The Man of Constant Hatred: 25 Films #5

#101: Noah (2014) *Must-See (13)

Darren Aranofsky's Biblical Epic plays more like a grand fantasy film than it does a staunch, heavy-handed Bible movie. His actors are all cast well, especially Emma Watson, who steals nearly every scene, and his script (co-written by Ari Handel) is suspenseful and exciting. This is a solid big-budget film by a solid indie director.

#102: The Grand Budapest Hotel *Must-See (7)

#103: Iron Man 3 (2013) - B. *Rewatch

Despite the mistreatment of the Mandarin, the annoying kid, and too much Happy Hogan, this is a really fun film. It definitely has the most thrilling Marvel Studios third act action scene outside of "The Avengers". Robert Downey Jr. also seems to have reached his peak of playing Tony Stark, because he never feels out of place or off beat.

#104: Thor: The Dark World (2013) *Rewatch

#105 & 106: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) *Must-See (2)

#107: Draft Day

#108: The Last Days On Mars (2013)

A by-the-numbers sci-fi horror film that follows in the foot steps of films like "Alien" and "Event Horizon". Director Ruairi Robinson even copies shots from these films. It has a reasonably short running time that keeps it from becoming aimless, but the thrills and scares are never present.

Grade: C

#109: Hide Your Smiling Faces (2013)

There are times when Daniel Patrick Carbone's film feels a bit like a Terrence Malick piece, and other times when it feels unlike anything else. The result is a haunting depiction of two brothers, from a small rural town, who are forced to deal with the death of a friend.

Grade: B-

#110: G.B.F. (2013)

I would like to commend this film on creating a gay character that wasn't a complete stereotype, and having a pretty decent premise. I would not like to commend on not only stealing so much from every other high school movie, and copping to it more than once in the dialogue. It becomes a mixed bag of good and bad ideas, and they rotate from one second to the next. A few decent performances, and couple of belly laughs make it passable. Barely.

Grade: C

#111: The Unknown Known (2013)

This portrait of former Secretary of State, Donald Rumsfeld, is deeply engrossing, and somewhat disturbing. It was hard to not be taken by Errol Morris' use of footage, and slightly manipulative editing, to tell the story of a man who constantly finds himself next to the highest seat of power in the US. Rumsfeld is cool and collected, and calculates every answer with a sly grin, and a hearty chuckle. Even if you don't agree with him in the end, you at least come away with a modicum of respect for him.

Grade: A

#112: Alan Partridge (2013)

Steve Coogan is perhaps one of the funniest people making movies today, and he somehow is not a household name in America. While the premise of this film takes a lot from the mid-nineties comedy "Airheads", it still manages to feel original and amusing.

Grade: B+

#113: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) *Rewatch

#114: Brick Mansions (2014)

Put an eye patch on Paul Walker's character, and, suddenly, you have "Escape From Detroit". Camille Delamarre's remake of "District 13" is pure escapist fun, which makes no apologies for the lack of plot and character development. The acting is stale, the story is silly, but the action is thrilling, and there is plenty of it. Luc Besson's social commentary isn't too far off either.

Grade: C+

#115: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

#116: Dom Hemingway (2013)

#117: The Clone Wars (2008)

Grade: C-

#118: Rock and Roll High School (1979) *Rewatch

There are few films in this world that walk the line between absurd humor and flat-out insanity the way Alan Arkush's 1979 cult classic does.

Grade: A

#119: Star Wars (1977) *Rewatch

Though it has its kinks, this is the beginning of the greatest film franchise in the world. I know that sounds a little biased (because it super is!), but George Lucas created lightning in a bottle when he started this trilogy, and captured the imagination of every young

Grade: A+

#120: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1977) *Rewatch