Donny’s Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2009

I’m looking forward to seeing a ton of flicks in 2009, and while I’m only supposed to be listing my top 10 most anticipated films of 2009, I want to take this time to list a few flicks that are also on my radar.  Those flicks are; The Road, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Friday the 13th, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Megan Fox bending over cars is always a must see), and Push.  Now here’s my list:

 

10. Where the Wild Things Are: I’m extremely stoked to see Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s awesome children’s story.  This was my favorite book when I was a little pain in the ass, and it’s one of my son’s favorites as well.  I’ll be at the theatre on opening night. (October 16)

9. Terminator: Salvation: I’m pretty tired of the Terminator films, but I’m curious to see what Christian Bale brings to the table.  So I’m ready to check this one out just to see if it will signal the rebirth or death of this monumental franchise. (May 22)

8. Jennifer’s Body: I love Diablo Cody, but I’m going to have to be completely honest.  While this film is interesting in and of itself, the main reason I’m going to see it is to peep Megan Fox in her birthday suit.  Hell, any chance to watch her on screen is a treat.  What can I say, the girl is smoking hot.  Anyway, I’ll be there for this one on opening night.  (September 18 in Canada, US dates coming soon)

7. Land of the Lost: I can remember waking up to watch the original every Saturday morning.  It was an integral part of my childhood.  The fact that it was made on the cheap and was sorta goofy only added to its charm.  I think Will Ferrell is a perfect choice for this flick.  Sleestaks baby! (June 5)

6. Inglourious Basterds: Quentin Tarantino is a bad-ass.  Plain and simple, the guy makes killer movies. So on opening night I’m going to be there with a smile on my face because at the very lest I know I’m going to be entertained.  (August 28)

5. Star Trek: I’m going to forgive  J.J. Abrams for Cloverfield and take this scifi journey with him.  I love the original television show, and the movies that followed.  I even enjoyed the Next Generation, so I see no reason why I won’t love this one as well.  Especially with a talented director like Abrams at the helm. (May

4. Funny People:  Judd Apatow is a funny guy, and I really dig the films he writes and directs.  So it goes without saying that I’m totally stoked to see him make a new flick with not only Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann, but with funny man Adam Sandler as well.  (July 31)

3. Adventureland: Greg Mottola is one of my favorite new directors.  I think the guy genuinely knows what’s funny.  After watching the trailer this became one of the films I’m looking forward to most this year. (March 27)

2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine: What more can I say other than, it’s Wolverine bitch!  I’ll be in the lines waiting for my ticket on opening night, just to see Hugh Jackman kicking ass behind the claws again.  (May 1)

1. Watchmen: I haven’t been this excited about seeing a movie since Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. This is my favorite graphic novel, and if the trailers are any indication of how amazing this flick is going to be, it just might be my favorite flick of the year as well.  (March 6)

Blowing Smoke: A Letter From the Editor

 

December was a crazy month for us here at Killer Film.  We saw some great movies like, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Wrestler, and Slumdog Millionaire.  We became closer as a team of movie fans working hard to bring the best possible content to the web without outside influence.  But most of all throughout December and the rest of the year, we got to watch Killer Film grow into a site that we can be proud of.  

I’m excited to be working with some of the most amazing people on the web, and am honored to be able to read their material day after day.  Jon Peters puts out more content than anyone on this site including myself, and for that I commend him, but even more important is the fact that he never sacrifices quality for quantity.  I hope you have a wonderful year Jon.  Matt Champagne is a name that most of you that read the site might not recognize, but without him the site wouldn’t be where it is today.  Matt keeps us running, and makes sure we are virus and spam free.  Thanks for an awesome relaunch and year Matt.  Daniel Herrera (your page is on the way sir) is the newest member of the killer film staff, but definitely pulls his weight and more.  He brings our readers all of the exciting scoops in our news section.  Welcome aboard Daniel, you rock!  And last but not least, Serena Whitney adds a pretty face to a bunch of schmucks, and provides the site with insightful articles each month.  Thanks for the content Serena, and have a wonderful year.  

I myself feel blessed to have such an awesome staff, and am looking forward to the new year.  The month of January is going to be an exciting month for everyone here at Killer Film.  We are going to start our coverage of the Oscar race, look back at the films of Darren Aronofsky, and of course we’ll be rocking more news, interviews, and features as well.  

On behalf of the entire Killer Film staff I’d like to say thank you to all of our faithful readers for a great year.  We are excited to be a part of your cinematic lives, here’s to another killer year!  

See you all  next month,

Donny Broussard

The Wrestler Review

 

Darren Aronofsky is one of the most enigmatic filmmakers making films in Hollywood today.  His films push the limits of how far an audience is willing to go, and never take the easy way out.  He puts more emphasis on his own vision than that of the studio executive, and his films live on inside the subconscious long after leaving the theatre.  His newest film The Wrestler hits the same notes that his previous films do, but is by far his most accessible film to date.  

The film follows Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a washed up professional wrestler struggling with health issues as he works his way through the independent wrestleing circuit.  His health issues prompt him to seek out his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood), and the love of Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) a stripper that he feels a connection with.  All while contemplating, against his doctors orders, a return to the big-time by fighting his former nemesis.  

I’ve never been a fan of wrestling in any way, but that didn’t stop me from being sucked into Randy’s journey.  Mickey Rourke proves that he still has what it takes to carry a film.  His performance is nothing short of amazing.  I’ll be sorely disappointed if he doesn’t earn the Oscar this year,  Marisa Tomei also churns out a killer performance, and even in her forties her beauty is breath-taking.  All of the actors in this film deserve accolades for their performances.  Evan Rachel Wood is also pretty awesome as Randy’s daughter Stephanie.  All of the characters have layers, and it’s enthralling to see these layers stripped off each character with the grace of a master story-teller.  

Aronofsky has really come into his own as a director with this film.  He made a film that will surely be labeled as classic sooner rather than later.  Under his direction the cinematography is vibrant, and captivating, and the acting is career defining.  Even if your not a fan of Aronofsky’s films do yourself a favor and see it if it makes its way to your city.  Because The Wrestler is positively a killer film.

Rating:

Certified!

I have to apologize to everyone.  When I was writing my worst films of 2008 list, I forgot the film that in my opinion sucked harder than any other flick this year, Cloverfield. I know most of the moviegoing public loves this movie, but I can’t stand it.  

I hate the fact that they spent millions of dollars to make a movie look like crap.  I hate the fact that the poor actors’ feet get more screen-time than their faces.  I hate the fact that the guy holding the camera is the worst camera man on the planet.  The guy runs around with the camera on because he wants to capture the events unfolding in front of his eyes, but instead decides that various shots of the road would be much more interesting than actually filming the unfolding events.  

So I’ve decided that in my humble opinion Cloverfield is 100% crap.  So I give it my seal of disapproval, and labeled it certified 100% crap.  Because it is by far, again this is my opinion, the worst film of 2008.  

 

Donny’s Worst Flicks of 2008 List

Note: The flicks listed below are in no particular order, because they all suck.  

Meet Dave:  Eddie Murphy needs to stop making these stupid movies, and go back to R rated movies that are actually funny.

Disaster Movie:  This flick sucked so bad that I can’t even call it a movie.

The Love Guru: This movie sucked so bad that I chose not to see it (thanks for the warning Jon)

The Day the Earth Stood Still:  The original is perfect, and didn’t need updating.  

The Happening: I said it before and I’ll say it again, “grass is not scary.”

Bangkok Dangerous:  Did anyone actually think this was going to be good?

The Eye: Jessica Alba is the only thing this flick has going for it, and she couldn’t save it from sucking.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars:  This flick was stinky.  

Mirrors: Like I said above with The Eye, not even Kiefer Sutherland could save this flick from major suckage.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist: Was infinitely lame.
 

Donny’s Top 20 Flicks of 2008

Honorable Mention

Murder Party: I know this flick came out in 2007, but I figure that it still deserves to be seen by anyone that hasn’t seen it yet.  So if you missed it in 2007, and 2008, then do yourself a favor and check it out in 2009.  

20. Religulous:  Bill Maher was a riot in this thought provoking look into religion.  I’m starting to watch more and more documentaries, and this one was a blast.  While it is definitely not for everyone it stuck with me and landed itself a spot on my list.  

19. Seven Pounds:  I’m not a huge Will Smith fan, but this movie was solid.  It’s a moving tale that took chances most Hollywood films aren’t willing to take, and it also introduced me to a director that wasn’t previously on my radar.  

18. Tropic Thunder:  Robert Downey Jr. deserves to get an Oscar for his performance in this flick. I can watch this flick over and over again without getting tired of it, and in my eyes that’s a sign of a killer film.

17. Hellboy II: The Golden Army:  I love everything that Guillermo del Toro does, and this flick is no exception.  I can relate to his characters no matter how freakish they are.  I can’t wait for the next installment in the franchise (please let there be another one).  

16. WALL·E:  A truly beautiful film that was good from start to finish.  Not since E.T. have I seen a character that said so much without saying much at all.  

15. Quantum of Solace:  James Bond kicks major ass in this flick, and Olga Kurylenko is stupid fine.  

14. The Wackness:  I really loved this little film.  It has strong characters, a well written script, and a great soundtrack. 

13. JCVD:  Jean-Claude Van Damme is back, and in a big way!  This film was a surprise on every level.  This is an amazing film that will hopefully revive the career of the Lionheart himself.

12. Pineapple Express:  I love Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s script, and this is a funny flick that has enormous re-watch value.

11. Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay:  This shit is stupid funny!  Neil Patrick Harris baby, that’s all that needs to be said.

10. Gran Torino:  This is Eastwood the way I love to see Eastwood.  Kicking ass!  A powerful film that could only have been pulled off by the master of cool.  

9. Iron Man:  This is Robert Downey Jr.’s year.  Iron Man wasn’t my favorite comic book hero, but he sure as hell rocked the silver screen.  

8. The Wrestler:  If this flick can do for Mickey Rourke’s career only a fraction of what he did for this film he’s going to be a megastar.  Rourke gives a truly amazing performance in this flick, and Darren Aronofsky gave the movie going public his most accessible film.  Just plain awesome.

7. Milk:  I didn’t know who Harvey Milk was before seeing this film, but I know who he is now.  This is a moving film that offers a glimpse into the struggle for civil rights that some still fight today.  

6. Zack and Miri Make a Porno:  Kevin Smith rocked the directors chair again with another funny flick that takes place outside of his View Askew universe.  This is a killer film that had me laughing from the first frame to the last.  

5. Role Models:  Paul Rudd is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors, and Role Models was proof that he can carry a film.  Also Seann William Scott prooves that he can be more than Stifler.  An awesome comedy that is still funny after multiple viewings.  

4. Slumdog Millionaire:  Danny Boyle is a great director, and this is a great film.  A timeless love story told by a master storyteller, most definitely a killer film. 

3. The Dark Knight:  What can I say about this film that hasn’t already been said.  It’s an amazing flick from start to finish, and in my opinion the Joker is the most bad-ass villain ever.  I hope Christopher Nolan get the best director Oscar because he truly deserves it.  

2. Let the Right One In:  This movie held me prisoner for its entire runtime.  Its beautiful stark landscapes are forever etched into my memory, and the characters that populated this wonderful film were so well written that I’ll never forget them.  This is by far the best horror film that I’ve seen this year.  

1. Forgetting Sarah Marshall:  I’m probably going to get a lot of heat for putting this flick in my number one spot, but I don’t really care.  I love this flick.  The writing is solid, the actors are awesome, and the flick is funny.  I could watch it once or twice a month and never get tired of it.  The most killer film this year.

Horton Hears a Who DVD Review

 

I’m a huge Dr. Seuss fan.  I love his books, and most of the cartoons based on them as well.  I enjoy the actors that voiced the characters in the film, so I was extremely excited to see this film.  I missed it at the theatre, so I picked it up to watch with my kids during the holidays.  

First off I have to say that the animation on this film is beautiful.  I really enjoyed the style they used, and felt that it was respectful to the source material.  And for the most part I enjoyed the movie as well, but it wasn’t my favorite Dr. Seuss adaptation.  There were a few sequences that really irritated me, but I’ll get to those in a bit.  First I want to talk about the characters.  I felt that these characters were really strong, and the actors they got to voice them were all spot on.  I especially enjoyed Steve Carell, who voiced the Mayor of Whoville.  I also think that Carol Burnett and Set Rogen rocked too.  Jim Carrey is always a pleasure in whatever he does, but in this case his character was slightly irritating.  It’s not his fault, but for some reason I had a hard time connecting with Horton in the flick, like I did with the character in the book.  

As for the parts of the film that irritated me, there was one scene that went full anime that really lost me, and another scene that wasn’t anime, but was done in 2d that just took me right out of the flick.  Other than that the story pretty much followed the book, and the animation worked really well.  I’m not going to go into detail about the plot because I’m pretty sure most people on the planet have read the book. Overall I had a decent time watching Horton Hears a Who, and despite a few odd scenes, it was a killer film.   

The DVD

Audio Commentary: I didn’t care for this audio Commentary.  I would have dug it if the whole cast would have participated, but for some reason that’s not what’s on this disc.

Ice Age: Surviving Sid: This is a pretty cool little Ice Age short that is worth watching.  

Ice Age 3 Sneak Peek:  This is a weak preview of the new Ice Age flick.

Rating:

Jon Peters’ Worst of 2008 List

When you see as many movies as I have in a year, you’ll run up against some films that are bad. The term bad when describing a movie is subjective, that’s for sure, but in this list, you’ll find films that aren’t worth renting, let alone seeing. I hope you’ll take this list and use it to avoid these movies from ever darkening your TV or wallet. Do not rent, see on HBO, or Netflix these. You’ll be better off and while all of these films are the worst of 2008, I ranked them alphabetically because it’s silly to rank them any other way. They’re all bad. Enjoy!

10, 000 B.C.: Logically dumb, silly, and laughable, it’ll make a fine “so bad, it’s good” midnight movie for our kids, but as for us, avoid this cheesy caveman epic.

Babylon A.D.: Poor Vin Diesel. He was promised the action film star roles and for some reason is in crap as of late. This attempt is admirable but really messy. A hog posh of different, better sci-fi films ideas, I didn’t know what was going on and apparently neither did the director or Vin.

Bangkok Dangerous: You expect Nic Cage to give us good movies anymore? Silly hairdo not withstanding, this film is boring and dumb, easily making it to this list. Asian directors should be better off staying away from Hollywood. Unstylish and campy.

Be Kind Rewind: A vastly disappointing effort from Michel Gondry. It had a great idea, but it’s not very funny, the sentimentality is forced on us, and it is really forgettable. Go call Charlie Kaufman, Gondry, before you ruin your promising career.

The Day the Earth Stood Still: The Earth barely batted an eye, let alone stood still at this weak remake. Loud, stupid and unable to have the balls needed for its concept, stick with the original.

Deception: A waste of a good cast. Jackman and McGregor should all know better. I was hooked for a little bit but it all unraveled into a bad thriller that I almost forgot about until I did this list.

The Eye: Jessica Alba plays a blind woman. I thought this was a horror film, I couldn’t stop laughing. Stay away from this snoozer.

Happening: Zooey Deschanel will be excused here. This film is about a killer grass. The death of M. Night’s career.

Love Guru: I never use the word “sucks” when it comes to reviewing a movie, but this one sucked all laughter out of me for days. I was scarred that I might not laugh again. Luckily, 2008 was a great year for comedies. This is my candidate for WORST FILM of 2008, bar none.

Punisher: War Zone: Why can’t they make a good Punisher movie? Maybe if they didn’t treat the film like a Saw movie and didn’t have Punisher killing people like Jason Voorhees e would’ve had a chance. Marvel, get a hold of all your franchises, these people treated it as if we never seen a comic book movie before.

Righteous Kill: There was a Mad TV skit in which they made fun of this film calling it “Phone it In” as a reference to De Niro’s and Pacino’s acting here. Mostly true, but they chose this script to work together.

Speed Racer: A kid’s film like this one does not need to be 2 hours long! Ever. Extremely surface level using an orgy of colors and CG and nobody cared. Why torture yourself with this film when you could have more fun putting your foot into a bear trap?

Star Wars: Clone Wars: I guess the TV series that this was to kick off is pretty good; too bad this was so bad I could care less about seeing it. A transsexual Hutt character, are you kidding me? Horrendous dialogue. Stinky.

MOST DISAPPOINTING FILM of 2008:

X-Files-I Want to Believe: I had hoped that at best, this was going to be a decent sci-fi yarn. I was actually pretty stoked about seeing it, so much so I attended the midnight screening. The film is no better than a weak, mid-season episode. It featured a lame excuse to resurrect the characters and franchise. We wanted aliens and we got a Russian Frankenstein. Easily one of the year’s biggest letdowns, a close second was Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

VERY CLOSE TO MAKING THE LIST:

American Teen: High school drama caught on tape. It reeked of staging, and a documentary featuring people that didn’t need documenting.

Mirrors: Horror was pretty bad this year, and Aja should’ve known better. A riff of J-Horror and his own brand of gore, all of which amounted to silliness.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist: I was hoping that this would’ve been a quirky, new Juno but it was tedious, sloppy, and boring.

Fear not, soon I’ll post my Best of 2008 lists. I’m sure there are more stinkers, unfortunately out of all that I saw I cannot say a film is bad unless seen. It’s only fair. Missed anything? Then post your worst films below in our comments section!

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