Promised Land and My Top 15 Films of 2012

My View:  Promised Land (2012) Steve Butler (Matt Damon) and Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand) go to a small Pennsylvania farming community to buy natural gas rights. The locals are receptive to the possibilities of a financial payout until a grassroots environmentalist (John Krasinski) arrives in town and begins to inform the townspeople about the big gas company and their controversial use of fracking, a procedure that may endanger their way of life. Gus Van Sant, the film's Director, does an admirable job of making us care not only for the farmers and their families but also for these two salespeople who see what they do as not evil, but an opportunity for the town to survive in such a tough economy. Matt Damon is perfect in the role of Steve, a sort of likable every-man, who saw his own small farming town die when a tractor factory left the community. Krasinski (who co-wrote the script with Damon) is enjoyable as the rival to Damon and whose character not only tries to stop Damon from drilling for gas, but also vies for the affection of a local school teacher (Rosemarie DeWitt). I didn't like the ending of the film, it took the easy way out, and came way too quickly for my tastes.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Promised Land Website

My Top 15 (16 actually) films of the year (in no particular order):

1).  Argo  (2012)   Ben Affleck keeps getting better as a director, and he gives this film a sensational pace that builds toward an extraordinary ending. What I really liked about this film is that it isn’t all drama based; there are some very funny moments in this film, most of the time, supplied by Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who play two Hollywood filmmakers who help Affleck’s character set up the fake movie, including providing a script and publicity. This is a film that, at its conclusion, you just might feel the urge to clap.   Argo Info

2).  Skyfall  (2012)  It’s a film that is more about characters than gadgets, and James is questioning whether he can continue to be 007, both physically and mentally.  Daniel Craig gives us a much more layered performance than in past Bond films, and Javier Bardem is amazing as the complex , former spy who is now out to destroy MI6. I loved this film, with one of the best Bond villains ever, and even if you aren’t a James Bond fan, you will like it.   Skyfall Info

3).  The Avengers  (2012)  Writer/Director Joss Whedon has done an astounding job creating one of the best action adventure films in the past ten years. The film is not only full of phenomenal action sequences, but it also has a surprising amount of humor, and audiences may have to see the film twice to catch all of the funny deliveries. Downey is the main force behind the storyline, but all the superheroes get their moment in the sun, with the Black Widow and The Hulk characters particularly standing out.  I especially enjoyed The Hulk, who smashes everything in sight, in the final battle sequences.   The Avengers Info

4).  Searching for Sugar Man  (2012)  This is one of the best documentaries I have seen in the past year. It perfectly uses Rodriguez’s music to highlight the story with interesting interviews and an intriguing use of animation to recreate scenes in the past that builds an interesting story and makes this a film to be enjoyed. This is a great film that celebrates a long lost musician who was never appreciated in America but became an important musical figure for so many people he never knew.   Searching for Sugar Man Info

5).  Silver Linings Playbook  (2012)  Jennifer Lawrence brings both an energy and a vulnerability to the screen, driving the story along, and sometimes at break neck speed. The film has an outstanding cast with Julia Stiles, Robert DeNiro, Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker shows a wonderful comic touch as Pat’s friend from the institution.    Silver Linings Playbook Info

6).  Beasts of the Southern Wild  (2012)  It’s a magical film set partly in reality and partly in fantasy, and you never quite know if what you are seeing is real or not. Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy is stunning in this film and gives such a strong and multilayered performance that some adult actors wouldn’t be able to do.  After seeing this film, you will feel richer for having experienced it.   Beasts of the Southern Wild Info

7).  Sleepwalk With Me  (2012)  This is a funny, smart film based on writer/director/lead actor Mike Birbiglia’s own life.  Birbiglia shows how hard it is to break into the stand-up comic business, and once you get into the business, how hard the life is.  He does it with humor, and his dialogue is just so dead on, and captures a sort of sad sack type of humor.  Ambrose is excellent as the girlfriend who supports Matt at first but soon learns that their relationship will be tested by his profession, especially after he starts using his real life experiences for material.   Sleepwalk with Me Info

8).  Bernie  (2012)  Writer/Director Richard Linklater (Slacker, The School of Rock) does a masterful job of capturing the life of a small Texas town, especially showcasing all of the townspeople who are willing, at the drop of a hat, to give their opinion. Jack Black is fun to watch as the very effeminate, but earnest Bernie, and Matthew McConaughey, in one of his best performances in recent years, shines as the tough as nails, baseball bat wielding district attorney. This is one of those films that hits just the right notes and makes it fun to go to the movies.   Bernie Info

9).  The Hunger Games  (2012)  Fans of the book were very happy as the film follows most of the book plot with almost no exceptions. Jennifer Lawrence is perfect as the rebellious Katniss, a fierce hunter who isn't afraid to stand up for herself.  The rest of the cast is sound with outstanding work from Josh Hutcherson who plays Katniss's Hunger Games partner, Peeta, and surprisingly, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, the designer of Katness's look at the games (think Project Runway on steroids).  This film doesn't disappoint, and it’s fans will be counting down until the sequel.   The Hunger Games Info

10).  The Imposter  (2012)  A documentary about a boy who went missing from a Texas town that shows up in France three years later.  This film does a phenomenal job of not giving away too much, too soon.  It’s a fascinating tale that has more twists and turns than most mystery books.   The Imposter Info

11).  Moonrise Kingdom  (2012)  Writer/Director Wes Anderson (Rushmore, Fantastic Mr. Fox) has created another one of his magical worlds where normal is the exception, not the rule. This film has an all-star cast and makes the most of it with Edward Norton as the uptight Scout Master, Bruce Willis as the mild-mannered police chief, Captain Sharp, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand as Suzy’s parents, who are more interested in their law briefs than their child. This is a funny, quirky film that celebrates love and the adventuresome sprit of childhood.   Moonrise Kingdom Info

12).  The Cabin in the Woods  (2012)  The best way I can describe this film is it's like nothing you have seen before - a horror movie with a ton of comedy in it.  As groundbreaking a TV show that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was (Director Drew Goddard and Producer Joss Whedon, were the forces behind that show) this is a cutting-edge and innovative film.  It’s one of the  best films I have seen this year and has a highly inventive plot about which I can’t go into too much detail so I don't give away surprises.  And, there are many surprises in it!  This is one of those films where, after I saw it, I wanted to immediately buy another ticket and see it again.   The Cabin in the Woods Info

13A).  Pitch Perfect  (2012)  Anna Kendrick is exceptional in this film. It’s fun, great music and the quality of the humor In this film is superior to any of the other comedies that have come out this year. Pitch Perfect Info 

13B. The Perks of Being a Wall Flower (2012) I absolutely loved this film and how it shows how strange, off-beat people can find and support each other, even in the scary world of high school. This is an enjoyable film that has terrific dialogue and some excellent performances, especially Logan Lerman, who gives heart to the role of Charlie. This is one of those films that young people will watch over and over again because it so realistically and lovingly shows what it’s like to be a teenager in high school.   The Perks of Being a Wall Flower Info

14).  Life of Pi  (2012)  This is a film that you need to see in theatres because its beauty almost spills off the screen. Suraj Sharma plays Pi, and he gives a multilayer performance. The Tiger is mostly animated, but it's so well done that you never question its authenticity. This is deeply spiritual film and shows a young man embracing his religious beliefs to make it through this disaster. And, after seeing this film, you will want to talk about it.   Life of Pi Info

15).  The Sessions   (2012)  This is one of the better films of the year with awe-inspiring performances by John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, with Hawkes giving his performance with just his voice and his eyes. The film is based on a true story and is about 80 percent accurate, with the poems in the film written by the real Mark O’Brien. I am warning you that there is lots of nudity, and you do see the sex acts between Hawkes and Hunt, but they are tastefully done, with the scenes between the two characters filled with humor and warmth.   The Sessions Info

Honorable Mention:  The Dark Knight Rises, Seven Psychopaths, Lincoln, Jiro Who Dreams of Sushi, A Royal Affair, Magic Mike, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Detention, Searching for Sonny, For a Good Time,Call, Haywire, John Carter.

Please note that as of the publish date I have not seen the following which are showing up on a number of critics lists:  Holy Motors, Zero Dark Thirty, Rust and Bone, Amour.

                                                               Until Next Time!

Django Unchained

My View:  Django Unchained (2012) Set in the South in 1858, Django (Jamie Foxx), a former slave who has turned bounty hunter, with the help of his partner, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), look for Django’s long lost wife, Hildy (Kerry Washington). They find her on Calvin Candie's (Leonardo DiCaprio) plantation, where the main sport is slaves fighting to the death. I loved the first 45 minutes of this film, which is part comedy, part spaghetti western (western films made in the 60’s/70’s in Italy). Waltz and Foxx play off each other extremely well, as Dr. Schultz teaches Django the finer points of bounty hunting. But the film bogs down when DiCaprio’s character enters the picture, as there is quite a bit of sitting around dinner tables and porches, talking about slavery. Samuel L. Jackson, in a part that only he could play, is the butler Stephen, who is Candie’s right-hand man, and helps with the rest of the slaves, looking out for his master. I did enjoy the ending, but I just wish the film was about 20 minutes shorter. Be warned that there is an incredible amount of violence with lots of bloodshed, whipping, raping and other really savage.   My Rating: Full Price   Django Unchained Website

My View:  Les Miserables (2012) Based on the Broadway hit, this musical takes place in 19th century France where Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), has been running from the law for decades after breaking parole. Valjean agrees to take care of Cosette (Amanda Seyfried), the illegitimate daughter of Fantine (Anne Hathaway), after Fantine can no longer afford to take care of her. But by doing this, Valjean may be discovered by the police inspector, Javert (Russell Crowe), and his life could take a turn for the worse. Anne Hathaway is amazing in this film as the mother of Cosette who loses her job and has to sell herself to make sure her daughter survives. Hathaway’s song, "I Dreamed a Dream", is the highlight of the film, and the use of live recording as they were filming is displayed at its best with her performance. The other notable performance is Samantha Barks, who plays Cosette’s rival, Eponine.  Barks solo song, ”On My Own”, is an extraordinary bit of singing and is probably the best song in the film.  But, 99 percent of the dialogue is sung, and I found that the constant singing was a little tiring. Microphones were mounted under the cameras to catch all vocals, so there are quite a few close ups in the film, and this also gets very old during the film's 157 minutes. Jackman has the most to sing, as he is in almost every scene, and, as expected, does a superb job. While I found Crowe’s voice enjoyable, it is a performance that you will probably either love or hate. Overall, while there were some enjoyable performances, and a couple of amazing songs, the film was not the experience that I felt it should have been and, by the final scene, I was just ready for it to end.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Les Miserables Website

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Film of All Time)

#10 Worst Film

Gigli (2003) Ben Affleck plays Gigli, a mob hit man who has been hired to kidnap the brother of a district attorney. Jennifer Lopez plays Ricki, a lesbian hit woman who is assigned by the mob to make sure Gigli doesn’t screw up. Affleck and Lopez were a couple in real life when this stinker was made, but there isn’t any evidence on film, as their isn’t an ounce of chemistry between the two. The plot is as dumb as the hit man that Affleck plays, and Lopez keeps claiming to be a lesbian (she tells just about everyone in the film this), but she is about as believable as Christopher Walken is as the detective trying to solve the case. Lopez and Affleck were paid a combined 25 million dollars for this film.  I think they should pay us every time we see it.   Gigli Info

Forgotten Film: Tender Mercies (1983) Robert Duvall plays Mac Sledge, a legendary country singer, who has fallen on hard times due to his drinking. He finds himself abandoned in a small, west Texas motel run by a widow, Rosa (Tess Harper) and her young son (Allan Hubbard). Through the kindness of Rosa, Mac slowly gets his life back on track, falling in love with Rosa, and he begins to write songs again. But life is complicated, and his ex-wife Dixie (Betty Buckley), a big country star herself, comes back into the picture to possibly mess things up. Duvall gives one of the best performances of his career, bringing depth and warmth to a very flawed character. Everyone in this film did their own singing with Duvall and Buckley lighting up the screen with their vocal talents. This is almost a perfect film with an incredible script by the Texan writer Horton Foote, whose talent for finding the right words for his characters shines throughout.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   Tender Mercies Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Total Recall (2012) Not really a remake of the 1990 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger but more like a total retooling. I liked Kate Beckinsale in this film but found it way too long and very confusing.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Total Recall Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) Should it really take two films to perform an exorcism? I think one was enough.    The Last Exorcism Part II Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Les Miserables: Petty Cash Buyer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: 42 (2013) The life story of Jackie Robinson. Trailer looks amazing. Just hope the film lives up to the man himself.   42 Info

Until Next Time!

This is 40

My View:   This is 40 (2012)   Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) are dealing with the reality of marriage with children. Their life isn’t what they thought it was going to be, and now that Pete’s record label is having trouble, so is their marriage. I liked parts of this film, some of which are extremely funny, but the film, overall, feels really disjointed, as if Judd Apatow, who wrote and directed the film, decided to put skits together to make a film. I liked Leslie Mann’s performance, as she has the right mix of craziness and desperation for the role. As usual, Melissa McCarthy, in a very small role, comes in and steals the film from the rest of the cast. Be sure and stay for the first part of the end credits.  There are several outtakes where McCarthy just goes on a rant that had me crying it was so funny.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee   This Is 40 Website

Family Faire:  Cirque du Soleil: World’s Away (2012) A young couple are separated and must travel through the wonderful and mystical world of “Cirque du Soleil,” determined to be reunited, all in the magic of 3-D. It’s basically the best bits of a bunch of the Cirque shows (they use eight different Cirque shows including Love and Ka) interwoven with a very thin story line.  It's a film, though, that is very beautiful and worth seeing in 3-D. It doesn’t quite have the impact that the live shows have, but the film come close, and some of the acts are astounding.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Cirque du Soleil: World's Away Website

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Film of All Time)

#11 Best Film

Napoleon  (1927)  This silent film is an absolute masterpiece of cinema. Abel Gance wrote, directed and edited this film about the rise and fall of Napoleon. Using camera and editing techniques that were years ahead of their time, the film is a stunning experience to watch. Gance sometimes used three cameras to convey a scene and the film, when properly shown, at times uses three projectors side by side, that fill up the screen, sometimes with one panoramic shot, and at other times the three cameras show different scenes. Gance also hand tinted some of the film, which make the scenes more dramatic. This is truly one of the great films of all time.   Napoleon Info

Forgotten Film:  When a Stranger Calls (1979) The film begins with a babysitter (Carol Kane) who gets threatening phone calls. She then discovers that a madman is in the home of the family that she is babysitting, and he has murdered the two kids.. She is attacked by the madman and is nearly killed, but is saved by the police. Years later, she is now a wife and mother, who, once again, is getting threatening phones calls. Could the madman be back? This is a suspenseful, scary film that horror movies today could learn from. Kane is splendid in the role and wonderfully conveys the emotions and horror of being targeted by a killer. And the film has one of the great horror movie lines of all time, “The calls are coming from inside the house.”    When a Stranger Calls Info

In Case You Missed it (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Pitch Perfect (2012) Of all the movies that I have seen in 2012, this film surprised me the most. Music is Becca’s (Anna Kendrick) life, so much so that she wants to move to Los Angeles to become a music producer. Her father, who is a professor, though, wants her to get an education first, so he makes a deal with Becca – stay at the university for one year and join at least one group activity. So, Becca joins “The Bellas,” an all-female A Cappella group as they work to reach the A Cappella national championship. The only problem is their main competition is an all-male group on their own campus called, “The Treblemakers.” Anna Kendrick is exceptional in this film. It’s fun, great music and the quality of the humor In this film is superior to any of the other comedies that have come out this year.  My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   Pitch Perfect Website

In Memory of Ed Woods (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):  Parker (2013) Jason Statham plays a thief who is double-crossed and left for dead. He plans for revenge and asks Jennifer Lopez for help. Jason Statham plays the same role over and over and over.    Parker Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of Cirque du Soleil: World’s Away: Tricycle Operator

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Gangster Squad (2013) This film has a horrible title but a great cast that includes Emma Stone, Sean Peen, Ryan Gosling. It takes place in 1940’s L.A., where the cops are trying to keep the East Coast Mafia from taking over the city. Gangster Squad Website 

Until Next Time!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

My View:  The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)  Set sixty years before “The Lord of the Rings,” a Hobbit named, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), is picked by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to journey across Middle Earth with thirteen Dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a giant dragon. I think the biggest problem with the film is that it tries to show too much - as if Director Peter Jackson tries to capture and film everything that happens in the book. Films based on books usually have to be cut back, because they would just be too long, but Jackson seems determined to make three films out of one single book. The film is way to lengthy, at times looks like a video game, and just doesn't quite have the soul and majesty of the Lord of the Rings films. I liked Martin Freeman as Bilbo, a sort of everyman's Hobbit, but there really isn't a standout Dwarf in the film like in the Rings films where so many distinct characters created such a rich character-based film.  I was excited to see the creepy Gollum again (the character from Lord of the Rings) but alas, his part, while important, is small in a very long film. I also didn't like the 48 Frames Per Second look of the film as it gave almost an HD TV look to.  Check your theater's website to determine if it's being shown chains in HFR for High Frame Rate. The film was shot in 3-D and it is worth it to see it in that format.  Overall this is an enjoyable adventure film, but just doesn't measure up to the Rings Trilogy.   My Rating: Full Price    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Website

Indiefest:  Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)  Set in 1939, this film is about the love affair between President FDR (Bill Murray) and his distant cousin, Margaret Stuckley (Laura Linney). The backdrop of the film is the coming to America of King George IV (Samuel West) and the historic meeting at Hyde Park between the Roosevelt's and the King/Queen of England. This is an interesting film, especially since we get to see the behind-the-scenes workings of the FDR White House and how the press and others treated Roosevelt being confined to a wheel chair. While I liked Murray's performance (he has the smile down pat, but not the voice of FDR), it's Linney, as his shy distant cousin, whom we see grow more confident as she spends more and more time under the spell of FDR. While it's not the level of another historical drama about a President (Lincoln), it is a film that is enjoyable to watch.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Hyde Park on Hudson Website

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Film of All Time)

#11 Worst Film

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot  (1992)  Anytime the words comedy and Sylvester Stallone are mentioned, you should run the other way. Golden Girl Estelle Getty plays his mom who gets involved with a case that her son is working on and high jinks abound. Look!  His mom has a gun as big as she is! Stallone considers this the worst film in his career, so that says a lot.    Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot Info

Forgotten Film:  Explorers  (1985)  Ben (Ethan Hawke) is obsessed with space travel and aliens and reads comics and watches old B-movie sci-fi films. One night, he dreams of a circuit board, and, with the help of his friend, Wolfgang (River Phoenix), they set out to build not only the board but the spaceship they are convinced will take them to space. Will the ship fly and what will they find when they get into outer space? This film is about taking chances and the will to live your dreams. Hawke and Phoenix are perfect as the two mismatched boys who get together to create the impossible. My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Explorers Info

In Case You Missed it (A Film Just Released on DVD):  The Bourne Legacy (2012) I like Jeremy Renner taking over the Bourne films as I think he makes a credible action star. The plot, though, is confusing, and takes place at the same time the last Matt Damon Bourne film is happening, but the final chase sequence leaves much to be desired.  The film seems to end abruptly and left me unsatisfied.   My Rating: Cable    The Bourne Legacy Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Texas Chainsaw 3D  (2013)  Okay, there is only one Texas Chainsaw film that is worth seeing, and that's the original 1974 film. This looks a lot like a Saw knock-off but with Leatherface.   Texas Chainsaw 3D Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Equine horse make up artist

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Quartet  (2012)  Directed by Dustin Hoffman, this film stars Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly and Tom Courtenay as residents of a retired musician's home. The annual fundraising concert is disrupted by the arrival of Jean (Maggie Smith), an Opera diva who is the former wife of one of the residents. Think The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but set in Great Britain and with music.    Quartet Info

Until Next Time!

Killing Them Softly

My View: Killing Them Softly (2012) Two men (Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn) decide to make some easy money, so they hold up a poker game. The big problem - it's Mob-protected game, and Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) is sent to find the men and kill them. Pitt plays the killer Cogan with ease and skill, but you just wish he had a better storyline to showcase his talents. This film seems to want to make lots of points about politics and the economy as every mobster’s car radio and every bar scene is playing some sort of sound clip about the failing economy. I felt that James Gandolfini was wasted as the hit man who doesn’t want to do anything other than get drunk and sleep with hookers. Besides Pitt’s character, the one interesting part of this film is the character Ray Liotta plays - a man who runs the poker games and is now in trouble with the Mob. This is an ultra-violent film where bullets fly in slow motion, and you hear bones crunching under the weight of a punch.  The action, though, is too few and far between which makes this film one that is mostly about uninteresting characters talking about nothing to each other.    My Rating: Cable   Killing Them Softly Website

Indiefest: A Royal Affair  (2012)  This costume drama from Denmark is the story of a young woman (Alicia Vikander) who marries a king (Mikkel Boe Folsgaard) who is insane. In a circumstance of being in the right place at the right time, the king picks a young, brash doctor (Mads Mikkelsen) to not only join his court but also be his friend and counselor. The doctor then has an affair with the young queen that  changes their relationship and changes the workings of the court, itself.  This is a gorgeous film with great sets and costumes, but it’s the acting that makes this film work so well. Mikkelsen and Vikander have great chemistry on screen together; their passion is so well displayed.  Folsgaard, as the mad king is amazing and makes this character one that you sometimes feel sorry for and, at other times, detest.    My Rating: Full Price    A Royal Affair

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Films of All Time)

#12 Best Film

Fargo (1996) The Coen brothers (Joel, Ethan) bring us this fantastical world of interesting characters who inhabit the cold north Minnesota country. Jerry (William H. Macy) works at his father-in-law's car dealership and has gotten himself into a financial crisis. He decides to hire two shady characters (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare ) to kidnap his wife so that he can get money for the ransom. But, things don’t go as planned, and now Jerry’s in a world of trouble since Sherriff Marge Guinderson (Frances McDormand) is on the case. The film perfectly captures the coldness of the Minnesota winter and the unique characters that inhabit that world. Frances McDormand is absolutely perfect as the determined sheriff, that, although pregnant, is going to solve the crime and catch her man. The Coen brothers have created a fascinating film that both delights and shocks, and sometimes at the same time.   Fargo Info

Forgotten Film: The Candidate (1972) The Democratic party can’t find anyone willing to run against U.S. Senator Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter) who is considered unbeatable after he, the incumbent, has served many terms. So, the Democrats convince Bill McKay (Robert Redford), the son of a long-time/popular governor, to run, and since he is destined to lose, McKay can run the campaign any way he wants. Due to his charisma and his sincerity, he begins making inroads with the voting public, and now McCay must choose to continue to be the outspoken rebel who can’t win, or, will he compromise his convictions to get the votes to be elected. Redford is brilliant as the guy who, at first doesn’t seem to want to win, but starts seeing that he just might make a difference. This film still has relevance today and is an interesting look at the world of politics.   My Rating: Full Price    The Candidate Info

In Case You Missed it (A Film Just Released on DVD): The Dark Knight Rises (2012) I thoroughly enjoyed this film and feel it was a fitting end to the Batman Dark Knight trilogy. Gotham City is convinced that Batman is a criminal, but Bruce Wayne feels, in both body and spirit, that he is no longer up to wearing the cowl and the cape.  A new menace, though, is hell-bent on destroying the city, so Batman suits up again. The reason to see this film is Anne Hathaway, who brings a picture-perfect performance to the role of Catwoman.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again    The Dark Knight Rises

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):  A Haunted House (2013) Marlon Wayans brings his type of humor to a spoof of the Paranormal Activity films. It’s bad enough that most of the horror films lately have been laughable, but now a horror film that’s supposed to be funny? Ugh.   A Haunted House Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Killing Them Softly: Air Conditioning Tech

  

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Les Miserables (2012) This film is getting a lot of buzz, especially for Anne Hathaway. Based on the hit Broadway musical, producers of this film do something that has never been attempted to this extreme before: all of the cast are singing live, on camera.  No playback/looping was done.    Les Miserables Website

Until Next Time!