Brave (2012)

 My eyes,both of them, were cocked and ready to roll aplenty with this one. Looked like Pixar had finally succumbed to the typical Disney formula of Princes and Princesses frolicking about and sweeping one another of their slippered feet. This was not that. It’s not about a princess in love or a Prince Charming with a giant jutting jaw. Instead it’s about a strong minded young girl striving for her independence. I don’t want to come off as a Women’s Libber, but we don’t see nearly enough movies with strong female characters, let alone young females who think for themselves. And check this out, just because she’s a hard headed young women doesn’t mean she likes the ladies. I’ve seen a number of articles suggesting that Brave’s Merida is a lesbian. Some people are so taken aback by this departure from Disney tradition that they have to make sense of it. Not all stories have to revolve around sex, sexual relationships and courtship. Frankly I’m quite tired of watching people fall in and out of love. We always hear about the enormous number of deaths a kid will witness in movies and on TV by during their childhood, what about the countless flings, crushes and romantic sojourns we’re all subjected to? Both occur too often on screen and the former needs to happen more off screen to those that are claiming she’s a lesbian. (Maybe that’s a little harsh.) I don’t care if she likes other girls, it’s not that kind of story.

Brave turned out to be a gem and I’m grateful I got to see it on the big screen as it is as beautiful as any Pixar movie. While it is no Wall E or Finding Nemo, it’s better than Cars for my money and fans of Boardwalk Empire should enjoy Kelly Macdonald voicing the lead. And for a reason I can’t put my finger on,her relationship with her mom in the second half of the film is as good as any relationship I’ve seen on screen this year.

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Goon (2011) Now On Instant

   Goon is crass, heartwarming, overtly predictable, but a lot of fun. The best hockey movie since Mighty Ducks 2 (fuck you, I love D2) and the dirtiest since Slap Shot (the greatest sports movie ever!) This is what Slap Shot 2 should’ve been. Just watching Live Schreiber as an aging hockey thug is worth the watch. How much Cotton Weary has grown.

Based on a true story, I would guess ever so loosely, Goon is movie that can be enjoyed even by the minions of non hockey fans. In fact, I think I might have enjoyed it more had I not been constantly questioning all the questionable non hockey plays and tactics.

Could Watch 3 0f 5 (Lots of filth and loads of violence, but does manage to warm the cockles.)

Anderson 07/2012

Rating Legend

Must Watch = 5 0f 5

Should Watch = 4 of 5

Could Watch = 3 of 5

Should Not Watch = 2 of 5

Do Not Watch = 1 of 5

Magic Mike (2012)

  Where’s the magic? This is not a good one. Sure, Channing as Mike is good, very likable, easy on the eyes (per usual, am I right ladies?) and he’s got stripper dance moves for days. Yes, we’ve all heard about his real life stripper past at this point. I can also appreciate McConaughey’s creepy perfomance as Dallas, the club owner. But beyond this, there is nothing here other than Olivia Munn’s naked chest, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Perhaps Soderbergh is a genius. Maybe, just maybe his genius can be found in an underlying message, an allegory, where beyond the stage of a male stripper (or female for that matter) there is nothing going on. Yes, this might be the case! Everything outside the club was muted in both color and dialogue, not to mention a heavily muted storyline. It was all going good for Mike, then it went a little bad and then it was good again.

Yes, this might be what Steven was trying to say, but I think a more likely theory is that he tends to spread himself too thin. He’s directed 4 features in the last 2 years with another already in post, The Bitter Pill, slated for early next year. Can’t wait for that one by the way. All this work, along with producing 3 other peoples movies must take its toll on the artist.

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Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Hushpuppy will be with me forever. This is an investment movie. I waited a few days to write about Beasts to confirm it. Yes, it sticks with you. Some tempo issues and less than desirable  jittery, handheld camera work makes it a bit of a challenge at times, but it’s one of those films you’ll never forget.

Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy conveys childhood consciousness more effectively than I’ve seen and is easily in the top child performances I have ever witnessed. Don’t be surprised if we see her name up for best actress in a leading roll next year. Watching Beasts on the big screen is most likely the closest I’ll ever come to experiencing the day to day life of a 6 year-old girl living in utter squaller in a place called the Bathtub, Louisiana.

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