This is the 6th in a series of 12 posts discussing the 12 top films of each year. These are not necessarily the most profitable or the best, but the ones that will stick with you for years to come. Unlike 2007, 2006 was full of quality films, and the top 6 on this list alone are among my favorite movies.
10. Half Nelson- Ryan Gosling used to only do under the radar Indie films, this was his best. A gripping performance as a good teacher who is also a crack head, he walks the line between caring and strung out with expert precision. The performance was Oscar nominated and was well deserved.
9. The DaVinci Code- Memorable for some for its gripping edge of your seat plot, memorable for others for the amazing Hans Zimmer score, remembered yet by some for Tom Hanks' hair..... It may not have been as good as the book, but Ron Howard made a very good film out of a book that seemed unable to be put to the screen.
8. Apocalypto- Mel Gibson's film about a peaceful tribe of a Mayan like people who are stumbled upon by a larger, and more brutal culture. The film is completely in subtitles, but gripping and strikingly violent. It was not as big as Gibson's first subtitled film (Passion of the Christ) but it still made a huge impact.
7. Borat- Sasha Baren Cohen's first and only successful full length film turning one of his characters into a way to get hilarious reactions out of people. Everything that made Borat great failed in Bruno, but that doesn't take away how truly hilarious Borat is the first time you see it. The amount of people who sued the film later are just a testament to how successful it was.
6. Blood Diamond- Leonardo DiCaprio makes movies in 2's, he won't do one for a few years, then two will come out the next year, and 2006 was one of his double years. Blood Diamond was the more overlooked of the two that year, but DiCaprio's performance is the stuff acting is made of. He nails the South African accent in a way where it is spot on without being stereotypical. The film is brutal and taxing but amazing none the less. Great supporting performances from Jennifer Connelly and Djimou Hounsou.
5. 300- Like the Matrix, 300 spawned a whole new breed of action movies. Stylized and over the top, but epic in every sense of the word. Gerard Butler, Lena Headley, and Michael Fassbender owe their current A list status to this film, and its one that is still amazing 6 years later.
4. The Prestige- Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale go head to head in this nearly perfect film by Christopher Nolan about two rival magicians who cannot put their hatred for each other aside. The film pulls no punches and keeps you guessing right up until its shocking end.
3. The Departed- 2006's Best Picture winner and the film that finally got Martin Scorsese his Oscar. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, James Badge Dale, Anthony Anderson, Vera Farminga, and Jack Nicholson lead an amazing cast in a more amazing film that shows Scorsese will kill any character, at any time.
2. Casino Royale- A whole website was dedicated to not having a blond Bond, but when the film finally came out, it brought James Bond back as a force to be reckoned with. The series was grounded after the increasing ridiculous films starring Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig showed he was exactly what the franchise needed, and while it kept its signature humor, the new films are more Bourne than Mission Impossible, and focus on human reactions instead of gadgets.
1. Pans Labyrinth- A Foreign Language film directed by the amazing Guillermo Del Toro about a young girl who enters a dream land to escape her Nazi stepfather. Whether or not its actually a dream land though is the bigger question. The film is part horror, part war, part drama, part fantasy, part children's, but all amazing.
Honorable Mentions- Mission Impossible 3, Once, Miami Vice.
-Maximus
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Top Films of 2007
This is the 5th in a series of 12 posts discussing the most memorable movies of each year. This year we focus on a very weak year in 2007. Remember, these are not necessarily the best films or the most profitable films, but the most memorable.
10. Michael Clayton- The film and it's star George Clooney racked up a ton of award nominations for Michael Clayton, but the true greatness of the film lies in its supporting performances from Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson. The film also brought back the business thriller genre, which has been dormant for a long time.
9. Into the Wild- Sean Penn has quietly become a very good director despite not being known for it. The terrific Into the Wild was a story that sticks with you, about a young man who gave up everything to find himself, and its based off a true story. The film stays with you long after you finish it. Great supporting performances from Hal Holbrook and Vince Vaughn.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street- Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter star in this musical based off the stage play. Sasha Baron Cohen also pops up in a supporting role. The film turned the musical genre on its head with dark visuals and graphic violence, but all of it somehow works well together.
7. Zodiac- David Fincher has been a mainstay on this list, and two years before I discussed the comeback of Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, he teamed up with Jake Gyllenhaal for this story of the Zodiac killer. How do you make a serial killer movie about a true story where the killer was never caught? Simple, you do the investigation yourself and based off that, you hint at who the killer actually was. The film is very long but every moment is tense and gripping, and what could have been cheap horror, became terrific fun.
6. Enchanted- A live action film combined with the world of cartoons? Why not. In this we get the first big performance from Amy Adams as a princess from the animated Disney like world, but when she is thrust into our world, along with dragons, animals, and a bumbling prince (James Mardsen) you get a ridiculously fun, charming film.
5. Gone Baby Gone- Ben Affleck's first film as a director, and he smartly let himself focus on only that by casting his brother Casey along side Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Amy Ryan, and an amazingly underrated performance by Ed Harris. One of the most gripping films of the year, and one that you never forget as your hero goes the ethical route, instead of the one a less honest movie would have used.
4. American Gangster- Russell Crowe and Josh Brolin give great performances, but the real story is Denzel Washington, cast against type as the villain. He is a sympathetic villain but a bad dude none the less. And the meeting of the powerhouses leaves the viewer thinking about the film for a long time.
3. Juno- The "trendy" movie of the year, pair some very different people with a quirky story line, and boom, you get a bona fide hit. Ellen Page, Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, and JK Simmons all give funny and touching performances in what became the best comedy of the year.
2. No Country for Old Men- The film received many props for the performances of its stars, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin, but is also remembered for its graphic violence and Coen brothers focused plot. The film fails miserably at the 3/4 mark but for 75%, is a great ride.
1. Eastern Promises- The mixture of Viggo Mortensen with director David Cronenberg has given us some spectacular films, but none as good as this. Not as many people saw the film as others on this list, but those who did will never forget it, right up until the final, graphic fight scene, and the final twist. In a weak year for film, Easter Promises runs away with the memories.
-Maximus
10. Michael Clayton- The film and it's star George Clooney racked up a ton of award nominations for Michael Clayton, but the true greatness of the film lies in its supporting performances from Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson. The film also brought back the business thriller genre, which has been dormant for a long time.
9. Into the Wild- Sean Penn has quietly become a very good director despite not being known for it. The terrific Into the Wild was a story that sticks with you, about a young man who gave up everything to find himself, and its based off a true story. The film stays with you long after you finish it. Great supporting performances from Hal Holbrook and Vince Vaughn.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street- Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter star in this musical based off the stage play. Sasha Baron Cohen also pops up in a supporting role. The film turned the musical genre on its head with dark visuals and graphic violence, but all of it somehow works well together.
7. Zodiac- David Fincher has been a mainstay on this list, and two years before I discussed the comeback of Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, he teamed up with Jake Gyllenhaal for this story of the Zodiac killer. How do you make a serial killer movie about a true story where the killer was never caught? Simple, you do the investigation yourself and based off that, you hint at who the killer actually was. The film is very long but every moment is tense and gripping, and what could have been cheap horror, became terrific fun.
6. Enchanted- A live action film combined with the world of cartoons? Why not. In this we get the first big performance from Amy Adams as a princess from the animated Disney like world, but when she is thrust into our world, along with dragons, animals, and a bumbling prince (James Mardsen) you get a ridiculously fun, charming film.
5. Gone Baby Gone- Ben Affleck's first film as a director, and he smartly let himself focus on only that by casting his brother Casey along side Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Amy Ryan, and an amazingly underrated performance by Ed Harris. One of the most gripping films of the year, and one that you never forget as your hero goes the ethical route, instead of the one a less honest movie would have used.
4. American Gangster- Russell Crowe and Josh Brolin give great performances, but the real story is Denzel Washington, cast against type as the villain. He is a sympathetic villain but a bad dude none the less. And the meeting of the powerhouses leaves the viewer thinking about the film for a long time.
3. Juno- The "trendy" movie of the year, pair some very different people with a quirky story line, and boom, you get a bona fide hit. Ellen Page, Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, and JK Simmons all give funny and touching performances in what became the best comedy of the year.
2. No Country for Old Men- The film received many props for the performances of its stars, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin, but is also remembered for its graphic violence and Coen brothers focused plot. The film fails miserably at the 3/4 mark but for 75%, is a great ride.
1. Eastern Promises- The mixture of Viggo Mortensen with director David Cronenberg has given us some spectacular films, but none as good as this. Not as many people saw the film as others on this list, but those who did will never forget it, right up until the final, graphic fight scene, and the final twist. In a weak year for film, Easter Promises runs away with the memories.
-Maximus
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The Top Films of 2008
This is the 4th in a series of 12 posts discussing the top films of the year. Remember these are not the most profitable films, or necessarily the best, but the ones we will be unlikely to forget.
10. Tropic Thunder- The resurgence of Tom Cruise is due to this film, and considering he has about 5 minutes of screen time and dons a fat suit, that is amazing. But its just a small reason why Tropic Thunder was so successful. With Ben Stiller and Jack Black leading the way, it would take a lot to upstage them, but it happened. Robert Downey Jr playing a method actor who became black for the role, Steve Coogan being the uptight director, and the aforementioned Tom Cruise stole the show. Along with Iron Man, this also brought Downey Jr back from purgatory.
9. Iron Man- Speaking of Downey Jr..... In addition to bringing RDJ back, it really helped establish the Marvel Universe, and really set up the upcoming Avengers film.
8. Wall-E- A film where words aren't necessary is a long shot, but Wall-E makes you forget words are how we speak. Another Pixar sensation, and the political commentary on where this country is headed is shockingly accurate.
7. The Hurt Locker- The Best Picture winner at the Oscars the following year, and a gripping, suspenseful drama. Would be higher on this list except it made nothing in theaters, and isn't quite as relevant as would be expected. However star making performances from Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie will at least keep the film in conversations.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall- The rash of male frontal nudity lately? Blame this film. Star Jason Segel became famous for this film and baring it all, and now is a top film draw. In addition this film confirmed that Russell Brand can be great, in moderation. No film has used him this well since.
5. Taken- Liam Neeson, action star? Seems easy to think of now, but 6 years ago most would laugh at you. The older, lanky actor took it to his doubters with Taken and showed why he is on the A list. Taken is up there with Die Hard as action movies that will be watched and loved 25 years after they are released.
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- Critically and financially, the film did amazing. Some people weren't as thrilled due to its 3 hour run time, but overall the film stuck with people and is still a top rental film, even 4 years later.
3. Slumdog Millionaire- The film came from nowhere to win the 2008 Oscars biggest prize. And justifiably so as it is just as memorable now as it was when I saw it first 4 years ago.
2. Gran Torino- The last onscreen performance of one of the all time greats in Clint Eastwood. And while it flew a bit under the radar, this is the most recent example of Eastwood's greatness both in front of the camera and behind it.
1. The Dark Knight- Was there any other choice this year? No. The Dark Knight showed that comic book films could be amazing, not just great, but amazing. Heath Ledger's final and award winning performance is just a small part of the grandeur of The Dark Knight. With the conclusion to the trilogy due out in 2012, we will see if Christopher Nolan can keep his hot streak going.
Honorable Mentions- Doubt, Revolutionary Road, Changeling.
-Maximus
10. Tropic Thunder- The resurgence of Tom Cruise is due to this film, and considering he has about 5 minutes of screen time and dons a fat suit, that is amazing. But its just a small reason why Tropic Thunder was so successful. With Ben Stiller and Jack Black leading the way, it would take a lot to upstage them, but it happened. Robert Downey Jr playing a method actor who became black for the role, Steve Coogan being the uptight director, and the aforementioned Tom Cruise stole the show. Along with Iron Man, this also brought Downey Jr back from purgatory.
9. Iron Man- Speaking of Downey Jr..... In addition to bringing RDJ back, it really helped establish the Marvel Universe, and really set up the upcoming Avengers film.
8. Wall-E- A film where words aren't necessary is a long shot, but Wall-E makes you forget words are how we speak. Another Pixar sensation, and the political commentary on where this country is headed is shockingly accurate.
7. The Hurt Locker- The Best Picture winner at the Oscars the following year, and a gripping, suspenseful drama. Would be higher on this list except it made nothing in theaters, and isn't quite as relevant as would be expected. However star making performances from Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie will at least keep the film in conversations.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall- The rash of male frontal nudity lately? Blame this film. Star Jason Segel became famous for this film and baring it all, and now is a top film draw. In addition this film confirmed that Russell Brand can be great, in moderation. No film has used him this well since.
5. Taken- Liam Neeson, action star? Seems easy to think of now, but 6 years ago most would laugh at you. The older, lanky actor took it to his doubters with Taken and showed why he is on the A list. Taken is up there with Die Hard as action movies that will be watched and loved 25 years after they are released.
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- Critically and financially, the film did amazing. Some people weren't as thrilled due to its 3 hour run time, but overall the film stuck with people and is still a top rental film, even 4 years later.
3. Slumdog Millionaire- The film came from nowhere to win the 2008 Oscars biggest prize. And justifiably so as it is just as memorable now as it was when I saw it first 4 years ago.
2. Gran Torino- The last onscreen performance of one of the all time greats in Clint Eastwood. And while it flew a bit under the radar, this is the most recent example of Eastwood's greatness both in front of the camera and behind it.
1. The Dark Knight- Was there any other choice this year? No. The Dark Knight showed that comic book films could be amazing, not just great, but amazing. Heath Ledger's final and award winning performance is just a small part of the grandeur of The Dark Knight. With the conclusion to the trilogy due out in 2012, we will see if Christopher Nolan can keep his hot streak going.
Honorable Mentions- Doubt, Revolutionary Road, Changeling.
-Maximus
The Top Movies of 2009
This is the 3rd in a series of 12 posts discussing the top movies of each year. Today we focus on 2009. Remember, these are not necessarily the best movies of the year or the most profitable, but the ones that will still make an impact in 2025.
10. Moon- Smaller movie that wasn't seen by many, but extremely loved by those who did. More importantly, it might have revealed the next great filmmaker in Duncan Jones, who since Moon has already succeeded with Source Code.
9. Watchmen- Considered a moderate flop as it didn't make the crazy cash that most comic book films do, but if you expected this to be like most comic book films....you didn't read the graphic novel. Watchmen is a very unique and incredible novel, and the film backed it up. Director Zack Snyder showed you could stay eerily true to the source material while still making necessary changes.
8. (500) Days of Summer- A personal favorite, and the movie that made people realize just how good Joseph Gordon-Levitt was going to be post 3rd Rock from the Sun (if only more people had seen Brick....). In addition the film was so well respected it made Zooey Deschanel into an it girl, and also got the director (Marc Webb) who was previously unknown, the coveted Spiderman reboot gig. Very few films can have a random break into song scene and still be effective, but this one did.
7. Up- First film that made me cry in a long time, and the first ever that got to me in the first ten minutes Pixar has had a lot of success, but this film was a colossal achievement for them, and is still quoted 3 years later.
6. Star Trek- Lets be honest, when people debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, very few Trekkies ever win that fight, but thanks to this amazing reboot/prequel/sequel(?), Trek fans now have a real case to make. JJ Abrams brought his A game and perfectly cast the crew of the Enterprise. The film made a star out of Chris Pine, and really pushed Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, and Simon Pegg into the A list. Abrams made the controversial decision to use an alternate reality instead of rebooting the whole franchise, and while the plot is more confusing, its that respect for the source material that showed how much Abrams loves it.
5. District 9- Marketed like a found footage alien drama, District 9 instead became the coolest and most unique action film in a long time. Shockingly violent, and surprisingly political, no one got what they expected with District 9, and in this case, that's a good thing.
4. Sherlock Holmes- Another reboot of classic material, and to cast American Robert Downey Jr as Holmes....shocking. Yet director Guy Ritchie came back in a big way and made one of the coolest films of the decade. With action that redefined the genre similar to how The Matrix reinvented gun fights, Sherlock Holmes is a film we are still talking about 3 years later.
3. Avatar- Highest box office ever (not counting inflation..), game changing special effects, and critical success, and yet its only number 3? Reason for this is because it doesn't seem like Avatar is on people's conscious as much as some other films on this list. People are still talking about what might be in the sequel, but it just doesn't seem like Avatar will hold up enough to be the modern day Star Wars. None the less, the impact it made on movie making cannot be ignored, and while 3 is low, its still very high when you consider how many movies came out since then.
2. Inglorious Basterds- Box office and critical success is what made Basterds so memorable to the masses, however its the two lead performances that make it memorable to movie fans. Brad Pitt redefined an entire career to play Lt. Aldo Raine, and he came with a performance that is still being quoted today. We also received an Oscar winning and career defining performance from relative newcomer Christoph Waltz. Quentin Tarantino reminded us just why he is considered a top filmmaker after falling off with the Kill Bill films.
1. The Hangover- Yes, I know. A comedy at number 1? Silly right? But think about it, what other film has been talked about more? What other film is still quoted on a daily basis? Made tons of money? Spawned a blockbuster (if lackluster) sequel? And was loved by everyone..everywhere? In addition, notice the streak of R rated comedies that have been pouring out lately? Judd Apatow had a lot to do with that, but it was The Hangover who pushed the industry to the boiling point.
Honorable Mentions- An Education, Up in the Air.
-Maximus
10. Moon- Smaller movie that wasn't seen by many, but extremely loved by those who did. More importantly, it might have revealed the next great filmmaker in Duncan Jones, who since Moon has already succeeded with Source Code.
9. Watchmen- Considered a moderate flop as it didn't make the crazy cash that most comic book films do, but if you expected this to be like most comic book films....you didn't read the graphic novel. Watchmen is a very unique and incredible novel, and the film backed it up. Director Zack Snyder showed you could stay eerily true to the source material while still making necessary changes.
8. (500) Days of Summer- A personal favorite, and the movie that made people realize just how good Joseph Gordon-Levitt was going to be post 3rd Rock from the Sun (if only more people had seen Brick....). In addition the film was so well respected it made Zooey Deschanel into an it girl, and also got the director (Marc Webb) who was previously unknown, the coveted Spiderman reboot gig. Very few films can have a random break into song scene and still be effective, but this one did.
7. Up- First film that made me cry in a long time, and the first ever that got to me in the first ten minutes Pixar has had a lot of success, but this film was a colossal achievement for them, and is still quoted 3 years later.
6. Star Trek- Lets be honest, when people debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, very few Trekkies ever win that fight, but thanks to this amazing reboot/prequel/sequel(?), Trek fans now have a real case to make. JJ Abrams brought his A game and perfectly cast the crew of the Enterprise. The film made a star out of Chris Pine, and really pushed Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, and Simon Pegg into the A list. Abrams made the controversial decision to use an alternate reality instead of rebooting the whole franchise, and while the plot is more confusing, its that respect for the source material that showed how much Abrams loves it.
5. District 9- Marketed like a found footage alien drama, District 9 instead became the coolest and most unique action film in a long time. Shockingly violent, and surprisingly political, no one got what they expected with District 9, and in this case, that's a good thing.
4. Sherlock Holmes- Another reboot of classic material, and to cast American Robert Downey Jr as Holmes....shocking. Yet director Guy Ritchie came back in a big way and made one of the coolest films of the decade. With action that redefined the genre similar to how The Matrix reinvented gun fights, Sherlock Holmes is a film we are still talking about 3 years later.
3. Avatar- Highest box office ever (not counting inflation..), game changing special effects, and critical success, and yet its only number 3? Reason for this is because it doesn't seem like Avatar is on people's conscious as much as some other films on this list. People are still talking about what might be in the sequel, but it just doesn't seem like Avatar will hold up enough to be the modern day Star Wars. None the less, the impact it made on movie making cannot be ignored, and while 3 is low, its still very high when you consider how many movies came out since then.
2. Inglorious Basterds- Box office and critical success is what made Basterds so memorable to the masses, however its the two lead performances that make it memorable to movie fans. Brad Pitt redefined an entire career to play Lt. Aldo Raine, and he came with a performance that is still being quoted today. We also received an Oscar winning and career defining performance from relative newcomer Christoph Waltz. Quentin Tarantino reminded us just why he is considered a top filmmaker after falling off with the Kill Bill films.
1. The Hangover- Yes, I know. A comedy at number 1? Silly right? But think about it, what other film has been talked about more? What other film is still quoted on a daily basis? Made tons of money? Spawned a blockbuster (if lackluster) sequel? And was loved by everyone..everywhere? In addition, notice the streak of R rated comedies that have been pouring out lately? Judd Apatow had a lot to do with that, but it was The Hangover who pushed the industry to the boiling point.
Honorable Mentions- An Education, Up in the Air.
-Maximus
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Top Films of 2010
This is the second in a series of 12 posts, discussing the top films of each year of the 2000's. Once again, these are not necessarily the best, most profitable, or most well reviewed films of the year, but a combination of all three factors, forming what should be the ten movies that will still be talked about fifteen years from now.
10. True Grit- Initially controversial as remaking The Duke seemed like a bad idea, but the Coens wanted to make a film more true to the source material than the John Wayne classic, and so they did. A critically well received film that scored many Oscar nominations and made a lot of money, True Grit is best known Jeff Bridges' performance, when you outshine John Wayne, you have done well. In addition you got one of the best performances of the year from newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, and a great supporting performance from Matt Damon.
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1- Not as high on this years list as part 2 was in 2011's, but still a great effort, and at the time, set the benchmark in the beloved series.
8. Black Swan- Talked about as much for the weirdness of Director Darren Afronsky as for anything, Black Swan was the weird film of the year, and had the word of mouth to prove it. Best Actress winner Natalie Portman was terrific, and you found out that Mila Kunis could really act.
7. Shutter Island- When you think of Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley, and Mark Ruffalo, you think of an Oscar film released in December, not a horror film released in March, but Shutter Island is a film that stays with you. It was twisty and turny but never cheap, and brought Oscar caliber work to a genre that really needed something more than another Paranormal Activity film. In addition you got an original score that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
6. Love and Other Drugs- Was done a disservice in its advertising more than any film of 2010. Billed in some previews as The Notebook, and in other previews as No Strings Attached, Love & Other Drugs is a film in its own. Two of today's most popular young stars (Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway) bare everything physically and emotionally in a film that is part romantic comedy, part hard drama, and part epic love story.
5. Winter's Bone- Ten years from now, we can say this is where Katniss Everdeen got her start. Jennifer Lawrence in her first major film, scored a Best Actress nod and locked down the iconic Hunger Games role. The film is a dark, great indie film, but the really amazing thing is how truly good Lawrence was.
4. The Town- Ben Affleck's second directorial outing, and his first where he both starred and acted, but amazing none the less. A terrific drama/suspense/action film with great performances from Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, and Jon Hamm. This is where Ben Affleck truly said, "I'm back".
3. The King's Speech- The Best Picture winner of the year, punctuated by great performances from Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, and Helena Bonham Carter. Might have been number two if the film wasn't re-released with some profanity cut out that really hurt the humor of the film.
2. Inception- Christopher Nolan's film about dreams within dreams, with great performances and a great score and great visual effects. A blockbuster sci-fi film that was also a Best Picture nominee, and a film that is loved my most who see it. The film is the non critic's film of 2010, and most critics liked it too.
1. The Social Network- David Fincher goes outside of his wheel house to make a movie that people originally thought was just about Facebook, but the film is so much more. The film is funny, moving, smart, and one of the best written films ever. The amazing thing is how despite being about Facebook, technology was left out of the film entirely, which means a decade from now, the film will be a great story of betrayal and will not feel outdated.
Honorable Mentions: Toy Story 3, 127 Hours, The Fighter, Kick-Ass, Easy A, Edge of Darkness, and Green Zone.
Next time we will tackle 2009.
-Maximus
The Ten Films of 2011
This is the first of twelve posts, discussing the top ten films of the last twelve years. The basis for this list is not the best films of the year, nor the most memorable films of the year, nor the films that were the most profitable of each year. Instead it will be a combination of all three, forming a list of the top ten films that made the most impact of each year. This post will tackle the most recent year, 2011.
10. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol- The 4th Mission Impossible film reinvigorated a franchise that many considered to need a makeover. The studio even talked about Jeremy Renner taking the franchise over from Tom Cruise, however Ghost Protocol put those thoughts aside, and was one of the biggest and most acclaimed films of 2011. MI4 was released with all the Oscar bait movies, and was talked about more than any of them.
9. Shame- Shame didn't make a dent at the box office, but was widely talked about due to its great performances, and graphic sexuality. Rising stars Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan both gave great performances, and also bared everything they had. Both were snubbed at the Oscars, but it didn't stop Shame from ending up on most critics top ten lists. It is one of only a few films to not cut scenes to get rid of the NC-17 rating, as everything in the film was necessary to its central plot. In addition, it had possibly the greatest score of any film in 2011, and I am talking about the music.
8. Super 8- A summer blockbuster that was not a preexisting franchise, and was not a sequel, which is very rare. The film was from JJ Abrams, which got it much pre-release buzz, and in true Abrams fashion, was completely unique. The film had no huge stars, and mainly focused around terrific child actors, and made a dent with audiences and critics alike.
7. XMen: First Class- The second XMen prequel in as many years focused on Professor X and Magneto when they were just Charles and Eric. The film made huge money, and was also a critical success, rare for comic book films not involving Batman. This was the first part of Fassbender's breakout year, followed later by the number 10 film on this list.
6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes- A surprise hit in 2011. After Tim Burton practically destroyed the franchise a few years earlier, no one ever though the franchise would get back on its feet. However in relative newcomer Rupert Wyatt's hands, and including a terrific motion capture performance from Andy Serkis, the film made sure Planet of the Apes will be around for a long time to come.
5. The Artist- The Best Picture winner at the Oscars, The Artist made pennies at the box office, but was famous because it was the first silent film in many, many years to get a major release. Jean Dujardin won Best Actor for a silent performance, and both he and Supporting Actress nominee Berenice Bejo are household names now.
4. Drive- 2011 was the year of Ryan Gosling, and Drive is a big reason why. In a terrific dramatic film punctuated by scenes of disturbing violence, Gosling gave a great performance moving his mouth less than Dujardin did in The Artist. Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, Carey Mulligan (again), and Bryan Cranston give terrific supporting performances.
3. Bridesmaids- Comedies made a comeback in the second half of the decade, and in 2011 Bridesmaids made a huge mark on the film industry. It was the first major, successful comedy that focused on women, and made crazy amounts of money during a long run at the box office, punctuated by great word of mouth that made sure most everyone in America saw the film in theaters.
2. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- David Fincher made a name for himself directing violent, dark films like Fight Club, Se7en, and Zodiac. So when the film industry decided it needed to make its own version of the Swedish best seller by Stieg Larson, it turned to Fincher. The Swedish version a few years earlier was well received based off great performances, but was shot like a B movie and made little noise in America. Fincher's version focused on the dark, hard to watch portions of the dark, hard to read best seller, and was talked about for being one of the best films of the year, being completely disturbing, and getting Oscar worthy performances from Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig. That is a rare trifecta.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2- Notable not only for being the 8th and final film in a billion dollar, beloved franchise, but also for being really, really good. Things ended in amazing fashion, and the film series hit its stride with the last 3 films.
Honorable Mentions: The Help, Warrior.
Later we will go through each year of the 2000's, and rank movies the same way we did here.
-Maximus
-Maximus
Sunday, March 4, 2012
2013 Oscar Preview
As we continue our look forward to what's in store in the coming movie year, we need to determine what we think the big Oscar contenders will be. Here is Movie Ninja's first annual way too far in advance Oscar preview:
*Note- The list of movies being released this year is very limited, most Oscar season films don't get announced or release dates until late in the year. For example The Artist and The Descendants were not even a thought in the public's mind at this time last year. But I work with what I am given.
Best Supporting Actress:
Kerry Washington: Django Unchained. Has all the makings of a big Oscar film, and getting to play the still captive wife of a freed slave should provide a lot of material.
Emma Stone: Gangster Squad. I think this role will give her the material she needs to shine against heavyweights Brolin, Penn, and Gosling.
Jessica Chastain: Wettest County. Another gangster film, but coming off Chastain's breakout year, she should get noticed in 2012. My Odds on favorite.
Carey Mulligan: The Great Gatsby. Should be a big Oscar film, and Mulligan is already one of critics favorite actresses.
Blake Lively: Savages. She showed in The Town she could really act, so this should be a good opportunity.
Best Supporting Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio: Django Unchained. Could be in the Actor category, but Great Gatsby should put him there. As the villain, he will be relegated to the Supporting category. And is my current odds on favorite.
Christoph Waltz: Django Unchained. Rare to see two actors from the same film, but I think this film has a great chance at it.
Russell Crowe: Les Miserables. Hard to predict who is supporting vs primary in this film, but my guess is on Crowe.
Richard Armitage: The Hobbit Part 1. Most people would say Ian McKellan here, but I think the character of Thorin Oakenshield gives the most scene chewing opportunities.
Gary Oldman: Wettest County. Really tough to choose this fifth spot, but will say Oldman gets back to back nominations after waiting so long for his first.
Other possibilities: Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln, Tobey Maguire for The Great Gatsby, Michael Shannon for Premium Rush, Sasha Baron Cohen for Les Miserables.
Actress:
Jennifer Lawrence: The Silver Linings Playbook. Hard to tell if will be primary or supporting, but from the description of the film, we'll go primary. My current favorite for this award.
Mireille Enos: World War Z. A blind guess until the movie comes out but sounds promising.
Halle Berry: Cloud Atlas. Sounds like a movie with many supporting performances, but should be Berry's chance to get back into real movies.
Noomi Rapace: Prometheus. Film comes out early, so a long shot, but I like it to shake things up.
Sally Field: Lincoln. Will have to wait and see if everyone is supporting Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, or if Mary Lincoln is a supporting role, but for now I'll put it here.
Other Possibilities: Charlize Theron gets some love for her evil performance in Snow White and the Huntsmen.
Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio: The Great Gatsby. Would be awesome to see him win two in one year after being ignored his entire career.
Daniel Day-Lewis: Lincoln. The favorite right now. No explanation necessary.
Jamie Foxx: Django Unchained. Not much needed here either.
Ryan Gosling: Gangster Squad. Maybe he gets recognized this year since his 3 eligible performances last year were ignored.
Brad Pitt: Cogan's Trade. World War Z could also be a surprise entry here, but Cogan's sounds more promising.
Other Possibilities: Tom Hardy for Wettest County. Bradley Cooper for The Silver Linings Playbook. Tom Hanks for Could Atlas. Hugh Jackman for Les Miserables.
Director:
Quentin Tarantino: Django Unchained. Seems like a lock after how good Inglorious Basterds was, and how good Django should be. My current odds on favorite.
Terrence Malick: Unknown film. He has two scheduled films this year, neither with titles, release dates, or casts, but he is still a good bet here.
Steven Spielberg: Lincoln. No explanation necessary.
Ben Affleck: Argo. Affleck is 2 for 2 in his directing career, and this Iranian hostage crisis drama could make it 3 for 3.
Christopher Nolan: The Dark Knight Rises. Wishful thinking for me? Nolan should be a two time Best Director nominee, but instead has been shut out. He should get rewarded if TDKR avoids the curse of 3.
Other Possibilities: Tom Hooper: Les Miserables. A strong possibility coming off his win last year.
Baz Luhrman: The Great Gatsby. Will it be Moulin Rouge or Australia?
Ruben Fleischer: Gangster Squad. All depends if the movie gets overall support.
John Hillcoat: Wettest County. A movie that could get overlooked, or loved.
Peter Jackson: Hobbit Part 1. Will the Academy love the prequel, or feel they rewarded Return of the King enough?
Katheryn Bigelow: Untitled Bin Laden movie. Need to see if the movie actually gets released or delayed. And would like to know who will be in it.
Ridley Scott: Prometheus. Can this movie be as big as I think it could?
Best Picture:
The Hobbit Part 1: With a possibility of ten picture nominees, should get support.
Django Unchained: If it even comes close to being as good as it should be, will be here next year.
Lincoln: Depends if it ends up being a great movie or just a bunch of great performances.
The Great Gatsby: This and Les Miserables may help each other, or cancel each other out.
Les Miserables: See above.
Gangster Squad: Great cast, great material.
Argo: Same as gangster squad. Can Ben Affleck finally get a movie nominated?
Wettest County: Might get overshadowed by Gangster Squad, but might not.
Life of Pi: At this point I had to put a small, less blockbuster type movie in here, and this story of a boy stranded with a bunch of zoo animals on a boat, might be quirky enough.
Other possibilities: The Silver Linings Playbook, World War Z, Cogan's Trade, Untitled Bin Laden movie, Cloud Atlas, Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises, Brave, Of Men and Mavericks, Rise of the Guardians, Two Untitled Terrence Malick films.
So here is my year in advance Oscar preview. Most likely many of these movies will disappoint. My guess on some movies that are considered contenders now and will end up being ignored are The Silver Linings Playbook, Of Men and Mavericks, Wettest County, and Cloud Atlas.
-Maximus
*Note- The list of movies being released this year is very limited, most Oscar season films don't get announced or release dates until late in the year. For example The Artist and The Descendants were not even a thought in the public's mind at this time last year. But I work with what I am given.
Best Supporting Actress:
Kerry Washington: Django Unchained. Has all the makings of a big Oscar film, and getting to play the still captive wife of a freed slave should provide a lot of material.
Emma Stone: Gangster Squad. I think this role will give her the material she needs to shine against heavyweights Brolin, Penn, and Gosling.
Jessica Chastain: Wettest County. Another gangster film, but coming off Chastain's breakout year, she should get noticed in 2012. My Odds on favorite.
Carey Mulligan: The Great Gatsby. Should be a big Oscar film, and Mulligan is already one of critics favorite actresses.
Blake Lively: Savages. She showed in The Town she could really act, so this should be a good opportunity.
Best Supporting Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio: Django Unchained. Could be in the Actor category, but Great Gatsby should put him there. As the villain, he will be relegated to the Supporting category. And is my current odds on favorite.
Christoph Waltz: Django Unchained. Rare to see two actors from the same film, but I think this film has a great chance at it.
Russell Crowe: Les Miserables. Hard to predict who is supporting vs primary in this film, but my guess is on Crowe.
Richard Armitage: The Hobbit Part 1. Most people would say Ian McKellan here, but I think the character of Thorin Oakenshield gives the most scene chewing opportunities.
Gary Oldman: Wettest County. Really tough to choose this fifth spot, but will say Oldman gets back to back nominations after waiting so long for his first.
Other possibilities: Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln, Tobey Maguire for The Great Gatsby, Michael Shannon for Premium Rush, Sasha Baron Cohen for Les Miserables.
Actress:
Jennifer Lawrence: The Silver Linings Playbook. Hard to tell if will be primary or supporting, but from the description of the film, we'll go primary. My current favorite for this award.
Mireille Enos: World War Z. A blind guess until the movie comes out but sounds promising.
Halle Berry: Cloud Atlas. Sounds like a movie with many supporting performances, but should be Berry's chance to get back into real movies.
Noomi Rapace: Prometheus. Film comes out early, so a long shot, but I like it to shake things up.
Sally Field: Lincoln. Will have to wait and see if everyone is supporting Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, or if Mary Lincoln is a supporting role, but for now I'll put it here.
Other Possibilities: Charlize Theron gets some love for her evil performance in Snow White and the Huntsmen.
Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio: The Great Gatsby. Would be awesome to see him win two in one year after being ignored his entire career.
Daniel Day-Lewis: Lincoln. The favorite right now. No explanation necessary.
Jamie Foxx: Django Unchained. Not much needed here either.
Ryan Gosling: Gangster Squad. Maybe he gets recognized this year since his 3 eligible performances last year were ignored.
Brad Pitt: Cogan's Trade. World War Z could also be a surprise entry here, but Cogan's sounds more promising.
Other Possibilities: Tom Hardy for Wettest County. Bradley Cooper for The Silver Linings Playbook. Tom Hanks for Could Atlas. Hugh Jackman for Les Miserables.
Director:
Quentin Tarantino: Django Unchained. Seems like a lock after how good Inglorious Basterds was, and how good Django should be. My current odds on favorite.
Terrence Malick: Unknown film. He has two scheduled films this year, neither with titles, release dates, or casts, but he is still a good bet here.
Steven Spielberg: Lincoln. No explanation necessary.
Ben Affleck: Argo. Affleck is 2 for 2 in his directing career, and this Iranian hostage crisis drama could make it 3 for 3.
Christopher Nolan: The Dark Knight Rises. Wishful thinking for me? Nolan should be a two time Best Director nominee, but instead has been shut out. He should get rewarded if TDKR avoids the curse of 3.
Other Possibilities: Tom Hooper: Les Miserables. A strong possibility coming off his win last year.
Baz Luhrman: The Great Gatsby. Will it be Moulin Rouge or Australia?
Ruben Fleischer: Gangster Squad. All depends if the movie gets overall support.
John Hillcoat: Wettest County. A movie that could get overlooked, or loved.
Peter Jackson: Hobbit Part 1. Will the Academy love the prequel, or feel they rewarded Return of the King enough?
Katheryn Bigelow: Untitled Bin Laden movie. Need to see if the movie actually gets released or delayed. And would like to know who will be in it.
Ridley Scott: Prometheus. Can this movie be as big as I think it could?
Best Picture:
The Hobbit Part 1: With a possibility of ten picture nominees, should get support.
Django Unchained: If it even comes close to being as good as it should be, will be here next year.
Lincoln: Depends if it ends up being a great movie or just a bunch of great performances.
The Great Gatsby: This and Les Miserables may help each other, or cancel each other out.
Les Miserables: See above.
Gangster Squad: Great cast, great material.
Argo: Same as gangster squad. Can Ben Affleck finally get a movie nominated?
Wettest County: Might get overshadowed by Gangster Squad, but might not.
Life of Pi: At this point I had to put a small, less blockbuster type movie in here, and this story of a boy stranded with a bunch of zoo animals on a boat, might be quirky enough.
Other possibilities: The Silver Linings Playbook, World War Z, Cogan's Trade, Untitled Bin Laden movie, Cloud Atlas, Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises, Brave, Of Men and Mavericks, Rise of the Guardians, Two Untitled Terrence Malick films.
So here is my year in advance Oscar preview. Most likely many of these movies will disappoint. My guess on some movies that are considered contenders now and will end up being ignored are The Silver Linings Playbook, Of Men and Mavericks, Wettest County, and Cloud Atlas.
-Maximus
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