As it has been read throughout this blog, I love movies. I watch alot of movies. I write screenplays. I daydream that my life is a movie. So, it should be no surprise that I have tons to say about the 2011 movie year.
To start with, my tiny anger/pet peeve: the movies that I don't have access to. You know what I'm talking about. Those small movies that are released on Decemeber 29 but to only two theaters in America. Of course those theaters aren't in Shreveport, so I'm left alone, crying, b/c some Entertainment Weekly writer gets to see the films and write their reviews and I'm left stranded in the Port wondering if the movies will ever make it here.
That's my sad story.
So, for 2011 here are the movies I feel that I've missed.
1. The Iron Lady
2. Martha Marcy May Marlene (which actually showed in Shreveport, but while I was out of town!!!!)
3. Pariah
4. We need to Talk about Kevin
5. Shame
6. The Artist
7. Carnage
8. A Dangerous Method
Only 8 movies, so, not too bad.
Obviously, those movies will be excluded from my list.
And I'm only doing top 5 and worst 5. This was a hard task for me. It was a good year in movies.
Best Movies
1. Drive
2. The Descendants
3. Young Adult
4. Midnight in Paris
5. Bridesmaids
My top movies all have 1 thing in common: re-watchablity!
Worst Movies
1. Shark Night 3D
2. Hangover II
3. In Time
4. Immortals
5. How Do You Know (technically, I think this film came out in 2010, but I saw it in 2011 so in my mind it counts. If you ask me about this movie, you will literally see rage leak from my ears.)
Mindy's Most Conflicted (these are movies that are suppose to be great, but left me blah.)
1. Hugo
2. Tree of Life
3. Rango
4. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher fans don't hate on me, I still love me some Fincher, I just thought this movie was fine. Not fantastic. Rooney Mara, yes. The film, just okay.)
5. Super 8
Extra note to my conflicted list:
*Moneyball - I liked this movie. I did. I thought Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, AND Phillip Seymour Hoffman did great acting jobs. It was a good film. Great? Mind blowing cinema? A film that changes the landscape of films? No.
There you have it. Mindy's thoughts on the good and bad movies of 2011.
What are your thoughts?
got any?
let me hear them!!!
Showing posts with label Oscar buzz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oscar buzz. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
1 day, 2 movies = 2 thumbs up
I miss double headers. Committing the whole day to a movie theater, eating theater food (nachos!) and drinking too much soda while I flit from movie to movie; those were the days.
However, Rob and I recently saw 2 movies in the same day! It wasn't really a double header cause we actually left the theater in between movies (he had some work and we have animals that need to potty). But damn, it was still fun especially cause we saw two good movies.
The first was Mission Impossible 4 on the IMAX screen. This is such a "theater" movie. This movie should only exist in theaters. Bringing it down to your "home theater" is just wrong and indirectly abusive to the filmmakers. You just won't be experiencing the movie as it was intended! Which is in a Huge theater with a 1,000 story IMAX screen (I'm exaggerating).
MI: 4 was such a fun roller coaster movie of action, wit, and Tom Cruise showing how amazingly well his body works at the age of 49! Say what you will about Tom, but when you enter the movie, let it go and just enjoy what that man has to offer: charisma, athletic prowess, and an ass made from the Greek Gods. He's perfect action, leading man material. All in all, the movie was down right fun. As my husband would say, "you don't order pizza and expect a steak." It is what it is.
The second movie of the day was Young Adult. Written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman, which is the team that brought you Juno. Also, I just know that Diablo and I would make great friends. We would gossip about 90210 and the 80's and 90's while we drank too much and then we'd write a script about a murderous socialite named Bambie. *sigh*
Young Adult is a movie that will be highly overlooked because its too much like real life that it's uncomfortable. Everything about it was a direct juxtapose to my MI:4 experience, right down to theater size. Charlize Theron stars in what I say is her career best performance (yes, better than Monster) as the completely unlikeable character Mavis Gary. Diablo Cody has written such a beautifully complex female character that my insides seer with pure envy and jealously. And like real life, the movie ends with no real convenient wrap up. There is no forced character moment of self revelations that makes the audience comfortable with the choices the character has made during the previous 90 minutes. It just is. The movie is a wonderful voyeuristic viewing into a life of a mid western 30 something woman who is unhappy with her life and with herself.
I don't want to give you a plot point analysis of this movie, I just want you all to see it.
However, Rob and I recently saw 2 movies in the same day! It wasn't really a double header cause we actually left the theater in between movies (he had some work and we have animals that need to potty). But damn, it was still fun especially cause we saw two good movies.
The first was Mission Impossible 4 on the IMAX screen. This is such a "theater" movie. This movie should only exist in theaters. Bringing it down to your "home theater" is just wrong and indirectly abusive to the filmmakers. You just won't be experiencing the movie as it was intended! Which is in a Huge theater with a 1,000 story IMAX screen (I'm exaggerating).
MI: 4 was such a fun roller coaster movie of action, wit, and Tom Cruise showing how amazingly well his body works at the age of 49! Say what you will about Tom, but when you enter the movie, let it go and just enjoy what that man has to offer: charisma, athletic prowess, and an ass made from the Greek Gods. He's perfect action, leading man material. All in all, the movie was down right fun. As my husband would say, "you don't order pizza and expect a steak." It is what it is.
The second movie of the day was Young Adult. Written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman, which is the team that brought you Juno. Also, I just know that Diablo and I would make great friends. We would gossip about 90210 and the 80's and 90's while we drank too much and then we'd write a script about a murderous socialite named Bambie. *sigh*
Young Adult is a movie that will be highly overlooked because its too much like real life that it's uncomfortable. Everything about it was a direct juxtapose to my MI:4 experience, right down to theater size. Charlize Theron stars in what I say is her career best performance (yes, better than Monster) as the completely unlikeable character Mavis Gary. Diablo Cody has written such a beautifully complex female character that my insides seer with pure envy and jealously. And like real life, the movie ends with no real convenient wrap up. There is no forced character moment of self revelations that makes the audience comfortable with the choices the character has made during the previous 90 minutes. It just is. The movie is a wonderful voyeuristic viewing into a life of a mid western 30 something woman who is unhappy with her life and with herself.
I don't want to give you a plot point analysis of this movie, I just want you all to see it.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I will take the heat and just say, "I hated it."
Yes, I maybe the only person to say it, I hated Hugo.
Rage against me, but hear my thoughts.
In what is an ode to the original film making/filmmaker became a disjointedly long and boring film that is NOT for the young in heart or age.
Earlier this year Woody Allen released Midnight in Paris, which is an ode to Paris and storytelling through literature. I smiled the entire movie. I left the theater feeling inspired and a need to create and write and move to Paris! It's a refreshing film.
Hugo did none of this. It made me uncomfortably angry and bored. I ask those who have 'enjoyed' this film if you could actually sit through it again? Could you? COULD you really?
The first half of Hugo is about a boy who fixes clocks. Put me alone in a room with only the ticking of a clock and insanity will consume me. But, I digress.
The last part of Hugo is about George Melies, one of the original film makers.
How do the two halves combine? Um. Well, by a robot made of clock pieces that when wound up draws Melies' Trip to the Moon.
example here :
Also, Hugo takes place in Paris. And there's two kids and some dogs. And a train station. My discombobulated sentences and thoughts mirror that of the movie. Hugo was masturbatory and pretentious and again, Boring. I can't imagine a kid actually sitting through this PG rated movie. I could hardly sit through this movie and I LOVE films!
Have you ever been in an Art class room setting where the professor loves an advance student's piece of work so much, but you don't understand the brilliance or beauty what so ever? But, the professor goes on and on about this student's work as a whole, but not about the actual piece that sits in front of you.
This is how I feel. Reviews about Hugo honor Scorese for his ode to film preservation through 3D and other technical aspects. But I ask this, "Where's the interesting story that moves each scene along and keeps me fascinated by character's choices?"
I mentioned Allen's Midnight in Paris earlier because I think these two film's should be compared to each other for the sole reason that they are both in honor of storytelling; one in literature, one in film.
I believe Allen far exceeded Scorese.
And I make this statement, "If Hugo wins Best Picture at the Academy Awards, I will Never Ever watch or believe in the merit of the Academy."
Hugo isn't a bad technical piece of movie making. No. It shows advances, like that of Melies.
I always ask myself, " In ten years, will this movie live up to the hype? Will it still be great? Will it still move me?"
I answered NO.
Midnight in Paris will be available on DVD December 20. Save your money and just go buy that DVD, I promise that you'll have more fun.
Rage against me, but hear my thoughts.
In what is an ode to the original film making/filmmaker became a disjointedly long and boring film that is NOT for the young in heart or age.
Earlier this year Woody Allen released Midnight in Paris, which is an ode to Paris and storytelling through literature. I smiled the entire movie. I left the theater feeling inspired and a need to create and write and move to Paris! It's a refreshing film.
Hugo did none of this. It made me uncomfortably angry and bored. I ask those who have 'enjoyed' this film if you could actually sit through it again? Could you? COULD you really?
The first half of Hugo is about a boy who fixes clocks. Put me alone in a room with only the ticking of a clock and insanity will consume me. But, I digress.
The last part of Hugo is about George Melies, one of the original film makers.
How do the two halves combine? Um. Well, by a robot made of clock pieces that when wound up draws Melies' Trip to the Moon.
example here :
Have you ever been in an Art class room setting where the professor loves an advance student's piece of work so much, but you don't understand the brilliance or beauty what so ever? But, the professor goes on and on about this student's work as a whole, but not about the actual piece that sits in front of you.
This is how I feel. Reviews about Hugo honor Scorese for his ode to film preservation through 3D and other technical aspects. But I ask this, "Where's the interesting story that moves each scene along and keeps me fascinated by character's choices?"
I mentioned Allen's Midnight in Paris earlier because I think these two film's should be compared to each other for the sole reason that they are both in honor of storytelling; one in literature, one in film.
I believe Allen far exceeded Scorese.
And I make this statement, "If Hugo wins Best Picture at the Academy Awards, I will Never Ever watch or believe in the merit of the Academy."
Hugo isn't a bad technical piece of movie making. No. It shows advances, like that of Melies.
I always ask myself, " In ten years, will this movie live up to the hype? Will it still be great? Will it still move me?"
I answered NO.
Midnight in Paris will be available on DVD December 20. Save your money and just go buy that DVD, I promise that you'll have more fun.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly..........Mindy's movie info.
The Good?
The very long awaited trailer for Cabin in the Woods. I've anxiously been awaiting this movie and I have no idea what has taken so long for release, but by God, I'm happy it's near. (release date is April 2012).Written by the Genius minds of Joss Wheadon (Buffy!!!) and Drew Goddard (Buffy, Angel, Lost) this movie is sure to be unabashedly Awesome.
Watch the trailer. Also, watch the WHOLE trailer. This is NOT your typical dumb horror movie.
The Bad?
It's December. Oscar movies are making the rounds. Great movies are just waiting to be seen, such as: My Week with Marilyn, Young Adult, A Dangerous Method, The Artist, The Descendants, We Need to Talk about Kevin, Shame.What's playing at my local cineplex? None of the above. I've had a little free time, but have I gone to the theater? NO. Why? Cause I don't want to see family friendly happy holidays penguins vampires sitting on New Year's Eve part 2. Disappointment abounds.
The Ugly?
Some nitwit has decided because of Occupy Wall Street that it's a great idea to remake American Psycho and set it in present day. Yes, you read that sentence correctly. Oh! And for the microbudget of $2 million. I can already say it will suck. Stop fucking with Classics! I don't see painter's re-making the Mona Lisa. Studio's should stop. Become original. Hire new people. Like me :)Saturday, November 12, 2011
Oscar debacle in few words....
If you are unaware of what's been happening with the fate of the Oscar's host & producer, no worries, I'm here to sum it all up for you:
Brett Ratner (check his credentials here.) was set to Producer the next Oscars.
Eddie Murphy was set to host.
Brett Ratner said in a videoed interview that rehearsing is for f**gots.
The world got offended (please keep in mind that Brett Ratner is a douche. Hollywood knows it. The world should too).
Brett Ratner got "let go" and Eddie Murphy quit in some strange alliance to Ratner.
Now, Brian Grazer (credentials here.)is producing and......
drum roll........
Billy Crystal is hosting.
I do find it funny that with a little controversy surrounding the Oscars, the Oscars' Gods go back to what they know; Billy Crystal.
I'm not complaining, I love Billy as a host. He has never done wrong in my eyes. But, come on, it's a little funny.
That's the week in Oscar news :)
Brett Ratner (check his credentials here.) was set to Producer the next Oscars.
Eddie Murphy was set to host.
Brett Ratner said in a videoed interview that rehearsing is for f**gots.
The world got offended (please keep in mind that Brett Ratner is a douche. Hollywood knows it. The world should too).
Brett Ratner got "let go" and Eddie Murphy quit in some strange alliance to Ratner.
Now, Brian Grazer (credentials here.)is producing and......
drum roll........
Billy Crystal is hosting.
I do find it funny that with a little controversy surrounding the Oscars, the Oscars' Gods go back to what they know; Billy Crystal.
I'm not complaining, I love Billy as a host. He has never done wrong in my eyes. But, come on, it's a little funny.
That's the week in Oscar news :)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
2 movie Review
My husband and I finally made it back to the theater for a movie. We usually see at least 1 movie a week, but life got busy and we hadn't been to the theater in a month :(
We made it back, but we were not pleased. Our mistake was seeing
In Time. We were both intrigued by the concept of the film so it seemed like a no brainer. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, here it is.....
Everyone is genetically engineered to stop aging at 25. From the moment they turn 25 they start living on time, literally. They get paid in time, they purchase things with time, etc. The "time" is shown in pretty green neon on the forearm of each person.
That's the concept. Pretty cool, right? Well, everything got lost in translation cause this movie was a freaking, unimaginative BORE!!!
I would not recommend this movie. It might be worth a viewing if it accidentally appeared in your DVD player and you didn't in any way actually pay any money. That way, the movie will only be sucking your time and not your pocketbook. (I had to have at least 1 time suckage pun!) Final: 2 thumbs down.
Second movie of the week was Melancholia. I have been uber excited about this trailer for months. I am happy I got to see the film, but I don't know how I feel about the film. It's definitely an art house movie with it's 5 minute opening of extreme slow motion shots. Granted, these shots are beautiful. The cinematography is breath taking. But, the story? Slow. Muffled. Sad. Oddly intriguing. Is it worthy of Oscar buzz? Perhaps. I wouldn't be surprised. But, I'm sure I'll have a lot to say on Oscar buzz once I've seen more contenders.
And that's that. I can't seem to force myself to say anything more about the movie. Oh, wait....I LOVED the score. Haunting pieces of music.
We made it back, but we were not pleased. Our mistake was seeing
In Time. We were both intrigued by the concept of the film so it seemed like a no brainer. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, here it is.....
Everyone is genetically engineered to stop aging at 25. From the moment they turn 25 they start living on time, literally. They get paid in time, they purchase things with time, etc. The "time" is shown in pretty green neon on the forearm of each person.
That's the concept. Pretty cool, right? Well, everything got lost in translation cause this movie was a freaking, unimaginative BORE!!!
I would not recommend this movie. It might be worth a viewing if it accidentally appeared in your DVD player and you didn't in any way actually pay any money. That way, the movie will only be sucking your time and not your pocketbook. (I had to have at least 1 time suckage pun!) Final: 2 thumbs down.
Second movie of the week was Melancholia. I have been uber excited about this trailer for months. I am happy I got to see the film, but I don't know how I feel about the film. It's definitely an art house movie with it's 5 minute opening of extreme slow motion shots. Granted, these shots are beautiful. The cinematography is breath taking. But, the story? Slow. Muffled. Sad. Oddly intriguing. Is it worthy of Oscar buzz? Perhaps. I wouldn't be surprised. But, I'm sure I'll have a lot to say on Oscar buzz once I've seen more contenders.
And that's that. I can't seem to force myself to say anything more about the movie. Oh, wait....I LOVED the score. Haunting pieces of music.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Oscar Contender and Marilyn Monroe :)
I have strong hunches that say Michelle Williams will be nominated for her role as Marilyn Monroe in the new flick My Week with Marilyn. The Academy tends to love biopic films. I also think Leo DiCaprio will be nominated for his turn as J.Edgar.
Yes, I'm excited for both films.
And, both films should be at your local Cineplex by month's end!
Check out the trailers!
Better quality Marilyn click here
And for a better quality J.Edgar click here
Yes, I'm excited for both films.
And, both films should be at your local Cineplex by month's end!
Check out the trailers!
Better quality Marilyn click here
And for a better quality J.Edgar click here
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Trailer for viewing
I've been fascinated by this trailer for months now. This movie seems oddly wonderful and intriguing. I do hope I get to see it in theaters. Could it be an Oscar possibility? Not sure, but Kirsten Dunst did win best actress at Cannes. We'll see....
In the mean time. Watch this trailer.
If you'd like a better quality click here
If not, watch the one below.
In the mean time. Watch this trailer.
If you'd like a better quality click here
If not, watch the one below.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Oscar buzzing season approaches....You should watch this Trailer
After my love of Fall TV comes my other love, Oscar season movies. It seems that the Oscar movies always come out in late fall early winter time.
I go to the theater often, but this time of the year I tend to go more often. I like the idea of having seen all Oscar nominated films. It's happened only two times in my decade long affair. There's always that one movie that gets nominated that was only released in that one art house theater in New York (damn you!).
This year, again, I'm determined to see all the movies I think will be nominated. At the top of my list is Alexander Payne's The Descendants, starring George Clooney.
Payne is a lovely writer/director, an inspiration to me really. I'd eventually like to model my career after his (here's hoping I get a career!).
If you are unfamiliar with him, then check him out here.
I have high hopes for The Descendants.
I feel some nominations coming its way.
Check out the trailer....
And stay tuned for more potential Oscar movies buzz :)
I go to the theater often, but this time of the year I tend to go more often. I like the idea of having seen all Oscar nominated films. It's happened only two times in my decade long affair. There's always that one movie that gets nominated that was only released in that one art house theater in New York (damn you!).
This year, again, I'm determined to see all the movies I think will be nominated. At the top of my list is Alexander Payne's The Descendants, starring George Clooney.
Payne is a lovely writer/director, an inspiration to me really. I'd eventually like to model my career after his (here's hoping I get a career!).
If you are unfamiliar with him, then check him out here.
I have high hopes for The Descendants.
I feel some nominations coming its way.
Check out the trailer....
And stay tuned for more potential Oscar movies buzz :)
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