J. Edgar

J. Edgar

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Though not as bad as some people make it out to be, Clint Eastwood's latest directorial effort is certainly not his most engaging. Despite a strong leading performance by DiCaprio, J. Edgar is a film that lacks singularity, changing pace and taking unnecessarily long strides and short cuts throughout the story, making it a sprawling epic that never manages to hone in on any particular dramatic focal point. In other words, it's just another in a long line of mediocre biopics.

Top 25 Best Movies of 2011: Part II (#10-1)

For anyone who may have missed the first part of this list, my picks for #25-11 can be found here: Top 25 Best Movies of 2011: Part I (#25-11)

I now present you with the PART II of my list. Enjoy.

Top 25 Best Movies of 2011: Part I (#25-11)

Every year since the dawn of man, movie critics (and people like me) have counted down their favorite movies at the end of the year. Instead of hurriedly posting my list at the end of December like most people would, I have instead decided to wait until now to give a more fleshed-out countdown. No, I have not seen every movie from 2011, and even if I did I wouldn't count on most people agreeing with my rating and placement of said movies, but having seen over 100 released in the year, I feel I have seen enough to produce a satisfactory list. So, without any further ado, here are my 25 best movies of 2011:

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids

Directed by Paul Feig

Typical plot progression, largely unlikable characters, and a raunchy sense of humor not unlike material found in your average teen comedy, Bridesmaids in no way lives up to the hype of being a "great comedy".

Shame

Shame

Directed by Steve McQueen

Despite strong lead performances, Shame doesn't quite live up to its promise. Though praise-worthy in its handling of a difficult script, this movie doesn't go anywhere -- or, rather, anywhere I plan on going again anytime soon.

Anonymous

Anonymous

Directed by Roland Emmerich

At a glance, this might seem like an interesting movie. The concept of Shakespeare being a fraud may be intriguing enough to earn your initial interest, but an incredibly weak script and poor performances make Anonymous a dull and unrewarding experience.

Le Quattro Volte

Le Quattro Volte

Directed by Michelangelo Frammartino

For a movie that demands your unwavering attention, Le Quattro Volte provides very little to justify it. A tedious examination in life cycles (a subject which has recently been executed by the vastly superior 'The Tree Of Life') with great visuals and nothing else. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, especially not to those who aren't extremely patient when it comes to film.

Beginners

Beginners

Directed by Mike Mills

Unnecessarily fragmented plot progression, emotionally lacking performances, and a thoroughly unengaging central storyline, Beginners could very well be the biggest upset of 2011.

2011-2012 Golden Globe Predictions

Before they announce the winners of this year's Golden Globe Awards, I thought I might as well try guessing who will take home the statuettes. So here are my predictions:

The Mill And The Cross

The Mill And The Cross

Directed by Lech Majewski

From a purely visual standpoint, The Mill And The Cross is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen, though sadly it does not boast enough content to match the visuals.

War Horse

War Horse

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Dripping with that signature Spielberg melodrama, War Horse is a beautifully shot, well-paced, but ultimately predictable war drama. Spielberg hasn't been this good for years.

Warrior

Warrior

Directed by Gavin O'Connor

With solid central performances (most notably an inspired performance by Tom Hardy) and an emotionally satisfying conclusion, Warrior makes for a solid (albeit forgettable) entry in the fighting/boxing sub-genre.

A Dangerous Method

A Dangerous Method

Directed by David Cronenberg

Considering David Cronenberg's past 3 directorial efforts (Spider, A History Of Violence, and Eastern Promises), expectations were high for this potentially great biopic. Sadly, it did not deliver.

Hugo

Hugo

Directed by Martin Scorsese

I often find myself going into movies fairly certain as to whether or not I will enjoy the movie I will be watching. In the months prior to watching Hugo, I had deceived myself into thinking that it would be a irredeemably childish and totally uninteresting. Being the warped, frustrated young man that I am, I refused to acknowledge the fact that it could very well be a wholesome, entertaining motion picture. I stand corrected.