Category Archives: Lists

Lists, for example: favorite films.

Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2012

Honorable mentions

Arbitrage starring Richard Gere was a solid and stylish drama surrounding a business man dealing with the ramifications of some bad decisions; while the trailer may have given away most of the movie, People Like Uswas a heartfelt and emotional family-driven drama with some excellent performances; indie coming-of-parenthood dramedy Small, Beautifully Moving Parts was quite charming, mostly due by a extraordinary performance by Anna Margaret Hollyman; Indie it-girl (I question my own use of that term, in any case…) Greta Gerwig steals the show in Lola Versus which has some really well done scenes, but resides in an overdone genre; Beasts of the Southern Wild displayed a magical method of storytelling in an emotion-filled tale of a father and daughter surviving in the wake of a disastrous storm in the bayou; Liam Neeson showed he’s still a badass even in the face of man-hungry wolves in the icy cold thriller The Grey; Joseph Gordon-Levitt killed it in Premium Rush as a New York City bike messenger who performs adrenaline-filled stunts to get away from a corrupt cop played by a villainous Michael Shannon; it came as a surprise, but Jessica Biel delivered what I’d personally consider an Oscar-deserving performance in The Tall Man, her monologue is the icing on the cake of this dark and moody mystery; and finally there was Man on a Ledge, the clever crime flick about a man (Sam Worthington) standing on the ledge of a skyscraper while a heist is taking place, but it isn’t without some twists and surprises.

10. The Hobbit

This perhaps could have appeared higher on my list, but as I mentioned in the intro this was incredibly tough. The epic adventure from the world of The Lord of the Rings follows the story of the book The Hobbit, which precedes the Rings series. The film is just as epic as Peter Jackson’s Rings triology, filled with florious visuals, an exciting storyline and tons that overall magic that was felt with the Rings films. I’m definitely looking forward to the second two films in this new trilogy.

9. Moonrise Kingdom

Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola tell the tale of young love in true Wes Anderson fashion. The quirky characters, fantastic costumes, and overall beautifully strange style makes this love story a treat for the eyes and ears. The film does a great job of capturing the spirit of youth, young love, and rebellion but in a most unique fashion.

8. Beyond the Black Rainbow

And the award for Most Bizarre Film of the Year goes to…Beyond the Black Rainbow! This movie had to be on my list as it is one of the most bizarre and unique films I’ve seen for a while. What stands out the most is its 80s-inspired style. The film look, the colors, the music, everything screams retro but without feeling gimmicky. Filmmaker Panos Cosmatos was apparently channeling his youth days of watching late night TV when coming up with this film, but the final product is a psychological trip and an aesthetic feast.

7. Prometheus

The film takes place in the Alien universe, but not being well-versed in that particular universe I went into this film with an open mind and no expectations (other than I would be seeing my fave, Noomi Rapace, and would likely be seeing some cool visuals). I was truly blown away by the visuals and the mythology behind the story, so much that I desperately wanted more. My only negative is that the film really lacked a lot with the characters and their stories.

6. The Hunger Games

The book got me excited, but I was very surprised when the film ended up being one of the best book-to-movie adaptations I’ve seen. The attention to detail was great, the acting was superb, and the futuristic visuals were incredibly pulled off. Though it was a longer film, they managed to cram most of the film’s details in (though what I would consider some key parts were left out). Perhaps that was also a downside for the film; many parts seemed rushed and those that seemed significant in the book didn’t seem so much so in the film.

5. Ruby Sparks

Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan (who also wrote the film) have great chemistry in this hilarious yet emotional gem about a writer who invents the love of his life through his writing, only to realize she suddenly appears in his life as his real girlfriend. The clever and playfully silly concept is a breath of fresh air, and the acting and writing really bring it to life. While it may seem more like a fantasy, the relationship aspects of the film are realistic and emotional.

4. Hitchcock

Anthony Hopkins revives a real-life character in Hitchcock, the biopic about arguably one of the best filmmakers in history, Alfred Hitchcock, and his making of the film Psycho. The film was extremely interesting to me for two reasons: the dramatic look at the making of a great film like Psycho during the time it came out (1960) in the midst of extreme controversy, knowing the success it would have (and continue to have); and the portrayal of Hitchcock himself, which Hopkins does with all the right mannerisms. The film feels much like a comedy at times, but when thinking about the real story it’s even more effective.

3. The Hunter

The Hunter is a truly gripping thriller that is driven by a demanding performance by WIllem Dafoe. Dafoe plays a mercenary hired to hunt down what is believed to be the last of the Tasmanian Tigers. The cold and snowy scenery is breathtaking, but also adds to the dark and mysterious tone of the film. At times I felt that the film seemed a little slow, mostly because there are several long shots with very little to no talking, but it knew how to pick things up when it needed to.

2. Perks of Being a Wallflower

I have always been drawn to films about loners, misfits, losers, outcasts, etc. Perhaps I can identify with some aspects of those characters, but in any case, I always appreciate a film not following cliche heroes and supermodels. This film is based on the book by the same name about such a loner (Logan Lerman) who befriends an eccentric brother and sister. Authentic acting performances bring the realism to the story, which is filled with true emotion from both the funny and the sad parts of growing up, finding love, and dealing with personal demons.

1. Headhunters

Ever since 2009′s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (the Swedish film), I have always been on the lookout for Scandinavian thrillers. Like the Dragon Tattoo films, Headhunters is also based on a book by a hugely popular author, Jo Nesbø. This Norwegian crime thriller follows a man who’d otherwise seem quite average, if it were not for his success as a corporate headhunter and secret art thief. When the main character, Roger Brown (Aksel Hennie) steals his latest piece, he winds up in a mess he didn’t expect. The film is full of twists and turns, laughs and cringes, and it doesn’t let up. I also have to mention that it’s hard to believe that this was the first role for the actress who played Roger’s wife DIana, Synnøve Macody Lund. This film has everything I look for in the genre, and it left me craving more!

Top 5 Favorite Horror Films of 2012 – Halloween Special

Honorable mentions: Cabin in the Woods, The Monitor, Six Degrees of Hell, Gut, and The Tall Man

Let’s start with Cabin in the Woods. I had a lot of fun with this film and thought it was a creative spin on the horror genre that also paid tribute to many of the greats. I just didn’t love it. The Monitor was an excellent psychological thriller, starring the incredible Noomi Rapace, but I left it off because I had a hard time calling it horror. Six Degrees of Hell is a film I thought was worth mentioning because it was a solid effort from Joe Raffa, a young film maker who’s work I’ve become very interested in. It was a fun film with a nice concept, but the over-advertising of Corey Feldman in a lackluster role held it back. Gut was another low-budget flick with a cool concept and nice dark mood to it that I enjoyed. Then there’s The Tall Man. This was an amazing film for me, but while the cover and advertising may lead you to believe it’s horror, it’s a much stronger crime thriller with some great psychological twists.

5. The Woman in Black

This film was very well put together. Daniel Radcliff successfully breaks away from Harry Potter and plays a convincing widower. The film is packed with eerie jump scares, which I don’t mind here because they are effective and work with the film rather than thrown in conveniently for cheap thrills.

4. [Rec] 3: Genesis

Comparing it to its predecessors, [Rec] and [Rec 2], the film is a pretty much a letdown. However, looking at it as its own entity and more of a straight zombie film, it’s a really fun time. It’s a little silly at times (I loved the previous two films due to the realistic and serious feel), but still has some really cool things going for it.

3. Silent House

I haven’t seen the original The Silent House, but the concept for both films is similar. It’s shot in real time, which may seem gimmicky, but it works. The suspense is incredible, and there are some chilling moments as well. The psychologically-driven plot twists were unexpected and appreciated, and of course you have to acknowledge Elizabeth Olsen’s incredible performance.

2. V/H/S

This anthology film combines several “found footage” segments showing creepy and often bizarre situations for a very unique horror experience. Many of the situations, as well as their special effects, are things I haven’t seen in movies before. The movie is incredibly creative and a fun watch, which gained it high points in my book. I thought the wraparound story was a little lacking though, but either way it took the otherwise played out camcorder genre to a new level.

1. in their skin

This is on that borders on the crime thriller area, but I had to make this my top pick. I felt the film was near perfect for me. The situation in the film starts out as awkward, then turns just plain scary and unsettling. A home invasion is very effective as a scary situation, and even more so when the assailants are a bunch of whack jobs. The performances all around are outstanding and the film kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2011

1. Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris was a very pleasant imaginative journey involving a man and his passion of a specific era. The Parisian scenery and music alone make the movie a joy to watch, but its performances by stars Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams are astounding. Look for classic Woody Allen humor with much imagination and a few good thoughts on life.

2. My Week with Marilyn

Michelle Williams brilliantly captures the charm and desirability that Marilyn Monroe encapsulated so well. The true life tale based on Colin Clark’s journals is both funny and enlightening. Williams performance was so convincing I had to remind myself this was a dramatized movie.

3. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Back in 2009, the Swedish rendition of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, based on the novel of the same name, appeared on my top 10 list. Upon hearing about David Fincher’s English-language rendition, I was less than thrilled. I was truly surprised, especially with Rooney Mara’s performance. The differences with the story was also a great plus.

4. HappyThankYouMorePlease

This little gem is a film about life, love, and all the things in between. It follows a young man and his unlikely bond with a lonely boy in addition to many other intertwining tales of love. The cleverly written film is as meaningful and emotional as it is entertaining and funny.

5. The Lincoln Lawyer

Matthew McConaughey must have a secret desire to be a badass lawyer. His role in A Time to Kill was nothing short of amazing, and he is on par as the sly defense attorney in The Lincoln Lawyer. The crime thriller features a great story with a few plot twists and awesome acting.

6. Of Gods and Men

This French drama follows a group of monks questioning their faith when they are threatened by a terrorist group. While a long and arguably slow movie, the runtime is well worth it as there is a lot to take in. The topics of faith and spirituality will touch people of any belief, and the acting performances will have your praise.

7. Warrior

Warrior isn’t just an awesome fighting flick. While it is a great sports movie, it’s almost an even better dysfunctional family drama. An estranged family, two brothers and their alcoholic father, are spontaneously brought together when the bros enter in a mixed martial arts championship. The result is a series of painfully realistic fight scenes and emotional family drama.

8. In Time

If there were an award for coolest original concept, In Time would be the winner this year. In the future, time has become currency and the human body is programmed to expire once your time runs out. Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried are awesome in this stylish thriller. My small disappointment was with the ending, but other than that the film is a great ride.

9. Hesher

Joesph Gordon-Levitt plays a greasy, long-haired slob with a mouth as foul as his tighty-whities. His character of Hesher comes into a young boys life shortly after the boy’s mother dies. The following events change the lives of the family in more ways than one. Look out for excellent performances all around, including those by Rainn Wilson and Natalie Portman.

10. Contagion

This pandemic thriller does a great job of putting fear into its audience by showing just how scary an unkonwn outbreak could be. Soderberghs sleek directing topped with awesome music and a rock solid cast make this one a winner. It will be sure to have you washing your hands countless times after watching.

Honorable Mentions

The Kings Speech – Technically released in 2010, but still in theaters in 2011. An awesome and inspiring historic drama.
Young Adult – A funny yet seriously toned film from writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman. Excellent performances by Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt.

Drive – Cool 80s-inspired style and some pretty nice scenarios and top acting performances make Drive stick out.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 – The final HP film marks the end of an era. The emotionally driven finale boasted some awesome action scenes, imagery, and well done performances by the now young adult stars.

Super 8 – If you grew up in the 90s like I did, then undoubtedly The Goonies and E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial were childhood favorites. Super 8 captures the spirit of those two films, which is ultimately the adventures of being a kid.

Friends with Benefits – This sex comedy really surprised me. It was a funny and entertaining flick that took a seemingly lame concept and made it enjoyable.

The Robber – The true story about an Austrian runner turned bank robber is based on a fascinating tale. Some of the scenarios are really well done, however the film as a whole fell short – mainly with us really getting to know its main character.

The Eagle – This under-appreciated period piece about Roman centurions and one’s quest for a golden eagle ended up being a captivating historic adventure flick. Channing Tatum did a great job as the lead, and for being such an understated movie this year the rest of the cast and the sets were surprisingly stunning.

Top 5 Favorite Horror Films of 2011 – Halloween Special

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Well first off I have to say that this year so far hasn’t been very fruitful for me personally when it came to horror movies. Most I have come across haven’t really wowed me, and some let me down (Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, and Hobo With a Shotgun to name a few). And there are a handful I haven’t gotten around to watching yet (Paranormal Activity 3, I Saw the Devil, Cold Fish, and Apollo 18 among others).

However, in keeping with the tradition, here are my top from this year so far. I’m leaning towards adding a new list towards the end of the year, but for now I hope you enjoy!

Honorable mention: Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2

To me, Laid to Rest reinvented the slasher movie. The original villain and the cutting edge (pun intended) kill scenes made Laid to Rest stand out. Chromeskull has what maid Laid to Rest a good flick, but lacked with a gripping story. Either way, I see good potential for a new horror franchise here.

5. Scream 4

Scream 4 keeps consistent with the semi-serious tone of the first 3 films and adds some new faces to the mix. The classic slasher vibe mixed with some humor make for a good time. The story may be ridiculous at times and even silly, but sometimes that can make watching a horror movie more fun.

4. Insidious

Insidious didn’t live up to the ‘scary’ hype that surrounded it, however I applaud it for delving into topics not too often seen in horror movies. Astral projection and inter-dimensional travel are among the topics explored in this movie that give it an edge against other supernatural flicks.

3. Quarantine 2: Terminal

Quarantine was a remake of the Spanish film [REC], which along with [REC] has become one of my favorite horror films. While Quarantine could have been a shot-for-shot English remake of [REC], Terminal follows an original story taking place on an airplane and later a terminal. While the fast-motion infected looked unnatural and silly, the high tension and thrills kept this movie going.

2. The Rite

Possession and exorcism movies almost always get compared to The Exorcist, which makes it very difficult to ever make a good one again. The Rite comes very close, even though it pulls much of its inspiration from the 70s classic. Its characters are interesting though, and there are some genuinely creepy scenes. The film has a great look to it and Anthony Hopkins is in top (scary) form, what more can you want?

1. Stake Land

Stake Land is a serious movie about a vampire outbreak. No overload of blood splatter or middle school humor here, instead we have a duo of a hardened survivor and his teenage companion trying to stay alive in what’s left of the world. They meet some other survivors along the way as well as a vicious cult. I was surprised by the seriousness of the film and how I was able to feel something for the characters, although it did have some good action scenes as well.

CriticNic.com’s top 10 favorite living film directors

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Before we get into the list, I have to apologize to my loyal readers for the lack of posts lately. So let’s just get right into this one. Here is a top ten list of film directors that I admire the most. This list of course is subject to change, and by no means is meant to be a list of “best” directors.

10. Goran Dukic (Croatia)

Okay, so Goran Dukic has only made one full length feature (Wristcutters: A Love Story). But this film has made such an impact on me that the director’s style just had to be recognized.

Goran Dukic

09. Debra Granik (USA)

I’m basing this pick again on only one work that I’ve seen by the director (Winter’s Bone), but what can I say, when you see talent you can’t ignore it.

Debra Granik

08. Dagur Kári (Iceland)

Noi the Albino (Nói albinói) is the only film I’ve seen to date by Mr. Kári (this is the last pick based solely on one film, I swear!). His talent has been recognized and he’s begun to bring it stateside with his recent work The Good Heart (starring Paul Dano and Brian Cox).

Dagur Kári

07. Woody Allen (USA)

Woody Allen is a true comedic genius, enough said. His films are not only laugh-out-loud funny but really capture the lives of the characters and their relationships and cause the viewer to fall in love with them.

Woody Allen

06. Steven Soderbergh (USA)

Steven Soderbergh is possibly one of the most underappreciated American filmmakers. Though many may recognize him from the Ocean’s movies, his work with Solaris, The Girlfriend Experience, and 2011′s Contagion are all examples of a director with an eye for aesthetics and captivating and thought-provoking movie watching experience.

Steven Soderbergh

05. George A. Romero (USA/Canada)

The grandfather of the zombie might be most well known for his classic zombie flicks such as Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, but his lesser appreciated films such as Martin and The Crazies surpass simple horror fare. Romero is a master of social criticism. I hesitate to put him on this list due to his recent work not measuring up to the aforementioned titles, but I give credit where it is due and I can only hope he’ll deliver at least one more solid masterpiece for us.

George A. Romero

04. Darren Aronofsky (USA)

Pi was a film that I saw at an early age, and at my young age it blew my mind. Watching it as an adult, I was still unable to fully comprehend the story’s complexity but was able to better appreciate the talent behind the film. Fast foward to the recent Black Swan, Aronofsky has only improved in his ability to capture dark and complex characters.

Darren Aronofsky

03. Quentin Tarantino (USA)

Quentin Tarantino

Known as perhaps the most successful independent filmmaker of all time, Quentin Tarantino is known for his dialogue-heavy, pop-culture inspired exploitation flicks that have become modern American icons. From his initial success with Reservoir Dogs to the World War II fantasy epic Inglourious Basterds, QT has been consistent with his signature style and has shown that one can make the kind of movies they want and be successful at it.

02. Andrea Arnold (UK)

Andrea Arnold

Most American movie watchers may not yet be familiar with Andrea Arnold, but they owe it to themselves to become acquainted. Arnold has become a master of realism with her portrayal of the less glamorous lives that do not often get exposure in the media. Her short WASP along with her breakout hit Fish Tank tell real stories that do more than just entertain, they give you a glimpse into the characters’ lives.

01. Jim Jarmusch (USA)

Jim Jarmusch

What can I say about Jim Jarmusch? I only have a couple of his films remaining to watch, but the man has yet to disappoint me. To me Jim Jarmusch doesn’t make movies, he makes moving pieces of visual and aural art that allow the viewer to devise the story. To some this might come of as a bore, but to those with patience and a keen eye and ear for what I can only describe as being as close to perfection as possible, the entertainment is there (without the need for punchlines and explosions). Must see’s: Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai, Down by Law, Dead Man.