Films you need to see - Confusion edition

I normally enjoy a film that breaks the conventions of traditional narrative and offers a bit of a puzzle for the viewers to figure out. I understand some simply like simple, classic entertainment styles when watching a movie, and I do at times, but I do like it when a director attempts to challenge me.

I recently read a poll in England where the readers voted 'Vanilla Sky' as the most confusing film they've seen. I can't understand why. The entirety of the plot is told to the viewer at the end. Maybe people were expecting a rom-com when they purchased their tickets and not a sci-fi piece about the reality we choose. Most I know don't care for this film, but I like it. I will admit the film it was based on (i.e. ripped off) was far superior.

I'll chronicle the films I found myself trying to wrap my brain around when the credits rolled. Feel free to add your own in the comments as I'm sure I'll be missing something.

1. 2001 - A Space Oddessy: While the first two acts are simple enough to follow and the symbolism isn't difficult to grasp the ending of the third act is a bit of a mind twist to say the least. While it didn't require much thought to grasp the concept of the monolith I've given up trying to figure out what was going on exactly in the room sequence.

2. Memento: You may be saying this wasn't confusing at all even with the non-linear story line, but there's one quick shot that throws me. You know what I'm talking about. Still it's one of my favorite films of all time and I highly recommend it.3. Primer: It helps that I don't have a strong background in physics, but I never truly understood what was going on in this story of time travel gone completely awry. I've been told that repeated viewings help, but the aesthetics of the movie hardly warrant it. Still it's an interesting tale, if not cheaply constructed.4. Lost Highway: I think David Lynch loves messing with his fans. Oh and he likes drugs. Lots and lots of drugs. I watched this film with my friend Corey who's only comment after the credits rolled was a raise of his hands and a baffled look. Actually it's unfair to pick on Lost Highway alone as a lot of Lynch films (Eraserhead, Mullholland Drive) would qualify. Still I enjoyed this for reasons I can't explain.5. Zardoz: I can't recommend this film at all unless you really like weird, B sci-fi films that make little sense. In the first five minutes there's a floating stone head that rants about how the penis is evil and the gun is good and orders a bunch of hairy men in skimpy outfits to take up arms and kill. It then spews a bunch of weapons and ammunition out of it's mouth. It gets stranger after that. When Sean Connery in a wedding dress is the least surreal aspect of the film you know it has problems. Still considered a cult classic by many, but one I'll never even attempt to watch again. The most confusing aspect of this movie is trying to figure out how it ever became one.

"Every once in a while, a movie like that comes along; a movie you've got to see so that you, too, can be in the dark about it. In the movie's (Zardoz's) own terms, this much can be said for sure: It may not make you an Apathetic, but it will certainly age you by two hours." - Roger Ebert

Wiwille's favorite films of 2009

Again I don't go to the movies as often as I should, but I still enjoy the theatre experience. It's always fun even if you have to deal with stupid and disruptive folk, candy that costs more than your usual steak dinner, and sticky floors. Still no home theatre can match the sound, picture, and overall enjoyment of watching a movie how the director intended you to see it.

Yeah I know some of you are bragging to yourself about your big screen television and sound system that probably cost as much as a college semester, but it's not the same. No you're not that cool.

Okay you're kind of cool.

So in no particular order below are my favorite films of 2009.

1. Up - It's a touching story about a widower who attempts to fulfill the dreams him and his wife once shared. Even at their worst Pixar always entertains and this one they surpassed my expectations. It was a really good script with characters that are endearing.



2. 500 Days of Summer - Quite possibly my favorite film this year. Not exactly a romantic comedy, at least in the formulaic sense, but like the script tells you from the outset, it's not a love story. What unfolds is a visually creative movie with characters that are easiy to relate to. I think all of us to some degree can imagine ourselves in this story, even when we don't want to admit it. It helps that the actors just sold it.



3. Star Trek - I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this film given the franchise seemed to take such a downward spiral. I wasn't looking forward to seeing it, but I went and was pleasantly surprised. This reboot, much like the one recently done by MGM with Bond, reminded me of why Paramount's much loved series has a special place in my heart.



4. The Hangover - After a good amount of drinking the previous night I went to see this with some friends. Yes I was sporting a nice little hangover funny enough, but I can't remember laughing that hard in a theatre. It was hands down the best comedy in years.



5. Food Inc. - While you may assume this to be an attempt along the lines of Sinclair to expose the food industry's manufacturing techniques, and it partially is, the film is really about the politics of what and how we consume. From analyzing seed patents to farmers being bullied by large corporations this is an interesting documentary that doesn't forsake the aesthetics, which is refreshing.



6. State of Play - A smart political thriller with some good acting and realistic tension. You'd think there would be more of these, but sadly there doesn't seem to be much of a market. I may have enjoyed this so much because I haven't seen a good one in I don't know how long. That being said fans of films like this will not forget it anytime soon.



7. Where the Wild Things Are - I can understand why people didn't enjoy this film as the director turned a children's story into art house fair, but I thought it kept true to the spirit of the book. Visually impressive and more adult than some parents would like I found this touching and worth a second look.



8. GI Joe - No this is not a good movie. In fact I won't argue with you if you think it's terrible. It's a terribly flawed film, but I loved it. Unlike the works of that hack Michael Bay, this movie really captured the spirit of it's origins and damnit I had a good time watching it.



And now to the worst:

1. X-Men Origins: Wolverine - Even the special effects were awful. I enjoy a good comic book film, but that was far from it. I can see no reason for even the most die hard fan to watch this dreck.



2. Angels & Demons - I didn't expect this to be good at all. In fact it certainly wasn't my choice to see it. Alas this stupid plot with a twist you saw coming well into the first act made for a real snooze fest. You can't expect much when the source material stems from the most successful hack writer in human history.



3. Public Enemies - It wasn't bad, just dissapointing considering all the talent behind this. A story with this much potential doesn't seem to have the right to be this unsatisfying.



4. Friday the 13th. - It may appeal to fans of the franchise, of which I'm not, but others will largely laugh inappropriately. The worst sin of a horror film is to not provide a single scare and this had none.



5. Bruno - Finally we may be nearing the end of Sacha Baron Cohen's career. While Borat was amusing this film managed to do the unthinkable when making a mockumentary and that is not allow the audience to buy the premise. No one watching this believed a fashion designer from Vienna was that clueless about cultural norms and even the director knew it. Instead they needed more shock value, of which it delivered in spades.



"Much like Annie Hall did for a previous generation, (500) Days of Summer may be the movie that best captures a contemporary romantic sensibility." - Claudia Puig

Films you need to see - Christmas Edition

The good WIGSF posted his list Holiday Viewing Guide for all to see and enjoy and it's a nice list indeed. The man had me review Bad Santa over a year ago and it's hard to believe it's been that long. Of course that film is part of his essential Christmas viewing.

Since I'm feeling so uncreative today, probably due to lack of sleep and mainlining Lysol, I bring you Wiwille's own list of favorite Christmas specials, movies, etc.

1. Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer - Kind of an obvious choice, but I'm a huge fan of this. An elf that wants to be a dentist, disabled toys that just want some love, Burl Ives singing, and an outcast reindeer that saves the day. What's not to like? Stop motion animation still holds a special place in my heart.



2. A Christmas Carol - While this story has been told a thousand times in various different mediums this has to be my favorite version. George C Scott makes an excellent Scrooge, but it's the supporting cast that really gives the film charm as well as the occasional fright. Originally made for television you can find this on DVD and I highly recommend it.



3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - If you don't love this film you're a communist who spreads peach jam on your pancakes. That is all.



4. Scrooged - Even though it's partially responsible for making 'Put a Little Love in your Heart' a hit, this movie is filled with hilarity. Bill Murray and his deity like powers of comedy make this film a classic.



5. Mickey's Christmas Carol - Long before Duck Tales, Uncle Scrooge was a popular character in Disney comics, a series my father collected in his youth. They of course used him in this charming retelling of the Dickens' classic. For those of you who enjoy Disney animation you'll get a kick of their use of old, and sometimes obscure, characters from previous films, comics, and shorts.



6. The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause - One of the oddest of the Rankin-Bass specials, but the most interesting, this one tells the story of Santa's youth. Found as a baby and raised in a forest inhabited by pagan nature spirits he learns the nature of mankind as cruel and barbaric. The boy then swears an oath to bring laughter and a sense of humanity to people and becomes the jolly old man we know and love. The elder spirits tell this story as they debate on whether to give the mortal Santa the gift of eternal life. Kind of dark at times, but charming in others, this one is highly underrated.



7. Santa Clause The Movie - I'm kind of torn on including this, but I love the first act of this movie. The back story of how Santa came to be is indeed a charming one and surprisingly well shot and acted. The rest of the story is dull, but I still watch this for the first fifteen minutes.



8. Joyeux Noel - While this is an Oscar nominated film it has sadly remained obscure. It's the infamous and surprisingly true tale of a western front in WWI, when the Germans, French, and British forces called a temporary truce to celebrate Christmas together. While not a fast paced film its themes are timeless, acting is superb, and the music is delightful.



9. Love Actually - Okay I admit I'm a fan of some rom-coms. Deal with it. This one is one of my favorites though, with a stellar ensemble cast and script that, at its core, has a lot of heart. Funny and touching it's a good watch. While some stories work better than others it's still a great flick.



10. It's a Wonderful Life - Enough has been written regarding Frank Capra's classic.



Honorable mentions: Miracle on 34th Street (original), Babes in Toyland (original), A Christmas Story.

"There are an infinite number of Christmas specials, holiday movies and various other festive stuff for us to watch. Somebody really should filter out all the crap and provide a list of what really needs to be watched." - WIGSF

Films you need to see (Western Edition)

Westerns are often a hard sell for current American audiences. Like biblical epics the market was saturated in the fifties and early sixties, so many have abandoned the genre as being cliche. It's difficult to narrow down what it is that turns so many off to a setting that's ripe with possibilities of great drama, but I'm saddened to see this distinctly American type all but go the way of the dodo.

While Westerns have a history of producing incredibly corny films, and some even can be considered racist by modern sensibilities, there are some powerful movies that should not be ignored by buffs. So without further ado...

1. The Searchers - Probably one of the darkest Westerns, if not films, I've yet to see. While John Ford pictures can be ridiculously corny and stupid, this one tackles tricky subject matter and casts John Wayne as one of the most complicated protagonists ever. Wayne pulls off this performance brilliantly and it's still widely regarded as his best work.



2. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - Audiences largely panned this film accusing it as being overly long and poorly paced. Most expect wild gun fights and chase scenes when watching a western I can see why they were disappointed in this. While I agree it's almost Malik-like, but this film is captivating with it's haunting soundtrack and excellent visuals. It's themes are universal and the acting is worth a look. A great character study as well as analysis of celebrity culture I would highly recommend this. Casey Affleck steals the show.



3. Shane - Maybe dated for today's audiences, but this wonderfully shot film set near the Teuton mountains is a tear jerking story of a gunfighter who attempts to live a quiet life by befriending a family of homesteaders. As this theme has been repeated numerous times in films afterwards the plot doesn't contain many surprises, but the performances alone, especially by a very young Jack Palance, makes this a movie I revisit often.



4. High Noon - Some would call this overrated and to a little extent I agree, but there are few movies finer than this one. A simple story of a marshall set off alone to fight criminals seeking vengeance, but it's pacing, characters, and soundtrack make it somewhat timeless.



5. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Although I think this is highly overrated it's influence cannot be denied. Although it sparked a genre that's often produced some of the worst westerns ever this movie is highly entertaining even with all it's flaws. I would recommend this for it's soundtrack alone.



6. The Proposition - Setting itself apart from the rest of these films in it's Australian setting this is a remarkable piece of storytelling. An excellent cast leads this incredible, albeit dark script. Although audiences largely panned this probably due to it's graphic violence, but I highly recommend it.



"The strength of The Proposition is its relentless moral ambiguity." - James Berardinelli

Films you need to see (Sci-fi edition)

The sci-fi genre has often been looked at with disdain amongst the self proclaimed elite, although there are some good reasons for this. With a library of films that are normally aimed at the juvenile most thumb their nose at anything even remotely associated with space, the supernatural, etc. Still there are a few films that I believe even the most snobbish amongst us can agree that deserve credit for making it's audience not feel ashamed that they enjoyed it.

1. Brazil - Like a lot of sci-fi literature this hilarious and often disturbing parody of a people who willingly fall victim to bureaucracy gone amok has it's roots deeply embedded in Orwellian thought. Terry Gilliam's visual treat does the almost impossible task of making one laugh at, as well as feel sympathy for, the subjects of this story.



2. Blade Runner - Okay I'm sure a lot of you saw this coming. Many fans of this film will gladly throw their two bits in the debate of which of the versions released is the best (I think there's like twelve now), but I believe all should be watched. Following a private detective's journey of seeking out a fugitive Replicant, i.e. robot, Blade Runner does not disappoint with it's outstanding lighting, visual effects, and rich noir-ish narrative.



3. Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan - While I'm not a huge fan of Star Trek I can appreciate the series from time to time. Most of the films are complete crap so heralding it's first sequel as the film series high point isn't saying much at all. Starring Ricardo Montabaln's chest, The Wrath of Khan delivers a story that you would expect from it's title, but has some great surprises such as good acting (which is saying a lot) and one of the greatest starship action sequences I've yet to see. This is quite possibly the only sci-fi film that made me cry. Granted I think I was eight years old, but still..



4. Children of Men - Taking place in the future where mankind has seemingly become infertile a cynical Clive Owen takes a pregnant woman under his care to escape totalitarian authorities and mad revolutionaries. This film has some of the greatest shots ever in cinema and for that alone I highly recommend it. The script is incredible detailing a government led by fear and a populace enslaved by it's own insecurities. After my first viewing of this movie I rushed out to buy it.



5. 1984 - Fans of the book, of which I am one, mostly look at this film with scorn, but I disagree. Sure Orwell's novel is superior in many ways, but this movie has strong merits while keeping true to the vision inspired by it's author. Winston is a lonely character who questions the oppression of his party's leadership and is subjected to a cleansing of sorts of what his superiors refer to as thought crimes. With an incredible performance by John Hurt I find this film captivating.



6. 2001 A Space Oddessy - Chronicling three stories, which all have one large monolith in common, 2001 is an excellent film detailing the rise of man, nature of war, delicate balance of space travel, human dependence on technology, and an ending that's still divisive amongst it's fans. It's often confusing third act is what I enjoy most about this picture for it's one of the few that I still manage to take something different away on each viewing. It's soundtrack is nothing short of amazing.



7. A Clockwork Orange - Hard to watch for some, for reasons that are obvious to anyone who's viewed this, but it's hard to argue how powerful this narrative is. Set in the future where society is complacent and extremely bored Alex leads a group of young thugs who participate in all sorts of mischief including crimes that are almost unspeakable. After his eventual capture the story's protagonist is subjected to behavior modification therapy and forced to exist as one who cannot chose to do evil. It's a fascinating look at the nature of justice as well as humans' ability to take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.



8. The original Star Wars trilogy - While this is not high brow cinema by any means and one can argue that this is more fantasy than sci-fi, but George Lucas' creation of a civil war set in a far off galaxy has entertained millions including your author here. It's a charming tale of good and evil which borrows liberally from old film serials from the late 40s and early 50s and yet has a timeless quality. It's one of those few children's movies that can captivate adult audiences as well.




9. Serenity - I imagine for people who never watched the quickly cancelled TV series Firefly would be confused about many points in the plot, but it's strong cult following is a testament to how great this story is. Set somewhere in the future where mankind overpopulates the Earth to the point where it's forced to colonize other worlds a civil war erupts. Malcom Reynolds fought for the Independence and after they lost he resorted to barely making a living leading a crew in smuggling and other crime rackets while escaping the thumb of a brutal Alliance. Obviously modeled after a western Serenity continues the story about the complex captain who's at times distant, but fiercely loyal to an ideology that seemed to die with the war. This film has amazing dialogue, rich characters, great action sequences, but also has a lot of heart. The script also has a sense of humor about itself and never takes the movie too seriously.

And no I'm not a Whedon devotee.



"You're an idealist, and I pity you as I would the village idiot." - Stanley Kubrick

Movies that are better than the books

"The book is always better than the movie."

I hear this quote all the friggin time. When I voice my opposition people look at me in shock as if I just ran into a mosque wearing a pork loin cloth. While it is true that a lot of the time films do not live up to the quality that is present in their source material (Beloved, Bonfire of the Vanities) there are many movies that exceed it. Below are just a few.

1. The Godfather - Puzo even admits his novel about a New York crime family is probably the most pulp he's ever written, but still it became his biggest success. Coppola took the runaway hit and created what is arguably known as one of the best pieces of American cinema ever.

2. Ben-Hur - The book is tedious and fails in many ways, but with the help of some gifted screen writers the story of a childhood friendship turned sour became one of the greatest blockbusters of all time.

3. The DaVinci Code - This is a case where both the novel and the film were horrible, but at least in the movie I didn't have to sit through Dan Brown's bastardization of the English language. While a huge success the book has set the bar extremely low.

4. The Ten Commandments - While most of the film is based on Josephus' writings, the Old Testament omits a large part of Moses' life in Egypt. It's because this that the screenwriters gave this epic rich characters which makes for great drama. Even though it can seem corny given nowadays standards Cecile B Demille's sweeping tale of the liberation of slaves from Pharaoh is one you can't take your eyes off of.

5. The Silence of the Lambs - The book was decent at best, but it's Hopkins amazing portrayal as Hannibal Lecter that makes this film that much more enjoyable.

6. The Hunt for Red October - Tom Clancy fans will disagree, but this movie was far better than the book could ever hope to be. I've never really enjoyed Clancy's writing anyways.

7. The Shinning - "Stephen King has a great imagination, but a sixth grade reading level." This quote from a guy I met at a party once would probably send Mattbear into a rage where he starts to stab everyone within arms reach with a glass shard, but I tend to agree. Granted I'm not too familiar with King's work having been largely unimpressed with most of what I read, but I so love this film much more than the book. I think a lot of Stephen King's writings has made far superior films such as 'Stand by Me', 'The Shawshank Redemption', and even the crapfest that is 'The Running Man'.

8. The Lord of the Rings trilogy - Granted I'm a fan of the books, but I can't sit through those stupid songs. Most readers I find agree. Plus the screenwriters wrote the females of the story far better than Tolkien ever could. With more flushed out characters, such as Faramir, the movie is a much more enjoyable experience than the books for me. Yes I'm one of the few that is happy Tom Bombadil was removed from the trilogy.

9. Shane - Yes the book was enjoyable, but never as tender nor as compelling as the film. Shane is a great western with themes that still hold timeless. With some amazing performances, most notably a young Jack Palance, this tale is one that still touches me.

10. Anything written by Ian Flemming - Flemming's pulp novelization of Bond is an easy read, but nowhere near as excited or interesting as displayed on screen by the likes of Sean Connery, who's the coolest guy ever. Even 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' is much more interesting and fun than the book.

"There are intriguing mysteries in Shane, puzzles and challenges, not least in the title character and the way he is played by Alan Ladd." - Roger Ebert

Movies you need to see (Documentary edition)

Documentaries are a rough sell for a lot of people. Although most can be more fiction than fact audiences aren't warm to the idea of watching films that may reveal too much concerning real life. It's kind of surprising considering reality TV is such an enormous hit, but there's a difference between the cruel world of Simon Cowell and the stories that most filmmakers tell.

Even when films choose to tackle a subject matter many are in agreement with it still can make for a dull couple of hours. An example is the cornucopia of mediocre to just plain awful Bush bashing films that spawned in the wake of Fahrenheit 9/11.

At the risk of interesting no one I bring you today some films that are fascinating as well as entertaining.

1. Brother's Keeper: Directed by the same filmmakers that brought you the compelling Paradise Lost and the revealing Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, this tells the tale of Dilbert Ward, a hermit farmer who lives in upstate New York. With a low IQ and a lifestyle that can be described as odd at best, Dilbert signs a confession admitting to the murder of his ill brother. After his bail is set Dilbert evolves from being a small town outcast to national figure of sorts in this captivating mystery. This film challenges the audiences' stereotypes and is one of the most engrossing stories I've ever seen.



2. Capturing the Friedmans: In quiet suburban New York a middle class family is torn apart after accusations of pedophile rape befalls a father and his youngest son. One of the elder boys documents the trial and the family's falling apart via video. Along comes a filmmaker and compiles all the footage, giving interviews to all the players involved, and giving the audience a journey through the lives of loved ones being shattered by a horrendous crime. Often times hard to watch this movie is a must see.



3. King of Kong: If documentaries had their own 'Rocky' this would be it. King of Kong is the tale of Steve Weibie, an unassuming family man who decides to try and get beat the world record score for Donkey Kong, one of the hardest arcade games ever created. The current record holder, Billy Mitchell, is a god in the video game world and he will never let you forget it. A compelling tale of David and Goliath this film is a hilarious as well as touching as any sports film you'll ever see. I'm still amazed that a movie about coin op video games captured my attention so.



4. Street Fight: Following the 2002 mayor race in Newark this film chronicles the campaign of Cory Booker, an idealist attempting to unseat the established Sharpe James. As you would probably expect the race was filled with all sorts of dirty tricks, ugly discourse, and possibly illegal tactics. For any fan, armchair or otherwise, of the process of elections this is a must see.



5. Why We Fight: The film starts with Eisenhower's exit speech regarding the state of the military industrial complex and then takes us into the world of war profiteering. Insightful and revealing, this movie shows us the real power behind national conflicts, the cash flow amongst manufacturers, politicians, and ordinary laborers. Haunting in it's portrayal I highly recommend it.



6. Pop and Me: A father and son embark on a world wide trek documenting their relationship. In it they interview other fathers and sons where they discuss their stories of love, heartache, and the often complicated nature of masculinity vs tenderness. It's a remarkable film and one that actually jerked tears from your author.



7. Baraka: Not so much a documentary as it's not really telling a conventional story nor is it a travelogue, but Baraka sets the scenery of the world in ways that I find it difficult to explain. With striking imagery and music the viewer is set upon an incredible journey of culture, life, and nature. It's quite possibly one of the most breathtaking films I've ever seen. You can read my full review here.



"A discomforting, almost surreal study of a rural murder case, which offers fascinating insights about both family and community dynamics." - Emanuel Levy on Brother's Keeper

Movies you need to see (Romance edition)

Friends have been suggesting that I post about films that I feel people need to see. It makes sense really. I'm an over opinionated yutz who believes my taste in movies are better than everyones. I think everyone feels this way about their favorite motion pictures. There's a few common opinions amongst people that span all cultures, races, and creeds. Everyone believes they have the best sense of justice for all convicted felons. A strong majority of folks believe themselves to be better than average, if not great, drivers. Anyone who's ever watched a movie will tell you that any counter opinion to a film of their liking is almost blasphemous.

With every lovers favorite Hallmark holiday around the corner in this edition I'll bring you a few romance pictures that I think most will enjoy.

Say Anything: Familiar to most of my generation this film is known as the definitive 80s story of young love. Part time kickboxer and seemingly directionless Lloyd Dobbler attempts to woo the affections of the beautiful class valedictorian Diane. With a smart script that never thumbs it's nose at young people the plot is engaging and the characters are rich and likeable. For whatever reason this movie made stalking seem romantic which is quite a feat. I wrote a review about this a while back.



Dr Zhivago: This is quite possibly the definitive epic romance. Set against the back drop of the Bolshevik Revolution, Dr Zhivago tells the tale of a writer/doctor turned soldier. The events of his homeland makes his life a difficult one as he is separated from his family and later falls for an activists wife. This film has a great soundtrack and amazing cinematography. You'll admire the impressive acting and for history buffs it's detail of the party's revolution and it's effect on the common man is interesting.



Before Sunrise: Two strangers, one American and the other French, meet on a train in Europe. With a sense of urgency the guy asks the girl if she wants to spend the last night he has on the continent with him. She agrees and they walk around Vienna falling for each other. Given that they have one night together both are conflicted about their new found passion.

I first saw this movie in the theatre when I was 19 and ended up adoring these characters. I loaned this movie to a girl I was seeing and she told me that she imagined me having conversations like those two did. It was quite possibly the great compliment she ever gave me. Whether she intended that or not is a mystery.

Nine years later they produced a sequel which I was glad to see considering the first one ended on an ambiguous note. It's not as romantic as the first one, but the script is arguably better and I love how they shot it in real time. I do hope they make another one; however given it's slow box office return and the fact audiences are clamoring for Hancock part 2 it's not likely.

Casablanca: A timeless tale of love, patriotism, and sacrifice Casablanca it heralded as one of the finest films ever made. Rick, a cabaret owner, is suddenly reunited with a past love, the beautiful Ilsa. To his surprise she's married to a member of the French resistance who's fleeing Nazi persecution. A cynic/romantic Rick is torn between his desire and a sense of duty. An great story and one of the few films that gets every element down. My full review is here.



The Road Home: While most films dealing with this kind of subject manner have a cycnical edge The Road Home is refrehsingly honest as well as tender. After the death of his father a man recalls the story of how his mother fell for the local teacher and spent years waiting for the chance to express it. Even though there's no kissing, much less a gratuitous sex scenes, the actors pull this story off amazingly. Shot with rich colors and set shortly after the Cultural Revolution this film is a must see. My full review is here.

What's your favorite?

"A lot of people are not meant to be together." - John Cusack

Wiwille's inconsequential list

The internet is chock full of stupid lists and jumping on this ridiculous bandwagon will be your author. Sure you'll see many writers detailing their favorite books and what's the perfect mix CD you should give your scorned girlfriend after she finds those pics on your best friends cell phone, but today's post won't be as interesting or as scandalous as I detail for you the best and worst movies of this year.

I haven't been to the cinema a lot this year choosing instead to spend my time drinking myself into states that would make Ireland proud and waking up in unfamiliar places. Still with DVDs coming out a month after a film's theatrical run I've attempted to keep up. So in no particular order below are my favorite films of 2008:

The Dark Knight: While yes I do believe that in some ways this film is overrated, but still it's the finest superhero film ever to be made. If the genre had a "Godfather" this would be it. Remarkable acting from the entire cast and a great script this has set the standard for all future comic films to aspire to, and I imagine many will fall short.

Slumdog Millionaire: A treat for the senses, this film from Danny Boyle has an excellent story detailing the upbringing of a kid born into extreme poverty and how it never hardened him to risk all for his love. A touching tale with a rousing soundtrack and excellent cinematography.

Wall-E: While not the best from Pixar I was amazed at how this film captured my attention in the first act while having little dialogue. The stabs at it's own consumer base was humorous and the tale of a robot's dreams made for an entertaining movie. Visually it was incredible as you would expect from this studio.

The Bank Job: Heist films are hardly original, but this one is a clever tale based on one of Britain's largest bank robbery. Yes I'm as surprised as you are that I'm posting a film starring Jason Statham.

Gonzo: A revealing look into the life of one of my favorite writers. It's a well crafted documentary that's both honest and telling. While there are many films surrounding the legend of the unorthodox 'journalist' this one is by far my favorite. It has it's flaws yes, but for fans and even those who've never heard of him it's an entertaining journey into the life of one who was never bored.

And now for the worst:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: I don't know where to begin with my loathing of this film. The script abandoned all the traits that made the previous three films charming and fun to watch. This movie, like it's cast, is tired and humorless.

Religiolous: I know I'll catch a lot of flack from Maher devotees, but really this film is nothing more than him being snide with the emotionally crippled. It's like watching two hours of poking fun of people on the street which loses it's luster in about ten minutes. While Bill Maher is not as smart as he or his fans think he is the comedian is too intelligent to make a film this preachy and dull. It's more disappointing than bad. It's proof that just because you agree with a subject doesn't make it a good documentary. It's like watching the wildly overrated 'Outfoxed'.

Prom Night: Saw this because of a girl and I still wish I had that time back. Quite possibly one of the least scary horror films ever. Oh 'The Ruins' sucked too. Damn her.

Well there it is. I'm sure there's more I could think of if I really spent more time.

"One of the rules of satire is that you can't mock things you don't understand, and Religulous starts developing fault lines when it becomes clear that Maher's view of religious faith is based on a sophomoric reading of the Scriptures." - Neely Tucker

Wiwille's inconsequential list.

Every critic has there end of year wrap up of the best and worst films they've seen in the last twelve months. Since I write about film every so often I thought I'd give it a go.

At first it seemed like a great idea as I've seen a few films in the theatres this year, but it made me sad to think about my movie going habits as of late. When I was a younger lad I lived for the art house flick, the one that was made seemingly outside the studio system. Films that challenged my brain and ones that offered quirky, unconventional plots were my bag and I reveled in watching them.

For a couple years I worked at a movie theatre and me and my cohorts would often look down our noses at the massive audiences who bought into the studio hype and believed the tripe they just saw was the greatest thing to ever hit celluloid. Most of our customers didn't want a film to challenge their beliefs, or make them think at all. They simply wanted to be entertained. We laughed at them as they came out of 'The Saint' all joyous about what they just witnessed.

As I thought more about the films I chose to see in the multiplex this year I realized that God forbid I'm turning into those people. I'm burnt on art house dramas that are supposed to seem profound. I'm bored by quirky comedies that are supposed to be clever, but really just the same joke for an hour plus. Small 'indie' films are no longer this cinema buff's hero, but rather the genre really seems to have been getting stale. So many are just one trick ponies that after the first ten minutes the film becomes predictable and lifeless. Maybe I enjoy them less because of my own life becoming more and more yuppie and far less introspective.

Remember the time you recently watched something you loved in your youth and you accepted the realization it's nothing more than a big block of government cheese? Yeah that's how I felt when going over the list of films I watched this year.

Enough about my own personal reflection. Lets get to the good stuff, which is a list I know most of you will disagree with. Favorite films in no particular order:
1. United 93 - I asked many people to come watch this with me. Everyone flat out said no. No one himmed and hawed, but everyone quickly denied me their company and of course had to give their reason why without my asking. Some said it was too soon to be making a film about this subject. Others claimed it was exploitative. There were also those who just didn't want to relive the emotions they felt on that tragic day. All are good reasons not to go see this film and I understand their sentiment. I do; however, feel that the story of the passengers on that flight does need to be told and the sooner the better.

I finally saw it when it came out on DVD and kick myself for not watching it on the big screen. The acting, pacing, cinematography, and direction was done so well that I found myself on the edge of my seat through out the last half of the film, which was ridiculous when you consider I knew how it was going to end. This film is a glowing tribute to those who gave their lives so others may be saved. It wasn't hammed up. It wasn't sappy. There were no big name actors. You didn't get to know the characters well. It simply was a great telling of ordinary people reacting to an extraordinary circumstance.

2. The Departed - I can't remember the last time I walked out of a theatre asking myself if a film couldn't get any better. All of the elements of this movie were superbly crafted. This is the result of a director who's a master of his craft and it's just amazing how he made a simple cops and robbers concept into a masterpiece. I could go on for pages about each and every detail that made this film unique. It's simply a work of genius.
3. Clerks II - I have a love/hate relationship with the work of Kevin Smith. There are many who blindly worship at the altar of pop culture's favorite slacker geek turned icon, but I, like many passive fans, find myself disappointed in a lot of his work. This film; however, is a much more mature telling of the View Askew universe and unlike the first movie it gave his characters a soul. To somehow who sometimes feels they've heard every joke I found myself genuinely laughing at this. It's not highbrow cinema by any means, but it's one of those comedies where not one chuckle I gave seemed forced. This is a far superior ending the the Jersey Chronicles than Jay and Silent Bob.
4. Superman Returns - The villain's plot is hockey and makes no sense, they still can't get a Lois Lane who can act well, and the man in tights is no Christopher Reeves, but there's one moment that made me love it. I watched it on IMAX with my nephews in 3-D and there's a sequence with the man of steel flying through the clouds soaring off the screen into the sky. That moment made me feel just as childlike as the seven year old sitting next to me and for that reason I love this film. For a few seconds I believed a man could fly.
5. Why We Fight - Usually when you hear the words 'Industrial Military Complex' people normally associate it with some far fetched conspiracy theory. This film though takes us into the real world of the mass manufacturing and selling of death and it's effect on our world politics. The result is terrifying. I almost find it depressing that heavy handed documentaries such as Fahrenheit 9/11 get such praise while this arguably more important and intelligent film will soon be forgotten.

Whew I think that's enough. Now to the worst. I never saw anything really terrible this year as you won't find me shelling out dough to see Big Momma's House 2, but the bad films on this list was more disappointing than anything. 1. The DaVinci Code - Yes the book was so poorly written it almost made the works of Dean Koontz seem like Pulitzer material, but the concept was interesting enough to make any screenwriter abandon it's flaws and make a compelling story with characters that actually seemed human. Sadly the book has so many fans they chose to stick too close to the source material and the results suffered. If one thing good can be said about this film it's the fact that it exposed the books numerous weak points and will hopefully result in the material being soon forgotten. 2. The Break Up - I wanted this movie to be good and now I don't understand how it could've been. You've all been in the car rides or the dinners where you watch your friends bicker with their significant other. It's uncomfortable all the while sad as you watch them go through the misery of not being able to put their emotional houses in order. This film is like that except they're not your friends. They are simply selfish, manipulative, and trivial people inflicting pain on each other because of their frustration at the failed relationship. We may have been those people once, or still for that matter, but watching that on screen was hardly entertaining nor as enlightening as the filmmakers thought it was.

What a huge post for a really short list. I need an editor.

“Films don't change the world, but they can make people talk. And they can make you look at the world with fresh eyes. This movie provides a credible, authentic portrait of that day, and it allows us to draw some wisdom from it. Wherever you sit politically, we are all in that same stage of being wounded and trying to figure what to do next. Those people on United 93 had the courage to confront what we're all dealing with. The question is, do we?” - Paul Greengrass