The Year In Movies – Part 1

For many reasons, 2012 was an off year in movie watching for me, which may not necessarily be a bad thing.  I managed to watch only 62 movies last year, my first year under 100 since 2005 and after having averaged just over 131 movies over the past 5 years.  Many things contributed to this, chiefly my attempts to do more exercise and read more books and the insane amount of TV I’ve been watching.

Here’s a look back at the first 50 movies I did manage to watch last year and what recollection I have of them, if any.  The films are listed in the order I saw them.

Hatchet II (2010)
I remember thinking this was better than the first Hatchet film, but that isn’t exactly saying anything.

The Hangover Part II (2011)

Nowhere near as funny as the original, but still a worthwhile effort.

Changeling (2008)
Angelina Jolie’s search for her missing child.

Drive Angry (2011)
Nicolas Cage has some bills to pay, and schlock like this is how he plans on paying them.

Moneyball (2011)
One of the most controversial books in the world of baseball hits the silver screen, chronicling the new approach taken by the cash-strapped Oakland A’s to field a successful team.

’92 Skybox Alonzo Mourning Rookie Card (2011)
A short about a screw-up who sells his brother’s Alonzo Mourning rookie card.

Tanner Hall (2009)
A pre-Dragon Tattoo Rooney Mara stars in this school girl drama.

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
A disappointing sci-fi romp through the old west.

The Rock-afire Explosion (2008)
A documentary looking at the house band of the former Showbiz Pizza.

The Hunger Games (2012)
My first trip to the movie theater this year was for this adaptation of one of the best books I had read the year before.

In Time (2011)
Justin Timberlake continues to impress as an actor.

The Avengers (2012)
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Mix Tape Monday – May 2001

After my tape deck crapped out in 1997, I was stuck listening to either the radio or full albums in whatever order the artist intended.  That all changed in 2001, when the new-fangled MP3 technology got combined with my new CD burner.

This CD was burned in May of 2001 and features new music from Weezer, The Go-Go’s, and American Hi-Fi, along with older songs that interested me at the time for one reason or another.

The Five Blobs – Beware Of The Blob

This old 50s tune was re-popularized by the new midday show on WCKG hosted by Buzz Kilman and Wendy Snyder.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 5/11/2012

The Ramones – Spider-Man Theme

The seminal punk band covered the theme from the 60s Spider-Man cartoon for a mid-90s compilation.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 7/30/2012

American Hi-Fi – Flavor Of The Week

The one hit from the band that has seemingly become the touring band for Miley Cyrus.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 6/13/2012

Smoking Popes – I Need You Around

The local alt band had a hit with this tune from the Clueless soundtrack.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 8/9/2011

Len – Steal My Sunshine

Another one hit wonder, this tune was originally included on the Go soundtrack.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 8/19/2011

Jodeci – Lately

The unplugged version of the old Stevie Wonder hit from technically the first band I ever saw perform live.

iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 9/21/2012

Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft

The song was back in vogue in 2001 thanks to the Shaft remake the previous year and Hayes increased profile thanks to his role as Chef on South Park.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 7/16/2012

Snap! – Rhythm Is A Dancer

I’ve always been fond of this early 90s dance hit.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 7/16/2012

Mallrats Clip

Funny stuff from the mind of Kevin Smith which I have never imported into iTunes.

Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag

The minor hit from the Loser soundtrack was a massive hit in Australia, becoming the #2 selling single of 2000.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 12/1/2010

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And The Oscar Goes To

Tonight is the 84th annual Academy Awards.  Here are my predictions:

Best Motion Picture of the Year

The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

Of the nominated films, Moneyball is the only one I’ve seen.  I think The Artist takes home the award.  It is definitely the type of film the Academy likes to reward.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Demián Bichir for A Better Life
George Clooney for The Descendants
Jean Dujardin for The Artist
Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt for Moneyball

Again, Brad Pitt’s performance in Moneyball is the only one I’ve seen.  Clooney seems to have some momentum on his side.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

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