“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is, from the outside, your classic coming-of-age tale. Yet, in contrast to the majority of these films, it does not fall victim to an overly dramatic portrayal of teenage angst, or of alienated cliches. Based on a novel that has gained a considerable cult following, the film is unusually written for the screen and directed by the author of the book, Stephen Chbosky. Perhaps still meant for younger generations, the film also echoes more sophisticated themes; easily identifiable even to adults. Continue Reading »

With the Oscars coming up today, it seemed like the right time to give my Academy Award predictions for this year. I have excluded a few categories, including the documentary category, and the categories for shorts, since I have not seen many of these films, and did not feel I could make an accurate prediction. These predictions come not from what I feel should win, but from what I feel the Academy is going to pick, based a lot on the buzz I have read online from movie sites and movie critics. Continue Reading »

On May 2, 2011; the news spread like wildfire across the country. A U.S. Navy team had stormed a compound in Pakistan, and Osama Bin Laden was dead. People rejoiced, feeling that we had finally achieved some sense of justice for the 3,000 innocent people that lost their lives during the September 11 attacks. It was only a matter of time before Hollywood took ahold of this story, and concocted their own version of the events. Though still glimmering with Bigelow’s unique take on historical war films, and containing an excellent performance by Jessica Chastain, I found “Zero Dark Thirty” to be largely a disappointment; slow-paced and anti-climactic, it is nothing more than an average political drama. Continue Reading »

The first James Bond film premiered over 50 years ago, in 1962. There have been six actors who have played the character since then, starting with Sean Connery in “Dr. No.” and now with Daniel Craig in “Skyfall.” Through all this time, the franchise has somehow managed to stay fresh, still attracting audiences and making box office records. Though some of the films are not much more than popcorn-movies, containing few merits or value other than enjoyable action sequences; there are always the exceptional films to make up for it. Already nominated for five Academy Awards, “Skyfall” has proven that the series is not coming to an end anytime soon. Continue Reading »

Quentin Tarantino has so far proven himself to be one of the great living film-makers. As a writer-director, he has created “Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs,” the “Kill Bill” series, and “Inglorious Basterds;” among others. He possesses a rich understanding of the great films and directors of the past, learned through years of studying them; and this shines through in each of his films. In over 20 years of film-making, he has never before attempted a western. Yet you wouldn’t think so after seeing “Django Unchained.” Itself influenced by the spaghetti westerns of the 1960’s, especially those made by Sergio Leone, “Django Unchained” has all the twists, turns, anticipation, and blood-pumping adrenaline of a roller coaster ride. My only wish is that it didn’t have to end. Continue Reading »

Every year, a multitude of romantic comedies emerge, many of which become labeled as “chick flicks.” They are often monotonous, cliched, and predictable. But every once in a while, a movie emerges that defeats this pattern, bringing together a scenario that, while still possessing the same basic framework of your typical romantic comedy, is still much more enjoyable. “Silver Linings Playbook” easily fits into this second category. Already nominated for 8 Academy Awards and 4 Golden Globes, this movie deserves its acclaim.

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There is no shortage of great sci-fi movies out there. And within the past few years, a unique style of “intelligent sci-fi” has emerged. These films deal with such diverse concepts as immortality (The Fountain), alternate universes (Source Code), and dream stealers (Inception). But they are much more than that, and also deal with deeper philosophical questions and meanings. “Looper,” directed by Rian Johnson, easily fits within this category. It is not only one of the greatest films of the last year, but also one of the all-time great sci-fi movies. Johnson’s time-travel epic will keep you glued to the screen. And it is the type of movie that will linger in your mind afterwards, forcing you to think back a great deal on the last two hours. Continue Reading »

Tom Hooper has at this point proven himself a master of historical adaptations. His most famous example is “The King’s Speech,” which won multiple awards in 2010, including Best Picture and Best Director. Never before has Hooper tackled a musical, however. And never anything as huge and recognizable as that of “Les Miserables.” But Hooper has proven that, in addition to having a knack for history, he also has a keen understanding of musical numbers and sequences. Though perhaps not quite equaling the original Broadway version in some aspects, the film possesses enough brilliant segments as to be worth a viewing. For those who love musicals, “Les Miserables” is a must-see.  Continue Reading »

Peter Jackson fathered the magical world of Middle-Earth more than ten years ago with “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Shortly after, he followed with two equally successful and critically acclaimed sequels: “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King.” The final film in the series even won 11 Academy Awards, tying the previous record held by “Titanic.” And the films catapulted Peter Jackson into the ranks of great modern directors. Though”The Hobbit” still possesses the basic framework and medieval mysticism as the Lord of the Rings, it lacks the emotional depth of the other three, and ultimately dulls in comparison. It is, though, at least worth a viewing. Continue Reading »

When it comes to modern directors, Steven Spielberg is a household name. Among his extensive resume includes the movies “Jaws,” E.T.”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind;” all landmark achievements for their stylized use of visual effects and entertainment value. But then there is the more “serious” Spielberg; the type that reaches into significant historical events, and for a fragment of time recreates a living, breathing world that once only existed in memories and books. These movies are made for their historical and aesthetic value, not just to attract audiences. “Lincoln,” his latest film, is of this caliber. But it even stands apart from his past historical achievements. You will not see the blood and gore such as in the opening scene of “Saving Private Ryan.” You will not experience the raw tragic violence of “Schindler’s List” (though there is one smoky battlefield scene that comes close.) “Lincoln” instead runs much like a courtroom drama; not dry or dull, but fresh and riveting throughout. And it could easily win Best Picture this year at the Academy Awards.

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