The Top Ten Films of 2012: R.K. Priddy’s Picks.

  

 

By R.K. Priddy

 

Well it’s that time of year again. While I was eagerly anticipating a few movies this year, I was still unsure how good the films would turn out. Thankfully, since I’m at a disadvantage due to my region, I was able to see a lot more independent films this year thanks to the same day releases featured on the IFC channel. So without further adieu here is my list of the top ten films of 2012…

 

Honorable mention:

Lincoln, The Guilt Trip, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

 

 

 

10)Dark Shadows

 

Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter,and a seldom-ever-seen-on-film anymore Michelle Pfeiffer, all acting under the tutelage of my personal favorite director Tim Burton. I don’t really think those that know me would ever doubt this movie would be somewhere on my list. Some may even wonder why it was a mere number 10. Johnny Depp as in all his roles tackled Barnabas Collins with a humorous sense of ease, to such a beloved cult icon.

 

9)Wreck It Ralph

 

Part of why this made my list was a sense of the old gamer nostalgia in me. Yet another reason was the superb vocal performances from both John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman. But the REAL reason why this was one of my favorite films of 2012 was the look of awe on my five year old’s face as he watched this 3D animated romp of fun. Hardcore gamer or not, I challenge any child of the 80’s not to exclaim “Q-bert!!” When you see him on screen.

 

 

8)Silver Lining Playbook

 

As a author, I am incredibly wary when any book is made into a film. Doubly so when it’s a book is as critically acclaimed as Matthew Quick’s debut novel. Triply so when it’s centered around my favorite sport, football. Again, I had to struggle with even watching the move because wasn’t sure of the casting of Bradley Cooper or Jennifer Lawrence for the film. Both performances were authentic and well translated. Unlike most books that translated into movies I didn’t see actors portraying characters in books but rather, saw the characters themselves.

 

 

7) The Avengers

 

It’s hard enough to make a success out of one super hero movie, but to mesh the back story of four successful box office favorites into one summer blockbuster was beyond my wildest expectations. And to leave it in the hands of Whedon made me hold my breath. Because while his television success can not be duplicated, leaving such a huge undertaking to him was risky. Yet some gambles pay off. Literally not only was the movie outstanding, but it became part of that elite Billion dollar club. While Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America were enjoyable films, watching them together in The Avengers was movie making dream come true and fantastic, storytelling magic at it’s finest.

 

 

6) Beasts Of the Southern Wild

 

While I am unsure of the rest of the U.S. States, when this movie came out it was the buzz of the South. Perhaps is was because it was released right around the time Hurraicane Issac was scheduled to hit us and around the time of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. With such storms so fresh on our minds down here, this movie truly hit close to home and revealed some of the southern “magic” that has charmed me since relocating down here. While there are elements of fantasy within the movie. It’s a bit humorous that there are some true and real beliefs that are adhered to in reality down here. Even the nicknames themselves pour out of Southern lore.

 

 

5) Moonrise Kingdom

 

What is it about Wes Anderson that allows you to look at the truly tortured bits of adolescence with such humor and compassion? Maybe it’s because it is easy for me to identify with the mismatched characters of his films. Again, Anderson’s movie displays some surreal cinematography, aided by vintage costuming and set pieces. But the real triumph of the film is that he utilizes the strongest traits of his actors, such as Willis and Norton to make the audience feel for them.

 

 

4) The Master

 

Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie was probably destined to make my list this year. I wondered if he would retire after the career defining, near-perfect film There Will Be Blood. It is almost unimaginable how he could top a film like that. So why even try? And yet, when I first learned the director was back on the scene with this movie, of course I was extremely excited. Once I saw The Master, I realized again like most things in life, it’s not about quantity but quality. While one expects excellence from Phillip Seymour Hoffman, the true stand out performance in this film is Joaquin Phoenix. His portrayal of the tortured Freddie Quell leaves you gasping for breath.

 

 

3) The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

 

Let me admit this by saying… I was prepared to detest this film. The book is an all-time favorite of mine and was written beautifully. All the characters in this novel were types of people I knew growing up. So seeing it as a film, unjustifiably angered me. Even the casting of Emma Watson agitated me. I felt they would try to monopolize on her “Potter” mojo to carry the film. I was more than pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The movie did the book justice. In fact, it made Patrick, portrayed by Ezra Miller, much more likable than in the book. I worried lastly about Emma Watson, biting off a bit more than she could chew when taking on the role of Sam. What it showed me was a remarkable young woman who truly left her wizards robes in her childhood.

2) Django Unchained

 

What can I say… Tarantino is Tarantino. I expect greatness from him every time I take my seat in the movie theater. I began to ponder if my demands on the director would make it impossible for him to meet my standard. I am pleased to announce any let downs will not occur with Django Unchained. Only Tarantino could save an extremely talented actor such as Christoph Waltz, from continuously being tragically typecast as a villain in all his films. Not only does he cast him against type he has featured him in a high profile, affable role that threatens to steal the entire movie from other actors involved. Once more, in a bit of what I call movie karma, Tarantino transformed Waltz from the man you wanted dead most in one film, into the one you rooted the most for to live. Jaime Foxx proved his Oscar winning talent was not a fluke, simply put… this man could act. And like all his villains he gave DiCaprio’s Candie a stomach turning charisma that you hate to admit drew him to you. This would have been #1 on my list except…..

 

 

1) Les Miserables

 

I actually just finished watching this movie today. As a “Les Miz” aficionado, I painstakingly evaluated every person they cast in every role. The most difficult casting to identify with was Hugh Jackman. Seeing the stage production of it so many times and having a image of what Jean Valjean looked like, the casting really threw me for a loop when I saw Jackman. Instead of making the character recognizable Jackman made the character his own. Hooper’s use of tight close up shots of the actors gave you something a play production lacked personal connections with each character. His decision to make the actors sing their dialogue as they shot rather than have them “dub and roll” gave the film so much more depth and realism superseding any other musical film I have ever seen. It would be a absolute crime if Hathaway’s heart breaking performance of Fantine does not give her Oscar Gold. Bring your tissues and expect to be blown away when you see this film. Your favorites aren’t just acting They are singing truly singing giving the the classically trained a run for their money.

Cloud Atlas 2012 Movie Review

 

By Ari Dassa

Cloud Atlas is big, smart entertainment by the directing trio of Andy and Lana Wachowski (Bound, The Matrix, Speed Racer) and German director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run, Perfume, Heaven), based on the popular novel written by author David Mitchell. That’s a solid collection of talent to pique your interest as a film viewer, but if that’s not enough, the story takes place in different centuries, from the late 1800’s to a post-apocalyptic future, and the ensemble cast, led by veteran actor Tom Hanks, play multiple roles in each of the six intercut narratives.

At nearly three hours in length, Cloud Atlas is certainly a lot to digest in one viewing, but the film is as fun as it is ambitious and engaging. A big factor in one’s enjoyment of Cloud Atlas will be in how much genre filmmaking excites you as a film goer. Some people love to dive into genre films and enjoy them based on the terms laid out by the directors, while others are repelled by some of the indulgences and excess found in a lot of those movies.

Cloud Atlas is a massive genre film. In fact, it features just about every genre you can think of at one point or another and is absolutely giddy in the way it wants to play in every genre sandbox. There’s an A-list science-fiction thriller in a chapter set in futuristic Korea complete with Matrix-esque action, while the aforementioned post-apocalyptic storyline features the best of the B-movie world with cannibals, a hallucinatory, foul-mouthed devil (played by Hugo Weaving in one of the many great villain roles) and even its own version of a broken-down English language where characters say dialogue like, “tell me the true-true” and a bunch of other things I quite honestly didn’t really understand.

There’s a dark comedy about Jim Broadbent trying to escape a retirement home (it’s hilarious), there’s a story about an evil medicine doctor on a ship traveling the seas in the 19th Century, there’s a love story about a musician in the 1930’s, there’s a 1970’s mystery with Halle Berry as an investigative reporter who gets herself mixed up with the wrong corporation. Each narrative is tied together by the idea of eternal recurrence, or transmigrating souls, or reincarnated souls, and how actions and choices define who we are as people and the effect it has on the future.

Like other films by these directors, themes are discussed in detail and the message is clear and succinct. There is no subtlety in “Cloud Atlas”. This film is designed as an epic, and the concepts and ideas presented by the story are meant to stir conversation about what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. Even though it’s heavy on plot, the film is never confusing. The greatest strength of Cloud Atlas is how the intercut narrative engages the viewer and holds your interest from beginning to end. It’s emotional and funny, thrilling and sad, violent and beautiful.

People will debate the choice of using actors in multiple roles and using make-up fx to change an actor’s race and gender in certain cases. I did find it a bit distracting to see American and British actors show up as Korean, but I also found it wild and brilliant to see someone like Hugo Weaving show up as a villainous female nurse trying to imprison poor Jim Broadbent. Cloud Atlas is certainly strange, and like the best genre movies, it deals in extremes. If you like guys such as Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino, you’ll probably enjoy this movie a great deal. Like those directors, the Wachowskis and Tykwer have a strong love for cinema tradition and making movies big, bold statements as entertainment. Cloud Atlas is old-fashioned and cutting-edge, it’s contemporary and classical, it’s cinema as the ultimate spectacle.

Cloud Atlas is directed by Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, and Andy Wachowski. The film is based on the novel by David Mitchell. Cloud Atlas stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving and Susan Sarandon. The film is scheduled for release in the United States on October 26, 2012. Running time 164 minutes.

The Avengers Facebook Fan Screening – Los Angeles

 

By Ray Manukay

 

Today I saw Marvel’s The Avengers.

The movie is great and all… and I’ll write more about that later. (As well as, post an enthusiastic review from PassMeThePopcorn.com contributor Lon Harris.)  But this particular post is more about the experience of the screening organized by the Facebook social media department  for The Avengers.

The event was excellently done and I came away extremely impressed.

Obviously, Marvel Studios is investing a lot on The Avengers and it’s clear they are pulling out all the stops. To be honest, I’m still in a daze about having the opportunity to see this film 3 weeks early. While in line, I found myself wondering why even bother for a screening like this. It’s not like this movie needed even more buzz.

The Avengers is the undisputed biggest film of the summer of 2012.

Although, Warner Bros might make a reasonable argument for The Dark Knight Rises for being the biggest film of the summer, it’s really not a strong case. Marvel Studios has built a story arc, which has stretched over five films. Five films of what is essentially exposition for about 8 different characters. The films also established a universe which they all inhabit. Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America, are five films that have all culminated in the creation of this all-out action adventure film.

So why do a screening event like this?

The only thing I can come up with is that they wanted to thank the fans.

It’s a novel concept, especially in this age. But then again, the whole idea of The Avengers is in a way a reward for the fans.  It’s sort of a big Thank You for supporting the five films that came before this one.

But I digress.

First I want to share how I even came to receive passes for this screening. It all started with a Facebook LIKE. A simple LIKE for The Avengers movie page on Facebook.  Then on the morning of April 2nd The Avengers movie fan page released this link. Which announced that Los Angeles would receive a FREE movie screening of The Avengers simply because it was one of four cities to have the most fans of the film on Facebook. The link led to a short sign-up sheet. Which I quickly filled out.

And….that was it.  I had an opportunity for an exclusive screening of the biggest movie of the Summer of 2012…because… I was a fan of the page on Facebook.

This BLEW MY MIND.

In all honesty, I half expected my sign-up form would lead to a spam-filled discounted offer reply to watch The Avengers on May 3rd at some remote location.

Instead…minutes later, I received a clean, clear, confirmation e-mail to view the film 3 WEEKS ahead of the official release date, not only view the film but watch it in IMAX 3D  at the AMC Century City 15.

Fast forward to today. I decided, wisely to show up early to the screening. I anticipated a long line. Which there was. Of course, the line was filled with passionate comic book fans. Which, to be honest,  is socially,  a bit awkward for someone my age…but it was well worth the bit of awkwardness I endured.

While in line, news agencies had arrived to cover the event. They encouraged the crowd to show their enthusiasm.

They gladly obliged.

Also while in line the organizers began to distribute free Marvel hero memorabilia. They passed out costume items such as Thor’s helmet, Captain America’s mask, an Iron Man helmet, Hulk hands and my favorite …the Captain America shield.

Why?

Seemingly… just because. I expected an organized photo op or some kind of staged event to feature the swag. But that never came up.

They apparently gave them out as gifts.

Gifts for coming to a free screening of the most anticipated film of the summer. When the time came to pass out wristbands for the screening, everything went smoothly. Our names were on the master list. The line moved briskly, everything came off surprisingly smoothly. Although, we did notice one late comer who begged to be allowed to come in, but was rightfully turned away. The audience was also previously asked to leave cellphones in our cars. If not they’d be checked in at the door to be picked up later. Obviously, pirating concerns were rightfully on their mind.

Once inside the theater. We were greeted by KROQ’s  Ralph Garman, who kept the surprises coming. Since we were in the theater an hour early, they’d be passing the time with a trivia contest. The reward being even more The Avengers memorabilia such as Hats, T-shirts and buttons.

Why?

Again…just because. It’s at this point that the cynic in me started to become suspicious of the studio’s motives. I mean… they are essentially preaching to the choir here. There’s no way that this movie is going to suck. EVERYONE knows that it’s coming out. There’s not really an incentive to create this kind of good will or a positive buzz for the community.

Again. The idea of gratitude just seemed to be a constant theme in the atmosphere.  Marvel Studios just seemed intent on thanking the fans.  After a fun and entertaining trivia session from a  knowledgeable Ralph Garman  he brought out a special guest.

Director Joss Whedon.

I’ve actually had the chance to interact with Joss Whedon several times. Back when I worked at Laser Blazer he was a loyal customer. From my experience of dealing with him a bit, I could tell he was extremely appreciative for the hearty welcome and he came off as sincerely, grateful for the opportunity to screen the film for a loyal audience. He genuinely seemed humbled by the entire experience.  He also made some witty, sarcastic remarks about looking forward to screening ”The Justice League” for us, which brought about several laughs. Then he gave one last sincere thank you to the audience and  to Marvel Studios for the opportunity to direct the film.  He than gave way to Marvel Chief Kevin Feige who…again… thanked the fans… for our support. (As if a free screening wasn’t enough.) After the short, sincere, speech he said he wanted to introduce even more guests.

Some of the cast.

First Clark Gregg was introduced, followed by Colbie Smulders, than Tom Hiddleston than finally Chris Hemsworth.

Needless to say the audience was whipped into a frenzy by then. Even a cynic like me came away excited and impressed by this experience. The cast gave a quick wave and and shared some shouts of thanks out to us, then some quick bows of appreciation, as they quickly walked away. Which left one last  ”Thank You” to the assembled fans.

The Avengers would now be screened for us, the audience in IMAX 3D.

Which was the best thank you of all.

Favorite Films of 2011 by R.M. King

 By R.M. King

Editor’s Note: Screenwriter and author Rosalyne King shares her favorite films of 2011.

 

 

Disclaimer: Living the in the demographic and market I currently reside in limits my movie going in a way that would make most of my fellow Los Angeles Natives shudder and convulse. So please bear that in mind when you read this particular article. I am still confused on why I was asked to write this. Perhaps comic value because as the owner of Passmethepopcorn.com knows MY best movies usually are vastly different from anyone else out there. However without further adieu….

Honorable Mention: Just Go With It, Pearl Jam Twenty And Hugo

The Ones That Got Away: (Movies I did not get a opportunity to see that would have probably changed my list): Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, The Artist, The Muppets and My Week With Marilyn

 

#10) No Strings Attached – In my universe there was no way Ashton Kutcher would ever be in a top ten movie list I created. However, my universe was seriously shook this year. I’ll go ahead and say it’s because he had a hilarious cast of actors supporting him like Kevin Kline and Mindy Kaling. And the writing in this film was the perfect blend of witty and sarcastic, complete with one liners friends and I repeated for days after . Thinking back  they still crack me up. I’ll even say that one of the reasons why I loved this film was because it also featured the object of my longest standing fan girl crush, a nearly unrecognizable Cary Elwes in the film. However, one wants to justify it. The movie was one of my favorites of 2011. I’m just not ready to credit Ashton Kutcher’s performance for my enjoyment of the film..at least not yet.

#9) Super 8- Why? Because it was the first true sleeper I have seen in decades. While the movie itself was visually exciting. It gave me a sense of nostalgia that I have not felt since I was a child when movies like The Goonies and E.T. captivated me. Also it made me realize something about myself personally after years and years of denial..I AM a JJ Abrams fan.

#8) Hanna– Remember that cute and adorable little girl that you ache for justice in The Lovely Bones? Watch out cause now she’s going to seriously kick your ass. From the moment the movie started it had your attention. Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett are outstanding in the supporting cast. There were moments where  the audience wanted to hold the poor girl and rock her to sleep, telling her that everything was going to be o.k. However, in a blink of the eye, the audience also wanted to run away as fast as they could… out of  fear that she may take one’s ass out.

#7) Crazy, Stupid, Love– Huh you say? Well let me explain my logic. I am not a true fan of ANYONE in this movie. While I find Steve Carell enjoyable to watch I don’t run out to see any of his movies. I have never understood the appeal of Ryan Gosling and let’s be honest how many times can Julianne Moore play the” I’m unhappy so therefore I’m going to be the unfaithful wife” before it gets old? Yet the movie moved me. I saw Carell in a completely different light. Gosling made me believe a Cad could have a heart and Moore’s character was everything but old..To this day the song “Blood” by The Middle East that was featured in this film is on my top playlist . I loved this movie so much I actually requested it as an anniversary present.

 

#6) The Tree Of Life– Terrence Malick is an acquired taste to most. And watching one of his movies is much like watching any David Lynch movie. It requires a certain level of concentration and open mindedness. But in the age of the blockbuster  film I find myself aching for movies like this that makes me concentrate on what’s being conveyed on the screen. This movie hit a certain chord with me. It stayed with me for quite awhile after I watched it, more so I would say than most movies I have watched this year. Pitt’s portrayal in this movie puts Pitt in serious Oscar contention , which again I think is well deserved.

#5) Shame – Any movie that challenged me in the way that this movie did deserves to be on my top ten list. It’s sad to think a NC-17 rated film was not going to get the recognition it deserves. I do feel the rating was appropriate for the content. But the stigma attached to the rating really puts a damper on yet another brilliant performance by Carey Mulligan. Michael Fassbender won the Best Actor award at Venice Film Festival for this film. The movie itself made me uncomfortable but in a completely inspiring way. The film was raw and gutsy. I look forward to what more director Steve McQueen will present in the coming years.

 

#4) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo– Let me say until this week this was number #3 on my list. If you have read my review here on this site your would see how highly I thought of this movie. I won’t rehash just provide you with a link to a review written by yours truly. However, the bigger story is I guess is the movie that knocked it out of it’s #3 spot.

#3) Beginners – Back in the day before Ewan McGregor donned his Obi-Wan robes, he was my Indie darling. The more commercial success he gathered the less appeal he had to me. Which saddened me because for a long time he was up there with Johnny Depp for me. I’m happy to say Beginners has reconnected me with all the things I adored about McGregor. But it was not just McGregor that hooked me in this film. Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of his father, a man who decides to come out and embrace all that he is at the age of 75 was probably one of the most endearing performances I have experienced in years. The obscure locations in Los Angeles that Mike Mills used made me ache for home and the fact that Mélanie Laurent was mute for the first fifteen minutes on screen , yet was still able to create a memorable chemistry with McGregor made this little miracle of a film my #3 pick of the year.

 

#2) MI-4: Ghost Protocol– I had to give this film my #2 spot because let’s be honest, any film starring Tom Cruise has a uphill battle to overcome these days. I personally am a fan of his work so sue me. However I stopped watching MI-3 mid-movie. I was shocked to discover they actually made a MI-4. This film gets my #2 spot because it wasn’t suppose to be nowhere as good as it was. Tom Cruise’s Hunt character looked better than ever. It was great to see the cameo by Ving Rhames and to see Jeremy Renner pull off a role I truly believe he couldn’t do until watching it.

#1) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 2 –  O.K. Seriously, did ANYONE doubt this would be my number one film of the year? Yes it’s 80% emotional. But as I stated in a previous article this film signified the end of a era. We watched these kids grow up before our eyes. At the end of the most series of films we are left with a certain feeling of finality. This film left us wanting more. Yes, after eight films we actually wanted another one! So much so that Rowling herslf said she thought she was finished with the universe she created, until she watched the last installment. Now she’s not so sure anymore. That alone nails the #1 spot for me.