"Every time I go to a movie, it's magic."
* Indicates a film for my end of year goal.^ Indicates a re-watch.
Key Cast: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich Von Stroheim, Nancy Olson
Run Time: 110 minutes.
Summary:A faded silent film stars pulls a young writer into her grasp
Date Watched: Jan.5
Review:One of my favorite films of all time, and one of my favorite types of plot. A desperate person feeds off the life of another. Norma Desmond (I can't even hear her name without getting chills) is without a doubt one of the fiercest on screen personalities I've ever known. her grip on reality is so far gone, and her self perception is just magnificent. Swanson plays the role beautifully, you can really feel her pain the entire time. It's a worn out saying, but it really is a must see.
Key Cast: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders
Run Time: 138 minutes.
Summary:An aging Broadway star becomes close to her biggest fan...
Date Watched: Jan.2
Review: I love Bette Davis, and this is obviously one of her classics. Her acting is nothing short of superb, and so is Baxter's. The plot is interesting and kept my attention the entire movie. One of the cute parts of this film is to see a young Marilyn Monroe make an appearence.
Key Cast: Franchot Tone, Anne Baxter, Erich Von Stroheim
Run Time: 96 minutes.
Summary: WWII film
Date Watched: Jan.5
Review:I'm not a huge war film fan, but this was a good one. Anne Baxter with a french accent, how could you resist? This is the only film of Franchot I've seen. He's a decent actor, and did well in this role.
Key Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Nick Nolte
Run Time: 140 minutes.
Summary: Two brothers who have long lost contact end up fighting each other in a mixed martial arts tournament.
Date Watched: Jan.7
Review: I am really not a boxing/fighting fan, and although mixed martial arts is different, it's still not my taste. The movie was filmed a little "awkwardly" in my opinion, as if it was a documentary. I like the themes, of family and honor and such. Not my favorite, but it was a well though out film.
Key Cast: Ava Gardner, Humphrey Bogart, Rossano Brazzi
Run Time: 130 minutes.
Summary: The career and life of fictional spanish sex symbol Maria Vargas.
Date Watched: Jan.10
Review: Ava is a great actress, but she has never been anything spectacular to me. This movie didn't really change that to me. What I loved about her was her desperate attempts to find love and happiness, and the tragic overall theme of the movie. Bogie was flawless, as usual.
Key Cast: Claudette Colbert, Zachary Scott, Robert Wagner, Marilyn Monroe.
Run Time: 77 minutes.
Summary: An almost divorced couple's relationship is complicated to say the least, but gets even more complicated when the wife's old flame comes back into town to see her.
Date Watched: Jan.10
Review: The movie is what it is, a light hearted comedy. It was enjoyable, but nothing more than that. Claudette is beautiful on screen, as she always is. And it's fun to see a young Robert Wagner and Marilyn Monroe.
Key Cast: Paige O'Hara,Robby Benson, Richard White.
Run Time: 84 minutes.
Summary:A selfish young man is cursed with the characteristics of a beast until he can find someone he truly loves and loves him back.
Date Watched: Jan.12
Review: Obviously this was a movie I was raised upon, my mother always thought Belle to be the best of the Disney princess' to look up to. Which I understand why, she's smart and curious about life and loves her sometimes hard to love father. This movie has always had great meaning to me, and seeing it in theaters in 3D was a great experience, I loved every second of it.
Key Cast: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Mickey Rooney.
Run Time: 115 minutes.
Summary: A naive and eccentric young woman in New York city is after what she wants, a rich man to marry. Until she meets someone who makes her second think her lifestyle.
Date Watched: Jan.16
Review: I've seen pretty much every "classic" film, and much more, but somehow have never seen this. I think what kept me away from it was that I'm not a Audrey Hepburn fan. I adored the movie. the plot was flawless (Thanks to Capote), the setting was great, and I loved the acting (Neal was great). But what I think I loved most about the film was that Holly was so positively naive, and lived exactly as she wanted. Also the cat, enough said.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/80/The_Girl_with_the_Dragon_Tattoo_Poster.jpg/220px-The_Girl_with_the_Dragon_Tattoo_Poster.jpg")
Key Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer.
Run Time: 158 minutes.
Summary: The films revolves around an old man who hires a detective of sorts to find out what happened to his niece who hadn't been seen for 40 years, and was considered murdered by someone in her family.
Date Watched: Jan.16
Review: I saw the Swedish version of this story back a couple years ago when it was playing in a local film festival, and I absolutely loved it. Naturally I was nervous for a remake to happen, especially so soon after the first film. But I think Fincher did a great job. The aesthetics were breathtaking, and every detail was done so carefully. Although I haven't read the book, I've heard this version is more true to it. and I like the flow of this film as opposed to the other. Overall, great great movie.
Key Cast: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones.
Run Time: 90 minutes.
Summary: A seemingly useless brother of three women returns and stirs up their lives.
Date Watched: Jan.23
Review: Although I wasn't expecting much out of this movie, it was better than expected. Very silly, and Paul Rudd's character was adorable. Loved the timing of events. overall was a feel-good movie, I enjoyed it.
Key Cast: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood.
Run Time: 191 minutes.
Summary: The political campaign of a candidate, and the people that work with and for him.
Date Watched: Jan.24
Review: I saw this in theaters when it was first out, fell in love with it. Watching it the second time made it seem even better. Gosling obvious did an amazing job, and I loved Philip/Giamatti also. Greatly put together film, and an interesting look at a political campaign.
Key Cast: Ryan Gosling, Anthony Hopkins.
Run Time: 113 minutes.
Summary: A detective tries to unravel how to pin his wife's murder on a vindictive man attempting to manipulate the justice system.
Date Watched: Jan. 26 Jan.16
Review: Very interesting, I loved the plot of this film. both of the main actors did great. It's so easy to love a crazy Hopkins.
Key Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Melanie Laurent.
Run Time: 104 minutes.
Summary: A son deals with the death of his father, who came out of the closet shortly before his death, and begins a relationship with a woman who has father issues of her own.
Date Watched: Feb. 1 Jan.16
Review: It's a slow moving film. Interesting, but I honestly couldn't get much into it. I love Plummer's character, very fun.
Key Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogan, Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston, Bryce Dallas Howard.
Run Time: 100 minutes.
Summary: A man deals with the fact that he was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Date Watched: Feb. 1 Jan.16
Review: I saw this in theaters back in the fall. I think it's a great balance of comedy and drama, and an interesting look into someone struggling with an illness. Honestly though, the best park was Anjelica. and Skelator.
Key Cast: Michelle Willians, Eddie Redmayne, Judi Dench, Emma Watson.
Run Time: 101 minutes.
Summary:A look into the life of Marilyn Monroe during the filming of The Prince & the Showgirl.
Date Watched: March 6
Review: I was a little hesitant going into watching this, as I'm sure many were. It's hard to watch someone play a role as someone else you appreciate a lot. I love Marilyn, so I was scared to see if they were going to pull it off. Overall, I loved it. I think Michelle did an awesome job as Marilyn. I wasn't in love with the renditions of Laurence/Vivien, but they weren't terrible.
Key Cast:Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni.
Run Time: 118 minutes.
Summary:Three short stories about couples in separate parts of Italy.
Date Watched: March 7
Review:Interesting film. It's actually my first Loren film, I don't know I let that go on for so long. She was brilliant in it, I felt for each role she played.
Key Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci
Run Time: 142 minutes.
Summary:24 young kids have to fight to the death to bring honor to their country
Date Watched: March 27
Review: I was a little hesitant/very excited to see this film, since it's the huge craze right now. I enjoyed pretty much all of the movie. Stanley Tucci did an awesome job, and so did Jennifer. The only part I could say I didn't enjoy too much was the cast selection for the other "tributes", other than Isabelle Fuhrman. Overall very enjoyable film, I look forward to the other ones coming out!
Key Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Judy Greer
Run Time: 115 minutes.
Summary:A man's wife is about to pass on when he finds out she had been unfaithful
Date Watched: March 20
Review: I had heard very mixed reviews on this film, but was anxious to see it. I've been a Clooney fan for the better half of his career. It was a very sad, but great film. He and Shailene's characters wewre great and very heartfelt. I enjoyed it very much
Key Cast: Lady Bunny, RuPaul, Crystal Waters
Run Time: 85 minutes.
Summary: Documentary of the annual Wigstock, held by mistress of ceremonies Lady Bunny.
Date Watched: March 13
Review:I had the chance to meet Lady Bunny a couple months ago at a unveiling of a new collection at my work, which made me interested in learning about her. The documentary was a very cute in-look onto the celebration.
Key Cast: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Meat Loaf
Run Time: 100 minutes.
Summary: Newlyweds with a flat tire end up in a peculiar situation.
Date Watched: Jan 28
Review:I've obviously heard a lot about this film for like, my entire life. and somehow it took me until now to watch it. It was adorable, I loved every minute. great makeup/costumes. classic.
Key Cast: Cassandra Peterson, John Paragon, Sam Egan
Run Time: 96 minutes.
Summary: TV horror hostess quits her job, and soon after finds out she is written into the will of a wealthy relative. She goes to find out how much she will get, and to use to for her career.
Date Watched: April 6
Review:I never knew too much about Elvira until I had the chance to watch this movie. It was very entertaining, I loved he character. and the cheesy 80's editing was great.
Key Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Gloria Stewart
Run Time: 194 minutes.
Summary: A lucky gamble puts a poor artist on the RMS Titanic on it's maiden voyage alongside a first class socialite with different dreams.
Date Watched: April 10
Review:One of my favorite films of all time. Both main actors did a remarkable job, Leo's emotions in the film blow me away *cough oscar cough* This film has had a huge impact on me basically my entire life. I love it.
Key Cast: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski
Run Time: 123 minutes.
Summary: A TV reporter stumbles upon three California grey whales caught in an ice trap in Alaska.
Date Watched: March
Review: Very cute film, and awesome learning experience on a situation I wasn't even aware of before. It was entertaining!
Key Cast: Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn
Run Time: 129 minutes.
Summary: After the death of his father in the 9/11 attacks, a bright young man investigates a riddle he thinks his father set up for him.
Date Watched: April 13
Review: An obvious tearjerker, this kept me crying basically the whole movie. Horn played a very intellectual kid who keeps your attention. I loved this movie, and stand by my good review of it. Not sure why others didn't like it as much.
Key Cast:Jason Segal, Ed Helms, Judy Greer, Susan Sarandon
Run Time: 82 minutes.
Summary:A man who still lives at home at 30 is reconciled with his brother.
Date Watched: April 17
Review:I wasn't expecting much of out this movie, maybe a couple laughs, It was better than expected. Segal was hilarious, as usual.
Key Cast:Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, John Hamm, Kristen Wiig
Run Time: 100 minutes.
Summary:2 friends to decide to have a child together.
Date Watched: May 1
Review:Great movie with a sweet story line. The cast was awesome. And Kristen Wiig's character was just depressing.
Key Cast:Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christopher Waltz, John C Reilly
Run Time: 79 minutes.
Summary:Two couples get together to discuss their children fighting.
Date Watched: May 4
Review:Random, random movie. That's really the only word to describe it.
Key Cast:Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarjo, Jeremy Renner, plus tons of others
Run Time: 143 minutes.
Summary:With the world in a crisis, the SHIELD must get together the worlds best super heroes.
Date Watched: May 8
Review:.
Key Cast: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson
Run Time: 122 minutes.
Summary: A teenage journalist writes for Rolling Stone incognito.
Date Watched: May 12
Review: I love everything about this film. Great aura, authentic acting, awesome cast. One of my favorites.
Key Cast: Zac Efron, Danny DeVito, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms
Run Time: 86 minutes.
Summary: A boy attempts to find a "real tree" to impress a girl.
Date Watched: May 15
Review: Sweet film, I loved the animation. Entertaining!
Key Cast: Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, SJP
Run Time: 127 minutes.
Summary: biopic about one of the most "terrible" directors, and his interesting life.
Date Watched: May 16
Review: I've always heard about this film, and am frankly surprised it took so long to actually see it. It was so great, very interesting story that I didn't know much about. Johnny Depp is awesome.
Key Cast: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt
Run Time: 107 minutes.
Summary:Literally about salmon fishing in Yemen.
Date Watched: May 19
Review: I generally enjoyed it, I mean Ewan is in it, how could I not have. Not really a great movie overall though.
Key Cast: Camerpm Diaz, Jlo, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick
Run Time: 110 minutes.
Summary: Follows the story of 5 couples that are expecting children.
Date Watched: May 22
Review: Very cute movie, I have to admit I'm a sucker for anything with Jlo. It was creative, and done well.
Key Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, John Lund
Run Time: 98 minutes.
Summary: A pregnant and penniless woman deceives a family.
Date Watched: May 24
Review: Let me be honest, terribly made movie. But I adore Stanwyck, and the plot was good enough that it kept my attention.