2010's Best(and Worst)

Ah, yes, another year has passed us by and that means thousands more films have been released.  I will take a look at the films that I felt to be the best and the worst of this year.  Anyways, in no particular order, here are my favorites...

TRON: Legacy
It is a rare, almost impossible, occasion when
a sequel comes out that gives the fans exactly
what they want.  This one did just that.  I was
completely blown away.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One
I am a fanboy, it's true.  But as far as the film series
has gone, this is definitely the best effort yet.
The script follows the book insanely close and
most of the best scenes are captured.  It's
enough to make any die hard Harry fan happy.

The Social Network.
Very few films have effected me in the way
that David Fincher's The Social Network did.
I was frozen and glued to the screen even when
the credits began to roll.  My only problem:
Justin Timberlake.

Buried
I know I didn't put these in any sort of order
but if I had, this would have been my pick for
the best movie of the year.  The entire movie takes
place inside of a coffin and it is still one of the most
intense, gut-wrenching films of all time.  Not many
filmmaker are able to pull that off.

The Town
Ben Affleck may not be the best actor
of all time but he is one hell of a director.
Somewhat in the vein of The Departed,
The Town is one of the craziest crime
thrillers of the year and definitely the best
one.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
I had my doubts about this film.  Okay, I
confess, I thought it was going to suck
completely.  Thankfully, I was totally wrong.
Edgar Wright is one of this generation's
best directors and it really shows in this one.
Not to mention, this is one of Michael Cera's
best movies in what feels like ages.

Cherry Tree Lane
You all knew a horror movie would be
popping up in this list sooner or later
and if you didn't, then you don't know me.
This is one of the best films of its kind to
come out in years.  Think Funny Games
meets Rear Window.  It's a winner in my book.

True Grit
It is one of the year's best, but it is not
THE best.  I really enjoyed the story, the
acting, and especially the dialogue.  However,
I think I was expecting much more than I actually
got.  All in all, it's a great film, but it isn't quite up
to par with No Country for Old Men or The Big
Lebowski.

Black Swan
Anyone who tries to say that Black Swan
is not a horror movie, clearly does not know
what a horror movie is.  I loved this film.  It
felt like a throwback to 70's Italian cinema.
It still doesn't take the place of Buried for me
but honestly, it's a close second.

Devil
A very promising start to a three-part
series of films entitled "The Night
Chronicles."  This one reminds me a lot
of some of Hitchcock's earlier work.  Oh,
and no matter what anyone says, I still
love M. Night Shyamalan.

Catfish
As a filmmaker, this was definitely the most
inspiring film of the year.  Made for nothing
and shot mostly on cheap retail cameras,
Catfish is one of the best and most real
documentaries I have ever seen.  In my
opinion, every aspiring filmmaker should see
this.

Shutter Island
Martin Scorsese is the man.  There's not
much more to say.  His new films is a new
direction for him.  Shutter Island will twist
and turn your mind until you have no idea
what just happened to you.





And now the part you've probably all been waiting for.  The worst films of 2010.  I won't go as all out as I did for my favorites but here they are...

• Alice in Wonderland - This was easily one of the biggest letdowns of the year for me.  I usually am a big fan of Tim Burton's work, even though it's rarely original, but Alice went no where.  There were so many amazing ways the story could gone but instead it played out like a knock off of the Narnia series.
  
• Skyline - Written and directed by the two geniuses that came up with Aliens vs. Predators: Requiem.  Need I say more?
  
• Twilight: Eclipse - Now, I know most women are going to see this film on the list and say something like "you just don't understand it because you're not a girl."  However, I do understand that this series has turned a classic horror icon, the vampire, into a girly, neutered version of itself.  It also plays out like a Disney Channel Movie.  I knew girls liked romance, I didn't know they like moronic movies.
  
• A Nightmare on Elm Street - Yay, another unnecessary horror remake brought to you by Michael Bay!  No, but seriously, this movie take all the subtleties that made the original a beautiful film and urinates all over them.  I truly wish Michael Bay and all his friends would be beaten to death in the streets.
  
• The Lovely Bones - Talk about high profile, Hollywood garbage.  This picture has one of the sloppiest scripts I've ever seen translated to film.  It jumps too quickly between disturbing violence and the main character's overly happy world.
  
• Saw 3D - This would be my pick for the worst movie of the year.  I honestly hope this is the last entry in the Saw series because this one was unbearable.    

Here are some honorable mentions.  Movies I liked but didn't think were groundbreaking...

• Toy Story 3
• Predators
• She's Out of My League
• Kick-Ass
• Star Wars Uncut
• Inception
• Machete
• The Fighter
• Get Him to the Greek
• The Other Guys
  
  

An Over-the-Top Amount of Reviews

Cherry Tree Lane(2010) - 9/10 stars.

I find it hard to believe that this film has been getting so many not so positive reviews.  The fact that the majority of the film is in one room makes it feel claustrophobic and frightening.  The script is crafted almost perfectly and is pretty inspiring to me.  Think Michael Haneke meets Alfred Hitchcock.  Sure, it's disturbing and horrifying, but why wouldn't you want it to be?

The Children(2008) - 7/10 stars.

This is a film that misses its full potential simple because Paul Andrew Williams, who penned the script, did not direct it.  It was good and intense but at times felt far too mainstream.

Happiness(1998) - 2/10 stars.

A film that really has no place in the movie world.  Poorly written, horribly offensive and extremely boring.  I will however give kudos to the actors for at least making some of this catastrophe bearable.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1(2010) - 10/10 stars.
This is the pinnacle of the entire Harry Potter series.  Not only does it follow the book better than any of the other films, but it has millions of memorable scenes that will leave any HP nerd happy.  You will not be disappointed.

Long Weekend(1978) - 4/10 stars.
This 70's ozploitation flick doesn't really bring anything to the table.  The main characters litter, kill animals and have a general disrespect for nature.  So of course, you guessed it, nature gets its revenge.  See it if you don't want to think for a while.

Man Bites Dog(1992) - 8/10 stars.
Disturbing French mocumentary that will actually give you chills if you manage to sit through the whole thing.  A documentary crew follows a serial killer around to record his every day activities.  The greatest thing about the film is Benoit Poelvoorde's strong and overly callous performance as the killer. 

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World(2010) - 9/10 stars.
Now, I'm not usually one for enjoying Michael Cera and how he always manages to play the same exact character in every film he is cast in, but there's something different about him in this film.  What I liked most about the whole picture is that it is so different from any other movie out there right now.  Not to mention, it's pretty damned hilarious.

Creep(2004) - 7/10 stars.
This movie has garnered quite a few negative reviews and I can't seem to figure out why.  There are certain things they could have done better as far as the villain goes, but I thought the script was very tightly written and the ending was perfectly ironic.

Snuff(1976) - 1/10 stars.
This piece of trash is not even justified in being called a film.  I don't think I've ever worse use of stock footage or just editing in general.  And what I've failed to mention so far is that there is no story, the acting is miserable and the supposed "real" ending contains very poorly crafted special effects.  Don't waste your time, money or effort.

Spoorloos: The Vanishing(1988) - 9/10 stars.
One of the few movies in cinema history that has gotten atmosphere down perfectly.  It will keep you guessing until the very end and then shock you beyond all reason.  Check it out!

Storm Warning(2007) - 6/10 stars.
It's certainly not the greatest film to portray crazy, murderous rednecks but there are some good scenes.  I'm not sure if it's a movie I like or a movie I just respect.  The fact that it wasn't left with an open ending makes a little bit better in my mind.

Straw Dogs(1971) - 10/10 stars.
If you haven't noticed yet from these reviews, I've been on a British film kick lately.  Straw Dogs is an experiment in social behavior and is spot on.  This film is not anti-women, it simply shows how awful people can be.  I applaud the writing and basic social commentary.

Teeth(2007) - 2/10 stars.
Now I know a lot of you will probably this movie is empowering to women and blah blah blah blah.  However, I really thought it was just an excuse to have some of the most grotesque gore on screen.  Plot?  What plot?  It's just a about girl running around castrating men.  It's like a version of Juno on meth.

The Big Lebowski(1998) - 10/10 stars.
Easily the best Coen Brother's film and one of the funniest movies ever made.  The Big Lebowski succeeds amazingly because of its clever script and amazing characters.  I dare you to try and watch this movie without laughing hysterically.

The Cottage(2008) - 8/10 stars.
A film that should be remembered in the comedy horror subgenre.  A lot of people have complained about it being too conventional but that's kind of the point.  This is called satire and The Cottage definitely satirizes well.

The Doom Generation(1995) - 1/10 stars.
Hey, yet another movie that should have never been made.  Yeah, we get it, teens are becoming desensitized.  That doesn't mean we need to see it in the most disgusting ways possible.  But to be fair, the worst part isn't even the gross out factor, it's the painfully annoying "protagonists."

The Town(2010) - 9/10 stars.
The Town proves that Ben Affleck has some serious talent for directing.  I've never been a huge fan of his acting but the story and the other actors make this an instant classic.

Triangle(2009) - 9/10 stars.
One of the best psychological horror films to come out in years.  Christopher Smith is becoming one of my favorite modern directors.  The twisting and turning of the script will you keep you scratching your head but definitely in a good, David Lynch sort of way. 

Wolf Creek(2005) - 7/10 stars.
There are, without question, films that have done a lot better what this one attempts to do.  That said, I thought the atmosphere in this Australian flick was effective and the villain is certainly memorable. 

More Reviews, Mostly Disturbing Films

30 Days of Night(2007) - 8/10 stars.
Sadly, I feel that movie is very underrated and hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves.  The plot is extremely intriguing and well thought out.  Imagine your town going dark for a month and becoming overrun with vampires.  Well, at least I thought it was a good idea.  You can decide for yourself.
 

An American Crime(2007) - 8/10 stars.  
I watched this and another version of the same story, The Girl Next Door, which you can read about below.  It is truly disturbing to even fathom that this actually happened to a girl.  But yes, it is a true story.  Check it out but you probably won't feel comfortable for most of the film. 

A Simple Plan(1998) - 8/10 stars.
A Simple Plan proves that Sam Raimi can move from genre to genre with ease.  I loved the sober tone in this film and the building feeling of dread that lingered throughout.  There's plenty of different things mixed in for everyone to enjoy.  Not to mention the remaining question, what would you do in this situation? 

Eden Lake(2008) - 9/10 stars.
This movie broke me down.  I can easily say that this a most frightened/disturbed I have ever been during a movie.  There is something about murderous teens that makes me super unsettled.  Maybe it's the fact that it's just a rash age or maybe I can thank the story of The Dnepropetrovsk Maniacs.  In any case, horror fans will go nuts for this one.

Gummo(1997) - 2/10 stars.
A pointless experiment in a semi-post apocalyptic setting.  The narrative simply is not there, the characters are annoying, and the direction is all over the place.  The only way I'd recommend this film is if you are extremely bored and there is literally nothing else to watch.

The Hills Have Eyes(2006) - 8/10 stars.
This is a very rare occasion in which I enjoy the remake just as much as the original.  It is overly gory and extremely visceral but you actually care about the characters and the story.  This is another film I highly recommend to horror aficionados.

Idiocracy(2006) - 9/10 stars.
Mike Judge's Idiocracy needs to be viewed as more than a comedy.  It's a social commentary and a downright scary that predicts a very possible future.  Sure, it's hilarious and you'll find yourself quoting it with your friends, but it also shows the damages our culture is going through and what will happen if we don't change.

Bully(2001) - 6/10 stars.  
This movie could have been great if it had focused more on the crime these kids planned to commit rather than long, monotonous sex scenes.  Larry Clark seems to have no idea what he's doing.  He's handed an amazing opportunity at telling a true story and he bogs it down petty teenage drama.

Kids(1995) - 7/10 stars.
Another Larry Clark film that borders on exploitation.  Like Eden Lake, I was overly disturbed by this flick but in a  completely different way.  I guess the realism is what got to me.  This can and actually does happen often.  Yikes!

Paranormal Activity 2(2010) - 2/10 stars.
A pointless sequel to a pointless movie.  We all saw The Blair Witch Project, we don't need two versions of its rip off.  Thank you very much.

Watchmen(2009) - 9/10 stars.
This is the only movie by Zack Snyder that I have enjoyed so far.  He should keep doing films like this.  The effects are spot on, the story is great, and the characters are near perfect.  Sadly, it is very underrated.  Decide for yourself.


The Girl Next Door(2007) - 9/10 stars.  
I think this is the better version of An American Crime.  I cared more about the characters and what they were going through.  Oh, and Ellen Page wasn't in this one.  That's always a plus.

(Mostly) Horror Reviews!

Halloween has come and past once again, and if any of you know me, you know October is probably the biggest month for movies for me.  Now, I'm well aware that a few of these aren't Halloween movies but here's what I watched...

  
House of 1000 Corpses(2003) - 7/10 stars.
This movie is actually surprisingly good.  There are a lot of things that any classic horror fans will appreciate.  Sure, it's a little uneven and the characters are annoying at times but I thought it was creepy and disturbing enough to be very entertaining for it's entire duration.

The Devil's Rejects(2005) - 8/10 stars.
TDR is a rare occasion in which the sequel is better than the original.  Though they are two separate entities and can be viewed in any order, this is the better film.  It is probably the most disturbing modern film that I can think of and is pretty much an exploitation flick.  So, if you like classic exploitation cinema from the 70's and 80's, this movie is for you.  

Buried(2010) - 10/10 stars.
  No film this year has had the effect on me that Buried did.  It is intense, claustrophobic depressing and will keep your eyes glued to the screen until you finally get to breathe at the ending credits.  Oh, did I mention that all of this happens in one coffin?  Yeah, Hitchcock would be proud.

The Brood(1979) - 8/10 stars.
Cronenberg's The Brood is very difficult film to review.  As I was watching it, I had decided I hated it and would never watch it again.  However, this little film had me thinking a lot once it was over.  The ending scene is extremely creepy in an almost somber way.  I recommend seeing it and giving it a chance at 2 or 3 views.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow(1981) - 7/10 stars.
One damn good TV movie with a lot going for it.  It has all the essential story points to make it work.  The best thing about this film is how it doesn't end with a cop out.  I won't tell you anymore, you'll just have to see it.        

Dead of Night(1945) - 10/10 stars.
Sadly, this little gem has mostly gone unnoticed in the current day and age.  I challenge anyone who says older movies are boring or unexciting to watch this one and tell me you still feel that way.  It's one of the best anthology films ever made and still holds up today.  Watch it now.

 Deadgirl(2008) - 6/10 stars.
I'm not exactly sure what I think about this movie.  I didn't like it or really enjoy it but I don't think I was supposed to so I guess it gains points for that.  At any rate, the way it pulled off the horror aspect while being subtle and somber was mostly good.  See it or don't, I guess you'll have to decide for yourself.

Donnie Darko(2001) - 9/10 stars.
Donnie Darko is a movie I wish I didn't like simply because every annoying teenager out there won't shut up about it.  But alas, I do like it and I like it a lot.  The story itself would be enough to write home about but the way it's told and shot makes it that much better.  It's a treat for film fans and filmmakers alike. 

The Brother's Grimm(2005) - 4/10 stars.
The original Grimm fairy tales are some of the most disturbing and depressing stories you will ever read.  However, this movie does nothing to show that side of things.  It is mostly lighthearted and almost comical at times.  There was so much potential with this film but it never reaches it.

Halloween(1978) 10/10 stars.
 Without question, the greatest slasher movie of all time and one of the greatest horror movies of all time.  John Carpenter did so much with a budget that was so little.  Everything about this flick creeps me out and probably will continue to do so when I watch it every Halloween.

Halloweentown Series(1998-2006)
These films, at least the first two, are very nostalgic for me.  They were the things to watch on Halloween when I was a kid.  However, rewatching them, I realized there is still plenty to love for adults too.  They're funny, exciting and actually written well.  I will, however, say that I didn't like the final installment.  Here's how I would rate them individually...

Halloweentown(1998) - 8/10 stars.
Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge(2001) - 8/10 stars
Halloweentown High(2004) - 7/10 stars.
Return to Halloweentown(2006) - 2/10 stars.

The Haunting(1999) - 2/10 stars.
This flick is great...if you're looking at it as a comedy.  I honestly can't believe it was allowed to be made.  The original film was atmospheric, dark and all around scary.  This remake is a failed attempt at updating the classic with overuse of CGI and bad horror cliches.  Watch it for a laugh, but not much else.

The Last Broadcast(1998) - 8/10 stars.
What we basically have here is The Blair Witch Project before there ever was a Blair Witch Project.  It's shot in first person cam with several interviews throughout.  The film itself is very subtle in its delivery and will give you a surprise in the end.  I recommend it to all horror fans.  I was pleasantly surprised myself.

Knowing(2009) - 8/10 stars.
After several bad reviews and the ever looming fact that it stars Nicolas Cage, I thought I would hate Knowing.  Call it my love for anything with aliens or the fact that it was just simply bizzare but I really enjoyed this movie.  Oh, and Nicolas Cage is still annoying as hell.

Open Water(2003) - 7/10 stars.
Open Water is a very inspirational film for me as a young, independent filmmaker considering it was made for extremely little money.  It's not the best film out there but I do like how the scares aren't in your face or "Hollywood."  It makes you feel like you're in the water with this couple just waiting to be devoured by whatever creatures come your way.

Saw 3D(2010) - 1/10 stars.
The Saw series has reached it's low point.  Not that I liked any of the films after the first one so I guess that's kind of saying a lot.  The script is irresponsibly written at best, the acting is miserable to the point of being comedic and the blood is so over the top that The Happy Tree Friends series comes to mind.  Don't waste a dome on this one, in fact, don't even see it for free.  Your time is worth more than this movie.

Something Wicked This Way Comes(1983) - 10/10 stars.
This is a must watch for me every Halloween.  It's based off of one my favorite books so it has become one of my favorite movies.  The story is so imaginative and dark and the performances from the cast really make it come to life.  Also, it's a Disney movie, so even though it's a little dark, it's still good for the whole family.

Spawn(1997) - 2/10 stars.
I saw Spawn for the first time when I was about 10 years old and thought it was a thrilling action movie.  Therefore, I decided to revisit it this week.  Sadly, the result was that I wished I hadn't decided to.  Like most films of its nature, it simply focuses too much on the special effects and not enough on the plot.  What am I saying?  There was no plot to focus on!

Fire in the Sky(1993) - 9/10 stars.
I find it sad that this film received such negative critical reception and that it has mostly been forgotten.  It's one of the most horrifying tales about aliens I've ever seen on screen and... It's supposedly true!  AHHHHHH!  But seriously, the end of this movie has one of the most terrifying scenes I remember seeing.  Give it a shot.

Disney's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow(1949) - 10/10 stars.
Another Halloween favorite of mine.  I've always loved the original story by Washington Irving but this short film adds Disney's spin on it.  What you get is a funny, scary musical!  I know, it sounds pretty awesome, doesn't it?

 

2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams(2010) - 1/10 stars.

Ah yes, I've saved the worst for last.  I don't even feel like this deserves a review at all.  Just don't see it, it sucks.  That's all you need to know.