BEST OF 2012 Part 1
It's been at least 7 years that I've been taking a break from my usual Sunday Morning musings to take a look back at the year that was. For the past few years, I've done you all a favor by dividing it into a couple parts. That way I have an extra week to make retractions and correct what will be obvious mistakes. But I can only make mistakes be actually making these lists and here they come . . .
It's been at least 7 years that I've been taking a break from my usual Sunday Morning musings to take a look back at the year that was. For the past few years, I've done you all a favor by dividing it into a couple parts. That way I have an extra week to make retractions and correct what will be obvious mistakes. But I can only make mistakes be actually making these lists and here they come . . .
Each year I predict what my favorite movies for the upcoming year will be. I'm easily influenced by star power, favorite directors and by a good trailer. But by the end of the year, I usually only make it to 10-15 movies, so my list is easily pared down. This year started much like the last few years - I went to a good number the first few months and then had a bad run of only seeing a few over most of the Summer months and into Fall book rush. I'm going to try to commit again to having more movie nights again in 2013 (see my 2013 resolutions next week). Here's what I thought was going to be the best of this year back in December of last year .
BEST MOVIES OF 2012 (as predicted in December 2011)
1. THE HOBBIT (Dec). Maybe I'm just getting slightly burnt out on superhero films. But based on what's come before - there's no way this isn't my favorite film of the year.
2. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (July). I might be slightly tired of the genre - but I will never doubt Christopher Nolan to tell an awesome story. I feel like Bane will either make this challenge for #1 or make me happy that the Trilogy is ending.
3. THE AVENGERS (May) I've thought for years that this could be a mess. But after THOR and knowing it's in the hands of Joss Whedon - I trust in Joss and hope I'm not disappointed. This film has to set the tone for the Summer.
4. THE HUNGER GAMES (Mar) Not sure it can live up to the hype but the source material is there to make it a good one.
5. SKYFALL (Nov) The new Bond is directed by Sam Mendes!!!! 50th Anniversary of the franchise should be great.
6. MEN IN BLACK 3 (May). I have lots of faith in this franchise. And now that I've seen the trailer - I think it's going to be well written too.
7. BRAVE (Jun). Pixar is coming off it's first "disappointment" - odds are this is one of their best.
8. THE GREAT GATSBY (Dec) It should be way up there - this novel is due for a great adaptation. But why Baz Luhrmann?
9. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (Sept). I'm moving this up a notch from where it held the tenth spot last year. This looks a lot like a "Mad Monster Party" remake with a Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman and Mummy directed by "Dexter's Lab" vet Genndy Tarakovsky!
10. 47 RONIN (Nov). A little warning - this could be really awesome or it could be what it is - a Keanu Reeves film.
This was about as good as I've ever done in predicting a year ahead. I saw 6 of them, 2 of them didn't come out and I missed the other 2 but I had good intentions on them.
BEST MOVIES OF 2012 (Actual)
1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. In the year of adaptations, it took Peter Jackson to show everyone how you do it. He changed just enough but understood the source material as if he had written it. I couldn't have imagined a LOTR adaptation as good as they were 20 years ago. Now, I'm ready for him to go back and redo LOTR in about 9 movies. LIke a good friend - I felt comfortable and at home in the theater with this universe.
2. THE AVENGERS. Same as what Peter Jackson has done - Joss Whedon brought superhero films into another age. Back when we were waiting in line for the Keaton version of BATMAN, would I have ever figured that Hollywood would be able to pull of Thor, Hulk and Iron Man all in one film? I was impressed with both effects and plot.
3. SkYFALL. I was even more impressed with this effort than CASINO ROYALE. Not that it is necessarily a better film, but Sam Mendes took the franchise in a new dark direction that should last it for another decade. When the series was the best - it was borrowing from the movies of the day. And they listened to me - more Judi Dench.
4. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Is it the JEDI of the trilogy? Maybe. But it's an excellent end to the story that borrows liberally from the comic books - a nod to the long term fans. My main complaints - worst sound mix in a film in a long time - hard to understand much of the dialog. And padded by about 30 minutes - this film could have been a roller coaster 120 minutes easily.
5. THE HUNGER GAMES. Ultimately, I knew deep down it would be hard to adapt a book with so much internal monologue. But I think people who criticize this compared to the book are missing how well they did with set design to capture the spirit of the book. Watched it again recently and I feel that it could have benefited from being broken into two films.
6. PROMETHEUS. This movie seemed to get lost in the rush of Summer films. I was as jazzed for this as almost any other film on the list. What did I get? I got the universe I've missed for 20 years. The story started a little slow - I think that was the only thing holding the movie back. But once it got going - it's an amazing film that I think bears another viewing.
7. LIFE OF PI. I think in years to come, I might put this movie up higher on the list. As far as adaptations go - we owe James Cameron a debt here. Ang Lee needed that technology to make this come to life. He makes it work. The film works on many levels - I think there's more for me to discover here. If you don't feel better about life after this film - you weren't paying attention.
8. MEN IN BLACK 3. This easy on the eyes film was one that could be written off as just Summer trash. And much of it was. The franchise is probably not done just yet and this gave it some much needed fresh blood. I might be one of the few cheerleaders for this film as a Top Ten of the year - but remember, I barely watched ten at the theaters this year.
9. DJANGO UNCHAINED. The Western deserves Tarantino. The same way it deserves the Coen Bros and Eastwood and Leone. If all we get is one Western a year - then this is the way it has to go down - remakes, tributes and reworkings. I'm a sucker for the Western and this was a great way to end the year.
10. WRECK IT RALPH. It was mainly the video game references, but I loved this film. Fairly typical plot but few films have gone about their business with more positive fun.
When you only see a handful of films in the year - that leaves hundreds of film that create a list of best films that I still want / need to see. I am so pathetic - I usually use this as a Want List of films to watch in the next year but I rarely seem to knock out more than 2-3 from the list. For example - I saw CAPTAIN AMERICA and BRIDESMAIDS off last year's list but still haven't watched MIDNIGHT IN PARIS.
2. THE AVENGERS. Same as what Peter Jackson has done - Joss Whedon brought superhero films into another age. Back when we were waiting in line for the Keaton version of BATMAN, would I have ever figured that Hollywood would be able to pull of Thor, Hulk and Iron Man all in one film? I was impressed with both effects and plot.
3. SkYFALL. I was even more impressed with this effort than CASINO ROYALE. Not that it is necessarily a better film, but Sam Mendes took the franchise in a new dark direction that should last it for another decade. When the series was the best - it was borrowing from the movies of the day. And they listened to me - more Judi Dench.
4. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Is it the JEDI of the trilogy? Maybe. But it's an excellent end to the story that borrows liberally from the comic books - a nod to the long term fans. My main complaints - worst sound mix in a film in a long time - hard to understand much of the dialog. And padded by about 30 minutes - this film could have been a roller coaster 120 minutes easily.
5. THE HUNGER GAMES. Ultimately, I knew deep down it would be hard to adapt a book with so much internal monologue. But I think people who criticize this compared to the book are missing how well they did with set design to capture the spirit of the book. Watched it again recently and I feel that it could have benefited from being broken into two films.
6. PROMETHEUS. This movie seemed to get lost in the rush of Summer films. I was as jazzed for this as almost any other film on the list. What did I get? I got the universe I've missed for 20 years. The story started a little slow - I think that was the only thing holding the movie back. But once it got going - it's an amazing film that I think bears another viewing.
7. LIFE OF PI. I think in years to come, I might put this movie up higher on the list. As far as adaptations go - we owe James Cameron a debt here. Ang Lee needed that technology to make this come to life. He makes it work. The film works on many levels - I think there's more for me to discover here. If you don't feel better about life after this film - you weren't paying attention.
8. MEN IN BLACK 3. This easy on the eyes film was one that could be written off as just Summer trash. And much of it was. The franchise is probably not done just yet and this gave it some much needed fresh blood. I might be one of the few cheerleaders for this film as a Top Ten of the year - but remember, I barely watched ten at the theaters this year.
9. DJANGO UNCHAINED. The Western deserves Tarantino. The same way it deserves the Coen Bros and Eastwood and Leone. If all we get is one Western a year - then this is the way it has to go down - remakes, tributes and reworkings. I'm a sucker for the Western and this was a great way to end the year.
10. WRECK IT RALPH. It was mainly the video game references, but I loved this film. Fairly typical plot but few films have gone about their business with more positive fun.
When you only see a handful of films in the year - that leaves hundreds of film that create a list of best films that I still want / need to see. I am so pathetic - I usually use this as a Want List of films to watch in the next year but I rarely seem to knock out more than 2-3 from the list. For example - I saw CAPTAIN AMERICA and BRIDESMAIDS off last year's list but still haven't watched MIDNIGHT IN PARIS.
BEST MOVIES I DIDN'T SEE IN 2012
1. LINCOLN. I'm such a fan of Civil War era films and docs that it's surprising I haven't had a chance to get out and see this. And it's Spielberg - I need to support the most important living director to my film fandom.
2. THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. This film wasn't on my radar for a long time. And then I wasn't happy to hear this film sold as THE BREAKFAST CLUB for a new generation. But it's got Emma Watson and it's based on a book that my kids love and I want to read too. Looks like one I'll love.
3. MOONRISE KINGDOM. It's Wes Anderson. Do I need to say more? One of the more interesting brains making films today.
4. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS. I know this is wonderful. It just didn't fit into my schedule and lasted too few weeks at the theaters.
5. THE MASTER. Don't like to miss out on too many Paul Thomas Anderson films at the theaters. And Joaquin Phoenix is always fascinating.
6. THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. There always seem to be docs on here that I never feel like spending money to see at theaters. This one led by Ken Burns is exactly the kind I love - a historical story from 1989 that I'm slightly familiar with but need to know more about.
7. BEASTS OF SOUTHERN WILD. Since Cannes I've wanted to see this New Orleans based film.
8. ARGO. I'm actually putting a Ben Affleck film on movies I want to see. Wow. How far the world has come. This film looks incredible.
9. PARANORMAN. I'm all for more animated horror films.and sorry I didn't get out to see this one.
10. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. I was conflicted with this film - it has the scene eating Jennifer Lawrence. But you have to put up with the annoying Bradley Cooper. Not sure I believe he can act in anything challenging.
11. LOOPER. Still not sure about this one. Heard good reviews. Heard mixed reviews. Is it worth seeing a film just because it is a good concept? I've gone for fewer reasons.
12. ZERO DARK THIRTY. Still not playing in my neighborhood but it qualifies as a 2012 release. Very curious to see this.
Looked good at first but glad I didn't see included - TOTAL RECALL, THE CAMPAIGN and
2. THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. This film wasn't on my radar for a long time. And then I wasn't happy to hear this film sold as THE BREAKFAST CLUB for a new generation. But it's got Emma Watson and it's based on a book that my kids love and I want to read too. Looks like one I'll love.
3. MOONRISE KINGDOM. It's Wes Anderson. Do I need to say more? One of the more interesting brains making films today.
4. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS. I know this is wonderful. It just didn't fit into my schedule and lasted too few weeks at the theaters.
5. THE MASTER. Don't like to miss out on too many Paul Thomas Anderson films at the theaters. And Joaquin Phoenix is always fascinating.
6. THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. There always seem to be docs on here that I never feel like spending money to see at theaters. This one led by Ken Burns is exactly the kind I love - a historical story from 1989 that I'm slightly familiar with but need to know more about.
7. BEASTS OF SOUTHERN WILD. Since Cannes I've wanted to see this New Orleans based film.
8. ARGO. I'm actually putting a Ben Affleck film on movies I want to see. Wow. How far the world has come. This film looks incredible.
9. PARANORMAN. I'm all for more animated horror films.and sorry I didn't get out to see this one.
10. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. I was conflicted with this film - it has the scene eating Jennifer Lawrence. But you have to put up with the annoying Bradley Cooper. Not sure I believe he can act in anything challenging.
11. LOOPER. Still not sure about this one. Heard good reviews. Heard mixed reviews. Is it worth seeing a film just because it is a good concept? I've gone for fewer reasons.
12. ZERO DARK THIRTY. Still not playing in my neighborhood but it qualifies as a 2012 release. Very curious to see this.
Looked good at first but glad I didn't see included - TOTAL RECALL, THE CAMPAIGN and
I am a sucker for trailers. I read some reviews - mainly ones that others of you reading this write - and trust other opinions - but ultimately I'm sold on a good trailer. The trailer as mini-movie is an art form I really admire. In fact some of these are from films that just weren't that good except in this short form.
BEST TRAILERS OF 2012
1. THE AVENGERS. No contest. If you had been under a rock and not seen any of the previous films, I can't imagine how blown away you were by this trailer. If you had been paying attention - you still were geeked to see them all come together like this.
2. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. The teaser was pretty great. But once we really started to see what they had planned I was in Heaven.
3. STAR TREK: INTO THE DARKNESS. When doesn't a Star Trek trailer look like it's from a Star Trek film? Right here. At first I was suckered into this being a helluva an action film before I realized what franchise it was from.
4. TED. Still not sure I want to see the film because I may have seen all the goodness in the great trailer.
5. WRECK-IT RALPH. This movie wasn't on my movie watching radar until this trailer hit. That's what the best trailers do - they take something you knew little about and create a need to see.
6. MOONRISE KINGDOM. Wes Anderson seems to consistently have the best trailers. I guess it's the source material.
7. DJANGO UNCHAINED. Tarantino works best in small doses. It's no mistake that his trailers are almost better than the films. Go back to PULP FICTION and see that brilliance. This trailer certainly captures his influences. Amazing.
8. PROMETHEUS. It wasn't going to take much to make me want to see this more. But they found a way. Amazing excitement generated from these few minutes.
9. MAN OF STEEL. At least they are trying to tell a story here. I want to see the film regardless but I appreciate them putting forth the effort to entice people into theaters next year.
10. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. I went quite a ways up to the debut of this film without thinking I would see it. Until I saw the trailer, that is. This is how you trailer the reboot of a franchise.
11. PACIFIC RIM. This could be a great movie - maybe one I would want to pay to see - it could also die on the vine. I love Del Toro to death but still worried about this. Not worried about the trailer - it's a great sell job for the film.
2. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. The teaser was pretty great. But once we really started to see what they had planned I was in Heaven.
3. STAR TREK: INTO THE DARKNESS. When doesn't a Star Trek trailer look like it's from a Star Trek film? Right here. At first I was suckered into this being a helluva an action film before I realized what franchise it was from.
4. TED. Still not sure I want to see the film because I may have seen all the goodness in the great trailer.
5. WRECK-IT RALPH. This movie wasn't on my movie watching radar until this trailer hit. That's what the best trailers do - they take something you knew little about and create a need to see.
6. MOONRISE KINGDOM. Wes Anderson seems to consistently have the best trailers. I guess it's the source material.
7. DJANGO UNCHAINED. Tarantino works best in small doses. It's no mistake that his trailers are almost better than the films. Go back to PULP FICTION and see that brilliance. This trailer certainly captures his influences. Amazing.
8. PROMETHEUS. It wasn't going to take much to make me want to see this more. But they found a way. Amazing excitement generated from these few minutes.
9. MAN OF STEEL. At least they are trying to tell a story here. I want to see the film regardless but I appreciate them putting forth the effort to entice people into theaters next year.
10. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. I went quite a ways up to the debut of this film without thinking I would see it. Until I saw the trailer, that is. This is how you trailer the reboot of a franchise.
11. PACIFIC RIM. This could be a great movie - maybe one I would want to pay to see - it could also die on the vine. I love Del Toro to death but still worried about this. Not worried about the trailer - it's a great sell job for the film.
Worst trailer? There were lots that scared me off. Mostly there are trailers that feed into the worst of cliches about movies - PIRANHA 3DD was a really bad trailer. The current trailer for A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD seems to either make fun or fly in the face of every fan of the Die Hard franchise and makes me a little sick to my stomach.
This is about as uninformed as lists I make will ever get. I'm a sucker for the known - directors, actors and franchises make this list because I'm fairly sure of what I'll get. But most years, this list ends up being at least 50% wrong. But it's likely where I'll be spending my movie dollars through the year.
BEST MOVIES OF 2013
1. THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (Dec). Hard to imagine that with another year of post-production that this dragon filled entry into the series won't possibly be the best of the bunch.
2. STAR TREK: INTO THE DARKNESS (May). Lots of promise here. The last film set the bar quite high and the trailer has me set up for what looks to be an intense action film - even more plot intensive now that we know the characters.
3. MAN OF STEEL (Jun). Always hoping that they will do it right. Maybe the past year has me feeling better about the genre right now. Keep up the momentum.
4. THE GREAT GATSBY (May). I'm excited for the film still despite all the delays. Going to reread the book soon and anxious to see how Luhrmann is going to handle this. Could be the biggest failure of the year too.
5. OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (Mar). Sam Raimi hits again with what should have great appeal. Worried just a little about James Franco as Oz but the rest of this should rock.
6. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (Nov). Excellent source material. I don't see how this won't be a Top Ten film of the year. The book takes the series to another level - hope the movie does too.
7. ENDER'S GAME (Nov) I need to see much more of this in previews. On paper, this should be a great franchise for years to come. But it could also be the next STARSHIP TROOPERS.
8. THE LONE RANGER (JUL). Not just because Johnny Depp is involved, but because it just looks fun. I'm not sure if I wanted it to be more serious or not yet.
9. IRON MAN 3 (May). Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin. This franchise is probably running out of steam. But not this film.
10. WORLD WAR Z (Jun). Possibly too late for the zombie craze. Possibly a bad adaptation. But I'm still down based on the source material.
11. PACIFIC RIM (July) See above comments on trailer - I love my Japanese super heroes - always wanted a Kamen Rider film. But that said - I have trepidation.
3. MAN OF STEEL (Jun). Always hoping that they will do it right. Maybe the past year has me feeling better about the genre right now. Keep up the momentum.
4. THE GREAT GATSBY (May). I'm excited for the film still despite all the delays. Going to reread the book soon and anxious to see how Luhrmann is going to handle this. Could be the biggest failure of the year too.
5. OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (Mar). Sam Raimi hits again with what should have great appeal. Worried just a little about James Franco as Oz but the rest of this should rock.
6. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (Nov). Excellent source material. I don't see how this won't be a Top Ten film of the year. The book takes the series to another level - hope the movie does too.
7. ENDER'S GAME (Nov) I need to see much more of this in previews. On paper, this should be a great franchise for years to come. But it could also be the next STARSHIP TROOPERS.
8. THE LONE RANGER (JUL). Not just because Johnny Depp is involved, but because it just looks fun. I'm not sure if I wanted it to be more serious or not yet.
9. IRON MAN 3 (May). Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin. This franchise is probably running out of steam. But not this film.
10. WORLD WAR Z (Jun). Possibly too late for the zombie craze. Possibly a bad adaptation. But I'm still down based on the source material.
11. PACIFIC RIM (July) See above comments on trailer - I love my Japanese super heroes - always wanted a Kamen Rider film. But that said - I have trepidation.
I suck at buying and collecting things anymore. I get a few releases here and there - mostly what I review and some presents for the kids. I don't go crazy at Best Buy or Target on new release day. I'm so far behind on the streaming shows on Netflix and HBO Go that owning Blu-Rays and DVDs seem out of time. But still, I will try to put together of a must-own list from the past year.
BEST BLU-RAY AND DVD RELEASES OF 2012
1. THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY (Blu) If ever a series needed a rewatch, it's this one. The trilogy forms quite a linked story. And I certainly need more time to digest the last film. Five discs should keep you busy.
2. THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (Blu) If you are looking for a bargain - you can find this for under $60 in most places and you get 15 discs. That's right - 2 discs for each film and 9 discs of extras. Buy this for me and I'll see you in two years when I finish every last special.
3. FINDING NEMO (Blu) The 9 year old Pixar film got the extreme treatment this year. This is called the Ultimate Collectors Edition - and it's got 5 discs for just this one film. I'd like to get the whole Pixar series in this form.
4. PRINCESS BRIDE: 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Blu) It's already been 25 years? I should watch this another 10 times and listen to the commentary by Rob Reiner and another one by William Goldman.
5. BOND 50: THE COMPLETE 22 FILM COLLECTION (Blu) These 23 discs are going to set you back at least $300 for the collection. Nine of the films are making their Blu debut and I can get rid of my DVDs finally. But when am I going to come up with the scratch to put down for this set? This is a set to go through with a good friend and a couple bottle of whiskey.
6. CASABLANCA 70th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Blu) Three discs with 10 minutes of found footage and a few new documentaries might make you appreciate the film even more.
7. BLADE RUNNER 30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTORS EDITION (Blu) This would be ranked higher if I didn't already own almost as many copies of this as STAR WARS. This contains every cut of the film (you need that) and multiple extras.
8. FOLLOWING (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) This excellent mystery is Christopher Nolan's first film and sets up the rest of his career in a nutshell. My review on Cinema Sentries coming soon. Very soon.
9. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) I have the Criterion DVD and this is such a fantastic film that I will rebuy it on Blu.
10. THE GOLD RUSH (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) Earlier this year, I would have sworn this was going to be my #1 release of the year. If you haven't seen the film - it needs to be on your immediate watch. If you have - then this is a great library addition. My review resides here . . . Cinema Sentries Review
11. THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL 20th ANNIVERSARY (Blu) I wish it had a few more extras and that they would have inserted the long deleted song. But it's still a very fine movie that I'll watch again and again each year from now on. If you want to know more of my thoughts on the subject . . . Cinema Sentries Review
12. ALFRED HITCHCHOCK: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION (Blu) 15 of the Masters films - 13 of which are new to Blu-ray - is a good way to spend a couple months. I haven't examined all of the extras but I know the most important titles are here - VERTIGO, PSYCHO, REAR WINDOW and NORTH BY NORTHWEST.
13. ROSEMARY'S BABY (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) Short on extras but deserving the Criterion treatment for a long time now. Still haunting.
2. THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (Blu) If you are looking for a bargain - you can find this for under $60 in most places and you get 15 discs. That's right - 2 discs for each film and 9 discs of extras. Buy this for me and I'll see you in two years when I finish every last special.
3. FINDING NEMO (Blu) The 9 year old Pixar film got the extreme treatment this year. This is called the Ultimate Collectors Edition - and it's got 5 discs for just this one film. I'd like to get the whole Pixar series in this form.
4. PRINCESS BRIDE: 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Blu) It's already been 25 years? I should watch this another 10 times and listen to the commentary by Rob Reiner and another one by William Goldman.
5. BOND 50: THE COMPLETE 22 FILM COLLECTION (Blu) These 23 discs are going to set you back at least $300 for the collection. Nine of the films are making their Blu debut and I can get rid of my DVDs finally. But when am I going to come up with the scratch to put down for this set? This is a set to go through with a good friend and a couple bottle of whiskey.
6. CASABLANCA 70th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Blu) Three discs with 10 minutes of found footage and a few new documentaries might make you appreciate the film even more.
7. BLADE RUNNER 30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTORS EDITION (Blu) This would be ranked higher if I didn't already own almost as many copies of this as STAR WARS. This contains every cut of the film (you need that) and multiple extras.
8. FOLLOWING (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) This excellent mystery is Christopher Nolan's first film and sets up the rest of his career in a nutshell. My review on Cinema Sentries coming soon. Very soon.
9. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) I have the Criterion DVD and this is such a fantastic film that I will rebuy it on Blu.
10. THE GOLD RUSH (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) Earlier this year, I would have sworn this was going to be my #1 release of the year. If you haven't seen the film - it needs to be on your immediate watch. If you have - then this is a great library addition. My review resides here . . . Cinema Sentries Review
11. THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL 20th ANNIVERSARY (Blu) I wish it had a few more extras and that they would have inserted the long deleted song. But it's still a very fine movie that I'll watch again and again each year from now on. If you want to know more of my thoughts on the subject . . . Cinema Sentries Review
12. ALFRED HITCHCHOCK: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION (Blu) 15 of the Masters films - 13 of which are new to Blu-ray - is a good way to spend a couple months. I haven't examined all of the extras but I know the most important titles are here - VERTIGO, PSYCHO, REAR WINDOW and NORTH BY NORTHWEST.
13. ROSEMARY'S BABY (CRITERION COLLECTION) (Blu) Short on extras but deserving the Criterion treatment for a long time now. Still haunting.
I spent the year paying close attention to deaths for my blog. But now I'm having to debate the most important ones to me. This list is much more about famous people who've influenced my love of pop culture.
MOST MISSED OF 2012
1. RAY BRADBURY. At age 91, this wasn't a huge surprise. But his fiction meant more to me than I can ever convey. It was my introduction to Science Fiction. He was one of the writers that made me want to write. One of the top three that I would model my writing after.
2. NEIL ARMSTRONG. Only one person can be the first. It made me and my whole generation obsessed with going to Space.
3. ANDY GRIFFITH. The man entertained for multiple generations. He was someone who linked me with my Grandma Miller - we could always talk about the repeats that she watched nightly. And the show is still the equivalent of comfort foods like meatloaf to me.
4. TONY SCOTT. Visionary director understood how to film character scenes - just letting them play out over an interesting musical background.
5. DAVE BRUBECK. One of the Jazz legends who I can actually claim to be able to identify on songs.
6. MAURICE SENDAK. "Where The Wild Things Are" - no more words needed.
7. ADAM YAUCH. The first Beastie to go and one of the most interesting of the bunch.
8. JACK KLUGMAN. Best known for his work on "The Odd Couple" but he's certainly still "Quincy" to me.
9. PHYLLIS DILLER. So funny. So underrated.
10. GERRY ANDERSON. Creator of "Thunderbirds" and other creepy British puppet shows that influenced my young adulthood cult television viewing.
2. NEIL ARMSTRONG. Only one person can be the first. It made me and my whole generation obsessed with going to Space.
3. ANDY GRIFFITH. The man entertained for multiple generations. He was someone who linked me with my Grandma Miller - we could always talk about the repeats that she watched nightly. And the show is still the equivalent of comfort foods like meatloaf to me.
4. TONY SCOTT. Visionary director understood how to film character scenes - just letting them play out over an interesting musical background.
5. DAVE BRUBECK. One of the Jazz legends who I can actually claim to be able to identify on songs.
6. MAURICE SENDAK. "Where The Wild Things Are" - no more words needed.
7. ADAM YAUCH. The first Beastie to go and one of the most interesting of the bunch.
8. JACK KLUGMAN. Best known for his work on "The Odd Couple" but he's certainly still "Quincy" to me.
9. PHYLLIS DILLER. So funny. So underrated.
10. GERRY ANDERSON. Creator of "Thunderbirds" and other creepy British puppet shows that influenced my young adulthood cult television viewing.
That leaves off the greats like Robin Gibb, Donna Summer and Ernest Borgnine.
You are probably ready for a break. I doubt any of you have had the patience to watch all the clips too. So, wait a week and you'll get more of categories like music, TV, books and other things off the top of my head in Best of 2012 - Part 2.
Gandalf: I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure.
Gandalf: You'll have a tale or two to tell when you come back.
Bilbo: You can promise that I will come back?
Gandalf: No. And if you do, you will not be the same.
Stay hard.
sb
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