Everyone waits until the year is over to compile their “Best of whatever” movie lists. This has become a mundane practice. Time for a bit of a change, kids.
While two flicks executed an innovative style and nearly changed the game in their respective genres, two others barely had the fundamental skills to qualify for cinematic products. And Bully, deserves to get the “overrated” chant.
The new releases for the respective week will have a capsule review at the end of the column. An updated list comes out every Monday. Here’s how things are shaking up so far in 2012:
1. Chronicle
2. The Cabin in the Woods
3. Red Tails
4. The Grey
5. Game Change
6. The Secret World of Arrietty
7. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
8. Friends with Kids
9. The Raid: Redemption
10. Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds
11. Big Miracle
12. 21 Jump Street
13. Brake
14. Mirror Mirror
15. This Means War
16. The Three Stooges
17. Gone
18. American Reunion
19. Jeff, Who Lives at Home
20. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
21. The Hunger Games
22. John Carter
23. Wrath of the Titans
24. Underworld: Awakening
25. The Devil Inside
26. Project X
27. Silent House
28. Bully
29. Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding
30. The Woman in Black
31. The Vow
32. Man on a Ledge
33. Lockout
34. Contraband
35. Act of Valor
36. 4:44 Last Day on Earth
37. Safe House
38. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
39. Kill List
40. Haywire
41. A Thousand Words
42. Joyful Noise
43. Wanderlust
Not Screened: One for the Money, Casa De Mi Padre.
Lockout
If it wasn’t for Guy Pearce channeling his inner-John McClane persona from Die Hard; and splicing that with Kurt Russell’s demeanor from Escape from L.A. (not New York), this flick would be worthy of a walkout halfway through.
Bully
Frankly, I would advise anyone interested in this subject to just Google “Bully news stories and videos” if you really want to see what the deal is. This documentary barely scratches the surface and feels late to the discussion in some respects.
The Raid: Redemption
It’s essentially one giant action sequence with subtitles. The choreography of the fight-sequences is an honor to watch and the capturing of this martial arts raid through the lens is handled brilliantly. There are things found here that any action movie-buff has never seen on the big-screen.
The Cabin in the Woods
It is a horror fan’s wet dream. It doesn’t seem like it at first with the clichéd, and semi-confusing, opening 10 minutes. But once it starts to showcase its unique plan of attack, this should have one flashing a sinister smile the rest of the way.
The Cabin in the Woods is built to innovate and pay homage. Enter with a relatively open mind and you’ll leave fully entertained.
Releasing this Friday: Chimpanzee, Think Like a Man, The Lucky One
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