These are in no particular order of preference.
UP - I list Up first simply because it will be the most universally liked of the films I list. So, I thought I would kick it off with one everyone will love. Yes, it is a big film that got plenty of notice. It also is one of the best films of the year. It is Pixar doing what they do - which is "be amazing." I promised myself I would not take them for granted a long time ago, thus I always mention their films when they rock (which thus far has been always). I marveled and I teared up a bit. This film is for all ages and should be adored by everyone.
MOON - Duncan Jones hits the film scene with an intimate sci-fi movie that is absolutely fantastic. This is science fiction of the most intelligent kind, so going in expecting gun fights and the like is a no no. I would not even watch trailers of this film, just give it a watch if you are a fan of the genre. Sam Rockwell stars as a man on the moon in the final days of his mission. And it goes from there. Stunning visuals on a budget of about 5 million. A haunting Clint Mansell score. Definitely check it out. It joins the recent wave of new sci-fi that is upon us.
ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL - I absolutely love this documentary. It follows the "career" of a heavy metal band that has been around for 30 years. It shows how they keep on doing what they do, even without a lot of success. It is very funny and very touching. It nearly plays like a real life Spinal Tap. If you pursue, have pursued or think of pursuing anything in the arts you will absolutely love it. Scratch that... if you love the indomitable human spirit, you will love this movie. Recommended for everyone - regardless of musical tastes.
DRAG ME TO HELL - Sam Raimi returns to his roots in a big way. After the fairly miserable Spiderman 3, he hits a horror home run with this film. All his early trademarks are there as well as some new tricks. This movie essentially plays out as Evil Dead 4. You have the slapstick he is known for, unbeatable atmosphere, and really fun performances. A great soundscape is a must and this film delivers the creeps in memorable ways. I wish more films like this came out. Recommended for fans of the genre pretty much exclusively. If you have any affinity for horror films, buy it on DVD.
IN THE LOOP - Maybe the funniest movie of the year. A laugh out loud look at the world of politics and how people with half a brain decide when it's time to go to war. It is also a bit scary, as it feels very real. In this film you have a "blunder" by a minor British politician that just escalates in their current political climate with hilarious results and characters. It takes place both with British and American politicians waging a war within their own ranks to get certain agendas through and into play. It is very intelligent and doesn't play for cheap laughs, yet still gets the full belly laughs with its quick wit.
OBSERVE AND REPORT - This is probably my favorite film of the year. I put it last as it is also the hardest to recommend. It is very dark. Uber bleak. But I found it very apt for today's society. It also happens to be flat out hysterical, but you will find yourself laughing for all the wrong reasons (if you enjoy dark comedy). A film that is incredibly deft in its execution with clear inspiration from the 70s films of Scorsese and Peckinpah. I love the amount of cinephile love that went into making this picture. It is a piece of true passion and vision. And Seth Rogen here is not the Rogen you have previously known. And for that I love him infinitely more. If someone would have said to me prior to watching the film that by August, Observe and Report will be my favorite movie of the year... I would have laughed in their face. But it is the real deal. A true force of cinema.
1 comment:
Great picks...especially Up, Drag Me to Hell and Observe and Report.
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