Best:
Submarine directed by Richard Ayoade
Similar in style to films such as Noah Baumbach's The Squid and the Whale and Wes Anderson's The Royal Tennenbaums and Rushmore, Ayoade adds a level of alternative humour and unique cinematography that sets it apart from any other recent film. By leaving out the cliched techniques of many a director when filming a deliberately alternative film, Ayoade uses the perfect amount of irony, wit and sincerity. With the film's beautiful setting and powerful photography, Submarine comes to life as a truly innovative and groundbreaking film.
Worst: The Best and the Brightest directed by Josh Shelov
While providing what would seem to be an entertaining plot, The Best and the Brightest provides an excruciatingly obtuse and unrealistic window into the private school world on the upper east side. Shelov uses every cliche surrounding upper east side life as the film's plot while adding a rauchy twist that borders on despicable rather than comedic. It's almost as if Shelov not only knew nothing about upper east side private schools but had also never even been to New York City. Truly awful - do not waste your time/money on this movie.
