Re-Porter Blog: Top 5 Films of 2012

 

 

Re-Porter Blog

Top 5 Films of 2012

 

Hey Followers, I know it must seem strange to be doing a blog post and it not be summer :-) But I decided to switch it up a bit this year. Being that your reading this latest post, I imply that you had a great Christmas and you survived the Apocalypse that was never going to happen in the first place. As the year 2012 inches closer to completion, You may have noticed trailers rolling in for films set to release in 2013 including films that will be featured in the 2013 Summer Movie Season. Before we enter the new year of films, Let me give you my top 5 films from this year.

 

 

 

  Chronicle (20th Century Fox)

It is amazing to me that a film that wasn't even on my top ten list for 2012 ended up being one of my favorite films of the year. Chronicle is part of the found footage genre putting in the same category as Paranormal Activity and End of Watch. The film tells the story of three high school seniors who stumble upon a crystal artifact beneath the surface of the ground. Afterwards, they are given supernatural abilities that expand their minds and test their psychological limits. The movie mainly centers around Dane DeHaan's character Andrew Detmer, a lonely and sad teen who has to deal with a dying mother, his abusive unemployed father, and bullies at school. He has a strained but stable relationship with his cousin Matt played by Alex Russell and the two of them befriend Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan), the most popular guy in school with a seemingly privileged life. Using Andrew's camera, the trio documents what they can do with their newly acquired powers doing everything such as flying, levitation, and pulling harmless pranks. One of the film's biggest strengths is it's relatable and likeable characters. Alex Russell, Dane DeHaan, and Michael B. Jordan did outstanding jobs in giving their characters depth and substance. You immediately make an emotional connection the most with Andrew throughout the film. Andrew is a solid representation of what some teens in America go through whether it's an abusive or alcoholic parent, or being a victims of bullying. When Andrew gets his powers, they give him the opportunity to do something he has never been able to do before...fight back. When Andrew reaches his boiling point, the intensity and action picks up big time. The fight between Andrew and Matt is both emotional and jarring. It really shows how the powers change them into the person they are destined to be. I definitely recommend this film if your looking for a substitute from the found footage horror films. There are talks of the sequel that are beginning to take form. If this is true, I hope they will make the second one even more impactful then the first.

 

 

 

 

The Hunger Games (Lionsgate Studios)

Ok, I have to admit, even after the promotion for the film took place, I had never even heard of The Hunger Games or had any idea how huge it was. But after watching the first official trailer and reading the first book, my interest grew as well as my anticipation. I got a solid idea about how big this film was going to be just in the early part of February when merchandising and promotion picked up steam. In March, Me and the rest of The Hunger Games Nation finally experienced one of the biggest blockbusters of the year and possibly in recent memory. I definitely have to say I made a great decision reading the book first. It was one of the best books I ever read and the film was a great compliment to the acclaimed novel. From the iconic performance of Jennifer Lawrence, the real atmosphere created by Gary Ross, and the memorable and jarring moments in the arena made this a film worth experiencing. My favorite moments included the emotionally powerful Rue death scene played tremendously by Lawrence and her amazing on-screen partner Amandla Stenberg, the intense Cornucopia Scene, and the cave scene between Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence. This film caught my interest enough prior to its release to pull me into this intriguing world filled with amazing acting talent and an unbelievably passionate fan base that I look forward to sharing this ride with for the next three years. The anticipated sequel Catching Fire has recently completed filming and both me and the HG Family can hardly wait to return to Panam for the latest adventure, The Third Quarter Quell. 

 

 

 

Marvel's The Avengers (Paramount Pictures)

Part of the reason this film is on my list is because I fear I'll be shunned by every comic book fan who lives in America. But on the real , this was one of the most kick-ass super hero films in the history of cinema!!! It's hard to believe that the hype for this film started with the release of Iron Man four years ago. Everything about this film was epic. From the unbelievable action, the realistic team scenarios, and amazing visual effects, this was the true definition of a summer blockbuster!!! It was the ultimate comic book movie made by comic book fans for comic book fans. And if you don't believe me, just look at the $1 Billion dollars the film ranked in. The road to Avengers 2, due for release in 2015, is already in motion with the upcoming releases of Iron Man 3 and the sequel to Thor both being released in 2013. Only time will tell whether or not the second installment of the Avengers will top the previous.

 

 

 

The Dark Knight Rises (Warner Bros. Pictures)

  Along with The Avengers and The Hunger Games, The Dark Knight Rises was one of the most anticipated and acclaimed films of the year. Christopher Nolan has established himself as one of Hollywood's most respected and best directors. From his intense filmmaking to his top notch cinematography, Nolan has a unique way of immersing his audience in his films...but also using the IMAX cameras helps too. The latest installment of Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy finds Gotham in a seemingly stable period of piece. But when Bane, played by Tom Hardy, emerges from the shadows and creates utter chaos, Bruce Wayne returns as Batman to protect the city who shunned him and branded him a criminal. The film gives the audience a great conclusion to a trilogy that is in the same category as Star Wars, Lord of The Rings, and Harry Potter. The action of the film was an amazing display of chaos, mayhem, and all out brutality. The performances of Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Christian Bale, and other made this conclusion to this trilogy an epic spectacle. With Christopher Nolan serving as producer for Man of Steel in 2013, two questions arise: Will Batman return and Is a Justice League Movie On The Horizon?


 

Wreck-It Ralph (Walt Disney Pictures)

  Last but not least, is the hilarious and heartwarming Video Game film Wreck-It Ralph. The movie had me excited from the moment I saw the first trailer. When I finally saw the film in November, It exceeded my highest expectations. The amazing voice talent and hilarious antics that were featured in the film had me laughing all the way through. Despite the extremely funny moments, the film featured a strong emotional core that almost brought me to the brink of tears. This definitely will get my vote for best animated film of the year. Disney has really outdone themselves with this latest creative and intriguing movie that amazingly outdoes the most recent films by Pixar.




These five films captured my interest and took me on amazing adventures that blew me away, made me cry, and left my mouth wide open!!!  With 2013 only three days away, I look forward to  experiencing even more cinematic adventures that will give me the same impact. Thanks for Reading this latest post. I look forward to returning in the summer to give you reviews for the 2013 summer movie season, but until then...HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! :-)