2012 Summer Movies Summary

My summer movie prediction of audience action fatigue came true — giving more original films like Peter Hedges’ “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” (Aug 15), Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” (May 25) and Woody Allen’s “To Rome With Love” (June 22) a fighting chance.

My top ten movies to see were (by date):

• “The Avengers” (May 4) — Superheroes unite! What could be better? Excellent in every way. Saw it three times. Grab it on home video next week! This film will be should be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award, but The Dark Knight Rises will get it instead...the Academy will not choose two superhero films even though they should. Avenger definitely won the box office battle over the Caped Crusader though.
• “Men in Black 3” (May 25) — Time travel and Tommy Lee (… Jones that is) matched with Josh Brolin’s amazing impersonation as the younger Agent K. Surprisingly strong drama, plot direction and character development. Great Bill Hader cameo. The action was a bit lacking, but this sci-fi
• “Prometheus” (June 8) — Director Ridley Scott returns to sci-fi with an all star cast and “Alien” subject matter. A great social event. Joined a big group for a midnight show. Memorable night. Explored around the area...and saw Battleship and Snow White in the Huntsman before our show. A film hat trick!
• “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” (June 8) — An animated animal fest for the children … and for laughs. Not seen yet. Love the comedy in this series that stretches the boundaries of what a live action film could deliver. I remember seeing a preview version of the first installment at a press event and instantly knew this series would go far. Audiences still want to see this quartet get back home to New York.
• “Brave” (June 22) — This Scotland tale continues the Disney/Pixar summer movie tradition. Surprising plot direction and outstanding animation. Merida's hair is basically its own character in the film. Oscar winner for sure.
• “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” (June 22) — Steve Carell and Keira Knightley find comedy, drama and romance. Not seen yet. ...our local theaters did not keep it long enough for me to get a chance. Will see on home video next month.
  
• “The Dark Knight Rises” (July 20) – Batman’s curtain closes for Christopher Nolan’s film trilogy. I saw the Dark Knight Marathon with a good friend and his son who never saw any installments yet. My cinema knowledge was on full tilt that "knight". One of my best movie experiences ever! Masterful filmmaking on every level. Another Best Picture nominee for sure.
• “The Bourne Legacy” (Aug. 10) — Jeremy Renner and the returning supporting cast continue this strong series. Saw this one. Very unique. A little to much dialogue, but a nice setup for a possible fifth installment with Matt Damon. Zeljko Ivanek had a break out performance in his "dual role".
• “Total Recall” (Aug. 3) — Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessical Biel will shine with the meaty plot and amazing direction from Len Wiseman (“Live Free or Die Hard”). Not seen yet ...Bourne Legacy won this face-off. Again, action fatigue and another reboot that did not fully connect with audiences. Will be interested to see if taking out the Mars setting hurt the film overall.
• “Hope Springs” (Aug. 10) — Steve Carell again as a relationship guru with married couple Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep attending his weekend seminar. A one-time watch. Unpredictable and definitely for mature audiences, but definitely not a biblically based love story, especially when the couple gets "open" sexual options, though I admired how the film tackled a wide range of relationship challenges.