What the Movies of 2012 Can Learn From Those of 2011

It hurts to admit this, but I went to the movie theater less in 2011 than I ever have in the ten years since I started working and could afford to go whenever I wanted. It wasn't necessarily the quality of the movies in 2011 but more the lack of ambition. I just didn't feel like I needed to go and see that many movies. With that being said, I will use my favorite movies from last year to illustrate what I would like to see more of in 2012.

5. The Muppets

One could argue that it was merely nostalgia that got audiences in their late-20's and mid-30's to lavish praise on The Muppets and that is partially correct, but the only reason that nostalgia worked is because The Muppets successfully tapped into everything that made Kermit and his pals such a hoot to watch in the first place: self-aware jokes, corny one-liners and plenty of can-do attitude to Put On A Show. It was the pure spirit of what makes Jim Henson's creations fun distilled into one feel-good hit. 2012 could use more reboots and revivals of forgotten franchises that don't try to be TOO hip and TOO modern but stay true to their roots.

4. The Adventures of Tintin

I never could have imagined that Spielberg would be able to pull off the charm and humor of the original comics while making it exciting to watch. Tintin sometimes comes off as a little too hyperactive but I can't fault them for trying. I consider this probably the most well-rounded version of “Entertainment” that I saw all year. It had everything. If we could only get everyone involved with motion capture animation to take notes and learn from the master, I'm sure we would start to finally see some worthwhile action-adventure movies that are fun for the whole family. It wouldn't hurt if we could also get Andy Serkis in more movies. That man is brilliant.

3. Midnight in Paris

It's not a perfect movie but it does its job so well that by the end you wonder why you haven't seen romantic comedies this lighthearted and sweet more often. Woody Allen's films seem to effortlessly blend fantasy, subtle romantic yearning and witty banter in such a way that you hardly notice the underlying message that warns us against romanticizing the past. If there were even three romantic comedies next year that come close to this level, I might not write off the entire genre as hopeless.

2. Our Idiot Brother

Paul Rudd stars as the most endearing, good-natured, honest and sweet human being who has never existed. I had a blast and so did the four other theater patrons who shared the experience I had that night. I can honestly say that The Weinstein Company botched the marketing of this movie so horribly that it looked like they were trying to keep people from seeing it. The trailers were so entirely misleading that you might imagine Paul Rudd was mentally handicapped or just looking to get taken advantage of. I want more comedy leads like Paul Rudd (or how about giving Paul Rudd more work?) who make a character so incredibly likable that you can't help but want them to succeed. Too many comedies have been filled with buffoons and assholes. It's time for more kind-hearted gentleman.

1. Drive

Drive was the ballsiest movie of the year. The only safe bet they made was casting Ryan Gosling and making sure he was in every shot of the trailer. Nicolas Winding Refn crafted a neon-noir ode to style as substance and it absolutely works. It is riveting and touching and tragic. Not something you expect to get a nationwide release, much less succeed like it has. If even two movies in 2012 manage to take the lessons of 70's-style indie film-making and try to recreate half the fun of Drive, we'll all benefit.