Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched for My Challenge (December 2015)

This is the last top 5 Thursday of the year 2015, and the last list for my 100 Movie Challenge 2015. I saw some new one and some really good ones. Many of the films I watched this month ended up in my favorites 2015 movies list. Here is my top 5 of films I watched for my challenge in December.

5. Moon

Especially a great one man show by Sam Rockwell. I knew I was going to like this, it’s a really good film.

 

 

 4. The Lobster

A bit weird, but maybe that’s why I love it so much. It’s definitely not for everyone, but you should give it a try.

 

 

3. Ex Machina

You except a certain thing, but you get something completely different. A surprising film, great performances, worth your time.

 

 

2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I have been waiting for this movie for so long, we all have. And it was exactly what we hoped for. Great balance between nostalgia and an interesting new story. And that scene on the bridge, we all know it…… nooooooo!

 

 

1. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

I loved everything about this movie. Such a heartfelt, realistic and honest film.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Krampus, Rollercoaster, Mean Creek, Some Kind of Wonderful

Top 10: Worst Movies I Watched for My 2015 Challenge

After all the awesomeness of my movie challenge, here is the crap pile. I really saw some shitty movies. This is list is also a warning for you, to never watch them. EVER!

10. American Sniper

This was not so much a terrible movie, but a huge disappointment. Director Clint Eastwood made an overly patriotic film, that was never interesting.

 

 

9. De Verbouwing

Based on a novel by Saskia Noort. The book is almost always better, also in this case. For a thriller the movie didn’t have many surprise element, where the book did. And the movie becomes more and more unbelievable once we go towards the end.

 

 

8. Magic Mike XXL

There something about stripper men…. I just don’t find them appealing, it doesn’t work for me. Where “Magic Mike” was still bearable, this just isn’t. It misses the humor from the first film, it’s boring and it drags.

 

 

7. The Amazing Spider-Man 2

In the two and a half hour runtime it’s mostly rough love scenes and action sequences full off special effects. Electro is the main villain, but doesn’t contribute much. Not even to mention Rhino, whom I found ridiculous and he was only it for a few minutes.

 

 

6. Graveyard Shift

A film based on a Stephen King story. We know that they sometimes aren’t that good. Well, “Graveyard Shift” is one of them. I simply don’t remember much of the movie, which is never a good sign.

 

 

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (remake)

Where I enjoy the original film, the remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is terrible. One of thoses movies where I’m still asking myself why they had to remake it. Some scenes where just literally copied from the original, with bad acting. And the acting in the original isn’t all that great, this is even worse.

 

 

4. The Legend of Hercules

“The Legend of Hercules” offers you theatrical fights and lots of muscles. Director Renny Harlin focusses on the love story, but it doesn’t work. Hercules fights for love and peace, but comes off as an aggressive beast instead of a hero. movie has nothing more to offer then spectacular scenes and an overkill of slow motion. The story is not convincing and the acting isn’t great either.

 

 

3. Fifty Shades of Grey

Okay, this is the worst movie of 2015. I can’t believe I actually made it through this film. For a movie about sex, it’s really not that sexy. I already hated the books, that were based on “Twilight” fan fiction. I think that’s already reason enough to not go see it. This movie sucks.

 

 

2. De Overgave

Okay, so this is basically the Dutch “Fifty Shades of Grey” and even worse. Yes, that’s is possible. I;m not even going to talk about it anymore.

 

 

1. Movie 43

Shame on all the great actors that took part in this horrendous film. It’s a terrible film, not even funny. Boooooh!

 

 

Dishonorable Mentions: Devil’s Knot, Quicksilver Highway, Stone. Single White Female, Entourage

Top 10: Best Movies I Watched for My 2015 Challenge

I had a lot of fun with my movie challenge this year and I’m definitely going to start one in 2016. But first I’m going to share my ten favorite movies that I watched for my challenge. Please note them, because if you haven’t seen them yet, you must. Also check my honorable mentions, the movies that almost made my top 10 list.

10. Sicario

After “Enemy” and “Prisoners” I had high expectations for “Sicario”. And director Denis Villeneuve did it! “Sicario” is a terrific thriller, with Emily Blunt as the big star. She is amazing in this film.

 

9. My Neighbor Totoro

I love the movies by Hayao Miyazak. “Spirited Away” was already amazing, but “My Neighbor Totoro” I liked even more. Such a great animation, especially if you look at it with a creative and artistic perspective like me.

 

 

8. 12 Angry Men

A movie set in only one location and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire runtime. This a movie like no other, the don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

 

 

7. Short Term 12

A movie that felt so realistic and honest. I could feel it through my entire body. It’s not a movie for the people who want spectacle, but a small Indie film that touches you and makes you feel.

 

 

6. The Guard

“Hot Fuzz” meets “In Bruges”, what a great crime comedy “The Guard” is. And I loved Brendan Gleeson in this film. He could finally show what he’s made off. His unconventional character, who you should actually dislike, is really hard to hate.

 

 

5. Birdman

Unfolding across two hours of backstage theater drama that play as a single take, it’s an almost impossibly complex technical achievement. And then Michael Keaton’s big comeback as actor Riggan, who once played a superhero and is now aiming for something higher. A cinematographic masterpiece.

 

 

4. Enemy

“Enemy” was a complete mind fuck. What sounded like a standard thriller, is anything but that. The movies leaves you with a lot of questions and chills all over your body. And that final scene scared the bejesus out of me.

 

 

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

This movie was great for us movie lovers, because of all the pop culture references. But this is also a movie that comes straight from the heart and ends up in our hearts as well. Such an honest, real film that grabbed me and touched me.

 

 

2. Psycho

An instant classic that I was pretty ashamed of never seeing before 2015. And I can now understand why it’s such an amazing film. What a great horror film by mastermind Alfred Hitchcock. Movies like this are underappreciated nowadays. Not by movie nerds like me by the way.

 

 

1. Mad Max: Fury Road

When I saw “Mad Max: Fury Road” in theaters it totally took my breath away. More than 30 years after leaving Max in the wasteland, George Miller returns to his signature series. I didn’t expect much at first and I left the theater overwhelmed. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is an incredible cinematic experience. A ride everyone has to take at least once in their life.

 

 

Honorable Mentions: Frozen, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Big Hero 6, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Take Shelter, St. Vincent, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Deux Jours, Une Nuit, Mud, Jurassic World, Inside Out, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, Gosford Park, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Funny Games, The Drop, The Conjuring, The Evil Dead, The Martian, Moon, The Lobster, Ex Machina

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 169: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Director: J.J. Abrams

Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Fantasy/ Adventure

Runtime: 135 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Mark Hamill, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Max von Sydow, Greg Grunberg, Warwick Davis, Gwendoline Christie, Ken Leung, Simon Pegg

Description: Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Review: With new additions to many great franchises, like “Jurassic Park”, “Mad Max”, “The Terminator” and now “Star Wars”, 2015 has become an iconic year. Not every franchise found the right balance between nostalgia and an interesting new story. I’m so glad “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” turned out this good.

Off course there is the nostalgia, by bringing back Han, Leia and Chewbacca and seeing the Millenium Falcon makes our hearts skip a beat. And it’s clear that writer Lawrence Kasdan and director J.J. Abrams know the original trilogy very well. This is all combined very well with a good new story and new characters. I loved BB-8, the droid. He had a bit more character then R2-D2 had.

Stormtrooper Finn, X-wingpilot Poe Dameron and Jedi fangirl Rey are all great characters and are a breath of fresh air. They form an unusual yet diverse group of protagonists. Epecially Daisy Ridley as Rey. She was the star of the film, what a great discovery. The main villain is Kylo Ren, who seems to pay tribute to Darth Vader. He is a strong and believable villain. Captain Phasma isn’t though, she doesn’t get enough screen time to convince us.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a great film, the movie we’ve all been waiting for. And we got exactly what we wanted and hoped for. Definitely a 2015 favorite.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 168: Ex Machina

Director: Alex Garland

Genre: Drama/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 108 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alica Vikander

Description: A young programmer (Domhnall Gleeson) is selected to participate in a groundbreaking experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I.

Review: We meet computer programmer Caleb. He wins a competition to spend a week in the house of boss Nathan. What starts as a great week in a futuristic house in an idyllic environment, turns out to me so much more. Caleb is asked to test Ava, a robot made by Nathan. the start of an interesting relationship.

One of the central themes is the human emotion. Emotions can blind you and that’s what happens in “Ex Machina”. It makes you think about a combination of “Blade Runner” and “Her”.

“Ex Machina” is more a psychological thriller though. Nobody can be trusted and that makes sure of an interesting starting point. The acting is also great, especially by Alicia Vikander. Her role is very convincing and director Alex Garland couldn’t gave chosen a better actress for the part. Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac also give away great and solid performances. Isaacs is so diverse. “Ex Machina” has a great buildup, strong acting, topical themes, good visuals effects and a strong story. Definitely a movie to check out.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 167: The Lobster

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 118 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Wishaw, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly, Olivia Colman, Ashley Jensen

Description: In a dystopian near future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or are transformed into beasts and sent off into The Woods.

Review: “The Lobster” tells the story of a near future, where singles are taken to a hotel. Here they have to find a life partner within 45 days. If they fail, the guests are transformed into an animal of their choice. The choice of newly divorced David is a lobster.

The hotel has lots of rules, one even stranger than the other. With “The Lobster” you can count on a big dose of absurdism, dark comedy and pessimism. Is a strange film, but so good.

The acting is phenomenal. Colin Farrell is an actor I either love or hate in a movie. In “The Lobster” he is brilliant. This also goes for Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Léa Seydoux, Ben Wishaw and Olivia Colman.

“The Lobster” is an unique movie, not only because of the bizarre theme but also how director and writer Lanthimos mixes so many different genres. From light sci-fi to dark comedy, satire and a little bit of romance. And the cinematography is amazing. Lathimos also makes you think, because even if it might sound absurd, is our society really that different from the people in the hotel? There are many people desperately seeking for a partner, what makes it that two people spend the rest of their lives together? Are we looking for a relationship because others expect us to or because of love?

“The Lobster” is a movie that exceeded my expectations and us one of the best movies of 2015.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 166: Krampus

Director: Michael Dougherty

Genre: Horror/ Comedy

Runtime: 98 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell

Description: A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a Christmas demon to his family home.

Review: ‘Tis the season. Getting ready for the holidays, spending time with your family, Christmas gifts. But in this film Santa isn’t coming to town. There is a myth that tells us about a creature named Krampus. He comes to punish you. Krampus is a beast with big horns and hooves. He’s not alone, because he has some little helpers. And they are no cute elves.

The film starts with the theme solidarity, or actually the lack of it. Aggressive shoppers, unthankful children and an anti-social family. There is a big contrast between the family whose house we’re visiting, and the family that is coming over for Christmas. One is very sympathetic, the other really unlikeable.

The film introduces us to the characters and then Krampus arrives and all hell breaks loose. The visual effects are very good. Only impossible shots are made with the help of a computer. There aren’t a lot of digital touches.

Director Michael Dougherty made the small Halloween film “Trick ‘r Treat”, a horror comedy. “Krampus” is in that same genre. The film has a strong fundament, is original and sometimes a bit gory. It doesn’t shy away from controversy, because even kids aren’t safe in this horror film. The movie is never scary though. I can best describe the film as “Christmas Vacation” meets “Gremlins”.

The movie is called “Krampus”, but Krampus himself isn’t in the film that much. His helpers are more present and cause more damage than Krampus. There is also one point in the movie where I thought the movie ended. That was actually the perfect ending. Sadly that’s not the issue here, because there were two more scenes. One of them was not necessary.

Overall “Krampus” was a fun horror comedy that I highly enjoyed. Maybe this will be the go to movie for the next Christmases.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 165: Sixteen Candles

Director: John Hughes

Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance

Runtime: 93 minutes

Year: 1984

Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, Joan Cusack, John Cusack

Description: A young girl's (Molly Ringwald) "sweet sixteenth" birthday becomes anything but special as she suffers from every embarrassment possible.

Review: Samantha Baker only wants a few things for her sixteenth birthday: a big party, a car and a boyfriend. She gets nothing instead, because her parents completely forget about her birthday. This all because of her older sister’s wedding. Sam is about to have the worst day of her life, so she says.

“Sixteen Candles” is filled with all the teenage suffering. Small boobs, braces, parents that don’t understand you, first loves. The movie is pretty predictable. Don’t expect Oscar worthy performances or very original jokes.

Eventhough it’s not the most original film, “Sixteen Candles” is a teen comedy that I really enjoyed and an ultimate ‘80s film.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 164: Homefront

Director: Gary Fleder

Genre: Action/ Crime/ Thriller

Runtime: 100 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Frank Grillo, Clancy Brown

Description: A former DEA agent (Jason Statham) moves his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth druglord

Review: In the opening scene of “Homefront” we see how Phil Broker infiltrates a drugs lab. One of the gang members has to watch his son being killed. The bad guys is going to jail and Broker starts a new life with his daughter Maddy. He does this in a town nearby and it’s hard for Broker to stay low. He draws the attention of the wrong people after his daughter gets into a fight with a classmate.

When Broker humiliates the aggressive father on the parking lot of his daughter’s school. Mother Cassie asks her brother Gator for help. When Gator breaks into Broker’s house, he finds evidence of him being an undercover agent.

Although this really sounds dumb, the movie isn’t half bad. Jason Statham is pretty good in this film and so are James Franco and Winona Ryder as the bad guys. “Homefront” isn’t anything special, but it’s better than you’d expect it to be.

It’s simple entertainment, a perfect no-brainer.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 163: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Director: Shawn Levy

Genre: Comedy/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family

Runtime: 98 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Dan Stevens, Rebel Wilson, Rami Malek, Ben Kingsley, Dick van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Boll Cobbs

Description: Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

Review: In the newest adventure of night guard Larry Daley, the magical tablet has some malfunction. He has to find a solution to stop the corrosion on the tablet, else the magic of the museum will be gone. This leads him to a London museum, the only place the tablet can be fixed. This brings us some of the old characters we know from the previous two movies, but also some new characters. And the group being chased by yet another dinosaur skeleton isn’t very original.

The most painful jokes come from the Neanderthal Laa, who is the spitting image of Larry. It’s a second character played by Ben Stiller. It’s such a ridiculous role and it’s just not funny at all.

It’s clear that “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is targeting a younger audience. It’s much of the same, director Shawn Levy didn’t change the formula. Where “Night at the Museum” was original, refreshing and fun, this third installment clearly isn’t.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 162: A Fantastic Fear of Everything

Director: Crispian Mills, Chris Hopewell

Genre: Comedy/ Horror

Runtime: 100 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Simon Pegg, Clare Higgins, Paul Freeman, Amara Karan

Description: A crime novelist (Simon Pegg) whose research on Victorian serial killers has turned him into a paranoid wreck must confront his worst fears when a film executive takes a sudden interest in his movie script.

Review: Jack is a paranoid writer who is afraid of everything. Well, primarily he has a fear of serial killers and laundromats. Jack is currently researching a book on Victorian serial killers, although he is originally a children’s book author.

Most of the time we just see Simon Pegg, who is in his house, scared. Jumping at noises, seeing shadows, thinking someone is lurking. We also hear Pegg providing commentary through a voiceover.

Those moments with Pegg are the funniest. He does his best with the matieral. “A Fantastic Fear of Everything” looked promising, but didn’t give us the funny horror comedy we expected. The story has potential and Pegg is good, but other than that it’s pretty standard.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 161: Roman Holiday

Director: William Wyler

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Runtime: 118 minutes

Year: 1953

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert

Description: A bored and sheltered princess (Audrey Hepburn) escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman (Gregory Peck) in Rome.

Review: Director William Wyler does something simple here, which works perfectly: he uses the charm and personality of the two lead actors and they shine from beginning ‘till end.

The initial plan was to shoot in Hollywood and use décor instead of shooting at location. Wyler didn’t want that and he had to cut budget. They had to get an unknown actress to play Princess Ann. Audrey Hepburn got her first big movie role in “Roman Holiday”. She plays a realistic princess, who is sick of her life. Her love interest is played by Gregory Peck, who also does a very good job. Together they work as a movie couple.

“Roman Holiday” is filled with many beautiful moments and it all looks even better because of the city it was filmed in. And the movie doesn’t end like you would expect, which makes it different from other movies in the genre.

I timeless romantic comedy.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 160: Rollercoaster

Director: James Goldstone

Genre: Drama/ Action/ Thriller/ Crime

Runtime: 119 minutes

Year: 1977

Starring: George Segal, Richard Widmark, Timothy Bottoms, Henry Fonda, Harry Guardino, Susan Strasberg, Helen Hunt, Dorothy Tristan, Harry Davis, Stephen Pearlman, G.F. Rowe, Wayne Tippit, Michael Bell, Charlie Tuna, Lonny Stevens

Description: A blackmailer (Timothy Bottoms) threatens to sabotage roller-coasters at various American amusement parks if he isn't paid a huge ransom.

Review: A terrorist causes panic in theme parks by sabotaging rollercoasters. He wants a million dollars or else it will happen again. When he receives marked bills, he promises to strike again on the 4th of July. It’s up to inspector Harry Calder to investigate the case and to prevent from anything happening.

The film starts with some great shots on a rollercoaster, you know something bad is going to happen, but never when. It’s all done very well. It’s a solid thriller and I liked the interaction between Harry Calder and the terrorist. You can also enjoy Henry Fonda and a very young Helen Hunt in her first role ever.

I liked “Rollercoaster”, it was more entertaining than I thought. It could have been more and it’s maybe a tad bit long. But “Rollercoaster” was solid thriller that I probably never saw if it wasn’t for this Scavenger Hunt.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 159: Mean Creek

Director: Jacob Aaron Estes

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 90 minutes

Year: 2004

Starring: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck, Carly Schroeder

Description: When Sam (Rory Culkin) is bullied, his brother (Trevor Morgan) and friends lure the bully (Josh Peck) into the woods to seek vengeance.

Review: Every school has at least one: a mean bully. Sam is the victim of a bully in “Mean Creek”. He wants payback and Sam’s brother and his friends have the perfect idea to get bully George back. They are going on a boat trip and take George with them, but their seek for revenge will change their lives forever.

As a viewer you know that there are going to be losers in this film. Because of the slow buildup the movie loses a bit of drama and tension. The acting by the young performers is very good though. During the trip there is this uncomfortable and strained atmosphere between the kids. There are moments that you like George and moments you just want to slap him. As a viewer you go back and forth, which makes it hard to pick a side. But maybe that’s what director Estes was going for, because both sides are doing something wrong.

It’s the directorial debut for Jacob Aaron Estes and definitely not a bad one. “Mean Creek” has a nice looking cinematography and the film has some really powerful scenes. Funny enough the strongest scene is one shot in complete silence. Very well shot.

“Mean Creek” deals with difficult choices in life: taking responsibility for your actions and trying to cope with the consequences. This has been done before, but the characters were adults. Here it deals with kids and young adults. “Mean Creek” isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth your time.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 158: Absolutely Anything

Director: Terry Jones

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 85 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Rob Riggle, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Robin Williams, Eddie Izzard

Description: A group of eccentric aliens confer a human being with the power to do absolutely anything, as an experiment.

Review: Simon Pegg is one of the funniest actors of the moment and him being linked to the Monty Python group just sounds amazing. That’s what happens in “Absolutely Anything”. Pegg plays Neill, an everyday teacher who has a crush on the pretty lady downstairs and doesn’t really do anything noteworthy. One day he is gifted with the powers of doing absolutely anything, as a test by some eccentric aliens. Is Neil going to use these powers for good or bad?

It’s directory by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, his first directed film since 1996. And his Python friends John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle join him as voices of the aliens. Robin Williams provided a voice too, for dog Dennis. This was his last film.

Simon Pegg stands strong, he is funny and does a good job as aspiring writer Neil. The film is funny, has some great jokes. But the animations and special effects are pretty bad. Pegg is actually the one saving this film, because he is such a talented comedian. I expected more from the Monty Python crew.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 157: Moon

Director: Duncan Jones

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 97 minutes

Year: 2009

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey

Description: Astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY (Kevin Spacey), sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.

Review: Writer and director Duncan Jones only has a limited budget and decides to get a minimal selection of actors and only a small room to film it in. Sam Rockwell is the lead actor. That you’re completely fascinated the entire runtime is simply extraordinary.

Astronaut Sam Bell has a three year contract with Lunar Industries. His job: get Helium 3, the fuel that Earth is relying on. He does this alone, on the moon. His only companion is the computer GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey). Direct communication with Earth isn’t possible. He can only send and receive messages. When Sam’s contract almost ends, problems start coming. He gets headaches, lack of focus, which eventually leads to an accident with the buggy.

The plot doesn’t seem that original and not very complex at all. But the film is very solid, has a lonely and isolated feel and is melancholic. The setting is beautiful as well.

A film with only one main character can easily fail, that depends on the actor. Sam Rockwell can easily carry this film, his performance is phenomenal. His character shows a big range of emotion and Rockwell makes it look so easy. Rockwell is one of my favorite actors of the moment.

Where Sam lives a relaxed live in the beginning, that relaxed atmosphere disappears after the accident. There is a good buildup. And the second part of the film is also very solid.

This is a movie that managed to be great while being minimalistic. “Moon” is a fantastic film.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 156: Ted 2

Director: Seth MacFarlane

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 115 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Patrick Warburton, John Slattery, Morgan Freeman, Sam Jones, Giovanni Ribisi, John Carroll Lynch, Liam Neeson

Description: Newlywed couple Ted (Seth MacFarlane) and Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he's a person in a court of law.

Review: “Ted” was a great comedy and although I loved it I wasn’t excited about a sequel. Comedy sequels don’t have a great reputation. “Ted 2” is no exception.

“Ted 2” brings back Seth MacFarlane and his cursing, drug using teddy bear. This time ted has to proof in a court of law that he is a person and not an object. Together with his best friend John they work their way to a happy ending.

There is still a lot of chemistry between Mark Wahlberg and the animated bear and there are jokes. But it’s more of the same and it’s never as funny as the first film. Mila Kunis has been replaced by Amanda Seyfried, who I can appreciate for her self-mockery in “Ted 2”. The movie also has some awesome cameos.

“Ted 2” is still a fun comedy, but the movie is way too long and it offers us nothing new.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 155: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 105 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cook, Nick Offerman, Connie Britton, Molly Shannon, Jon Bernthal, Katherine Hughes

Description: High schooler Greg (Thomas Mann), who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl (RJ Cyler), finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate (Olivia Cook) who has just been diagnosed with cancer.

Review: The “me” in the title is Greg, a teenager with the perfect strategy to survive high school. Make sure you don’t make any real friends, but stay in contact with the different groups, without anyone else noticing it. It works for Greg, but he doesn’t have any strong connections. The only one he has known since kindergarten is Earl, who he calls his co-worker. Together they have made several parodies to famous movies like “A Sockwork Orange”, “The Seven Seals” and “Vere’d He Go”. When Greg’s mom hears that Rachel, a girl in his school, is diagnosed with leukemia, she forces him to visit her. But that forced visit slowly grows into a friendship. Greg warns us, it’s not a movie about love.

The movie is filled with humor, silly and loveable characters, unexpected situations and drama. This is a movie that a film lover like me can appreciate. Not only because of how well this movie was made and the artistic side of it, but also the awesome pop culture references.

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” manages to amaze the audience in every way. A movie from the heart, beautifully made and extremely honest. A definite must see.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 154: Serena

Director: Susanne Bier

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 109 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Toby Jones, Sean Harris, Rhys Ifans

Description: In Depression-era North Carolina, the future of George Pemberton's (Bradley Cooper) timber empire becomes complicated when he marries Serena (Jennifer Lawrence).

Review: In “Serena” we see the perfect marriage between George and Serena. Both have a similar background and because he married Serena, George now has a wife and a business partner. Not everyone is happy with Serena and their marriage is also tested.

The movie has an excellent cast and gorgeous cinematography. The images of the beautiful landscapes are great. The story sounds interesting, good cast, pretty images. But the movie doesn’t completely satisfy.

Jennifer Lawrence has proved her talent several times. In “Serena” her performance is solid, not extraordinary.

The movie is very slow and in the beginning somewhat boring. I don’t mind a slow tempo, but this movie is sometimes a bit too slow. And that’s a shame, because a good story like this doesn’t need that.

Not a bad film, but I expected more. It’s an easily forgettable film.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched for My Challenge (November 2015)

I saw a lot of 2015 movies, some really good ones. Here is my list of movies I watched for my challenge in November.

5. Spectre

I was so excited about the movie, but I heard so many bad things about it I went in with hardly any expectations. I don’t understand why some people didn’t like it, because I really did! It’s a great Bond film, especially that opening scene!

4. Straight Outta Comptonv

What a fantastic film. Based on a true story. And even with so many unknown actors, it was great. I think nobody saw this coming.

 

 

3. The Martian

Matt Damon rocks! A very good film, with some unexpected humor in it as well. Well done Ridley Scott.

 

 

2. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

The one I was looking forward to this month. The last film in the series, the final chapter. It was amazing! I think this might be my second favorite of the franchise.

 

1. Short Term 12

Such an honest and real story, this movie really grabbed me. A perfect film. I could really relate to the story and the characters, a definite must see!

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Three Days of the Condor, Junebug