Top ten of 2012
My top ten favorite movies of 2012. Keep in mind, this is not a list ranking the films on their apparently objective quality, but on how much they entertained me, as well as how much they connected with me as a viewer.
Honorable Mentions: Cloud Atlas, The Dark Knight Rises, Killing Them Softly, Cabin in the Woods, Argo
Honorable Mentions: Cloud Atlas, The Dark Knight Rises, Killing Them Softly, Cabin in the Woods, Argo
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- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.As a Marvel fan for as far back as I can remember, this movie was a dream come true. Great and hilarious character interaction, iconic moments, and a real sense of fun make this my most enjoyable movie-going experience of the year.
My Rating: 9/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDaniel Day-LewisSally FieldDavid StrathairnAs the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.In my opinion this was the all-around best movie of the year. No movie this year educated me or touched me as much as this one did. Phenomenal performances and an incredibly moving, dialogue-driven story are what stand out among the other fantastic aspects of this film. Steven Spielberg still remains my favorite director and this film only helps him keep that honor.
My Rating: 10/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsMartin FreemanIan McKellenRichard ArmitageA reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug.As an enormous fan of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as a huge fan of Tolkien, this was my most anticipated movie of the year. Despite dragging a slight bit on multiple viewings, this film offers everything a fan or moviegoer could ask for in spades: adventure, heart, thrilling action, loyalty to the source, humor and incredibly good special effects. This trilogy can only get better from here. (P.S. Stay away from HFR/48 FPS)
My Rating: 8.5/10 - DirectorSam MendesStarsDaniel CraigJavier BardemNaomie HarrisJames Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.Nearly everything a fan of James Bond could ask for. A terrifyingly great villain, a complex and mysterious plot, ridiculously well-shot and staged action scenes, tremendous acting, a good dose of emotion, as well as several throwbacks to Bond's of old and some signature "Bond" moments.
My Rating: 9/10 - DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.Tarantino can't fail. Great dialogue (a Tarantino staple), bloody as hell action, a gripping plot, terrific acting and some absolutely hilarious scenes make this one of the years most entertaining films for sure.
My Rating: 9/10 - DirectorTom HooperStarsHugh JackmanRussell CroweAnne HathawayIn 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.Though it took a few minutes to get used to the live singing, it ended up making the film the most emotional movie of the year for me. All the performances shine, the music is remarkably good, and the production design is absolutely fantastic.
My Rating: 9/10 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittBruce WillisEmily BluntIn 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits - someone like Joe - who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by sending back Joe's future self for assassination.A great cast, a thoughtful, complex plot, a surprisingly moving and emotional plot twist, a some great sci-fi action make Looper one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking movies of the year.
My Rating: 9/10 - DirectorAng LeeStarsSuraj SharmaIrrfan KhanAdil HussainA young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.Easily one of the most gorgeous films of the year, this movie takes an "unfilmable" book and turned it into one of the most affecting and thrilling movies of the year.
My Rating: 8.5/10 - DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsJessica ChastainJoel EdgertonChris PrattA chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6 in May 2011.Even though we knew the ending the entire way, this still ends up being one of the most grippingly intense films of the year and features a tremendous performance from Jessica Chastain.
My Rating: 8.5 - DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsJonah HillChanning TatumIce CubeA pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.Easily the funniest movie of the year, this movie had everything a comedy needs: hilarious and witty dialogue, charismatic leads, an interesting plot, and a massive amount of crude one-liners.
My rating: 8/10