Top 11 of 2010, So Far

Hello all,

I promise not to bore you with details of these films, but some need an honest opinion. Since you spend your hard-earned (or inherited) money, you may need some guidance in how to spend it. I have never seen so many films in a five month span (though it may seem like I do). So, here goes:


11. Percy Jackson & the Olympians. 4.5/10
What Worked: The cinematography and special effects. Then again, that's a given in modern cinema, isn't it?
What Didn't: The story. Can anyone explain to me the goal of the story? The acting needed also needed some help.
Try This Movie Instead: This film was an attempt to gain money off of the rush of Greek mythology stuff (Clash of the Titans). It combined Harry Potter with Greek stuff. Try the Harry Potter series for better results.

10. Daybreakers. 5/10.
What Worked: The editing and a lack of slow-motion. Unlike the slow-mo fest of such films as Blade: Trinity, it allowed the violence actually happen. Good performances by the lead actors.
What Didn't: Lost most modern horror, it was a gross-out fest. How to make you sick in 90 minutes without scaring you.
Try This Movie Instead: Interview With the Vampire

9. Valentine's Day. 6.5/10.
What Worked: Pretty girls, and simple sub-stories. Anne Hathaway was particularly good.
What Didn't: Fitting too much into the script.
Try This Movie Instead: This movie tries mightily to be Love Actually, and misses.

8. Iron Man 2. 6.5/10.
What Worked: Special effects, the primary cast.
What Didn't: This movie was totally rushed. The first half especially so. The female characters had no substance whatsoever. The obligatory "wink at the camera" in a Marvel movie.
Try These Instead: The Incredible Hulk, Blade (1998).

7. Legion. 7/10.
What Worked: Strong cast, simple story. Creepy old people.
What Didn't: Way too fast. Throw-away dialogue.
Try This Movie Instead: The Prophecy.

6. Clash of the Titans. 7/10.
What Worked: Thoughtful sequences. Great animation. Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and all of the other cast except...
What Didn't: Sam Worthington. Somebody get this guy some face-acting lessons and keep his ass in Terminator: Salvation. Good grief. Don't watch this in 3D unless you want your eyes to hurt.
Try This Movie Instead: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

5. Alice in Wonderland. 7/10.
What Worked: A strong cast, lead and supporting. Anne Hathaway again steals the show. Nice things to look at. 3D is good.
What Didn't: The Tim Burton factor. I am fully aware of his popularity, but the cast looked like life-size corpses. This is also at least the second Tim Burton movie in which Johnny Depp looks like a reject from Dracula A.D. 1972 (the other being Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
Try This Movie: It is worth seeing. Some, perhaps most, will love it. I'd see it again.

4. Oceans. 8/10.
What Worked: Spectacular footage and ridiculously cute animals. It's gorgeous.
What Didn't: A touch too political and a bit too short.
See It: It's better than Earth. Maybe the DVD will have some bonus footage.

3. The Lovely Bones. 8/10.
What Worked: I was pleasantly surprised by everything. Solid all the way around. Nice to listen to and look at. Peter Jackson's best movie.
What Didn't: The ending didn't fit at all with the theme of the film.
Buy It: It literally has something for everyone. Take it in its proper context, and you've got a gem.

2. The Wolfman. 8/10.
What Worked: The performances, editing, and the violence. The werewolves were brutal. It's refreshing to see females shine, and Emily Blunt was wonderful. Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, and Hugo Weaving were their usual effective selves.
What Didn't: The first few minutes of the movie were way too fast. Character development is key. The fate of Anthony Hopkins's character rubbed me the wrong way and was a little cheap.
Am I Hearing You Correctly?: Yes, I liked it better than the original. I almost never say things like that. Guess what? A Director's Cut DVD is coming, making me all the more happy.

1. How To Train Your Dragon. 9/10.
What Worked: Where did this movie come from? A clean, simple story. Cute dragons. Great animation. Splendid voice performances. Funny Vikings.
What Didn't: Some of the dialogue was out of place. You could really tell with Gerard Butler's.
So Far, It's Tops: Pleasing. Potentially addictive for adults and kids.


Comments and gripes welcome.