2012 in Film: Movies You Might Have Missed- January

This is a branch-out from my original Blog.  In the post about 2012 films, I mentioned movies that are coming out this year that I am pumped for, possibly making the best year for movies.


Standing behind that post, I recommend you start checking out what's playing in theaters.  There are, however, some good movies already out that you may have missed. January brought us Contraband, Red Tails, Underworld: Awkening, and The Grey.  So, let's get this party started.

First up:

6.7 out of 10 on IMDb

Contraband tells the story of a former drug lord who after being clean for awhile, must get his nose dirty again to protect his family and clear a debt. Blah blah blah, it sounds like a standard Hollywood action movie; EXCEPT FOR IT HAS MARK WAHLBERG IN IT! 

Sorry, that probably came off wrong. I'm interested in this movie, not because it is supposed to be great but because it is a feel-good "guy" movie and has the one and only, Marky Mark in it. Wahlberg is one of my guilty pleasures of an actor, one who doesn't always have a role where he has to be a great actor, but just one who could take down terrorists on a plane if needed. Don't get me wrong he has had some great roles and I'm glad he made the jump from the rap game to acting, but he isn't typically the best out there for some things.

Wahlberg has been nominated for 2 Oscars: Best Picture in The Fighter and Best Supporting Actor in The Departed

In addition to Wahlberg, the film features Giovanni Ribisi and the lovely, lovely Kate Beckinsale. While I didn't see this in theaters, I'll be sure to grab it when it is out on DVD for a watch. If you are looking for your typical "guy" movie, this would be a good place to start.

Next up:

5.8 out of 10 on IMDb

Red Tails shares the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black pilots in the US Air Force, and their impact on WWII after being sidelined from the fight.  Red Tails stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard.

Red Tails peaks my interest for two reasons.  The first reason is that within the past two years I have visited the Tuskegee Airbase in Alabama.  A beautiful National Park, the story of the airmen and their rise to fame grabbed my attention, and when they said that the story was being made into a Hollywood film, I got excited.  Historical movies tend to pull me to the screen, simply because I like to see where we as a society/country have come.  The fact I have been where history was made, and stepped foot on grounds that played a vital role in this story, this movie became a must see for me.

The second reason was the "Lucasfilm" tag slapped on the trailer.  So, what if George Lucas has slipped up and is just rolling around in his Star Wars/ Indiana Jones money, despite Indy 4 not being good (or as I like to think about it, non-existent).  The movie is sure to be aesthetically pleasing, one way or another.  Missed it in theaters but I'll pick it up on Blu-Ray.

Next up:

6.6 out of 10 on IMDb

Underworld Awakening is my go to personal choice for the vampire genre.  While it used to be the Blade franchise, times have changed and the story of vampires continues on.  And let's be honest, no one goes to a Twilight movie for the action and to see what cool vampires are like. But when you create a franchise around the Vampire/Lycan war and the franchise stars Kate Beckinsale, you get a franchise that people are willing to spend money to go see.


The fourth-in-franchise installment follows Beckinsale's character, Selene, as the vampire/lycan war comes to a halt to fend of the human race, who has discovered their existence.  Judging from the first two movies staring Beckinsale, this movie is sure to follow suit with a good story and great action sequences, as the screenplay is written by Len Wiseman, the original director and co-writer.


Last, but certainly not least:

7.2 out of 10 on IMDb

The Grey was a flat out awesome movie (Hey! Actually seeing a movie and getting a review for a change!).  Going into this movie, I knew two things: it starred Liam Neeson and featured said Liam Neeson fighting off wolves.  What more could you ask for?


Story centers around Ottway (Neeson) who is a trained huntsman, contracted to protect the other workers at an Alaskan Petroleum company, and their fight for survival after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the tundra. 


Neeson is spectacular and definitely brings only the talent that he can to the film. Interesting story with a great ending that leaves you glad that you spent your time and money on it.  A must see in either dollar theaters or when it is release on Blu-Ray/DVD.

Be sure to check out a summary of February's films, as well as my highlights on specific films to come.