Mother

Dear Mom,
If I am ever in jail don't fret, I am probably in there for a good reason. Whatever you do, don't obsess over the situation and try to get me out. It will just lead you down a dark path that you may or may not be able to return from. Trust me I may be stupid, but I know what I'm talking about.

Your Son,
Yoon Do-joon

A letter like the one you have just read would have made the lives of two fascinating characters a lot less complicated. But, for my sake I am glad it was not written because if it was there would be no movie and I would have missed out on one of the most visceral movie going experiences of the year. Mother is a South Korean film, I have enjoyed all of the 3 South Korean films I have scene, Mother is no exception. Every tense situation this mother is put in heightens the fright of myself and the rest of the audience. There is one scene in the film when the Mother is hiding in a closet that is so intense I will remember it for the rest of my life. There is also another great scene in which there is a nasty confrontation between the mother and the family of a deceased girl. The film also deals with one of the most conflicted characters ever. The mother's internal struggle at the end of this film is devastating. You feel so bad for her yet you can't stand the decision she makes. The last scene is also brilliant and unbelievably upsetting. In all Mother is a very unsettling and upsetting mystery that will leave you shaken and moved.
Mother 4 out of 4
-Zach

Hot Tub Time Machine

Okay for starters I just want to say I think The Hangover is EXTREMELY overrated, I may have laughed twice. It's not that I didn't get the jokes, its just that I didn't find them funny. Now that I got that out of the way I do think this movie was a little bit funnier than The Hangover but unlike The Hangover all the jokes worked. Yet, there were not that many jokes. Also unlike The Hangover, Hot Tub Time Machine works as a movie without the jokes. I would prefer to see this movie marketed as a fantasy/comedy and it would be perfect. The 80's movie references were spot-on. I think it was more of an examination of 80's movies than the 80's themselves. The villains were so much like the clichéd villains in movies like The Karate Kid and other 80's films. I thought John Cusack was fantastic, yet I have never not liked him in a movie. I think he is probably in my top 10 favorite actors to see in a movie at this point. He is simply extremely likable in every singe thing he does from High Fidelity to 1408. Chevy Chase does not belong in this movie his character adds ALMOST nothing to the plot, he does give them like a stupid little tip on how to get back to the future. One of the main problems I had was that there was no real reason that they had to get back to the future, their lives would have probably been more enjoyable if they didn't go back. The plot was flawed it was pretty funny and the performances were on the whole pretty good. It is no where near my favorite film of the year, it is actually probably one of my least favorite films of the year.

Hot Tub Time Machine - 2.5 out of 4

-Zach

A Kick-Ass Night at the Movies

I was lucky enough to get to attend the New York premiere of Kick-Ass over a month before the film's release on April 16th. As a reference point, I read the entire eight-part series of comic books before attending the screening. After the screening I was luck enough to get to meet the co-creators of the comic, Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. and I got them to sign some of my Kick-Ass comics. The curtain pulled back that was in front of the screen and what was then presented was one of the best comic book film adaptations I have ever seen. There is an energy that is running through every second of this film that is inexplicable yet evident in every shot. The language is profane and the violence is graphic, yet the films is shot like a Spider-Man or Superman film. The screenplay is fabulous, there are many changes from the comic, especially towards the end. There was one change I didn't like at first, but the more I think about it the more I don't really mind. The performances were actually okay, towards the beginning I didn't really get the accent Aaron Johnson was using as Dave/Kick-Ass, but I warmed up to it by the end. It was only after getting home after the movie that I realized that Aaron Johnson is British, and it is actually amazing how well he pulled off a New York accent. I also really loved Nicholas Cage and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Big Daddy and Red Mist. But the stand out performance in my opinion was from Chloe Moretz as Hit Girl. She was recently in (500) Days of Summer but she shines here as the trash-talking ass-kicking 11-year-old warrior-girl who blasts right off the screen into oblivion as pretty much the most awesome little girl in any movie... pretty much ever. If they make a sequel I think it should be focused on her because frankly, she is a more interesting character than Kick-Ass. The action sequences are beyond awesome, they feature moments so intense I was nearly falling off the edge of my seat from the suspense... AND I HAD ALREADY READ THE COMIC!!!! I even knew exactly how it was going to turn out in the end and I was still so far on the edge of my seat towards the end of the film. After the film was over I found myself exhausted from the intensity of the proceeding 15 minutes. Considering the amazing writing, acting, and great direction from Matthew Vaughn, Kick-Ass is easily my second favorite superhero movie of all time, I enjoyed it even more than The Dark Knight which I felt was approaching perfect but because of some clunky storytelling towards the end fell a few feet short. I would say Kick-Ass is a few inches short of perfect. I really hope this film does amazing at the box-office because I'm already extremely excited for a sequel.
Kick-Ass - 4 out of 4
-Zach

The Ghost Writer

Zach is unable to write a review this week so I will be filling in for him. You can call me Ghost. I really shouldn't have told you that since the whole point of a ghost writer is so the reader would think that they are the credited writer. Hm now that I think about it I was actually joking around before I actually am Zach. I had you going there for a second. Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod is recreated beautifully in Germany in Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer. Every detail is perfect from the shops to the licence plates. Ewan McGregor plays "The Ghost"... yes it's one of those movies where the main character doesn't have a name. Robert Harris's novel that the film was based on was actually called The Ghost. Pierce Brosnan plays Tony Blair... I mean Adam Lang a former British Prime Minister accused of committing war crimes who hires "The Ghost" to replace his last ghost who died under mysterious circumstances. I had no idea what the film was about going in. I thought it was a supernatural thriller with ghosts that takes place in London or something. But what I actually got was a nail-bitter of a political thriller that has lots of not-dead people talking to each other intensely and a mystery element to it. The twists and turns that it takes are unexpected unless you read the novel before seeing the movie, in that case you would probably know the entire plot. I would recommend the film even if you have read the book because of the great acting. I really enjoyed Tom Wilkinson in a bit part. Eli Wallach is in it as the ever memorable "Vineyard old man" who appears in one scene. Roman Polanski delivers as usual and it is probably a better bet to check this film out over some of the other "less-worthy" films that are being released.
The Ghost Writer - 4 out of 4
-Zach

Shutter Island

Martin Scorsese is a master filmmaker, I don't think there is much controversy concerning that. I personally think that Taxi Driver is his best film and I have never seen anything of his that I haven't enjoyed. Shutter Island is no exception. Shutter Island is a beautiful film, from the production design to the cinematography and the lighting, it is all close to perfect. It's one of the best looking films in years, it just blew me away. It is also amazing how Scorsese build suspense through the entire film. Imagine a suspenseful scene in a movie, it starts off rather normally and the suspense builds and builds throughout the scene like a ticking time-bomb until it erupts. Shutter Island is like that except it is spread out across the entire film. The way the plot unfolds is masterful and literally every performance is amazing. I did not enjoy the films score though, I felt it was basically saying the entire time "there is something wrong on this island, be afraid," it is okay for a score to say that but it said it in such a way that it pulled me out of the film. There are some continuity errors and one shot in a flash-back involving German soldiers being shot that doesn't make sense if you think about it. But, if you are looking for a break from the below-par, early year releases Shutter Island is the way to go.
Shutter Island - 4 out of 4
-Zach

The White Ribbon

When someone recommends that you see a 2 hour and 24 minute, black and white, German film about a little village before WWI would you be interested? My guess many people wouldn't be. If the daunting running time doesn't scare people away, the fact that it is in Black and White and in German probably would. The film also contains some disturbing subject matter and images that may deter some potential viewers. But once you get past all that on the surface, this is one of the most beautiful films of the year. It is utterly mesmerizing, the black and white visuals are key to the films enjoyment. The film would really be awful with out the black and white. There is no music in the film which gives it an eerie quality. The acting is amazing, some performances are just so creepy they will stay with you hours after the completion of the film. When you go to see a film in which the first 2 minutes consist of a silent and slow credit sequence, it can give you a clue to what you are about to encounter. The film is made up of slow paced scenes but when the scenes are put together they make a film that isn't slow paced at all. It actually moves rather quickly. I did not find myself checking my watch or wondering when it was going to be over once during the movie (and some 90 minute films have me checking my watch). It is one of the best films I've seen in a very long time. I'm probably going to add it to my top of 2009 list. It is defiantly the best looking film I've seen that was released last year. This is the type of movie that people will look at in 100 years and still be as moved by it as I was, watching it in the theater. I'm still pondering what really happened in some parts of the movie, and what everything symbolized. It is a movie that leaves you will just as many questions as answers and it will give you something to talk and think about. I know it seems like a movie that may be unappealing to many but it is simply amazing.
The White Ribbon - 4 out of 4
-Zach

Crazy Heart

On a TV spot for Crazy Heart in one of the review blurbs it was compared to 2008's The Wrestler a film I enjoyed very much. It was once my number one film of 2008 but I feel that it doesn't hold up as well upon second viewings. Rewind to January 11, 2009, The Wrestler takes home 2 Golden Globes, Best Actor and Best Original Song. Now go to January 17, 2010, Crazy Heart takes home 2 Golden Globes, Best Actor and Best Original Song. I don't think it was because I read that blurb or because of the similarity of the awards they won, but when I was watching Crazy Heart I thought I was watching a toned down version of The Wrestler. Everything about this movie is exactly the same as in The Wrestler but toned down. For example, change coke and steroids to alcohol and cigarettes, a heart attack to a concussion, and a stripper to a journalist. Even the characters are the same, a has been wrestler and a has been country singer. There are maybe 20 similarities I noticed while watching this movie, so many it was distracting. But comparing 2 films isn't real film criticism except for pointing out lack of originality (even though it was based on a 1987 book). Jeff Bridges is an amazing actor and he play Bad Blake better than anyone could and he is amazing. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a somewhat weepy but average performance. The movie was undeniably good, it just wasn't great. I'm not a big fan of country music, so I won't count my lack of enjoyment of the music against the film (yet I did enjoy the song that won the Golden Globe). I think it may have something to do with the fact that I didn't enjoy The Wrestler as much the second time. Maybe every one needs to see this story told once and never again to receive its full impact. I would be interested to see what someone thought of the film who didn't see The Wrestler.
Crazy Heart - 3 out of 4
-Zach

Top Movies of 2009

This is sort of late but I was busy and I also wanted to make sure I saw all the films I wanted to. I didn't get to see Crazy Heart (Well except Roger Ebert's) but it didn't make it on many top lists so I'll hold it off.

1. Inglorious Basterds - This is seriously the most awesome movie of the year by far. Tarantino can write a screenplay so good, some of the lines were whirring around in my head a week after I saw the movie. It's all so memorable and well executed. It was my #1 most anticipated movie of the year, and it delivered.
2. Up - This was also on my most anticipated movies of 2009 list. To find out what is so good about this movie all you need to see is the 5 minute "Married Life" scene about 7 minutes into the film.
3. A Serious Man - It is a brilliant dark comedy. I enjoyed Burn After Reading, but it is nothing compared to this year's offering. If you want to know the secret about what is so great about this movie you need to put it in perspective... think about it as a parking lot...
4. (500) Days of Summer - A really wonderful relationship movie this is taken an extra step up by the amazing performances by Zooey Dechenel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
5. Where the Wild Things Are - This movie captures imagination and childrens' anguish coping techniques better than any movie to come out... ever pretty much.
6. The Hurt Locker -This movie is undeniably amazing. It sets out to capture the life of this bomb squad, and it does it so extremely effectively it will blow your mind. Although its probably the best directed film of the year it is not #2 or 3 on my list because the story was a bit one note and repetitive by the end for my taste.
7. Moon - I saw this movie at the Tribeca Film Festival in April or May and I loved it back when I saw it. I find now that I can still remember most of what happens in the movie even though I haven't seen it in 8 months which is a good sign. I wish I could say the same about another science fiction film that cam out this year, Terminator Salvation, wait did that movie come out yet? Oh yeah that was that one... wait a second, was that the one with all the explosions?
8. Up in the Air - This movie isn't overrated, it is fabulous. Every performance is great from George Clooney to the amazing J.K. Simmons in a small role. The entire story is formulated so well, it's all just amazing.
9. District 9 - I really enjoyed this Science Fiction movie. It probably would be my #10 but it's just fun to make it my #9... because it's called District 9... so yeah.
10. World's Greatest Dad - I didn't review this film but I ended up seeing it a few weeks ago and loved it. I was bound to love this movie. I just enjoy dark comedies like this, and trust me this is a very dark comedy.

Honorable Mentions: Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, An Education, Humpday, Broken Embraces, Watchmen, and In the Loop

I hope you like my list but I couldn't end this post without a mention of my least favorite film of the year. I would make a list of my worst movies of the year but no other movie I could put on the list could compare to how much I loathed this movie. It's Transformers 2, I don't even have enough respect for this movie to call it by it's full name. I simply hated every minute of it. There is no other film this year that made me feel like I was going to vomit as much as much as this one did. The worst part of it is how much money this film made and how many people liked it. It seems that modern audiences only go to the movies to see explosions and not a movie with good acting, directing, screenwriting, continuity, or editing (all of which this film lacks). The fact that this film was made and did so well makes me worried about the future of cinema. As Criswell said in Plan 9 from Outer Space, "god help us in the future."
-Zach

Top of the Decade

Okay making a list of the top movies of the decade is nearly impossible. I turned to other lists but found very little leverage. It took me a while... that's why I haven't posted it until now.

1. Kill Bill (2003-4) - I still think of these two movies as one split into two parts, I don't like one better than the other, I just think of them as one movie.
2. WALL-E (2008) - This movie wasn't originally my top film of 2008, it was at a close second. The reason it made it all the way here is that I liked this movie more and more every time I saw it, and it ended up to be so extremely re-watchable. To tell you the truth, I saw this movie 3 times in theaters and I must have seen it 7 times on DVD. Now all you animation haters who won't even give this movie a fair chance, shame on you!
3. Adaptation (2002) - Watching this movie was seriously one of the most interesting times I've ever had watching a movie. The way it went back and forth between fact and fiction was brilliant. When I was finished I had no idea what was truth and what wasn't I just knew I really liked what I saw.
4. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) - This movie was right up my alley, creepy, weird, and haunting. It is like if a Greek myth was placed in the middle of a horror movie taking place during the Spanish Civil War.
5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - It's the second Charlie Kaufman screenplay to appear on my list. This movie is unexplainable in one short paragraph as are many Kaufman movies so I'll just make a cheesy statement about the movie instead. I won't have this movie erased from my memory!
6. Mulholland Drive (2001) - This movie was just so creepy and cool, and Naomi Watts is so good in it. This is another movie that is just my type of movie.
7. Inglorious Basterds (2009) - If you read my review you know that I love every second of this movie. From the amazing opening scene to the final frame.
8. Donnie Darko (2001) - This is another one of the strange type of movies that I love, but for some reason I didn't find is as confusing as most people seem to.
9. Juno (2007) - This is another one of those movies I watch over and over again and they just don't get old. Every darn line of this screenplay is spot on, kudos to Diablo Cody.
   
10. Erin Brockovich (2000) - I don't know why, but for some reason I really love this movie. Mainly because of the fact that I just enjoy the story.

-Zach

While I've Been Out...

I went away for a week or so, but I did get to see a few movies in theaters while I was away. I'm currently forming my list of the top ten movies of 2009, but before I post that I've decided to give short snippet reviews of the movies I saw.
Up in the Air - For me this is not a perfect movie, but a pretty damn good one. The strongest element of the film is the acting. Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick are all fantastic but in my opinion Kendrick (who I first saw in a movie called Camp) is the stand-out. The story is excellent and it is really touching and funny at the same time. Jason Reitman has proved himself to be a director who has really not messed up with a film yet and will hopefully continue this trend.
Up in the Air - 4 out of 4
Nine - I really didn't like Nine. I felt the musical sequences were redundant, and unneeded. The performances weren't that good and the story was long and boring. The best thing about it was the aesthetic and I have seen better. In other words there is absolutely no point in seeing this movie it's a waste of your time, go rent Chicago.
Nine - 1.5 out of 4
So I'll be getting back to you all with my top of 2009 list, a best of the decade list, and possible a best performances of 2009 list.
-Zach