Top Movies of 2012 (so far)

I'm starting to believe that Wes Anderson only makes movies that his fans will appreciate. For that reason, I respect him. His style is as sharp as ever and the story is delightfully clever. On the surface, it's a wonderful comedy. Underneath, it is uniquely touching.

9/10

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the few writer/directors I know that leaves you with as many questions as answers, and yet you're still satisfied with the product. The Master, much like his previous masterpiece (There Will Be Blood), is a vessel for the main character, a person disconnected in some way from his world. It is difficult to watch Joaquin Phoenix at times, given how uncomfortable his character is, and yet he provides the perfect foil to Philip Seymour Hoffman's Lancaster Dodd, a figure that will inevitably blur the line between someone with good intentions and someone who intentionally manipulates others. Anderson plays it safe on occasion, which might make the story a tad less poignant than it could be. Nonetheless, his story of a lost soul and an L. Ron Hubbard-esque cultist is the kind of film that fuels meaningful discussion.

9/10

I almost didn't see this movie, a movie I have been anticipating since the credits rolled on opening night of The Dark Knight. I grew up in Aurora, Colorado, so the nearness of the tragedy was almost too much to deal with. But then I saw it, and I will say that the poignancy and relevance of this movie overwhelmed me. Not only that, it is a great film. It might not have the same feeling as other summer blockbusters, like the much simpler Avengers, but it succeeds in every possible way. The two main additions, Tom Hardy and Anne Hathaway, both play their parts well, even if Bane's voice is at times difficult to make out. Above all, this is as fitting an end to Nolan's saga as we could have hoped for. It wouldn't mean anything if Batman just suited up like old times. He had to remember why he did it in the first place, and why he was more necessary than ever. I was blown away by this movie. I didn't want it to end, but I knew it would end the right way.

9/10

Steven Spielberg does something here that is almost incomprehensible: he actually hands the spectacle of his film over to his actor. Daniel Day-Lewis owns the role as Lincoln to such a degree that whenever he opens his mouth, everyone listens. That goes for the characters on screen as well as the audience. This is an imperfect Lincoln, but one to whom we can better relate than the demigod legend we have come to believe him to be. Lewis blends humor, patience and intensity to create a visceral image of Lincoln. The supporting cast is well-chosen, led by the stellar performances of Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field. The story limits its focus to one chapter of Lincoln's life, which is its greatest strength. There are a few moments that seem cheesy and forced, but never when Lincoln is in his zone. He captivates with his humility and his humanity. I would be hard pressed to find another actor more deserving of the Oscar for Best Actor this year. That isn't to say it can't happen, but this is Lewis' film through and through. That alone makes it great.

9/10

Two words come to mind after leaving this movie: wow and WOW. As a Bond movie, it is right up there with the best of them in terms of action, scenery and an espionage-laden plot. Daniel Craig continues to show why he was the best choice as a more serious, gritty and determined 007. But beyond the initial reaction to the long-awaited return of MI6's finest, this is a well made movie. As the first Bond movie directed by an Oscar winning director, you would hope that the production is a cut above what we've seen in the past. Mendes blends his patient, subdued style with his first foray into high-powered action. The result is a well-developed story on the screen that, despite the simplicity of its plot, it enhanced by the magnificent direction and cinematography, courtesy of Roger Deakins doing his best Conrad L. Hall impression. Is this the best Bond movie ever? I wouldn't feel comfortable with saying that after one viewing. But it certainly ranks as high as the best of them, both as a movie and a chapter in the ever evolving saga of 007.

8/10

Quentin adds his entry to the Django film legend with a wonderfully funny and campy, not to mention bafflingly gory, film. To the surprise of no one, QT does everything he can to push the envelope, which will make you uncomfortable at times. But the performers do very well across the board, particularly Christoph Waltz, who brings of a touch of Hans Landa to a more sympathetic character. Of course, I cannot overlook Leonardo DiCaprio as a villain, which he plays rather comfortably. But without Jamie Foxx, this isn't a complete movie. The character of Django is legendary, and Foxx keeps it that way. The film is QT's more balanced and linear story, which in some ways works against it. But overall, Django Unchained is a fantastic shot-em-up movie that will keep you entertained throughout.

8/10

Following up The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is no simple task, not even when the mastermind is back in the chair. Even more unsettling is the idea that a 300 page book is being stretched to three full length movies. So how does the first chapter measure up? Very well, actually. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am pleased that what was added gives the purpose behind the quest more weight and intrigue. There are moments where you almost slap your head at the silliness, but they are offset by some visually stunning sequences. Overall, it doesn't quite measure up to the trilogy. However, it has set the stage for the next two films, which should be just as exciting as the first.

8/10

This is arguably the most visually beautiful film Pixar has produced. The story is somewhat pedestrian and there a times when the goofiness is a bit much, but it succeeds wonderfully when it matters.

8/10

It isn't a surprise where the story ends up. But getting there is quite a ride, not to mention one of the more original sci-fi thrillers in a long time. Welcome back to your roots, Ridley.

8/10

If you want a movie with depth and meaning, this isn't for you. If you want to see one of the most entertaining popcorn blockbusters of all time, then it's definitely for you. Weadon doesn't cover any new ground, but he kicks up the excitement a notch. In the end, you don't really care that it's cliche. You're just having too much fun. PS: this probably has the best end of credits scene ever.

7/10

There are times in this movie when you can really feel the impact of the story, the risks involved with what they're doing. But then there are times when you wonder if you're just watching an inflated metaphor for high school. Either way, the pros outweigh the cons.

7/10

Spectacle and excitement are enough to outweigh the cliche and simplicity of the story. It isn't quite what Edgar Rice Burroughs had in mind, but it is plenty entertaining.

7/10

Some of the story-building dialogue is painful, but once you see the SEALs in action, you can tell these are professionals. If the goal of this film is to honor the men and women of the US armed forces, I'd say they succeeded.

7/10

It has it's funny moments, it's throwback moments, and plenty of weird sci-fi stuff. But in the end, it just isn't all that impressive. I will say it's interesting to see Jemaine in a (very, very) different kind of role.

6/10

I'll give Seth MacFarlane the benefit of the doubt here. It's his first real feature film. It feels like a live action Family Guy episode, but that guarantees that there are plenty of ribald laughs and random jokes. It's not particularly memorable, but it's funny nonetheless.

6/10

Snow White was never a character that required a "tough" makeover, which makes this movie all the more strange. Despite the fact that it borrows a lot from other movies, it does have some intriguing moments. But the real undoing comes from the manufactured chemistry between the characters, something that never real materializes. It is an interesting experiment, but it falls short of being a unique experience.

6/10

Peter Parker is not supposed to be a punk. Lizard is not supposed to look like a Goomba from the Super Mario Bros. movie. And a movie needs some kind of plot to be at all worthwhile.

5/10

This was actually better than I expected, which isn't saying a whole lot. It's mostly a mess with a few fun parts sprinkled in just to make sure people are still awake (or in the theater).

5/10

There are plenty of fun dogfights, but in the end this movie is riddled with cliches and some horrible dialogue.

5/10