Marvel’s The Avengers
For comic book fans there should be little doubt that a better comic book movie has never come out. For all the hangups that studios seem to have about making their superhero movies dark in recent years, it’s refreshing to see a superhero movie that flirts with that very darkness but maintains an almost youthful exuberance and is light-hearted for the full ride. The action sequences are terrific and the ‘Avengers’ are likable as a misfit crew that don’t get along - a dynamic which Joss is able to use to simultaneously build character and bring about immense comic relief.
Cabin in the Woods
At first blush, it might strike one as odd that Joss Whedon would be taking a crack at horror. But don’t be fooled, the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ creator is clearly well versed in the genre. He knows what he’s doing, and the movie is so lovingly made that it’s hard to find fault anywhere. Sure, it’s not all that scary, but that doesn’t matter. If self-aware and self-parodying horror flicks are your thing, watch this (right now!). I won’t give anything away here, but I promise this movie is not at all what you think it is. If you are at all like me, you will be as giddy as a 5 year old for the entirety of the last half hour.
Dredd 3D
A genre flick that is essentially Robocop in a dystopian future. Do you like blood and guts? How about blood and guts in 3D? This is a fun action B-movie that doesn’t rush the action sequences at the expense of character development. And oh boy, what about that scowl by Judge Dredd?! Remember: You can’t spell Dredd without 3 D’s. *scowl*
Lincoln
I have to give credit where credit is due. I don’t count myself a Spielberg fan but this movie had me wearing a grin from start to finish. Sadistic, to be sure, since it’s 2.5 hours long. It’s a movie about Lincoln trying to pass the Thirteenth Amendment. We all know the eventual outcome, but the theory the movie posits about how we got there is what’s most interesting. There’s about 10-15 minutes of material in here that I don’t care for (the Spielberg-ian family stuff) but it’s just so much fun seeing democrats and republicans yelling at each other for two and a half hours. And I can’t help but wonder whether this movie is, on some level, trying to send Obama a message (no, I don’t mean it’s telling Obama to grow Lincoln-style facial hair but he should do that, too).
Amour
Amour is french for “love”. And this movie is very much about the strength of love and it’s endurance in life and death. It’s a sad film about an elderly couple where the man deals with the gradual decline of the health of his wife. Love conquers all, but death is always inevitable. It’s a Michael Haneke film so that alone should be reason enough to see it.
Beauty Is Embarrassing
I’m not a big documentary guy, but I figure that I needed to put one on here. It was made easier for me when I saw this at the 2012 CIFF. About an artist who was featured on Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse as a prop-maker and puppeteer. The movie chronicles the man, Wayne White, and his various artistic ventures and family life. It’s truly remarkable to see someone that lives and breathes art. I saw the movie with a friend and once the credits had rolled he turned to me and said “This movie gives me faith in humanity and myself”. Yup.
The Master
Perhaps a more intriguing film than an enjoyable one. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed someone to pick you up so bad that you blindly gave yourself completely to them? This is the story of a man eternally lost after coming back from war and meeting the head of a cult not unlike Scientology that promises to save him. It’s not about religion - it’s about the relationship between the two characters. Joaquin Phoenix, as the war-damaged veteran Freddy Quell, puts in the best performance I have ever seen. Watch it just for that.
The Loved Ones
Any other year, I would tell you that this is the funnest horror movie you will see all year. Alas, we had Cabin In The Woods this year, so I can’t say that about this movie. What I can say is that it’s truer to the genre than Cabin is. It’s filled with squirm-inducing torture sequences, moments of triumphant defiance, and a campiness that is deliberate and rewarding (how many movies have murderous psychopaths in glossy pink dresses!). The set pieces are claustrophobic and colorful which is a decision that I love. And the acting is very, very good.
Argo
A terrific slice of filmmaking from Ben Affleck, this movie follows a group of American’s hiding in a hostile Iran and it’s up to a government agent (Ben Affleck) to get them out. Before the movie gets into the most nail-biting sequence you will see all year, it does a great job of depicting the fear of the stranded Americans. For example, there are encounters with locals and Ben wisely chooses not to give us subtitles. It puts us in their headspace - what is he saying? Why is he yelling at me? Is he going to try to kill me? I don’t think the movie ever goes into “us” vs. “them” territory. It certainly could have, and it’s a testament to Ben’s strengths as a filmmaker that he doesn’t let it.
Moonrise Kingdom
The year’s best film. You will laugh, cry, and poop your pants. A boy is at a camp (something similar to boy scouts) and meets a girl around his age. They hatch a plan to escape together. She will run from her home, and he from the camp. This story posits the notion that you don’t have to be an adult to be in love. Kids fall in love, too. And then adults chase after them when they run away. Ever wanted to see Bruce Willis play a pathetic, broken man? Yes? Well, you’re in luck!
