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...

#19

Hitchcock

Dir. Sacha Gervasi 

 I have a soft spot for movies about movies.  That’s what Hitchcock is.  What I liked the most was that instead of focusing on Hitch’s entire career, the film chose to focus solely on the making of his most famed film Psycho.  It was a nice little insight into the effect that movie had on Hitchcock as both a filmmaker and a man. Anthony Hopkins gets completely lost in the titular role, but it’s Helen Mirren, who plays Hitchcock’s wife, Alma, who steals the show.  If you have any love for Alfred Hitchcock, then this is a movie you may enjoy.

 

#18

The Cabin in the Woods

Dir. Drew Goddard

I don’t think there was any movie this year that could prove to be more influential than The Cabin in the Woods. The Joss Whedon-penned film has the potential to be a real game changer for the horror genre as it took everything you thought you knew about the genre and turned it on it’s side. Unfortunately, we know studios will continue to roll out crap year in and year out, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that Cabin is a huge breath of fresh air. I’m purposely not saying much because you just have to see it to believe it. If you haven’t already, go, now. 

#17

Goon

Dir. Michael Dowse

When I looked at my list and saw that I had Goon ranked so far ahead of some very highly regarded movies that I liked, I wondered if maybe I had a bit of bias towards it because I’m a hockey fan. Then I looked at some other critics best of lists and realized I was not alone. While I don’t think you need to be a fan to enjoy the movie, it certainly makes you more appreciative if you are. As someone who loves and works in the game, I can say that I don’t think any movie captures what it means to be a hockey player more than this (well, since Slap Shot, at least). The hockey action is decent, but the story is really what pulls you in.

#16

Killer Joe

Dir. William Friedkin 

I will admit that I never really took Matthew McConaughey seriously as an actor. But Killer Joe marks the fourth film on this list that he starred in, each bringing something different to the table. With Killer Joe, McConaughey shows a side of him never seen before, a disturbingly sadistic side. I don’t really want to give you the wrong impression of the film though. McConaughey may be sadistic, but the film really is a dark comedy. But, it’s that comedy that makes it all the more chilling. I should mention that the film is rated NC-17, and that’s probably deserved. Let’s just say, you may not look at a piece of fried chicken the same again.