Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

When it's over, this film was a fitting end to a very successful franchise. Director Christopher Nolan finishes the trilogy with Batman (Christian Bale) returning to the streets after an eight year absence to stop a terrorist (Tom Hardy) from destroying Gotham City. What I liked most about this film was Batman's vulnerability. I felt Batman was more "human" in this film than the others, because the two personalities - Bruce Wayne and Batman - became one, as a result of more characters knowing the man's "alter" identities. In comparison to the previous two films, this film showed the caped crusader's need for help in the most significant way. There were many scenes which reinforced Batman's knowledge that he was unable to defeat evil alone nor would he be able to save Gotham City single-handed. These scenes opened the door for him to trust others, and in return, garnered him allies and betrayals. Such scenes included ones with the Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), Detective Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and at the end, with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and the GCPD. Although Alfred (Michael Caine) had little screen time, his short scenes continued to serve as a torchlight for Bruce/Batman. Aside from the massive budget, solid cast, and cool Bat toys, this third installment was not as well put together as its predecessors. Too many cheesy lines, some bland acting from Marion Cotillard, and poorly choreographed fight sequences downgraded the quality of the overall film. I thought Bane was a worthy adversary for Batman, but muffled dialogue made it difficult for me to get into his character. Also, the story doesn't really explain (it only touches on) what happened to Bane and why the mask. To appreciate the villain, I really needed to understand Bane as an individual. Maybe lengthier flashback scenes with Bane in the prison would have helped to foster his back-story. TDKR may not be my favorite in the trilogy, but it was an important story, which closes the Nolan-Bale venture by connecting all the dots from the previous films. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

When it's over, this Disney film is a kid's dream come true, with a cherry on top. It is Toy Story meets Speed Racer in Candyland. Bad Guy Ralph (John C. Reilly) longs to be a Good Guy and be accepted among his peers, so he sets out to claim the Hero Metal from a nearby first person shooter game. But, not everything goes as planned, and Ralph ends up causing havoc in and among the games in the arcade he lives in. The film has a good mix of jokes, characters, and eye candy (literally) to satiate all ages and gaming skill levels. But, you don't have to be a gamer to enjoy this film.  There are enough inferences and visuals to popular games, past and present, to draw you into the story and its characters. Disney has done something incredibly smart by telling a simple story about the true meaning of being a Good Guy in a setting where adults and kids know so well. I really like the way modern day issues of bullying and self-worth are highlighted in the film with Venellope (Sarah Silverman), a glitch in the game Sugar Rush, representing the outcast, and the townspeople of the game representing the bullies. Kids may not get this right off the first lick of their lollipop, but I think, subconsciously, they do. In addition, self-worth/self-image is such a common theme in children's films, that it's fresh to see it approached in this manner, where Ralph believes his self-worth lies in a military metal, but learns that it really lies within himself and the decisions he makes. Intelligently written and a treat for every age.

My rating: 4 out of 5

I Am Legend (2007)

When it's over, this is my second favorite zombie/undead film to date, just behind 28 Days Later (2002). Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the sole survivor of a man-made plague that has killed almost all of humanity. He struggles to find a cure to reverse the monstrous effects it has on its victims, known as Dark Seekers, by using his immune blood. I have seen both the theatrical and extended endings. The extended version offers a more developed story about the Dark Seekers and their possible intelligence. The theatrical ending is heroic and makes for good ticket sales. Personally, I prefer the extended version. Both versions have the butterfly smeared in blood on the lab glass, and the extended version explains the meaning behind this symbol.  If you didn't notice the butterfly, watch it again. It shows up briefly at the end when the Dark Seekers try to break into the lab, where Neville, Anna, and Ethan are trapped. Most of the film is shot without words as the story follows Neville on his daily routine of scavenging, working on a cure, and trying to search for possible survivors. The silence, solitude, and lack of characters really work in the film's favor, and the viewer is pulled into the solitary life Neville leads and the regiment he follows to stay sane. Smith does a fantastic job carrying the film. I am completely drawn into his character. Also, I cannot forget Sam (short for Samantha). She is Neville's loyal German Shepard who delivers a heartfelt co-starring performance. For readers who have seen the film, you will most likely understand when I say, Sam was the final straw for Neville. I like Legend most for its deviation from the stereotypical zombie traits. The Dark Seekers are fast, smart, and strong, making them a worthy adversary for man. The 1954 horror book by Richard Matheson with the same title and for which the film is based on is on my list to read, as I am curious to see how accurate the film is to the book. 

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012)

When it's over, this is one instance when the film is better than the book. The final installment of the Twilight series concludes with Bella (Kristen Stewart) becoming a vampire, the introduction of Edward's (Robert Pattinson) and Bella's daughter, Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), and a confrontation with a group of powerful vampires known as the Volturi. The film delivers the climatic action where the book failed to satisfy by cleverly using Alice's (Ashley Greene) psychic abilities to show the battle sequences. This is not a stand alone film, as the story and characters build from the previous four films. I highly recommend viewing the previous films prior to watching BD - Part 2. I am glad the filmmakers chose to keep the same actors for 99% of the cast. Watching the familiar faces from film one to film five helped me to build a connection with the individual characters. It really felt like a complete saga. There were no noteworthy performances, and I was not expecting any, since the story does not encompass any serious drama, nor does it have a track record for fine acting. I thought by the fifth film, the make up and hair department would have gained some experience on how to manage the character's appearance, including Aro's (Michael Sheen) hair. In all honesty, I watched this film mainly to complete the series. This is an appropriate end to the Twilight saga as I bid farewell to the Cullens, Volturis, wolf packs, Jacob, Edward, and Bella Swan.  

My rating: 2.5 out of 5

Modra (Canada - 2010)

When it's over, this was surprisingly good. Lina (Hallie Switzer) and Leco (Alexander Gammal) are two teenagers who travel to the small town of Modra, Slovakia, to visit Lina's extended family. On their week long journey, they discover feelings for each other and learn a few things about themselves. This film was very much a coming-of-age slash docu-drama that begins in Toronto, Canada and ends in Europe. It explored the emotional obstacles adolescents face as they encroach on adulthood. There was angst, resentment, and lots of hurt that was expressed with great honesty by Lina and Leco. I was surprised by the casting of Switzer and Gammal, because they deviate from the typical Hollywood teen stereotype. Then, I realized I was not watching a Hollywood film, but an indie flick produced, directed, and written by award-winning filmmaker, Ingrid Veninger. Gone was the skinny girl in designer name clothes; and gone was the buffed-up jock who drives a muscle car. Instead, the film offered actors who looked like real people, which immediately made me identify with them. Another aspect I liked about the film was the setting. I felt transported to the small town of Modra, without having left my seat. The film captured the people and customs with genuine humbleness without exploiting them. The cinematography was picturesque, but still captured the story's intimacy about a family and two classmates who find each other and themselves. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5