2018 Movies Reviewed

I can't believe it has been a year since I started sharing my opinion and reviews on movies. Its been fun to do and especially fun to look back on all the ones i've seen in the past year. Most are average films but a few squeak by as being must see. I usually compile a top ten of the year and this is helpful to see how I was feeling about each one at the time rather than trying to remember. So here is a picture of all the reviewed movies in 2018!

Masons 2017 Top Ten Movie List

#1 War of the Planet of the Apes

Caesar: “I did not start this war. I offered you peace. I showed you mercy, but now you are here to finish us off for good.”

This movie claimed the number one spot this year because I saw it multiple times in the theater and at home. And also because usually with a trilogy they get worse and worse. This one however got better and better. I write this as I look at my Pop bobblehead of Casesar the leader of the apes. His character progression from the beginning to the end had me at hello. Or whatever his first words were. You could literally see the weight of leading his apes to freedom in his face. Which leads me to mention the special effects in this were nothing short of incredible. Andy Serkis deserved an oscar nom. I love how this third movie played somewhat like a classic western. Such parallels to todays topics. I could go on and on.

#2 Mollys Game

Molly Bloom: “I was raised to be a champion. My goal was to win. At what and against whom, those were just details.”

The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target. From the writer of greats like a few good men, moneyball and social network. This was Aaron Sorkins first time directing and i was impressed. Jessica Chastain drew me in from her opening narration to the very end. I so badly wanted to know who player X was. I researched more about the real Molly and who played as soon as I could. She was a go getter and not affraid to put herself in intense situations. Fascinating story that was written and directed in a way that just kept my attention alert.

#3 I, Tonya

Tonya Harding: “America. They want someone to love, but they want someone to hate, and the haters always say. 'Tonya, tell the truth!' There’s no such thing as truth. I mean it’s bulls***! Everyone has their own truth.”

Oh man i loved this movie. It was weird and hilarious and traggic and sad all at the same time. It had such a style to it that I found refreshing and made what could have been a tv movie into something way more entertaining. Loved Margot Robbie as Tonya and especially loved Allison Janney who played her mom. I hope she wins the Oscar. The clothes and hairdos were straight out of the 80’s. I especially loved when the guy sitting next to me opened a can of soda. I looked over and it was TAB. Paired perfectly with this crazy film. Her bodyguard...I have no words. I will remember this movie for years to come. 

#4 The Greatest Showman

James Gordon Bennett: “Does it bother you that everything you are selling is fake?”

P.T. Barnum: “Do these smiles seem fake?”

I remember when I was just a kid my mom had me reed a biography on P.T. Barnum. I don’t remember much about it except that he was always in search for the weird and strange and different. I don’t know how much the movie really reflects who he truly was but that doesn’t matter. It was fun. From the first music beats to the last, its a fun ride. I loved the choreography and the costumes and the message tho a bit heavy handed. But the music is the shining star. At first listen it was good. The movie just made my heart happy. I love a musical so I rejoice when they are successful in hopes they will make more.

#5 Maudie

Maud Lewis: “A window. How I love a window. A bird, whizzin' by. Bumblebee. It's always different. The whole of life. The whole of life already framed. Right there.”

I am so sad this movie didn’t get any big award attention. Tho I think it was considered released in 2016. But I saw it in 2017. Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke gave stand out performances if you ask me. Its a true story about an arthritic Nova Scotia woman who works as a housekeeper while she hones her skills as an artist and eventually becomes a beloved figure in the community. Its sweet but heart wrenching as well. Her poor humble life and circumstances did not kill her spirit inside. She painted bright colorful landscapes that when looking at them you would never imaging where she lived or who she was married to etc. But this movie sat with me long after watching it. I had to look up more about the real Maudie. Please watch this movie.

#6 Three Billboards outside ebbing, missouri

Gabriella Forrester: “So, Mildred Hayes, why did you put up these billboards?”

Mildred Hayes: “My daughter, Angela, was murdered seven months ago along this same stretch of road here. It seems to me the police department is too busy torturing black folks to solve actual crime.”

I love Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell so much and this movie lets them shine! You would think you were getting a movie about solving a crime which the three billboards are drawing attention to. But instead you get a very unpredictable dark comedic drama that introduces themes and ideas and social commentary that give you plenty to talk about after watching it. It explores anger, revenge, violence and kindness and keeps you guessing where its going. Definitely for mature audiences with its subject matter, language and violence. 

#7 the Shape of Water

Giles: “When he looks at me, he does not know how I am incomplete. He sees me as I am.”

At a top secret research facility in the 1950s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. I read somewhere where they described this movie as an adult version of beauty and the beast. For mature audiences as well as #6 on my list. Two of my top ten movies showcase Sally Hawkins. What a stand out she is becoming in my list of favorite actors. She plays a mute and yet you still are captivated by her. The movie is visually stunning and i am so happy to see Guillermo Del Toro getting much deserved attention. Pan’s Labryinth is among my favorite movies. This movie is unique and different. "Water is like love, it has no shape. It takes the shape of whatever it inhabits. It's the most powerful element in the universe. It's gentle, flexible, but breaks through every barrier."-Guillermo del Toro

#8 Lady Bird

Shelly: “She has a big heart, your mom.”

Danny: “She’s warm, but she’s also kind of scary.”

Christine McPherson: “You can’t be scary and warm.”

Danny: “I think you can. Your mom is.”

I saw this before all the hype of a perfect rotten tomatos score. Going into it with that on the mind could really change how you feel abot a movie. sheesh. Most coming of age movies don’t sit well with me for one reason or another. Maybe because they make them all about sex. This one however was fresh and new. I loved how quirky lady bird was. I loved the exploration of her relationship with her mom. I laughed here and there all thru it and thought to myself, I can see this getting funnier the more you watch it. Subtly quirkly that you have to tune into its tone. Directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. What a great pairing that turned out to be.

#9 atomic Blonde

Lorraine Broughton: “I chose this life and someday it’s going to get me killed, but not today.”

Um...the scene with the George Michael (RIP) father figure song playing. Look it up. google it. Oh and the scene during “I ran” by flock of seaguls. Don’t forget the “blue monday” new order song scene. The list goes on. This movie has style and artistic exploration. It also has grit and a plot that you better have gone pee before watching. There is an action scene where Chalize starts out clean and ends completely dirty and bloody and beat up. All without any camera cuts. Now thats some well thought out choreography. This also brought a real authentic maturity level to fight scenes. The womens movement should elect Chalize as president. She is kick ass in this. Loved the 80’s vibe. Definitely for mature audiences.

#10 Alien Covenant

Daniels: “You hear that?”

Christopher Oram: “What?”

Daniels: “Nothing, no birds, no animals, nothing”

I had to put this Alien film in the top ten because I have always been a fan of the franchise. True, probably not the best but it did a good job of bringing back the elements from the first two that we all loved so much. Reviews aren’t great but people have a high expectation for alien movies. Don’t avoid seeing it just because of the reviews. I think you’ll like it.

Movies that almost made the cut or just plain fun:

• Gifted

I will put the guarantee on this one that you’ll enjoy it. It’s sweet and cute and just feels good to watch it. Chris Evans and the girl have chemistry that feels genuine and real.

• Victoria and Abdul

Judi Dench always winds in my book. This  movie was purely enjoyable to watch. I chuckled all thru it. Please watch it. An underated gem.

• Wonder

I wanted to hate this movie. The trailer made it look like emotional manipulation cookie cutter film making. But I have to say it did draw me in and I was moved. Worth seeing.

• The Big Sick

This movie felt genuine and real to me. Maybe because it was based on the leads real life.

Good heavy dramas:

• Detroit

Set during the 1967 Detroit riots. Horrifying to see what a bad cop has power to do.

• All the Money in the World

The richest man in the world won’t pay a ransom for his grandson. Interesting true story with great acting.

• Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman better win for this one. Incredible performance. Loved seeing the war rooms etc that I visited when at the Churchill museum in England last year.

• Wind River

Moody and atmospheric with dark tones and good character development.

Best of the “popcorn” flicks:

• Fate of the Furious

Ridiculous and implausable with sub par acting. I saw give me more. Man I love how over the top these movies are getting. Yet they still tie in the “its all about family” theme.

• Kong Skull Island

Took me about 20 minutes to get into this one but was hooked after that. The visuals and artistic direction in this one shine.

• Wonder Woman

A win for the womens movement. Female director. Female lead. A well made superhero film.

• Spiderman

One of my favorites of the spiderman movies.

• Logan

I’ve been waiting for the rated “R” version of X-men. The others are ok but seem to hold back. Man this one was gritty and real. Loved it.

• Jumanji

Loved the Robin Williams one and loved this one too. So fun to see the video game elements used in comedic ways. I wanted more of Jack Black. Hilarious.

Over Rated:

• Get Out

Still confused what all the fuss is about. I found this movie to be just ok. I mean worth watching but forgetable. The race themes were obvious and shoved in the face. It was predictable and just ok.

• Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan has been a favorite director of mine ever since Memento. If you have not seen that, you must! I was excited for this but did not enjoy it. I mean the story is good but his director choices left me scratching my head. Why split it up into air, land and water? I could barely understand when anyone spoke and could barely recognize the characters from one scene to the next. I didn’t get the sense of just how many were rescued and I just wasn’t very moved. The soundtrack while amazing was also confusing. It would be crazy intense during a scene when nothing really happened. huh? Its not a dud but as I say above, over rated. Its shot beautifully and the soundtrack is great and the story is worth knowing about. 

• Murder on the Orient Express

Maybe this was my own fault but after seeing the trailers for this my heart was getting so excited that we might be bringing back a good classic whodunnit mystery full of fun and surprises and quirky characters. After seeing it however it was none of that. The amazing cast was underutilized and the story was rather boring. The only action scene felt forced. Worth a rental but have lower expectations than i did.

Mason's 2015 Top Ten Movies

To hear my top ten talked about on the radio, click the link below. Begins at the 43.21 mark.
https://soundcloud.com/standupcommentary/2016-1-18-movie-roundup-with-parker-and-a-mason

In reflection of the movies i've seen this year, I quite enjoyed many. I had a hard time narrowing my top ten because I liked so many for different reasons. But ultimately, I decided to make my top ten list consisting of movies I would be interested in seeing again or already have. Others had great subject matter, or amazing acting and directing but I don't care to watch them again. I'm speaking about The Big Short, Spotlight, Concussion and Suffragette. All worth seeing and I highly recommend them. In fact I couldn't help but notice a link between these four films. They all seemed to be a sort of David and Goliath story. The tax payers against the big banks and housing market in The Big Short. The little news team trying to break the big sex scandal against the mighty Catholic church. The unknown doctor who discovers the effects of concussions and goes up against the NFL in Concussion. And women fighting for equal rights against the government in Suffragette. All were important pieces in our history and definitely get a conversation started. Go see them!

#1. Mad Max
Oh man I loved this movie! Saw it multiple times in the theater and at home as well. In 3D of course. All you 3D haters don't know what you are talking about. The depth and realism that 3D added to this beautifully imaginative movie were astounding. I will never soon forget the visuals George Miller put on screen for us to consume. And the soundtrack added that next level intensity. With very little dialog this film tells a visual story that gives you a glimpse into a post apocalyptic world without having to explain everything. And its a chick flick. Hardly about Mad Max at all. Charlize Theron was awesome and bad ass.

#2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
I'm not a huge Star Wars fan even though it came out the year I was born and the most popular song the day I was born was Star Wars. I remember liking the original three but somehow through the years I felt like they got overhyped and then lets not talk about the prequels. Ugh! But who could avoid all the hype for this new one and not get a little excited? I had high hopes once it was in the hands of Disney and J.J. Abrams. Loved it! I felt like it captured what we all enjoyed about the original but made it current. Completely entertaining from start to finish. I loved all the new characters and i'm excited for where it will go. I can't imagine the pressure to even attempt to make this movie with all the nerds wanting it done a certain way. 3D really added to the visuals.

#3. The Martian
I'm so happy Ridley Scott finally made another great movie. He's had just ok films since Gladiator. But i'm always rooting for him. What a captivating movie this was. Constantly wondering what Matt Damon will do next. Very funny at times yet also sad and moving too. I can't wait to watch it again. In 3D mind you!

#4. Jurassic World
I'll never forget going to see Jurassic Park on opening weekend. In those days you would have to line up hours before to get in line for a good seat. The lobby was packed with people and their popcorn and you feel the excitement to see dinosaurs brought back to life. Wow! I remember wanting to go right back in the theater and watch it again. This new installment brought all that excitement and wonder back for me. The soundtrack, the visuals and lets be honest, we all wanted to see the park open for business. Another great 3D film this year.

#5. Brooklyn
This one fills your heart and is just down right enjoyable to watch. Good story, interesting plot, engaging characters, great script and all. I'm reminded of similar good movies like The way way back, About Time, An Education and Beasts of the Southern Wild. Just good film making. Saoirse Ronan is a pleasure to watch on screen and you are immediately seeing the world through her eyes. I always enjoy a period piece as well. This portrayal of 1950's Brooklyn was refreshing.

#6. The Revenant
I'm a Leo fan through and through. His films are always top notch in my book and his acting is always stand out. Its truly a shame he has not won an academy award. I hope this post is outdated soon with his win. Birdman was in my top ten list last year and Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu has done it again. Superb stellar film making. The visuals of this movie were simply breath taking. The choreography of the battle scene and fights truly feel authentic. Gritty and savage and cold and dirty all describe this story of a frontiersman fighting for survival and revenge.














#7. The Gift
This was so much better than I thought it would be. While it may be a bit slow at times, I was completely engaged with in characters and story. So much more depth than I thought it would have. I loved guessing what would happen all through it and it had a thought provoking ending. I found myself wondering what I would do in the same situation.

#8. Me, Earl and the Dying Girl
A small but well scripted little movie. Given the title one might think it would be a sappy sad story but it is so much more. It celebrates the love of film, the love we should have for one another and is a celebration of life. Uniquely filmed and well acted it touched my heart and left its mark. I was transported to high school days and what we all filled our time with back then and the future we thought we were headed for and what we thought was most important in life. Losing someone you love changes you.

#9. The Walk
This made my list because the story is CRAZY! Did you see the documentary of this same story called "Man on wire?" Both these films are worth watching. I cannot believe this happened in real life and now even more so since we've lost the twin towers. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a great job as the quirky artist Philippe Petit. This is the fifth 3D movie in my top ten worth watching in 3D. My feet were firmly planted on the theater floor as to not get vertigo.

#10. Room
A story about a mom and her son held captive in a small room. How can that be any good? Well as confining as the room was, the story was so much bigger. A mothers love for her child is deep. Watching how she was able expand the confines of the room for her child was captivating. Then pair that with how nerve wracking the escape was. You'll be on the edge of your seat. Then how do you cope in a world after all you've knows was a small room your entire life? There is so much to learn and think about in this movie. Brie Larsen is sure to be a break out star we will see much more of.

There you have it. My top ten. Watch them all. In 3d if you can. 5 movies in my top ten were amazing in 3D.

And now i'd like to draw your attention to a few that did not make the list but are very good and worth seeing. I've sifted out the bad ones for you.

Far From the Madding Crowd: An excellent period piece starring Carey Mulligan. A favorite of mine.
The Age of Adeline: Huge potential to be the worst but was actually quite good. Blake Lively is a joy to watch.
The Woman in Gold: I remember studying this painting by Gustav Klimt but had no idea about this story. Very interesting. Love love love Hellen Mirren. Ryan  Reynolds was great too.
Krampus: I'm a huge Gremlins fan. Both one and two. This movie helped fill the void a bit. Campy, silly creepy fun!
Sicario: A gritty authentic look at the war against drugs. I love Emily Blunt.
The Intern: Another great movie by Nancy Meyers. De Niro is excellent.
Steve Jobs: Do you own an iPhone or any apple products? You might want to watch this movie and learn about the man. Excellent script and acting. Kate Winslet is stellar!
Bridge of Spies: Spielberg can do no wrong. An excellent movie.
The Danish Girl: A beautiful movie and superb acting. A glimpse into what it might be like to be transgender.
In the Heart of the Sea: Or as I call it, Thor on a boat. I enjoyed the look at 1820 boat life.
Joy: Not as good as silver linings playbook but an interesting story indeed.
McFarland, USA: I totally enjoyed this movie. Great family film.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Loved the first one and loved this one too.
Furios 7: I could care less about cars but these movies are always a good time. Excellent handling of Paul Walkers death.
Ex Machina: Alicia Vikander will be a household name very soon. This movie was very interesting.
Love & Mercy: A well executed look at the man Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. A brilliant artist struggling with his emerging psychosis. Paul Dano is great as usual.
Inside Out: Very good Pixar movie. Makes sense the complicated things going on in our heads.
Black Mass: Johnny Depp was great as the violent criminal Whitey Bulger.
Pawn Sacrifice: I loved the movie searching for Bobby Fischer and enjoyed this look at the chess prodigy himself. What an interesting time in our history.
Secret In Their Eyes: It was good to see Julia Roberts back on the screen. Especially with some other favorites, Nicole Kidman and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Creed: People are loving this movie more than I feel they should but it was worth a watch.

There are still a few movies that I didn't get around to seeing but have high hopes for: The Hateful Eight, Anomalisa, 99 Homes, He Named Me Malala, Experimenter, Trumbo, Carol, The Lady in the Van, Son of Saul, The End of the Tour. 

And now the losers and let downs of last year:

It Follows: This was getting so much hype as the scariest movie in years. I found it boring and annoying and could barely sit through it.
Tomorrowland: Didn't even see it, thats how bad i heard it was. Might still have to see for myself.
Pixels: Loved the idea of seeing some classic video games brought to life. But this movie has Adam Sandler in it and so I stayed away. I try not to judge people that like him but find it difficult.
The Fantastic Four: Again there was so much bad publicity about this one that I stayed away.
Spectre: Not the worst movie but because I loved Casino Royale and Skyfall so much this was definitely a let down. The opening scene was great but the rest not so much.
The Hunger Games: Part 2: Again not the worst but this one lacked the emotion that the first and second had. LOVED one and two but three and four left something to be desired.

Mason's 2014 Top Ten Movies

MASON’S PICKS FOR TOP TEN MOVIES OF 2014

I’ve been waiting to make my top ten list this year because i’ve wanted to check out some movies that i’ve missed. But I figure I should just do it anyway. I struggled this year with finding movies that moved me and would stick with me through the years. A lot of movies were really good but lacked some emotional impact. Have super hero movies made us into emotionless movie goers? I hope not. 

1. Imitation Game

I was very excited to see this film and it did not disappoint. On paper I could imagine the challenge being how to make this story one that people would want to see. I mean its about super smart people trying to crack a german code machine. The movie never loses its audience and has so many more layers to it than just their objective. We’ve come a long way in society and still have a long way to go when it comes to human rights. Benedict Cummberbach is absolutely brilliant in this. You understood his character just by looking in his eyes. Kiera Knightley was very good as well and the rest of the cast. This year needed a film like this that moves you and teaches you and entertains you. A must see!

2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

I know, I know, don’t laugh. Last year I put the Hunger Games sequel as my top movie and this year my number 2 spot goes to a movie starring apes. Like Hunger Games, there is so much more to this movie than what you might expect. Watching Cesar rise to power and cope with the betrayel of close friends and the conflict of humans vs. apes was fascinating to me. There is depth in these characters. And the story lines could be translated to things that are going on in our world today. I have been shocked that I have liked this new reboot but for that reason it deserves its spot. I honestly can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

3. Gone Girl

Oh man i was completely engulfed in this mystery and how it was to unfold from beginning to end. I feel like it has been a long time since we’ve seen a good mystery thriller. And this was very well done! The movie has a certain vibe to it that sticks with you. Maybe its the amazing soundtrack by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross. Or maybe the great performances by Ben Afleck and Rosamund Pike. The movie was pieced together so well, combining flashbacks with reality, to really grab hold of you. While I knew there was some big moment in this movie, i never predicted it. I can’t wait to watch it again.

4. The Fault in our Stars

I’ll admit I was concerned you would have to be a teenage girl to enjoy this movie. Or that it would manipulate your emotions and cram them down your throat like a lifetime movie. I didn’t percieve it that way at all. I felt like it was full of great insights and maturity. The soundtrack was brilliant and really fit the movie perfectly.

5. Edge of Tomorrow

This was a highly entertaining and creative movie. Felt you were watching a video game as live action. I loved how well the script was written. You didn’t know where the story was going but you were interested the entire time. The repeating day could have become annoying but they gave you just enough of the repeat to keep the story moving forward. Saw this twice in theaters in 3D and loved it both times.

6. Into the Woods

I enjoy the theater so much and was very excited to see this movie which had so many great actors in it. I had never seen the play but am now looking forward to it. Chicago was a favorite movie of mine and this was directed by the same Rob Marshall. I loved the new telling of classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The way all the stories were woven together was so creative. And the music and lyrics by the great Stephen Sondheim were so fun to listen to and have since lingered in my brain. You have to like musicals to enjoy this. It feel very much like you are at watching a live play. The plot twists near the end took me for a surprise the first viewing and I wasnt sure i liked it but upon second viewing i was able to pick up more subtleties and deeper meanings to the overall message of this movie.

7. Book of Life

I saw the advanced screening of this movie and was so excited to see one of my favorite Holidays brought to life on the big screen. Day of the Dead has such a colorful, creative style and this movie captured that and way more. There are so many details and artistic expressions put into the animation that my brain could not keep up. As a graphic designer myself, this movie was eye candy! The story was cute and the songs were fun but the animation is the star here. I just bought the movie in 3D and cant wait to watch it again. It takes on a whole new dimension in 3D that I wish everyone could enjoy.

8. Birdman

I feel like people either really like this movie or don’t. I happened to really like it. I thought everyone in it created some really interesting characters and great performances. It was good to see Michael Keaton again. I was completely in awe at the filming style. The director made it seem like the movie was shot in one continuous take. No edits or cuts. So cool and I think added to the feeling of the subject matter. I liked what I thought the film was trying to say and found it somewhat thought provoking.

9. Night Crawler

This movie makes the top ten because it was a complete surprise to me. Jake Gylenthal was absolutely amazing in this! I’m serious. You’ve never seen him better. He played the character with such intensity and oddness and not in a way that seemed fake or annoying. The story was very interesting and fun to watch go deeper and deeper.

10. Whiplash

I saw the trailer to this and foxcatcher around the same time. They looked to me to be the very same movie except one is a drummer and one is wrestler. I found fox catcher to be kinda boring and draw out and the performances (steve carrell), was not worth the hype. Whiplash on the other hand was fresh and different and intense and the performances was top notch. This movie made me feel something. I was nervous and scared and intimidated. A fascinating journey the character goes on.

Really good small films:

• Snow Piercer - Very fun to watch this futuristic thriller that exposes some interesting commentary on our social system. I loved Tilda Swinton in this so much!

• 100 foot Journey - Completely enjoyable from beginning to end. I always love Helen Mirren and it was eye candy to watch the food scenes. Nearly made my top ten.

• Boyhood - I wanted to love this movie but found the story to be too mundane. Its worth mentioning and seeing because it was filmed over 12 years. You get to actually see the main actor go from a boy to a teenager on screen. Brilliant in that regard!

Really good popcorn films:

• Intersteller - Super long and needed editing but it was thought provoking and had some great visuals and talking points.

• Gaurdians of the Galaxy - Just plain good fun!

• Mockingjay - I keep loving these Hunger Games movies.

Really good suspence/thrillers:

• Equalizer - This movie had such a style to it that it has stuck with me. Some really cool constructed action.

Really good comedies:

• Penguins of Madagascar - I’m a fan of the madagascar movies. I think there are lots of laughs in them. This one has a lot too but does drag toward the end.

Really good based on true stories:

• Theory of Everything- A heart breaking story and amazing performace by Eddie Redmayne.

• Unbroken - I tell everyone I know to read the book. It will change your life! The movie did a great job but i feel like it lacked some of the heart and emotion of Louis Zamperinis amazing life.

• The Good Lie - I would recommend this movie for families. Great story and clean for everyone to enjoy.

Still wanna see:

• Fury

• The Drop

• A Mos Violent Year