"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
23 July, 2014
22 July, 2014
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
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
21 July, 2014
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
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
16 July, 2014
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.
15 July, 2014
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
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
14 July, 2014
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
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
13 July, 2014
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
12 July, 2014
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.
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.
11 July, 2014
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
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
10 July, 2014
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.)09 July, 2014
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
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
08 July, 2014
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
07 July, 2014
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
06 July, 2014
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.
Rank: 49
05 July, 2014
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
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
04 July, 2014
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
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
03 July, 2014
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
02 July, 2014
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
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
01 July, 2014
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
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
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