Argo (2012)

Director: Ben Affleck

Rated: R

Length: 120 min.

 

Taking home both the Golden Globe and Oscar for Best Picture, I expected more from this highly decorated film. Although this film displayed a very accurate depiction of the events that played out in history, it failed to reach me on a personal level. Now, I have a lot of respect for Ben Affleck as both an actor and filmmaker, but I feel as though The Town, was far superior to his most recent "juggernaut." The realistic qualities of this film weren't shown in a fashion that made it believable, even though I knew that this film depicted the historical events extremely well from the real-time photographs shown at film's end. Maybe it's the fact that I hold films to the highest standard these days, but in all honesty, this was just plain boring. The action sequences were premature, and the hostages didn't seem to be at all scared of their impending plight. I was not convinced. All in all, not a bad film, but definitely undeserving of Best Picture of the Year. Come on now Argo, you can do better than that.

Django Unchained (2012)

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Rated: R
Length: 165 min.

Django Unchained made its premiere on Christmas Day, and was the best present a movie lover could ask for. Quentin Tarantino's unique style of direction was yet again on full display on this celebrated holiday. His incorporation of multiple music genres included songs from the likes of rap superstars Rick Ross and Tupac Shakur, whom of which gave this Western a much more modern feel to it. Christoph Waltz (Dr. King Schultz), who shined as the Nazi "Jew hunter" in Inglorious Basterds, once again stole the show with his wonderful depiction of a highly intelligent, fearless bounty hunter on a mission to provide equality for all. Jamie Foxx was a great lead for the role of Django, and his transformation of character made for a very interesting plot outcome. As to be expected, Leonardo DiCaprio (Calvin Candie) played the role of the villain to the tee, and was surprisingly easy to hate, which is hard to contemplate considering the role he usually plays of the archetypal hero. The extremity of gore and violence was all too familiar in this Tarantino picture, and sometimes seemed to take things too far. The explicit racism of this film was excessive and ridiculous, but probably fairly accurate to this pre-Civil War era film. Although the bigotry and violence was a bit much, it all came together so well at its conclusion. All in all, this was the best film I've seen this year. If this film doesn't win best picture, I have no hope for humanity. Go see it as soon as possible, but be ready for a blood bath.

End of Watch (2012)

Director: David Ayer

Rated: R

Length: 109 min

From the director of Traning Day, David Ayer brings to life yet another heroic tale of two cops who roam the streets of South Central, forced to face the harsh reality of this treacherous neighborhood. Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhall) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena) are partners who play off of each other extremely well, providing a colorful commentary to follow throughout the film. However, this film is not all fun and games, the people they encounter on a daily basis have nothing to lose and are ready to kill at any moment. Taylor and Zavala play the role of a young, reckless, and courageous tandem who take down the hardened criminals of the most ruthless gangs in the entire country. The reality of this film is almost too much to handle in some cases, for it presents a very gruesome depiction of how the life of a police officer can truly be. The cinematography of this film is shown mostly through a hand held camera from the first person perspective, which adds to the excitement of every scene. But this film does also convey the familial side of police life, showing the sensitive side of these hardnosed cops, which they must keep hidden behind their day jobs. This very realistic and heartfelt story is a must-see for all action junkies, and might even spark the interest of a small portion of the female audience, especially with the studly antics of Jake Gyllenhall. End of Watch.

Skyfall (2012)

Director: Sam Mendes

Rated: PG-13

Length: 143 min.

 

In everything you would expect from a Bond film, director Sam Mendes adds a highly entertaining, but somewhat predictable chapter to the 007 legacy. From high intensity fight sequences to multiple love affairs with extremely attractive women; this film has all the pieces needed to create another Bond classic.  With amazing scenery that ranges from the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai to the immensely desolate foothills of Scotland; the variety in cinematography makes this a fun-filled adventure for all to enjoy. Although there may never be another Bond like the archetypal Sean Connery, Daniel Craig is a close second with his classy style and cool demeanor that he portrays with onscreen perfection. Javier Bardem (Silva) was a fantastic choice for the villain in this film, but that is to be expected from an actor of his caliber, who has proven himself to be amongst the elite with performances in such films as No Country for Old Men and Biutiful. However, with yet another unsurprising and outlandish plot, this film fails to reach the level of astonishment that I had expected from such a critically acclaimed motion picture. I hope the next Bond film will live up to its expectations. For the best films are those of which stimulate the mind, wouldn't you agree? Skyfall.

 

Flight (2012)

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Rated: R
Length: 138 min.
 

Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to be in a plane crash? How safe would you feel if your pilot was drunk? In Director Robert Zemeckis' film Flight, Whip Whittaker (Denzel Washington) plays the role of a drug/alcohol addicted pilot who can't seem to overcome the temptation of being intoxicated. In a very intense crash sequence in which the sense of panic and desperation can be felt immensely by the viewer, Whip is forced to make a crash landing in an abandoned field in order to save the lives of the 102 passengers on board. And even though he lands successfully and saves the lives of 96 on board, six lives were still lost. Due to his alcoholism, Whip was highly intoxicated when performing his duties, leaving a strong sense of negligence in the minds of families who'd lost loved ones. Was the crash attributed to his drinking problem? I leave that up to you to decide. With a star studded cast that includes the likes of Denver native Don Cheadle (Hugh Lang), the very talented Bruce Greenwood (Charlie Anderson), along with the hysterical antics of John Goodman (Harling Mays); this film soared. The hippie drug dealer that Goodman portrays provides a perfect sense of comic relief to a film that covers much more serious real life issues ranging from drug/alcohol abuse to moral ethics. Zemeckis, who also directed one of my all-time favorites in Forrest Gump, does another fantastic job with his choice of soundtrack; especially with the film's theme song played repeatedly throughout; the Rolling Stones' famous track, 'Gimme Shelter.' All in all, this film delivers a powerful message in how honesty conquers all. It may have been a little strung out at times, but in the end it left me with a sense of satisfaction by viewing the magnificent performance put on by the ever-so versitile Denzel Washington, in yet another transformative role.

Milk (2009)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Rated: R

Length: 128 min.

 

In an era where homosexuality was being met with an iron fist at the hands of police brutality and segregation between the gay and straight workplace, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) decided it was time for a change. With the help of a great supporting cast, including James Franco (Scott Smith) as his original partner, Emile Hirsch as a fellow campaign worker and gay rights activist, along with his Latin lover, the ever-so talented Diego Luna (Jack Lira); this film oozed inspiration.
“My name is Harvey Milk and I’m here to recruit you.”

In this inspiring film of how a homosexual man changed the face of history with his courage and persistence, Harvey Milk transforms from dirty hippie into the most likable politician we’ve seen in quite some time.

Penn earned his Oscar for best actor in this film by truly transcending the gay man in a discriminatory society. He fully encompassed himself into his character.

At first, I must admit that I was moderately skeptical as if I was going to like the film or not, but I was left with a feeling of satisfaction in my reflection of the film.

I felt a mix of consistent laughter and pure silence in admiration of this film’s entertaining, but also very tragic storyline. This is easily the best film I’ve seen in quite some time.

Director Gus Van Sant’s use of split cinematography between actual news footage and film footage made the film feel as a though it was a historical retelling of one of the most revolutionary innovators of our society today.

Milk gave his life for what he believed in, and that is something to be admired.

Van Sant breaks down all previous sexual walls and openly depicts male to male intimacy with little to no filter.

This film made me feel a sense of remorse for homosexuals growing up during this time period, for the scrutiny they received from the outside world was relentless and unnecessary.

This film leaves a somber audience with a strong message as it come to a conclusion.

Harvey Milk will forever be remembered in my heart.

The Campaign (2012)

Director: Jay Roach

Rated: R

Length: 85 min.



The grouping of two of the most entertaining comedians of our generation should have been a ballpark home-run; however The Campaign fails to get my vote. As to be expected, Will Ferrell (Cam Brady) has a number of one-liners that did give me a nice chuckle from time to time, but as a whole I expected more out of these comedic juggernauts. I was mostly disappointed with Zach Galifianakis (Marty Huggins,) who played a role similar to that of his character in Due Date; the awkwardly short and tubby, questionably homosexual, pug loving pansy; whereas Ferrell plays an incredibly similar role to that of his character Ricky Bobby from the film Talladega Nights; the cocky, arrogant asshole who will do anything in his power to pave the way to victory. This film played on all the political stereotypes of big money funding political campaigns, dirty campaign ads, back-door deals, ungodly dealings and candidate sexual incompetency. Mid way through the film the level of absurdity reaches a point of complete and utter disbelief, in which you no longer care about the plot’s final outcome. And, as the film reaches its conclusion, you are left with a forgettable feeling in your memory and a dissatisfied feeling in your wallet, because you just shed out 10 bucks to see a mediocre film. I would wait for this one to come out on Redbox, regular cable or just skip it all together; this is no must see. The Campaign.