The Best (and Worst) Movies of 2012

NOTE:

Major Films I missed in 2012:

Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, The Impossible, Beasts of the Southern Wild & Amour.


All films are in no particular order, so without any further adieu;


Best films of 2012


The Hobbit




Not being a diehard LOTR fans left me kind of iffy about this but Jackson’s slightly uneven film kept me entertained throughout, unlike Fellowship of the Ring.

Prometheus



It’s a flawed film with its issues magnified with repeated viewings, still it worked for me on so many levels. So much so that I saw it various times in theaters and multiple times on blu-ray.

The Dark Knight Rises




It’s was one of my most anticipated films of the summer and it didn’t disappoint. That being said, much like Prometheus, its flaws are more and more apparent with repeated viewings but it still leaves me satisfied with each viewing.

Moonrise Kingdom




My favorite Wes Anderson film has been The Royal Tenenbaums for ages. While his films have been consistently solid, Moonrise Kingdom was the first one since The Royal Tenenbaums that connected with me in such a strong manner.

The Master




It’s a movie who’s plot could be written on a post it but it’s has some of the best performances I’ve seen all year. While the plot is frustratingly opaque and ultimately unresolved, Hoffman Phoenix and Adams keep your eyes glued to the screen.

Silver Lining Playbook




I hate romantic comedies because they are so formulaic. At its base this film is a Rom-Com but it does it with such interesting characters and strong performances that you won’t really notice until the film’s over.

Lincoln




Spielberg and Daniel Day Lewis are in top form supported by an equally game supporting cast. Sure it’s ready made Oscar bait, so much so I kept imaging fake trailers for it like on Tropic Thunder, but it’s thoroughly engaging and fascinating.

Life of Pi 3D





Ang Lee’s visually stunning and moving adaptation of the beloved book is the type of film that needs to be seen on a big screen and in 3D.

Django UnChained




Quentin Tarantino’s latest film is another stellar turn. It’s his most romantic and unflinching film, which is saying a lot on both fronts, it’s nearly perfect and easily re-watchable.

The Avengers




It should have worked at all but it did. After a few more viewings I still can’t help thinking its Joss Whedon playing with toys on a massive scale. The interplay between the characters is fun delivering as much fan service as possible.


My Biggest cinematic surprises of 2012


Cloud Atlas




It’s not a perfect film but I couldn’t keep but respect its audaciousness. It’s as massive as it is bold. In a sea of films I really enjoyed, this one left me the most emotionally invested by the time the credits rolled.

Pitch Perfect




Trailers looked funny enough to be respectable but I was surprised at how well written it was. A good collection of talent and the fact that it never took itself too serious made it a big success.

Wreck-it Ralph




One of the best non Pixar animated film out there. Some inspired voice acting choices along with a more textured than expected story left me grinning and caring about the characters.

Chronicle



I love found footage films but even I can tell it’s overexposed. Chronicle was entirely off my radar so I was taken by surprise at how well acted and inventive this superhero origin story was.


The worst movies I suffered through in 2012



Silent House




Stupid endings with bad plot twist can kill a solid film, a real shame because Elizabeth Olson put in a great performance.

Wrath of the Titans




For some reason I thought this sequel might be better than the horrid remake. It was worse and even stupider.

Chernobyl Diaries




The first third of the film does a solid job of establishing the setting and tone. Then they introduce the mutants from The Hills Have Eyes….

Snow White and the Huntsman




Kristen Stewart as Snow White. I tried as hard as I could to give it a fair shot but Stewart’s endlessly mopey face and Charlize Theron unchecked Mommy Dearest overacting make this an unpleasant experience.


Total Recall




Glossy, slick and just about as soulless and pointless as they come, it’s a perfect example of what not to do with remakes.


Resident Evil Retribution




Why do I keep watching these expecting to be surprised? Somehow even worse than the last one and even more incoherent and idiotic.

Paranormal Activity 4




A cash in sequel which could and should be ignored when the next chapter hits screens. Lazy in everyway possible after some rather well thought out sequels to the original hit.