Monday night I got to see one of the last screenings of the festival: The Best of Fest presentation of Whiplash. This film about an aspiring drummer competing for recognition at one of the finest musical conservatories (and his verbally abusive teacher who pushes him to the limit) has been one of most talked about films of the festival and when it won two of the biggest awards (namely the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award,) I was naturally aching to see it. Boy have I never heard a title so appropriate to a film. This movie will jerk you around and make you feel it long afterward. It's hard to explain all the feelings I have about this film, but it's important to make something clear right away: this film is unbelievably and emotionally intense; it is not for the faint of heart. Many times when I find myself reviewing a movie I speak about the film as a whole and don't get into the specifics of what the content of the film actually contains. Truth be told, I never know who my audience is and what their sensibilities are, so I usually let them do their own research about that. In this case, while I can separate specifically amazing things this particular film offers and speak for its merit as a whole, I also can't ignore things that might make some feel uncomfortable. That being? Some absolutely atrocious language. That may sound silly to some, but it wasn't just the words but the venom and intensity with which they were spoken. I definitely felt their intended effect and it wasn't a good feeling. I do understand the purpose of it. Clearly what they were going for was achieved and the screenplay will no doubt be embraced and adored...but let's just say this is not an easy, breezy film to watch. Though the harshness of the dialogue affected some feelings towards the film, there were many redeeming factors that are undeniable. After all, I never said this movie wasn't a great film. It most definitely is...and perhaps is even arguably a masterpiece. It has quite a lot going for it. The performances, direction, cinematography, editing, its compelling story, and music were all nothing short of miraculous. Both JK Simmons and Miles Teller give just as much to their roles as their characters do to their music. And it's kind of amazing to see the two go head to head with each other. Whiplash was certainly one of the most gripping, mesmerizing, and intense films I've seen in some time. Its climactic sequence is one of the most tense I've seen in a long time, and this is a film about music, not a horror or action piece! The character studies that take place in this film are absolutely fascinating. Whiplash is essential viewing and an incredible debut from Damien Chazelle. RATING: 9/10.

Before I begin my review I must make clear once again what colored my view on this particular film: sky-high expectations. Seeing this movie again knowing what it is will no doubt help me appreciate it for itself and not for what I wanted it to be. How does one get such high expectations for something they've never even seen a trailer for? Well, a couple of photos, plot synopses, a deep appreciation for the music of Belle & Sebastian, as well as some glowing reviews made me sure this movie would be an instant favorite; when in fact there were moments that I instantly adored...but the movie as a whole needs time to grow on me. I really liked the story going on here about a girl trying to cure her problems with the aid of music. Only two things really kept me from loving this movie: occasional lulls between the fantastic (and generally wishing the movie was a bit shorter and the pacing a bit quicker...) and the fact that though I knew the lead character had her own serious problems and deserved to be cut some slack...I still didn't particularly like her. That isn't a slant on the actress though as Emily Browning does a great job (we Emilys have to stick together!) I guess I wish some of the focus could have been spread more equally to her far more amiable bandmates (Cassie, in particular, could have used a bit more depth and screen time..and I have to say that Olly Alexander who played James was simply adorable.) These things aside, there really was quite a lot to love here. There was a lot of clever humor, wisdom, and truth, wonderfully sincere moments, and most importantly: great music! As would be expected of a hipster indie musical, a lot of the highlights revolve around the fantastic musical sequences. The choreography of these sequences was great and, in general, the production design as a whole really stood out. I really enjoyed this musical with its playful tone and it's definitely clear that this was a labor of love by Belle & Sebastian lead singer Stuart Murdoch...I just think if it had been a little bit tighter I would have ADORED it. Still, a great effort worth seeing that will no doubt grow on me. RATING: 7.5/10 with room to grow on a rewatch.

Some movies are an acquired taste. The Double fits that category and THEN SOME. For people that just can't get into surrealist/stylish films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Moulin Rouge! or Amelie (which are all not perfect examples since they're way more mainstream than The Double...)then this movie is definitely not for you. Certainly, many people in my audience seemed to feel this way as quirky and absurd humor flew over their heads constantly and they didn't know what to make of the unexpected turns the film would throw at us. But the thing about an unusual flavor, though acquired it may be...if you try it with an open mind you may actually find it refreshing. Whether or not you like or even love that new flavor is another matter, but the fact that it doesn't taste just like everything else is a welcome change. Based on a Fyodor Dostoevsky novella, The Double has a very darkly classic...yet as I mentioned surrealist feel to it. Jesse Eisenberg gives a fantastic performance (or is it performances?) as both the insecure Simon who can never catch a break and the confidently suave James. Amazingly so, they're both the type of characters that he excels at and the audience is able to get a glimpse at the layers underneath these men. I'd say that it's Eisenberg that carries the movie, as I'm still not entirely convinced of Mia Wasikowska's talents. There's always something about her that seems somewhat underwhelming to me, but I suppose she fares well enough here. But besides Eisenberg's performance what does The Double have going for it? Well as I said, it's certainly stylish. And speaking of stylistic choices, I must warn you that the use of sound can at times assault your ears. I admired how it was used at times, but also wish in some moments it was toned down just a tad. I love the weird world that this film is set in....not quite modern and very bizarre. The computers look ancient and the television shows have that retro vision of the future type feel to them...yet somehow with other forms of technology, it seems pretty recent. Like many things in this film, it's useless trying to analyze or figure anything out. You kind of have to let it be and accept some of the mystery....some things won't make sense. This movie is hard to recommend to just anyone. I'm not sure myself if I would say I loved it...I found myself appreciating and liking how different it was. Again, if you're the type of person that can handle that or hate not being able to understand everything that's going on in a movie, then stay clear of The Double. However, if you're game in trying out this incredibly weird, artistic journey into the deep recesses of a man's soul, then by all means give it a try when it comes to a theater near you. EMILY RATING: 7.5/10

Well, it's over. The only thing that makes winter tolerable; (besides Christmas of course...) the Sundance Film Festival has come to an end. Every darn year it sneaks up on me before I have time to get advanced tickets, and almost always I miss out because of it (last year is the exception since there weren't as many movies I wanted to see as this year...and including the JGL hit record event I got to do everything I wanted to do.) Even though I pretty much say it every year, next year I REALLY am going to try to be more prepared haha. The overall experience was fun as usual. And once again I never saw one celebrity (since I'm not able to use the urinals I guess..). Oh unless you count THIS GUY who I saw walking along Main Street likely promoting a film called Newlyweeds. So while I posted reviews on the films I was able to see, here's a list of just a few that I missed that I hope to catch if/when they make their way to theaters. ACOD What does ACOD stand for? Adult Children of Divorce of course! (hey that rhymed..) Being someone who is a semi-expert on the subject I was instantly intrigued. Then add the fact that a pretty solid cast was involved including Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Richard Jenkins Catherine O'Hara, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and this film instantly went on my must-see list. I'm not sure if this one has a distribution deal yet, but I would definitely love to see it. Austenland I'm really disappointed the stars never aligned so I could see this one. Unfortunately, due to some bad coordinating, as well as some really rabid Jane Austen fans in Salt Lake that arrived for waitlist way earlier than the rules state (but somehow no one seemed to care...), it was not meant to be. Fortunately, this one was picked up by Sony Classics and is said to be looking for a summer release. I'm very excited. I love Keri Russell, I love Jane Austen and I love the premise of a Jane Austen role-playing theme park, but.........I do have trouble taking Bret McKenzie seriously as a romantic lead. I just can't help but picture him in an office with Jemaine and Murray during another "band meeting." Also, I'm interested in seeing Jerusha Hess' directing debut. I have mixed feelings so far about her and her husband's work...but I'd like for her to be a success. Breathe In Director Drake Doremus and leading lady Felicity Jones reteam for their second effort after their last collaboration Like Crazy. I recently watched that film again and enjoyed it much better after my colossal expectations were finally held in check. This film's cast seems a bit more rounded out with Guy Pierce and Amy Ryan. Here Felicity Jones plays a foreign exchange student who changes the life of the family she stays with. Its a simple enough plot that could go either way in the wrong hands, but the reviews all suggest this film was even better than Like Crazy. I haven't heard anything yet about any company picking it up though. Hell Baby The horror-comedy truly is one of my favorite genres out there. From what I have gathered, this film seems to take on a Cabin in the Woods approach at both satirizing and paying tribute to the genre. Apparently, both Rosemary's baby, haunted houses, and more are covered in this film. Oh, and did I mention it has Rob Corddry and Thomas Lennon in it? Sure to be hilarious. Again though, not sure if anyone picked it up, so hopefully, we can all see it one day. I'd love to put it on my Halloween view list. In a World... I must say, I love the premise of this film. One of my favorite aspects of The Holiday (besides Jude Law's hotness of course..) is Cameron Diaz's awesome job as a movie trailer editor. So what better idea to make a whole movie devoted to the art of movie trailer NARRATING? With that premise in mind, you have to admit that the title of the film is pretty much ingenious. The reviews of this film both by critics and general festival-goers have all been very positive saying it doubles as a light and fun romantic comedy, as well as a female empowerment tale. I really hope I'll be seeing this one. The Spectacular Now This might be the film I'm most disappointed to have missed (and believe me I sure tried to get in.) The film is based on a novel by Tim Tharp but adapted by the writers of a film you may or may not be sick of me mentioning on this blog...(500) Days of Summer. That fact alone is really all I needed, but the reviews I read all pretty much gushed about this film and especially the performances of its young leads: Miles Teller (of Rabbit Hole)and Shailene Woodley (of The Descendants). Thankfully though, some brand new company I've never heard of picked it up called A24 picked it up and plans to distribute it this summer. The two films I DID see got picked up for distribution as well. Sony Pictures acquired Before Midnight and Fox Searchlight paid a hefty (and hopefully worthwhile,) price for The Way, Way Back. Fox and The Way, Way Back are a perfect match though, so I'm very excited about that....hopefully it will be out in summer since it's a perfect summer film and everyone can enjoy it as much as I did. But anyway, that's about it! I am very much looking forward to the fest next year, and hopefully, I can remember for once in my life to sign up for an advanced time slot so that I can have much more goodies to post than just two reviews and a wrap-up. But until then...so long Sundance, we'll see you next year!

Time for another Sundance film review! Hopefully, this isn't the last one of the fest...but this is the last one I had guaranteed tickets for since the festival always sneaks up on me. However, I am hoping to get into a few other films via standby in the next couple of days...so we will see if I have any luck with that. But if I don't end up seeing Austenland, In A World..., A.C.O.D., or The Spectacular Now, I will at least have ended on a high with The Way, Way Back. First off. Can I just say how much I utterly love Jim Rash? Not only does this guy just crack me up with everything he does, but more and more with each project, he proves just how talented he is. Okay I'm sure his writing partner and co-director Nat Faxon is just as talented... but he doesn't happen to portray Dean Pelton from Community...nor did he have the hilarious uncontrollable urge to mock Angelina Jolie at last year's academy awards that made me love him even more. So what can I say? I'm biased. But he and Faxon, as with their first screenplay The Descendants, made me laugh throughout the whole movie with ease because of their witty and memorable script...but unlike The Descendants, in this film, both men turned in supporting roles as well that also helped the film's cause. Seriously...Jim Rash was a hoot, even just for his physical appearance alone. Jim Rash appreciation rant over. I absolutely loved The Descendants, which is why I really wanted to see this one as well. I definitely could see a lot of similarities between the two films, but ultimately The Way, Way Back isn't as weighty...it feels more breezy and less ponderous. Not that that's a bad thing. I'd say it's more of a feel-good film than a thinker film...BUT it made me feel REALLY good. But I mean, truth be told, I do think it's a bit of both...and I think much of that is due to the fabulous cast and the small nuances they brought to their performances. It's refreshing to see Steve Carrell play someone other than Michael Scott or the variation of Dan in Real Life we've been seeing too much lately (ie Crazy Stupid Love and Seeking A Friend For the End of the World,)... even if he does play a huge jerk. Carell does a great job here playing against his norm, as does Toni Collette, who too is playing a role more unlikeable than usual (yet somehow she still remains amiable enough to feel sorry for.) But the film definitely wouldn't work without the talents of its young star Liam James and Sam Rockwell. The rapport between the two is what keeps the film interesting and fresh. Rockwell in particular really leaves a lasting impression. He was humorous, but he had a lot of heart that really defined the film. This summer coming-of-age story isn't particularly new or groundbreaking, but it is well made by everyone involved... and sometimes that is all it takes. I have to say it is probably one of my favorite indies to come along in awhile. Also, did I mention it is hilarious? The whole theater clearly felt the same way because the laughter was almost non-stop throughout. I loved this movie. It made me long for summer, where I hope that in addition to fabulous weather, this film can get a wide release and be seen by as many people as possible. RATING: 9/10

When I heard that a sequel was being made to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, I was absolutely thrilled. Then when I heard it would be premiering at Sundance, I decided I would do everything in my power to see the third installment. Like any other cinema lover invested in this great love story, I couldn't wait to find out what happened after the events of Before Sunset. So many questions left unanswered, so much potential, and most importantly: characters that I longed to see again. As always though with this story, what I got wasn't really what I was expecting at all. Well....actually I kind of expected it since a few too many reviews I read shared too many details. I'll try to refrain from getting into specifics, but this film can't really be reviewed without saying that their relationship has drastically changed from the last two films as a consequence of the choices made in the previous two and the years in between. Before Midnight shares many similarities to its two predecessors, but definitely feels the most different of the three. This is largely due to where the characters are at now in their lives and what has transpired between them. No longer are their conversations as endlessly fascinating as they were in Sunrise and even Sunset, oftentimes they can be mundane (or worse; bickering and explosive.) Their encounter this time isn't romanticized like the previous two, this time it's lived in and very strained. The characters have become more real with each outing as we see how life has hardened them. It really is an amazing feat for a filmmaker to be able to successfully revisit these characters, but it isn't always the easiest to watch how they've changed...especially when Celine is always itching for a fight. I love how Before Sunset didn't necessarily try to duplicate the plot of Before Sunrise. It was more of an examination of how that night in the original, had affected these characters. In Before Midnight, too, the formula may be the same (of the one-on-one walk and talk,) but the themes and general tone are so much different. This time, again we explore the consequences of a choice, but like Jesse warned in both previous installments, if things in their relationship ever changed from what they were in the past, their relationship might not be so idealized as they once thought. This almost seems to be the entire theme of Before Midnight, as this fear of young Jesse seems to have come to fruition. The real question becomes how do you still try to sustain a relationship like that and still try to make it work? Like its predecessors, Before Midnight offered plenty of food for thought. However, it didn't feel as effortless as the others in sucking me in right from the start. To be honest, I kind of had a hard time getting into it when other people besides Celine or Jesse were chipping into the conversations (luckily the whole movie wasn't like this, but a good portion was.) To me, these films have always been about a conversation between just two people, so I didn't have much interest in what anyone else had to say. The real magic happens when these two are just with each other, and even though both of their personalities have changed quite a bit (okay Celine far more than Jesse) they've still got it...and you can't help but root or these two to be together. There were definitely some things I could have done without, as this was the most adult and grittiest film in the series....but it was also thankfully the funniest. It was a treat to see these characters again, and while it may not be my favorite in the series (probably because I personally relate less to what they are going through this time around since I haven't reached that stage in my life...) I'd be glad to spend time with Jesse and Celine any day. RATING: 8.5/10

Sometimes your impression towards a film really depends on who you see it with and their attitude towards it. For example, I don't know that I ever had the chance (thank goodness haha!) to truly fall in love with Avatar when I saw it with my skeptical friend Shauny. She isn't too keen on sci-fi but was game to see the movie with me anyway (I love that about her, she'll see anything with me!) We both went along with the movie to a point, but when the alien sex scene happened we both kind of lost it. She snickered at the ridiculousness of the scene, and I was brought out of it too because of her reaction and thought to myself, "yeah...this is pretty ridiculous." Had I seen the movie with my Dad (who is obsessed with it now) I probably, at least initially, would have had different feelings on the movie. Though I'm still convinced that I would have felt some sort of backlash for it anyway as it became a cultural phenomenon and made SO much money when it was really only average (and completely derivative)...but that's another story... But back to Letters to Juliet. This was a sweet little film, which my mom happened to adore, and her enthusiasm was contagious. My friend Anna had seen it a few weeks earlier and told me it was mediocre. If I had seen it with her, I might have had a similar impression. But seeing it with my mom, I saw it for what it was: just a sweet love story. Yes, it had some unbearably cheesy lines in it, and strictly followed the romantic formula that usually I get pretty tired of, but seeing it with her, I still liked it. This is because she saw more in it than just a fairy tale. It's not wrong to be entertained by films like Letters to Juliet, but it's also very important to label it for what it is: entertainment. It's fun, sweet, and cute....but hardly real. In other words, I do think it's very important not to let stuff like this color your expectations of what love and relationships should be, but they are harmless and fun when you understand that fact. So while I don't like giving films like this too much weight, that doesn't mean the romantic side of me (yes, I have one...who knew?) doesn't enjoy seeing happy endings every now and then...even if they are totally far-fetched (but only if the film as a whole, is done right!!) So why did we generally enjoy it? Well, My mom is all about looking deeper and analyzing things (probably where I get it from!) To her, what made the movie special was the relationships between all the characters (not just the romantic relationships, but the mother/daughter type bond between Vanessa Redgrave and Amanda Seyfried as well,) and the amount of chemistry they shared with their respective love interests. This led us to another interesting post-movie discussion about romantic chemistry in film. For me, chemistry can make an average film, above average. It has the power to make or break a film. As we discussed what we considered to be romantic comedy bombs we noticed the main factor always seemed to be a lack of chemistry. Letters to Juliet is a pleasant little film which benefits from a likable cast and easy chemistry between the leads. It's harmless entertainment and the perfect movie to see with your mother. RATING 6/10

So along comes yet another generic romantic comedy featuring Jennifer Lopez (honestly the only movie I've ever really enjoyed that she was in was probably Monster-in-Law, and that is solely due to the comic talents of Jane Fonda.) I saw the previews..and I knew exactly what to expect. I read the reviews...I knew it was going to be terrible. But still...still I wanted to see it. One reviewer wrote: "Please, ladies, stay away or movies like this will never stop" Haha. And I knew it was true. But, I still went anyway and saw it this weekend...and I was unsurprised to find how awful it truly was. Still, as weird as it is, I like going to movies...all movies. I like the experience and I like being in the know...I like being able to form opinions. That said, I still certainly crave the well-made ones, much more than the derivative fluff that comes out nowadays (I'm looking at you The Proposal and The Back-Up Plan) Good films last, and they satisfy :) When you can have something like (500) Days of Summer, why settle for less? Well I can promise you I'm not settling, just trying to stay informed. That's my excuse anyway. But, my answer for seeing the movie is simply because I like the experience of seeing movies...even if the only thing I get out of it is just to be able to rag on a product. Or maybe they're just my guilty pleasure...like good ice cream or something. That said, it pays to know when you're being indulgent. I think what it comes down to though is that I just have a love-hate relationship with the romantic comedy. They are the easiest films for me to watch, yet they can be the most offensive with their ridiculous portrayals too. It all began with Sleepless in Seattle where after that point, nothing was too far fetched in terms of plot. This is true. The strength of (500) Days of Summer is that it doesn't examine some silly plot...it examines an actual relationship. There's no catch....it just shows us how a guy fell in love and dealt with all of the feelings that brought. I think more romantic comedies would be better if they focused on that. As for the movie... Well, it was completely predictable, and not very funny at all. It also made me never want to become pregnant (far too much gross-out humor.) It relied very heavily on reaction shots from a tiny dog for laughs from the audience...so you always know that's a good sign (I hope the sarcasm is noted.) My roommate Laura remarked that it was just trying too hard the whole time. I would agree. I think what makes the run-of-the-mill rom-coms a bit better, is if the audience can buy the two characters together and their romance, and/or if the film is funny enough to compensate for the formula. But neither of these factors was present in The Back-Up Plan. I would probably have to give this about RATING: 3/10

One of the reasons I really wanted to start a blog was so that I could share my feelings on new movies as they are in released theaters. While I have seen some films in theaters recently, I didn't feel that they were too blog-worthy, but with the release of Clash of the Titans, and the season of blockbusters fast approaching, now is as good a time as any to start dishing on the films that are in theaters. Now to begin, I must say that Clash of the Titans is certainly not a good movie. But is it an entertaining movie? I would say it is. Now for me, Greek mythology has always been a fascinating subject (although I took a course on it as a requirement for my major last year, now I've almost forgotten everything...oops). So seeing a lot of these characters and locations from myths on screen was actually pretty exciting for me (I must admit though, I have not seen the original film so I can't say if this remake was needed or not.) For example, the underworld of Hades, the lair of Medusa, Mt. Olympus, and seeing the three fates were all pretty cool. The other thing about the movie is that it is pretty much non-stop action. There's always something going on, so if you're looking for that, I don't think the movie disappoints. While it was no masterpiece, I thought it was good, dumb fun as opposed to a bad, dumb, bore of a film, but perhaps many of you will disagree with me and put it in that category anyway. But I enjoyed it and sometimes that silliness is just what you crave. Also of note, this film features the kid who played Marcus in About A Boy all grown up. No, not him.. that's Liam Neeson. As to its flaws, the film certainly didn't make much room in the way of character development, or anything other than cliched figures of heroes. Everything here, you've seen before. Also, the special effects were definitely disappointing. The scorpions looked all right, and the Kraken was fine. I only wish they hadn't gone the CGI route with Medusa. She had so much potential. I only wished they'd have used a real woman and just gone crazy with her makeup. But alas, they did not and she just looked fake. There was such buildup with her too, she had a fabulous evil laugh and I enjoyed the legend that Io related to her. I also must mention that the costumes in this film were very poor (like... take you out of it poor). A lot of wasted opportunity there, which is a shame. I always love a good costume epic. Finally, I must say my biggest (and shallowest) pet peeve. Spoiler alert for those who don't want to know....but... NO KISS?? No kiss at the end? COME ON! Sam Worthington and Gemma Arterton are two of the most attractive people on the planet right now, and they had two perfect opportunities for a nice cinematic kiss. Call me crazy, but adventure epics just call for it. I hate it in movies when it doesn't happen (Superman Returns and Iron Man come to mind). Come on! Haha, so after the film, I read the accounts of the real mythologies of the characters. Perseus actually marries Andromeda (another character in the movie) and Io, who in the film was "cursed" with neverending youthfulness for resisting a God's advances was turned into a heifer in true mythology. Sucks for her. Ah well, all the mythological inaccuracies just made me want to watch Disney's Hercules to see a happier inaccurate version. So again, just gotta say. Good movie? Nope. Entertaining? I think so. (Just watch out for some of the awful dialogue and acting, haha) It's worth a watch in the dollar theater...in fact, it's the type of movie dollar theaters were made for. RATING: 4.5/10

Yeah...it's March of 2010 now...but I really wanted to make this list and my motto is "better late than never." Partially to blame for this lateness was that I felt that I couldn't truly complete this list until I had seen some choice films on DVD I was very right in doing so, because some of the last movies I've seen on DVD definitely earned a spot on my list for sure. We'll start from the bottom and go to the top. #10 An Education The film certainly is not one that I would recommend to everyone. You know that scene at the end of Juno when Jason Bateman's character Mark comes on to Ellen Page's Juno? Yeah, that's pretty much the entire tone of An Education. Tastefully telling the story of the seduction of a sixteen-year-old girl definitely is no simple task and the film certainly has no qualms about making the viewer feel pretty uncomfortable. That said, the film definitely has a lot of poignant things to say and features an incredibly strong cast. Carey Mulligan gives a fantastic performance (probably the best of the year by an actress as far as I’m concerned), as does Peter Sarsgaard and the supporting cast, particularly Rosamund Pike. My only gripe is that I feel that the ending is slightly rushed so that the audience doesn’t quite get the reward for their patience as they deserve, nevertheless, the film as a whole remains strong. Again, this movie is clearly not for the faint of heart (at times it's pretty depressing stuff) but it is extremely well made and worth a watch by those who are willing to take the risk. Quote: Action is character. If we never did anything we'd never be anybody. #9 The Lovely Bones Okay, I have to admit, I am a complete sucker for movies that blow me away visually (except Avatar…which I did enjoy to an extent…but not as much as the rest of the world apparently.) So naturally, when I saw the visually dazzling trailer for Peter Jackson’s latest film, The Lovely Bones this film quickly became one of my most anticipated. When I read the reviews, I was very disappointed and kept my expectations low. I was delighted that I kept an open mind (or I don’t know…maybe I went in there determined to love it) because I was completely engrossed the entire time. The film is gripping, heartbreaking, horrifying, and visually stunning all at once. There’s so much going on under the surface as well that it’s a great movie to try and dissect. Also, Stanley Tucci’s performance shouldn’t be missed. I know this movie came out here in Utah in 2010, but as the IMDB lists it as 2009 I’m placing it on my list anyway. Quote: There was one thing my murderer didn't understand; he didn't understand how much a father could love his child. #8 District 9 I heard a lot of hype about this film, but really didn’t know quite what to expect, as I had only seen limited previews. This was a solid sci-fi flick that is set apart from the rest because it was told in a very compelling and unique way. While it took a while for the plot to get going, the ambiance that sets the film up is absolutely necessary to get the audience invested in the events surrounding the characters. Once the film does get moving, it is definitely an intense ride that keeps the viewer's attention constantly until the very end. Quote: When dealing with aliens, try to be polite, but firm. And always remember that a smile is cheaper than a bullet. # 7 Inglourious Basterds This movie is pretty great. The storytelling here is very well done in every way. The movie is very engaging and suspenseful. It also features some pretty great performances too. Tarantino builds an increasing tension throughout the film that culminates in a finale that really should not be missed. I guess hooray for revisionist history films! Who thought I'd ever be saying that? Quote: You probably heard we ain't in the prisoner-takin' business; we in the killin' Nazi business. And cousin, business is a-booming'. # 6 TIE Away We Go I don’t know how John Krasinski does it! Even with a beard and hipster dork glasses, he still is the most alluring male (to this gal) on the planet. Seriously, the guy is so lovable. But he is just one of the reasons I love Away We Go While the film, doesn’t really have the strongest plot (the familiar road movie formula,) it really benefits from the strong performances of both of its leads. Who knew Maya Rudolph had such dramatic acting chops in her? The film is equally hilarious and poignant. When I wasn’t laughing my head off, I was taking a deep look at myself at my ideas of love, marriage, and parenting. Away We Go is a very enjoyable watch from start to finish. Quote: "What's wrong with a stroller?" I LOVE my babies. Why would I want to PUSH them away from me?" #6 TIE Up in the Air This is a very interesting movie. Its characters are real, and its story is important. I don't really have a ton to say because I don't want to give anything away, but it is just a really good movie...It's just solid. The fewer expectations you have, the more you'll understand and enjoy it. Jason Reitman does it again. Quote: If you think about it, your favorite memories, the most important moments in your life... were you alone? Life's better with company. #5 I Love You, Man This movie is just ridiculously hilarious. A movie based entirely on my brother, Clayton’s favorite concept of “friend dating,” certainly has the potential for the amusement of the highest. I Love You Man definitely does not fail to capitalize on the wonderfully awkward and hilarious moments that friend dating offers (and Paul Rudd and Jason Segel have great bromance chemistry) This film is a solid comedy with great writing, and thus definite rewatchability. Quote: If you see a cool looking guy, strike up a conversation and ask him on a man date. #4 Zombieland What can I say? Another movie on my top ten list that I find absolutely hilarious. Could I be more predictable? This movie for me was basically the equivalent of a rollercoaster—it has just as many laughs and thrills. The characters and their dialogue are very memorable, but what I perhaps love most about Zombieland is just how outrageous it dares to be. During a certain subplot of the film, I kept thinking to myself “Is this REALLY happening…Yes yes, it is and it is amazing.” Quote: "I'm not great at farewells, so uh... that'll do, pig." " That's the worst goodbye I've ever heard. And you stole it from a movie." #3 Up It’s no secret that I love Pixar…in fact…I’m a bit of a Pixar snob. So I definitely was pleased to find that Up was yet another triumph. While the film could have perhaps fleshed its villain out some more, the rest of the characters in Up are incredibly portrayed and serve the story well. I always find it to a film’s credit when they are able to touch an audience so quickly and Up had many members of the audience in tears within the first ten minutes (me included, which is definitely a rarity.) Up, put simply, is just a beautiful story about the adventures that life holds. Quote: Thanks for the adventure. Now go have one of your own. #2 Drag Me To Hell What’s this? Another horror comedy on my list? Kent Dunn is right. This is pretty much an awesome genre, and one of my newfound favorites. What I absolutely love about Drag Me To Hell is that it demands your attention and definitely takes it captive until the very end. Like Zombieland, Drag Me To Hell is outrageous, hilarious, and extremely entertaining. I have to give the edge to Drag Me To Hell just for the scene in the parking garage alone... it is so ridiculous it's fantastic. Quote: Here kitty, kitty.... #1 (500) Days of Summer It’s official. I’m in love with this movie. I love its acting, I love its writing, I love its editing, I love its soundtrack, I love the heart-shaped birthmark on the back of its neck..haha wait what? But seriously… I love this movie so much that I’ve allowed it to occupy a spot in my top favorites ten not only of the year…but of all time. Perhaps more than any other film I have seen in my life, this film actually makes the audience feel exactly what the characters do from the extreme highs of the relationship to the utter lows. Don’t even get me started or else I WILL write out an essay-length response about just how perfect this movie really is. But what I love most is that this movie is real and honest. As an experience, seeing this movie for the first time was amazing, but learning from it more and more after each viewing is just as important and why it goes down as an instant favorite. Quote: This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know upfront, this is not a love story. HONORABLE MENTIONS: Extract, Paranormal Activity, Star Trek, Where The Wild Things Are, Adventureland, Bright Star, The Princess and the Frog.