Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

An aging arcade game character decides he's tired of being the bad guy, and if he could just get a medal then he could have some friends and respect... and pie.  If the picture I put up seems out of place its on purpose. None of my preconceptions about this movie survived past the first 15 minutes. While obviously aimed at a younger audience some of the themes, though morally simple (like all truths), are served up in very complex manners. (Remember this is a cartoon). There are some parts that have to be specifically directed at us veterans who actually remember video arcades. (Do they even exist anymore?) I flat enjoyed the hell out of this one and plan several more viewings. The pacing of the movie is along the lines of Monsters Inc. including the great big warm fuzzy tacked on the end. A very clever and well put together bit of animation. Highly Recommended.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

When the Boogeyman threatens to strike the hope and joy from the children of the world the guardians assemble to stop him. Whoever is running Dreamworks these days is rocking the house, this is another top shelf production (they raid Pixar or something?). Great use of some older characters like Man in the Moon and the Sandman in pitching one heck of an exciting thrill packed ride. Nothing too scary so it should be safe down the line. Young and old will have sore faces after all the smiling during this one. Hard to imagine this not being added to the shelf of holiday favorites. Highly Recommended.

Stitches (2012)

A bizarre birthday accident violates the sacred rite of the clown so all must die... laugh dammit, laugh! Pretty much what you expect, cheesy 80's style slasher film, but this one has a little surprise for you. Unbeknownst to anyone there is a secret order of the clown which states any clown who dies without finishing the gig will roam the earth as a vengeful undead clown thing or something.  This is sort of a Bad Santa version of cheesy B slasher movies. Mr Clown is delightfully raunchy and I have no idea what the canned bean scene was about (at least I think thats what they are) but its both funny and silly all at once.  Its not quite as in your face as Hobo With a Shotgun but its along those lines. I laughed out loud in a couple places. If you like to mix your wannabe horror with your almost comedy this would be a saucy selection.

Money Shot (2012)

Borrowing a wad of cash from his hit man uncle a loser and a has been collaborate to make a movie. Don't go into this one expecting much, the inclusion of Jason Mewes is what  attracted my attention. Basically this is a low budget hodgepodge of pieces of other movies without making overt reference to the fact. Its not without some bright spots however and some laughs can be found if you are in the proper state of mind. Mind bending narcotics may help. Not much of a film but still better than the Grammys.

The ABCs of Death (2012)

This is a 26 story anthology, a story for each letter of the alphabet by a different director. The word I will use to describe this one is interesting. The stories run the gamut from good to bad to weird to WTF?. If you are a serious movie junkie I would say its worth watching for the experience, if you are a casual movie goer this probably won't appeal to you. If anyone remembers The Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation its much like that in the delivery with some winners and some losers. Definitely something different. Due to the short duration of each segment this is one you will have to actively watch to appreciate. 

Freaky Deaky (2012)

A couple small time ex-cons try to ply their way into an old associates inherited fortune.  The way this film starts I was ready for some pretty funny stuff but after the pre title scene is over the movie is more along the lines of Jackie Brown meets Justified. Still pretty entertaining fare despite the inclusion of Christian Slater. The movie moves along at a nice brisk pace with a wonderful 70's backdrop of drugs, partying, and semi clad partiers. Great cast of almost familiar players (you will recognize many of them, just not remember names), some witty dialogue and almost dialogue, and a story-line that seems like it was lifted from The Rockford Files. I enjoyed this one despite it not being quite as funny as it could have been. Oh but they do blow up Andy Dick and Christian Slater so you have that to look forward to. If you want something entertaining and easy viewing this wouldn't be a bad pick.

Love and Honor (2013)

When a soldier in the Vietnam war gets a letter from his life long sweetheart breaking things off he heads home to confront her.  This is a story about character, friendship, and making sure you do the important things in life. Despite the backdrop this is less a movie about war or politics and more about people and passion. There is a tiny cheat on the back end that insures the story ends on a positive note. Enjoyable viewing with a man-style fuzzy.

Hitchcock (2012)

A look at a man who's name has become synonymous with suspense and horror during the making of one of the worlds most well known horror movies, Psycho. Anthony Hopkins portrayal in the title role is hands down one of the best and most convincing I have ever seen.  I don't know how accurate the events portrayed are but its an absolutely top shelf movie. Make this one a priority. Highly Recommended.

Girls Against Boys (2012)

This is sort of a Thelma and Louise slasher B movie, less yaking and more killing.  Shae is having man trouble when her co-worker Lu decides to share her psychotic habit of killing people with her... everything is fine for awhile until Lu decides she wants to keep Shae all to herself. Some pretty decent scenes of creative killing, FX are first rate, and some of the set-ups are unique and cool. I think this is one the gals will enjoy a bit more than the guys. Fairly entertaining.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (video part 1&2 2012/2013)

10 years after going into retirement The Batman dawns the cowl at 55 to battle a new menace, as well as old ones.  Frank Miller's graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns redefined comics in general and heralded a darker grittier story genre. In fact many Batman fans won't even speak to you if you aren't familiar with the Miller version. If you aren't familiar with the book but like Batman, see the videos first before you decide to hunt down a copy. The story itself kind of closes out the Bruce Wayne portion of the Batman mythos and portrays the Dark Knight with a more 'real world' backdrop. This is a much more a Frank Castle style Batman, militant and brutal, though still not homicidal. There is a lot of worthy social commentary in this one, and an engaging mature story-line, not really aimed at younger viewers.  Animation is adequate, though highly stylized, and reminiscent of the penciling style of Frank Miller. For fans this is a must see. Recommended

Antiviral (2012)

At some point in the future the obsession with celebrity gets to the point where people pay to be infected with diseases from them and eat genetically grown pieces of their flesh. I imagine this was quite the nightmare for whomever came up with this one. Production value over all is good, FX are a bit thin in places but it doesn't get in the way of the creepiness of the film. You can watch this one of two ways, either a creepy late night sci-fi horror or social commentary. Either way its a twisty creepy. You may never look at whitefish the same way again.

American Mary (2012)

A med student wishing to become a surgeon finds a more lucrative life servicing the desires of underground body sculpting. The lesson here for the boys is if you have a prodigy surgeon as a student with ties to the underworld you don't slip her roofies at a party and make a video of the bang bus. An interesting peek at the land of body modification and those who seek it. There is some blood and gore in this one, mostly of a surgical nature, but nothing too overboard.  Everything seems to be going well until the police start looking at her in the disappearances of some people who pissed her off. Not a bad watch. Nice little twisty that won't require a shower after.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Beca goes to college and finds herself with the aid of an all female singing group. Yeah it sounds pretty lame, and that's why I put off seeing it this long. But I was wrong. This is one of those rare movies that has an extended shelf life and it gets better with each viewing, or at least it has for me. I've watched it about 5 times in the last 3 days.  Very humorous and engaging with all the players hitting stride like they have been lifelong friends. Reminds me of a mix of Fame, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Breakfast Club all rolled together. (The Breakfast Club is a little cheat because it plays a pivotal part in the movie). Definitely a feel good film. Highly Recommended.