Cypher - 3 stars out of 10

Cypher - 3 stars out of 10

"Cypher" failed to impress me.  The concept was interesting but the acting was just awful.  I love Jeremy Northam's singing voice, particularly in "Gosford Park," but what was he thinking?  I don't know if he was trying to capture the emotionless-ness of a brainwashed character but it just came off as bad acting.  The vision for the film was really cool, particularly as the main character is given an antidote and is able to see the things that are actually occurring at the conventions, and particularly what happens on the airplane!  Rereading the synopsis of the film got me so excited, but then I remembered how poor the script and acting were.  The single instance of clever dialogue appears toward the end of the film:
Callaway: "Did you get a look at him? Did you see Rooks' face?"
Finster: "Just Morgan Sullivan, our pawn."
But it is then trumped by the final line of the film, which also happens to be one of the worst lines of the film.  "Cypher" will always be one of those films that could have been great but was so poorly done that it is barely even watchable.

Music of the Heart - 7 stars out of 10

Music of the Heart - 7 stars out of 10

"Music of the Heart" is the touching true story of Roberta Guaspari and her journey to bring the violin to inner-city Harlem schools.  Roberta is masterfully played by Meryl Streep, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.  Compared to many of Streep's roles, this probably wouldn't even find its way into her Top 15 as her overall performance can't compare to "Sophie's Choice" or "The Iron Lady,"  but one poignant scene in which she argues with her son resonates so strongly that the nomination is no surprise.  This film falls a little flat due to its supporting cast.  The most interesting characters (Cloris Leachman as Guaspari's mother and Angela Bassett as the principal) are in such a small percentage of the story that the majority of the film is filled with Streep's on-screen genius surrounded by "blah" actors.  I expected Gloria Estefan to have a significant role since she is so prominently featured on the cover of the film; however, after a thorough search, I'm convinced that she wasn't in the film at all.  Of course I'm joking, but with less than 7 minutes of screen time as an insignificant character, she has made a great inside joke amongst my brothers and I over the past twelve years.  In spite of some acting flaws, the story is inspirational with a heartwarming finale that stresses the importance of music in the school system.  Wes Craven may have brought us Freddy Krueger and the Scream franchise, but it is nice that he has stepped out of his comfort zone to bring us the thoughtful "Music of the Heart."

Hotel Transylvania - 5 stars out of 10

Hotel Transylvania - 5 stars out of 10

"Hotel Transylvania" is another family-friendly computer animated film that provides some laughs but is just kind of average.  It gets its laughs from sight gags and clever use of the monster characters.  The writers really tapped in to the potential irony and humor by stereotyping the monsters, although it's several tiers below "Wreck-It Ralph" in the creativity department.  The entire film was worth watching just for the hilarious “Twilight” reference.  And then there’s Cee-Lo Green voicing the techno singing mummy... I guess that was inevitable.  Adam Sandler is a great choice for Dracula, particularly funny because you can tell that it is him doing one of his goofy accents.  The rest of the voice acting is average, in spite of its loaded cast  Mark Mothersbaugh (of “Rugrats” fame) was the perfect choice to write this whimsical musical score.  I was definitely entertained by "Hotel Transylvania" and, even though it is just average in quality, I look forward to sharing this film with my children someday.

The Hours - 8 stars out of 10

The Hours - 8 stars out of 10

“The Hours” is the story of three different women from three different eras, connected by the incredible parallels contained within one day of their life.  There is more than meets the eye as Nicole Kidman (playing Virginia Wolff) writes her book entitled “Mrs. Dalloway” in 1923, Julianne Moore reads the book in 1951, and Meryl Streep embodies the titular character in 2001.  I have watched this movie twice and I still have NO CLUE how that is Nicole Kidman!  I honestly believe that this is the most amazing example of make-up in cinematic history.  I am shocked that it did not even receive an Oscar nomination in this category and there is no reason that “Frida’s” unibrow should have defeated this exquisite work.  I’m also pretty bitter that “Frida” stole the Oscar for Best Original Score from Philip Glass and his incredible minimalist themes.  The lineup of stars is reason enough to watch this film, with names like Ed harris and Toni Collette also appearing.  Kidman earned her Oscar with her impassioned speeches, with her best line being: “Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more.”  The dialogue is poignant and the actors create realistic moments out of these words.  As the plot seamlessly transitions from one storyline to the next, it creates a beautiful split screen of three women's struggles in a life that seems normal.  "The Hours" didn't deserve to win Best Picture but is a wonderful example of clever storytelling and thematic success.

Double Dare (2003) - 4 stars out of 10

Double Dare (2003) - 4 stars out of 10

"Double Dare" is a documentary about two Hollywood stuntwomen and their journey through a physically demanding industry.  Even though I gave this film a low rating, there isn't anything wrong with it.  I didn't really get into it but it was still interesting and informative.  The main storyline of the documentary follows Zoe Bell as she transforms from Xena into Uma Thurman's double in “Kill Bill.”  I definitely have a greater appreciation for the endurance required by these warriors.  I think that most people can appreciate this film but it because a lot cooler if you are a “Kill Bill” fan, even if the film is only included for 10 minutes.  I enjoyed seeing Quentin Tarantino in this context, getting a glimpse into his world of casting.  While it doesn't hold a ton of entertainment value like the documentaries that don't feel like documentaries, "Double Dare" serves its purpose and opens us up to the world of stuntwomen.

Django Unchained - 9 stars out of 10

Django Unchained - 9 stars out of 10

"Django Unchained" is one of the most surprising films that I have discovered in a long time.  I have always enjoyed Quentin Tarantino's films but the previews for this one made me roll my eyes.  I never thought that he could pull off a spaghetti western, let alone make something great out of it.  I was shocked when I saw that it was nominated for Best Picture but I'm glad that the nomination forced me to give it a chance.  Its Oscar for Best Original Screenplay was absolutely deserved, weaving together an interesting story with well-developed characters.  If you were ever looking for a way to become desensitized to the n-word, this is it.  And yet, its overly-excessive language seems necessary for the events portrayed.  Of course, this strong language is contrasted by lines like "Last chance, fancy pants" that break the tension and bring some modern themes into this old-fashioned film.  The only aspect of the story that I did not care for was the Mandingo fighting.  I feel like the movie strayed too far away from Django's journey in the brutal Mandingo scene, even though it managed to tie into the storyline.  But other than that, this was a really interesting story, especially considering the film's length.  Although Tarantino did a great job writing it, these actors bring life to his words.  Christoph Waltz was absolutely the most deserving of the Oscar for Supporting Actor amidst a field of actors who had already won at least one Oscar in the past.  His accent is brilliant and the tedious attention to each line is evident.  Jamie Foxx may have trumped every character that he has played simply because Django is so cool, even when he's wearing that absurd baby blue outfit.  The raw bitterness toward the oppressive white bigots carries so much energy throughout the film.  I wasn't really digging Leonardo DiCaprio but the most unexpected treat comes from Samuel L. Jackson.  You knew that Tarantino would find a way to work him into the film but his performance may be his finest of all time.  I felt so much anger for his character, Stephen, and you will understand when you see the film.  "Django Unchained" is unlike any other film out there and, in spite of its controversial violence, language, and content, it is worth seeing to experience the great acting, headlined by Christoph Waltz.

Silver Linings Playbook - 10 stars out of 10

Silver Linings Playbook - 10 stars out of 10

"Silver Linings Playbook" is unquestionably the best film of 2012.  This is confirmed by its eight Academy Award nominations in major categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay... you get the point.  The depth of characters, quality of acting, and raw reality of the story turn this movie into an "experience."  It is robbery that this film did not win for Best Picture, especially when an inferior film like "Argo" won.  Although it is labeled as a comedy, this film digs deep into the human soul.  There is a love story woven throughout this plot but the film is actually a disturbed man's journey to find life's silver lining.  The interactions of Bradley Cooper with his family, particularly his father, explain why he is the way that he is.  Robert DeNiro plays the selfish father that cares more about his Philadelphia Eagles than he does about his family (except for his eldest son, who receives much favoritism).  He brings that classic DeNiro attitude to the character and he's a pleasure to watch, along with Jacki Weaver who is hilarious as the mother.  She is often the comic relief needed to break the tension that constantly builds throughout the film.  Bradley Cooper legitimized himself as an actor with this performance, bringing two opposing personalities to one character and delivering his lines as if he truly does not have a filter; however, the thing that really sold me on Cooper was his chemistry with Jennifer Lawrence.  She was stunning and earned her Oscar, delivering her oft-psychotic monologues with eloquence and portraying her helpless insecurity through her eyes.  Her character is rough around the edges but quickly transforms into a loveable, sensitive woman, and then suddenly back again.  The writers created such great characters, and the actors took them to another level.  Amidst the strong language, there are some beautifully heartfelt monologues.  "Silver Linings Playbook" may seem a bit predictable but the dialogue takes the story in unexpected directions (even it is just by spoiling a romantic moment in lieu of an episode) and the strong acting performances put these characters on a level that few other films will ever reach.