Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: The Film Committee

Like many avid movie fans and non fans alike there are many times we look to film to escape reality or to live it through another’s eyes. The vicarious nature of living through some horrific and real moments in life but being absolutely safe within the confines of say one’s own bedroom or living room at home is an ideal novelty and one that I think is often overlooked when talking about films and their impact.

Now for T.D Moody’s films must watch for 2012.  Keep in mind that not every film listed is produced in 2012.  These are simply films we find good enough to watch no matter the year.

1. Shame 2012

2. Chronicle 2012

3. Project X 2012

4. Safe House 2011

5. The Mechanic 2011

6. Irreversible 2002

7. An American Werewolf in Paris 1997

8. American History X 1998

My first selection for this year is a film entitled “Shame”. It stars sexy actor and star from XMen First Class (character Magneto), non other than Michael Fassbender.  Shame is a powerful film in my opinion in its raw honesty about sexuality and impulses and the things that drive us.  Most importantly, it focuses on how important family is no matter how dysfunctional. Other works he’s been in are Inglorious Basterds, Prometheus, and A Dangerous Method.  Shame resonated with me because of it’s raw unadulterated true honesty and battle within the protagonist Fassbender and his vices.

My second selection is a movie I managed to stumble across while surfing the guide for a late night movie to put me to bed. To my surprise I actually was a bit intrigued by the film’s plot and stayed awake long enough to catch the end.  “Chronicle” has a cast of unknowns but does a great job of first person film making and the special effects are spot on. A powerful message is conveyed through one of the most emotional moments in the film in which the main character’s mindset bends towards a lack of respect for humanity and all things weaker than himself.

“Project X” is another teen movie told from first person point of view throughout the film with other third person shots.  Looks amateurish in how its shot but that’s the idea.  Kids documenting their high school experience throwing a house party while the parents are away.  This is a must see in my opinion for anyone who hasn’t imagined what havoc teenage suburban kids can wreak if left to their own devices all for the feeling of being accepted as cool,  in and popular.  Life is passion.  This movie definitely has it!  I give it 4 pairs of shades.  This film is even more potent if viewed while enjoying really good 420.

“Safe House” starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds is a cat and mouse chase in the same vein as say the Bourne Series but in typical Denzel fashion ends with Denzel one of the protagonists in the film teaming up with Reynolds character in high stakes information trafficking where Denzel presumably ends his role with a classic fallen hero scene.  Much like he did in Man on Fire.  This is a must see for conspiracy theory fans.  The action is fast paced and well thought out.

“The Mechanic” is a good action film starring Jason Statham, Donald Sutherland and the guy who played the gayish marvel character Angel in the “XMen The Last Stand” as the son of Donald Sutherland’s character.  Contract killings abound in this one with intricate techniques employed by master mercenary Statham’s character as he teaches the son of his mentor how to be a hit man while concealing he is the one who killed his father.  The ending is perfect and when watched a second time you really appreciate it that much more hence the title name.

“Irreversible” starring married couple Monica Belluci and Vincent Cassel is a story of a couple going through their ups and downs and is told backwards with a shocking opening scene followed up by what led up to the opening scene.  All I can say is this is not for the faint of heart and will have you talking long after it’s over.  The special effects extras are definitely a must watch if you happen to have it on DVD.

“An American Werewolf in Paris” is a classic to own and keep in one’s movie library for fans of classic Werewolf movies up til now.  If you remember the original American Werewolf in London this movie brings for its production a modern twist to the that film set in Paris.  The updated CG look of the Werewolf and how the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously is why it works so well as a film in my opinion and while dark isn’t so gory and gruesome that eating will be a problem.  However if you are talking post 90’s the UnderWorld  franchise wins out hands down.

“American History X”  Whooo!!!  Where to begin?  First off this goes out to any Poli Sci Professors, educators, or students studying history and the theory of human freedom.  Watch this film. I was a sophomore in college when I first encountered this tour de force this side of “Amistad”.  Oh my fuckin goodness!  The acting is superb.  If you don’t know the actor Edward Norton by now this is the film that will help you to learn, ponder, and then understand.  Norton’s ability to be the contempo every man character actor a la the legendary and great actor of all times Gene Hackman is remarkable and stands out in the “racially” charged classic.

This is an abbreviated list as more films will be added in our next update.  If you have any films you think are worth a mention feel free to post your reply.  More Film Committee picks to come.