Seventh Continent (1989)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098327/

Very strange. The first 2/3 is the epitome of mundane and then gets weird. Apparently based on a true story, this film is unsettling and only somewhat engaging. From the same fellow who brought us Funny Games (not the American one) and Cache, so no surprise really.

Filth (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1450321/

Strangely enjoyable, if a bit hard to watch at times. The depths of depravity are pretty...well, deep. But the portrayal of anguish and pain, self-loathing and contempt, by MacAvoy is exquisite in its madness and horror. The comeuppance and conclusion are equally twisted, with just a hint of redemption. Well done. Great soundtrack, too.

The White Tiger (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2318405/

An okay film about Russians in WWII searching for a mysterious German tank. The battle scenes are excellent, if a bit too long, and the acting is very good. The ending is weird and unsatisfactory, with the confessions of Adolf's ghost and the crazy tank driver disappearing into the woods. Strange and mildly entertaining but a bit too long.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/

A good continuation from part one, and very true to the book, but I still cannot suspend my disbelief about the age of the characters. Jennifer Lawrence is a far cry from 16, and really so is Katniss. Interesting to see so many big names in this, so clearly the franchise has legs (with another two movies to follow, there is still lots of money to be made here).

Last Vegas (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1204975/

I was afraid this would be as bad as Stand-up Guys, but it wasn't. A bit like The Hangover meets The Bucket List, complete with Viagra jokes. Michael Douglas looks unbelievably shiny. The central plot is a bit ham-handed, but otherwise an enjoyable light comedy.

Paranoia (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1413495/

Really not very good. Mediocre performances, a lame plot, and terrible dialogue. Too bad, as the premise of industrial espionage has such promise, but I've yet to see it done well.

Gravity (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454468/

Wow - spectacular effects and a great suspenseful story. Likely worth seeing in the theatre (and in 3D), but even on a small screen it was a gripping and exciting movie. A few scientific flaws (likely many more, but I'm not a space expert) but nothing so distracting as to make it unenjoyable. Highly recommend this one.

Her (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798709/

An interesting modern day romance, taking our immersion in social media and online relationships to the extreme. The romance between Theodore and Samantha feels very real, especially when they argue, but starts to feel contrived when her artificial intelligence moves far beyond his comprehension and then further beyond the boundaries of her electronic world. The plot is interesting but ultimately unsatisfying, as the artifice has too many unexplored dimensions.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993846/

A 3-hour version of The Hangover, minus the comedy, music and good looking men. The bad scenes just go on and on, and then just a little bit more. Painfully boring, unbelievably stupid, and not even nice to look at. Martin Scorsese should hang his head in shame. Leo too. 

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359950/

This movie was pretty good, but really has nothing to do with the Walter Mitty story; other than the first part of the film where he drifts off into fantasy occasionally, this Walter is less Mitty and more Indiana Jones. Aside from the lack of literary connection, the story is very engaging and told well. The "end of Life" story thread is a bit overdone, while some other threads (ex. how does his mom know the photographer?) are left irritatingly unaddressed. The only real Mittyesque element is Ben Stiller - he doesn't bring anything startling or special to the role, so in a likely unintentional way, embodies the anyman/everyman character perfectly.

Inequality for All (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2215151/

Carrying on from The Corporation, Inside Job, and The Smartest Guys in the Room, this smart documentary gives an insider's perspective on how the 1%-ers got there and what they're up to. The day is interesting and well presented, but strangely it doesn't feel as revelatory or shocking as the earlier entries in this canon. Still, a quiet call to action or smart reminder to keep paying attention is not unwelcome. A particular interesting point was the confluence of the outrage of the Occupy Movement and the Tea Party, both initiated by the 2007 recession. Both driven to rally and yell at one another about the same thing: the influence of government on the economy. Also interesting to me was the commentary about unions and their relevancy and importance in today's economy.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (2010)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1683876/

Classic Werner Herzog. An odd slice of life from the edge of civilization, this look at the lives of trappers in Siberia is engaging and interesting, with not too much detail. The dialogue comes almost entirely from the trappers, but much more is told from the visuals and the movement through the seasons and along the river. Most impressive - the dog who runs 150kms in a day and half. Not as impressive as Dick Proenneke, but still a very hardy group living very hard lives.

Don Jon (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2229499/?ref_=nv_sr_1

A very well done tour-de-force from Joseph Gordon-Levitt. While the subject matter (online porn) and the setting (Jersey shore - ugh, those accents) may be off-putting to some, the story is well-crafted and told with poignancy and good humour. The cast is excellent, the dialogue good and snappy, and the setting and score bring together all elements nicely to tell a nice tale about really growing up.

Drinking Buddies (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2265398/?ref_=nv_sr_1

A summer romance/friendship story that is smart, warm and funny, with excellent performances and a delightful ending. The romantic tension is great, and the relationship issues will be recognizable for anyone who's been through the struggle of do-we-or-don't-we romance with a good friend.

Captain Phillips (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1535109/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Surprising compelling thriller, this is Tom Hanks at his best - an ordinary man demonstrating ingenuity and humanity in extraordinary circumstances. For much of the film, you are waiting for things to happen, but as the ending draws near you realize things have been happening - you are involved, engaged, on the edge of your seat without any of the usual movie trappings. As the climax occurs, you feel the release of tension and the burst of emotions from characters and audience are authentic and cathartic. Tom Hanks for Best Actor nomination - guaranteed. This film is worth watching for that climax and release, and for the brilliant performance of Hanks, reminding us why is is one of the greats.

Europa Report (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2051879/?ref_=nv_sr_2

An interested "found footage" movie, with shades of The Abyss and Alien, this space exploration story is very well done. Tense, well acted, and beautifully shot and told, it is unfortunate that this film did not garner a bigger audience. Exceptional players include Anamaria Marinca in the lead role, and Michael Nyqvist as one of the scientists on the expedition. A good counterpoint to Gravity (2013).

Blue Jasmine (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2334873/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Saved up for a birthday treat for myself, this film did not disappoint. Woody Allen proves again that he can write and portray complex characters with the best combinations of pathos, comedy and tragedy, even miles away from the beloved New York streets that have served him well. While Jasmine is not a person anyone would want to know or love, she embodies elements that we can all recognize and empathize with, even if we don't like it. The surprise twist only complicates your feelings towards her, and the ending leaves you with enough space to consider multiple futures for everyone. An excellent addition to the Woody Allen canon, and a breathtaking performance from Cate Blanchett.

The Hunt (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2106476/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Well done story about a scary subject - a teacher wrongfully accused of sexually abusing a young girl. All of the things you imagine would happen do, and the pain endured by everyone is excruciating and heart-wrenching. The miracle of the story is the final resolution, which is made tragic, lovely and believable in this film. Wonderful performance by often overlooked Mads Mikkelsen. A fine example of wonderful filmmaking from outside of Hollywood.

Mud (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1935179/?ref_=nv_sr_3

It would be easy to dismiss this as a summer-boys-movie, but the the additional complications of love story and bounty hunters make this a great drama. Matthew McConaughey is exceptional here, as the mysterious man on the island. The boys' discovery of him and their adventures with and for him, while they search for love and life, are enthralling and enjoyable. The atmosphere of the location - one of those expansive yet closed in areas along the Mississippi - combines with the various threads of the story to make a film that succeeds on many levels.

Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2388637/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Beautifully told fable about love and fate in a dusty midwest small town. The cast is exceptional here, and although the story itself has some holes, the drama is compelling and the story taught right through to the end. The film may be a bit arty for some, as the setting is both familiar and non-descript and many details are left untold or unexplained, but overall it is a lovely tragic tale of love, loss and near-redemption.

The Spectacular Now (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714206/?ref_=nv_sr_1

A modern day "Say Anything", this is a nice little story about high school misfits, first loves and first times, and growing up. The actors are great, and the story is both compelling and troubling (a surprising amount of drinking goes on - but perhaps I'm naive in thinking this is unusual?) enough to engage you from start to finish. True love prevails, which is lovely. Recommended companion piece: The Kings of Summer (2013).

Prisoners (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392214/?ref_=nv_sr_1

A taught mystery with great performances all round. The twists and reveals in the story are very well done, and resolution is very satisfying. The best is Jake Gyllenhaal as the detective, the dedicated and caring cop with clearly more troubles in his past than he's willing or able to reveal, his balance of passion and procedure are compelling and very well done. Hugh Jackman as the father of one of the missing girls is good but often pathetic and unsympathetic in his recklessness and abuse of the police; perhaps all of his actions are a plausible response to the situation, but I felt neither support nor sympathy for him, and much more compassion for the victim of his rage than I did for him as the victim himself. A good popcorn movie for a dark, rainy evening.

Out of the Furnace (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1206543/

I wanted to like this movie, but eventually everything about it - the characters, the story, the ending - were predictable and not very likeable. The penultimate actions - the murders of the brother and friend - are completely pointless, and so the final act of the story feels contrived and silly. The romantic sidebar is similarly ridiculous, providing nothing to the movie other than a role of some kind for Forrest Whitaker. Not very good at all.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1170358/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Make it stop, already. While a lovely and detailed presentation of this beloved story, it is also artless and tedious, dragging out meaningless conversation, extending battle and action scenes and showing countless overhead panoramas of the group trekking through, over or across more of New Zealand's lovely lands. Boring.

Open Grave (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2071550/

A clever little thriller. With several twists and turns in the story, and the puzzle of one character who doesn't speak, this story includes elements of zombie stories, slasher movies, and complex mysteries. Excellent performances from the ensemble, especially Sharlto Copley in the lead, a tight script and well done visuals and effects, keep you engaged and on the edge right through.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790636/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Performances - and transformances - by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are at the centre of this movie, and both are excellent but neither rescues the story from tv-movie-of-the-week ordinariness. Intended to be a character study of Ron Woodruff, a roughneck good-old-boy who finds himself on the front line of the war on AIDS in the mid-80s, there is little learned about him or his strange compatriots and certainly nothing about his motivations or expectations. His transition from cowboy to crusader, from hardass to hero, is never explained, nor are any of his close relationships. Jennifer Garner was unbelievable (not in a good way) as the doctor, and the rest of the characters were too typical - evil drug company executives, heartless agents, greedy doctors - to be believable. Again, the physical transformations and performances by McConaughey and Leto are outstanding, but insufficient in this poorly told tale.

Rush (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/

Sometime over the past few years, we've watched a few high-speed documentaries (excellent examples are Senna (2010) and TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011)). While Rush had the potential to equal those, it somehow fell flat. The story of the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda was deftly handly by the story and the actors, but the tension between them never translated onto the racetrack in the film; just when things start getting good, the chemistry fizzled like a race cancelled due to rain, undermined by lacklustre cinematography and score. Kudos to the casting directors, as the characterizations of the main and other players was exceptional. Overall, disappointing to see the excitement of racing made boring.

All Is Lost (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2017038/

This is man-vs-nature (or man-vs-himself?), with the main man himself, Robert Redford. With no backstory, or real conclusion either, the story is bounded only by the horizons of the ocean that we can see from just above sea-level. Wrecked in the middle of nowhere, he seems both seasoned and ill-prepared at the same time, with the appearance and demeanour of the old-man-at-sea but taken down by one catastrophe after another. As he moves through vexation through frustration to despair, you're often wondering how or why he ended up here, but you're really not that interested, unfortunately. Be it a vision-quest, a mid-life crisis, or a self-imposed exile for penance, you're never really compelled root for any side of the vs., and the ultimate resolution is unsatisfactory and uninteresting.

American Hustle (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1800241/

I had high hopes for this one, and so was a bit disappointed. The Abscam story in the background of this provides an environment for a smaller story about the people involved in and affected by the greed, corruption and confusion of the times. The main characters are mostly well done, and the reflection, through music, costumes, and sets, of the mood and style of the late 70s is impressive. Some of the minor characters are too one dimensional (the exception being Jeremy Renner, somewhat unrecognizable as the Mayor) and the lapses into comedy in the story are distracting. Jennifer Lawrence is excellent, even if her Jersey accent lapses too often to make her fully believable), but even better is Amy Adams as the brilliant con-woman Sydney Prosser/Edith Greensly. Adams' fully realized portrayal is wonderful, and provides the emotional centre for the story. But ultimately, the story falls flat, despite the truth of it.

More Than Honey (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2263058/

A nice little documentary, with fantastic images and interesting information about these winged matchmakers. The information is far from complete - a passing reference to Colony Collapse Disorder is given no further explanation - and the connections between the various location is obscure: other than the fact that they have something to do with bees, the folks shown in Switzerland, Germany, California, Texas, Australia and China are all interesting but separate, and incomplete (there is no background information given about any of the participants). Spotty facts aside, the film is interesting and visually spectacular. The ending seems to be allegorical - bees as supernatural or mythical creatures, whose mysteries are beyond us.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140373/

A nice film, with just a few flaws, nothing too horrible but enough to keep it from greatness. The story of the realization of the movie musical Mary Poppins by Walt Disney, the story pits Walt (Tom Hanks) against PT Travers (Emma Thompson) in a battle over story rights, frivolous songs and dancing penguins. A key requirement for getting and enjoying this film is to be familiar with the other - if you have neither seen nor know anything about Mary Poppins, this film will be mostly meaningless to you. If you are a fan of Mary's, this film should be delightful. The only parts that let the film down are the flashbacks to Travers' childhood in Australia. While an integral part of the story, this portion of the movie is poorly done. The characters are not given much depth and are more caricatures - the drunken father (in a role that would seem tailor-made for him, Colin Farrell founders), the mother used to better things, the daughter under the spell of her fantastic dad, even the bright golden glow of Australia seems overdone. The better parts are in California, where Travers' hostility is eventually charmed by Disney and his crew of merry (or Mary) makers, complete with the Hollywood last-ditch impassioned "trust me with her" speech that finally completes the transaction. The rest is history. While nothing particularly exceptional here, Hanks and Thompson, along with all of the Hollywood cast, are all great. Too bad about the stuff from Downunder, which undermines the great with the mediocre.

Lone Survivor (2013)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1091191/

A surprise for me - I really liked this. I was expecting fluff, but instead this is riveting and raw. The story is based on truth - a single survivor of a failed mission in Afghanistan. The delivery of the story is excellent. The characters are real and complete, and there is no shying away from the harsh realities and complexities of the mission and situations. Best segment is Act III - the battle in the forest. The heroic actions of the soldiers for their mission and for each other portray the significant agony and strength of these men against overwhelming odds. I think this film is on par (and even better in some aspects) than other recent films such as Zero Dark Thirty.