My Top 10 Movies of 2012!

2012, what a year. Promises were kept, surprises were had, and Hollywood made a crap load of cash. But were not here to talk about 2012, we're here to talk about my personal favorite films of this year, and trust me, there were a lot. Now, I haven't seen everything I wanted to, mainly "Beast of a Southern Wild" and "Hitchcock", at least not at this time, so expect this list to change in the first few months of 2013. Also, quick note, these films are not in order of how much i like them, they're just in a random order, except for number one. Now, without further ado, here are my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2012!!!

#10

 "Argo" is the third, and in my opinion best film directed by Ben Affleck. This showed that not only can he direct amazingly well, but he can also direct something besides Boston crime dramas. It's not just a great comedy about films, it's also a tense thriller that'll have you falling out of your seat your so close to the edge. I can't wait to see what Affleck what will do next.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/argo-nr-27.html

#9

 Not only an innovative plot, great actors, and an aspect of the film's plot never advertised, but also Bruce Willis and JGL in the same movie playing older and younger versions of each other?!?! What more could you want? With time travel that wasn't confusing, impeccable style, and a ballsy ending, "Looper" is a must see when it's released on dvd.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/looperhotel-transylvania-double-review.html

#8

Wes Anderson, while I've only seen two of your films (this one included), I already love you. "Moonrise Kingdom" comes with the same quirkiness and style that made "Fantastic Mr. Fox" so great. It also has great actors like Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, and once again Bruce Willis. Even the kid actors are great, which is rarity in Hollywood, just like crystal empires. Definetly need to see this,  especially if you're a Wes Anderson fan.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/07/moonrise-kingdom-nr-28.html

#7

Ten years later, and Peter Jackson and his team still got it. "The Hobbit" was a delight, a truly epic adventure that I wish was 2 hours longer. It not only adapts the book extremely well, but also starts a trilogy that I'm interested in seeing play out. Also, I'm a huge nerd, so if I didn't have this on my list, I'd be crucified. But, in all seriousness, this is an awesome movie that can be enjoyed by all ages, just make sure to it in 24 frames per second, not that BS 44.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hobbit-unexpected-journey-nr-33.html

#6

Studio Ghibli's last two films weren't that amazing and were made even worse since "Spirited Away" came out before them. This was a return to form. "Arrietty" was a simple, relaxing, fun animated movie that shows you why we love Ghibli. It's very reminiscent of "My Neighbor Totoro" in that it's more about watching the images and experiencing the film that it is about telling a story. Overall, great animated movie that's just as great for the adults than it is for the kids.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/secret-world-of-arrietty-nr-21.html

#5 

"Chronicle" is an interesting beast. It's a film released in February. known as the "dumping" month in film, with the popular gimmick of found footage attached to it. What made it something to watch was its mysterious marketing campaign and the promise of super powers. Thankfully, it was more than just a bunch of teens exploiting powers. It was a fun, realistic, awesome look at how teenagers would use powers if they got them. It was also a super-villain origin story that was engaging. Hopefully you didn't forget about this and I hope you'll see it, cause it's awesome.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/02/chronicle-nr-18.html

#4

A spiritual movie that isn't cheesy? How is this possible? Well, "Life of Pi" is. It's also beautiful, enlightening, exciting, and looks amazing in 3D. This is a movie that made me understand spirituality, and while it may not have made me believe in God, it made me want to have more faith in anything. Nice work Ang Lee.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/11/life-of-pi-nr-31.html  

#3

Once again, a kids movie that doesn't talk down to kids. Now I have seen the movie recently and feel the middle is not as great as the beginning or end, but I can look over that because the start and end are so awesome. A real treat and surprise that I fell in love with and your kids will too.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/paranorman-nr-32.html

#2

Do I really need to say anything? It's the Avengers, the Avengers, you already know how amazing this movie is. *sigh* If I have to. "The Avengers" is the definition of a great summer blockbuster. It has amazing, jaw-dropping action, endearing and fun characters, a clever and witty script, and it has Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk in the same movie! It also created new favorites Black Widow and Hawkeye. If you haven't seen this movie yet, GO NOW!

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/avengers-nr-24.html

And Now...

It is Time For....

#1

Hell yes "Cabin in the Woods"! This film is simply astounding. It turned the horror genre on its head, makes fun of it while still delivering on the horror elements you want, and just when you think it can't get any better, the last 30 minutes begin and your mind is either blown or eviscerated, depending on how much of a nerd you are. Personally, my mind is still recovering from the film's sheer awesomeness. If you're not into horror movies, or film in general, then you may not get as much enjoyment out of it. But if are into horror movies and movies in general, then strap in, cause it's gonna get a little mind-explodey over there.

Here's a link to my review:http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-cabin-in-woods-cr-23.html

And those are my top 10 movies of 2012! Can't wait for 2013, which is already looking like and amazing year. See ya next year folks!

Django Unchained: NR #35

Now I, like most people, love Tarantino. "Pulp Fiction" is a classic and will still be talked about 100 years from now. In the past decade though. he's been slipping. "Kill Bill' was fine, "Death Proof" I felt was meh, and "Inglorious Basterds" was also fine, but not of Tarantino quality. We've been waiting for the return of Tarantino, and this film was looking like just that. Is it though? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT
Two years before the start of the Civil War, Django Freeman is a slave who is rescued by Dr. King Schultz, a German dentist turned bounty hunter. Schultz frees Django to help him find a bounty, but takes him under his wing in order to find his wife, who is also a slave. Django and Schultz begin a revenge path after they find her at Monsieur Candy's plantation.





PROS
Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio really bring it here. Waltz is suburb as Schultz and is the shinning star in every scene he's in. DiCaprio is just as good, with a villain who's not only charismatic but also threatening.

The film has a lot of those Tarantino niches that always make his films great. It's full of snappy dialogue and long, tense scenes that leave you on edge just thinking about them.

Say what you will, but Tarantino knows how to direct action. While not a whole lot of it, when there is action it's impressive and awesome. It's also gleefully gory at points.



CONS
Do you like the N-word? If not, you're going to hate this movie. The word is used almost gleefully, like Tarantino is pointing at you face, laughing that he's the only white guy who can use the word. You could argue that's how people talked back then, but I have two problems with that argument. One, there are other words for black people that I'm sure were used back in the day besides that word. Second, you can't make the historic accuracy point about a movie that's not trying to be historically accurate.

The film feels very uneven, it doesn't know if it wants to be a disturbing realistic portrayal of American slavery, or if it wants to be a fun silly blacksploitation revenge film. This results in scenes that would be great in their respective tones, but feel out of place in this mess of feelings. My sister Evan, who saw the movie with me, made the argument that this is what Tarantino does, but I feel that the tones the film is portraying are too different and make some scenes just feel jarring.


CONCLUSION
Django is a movie I'm torn about. Half of me loves it with its gory violence, witty dialogue, great acting, and other Tarantino staples. The other half feels it's a confused, uncomfortable mess. It could have worked, maybe have been up there with "Pulp Fiction", if it had chosen a tone and stuck to it. Overall, I feel it's a good movie that's dragged down by it's by-polar direction.


RATING
RENTABLE 

Jack Reacher: NR #34

Ah, the Christmas season is upon us. Trees and lights are everywhere, carols can be heard out of every store, and the families are all gathering to spend some quality time together. So this week, I'm going to tell you the best christmas movies to watch...Die Hard, A Christmas Story, and Jingle All the Way. Good, now let's get into the real review. Today's film is one that truly encompasses the meaning if Christmas, it's....

PLOT

Our film begins with a sniper killing five random people. The killer is captured and while on his way to jail is beat into a coma. Before he was knocked out, the killer was asked to name someone to help him try his case. He wrote Jack Reacher, but, who is Reacher? Reacher is an ex-military cop who believes in justice at all costs. After leaving the military, he was wiped off the map, wondering the country fixing the wrongs. Reacher randomly shows up and decides that the killer is innocent, and is now on the case to prove his reasoning.

PROS

Tom Cruise, say what you will, really plays this character well. I saw the movie with someone who had read every single book, and said Cruise played the part extremely well.

The action scenes in the film are shot astoundingly well. It's another case where you can tell what's going on. Another aspect of the action is that it seems realistic, yet exciting. One great example is the car chase, where the cars look like they have actual weight and follow the laws of physics.

Now, this is an action-thriller that truly delivers on the thriller. There were a lot of points where people are just talking, but it feels tense and keeps you engaged since the mystery is so interesting.

Speaking of mysteries, the one here is actually interesting. It's not too complex that you need to re-read the Wikipedia entry, but not too simple that it seems stupid.

The dialogue, especially for Reacher, is very smart and snappy. There were a ton of points where me and many other people in the theater were laughing at just the conversations.


CONS
Honestly, I can't think of one...Oh well!



CONCLUSION
I went into Jack Reacher expecting your run-of-the-mill action flick, a mediocre film at best. What I got was a stylish, funny, thrilling action movie that I had oodles of fun with. If you want and action movie that's fun and smart, look no further than Reacher. Also, it's worth it just to see the Three Stooges comedy routine in the middle of an intense fight scene that actually works.



RATING
RUN TO

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey NR #33

Now, don't kill me, but I've only seen "Fellowship of the Ring"... Well, that wasn't that bad. I was expecting something bad to hap- *glass crashes*. Ah, there's the flaming bag, I was wondering where it was. Anyway, even though I'm not familiar with Tolken or Lord of the Rings, I was still extremely excited for this film. Is it still worth the hype, and does it really need three parts? I don't know...Okay, well I do, but you need to read to find out. Read what? Why my review of...

PLOT
Our story takes place in the land of Middle Earth, 60 years before the events of Frodo and the one ring. This is Bilbo Baggin's story. Bilbo is a simple Hobbit, living a life of peace and serenity. Until one night when 12 dwarves and a wizard invade his home. These uninvited guest are here because Gandolf, the wizard, has chosen Bilbo to be the 14th member of their company as their thief. Now, why do these dwarves need a thief? Well, they are after their stolen treasure and city which has been taken by the fiercest dragon in all the land, Smog. Bilbo is reluctant at first, but is talked into joining their guest for redemption. Bilbo now starts on the greatest adventure.


PROS
This film captures the book's style perfectly. It has a sort of child like wonderment that only Tolken and Peter Jackson can pull off.

The actors are all amazing, including the Dwarves who all seem distinctive. The stand-out, once again, being Andy Circus reprising his role as Golem. This proves, for 5th time in a row, that Andy Circus needs an Oscar. He's one of the greatest unrecognized actors in history and more than deserves and award.

The action set pieces are awesome. They're shot extremely well and choreographed even better. They're very exciting and fun to watch.

The humor, surprising, is genuinely hilarious. I had many moments where I was laughing very hard for a long time. I was afraid the film's comedy would be tired, but it never became that.

A personal pro: The greatest scene I've seen this year is the riddle battle between Golem and Bilbo. That was the one moment I was excited for, and Jackson delivered in spades. It's just so awesome and well done, it's worth the price of admission just for that.



CONS
Now if you haven't heard, this story is going to be turned into 3 parts, this being part 1. The point of putting this into three parts is so that they can connect it to "The Fellowship of the Ring". Because of this, there are some scenes that feel out of place. It doesn't ruin the movie, but it does feel like padding.



CONCLUSION
Just to clear something up, the screening I went to wasn't shown in the increased frames per second that everyone is complaining about, that's why I have yet to mention it. Anyway, this was everything I was hoping for and more. It's funny, action-packed, dark, light-hearted and engaging. The film is almost 3 hours long, yet by the end I was ready for another 2. This is a must see and a great way to begin this trilogy.



RATING
RUN TO

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close CR # 25

This week's movie is one that critics didn't like, most people didn't like, yet it was nominated for Best Picture last year at the Oscars. So is it a good movie, or does it deserve the hate? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT
Oskar is a 9-year old autistic child whose dad was his best friend. Sadly though, his dad dies in the Twin Tower attacks. This mix of his dad's death and 9/11 really tear Oskar and his mom up emotionally. Cut to one year later and Oskar,while looking through his dad's closet, finds a key with the word "Black" on it. Now Oskar in determined to find what lock this key fits into and must face not only his fear of everything, but his also his terrible loss.


PROS
Thomas Horn, who plays Oskar, is simply amazing. While all the other actors do a great job, Horn steals the show, at least he does for a little bit.

Max von Sydow steals the show for the rest of the running time. He should have won the Oscar, since he's the best actor out of a movie full of amazing actors.

The scenes where Oskar is basically describing his Autism are really cool. It makes you feel like Oskar and fear what he fears.

The film deals with the subject of 9/11 in a very mature and subtle way. The movie isn't about 9/11, in fact it's almost like a background theme after the first 30 minutes, but when it is brought it up they don't exploit the event for emotional sympathy, like some other movies (*cough* Remember Me *cough*)



CONS
The movie can get a bit too sappy at points. While it's not too often, it's still there.



CONCLUSION
This was a great movie that I'm still confused as to why it got such bad reviews. While, yes, 9/11 is a major theme of the film, it's not about 9/11, it's about a young boy coming to terms with the death of his dad. You might be wondering, "Well why did he have to die in 9/11?". I asked myself the same question, and then I figured it out. The reason he had to die in 9/11 is because it shows just how much the people of New York are connected and how this one little boy's journey can affect so many different people. I really enjoyed this movie, and think if you can get over the 9/11 aspects, you will too.


RATING
WALK TO
  

Fish Story: CR #24

This movie is one I've been dying to see for over three years now. I first heard about this movie through Spill.com's coverage of "Fantastic Fest" in either 2009 or '10. It was a Japanese movie with an inventive plot and garnered tons of praise from moviegoers. Yet, it was said it would probably never get an official release in America, at least not a big one. So I gave up hope of ever seeing it, but I never forgot the film itself. Cut to a few days ago and I was looking through Neftflix streaming, went I come across that movie. My eyes lit up, I didn't hesitate and started the movie. What was this movie you might ask? This movie is...

PLOT
In the year 2012, a comet is coming to Earth. It's said that this comet will create a massive tsunami that well flood the world, and even if you survive that, you'll die in the Ice Age. So it's basically the end of the world. One man is wondering around his evacuated town and sees that a record store is open. When he asks the owner about why he's open on this day, he says that the comet won't hit. Why? Because an obscure punk Japanese song titled "Fish Story" is going to save the world. We then travel through time and see 4 different stories that are all somehow connected to and through this song.


PROS
All four stories are interesting. While you won't know how they're all connected until the end of the film, you still enjoy the stories. I feel that anyone of the stories could be turned into great short films and can be enjoyed on their own.

The film plays with many different tones and plays with them well. It never feels off or wired, it all makes sense and fits well together.

The way these stories connect is one of the most creative and awesome thing I've ever seen. It so cool how they reveal it that it'll leave your jaw firmly on the floor.


CONS
Mostly nitpicks that seem minuscule when compared to film as a whole.



CONCLUSION
This is a fun, dramatic, funny, action-packed, music filled adventure that I'll probably watch again and again. With such a unique premise, and four engaging stories that I won't dare spoil here, "Fish Story" is a must see for anyone who can read subtitles and has Netflix streaming.


RATING
RUN TO

Killing Them Softly: NR #32

This week's movie is an odd one. It's a crime drama with a message, a simple but effective poster and trailer, and Brad Pitt's name all over it. But none of that matters if the movie sucks. Well does it? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT

As the 2008 election is decided, and the economy goes deeper into the toilet, three dumb guys decide to rob a mafia card game, and succeed. Jackie, an enforcer, is hired to track down these three guys and kill them.

PROS

Brad Pitt steals the show and every scene he's in. We all know he's a great actor and he doesn't disappoint here.

The film is very stylish, with a lot of memorable scenes, like a slow motion murder at gun point.

CONS

The movie is an hour and 30 minutes long, it feels like over 2 hours and 30 minutes. It so slow and dull that it drags on at too many points. It never knows when to end a scene or what scenes need to be cut. I looked at my watch at one point and was surprised that only 20 minutes had passed.

Not a single character in this film is likable. While I don't have a problem with an unlikable cast, the problem is that the cast is the only thing you can really focus on, so you don't care when people are in danger. Well, at least Pitt is a likable.

The film trys to pull a Tarintino and has characters have pointless but quirky conversations for most of the film. The problem is that none of the conversations are intresting, because you don't like the characters, and the dialouge isn't clever or entertaining.

CONCLUSION

While this isn't an awful film, it's certainly not worth $10 to see on the big screen. If you have to see it, wait untill Redbox or Netflix, where it'll be less than $5.

RATING

REANTABLE



Life of Pi: NR #31

I missed last week...again...sorry, but I'm going to try and do two separate reviews. It probably won't work, but who knows. Anyway, this weeks movie is one that had seriously caught my attention. A movie about a dude stuck on a boat with a tiger? Sign me up! But, as I soon discovered, this was no big, action-packed extravaganza, but a personal, slow survival story. Was it any good? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT

Pi is an odd man. He's a very spiritual Indian man who's Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, and a bit Jewish. His family owns a zoo in India and they have a nice life. Hard times hit the zoo and India itself, so the family has to move to Canada and sell the animals. They travel by boat across the pacific when they run into a freak storm and extremely ruff waters that sink the ship, killing not only the animals and the passengers on board, but Pi's family as well. Pi survives and is left on a life boat with a nearly dead Zebra, an Orangutan, a Hyena, and a deadly Tiger named Richard Parker. Now Pi must survive with these deadly animals as his life and faith are both tested on the high seas.

PROS

I don't know who the cinematographer is for this film, but he should be given the highest honor. The movie is absolutely beautiful, full of breathtaking scenes. 

The special effects for this movie are astounding. They look realistic where you have to actively be looking to see the flaws. It makes the already beautiful scenes even more so and makes Richard Parker a living breathing character.

Suraj Sharma plays Pi, and this is also his first role in a movie, but you would never know if I hadn't told you this. He does an amazing job, since his real acting only comes from his physical actions, not by what he says. Luckily, his verbal acting is also top-notch, with the ending scene really bringing it home.

Once Pi is on the life boat, the movie becomes a slow burn that somehow kept my attention. I never felt like it was dragging or that nothing interesting was going on.

The movie is very spiritual and deals with a lot of spiritual and religious ideas. Now I'm not a very religious  or spiritual person, not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just personal beliefs. This film made understand why people are spiritual without getting annoying or preachy.

The film was able to keep tension throughout without resorting to cheap tricks. What I mean is that it never has to add unneeded music ques or too many jump scares, the situation itself is terrifying and stays as such for most of the film.

CONS

The first 20 or so minutes are a little dull. While not awful, they do drag a bit.

CONCLUSION

I love this movie. This was a beautiful experience that I would love to see again. I left the film not able to put my thoughts into words, and I still feel the words I've used don't give the film justice. This is definitely one of the best movies of the year. See this movie for yourself, preferably in 3D.

RATING

RUN TO

Missed the last review? Check it: Skyfall

Missed the last You May Not Know? Here ya go: Azumanga Daioh

  

  

Skyfall: NR #30

I'm probably going to lose all the respect I already don't have, but I've never seen a James Bond movie all the way through... Huh. I thought that by now an angry mob would have shown up at my house. Oh! There's someone at the door, let me go check...

5 HOURS LATER...

...So I just came back from an intense interrogation and torturing from the James Bond fan club, and I saw this week's new release right after. *sigh* If only I had seen this earlier, they wouldn't have done that to me. Anyway, let's dive right into...

PLOT

We begin our film with James Bond chasing someone who has a hard drive that's important to MI6. While in the process of retrieving said hard drive, Bond is shot off a moving train, off a high bridge, into a river, down a waterfall, and left for dead. Sometime later, MI6 is under attack by a unknown hacking source, and James Bond is brought back from death to reclaim the hard drive, which has the name of every MI6 field agent in active duty, and to stop what, or who, ever is behind the attacks.

PROS

The action in this movie, specifically the opening sequence, is awesome. It's shot not only where you can see what's going on, but they also put style into it. This means that the guy who directed "American Beauty" is also one of the best action directors.

The script is very clever, full of quick and funny lines that go by lightning fast. They not only throw a few jokes, but get the needed exposition in as well.

Javier Bardem is great as the villain Silva. He's a very effeminate, over the top villain that still seemed threatening to me. 

The last third act of the film is amazing, and is thankfully kept out of the trailers. I won't spoil it here, let's just say it gets a bit cool real quick, I might dare say 20% cooler in 10 seconds flat.

There are a TON of clever James Bond references  The film knows it the 50th anniversary of Bond, and they wear it not only on there sleeve, but on their entire body, and it works.

CONS

I have a few minor gripes, but they are just minor.

CONCLUSION

This was a great movie, while I'm not in love with it, and I can't really describe why, I still really enjoyed it and highly suggest it to not only Bond fans, but anyone who likes a great action movie.

RATING

RUN TO

Azumanga Daioh: You May Not Know #8

Now I don't usually watch anime, but I don't hate it either. I'm just not head over heels for it, well I was at one point, but I never fully embraced it. What anime I have watched, that being "Inuyasha", "FlCl", and 4 Myazaki movies, I really enjoyed what I saw (except for Inuyasha), but there is one I left out. This anime is one that even when I thought I hated it, I was just being a grump. You May Not Know about....

Azumanga Daioh is, like all anime, based on a manga (Japanese comic), Daioh is special because its mangais a four panel manga/comic strip. It was a huge hit in Japan, so an anime was made. It originally aired as fiveminute sections on T.V., each story arch taking place over a week. After the segments aired, they were eventually put together as 22 minute episodes. As with most successful things is Japan, it was brought over to America in 2005. But just what is this show about? Why should you care? These questions and more will be answered!

Azumanga Daioh begins with 10 year old Chiyo-chan, who is in her first year of high school due to her gifted intellect. She, like most 10 year olds, is a little scared by this big leap from elementary to high, but she finds new and exciting friends in her class. Her new friends include the self-conscious and most normal of the group, Yomi, the crazy and hyper-active Tomo, the tall, quiet Sakaki, who loves all cute and adorable things, while they don't seem to love her back, and the space-case Osaka. Later on in the series, they befriend the athletic Kagura. Through out their three years at the high school, they all are taught by Ms. Yukari, who is basically just like the students she's teaching, for better or hilariously worst.

Now you're probably thinking "This is probably some perverted show made to only sexually exploit these female characters, because that's all that comes out of Japan, grumble, grumble  grumble" . Actually, the show is very light-hearted and can be enjoyed by all ages. While yes it is true the girls dress in swimsuits or make some mature joke, the show is very subtle about it and never makes it gratuitous. To give an example of a mature joke, there's a 2-3 minute scene in the second episode that's all about boob size, but it took me three viewings of the episode to realize that's what the joke was about. They don't just say "YOU HAVE BIG BOOBIES!!!", they're very subtle about it and make this, on paper, tasteless joke into a very clever joke that'll go right over younger kids' heads.

Now this show doesn't have an overarching story besides the one about them all going to high school. Most episodes are self-contained and only make a few references to past episodes. It's mostly skit based, with each new scene starting with a title in the upper-left, since it was originally aired as 5 min. segments on T.V.

You cannot tell me that's not the cutest thing you've ever seen

Now this could get old, seeing as how all 26 episodes have the same skit based structure, but since the show is consistently funny, you never notice the formula. Also, the characters aren't just your average High School stereotypes, you know, the jock, the cheerleader, the goth. No, these characters seem realistic and we can relate them to some of our own friends, people we've met, or even ourselves.

The comedy itself is broad without sucking, which is rare these days in entertainment. The humor can be either chuckle worthy, or dying on the floor. I've had many a time where I'll be laughing so hard and loud, my sister tells me the next day they could me all the way from the end of the house. The jokes can also be kinda random, so you're laughing at just how weird the situation is. The show also excels in adorableness. Since Sakaki loves adorable things, and Chyo-Chan is a cute 10 year old girl, they exploit that to the fullest (above).

The show's presentation is not going to blow your mind, but it does the job. The voice actors are very good and thankfully deliver their lines without being cheesy. The biggest stand-out in terms of the presentation is the music. There are only a few songs on the show, so each of them are used over and over again. But they always get stuck in your head. I constantly find myself humming songs from this show during my own school hours, and I surprisingly find myself becoming more concentrated on what I'm doing.

If anything I've said here has sounded good to you, I implore you to please watch this show. If you haven't liked what you've read or don't like anime in general, then it's probably best you stay away. Overall, I love this show and it makes me laugh every time I see it.

Wreck-it Ralph: NR #29

This week's movie is one I've been very excited for. I'm a big gaming nerd, and a retro nerd at that, and I love animation. So when Disney released the first trailer for this movie, you bet I was going crazy! Now that's finally here, is it worth the hype or was it all just some shallow marketing scheme. Let's find out in my review of...

Let's Begin

PLOT

Wreck-it Ralph is the villain of the hit 80's arcade game Fix-it Felix Jr.  He's been doing the same job for 30 years now, and no one really respects or even likes him. On the day of the game's 30th anniversary, Ralph decides to game jump into different games in the arcade so he can start being the hero for once.

PROS

If you're a huge gaming nerd, specifically of the 80's, you will adore the first 30 min. of this film. In just about every single frame, there's a reference. The characters even act and move like they would in their own games. It's sorta like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" but with video games.

The movie's idea of games coming to life after the arcade closes is cleverly executed. It's fun just to see the rules set up in this world and how creative they get with the concept.

The animation is awesome, like most Disney animated films. One of the cool things about the animation is the side character in Fix-it Felix Jr. They move in very robotic ways, as they would in the actual game.

All of the actors, while basically playing themselves, do a great job voice acting. The biggest stand-out is also the one you'll never recognize. Alan Tudyk plays a character, that I won't spoil here, but you'll be in shock when you find out who it is.

The film actually had a lot of good twist and plot points I never saw coming. One character, Vanellope von Schweetz, starts out as very annoying and aggravating  But then they revel her back story and why people always resent her, and it's one of the saddest and most depressing things I've ever heard. Because of that, I started to really like her. Disney, you got balls.

The film is consistently funny, with a good mix of references, clever jokes, puns, and many more.




CONS
Once Ralph jumps to "Sugar Rush", the film slows down a lot. It gets away from the clever jokes and references  and leaves us with bad puns and an annoying character. While the film does make up for this slow point, it still can't be ignored.


CONCLUSION
This was a great movie. While it wasn't the constant love letter to retro gaming that we thought it was going to be, what we got is still pretty awesome, while still delivering on the love letter. While I wish they had jumped to more than two games, I still loved the film and would see it a second time. Definitely fun for the kids, but the adults may have a better time than you think.


RATING
RUN TO

   

Pitch Perfect: NR #28

Well, I didn't see anything last week, and I didn't see any big movies that came out this week, but I did see a movie that came out earlier this month. The closest thing I can compare to this film is "Mean Girls", why? Let's find out in my review of...

Let's Begin

PLOT

Beca is a freshman at Barden College, after being kicked out of many other colleges. Why was she kicked out? Because she thinks college is stupid and is 100% convinced that she will go to L.A. and become a D.J. Her dad, one of the teachers at the college, gives her a proposition, If she really tries to study and get involved at college after one year and still wants to go to L.A., he'll pay for the whole thing. She decides to join an all girls archapello group called the Bellas. With her spunk and new world attitude, she helps transform the Bellas from a 50's-90's stale group, to a modern remix group.

PROS

The movie is very funny. While it starts out with more misses than hits, it gets better as it goes along, but even at the beginning, when it hits, it really hits.

The movie never goes too mean-spirited and actually has a heart. It would have been really easy just to make it a mean-spirited cheap joke teen flick, but it goes above and beyond that.

The singing and archapello is very good and well done. A lot of the songs were ones that I hate, yet they found a way to make me love them.

The side characters are what make the film. They may not be too developed, but they all have a little quirk that keep the jokes coming. My favorite was a little quiet Asian girl who whenever she talks, she says some of the most weird, messed-up, and hilarious stuff in the film.

CONS

Beca is an extremely unlikable character. She's a whinny girl that acts like she's better than everyone else and gets angry at people for no reason. Even when she learns her lesson, I still hated her.

CONCLUSION

Now why is this like "Mean Girls"? Well I expected it to suck, to be another shallow, no thrills teen comedy used to cash in on the "Glee" craze. It turned out to be a clever, heart-felt film that only gets better and better. While it has an ok first half, the second half literally had me in tears. I hate vomit jokes, and the joke I laughed the hardest at was a vomit joke! Overall, it's a fun movie that stays entertaining.

RATING

WALK TO 

Argo: NR #27

Ben Affleck sure has turned his career around hasn't he? He started out as a horrible to sub-par actor whose only claim to fame was as a co-writer, oh yeah, and he dated J-Lo. Yet ever since he left her behind, he's become not only a good actor, but found his true talent behind the camera as a director. Now the only one of his directed movie's I've seen has been "The Town", which I loved. So you can guess my excitement when I heard about his new film. Is it any good, or is Affleck a two hit wonder? Let's find out in my review of...

  Let's Begin

PLOT

Taking place during the Iranian hostage situation of the late 70's, the film follows Tony Mendaes, an FBI agent who's job is to get people out of dangerous situations, who has to help six american's who escaped capture and are now hiding out at the Canadian ambassador's house. With little to no options left, Tony decides that the best plan is to make a fake movie. In claiming to make a fake "Star Wars" ripoff called "Argo", the six american's can disguise themselves as a Canadian film crew and get out of the country. 

PROS

The actors in this film do an amazing job. Everyone get's a moment to shine and never overshadow's anyone else's suburp performance.

The film's script and dialogue is its biggest strength. It not only is engaging and interesting, but it's also very funny, mixing the humor and drama perfectly.

Now I was not alive during this period in history, and I didn't even know this happened until this film was released, and the they convey the situation very well. At the beginning, they show the U.S. embassy getting overrun by the Iranian's, and I was honestly frightened, as was the world at this time.

Tension is one of this movie's many specialities. I was a little tense throughout the whole movie, but never sacred. The last 30 min. had me scared, so tense that a heart shaped piece of skin popped out of my chest every 2 seconds. 

Luckily, the comedy in this movie helps relieve the tension in the first and second halves of the film. I missed a ton of dialogue just thinking about some of the lines said in this film.

Every hostage is well developed and act realistically. While this may seem like a no brainer, sometimes movies just leave out those little details that "Argo" get's across in very little time. It makes those last 30 min. even more exhilarating.

Affleck's attention to detail is incredible. The film is shot in a way that is very reminiscent of movies from the 70's, with film grain and everything. The sets are also very detailed, only filled with stuff an average person from the 70's would have.

CONS

All of my problems with this film are tiny nit-picks that barely affect it as a whole.

CONCLUSION

What a way to start off Oscar season. This is the true sign of Affleck's talent, not only as a director but also as an actor. I was sucked in by this movie, never feeling bored are looking at my watch. I can't wait to see what Affleck does next, and to any upcoming Oscar contenders, I hope you bring your A game x2, cause "Argo" just blew it out of the water. I would suggest you see this film, which I do, but I'd rather you support "Sinister", the new horror movie that came out this week. While I would have seen it, I'm not above the age of 17 and I don't know anyone above that age that would see it. Why do I want everyone to go see it? Let me put it like this. I hate, HATE, being scared, that's why most of the Horror movies I see are more focused on comedy or gore. This movie was intended to be rated PG-13, but the MPAA gave it an R because it was too scary to show to teenagers, and yet this is my most anticipated films of this year. So please, GO SEE THIS MOVIE, then go see "Argo" right after, ok? ok.

RATING

RUN TO!

Taken 2: NR #26

This was one of most anticipated and dreaded films of this year. I loved the first Taken, it was simple, stupid, yet incredibly fun and entertaining. It also introduced me and many other teens to Liam Neeson. Now four years later and we have the sequel. Can an inventive concept and an actor keep this sequel a float? Let's find out in my review of...

 Let's Begin

PLOT

As we all know, Liam Nees- I mean Bryan Mills, killed a TON of people in the last film. Well the extended families of those henchmen are pissed. They now have one mission, kill Mills. So what do they do? They kidnap him and his ex-wife while they're in Istanbul and attempt to kidnap his daughter. Bryan must now direct his daughter to find him, free him, and get revenge of those who've taken his family.

PROS

I laughed at a couple of points...at unintentionally funny points.... that's the nicest thing I can say...

CONS

Let's review on what made "Taken" great. It had a simple yet effective plot, the villains were truly evil, Liam Neeson still had moves and killed/maimed people in awesome ways, and while it had its stupid moments, it was still fun. "Taken 2" doesn't get it.

The plot is creative and could have been interesting, but the families just become generic Middle Eastern villains and that setup never goes anywhere.

The film's logic is so stupid, a person who's never been out side their home would say it doesn't make sense. Example: Neeson is directing his daughter on how to find him. He uses ways that don't make sense, but I can suspend my disbelief. Then, he tells her to throw a grenade in a random direction so he can use it as echo location... if you can't find what's wrong with that logic, than you need more help than I can give.

The action scenes in the first "Taken", while not perfectly shot, you could still tell what's going on. Here, I had so many points after Neeson fought someone that I went "WHAT?!?!" The camera is set on everyone's chest in extreme close-ups that you can never tell what's going on.

The ex-wife is one of the most useless characters in film history. She literally adds nothing to the plot and could have been edited out of the film entirely.

I would complain that Neeson wasn't in there enough, but when he finally gets his badass moment, it was boring and predictable. You sit there for the first hour or so wanting Neeson to do something, but instead you get him yelling directions at his daughter, and I already explained what happens after that hour or so.

CONCLUSION

This is the definition of a cash-grab. It adds nothing to story, makes little sense, and probably would've gone straight to DVD if Liam Neeson hadn't come back. While not the worst movie I've ever seen, it has nothing that deserves your time and money. Go see "Looper" or "Hotel Transylvania" instead.

RATING

RUN AWAY!

     

Looper/Hotel Transylvania NR #24,25 DOUBLE REVIEW!!!

Today is the triumphed return of DOUBLE REVIEWS!!! The movies I'm reviewing today have one thing in common, they were both released this weekend. That's literally it, one is an adult Sci-Fi action-thriller for smart people, and the other is an Adam Sandler animated comedy, cause that went so well last time (Insert "Eight Crazy Nights" poster here). The question is, are they any good? Let's find out in my DOUBLE REVIEW of...

 Let's Begin X2

LOOPER:

PLOT

In the year 2044, Joe is a Looper, a hitman hired by the mob to kill people from the future. Let me explain, time travel is not possible is 2044, but in 30 years it will be, and it will be instantly outlawed. Obviously, the mob starts using it to kill problems, since forensics is so advanced it's impossible to get away with murder, unless you kill someone who technically doesn't exist. But, they also have a way of ending their "contract" called "Closing your loop". This is where the mob sends back your future self, you kill them, gain a TON of money and never work for the mob again, knowing full well that you'll be killed in 30 years. One day, Joe meets his future self, and allows Old Joe to escape. Now Joe is on the run from the mob and is chasing Old Joe, who is also hunted by the mob, to kill him and live a free life.

PROS

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of my favorite up and coming actors, and he does not disappointing here. He has to play a young Bruce Willis, and does a great job. He gets all of Willis's mannerisms down, even having slight adjustments to his face to look even more like Willis. He also acts his butt off.

Bruce Willis is a joy to watch, as he always is, this time showing emotions other than "grizzled".

Jeff Daniels plays the mob boss Abe, and is one of the best parts of the movie. He's the kind of villain you love to hate.

I love the film's portrayal of the near future, where it looks like modern day but with a few things that make it different. It seems realistic and grounded in reality.

The time travel aspect is very simple, and that actually works well for the film. Instead of spending an hour trying to explain to you high concepts, it just gives you the basics and rolls with it. They even have a joke where they explain that they don't even now how it works, and you should just not think about it, cause they aren't.

The film has a lot of cool and unique camera shots and ways of portraying the story. One great scene is when we first see Joe use a drug you insert into your eye like eye-drops, and the camera stays on Joe's head as he moves around, but is spinning around and makes it feel cool yet disorienting.

The movie, though advertised as a serious action film, is actually quite comedic and human. There are many funny scenes, and many more where people act like real people and have human moments. 

The moral dilemmas the film brings up are very well integrated and help to keep the film in a moral grey area. No one is right or wrong, the film just shows you who these people are and what they do and has you decide.

CONS

There are a few unneeded characters that bog down the film with back stories and filler scenes.

CONCLUSION 

You may think I've said too many good things, I think I've just barely scratched the surface. The reason I don't go into deeper detail is because the second and third halves of the film, the ones thankfully not shown in the trailer, is something I don't want to spoil. If I could, this review would go on even longer. I loved this film and think it's one of the best films of the year, certainly in the top 5. See this original, innovative, and awesome movie.

RATING

RUN TO!

  

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

PLOT

Dracula is a single dad with a daughter he loves very much, and always wants to protect her. He also wants a place where monsters can spend a vacation without fear of humans. So he compromises and creates Hotel Transylvania, a safe castle for his daughter, and for the monsters of the world. Dracula's daughter, Mavis, has just turned 118 (18 years old in human years) and all of Dracula's old pals and many, many, many other monsters are invited to the party. Mavis, Dracula's daughter, wants to see the world and meet people her age. Luckily, Dracula has started to convince her that humans are evil, but hilarity strikes when extreme white guy, Jonathan, stumbles upon the hotel and put's Dracula's business and trust in jeopardy. Worst of all, Mavis falls for him as well. Dracula then disguises Jon and hopes no one notices, and hilarity ensues.

PROS

Genndy Tartakovsky, creator of awesome cartoons Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack, is the director of this film, and his influence is obvious. The animation is amazing, not only looking beautiful but also looking fluid and having something always going on the background.

The humor, thankfully, is not like most Sandler movies, since he's only involved in voice acting. The humor has the style and timing of an old Lonney Tunes cartoon, and is hilarious. While it does have some jokes fall flat and low-brow humor, it still works and some of the low-brow humor is actually funny. They have one fart joke in the whole film, and it's actually funny.

The cast of this movie is just Sandler and his friends, which usually leads to disaster. But since they aren't ad-libbing all their lines and are actually reading from a script,  they do a good job. Mostly because they are close friends, they really convey that through their acting. The stand-out this time, surprisingly, is Sandler himself. He conveys a lot of emotion and seems heart-felt whenever talking to his daughter. 

The plot is very simple, but that's a good thing. Tartakovsky basically came in a re-worked the script to make the story simpler, and it let's the film focus on the human side of things and focus on the hilarious comedy.

Creativity is pouring out of every frame of this movie. The character designs, the jokes, everything is creative and almost unique.

CONS

Like every kids movie these days, there's a dance number at the end. I will give it points for a using an original song, but it still annoyed me.

CONCLUSION

It's funny and horrifying to think how this film would have turned out if Tartaovsky did not have his hand in this, because he saves this film and makes it a great Halloween movie for kids, yet still enjoyable for adults. This is the remake of Franken and Bass's "Mad Monster Party", and I enjoyed every minute of it. Definitely the right movie to get you in the Halloween spirit.

RATING

WALK TO.

  

Scapegoat Wax: YMNK #7

Before the start of the Summer, I may have had 80, 90, 100 if I was lucky, songs on my i-Pod. It wasn't that I didn't like music, I just hadn't found the right band and couldn't be bothered to explore and discover new music. Than I listened to Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black". I was floured and started to discover all types of new music. Today's YMNK is about the first band/group that I bought an entire album for, a band that basically got me through the Summer. You May Not Know about...

 Scapegoat Wax is a band I'm not a hundred percent sure how to describe. The best I can do is Rap and R&B, but they're a lot more diverse than that. The group was started back in the late 90's in Chico, California by Marty James and Johnny Z, though Johnny left shortly after. The group lasted until the early 2000's, where they broke-up. In that time, they released three CD's and were apart of three different record labels. They never got very popular, only having one of their songs reaching moderate success. Marty James continues to make music in a new band called "One Block Radius", which I have yet to hear any of their work.

 The one song that became popular was "Aisle 10 (Hello Alison)", which became famous because it was on the soundtrack for the excellent game "Jet Set Radio Future" or "JSRF". This is also where I first heard the band. Listen to the song below, than go back to reading this. Do it...NOW!

I had this song on my I-pod forever, until a few months ago, I bit the bullet and bought their second album (thinking it was the first) "Okeeblow". I immediately fell in love. I loved the voices, the sounds, the lyrics, everything about them. I consider "Okeeblow" a perfect album, There is no song on that album that I don't at least like.

 One interesting thing I noticed about the songs is that whenever they're about love, besides "Aisle 10" it's always negative. Marty James must have had a huge, devastating break-up because for five years, he sang about one girl. The songs are always about either the break-up, wanting her back, happy that they broke-up, or that she still haunts him to this day. Every song but "Aisle 10". That one is about him really wanting Alison, which is the only positive love song in Scapegoat Wax's short history.

 What about their two other albums? Well, they aren't as perfect. "Luxurious", their first album, mostly has the songs from Okeeblow, but the original/mix versions. I personally feel the ones on Okeeblow and Swax are better, the ones edited... Anyway, Scapegoat Wax had a problem where their albums had a LOT of the same songs, with the best put into Okeeblow. Don't get me wrong, Luxurious has some great songs, one of them being me favorites, but only six of them are new, out of 19 total songs. Swax, their third album, only has 12 songs, five of which are new. The worst part is that, in my opinion, their's only one good song, "Both My Freinds", which has quickly become one of, if not my favorite, Scapegoat Wax songs.

   But don't let this discourage you, I still highly advise buying "Okeeblow" and buying the other songs as well, who knows, maybe you'll love the ones I hate. Overall, Scapegoat Wax is an amazing, heartfelt, underrated band that really feel fresh when compared to today's top 20 "hits". Just please don't pirate the songs. I don't know if Marty James or anyone who was involved still gets the money, but until I do find out, please pay for this amazing music.