SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
If you liked the first one then most likely you'll also like this one. It has the same visual flair and the chemistry between the leads is still excellent. I thought the ridiculous disguises that Holmes used wore out their welcome rather quickly but I really liked the final duel between Holmes and Professor Moriarty.
B
DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME
Beautiful and packed with over the top action - think Sherlock Holmes meets
House of Flying Daggers. I really liked it.
B
RED RIDING HOOD
Pretty, but boring. Skip it.
C-
HUGO
I haven't been a big fan of Martin Scorsese's work. I've recognized the skill and artistry of his work and could see why he is so acclaimed, but his films just never spoke to me. Until now, that is. Hugo is brilliant in every way. It's a gorgeous looking movie and the 3D worked amazingly well. The performances were all endearing and the story is a classic. It's my favorite movie of the year.
A+
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL
The
Mission: Impossible series is an oddity in that every installment is better than its predecessor. There's not much story here in this new outing, but the derring-do on display is absolutely top-notch. Brad Bird has proven himself to be one of the best action directors in Hollywood whether it's in animation or live-action.
A
TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL
While listening to the
Doug Loves Movies podcast I heard Leonard Maltin talk about how much he enjoyed this movie and my interest was definitely piqued. The movie starts out as a typical
Hills Have Eyes/Deliverance clone, but then it shows us the story from the point of view of the hillbillies, Tucker and Dale, who are actually two really nice guys trying to have a little vacation out in the woods. The movie is extremely well-done and very funny. Recommended.
B+
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN
This film marks Spielberg's return to the pulpy cliffhanger inspired action that we all loved so much in
Raiders of the Lost Ark, only animated this time around. I've never read or seen Tintin prior to this, though I was aware of the character, but I loved this movie. The highest compliment I can pay to it is that it left me wanting more, and that I'm very definitely looking forward to reading Herge's original stories.
A
TRICK 'R TREAT
Excellent little Halloween-themed horror film. It's the spiritual successor to
Creepshow and
Tales From The Crypt as it follows four separate but still connected storylines. Fun stuff; would've been perfect viewing on Halloween itself.
B
THE ROOM
Much has been made of this movie being the new
Plan 9 From Outer Space, in that it's so bad that it's good. I could not help but think that that the writer/director/star of the film is actually from Bizarro World. Not only does he actually look and behave like a Bizarro but every single filmmaking decision made in the production of this movie was absolutely and totally wrong. Worth checking out if you get a chance; it's fun in a mind-boggling what-the-eff sort of way.