The Best Films of 2012: #1

We're almost there. 99 down, just 1 to go.  Before I finally reveal my favorite movie of 2012, let's recap the rest of the list in a very small and hard to read fashion:

Now are you ready to find out what the best movie of 2012 was?  Chances are you've already figured it out, but in case you are still in the dark, hit the jump to find out...

The Best Films of 2012: #3 & #2

We're getting closer to the end and we've now reached the portion of the list that gave me the most problems.  I think I always knew what my top three movies were and I knew for sure what #1 was, but trying to figure out what was #2 and what was #3 gave me some troubles as both were great movies that I really enjoyed a lot.  After a lot of flip-flopping, I think I've finally made a decision.  To find out what won out, hit the jump...

The Best Films of 2012: 6-4

Let's just keep this thing moving.  Hit the jump to start with #6...

The Best Films of 2012: 10-7

We're almost there.  It's getting closer and closer to the end, so hit the jump to see what came in at the #10 spot...

The Best Films of 2012: 15-11

#15

Moonrise Kingdom

Dir. Wes Anderson

I didn’t grow up in the ‘60s, but if I did, I could only hope my life was like Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom.  Anderson uses his trademark quirkiness to create a world like no other put on film this year.  The film is an incredible story on young love that has a more than a touch of charm working for it.  Along with it’s nostalgia inducing atmosphere, the film boast one of the best casts of the year which includes Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Bill Fuckin’ Murray, and newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward.

 

Hit the jump for #'s 14-11...

The Best Films of 2012: 20-16

#20

Compliance

Dir. Craig Zobel

Compliance is based on a true story.  As I watched the film, I had a really hard time believing that.  The film takes so many odd twists and turns, that it becomes almost impossible to take it seriously.  That is, until you do a little research.  The story is completely true and therefore it helped me appreciate it more.  I will say I had my eyes attached to the screen the whole time because the film is pretty engrossing.  It’s a solid indie thriller that makes you really wonder what goes through some people’s head.  

Hit the jump for 19-16...

The Best Films of 2012: 30-21

#30

Haywire

Dir. Steven Soderbergh

The end of the last post ended with Soderbergh’s other movie from 2012, Magic Mike. I really liked that one (I know), but I liked his first film more. I wasn’t sure how he could handle an action movie (and if Gina Carrano could do more than fight and actually act), but I should’ve known he was going to stick to his independent roots. Don’t get me wrong, this is a straight action flick, but unlike other action movies, this one has some decent character development and some great cinematography. The action scenes were still shot with a lot of intensity and vigor that they keep you on the edge of your seat.

Hit the jump for 29-21...

The Best Films of 2012: 40-31

#40

Thin Ice

Dir. Jill Sprecher

Any movie about Wisconsin is good in my book, but especially Thin Ice.  It's a solid little neo-noir comedy with a touch of Hitchcockian flair.  There are some good performances all around from some of the best character actors in the biz and maybe it's just me, but I fell for the twist at the end, hook, line, and sinker.

Hit the jump for 39-31...

The Best Films of 2012: 50-41

#50

Marley

Dir. Kevin MacDonald 

While it felt a little like a biography you didn’t have to read, Marley is still a good insight into the life of one of the most remarkable individuals in history. With interviews with those closest to him, you get a sense what made the man tick and inspired him to write his music. As far as music documentaries go, this is one of the best out there.

Hit the jump for #'s 49-41

Welcome to the Best Films of 2012

Finally!  It took a lot longer than I ever expected/wanted it to, but I have finished my annual list of the films of the year, and just in time for The Oscars.  2012 turned out to be an exceptional year for the film world, perhaps one of the strongest in recent memory.  For this list, I saw a total of 100 films, the great majority of those I actually really liked.  While I did end up having a clear cut #1 film, the other 99 were extremely hard to rank.  Of course there were some disappointments along the way, but for the most part, I'm very happy with what was put out there.

Originally, the plan was to rank and discuss all 100 movies I saw this year.  Unfortunately, that was a bit of a pain in the ass.  So, I decided to cut the pain in half and only discuss the top 50.  Still, I have already ranked the lower 50, so I have to share them.  Those "Honorable Mentions" can be found after the jump, then the rest of the list will be revealed in chunks each hour on the hour, leading up to the big reveal of #1 in primetime at 8.  Again, The Best Films in 2012 list officially starts after the jump.

*Note: Like every year, I didn't get a chance to see every movie I wanted to.  Movies like The Life of Pi, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Amour come to mind.  I'm sure I will see them eventually and I'm sure I'll probably like them too.