SKYFALL

This post has taken me far too long to get to, I saw this opening weekend with my wife and cousins in Utah and I’m finally getting around to writing about it.

Megan Urick calls it “Gripping!”

Dianne Dahlin says it’s “Exhilarating!”

Skyfall is the best Bond yet!  And Daniel Craig is easily one of the better, if not the best, James Bond of them all.  As a young kid I grew up with Pierce Brosnan as Bond, and once my brothers and I got a little older we watched the older Bond’s, with Roger Moore and Sean Connery.  But ever since Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, I’ve thought that Craig made the best Bond.  But as outstanding as Craig is, the real star of Skyfall has to be Javier Bardem.  He plays the best Bond villain ever (Silva), and easily the most creepy/eerie.  In probably one of the best scenes in the film, Bardem meets Craig for the first time on a deserted island and presents himself in the most eerie, uncomfortable manner.  He is a powerful and commanding leader, yet exudes one vulnerability: himself.  As the story unfolds you see how he is absolutely driven to beat Bond and exact himself with his once-leader, M.  The cast of Skyfall is well put together and the acting is better than in any other Bond film; especially on the part of these three: Javier Bardem as Silva, Daniel Craig as James Bond, and Ben Whishaw as Q.

WRECK-IT RALPH

If you have ever played any old arcade game, such as Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Mario-Kart, etc., then Wreck-It Ralph will resonate with such familiarity as to bring back fond memories of when video games used to be incredible!  Back when 2-D, pixelated graphics might as well have been "so real that you couldn't even tell the difference!"  Wreck-It Ralph is the touching story of a bad guy video game character (Ralph, voiced perfectly by John C. Reilly) who is tired of being just that: the bad guy.  He realizes that the gaming community--which is made up of every single game in the arcade--only recognizes the good guys, or the heroes who have won medals.  Ralph decides to abandon his game, titled Fix-It Felix, and "game jump" over to Heroes Duty; where he can prove to everyone that he can be a good guy.

The movie casted some wonderful people to do the voices of the characters, such as Sarah Silverman (Vanellope), Jack McBrayer (Felix), Jane Lynch (Calhoun), and Alan Tudyk (King Candy).  The voices are perfectly matched with the characters and the movie is incredible.  It contains the perfect mix of child and adult humor which makes it a great movie for everyone.

Wreck-It Ralph is hilarious, heartfelt, and just plain fun!  It's a great movie for every age and will definitely bring back memories for those who grew up playing any old arcade game.  In the words of John C. Reilly himself, "It surprisingly has a lot of heart.

BURIED

*Reviewers note: I personally was not a big fan of this film, in fact I didn't particularly like it all, but with that being said, I believe that Buried accomplished exactly what the director wanted it to... frustration.  I try to review all films objectively, therefore, I will attempt to do the same with this one, it's just a bit harder.

Buried is the epitome of claustrophobia and frustration.  As the film progresses you only want one thing: fresh air.  Ryan Reynolds accomplishes what a lot of actors could never do, keep you interested for an hour and a half by himself.  The acting, which consists of only one character, is very good.  Reynolds does such a good job that you literally feel as though you are buried in the box as well, and it's a very uncomfortable feeling.  I don't think I've ever been more uneasy while watching a movie.

Although I didn't really like Buried, I still have to give it 7 out of 10 stars because I am convinced that it accomplished exactly what Rodrigo Cortes hoped it would and Ryan Reynolds did a great job.  I don't imagine that very many viewers truly enjoy Buried, and I think that's exactly what Cortes had in mind.  I know it sounds crazy, but the film is worth one viewing just so you can experience the intense feeling of claustrophobia and frustration.

Watch Buried just one time... you'll hate it.

ARGO

Ben Affleck is at the top his game, not only in acting but in directing as well.  Argo is the third film that Affleck has directed (His first two were Gone Baby Gone and The Town) and it doesn’t disappoint.  As he showcased in his first two films, Affleck is a master at capturing emotion and suspense, but what's amazing is how differently he can do it.

Gone Baby Gone presented such a dilemma that as a viewer you were rooting for Casey Affleck’s character but were torn between what was right and what was ethical.  In The Town the emotion was much more subtle; it centered on Affleck’s relationship with his father, which wasn’t shown or spoke of often.  However, Argo takes the emotion and suspense to a whole new level.  In the final 20 minutes of the film you will catch yourself holding your breath and tensing your entire body (Warning: If you are with your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, or significant other, your hand or arm may hurt from the grip of your partner).

Not only is Affleck incredible in the lead role of CIA operative Tony Mendez, but he is surrounded by outstanding performances, namely that of Bryan Cranston as Jack O’Donnell.  Cranston is really incredible and gives a moving performance as Affleck’s boss.  Alan Arkin and John Goodman don’t disappoint either as Hollywood moviemakers Lester Siegel and John Chambers respectively.  They provide a healthy portion of the comic relief in the film; and believe me, they’re very funny.  The entire cast is phenomenal and they do a fantastic job of getting into character.

The acting is superb, the cinematography is beautiful, and the screenplay is flawless.  Argo is easily one of the best films of the year and possibly the decade.  In my personal Oscar nominations it’s up for Best Picture, Best Director & Best Actor (Ben Affleck), and Best Supporting Actor (Bryan Cranston). 

-“Argo f*** yourself!”

Coming Soon... ARGO Review

Stay tuned this coming week for my review of the Ben Affleck film Argo, you may want to brace yourself because it's going to get Oscar-worthy praise.

Top films of 2011

To kick things off, I thought I'd list my top 10 films of 2011.

1.Warrior - Few films have pulled at my heartstrings the way Warrior did.  It is an incredible, emotion-driven film that I did not expect to enjoy; I didn't even see the movie until December of 2011.  I initially wanted to see it because Gavin O'Connor directed it (O'Connor previously directed my favorite sports movie of all time - Miracle), however, I hate UFC so it lost something for me.  I had no idea it would be as powerful as it was; it completely blindsided me.  Amazing acting (especially Nick Nolte and Tom Hardy), incredible story & screenplay, and talented directing.










2. Drive - Ryan Gosling is slightly eerie and yet charming at the same time. Drive said so much with hardly saying anything at all, Gosling's character hardly speaks throughout the entire film yet he gives an incredible performance.  Drive is graphic, gritty, and gorgeous.














3. 50/50 - The perfect combination of funny and heartfelt, 50/50 is much more than a comedy.  Seth Rogen brings his usual crude humor to the table but shows his diversity as a close friend who really does have a heart.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt is outstanding and Anna Kendrick gives a wonderful breakout performance as an awkward therapist who attempts to help Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).  You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll love it.












4. Moneyball - If you love sports, you'll love Moneyball!  Its climax bears similar resemblance of classic sports films such as Rudy and Miracle, and it will leave you cheering for the Oakland Athletics, a team that only those from Oakland root for.  Jonah Hill shows that he can be a dramatic actor along with Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation), and Brad Pitt certainly doesn't disappoint as A's General Manager Billy Beane.












5. The Fighter - Anyone who loves Boston based films most likely loved this one.  Christian Bale looks and speaks exactly like his true character and his best supporting actor Oscar was well-deserved.  It shows the rough and tough character of the north Boston suburb of Lowell.  It's a beautifully shot film with beautiful acting.













6. The Kings Speech - Best Picture. Check.  Best Actor. Check.  Best Director. Check.  Best Original Screenplay. Check.  The awards, accolades, and lauds still continue to be sent in the direction of The King's Speech.  Colin Firth was powerful, and so were those supporting him: Geoffery Rush, Helena Bohnam Carter, and Guy Pearce.  The movie was well deserved of its many awards and will go down as a classic.












7. Buck - You don't have to like horses to love Buck.  It is the best documentary of 2011 and it's not just about ranching and horse training; it's about people and their relationships.  It's full of heart, pain, and beauty.













8. 127 Hours - You know a film is great when it can captivate an audience with just one character.  James Franco is at his best as Aron Ralston, and gives a riveting performance as a man trapped between a rock and a hard place for five days.  A feeling of great relief will wash over you as the film comes to a close, and you will have a difficult time holding back your tears.












9. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - An Oscar worthy, all-star cast comprised of some of the film industry's best: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, and John Hurt, just to name a few.  This spy thriller is worthy of only one statement - pay very close attention.













10. Crazy, Stupid, Love - The romantic comedy of the year, Crazy, Stupid, Love brings together an outstanding cast and tells a story that bears a truly great message.  Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone make an incredible couple that you wish would just be together outside of the movie.  It's touching, it's funny, and it's heartfelt.