The Adventures of Tin-Tin

As this review is posted a week in advance, I won't be giving any crucial plot points away. All the same, if you don't want to know anything about the movie, stop here.

Very few directors create the kind of expectations Steven Spielberg does. The movies he's made in the past have, more or less, redefined the adventure genre. This isn't something to be taken lightly. Think of the adventure movies you remember most as a kid. Odds are they were directed by Spielberg.

Remember the first time you saw Indy run away from the boulder? Or when you realized (Spoiler Alert) E.T. wasn't dead (End Spoiler Alert)? Remember how you felt during those scenes? Spielberg's greatest weapon is storytelling, but his second best is attachment.

In The Adventures of Tin-Tin, his first weapon was extremely evident. But his second wasn't firing at full power.

Now, granted, this isn't a thought-provoking-oscar-winning-tear-jerking drama by any stretch. It's an extremely entertaining animated popcorn movie. By that standard, it surpasses expectations. There were two sequences done in the movie that are truly jaw dropping. First, an incredible scene in which Tin-Tin chases a hawk across a large market on a motorcycle. All done in one seamless shot. I'd argue this is the best chase scene of the year.

The second is a flashback/mirage Captain Haddock (played by motion capture pioneer Andy Serkis) has. Spielberg has the sheer audacity to change a barren desert to a riveting clash on the high seas. It's that audacity that has made him the filmmaking icon he is today. Those 5 or 6 minutes were easily better than the best ship battle in all of Pirates of the Caribbean 2, 3, or even 4.

I've long been a huge fan of motion capture technology. Avatar was a much needed breakthrough for the process. It's one piece of technology Avatar made famous I'm grateful Hollywood embraced. Motion capture allows detail to be portrayed through the mask of an animated character -- it's really remarkable, almost creepy. This new medium is a significant advance for a new era of animated films.

Casting was another great move. Jamie Bell was a wonderful Tin-Tin, Daniel Craig was an evil, menacing, all around great villain, and casting Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as twins was a stroke of brilliance. My favorite character though was, hands down, Captain Haddock. Andy Serkis has a serious leg up on the rest of the cast with his extensive work in motion capture and it really showed in this movie. His performance was my favorite in the film.

If I were to critique it by the extremely entertaining animated popcorn movie standard, I'd say it was an A. But I'm holding it up to the work Steven Spielberg's always delivered. While this is his first animated film, and yes it's harder to connect to an animated character than a real actor, it could've had a bit more substance. I wanted to connect more directly with Tin Tin.

Nevertheless, it's the best animated film of the year I've seen, and it has more than that little bit of magic only a true artist like Spielberg can bring.

Actors: Jamie Bell (Tin-Tin), Andy Serkis (Captain Haddock), Daniel Craig (Ivanovich Sakharine)
Recap: B+

Photo Courtesy of Dreamworks Animation

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Ok, I confess. I've seen all the Twilight movies. I haven't gone to any midnight shows, or begged and pleaded to see them, I haven't read the books, and I'm not by any stretch of the imagination a die-hard fan (I'll avoid the twi-hard comment). It's just been on cable, rented, or seen when there's been nothing else to watch.

I didn't like Twilight at all. It was awkward, awfully scripted, and the acting was amateur. New Moon was better, it seemed like it was starting to find it's footing. Adding Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning and going to Venice really helped the movie.  Eclipse was my favorite of the three. The characters had developed, the scenes were engaging and interesting to watch, and Taylor Lautner's acting had become bearable (remember, everything is relative). Since the movies seemed to be getting progressively better, I had some hope for Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Wonder where they got the idea to split the finale into two parts...).

Sadly it fell short of my expectations.

The movie starts with Bella and Edward's long awaited wedding. The decor was so white it made the vampires look tan. There's a creepy dream sequence Bella experiences early on, and I think that was the best scene in the entire movie. The first act is emotional - they did a very nice job with the soundtrack's melancholy chords. But the second act dragged on and on. I thought it would never get out of it's quicksand-like pacing.

Thankfully the movie started to pick up near the end, and left us with a well done, but extremely predictable, cliffhanger. I was disappointed by the movie's slow pacing, and let down by it's awful writing. There were lines where I laughed out loud because of how out of place and unneeded they were. The acting was not great but good. The person who stands out in these movies for me is Robert Pattinson. He has the hardest character to portray; Edward can't show emotion because he's a vampire but at the same time, he has to love Bella enough that he would give his life for her. He found a nice middle ground for showing that.

All in all, thoroughly disappointing. And since I'm on Team Moviegoer, I hope they have better luck with part 2.

Actors: Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan), Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black), Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)
Recap: C+

Photo Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Real Steel

I have a love/hate relationship with sports movies (don't even get me started on my hate/hate relationship with fighting robot movies. Transformers 1&2). On one hand, they're predictable. The hero's either going to win or loose, there's not much else you can do about that. On the other hand, the good ones really know how to get you cheering. And Real Steel really knows how to do that.

Hugh Jackman stars as Charlie Kenton a struggling robot boxing fighter (stay with me) who's looking for one great robot to put him back in the game. He and his newly discovered eleven year old son Max (played by newcomer Dakota Goyo) find an old bot in a junkyard (Atom), clean him up and train him with some of Charlie's old boxing moves. 

I was thoroughly satisfied when I came out of Real Steel. I haven't felt as satisfied after a movie since July (HP7). Real Steel's real left hook (both puns intended) is the emotion it brings. I was pulling for Atom to win all the fights. I wanted Charlie to become a real father to Max. I felt bad when Atom was loosing.

Hugh Jackman can really deliver emotional scenes when it's needed. His chemistry with Evangeline Lilly was really fun to watch. But the relationship that really made the movie was between Goyo and Jackman. The casting for both of them was spot on. They have the same quirks, same personalities, and same attitudes.

I'm a big fan of motion-capture technology and I thought it was utilized perfectly for this movie. I sure hope they continue to use it in these kind of movies. It makes everything seem a little more human. Well, as human as boxing robots can get.

When a movie about robots fighting each other can get the audience to cheer (and not just the female portion when Hugh Jackman takes his shirt off) for the robots, you know it's good. Real Steel was just that. Not an Oscar winning drama, but a genuinely fun movie. A nice surprise. 

Actors: Hugh Jackman (Charlie Kenton), Dakota Goyo (Max Kenton), Evangeline Lilly (Bailey Tallet)

Recap: B+

Photo Courtesy of Dreamworks SKG

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a thoroughly entertaining movie. The emotions portrayed by the ape (Caesar) are just remarkable. The performance capture technology used in this movie is a huge step up for Hollywood, and I think, a step in the right direction.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an interesting story that works. The performances were really good, especially John Lithgow's as the alzheimer's stricken father of Will Rodman (James Franco). The other performance that stood out was Andy Serkis' as Caesar, leader of the ape rebellion. Certain scenes really showed how good his performance was, even through the mask of the ape.

The movie moves quite well at the beginning and final act, dragging a bit in the middle. The percussive music composed by Patrick Doyle was great, . The cinematography was very well done. It made me feel like I was in the trees with Caesar.

What Rise of the Planet of the Apes comes down to are the emotional attachments it makes. I felt connected to Caesar, in both the sad moments and the exciting ones.

It's an extremely sweet, entertaining, and action packed movie.

And by the way, since all the apes are CGI, no actual apes were harmed in the making of this movie.

Actors: James Franco (Will Rodman), John Lithgow (Charles Rodman), Freida Pinto (Caroline Aranha), Andy Serkis (Caesar)
Recap: A-

Photo Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Captain America: The First Avenger

To put it kindly, this hasn't been a great year for superhero films (Thor, Green Lantern, The Green Hornet). And while there have been one or two good ones (X-Men: First Class), so far they've left me wanting a satisfying, fun, and original superhero movie. Captain America was all of those things.

The look of it alone was great, very WWII era. I had just finished the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, which I highly recommend. I gained some knowledge of WWII from Band of Brothers so I was interested to see how director Joe Johnston would portray the period. Keeping it accurate and within a PG-13 rating is tough, but I thought he did a good job of it.

Captain America is the story of Steven Rogers, a skinny kid from NY who gets picked on but never runs away from a fight (sounds a bit like a certain friendly neighborhood web-spinner), turned super-soldier from a serum developed by Dr. Abraham Erskine (played by the always solid Stanley Tucci). Rogers has tried in the past to enlist in the army, multiple times, but was always rejected because of his puny physique. He's picked for this test because of his heart and his personality, not his physical attributes, or lack of them. The serum enhances everything in his cells, which means that his personality is enhanced too. Bad becomes evil, good becomes great. The story is pretty interesting, deeper than most superhero movies. But what's really good in Captain America is the cast.

Chris Evans is perfect as the small kid in a super improved body. He's got such a nice guy persona about him. Hugo Weaving is great as Johann Schmidt/Red Skull, Nazi officer turned faceless head of HYDRA. Owen Gleiberman (Entertainment Weekly) said it best, he's a cross between Hellboy and Michael Jackson. HYDRA plans to do exactly what Hitler is trying to do, just without Hitler. The action sequences between the Americans and HYDRA were fun to watch, and believable. Tommy Lee Jones, as always, was fun to watch as the gruff, gritty colonel. Dominic Cooper played Howard Stark, father of Tony Stark/Ironman. You can see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. But, Hayley Atwell was the standout in this movie. I haven't seen her in anything but this and she was terrific. The ending was a good twist, but not a great one, a bit predictable. Speaking of the ending, stay after the credits. You won't be disappointed.

A highly entertaining historically-based superhero movie.

Actors: Chris Evans (Captain America/Steve Rogers), Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), Tommy Lee Jones (Colonel Chester Phillips), Hugo Weaving (Johann Schmidt/Red Skull)
Recap: A-

Photo Courtesy of Marvel Entertainment.

Cowboys and Aliens Wristblaster Giveaway

So my first giveaway. Once we reach 100 followers, I'll give this wristblaster away.

Cowboys and Aliens

Spoiler Alert! This review reveals crucial plot points, character development and pivotal events in the movie. See what I'm saying? If you don't want to know, stop now.

This is the first review I've posted before the actual release of the film. Why? Well, I'm not a professional movie critic yet (at least in the studio's eyes), but I was lucky enough to go to the world premiere of Cowboys & Aliens.

My dad and I go to Comic-Con every year - always the highlight of my summer. For those who aren't familiar with Comic-Con, it's an annual convention in San Diego that celebrates movies, television, and (of course) comic books. Dad and I go to see the movie and television panels.

Last year, there was a panel for a movie called Cowboys & Aliens. No one knew what it was about, just that it involved Jon Favreau, Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, and Olivia Wilde. Then people started talking, wondering what this dream team of a cast and crew was up to. But after Jon Favreau showed the first 13 minutes at Comic-Con, people couldn't stop talking. Favreau promised they'd be at Comic-Con next year.

What nobody knew was that he meant the world premiere of Cowboys & Aliens would be at Comic-Con next year.

As we treked down to San Diego this year, I was ecstatic. Then I found to get the tickets, you were texted a location, and when you got there the Cowboys & Aliens people would give you a "gold brick". We got texts almost hourly, but every time we were in a panel.

On the last day, right after our last panel of the day, I got a text. Little did I know it would change my entire Comic-Con experience. It said head to the Hilton Gaslamp for the last chance at going to the premiere. We looked up, and turns out we were right across the street from that hotel. So we took off, along with a few thousand of our closest friends who also received the text.

As we waited in the huge line we saw that they were down to their final box of gold bricks. We were some of the last, lucky few who got them. Inside was a certificate for a free slurpee, either a t-shirt or a plastic version of Daniel Craig's arm bracelet/blaster, and a little card with a tear off tab. My dad opened his and it read, "Sorry try again." Needless to say this brought my hopes down. Not expecting much, I tore off my piece slowly.

I now know what Charlie felt when he found the golden ticket.

I must've read it wrong, this has to be a mistake - it can't say congratulations, how did I win, I am now guarding this with my life. There was so much going through my head. We went to a location, picked up our passes to the world premiere and off we went.

The movie, experience, people, and after-party were great. But let's get to the review shall we?

Cowboys & Aliens is such an interesting concept. A western mixed with a sci-fi. It could go horribly wrong in so many ways. But it didn't. The film starts out with Daniel Craig waking up in the middle of the desert. He has quite a bracelet on his hand, it won't come off and you can see he obviously doesn't remember how he got it or why.

He doesn't remember much actually.

He runs into some cowboys who believe he's an outlaw, and try to make him go with them which doesn't turn out well for them. Craig goes into town and finds out his name is Jake Lonergan, and he's wanted for murder, arson, and a slew of other things. He's arrested, and set to be sent to Santa Fe.

Harrison Ford's character (Woodrow Dolarhyde) comes to get his son out of the prison, but finds out Lonergan is there and turns his attention to him. Just as Dolarhyde is about to take his son and Lonergan by force from the sheriff, he sees a bunch of lights in the sky. They go black, then turn on again and start blowing things up and taking people. This lead's to Dolarhyde's son being taken, Doc's (Sam Rockwell) wife, and about twenty-five other townspeople. Lonergan and Dolarhyde have had difficulties in the past but they're ready to set those apart to get their people back.

Along the way they come across some aliens (called "demons") in an upside down boat, and also in the ending battle which is quite epic. Turns out the aliens are after the same thing they are: gold.

I'm a fan of westerns and Cowboys & Aliens didn't disappoint. It strikes a perfect balance between sci-fi and western genres, and turned out to be a ton of fun. The script was not Oscar material, but flowed nicely. Daniel Craig was a perfect cowboy/alien abductee. Olivia Wilde was good, although her character (Ella Swenson) could've used a little more explanation. Sam Rockwell (whom I met and talked to at the premiere, but that's another story) was funny and delivered a solid performance.

But Harrison Ford really shows why he's the legendary movie icon that he is. He was perfect as the gritty cowboy/land baron who practically owns the town of Absolution, where the aliens first appear. The music was great for a western with lots of acoustic guitar which suited the mood.

A fun, exciting, solid summer film.

Studio: Universal Pictures

Actors: Daniel Craig (Jake Lonergan), Harrison Ford (Woodrow Dolarhyde), Olivia Wilde (Ella Swenson)

Recap: B+

Picture Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Super 8

There are very few movies I'd call flawless. The short list would include The King's Speech, The Godfather, Batman Begins, E.T. and a few others. They have what all movies want: terrific acting, unbelievable writing, fun and emotional to watch. Another thing they have in common is the connection with the characters. When King George VI is trying to give his closing speech, you're pulling for him. When Elliot finds out E.T. isn't actually dead, you're rejoicing with him. There are a few movies that make a lasting impact on your life. Super 8 is one of them. I loved that Super 8 was able to keep its secrets in the trailers. Almost nothing was let out about the alien itself. There's so much to talk about in this movie. The cast is great. Elle Fanning stands out by a mile. Apparently those Fanning genes (her sister is Dakota) feature some pretty good acting skills. Super 8 is set in 1979 Ohio. Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) and his father have just lost Joe's mother in a factory accident. They're trying to find a way to deal with her death. Joe is in the process of making a movie with his buddies from school and the neighborhood. The director, who is hysterical, decides to ask the girl of Joe's dreams (Elle Fanning) to be in his movie. While Joe and his friends are shooting a scene at the local train station, a train gets hit by a car and derails. The derailment sequence is one of the most chilling I've ever seen. A genuine edge of your seat scene. The train was carrying Air Force materials (an alien?). The whole town is then terrorized; car engines are taken, people are missing, dogs are leaving. And you still haven't seen the alien head on. I won't give away what it looks like, but it's no E.T. One of the great things is that there are so many things that worked in Super 8. It had action, horror, romance, comedy, suspense - all of it top notch (or "mint"). The nostalgic look of the town was extremely authentic and the way the kids' characters were written was dead on. But the thing I loved most about Super 8 was J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg working together. There isn't a better director/producer pair working today. I loved Lost (might be the understatement of the year). Star Trek (2009) was terrific as well. And don't even get me started on Spielberg. There's a certain amount of magic Spielberg brings to a movie that can't be replicated. Super 8 is no exception. The movie of the summer and maybe of the year.

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Actors: Joel Courtney (Joe Lamb), Elle Fanning (Alice Dainard), Kyle Chandler (Jackson Lamb)

Recap: A+

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are a perfect example of a great first film, followed by three more that try way too hard. The Curse of the Black Pearl was incredible. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow was perfect. The character was fresh, funny and incredibly witty. Together with great writing, and Geoffrey Rush as the perfect villain, it was one of my favorite movies of the year. For me, the second, Dead Man’s Chest, was by far the worst of the series. It bored me to tears. Literally to sleep - it’s one of the only movies I remember actually falling asleep in. Jack Sparrow was trying to get his drunken, funny, confused way of life back but it just came off as Johnny Depp trying to be as good as he was in the first one. At World’s End was mildly better, but that’s like saying getting your toenails peeled off one by one is better than having all your limbs cut off one by one. They’re both experiences I could live without. The newest one, On Stranger Tides, wasn’t as bad as two or three, but I’m just getting tired of these movies. Jack Sparrow is off to find the fountain of youth but he runs into an old flame, Angelica Malon (Penelope Cruz). Angelica happens to be the first mate of the notorious pirate Blackbeard (played by Ian McShane, by far the best thing in this movie). She also happens to be his daughter, or is she? She and her father are looking for the fountain of youth. There are many obstacles though. Mermaids, and not the Little Mermaid kind, are in their path. The Spanish and the English are also looking for the fountain of youth. Pirates of the Caribbean 4 is nothing special. The character Jack Sparrow is just getting old and predictable. And although there might be a slightly funny line here and there, he’s stale. I’m disappointed because I like Johnny Depp as an actor, but I know he can do better than this. He was spectacular in Chocolat or even in Alice in Wonderland, so when I see him do work like this it disheartens me. All in all, a very mediocre, very disappointing movie.

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Actors: Johnny Depp (Jack Sparrow), Penelope Cruz (Angelica Malon), Geoffrey Rush (Barbosa), Ian McShane (Blackbeard) Release: Wide Recap: C

Source Code

First off, I like to know about the movie I'm going to. I do some recon, find all the trailers, then watch them to find out if it's worth seeing. Now, I don't do this often, but I went into Source Code only knowing that Jake Gyllenhaal was in it, and he had eight minutes to find a bomber on a train. I liked not knowing the full details about it. Source Code is a mix of Groundhog's Day and Matrix. It's about an ex-soldier who has eight minutes to find a bomb and the person who planted it on the train. The twist? If the bomb goes off and the train derails, he's thrown back into a room where he's sent back to the train, and the whole thing starts over. That's called Source Code. When a person dies, the electromagnetism in the brain stays active for a few seconds, and a persons short term memory usually lasts about eight minutes. Combine those two phenomenon and you have Source Code. Gyllenhaal's character is in the body of a passenger who died on the train, so he can use his eight minutes to defuse the bomb. Its an interesting premise well executed. I was blown away by the acting talent in this movie. Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright and Jake Gyllenhaal were all at the top of their game. I can't tell much more about the plot because if I do I might give away key moments. There's a nice, well thought out twist near the end - not thrown together just to try and throw the audience, it was really nicely done. The ending was magnificent; filled to the brim with emotions perfectly conveyed. I loved it. The best movie of 2011. So far...

Studio: Summit Entertainment

Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal (Colter Stevens), Michelle Monaghan (Christina Warren)

Release: Wide

DVD Release: TBD

Recap: A-

Picture Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

The King's Speech

Collin Firth is going to win best actor. I know that's a big statement (especially because I haven't seen all the contenders) but I haven't seen a movie this year with a better front man. He plays Prince Albert (or King George VI) who has a stutter. This stutter is a huge obstacle for him because, when you're king, you're required to speak publicly. Collin Firth delivers such an emotional performance. You realize how much he's gone through because of that stutter. You feel for him. You're with him from the opening speech until the ending speech. Part of that is because of the way it's shot. The cinematography in The King's Speech is so dead on. The close-up shots are incredible. Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel Logue (King George's speech therapist). He has some questionable but extremely effective methods. Unlike King George's other physicians, him and Lionel become equals when the King goes for his sessions. This leads to some very tense scenes. Particularly the night before his coronation. Lionel sits in the king's coronation throne. He argues that he can sit there; I mean, it's just a chair, right? That's what Lionel thinks. He challenges Bertie. He argues and challenges the almost King of England. That scene leads to my favorite line in the movie. The King's Speech is one of the best films of 2010 hands down. And Collin Firth gives the best performance I've seen in a long time.

Studio: The Weinstien Company

Actors: Collin Firth (King George VI), Helena Bonham Carter (Queen Elizabeth), Geoffrey Rush (Lionel Logue)

Release: Wide

DVD Release: TBD

Recap: A

My Three Least Favorite Movies of 2010

Being a movie critic, I love to watch movies. I think it's the best job in the world. Getting to see movies and say what you think about them. But, like every other job, there is a downside. Having to sit through bad movies. So, here's my list of the three worst movies of 2010. I don't watch many movies I don't want to see and that's why there are only three on this list. I'll try to see more next year

3. The Last Song
Why: Miley Cyrus made her big screen acting debut in this movie. I don't think there should be a follow up. I didn't think she was good in the movie. The only thing in this movie that made it watchable was Greg Kinnear. His acting was so strikingly good against this jumble of Miley. This was her first on screen movie and I hope it's her last.
Who: Miley Cyrus (Ronnie Miller), Greg Kinnear (Steve Miller), Liam Hemsworth (Will Blakelee)

2. Hereafter
Why: A two hour and six minute movie has never been so long. I felt like it was three or three and a half hours long. This movie just kept dragging on and on and on. Matt Damon is such a solid actor but, I thought he had nothing to work with in this. Three stories were tied together very sloppily and I thought the ending was just so-so. It was extremely boring.
Who: Matt Damon (George Lonegan), Ceceile De France (Mary LeLay), Frankie McLaren (Marcus/Jason), George McLaren (Marcus/Jason)

1. Clash of the Titans
Why: A mixture of a bad script and lame effects caused this 3-D conversion catastrophy. The writing was so bad it was funny. Laugh out loud funny. Liam Neeson was stuck in his scowl and Ralph Finnes was so scratchy in his voice, it sounded like he had been smoking in Hades (no pun intended). This movie wasn't acted well and it wasn't shot that well but the script was just horrible. And I hear it's going to get a sequel.
Who: Liam Neeson (Zeus), Ralph Finnes (Hades), Sam Worthington (Perseus)

Well here's to a year with more movies; good ones that is. Happy New Year.

Top Five Movies of the Year

Alrighty, another year over, another top five best and worst lists. I admit, I didn't post as much as I would've liked, but I hope this year will be better. I saw a lot of movies I didn't review and I regret that. My new year's resolution is I'll review as many movies as I can. This year I'm also incorporating something new in my website. I'm going to watch every movie that ever won an academy award for best picture; well, every one I'm allowed to see. Then I'll review them. Did they deserve it? I'll be the judge of that. Now, time for the list of top five movies of this year.

5.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Why: I'm a little (a little? who am I kidding, a lot) biased to the Potter films but I thoroughly enjoyed this one, even though the ending left a lot to be desired (literally). One of the things David Yates is so good at is being true to the book just enough. Not too much like some movies (Harry Potter 1 and 2, I'm looking at you) and not too little (Tale of Despereaux hmmm hmmm).

Who: Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), David Yates (Director)

4. How to Train Your Dragon
Why: I thought HTTYD is one of the only movies I saw in 3-D and enjoyed. I really don't like 3-D but this is one instance where it actually added to the moviegoing experience. The flight scenes in the movie are incredible. Also, the animation is beautifully done, the dialogue was quick and witty, but the casting for the voices is just perfect. Each voice suits each character seamlessly. One of the best animated movies of the year.
Who: Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), Gerard Butler (Stoick), Craig Ferguson (Gobber), America Ferrera (Astrid)

3. Inception
Why: Christopher Nolan is my favorite director hands down. He has (in my opinion) never made a bad film. He has an all-star list of actors he uses a lot. He has Hans Zimmer, the best composer (sorry John Williams) for movies And, he has the ability to make you think about the movie. When he made The Prestige (my favorite film of his), he made the movie so that the moviegoer has to see the movie again. In fact, all of his movies (that I've seen) have that effect on the moviegoer. Inception was no exception. I saw it at midnight which, if you've read some of my previous posts, is not normal for me. I didn't like it the first time. I was struggling to stay awake and you can't afford to miss anything in that movie. I'll describe it like this; the first time gave me an outline of the movie. The second time colored in the lines. It all made sense, and when a movie makes sense, it's a lot better. Inception had one of the best (and most aggravating) endings of the year. The way Chris Nolan makes the special effects look so easy and real is just mindblowing. One specific fight scene in a hall where gravity keeps shifting is awesome. And it's all real. Or was it a dream...
Who: Leonardo DiCaprio (Cobb), Ken Watanabe (Saito), Ellen Page (Ariadne), Marion Cotillard (Mal)

2. True Grit
Why: True Grit is the best title of a movie I've seen in a long time. True Grit also has the best child actor I've ever seen. Hailee Steinfeld is younger than I am and gives one of the best performances this year. And she had her work cut out for her, working alongside two academy award winners and an academy award nominee. She gives one of the most believable performances of the year. I'm predicting it will pay off big time when the academy awards come around. Everyone in this movie blends perfectly together. The script is funny, each actor suits his (or her) character perfectly. A great movie, possibly my favorite western.
Who: Hailee Steinfeld (Maddie Ross), Jeff Bridges (Rooster Cogburn), Matt Damon (LaBeouf)

1. Toy Story 3
Why: A great ending to a superb trilogy. Hopefully though, it wasn't the ending. Pixar in my opinion can do no wrong. I loved Toy Story 1&2, but 3 was just incredible. The emotions they convey through toys is outstanding. The script is well written and unexpectedly funny. The voices were terrific and I thought their best move was adding Ken (of Ken and Barbie fame) to the mix. I seriously hope they decide to make another one. Because if it's half as good as the third installment, I'll be happy. And waiting for the fifth.
Who: Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusak (Jesse), Ned Beatty (Lotso), Michael Keeton (Ken), Jodi Benson (Barbie)

Well, here's to a new year of new movies. Hope we can get some more good movies and less bad ones. But, I'm sorry to say, Transformers 3 is coming out. So much for that.