I know that some of you might not agree with what you're about to see, but that's the great thing about 'best-of' lists: they should generate discussion and thoughtful consideration, while ultimately encouraging you to either catch a hidden gem for the first time, or to relive the moment when one became a favorite.
We've been building this list all year, with some films receiving a last-minute bump or demotion based on their release date or a recent revisiting. To be clear, we include films that probably won't even be nominated for an Oscar, either because of their subject matter or their poor performance at theaters. We also skipped those that saw limited time in theaters, such as The Raid: Redemption. Granted, that film kicks ass, but we never got to see it on the big screen. Our list is generated on factors such as memorability, quality, and a completely selfish desire of whether we would pay to buy it or care to watch it again. Allow the chastising to commence!
15. Les Miserables (Dir.Tom Hooper)
Plot: In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: The late-entry musical about 19th Century revolutionary France was expertly shot on a grand scale, and features several incredible performances by Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, and Anne Hathaway, all who should receive Oscar nominations. And while the runtime is a bit long and the film is almost entirely singing, that doesn't mean you should skip Les Mis.
14. The Dark Knight Rises (Dir. Christopher Nolan)
Plot: Eight years on, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: This film created deep divisions among long-time Batman fans, some who felt Nolan's final entry in the series to be too long or not quite to canon, while others praised it as the year's best. The big surprise is Anne Hathaway, who had an amazing 2012 - her performance as Catwoman went far beyond the skin-tight outfit and stiletto boots. She encompassed the role with a slow-burning sultriness that still holds up well. What doesn't hold up is Tom Hardy's hard-to-understand Bane. It's not as exciting or engrossing as the excellent The Dark Knight, but Hathaway's performance is almost worth the price of admission.
13. The Raven (Dir. James McTeigue)
Plot: When a madman begins committing horrific murders inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's works, a young Baltimore detective joins forces with Poe to stop him from making his stories a reality. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: Granted, we're not talking about a Lincoln-esque bopic here, but John Cusack and Luke Evans are terrific, while Ben Livingston and Hannah Shakespeare write a compelling script filled with plenty of Poe-esque macabre. It's a fun ride, provided you take its many historical inaccuracies for what they're worth.
12. Total Recall (Dir. Lee Wiseman)
Plot: A factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: While our good friends at The Arnold Fans might cringe at the following, believe me when I tell you that the Schwarzenegger re-make is really good. Beckinsdale is her usually bad-ass, while Colin Ferrell plays desperate-spy-doesn't-know-he's-one very well. Take a moment to check out both versions on the Blu-ray - you'll see how Wiseman's story morphed through the creative process.
11. Contraband (Dir. Baltasar Kormákur)
Plot: To protect his brother-in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to Panama to score millions of dollars in counterfeit bills. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: While Beckinsale turns in another great performance, we have to give props to Mark Wahlberg, who's becoming quite the exceptional actor. Kormákur creates a gritty smuggler tale that proves your friends and enemies aren't too far apart. There's surprises right up to the end, which is an aspect of film that never gets old.
10. Men in Black 3 (Dir. Barry Sonnenfeld)
Plot: Agent J travels in time to M.I.B.'s early days in 1969 to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: Once thought left for dead, the MIB series is back in a big way, as Will Smith and Tyommy Lee Jones act like the last 10 years since MIB2 weren't really that long. They have a special chemistry that Sonnenfeld uses to perfection, creating one of the big surprises of 2012. Let's hope we don't have to wait 10 years before the fourth installment arrives.
9. Argo (Dir. Ben Affleck)
Plot: A dramatization of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: In another example of something lost in Hollywood being found, Ben Affleck a smart pseudo-spy movie that's a little funny when it should be, but never missing out on the seriousness of the events it portrays. John Goodman and Alan Arkin turn in great performances as the Hollywood men in charge of selling Argo's sizzle. Welcome back to the tribe, Ben.
8. The Grey (Dir. Joe Carnahan)
Plot: After their plane crashes in Alaska, six oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: Carnahan directs a masterful albeit very intense portrayal of what must go through people's minds as they approach a violent death. Liam Neeson and cast take their own personal journeys as they meet their ends, making each death that much more convincing. I don't know if I could watch this film for another year - based on its intensity - but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. Let's hope the Oscar nomination committee gives The Grey the chance it deserves!
7. Ted (Dir. Seth MacFarlane)
See entire list after the Jump...
Plot: As the result of a childhood wish, John Bennett's teddy bear, Ted, came to life and has been by John's side ever since - a friendship that's tested when Lori, John's girlfriend of four years, wants more from their relationship. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: in one of the most surprising and definitely the funniest film of the year, Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane have created an instant classic. Ted is new-century outrageousness at its core, but with an 80's feel. Check out the hotel fight as just one of many hilarious examples of Ted's supreme ass-kicking. Patrick Stewart does the naughty narration while Mila Kunis just tries to hold the ship together. Well done, boys (and girl)!
6. Safe House (Dir. Daniel Espinosa)
Plot: A young CIA agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: In a year filled with gritty realistic dramas, Safe House is among this year's best. Denzel Washington plays the moralistically ambiguous CIA spy with usual perfection, while Ryan Reynolds proves he still has the acting chops to take on serious roles. From nearly the first scene, Espinoza weaves a tale of deceit, carnage, and intense action that you'll buy into the moment things begin to heat up. If you missed Safe House, you owe to yourself to check it out.
5. Looper (Dir. Rian Johnson)
Plot: In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by transporting back Joe's future self. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: Among the great surprises of 2012, Looper sets the standard for telling convincing stories about time travel. It takes the great concepts covered in so many original Star Trek episdoes, with a plot that keeps you thinking right up to the end. Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt are great, but it's Joseph-Gordon Levitt who absolutely owns this film. You'll hate him at first, but love the transition he makes as his world gets turned upside down. Add a great child actor who doesn't have the typical whininess factor into the mix, and Looper is a film not to be missed
4. Skyfall (Dir. Sam Mendes)
Plot: Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her, bringing MI6 under attack. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: Forget what you know about Bond - Skyfall takes the last 50 years of Bond and brings it back to its origins. An engrossing spy story that focuses on the craft over the tech, Daniel Craig and Judi Dench turn in masterful performances. But it goes far beyond that - Skyfall is so good because it encompasses everything that spy films and their characters have dreamed of becoming, ever mindful of its roots but willing to break all the rules along the way. Perhaps the best villain of the year is Javier Bardem, whose portrayal of former MI6 agent Silva is downright creepy. Credit Sam Mendes for turning the Bond world on its ear. It's one of the year's best.
3. Moonrise Kingdom (Dir. Wes Anderson)
Plot: A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them (via IMDB) Why We Like It: Definitely the surprise film of the year, Anderson weaves a funny, warm, and engaging tale filled with top-name credentials like Bruce Willis and Edward Norton. Anderson creates an environment that engages us from the moment Bob Balaban begins his narration. It's a unique film to be sure, but you'll love the experience which Anderson and his troupe weave. Take a chance on this one.
2. Lincoln (Dir. Steven Spielberg)
Plot: As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: In what better be an Oscar-winning performance, Daniel Day-Lewis turns in the best performance of the year as the 16th president. He captures every aspect of Lincoln, from his strange walk to his raspy voice. Spielberg gives Lewis a standout team of supporting actors, with Sally Field turning in yet another career-defining performance as Mary Todd. The best part of Lincoln is also its worst, as we know his victory will soon be overshadowed by his tragic assassination. There are historical dramas, and then there's Lincoln. Enough said.
1. The Avengers (Dir. Joss Whedon)
Plot: Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. (via IMDB) Why We Like It: My nerdiness knows no bounds, but when a film like The Avengers comes out, you can't help but let your bad side out. Years in the making, with a list of great films behind it, this film immediately draws you in with its quick wit, a terrific bad guy in Tom Hiddleston's Loki, and an end credits scene that brings Thanos to life. There are few films which I can call 'perfect' (Casblanca and Star Wars come to mind), and now The Avengers joins that elite club. Joss Whedon's absolute respect for comic book movies shines in every scene, reminding us how great movies can still be. You have our respect now, Mr. Whedon.
What were your top movies of 2012?
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