The Descendants

Title: The Descendants

Directed by: Alexander Payne

Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Mary Birdsong, Nick Krause, Jude Greer

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 55 minutes

Release Date: November 18th, 2011 (limited)

MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Descendants' is one of the best films of 2011, one of the few movies that qualified to be on the Must-See List of this year.

'The Descendants' is a well made film. It is very well casted, and the entire crew puts in very strong performances. George Clooney's pulls off one of the absolute best performances of his career. He is strong, vulnerable, angry, grieving, lost, and confused, all at the same time, and he really makes the audience care for him. And this is what makes this film so good, the real struggles these characters face, an how they deal with those struggles. It's all in here, the mistakes and the triumphs.

Do yourself a favor, and do not miss 'The Descendants'.

Grade: 8.5

The Ides of March

Title: The Ides of March

Directed by: George Clooney

Starring: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Even Rachel Wood

Genres: Drama, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 42 minutes

Release Date: October 7th, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: Having heard great things about 'The Ides of March', I had high hopes walking into this film. And it does not disappoint.

'The Ides of March' is one of those films where quality parts have been put together to make a great product. Casting, and acting are great, as are the story, the writing and directorial work. The pace is quite slow, but charged with tension, which avoids the audience getting bored. Well done, Mr. Clooney, well done!

'The Ides of March' is one of the best films this year. Period. Do not miss this one.

Grade: 8

Moneyball

Title: Moneyball

Directed by: Bennet Miller

Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Robin Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Genres: Biopic, Drama, Sports

Running Time: 2 hours. 6 minutes

Release Date: September 23rd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I am not usually a big fan for sports movies. At least not the typical garden variety of sports films, filled with cliches, and predictably triumphant endings. 'Moneyball' is not one of those films. 'Moneyball' is a film about people, more than it is about sports. It is also one of the best films of the year.

The story is good, the casting fantastic, and the performances brilliant. Brad Pitt is great as the GM of the Oakland A's, Philip Seymour Hoffman's does epic grumpy as only he can, and Jonah Hill shows us he can actually do more than be funny; he can act.

If the typical underdog-to-thriumph story is your thing, you might be disappointed with this film. You'd be crazy, but you know, "to each their own". For everyone else, catch 'Moneyball', because it's one of the few really great films so far this year. I know, this year suffers from severe good-film-drought, so that doesn't say a lot. However, even compared to a year with an epic film crop, 'Moneyball' would be one of the best.

Grade: 9

True Grit

Title: True Grit

Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews, Jarlath Conroy, Paul Rae, Domhnall Gleeson, Elizabeth Marvel, Roy Lee Jones

Genres: Action/Adventure, Western, Adaptation, Remake

Running Time: 1 hour. 50 minutes

Release Date: December 22nd, 2010

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: "People do not give it credence that a young girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood. But it did happen. I was just 14 years of age when a coward by the name of Tom Chaney shot my father down and robbed him of his life and his horse and two California gold pieces that he carried in his trouser band. " -- Mattie Ross

'True Grit' is hands down one of the best movies of the year. It is well written, well casted, well acted, and well directed. Jeff Bridges is perfect as U.S. marshal, and drunk, Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn., Matt Damond is hilarious as "nincompoop"/Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, and Hailee Steinfeld portrayal of 14 year old Mattie Ross is nothing short of brilliant.

A very memorable, well told story that is excellent in all its parts.

Grade: 9.5

Black Swan

Title: Black Swan

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Toby Hemingway

Genres: Drama, Thriller

Running Time: 1 hour. 43 minutes

Release Date: December 3rd, 2010

MPAA Rating: R

Review: This is an epic, shocking, over the top, absolutely mad film, portraying the professional life of a dancer at the New York City Ballet, played by Natalie Portman. 'Black Swan' is brilliant, albeit quite rough in its deliver at times. The audible gasps were plentiful in the theater, and I would be amiss if I pretended one or two of those shocked intakes of breath didn't come from me.

It really is Portman who makes this film. The other parts are great, don't get me wrong, but Natalie Portman is epic. Her performance alone makes this film worths it's minutes. Do not miss 'Black Swan'. As Ms. Portman sprouts feathers through her skin, 'Black Swan' will get under yours.

Grade: 9

Get Him To The Greek

Title: Get Him To The Greek
Directed by: Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Jonah Hill, Russel Brand, Elisabeth Moss, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Rose Byrne
Genres: Comedy
Running Time: 1 hour. 49 minutes
Release Date: June 4th, 2010
MPAA Rating: R


Review: If you saw this in a theater in my local area on opening day, and you were unfortunate enough to have The Woman with the Loudest Laugh Known to Man (me) in your theater, I do apologize, but I could not help myself; 'Get Him To The Greek' is almost too funny to see in public! I spent the entire movie either tigh-slapping-laughing, wheezing from laughter-related-oxygen-deficiency or having a cramp in both my cheeks & abs from laughing too hard for too long - all of which were extremely loud and surely obnoxious.

'Greek' is a home-run reminiscent of 'Pineapple Express' and 'The Hangover', and if you enjoyed either of those (or their equals) you will enjoy this one. The entire cast is perfect and hilarious, and Sean 'Diddy' Combs can surprisingly keep up with the rest of them. The party scene with the adrenaline shot is particularly memorable. 'The Greek' is good enough for DVD purchase - one I predict will be used quite a bit. This one will definitely make the Best of the Year list. Highly recommended to those that are comedically compatible.

Grade: 8.5

Crazy Heart

Title: Crazy Heart
Directed by: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, James Keane (II), Anna Felix
Genres: Drama, Musical, Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour. 51 minutes
Release Date: December 16th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: I saw this movie a few weeks ago, and I've been meaning to post this review for a while, but didn't get to it until today. So, long over due, but 'Crazy Heart' is definitely worth the wait.

'Crazy Heart' is an amazing film, with beautiful performances from both Mr. Bridges & Ms. Gyllenhaal. It is well directed, superbly acted, it is visually gorgeous in all its worn out despair, and it has a heartfelt story. The end result: 'Crazy Heart' is one of the best of 2009, hands down. One of the very few Must See films of last year's crop.

Mr. Bridges is clearly born to play this role, in much the same way as Mickey Rourke was born to portray The Ram in last year's 'The Wrestler'. And, Ms. Gyllenhaal is absolutely wonderful as well (no surprise there, she is always amazing!). I was so excited to see the team behind this film receive a few nods for all their hard work. Any recognition for this film is well deserved, and I'll definitely be crossing my fingers for these guys, come the big awards. I could not recommend this film enough. See it.

Grade: 9.5

Up In The Air

Title: Up In The Air
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Danny McBride
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour. 49 minutes
Release Date: December 4th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'Up In The Air' is kind of like Mr. Clooney; funny, charming, and good looking. As would be expected coming from Jason Reitman, you say, and bring up 'Juno' as the example to prove your point. 'Jennifer's Body' is my quick retort, proving beyond any argument that you can never know with this guy. Luckily, this one is more like his first venture than the latter.

Anna Kendrick is quickly moving her way up on my list of favorite actresses, going from being a peripheral side-kick to Kristen Stewart in that horrible hack job 'Twilight', to being funny as all hell in 'New Moon', to holding her own against George Clooney in 'Up In The Air'. Not a bad ascent, I am impressed.

'Up In The Air' has been thrown around as one of the Must-See films of 2009, and I would agree. Would it, however, have been released in 2008, a movie year that picked up a fair bit of speed at the end, it would have been a tier down from the other 2008 award contenders. This year though, which has come and gone with a pretty short list of noteworthy films, it most certainly stands its ground against the competition, and even do very well.
Grade: 8.5

Brothers

Title: Brothers
Directed by: Jim Sheridan
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Sam SHepard, Mare Winningham
Genres: Drama, War, Remake
Running Time: 1 hour. 50 minutes
Release Date: December 4th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R
Review: While many females favor chick-flicks, I would prefer a home front war movie any day of the week, and 'Brothers' is right up my alley. This is Maguire's film, his best, hands down. It also happens to be one of my favorite film of 2009, easily standing out in a pretty measly year for movies. But even in a better movie year, this one would still be memorable, not the least due to Maguire's shaved head, starved frame, heartbreaking guilt and harrowing look of pure paranoia. But both Gyllenhalla and Portman manage to keep up, and the end result: 'Brothers' is a beautiful film.

Grade: 8.5

The Blind Side

Title: The Blind Side
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Adaptation, Biopic, Sports
Running Time: 2 hours
Release Date: November 20th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Review: The Hollywoodized version of a pretty remarkable true story, complete will feel-good sensations that stays around for quite a while after the credits roll. I will admit, I am kind of a sucker for the occasional feel-good sports movie, but it is nothing I go completely ga-ga for. I did, however, see several movies back-to-back today, and this one still managed to stay in my mind afterward. Definitely one I will recommend.

Grade: 8.5

District 9

Title: District 9
Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, John Summer
Genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Running Time: 1 hour. 53 minutes
Release Date: August 14th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: If there is one movie I would recommend seeing in the theaters this summer, it is definitely 'District 9'. So far, it is one of my favorite movies of the year, and it currently resides firmly at the top of my "Must See" list.

So what is so great about 'District 9'? The story is unique, the acting (by, to me, mostly unknown actors) is great, the camera work is brilliantly realistic (for a film about freaking aliens on earth!) and the story line's parallels to both past & current civil rights issues is interesting. I found myself completely engrossed in this film, deeply disturbed by the unjust violence, and by the end, very much cheering for a happy alien ending.

Do not miss 'District 9'!

Grade: 9.5

Superbad

Title: Superbad

Directed by: Greg Mottola

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, Kevin Corrigan,

Genres: Comedy

Running Time: 1 hour. 52 minutes

Release Date: August 17th, 2007

MPAA Rating: R

Review: Most people who have said they don't like 'Superbad', have claimed it is because the presence of strong language, crude jokes and teenage drinking. I understand that these things can be upsetting for some. However, please keep in mind, this film has a MPAA rating of R, a rating that comes with a full list of the component that earned that rating, for a reason. Look it up, and pass on films outside of your level of tolerance.

I am glad I did not pass on 'Superbad', because it is thoroughly hilarious! And since I enjoy strong language, crude jokes, and don't mind teenage drinking (just kidding) (pretty much... I am from Sweden, after all), I had no problems with the components that warranted that R rating. In fact, I loved this film!

Grade: 8