My Favorite 20 Films of 2012: #20 - Shaken, Not Stirred

To get things started I thought I might as well bring out the big guns: my top 20 of 2012.  For all that the wonderful 919 has to offer (gorgeous weather, superior college basketball, etc.), it's doesn't get as many indie movies as some places.  As a result, I haven’t seen as many films as I would’ve liked.  There are also a few that even with my MoviePass subscription (If you want an invite just holla at me) I just couldn’t find the time to see (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Les Mis, Amour, Holy Motors, Rust & Bone, The Impossible, etc.).  With that said, let’s begin. (continues after the jump)

There was an abundance of ways for the world to watch movies in 2012; on screen sizes ranging from the boner-inducing IMAX to your smartphone’s boner-sized display.   Whether you were downloading it from iTunes or a torrent, streaming it onto your iPad/laptop/game console/TV via Netflix, buying an actual hardcopy (hmmm) or watching in the theater, you certainly weren’t lacking for options.  And if you manage to drag yourself away from the comforts of your couch to the theater there’s 48 frames-per-second (The Hobbit), the aforementioned IMAX, 2D, 3D, Real D 3D and of course Double Ds. 

I always think that audience impacts experience when it comes to movie going so if I will mention the format I saw these movies in and how they affected my enjoyment if I think it’s needed.  My best piece of advice: find a theater that serves BEER.  My local one does and there’s nothing better than washing down the violence, drama, or egregiously offensive jokes with a Red Oak or other tasty beverage.

Well without further ado, let’s kick things off with the film featuring the most famous movie song of the year courtesy of one Adele:  SKYFALL.  

20 – SKYFALL:    The latest Bond installment (yes I was too lazy to check how many of them there have been) is a stylistic joy ride that managed to give a heartfelt conclusion to its story (which is not always the case).  It also sets up a new Bond universe which holds much promise and opportunity.  Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) shows his range and does well to add some twists to the typical Bond plot.  The cars and tech toys are still there, but they are old school and understated for a change.  It’s all very British, as it damn well should be.  This is in stark contrast to the film’s villain played by Javier Bardem, a computer hacker/savant type with an interesting past who is worldly and modern.  The fact that the inevitable Bond girl doesn’t play a significant part is a refreshing (or depressing) change, and the action sequences are visually intense and impressive, especially this scene:  

The first two acts play out brilliantly, and while the climax is disappointing it does have massive personal resonance for Bond, whom Daniel Craig embodies with swagger and determination.  Classic Bond roles are filled with new faces and the future looks bright for Bond and his allies (especially at the box office). Great performances, high personal stakes, and a solid score combine for a fun time at MI6.  I can’t wait to see where they take the characters from here.