Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, dir. Benh Zeitlin) ****/****

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" is one of the most original, mysterious, and thought-provoking films you will see from 2012.  It takes place in a southern Delta town at the edge of the world called "The Bathtub". It is so original because there is not clear motivation for a lot of the character's actions and a lot of unexpected, unpredictable things occur.  Quvenzhane Wallis plays "Hushpuppy," a little girl who lives in a shack with her father and is curious about the whereabouts of her long departed mother.  It is reminiscent of a Faulkner novel or perhaps Cormac McCarthy in his "Suttree" phase.  It also reminded me of Terrence Malick with the child's voice-over narration.  The film seems to exist in a completely different time and place - it is totally fictional at the same time that it is clearly realistic.  There are floodings, house fires, giant, wild beasts, sickness, and a loving, truthful father-daughter relationship between Hushpuppy and her father.  It is such a mysterious film and will leave a lasting impression on you after it is over.

Quartet (2012, dir. Dustin Hoffman) ***/****

Quartet is Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut and being the fine actor he is, we can expect a movie with interesting characters and good performances.  We get that from Quartet.  It takes place in a retirement home for musicians.  This allows for a great soundtrack and interesting diegetic musical renditions.  It is really Hoffman's elegy to aging and the elderly.  He is getting old himself so it is not a surprise that he deals with old age and retirement in such a noble, warm-hearted, and affectionate way.  There is a theme of carpe diem throughout as well as the idea of getting a second chance in life no matter how old you may be.  It stresses the importance of friendship, love, and kindness.  There is an interesting scene where one of the old characters is lecturing a visiting group of youngster on opera.  The differences and similarities between rap music and opera is brought about in a clever and original way.  The main plot of the film revolves around four characters who decide to reunite and perform a quartet at the annual concert that the retirement home puts on.  Maggie Smith's character is reluctant at first to do this and this allows for interesting character development and interactions.  Billy Connolly is fantastic as an old man with a youthful, sly and wise-cracking disposition.  The performances are fantastic and the story is compelling.  I don't think younger audience members will enjoy this as much as older ones as thematically it is not their area of interest and it has a somewhat slow, leisurely pace.  It is a good ensemble, character-driven film.

Forbidden Games (1952, dir. Rene Clement) ****/****

The first 15 minutes of this movie are almost unbearable to watch they are so tragic.  It conveys the horrors of World War II through the eyes of a small child, Paulette (Brigitte Fossey) who's family is trying to escape the bombing of their French town.  Eventually, the little girl's parents are killed and she escapes to the country side where she is taken in by a small family.  She befriends the small boy of the family, Michel (Georges Poujouly).  Paulette's dog was killed in the bombings and she wants it to have a proper burial.  With the help of Michel, she finds a place in an abandoned barn where they eventually construct a mass burial ground for a variety of dead animals which they find.  The film is generally sad but what great performances from the two children.  Not once do we fail to believe in the emotional reality of these characters and the actors brilliantly bring them to life.  There is a cross motif throughout the movie and the children find and steal what they can to add to their graves.  It is a great film that leaves a lasting impression thanks to the great performances and the compelling story.

The Impossible (2012, dir. Juan Antonia Bayona) ****/****

The Impossible is one of the most emotionally-involving movies I have seen in a long time.  It is about a family and their experience of trying to survive the tsunami of 2004.  It is difficult to watch at the same time that you can't tear your eyes away from the screen.  The performances are amazing.  Naomi Watts plays the mother and deserves her nomination for best actress.  The other performances are great as well|:  Ewan McGregor as the father and the three children.  Tom Holland as the oldest boy, Lucas, is particularly noteworthy.  The performances are all so realistic that not once would you question if this was a true story and a real family.  The special effects of the tsunami itself are breath-taking:  you get a real sense of the mass destruction and loss of human life.  The story is so gripping that the nearly two hours flies by and you are left dazed and amazed at this movie.  It makes you appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of the family in today's society.

Warm Bodies (2013, dir. Jonathan Levine) ***/****

Warm Bodies is an interesting zombie flick because it plays cleverly with the established conventions of the genre.  R (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie who isn't comfortable with his status as a walking corpse - he gets bored, has feelings, can communicate in minimal ways, and even has a friend.  When he saves the life of Julie (Teresa Palmer) they start to develop a relationship that is unconventional and original cinematically.  R shows sympathy and empathy for Julie and is immediately drawn to her in a way you wouldn't expect from a typical zombie.  Something stirs inside of him when he first sees her.
R brings Julie back to his homeland and his abode is an abandoned airplane.  This situation allows for interesting soundtrack possibilities because R owns an record player and interesting assortment of vinyl records.  I was happy to hear Bob Dylan's "Shelter From The Storm" played appropriately on the soundtrack.  One other interesting twist on the zombie genre is the walking dead's ability to have memories of their victims after they eat their brains.  When R initially kills and eats the brain of Julie's boyfriend, we are allowed an interesting glimpse into the boy's past and his relationship with Julie.  This allows for additional character development on the part of Julie.
There are some weak points in the film however.  Some things that occur defy believability as when Julie doesn't put up a fight when she is somewhat forcefully brought to R's homeland.  Also she doesn't show much remorse over the death of her boyfriend.
John Malkovich has a supporting role as Julie's father that is stereotypical, lacking in depth, and unoriginal.
There are some warm moments in Warm Bodies and it has fun with the conventions of the zombie genre.  Teens will probably enjoy it more than adults but it is worth seeing.

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946, dir. Tay Garnett) ****/****

Here's the gist of the film from imdb.com:

"A married woman and a drifter fall in love, then plot to murder her husband... but even once the deed is done, they must live with the consequences of their actions."

For one, Lana Turner is beautiful.  She plays Cora Smith.  A fun one to watch. 
Garfield is in her shadow and doesn't stand a chance but he is adequate.
Hume Cronyn delivers an interesting performance as Arthur Keats, Cora's defense lawyer.
This film is not predictable:  things happen unexpectedly, thwart the conventions of the film noir genre in interesting ways and helps to shape the genre and establish new codes.
Cora is not your typical femme fatale:  both the male and female protagonists have there own dark sides and issues bubbling under the surface.
It is based on a novel by James M. Cain. author of such novels as "Double Indemnity" and "Mildred Pierce".
The ending is typical of older movies such as this:  so much more abrupt and almost awkward in comparison to the way movies end today.  Everything is neatly resolved in the end and the equilibrium is restored.  The wrongdoers are punished for there crimes and their sins.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965, dir. Norman Jewison) ***/****

While I'm no die-hard poker player, Norman Jewison's "The Cincinnati Kid" turns the game into an exciting, compelling adventure.  There are is great cast in this film that give good performances.  Steve McQueen, as usual, is charismatic, and a swaggering, intelligent card-shark.  Edward G. Robinson steals the show as his main adversary and chief opponent.  The film is fun to watch and at times intense.  There are scenes which reminded me of "The Sting" another film that deals with poker as a heart-pounding game of luck mixed with will-power.  The ending is breath-taking and will put you on the edge of your seat until the closing credits.  A good film, with a great cast, that has many exciting surprises.

The Good Shepherd (2006, dir. Robert De Niro) ****/****

In Robert De Niro's "The Good Shepherd", the early days of the Central Intelligence Agency is seen through the eyes of one man's life.  This man is Edward Wilson played by Matt Damon in one of his best performances.    It is an epic film that spans many different time periods and locations.  There is great supporting performances but this film belongs to Damon.  He creates a complex characterization: he repels you in his lack of attention towards his family (especially his son) at the same time that he draws you in and makes himself a likeable, charismatic individual.  He is withdrawn and emotionally stunted but his character develops and grows over time.  There are poignant scenes at home where we witness Wilson's family life and relationships that are juxtaposed with his high-stakes life on the job as a CIA agent.  There is flashbacks to Wilson's early childhood and young adulthood at university that serve as building blocks for the character that Wilson will become.  It effortlessly blends historical fact with fiction and De Niro's direction is impeccable.  This is one of the best spy movies ever made.  It is an epic, convoluted masterpiece.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012, dir. David O. Russell) ****/****

"Silver Linings Playbook" is one of the best films of 2012.  Having just been released from a mental hospital, Pat (Bradley Cooper) is trying to cope with his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and get his life back together.  He meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman with similar mental problems of her own, and many unexpected things occur as they develop a friendship.  The performances in this film are amazing.  It is no surprise that Cooper, Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Jacki Weaver have all received Oscar nominations.  Few films have dealt with mental illness in such a direct, honest, and heart-felt way and it really hit close to home for me.  The family dynamics is another aspect of the film that is dealt with refreshingly and poignantly.  De Niro's father figure is familiar in an original way.  His OCD and football fanaticism were funny and true-to-life.  Cooper is amazing as well.  He turns a character that could easily have been stereotypical and unlikeable into a man of fragility, compassion, and endearing eccentricity.  Lawrence is great as well:  her Tiffany is charismatic, bold, and funny.  Overall, this is a great cinematic experience and is revealing in its portrayal of realistic, eccentric characters and their relationships with one another.

Under African Skies (2012, dir. Joe Berlinger) ***.5/****

"Under African Skies" is a documentary that tells the tale of musician Paul Simon's return to South Africa in 2012, the place where he recruited musicians and recorded some of his critically acclaimed "Graceland" album.  This album was also met with critical dissent - Simon disobeyed the U.N.'s boycott on African cultural products that was an attempt to end apartheid in that nation.  Thus, Simon's return to South Africa 25 years later and his anniversary concert in New York were an attempt to recapture the magic of the "Graceland" tour, reunite with the musicians, and explore the tensions and criticisms that came with the events.  It is a solid documentary and fans of Simon's music will enjoy it.  The documentary blends historical footage with current interviews and performances, though the current performances pale in comparison to the originals.  There is much debate over whether or not Simon was wrong to go to South Africa in 1985.  Simon defends himself throughout and the filmmaker, Berlinger, seems to side with Simon in the overall message of the film.  Surely, as Simon himself attests, there is nothing wrong with collaboration between like-minded musicians no matter what the colour of his or her skin.

Love Story (1970, dir. Arthur Hiller) ***.5/****

Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal star in Arthur Hiller's "Love Story" a film I had the pleasure of seeing on the big screen 43 years after its initial release.  Oliver (O'Neal) and Jen (MacGraw) meet and are immediately drawn to one another.  Despite there differing backgrounds they have a lot of chemistry and fall in love.  The movie tells the tale of their love affair and marriage and the complications which arise within their different background and families.  It is a film of its time, everything about it smacks of 1970, a time when colours were warm and men's hairstyles were shaggy.  It is a tragic tale but there are funny, poignant moments.  Not everyone will like this movie - many will say its too syrupy and melodramatic.  I enjoyed it though.

Anna Karenina (2012, dir. Joe Wright) ***.5/****

Joe Wright's "Anna Karenina" tells the story of a woman (Keira Knightley) of high society in Imperial Russia whose affair with a Count threatens her very existence.   It is based on a classic novel by Leo Tolstoy.   It is visually stunning, filmic eye-candy.  Keira Knightley is very beautiful and makes it a pleasure to watch.  I also loved to watch Alicia Vikander as Kitty.  I am easily won-over by beautiful actresses.  It might be a bad movie but if there are beautiful actress in a movie I can easily sit through and enjoy it.  Knightley and Vikander are worth the price of admission.  The acting is good from all the actors.  The sets are incredible and the cinematography is captivating.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984, dir. Hayao Miyazaki) ***/****

Nausicaa is a princess in the Valley of the Wind and must defend her village against invasions from several different foes.  One of them is a giant insect creature called Ohmu that respond negatively to disruptions in the surrounding jungles.  This is early Miyazaki, based on a comic book, and it would be superseded by later films in which he would master the art of storytelling.  This is a good film but the story can be somewhat confusing even though it is directed at children.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012, dir. Marc Webb) **.5/****

Not to be confused with the Sam Raimi-Tobey Maguire Spiderman trilogy, Marc Webb has directed a new adaptation of the Stan Lee-Steve Ditko comic book.  Was it necessary?   It stars Andrew Garfield as the new Peter Parker and Emma Stone as his love interest.  This time Peter is trying to find out the reason for the disappearance of his parents.  He finds clues that lead him to Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) his father's former partner.  Along the way he is of course bitten by the spider which gives him superhuman strength and the ability to climb up walls.  I didn't like the film much, not because I have allegiances to any older Spiderman films but because there were too many moments that I found phoney, cliched or predictable.  The relationship between Garfield and Stone is somewhat forced and unbelievable.  The scientific gadgetry in Connor's laboratory is confusing.  I hope the new Superman film is better than this.

Hideaway (2009, dir. Francois Ozon) ***/****

A Francois Ozon's Hideaway, a young heroin addict, Mousse (Isabelle Carre) who's boyfriend recently died from an overdose, discovers she's pregnant.   She moves into a quiet cottage away from Paris and lives a tranquil, secluded existence.  Soon, her dead boyfriend's gay brother (Louis-Ronan Choisy) moves in with her.  The film centres on their developing, unconventional relationship.  Hideaway is a character study in which not a lot happens in the way of action.  The acting is good and the story is slow-moving but still quite compelling.  It is recommended to fans of French cinema and character-driven films.

Marty (1955, dir. Delbert Mann) ***.5/****

Ernest Borgnine won an Oscar for his portrayal of Marty Piletti in Delbert Mann's 1955 classic, "Marty".  It is a rewarding picture and performance to watch.  I felt akin to Marty myself being a 34-year old, never-married, single man.  Marty is a burly, lonely, and shy butcher who has arrived at the idea that he probably will never find a partner.  He lives with his mother and spends time on the weekends with his friends trying to figure out something to do to pass the time.  One Saturday night his mother suggests that he go dancing.  At first he is reluctant but eventually he gives in and attends a ballroom with his friend Angie (Joe Mantell).  It looks like it will just be another lonely, rejection-filled night until he meets Clara (Betsy Blair) and finds much in common with her.  They spend the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other.  It looks like a perfect match.  Eventually, despite reservations from his friends and mother, he decides that she is his ideal woman and decides, in the end,  to continue  to see her.  There is much to like about "Marty."  The performances are good, and the dialogue is realistic and appropriate.  Many people will identify with the two principle characters, and they undoubtably have because "Marty" one best picture in 1955 and has gone on to become a popular hit with audiences of every generation.  The film was made over 50 years ago but it still rings true today.  It teaches us that we have to trust our heart and instincts even if they go against the opinion of our family and friends.  It also shows that everyone, anywhere can find true love if they give it a bit of effort.

Sabotage (1936, dir. Alfred Hitchcock) ***/****

Hitchcock is known as the "master of suspense."  In Sabotage, there is one particular sequence which is  very suspenseful.  It involves a time bomb.  The audience knows when it will go off.  The characters however, are ignorant of its presence and as time tick away we realize that it is definitely going to go off.  I liked Sabotage for its suspense and its interesting character.  Sylvia Sidney is very beautiful and a pleasure to watch.  Oskar Homolka plays Verloc, a movie theatre owner who's wife (Sidney) slowly begins to suspect him of being a saboteur.  It is no spoiler that she is correct.   Her younger brother is the unfortunate recipient of the time bomb and the suspense is created as he is diverted on the way to his destination.  There is an undercover Scotland Yard constable who grows more and more suspicious of Verloc as the plot unfolds.  This is not the best of Hitchcock's films but it is an enjoyable early one.  The cast is good and the story and characters are admirable as well.

Imitation of Life (1959, dir. Douglas Sirk) ***.5/****

An aspiring actress named Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) is struggling to make ends meet, living alone with her 6-year-old daughter, Susie.  One day on a beach she meets a black woman, Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore) and her light-skinned 8-year old daughter, Sarah Jane.  Lora decides to take Annie on as her maid and the two women strike up a deep friendship.  Slowly, Lora's acting career begins to take flight and she takes on more and more roles and meets more and more people that will help her advance in her career.  The years go by and Lora, ten years later, is a seasoned actress who still feels that something is missing from her life.  There is a potential suitor, Steve (John Gavin) who loves her but is pushed aside to make way for the highly ambitious Lora's career trajectory.  Lora and Annie are still living together and now their two daughter's lives have become more complicated and troubled.   Susie has fallen in love with Steve and Sarah Jane rejects her black mother and refuses to accept her because of the colour of her skin.
Sirk's direction is masterful and he is an expert in putting female characters in situations where their society is at odds with their own interests.  It is highly melodramatic as most Sirk films are but it is compelling too and you feel deeply for the characters.  The acting is superb from most of the actors the only annoying one is Sandra Dee as the adolescent Susie.  The relationship between Annie and Sarah Jane is hearth-breaking and tragic.  This film is a remake of a 1934 Claudette Colbert film and is based on a novel by Fannie Hurst.  A moving, well-acted film.

 

A Late Quartet (2012, dir. Yaron Zilberman) ***/****

You do not have to be a classical music expert to enjoy A Late Quartet.  The film centres around four musicians who are part of a string quartet.  Christopher Walken's character Peter Mitchell is the oldest member of the group and he find out that he is in the early stages of Parkinson's disease.  This means that he will have to retire from the group as his co-ordination and dexterity declines.   The other members are the married couple Robert and Juliette Gelbart (Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Catharine Keener) and Daniel Lerner (Mark Ivanir).  The film depicts how Mitchell's diagnosis affects the dynamics of the group and relationship of the people involved.  It is a really enjoyable film with great performances.  It is interesting to get a realistic glimpse into the lives of classical musicians and how their decisions and eccentricities can be trying and complicated.  A nice character study and will leave you feeling good about yourself and humanity afterwards.

Broken City (2013, dir. Allen Hughes) ***/****

Broken City tells the tale of Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) a an ex-cop turned private eye who is enlisted by the mayor of New York City (Russell Crowe) to find out if and who with his wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is having an affair.  The mayor, Hostetler (Crowe) is in the middle of a heated campaign to be re-elected as mayor.  His main opponent (Jack Valliant) is eager to take his place and his campaign manager may or may not be having the affair with Zeta-Jones' character.  Wahlberg finds himself going deeper and deeper into the seamy underbelly of Hostetler's corruption.  Eventually, he must risk his freedom from imprisonment by revealing the corruption.  It is not the greatest film I have seen in recent times but it is a pretty entertaining film with solid performances from all the principle actors.  The screenplay is weak at times and the story can be confusing but it is good enough to be seen by fans of the actors and mysteries.