2012: The Movie List

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this year has been especially notable for the sheer number of movies I caught at the theaters. Easily the most within a fiscal year in my life, and I'm skeptical on the possibility of this record being broken in the coming years.

Haywire
Woman In Black
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Ghost Rider 2
John Carter
Hunger Games
American Pie: Reunion
The Avengers
Dark Shadows
Men In Black 3
Snow White & The Huntsman
Madagascar 3
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
The Amazing Spiderman
Ice Age 4
The Dark Knight Rises
Diary of A Wimpy Kid 3
Bourne Legacy
Expendables 2
Premium Rush
Dredd 3D
Looper
Taken 2
Ted
Skyfall
House at The End of The Street
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Rise of The Guardians
The Hobbit: A New Beginning
Les Miserables

Well in an earlier post I had estimated that I've watched about 30 movies at the theaters this year alone. What were the odds that '30' would be the EXACT number of movies I've watched (I need to state that this does not include the few Tamil movies I also caught over the year with family) based on the list I've just made. Frankly making the list wasn't too difficult given I collect the ticket stubs of all the movies I watch at the theaters.

Anyway.. given the movies I DID watch, I figured it would be nice to select a Top 5. Perhaps you'll find a few of the choices a little surprising, even. :)

Top 5 Movies Watched In 2012

#5 - The Avengers
The preceding Marvel movies set it up quite nicely for a mouthwatering culmination of the Avengers in this movie. Epic moments and lines aplenty, this movie was enjoyable throughout: although it did have it flaws as well, with some parts seemingly spelled-out to unnecessary detail. Watched it twice though. :)

#4 - Perks of Being A Wallflower
Perhaps the surprise choice of the lot. Went into the theater not expecting much but came out feeling like I definitely watched one of the best movies of the year. Simple story, yet the way it relates to the audience is nothing short of incredible.

#3 - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
One of my resolutions for the year was based on the news of this movie's release in 2012. I had not watched ANY of the Lord of The Rings movies before this year, so I basically told myself that I had to get through the entire trilogy before heading to the cinema for this one. And boy was it a good one. Just watching all of them within the space of a week served to accentuate the experience and made me enjoy the movie all the more.. That's saying a lot given I could have easily gotten bored with the LOTR-overdose. Oh, and I definitely didn't mind catching it the 2nd time with my uncle and cousin.

#2 - Looper
I was looking forward to this movie hardly a month after completing the Batman trilogy. A very different plot as expected, and it certainly lived up to its hype. Joseph Gordon Levitt was impressive as always.

#1 - Dark Knight Rises
Nolan's finale to the Batman trilogy, and a fitting one indeed. No I still would not rank it above 'The Dark Knight,' but the Nolan-esque subtleties and complexities that play out like a symphony render this my top movie for the year. Heck I watched the movie 3 times ok!

There you have it. A summary of my cinematic experience for the year. No I would not put my money on any of my Top 5 to fetch the Best Motion Picture award at this year's Oscars - but that's simply because I've learnt to recognize the fine difference between movies that do well at the Oscars and those that I truly enjoy.

Yea so there were a few good movies that I didn't manage to catch at the silver screen. Those worth mentioning include Life of Pi, Lincoln and Django Unchained (which is still playing).

I must say though that the overall quality of the movies this year has been quite good. So glad that it was such a year that coincided with my sudden penchant to visit the cinemas on an almost weekly basis. Toodles!

Me, Defined

Here goes a list, that shall grow with every fact recalled, and slowly clear that cover of shrouding mist..

Principles and Beliefs

• I generally stand strong by my principles because I believe they define me, and forgoing them would mean that I'm basically losing myself.
• I do not enjoy imposing my beliefs on others because I believe everyone has a right to their own unadulterated opinion. Preaching facts, on the other hand is a different matter on its own.
• I always put myself in others' shoes whenever I can (not literally wtf), so I can attempt to understand what underlies their actions.
• I believe in helping people, regardless of their social and biological background.
• I feel human greed underlies the problems and inequalities in this world, and am vehemently opposed to its fruits being disguised as methods of survival.

Likes and Dislikes

• My favorite color is blue - it always has been.
• I am a fan of many sports, and enjoy indulging in it both visually and physically.
• Food that I am aversive to: Eggs, Milk
• I enjoy poetry, and am a big fan of Shakespeare and Wordsworth.
• I enjoy photography, but more so of the environment rather than people.
• I like to analyze how people think and act.
• I enjoy all types of music, except techno.
• I like to people-watch when I have a few minutes to spare at a crowded place (malls, cafeteria etc.)
• I dislike beer, although over the last few months I've grown fond of cocktails.
• My favorite movie genre is comedy.
• I am a sucker for history, especially European and early American history.

Character

• I tend to come off as quiet on a first-impression, although that would change once you get to know me better.
• I love challenges, and am driven by them.
• I always strive to do my level best at everything I put my foot into, and believe that patience and persistence will pay.
• I am always up for adventures, and have a rather good sense of direction.
• I often go into deep thought, and it would seem I am in a parallel universe.
• I have never been in a romantic relationship, to date. I still wait for that one person, expecting what some may see as a fairytale.
• I believe that I can be, perhaps to the surprise of many who know me personally - quite hopelessly romantic.. but then again, I haven't had a chance to express it.
• I used to read a lot as a kid, but stopped because I began to develop my own style of writing, and didn't want it to be compromised by the works of others.
• In general I am not calculative when it comes to money amongst friends, but I also try to make sure I am not underpaying in any way.
• I cannot dance. I am simply horrible at coordinating my bodily movements.

Random

• One day I hope to publish an autobiography entitled "What's In A Name," alluding to my long name that has been the subject of much external interest throughout my life.
• I dream of building a home for my mother at some point in my life, with a garden feature and a rambutan tree. :)

* To be updated from time-to-time *