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.
The 2012 summer season is upon us and that means a steady flow of blockbuster movies will be tossed in our faces for the next four months. Chronicle has held strong since it dropped early this year, with the only true challenge coming from The Cabin in the Woods. Yet one of the biggest flicks this year has just stormed onto the court with a record-breaking flash, A-list talent, and everything else that modern-day movie-going public could ask for. And perhaps…handle.
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. The Avengers
4. Red Tails
5. The Grey
6. Game Change
7. The Secret World of Arrietty
8. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
9. Friends with Kids
10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
11. The Raid: Redemption
12. Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds
13. Big Miracle
14. Think Like a Man
15. 21 Jump Street
16. Brake
17. Mirror Mirror
18. This Means War
19. The Three Stooges
20. Gone
21. Blue Like Jazz
22. American Reunion
23. Jeff, Who Lives at Home
24. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
25. Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best
26. Safe
27. Searching for Sonny
28. The Hunger Games
29. John Carter
30. Wrath of the Titans
31. Dead Dad
32. Underworld: Awakening
33. The Devil Inside
34. The Five-Year Engagement
35. Downtown Express
36. Project X
37. The Raven
38. Silent House
39. Bully
40. Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding
41. Lockout
42. The Woman in Black
43. The Vow
44. Man on a Ledge
45. The Lucky One
46. Contraband
47. Act of Valor
48. 4:44 Last Day on Earth
49. Safe House
50. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
51. The Pirates! Band of Misfits
52. Kill List
53. Haywire
54. A Thousand Words
55. Joyful Noise
56. Wanderlust
Not Screened: One for the Money, Casa De Mi Padre, Chimpanzee
Marvel’s The Avengers
Essentially, it’s what cinematic blockbusters strive to be. While encompassing some technical/mechanical quirks, this creation from writer/director Joss Whedon, is polished to near-perfection and will easily satisfy audiences that yearn for the season’s studio showcase, a.k.a. expensive, yet well-produced, entertaining shenanigans.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Ensemble casting can either crowd a film or inflate in a positive way. This 124 minute “textbook” if you will, has plenty of room for everyone to thoroughly enjoy. Overall, this is a lovely getaway that keeps it light and spirited while encompassing material that is meaningful. It could be this year’s The Help and that translates to… possible Academy Award consideration.
Releasing this Friday: Dark Shadows
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