Dean's Listers

"Everything I learned... I learned from the movies." -Audrey Hepburn

[deanslisters]

Spring Breakers James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine Directed by Harmony Korine (Theater)

Perfectly toned by the contrasting twisted electro music of Skrillex and the eerie quitness of Cliff Martinez’ (Drive) score, “Sring Breakers” comes out as a strange hypnotic film that you’re not supposed to like but continues to pull you back in. Directed by Harmony Korine, it follows four college students bored my their monotonous daily lives and escapes to the beaches of Florida to experience the candy-coated daylights and neon-colored nightlife of booze, drugs and sex. From the previews, you’d expect a summer version of Project X with Disney stars. Except, 15 mins in, you feel trapped in a nauseating and sometimes noisy elevator ride. Oddly, there’s something enjoyable about it even if you’re not supposed to.

Korine takes you the hub of the spring break parties and mounts his characters right in the middle- it’s like dropping mice in the middle of a maze and watching them go around and try to escape. Some make it and some don’t. The girls are Vanessa Hudgens, Rachel Korine, Ashley Benson and Selena Gomez. They party. They do drugs. And at one point they get arrested. They mysteriously get bailed out by Alien, played so impressively by a Kevin-Federline looking James Franco. Of course there is a catch, the girl are summoned to Franco’s search for revenge.

There’s not much character development to expect. I don’t think Korine wanted there to be. He simply wanted these pretty people to represent a scary kind of beautiful- there really is more than meets the eye. In one of the most clever scenes, you witness Vanessa Hudgens’ and Ashley Benson’ characters bask in Alien’s money and weapons. Considering Francos’s character is supposed to be feared, the 2 girls turn around the tension and force a gun down Franco’s throat. The whole scene is laughable but eerie. But it’s the magic of Korine’s film. These things feel pretty on the surface, but dark, murky and wickely twisted underneath.

“Spring Breakers’ is a fun movie. You’d probably feel agitated at times because there at moments where nothing is really happening but I feel like the second half of the movie makes up for it. Also, James Franco is perfect in this role. He’s very enigmatic all throughout. He’s half the reason you’re constantly drawn in to the chaos. Also, kudos to Cliff Martinez and Skrillex for scoring this entire film because it really gave the film a perfect mood- a beautiful nightmare.

*** (3 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#48 Beasts of The Southern Wild Quvenzhane Wallis, Dwight Henry Directed by Benh Zeitlin (Theater)

Enchanting cannot even explain the magical effect of “Beasts of The Southern Wild.” I was completely engulfed into this fairy tale about Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis) and her journey of survival and strength. Located in a bayou in Louisiana, this self-reliant community of people faces a storm that will melt the ice caps and release huge creates named “auruchs.” Looming is her father’s death as it’s evident by his failing health. Hushpuppy is in a race to learn as much as she can before her father departs and the place she calls home completely disappears.

“Beasts” is narrated by the exquisitely talented Quvenzhane. Through her eyes, we see the struggles of her community. At the same time, we see how she looks above the adversities of their environment and keep holding on to the willpower to live. The relationship the film shows between Hushpuppy and her dad is mesmerizing. Her father, who believes in tough love, has a depth of sadness that he refuses to show. He believes that exposing his daughter to the wild will ultimately help her. Dwight Henry, who plays the father has such an authentic portrayal to his menacing but loving character. The scenes with Quvenzhane and Dwight are both joyous and heartbreaking. Here lies two individuals who decline the idea of showing sorrow as they believe that that is weakness which will result in their demise. In the last moments of the film, they converse with few words and tears- an astonishing commanding display of every human emotion.

The cinematography is dreamlike. The writing is superb. But the original score by Dan Romer and director Benh Zeitlin is what takes me on a ride emotionally. The use of music along with the decaying nature and charming narration is pure cinematic magic. This film wouldn’t be as successful the wonder that is Quvenzhane Wallis. She made the film at 5 years old but delivered pure authenticity flawlessly. She is Hushpuppy. She display the wonderment a child would have but the glare of a mature woman set to conquer the world. It’s amazing that despite most of her scenes require her to react to what is happening around, she tells the story through her gaze and her body. At such a young age, it’s highly impressive to see a child who understands that characters are tools that help tell a story. Quvenzhane’s innocence and deliverance in the film is heartfelt, passionate and wonderfully bewitching. This film has told a story that touched me and left me inspired. It tells you that some of the greatest lessons from life comes from the relationships we build and the faith that we keep. This spellbinding masterpiece is not just an independent gem, but  this is one of the year’s best films.

****(4 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#47 Lincoln Daniel Day Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Sally Field, Lee Pace, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, John Hawkes, Jackie Earle Haley Directed by Steven Spielberg (Theater)

Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece “Lincoln” follows the president’s life during the passing of the 13th amendment and events that follow it including his untimely assassination. People obviously know the story, so what pulls you in to this film? Daniel Day Lewis. He brings this historical figure to life with so much that books and stories cannot tell you. He gives the man a soul and a persona that one might’ve pictured the president was. Spielberg revolves his characters around Lincoln, allowing us to observe what kind of man he was through his conversations and its content. Lincoln was a steadfast, patriotic and loving man who genuinely cared for the country’s welfare. Looking through Day Lewis’ eyes feels like a flashback, a look into the history of this hardworking man. You see hope despite of exhaustion, you see determination despite of conflicts and you see a loving father despite of his job description. Steven Spielberg has assembled an amazing team of skilled technicians. He created a film, so timely, that feels hopeful from start to finish. Special mention to Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens who served as the film’s heart and magnificently played the man who’s integrity couldn’t be shaken.

**** (4 Stars)

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#46 Silver Linings Playbook Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Julia Stiles Directed by David O' Russell (Theater)

“Silver Linings Playbook” is a fantastic, fantastic, fantastic ensemble film. It’s drama, comedy and romance wrapped in amazing characters and dialogue. Bradley Cooper is recovering from his wife cheating on him. The wife has a restraining order against him. Jennifer Lawrence is a widow who’s sister happens to be friends with Bradley Cooper’s wife. Throughout the film, we follow the relationship they build as friends, companions, cynics, crazies and maybe even lovers. What David O’ Russell, the film’s director, gets perfectly is the tone for this movie. Its various genres intertwined into a film that roots all its aspects of love. Pat (Bradley Cooper)- a husband searching for reconciliation with his wife, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence)- a widow just looking for someone to take her seriously, Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) a dad looking for companionship with his son, Dolores (Jacki Weaver)- a mom hoping to unite her family. Love drives all these characters and the writers do an amazing job at connecting weaving their stories together. A great ensemble, a great writing team, a great director and a killer soundtrack. Oh, I’m betting on it. Jennifer Lawrence is winning Best Actress.

  **** (4 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#45 Breaking Dawn Part 2 Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson,Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen Directed by Bill Condon (Theater)

Surprisingly very entertaining. Great series finale. Pure fun popcorn entertainment, especially the last 20 minutes. It almost makes up for all of Stewart's awkward movements... almost. But I genuinely enjoyed this movie. Also, "A Thousand Years" is dangerously addicting.

*** (3 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#44 Skyfall Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes Directed by Sam Mendes (Theater)

Sam Mendes’ “Skyfall” reboots the Bond franchise in the best way possible- it gave it new life. Call it the end to an era but the film completely flips the film series right from the start. It’s non-stop action that’s driven by in-depth storytelling. In other words, they don’t bomb things just for the sake of cinematic grandeur. Mendes’ questions Bond’s worth as an agent- through his background, through his decisions and through his relationships with the people around it. He’s reintroducing Bond to the new generation by revisiting his roots. And part of that is his long standing relationship with M. Why is M so significant in Bond’s life? Does it go beyond work? How has it affected him? The film answers these questions as 007 tries to retrieve coveted data that includes all MI6 identities from a former agent. One can say that it’s Bond basically getting his real identity back and putting things in order- which has eternally been his job description.

The camaraderie of Daniel Craig and Judi Dench proved to be exquisite in the film. Though in previous films, they deal with each other remotely, here they are forced to work with each other physically. It’s amazing how Mendes puts into play how both of these strong individuals actually need each other- as depicted in the final moments of the film where they go back to “Skyfall” the manor Bond grew up in. The film is not only a great Bond film, but it’s a great film in general. The movie reminds the audiences that Bond is the real deal. I also wanted to point out Thomas Newman’s great score. He has incorporated the old theme with a new exciting sound. Also, the cinematography is excellent. Definitely worth seeing.

***1/2 (3 ½ Stars)

[deanslisters]

#43 Flight Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Theater)

"Flight" by Robert Zemeckis follows Whip Whitaker's life after he successfully saves a plane from crashing. Beneath the heroicness of Whip, lies a dark territory for his alcoholism. Whip isn’t a bad person; he’s just stuck in a dark place after horrible decisions in the past. Along the way, we meet people that do not tolerate and support his binging. It allows the audience to see how he copes or if he is even willing to cope with his situation. Denzel is what ties this film together. There are some loopholes but you are ever so drawn to whatever he is doing that the rest becomes forgivable. There’s a scene with just him, a bottle and silence for a few minutes. Within that time, you learn everything you need to know and only an actor of his excellence can make the audience feel and understand what’s on his mind.

*** (3 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#42 Argo Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishe, Kyle Chandler, Chris Messina, Zeljko Ivanek, Titus Welliver Directed by Ben Affleck (Theater)

"Argo" is a fantastic, fantastic film. I don't know how else to put it. It's deliciously triumphant. You're at the edge of your seat for most of the time. It just keeps getting better.

In a nutshell, Iran and the United States were at odds between 1979-1981, the people of Tehran are outside of the US Embassy protesting that the United States send back their leader for public trial and possibly execution. When the Iranian people get through the gates, all hell breaks lose. Lucky for 6 Americans, they get to escape and hide in the Canadian Embassy's house. A CIA operative proposes a Hollywood option to help the 6 escapees get back home. They are to make a fake movie, pretend that the 6 Americans are Canadian film makers and hopefully get through airport security and make it safely home.

The declassification of this mission has been out. We know the story. But it is with Ben Affleck's meticulous and masterful talents that we find this film as a wonderful, exhilirating, edge-of-your-seat journey. You leave the theater feeling victorious.

The film was perfectly edited. The cinematography is stunning. The writing was excellent. But the cast was perfect. The casting of the six houseguests was ridiculously on point. It was smart to not cast popular but talented actors. Each of them provided the mixture of emotions you would expect from an exhausted, paranoid yet hopeful escapee. The chemistry of Arkin and Goodman provides great hilarity for the film. Bryan Cranston and his team at the CIA gave a nail-biting performance. The fact that Ben Affleck was able to flawlessly stitch the three separate locations (Iran, the CIA and Hollywood) and keep the intensity and story strongly flowing is highly commendable. It shows how skilled of a director he has become. After the marvelous films Gone Baby Gone and The Town, he comes out with Argo stating that he isn't a transitioning actor. He definitely is a director.

Argo flies and soars, above and beyond what anyone would expect. You come out of the theater smiling and applauding. Argo is relevant and inspiring without becoming preachy, it is celebratory without being self-indulgent and it is emotionally charged without being sappy. It is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful film.

**** (4 Stars)

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#41 Pitch Perfect Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee Directed by Jason Moore (Theater)

Hilarious. I don't know how else to describe this. It's a perfect form of escapism through comedy. Highly entertaining. Rebel Wilson steals the show. Give her a lead role already. Sick comedic timing.

*** (3 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#40 The Paperboy Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack, Nicole Kidman, Macy Gray, David Oyelowo Directed by Lee Daniels (Theater)

Lee Daniels' follow up to "Precious" is a murky, undisciplined and terrifying film in the form of "The Paperboy." Hillary Van Wilder (John Cusack) is in death row for the murder of a renowned town sheriff. Years later, Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey), a writer and former resident of the town, comes back to investigate the case and potentially exonorate Hillary. Along with him is his brother Jack (Zac Efron) working as their driver, Yardley (David Oyelowo) as Ward's writing partner and Charlotte Bless (Nicole Kidman) as Hillary's penpal. Narrating the events is Anita (Macy Gray), the Jansen's housekeeper.

We go deep into the murky lives of these people. All of them have secrets and motives. Together, they're like a band of misfits. They all get engaged into Hillary's case. I would suppose it's because nothing really happens in their town. Digging dirt would be the most exciting thing to happen to all of them. We center on Jack, the town paperboy. We witness how all these different individuals and this investigation affect him as a person. He's a young boy who idolizes his brother, adores his housekeeper, distances himself from his parents, despises Yardley, is sickened by Hillary and lusts Charlotte. We see the most hope in Jack because of his youth, he has the potential and the eyes to eclipse the fate of all these miserable people. There is a lot of damage beneath the surface. Rising above it is the challenge. It is Jack that Daniels' challenges.

The movie has no structure. It was like dumping all these different creatures around Jack in the middle of the small room with no ventilation. I appreciated this film for its courage and unparalleled honesty. I applaud Daniels for daring to do such a film. There really are people who exist with these kinds of mindframes. In their town, hidden from the rest of the world, lives are rudely intertwined.

I can't reveal what goes on in the second half without spoiling anything except for the fact that Jack continues the investigation for his brother. He eventually evolves into a man bigger than his brother, much more affectionate and determined- something he himself never saw. Critics have labelled this movie as trashy, uneven and without direction. I don't think every movie should be in the basic shape and form. Every now and then, a movie (though sometimes unsuccesful) defies it. "The Paperboy" does just that. It succeeds with me because I invested my emotions and concerns for these people. The movie does it's job of keeping me glued in and genuinely interested. The conclusion is well edited and paced. The chase, or non-chase, of John Cusack and Zac Efron remains eerie and left me unsettled. In the end, it's a good suspense thriller.

But what I honestly think makes this effort extra special are the performances of the actors. Gray, Efron, Oyelowo and McConaughey are all superb. John Cusack is powerfully effective as the man who's innocence we are constantly in question. He doesn't say much but whenever he is present, he sends chills down my spine. It's probably his most effective role yet. Nicole Kidman on the other hand gives her all in this movie. She is very sexual and very raw. Seeing this side of her reminded me of her comedic excellence in To Die For. There is a scene in the movie where Hillary comes home and has sex with Charlotte for the first time. It's the most heartbreaking and terrifying sex scene I have ever watched. Hillary is eager, dangerous and rough. Charlotte is mortified, relentless and free. Daniels' is great with exposing his actors' most raw emotions. He did it excellenty with "Precious", and he does it again with "The Paperboy."

**** (4 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#39 The Art of Getting By Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Rita Wilson Directed by Gavin Wiesen (Netflix)

"The Art of Getting By" is a coming of age film about a high school senior who's tired, unmotivated and lost. The fantastic Freddie Highmore plays George. He's the kid who dozes off in class and refuses to do any work. But he's not stupid, he's actually very intelligent and full of creativity. At this point of his life, with a new step dad and a zero social life, he finds everything meaningless. He meets the unpredictable Sally (Emma Roberts), a warm heart with wicked ways. She introduces him to life and its parties. At first, he's hesistant. But he softens up and finds inspiration in her.

It's funny how for young people, it's when the heart is tapped that their world starts to spin. George feels alone, and he finally thinks that someone has taken notice of him. How things unfold with him and Sally is charming. Highmore's honest and charismatic performance makes the film special. He could be the poster child for the young hopeless romantic.

"The Art of Getting By" is not perfect like it's protagonist. But it's a delightful film that I wouldn't mind rewatching over and over again.

***1/2 (3 1/2 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#38 Butter Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Hugh Jackman, Yara Shahidi Directed by Jim Field Smith (Theater)

"Butter" is like a precious gem hidden in your grandma's jewelry box. It's beautiful but rarely seen. I don't know a lot of people who has seen this wonderful movie. When you get the chance to, see it. It's a beautiful surprise.

Another contender is an orphaned girl, Yara Shahidi as Destiny, who's hopped from one foster home to another and is constantly told that she's not really good enough for anything- until she learned about butter carving.

The two, along with a stripper (Olivia Wild) and a quirky weird woman join the competition. The process leading to the day of the event is greatly whimsical. Garner in particular is marvelous as a prim and propper stick up her ass contestant. She will stop at nothing to win, even threaten poor little Destiny. She's never a character nor too animated. She makes it easy to believe that such a person can exist. Who would've thought that comedy is her strongest point.

Jason Micallef's screenplay is a delight. Each contestant is given the time they deserve and at the center of it all is a golden heart. "Butter" is a cheerful film. I consider it this year's "Little Miss Sunshine." See it.

**** (4 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#38 The Bourne Legacy Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen, Albert Finney Directed by Tony Gilroy (Theater)

Well, here we go. How do I even start to describe this film? Ummm... a complete waste. The Bourne series have always been one of the better action franchises. Matt Damon in particular solidified his status as a star through these films. The first trilogy was exhilirating and keeps you on your toes. This, well it makes you want to forget it ever existed.

The budget is there, the actors are there, the editing is there but where did it all go wrong? The story. The idea of having more than one Jason Bourne is terrific. But the execution is a disastrous misfire. This movie doesn't go anywhere. After the first 20 minutes, you begin to lose interest. We get it, Renner is another Bourne, so where do we go from here? Why is he still a threat? What is his back story? Who is this Jason Bourne? The movie sidesteps that and makes us assume that we know so we'll eventually just root for him.

It's sad because the movie really feels like a tired after thought. Renner and Weisz are remarkable actors. They deserved better characters who had a least some character development in the movie. Now I understand why Matt Damon didn't want anything to do with this film. I hope they never try to attach this movie to the first 3 because this one is a disgrace. I don't understand how with the millions of dollars spent on this film, they couldn't have hired a person to create a plot. There's no middle and there's no end. It's all beginning. The Bourne Identity introduced the character and presented multiple possibilities but the movie had a conclusion.

I was upset after this film because they literally tampered with one of my favorite series. Such a waste of time, energy, money and effort. Ugh. What a sad disappointment.

* (1 Star)

[deanslisters]

#37 Total Recall Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Cranston, Bill Nighy, John Cho Directed by Len Wiserman (Theater)

This reboot is highly underrated. It's a summer flick with great intensity and wonderful action. People aren't giving this enough credit. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Biel is useless though, I didn't really care for her or her character. Farrell should be a front leading man. He can hold a film alone. Beckinsale has a one-note villainous turn here that's fun to watch. Her character isn't really layered but she's exciting as the enemy. The movie should've been seen by more people. I think placing this 2 weeks after The Dark Knight Rises was released was the worst decision. This should have been on the front end of the summer. Catch it on DVD, it will pleasantly surprise you.

*** (3 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#36 The Dark Knight Rises Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard Directed by Christopher Nolan (Theater)

Christopher Nolan is a genius, brilliant, mesmerizing director. One of our best. AMPAS better recognize.

**** (4 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#35 Arbitrage Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth Directed by Nicholas Jarecki (Theater)

Richard Gere has never been better than he is in "Arbitrage." He's a top honcho with looming bankruptcy and marital affair problems. His company has made back door dealings with his approval. His mistress has become a daily mandatory meeting. Yet, he has an image of a rich but responsible family man. Gere is electrifying as this man emotionally spiraling out of control. Something happens that triggers his plea for survival- whether that means double crossing people, lying and throwing family under the bus. "Arbitrage" is a good film for it's suspense. Gere uses his character as an unpredictable tool in the plot. Susan Sarandon portrays his martyr-type wife who sees but doesn't speak. She knows what's at stake- the family's money. She's really good in this, her most memorable role in recent years. 

"Arbitrage" comes down to a singular thought- money is power. In this world they live in, money allows them to pay crimes and misdemeanors like they're just parking tickets. They get away. As unfair and as despicable as that sounds, it's their truth.

*** (3 Stars)

[deanslisters]

#34 Premium Rush Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Aaron Tveit, Dania Ramirez, Jamie Cheung Directed by David Koepp (Theater)

Shannon is the best thing about this film. His villanous turn is fun to watch. He's threatening in a non-threatening way. This film is non-stop action. Highly enjoyable.

  *** (3 Stars)