Best
“X-Men: First Class”
Origin stories are all the rage with the superhero genre. Out of all the origin stories presented this summer, “X-Men: First Class” is the most well-written and intelligently worked. The best aspects of the film are the performances of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who breathe life into the power-versus-peace dynamic between Professor X and Magneto.
“Bridesmaids”
After so many unbridled, boring wedding comedies like “The Wedding Date” (2005) and “Made of Honor” (2008), producer Judd Apatow finally gives us a wedding comedy worth saying “I do” to. It takes absolute craftiness to make a movie that captures the sweetness of your typical femme-friendly romantic comedy while also providing the same type of frat-boy raunchiness found in movies like “Wedding Crashers” (2005) and “The 40 Year Old Virgin” (2005).
“Midnight in Paris”
Every few years, Woody Allen makes a great film to show that he still has it, the last being “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008). His highest grossing film, “Midnight in Paris,” is a fantasy film that explores the belief that life would be better appreciated if lived in a golden age like the 1920s era in the film. With a charming lead performance from Owen Wilson and a brilliant cast, “Midnight in Paris” is like a loving postcard to Paris, romantic comedy fans and moviegoers all around.
“The Tree of Life”
The surrealism, experimental elements and the nonlinear narrative within “The Tree of Life” may not be for everyone. Nonetheless, director Terrence Malick’s fifth film is a baffling, artistic, beautiful and poetic cinematic experience. While the film’s story centers on an adolescent’s loss of innocence, the overall movie chronicles the origins and meanings behind the creation of the universe. Malick’s dazzling imagery takes audiences on an emotional experience through the mysteries of life while questioning the existence of faith.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is a wonderful finale of the generation-defining movie franchise. Boasting emotionally captivating performances, well-balanced visual splendor and entertaining thrills, the final Harry Potter film is the highlight of the summer. Whether or not it will receive much deserved Oscar attention is difficult to say, but let’s cross our fingers and hope that Alan Rickman will at least receive a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Worst
“The Hangover Part II”
Remember how “The Hangover” (2009) was the darkest, raunchiest and most rambunctious comedy since “Animal House” (1978)? Remember how “The Hangover Part II” followed the same plot formula while trying to be darker, raunchier and funnier? Well, that resulted in “The Hangover Part II” suffering from tired jokes and a recycled premise, lacking the element of surprise that made the first installment an original hit.
“The Art of Getting By”
“The Art of Getting By” tried its hardest to come off as charming and perceptive, but instead it feels hollow and conceited. The movie does present some well-meaning lessons about maturity, but they arrive too late within the story to save this awkwardly executed film. Even more awkward are Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts, whose lead performances completely lack any sincerity or charisma.
“Green Lantern”
Out of all the superhero movies presented this summer, “Green Lantern” was the worst. Audiences seemed to think so since the movie has yet to meet its $200 million budget. “Green Lantern” basically feels like a borrowed, CGI mess filled with clumsy direction, uninspired action scenes and a script that gives the audience no reason to care about the characters. Ryan Reynolds has yet to prove that he can be a charismatic leading man.
“Zookeeper”
“Zookeeper” is one of those films you want to like, but it’s difficult to look past the film’s terrible writing and lack of laugh-worthy material. At one point in the movie, one of the animals says, “Every time we talk to humans, it turns out badly.” This saying basically refers to the entire movie.
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is basically no better than the panned second installment. Michael Bay may have promised that he would focus more on characterization and story development, but having the characters reiterate the key plot points throughout the film doesn’t count. The action was loud, the writing was thin and I can’t recall a single memorable scene where Shia LeBeouf wasn’t screaming.