Excuses, excuses. I could easily sit here and say that, while there were many likable movies in 2012, I’ve having trouble remembering any that really wowed me. I could also say that it’s tough to compile a list like this without having seen ALL the movies of 2012, especially those yet to be released (Les Miserables, I’m talking about YOU). Finally, since I seem to see the bulk of my movies on DVD, some on this list are from 2011. So without further excuse, here are my Top 10 of 2012:
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The Artist — Last year’s Oscar-winner for Best Picture is a fun homage to the silent film era. There may be more joy in Singin’ in the Rain, but I can’t watch The Artist without smiling.
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Hugo — Another 2011 pic, a film–lover’s dream, with shout–outs to Georges Melies and the Lumiere Brothers.
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The Descendants — The last of my list from 2011, The Descendants features George Clooney, who’s rarely been better, as a landowner in Hawaii going through a personal crisis.
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50/50 — Joseph Gordon–Levitt is one of those actors who seems to make everything he’s in better. A funny and touching look at facing death.
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The Cabin in the Woods — I’m a horror fan anyway, and this one was both funny and surprising.
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The Amazing Spider–Man — There were a lot of high–profile superhero movies in 2012 (The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, etc.), but I had more fun watching this Spidey reboot than any of the others. And speaking of fun…
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Men in Black 3 — A trip in time and a spot–on performance from Josh Brolin made this sequel a great popcorn click.
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Chronicle — Meanwhile, this “found footage” movie gave an interesting take on the superhero mythos when three average kids get powers from a mysterious rock, and videotape the results.
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Animated movies — And now I’m cheating by going way over 10, but Wreck–It Ralph, Madagascar 3, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Pirates! Band of Misfits, and Arthur’s Christmas were all satisfying.
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Small movies — Cheating even more, I would re–watch these low–budget gems in an instant: Jeff Who Lives at Home, Safety Not Guaranteed, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, and Damsels in Distress.
Marty Nabhan— ClearPlay Reviewer
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