2012 has been an outstanding year for movies. With Golden Globes nominations out and Oscar buzz all around this town, I thought I’d give you some of my completely biased reviews.
Some Favorites
Argo – I think this is one of the best films of the year.
Zero Dark Thirty – Jessica Chastain was fantastic. Another best of the year (and I don’t really care if the story is true or not)
Robot & Frank – Probably not going to get much attention but this lovely little film features great acting, a story that reminds humanity of the importance of connection and asks the pertinent question of the role of technology in our lives.
Hitchcock – Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren shine. Are either of them ever not good in a movie?
Cloud Atlas – I loved this film. How the story is constructed, the actors’ talents, loved it.
Flight – ever wonder what addiction really might be like? See this movie. Perhaps one of Denzel Washington’s greatest performances. I think the direction in this was also spot-on and am a bit disappointed there doesn’t seem to be recognition…
Silver Linings Playbook – good acting, important story.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi – technically this came out in 2011 but I didn’t see it until 2012 so I’m putting it here. MY DAD was right. this film is great. And you’re going to want to eat some sushi and/or go to Japan.
Skyfall – Perhaps one of the best Bond films. Worth seeing on the big screen.
The Hunger Games – I liked it. Don’t judge.
You Can Wait on These and Watch Them at Home, They’re Worth It
Lincoln – Yes Daniel Day Lewis is incredible but overall I found the movie slow and at times, tedious.
Moonrise Kingdom – Really good. Would probably be in the category above if it wasn’t this year with so many great films.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – Again, really good.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen – Loved the story. A little quirky. My kind of movie.
Amour – A beautiful foreign film about love, aging, and dignity.
The Dark Knight Rises – Enjoyable though VERY dark
Trouble With the Curve – a very good baseball movie
Les Miserables – I thought it was Les Miserable. Russell Crowe was awful, the singing was sub-par and I thought the camera work was weird.
Movies I Still Want to See and/or Missed in Theaters
The Guilt Trip – hopefully seeing Barbra on screen won’t make me cold like it did at her concert at the Hollywood Bowl
Life of Pi – loved the book
Django Unchained (though I might not see it because it seems so violent)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Last Quartet – Rabbi T said I should add this
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Did I miss anything? What’s on your list for 2012?
Rabbi Eleanor Steinman 