The Best Films of 2012

Instead of going with the usual speech about the subjective nature of film criticism and how one might see this as a weak year, another as a strong year– I'll just say that it was a great year. Perhaps me getting into the swing of life as a critic helped me feel this way. Perhaps we just lucked out with a lot of great films being released in 2012. I can't say, really, but I'm thankful to have seen so many good motion pictures. 

I'm particularly grateful that so many of them featured at festivals in Georgia. "Rabies" and "Restoration" were screened at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. "Welcome to Pine Hill" showed at the Atlanta Film Festival. "Amour," "Rust and Bone" and "Silver Linings Playbook" all featured in Savannah. If you aren't checking out your local film festivals, you are missing out! Sure, you caught plenty of these at your local cinema at some point. But an energy is present at festivals that you can't find elsewhere. You never know when a film is going to come out of nowhere and slap you in the face.

Photos from "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Sam Claflin and Jennifer Lawrence star in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Easily, the highest profile Georgia release of 2013 is "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." While the first film of the franchise was filmed in North Carolina, the second film was produced in two separate halves; first in Metro Atlanta, then in Hawaii. Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and Stanley Tucci all return for the second feature and are joined by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen and Amanda Plummer.

Regardless of how the film turns out, it is guaranteed to make an outrageous amount of money and feature Georgia on thousands of cinema screens. Director Francis Lawrence has taken the reigns from Gary Ross and is set to direct all remaining films in the franchise. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay" will be split into two films but shot back to back. No word yet on if filming will take place in Georgia. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" will be released on November 22, 2013.

Lionsgate has released the first images from the movie. Check out two more after the jump.

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off tomorrow!

Tomorrow night, the 13th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off at the Cobb Energy Centre. The opening night gala begins at 5:00 PM with an open bar and food from landmark Atlanta restaurants like Alma Cocina, South City Kitchen, Woodfire Grill and more. "Hava Nagila (The Movie)" serves as the opening night film and promises to be a very lively start to the festival. Come sing along with us! The film starts at 7:30 PM. Don't have your ticket yet? What are you waiting for? Get them now at www.ajff.org!

Film synopsis and trailer after the jump.

Atlanta-filmed "No Soliciting" showing at the Plaza Theatre

"No Soliciting" is a new comedy from writer-director-actor Will Dove. Filmed in Atlanta in 2012, the movie earned a one-week run at the famed Plaza Theatre last week. Due to a great turnout, the run has been extended another week. Make sure you check the film out and support the local independent cinema scene. Trailer after the jump.

What to see at the 2013 Macon Film Festival

The first leg of Georgia's film festival circuit is about to kick off with the always robust Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. But after the AJFF begins and before it ends, another Georgia gem will take place. The 8th annual Macon Film Festival (MaGa) will run from February 14th through the 17th, just three weeks away! I saw some good films, met some fun people, ate some delicious food and took many great walks around town last February and look forward to getting to do it all over again this year.

The Macon Film Festival is similar to the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) in both age and size, although I can see the big dreams and ambitions of the MaGa board propelling the fest into the reach of a broader audience within the next few years. This year, several documentaries and features look promising and the festival always offers a wide variety of short films worth looking into. The special gala presentations (one each night) are still being announced, but they usually bring one or two stars into town. Last year, veteran character actress Beth Grant ("The Artist," "Donnie Darko," "No Country for Old Men") and Macon native Carrie Preston ("Duplicity," "That's What She Said," "True Blood") showcased some of their work.

After the jump, I've highlighted several films worth checking out. A few films have played at other festivals, including both RIFF and the Atlanta Film Festival, while others are fresh out of the editing room.

Jessica Chastain one-two punch: "Zero Dark Thirty" (****½) and "Mama" (**½)

Top: Jessica Chastain stars in "Zero Dark Thirty"
Bottom: Chastain stars in "Mama" alongside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

It's hard to think of another film career that has begun with quite the same bang that Jessica Chastain's has. After Meryl Streep transitioned from the stage to the big screen, it didn't take long for the Academy Award nominations and leading roles to start stacking up. Audrey Hepburn's star rose astoundingly quickly after her first Oscar-nominated performance in "Roman Holiday." But neither Streep nor Hepburn can claim such a seemingly overnight ascent to the top in both the critical and the commercial realms.

Chastain first turned heads in 2008, playing the title character in "Jolene." A small release that mostly played festivals, Chastain earned higher marks than the film itself. In 2011, the Chastain blitzkrieg began. "The Tree of Life," "The Help," "Take Shelter," "The Debt," "Coriolanus," "Wilde Salome" and "Texas Killing Fields" assured her face was in every multiplex and her name was on everyone's lips. A requisite Oscar nomination followed (for "The Help"), and again the next year (for "Zero Dark Thirty"). In 2012, starring roles in "Lawless" and "Zero Dark Thirty" catapulted Chastain beyond her label as a new, critically-beloved actress and into movie star territory. In the past two weeks, Chastain has held the number one spot at the domestic box office twice, and the top two positions simultaneously. The success of "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Mama" is crucially timed. Chastain is on everyone's minds just as Oscar ballots are currently in voter's hands. The hardworking actress could very well receive a trophy on stage at the Dolby Theatre next month.

Savannah Review bundle: "In Our Nature" (*½), "Tomorrow You're Gone" (**), "The Sapphires" (****), "Rise of the Guardians" (***½)

Gabrielle Union, John Slattery, Jena Malone and Zach Gilford star in "In Our Nature"

"In Our Nature" is perhaps the most disappointing film out of the 2012 Savannah Film Festival. Zach Gilford, Jena Malone, John Slattery and Gabrielle Union comprise an accomplished cast that fails to produce any sentiment from a dry screenplay. The premise is there; an estranged father and son unexpectedly reunite at their family cabin with their respective partners. Unfortunately, "In Our Nature" is riddled with unpleasantness, from slow-as-molasses pacing to the complete joy vacuum created by scene upon scene of unlikeable characters performing unlikeable actions with no attempt at relief. The filmmakers seem confident that they have created realistic characters with realistic emotions, but those who sympathize would still find a hard time enjoying the film. Jena Malone earns best in show honors, but her character still teeters too unevenly for her capable talent to grab hold. 1.5 out of 5 stars.

"Tomorrow You're Gone," "The Sapphires" and "Rise of the Guardians" after the jump.

Georgia Film Critics Association 2012 winners

Jennifer Lawrence wins one of four GFCA awards for "Silver Linings Playbook"

The 2012 Georgia Film Critics Association nominations were just announced Monday, but winners have already been declared. Just as "Silver Linings Playbook" led the pack with eight nominations, David O. Russell's film walked away with four wins, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Ensemble.

"Skyfall" was another big winner, taking home awards for Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench), Best Cinematography and Best Original Song. "Beasts of the Southern Wild" won two awards; Best Production Design and Best Score. Director Benh Zeitlin also took the Breakthrough Award, beating the likes of his star Quvenzhané Wallis, Zal Batmanglij, Derek Connolly, Bart Layton and Scoot McNairy. Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director for "Zero Dark Thirty." Other films that took home awards include "Lincoln," "The Master" and "Moonrise Kingdom."

Check out the full list of winners after the jump.

Review: "The Impossible" (****½)

Tom Holland stars in "The Impossible"

The harrowing true story of the Alvarez family's survival of and reunion following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami makes a most compelling basis for a film. I imagine that it didn't take Juan Antonio Bayona very long to stake out his plans after hearing such an incredible tale. The Alvarez family becomes the Bennett family through the performances of Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast.

I'll be the first to admit to my stone-hearted nature. I'm more inclined to be moved by a film's trailer than I am during the film itself, and that usually has to do with a sweeping orchestral piece used to maximize the editor's intended effect. "The Impossible" marks the first film to ever make me cry as an adult. I left the cinema with my eyes rung out dry and my heart a soggy mess.

Georgia filmed "A.C.O.D." to premiere at Sundance

Adam Scott stars in "A.C.O.D."

Last spring, a host of stars were in town to film "A.C.O.D." (or "Adult Children of Divorce"). Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Jane Lynch, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O'Hara, Jessica Alba and Mary Elizabeth Winstead spent a few weeks shooting on location in Buckhead, Castleberry Hill, Decatur, Gainesville and Midtown. We don't have a trailer yet, but with a cast like this, there's no way this movie isn't going to be hilarious. Writer-director Stu Zicherman's debut premieres Wednesday, January 23rd at the Sundance Film Festival. This is another one that might be a great fit to come back home for the Atlanta Film Festival.

Check out the Sundance synopsis after the jump.

Georgia filmed "The Spectacular Now" to premiere at Sundance

Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller star in "The Spectacular Now"

Last summer, as James Ponsoldt was still riding the wave of acclaim he received for his Sundance hit, "Smashed," he began work on a new film in his hometown of Athens, Georgia. "The Spectacular Now" is adapted from Tim Tharp's much beloved novel by screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber ("500 Days of Summer"). Upon reading the book and being reminded of his own hometown, Ponsoldt set out to change the setting from Oklahoma to Georgia. Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Kyle Chandler, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Mary Elizabeth Winstead all star in this promising teen romance. The world premiere is Friday, January 18th. I'd love to see this film come back to Georgia for the Atlanta Film Festival in March.

Check out some images (courtesy of The Playlist) and a brief word from Ponsoldt after the jump.

"Silver Linings Playbook," "Beasts of the Southern Wild" lead Georgia Film Critics nominations

The Georgia Film Critics Association has announced their nominees for 2012 and while the usual suspects from the Academy Awards and various other critics groups lead the way, a few surprises can be found. "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Beasts of the Southern Wild" received the most nominations with eight each. Two of the nominations credited to "Beasts," however, are actually Breakthrough nominations for Benh Zeitlin and Quvenzhané Wallis. "Amour," "Lincoln" and "Zero Dark Thirty" each garnered six nods, while "The Master" and "Rust & Bone" earned five a piece.

The success outside of Marion Cotillard's nomination for "Rust & Bone" marks a departure from many other critics groups. Controversial documentary "This Is Not a Film" earned three nominations in the categories of Best Film, Best Foreign Film and Best Documentary. Other highlights include two cinematography nominations for Greig Fraser ("Killing Them Softly" and "Zero Dark Thirty") and screenplay nominations for "21 Jump Street," "The Cabin in the Woods" and "Sound of My Voice." The Georgia-lensed "Lawless" earned two nominations in the Best Song category. 

The Breakthrough Award shortlist consists of directors Zal Batmanglij ("Sound of My Voice"), Bart Layton ("The Imposter") and Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild"); actors Scoot McNairy ("Argo," "Killing Them Softly," "Promised Land") and Quvenzhané Wallis ("Beasts of the Southern Wild"); and finally, screenwriter Derek Connolly ("Safety Not Guaranteed").

Check out the full list of nominees after the jump.

What to see at the 2013 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Just over three weeks to go until the 2013 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off. Last year, 30,000 tickets were sold, matching the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival as the largest Jewish film festival in the United States and most certainly one of the largest in the world. With the exponential rate of the growth the fest has seen since its humble beginnings in 2000, I wouldn't be surprised if this year's AJFF sells thousands more tickets than last year's. In fact, three dozen screenings have already sold out.

This year's opening night gala takes place at the Cobb Energy Centre. All regular venues from last year are returning, so you'll be able to catch films at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station, United Artists Tara Cinemas in Buckhead, Lefont Sandy Springs, Georgia Theatre Company at Merchant's Walk in Marietta and United Artists North Point Market in Alpharetta. You can see the schedule and purchase tickets at www.ajff.org.

I've highlighted 25 films from this year's festival, including the films from opening night, Gen-Y night and closing night as well as two anniversary screenings. Check out the list after the jump.

Savannah: "Amour" (****½)

Emmanuelle Riva stars in "Amour"

Having worked in film and television for over four decades, Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke only really began to solidify his status as a force in modern cinema in 2001, when "The Piano Teacher" won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Without discounting his early efforts, Haneke has given us some of the most subtly beautiful and unsettling films of the last decade. Cannes showed him some love again in 2005, awarding him the Best Director Award for "Cache." He went on to take the Palme d'Or in both 2009 for "The White Ribbon" and in 2012 for "Amour."

Savannah: "Rust and Bone" (*****)

Marion Cotillard stars in "Rust & Bone"

With films like "The Beat That My Heart Skipped" and "A Prophet" under his belt, Jacques Audiard has climbed to the top of the heap. In my eyes, his latest effort has cemented his status as the best French filmmaker currently on the scene. "Rust and Bone" is at once both a whisper and a shout; a visceral and violent study on the bonds between physical and emotional damage. Marion Cotillard, who has already proven her power many times over, gives us yet another tremendous performance. While he's not as famous a face or name, Cotillard's co-star, Matthias Schoenaerts, is himself a roaring tempest worthy of equal acclaim.