Up (2009)

This movie has the distinction of being one of two films to make me get visibly emotional. Phenomenal filmmaking, in every regard.

Side Note: The other film is The Green Mile.

Buy? - Duh.

Broadcast News (1987)

This film has eluded me for some time. It's been one that I've meant to see on several different occasions, but the mood was never right. Until now.

So, what did I think? Was it worth the wait? Or was I correct to pass it by....?

Boy oh boy was I missing out. Not only is the film well-written (it's James L. Brooks for cryin' out loud), but the acting is out-of-this-world. All three of the leads (Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, William Hurt) nail it, especially Albert Brooks; he takes the sarcastic Jewish man to new heights in this film, giving him a love-sick persona that would make Woody Allen jealous.

All in all, the film is subtle, witty, charming and in the end, very satisfying, despite a rather romantically unsatisfying ending. A joy to behold.

Buy? - But of course!

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

This was the extended edition. Classic. Nothing much more to say.

Just Friends (2005)

I never quite noticed how zany this film is at times. It's got an odd cadence to its comedy that is both manic and annoying. I dunno. I still love the movie, if only for the winning comedy of Anna Faris and Ryan Reynolds. A great Christmas film.

Side Note: I'm convinced that Ryan Reynolds has chemistry with every actress he's paired up with. Why? Because I don't like Amy Smart, and yet, I like her in this film. Could it be the effervescent charm of one Ryan Reynolds helping to buoy her up? Probably.

Buy? - Own it!

Le dîner de cons (1998)

Hilarious. The French really understand farce, and this film's no exception.

Check it out. The English title is The Dinner Game, so find it, and enjoy it.

Buy? - Eventually.

Avatar (2009)

I don't know what to write about this one. Just see it. See it in theaters. Don't wait for DVD on this one. I promise you that even if the story is subpar, there's more than enough eye candy to distract you from realizing the film's script is actually just Dances With Wolves in Space.

And see it in 3D. The glasses aren't too bad. They even leave little marks on your face from having rested there for a good 2 and half hours. It's like Ash Wednesday for movie nerds.

Anyway, back to the film...
Two words: Incredible filmmaking. There were moments when I was utterly convinced what I was seeing was real, and yet my mind couldn't believe it. It's not perfect, but more often than not, it works, and it works VERY well.

Loved it.

Buy? - This is a tough one. If I could buy a movie theater to see it in, then yes. On Blu-ray or DVD? It just may not have the same sorta kick, so is it worth it? We'll see...

Love Actually (2003)

I think I try and watch this every year, if not at Christmas. Why? Cause I love it. Isn't that appropriate?

I can't really recommend it, though, because of content. But, if you keep your remote at the ready, you can avoid the indiscretions, rather relatively unharmed.

Look at me, encouraging you to watch a dirty film. Look, I so genuinely love this movie, that I'm actually willing to risk myself going straight to the scary place in order to bring you some smidgen of romantic comedy pleasure; I am just that generous. Fist bump.

Buy? - Already own it. But, a Blu-ray would be nice.