The Avengers (2012) - 8 stars out of 10

The Avengers (2012) - 8 stars out of 10

"The Avengers" is epic.  It successfully pulls six superheros into one film while giving each hero his own storyline and development until all six paths eventually intersect.  Some multi-hero films (cough cough "Fantastic Four") don't properly develop the characters and just become a jumble of annoying personalities.  But "The Avengers" has even more challenges than character development.  Unlike the X-Men films, where all of the characters exist in the same world and have the same goal of protecting the mutants, this film pulls characters from several comic worlds and has to make these worlds align.  I like how the writers didn't suddenly throw all of the characters together in a room and say "Let's do this."  The film has a believable quality because some of the characters show resistance to joining, other characters pair up and try to find a solution but can't do it on their own, and finally the necessity of the situation pulls them all together instead of their desire to be a team.  All of the acting is incredible, from Robert Downey Jr.'s coolness as Iron Man to Scarlett Johansson's kick-butt attitude as Black Widow.  Outside of the superheros, Clark Gregg reprises his role as Agent Coulson and really grabs the spotlight this time.  Also, Samuel L. Jackson.  That is all.  The action sequences are amazing, the Hulk is so cool as he destroys stuff, the dialogue is great, and the acting is even better; however, this movie falls short in one way for me and that's the inclusion of mythological enemies.  The recent trend in superhero movies has placed these heroes into real world situations that makes it seem that they could be among us.  The costumes and characteristics of these heroes have been altered so that their abilities can be logically explained and the character's appearance wouldn't be laughable if we saw them on the street.  I understand that the plot of "Thor" requires this mythical garb and even though he looks goofy standing next to Hawkeye, I could have been okay with it.  But why did the conflict have to revolve around other-worldly beings instead of a realistic enemy like those in the "Iron Man" series.  I just feel as if this film lost some of its potential by breaking the realism that has placed superheros into the real world.  That being said, the story, special effects, acting, and script are awesome and make "The Avengers" one of the best superhero films out there.  I can't wait to see The Disney Corporation's continued enhancement of the Marvel Universe.

Flashdance - 6 stars out of 10

Flashdance - 6 stars out of 10

"Flashdance" screams "80's!"  From the retro costumes (which weren't retro at the time) to the music video-style dance sequences, it is a walk down memory lane.  More than anything, the soundtrack to this film defines 1980's pop music, winning a Grammy and an Oscar as well as charting songs on the Billboard Top 100.  Even though the critics heavily panned the film, it survives as a period piece that captures the 1980's music culture.  The "steel-mill-worker-by-day/bar-dancer-by-night-aspiring-to-study-dance-at-a-conservatory-while-falling-in-love-with-her-boss" story is so cheesy that it's tough to believe that it is based on a true story, but the story doesn't really matter in this series of awesome dance sequences.  The Pittsburgh atmosphere works perfectly to facilitate film's duality between steel mills and nightclubs.  Jennifer Beals commands the screen as Alex Owens, a bold and multifaceted character who is full of attitude and self-consciousness.  Beals is very nice to look at and has incredible dance skill, all while bringing emotion to this character.  "Flashdance" may not be an Oscar-caliber drama but it is a fun dance film and I'd watch it again.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas - 5 stars out of 10

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas - 5 stars out of 10

Dolly Parton is as adorable as ever in this happy-go-lucky musical (which surprisingly is not overshadowed by its subject matter).  Although I'd like to say that this film is all about the exposure of the Chicken Ranch and the fight to preserve this Texas tradition, it's hard to look past the girls who are smoking hott.  If you can look past the girls (and if your view is not obstructed by Parton's huge... personality), the end result is a pretty interesting story for a musical.  The dance numbers are really fun and nothing can top Dom DeLuise as Melvin P. Thorpe.  His performance is inspired and there are few quirky characters out there with as much quirk as him.  Burt Reynolds stands out as a smooth operator and plays perfectly off of Parton.  "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" isn't my favorite musical (or even in my Top 25), but it's worth watching for classic performances from some of Hollywood's biggest names (and Hollywood's largest... well, you get the point).

Indie Game: The Movie - 8 stars out of 10

Indie Game: The Movie - 8 stars out of 10

"Indie Game: The Movie" is a fascinating look inside the world of video game design and beyond.  Rather than give a history of the video game industry, this documentary focuses on the circle of independent video game designers, treating the games as an art form and trying to turn a profit simply to help them design another.  The film follows Phil Fish and the frustrations of his 5-year development of "Fez" through four redesigns, a potential lawsuit, and hostile gamers anxious for the game to be released.  This two-dimensional character in a three-dimensional world is really cool (especially once you've seen the intricacies of the program but is major artistic eye candy.  It also focuses on Tommy Refenes and Edmund McMillen as they sacrifice their personal lives to create something very original with "Super Meat Boy."  Jonathan Blow also makes an appearance to discuss his game "Braid" and his depression from positive game reviews that couldn't see past the gameplay to appreciate the depth of the story.  There is a lot more to a video game than a joystick and Mario running across the screen.  "Indie Game: The Movie" explores the painstaking details put into these games by one or two people (as opposed to a thousand people working on Call of Duty), the stress of the release date, and the satisfaction of designing a game enjoyed by millions.  You need to at least have a small video game nerd hiding inside of you to enjoy this one and, despite the profanity, it is a really enjoyable watch!

Inherit the Wind (1960) - 8 stars out of 10

Inherit the Wind (1960) - 8 stars out of 10

"Inherit the Wind" is an awesome courtroom drama that brings to life (and fictionalizes) the events of the Scopes Monkey Trial.  While much of the truth from the actual trial is lost, the spirit in which this trial-turned-religious-debate was conducted is captured through the townspeople of this small southern town, the press, and the argumentative banter between Spencer Tracy and Fredric March.  The film is a bit frustrating as it represents Christians as a bunch of imbeciles but I suppose that's what this parabolic play needed to do to create its defense for intellectual freedom.  Regardless of the creation vs. evolution theme, the acting is fabulous in the overheated courtroom.  Comedy is occasionally interjected throughout the film but the majority is dramatic.  March speaks with passion and progresses from overconfidence to fumbling for words through dynamic (though sometimes annoying) acting.  Tracy is his standard wise-cracking self weaves together a convincing defense.  Gene Kelly adds a rare dramatic performance, stirring up trouble as the manipulative newspaperman while Dick York (the original Darrin) doesn't add much of anything to the film.  It may take a lot of flack for its historical inaccuracy, but there is no denying that Stanley Kramer's film adaptation of "Inherit the Wind" creates some of the most memorable court moments in film history.

Sinister - 7 stars out of 10

Sinister - 7 stars out of 10

"Sinister" is everything that its title implies and more.  It is pure graphic terror without comic relief or even a break from the heightened sense of fright.  The film actually has a very artistic flare to it, reminiscent of Hitchcock in its use of clever camera angles and its method of showing just enough to let your imagination fill in the gaps, but not so much that the violence loses its poignancy.  I particularly loved the artistry of the scene with the family whose throats are sliced, cutting away from the home movie as the knife approaches and showing the murder in the reflection of the protagonist's glasses.  Taking inspiration from "The Ring" through its creepy home movie with quick cuts and horrific imagery, "Sinister" uses the same scare tactic over and over, and yet it is incredibly effective.  The script focuses on the strange things that happen at night as Ethan Hawke analyzes the home movies, but these intense sequences are only broken up by a few minutes of daylight before jumping into the next.  My heart never stopped pounding through my chest and it felt as if there would be no end to the tension.  There isn't really a twist at the end.  You can feel the mystery being slowly revealed throughout the film but it doesn't matter. - the ending explanation (which was easily predicted) is so visually disturbing that figuring it out on your own doesn't matter.  This film is a thriller just as must as it is a horror film, but no matter how you categorize it, it will make you think twice the next time that you see a lawnmower or a tire swing.  As I have written this review, the opening image of the 4 bodies being hung from the tree has slowly worked its way into my imagination and I am now freaked out and looking over my shoulder - that's how awesome "Sinister" is.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - 10 stars out of 10

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - 10 stars out of 10

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is simply awesome.  Excellent storytelling, well-developed characters, and several magical moments make this one film that you just can't miss.  The original novel uses a series of letters from the main character to his best friend to tell his story and this adapted screenplay does an incredible job of bringing his story to the silver screen.  The story is a gritty chronicle of the social obstacles of high school.  From the highs to the lows, the main character goes through many relatable experiences as he finds his place within high school society: learning what true friendship is, discovering drugs, falling in love, and many other societal experiences, all while trying to cope with his past.  Although this is a teen drama, it appeals to adults because it is a higher quality than your typical teen drama and all of the experiences of the main characters will bring back nostalgic or painful memories.  The main draw of this film is the acting and delivery of dialogue.  Emma Watson sheds the Hermione stereotype with a dramatic and dynamic performance filled with emotion.  She develops the low self-worth of her character by exuding confidence through her actions and a need for acceptance through her eyes.  She will give you chills over and over again, particularly as she begins to take care of Charlie.  Logan Lerman plays Charlie and gives this character's social and emotional state a noticeable progression, all while visibly showing his baggage through the good times and the bad.  Ezra Miller gives Patrick that personality that makes him the type of guy that anybody would want to hang out with.  But even with these awesome performances, this film drew me in through its magical moments.  They are those moments that I experienced in high school or wish I had experienced.  Each of these poignant experiences are accompanied by dialogue that creates small moments of perfection, including the toast to Charlie, Watson's reaction to the Christmas card, the first kiss, and the goodbye.  "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is the complete package and few other films can create the realism contained in this tragic but uplifting story.