Well, I thought the world was going to explode and that I wouldn’t be writing any more reviews, but it turns out those Mayans were just playing an elaborate practical joke. So it’s time once again to reflect on a few choice movies of 2012. Of course, I haven’t seen everything that came out on DVD or in theaters this year, but here are ten films I enjoyed, in no particular order.
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Real Steel
I totally ignored this movie until it was released on DVD this year. What I thought would be a dorky robot fighting show actually showcased an excellent plot and paternal redemption story. Great performances and immensely entertaining.
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Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Released in theaters late last year and on DVD this year, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is one of the best in the series. It has all the explosive action and tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie did so well that rumors are flying about a fifth installment in the franchise.
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John Carter
I’m still baffled by the negative critical reaction to this film. John Carter is a really fun adventure romance based on sci–fi novels written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, some of the first novels in the genre. Fun characters, lively action, and dazzling effects make this a great ride.
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The Avengers
Pound for pound this is one of the most entertaining superhero movies put on film. Marvel Studios knocked it out of the park with Joss Whedon at the controls. Fun characters, huge battles, and mind blowing effects make this a must own kind of movie if you are any kind of superhero fan.
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Hugo
While a bit slow in the pacing department, Hugo’s design and cinematography are astounding. It has a good message about helping people by giving them a purpose. So if you are they type that likes a more thoughtful, slow–burn movie, give Hugo a shot.
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
While not ClearPlayed yet, this retelling of Tolkien’s classic is very entertaining. However, if you are a Tolkien purist, be prepared to take offense at a number of Peter Jackson’s alterations and embellishments. There are a few I didn’t like so much, but in the end the film was simply too much fun to let my gripes get the better of me.
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The Amazing Spider–Man
This is another movie that pleasantly surprised me. I grumbled about a reboot so soon after the previous trilogy left theaters, but doggone it, they actually pulled off a movie that was endearing and felt fresh. Credit a great cast and feel that is more realistic and less comic’booky.
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Prometheus
While frustrating in the number of questions it leaves unanswered, the Alien prequel Prometheus really captured my fancy with its convincingly realized otherworldly environments and constant feeling of looming death and danger. It’s a bit on the gory side, so check your filters.
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The Hunger Games
This film adaptation of the popular book is well made and captures the spirit and tension of the book quite well. Katniss is a great hero, showing courage, compassion, and strength while still seeming human.
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The Dark Knight Rises
While The Dark Knight still wins as the best of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films, The Dark Knight Rises is ambitious and epic in scope. While not perfect, it actually ends the trilogy with a satisfying conclusion that does justice to the characters.
And there’s your list. There are still a number of movies I want to see that have come out this year including Lincoln, Cloud Atlas, Looper, and Les Miserables. What’s on your list?
Brian Fuller– ClearPlay End of the World Prognosticator
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