidala. Next time I watch this, I know exactly which half to fast-forward.

Rank: 75

Jurassic Park III (2001)

"All our theories about raptor intelligence, what they were capable of, we weren't even close! They were smart. They were smarter than dolphins or whales. They were even smarter than primates!" Dr. Alan Grant

It’s so nice to get Alan back into the series, and it’s awesome that we get to explore the social aspects of dinosaurs as well. The first and second films talked a lot about how they hunt, though here we get more about how they communicate and emote to other members of their group. This film feels like it works so much more with the first. We bring back the element of the chaos theory and the magic of discovery. We have (mostly) strong intuitive characters. Hell, this is the only film of the franchise where a child isn’t the most infuriating aspect, constantly sneezing at the most inopportune times. A child is one of the strongest characters in the group, which is finally giving kids some credit.

Rank: 76

In Incredible Hulk (2008)

"You know, I know a few techniques that could help you manage that anger effectively." Dr. Bruce Banner

I’m going to express an incredibly unpopular opinion. I prefer Edward Norton as Bruce Banner to Mark Ruffalo. I’m sorry. I love the idea that this tiny little scientist becomes the massive Hulk. I love the sarcasm and sass that he brings to the role. I love how you can really imagine this man trying to just blend in and lay low for years at a time. Bruce is a great character. I love how he relates to those around him and I love how he's learned to deal with problems without getting out of control. You can see the years of struggle that he's dealt with to get to this point. The most disappointing aspect of this film, like in most of the Marvel films, is the villain. Not only is he unmemorable, he has to be as close to the Hulk in size and abilities as possible. I guess that’s the only way to make it a fair fight, however we just saw that in Iron Man.

Rank: 77

Iron Man 2 (2010)

"This is the key to the future. I'm limited by the technology of my time, but one day you'll figure this out. And when you do, you will change the world. What is, and always will be, my greatest creation... is you." Howard Stark

This film is slightly infuriating because it’s like every reality show in the world. You have to sit and watch someone with so much intelligence and money just sit around and feel sorry for themself. It’s nice that Tony eventually figures his shit out, it’s just unfortunate that he has to fight incredibly unmemorable villains in the process of getting there. For the only true sequel of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is quite disappointing. I mean, it's Marvel and Iron Man, so it's still good and smart and funny. It's just disappointing.

Rank: 78

Despicable Me (2010)

"Okay... Don't worry... Everything's going to be fine. We're going to be really happy here... Right?" Margo

Despicable Me is definitely a fun film for younger audiences, however it’s still enjoyable for parents as well. We have three strong female characters who know that they have the right to be happy and do what makes them feel good. Furthermore, they are definitely not your stereotypical “little girls” as far as fashion and ideas are concerned, yet they still participate in ballet. It’s about time we have young female characters for our young female viewers to relate and look up to. This film tells girls that they can be themselves and still be accepted by people, even if you're different. Though Gru's transformation into a loving father figure is predictable, it's adorable. You can see each instance of realization and compassion. It's really sweet. Not to mention the infamous minions. They're hilarious. They're a great outlet for physical comedy so that it doesn't need to happen to our human characters. I think outsourcing the physical comedy is definitely part of what puts this film above other similar children films.

Rank: 79

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

"Hi everybody! I'd like to make some toast!" Agnes

A fun sequel to a fun film. It does a very good job of fixing that “let’s have a sequel to a film about a villain but the villain isn’t a villain anymore” problem. Though the plot is predictable, I can only imagine how much fun it would be for a younger viewer to work out the mystery as they go along. We see truly developed characters, both within the film itself and since the end of the first. There's more hilarious minions, more adorable yet intelligent little girls, and more Gru learning how to be a father. Definitely a film the whole family can enjoy.

Rank: 80

Gravity (2013)

"I hate space!" Dr. Ryan Stone

I have a massive issue with 3D effects that have been added just for the sake of throwing objects at the audience. I know It was only three times throughout the film, however I had to have my eyes closed for about a minute each time. I’m not quick to forgive. I also experienced slight pain from the loudness at the very beginning. I understand why they did it. I understand it all. I understand that this is a beautiful and brilliantly made film and I get all of the not-so-subtle rebirth metaphors. I just think that I would have been able to enjoy all of these aspects so much more had I not seen this film in 3D.
That being said, this film showcases cinema and what it can do. It is beautiful and, honestly, it was meant to be seen on the big screen. It's the kind of film that has a beautiful message that you can always extract regardless of your viewing nature (cinema, tv, computer, airplane, etc.) however it'll never quite look the same as it did when it was 50 ft high. It is so crisp and has beautiful contrast. The acting is also incredible. It takes a lot of skill to be the only character on screen for 75% of a film and be believable the entire time. This film does something else spectacular, it gives the idea of space some real gravitas (pun intended). It shows both the beauty and the danger of space. It shows how far and how near it is to us on Earth. It makes it seem so real even though it's still so foreign. One of my favorite aspects of the film is the misdirection. It makes you think that something will become a problem when it is actually quite small and insignificant. It's a nice subtle way of telling the audience that small problems are small and not what you should be focusing on.

Rank: 81
Would likely move up upon rewatch outside of a cinema.

Deja Vu (2006)

"I'll speak slow, so those of you with Ph.D.'s in the room can understand." Doug Carlin

The brilliance of this film comes from truly understanding the timeline. There’s so much that is not spelled out for the viewer, but once you see it and understand it, you can really appreciate it. As complex as the timelines get, I still found this film to be slightly predictable. The things that can go wrong, do go wrong. The characters react in relatively predictable fashions. That being said, the characters stay true to themselves and work as hard as they can to make things right. I will also say that this film wasn't anything like what I was expecting. I think I was expecting some run of the mill action movie with Denzel Washington. I was surprised with a more intricate plot and some pretty cool science fiction, which I am always happy to embrace.

Rank: 82

Frankenstein (1931)

"He's just resting, waiting for a new life." Dr. Henry Frankenstein

Besides from being incredibly different from the book, this film was done quite well. Maybe I think that because I was never really a huge fan of the book and the differences were inconsequential. My favorite part of the book, however, was understandably cut from the film. It's a beautiful sequence that would have been quite difficult to translate well, especially in keeping with length requirements of the time. The story was told very clearly, especially with all the changes made to simplify the loose ends. The set seemed to be very intricate and ahead of its time.

Rank: 83

Jane Eyre (1944)

"One day, when we're grown, we will drive down that road together." Jane Eyre

This film is an incredibly abridged version of the long and heart-wrenching story of Jane Eyre. I read this book and absolutely loved it in high school, so I found myself looking for the same symbolism and subtleties only to be disappointed. Not to mention that the most brilliant (and true) line of the entire book was not included in the movie. Silly. The best aspect of the film was the portrayal of the friendship between Jane and Helen. Strong and beautiful and heartbreaking. The worst, in my mind, was the portrayal of Mr. Rochester. I know that Orsen Wells is supposed to be a renowned actor of the time, however I found it so hard to believe him. His mouth never seemed to line up with what he was saying and I found the scenes with him to be more of a bother than anything else. It's a shame, because Mr. Rochester is such an interesting character in the book. Sometimes you want to hit him and sometimes you want to hug him. I felt neither while watching the film. He didn't emote and he completely failed to elicit any type of reaction from me.

Rank: 84

Aliens (1986)

"Not bad, for a human." Bishop

A vast improvement on its predecessor. More brilliant Ripley, a (mostly) less idiotic crew, and a strong yet vulnerable little girl. Yes, it's still pretty predictable at times. Yes, we still have to have one crew member who is just an incredibly selfish douchebag. Yes, the Queen battle felt exactly like Ripley's last battle in the escape shuttle from Alien (entirely unnecessary). But that's okay. It's a brilliant way to extend the world by utilizing the "history repeats itself" meme.

Rank: 85

Rope (1948)

"You've thrown my own words right back in my face, and you were right to, if nothing else a man should stand by his words. But you've given my words a meaning that I never dreamed of, and you've tried to twist them into a cold, logical excuse for your ugly murder. Well, they never were that, Brandon, and you can't make them that!" Rupert Cadell

The thing that really edged Rope above The 39 Steps is the reality of it. The film is displayed in ten shots. The entire film is in real time. Characters that aren't in the spotlight are behaving like normal people and talking to those around them. It doesn't feel like actors are reading lines off of a script, it feels like you've been dropped into a room with people who know each other and you get to hear bits of each conversation as you go. People move around as they would at a party, groups form and dissipate, new groups form, and the conversation of each is changed depending on the characters involved. It's socially accurate, which I greatly appreciate. It's a lovely combination of talented actors and brilliant direction. Other than the basis of the film itself, which involves two men killing a friend of theirs just to prove that they can (that's not a spoiler, it happens within the first minute), this is one of the most realistic films that I have ever seen.

Rank: 86

The 39 Steps (1935)

"All right. Then, I'm just a plain common murderer who stabbed an innocent, defenseless woman in the back not four days ago. How do you come out over that? I don't know how innocent you may be, but you're a woman and you're defenseless, and you're alone on a desolate moor in the dark manacled to a murdered who would stop at nothing to get you off his hands. And if that's the situation you prefer, have it, my lovely, and welcome." Richard Hannay

This film is incredibly clever. The viewer has the fun task of trying to work out the mystery and our protagonist’s next move with the comfort of knowing that nothing in the film is actually happening to them. Puzzle movies are always interesting, though I think I lose some of the enjoyment because I spend a bit too much time trying to figure the puzzle out that I end up missing important bits of the characters’ experiences. This is definitely one of those schadenfreude films in the sense that while you see some horrible things happening to our main character, you can't help but feel a little happy while watching since none of this is happening to you. (Also, it's all pretty outlandish, so the chances of it someday happening to you are pretty slim.)

Rank: 87

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)

"Too bad SpongeBob's not here to enjoy SpongeBob not being here." Squidward Tentacles

This film is fun and cute and a really nice blast into my past. I think that SpongeBob was more prominent in the later years of my Nickelodeon watching time, but it was still something that I knew and could enjoy. It has all the silliness that SpongeBob always did so well while still having an interesting and progressive plot. In my mind, this film would have been a brilliant end to the series, and for me it will be.

Rank: 88

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

"We live in an age of darkness. A world full of fear, hate and intolerance. But in every age, there are those who fight against it. Charles Xavier was born into a world divided. A world he tried to heal." Ororo/Storm

There’s a lot happening in this film. Some of it is good, and some not so much. I’m not the biggest fan of the “Jean coming back to life” bit and the “I can save her because I love her” angst that Wolverine is emitting. It's frustrating, not to mention a waste of such a good character. Wolverine is so much more fun when he's doing something, especially is that something is helping other mutants. This whole story thread is like a little pilot of what's to come in future Wolverine-only installments. There are a lot of different sides in this war. It’s like the X-Men version of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. I do really like the determination of the “good” guys to enforce the well-being of all mutants, regardless of how they are being used against their kind. It shows compassion and tolerance, something that a lot of people today could use a lesson in. It also shows exactly how unnecessary victim blaming is. The Brotherhood wants to demolish the boy who is being used against them even though he is of their kind, however the X-Men know that this is wrong. They know that it is not his fault and that he is simply being used. Even though he is being used against them, they save him. Definitely not the strongest in the franchise, though significantly stronger than the weakest.

Rank: 89

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

"Oh yeah. Oooh, ahhh, that's how it always starts. Then later there's running and screaming." Dr. Ian Malcolm

This film was so disappointing. It was insanely predictable and way too many notches below the original. It's Jurassic Park, so it's good that it exists, because, Jurassic Park. Duh. But seriously, they've done so much better. And they prove that they could have done better with number three (and let's hope, number four). It's unfortunate that this amazing world and these amazing characters have such a weak installment. This film really loses the "reality" that was established in the first. It's a bit too far-fetched for the universe and it doesn't fit in with the other films in the franchise. I'd say cut it from canon and watch it as a separate film, but Malcolm is such a great character that it would be a shame to remove the rest of his story and character.

Rank: 90

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

"If today... If today were a normal day, there wouldn't have been any problems. But I'd forgotten that today was an extremely unlucky day. It's crazy... but I'm going to due. This is it." Makato

This film is a lovely middle ground between fun and serious. There are light-hearted moments spread throughout a complex plot. It's one of those films that you find yourself yelling at the main character because you really care about the decisions that she's making. It's refreshing how real this film is including both awkward silences and ugly cries. My only complaint has nothing to do with the film itself, but with the style of the film. Anime films tend to be of a low frame rate and include extended periods of time with no animation. It doesn't diminish the meaning of the film though. The ending was totally different than I was expecting. It's a nice change of pace.

Rank: 91

District 9 (2009)

"We go home now?" Christopher Johnson's Son

My biggest problem with this film is the mockumentry style. I've never been a fan. I even posted a video about it. In that video I also mentioned that I finally found a mockumentry that I enjoyed. BBC's The Office. Since seeing The Office I realize that I might have been a bit harsh on this film the first time I saw it.  Than I thought about the fact that in this case, the mockumentry style makes no sense. A camera crew would not be following Wikus around. I'd like to watch this film again since I'm less sensitive to the style now, but I still think that it's a weakness of the film. The characters are great. Our main character is flawed and therefore believable. Our secondary character is passionate and intelligent. Our tertiary character (who isn't really a tertiary character, but he's my favorite so shush) is adorable and naive and filled with hopes and dreams. It's a lovely story. Parts of it will melt your heart. Parts of it will inspire you to try even if it seems hopeless. I just wish that the camera would stay still.

Rank: 92
Would likely move up upon rewatch.

Shaknado (2013)

"It's time to leave Kansas, mate." Baz Hogan

This film (can I even call it a film?) is hilarious for all of the wrong reasons. Let's first accept the science that says that we can have live sharks sucked up into the atmosphere (and stay alive) only to rain down on the surrounding area. Let's also assume that the sharks can stay alive while swirling around in a tornado. Accepting this ridiculousness makes the rest of the pseudo-science seem even more insane than it did at first. That being said, this is a good thing to put on if you really want to yell at your television and laugh at poor writing and impossible circumstances. Unfortunately, they're making two more. I can understand the desire for more ridiculous shark themed horror films, since they're silly and funny and great to laugh at. But why do they need to be Sharknado sequels specifically? We've already got Sharktopus. Why not make a new Shark crossover movie? This wasn't really entertaining enough to justify wasting money on two more.

Rank: 93

Alien (1979)

"If we break quarantine, we can all die." Ripley

My favorite thing about this film is Ripley. She is brilliant. She is practical and resourceful. I'm not sure if I love or hate the fact that the character was written as a male. I don't like the assumption by the writers that the main level-headed *spoiler* lone-survivor has to be a male. I love the fact that they saw that it could be played just as effectively, if not more so, by a woman. That being said, this film is cute. I'm sure it was ground-breaking when it came out. Less predictable, wonderful imagery, etc. The main reason for my critique of the film isn't the film itself, but when I saw it and the generation that I grew up in. I can see a well-done film, especially with the resources available at the time. I think that a more modernized version with a more intricate plot would be a bit more my speed.

Rank: 94

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

"I'm the best there is at what I do, and what I do isn't very nice." Logan/Wolverine

Though definitely not the best film in the X-Men series, this film is a great look into Wolverine's past. It's so interesting to see this softer side to Wolverine, and it's massively heartbreaking that he can't remember any of it. Mutants can be hurt by their own powers. We see it with Rogue in the original trilogy, and now we see it happen to a much stronger and, quite frankly, "invincible" character.
I really like seeing who Wolverine was before the original X-Men trilogy. I like that Hugh Jackman can show us so many different sides of Logan. The number of films that he's played Wolverine in and the time periods that he has crossed with the role just show how talented he is. We've seen so many facets of his personality, yet we can completely believe that they are all part of the same character. He's the main thing that makes this film work.

Rank: 95

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

"History prefers legends to men. It prefers nobility to brutality, soaring speeches to quiet deeds. History remembers the battle, but forgets the blood." Abraham Lincoln

This film did what Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters wishes it could have done. It takes a story that we all know and it tells us a different side. This film is very well done. There's a kind of alternate history happening here, where the story could just be hiding behind what we've all read in our history books. My absolute favorite part was Lincoln putting off immortality to go to the theatre. (I audibly gasped, and as I was watching with a non-American who had already seen the film, he didn't quite understand why until I told him.) I'm always quite impressed by actors playing one character over different ages. The human main characters age significantly from when they are first introduced to the film's end. The actors make some really nice subtle changes to the way they move and deliver their lines to really convince the audience that you're looking at older versions of these characters. A very strong testament, in my opinion, to the abilities of our cast. Also, a reason to see other works that they've taken part in.

Rank: 96

Cabin in the Woods (2012)

"I'm drawing a line in the fucking sand! Do not read the Latin!" Marty

Cabin's greatest detriment is its elated reviewers. Had I not heard for months how this was the most brilliant and ground-breaking horror film ever, I might have agreed. Don't get me wrong, I get it. I see the allegory. I appreciate it and completely agree. But constant praise from my friends, co-workers, twitter, etc. made me expect to get far more. I get that they put in the cliche horror story for a reason, but I thought that the praise for being a wildly different horror movie would mean that I wouldn't have to sit through a cliche horror story. With that being said, Cabin contributed to my lack of sleep for about a week. This film did properly scare me (and despite what some of my friends may think, I do appreciate being properly scared), even if that wasn't the point. The scene where Dana and Marty are in the elevator passing by each of the creatures that they could have chosen to tear them to shreds was bone-chilling. I didn't love this film. I really never need to watch it again. But it did scare me. Once.

Rank: 97

The Wolverine (2013)

"You don't want what I got!" Logan/Wolverine

Not only does this film entirely forget its own canon, it completely messes with its pace by inserting fight scenes every time the plot gets mildly interesting and a wildly inappropriate and downright disturbing romance. Let's start from the beginning. Wolverine has his bone claws when he's in the bomb shelter, and it's obvious that he remembers these events. However, we already know that he has no memory of things that happened in his life before being pumped full of adamantium and shot in the head. Hello plot hole! Also, where are all the mutants?! This film takes place in Japan, the 10th most populated country on the planet, and you expect us to believe that only two mutants are involved (not counting Wolverine, he's not Japanese)? Add to that the fact that there is a fight scene or chase inserted whenever the audience may be intrigued enough to think about the plot enough to predict the rest of the film. Lastly, more shitty 3-D effects! The concept of a train-top chase is pretty interesting. but did it really need to take place in the foot between the top of the train and a series of metal beams? My favorite things about this film are purely things that set up upcoming films in this universe. I love that Wolverine gets his bone claws back. That is awesome! Also, the after credit sequence made me giddy for future installments.

Rank: 98

Buried (2010)

"Nobody's gonna pay five-million dollars for me!" Paul Conroy

I admit, this film probably would have been higher up if I hadn't watched it on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I do, however, think that it's worth noting when a film's entire draw is lessened based purely on the viewing conditions. Had I seen this in a dark theatre, then maybe I would have gotten properly scared by it. Maybe I'd be reminded of that fear each time I saw it afterwards. I also think that this film is guilty of action for the sake of action. Yes, I know that there's not much you can do when the entire film is set inside of a box. But why not let that remain the threat, the scare, the whole way through? Why add a bit of action with a snake and the fire? I'm very much a fan of things being just as long as they need to be. If you think that the film needs five minutes of unlikely action, you're wrong. I'm happy that I've seen this film, and I'm happy that I don't need to see it again.

Rank: 99

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

"Most people say witches aren't real. They're fairy tales. Then one day they show up at your door and eat your kids. That's where we come in. We kill witches." Hansel

This film was ultimately disappointing. They wasted a pretty neat concept on one decent plot twist (that comes into play far too late in the film to earn any redemption points) and throwing blood and dirt at the camera about 80% of the time. The character designs and concepts were properly intriguing, and the opening five minutes of the film was just short of genius. And that's where the praise stops. Now I know that I have a personal vendetta out for 3-D, but I find it entirely justified when the effect is used purely to hurl items at my face. I could barely keep my eyes open to see what was happening on screen. However, I guess if you know that your plot is poor and predictable, maybe it's a good idea to keep your audience from being able to look at the screen for more than five minutes at a time.

Rank: 100

100in2013

So here's the deal.
In 2013 I watched 100 new (new to me, not in general) films. Initially I wanted to post one long blog post in here with 100 short film reviews. After writing about half of them and noticing that the document is over22 pages long, I realized that NO ONE would read the entire thing. Silly me. So instead I decided that I would post one film review a day, for the 100 new films that I saw last year, in ascending order from least favorite to favorite.
Now there are a few things to keep in mind. The order of these films was after initial viewing. I have viewed some of these films again and I have thought a lot about them and the ordering of this list isn't exactly reflective of how I would rank these films at the present time.

Please check back for a new film review every day for 100 days! I'll post the first one later today.