Cat on a Hot Tin Room (1958) - 9 stars out of 10

Cat on a Hot Tin Room (1958) - 9 stars out of 10

Wow.  Elizabeth Taylor.  Irresistible.  "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" has a lot to offer, like an incredible story by Tennessee Williams, wonderful performances by Paul Newman and Burl Ives, and a dysfunctional family that keeps the film lighthearted while creating major conflict.  But the eyes of Elizabeth Taylor simply steal the show.  I don't know how anybody could watch this film without falling in love with her.  While I feel that the story falls short of "Streetcar," this slice of southern Americana shimmers with raw emotions and intense friction between characters.  Even though Tennessee Williams hated this adaptation because it eliminated the implied homosexuality of Brick, it is still an incredible film brought to life by two of cinema's finest.  You just have to experience the story for yourself, even though I'd likely watching "Streetcar" twice before watching this again once.

Hot Fuzz - 10 stars out of 10

Hot Fuzz - 10 stars out of 10

"Hot Fuzz" is one of the best comedies that I've ever seen.  As a cross between British and American comedy (so completely different), it takes the best features from each.  The story seems absolutely ludicrous but becomes realistic once the twist is revealed, while perfectly blending its comedy with action.  Simon Pegg is so funny (and cool at the same time) as Nicholas Angel and once he teams up with Nick Frost, hilarity ensues.  You'll love falling in love with all of the quirky characters in town while the cinematography and quick camera cuts keep you on edge as they enhance this film.  When you watch this movie, you can expect to laugh out loud, have your jaw drop, and to see "Romeo & Juliet" as you've never seen it before!  "Hot Fuzz" is a must-see.

Wreck-It Ralph - 10 stars out of 10

Wreck-It Ralph - 10 stars out of 10

"Wreck-It Ralph" is one of the most creative movies that I have ever seen.  It is totally different than any other movie out there, both in its concept and its atmosphere.  It has a great balance of laugh-out-loud moments, stunning visuals, and empathy for 8-bit arcade characters.  Its ability to highlight classic video game characters without clouding the plot is nothing short of impressive.  Even if you don't recognize a lot of the video game characters, you will still be overwhelmed by nostalgia.  The clever use of the video game characters is supplemented by endless jokes and gags using candy in Sugar Rush.  The story itself is amazing.  It never feels as if this is just an excuse to make a movie about video game characters.  Goofy plot ideas, like the characters becoming homeless if the game is unplugged, become realistic.  Honestly, this entire world becomes realistic!  The script is laid out beautifully as it nonchalantly introduces several important plot points which become vital to the resolution of the story.  There were a few jaw-dropping moments when those realizations hit me.  The characters leap off of the screen (no 3D pun intended) as they take on the human elements of loneliness, friendship, and the need for acceptance.  The voice actors give shape to these characters, particularly Sarah Silverman whose voice perfectly fits the lovable little brat personality of Vanellope.  John C. Reilly's ability to transition between gruffness and loneliness makes the Donkey Kong-esque Ralph into a very deep character who will tug at your heart.  The Felix character is completely defined by Jack McBrayer, the only person who can properly deliver the nerdy elements of his dialogue.  For a cartoon, Sergeant Calhoun is really hott and Jane Lynch was a great choice, particularly because she is so popular right now and this character is totally her.  Throw in the All-State guy and Alan Tudyk's Mad Hatter voice and you have the complete package.  Even with all of these great voice actors, the funniest character is probably Sour Bill with his incredibly dry delivery of every line.  The best part of "Wreck-It Ralph" is the way that it transports you into this video game world.  Whether it is Ralph's proportionally large hands, the way that the video game characters stereotypically move (jerky moves by the penthouse characters, Felix's jumping about, Vanellope's glitch), or the creative perspective of the characters being able to look out into the arcade from their game, this world begins to exist.  Even though you will find yourself laughing out loud as the bartender from Tapper delivers drinks and Vanellope makes "duty" jokes, the movie will probably leave a tear in your eye as Ralph discovers the power of friendship.  This may not be a Pixar film and it doesn't matter.  It is unique on the same level as "Toy Story" and I do not say that without deeply considering what I just said.  "Wreck-It Ralph" is a must-see for all ages that will leave you saying "Wow.  Just, wow."

Forever Plaid (2009) - 4 stars out of 10

Forever Plaid (2009) - 4 stars out of 10

"Forever Plaid" is an Off-Broadway review that brings a masterful approach to the tight harmonies of the 1950's.  This quartet of Plaids comes back to life for one final chance at musical stardom, singing incredible arrangements of classic hits.  The review is very loosely tied together by stories about each song, in the style of song introductions that you would expect to hear at a concert.  Even though the story of this group is pretty cheesy, it gives purpose to the show instead of it feeling like a random cover group of 50's rock bands.  This certainly isn't my favorite musical of all time and it doesn't really have any of my favorite songs, but the harmonies are to die for and it makes for an enjoyable musical experience.

Chico & Rita - 8 stars out of 10

Chico & Rita - 8 stars out of 10

This musical celebration of Cuban culture is a one-of-a-kind cartoon for adults, blending incredibly cool animation with great music and a heart-warming story.  At the center of this story is the outstanding soundtrack by Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes.  This music ties together the expansive story that takes place over 60 years from Cuba to New York City to Las Vegas.  The Spanish-spoken film is far from family friendly, including nudity and murder, but the entire thing develops like a beautiful painting that brings the Cuban music scene to life.  It was honored by being the first Spanish film nominated for a Best Animated Feature Film Oscar and has the quality about it that will keep me watching it over and over again.  "Chico & Rita" is a unique animated film that touches on some serious themes while being as visually stunning as it is aurally beautiful.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - 9 stars out of 10

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - 9 stars out of 10

"Okay, Krueger... we play in your court."  This movie is INCREDIBLE!!!  Since most of it takes place during their nightmares, ANYTHING can happen and Wes Craven exploits this option without going over the top.  Each death is unique , creative, and unpredictable.  The Tina sequence is absolutely amazing and one of the most horrific scenes of any movie that I've seen.  I love the music - using the interval of a minor 3rd (often descriptive of children and lullabies) creates an extremely eerie effect.  The special effects were simple yet extremely effective.  Special effects artists of the 80's often tried to go beyond their capabilities and as a result, those effects look extremely fake today; however, in "Nightmare on Elm Street" they used stuntmen and pyrotechnics instead of underdeveloped CGI, claymation, etc.  These effects are still realistic and frightening to today's viewers and that is why it is the most effective horror movie from the 80's.  Freddy is a scary character, enshrouded in mystery so that we don't really know anything about him... we're just petrified of him.  Robert Englund is very effective as Freddy and it's entertaining to watch the very young Johnny Depp.  This movie is far superior to any of its contemporaries ("Halloween", "Friday the 13th").  This extremely creative idea has never been duplicated in any other scary movie and it delivers pure terror throughout (unlike its competitors that are just a little intense but hold back).  I can only imagine how terrorizing this would have been to see in 1984 but I'm glad that I can experience it today.

The Night America Trembled (Studio One) - 8 stars out of 10

The Night America Trembled (Studio One) - 8 stars out of 10
 
One of my favorite historical events comes to life through “The Night America Trembled.”  This installment of “Studio One,” a live-broadcast tv show that was known for its high quality of acting, shows the power of the media by retelling Orson Welles’ famous “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast.  It follows several different fictitious characters through the events that actually took place on October 30, 1938 as panic spread throughout the nation.  From the young couple necking in their car to the isolated babysitter to the college frat boys, all ears are on the radio during this alleged alien attack.  The story constantly shifts from the panicked characters to the radio studio, giving us some interesting insight into how a 1930’s radio broadcast was created.  The format of the performance is reminiscent of the golden age radio mysteries, further transporting us into the atmosphere of this evening.  Edward Murrow narrates the film and the unknown Ed Asner and Warren Beatty have bit parts.  You just have to see this – it is an interesting retelling of these events and I hope that somebody will make this into full-length feature someday.