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300 Movie Reviews Wrap-Up!
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2344/s0022.jpg
Remember sometime around 4 months ago when I said that when I reached 300 reviews I would do a "grand" wrap-up, potentially including films from the last two century marks? Well, I do, and I've decided that I will do that, taking into consideration any review that I wrote after my 100th. That's 200 reviews total for those of you not all that great at math. (I may or may not have had to use a calculator.)
I took a month-long break the last time I reached one of these milestones. I'm not doing that this time around, and will instead continue posting a daily review. Truth be told, even if I didn't write a review for a month, I'd still be able to post one; I'm that far ahead in my writing. But I'm going to continue writing, because once university starts, I'll probably need that buffer. There's a good chance when school begins in September, that I won't be able to get to watching a movie every day. I still hope I will, but I have no idea how much work it will be. Some people have told me I'll have much more free time than high school gave, while other people tell me I'll have absolutely no free time. Maybe the program will determine that, in which case, well, I still don't really know. Film studies shouldn't be that difficult, right?
Speaking of, I took that break to focus on school, and for other, more personal reasons. I'm actually not sure if it was such a good idea to take that break, but whatever. It worked in regards to schooling, and I got my official acceptance letter on the 16th of this month. Was I ecstatic? Not really, but I was pleased enough. My grades have never been higher than they were this term, so I suppose the break was good. So thanks for bearing with me and not getting a review for a month. (Except for the one I did post, but shhh...)
Okay, I've rambled enough about myself already. Time for some awards. The first time I did one of these, I just gave pretty general categories. "The best of", "The worst of", and things of that nature. I think I'll do that again this time, and maybe give more "obscure" awards the next time around. (However I'm only going to stick to positive awards this time.) But, considering there is double the number of films, I'm going to include 10 nominees from each category, unlike the 5 I had first time. They'll also be nominated in alphabetical order, so you will have absolutely no way to pick up on paterns on where I place them, and you will hopefully be surprised by what I pick. (Maybe.) If you have any suggestions for odd categories, definitely let me know. If not, I'll assume that you're perfectly content with typical awards. We good? Okay. Without further ado...
Best Action
The films which are there almost just to entertain you. Not the deepest films, but possibly the most entertaining.
<spoiler=Nominee #1><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304028-Marter-to-the-Movies-Captain-America-The-First-Avenger>Captain America: The First Avenger
<img height=150>http://i49.servimg.com/u/f49/16/09/70/40/poster47.jpg
I didn't really think I would like Captain America. I figured that a film about a character that is the ideal American citizen just wouldn't appeal to me, considering I'm not American, and I had no previous knowledge of the comics. Boy, was I wrong. It had great action scenes, good acting and a decent plot. It was a lot of fun, and I was really surprised by how enjoyable it was.
<spoiler=Nominee #2><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.259957-2-50-Reviews-The-Dark-Knight-2008>The Dark Knight
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I've seen The Dark Knight probably 5 or 6 times, and it's still incredibly entertaining. The action parts are great, while the dialogue is just as interesting. Heath Ledger owns his role as the Joker, and Christian Bale does a pretty solid Batman. The story is also interesting and complex enough to hold the audience's attention, which is more than a lot of action films can say.
<spoiler=Nominee #3><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.273612-2-50-Reviews-Iron-Man-2008>Iron Man
<img height=150>http://i69.servimg.com/u/f69/16/09/70/40/poster37.png
Iron Man got Marvel going on this whole Avengers idea. If it had sucked, then we probably wouldn't have gotten Captain America or Thor. It did so well in being entertaining, and by casting the perfect actor in Robert Downey Jr. to play the titular hero. There isn't a dull moment to be had here, which makes it an entertaining watch.
<spoiler=Nominee #4><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.253962-2-50-Reviews-Kick-Ass-2010>Kick-Ass
<img height=150>http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1876/kickassposterd.jpg
By now, you're probably starting to think that all of the Best Action films will be superhero films. Well, that's not quite the case, but there sure have been a lot of them, haven't there? Anyway, Kick-Ass had a lot of heart behind it, probably more than any of the other superhero films. It also had really imaginative and entertaining action scenes, with emotional highs and lows scattered throughout.
<spoiler=Nominee #5><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.295867-2-50-Reviews-Kill-Bill-Vol-1-2003>Kill Bill Vol. 1
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I was initially going ot cheat here and include both Kill Bill films in one slot, but then remembered that the second film wasn't really all that much of an action film. So I decided to only have the first one here. Essentially, the last 45 minutes of this film are pure action, with just so much fun to be had throughout.
<spoiler=Nominee #6><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.280955-2-50-Reviews-The-Matrix-1999>The Matrix
<img height=150>http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/16/09/70/40/poster14.png
The Matrix is another film that I've watched a bunch of times, and it never gets old. The action scenes are great, the special effects were revolutionary, and simply because of how much the film influenced action movies of today, it gets a special place in my heart. And then, it also has a high-concept story behind it keeping it entertaining when the film needs to go that route.
<spoiler=Nominee #7><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304676-2-50-Reviews-Planet-Terror-2007>Planet Terror
<img height=150>http://i49.servimg.com/u/f49/16/09/70/40/poster48.jpg
Let's see here. How can I put this? Planet Terror is simply a B-movie that's so much fun, even if it has a lot of problems that were intentionally added to it to make it look like a junky B-movie. But it's fun enough to overcome these problems and be a joy to watch regardless.
<spoiler=Nominee #8><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.300011-2-50-Reviews-Shoot-Em-Up-2007>Shoot 'Em Up
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Shoot 'Em Up is simply speaking, fun. That's it. It has non-stop action, but nothing much else to speak of. But even then, the action scenes are inventive and exciting enough to carry the film. It's fairly offensive, but if you can get past that, it's definitely a fun film.
<spoiler=Nominee #9><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.273103-Marter-to-the-Movies-Sucker-Punch>Sucker Punch
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Sucker Punch had tons action, set in a fantasy world where everything is possible. The story is actually pretty good too, which means that there are moments when the story takes over for the action. But it never stops being entertaining, which makes it an enjoyable experience.
<spoiler=Nominee #10><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.286787-2-50-Reviews-The-Tournament-2009>The Tournament
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I liked The Tournament for the same reasons that I liked Shoot 'Em Up. Both films are just pure fun with non-stop action sequences. Sure, it's unrealistic and over-the-top, but it's enjoyable. For people who think I only like "arty" films I give you these two films, both of which are mindless action films that are a lot of fun.
<spoiler=Winner><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.259957-2-50-Reviews-The-Dark-Knight-2008>The Dark Knight
<img height=200>http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6543/darkknightver3.jpg
For those keeping track, this is actually the second time that a Christopher Nolan film has won my Best Action award. The reason for this is simple: His action films have more going for them than just mindless action. They're complete films, and that's what makes them so good. This film is extra special because of the acting performances, which are all great. If you haven't already seen this film, you owe it to yourself to do that.
Best Comedy
When you need a laugh, these films are there for you.
<spoiler=Nominee #1><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.287212-2-50-Reviews-13-Going-on-30-2004>13 Going on 30
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I almost feel like I had to include one Jennifer Garner film on here, just to convince you that I don't actually hate her. Anyway, 13 Going on 30 is a feel-good comedy that takes an interesting premise and makes you laugh throughout. It has a lot of crazy sequences that you'll feel bad at laughing at, but hey, you'll still be laughing. And, for probably the last time: I do not hate Garner. I just don't think she's a very good actor. Do we have this settled now? Yes? Good.
<spoiler=Nominee #2><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.258197-2-50-Reviews-Cop-Out-2010>Cop Out
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I know that I'm in the vast minority here, but I found Cop Out to be a really enjoyable film. It was funny because the jokes actually worked instead of falling flat. The characters also got some development throughout, which is good in a buddy cop film. The characters were also likable, which helps you enjoy the film.
<spoiler=Nominee #3><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.291278-2-50-Reviews-DodgeBall-A-True-Underdog-Story-2004>DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story
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Dodgeball is a funny movie where people get to set-up inspirational speeches and play dodgeball. That's about it, but it's funny enough to sustain 90+ minutes. The cameos are what really make the film though, and, well, Jason Bateman was hilarious.
<spoiler=Nominee #4><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.256434-2-50-Reviews-Hot-Tub-Time-Machine-2010>Hot Tub Time Machine
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Hot Tub Time Machine would be my biggest surprise, if we were only looking at comedies. It was way funnier than I thought it would be. There are only a few problems, and because of how funny it is, you ignore these. The characters are also deep, and I was intrigued by the presence. I initially passed this over, but I'm glad I decided to watch it, because I had a blast.
<spoiler=Nominee #5><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.254834-2-50-Reviews-In-Bruges-2008>In Bruges
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In Bruges is a really funny comedy with interesting characters and a well-told story. While it's borderline offensive at times, it's fresh and interesting while not lingering on one aspect for too long. I had a blast when I watched it, and I was laughing far more frequently than I thought I would.
<spoiler=Nominee #6><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264833-2-50-Reviews-Just-Peck-2009>Just Peck
<img height=150>http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3660/justpeck2009.jpg
I love this movie. I'll be frank about that right now. I enjoyed it so much that I've watched it many times after I wrote my review of it. It's really funny, but also turns dark near the end, which is why I almost included it in the Best Drama category. It's authentic, has solid acting and the jokes were well-written.
<spoiler=Nominee #7><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.259569-2-50-Reviews-Mean-Girls-2004>Mean Girls
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I didn't really expect to enjoy Mean Girls as much as I did. It was interesting and entertaining, despite not likely being an accurate representation of high school. It had unique characters and a story that you want to see through to the end. It's mean spirited at times, but still funny.
<spoiler=Nominee #8><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.263176-Marter-to-the-Movies-No-Strings-Attached>No Strings Attached
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Here's another comedy that surprised me. No Strings Attached ended up being far funnier than it likely had the right to be. It had likable characters, a simple enough story, and had some humorous situations. It's not unique, and does nothing special for the rom-com genre, but it's worth a watch because of how funny it is.
<spoiler=Nominee #9><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.277550-Marter-to-the-Movies-Your-Highness>Your Highness
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I went to see Your Highness because a friend wanted to. It ended up being incredibly funny, as long as you aren't looking for anything other than low-brow humor. My audience was, apparently, so my friend and I ended up being the only people laughing in the entire theater. That was actually kind of creepy, but that's their loss. It was simply really funny.
<spoiler=Nominee #10><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.262578-2-50-Reviews-Zombieland-2009>Zombieland
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Zombieland is a film that I'm glad I gave a second chance to. It ended up being far funnier than I remembered, and also had some heart behind it. And yes, I found the surprise cameo to be enjoyable, too, despite not feeling that way when I first watched it.
<spoiler=Winner><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264833-2-50-Reviews-Just-Peck-2009>Just Peck
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Does this really surprise anyone with how much praise I've given this film. I absolutely love it. I don't know if I can say much more about it, but I'll tell you something. The Region 1 DVD is out in September, for those of you who cannot import, and I'd urge you to give it a watch when that happens. Just Peck is great.
Best Drama
The dialogue, character-driven films which make you remember you have emotions.
<spoiler=Nominee #1><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.263384-2-50-Reviews-American-Beauty-1999>American Beauty
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American Beauty has deep, interesting characters, and also has an exciting story not bogged down by its satire. It's such a deep film that could probably be analyzed and talked about for hours, but even taken at face value, it gives us something worth caring about an is easily watchable.
<spoiler=Nominee #2><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.253033-2-50-Reviews-Brothers-2009>Brothers
<img height=150>http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4251/brothersposter691x1024.jpg
Brothers has good actors playing deep, flawed and interesting characters. It has believable writing, great acting and a fascinating story. These are people you become invested in, and you want to see them through to the end. There are emotional highs and lows, and this film balances them well. It's a rewarding experience.
<spoiler=Nominee #3><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.285090-2-50-Reviews-Catch-Me-If-You-Can-2002>Catch Me If You Can
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Catch Me If You Can is slightly too long, but it captivated me with its story and characters. They have charisma, and with good actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, you've got people who you want to watch. The plot is easy to follow, and the film just works, save for the fact that it starts the story out in the wrong place.
<spoiler=Nominee #4><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.296470-2-50-Reviews-Inglourious-Basterds-2009>Inglourious Basterds
<img height=150>http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/16/09/70/40/poster29.jpg
Despite not being advertised as such, Inglourious Basterds is a drama with a few action scenes. The Basterds themselves don't even play that pivotal a role in the plot, but are fun to watch. For an incredibly long film, this is one that deserves its runtime, because it keeps you on the edge of your seat for almost its entire time on-screen.
<spoiler=Nominee #5><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.261937-Marter-to-the-Movies-The-Kings-Speech>The King's Speech
<img height=150>http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8240/thekingsspeechposter065.jpg
This is probably the funniest film nominated in this category. The King's Speech is really funny, with a sharp script that keeps you engaged. The characters aren't as good as some of the other films I looked at, but the acting is just as good, if not better. Both Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth own their parts, and Firth definitely deserved his Best Actor Oscar.
<spoiler=Nominee #6><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264054-2-50-Reviews-The-Painted-Veil-2006>The Painted Veil
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Here is possibly the biggest surprise out of my Best Drama nominees. The story had me completely captivated, I cared for the characters, and I was emotionally moved by the experience. The scenery is also beautiful, and so is the soundtrack. It's only undone by lackluster chemistry between the actors, but that's a minor complaint about a wonderful film.
<spoiler=Nominee #7><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304214-2-50-Reviews-Thirteen-2003>Thirteen
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Thirteen isn't a happy film, nor is it an enjoyable one to watch. With that said, I believe it is a great drama, showing you the problems that can happen to teenagers. I forgot that I was watching a movie while it was playing -- I was fully immersed -- and it's rare for that to happen. It's such an emotionally moving film even if it won't leave you in a good mood.
<spoiler=Nominee #8><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.253766-2-50-Reviews-The-Tracey-Fragments-2007>The Tracey Fragments
<img height=150>http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1984/traceyfragmentsver2xlg.jpg
If I need to include one "arty" film on these lists, this is it. The Tracey Fragments is a film that has a unique editing style, and non-linear storytelling, done solely in an attempt to confuse the audience. But it's a film you won't see anything like any time soon, and I recommend it if only for that reason.
<spoiler=Nominee #9><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.302877-2-50-Reviews-Watchmen-2009>Watchmen
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I do not consider Watchmen an action film. It has far too many gaps between set-pieces for it to be one. It tells a long story dealing with superheroes, but has few times with these heroes showing off any powers. These people are flawed and deep, and the ending is perfect. It's also a visual spectacle, making your jaw drop.
<spoiler=Nominee #10><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.271104-2-50-Reviews-The-Wrestler-2008>The Wrestler
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I like professional wrestling. A story about an aging professional wrestler is one that interests me. I had no idea it could be told in such a great way. The Wrestler is a film of heartbreak and tragedy, both inside and outside the ring. The acting is what really makes this movie, with Mickey Rourke proving that he's still got it.
<spoiler=Winner><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304214-2-50-Reviews-Thirteen-2003>Thirteen
<img height=200>http://i49.servimg.com/u/f49/16/09/70/40/poster49.jpg
Even if it doesn't tell a happy story, I have to give this award to Thirteen. It's a tremendous film that will affect you emotionally, whether you want it to or not. This is especially true for parents, or if your life was in any way similar to any of the characters presented here. It's a story told from the heart by people who understand heartbreak, and is a film that, while not a happy one, deserves to be watched.
Intermission Time!
Now, take a break, watch one of these good movies, (or don't), and then ignore the fact that this is here just because there is a characcter limit for a post, and I will exceed it if I don't include a break of some sort.
300 Movie Reviews Wrap-Up!
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Remember sometime around 4 months ago when I said that when I reached 300 reviews I would do a "grand" wrap-up, potentially including films from the last two century marks? Well, I do, and I've decided that I will do that, taking into consideration any review that I wrote after my 100th. That's 200 reviews total for those of you not all that great at math. (I may or may not have had to use a calculator.)
I took a month-long break the last time I reached one of these milestones. I'm not doing that this time around, and will instead continue posting a daily review. Truth be told, even if I didn't write a review for a month, I'd still be able to post one; I'm that far ahead in my writing. But I'm going to continue writing, because once university starts, I'll probably need that buffer. There's a good chance when school begins in September, that I won't be able to get to watching a movie every day. I still hope I will, but I have no idea how much work it will be. Some people have told me I'll have much more free time than high school gave, while other people tell me I'll have absolutely no free time. Maybe the program will determine that, in which case, well, I still don't really know. Film studies shouldn't be that difficult, right?
Speaking of, I took that break to focus on school, and for other, more personal reasons. I'm actually not sure if it was such a good idea to take that break, but whatever. It worked in regards to schooling, and I got my official acceptance letter on the 16th of this month. Was I ecstatic? Not really, but I was pleased enough. My grades have never been higher than they were this term, so I suppose the break was good. So thanks for bearing with me and not getting a review for a month. (Except for the one I did post, but shhh...)
Okay, I've rambled enough about myself already. Time for some awards. The first time I did one of these, I just gave pretty general categories. "The best of", "The worst of", and things of that nature. I think I'll do that again this time, and maybe give more "obscure" awards the next time around. (However I'm only going to stick to positive awards this time.) But, considering there is double the number of films, I'm going to include 10 nominees from each category, unlike the 5 I had first time. They'll also be nominated in alphabetical order, so you will have absolutely no way to pick up on paterns on where I place them, and you will hopefully be surprised by what I pick. (Maybe.) If you have any suggestions for odd categories, definitely let me know. If not, I'll assume that you're perfectly content with typical awards. We good? Okay. Without further ado...
Best Action
The films which are there almost just to entertain you. Not the deepest films, but possibly the most entertaining.
<spoiler=Nominee #1><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304028-Marter-to-the-Movies-Captain-America-The-First-Avenger>Captain America: The First Avenger
<img height=150>http://i49.servimg.com/u/f49/16/09/70/40/poster47.jpg
I didn't really think I would like Captain America. I figured that a film about a character that is the ideal American citizen just wouldn't appeal to me, considering I'm not American, and I had no previous knowledge of the comics. Boy, was I wrong. It had great action scenes, good acting and a decent plot. It was a lot of fun, and I was really surprised by how enjoyable it was.
<spoiler=Nominee #2><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.259957-2-50-Reviews-The-Dark-Knight-2008>The Dark Knight
<img height=150>http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6543/darkknightver3.jpg
I've seen The Dark Knight probably 5 or 6 times, and it's still incredibly entertaining. The action parts are great, while the dialogue is just as interesting. Heath Ledger owns his role as the Joker, and Christian Bale does a pretty solid Batman. The story is also interesting and complex enough to hold the audience's attention, which is more than a lot of action films can say.
<spoiler=Nominee #3><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.273612-2-50-Reviews-Iron-Man-2008>Iron Man
<img height=150>http://i69.servimg.com/u/f69/16/09/70/40/poster37.png
Iron Man got Marvel going on this whole Avengers idea. If it had sucked, then we probably wouldn't have gotten Captain America or Thor. It did so well in being entertaining, and by casting the perfect actor in Robert Downey Jr. to play the titular hero. There isn't a dull moment to be had here, which makes it an entertaining watch.
<spoiler=Nominee #4><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.253962-2-50-Reviews-Kick-Ass-2010>Kick-Ass
<img height=150>http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1876/kickassposterd.jpg
By now, you're probably starting to think that all of the Best Action films will be superhero films. Well, that's not quite the case, but there sure have been a lot of them, haven't there? Anyway, Kick-Ass had a lot of heart behind it, probably more than any of the other superhero films. It also had really imaginative and entertaining action scenes, with emotional highs and lows scattered throughout.
<spoiler=Nominee #5><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.295867-2-50-Reviews-Kill-Bill-Vol-1-2003>Kill Bill Vol. 1
<img height=150>http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/16/09/70/40/poster26.jpg
I was initially going ot cheat here and include both Kill Bill films in one slot, but then remembered that the second film wasn't really all that much of an action film. So I decided to only have the first one here. Essentially, the last 45 minutes of this film are pure action, with just so much fun to be had throughout.
<spoiler=Nominee #6><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.280955-2-50-Reviews-The-Matrix-1999>The Matrix
<img height=150>http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/16/09/70/40/poster14.png
The Matrix is another film that I've watched a bunch of times, and it never gets old. The action scenes are great, the special effects were revolutionary, and simply because of how much the film influenced action movies of today, it gets a special place in my heart. And then, it also has a high-concept story behind it keeping it entertaining when the film needs to go that route.
<spoiler=Nominee #7><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304676-2-50-Reviews-Planet-Terror-2007>Planet Terror
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Let's see here. How can I put this? Planet Terror is simply a B-movie that's so much fun, even if it has a lot of problems that were intentionally added to it to make it look like a junky B-movie. But it's fun enough to overcome these problems and be a joy to watch regardless.
<spoiler=Nominee #8><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.300011-2-50-Reviews-Shoot-Em-Up-2007>Shoot 'Em Up
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Shoot 'Em Up is simply speaking, fun. That's it. It has non-stop action, but nothing much else to speak of. But even then, the action scenes are inventive and exciting enough to carry the film. It's fairly offensive, but if you can get past that, it's definitely a fun film.
<spoiler=Nominee #9><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.273103-Marter-to-the-Movies-Sucker-Punch>Sucker Punch
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Sucker Punch had tons action, set in a fantasy world where everything is possible. The story is actually pretty good too, which means that there are moments when the story takes over for the action. But it never stops being entertaining, which makes it an enjoyable experience.
<spoiler=Nominee #10><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.286787-2-50-Reviews-The-Tournament-2009>The Tournament
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I liked The Tournament for the same reasons that I liked Shoot 'Em Up. Both films are just pure fun with non-stop action sequences. Sure, it's unrealistic and over-the-top, but it's enjoyable. For people who think I only like "arty" films I give you these two films, both of which are mindless action films that are a lot of fun.
<spoiler=Winner><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.259957-2-50-Reviews-The-Dark-Knight-2008>The Dark Knight
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For those keeping track, this is actually the second time that a Christopher Nolan film has won my Best Action award. The reason for this is simple: His action films have more going for them than just mindless action. They're complete films, and that's what makes them so good. This film is extra special because of the acting performances, which are all great. If you haven't already seen this film, you owe it to yourself to do that.
Best Comedy
When you need a laugh, these films are there for you.
<spoiler=Nominee #1><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.287212-2-50-Reviews-13-Going-on-30-2004>13 Going on 30
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I almost feel like I had to include one Jennifer Garner film on here, just to convince you that I don't actually hate her. Anyway, 13 Going on 30 is a feel-good comedy that takes an interesting premise and makes you laugh throughout. It has a lot of crazy sequences that you'll feel bad at laughing at, but hey, you'll still be laughing. And, for probably the last time: I do not hate Garner. I just don't think she's a very good actor. Do we have this settled now? Yes? Good.
<spoiler=Nominee #2><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.258197-2-50-Reviews-Cop-Out-2010>Cop Out
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I know that I'm in the vast minority here, but I found Cop Out to be a really enjoyable film. It was funny because the jokes actually worked instead of falling flat. The characters also got some development throughout, which is good in a buddy cop film. The characters were also likable, which helps you enjoy the film.
<spoiler=Nominee #3><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.291278-2-50-Reviews-DodgeBall-A-True-Underdog-Story-2004>DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story
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Dodgeball is a funny movie where people get to set-up inspirational speeches and play dodgeball. That's about it, but it's funny enough to sustain 90+ minutes. The cameos are what really make the film though, and, well, Jason Bateman was hilarious.
<spoiler=Nominee #4><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.256434-2-50-Reviews-Hot-Tub-Time-Machine-2010>Hot Tub Time Machine
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Hot Tub Time Machine would be my biggest surprise, if we were only looking at comedies. It was way funnier than I thought it would be. There are only a few problems, and because of how funny it is, you ignore these. The characters are also deep, and I was intrigued by the presence. I initially passed this over, but I'm glad I decided to watch it, because I had a blast.
<spoiler=Nominee #5><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.254834-2-50-Reviews-In-Bruges-2008>In Bruges
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In Bruges is a really funny comedy with interesting characters and a well-told story. While it's borderline offensive at times, it's fresh and interesting while not lingering on one aspect for too long. I had a blast when I watched it, and I was laughing far more frequently than I thought I would.
<spoiler=Nominee #6><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264833-2-50-Reviews-Just-Peck-2009>Just Peck
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I love this movie. I'll be frank about that right now. I enjoyed it so much that I've watched it many times after I wrote my review of it. It's really funny, but also turns dark near the end, which is why I almost included it in the Best Drama category. It's authentic, has solid acting and the jokes were well-written.
<spoiler=Nominee #7><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.259569-2-50-Reviews-Mean-Girls-2004>Mean Girls
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I didn't really expect to enjoy Mean Girls as much as I did. It was interesting and entertaining, despite not likely being an accurate representation of high school. It had unique characters and a story that you want to see through to the end. It's mean spirited at times, but still funny.
<spoiler=Nominee #8><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.263176-Marter-to-the-Movies-No-Strings-Attached>No Strings Attached
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Here's another comedy that surprised me. No Strings Attached ended up being far funnier than it likely had the right to be. It had likable characters, a simple enough story, and had some humorous situations. It's not unique, and does nothing special for the rom-com genre, but it's worth a watch because of how funny it is.
<spoiler=Nominee #9><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.277550-Marter-to-the-Movies-Your-Highness>Your Highness
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I went to see Your Highness because a friend wanted to. It ended up being incredibly funny, as long as you aren't looking for anything other than low-brow humor. My audience was, apparently, so my friend and I ended up being the only people laughing in the entire theater. That was actually kind of creepy, but that's their loss. It was simply really funny.
<spoiler=Nominee #10><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.262578-2-50-Reviews-Zombieland-2009>Zombieland
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Zombieland is a film that I'm glad I gave a second chance to. It ended up being far funnier than I remembered, and also had some heart behind it. And yes, I found the surprise cameo to be enjoyable, too, despite not feeling that way when I first watched it.
<spoiler=Winner><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264833-2-50-Reviews-Just-Peck-2009>Just Peck
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Does this really surprise anyone with how much praise I've given this film. I absolutely love it. I don't know if I can say much more about it, but I'll tell you something. The Region 1 DVD is out in September, for those of you who cannot import, and I'd urge you to give it a watch when that happens. Just Peck is great.
Best Drama
The dialogue, character-driven films which make you remember you have emotions.
<spoiler=Nominee #1><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.263384-2-50-Reviews-American-Beauty-1999>American Beauty
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American Beauty has deep, interesting characters, and also has an exciting story not bogged down by its satire. It's such a deep film that could probably be analyzed and talked about for hours, but even taken at face value, it gives us something worth caring about an is easily watchable.
<spoiler=Nominee #2><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.253033-2-50-Reviews-Brothers-2009>Brothers
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Brothers has good actors playing deep, flawed and interesting characters. It has believable writing, great acting and a fascinating story. These are people you become invested in, and you want to see them through to the end. There are emotional highs and lows, and this film balances them well. It's a rewarding experience.
<spoiler=Nominee #3><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.285090-2-50-Reviews-Catch-Me-If-You-Can-2002>Catch Me If You Can
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Catch Me If You Can is slightly too long, but it captivated me with its story and characters. They have charisma, and with good actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, you've got people who you want to watch. The plot is easy to follow, and the film just works, save for the fact that it starts the story out in the wrong place.
<spoiler=Nominee #4><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.296470-2-50-Reviews-Inglourious-Basterds-2009>Inglourious Basterds
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Despite not being advertised as such, Inglourious Basterds is a drama with a few action scenes. The Basterds themselves don't even play that pivotal a role in the plot, but are fun to watch. For an incredibly long film, this is one that deserves its runtime, because it keeps you on the edge of your seat for almost its entire time on-screen.
<spoiler=Nominee #5><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.261937-Marter-to-the-Movies-The-Kings-Speech>The King's Speech
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This is probably the funniest film nominated in this category. The King's Speech is really funny, with a sharp script that keeps you engaged. The characters aren't as good as some of the other films I looked at, but the acting is just as good, if not better. Both Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth own their parts, and Firth definitely deserved his Best Actor Oscar.
<spoiler=Nominee #6><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264054-2-50-Reviews-The-Painted-Veil-2006>The Painted Veil
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Here is possibly the biggest surprise out of my Best Drama nominees. The story had me completely captivated, I cared for the characters, and I was emotionally moved by the experience. The scenery is also beautiful, and so is the soundtrack. It's only undone by lackluster chemistry between the actors, but that's a minor complaint about a wonderful film.
<spoiler=Nominee #7><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304214-2-50-Reviews-Thirteen-2003>Thirteen
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Thirteen isn't a happy film, nor is it an enjoyable one to watch. With that said, I believe it is a great drama, showing you the problems that can happen to teenagers. I forgot that I was watching a movie while it was playing -- I was fully immersed -- and it's rare for that to happen. It's such an emotionally moving film even if it won't leave you in a good mood.
<spoiler=Nominee #8><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.253766-2-50-Reviews-The-Tracey-Fragments-2007>The Tracey Fragments
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If I need to include one "arty" film on these lists, this is it. The Tracey Fragments is a film that has a unique editing style, and non-linear storytelling, done solely in an attempt to confuse the audience. But it's a film you won't see anything like any time soon, and I recommend it if only for that reason.
<spoiler=Nominee #9><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.302877-2-50-Reviews-Watchmen-2009>Watchmen
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I do not consider Watchmen an action film. It has far too many gaps between set-pieces for it to be one. It tells a long story dealing with superheroes, but has few times with these heroes showing off any powers. These people are flawed and deep, and the ending is perfect. It's also a visual spectacle, making your jaw drop.
<spoiler=Nominee #10><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.271104-2-50-Reviews-The-Wrestler-2008>The Wrestler
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I like professional wrestling. A story about an aging professional wrestler is one that interests me. I had no idea it could be told in such a great way. The Wrestler is a film of heartbreak and tragedy, both inside and outside the ring. The acting is what really makes this movie, with Mickey Rourke proving that he's still got it.
<spoiler=Winner><url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.304214-2-50-Reviews-Thirteen-2003>Thirteen
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Even if it doesn't tell a happy story, I have to give this award to Thirteen. It's a tremendous film that will affect you emotionally, whether you want it to or not. This is especially true for parents, or if your life was in any way similar to any of the characters presented here. It's a story told from the heart by people who understand heartbreak, and is a film that, while not a happy one, deserves to be watched.
Intermission Time!
Now, take a break, watch one of these good movies, (or don't), and then ignore the fact that this is here just because there is a characcter limit for a post, and I will exceed it if I don't include a break of some sort.
