Top 22 Movies of 2014

Alright, so every year I create a list of my favorite movies.  I unfortunately did not have the chance to see Selma, Nightcrawler, Boyhood and Whiplash.  Those are the biggies I regret.  

22.       The Lego Movie

I had to watch this movie a second time to truly uncover the genius of it.   You’ve all seen it.  The best part is Batman’s rock tune he wrote. 

21. Chef

Jon Favreau’s come-back.   He plays a chef wanting to experiment with his entrees, but the owner of the restaurant will not let him.   Yes, the metaphor slaps you across the face pretty hard, but it’s sweet and mostly works.  His relationship with his son reminded me of my old man.

20. Obvious Child

The boldest romantic comedy out there.  Jenny Slate plays a woman who got pregnant by a nice guy during a one night stand.  She plans to have an abortion, the nice guy from the one night stand supports her.  The end.   It’s never about a choice by Slate’s character or the dude who got her pregnant.  This is what she wants and he support it.   It's charming and funny as hell. The movie doesn’t pull punches.   

19. Only Lovers Left Alive

This is the best looking Jim Jarmush movie to date.   It stars the always wonderful Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston as two vampires that have lived through history and are in a bit of rut.   Now, them being vampires is really secondary to the movie.  It’s really an exploration in humanity and lost chances (or causes).  

18. Neighbors

This one surprised me.   I laughed a lot and I’m not a huge Seth Rogan fan.   The marketing, including the poster, mostly focused on the Zac Effron and Rogan which is unfortunate.  They left out the most important character that had just as much screen time: Rose Byrne.   She makes the movie.  If it wasn’t for her, it would not have made this list.   Hey Hollywood - It’s time to include the marketing to ladies as well.   So while Effron and Rogan are funny in the film, Byrne frankly burned them!

17. Blue Ruin

This revenge movie is interesting because the revenge actually takes place in the first act.  It’s more about the repercussions.   Some have described this as a modern day Fargo.   I get the comparison, since both are crime related and have a distinct dark comedy to it.   It’s a solid movie with star Macon Blair really holding the film together nicely.   But of course, it’s no Fargo.   

16. Guardians of the Galaxy

More than likely you saw this movie considering it was the biggest grossing movie of the year.  Now, I love me a good space opera and Star Wars rip-off, so this was right up my alley. I also love weird shit like talking raccoon and a one phrase talking tree.  I love Chris Pratt.   I love great music.   What a great combination.    My favorite part of the movie, could be the opening credit sequence with Chris Pratt singing “Come and Get Your Love”.   Once that title sequence happened, I knew I was in for something special.  

Here is the intro to the movie if you haven't seen it. 

15. Grand Piano

This had a feel of an old Hitchock movie, with the use of music and shadows.   However, the concept is beyond ridiculous, but sometimes in movies, you just gotta go with it people.  Basically, John Cusack somehow rigs a piano to blow up if the pianist, played by Elijah Wood, hits a wrong note during a performance.   I know.  I know.  It’s ridiculous.   But somehow, somehow, they made it work for me.  I don’t know how, but they did it.   

14. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Yeah, I know.  You hate Wes Anderson.  I get it.  His movies can come across as smug, claustrophobic, maybe even a bit too put together, but still, do me a favor and give The Grand Budapest Hotel a shot.    He’s at the top of his game with this murder mystery heist movie.   The movie is doing so many brilliant things, like playing around with aspect ratio depending on the time-frame he is shooting in, working with stop animation and just technically doing what he does best.   But the most brilliant thing of all is casting Ralph Fiennes in the lead role.  He plays a distinguished concierge at a prestigious hotel who later becomes unhinged after being accused of murder.  Anderson's best movie since The Royal Tennenbaums.  

      

13. Mistaken for Strangers

Now this one surprised me.  It’s a documentary about a band I dislike called The National.  But really, it’s not about The National at all.  It’s about the lead singers less focused, disheveled, beer drinking brother who goes on tour with them and decides to make a documentary about the band.    It’s a sweet film about family, about art, about not judging a book by its cover.   I was deeply moved at times, however, most of it was just so damn funny.  

12. Top Five

I am a HUGE Chris Rock fan and own all his stand-up specials.  He’s the most brilliant comedian out there.  Unfortunately, he isn’t the greatest actor and he has chosen roles that just never fit him.     In Top Five, he did the smart thing.  He created his character off himself.   Rock is a huge Woody Allen fan, so to me, this is basically Chris Rock, writing, directing and starring in his own Woody Allen type movie.   I dug it.   I also found Rosario Dawson so damn delightful.  

11. Coherence

This science fiction tale feels like a modern day Twilight Zone episode.   It mostly takes place in one setting: A dining room during a dinner party.   I don’t want to say anymore other than that.  OK, well weird shit happens when a meteor is flying over earth.    This movie is so low budget it needed a kick-starter campaign.  That charmed me.    

10. The Imitation Game

I knew very little about this movie, besides it starring Bennedict “The Game's afoot” Cumberbatch.  The movie is based on a true story about a code-breaker during WWII.  It’s mostly plays as a simple, but riveting procedural.   However, it took an interesting turn delving into topics like gay rights and individuality. 

9. Tusk

Haters gottta hate people.  Kevin Smith’s Tusk was dismissed way too quickly.   I understand that when there is a loud mouth personality like Smith, it’s easy to want to hate on his work.   I can’t say, I’m in love with everything he’s done, but Tusk is truly a unique film that takes twists and turns and goes places no other movie has this whole year.   Smith should be commended for that.   It’s also his best looking film, using darkness and shadows to create a nice creepy palette.  Michael Parks could be the freakiest he’s ever been as a man obsessed with walruses.   Justin Long puts in a great manic performance basically playing Kevin Smith.   Some have criticized the movie’s tonal shifts.    I was endeared by them.     It reminded me of old Roger Coreman movies that purposefully fucked around with structure and tone.   Also, big tip of the hat to the make-up in this film.   

8. Frank

When I first got on stage (it was actually a basement party in college) to play guitar and sing, I was so nervous I could hardly play a chord.  My hands were jittery, my voice was cracking and I was sweating like a pig.   So the idea of wearing a paper machete hat while I sing, does seem oddly appealing.   That’s what Frank is about.   But it wasn’t just that, I connected with the idea of both wanting to experiment with art, while at the same time, wanting people to desperately like it.   It’s a sinful admission I know, but it’s true.   I also simply love the idea of putting one of the biggest named recognizable actors, Michael Fassbender, hidden for most of the movie.   By the way, his performance is outstanding.  

7.  Edge of Tomorrow - Live.Die.Repeat

This was one of the biggest box office flops of the year, which is just a damn shame, because it is smart and spectacular.   It’s basically Groundhog’s Day in a futuristic war setting.   Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are equally energetic and engaging.   I could not take my eyes off of either of them.   And the humor, oh man, the humor.   Even though this is a sci-fi movie, I laughed out loud a lot on numerous occasions, thanks to an outstanding Tom Cruise performance.   Great stuff!




6.  Under the Skin

I don’t want to give away too much of the premise.  However, the movie does something that I wish more movies would do.  The director literally throws you in the middle of the story.  And like Mathew “alirght, alright alright” McConaughey, Scarlet Johansen is simply at the top of her game these days, picking unique movies and challenging roles.   She knocked this out of the park.   Everything about this is spectacular, including the amazing score and interesting premise of using hidden cameras to record real people (non-actors) that Johansen seduces, not knowing they were being filmed.  

5. The One I Love

Like Under the Skin, I don’t want to give anything away.  ANYTHING!  Alright, well I’ll tell you that most of the movie stars just two actors Mark Duplass (The League and Director of Puffy Chair) and Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men).  It’s a magical love story.   I loved everything up to the last 10 seconds.   I’m going to make my own cut of the movie that eliminates the very last few seconds.

4. Gone Girl

I went into this movie knowing nothing about the plot or any of its twists.  Of course, it was an extremely popular book, but I knew nothin’ I tell ya.    While at times I feel David Fincher is a bit overrated (Fight Club – most overrated movie ever), this material seemed to fit his sensibilities perfectly.   It was some riveting shit.   I love watching a movie and truly not knowing where the story will wisp me away to.  

3. Captain America: Winter Soldier

That’s right, Captain America: Winter Soldier made it this high on the list.   I give Marvel credit for allowing their movies to play around in different genres and taking risks, unlike DC.   In the vein of All the President’s Men, Captain America: Winter Soldier is basically a 70’s paranoia thriller.   Besides the third act, there actually isn’t a lot of action.  However, when it is on screen, the action is phenomenal.  Unlike most action scenes, you can actually tell what’s happening and you know surroundings around.  So people, don’t dismiss it because it’s a super-hero movie.   I know it’s easy to do, but DON’T DO IT! Plus, who doesn’t want to see Samuel L. Jackson kick major ballz?



2. The Babadook

The director of The Exorcist, William Friedkin, recently stated that The Babadook is the scariest movie ever made.   I would emphatically disagree with that, but what I did find fascinating was the different levels and themes the film is playing with, like single motherhood, mental illness, fighting your demons and longing for something you just can’t have.   So while the movie was freaky and absolutely had scary moments, I was mostly hooked on the relationship between the mother and the son, putting the pieces of the puzzle together and interpreting it.   

1. Birdman

I cannot deny Birdman the number one spot.   Besides the technical achievement of making the film appear as one unedited shot (it’s truly remarkable), the characters, the energy of the film, the story, the meta-ness, the almost lucid dreamy feel of it all….well it stuck with me weeks after seeing it.   Some critics (I’m looking at you Filmspotting), dismissed the film too quickly as a gimmick, some didn’t like the ending (I’m looking at you Slash Film), some thought Michael Keaton is not worthy of the praise he is receiving for the role (I’m looking at you again Filmspotting).  That’s not how I saw it.  Michael Keaton was the perfect and only choice for the lead of this film.   Since the film contains non-stop continuous one-shots, we get to be an invisible character in the rooms.  We get to be a fly on the wall while the craziness ramps up to  opening night of a Broadway play.   We get to see actors actually acting and interacting with each other as if it was the play they were putting on in the movie.     Birdman may not be for everyone, but damn, it feels like it was made for me.   Big props to the music (great drum score), the director for deciding to step away from being such a “Debbie Downer” (Alenjandro G. Inarritu who made Happiness and Beautiful), Edward Norton and Emma Stone for some truly great moments on screen and to the Director of Photography (Emanuell Lubeski) for just nailing the difficulty of the project. 

There is no movie like Birdman.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

X-Men: Days of Future Past - Pretty fun movie with the best slow motion sequence in a movie, possibly ever.

Hunger Games Part 1 – Lawrence is just born to play Katniss.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – If the story didn’t hinge on misunderstandings and coincidences that seemed to have been inspired by Three’s Company episodeS, it would have been much higher on my list.

22 Jump Street- The movie works due to Hill and Tatum’s chemistry.   I also fell in love with the self-referential humor.       

How to Train Your Dragon 2 – I love these movies…almost made the list.

The Interview- Fuck Kim Jong Un, that why….Actually, I do think critics are being too tough on this movie.  I thoroughly enjoyed the craziness of it all. 

SOMEWHAT HONORABLE MENTIONS 

Cold in July

Life Itself

Cuban Fury

Robocop

Bad Words

Oculus

Sin City 2: A Dame to Die For

The Muppets Most Wanted 

Review of Arrested Development Season 4 (NO SPOILERS)

OK, I just mainlined the whole forth season of “Arrested Development” on Netflix and while the reaction has been mixed, I personally loved it!  This needs to be approached, not as a TV show, but as a seven and a half hour movie.  So I plead to those who aren't thrilled by the first few episodes, DON'T TURN IT OFF!!! That would be like turning off a movie if you are only a quarter of the way through it. 

Trust me, it just has to set up the stories.  Once they’re set up, the fun is watching how all the stories interweave.   The narrative is so complex and ambitious that it's almost as entertaining as the comedy itself.  

However, I am disappointed in one thing:   I was expecting everything to culminate to something much bigger and grandiose…instead it just kinda ends.  Sure, it does end with a bit of a cliff hanger, but still.  

Finally, I will say that if there does end up being another season on Netflix, I really hope they decide to go back to the original format, with Michael being the anchor for the show, with the craziness and lunacy of the characters swirling around him.  That’s what works the best for the show. 

Focusing on specific characters was an intriguing and creative way to be reintroduced into the Bluth family, but I want to see the Bluths all together again, interacting with each other.    

My wish is that this all leads up to a movie (After all, they should be able to make a movie on the cheap).  

Either way, I am glad they decided to bring “Arrested Development” back…and unlike what others are saying, I don’t think they made a huge mistake.   

“Shame on You Senator Ron Johnson” – Milwaukee Protest

Because of Senator Ron Johnson’s abhorrent “NO” vote to a simple background check bill for those purchasing guns at a gun show or from private residents, Johnson once again proved to be one of the most radical and predictable senators in the history of Wisconsin.

The law as it stands now, requires all Americans to pass a background check through the National Instant Background Check (NICS) to prevent felons and those with severe mental illness to own a firearm. However, currently there are loopholes for gun shows and private sales. The last known data shows that 40 percent of the guns purchased in this country are done in these ways.

According to a Marquette poll in March, 81 percent of Wisconsinites supported “background checks for people who buy guns at gun shows or from private residents in Wisconsin.” Also, 54 percent of Wisconsinites favor banning assault-style weapons.

Knowing this, Senator Ron Johnson heartlessly decided to ignore this data, to ignore his constituents, and worse, to ignore Wisconsin families that lost loved ones due to gun violence, like Wisconsin’s own Amardeep Kaleka, whose father, Satwant, was murdered in the mass shooting in Oak Creek on August 5, 2012, in the Sikh temple he helped found.

Amardeep and Pardeep Kaleka’s videos demanding for a plan.

       

Disgusted by Senator Ron Johnson’s vote, I was determined to join a protest scheduled at his Milwaukee office on Saturday.

At the event, I had a chance to talk to one of the organizers, Paul Geenen from Organizing for Action.

While discussing Obama’s press conference right after the measure was struck down, Geenan stated, “Yes, he was very upset. We’re all upset. That’s why we are here today, because we want to tell Senator Ron Johnson ‘shame on you’ for voting against the universal background checks that over 90 percent of Americans support”.

Geenen stated that he believes Ron Johnson voted this way because of the “incredible power of the NRA”.

“We’re here to prove that we’re not going away and that we too have power.” Geenen stated. “We may not have the same financial reserves as the NRA, but we can make up with it in other ways.”

Now that this bill was defeated, Geenen explains that the next step is looking towards the 2014 upcoming elections for the State and the Senate.

But what can we do now? Well, it sounds cliché, but it truly is contacting your representatives about the issue of gun violence. If you have the time to complain and argue on Facebook, than you have the time to call your representative or email them or at the very least, post a comment on their Facebook page.

Because as Paul Geenen stated, “We’ve got moment. We’ve got motivation. This issue is not dead. We’re going to keep pounding away at it.”

That we will.

Below is Senator Ron Johnson's contact information.

Washington, D.C. Office

386 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5323

  Milwaukee Office

517 East Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 408
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 276-7282
Fax: (414) 276-7284

https://www.facebook.com/senronjohnson

Listen to my full interview with Organizing for Action's Paul Geenen.

>

Photos of the event.

     

Video of President Obama's press conference, which includes an introduction by the father of a Sandy Hook victim.
 



Read the bill for yourself here: Universal Background Check Bill

RwP Radio: Episode 1 - "The Tea Party Lives and Breathes in WI"

The very first Rants without Pants 

Radio Show

The Tea Party Lives and Breathes in Wisconsin 

                                       is posted on The Fountain website!

I really, really, REALLY hope you check it out and give me your feedback. 

The episode features an interview with Executive Director of We Are Wisconsin Kristen Crowell discussing the April 2^nd election and the radical Tea Party movement in Wisconsin.   

Other segments include “Drunk Dialing Ron Johnson”, “A Report from Up Nort (with Michael)”, “My Conservative Friend BJ”, “Movie of the Week with Rob Matsushita” and the Fly Up/Fly down segment. 

00:00 – 3:53        Introduction (aka - Who the Hell am I?)

03:53 – 9:16        Theme of the Week: “The Tea Party Lives and Breathes in WI”

09:16 – 26:42      Interview with Executive Director of We Are Wisconsin, Kristen Crowell

26:42 -  34:44   Fly Up/Fly Down

• Discussing the deficit
• Meg Hamel being pushed aside from the Wisconsin Film Festival 
• Republican Representative Dale Schultz being awesome
• Charlie Sykes being a wimp
• State Rep Evan Goyke’s mining hole comment
• The Board of Directors for the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund delaying a decision Starbuck CEO Howard Schultz pro-gay marriage comment
• RNC Chair Reince Preibus’ weird comment
• DNC holding convention in Waukesha County.

34:44 – 40:22       My Conservative Friend BJ

40:22 – 43:29       Drunk Dial Ron Johnson

43:29 – 46:55       Report from Up Nort (with Michael)

46:55 -  53:53        Movie of the Week (with Rob) “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”

53:53 -  58:14        End Rant

  

If you want to download or stream the audio, it is below...thanks! 

RwP: The Last Episode

The Rants without Pants video program is ending and this is the last episode (Cue funeral music). I take a look back at my favorite episodes, fill you in on what my next endeavor is, show you a goodbye video (with the help of Peter Cetera's "Glory of Love") and if that's not enough, I interview founder of www.bloggingblue.com and candidate for Alder of Cudahy (District 3) Zachary Wisniewski.

This video also includes my brother Jeremy Schabow, Madison Alder Bridget Maniaci, Roller Derby bad ass Victoria Echevaria , former WTDY Reporter Dylan Brogan, former CBS reporter Dustin Weis, former Communications Director of the ACLU Stacy Harbaugh, Postal Worker Perry Frank, founder and editor of of Dane101 Jesse Russell, my conservative friend BJ, editor of Dane101 and Our Lives magazine Emily Mills, my non-ideological friend from up north Michael Bartnik and my dog Boo. THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR BEING ON THE SHOW!!!

AND THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR WATCHING...BUT REMEMBER TO COME BACK ON APRIL 1ST FOR MY NEW ADVENTURE!!!

00:00 - 10:29 Intro/Interview with founder of www.bloggingblue.com and candidate for Alder of Cudahy (District 3), Zach Wisniewski.
10:29 - 16:51 A look back at some of my favorite episodes.
16:51 - 18:38 A few "Thank Yous"
18:38 - 19:50 What's next....
19:50 - End A goodbye video with the help of Peter Cetera's "Glory of Love".

RwP: Interview with Postal Worker Perry Frank and...ROAD TRIP!

This week on “Rants without Pants”, you are all trapped in the passenger seat of my car while I listen to the stereo and rant about James Cromwell protesting (“It Aint Me Babe” by Bob Dylan), Brian Murphy being mentioned in the SOU (“Hero” by Foo Fighters), Governor Walker turning down the Medicaid Expansion money (“Sabotage” by The Beastie Boys), Liberals making fun of Marco Rubio (“High Water Blues” by The Jayhawks), Scott Fitzgerald for supporting a forced transvaginal probe bill (“Rape Me” by Nirvana) and much more.

I also interview postal worker Perry Frank (National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 507-Capitol City Merged-Trustee ) where he discusses the Carrier Alert Program, collective begging before the Wildcats Strike, how email is not as damaging as everyone thinks, 2006 Postal Enhancement Act, Retirement Prefund is the reason for the fiscal trouble, Post Office is self-sufficient, cuts and eliminating Saturday delivery, possible privatization of the post office and the effects it would have and much more.

Interview taped live from the best coffee shop in Madison, “Mother Fools”.

Other songs played – “Car Stereo” by The Shabelles, “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar and “Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes

00:00 - 1:02 Intro – Roadtrip
1:02 – 11:59 – Interview with postal worker Perry Frank (National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 507-Capitol City Merged-Trustee)
11:59 – End – Fly Up/Fly Down Segment where I rant about the subjects stated above.

RwP Valentine's Day Episode -- Gay Marriage -An Interview with Victoria Echeverria and a Rant

I really hope you watch this one...especially if you disagree!

This week on Rants without Pants, it's our Special Valentine's Day Episode where we discuss one topic: Gay Marriage

I interview Madison rocker, Mad Rollin Doll and Battlesta...r Galactica nerd (I am too, so I can call her that) Victoria Echeverria on her recent engagement to her fiancé Natalie. We discuss the gay rights, gay marriage and love.

I then rant (with the help of Tom Petty and The Beach Boys) to those who oppose gay marriage.

This one is special. It's about true love and the fight for equality.

00:00 -- 13:32 Interview with Victoria Echeverria includes -

Vic's Dog running in circles
How Vic and Natalie met and how she proposed to her
Vic's response to Senator Ron Johnson and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleifisch's ridiculous comments Where the future is going
Wisconsin Domestic Partnership registry being challenged and much, much more.


13:32 -- End Adam's Rant includes Kirk Cameron's silly comments, redefining gay marriage, christian denomination internal debates about homosexuality, Gomer Pyle's marriage and the coolest kid in the world kicking Gov. Michelle Bachman's ass.

Next Week: An interview with postal worker Perry Frank about many of the changes arising with the post office, including cutting down to 5 days delivery.

RwP: Top 6 James Bond Movies

This week on Rants without Pants, James Bond expert and brother Jeremy Schabow joins the show to discuss our top 6 James Bond movies.

RwP: Interview with Madison Alder Bridget Maniaci and a Look into Michael Best & Friedrich

This week on Rants without Pants, an interview with Madison City Council Alder, Bridget Maniaci. I also take a look at the shady workings of the Republican law firm Michael Best & Friedrich.

Beginning - 17:19– Interview with Madison City Council Bridget Maniaci

Maniaci discusses the diversity of her district, how her age relates to her constituents, how great government can be, comparing Waukesha and Dane County, cheap shots, why local races matter, the process of an Alder, how age and gender has inserted themselves in politics, the future of Bridget Maniaci and much more.

17:19 – End A Look into Michael Best & Friedrich

RwP: Farewell Interview with Co-Founder of Dane101 Jesse Russell (Part 2)

This week on Rants Without Pants, Part 2 of our "Farewell Interview with Co-founder and Publisher of Dane101 Jesse Russell".

As I stated in the video, Jesse Russell has been an inspiration to me. I am in awe of his commitment to Madison, of the endless amount of creative ideas that is banging around in his head as well as his willingness to give a guy like me the opportunities that he has. I will always be in Jesse Russell's debt.

Jesse Russell's departure will leave a hole in Madison that simply can not be filled. He will leave a legacy all his own.

Anyway, to me, Part 2 of this interview is facinating as he says his goodbyes and discusses so many interesting topics.

After the interview, there is a new segment called "Five Rants in a Minute". (I cheated and only put in four...shhhhh...don't tell anyone)

00:00 - 00:38 Intro/Whoring Shabelles Show with The German Art Students
00:38 - 17:39 Interview with Jesse Russell -
Jesse discusses, covering the Capitol protests, homelessness and mining
Jesse's Tea Party picture that went viral
The Wisconsin Film Festival Coverage
The Fireball (which is taking place this weekend...THE TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!!)
Freakin' Halloweekend
The Forward Music Festival
Dane101's relationship with Mark Pocan, Herb Kohl, Tammy Baldwin and how Jesse met Russ Feingold
The future of Dane101 and the future of Jesse Russell
Jesse says goodbye to Madison
17:39 - End Five Rants in a Minute

RwP: Farewell Interview with Co-Founder of Dane101 Jesse Russell

This week on Rants without Pants, Co-founder and Editor of Dane101 Jesse Russell gives his Frewell Interview as he will be moving to San Fransisco at the end of the month with his lovely wife Maddie.

In Part 1, he discusses the inception and history of Dane101, blogging in general and answers questions from the internets.
Part 2 will be up next week.

00:00 - 14:48 Interview with Jesse Russell 14:48 - 15:45 And That's the Truth and I THINK You Know It Jingle 15:45 - 19:20 And That's the Truth and I THINK You Know It - Canada and Israel's Approach to Gun Control/Health Care. 19:20 - 20:41 And That's the Truth and I THINK You Know It - Wisconsin Job Numbers (TOONCES...NO!!!!)

Top Ten Movies of 2012

I know. I know.  You’ve been asking yourself: “When can I read a top ten list of movies of 2012 from a bald-headed, pantsless blogger?  Well, here ya go! 

My biggest disappointment was that I was not able to see Zero Dark Thirty due to it not being released in Wisconsin anywhere at the moment.  Based on everything I read, it probably would have made this list. 

Anyway, here is the list.

1. The Imposter

This documentary about a pathological liar/criminal who claims the identity of a boy that went missing 3 years previously is an examination of who we are and who we perceive others to be.  Shockingly, the family and authorities do not question his identity, even though he has a different eye color, hair color, height, age and suddenly now speaks with a french accent.

There is a little bit of a twist at the end of the movie which I did not see coming.  The movie reminded me of The Thin Blue Line which proved re-enactment scenes can be successfully used to examine a complex story. 

The mystery, the psychological questions, the willingness to ignore what is right in from of you.  It was just simply fascinating.     

Admittedly, The Imposter plays to my weaknesses and my guilty pleasures. I’m addicted to true crime documentaries (I salivate over the Investigation series on the Discovery Channel.).  So when there is a crime documentary this well done,  it just fell nicely into my number one spot.

 

2. Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino films are like children.  You have an order, but you still love them all.  For me, Django Unchained would have been one of my middle Tarantino children.  And like all middle children, they at times can be easily forgotten, but always loved.  

This mash-up of Spaghetti Western and Blaxploitation films is one of Tarantino’s most straight-forward and linear movies.  And for that, I thank him.  This didn’t need to be complicated and Tarantino is smart enough to know that.  It’s a simple revenge story told the only way Tarantino knows:  In a fun, bloody mess.

For me, even though the movie is funny, action packed and yes, violent, there isn’t a movie around that has tackled the issue of slavery with this type of raw truth. 

Some outstanding performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz and Jamie Fox.  But honestly, this may be Samuel L. Jackson’s best acting role ever.  I hope his performance isn’t lost in the weeds when it comes to award season.

3. Cabin in the Woods

Only once in a few years do you get a movie like Cabin in the Woods:  A movie that perfectly satirizes genres while still being a true entry into those genres. 

I can honestly say, there is no movie from 2012 that I had more fun watching, especially the last 20 minutes when the shit hits the fan. 

The screenplay by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard pays homage to the great horror folklore from, well since the beginning of time. 

Their script is ballsy, unique, funny, scary, witty, and have I mentioned flat out fun?

Even if you are not a fan of horror movies, I urge you all to watch Cabin in the Woods, because I can promise you that it’s not what you think it’s going to be and you will enjoy it. 

Oh yeah, also, can we get another movie where Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins team up together?   Please?   

4. Compliance 

Is it possible to have a movie that is on your top ten list but that you don’t want to see again...EVER?!?!  Well, I’m telling you it is possible. 

I reviewed this movie for Dane101 when attending this year’s Wisconsin Film Festival.  Compliance is based on a true story about a fast food manager who receives a call from a person claiming to be a police officer. The caller asks her to detain one of her teenage employees in the back office and things go disturbingly insane. 

The film explores the findings of the Stanley Milgrim experiment back in the 60's which found most people, from all different backgrounds, would give the subjects what they believed to be even fatal doses of electric shocks simply because a person in a white lab coat told them to.

If you do see this movie, I would suggest trying to set up a Q & A afterwards with the actor Patrick Healy. For me, having a serious, intelligent discussion with Healy regarding the film, it's subject matter, and it's true components helped ease some of the tension and uneasiness I was feeling after it showed at the Film Festival.

I can’t think of a movie that has made me use my brain this much throughout the last year, so for that reason, it had to make my list.  But be warned, this is not a “fun” film to watch.

5. The Grey

Man against nature. Liam Neeson against wolves.  You will not find a more heart pounding suspenseful film this year.  Liam Neeson was born to play this role.  It requires intensity while at the same time a bit of stillness. He is the master at juggling the two.   

Within the first 15 minutes, I knew I was all in when the plane crash was filmed so simply and Liam Neeson’s character, Ottway, calms a wounded passenger by saying this: 

Ottway: You're gonna die. That's what's happening.

Cimoski: No no no no no .. hold on, hold on, hold on ..

Ottway: It's OK. Look at me. Keep looking at me. It's alright. It'll slide over you. It'll start to feel warm.    Nice and warm. Let it move over you. Let your thoughts go. All the good things. All the good things. Yeah. Who do you love? Who do you love?

Cimoski: Rosie ..

Ottway: Is she your daughter? Let her take you then.

Oh man I love that scene...and the movie.

6. Ted

Yes.  A movie about filthy-talking teddy bear named Ted made my top ten list of the year.  The movie is funny.  Funny as hell.  What makes the movie work is the twisted relationship between Ted and Mark Wahlberg, which is unique and oddly sweet.

Besides Wahlberg being funny (anyone who has seen Four Kings knows he is capable of), he’s actually doing some great acting in Ted.  For a good part of the movie, he had to play opposite of a CGI teddy bear…meaning while filming, he’s acting opposite to no one.  But yet onscreen, they have chemistry that completely works and is entirely believable.

7. Lincoln

Spielberg went a different way with this film then he could have…and I can’t tell you how happy I am that he did.  Lincoln tells the straight-forward story about what it took for our 16^th President, played masterfully by Daniel Day Lewis, to pass the 13^th Amendment which abolished slavery. 

The film shows how even back then, politics and getting bills passed can be grimy and slimy and flat-out sleazy.  Oh, how little has changed. 

As a political junkie, I was captivated by the idea of CSPAN in 1865.  Playwright Tony Kushner knew the concept of “less is more” was the way to approach this material.  The dialogue had elements of Aaron Sorkin, but with less schmaltz and more wit. 

Also, Tommy Lee Jones playing Thaddeus Stevens and James Spader playing W.N. Bilbo are a blast to watch.  As for Lewis, just give him the Oscar right now.  He deserves it.

8. Moonrise Kingdom

Wes Anderson is back, and almost in full form.  Almost.  It’s his best film since The Royal Tenenbaums and has a similar tone to Rushmore.  

The oddly bright colors, how the camera meticulously swerves around, the long takes, the dialogue, the awesome slow motion scenes, Bill Murray - that’s how you know it’s a Wes Anderson movie.  He has a production design and cinematic style all his own. Anderson’s directing is as much of a character in the movie as the actors.

Moonrise Kingdom is about two odd rebellious youngsters in love that run away from their family and/or summer camp to explore the woods and each other. The two kid actors (Jared Kilman and Kara Hayward) are great together. Actually, all the kids are great.  I love how they all team up together to revolt against the adults.  This is SO Wes Anderson! 

As for the adults, Edward Norton's Scout Master Ward is a blast to watch.  It's also nice to see Bruce Willis going back to doing these smaller movies.  After all, he is the one who took a chance on Pulp Fiction, Nobody's Fool and The Sixth Sense just to name a few.
 

9. ParaNorman

I knew nothing about this movie or it’s existence until we randomly stumbled upon it while searching for a movie to order on-line.  

A spooky animated feature directed towards kids about zombies and the supernatural?  How could we NOT check it out?

But this isn't a Tim Burton style kids film, ParaNorman is actually quite conventional and mainstream. 

It's about a kid named Norman that sees dead people and is determined to save the town from witches and zombies.  The story is exciting, funny, scary and ultimately has a good message for kids while at the same time respecting their intelligence to understand the message. 

It's the first stop-animation film to use a color 3D printer. So I guess, that's cool too.

10. Skyfall

You will not find a better looking film than Skyfall this year.  The cinematography is simply dazzling and deserves the Oscar. GIVE IT TO THEM NOW!!!

While I love James Bond movies, I never would have thought a Bond movie would make my yearly top ten list, but there it is.  Like it’s got a license to be there.

Skyfall is so much more than a James Bond movie while at same time being the Bondiest James Bond movie ever.  

Daniel Craig plays Bond with less sophistication and more roughness than any of the Bonds since Sean Connery.  That’s how it should be. It’s more accurate to the books and frankly, it’s a more interesting character that way.  I learned more about James Bond as a character in Skyfall than I have in the previous 22 movies combined.

Of course, lets not forget the great Judi Dench as M, who thankfully has just as much screen time as Daniel Craig in the movie.  In fact, in many ways, Judi Dench is the bond girl in the movie.  Sure, an old cranky bond girl, but the smartest and most interesting Bond girl to date. 

Then we have the best villain of the year in Javier Bardem’s flamboyantly fun Silva. Bardem chews up the scenery and is having blast doing it. 

So while I had my hesitation of Sam Mendes (Road to Perdition, American Beauty) directing a James Bond movie, I was proven wrong.  If he wants another crack at it, give him back the camera and let him do whatever the hell he wants.   

Worst Movies of 2012

Red Tails – “Another failed George Lucas movie”

Total Recall (Remake) – “Once again Total Recall proves my theory that Colin Farrell is one of the most boring actors ever.  There was no reason to remake a masterpiece especially with Farrell as the lead”

The Bourne Legacy – “The weirdest and most unbalanced movie I saw this year.”

Dark Shadows - "Tim Burton and Johnny Depp need to get a divorce, or at the very least a separation."

Worst Cameo

Quentin Tarantino – “Dude, if you insist on giving yourself cameos in your movies, don’t give yourself an accent.”

Best Foreign Film

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (Turkey) – “Slow moving, but very moving. A film about a doctor, a prosecutor and a police chief that are trying to find a buried corpse.”

Best Villain (Besides Javier Bardem's Silva)

Michael Shannon in Premium Rush. “Once again, Premium Rush proves my theory that the more Michael Shannon is in a movie, the more enjoyable it will be.”

Best Sci-Fi Movies

Prometheus – “While I was disappointed in Prometheus, there is a scene where the lead gives herself a Caesarean Section to remove an alien in her stomach.  It’s pretty awesome.”

John Carter – “This was a huge box office flop, but to me, this is a solid sci-fi flick. Too bad there will not be a sequel.”

Chronicle – “I’m usually not a fan of found footage movies, but this low, low, low budget movie proves that you can make a film for very little, but still craft a story that requires exceptional special effects.”

Looper - "While it's not at all the film I thought it would be, it stuck with me after watching it.  I need to watch it again as I suspect I will enjoy it much more the second time around." 

Best Blockbuster

The Avengers - “Pure Fun! It’s amazing that this film actually worked considering all it’s elements.  Proves once again that Joss Whedon is a genius ”

Most Underrated Movies

Rock of Ages – “A nostalgic hair metal musical featuring songs from Guns-N-Roses, Joan Jett, Twisted Sister, Poison, Bon Jovi and so much more.  Oh, Rock of Ages, you had me at GnR.”

Ghost Rider 2 – “This surprised me.  It’s from the director of the Crank series and for some reason this flick worked for me.  Don’t know why. Don’t know how.  It just did.”

The Watch – “I don’t give a shit what anyone says.  This is a funny movie.  I’m giving it ‘The Death to Smoochy Award’”.

Biggest Disappointment

Men in Black 3 - “I really, really wanted this to work, especially with such a great Tommy Lee Joe impersonation from Josh Brolin.  Unfortunately, the jokes fall flat and the action is bland.” 

Best Indie Movies

Bernie – “Jack Black’s best performance since School of Rock.  This true story about the most liked guy in town doing something awful.  It’s an odd, funny, sad little movie.”

Jeff Goes Home – “Like Cedar Rapids, Ed Helms proves he can act. Perhaps now that The Office is coming to an end, he can focus on these nice little indie movies.”

Most Overrated

Argo – “It was alright, but I don’t see why it’s on anyone’s top ten list. I still think Gone Baby Gone is Affleck’s best film as a director.”

More Honorable Mentions

The Queen of Versailes – “This documentary started out about a rich family building the biggest house, but then turned into a serious and heart-warming story about a mom and wife trying to keep her family together, while the family loses tons of money from the recession.  There is a scene where they shop at Walmart. It’s priceless.”

21 Jump Street – “Wow!  I always new Jonah Hill was funny, but damn, so is Channing Tatum?  That was surprising!”

I would like to admit that I haven’t seen "Killer Joe", "Cloud Atlas", "The Master", "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Flight". It’s possible those could have made my list. 

RwP: "It's a Very Pantsless Christmas" Part 1

This week on Rants Without Pants we celebrate Christmas with “A Very Pantsless Christmas”.

My plan was for this to be a lighter/fluffier special, but due to the tragedy of the shooting in Connecticut, I felt passionately about discussing the issue of mental illness pertaining to violence. I shot that segment Saturday morning, not 24 hours after the horrific incident. So I hope the heaviness of talking about this isn’t too jarring when I discuss the other subjects.

Also, in the spirit of the season, my conservative friend BJ and myself, a commie liberal, made a top ten list of political ideas/ideals that we agree on. It’s done in Letterman style!

I also discuss my Christmas album called “There is No War on Christmas”, which is free to download @ http://www.brewcity101.com/content/download-my-christmas-album-there-no-war-christmas-free-line-right-here-brewcity101 and play some songs from album throughout the video.

00:00 – 1:40 Intro/Free Download of Adam’s Christmas Album
01:40 - 8:20- The Tragic CT Shooting (with a focus on Mental Illness)
08:20 – End My Conservative Friend BJ and Myself’s Top Ten List of Political Ideas and Ideals That We Agree On.


PART TWO WILL BE POSTED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS WHERE I WILL DISCUSS MY TOP TEN UNCONVENTIONAL CHRISTMAS MOVIES.

RwP: Interview with Emily Mills Regarding the John Doe Investigation and a Walker Animation Short

This week on Rants Without Pants, Dane101 Editor and good friend Emily Mills, joins us via Skype to discuss the John Doe Investigation and it's timeline. There is also a new Mastercard commercial aimed at Republicans and a stop-animation short about Scott Walker called "Betrayal, Vengence and Puppets".

Emily has some really interesting stories and insight on the John Doe investigation!
00:00 - 10:45 Interview with Dane101 Editor Emily Mills
10:45 - 11:48 Outdated Mastercard Commercial
11:48 - End Betrayal, Vengence and Puppets (A Stop-Animation Short About the Walker Administration)

RwP: Mayor Dave's Bitterness Towards Sly, New Glarus in WH, Gwen Moore/Ron Johnson on the Cliff

This week on “Rants without Pants”, I discuss Gwen Moore and Ron Johnson’s take on the economy, the fiscal cliff and the Grover Norquist pledge, New Glarus owner’s invitation to the White House and Mayor Dave’s bitter article regarding Sly in the Morning.

00:00 5:40 – WI Rep. Gwen Moore on the Fiscal Cliff (including updated Shabhead News Alert)
5:40 – 7:29 Republican Senators willing to violate the Grover Norquist Pledge and where WI Senator Ron Johnson stand on this issue.
7:29 –8:17 New Glarus Owner Deb Carey was invited to the White House for a meeting regarding owning a small business.
8:17 – End Former Mayor Dave’s bitter and hypocritical article towards Sly in the Morning.

RwP: WTDY Firing Sly and the News Staff - Lincoln vs Walker

This week on Rants Without Pants, I discuss the difference between Republican Abraham Lincoln vs Republican Scott Walker. I also make a statement to WTDY Station Manager Rick McCoy regarding him firing John Sylvester (Sly in the Morning) as well as the entire News Department.

00:00 - 7:30 Lincoln vs Walker
7:30 - End Letter to Rick McCoy and Midwest Family Broadcasting regarding the recent firing of Sly and the News Staff.

RwP: Conservatives Don't Own Christianity, Reaction to Obama's Reelection and Local WI Stories

This week on "Rants without Pants", Rev. Schabow preaches the truth about the reaction of President Obama's Reelection, how conservatives don't own Christianity, how everyone should be praising Ian's Pizza, drama in the State Senate, Walker...'s Obamacare.

Times
00:00 -- 6:58 Reaction to Obama's Reelection
6:58 -- 7:13 Fly Up to Our Church
7:13 -- 9:30 Fly Down to WI State Senate Majority Leader Robin Vos
9:30 -- 11:57 Fly Down to Walker for Dropping the Ball on ObamaCare
11:57 -- 12:54 Fly Up to Ians Pizza
12:54 -- End Fly Down to Christians Who Think They Own Christianity

RwP: "The James Bond Edition" (Part 1) Review of Skyfall

After the exhausting Presidential Election, Rants without Pants takes a break from politics and instead focuses on Bond...James Bond.
My brother, Jeremy Schabow guest co-hosts with me.
This is Part 1 where we review the new James Bond movie Skyfall. Part 2 is on it's way where we discuss our top 6 James Bond movies.
Hope you enjoy!

RwP: A Quick Reaction to Last Night's Elections

This will be last political post for a few weeks. Instead, my brother and I will be discussing movies.

RwP: Panel Discussion (Part 4) "The Polarization of America"

To me, this is most interesting of the topics and discussions that this Rants Without Pants panel debated. I want to thank how great this panel was. Everyone had their own unique points which led to a very healthy debate.

This panel consisted of Stacy Harbaugh (Communications Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of WI), Dustin Weis (Former CBS Reporter for WTDY and WIOD), BJ Buss (Compassionate Conservative) and Michael Bartnik (Non-Ideological Guy in Hat). This is the final/Part 4 epic discussion of the polarization in America.

I hope you enjoy!