While we were away, 2012 closed out as a year of entertainment that introduced new things both loved and loathed. While 2012 is still a close memory, 2013 offers promise with comebacks, reunions and more superhero movies. Those can stay forever.
The Daily Reveille entertainment staff recalls the best of 2012 and offers a peak into what we’re excited about for 2013.
Daniel Catalanello, entertainment writer:
Best Albums 2012
1. “Centipede Hz” – Animal Collective
2. “Swing Lo Magellan” – Dirty Projectors
3. “Kindred EP” – Burial
4. “Instrumental Tourist” – Tim Hecker & Daniel Lopatin
5. “Until the Quiet Comes” – Flying Lotus
6. “Shields” – Grizzly Bear
7. “Mature Themes” – Ariel Pink
8. “Love This Giant” – David Byrne & St. Vincent
9. “Channel Orange” – Frank Ocean
10. “The Idler Wheel” – Fiona Apple
Best Songs 2012
1. “Today’s Supernatural” – Animal Collective
2. “Between Friends” – Flying Lotus feat. Earl Sweatshirt
3. “Get Free” – Major Lazer feat. Amber Coffman
4. “About to Die” – Dirty Projectors
5. “Pyramids” – Frank Ocean
6. “Adorn” – Miguel
7. “Half Gate” – Grizzly Bear
8. “Truant” – Burial
9. “Losing You” – Solange Knowles
10. “Climax” – Usher
Most Anticipated Albums 2013
1. James Blake LP (Title TBA)
2. “Amok” – Atoms for Peace, February 25
3. The Next Day- David Bowie, March
4. My Bloody Valentine LP (Title TBA)
5. “Doris” – Earl Sweatshirt
Most Anticipated Films 2013
1. “To the Wonder” (TBA, Terrance Malick)
2. “Stoker” (March 1, Park Chan-wook)
3. “Place Beyond the Pines” (March 29, Derek Cianfrance)
4. “Blue Jasmine” (TBA, Woody Allen)
5. “Monsters Academy” (June 21, Dan Scanlon)
Rob Kitchen, entertainment writer:
Top 5 Comics Events of 2012:
1. Batman: Death of the Family – While not yet finished, the portion of DC’s Bat Crossover that has been released does not disappoint.
2. Marvel NOW! – The launch of Marvel’s latest campaign gives a great opportunity for new readers to start reading.
3. Before Watchmen – The controversial event has been a massive success for DC and providing some of the industry’s top talent to work with the classic characters of Watchmen
4. Avengers vs. X-Men – Despite some mixed reviews, Avengers vs. X-Men delivered on a huge opportunity to pit some of Marvel’s most iconic characters against each other for a stellar event.
5. Aquaman – No one was expecting Aquaman to be awesome, but writer Geoff Johns makes him one of DC’s major players in his current series.
Most Anticipated Comic Events of 2013:
1. The Trinity War – Exact details of DC’s first company wide crossover remain scarce, but from what is available, it’s shaping up to be epic
2. Scott Snyder and Jim Lee’s Superman Series – This new series from two of DC’s biggest players is shaping up to be incredible.
3. Age of Ultron – Marvel’s first big event after Avengers vs. X-Men delivers a new challenge to Marvel’s universe
4. Justice League of America #1 – DC launches the fourth wave of titles for The New 52, and the flagship title is shaping up to be incredible
5. The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys – Adapted from My Chemical Romance’s fourth album, lead singer Gerard Way’s new series is showing a lot of hype.
Top Video Games of 2012:
1. Mass Effect 3 – Despite the backlash from the ending, Mass Effect 3 still provided one of the best experiences of the year and an ending to the greatest sci-fi series of this generation of gaming consoles
2. Dishonored – Dishonored was one of the most enjoyable games this year. It provided fresh experiences to gamers after too many sequels.
3. Far Cry 3 – Far Cry 3 provided a first person open world shooter that manages to combine many elements from different games, such as Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty and Skyrim.
4. Borderlands 2 – Borderlands perfects the FPSRPG, first person shooting role playing game that is, in one enjoyable experience that builds upon the original
5. XCOM: Enemy Unknown – XCOM is brutally hard, but enjoyable and provided the best strategy experience this year.
Most Anticipated Video Games of 2013:
1. Pokemon X and Y – The next generation of Pokemon had only recently been announced and the trailers provide enough new features to make a Pokemon game once thought to be impossible.
2. South Park: The Stick of Truth – A South Park RPG? Yes please!
3.Star Wars 131 – Star Wars meets Uncharted in a gritty part of that universe is something that can blow players away.
4.Injustice: Gods Among Us – The new DC fighting game has potential to be the super hero fighting game the world needs, but not the one it deserves.
5.Tomb Raider – Lara Croft’s new outing is a reboot the series needs to get more attention and players in addition to the ones it has gained since its inception.
Aggi Ashagre, entertainment blogger:
Movies:
Favorites of 2012
1. “Silver Linings Playbook” – Wasn’t really expecting how deep and well written this movie is. Plus, watching Jennifer Lawrence scream at Robert DeNiro ( probably one of the most intimidating actors) ’til he’s speechless is pretty cool.
2. “Pitch Perfect” – This movie was hilarious. How can you not love Rebel Wilson and Anna Kendrick!? And it’s always fun to go back and watch the scenes that were filmed on campus and around Baton Rouge.
3. “Django Unchained” – Also hilarious in an unexpected way. Great acting and writing. Another win for Tarantino!
4. “The Vow” – I’m a complete hopeless romantic, so it’s obvious why a Rachel McAdams/Channing Tatum flick is in my top 5.
5. “Think Like A Man” – One of the greatest ensemble casts of the year!
Anticipating in 2013
1. “The Great Gatsby” – Loved the book. And Leonardo DiCaprio — ‘nuff said.
2. “Now You See Me – The previews look awesome, but I have a weird feeling that I might be disappointed for some reason.
3. “Gangster Squad” – Ryan Gosling. Emma Stone. Together Again. OMG.
4. “Despicable Me 2” – More cute scenes with minions? Count me in!
5. “Movie 43” – It looks so dumb that it has the potential to be hilarious. Still trying to figure out how so many top-notch actors fit into the same movie.
TV-
Favorites of 2012
1. “Scandal” – One of the most underrated shows of the year. Great acting and writing!
2. “The Mindy Project” – The show helps Mindy Kaling, originally from “The Office,” really shine.
3. “Girls” – Lena Dunham is taking over.
4. “Nashville” – One of my guilty pleasures. If you like country music, this is definitely a great show for you.
5. “Beauty and the Beast” – Not terrible considering it’s from The CW.
Anticipating in 2013
1. “Being Mary Jane”
2. “The Carrie Diaries”
3. “Deception”
4. “1600 Penn”
5. “How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)”
Marie Chaney, entertainment writer:
Best Games of 2012:
-Sound Shapes
This quirky puzzle game was ignored by many gamers, but those who did pick it up experienced one of the most unique games around.
-Pokemon Black and White 2
This second journey through the Unova region wrapped up the intriguing storyline of its predecessor very well. The fifth generation of Pokemon didn’t mess with the nostalgic formula but instead kept the franchise fresh with additions like the World Tournament, which allows you to battle previously fought gym leaders (including those from other regions).
-The Walking Dead
This game had everything a gamer could want…Action, drama, and zombies.
-Mass Effect 3
Okay, so the ending sucked. But the refined combat system and fun multiplayer mode sort of made up for it. Flaws aside, Mass Effect 3 was a good but controversial end to the Mass Effect series.
-Journey
Journey is one of the few adventure games out there to finish in one sitting. But what a sitting it was. Players navigate their silent, robed protagonist toward an enormous mountain looming in the distance. The gorgeous soundtrack, beautiful art, and minimalist gameplay soundly prove that sometimes gaming really is all about the journey.
Top TV shows of 2012:
1. “Mad Men”
2. “American Horror Story: Asylum”
3. “Downton Abbey”
4. “Game of Thrones”
5. “The Walking Dead”
6. “Boardwalk Empire”
7. “New Girl”
8. “Girls”
9. “Sherlock”
10. “The Mindy Project”
Most Anticipated Games of 2013:
-Pokemon X and Y (3DS) (October)
Right on the heels of Black and White 2, the first 6th generation Pokemon game will be released worldwide for the 3DS in October. The 3D graphics and Europe-inspired world are gorgeous, and rumors of features like player customization and an innovative communication system abound. While opinions on the designs of the starter Pokemon vary, I have no doubt that Pokemon fans will be lining up all around the world.
-Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) (TBA)
This 3D update to one of the most charming and addictive franchises and gaming brings plenty of new features to the table, even allowing the player to become town mayor.
-Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeros (TBA) (XBOX 360, PC)
TWO Metal Gear games in one year? Not much has been revealed about these updates to the beloved Metal Gear franchise, but rumors state that the protagonist will be Big Boss. Open-world gameplay also sounds like a welcome change to the series.
-Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3, PS3 Vita) (February 5th)
After an eight-year hiatus, the Sly Cooper series is finally receiving a much-needed upgrade. Sly Cooper reunites with his old comrades to recover a book chronicling his family line. The game lets you play as Sly, Bentley, Murray, Carmelita Fox, and Sly’s ancestors.
-Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs (TBA) (PC/MAC)
After experiencing Amnesia’s subtle brand of horror, I immediately started wondering if a sequel was in the works. I got my wish. The new environments make this game’s message clear: This is not for the squeamish.
The Walking Dead: Season 2 (TBA) (TBA)
-I’m not sure what to expect from this follow-up to what many considered the best game of 2012, but that’s probably for the best. If this game is anything like its predecessor, you might want to keep a box of tissues and possibly a spare pair of pants on hand.
Bioshock Infinite (March 26) (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Bioshock’s second sequel moves away from Rapture and takes gameplay to the sky. You play as Booker DeWitt, a government agent sent to rescue a mysterious young woman named Elizabeth. I’m anxiously awaiting my chance to explore the floating city of Columbia, and I know I’m not the only one.
Dead Space 3 (February 5th) (Xbox 360, PC, PS3)
-This sequel shakes up the Dead Space franchise by moving protagonist Isaac Clarke to a frozen planet called Tau Volantis. The biggest change, however, is the addition of a co-op partner named John Carver. If co-op doesn’t float your boat, don’t worry: The game can be played without AI support, meaning fans can get their Necromorph hunting fix alone if they wish.
Taylor Schoen, entertainment writer:
Best movies of 2012:
-“Cabin in the Woods”
-“Django Unchained”
-“Moonrise Kingdom”
-“Hunger Games”
-“Dark Knight Rises”
Most Anticipated movies of 2013:
-“This is the End”
-“The Great Gatsby”
-“Evil Dead”
-“Warm Bodies”
-“World War Z”
Best Albums of 2012:
-Bad Books – “II”
-Say Anything – “Anarchy, My Dear”
-Japandroids – “Celebration Rock”
-Jack White – “Blunderbuss”
-Animal Collective – “Centipede Hz”
2013 Albums:
-Kid Cudi – “Indicud”
-Airborne Toxic Event – “All at Once”
-The Black Keys – TBA, 8th Studio Album
-The Strokes – TBA, 5th Studio Album
-Yeah Yeah Yeahs – TBA
Rebecca Docter, entrainment writer:
Best Albums of 2012
1. Title Fight — “Floral Green”
With the much anticipated follow up to 2011’s Shed, the Kingston, PA punk quartet surely delivers. Floral Green truly demonstrates the band’s astonishing progression from its mid-nineties post-hardcore roots to something much more diverse.
2. The Gaslight Anthem — “Handwritten”
The Gaslight Anthem is, obviously, hell-bent on sounding more like a mix of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and “The Boss”; with Handwritten, though, this is certainly not a negative. The record houses an eclectic mix of songs that would compliment any late night road trip.
3. Bad Books — “II”
In the follow up to one of the greatest super group match-ups of all time, Kevin Devine and the burly men of Manchester Orchestra deliver yet again with everything from somber ballads (“Ambivalent Peaks”) to higher paced melodies reminiscent of Passion Pit (“Forrest Whitaker”).
4. Benjamin Gibbard — “Former Lives”
Following a depressing dry spell of all Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service work, Ben Gibbard finally departs from the shadows to bring fans a series of reworked demos and unused B-Sides. This collection of songs hints at every Death Cab album there ever was, and it’s absolutely glorious. Former Lives definitely does not disappoint.
5. Blink-182 — “Dogs Eating Dogs EP”
After the slightly underwhelming release of last year’s Neighborhoods, Blink steps of the game with this EP and reassures listeners that Blink still has it.
Most Anticipated Albums of 2013
1. Brand New
2. Balance and Composure
3. The Wonder Years
4. Jimmy Eat World
5. Transit
Best TV of 2012
1. “American Horror Story”
2. “Girls”
3. “Whisker Wars
4. “Portlandia
5. “New Girl”
Most Anticipated TV of 2013
1. “The Newsroom”
2. “Girls”
3. “Community”
4. “Bates Motel”
5. “The Following”
Shelby Holloway, entertainment blogger:
Favorite 2012 movies:
-“Silver Linings Playbook”
-“Les Miserables”
-“Dark Knight Rises”
-“Hobbit”
-“Perks of Being A Wallflower”
Upcoming 2013 movies:
-“Man of Steel”
-“The Heat”
-“Catching Fire”
-“Iron Man 3”
-“City of Bones”
Favorite 2012 Books:
-“Sweet Evil”
-“Me Before You”
-“Beautiful Disaster”
-“Falling Kingdoms”
-“American Heiress”
Upcoming 2013 books:
-“Forth Grave Beneath My Feet”
-“Walking Disaster”
-“Sweet Peril”
-“Clockwork Princess”
-“Endless Knight”
Samantha Bares, entertainment writer:
Top 5 Movies of 2012:
“Les Miserables”
“The Hunger Games”
“Brave”
“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”
“Mansome”
Most Anticipated Movies of 2013:
“The Great Gatsby”
“Man of Steel”
“Side Effects”
“Anchorman: The Legend Continues”
“Ginger & Rosa”
Top 5 2012 TV/Most Anticipated of 2013 TV:
“Doctor Who”
“Parks & Recreation”
“Portlandia”
“Wilfred”
“30 Rock” (Series finale Jan. 31st)
Taylor Balkom, entertainment blogger:
Best Albums of 2012
5. Passion Pit – “Gossamer”
4. Kendrick Lamar – “good kid, m.A.A.d city”
3. fun. – “Some Nights”
2. Frank Ocean – “Channel Orange”
1. Alabama Shakes – “Boys and Girls”
Brian Sibille, entertainment editor:
In no particular order but then sometimes particular.
Music:
1. “Lonerism” – Tame Impala
Lush, big, psychedelic sound from a guy who internalizes rejection and uses it to craft breathtaking tracks. This record is escapism at its best, as a brilliant meshing of traditional psych-rock and conventional electronic create a landscape that can be pleasantly explored even after endless listens.
“Centipede Hz” – Animal Collective
“Boys and Girls” – Alabama Shakes
“good kid, m.A.A.d city” – Kendrick Lamar
“Bloom” – Beach House
Songs:
“The House That Heaven Built” – Japandroids
“Apocalypse Dreams” – Tame Impala
“Constant Conversations” – Passion Pit
“Losing You” – Solange
“Don’t Save Me” – HAIM
“Monkey Riches” – Animal Collective
“Money Trees” – Kendrick Lamar
Movies:
Safety Not Guaranteed
Django Unchained
Moonrise Kingdom
Argo
Looper
Chronicle
Television:
Breaking Bad
Girls
Parks and Recreation
30 Rock
Next Iron Chef: Redemption
Most Anticipated Albums:
“Shaking the Habitual” – The Knife
Untitled Vampire Weekend
“Mosquito” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Untitled My Bloody Valentine
Most Anticipated Movies:
“Anchorman: The Legend Continues”
“This Is the End”
“Inside Llewyn Davis”
