Everyone waits until the year is over to compile their “Best of whatever year” movie lists. This has become a mundane practice. Time for a bit of a change, kids.
The headline is pretty self-explanatory right? Just like college sports; every Monday I will rank, and therefore re-rank, the movies of 2012 from both major and minor studios as they release all throughout the cinematic year. The purpose of this undertaking is to gauge what, in this guy’s pretentious opinion, is the very best, and consequently, worst in film.
Basically, as yours truly sees/reviews them, flicks will then be appropriately ranked into the below on-going poll. And obviously, nothing is set in stone. For instance, if a movie that yours truly saw weeks ago marinates – for better or worse despite my initial review – in the mind, then it could move up or down during any given week.
The new releases for the respective week will have a capsule review at the end of the column. Here’s how things are shaking up so far in 2012:
1. Chronicle
2. Red Tails
3. The Grey
4. The Secret World of Arrietty
5. Big Miracle
6. This Means War
7. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
8. Underworld: Awakening
9. The Devil Inside
10. The Woman in Black
11. The Vow
12. Man on a Ledge
13. Contraband
14. Safe House
15. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
16. Haywire
17. Joyful Noise
Not Screened: One for the Money (working up to it).
This Means War:
An action/comedy/romance, well, more like comedy/romance/action that requires just a bit of patience. Once the screenplay finds its groove, the laughs pile on. Is there any action? Not really.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance:
Sure it’s a comic book flick, but at least convince me to care a little bit about what is happening. And it’s not like there is anything else besides a few CGI action-set pieces – which does have the power to widen the audiences’ eyes. Yet things are moving so fast you kind of get the feeling that the cast and crew just wanted to earn their respective paycheck and be done with this cash-grab.
The Secret World of Arrietty:
Overall, The Secret World of Arrietty is a classy animation fit for every one of all shapes and sizes. It has a tone similar to that of the recent Winnie the Pooh release. Go in and embrace the quiet exploratory journey.
Releasing this Friday: Act of Valor, Wanderlust, Gone, Good Deeds
By Joe Belcastro – Member of the Florida Film Critics Circle
