27. Midnight in Paris (2011)- Woody Allen

Midnight in Paris

I can't blame Gil (Owen Wilson), because I, too, want to live in 1920s Paris. The time in which there were no nuclear weapons, just glamourous life lust. Woody Allen allows the viewer to experience this wonderful utopian fantasy world, complete with Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter and Pablo Picasso. Typical of Woody Allen, the smart, witty dialogue would only be understood by those who appreciate great classic literature and art, and lost on those too ignorant to pay close attention to the
screenplay's greatness. Granted, Owen Wilson was poorly casted and Rachel McAdams is absolutely terrible, but the genius of the screenplay and magical setting were able to mask the bad acting.The brilliant script is paired nicely with the charming impressionist-esque setting in Paris with a lovely yellow hue in every scene. Rightfully nominated for Best Picture in this year's Academy Awards, "Midnight in Paris" is tastefully done and wonderful, but I'd expect nothing less from Woody Allen.

26. Cyberbully (TV 2011)- Charles Binamé

Cyberbully Trailer

Oh ABC Family...was Secret Life not ridiculous enough? This horrendous film made me feel like I lived in communist China and was watching a mandatory Public Service Announcement about the dangers of Facebook, with someone whispering "I told you so!" in my ear the entire movie. Poor Emily Osment. Her agent needs to be fired ASAP. This movie was so bad and tried so hard to be "artsy" that at one point I thought I was watching the Smurfs because everyone on screen was blue. Literally blue, not metaphorically, but actually blue. This movie basically proved that the drug companies are doing an awesome job with their child protecting lids, because when Taylor (Emily Osment) tries to commit suicide (after her best friend made a fake Facebook telling everyone in her school that she gave some guy the clap-seriously?) she is unsuccessful because she can't get the cap off of the pill bottle. She's what, seventeen? And she not only won't deactivate her Facebook when people start bullying her, but is physically unable to open a pill bottle. Sweet ABC family. Congratulations on making another terrible TV movie set in a super ambiguous suburb about controversial issues revolving around middle class white girls.

25. Ali G Indahouse (2002)- Mark Mylod

Ali G Indahouse Trailer

It pissed me off because I love the Ali G show. The television show that this pathetic excuse for a "movie" is based off of was completely ingenius. It was a mockumentary style show called "Da Ali G Show"about a fictional character, invented by Sacha Baron Cohen, as a white suburban man from Staines, England who interviewed famous political and entertainment figures throughout the U.K. The show didn't last very long because it was completely inappropriate in every way (although I can't lie, I totally loved it). This movie was absolutely dreadful, as the Brits would say. I mean, to each his own, so if you enjoy the sexual exploitation of women, or jokes about male genitalia, then you should definitely watch it. Otherwise, don't waste your time. The writing was awful, and not in a funny way, in a "what the hell am I watching?" way. I would only wish this movie on someone as a form of punishment. I feel like Sacha Baron Cohen should pay me for the time that I wasted watching it. Good try Sacha, maybe next time? Oh wait, there was a next time. Borat. Where you were sued by so many people to the point where you actually ended up loosing money by making that film. Just give up, you peaked at Da Ali G Show.

24. What A Girl Wants (2003) - Dennie Gordon

What a Girl Wants Trailer

It's hard to believe that Colin Firth is an Academy Award winning actor after seeing this movie now, as an 18 year old film student, compared to when I first saw it as an, awkward, overweight preteen (go middle school!). And I would say that everybody has to start somewhere, but this film came out the same year as "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and years after "Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Pride and Prejudice." Come on, Colin, a movie with Amanda Bynes? I mean I do appreciate her "goofyness" and will 'not be afraid to admit that I religiously watched "the Amanda Show." And don't get me wrong, I would be perfectly happy with Colin Firth as a member of British Parliament, and would move to London if he actually were in it. But what made me addicted to this movie as a preteen was obviously the charming British, musically talented, spikey haired "tour guide" that Amanda Bynes meets when she arrives in London. I basically watch this movie as a guilty pleasure and as a way of remembering my childhood, when life was simple. When going to a friends house meant sitting around watching movies with the stereotypical girl next door and adorable hunk that she ends up with in the end...before Amanda Bynes retired...did you know she retired?!

23. Clueless (1995) - Amy Heckerling

Clueless Trailer

“As if” Amy Heckerling could make another successful movie after “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” If you actually believe this, you must be really “Clueless.” This 1995 loosely adaptated version of Jane Austen’s acclaimed novel, Emma, may seem like another robotic movie about teen life in high school, but in reality this satirical comedy touches on society, politics, as well as the life of a mega-rich valley girl teenager in Beverly Hills, California.

Whether it is through the main character, popular match-maker extraordinaire Cher (Alicia Silverstone) falling in love with a boy who turns out to be gay, or that she is only friends with Dionne (Stacey Dash) because they, “both know what it’s like to have people jealous of [them],” the smart, witty dialogue suggests that these seemingly oblivious characters share a secret with the audience- they are, in fact, smarter than they wish to share with their fellow rich teenagers. Although not every driver only drives places that have valet, this flick is still relatable to children who only have one parent, people with abusive boyfriends, or those who feel excluded in high school.

Heckerling also comments on the societal views of beauty, mocking that one high school girl cannot participate in gym class because her, “plastic surgeon doesn’t want [her] doing any activities where balls fly at [her] nose.” She continues with this theme by highlighting the unimportance of outer beauty. Cher meets Tai (Brittany Murphy) a grungy unfortunate looking new girl in the eyes of Cher and her team of popular rich kids. She immediately makes it her goal in life to transform Tai into a popular girl, giving her tips and tricks on how to act, dress, and even speak. This obsession for perfection on the outside is, of course, in lieu of actually studying, where talking her way from a C+ to an A- received merit from Cher’s father, who expressed that he, “couldn’t be happier than if they were based on real grades.”

However, Heckerling points out that outer beauty is not the end all, be all. In the end, Tai ends up becoming popular, but turns on Cher, leading to her own social and moral demise. Cher finds herself falling in love with the quarterback of the football team and prom king? Nope, but her quirky older step-brother who is anything but popular or cute in the conventional sense, proving that it truly is inner beauty that matters. Cher embarks on a journey for outer perfection and in turn gets her own makeover, on the things that really matter. 

22. Flowers and Trees (1932)- Walt Disney

Flowers and Trees (8 mins.)

"Flowers and Trees" was undoubtedly revolutionary and changed the dynamic of cartoons for, well, forever. It was not only the first ever recipient of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, but the first cartoon produced in color, technicolor to be specific. It is a part of a larger collection of short films, entitled, "Silly Symphonies," where Walt Disney would compose a piece of music and then draw a cartoon that fit in timing and tone with the music. The series is tied for first (with Tom and Jerry) for most wins in its category, with seven. Apart from being important to the history of film, I found this short traumatizing and upsetting. All is well in the enchanted forest at first, until a jealous revenge-obsessed tree decides that he is determined to ruin the romantic relationship between two other trees. He tries to burn down everything in sight, forcing mushrooms to go back into the ground, and so on. The only way for the habitants to stay safe is to hide and run away from the fire, and those who try and put it out with water, fail miserably. I would still recommend watching this short film, if for no other reason than that it changed the film industry indefinitely, the score is beautiful, and who doesn't love singing flowers? Just don't let your children watch it, they might start obsessing over imaginary tree relationships and become paranoid about forrest fires. But besides that, its great!

21. Geri's Game (1997)- Jan Pinkava

Geri's Game Short Film (5:03)

This Pixar animated short film follows one man, Geri in his quest for success in a heated chess game...with himself. This charming little story carries a big message about creativity and the use of your imagination as a way of never being alone. On the other hand, Geri's story can also be seen as actually quite sad. He is an elderly man, sitting alone in a park playing chess with no one and having a delusional interaction with himself where he fakes his own death to beat himself in a game. Overall though, I find Geri amusing and delightful and was so excited to see him make a reappearance in Toy Story 2. Pixar has had some great animated shorts over the years, but what I like about this one is that it isn't trying to hard to be overly funny, or too serious, or complex, but rather simple and enjoyable.

20. Horrible Bosses (2011)- Seth Gordon

Horrible Bosses Trailer

As weird as this sounds, this movie is incredibly relatable. Whether it's a coke addict, bad hair line boss's son who gets whatever he wants just because, or a huge asshole who gets pleasure out of making your life a living hell, or a borderline psychotic person who is obsessed with you to the point that it is actually unhealthy, there will always be that person who you want to "kill." In this movie, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day), and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) actually attempt it. They employ the help, er uh "help" of one badass Motherfucker Jones (Jamie Foxx). Don't worry, that's not his real name, but who can walk around the worst section of Los Angeles with a name like Dean Jones? Anyway, the comedy of the movie is focused around the fact that it is nearly impossible for three random guys to commit premeditated murders and the events that make it impossible. They go from hiring a man who specializes in urinating on other men, to accidentally saving one of the bosses with a peanut allergy by stabbing him with an Epipen. In the end, however, the movie actually has a pretty good "message," if you can even call it that. They will just happen to murder each other and Motherfucker Jones will, in fact, catch your crazy boss in the act of trying to molest you on top of your best friend. Assholes never win. It doesn't take illegal activity to figure that out.

19. Casablanca (1942)- Michael Curtiz

Casablanca Trailer

“Play it again, Sam” actually a mis-quotation, nevertheless that is exactly what I did. I watched it all the way through, and had to watch it again. There’s a reason that “Casablanca” is on every “best movies of all time” list, actually there are many. This beautiful gem of a movie mixes an absolutely perfect Romeo and Juliet love story paired with a heavily dramatic war story with subtle comedy seen through Humphrey Bogart’s wit and charm. It portrays love, war, loyalty and corruption, a beautiful cast, people with French accents, German general assholes, alcohol and all of their relationships to each other. A wonderful mix that simply has no flaws. Widely acclaimed, it was voted into the National Film Registry in 1989 ensuring that it will be preserved for generations to come.

            The most successful aspect of “Casablanca” is the amazing chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. When Rick has the flashbacks in the bar to their days in Paris, the way they look at each other and their body language is incredible. "Here's lookin at you, kid." It is almost like they have been married for years. My heart sunk when he let her get on the plane without him. Just seeing her for a day brought back all those feelings and love they shared, but he reassures Ilsa and himself that “[They’ll] always have Paris.”

The plot is just as relevant today as it was back in 1942. There is war, and love and the conflict between the two. It mixes personal feelings with the commitment and devotion to one’s country. Ilsa didn’t know the situation with her husband while he was at the concentration camp. This is a problem today. Wives of soldiers don’t always hear from their husbands for weeks or months at a time. The easily influenced police officer that gambled represents the corruption in politics and government, which remains to be an issue to this day.

This beautiful screenplay, which won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay has influenced pop culture indefinitely. It has inspired movies such as the Buggs Bunny cartoon, “Carrotblanca” (1995) with Buggs playing Rick and Daffy Duck playing Sam. One of the greatest moviemakers of all time, Woody Allen, even adopted his own version of this classic called “Play it Again, Sam” (1972).  It holds six spots on AFI’s Top Movie Quotes list, more than any other movie, and as well it should. One, if not the most influential movies of all time, “Casablanca” is a cultural phenomenon and will continue to educate filmmakers and cause that warm feeling for viewers for years to come. 

18. Step Brothers (2008)- Adam McKay

Step Brothers Trailer

For this review, I'm not going to talk about how incredibly hilarious this movie is, because everyone knows that. I'm also not going to talk about how Will Ferrell's prosthetic testicles cost $25,000. I'll consider talking about how Brennan (Will Ferrell) may or may not have buried Dale (John C. Reilly) alive in their front yard. Or how Mr. Dobac (Richard Jenkins) builds Dale and Brennan a tree house out of a boat, complete with racy magazines, Chewbacca masks, and pirate hats. I definitely won't say how my grandmother and I quote from the song, "Boats and Hoes" in the summertime. I'll avoid  telling you all about how many Catalina Wine Mixer parties I've been to, and how when I went to a concert where the person sang Por Ti Votare and all I could say in my head was, "it's the fucking Catalina Wine Mixer." I too, like Brennan and Dale would hook up with John Stamos, but I won't say how that would immediately make me best friends with them because of it. It is kind of a secret so I better not write this but I've definitely used ninja focus to slow my heart rate down just like Brennan trying to save his "child-adulthood" home. Oh shit, did I say all of that? Oops! But it's all okay, because I remember my first beer.

17. Music and Lyrics (2007)- Marc Lawrence

Music and Lyrics Trailer

Hugh Grant as an 80s "Pop!" sensation has-been, Drew Barrymore as the damaged aspiring writer, that absurdly tall guy from "Everybody Loved Raymond," and Mr. Schue from Glee, make for a kick ass cast, with a slightly mediocre, yet weirdly entertaining love story. Alex Fletcher (Grant), and Sophie Fisher (Barrymore), literally and figuratively "find their way back into love," as they write their way through what hopes to be a hit song for an artist that I can only describe as Taylor Swift, if she had Cheryl Crowe length hair, with Madonna's costume designer and the "talent" of Fergie. With each word that ascends onto the page, the two writers fall even more in love with each other, even if Sophie does ruin Alex's plants.  We, as the audience, gets insight into the troubles that those in the music industry run into, while totally predicting how the cheesy love story unfolds. As stereotypically "chick flick" as it is, I do have to say, that there is absolutely nothing better than hearing Hugh Grant sing a song that he supposedly wrote to the woman that he loves, while playing the piano.

16. Beauty and the Beast 3D (2012, 1991)- Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Beauty and the Beast 3D Trailer

Growing up, Beauty and the Beast, was one of my favorite movies. I adored the lavish musical numbers, the terrifying scenes in the woods, how Belle liked to read books, everything. After taking my brother and sister to see it again, I realized all of the horrible messages it gives to children.
1. When someone is creative, they are automatically crazy and should be locked up.
2. Stockholm Syndrome is cool and totally works.
3. It's okay for a man to abuse you, if you stick with him, he'll change.
4. When you feel like there is no one there to talk to, ask your dad and he'll tell you go find the idiotic, kill obsessed town "hunk" who is a total asshole.
5. It's totally fine for a candlestick (or man) to continue to flirt with a broomstick (or woman), even when she says no.

Even after these misogynistic messages sent to young girls, Belle still shows young girls that being yourself, and determined will yield success in the end. I sill love this movie a lot, it is beautifully made and who can resist a Disney song and dance number? When I asked my brother about his favorite part in the movie, he didn't comment on Belle's abusive relationship, or how she doesn't have a mommy, but instead he said, "I really liked it when the Beast roared, and the girl's princess dress." Go figure!

15. Contagion (2011)- Steven Soderbergh

Contagion Trailer

So, apparently all it takes is one bat to fly into a pig farm, defecate onto a pig, have that pig be sent to a restaurant in China, have that owner not wash his hands, then shake hands with Gwyneth Paltrow and BAM! World pandemic and an armageddon. Shit. It's so simple, that is why it's so frightening. It's also scary how people start to act in times of distress. They loot, break into houses, and even kill other people, just to get food and water, because no one else is providing it. It all comes down to survival of the fittest. I'm not sure, but Charles Darwin would probably say something along the lines of, "I TOLD YOU SO!"

14. The Iron Lady (2011)- Phyllida Lloyd

The Iron Lady Trailer

Meryl Streep is incredible- but I already knew that. What I didn't know was that Margaret Thatcher has dementia and actually cared about her family when she was in politics. I knew very little about her background going into the movie, and even though it is a story of a powerful woman overcoming adversity and becoming Prime Minister, I found it kind of sad. She worked with her father in their shop, worked hard on her studies, and even went to Oxford. But what she gained by all this work, for me, was masked by the fact that she had little social skills and no true friends. The non-linear timeline shows how those closest to Lady Thatcher all died, or left her, leaving her completely alone. She was a great advocate of women, and an incredibly important politician, but this beautiful movie gave insight into more than just that. Meryl Streep, as usual, transformed herself into Margaret Thatcher, and probably won't win the Oscar because she never does, but she deserves it. In the words of my mother, "Since when did Julia Childs become Margaret Thatcher?"

13. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)- Gil Junger

10 Things I Hate About You Trailer

Heath Ledger as a total bad ass hottie (but when is he not?) who is paid to court an emotionally damaged, mega psycho bitch (Julia Stiles) and accidentally falls for her. Need I say more? Oh yeah, if that didn't do it for you, how about Joseph Gordon-Levitt as an adorable love-struck teen determined to do whatever it takes to get the girl, even if that means learning French. What about the witty banter back and forth between "Clueless"- esque characters? (read out loud as if you are a valley girl from California, or Alicia Silverstone, either one) "There's a difference between like and love. Because I like my Sketchers, but I love my Prada backpack." It's a very clever take on William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," if the shrew went to a private high school and liked indie music.

12. Harvey (1950)- Henry Koster

Harvey Trailer

James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd makes me believe that there is, in fact, a six foot, three inch tall mischievous white rabbit that goes to bars, has a martini (or two), and is around for those who need him. Stewart is charming, lovable, and genuine in this role, which is said to be the most significant of his long, successful career. The screenplay is very clever and had me looking in each and every shadow to see if I could catch a glimpse of rabbit ears. I never once questioned Dowd's (Stewart) sanity, but rather, the humanity of those who wanted to suppress his friendship with Harvey. I think it is appalling to think that the workers in those hospitals would treat patients the way that they did in this movie. Why would you drug someone who is pleasant, harmless, and an asset to the community? It is stripping them of themselves, of their personalities, of life. "Harvey" has been one of my favorite movies for a long time, and definitely will continue to be. It really shows that having an imagination doesn't make you crazy, but not having one does.

these go to 11. This is Spinal Tap (1984)- Rob Reiner

This is Spinal Tap Trailer

There are two sides to every story: the truth, and what David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) of the infamous British heavy metal rock band, Spinal Tap, think is the truth. With obvious delusions of grandeur, the band ignores their ever-decreasing fan base, countless cancelled gigs and eighteen-inch tall replicas of Stonehenge to try and relive their glory days as one of the world’s greatest heavy metal rock bands.

This mockumentary is a satirical work of genius directed by Rob Reiner, commenting on the ridiculousness of the world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll.  Constantly named as one of the funniest movies of all time, the humor is often lost on rock stars, who find the film to be too close to home. After seeing “This is Spinal Tap” for the first time, Eddie Van Halen felt that, “[he] failed to see the humor in the film. Everything in that movie happened to [him].”

This is especially disturbing, because if everything in the movie happened to him, then he must have acted like a pretentious, yet oblivious self obsessed brat who complains backstage about the size of bread he was given to make a sandwich. And yet, Reiner takes the viewer through the hardships and dedication that these band members have gone through to get to where they are, making them loveable and highlights the audience’s desire for them to succeed.

Their commitment to music has morphed their style from a Beatles cover band, to a “Flower Child” psychedelic folk band, to their current state as a bad heavy metal hard rock band, Spinal Tap. Although transformations in real life might not be as drastic, these are some of the troubles that real bands deal with. Other problems expressed are those with changing members (they’ve had 37 over the years), the first drummer “died in a bizarre gardening accident,” and canceling gigs, “I wouldn’t worry about it though, [Boston] isn’t a big college town.”

On a scale of ten, this movie, like Spinal Tap’s amplifier volume, is an eleven. The success of the film may not have skyrocketed into the mainstream, but the cultural significance to the movie and music industries is undeniable. The comic brilliance of the movie’s screenwriters (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner) allowed the actors to take on an entirely new life as rock stars. Subtly witty, “This is Spinal Tap” may not appeal to those who don’t understand sarcasm and satire, but that is okay because in the words of David St. Hubbins, “It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” 

10. Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows (2011)- Guy Ritchie

Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows Trailer

Robert Downey Jr. was born to play Sherlock Holmes. He's very witty (with his dry humor about his ridiculous disguises), clearly very smart, and pulls off a trench coat like you wouldn't believe! And Jude Law- seriously with that guy? He is so handsome, even with a mustache (the British accent certainly doesn't hurt there), and watching him see someone get shot and tell everyone to clear out because he's a doctor made me kind of believe that if I got shot, I'd let Jude Law take care of it...The only thing that bothered me about this movie is that it was actually a lot more violent than I'd expected. I feel like I pictured Sherlock Holmes to be more discreet or something in my mind, just not as violent. I did appreciate, however,  the slow motion hand to hand combat, which added a kung fu like aspect to the fighting. I'm glad I saw it, just because I love RDJ and Jude Law, but I don't know that I'd see it again. The story line was kind of slow and confusing even up until the last few minutes and left several questions unanswered. I guess I'll just have to find out the answers in the next movie. Oh, the beauty of a franchise.

9. Win a Date with Tad Hamilton (2004)- Robert Luketic

Win a Date with Tad Hamilton Trailer

So, for some strange reason whenever I walk into a Best Buy or Target and see those bins with $5 DVDs, I always look for this movie. I had it in my mind that it was kind of a "b" movie, but still really entertaining and that the main character was super hot. So when I saw it for $3 at Big Lots (random, I know), I decided that I needed to have it and watch it, since I hadn't seen it since it came out when I was eleven. It was just like I remembered it. Predictable, corny, yet there is something kind of charming about it. Plus, who doesn't love seeing Josh Duhamel (Tad) with his shirt off?! I know I do! Anyway, Kate Bosworth (Rosalee), is the typical girl-next-door, and completely adorable, while even though Josh can probably out lift him, Topher Grace is believable as the guy who is in love with his best friend, who has no idea and is "out of his league." The all star cast included Nathan Lane, Sean Hayes (Will and Grace). Gary Cole, Ginnifer Goodwin (He's Just Not That Into You), Amy Smart, and Octavia Spencer (The Help). If you're in the mood for a slightly cheesy, underdog romantic comedy that you just can't help but loving, it doesn't get any better than this.

8. The Artist (2011)- Michel Hazanavicius

The Artist Trailer

I loved it. But what's not to like? It is a love story that takes place in 1920s-30s glamourous Hollywood, about a silent film star's struggles in the transition from silent movies into movies with talking, during the Great Depression, and the woman who helps him through the conversion. The performance by the actors was superb and believable. It was refreshing to finally see a love story not solely based on sex, but romance, and a drama that didn't revolve around shooting people, or gang violence, or the mafia- but real problems that people during this time period actually went through. Without any dialogue, it was still, hands down the most pure, wonderful movie of the year. This film makes me wish that I lived in the 1920s. The chivalry. The romance. The glamour. The fact that people used to get dressed up in black tie to go see a movie in a gorgeous theatre, with a live orchestra playing in the front. But, it also reminded me how difficult the 30s must have been, how the Depression really changed everything. No one was safe, not even the movie stars.

7. Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy (2011) - Tomas Alfredson

Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy Trailer

Well it sure was pretty quiet for a "thriller." It was so quiet that the entire theatre could hear each bite of my Asian trail mix (don't ask). I wanted more character development and more Colin Firth (obviously).  The story itself was interesting, but of course, it is based off of a British spy novel from the late 70s. But for a film about intelligence during the emergence of the Cold War, it certainly wasn't "hot." I wanted more action, some romance, more drama and less of Gary Oldman, no offense to him. The non-linear timeline was very effective and added a sense of mystery to this neo-noir wannabe. I think I need to see it again. It was easy to get distracted, there was nothing visually forcing my eyes to the screen, and missing one single line could mean not understanding the entire movie, unfortunately. I can see how it could be a contender, though. The screenplay was well written, with an all star cast (John Hunt, Gary Oldman, Toby Jones, Colin Firth- need I say more?) who all had British accents (who can argue with that?). I'm going to try seeing it again and see if that alters my feelings about it, but overall I liked the concept, the cast and the grainy mise-en-scene look, but in the words of The Bruce Dickinson aka Christopher Walken, "I need more cow bell!"

6. My Week with Marilyn (2011)- Simon Curtis

My Week with Marilyn Trailer

Michelle Williams is a genius. She plays Marilyn Monroe better than Marilyn Monroe. She was stunningly daft, charming, yet damaged, just like the star she portrayed. I felt as if I was watching a documentary about addiction, abuse, sex and love, rather than a just a movie based on a true story. There is one line in the film where Marilyn (Michelle Williams) asks Colin (Eddie Redmayne), "Should I be her?" meaning the ultimate sex symbol, that she believed everyone wanted, rather than her personality and self beyond just that. I thought this line and scene were particularly powerful, in that there was so much about her as a person that no one knew about, or even cared to learn about her besides the way she looked. She was addicted to pills, grew up with a mentally ill mother, abused by multiple husbands, and used and objectified for sex by everyone. How was she ever supposed to trust anyone, when those closest to her failed her time after time? Michelle Williams conveyed all of these complications without being trite, but rather embodying  who she really was beneath the tight sequin dresses.

5. Buck (2011)- Cindy Meehl

Buck Trailer

In the words of Buck Brannaman, "I'm helping horses with people problems." I am a firm believer in animal rights, treat people and animals the way you would want to be treated, etc....so when my "British" grandmother explained to me what trainers have to do to get their horses to compete in dressage, I was sick to my stomach. Buck taught me (in this incredibly beautiful documentary) that not only does it not always have to be that bad, with people abusing horses in the name of money, but it isn't always like that. Buck was treated like an animal from the time he was a child, having been brutally abused by his biological father and in turn removed from his care. He was rehabbed by his foster parents who didn't pity him, but gave him a purpose, which is exactly how he treats his horses. He is kind, gentle, and respectful towards these dauntingly lovely animals. The only problem with this film is that is is not better known to the average American who is not Sundance savvy. It is eye opening, and important.

4. The Descendants (2011)- Alexander Payne

The Descendants Movie Trailer

Today I ventured over to my favorite indie movie theatre, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (home of the most amazing popcorn in the world, made with sea salt and sunflower oil) to see George Clooney and the girl who got pregnant on "Secret Life of the American Teenager" cope with their mixed feelings about taking their wife and mother off of life support, after being in a coma. It was good, really good- don't get me wrong. But there is just something strange about watching Shailene Woodley in a legitimately serious role after her attempt at being a serious actress in "Secret Life," which was clearly a complete joke. Even though she was really poorly casted, George Clooney was incredible. The way he conveyed his internal conflict between loving his wife to the end of her life no matter what versus his disdain for her after he found out that she was having an affair. But how can you hate someone who is dying in a coma? Although I have no way of understanding what his character was supposed to be going through, the single tear he shed while saying his goodbyes, said it all. I really hope he gets an Oscar nod for this role, he deserves it. He seems to become a better actor with each role he accepts. George Clooney, like good cheese and wine, only gets better with age.

3. We Bought a Zoo (2011) - Cameron Crowe

We Bought a Zoo- trailer

What could be better than seeing Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, fighting crime? Oh yeah, seeing him as a widower, and a dad, tucking his daughter into bed, playing with animals. Seriously?! He sees his son struggling in school and decides to move to the middle of no where in California and buy a zoo to help rebuild his family. How amazingly beautiful is that? And it is based on a true story. Come on now. Oh and did I mention that Scarlet Johansson just happens to play the zoologist who's crushing on my boy Matt (who isn't?). Who doesn't love Scarlet? Her name is Scarlet for Pete's sake! Anyway, It was nice to see a single dad portrayed so well and competent in a movie for once. It must not have a been a Disney film (cough cough Finding Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid, need I go on?)

2. Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol (2011)- Brad Bird

MI4: Ghost Protocol Trailer

Okay Tom Cruise, really? You were still "hot" in 1996 when the first Mission Impossible movie came out, and had a better haircut. Now, I could see your moobs and admitted to wanting you to fail your mission. I'm sorry, but it's time to move on to a new franchise. You're getting old, let's try something different, otherwise you'll become a total has been. The movie was about twenty-five minutes too long and yes, had a lot of explosions, but you should take the defective mission instructions (in the telephone booth) from the director as a sign. The gadgets are outdated, and so are you. What I did find interesting, however was the difference in style of this movie compared to, say Mission Impossible 2, which was a John Woo film and more focused on the kung fu, hand to hand combat, than just trying to out shoot each other. Let's get some of that back, or how about let's make this the last one with Tom Cruise, and pull a Bourne and replace him with a younger buck, say Channing Tatum? Come on Tom, you can do better.

1. War Horse (2011)- Steven Speilberg

War Horse Trailer

So the first movie of 2012 that I watched was Speilberg's (clearly) War Horse. It was almost like he took a template of what he thought would win an Academy Award, and made that movie. It was a film about World War 1, based on a children's book AND a play, personifying a horse, and it was close to two and a half hours long. If that doesn't scream Oscar, then I don't know what does. I laughed (mostly because the main character was a little bit goofy), I definitely cried, I was disturbed at how people treat other people in times of war, and cried some more when the opposing sides came together, despite the orders of their commanders, to save an animal. It was visually stunning, with incredible vibrant shots of rural England, in contrast with the dark, bleak, tastefully shot battle scenes. The only thing that I found to be a little bit ridiculous was the dialogue itself. Even though it is based on a children's book, the film was clearly not meant for "the littles" what with the shots of decapitated horses. I thought Albie's dialogue could have been a little bit more sophisticated for his age. I almost felt insulted and that at times I was being talked down to, but there's the stage aspect to it. Anyway, good job Steve! Way to start of my year with a bang (pun totally intended).

The Challenge.

Every year, December 31st comes around and every person that you know, from the check out lady at Wegmans to your dental hygienist, asks the same tedious question, "(insert name or patronizing nick name here), what is your New Year's Resolution?" Now, it does not matter what your answer is, because either in their head, or outwardly, the person who asked you is questioning as to whether you can complete your intended task. Most people say that they want to loose weight, stop drinking caffeine, eat more healthily, exercise more, or something like that. I personally heavily rely on coffee, and while I exercise every day, I just happen to really enjoy a variety of different foods, all bad for me. Instead of resolutions that directly affect my physical wellbeing, this year I have decided to do something completely different. On January 1, I got a Facebook notification from the Syracuse Obscure Cinema Society, where one of the members proposed this challenge. I will be watching 365 movies in the year 2012 and keeping this blog as my movie diary. They will be old, new, Hollywood, foreign, blockbuster hits, indie films, short films, animated movies, experimental films and movies from any genre, as long as there are 365 of them. It is now January 3rd and I have watched three movies, so I am on track so far, but we'll see as the year goes on! Wish me luck!