Top theatrical and Blu-ray/ DVD release of 2012

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Ranjan Pruthee’s top theatrical picks of 2012

Django Unchained
Tarantino’s latest effort is maddening and bloody violent, yet he manages to inject moments of comedy and laughter into it, making the violence almost a secondary aspect. He pays homage to multiple genres, but at the same time carves out his own identity as an astute filmmaker, rediscovering himself in many ways.
Lincoln
Steven Spielberg’s film is a educational in every aspect, covering political challenges of passing the 13th amendment through the Senate and House that abolished slavery in all forms. Under Spielberg’s masterful direction, Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a superb performance that is worthy of an Oscar nomination. 
Life of Pi
With his past experience in adapting books for the screen, “Life of Pi” was a perfect project for Ang Lee, who retains Martel’s grandiose vision through the use of striking images and outstanding performances from the lead actors. As an allegorical tale of a young boy who learns the meaning of life and religion, “Life of Pi” offers many layers of religion, life and spirituality that need to examined and analyzed.
Skyfall
This time it is more personal and more realistic than any other Bond movie. Bond, as a hero, is imperfect and sentimental, and we connect with his character even more. Featuring breezy action and exceptional performances from Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, and Daniel Craig, “Skyfall” easily tops as one of the best Bond movies ever.
The Dark Knight Rises
Nolan certainly knows how to make a polished-looking movie, and “The Dark Knight Rises” is no different. The film has a dark undertone, for sure, as it draws parallel to the current political and social structure, but it is a fitting and entertaining end to the epic series that was even bigger and better on IMAX.
Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” is a bittersweet rebel love story, comprised of quirky characters and humorous situations. Unlike Anderson’s earlier films, this movie is fairly accessible and mainstream in nature. Family relationships and tender childhood moments are the driving elements of this film.
Argo
After the success of “The Town” and “Gone Baby Gone,” writer-director Ben Affleck is certainly on a roll here with his recent critically acclaimed “Argo.” Loosely based on the Iranian crisis in the late ‘70s, “Argo” is an engrossing thriller in which the characters stage a daredevil escape from an inescapable situation. Featuring a tight script, the film is a seesaw ride from start to finish. Indeed, this one remains as one of the best political thrillers in recent times.
Looper
“Looper” is another captivating and entertaining entry in the time travel genre that is well-written and superbly acted. The narrative shifts in multiple time dimensions, and even with this complexity, the script manage to represent the depth and character build-up to one’s satisfaction.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
“Jiro” is a quiet affair that is very deep in many ways. It teaches us things like work ethics, dedication, passion, motivation, and compassion--all key ingredients for a good and successful working professional. More importantly, it describes the process of creating sushi with painstaking details. Yamato says: “Jiro sushis are like musical notes,” and the film’s enjoyment is driven when we see Jiro making sushi.
Zero Dark Thirty
This is easily my top pick for 2012. Even though the movie has garnered plenty of controversy for its torture scenes, the film remains realistic and absorbing, chronicling the events in the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Director Kathyrn Bigelow presents a journalist take on true events, offering on-field and off-field moments that led to Bin Laden’s demise. The film’s strength lies in its narrative that is able to encompass a decade-long search in a digestible form, and the script is able to highlight the shortcomings in the bureaucratic process without ever becoming too critical and political.
Here are picks for top Blu-ray/ DVD releases in 2012
  • Jaws (Universal)
  • Prometheus (FOX)
  • Lawrence of Arabia (Sony)
  • The Dark Knight Rises (Warner)
  • The Cabin in the woods (Lionsgate)
  • Indiana Jones: The Complete Collection (Paramount)
  • Hugo (Paramount)
  • The Qatsi Trilogy (Criterion)
  • The Samurai Trilogy (Criterion)
  • The Gold Rush (Criterion)
  • Total Recall (Lionsgate)

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