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.
While only two wide releases showing up in Project X and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, yours truly was able to find time and finally see Tyler Perry’s latest as well just in time for this week’s rankings (yay me). And by doing so, there was a mild shake-up near the top.
The new releases for the respective week will have a capsule review at the end of the column. A new poll comes out every Monday. 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. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
6. Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds
7. Big Miracle
8. This Means War
9. Gone
10. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
11. Underworld: Awakening
12. The Devil Inside
13. Project X
14. The Woman in Black
15. The Vow
16. Man on a Ledge
17. Contraband
18. Act of Valor
19. Safe House
20. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
21. Kill List
22. Haywire
23. Joyful Noise
24. Wanderlust
Not Screened: One for the Money (working up to it).
Project X
The mock documentary achieves what it is going for. And there are some bits that will surely generate some laughter in this “homemade” teen-sex comedy. But in the end, it’s just not all that inventive and/or creative. Especially if you been subjected to many high-school R-rated comedies over the years.
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
It’s just an all-around solid animation that is respectful of the treasured source material. Hell, even the 3D served a purpose here-n-there. Having such a worthy message within the engaging, yet simplistic, story negates any of the small mechanical errors found in this flick.
Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds
Though Perry bags the comedy writing, his latest effort projects some strong emotional moments. And co-star Thandie Newton’s performance is a big reason why certain sequences can touch your soul. Although a little lengthy and it does have trouble wrapping up, this pure drama plays similar to the 2006 pic The Pursuit of Happiness, which starred Will Smith.
Releasing this Friday: John Carter, Silent House, A Thousand Words, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
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