Well, here we are. My favourite five of
the year, and the five least favourite.
For the least favourite, like last
year, I'll do the order from #46-50.
#46. Straw Dogs (Rod Lurie)
So, what did this remake/second
adaptation do differently to the original? Nothing worth noting,
except adding moral ambiguity. Whether or not that works, I'll leave
up to you. Not the worst remake/second adaptation in film history,
but if you want to stick with the original and the original only,
can't say I blame you. 3/5
#47. Melancholia (Lars Von Trier)
After Antichrist, I should have
expected more pretension and dullness. Well, I am a fool for
expecting something better. Yes, the soundtrack is lovely, and some
shots exquisite, but boring characters and slooooooow pacing kill any
interest faster than a planet about to collide with Earth. No big
loss to that Earth, I say. 2.5/5
#48. Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor)
Would I have been as leiniant with this
film if it was straight-to-DVD? Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact
that it's rather disappointing. The first wasn't a classic, but this
makes it seem so by comparison. No one seems to care about what
they're doing, the action is weak, and some shots are pointless (the
scene, which is repeated, of Ghost Rider “pissing flames” for
example). Just reboot, guys. I don't see a third coming now. 2.5/5
#49. Wanderlust (David Wain)
I hate how even with low expectations,
some films can't even meet that. All I expected from Wanderlust was a
decent little film, with a chuckle here and there. What I got was a
bunch of jerkasses and stock villains. Alan Alda may be the sole
saving grace for this movie. If you're going to watch, watch for him.
Everything else can be disposed of. 2/5
http://imsureiwasmakingsomekindofpoint.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/ill-just-keep-wanderin-thank-you.html
But which film, amongst all others, is
the lowest of the low? None other than...
#50. The Five Year Engagement (Nicholas Stoller)
I will reiterate this: I was not
coerced into seeing this movie, I didn't go with anyone who wanted to
go, I saw this of my own volition. And much like the entry above, all
I wanted was a nice film, that maybe challenged a few things we've
seen a lot. Instead, I'm “rewarded” with idiotic characters who
should know better, telegraphed jokes, an ending that doesn't seem
just, considering everything we've seen, and everybody seems to be
ganging up on Jason Segel's character, even when there are more
reprehensible characters.
It's been a long time since I've said
this, but I've found a new contender for the worst movie I've ever
seen. I HATE this movie. Considering all the talent involved, this
should have been better. This should have been smart. Even if it
didn't redefine the genre, it could have given it a solid movie. It
didn't even manage to be cookie-cutter! How does it fail on a level
like this? For a modern movie, it sure as Hell doesn't seem like it.
Avoid. Avoid like the goddamn plague. 0.5/5
Right, now that we've been swimming in
sewage, let's close out with the gems of the year, the golden
standards, counting down from #5-1
#5. The Amazing Spider-Man (Marc Webb)
Show of hands, who expected the reboot
to actually be any good? Keep them raised if you expected it to not
only match but even surpass the Raimi films. This film is another
reason that reboots CAN work, if done properly. Much like Batman
Begins, just because we know the story, doesn't mean the creative
team can't find new ways to make us care. The characters are
well-rounded, the chemistry between Garfield and Stone is completely
adorable, and the action scenes are what I expect from something bearing the Spider-Man name. Bring on The Amazing Spider-Man 2! 4.5/5
#4. The Cabin In The Woods (Drew
Goodard)
The shot in the arm horror films
needed. Don't get me wrong, 2011's Scream 4 is a reinvigoration I
whole-heartedly welcome, but this is on a level comparable to Drag Me
To Hell (especially with the ending. Oh, the ending is glorious in
these films). Joss Whedon's writing shines through, the characters
are among the best written in the genre, and the laughs are most
welcome, especially since you'll get little reprieve with this
beauty. Treasure every minute of it. 4.5/5
#3. The Dark Knight Rises (Christopher
Nolan)
I admit, I expected this to take out
the top spot, even with the competition of The Avengers. Well, upon
second viewing, I admit some things could have been tightened up.
Despite that, and forgetting about popular opinion, I could not ask
for a more fitting end to a terrific trilogy. The emotional stakes
are even higher, the new characters make for welcome additions (I
will say that Bane is the best villain of any film this year) and the
close-combat action keeps you on the edge of your seat. I'm sad to
see this universe go, but I am forever grateful to everyone involved,
for everything they've done. I have never been more proud to call
myself a Batfan. 4.5/5
#2. The Avengers (Joss Whedon)
When Iron Man was defeated by The Dark
Knight, it's almost like that inspired Marvel to just lick their
wounds and strike back, bigger and better. Well, this year, the Caped
Crusader bows to Earth's Mightiest Heroes. A team effort, held
together by action scenes that would make Michael Bay salivate and
Whedon's wonderful writing, that pays off. Much like The Dark Knight
shattered and rebuilt the game back in 2008, so too has Avengers laid
the hammer down (no pun intended) and demanded that the world catch
up. I will say this now: as good as the Justice League movie could be
when it comes out in 2015, I'm already calling it now: Avengers 2 is
the winner. And this movie is proof as to why. DC/Warner, Marvel has
pushed back and is saying “Your move”. 4.5/5
But which film, amongst all others, do
I deem to be the best release of 2012? The answer may surprise you...
#1. Ruby Sparks (Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris)
The amount of reasons as to why I love
this movie... well, that's what my review is for. But one reason I
didn't include reaffirms why this is a work of art. It is the polar
opposite to The Five Year Engagement. Whereas I expected something
good, and got spat on, Ruby Sparks transcended all expectations, from
being a merely good film to being a masterpiece.
The performances, the passion, the
dialogue, all of it combines to make something that seems to capture
the essence of fiction itself.
If this film were a person, and it was
also performing a play, I would be rushing out to buy three bouquets
of roses. It stirred something in my heart and it made me feel alive.
Granted, the same can be said for The
Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises, but I expected them to be as
great as they were. Ruby Sparks embraced me, whispered sweet nothings
in my ear and disappeared into the night, leaving me bewitched,
bothered and bewildered. Films like this don't come along very often.
Cherish them when they do. 4.5/5
Well, there you have it. Another year,
another 50 films. I will be doing this again for 2013, and the film
season has almost started. I hope I've inspired you to seek out a few
of these films, and discover what magic they hold.
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