Upstream Color

• 2013
• Drama
• Sci-fi

Shot like an intense, two-hour, perfume commercial. Very heady, intellectually-rich, and ethereal. I had to look online for other meanings and they were all fascinating. This is exactly what you would expect from the guy that made Primer.

The Sessions

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama
• Romance

A moving film about a disabled poet who spends his life lying down, unable to move anything but his head. He meets a "sex surrogate" (a smart prostitute) to experience the love-makings of a woman. Highly enjoyable movie!

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

• 2009
• Action
• Animation
• Drama

If you like Japanime, then chances are you’ll most certainly know about this. As for people that are unaware, try out Evangelion 1.1 and see if it’s your cup of tea. It has all the typical elements that you would expect from a Japanime, albeit cheesy. However, there’s something fascinating about it that I can’t put my finger my on. Maybe you can.

Ed Gein

• 2000
• Biography
• Crime
• Drama

A boring, uneventful, badly-performed, low-budget film about a serial killer who decorates his house with the skin of his victims.

The Place Beyond the Pines

• 2013
• Crime
• Drama

This is the most impactful and heart-breaking drama I have seen so far in 2013. And, ladies, you get a 2-for-1 deal with Gosling and Cooper so everyone can, and should see this hidden gem of a film. Actually, you must see this.

The Impossible

• 2012
• Drama
• History
• Thriller

You have a right to think that this is a privileged family’s vacation gone wrong and how every Thai person in the film is overly nice to them because of their status. As someone who lived in Thailand, I can see the local’s kindness as something far from fiction. This is an accurate rendition of the Thai people, not Hollywood’s sensationalized attempt to pull at your heart strings.

It’s a tragic disaster that puts you into its belly and shows you the heart-breaking example of displacement in a time of numbing chaos.

Amour

• 2012
• Drama
• Romance

This one is a real downer. However, it’s shot beautifully and written brilliantly. The meanings might not be obvious on the first viewing but a second viewing could be overwhelmingly sad. I’d advise to read up on forum discussions, instead.

Journey from the Fall

• 2006
• Drama

A raw and honest look at the boat people of Vietnam and how that war affected the country’s aftermath. The first half is good but the second half doesn’t live up. However, this is far better than Oliver Stone’s big budget Heaven & Earth.

Gangster Squad

• 2013
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

A sad waste on such a great cast. Everything looked the part but this lacked any tension. Instead of suspense, it’s replaced with gratuitous action and tacky one-liners. This is the director that brought you Zombieland, which is great but that type of vision won’t work for a movie like this and it shows.

Rust and Bone

• 2012
• Drama
• Romance

The most random relationship of 2012’s romantic dramas. As far apart as these two are, the script makes them compatible, in some magical way. There were quite a few events outside of the relationship that seemed unnecessary, but it's a good film, just not one that I can strongly recommend.

Heaven & Earth

• 1993
• Action
• Biography
• Drama

An emotionally flat movie with too much going on and not enough focus on a solid message. You’ll be dazzled by the beautiful shots but ultimately irritated by the acting and carelessness that Oliver Stone put into this film. A new edition to my “most hated” list.

The Master

• 2012
• Drama

Another brilliantly-cryptic film by Paul Thomas Anderson. Joaquin Phoenix puts on a performance of a lifetime. I strongly feel he deserves the Oscar over Daniel Day Lewis’ Lincoln. There’s a lot that can be taken away from this film.

Killing Them Softly

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

The most business-minded crime drama I have seen. The audience is going to be on the fence about this one as it’s not so much a wild shoot-em-up and it’s not as exciting as Goodfellas. I don’t love this film but I was definitely taken by it and that stayed with me for a while.

Chloe

• 2009
• Drama
• Mystery
• Thriller

It starts off as a psychological drama but things fall apart. However, none of the actors drop their performances and for that, it’s able to carry you to the end with no screaming complaints.

Hit and Run

• 2012
• Action
• Drama
• Romance

It’s Dax Shepard’s movie about him trying to be a badass and protect his real life girlfriend in this speeding comedy that goes nowhere.

Hitchcock

• 2012
• Biography
• Drama

The acting is great, the cast is great, and it’s about one of my heros, Alfred Hitchcock. It’s impossible for me to say anything bad about this, even if there was something bad about this.

Silver Linings Playbook

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama
• Romance

This is one incredibly neurotic love story, and I enjoyed every bit of it. If you want to view this as a romcom, or some sort of life-affirming drama, it will work as both. The only problem I have with this film is that I can’t figure out what’s better. Jennifer Lawrence’s stellar performance or David O. Russell’s superb directing.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

• 2012
• Drama
• Romance

This is one of the most unrealistic high school dramas I have ever seen. This is also one of the best high school dramas I have ever seen. I actually learned something from this. Then came one line towards the end that I didn’t understand. I looked it up and was moved. I good and deep film, yet, painful.

Django Unchained

• 2012
• Action
• Drama
• Western

A bloody and fun ride but am I alone in thinking that there seemed to be too much unnecessary dialogue towards the end? I love this movie but I couldn’t help compare it to Inglourious Basterds. The escalation of that movie consistently went up but this one leveled out for a long time. No matter, it’s still crazy-good!

PS: Christoph Waltz always talks like he’s about to show you a magic trick.

Les Miserables

• 2012
• Drama
• Music
• Romance

The most beautifully-shot film of 2012 and probably the most moving. Not going to lie here, I kind of lost my shit when Anne Hathaway did her solo. I love this story, I love this movie, but I am so depressed for the characters. Hey, can we give them a sequel and call it, “Less Miserable”.

Compliance

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

This is done really well. It dives deep into how far people go when they are in a position of power. However, it is really hard to sit through. At some points, I found myself wishing I was watching a grotesque horror, instead.

Zero Dark Thirty

• 2012
• Action
• Drama
• History

Forget all the controversy surrounding this movie. This is a superb film, even though you know how it’s going to end. Oh, you don’t know? The bad guy gets shot in the face, ‘Merica!

Bernie

• 2012
• Comedy
• Crime
• Drama

There is no lung-popping laughter here but it is bizarrely entertaining. Jack Black is perfect for this role, adding his trademark elements that actually make you attached to his character. That’s right, you’ll actually care about a Jack Black character.

Lawless

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama

Lawless brings a very depraved look at the Depression-era as it follows a small gang of bootleggers. The violence is as strong as the performances and should definitely be seen for those that can handle it.

Life of Pi

• 2012
• Adventure
• Drama

Fantastic storytelling with a focus on religion, yet it does not force an agenda on you. Atheists, I guarantee you, it will be safe. I thought this was just going to be a beautiful movie about survival but the final plot twist left my family and I a lot to talk about. One of the best films of 2012.

Flight

• 2012
• Drama

One of the best scripts of 2012 and one of Denzel Washington’s best performance to date. It’s about the timeless disease of alcoholism and what it takes for a person to come to terms with it. Washington steals the movie and ultimately brings the smaller truths of the story to a level that we can all dislike, respect, and also admire.

Arbitrage

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

With all the billionaire downfall movies as of late, this is definitely the best one in the last two years. A billionaire does his usual billionaire bad habits like making greedy deals and cheating on his wife. After an accidental death with his mistress, things fall apart quickly as he tries to keep things together. The ending is not what you would expect but the satisfaction is there, make sure to look out for it.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

• 2012
• Drama
• Fantasy

It feels like an epic adventure spanning across fantastical continents even though we clearly see it takes place in the swamplands. An imaginative picture about bayou fables, survival, and innocence. The best aspect here is that it doesn’t force any agenda on you, it’s just great film making.

Cloud Atlas

• 2012
• Drama
• Mystery
• Sci-fi

Imagine that I give you a handful of beautiful Hallmark cards. Inside each of them are heart-melting poems about the human condition, cosmic connections, and love. As you start reading the first poem, I swipe it away and toss you another random one to read. I’ll rinse and repeat this for two hours and that is what Cloud Atlas is like.

Regardless if you can follow it or not, this film is a treat for the senses with its amazing visuals and epic story.

Lincoln

• 2012
• Biography
• Drama
• History

One of the greatest directors of our time makes a movie with the best actor in cinema and it’s about the biggest event that shaped America. I'm just disappointed there were no 3D vampires.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

• 2012
• Drama
• Romance
• Sci-fi

The beginning is really funny and then things become somber to damn-near depressing for rest of the film. No charm and no fun.

Argo

• 2012
• Drama
• History
• Thriller

There are no explosions and no gunfights but this is one of the most suspenseful movies I have seen. It puts you in the thick of it and you’re never certain if they will make it out. One of the best movies of 2012.

Savages

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

Aging men that lose their coolness end up buying Porsches and drive them at 40mph. Savages is Oliver Stone's candy red Porsche.

End of Watch

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

Many bro-cop movies indirectly spoil the ending before you are given a chance to care about the characters. End of Watch builds the camaraderie on a level that you can’t help, but to want to be a part of; guy or gal. A superb movie for those seeking raw action with depth.

The Comedy

• 2012
• Drama

If you dislike this movie, then you’re not smart enough to understand it. If you praise it, then you’re stupid enough to fall for its satirical intentions. You can't win, so don't bother with it. It’s the abstract paint splashes of comedy and it is not funny.

Killer Joe

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

One of the most dark-humored, crime flicks ever made. Matthew McConaughey puts on a violently good performance but Juno Temple steals the show. The slogan on the poster is accurate and will be uncomfortable for a lot of people. If you do brave forward and decide to watch this, I strongly suggest you grab a bucket of fried chicken.

Moonrise Kingdom

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama
• Romance

Innocent, enchanting, and aware of itself enough to be funny at all the right moments. Some of Wes Anderson's previous films, minus The Fantastic Mr. Fox, have been more cerebral. Moonrise Kingdom comes more from the heart and it shows it big ways, even with his subtle style. A delight to watch.

The Tall Man

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Mystery

Great on atmosphere, not so much on the sociological twist that happens mid-way through the film. The twist itself isn't bad and it will jerk some sympathy out of you, but nobody wanted it. Well, not nobody, maybe just the people that gave this a bad review and others that we're expecting something much more intense from the writer/director of Martyrs.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama
• Romance

Watching Jennifer Lopez pretending to be a poor person with problems is miserable. This could be used as a strong anti-pregnancy promotion for young teens, instead of the shallow, detached, and pathetically unfunny movie that it is. I have never been more happy to be a single, stupid, and an irresponsible man-child ever in my life, like I did after watching this.

Snow White and the Huntsman

• 2012
• Action
• Adventure
• Drama

Sometimes, we get that random urge to ‘watch Charlize Theron play an amazingly, evil queen in a badly-written story that looks like two-hour-long NIN music video.’ This is the movie to watch if that’s your thing.

The Loved Ones

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Horror

Be real about it, there’s a lot of bad modern horror films. Mostly because the stories start with some gory concept but never has enough brains or wit to go beyond the “cool idea.” Every once in awhile, a film like The Loved Ones makes up for all those. To all you brave movie-goers, enjoy this sadistically funny ride!

The Vicious Kind

• 2009
• Comedy
• Drama

This story is about an awful creep who doesn’t know how to control his emotions. Adam Scott plays the role really well. So well, that you’ll hate him for it. Almost everyone here is either committing a moral crime or keeping some dark secret. I was bothered throughout the whole film and by the end, I completely stopped caring.

I Melt with You

• 2011
• Drama

Four life-long friends get together once a year for a week-long, drug binge. The movie starts off with a lot of horrible statements of what an aging failure would say. It’s depressing as hell and the only thing more colorful than the characters are all the pills they take. It’s not a movie you can learn from and you’ll feel empty after the final scene. Do not watch this movie.

Magic Mike

• 2012
• Biography
• Comedy
• Drama

If your girl wants to go see this movie, take her. Don’t worry, you’ll survive. It’s actually good and has solid performances by the entire cast. It’s not awe-inspiring and the stories about male strippers isn’t anything out of the norm. I would know because I’m a male stripper. Well, only me and my mirror know. Was that awkward? Sorry! Go watch the movie now, it will be a lot less awkward. Seriously, take your girl to go see this, you will get super laid for it.

The Last Circus

• 2011
• Action
• Comedy
• Drama

Watching a character descend into madness is usually intense but the tricky part is making that process relate to the viewer so that they feel like they’re going mad too. What happens in this movie comes out of left field and only ends up being a juvenile excuse to put a gun into the hands of a maniac clown.

The Wave

• 2011
• Drama
• Thriller

The way events unfolded were believable and all the characters did a good job to construct that. It was captivating, then all of sudden, things go out of control for no solid reason. This happens overnight, literally. At that point, you might stop trusting the movie but it is good enough to continue watching until the end.

Faces in the Crowd

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Mystery

After witnessing a gruesome murder and escaping the near-deadly ordeal, Milla Jovovich survives with injuries that prevent her from recognizing faces. Every face she sees is intertwined with one another, while the killer closes in.

Another face she won't be able to recognize is Oscar's.

Margaret

• 2011
• Drama

This took six years to release because the director couldn’t make a version that’s less than three hours long. All that drama behind the scenes is not nearly as thick as what you’ll experience within this film. The acting is stellar and you’ll get a lot of it because the handful of actors each get enough screentime to emotionally erupt. The many layers of events are written on a large scale but wrapped around a plot that anyone can digest.

Love

• 2011
• Drama
• Sci-fi

Really awesome premise. Gorgeous cinematography and visuals. But, if they’re going to do an artsy film that relies mostly on atmosphere, then it might be ideal to keep the dialog to a minimum. Because they went the opposite of that, it's not easy to recommend this. Take a bong rip and go watch the space opera scenes from Tree of Life instead.

Being Flynn

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama

Jonathan Flynn (Robert De Niro) is an asshole father that’s always drunk and mouthy even when he’s sober. Nick Flynn (Paul Dano) does asshole-y things like whine and smoke crack. Jody Flynn (Julianne Moore) doesn’t think she’s a full-on asshole, but enough to kill herself. Bunch of assholes in this movie.

Abduction

• 2011
• Action
• Drama
• Mystery

What are you going to do after Twilight, Taylor Lautner? Cry about it? Actually don't. Stop crying.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama

The best, elderly British actors come together and do what they do best – be old. The story can be predictable but with such a great cast, lead by a good director, it’s nearly impossible to be overly nitpicky. Unless, if you’re an evil person or one of those teenagers that think they’re invincible. A good movie that will stir up a lot of emotions; mostly the good ones.

I only have one question. Just one. Where in the hell is Helen Mirren?!?

Red Tails

• 2012
• Action
• Adventure
• Drama

All of the cringing moments come from the dialogue and there's a whole lotta talking. This is an aerial combat movie but the script will not shut up long enough to let us take in the intensity of warring skies. Red Tails was done with little authenticity to the time period and in some cases, downright disrespectful to history. Shoot this one down.

Take This Waltz

• 2012
• Comedy
• Drama

If anyone other than Michelle Williams played this neurotic and love-torn girl, this film could easily be disastrous. Hats off to Seth Rogan and the rest of cast as well. The summary sounds like your average love story about conflicting feelings but there's much more to it than you would assume.

Sarah Polley directs this in a delicate, yet effective way, which is difficult to fully explain in this small review space. Don’t get me wrong, this movie isn’t perfect, especially for those looking for a “safe” rom-com. There are a few things I didn’t like myself (and really disagreed with), but this film out of left field is a homerun.

The Woman

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Horror

This movie is extremely disturbing but effective because of how well it was directed and how good some of the performances were. No matter how much you hated certain characters, you can't deny their commitment to this project. Even if you wanted them to suffer a justified death. This is a good horror flick but I would insist that most people should veer away from it, especially women.

Contraband

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

Mark Wahlberg returns to the tough-guy role in this subpar, action caper. The rest of the cast is good but the story isn't coherent enough for us to care about. I thought Wahlberg outgrew these types of roles. After watching Contraband, I know I am.

Like Crazy

• 2011
• Drama
• Romance

After coming back to The States, I was actually in a serious relationship with an English girl so I can completely relate to this movie. A lot of the scenes are accurate and to that fault, the only thing more difficult to handle than a long distance relationship is watching a movie about it.

Chronicle

• 2012
• Drama
• Sci-fi
• Thriller

It's a mix of The Craft and Japan's famous Akira. A fun and semi-serious film about how super powers will magnify an adolescent's personality, in which this case, can be disastrous. A lot of different types of movie-goers will enjoy this.

We Bought a Zoo

• 2011
• Comedy
• Drama
• Family

Nothing says “I love you” like giving your family the gift of an un-tamed tiger.

Smokin' Aces

• 2006
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

If you're one of those people that liked Shoot 'Em Up, then you'll like this one too. Otherwise, you'll find this dumb to mildly retarded. It's like the clone of a Taratino film that escaped the lab way too early.