My Top Ten films of 2012

This year I have actively tried to watch more films due to merciless teasing by 2 men who shall remain nameless (JK and CP...). 

These are my Top Ten films of 2012.

10. John Carter
Didn't do very well at the box office, but I really loved this epic film.  It has some faults but they are tiny.  I thought that Lynne Collins was fantastic as Dejah.  Deserved to get a bigger audience.

9. Frankenweenie
Tim Burton's best film to date. A tribute to the genre, the movie nods to many old horror films from Frankenstein to Godzilla, Gremlins to the Wickerman. A classic.

8. Skyfall
A great addition to the James Bond archive.  Definitely the most beautifully shot of all the Bonds, particularly the Scottish Highlands scenes which were visually stunning.

7. The Hobbit
Martin Freeman was born to play Bilbo.  The book feels very much like a kid's fairytale and I thought that the film was just a bit more grown up.  I didn't like the 48fps, but then I hated 3D when it first appeared and now I appreciate it's place. 
   
6. The Dark Knight Rises
Christian Bale blows my mind.  An amazing actor and a brilliant Batman.  Intense, visual and completely engrossing.

5. Dredd 3D
Sexy graphics, glittering backdrops and theatrical music. Read my review here.

4. Avengers Assemble
Superhero movie with a heart. Balanced, witty and refreshing. We enjoyed it so much we went to see it three times. Also can't forget Jeremy Renner.  Read about the film here.

3. Beasts of the Southern Wild
Alcoholism and child neglect are softened when viewed through the eyes of a young girl. The storytelling is what stands out in this film. And the amazing acting ability of a 5 year old girl, Quvenzhane Wallis.

2. Looper
Intelligent sci-fi with a great twist, this film almost made it to the top.  An original concept, great script and perfect cast.  Joseph Gordon Levitt is one to watch. 

1. Life Of Pi
Wow. This film is what 3D was made for. My favourite book of all time. I am amazed that it managed to make the jump over to film. Glimmering shots of beauty and a real investment by the young actor Suraj Sharma. A story within a story within a story, the film has themes of faith, religion and trust. I spent the last half hour with tears running down my cheeks.

There are a couple of films I have yet to see, which might make the list such as Argo, Moonrise Kingdom and Chronicle. 

Honourable mentions from the kids: Real Steel, The Hunger Games, Snow White & The Huntsman, Hugo and Brave.

What amazing films have I missed in 2012?

Happy New Year!


Karen
http://twitter.com/classygenes

           

Avengers Assemble

Today we went to see Avengers Assemble at the Waterfront Hall. Initially meant to be part of a Movie Superheroes weekend, all the other events were cancelled. Of course Dylan and I had already seen the film and loved it, but we were looking forward to seeing it again on an even bigger screen.

There were a lot of geeks in the room, including many who had dressed for the occasion. Dylan was delighted when both the Hulk and Captain America sat directly behind us. 

We were welcomed with a very polite Good Afternoon message.

Then the screen announced 'Now follows a short film about Scarlett Johansson's butt'. The teenage boys in the room were delighted and the Captain America sitting behind us agreed wholeheartedly.

And what a film!  
Avengers Assemble is something special. It's a film that provides numerous opportunities for laughing, not only at the heroes, but also at ourselves. When Agent Coulson produces his vintage trading cards, we laugh because we recognise ourselves. When Stark announces “That man over there is playing Galaga. Thought we wouldn’t notice, but we did”, we know that reference is to us, playing solitaire in work, or logging into facebook in school.

When Director Josh Whedon kills off Agent Coulson, every geek sees a mirror image of themselves die. We have the trading cards, we think we'd face up to the enemy, we would certainly blow Loki away with a big gun, and yes, we would probably die trying. However Coulson's (our) death gives our heroes something to avenge and so we don't mind at all.

The Waterfront is a great place to watch a big film. Every comic line was met with much laughter, the end credits produced applause and almost everyone stayed for Thanos' appearance after the credits. Everyone left with a smile on their face and Dylan practised his Avengers moves on the Waterfront's walls.

  

Jeremy Renner however has without doubt, the best butt in the film.

Scarlett Johansson, you don't get a look in.

Karen

www.twitter.com/classygenes