#12 This Is 40

Looking for something light, and relief from the holidays we went to "We Are 40" the other night. I'd say as far as comedies go it wasn't bad, but it's probably Judd Apatow's worst film. The story centers around a couple who are turning 40 while there life is seemingly falling apart. As a practical person not living in Hollywood the couple is pretty hard to feel bad for. They are complaing about being broke while they drive luxury cars, cater their parties, and take an expensive spa retreat. Everytime they complain we just wanted to yell at the screen "Lower your overhead!"

That said, there are some pretty good laughs, and few good cameos for the music geeks out there.
"This Is 40"
Recommended

#10 and #11 Looper

Now this movie is pretty good. Not so good that you should see it twice; I just happened to have he opportunity to see it twice. The first time I told Vonny I would buy her $3.00 ticket if she told the guy at the counter that she wanted to see pooper. She did. He just said "One for Looper." and took my money. Its kind of a fun time-travel action flick. I many times was reminded of Terminator 2.  I say T2, because its better than the original, but I suppose Looper can be compared to the original Terminator if that is your thing., even Sarah Connor Chronicles or Terminator 3, but definitely not Terminator: Salvation. That movie just sucked. I would rank the movies as such:

1. Terminator 2
2. Terminator
3. Sarah Connor Chronicles
4. Looper
5. Terminator 3
6. Black Knight (starring Martin Lawrence)
7. Terminator: Salvation

Looper
Recommended

#9 Skyfall

Just got back from the new Bond movie, and I don't quite see the hype around it. Definitely not as good as Casino Royale and a little better than Quantum. In thus film they complete the rebuilding of the franchise after it was stripped down for Royale. There were a lot of winks and nods some obvious and some only a super fan would catch. I guess this was my problem. I have seen every Bond movie and I liked the stripped down 007, Less the gadgets and puns. I guess in the end you get everything you expect from a standard Bond movie, but it looks as though The Casino Royale James Bond was a one off.

Skyfall
Somewhat Recommended

#8: The Dark Knight Rises

Ugh! What a waste of time. Really did it need to be over two and a half hours. I definitely got a look from the people in front me for exclaiming "Boring" just a little too loud. This is one of those movies that just keeps going while you find yourself caring less and less. The enemy, Bain, is laughable with the silly mask on. When you can't see an actors lips move it just feels like you are watching a sad mime. Then there was Bain's voice... Auto-tune Darth Vader. That's all I can say about that. Lastly there was the big twist which was horrible, because it comes right out of left field with no real reasoning. If a film has a good twist you should be able to go back and watch the film a 2nd time and follow the bread crumbs, discover the clues that you missed. When a movie just springs a twist on you its a cheap way out.

Not Recommended
The Dark Knight Rises

#7: Moonrise Kingdom

I adored this film. It is everything you want and expect from Wes Anderson. I would say it fits more in line with his earliest films than his last couple. Of course he brings back actors from past films, but it's most fun watching new actors join the group. Bruce Willis especially. You have to wonder why he does so many bad films when he could be carving out a second half career with roles like this. Another great return was the soundtrack featuring music from composer Mark Mothersbough, who we hadn't heard from since "The Royal Tenenbaums." Anyway I loved this film and will now add it to my ranking of Wes Anderson films.
1. Rushmore
2. Bottle Rocket
3. Life Aquatic (with Steve Zissou)
4. Moonrise Kingdom
5. Royal Tenenbaums
6. Darjeeling Limited
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Highly Recommended
"Moonrise Kingdom"

#6: The Cabin In The Woods

So I went to the theater and watched this a second time. Its just as great. There aren't any surprises the second time around, but its still as fun.

Highly Recommended
The Cabin In the Woods

#5: The Cabin In The Woods

My oh my, if this wasn't one of the best movies I have seen in years. Seriously, I can't remember having this much fun at a movie. When was the last time you cheered or laughed out loud at a movie. Put aside the stereotype you are expecting for this horror film, because it will continue to surprise you the whole way through. I really want to give away the whole movie right here with all my favorite parts, but you just have to see it. In fact if you want to see it let me know. I'd go again.

Highly Recommended
The Cabin In the Woods

#4: Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Many years ago I declared that Mission Impossible 2 was the worst film I had ever and would ever see. For that reason I never saw Mission Impossible 3 despite it getting good reviews. Well this one rolled around and I really didn't want to go, but eventually all the rave reviews wore me down, ad we went. It wasn't bad. It took me about 20 minutes to get over my general dislike of Tom Cruise. However his silly way of running made me forget my dislike and sink into a movie hat can be best described as James Bond circa Pierce Brosnan. Lots a gadgets, action, silliness, and BMWs.

Recommended
Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

#3: Hugo

I really can't imagine someone not liking this film. Its fun, creative, and has an awesome robot-like creation in it. If you know someone who has a great knowledge of film's history I would recommend watching it with them, as they will be able to add a lot to the back story, much of which is true.

Highly Recommended
Hugo

#2: Young Adult

I'm a big fan of Jason Reitman's films (Juno, Up In The Air, and Thank You For Smoking.) It's less like Juno and more like the other two, but if you enjoyed those films you will most likely enjoy this as well. Charlize Theron plays a wholly unlikeable person, who you need to just enjoy for that reason to avoid being disgusted. The star of the film however is Patton Oswalt who steals nearly every scene he is in. I'd say it's worth seeing just for him.

Recommended
Young Adult

2012 #1: Moneyball

Went down to the theater and caught this film a few weeks ago. I have read the book which it is based on, and as a big baseball fan remember much of this when it was going on. I think that this is a very good baseball movie that if you have read the book you will enjoy even more. However if you are not a fan, you will more than likely be bored with it. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill are both very enjoyable, but again I'm unsure if I liked them because of a familiarity with the people they are based on.

Recommended
Moneyball

#13 Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

I love Planet of The Apes, and this film does not disappoint. There are a ton of nods to the original film for the geeks out there, and they do a great job of creating an origin story. The animation was great on the big screen. I never once thought about it looking cheesy. The picture above is of Caesar and his "Generals." It was one of my favorite shots in the movie, and I'm glad I found a screen cap of it to put on here.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
Highly Recommended

#12 The Skin I Live In

Wow... One of the craziest films I've seen. This film went places I was never expecting with some great twists and turns. The middle section gets a bit long as it supplies the back story, but that was soon forgotten once I realized where they were going with it. Stylistically it has been awhile since I saw a movie this cool.

The Skin I Live In
Highly Recommended