As it stands, I have been to the cinema 30 times this year, seeing 29 different films. This is slightly disappointing seeing that last year I made 61 trips and saw 54 different films. Over a thirds of the screenings that I went to, I went to alone. There is a stigma to going to the cinema alone but it is not one I understand. Sure, a film is a pretty good thing to go to on a date (the chance would be a fine thing...) but you don't talk to anyone while you're in there. Anyway, that is for another time. GO.
Up In The Air
This seems like it was years ago now, especially seeing as that it came out in the previous awards season. I remember how I felt afterwards, distraught and hollow and old. Clooney is amazing. He always is. But especially so in this. All the supporting acting is great too, from Vera Farmiga to the tiny appearance by Zach Galifianakis.
Ponyo
This was a good cartoon and now, looking back, I find it quite hard to talk about. The animation was beautiful and the voice work was very good, especially Tina Fey. I love Tina Fey. Ponyo Ponyo tiny little fish...
Shutter Island
With DiCaprio leading and Scorsese directing, I was expecting quite a bit from this film and I feel that it delivered. Not outstanding, but a very strong psychological thriller, with great performances from Leo and Mark Ruffalo and Ghandi in particular. I seem to remember being especially enamoured with the way it was all shot. It seemed painted and artificial and beautiful and harrowing, all reflecting the plot. Very clever. Good twist too.
Kick-Ass
It kicked ass, didn't it? I meant to watch it again on DVD but never got round to it, I hope I will on Blu-Ray at Christmas. Very funny and bloody, it met all of my expectations and even threw in a LOST joke. Even though I dislike Aaron Johnson very much he was admittedly excellent, as was Nic Cage (obvs) and that little girl. And McLovin.
Cemetery Junction
Why wasn't this massive? It might even be the best thing that Steve Merchant and Ricky Gervais have ever done. Admittedly, that's a massive statement from an Office fan like me but this is a brilliantly moving, beautifully shot film with all amazing performances. The main guy who was in that episode of Doctor Who is brilliant, the angry guy is brilliant, the fat comedy guy is hillarious, the girl who was in that episode of Doctor Who is maybe the most beautiful woman in the world and an amazing actress. Voldemort is evil and he's not even Voldemort. I cannot wait to see this again.
Dogtooth
If I had to choose, this would probably be my film of the year (or, at least, joint first). Mad and scary and hillariously funny, in the darkest possible way. I don't think I've ever seen anything like this. Watch it. Now. Seriously, you need to.
Four Lions
A comedy about Suicide bombers by Chris Morris sounds exactly like my sort of thing and it was, but unexpectedly so. While it was funny (Fuck Mini-babybels!), it was more poignant and insightful than it was humourous. Vastly underseen.
Inception
Can this film even be reviewed or explained? It was just top quality stuff and so very clever. Tom Hardy was a revelation and I love Ellen Page's face. And Joseph Gordon-Levitt's. Most discussed film of the year by a country mile. Ending? Dream. Just for the kicks.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Everything that I could want from an adaptation of the books and, in some places, probably even more. The songs were brills and Michael Cera was completely Scott Pilgrim, in a way that I could never have previously imagined. The little touches in the film just made it feel so right. I love Edgar Wright. He should do more.
The Social Network
Really wasn't expecting this. The trailer was interesting on its own but it didn't really make me want to watch it. I mean, a movie about Facebook and lawyering shouldn't be great but it is. Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake all put in great performances but the real star is Aaron Sorkin's script with crackles and zips along, bringing so much life to the preceedings.
Special Mentions
Toy Story 3 (I liked it but I really wanted them to die and then they didn't. Am I a bad person?)
The Wolfman (I mean, how shit was that?)
The Killer Inside Me (It is rare that I can't bare to watch, so harrowing were the images.)
Wes Anderson double-bill at the Picturehouse (AMAZING)
NEXT: miscellany!
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