I'm just now getting to wrap-up my favorite time to watch movies, the summer. Admittedly, this season has its fair share of clunkers. Still, I love the mass amounts of press and promo, the glossy tv spots, and the atmosphere of the midnight showing or the new must-see film. There is just something incredibly cool in a movie that's going to be seen by the world and reacted to differently by each person. I know i'm waxing poetic about these movies, but at the same time of my top five movies of the summer, only a couple elicited that attention. Whatever. Stop judging me. In any case, I based my rankings off of my usual criteria. How did I feel initially after the first showing? Did I spend my weekend thinking about it? Was there enough to chew on thematically? Was it cool as shit? etc. Here goes:
1) Up
I almost wish they could make a film that isn't perfect. Even when their movie doesn't hit the mark for me 100% (Ratatouille), I still appreciate it for being a strong piece of work, miles above the fiels. Up is just a delight from start to finish beginning with a a sweet establishment of its characters and a gorgeous silent montage ellipsing a lifetime of a beautiful relationship between the main character and his ill fated wife. With sweeping visuals and a truly thought provoking 3rd Act choice I gotta say I'm all up on some Up.
2)Inglorious Basterds
Highly referential of the myriad of films Tarrantino is into, Basterds is just head to toe a work of art. Classic Tarrantino. I love it's structure so much because it is textbook storytelling. The scenes build, brimming with tension until WHAM! There's a huge payoff or it goes into a different direction then you thought. I'd recommend a cold viewing. Just don't go in expecting to see wall to wall brad pitt killing nazi. Expect a good old fashioned, well made, revenge flick.
3) The Hurt Locker
I saw this film w/o knowing too much about it. Admittedly I was kinda turned off since I wasn't up for another forray into the wonderful world of Iraq. Boy was I wrong. This movie is kinda badass, not just because Kathryn Bigelow's intimate camera yet epic scale, but because of the attention its truly provoking characters. Se makes Jeremy Runner's character look like a friggin rock star (and not in the stereotypically cool way, but the enigmatic and trainwreck kind). Oh and shoutout to Jeremy mackie for delivering the best perf I've seen him give as the slightly assholeish, but completely identifiable supporting lead.
4) Moon
Duncan Jones directed this gem of a sci fi pic. As little you know about this movie before stepping into this movie the better because it honestly rewards a surprise. I'm completely on board with Sam Rockwell after his perf in this film. I can't write too much because I'm afraid to spoil anything. Just know that the film will stick with you after the showing, meditating on some of the themes of being human and the the human expense of evolving technology.
5) Star Trek
2 tons of fun. This was the best way to kick off the Summer of '09. A glitzy, intense sci-fi pic with pretty people doing awesome things. The constant lens flare did kinda annoy in the beginning, but once Kirk gets on that ship, i got swept away. I know nothing about star trek, but I left wondering "Wow, why was I not on this?" Prolly won't be wathcing any episodes anytime soon, but JJ Abrams is batting 1.000 with me.
Honorable Mention: 500 Days of Summer
Worst Movies/Let Downs
I didn't really see many, but they were out there.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Public Enemies, Terminator Salvation
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