This is what happens when you watch too many movies and you don’t have time to write out your thoughts about them. Even when I’m taking some self-imposed breaks from blogging, I’m still watching the hell out of my rentals. My Netflix subscription is still paying up dividends. So instead of writing individual posts for these mostly good titles (some actually excellent), I’ll just knock out my two cents buffet style, all you can eat!
In other words, these are quicker Quick Takes.
Project Nim (2011)
Enlightening, absorbing documentary about an chimp’s upbringing in a human household in the 70′s. The purpose of this controversial experiment was to prove that a chimpanzee can communicate like a human if raised and nurtured as if it were a human child. The results are both unsettling and highly revealing. B+
Friends with Kids (2012)
A pretty decent comedy-drama that boasts a large cast of talented actors in roles suitably tailored to their strengths. Writer/Director Jennifer Westfeldt has a strong ear for dialogue that resonates. B-
American Reunion (2012)
A sequel that I anticipated but walked away feeling ambivalent about it. For one, it was great to see everyone. I’m a fan of the first two American Pie films (Wedding was meh), but was a bit disappointed that they didn’t bring back the funny. Still, nostalgia counts for something. But is it enough? C+
Wanderlust (2012)
I just love Paul Rudd. Every time I look at this guy, I laugh. He’s naturally funny to me. Wanderlust succeeds mostly because of him and his terrific supporting cast, including Joe Lo Truglio, Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston (as pleasant as I’ve seen her in years). Director David Wain has serious editing issues, as usual, but the laughs are there. B
Haywire (2012)
A wonderful surprise. Haywire is a spare, exciting thriller that flies completely under the radar. It’s like a hulking summer blockbuster that doesn’t feel the need to draw attention to itself. Gina Carrano (a terrific discovery) kicks Michael Fassbender’s ass, screws Channing Tatum, pummels Ewan McGregor and walks away virtually unscathed. Soderbergh’s most enjoyable film in years. A-
Paper Man (2010)
I sought this out for one reason and one reason only: Jeff Daniels. After his blistering performance in The Newsroom this summer, I wanted more of him. I just want Jeff Daniels all the time! But… not in movies like this one. Slow, too offbeat for its own good, and not weighty enough to be taken seriously, Paper Man is a misfire despite the presence of Daniels, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone. A waste. D+
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)
McGregor again (I can watch this guy every week, ya know?), this time as a contractor (of sorts) who arranges to transport salmon from his country to the desert at the behest of a rich sheik. Emily Blunt is the consultant who helps make it happen and, of course, romance ensues. I love the tone of the film, the display of faith and how these people attempt to fulfill their dreams against the odds. The romance part? Meh. Didn’t feel quite right. But it’s an unusually charming little film. B-
The Hunger Games (2012)
I had no desire to see this one for a long time. I gave it a shot during an overlong commute and just dug the hell out of it. A film told with surprising depth and skill (by Gary Ross, a filmmaker I’ve admired for years). Jennifer Lawrence raised eyebrows with her Oscar-nominated performance in Winter’s Bone, which was a decent film, but her talent is on a much broader display in this action-packed, visceral thriller. After the trashy cinematic treatment of the Twilight films, young adult readers should be very pleased with this adaptation. B+
The Grey (2012)
Another thriller that had me firmly in its grip. Liam Neeson’s amazing transformation from character actor to action star continues with stunning results. The Grey is simple, straight-forward and does not pretend to be more than what you see. I had a blast watching these characters get picked off, one by one in typical horror film fashion, until we reached the startling conclusion where I found myself completely frozen in terror. It still sits with me to this day. A-
Bernie (2012)
One of the best films of the year, and that comes as a huge surprise for me. I had no desire to see this film when it was released. The truth is, I knew nothing about the film and Jack Black never really impressed me. I blindly gave it a shot and not a minute was wasted in this sublimely entertaining character piece from the ever-versatile Richard Linklater. It helps when you have no clue who Bernie Tiede is. I was drawn into this delightfully absurd true story of a man who charms the hell out of everyone in Carthage, TX. But one guy, as played with gusto by Matthew McConaughey, does not like him one bit. It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen from Jack Black; his performance alone makes Bernie something really special. A
Arbitrage (2012)
Man, Richard Gere is aging so well. He’s fantastic in this slow-burn thriller about a morally bankrupt magnate whose world comes crumbling down. Can he keep it together? You wonder as you watch Gere snake his way out of shady business dealings, an affair, an accidental death, and a falling empire in which he built. The supporting cast (including Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Nate Parker and Brit Marling — all outstanding) gives the film a lot more layers than you’d expect. Wonderfully done. B+
I Don’t Know How She Does It (2011)
My wife – a fan of these types of rom coms – had this on the TV while we were folding laundry one night. I had no desire to see it. Ever. But she had the remote and she was in control. So what happened? Well, we finished folding the clothes and yet we continued to watch the film. I was inexplicably drawn to it. I kept saying to myself — you are not supposed to like this, dammit!! And screw it all to hell, I did like it. It was earnest, charming and good-natured. Its blandness actually worked for it, not against. I don’t know how it did it, but this one kinda worked for me. B-
Get the Gringo (2012)
Oh, Mel. You are still a charming, crazy-eyed presence in films these days. You still have that movie star charisma. But your taste in projects lately (The Beaver notwithstanding – I actually dug that flick) has left me cold. Get the Gringo is absurd, nonsensical (it takes place in a prison… that doubles as a shopping mall) and is just oddly flat. It was noisy and people got beat up real good, but ya know, sometimes that’s just not good enough. C
A Separation (2011)
A grueling, emotional drama in which a couple’s marital separation evolves into a complex web of misunderstandings, guilt and controlled anger. This superb Iranian drama gives us a peek into the lives of deeply religious people who only want to do what’s right. Heartbreaking stuff. A
The Raid: Redemption (2012)
The plotless Indonesian thriller has major, major cajones. It’s one of the most propulsively violent films I have ever seen. I don’t enjoy violence for the sake of violence, but director Gareth Evans brings us a unique vision that makes his violence appear balletic in nature. He is the next generation’s John Woo. This dazzling display is certainly hollow inside, but man, it’s a thing of beauty. B+
I really liked Bernie, especially McConaughey’s performance – he was so funny! Project Nim was a great film but it angered me so much – I’m ashamed for human race, it was so heartbreaking to so how this poor animal was used by people. Glad you liked Haywire – it was such an elegant, thrilling film.
You said it right about Project Nim – it certainly was heartbreaking. Those “scientists” were pieces of work, weren’t they?
Ooh, Project Nim sounds like it might be up my alley. I’ll make sure to check that one out at some point. Sounds like you’ve had lots of good movie-watching lately!
Do check it out, man!
Dig the mini-reviews, Dave! I’m with you on quite a few of these, especially Haywire, The Grey and Bernie. Wasn’t expecting much out of the first two, but they turned out to be pretty good. Really looking forward to seeing more roles for Gina Carano.
Thanks Eric. Glad we’re on the same page. Love it when our tastes align!
Very solid Quick Takes. I loved A Separation. Stunning, stunning film.
I’m going to go one further and add an additional “stunning!” It’s THAT good!
Haha, yes! It definily deserves a third “stunning”. One of the best of 2011. Incredibly powerful.
I would’ve flipped the “American Reunion” & “Wanderlust” ratings. Usually like everything with Rudd & Aniston (&was curious about Theroux), but I just thought this landed with a painful THUD. “AR” had me laughing more — granted, I drank A Lot of Wine before going to reunion (&yet, not enough!).
Haywire – you had me at CHANNING! Now I wanna see that, Nim, & Grey.
&as much as I Use to love the Mel Man, do we really think he actually has any better options these days??
Looks like you could have used some that wine during Wanderlust! Maybe that would have made it more tolerable for you.
Channing Tatum is awesome, isn’t it? I’m liking him more and more. I don’t care if he’s the sexiest man alive or not!
Mel should stick to directing these days, me thinks. He can helm a great thriller like the best of them.
I felt American Reunion was the second best of the films, after only the first one. I’m afraid I disagree on Paper Man. This was a very pleasant surprise for me, and I loved all of the principal actors in the film, especially Emma Stone. The Hunger Games was an okay adaptation of the book, but the insane shakycam doomed it. A Separation is a very good film and deserved all the honors it received. I liked The Raid: Redemption, but maybe I’ve seen too many Asian action films because I didn’t see anything particularly original in this.
Completely agree about Hunger Games’ shakycam. They really could have made the action scenes much smoother. I thought Gary Ross was better than that.
Thanks for writing, Chip!