BradWesley123's Movie Journal- December 2013

Not as terrible as I was led to believe, but not really that good either. Jobs pretty much sticks to the average biopic script; never taking any risks. Steve Jobs is a complex historical figure and a film about him should be so too, not a toothless circle-jerk for how innovative he was. Kutcher isn't terrible, but he never really manages to handle the heavier moments; his costar Josh Gad comes off much better as Jobs' partner Steve Wozniak, even if it's a very underwritten role. Never registers as anything more than a "meh."

Everything about this movie is just so terribly misguided. From the poor script with stilted, horrible dialogue to the weak visual effects, and etc. The acting is pretty terrible here too, with Jaden Smith an unconvincing lead and his father, one of the most charismatic actors around, relegated to one location for the whole movie. This was intended to be M. Night Shyamalan's comeback film, but it doesn't really bare any of his usual tricks. The movie is so damn boring though, it honestly could have used an illogical twist.

Smart and funny character study of one man's obsession to beat the best. Michael Sheen gives arguably his best performance ever as Brian Clough, who disastrously coached Leeds United for 44 days before being let go. Peter Morgan's script never overplays it's hand, and Tom Hopper displays his most subtle direction ever here.

Drinking Buddies is a likable, well-acted film. Unfortunately, it's also an incredibly uneventful one.

Another example of a solid premise with poor execution. The writing never goes for anything more than crude shocks which, while I'm not opposed to them, never land. I like Aubrey Plaza, she's great on Parks and Recreation and was quite strong in Safety not guaranteed, but I think she was miscast here. While she does give it her all, naïve and passive aren't her strongest characteristics. The rest of the cast is pretty solid, though none really have much to work with, with Bill Hader stealing a lot of scenes.

A strong cast and witty writing make this a strong TV-movie.

Just really boring and unoriginal. Giamatti and Rudd do their best here, but they can't save this clunker from mediocrity.

A Christmas classic that, while it doesn't really live up to the acclaim, is sweet and heartfelt. Edmund Gwenn creates what would become the prototypical Santa Claus depiction.

A strange and unique entry in the Christmas Carol remake canon. Bill Murray is at his Bill Murray-est here, playing the redemptive dick, and is solid throughout. There are a lot of funny bits in the movie and enough Christmas spirit to make it essential holiday viewing, even if the tone is completely off and the ending is way too self-congratulatory.

A confident directorial debut by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The script, which Gordon-Levitt also wrote, is refreshingly adult, and he assembles a great cast to work with it, even Tony Danza does strong work here. The movie only stumbles when it plays into clichés and stereotypes.

Never original in the slightest, but affably well-acted and authentic.

While not the total disaster that reviews had alluded to, Getaway is a completely missed opportunity. A movie with this premise should be an adrenaline-charged, fist-pumping fun ride instead of the yawn inducing bore that it is. What a waste.

A funny yet sour film about a complete narcissist that learns nothing, and doesn't change. Usually I wouldn't like a movie like this, but it so well made that it's hard to really dislike. Charlize Theron gives one of her best performances playing the aforementioned narcissist, and Patton Oswalt does some surprising strong work as her friend/fanboy. Diablo Cody's script is smart, and Jason Reitman's direction is deft.

A very well-made indie flick with strong direction from first-timer Rebecca Thomas, and a great lead performance from relative newcomer Julia Garner.

Boring but incredibly well-made, The Painted Veil is a respectable feature. The cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh is gorgeous, the score by Alexandre Desplat is beautiful, and the lead performances from Naomi Watts and Edward Norton are strong.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the original but compared to this, it's a masterpiece. All of the clichés that the first one tried to send-up, this one plays into them. This is an ugly, angry, and stupid film that represents the worst in modern filmmaking.

Anchorman