Ten Fave Films of 2012 (6-4)

I had intentions of writing over the weekend but never got around to it. So, here's a an extended entry that includes numbers 4, 5 and 6 of my fave films of 2012! Without further ado...

6. Looper

My favorite Sci-Fi movie of 2012, Looper delivers a thought provoking journey of a hitman named Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). By contract, he is supposed to kill his future self, Old Joe (Bruce Willis) also known as his "loop" when Old Joe is sent back in time by a man known as the "Rainmaker". Old Joe must be killed by his former self, effectively closing Joe's loop, only Old Joe has something to live for and a few tricks up his sleeve. Set in the year 2044, Director Rian Johnson creates a future where new technology isn't the most reliable, such as a hover bike, and Joe's classic red convertible is a 2000's Mazda Miata. Not quite post-apocalyptic but it's clear that the future isn't a bright utopia. There are some philosophical tidbits to chew on such as, are our futures contained to one linear timeline or are there multiple paths, parallel futures in parallel timelines, that we can take? Are we destined to one outcome no matter what we choose? I loved the payoff to this film, and without totally spoiling it, it left me with a sense of hope.

5. Wreck-It Ralph

It might be my love for video games and the cameos of video game characters in Wreck-It Ralph, or my love of Disney story telling and the creation of a world inside Liwak's Arcade, or all of the above that just resonated with me from beginning to end. From the first time I saw the trailer with Bowser spitting fireballs with the original sound effect, I was hooked. Aside from the 8-bit goodness, the story of Ralph (John C. Reilly) overcoming his label of "the bad guy" and helping a fellow outcast, Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) realize her dream is really a story of second chances, something I'm a huge proponent of. I hope anyone who feels a label has been stuck on them and that label will never go away could maybe find some small inspiration in Ralph. Even though it's a Disney movie made for kids, I think the message is an important one for all people. It's never too late to become the person you want to be.

4. Argo

Argo is a dramatization of the exfiltration of six U.S. embassy workers in Iran who have hidden from Iranian forces that overran the embassy. Ben Affleck tells the story of heroism, innovation and courage in a suspense filled period piece set in 1979. The story sets real world covert ops and the magic world of Hollywood on the same stage and Affleck masterfully orchestrates it. Ex-fil expert CIA agent, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) concocts the brazen plan of staging the production of a major Hollywood sci-fi movie as a cover for the six Americans, who are being hunted by the Iranian military, and himself, who must play the part of the movie crew to get out of Iran. While the real mission is set in the most treacherous of circumstances, the cover is hilarious, old school movie magic. I wish I could repeat Lester Siegel's (Alan Arkin) head-shaking tagline for the mission because it's such a golden line for the movie. (Argo ____ yourself.) As an American, that's exactly what I wanted to say to the acts of terrorism.


Out of time again! I'll attempt to post the top 3 tomorrow!

Ten Fave Films of 2012 (8-7)

In this edition, the two films have a lot in common. Both masterfully utilize stop-motion animation, touch on the horror genre and are child friendly fare. That said, both films tell stories that can connect on any age level. If you been bullied or dealt with the loss of loved one, these films can speak to you.  Before I get back into the list I have to add The Master and Cloud Atlas to the must see list. Here we go!

8. ParaNorman

ParaNorman tells the story of a misunderstood boy named Norman who has a special ability, he can see and speak to the dead. His family pleads with Norman to be "normal" and he is bullied at school and labeled a freak for his seemingly crazy outbursts. In need of companionship, Norman befriends the chubby kid of the school with whom he shares the bond of being outcasts. Just as Norman discovers this glimmer of hope, his uncle (voiced by John Goodman) that can also see and speak to the dead, warns Norman of his responsibility to keep the town safe from the curse of the witch. Seemingly cursed, Norman must use his ability to communicate with the witch who wants to inflict her wrath on the townspeople. That wrath was born from horrific pain the witch had endured as a young girl. Unimaginable suffering was brought upon her by the fearful leadership of the town. Turns out that a bedtime story is what quells the witch's wrath but only temporarily. Norman sees the need for permanent change and that it could only come about by changing the witch's personal story and to show her true empathy. That's the power of story! (Watch till the end of the credits to see a time lapse of the production of the Norman puppet.)

7. Frankenweenie

In this love letter to the horror genre, especially Mary Shelley's book Frankenstein, Tim Burton creates a world where a boy named Victor Frankenstein is able to use science to bring his recently killed dog, Sparky, back to life. Burton's stylized world exists in stop-motion, black and white and pays homage to many of the classic horror stories. If you've ever experienced the loss of a cherished family pet, Victor's loss and drive to bring Sparky back will resonate. While his intentions are noble, the theft of his method and the corruption of other experiments lead to a precarious situation for the town as monsters run rampant. In the end, bravery and nobility are rewarded. The take away for me was that the experiment only worked with the transcendent power of love. On a side note, I had the privilege of seeing the Frankenweenie exhibit at Disney's California Adventure and seeing how much detail and how much work it is to create the characters and sets is a marvel.

Frankenweenie exhibit at DCA.

See you tomorrow for films 6 & 5!

Ten Fave Films of 2012 (10-9)

Sheesh, where did 2012 go? Seems like it was just yesterday that I wrote the proposal post! Well, it's that time of the year again where I present to you my list of favorite films of the year! Before I get to the  "official" list, here are some honorable mentions.

The Secret World of Arrietty: Really difficult to leave this one off the list. The animation, soundtrack and the trademark Miyazaki inspired environment create a world full of whimsy.

Moonrise Kingdom: One of my favorite Anderson films, this eccentric tale of young, discovering love was a joy to watch.

The Cabin in the Woods: More than a slasher, freak-out horror flick, Whedon and Goddard's film is funny and entertains from beginning to end.

Lincoln: Daniel Day-Lewis gives another epic performance as the 16th president of the United States of America.

Brave: I'll always have a soft spot for Pixar and the technical animation here is ridiculous.

Paperman and La Luna were two of the best short films I've ever seen.

Also should mention that I did not get to see Zero Dark Thirty, Silver Linings Playbook, Django Unchained, and Life of Pi at the time of writing this.

Now, on to the list!

10. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Jiro is a documentary of the world renowned sushi chef and his calling to create art in his medium, sushi. It is an inspiring story of a man compelled to follow his dream. His passion is passed down to his sons and I couldn't help but to be influenced by his conviction as well. And I don't even like sushi! It is much more than a film about making sushi. If you have 80 minutes to spare and looking for something compelling to watch, I'd recommend to dream with Jiro.






9. Bernie

In this stranger than fiction tale, Jack Black gives a magnetic performance as Bernie Tiede, an eccentric and beloved member of the community of Carthage, Texas. In fact, he was so loved that even though he confessed to the murder of an 81 year old millionaire, Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), the District Attorney (Matthew McConaughey) had to get the trial moved outside of the city to get an unbiased jury. Director Linklater weaves interviews of the real life people of Carthage with outstanding performances by the lead actors, a technique that showcases the small town charm of the people. (Love the accents!) One of Jack Black's greatest performances, his charisma shines through, not to mention the delight of hearing him sing gospel! Looking for something a little off the wall? Give Bernie a chance!


Check back tomorrow for films 8 and 7!