• Director: George Miller
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: George Miller, Gary Eck
• Run Time: 100
• Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family

Tagline: Every step counts.

Review: Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven: a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his fathers guts and grit as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals, to put things right.

I thought HAPPY FEET was pretty great. The film was foot tapping fun and the dark turn it took in the third act, while unexpected, made it edgy and different for me. When a sequel was announced, I thought it seemed unnecessary. How far can you really stretch the premise of penguins who can dance and sing? Apparently, not that far. After viewing the sequel, it very much does seem unnecessary and wholly forgettable within ten minutes after you walk out of the theater, which is disappointing to say the least. Other than this, the main problem with HAPPY FEET 2 is that there arent that many good musical numbers as compared to the first one. Most of them are pretty mediocre. However, there are probably around three that range from good to great, one of which uses the song Under Pressure, which is easily the best number in the entire film.

Another problem I had was the dark tone of the film. Its a bit TOO dark, if you ask me. You see the younger penguin characters constantly be put in danger which made the film very uncomfortable to watch, and what these characters go through in the film would probably traumatize them for life. The film also suffers from messy storytelling. For example, the subplot with the shrimp characters (voiced by Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) seems to come from nowhere and is out of place from the rest of the film. It also doesnt help that the characters are so damn annoying. As for the 3D, its put to good use in some places but, overall, its really unnecessary. The one good thing I can say about the film is the look of it, which is very beautiful. I also liked Pink a lot, who gives a boost for all the musical numbers she sings in, along with Robin Williams, who has a few great jokes up his sleeves.

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• Director: Clint Eastwood
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: Dustin Lance Black
• Run Time: 137
• Genre: Biography, Drama

Tagline: The Most Powerful Man in the World

Review: In Clint Eastwoods latest biopic J. Edgar, we delve into the personal life of one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures of the 20th century. We are shown pieces of a man who was scared, confused, and extremely intelligent. He knew how to cater to the media, but his personal life was shrouded in secrecy. It could be argued that J. Edgar himself wasnt quite sure of who he was.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Hoover. We see him evolve from a young upstart in the US Justice Department to the head of the FBI. DiCaprio portrays a man of man faults, though not entirely through his own doing. He overcame a speech impediment, grew up virtually without a father, and had difficulty expressing himself socially and sexually. Through DiCaprios performance, we see just that, a man with a head on his shoulders, only confiding in those few people he trusted.

In his inner circle was Helen Gandy (Naoimi Watts), his personal secretary and keeper of Hoovers private files. Her commitment to Hoover knew no bounds. His right hand man, Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), was, on paper, not the right person to become Hoovers 2nd in command, but Hoover saw something in Tolson that made him feel comfortable. From what we see on film, Tolson was more than a friend, more than a partner. He had no title for Hoover. He was invaluable.

The center of Hoovers world, however, was his mother Annie (Judi Dench). A stern yet loving woman, she knew what Hoover needed to be successful. Her approval meant so much to him, and the thought of letting her down was unfathomable. That would wreak havoc on his private life throughout his life.

Hoovers appointment as head of the FBI would last for nearly half a decade. In that time he saw our country through several wars, the red scare, gangsters, and a presidential assassination. To compile his ever major decision would make for a great documentary series, but to compress it all into a movie under 2 1/2 hours, Eastwood utilizes recent Oscar winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk) to pen the script. What Black does is paint a picture of Hoover not as the head of the FBI, but as a man whose image was so out of whack that he himself had trouble distinguishing fact from fiction.

The film constructed in a way that we are told the story of Hoovers life through Hoovers own words, not from a general point of view. What makes this so effective is that we arent sure of how certain events actually transpired, making the story, and in effect history, somewhat clouded, much like the image of Hoover himself.

This image of Hoover has been dissected and speculated for years. Was he a homosexual? What secrets did he take to the grave? Was he involved in any conspiracies? These questions are touched upon, but never fully answered. What we are left with is a portrait of a man left unfinished, much like the painting of Washington we see several times throughout the film. Like the painting, Hoover is a man incomplete. That painting is a reminder to him that even though he is incomplete he can still make a difference.

Some of the strengths of the film are also its weaknesses. The story itself if fascinating, but it tends to drag on. It reminded me of The Good Shepherd. A really good story with great characters based on true events, just nothing extraordinary. The acting too is well done but, for me at least, I had a hard time not seeing Leonardo DiCaprio as Hoover, especially with the makeup. Part of it, especially with DiCaprio, is his voice. He has such a unique way of speaking and he has trouble disguising it. His character also reminded me of his performance in The Aviator.

The acting on the whole, especially Hammer and Dench (I expect nods for both and DiCaprio as well), is well above average. Eastwood always manages to extract prime performances from his actors, including when he is acting. Eastwood also continues his work behind the scenes by composing the score, his seventh feature length scoring composition. Like his other composition, theres a heavy, moody, jazzy undertone. He doesnt overpower us with large orchestral compositions. Instead he utilizes strings, piano, and a few horns to accent the images.

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• Director: Paddy Considine
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: Paddy Considine
• Run Time: 91
• Genre: Drama

Tagline: Tyrannosaur

Review: This film is an exceptional, very challenging and thought provoking piece of work. Viewing it, as I did, at a morning showing on opening day, however, is not to be recommended. Having said that, I am not sure when the optimum time for seeing this film would actually be.

There is a lot of very uncomfortable viewing here. The subject matter such as it is is very bleak, but, paradoxically, more life affirming than depressing. That is to say, I looked at the majority of the characters on screen and thought: please dont let me end up like that.

The plot is thin that is not meant pejoratively, its not a plot driven film but the performances of the cast simply roar off the screen. Peter Mullan and Eddie Marsan are fantastic, but then again, they always are (as an aside, does Marsan not tire of playing scumbags?), but the real revelation in this film is the performance of Olivia Colman.

She is perfect in this, absolutely note perfect; incredible acting. Awesome in her delivery. So good, in fact, that you forget this is just a movie. Her performance here is definitely going to propel her into the upper echelons of British acting if she is not already there.

Tyrannosaur is not faultless, there are some scenes that linger too long and others that linger not long enough, but for an early effort from Considine this promises much for the future. This is Considines Taxi Driver and I will queue around the block for Considines Goodfellas.

Superb writing and gritty direction; performances better yet and Colman delivers on every level. Bravo Ms Colman, and bravo to everyone else associated with the best British film of the decade.

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• Director: Rodrigo Garcia
• Release Date: January 2012
• Writers: Glenn Close, John Banville
• Run Time: 113
• Genre: Drama

Tagline: A man with a secret. A woman with a dream.

Review: I know this is meant to be a pet project for Glenn Close and us meant to be one of her most amazing roles, which it is, but it must be said that Janet McTeer just stole this movie. I found myself so much more interested in Hubert Paiges story rather than Albert Nobbs. Theres no denying Glenn Close is nothing short of exceptional as Albert, but I just found the character to be extremely boring and uninteresting, but it truly is the crowning glory in Closes already stellar career. The story is saved by the interesting supporting characters, also worth mentioning is Pauline Collins as Mrs Baker, the witch of a hotel owner where Albert Works, and Mia Wasikowska is always wonderful and this is no exception.

The production design, cinematography and all that jazz is all what youd expect from a period drama, however the music was a bit of a letdown, each time I heard a bit of music it all just sounded like the same track. I forgot to mention that a nice surprise was the wickedly funny scenes toward the beginning, for the first half an hour I was laughing my head off, but after that it gets pretty serious.

Im sure come Oscar time, Glenn Close will definitely be nominated and rightly so, I just hope we are also going to hear Janets name in the supporting categories, both women are very deserving.

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• Director: Jonathan Levine
• Release Date: September 2011
• Writers: Will Reiser
• Run Time: 100
• Genre: Comedy, Drama

Tagline: It takes a pair to beat the odds

Review: I thought this was a better film than The Kings Speech or Social Network my two favorite films of last year. Nothing this year has come close so far to the sheer brilliance of 50/50. It is the best disease of the week film ever made, which sounds like a backhanded compliment but I dont know how to describe the genre any better.

I have always felt that Gordon-Levitt along with Gosling are far and away the two best young actors working today. I thought that Gordon-Levitt deserved an Oscar nomination for The Lookout but knew that was never going to happen. This is his time. His performance as a young man battling cancer is pitch perfect. You will laugh and cry along with him throughout his difficult journey. His best scenes are with his therapist played by Anna Kendrick. She was good in the overrated Up in the Air; she is great in this film, playing another neophyte in a high powered career. She will be nominated as well, no doubt.

Seth Rogan has the role of his career thanks in part to Will Reiser, the screenwriter, who was able to take the whole sexist, slacker, pothead thing that Rogan does and add a dimension of humanity. I think both of them also deserve Oscar nominations. Because of the nature of his role I would be surprised if Rogan gets one, but not too surprised. He is just hilarious and at times very touching.

Finally we come to Jonathan Levine, a director that I had never heard of prior to this film. He is fantastic with actors here and has a great style. I say he is a shoo in come Oscar time.

Now this review has really centered around Oscar and that is for a reason. It will not be released for awhile and I was lucky to see a preview screening in Denver last night. I could think of no other way to get the point across more clearly that this is a brilliant film that you must run to when it is released.

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• Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
• Run Time: 90
• Genre: Comedy

Tagline: A Very Harold And Kumar 3D Christmas

Review: Once again, Harold and Kumar bring it with more completely original ideas that made me laugh like a maniac several times throughout the movie. These guys once again prove that anything can be funnier if you add weed and nudity. And the fact that Kal Penn can still make these movies and maintain a respectable reputation at the White House is hilarious enough as it is.

As good as this one was, however, it didnt really live up to the expectations that were set by Guantanamo Bay. Maybe its because when I saw that one, it was in a packed theatre at 10 pm with a bunch of stoners laughing their guts out at every single joke. As unappealing as that sounds (I wasnt stoned during this movie), its those types of things that make movies THAT much better if you ask me. Laughing my butt off with 30 or more people, including a few random 14 year olds who needed to pretend they were with me in order to get in (true story) just wasnt the same.

Something that really bugged me was how NPH was barely used in this one. Although his picture actually made it poster this time, he wasnt really in it as much as I hoped. Come to think of it, many of the old jokes from White Castle and Guantanamo Bay werent used at all.

And whether or not it was the theatre I went to, the 3D was disgraceful. I almost suggest seeing the 2D version: your eyes wont hurt, youll save a few bucks, and you really wont miss anything.

But even though it may not have lived up to the previous ones, Harold and Kumar prove once again that as far as epic stoner comedies go, they cant be beat. This one left me sore from laughing, and with an itch to see more (even though, once again, I wasnt stoned). I strongly suggest you get a big group to go to this one; the more laughs around you, the funnier this movie will be.

And of course, theres nothing like getting into the Christmas spirit a little early. Especially if you celebrate Christmas like these guys.

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• Director: Bill Condon
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: Melissa Rosenberg, Stephenie Meyer
• Run Time: 117
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Tagline: Forever is only the beginning

Review: Im a huge fan of the books, but Ive been disappointed with the last two movies so my hopes werent that high for this one. I shouldnt have worried. Breaking Dawn blew me away from the first scene. Stewart is finally acting, which is one of the biggest reasons why this movie is so much better than the others. She portrays Bella in a way that is so close to the book, and its wonderful to see her and Pattinson playing lovers that are so, so, so in love. The fact that Bill Condon (director) gave the happy couple so much time to be just that, happy, makes you really believe in their love and it makes you understand why they cant live without each other. Such an important part (or THE most important thing I should say) but something that the previous directors have failed in showing.

This movie takes you from a beautiful wedding, complete with the most hilarious toasts (Jessica and Charlie) wonderful music, stunning dresses and declarations of love that will touch everyones hearts, to South America for a sexy, funny and exciting honeymoon where we see heartfelt smiles, kissing, cuddling and teasing along with the epic headboard breaking scene. It then settles back in Forks, where we get to witness the most terrifying pregnancy imaginable. The special effects team deserve an Oscar for the work theyve done on making Stewart look like shes slowly fading away. The moments leading up to the birth scene are actually scarier than the scene itself. It really is a horror film towards the end, and some scenes should maybe have been rated R. It ends in the perfect place, such a natural and obvious cut. I am so thankful that Breaking Dawn has been split into two parts, because I cant imagine even once scene in this part that could have been skipped. Condon is a genius.

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• Director: Gavin O Connor
• Release Date: September 2011
• Writers: Gavin O Connor, Anthony Tambakis
• Run Time: 140
• Genre: Action, Drama, Sport

Tagline: Family is worth fighting for.

Review: Warrior brings to the table the world of mixed martial arts, where punches, kicks, holds, and everything else goes. The inception of new international tournament Sparta puts on a collision course Paddy (Nick Nolte), Brendan (Joel Edgerton), and Tom Conlon (Tom Hardy), all part of an estranged family torn apart in the past by abuse, favoritism, and abandonment. Tom resurfaces in society to enlist the help of his formerly alcoholic father Paddy to train him for the tournament, while at the same time Brendan revisits his UFC training in hopes to win the $5 million purse for his struggling family. The two underdogs face some of the toughest MMA fighters on the planet, but the true struggle appears to lie within them. Paddy battles for forgiveness against the resentment of his sons, Tom fights to prove to himself that he is strong, and Brendan struggles to come to terms with his older family while trying to support one of his own.

The fantastic thing here is two protagonists entering the same tournament. Each brother has his own respectable reasons for fighting, a fact that is sure to divide the audience when it comes time to choose which one to root for. The story truly is gut-wrenchingly powerful and presented in an engaging fashion. Little by little through the films dialogue, we are allowed a glimpse into the past hardships of the Conlon family, and the characters motivations for retaining such hatred are revealed gradually. Through the incredible acting talents of Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte, this confused and passionate chemistry really comes alive. All three actors put up some of the most convincing and heartbreaking performances of their careers; and seeing as how The Fighter garnered so many Oscar nominations, I cant see why Warrior will not do the same. My only beef with the movie is its cliched climax and rather bleak inconclusive ending, though it still does good to the emotional schism the movie intended to create.

Warrior is one of those sports films with a magical mixture of emotional and physical battle. Its a wonderful story showing how sometimes the worlds strongest forces are insignificant in comparison to the troubles of a scarred family. Warrior is without a doubt worth a visit to the theater. One of the best of 2011! And whether youre an MMA fan or not, the adrenaline-pumping fights will have you up and cheering and applauding.

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• Director: Roman Polanski
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: Yasmina Reza, Roman Polanski
• Run Time: 79
• Genre: Comedy, Drama

Tagline: Carnage

Review: Carnage is the latest film from director Roman Polanski, a film with a minimalistic plot, two sets of parents decide to meet after their sons get into a fight, that relies on a sharp script and actor power in order to tell a story. Although the concept in not entirely new and you might tell from the first minutes how the events are going to unfold, the film has a good pace and provides the viewer with some decent laughs being quite entertaining for a flick that is mostly based on dialogue.

The acting is what you would expect from a movie that features such big names, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet being particularly good here. Carnage reminded me of the times when you only needed some talented actors and a good script in order to make a good movie, there was no need for flashy special effects or over the top action scenes.

If you liked films like Whos afraid of Virginia Woolf? or Glengarry Glen Ross where the actors and the story are the ones who really matter, you might want to give Carnage a try as well. Although it may not reach the standards set by those movies, Polanskis film manages to be enjoyable, well paced and offers a satisfying movie experience.

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• Director: Tarsem Singh
• Release Date: November 2011
• Writers: Charley Parlapanides, Vlas Parlapanides
• Run Time: 110
• Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy

Tagline: The Gods Need a Hero

Review: This movie had a bit more story time than I anticipated, a lot of time was spent away from epic battles but there was plenty of fighting to keep me happy. Special effects were great, stylized blood was plenty but not too much, Frieda Pinto is gorgeous, and Henry Cavill is jacked. The acting was pretty good; to be fair, not very much was necessary from anyone besides Henry Cavill, but none of the actors underperformed.

The quality of the fight scenes was great. Not a single fight scene went by where I was like ok, I waited 5 minutes for that!?. The fight with the Greek Gods was very well done, although many people may disagree (more on that in the next paragraph). Most of the fights are just look at Thesius… oh how he knows how to fight. But I personally couldnt care less how many people are fighting as long as the fights are well done.

The fight pertaining to the Gods is seen partly in the trailers when you see people floating in mid air as they and their friends get punished continuously. Its very Matrix/Kung Fu style, and some people didnt like that. But the way I see it, these are Gods fighting, not humans and legends. The fight has to have a different substance than just simple blood and guts.

What really irked me were the inconsistencies with Greek Mythology and the lack luster epicness of the Eperius bow. For one, the number of Gods present in this movie is 5. Zeuss, Poseidon, Apollo, Athena and one more… as far as the movie goes, they could of at least shown all of the Olympians. Also, the Titans are shown as rabid monkeys against the Gods. As far as I remember, they were equal to the Gods in strength and intellect. Lastly, the Eperius Bow was not as epic as they had built it up to be; especially the first time its shot, it sort of just happens.

All in all, the movie was what most people should expect from it. Well done fight scenes, stylized blood, gorgeous Frieda Pinto and Gods.

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