"Rango" - Review

"No man can walk out on his own story."

I'm usually almost a strict "Pixar" fan when it comes to computer-animated films. "Dreamworks" has been a downhill slope for me after "Shrek 2" (with the exception of "How To Train Your Dragon" which I enjoyed), and the only non-Pixar computer-animated films that I've liked since the first two Shrek films have been "Bolt" and "Tangled" (both directly from Disney). Year after year it seemed like competition, both box office and critical was between the aforementioned studios. But I think they finally have a new competitor in this arena in "Paramount".

This film almost solely caught my attention from the theatrical poster. It looked so different from its competitors that I just had to see it. The trailer nailed that interest completely and it ended up not disappointing me at all.

It was released strictly in beautiful 2-D, and I can't emphasize enough on the "beautiful" because I was in awe almost the entire time from just how pretty this film looked. Many of the times I couldn't even believe this was computer-animated because of how realistic it looked. But this film isn't just an eye-candy treat. The storyline itself is simple but very effective and perfectly executed. The comedy is fresh, smart, and I was surprised at how many times I found myself laughing out loud throughout the entire film. I'm actually surprised this is a PG rated film, but then I remember that kids won't understand most, if not, all of the innuendo and satire this film presents.

It actually reminded me a lot of what "Shrek" did in 2001 by providing a family film with the perfect ingredients to please both adults and kids alike. So don't feel "forced" by your kids or younger family member to see this film, because I guarantee you will enjoy it as well. It currently has my trophy for best film of 2011 so far; but I don't see ANY other animated feature dethroning it of best animated film of the year. I highly recommend this funny, lovable, and memorable film.

Score: 5/5

"The Adjustment Bureau" - Review

"If you believe in free will. If you believe in chance. If you believe in choice. Fight for it."

I first heard of this film back around Summer 2010 from a trailer at the theater. It was initially due for a September 2010 release but was delayed until March 4, 2011. Which was a disappointment considering this is the type of film I go for the most.

Was it worth the wait? Did it live up to my expectations? The answer is yes. Now, I didn't expect another brilliant "Inception" or a best film of the year, but I did expect a film that was smart, unique, thought provoking, and sparked discussion. It did all of the aforementioned for me. On top of all that, the casting was great and they all did a terrific job with their performances; the chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt was amazing too (and is Emily Blunt extremely beautiful or what? <3).

Sure the central theme of the storyline might have minor theology, but it doesn't do it in a preachy, annoying, or one-sided way. As an Atheist, it didn't bother me at all because it didn't put any labels on anything nor was it any obvious religion in disguise. To me, the film said that even if there was some form of intelligent design, that free-will and choice is still important and worth fighting for. That we don't NEED a specific "book" to tell us how to think or live.

The only complaint I have (if it even counts as one) is that I feel that if this film was a little more daring and had a little more depth, it could have easily been a new classic. That still doesn't stop it from being a very good film overall though, and easily one of the best films of the year so far. I recommend it.

Score: 4/5

"Biutiful" - Review

Biutifully touching and heartbreaking

"Biutiful" is the fourth and newest film from Academy Award nominated Director, Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, whose previous work includes of "Amores Perros", "21 Grams", and "Babel". This is his first film completely in Spanish since his debut film.

Anyone familiar with Iñarritu's work knows that he always touches on similar themes of death, love, crime, life struggles, and many other things. And "Biutiful" is no exception to the aforementioned. Javier Bardem ("No Country For Old Men") stars as Uxbal; a single father of two living in the slums of Barcelona who is involved as a middleman in the criminal underworld of said city. However, though involved in crime, Uxbal isn't like most criminals, he has compassion, heart, kindness, and incredible love for his children (whom he basically does these things for). On top of living and working in a dangerous world, Uxbal is on the brink of death after being diagnosed with cancer. So the majority film deals with him accepting his fate, reconciling, dealing with his estranged bi-polar wife, and fixing his messy life as much as he can.

My only (minor) issue with the film is the storyline, because it's something that Iñarritu has already done. However, that doesn't stop it from being a beautiful, touching, and great film overall. My biggest praise would easily go towards Javier Bardem's performance; it was very powerful, so real, and ultimately forced you to care dearly for Uxbal. It's no surprise that he's been nominated for Best Lead Actor at this year's Academy Awards (and the first ever nomination for a role in a foreign language, if I'm not mistaken). This role has officially sealed my approval of Bardem as one of the best actors today. He's impressively eclectic as he can play any role ranging from a likable criminal with morals, a charming & unorthodox artist ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona), and a relentless monster ("No Country For Old Men").

This film is completely in Spanish (with English subtitles), so if you're open-minded enough to check it out or if you already constantly view foreign films, then I recommend it; just do keep the tissues handy if you check it out because it causes many lumps in your throat. It isn't without its minor flaws but it's still one of the best films of 2010. I loved the performances, I loved the incredibly moving musical score, and I enjoyed it overall.

Score: 4/5

"It's Kind Of A Funny Story" - Review

"If you aren't busy being born, you're busy dying."

I went into this film with medium expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a nice little charming film that has a good balance of comedy, modern romance, & drama, with the latter probably being the strongest part (better scenes), but the laughs are there too. Zach Galifianakis was easily the best cast member in this film by playing a character whom you cared about dearly and also brought the funniness. This is my first time seeing Emma Roberts in a film and she was easily a close second. She's not only very beautiful but shows a lot of promise and potential for future projects.

The main character Craig (played by Keir Gilchrist) was kind of good, but it could have been done better by a different actor, in my opinion. But considering this was possibly his major role, he didn't do a half-bad job.

It isn't a film to desperately rush out and see, nor is it a modern classic by any means, but if you have the time and can't decide on what to view, then I recommend it.

Score: 4/5

"Never Let Me Go" - Review

"We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time."

Even though it seriously pains me to admit it, I completely missed this film last year. I did hear the name, but all I knew about it was that Keira Knightley was involved. But I'm glad I finally checked it out on the DVD/Blu-Ray release date (better late than never, right?) and what an amazing, beautiful, powerful, and moving film this is. I haven't felt like crying in a film this much in a long while. It touches on themes of mortality, what having a soul really means, ethics (or lack of, actually), love, what's important in life, and so much more.

The genre is almost impossible to describe since it's part Sci-Fi, part Romance, and part Drama. But the final outcome of this odd recipe was incredible. It really makes you think about the high possiblity of the events in this film happening. And the even higher possiblity of just how disgusting and unethical the human race can be when it comes to things that only benefit them greatly.

The performances from the main cast (Garfield, Mulligan, and Knightley) were very solid and get major praise from yours truly. Keira Knightley has impressed me for a long time now; Carey Mulligan for a little while now (since "An Education") but Andrew Garfield has officially won me over after two top-notch performances in 2010 ("The Social Network" being the other) I highly recommend it this film to everyone. I'm even going to have to revise my "Top 10 Films of 2010" list. It's an absolute shame this was snubbed by the Oscars; so it's now a hidden gem lost in the hype that I hope is found by many.

I award it the highest honor possible...

Score: 5/5

"Let Me In" - Review

Vampirism is a curse, not a blessing

Just got back from seeing "Let Me In" and I was very impressed! I've seen a lot of remakes so I understand how that word is now quite synonymous with "failure" and "disappointing", but this one has broken that trend.

I'll be the first to admit I was against a remake and even planned to boycott after they decided to change the name. But after hearing Chloe Moretz was cast and thinking the trailer didn't look half-bad I withdrew those plans.

It was very loyal to the original, so none of the main storyline was touched/changed. Director Matt Reeves basically took the best elements that made the original so amazing and introduced it in his way, which I thought was quite impressive. All the important scenes/dialogue remain the same, just done differently. What I felt really helped boost the positives of the remake was the superb acting from both Chloe Moretz (seriously, this girl is far too talented for such a young age; I see a very bright future for her if she keeps it up) and Kodi Smit-McPhee. They really won you over easily and did justice to the 2 main roles.

If you've never seen the original, the film is basically a very dark/disturbing yet ultra sweet "vampire romance" between two 12-year old kids, and surprisingly enough it's far more superior in both being a genuine vampire and romance story than the much more popular vampire romance series. It shows why being a vampire is a curse and not fun, sexy, and cool (like others portray, especially the aforementioned popular series); on top of that it doesn't overuse the word "vampire" like others do (in fact, it's only said once). So if you're planning on heading to the theater and are looking for a great vampire film, great in film in general and/or don't know what to see, check this one out, I really don't think you'll be disappointed.

My hat is off to Mr.Reeves, I can tell how much the original means to him by what a fantastic job he did. This is easily on my Top 10 of 2010.

Score: 4.5/5