Arts & Entertainment

The Golden Review Special Edition: "What I'd See From This Year... So Far"

In this special edition, Noah recaps the best films of the year... so far!

WHAT I’D SEE FROM THIS YEAR… SO FAR:

  • For some laughs — “Bridesmaids”

Hands down, no recent film has made me laugh more than “Bridesmaids.” Saturday Night Live's Kristin Wiig co-wrote and starred in this hilarious comedy about a down-on-her-luck baker charged with being the maid of honor at her childhood friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding. Complicating matters is the rest of the bridal party: Wendi McLendon-Covey as a burnt-out housewife; Ellie Kemper as a chipper newlywed; Melissa McCarthy (in a breakout role) as the intense sister-in-law; and Rose Bryne as a caddy, high society dame eager to take over the maid of honor duties. The comic performances are sharp, the set-ups hilarious and the writing surprisingly smart. “Bridesmaids” is a well-made, well-produced comedy that will make just about anyone laugh.

 

Find out what's happening in East Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • For some drama — “”

“Beginners” is a touching family drama by Mike Mills about elderly patriarch Hal (Christopher Plummer) who comes out to his son (Ewen McGregor) just months before being diagnosed with late-stage cancer. The film then flashes back and forth between Hal’s illness and a tentative relationship between the emotionally distant McGregor with a transient actress (Melanie Laurent). Despite the symbolism being a bit heavy-handed, “Beginners” has a stellar ensemble cast, a unique story to tell and beautiful cinematography.

 

Find out what's happening in East Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • For some romantic comedy — “Crazy, Stupid Love”

Finally a smart, funny Rom-Com! While it’s not your traditional “boy-meets-girl” story, “CSL” is above romance, told through the eyes of three generations of couples. There’s Cal (Steve Carell in a low-key performance) and Emily (Julianne Moore), a long-married couple whose marriage is on the skids, Jacob (Ryan Gosling, showing a great ear for comedy), a stylish ladies-man and Hannah (Emma Stone), a driven law student, and Robbie (Jonah Bobo), a 13-year-old who lusts after his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton). The great actors, funny script and warm tone make up for the occasional veer into sappy, predictable romantic comedy territory.

 

  • For some adventure — “”

What do I have to say about the last installment in the Harry Potter mega-franchise? Harry, Ron and Hermione are back, one last time, fighting to save Hogwarts and kill Voldemort once and for all. “Deathly Hallows” is a great way to end the series. It’s a battle of the ages featuring a veritable "Who's Who" of Potter characters, all played by great character actors and featuring impressive direction and cinematography.

 

  • For Something Off The Beaten Path — “Terri”

Films about high school misfits are usually unoriginal, unrealistic or preachy. “Terri,” a sweet, unassuming indie by Azazel Jacobs, manages to not just to avoid those pitfalls but soar above the competition. It tells the tale of the title character (newcomer Jacob Wysocki), an obese loner who lives with his ailing uncle. Sensing his struggle, Assistant Principal Fitzgerald (John C. Reilly) decides to take Terri under his wing, who soon starts a burgeoning friendship with the troubled Chad (Bridger Zadina) and sweet Heather (Olivia Crocincchia). In a season full of aliens, explosions and giant robots, “Terri” is a small-scale film that feels totally authentic and really captures the angst, solidarity and discovery of teenagehood.

 

  • For the kids — “Rango”

It’s been a long time since I’ve been so quickly and so fully captivated by a film, children’s or otherwise. “Rango” is an incredibly imaginative, visually arresting computer-animated film about a pet chameleon (voice of Johnny Depp) that finds himself in a dusty Old West town inhabited by a colorful cast of anthropomorphic characters who all think Rango is a hero and should be their new sheriff. Part homage to the Western, part madcap, quirky comedy, “Rango” is great entertainment for kids or kids at heart.

 

  • For some intellectual stimulation — “Tree of Life”

This is absolutely the polarizing film of the year —or any year, for that matter. Some will surly view Terrence Malick’s 3-hour art film as a highly pretentious snooze-fest, others will praise the film’s beauty and originality. Either way, it will make you think. The film loosely tells the story of a small town family: harsh father (Brad Pitt), loving mother (Jessica Chastain) and three small children. The family’s saga is inter-cut between visual tangents, including a nearly half-hour segment outlining the beginning of the world (complete with dinosaurs). “Tree Of Life” is a shatteringly unique film, and I was reminded more of walking through an art museum or reading poetry than watching a traditional linear movie. Whether that’s a good thing or not, you’ll just have to judge for yourself.

 

  • For something foreign — “Incendies”

Remember the beautiful novel “The Kite Runner?” And remember the lackluster 2007 film adaptation? Well, “Incendies” is what that film should have been. This Canadian-made, Arabic-language film is heartbreaking, beautiful, intense, captivating and just about everything you’d want from a movie. The film is about two Canadian siblings who journey back to their mother’s Middle East homeland after her death. There, they discover long-buried family secrets that make them rethink their entire family history. “Incendies” isn’t for the weak of heart, and some of the twists in the third act seem a bit manipulative, but overall, it’s a remarkable film.

 

  • For something real – “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop”

This enthralling documentary follows the talk show host after his NBC/Tonight Show debacle and before his new TBS show. Over the summer of 2010, he toured the country in a comedy/variety show he called The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour. The film is less about the show, but more of an unflinching character study of O’Brien, a talented and generous entertainer who is also a workaholic who pushes (and needles) his staff, and himself, to the breaking point. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here