11:14 - 8 stars out of 10

11:14 - 8 stars out of 10

Crash + Vantage Point + a little comedy = 11:14  The script of this movie was incredibly well thought out in a series of stories that reveal a little bit about the previous story each time.  As each new story unwinds, the viewer discovers a deeper connection between the characters and the events presented throughout the movie.  With a great cast of characters, this movie never loses the realism that is necessary to believe that these events could actually take place.  If you enjoy movies with intertwined stories that all relate to each other in the end, put this underrated film on your list.

12 Angry Men (1957) - 10 stars out of 10

12 Angry Men (1957) - 10 stars out of 10
800th Review

Gutsy, dynamic acting pays off in this movie that can't rely on special effects or elaborate sets.  "12 Angry Men" affords Lee J. Cobb the opportunity to deliver one of the most unforgettable performances in movie history!  The characters in this movie don't even have names (Juror #3, Juror #8), and yet you will empathize with each juror, even without knowing his background.  Even more, you will see these characters develop without divulging person details about their lives; instead, their reactions to the debate reveal who they are until you can predict how they will act in response to each line of dialogue.  An incredible story unfolds through the raw emotion contained in every second of this film.  With actors like the compassionate Henry Fonda, the baseball-loving Jack Warden, the bigot Ed Begley, the Piglet John Fiedler, the wisdom-filled Joseph Sweeney, and the other 7 incredible actors, tensions are high.  The entire story eventually revolves around Cobb whose temper and frustration lead to some of the most powerful monologues in all of film.  Everything is enhanced by the genius directing of Sidney Lumet, as the camera angles progressively move from above the actors to eye level to beneath the actors, creating a claustrophobic sense that the room is shrinking.  The truly amazing thing is that this story only has 12 characters and the entire thing takes place in one room, yet the cinematography and tracking shots help to sustain a driving intensity from start to finish.  "12 Angry Men" is a clinic on great acting and, although it did not win any Oscars or enjoy much success in its time, this is one of the five greatest movies of all time.

Mickey's Christmas Carol - 6 stars out of 10

Mickey's Christmas Carol - 6 stars out of 10

"Mickey's Christmas Carol" is a good introduction to the Dickens tale for children but lacks a lot of the impact of other versions.  The characters are all developed very well during the first half of the film, incorporating the Disney personas into the Dickens characters.  The "casting" of Scrooge McDuck, Mickey, Jiminy Cricket, and even Goofy (as Jacob Marley) is very clever.  Comedy is added to the story (like Scrooge making Cratchit do his laundry and foreclosing on his fiancee's Honeymoon cottage) to keep it from getting too dark for kids.  Honestly, the film was set up for success but it is just too short.  Once Scrooge is visited by the ghosts, the film goes into fast-forward.  They almost completely glossed over the Ghost of Christmas Present (ingeniously portrayed by Willie the Giant) and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come comes and goes so fast that the entire emotional impact of the story and transformation of Scrooge is lost.  "Mickey's Christmas Carol" had all of the tools to be great but misses its mark in favor of a shorter run-time.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - 10 stars out of 10

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - 10 stars out of 10

The original "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is the best telling of any Dr. Seuss story.  Ever.  It should come as no surprise, being directed by Looney Tunes mastermind Chuck Jones with "Dr. Seuss" around to provide input.  The animation is of the highest quality (especially considering that this was created as a tv special) and Whoville is the epitome of Dr. Seuss' style.  There are so many classic images contained throughout this film (the ever-growing smiling on the Grinch's face, the reindeer horn on Max's head, the Christmas tree being shoved up the chimney, the heart growing three sizes) that it simply would not be Christmas without seeing these visual cues at some point in the season.  Perhaps the most memorable part of this film are the voice actors.  Boris Karloff (Frankenstein's monster) makes the Grinch scary enough to children that they will "get" the levity of his transformation, and Thurl Ravenscroft's performance of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" turns it into one of the most famous songs contained in any movie.  It is often imitated but never recreated - only Tony the Tiger can do it right.  It is difficult to believe that any American (regardless of religion or preferred holiday of celebration) has not seen this film but if this rare instance of depravity describes you, cue up ABC Family and watch it ASAP.  It is more than just a Christmas story - it is an important life lesson about the importance of being loved; however, it is also an amazing example of the power of the Christmas spirit and no holiday season is complete without it!

Home Alone - 9 stars out of 10

Home Alone - 9 stars out of 10

What a classic!  John Hughes writes a story about every child's dream... and then reminds us to be careful what you wish for.  The fun never stops, even when the conflict escalates.  "Home Alone" is the complete package, blending slapstick humor that appeals to kids and adults, clever quotable dialogue, antics that bring out the kid in anyone, two buffoon bad guys that you'll love to see get beat up, and a partridge in a pear tree.  I still remember seeing this in the theater at age 5 and have loved it ever since.  All of the characters are relatable, particularly Catherine O'Hara as the loving mother, Macaulay Culkin as the youngest sibling that gets blamed for everything, and John Candy as the kind stranger filled with the Christmas spirit.  Even though it's fun to see the character development of Kevin as he grows in responsibility and character (and to see him trick the pizza guy), the highlight of this film is the booby-trapped house as Marv and Harry get beat up for the final half-hour.  The script is gritty enough to avoid that Hallmark Channel feel, while still being family friendly and teaching some important moral lessons about judging others by their looks and the importance of family.  "Home Alone" may take place during the Christmas season but this film focuses on family instead of the Christmas spirit.  You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you'll probably shed a few tears at the end in this holiday classic.

Raising Arizona - 7 stars out of 10

Raising Arizona - 7 stars out of 10

The Coen brothers once again strike comic genius with "Raising Arizona."  This character-driven script about a couple who kidnaps a baby from a set of quintuplets because they cannot have a baby of their own is clever and absurd (in a good way).  This film was made before whatever catastrophic event turned Nicolas Cage into a terrible actor and he brings great personality to this character.  The highlight for me is Holly Hunter as Ed, sweet, insecure, and mixed up with the wrong crowd.  The ludicrous dialogue and situational irony drive the film from start to finish without ever losing steam, starting with a montage of Hi hitting on Ed each time he's arrested, continuing with every sequence involving the bounty hunter, and ending with the fate of Glen.  The cast includes hilarious supporting performances by John Goodman and Frances McDormand.  You have to be in the right frame of mind for "Raising Arizona" to enjoy its brand of humor - just don't expect a single serious moment (until its surprisingly heart-warming ending).