Stand Up Guys (2012)

After 25 years in prison Val is in for the night of his life... if he doesn't die first.  This is an enjoyable, moderately funny, die with dignity kind of story, sort of a shout out that just because you're old doesn't mean you aren't still people. Al Pacino and Christopher Walken don't disappoint and serve up an easy watching feel good movie with a little sass tacked on the back end for good measure. I wouldn't cross a desert to see this, but I wouldn't pass it by either.  Mama's lasagna with a respectable Chianti.

Life of Pi (2012)

A young man leaves India with his family but tragedy strikes and he finds himself adrift on the pacific sharing a life boat with the only other survivor, a Bengal tiger!  This is far from a puppy fluff feelgood fest where the tiger and the guy bond and become bestest buds.. much of his time is spent trying not to be killed by the tiger he has no way of escaping while trying to survive being shipwrecked... needless to say its a challenge!  This is a fine story driven family friendly drama that is done in an intelligent and enjoyable manner. Its hard to believe this movie is over 2 hours long as it just flies by. Granted I was going to take a pass on this but just like Slumdog Millionaire I was treated to a surprising and thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. If you want to get away from the sex, violence, and foul language this is your daisy. Highly Recommended.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Before seeking elected office, young Abe made his way by battling the forces of darkness.  I went into this expecting a serious cheese-fest but came out pleasantly surprised. Sure it has SOME cheese, but how could it not? Over all a solid and enjoyable production, all players perform admirably and you get treated to some very effective sleight of hand.  Finally the mystery of Pickett's charge is solved! Easy watching and fun. Recommended.

Django Unchained (2012)

The latest offering from Quinton Tarantino.  A freed slave turned bounty hunter goes on a blood splattering quest to reclaim his wife who has been sold to one of the most infamous plantations in Mississippi.  Okay QT fans don't require a disclaimer, you know before hand what to expect. This one has been taking considerable heat for the number of times 'nigger' is uttered (about the same amount as 'mother fucker' in any Samuel L Jackson movie and less than the average rap LP).  This whole argument is kinda mindless.. its kind of like counting the number of rounds fired in such a movie... if its a QT movie you know there will be a lot, it will be over the top, and it will be offered without apology. Nuff said. On to the grand design itself. I have to say I have been a little disappointed with the last couple QT movies but he hits stride with this one.  This was a lot of fun to watch and no expense was spared with the exploding blood packs and other grisly shooting FX.  Mindless violence, a hero filled with righteous fury, bad guys going down like moths in a bug zapper, and riding off into the sunset at the end... what more do you want? lol  Oh and Sheldon (aka Spike) Lee, why don't you pucker up and kiss my white ass! Pay attention to the R rating because they mean it this time. Recommended.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

A movie about a movie with a dog thief and some gangsters. A star studded offering of kinda weird movie making. Heavy drinking screen-wright Colin Farrell gets sucked into an adventure that solves his immediate problem and opens another on the back end.  Anything with Christopher Walken in it is worth seeing as far as I am concerned. Sam Rockwell is another name that is moving up my 'must see' list of players. One thing this movie isn't is boring.. while sometimes it doesn't make much sense its still fun to watch.  So if you just want some violence seasoned, humorous, easy to watch entertainment that is worth viewing more than once, this would be one. Recommended.

In Their Skin (2012)

A family is confronted by a psycho seeking to steal their identities. This is kind of a luke warm thriller that I think will be more effective giving female audiences chills than male ones. Selma Blair's lead character is a bit much to deal with.. a bit too realistic portrayal of someone with emotional issues (got on my nerves), but once the shooting starts she pulls herself together relatively well.  There are a couple scenes that will have some people talking but for the most part this is relatively stale bread. Proof once again that if you are going to be an evil overlord you need to read and adhere to the damn manual!

Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)

A look at the not so secret affair FDR had with one of his cousins.  I will admit a measure of trepidation going into this one, and in the first 10 minutes or so I thought my fears of leg humping and political candy coating would be realized.  But thankfully I was in error. This was a light enjoyable uplifting movie with subtle situational humor. The lions share of the movie occurs during a visit by the King and Queen of England on the cusp of WWII.  Bill Murray does a believable, if not stellar, presentation of FDR.  He comes across as less a politician culled from old money wealth, and more just a very likable and down to earth regular Joe who enjoys picnics and hot dogs. Easy watching and enjoyable family friendly viewing.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Dracula's daughter has reached her 118th birthday and she wants to see the world!  After being chased off by a torch wielding mob of villagers, Dracula takes his infant daughter and builds a secret high end monster resort that guarantees a 'human free' environment.  Cute and enjoyable variation of Lady and the Tramp with modern humor and music. Family friendly and humorous that maintains a good pace with enough juvenile humor to keep the young ones enthralled. Recommended.

The Possession (I) (2012)

A box purchased at a local garage sales holds a demonic entity. Okay a few FX aside I found this movie about enjoyable as a root canal.  The level of dysfunction claimed by all the primary players (with the exception of Jeffrey Morgan) was more than I could stand. I will admit that I did not survive until the end credits before I exorcised myself from its influence. My advice? Don't buy the box.

The Impossible (2012)

Another 'based on true events' movie, this one about the tsunami of 2004 that wiped out coastlines all over the Indian ocean.  This movie jumps right in with the event occurring in the first 10 minutes and the majority of the film taking place in the aftermath. A great look at what life is like if you manage to survive something like this and hopefully after viewing this movie you will be encouraged to install a 'if we get separated meet back at the car' habit with your family.  Strong drama that highlights the strength and character of young Lucas both during and after the event.  Emotionally driven with solid work from all the primary players (thankfully the whiny kid doesn't have a big role). Tissues needed for the soft hearted.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

The 'based on true events' hunt for the infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden,  self proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. This was an enjoyable watch.  I had avoided it for fear of it being overly politicized  but aside from one WMD remark (conveniently forgetting that was the stated reason the prior admin was bombing the shit out of Iraq) that wasn't the case. Apparently some of the professional movie bitches were pissing and moaning about the depictions of interrogations.  Seriously people these days have no concept of what actual torture and cruelty is.  But that aside this was a nice brisk character driven (kudos to Jessica Chastain) drama with an action topping. There were a couple scenes where I was yelling at the idiots. Not that its hard to envision idiocy in gubment but you would think having your physical ass on the line would cause you to tighten things up a bit. Anyway the movie wraps up with the raid by S6 (not as flattering as other movies depicting spec ops) and the death of OBL. Overall a solid bit of film making that you can enjoy without being overly slimed by political bullshit.

Argo (2012)

After the embassy in Iran was overrun in the late 1970's the CIA cooked up a plan to rescue a handful of  Americans who avoided being kidnapped but are unable to escape the country. This is a pretty good drama with good tension, respectable performances, and a compelling enough story-line to grab and hold your attention. Based on true events (an increasingly meaningless phrase.. lol).  Not for adrenaline junkies.