While there is little to no plot and no sense of urgency or stakes to the story, you get the sense when watching Nobody that the writer Jack Ryder really cares about these characters. While they weren't all likable (looking at you Jaden Smith...), the ensemble worked well together thanks to Ryder's writing and Marc Webb's direction. Plus, Jack Ryder delivered a rare (for him) soundtrack that isn't absolutely horrible.
4. Decrescendo
I was completely unfamiliar with the subject of this film, but man, did I get hooked. Christina Hendricks delivers another great performance in this film, which sees Jean-Marc Vallee return to direct for the studio for the first time in a few seasons.
3. Directorial Debut
Somewhere, Somehow is not a perfect movie, far from it. But it does manage to do a solid version of the type of film it sets out to emulate - it's just not a genre I have any interest in. That said, it's exciting to see one of LRF's veteran writers make a solid directorial debut.
2. Booster Gold II
Speaking of Chad Taylor, Booster Gold II was even better than the first one. I think that getting more villains involved really helped this sequel. The DC Universe world-building featured throughout also worked very well and has me excited for the next DC films on the studio's slate.
1. Vince Vaughn
What a few rounds for Vince Vaughn. He's done a great job changing his career trajectory, reinventing himself as a tough guy. He has given two great performances this season, in Blood on the Moon and GTA: Vice City, and both use his natural charm and physicality to great effect. I'd love to see Vaughn nominated for one of those performances (although I imagine they may cancel each other out a bit come voting time).
This one was just way too generic. I'm not trying to start any new beefs with Jack Ryder, but the script for this one might as well have been a cop film mad lib. I've seen everything in this film in other films, and to better effect. I'm also starting to think that maybe Will Smith doesn't have the star power to really carry a film at the box office anymore. At least Ryder didn't attempt a soundtrack for this one...
4. Stan
I'm not sure there was enough story here for an entire feature film. I think Hardy and Keough are well-cast, and give solid performances, but they might as well have been starring in a short film or a music video.
3. Queen Mary
A lot of what I said about Blue Heat would also apply to Queen Mary. While there were some creative character moments in the film, it wasn't scary, and the story seemed too familiar.
2. Bombs
While Splinter Cell and Booster Gold have undoubtedly made the season's box office appear impressive, there have actually been some pretty big box office disasters recently from the studio. The Story of the Assassin and Blue Heat both lost over $80 million each, which has never happened in one round for LRF before.
1. Elijah Wood
I loved the script of Sweet Tooth, but I really had a problem with Elijah Wood in the lead role. For one thing, he felt way too old to playing such a young, naive, innocent character. Wood came across as a whiny middle-aged dweeb. I just don't think he has the charisma to carry a high concept project like Sweet Tooth.
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