Big Fan (2009)

More of a drama than a dark comedy. It's a study of obsession and apathy. The film holds your attention but doesn't really entertain. 

Rating: C-

Inside Man (2006)

Pretty intense, clever, and fun. Would have appreciated a better ending, but you can't win them all.

Rating: C+

Tower Heist (2011)

Somewhat entertaining, despite absolute stupidly and massive plot holes, as only Brett Ratner can deliver. A competent cast and bits of witty dialogue kept things afloat.

Rating: C-

The Wrestler (2008)

Darren Aronofsky has made some of my absolute favorite films of all time, so I was anxiously waiting to see this. Well made? Yes. Dark? Yes. Authentic? Yes. Depressing? Yes. Entertaining? Somewhat. Rourke certainly delivers a killer performance. Marissa is as gorgeous as ever, especially with those tattoos. I'd be the Ashton Kutcher to her Demi Moore any day.

Rating: C+

Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Screw D.A.R.E.
Screw "Say no to Drugs"
Screw "This is your brain on drugs"
Round up all the elementary school kids. Sit their asses down in the auditorium, and play this movie on a big screen. By the time the credits roll, every kid in the place will have tears streaming down their little faces in terror, and they will NEVER do drugs.

Darren Aronofsky, the brilliant director of the movie "Pi" , delves into full color film-making with one hell of a ride down junkie lane. He has such a talent for creating dramatic images on screen. So many techniques are used, which when put together, form his unique style. The acting was fantastic, and Oscars should be handed out all around. Is it a fun movie to watch? Kind of. Is it worth watching? YES! An absolutely brilliant film.

Rating: A

Black Swan (2010)

Massive Darren Aronofsky fan here. Black Swan covers some very different material, but his familiar tone is there throughout. His films often portray characters spinning out of control. In Black Swan, that happens metaphorically and literally. Portman is committed 100% to her character. Her Oscar win was deserved. A bit odd seeing Winona Ryder on the screen, but it worked.

This is a very dark film, sometimes bordering on scary. It’s beautifully shot and will enthrall the viewer. With that said, it’s not one of my favorite Aronofsky films. That honor goes to Requiem, then The Fountain.

Rating: B-