I'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions. I don't get the concept or why people need an excuse to make a big change to better themselves. Hey, if you want to get something done, pull a Nike and just do it. That being said, this year I halfway jumped on the bandwagon and decided to create a goal for the year 2010. Last year, I was at the theater enough to see 84 films, this year I'm going for 100. One year, one-hundred movies. Of course my ultimate goal is for some big studio to hear my story and make film about my life, but until then I'll blog my way through each month letting you know how each film was and whether I think it's worth your time.
Up in the Air
You've probably heard some buzz about this film, especially considering it's recent Best Picture Oscar nomination. It was enjoyable but, like I often feel about Best Picture nominees, I didn't really get all the hype. It has a lot of those artsy qualities critics tend to eat up, tragic characters, a reflection America's individualistic attitudes and workaholic lifestyle, and a depressing ending. George Clooney did his thing and the chick from Twilight wasn't half bad either.
Bottom line: Up in the Air is for people into non-uplifting character studies, an easy wait-for-DVD rental, and not worthy of the Best Picture of 2009 award by any stretch.
Daybreakers
You can read my official GotchaMovies.com review here.
Bottom line: Willem Dafoe is amazing... unlike this movie.
Youth in Revolt
Reflecting back on this movie...it was weird. Not really good or bad weird, just weird. I did enjoy it. I love Michael Cera and I'm into stories that make no sense but make me not even care that they don't. It was pretty amusing and off the wall, and a nice change of pace. Youth in Revolt doesn't offer a cliche teen movie in any fashion. I also appreciate this film because of the guerilla marketing techniques they used as promotion including groups of college guys dressing as the main character's alter ego and passing out free screening passes on college campuses.
Bottom line: This movie is offbeat and lacks sense at times, but it all melds together to create a charming story that's worth a watch.
Leap Year
We get it, Amy Adams is likeable, adorable, and exudes and air of innocence that makes her hard to hate, but to be honest it's getting really old really fast. My beef is more with her as an actress playing the EXACT same role in every film and not with Leap Year itself. The story was cute and no less cliche or predictable than any other romantic comedy. It has some really funny scenes and a beautiful backdrop.
Bottom line: If you can handle Amy Adams playing the same exact character one more time you'll be able to enjoy Leap Year… at least a little.
Book of Eli
When I saw this film it was one of the rare occasions I went in having zero clue what the movie was about. I was intrigued from the first scene and thoroughly enjoyed watching this story unfold. I do feel like the movie's twist takes the story from slightly divine to a little unbelievable but that is really just a personal preference as far as these types of stories go. The cinematography is really cool and I liked all the acting, including Mila Kunis who's been getting a lot of flack for her role.
Bottom line: Book of Eli is an interesting, unique story that makes you think. Back that up with some talented acting and good action scenes means you should head to the theater.
Legion
Telling the blasphemous story about an angry God who sends Angels or zombies or something like that to exterminate the world's population, Legion leaves the word meh written all over it. Questions don't get answered and nothing fits together. I will just stop there because this movie deserves no more of your time or mine.
Bottom line: This movie is lame not has virtually zero entertainment value. Pass.
The Lovely Bones
What most drew me to this film was that Peter Jackson's director credit. I haven't read the book so I didn't feel any of the anger about his adaptation that some people have been buzzing about. I thought it was done really well. The film isn't about murder or vengeance, it's about dealing with grief and the process of losing a loved one. Some of the scenes set in "the in between" are a little weird and almost creepy but overall everything is really well done.
Bottom line: This film is pretty good. I don't suggest it for children, but the story, effects, and satisfying demise of Susie's murderer are worth a view.
Extraordinary Measures
You can read my official review here. I suggest you do, this movie is good and you need to be convinced that's true.
Bottom line: This movie was fabulous. The story is dynamic and inspiring and you won't regret taking the time or spending the money to see this in theaters.
When in Rome
Once again my nerdy marketing student self has to give a shout out to When in Rome for their unique marketing efforts. Promotion for this film was everywhere and it was adorable how they did mock confessional type interviews with the on-screen couple. Kristin and Josh are not just super cute, but also put on a genuine performance. The film is funny, upbeat and enjoyable and the art museum aspect of the plot adds some unique dimension I thought was really interesting.
Bottom line: Great choice for date night. Don't let it get lost in the shuffle with all the other romantic February releases.
Total count for 2010: 9
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