Bryan’s 10 Most Anticipated Films – 2013

I like treks and robots fighting monsters and steel men as much as the next guy. But when it comes to making this list, I want to see other things a tad bit more. There’s a lot to look forward to but if you told me I could only see 10 new films this year, well the following would be my picks.

2012 Fall Preview: 25 Films I Can’t Wait to See #20-16

The countdown continues, here are 5 more films to lookout for.

The Trouble with Quibbles: Prometheus

Prometheus is a science fiction horror show directed by Ridley Scott from a script by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof. When a team of archeologists uncover what they believe to be an ancient invitation from outer space, pointing to a far off galaxy, they join the crew of the Prometheus to investigate the possible extraterrestrial origins of humanity. Prometheus is also a prequel to Alien… not really… kinda… it wants to be… almost as much as it doesn’t… but it is… ish…

Bryan’s Top Ten Movies of 2011

As is becoming tradition, I don’t complete my top ten list until a few months into the new year. This is mostly because I’m trying to see everything I missed. This list is late for that reason of course, but also because I was having my friends at Outpost Media put together a video companion (which I think came out looking sweet, many thanks to them). I thought it might be fun. So watch the video, then read on for more context or read first then watch or whatever you feel like doing. Just enjoy.

Psychology 101 – “A Dangerous Method” Review

A Dangerous Method is the third collaboration between director David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen (A History of Violence, Eastern Promises). It also caps off an amazing year for future Oscar-winner Michael Fassbender (Jane Eyre, X-Men: First Class, Shame). The movie is all about the early days of psychoanalysis. Fassbender is Carl Jung, the affluent Protestant who tries out the so-called “Talking Cure” on new patient Sabina Spielrein played by Keira Knightley.

Hang Your Head – “Shame” Review

How much internet porn do you watch? Have you ever masturbated at work? Have you ever had sex with a complete stranger? Please, don’t answer those questions. Just think about them, and think about how you’d feel if someone else knew your sexual secrets. I would guess you’d want something private to stay that way. It’s not the kind of thing you go bragging about, unless you’re Nate. Here’s another question. Why do you think you do these things you do? Director Steve McQueen’s new film Shame boldly explores such questions while detailing the private life of Brandon, a functioning sex addict.

Fall Preview: 25 Films I Can’t Wait to See #15-11

Five more movies to check out, and they all have trailers.

Respawn!!! – Review: X-Men First Class

The Star Wars prequels’ greatest sin wasn’t that they were shitty, but that they were disingenuous. Collectively, they labored–and failed–to force retroactive continuity that never existed in the first place, all under the pretense of explaining why Anakin Skywalker turned to the dark side, culminating with that ridiculous, “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!” I bring this up because X-Men: First Class is also a prequel, only it succeeds in many wonderful ways where the Star Wars prequels failed.

Opening Weekend: Decision(s)

So, unless you happen to live near a major metropolitan area, you don’t really have a variety of movies opening this weekend. Whether the rest of the studios are scared or Marvel Studios just has that much sway these days, I can’t say. All I know is, as far as wide releases, Matthew Vaughn‘s X-Men prequel stands alone this weekend.

Mystery in a Gothic Wonderland – Review: Jane Eyre

Now, I’m slightly embarrassed to admit this, but I’ve never actually read Jane Eyre. Fortunately, Cary Fukunaga‘s take on Charlotte Bronte’s timeless classic seems as if it were made expressly for me and everyone else who has yet to read the book. Presented as a mystery of sorts, opening with Jane making a hasty escape across the moors, you’re immediately asking yourself, “What is she running from? What has happened?” And as this lone, tragic figure stumbles through the almost impenetrable mist with tears streaming down her face, over the rocky terrain, out from the looming shadow of Gothic architecture, toward the ominous storm clouds forming on the horizon ahead of her, you can already see that there is no disconnect between the film you are watching and the film advertised in the trailer. It’s always a pleasure to have your faith rewarded.