The Skin I Live In (2011)

 Director: Pedro Almodovar

Rated: R

Length: 120 min.

In one of the most sexually disturbing thrillers I have ever seen, director Pedro Almodovar creates a world of unforgivable fate for those who have taken advantage of the weak. With some of the most gracefully synchronized cinematography and soundtrack since A Clockwork Orange, there are multiple scenes throughout the film that evoke an intense emotional outpour from the audience. This "in your face" thriller will keep you consistently on your toes. Not only does this film have a spectacular back drop in the city of Toledo, Spain; but it also inculdes the likes of stunning Spanish actress, Elena Anaya (Vera Cruz). And for those of you (like my mother), who can't handle a healthy amount of sexual passion and nudity, just stick to The Notebook in the PG-13 safety zone;) However, I must admit that even I found myself questioning my own emotional reactions to the plot as it unfolds onscreen. All in all, I'd say I enjoyed the film, for it produces an ample amount of audience involvement; even though it struggles on the fronts of dialogue and supporting cast. I have always said that the ending to a film is all that truly matters, and this film's conclusion will leave you to ponder about how optimistic you'd be about the possibility of a new life...I think we all need to take a step back and take a good hard look at The Skin I Live In.

Prometheus (2012)

 Director: Ridley Scott

Rated: R

Length: 124 min.

Surprise, surprise...For the umpteenth time a sci-fi thriller failed to produce the level of excitement that it had been hyped up to be. With incredible scenery and astounding special effects that rival that of Avatar, this film still fails on all the truly important aspects of film; plot, direction, and dialogue. The subsequent prequel to what some regard as the best sci-fi film of all time, Alien (with the exception of Star Wars of course;), this was nowhere near the level of astonishment that I had expected from a Ridley Scott film. For those of you who enjoy the visual appeal of a film, this delivers on all counts; but for all you science buffs out there looking for a truly epic scientific adventure, go ahead and just watch the re-run of the original Star Wars trilogy on Spike TV. The unfortunate part about this film is that it had so much promise to be an intriguing film at its beginning; but with little to no plot explanation, this film was extremely hard to follow. Not to mention the fact that the originality of this film was about a 2 on the shock and awe scale. I mean how many times have we seen space explorers reach another planet to find extra terrestrials? I remember my first sci-fi film (it was E.T. and I was 9). When are we going to move on from this obsession with aliens? I mean grow-the-f@*% -up. Prometheus.

The Avengers (2012)

 Director: Joss Whedon

Rated: PG-13

Length: 143 min.

After walking out of what claimed to be this summer's superhero blockbuster (next to The Dark Knight Rises of course), I left the movie theater feeling only one thing...disappointment. With the exception of the always entertaining Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), the cheesy dialogue and ridiculous special effects made for another over dramatized superhero melodrama. I expected more from the star studded cast that included the likes of the ever-so elegant Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and timeless stars like Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury). Although filled with action from start to finish, this film lacked any sense of plot direction to which I became easily bored with the story onscreen. Don't let yourself be drawn in by gigantic explosions and flamboyant costume design, this is just another cheap imitation of a comic that didn't translate well onto the big screen. Hopefully Christopher Nolan's Batman will save the summer superhero film by producing another quality chapter to his already impressive collection. As for The Avengers, I think its time for them to pack up and call it day. We can only hope that the studio doesn't subject us to another abysmal excuse for a sequel to this mediocre film. The Avengers.

Carnage (2011)

 Director: Roman Polanski

Rated: R

Length: 80 min.

In this Roman Polanski film about the difficulties of parenting violent young adolescents, we find that our children can help bring out our truest emotions. Polanski, who has directed such great films as The Pianist, does a terrific job with both role reversal of characters and portrayal of absolute absurdity. Michael & Penelope Longstreet (John C. Reilly & Jodie Foster) play the parents of the abused child who are trying to find a civilized way to work out a solution for the brutal altercation that took place between the two children. On the other hand, Alan & Nancy Cowan (Christoph Waltz & Kate Winslet) could care less about their child's violent course of action. Waltz portrays the inconsiderate corporate businessman to a tee, which is reminiscent of the antagonist he played in Inglorious Basterds. As the film progresses and the Cowans can't seem to leave the Longstreet household for a number of ridiculous reasons, the true emotions of the characters are unveiled. What was originally a civilized conversation between adults, evolves into a therapeutic session for both couples to work out their own marital issues. The obvious noticeable difference in social class is particularly apparent in the film's beginning, but the consistent variation in character bonding breaks down that barrier and makes for a fun filled adventure with a very realistic conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish, and Polanski does a fantastic job in displaying the oddity of the situation at hand. I would suggest this film to all you oddballs out there who enjoy a good laugh and can appreciate the awkwardness of everyday life. Carnage.

Rabbit Hole (2010)

 Director: John Cameron Mitchell

Rated: R

Length: 91 min.

In one of the most depressing films I've seen in quite some time, Aaron Eckhart (Howie) and Nicole Kidman (Becca) struggle to cope with the most recent death of their 4 year old son. In most cases I am drawn to tragedy in a film, for it usually accompanies an optimistic outcome; but at the end of this film I felt as though I had lost a son myself. And this may have been the reaction that director John Cameron Mitchell had tried to evoke from the audience, but I personally did not find this reaction appealing. In the hour and a half that this film takes place, I think I smiled (a smirk at that), once in its duration. This film was entirely too disheartening for my taste, and can turn a perfectly enjoyable afternoon and take a big dump right in the middle of it. I would not recommend this film to a single one of my friends, unless of course they have the odd desire to go into a state depression for the next hour and a half. As critically acclaimed as this film was, the final outcome did not make any extreme emotional transformation in me, and that I consider to be a failure on the director's behalf. Definitely skip this one on date night, unless you're trying make a hint at an upcoming break up. Rabbit Hole.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

 Director: Woody Allen

Rated: PG-13

Length: 94 min.

This is a film that perfectly displays the enchanting effects a city, such as Paris, can have on the hopelessly romantic. Owen Wilson (Gil) lets his imagination run wild, as he aimlessly wanders this city of love. Upon encountering so many of the artists and writers that have helped mold the structure of artistic society as we know it today, Wilson is endlessly inspired by the imaginary world that he travels to every night. With a star studded cast ranging from Adrien Brody (Salvador Dalí) to Kathy Bates (Gertrude Stein), there is never a dry moment. I, like Gil, was taking away with the pure and simplistic beauty of Marion Cotillard (Adrianna), who previously starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in one of my all time favorite films, Inception. The story that enfolds onscreen is that of a confused young man who falls in love with a city, and in turn finds his true artistry; along with a beautiful young woman to accompany his new found glory. Writer/Director Woody Allen, although an oddball by nature, does a great job in capturing the essence of the city; while also showing the audience the obvious lack of chemistry between couples, perfectly portraying the awkwardness of every situation. I see a bit of Allen in Wilson's character, and considering he was both writer and director of the film, I wouldn't be surprised if he wrote this script from the first person perspective. All in all, good film; not at all what I expected from Allen, but I would say if you have been to Paris, let yourself fall in love again, and those of you who have not...Be prepared to be swept off your feet;) Midnight in Paris.

The Descendents (2011)

 Director: Alexander Payne

Rated: R

Length: 115 min.

Now for someone who sees George Clooney (Matt King) as an outdated pretty boy, who only gets roles for his good looks and charm, it is rare for me to like one of the films that he is involved in; but in this case I was pleasantly surprised. Even with my pre-biased opinion towards Clooney, I found a sort of sympathy for the character he plays in this film, and ultimately wanted him to succeed in parenting his two misbehaved daughters. This film shows you how tragedy can sometimes bring together those who are normally estranged to rise above their differences in order to reach a heartfelt conclusion. Newcomer Shailene Woodley (Alexandra King), takes over this film as the surprising star, and truly shows the acting talent of a woman twice her age. The disregard for obscenity by the youngsters in the presence of elders (Clooney in particular), make for a comical allusion to the very non-comical circumstances that this family has been placed in. Clooney ultimately overcomes his obstacles as a father and comes into his own as the authoritarian figure. When the dust settles, and all that is lost is forgiven and forgotten, family shines through as all that is needed to get through these difficult times. Although it had its moments of sorrow, overall I think this film makes for a good old fashioned, happy ending. See it. The Descendents.