Adam
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185836/
Plot: Soon after moving in, Beth, a brainy, beautiful writer damaged from a past relationship encounters Adam, the handsome, but odd, fellow in the downstairs apartment whose awkwardness is perplexing. Beth and Adam’s ultimate connection leads to a tricky relationship that exemplifies something universal: truly reaching another person means bravely stretching into uncomfortable territory and the resulting shake-up can be liberating.
My thoughts: This movie, imo, was incredible. It was such a good change of pace from the comedies and action flicks I’ve been watching recently due to my roommates’ taste in movies. The acting is so well-done and it really hooked me. It’s not the typical genre I like but they did such a good job with it. One of the best dramatic romance movies I’ve ever seen. It had laughs, confusion, and sadness and they were all portrayed perfectly.
Uncertainty
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1086216/
Plot: A young couple, in love and facing a life-changing decision, find one seemingly ordinary July 4th cleaved in two by the flip of a coin on the Brooklyn Bridge.
My thoughts: Another favorite! I love movies like these because they make you think and wonder about so many different aspects of life. This movie is really confusing and definitely one you need to be willing to sit down for 2 hours and really pay attention to it. The acting was awesome… it felt so true.
January 2nd, 2010:
SLC Punk
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133189/
Plot: SLC Punk is a film about a couple of kids who become sick of their dull, ordinary life. They make plans to try to change things and create anarchy.
My thoughts: Okay, so I’ve seen this movie before but I forgot all about it. It’s a pretty funny movie but it’s also very speculative. There are many talks about anarchy and structure and the pros and cons between the two. Honestly, that’s the part I liked the most about this movie. They were able to slip in some slapstick comedy but they kept it intelligent by throwing some ingenious debates and rants about politics, government, life, etc. All in all, I like this flick.
January 3rd, 2010:
The Lovely Bones
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380510/
Plot: “The Lovely Bones” centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family – and her killer – from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.
My thoughts: Such a sad and happy movie. It was fairly suspenseful and had some creepy moments. The special effects were a little bit goofy but it still fit the movie fine. Stanley Tucci did an incredible job in this movie and the little girl, Rose McIver, also did an incredible job in it. I’m on a roll at picking movies lately because this is definitely another one I liked very much.
January 4th, 2010:
City Island
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1174730/
Plot: Meet the Rizzos, a family that might get along a lot better if only they could tell each other the truth. Dad Vince is the worst offender. But since the prison guard won’t even admit that poker night is in fact acting class, how’s he ever going to explain about his illegitimate son? His daughter works as a stripper when she’s supposed to be in college, while young Vinnie Jr has a secret sexual fetish that involves a 24-hour webcam and the family’s 300-pound neighbor. Vince’s wife Joyce is the family’s rock, but it’s been a year since she enjoyed intimacy with her husband, and it’s no surprise she thinks poker night spells A-F-F-A-I-R. When former prisoner Tony enters the Rizzos’ lives, Joyce begins to suspect that the handsome young Tony isn’t who Vince says he is. City Island is a funny, touching and smart family tale about the secrets of the past catching up with the lies of the present, and accepting that nobody’s perfect – least of all your loved ones.
My thoughts: This movie was a riot. It was so dysfunctional on a hilarious level. It reminded me of Arrested Development just not appropriate for kids. So much subtle sarcasm and hatred. Some of the acting was a little goofy but, all in all, it made me laugh. Thumbs up!
January 7th, 2010
Up in the Air
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1193138/
Plot: With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him.
My thoughts: I liked this movie a lot only because I love dry comedies/dramas. If you’re into stuff like Arrested Development, Seinfeld, or Thank You for Smoking, you’ll like this movie.
January 20th, 2010
The Fourth Kind
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1220198/
Plot: Fact-based thriller involving an ongoing unsolved mystery in Alaska, where one town has seen an extraordinary number of unexplained disappearances during the past 40 years and there are accusations of a federal cover up.
My Thoughts: Even though I’m not really into sci-fi stuff, this gave me a good scare. Chilling.
January 21st, 2010
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1220628/
Plot: A guy tries to patch things up with his soon-to-be-married pal after botching things up at his bachelor party. Based on Tucker Max’s best-seller “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell”.
My Thoughts: This movie was hilariously sad. I know that doesn’t seem to make any sense but that’s the only way I can explain it. Although incredibly raunchy and very R-rated, it did have some amazing parts. There are a couple of rants and monologues in it that I would love to memorize.
January 26th, 2010
A Serious Man
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1019452/
Plot: A black comedy set in 1967 and centered on Larry Gopnik, a Midwestern professor who watches his life unravel when his wife prepares to leave him because his inept brother won’t move out of the house.
My Thoughts: Although a little bit on the slow side, this movie was pretty good. Unless you are very interested in dry, almost satirical humor I definitely wouldn’t watch this one. On the other hand, if you can appreciate a good movie for the well-thought out story and great acting, WATCH IT!
Cold Souls
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1127877/
Plot: Paul is an actor who feels bogged down by his participation in a production of Chekov’s play, Vanya.
My Thoughts:Okay, so my opinion is VERY biased when it comes to this movie because I absolutely love Paul Giamatti. He plays the greatest troubled man I’ve ever seen in this flick. This is a movie for those who like or at least have a general interest in philosophy and “what-ifs”. This is a very dark, depressing movie infused with classic dry humor and dark jokes. Probably my favorite Giamatti movie.
Posted by Modus Operandi 
