There were a lot of good movies last year, some so-so, some you wondered why you were still stuck in the theater and what better things you could have been doing at the time.
Slumdog Millionaire-
This was a tragic, epic love story about strength and resilience. Flashbacks to childhood experiences while being interrogated as to why he was so good at a certain game show, Jamal (Dev Patel) just wanted to see his true love, Latika. It is long and grueling and easy to make a connection with the characters. You’re fighting for their chance. It is a worthwhile film through and through.
Confessions of a Shopaholic-
This would be one of the so-so movies I referred to; it was something you’d deal with sitting through but forget a week later. What kind of movie is one that doesn’t leave a good impression? A waste of time on all parties involved. Some books-turned-movies you didn’t even know existed and Sophie Kinsella’s best-seller didn’t translate well to the big screen. The most memorable scene was watching the lead attempt to dance. Nice try, chick flick cliche. A few good laughs, but not enough to keep it afloat.
Fast & Furious-
The 4th installment of the Fast and the Furious series, set in a timeline before Tokyo Drift was a thrilling experience from the first scene to the similar final scene. With added GPS effects, a hidden tunnel in the side of a cliff, car-on-person action and the usual banter between characters Dom and Brian, it satisfied and exceeded expectations.
X-Men Origins-
You wouldn’t think adding new characters this late into a series would go over well, but the Box Offices certainly begged to differ. Angst, anger, rage…well, there was a lot of heat and emotion in this one. Mutants have feelings, too, and you could definitely hone in on that. It was a well-orchestrated movie while covering all its intended bases.
Obsessed-
While on the subject of rage, let’s introduce Beyonce defending herself, her husband and her toddler from a deranged homewrecking intern. It slowly walks you through the process of this psychopath’s thought pattern and it takes a while before Beyonce knows about it. She turns on her husband. They make up and get better security. Nearing the end, you are so ready to kill this delusional whore, you’ll get between her and Beyonce to do so.
The Proposal-
Another so-so plotline repeated every ten minutes for clarity: Sandra Bullock is about to be deported so she’s making her loyal secretary, Ryan Reynolds, marry her by holding position over his head. In case you didn’t get that, she’s making him marry her. It takes place in Alaska (not really) so there are plenty of cold jokes and the best scene is when Sandra Bullock’s character is offering a white puff-ball dog to an eagle in trade for her phone. It blows up, she goes to leave, he stops her. It’s been done a thousand times.
Year One-
This falls into the unbearable category. Based on potty jokes and Jack Black’s self-love that always infuses his acting, Jack Black and Michael Cera are run out of their tribe. This is not enough to base an hour and twenty minutes on, people. Paul Rudd was killed by his brother for fifteen of that time and Michael Cera rubbed down a fat person. Need I say more?
(500) Days of Summer- This was my favorite over the entire summer. Witty, fresh, sweet and interesting it was a series of scenes through Tom Hansen’s mind recounting how he won and lost Summer Finn. He had fantasized about her beforehand, she was drawn to him but didn’t want a relationship. So they settled with an in-between of hook-ups and hanging out. He was in love. She was in like. They were testing out furniture in IKEA, talking about dreams and aspirations and having honest, real conversations. There’s a lot to be said for an original movie like this; one that can throw in an impromptu dance number, a split-screen gazing into reality, and the constant flashes of one person, so magnificent to another. The kind of movie that can stand on its own two feet, break stereotypes and still come out on top.
My Top 15:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith – Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vince Vaughn, Kerry Washington, Adam Brody: the violent, sexy, intense movie that made them Brangelina <Action/romance/comedy>
Hot Rod- Andy Samberg, Isla Fisher: failed stunts, gags, dancing, singing, falling, etc. You’ll be cracking up the whole time. <Comedy>
A Lot Like Love- Ashton Kutcher, Amanda Peet: I fell in love with this movie; it’s heartwrenching and gutbusting and perfect. <Romance/comedy>
Smiley Face- Anna Faris, John Krasinski, Danny Masterson, Adam Brody <Comedy>
Just Friends- Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris <Comedy/romance>
In The Land of Women- Adam Brody, Meg Ryan, Kristen Stewart: A heartbroken porno writer moves in with his “dying” grandmother to get away from his breakup and bonds seperately with the mother/daughter across the street. <Drama/romance/comedy>
Definitely, Maybe- Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks <Romance/comedy/mystery love story>
The Lookout – Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Matthew Goode, Isla Fisher <Action/suspense/drama>
Juno- Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, Jason Bateman <Comedy/romance/music pop culture>
The Family Stone- Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, and Craig T. Nelson <Drama/romance/comedy>
House Bunny- Anna Faris, Colin Hanks, Emma Stone, Rumer Willis <Chick/comedy>
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist- Michael Cera, Kat Dennings <Romance/comedy/music pop culture>
Brick – Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Norah Zehetner, Lukas Haas, Emilie de Ravin <Drama/mystery>
Something About Mary/Heartbreak Kid- Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz/Malin Akerman: Come on, they’re thisclose to being the same movie. <Comedy/romance>
(500) Days of Summer- Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt <Romance/drama/music pop culture>
Can you get a feel for my favorite actors/actresses? Of course not. Anyway, test out any of these movies. I can’t assure you that you’ll love them because most of them aren’t the norm and I have weird taste but I think you should still take the plunge. If you’ve seen 1 or 2 of them and agree/disagree/can make a valid comparison, let’s talk about it.
Mimi
