For my first column of the new year, I generally lament the dearth of qualify films from the year before and discuss things in the movies I never want to see again (for example, Adam Sandler). But this year I thought I'd change things up a little. I've trying to be more positive lately so why shouldn't that translate to this column as well?
Sure, there were some films in 2012 that looked like absolute stinkers -- GUILT TRIP and THAT'S MY BOY (there's that Sandler guy again) instantly come to mind -- but overall, the year actually produced some solid films. I can honestly say that with the exception of TO ROME WITH LOVE, Woody Allen's poor follow-up to the great MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, every movie I saw in the theater was good or very good.
After reading the book, I was worried that THE HUNGER GAMES was going to be too watered down in order to get a PG-13 rating, and it was to an extent, but it was still quite good and I look forward to the next installments.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK, starring a post-Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe, was better than I expected and even scary at times without being gory, which seems more and more rare these days.
ARGO, which will most likely have some award buzz very soon, was really good. The story was gripping and the fact that it was true was amazing. It reminded me of APOLLO 13 in the sense that even with knowing the outcome, it was still tense and riveting. Ben Affleck wasn't bad -- though he seemed like he glowered throughout the entire film -- but I'm thinking he should consider permanently moving behind the camera.
I really enjoyed THE HOBBIT as well, and although it's no LORD OF THE RINGS, it was very entertaining and exciting. It was also nice to see familiar characters and it felt like visiting old friends.
Aside from the silly dance number and schmaltzy ending, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK was different and better than I thought it would be (though not as great as most people said it was), and Jennifer Lawrence, who appears to be on the verge of superstardom, was terrific.
DJANGO UNCHAINED had a compelling story, great dialogue, was tense, funny at times, and bloody. In other words, it was typical Tarantino goodness.
And, unlike most years it seems, there are still plenty of movies I want to see like LINCOLN, LIFE OF PI, LES MISERABLES, and MOONRISE KINGDOM. Rarely do I go into the new year eager to see multiple films from the year before.
So, thanks, 2012, You reminded me that good movies can actually still come out of Hollywood. After seeing previews for some upcoming films -- like MOVIE 43 which already has to be a frontrunner for worst film of 2013 -- I won't be holding out the same hope for 2013, but I'll try to stay positive.
 email this column to a friend
Comment on this Column:
Sorry, you must be a member to add comments to columns.
Join or Login. |
 Subscribe to MatchFlick Movie Reviews through RSS
|
| Movie Musings |
Every other Tuesday
Thoughts, observations, conjectures, complaints about movies and mostly how they relate to me personally. If you're looking for something a little broader, try Ebert.
|
| Tim Josephs |
Born to write (literally – much to the displeasure of his mother, he emerged with a pencil clutched in one tiny fist), Tim spends most of his days crafting epic monosyllabic poems, new comical titles to his favorite Beatles' songs (Hey, Dude), and angry letters to local businesses that have wronged him in some way. He's really an okay guy once you get to know him.
|
| Contact |
If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, you can send a message to Tim Josephs by clicking here.
|
|
