Alan's Look Back at the Movies of 2013, and What Does 2014 Have in Store?

Let me preface this by saying that the ten movies I listed here, I am not claiming to be THE best movies of 2013. Admittedly, a lot of the big movies I had anticipated on seeing, I have yet to watch. I have the blu-rays of most of them, but the Mrs. gets irritated when I watch a movie she wants to see without her, even though every time I suggest one, she doesn't want to watch it. Haha. So I have yet to see 'Star Trek Into Darkness', or 'World War Z', or 'The Wolverine', or...

So with that being said, out of what I actually managed to see this year, these were my favorites.

10. This Is the End

This movie started a LITTLE bit slow for me, but once it got going, it was so over the top and ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh. The last half of the movie is definitely better than the first, but overall, it was just a fun movie. The actors all playing fictionalized versions of themselves was hilarious. Emma Watson, from 'Harry Potter' fame, to me had some of the funniest parts. Maybe it's because it was just more shocking hearing some of the stuff coming out of the mouth of Hermoine.

9. The Heat

Sometimes I love Sandra Bullock and sometimes I shake my head in disbelief at some of the crap she agrees to do. This one would be a case of the former. Bullock is an FBI agent while Melissa McCarthy is a cop. Bullock's character is very by the book while McCarthy's character definitely has some questionable tactics. But the movie was pretty much hilarious from start to finish. The real star was McCarthy, who has really departed from that squeaky clean 'Gilmore Girls' role. Highly recommend this one.

8. Iron Man 3

 'Iron Man 3' was probably my least favorite in the series. I think there were some issues in the story that were unnecessary and some were just a little dumb. I have to get this out. Not just in this movie, but in pretty much every movie that has one, I hate the whole "kid sidekick" thing. It's annoying. To me, it always seems like a kid is just tossed into a story so that the movie itself will appeal to kids. "Hey, that kid can be Iron Man's lackey, maybe I can too". Small detail, but it irked me. And there was a "twist" in this film that I didn't particularly care for concerning the villain. But I don't want to spoil anything. Gwyneth Paltrow has her biggest role in the series in this installment and admittedly, she's pretty badass in it. Robert Downey, Jr. IS Tony Stark so there's no way he wouldn't be excellent in it. The overall big story was really good, and the scenes at the end were just amazing to watch.

7. The Lone Ranger

Apparently I am in the minority here. Critics panned the movie. Many friends of mine told me to steer clear. My anticipation for watching it had somewhat dwindled away to nothing and then one night I reluctantly watched it. And I loved it. Johnny Depp as Tonto was brilliant acting as always. And Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger, I thought, was fantastic as well. Many complaints were that the Lone Ranger was more wussy in this movie than he's "supposed" to be. Well, for starters, I know bits and pieces of the original Lone Ranger, because to say it was before my time is an understatement. So I can't really compare the two interpretations of the titular character. What I can say is that I thought the story was believable. The guy starts as a lawyer, and becomes a vigilante of sorts, with no previous dealings with upholding the law. So I would expect someone in that predicament to make a few mistakes, be a little clumsy, not be the perfect hero. And that's what he was. A normal guy who decides to get justice. I'm just saying, if I were to put on a mask and try to beat up bad guys tomorrow, it probably wouldn't go so well for me either.

6. Monsters University

 'Monsters University' was a fun movie. It was even one of the better Pixar films from the past couple of years. But in my opinion, it still didn't hold up to the likes of 'Toy Story 3' or 'Finding Nemo', or even it's predecessor 'Monsters, Inc'. With that being said, it went back in the right direction. If for nothing else, it was a nice nostalgic trip with some familiar faces, and it was enjoyable. Sadly, there will not be a new Pixar release until 2015, where we get not one, but two new features from the computer animation kings.

5. Man of Steel

I really left 'Man of Steel' with so many mixed opinions and emotions, that I'm not really sure whether my little write-up here will convince anyone to watch it or stay far away from it. Let me start with the bad. 'Batman Begins' created a new kind of superhero. One that was dark, moody and dramatic. And that works for Batman, because of his backstory and his style alone. But just because it worked for Batman, doesn't mean that every superhero movie needs to follow that dark formula. That was one of my biggest complaints about 2012's 'The Amazing Spider-Man'. And 'Man of Steel' falls into the same trap. While it bothered me for the unnecessary Spider-Man reboot, it bothered me even more here. Superman is a symbol of hope. A hero that does the right thing no matter what. He embodies truth, justice and the American way. For this movie, the writers were like "Throw all that out, make him moody, and have him steel some clothes while he's at it, because that's something moody Supey does". I just thought there were too many instances in the movie that I couldn't see Superman actually doing. However, with the exception of Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, the casting was excellent. The overall story arc was enthralling. And the special effects were mind-blowing.

4. The Conjuring

'The Conjuring' is another one of those "Based on a True Story" horror flicks, and another haunted house story. Actually the couple that this film is about were also involved in the supposedly real events of the 'Amityville Horror' (though they are not mentioned in that film, nor or those events mentioned in this one. That was a separate case). But despite it having so much similarity to things that seem like they've been done 100 times now, this movie was quite anxiety inducing and very tense. And it showed that even Hollywood can take a been-there-done-that story and make it fresh and new again.

3. Maniac

Technically, 'Maniac' is a 2012 movie, but it was not released theatrically in the United States until June of this year. Even it's theatrical release was very limited. But this is a gem of a horror movie. I went in with little expectations, because truth be told, I didn't like the original so I didn't see how this remake would convince me of feeling any different towards it. But surprise! It did. I'm not sure if it was the acting, or the macabre style of the movie, but while the original bored me to tears, this one was enthralling from the moment it started. Who knew Frodo could be so vicious?

2. Evil Dead

The tagline on the poster reads 'The Most Terrifying Film You Will Ever Experience'. Was it worthy of such a bold statement? No. But horror movies aren't really that scary anymore. We've seen it all and that's caused a sort of desensitization to elements that maybe even five years ago would make you have nightmares. The remake/reboot/sequel did make me jump on several occasions though, and it the film overall was just downright brutal. It was creepy, disgusting and while the majority of the cast was either decent or "meh", Jane Levy of 'Suburgatory' fame in the lead role as Mia was perfect. She made you believe she was a druggie struggling with her addiction. And then she made you believe she was possessed by one of the nastiest demons we've seen in film in quite some time.

1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

'Catching Fire' was one of the last big blockbusters released in the year, and it was so worth the wait. Jennifer Lawrence is proving that she is a force to be reckoned with. With the first installment in 'The Hunger Games' series just coming out last year, one could worry that it's sequel being released the following year was risky. Sure, 'Paranormal Activity' does not take a lot of preparation, but 'Catching Fire' is covered with impressive special effects from beginning to end. While I expected to like this movie very much, considering I really liked the first installment, I was surprised that it ended up being my favorite of the year, but alas, it has.

Most Anticipated of 2014 (in order by release date):

• Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (01/03)
• Muppets Most Wanted (03/21)
• Captain America: The Winter Soldier (04/04)
• The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (05/02)
• Godzilla (05/16)
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (05/23)
• Malificent (05/30)
• 22 Jump Street (06/13)
• Transformers: Age of Extinction (06/27)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (08/01)
• Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (08/22)
• Paranormal Activity 5 (10/24)
• Big Hero 6 (11/07)
• Dumb and Dumber To (11/14)
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I (11/21)
• The Hobbit: There and Back Again (12/27)

Alan Goes to the Prom with 'Carrie' and Leaves Unscathed

Starring

• Chloe Grace Moretz
• Julianne Moore
• Gabriella Wilde
• Portia Doubleday
• Ansel Elgort

Original Theatrical Release Date: 10/18/2013

Running Time: 99 mins

Synopsis: A reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie is directed by Kimberly Peirce with a screenplay by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. --From Rotten Tomatoes

Review: 

Admittedly, I'm not a big reader. I do love Stephen King's books though, particularly his older books. And while 'Carrie', his first published novel, might not be his best written book, it is one of his best and most memorable stories. And Brian DePalma's 1976 film adaptation is easily regarded as a classic horror movie, even if there are some slight deviations from it's source material. 

The new 'Carrie' boasts a reimagining, which I took to be a re-adaptation of the book. With the very talented Chloe Grace Moretz cast in the titular role, and Julianne Moore as her overly religious nutcase of a mother, my expectations were fairly high. Moretz and Moore definitely delivered excellent performances in what I can only describe as a rehash of the original movie. There was nothing in this remake that would make it stand out from the '76 version. In fact, some of the scenes almost seemed like an exact replica, down to the dated dialogue. 

That's not to say that the remake isn't without it's merits. Moretz, while not as memorable in the role as Sissy Spacek, portrays the character with as much awkwardness as one could possibly muster. She really shines in the recreation of the infamous prom scene, where it goes to show that Hell hath no fury like a sheltered telekinetic outcast scorned. And as I mentioned earlier, Julianne Moore was great as well. Those two are not enough to carry a movie though. And had the DePalma version not existed, this would be a fine adaptation of the book. The problem is, the original does exist, and the new version does not deviate enough from it's predecessor  to be necessary.  

Score: 

Alan's Thoughts on 'Django Unchained'

Starring

• Jamie Foxx
• Christoph Waltz
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• Kerry Washington

Original Theatrical Release Date: 12/25/2012

Running Time: 180 mins

Synopsis: Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade. --From Rotten Tomatoes

Review: 

Quentin Tarantino is definitely one of those directors to split the masses. In most cases, he's either a director you love or a director you loathe. I fall in the former of the two. With the eight movies he has directed, I have loved all of them. 'Django' is his longest film, but it certainly does not disappoint.

The gist of the film falls into familiar Tarantino territory. He's definitely a director that has a knack for revenge stories. What's refreshing is that, though there is the common theme of people getting what's coming to them, all of the films are not reminiscent of the others. An angry, left-for-dead mother. A Jewish girl avenging her family. A slave reclaiming his lost love. So without giving away details, I really enjoyed the story.

Tarantino has an eye for one other thing. A flawless cast. Jamie Foxx is the titular Django, a slave purchased by bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz, played by Christoph Waltz. Schultz has purchased Django's freedom because he needs his help identifying his next target. Foxx nails it, but admittedly, I was even a bigger fan of Waltz's performance. It could be the biggest blood-bath, but his little quips and non-chalant actions were impossible not to laugh at. 

If you're squeamish or are turned off by offensive language (the n-word is used more than a Lil' Wayne album), then it may be a movie you would want to stay away from. There are tons of blood and gore throughout. But if you're someone who doesn't mind those things in order to see the bigger picture, then 'Django Unchained' is a movie you won't want to miss. 

Score: 

Alan Reviews 'Evil Dead'

Starring

• Jane Levy
• Shiloh Fernandez
• Lou Taylor Pucci
• Elizabeth Blackmore

Original Theatrical Release Date: 04/05/2013

Running Time: 91 mins

Synopsis: In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. --From Rotten Tomatoes

Review: 

Horror movies are always harder to critique, because in the grand scheme of film-making, they are generally considered the red-headed stepchild. With few exceptions, like 'The Exorcist' or 'Let Me In', horror is usually a genre that is picked apart by the critics for the clichés that compose them. 

And that's why I don't put too much faith into critics. I love movies. All kinds. But I have a soft spot for horror. 'The Evil Dead', as campy as it was, is a classic and a favorite amongst most horror enthusiasts. It isn't really scary, but especially considering it's time, it had it's moments where it was creepy. 

The new 'Evil Dead' remake/sequel/re-imagining definitely lives up to it's predecessor's name. While it trades in most of the humor elements of the original for more disturbing imagery, it works, because believe it or not, it is actually disturbing. 

First off, the cast is headlined by Jane Levy, known for her fairly innocent role on ABC's sitcom 'Suburgatory'. And if you love her on the show, which I do, prepare yourself for the complete opposite of her comedic character. In 'Evil Dead', she is vile, demented, disgusting and was perfect at it. The other characters in the movie are more general run-of-the-mill horror flick death-bait, and all easily in the shadow of Levy, but despite that, none were annoying or felt out of place either. 

The story is similar to the original, with a few minuscule changes. Jane Levy's character, Mia, is at the cabin with her friends who are there to support her in her attempt to stop using drugs. That part is different. Once the infamous Necronomicon is brought into the picture, the story line treads more on familiar ground, while still displaying it differently enough to not be a boring rehash. 

If you hate the horror genre, 'Evil Dead' will do nothing to change your opinion. If you've been waiting for a horror movie to come along that actually keeps you tense, then you will not be disappointed. The movie is rated R, and it rides that rating hard. Yes, there are lots of "gross" shock value moments, not unlike the original back when it was released. But it isn't done in the same vain as, say, 'Saw', where the movie RELIES on the shock factor to entertain you. Despite the gallons of bloods, pounds of body limbs, and puddles of vomit, this movie would have still been entertaining had all of that been reduced by half. That's not saying that it was too excessive. 'Evil Dead' just happened to have enough plot and creep factor to carry itself anyway. 

Score: 

Alan Doesn't Think 'Oz' is as Great & Powerful as it Claims

Starring

• James Franco
• Mila Kunis
• Rachel Weisz
• Michelle Williams
• Zach Braff

Original Theatrical Release Date: 03/08/2013

Running Time: 127 mins

Synopsis: Disney's fantastical adventure "Oz The Great and Powerful," directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he's hit the jackpot-fame and fortune are his for the taking-that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced. --From Rotten Tomatoes

Review: 

Let me first start by saying that I was really looking forward to this movie. Sam Raimi is one of my very favorite directors with films like 'The Evil Dead' franchise and the amazing 'Spider-Man' trilogy (not to be confused with the newer, yet uninspired, 'Amazing Spider-Man' franchise) under his belt. And I was on board even more when I saw who had been cast. With the exception of Rachel Weisz (who I don't DISLIKE per se, just do not know her from many films I've seen) I was excited at the choices that had been made. 

Well, needless to say this movie was everything and more of what I was not at ALL expecting from it. First and foremost, let's start with the protagonist, Oz. From the very get-go, he is not a likable, respectable character. He's a womanizer, a user, and just flat out arrogant. And honestly, he doesn't really change much of that during the course of the movie. 

The plot was very long and drawn out. And once it all came together at the end, it seemed like I had just heard a story that wasn't really worth the time of telling or hearing. You're not really rooting for either side because one side is headed by a guy who has this odd sense of entitlement, and the other side is headed by two evil witches, one of which had just recently converted to the proverbial Dark Side. 

The special effects were none too impressive either. Remember the monkey like henchman in the original 'Wizard of Oz'? They're still here, in CGI form of course, and they look pretty stupid. And I swear it seemed like every time we went to another area, there were more CGI blossoming flowers. One of the highlights of the movie was some of the cinematography, which was also one of the lowlights. Some times it looked amazing, and others it looked like it came straight from a video game. 

I will say, the last 15 minutes of the movie or so were by far the most entertaining, and they were actually legitimately good scenes. Was it worth sitting through the other hour and 45 minutes? Not at all. This new 'Oz' set out to show us the magical land before Dorothy ever encountered it. It actually ended up stealing some of that magic away. 

Score: 

Alan's Top 10 Movies of 2012

It was a good year to be a movie lover. There were some duds, but there were also some well-deserved blockbusters as well. 2013 looks like it's shaping up to be a good year with releases such as 'Iron Man 3', 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire', 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug', and remakes of horror classics 'Carrie' and 'The Evil Dead'.

So now, I give to you, my pick for my favorite 10 new movies of 2012.


10. Brave

 'Brave' kind of went two separate ways with me. It is a really good movie. But as a Pixar movie, with expectations always held high, it can also be a little disappointing. Not 'Cars 2' disappointing, but it doesn't have the same "magic" (or plot) that makes most of the previous Pixar entries so memorable. Regardless of that, it is quite enjoyable, and the animation is stunning.

9. Moonrise Kingdom

This isn't a mainstream film, and sort of has that indie flick vibe to it, but if you haven't heard of the movie, I sympathize for you. It is such an odd, yet endearing, movie about young love and the lengths they go through to be together. It is definitely a dark comedy, so if that's not your thing, you may not be as impressed as I was. But there's a lot of heart in this movie, and has a great cast to go with it.

8. Ted

'Ted' could possibly be one of the most offensive and crude films made thus far. But what else would you expect from 'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane? It had me laughing from the get-go straight through to the end.

7. The Amazing Spider-Man

I've made my criticisms of 'The Amazing Spider-Man' no secret. I liked this movie a great deal, but not even close to as much as I liked the original trilogy. I would've preferred a 'Spider-Man 4' in the previous series, but instead we got an unnecessary reboot. With that being said, it was still a very enjoyable movie, and the special effects are astounding.

6. Prometheus

This sort-of prequel to 'Alien' was one of the biggest surprises to me. I wanted to see it out of curiousity moreso than interest peaked by the trailer. But the movie had me totally engaged in it. This goes to show Ridley Scott CAN still make good movies.

5. The Hunger Games

I was kind of skeptical at how this would turn out. Another tween series adapted into a movie. I love the 'Harry Potter' movies, but as of late, the successful franchise of now seems to be the horrible 'Twilight' franchise. The plot is reminiscent of 'The Long Walk' by Stephen King, but aimed at younger audiences. The cool thing is that you can be over 15 and really dig this movie.

4. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

 Peter Jackson's much-anticipated return to Middle Earth yielded great results. Is it as good as the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy? Nah. And I'm still wondering how they're going to fill two more three hour movies without adding a ton of fluff, since it's all based on one book. But it was quite nostalgic going back to the Shire and embarking on another quest with familiar faces.

3. The Dark Knight Rises

After 'The Dark Knight', it was going to be hard to come up with a Batman movie that could live up to it. And while, in my opinion, 'The Dark Knight' is still the superior entry in the series, this one at many times gives it a run for it's money. At first I was pretty pissed about the casting of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, because even though I think she's a terrific actress, she didn't look the part to me. Well, I ate my words. She nailed it. This is an example where reboots work. Of the older Batman movies, the only one I REALLY liked was 'Batman Returns', but Nolan's 'Dark Knight Trilogy' has been great from start to finish. Unfortunately, with the announcement of a Justice League movie, we can expect ANOTHER reboot of the character.

2. The Cabin in the Woods

'The Cabin in the Woods' is one of the smartest and wittiest horror movies I have seen in years. You take everything you know about horror movies, and throw it away. Joss Whedon successfully wrote a horror movie that leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

1. The Avengers

Speaking of Joss Whedon, creator of my all-time favorite television show 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', he directed a movie that was released this summer that you may have heard of. Of course you've heard of it. This superhero movie has become the third highest grossing film of all time. And it's justified. The whole Marvel Cinematic Universe film series has successfully created this world that pulls you in, and 'The Avengers' weaves all of those individuals together into one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. It's smart, witty, and action packed, and despite it's astounding special effects and huge ensemble cast, it doesn't suffer from a lack of story in the process. 'The Avengers' is easily the big winner this year, and put other ensemble superhero movies, such as 'X-Men' to shame.

This Week on Blu-Ray 9/16-9/22

This week great catalog titles are being released as well as one of the best new horror movies of the past decade. Also, one of the most anticipated franchises is finally released complete for the first time.

This four-movie collection contains 'Indiana Jones and the... Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade, & Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'. '...Crystal Skull' (probably the most hated entry in the franchise, is already available to own on blu-ray, but as of right now, this collection is the only way to get the older three films. 'Temple of Doom' in HD? Can't wait to see it, but I personally will be waiting for a price drop.

Shout Factory is releasing both 'Halloween II' and 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch' on blu-ray, with the latter making it's HD debut. 'Halloween III' is easily the oddest entry in the series. It has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of them. There's no Michael Myers. No Laurie. No anything that relates to the franchise at all. Originally, they were going to do a different type feature annually. After 'Halloween III' bombed, the studio went back to the tried and true slasher flicks. 'Halloween II' is one of the best horror sequels ever made, continuing exactly where the original film took off. However, it was also just released on blu-ray a year ago. So if you already own that, it's a good transfer of the movie, so there isn't much reason to pick up this one. 'Halloween III' isn't a TERRIBLE movie. But it's also not a very good one. Strictly for the 'Halloween' completists.

An earlier Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration, you can't go wrong with 'Ed Wood'. This has been a highly anticipated title on blu-ray, so I foresee lots of people being pleased that it is finally being released.

Here's a release that is sure to hit bargain bins within a years' time. 'Katy Perry The Movie: Part of Me'. Admittedly, I do not hate Katy Perry with a burning passion like I did this time last year. She's come out with some pretty catchy pop songs, and only like one was super annoying. Despite this, I am not defending this movie. Have I seen it? No. Do I intend to? No. Why does this exist? These concerts released into theaters inn the guise of films don't work. Ask the Spice Girls or the Jonas Brothers. You don't see actual artists doing this sort of gimmicky release. Concert DVDs. Ok. Concert "movies" like this one? Lame.

 Two more horror genre flicks are also making their HD debut this week. 'Queen of the Damned', a sequel of srts to 'Interview with a Vampire', and 'Devil's Advocate'. Both decent movies, and if you get them cheap enough, I suppose they would be worth a pick up. Between the two, 'Queen of the Damned' is the worse movie, and it is kind of cheesy in it's own way. I hate to say it, but I think it was only as successful as it was because of the tragic and untimely death of it's lead star Aaliyah. But, it has it's place among vampire movies and it's not a complete waste of time.

I can't think any higher of this movie than I already do. 'The War of the Roses' is one of the most twisted comedies I have ever seen. During a bitter divorce, wife and husband do truly horrible, mean things to each other. And in one way it's kind of disturbing, but in another way, it's hilarious. Perfectly casted as well.

'The Cabin in the Woods' is one of the most original horror movies ever made. It starts with almost every cliche that has plagued the past 20 years of horror movies, and then throws it all out of the window for a huge twist. It'll make you jump. And it's also quite comedic, mostly due to the witty script from 'Buffy' & Angel' creator Joss Whedon, and 'Buffy' alumni Drew Goddard, who directed the movie.

So this week, there are some decent releases, and there are a few duds too.

Pick up: TOP CHOICE The Cabin in the Woods, The War of the Roses, Ed Wood
Pass on: Katy Perry The Movie: Part of Me, Halloween II (if you already own the other edition)