GenReview Awards: Best In Comedy

Warning: Only movies I have seen were considered. That is all.

Best Picture: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Hey, remember this one? It was overshadowed by Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder, and maybe even Role Models, but Forgetting Sarah Marshall was one of my favorites. Jason Segel penned this magnificent comedy, and his penis made its big screen debut. All in all, not a bad first outing. His chemistry with Mila Kunis and the interactions between him and Kristen Bell are awesome. Plus, it has a Dracula musical.

Best Screenplay: Burn After Reading

A well-crafted comedy/thriller. It screams Coen brothers, with their zany characters and the wacky situations they find themselves in. This time it involves the CIA and a couple of personal trainers. Burn After Reading is a twisty, turning, occasionally back flipping movie, and the punchline to end the joke (which is the movie) is classic. These guys sure can write.

Best Acting: Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder)

Is it a surprise? Nobody did it better in comedy than RDJ. You could almost have pitted him again himself in Iron Man, but his role in Tropic Thunder was incredible. His character has so many parts, I doubt many actors could do better (though probably none would). His performance alone is reason to watch Tropic Thunder, but luckily the movie is just as good.

Best Production: Pineapple Express

This is a tough one. I give the award to Pineapple Express because it perfectly blended the action and comedy pieces. And making a giant weed farm, blowing shit up, shooting people, and crashing cars makes for an interesting production.

Best Director: Kevin Smith (Zack and Miri Make A Porno)

Why? Because he made one of his best movies. Zack and Miri is a fun, dirty ride. Seth Rogen is amazing, as is his costar Elizabeth Banks. The two have a great chemistry, even when they are making an indie porno together. True, this wasn't exactly like Smith's older stuff, but the regulars are there, and the film is funny throughout. I'm a fan, and think he has shown incredible improvement, at least behind the camera, over the last decade and a half.

GenReview Awards: Best In Drama

So the first annual GenReview Awards are here. These awards celebrate the best within a given genre, based on what I've seen over the course of the previous year. With that, there will be notable exceptions on the lists, but that is likely because I haven't seen the film (and I try very hard to see all I can). So here goes drama.

Best Picture: 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

This haunting drama follows two girls in 1980s Romania, one of whom is seeking an abortion. But this is communist Romania, where abortions are illegal and carry hefty penalties. So what we have is an intense film, featuring two fine performances by the lead actresses. Cristian Mungiu, the writer and director, shoots up close and personal, utilizing long shots to build tension and draw out paranoia. This is a film that will stay with you.

Best Screenplay: Synecdoche, New York

I know, a Charlie Kaufman film winning best screenplay. Shocking, I know. But it was the finest script, turned into an excellent film, making it the most deserving. Synecdoche, New York is filled with complexities and builds to a wondrous finale, even if it is buried under a sea of abstractions. It's impossible to explain this film, so see it yourself.

Best Acting: Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)

Her finest work. Forget what you think you know about Hathaway and embrace her work here. She is intense, and funny, and obnoxious, but in a good way. It's acting, and I want to feel something out of a performance. Hathaway's was the best of the year, and deserves a win.

Best Production: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The effects work here is impressive, to say the least. What is CGI, what is excellent acting, and what is a mixture of both? That is what makes this film so good. Brad Pitt does a lot of the acting work, even as the old man/child version of himself. Plus, the set work and design was phenomenal. Great movie.

Best Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)

Slumdog Millionaire is a great movie. Why is it, because Danny Boyle can direct the shit out of a movie, and he does. At one point literally, when a feces covered boy asks a famous Bollywood star for his autograph. The style is where Boyle most succeeds, and filming in India didn't hurt. Colorful locations and perfectly executed camera shots are just his thing.

Friday Night Lights (Season 1)

It's nice to see a television series can successfully adapt, and even transcend, one of the best football films of the last decade. Friday Night Lights focuses on the Dillon Panthers, a Texas high school football team. Two things seem destined to destroy this show, however. One, people think it is a show about football. Wrong. It is just an aspect of the show, but you need no real football knowledge to understand the themes and stories. Two, that it is about teenagers in high school and holds no emotional or intellectual weight. Wrong, again. It is a tightly written, smart show that uses a football town to relate to the larger world. Much like Veronica Mars, another high school centered show that was really for those long out of it. The cast is wonderful, especially when it comes to the work of Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, and the Zack Gilford/Jesse Plemons combo. A finer season of television will be hard to come by, so give Friday Night Lights the chance it deserves, if only to keep it from cancellation.

Genre - Drama (3.75)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (4)
Production (4)
Directing (3)

The Straight Story

Another David Lynch film that doesn't leave you disturbed at the end. Just like The Elephant Man, Lynch's The Straight Story is emotional, makes you feel something, but is sweet and straightforward. Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) travels from Iowa to Wisconsin, a journey of a couple hundred miles, while riding a John Deer tractor. Did I mention he was in his seventies when he did this? Farnsworth is great as Alvin Straight (and got him an Oscar nomination for his troubles), with a big thanks to the screenplay by John Roach and Mary Sweeney. The duo managed to write The Straight Story with very touching moments, but they never feel forced or begging for tears. That is, the scenes in question are never heavy-handed. And Lynch gets credit for knowing how to make a damn good film. Check it out.

Genre - Drama (3.75)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (4)
Production (3)
Directing (4)

The Elephant Man

David Lynch is a director best known for his wacky, insane films that leave you uncomfortable by the time the credits role. His Blue Velvet left me feeling that way, and made Dennis Hopper far creepier than I thought possible. But with The Elephant Man, Lynch has directed a film that maintains his signature style, yet is more comprehensible than some of his others. It is nice to know he is capable of these down-to-earth movies, but can also deliver those psychologically twisted films he will be forever remembered for.

Elephant Man follows the story of John Merrick (John Hurt), a man who lived during mid- to late-1800s. And what was special about him? His disfigurement, which gave him the titular nickname and left him an outcast by society. That is, until, Dr. Frederick Tereves (Anthony Hopkins) seeks to help him. The story is true (for the most part) and touching. So it helps that the script is sound, the directing spot on, and the acting superb. Hurt as the physically defective Elephant Man is at his finest here, but he always brings an intensity to any role he plays. The black and white coloring of the film might turn some off, but it does work perfectly for the story and time period.

Genre - Drama (3.5)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (4)
Production (3)
Directing (4)

Barton Fink

Man, what to say? I do know that Joel and Ethan Coen sure have some strange thoughts floating around their heads. Barton Fink starts off slow, average even, but once Fink himself settles into the world of Hollywood and motion pictures, things take off. Suddenly, decisions and actions of the characters become confusing and make little sense. Is it just that Fink (John Tuturro) has sold out, living in a world bordered by heaven and hell, left to suffer the consequences of his choices? Who knows, but dammit if I didn't find myself captivated, wanting more when the movie ended, but knowing there was nothing left to add. Speaking of the ending, it was one that screamed Coen brothers, and that is most definitely a compliment. And I'm sure I'm not alone in this, but John Goodman steals the show, and I actually wished he had been in it more. Something about his pairing with the Coen's, perhaps, but he can be quite the actor. This one will stay with you, even if you don't find yourself immediately impressed.

Genre - Comedy (3.75)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (3)
Production (4)
Directing (4)

Sex, Lies, and Videotape

That is one catchy title. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't perk up hearing Sex, Lies, and Videotape (whether in interest or disgust). Some people will assume it is pornography, others an erotic thriller. But it is neither, and instead is a slow building, captivating drama about four people. This was one of Steven Soderbergh's first films, but his work on it is just as impressive as his work now. For a flick about sex and the complications that may arise from it, there is no nudity or even any explicit (or risque) sex scenes. The story revolves around the interactions between characters, and what they mean to each other. Some have a positive influence, others negative, but everyone is changed by the end. Sex, Lies, and Videotape was not what I expected, and that's okay. It was far better than I would have imagined.

Genre - Drama (3.5)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (3)
Production (3)
Directing (4)

Flight Of The Conchords (Season 1)

You wouldn't think it'd be so hard to find a truly funny television series, but it is. And then a funny show that can be watched on dozens of repeated viewings? Dare I say, impossible? No. Because we have Flight of the Conchords, the show about a couple of hilarious Kiwi's in New York, trying to get their novelty band off the ground. Now, it was probably over dramatic to say Flight of the Conchords is the only funny show that can be viewed on endless repeat, but it is one of very few (Arrested Development, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, How I Met Your Mother among some of mine). Bret and Jemaine, the two men playing a dulled down version of themselves, are best when performing their songs. They are funny and smart (the songs, not the characters), and the duos comedy album is just as fantastic as the show. "Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros" and "If Your Into It" are my favorite of their songs, but there are so many other classics. All I can say is, thank god their popularity is growing. Plus, incompetent manager Murray (Rhys Darby) and creepy fan Mel (Kristen Schaal) add an infectious charm to the show.

Genre - Comedy (3.75)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (4)
Production (4)
Directing (3)

Citizen Kane

Is this the greatest film of all time? Well, it's not my personal favorite, but it is a damn fine film. That's as close as I'll get to labeling any such motion picture "the greatest film of all time." There is no denying, however, that Citizen Kane is one of the most beautifully shot films, and an epic in its own right. The film is larger than life, much like Charles Foster Kane himself, and is effective in telling the story mostly through the lens of the camera. Gregg Toland, the cinematographer of Citizen Kane, does his job better than just about anyone.

But what about what we see and hear? The script, by writer/director/actor Orson Welles, is wonderful. Kane's life is explored after his death by a journalist hot for scoop on the mogul giants final word: Rosebud. Through accounts by the people that loved (and hated) Kane, we are treated to the spectacle that Kane himself was. Coupled with Toland, and Welles directing, Citizen Kane has become a film that will live forever into the future of film. Like all films, there are flaws, but they are minuscule, mostly due, in this humble reviewers opinion, to the limitations of filming technique of the 40s. But again, they are minuscule and few and far between.

Genre - Drama (3.75)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (3)
Production (4)
Directing (4)

Saw V

Finally, a Saw that gives us something new, or at least newish. Sure, Saw V has faults, many of them, but I respect what the writers tried to do. They twisted the usual story line, and focused more on Scott Patterson's Agent Strahm than the victims. Plus, the amount of gore was significantly reduced, perhaps in response to the erroneous claims of "torture porn." Director David Hackl takes over for Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II - IV), though his work seems lacking when compared to Bousman.

Genre - Horror (2.5)

Screenplay (2)
Acting (3)
Production (3)
Directing (2)

Saw IV

And then there were four. It is more mayhem and madness, this time with Riggs as the victim. Jigsaw and apprentice Amanda are dead, but the former continues to make appearances in flashbacks that explain why he does what he does. A pretty bold move to kill your villain partway through the series, but Saw enjoys doing these things. So Saw IV is much like the others, but sometimes (like every Halloween) that is what audiences need. And new script writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan breathe some fresh air into the series.

Genre - Horror (2.75)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (3)
Production (3)
Directing (2)

Saw III

Saw III is much like Saw II, in that it features a victim of Jigsaw who must face impossible decisions in order to live. The plot isn't necessarily important, but how events transpire are. You have Jeff (Angus MacFadyen), who must decide whether or not to let those responsible for his sons death die. So some gruesome torture scenes ensue, and then the inevitable twist arrives, which works well with the mixed story lines of the franchise. If you're a fan of the series, Saw III is a worthy entry.

Genre - Horror (2.75)

Screenplay (2)
Acting (3)
Production (3)
Directing (3)

Saw II

The formula for Saw II is as follows: take the original Saw and add three times as many people, a dozen more traps, and allow an ample amount of blood to flow. That is not to say the sequel is no good. Quite the opposite. The second in the Saw franchise is just as fun as its predecessor, but twice as shudder-inducing. Any film that features a pit of needles, which this does, will be cringe worthy in my book. It is perhaps the highlight of the film. That and Tobin Bell, who plays Jigsaw. Such a great actor, and one who does this original character a ton of justice. Plus, the twist at the end will have you shaking your head, much in the way audiences did with Saw the previous year.

Genre - Horror (3.25)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (3)
Production (3)
Directing (3)

Saw

The one that began it all. The spectacular franchise opener that changed the very nature of horror. Well, maybe not quite a game changer, but one hell of an indie creeper. Saw, unlike the sequels that would follow, is all about tone and twists, less about torture and gore. James Wan and Leigh Whannell, director and writer respectively, have crafted a clever horror film and created a brilliant villain. Jigsaw, the killer who never kills, forces his victims to face their faults and avoid death by challenging them. Genius. The script focuses mostly on the story of Adam (Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes), who are trapped in a disgusting bathroom, racing against time to escape. Wan manages nicely behind the camera, and is best when revealing the twists. This is the first, and best, of the series, and is likely to go down in history beside Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and Halloween. It is already the highest grossing horror franchise, beating out Jason Voorhees and his mother.

Genre - Horror (3.25)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (2)
Production (4)
Directing (3)

Damages (Season 1)

Finally. A law show that isn't about law. At least not really. No fancy court hearings, no winning over juries, no celebrations each week over the last big win. Instead, Damages gives us a show about lawyers and the work they do behind the scenes, which mostly involves murder, attempted murder, covering up crimes, backstabbing, and living lives that twist and turn with fantastic mystery. I hear that is what law is really like. But seriously, Damages is a fantastic show. It is sharp and quick, and the writers make sure you never know what really is going on. Glenn Close is wonderful as Patty Hewes, creating a character that has truly evil sides, but never becomes a villain. Ted Danson, Tate Donovan, and Rose Byrne all up the ante. But it is Zeljko Ivanek who shines. He is the lawyer representing Danson's Arthur Frobisher, and he steals any scene he's in, even from Close. This is a show that deserves a chance, and the mystery behind season one will keep you guessing until the finale. Watch it, already.

Genre - Drama (3.5)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (4)
Production (3)
Directing (3)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

What we have here is a great comedy that some unfairly label as property of Judd Apatow. Now don't get me wrong, Apatow has had a great influence on comedy of late, and was partly responsible for the reemergence of R-rated funny films, but he is not the actual creative force behind Forgetting Sarah Marshall. That credit goes to Jason Segel, the writer and star. Sure, Apatow may have had a hand in the film, as the two have worked together a number of times before, but Segel is the hero here. He has created a genuinely funny movie, and we should appreciate these gems before the "spoof" genre takes over. His co-stars Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Russell Brand are all terrific. The script by Segel is wonderful, though some spots aren't as funny as they want to be. Nevertheless, Forgetting Sarah Marshall was one of the funniest films of 2008, and lets hope Segel has more comedies like this in his future (as long as it doesn't interfere with TVs How I Met Your Mother).

Genre - Comedy (3.5)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (3)
Production (4)
Directing (3)

Gremlins

A childhood classic that still holds up years later. Gremlins is the kind of horror/comedy that doesn't get made anymore. It is a fun, F/X filled movie that understands there is a darker side to life. Children can watch this, as well as adults, and both can enjoy the experience Gremlins offers. There is room for cute, cuddly creatures and blood and guts. If only Hollywood understood genre blended fare like Gremlins, then we might not have to wade though so many terrible films each year. Joe Dante directs from a Chris Columbus script, who adds one of the most depressing stories you'll hear about Christmas. If you don't feel bad for Kate (Phoebe Cates) and her family, then you likely have no heart. The titular gremlins are a brutal bunch, causing mayhem and mischief in the small town they invade. Gremlins is nothing earth shattering, but it is a damn good time, so enjoy it during the holiday season or any other time of the year. And beware, you never know when a gremlin will attack.

Genre - Horror/Comedy (3)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (2)
Production (4)
Directing (3)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Season 1)

Here is a show that is fun to watch, but doesn't amount to much more. The first two films were fun, but emotional. They were hard-hitting and mean. The third film was mediocre, but had great action scenes. The Sarah Connor Chronicles falls somewhere between the second film and the third, both chronologically and in quality. Because it's on basic cable, the John Connor and Sarah Connor of the films are changed, mostly because they cannot swear or bloody up too many people. They are the softer, family friendly versions, but the pair are still brooding enough to stay interesting. The first season starts slow, but builds to something better near the finale. And thanks are owed to Brian Austin Green, who plays John's uncle Derek Reese and is one of the compelling reasons to watch. He is the most capable actor on the show, playing the most interesting character. The Sarah Connor Chronicles had the chance to do so much more, but in the end it chose to be just another action show with characters we know from superior works.

Genre - Action (2.5)

Screenplay (2)
Acting (3)
Production (3)
Directing (2)

Bubble

This one has me leaning two different ways. First, I can appreciate the cheaply shot, cheaply made, cast of nobodies movie. But, it is at times slow (for a 73 minute movie) and some portions felt unnecessary. Coming from heavyweight director Steven Soderbergh, you would never guess he was behind the camera unless you checked the crew billing. I admire him for going back and forth between blockbuster, star-studded films to ones that feel very organic. Bubble is about as opposite Ocean's Eleven as you'll find. Essentially, Bubble features three small town factory workers who quietly interact before a murder leaves one of them dead. But don't expect to be swept up in a tale of mystery and mayhem. The murder comes near the films end, and it is only a minor detail in the plot. The three actors do a great job considering they had done nothing prior to or after Bubble. If only the pace had picked up a bit, or tension introduced sooner, Bubble might have ranked higher. And Martha's occasional blackout moments seemed thrown in without much thought and left me shaking my head. If you appreciate indie film making, check this out. If not, then you probably wont miss much.

Genre - Drama (2.5)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (2)
Production (2)
Directing (3)

The Orphanage

The Orphanage is an intense, creepy ghost story, but one that is layered with emotion. Some moments will have you shrinking into your seat, while others will bring tears to your eyes. Well, not really, but there are definitely some sad moments. Any movie with ghost kids has great potential to scare the shit out of you, and these ghost kids can be awfully frightening. Guillermo del Toro presents this Spanish horror story, from director Juan Antonio Bayona, and the fairy tale like nature of The Orphanage ties with del Toro's own Pan's Labyrinth. The story is twisty enough to keep you guessing, and on repeat viewings there are opportunities to discover things you didn't notice the first time. Give it a chance, if not just for getting a horror film unlike most in Hollywood. Or at least since The Others.

Genre - Horror (3.25)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (3)
Production (4)
Directing (3)