My Top 10 Movies of 2012!

2012, what a year. Promises were kept, surprises were had, and Hollywood made a crap load of cash. But were not here to talk about 2012, we're here to talk about my personal favorite films of this year, and trust me, there were a lot. Now, I haven't seen everything I wanted to, mainly "Beast of a Southern Wild" and "Hitchcock", at least not at this time, so expect this list to change in the first few months of 2013. Also, quick note, these films are not in order of how much i like them, they're just in a random order, except for number one. Now, without further ado, here are my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2012!!!

#10

 "Argo" is the third, and in my opinion best film directed by Ben Affleck. This showed that not only can he direct amazingly well, but he can also direct something besides Boston crime dramas. It's not just a great comedy about films, it's also a tense thriller that'll have you falling out of your seat your so close to the edge. I can't wait to see what Affleck what will do next.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/argo-nr-27.html

#9

 Not only an innovative plot, great actors, and an aspect of the film's plot never advertised, but also Bruce Willis and JGL in the same movie playing older and younger versions of each other?!?! What more could you want? With time travel that wasn't confusing, impeccable style, and a ballsy ending, "Looper" is a must see when it's released on dvd.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/looperhotel-transylvania-double-review.html

#8

Wes Anderson, while I've only seen two of your films (this one included), I already love you. "Moonrise Kingdom" comes with the same quirkiness and style that made "Fantastic Mr. Fox" so great. It also has great actors like Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, and once again Bruce Willis. Even the kid actors are great, which is rarity in Hollywood, just like crystal empires. Definetly need to see this,  especially if you're a Wes Anderson fan.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/07/moonrise-kingdom-nr-28.html

#7

Ten years later, and Peter Jackson and his team still got it. "The Hobbit" was a delight, a truly epic adventure that I wish was 2 hours longer. It not only adapts the book extremely well, but also starts a trilogy that I'm interested in seeing play out. Also, I'm a huge nerd, so if I didn't have this on my list, I'd be crucified. But, in all seriousness, this is an awesome movie that can be enjoyed by all ages, just make sure to it in 24 frames per second, not that BS 44.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hobbit-unexpected-journey-nr-33.html

#6

Studio Ghibli's last two films weren't that amazing and were made even worse since "Spirited Away" came out before them. This was a return to form. "Arrietty" was a simple, relaxing, fun animated movie that shows you why we love Ghibli. It's very reminiscent of "My Neighbor Totoro" in that it's more about watching the images and experiencing the film that it is about telling a story. Overall, great animated movie that's just as great for the adults than it is for the kids.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/secret-world-of-arrietty-nr-21.html

#5 

"Chronicle" is an interesting beast. It's a film released in February. known as the "dumping" month in film, with the popular gimmick of found footage attached to it. What made it something to watch was its mysterious marketing campaign and the promise of super powers. Thankfully, it was more than just a bunch of teens exploiting powers. It was a fun, realistic, awesome look at how teenagers would use powers if they got them. It was also a super-villain origin story that was engaging. Hopefully you didn't forget about this and I hope you'll see it, cause it's awesome.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/02/chronicle-nr-18.html

#4

A spiritual movie that isn't cheesy? How is this possible? Well, "Life of Pi" is. It's also beautiful, enlightening, exciting, and looks amazing in 3D. This is a movie that made me understand spirituality, and while it may not have made me believe in God, it made me want to have more faith in anything. Nice work Ang Lee.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/11/life-of-pi-nr-31.html  

#3

Once again, a kids movie that doesn't talk down to kids. Now I have seen the movie recently and feel the middle is not as great as the beginning or end, but I can look over that because the start and end are so awesome. A real treat and surprise that I fell in love with and your kids will too.

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/paranorman-nr-32.html

#2

Do I really need to say anything? It's the Avengers, the Avengers, you already know how amazing this movie is. *sigh* If I have to. "The Avengers" is the definition of a great summer blockbuster. It has amazing, jaw-dropping action, endearing and fun characters, a clever and witty script, and it has Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk in the same movie! It also created new favorites Black Widow and Hawkeye. If you haven't seen this movie yet, GO NOW!

Here's a link to my review: http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/avengers-nr-24.html

And Now...

It is Time For....

#1

Hell yes "Cabin in the Woods"! This film is simply astounding. It turned the horror genre on its head, makes fun of it while still delivering on the horror elements you want, and just when you think it can't get any better, the last 30 minutes begin and your mind is either blown or eviscerated, depending on how much of a nerd you are. Personally, my mind is still recovering from the film's sheer awesomeness. If you're not into horror movies, or film in general, then you may not get as much enjoyment out of it. But if are into horror movies and movies in general, then strap in, cause it's gonna get a little mind-explodey over there.

Here's a link to my review:http://newandclassicreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-cabin-in-woods-cr-23.html

And those are my top 10 movies of 2012! Can't wait for 2013, which is already looking like and amazing year. See ya next year folks!

Django Unchained: NR #35

Now I, like most people, love Tarantino. "Pulp Fiction" is a classic and will still be talked about 100 years from now. In the past decade though. he's been slipping. "Kill Bill' was fine, "Death Proof" I felt was meh, and "Inglorious Basterds" was also fine, but not of Tarantino quality. We've been waiting for the return of Tarantino, and this film was looking like just that. Is it though? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT
Two years before the start of the Civil War, Django Freeman is a slave who is rescued by Dr. King Schultz, a German dentist turned bounty hunter. Schultz frees Django to help him find a bounty, but takes him under his wing in order to find his wife, who is also a slave. Django and Schultz begin a revenge path after they find her at Monsieur Candy's plantation.





PROS
Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio really bring it here. Waltz is suburb as Schultz and is the shinning star in every scene he's in. DiCaprio is just as good, with a villain who's not only charismatic but also threatening.

The film has a lot of those Tarantino niches that always make his films great. It's full of snappy dialogue and long, tense scenes that leave you on edge just thinking about them.

Say what you will, but Tarantino knows how to direct action. While not a whole lot of it, when there is action it's impressive and awesome. It's also gleefully gory at points.



CONS
Do you like the N-word? If not, you're going to hate this movie. The word is used almost gleefully, like Tarantino is pointing at you face, laughing that he's the only white guy who can use the word. You could argue that's how people talked back then, but I have two problems with that argument. One, there are other words for black people that I'm sure were used back in the day besides that word. Second, you can't make the historic accuracy point about a movie that's not trying to be historically accurate.

The film feels very uneven, it doesn't know if it wants to be a disturbing realistic portrayal of American slavery, or if it wants to be a fun silly blacksploitation revenge film. This results in scenes that would be great in their respective tones, but feel out of place in this mess of feelings. My sister Evan, who saw the movie with me, made the argument that this is what Tarantino does, but I feel that the tones the film is portraying are too different and make some scenes just feel jarring.


CONCLUSION
Django is a movie I'm torn about. Half of me loves it with its gory violence, witty dialogue, great acting, and other Tarantino staples. The other half feels it's a confused, uncomfortable mess. It could have worked, maybe have been up there with "Pulp Fiction", if it had chosen a tone and stuck to it. Overall, I feel it's a good movie that's dragged down by it's by-polar direction.


RATING
RENTABLE 

Jack Reacher: NR #34

Ah, the Christmas season is upon us. Trees and lights are everywhere, carols can be heard out of every store, and the families are all gathering to spend some quality time together. So this week, I'm going to tell you the best christmas movies to watch...Die Hard, A Christmas Story, and Jingle All the Way. Good, now let's get into the real review. Today's film is one that truly encompasses the meaning if Christmas, it's....

PLOT

Our film begins with a sniper killing five random people. The killer is captured and while on his way to jail is beat into a coma. Before he was knocked out, the killer was asked to name someone to help him try his case. He wrote Jack Reacher, but, who is Reacher? Reacher is an ex-military cop who believes in justice at all costs. After leaving the military, he was wiped off the map, wondering the country fixing the wrongs. Reacher randomly shows up and decides that the killer is innocent, and is now on the case to prove his reasoning.

PROS

Tom Cruise, say what you will, really plays this character well. I saw the movie with someone who had read every single book, and said Cruise played the part extremely well.

The action scenes in the film are shot astoundingly well. It's another case where you can tell what's going on. Another aspect of the action is that it seems realistic, yet exciting. One great example is the car chase, where the cars look like they have actual weight and follow the laws of physics.

Now, this is an action-thriller that truly delivers on the thriller. There were a lot of points where people are just talking, but it feels tense and keeps you engaged since the mystery is so interesting.

Speaking of mysteries, the one here is actually interesting. It's not too complex that you need to re-read the Wikipedia entry, but not too simple that it seems stupid.

The dialogue, especially for Reacher, is very smart and snappy. There were a ton of points where me and many other people in the theater were laughing at just the conversations.


CONS
Honestly, I can't think of one...Oh well!



CONCLUSION
I went into Jack Reacher expecting your run-of-the-mill action flick, a mediocre film at best. What I got was a stylish, funny, thrilling action movie that I had oodles of fun with. If you want and action movie that's fun and smart, look no further than Reacher. Also, it's worth it just to see the Three Stooges comedy routine in the middle of an intense fight scene that actually works.



RATING
RUN TO

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey NR #33

Now, don't kill me, but I've only seen "Fellowship of the Ring"... Well, that wasn't that bad. I was expecting something bad to hap- *glass crashes*. Ah, there's the flaming bag, I was wondering where it was. Anyway, even though I'm not familiar with Tolken or Lord of the Rings, I was still extremely excited for this film. Is it still worth the hype, and does it really need three parts? I don't know...Okay, well I do, but you need to read to find out. Read what? Why my review of...

PLOT
Our story takes place in the land of Middle Earth, 60 years before the events of Frodo and the one ring. This is Bilbo Baggin's story. Bilbo is a simple Hobbit, living a life of peace and serenity. Until one night when 12 dwarves and a wizard invade his home. These uninvited guest are here because Gandolf, the wizard, has chosen Bilbo to be the 14th member of their company as their thief. Now, why do these dwarves need a thief? Well, they are after their stolen treasure and city which has been taken by the fiercest dragon in all the land, Smog. Bilbo is reluctant at first, but is talked into joining their guest for redemption. Bilbo now starts on the greatest adventure.


PROS
This film captures the book's style perfectly. It has a sort of child like wonderment that only Tolken and Peter Jackson can pull off.

The actors are all amazing, including the Dwarves who all seem distinctive. The stand-out, once again, being Andy Circus reprising his role as Golem. This proves, for 5th time in a row, that Andy Circus needs an Oscar. He's one of the greatest unrecognized actors in history and more than deserves and award.

The action set pieces are awesome. They're shot extremely well and choreographed even better. They're very exciting and fun to watch.

The humor, surprising, is genuinely hilarious. I had many moments where I was laughing very hard for a long time. I was afraid the film's comedy would be tired, but it never became that.

A personal pro: The greatest scene I've seen this year is the riddle battle between Golem and Bilbo. That was the one moment I was excited for, and Jackson delivered in spades. It's just so awesome and well done, it's worth the price of admission just for that.



CONS
Now if you haven't heard, this story is going to be turned into 3 parts, this being part 1. The point of putting this into three parts is so that they can connect it to "The Fellowship of the Ring". Because of this, there are some scenes that feel out of place. It doesn't ruin the movie, but it does feel like padding.



CONCLUSION
Just to clear something up, the screening I went to wasn't shown in the increased frames per second that everyone is complaining about, that's why I have yet to mention it. Anyway, this was everything I was hoping for and more. It's funny, action-packed, dark, light-hearted and engaging. The film is almost 3 hours long, yet by the end I was ready for another 2. This is a must see and a great way to begin this trilogy.



RATING
RUN TO

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close CR # 25

This week's movie is one that critics didn't like, most people didn't like, yet it was nominated for Best Picture last year at the Oscars. So is it a good movie, or does it deserve the hate? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT
Oskar is a 9-year old autistic child whose dad was his best friend. Sadly though, his dad dies in the Twin Tower attacks. This mix of his dad's death and 9/11 really tear Oskar and his mom up emotionally. Cut to one year later and Oskar,while looking through his dad's closet, finds a key with the word "Black" on it. Now Oskar in determined to find what lock this key fits into and must face not only his fear of everything, but his also his terrible loss.


PROS
Thomas Horn, who plays Oskar, is simply amazing. While all the other actors do a great job, Horn steals the show, at least he does for a little bit.

Max von Sydow steals the show for the rest of the running time. He should have won the Oscar, since he's the best actor out of a movie full of amazing actors.

The scenes where Oskar is basically describing his Autism are really cool. It makes you feel like Oskar and fear what he fears.

The film deals with the subject of 9/11 in a very mature and subtle way. The movie isn't about 9/11, in fact it's almost like a background theme after the first 30 minutes, but when it is brought it up they don't exploit the event for emotional sympathy, like some other movies (*cough* Remember Me *cough*)



CONS
The movie can get a bit too sappy at points. While it's not too often, it's still there.



CONCLUSION
This was a great movie that I'm still confused as to why it got such bad reviews. While, yes, 9/11 is a major theme of the film, it's not about 9/11, it's about a young boy coming to terms with the death of his dad. You might be wondering, "Well why did he have to die in 9/11?". I asked myself the same question, and then I figured it out. The reason he had to die in 9/11 is because it shows just how much the people of New York are connected and how this one little boy's journey can affect so many different people. I really enjoyed this movie, and think if you can get over the 9/11 aspects, you will too.


RATING
WALK TO
  

Fish Story: CR #24

This movie is one I've been dying to see for over three years now. I first heard about this movie through Spill.com's coverage of "Fantastic Fest" in either 2009 or '10. It was a Japanese movie with an inventive plot and garnered tons of praise from moviegoers. Yet, it was said it would probably never get an official release in America, at least not a big one. So I gave up hope of ever seeing it, but I never forgot the film itself. Cut to a few days ago and I was looking through Neftflix streaming, went I come across that movie. My eyes lit up, I didn't hesitate and started the movie. What was this movie you might ask? This movie is...

PLOT
In the year 2012, a comet is coming to Earth. It's said that this comet will create a massive tsunami that well flood the world, and even if you survive that, you'll die in the Ice Age. So it's basically the end of the world. One man is wondering around his evacuated town and sees that a record store is open. When he asks the owner about why he's open on this day, he says that the comet won't hit. Why? Because an obscure punk Japanese song titled "Fish Story" is going to save the world. We then travel through time and see 4 different stories that are all somehow connected to and through this song.


PROS
All four stories are interesting. While you won't know how they're all connected until the end of the film, you still enjoy the stories. I feel that anyone of the stories could be turned into great short films and can be enjoyed on their own.

The film plays with many different tones and plays with them well. It never feels off or wired, it all makes sense and fits well together.

The way these stories connect is one of the most creative and awesome thing I've ever seen. It so cool how they reveal it that it'll leave your jaw firmly on the floor.


CONS
Mostly nitpicks that seem minuscule when compared to film as a whole.



CONCLUSION
This is a fun, dramatic, funny, action-packed, music filled adventure that I'll probably watch again and again. With such a unique premise, and four engaging stories that I won't dare spoil here, "Fish Story" is a must see for anyone who can read subtitles and has Netflix streaming.


RATING
RUN TO

Killing Them Softly: NR #32

This week's movie is an odd one. It's a crime drama with a message, a simple but effective poster and trailer, and Brad Pitt's name all over it. But none of that matters if the movie sucks. Well does it? Let's find out in my review of...

PLOT

As the 2008 election is decided, and the economy goes deeper into the toilet, three dumb guys decide to rob a mafia card game, and succeed. Jackie, an enforcer, is hired to track down these three guys and kill them.

PROS

Brad Pitt steals the show and every scene he's in. We all know he's a great actor and he doesn't disappoint here.

The film is very stylish, with a lot of memorable scenes, like a slow motion murder at gun point.

CONS

The movie is an hour and 30 minutes long, it feels like over 2 hours and 30 minutes. It so slow and dull that it drags on at too many points. It never knows when to end a scene or what scenes need to be cut. I looked at my watch at one point and was surprised that only 20 minutes had passed.

Not a single character in this film is likable. While I don't have a problem with an unlikable cast, the problem is that the cast is the only thing you can really focus on, so you don't care when people are in danger. Well, at least Pitt is a likable.

The film trys to pull a Tarintino and has characters have pointless but quirky conversations for most of the film. The problem is that none of the conversations are intresting, because you don't like the characters, and the dialouge isn't clever or entertaining.

CONCLUSION

While this isn't an awful film, it's certainly not worth $10 to see on the big screen. If you have to see it, wait untill Redbox or Netflix, where it'll be less than $5.

RATING

REANTABLE