What are the top 11 films of 2012? Check out the slideshow here to see! Also read below for more details!
11. Pitch Perfect
With Rebel Wilson cast in the film, laughs are certainly in store. Although the writers of the film made sure to use the ensemble cast to its strengths and not solely rely on Wilson. A few elements of the movie may seem cliché, but with humor and entertaining ideas executed on, Pitch Perfect was a guilty pleasure and one of the best of 2012!
10. The Avengers
Are you really surprised this made the list? The Avengers, need I say more?
9. Public Solving the Republic
Despite not hitting a national market, Problem Solving the Republic produced by Restraining Hollywood and Diviney Pictures of Minneapolis, hits a huge homerun! PSR wraps up clever satire, action, with a dash of wit, and out of left field musical performances for 2012’s best mash of genres.
The directing and appearance of Problem Solving the Republic have top notch quality written all of it. Great acting with a unique plot make this Minneapolis film one of the best in all of 2012! To read more about Problem Solving the Republic, read here!
One of the best aspects of Problem Solving the Republic simply how the film is able to question the audience and raise not only awareness, but thought provoking status upon daily life and governmental aspects.
8. The Hunger Games
Read here why The Hunger Games was awesome!
7. Argo
An intense true story comes to screen by way of Ben Affleck who directs and stars in the film. Several U.S. Embassy employees take refuge in the Canadian Ambassador’s house during the Iran hostage crisis until the CIA can figure out a plan of action. With the help of Hollywood producers and movie makers, Ben Affleck leads the way to recon filming areas in Iran and extract the so-called actors from the horrible situation.
Savvy directing with a cast that captures the true pain and agony experienced by the hostages elevates Argo. John Goodman, Alan Arkin, and Bryan Cranston lead the way on the U.S. shores and tell the secret side of the true story. Argo showcases one of the best catchphrases in a while, “Argo, f**k yourself”.
6. Lawless
Unfortunately overlooked by many, the film showcases the Bondurant brothers during Prohibition era deep in the hills of Virginia. Lawless showcases excellent performances by Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain, and even chilling and rather strange performance by Guy Pierce. The film is certainly one that should be considered for Oscar season, yet sadly most likely won’t be.
Plenty of violence headlines Lawless, but the film heads straight for grit and replays the realism that unfolded between the badass Bondurant boys and the police trying to stop their moonshining.
5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Jackson returns to bring to life The Hobbit and he continues the excellence in filmmaking he performed with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Complaints on 48 frames per second versus 2 frames per second are rather nitpicky and tedious. The Hobbit unfolds beautifully on screen by stellar directing and elegant storytelling. If you enjoyed The Lord of the Rings trilogy and simply if you enjoy movies, no doubt you will love The Hobbit. The film returns one of the most devious and chilling villains, Gollum.
4. Wreck-it Ralph
Disney redeems by providing not only the best animated feature of 2012, yet one of the best films of the entire year. Diving head first into the world of video games and providing a lovable “villain” in Ralph (John C. Riley). The character is the villain in the game “Fix-it Felix”, yet wishes to be the winner and hero for once. After jumping from game to game in the arcade, Ralph becomes involved with obtaining a golden token in a racing game where he meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), a cute yet cunning girl.
The film may play to the youth, yet with the all of the humor and cameos from Qbert to Sonic, Wreck-it Ralph hits home and provides the perfect amount of humor to action with a touch of sweet emotions.
3. The Dark Knight Rises
Nolan’s finale for the Caped Crusader may not be his best, yet this Batman film is still easily one of the best 2012 has produced. The Dark Knight (2008) may very well be the best installment to the series, though do not let that fool you. The Dark Knight Rises ends the crusade Christopher Nolan started with Batman and brings justice to a superhero that has had issues in the past, i.e. Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
With a deadly and mysterious villain, Bane, portrayed by Tom Hardy, the terrorist certainly whips up plenty of danger to push Batman to his limits. The film is built around the idea of “rising”, to become the hero and person meant to be and Batman/Bruce Wayne certainly rises to the occasion.
Just to add, any movie that contains a Hans Zimmer score is one not to be messed with!
The Dark Knight Rises goes without saying is a “must-see film” and one that is not to be trifled with.
Before we hit the top two spots, it needs to be noted that the best movie of 2012 rests with two movies.
1. Skyfall
Need I say anything more about James Bond? Alright guess so.
Skyfall takes all of the best aspects of the 007 series and immerses into a world of realism. Continuing the style of Casino Royale, Skyfall matches the predecessor and rockets sky high over Quantum of Solace. Crafty directing beautifully displayed by the magic of Sam Mendes (Academy Award winner for American Beauty), James Bond’s adventure has been engaged by a true filmmaker looking to produce not just art, yet a great film.
Skyfall provides to dashing Bond girls while bringing Q back to the series; now this time Ben Whishaw portrays the gadget master. Do not fret, the typical Q wit returns with the youthful actor.
Daniel Craig ups the ante by bringing the grit while the screenplay matches Bond and M against one of the greatest villains in all of 23 films, Raoul Silva portrayed by Oscar winner Javier Bardem.
Skyfall succeeds in providing a stellar plot while bring a game of cat and mouse to screen while driving the emotional connection between the characters. If you have a dry eye by the end of the film then you have not been paying attention. Skyfall brings the James Bond series full circle and wraps all of the essential Bond-esque moments with meaning.
1. Django Unchained
Quentin Tarantino finally matches the awe of Pulp Fiction with his latest work. Previous films such as the Kill Bill films and even Inglourious Basterds served a mixture of guilty pleasure with stellar movie making. Although Django stands past Tarantino’s former films and is in consideration of his best work yet.
Like any previous Tarantino film the audience is always in store for intriguing characters, witty dialogue, swift camera work, and fantastic storytelling. The previous works by Quentin typically leave a bit to be desire; just not quite the full package and now he finally presents all of the over-the-top action with emotion and a direct tie-in between the characters.
Again Christoph Waltz enlightens in Quentin’s films, first as Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds and now as Dr. King Shultz. Jamie Foxx certainly packs a punch as the title character and he is able to bring to life a thrilling character whose complexities sear the viewers. Who can fault Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson; both actors bring to the big screen awesome performances.
Django Unchained is the complete Tarantino package and simply one of the best movies of 2012!
Congratulations to both Skyfall and Django Unchained for being the best of 2012! Both encased multiple aspects of film and meaning to garner such an honor!
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