Was able to get three more films out of the way for my ongoing goal to see as many 2011 films as possible. After seeing The Artist, Footloose, and Insidious, I have 27 wide releases left to watch as well as a select number of limited releases.
The Artist: I found this to be a decent watch, but nothing more. It starts off pretty compelling, but drags pretty hard in the second half when George (Jean Dujardin) fell from and Peppy (Bernice Bejo) became a star. The story isn't really anything special and it stays afloat on acting and charm alone. It does have an infectious enthusiasm for Hollywood and the magic of cinema which is a big reason why it was so well-received by critics. I don't think it deserved it's Best Picture win, but it's certaintly not a bad film in any way, shape, or form.
3/5 Stars
Footloose: I actually liked this more than The Artist (*dodges tomatoes being thrown in my direction*). Craig Brewer is able to capture the teenage spirit with a light, fun little movie. This film has a ton of energy, charm, likable characters and a simple yet effective story that made it a winner. Newcomer Kenny Wormald shows he has what it takes to be actor with his solid performance in the lead role as Ren MacCormack. Veteran actors Dennis Quaid, Ray McKinnon, and Andie MacDowell fill out the well-rounded cast with some decent performances in supporting roles.I have a feeling this would've been a disaster if it didn't have a excellent director like Brewer at the helm. Can't say how it compares to the 1984 original, but the remake of Footloose is definitely worth seeing.
3/5 Stars
Insidious: Better than expected, but still really average. It does have an interesting concept and it handles demonic possession unlike any film in recent memory, but it falls flat in the execution. Like many other critics before me, I agree the movie really falls apart in the last half-hour or so. The first half had some tension and was mildly intriguing. The second half it becomes really ridiculous and over-the-top out of nowhere. It almost seems like they brought in different screenwriters to finish the film. To top it all off the ending was incredibly obvious and downright stupid. It also doesn't help that that the demons in this film look like Darth Maul from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. I started laughing every time a demon appeared which often was during what was supposed to be the scariest moments of the film. Insidious is a valiant effort, but it ultimately comes up short due to it's ridiculous final act and poor demon design.
2.5/5 Stars
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