Top Five Movies of 2011

So I was putting this post off for a few weeks so I could try and see all the big movies of 2011 that I missed. Next thing I know it's almost march, I have yet to catch up on my movies, and I have yet to post. So I decided that I am going to do to my list anyway. Just remember that this list is of the top five movies I SAW in 2011, not what might be the actual best. 

5. Attack the Block

This movie is a british comedy a la Edgar Wright's stuff (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz). The premise is simple enough, aliens attack a suburb in somewhere in the UK. I honestly could not tell you where and where does not really matter. Just know it is kind of a sketchy neighborhood. What makes the movie so interesting an different is the lead characters. Instead of following around two best friends or some good old  nice chums, you follow a group of 15-18 year old hoodlums who mug, steal, and rebel. It most movies these would be the people you cheer against but as this movie progresses you really gain affection towards them. It has genuine scary moments and lots of funny ones as well. I was pleasantly suprised by this movie and definitely recommend. 

4. Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

I wrote a review for this movie here. So because of that I will keep this simple. This is one of the biggest hidden gems in horror-comedy to come out. EVER. Once again, if you have ever seen a horror movie and though "wow, these kids are so dumb they deserve to get murdered" you will love this movie! Go find it now. You will thank me. 

3. The Muppets

This one scored huge points with me for nostalgia reasons. I was a huge Muppet fan growing up and still am. When I heard they were rebooting it and someone who actually loves the Muppets was being the camera, I got really excited. I will admit, the movie is not perfect. It has pacing issues and they do not give the Muppets the screen time they deserve. That being said, I had a huge smile on my face the whole movie regardless. If you liked the Muppets check this out. If you have not seen the Muppet movies, it makes for a good introduction. I think Jim Henson would be proud to see the Muppets back. 

2. Drive

Now please do not think I am a movie snob because this is one of my favorite movies of the year. I know, no one talked the first half of the movie. Big whoop, no one talked for the first half of WALL-E either. Just because someone does not use words does not mean they are not speaking. That is one of my favorite parts of this movie. The first half is just so calm and cool, it builds so much tension. You know the shit is hitting the fan at some point and waiting in silence makes it even more suspenseful. Ryan Gosling is a huge badass in this movie and I want that jacket. Be warned, this is more of an "artsy" action flick, it is not mindless. But it is awesome.

1. Midnight In Paris

I will be the first to admit, I know very very little about Paris and the history and culture of the city. I know even less about the 1920's and the historical figures of that time. Yes, that is what this movie is about. I still loved it though, and that is why this is my favorite movie of 2011. It has such great character building, a whimsical plot, and is beautifully shot the whole way through. Owen Wilson does a great playing a stupefied author who looks like a kid in a candy store when he meets his idols from the 1920's. regardless if you know the time period or the figures, the message still hits. Take in the beauty of your life, don't wish it was something it's not. 

Honorable Mentions

Hanna- Wrote a review for this one here. Another badass action movie that has a great artistic feel to it. 

Rango- One of the best non-pixar CG movies ever. Johnny Depp is perfectly cast for this role and will have you laughing in a manner of minuets. 

The Decendants- Imagine Little Miss Sunshine, only with George Clooney and in Hawaii. 

Review: Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

Have you ever seen a movie trailer and thought, "Damn, I CANNOT wait to see that movie!". Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil was that kind of trailer for me. I saw they two minuite extended trailer back when the film debuted at Sundance. It showed me a movie that looked fun and hilarious in the vien of Shuan of the Dead and Zombieland. I went ahead and put that trailer below (CAUTION: VERY SPOILER HEAVY).

Fast forward two years later and the movie is just now coming out, first on VOD then in select theatres. It took two years for this movie to get picked up and distributed. How a movie like this does not get picked up but crap like Final Destination 5 does blows my mind.

Anyways to give a brief plot synopsis of the movie it is a pretty basic horror-comedy. Two hillbilly friends, Tucker and Dale, escape to their new vacation cottage in the middle of the southern woods. A group of college kids are also in the same woods. Tucker and Dale are mistaken for crazy Hillbilly killers. Chaos ensues.

The movie is the directorial debut for Eli Craig. It is also shows off the talents of two great, but lesser-known actors named Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk. TV geeks might recognize these two but the average person will not. All I can say is the chemistry between them is damn near spot on. Not once did I doubt these two were not long time friends in the movie and even as actors. The dialog between them is quick and filled with little chuckles. They each have crazy unique traits to them. Tucker (Tudyk) does to PBR beer what My Big Fat Greek Wedding did to Windex and Dale (Labine) has a perfect memory. Crazy quirks like this in the movie give it charm and keep it fresh. There are also scenes in this movie that had me crying with laughter. the movie really does not have any slow scenes and even has a decent enough plot that will keep you interested. The gore is over-the-top, as it should be in a horror-comedy. The ending is predictable, but I can't fault it too much just because that comes with the territory really.

Rating 5/5 "It's The Bee's Knees"

I should probably not give this a five but I want to get people to see this movie. It is too damn funny to be a "cult classic" but then again, maybe it is better that way. Regardless, if you have an On-Demand service I recommend renting it. It is well worth your money.

-Tell next time

Horrible Bosses Review

Guess who's back!!?! For good this time hopefully. I once again am sorry for the month of very few updates. It was a crazy month, I was caught up in my internship. That is pretty much over now though so I can relax and catch up. I thought I would revive myself with a review of one of my favorite comedies I have seen in a LONG time, Horrible Bosses. 

Horrible Bosses

The movie centers around three close friends, who all have horrible bosses (who woulda guessed). Each of these three characters have different views on their jobs and each of their bosses are ass-wholes for different reasons. Jason Bateman's character is part of the corporate world and has been working for an insane dictator of a boss for years in order to move up the ladder. He has not gone anywhere on this ladder for a while. Jason Sudeikis plays a guy who works at a chemical company who LOVES his job and his boss. He and his boss are the best of friends and have an almost father-son relationship. That is until his boss's son starts running the show. Colin Farrell does a FANTASTIC job playing a coked out lunatic who is so self centered he is willing to drive his fathers company into the ground for some drugs. Finally you have Charlie Day's character, who is an innocent and sweet guy. He is a dental assistant who loves his fiancée beyond anything in the entire world. Unfortunately for him, his boss (played by a very hot Jennifer Aniston) is a sex crazed freak who will not give up on having sex with Day's character. 

The movie unravels and eventually all of these characters decide they want to kill their bosses. This whole sequence of events plays out to be absolutely hilarious. I do not recall a scene in this movie where I did not have at least a slight chuckle going on. The chemistry between the three main roles is perfect. I have heard people compare them to modern day three stooges and I definitely could see that. They are all bumbling idiots who have no idea what they are doing but that is what makes it so damn funny. Their bosses all do a great job of being hatable but in such an absurd way that makes it stay humorous. The movie just mixed a great story with really funny characters to create a very entertaining movie. They make things you have seen in other comedies much more humorous (like dropping a LARGE amount of cocaine in someone's face). When the ending comes, it never feels like it was forced to happen or that is was abrupt. It felt very natural.

I do have a few gripes about this movie though. For starters, there was not enough Colin Farrell. He his priceless but only has a few scenes. It might have made him seem too over-the-top if they showed more of him though so it might be for the best. Jennifer Aniston's character also kind of disappears in the middle of the film but it does not ruin the story. I did not really even notice until the end. 

Rating 4/5 "It's Just Swell"

For a summer comedy it did a great job of being consistently funny throughout the whole film. A few high point include Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston being half naked, and some great quotable lines (Gimme that dong Dale, I'd like to bend her over a barrel and show her the fifty states). If you want something a little lighter after seeing Harry Potter then definitely go check this one out. 

Tell next time folks! (it wont be a month, I promise)

Review: Hanna

The trailer for this movie is one of those trailers that is so good it made me want to see this movie immediately. I was afraid it was going to be a flop and I would not get around to it but thankfully good word of mouth has helped it significantly and I got around to seeing it. Thank goodness I did because it is one of my favorite movies of the year so far, and that is saying a lot with all the great action movies that have come out.

The movie is about a teenage girl who was raised in a cabin in the middle of nowhere by her father, played by Eric Bana. She has been raised to be a killer and assassin because a woman in the CIA, played by Cate Blanchett, wants her and her father dead. The story unfolds with some small plot twists but with great direction.

 I was scared at first when I saw who the director was. Joe Wright, while a good director, has done more artsy movies like Atonement and Pride and Prejudice. Going into an action movie could be dangerous ground. Thankfully he kept his best skills at his side and made it into an artsy action film, and it really works. There are scenes in this movie that are beautiful to look at. The fight and action scenes are seamless and jaw dropping. These are some of the most badass fight scenes I have seen in a while, especially due to the fact most involve a teenage girl. The visuals are creepy at times but it helps with the movie.

Saoirse Ronan, who plays Hanna, does a fantastic job. She is ruthless in the fight scenes, yet emotional and vulnerable when she needs to be. Her look in this movie matches the visuals perfectly as well. Where the hell did Eric Bana come from? He is fantastic in the movie and I have always thought he was a great actor. Maybe this movie can help him comeback to the forefront. Cate Blanchett is the ruthless CIA agent who is just a downright bitch. By the end of the movie you truly despise her and hope Hanna knocks her out. At a point in the movie Cate Blanchett's character hires some german hit men. Their leader is played by Tom Hollander and is my favorite character in the movie. He is a very feminine german who has quirks that cause him to be downright creepy. The Chemical Brothers did the soundtrack and it blows any soundtrack I have heard the past few years out of the water. Unlike the Daft Punk soundtrack for Tron, This soundtrack flows with the movie so well that even at its highlights you barely notice it because it pulls you more into the movie. My only complaint is the end seems a tad rushed. There was plenty of room to flesh out the characters a bit more and explain things more but it is still great and the ending is ultimately satisfying.

Rating- 5/5 "It's the Bee's Knees"

I loved this movie. This takes the great action from the Bourne movies, the visuals of a Tim Burton movie, and the great soundtrack by The Chemical Brothers. I recommend this to anyone and everyone if only to watch Saoirse Ronan.

Oh and Record Store Day is tomorrow, April 16th. Go check out your local Record Store!

Review: x2!! The Source Code and Your Highness

A treat in store for you people! Two movie reviews for the price of one! I saw two movies this weekend. One was awesome and I recommend, the other.... not so much. Can you guess which one is which?! Time to find out!

The Source Code

I will admit, I see movies for the sole reason of me liking the actors involved. The Source Code was one of those movies. Ever sense October Sky I have enjoyed Jake Gyllenhaal. He just always struck me as a laid back, casual kinda guy. After the disaster action movie that was Prince of Persia I was wondering how he would take this action movie. Well, he did a great job. He is easily the best part about this movie. He goes from being confused, to angry, to confused, to clever within minuets. There was not one point in the movie were I questioned his characters intentions and believability and that is critical to this film. 

There is lots to like here besides Jake though. The story is awesome. It drops you right in leaving you confused for the first bit and letting you put the pieces together while helping you along the way. Right when you think you have it figured out, something changes and you go back to guessing. My butt was on the edge of my seat the whole movie. I was worried at first that the whole going-back-eight-minuets-over-and-over-again thing was going to get old but thankfully they stop it right before it does. There are also some clever set pieces and some good dialogue. Unfortunately some acting from the minor characters who share this dialogue is pretty bad and the special effects are uneven as well. Some scenes like the explosions are great while others, like Jake jumping from the train, are horrible. 

Rating 4/5 "It's Just Swell"

I enjoyed it and would gladly see it again. It makes a great date movie for anyone who wants one. It has the action for the males and there is a romance swept in for the girls. Not to mention Jake is so dreamy.

Your Highness

Dumbest movie ever. That could be my whole review because this is the dumbest movie I have ever seen. Goodburger looks like Shindler's List compared to this. The story is your typical Knights Tale.... kind of. The story is not good, I will say that. The weed references as well are so forced and unrelated to the story it's sad. They are really milking the success of Pineapple Express. What made that movie funny though was it was a drug war action movie, which just happened to star two potheads. This movie is just a horrible knight who likes to smoke now and again. 

Now do not let my ranting make you think this movie was complete garbage (it was close). Danny Mcbride has some random one liners which are funny, but only because they stick out so much in the stories dialogue. They will be talking in old english then Mcbride's character will just say something like "F$*% that". Shock laughs but laughs nonetheless. James Franco is also funny only because he plays his character so serious the whole movie, seeming oblivious. Oh and there is a great shot of Natalie Portman's butt too, which explains why she has been trending on Yahoo Search all weekend. 

I was sad to see Damian Lewis, who most will know as Winters (the ginger) from Band of Brothers, in here as well. I have always liked this guy's acting and I am sad to see he had to stoop so low for a role. He needs to be noticed. 

Rating 2/5 -"It's Not Worth It"

Cannot recommend it. If you like your comedies really dumb you might like it.... maybe. I woudl just wait tell your stoner friend buys it because its about weed and borrow his copy. 

Hope I steer y'all in the right direction! Has anyone seen Hanna yet? I wanna see that really bad. 

Movie Review: Limitless

Ever have one of those days you just feel slow? One of those days were you are in a fog all day and can barely function? Well Bradley Cooper doesn't. Not anymore at least. In his latest movie, Limitless, Bradley Cooper actually thinks his way to becoming a very influental man, all while taking the audience on a very interesting ride.

The plot of the movie revolves around a guy who is stuggling in life. He can not be motivated to start his book (he's a writer), his girlfriend just broke up with him, and he is slowly becoming an alcoholic. Then he runs into his sketch x-brother-in-law, who used to be a drug dealer. Now he flaunts a suit and claims to deal drugs of the prescription kind. He gives Cooper's character a drug that allows him to access everything his brain has to offer. I am talking about things like miniscule memories from the 3rd grade. It also allows him to think very quick and absorb information with great detail. With this drug in hand, trouble naturally begins.

I will start out with what I liked. The film is an action/thriller, which suprised me. From the trailers I thought it was going to be boring but it is far from it. There are lots of great action sequences that get the audience sitting up in their seat like Taken does. The special effects are also spectacular. The visuals that go along with the sequences when Cooper feels the drug. They really help the audience visualise what being on it might be like. There is some crafty camera work that keeps up with the action without making the audience disoriented. The script is hit and miss. Sometimes things just come off as a load of BS but other times things legitimately cause you to pause and think. Cooper himself is fantastic, being the biggest saving grace of the movie. He is full of swag and busts out one-liners and witty comments with believability. Whether Coopers character is at his highest or lowest, he has an appeal that makes you want to get to know him. Not to mention those big blue eyes!

I do have some problems with the film however. Like I said before, the script has some problems in it. While it is a popcorn action movie, it is trying to be a smart sophisticated action movie, so it gets docked for the plot problems. I also did not really like any of the villains. There is a loan shark who never really feels like a huge threat, along with some random bad guys who suffer from no character development. Robert De Niro's character also never really brings anything to the table. While he is rich and seems menacing, all he really seems to control is money. The biggest threat to Coopers character is really himself, which is okay with me but there is no reason to have so many villains who do not add anything. There is also a love interest who has one interesting scene, but then fades away. The ending of the movie just left me confused at what the movie was trying to accomplish as well. It ends in kind of a moral grey area.

Rating 3/5 -"It's Meh"

It is entertaining and not a bad movie by any stretch, but it doesn't really do anything for me either. It was nice to see Bradley Cooper in a staring role, the guy definitely has the talent for it. If you are looking for a movie to go with friends and or a date movie thats not a chick flick, I would recommend checking it out for a matinee or at a discounted price. Otherwise just wait tell it comes out on Netflix.

Quickview: Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Milkshake and Rango

Two new quickviews for everybody. They are going to be extra short today, I am feeling lazy.


What I got: Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Shake

Chick-fil-a has my absolute favorite fast food shakes. They are rich and creamy but not so thick you can not drink it (Whataburger I am looking at you). The first day they launched the shakes I was at my local Chick-fi-a's door at 6:30 am ready for one. They even gave me a free shirt for being the first one to get one! That being said they are also really good about their seasonal shakes. They release shakes that only come out every so often, and every one of them is fantastic. This has to be their best one yet. I think of Banana Pudding as a huge comfort food desert. It just reminds me of cookouts and family and friends. That makes sense being as that is the only time I see or eat it. Chick-fil-a has mastered the flavor, making the flavor strong but not artificial. It is smooth and tastes exactly like banana pudding does. They also add wafer cookie chunks to it which give it a nice mix in consistency. My only complaint is the need for a bigger straw as these chunks can cause clogs every now and again. Chick-fil-a has does it again and made a fantastic shake. With this and Blue Bell just releasing a banana pudding ice cream, I will be in heaven when the Texas heat hits in the coming months.

Rating- 5/5 "It's the Bee's Knees!"

What I watched- Rango

I am personally getting tired of Johnny Depp. He is a great actor, I know that for a fact. He used to be one of my favorites actually. Recently though, he only seems to be doing quirky, goofy roles a la Jack Sparrow. It was fun to watch at first but it is starting to wear on me. This movie puts him in this role once again. Fortunately it is refreshing and matches the feel of Rango perfectly. I do not know if it is because it is animated or because Gore Verbinski knows how to direct, but I enjoyed Depp tremendously. I found there are moments in this movie were I was almost crying with genuine laughter, which is rare nowadays. It is a western and has your typical plot points as any western does. It also has some predictable plot twists. These faults do not take away from the joy that is this movie however. The animation and soundtrack are both top of the line as well. Pixar should be jealous of this film, it is a very smart, funny children movie. Props to Nickelodeon for putting this movie out, they picked a winner!

Rating- 4/5 "It's Just Swell"

That's All Folks!

Quick-view: The King's Speech and Jack Combo at Jack in the Box

A nice treat for everyone today! I have two quick-views, one movie and one food. The first I will start off with is the critically acclaimed "The King's Speech".

What I saw: The Kings Speech

Wow, what a year in films. Who would of thought the two  top nominations for best picture would be two films that are almost purely character driven and show phenomenal acting skills on both parties. I am of course talking about The Social Network and The King's Speech. I love both but will be giving a quick-view of the second. The movie is  about a soon to be king(Firth) with a serious speech impediment and the relationship he builds with his speech therapist (Rush) battling the problem. I know, first thought is it sounds boring, but that is so far from the truth. Yes it has almost no action in it, but holy mother of pearl there are some great performances. If you like great acting or a solid script at all go see this movie. Firth plays the role he was meant for (british royalty) and nails the frustration and awkwardness of not being able to speak publicly. Rush has just the right amount of quirk to be realistic but surprising and fun. My only complaint of the film is it runs a tad long but it is a small gripe that anyone who likes good acting will be able to overlook. This film is not for anyone looking for an action or romcom movie, but for someone who wants to see what all the awards buzz is about, it is worth a peek.

Rating 5/5 Stars - "It's The Bee's Knees"

*Now as far as awards go, I want to be clear. I loved this movie but I DO NOT think it deserves best picture. There have been several films that, as a whole, are better. Personally I think The Social Network should win but what do I know! That being said, If Firth or Rush do not win something for the acting I am going to punch my TV.

What I got- Jack in the Box - Big Deal Combo Meal 

First, I apologize for the crappy picture. Second, yes that is a lot of food. Know what I paid for all that? $3.99. Sweet deal eh? That makes all of those things about a buck each, which is a pretty good deal. Was it any good? Not so much....... I know it is Jack In The Box so I should have known it was going to be bad but I had to hope right? I was walking home at 12:30 AM and was hungry so I hit up the local Box. The fries were typical curly fries, meh. The tacos were greasy and not very tasty. The lettuce was literally smothered with grease as was the outer shell. What do I expect for a 47 cent taco. The burger was just gross. I almost just did not eat it, and that was the first thing I started. It is your typical jumbo jack, with burger, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, tomatoes, onions. What I do not like about it though is the meat is tasteless and soggy, the bun is big but just taste cheap and seems filler. The veggies were fresh on the burger, which was nice, but did not really help. The only plus side to this is it is a cheap, filling meal, but unfortunately other places do it better (A La Taco Bell and Wendy's). Unless you love all of these items, do not even bother.

1/5 Stars - "It's Flippen Horrendous!"

Anyways everyone enjoy some good eating tomorrow for the game! Ill be posting what I will be having!