It comes to that time of year to look back upon the best and worst films of 2012, a highly subjective list that varies considerably from critic to critic. Here is my list and brief comments for each. At the time I made my list, there were a few films I hadn't yet seen, including "Zero Dark Thirty," "The Impossible" and "Amour," any of which could make this list. After I see those films in January, this list will likely change, so here it is, for now. This is in no particular order.
Lincoln
Steven Spielberg's film about the final months of Abraham Lincoln's life was a showcase for some of the year's best performances, including Daniel Day-Lewis, amazing in the title role, Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field, all of whom will receive loads of accolades for their strong turns. A slightly overlong, talky political film, it's a must-see for history buffs.
Silver Linings Playbook
The romantic dramedy of the year, with amazing turns from Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro, among others, about two flawed individuals who discover they're perfect for each other. Personally, my favorite film of the year.
Life of Pi
Based on the novel of the same name, this story is much more about just a boy and his adventure with a tiger, but a spiritual very personal discovery of self-worth and value. Director Ang Lee makes near-perfect use of 3D in one of the most handsomely filmed movies of the year.
Les Miserables
The big-screen adaptation of the beloved musical isn't perfect (Russell Crowe I'm talking to you), but it's a deeply satisfying, enthralling and often beautiful take on Victor Hugo's story. A must-see for fans of the musical, who will also fall in love with this version and yes, Anne Hathaway is a shoo-in for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
Flight
Though Daniel Day-Lewis is amazing as Abraham Lincoln, I feel that Denzel Washington's tour-de-force turn as an alcoholic pilot in Robert Zemeckis' dark tale is not only the year's most searing, it's among Washington's career-best.
Skyfall
James Bond was back for the first time in several years in one of the best Bond films ever, an action-packed one that also delves into Bond's backstory. Daniel Craig proves he's still a great choice as Bond, particularly in the stunning opening action sequence, and Javier Bardem is one of the creepiest Bond villains ever.
The Sessions
This charming yet unsentimental indie film based on the true story of Mark O'Brien, who enlisted the help of a sex therapist to help him lose his virginity. As O'Brien, John Hawkes is endearing and engaging, while the most memorable turn goes to Helen Hunt, in an emotionally and physically baring performance.
Argo
Ben Affleck's third outing as director and a fact-based drama set during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979 was thrilling, engaging and has one of the year's most heart-stopping finales. Continues to demonstrate that Affleck is a much better director than he is an actor.
Zero Dark Thirty
The year's most powerful, intense drama again comes from "The Hurt Locker's" Kathryn Bigelow. Focusing on the decade-long manhunt for Osama Bin Laden, it's mesmerizing and superbly acted by Jessica Chastain, a front-runner for the Best Actress Oscar. The final 20 minutes are among the most breathtakingly intense seen this year.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
This original, depressing but powerful indie film features an astonishingly natural, assured breakout performance from 6-year old newcomer Quvenzhane Wallis.
Honorable Mentions:
The Dark Knight Rises, Looper, Bully, The Avengers, Wreck It Ralph, Django Unchained, Pitch Perfect, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, The Intouchables, Cabin in the Woods, The Perks of Being a Wildflower, Jiro Dreams of Sushi and The Master.
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