365 Movies in 365 Days: Part 1

In this country, there are over 550 films released on an annual basis.  These films derive from a variety of sources such as Hollywood, the foreign market, direct-to-video, self-released, and independent.  As a couple who has enjoyed the story of movies, it is difficult to see each film that is released.  Plus, this figure does not take into account lost films from the late 1800s and beyond that are constantly being uploaded and re-released for modern audiences to experience.  Needless to say, one will never run out of films to watch.

Jen and I have always been dedicated film viewers.  Our weekends typically include a new film or documentary that has received  praise through the critic circles.  We have even been known to dabble in the big-box office flops (we did love Battleship) with a bowl of popcorn.  Thus, it seemed normal that on February 6th, I turned to Jen and said, “Let’s see if we can watch 365 films this year!”  Fully expecting her to scoff at this challenge, she eagerly said “Let’s do it,” and this is how Our Cinema Year began.  We lined up our first week, talked about the films we would watch, and prepared ourselves for a full 365 days of film.

Through ‘Chester Magazine, we will be bringing you our journey through 25-film bites.  This makes the challenge a bit easier to chew as well as easier for those who wish to follow us to do so.  Also, if you would like to see what films we watch on a more regular basis, you may do so here:

Blog:  http://365movies2013.tumblr.com/
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/agyurisin/365-movies-in-365-days-our-cinema-year/
IMDB.com:  http://www.imdb.com/list/HQUn877SG3c/

Our Cinema Year: 365 Movies in 365 Days

February 7th, 2013
Celeste & Jesse Forever (2012)
dir. Lee Toland Krieger
starring:  Andy Samberg – Rashida Jones – Elijah Wood

Our journey began with a twist to the classic romantic comedy genre.  Two people, perfect together as friends, struggle to maintain that friendship post separation, specifically as the two decide to forge new romantic paths.  Strong cinematography, great sound by Sunny Levine, and quite a few smart lines detailing the struggle of the modern friendship.  The ending is satisfying, but will pull your heart out.  Samberg turns in his most sincere performance to date, while it is Jones (who also takes credit writing) who keeps our attention.

Jen: 5 out of 10
Andy:  6.5 out of 10 

February 8th, 2013
The Paperboy (2012)
dir. Lee Daniels
starring: Zac Efron – John Cusack – Nicole Kidman – Matthew McConaughey – Macy Gray

Daniels’ second film (post-Precious) is a sweaty, dirty, unpromising look at reporting, the Florida swamp, and jail love.  It boasts a big conspiracy, and unsolved crime, and a Golden Globe nod for Kidman, but in the end it delivers nothing.  Day two proved to be a difficult film to watch, not just for the vile situations our characters find themselves in, but mainly due to the inability of Daniels to craft a cohesive story.  The Paperboy may be only good for the scene of Oscar-nominated Kidman peeing on teen-heartthrob Efron.  Yep.  That happens.

Jen: .5 out of 10
Andy: 3 out of 10

February 9th, 2013
Your Sister’s Sister (2011)
dir: Lynn Shelton
starring:  Mark Duplass – Emily Blunt – Rosemarie DeWitt

Shelton delivers the classic tale of boy and girl as friends, girl-loves-boy, but boy accidentally falls for girl’s sister, and maybe he really likes first girl after all.  It falls firmly in the hipster genre where nobody worries about money, everybody comes from a wealthy family, and in times of stress, bike-riding and tequila drinking become mandatory.  This is a film of long walks and small budgets.  It was a decent film with a pointless ending.  For a better Duplass film, check out our favorite, Safety Not Guaranteed (a great light-sci-fi-rom-com).

Jen: 3 out of 10
Andy:  4 out of 10

February 10th, 2013
Nurse Betty (2000)
dir. Neil LaBute
starring: Renee Zellweger – Greg Kinnear – Chris Rock – Morgan Freeman

The least dark of LaBute’s films, which includes In the Company of Men and The Shape of Things, Nurse Betty takes you on a road-trip dark comedy in which Betty (Zellweger), after witnessing a traumatic event, confuses her favorite television show for real life.  Rock and Freeman chase after her as a father/son assassin team.  Reality becomes blurred as both Freeman and Zellweger create separate fantasies for the person that they chase after.  This film still stands up considerably well for being thirteen years old.

Jen:  4 out of 10
Andy:  7 out of 10

February 11th, 2013
Hello I Must Be Going (2012)
dir. Todd Louiso
starring:  Melanie Lynskey – Christopher Abbott – Blythe Danner

Oscilloscope Films has released this unique drama detailing the life of a middle-aged woman coping with a recent separation from her husband.  For days she stumbles around her family house until the introduction of a younger man pulls her out of her shell and into a more satisfying life.  This movie was honest and emotional, while holding the right amount of edge and quirk.  A perfect date movie without compromising your intelligence.

Jen:  6 out of 10
Andy: 8 out of 10

February 12th, 2013
The Bourne Legacy (2012)
dir. Tony Gilroy
starring:  Jeremy Renner – Rachel Weisz – Edward Norton – Scott Glenn

The fourth installment to the Bourne series boasts no Matt Damon and no story.  Meant to be more a connecting film than an actual plot-driven story, Renner demonstrates that he has the ability to be an action star (see him also in The Avengers) if given the correct material.  Convoluted plot with one of the most boring motorcycle chase sequences in cinema proves that this series will need to make a substantial jump to continue being a force in the action genre.

Jen:  1 out of 10
Andy: 2 out of 10

February 13th, 2013
Deadfall (2012)
dir. Stefan Ruzowitzky
starring: Eric Bana – Charlie Hunnam – Olivia Wilde – Sissy Spacek

Saturated in snow, this blinding thriller takes charge with a brilliant cast (including Kris Kristofferson) and a twisting story of two siblings who botch a casino heist in the middle of the Dakotas.  Left to survive in the wilderness, it is the intersection of other characters that they meet along the way that sets Deadfall apart.  The final scene set around the Thanksgiving table will leave you gripping the edge of your sofa as the credits begin to roll.  A surprising film that demonstrates Eric Bana’s penchant for playing evil characters.

Jen:  5 out of 10
Andy:  5 out of 10

February 14th, 2013
Damsels in Distress (2011)
dir. Whit Stillman
starring: Greta Gerwig – Adam Brody – Analeigh Tipton

Funny, witty, intelligent story about college and intelligence (coupled with madness and suicide) all involving operator types, bean balls, Roman (not Greek) fraternities, dance crazes, and soap that give you hope. Highly suggested, especially to those still learning their colors (you gotta hit the books!)

Jen:  5 out of 10
Andy:  9 out of 10

February 15th, 2013
Magic Mike (2012)
dir. Steven Soderbergh
starring: Channing Tatum – Alex Pettyfer – Olivia Munn – Matthew McConaughey

Another Soderbergh film using emoto-con colors and a mismatched story that teeters between softcore and “hooker with a heart of gold” (but in this case it is hooker-with-a-heart-of-furniture-ideas). The film works on some levels, but fails on others. Our fourth Matthew McConaughey film this year, and he is doing something…right? Either way, ladies of the watercooler, I am ready for discussion! (Next up, our reading of “50 Shades of Grey”)

Jen:  1.5 out of 10
Andy:  3 out of 10

February 16th, 2013
How Green Was My Valley (1941)
dir.  John Ford
starring: Walter Pidgeon – Maureen O’Hara – Anna Lee – Donald Crisp

Notoriously known as the film that beat Citizen Kane at the Oscars, this was an intense film of family, religion, brotherhood, education, and unions. Ford’s lush Irish (aka Californian) background with the coarse coal smoke speaks in 1941, but also to today’s audience. At times a bit slow, the emotional drama felt will wet even the strongest eyes.

Jen:  3.5 out of 10
Andy:  8 out of 10

February 17th, 2013
Once Upon A Time in Anatolia (2011)
dir. Nuri Bilge Ceylan
starring:  Muhammet Uzuner – Yilmaz Erdogan – Taner Birsel – Ahmet Mumtaz Taylan

This movie was long. With deep stares into the bleak unknown, it is a movie I consider your “cinematic vegetables”. You may not like it, but by the end, you are happy that you digested it. The key takeaway from Turkey’s submission to the Oscar race is, “If you kill someone, please please please remember where you put the body.”

Jen:  2 out of 10
Andy:  6 out of 10

February 18th, 2013
Robot & Frank (2012)
dir. Jake Schreier
starring:  Peter Sarsgaard – Frank Langella – Susan Sarandon – Liv Tyler

A surprising film that would please just about anyone, Robot & Frank demonstrates the fear of getting old and forgetting your individuality. The director does a great job of not being too sci-fi while maintaining a likeable character in a sincere environment. Also, it elucidates one of my worries that hipsters with technology will eventually ruin libraries. Find out yourselves. This was a great movie!

Jen:  6.5 out of 10
Andy:  9 out of 10

February 19th, 2013
End of Watch (2012)
dir. David Ayer
starring:  Jake Gyllenhaal – Michael Pena – Anna Kendrick – America Ferrera

When one talks about American cinema, this movie should be on the fingertips. This was an original concept told with bold strokes and deeply moving/emotional. It shows the life of cops—not those corrupted by power, but those dealing with the problems on the streets. It shows the randomness of chance and how doing good will sometimes send you into darkness. It is about brotherhood, family, and having the hardest job in America. Found-footage style, this film boasts amazing performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and what should have been Oscar-nominated Michael Peña. With a killer soundtrack to boot! You gotta see this movie.

Jen:  8 out of 10
Andy:  8 out of 10

February 20th, 2013
Guest of Cindy Sherman (2008)
dir. Tom Donahue & Paul Hasegawa-Overacker
starring:  Cindy Sherman – John Waters – Steve Martin – Danny DeVito

An interesting film about the “pressures” of having a high-profile girlfriend, the changing art world in the 90s, the power of public access and—weirdly—sexism. This was a hodgepodge documentary that we encourage our art friends to see (or anyone interested in art). It reminded me of the punk scene:  once your album starts selling in the millions, can you still be in the same class as your struggling friends? Who are your friends? Are you still an artist if your girlfriend pays the way? Jealousy abounds.

Jen:  5.5 out of 10
Andy:  5 out of 10

February 21st, 2013
Teddy Bear (2012)
dir. Mads Matthiesen
starring:  Kim Kold – David Winters – Elsebeth Steentoft – Lamaiporn Hougaard

While everyone is talking about Ted this year, Jen and I compliment the emotional love story (and journey into the world of sex tourism) of Teddy Bear. From Denmark, this story of a bodybuilder searching for love was touching, honest, and one of the most original stories released this year. If you can, hunt this movie down – I promise you will be impressed!

Jen:  9 out of 10
Andy:  7 out of 10

February 22nd, 2013
Oslo, August 31st (2011)
dir. Joachim Trier
starring: Anders Danielsen Lie – Hans Olav Brenner – Ingrid Olava – Anders Borchgrevink

Working through Film Comment magazine’s Top 20 of 2012, we found this to be another powerful film. Ranked #19, we would have nominated ranked it much higher. Following a day in the life of someone trying to recover from addiction, it shows the real tragedy of not having an immediate support group. The film demonstrates the loneliness of the recovery and how easy it is to slip back into the habit. Haunting and real, we highly suggest this film.

Jen:  9 out of 10
Andy: 9 out of 10

February 23rd, 2013
Ace in the Hole (1951)
dir. Billy Wilder
starring:  Kirk Douglas – Jan Sterling – Robert Arthur – Porter Hall

Released in 1951, Ace in the Hole shows a young Kirk Douglas searching for that one big story that will take him out of New Mexico and back into his desk at New York. He runs across a man stuck in a Indian mine, but what should have been a one day rescue turns into seven as the media, the hype, and the creation of news begin to take over. Powerful imagery that still feels relevant today. How much of our news is actually news vs. created sensationalism? A great find via The Criterion Collection!!

Jen:  8 out of 10
Andy:  10 out of 10

February 24th, 2013
85th Annual Academy Awards (2012)
dir. Don Mischer
starring:  Seth McFarlane & Hollywood

Ok, we realize that it is not “officially” a film, but when you devote nearly four hours to something, then you can call it whatever you like. Overall, it was like any other year. MacFarlane was horrible, the musical numbers (except for Adele) made me cringe, and all I can say is thank god for Ang Lee pulling the surprise win! Made me proud. Funniest parts: Quentin Tarantino’s inability to tie a tie, Daniel Radcliffe’s unibrow, Jack Nicholson’s red tie. Unfunny parts: the rest. Where is Ricky Gervais when you need him?! At least William Shatner’s predictions were correct. Back to the cinema we go!

Jen:  2 out of 10
Andy:  4 out of 10

February 25th, 2013
For A Good Time, Call… (2012)
dir. Jamie Travis
starring:  Ari Graynor – Lauren Miller – Justin Long – James Wolk

As with any project like this, there is bound to be a failure film. This currently ranks as our #1 (though Jen may argue that Once Upon a Time in Anatolia is a very close second). A difficult journey of crass jokes, unoriginal storytelling, and comedy failures. Oh, and did I mention Kevin Smith has a cameo? Urg. We thought this may be a strong entry in the rom-com category, but in the end it just shriveled and died. The twist was painful, the acting was absurd, and we feel bad for those who have seen this film in the past. At the Winchester Book Gallery, this would have been removed from the shelves. You have been warned.

Jen: .5 out of 10
Andy:  0 out of 10

February 26th, 2013
Dreams of a Life (2011)
dir. Carol Morley
starring: Zawe Ashton – Neelam Bakshi – Lee Colley – Frances Cooper

A really unique story becomes a failed documentary when weird Lynch-ian moments overtake real storytelling. In a era of technology, it feels impossible that a woman could die in her apartment and not be found for three years, but it did happen. The real question is: “Why?” Because no one seems to actually answer the question, we’re reduced to hypotheticals that are silly and far-fetched.

Jen:  3 out of 10
Andy:  3 out of 10

February 27th, 2013
Holy Motors (2012)
dir. Leos Carax
starring:  Denis Lavant – Edith Scob – Eva Mendes – Kylie Minogue

Considered by Film Comment magazine to be the best film of the year, we must say, we were very impressed. The story of an actor stuck in alternating roles for life, the film assaults the senses and lets you see the world in a new way. A bit too philosophical by the end, but one of the most creative, original film outings we have seen for a long time. The nearly two hours flew away quickly. It is impressive that Tarantino can find screens, but Holy Motors was a difficult find in America. Ape family! Accordion intermission!

Jen:  10 out of 10
Andy:  9 out of 10

February 28th, 2013
The Master (2012)
dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
starring:  Joaquin Phoenix – Philip Seymour Hoffman – Amy Adams – Jesse Plemons

Compelling characters, strong performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman that should have taken home gold statues, and some of the best visually appealing scenes to grace the screen in 2012…but man, this movie was boring. In the 2+ hours that this movie took of my life, Paul Thomas Anderson could have easily cut at least 30 minutes and still had a great film. We understand why this film was on several best-of lists this year, but we cannot understand how. In trying to incorporate the grotesque into religion, Anderson  misses the mark.

Jen:  3 out of 10
Andy:  5 out of 10

March 1st, 2013
How To Survive a Plague (2012)
dir. David France
starring:  Peter Staley – Larry Kramer – Iris Long – Bob Rafsky

Recently it was commented that right now we are currently living in the Golden Age of Documentaries, and this film continues to prove it. What a bold and powerful truth centered around the destructive virus that killed millions (and continues to do so) and the struggles that Act Now! faced in dealing with the devastating plague that decimated the gay community. From government to presidents to the pharmaceutical industries, this movies tackles it all. Amazing footage throughout—the film will not leave you with a dry eye by the end!

Jen:  6 out of 10
Andy:  8 out of 10

March 2nd, 2013
The Loneliest Planet (2011)
dir. Julia Loktev
starring:  Gael Garcia Bernal – Hani Furstenberg – Bidzina Gujabidze

This movie is slow. I mean, there is The Tree of Life slow, but then there is this movie. I understand what director Julia Loktev was trying to accomplish, but did it really hit its mark? The Georgian background was beautiful, the engaged duet was appetizing, but was it enough? This minimalist approach to relationships was a favorite amongst indie critics this year (placing it above a Gyurisin favorite, Oslo, August 31st), but we had difficulty enjoying it. This is a film that doesn’t rush to the ending, but asks many questions when you arrive. Also, this could be called – “Everything about Camping 101.” Enjoy.

Jen:  3 out of 10
Andy:  4 out of 10

March 3rd, 2013
Beetlejuice (1988)
dir. Tim Burton
starring:  Alec Baldwin – Winona Ryder – Michael Keaton – Geena Davis – Jeffrey Jones

Feeling a bit nostalgic, and the need for some classic 80s comedy, Beetlejuice (or aptly rather Betelgeuse) was our Sunday night enjoyment. Oddly, as our 25th film turned 25 years old, we discovered that it stood up just as proud as it did when it was released in 1988. Beautiful images, Keaton’s iconic performance, and that simple blend of the macabre and the comic demonstrates the power Burton had for creating original material. Elfman’s score transcends time (creating some haunting memories) and the amount of fun had during this movie could be seen from the opening scene until the end. Rumors of a Beetlejuice 2 still float around Hollywood, but why change perfection? A must for every collection and surprisingly dark for the 80s! Enjoy.

Jen:  8 out of 10
Andy:  10 out of 10

Jen’s Top Five                                     Andy’s Top Five
1) Holy Motors                                  1) Oslo, August 31st
2) Oslo, August 31st                                  2) Holy Motors
3) Ace in the Hole                         3) Damsels in Distress
4) Teddy Bear                                         4) Robot & Frank
5) End of Watch                     5) How to Survive a Plague

Review by Andy Gyurisin