16. What Maisie Knew – A quiet movie that comes so close to NOT working due to its need to sanctify Maisie’s saviors. But Julianne Moore’s ability to create something much more complex than a “monster mom” caricature turns what could have been a saccharine mess into a minor gem.
15. The Place Beyond the Pines - Melodrama, for good and for bad. In many ways, Cianfrance's commitment to creating mood and pathos overshadows the plot itself, which runs off the rails from time to time. But I like that this is such a sweeping, epic, novel-like story, and I like that it veers toward earnest dramatics over detached snark and irony. Sometimes appeals to emotion can be their own reward.
14. Give Me the Loot – Micro-budget indie film. I barely made it past the first few minutes due to amateur production values and acting that took a little time to adjust to. But I am very glad that I held strong. This is a fun heist/friendship movie that provides its racial/class commentary through observation, rather than heavy-handedness.
15. The Place Beyond the Pines - Melodrama, for good and for bad. In many ways, Cianfrance's commitment to creating mood and pathos overshadows the plot itself, which runs off the rails from time to time. But I like that this is such a sweeping, epic, novel-like story, and I like that it veers toward earnest dramatics over detached snark and irony. Sometimes appeals to emotion can be their own reward.
14. Give Me the Loot – Micro-budget indie film. I barely made it past the first few minutes due to amateur production values and acting that took a little time to adjust to. But I am very glad that I held strong. This is a fun heist/friendship movie that provides its racial/class commentary through observation, rather than heavy-handedness.