And now for my favorite video for 2012. Remember that the only criteria is that I had to see it this year for the first time. In no particular order other than alphabetical:
***
The Artist: Excellent nod to the silent film era. Also, the dog was top notch.
The Avengers: Must have liked this. Only saw it six times. 🙂 Seriously, though, this is what movies about superheroes should be like. You know, heroic?
The Barchester Chronicles: A collapsing of a couple of Anthony Trollope’s novels. Donald Pleasance is excellent.
Call of Cthullu: A short black and white (also silent). Particularly fascinating is the making of section on the DVD, which shows several of the old movie tricks used to bring this film to life. With a nod to Chia Evers, extra, and Dan Novy, who did most of the special effects.
Chronicle: This is what it would be like if teens developed super powers. Don’t give your kids super powers.
Code Geass Season 2. It shouldn’t be this good, but they put crack on the edges of the DVDs. More melodrama and manipulative politics than you can shake a stick at.
The Descendants: George Clooney was robbed of that Academy Award, I tell you. Robbed!
Doctor Zhivago. The BBC’s most recent revision is an accurate portrayal of Pasternak’s book. It maintains a strong portrayal of Zhivago’s nobility, sorely lacking in the David Lean film.
Dumbo: I hadn’t watched this in forever. It is tender and heart-warming.
The Legend of 1900. Man lives entire life on cruise ship. What that entails. Interesting characters and psychological drama.
Life of Pi. The most beautiful thing I saw this year. And the most resonant.
Madagascar 3: Saw this 3 times. Easily the best of the bunch, and a strong story besides. And bonus Cirque de Soleil points.
ParaNorman: Not what you think. Strong story about bullying and belief.
Pat Labor on Television: Also not what you think. Yes, there are giant robots, but there’s a lot more personal story.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits: Usual Aardman humor with Defoe’s layered over the top.
“With a nod to Chia Evers, extra, and Dan Novy, who did most of the special effects.”
… wait, WHAT?! That movie is so amazing.
Did they help with The Whisperer in Darkness? Because I just bought that for my husband for Christmas. 🙂
According to imdb, that’s a no.
Dang. Well, I’ll just have to watch Call of Cthulhu all over again. 🙂