|
B
|
92%
|
Skyfall (2012) |
"
Better than the average Bond, but not the greatest."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 15, 2012
|
|
C+
|
79%
|
The Deep Blue Sea (2012) |
"
While the film has some of the same characters as the play, the crucial relationship between Hester and the former doctor, Mister Miller (Karl Johnson of "Hot Fuzz") is reduced to almost nothing in the film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 30, 2012
|
|
B+
|
86%
|
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) |
"
Depicting a person's connection to the land he lives in is not easy to do, but this film does it better than any other film I can remember."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 24, 2012
|
|
C
|
43%
|
To Rome with Love (2012) |
"
These roughly connected comic sketches don't really add up to a whole movie, but there are enough laughs here and there to keep the film afloat."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 23, 2012
|
|
C+
|
55%
|
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012) |
"
'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World' is funny, but also profound and tragic."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 23, 2012
|
|
A
|
94%
|
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) |
"
This is the best film I've seen so far this year."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 23, 2012
|
|
B
|
87%
|
Frankenweenie (2012) |
"
While the film may be a bit too intense for young children, it will certainly be enjoyed by older kids, teens and adults. It looks like this film might well get an academy award nomination for best animated film of 2012."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 17, 2012
|
|
B
|
96%
|
Argo (2012) |
"
As the suspense intensifies, it becomes increasingly obvious that many of these suspense-laden plot points are simply made up. The story turns into a standard Hollywood formula and it loses credibility because of that."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 17, 2012
|
|
C+
|
81%
|
Pitch Perfect (2012) |
"
Rebel Wilson practically rescues the film (and some of the songs) on her own with her talent, panache and self-confidence. She reminds me of irrepressible Melissa McCarthy in 'Bridesmaids' or Nikki Blonsky in 'Hairspray.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 12, 2012
|
|
B
|
91%
|
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) |
"
This is one of those movies that gives independent cinema a good reputation. It's one of those little gems that isn't seen in most of the country, but should be."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 28, 2012
|
|
B
|
78%
|
Dredd (2012) |
"
It is a great-looking film. It has a kind of gritty realistic quality as well. Judge Dredd also has a kind of admirable rationality, level-headedness and incorruptibility, like a certain well-known Robocop."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 28, 2012
|
|
C+
|
51%
|
Trouble with the Curve (2012) |
"
The screenplay is clunky, tired and predictable, with elements borrowed from many movies. What makes up for this weakness is that there are enough likable characters to overcome the unlikable ones."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 28, 2012
|
|
C+
|
85%
|
End of Watch (2012) |
"
A police drama with emphasis on the multicultural relationship between a Hispanic cop and his Caucasian partner. While they are culturally miles apart, they become brothers in blue."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 28, 2012
|
|
B
|
67%
|
Lawless (2012) |
"
This is a classier, bloodier version of "Thunder Road" with hot rods, fast chicks, romance, revenge and a war between moonshiners and organized crime hoods."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 8, 2012
|
|
B
|
34%
|
The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012) |
"
Positive stories like this one are much needed in these hard economic times, just as they were needed in the Great Depression during the 1930s."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 29, 2012
|
|
B
|
87%
|
ParaNorman (2012) |
"
Stories about real heroes of this kind are very rare in movies today, but this is one of those rare stories, and it is to be cherished."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 29, 2012
|
|
B
|
65%
|
The Expendables 2 (2012) |
"
If you can get past all that blood and goofy, heavy-handed humor, this reunion of action stars on the brink of retirement is entertaining."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 29, 2012
|
|
C+
|
56%
|
The Bourne Legacy (2012) |
"
It doesn't have a satisfactory conclusion, but it does leave the door wide open for more sequels, which, I guess, is the whole point of this empty exercise in commercial film making."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 14, 2012
|
|
B
|
87%
|
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) |
"
A bit of a letdown, containing nothing close to the brilliance of the late Heath Ledger's performance in the previous film, but it doesn't glorify nihilism, chaos and anarchy like the previous film did because it's villains aren't charismatic."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 27, 2012
|
|
B
|
73%
|
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) |
"
It is an entirely unnecessary remake, but a good one."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 8, 2012
|
|
B
|
51%
|
Savages (2012) |
"
This is Oliver Stone at his playful best. It isn't a masterpiece, but it is a lot of fun."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 8, 2012
|
|
B
|
78%
|
Brave (2012) |
"
Disney-Pixar was off its game last year with the sequel 'Cars 2', which failed to win an Academy Award for best animated film, an ward Pixar usually owns. Pixar is back with a better effort this year."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
|
C
|
35%
|
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) |
"
The acting, action and special effects are good enough, but the movie's two mismatched story halves just don't work together. It is like trying to paste the first half of 'Die Hard' onto the last half of '300.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
|
B
|
80%
|
Magic Mike (2012) |
"
A traditional love story, combined with raunchy male stripping routines, makes for a strange combination, but it works."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
|
C
|
41%
|
Rock of Ages (2012) |
"
This at least looked like a good idea for a motion picture, even if the execution of the idea left something to be desired. This is sort of a cross between 'Xanadu' and 'Footloose.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 25, 2012
|
|
B
|
74%
|
Prometheus (2012) |
"
The production design by Arthur Max and the art direction of the film are spectacular. It is an awesome feat of visual art."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 15, 2012
|
|
B
|
78%
|
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012) |
"
This mixture of comedy and drama works because of the very talented cast. Some of the dialog is quite good, too. It is also nice to see an intelligent movie aimed at adults for a change."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 7, 2012
|
|
B
|
48%
|
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) |
"
The film looks great with great scenery, costumes, special effects and action scenes. Except for Kristen Stewart, who is somewhat miscast here, the acting is solid by the rest of the cast."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 7, 2012
|
|
B
|
34%
|
Battleship (2012) |
"
I am a sucker for these kinds of big, dumb action movies (I liked "John Carter" and "The Green Lantern" too), particularly if they have a good deal of science fiction in them, and this one does."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 30, 2012
|
|
B
|
70%
|
Men in Black III (2012) |
"
Brolin is brilliant in his portrayal of Agent K in 1969. The interplay between Will Smith (Agent J) and Josh Brolin (Agent K) is very entertaining. Smith uses his wide repertoire of facial expressions to great advantage."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 30, 2012
|
|
B
|
54%
|
Dr Seuss' The Lorax (2012) |
"
The film's animation is very colorful and imaginative, reflecting the original artwork of Theodor Seuss Geisel. Although there is a definite environmental message in the film, it is also a story of empowerment."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 17, 2012
|
|
B+
|
93%
|
Marvel's The Avengers (2012) |
"
It's tough to live up to expectations when expectations are so high, but "The Avengers" pulls it off, thanks to the clever writing and directing of Joss Whedon and armies of actors and other artists who made this action extravaganza."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 7, 2012
|
|
B
|
92%
|
The Cabin in the Woods (2012) |
"
This horror-reality movie is extremely well-crafted. It has some humor to go with all the mayhem and the story keeps you guessing for a while."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 3, 2012
|
|
C
|
79%
|
The Grey (2012) |
"
This movie starts off with the main character putting a gun to his head, having decided his life has no meaning or purpose. After that, the story starts getting depressing."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Apr 17, 2012
|
|
D
|
26%
|
Wrath of the Titans (2012) |
"
I should have known better than to see this sequel to 'Clash of the Titans' but I liked the first one and rumors had it that the sequel was better than the original. The rumors are wrong. It is worse, like most sequels."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Apr 8, 2012
|
|
C+
|
85%
|
The Hunger Games (2012) |
"
It is better than any of the Twilight movies, which isn't saying much, but it isn't bad. It is just barely O.K. and it badly needed more Steadicams."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 28, 2012
|
|
B
|
78%
|
A Dangerous Method (2011) |
"
The film is understandably talky, but there was enough passion and drama in it to hold my attention. It is a good primer on psychoanalysis."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 28, 2012
|
|
B
|
72%
|
The Future (2011) |
"
This strange film reminds me of some stories by Franz Kafka, such as 'The Trial.' It is a story which makes no sense when viewed objectively, but hangs together well enough as a subjective experience."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 24, 2012
|
|
C
|
12%
|
I Melt with You (2011) |
"
Has the look of a John Cassavetes film, but with wimpy, colorless characters and a lot more drugs, death and color."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 24, 2012
|
|
B
|
90%
|
Bridesmaids (2011) |
"
It shows the dark side of people to a surprising extent for a comedy. It isn't exactly a black comedy or a dark comedy, but it does explore the way that friends can sometimes become jealous and sabotage each other."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 22, 2012
|
|
B
|
51%
|
John Carter (2012) |
"
One of the things I liked about this movie is that it has nice little touches of humor. The visual effects (I saw this in 3D) are quite convincing. The acting is effective."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 12, 2012
|
|
B
|
96%
|
Undefeated (2012) |
"
This emotional love letter from a coach to his team follows a downtrodden Memphis high school football team through a tumultuous season which tests the patience of the coach and the tenacity of the players."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 22, 2012
|
|
D+
|
17%
|
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012) |
"
I would not have bothered to go see this except for the fact that I liked the first "Ghost Rider" movie, starring Nicholas Cage. This was a disappointment."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 22, 2012
|
|
B
|
53%
|
Safe House (2012) |
"
There isn't anything all that unusual or surprising about it, but it is very well crafted. It is fast-paced, hard-hitting and its characters are memorable."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 22, 2012
|
|
B
|
85%
|
Chronicle (2012) |
"
This movie attempts to answer the question, what would happen if an angry person suddenly had the power to impose his will on everyone else? The answer is, things would get very bad very fast."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 12, 2012
|
|
B
|
74%
|
Rampart (2012) |
"
Harrelson gives a great performance as a man out of control. He isn't just evil. He has a number of facets to his personality."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 10, 2012
|
|
B
|
73%
|
Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja (2011) |
"
A documentary about ordinary-looking people who made a lot of money selling marijuana who then spent a lot of years in prison for selling a product people wanted to buy for a price they were willing to pay for it."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 10, 2012
|
|
B
|
85%
|
Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2011) |
"
There is nothing very deep about this movie, but it is surprisingly funny for a slasher film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 10, 2012
|
|
C+
|
——
|
The Carrier () |
"
This earnest, low-key documentary film about a woman dealing with AIDS infection in the African nation of Zambia is a real slice of life."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 10, 2012
|
|
B
|
45%
|
The Perfect Host (2011) |
"
The plot isn't believable, but it sure is fun. It skewers expectations and has a lot of unexpected turns."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 10, 2012
|
|
A
|
94%
|
Hugo (2011) |
"
This movie is magic and it honors all those magicians like Martin Scorcese who make dreams we can all share."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
A
|
84%
|
The Tree of Life (2011) |
"
I'm not sure all of its diverse elements successfully make a whole story, but I am giving this film extra credit for being so incredibly ambitious, visually stunning and humane. It is a refreshing contrast to films that show the worst of humanity."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
88%
|
Margin Call (2011) |
"
Strong acting props up this emotionless process film. It is like something David Mamet would make, slick and clever, but lacking in real feeling or drama."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
A
|
89%
|
The Descendants (2011) |
"
This film is one of the best films of 2011 and should compete for top awards when the Academy Awards roll around."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
80%
|
Shame (2011) |
"
Proves the old John Waters adage that the establishment thinks it is O.K. to have graphic sex scenes in movies, as long as the participants don't seem to be enjoying it."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
84%
|
Beginners (2011) |
"
Good performances by McGregor, Plummer and Laurent. A lot of odd characters in this film. The idea of a cute little dog communicating with people by telepathy worked pretty well."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
76%
|
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2012) |
"
I would be more willing to suspend my disbelief if the movie didn't drag me through this stupid psychological deterministic slime. While I do admire the filmmaking craft that went into it, the experience of watching it is less than satisfying."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
90%
|
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) |
"
This film has both the strengths and weaknesses of the psychological thriller genre. Mental states are hard to depict. The strength of the genre is that it serves as a showcase for actors. It is a mixed bag, but it does deliver a heavy dose of creepiness."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
75%
|
Putty Hill (2011) |
"
While this film could win some kind of award for getting the most out of a limited budget, the low budget of the film is a handicap that isn't fully overcome. It is an experimental film that works part of the time and fails part of the time."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
83%
|
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) |
"
There has always been this ultra-cool tendency in British spy movies, but I don't ever remember seeing one this emotionless. There probably have been some, but few have combined emotional detachment with such technical mastery of filmmaking techniques."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
56%
|
Albert Nobbs (2012) |
"
This strange film about a woman pretending to be a man in 19th Century Ireland has some surprising twists and turns in it and some very good performances."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
87%
|
The Strange Case Of Angelica (2010) |
"
This whimsical, ethereal tale of love and death is as light as a feather, but charming in its own way."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
68%
|
Black Death (2011) |
"
It shows the worst things that people do to each other in the name of religion. This could have been more of a thought-provoking film, but it turns into a gore porn display."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
39%
|
Ceremony (2011) |
"
This marriage for profit story featuring a delusional wedding crasher is neither romantic nor funny."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
77%
|
The Last Circus (2011) |
"
This strange film involving four clowns and an acrobat sounds like the setup for a joke, but it turns out not to be very funny."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
23%
|
Angels Crest (2011) |
"
This tragic story about the accidental death of a child raises a lot of issues about parenting, responsibility, guilt, blame and remorse. These issues have broader implications for society as a whole, far beyond this specific example."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
94%
|
Coriolanus (2011) |
"
This very unusual modern adaptation of the Shakespearean play works remarkably well, thanks to solid performances by a talented cast and a clever script."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
C
|
52%
|
The Iron Lady (2012) |
"
Although this film contains a great performance by Streep (one of the greatest actors of her generation) and strong supporting performances, the muddled multi-flashback story spends far too much time on Thatcher's late life mental problems."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
73%
|
Like Crazy (2011) |
"
This film not only provides an effective love story. It goes well beyond that to examine the way believable characters deal with problems resulting from forced separation due to immigration policies."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
67%
|
Limelight (2011) |
"
This documentary film about the rise and fall of big nightclubs is a cautionary tale about the abuses of police power as well as a tale of two completely conflicting conservative political policies relating to the regulation of businesses."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
76%
|
The Debt (2011) |
"
This film works both as a suspense thriller and as a character study."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
84%
|
My Week with Marilyn (2011) |
"
Michelle Williams, who has received a lot of criticism for the shape of her body, deserves recognition for one of the year's best performances for her very convincing portrayal of Marilyn Monroe."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
64%
|
Another Earth (2011) |
"
A movie about our unending desire for second chances, no matter how rarely they happen."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
75%
|
The Adventures of Tintin (2011) |
"
The best animated film of 2011."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B+
|
95%
|
Pariah (2011) |
"
This fresh new angle on teen sexuality goes well beyond the usual film treatment of this material, creating memorable characters and real drama."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 2, 2012
|
|
B
|
98%
|
The Artist (2011) |
"
A good, but not great film, it's plot seemingly derived from well-known films about films made back in the 1950s such as 'Singin' in the Rain'."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 1, 2012
|
|
B
|
46%
|
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2012) |
"
Thomas Horn's performance is the sword's edge that splits the divided reactions to this film. It is a fine performance, but the character is weird. Oskar doesn't talk like a child. He is more like a miniature Woody Allen, without the sense of humor."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Feb 1, 2012
|
|
B
|
80%
|
Haywire (2012) |
"
This spy action film features some great fight scenes and stunts. It is edited right down to the bone and the production is about as slick as anything in recent years. Emotionally, however, it is on the cold side."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jan 28, 2012
|
|
B
|
39%
|
Red Tails (2012) |
"
This is a solid action movie with a historically important story which is accurate, according to one of the original Tuskegee Airmen who saw this movie."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jan 28, 2012
|
|
B
|
86%
|
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) |
"
It isn't quite identical to the original Swedish language movie (Män som hatar kvinnor) starring Noomi Rapace, but it is very close to an exact copy."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jan 12, 2012
|
|
B
|
77%
|
War Horse (2011) |
"
Although the story doesn't hang together well in some places, it has plenty of emotional power. You may need a hanky for some of the more emotional scenes."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jan 7, 2012
|
|
C+
|
60%
|
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) |
"
The entire story is largely nonsensical and Holmes foresees all kinds of events he couldn't possibly foresee in real life, but it is all in good fun. There is plenty of comedy to go along with the drama and action."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jan 7, 2012
|
|
B
|
93%
|
Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol (2011) |
"
The screenplay doesn't rely too much on gimmicks to advance the plot. Instead, the plot is also character-driven to an extent. There are interesting dynamics going on in the Mission Impossible team."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jan 7, 2012
|
|
B
|
94%
|
Win Win (2011) |
"
This combination comedy and drama works well, in part because of good performances by everyone."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Dec 3, 2011
|
|
A
|
100%
|
The Interrupters (2011) |
"
The courage, determination and intelligence of these violence interrupters is inspiring, but even more inspiring are the people trying so hard to overcome this plague of violence and live decent lives."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Dec 3, 2011
|
|
B
|
72%
|
Magic Trip (2011) |
"
The film is at it's best as a time capsule of a particular time, a brief golden age in America, and a particular event, Kesey's cross-country voyage of discovery."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Dec 3, 2011
|
|
B
|
82%
|
Trollhunter (2011) |
"
This found-film sci-fi trolls-on-the-loose story works well enough as a kind of tongue-in-cheek comedy spoofing films of this kind and the sheer idiocy behind these kinds of conspiracy theories."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
B
|
76%
|
Rejoice & Shout (2011) |
"
The film includes a number of outstanding musical performances by gospel groups, soloists and other musicians. This is a good film for fans of gospel music, or those who want to find out more about the history of gospel music."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
B
|
79%
|
I Saw the Devil (2011) |
"
This film features a spectacular performance by Choi Min-sik as Kyung-chul, one of the most scary and evil villains ever seen in any film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
B
|
74%
|
Blackthorn (2011) |
"
This is a worthy addition to the legend of Butch Cassidy."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
B
|
55%
|
The Conspirator (2011) |
"
While the film is pretty heavy-handed in framing the story in political terms, it is a compelling historical drama that will be news to many Americans."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
D
|
77%
|
Melancholia (2011) |
"
I was rooting for the planet Melancholia to pull off its impossible scripted orbital maneuver so it could at last put this stupid movie out of its misery."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
C+
|
91%
|
Arthur Christmas (2011) |
"
The film does have a nice ending. It just takes a little too long to get there."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
B
|
44%
|
J. Edgar (2011) |
"
Eastwood has a nice touch as a filmmaker. He doesn't succumb to the temptation to make Hoover into a caricature, a monster or a buffoon. He gives us a multi-faceted character with a lot of complexity, expertly portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
D
|
24%
|
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011) |
"
This slow-moving film has long periods of inaction and generates little suspense, making it the worst film in the "Twilight Saga" films so far."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 29, 2011
|
|
C
|
67%
|
Hobo With a Shotgun (2011) |
"
Great title, but this silly vigilante action movie is so exaggerated, so over-the-top that it is over the hill. It has gone to seed and needs to be weeded."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 23, 2011
|
|
B
|
85%
|
Happy, Happy (2011) |
"
The human follies abound: Running naked in the Norwegian snow, a couple of foolish affairs, a boy who wants to be a modern slave master."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 23, 2011
|
|
B
|
91%
|
Point Blank (2011) |
"
This French crime action film doesn't take long to get going and once it gets going it goes supersonic until pretty close to the end of the film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 23, 2011
|
|
B
|
79%
|
Page One: Inside the New York Times (2011) |
"
This is a thought-provoking film for those interested in journalism."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 23, 2011
|
|
B+
|
96%
|
13 Assassins (2011) |
"
I've seen enough of these samurai films to be in a position to say this one could be a considered a classic of the genre."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 23, 2011
|
|
C
|
35%
|
Immortals (2011) |
"
It's got a weak story, weak characters, weak acting and a lot of blood and gore."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 15, 2011
|
|
B
|
98%
|
Project Nim (2011) |
"
In a way, Nim's life journey mirrors our own, particularly if we end up alone, no longer having much control over what happens to us."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 12, 2011
|
|
C+
|
——
|
Evil Roy Slade (1972) |
"
This clumsy farce is funny in places, but the comedy is uneven, with an equal number of hits and misses. It is a kind of tame, low-rent version of 'Blazing Saddles.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 5, 2011
|
|
C
|
——
|
Chiefs () |
"
It seems American drama tends to veer between simplistic morality tales like this where the good guys eventually triumph, and nihilistic tales where evil triumphs. I prefer dramas which lie in between these two extremes."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 5, 2011
|
|
B
|
90%
|
Attack the Block (2011) |
"
It successfully combines action with wit, social commentary and comedy."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 5, 2011
|
|
B+
|
100%
|
We Were Here (2011) |
"
Generosity, compassion, courage, determination, love and caring are the things that are emphasized in this film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 5, 2011
|
|
B
|
88%
|
The Wrong Box (1966) |
"
It is a farce with a lot of class and style, carried off with some brilliant acting. It also has what most films with idiot plots lack, restraint, subtlety and sly wit."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 5, 2011
|
|
B
|
84%
|
A Better Life (2011) |
"
Although the structure of the film is conventional, the ending of the film is not. Unlike most films, it does have a real hero, Carlos."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 4, 2011
|
|
B
|
85%
|
The Ides of March (2011) |
"
All the back stabbing and double dealing in the film is depressing and uninspiring. Nevertheless, I was impressed with the dialogue, the acting and overall slick way this film was crafted."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 4, 2011
|
|
B
|
84%
|
Puss in Boots (2011) |
"
There are some good fight scenes, some nice dance numbers and a lot of swashbuckling in this film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Nov 4, 2011
|
|
B
|
88%
|
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front (2011) |
"
The film is a fascinating look inside a little-known arm of the larger environmental movement."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 29, 2011
|
|
B
|
92%
|
Rebirth (2011) |
"
This emotional documentary film about the stages of grief, anger and recovery of people year by year after the 9/11 attacks in New York features subjects who are open, articulate and honest."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 27, 2011
|
|
B
|
77%
|
The Other F Word (2011) |
"
A rock documentary that makes punk rockers very human, vulnerable and down to earth. Powerful emotions are on display."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 27, 2011
|
|
B
|
73%
|
Bellflower (2011) |
"
It seems to be a cross between an experimental art film and a grindhouse movie, comparing favorably to some similarly-themed mainstream movies such as 'Grindhouse.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 27, 2011
|
|
C
|
86%
|
Meek's Cutoff (2011) |
"
I felt like I was trapped on a slow-moving wagon train to nowhere with a bunch of people I wanted to escape from."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 27, 2011
|
|
B
|
93%
|
50/50 (2011) |
"
It is tough to make a comedy about cancer, since it touches us all. It is not funny. When you have Seth Rogen in a film, however, anything can be funny."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 22, 2011
|
|
B
|
83%
|
Warrior (2011) |
"
There have been a lot of movies about fighting, but few have been more personal and emotional than this one about a whole family of fighters divided by a bitter past of desertion, alcoholism, regret and death."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 9, 2011
|
|
C+
|
60%
|
Real Steel (2011) |
"
While most of the characters are not very appealing, young Dakota Goyo really carries the day. He keeps this film afloat when none of the other characters seem to be worth watching."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 9, 2011
|
|
C+
|
25%
|
Killer Elite (2011) |
"
The film works well enough, despite the twisted plot, because of some nice performances by a talented cast and some well-staged action scenes."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Oct 9, 2011
|
|
B
|
82%
|
Dolphin Tale (2011) |
"
The story is predictable and follows a well-worn formula, but it does it pretty well."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 28, 2011
|
|
A
|
95%
|
Moneyball (2011) |
"
It is not easy to make a film about quiet courage and unassuming heroes like these, but this film rises to that challenge and hits one right out of the park."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 28, 2011
|
|
B
|
93%
|
Drive (2011) |
"
Expertly directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, nothing seems wasted. Every scene is lean and to the point."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 21, 2011
|
|
B
|
58%
|
Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark (2011) |
"
If you like creepy movies that are a bit grisly, this is better than most films of this ilk. All the talent that went into this does show."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 15, 2011
|
|
B
|
85%
|
Contagion (2011) |
"
Steven Soderbergh's lean, fast-paced medical thriller 'Contagion' doesn't have much heart, but it has plenty of suspense and drama."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 12, 2011
|
|
B+
|
85%
|
Chariots of Fire (1981) |
"
There have been a lot of sports dramas made into films over the years, including "Rocky" and last year's over-praised "The Fighter," but "Chariots of Fire" remains one of the best because it transcends sports."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 9, 2011
|
|
B+
|
76%
|
The Help (2011) |
"
Not perfect, but it is very good, and very moving, with some wonderful performances."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Sep 4, 2011
|
|
B
|
26%
|
Colombiana (2011) |
"
It works well enough as a revenge movie, thanks to some good performances, some good action sequences and some Mission Impossible-like tactical operations."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 28, 2011
|
|
B
|
82%
|
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) |
"
Surprisingly effective, even though its ape characters are a lot more interesting than the human ones."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 8, 2011
|
|
B
|
44%
|
Cowboys & Aliens (2011) |
"
Talented director John Favreau ("Iron Man") keeps the pace of the film brisk and you never have to wait long for some action to come along."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Aug 5, 2011
|
|
B
|
88%
|
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009) |
"
If Herzog had chosen realism over surrealism, this film would have been predictable and unentertaining. As it is, I found it oddly captivating. This is one weird movie."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 26, 2011
|
|
B
|
79%
|
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) |
"
It is a good superhero origin story, a bit better than the last such Marvel movie, 'Thor.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 25, 2011
|
|
B
|
96%
|
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011) |
"
Thank god it is finally over."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 22, 2011
|
|
C+
|
36%
|
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) |
"
Michael Bay's mission, and he chose to accept it, was to make a Transformers movie sequel that was not as bad as the last one. The bar was set very low for the success of this mission and Bay cleared the bar. This sequel is better than the last one."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jul 3, 2011
|
|
B
|
38%
|
Cars 2 (2011) |
"
It is a good film, but lacks the emotional punch of "Up" or the exquisite ending of "Toy Story 3." Maybe this one is bad enough that the establishment will allow an animator other than Pixar to win the top awards this year."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 26, 2011
|
|
B
|
26%
|
Green Lantern (2011) |
"
The only reason you go to see a movie like this is the special effects and the fight scenes, right? It has both in spades and the 3D effects are good, too."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 21, 2011
|
|
B
|
70%
|
Illegal (2011) |
"
This is a film with a message, but it doesn't preach. The primary focus of the story is not on the immigration issue, but on Tania and her love for her son."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 20, 2011
|
|
B
|
82%
|
Super 8 (2011) |
"
Despite the weaknesses in the story it is pretty compelling and it has good characters worth following. The special effects are good and the story upholds a fairly good moral standard too."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 14, 2011
|
|
B
|
88%
|
X-Men: First Class (2011) |
"
The characters are well-drawn and the story is compelling. The acting is solid and the special effects and action scenes are well-done."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Jun 7, 2011
|
|
B
|
81%
|
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) |
"
I was pleasantly surprised that this sequel turned out to be a good film, as opposed to most sequels, and there have been tons of them this year."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 30, 2011
|
|
C
|
33%
|
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) |
"
This film, despite its dazzling special effects, is devoid of originality, character and human values. It is the very embodiment of what is wrong with popular entertainment."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 27, 2011
|
|
C+
|
77%
|
Thor (2011) |
"
This is not a great comic book adaptation, but it is a serviceable one with good production values, a slick look and a story that works."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 11, 2011
|
|
B
|
78%
|
Fast Five (2011) |
"
One those exceptional sequels, even better than the original film, 'The Fast and the Furious.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted May 1, 2011
|
|
C
|
71%
|
Hanna (2011) |
"
If you have a strong personal sense of morality, or if you value human life, you will probably find this a disappointing film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Apr 14, 2011
|
|
3.5/4
|
88%
|
Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey (1993) |
"
This film will appeal to anyone of any age who doesn't have a heart of stone."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Apr 4, 2011
|
|
1/4
|
——
|
Mindstorm (2001) |
"
This is a below-average film which looks like it was made for television or was made to go straight to video. The DVD has no extras, no widescreen option, no scene selections, no previews, no sound options, no subtitles, etc."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Apr 4, 2011
|
|
B
|
91%
|
Source Code (2011) |
"
This is a well-written, well-acted film that doesn't overdo the repetition factor."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Apr 3, 2011
|
|
C
|
23%
|
Sucker Punch (2011) |
"
Every character is a throwaway part in this story. Since there isn't any substantial attempt the lay the groundwork for emotional investment in any of these characters, it is a pretty empty film."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 29, 2011
|
|
B+
|
72%
|
Paul (2011) |
"
This is a love letter, a very funny love letter, to science fiction films like 'Aliens' and 'E.T.'"
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 21, 2011
|
|
B+
|
83%
|
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) |
"
McConaughey gets a pitch down the middle and he doesn't miss. He hits it out of the park."
—
Laramie Movie Scope
Posted Mar 21, 2011
|
73%
21%
63%
85%
46%
40%
