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Added by The Cinephile on 3 Jan 2012 01:33
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The Cinephile's Film Journal: 2012

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January 2012 (29 Total)

People who added this item 4291 Average listal rating (2827 ratings) 7.4 IMDB Rating 7.6
Watched: 1/2/12
2nd viewing

Thoughts: Christian Bale proves again why he should be considered an all-star, and among the greatest actors of our time. 'American Psycho' is a pretty disturbing film, the content is not always easy to watch. Those who can handle some controversial stuff will really enjoy this. My second viewing was probably the best go-around for me, as I noticed some things I hadn't before. If your looking for a uniquely crafted, darkly funny thriller, 'American Psycho' will suffice. However, if not for Bale, I can see myself having not enjoyed this film nearly as much.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 120 Average listal rating (90 ratings) 4.8 IMDB Rating 4.4
Setup (2011)
Watched: 1/3/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: 'Setup' is a low-budget, by-the-numbers mess, featuring terrible acting, predictable moments and nearly no suspense or fun to be had. In all fairness, I knew what I was walking into beforehand, and just pretty much expected what I received. Sadly enough, Bruce Willis is wasted, Ryan Phillipe seems to just want his paycheck, and they even added in MMA Superstar Randy Couture, who basically is just used as a filler, though he just may put up the best performance this movie has to offer. That isn't saying much, as the whole cast is just dreadful. A couple very bright spots, though limited, is the hitman character, who acts pretty well, though the role is far too small to really notice it. As well as Vincent's jailed father, who isn't prominent enough here. I've seen worse films, but 'Setup' is filled with absolutely nothing new, and clearly the actors just needed some more money. Though Bruce Willis is already loaded........Anyway, avoid this film at all costs, unless you enjoy these low-budget bore-fests.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 17 Average listal rating (13 ratings) 4.6 IMDB Rating 4.3
Skeleton Lake (2012)
Watched: 1/3-4/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: To think I expected this to be any different. A group of six bank robbers become stranded in a desolate forest after their plan goes sideways, pitting them against an Ex-Vietnam war veteran, set on killing them all. Immediate thoughts of 'Rambo' flare up, it seems this film just may work that way. Unfortunately, it didn't take me long to figure this one out. They try presenting the movie as a bad-ass, terrifying "lost in the woods" picture, but instead rely heavily on the ensemble's acting chops, which could've worked with better actors. I took enjoyment in a couple character performances-"Tex" and the war veteran, who seemed to fit right in. But that can't make up for the lazy script, uneven pacing, by-the-books plot line and terrible looking blood splatters, that 'Battleground' is toppled with.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 141 Average listal rating (90 ratings) 6.1 IMDB Rating 6.1
The Cottage (2008)
Watched: 1/5/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: It's official, 'The Cottage' easily stands the test of multiple viewings, and is now a definitive horror favorite of mine. The whole film is almost completely void of any cliches, and the originality of it all is just brilliant. It also works as multiple genres, combining laugh after laugh, some suspense, very well made action sequences, and just to top it off, a truly terrifying, mass murdering maniac. It's rare I come across small gems like this one, and I recommend it at all costs.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 809 Average listal rating (566 ratings) 7.3 IMDB Rating 7.5
Watched: 1/6/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: I normally don't love spoofs or goofy horrors, but 'Tucker and Dale' was a delightful treat to say the least. It's shockingly original, showing me some things I had previously never witnessed, but I won't spoil them. The bro-mantic chemistry between the two leads (Tucker and Dale) is dead-on and nearly perfect. 'Tucker and Dale' also benefits from non-stop entertainment value, as you will never find yourself bored. My only problems were the film's length (A miniscule 80 minutes) and a very annoying (not in a good way) college frat student, who is o.k at first, then slowly begins to irritate. I might go as far as calling 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil' a must watch. It's that fun of a film. Not for the easily offended, or the tightly-wound viewers who can't handle this type of thing, but a great bit of fun for others, including myself.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 203 Average listal rating (128 ratings) 7.2 IMDB Rating 7.4
City Island (2009)
Watched: 1/6-7/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Dysfunctional family dramedies are a rare breed nowadays, at least in comparison to how many big blockbusters there are. It seems they are mostly unheard of, or avoided due to the indifferent feelings people have toward the genre. I've never understood that, as a lot of the time, they are more enjoyable, more intelligent, and more heartfelt. 'City Island' is a brilliant little comedy, consisting of absolutely magnificent performances across the board. Andy Garcia is more than perfect, and he has some great actors to play off of. What I found so great about this film, is the unique lives each characters live. The youngest kid in the film is obsessed with feeding women. I mean, c'mon, that's pretty original, and hilarious. Not to mention the "secret" double life Garcia's character has. It's just all so fun to watch. 'City Island' is chalk full of excellent characters, a very heartfelt ending, and some truly memorable scenes. I loved it.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1026 Average listal rating (672 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 6.8
Four Brothers (2005)
Watched: 1/8/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: As entertaining as 'Four Brothers' is, it simply cannot avoid the easy, Hollywood-ized route, as the plot travels to familiar territories. It sort of loses track as it goes along, with some very forced scenes there on out. The movie, to me, is saved by the well structured characters, that really grew on me as time went by. As a group, Marky-Mark, Tyrese Gibson, Andre Benjamin and Garrett Hedlund, have some true chemistry, and it really shows. You most likely wont be wowed by 'Four Brothers' in the least, as its not exactly something special. However, it manages to keep you completely entertained for the full 110 minutes, and Mark Wahlberg is a force to be reckoned with. From a critical stand-point, 'Four Brothers' does some things wrong, but from an entertainment stand-point, it works mightily well.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 5062 Average listal rating (3432 ratings) 7.9 IMDB Rating 8.5
Watched: 1/8-9/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: 'The Prestige' features an all-star cast, with Bale, Jackman, Caine and Scarlett Johansson. My first time around with this film, I found it magical, intense, and just purely brilliant. Unfortunately, a lot of the mystery and intrigue faded away during my second viewing. It may have something to do with the fact that I knew the twist from the get-go, and that can immensely ruin a viewing experience sometimes. I appreciated everything this film has to offer, which is, frankly, almost everything. From the beautiful set-pieces, to the mysterious, ominous tone it sets from the start, even some comedy and romance. If its your first time seeing this, I can almost guarantee it will be a magical journey for you, and you'll most definitely be at the edge of your seat the whole duration. I will definitely watch this one again, even if it lacks a bit of magic through multiple viewings. I say its a great piece of work from Christopher Nolan, not his best, but a must see.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 138 Average listal rating (86 ratings) 6.6 IMDB Rating 6.7
Watched: 1/9-10/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: An under the radar movie, released back in 2010, 'The Perfect Host' centers on a criminal, whom after robbing a local Los Angeles bank, goes on the run, looking to find a safe hideout spot until things cool off. The plot is a rather unique one, really. When you look at most of today's storylines, most of them aren't nearly this clever, well thought out, or original. I can see a plethora of people hating this movie due to how sick and borderline offensive it is. Its also a very slow film, that takes awhile to build itself up. The interplay between David Hyde Pierce and his "guest" was all very fun to watch, as well as some hilarious little bits showing Pierce's bonkers brain. I can't help but recommend this movie to you all. Of course, some won't like it. But I thought it had every necessary element for a very good, entertaining thriller.



The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 2076 Average listal rating (1268 ratings) 7.3 IMDB Rating 7.7
Watched: 1/11/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: A very well made, obscure little drama, featuring an absolutely magnificent Nicolas Cage, perhaps even his best performance as an actor that I've witnessed. This movie has it all, including a powerful message of desire flowing through every speckle, and a fantastic musical score. I'll admit, 'Adaptation' isn't as good as when I first viewed it, but the material is still presented at a very high standard, and remains a very good, re-watchable film.



The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1018 Average listal rating (684 ratings) 5.9 IMDB Rating 6.2
The Strangers (2008)
Watched: 1/12/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: While 'The Strangers' may have been rather terrifying the first time around, I couldn't help but notice Liv Tyler's lackluster acting, and scarcity of real thrills this second time. The movie does present a good chunk of so-so scares here and there, and the "is Tamra there?" line is admittedly bone chilling. But, as a whole, 'The Strangers' is just slightly above average, and the few thrills there are cannot save the other sub-par segments.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 569 Average listal rating (381 ratings) 5.7 IMDB Rating 6.3
Walking Tall (2004)
Watched: 1/12/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson saves this movie from being complete garbage with his intimidating persona, and bad-ass on screen presence. Nowadays, only a few male actors can portray this type of character, and for that, he gets more props. (Jason Statham being another one) I only recommend this flick for an extremely rainy day, or a day in which you aren't feeling too good. It works well in those situations, and mostly entertains throughout its tiny 85 or so minutes, albeit nothing special is presented, just non-stop fisticuffs and "eh" dialogue.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 4133 Average listal rating (2760 ratings) 7.9 IMDB Rating 8.2
Watched: 1/12-13/12
5th Viewing

Thoughts: My personal favorite of the Coen brothers' masterful repertoire, 'No Country for Old Men' is simply beautiful. Its the perfect example of filmmaking at its finest, with every possible technical aspect put to use, and flawlessly. I love every bit of this movie, and its very easy to see why the acclaim is so high for it. Another thing I have to mention every time I write about this movie, is Anton Chigurh! just such a brilliant on screen villain.


The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 453 Average listal rating (297 ratings) 6.3 IMDB Rating 6.4
Contraband (2012)
Watched: 1/13/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: A superb bit of entertainment, and boy do I wish it could've been more. Mark Wahlberg is, per-usual, excellent, and I believe he's one of today's acting studs. The rest of the cast was picked pretty well too, including an outstanding performance from Ben Foster, and an equally excellent one from Giovanni Ribisi. The plot is nothing particularly new, the action elements are also nothing new. However, 'Contraband' works very well as a popcorn flick, and Wahlberg drives it home. I had a great experience with it, just don't expect something extraordinary.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 2051 Average listal rating (1403 ratings) 7.2 IMDB Rating 7.7
Training Day (2001)
Watched: 1/16/12
3rd Viewing

Thoughts: Denzel Washington is very entrenched in his role as usual, and Ethan Hawke puts on a solid performance, but 'Training Day' grows rather tiresome after the first few similar segments, and not a whole lot goes on until the final half. Really, its just like an episode of 'Cops', but a bit more violent. Having said that, this is a fun movie to watch, with a few very memorable scenes, most notably the bathtub scene and the ending. Worth the watch, just nothing to ride home about.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 746 Average listal rating (419 ratings) 7.6 IMDB Rating 7.4
Buffalo '66 (1998)
Watched: 1/16-17/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: I finally got around to seeing this cult classic, and I must say, I wasn't disappointed. I can easily see why Quentin Tarantino loves this movie, as it has his style written all over it; dialogue-free segments, quirky characters and some truly wicked looking shots. I enjoyed the story quite a lot, and found Vincent Gallo to be a joy to watch, playing an uptight, middle-aged guy just released from prison. I couldn't help but be joyously happy with the relationship between Gallo and Ricci, which turned out to be very heartwarming, and funny at the same time. Very quirky film, but definitely recommended, and definitely worthy of it's cult status.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 2076 Average listal rating (1412 ratings) 7.2 IMDB Rating 7.7
Watched: 1/17-18/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: With a cast like 'Slevin' has, its a near impossibility that disappointment will ensue. Morgan Freeman is an absolutely fantastic performer, and this movie is no exception. I do disagree, however, that Josh Hartnett was miscast. I thought he did very well, managing to filter between a nice guy persona, and eventually a very smooth transition to a complete bad-ass. I also always love Bruce Willis. 'Lucky Number Slevin' didn't affect me a whole lot upon first viewing it. I think it probably had something to do with age, not understanding it fully and such. However, after seeing it a second time, I was pretty shocked at the concluding revelation. It isn't a mind fuck twist whatsoever, but more so a very hidden one, that doesn't seem applicable until last minute. Some of the attempts at humor fall flat, most notably some of Hartnett's dialogue. 'Slevin' is a stylish, somewhat violent crime mystery, that works plenty fine, though not quite to the caliber of 'Miller's Crossing' or 'Snatch'.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 3435 Average listal rating (2306 ratings) 7.8 IMDB Rating 8.1
Fargo (1996)
Watched: 1/19/12
3rd Viewing

Thoughts: The goings on that flow through 'Fargo' are about as original as far as screen writes go. You'll most likely never come across a movie like this, and that is why the Coen brothers have become so famous. 1996 marked the beginning a new filmmaking era, the Coen era. Of course, they made films prior, but 'Fargo' is when I first began to pay attention. 'Fargo' is a wickedly funny, dark and highly entertaining tale of greed, driven by absolutely magnificent performances across the board. among the best of all-time, and a must watch. Simple as that.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 373 Average listal rating (215 ratings) 6 IMDB Rating 6.2
Watched: 1/19-20/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Critically speaking, 'London Boulevard' is predictable, cliche, and unoriginal. I have two sides to me, one being the aforementioned critical side, the other being a general movie goer who sees the entertainment value in films. I use both pretty equally. I've read that this is supposed to be similar to 'The Departed'. In a sense, that's somewhat true. Some of the scenes have that written all over it, mostly the music overlay. However, 'Boulevard' is, overall, completely different. The story switches to a revenge tale about half way through, then becomes rather easy to predict. Colin Farrell is the one aspect keeping 'London Boulevard' from being one-hundred percent disposable. His acting chops are put on full display, and his performance is nearly flawless. I compare his character in this film to that of Russel Crowe's in 'L.A Confidential'. Both are enforcers, who, by doing the right thing most of the time, manage to get caught up in messy situations. Seeing these two characters on screen together could make for some brilliant entertainment. On a side not, Knightley is virtually a non-factor here. As a whole, 'London Boulevard' is a pretty solid slice of gangster entertainment. It won't give many big name crime-dramas a run for their money, but its worth a shot, especially if you enjoy the genre.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 85 Average listal rating (45 ratings) 6.4 IMDB Rating 6.4
Watched: 1/21/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: 'Perrier's Bounty' is just another British-crime flick in a long line of them. It adds a fair amount of so-so humor to the mix, which seems, for the most part, pretty prominent in a lot of them, but isn't strong enough to add anything in terms of depth to the story. Brendan Gleeson is sadly only "eh" here, but Cillian Murphy is truly good in his role. I do wish I could say a lot good about 'Perrier's Bounty', but it really is just a very forgettable, by-the-books, and low budget crime/comedy. It did pass the time, and it definitely wasn't anywhere near being terrible, but it adds nothing all that worthwhile to this already popular, worn-out genre.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 929 Average listal rating (575 ratings) 6.9 IMDB Rating 7
Martyrs (2008)
Watched: 1/23/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: 'Martyrs' is a very well made foreign film, revolving around a very original and thought provoking idea. The first half is set-up to explain the odd phenomenon that's occurring, with a young girl escaping from a brutal, sadistic couple of individuals. It then fast forwards fifteen years, chronicling her revenge driven rampage on the aforementioned people. I was very into this movie for the most part. It was dark, unique, and even quite frightening during some moments. I just think they could have done more with the final bit of it. I feel it turned into a general torture flick from there on out, which sort of disappointed me. Another thing, the narrative isn't exactly crystal clear. You see a lot of things happening, but aren't completely sure why. As a whole, 'Martyrs' is very much worthy of a watch or two. It will surely keep you engaged for the majority.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 181 Average listal rating (102 ratings) 6.1 IMDB Rating 5.7
Dread (2009)
Watched: 1/24-25/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: There isn't a whole lot to get excited about here. The acting is barely passable, the idea is something rather intriguing. But the execution is very lackluster. You get a good idea of where the plot's going within the first fifteen minutes or so, which just pummels the experience completely. 'Dread' is a "Horrorfest' entry worth forgetting. A couple scenes, and a terrifying axe murderer, prevent me from completely trashing this flick. I don't recommend it, but it may entertain some.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 6085 Average listal rating (4136 ratings) 7.8 IMDB Rating 8.6
Watched: 1/25-26/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: A truly fantastic war epic, spectacle, and character study all bundled into one great movie. The accolades this film receives are undoubtedly warranted. I've never been a war buff, nor have I really known a whole lot about history in general. But, from what I've heard, 'Saving Private Ryan' is the most authentic depiction of war yet. If that's the case, it really is a good history lesson, but a wildly entertaining one. Knowing how hard those soldiers fought, all for just one man, really sunk in, and actually changed my outlook on life a bit. I can't forget to mention how perfectly orchestrated every battle scene was. I've never seen a more real, in depth examination of combat on screen. Added to that, the lack of music just adds to the intensity, with only the natural sounds of guns firing, soldiers screaming in pain, and explosions scattering everywhere to lure you into the war-torn terrain. 'Saving Private Ryan' is perhaps the best war film I've seen, and it isn't to be missed. A true treasure.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 10 Average listal rating (7 ratings) 3 IMDB Rating 3.1
Escapee (2011)
Watched: 1/26-27/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Horror 101, presented badly. Acting, plot devices, the killings. Its all been done hundreds of times. The difference is, 'The Escapee' doesn't even provide a sliver of fun to be had. Purposefully or otherwise.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 570 Average listal rating (375 ratings) 6.1 IMDB Rating 6.1
Frozen (2010)
Watched: 1/28/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: The only thing original about 'Frozen' is the specific predicament the characters become involved in. I've never previously seen a group of teens stranded on a ski lift, so that was interesting. Other than that, the wolves are rather scary at times, and they happen to be the film's driving point. The characters aren't unique, original, or all that interesting, but they grew on me as time went by, and didn't bother me. If your looking for something completely groundbreaking, don't look here. 'Frozen' will suffice as a pretty well made time passer, but that's about it.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 2543 Average listal rating (1712 ratings) 7.1 IMDB Rating 7.7
Watched: 1/28-29/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Put aside the non-stop action charade, and 'Black Hawk Down' has next to no value. Having said that, the battle scenes were truly terrific looking, about as good as any other war film. The story is relatively weak and contrived, but, after awhile I found myself caught up in the blisteringly beautiful looking set pieces, and near perfect action bits. 'Black Hawk Down' shouldn't, to me, get as much recognition as it does. But, nevertheless, its still a pretty good, worthwhile flick.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 920 Average listal rating (627 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 6.8
The Grey (2012)
Watched: 1/29/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Liam Neeson has got to be the most popular guy in Hollywood right now. He seems to appear in everything nowadays, and deservedly so, as he really is a great performer. His most recent picture, 'The Grey', falls into the survival genre. He plays a vicious yet kindhearted hunter, who just happens to crash land in the middle of nowhere, with a variety of different egos with him. The first half of 'The Grey' consists of Neeson's character build up, his wife, his guilty conscience, and so forth. It was done very well. After the first promising first half hour or so, though, it descends into familiar territory, packing a ton of survival cliches, and just not enough depth throughout. I'll admit, the wolves had a somewhat terrifying impact on me, at first, then grew rather tiresome. I respect the acting chops from the entire cast, the absolutely gorgeous scenery, and even an attempt at making itself look smarter than it really was. All that is duly noted. In the end, unfortunately, its just far too by-the-numbers. Nothing special here. but, Will it pass the time? absolutely.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1672 Average listal rating (1051 ratings) 7.9 IMDB Rating 8.2
Downfall (2004)
Watched: 1/30/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: This is the first film I've seen featuring Adolf Hitler. I never knew all that much about the man until now, and can easily see why he was such a powerful figure. This film, 'Downfall' chronicles just his final days, his demise, and his total disconnect from reality. Even though you don't get to see his complete past on screen, the flick still solidly crafts together enough well-acted bits, to both enjoy and learn from. Bruno Ganz was great, and just lifted the films value. The only problem I had with 'Downfall', is the fact that it looked like a Made-For-T.V movie throughout. The action sequences and cinematography both appeared that way, which only let the film down for me.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 236 Average listal rating (143 ratings) 7.3 IMDB Rating 7.2
Watched: 1/30/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: A very good, rare and worthwhile little political thriller, featuring some magnificent performances from every last cast member, most notably the big three. (Farmiga, Beckinsale and Dillon) There aren't many political thrillers nowadays that manage to be this taught, on point, or enthralling. I'm not generally the biggest fan of this genre. But I'm beginning to become one.

The Cinephile's rating:
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February 2012 (15 Total)

People who added this item 4100 Average listal rating (2717 ratings) 8 IMDB Rating 8.3
Watched: 2/2/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: One of Kubrick's best, most enjoyable films, and perhaps one of the best war films ever made, 'Full Metal Jacket' is one on a million. A unique, thought-provoking, and occasionally very disturbing tale, of basic Marine training, and long afterwards, during the vicious Vietnam War, and the interesting faces that head the journey. To me, it really is an anti-war flick, because most of what happens really makes you want to stray away from combat, or the Marines in general. I also disagree that the second segment is much weaker than the first. I loved both parts, and consider them brilliantly made.


The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 2896 Average listal rating (2031 ratings) 6.9 IMDB Rating 7.6
Superbad (2007)
Watched: 2/1/12
3rd Viewing

Thoughts: I've seen this a few times now, and it has stayed virtually the same throughout the years. My opinion, upon first viewing, however, was a negative one. I let it sink in again, and thus enjoyed it a good amount. The comedic pairing of Jonah Hill and Micheal Cera is dead-on. They work brilliantly together, even though a few attempts at humor fall flat. I don't find 'Superbad' to be really a must see. It is, however, a cult classic, that remains, for the majority, quite funny and enjoyable.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 514 Average listal rating (318 ratings) 5.4 IMDB Rating 6
Dream House (2011)
Watched: 2/4/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: A sorry attempt at horror, but not all bad. Daniel Craig does the best he can with the lazy story and script he is given. He is one of the very few, limited bright spots to this movie. Rachel Weisz is just merely on screen, not doing a whole lot. The atmosphere was very good, and made the flick a tad above being a bad one. 'Dream House', overall, tries to turn the tables on its viewers, with a ridiculous, "already-been-used-one hundred-times" plot twist, that ultimately just comes off as lazy, not cool in the least bit. The plot, as well, is far to forced to really be impressed. Not terrible, just really not good.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1284 Average listal rating (798 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 7
Watched: 2/4-5/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Great performances from all involved, and a very different, intriguing story make 'The Kids Are All Right' worth at least one watch. I just wish the plot went more in depth, and developed the characters a tad more. Because it just seems like after awhile, they were just there, and not being used enough.


The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1645 Average listal rating (1005 ratings) 7.9 IMDB Rating 8.1
Watched: 2/5-6/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: 'Amores Perros', from the outside looking in, seemed like a film in which would be rather difficult for me to get involved in. I was thinking 'Magnolia' mixed with some gritty violence, and that's actually exactly what I came away with. Most character segments are really interesting. However, some of them just run dry after awhile, and it seems like a pretentious premise, executed with mostly just negativity.



The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1124 Average listal rating (680 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 7.1
Watched: 2/6/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: I can see Eastwood's efforts at making 'Flags of Our Fathers' a heroic war epic, and mostly everything presented, visual wise, is beautiful. Having said that, this flick lacks any real drive, substance, or purpose. Still somewhat good, though.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 3604 Average listal rating (2266 ratings) 7.6 IMDB Rating 8
Rain Man (1988)
Watched: 2/6-7/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Cruise and Hoffman gel together ever so naturally in this heartfelt drama, which ultimately makes this movie a joy to watch. Even if it borders on tearjerker status for a good chunk. 'Rain Man' is a rare film that you really don't see a whole lot of these days. One of the more meaningful films of the 1980's.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 5270 Average listal rating (3604 ratings) 8 IMDB Rating 8.5
Watched: 2/7-8/12
10th Viewing

Thoughts: I swear, every time I watch this I find something new to be impressed with. My tenth time now, and its every bit as superb as the first time. Once it starts, there's no looking back. Scorsese at his finest, and a cast to be jotted down in the history books as one of the best ever.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 35 Average listal rating (16 ratings) 6.3 IMDB Rating 6.2
The Entitled (2011)
Watched: 2/10/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: A clever, quick paced and massively entertaining little thriller, presenting a pretty impressive Ray Liotta, along with a damn good cast to surround him. It seems general, "by the books" and "bleh" at first. However, as it rolls along, twists and turns are aplenty, and the thrills are high octane. You'll be glued to the screen. At least I was. Highly recommended.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 306 Average listal rating (211 ratings) 6.5 IMDB Rating 6.4
Kill List (2011)
Watched: 2/10/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: I knew nothing about this flick until I began watching it. Sometimes, that helps immensely, as is the case here. 'Kill List' is a genre-mixer, combining subtle humor, a good amount of horror, action, and some well acted family drama. This is a different breed of film, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy smart British thrillers.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1234 Average listal rating (799 ratings) 5.9 IMDB Rating 6.5
Wild Things (1998)
Watched: 2/12-13/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Around the web, 'Wild Things' is very popular, and acclaimed amongst viewers. I enjoyed it, but it really isn't anything to write home about. The acting is impressive, as well as the story, which is smartly written, and mostly enthralling throughout. If you want a recommended film-noir, I'd suggest checking elsewhere, though 'Wild Things' isn't a waste of time at all, either.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 42 Average listal rating (24 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 6.5
Down Terrace (2009)
Watched: 2/13/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: The second Ben Wheatley film I've viewed thus far, 'Down Terrace' isn't all that different from 'Kill List'. Its more of a subtle drama, with much less action, violence, etc. However, it works well with it's powerful acting and certain scenes with dramatic tension. The reason I only grant it a "6" is due to the film's general lack of drive. Most of it is sort of slewed together, and not a whole lot of meaning is behind it.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 3573 Average listal rating (2445 ratings) 7.9 IMDB Rating 8.2
Snatch (2000)
Watched: 2/13-14/12
2nd Viewing

Thoughts: Guy Ritchie's films are all virtually the same, with the exception of the story. All the characters are generally very unique, beefed up and really fun to follow. 'Snatch' is perhaps his best flick. It travels at a very fast pace, which, in all honestly, makes it sometimes difficult to fully keep up with. Two viewings fixed that minor issue. The characters present, mainly Brad Pitt, are all brilliant in their unique characteristics. Highly recommended, especially if you're a fan of Ritchie.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 1044 Average listal rating (680 ratings) 6.1 IMDB Rating 6.4
Watched: 2/20/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Not creepy, thrilling, or entertaining in the least, 'The Woman in Black' is conventional, predictable, and frankly, a downgrade to Daniel Radcliffe's already packed resume. A 7.2 rating over in IMDb is an outrage. Not to mention a 60+ percent at Rotten Tomatoes.

The Cinephile's rating:
Watched: 2/21/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: O.K, first off, I'm the last person to go to for a fair opinion of any anime-esk film. However, I enjoyed this one for what it was; a fantasy-like flick based on the film 'The Borrowers', with enough charm and entertainment to be worthy of a watch or two.

The Cinephile's rating:
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March 2012 (20 Total)

People who added this item 344 Average listal rating (232 ratings) 5 IMDB Rating 5.7
The Sitter (2011)
Watched: 3/1/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: I had VERY high hopes for this one, seeing as I love Jonah Hill, and for the most part, his films are good. Having said that, this was a waste of 90 minutes. Virtually none of the jokes work, with the exception of a few. The plot couldn't be anymore "by-the-books", with every comedy element from forever being implemented. This is not a movie in which I recommend to anyone, unless you really are impressed super easily.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 571 Average listal rating (383 ratings) 6.4 IMDB Rating 6.4
Colombiana (2011)
Watched: 3/1/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: Your typical revenge flick, except I prefer Zoe Saldana over Angelina Jolie in 'Salt'. She worked with the material she was given here, which, frankly, wasn't quite enough. The plot brisks by pretty quickly, but unfortunately is also very easy to predict. On a high note, the fight choreography is among the best you'll find nowadays. I enjoyed this film, but its nothing you haven't seen several times before.



The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 304 Average listal rating (200 ratings) 5.7 IMDB Rating 6.1
Watched: 3/1-2/12
1st Viewing
Other Viewings: July (2nd Viewing)

Thoughts: The found footage genre=very overused. 'Paranormal Activity', 'REC', 'Cloverfield'. Those are just a few to note. 'Grave Encounters' mixes things up a bit, with a pretty unexpected curveball thrown in towards the middle half or so, which I found to be beneficial. To compare it to the above mentions, just doesn't exactly work, as they are much different. The acting could be a bit better, but for the most part, it is what you'd expect. Don't go into this looking for the next groundbreaking, found-footage horror experience. Rather, expect a few pretty vicious scares here and there, most of which work to a tee.



The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 154 Average listal rating (94 ratings) 4.6 IMDB Rating 4.5
Watched: 3/4/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: I've made it a habit to see every 'Wrong Turn' film thus far, mainly for the easy viewing and entertainment value. The first installment, funnily, is my least favorite. Most originals in a series tend to be the strongest. 'Wrong Turn 4' is basically exactly what I had anticipated, albeit incredibly corny and technically poor. If you're looking for a rainy day time passer, and happen to be a horror junkie, this just MIGHT work for you. But then again, it might be too difficult to overlook its several flaws.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 62 Average listal rating (19 ratings) 6.1 IMDB Rating 5.8
Watched: 3/5/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: A wheelchair-bound psycho, a cat lady, and a socially awkward Jay Baruchel. The elements are all here, and the characters are supposed to steer this ship in the right direction. They were cast well, but they just didn't have enough interesting material to work with. Baruchel is great, but usually always is, and Scott Speedman has steadily grown on me since 'The Strangers', back in '07. An appropriate one word description for 'Good Neighbors', I think, would be awkward. That's what I was feeling throughout most of this. All the interesting possibilities linger for awhile, then just die down, leaving the audience with a 'WTF?' look across their face. The movie just didn't go anywhere. Having said that, I was on the edge of my seat for a bit of this flick. It isn't all stiff.

The Cinephile's rating:
People who added this item 237 Average listal rating (161 ratings) 5.6 IMDB Rating 6.1
Watched: 3/5-6/12
1st Viewing

Thoughts: To be honest, there isn't really a whole lot to say here. I watched this movie with the sole intention of seeing Nic Cage on screen. I'm one of his few big fans, and he didn't disappoint. 'Seeking Justice', A.K.A 'The Hungry Rabbit Jumps' (in my opinion, the far better title) is your standard revenge/thriller/action, that just happens to incorporate a conspiracy for you to wrap your head around. Is it a must watch? absolutely not even close. Is it a fun slice of quick paced action? I would say so. Enter at your own risk.

On a sidenote: Guy Pearce plays a decent bad guy.


The Cinephile's rating:
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Voters of this movie list - View all
yreesesfreakkathyLBKittyJoeST9156NourahSeverin Severin
The motion pictures in which I have viewed in the year 2012. Re-watches included.

Seen more than once in 2012:
-Killer Elite: 2 times, March and May.
-Grave Encounters: 2 times, March and July.
-21 Jump Street: 2 times, June and August
-Ted: 2 times, November and December

Average Viewings Per Month: 27.5

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