JONESING FOR FILMS

A blog dedicated to movies

  • The Zero Theorem (2014)

    The Zero Theorem (2014)

    Definitely has the look and feel of a Terry Gilliam film, but could’ve use some more narrative cohesion.

  • American Sniper (2014)

    American Sniper (2014)

    For someone so well-known for westerns, war films, and being Dirty Harry on-screen, Clint Eastwood is a surprisingly versatile director, even tackling the musical genre earlier in 2014 with a Broadway adaptation, Jersey Boys.  Eastwood made his directorial debut in 1971, 44 years ago.  In that time he has helmed 34 feature…

  • My Top 20 Films of 2014: 5-1

    5. Inherent Vice This is probably the film I was looking forward to most in 2014.  Ever since There Will Be Blood, whenever Paul Thomas Anderson has a new release, there is the potential for an all-time masterpiece.  He’s one of the genuine auteurs working.  While it does not end…

  • My Top 20 Films of 2014: 10-6

    10. The One I Love The One I Love is a film that has tinges of several genres, making for a very quirky viewing experience: light sci-fi elements, romantic comedy, mystery thriller.  Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss play a couple whose marriage is on the rocks and their therapists recommends…

  • My Top 20 Films of 2014: 15-11

    15. The Lego Movie EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!!  Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what an experience this was in the theater.  Usually, a movie this loud and boisterous is mess; this was kinetic and vibrant with life.  The idea of doing a movie about Legos seemed like…

  • My Top 20 Films of 2014: 20-16

    While I still have a few films remaining that I had hoped to see (American Sniper and The Theory of Everything to name just two), I have seen enough that I feel comfortable crafting my list of the top films of the year.  Year-end best-of lists can be crafted in many…

  • Prisoners (2013)

    Prisoners (2013)

    Prisoners is a challenging film.  It’s premise is fairly straight forward even as its plot is more complex: How far is too far when it comes to the lengths someone should go in protecting or rescuing someone they love?  Prisoners uses its noticeable runtime (2 hr. 33 min.) to ponder…

  • My Top 25 Films of 2013: 5-1

    5. The Wolf of Wall Street – The best Scorsese film since The Departed and a spiritual successor to Goodfellas and Casino.  Based on the autobiography of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild ride of excess and debauchery, detailing the drug-addled, booze-filled exploits of Belfort, following his…

  • My Top 25 Films of 2013: 10-6

    10. Frances Ha – This was not a movie I was expecting to enjoy as much as I did, considering I hated Noah Baumbach’s last film, Greenberg.  But Greta Gerwig is an actress that has impressed me in almost everything I’ve seen her in, including Greenberg.  This movie, following the title…