The Best Films of 2012

The Best Films of 2012
By Brett Takeshita

Thoughts on the Cinema of 2012

            Let’s get straight to the point: 2012 was an incredible year for movies. I can’t remember the last year I’ve seen so many excellent films. Seriously, almost every movie that I saw was great. There were no terrible films. And to my pleasant surprise, 2012 was a huge step up from the disappointing 2011. This is why I had such a difficult time picking and choosing the best of the year. As you will see, I couldn’t really condense my lists very much. (This is both a good and a bad thing). Well, I guess I should stop my rambling and get on with the list. Enjoy, and once again, thanks for reading!

  

Honorable Mentions for the Best Films of 2012

20. “Skyfall”- “Skyfall” is easily one of the most engaging action films in recent years. We see Bond as a vulnerable human being, who is both damaged and weakened. Thus, this film is surprising in that it is not our traditional Bond film. The cast is extraordinary, particularly Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem, who prove why they are some of the most talented actors right now. Also, “Skyfall” might be one of the most beautifully shot films of the year. The cinematography is exquisite. “Skyfall” is fun, sexy, and exhilarating. What else could you want in a movie?

19. “The Queen of Versailles”- This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. “The Queen of Versailles” follows one of the world’s richest families. They had enough money to build a home the size of Versailles. Can you imagine? Then, the economic collapse of 2008 occurs and ruins everything. The subjects of this film are amazing. They’re people you actually care about. More importantly, this is a wonderful film that is funny, sad, rich, and honest.

18. “The Master”- I can’t say that I fully understood “The Master,” but I can say that “The Master” is one of the most extraordinary films of the year. Paul Thomas Anderson crafts and constructs a film so bold and so challenging that it will make your brain hurt. The film may or may not attempt to describe the origins of Scientology. It is also a film about a deeply damaged man who forms a relationship with a strange, powerful individual. “The Master” is everything wrapped into one. You won’t believe how terrific the performances by Phoenix, Hoffman, and Adams are. Each is Oscar worthy. It is also beautifully shot and edited. This is filmmaking of the highest order.

17. “Cloud Atlas”- This is another polarizing film. “Cloud Atlas” is a complex, maddening sci-fi extravaganza that is one of the most ambitious films of the year. Based on the novel, it tells six different stories that span different decades and centuries. Its main message is that everything is related, and everyone is somehow connected to someone else. It’s dizzying in scope but exceptionally executed. The cast is great, the make-up is terrific, the editing is incredible, and the music is beautiful. “Cloud Atlas” is a wonderful, gigantic movie.

16. “Chronicle”- “Chronicle” is a movie that makes me optimistic for the future of cinema. With this film, we have a young director and writer leading young actors. And guess what? They’re all at the top of their game. This is an ultra cool movie that asks the question, “What would you do if you suddenly acquired super powers?” What makes this film so much better than an average sci-fi superhero movie is that “Chronicle” remains realistic, with its grounded, well-written characters. “Chronicle” injects new life into the shaky, handheld camera movies that are becoming too frequent in Hollywood. It also dazzles with its great special effects and incredible storytelling. “Chronicle” is fantastic.

15. “Battleship”- No, this is not a mistake or a joke. I loved the heck out of “Battleship,” a film that is, quite simply, man battling aliens in the ocean. Why? Because it’s a blast. It’s a big, dumb, and loud film that knows that it’s big, dumb, and loud. It’s easy to dismiss “Battleship” as a stupid “Transformers” knockoff, but it is so much more than “Transformers.” Here, you actually get some interesting characters that are totally likable. Thus, you actually care about them. (It helps that the cast is pretty great). You get some thrilling action sequences (with stunning CG and visual effects), along with a good dose of humor. So, I proudly and unashamedly declare that “Battleship” is one of the best of the year.

14. “Silver Linings Playbook”- Here is another film that is deservedly receiving tons of Oscar love. “Silver Linings Playbook” is a powerful, lovely achievement. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (who I think gives the best performance by a female actress this year) are outstanding as emotionally damaged human beings connecting because of their statuses as outsiders. Rarely do movies walk the fine line between dark drama and refreshing comedy successfully. Not only does “Silver Linings Playbook” dare to tread this space, but it does this with flying colors. David O. Russell has created a wonderful film that is completely original and daring. It’s a strange, unique picture that is universally appealing and deeply moving.

13. “The Dark Knight Rises”- The third and final installment of the “Dark Knight” trilogy is the best of the bunch. It concludes one of the greatest cinematic trilogies in recent memory by showing Batman’s vulnerability and by introducing us to a plethora of new characters who make things much more interesting. The film quietly touches upon some difficult political themes and ideas that resonate with viewers. Then, it builds to a jaw-dropping final act that is nothing short of riveting. This is a motion picture that is exquisitely acted and wonderfully executed.

12. “Beasts of the Southern Wild”- Another film that makes me optimistic for the future of cinema, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is the most original cinematic debut in years. This is a film that explores the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina without ever explicitly stating it. It keeps its focus on the young Hushpuppy (played perfectly by the exceptional Quvenzhane Wallis) and her adventures with her father in “The Bathtub.” “Beasts” is a stirring and dizzying experience of sight and sound that is beautifully artistic and poetic. Director Behn Zeitlin proves that he’s a director to watch out for in the future. He may become the next big auteur filmmaker.

11. “This Is 40”- It was painful to leave “This Is 40” out of my top 10 because it truly deserves a spot there. I am saddened by the fact that many moviegoers are hating on this movie simply because it’s too depressing and dark. What makes this film so brilliant is that it’s an honest portrayal of marriage and family. The jokes sting and burn. The comedy comes from a place where the lines between humor and pain are blurred. Sometimes, “This Is 40” is difficult to watch and handle. And yet, it’s also a tender and funny movie that boasts one of the finest comedic ensembles of the year. “This Is 40” is without a doubt one of Judd Apatow’s best films.

The Top 10 Best Films of 2012

In 2012, I awarded 4 films with perfect four-star ratings (obviously my top 4 picks of the year). This is a step up from 2011. While I highly recommend all of the films on this list, you cannot miss my top 4 picks of the year. They’re great.

10. “Argo”- I will never forgive the Academy for snubbing Ben Affleck of a “Best Director” nomination. He truly deserves to win it for “Argo,” which tells the amazing, unbelievable true story of one brave man’s attempt to rescue American prisoners from the dangerous Iran. It’s equal parts political action thriller, and smart comedy about Hollywood and the movies. What makes “Argo” so good is Ben Affleck’s direction. He proves his brilliance by balancing all aspects of the outstanding script. He shows a mastery of tone and tension. He proves that he’s one of the finest young directors working in Hollywood. “Argo” is masterful filmmaking.

9. “Magic Mike”- This is not a joke. “Magic Mike” is not only one of the most pleasant surprises of 2012, it’s also one of the best films of the year. I did not expect to enjoy a film about male strippers. Boy, was I fooled. “Magic Mike” starts off as pure fun and slowly but surely turns into a dark cautionary tale that is incredibly effective. This film touches upon male-male friendships and male-female relationships better than many films do. Steven Soderbergh directs this film with such precision and edge. I truly believe that it is his best film. And lastly, Channing Tatum deserves the highest praise for the best performance of his career. He is funny, charming, athletic, and incredibly talented. He totally sells this movie and leads an outstanding supporting cast.

8. “End of Watch”- One of the most underrated films of the year, “End of Watch” is a powerhouse film that boasts some of the best performances of the year. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are tremendous as two cops who get caught up in the dangers of South Central. They have some of the greatest on-screen chemistry that I’ve ever seen. Their scenes patrolling the streets of L.A. in their car are funny, engaging, and always so authentically real. “End of Watch” feels so immediate and so realistic, with its gritty camera work and stunning action sequences. The film also builds to a terrifying climax with an emotional and beautiful resolution. “End of Watch” is the best cop film in years.

7. “Pitch Perfect”- “Pitch Perfect” may be the most universally liked and quoted film since “Mean Girls.” It’s the most fun time I had at the theaters this year. “Pitch Perfect” focuses upon a college acapella group (consisting of some weird yet always interesting characters), as they struggle to nail their routines and make their way to the finals. It’s a simple premise with amazing payoff. Anna Kendrick, one of my favorite new actresses, is great in a different type of role, where she’s sorta dark and cool (as opposed to her usual dorky, cutesy self). And Rebel Wilson almost steals the entire movie with her hilarious “improv” one-liners. “Pitch Perfect” is filled with joyous musical numbers, some of which are played for laughs, and others of which will give you chills. “Pitch Perfect” is a nearly perfect comedy that is simply a joy to watch.

6. “Savages”- Often times, moviegoers forget films from the summer. However, “Savages” is one of the most memorable films of the year because it’s the perfect summer movie: cool, fun, funny, sexy, suspenseful, and thrilling as hell. “Savages” is an action-thriller that centers upon two guys, who happen to be some of the best pot growers around. They must rescue their girlfriend (they’re in an open relationship), who was kidnapped from the Mexican drug cartel. Soon, things turn chaotic and extremely violent. All of the performances are strong here (Kitsch, Johnson, Lively, and a standout Hayek). “Savages” had my heart pounding and my blood boiling because it’s such an exciting, brutal film. It’s tremendously and ridiculously entertaining.

5. “Les Miserables”- I’ll be the first to admit that “Les Miserables” may be one of the most unsubtle, manipulative films of the year. We get so many tight close-ups of the actors (amazing ones, at that) crying as they belt out these classic tunes live on camera. It makes for an emotionally draining experience. And yet, “Les Miserables” won me over. It’s a bold and beautifully shot film filled with incredible moments and lovely art direction. It’s a film that makes no apologies for its overly emotional nature. Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Eddie Redmayne give some of the finest performances of their careers and of the year. “Les Miserables” will be an experience that you won’t forget. Do you hear the people sing? I do. And they sing sweet lovely music.

4. “The Impossible”- Here is a film that is severely underrated because it came out late in the year and was thus little seen. “The Impossible” might be the most powerful cinematic experience of the year. It tells the horrifying yet incredible true story of a single family’s struggle to reunite after separation during the midst of the devastation of the 2004 Thai tsunami. I can say that this film will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was terrified, mortified, thrilled, and uplifted. This film moved me so much that I nearly teared up by the end. And I don’t cry during movies. Naomi Watts gives an excellent performance that is Oscar worthy. It is so physically and emotionally challenging that it may be the most difficult performance of the year. Ewan McGregor is equally impressive, as he moves audiences to no end with his quiet, heartbreaking performance. And young Tom Holland brings so much heft and depth to his role. As a young actor, he gives one of the most impressive debuts of the year. The special effects are terrifyingly realistic. The cinematography is gorgeous, and the direction is perfect. “The Impossible” is a brutal experience, but it’s a journey worth taking.

3. “Django Unchained”- Tarantino will always be one of my favorite directors. Every single movie that he makes is great. This is why I was so surprised that “Django Unchained” is one of his best films yet. “Django” is pure cinematic bliss. It’s a joyful, funny, and riotous film that depicts the tragedies of slavery—specifically, one slave’s attempt to rescue his wife from a vicious plantation owner. It’s a western, Blaxploitation flick, buddy comedy, and action revenge film wrapped into one. It defies genres. Tarantino’s screenplay is masterful because it is so quintessentially “Tarantino,” with its zany, wacky sense of humor, hip pop culture references, and insane violence still in tact. Christoph Waltz is absolutely charming as the bounty hunter, Kerry Washington (in one of the most challenging, underrated performances of the year) is lovely as the damsel in distress, and Leonardo DiCaprio is perfect as the nasty yet likable villain. I’ve never seen DiCaprio in a role like this before, and it’s one of his best performances. It shows just how talented he is. It’s also worth noting that it seems like all of these actors are having a great time with their roles. What a stunning, absolute joy it is to watch “Django Unchained.” This is what going to the movies is all about.

2. “Rust and Bone”- “Rust and Bone” was the first film that I saw in 2012 that I thought was deserving of a perfect rating (disregard the fact that this film came out in December. Yeah, it took me that long to see a perfect movie). It’s a gorgeous, powerful film that will sneak up on you. Not only is this the best foreign film of the year, it’s the best romantic drama that I’ve seen in ages. “Rust and Bone” could have been pure “Lifetime” movie sap. A beautiful whale trainer who loses her legs in a terrible accident. A single father who engages in street-fighting to provide for his son. Two damaged people with a complicated relationship who need each other to heal. It sounds like the setup for a hokey movie. But it’s not. This film gets it right with each beautiful frame. Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts give outstanding performances. What’s amazing is how much they can convey without words. They both know how to command the screen with a subtextual sense of quiet and honesty that is jaw dropping. The film moves in surprising directions, so that you are not quite sure what is going to happen. It is more honest and realistic about relationships than any other movie this year. It goes to some deep, complex places that will leave you thinking long after the film is over. “Rust and Bone” is truly a beautiful, moving masterpiece that will floor you.

“And the Best Film of 2012 is……”

1.     “Zero Dark Thirty”- One of the most controversial, talked-about movies of the year is “Zero Dark Thirty,” due to its brutal, sometimes disturbing, portrayal of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. “Zero Dark Thirty” is quite simply a masterpiece that is the best film of 2012. Mark Boal’s script is a remarkable achievement. This is a rich, dense script that is deeply researched and precisely calculated. Kathryn Bigelow’s direction is tremendous. She brings this complex script to life with a sense of realism and naturalism that is incredible to watch. “Zero Dark Thirty” is tense throughout. Bigelow knows how to demand and command an audience’s attention by weaving together moments of mysterious quietness with sudden punctures of shocking, intense sights and sounds. And let me just say that the final moments of the film, in which the raid of Osama Bin Laden’s territory occurs, are some of the finest cinematic moments I’ve ever seen. It’s insanely gripping. I held my breath the entire time. Because this is such a demanding, complex film, talented actors were needed. “Zero Dark Thirty” has an amazing cast, led by the wonderful Jessica Chastain, one of the finest actresses of her generation. Chastain absolutely commands the screen with a stillness and intensity that is outstanding. The fact that it’s such a quiet performance makes it all the more mesmerizing and impressive. It’s one of the finest performances of the year. I don’t want to give too much away. All that I can say is that you must see “Zero Dark Thirty.” Not only is this important to watch, it’s also a necessary and essential viewing. I truly believe that years from now, people will still be watching and discussing “Zero Dark Thirty.” It’s that good. It’ll be a film that people will remember years from now. These are the signs of a classic.

Great Films of 2012

I’m just gonna shoot off a whole bunch of really great movies. There’s no particular order. Some of these were critically trashed, but I don’t care. I loved these.

“This Means War”- I don’t understand why “This Means War” was one of the most critically despised films of the year. I had a blast. This cool comedy about two spies competing for the same girl mixes action and romance in a way that is just plain fun. Plus, the ensemble cast (Witherspoon, Hardy, Pine, Handler) is terrific.

“Compliance”- I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so shaken and disturbed by a film. “Compliance” is outstanding because it gets under your skin. You won’t believe that this story of a telephone prank gone terribly wrong is true. The performances are tremendous, the direction is fantastic, and the score is great. “Compliance” demands discussion.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”- This coming-of-age film about a high school guy’s experiences of love and friendship is absolutely lovely. It always feels authentic and truly captures what it feels like to be a teenager and an outsider. The story is tenderly told and deeply moving.

“The Paperboy”- Another film that the critics hated for no good reason. “The Paperboy” is wild, sexy, pulpy, trashy fun. I seriously can’t describe how crazy this movie is. It’s equal parts mystery film, cougar romance, and family drama. It’s like nothing else out there. And let’s just say that the performances (especially by Nicole Kidman) are extremely brave.

“Paranormal Activity 4”- I don’t need to explain what this is. Most people know that I love this franchise, and this installment was no exception. In fact, “Paranormal Activity 4” may be the best of the entire series. Why? Because it carefully combines fun thrills and true chills better than the other films. This one also has a good sense of humor. I guarantee that you’ll have a good time.

“Bachelorette”- This is one of the darkest comedies I’ve ever seen. Just because “Bachelorette” is about the preparation of a wedding does not mean that it’s “Bridesmaids” 2.0. This is a much more difficult film with some deplorable women doing and saying the worst things. However, it is wickedly funny and sadly affective. It will leave you with a bitter aftertaste. And that’s good.

“Cabin in the Woods”- The smartest horror-comedy in years, “Cabin in the Woods” is horror movie heaven. This film starts with a traditional set-up: a group of friends go to stay at--you guessed it--a cabin in the woods. Except things go terribly wrong. And I won’t spoil the rest for you. What unfolds is so clever and so surprising. The less you know, the better. Just know that you’re in for a delicious, devilish treat.

“The Avengers”- The movie that everyone saw this year. I don’t know a single person who didn’t enjoy it. Assembling all of our favorite Marvel superheroes together proved to be a wonderful thing. The banter between the characters is hilarious, and the action is stunningly realized. This is what a good, fun popcorn flick should be.

“Prometheus”- Perhaps one of the most polarizing films of the year (the prequel to the classic “Alien”), “Prometheus” is a sci-fi epic that raises challenging questions about the origins of species and provides no easy answers. However, it is a dazzling and hypnotic film that is insanely suspenseful and thrilling. The cast is amazing, and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous.

“The Amazing Spider-Man”- Who knew that a reboot of a relatively new franchise could be so good? This “Spider-Man” lives up to the hype and then some. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are excellent. This installment has a little bit more coolness and edge to it than the Sam Raimi trilogy did. “The Amazing Spider-Man” is a great time.

“Sound of My Voice”- A movie that no one saw this year, which is sad. “Sound of My Voice” is an extraordinary mind-bender that focuses upon a couple’s infiltration and examination of a cult. It has a quiet yet palpable sense of urgency and tension to it that is masterful. It raises some interesting ideas and has a shocking “Twilight Zone”-type of ending that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew.

“Amour”- This movie is getting a lot of Oscar love and justifiably so. “Amour” tells the heartbreaking story of an elderly couple that struggles with life after the wife suffers a terrible stroke. “Amour” is one of the saddest movies I’ve ever seen. It is so difficult to watch. However, I cannot recommend it highly enough. The performances are perfect, and the filmmaking is of the highest order. It’s a painful yet moving film that will be ingrained in your memory forever.

“The Details”- Here is another dark comedy that is demented and twisted to the extremes. “The Details” is a weird and quirky movie that focuses upon a family and its problems with raccoons. Soon, things escalate until there is infidelity, murder, and utter chaos. It unfolds in the most shocking and clever ways. I winced and cringed throughout. (I can’t say that I do that a lot). This is a hilarious breath of fresh air, and it’s one of the year’s best hidden gems.