Starring: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Gary Oldman
Director: Christopher Nolan
Country: USA
Genre: Action
I’m the bat, man.
The Dark Knight is obviously herald as the superhero movies to end all superhero movies, but it wouldn’t be half as strong as it is without a firm structure to stand upon. Batman Begins is one hell of a film. It’s the reboot to put all other reboots to shame. The elements really aligned, from a suspiciously talented director to a dream cast that makes the mouth water. Add to it a script that stays faithful to the character while crafting an intriguing and thrilling story, plus cinematography by incredibly skillful up and coming director of photography, and you have a rock solid flick. Christopher Nolan has almost single handedly shown that even superhero movies should be taken seriously in addition to how entertaining they can be.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan
Director: Shane Black
Country: USA
Genre: Crime, Comedy
Hopefully with RDJ’s new-re-found fame, people will discover this amazing piece of entertainment.
Robert Downey’s career comeback didn’t happen overnight as one might suspect. For nearly a decade he honed his craft doing little under the radar films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. There is something so appealing about this film: it has a decent little mystery, a edgy-enough style, and a bubbling chemistry between its actors who all put in super fun performances. Perhaps it shouldn’t be to surprising to find out the man behind the hilarious back and forth between the main characters comes from the mind who also brought us Leathal Weapon. But in his directorial debut, Shane Black shapes perfect escapism. This neo-noir has a tongue-in-cheek tone that the Coen Brothers would be jealous of, and Downey knocks it out of the park. It’s fascinating how engaging (and hilarious) his 50’s style detective narration can be.
Starring: Daniel Brühl, Diane Kruger, Guillaume Canet
Director: Christian Carion
Country: UK, Germany, France
Genre: Foreign, Holiday
French. German. Scots. Christmas!
Wow. If you’re all Scroogeish over the Holidays becoming commercialized, this could be the drop of elixir you’re looking for. While most Holiday films, even the best of them, have a commendable underlying message to them, they are so wrapped up in cookie frosting that it’s hard not to get a cavity swallowing all of the sugar. Joyeux Noël is the greatest example of what the Holidays should represent: a respect and love for your fellow man. It’s set on the front lines of World War I during Christmas Eve where German, Scottish and French forces are pitted against each other. I realize that It’s a Wonderful Life is a bold comparison, but Joyeux Noel is definitely one of the best Holiday films I’ve ever seen.
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Corinna Harfouch
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Country: Germany
Genre: Foreign, War
Hitler has never been so radiant.
When it comes to World War II movies, it often feels like there isn’t much that hasn’t been done or said before. Seldom does a film present the horrific events in a new light, but when one does it makes you realize the infinite stories that could be told from the war. Downfall is certainly one of those films. It takes place in the last days, the ‘downfall’, of the Third Reich and of the Nazi soldiers individually. At times, Downfall recalls films made just after WWII, (Forbidden Games, Ashes and Diamonds,) and this classic style of storytelling feels very fitting as it doesn’t sensationalize Hitler as a sympathetic character. It does an amazing job of showing Hitler as a person with humanistic faults, but also for the flat out ruthless villain that he was. There is a reason this film has sparked a bit of an internet sensation.
Starring: Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, Jack Black
Director: Peter Jackson
Country: USA, New Zealand
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
The Kong vs. Dinos scene is sure to please old WWF fans, (World Wrestling Federation, not World Wildlife Foundation…)
Why does a movie based on an hour and a half 1933 monster film clock in at over three hours? Why is Jack Black in it? I don’t have the answer to these questions, but I’m happy with them. I can’t quite figure out why this film gets so much flak. It’s really an intense vision that 99% of most Hollywood blockbusters lack. It has brilliant sets, it’s performances are appropriate, and Jackson pain-stakingly develops a few unforgettable moments almost a Kubrickian way. The first half is intriguing, the second half is pure excitement, and it’s weaved together with some great filmmaking. If it weren’t for the 1933’s cultural significance and kitschy fun, this would definitely be the best Kong out there. For those of you annoyed with the massive use of CGI, would a giant ape suit make you feel better?
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris
Director: David Cronenberg
Country: USA
Genre: Thriller
There are movies about character transformation, and then there’s A History of Violence.
There was once a time when the words “David Cronenberg Film” scared me. I’m glad I’m over my ignorance, because this film floored me. We follow an Average Joe during the aftermath of becoming the town hero, though the spectacle attracts unwanted attention from a mobster who begins stalking the man and his family. It’s almost a Jekyll & Hyde story, though it takes its time divulging its information to the audience. To endure the events in the film with a blind eye makes the reveals that much more frightening. Layer by layer, we begin to slowly ask, “wait, do we really know this guy?” It does such a remarkable job at setting up a mood for the film that consistently builds up to an intense little ending. And as if the title doesn’t give you all the warning you need: it’s violent.
Starring: Bjarne Henriksen, Vivian Wu
Director: Henrik Ruben Genz
Country: Denmark
Genre: Foreign, Drama
This Danish film revolves around a plumber whose marriage has just fallen apart, and who can’t seem to remember the passion in his life. His life changes when the owner of a Chinese restaurant that he frequents asks him to marry his sister. Kinamand is simple. It is a short-and-sweet story with straightforward character arcs and a story that doesn’t deviate much from its subject. This allows for some very quiet, but effective performances from its actors as well as some beautifully unobtrusive directing. It plays off a lot like an Alexander Payne film, though not focused as much on humor as it is on a hopeful outlook. It’s a very understated film that I don’t think many people would seek out on their own… but they should.
Starring: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Gary Oldman
