Hao's Talk

Freaks

Landmark cult film about the relationship between a long legged trapeze artist named Cleopatra and Hans, the dwarf she marries. Uncategorizable film is creepy and disturbing, but also touching and sweet. What makes this film so unique is director Tod Browning's controversial step in casting real people with deformities as the so-called sideshow "freaks," rather than using costumes and makeup. However it is these performers that come off as trusting and honorable, while two of the "normal" members of the circus are portrayed as the real monsters. Although certainly one of the most unusual films ever produced by a major Hollywood studio, the message of sympathy and acceptance is admirable. The well publicized revulsion with which audiences originally greeted this film seems unjustified. A fascinating movie that remains a curious oddity.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Concert film documenting Michael Jackson's rehearsals for the concert series which was to take place at the O2 Arena in London. We see the preparation of what clearly would have been an extraordinary show, but unfortunately a show that never materialized. Without the dazzle of the full concert spectacle or even the up close and personal portrait of the superstar himself, the documentary is rather unsatisfying. It is ironic that the one glimpse who do get of Michael Jackson, the man, is how much of a perfectionist he was. That being said, it is doubtful he would have wanted this practice session released. He never fully commits to any song performance. At one point, he even apologizes for his singing because he is "saving" his voice. The film would have been a nice DVD extra to a collection of his videos, but as a feature length film, it is lacking. Michael Jackson deserved better.

The Brood

Unnerving exploration of the psyche follows a controversial therapist who is treating the ex-wife of a husband who seeks to take custody of their daughter. Eerie, deliberately paced rumination on rage and its manifestations culminates in a memorable climax that is truly horrific. The graphic degeneration of the human body is a common theme in director David Cronenberg's work and this film is no exception. His script is clearly influenced by the messy real life divorce from his first wife and the subsequent custody battle for their daughter.

Velvet Goldmine

Fictional rock biopic follows the life of musician Brian Slade, based upon the life of David Bowie. Stylish period film beautifully recreates the British glam rock scene of the early '70s. Sountrack features a pulsating score with dozens of performances of both new songs written for the film as well as actual compositions from the period. It all can get a bit MTV-style-over-substance at times, but visually striking film is so lavish and decadent, it succeeds in spite of itself. Director Todd Haynes clearly has a real love for the material that makes the film captivating. Sandy Powell rightfully received an Oscar nomination for her outstanding costumes.

Where the Wild Things Are

Melancholy tale about a boy who, after misbehaving, imagines sailing away to an island inhabited by wild creatures. Author Maurice Sendak's almost wordless book (it contained ten sentences) was memorable for its gorgeous pictures. Director Spike Jonze beautifully captures the look of the book and for that reason, the film is successful. However, the original children's story had a sense of awe. In the film, his attempts to flesh out the story cause the creatures to come off as more depressing than wonderful. Although the film is visually stunning, the thematically dark tone will not please fans of the original book.

Rear Window

Taking Woodstock

Whip It

Drew Barrymore's directorial debut is a light coming-of-age drama about "being yourself". The message is not particularly earth shattering. In fact, it's rather clichéd. Setting all of the action within the world of roller derby, does go a long way in making the story more interesting, however. And let's not forget that cast, brimming with sincere and honest performances. The eclectic soundtrack is pretty nifty as well. A pleasant enough diversion, just not an especially memorable one.

Sugar

Fictional biography of a Dominican baseball player who is invited to try out in U.S. minor leagues, with the ultimate dream to play in the majors. Engrossing journey of our hero, Miguel 'Sugar' Santos takes us to places we do not expect to go in a typical sports drama. The events may not always be uplifting, but they are realistic, imbued with intelligence and heart. This quiet, but affecting story is anything but predictable. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's worthy follow-up to Half Nelson.

Il Grido (The Cry)

Dracula - Prince of Darkness

The Wicker Man

The Invention of Lying

Contemptible critique presents an alternate world in which people unerringly tell the truth, save for one writer who learns to lie for his own personal gain. Schizophrenic movie starts out as nasty insult comedy, develops into an atheistic screed, and then lapses into a bland rom-com by the film's end. According to the script, apparently when people must tell the truth, they become superficial and abusive. Despite this, our protagonist, Mark Bellison inexplicably spends the entire film pursuing a seemingly brainless and shallow love interest without any shred of likeability. Setting aside the blasphemous comparison of Jesus as a shameless con-artist, the biggest reason to not watch this film? It just isn't funny.

Cztery Noce z Anna (Four Nights with Anna)

Antichrist

Paranormal Activity

Chilling supernatural thriller about a couple experiencing strange disturbances at their home in the middle of the night. From that simple premise, director Oren Peli fashions a frightening ultra-low-budget tale of dread that finds terror in the everyday: what happens around us as we lay asleep. By exploiting this vulnerability and the fear of the unknown, the terror is more than heightened, it becomes something we could actually experience in real life. Eerie ghost story owes a definite debt to The Blair Witch Project, but still, the scariest movie of the year.

The Informant!

Zombieland

Amusing zombie comedy about a mistrusting group that joins forces against the undead in their quest to survive after the apocalypse. The humor is of the pop culture variety, and it treads much of the same territory as Shaun of the Dead, with the same self-aware modern horror film mentality. Although not as inspired as that classic, it still manages to entertain.

Manhattan