Promised Land and My Top 15 Films of 2012

My View:  Promised Land (2012) Steve Butler (Matt Damon) and Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand) go to a small Pennsylvania farming community to buy natural gas rights. The locals are receptive to the possibilities of a financial payout until a grassroots environmentalist (John Krasinski) arrives in town and begins to inform the townspeople about the big gas company and their controversial use of fracking, a procedure that may endanger their way of life. Gus Van Sant, the film's Director, does an admirable job of making us care not only for the farmers and their families but also for these two salespeople who see what they do as not evil, but an opportunity for the town to survive in such a tough economy. Matt Damon is perfect in the role of Steve, a sort of likable every-man, who saw his own small farming town die when a tractor factory left the community. Krasinski (who co-wrote the script with Damon) is enjoyable as the rival to Damon and whose character not only tries to stop Damon from drilling for gas, but also vies for the affection of a local school teacher (Rosemarie DeWitt). I didn't like the ending of the film, it took the easy way out, and came way too quickly for my tastes.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Promised Land Website

My Top 15 (16 actually) films of the year (in no particular order):

1).  Argo  (2012)   Ben Affleck keeps getting better as a director, and he gives this film a sensational pace that builds toward an extraordinary ending. What I really liked about this film is that it isn’t all drama based; there are some very funny moments in this film, most of the time, supplied by Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who play two Hollywood filmmakers who help Affleck’s character set up the fake movie, including providing a script and publicity. This is a film that, at its conclusion, you just might feel the urge to clap.   Argo Info

2).  Skyfall  (2012)  It’s a film that is more about characters than gadgets, and James is questioning whether he can continue to be 007, both physically and mentally.  Daniel Craig gives us a much more layered performance than in past Bond films, and Javier Bardem is amazing as the complex , former spy who is now out to destroy MI6. I loved this film, with one of the best Bond villains ever, and even if you aren’t a James Bond fan, you will like it.   Skyfall Info

3).  The Avengers  (2012)  Writer/Director Joss Whedon has done an astounding job creating one of the best action adventure films in the past ten years. The film is not only full of phenomenal action sequences, but it also has a surprising amount of humor, and audiences may have to see the film twice to catch all of the funny deliveries. Downey is the main force behind the storyline, but all the superheroes get their moment in the sun, with the Black Widow and The Hulk characters particularly standing out.  I especially enjoyed The Hulk, who smashes everything in sight, in the final battle sequences.   The Avengers Info

4).  Searching for Sugar Man  (2012)  This is one of the best documentaries I have seen in the past year. It perfectly uses Rodriguez’s music to highlight the story with interesting interviews and an intriguing use of animation to recreate scenes in the past that builds an interesting story and makes this a film to be enjoyed. This is a great film that celebrates a long lost musician who was never appreciated in America but became an important musical figure for so many people he never knew.   Searching for Sugar Man Info

5).  Silver Linings Playbook  (2012)  Jennifer Lawrence brings both an energy and a vulnerability to the screen, driving the story along, and sometimes at break neck speed. The film has an outstanding cast with Julia Stiles, Robert DeNiro, Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker shows a wonderful comic touch as Pat’s friend from the institution.    Silver Linings Playbook Info

6).  Beasts of the Southern Wild  (2012)  It’s a magical film set partly in reality and partly in fantasy, and you never quite know if what you are seeing is real or not. Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy is stunning in this film and gives such a strong and multilayered performance that some adult actors wouldn’t be able to do.  After seeing this film, you will feel richer for having experienced it.   Beasts of the Southern Wild Info

7).  Sleepwalk With Me  (2012)  This is a funny, smart film based on writer/director/lead actor Mike Birbiglia’s own life.  Birbiglia shows how hard it is to break into the stand-up comic business, and once you get into the business, how hard the life is.  He does it with humor, and his dialogue is just so dead on, and captures a sort of sad sack type of humor.  Ambrose is excellent as the girlfriend who supports Matt at first but soon learns that their relationship will be tested by his profession, especially after he starts using his real life experiences for material.   Sleepwalk with Me Info

8).  Bernie  (2012)  Writer/Director Richard Linklater (Slacker, The School of Rock) does a masterful job of capturing the life of a small Texas town, especially showcasing all of the townspeople who are willing, at the drop of a hat, to give their opinion. Jack Black is fun to watch as the very effeminate, but earnest Bernie, and Matthew McConaughey, in one of his best performances in recent years, shines as the tough as nails, baseball bat wielding district attorney. This is one of those films that hits just the right notes and makes it fun to go to the movies.   Bernie Info

9).  The Hunger Games  (2012)  Fans of the book were very happy as the film follows most of the book plot with almost no exceptions. Jennifer Lawrence is perfect as the rebellious Katniss, a fierce hunter who isn't afraid to stand up for herself.  The rest of the cast is sound with outstanding work from Josh Hutcherson who plays Katniss's Hunger Games partner, Peeta, and surprisingly, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, the designer of Katness's look at the games (think Project Runway on steroids).  This film doesn't disappoint, and it’s fans will be counting down until the sequel.   The Hunger Games Info

10).  The Imposter  (2012)  A documentary about a boy who went missing from a Texas town that shows up in France three years later.  This film does a phenomenal job of not giving away too much, too soon.  It’s a fascinating tale that has more twists and turns than most mystery books.   The Imposter Info

11).  Moonrise Kingdom  (2012)  Writer/Director Wes Anderson (Rushmore, Fantastic Mr. Fox) has created another one of his magical worlds where normal is the exception, not the rule. This film has an all-star cast and makes the most of it with Edward Norton as the uptight Scout Master, Bruce Willis as the mild-mannered police chief, Captain Sharp, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand as Suzy’s parents, who are more interested in their law briefs than their child. This is a funny, quirky film that celebrates love and the adventuresome sprit of childhood.   Moonrise Kingdom Info

12).  The Cabin in the Woods  (2012)  The best way I can describe this film is it's like nothing you have seen before - a horror movie with a ton of comedy in it.  As groundbreaking a TV show that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was (Director Drew Goddard and Producer Joss Whedon, were the forces behind that show) this is a cutting-edge and innovative film.  It’s one of the  best films I have seen this year and has a highly inventive plot about which I can’t go into too much detail so I don't give away surprises.  And, there are many surprises in it!  This is one of those films where, after I saw it, I wanted to immediately buy another ticket and see it again.   The Cabin in the Woods Info

13A).  Pitch Perfect  (2012)  Anna Kendrick is exceptional in this film. It’s fun, great music and the quality of the humor In this film is superior to any of the other comedies that have come out this year. Pitch Perfect Info 

13B. The Perks of Being a Wall Flower (2012) I absolutely loved this film and how it shows how strange, off-beat people can find and support each other, even in the scary world of high school. This is an enjoyable film that has terrific dialogue and some excellent performances, especially Logan Lerman, who gives heart to the role of Charlie. This is one of those films that young people will watch over and over again because it so realistically and lovingly shows what it’s like to be a teenager in high school.   The Perks of Being a Wall Flower Info

14).  Life of Pi  (2012)  This is a film that you need to see in theatres because its beauty almost spills off the screen. Suraj Sharma plays Pi, and he gives a multilayer performance. The Tiger is mostly animated, but it's so well done that you never question its authenticity. This is deeply spiritual film and shows a young man embracing his religious beliefs to make it through this disaster. And, after seeing this film, you will want to talk about it.   Life of Pi Info

15).  The Sessions   (2012)  This is one of the better films of the year with awe-inspiring performances by John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, with Hawkes giving his performance with just his voice and his eyes. The film is based on a true story and is about 80 percent accurate, with the poems in the film written by the real Mark O’Brien. I am warning you that there is lots of nudity, and you do see the sex acts between Hawkes and Hunt, but they are tastefully done, with the scenes between the two characters filled with humor and warmth.   The Sessions Info

Honorable Mention:  The Dark Knight Rises, Seven Psychopaths, Lincoln, Jiro Who Dreams of Sushi, A Royal Affair, Magic Mike, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Detention, Searching for Sonny, For a Good Time,Call, Haywire, John Carter.

Please note that as of the publish date I have not seen the following which are showing up on a number of critics lists:  Holy Motors, Zero Dark Thirty, Rust and Bone, Amour.

                                                               Until Next Time!

Silver Linings Playbook

My Review:  Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Pat (Bradley Cooper) has lost just about everything – his wife, his job and his house. After spending eight months at a court mandated mental institution, he returns to his childhood home to get his life back on track and lives in the attic, a small cramped space above his parents’ (Robert DeNiro and Jacki Weaver) room. At a dinner party thrown by his best friend Ronnie (John Ortiz) and his wife Victoria (Julia Stiles), he meets Victoria’s sister, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a widow. At the dinner table the two discover they have something in common – they are both struggling with mental problems. And so begins an unlikely friendship. This is a funny, moving film that deals with a problem that many people and many characters in this film struggle to understand – mental illness. Director David O. Russell does a masterful job of keeping the right touch of laughter combined with the scary reality offamily and friends dealing with a person who isn’t always stable. This film drags a little until Tiffany’s appearance at a dinner party, where she and Pat argue about what drugs they have both taken to treat their illnesses. Lawrence brings both an energy and a vulnerability to the screen, driving the story along, and sometimes at break neck speed. The film has an incredible cast with Julia Stiles, Robert DeNiro, Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker shows a wonderful comic touch as Pat’s friend from the institution. This film is worth your time and money, especially for Jennifer Lawrence’s performance, a sure Oscar nominating role.    My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again   Silver Linings Playbook Website

My View:  Life of Pi (2012) A young man survives a shipwreck only to be lost at sea on a large lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger. Now he must survive using his wits and the teachings of his father. This is a film that you need to see in theatres because its beauty almost spills off the screen. Suraj Sharma plays Pi, and he gives a multilayer performance. The Tiger is mostly animated, but it's so well done that you never question its authenticity. This is deeply spiritual film and shows a young man embracing his religious beliefs to make it through this disaster. And, after seeing this film, you will want to talk about it.   My Rating: Full Price    Life of Pi Website

My View: Red Dawn (2012) When Washington state is invaded by North Koreans, a group of teenagers, led by a marine (Chris Hemsworth) who is home off leave, take matters into their own hands and start fighting back using tactics from the more famous insurgent groups of the past. This film lets the viewers down on almost every aspect including its horrible direction with action sequences done with camera work so shaky that, at times, you have no idea what is happening. Chris Hemsworth gives almost no emotional range in this film with his very wooden performance. The original film was fun and full of life, but this film is dull and boring.    My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again.    Red Dawn Website

Family Faire: Rise of the Guardians (2012) When the evil spirit, Pitch (voiced by Jude Law), attacks Earth, the Immortal Guardians fight to protect the children. In this wonderfully animated film, the Guardians are made up of Santa Claus (voiced by Alec Baldwin), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), Sandman (who doesn't talk), and The Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman). Jack Frost (Chris Pine) has been asked to join the group, and he may be key to defeating Pitch and his plan to conquer the world. I really liked this film with its animation and use of 3-D to great effect. It's a funny, fun film to watch with a new take on all of our childhood heroes. I especially enjoyed Alec Baldwin as a tattooed, sword wielding Santa Claus and Jude Law as the delightfully evil Pitch.    My Rating: Full Price    

Indiefest:  Anna Karenina (2012) In 19th century Russia, Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) is a married woman with a small boy and is living a content life with her aristocratic husband. Then she meets Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) with whom she proceeds to have an affair, and it’s a relationship that will change her life and the lives of everyone around her. This is a beautiful film that is worth seeing for the interesting staging that the director, Joe Wright, uses - characters interacting with each other on a theatre stage. As the cast move from scene to scene, the stage transforms behind them in an almost magical ways, becoming a ballroom one moment and a train station in another. Keira Knightley does a touching job as Anna, but it's Aaron Taylor-Johnson who steals the film as the brash Count Vronsky.    My Rating: Full Price    Anna Karenina Website

Forgotten Film: Baby Boom (1987) J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) is a high powered businesswoman so dedicated to her job that she is known as the “tiger lady."  She is happy in her career making big deals in New York City and living with her boyfriend when her world is changed.  A relative dies, and J.C. is given their baby. She, at first, tries to handle the job and the baby, but. after losing a big promotion, she decides to shake things up and move to a small town in Vermont. There she finds that the country life she has always envisioned doesn’t quite meet up to her expectations. Keaton gives a funny and smart performance and has great chemistry with her love interest in the film, the local vet, played by Sam Shepard. The film is full of rich, wonderful characters which make it one you will want to see over and over again.    My Rating: Full Price    Baby Boom Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Rise of the Guardians: Ethnic Percussion

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: This is 40 (2012) Judd Apalow’s sequel, sort of, to Knocked Up, with Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel, and Melissa McCarthy. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl are not in this film, which is probably a good thing.   This is 40 Info

Until Next Time!