Top 10 Films of 2012:
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
It's been nearly a decade since I've read the book, but as a film, it works like gangbusters. Lead by the understated Logan Lerman, the absolutely engaging Ezra Miller (he's going places, mark my words), and the heartbreaking Emma Watson (an astounding turn for her, coming from the rather static Hermione role she played for 10 years), the film has a heart that is rarely found in coming-of-age stories. Doesn't hurt that the source material is so powerful on its own. By the time the final act rolled around, I couldn't hold back the tears.
9. Holy Motors
This movie caught my eye after critics all over raved about it, and then seeing the riotous trailer… how could I resist? And well… I've been ruminating over it for nearly two months. If you're the kind to despise ambiguity, avoid it at all costs. It is an *art film* in every way. It has no intention of ever being fully explained. One part celebration of why we watch films, another part a sorrow filled exploration of loneliness and heartbreak. I can't in good faith claim to completely understand it (I probably never will) but the emotions it stirred in me can't be understated.
8. The Raid: Redemption
If you love action films, you owe it to yourself to get this on your TV screen as soon as possible. This Indonesian thriller (directed by up-and-coming Welsh director Gareth Evans) has some of the most harrowing gun fights and martial arts set pieces I've seen in years. Forget seeing your favorite actor get replaced with a stunt double for a blurry quick shaky cam shot of the action. These ARE the stunt doubles, and you feel every single punch and every single round. It's the complete action film package. Clear stakes, fantastic camera work, a constant upping-the-ante rhythm. Oh, and the score by Mike Shinoda is just rocking. He should probably leave those Linkin Park guys and get into scoring full time.
7. The Grey
This film doesn't get talked about enough, but if there's a finer example of cinema's exploration of death, I have not seen it. From the horrifying plane crash forward, these six oil workers face their imminent demise every time they close their eyes, and it's clear as day that there is no hope. Liam Neeson pulls off one of the most chilling scenes I've ever seen put to celluloid when he talks a man bleeding out slowly into death. Just… ugh… I will never forget that scene.
6. Side by Side
Any one who loves cinema MUST see this outstanding documentary. Narrated by Keanu Reeves (who also produces and interviews the subjects [to excellent results]), this documentary explores the history of film, the rise and fall of celluloid, and the current status-quo: digital filmmaking. It's nearly impossible for a documentary to cover so much and continue to be completely engaging, and yet somehow it does. Extremely accessible for something that can typically be so dry (topics include 35mm vs. digital, and the technical details about the photo chemical process.)
5. Argo
A classic hollywood film with modern sensibilities. Ben Affleck has had a very interesting career path, from the cheeky but humane characters he played in Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jersey Girl… to the haunting role of George Reeves in Hollywoodland (where he really came into his own as an actor, in my opinion). Once he got behind the camera, magic really started to happen. Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and now Argo just prove that he is not going away, and Hollywood is all the better for it. Argo is entertaining through and through, made all the more thrilling because it actually friggin' happened.
4. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Another fantastic documentary about one of my favorite meals. Beautiful and thoughtful, elegant and heartfelt… The dynamics between Hiro and everyone living in his shadow, including his sons, paint this picture with everything Hiro can't. The singular obsession of a man who lives only for his work, and those who strive to be half the auteur he is… This is a beautiful character study, and man, oh man, will it make you hungry.
3. The Cabin in the Woods
Let's just be honest… it's been a weak few years for the horror genre. That all changed with this super meta commentary on the reason we watch horror films in the first place. And it's not only scary, but a complete riot. The final act climaxes with unforgettable gusto, and it will continue to be talked about for years. Let's hope this heralds in a new dawn of horror. The genre needed a boost and this did it.
2. Looper
What makes this film so great is everything it DOESN'T DO. Film Crit Hulk put it best. "IT IS THE FILM THAT AVOIDED THE TRAP. IT IS A FILM WITH A CLEVER SCI-FI CONCEIT THAT ELUDED THE DESIRE TO OUTSMART ITSELF AND AS A RESULT IT NEVER COLLAPSES UNDER THE WEIGHT OF TRYING TO IMPRESS ITS AUDIENCE. AS THE OLD ADAGE OF CINEMA GOES, “DON’T IMPRESS ME, CONVINCE ME.” Incredible performances by all involved, smart science fiction that doesn't try too hard to impress and instead ends up being everything it wants to be.
1. Django Unchained
What is there to say that hasn't already said? Tarantino is up there with the best American filmmakers working today. Yes there's his sense of pacing, casting, and writing, but with Django, he has finally proved that he's come into his own. He's so good at control, at bringing together riotous laughter and seething despicableness (most of the time in the same scene!) Every actor brings their very best, with top billing going to Christoph Waltz. With dialogue you could get drunk on, Django and Shultz, Candie and Stephen… the whole friggin' cast is just… wow. And lets not forget that there truly could not have been a better time for a film like this to be released. I think it's extremely vital for this day and age to discuss where we've been and where we're going, and reflect on both how far we've come as a country and how far we still need to go. Best movie of the year, bar none.
Runner ups: Les Misérables, Skyfall, Lawless, Flight, Indie Game: The Movie, Sleepwalk With Me
Films I wanted to see but never got a chance: Beasts of the Southern Wild, Brave, Moonrise Kingdom, 21 Jump Street, Killer Joe, Cloud Atlas, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty,
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