2015 – Page 12 – Reel Nerds Podcast

GOLDEN AGE DAZE: THE PETRIFIED FOREST

So this is what it’s like being a contributor…. Sitting in the back yard by a pool ready to write.

To elaborate: I have relocated to beautiful Costa Mesa, California, maintaining my sobriety in a sea of partying that seems only natural to the state.

These days what keeps me at now 83 days clean and going strong is a daily bottle or 3 of Mountain Dew, Tombstone Pizzas, and a nice bundle of Golden Age films.

The Golden Age of Cinema … Ahh, now there’s something refreshing in the slew of today (Just for Today, I will not see Seventh Son a second time… Just for today). Nothing quite sets the mood for the evening like the soft focus, the glamorous stars, and the Glorious Black and White (I’m the guy who made TWOMBLEY by the way folks, pleased to meet ya).

It’s with that in mind that I’ve decided to start a weekly goal for myself: Relive the glory days of cinema and spotlight a film from an age gone by; when studios ruled the stretch of land known as Hollywood, Actors were not able to freely choose projects, and all you had to wear as a director was puffy pants and a French beret (monocle optional).

But where to begin… I though it best to start in a film that felt most resonant in a time where my mind has been wandering around looking for purpose.

That is the essential point of today’s film , THE PETRIFIED FOREST.

Directed by Archie Mayo in 1936, the film has gained a reputation in history circles as the film that introduced us to the glory that is HUMPHREY BOGART. But that’s not all it is kids, it’s so much more.

Set in the small town of Black Mesa, Arizona, the film tells the story of wayward writer Alan Squire (a phenomenal Leslie Howard) in search of himself in the form of a hitch hiking tour of the hot dry desert. His travels lead him to a lonely Last Chance Diner inhabited by; a waitress named Gabby (Bette Davis), who dreams of Paris and its splendor of culture, a football hoodlum who’s after Gabbys heart, and an Old Timer who’s claim to fame was being shot at by Billy the Kid. The encounters soon enter a tense game when the notorious killer Duke Mantee (Humphrey Bogart) and his gang hold everyone at the diner hostage. As the night progresses, everyone’s desires are exposed at the thought of not knowing how the evening will turn out that ends with Alan Squire making the supreme sacrifice for Gabbys sake and the sake of all searching for purpose in the ever returning world where the ‘intellectuals’ are being struck back by the ‘beasts of pure animal instinct’

At its heart, it is another example of Warner Brothers supreme triumph in the world of the gangster picture. This studio took a one location stage play and molded it into an action thriller that seems the basis for films made in the present by Quentin Tarantino or Andrew Dominik (Killing Them Softly). Moreover it is a testament to patience, as the film is a talking head piece (as many films from this era are), though that does nothing to detract from the suspense it exudes.

At this time we shine a light on our actors. Lets start off simple with Bogart. According to the history books, Bogie studied the mannerisms of John Dillenger for his portrayal of Duke Mantee, and it shows in his swagger. When he enters the diner, he commands the room with the look and demeanor of a true beast in the thrush of society, where not much is left but survival at all costs… That is until we learn that his dame double crosses him. With one revelation we see the unraveling of a beast into pure and utter panic for the first time in his life. It’s certainly the breakout role in this film.

Then, lest we forget the cool and ‘so-sure’ Leslie Howard. He sees the world as if it is a novel waiting for its exciting conclusion, cavorting in a manner of fear for what he knows humans to be capable of until driven to a certain point. He is afraid because he knows the right answers, but dares not expose what he knows for fear of rejection. Then, as with his beast counter part Duke; Alan Squire, the intellectual, has his own revelation of his sense of self worth, and much like the stories he has read, he becomes comfortable with his fate in a way that can only be described the way the young folks call it: Badass.

All in all, the director, Mayo , maintains a solid stance on keeping true to the stage plays base intentions while throwing in the natural Warner Bros. flare that made their pictures some of the most popular of the era. His attention to detail with the look and feel of the desert scenery is poetic and in many ways shows you the power a beautiful matte painting can have when it’s photographed correctly (cinematographer Sol Polito deserves accolades here as well).

To sum it up, if you are looking for an intriguing battle of the minds centered in the loneliest part of America, THE PETRIFIED FOREST is right up your alley.

Next week we’ll review something else with Bogart in it. Paul Thomas Anderson’s favorite movie as a matter of fact; John Hustons THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE.

Till then, this is Zach Eastman, signing off back to the world of yesteryear to find more gems from the GOLDEN AGE DAZE

Say… That sounds like a great title for the column.

Oh and if you want to buy this amazing film, it’s available on Amazon

Brad’s Top Ten (and More!) of 2014

I think we’re all in agreement that 2014 was a down year for movies. For the first time in a while, I wasn’t looking forward to the next Friday, but rather dreading our motto to give every movie a chance. Maybe I was just burned out from making my own, but overall, few films from 2014 stuck with me. Let’s recap…

Vital Statistics
Total ticket sales (at $10.50): $777.00

Total films attended: 76

Alamo Drafthouse: 34
Landmark Esquire: 17
Highlands Ranch 14: 7
Landmark Mayan: 4
Colorado Mills: 3
Denver West: 3
Denver Pavillions: 2
Chez Artiste: 1
Sie Filmcenter: 1
Colorado Center 9: 1
Landmark Greenwood Village: 1
Aurora Movie Tavern: 1
Harkins Northfield: 1

Repeat Viewings: 3

New Release: 53

Re-Release: 20

Midnights & Alamo Specialty Programming

Predator
Been waiting a while to add this classic to my ticket collection. Such a bad-ass movie.

Last Action Hero
Another classic added to the collection. Such an under-rated parody of action films of the time.

Streets of Fire
A weird, goofy musical/road movie.

Pretty Woman
Saw this as part of a movie interruption with local comedians, which I think might be the only way to watch it. Didn’t see the original appeal.

They Live
Weird movie. There’s that silly extra-long fist fight.

Big Trouble in Little China
Another goofy film and another midnight I fell asleep in.

Batman
Dressed up as the Keaton Knight for back=to-back nights. Much fun.

Groundhog Day
Started out fun enough but it’s pretty long for a comedy and, again, fell asleep toward the end.

Hawk Jones
A cliche adult action film but the characters are played by children. Good fun.

Back to the Future
Always to eager to catch this one.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Never expected to see this in theaters. One of the best Batman movies around.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Whenever this one makes the rounds, I attend. The best adventure.

Sharknado (Rifftrax Version)
Adam took me to see this for my birthday. Ridiculousness made even better with the MST3K guys poking fun at it.

Princess Mononoke
It’s been a while, but watching it again confirmed it’s still my favorite of the Miyazaki films.

The Room
It’s a wonder how I’ve managed to see this once a year. It doesn’t deserve it, but seeing it with friends and a crowd is the only way to do so.

The Land Before Time
Surprised they got this into the midnight series and it wasn’t much like I’d remembered it from all those years ago.

Howard the Duck
Pleased to get this ticket added to my collection. Watched it with commentary by comedians but even they found a hard time making fun of it. Maybe because it’s actually not that bad?

UHF
They’ve got it all on UHF!

Batman Returns
Always a good time when you see both Burton Batmans in the same year.

New Releases

Evangelion 3.0
After the second film got me so excited, this one brought things back to being vague and confusing. I guess Evangelion is just inherently confusing.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Chris Pine does a good job taking up the role of Jack Ryan but it’s more of the Kenneth Branaugh show with little action and heavy espionage-babble.

Her
An interesting look at relationships. For anyone who’s ever been dumped, it hits pretty close to home.

Robocop
Not bad despite ditching the over-the-top satire of the original in favor of more subtle, currently relevant commentary. The horrific reveal of Alex Murphy’s remaining parts is the only real stand out, shocking moments of the movie.

The Monuments Men
While experiencing a WWII film from a mostly non-combative perspective might seem like an interesting premise, the execution feels flat and derivative.

Non-Stop
Taken on a plane. Really.

Anchorman 2 (R-Rated)
The jokes are so random and disposable that 750 new ones didn’t change the experience. Also, barely R-rated.

300: Rise of an Empire
In the years since the original, the formula has been copied and driven into the ground. Nothing is fresh or surprising except how cartoonish Eva Green’s character appears.

Muppets Most Wanted
The Muppets are still fun but this one is lacking much of the self-referential humor that made the previous so charming.

Bad Words
Funny, raunchy opportunity for Bateman’s character to be an unrelenting asshole but maybe his turn-around wasn’t that satisfying.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier
A pretty solid action film with a decent, world-changing story. Much improved from the previous film. Although, the convenient expositional computer sequence was a bit lazy.

Cheap Thrills
Seemed like a promising premise but the challenges weren’t as shocking as advertised. They could have taken this premise further.

The Raid 2
While the story is meh, the action is incredible every time. There’s a car chase sequence that will make you wonder how no one is actually dead from it.

Under the Skin
A haunting film with almost no dialog about an outsiders examination of being human.

Transcendence
With the pedigree behind it, it’s a wonder how it turned out so boring.

Draft Day
Pretty much the NFL version of Moneyball, but still has likeable characters.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Sorry Ryan, but with the exception of the already established Death of Gwen Stacy storyline, the movie is a mess. Electro might be the most one-dimensional super-villain in a comic book movie. And why would there be lightning bolt decorations on his suit?

Neighbors
A fun comedy of escalating pranks.

Blue Ruin
A detailed look at the pursuit of revenge.

Godzilla
Almost two and a half hours and Godzilla appears in about 8 minutes of it. Maybe I’m crazy to want a Godzilla movie to be about Godzilla and not some dude trying to get home to his wife after you kill Bryan Cranston off early.

A Million Ways to Die in the West
It was funny at the time but once it’s over, you move on.

Edge of Tomorrow
Much better and more clever than the advertising would lead you to believe.

Snowpiercer
I didn’t enjoy this a much as everyone else. Most of the time I was bored or trying to reconcile how the world works in it.

Hercules
Reminiscent of forgettable mythological movies from the 90-00’s.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
Obviously, this was the most disappointing movie of the year for me. After being initially sold as an edgier, faithful adaptation of the original comics with Kevin Eastman’s endorsement, the result is the predictably Transformers version of TMNT. Shredder might as well be Megatron and the turtles feel like supporting characters in a movie about April O’ Neil.

The Expendables 3
After embracing the over-the-top fun of 90’s action films in EXP2, this movie goes back to the blandness of the first. I don’t even remember how Mel Gibson was defeated at the end. Punching? Yeah, let’s say punching.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Much like 300: Rise of an Empire, this feels like an extension of a style and premise that’s been lampooned into the ground. I didn’t even realize Brolin’s character was Owen’s (Dwight) until the end.

Doctor Who: Season Premiere
My first full exposure to Doctor Who was mostly this new Doctor questioning who he really was and trying to convince his companion he was the same person he always was. I was lost most of the time.

Let’s Be Cops
Had some funny parts but otherwise it didn’t stick with me.

Tusk
While I appreciate Smith’s pursuit of turning a podcast conversionation into a full film, the result isn’t as shocking and perverse as it could have been given the premise of surgically turning a man into a walrus. Parks is great and weird but everyone else is pretty unlikeable and the walrus suit is too well-lit to appear disturbing at all. Parks dawning his own suit was hilarious though.

The Skeleton Twins
Pretty simple “indie” film about a brother and sister who’ve grown apart due to a traumatic event in their past, with great performances from the cast. It’s all about the acting in this one.

Gone Girl
It’s an impressive execution of a faux-murder mystery. Just when I thought I knew how things were going to go, they flip the premise and reeled me in.

The Judge
Reminiscent of simple 90’s dramas, the Judge is another film where the appeal is the strong acting from its great cast.

The ABC’s of Death 2
Like the first, each short is so quick and disposable, only a few stick with you once it’s over.

Nightcrawler
Gyllenhaal’s performance is trancendant which, while it’s so good, his character is so unlikeable it makes you question whether you should be enjoying the movie. It also skewers the state of sensationalist modern journalism.

Dumb & Dumber To
There were lots of disposable comedies this year. Maybe it’s just me. While I liked the original, it’s never been iconic for me. This was a funny continuation of the story for me.

Interstellar
A bit complex to wrap my head around, but a beautiful experience to behold. We need more exporative space movies… Star Trek!

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
While I’ll concede Catching Fire was an improvement over the first movie, Mockingjay crashes right into the ground with 2 hours of Katniss standing in rubble looking concerned and questioning whether or not she can or should make a difference. I’m pretty sure this part of the story is completely useless. I predict you’ll be able to watch the whole series and skip this film everytime and get the same trite experience every time.

Foxcatcher
Carell gets most of the accolades for his amazingly hauting performance, but everyone else does a great job too. It’s a very disturbing look at the isolated world of the elitists.

Laggies
An enjoyable journey of people holding themselves back in life. Rockwell is funny and it’s funny to see Knightley play an aimless slacker.

The Frame
Denver represent! For the first hour or so I was disinterested in the “two TV shows watching each other” plot, and then it became a completely different movie about an outside presence manipulating the characters’ lives. It was cool to see familiar Denver locations and friends in the film.

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies
This one brought me back to enjoying the middle-earth films, even though it’s structurally odd. It’s the most I’ve enjoyed this series since Fellowship.

Horrible Bosses 2
More of the same, but still funny.

Big Eyes
It’s nice to see Burton back on a movie that doesn’t require tons of CGI work. Also, Adams and Waltz’s performances are terrific especially once the ruse spirals out of control.

The Imitation Game
Already a facinating film, the dilemma that appears once the enigma machine is cracked is devastating.

The Interview
The most-controversial movie of the year… actually isn’t a big deal. It’s pretty funny, but like “This Is The End”, it’s Franco and Rogen just having stupid fun at everyone else’s expense.

The Top Ten of 2014

10. Fateful Findings

In the vein of “The Room”, this is another terrible train wreck you can’t look away from. It’s on the list because it was so much fun to ridicule.

9. Frank

When an aspiring musician falls in with another group musicians, his lack of true artistic inspiration poisons the group and it was infuriating to see him co-op their distinctiveness for his own aspirations. A true cautionary tale of the dangers of making art without a soul.

8. X-Men: Days of Future Past

After the X-Men 3 debacle, bringing Singer back in to right the ship was the best solution. While the story was tried and true in the comics, the execution on screen finally looked mature again.

7. Birdman

As an aspiring filmmaker, watching this made me feel inferior in my efforts as I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to achieve the complexity of this film. Fires on all cyliders from acting, to cinemaphotography, to storytelling.

6. The Lego Movie

Everything is awesome!

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Not being much of a Marvel fan, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this property without any prior knowledge of it. And that opening sequence was actually awesome in 3D.

4. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Well, Anderson never fails to delight me. With each fill he exercises even more exacting control over the world he creates into unique whimsy.

3. 22 Jump Street

Definitely the funniest thing all year. Once it arrived on blu-ray I watched it back-to-back-to-back-to-back.

2. The Diary of Anya Frank

I was almost ready to call this my last 48 Hour Film but we won an award for “Best Use of Line of Dialog” and enjoyed a relaxed weekend of filmmaking. It was re-invigorating.

1. Jean Claude Van Damme’s Damn Van

Of course I’m gonna make the film I spent 8 months making my favorite film of the year. No Hollywood experience can top working with your friends and learning how to make your films better.

Ep. 188: Drum Fight

The Reel Nerds don’t move to the beat of just one drum when they review Whiplash.

Ep. 187: Moustache Ride

Ryan and Brad try to find anything funny, anything at all, in Mortdecai.

Ranking The Films of 2014: Ryan Edition

This year was an exciting year yet again for the Nerds. For me personally my baby boy Kellen was born and my life got crazier but even more fulfilled. On the movie side I saw 56 films this year(down from 85, kid kept me busy at night) and was a little disappointed with what came out, but I did fall in love with several films. To hear all of the Nerds favorite films of 2014, please download or stream our Filmsplosion episode. Please also hit us up with your favorite episodes or tell me why my list is wrong. Enjoy!

56. Transcendence: This movie was just awful. The talent in front and behind the camera should have made this better. Johnny Depp plays a doctor who has his conscience uploaded into a computer and turns bad, if that sounds lame you would be right.

55. Leprechaun: Origins: This film is terrible. The only reason it’s not as bad as Transcendence is that this is supposed to be bad. The reason the Leprechaun movies from the 90’s are cult faves is because they are anchored by a fun and campy performance by Warwick Davis, this film has none of that and takes itself way too serious, come on guys lighten up, it’s a movie about a killer Leprechaun.

54. Transformers: Age of Extinction: Another mess of a film. Big robots, big explosions, and horrible acting. This should be a cool franchise but even big dinosaur robots can save this turkey.

53. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The return of the Ninja Turtles should have been awesome, instead we have an incoherent script and lame attempts at humor. The Turtles do look cool and the movie is shot well but those little things can’t save the film from being shell shocked.

52. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit: Chris Pine is a fine actor. He is a great action star and can carry big budget movies. The script however lets him down in this film. The action is well done and the movie tries to be cool, but it’s just, meh.

51. I, Frankenstein: I so wanted this to be the Hansel and Gretel this year. A silly action horror movie that is also funny. I, Frankenstein is not funny, scary or violent enough. It’s just one big let down, some sweet gargoyle transformations do happen though.

50. That Awkward Moment: I forgot I even saw this film, so I guess it’s not that good. But when I thought about it I remember the lead actors being very good, so it has that going for it.

49. Lucy: This movie was a surprise hit, not sure why. Scarlett Johansson has to be the reason as she does own this film and is a joy to watch. The film however is a jumbled mess. Lame script, that never really gets it all right. See it for ScarJo , but don’t expect to be blown away.

48. Exodus: Gods and Kings: Ridley Scott making another epic should have made this a cool movie, however it’s only cool when the plagues start, especially when the crocs start eating people that turn the Nile red. Those moments are few and far between and the film is only slightly above average.

47. A Million Ways to Die in The West: Seth McFarlane is a funny man. I love Family Guy and Ted, he misses the mark however with this just ok western comedy. McFarlane stars and that could be the problem, he just isn’t quite there yet as a leading man. Not everything is bad Liam Neeson is great and so too is Neil Patrick Harris and everyone else is game. The film just doesn’t come together.

46. Sin City: A Dame To Kill For: Sin City is a fun pulpy/noir film. The characters were fun and diabolical. Sin City: A Dame To Kill For has only a few of those which makes for an uneven experience. Eva Green steals the movie as the Dame, everything else is just, blah. Being a comic fan I can tell when it’s Frank Miller dialogue, that’s because it feels forced and is incredibly sexist. The poster is super sexy though, yowza!

45. 300: Rise of the Empire: Another film that Eva Green is fantastic in and the rest of the film is average. By now 300’s comic style is no longer fresh so if you make a film in that style it better have a great story, 300: Rise of the Empire does not. Cool points for having the battle on the water.

44. Monuments Men: George Clooney’s film about recovering art stolen by the Nazis is fun but forgettable. Stellar cast, fun dialogue, and top notch cinematography add to the film but it still feels empty. There are a few standout moments but not enough to elevate the film.

43. Hercules: The Rock is awesome. He kicks ass in this film. The film suffers from a tired story and some wanky CG at parts. I think I will own this and watch it again but only when I can find it for cheap, like the CG in the pic, Burn!

42. Life After Beth: Zombie films are a dime a dozen now. To make a fresh one(pun!) is a tough challenge. Life After Beth almost makes the cut. Aubrey Plaza is great as Beth who doesn’t know she has risen from the grave and her parents decide not to tell her. The film can’t decide if it’s a horror film or a comedy which takes away from the impact.

41. Draft Day: The exciting spectacle of the NFL draft is explored in this movie starring Kevin Costner. Will he pull off an amazing pick or will he be fired? The film doesn’t pick up steam until the final 20 minutes and when it does it is thrilling. The other hour and a half is just ok.

40. Dumb and Dumber To: It took 20 years to get a sequel to Dumb and Dumber and besides a handful of funny moments it feels like a washed out athlete trying for one last run to greatness. It is cool to see Jim Carrey not take himself so seriously again.

39. Maleficent: My wife liked this movie, it looked cool and Angelina Jolie is fantastic in the lead role. She can’t save the film however from mediocre direction and janky editing. Props for production design and costumes.

38. Robocop(2014): The original Robocop is an 80’s masterpiece. A PG-13 version sounded lame. But the film is surprisingly fun, but forgettable. It does have some solid action scenes and does a cool job showing what it would be like to actually be a machine. Slick but forgettable.

37. Expendables 3: Talk about making a franchise lame by making it PG-13. The first two Expendables worked because they fully embraced their 80’s action stars and the movies they were in. Expendables 3 forgoes this by bringing in a hipper, younger team. In the process it loses it’s balls. Mel Gibson is fun as the villain but the while film feels neutered.

36. Bad Words: Jason Bateman directs and stars in this mean spirited movie about a man who uses some clever maneuvering to compete in the spelling bee. There are some good laughs in the film and Bateman is good, it just can’t get past it’s own trappings and predictable ending.

35. Non-Stop: Liam Neeson has made a second career out of being a bad ass and kicking ass. He does that to great affect in Non-Stop. He is great and the mystery of what is happening on the plane is fun. The ending feels forced and takes a little away from the rest of the film, but I still had fun watching it again.

34. See No Evil 2: Sequel to the 2005 horror film, See No Evil 2 picks up immediately after the first. Jacob Goodnight is dead and transported to the city morgue. But of course he isn’t really dead and starts his killing ways. Better acting, better script, and way better direction make this sequel truly better.

33. Fury: A World War II movie about tanks sounds cool and for the most part it is. Brad Pitt is great as the leader of a ragtag and very clichéd group of men. James loved this film, I thought it was just good. Gruesome and violent it pulls no punches. It does have one of the best scenes of the year however, I call it the dinner scene, you will know when you see it.

32. The Muppets Most Wanted: The Muppets are back and this time Kermit has an evil doppelganger. The film is fun but doesn’t quite soar to the heights of the reboot. Ty Burrell is great as the French inspector.

31. Oculus: A well made horror film with some truly scary moments. After their parents die a brother and a sister locate a mirror that he believes played a role into their death. Blurring the lines between reality, you will be guessing what is real and what isn’t throughout the runtime.

30. Horrible Bosses 2: Andy Sudekis, Jason Bateman, and Charlie Day are back as dimwitted business men who create The Shower Buddy. They are conned out of their invention by Christoph Waltz and his son played by the great Chris Pine. The movie is fun and moves lightning quick. It will require multiple viewings to catch all the jokes.

29. Into The Woods: Disney’s bug screen adaptation of the Broadway hit, almost succeeds. Emily Blunt is great, Chris Pine steals the movie. The film is fun and the tunes are catchy, but it handles death really clumsy and weird. The film also looks stunning and again the costumes are great in this Disney film.

28. How To Train Your Dragon 2: Toothless is back and he and the rest of the dragons are living with the Vikings in peace. That is thrown into question with the appearance of a mysterious dragon rider and a man who hunts dragons. Beautiful and heartwarming and heartbreaking, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a sequel done right.

27. Interstellar: I am torn on this film. On one hand the film is spectacular. Filmed with the kind of precision I expect from Christopher Nolan. On the other hand it is preachy and has some extremely convenient moments. But man I love 85% of Matthew McConaughey monologues. But then Anne Hathaway’s character makes a stupid decision, even though she is this incredibly smart woman…

26. Neighbors: Funny movie about a settled down couple that has a fraternity move next door. Seth Rogan, Zac Efron, and Dave Franco are awesome as always but the real star is Rose Bryne who holds her own against the boys.

25. John Wick: Badass action film that signals the return of Keanu Reeves to being cool. Thugs kill Wicks dog and he goes on a bloody revenge rampage. The acting and the script are meh, but man the action scenes are top notch.

24. Birdman: Michael Keaton delivers one of the best performances of the year in another film I am torn on. I love the technical achievement and all the acting. The surreal and fantastical moments I could live without.

23. The Interview: The most controversial film of the year is also pretty damn funny. James Franco and Seth Rogan star as journalists who score an interview with the dictator Kim Jong-Un. The CIA wants them to kill the Un, what ensues is a bromance between Franco’s Skylark and Un. The film is harmless and pretty silly.

22. Sabotage: A violent and brutal film that follows a team of DEA agents who steal $10 million from a drug lord only to have it stolen from them. Shwarzenegger is great in a role against type and the movie is downright hardcore. I really liked it , just know that there are no redeeming characters to root for.

21. Deliver Us From Evil: Scott Derrickson makes horror films unlike anyone else. In Deliver Us From Evil he uses the backdrop of NYC detectives trying to solve a murder that could or could not be supernatural related. Wonderfully shot and acted, if your looking for a different and good horror film it’s this one.

20. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1: Katniss continues her fight against the capital in this bleak and dark entry into the franchise. Jennifer Lawrence again rocks in the title roll. For some reason I like these films and the other Nerds think I am crazy, what do they not see that I do?

19. Chef: Jon Favreau stars and directs this heart warming comedy about a dad who travels across the country with his son in a food truck. Funny and full of heart Chef is worth it’s weight in caviar.

18. Tusk: Kevin Smith’s bizarre trip to Canada about a podcaster who interviews a man who turns him into a walrus. Yes that is the premise of this unusual film, and yes it’s as good and weird as you think.

17. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: Peter Jackson says goodbye to Middle-earth with 2 hours of battles. It is grand and epic with a satisfying conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy. Martin Freeman is fantastic again as Bilbo giving maybe the most heartfelt performance of all 6 films.

16. Godzilla: Godzilla crashes back to shore with a technically amazing film. The effects are breathtaking and larger then life. The human story is not quite there but the monsters are amazing. Watching it a second time proved to be a more enjoyable experience as I knew Godzilla was not unleashed for the first 45 minutes.

15. Gone Girl: David Fincher is the best at making dark and mature films. He strikes again with a film about the disappearance of a beautiful woman with her husband the prime suspect. Twisty and turny throughout Gone Girl keeps you on your toes. Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck give killer performances and the story is told so tightly you find your alliance between the two change every 20 minutes.

14. The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson is at his zany best telling the story of a hotel concierge named Gustave. The film is bizarre and funny with great cameos throughout. It is also surprisingly dark and violent. Of course it is also beautifully crafted and shot. Anderson has done it again.

13. 22 Jump Street: A movie that is so spot on in making fun of itself and let’s the viewer in on the jokes. I smile from ear to ear everytime I watch this film it is that funny.

12. The Judge: A movie that lets actors act are becoming more and more rare. This film lets its actors live in the dialogue and is the best acted film of the year. Robert Downey Jr, and Robert Duvall play son and dad at odds with each other for years. When Duvall’s Joesph Palmer is arrested for murder it’s up to his son Hank to save him from a life sentence. This would be higher on my list if there wasn’t some heavy handed moments.

11. The Lego Movie: Fun. No better way to describe this clever film. Well maybe a phrase, Everything is Awesome!

10. Under The Skin: Scarlet Johansson plays an alien who preys on lonely men by seducing them and leading them to her home. Really quiet and slow moving but never boring, Under The Skin is hauntingly beautiful. Johansson owns the screen and her evolution as a character is breathtaking and scary. I never expected to like this film but I did and think it is one of the most haunting films in recent memory.

9. The Babadook: Every year I hope a horror film comes from out of nowhere and blows me away. This year it was The Babadook. After the tragic death of her husband on the way to the hospital to give birth to their child, Amelia is reaching a boiling point with her troubled son. He will only sleep after she checks for monsters and reads him a story. One night a book she has never seen called, Mr. Babadook is the story young Samuel wants read to him. It’s a horrific book telling the story of the demon Mr. Babadook. After the story Mr. Babadook starts to attack the family, or does he? What’s real and what’s a insomnia tinged hallucination? Only the Babadook knows.

8. Veronica Mars: Yes this movie is real. And yes it is as fun as the show. Kristen Bell stars as every ones favorite private eye trying to solve the murder of a troubled pop star who just happens to be dating Logan Echols, Veronica’s disturbed ex. Lots of fan service and comedy keep the film moving at a brisk pace. Pinch me because I still can’t believe I saw a Veronica Mars movie.

7. X-Men-Days Of Future Past: Blending the two casts from the X-Men films could’ve been a hot mess. But when you anchored by Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and the film being directed by Bryan Singer you are in good hands. Incredible action pieces and some poignant character beats make this one helluva film.

6. Snowpiercer: This film should be a mess. The world has frozen over so the remaining human survivors live on a train that travels the Earth. Poor people in the back, rich to the front of the train. Snowpiercer is awesome. Chris Evans is a badass who leads a revolt against the rich passengers. Killer action scenes sprinkled with some interesting quiet moments elevate this to the ranks of the most original sci-fi films in a long time.

5. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: The revamped Ape series continues to impress. 10 years after the outbreak of the simian flu, humans are near extinction and the Apes are thriving. But when a band of humans threaten the safety of the Apes home it divides the Apes and the humans that escalates to an all out war. Spellbinding special effects bring the world of the Apes to stunning life. A tender and heartfelt performance by Andy Serkis anchors this amazing film.

4. A ho-hum trailer and a mess of a marketing campagain I almost wrote of this film. But with Tom Cruise starring it gave me hope. And I can honestly say this is the film that surprised me the most. Cruise stars as Cage a man who uses propaganda to help lead mankind in a fight against alien forces. Not a solider Cage is thrown into the war he did not want to be a part of. He soon dies on the battlefield but at his moment of death an aliens blood spills on him giving him the ability to live the same day over and over again. Emily Blunt owns this film as Rita who helps Cage with his new found power. Killer action, heartbreaking moments and clever dialogue make this a can’t miss film.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Not being tied to the proper Marvel Universe let Guardians have fun and explore their world and take us along for the ride. A band of misfits reluctantly team up to save the universe might sound like it’s been done but it hasn’t been done with this much fun. Chris Pratt is a stud as Star-Lord the charismatic leader of the group. Rocket Raccoon is also in the film, a raccoon that shoots big guns, and a talking tree that only says “I am Groot.” This should not work but it does with a big middle finger to the doubters.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Making the sequel to Captain America a spy thriller was a stroke on genius. Tight action and shocking twists make this unlike any superhero film you’ve seen. Chris Evans is pitch perfect as Steve Rogers and Scarlet Johansson proves she belongs with the boys. The question of who the Winter Soldier I thought was too obvious but I was wrong. I saw this twice in the theatre and at each reveal people gasped. Plus bonus points for having Robert Redford utter the words “Hail Hydra!”

1. The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Yes I am biased, but even so I loved this film. Andrew Garfield is the best Peter Parker/Spider-Man ever and his chemistry with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy is spectacular. The special effects are sensational, highlights are the spider-sense rescue at Times Square and Spidey’s opening slings through the city. It also told the story I always wanted a Spider-Man movie to tell, I won’t spoil it but I have cried every time I have watched this film. I hope Garfield will play Spidey again he deserves to. Electro looked great and the final fight between Spidey and Electro is a beautiful symphony of fists and sparks. The music is different then most super hero films and therefore very memorable. Marc Webb also learned a lot from the first film and is more sure handed with action scenes. All around a winning film for the Spider-Crew.

Ep. 186: R3tak3n

The Reel Nerds show off a special set of skills when they get Tak3n.

Ep. 185: Vice City

The Reel Nerds uncover Inherent Vice and moto panacaku.

How Tusk Saved My Life and Got Me Sober: The Top 10 Most Entertaining Films of 2014

by Zach Eastman

I made a top ten list the other day, thinking I had the right choices… then I had a double take. Heres why:

This year has been, say the least, a very rocky wild adventure . Last year I stepped back from a Top Films list along with filmmaking due to many personal reasons. It’s been the most lonely year imaginable where I came close many times to losing my sanity.

“He who becomes a beast, gets rid of the pain of being a man”

Dr. Johnson could not have been more on point.

In 2012, a certain event unfolded around me, and I repressed a lot of inner pain surrounding it by filling myself with multiple projects, screenings of Twombley at Starz and FilmFestivalFlix.com, podcasts, and a short film called The Boy Who Stares.

I also couldn’t put down the bottle or the joint. Much of what got me out of my inner funk following July 20th , 2012 was a reliance on alcohol and weed (and please don’t think of this a condemnation of either, many can indeed enjoy these in a responsible manner, just not myself). In 2013, a move to California, my dream for so long, was dismantled by daily drinking of handles of vodka. I moved back to Colorado, thinking that the problem had to be location, location, location.

The problem followed me back home, where nothing changed for 7 months until finally I said enough is enough. I decided to check myself into rehab. 35 days later I relapsed. Then I did another 30 days without rehab… Then I relapsed again , I drank up to 2 pints of whiskey on November 10th and as I stumbled off the train way and wondered how in the world this was ever possible. How did I ever deserve not only the success I gained in my beloved business, but also how I was able to wreck it simultaneously . That’s when I remembered a quote from Hemingway by way of Michael Parks in Tusk: “Always do sober what you do drunk, it will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”

I had seen the movie 8 times in the theater and was attracted to it for reasons I hadn’t figured out until it hit me like a ton of bricks, I was putting myself in my own walrus suit that I was creating.

Call it that or common sense, but I knew in that moment that nothing I do in film can be accomplished without a clear mind.

On November 17th, I checked myself into rehab. I now have 48 days sober and now reside in a sober living community in Pompano, FL.

And with a sober mind I can resume doing what I love do outside of filmmaking; seeing movies and giving my two cents

10. Gone Girl
Fincher is one of those filmmakers that knows how to weave gold from a simple ball of yarn. I went in knowing nothing of the source material, only just that Fincher was at the helm… And the voyage was well worth the admission price. The unraveling of a seemingly perfect marriage works well with the audience never quite knowing where they will go next. Props to Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, who play the couple at hand.

9. Birdman
See kids, before Christian Bale Batman, the almighty king of the cape and cowl was Michael Keaton, and the stigmatization of his 2nd most popular character is the energy that charges Birdman. What’s more amazing than Keaton’s performance (which is Oscar worthy) is the cinematography which is brilliantly choreographed to give off the illusion of the film being shot in one take (Lubezki needs an Oscar in his hands for this ). And that amazing score, just buy the soundtrack, listen and try and tell me it ain’t worth the 14.99.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvels track record is so impressive they were able to make one of its most obscure properties and churn out gold. Chris Pratt makes for a loveable hero as Star Lord and Groot is very “I Am Groot.” The breakout in this flick for me was Dave Bautistas memorable turn as Drax The Destroyer, who’s bite is bigger than his bark as he tries to unravel meanings of words such as metaphor. All that baked with a charming soundtrack creates a fantastic Marvel feast.

7. Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher is a film on par with films like There Will Be Blood. It’s haunting pace and presence shows the neutral grey ground that its characters walk on, who all seem to be aware that there is a problem but refuse to address it out of fear and desperation with an insane Jon Dumont (Steve Carell) playing with his wrestling toys in the sandbox of upper east coast millionaire set. This film is owned by Carrell, who not only defies convention, but also deserves an Oscar on his mantle before the nominations are even announced.

6. Life of Crime
Dan Schecter is a director I have gotten to know over the past year, and from our talks It is very clear that he knows his Elmore Leonard. So it shouldn’t be surprising that he would be a natural to tackle the Jackie Brown prequel with suave and cool poise. Jennifer Aniston plays the victim well to Mos Def and John Hawkes captors in a fun plot based on the Leonard novel THE SWTCH. Also big props to Tim Robbins who delivers a hysterical performance

5. Boyhood
Of all the films out in 2014, Boyhood stands out as the most innovative. The story has been told how Richard Linklater film every year for twelve years to show us the ups and downs of a young boys life. Patricia Arquette delivers the most compelling character as she sees her children grow up through two alcoholic and abusive relationships desperately trying to do the best for her kids. For my money , it’s the best directed film of the year.

4. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
This Marvel phenomenon won’t stop anytime soon. This was not just the best comic book film of the year, it’s also Marvels Dark Knight film, the one that transcends being just another comic book movie. This film serves that comic book purpose but also serves as an intriguing political thriller with wonderful performances from each of its actors. And last but not leaset, it changes the game Marvel has set up and creates great build up for Avengers 2.

3. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson + Nearly Every Actor he’s ever worked with+ A bemusing Ralph Finnes+ a murder mystery= the makings of Wes Anderson’s funniest film since well 2 years ago. Each film of his is different yet similar. He does a great job at making his version of any genre he chooses. His version of the murder mystery is the most gut busting script of the year. Further props to Willem DaFoe and a scene involving a cat.

2. Locke
Once in a while you get a film that is so unique , it is hard to replicate it as a popular concept by any studios. The idea: following one man and only one on a journey in a confined space. Ryan Reynolds do it beautifully in Buried, now Tom Hardy has one upped him with with Locke. The problem with Locke is that it’s impossible to give a plot without spoiling it. All I can tell you is that Tom Hardy has never been better as a man driving in a hurry for 90minutes with only people on the phone to talk to.
Rent it and watch this unique drama as soon as possible

1. Tusk
Ahh yes, the aforementioned Walrus Picture. Well lets look at this without the bias previously mentioned. Kevin Smith has made a film that is original, unapologetic, and the birth of a new genre; the podcast picture. A genre that is based on brainstorming and conversation, which allows the film to be twisted and turned in wacky directions that either make you laugh out loud or quiver in fear. There is only one other director who’s work can be considered as on par with Tusk, and that’s David Lynch. Smith perfectly captures the cerebral concept without much fallout. Michael Parks has never been better, one upping his performance in Red State as Howard Howe, a lonely man trying with grotesque methods to give his walrus companion the Fighting chance he didn’t have. The poor (and definitely unsympathetic ) soul trapped in this walrus suit is Justin Long who delivers a brave performance as a man who must earn redemption at the cost of his humanity . Johnny Depp turns in a memorable performance as Det. Guy LaPointe, who has been hunting Howard for years.
The balance of humor and terror is surprisingly well done, which puts it in the pantheon of a soon to be Midnight Movie Cult Classic.

I saw this film 8 times, and each time it got better, so I’ve had 8 times to think this through. For my money, Tusk was the most entertaining film of the year.

And now that I’m sober thanks to that haunting reminder, it’s unlikely that I will ever forget it.

Runners Up: X Men Days of Future Past, Wild, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Lego Movie

– Zach

Filmsplosion 2014

It’s the biggest show of the year as the Reel Nerds each countdown their top-ten movies of 2014. Later, Steve Bessette from the Littleton Alamo Drafthouse joins us to chat about their 2015 lineup.

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Year: 2015