Gone Girl

Expectations:

Oscar season is here, folks! No more mediocrity... No more superheroes... Not quite as much mindless movie-watching... The world is a better place! And, to start it all off, we get an exciting film from the great David Fincher... Gone Girl. Add the excitement for Gone Girl to the amazing MLB Playoff games and the insane College Football weekend, and the last few days have really been quite impressive (from an entertainment perspective). Not that entertainment is the answer to every world problem, but nobody needs to be thinking about ISIS all of the time. Although I knew very little about what would unfold in Gone Girl's thrilling plot, my expectations were relatively high, due to the praise that the film is receiving and the fact that David Fincher is an amazing filmmaker. If you've never seen The Social Network, I forbid you to watch another film until you have done so. Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about Gone Girl...

Plot:
The complexity of the trickery used throughout Gone Girl was absolutely thrilling. While the whodunnit could have been guessed at any point, there is no doubt that uncertainty would have prevailed. But, looking back on how I felt during the film, the biggest problem was that I didn't know if I could actually trust the answer to the whodunnit. Unfortunately, I think that struggle took away a bit from the revelation. However, the events that followed were so complex and thrilling that I could care less. The direction of the unfolding of the story was great, and I think the story was meant to be visualized by David Fincher. If you've never truly appreciated a director and what he or she brings to the plate in the filmmaking world, just watch Gone Girl's thrilling murder scene (also note the amazing score). That's all I can give you without spoiling everything.

Characters:
Well, let's just get down to business...

Negatives:
While Neil Patrick Harris's Desi Collings was a necessary and interesting character, I don't know that Harris was the perfect casting decision. He certainly played the character how it was meant to be played, but there was just something that wasn't quite satisfying about his performance, in my opinion. The only character that I thought was a bit misused was Emily Ratajkowski's Andie Hardy, who I cannot really discuss. Just think about it, once you figure out who she is...

Positives:
Where to start?... How about with the lovely couple! Ben Affleck's Nick and Rosamund Pike's Amazing Amy were absolutely great characters, and each of their performances were spot-on. Unfortunately, I can't talk about them too much, but be sure to let me know what you think! On a much, much smaller scale, I was greatly impressed with Scoot McNairy's performance as Tommy O'Hara. This guy has huge star-potential. He will win an Oscar, one day... Just wait and see!

My absolute favorite character, however, was Kim Dickens' Detective Rhonda Boney, who I truly anticipated that I would HATE. Her attitude annoyed the crap out of me in the trailers, but she ended up being such an amazing example of sound justice. Add to that the fact that there were crazy people running all around her, and she may just look like the most sane character of 2014.

Conclusion:
Well, if you want to quit worrying about the "problems of the world," I would suggest watching Gone Girl. Trust me, your worries will quickly refocus on your neighbors' home or maybe even YOUR VERY OWN BEDROOM! Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was so baffled at the psyche of one character. While the character in question is much different, the unbelievably real and frightening reactions of this character brought me back to the bafflement that overcame me while watching Theodore Twombly in Her. The likelihood that anybody else had that connection is minimal, but I thought it should be shared. Throughout the film, when I thought a silver lining was on its way, the clouds quickly darkened.  Of course, this review has been fairly vague, in order to avoid spoiling the film, but I will say that I was on the edge of my seat throughout. If you enjoy any of David Fincher's mystery thrillers, you are sure to enjoy Gone Girl. If you have somehow managed to avoid watching any of Fincher's mystery thrillers, Gone Girl would be a great place to start (only because The Social Network is not really a mystery). The last few months of 2014 are sure to be filled with exciting films, and I hope that many of them can measure up to this awesome, awesome film. I give Gone Girl 4.02 out of 5 stars. 

The Above Average Awards: 2013 Drama

After 2012 and viewing my way through one of the greatest movie years in recent history, there was no doubt that 2013 was going to have a hard time following such a strong group of films. Luckily for us, it tries its hardest:

 

 

As a moviegoer, I tend to be more impressed with a great a story than a great acting performance. As a result, in the past, I have had a hard time narrowing down my top drama list and not such a hard time narrowing my actors and actresses lists. In 2013, everything was totally opposite, as the performances amazed me way more than the films themselves. I don't know why this happened (maybe the performances were just THAT good), but it was nice to have a bit of a perspective shift, as I put this list together. Additionally, the 2013 movie year was aided by the fact that there was no Twilight movie, WHATSOEVER!!! And, the win goes to... humanity...

 

 

 

Best Actor

This category was, by far, the hardest for me to cut off. So, to say that Oscar Isaac comes in at 8th place does not mean that his performance was barely worthy of a spot on this list. As evident by the endless number of honorable mentions, below, this year's acting performances were so dern good, and I was truly blown away. Make sure that you take a moment to read those honorable mentions, because they are truly deserving of attention.

Honorable Mention: Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips), Chadwick Boseman (42), Bobby Cannavale (Blue Jasmine), Paul Dano (12 Years a Slave), Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips/Saving Mr. Banks), Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street), Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club), Ben Mendelsohn (The Place Beyond the Pines), Joaquin Phoenix (Her), Tye Sheridan (Mud)

 

#8 - Oscar Isaac
(Inside Llewyn Davis)

Oscar Isaac sneaks onto the list by the skin of his teeth (an expression that makes no sense, whatsoever). However, his performance would not land him in 8th place in a normal movie year. Isaac's performance as Llewyn Davis was absolutely brilliant, and he really made up the entire film. When this one hits the Redbox, be sure to check it out, and you can bet that Isaac will find his way back to this list in the future.

 

 

#7 - Matthew McConaughey
(The Wolf of Wall Street)

I was a bit torn about whether or not to include McConaughey's Wolf performance, due to it's brevity. In the end, however, I decided there was no denying the its greatness. While it may have been brief, there is no doubt that the character's permeated the film, from beginning to end, and, personally, I thought The Wolf of Wall Street character of Mark Hanna was far superior to that of Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club. Some may disagree, but oh well...

 

 

#6 - Sharlto Copley

(Elysium)

As someone who enjoyed both District 9 and Elysium, Sharlto Copley's transformation, from one film to the next, absolutely blew me away. I never really heard much about his performance, even when the film was in theaters, which greatly disappointed me. Not only was I super impressed, but I think he might quickly become one of my favorite actors. Kudos to Copley and Neil Blomkamp for sticking together and providing us with great entertainment.

 

 

#5 - Jared Leto

(Dallas Buyers Club)

At the beginning of Dallas Buyers Club, I was wondering why Leto was getting so much praise for his performance, but, as the film went on, Leto proved that he is worthy of said praise. Without Leto, my opinion of Dallas Buyers Club would not be anywhere close to as high as it is. Sure, it was interesting... I just don't think it was "Best Picture Nominee" good. Regardless, Jared Leto merited his nomination, no doubt.

 

 

#4 - Bradley Cooper

(American Hustle)

Last year, Cooper topped my list of best dramatic actors, but he didn't quite make it that high on my 2013 list. Regardless, Cooper's performance was amazingly hilarious/dramatic/engaging/other-good-adjectives, and he continues to become one of my favorites. Christian Bale may have gained weight, but, in my opinion, Cooper stole the show in American Hustle. As a result, he makes The Above Average Awards for the second straight year!
 

#3 - Leonardo DiCaprio

 (The Wolf of Wall Street)

Although I've never been a huge DiCaprio fan, the amount of energy that he puts into The Wolf of Wall Street was enough to wear me out, and I was just sitting there watching a movie. His character was great, but his execution really made the film. Without him, I would have disliked it even more! Kudos to DiCaprio for taking on such a big role and executing it with all his might.

 

 



#2 - Stanley Tucci

(The Hunger Games: Catching Fire)

Stanley Tucci's Hunger Games performance is one that doesn't get very much attention. So, I'm here to right that wrong! Most people agree that Tucci is one of the greatest character actors in the business, but I've never seen him embrace a character quite like he did in Catching Fire. I have a feeling that Tucci will not have much/anything to do with the third and fourth Hunger Games films, which is really unfortunate, because he is my absolute favorite. Forget Peeta and Katniss! I want a whole movie about Caesar!

 

#1 - Michael Fassbender

(12 Years a Slave)

Not only does Michael Fassbender top my 2013 dramatic actor list, but he gave what could possibly be the most impressive on-screen performance that I have ever seen... EVER! Last year, Fassbender barely missed my list with his Prometheus performance, and, until watching 12 Years a Slave, I did not quite understand the range of Fassbender's abilities. This guy can freaking act! Kudos to Fassbender for blowing me away. If you haven't seen 12 Years a Slave, be sure to check it out ASAP!

 

Best Actress

The list of dramatic actresses is the shortest of all the 2013 Above Average lists, by far. Luckily, however, the three performances that I recognize below were absolutely brilliant. Kudos to these ladies for blowing me away.

 

Honorable Mention: Maria Bello (Prisoners), Carey Mulligan (Inside Llewyn Davis)

 



#3 - Jennifer Lawrence

(American Hustle)

Although Jennifer Lawrence won an Oscar for best actress and I sang Silver Linings Playbook's praise throughout the 2012 award season, I did not include Lawrence in my list of best dramatic actresses last year. Sure, she was good, but I didn't think she was THAT good. This year, however, I was absolutely blown away by Lawrence's performance in American Hustle. Each time she was on screen, I was waiting to find something to criticize, but that something never came.

 



#2 - Sandra Bullock

(Gravity)

From the age of 9, when I first saw Mrs. Congeniality, I have been madly in love with Sandra Bullock's looks. However, as her career has progressed and my infatuations matured, I've grown to appreciate her acting abilities. Personally, I wasn't as enthralled with her Blind Side performance as the Academy was, but, in Gravity, she was absolutely brilliant. Anyone who can make you feel without even talking to anyone has obvious talent, and that's exactly what Bullock has.

 



#1 - Cate Blanchett

(Blue Jasmine)

In 2012, Anne Hathaway took home both my top spot and an Oscar, and Cate Blanchett is likely to do the same thing this year. I know most of my readers probably haven't seen Blue Jasmine, and, honestly, if you don't just love Woody Allen movies, don't watch it, because it's not anything TOO special. However, Blanchett's performance was absolutely brilliant, and there is no denying that! I've never been a huge fan of Blanchett, mostly because she strikes me as a British actor who can only play old, British characters, like Queen Elizabeth and that Lord of the Rings chick. Luckily, she broke that pre-determined mold that I had made for her and gave the best female performance of 2013.

 

 

Best Film

 

Honorable Mention: Elysium, Inside Llewyn Davis

 

#7 - Star Trek: Into Darkness

A lot of people had a lot of negative things to say about Star Trek: Into Darkness, and, to them, I say "you are entitled to your own opinion." For me, it was a great experience! My love for J.J. Abrams knows no bounds, and this sequel did nothing to change that. Hopefully, as Abrams steps into his Star Wars shoes, the future of the Star Trek franchise will continue to be bright. For now, however, I have two great Star Trek films to enjoy whenever I desire...  





#6 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

 



While Ben Stiller may not be thought of as a dramatic mind, after watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, it is clear that he must have some serious creativity going on up there. Of all the films on my best list, this one is probably the least popular among critics, but who cares?!? The simple story, mixed with amazing music and stunning visuals, really made for some personally self-reflective movie-time for a guy who is not good at defying logic and complacency. Maybe I only liked Walter Mitty because he was a lot like me, but, regardless, I liked him. I think you all would, too.

 

 

#5 - Gravity

I will gladly admit that I am not a huge fan of action films that are all spectacle (and usually no story), but Gravity was able to defy the odds and blow me away. When the film ended, I felt like I had just been on the best amusement park ride ever created, which is not a hard prize to earn (I hate amusement parks). Every single moment of the film was ridiculously engaging, and, on top of that, Sandra Bullock's performance brought out one of the most emotional on-screen thrill rides of 2013. I love space, so I expected the visuals to blow me away. However, never in a million years would I have expected the film to connect on an emotional level, but that it did so very well.

 

 

#4 - 12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave is not a movie that you enjoy. It's not a movie that you want to watch over and over. It's a not movie that takes you to that happy, care-free world that many movies take you to. In fact, the film is almost unbearable. However, at the same time, it is so absolutely brilliant and so honestly dramatic that there is little question to whether it is one of the best films of 2013. I've never seen a movie that was quite as able to take something that is easily over-dramatized, like slavery, and, instead, focus on the truth, which turns out to be more dramatic than drama itself. Kudos to Steve McQueen and crew for giving us this wonderful work of art.

#3 - Frances Ha



No 2013 film had that fun-loving, indie feel quite like Frances Ha, and I can't let that go unnoticed! This film was able to sneak onto my TV via Netflix, making it the first ever Above Average film that I watched for the first time on Netflix. So, kudos to Netflix and the Frances Ha distributors for getting the film into my living room. Anywho, with Greta Gerwig's great performance (which I recognized in

the Above Average Comedy Awards) and an amazingly self-reflective storyline, Frances Ha unexpectedly blew me away. If you had shown me my list in mid-July, this film would have had me wondering how in the world it made the list, but, as I sit here in February, I just can't leave it off.

 

#2 - Her

 

No film on this list was able to surprise me as much as Spike Jonze's Her. Not only was the film much different than I had anticipated, but it was also about 100 times better than I expected. Of course, Joaquin Phoenix is great, but, along with 12 Years a Slave and the film that sits at number one, the true beauty of this film was found in it's story and the very unique display of said story. I've never enjoyed a Spike Jonze film in this way, yet there is no doubt that this truly is a Spike Jonze Love Story.

 

 

#1 - The Place Beyond the Pines

As only the sixth 2013 film that I saw, I was absolutely certain that something would come along and impress me more than the greatness that is The Place Beyond the Pines. Don't get me wrong... I LOVED this movie, but never before has my favorite movie come so early in the year. In fact, no pre-May-released film has ever graced The Above Average Best Dramatic picture list (in all two years of its existence!!!) (that was sarcasm FYI) (now you get it!). But, seriously, it's hard to believe that a film could hang on to my top spot for so long. Regardless, it happened, and I'm super pumped! Why? You might ask... Well, many of my readers have probably never seen The Place Beyond the Pines, and I'm super excited to have the opportunity to spread the good news and encourage each of you to check it out. I believe you can find it at the Redbox, and I know that HBO has been running the film, nonstop, over the past few weeks. No excuses, people! Check it out! It is your duty. Not only because I said so, but also because The Place Beyond the Pines is the best dramatic film of 2013!



This one post makes an entire year's worth of blogging worth every single minute. There is nothing that I enjoy more than coming up with a best list and sharing it with folks who probably haven't seen as many movies as me. My hope is that each of you will take the time to check out the films and performances listed above and in my comedy list (The Above Average Awards: 2013 Comedy), and share it with your friends! I promise that you will not be disappointed!

So long, 2013!



Her

 

 

Expectations:
The trailers for Spike Jonze's Her looked a bit too artsy fartsy for my taste, but something about a man falling in love with his computer is very interesting to me. But, folks, no need to worry!... I am engaged to a girl, and she is MUCH better than my computer!... I'm not a huge fan of Spike Jonze's previous work, although it always manages to get me thinking. His stories are so weird and unique, and I can easily say that I would be frightened to be in his head for more than five minutes. But, even with the craziness, there is something so intriguing about this storyline, and, regardless of how absolutely insane Joaquin Phoenix may be, the man can act. Sometimes, weird movies, like Her, are able to surprise me, but, at the same time, weird movies can end up as total disasters. Who knew what was coming with Her?...

Plot:
As expected, the film was quite artsy and trippy, but neither was the least bit overwhelming, which was a pleasant surprise. The artistic, visual focus (which I tend to not care for too much) was quite nice and accented the realistic fantasy that Jonze and Phoenix created. You might ask, "Tanner, how does a film manage to be a realistic fantasy? Those words are antonyms." To you people, I just ask that you take my word for it or go watch the movie! Honestly, there were a few inexplicable, technological advances in Her, and it is difficult for myself to imagine falling in love with my computer. However, at the same exact time, nothing about the technological and societal advances were too extreme to make them seem unattainable. Wait, wait... I take that back! In Her, nobody ever wore a belt, and I really don't see the market for belts collapsing drastically in the near future. So, there was that! Also, as someone who considers himself a bit of an introvert, I could actually imagine somebody out there falling in love with a computer, if that computer was the Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) that Phoenix's Theodore Twombly fell for in the first half of the film. Personally, the idea is not appealing, but I don't believe it to be too far-fetched. So, anyway, I say all of that to help you realize that Her is not as whimsical as the trailer made it out to be. The film felt very, very real, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way that Jonze told the story. The plot itself was not ground-breaking, but the film really opened some gaping questions about seclusion, as a result of our computer-loving, introverted future-selves.

Characters:
Pretty much everything about this film revolved around Theodore Twombly, and I do not believe that there was ever a significant, on-screen moment that lacked the presence of Joaquin Phoenix. With that being said, pretty much everything that I said in the plot about the film can be carried over to Twombly's character. He was THE man in this film, and he wasn't nearly as much of a social recluse as the trailer made him out to be, which is probably why I was so surprised that he was so realistic. Sure, he was a bit awkward and introverted, but he was NOT socially inept. Phoenix did a brilliant job, as we've come to expect, regardless of how crazy he may be. Additionally, Scarlett Johansson did an amazing job with her voice acting, although I did not like the fact that I was picturing her the whole time. If I did not have a face to associate with her voice, I think the film would have been even better, because I would have felt a bit more in touch with Theodore's perception of her. Finally, Spike Jonze himself provided one of the funniest moments of 2013 films, with his voice performance as the foul-mouthed Alien Child. I was rolling throughout that entire scene! I think the Alien Child is deserving of his own film... Anybody with me on that?

Conclusion:
Her was so surprisingly real that I still don't know if I've fully grasped how great the film was, and I watched it like two weeks ago! My expectations were absolutely destroyed! Of the 2013 Oscar contenders/nominees, I don't think there is another film with anywhere near as much creativity or intrigue in its story... Maybe Bad Grandpa? Ha Ha Ha!!!... Anyway, I encourage everyone to check out Her. Is it odd?... Yes! Is it unique?... Yes! Is it possible that you will hate it?... Yes! But, there is a chance that this film could sneak up and be your favorite film of 2013. Do not be afraid! Let me be your encouragement! Go watch Her! I give Her 4.00 out of 5 stars.

Great Expectations: December 2013

 

Busy, Busy, Busy

 



Over the past few years, there have been many months in which I have gone to the movies way, way more than the average human being. In fact, over the past few years, I dare say that has been the case with almost every month. Even so, December 2013 may possibly be the busiest movie-going month that I have ever encountered, and I cannot wait! Instead of caving like Professor Hinkle, I have decided to take this challenge head-on. Usually, in my Great Expectations post, I only list three or four movies to watch each month, but, this month, I've decided to list each and every film that I aspire to watch, in preparation for Oscar night and just for my own entertainment. This month, if you are looking for me, check at the movies first! Also, if I never post anything on here ever again, it's because I spent all of my money on movies and Christmas presents and couldn't pay my internet bill.......

 

Inside Llewyn Davis

(December 6)

 

 

Saving Mr. Banks

(December 13)

 

 

American Hustle

(December 18)

 

 

Her

(December 18)

 

 

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

(December 20)

 

 

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

(December 25)

 

 

The Wolf of Wall Street

(December 25)