10. Chronicle
Starring: Alex Russel, Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan
Director: Josh Trank
Released: 3rd February 2012
Three high school friends discover an alien object underground that
gives them slowly-developing superpowers. Soon the fun of their
abilities takes a darker turn and their friendship is pushed to the
brink. This is a found-footage movie. The two main characters have acted
well. It’s an inventive script, creatively shot and they were wise to
focus on the character they did.
9. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Star Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage
Director: Peter Jackson
Released: 14 December 2012
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey introduces us to the world of Bilbo
Baggins, who mirrors the most innocent of sentiments which lie locked up
within the depths of our heart. The audience falls in love with Bilbo
because he is scared of the unknown just like us. What makes him a hero
is his spirit, which makes him embark on a wide-spread journey for the
search of faith and adventure.
Peter Jackson has made another almost flawless masterpiece. He captured
the feeling of the book and transcended it onto a screen. Of course, it
was not solely his credit. The acting was amazing. The 48 fps was a
touch of technological wizardry and worked perfectly. The chemistry
between actors was more than just the obvious. You could actually feel
their interactions and live the story. Yes, it was that good.
The first installment has set the pace for a promising trilogy.
8. Moonrise Kingdom
Starring: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand
Director: Wes Anderson
Released: 25th May 2012
A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local
search party to fan out and find them. Wes Anderson weaves a tale of
young love and innocence. It has a magical sense of nostalgia and boasts
great performances from Murray, Norton, McDormand, and Willis, not to
mention the two child stars that steal the show.
7. Lincoln
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Director: Steven Spielberg
Released: 16th November 2012
Steven Spielberg, is coming off a stellar 2011, where he produced both
Super 8 and Transformers: Dark of the Moon and directed both The
Adventures of Tintin and War Horse, two acclaimed pictures. And he hit
the death knell yet again with Lincoln. It is a stunning display of
American politics, shedding a light on the grayness of the government
during that time.
Daniel-Day Lewis' performance was spellbinding and realistic. He
actually seemed like Lincoln: a scared man, a political activist, and a
powerful speaker. All the other actors were wonderful too. While titled
'Lincoln', we get several other characters with a fairly surprising
amount of screen time. Sets and clothes are made to accurately represent
the 19th century. I expect Daniel Day-Lewis to win the Best Actor in all the award shows.
6. Life of Pi
Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Adil Hussain
Director: Ang Lee
Released: 14 October 2012
Life of Pi is story is about faith narrated by both the young Pi and the
Adult Pi. Ang Lee uses all the tools he has to make this movie about a
solitary young man who seeks answers and finds solace in different
religions.
If you think that "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" had good animal
effects, the digital rendering of animals, especially the Bengal Tiger,
is beautiful to behold. The angry green eyes, richly textured orange and
every hair on its fur looks rich and full of life in 3D. And when you
hear the thunderous roar for the first time, you will realize this is as
real as it can get.
The 3D takes a beautiful film and makes it a little bit more visually
mesmerizing. Also, if you've read the book and are concerned that the
story you loved may have been compromised in anyway, worry no longer.
This is easily, one of the best book to film adaptations I have ever
seen. Ang Lee has done a wonderful work.
5. Looper
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt
Director: Rian Johnson
Released: 23rd September 2012
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.
After viewing this, my hope was restored that sci-fi in Hollywood can be
more than just empty spectacle. The story is well constructed and plot
points are presented at an entertaining and well judged pace.
Pierce Gagnon as Cid is incredible in a pivotal role. He and
Gordon-Levitt have some funny and tense scenes together which work very
well.
Gordon-Levitt delivers a fine performance. He appears confident and at
ease in the lead role, carrying off a mixture of hard edged killer and
caring young man while switching from one to the other with ease. Bruce
Willis equally is very good but we have seen this kind of performance
from him many times before. The chemistry between them was great and
really helped us believe that they were one person.
Despite the problems in the middle of the film, Looper is a fresh
concept from the mind of a very talented young film-maker. It's
encouraging to see that there are young film makers who are creating new
and exciting stories.
4. Silver Linings Playbook
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro
Director: David O. Russell
Releasing: 16th November 2012
If you were told instead that the story is a generic Katherine
Heiglesque rom-com based on two damaged souls who help heal each other
through dancing, you would have every reason to skip this one. However,
as written and directed by David O. Russell (The Fighter) and based on
Matthew Quick's novel, this story is an emotional roller coaster ride
that provides a glimmer of hope for the two damaged lead characters,
while reminding that each of us may be a bit off-center in some way.
It's so much more and what makes it all the more wonderful is that it
comes as such a pleasant surprise.
This is the Russell film that scooped people's choice award at the
Toronto International Film Festival, an award previously won by Slumdog
Millionaire and The King's Speech, beating Ben Affleck's Argo. That
alone should be enough to convince you.
The most surprising aspect of Silver Linings Playbook was the
performance of Bradley Cooper. Even though this is a comedy, Cooper
plays one of the most serious roles he's ever performed. Silver Linings
Playbook is without a doubt Cooper's best work thus far in his career.
Jennifer Lawrence has a performance of equal caliber but that is
expected from the young Academy Award nominated actress. A film like
this with a talented cast from Jackie Weaver, Robert De Niro and Chris
Tucker provide equally as interesting additional characters as the leads
themselves.
From anger management problems, OCD and a drive for perfection, being
introduced to all the characters through Cooper's eyes, you'll start
questioning what actually constitutes 'crazy'. Silver Linings Playbook
is brilliant on every level. I wish I could erase the movie from my
head, watch it again and experience the euphoric rush again. Be prepared
to see one of the best films of the year.
3. The Avengers
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston
Director: Joss Whedon
Released: 4th May 2012
SHIELD assembles a team of superheroes to form The Avengers, as Earth
faces an impending invasion. Bringing together the leading characters
from different active franchises and placing them in an ensemble had
never been done in cinema. It was a huge challenge. But Marvel knocked
it out the park. Making Joss Whedon director was a masterstroke, since
his background as a Marvel writer and director of successful ensemble
movies, proved to be invaluable.
The Avengers is well paced and time flies by. The effects are top-notch,
the acting is very good and the script drives the movie elevating its
strengths. The writing, with its witty dialogues, is excellent.
Watching The Avengers battle each other is geek heaven (so that’s what
would happen if Hulk fought Thor) and that’s only the first half of the
movie.
All players are on top form with ‘The Hulk’ being the showstealer. It
was very entertaining to see Tony Stark (Iron Man), Thor, Dr. Bruce
Banner (Hulk), Steve Rogers (Captain America), Natasha Romanoff (Black
Widow), Clint Barton (Hawkeye), Agent Maria Hill, Agent Phil Coulson and
Director Nick Fury all interact with one another.
I went into The Avengers with unfairly high expectations, due to all of
those that were involved. It was only a matter of minutes after the film
started that I was put at ease. I never imagined that it was possible
to put onto the screen, what I was watching.
2. Argo
Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman
Director: Ben Affleck
Released: 31st August 2012
Argo, based on a true story and starring Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John
Goodman and Adam Arkin, tells the astonishingly true story of how a CIA
ex filtration specialist attempts to free six Americans who have taken
shelter in the home of the Canadian Ambassador during the Iranian
hostage crisis.
After years of being one of those actors that was hit and miss with
people, who would have thought Ben Affleck would become one of the most
sought after great directors in the industry. After his last film The
Town received so much acclaim and award nominations everyone was
wondering if it was just a fluke. Affleck once again took on double
duties with directing and starring and didn't disappoint.
The cast of veteran character-actors is worth the price of admission
alone. With the likes of Philip Baker Hall, Bob Gunton, Michael Parks,
John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, this is easily one of the best
casts of 2012.
Affleck shut up his critics, proving The Town was no fluke. This film
proves that Affleck can make bigger films than just Boston crime dramas.
His style of bringing tension is the classy formula of the film.
Brilliant directing, acting, story, writing and some fun sci-fi
references throughout takes Argo into the realm of one of the best films
to come along in some time. I would be extremely disappointed if Argo
did not get a mention in the Academy Awards.
1. The Dark Night Rises
Star Cast: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman, Marion Cotillard, Gary Oldman
Director: Christopher Nolan
Released : 12 Jul 2012
The final chapter of The Dark Knight trilogy doesn't disappoint. TDKR is
a true cinematic experience to behold and its huge production is quite
breathtaking to view. The movie exceeded my expectations in terms of
action, writing and entertainment.
For the first time in the trilogy, Batman wasn't at his peak. This gave a
chance to Christian Bale to show off his acting skills without the mask
and he did a fine job. The veterans Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and
Michael Caine went about their job as if it was just another day at the
office. Joseph Gordon-Levitt who portrays an ordinary police officer,
pulls of an unexpectedly awesome performance. Tom Hardy was the main
villain "Bane" completely exceeded my expectations. One of the best
superhero movie villains, I've ever seen. The terror caused by him is
completely believable and quite menacing. Most people miss Heath Ledger
as The Joker but comparing the two is unfair as the two characters are
totally different. Anne Hathaway did justice to the role of Selina Kyle.
When she beats up men, it is believable and you don't roll your eyes.
She's feminine and powerful in her own way. She doesn't have a huge role
but a very important one.
The soundtrack definitely adds a very special edge to the total film experience. Hans Zimmer, as usual, never disappoints.
Finally, the show stealer of this movie is Christopher Nolan and no
words will do justice to the talent of that man. TDKR may have a few
loopholes but nevertheless gives you the feel that you are watching
something special and it is a perfect end to the epic trilogy.
P.S 'The Dark Knight' trilogy is better than the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy if every aspect is considered.
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