I was lucky enough to catch this clever mockumentary at the Fantasia Film Festival last month in Montreal. The Dirties utilizes real footage and real locations but still carries a strong narrative throughout. The story revolves around two high school students making a movie about getting revenge on the kids that bully them, but it starts to become more than just a movie for one of the boys. The Dirties is the best film about bullying I've seen. And the most effective film to tackle the touchy subject of school shootings. It's funny, disturbing, and an ultimately important film you should see yourself when it comes out this October. Watch the trailer.

4 Stars (out of 5)

This is a fun movie, don't get me wrong, I just wish it was a slightly better movie. The CG battle sequences are really enjoyable. Unlike Man of Steel or the Transformers movies, Guillermo del Toro is good at adding little flourishes here and there to set a more realistic tone through extended CG sequences. There's more CG dirt, dust, and water in this film than any other I've seen, which can help sell a CG shot by hiding the seams, so to speak, and help it look more realistic. At one point a robot almost falls off of a pier prompting some birds to casually fly away. I appreciate a real-life moment in the midst of an outrageous summer blockbuster CG battle to help remind us we're human. Unfortunately, the movie's characters and the acting were nowhere near as good as the production design and effects. The film feels like half a movie as a result. I did enjoy Charlie Day and Ron Perlman's characters for some comedy relief.

3 Stars (out of 5)

I really like the characters from this universe but for some reason I find myself bored while watching these films. The filmmakers know the minions are the moneymakers so half of the screen-time is spent on them. The other half is spent on Gru's mission to save the world... in a shopping mall (how exciting). Which leaves pretty much no time for the children. The youngest, Agnes has a cute birthday party scene in the beginning (my favorite bit) and Margo has a thin sub-plot about starting to like boys, but it's not properly concluded. Poor Edith's entire sub-plot is that she likes to practice karate moves. I guess that will come into play in a future sequel? I laughed at a few things Dr. Nefario said, played by Russell Brand, but most of the humor is aimed only at children. I've been spoiled by Pixar's ability to please young and old alike.

2.5 Stars (out of 5)

It may not be as good as the earlier Pixar films, but this sequel is still better than other animated films currently out there. Even though the story is a carbon-copy of every eighties college movie (minus the sex and drugs) they still manage to stick in so much amazing visual detail, texture, and beautiful lighting that I don't even mind the lazy by-the-numbers storyline. The environment designs are incredible. I especially like how the entrance to every building looks like a monster's mouth. In the end, I'd much rather see a sequel in this universe, than a prequel. I want to see the characters making kids laugh now. We've already done the scaring bit before and it's getting old. "Twins! In a bunk-bed!"

3 Stars (out of 5)

The first act plays out like a (somewhat) more competent version of Roland Emmerich's 2012. A father trying to save his family from the end of the world... In a car, a winnebago, a plane, etc., and always getting away in the nick of time while the world literally crumbles apart around them. It even has a crazy guy that inexplicably knows everything about what's going on so the characters know where to go next, (just like Woody Harrelson in 2012 or Tim Robbins in War of the Worlds, another carbon copy of this story). The rest of the audience probably thought I was laughing because the character didn't have teeth, but I was snickering at the absurdity of Hollywood making the same movie over and over.

There are some good scares in the first half of the film and some interesting zombie set pieces now and again. As the film continues on it starts to look more rough around the edges. Some parts felt sloppy to me, especially the flashbacks jammed into the airplane scene leading into the final section. I've heard people say they like the intimate, scaled down third act but I found it lacking and am curious about the original ending.

For me the best thing was that great Muse song. It was awesome in the opening and end credits. I'm afraid they may have played it a few too many times throughout the film though. It's such a great song that I wouldn't be surprised if it's a big part of why people are actually enjoying this otherwise flimsy film.

3 Stars (out of 5)

The film is mostly repetitive and bland. The first 20 minutes on Krypton are essentially useless to the overall story, especially considering the points discussed there are endlessly reiterated throughout the film, by a hologram of the same character who originally said them no less. It bothered me that there's no attempt at humor until the last thirty minutes, unfortunately by that point we have witnessed thousands of innocent people lose their lives so it doesn't seem like the right time for levity. The acting is stiff, except for Michael Shannon, who may be good, but the words written for him aren't. Amy Adams and what's-his-name as Superman just fall flat. And not since Neo in the third Matrix film has a character been so blatantly portrayed as Jesus.

There's like 40 minutes after the opening but before the plot kicks in that were actually enjoyable, especially the oil rig and school bus scenes. Plus Kostner is refreshing, playing a human being in an otherwise robotic film. Somewhere halfway through this movie though it just turns into another in a long line of long, drawn out CGI battle sequences that offer nothing in the way of entertainment. While watching I couldn't help but think, "Wow, I really feel bad for all those animators, spending so much time demolishing CG buildings and drawing spaceships, just so I can drift in and out of consciousness for 45 minutes. Hmm, did I leave the stove on? I wonder what we're going to this weekend. Oh, did the movie end? Good."

2.5 Stars (out of 5)

According to Business Week, more than 100 companies paid to have their products or brands visible in Man of Steel, raising around $160 million, the most money ever made through product placement. How many did you notice? Does it take you out of the film? Hmmm? IHOP!!!

Funniest movie of the year, hands down. Extremely clever premise and the choice for the characters to be exaggerated versions of the real actors made me laugh more than anything else. They use their first and last names when addressing each other and it's always funny to me. The chemistry between these guys is great and their improv skills are used well. A few outrageous scenes had the audience laughing uproariously. The production design is really good too so it feels like these comedians are in the wrong movie, almost a Cabin in the Woods feeling. Can't wait to watch 30+ minutes of deleted scenes of witty banter on the Bluray when it comes out, because I cannot get enough.

4 Stars (out of 5)

The first one was funny and outrageous. The second one was terribly stupid, but at least had some creative moments. The third one is just plain boring. Zach Galifianakis was funny in a few scenes, but it seemed like the director and editors weren't editing this as a comedy, and that messed with the actor's comedic timing. The movie plays like a serious thriller with bad acting. I enjoyed the heist sequence and some of the flashbacks in the beginning, but other than that all the best bits were ruined by the trailer. The funniest scene is probably the bonus scene in the end credits.

2 Stars (out of 5)

As long as you can turn the thinking part of your brain off for two hours it's a fun ride. Abrams is a master of fun action sequences and the movie is paced so well that I was able to overlook the film's shortcomings. The first issue right off the bat is the convoluted storyline. Seems confusing on purpose so you stop paying attention to the details and just enjoy the ride. The "dramatic" scenes fell flat for me. What should be a dramatic sequence between Kirk and Spock near the end, where their bromance fully blossoms, just comes off like a television-quality melodrama. It's all worth it for the new warp effects and that one moment when they get knocked out of warp. The rotating set gimbal shots they stole from Inception were pretty fun too.

3 Stars (out of 5)

I certainly enjoyed this film more than Primer, the director/writer's first film. I found this one much easier to follow, and it has multiple storylines so if you are lost at least it's never boring. It's beautifully shot and well paced. The score is unique and incorporated into the story in an interesting way. The story is elaborate, but told in the simplest way possible. There's very little dialogue (which seems to have all been dubbed). The film makes you think about the decisions we make in life, the roles we assume, and how sometimes even when we think we're in control we may not be at all. Gonna take a few more viewings to really soak it all in. A lovely film.

4 Stars (out of 5)