2013 Movies Rated 4 Stars or Higher

broderic on January 3, 2014

Here’s the list of films I saw in the theatre which I rated 4 stars or more. Actually, these are all 4 star films, because I didn’t see a perfect movie this year. Caveat as I list them, these are from reviews several days after seeing the film. They are 4 stars at that time, but over the year that rating could evolve to a better or worse rating. I would put The World’s End and The Conjuring with higher ratings, and Man of Steel with a lower rating.

The World’s End
The Conjuring
Pacific Rim
Man of Steel
Iron Man 3

Finally, here’s an honorable mention that needs to be seen. I’m advocating that you catch it because it is one of my favorites of the year.

From Up On Poppy Hill

47 Ronin

broderic on January 3, 2014

47 Ronin is a mess. It’s a movie based on a traditional Japanese tale of loyalty and revenge plus magic, dragons, and Keanu.

The Japanese tale was about samurai whose lord had to kill himself for disparaging another. His samurai, now leaderless ronin, vowed revenge because they thought that the offense was not severe. The 47 ronin of the title plotted for years eventually exacting revenge on their target. The Emperor liked the way the ronin conducted themselves and allowed the ronin to have an honorable ending. They all died in the end.

This version adds in Keanu as a mystically half-breed. Yeah, it makes no difference, but they needed him so that they can add the magic, the dragons, and the vile witch.

Everything has to be epic in Hollywood. That’s why there was the magic, the dragons, and the vile witch. Hollywood must make everything ginormous. Unfortunately, not everything needs the ginormity. The original 47 ronin story has all you need. It’s withstood years and years of telling in Japan. It may withstand the magic, the dragons, and the vile witch, but it isn’t that good of tale with it.

3 of 5 stars.

Winter Wonder Landing

broderic on January 2, 2014

It’s snowed just about every week since Thanksgiving. It was never like this, and the last few years there was barely any snow. Now, we’ve got snow. Lots and lots. Snow season has moved in. At least we haven’t had an 18″ blizzard yet. Keeping the fingers crossed.

Old Acquaintances

broderic on December 31, 2013

Let’s get it started early. So long 2013. Hello, 2014. Here’s to everything that happened in the past 365. Here’s to everything that will happen in the next 365. I wish you and yours a safe and happy New Year!

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

broderic on December 31, 2013

The latest film version of Thurber’s short story, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, has nothing in common with the written word. It may have day dream sequences, but they are not like the ones in the story. Then after a bit, the day dreams go away and we are left with another movie whose sole purpose is to utter the banal line, “carpe diem.”

Yes, we know.

Walter Mitty is the analog curator at Life magazine as it transitions to the digital age of online internet. He receives the quintessence of Life magazine in a film negative, but loses it because he lacks reading comprehension or doesn’t put money in his wallet.

He also wants to flirt with a girl at work. He does say hi and they do start connecting and then you wonder how they did connect.

I wish this was a better movie, but it wasn’t. It was Ben Stiller putting on his indie director mood similar to how he became Simple Jack. Lots of weirdness. Could’ve been funnier. May become another hit on Comedy Central.

3 of 5 stars.

Link of the Day [12.30.13]

broderic on December 31, 2013

The penultimate day of the year! Yeah, I just used a vocabulary word. Yeah, I used it right. And, yeah, the year is almost over, but let’s not forget the past year. What I mean by that though is the past year in film.

Lately, this blog besides the “Twelve Days of Christmas” has devolved into my film comment blog. Not reviews, but comments. Not any insight into the movie I saw, but insight into my reactions to the film.

How is this holiday specific? It’s auld lang syne for movies. Pretty soon I will set up my own list of great movies this past 2013. Happy New Year! Enjoy another holiday… I’m stretching for things to write.

http://thedissolve.com/features/2013-in-review/

Quote of the Day [12.29.13]

broderic on December 29, 2013

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the yearSnowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to shareSleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories thereChristmas time is here
Families drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the yearChristmas Time Is Here, Vince Girauldi Trio

Winter Wonderland

broderic on December 28, 2013

I’m purposely posting everyday to get me to Little Christmas as the eastern Church would call it. Here’s a shot from the Ice! ice show at National Harbor south of DC.

It was a cold, cold experience even though today’s temperatures reached into the 50s. I wore my Patagonia Better Sweater, a hat, and a scarf, yet the provided parka they gave to you help insulate me more. Unfortunately, I did not have gloves and it got cold. After a bit, I wanted warmth.

This is a reminder that over the Holidays there are some things to do besides eat, sleep, and watch television.

Get up.
Go out.
Enjoy the winter!

Staying Warm At Night

broderic on December 27, 2013

This ish is hard when you have no theme. I would post something more interesting, but I’m too lazy and stuffed to the gills with Holiday feasts. Maybe I can figure something out in the next couple of days…

Yule Log for your viewing pleasure. Not sure if it shows it for the full hour. I only watched 30 seconds in order to figure out if it was worth posting.