Film Reviews (Capsule): December 2011 and January 2012 Part 2

The last blog from my Tumblr. I promise!

Movie Reviews Part 2 (December and January)

Here's part 2. Unlike the last bunch, which I gave very mixed reviews, this bunch is incredibly ridiculous (in a positive way). These were/are all Oscar contenders, and therefore, they're amongst the strongest movies I've seen all year. I tried to be tougher, but I couldn't. Sorry for those who say I am too easy on movies. I recommend all of these films for various reasons. These are all still playing in theaters so everyone should go see them: 

1.     The Descendants- 3 and 1/2 stars


I went into this movie expecting a comedic drama. Boy, was I wrong. This is one of the saddest movies I've seen all year. It's a beautiful story about family, relationships, infidelity, and understanding. George Clooney gives one of his best performances as the man who must comprehend that a) his wife is in a coma, and b) she cheated on him. The fact that Clooney has awkward relationships with his daughters also adds to the drama. Shailene Woodley is excellent as the older daughter, and the rest of the supporting cast is flawless. This is ensemble acting of the highest order. Despite a couple of tonal imbalances in the film, The Descendants is beautifully directed and is one of the best movies of the year.

2.     Young Adult- 3 and 1/2 stars


I've seen a lot of outstanding comedies this year. However, Young Adult is one of the comedies that really stands out in my mind. Charlize Theron gives a tremendous performance as an alcoholic (and somewhat insane) woman who is trying to steal her old boyfriend away from his wife and child. Theron is really brave and tackles this character with amazing force. Her character is extremely unlikable, and yet, we sort of root for her in a weird way. Diablo Cody's script is hilarious but really dark. Warning: the comedy in this film is not pleasant. You won't believe how brutally dark the humor is. But that's what makes this film so fearless. Two more things. 1) The supporting work by Patton Oswalt and Patrick Wilson are very impressive. 2) Jason Reitman does an excellent job of directing this movie. With another director, it could've turned into a weird and creepy psycho thriller. Reitman strikes the right tone every time and makes this character's train wreck a compelling one.

3.     My Week with Marilyn- 3 and 1/2 stars


Two words. Michelle Williams. Williams is one of this generation's greatest actresses, and she validates this achievement with this film. You won't believe how great she is in this movie. Every little detail, from the way she presents Marilyn, to the way she giggles and talks, embodies Marilyn Monroe. Williams captures every essence of Monroe: her sexiness, her flirtatious nature, her innocence, her charm, and her sadness. Props to Kenneth Branagh for giving a very showy yet powerful performance. However, if you want to see this movie, be warned that it is very sad. This film is being sold as a romantic comedy. It's not. It's one of the saddest and yet one of the most interesting biopics I've seen. 

4.     The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- 3 and 1/2 stars


I've read the book. I've seen the Swedish original. And now I've seen the American version. So what are my thoughts? The American film adaptation of Dragon Tattoo is superior to the already outstanding Swedish film. What I liked about this version is the faithfulness to the book. Nothing is left out, and it captures the exact dark and disturbing nature of the novel. And what a technical masterpiece this movie is. David Fincher does an excellent job with the material. This film is dark and weird and grotesque and sexy and mysterious all at once. Even with a 2 hour 40 minute running time, this film never drags. The cinematography, score, and editing are perfect. And lastly, the performances. Daniel Craig is a great Mikael. And Rooney Mara. She's the perfect Lisbeth. Lisbeth is one of the most complex yet fascinating characters in literary history, and Mara owns this role. What a thrill it is to see a movie that is this good.

5.     War Horse- 2 and 1/2 stars


No. This is not a typo. War Horse is getting 2 and 1/2 from me, which is the lowest score for a recommendation. You may ask why I'm giving this movie a lower score when so many other people are raving about this movie. I'll tell you why. This story about a boy and his horse is really sweet. Really touching. Jeremy Irvine gives a very good performance (especially for his first movie). So what are this movie's flaws? I'll tell you. It's the manipulative nature and sappiness of the film. Sure, we are supposed to understand from the beginning that Joey is an amazing horse. But the movie keeps pummeling you in the head by telling you that this horse is amazing. Enough. We get it! Don't shove it down our throats! Don't force the audience into crying! Stop with the overbearing completely dramatic John Williams score! We get it. But this movie still works. Steven Spielberg makes you accept the overtly sweet nature of this movie. Some of the scenes are gorgeously done, and the cinematography is really extraordinary. Just a warning that this is a good film, but it isn't one of the stronger films of the year.

6.     The Artist- 3 and 1/2 stars


This is the Oscar frontrunner right now and deservedly so. What a charming and lovely film this is. Jean Dujardin is absolutely fantastic and Berenice Bejo lights up the screen. This story of the end of silent films and the transitions into "talkies" is so incredibly entertaining and so incredibly sweet. Even though this film is in black and white and is almost completely silent, it's one of the most compelling movies of the year. You may be surprised what an emotional roller coaster this movie will take you on: you'll laugh, you'll sweat (some parts are really suspenseful), you'll cheer, and you may even cry. It's a beautiful film that pays tribute to cinema. The directing, the writing, the acting, everything is just exquisitely done.

7.     Hugo- 3 and 1/2 stars


This is one of the most surprising movies of the year. I didn't know what to expect going in, but walking out, I knew that I saw one of the best movies of the year. This is Martin Scorsese's love letter to cinema, and the personal aspects of this film are so touching. The story of a boy trying to solve a mystery in Paris turns into a really huge film that incorporates cinema history such as the origins of cinema and the magic of movies. I was surprised with the depth of Hugo. It's sad, thrilling, uplifting, funny, and most importantly, magical. Plus, Martin Scorsese knows how to direct in 3D. Hugo is one of the best 3D films I've ever seen. The 3D is not distracting or gimmicky. It greatly enhances the experience of the film in the best way possible.

8.     Carnage- 3 and 1/2 stars


4 people. 1 room. Extreme chaos. This is the basis of Roman Polanski's hilarious film that follows 4 parents as they try to discuss and work out a fight that their children got into. Even though this film is less than 1 hour and 20 minutes, the genius of this film shines through. This is the best ensemble cast for a comedy (besides Bridesmaids) because you have 4 incredible actors at the top of their game. I loved how this film starts out sorta peaceful yet awkward, and then, it slowly turns into pure insanity. These parents lash out at each other, doing and saying the most ridiculous things. You won't believe how mad these people are. And you won't believe the conclusion to this movie. It's a real riot.