The Best Movies of 2012: #80 – #61
Alright, alright, alright. Now we’re getting somewhere, folks. As for Day 2’s selections, we’ve got some pretty good ones and a couple that I imagine might ruffle some feathers out there (not that that’s my intention here, folks). But before we get started, a heads up for anyone just joining:
And without further ado, the next 20…
80. Goon (Full Review)
It’s no Slap Shot, and I’m in the crowd that thinks Slap Shot‘s just alright. Still, points for heart and some chuckles throughout.
79. Sound of Noise
Major points for originality, but when your movie revolves around Stomp-like performances, you really gotta get your audio synched up with your instruments, son.
78. The Pirates! Band of Misfits (Full Review)
An underwhelming showing from the gang over at Aardman. Amusing for what it is, but hard not to compare it to what they’ve done in the past.
77. Friends with Kids (Full Review)
Sweet, but forgettable. That’s all I’ve got, folks.
76. The Turin Horse
Folks, I am a patient man, but staying awake during this thing proved to be a true test of willpower at times. That aside, appreciated it for what it is, and it’s got some striking cinematography to boot.
75. V/H/S
Lots of potential, mostly squandered. If only they had left the directing up to Ti West and Radio Silence…
74. Magic Mike
The novelty is there, and so is a great, natural rapport among the cast members. As a result, this thing was a freakin’ hoot for the first hour or so. But then the already-weak story gave way to non-stop stripping and partying, then I stopped caring about the predictable characters and their predictable problems, and by the last half hour, I was ready to move on with my life. Still, points to Soderbergh for making this work for as long as it did. And points to Tatum for reinventing himself like a boss last year.
73. The Hunter
Takes a bit to get into and there’s not much about it that stands out, but still wound up being a pretty compelling little murder mystery supported by some truly gorgeous scenery.
72. The Do-Deca-Pentathlon (Full Review)
Liked it when I saw it, and it’s only grown on me since. Us men and our competitions…
71. Zero Dark Thirty
Well made and it flew right by, but the more I think about it, the more I don’t care for it. Too cold and punishing for its own good, also can’t help but wonder about what to take at face value.
70. The Master (Full Review)
Can absolutely appreciate what so many people loved about this movie, and to tell you the truth, I would love to see Joaquin upset Daniel Day at the Oscars this year. With that being said, and with a much greater understanding of it to go off of, it just didn’t click with me, much in the way There Will Be Blood didn’t. And it’s not that I didn’t like it, and I’m not saying it’s a bad movie, there are just other P.T. Anderson efforts that have resonated with me far more than this did. Alright, I’m rambling now. Stepping off the witness stand…
69. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (Full Review)
An admittedly semi-ridiculous movie to edge out The Master, but after a year spent watching grown-up movies with grown-ups, it sure was nice to lighten up for a change with something that made me feel like a kid again. Can’t think of another movie that my wife laughed harder at either.
68. 21 Jump Street (Full Review)
Better and funnier than I think anyone was expecting. And so began the rebirth of Channing Tatum…
67. Bully (Full Review)
Wish it had been more of a call to action than it ended up being, nor can say that it’s really lingered with me since. On the other hand, it is undeniably important and deserves to be seen if only out of respect for the interviewees and their families.
66. Chronicle (Full Review)
Someone out there owes me a royalty check, but plagiarism suspicions aside, it’s certainly one of the better things to come out of this found footage craze as of late.
65. The Hunger Games (Full Review)
Still think it’s better than the book, and seeing it on opening night in a theater crammed with teenage girls was one of the more hilarious moviegoing experiences I’ve had in recent memory.
64. Take This Waltz (Full Review)
Worth it for the final Act, and bonus points for the best use of “Video Killed the Radio Star” in any movie ever.
63. Oslo, August 31st
A little too long-winded for my taste, but a memorable and uncompromising story of addiction and recovery nonetheless.
62. Bullhead
As a character study, it’s interesting (dare I say fascinating); as a mob drama, not so much. However, serious bonus points are in order for one stellar performance from Matthias Schoenaerts.
61. Kill List (Full Review)
One strange, haunting movie that’s proven to be one hell of a discussion point. Also a clear winner for the single-most disturbing scene of 2012.
Alright, gang, just 60 more to go. Looking forward to these Zero Dark Thirty and The Master debates I’ve set myself up for, and make sure to check back tomorrow for the next 20. Word to your mother.
Cut The Crap Movie Reviews 
I’m not going to lie, but Magic Mike came pretty close to my top 10. I just remember my buddy and I going to the screening, not expecting anything other than a bunch of half-naked dudes, running around, and doing their thang, but somehow, we just had a ball. Hell, I think we had more of a ball than some gay dudes/women. The crowd also made it fun, but the story is predictable and that chick did tick me off sometimes, but I can still see what you’re saying. Wish I saw you post a full review on Zero Dark Thirty. Really do, because something tells me your take would have been a hell of a lot more interesting than mine ever was. Getting better, buddy! Getting better.
Hahaha. Man, I’m right there with you with Magic Mike. I had a blast with it for the first hour or so, and I can only guess how much more fun it would have been in a packed theater. But after a while, it was actually surprising how much stripping their was in lieu of actual character growth and storytelling. 2 hours was too long, but still, a pretty damn enjoyable movie for what it is.
And I know, I’m kinda kicking myself that I didn’t get a chance to write up full reviews for some of these big releases this year, because there is most definitely a lot to say about Zero Dark Thirty. Who knows though, maybe I’ll just do it one of these days if shitty movies keep coming out.
And give yourself some credit, homey! Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Definitely agree with 65, 68 and 78! I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! Have a look at the details here: http://allieduthie.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/liebster-blog-award/
Hey now! Thank you much, Allie. Forgive me if it takes me a bit to get around to answer those questions, but make no mistake, I’m truly flattered. Thanks again!
No problem, love your reviews! It took me ages to write my post, it’s only when you try and write 11 interesting facts about yourself that you start to feeling really uninteresting!
Haha. Those lists are so damn hard. Like trying to come up with fun facts about yourself during icebreakers. Way more difficult than it probably should be.
No love for “Zero Dark Thirty”. I though it was overrated as well.
“Chronicle” was in my Top 10. How much do I owe you from my ticket?
Dude, what a weight off it is to hear you say that. I thought I was setting myself for a roast with that one. Glad to hear I’m not the only one that it didn’t gel with.
And while I’m flattered by the offer, I’m taking that one up with Josh Trank, that copycatting sonofabitch…
You’re so right about “V/H/S.” The best bit is Ti West’s and I wished the whole movie had been that segment. (And expanded.) I hated most of them especially when it results to using glitches to hammer us over the head that we are watching something out of VHS tapes. And there’s a sequel!
“The Hunter” impressed me. I liked its slow burn and Dafoe does his usual subtle intensity thing. I liked the last scene a whole lot, too. I was moved. I’m such a sucker.
How disappointed I was with “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.” I //wanted// to laugh, I chuckled. I //wanted// to care, only I didn’t. Maybe the whole combining-two-books-into-one thing crippled the screenplay. It seems like too many things are going on at the same time. I’d like the series to continue, though!
I’ll be watching “Bully” next week (hopefully). It’ll be available via Netflix rental. Finally.
“Chronicle” is one of my favorites of 2012. Dane DeHaan is someone to look out for.
“Bullhead” needs to be seen by more people. I kept thinking about it for about a week or two after I saw it.
“Kill List.” Kill me now. It had potential?
Dude, Ti West is no joke. He was the sole reason I was at all excited to see that movie, and it was no surprise that his segment put the others to shame. Except for the last one with the haunted house though, that was surprisingly good as well. The other two or three though? Awful.
And I’m with you on The Hunter. That thing just got better and better. Wasn’t expecting it to get so damn dark though.
Well I think it helped having zero expectations for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but sorry to hear it was disappointing. Didn’t know it was going off two books. That’s always a gamble.
Let me know what you think about Bully. It was a good’n, and if you were a sucker for The Hunter, expect a royally emotional experience in your near future.
Dane DeHaan is someone to look out for. Him playing Harry Osbourne is the only reason I’m even remotely interested in seeing the next Spidey movie.
Agreed, it was a good one, and Schoenaarts was no-effing-joke. Some great cinematography in there to boot.
Haha. Yeah, Kill List took a bit to grow on me, but damn if it didn’t stick with me.