It’s the last day of 2012 and you know what that means. It’s time for my Top 10 Movies of the Year list. I might be a little late to the party, but better late than never. This was a great year for movies, which made it even harder to come up with this list. Now keep in mind, I haven’t been able to see every movie that has come out this year, some by choice (I’m talking to you, Twilight), others due to lack of time or funds. Regardless, I have been able to see a lot of movies this year so without further ado, bring on the list!
10. The Cabin in the Woods
This movie shouldn’t have even been released in 2012. It was originally slated for a 2010 release, but due to financial issue at MGM, it was delayed until this year. Cabin ended up well worth the wait, however, and Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Drew Goddard (Cloverfield) took audiences on a ride that turned the horror genre on its head. Film and horror fans will love the many inside jokes and stereotypes used to full effect here, but even non-horror fans can get a lot out of this new take on a horror movie cliché.
9. Looper
This is not a simple movie by any stretch of the imagination. Rian Johnson (Brick) gets the most out of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who while being in four films this year, never gets used to his full potential. It’s not a perfect movie by any stretch. It lags a bit in the middle and the plot can be a bit tough to follow at spots, but the acting is solid. Not to mention this movie features Pierce Gagnon, who is easily one of the best child actors I’ve ever seen. A kid in a movie that’s not annoying, thank God!
8. Wreck-It Ralph
Disney made up for the disappointment that was Disney/Pixar’s Brave this year with Wreck-it Ralph. You don’t have to be the king of the arcade to enjoy this movie, though it certainly won’t hurt if you’ve played your fair share of video games. Disney has created a solid universe and a lovable main character with this film. It won’t surprise anyone if we see a sequel in a few years.
7. Dark Knight Rises
It hurts me to put Christopher Nolan’s latest flick this low, but when expectations are as high as they were here it’s very hard to please everyone. Dark Knight Rises was a good movie, one of my favorite films of the year in fact, that’s why it’s here. Unfortunately, when many people consider your last two movies to be amazing, simply great seems to be a letdown. Nevertheless, I embrace the Dark Knight Rises for what it is, plot holes and all.
6. Silver Linings Playbook
I’m a sucker for a story with a good romance at the center of it, and that’s what the Silver Linings Playbook delivered. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence deliver strong performances that make you care about what happens to these characters. They’re deeply flawed, but that just makes you care for them more and want to see them happy. You can easily guess how this movie is going to end walking in, but the ride it takes you on is well worth it.
5. 21 Jump Street
This is my surprise movie of the year. Who would’ve guessed that a remake of the ‘80s T.V. show that launched Johnny Depp would be so hysterical? On top of that, who knew Channing Tatum could be funny? While it uses the name and general set up of the T.V. show, this is very much its own story. This movie is full of surprises and is easily the funniest film of the year.
4. Lincoln
Put simply, this is a solid movie. Daniel Day-Lewis doesn’t just play Abraham Lincoln. He becomes him. He will surely be the front-runner for Best Actor this Oscar season. Steven Spielberg knows exactly what it takes to make a good movie, and he does it again here.
3. The Avengers
Much like the aforementioned Dark Knight Rises, the Avengers had high expectations, but it completely lived up to them. Joss Whedon, in his second appearance on this list, managed to bring together the four worlds created by the previous marvel movies to make a fun and action packed summer blockbuster. This movie is just plain fun.
2. Argo
Ben Affleck has found his calling. It takes a special kind of director to keep the audience on the edge of their seat, particularly when they already know how the movie ends. This film keeps your attention from beginning to end. It also has some great comedic spots to break up the tension, thanks to great chemistry between Alan Arkin and John Goodman. It’s hard to believe that all of this actually happened, because it seems so bizarre, but it did. This is an amazing movie. If you haven’t seen it, fix that!
1. Skyfall
A James Bond movie that bring together both the grittiness of the last two and the greater sense of Bond history that come from the previous 20 films. Skyfall is a different kind of Bond film. It features strong character arcs and a plot that requires you to pay attention. This is more than just a “popcorn flick” like previous Bonds. This is a thinking Bond movie. Daniel Craig is on top of it here, and delivers a deeper performance than we’re used to seeing in Bond movies. Sam Mendes is the first Oscar winner to direct a Bond film, and it shows here. I was hoping for a great Bond movie when I walked into the theater and what it delivered wasn’t just a good Bond movie, but a good movie in general. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do and for me, Skyfall is the best movie of the year.
That’s my list and it wasn’t an easy one to put together. The order for me changed numerous times, particularly among the top three, but ultimately this is my list. So let me know, do you agree with me or not. Did I leave your favorite movie of the list or was I right on point? Leave me a comment and let me know. Let’s all hope that 2013 can be just as good of a year on “the big screen” as 2012.It’s the last day of 2012 and you know what that means. It’s time for my Top 10 Movies of the Year list. I might be a little late to the party, but better late than never. This was a great year for movies, which made it even harder to come up with this list. Now keep in mind, I haven’t been able to see every movie that has come out this year, some by choice (I’m talking to you, Twilight), others due to lack of time or funds. Regardless, I have been able to see a lot of movies this year so without further ado, bring on the list!
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