Closure: February 2014

 

 

Often times, I have people come up to me and ask me about the quality of certain films or if I have seen a film. Sometimes, I actually have an answer for them, and that answer may not be accessible through one of my reviews (because I can't write about EVERY movie that I watch). So, this month, for the first time, I have decided to share with you every single film that I have watched over the past month. Hopefully, this type of write up will become a monthly thing, but, for now, it is in beta-mode. My plan for this segment is to give people a look at some of the films that I have watched and, potentially, peak their interest in some films that may only be found on Netflix or at the Redbox or wherever. I try to write a review of most every film that I watch in the theater, but, sometimes, even those don't get their own write-up. This new segment, which I have deemed "Closure," will give you a list of every film that I have watched over the previous month, how I watched each film, and whether I would suggest it for the average moviegoer. Hopefully, I will have people come up to me and say, "Hey! I saw where you watched x! How was it? What was it really about?" Anyway, let me know what you think about the segment and how I could change it to better please my readers! Enjoy...

February has been a fairly busy month, with school kicking into high gear, so I haven't had time to watch too many films. However, I managed to avoid any duds, which means you should check out each of the films below:

Movie	Year	Format	Did I Enjoy?	Would I Watch Again?
Super 8	2011	Blu-Ray > Own	Yes	Yes
The LEGO Movie	2014	Theater > Matinee	Yes	Yes
All is Lost	2013	Blu-Ray > Redbox	Yes	No
Ain't Them Bodies Saints	2013	DVD > Redbox	Yes	Yes
Despicable Me 2	2013	Blu-Ray > Borrowed	Yes	Yes
Dazed and Confused	1993	TV > Starz	Yes	Yes

 

Movie of the Month

 

The LEGO Movie

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!



The LEGO Movie

Expectations:
To be perfectly transparent, I don't believe I have been this excited about an animated film since the age of 6, and I am perfectly fine with that! As a person who is fascinated by clever things, The LEGO Movie appeared to be the mecca of clever, which drew me right on in. I don't know if it was the use of superheroes and historical figures or the fact that EVERY SINGLE moment in the trailer contained nothing that wasn't a LEGO, but I just couldn't wait. I probably watch more animated films than the average 22 year old. So, you may think that my excitement for this film is no biggy. However, The LEGO Movie is one of my most anticipated films of 2014, and it has been ever since I saw the first trailer. The only thing that could possibly peak my interest more would be yet another Toy Story movie (which is inevitable). For those of you that enjoy animated films, this review is dedicated to you, because I have regained an understanding of your excitement.

Plot:
The word around the film-watching universe was that The LEGO Movie did a great job of providing laughs and telling a gripping story, that connected on an emotional level. My excitement for the film was grounded in the laughs, but I was quite curious about the film's ability to tell a great story. I didn't really expect it to be that great (at least in comparison to other emotional animated films). Boy, was I wrong! In fact, I heard a ton of people talking about how the film was bringing on the waterworks! I didn't get THAT invested in the LEGOs, but the meaning behind the story was actually really, really clever. The only thing I didn't like about the story was the fact that the end of the film felt like a 90s kids' movie, like Honey I Shrunk the Kids or Mighty Ducks. I won't offer up any details on that analysis, in an effort to avoid spoilers, but, if you do watch, keep it in mind. On top of the great story, there were many, many laughs that were mostly a result of the clever use of LEGOs. It was just hilarious to watch the LEGOs do LEGO stuff... but in a movie.

Characters:
While there were so many hilarious cameos made by LEGO versions of human people, there were some times when I thought they made the wrong decision when determining which characters to focus on. As far as the story went, most of the characters were important and well-used, but there were some that I just wanted a lot more of and did not get. However, overall, the film did a great job of creating good characters...

Negatives:
My least favorite character, by far, had to be Metal Beard, voiced by Nick Offerman. While I tend to like Offerman, there were just very few jokes for the character, and his storyline was the only one that was forced, in my opinion. Another character that I did not care for was the god-like Vitruvius, voiced by Morgan Freeman, who just didn't provide in the god-like-joke department. I wanted to like him, but it just wasn't happening.

Positives:
If you've pretty much EVER read my blog, you probably have a preconceived idea of my love for Jonah Hill, which may or may not be a healthy aspect of my life. In The LEGO Movie, Hill voiced The Green Lantern, who was the most hilarious character, and I had no clue, at all, that Hill was in the movie, until I heard his voice! It was quite a pleasant surprise, and I really wish his role would have been larger. However, it's probably a good thing that it wasn't, because, each time he appeared on screen, I got a little giddy. The most hilarious moment of the entire film was provided by Benny the Spaceman, who was voiced by the always funny Charlie Day. Hill and Day have topped my Above Average comedic actor list each of the last three years, which made for a pleasant surprise when I heard their voices and loved their characters.

Conclusion:
Kudos to whoever had the idea to create a movie made entirely of LEGOs! I can't wait to watch again, so I can see some of the cool, quirky, LEGO-induced moments that I might have missed while being distracted by the storyline. As far as animated films go, The LEGO Movie is sure to entertain anyone who has any sort of relationship with the classic toys and anyone who just likes a good laugh. With a great story, combined with a clever concept, The LEGO Movie is a great start to 2014 movie year, and I can only hope that this film is a sign of a great movie year to come. I give The LEGO Movie 3.48 out of 5 stars.

The Above Average Awards: 2013 Comedy

This year, for the first time, I have decided to divide the Above Average Awards into two separate posts--one for comedic films and one for dramatic films. In the past, when I've crammed them all into one post, I found it to be a bit overwhelming. The dramatic list will be out in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back and see who topped that list for 2013. I know I am pretty much the last movie blogger to release his best list, but I wanted to give myself time to see a majority of the films that never made it to Hattiesburg, for accuracy's sake. Anyway, for now, here's to the guys (and gals) who made us laugh hysterically in 2013...

 

I am of the opinion that comedic actors and films are undervalued in the world of film criticism. As the Oscar predictions role in, comedy usually gets lost in the mix, and I really hate it. I know, true comedic films aren't really made to win awards. However, I believe there should be Oscar categories to further recognize comedic films, much like the Emmys. Sure, the Golden Globes have a comedy category, but the films in that category are pretty much limited to really, really dramatic films that may have contained a joke or two. Anyways, I will stop whining, but I just wanted to make it known why I take the time to really recognize the best work in comedic films. So, without further delay, here are my favorites in comedic films and comedic performances from 2013:

 

 

Best Actor

Honorable Mention: Kevin Kline (Last Vegas), Simon Pegg (The World's End)

 

#8 - Danny McBride

(This is the End)

Honestly, I am shocked that Danny McBride was able to make it on to any positive list of mine, but, each time I watch This is the End, he makes me laugh more and more. Typically, I'm not a fan of McBride's failed attempts at Will Ferrell humor, but his interactions with James Franco were so freaking funny in this film. Although I hope that McBride continues to impress me in the future... I'm not counting on it...

 

 



#7 - Johnny Simmons

(The To Do List)

Last year, The Perks of Being a Wallflower took home the top honor from The Above Average Awards, and Johnny Simmons' performance was probably my least favorite of the entire film. However, after watching The To Do List, I'm encouraged that Johnny might find himself a nice career in comedy. He was absolutely hilarious, and I hope to see him pop up in many more future comedies.

 

 



#6 - The Minions

(Despicable Me 2)

Need I say more than "Bottom"?

 

I will say that I am assuming that the Minions are mostly male, categorizing them in the actor category, but who really knows!?!

  

#5 - Will Poulter

(We're the Millers)

Although I am still amazed at the box office success of We're the Millers, there is no denying Will Poulter's amazing performance. In fact, I dare say that he is the most memorable comedic character of 2013. Regardless, Poulter is sure to have a bright future, and we will look back at We're the Millers, wondering how it possibly banked $150 million.

 

 

#4 - Moises Arias

(The Kings of Summer)

As someone who absolutely loves a good coming-of-age tale, The Kings of Summer was, as a whole, underwhelming. However, the hilarious presence of Moises Arias, throughout the entire film, kept a smile on my face. His character was so randomly funny, and that random humor ends to crack me up. Many of you probably remember Arias from his role on Hannah Montana, but let's hope that he continues to go for these goofy roles.

 

 

#3 - Steve Carell

(Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues)

Steve Carell has long been one of my go-to funny guys, ever since I first fell in love with his humor on The Office. And now, finally, I have an opportunity to praise him in my best list! In fact, Brick is one of the funniest characters that I have ever had the pleasure of watching, and I loved his inflated role in the Anchorman sequel. Of course, Steve Carell was dead on, and I think most everyone would agree that his was an amazingly hilarious character.

 

#2 - Michael Cera

(This is the End)

Of all the actors in This is the End, Michael Cera was obviously the least genuine in the portrayal of himself, and I must say that it was absolutely genius. Kudos to Seth Rogen and crew for coming up with the idea to turn Cera into a crack-induced pervert, and kudos to Cera for pulling off one of the funniest performances of 2013 (in less than 10 minutes of screen time).

 

 

#1 - Jonah Hill

(This is the End)

For the second straight year, Hill easily takes home my top spot for comedic performances in 2013, and, this time, he doesn't have to share it with Channing Tatum. While the entire cast of This is the End was absolutely brilliant, Hill just kept the laughs coming, and, like Michael Cera, he actually acted, compared to some of the other stars who played versions of themselves that were exactly like their true selves. Hill has quickly become one of my favorite actors, as evident by the fact that he is the only actor to make the Above Average list each of the three years that I have been blogging. His work in comedy and drama is amazing, and he is greatly deserving of craploads of recognition!

 

 



 

Best Actress

 

Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Annette Bening (Girl Most Likely), Leslie Mann (The Bling Ring), Megan Mullaly (The Kings of Summer)

 



#5 - Glenne Headly
(Don Jon)

With the help of the great Tony Danza, Glenne Headly provided many great laughs throughout a mediocre film. Hilarious motherly figures tend to crack me up... so she had that going for her. Nevertheless, her performance is what made the character so great.

 

 

#4 - Sylvia Kauders

(Inside Llewyn Davis)

Of the great performances recognized on both my dramatic and comedic lists, no role was smaller than that of Sylvia Kauders, who played a secretary in Inside Llewyn Davis. Her screen time was probably less than three minutes, if I had to guess, but she certainly made good use of her time. In fact, I couldn't even find a picture of her in the movie. Regardless, I was rolling with every word that came out of her mouth, so kudos to this lovely lady!

 



 

#3 - Melissa McCarthy
(The Heat)

Melissa McCarthy is quickly becoming the queen of comedy, and she was able to provide a number of great laughs in The Heat. Unfortunately, Sandra Bullock's lack of humor brought the film down, as a whole, but McCarthy is worthy of much praise. This recognition marks her second time on my Above Average list, of which I am sure she is immeasurably grateful!

 

 

#2 - Greta Gerwig

(Frances Ha)

 

Ever since I first saw Greta Gerwig in Russell Brand's Arthur, I have been attracted to her free spirit and charm, but her performance in Frances Ha proved that she has a bright future ahead of her. Personally, I had a hard time deciding whether to put her in the dramatic or comedic list. Nonetheless, I decided to put her here, because she did a great job of making me laugh, although her film did a great job of making me think.

 

 

#1 - Allison Janney
(The Way Way Back)

I know I have talked about my affinity for The West Wing on multiple occasions, but I have never taken time out to give praise to the great Allison Janney. Luckily, her amazingly hilarious performance in The Way Way Back gave me a great excuse to give her some praise. In a movie that I was a bit disappointed in, Janney was consistently providing laughs and keeping me interested. She may have had only a minor role, but she certainly gave it her all! That's why I'm choosing her as my favorite comedic actress of 2013.

 

 

 

Best Film

Honorable Mention: The Heat, The World's End

#4 - A.C.O.D.



With an amazing cast and a hilarious topic, A.C.O.D. (Adult Children of Divorce) was able to sneak up on me and provide some great laughs. I would encourage everyone to check this one out at the Redbox. While I can't attest to its accuracy of portrayal (my parents are still married), I can attest to its hilarity, which is really what you want from a comedy.

 



#3 - The To Do List

I don't know how many awkward sex jokes you can fit into a single film, but The To Do List certainly tried to find out! Although it could have been waaay better, the film still managed to provide a ton of laughs, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I guess this means that I enjoy a mass amount of awkward sex jokes, but it is what it is.

 

 

#2 - Last Vegas

Of all 2013 movies, both dramatic and comedic, there was no film that was as surprisingly good as Last Vegas. What was sold to older moviegoers as "a dorky version of The Hangover" turned out to be one of the most hilarious films of the year. I have been waiting months to show this film to my parents, and I finally had the opportunity, the other day. If you missed out on Last Vegas, I promise it is worth your time.

 

#1 - This is the End

 

Contrary to what the Golden Globes may believe, I am of the opinion that a comedy's sole intention is to make you laugh. I know, I already ranted about this topic, but, as an "average" guy, I would never associate the comedy of American Hustle with the comedy of the aforementioned films! Never! So, don't worry... Those films will show up in my drama list. In 2013, the comedy field was not the strongest, but it was much better than 2012. However, there was one film that shone so brightly that I would easily dub it the best film of any kind in 2013, and that film is This is the End. Honestly, if I combined my comedy and drama best lists, This is the End would be number one, by a landslide! If you've yet to see this hilariously outrageous end-of-the-world comedy, you are truly missing out. My opinion may not be a popular one, but there was no 2013 dramatic or comedic film that I enjoyed anywhere close to as much as I enjoyed This is the End! If you want me to say that one more time, I can! The great performances, which have already been mentioned, mixed with the anything-goes attitude of the storyline, makes for one heck of a film that is sure to keep you laughing throughout.

 

 

So, there it is, folks! This is the End joins the likes of 21 Jump Street and Horrible Bosses, at the top of the Above Average. Let me know what you think, in the comment section, and be sure to check back soon for the release of my dramatic list...

Great Expectations: February 2014

It's time for the first Great Expectations of 2014! Now that I've seen almost every 2013 Oscar nominated film, I can finally move on to brand new movies, and February has a couple of films that I just can't wait to see...

In February, the theater is sure to be filled with hundreds of men who were forced to watch a ridiculous chick flick and hundreds of children, longing to see their LEGOs come to life. Luckily, I will be one of the hundreds of children, because my amazing fiancé doesn't force me to watch dumb movies, which is all the more reason to love her. Seriously, though, I can't wait for The LEGO Movie! Check out the trailer, below, along with the trailer for the only other February film that I'm actually interested in, The Monuments Men...

 

The LEGO Movie

(February 7)

 

 

The Monuments Men

(February 7)