Skeleton Twins

Wigg and Hader are seriously good.

Outside of Hannah And Her Sisters (1986) and You Can Count On Me (2000), I can’t think of too many films that capture a realistic sibling relationship as honestly as The Skeleton Twins does.

I’m not sure if the credit goes to the script or the actors, but kudos to whoever paired Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Their bonding on SNL surely aided their effortless onscreen chemistry. Comedians like Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey have all pulled off dramas with some degree of believability, but Hader is 100% authentic as his complicated character, Milo. And Wigg, as his sister Maggie. is infectious onscreen.

The script, about siblings grappling with long-festering family issues, is familiar territory. And the ending is more from Hollywood than real life. But these two actors elevate this to a film worth a look.

Simply put: Wigg and Hader elevate this drama. Please note use of the word “drama.”

Award potential: Would love to see Hader enter the Golden Globe competition for this surprising work.

The ten buck review: Worth five bucks. Rent this at home to enjoy the performances, but skip this for your big Saturday night out

Boyhood

The best film of the summer – no kidding

Guardians of the Galaxy was the movie of the summer and The Fault In Our Stars was the nice surprise of the summer, but the best movie of the summer was one that took 12 summers to make.

Richard Linklater shot Boyhood over a dozen years to tell the story of a Texas kid named Mason (Ellar Coltrane) through multiple moments in his life. Unlike any movie I’ve seen, Mason (ages 6-18) grows up in front of the audience — as do his parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke).

I became so interested in this family that I wished it kept going past the indulgent two hour and 45 minute running time.

Last summer, Linklater impressed many critics with Before Midnight — but not me. Everything I hated about that films' impressive but too-talky dialogue, casual pacing and its commentary of people growing in different paths, is exactly what works so well here. Bravo.

Simply put: One of the best movies of the year. Plan to slink into the chair for 3 hours.

Award potential: Despite its summer release date, it’s still on the short list for Best Director and Best Picture. Patricia Arquette is a serious contender for a nomination and perhaps a win in the Best Supporting Actress Category. Ethan Hawke’s spot will be harder to secure, but he’s fantastic in this film too.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.

Snowpiercer

It’s worth the ride.

Snowpiercer is set in the future after global warming has left the planet frozen over. The few survivors are passengers on the Snowpiercer, a train that circles the globe yearly via a perpetual-motion engine.

As you might guess, the passengers are now dealing with a Titanic-sized class system. As you might not guess….well, everything else about this boldly inventive film.

It’s a full-throttle visual stunner. The bold cinematic style of Boon Joon-ho

Is the story here (although it is an adaptation of the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige).

It’s a standout in a year where the franchises, comic heroes and sequels have been mostly uninspired. Whether the story grabs you or not, movie goers will surely experience a thrill similar to first views of films like Blade Runner, Mad Max, The Fifth Element or The Matrix.

Simply put: If you are ready for something original, get a ticket for this ride.

Award potential: This will have a chance at Adapted Script and a good chance at Art Direction. Tilda Swinton is a standout.

The ten buck review: Worth five bucks. You can enjoy this one just fine at home today. It's simultaneously available to download or see in the theater.

The Hundred-Foot Journey

The Hundred-Foot Journey is worth a trip

We must have been hungry for some feel-good foodie films about a year ago, because this summer has provided us with Chef, Le Chef and now The Hundred-Foot Journey from co-directors Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey.

As a theatrical achievement, this predictable tale can be hard to swallow. Too many things simply work out in a movieland way. But as escapism, Chocolat director Lasse Hallström's visuals of food and the French countryside are sumptuous. As is Helen Mirren; who elevates this simple story. 

As a bonus, you'll get a free tutorial in the value of a Michelin Guide star. With expectations set, it's worth the journey.

Simply put: Perfect for a feel-good movie night.

Award potential: Too slight for true award competition.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks — to see the beauty onscreen.

Wish I Was Here

I wish there was something here

Director Zach Braff's follow-up to his indie breakout hit Garden State tells the story of a man examining his life, his career and his family. Unfortunately, the plot is simply too trivial to earn your two hours.

It's another film to go in the 2014 collection of what I'm calling "findies," faux indie films from former genius directors that are - just - so - nice. 

Like the totally appealing findies Chef and Begin Again, it's a charmer that is meant to be a crowd pleaser. Somehow, I just expect more from these directors.

Simply put: Sometimes sincere. Never very interesting.


Award potential: None

The ten buck review: Not worth ten bucks.

A Wanted Man

A leading man.

This thriller, based on the John le Carre novel, thrills by the cast alone:  Philip Seymour Hoffman (his final role as a leading man), Willem Defoe, Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright.

The look is decidedly European, and its plot unfolds like a time bomb — cautious anxiety leads to edgy suspense. Exactly what you want from a thriller. 

No need to rush out to see this one; it's simply a well-crafted film that won't disappoint.

Simply put: A solid cast. A solid spy film.

Award potential: Deserving, but perhaps not loud enough to be remembered 6 months from now. Hoffman shines without being showy. So does the rest of the cast. 

The ten buck review: Wait to make it five bucks; it will hold up well on TV.

Guardians of the Galaxy

The superhero universe just got a new galaxy

Can I recommend a sci-fi superhero movie featuring a lunkhead, a green girl, an armed raccoon and a talking tree in space? Suprisingly, yes.

After a decade of mostly dark superhero flicks, everything about Guardians seems fresh in the superhero world: it covers the origin story in less than 5 minutes, it's not afraid of somewhat-zany humor, and its universe is crisp and dazzling. 

Chris Pratt is the modern-day Bruce Willis —a convincing  hero who can balance the action with a wink. He never oversteps either. And the film's light touch, reminiscent of the first and third Indiana Jones films, makes for a thrilling summer flick. 

Simply put: The film of the summer.

Award potential: Nope. 

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.