The Best And Worst Films And TV Shows Of 2012
The Best And Worst Films And TV Shows Of 2012
While some film fans and film critics adored 2012, I felt the year was largely comprised of bloated blockbusters and underwhelming art films. To me, a majority of the films (while often well made) felt distant and never really connected with me personally. Last year, I was overwhelmed with profoundly moving films such as “Moneyball,” “50/50,” “Hugo,” and “Midnight in Paris.” Now, that’s not to say 2012 didn’t have its highlights because it did. No one can deny that 2012’s cinematic offerings weren’t varied as the cinemas (and VODs) were flooded with everything from a talking teddy bear and a Bengal tiger to an extraordinary rescue mission and video game makers.
Meanwhile, on the television front, serialized entertainment once again reigned supreme. Whether I was witnessing the further decline of Walter White on “Breaking Bad” or seeing the astonishing wildfire sequence in “Game Of Thrones,” it’s clear that television is as exciting as it has ever been.
So, without further adieu, here is my annual list!
Best Films
1. Argo- An intense and thrilling film based on an incredible true story. Arguably Ben Affleck’s best directorial work to date.
2. ParaNorman- Laika does it again. It’s a real shame this film wasn’t a bigger hit as there is more imagination and artistry in a single frame of “ParaNorman” than there is in most 2012 films.
3. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey- I was thrilled to visit Middle Earth once again.
4. Indie Game: The Movie- You don’t need to be a gamer or a video game industry professional to appreciate this moving documentary that unflinchingly chronicles the ups and downs of creative artists.
5. Miami Connection- Even though the film came and went back in 1987, I had to put this film on my list after seeing Drafthouse Film’s re-release. From the catchy tunes to the crazy action, this new cult classic is a joyous and hilarious bad movie classic.
6. Ted- The funniest film of the year. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Seth MacFarlane brings to the big screen in the future.
7. This Is 40- The real modern family semi-autobiographically told through Judd Apatow’s eyes.
8. The Bay- A nasty, little seen, parasitic centric found footage film by veteran director Barry Levinson.
9. Life of Pi- A visually stunning and thought provoking film about faith, survival, and reality.
10. Cloud Atlas- A rich, accomplished adaptation by writer/directors Andy and Lana Wachowski and Tom Tykwer.
Other Favorites: “The Other Dream Team,” “Excision,” “Goon,” “The Sessions,” “Django Unchained,” “Red Tails,” “Skyfall,” “Chimpanzee,” “The Secret World Of Arrietty,” “Searching For Sugar Man,” “Hitchcock,” “The Avengers,” “Brave,” and “American Reunion.”
Worst and Most Disappointing Films:
1. Prometheus- Disappointing doesn’t even begin to describe this prequel that completely castrates the mythology of the Alien series.
2. Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance- A repetitive and poorly executed comic book film. This should be the final nail in the coffin for this franchise.
3. Freelancers- How does 50 Cent keep getting film work?
4. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island- A journey better left forgotten.
5. Dark Shadows- Another soulless Tim Burton remake.
6. The Amazing Spider-Man- A sloppy reboot that juggles far too many poorly scripted storylines.
7. The Dark Knight Rises- This is not Batman. Bruce Wayne does not retire and walk away from his lifelong destiny of being Batman. Bruce Wayne IS Batman.
Best Shows:
1. Game of Thrones- Any worries about the series having a sophomore slump went out the window with this rich and riveting second season.
2. Homeland- Believe the hype. This Showtime series has some of THE best acting and writing in television today.
3. Breaking Bad- Season 5 masterfully set the stage for the final 8 episodes in 2013. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
4. Tron: Uprising- The “Tron” franchise is back and better than ever in this fast-paced animated series set between “Tron” and “Tron: Legacy.”
5. Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule- Well worth the nearly 2 year wait. Let’s hope we get a third season sooner rather than later.
6. Legend Of Korra- A thrilling sequel series to “Avatar: The Last Airbender” that is filled with well developed characters, a fully realized universe, and plenty of humor to boot.
7. Sherlock- Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss go above and beyond expectations with a second series that surpasses the first in every respect.
8. Star Wars: The Clone Wars- Season 5 is off to a rough start, but the later half of season 4 that aired in early 2012 featured some of the best “Clone Wars” episodes to date.
9. Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007- A fascinating documentary for Bond aficionados.
10. Doctor Who- While the 6 episodes that aired in 2012 varied in quality, the long running sci-fi series (however frustrating it can be) still never ceases to entertain and warrant hours upon hours of conversation.
Notables: “Battlestar Galactica: Blood And Chrome,” “Comic Book Men,” “Impractical Jokers,” and “Hollywood Treasure.”
Worst Shows:
1. Brand X- The only thing more painful than watching this show is knowing that it was somehow picked up for a second season.
2. House of Lies- Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell deserve better.
3. The Walking Dead (Season 2)- An uneventful, drug out season that sorely missed Frank Darabont’s vision.
4. The Newsroom- Bla bla bla.
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