"I like the way you die, boy."- MY FAVOURITE FILMS OF 2012

        Oscars is tomorrow/today people (depends on your time zone)! What better time to finally post my list of favourite 2012 films? Enjoy.

Honourable mentions- Frankenweenie for showing us the awesomeness that Tim Burton is still capable of, Your Sister's Sister for being just so simple and lovely, Killer Joe for being just the opposite in all its perfect creepiness.

20.

The Dark Knight Rises (Dir: Christopher Nolan)

I have my issues with this film, but it is still one helluva action bonanza with a lot of things to say. The cast is excellent, and this is probably the best ending to the Dark Knight trilogy one could ask for.

19.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (Dir: Behn Zeitlin)

After having watched this film, I just was at a loss of words. Not so much as just being blown away but because I had nothing to compare it to. I have never seen anything of this sort. It's a modern fairytale. It's a commentary. It kind of glorifies poverty. All I know was that I loved whatever had transpired and that Quvénzhane Wallis is a tiny goddess.

18.

Looper (Dir: Rian Johnson)

One of my best experiences in the cinemas all year. I could feel myself gaping at moments. Takes the used-up time-travel plot and twists it to give us something new and memorable. Great performances as well.

17.

Talaash (Dir: Reema Kagti)

The big secret at the end had already been spoiled for me when I went to watch it. Still, I was quite surprised at it and how well-handled it was. It might not work for everyone, but the shady 70s thriller feel, a social commentary on prostitution in big cities and one gorgeous performance by Kareena Kapoor makes it a winner in my eyes.

16.

The Deep Blue Sea (Dir: Terence Davies)

This film haunts you with its melancholic beauty. As much as I love the period settings and the cinematography, it is the cast of actors led by Rachel Weisz that really seals the deal for me.

15.

Les Misérables (Dir: Tom Hooper)

I did not want to like this film, but I did. A lot. I loved most of the singing (ugh Russell Crowe!) and the settings and the story. The performances by Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway too were excellent. It's just a very pretty film.

14.

The Cabin in the Woods (Dir: Drew Goddard)

What an awesome, crazy film. One of the funniest, most original movies of the year that both mocks and embraces the horror genre. Has some of the greatest scenes and characters too.

13.

Brave (Dir: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell)

Pixar is back on form with this completely unique princess tale that most magically focuses on the relationship between a girl and her mother and is not about some silly prince or glass slippers or anything of that sort. Princess Merida is too awesome for that. Also, absolutely gorgeous animation.

12.

Holy Motors (Dir: Leos Carax)

I desperately need to rewatch this film to fully form some opinion on what the hell this film is about. In spite of that, I had just such a great time watching all of the mysterious Mr. Oscar's adventures and Denis Lavant's performance is fantastic.

11.

Magic Mike (Dir: Steven Soderbergh)

OBJECTIFY ALL MEN! Also, thank you Mr. Soderbergh. More films like this should be made, and not just for all that. Could not stop smiling throughout its running time though.

10.

Bachelorette (Dir: Leslye Headland)

It's just one of those films that I end up loving more than others. I thought it was really smart and bitchy and was a very interesting insight into the lives and minds of these women. Brilliant cast!

9.

Moonrise Kingdom (Dir: Wes Anderson)

I have to find some other word to describe it other than 'magical' but I always end up with it or synonyms thereof. It is stunningly shot and designed, has a story about the magic of growing up and that first love, and it's just so funny and sweet.

8.

Argo (Dir: Ben Affleck)

Definitely the best made movie of the year. It is entertaining, smart, thrilling, uplifting. A cool period piece that is more about a situation than any political stands. I would be very happy if this won Best Film at the Oscars.

7.

English Vinglish (Dir: Gauri Shinde)

I was so blown away by the simplicity and the brilliance of this film. A film that I personally relate to being an Indian girl. It is incredibly well-made and balanced and I love all the messages that this film gives. I wish all Indian films could be as smart and socially aware and well-acted as this.

6.

Ruby Sparks (Dir: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris)

An adorable romcom that is also about the creative process and the inner workings of a male mind. It also breaks open the "manic pixie girl" mould. And I love Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan.

5.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Dir: Steven Chbosky)

I don't think any film this year has made me so simultaneously happy and sad. I turned 20 last year and I have been feeling so lousy about my life so far and here comes a movie about beautiful young people and feeling infinite and whatnot. Just makes me wish I could go back to being 16 and really do it right this time round.

4.

Skyfall (Dir: Sam Mendes)

Oh gorgeousity! I could have never fathomed being this in love with an action film's look, but here we are. It is also a fantastically made film with a great story line and very memorable performances. Bond has never been better in my eyes.

3.

Django Unchained (Dir: Quentin Tarantino)

It's not flawless, but it is very close to being so. Tarantino tackling slavery seems like such an absurd idea, but god, did he pull it off! It's brutal, it's honest, it's spectacular to look at. Added to that the quintessential Tarantino elements of killer dialogues, magnificent violence and unforgettable characters.

2.

Cloud Atlas (Dir: The Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer)

Pure entertainment and ambition. All the stories, all the lives, all the genres- it is just marvelous. It should have been impossible to pull off, but with a running time that clocks to nearly three hours, it is one of the most engaging and inspiring films of the year.

1.

The Avengers (Dir: Joss Whedon) and Silver Linings Playbook (Dir: David O. Russell)

Speaking of impossible stuff, I just could not choose between the two. While I am a bigger fan of The Avengers, a film I have been raving about ever since I saw it, the Bollywood spirit in me cannot allow a romcom like Silver Linings Playbook, that is about real people and ends with a dance number, to place anywhere but at the top. I have enjoyed and loved these two movies. The characters, the chemistry, the performances, the highly unlikely chances of either being this fucking good(!), and the final acts, all have led to me choosing both The Avengers and Silver Linings Playbook as my number 1 movies of the year.

       So there you have it. These are all my end-of-year lists.

My Favourite Performances of 2012

My Favourite Scenes of 2012

My Favourite Fight Scenes of 2012

12 Shots of 2012

My Favourite Everything Else of 2012

       What did you think?

My Top 10 Films of 2012, Somewhat

     Here it is, my annual incomplete list of favourite films belonging to that year. And what a wonderful tradition it is. Incomplete because I still have a number of 2012 films to watch before I make my final set of lists, that should come out in late January-early February, that is if the film gods are kind enough.

10.

Magic Mike

I had the stupidest grin on my face while watching this film. It is just so much fun! It's like a sports movie without the sports, and male stripping in its place. And it embraces my ideology of "Objectify All Men". Plus what a year Matthew McConaughey has had. In a just world, he will get an Oscar nomination for this role.

9.

Holy Motors

The film that has baffled me beyond belief. And I loved that! I usually hate films which I can't make the head or tail of, but this crazy, wonderful whatever, has some of the most brilliant scenes I have ever seen on film. And god, Denis Lavant is a genius!

8.

Your Sister's Sister

This film is like a lesson in good story-telling and acting. You don't need fancy sets or big budgets. This film is so sweet and funny and warm, and shows the importance of friendship and family. Lovely.

7.

Moonrise Kingdom

Oh to live in a place and a time like Moonrise Kingdom! Wes Anderson-land has never been dreamier and so full of wonder.

6.

Argo

Even though I haven't seen many films of the year, I doubt I will see one as well-made as Argo was. Ben Affleck has totally won me over with this tale of espionage and film-fantasy.

5.

Perks of Being a Wallflower

Because it is so relateable, despite not having a life at all like the characters in it. It's funny and poignant, and Ezra Miller and Logan Lerman are just beautiful. Great soundtrack too.

4.

Skyfall

I have not seen a prettier action movie in my life. Roger Deakins's work, along with a totally unexpected turn from Sam Mendes gives us what might be one of the greatest Bond movies of all time. And I love Daniel Craig, Judy Dench and Javier Bardem so much!

3.

Ruby Sparks

Going to quote a friend after she saw it on my suggestion- "Ruby Sparks is one of the most lovely films I've seen in sooooo long. I've not had this overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and depression at the same time, since I saw Amelie. Love is an understatement."

2.

Cloud Atlas

The most entertaining film I have seen all year. There's something for everyone- comedy, adventure, sci-fi, thriller, and of course romance. I will have to watch it again to make more sense of it, but all the stories and the people and the lives are interlinked so excellently. And love the cast with Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent and Hugo Weaving taking top spots.

1.

The Avengers

Seriously, it is so fucking awesome! The best "superhero" superhero film ever. It's funny and smart and the action is fantastic. And then there is the ensemble cast of superheroes, something I would have never thought possible until I saw this. Joss Whedon is the man and HULK SMASH!!!!!!!!

There you have it.

HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!

"This is the true and impossible story of my great love."

          I love romantic comedies. They are like my thing, and not in a pathetic lonely female way. Well, not only. Having been raised in the 90s Bollywood scene, it is hard not to be inclined towards romcoms. Unfortunately though, most romcoms nowadays are pure crap. However, once in a while something comes along that reaffirms my faith in this genre, which is one of my most favourites. Ruby Sparks is one such film.

          Ruby Sparks starts with a girl shrouded in unearthly light talking to the audience/ our protagonist- Calvin Weir-Fields. She is the girl he has lately been dreaming about. Calvin is a writer who reached his peak at nineteen with a very successful book and has been trying to write a good enough follow-up ever since. He is at his wits end with his therapist, his agent, his brother and even his weird dog, Scotty. His therapist tries to help him by telling him to write as a person who would like Scotty for all his weirdness, and Calvin's answer to this problem comes as another dream encounter with this mysterious girl, who he names Ruby Sparks. He makes up this whole backstory about her and in many ways, she really is the girl of his dreams and he feels as though he is falling in love with her. He is of course concerned about this attachment of his, but that is nothing compared to when he wakes up to find that Ruby has somehow come to life and is living in his house as his girlfriend. Though at first bewildered by the power of his words, he cannot help but fall more and more in love with this enchanting girl, who doesn't know about the source of her existence. But even though she starts out as his ideal girl, Calvin soon finds that Ruby is just another normal girl with problems and flaws and as much as he wants to control that, somethings are even out of his creative hands.

             Ever since I saw the trailer of Ruby Sparks, I was sure that I was going to love it. It seemed to have this wonderful and odd love story and two very endearing leads in the form of Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan. And my goodness, did it deliver! The story was written by Kazan when she was dating Dano (!) and she wrote Calvin with him in mind and also based the story on films like The Purple Rose of Cairo (!!!) and Groundhog Day, that deal with slanted realities. What I like about the story is that it takes this idea of a manic pixie girl, with all the quirks and amazingness and helplessness etc. and completely turns it around. It shows how unrealistic this whole concept is, thus questioning the male gaze and one's idea of perfect soulmates which are always antithetical to the reality of the situation. As shown by the exclamation marks after The Purple Rose of Cairo, I love stories and films that bring the imaginary and the real together, and Ruby Sparks does that. Calvin says something towards the end of the film about how we should not question how it came to be, but accept it and all the magic and loveliness that it brings along with it. And Ruby Sparks is magical and lovely, and also very smart and funny.

          The writing would not have been half as effective were it not for the absolutely adorable leads, Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan. I am literally in love with Dano after this film. I mean people who know of my Woody Allen obsession know that I have a thing for neurotic, nervous, intelligent, bespectacled, skinny men who spend a lot of time on the therapist's couch (yes I do know that this is a sort of idealization and contradicts the message of this film, but it is what it is). And Kazan was spot on when she imagined Dano being this character. He is so funny and sweet and sad at the same time. Dano, with all his gangliness, is brilliant with physical comedy. There is a part when he is sneaking down the stairs after he has just realised that Ruby is real and his whole body language is so hilarious at that point. He manages to be charming in all his pathetic neediness, and when during the climax he is being a total bastard, it is also kind of sad because it is obvious that it hurts him to be that way. I thought he was such a fascinating character and Dano truly brought him to life with the oodles and oodles of talent that he has. Kazan too was excellent. She is very pretty, but in the exact way how someone like Ruby Sparks would be. She has some really comic moments too, when Calvin tinkers with her personality and she doesn't realise it. But my favourite thing about her is the the little changes that she brings to the character of Ruby, which is so important because Ruby does end up being someone real and all real people do keep changing like that all the time. Her chemistry with Dano is to die for and she, like him, shines the most in the climax.

          There are a few other characters in the film too. Chris Messina plays Harry, Calvin's brother and only confidante who is kind of beguiled by Ruby and her existence. Annette Benning plays Calvin's mother and Antonio Banderas plays her boyfriend. Steve Coogan, Elliot Gould and Deborah Ann Woll too have little but important roles. All together a very good supporting cast. The film is directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris who made another little gem, Little Miss Sunshine. I thought here they made a simple, effective and smart romcom that asks a lot of questions about the creative process and idealization and the reality of relationships and also manages to be heartwarming and really fun.

             Ruby Sparks is everything that I look for in a romantic comedy and more. It is actually one of those movies I wish I had written or made. It made me feel happy and fall in love with the characters it portrayed. For all these reasons, it has come right at the top of the list of my favourite films of 2012. I hope you watch it and love it as much as I did.

Thoughts

Another week people. It rained here the other day and it was amazing. But then, the bugs came. Ugh Indian monsoon -.-


1) I have no one to watch The Avengers with. I hate this world. Team Loki forever! Also, speaking of other blockbusters and teams, Josh "Peeta" Hutcherson adopted a special needs puppy and named it Driver, after Ryan Gosling's mysterious character in the awesome Drive. So obviously, I am with the bakers now!


2) Okay am I the only one who hates studios revealing information on sequels before the first part has even been released? I mean as evident as it is that nothing will happen to Ironman and Black Widow in The Avengers, they can shut up about how RDJ and Scarlett Johannson are returning in Ironman 3 for a second. Especially considering The Avengers is what all the other Marvel films have been building up to. Having said that, I am beyond pumped about the other cast members joining Ironman 3- Sir Ben Kingsley as the villain, the always brilliant Guy Pearce and maybe even La Chastain, in some sexy scientist role. Also, it seems that The Amazing Spiderman 2 is already getting written by the Star Trek writers. The first part hasn't even released yet. It is okay to plan ahead, just release the news afterwards.


3) Best Film News of the Week- The World's End, which is said to be the last part in the Blood and Ice Cream/ Three Cornetto Flavours Trilogy, all directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, aka Best Onscreen Couple EVER, is being written. Or rather has already been written by Wright and Pegg and its second draft is ready. OMGOMGOMG! I live for the day it gets made, and I am seriously not exaggerating. Let the world literally end after that and I would not care at all.


4) And now for some bad news, at least for me- the much awaited Darren Aronofsky "Noah" movie has found its savior, in the form of Russel Crowe. Ai yai yai... I really do not like Crowe. He's my anti-Depp and I find it very difficult to sit through his films. Gladiator was good but I did fall sick after watching it. And I like L.A. Confidential because it is a great film and has Guy Pearce and Kevin Spacey in it. I have only been looking forward to his next film Les Miserables because it will have the wonderful Hugh Jackman singing in it. I was quite excited and intrigued about the "Noah" film... I don't know how much I want to see it anymore.


5) Trailers- The trailer to Oliver Stone's Savages was released a few weeks back but I forgot to post it. It's a bit crazy, but I guess we expect that from a Stone movie. However, the block of stone that is Blake Lively telling us at the beginning of the trailer that she may die at the end of the story is a humongous faux pas. It just makes the film extremely predictable no matter how it ends unless she is somehow strapped onto a cow-shaped Death Star and oh I don't know... it's all bad!! I do like the fact that it has Salma Hayek and Benicio Del Toro though. Hope Springs, which has Queen Meryl reuniting with The Devil Wears Prada director, David Frankel. It looks sweet and also stars Tommy Lee Jones, who is always a delight in lighter roles like this one, and Steve Carell. The *hopefully* final trailer to Pixar's Brave has been released. I can't wait for this film and Merida's hair enough. Lawless has a friggin' awesome trailer out. Firstly it has an absolute dream cast- Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Mia Wasikowska, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce and oh so sexy Jessica Chastain. Secondly, I love Prohibition-era stuff, especially those big-ass tommy guns. Finally, the trailer of the week comes in the form of the lovely Ruby Sparks. I love Paul Dano! It is made by the wonderful people who made Little Miss Sunshine and I completely adore the premise of the story. I can see myself becoming obsessed with this film and hating reality even more after that. It also stars the likes of Annette Benning, Antonio Banderas and Steve Coogan.


6) Finally, I'm in love with this song and video-

Adieu mon chérie.