IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY (2010)

DIRECTORS: Anna Boden. Ryan Fleck. STARRING: Keir Gilchrist. Zach Galifinakis. Emma Roberts. It's Kind of a Funny Story isn't going to merit many awards, but that doesn't change the fact that it is a fairly good movie on many accounts. The character build up in the beginning does drag somewhat, but once everyone is introduced the film really starts to take shape. No one performance really stands out as something outstanding, with the exception of Zach Galifinakis. This is a much more subtle role for the comedian, who really knocks this performance out of the park. He shows a degree of talent not yet captured on screen for him. The easiest comparison for the film is a toned down One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest crossed with Juno. Funny, quirky, and touching, this film has the makings for a fun date night out at the movies. RATING: * * * 1/2 (Three and 1/2 stars)

It's Kind of a Funny Story : Trailer

I'M STILL HERE (2010)

DIRECTOR: Casey Affleck. STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix. Casey Affleck. Antony Langdon. I'm Still Here is an excellent portrayal of self destruction that might prove to be destruction itself. Joaquin Phoenix gives us his vision of a star destined to meet "rock bottom." As truly fake as this documentary is claimed to be, it would be hard to believe that many of Phoenix and director Casey Affleck's personal feelings towards "fame" are not expressed. There are laughable moments through out the film, but more where you are caught off guard at fiction seeming to be a little too realistic. If this film would have been the real deal, it's an certainty that Phoenix would be hard pressed to find a Hollywood gig anytime in the future. Although, since it's fake we can all breathe a sigh of relief as one of film's more talented stars hasn't gone completely insane. Recommended. RATING: * * * * (Four Stars)

I'm Still Here : Trailer

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (2010)

DIRECTOR: Banksy. STARRING: Thierry Guetta. Banksy. Shepard Fairey. one of the most interesting documentaries I have seen in years. What begins as a backstage look at an art movement, ends up being an amazing character study. Thierry Guetta's , or Mister Brain Wash, overnight rise to fame finds relevance in a time of mega celebrity and internet billionaires. Highly recommended. RATING: * * * * 1/2 (Four and 1/2 stars)

Exit Through the Gift Shop : Trailer

170. 12 Monkeys

12 Monkeys (1995)

Director: Terry Gilliam

Starring: Bruce Willis

Brad Pitt

Madeleine Stowe

IMDb Rating: 8.1

My Rating: 8

"There's no right. There's no wrong. There's only popular opinion."

Synopsis

The year is 2035. James Cole is an imprisoned convict who volunteers to go back in time to the year 1996 to gather information on a virus that wipes out five billion people. An error occurs and Cole is actually sent to 1990, six years prior to the virus' release. He is immediately locked up in a mental institution. Here he meets Dr. Kathryn Railly, a psychiatrist who seems to be the only person who might listen to him. He also meets Jeffery Goines, a patient who is the son of a famous scientist.

What's so great about (insert name)?

Terry Gilliam's dark and often obscure style lends it's self perfectly to the virus ridden, post-apocalyptic" world. Due to this, 12 Monkeys has a rather realistic feel to it. Although time travel does not exist, all the gadgets from Gilliam's view of 2035 feel rather authentic. Also, most of the performances are excellent. The exceptional standout here is Brad Pitt as the clinically insane Jeffery Goines. His performance starts out to be rather humorous, but takes a dark turn by the film's conclusion.

Anything not so great?

It doesn't happen all off the time, but some of the time jumps are a little confusing. There are moments where you are not exactly sure if you are in 1990 or 1996. The few scenes in 2035 are simple to discern from the 90's scenes.

Best Scene

Jeffery showing Cole around the mental hospital might not seem like that relevant of a scene in the film. Although, I really feel it helped establish two of our main characters personalities.

Does 12 Monkeys belong in the 250?

It's is definitely one of the best science fiction films to come out of the 1990's, so I can understand why it's included in the list. I would put it in the two hundred and fifty films I have seen, but not as high as it is on this list.

Fun Fact

There is a story that before production began, Terry Gilliam gave Bruce Willis a list entitled "Things Bruce Willis Does When He Acts" with the footnote of the list saying, " please don't do any of the above in my movie." I wonder why they never made another film together?

Final Words

As stated in my previous post on Gilliam's film Brazil, other than the Monty Python's films, I don't particularly care for him as a director. 12 Monkeys is the main exception to that rule. It's pretty obvious that Gilliam did not write the script for this film, as it doesn't have any holes and doesn't confuse the dickens out of you. I think this film is an exceptional piece of fiction and Gilliam's style lends perfectly to the well structured story.

171. Night of the Hunter

Night of the Hunter (1955)

Director: Charles Laughton

Starring: Robert Mitchum

Shelley Winters

Lillian Gish

IMDb Rating: 8.1

My Rating: 8.5

"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. Neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them."

Synopsis

Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) is a vigilante of sorts, or at least by the way he sees. He marries and then murders widows for money, believing that by doing so, he is doing God's work. While in jail for auto theft, he tries to uncover the where abouts of $10,000 that only his cell mate Ben Harper knows where is hidden. When Powell discovers that Harper's daughter Pearl knows where the money is, he will stop at nothing to reclaim the cash.

What's so great about Night of the Hunter?

There are performances that stick out in my mind, few are as haunting as Robert Mitchum evil turn in Night of the Hunter. One of the better villains in film history in my opinion. Mitchum plays Powell with an aura of mystery that makes the character equal parts creepy and unpredictable. I've also actually read the novel the film is based on, and it's a pretty good adaptation of the story. The film really captures the darkness of the real life Harry Powers, who Powell is of course based upon, even though some of the facts were changed.

Anything not so great?

The film's performances are pretty solid all around, but I've actually never been much of a Shelley Winters fan. As in other films, I just found her to be irritating, rather than effective.

Best Scene

A late night shotgun stand-off with Powell and Pearl's eventual protector is the highlight of the film.

Does Night of the Hunter belong in the 250?

Yes indeed. Not only is it a fantastic piece of cinema, but it's influence can be seen in many of the best and edgiest directors working today. Most notably Martin Scorsese.

Final Words

Night of the Hunter will be receiving a high definition transfer form the Criterion Collection this coming fall, which I am ecstatic for. This film is one that I surely plan on going back and watching a few times more. Mitchum is simply incredible. Overall, I highly recommend this film if you enjoyed films like the earlier reviewed Shadow of a Doubt.

172. Les Diabolique

Les Diabolique (1955)

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Starring: Simone Signoret

Vera Clouzot

Paul Meurisse

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 9

"I may be reactionary, but this is absolutely astounding - the legal wife consoling the mistress! No, no, and no!"

Synopsis

Two women both work at a school for boys and both are romantically involved with the headmaster of the school. Christina is his wife, while Nicole is his mistress. Christina is well aware of her husband's infidelities. Michel treats both women awful, and the women have grown tired of his actions. Together the conspire to kill him and dump his body in the school's pool. When the murder is completed and body disposed of, Christina is riddled with anxiety. Soon the pool must be drained and the women find that their dear Michel's body is now missing.

What's so great about Les Diabolique?

Les Diabolique has a plot that just completely draws me in. The first time I read the synopsis of the film years ago, I was literally shaking in anticipation to see it. Often a movie will sound better than it actually turns out to be. Not so with this film. The plot and slowly unraveling execution is done absolutely perfectly. You truly feel along for the ride with the ladies. As far as thrillers go, this film ranks extremely high on my list. There are no loud noise "jump scares", which will completely turn me off from a film. This film relies on great story telling and legitimate scares to fright it's viewers.

Anything not so great?

The only downside to this film has nothing really to do with the movie. It's an old film, so I have never seen a good quality print of transfer of the film. Due to this, it can be difficult to follow as the sound and picture sometimes jumps and appears riddled with cracks. DO NOT let this deter you from seeing this film though.

Best Scene

To talk about the films best scene is to give away a huge fact of the film. I will just say the film's "bathtub scene" is on par with Alfred Hitchcock's famous "shower scene" from Psycho.

Does Les Diabolique belong in the 250?

Without a doubt. Not only is this one of the best thrillers I have seen, but it never loses it's appeal. I've seen this film a half dozen times and it is just as good each time that I see it.

Final Words

Being a fan of the work of director Alfred Hitchcock, it was his commentary on Les Diabolique that lead me to see the film. Hitchcock called this film one of his greatest influences when making Psycho, which is one of my all-time favorite films. While the influence is plainly seen, the two films plots are actually rather different. Overall, I find this film to be superb. If more thrillers were made like this film, I feel like the genre would gain some more credibility. This film comes very highly recommended!

173. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Director: Guy Richie

Starring: Jason Flemyng

Dexter Fletcher

Jason Statham

Nick Moran

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 8.5

"Err, bad breath, colorful language, feather duster... what do you think they're gonna be armed with? Guns, you tit!"

Synopsis

Four friends have gone 500,000 pounds in debt to gang boss Harry Lonsdale after a crooked game of cards. Harry says that he will take one finger at a time if they don't pay the money back within a week. The friends are at a loss at how to get the money, until they overhear their neighbors plan to rob some drug dealers. Together the friends devise a plan to get the money before their final "hand" is up.

What's so great about Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels?

There is a great deal to enjoy about Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Director Guy Richie thrives with these action-heist films, and this is by far his best effort. The action is fast paced and gritty. The different angles and point of views of the heist are outlined and orchestrated very well. With so many characters, a film like this could very easily become a mess. Not the case with this film. The writing is very witty, and what we are left with is a solid story with great laughs and superb action. From an entertainment aspect, you can't ask for much more in a film.

Anything not so great?

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but this mind as well be a foreign language film. They are in fact speaking English, but there is a ton of slang and at times the accents can be a little difficult to understand. I watch a lot of British films and even I had a little trouble. It never gets to a point where you are completely clueless to what they are saying, but there may be some phrases or words that you are left just guessing at.

Best Scene

Without giving anything away, the shoot out to the soundtrack of Zorba the Dancing Greek is classic. This one scene really sets the entire theme of the film, that being hilarious chaos.

Does Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels belong in the 250?

It might not be a positive yes, but I really have zero problem with this film being considered one of the top two hundred-fifty films.

Final Words

What really draws me to this film is how well it's written. Many films have tried this formula and have ultimately failed (see Smokin' Aces). When a film of this kind is done right, it really becomes a cross-over favorite of film aficionados and movie lovers alike. In my opinion, this is hands down Guy Richie's most complete film. If you enjoyed films like Pulp Fiction or fellow Brit Edgar Wright's homage action-comedy Hot Fuzz, you would greatly enjoy this film.