My Favorite Movies of 2012

For the first time in my life, I saw only 10 films in a theater last year.  Sounds kind of sad, but as selective as we are, we liked every one we saw. Aside from a few, expensive, high-end theatrical experiences, a good blu-ray on our Samsung plasma HDTV makes movies look better at home than your average cinema.  And these days, it's cheaper to rent or buy.

This year, I witnessed High Frame Rate 3D at 48 frames per second during The Hobbit, the best use of 3D ever in Life Of Pi and the luxurious iPic Theaters large screen presentation of The Avengers. All were worthy but, although Prometheus looked amazing in the 3D theater, the Blu-ray blows it away.
  

Still, I really enjoy the experience of an exceptional movie theater and I continue to get excited when the lights dim before the feature. We will still venture out to the movies that "deserve" the full cinema experience and save the rest for Blu-ray, streams and downloads. (legal downloads, of course.)

Since the cinema and home theater experiences are different, I will be posting a separate blog for Blu-rays. I saw all of these films in the theater except for Looper.  I realize there are few serious dramas or biopics and although I will see the good ones eventually, they do not always make the best reason to head out for a night at the movies.

My Favorite Movies of 2012

 

The Avengers - The comic book movie done right.  As much as I love the Dark Knight Trilogy, sometimes we just want a "popcorn" experience.  The Avengers was the most fun I had in the theater last year but I am also a fan of Marvel comics and got most of the lore and references. Congrats to Joss Whedon for having the hit he has always deserved.



The Cabin In The Woods - A close runner-up for most fun I had in a theater last year. Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon created an homage/send-up of horror's biggest clichés.

 

Looper - Intelligent and full of action, a gritty sci-fi thriller. Loved it.



The Hobbit - Not as "dark" as LOTR, expanding on the simple story is working. I am very much looking forward to parts two and three.  The High Frame Rate was impressive and immersive.



Ted - The best R-rated comedy of the year. If you hate Family Guy, don't bother.



 

Sinister - The best straight-up scary flick of the year. Scott Derrickson crafted a film that made me jump more than once...and I loved every minute.

Life Of Pi - The best use of 3D technology that I have seen helped illustrate a truly classic story.

Prometheus - A flawed but impressive sci-fi adventure that whets the appetite for further adventures with interesting questions still to be answered.

John Carter - as a fan of the novels, I really enjoyed the movie. Great spectacle and fun.

Chronicle - a "realistic" take on the superhero/supervillan origin story, well done. 




Haven't seen yet and could make the list. 
(I would still like to see Skyfall in the theater and I already have The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-ray.)

Skyfall
The Dark Knight Rises (available)
Argo
Django Unchained
The Pirates! Band Of Misfits (available)
Wreck-It Ralph
Dredd 3D (out next week)
Cloud Atlas
Beasts Of The Southern Wild (available)

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