MEOW!
Well, this is about a month late. Let's get right to it. Here are the best films of 2012 in the order of their release dates!
21 Jump Street (March 16th, 2012)--I've got two words for you: exploding. chickens. If you were able to crack at least a smile at those words, then you are in for one of the funniest comedies to be made in quite some time.
Bernie (April 27th, 2012)--What an impressive gem by Richard Linklater, with a truly underappreciated performance by Jack Black, also known as the Dragon Warrior. It's on Netflix instant right now, so if you have that, give it a go.
ParaNorman (August 17th, 2012)--From the clever usage of horror-movie stereotypes as Norman's team, to the WONDERFUL messages of acceptance and tolerance for children of all ages, this film is among the best of the stop-motion animation genre. Hopefully this film finds more of an audience soon.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (September 21st, 2012)--This film has it all and more in spades: bittersweet cinematography, a pitch-perfect ensemble led by Logan Lerman, and an eye-opening direction and script written by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote the 1999 novel of the same title. If you ever come across this film in your life, watch it, and I swear, you will feel infinite. Magic.
Looper (September 28th, 2012)--With a brilliant imagination by Rian Johnson, and two outstanding performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt (his best film to date) and Bruce Willis (YIPPIE KAY YAY!), this is a fantastic film of the sci-fi genre. How this film got snubbed for a Best Original Screenplay nomination is beyond me.
Cloud Atlas (October 26th, 2012)--One of the most underappreciated films of all-time, let alone decade, this is an amazing experiment of ambitious, imaginative filmmaking. You know you love a film so much when you listen to most of the score's compositions on Spotify.
Skyfall (November 9th, 2012)--Coming from someone who has only seen Quantum of Solace out of the 22 Bond films created at the time (crucify me now if you must), I was extremely impressed with Bond #23. Under the excellent direction of Sam Mendes, containing moments that will make you proud to be a moviegoer, Skyfall is a terrific tribute to a 50-year-old film icon.
Rise of the Guardians (November 23rd, 2012)--I will never walk in as a skeptic to a Dreamworks film ever again. This is a roller coaster ride of breathtaking visual imagination, while also being a poignant tribute to the child in all of us. And choose caution: if you are a 90's kid, and/or are able to let the moments of your own childhood flow right into your memory, you could very well tear up during the end credits. Bring a friend so that he/she can hug you. Your welcome.
Silver Linings Playbook (November 23rd, 2012)--Who knew that a film about two people with mental illnesses falling in love with each other can be fresh, wonderful, and genuinely romantic? David O. Russell scores another touchdown by writing and directing an involving (albeit predictable) romantic comedy, with by a fantastic ensemble led by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
And now we cue my love letter to the best film of 2012....
Wreck-It Ralph (November 2nd, 2012)--Even though the rest of the films on this list have given me hope for the future of cinema (no pun intended when it comes to LOOPER), no other film in 2012 had made me happier to be who I am today than Wreck-It Ralph. Exploding with brilliance and creativity in nearly every frame, with an unapologetic heart of happiness and melancholy, I now understand how people felt back in 1939 when they saw The Wizard of Oz for the first time (ironically, there's a reference to that film, and it will blind-side you with its genius). It's as good as The Hunchback of Notre Dame when it comes to being the best thing Disney has ever produced, and it's up there with some of the best (animated) films that I've ever seen. I can't think of anything bad to say about it. It's truly a perfect film.
Honorable Mentions: Chronicle, Jeff, Who Lives at Home, The Hunger Games, The Pirates: Band of Misfits, Moonrise Kingdom, Prometheus, Ted, Hope Springs
Until next time,
MEOW!
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