#1 of 2012

 

Okay, if you know me than its not even a slight surprise that my favorite flick of 2012 was hands down without question AVENGERS (hell I saw the thing 5 times in theater, 4 times in the first week). And its cliche to have the comic nerd say that his favorite film of the year is the biggest comic book film to date. The flick made 1.5 billion dollars world wide. That is a major accomplishment. Is it cliche and expected? Yes. But it doesn't take away or explain the reason why. The fact that it is the biggest comic book film of all time does not state why it is, and what makes it such an incredible flick. 

      Take a look at the history of comic book flicks on the big screen we went from the70's, 80's, and 90's Superman and Batman flicks to a modern age of comic book films. We went from super rare, to every year. Ever since Marvel's X-Men came out in 2000 the structure of comic book genre films has exploded. Movies are being adapted from comic series and graphic novels all the time. From the trilogy of Spider-Man, Dark Knight and Batman to the indie favorites Scott Pilgrim, Kick-Ass, 300 and to the unknowns like Red, Constatine, and Road to Predition. Every market has favorite, but when it comes to the superhero centric ones, Avengers did it completely right and than some. 

       It took a build up five movies, in the course of four years to get to the epic story of Avengers. Starting in 2008 with Jon Favearu's Iron Man, and one classic scene that sparked the Avengers Initiative, and helped make that flick a reality. I remember sitting in the auditorium after Iron Man and watching that scene for the first time and being so excited that I nearly passed out. In reality the idea of Avengers flick just seemed unreal and almost impossible. But the years went by, and we got Iron Man, Captain America and Thor and it quickly became a reality. So much, that it's still continuing with Marvel's Phase Two (Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America 2, Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers 2) and Phase Three (Ant-Man and Dr.Strange). So this has been an amazing joy ride to see.  

  The build up is what made this flick. Getting a crew of great directors to make the characters and establish their persona's made it viable that Joss Wheddon (Sci-Fi/Comic Deity could get these people together and make a film unlike anything done before. Sure, we've had team flicks; X-Men, Fantastic Four, but they don't have that energy or synergy that just propelled the Avengers. The script and story was very well done, there was a fear of unbalance; in favor of Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man, but it did not end up that way. It was definitely a story of a team that had to face personal challenges and vendettas in order to work together. There was always a worry getting that many people on one screen, and making it work. And it just does. 

   Now I'll admit, that not this was Academy Award winning acting (Scarlett Johanson - sexy but lacking, and Cobie Smulders - she went from small screen to super hero gold mine) but the veterans RDJ, Sam Jackson, and Chris Evans definitely had passion and flare when portraying their respective characters (as they do in their respected characters flicks - super psyched for IM3 and Captain America 2 - duh!) But they work together so well, and you can tell that they had fun being those color cladded tight wearing super hero bad asses. And with the lesser known Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Clark Gregg (Culson) you have a genuinely strong cast that just rounded out an overall fun watching experience. 

    And it when it came to the visual aspects of the film, I wouldn't say that they were forever memorable, they of course constituted a lot of green screen and CGI, which is hard not to in a film of this scale. But it looked good and worked. The cgi Chutari, the SHIELD helicarrier, and giant flying dragon thing; just looked really good on the big screen. Now I'm not saying that it was the best, but it did it's job. And it did not affect the watching experience like some flicks can tend to do.

   So, just some final words. It was just an overall amazing experience watching this film (yes, even all five times). I honestly wished I could of have watched it even more times in theater, but going bankrupt because of a movie seems like a bad idea, but I do now have the privilege of getting to sit on my couch and watch this iconic flick. In fact, when I get to sit down and watch a movie...I'm popping this one in!  

TOP 10 of 2012

#2

If Tarantino is one of my favorite film makers, well, Wes Anderson is right there with him. Why? His collection of films are among some of the best that have come to the big screen also in the last 20 or so years. Rushmore, Royal Tenebaums, Darjeeling Limited are all classic and great stories. Anderson is a genius writer, and it's only fueled by his ability to collect cast of actors together that work well and craft their respected characters into entertaining people. When it comes to my all time favorite films, Wes Anderson is always the director that fits into my list. My favorite is Darjeeling Limited, unlike most of his fans (who would usually say Royal Tenebaums) because he crafts such simple ideas like a sibling rivalry into a dynamic and adventurous story that actually opens up the emotion and strive to be better people, while not really changing. Because a lot of time, that's what tends happen. He adds touches of realism and true character emotions, and explores peoples thoughts that most films do not. Now, he's not the only one who does this but he definitely does it in a way that doesn't sugar coat or undermine peoples thoughts and feelings. And with Moonrise Kingdom, he explores the idea that kids are simple minded nitwits and adults like to pretend that they are. A beautifully made film explores the innocence of kids, and how they grow up and teach adults a thing or two about being the better people. It's a touching story, performed by new faces Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward in a loving coming of age and emotional story of growth, not just for themselves but their impact on their family and friends. It's an extremely well written flick, that got a nomination for best original screenplay from the Academy, which probably won't win in favor of AMOUR or ZERO DARK THIRTY, which is kind of disappointing, that this very beautifully made film is being over shadowed by the staple dramatic war flick and foreign story. Though I have no disrespect for whoever usually wins awards (with the exception of TITANIC <-- and="" are="" aren="" away="" br="" but="" doens="" elegance="" film="" flick.="" form="" from="" given="" honor.="" it="" just="" makers="" of="" oh="" overrated="" respect="" s="" smallest="" some="" t="" take="" that="" the="" there="" this="" well="" who="">

TOP 10 of 2012

#3

How can I make a top 10, and NOT include Quentin Tarantino's newest film? Simple, I don't. Now I can saw I am biast and just love his flicks, which is true. He has yet to disappoint, and it's not like I'm the only one who thinks so. He's rarely ignore when it comes to award season or critical review. Why? He's just a phenomenal film maker. Clearly his newest film has gotten a surge of controversy (when does he not) because he tackles a film and subject matter that is 150 years old, but still is felt in this day and age. And if you're someone like Spike Lee, you apparently are offended by him tackling the slave issue and putting your own perspective on it. I don't understand why the disrespect towards the film, he's not downplaying what happened or sugar coating it, he's simply taking a dark moment in our history and added some MORE blood and violence too it, in fact he's the black man more power than they really had than. Is that the problem? Who really knows. What I know from watching this film is that he needs to keep making film, and that Christoph Waltz should be in them from here on out. Waltz has become a fan and critic favorite ever since his American debut in Tarantino's anti-Nazi flick Inglorious Bastards, and although he played the Nazi Jew-Hunter, people loved his character because he's just such an amazing actor. And he always plays the villain or unlikeable guy, but he does such an amazing job at it that you still love him. This is the time where he plays the nice guy (kind of) that just wants to help his friend (who he technically bought as a business venture, but than frees and teaches/helps). So really, he's also a good guy in this one. Of course, he's partnered next to Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, who does an impeccable job as title character Django. The freed slave who helps Waltz's character Dr.Schultz hunt down slave owners, murders, and business men for their own profit as well as tracking down Django's missing wife. It's western meets buddy flick meets black exploitation all rolled into one. And what better film maker than Tarantino to do that. He knows what he's doing, he always does. He crafts amazing scripts and caps it with great casts and excellent film style, that makes his movies some of the best of the last couple decades. He's a cult icon, and a Hollywood genius. I continue to look forward to what he has in store for future films and will continue to enjoy his crafted masterpieces.

TOP 10 of 2012

#4

Rian Johnson is growing on me as a director. Brick a suspenseful film, that is as witty and intriguing as it creative. And though I've only recently watched his second flick Brothers Bloom, I must say after some thoughts I enjoyed the core of the film and its concept. But as much as I enjoyed those two, they do not compare to the dynamics that the film Looper turned out to be. Going in, I did not expect an excellent film, I expected something to entertain me and make me be okay with spending my time and money on it. I got that and more. When it comes to this film, the first thing to mention is the incredible acting job of Joseph Gordon Levitt. This guy is the IT GUY right now. Ever since Inception and now this, with Dark Knight Rises he has become a big time heartthrob and every hip girls fantasy. And not that I ever notched his acting ability, he is brilliant in all he does (hey man, Angels in the Outfield - kid classic!) But brilliant as in the last few years, and this nothing short of his best work. He plays young Bruce Willis, and generally when an actor is casted into a younger role of another actor, they can be good stand ins or complete failures, JGL is neither, he is amazing. He brings out Bruce Willis almost good as Bruce himself. His physical features are advanced by cosmetics, but his physical ticks, his voice, and emotions are Bruce Willis. He does such an incredible job drawing from his counter part that you forget which is which (not really, but it's kind of like that). But besides his incredible work, he definitely flows well with the original Willis. I'll admit, not a huge fan of Yippie-Kie-Yay guy, but this year I've been impressed (you'll see more of why in my #2 film). And once again, the lovely Emily Blunt shows up as JGL love interest, and she even makes farm living hot. She's a beauty, and a great actress; masks her British accent very well, and portrays the hard working, loving mother very well. The story, it's hard to classify as just a sci-fi action flick, especially with the elements of Western duels, Noiresque lore, and a hint of gangster film it's a film of utter passion and mystery. The acting is only topped by the amazing story and visual settings from across the modern and future globe. Though, with the exception of the time travel and telekinetic powers you almost forget its science fiction. It's a bounty hunter meets executioner, and it's a film that can entertain. And I'll admit, I'm excited to rewatch this one too!!

TOP 10 of 2012

#5

Now, I'll admit a couple things first. Until earlier last year I had never sat through a whole Alien film. Heck, I've only just recently got into Ridley Scott in the last few years (sad, but true). Not that I had no interest in never seeing any of his work, or any despise towards him; he was just one of those film makers that fell to the waste side when it came to my movie viewings. But since forth, (thanks to my girlfriend for showing me the series) I have moved on and have now seen not only his original horror/sci-fi classic Alien, but the 3 films that soon followed suit (and no, I do not include those messy looking films Alien Vs Predator). So, after seeing the Prometheus trailer for the first time, I got excited for what was to come and I had a new appreciation for that forthcoming film. Fast track to the midnight release, having way to much to drink I sat in the theater and watched this film - and the result was that I thought it was a bigger mess than I was. Oops! So I blasted the film a little while after viewing, and felt the need to post. Well, that was extremely premature. A week or 2 later, I found some time to rewatch it with clear head and eyes, and this time I was blown away. I realized I completely missed the entire film in my drunken view and that I even thought I could comprehend this film in a drunken state was beyond me. So, skip that first viewing and focus on the real time. A plot of pure intellect and stellar beauty. Any of my friends know that I'm a strong opponent of creationism, but to take that concept that twist it the way Scott did, was phenomenal. Without giving away to much of the plot and story, it was an extremely developed and told story. The cast was electric; Noomi Rapace, miss original Dragon Tattoo herself was definitely someone to give Ripley a run for her money. My total man crush Michael Fassbender, continues to amaze in everything he does (Shame, First Class, Hunger). He's just a classic act when it comes to the big screen; and as I write this, it's only the day before the Oscar nominees are announced and I know he will once again be overlooked, not sure why when everyone loves him. His portrayal of android David, is on the same caliber as Ledger's Joker. And with support from the awesome Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce, its just an awesome cast. And, only lastly you can't talk Ridley Scott without mentioning his visuals. He's a visual intellect, he just amazes with the simplistic and beauty of his films. The design exterior and interior of the ship, to the structure of the caverns and planets; it's hard not to get swept into this film. But I can they about every element of this film, and as I write this review I'm starting to remember and appreciate this film more and more. In fact, I think I will jump into this film as soon as I get a free moment!

TOP 10 OF 2012

#6

When people ask me, what I consider my favorite genre of film, I tend to say I don't have a favorite and that I like so many various films that it's hard to pick one genre; but if it absolutely had to come down to one it would be comedy. Why? The simple fact, it's where film is hit dead center. The point to movies are to entertain and move us, and when it comes to me the simplistic ideals of film can be formed into a comedy. Simply and to the point; they can be intelligent, dumb, or down right raunchy. And there is nothing wrong with them, I can honestly watch any form of comedy because when it comes down to it, comedy is the heart of the film industry. Most talented actors are appreciated because they can make us cry and laugh, and in comedies they can do both. There are some bad comedies, and there are good comedies. Five-Year Engagement is a good one. In fact, it was the best comedy of 2012 and one of my most favorites in a long time. Jason Segel is such a comedic artist (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, How I Met Your Mother), he's one the most talented comedic actors out there, and pretty much anything he's involved in is extremely good. It doesn't hurt that he's also a poster child of this films producer Judd Apathow (the god of comedies these days) and that I will pretty much see anything this guy is in. I have yet to be deterred from any of his work, even his sleeper indy Jeff Who Live at Home, was enjoyable for a one time view. And of course the loveable Emily Blunt is no different, I fell in love with her from the get go in The Devil Wears Prada, and I look forward to seeing her in any more hence forth, so a fun comedy with her in it makes it that much better. She's a great actress, and luckily she gets roles (even if her flicks are not great films themselves.) But overall, this movie is just a fun, intelligent, classic comedy that deals with something any adult or individual will probably go through in their own life, and shows the hardship of any relationship. It's very touching, poetic, and incredibly well done. A very entertaining supporting cast, and directed well this is definitely a comedy to watch over and over again.

TOP 10 OF 2012

#7

A reboot, only 5 years after the third film is released? Some people say that it's "retarded" "unneeded" "too soon", and I'll admit, I was on the bandwagon. I honestly felt a reboot was too soon, but than I had a conversation with my friend MB; and they way he saw it made sense to me, and that it's a comic book film. When you adapt a comic book film, the possibilities, outcome, and diversity of a character or story is the whole point to comics. As an avid comic collector one my biggest conflicts is collecting all the series of a singular character; at one point there were Amazing, Peter Parker, Spectacular, Sensational, Web Of, Tales and  Ultimate series of a singular character, Spider-Man. And it was rare that they followed the same story. So if you look at that concept, having a different movie franchise so soon, makes sense. (You's a smart man MB). And when you release a film, that was a much more brilliant and well done film that its predecessors; than you definitely succeed overall. Yes, as a huge Spider-Man fan (comics and films) I will whole heartily say, that Amazing Spider-Man is my honest to all favorite Spider-Man flick. I loved the original trilogy (okay, loved the first 2 and enjoyed parts of the third). But when it comes to the core and concept of a Spidey story I felt that ASM did more and for that character. It had the same elements, Great Power-Great responsibility, the inner battle, the love story, the villian and the deaths that challenged characters. But it had the things that the first series missed; more comedic banter, the true loneliness and self doubt, and intelligence of Peter Parker aka WEB SHOOTERS. Things that made Spider-Man what he was in the comics. Tobey Macguire did some justice to Spider-Man, but Andrew Garfield won it as both Spidey and Peter Parker. Already a proven great actor (Social Network & Never Let Me Go), I had no doubt when he was casted, and I gleamed at the idea of Emma Stone as Gwen Stacey (even though we all know her fate in Spidey lore). I was a little intrusive with Rhys Infer as Doctor Connors/Lizard, but he proved his stature, it was just the character of Curt Connors that lost some luster for me. It wasn't an internal battle that I hoped for, but he played the part well overall. And the movie got beef for the CGI Lizard and his actual look, but a homage to the original Steve Ditko work, was a nice added touch. The rest of the added cast worked well, even thoguh Sally Field's Aunt May wasn't as prominent as that character should be, but it's only the first film. And yes, I'm excited for Amazing Spider-Man 2; even Jamie Foxx as Electro. Rewatching this film reminds me why Spider-Man is in fact my favorite hero, and why I will count the days until 2014 for part two. I can't get enough Spider-Man, and this movie definitely does it for me time after time.