Best of 2011: “Rango” Feb08

Best of 2011: “...

Gore Verbinski has always had a magic touch for me  – at least some of the time. His movies feel a little bit smarter than usual Hollywood fare and Rango is no exception. The animation is superb to say the least and just feels good to watch. The story fits so flawlessly with the...

Best of 2011: “Beginners” Feb04

Best of 2011: “Beginners”

I loved this film from the moment Ewan McGregor and Mélanie Laurent meet. A truly realistic (as can be) love story between two people that are attracted to one another with a gay dad thrown in for good measure. Mike Mills is a director who I believe will keep turning out good work as long as he keeps making stories close to his heart. His art may leave something to be desired but is nearly instantly recognizable when gazed upon. This movie challenges the viewer with the idea that relationships always seem to be euphoric in the beginning and then quickly fade into fecal matter because the real person shows up. So is there any point to...

Best of 2011: “The Artist” Feb02

Best of 2011: “...

What a great film and my choice for best picture oscar. It took a lot of will power and gusto to get this film made in an age where no one wants to see a black and white film, especially one that is silent. The leads are extraordinary in their only slightly histrionic performances and all...

Best of 2011: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” Feb01

Best of 2011: “The Girl with the Dragon Tatt...

Wow, what a surprise this film was to me. I honestly didn’t really care for the trilogy of Swedish films, so I wasn’t really expecting to like this because I already knew the story and was unimpressed. Maybe because my expectations were so low that I enjoyed this so much but nonetheless it was a fantastic viewing experience. I found the story told through the lens of David Fincher, who also directed one of the best films of last year, The Social Network, to be incredibly fascinating and entertaining. I unfortunately did not care for Zodiac or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button but every film prior I have enjoyed and respected...

Best of 2011: “Bridesmaids” Jan26

Best of 2011: “...

My second comedic pick of the year and well deserved. Kristen Wiig pulls out a suprising and sensitive performance which has to be the best of her career. Newcomer (at least to me) Melissa McCarthy was terribly funny as the not even needed comic relief. Maya Rudolph was good in her usual...