What's this? The last Tuesday of the year? That means a top 10 films of 2011 is coming soon. Although there's a slight chance a weekend movie viewing of some well reviewed action blockbusters might be in order which will increase the field of eligible films.
For now though, a couple of movies, including the first watched using my new system for deciding which 'Criterion' releases to see. Now that Hulu has some (but not all) criterion films I'm selecting 5 random titles from their selections, choosing what I want to see, and then seeking the best format to watch it. Meaning if a hard copy Blu-Ray or HD version is available I'd prefer that to Hulu streaming, so I can see the best version of one of their highly regarded movies.
So...
CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS (1966)
Criterion #131 - Watched via Hulu Plus
Selected because of my vague memories of Time's 100 Best Films of All Time List. Deceptively simple and narrow-minded... it sort of requires reading some film critics praise in order to understand and appreciate its context.
and
EASIER WITH PRACTICE (2009)
WIFF 2010 selection
Pretty engaging indie with a real patience to it, and a good twist that is given time to breathe.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER / YOUNG ADULT
HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER (2010)
Available via Hulu Plus
2011 WIFF selection
Important because this was a movie I missed at the 2011 WIFF in order to get home from Madison early. It's nice several months later to make up the loss.
YOUNG ADULT (2011)
Seen at Landmark Century Chicago
I didn't much on the Descendants, but one key distraction of that otherwise excellent movie was the narration. Moreover, the narration wasn't used consistently, it just set things up at the beginning. Compare the use of voice-over narration to the incredibly well written Young Adult, where actions and performances shape the backstory. I can't help but think that there might of been a better way to use George Clooney's excellent acting chops to make the point of the movie better without some disembodied monologue. Anyway, both excellent movies... Patton Oswalt is incredible.
Available via Hulu Plus
2011 WIFF selection
Important because this was a movie I missed at the 2011 WIFF in order to get home from Madison early. It's nice several months later to make up the loss.
YOUNG ADULT (2011)
Seen at Landmark Century Chicago
I didn't much on the Descendants, but one key distraction of that otherwise excellent movie was the narration. Moreover, the narration wasn't used consistently, it just set things up at the beginning. Compare the use of voice-over narration to the incredibly well written Young Adult, where actions and performances shape the backstory. I can't help but think that there might of been a better way to use George Clooney's excellent acting chops to make the point of the movie better without some disembodied monologue. Anyway, both excellent movies... Patton Oswalt is incredible.
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