I saw The Wolf of Wall Street in early January, a few weeks after its release in a New Jersey multiplex nestled in a dingy strip mall not unlike the one where Jordan Belfort (the Wolf) founds his corrupt brokerage firm. By this time I had already heard the varied reactions of both critics and friends.
Horror films are a dime a dozen and the good ones are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Well, no need to fret over your pillow case of candy. We've found five great ones.
A little over a week ago the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival ended so what better time to ruminate on the good and the bad. And what better way to do so than create a "best and worst" list? (Sure, lists are reductive to the point of absurdity, they force an arbitrary ranking system, I usually come to regret them at some point, etc., etc.
In all the hubbub of the Toronto International Film Festival, sometimes it's easy to forget where you are. Amidst the wall of people crowding the streets, the buzz of foreign languages, and Hollywood celebrities emerging from black SUV's you might be at any major world film festival.
A teenage boy stares at his reflection in a fogged mirror shrouded in darkness. Moments later the same boy watches a train derail off a bridge. Then he is trapped in one of the train's cars as it fills with water. He impotently slams his hands against the ceiling in an attempt to free himself.
There's a reason "critically acclaimed horror film" sounds like a paradox. The genre suffers from poor production values and inept acting. Clichés cling to them like mange on a stray dog. Their success lies in their ability to capitalize on the most primal human instinct: fear of death.
I knew this day would come soon. It always comes eventually. Legendary American Film critic Roger Ebert passed away April 4, 2013 after over a decade long battle with cancer of the thyroid and salivary glands. I'm obligated to write something in his honour. Not because I was asked to. Because I want to. But I really do have to. I have to. I must.
Okay... Before we hit the list, I should clarify: Numbers ten through six are listed in numerical order merely to keep with the articles format. #9 might actually be slightly better than #7, give or take. However, the Top Five are listed in the correct numerical order. Number one is undoubtedly my favorite. Sigh.
This past year in cinema was a significant step up compared to recent years. So many great films in 2012, but only ten spots. Let me preface for you, the reader, before you start scrolling down on my movie rankings: I was not able to get out and watch every acclaimed film in 2012, but for the most part I liked what I did see.
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