20. 5 Broken Cameras (documentary)
This remarkable story that follows a Palestinian man and his encounters with the Israeli army and settlers is unsettling for not only the courage in making this film but how much restraint is shown when not trying to victimize the village.
19. Melancholia (drama)
Yes, it's depressing. It's also very provocative (no surprise there from Von Trier) and well acted.
18. The Lincoln Lawyer (suspense drama)
I never thought I would add a film on this list that includes Matthew McConaughey, but that's what it looks like. A sharply written, glimpse into the world of free wheeling hucksterism.
I never thought I would add a film on this list that includes Matthew McConaughey, but that's what it looks like. A sharply written, glimpse into the world of free wheeling hucksterism.
17. Source Code (sci-fi/thriller)
A not-so futuristic look at the tie in between humans, computers and our relationships to one another through them.
16. Kumaré (documentary)
This film was overlooked by many when it made the festival circuit, but as lighthearted as the film seems, I imagine that some will find its message quite deep.
A not-so futuristic look at the tie in between humans, computers and our relationships to one another through them.
16. Kumaré (documentary)
This film was overlooked by many when it made the festival circuit, but as lighthearted as the film seems, I imagine that some will find its message quite deep.
15. Crazy, Stupid, Love (romantic comedy)
I overlooked this movie for awhile, thinking Steve Carell was a one note guy. Well he is. But he hits the note with ease. With a great cast and few fun twists, this movie is quite enjoyable.
I overlooked this movie for awhile, thinking Steve Carell was a one note guy. Well he is. But he hits the note with ease. With a great cast and few fun twists, this movie is quite enjoyable.
14. Take Shelter (drama/thriller)
It's been awhile since I've seen a movie relatively about nothing terrify me. This is definitely a psychological scary movie not to be missed.
13. Bernie (dark comedy)
This movie is the quientissential depiction of life behind east Texas' "Pine Curtain". While Jack Black's performance is okay, it's the use of interviews with people about the true story of Bernie that make this movie shine.
It's been awhile since I've seen a movie relatively about nothing terrify me. This is definitely a psychological scary movie not to be missed.
13. Bernie (dark comedy)
This movie is the quientissential depiction of life behind east Texas' "Pine Curtain". While Jack Black's performance is okay, it's the use of interviews with people about the true story of Bernie that make this movie shine.
12. The Adjustment Bureau (sci-fi)
It's another cool concept film with a surprising emotional connection that I unexpectedly discovered.
11. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (sci-fi)
Franco has a knack for picking interesting projects. This is the first time I have ever seen animal CGI that looked convincingly real. It sure didn't hurt that the movie was generally compelling and set up the world that we know in the Apes franchise so well.
10. Natural Selection (comedy/drama)
Hats off to Robbie Pickering in his feature directorial debut. It's a well-crafted/acted film that reminds me of an early Coen brothers movie.
Hats off to Robbie Pickering in his feature directorial debut. It's a well-crafted/acted film that reminds me of an early Coen brothers movie.
9. Drive (drama)
Not often that a small budget movie makes a car chase scene exciting again. Let alone really intrigues me for a whole film. Here's your warning - the violence is pretty graphic.
8. Post (drama)
Jim Parrack directs his former wife (Ciera) and best friend Scott Haze in a gripping emotional film about a wife coping with the loss of her husband off at war and the trials and tribulations of moving on.
7. The Intouchables (foreign drama)
The film is a lot funnier than I thought it would be and although rather predictable, does a great job of saying a lot through saying little. Excellent performances all around and some rather nice cinematography.
7. The Intouchables (foreign drama)
The film is a lot funnier than I thought it would be and although rather predictable, does a great job of saying a lot through saying little. Excellent performances all around and some rather nice cinematography.
6. Midnight in Paris (comedy)
Just when you thought Woody Allen was washed up, he pops up with a gem. Not just any gem, but his best since Vicky/Christina Barcelona and one of his all time best. Owen Wilson nails the Allen-esque role.
5. The Devil's Double (drama)
On the surface, you wouldn't expect a movie about the son Saddam Hussein's son's body double to be loaded with visual effects, but you'd be wrong. In fact, you wouldn't expect this movie to be much more than filler. Wrong again. Dead wrong.
4. Hot Coffee (documentary)
Before seeing this movie, I admit I was one of those who panned about the merits of frivolous lawsuits until I saw the other side of this story. The side that has been silenced most of the time since.
3. The Adventures of Tintin (animated adventure)
Quite possibly the most fun Spielberg movie I've seen since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It's not going to blow anyone away when it comes to animation, but following Zemeckis' lead, Spielberg crafts a wonderful motion capture movie and nails the comic.
2. My Week With Marilyn (drama)
I fell in love with Michelle Williams' Ms Monroe as well with the other performances in this one. I've never felt like I really understood this old Hollywood icon until this movie. Great cinematography by Ben Smithard.
1. 50/50 (drama/comedy)
I never thought you could do a comedy about cancer without it feeling melodramatic, but that's what director Jonathan Levine manages to do in what should have been an Oscar-nominated/best picture of the year film in my book. See for yourself.
I never thought you could do a comedy about cancer without it feeling melodramatic, but that's what director Jonathan Levine manages to do in what should have been an Oscar-nominated/best picture of the year film in my book. See for yourself.
