[xrr rating=4.5/5]
Okay kids, we are now a little over half way through the year and I’d like to quickly get you up to speed as to where this professional movie reviewer is at, film-wise.
I’ve seen fifty-five films in the theatre so far this year. That should average me out to about one-hundred and ten flickers come years end… But to be truthful, I usually pick it up during the second half of the year. Right around Thanksgiving is when the studios roll out their films that they think will garner Oscar nods. And that’s where I kick it into fifth gear and drop the hammer, so to speak. (Just as Cole Trickle would do in the high octane film, “Days of Thunder”.) Some of the best movies drop in between Turkey Day and Christmas, and that is also when I drop my firm, tight buttocks into my “Reserved” last seat, last row, cushioned theatre throne, and really go to work.
I love that time of year. I usually will hit the flicks around noon-time and won’t leave until about ten that night. Yeah, I’m a movie freak, but if you’ve been following my column over the years, then you already know this about me.
But I’m not writing today to tell you about the films that are set to open around Hanukkah. I want to briefly tell you about a handful of films that I have already seen this year.
I’m not going to lie to you. This year has been kind of weak for the film industry. Sure, the industry is making money, (HUGE international money) but I just haven’t seen too many films that I would consider “award worthy”. I mean, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D” almost drove me away from movies forever. Such a terrible film. Then there was “21 and Over”. This film made me wish my life was over. And then there was “The Hangover III”. I truly wished the executives of this film walked right up to me and said, “Hey, we’re going to rape you. Rape you for your time, rape you for your money, and rape you for your brain cells. But make no doubt about it, you will be raped. (Now, I’m talking emotionally raped here, not physically.)
So far, those have been the worst of the worst.
Then you’ve got some half decent films out there. “I was surprised at how good “The Call” was. I wasn’t expecting that at all… And I really liked the most destructive film of the year, “Man of Steel”. And, of course, you can never go wrong with Tom Cruise. He had a very interesting film in “Oblivion”.
Here’s a couple more that I thought were very good that deserve recognition. “This Is The End” was a HILARIOUS comedy. I haven’t laughed that hard since “Platoon” (“Naked Gun” reference.)… And also, the best zombie movie I’ve seen to date was Brad Pitt’s “World War Z”. Man, that movie was done so well that I’ve been thinking about it for over two weeks. When a movie has you thinking about it for that long, then its got to be pretty darn good.
But I’m not too sure if any of them will be up for any of the major awards. (Maybe WWZ.)
Here are my three films that I think may have a shot at ‘Oscar’ next winter, (if those geeky voters even remember them.) First, “Mud”. This film stars Matthew McConaughey as a fugitive who befriends two boys who help him escape bounty hunters. (Don’t worry, it’s not Boba Fett, and Greedo) This film had a different feel to it and it kept me interested the entire time.
Next. “42”… Wow! Such a powerful film. This is the story of Jackie Robinson and his breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball. I loved this film because of its historical correctness, and I love the fact the Mr. Robinson was the biggest maddog/stud to ever play ANY sport. I love the man. He is one of my heroes. Long live #42… (Han Solo was also in this film… I mean Harrison Ford.)
And finally, a film I saw just last night. It was called “The Way, Way Back”.
You know what? When I started writing this article I was just going to review this movie. But, if you could live inside the head of me, Matty W. Kelley, you’d realize that it never slows down in there. I’m always thinking. Thinking about everything, thinking about nothing. Thinking about what to scribe about the film. Then the next thing you know, I’m writing about ten other films. As a matter of fact, right now I am not even thinking about any film. I’m thinking about vacations, food, girls, the heat, (not the movie “The Heat”… although, it was pretty good) my niece and nephews that are coming home for a visit, and Boston cream pie. (Its my favorite pie.) You see, my mind NEVER slows down. I think this is why I never sleep… I find it to be somewhat of a curse, and somewhat of a blessing. This is why I like to write to you guys out there… Because my mind won’t friggin’ stop!
But I digress. Now where were we? Oh yeah.
I saw “The Way, Way Back” yesterday and it knocked me for a loop. I didn’t know much about it. It stars Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Liam James, AnnaSophia Robb, (love that name) and Sam Rockwell.
I’m not going to tell you too much about this flick except that Carell’s character is a dink, Liam James’ and AnnaSophia’s characters are awkwardly cute, and Rockwell’s character is the beans. Just go see this film. You will love it, trust me. It could be up for some awards. Hell, it was written and directed by Jim Rash and Nat Faxon (who won an Oscar for the film “The Descendants”) and was brought to us by the studio that brought us “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Juno”… And they were both quirky and great films, right?
Just briefly though, Sam Rockwell is one of my favorite actors out there. He takes characters and breathes energy into them. I love every role he has taken… See him is this film, along with “Moon”, “Ironman 2” and “Seven Psychopaths”. You will agree with me, he is a unique and talented actor.
So there you have it, another “Mattified” movie review on…. well, on about fifteen different films. What can I say, my mind is a roller coaster, and I want you all to enjoy the wild ride.
Matty W. Kelley, ‘A Seat Apart Productions’, reporting.
Fun Fact: AnnaSophia Robb insists that she be called by her full name “AnnaSophia”… I love that about her. That’s HER name and if she wants to be called that then she should be called that! Hell, I wouldn’t want to be called “Matt” if my name was “Matty”, right? (just my opinion.)
Fun Matty Fact: I left one film out that I think deserves a nod for a “great” film. That film is “Spring Breakers”. Now, I know I’m a man on an island here, but the story was very interesting and original. James Franco brought some serious punch to his character “Alien”. I know that I will get lambasted for saying that I loved this movie and that Franco should be talked about at awards time, but so what! I’m the professional movie reviewer here! And there’s only ONE movie reviewer in the ENTIRE world that’s better than me…… and that’s YOU. So if you haven’t seen the movie yet, then shut-up.