My Year in Movies – Part 4

As I finish up this little series of articles with the last 12 movies that I saw this year, keep in mind that I still have a list of movies that I still want to see from this year, including “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” that I will be seeing tomorrow night. I don’t know when I will finish off my list of movies over the next few weeks between packing, seeing my peeps in CT for the last time in a while, and driving across country back to Utah. That said, on with the list!

Ides of March (10/7/2011) – I think this was the 18th movie that I saw this year that starred Ryan Gosling. I lost count. It doesn’t really matter though because he was good in this movie, though he was probably better in “Drive” and “Crazy, Sexy, Love,” but I digress. George Clooney plays Creepy McCreeperston presidential nominee, or at least he ultimately turns into Mr. McCreeperston. And pity Mr. Gosling that has to go clean up after his boss. And talk to Philip Seymour Hoffman about it. Or not. Nice political thriller though with a small twist that I didn’t see coming, so check it out.

Footloose (10/14/2011) – To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I ever saw the original “Footloose” in its entirety, partially because it came out when I was three years old. That said, I did enjoy the remake, though I must admit that my opinion was skewed slightly by the week-long crush that I developed on Julianne Hough after watching the movie. After some reflection, I realized that she has eyes that looked like someone I met before. I’m a sucker for movies like this though. I still really like “Drumline” and I was raised watching and listening to musicals. So shoot me.

Red State (10/18/2011) – I technically saw this movie prior to the date listed here. October 19th would have been the 17th anniversary of the release of Clerks, Kevin Smith’s first movie.  You can read what I thought about the movie at that other link, but I have seen it three times, and I enjoyed it every time. I am one of thousands (millions?) that is sad to see Smith retiring from film making after his upcoming two-parter “Hit Somebody.” However, part of his new philosophy, i.e. “go where the puck is going,” has influenced a lot of the decisions that I made myself this year, including taking a position in the Writer’s Development Program at The Motley Fool. So if you are reading this Mr. Smith, thank you for your inspiration.

Margin Call (10/21/2011) – This was a small movie, inspired by actual events from the looks of it, about Spock (Zachary Quinto) finding some crazy stuff on some big Wall Street firm’s risk models. Then all crap hits the fan and other righteous indignation. This movie may be what actually caused people to Occupy things around the country, though I could be wrong. The adaptation of “Too Big to Fail” was better and about actual things that happened, but “Margin Call” has Kevin Spacey. And Spock.

In Time (10/28/2011) – I don’t know why I saw this. I knew it was going to suck. The premise was interesting enough, an allegory on the wealthy and how they oppress the poor by raising the amount of time that it takes for things, i.e. inflation. I’ve liked Amanda Seyfried since she played the really dumb one in “Mean Girls,” but she has not really had anything that good since. This movie was no exception. They could have replaced her with a mannequin and had more emotions. For a popcorn movie, however, it wasn’t terrible. I’ve seen worse. But it’s no “Gattaca.”

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (11/4/2011) – Never has a cameo ever got me to a movie, but Neil Patrick Harris nearly steals this movie though he is only in it for about 10 minutes, but playing the crazy version of himself from the previous H&K movies. As for the 3D, they did a great job, with things flying at you as a joke and not because they think it would be cool. I generally could care less about 3D, but every once in a while it works. This movie uses its entire cast well and I thought it was one of the funnier movies that I saw this year.

J. Edgar (11/9/2011) – Leonardo DiCaprio is very hit and miss for me. This movie was a miss. I find the story of J. Edgar Hoover very interesting, but not when it’s Leo in a old and fat suit. What makes it sadder for me is that it’s a Clint Eastwood movie, and that is usually a winning formula. The two timelines were just confusing ultimately.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (11/18/2011) – Of all the movies that I saw this year, this may be the one that I am most embarrassed about. This movie was so bad that I may not watch “Part 2,” though now that I’ve seen the other four movies I might as well. Plus, the second part of the “Breaking Dawn” book was pretty good, with lots of action and everything so maybe it won’t suck.*

*Who am I kidding? Vampires aren’t supposed to sparkle. Werewolves aren’t supposed to be whiny little bitches. It’s going to suck. Hopefully I’ll have a lady in my life that will “make me” see the last movie.

The Muppets (11/23/2011) – I’ll admit it right now: the Muppets don’t really have the same impact on my life that other people that I know. That said, I really enjoyed this movie. As mentioned above, I’m a sucker for these kinds of movies, with singing and dance numbers. Throw in Jason Segel, a guy that I think should make the puppet opera depicted in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” and the lovely Amy Adams and you have a winning combination, even before you start having puppets onscreen.

The Sitter (12/9/2011) – Another pre-skinny Jonah Hill movie. Probably his last one. It was funny in parts, though all the jive talking and other stuff was stupid. I know it’s a movie, but I don’t understand how you can go speeding through New York City and not get immediately pulled over and stopped. Do people really pull guns that often that people totally ignore them? I just don’t understand.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (12/16/2011) – I’ll say one thing: Tom Cruise sure does run a lot in his movies. And so does everyone else, regardless of age, physical fitness level, current weather conditions, etc. The CIA must have a great fitness program because all the spies can just. Keep. Running. Forever. I was pleasantly surprised by Paula Patton in this movie, a person that I had never seen in a movie before. After looking at her IMDB page, it’s because I don’t watch Tyler Perry movies. But she is hot. And should be in every movie ever made. At least until Emma Stone shows up in Spider-man.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (12/16/2011) – Of the two movies I saw this past weekend, Sherlock Holmes was way better. That said, I think Guy Ritchie‘s schtick might be getting a little over done. Slow-motion just seems like old-timey film making. But is was nice to see the Swedish version of Lisbeth Salander, Noomi Rapace, in an American movie. Or British. Whatever.

As of right now, the count is up to 54 movies seen this year. It may not be as many as a movie critic might see, but it is probably more than I have ever seen in any movie year. Throw in the other 13 or so that I want to see and it’s even more. Plus, once Oscar nominations come out, I might watch all the other stuff that is nominated that I missed. We’ll see. Check back after the New Year to see my Top 10 for 2011 movies.

Until next time…