127 HOURS (2-17-11)

127 Hours (2010) - ****

127 Hours tells the story of Aron Ralston, who became trapped by a boulder in Blue John Canyon in Utah for more than five days in 2003.  Aside from a few minutes at the beginning  and end of the film, and several quick flashbacks, most of the film is spent alone with Aron in the isolated canyon.  At over 90 minutes, one could fairly worry that this might get a bit boring, but director Danny Boyle utilizes editing and cinematography magnificently, so that the film actually speeds along at a fast, claustrophobic pace.  As Ralson, James Franco gives not only the best performance of his career, but one of the best performances of the year.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS:
 - Best Picture
 - Best Actor (James Franco)
 - Best Adapted Screenplay
 - Best Film Editing
 - Best Music Score
 - Best Song ("If I Rise")

THE SOCIAL NETWORK (2-17-11)

The Social Network (2010) - ****

Countless critics have hailed TSN as the best film of 2010.  It won the Golden Globe for Best Drama and is one of the two frontrunners to take home the Best Picture prize at the Oscars.  I missed it in theatres, so watching it at home, after all the buzz, I expected to at least like it - I wasn't disappointed.  I loved it!

Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, TSN chronicles the founding of Facebook, the very popular and widely-used social networking Web site.  Jesse Eisenberg plays Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, a very smart computer geek who may or may not have intentionally screwed over a few people along the way.  Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake give award-worthy performances in supporting roles.  Brilliantly directed by David Fincher, with a sharp screenplay and flawless editing, TSN is one of the best films of 2010.

OSCAR WINS:
 - Best Adapted Screenplay
 - Best Film Editing
 - Best Music Score

OSCAR NOMINATIONS:
 - Best Picture
 - Best Director (David Fincher)
 - Best Actor (Jesse Eisenberg)
 - Best Cinematography
 - Best Sound Mixing

IT'S COMPLICATED (2-10-11)

It's Complicated (2009) - ***

While attending her son's college graduation, Jane (Meryl Streep) gets drunk and hooks up with her ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin), who's married to a younger woman.  Jane then meets architect Adam (Steve Martin) and must choose between an exciting affair with her ex or a possible new romance with Adam.  Directed by Nancy Meyers, It's Complicated is fun and funny (a pot-smoking caper is especiallly hilarious) with wonderful performances from it's three stars.  On the negative side, the actors playing Jane & Jake's three adult children are terrible and the film does seem to go on a bit long.  Overall, a solid, unconventional romatic-comedy.

THE FIGHTER (2-10-11)

The Fighter (2010) - ***

Directed by David O. Russell, The Fighter is a look into the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg).  An oustanding supporting cast (probably the best ensemble of 2010) keeps what would be an otherwise average boxing flick interesting.  Christian Bale gives the performance of his career as Micky's junkie brother Dicky - expect him to win the Oscar this month.  Melissa Leo (as his chain-smoking manager/mama) and Amy Adams (playing against type as a foul-mouthed bartender) will be duking it out in the Supporting Actress category.  They are both sensational.  A good movie, but one worth seeing for the performances.

OSCAR WINS:
 - Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale)
 - Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo)

OSCAR NOMINATIONS:
 - Best Picture
 - Best Director (David O. Russell)
 - Best Supporting Actress (Amy Adams)
 - Best Original Screenplay
 - Best Film Editing

TRUE GRIT (2-9-11)

True Grit (2010) - ***1/2

When her father is murdered, stubborn Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld) hires a tough US Marshal (Jeff Bridges) to help her track down the man responsible.  Adapted from Charles Portis' 1968 novel, True Grit is the Coen brothers most straight-forward genre film to date.  The film features gorgeous cinematography from Roger Deakins and strong supporting performances from Matt Damon and Josh Brolin.  Bridges is just fine as the grumbling, alcoholic Rooster Cogburn and Steinfeld manages to mostly hold her own (even if her accent did seem to fumble from time to time).  A bit slow at times (but never boring), True Grit falls just a hair short of becoming another Coen brothers classic.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS:
 - Best Picture
 - Best Director (Ethan Coen, Joel Coen)
 - Best Actor (Jeff Bridges)
 - Best Supporting Actress (Hailee Steinfeld)
 - Best Adapted Screenplay
 - Best Cinematography
 - Best Art Direction
 - Best Costume Design
 - Best Sound Mixing
 - Best Sound Editing

THE AMERICAN (2-8-11)

The American (2010) - ***1/2

George Clooney gives a perfectly restrained performance as Jack, an aging hit-man who must hide out in Italy after an attempt on his life.  While in hiding he agrees to take on his last assignment: building a custom-designed sniper rifle to be used for an assassination.  Based on a novel by Martin Booth and directed by Anton Corbign, The American is a beautifully shot, slow-paced thriller, short on dialogue but full of atmosphere.

WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH KANSAS? (2-8-11)

What's the Matter with Kansas? (2010) - ***

Loosely basesd on Thomas Frank's book of the same name, Kansas takes a look at why a once progressive state has in recent years become very conservative. The documentary spends time with Kansans on both sides of the political spectrum, and director Joe Winston offers no commentary or judgement on anyone.  The film really wants the viewer to get to know who these people are, beyond just their political ideals.  This mostly works, although the film seems a bit unfocused and some of it's subjects are completely unlikeable.  Still, an interesting look at a state I never want to live in.

FAMILY PLOT (2-7-11)

Family Plot (1976) - ***

Alfred Hitchcock's final film is a comedy-thriller starring Barbara Harris as a phony psychic/con artist and Bruce Dern as her taxi driver/private investigator boyfriend.  While trying to find a missing heir in California (for a handsome reward) the two cross paths with a pair of serial kidnappers (Karen Black and William Devane).  The film is entertaining and clever enough, but comes across as a bit flimsy compared to Hitchcock's earlier works.  Special kudos to the excellent cast and John Williams' delightful score.

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY (2-6-11)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - ***1/2

As a young teen I would have easily awarded T2 a 4-star rating.  After watching it for the first time in my adult life, I was just a bit less impressed.  The visual effects and makeup are still impressive (especially considering the film is 20 years old) and the film is well paced.  The dialogue, however, is really cheesey and the acting is bad to point that it's laughable.  Still, one of the better films to emerge from the sci-fi/action genre, and the best of the Terminator franchise.

A quick plot summary:  an advanced and powerful "Terminator" cyborg (Robert Patrick) has been sent back in time to destroy young teen John Connor (Edward Furlong).  Another Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) has been sent back in time to protect John while his mother (Linda Hamilton) is in a hospital for the criminally insane.  Directed by James Cameron.

PRESUMED INNOCENT (2-3-11)

Presumed Innocent (1990) - ***1/2

When a prosecutor (Greta Scacchi) is found raped and murdered, her colleague/former lover Rusty Sabich (Harrison Ford) is given the case.  When Sabich begins to dig too deeply, he finds himself on trial for the murder.  Is Sabich guilty or is he being framed? The film keeps the viewer guessing until the very end.  A little slow at points but still an above average legal thriller.  Also starring Bonnie Bedelia, Brian Dennegy, Raul Julia, John Spencer and Paul Winfield; directed by Alan J. Pakula.

CASSANDRA'S DREAM (2-2-11)

Cassandra's Dream (2007) - ***1/2 (P) / ***1/2 (M)

I originally saw this Woody Allen original back when it was first released, but enjoyed it just as much upon my second viewing.  Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor play London brothers with some financial difficulties - one has a gambling problem, the other is looking to finance a new life with his girlfriend.  They go to their wealthy uncle (Tom Wilkinson) for assistance, which he gives them, in exchange for a favor.  CD is a tragic, slow-building thriller, with excellent performances (especially from Wilkinson) and a gorgeous music score by Philip Glass.

SALT (2-2-11)

Salt (2010) - **1/2

Salt (Angelina Jolie) is a CIA agent who goes on the run after a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy.  Co-starring Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Salt is a fast-paced action thriller, at times hokey (especially one scene involving Jolie jumping down an elevator shaft like Spiderman) and fairly predictable.  Still, it's an entertaining film, with an ending left wide open for a sequel.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (1-31-11)

How to Train Your Dragon (2010) - ***

Young Viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) aspires to become a dragon hunter, hoping to please his father (Gerard Butler), a master dragon hunter himself.  When Hiccup stumbles upon an injured dragon, he realizes there are more to the creatures than once assumed.  Loosely based on Cressida Cowell's popular children's books, HTTYD features dazzling animation, stunning effects and a great cast.  It's not quite as clever as it wants to be, but still fun for the whole family.  Also featuring the vocal talents of Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill and Kristen Wiig.

GASLAND (1-30-11)

GasLand (2010) - ****

This eye-opening documentary from Josh Fox focuses on communities in the United States impacted by natural gas drilling and a stimulation method known as hydraulic fracturing (aka "fracking").  The fracking process causes toxic chemicals to seep into soil and water supplies, causing illness and polluting streams and lakes - shockingly, this is all done without breaking any laws.  One of the best documentaries of 2010, GasLand is a sad and frustrating reminder of what happens when money trumps the value of another human being.

I AM LOVE (1-30-11)

I Am Love (2010) - ***

Who knew Tilda Swinton spoke Italian? And with a Russian accent no less?! In Luca Guadgagnino's I Am Love, Swinton gives an award-worthy performance as Emma, a Russian woman living a glamorous life as wife to a wealthy businessman in Milan.  Their three children have all grown and Emma begins to realize that she wants something more.  The film is a little slow and a bit melodramatic at times, but this goes almost unnoticed thanks to the gorgeous production values.  Lush cinematography, striking costumes, beautiful Italian scenery and a loud, bold score by John Adams combine to make this one of the prettiest pictures of the year.

JESUS CAMP (1-26-11)

Jesus Camp (2006) - ****

I first saw Jesus Camp when it was released on DVD in '07.  I found it to be well-made, fascinating, completely unbiast and truthful.  It reminded me very much of the people I grew up with.  I couldn't sleep the other night and it was available on watch instantly on Netflix so I decided to throw it on.  I was as drawn in and enraged as I was on my first viewing. 

The documentary takes a look at a pentacostal summer camp in North Dakota where children are indoctrinated to "take back America for Christ".  The camp is run by Becky Fischer, a beast of a woman who claims Islam is "the enemy", that Harry Potter deserves to be put to death and uses Nestle bottled water to wash children's hands in the "water of God's word".  The children "speak in tongues", lay hands in prayer on a life-sized cutout of George W. Bush and chant for "Righteous judges!" to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Three children are shown at their homes.  One, Levi, is homeschooled by his mother.  She teaches him that global warning is a political specualtion and warns him of the evils of a public school education.  Rachael hands out Chrisitan tracts at a bowling alley and prays for her bowling ball.  Tory likes to dance to Christian heavy metal music, constantly checking herself to make sure she isn't "dancing for the flesh".  All three are well-mannered and all three are very very disturbing to watch.

Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, Jesus Camp is very respectful towards its subjects.  They are allowed to speak for themselves and Fischer herself claims to use the film as a tool to publicize her ministry and it's work.  I'm sure many would watch the film and assume that this stuff is pretty extreme, that the directors must have edited the film to push an agenda.  Take it from someone who grew up in a pentacostal household - what you see is only the tip of what goes on in these churches.  Evangelicals are a scary group of people.

DOGTOOTH (1-26-11)

Dogtooth (2010) - ***1/2

In this strange and wonderful film, a couple rasies their children into adulthood cut off from society.  The three young adults (one son, two daughters) are taught that the outside world is not safe to them at their young ages, and they believe that this is the completely normal way to live.  They are taught different meanings for words - the "sea" is a chair, the "telephone" a salt shaker.  The father leaves for work every day to the city, with the mother staying home in what seems like a voluntary imprisonment.  Dogtooth, from Greek director Giorgo Lanthimos, features great performances by the entire "family" and a disturbing and darkly comical screenplay.  Audiences are sure to be divided, but this one hooked me right in!

RESTREPO (11-26-11)

Restrepo (2010) - **

This documentary feature by American journalist Sebastian Junger and British photographer Tim Hetherington follows the two on assignment for Vanity Fair in Afghanistan.  The two followed a platoon on a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan, considered to be one of the deadliest places on Earth.  While there is some nice footage of a part of the world we see little of, the film mostly chronicles the grim routine of combat duty.  We've seen this before - in better crafted, more captivating films.

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (1-25-11)

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) - ***

Has the art world been expolited by media-hype? This strange and amusing documentary (directed by artist Banksy) tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant living in LA, and his obsession with street art.  A very odd story, there has been much speculation that the whole film is a sort of hoax.  Personally, I don't think so, but the debate only adds to the film's intrigue.

ANIMAL KINGDOM (1-25-11)

Animal Kingdom (2010) - ***

When his mother overdoses on heroin, Joshua (James Frecheville) must move in with his estranged grandmother (Jacki Weaver), the matriach of a Melbourne family of crooks.  Animal Kingdom is a strong feature debut from writer-director David Michod, even if it does seem a bit drawn out at times.  Much of the film's success belongs to it's superb cast - newcomer Frecheville gives a perfectly understated performance in the leading role, while Ben Mendelsohn (as his vile uncle) and Weaver steal every scene they are in.