Top 10 Movies 2014

Introduction 

As I have gotten older, I have let go of the idea that my opinion about a movie is right.  The truth is that there are no rights and wrongs about what makes a good movie - only opinions that when pooled together make a majority or a minority.

For me, loving a movie can be as much about where I am in my life and who I share the experience with as it is about the movie itself.  In fact, many of my most meaningful movie experiences have come when a great movie has intersected with my life circumstance at just the right time.

So thanks for taking a look at my opinions for the best of movies of 2014.  I have also added some awards and a few movies to avoid.  I realize this is going out a bit late this year, but the studios delayed the release of a lot of their best movies, so I had to wait later than I wanted.  But I think the list is good enough and ready to go.

I hope you find a few good movies you haven't seen.  By including them on this list, I believe they are worth the investment of your time.  I always love to hear what you think about the movies on the list, even if you disagree with me, so feel free to email me anytime at bpeterson@chapman.edu to discuss them.  Enjoy!

In Memoriam

Good Morning Vietnam - R (1986)
Everyone knows Robin Williams was a brilliant comedian, but I always loved him as a dramatic actor also. While I liked his characters in Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting, my favorite movie of his was Good Morning Vietnam.  This movie embodies my sentiment above that many of my most meaningful movie experiences have come when a great movie intersected with my life circumstance at just the right time. When I was 16, I worked at a movie theater and I must had seen this preview over 50 times.  I desperately wanted to see the movie, but it wasn't playing at my theater so I had to find it at another.  Because I was five foot four and looked 14 when I was 16, I was carded at the box office window and denied tickets - even though I had a free pass since I was an employee of the movie theater chain.  But not to be deterred, my cousin and I tried to see it again the next weekend.  We found a tall guy in line, gave him some money, and asked if he would buy some tickets for us. It worked and we finally got tickets!  I remember feeling the anticipation waiting for the movie to start in a theater full of enthusiastic moviegoers.  I laughed and laughed and felt such a connection to the story and to the humanity of Williams' character.  Playing an unorthodox military DJ serving in Vietnam, Williams was able to be his crazy comic self, while also bringing a new found seriousness to his acting - resulting in his first Academy Award nomination.  If you haven't seen it, you should check it out - it is a funny and powerful movie.



From The Vault
The Shawshank Redemption - R (1994)
There are movies, and then there is The Shawshank Redemption.  Twenty years later, this movie still holds up.  I was able to watch it in a theater at Chapman this year and it was just as powerful now as it was when I first saw it. This was the movie to put Morgan Freeman's narration on the map, and it is the best film adaptation of any of Stephen King's work.  Frank Darrabont's writing and directing are incredible in every way.  And this is also one of my all-time favorite movie posters.














2014 HITS AND MISSES


The Independent Spirit Award 
The One I Love - R
The movie explores a couple's attempt to save their crumbling marriage and includes a creative twilight zone type twist.  It was creative and interesting. I saw it at a screening where the director (a Chapman alum) was in attendance to do a Q&A. It was great to hear his rationale for the story and how the movie came to be.  If you like original, creative independent movies, give it a try - you can now stream it on Netflix. 

Wes Anderson: Been There Done That
The Grand Budapest Hotel - R
I was a big fan of Wes Anderson for many years.  But his last two movies have left me cold as his trademark quirkiness has grown tired.  This hillarious SNL skit shows how predictable he has become. I can't believe this was nominated for 9 Oscars.  I was watching this on a plane and I couldn't even make it to the end - choosing instead to be like David Putty from Seinfeld and just stare at the seat in front of me rather than watch this movie any longer.

For the Music Lover
Mumford and Sons - The Road to Red Rocks
Although this technically came out in 2013, I saw it in 2014 year and thought it would make a great addition to the list.  If you are looking for a documentary/concert about an incredibly talented band, this is a great one to see.






Kids Corner

The Lego Movie - G
I doubted a movie about legos would be any good.  However, this movie was a lot of fun.  From the music, to the lighthearted good humor, this was a great movie for parents and their kids.  My daughters love to sing the dark and brooding song Batman sings to his girlfriend about his childhood: "Darkness . . . . . no parents . . . . . . .super rich  . . . . . . kind of makes it better."  Hysterical!


Review from a 4-Year Old
My 4-year old daughter just saw the Lego Movie poster on the blog and wanted me to write down what she thought of the movie.  Here is her verbatim  review:  "Everything is awesome in the lego movie.  There is a bad guy that looks like a pirate.  And Wild Styles is really beautiful - her real name is Lucy.  Emmit is the awesomest guy in the world.  He built a two seat couch that saves them in the water.  The bad guy glued everyone together.  Batman in the awesome guy in the world."

It looks like the future of my movie blog is in good hands!

How to Train Your Dragon 2
I didn't love this movie as much as I did the first one, but it was well done and a nice middle installment in a trilogy.  There were some darker elements that were resolved too easily, but aside from that, I thought it was worth seeing.

  


The Days of Summer
Here are some fun movies from the summer months.

Edge of Tomorrow - PG 13
In the past, I have been accused of favoring art house independent films over mainstream movies -- which is pretty much true.  But Edge of Tomorrow was the rare summer blockbuster that was smart, had believable suspense, and had two great performances by the leads.  I'm not sure why there are so many Tom Cruise haters out there - the guy can act.  He rarely makes a bad movie and has a lot of talent.  But the real surprise of this movie for me was Emily Blunt.  She shows great acting range and is a bonafide movie star.  She is in line for a long and promising career.  If you are looking for a popcorn action movie with a brain, this is a great one to see.

 
Guardians of the Galaxy - PG 13
This movie basically proved Marvel can do no wrong - shown here in another hysterical SNL skit.  I thought this movie would fall flat, but it was funny and I cared about the characters by the end.  Between the Lego Movie and this one, Chris Pratt had quite the year in terms of box office dollars. 











Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - PG 13
I went to this movie with my son with very low expectations.  It turned out to be actually really good.  It had an independent feel to it - with a focus on story and quieter moments.  Of course, it was only a matter of time before the action ramped up to a mind numbing pitch which I hate, but overall it was well done and was worth a summer night at the movies.





Godzilla PG 13
This was a fairly enjoyable reboot of a old monster classic. Of course, it is full of too many coincidences and unbelievable scenarios, but I guess that's what you sign up for when you watch a movie about a 100 foot fire-breathing lizard.

 
  
The Feel Good Award 3
Dolphin Tale 2 - PG
This years Feel Good Award goes to Dolphin Tale 2.  It wasn't quite as good as the first movie (hence less crying, but still some of course), but it was a good old-fashioned family film that makes you feel positive about life as you leave the theater.  Watching it with my 10-year old daughter made it a lot more fun.       

The Should Have Been Great Award 
Unbroken - PG-13 
I didn't love this movie.  In fact, I really didn't even like it.  And when the final credits rolled I knew why -- the Coen brothers.  How they were inextricably brought on to single handedly ruin Laura Hillenbrand's book is beyond me.  I vowed last year I would never see another Coen brother movie again - only I was tricked into it as I didn't realize they wrote it!  The movie should have been great, but the tone was one note, and the movie just wasn't able to capture the depth of what made this amazing man who he was (again blaming terrible Coen script).  With a different director and writers, I believe this could have been an epic movie.  But the final result was uninspiring.

The Long Term Vision Award 
Boyhood - R
While I didn't love this movie deeply, I appreciated the vision it took to make it.  The director followed the same cast over a 12 year period tracking a boys life from 6-18.  This approach has never been used to make a fictional feature film before and for that Richard Linklater's original movie deserves mention.    





















Three Strikes and Your Out!
The Hobbit Part III - Greed Fills Middle Earth and Peter Jackson's Wallet
I can't believe they made this into 3 movies.  And even worse - I can't believe I fell for it and bought tickets 3 years in a row.  I blame this on the fact my son was 11, 12, and 13 and I thought it would be an amazing experience for he and I to share.  However, after slogging through 9 hours of orcs, elves, and dwarves, I regret the whole thing!  The story focuses on the greed of Peter Jackson Thorin, a one-trick film director dwarf in search of his next great movie ancestors lost kingdom. I think this could have been a great 3 hour movie, but instead, Jackson decided to add characters not in the book, and expand it to 3 movies solely for financial purposes (each release grosses about one billion dollars worldwide).  When it was finally over, I didn't find myself caring about the fates of any of the characters.  I should have just watched this 72 seconds summary instead.  Let's just say that I am glad that the journey to middle earth is finally over!

2014 Top 10 Movies

#10 Whiplash - R
This movie examines the quest for perfection in music.  It follows the story of a young musician (Miles Teller) who is driven to be one of the greatest drummers ever.  He enrolls in prestigious music conservatory and is part of the studio band that traditionally is one of the best in the country.  However, this success comes at a price as the music teacher rules the classroom with fear.  While JK Simmon's has received a lot of awards for his performance as the teacher, it is extremely difficult to watch him embarrass, humiliate, and verbally abuse his students to a degree rarely thought possible. I despised his character as he goes against everything I believe about teacher/student relationships. Miles Teller's character has his own flaws - in his quest for success he makes his share of sacrifices along the way, ultimately alienating anyone close to him.  The way power is displayed between teacher and student is one of the more interesting dynamic of the movie. The situations and music in the final 20 minutes make it worth the struggle.  And I absolutely love this movie poster.         

#9 Dear White People - R
This was Chapman alumni Justin Simeon's first feature film and it was impressive!  He wrote and directed this movie that tackles a huge topic - finding a racial identity in today's post slavery/civil rights era.  The story follows the very different paths of four Black students as they navigate college life at a fictional Ivy League university.  It is smartly directed and incredibly well acted (Tessa Thompson).  I particularly loved the complexity of the writing which I felt was outstanding.  I really can't write a review to do this film justice, but A.O. Scott of the NY Times does here.










#8 Big Hero 6 - PG
A direct quote from my kids a few days after we saw it went something like this, "Dad just keeps going on and on and on about it, everytime he talks he's like 'Man, I REALLY liked Big Hero 6'."  It's true - .  I really did love this movie.  It goes beyond the scope of most kids movies dealing with issues such as grief/loss, revenge/forgiveness, and using technology and science for health care and the greater social good.  Plus it was laugh-out-loud funny and had great animation - all with a heart.  This was easily my favorite animated movie of the year.       

#7 Into the Woods - PG
What happens when you finally get what you wish for?  Into the Woods interweaves familiar fairy tales to provide a possible answer to this question.  I was first introduced to this play 20 years ago and I fell in love with it.  So when I heard they were making a movie about it, I was excited.  At the same time, I wondered if they could pull off the transition from the stage to the screen.  But I believe that director Rob Marshall (Annie, Chicago) was the perfect choice for the job.  Stephen Sondheim's rapid fire lyrics are so funny and smart I never tire of hearing them.  And I love exploring the idea of what may happen when you finally get what you think will make you happy.  I thought the entire case was phenomenal - with Emily Blunt and Anna Kendrick as the standouts.  I love what Blunt brought to the role of the Baker's wife, and Kendrick's voice was just so beautiful (I guess this is unsurprising given she was nominated for a Tony award at 12 years old).  "On the Steps of the Palace" was one of the most creatively shot songs in the movie. My ten-year old daughter was the perfect age to introduce to the movie so after taking her to see it once and listening to CD over and over together at home, we went to see it again a second time . . . and loved it again! 




#6 Interstellar - PG 13
No one can accuse Christopher Nolan of playing it safe.  He makes ambitious movies and takes huge risks.  I loved the vision of pushing global warming to its limits and seeing what we might do if the earth was not in a position to support life.  I also respected that Nolan collaborated with the leading scientists of the day to provide a foundation for the theories of time and space explored in the movie.  This is a big concept movie driven by a far-reaching story, solid acting, and high-quality direction.  It is definitely worth seeing.

 
#5 Still Alice - PG 13
There are few Hollywood actresses that can convincingly play a linguistics professor at Columbia University.  There are even fewer actresses that can play a 50 year old woman diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer disease.  Julianne Moore somehow does both in this moving account of unexpected loss.  This is my favorite type of movie - one that has a simple script, is about real people dealing with real situations, and one that honestly examines how the characters handle the situations.  It is not a perfect movie - I would have liked to see more development of the family relationships and some additional backstory in how they got to where they were.  But this movie excels in showing how one woman struggles with this disease when she is in the prime of her life and career.  Julianne Moore is an incredibly talented actress - she brings so believability to the character.  I don't believe there are very many actresses who could have pulled off this role so convincingly. 

#4 Chef - R
Jon Favreau began with writing small independent movies (Swingers), moved into directing huge budget Marvel blockbusters (Iron Man 1 and 2), and returned to his independent roots writing and directing Chef - a simple, smart and moving story about finding integrity in your work and developing unexpected bonds along the way.  I like how Favreau doesn't sentimentalize his characters or the situations they find themselves in.  Instead, he plays it straight and doesn't feel the need to manipulate the audience.  The end result is a movie that feels very real.  The changes you see in the characters over the course of the movie are small enough to be believable, yet big enough to be meaningful.  I loved this movie.






















#3 The Imitation Game - PG 13
Ever since I saw Benedict Cumberpatch in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, I have loved his brilliant acting.  In this movie he plays Alan Turing, a young British mathematician who helps bring an early end to World War II by breaking Enigma - the encoded German military communication system.  I don't want to spoil the story for you, so I will only say it examines how the British government treated this war hero following his arrest in conjunction with a robbery in 1952.  It is a smart and well acted movie, and the story is moving and important.  I left the theater feeling like I had been punched in the stomach as this story is a tragedy at its core.  

  #2 Birdman - R
I absolutely loved this movie.  The acting was amazing, the story drew me in from the beginning, and the direction and technical work were revolutionary (the film looks like one continuous take from beginning to end).  The plot revolves around Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) a washed up actor who once played the superhero Birdman in the 80s (just as Keaton did with Batman).  Riggan was defined by the role and struggled to ever be taken seriously as an actor ever since. So at the twilight of his career, he personally funds, writes, directs, and stars in a Broadway play in an effort to stay relevant and prove his worth as an actor.  But it comes at a price as he struggles against his self-doubt and inner demons, as well as the doubts of others who want to see him fail. I loved the existential story line that asked big questions of its characters related to the importance of work, art, and personal relevance.  Michael Keaton's acting was tremendous, and Edward Norton's crazy Broadway actor is fantastic in every scene he is in. I loved the percussion score coupled with shots of the drummer at key times in the movie.  Writer/director Alejandro Inarritu deserves special mention.  His vision of this movie was amazing, and the writing is smart and engaging.  This was definitely the most intellectually satisfying movie experience I had all year.







#1 Selma - PG 13
This story of the civil rights march in Selma, Alabama was the most important story to be told this year.  It was also one of the best acted and directed.  After leaving this movie, I thought Selma would earn 10 Oscar nominations, but disappointingly it only received 2.  Director Ava DuVernay gives the audience a front row seat to the quiet brilliance, compassion, and leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr.  She wonderfully balances a large scale epic with scenes of personal reflection and introspection.  David Oyelowo is absolutely amazing as Martin Luther King Jr.  He paints a powerful and intimate picture of King's personality.  The movie also depicts how difficult it was to navigate the civil rights terrain - knowing how to plan strategy, keep people united, and hold onto hope during an utterly desperate time.  Marin Luther King Jr. was truly a great man who really did change the world. This movie honors his work and those who had the courage to follow him.  I hope you see it!

Top 10 Movies 2013

Introduction
Welcome to my 10th annual Top 10 movie list.  This year, instead of a Powerpoint, I have created the list in this blog.  I hope it makes it easier to access and view.  We will see how it works out.  I have also begun transferring the old lists to the archive so if you want to check out past years, you can.

Part of the fun of making a Top 10 List is solely personal.  I just like to do it.  And part of the fun is sharing it with others.  I hope you will be able to find a movie or two you end up enjoying.  It is always fun for me to hear someone tell me they saw a movie I recommended so please let me know if you do (just email me at bpeterson@chapman.edu).


2013
This has been a tremendous year for movies. I can't remember a year when I have seen so many great ones. Making a Top 10 List is going to prove difficult, so I will cheat and throw in some extra "awards" to recognize many of the excellent movies that were made this year outside of the Top 10 - and also to steer you away from some that aren't worth seeing.

The Coming of Age Awards

The Way Way Back  PG-13
This was one of the many coming of age movies this year.  There are some great characters here, and you really feel for the plight of the young protagonist. However, it was Sam Rockwell's funny and off-beat performance as a water park employee that really made me love this movie.  I know many people who would put this as their favorite movie of the year so I don't think you can go wrong here.

The Kings of Summer  R
The Kings of Summer was that rare film about teens that was smartly written for adults. Three boys who are tired of their parents decide to run away and build their own house in the forest.  The relationship among the boys is compelling - as is the exploration of the fantasy that a teen living in isolation away from his family will solve his problems. Moises Arias was completely enjoyable as the eccentric Biaggio. And Nick Offerman's cynical Dad was one of the best characters I have seen on screen in a long time.  The original premise, plus the sharp writing, make this a must see.

 

Kids Corner
Frozen  PG
This was a wonderful holiday surprise and it may not be a stretch to say that this is an instant Disney classic. The songs are imaginative, the story is original, and the voice talents are pretty amazing.   Everyone knew Idina Menzel (Wicked, Rent) would be great, so the real surprise here is Kristen Bell as Anna.  Her character really drives the movie - and her voice sounds perfect!  I am pretty sure this will be a huge Broadway hit in 5 years.  It was also my daughter Makenzie's first movie in theaters, so I have a soft spot for it.

The Croods  PG
While Frozen got all a lot of attention - and rightly so - The Croods was not as celebrated - and sadly so. This was a gem of a movie - and I would dare say, I liked it better than Frozen in many ways. This is probably because I am a dad and the movie is about an overprotective father who has a tough time with change (mmmm, perhaps what's going here is overidentification!).  I could go on and on about the movie - it is smart from beginning to end - and it has one of the most touching scenes I saw all year.  If you are looking for a great movie for the whole family, watch this tonight.




Despicable Me 2  PG
All I can really say about this movie is that it is hilarious from beginning to end.  The little minions just make me laugh.

The Take Your Teen Award
The Book Thief  PG-13
I liked this movie because it explore some very complicated themes - the loss of innocence, the cruelty of war, and the realities of death - and it does so in such a way that young teens can gain an introductory exposure to them.  See it with your teenager and it will provide you an opportunity to have an in-depth discussion. For adults, there are more powerful explorations of the Nazi influence on World War II (Schindler's List and The Pianist), but it was new for me to see the perspective of the war from inside Germany - and especially through the eyes of the young characters.










The Make Sure To See It Award
Ender's Game  PG-13
This is a movie that was sadly overlooked by many filmgoers.  I saw it only because my son wanted to go - and my expectations were not very high.  However, I came out raving about it so much he finally told me "you should just put it on your list, you have been going on and on about it all day!" So here it is. I loved it because it examined big ideas including the ethics of using children to lead an army, the morality of war itself, and the paradoxical concept of using empathy to defeat your enemy.  I  found the acting and direction first rate - especially considering that teens have to carry the movie much of the time.  The set pieces and visuals were outstanding. If you didn't see this movie, I would highly recommend that you do. This was one of the most intellectually and emotionally satisfying movies I saw all year.




The Return of Tom Hanks Award
Captain Phillips  PG-13
Building suspense through technical realism is what director Paul Greengrass does best (The Bourne moives, United 93).  This movie tells the true story of a cargo liner hijacked by Somali pirates.  Most people saw the movie so it is not news to anyone that Tom Hanks really shines playing Captain Phillips.  His understated nature throughout the movie sets the stage for some of his greatest acting in the final 15 minutes of the movie. This is the classic "you'll be on the edge of your seat" thriller.

 

The Unbelievable Story Award
Philomenia  PG-13
This movie is smartly written, wry, and often times humorous. However, it has a darker center as it is based on a heartbreakingly true story of a pregnant teen abandoned by her parents and is "taken in" by Irish nuns.  However, the nuns shame her for her sin, only allow her to see her child for one hour a day, and then let her child be adopted by another couple without her consent.  Fifty years later, the woman and a former BBC journalist team up to try and locate her son.  There is a nice interplay between the two main characters - one is uneducated, simple, and continually believing in the goodness of others.  The other is an Oxford educated, sometimes cynical journalist, who asks direct questions and does not back down in the face of religious authority. Both are necessary for the story to unfold as it does.  At it's core, Philomenia is a tragic story that examines the interplay between the abuses of religious authority, and the power of forgiveness in such situations.





The Save Your Time and Money Award
Inside Llewyn Davis  R
                                                    Time for some grades:

    Movie Poster  A+
    Music  A+
    Story  D
    Writing  F

I realize I am in a small minority of people perpetually disappointed by the Coen brother's movies.  However, I have consistently disliked their movies. I thought this one might be different . . . it wasn't.  It could have been pretty fantastic given the talent of the lead actor and the beauty of the music, but it quickly goes off-line.  What I have a hard time is the Coen's bleak world view.  Things typically go from bad to worse for their characters and they just seem resigned to their fate.  I also thought it was poorly written.  I would recommend you save your money and use it to buy the music on i-Tunes.

The Don't Drink the Kool Aid Award III
All is Lost  PG-13

Every year there is one movie that is praised by critics and lost on audiences (Amour 2012, Tree of Life 2011).  All is Lost is this year's movie.  I can sum up this movie in a few sentences.  See Robert Redord get a hole in his boat, see Robert Redford bail water out of his boat, see Robert Redford put on his slickers, see Robert Redford weather a storm, see Robert Redford take off his slickers, see Robert Redford get in a life raft, see Robert Redford never talk - to anyone, or anything, for 90 minutes.  See critics praise this as groundbreaking.  See audiences walk out of the theater bewildered.

2013's Top 10

#10 Gravity  PG-13
This movie is groundbreaking in the visually spectacular department - something tough to do in today's filmmaking environment.  Director Alfonso Curon has always been a favorite of mine - his movie Children of Men is one of the best out there.  His amazing direction is the key to the movie.  Gravity is suspenseful for all the right reasons, and it includes an strong lead performance by Sandra Bullock.  At its core, this is a powerful movie about survival and hope.

#9 Stories We Tell  PG-13
Sarah Polley created a "must-see documentary" (if that's possible) with her insightful re-telling of the story of her family.  The compelling truth of her life history is equaled by the inventive storytelling mechanisms used by Polley to convey the message.  This is a great movie - perfect for anyone interested in family history, the power of memories, and the techniques of documentary filmmaking. It will leave you thinking about the accuracy of our memories and the importance of the stories we tell about our lives. Just brilliant.

#8 Nebraska  R
I admired this movie when I first saw it, and the more distance I got from it, the more I liked it.  It is a gutsy move in today film making environment to make a black and white character study about a partially senile father trying to walk from Montana to Nebraska to claim his million dollar winnings from Publishers Clearinghouse.  But it works tremendously well.  Will Forte (SNL alum) goes against type as the straight man here and is the heart of the film.  The two Nebraksa cousins were classic - if you have ever had a conversation with guys like this you will instantly relate.  The supporting cast really carries the movie. Stacy Keach was especially good as an old work colleague looking to cash in on his friends winnings.  It won't be for everyone, but if you like this kind of movie, you'll enjoy what you get.

#7 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty  PG
Ben Stiller directs a visually creative and beautiful movie that tells a story about living your dreams and finding meaning and joy in your life.  This is one of the few movies I have seen where the use of CGI is used to enhance the story.  The movie felt like art - there are so many visually stunning and imaginative scenes.  For that reason alone, it makes the Top 10. I think that the movie will appeal to many demographics - those older that 50 will appreciate the references to Life magazine and the loss of the printed page as a consequence of the "progress" of the digital age. Those in their early 40s will find the childhoods referenced throughout the movie - something I loved as I am 42 - the exact age of Walter.  And younger audiences will be drawn to the many adventures Walter finds himself in.  There are many moving scenes - two worth mentioning are Kristen Wiig's courage-producing rendition of "Major Tom", and Walter's skateboarding descent down a winding Icelandic road.  It is a visually magical movie - go see it!

 

#6 Mud  PG-13
I refused to see this movie for several months as I never enjoyed the previews.  I finally gave in and decided not to judge a book by its cover.  I am glad I did.  This was an extremely well made coming of age story that works on many levels.  It is well acted and written. Matthew McConaughey gives a great performance as Mud - a drifter whose intentions and motivations are not completely clear for much of the movie.  Tye Sheridan is also noteworthy - he delivers a very mature performance of a 14 year old boy trying to learn what it means to love and be a man.  This is the kind of movie that sneaks up on you and before you know it you get much more that you thought you would.

#5 Mandela  PG-13 

This movie tries to take on an impossible task - to try and tell the incredible life story of Nelson Mandela in two and one half hours. There are few men whose lives have been so influential in the past 50 years as his.  I believe this is an important movie to see to give people a broad exposure to the lives of one of the most important figures of our day.  It works as a historical account about the oppression and evils of apartheid, and it also works as a personal movie about the power of one man's efforts to free his country from minority rule.  The movie also does not shy away from showing Mandela's shortcomings in his family life - something I think was a bold move by the filmmakers. Idris Elba is exceptional in the lead performance and Naomie Harris gives an outstanding performnance as Winnie Mandela - her incredible story is also given a significant time.  It is stunning to know that this man was imprisoned for 27 years - 18 of which were in terrible conditions.  The movie cannot begin to cover every element of his life, but you can read about it here in this brilliantly written obituary.  It looks like this movie may not be a huge success at the box-office - which would be too bad considering it is such a well made movie and such an important story.  I highly recommend it and hope you seek it out. 

 

#4 The Spectucular Now  R
This movie left quite an impression on me - when I left the theater, my first thought was, that really should be called "The Spectacular Wow." The tone was true to life - something that is so hard to do when making a coming of age movie about the transition from high school to adulthood.  The main character may have seen his best days as a popular, life of the party high school senior.  After his girlfriend breaks up with him, he wonders what to do.  While trying to back with her, he starts to show interest in a less popular girl.  The examination of this relationship is the key to the movie.  There are also important sub-plots about the boy's idealization of his absent dad and the risks of teen alcohol use.  This movie left me feeling like I had seen something I hadn't seen before - something that is hard to do given the number of movies that have tried to tell a similar story.

#3 Fruitvale Station  R

This is the perfect example of a movie that tells a complex story through clean direction, a tight script, and solid acting.  The movie puts Michael B. Jordan on the map as an actor you will probably see in movies for a long time.  But it is the story that is so moving.  It is based on a true account of one man's efforts to put his life back together and what happens to him on a fateful New Year's Eve night at the Bay Area Fruitvale Station.  This movie left me thinking about it for days afterwards.

#2 Short Term 12  R

I mention this movie all the time to people and no one has ever heard of it - so chances are you have not seen it.  This is a tough and gritty film about the scars of child abuse told through the staff and residents at a treatment center for teens.  At times, it is hard to watch - these kids lives are so damaged by the acts of others that they will struggle throughout their whole lives to maintain a sense of normalcy. Unlike many movies about mental health issues, this one gets it right. It is never heavy handed when it easily could have been. One of my former students works as a center just like the one in the movie. When we were talking one day I thought she was talking about the movie, but she was really talking about her job.  It's that realistic. And it's that good.  It contained not one, but three of the most powerful scenes I saw in any movie this year.

#1  12 Years a Slave  R
This unflinching look at the depravity and horror of slavery is the clear choice for the best movie of the year.  The movie is  directed by Steve McQueen who does not shy away from showing you the terrible and unspeakable circumstances of slavery.  If you are not familiar with the background of this particular movie, it tells the story of Solomon Northup - a free American citizen living in New York in 1841.  He is married and has two beautiful children and works as a musician playing the violin at White social gatherings.  Through deception and cunning, he is tricked into traveling to Washington D.C. where he is poisoned and sold into slavery.  His 12-year experience as a slave in various plantations in Louisiana is the subject of the movie. This movie shows the most ugly elements of slavery - an act which robbed men, women, and children of their humanity and replaced it with the grossest mistreatment one can imagine.  At times, I had to look away from the cruelty on the screen.  It is difficult to put into words how this movie made me feel.  On one hand, I felt a deep sense of anger that American laws and society once condoned slavery - one of the vilest acts in human history.  I also felt a sense of wondering - how was it that slave owners were so convinced of their correctness of their positions - believing that human beings were no better than animals because of the color of their skin.  And what if I were born in that day, would I have learned to hate as these men and women did?  McQueen's brilliant direction is the key to the movie, and the script by John Ridley is amazing at the complexities that it captures.  The haunting music by Hans Zimmer matches the mood and tragedy of what you watch.  And the acting by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o is superb.  I hope the movie sweeps the Oscars - it deserves it. It is sobering, poignant, and unforgettable.

Top 10 Movies 2012

Introduction
Here is my 2012 Top 10 movies and awards.  I hope you enjoy it.  Before the Top 10, let's give out a few awards.

2012 Awards

Kids Corner
There were some good kids movies this year including Wreck it Ralph.  But I liked this one the most.  The story was orignial and multi-layered.  And in the end, a story about identity is perhaps the best story of all. 











The Almost Human Award

The parallels between human behavior and chimpanzee behavior are quite stunning.  The natural footage of chimpanzees in the wild is pretty amazing, and the story is ultimately one of love.  It is definitely worth the investment. 

The Long-Term Therapy Award

Most critics will praise this movie as “inspirational, redemptive, a triumph of the human spirit.”  Even so, I could never get past the fact that this neglected, unprotected 6-year old girl will likely spend the rest of her life in unstable relationships, therapy, or both.

The Don't Drink the Kool-Aid Award II

Where to even begin????? Do you like watching paint dry?  Do you enjoy watching a snail cross the sidewalk?  Then you will love Amour.  The #1 movie on many critics top ten list, this movie was flat-out awful.  Best Picture?  Best Director?  Come on.  My advice to the director?  Have a script, don’t just set your camera on a tripod during every scene, and yell cut once in a while.

The Nothing Like the First Time Award

At 41, I have seen most story lines in the movies.  But watching movies with my 11 year-old son makes even familiar stories feel new. 

 

The Disappointment Award

I am a big Wes Anderson fan.  But he tries too hard in this movie and the end result is a movie I couldn’t connect with it.  I know some who loved it, but I would rent Darjeeling Limited if you want a better Wes Anderson movie.  

2012 Top 10

#10 Robot and Frank  PG-13

A quiet movie about aging with a science fiction twist.  This is a well acted, interesting story about loss and friendship.  I had a hard time finding someone to go see this with me (several times people had “other things to do”), but I enjoyed it when I finally saw it (alone)!  

#9 Monsieur Lazhar  PG-13

This French Canadian film is a powerful examination of kids coming to terms with tragedy.  It also looks at the importance of teachers in the lives of their students and what it means to search for meaning in one’s work and life.  An excellent movie.  

#8 The Dark Knight Rises  PG-13

Remember when you walked out of The Return of the Jedi and you felt disappointed because Ewoks defeated the Stormtroopers with rocks, and Darth Vadar suddenty became a weak old man?  Well, you won’t suffer any such disappointment here.  In my opinion, Christopher Nolan has created the best movie trilogy on record.  It is amazing what he has done.  The third movie comes full circle by linking its story with the original Batman Begins. Well acted and directed, this is a fitting end to The Batman Trilogy.

#7 Les Miserables  PG-13   

Let’s give this some grades:

Original Music      A

Anne Hathaway   A+

Hugh Jackman    A-

Russell Crowe     D+

One of the best stories about redemption one can find. 

#6 The Impossible  PG-13

I have mixed feelings about recommending this movie.  It was incredibly difficult to watch the devastating amount of human suffering caused by the 2004 tsunami that took 300,000 lives.  But the moments of hope and humanity shown in this movie illustrate our shared values of love and simple kindness in the face of impossible circumstances.  I would not recommend this for kids or young teens – there is too much physical and emotional trauma throughout the film.  But I do believe this is a story that can change how you look at life, and which shows how love, generosity, and sacrifice can alter the even the most horrible of conditions. 

#5 Lincoln  PG-13

The historical topic of this movie – the unlikely passage of the 13th amendment ending slavery, alone makes it worth seeing.  Of course, Daniel Day Lewis is amazing. 

#4  Silver Linings Playbook  R

This is a great movie for therapists or anyone who has ever experienced the realities of mental illness.  Funny and dramatic, this was one of the best acted movies of the year.    

#3  Argo  R  

A look at the CIA’s crazy plan to rescue 6 of the hostages in the Iran Hostage Crisis.  Ben Affleck shows he is a top director.  The movie perfectly captures the look of the 1970s.  Suspenseful from beginning to end, and funny when it needs to be. 

#2 A Late Quartet  R

This was the best movie no one ever heard of this year.  Christopher Walken reminds us why he has won an Academy Award. The script is brilliant and the tone is perfect.  This movie is rich in the dynamic interplay between music and relationships.  I loved it!

#1 Zero Dark Thirty  R

When I first heard they were making this movie, I laughed and said I would never see it.  Wooopps!  Kathryn Bigelow gets my prize for best director of the year.  She has made a riveting account of the 10 year search for Osama Bin Laden. The movie is nearly 3 hours, but never feels like it.  The final 30 minutes were the most riveting I have seen in years.