2011 has been an interesting an unexpected year for the film industry. It’s a year where many critics patronized sequels which offered predictable high sales but less creativity. While people won’t easily get tired of a sequel to a film they loved, releasing several sequels could damage the brand in the long run if each subsequent film was not to a high standard. Sequels also clip the wings of creativity because they stop production companies funding new films with different stories.
Christmas is more than just a holiday where you give out and receive gifts. It’s also a time to relax with your family with some home entertainment. Since it’s also the Christmas season, it’s fitting to enjoy some movies with a Christmas theme and there are tons of films focusing on the holiday season.
We have listed the top five films perfect for family viewing:
- Home Alone 2
: Lost in New York – the film is still fun to watch even if it’s not Christmas. Home Alone 2 is not necessarily heart warming but a fun film to enjoy with the kids because of its slapstick adventures.
- Santa Clause – Tim Allen replaces Santa when he fatally injures the jolly guy. His transformation from a simple, unwilling man to a lovable Santa is fun to watch and kids will surely enjoy the message.
- · Elf – This may not be the best film of Will Ferrell but it’s certainly one of the most memorable especially for Christmas season. Ferrell plays “Buddy” the Elf that was accidentally brought in by Santa in his carriage. Also featured in the film – the sweet voice of Zooey Deschanel.
Many of the horror movies today are fun to watch only during the holiday season. These movies are a little bit scary but ultimately amusing. They provide some type of entertainment with few bits of horror along the way.
On the other hand, there are horror films that withstood the test of time. These are horror films that can give chills and entertainment any time of the year.
10. SAW – The movie franchise that started “torture porn”. Although the story gets a little bit tired in the later sequels, the gripping scenes are still there.
9. REC – This Spanish movie disguised as news is one of the most chilling films of modern movies. The fact that it was remade for American viewers is a testament of its quality.
8. The Others – The acting chops of Nicole Kidman is in full display of the film. Complement her acting with superb writing and unique twist in the end, you easily get a good horror movie.
7. Alien – Sigourney Weaver’s Alien is a thrilling ride of suspense perfectly blending with Sci-Fi.
Rowan Atkinson is back with “Johnny English 2”. For the unfamiliar, the movie is practically a spoof of all major spy films with a twist and that twist is the main character himself. Rowan Atkinson’s flavor of comedy is really unique that the film is almost useless without him.
The plot of the film is almost unexpected except for its setting. It is a direct follow-up of the first movie but he opted to hone his training somewhere in Asia instead of the traditional grounds of MI7.
The fact that Rowan Atkinson made this film special doesn’t mean his co-stars are just 2nd rate actors. Some of the popular actors such as Gillian Anderson, Rosamund Pike and Dominic West have been part of the movie and their performance is noteworthy. It’s actually very hard to imagine having a straight face while the great Atkinson makes his trademark awkward antics.
The movie doesn’t attract a lot of attention or even praise from well known critics. But the movie is not trying to be Oscar worthy or something that wants to get the attention of film experts. It’s actually a movie made for fans of Rowan Atkinson. If you’ve seen any of the “Mr. Bean” episodes and learns to appreciate its goofy humor, this film is perfect for you.
Hollywood is scrambling for fresh ideas that would appeal to young movie goers while attracting the older crowd through nostalgia and familiarity. This is the reason why many of the movies today are sequels, prequels and remakes. Some movie fans complain about the lack of idea but adapting a movie for modern times or showing how the characters from past films progress can still be very interesting.
Prequels may be connected to a past hit film, but they do differ from sequels and remakes. You are not required to have watched the previous films because the films are set before the original story. Even though prequels can gain a buzz due to the franchises past success the can also end up as a disaster. Fortunately, there are some prequels that are as good or if not better than the original film;
Casino Royale
The common reaction to Casino Royale is that it’s trying to emulate the “Bourne” series. But Casino Royale is actually a true return to its form because the spy film now focuses on the character instead of the advanced gadgets. Daniel Craig provides a fresh face to the new gritty character of James Bond.
Warrior is one of the most surprising films in 2011. The trailer and posters can easily give you an impression that it’s just another film that takes advantage of the increasing popularity of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The actors are not even popular (Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy) with only Nick Nolte being a recognizable actor.
But Warrior is actually a very well made film. It’s a story about two brothers who ultimately have to face each other in the octagon. Each fighter has something to prove and winning is the only way to get to their objective. Along the way, they go through different challenges and each of them overcomes these challenges. Although there are some difficulties in these challenges, they ultimately beat everyone in the end. Of course, as an action film, it’s expected that they fight their way through to get to their objective.
Warrior is an action film but with a heart. Nick Nolte is someone you expect to perform and he does with ease. But instead of taking the center stage, he allows the two main characters to become the real star of the show. Nick Nolte plays the father of the two main characters. Think of his role as Rocky’s Mickey who trains the fighters to reach their potential.
The 60s in films is considered as one of the best decades in film because of the revolutionary ideas that were presented for the first time. Leading the movement to impressive films in the 60s are three film directors from UK: David Lean, John Schlesinger and Guy Hamilton. Each of the film directors has made something unique that made lasting impression on the film industry.
Sir David Lean CBE – Powerful Blockbuster Films
Sir David Lean will always be known for his iconic films: the Bridge over River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. These films were made from the late 50s to the 60s. His biggest influence in films is his ability to handle big budget films with ease while presenting them as a work of art rather than something to amaze the audience.
Film villains are as important to films as the heroes and heroines. Without the villains, the movie becomes bland because the film will has no conflict and therefore no struggle and emotion.
In some case the villains practically take over the film. The following top movie villains are not only great character but also huge influencers on their films stories. While there are main characters in the film, these villains practically carry the movie from start to finish.
3 Freddie Krueger (Nightmare of Elm Street)
Played by Robert Englund and Jackie Earle Haley, Freddie Krueger is the only character that stayed in the movie franchise. It’s practically a movie about kids being chased in their dreams with real world consequences. The main characters change but Freddie Krueger is still there no matter what and you’ll always cringe whenever he’s in the scene.
One Day is a film adapted from a bestselling novel with the same title. The film follows the meeting of two characters, Emma played by Anne Hathaway and Dexter played by Jim Sturgess. The plot is actually very unique: the film chronicles the interaction of two characters meeting every July 15 for twenty years. This means the film basically chronicles the twenty meeting of the characters.
The plot of the film alone could easily grab the attention of serious movie goers. Imagining how the director (Lone Scherfig) would work on such a challenging plot is already an interesting talking point.
The film is laudable because of its picturesque settings and must-listen dialogue between two characters. Jim Sturgess easily made the film his own due to his ability to carry the very challenging character. Although Anne Hathaway is impressive in the film as she tries to work as Emma, there’s a strange feeling that something is amiss with the character. The reason could be Emma’s personality doesn’t really quite fit to Anne Hathaway’s aura. She’s good but it’s just not right.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is a science fiction film starring James Franco as a scientist who helped develop “Caesar”. The ape is played by Andy Serkis who is known for his portrayal as “Gollum” in “Lord of the Rings”. The film is directed by Rupert Wyatt.
For the past few years Hollywood has been working with various remakes and sequels with often disappointing results. Fortunately, Rise of the Planet of the Apes comes in as an exception. It’s a well made film that doesn’t try to be preachy. It’s simply a sci-fi film that tries to tell a story and does it with remarkable fashion.
The acting in the film will not draw any attention from the people who run the Oscar’s but its good enough to keep you entertained. Starring James Franco with the aid of other supporting actors (Frieda Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox and Tom Felton), the movie simply looks great and the cast works well together.