Movies 2012: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Date seen: 29 December 2012

Rated PG-13, 102 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.3

Metascore: 67/100 (User Score: 8.1)

Tomatometer: 85% Certified Fresh (Audience: 93%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.85/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Stephen Chbosky did a great job of translating his critically-acclaimed novel to a motion picture--I mean, who else would be able to do so? Deeply moving, nostalgic, funny, and brilliantly brewed with noteworthy performances. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is this year's best coming-of-age movie and among the best ever made of its genre.

After watching this movie:

You might want to watch it again in a not so distant other time.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Logan Lerman as Charlie
• Acting: Ezra Miller as Patrick
• Acting: Emma Watson as Sam
• Film of the Year
• Ensemble
• Adapted Screenplay
• Directing

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Pitch Perfect (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Date seen: 24 December 2012

Rated PG-13, 112 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.3

Metascore: 66/100 (User Score: 7.8)

Tomatometer: 80% Certified Fresh (Audience: 84%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.25/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended 

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

There is no question that this film is satisfyingly entertaining. Anna Kendrick is a surprise. This flick is generally light with some weight of quality.

After watching this movie:

You'll suffer from last song syndrome.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy
• Sound

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Date seen: 15 December 2012

Rated PG-13, 169 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.5

Metascore: 58/100 (User Score: 8.5)

Tomatometer: 65% Fresh (Audience: 81%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.75/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended especially if you have read the book.

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

It is indeed very surprising that the single book was split into three movie adaptations, but what is more surprising is that the first installment of this franchise was able to satisfyingly live up to expectations provided that it has to be limited since there are still two movies succeeding it. If you have read the book, then you might as well try to have a picture in your mind as to what have happened in the first few chapters for it might appear perfectly converted into the big screen. This is certainly one of the movies that you should not miss this year.

After watching this movie:

You might want to (re)read the book.

For your consideration:

• Directing
• Visual Effects
• Musical Score
• Costume Design
• Art Direction
• Make-up
• Adapted Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011, UK)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011, UK)

Date seen: 14 December 2012

Rated PG-13, 124 mins
IMDB User Rating: 7.2
Metascore: 62/100 (User Score: 7.8)
Tomatometer: 77% Certified Fresh (Audience: 80%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.95/10
Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended
Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:
The simple but gradually captivating plot, the stellar cast, and the magnificent performances makes this a contender this awards season. Certainly a good watch.

After watching this movie:
You might want to adapt the hotel owner's purpose.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Judi Dench as Evelyn Greenslade
• Acting: Maggie Smith as Muriel Donnelly
• Acting: Tom Wilkinson as Graham Dashwood
• Acting: Penelope Wilton as Jean Ainslie
• Acting: Celia Imrie as Madge Hardcastle
• Acting: Bill Nighy as Douglas Ainslie
• Acting: Ronald Pickup as Norman Cousins
• Ensemble
• Film of the Year
• Directing
• Screenplay
• Cinematography

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Date seen: 14 December 2012

Rated PG-13, 94 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.0

Metascore: 84/100 (User Score: 8.0)

Tomatometer: 94%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 88%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.25/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

This is both simple and complicated. Magnificently shot with a good-enough plot. Surprisingly, this is an ensemble of big names in small roles. Has the appeal for critics, and will be ignored by the average viewer.

After watching this movie:

You might feel lost, speechless.

For your consideration:

• Ensemble
• Musical Score
• Cinematography
• Directing
• Costume Design
• Production Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Image from google,com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Date seen: 06 December 2012

Rated PG, 97 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.5

Metascore: 57/100 (User Score: 7.6)

Tomatometer: 73%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 84%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.50/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for kids.

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Certainly one of the contenders this year among the animated films with its vibrant characters and clever screenplay. The kids will surely want to see this again after a single screen. One good movie for the whole family--worth the watch!

After watching this movie:

You'll ask your self as to what is your center.

For your consideration:

• Animated Feature of the Year
• Character Animation
• Music in an Animated Feature
• Animated Effects
• Production Design
• Storyboarding

~~~

Scores are of posting.

Movies 2012: THE DICTATOR (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

The Dictator (2012)

Date seen: 30 November 2012

Rated R, 83 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.5

Metascore: 58/100 (User Score: 6.1)

Tomatometer: 58%, Rotten (Audience: 47%) 

Movie Notebook Score: 5.00/10
Recommendation: D - Not Recommended
Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes:
I was really expecting to laugh a lot at this, but it turned out to be a lot of "what?" and grimaces. In all fairness, I think I laughed twice. Even thought is this even a comedy? Mockery used to be funny, The Dictator turned it to "boring".

After watching this movie:
You'll feel lost.

For your consideration:

None.



~~~ 
Scores are as of this posting.