Monday, 14 January 2013

The Movies Of 2012: Hunger Games, Games Of Shadows, They're All Just Games In The End

OK, Part 2 of the fifty 2012 movies begins. Listed below are movies #25-56

#25. The Dictator (Larry Charles)

Or, “Sacha Baron Cohen Plays Wacky Foreign Guy Again”. Though that may come off as a potshot at the man, at least this is funnier than Bruno. Dropping the “mockumentary” angle of Bruno and Borat helps it from feeling like too much of a retread, even if the story progression is too fast for its own good. But hey, it lets Anna Faris play someone who's not an idiot, so that makes it look favourable. 3.5/5

#24. Hugo (Martin Scorsese)

Unlike 50/50, I can get why this is so highly thought of. It pays homage to the origins of cinema, and treats it with the respect it deserves. I can't, however, give the film such high regard, since Hugo himself is unlikeable at times. If the film had been about Isabelle instead, I might have given it a higher rating. But don't take that as a deterrent, as Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen (there he is again!) are wonderfully cast. Worth your time, for sure. 3.5/5

#23. Dark Shadows (Tim Burton)

Coming from slightly overrated, to slightly underrated, I actually do think this film works on its own merits (I haven't seen the show, can't vouch for it) and the solid cast hold it up. What doesn't is the inconsistent tone and the all-too-neatly-wrapped up conclusion revelations. But the good does outweigh the bad, and when you have a soundtrack this kick-arse, that helps. 3.5/5

#22. J. Edgar (Clint Eastwood)

Another well done biopic, but not without problems. Much like I mentioned above with Dark Shadows, the tone is off at times, but in reverse. Instead of being lighthearted when it should be serious, it takes serious scenes and makes them laughable. Not sure what Clint was going for there... but all in all, an interesting account of Hoover's life, and Leonardo DiCaprio is superb. 3.5/5

#21. Frankenweenie (Tim Burton)

The better of the two Burton films, but suffering from one of the same problems (the ending should have undergone another draft at least), but this story seems to be closer to Burton's heart, which is why it looks like it was made with more care. Burton's really good with the stop-motion films, so I hope that when it comes time for the new Addams Family film he's involved with, that stays in stop-motion. 3.5/5

#20. The Hunger Games (Gary Ross)

As good as the book, for better or worse. Some of the supporting characters get shafted in terms of development, but the leads are great, especially Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. The visuals are much more impressive than I expected and the chemistry between Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence is very convincing. I expect good things with Catching Fire, due later this year. 3.5/5

#19. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky)

If coming-of-age dramas were made in a style similar to this, I'd probably watch more of them. The characters are well cast, the music excellent, and with the author of the book at the helm of the film, the themes and feelings remain consistent from the source material. Granted, some of the subplots didn't make the cut (even though they get hinted at in the film) and I was disappointed by the severe lack of Paul Rudd screen time (a real shame considering a film entry on the next post...), but this is a film that is comparable, or even better, than the book itself. 3.5/5

#18. Justice League: Doom (Lauren Montgomery)

The best of the bunch from this year's DCUAO, though that's not saying much, as this year hasn't been a fantastic year for the line. Despite the watering down from the source material, the concept still works, the voice cast is excellent and the changes are (largely) still well thought out. A great effort, all things considered. 4/5

#17. Shame (Steve McQueen)

A depiction of sex addiction, confronting and passionate. Michael Fassbender proves why he'll have a long and prosperous career, as does Carey Mulligan. Not the easiest picture to sit through, nor should it be. But it still needs to be seen. 4/5

#16. Young Adult (Jason Reitman)

If you can see only one Charlize Thereon movie on this whole list, make it this one (yes she's in Prometheus, but that's not a leading role for her). She and Patton Oswalt have a great rapport, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. It's also a huge deconstruction on the “person tries to clean up their life and win over person from their past” schtick. Great work. 4/5

#15. Prometheus (Ridley Scott)

Debate rages on as to whether or not this is actually part of the Alien franchise, and about its quality based on said connection. I think any way you slice it, you have a solid science-fiction film. Yeah some of the supporting characters are dicks (and it was a boneheaded move to age up Guy Pearce when you could have hired someone like Max Von Sydow or Christopher Plummer), but it goes for the horror feel of the first Alien film, while trying to sow the seeds of that universe's genesis. Also, perhaps Noomi Rapace's finest role to date. I just hope other directors see her talent and utilise it. 4/5

#14. Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (Guy Ritchie)

Hey look, another Noomi Rapace movie! OK, she's not the strongest aspect of it, but she does well here. Of course we can't expect her to be what carries the film, that's what Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are here for, with their wonderful comedic timing, separate from each other and together. Throw in a wonderful Moriarty, Stephen Fry as Mycroft, and heart-pounding action, and you have a superior sequel to an already great movie. 4/5

#13. The Cinema Snob Movie (Ryan Mitchelle)

This guy needs a bigger fanbase, then more people would see this dynamite Kevin Smith-styled film. Snappy dialogue, characters who feel real, and a murder mystery! What more do you need? Go the Cinema Snob website and buy it now! 4/5

#12. The Muppets (James Bobin)

Despite not being a huge Muppets fan growing up, I appreciate the old school feel this film radiates. Much like an entry that I'll be getting to, the film works by keeping the same charm of the old and transplanting it into the modern era, acknowledging the change in times. Also, the songs are delightful! And I'm not just saying that because I have Me Party stuck in my head... 4/5

#11. Looper (Rian Johnston)

I really hope Rian gets a higher profile from this, this is his third solid outing as director. A time travel-action-thriller, with a superb cast (except for the kid. Ugh.) Joseph Gordon-Levitt just goes from strength to strength doesn't he? 4/5

#10. The Three Stooges (Peter and Bobby Farrelly)

Much like The Muppets, by keeping the fundamentals of the Stooges on display, while making the setting modern, the film makers have proven the Stooges can still be relevant, and downright hilarious. Hayes, Sasso and Diamantopoulos capture the essences of the Stooges exceptionally well, and this is without a doubt, my favourite comedy of the year (not counting the next few entries, since some are comedy/drama mixes. This is the best straight-out comedy of them all). 4/5

#9. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher)

Loved the book, loved the Swedish version of the film, loved this one. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara are one of the best pairings of leads in a film this year, the settings and atmosphere are grimmer than I ever thought they could be, and the music is great (especially Karen O's cover of Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin. One of THE best covers I have ever heard, for any song ever). 4/5

#8. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (John Madden)

Some of the best of the British come together to make a delightfully entertaining movie, and making the most of its exotic scenery. Yeah, there are some cliches here and there, but the film is warm and inviting, and that's what matters. 4/5

#7. Skyfall (Sam Mendes)

From start to finish, a Bond film surely to join the upper levels of Bonddom. A charismatic villain, greater screen time devoted to the supporting cast, a BRILLIANT theme song (I cannot stress this enough, Skyfall by Adele is simply divine) and arse-kicking action. Bond will be back, and I will be there. 4/5

#6. Super (James Gunn)

Like Kick-Ass, if Kick-Ass was just a touch more realistic. Genuine shocks, a truly contemptible villain, and Ellen Page being awesome (as if she could be anything else). I expected something lighthearted, but this went totally in the opposite direction, and I love it more than I expected to. 4.5/5

Well, in the next post, we look at the bottom five and the top five. Though I imagine there will be few surprises, at least where the top five is concerned...
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