This list is not in any particular order. I could probably point at my favorite movie or two, but anything after that would be decided pretty arbitrarily, so I won’t assign a number order to them. I don’t like going into what a movie is about in the review, because movies, like books, should be arrived at without a map.
Midnight in Paris
My first impression? Exceptionally lovely. And so were my second, third, and fourth impressions. It’s funny, heartwarming, original, charming, smart and I left the theater absolutely enthralled by the experience. Every time. Possibly my favorite Woody Allen movie.
Drive
Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted. The silences and subtleties and looks in this movie give me chills. Violent and yet tender. As far as I can tell, flawless.
Beginners
Quirky, emotionally powerful and multi-dimensional. It’s well-written and the characters are well-rounded, likable, real. Charming and funny and unique. A movie I’ll surely own and make new people in my life watch.
Life in a Day
I usually prefer fiction to non-fiction in books, and that transfers into movies as well. You can read more about my thoughts on this ‘documentary’ here.
The Beaver
Surprisingly dark and touching film about a man at the end of his rope. Mel Gibson does a great job when he’s not hating Jews. Powerful stuff. The movie, not the Jew-hating.
Everything Must Go
Ah, Will Ferrell in a serious role. Like in Stranger than Fiction, Ferrell ditches his fan-approved silly persona to try something a little more meaningful. Here, he plays an alcoholic in a movie based off a Raymond Chandler short story. A heads up: Raymond Chandler does not create Anchorman-type characters, so don’t expect as much.
The Other Woman (aka, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits)
Natalie Portman does an incredible job in this movie that I kind of wandered into watching just because Natalie Portman was in it. It’s not a happy movie by any means, but very powerful. (Apparently, original release was 2009? So, yeah)
Barney’s Version
A movie that goes to lots of unexpected places, led by a once-again brilliant performance by Paul Giamatti. And Dustin Hoffman kicks all kinds of ass here, too. The ending will get to you.
Attack the Block
Action/comedy/alien/horror British movie that takes place in the hood. Sold.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
It’s kind of unfair to other actors and movies how much these guys managed to portray with just looks and a line or two of dialogue. If you watch this movie and don’t see anything happening, trust me, you missed it.
Honorable Mention:
- The Descendants
- Detachment
- Tree of Life
- We Bought a Zoo
- Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Submarine
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Movies I haven’t seen but may make this list, based on what others have recommended or my own expectations:
- Melancholia
- The Muppets
- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
- The Last Circus
- Young Adult
- The Artist
- 50/50
- Moneyball
- Warrior
- Ides of March
- The Trip
- Shame
