2012's worst to best
2012 was an interesting year for film, here's a list of the films I reviewed in order from worst to best. I must mention that these are only the films I have seen myself, I'm sure there are a lot of films out there that I've not seen this year that are really bad or fantastic so please don't ask me why I didn't include a film, because I've simply not had the chance to see it.
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- DirectorM.J. BassettStarsAdelaide ClemensKit HaringtonSean BeanWhen her adoptive father disappears, Sharon Da Silva is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.Definitely the worst film I saw in 2012, abysmal.
- DirectorLarry CharlesStarsSacha Baron CohenAnna FarisJohn C. ReillyThe heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.A disappointing film from Sacha Baron Cohen, expected so much more from him. Some moments of great humour but not enough.
- DirectorsPeter LordJeff NewittStarsHugh GrantSalma HayekJeremy PivenPirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.Another disappointment - some parts can be really funny but they are too few and far between for this to be a memorable film for 2012.
- DirectorSean DurkinStarsElizabeth OlsenSarah PaulsonJohn HawkesHaunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult.Too much hype with critics on this one - trying to be too clever which is a shame because Elizabeth Olsen is absolutely fantastic here and deserves awards recognition for her performance.
- DirectorRodrigo CortésStarsSigourney WeaverRobert De NiroCillian MurphyProfessional skeptic Margaret Matheson and her assistant, Tom Buckley, set out to prove that famous psychic Simon Silver, who has re-emerged after years of seclusion since the mysterious death of his toughest critic, is a fraud.Extremely disappointing - great actors but some performances were wasted. A bland film with a laughable ending that was rustled up in five minutes.
- DirectorScott DerricksonStarsEthan HawkeJuliet RylanceJames RansoneA controversial true-crime writer finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.Really scary at some points but the actual PLOT only began to take shape towards the end of the film! Before that, just jump scenes which get boring.
- DirectorMark TonderaiStarsJennifer LawrenceElisabeth ShueMax ThieriotAfter moving with her mother to a small town, a teenager finds that an accident happened in the house at the end of the street. Things get more complicated when she befriends a boy. A double murder is not an accident.A pretty basic horror/thriller film with only Jennifer Lawrence's great performance keeping it afloat.
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsBradley CooperJennifer LawrenceRobert De NiroAfter a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.Again, Jennifer Lawrence makes this film worth watching - Bradley Cooper's just awful. Naive portrayal of mental illness makes it nearly insulting at some points.
- DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsColin FarrellWoody HarrelsonSam RockwellA struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.Pretty funny but not funny enough. Fantastic performances by Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell and Woody Harrelson but the writing was too sloppy.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsNoomi RapaceLogan Marshall-GreenMichael FassbenderFollowing clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone.I know it's controversial to have it so high in this list but I liked it. Yes it was a bit of a disappointment from Ridley Scott but Michael Fassbender was fantastic and it looks like there will be a lot of potential in sequels. Maybe answering some questions this time.
- DirectorSeth MacFarlaneStarsMark WahlbergMila KunisSeth MacFarlaneJohn Bennett, a man whose childhood wish of bringing his teddy bear to life came true, now must decide between keeping the relationship with the bear, Ted or his girlfriend, Lori.Not as good as Family Guy and a little too cliched sometimes but still a very funny film with a hilarious narration from none other than Patrick Stewart - some great cameos too.
- DirectorAkiva SchafferStarsBen StillerVince VaughnJonah HillFour men who form a neighborhood watch group as a way to get out of their day-to-day family routines find themselves defending the Earth from an alien invasion.Fairly funny film but a bit disappointing when you look at their previous films both together and individually. Like a more vulgar Men in Black for more adult audiences and it can be really funny at some points. Reviewed a bit too harshly by some.
- DirectorJames WatkinsStarsDaniel RadcliffeJanet McTeerCiarán HindsA young solicitor travels to a remote village where he discovers that the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.Great ghost story and a really scary film. A good start to Daniel Radcliffe's post-Potter career and a thoroughly entertaining if not slightly predictable film.
- DirectorKen LoachStarsPaul BranniganJohn HenshawRoger AllamNarrowly avoiding jail, new dad Robbie vows to turn over a new leaf. A visit to a whisky distillery inspires him and his mates to seek a way out of their hopeless lives.Decent Ken Loach film about the rough lifestyles of Glasgow. Brilliant dialogue that may be a little lost on those not from Scotland. Excellent acting from the unknown cast, overall really funny.
- DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneRhys IfansAfter Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.Good yet pointless re-boot. Andrew Garfield really makes the role his own. Story itself isn't really that different from Sam RaImi's trilogy but it is still entertaining and perhaps even better than the original.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsChanning TatumAlex PettyferOlivia MunnA male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.Fantastic, funny, brilliant. This film is far more intelligent that the trailers let on. Great performances from Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey. Discusses a lot of important issues and is more than just a chick flick.
- DirectorJohn HillcoatStarsTom HardyShia LaBeoufGuy PearceSet in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits.Great film with a couple of little hitches; acting is great especially from Tom Hardy but the female characters don't have much depth. Really interesting film to watch and is thoroughly enjoyable.
- DirectorsPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsJonah HillChanning TatumIce CubeA pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.Best comedy of the year without a doubt. This is surprisingly a huge success with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum teaming up in this hilarious buddy comedy. Fantastic acting and hilarious writing.
- DirectorAndrew DominikStarsBrad PittRay LiottaRichard JenkinsJackie Cogan is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.One of 2012's most underrated films; brilliant acting from Brad Pitt and Scoot McNairy. Not as violent as expected but very intelligent and thought-provoking.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsWinona RyderCatherine O'HaraMartin ShortWhen a boy's beloved dog passes away suddenly, he attempts to bring the animal back to life through a powerful science experiment.A delightful children's film by Tim Burton that is truly heart-warming and really funny. A film both adults and children can enjoy together and has Burton back on track.
- DirectorGary RossStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.One of 2012's most intelligent blockbusters showing films can be made to a high quality and still win big at the box office. Fantastic performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Stanley Tucci, let's just hope the sequels can live up to this.
- DirectorSam MendesStarsDaniel CraigJavier BardemNaomie HarrisJames Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.Excellent third installment in Daniel Craig's Bond career. After the disappointing Quantum of Solace this really makes up for it was fantastic acting, chase and action sequences and an outstanding villain.
- DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisAnanda GeorgeRay SahetapyA S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.Technically made in 2011 but released over in the UK in 2012, this is a thoroughly entertaining action film which has non-stop, bone-crushing action from start to finish. A surprisingly great cast with fantastic fight choreography. Definitely watch this if you love proper action films.
- DirectorDrew GoddardStarsKristen ConnollyChris HemsworthAnna HutchisonA group of kids go to a remote cabin in the woods where their fate is unknowingly controlled by technicians as part of a world-wide conspiracy where all horror movie clichés are revealed to be part of an elaborate sacrifice ritual.Again, technically made in 2011.... tough to put this just outside my top 3 but it is a fantastic film nevertheless. Genius writing and direction from Joss Whedon, great performances and a really clever and funny plot. Should be on everyone's list of favourite horror movies.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittBruce WillisEmily BluntIn 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits - someone like Joe - who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by sending back Joe's future self for assassination.Classic Sci-fi is coming back to cinemas finally. This is a really interesting film with an outstanding cast, decent dialogue and a fantastically confusing plot which is sure to leave everyone a bit confused at some point after watching it.
