5. True Grit
Nope, I didn't think I'd like this one either. Coen brothers' movies have always been a hit or miss for me. I find them compelling, but sometimes they are just dumb (Burn After Reading, The Ladykillers). So I wasn't sure what to expect. Add in the western aspect and I was almost positive I wouldn't find it pleasing. I was proven wrong. With the quick wit of the 14 year old lead character, and the drunken nature of Jeff Bridges slurring his words, the story comes together in this western tale of revenge and murder. The plot was simple, the characters were fun and interesting, and the overall concept brought forth a positive vibe from the movie. Not since Fargo have I seen a Coen brothers' movie that created such a realistic nature. The death scenes were quick, the wit was quicker, and the movie kept me intrigued the whole time.
4. The Kids Are All Right
I had no idea what the hell this movie would be about. A friend suggested it to me. It was playing at our "local" indie theater, so we went. The story was so true and realistic to today's society that it was easy to sympathize with the characters even though most of us aren't in their situation. Mark Ruffalo plays a man who once donated sperm when he was young and money seeking. We've all been there. His "daughter" turns 18 and decides to find out who the sperm donor was for her and her brother born from their lesbian mothers. Needless-to-say it was Ruffalo, who happens to live in the same area and becomes friendly with the family. He and Julianne Moore (one of the lesbians) begin an affair when they work together and all family riots ensue. I liked this movie for the real nature of its being. The true cataclysm of the family relationship shows the realistic feel of a dysfunctional American family.
3. Toy Story 3
Yeah, it probably could have been number 1, but it wasn't. This movie was an entertainment fest. I never laughed so hard in my life, that I can remember. This is also because I sat between two of my friends who have the most addicting laughs ever. But the movie was funny all the same. The combination of the characters we have come to know and love over the past 15 years brought us back to the beginning. Making us appreciate toys when we are young, and yes, even at an older age. Some people found it unusual that a 17 year old leaving for college felt so attached to his toys from childhood. But I found it real and inspiring. All people are attached to things for way longer than they should be, and we should cherish that feeling. This film brought everyone back to the comfort zone and took an hour and a half of our lives to make us feel young once again. And it did not hurt to see Mr. Potato Head trapped in a falafel.
2. The Social Network
Yep, a Facebook movie. It happened, and it only took 7 years. Yet the making of this movie was seemingly epic, while the movie itself took us to a whole new level of modern day conspiracy and theft. Identity theft does not hold a candle to the idea of stealing someone's internet dream scape. An escape and vision of reality so true that it redefines what it is to be "online". Who's on Facebook? Everyone. Who knows what Facebook is? Everyone. Who knows where Facebook came from? Now everyone. The fight for the digital frontier is brought about in this film, depicting the treachery and blogisms from Mark Zuckerberg, founder and creator of the Facebook algorithm. Add in Justin Timberlake as Napster frontman Sean Parker and you have yourself a fantastic thing that can only be called a film for our generation.
1. The Town
It's about that time to stop making fun of Ben Affleck. I know he's easy to bash, but why exactly? Is there anything this guy can't do? "He can't act", watch Boiler Room, "He can't direct", watch Gone Baby Gone. Oh, and hey, this movie brings about both of those qualities. The guy is awesome. I don't care who it is, Ben Affleck is the fucking man. He then pulls a great move by bringing in Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner and brings forth a phenomenal film. The film depicts a group of bank robbers hell bent on getting that one awesome heist. The vivid and emotional story line brings you into the depths of a lowly Boston neighborhood where robbing banks is as common as leaving out the "R" sound in words. Affleck stars and directs in this amazingly display of cinematic genius and prowess. Bring on the awards dude, you deserve it. Although the Academy is so crazy in love with older men getting Best Actor. Eh, maybe we'll see you with a statue in 20 years, long after Shia.
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