TOP FILMS OF 2012
Okay, so I just realized that I have only seen 17 movies that were released this year. That is...well...weird. I did not take advantage of free movies at my theater that I no longer work at. I've been so busy the last four months that I haven't seen anything recently.
This list will not include the following films because I have not seen them yet. Amour/Lincoln/Frankenweenie/The Avengers/Life of Pi/Argo/Seven Psychopaths/Jiro Dreams of Sushi/The Loved Ones/The Imposter/Skyfall/Headhunters/Chronicle
One day soon. So let's do this...
10. 
The Snowtown Murders
What a brutal film. Australia never ceases to amaze me. They are in a class of their own when it comes to brutally realistic film making and I became a huge fan after this one. Long takes make the violence in this thing ever more so disturbing. The plot could have used a bit touching up as it gets a bit confusing but overall it's a wonderfully brutal film that makes you think afterwards. Don't expect anything happy.
9. 
Bernie
Okay I didn't know Jack Black could actually act. Did you? He was a perfect choice for this role as he comes off charming and warm instead of his usual crass and tempered. The film as a whole was very enjoyable as one would expect from Richard Linklater. It was filmed almost like a Christopher Guest film and the secondary characters were all fantastically hilarious in their interviews. Overall just an enjoyable film.
8. 
Lawless
I expected a lot more fro this one due to the amazing Proposition the vastly underrated The Road but it just wasn't all there. YET! It was an enjoyable film. The script has been done before. I knew what was going to happen but it was still pleasant to watch due to the great sets, costumes, and for the most part acting. Shia was better than he normally is but I just don't like the guy. Tom Hardy is always amazing and Guy Pierce gave one hell of a memorable performance. I really should have kept this off the list due to the criminal lack of Gary Oldman but I still enjoyed the movie.
7. 
The Dark Knight Rises
Yup. I wasn't floored by this movie. Don't get me wrong. It's an epic of a film. Yet it just takes such a backseat to The Dark Knight that its not even funny. The first two films to me were strictly Batman films with the addition of one of the best acting performances of all time. This movie however felt more like a superhero movie. Batman, Bane, Catwoman, JGL, someone else who won't be spoiled...just was too much to take in with the same effect like the first two gave. Tom Hardy was wonderful as Bane and I enjoyed watching JGL like I always do. The beginning was amazing as were all the shots filmed in IMAX but just as a whole I felt like the movie was just okay. It is however a must see film for its grandiose shots and Bane but after letting it settle for a week I just found the whole thing to be above average at best.
6 
Prometheus
I feel like I enjoyed this one more than a lot more than most people. Yes I know that their are 60 plot holes and that the writing could have been way better but there are two huge saving graces that make this the 6th best movie I've seen this year and they are Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender. Scott directed the **** out of this film. It is utterly gorgeous. Every shot could be a painting and the man made probably the best 3D movie besides Hugo. I love sci fi. I love Ridley Scott. This movie just appealed to my senses. Michael Fassbender was also a huge plus. His acting was just so damn creepy and invigorating. Such a commanding presence when he was on the screen. He stole every scene. There were also some absolutely stunning scenes that will stay in the tops of sci fi lore for years to come including amazing surgery scene. That was one of the most intense bio horror scenes I've ever witnessed in a theater. A flawed but breathtaking film that just appealed to my inner visual sci fi geekiness.