Film 2012

Film 2012 

(So far....)

So I watch a lot of films, and here are my top 5 of the year*, yes, in this order. It will probably change as I see films again and as new ones are released (unless everything else released turns out as bad as Wrath of the Titans... If this happens I shall give up on Cinema....) It will also become a top 10, but I've currently only seen 15 films in the cinema this year - and for me, thats pretty bad! I've also seen 4 of these films twice. I have a Cineworld Unlimited card and while their choice of films has become worse recently (less indies) I've also been pretty slack. Hey ho.

*Released in 2012 at the cinema, though possibly seen on DVD/Bluray after missing them....

Shame - Dir: Steve McQueen

Fassbender Wang! Smacking you in the face! Look at it go! This is not a date movie, REPEAT, this is NOT a date movie!  

Seriously, this is a brave, beautiful and harsh film, about sex addiction/compulsion, with an incredible, understated performance by Fassbender (and his wang) as Brandon. Its an emotionally complicated, challenging and icy movie; provocative and stunning and sure to haunt you. 

Oh, and wang. That is all.

The Muppets - Dir: James Bobin

Oh, Muppets how I love thee. Seriously, you'd need a heart of stone not to enjoy this beauty. Muppets are always loveable and this version  throws around lots of wondering knowing nods to the audience, jokes aplenty and a fantastic soundtrack from Bret McKenzie (yes, I sing it in my car often.) Its a great story and it still astounds me that a piece of Green felt can make me feel so sad. No joke, Kermit's 'Pictures in my Head' song just breaks my heart every time. What?? You got a problem with that?? Oh, and Camilla the Chicken singing? Pure. Gold.

The Artist - Dir: Michel Hazanavicius

Oh, I almost feel bad, relegating it to 3rd spot, and once I buy and watch it on Bluray again, it may have to sneak back higher. I already talked about this in my blog (here) and if you haven't seen it already, where were you during the oscar season buzz?! As I said before; "A beautiful, hilarious and touching love letter to a bygone age of silent cinema, that left me with a smile on my face for the rest of the day....It deserves every accolade thrown at it. Come on rest of 2012 films, beat that." Apparently something did....

The Avengers (Avengers Assemble) - Dir: Joss Whedon

After all the recent 'prequel' movies that have built up to this multi-character smackdown, people seemed sure it would be a let down; that there was no way you could work in all these characters effectively. I say balls to that, Whedon can. Not only does he throw them all together, but he mixes in humour, wit, heart, style and fantastic action in with it, elevating it above most Super Hero movies. All the stars deliver perfectly (more Thor please), Black Widow finally gets given some time and character, Ruffalo as Banner is wonderful and The Hulk (right third time) steals some of the best moments in the movie. Yeah, the alien goons are pretty generic, but the final battle set-piece will thrill and astound. Favourite Superhero movie ever? Its battling it out with X2. Whedon proves he can mix it with the big boys. Take that Dark Knight...

The Cabin in the Woods - Drew Goddard

Yep, its a Whedon 1-2 punch here, as the wonder that is Joss is on co-writer duty here. What the bloody hell can I say about this film other than the first rule of Cabin is that you don't talk about Cabin. Just watch it. The trailers you may have seen aren't any kind of spolier, so dont think you know what to expect. What starts as an amazingly entertaining film, with a genius concept, awesome 'teen' ensemble and whip-smart dialogue changes in the 3rd act to something so bloody brilliant that I just cant say. Not to be missed. Yeah its not the 'gamechanger' that the poster quotes may describe it as - its just a DAMN good idea, wonderfully executed. Meta meta! All hail Lord Whedon. Long may he reign. Now every go watch Buffy again.

Other notable mentions include:

Chronicle - An entertaining and interesting take on Super Hero movies and Found Footage films.

The Hunger Games - Solid film; Jennifer Lawrence is great, but its all a bit Battle Royale light.

The Descendants - Clooney is ever-likeable, as are his family but the film is a bit flat with the upper-middle-class-white-guy struggle that Alexander Payne seems to flow to.

Films that I missed and really bloody want to see, and hopefully they'll be good enough to make the list when I finally do;

Damsels in Distress

Young Adult

Michael

Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene

Adieu!