Perfect Sense (2011)

Uncommon Sense

The plot to this film sounds like a joke, a chef and an epidemiologist fall in love while everyone in the world begin to lose their sensory perception, but I assure it is not. Ewan McGregor (the chef) and Eva Green (the epidemiologist) play the couple to perfection. Their courtship among chaos is a master stroke of acting and film making, and one of the most heart-warming romances ever portrayed on screen. Kim Fupz Aakeson's writing is so true to life, and is steeped in emotions so deeply felt, you get lost in the characters heads trying to figure out just how you handle the situation at hand. Director David MacKenzie's visuals were absolutely stunning to watch. There is a montage where hunger takes over the planet before the second sense is lost that is so well shot and edited, it becomes frightening. Not something I was expecting going into this film,but I'm glad I got it. If this comes anywhere near you on next Friday, see it!

Grade: A-

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Ewan Bremner
Director: David MacKenzie
Writer(s): Kim Fupz Aakeson
RT: 92 min
Rating: R for Nudity, Language, Sexuality, Some Other Stuff, I'm sure

Man on a Ledge (2012)

Asger Leth's feature debut is a straight forward, predictable movie, but it isn't without its merits. Sam Worthington and Elizabeth Banks are sturdy in their roles, but the film really shines when their co-stars, Jamie Bell and Genesis Rodriguez, are on screen. These two actors are funny, and share a fantastic chemistry. The biggest problem with "Man on the Ledge" is the whole film isn't about them. Leth's directing doesn't hold anything spectacular, and neither does Pablo F. Fenjves' script, which has a few glaring plot holes in it, but the stellar cast really brings out what is good about it. I was afraid it was going to be a claustrophobic film with low ambitions. thankfully it managed to break out of that. Just not enough.

Grade: C+

Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Edward Burns

Director: Asger Leth

Writer: Pablo F. Fenjves

RT: 102 min

Rating: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language

Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie (2012)

Stupidus Maximus

Wow, um... wow. Here is a film that can only be described as mind numbingly unfunny. I really feel like this should not have happened. I'll admit that I have a bias against Tim and Eric for making some horrible television shows, but this really took the top spot as the worst thing they have done. With funding from Funny or Die, and a little bit of celebrity endorsement (this was a much better use of Robert Loggia), they manage to kill an hour and a half, and the audience's brain cells, with line after line of horrible dialogue. You can really only give them credit for one thing, and that is not abandoning the low budget directing style that made hem famous. However, for someone who does not enjoy their work, this is like giving credit to Ed Wood for not giving up on his style. That was unfair to Mr. Wood. I apologize.

Grade: F

Imagine this for and hour and a half. If you can't, don't see it.

Starring: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, John C. Reilly
Director: Tim & Eric
Writer(s): Tim & Eric, Jonathan Kriesel, Doug Lussenhop, Jon Mugar
RT: 93 min
Rating: R

5 Favorites: Morgan Freeman

Wednesday is February 1st, and the start of Black History Month. In honor of this, and the fact that the Academy Awards are at the end of the month, I'm going to do a full month of my Five Favorites dedicated to black Oscar winners. I'm going to start with Morgan Freeman, because he is a Grade A badass. Freeman won a  Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2004 for the film "Million Dollar Baby" after being nominated three other times (Best Supporting Actor - 'Street Smart" (1987), Best Actor - "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989), Best Actor - "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994)) He has since only been nominated once, for "Invictus" in 2009, and continues to roll out film after film, and narrate everything in sight, including every Visa commercial starting with the Summer Olympics in 2008.

5. The Dark Knight (2008)

It would be stupid of me to do a list of my favorite performances by anyone in either of Nolan's Batman films, and not put it on the list. Freeman plays Lucius Fox, the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, and enabler to Bruce Wayne's vigilante lifestyle. I picked this over "Batman Begins" because this is the film that Fox went from a simple R&D lab geek, to the voice of reason. He helps Batman set up a few elaborate plans, and even helps out in the field. Lucius is just an all around cool guy.

4. Deep Impact (1998)

Every now and then two movies will be released that mirror each other in so many ways. In 1998 it was "Deep Impact" and "Armageddon". "Armageddon" was terrible, and "Deep Impact" was superior in every way possible. It had a tense, realistic script, characters that resembled human beings, and actors that weren't Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler. Most of all it had Morgan Freeman. As the President! In 1998 a black president seemed like the most fictitious part of the film, but Freeman sold it. He had poise, grace, and told it like it was. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is Freeman 2012.

3. Glory (1989)

There isn't much I enjoy more than a group of people rising up against fascists that are holding them back. "Glory" was a great film about an all black volunteer Union regiment fighting against the South in the American Civil War. Freeman is Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins, a gravedigger turned soldier who acts as a conduit between the white officers and the black soldiers, and he plays him with force and intelligence. Denzel Washington may have won the Academy Award that year, but Freeman deserved it, at least a nomination. Instead he got it for "Driving Miss Daisy".


2. Unforgiven (1992)

"Unforgiven" is one of those films that seems to make people excited by the mere mention of it. It is easily the best film Clint Eastwood has directed, so far, and in a career that includes "Mystic River", "Million Dollar Baby", and "Letters from Iwo Jima", that may be a very bold statement. It's a western that dares to question its own violent nature. Ned Logan is a former associate of Eastwood's Will Munny, who is brought back into the gunslinging lifestyle to ride one last job. Freeman plays him so well, so brilliantly, you wonder why Eastwood ever bothers to act with anybody else.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Did you think it was going to be anything else? "Shawkshank" is number one on my list of films from the 1990's, and everybody in it is at the top of their game. Freeman may have lost the Oscar to Tom Hanks, for "Forrest Gump" of all things, but he deserved it. His portrayal of Red, an inmate who is able to get you anything you want, is even and beautiful. You watch him grow through his friendship with Tim Robbins' Andy Dufresne, as he watches him play the system until he breaks free of it. His narration of the story is some of the most well written in the history of Hollywood, and speaks every line like he is doing you a favor. So, thank the man. For he is truly the man!

2011: My 20 Favorite Films of the Year

2011 is over! Well, it has been for nearly a month now. I was just behind on my movie watching, and wanted to have a good amount of films on this list, and next week's list as well. I wasn't expecting much from 2011. After reading what was set to be released, it seemed like a fairly boring year. I mean, Spielberg directing a film about a horse, Ryan Gosling in a movie about driving, Scorsese doing a kiddie flick? But, that all changed when I started watching the movies, and they were AWESOME! Well, some films looked like shit, and were, but that's next week. These 20 films, on the other hand, certainly weren't, and like so many on the internets, I will now thrust my opinions upon you. I know you all have some opinions of your own, so share them with me.

20. The Trip

Two men, who know nothing food, tour small restaurants in England, because one (Steve Coogan) has been left by his girlfriend, and still has the reservations. This mockumentary is witty and fun, but what else would you expect from the two actors, and the director, from "Tristram Shandy"? You can't help but enjoy watching the two compete with each other during their time together, over anything and everything.

The moment I feel in love: Rob and Steve have an argument over impressions of Michael Caine. "You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!"

19. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Brad Bird takes the reins of a well known franchise, and leads it into the best possible direction. After John Woo's sad excuse for a sequel the franchise seemed to be over, but J.J. Abrams took it over with three, and found the best man for the job with four. This installment is a fast, fun action film that leaves you absolutely breathless.

The moment I feel in love: The incredible opening sequence following the fuse to the always exciting "Mission: Impossible" theme.

18. Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I think I only did 20 films on this list so I could include this movie (don't say you weren't warned). This reboot is right along films like "Batman Begins" and "Casino Royale" for its ability to breath life into a stagnant franchise. Weta Digital's special effects were phenomenal, and John Lithgow's tragic performance anchored the human element of the story. I used to think "Escape From the Planet of the Apes" was my favorite of the series, but "Rise" has made an argument to dethrone it.

The moment I feel in love:  A confused John Lithgow almost steals a neighbor's car, and Ceasar comes to his rescue.

17. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Gary Oldman leads a cast with superb depth in this adaptation of of John le Carre's novel. The story is tense and layered, the characters are shady and clever. The story unravels brilliantly and completely sucks you into the lies and intrigue. With beautiful sets, costumes, and cinematography, the 1970's stunningly come to life. Tomas Alfredson has created a simply wonderful film.


The moment I fell in love: Oldman's George smiley tells the tale of the time he interrogated a Russian spy.

16. Ides of March

I like films about politics about as much as I hate actual politicians themselves. George Clooney's "Ides" is another soon-to-be classic to throw on that pile. As for Ryan Gosling, he just kept giving performance after stunning performance this year, and this was just one of three that put him right on top of the new generation of leading men.

The moment I fell in love: The camera pulls back as Ryan Gosling is giving a speech to reveal that he is doing a mic check.

15. Bridesmaids

The fact that anyone would label this a "chick flick", or the "famale 'Hangover'", is an insult to how funny and heartfelt this movie was (mostly because "The Hangover" wasn't any good). Kristen Wiig showed Hollywood that women have a place in comedy, and shouldn't just be brain-dead romantic comedy stars (I'm looking at you Sandra Bullock). I may not be the first person to say it, but the scene pictured above, may be the hardest I laughed at a film all year.

The moment I fell in love: The most awkward sing-off you've ever seen between Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne.

14. Win Win

Tom McCarthy made one of the best coming-of-age tales in recent memory. Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan are both excellent as a couple who take the grandson of an elderly man, in Gimatti's custody, into their home. They bond, they wrestle, and you get compelling story about a a young man dealing with his rough upbringing, and a man trying to deal with a failing law practice.

The moment I fell in love: Giamatti has a panic attack, and Bobby Cannavale tries to help him through it.

13. Young Adult

Speaking of great coming-of-age tales, here is one so unbelievably twisted it actually made me a little sad. Charlize Theron is vicious and terrible. You want her to fail so badly, but you don't enjoy watching her do it, because she is so pathetic and broken. Patton Oswalt is her, sort of,  Jiminy Cricket, one she insults and berates, and he adds a great sense of humor, and tragedy, to the piece. Diablo Cody's script, and Jason Reitman's directing, are incredible, and make this one of my favorite films of the year.

The moment I fell in love: Theron tries to convince the woman at the front desk of her hotel that she doesn't have a dog in her purse.

12. Meek's Cutoff

This historical drama about a group of families lost on the Oregon Trail is quiet, bleak, and dramatic. I can't claim that this movie is entertaining, but it is a gripping, realistic portrayal of life in the times of Westward Expansion. Paranoia and mistrust run rampant through the group as they fall further into despair, and all hope seems to be lost. The cast is powerful, the directing is flawless, and the script is tense and well paced.

The moment I fell in love: You don't fall in love with this movie. You lose yourself in it.

11. Drive

A quiet man, who drives odd jobs for criminals with no questions asked, is pushed over the edge. This is another well-paced film with bursts of action, and extreme violence. The performances by the leads are muted, and beautiful. The supporting cast is filled with impressive names, doing great jobs. Unfortunately, marketing for the movie was very poor, but it was much better than anyone expected.

The moment I fell in love: Ryan Gosling, with two men in the car, parks in the Staples Center at theperfect moment, after a Lakers game, and just walks away.

10. Beginners

Ewan McGregor plays the son of a man (Christopher Plummer) who is 75, has cancer, and just came out of the closet. The film, from there, becomes a delightful tale of two men falling in love. Plummer with his much younger boyfriend leading up to his death, and McGregor with the enchanting Melanie Laurent in the wake of his father's passing. Mike Mills writes and directs this quirky film, and gets some great moments from his top notch cast.

The moment I fell in love:  Plummer calls his son to tell him about his time at the club, and does his impression of house music.

9. War Horse/The Adventures of Tintin

Spielberg had the best one-two punch of this holiday season. "War Horse" was a breathtaking war epic with a lot of heart, and "Tintin" was eye-popping animated action film, that was as fun as it was thrilling. I loved them both, and because they came from the same awe-inspiring director, I had to put them together. If you haven't seen either of these, you should. Equally great, equally beautiful.

The moment I fell in love: "War Horse" - Albert and Joey plow a field that is considered unplowable.
                                            "Tintin" - The charming inside joke of the Tintin street drawing.

8. Attack the Block

Joe Cornish takes stereotypes, and flips them in this sci-fi horror about a group of inner city youth fighting aliens that attack their high-rise. The characters start this film as the villains, and end up the heroes in a movie where violence and humor collide. The cast makes every moment of the film a pure delight with insanely perfect performances. This movie is so good that I wouldn't be surprised to see the American remake in the next couple of years. Trust, bruv.

The moment I fell in love: Two foul-mouthed primary-schoolers want to join the gang under the monikers of Mayhem and Probs.

7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I never red Steig Larsson's novel. I saw the original film. So, when people tell me that it doesn't do anything to outdo the other film, that means nothing to me. David Fincher made a raw, visceral film about two people trying to find a killer among a family of crazy recluses, among other things. I couldn't believe how much this movie made me squirm, and how much I loved it for that fact.

The moment I fell in love: Rooney Mara's mohawk...

6. Moneyball

This is one of two sports films to make it onto the list, and it's mostly about statistics and analysis. Brad Pitt turns in one of the finest performances of his career, and Jonah Hill... doesn't play Jonah Hill. I never felt so compelled by the goings on in the front office of a sports club, because mostly you get the stories of the players trying to fight against those guys. Everything about this film is strong, right down to Peter Bogdonavich's cameo at the end.

The moment I fell in love: It's a film about baseball nerds! I fell in love during the trailer.

5. The Descendants

A film about loss, love, and family. This film may have struck such a chord with me for the personal things my family has been through this year, or maybe it was just that good. The daughters both sold this film for me. They're real portrayals of young girls in pain, and not plastic characters like so many Hollywood females. Clooney gives one of best performances in years, and Alexander Paynes shoots the Hawaiian landscape so perfectly.

The moment I fell in love: Clooney has to take daughter to a classmate's house to make her apologize for picking on the girl.

4. The Artist

This is the first of three films about this era on this list, and for good reason. Michel Hazanavicius created something wonderful. Capturing the feel of simpler time in film-making, from the way it was shot, to the performances of all of the actors. It is pure enjoyment all around, and I'm still replaying some of  the moments in my head.

The moment I fell in love: George has a nightmare about the coming era of talkies, and everything has sound, except his voice.

3. Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen has a masterpiece on his hands. Everything about this film is wonderful. Every actor. Every shot. Every line. I could not wipe the smile off of my face for days after seeing this. Allen has always been a man stuck in the art of the past, so to see him write a love letter this fantastic to a time he obsesses about was beautiful. Thank you, Woody. It's nice to see you so passionate again.

The moment I fell in love: Gil has seemingly traveled back in time, and bumped into F. Scott, and Zelda, Fitzgerald at a party.

2. The Muppets

When I first saw that a new Muppet movie was coming out, I had the same reation of Kermit introducing "The Muppet Show". I knew by the names involved that it would be a good film, but what I didn't realize was that it would be such an emotional experience. The characters were more in depth than they had ever been, and it was nice to see them break from the downward spiral the Muppets had been on for more than a decade. If you don't know what I mean, watch the "Muppet Wizard of Oz".


The moment I fell in love: "Life's a happy song, when someone's by your side to sing along."

1. Hugo

I'm not sure I can even make it through this recap without tearing up. With "Hugo" Martin Scorsese did three things: 1. prove that he can do anything. Family film, gangster flicks, a good Nicolas Cage movie. He does it all. 2. Showed that Pixar does not hold an iron grip emotionally poignant family movies. 3. Convince audiences that 3D can be used to expand the theater experience instead of a cheap, distracting gimmick (the first person to mention "Avatar" is getting elbowed).

The moment I fell in love: The opening shot of the film. The gears of the clock turn into the busy streets of Paris.

Next Week I'm doing the 20 worst films of the year. Please, any opinions are welcome. Did you have a film you felt belonged on this list? What films didn't? Did you like any on here? If so, why?

Pass or Fail: The Battleship Grey

Two trailers. On thing in common. Zero room for Error! This week I look at two films coming out this year starring Liam Neeson. 

Pass: The Grey

Does anybody remember when seeing Liam Neeson in a film meant it was going to be dramatic Oscar bait? Schindler's List, Rob Roy, Kinsey? Well, something funny happened. Liam Neeson has decided to beat the living hell out of everything. EVERYTHING! Now he has turned his attention to smacking wolves around. No, you didn't misread that. He is strapping tiny liquor bottles to his hand and punching wild wolves in the mouths! I don't care if this film is any good. This trailer has the guy from "Nell" being Wolverine, but more awesome. 

Fail: Battleship

Hasbro, I've seen all three "Transformers" movies already, and I don't think a fourth one is necessary. Wait, what? This is not a "Transformers" movie? This is a film based off of Battleship? The board game? Oh boy... I don't understand why this has happened. I guess people shelling out money hand over fist to see Michael Bay's abortion of cinema has put the toy company in the mood to keep remaking the same movie, over and over again. Oh, and Rihanna is apparently in this film. No, thank you.

Extra Pass: Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais, and Stephen Merchant improv with Liam Neeson on the series "Life's Too Short". People offended by jokes about AIDS should probably not watch this.

The Devil Inside (2012)

The face of woman who just watched this movie.

The "found footage" sub-genre of horror films needs to end. With the exception of "The Blair Witch Project" every picture in the bunch has been monotonous and lacking. Such is the case with "The Devil Inside". A piece which blatantly steals anything it can from every exorcism film you have ever seen, and then ends without a bit of resolution. A lot of build up, and then nothing. Literally. I assume this is because writer/director William Brent Bell hates the idea of anyone actually enjoying this movie. I see films like this as the cinematic equivalent of reality television. They are cheaply produced tripe that studios put out in order to turn a quick profit, and are usually very successful. This is nice for the studios, but the audience is left with a sub-par waste of time and money. I will be disappointed, but not very surprised, to see another film as bad as this one in 2012. "The Devil Inside" provides no emotion, no sense, and, worst of all, no scares.

Grade: F

Starring: Fernanda Andrade, Simon Quarterman, Evan Helmuth
Director: William Brent Bell
Writer(s): William Brent Bell & Matthew Peterman
RT: 83 min
Rating: R for disturbing violent content and grisly images, and for language including some sexual references

The Innkeepers (2012)

Ti West's "The Innkeepers" is a rare horror film. A well written one that isn't  scary for what it is, but for what it implies. There aren't screens covered in gore, or overly creepy ghosts in every shot (there a few, and they are creepy), but what you do get may scare you for other reasons. Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) are the only employees at a motel on its last weekend of operation, and they are also trying to prove the existence of a ghost who is said to haunt the place. What follows is a tense, underplayed horror movie with long silences, and a compelling mystery. Only the mystery isn't wether or not the hotel is haunted, but if the strange happenings are only in Claire's head. Paxton gives you enough to believe that either are possible, in what can only be described as her best performance to date. More horror movies should take a cue from this one (cough cough "Paranormal Activity").

Grade: B+

Starring: Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis

Director: Ti West

Writer(s): Ti West

RT: 100 min

Rating: R for some bloody images and language

Red Tails (2012)

I'm a sucker for war-action films. They're part historical drama, part escapist explode-a-thon where you almost forget the tragedies that war creates. "Red Tails", for the most part, was did that. It does manage to fall into every cliche that can be thrown into a two hour action flick, and the acting does leave much to be desired. What it does have is a lot of heart, and the want to be a better film. Honestly, you can see the movie it should have been shimmering through during some of the well edited dogfights. I wanted to be a lot more enthralled with this film, but director Anthony Hemingway couldn't seem to accomplish what he set out for with John Ridley's script. Even after "The Boondocks" creator, Aaron McGruder, did some revisions.

Grade: C+

Starring: Nate Parker, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley
Director: Anthony Hemingway
Writer(s): John Ridley and Aaron McGruder - Book: John B. Holway
RT: 120 min
Rating: PG-13 for some sequences of war violence

Joyful Noise (2012)

Noise? Yes. Joyful? Not so much.

I have no defense as to why I saw this film. We'll just call it my love of Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. This is one of those films that couldn't decide where it wanted to fall, or what audience it wanted to attract. It would be a family drama one second, and a teen romance the next. Follow that with a preachy spiritual film, with just a little absurd comedy just to spice things up. There are moments, however brief they may be, of great wit in this film. They just happened to be so spaced apart that it's hard to sit through the rest to get to them. The writing is never consistent enough to make this film enjoyable, but I did have a good time laughing at some of the things that people too talented for this film were forced to say.

Grade: D+

Starring: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer

Director: Todd Graff

Writer(s): Todd Graff

RT: 118 min

Rating: PG-13 for some language including a sexual reference

Haywire (2012)

Did someone say American Gladiators?

Steven Soderbergh's "Haywire" is the kind of action film I love to see. It's fast, simple, and violent. Gina Carano plays a free agent assassin, and is cast perfectly in her screen debut. Though I couldn't see her playing many other roles, I could almost see her as a the female Jason Statham. Playing the same strong, silent character that beats the crap out of everybody, and everything, that stands in her way. Soderbergh's strong directing, fantastic all-star casting (seriously, who hasn't this guy worked with?), and a script that gives you just enough to establish character relations, and connect the scenes together, make this a hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners action thriller that is going to be hard to beat.

Grade: A-

Starring: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer(s): Lem Dobbs
RT: 93 min
Rating: R for some violence

The Artist (2011)

We can't hear you!

I sat down to write this, and had a hard time finding the words to describe the overwhelming pleasure I felt while watching this movie. Maybe because it's a silent film, maybe because it left me breathless. Michel Hazanavicius shows a love of film history so deep, it shines through every frame with charm and and beauty. Guillaume Schiffman's cinematography was impeccable, and Ludovic Bource's score is wonderfully captivating. The performances by Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo are so very whimsical and endearing. This review is quickly going to become a simple list of things I love about this film. Instead I'm going to make a list of the things I didn't like about it: Nothing.

Grade: A+

Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, James Cromwell
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Writer(s): Michel Hazanavicius
RT: 100 min
Rating: PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)

The Young and the Speechless

When a film feels like it is trying, it can be very disheartening, no matter what it is trying to be. This film tries so hard to be quirky and poignant, and it shows. A lot. Thomas Horn's Oskar is so overly quirky, he becomes unlikable. The script hints at him having a form of autism, but that doesn't help endear you to all of eccentricities. The film drags for about an hour, until you are introduced to Max Von Sydow's character, a mute who goes by the name of  "The Renter", who adds a life to the film that dies once he is gone again. Stephen Daldry has directed some wonderful cinema, unfortunately this will go into the same wasted potential pile as "The Hours".

Grade: C

Starring: Thomas Horn, Max Von Sydow, Tom Hanks
Director: Stephen Daldry
Writer(s): Eric Roth - Novel: Jonathan Safran Foer
RT: 129 min
Rating: PG-13 for emotional thematic material, some disturbing images, and language

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

Torturing myself for your reading enjoyment is what I do, and this one was not fun. I have to admit, I didn't mind the first two "Chipmunk" movies that much. This installment was just bad. I don't get why writers, or directors, feel they need to cram as many pointless pop-culture references into family films as they can. Children don't get them, adults only mildly appreciate them, and unless done with love, they aren't funny. The plot to this one  makes the least sense of any of the films so far, but I guess you have to cash in while the money is still good. I also didn't need to hear the Chipmunks cover Iggy Pop's "Wild One". I've already heard the "ChipPUNK" album, and it was better than this tired film.

Grade: D

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long
Director: Mike Mitchell
Writer(s): Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger
RT: 87 min
Rating: G

5 Favorites: Ewan McGregor

With "Haywire" being released this past Friday, and "Perfect Sense" getting an American release in February, plus "Jack the Giant Killer" and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" also coming out this year, I'm looking at Scottish born actor Ewan McGregor this week. His "Beginners" co-star, Christopher Plummer, may be vying for an Oscar this year, but I'm giving Ewan the favorites, because he deserves it.

5. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Say what you want about the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but the one thing George Lucas got right was hiring Ewan to play a young Obi-Wan Kenobi. McGregor made Obi-Wan the most sympathetic character of the trilogy, and put tremendous heart into, what became, a very complex character. I picked "Episode II" because this was the film where he became Obi-Wan, doing a spot on impression of Sir Alec Guiness.

4. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

I am actually surprised at this pick. I hate this movie! I hate director Baz Luhrmann's choices. He's a spastic director who makes films that are bright, hyperactive, and unintelligable. Ewan McGregor, on the other hand, is the one person in this film who didn't seem to do a ton of coke between takes. He's calm, funny, and talented. I was pleased to find out that he could sing, and well at that. His love-struck Christian is a naive, sweet individual trying to save the damsel in distress. Which brings me to the point, that anyone who can act like they're in love with Nicole Kidman that much, has to be a good actor. Right, Tom?

3. Down With Love (2003)

McGregor plays Catcher Block (man's man, ladies' man, man about town), a journalist, and playboy, in this wonderful homage to the Rock Hudson/Doris Day sex comedies of the 1960's. I love everything about this film. It's goofy, fun, and full of incredible wit. Ewan is incredibly funny and charming in this, and proved he was every bit as good at comedy as he was drama.

2. Big Fish (2003)

Tim Burton cast Ewan as a young  man named Ed Bloom (played older by Albert Finney), and the film focuses on Bloom as he recalls the incredible story of his life to his son (Billy Crudup), on his death-bed. Watching this film is pure magic, and McGregor is a large part of that. He's got a boyish smile that melts your heart evertime you see it. His earnest and humble nature makes you realize that you don't care if his stories are true, because he's having so much fun being part of the tale that's being told.


1. Trainspotting (1996)

If that picture doesn't say it all, I don't know what will. McGregor plays Renton, a heroin addict, trying to kick the habit. His portrayl is fearless, and pitch-perfect. This is the first film I remember ever seeing him in, and I never shook how it left me in wide-eyed awe. From Ren's beautifully shot overdose, to an unbelievably disturbing detox scene, to the infamous toilet dive, McGregor doesn't miss a beat. You become invested in his successes and failures, and root for him, even as he's ripping off his friends from one last score.

2012: Top Fifteen Must See Films

The new year is upon us! Though three weeks of films have now been released, I still would like to do my list of films I am looking forward to.

15. Argo

Bryan Cranston stars in this Ben Affleck directed vehicle about the CIA trying to save six Americans trapped at the Home of the Canadian Ambassdor in Iran, during a revolution. This may seem like an odd pick, but after "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town" being as great as they were, I'm anxious to see what Affleck has in store with a political thriller like this. And, with names like John Goodman, Kyle Chandler, and Alan Arkin, it's hard to not be a little giddy about this film.

14. Lincoln / Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Yes, this will technically make this a list of 16 films, but a biopic, and a fictionalization, of one of America's most well known presidents are projects I'm equally interested in. With the recent successes of "War Horse" and "The Adventures of Tintin", my love of all things Spielbergian has reached a fever pitch. Add Daniel Day-Lewis, an ensemble cast of Oscar caliber actors, cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, writers Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and John Logan (Hugo), and of course a score by John Williams, and you have caught my interest. As for "Vampire Hunter", I've been enthralled with director Timur Bekmambetov since his Russian vampire films, "Night Watch" and "Day Watch". This adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's novel (who also co-wrote the film) is generating big buzz, and I'm buying into it.

13. The Hunger Games

I don't know much about this film, I also haven't read the books, but it intrigues me to no end. Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) directed, and also co-wrote with the novel's author Suzanne Collins, this film about a future society forcing children to fight each other on national television. It stars Jennifer Lawrence, who keeps capturing my heart and attention with every film I see her in, except X-Men: First Class, but I can't blame her for how badly written Mystique was.

12. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Dev Patel plays a young man trying to run a senior's resort in India. Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Tom Wilkinson are all guests staying at said resort. It looks like a feel good fluff piece that could easily be one of the dumbest films of the year, and honestly I'm not a fan or director John Madden, but it is hard to not watch this trailer without a huge smile on your face.

11. American Reunion

After nearly a decade, and four horrible straight-to-video sequels, the cast of the original "American Pie" is back. This is the first of the original series to not be written by Adam Herz, but it has been taken over by the team that is responsible for the "Harold & Kumar" movies. This gives me enough faith to know that the franchise is in capable hands, and that the characters I've watched for the last 13 years will be ushered into manhood, and family life, with tremendous respect and care.

10. The Amazing Spider-Man

I couldn't leave the neighborhood friendly Spider-man out of the top ten, no matter how concerned I am. I know the third movie was a huge disappointment, but without Sam Raimi I'm on the reserve. "(500) Days of Summer" director Marc Webb is a good replacement to helm the piece, and with a script co-written by Harry Potter scribe Steve Kloves, my concerns are being quelled. And look at Andrew Garfield, he seems to fit so well. Oh, and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben. Sally Field as Aunt May. IS THAT C. THOMAS HOWELL IN THE CAST?!

9. Paranorman

I have no other reason to be this excited about this film other than this ridiculously awesome trailer, and a plot about a young boy who can talk to the dead trying to save his town from an old curse. Writer Sam Fell's best credit is 2006's "Flushed Away" and writer/director Chris Butler's most impressive credit is as storyboard supervisor on "Coraline". The voice cast has a few good actors in it, but no one in it is going to sell tickets. Watch the trailer, and see why I'm excited to see this film.

8. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

It has been 11 years since Peter Jackson first took us to the shire. It's been 9 since he completed the journey. I want the Hobbit to be higher on the list, but development hell has dimmed my enthusiasm for Tolkien's tale. I'm putting in the top 10 because I feel like this is going to be great. Despite how I feel about the studio has completely dropped the ball, I'm pretty sure Jackson can pick it back up again. Casting Martin Freeman, who has an impressive range as an actor, was a nice start.

7. Brave

I said time and time again, I won't doubt Pixar until they give me a bad film. "Cars 2" wasn't up to the Pixar standard, but I would hardly call it bad. After "Wall-E", "Up", and "Toy Story 3" hit so deep for so many people, it was just not good enough. "Brave", on the other hand, seems like it is going to be the film we should have gotten instead. It looks to be the kind of character driven plot we've come to expect from Pixar.

6. Avengers

The Avengers have entered the Whedon-verse! Joss Whedon has taken control of the Marvel Universe's amazing cast of characters, and it looks fantastic! Thor and Hulk were a good films. Captain America was great. Iron Man was phenomenal! With a writer like Whedon, who understands the complexity of superhero teams, as proven by his relaunch of Astonishing X-Men, I can't see why this film wouldn't be great

5. Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino constantly makes it into my best of list at the end of the year ("Inglorious Basterds" was my number one of 2009), so I'm always happy to see what kind of genre bending madness he has in store. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx has taken the title character, a slave turned bounty hunter trying to rescue his wife, and I can only imagine what Q has in store for him. Come to think of it, this cast is outrageous. I hope this is every bit as violent and over-the-top as the plot suggests.

4. Skyfall

BOND! Being directed by the man who directed "Road to Perdition" (Sam Mendes). The four credited writers of this films include, four previous Bond films, the Bond spoof "Johnny English", "Notes on a Scandal", and "Hugo" (John Logan's resume is so good! Why have I not caught on to him sooner?). My DVD collection boasts all 21 previous James Bond film (even "Die Another Day"), so to say that I'm excited about this one is a little bit of an understatement.

3. The Secret World of Arrietty

Studio Ghibli is doing an adaptation of "The Borrowers" co-written by studio founder Hayao Miyazaki. This apparently came out in Japan in 2010, but Disney is slow at getting us things we want. This took the 3 spot, because I love Ghibli's work. They constantly release top notch material, and I couldn't imagine anything being based off of a book this wonderful, by a studio with such a great record, being bad.

2. Prometheus

Do we NEED an "Alien" prequel? Maybe not. Do I want one? HELL YES! Ridley Scott, director of the first, and best, "Alien" film is back at the helm, and I couldn't be happier about this. Adding Lost co-creator Damon Lindleof as a co-writer also thrills me to an extreme I couldn't even have imagined possible. Wait, Guy Pearce is in it? My head may have just exploded.

1. The Dark Knight Rises

"Batman Begins" was great. The Dark Knight was even better. So, I think I'm justified in saying that I'm hoping "The Dark Knight Rises" is going to be "The Return of the King" of Nolan's franchise. And by that I mean, I want it to be three-and-a-half hours long, have multiple endings, and win Best Picture. I am not looking forward to anything more this year than I am this movie. Before you ask, yes I am getting married this summer.

Oscar nominations are Tuesday. Now that I've looked forward, I'm going to look back next week. My favorite, and least favorite films of 2011. Next week.