MOVIE REVIEW: YOUNG ADULT (Jason Reitman, 2011)

Diablo Cody’s scripts are either dead-on (Juno) or disastrous misses (Jennifer’s Body). This one seemed to fall right in between.

It was unfortunate since Charlize Theron delivered a fearless performance of a completely unlikable character. She received strong support from Patton Oswalt and the two of them made the most out of a confused black comedy.

The movie just couldn’t hit the right tone and I ended up wondering why I kept watching these characters be miserable when I have a life of my own.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

(Originally published June 6, 2012.)

MOVIE REVIEW: THE SITTER (David Gordon Green, 2011)

Superbad.

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

(Originally published May 10, 2017.)

MOVIE REVIEW: THE MUPPETS (James Bobin, 2011)

If you grew up watching the Muppets (and completely understood why Miss Piggy fell for a skinny green frog), I‘m sure that you’ll be crying your eyes out before the end credits.

This movie was corny, heartwarming, cheesy, and break-the-fourth-wall funny. The musical numbers were such a delight that I couldn’t help but dance along. Nostalgia had never been this good.

Rating: ★★★★☆

(Originally published May 4, 2012.)

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CABIN IN THE WOODS (Drew Goddard, 2011)

Let me start by saying that almost everyone stepped out of the theater grumbling and ready to ask for a refund. It made me love this movie even more. It was really that good, but I would not recommend it to just about anyone.

Please do not expect a horror movie. This was so much more than that and to discuss it further would only ruin the fun.

A brilliant love/hate letter to the genre that horror geeks will fully appreciate. Funny and fearless.

Rating: ★★★★☆

(Originally published May 4, 2012.)

MOVIE REVIEW: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? (Mark Mylod, 2011)

Where my darling Anna Faris slept with four characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Captain America, Star-Lord, Falcon, and Everett Ross) and someone else from a different universe (Spock).

This will also be remembered as the movie where Chris Evans was naked half of the time, putting his natural, uhm, gifts (abilities?) to good use.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

(Originally published May 2, 2017.)

MOVIE REVIEW: JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (David Gelb, 2011)

Fascinating documentary on sushi master Jiro Ono that also deals with passion for one’s work.

Jiro’s kids recalled the incident when they were too poor to afford Coke in can. They saved for months to buy one. Thinking that the sweet stuff was at the bottom, they shook the can and it exploded leaving them with half the content. The older kid felt so guilty telling that story. It was funny but in reality, it was heartbreaking.

Rating: ★★★★★

(Originally published April 18, 2013.)

MOVIE REVIEW: MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (Simon Curtis, 2011)

A lot had been said about Michelle Williams’ performance as Marilyn Monroe. I just have to say that it was a damn fine impersonation as it should be because this movie didn’t really offer anything new about the subject.

All I learned was that Marilyn’s disturbed, always forgot her lines, dependent on drugs, oftentimes horny, completely fragile, and yet a great actress. It was something probably everyone already knew (or you could read from a second-rate biography).

The tacked-on love story involving the narrator and a lost Emma Watson further diverted the plot from its star. I was thankful to see Dame Judi Dench (never losing her brilliance even for a second) and Kenneth Branagh providing strong support. This movie succeeded as an acting showcase, but completely failed as a biopic.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

(Originally published March 2, 2012.)

MOVIE REVIEW: THE TREE OF LIFE (Terrence Malick, 2011)

Further proof that Malick’s films are best seen while running a fever and slightly delirious.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

(Originally published March 3, 2013.)

MOVIE REVIEW: PINA (Wim Wenders, 2011)

I’m sure movie buffs and dance enthusiasts will froth at the mouth when I say that I have no patience for this movie and that I stopped after 10 minutes. It’s just not my cup of tea. Is an apology in order?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

(Originally published February 24, 2012.)

MOVIE REVIEW: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (Sean Durkin, 2011)

Let me just say that the less you know about this movie, the better it gets. It’s an engaging psychological thriller that’s buoyed by a superb performance from Elizabeth Olsen. With its seamless transitions from past to present, it grips you by the throat and messes up your brain. That bummer of an ending perfectly capped the movie. What a nice surprise!

Rating: ★★★★☆

(Originally published February 12, 2012.)