Best Free Movie Of The Year - Nomination - Month #3

Oh dear.

Month 3 (June 21 - July 20) was a light one, wasn't it? During the 30 odd days since Gone Baby Gone was announced as Best Free Movie Of The Year - Nomination #2, I managed to see, wait for it, wait for it - one movie.

One. One solitary movie in a month. What in god's name was I doing that whole month? Getting a life, some might say - but in terms of reaching the goal quite clearly displayed at the top of the page, it was a pitiful display. I need to pull my finger out.

But I bet the guys at Cipher Films and Limelight would be pointing out the silver lining. Their independent film based in London and starring relative unknowns has made the BFMOTY nominations, by default. As Homer Simpson would say: "Default! The two sweetest words in the English language."

That's a bit harsh though - there is a reasonable chance that I would've picked this movie anyway, especially if I had been subjected to too many mediocre blockbusters in a row during the month. One or two mediocre blockbusters is okay, but a whole string of them leaves you feeling a little dead inside.

So without further ado and dropping the need for a build up of tension, the third nomination for Best Free Movie Of The Year is:

ADULTHOOD

Well done guys.

So the average amount of movies per month for me to see in order to reach the big 100has jumped to 10! I really do need to pull my finger out, even more so given that as I post this entry, I am already 11 days into Month 4 and haven't been to the flicks yet!

Dang this hot, summery weather!

Best Free Movie Of The Year - Nomination - Month #2

Month two (May 21 - June 20) delivered a round of big blockbusters including the long awaited Indiana Jones movie, destined to be in the running for the Best Free Movie Of The Year.

I increased the monthly average of movies watched in May/June but not by much, and I am still languishing behind the 8-9 movies per month I need to see to hit the big 100. Two movies a week is much harder than it sounds, especially given the great sunny weather that London has been having lately. I've even had a few guilt trips while sitting in the cinema with the sun shining outside - guilt trips, but no regrets (how about The Happening, I hear you ask? Sure, I regretted seeing that movie, but luckily, it was miserable outside that day, so no double whammy).

So, what movie knocked my socks off this month? Was there a better movie than what Indy had to offer? Or was there a sleeper hit ready to knock the fedora wearing archaeologist off his perch?

Before I announce the nomination this month, I must clarify that The Incredible Hulk falls into this month's considerations. Although the post was made after the 20th of June, I did see it before that date. I was just being slack.

Anyway, without further ado, the second nomination for The Best Free Movie Of The Year is:

GONE BABY GONE

I still think about this movie almost a month after seeing it and I will be taking Kathy to see it on Monday. An outstanding directorial debut by Ben Affleck, brilliant acting by his brother Casey and the rest of the cast, and a powerful movie full of suspense and emotion. The front runner (after two months) for the big award.

Sorry Indy.

Best Free Movie Of The Year - Nomination - Month #1

In the fourth week of April 2009, I will be picking my favourite movie from the 100 seen during my year of free cinema. I expect that there will be numerous contenders for the crown, so in order to make it easier on myself (and make up the numbers re: blog entries), I will select the best movie I've seen each month and thus nominating them for the coveted award of BEST FREE MOVIE OF THE YEAR.

During Month 1 (constituting April 21 to May 20), I saw four movies, well below the average of 8 1/3 movies a month required to hit the big 100. A slow month for sure, but there wasn't a dud amongst them - quality, not quantity, is what I'm talking about.

All four movies had me leaving the cinema thinking - they made an impression. Some more than others and all in their own special way.

However, without further ado, I announce the first nomination for Best Free Movie Of The Year:

THE ORPHANAGE

This was the first movie I saw with my Cineworld free movie card, so it has some nostalgic significance, but it is also the pick of the bunch - a frightening but ultimately moving horror story delivered perfectly and with heart - a true contender for the BFMOTY.

On to Month 2!

1 : EL ORFANATO (THE ORPHANAGE)

Why I chose it?

Involvement of Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy); a bit of a buzz surrounding it from critics and viewers alike (which isn't always a good thing).

Where?

Cinema 2, Haymarket

Comments?

Quite an enthralling psychological thriller with superbly handled supernatural elements; great use of sound; plenty of "edge of your seat, hold your breath" sequences.

Would I pay to see it?

Yes! Full price!!

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Scary and frightening, but ultimately, heartbreaking. A great start to the 100!!" Daryl Nilbett (to no one in particular).