Post Grad

I was forced, should have ran.

1/5 Stars

Alexis Bledel: Cannot stand...

I can say I don't like her as an actress and a person, having met her three times (In LA). She annoys and frustrates me. How do people like this end up in Hollywood? Well, never mind. She ruined any part of this film that might have been great.

My mom wanted me to watch this with her cause it has Zach Gilford (Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights in it). I figured I could take a nap during it... if only I were so lucky.

It seemed to have all the hopes of being another Little Miss Sunshine (great film), but lacked all the parts. The writing, acting, and directing was all sub par. Great potential gone bad. There were not many parts about this film I enjoyed. Maybe the occasional chuckle, yeah I said chuckle. That's it.

Acting: Next time hire actors (excluding Zach)

Writing: Almost there, felt empty

Cinematography: Someone was behind the camera?

Story Line: Typical and predictable

The reason it didn't get a 0 is because I would never give a film that at least made it into the public eye a 0, they must have done something right. Just not sure if they did enough right things to deserve a 2.

Don't see it.

Paranormal Activity

Its a movie...

2/5 Stars

Actors?

Yes, of course this stuff is real. I am not saying its not and that I don't believe in it. I just don't mess with it, rightfully so.

That being said, this film did not do much for me. I have to admit I am not usually a fan of scary movies in the first place. I am just thinking too much about the actors, stagehands, camera angles, and such to really get into them trying to freak me out. Maybe, it my way of protecting myself. The film did have some extremely tense moments that were shot well, other than that, it was pretty basic.

Some parts were hokey, some were predictable, and some were laughable. I tried so hard to restrain myself from commenting in order not to ruin the film for others.

Acting: Below Average

Writing: Seemed to be all improved

Cinematography: Did a great job for having been shot all in one house.

Story Line: Blare Witch...

The reason it didn't get 1 star is because it does grab you at parts, it was successful on a really small budget, and it kept my attention.

Just skip it. Cheap scare.

Julie and Julia

Yes... I saw it... It was given to me free from SAG.

3/5 Stars

Meryl Streep: In Top 10 Best Actresses

Amy Adams: Likeable

I thought this was actually a decent film. Honestly, it kind of sparked my ambition to review every film I see in 2010. How about that? It is a feel good movie that is encouraging to our society. I always got a kick out of Julia's excitement, while at the same time annoyed with her voice.

Yes, it is built around Julia Childs and cooking, but is actually kind of enjoyable to watch. I did fall asleep toward the end. I don't think they wrapped it up very well though. Its just interesting to see if Amy Adam's character is going to make it through her one year goal.

Acting: All around great

Writing: Streep brings it to life.

Cinematography: Basic, not a highlight.

Story Line: Inquisitive

The reason it got three stars is because it had as many high points as low points...

Ummm, not a necessity.

Up In The Air

More like, down to Earth.

3/5 Stars

George Clooney - Pretty much the same, but good

I just really enjoyed this film for reasons I might not be able to express clearly. I loved its use of camera work and silence. Some of the scenes draw you in with no music whatsoever. That tool has proven pretty powerful (No Country For Old Men). I liked the smart dialogue and wit. This film had the potential to be very slow and boring, but proved to only be a little slow and more interesting.

Some scenes take you to face reality and others take you to an unrealistic scenario. All in all they did a good job with a film about a dude that fires people for a living. They bring you up and down again. The life of a traveler might seem appealing at first, but proven to be very lonely and monotonous without a partner. There were some great dialogues about life and relationships. Obviously Christ is the ultimate fulfiller, but they got some stuff pretty close.

Acting: Good enough

Writing: Human and intellectual

Cinematography: Perfect fit for the mood of the film, great!

Story Line: Depressing, yet humbling

I almost gave this film 4 stars, but took it back simply because it just didn't feel right in that category with all the other 4's. It wasn't just lacking one thing, there were a few things I enjoy to see more in films. More motion is one of them.

Sure, see it. Some sexual scenes and conversations.

North by Northwest

Cary Grant fan

2/5 Stars

Cary Grant: Always a pleasure

I know, I know this is supposed to be a classic. Thing is, I just don't much like watching the old classics. I don't get much out of them. I can appreciate the film for what it was in its time, but times have changed. It was kind of slow and boring. The plane scene on the cover was some of the most action, but not even suspenseful.

Of course Alfred Hitchcock is the man. I will always support a film of his. He began to bring so much to the table with innovative, thriller films. I still have a collection of shorts from him that I need to see and review...

Acting: Classic overdramatic type

Writing: Stale

Cinematography: Ok, for its time

Story Line: Creative, yet dull

The reason it didn't get just 1 star is because it has Cary Grant, its a classic, and Alfred Hitchcock.

I'd say see it, but just sit back, relax, and enjoy. Don't get upset if you fall asleep.

Precious

Hard to swallow.

4/5 Stars

Mo'nique - Her awards say enough

Gabourey Sidibe - Great, couldn't been better

As dark and real as this film was, I thought it was very well put together. It's not one that is going to cheer you up and make you feel good, but I have been itching to see it again. It's raw scenes are hard to sit through, but that tells you they are getting their point across. There are a few glimpses of hope and humor. We are truly blessed as a people.

Pretty extreme profanity and explicit scenes. I initially wish this film did without that, but it wouldn't be the film it was written to become...

Acting: Superb for the difficulty of the script

Writing: Harsh, but picks you back up

Cinematography: Real

Story Line: Hard to swallow, but necessary to understand

The reason it didn't get 5 stars is because the story could have been fuller and there could have been a wider arrange of characters... and more highs (but they didn't want that)...

Don't have to see it, but won't forget it.

Fifty Dead Men Walking

What?

2/5 Stars

Ben Kingsley - Who?

Jim Sturgess - Fine job

Honestly, this is going to be a terrible review. I barely remember this movie at all. I couldn't even tell you what it was about. It was weeks ago when I saw it (I promise I am not going to continue to take this long to review a movie) and fell asleep a little. I remember it giving away the ending at the beginning, being really slow, confusing, but picking up towards the end.

Acting: Good

Writing: Really creative

Cinematography: Normal

Story Line: Confusing

The only reason it got two stars instead of 1 is because I remember being able to appreciate some aspects of it, just forgot what they were.

The reason it didn't get 1 star is because of the writing and the fact that it almost make a great comeback from the slow pace.

Don't waste your time.

Rebel Without A Cause

Movie Without A Cause

1/5 Stars

James Dean: Naturally Great

I don't care how classic James Dean was, he could not carry this film. I am not even sure what the point of it was. The little kid in it was so confusing and weird. He kind of creeped me out with his obsession to Dean's character. It was fun to look back on the classic Hollywood days, but other than that, I couldn't find a reason to watch it.

Watched this with Robby and Jason. Robby fell asleep (or was that me), Jason went to bed. What does this say?

Thought it was picking up towards the end, but it failed.

Acting: Terrible, other than Dean

Writing: Pointless, but decent

Cinematography: Ha ha

Story Line: No, this was pointless

Maybe there is something huge that I am missing here, but this film just did not interest me.

Don't See It.

Love Me If You Dare

Top romantic comedy (of sorts) of all time!

5/5 Stars

Guillaume Canet - Few better

Marion Cotillard - I think I'm in love

Needless to say, I really really enjoyed this French film. It was visually appealing, beautifully spoken, wickedly stunning, and pleasantly witty. Its an original story with many twists. It keeps you curious about what's to come, yet unwilling to leave what's before you. It brings out the poet in me, ha.

The fact that it is all in French adds a beauty that is rare. The colors fantastically set the mood. The characters couldn't seem more real. It taps into that daring side of everyone that is waiting to explode. Some crude humor and scenes, but a hit in my book nonetheless.

Acting: They were acting?

Writing: Witty, thoughtful, timely, fluid, beautiful

Cinematography: One of the things that makes this film so brilliant

Story Line: Original and daring, if you will

The reason it got 5 stars is obvious.

See it!

In Bruges

Hmmm, let me think back...

2/5 Stars

Colin Farrell: Pretty good

Brendan Gleeson: Relatable

Ralph Fiennes: Same facial expression throughout

The premise is very simple and the film is slow. It mostly all takes place in Bruges. Some tense scenes, some violence, so great writing, some beauty, some extreme predicaments, pretty much somes it up.

After all that, I don't even remember what happens in the end. Sad, thats my memory for you.

Acting: Good enough

Writing: Great actually

Cinematography: Above average

Story Line: Boring

The reason it only got two stars is because it simply wasn't entertaining enough. It was depressing with no great resolution.

Don't See It.

City of God

I might have fallen asleep a little...

2/5 Stars

No main actors.

This film is centered all around really young kids in gangs. The teenagers run this town and will shoot whomever they please to get what they want. It is emotional and graphic.

You don't sit down to enjoy this film, you sit down to learn from it. The question is, whether or not what you learn was worth seeing or learning. I personally could have done without.

Acting: Some great! Others just terrible.

Writing: Very believable and fluid.

Cinematography: Actually a high point to the film.

Story Line: Semi confusing and complicated. It was hard for me to keep all the names and places straight.

The reason it only got 2 stars is mainly because I just didn't enjoy it. I don't often enjoy these types of films. Strictly violent with no attachment. I mean, just look on the cover how many characters there are. Choose American Gangster above this.

Don't See It.

Good Will Hunting

One of my favorite films of all time.

5/5 Stars.

Robin Williams: Classic

Matt Damon: Excellent

Ben Affleck: Actually, believable

Minnie Driver: Heart-warming

I must admit, I fell asleep during the first two attempts to watch this film. Once at a friend's and once on Samford lawn. Finally, gave it a third try years ago and loved it. This viewing was with AJ Burandt.

I can't think of enough great things to say about this film. Matt Damon's year of writing this script really show and paid off. It's smart, emotional, funny, and down to earth. This film leaves you feeling good about life and wanting to use it to its full potential. We all love those boy genius stories, this is one of them.

The fact that it launched Damon and Affleck's careers just adds to the story. It was their baby and they were lucky enough to birth it.

Acting: Excellent all around. (Casey Affleck need not be overlooked)

Writing: Intentional

Cinematography: Pretty average

Story Line: Compelling

I would warn you about the profanity. I didn't expect or deem it necessary to use so many F bombs. So, unless that overwhelmingly distracts you...

See it.

How do you like them apples?

Film Critiquing

Here we go again. I decided to keep track of every movie that I watched in 2010. I figured I watch too many films, but wanted to prove it to myself. Epiphany: why not try and make the most of what some might say is wasted time. I'll share my loves and hates about each film with whomever cares to read. Therefore, I can look back on the year and recall my film journey. Highs and lows, ups and downs.

So here I am... writing out what I think of each movie that I watch during the year of 2010. Some will be very outdated, some I will have been forced to see, some epic, and some we've seen a thousand times. Agree or disagree, this is what I thought. Enjoy.

All I have to say is it's a good thing I watched Avatar in 2009, or we'd probably be starting off on the wrong foot.