2012 Films, Ranked.
by Marjeez | created - 13 Jan 2012 | updated - 27 Feb 2013 | Publica work in progress, feel free to comment!!
2011 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/m7JGjaiNOgU
2013 Films, Ranked = http://www.imdb.com/list/DRU4W-0uneM
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1. Life of Pi (2012)
PG | 127 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.
Director: Ang Lee | Stars: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Votes: 666,989 | Gross: $124.99M
10/10
This is the kind of film that brings the whole world together. It's the greatest achievement in film since Avatar, and has a lot more heart and humor. The 3D is up there with the best, the likes of Hugo and Avatar. The story is engaging and unique, and is what you make of it. The themes really rung true to me, which made it easier to love every second of Life of Pi. You might not understand why I hold his film very dear to me, enough to call it my favorite of the year, but it's more of a personal reason. I think this will be a huge hit worldwide, because it's a film that transports the viewer to a new world and has something anyone can relate to from any background or culture.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
R | 122 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
After 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.
Director: David O. Russell | Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Votes: 742,895 | Gross: $132.09M
9/10
What an amazing story. I loved everything about this one. The acting is outstanding but not in your face; it feels real. There is tons of emotion added to a story that's also interesting and humorous. The lack of attention to detail is the only criticism I can make, but in terms of how much I loved this film, it's a serious reach. Silver Linings Playbook is easily one of the best films of the year.
3. Django Unchained (2012)
R | 165 min | Drama, Western
With the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.
Director: Quentin Tarantino | Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
Votes: 1,695,862 | Gross: $162.81M
9/10
Tarantino delivers again. I won't say much about this one, but it's probably the best Western from the last 5 or so years. There's never a dull moment and plenty of action & humor. Tarantino perfects the genres he loves and it's no different with Django Unchained. As with Inglorious Basterds, I loved it even more because I know the German language. Acting was superb in a non-showy way, it seems like everyone had fun and it shows. Soundtrack had perfect timing, and unlike Inglourious Basterds, it was all over the place and never stuck to one theme or genre. And I loved it.
Simply put, Django's a motherf#cking blast.
4. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
PG-13 | 164 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Eight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Votes: 1,827,988 | Gross: $448.14M
10/10
No, it's not a perfect movie, but I do believe it's the perfect ending to one of my favorite trilogies in film. It combines the nostalgic feel from Batman Begins and the realism of The Dark Knight to create something any true Batman fan should love. Saying it's "epic" is an understatement. At the end of the day, this is a story of Bruce Wayne. Great acting, great story, and amazing little homages to the comics/original TV shows. The character development really feels full-circle from Batman Begins to this film.
If you didn't like it the first time, watch it again. I liked it much more the second time around, and consistently loved it the third and fourth. I guess I was sort of disappointed it wasn't just a Batman vs Villain story like The Dark Knight was. This was a blessing in disguise, though, as this film is much more than that. It's more complex and the stakes are higher, and that's exactly how you end a trilogy. The films should get bigger and better. The Dark Knight Rises is an epic on a realistic scale, and that's something truly unique.
5. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
PG-13 | 94 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Two 12-year-olds, who live on an island, fall in love with each other and elope into the wilderness. While people set out on a search mission, a violent storm approaching them catches their attention.
Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray
Votes: 366,804 | Gross: $45.51M
9/10
Filled with heart, humor, and charm to fill a whole room. A heart-warming story told with the breathtaking direction Wes Anderson is famous for. I haven't seen all of his films but this is my new favorite of his.
6. The Avengers (2012)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Sci-Fi
Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.
Director: Joss Whedon | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Votes: 1,459,676 | Gross: $623.28M
9/10
Simply one of the best, funniest and most enjoyable superhero films ever. This is probably the second best superhero movie I've ever seen.
7. The Impossible (2012)
PG-13 | 114 min | Drama, History, Thriller
The story of a tourist family in Thailand caught in the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Director: J.A. Bayona | Stars: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Oaklee Pendergast
Votes: 244,143 | Gross: $19.02M
8/10
An unforgettable story told with rich realism. Well-acted but never showy or in-your-face. It peaks towards the middle and sort of becomes tedious for the remaining half, but this a tear-jerker that most people will love. Breathtaking visuals and heartfelt story, it really puts you in the middle of a Tsunami.
8. Lawless (2012)
R | 116 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
Set 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.
Director: John Hillcoat | Stars: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Jason Clarke
Votes: 253,519 | Gross: $37.40M
8/10
Lawless isn't flawless, but it's a damn good time. It never takes itself too seriously like one might think based off the plot synopsis and the trailers. Sometimes the accents are a little weird but Guy Pearce gives an iconic villain performance and absolutely steals the show.
9. Prometheus (I) (2012)
R | 124 min | Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Following clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone.
Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron
Votes: 644,367 | Gross: $126.48M
8/10
This is what cinema should be about. Making people talk, making people think, and opening an entire new world to the viewer to be transported into. It's essentially classic science fiction with horror elements.
While the film was a little bit slow to start, once things got going, damn did they get going. Loved it. From the acting, the story, and some scenes that were quiet memorable, I really enjoyed this one as a stand-alone film. With that said, this feels like a small portion of a bigger picture, so I'm looking forward to the inevitable sequels that will hopefully answer our burning questions.
10. Killing Them Softly (2012)
R | 97 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Jackie 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.
Director: Andrew Dominik | Stars: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy
Votes: 153,188 | Gross: $15.03M
8/10
This one really caught me by surprise considering how many people hated it. The political side felt a little misplaced at times, but the amazing dialogue, memorable scenes, outstanding acting, and unique direction made me forget about all of its imperfections. I really loved this one.
11. Flight (I) (2012)
R | 138 min | Drama, Thriller
Troubling questions arise after airline pilot Whip Whitaker makes a miracle landing after a mid-air catastrophe.
Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Denzel Washington, Nadine Velazquez, Don Cheadle, John Goodman
Votes: 376,266 | Gross: $93.77M
8/10
The film starts out with a brilliant, haunting plane crash scene then turns into an entertaining ride about addiction and how people react when someone they have to trust fails them, or in this story, fails them on a technicality. I loved the story and the run time felt about a half hour less than it was. Everyone here gives a memorable performance but it's a film where the story is most important, not the acting.
12. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
PG-13 | 169 min | Adventure, Fantasy
A reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home, and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug.
Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis
Votes: 873,236 | Gross: $303.00M
8/10
Is the storytelling as good as the LOTR trilogy? So far, no. But what it lacks in that, it makes up for with spectacular visuals (really spectacular.. as in some of the best I've ever personally seen), great action and a lot of fun. There are maybe 25 mins total of complete filler, that almost took me out of the entire experience, but I'm glad I stayed because this really is a great movie. Hopefully the remaining two movies surprise me as much as An Unexpected Journey did. It might not surprise in the way the LOTR trilogy did, but in terms of popcorn fantasy entertainment, Hobbit certainly delivers.
13. Brave (2012)
PG | 93 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
Directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell | Stars: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters
Votes: 442,386 | Gross: $237.28M
8/10
I love princess animations, so this might be sort of biased. Brave is an underrated, emotional Pixar film. Seems like people wanted to hate it from the get-go. This is actually one of my new favorite Pixar films. If you love the princess genre, and enjoyed Tangled, give Brave a chance.
14. ParaNorman (2012)
PG | 92 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell | Stars: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Tucker Albrizzi
Votes: 109,954 | Gross: $56.00M
7/10
It sort of suffers from a dull second act like Frankenweenie did, but this is probably the most unique and daring animation this year, and last year for that matter. Loved the characters, story, and the jokes push the PG rating to its' limit. With an emotional ending and amazing style, ParaNorman is a worthwhile follow-up to Coraline.
15. Looper (2012)
R | 119 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
In 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.
Director: Rian Johnson | Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano
Votes: 603,079 | Gross: $66.49M
8/10
I found a couple of annoying inconsistencies here and there, but it's one hell of a ride that makes two hours feel like one hour and doesn't assume the audience is dumb, like most action films do these days.
16. Ted (2012)
R | 106 min | Comedy
John 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.
Director: Seth MacFarlane | Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale
Votes: 657,712 | Gross: $218.82M
8/10
Not a fan of MacFarlane's comedy at all, in fact I despise Family Guy, but he created one of the best, and most original comedy since The Hangover with this one. It has just the right amount of heart, raunch, and laughs. This one really took me by surprise.
17. Savages (I) (2012)
R | 131 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Pot growers Ben and Chon face off against the Mexican drug cartel who kidnapped their shared girlfriend.
Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Benicio Del Toro
Votes: 134,533 | Gross: $47.38M
7/10
Just an entertaining, wild ride. Oliver Stone is back with this pulpy tale.
18. The Master (2012)
R | 138 min | Drama, History
A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader.
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons
Votes: 186,248 | Gross: $16.38M
7/10
Initially before viewing The Master, I thought it would be witty to say "PTA once again proves he is... the master... of filmmaking." I know it's wrong to have preconceived opinion on a film before seeing it, but come on, this is Paul Thomas Anderson (my favorite writer/director).
Well, unfortunately I think this is his weakest story since his first feature, Hard Eight. It's beautiful to look at. The overall cast gives the finest ensemble performance in years. The story had potential. Some scenes were extremely memorable, but for the first time in a PTA film, I left the theater feeling time was wasted. I didn't feel this story went anywhere. I thought at times it was too ambiguous. At the end it didn't come together for me like I thought it would. While it has all the making of a classic, for me it slightly misses the mark emotionally with a feeling of being purposeless. I immediately felt I wanted to see it again though, for certain scenes alone.
19. Les Misérables (2012)
PG-13 | 158 min | Drama, Musical, Romance
In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.
Director: Tom Hooper | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried
Votes: 346,072 | Gross: $148.81M
7/10
I've never read this story before, so I went into it with a fresh mind. Not a huge fan of musicals, more or less due to the fact that I've only seen a handful.
I didn't want to go into it as a follow up to Hooper's last film The King's Speech, because that's one of my favorite movies and there was no way this would top it. And it doesn't. I love how it's shot, which is very similar to how The King's Speech was shot also. It's personal and bleak and fits the title of the movie. I felt it peaked at around the first hour, then became a typical love story with a French Revolution backdrop. The songs were entertaining and surprisingly a good way of telling the story. The acting was all over the place, with Anne Hathaway stealing the show but unfortunately wasn't in much of the film. For me the story lacked the emotion. Carter & Cohen gave the perfect comedic touch and I absolutely LOVED Crowe's singing. It gave the film sort of an Opera touch to it.
Overall, I would say it's worth seeing for the brilliant first hour alone, and you may have a love/hate relationship with the remaining 100 mins.
20. Excision (2012)
Not Rated | 81 min | Comedy, Drama, Horror
A disturbed, delusional high-school student with aspirations of a career in medicine goes to extremes to earn the approval of her controlling mother.
Director: Richard Bates Jr. | Stars: AnnaLynne McCord, Roger Bart, Ariel Winter, Traci Lords
Votes: 24,621
7/10
What a ballsy movie. It is not for everyone, and I don't even know if it's for me, but it's probably the most unique film of 2012, with the most memorable ending that you won't forget for a good 20+ years. It's like Juno if it were a really messed up (in a good way) horror story.
21. The Sessions (2012)
R | 95 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
A man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest.
Director: Ben Lewin | Stars: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood
Votes: 43,987 | Gross: $6.00M
7/10
I don't care what anyone says, Joaquin Phoenix & DDL have nothing on John Hawkes. His acting absolutely stole the show with what was a complete transformation into his character. The story is very simple yet heartwarming and entertaining.
22. End of Watch (2012)
R | 109 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Shot documentary-style, this film follows the daily grind of two young police officers in LA who are partners and friends and what happens when they meet criminal forces greater than themselves.
Director: David Ayer | Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera
Votes: 269,178 | Gross: $41.00M
7/10
Really entertaining cop drama. It's a little annoying how dramatic it sometimes is, and how there is no continuity with the film's camera work, but the story is exactly as good as you'd hope. The jokes are funny, the film feels real, and the ending is daring.
23. Argo (2012)
R | 120 min | Biography, Drama, History
Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1979.
Director: Ben Affleck | Stars: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin
Votes: 639,250 | Gross: $136.03M
7/10
Promising first act, dull second act that felt a lot like filler than anything, and a brilliant, tense third act make up Argo. I can't recommend Argo enough in terms of dialogue, direction, and acting, but this one is a real slow burner in the sort of way that it feels like a good 20 minutes could have been removed, and it wouldn't have lost anything. Also I'd say a good 2/3 of the jokes you've heard in the trailers. But overall, Affleck proves once again why he's an top-tier director.
24. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
PG | 101 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
Director: Rich Moore | Stars: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Votes: 458,606 | Gross: $189.42M
7/10
I've been a gamer all my life, so this film started out giving me orgasms. With one of the best openings in any recent animation (almost on the level of Pixar's UP opening), filled with gaming references, it's disappointing that the second act was a little boring and uninteresting. I'm not sure who decided to have most of the film take place in Candyland (that's what I'm calling it), but it's as if two different writers wrote the film and combined screenplays. First half 30 minutes for adult gamers who grew up on video games, and the second half for kiddie My Little Pony on the Nintendo DS gamers.
Still, go see it. It's totally worth it, and the emotional ending does make up for a somewhat lackluster middle.
25. The Possession (I) (2012)
PG-13 | 92 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child.
Director: Ole Bornedal | Stars: Natasha Calis, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Madison Davenport
Votes: 63,228 | Gross: $49.13M
7/10
Despite bad reviews, I still went out to see The Possession because of Raimi's producing credit. Yes it's full of cliches, but if you went into a PG-13 horror film called "The Possession" thinking it'll be some masterpiece of horror, I don't know what to tell you. What you do get is a sometimes funny, sometimes scary, sometimes original, well-acted modern horror flick. It's criminally underrated and I personally really enjoyed it.
26. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
G | 94 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
The Clock family are four-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family's residence, borrowing simple items to make their home. Life changes for the Clocks when their teenage daughter Arrietty is discovered.
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi | Stars: Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Mirai Shida
Votes: 104,428 | Gross: $19.20M
7/10
Studio Ghibli can do no wrong, just a heart-warming story told well through hand-drawn animation.
27. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
R | 157 min | Drama, History, Thriller
A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6 in May 2011.
Director: Kathryn Bigelow | Stars: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Mark Strong
Votes: 318,982 | Gross: $95.72M
7/10
I didn't like it as much as I did The Hurt Locker. It's well-made with great acting, but this story I didn't feel had to be told, especially for the time it took to write/film it and the 160 minute running time. I feel like I know more about what took place over a decade (if what was shown was true, which is up for debate), so in that aspect the storytelling felt honest and realistic. But at the end of the day, this isn't a life-changing story and most people won't care for the details that make up the first two hours of Zero Dark Thirty. It lacks in areas such as emotion and character development but the story is told with such authenticity that it's hard not to recommend. But if you're looking for intensity or emotion, look elsewhere.
28. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
PG-13 | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
After 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.
Director: Marc Webb | Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Irrfan Khan
Votes: 702,546 | Gross: $262.03M
7/10
Not the reboot we needed, but the one we deserved. Just a fun time, highly re-watchable. I actually loved the character development but wasn't much of a fan of the action.
29. Seven Psychopaths (2012)
R | 110 min | Comedy, Crime
A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.
Director: Martin McDonagh | Stars: Colin Farrell, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken
Votes: 273,987 | Gross: $15.02M
7/10
Was probably more fun to write then to actually watch, it's a pretty good dark comedy. Way darker than I thought it would be. Light on laughs, the only two parts that made me laugh were in the trailer. With that said, the story here is unique and the acting is top-notch.
30. Frankenweenie (2012)
PG | 87 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
When a boy's beloved dog passes away suddenly, he attempts to bring the animal back to life through a powerful science experiment.
Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau
Votes: 117,139 | Gross: $35.29M
6/10
There's a ton to love with this film. The look of the film instantly draws you in and the story begins perfectly. While I thought the ending brings the story full-circle, the middle really dragged on. It's not as good as Coraline, Nightmare Before Christmas, or Corpse Bride, but it's still a good effort. It's a challenging piece for kids (some were crying in my showing), and a nostalgic one for adults, so I'd recommend it for all ages. Just don't expect too much.
31. Sinister (I) (2012)
R | 110 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A 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.
Director: Scott Derrickson | Stars: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, James Ransone, Fred Thompson
Votes: 280,302 | Gross: $48.09M
6/10
Sometimes a horror fan's wet dream but often borderline... retarded. Acting is all over the place except for the lead (Hawke) who gave a great performance, the direction is amazing, and I predict the original story in Sinister will make it a huge hit for years to come. But it can be so stupid. Not to give it away, but the ending will make you roll your eyes. But I respect its attempt at making a genuinely scary film without the cheap tactics.
32. Kill List (2011)
Not Rated | 95 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Nearly a year after a botched job, a hitman takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.
Director: Ben Wheatley | Stars: Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring, Harry Simpson, Michael Smiley
Votes: 45,354 | Gross: $0.03M
7/10
I dug the realistic tone of the film and the ending was insanely good.
33. The Raid: Redemption (2011)
R | 101 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.
Director: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Ananda George, Ray Sahetapy, Donny Alamsyah
Votes: 217,119 | Gross: $4.11M
7/10
Love it or hate it, the action is astonishing but it gets tiresome.
34. Chronicle (2012)
PG-13 | 84 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.
Director: Josh Trank | Stars: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly
Votes: 264,518 | Gross: $64.58M
7/10
A true superhero origin story.
35. Arbitrage (2012)
R | 107 min | Drama, Thriller
A troubled hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire makes an error that forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help.
Director: Nicholas Jarecki | Stars: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Brit Marling, Tim Roth
Votes: 54,848 | Gross: $7.92M
7/10
An entertaining little Hitchcockian thriller with good pacing and a strong lead performance.
36. Skyfall (2012)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
James 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.
Director: Sam Mendes | Stars: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Judi Dench
Votes: 731,238 | Gross: $304.36M
6/10
Not as good as Casino Royale. The pacing is off, the structure is too similar to The Dark Knight, and Bardem's performance felt a little forced at times. Still a good action film, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed.
37. Lincoln (2012)
PG-13 | 150 min | Biography, Drama, History
As the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.
Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Votes: 272,707 | Gross: $182.21M
6/10
A film that I'm sure many high school students will be sitting through for years to come, Lincoln doesn't offer much other than a great performance and some memorable scenes. I felt that the plot of the film didn't fit anywhere near 150 mins. It doesn't have any vision to it, it plays out exactly how you'd imagine it would. For those looking for a history lesson, it's not the most accurate. For those looking to be entertained, well it's not very entertaining either. DDL gives a great performance, and while not the best of the year (that goes to Phoenix in The Master or Hawks in The Sessions), it will still probably win him the Oscar. Lincoln is a good movie, just not a great one. And the ending was amateurish.
38. V/H/S (2012)
R | 116 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
When a group of misfits are hired by an unknown third party to burglarize a desolate house and acquire a rare VHS tape, they discover more found footage than they bargained for.
Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David Bruckner, Tyler Gillett, Justin Martinez, Glenn McQuaid, Radio Silence, Joe Swanberg, Chad Villella, Ti West, Adam Wingard | Stars: Calvin Lee Reeder, Lane Hughes, Adam Wingard, Hannah Fierman
Votes: 68,378 | Gross: $0.10M
6/10
For a modern horror film, it's actually rather great. But these stories are hit-or-miss, some are really good and memorable while others feel like filler. At almost two hours, it gets tiresome but I do applaud these filmmakers for making the lost footage horror genre interesting again.
39. 21 Jump Street (2012)
R | 109 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Stars: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Brie Larson
Votes: 598,671 | Gross: $138.45M
7/10
Had many funny parts, not very memorable though. A typical by-the-books modern comedy.
40. The Paperboy (2012)
R | 107 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.
Director: Lee Daniels | Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack, Zac Efron
Votes: 39,659 | Gross: $0.69M
6/10
If there's two things I hated about this movie, is the direction and the narration. The narration is annoying, hard to understand, and makes no sense in context to the story. The direction is sporadic and inconstant throughout, and the director never knew what kind of film he wanted to make. With that said, I did like the story and the acting. Kidman in my eyes was the star of the show, while Cusack was menacing. It's also a daring story, which also probably means there will be more people that dislike it then like it.
41. The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012)
PG | 88 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Pirate 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.
Directors: Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt | Stars: Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, Martin Freeman
Votes: 51,430 | Gross: $31.05M
6/10
A promising start, and it had tons of great ideas, but it never came together for me. Still solid though.
42. The Hunger Games (2012)
PG-13 | 142 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Katniss 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.
Director: Gary Ross | Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci
Votes: 1,003,966 | Gross: $408.01M
7/10
While the film is good, I think it played it too safe. Shaky cam got annoying, and it is simply inferior to the novel. You can't really hate it but at the same time it won't surprise you.
43. Compliance (2012)
R | 90 min | Crime, Drama, History
A normal Friday service at a fast food restaurant becomes interrupted by a police officer who claims an employee stole from a customer, but something more sinister is going on.
Director: Craig Zobel | Stars: Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker, Pat Healy, Bill Camp
Votes: 37,301 | Gross: $0.32M
6/10
If you can get passed how moronic these characters are, this is a fairly well-acted and entertaining film.
44. John Carter (2012)
PG-13 | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Transported to Barsoom, a Civil War vet discovers a barren planet seemingly inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Woola and a princess in desperate need of a savior.
Director: Andrew Stanton | Stars: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Samantha Morton
Votes: 286,276 | Gross: $73.08M
6/10
It was a decent sci-fi fantasy flick.
45. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
R | 95 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Five college friends head out to a remote cabin for a getaway, but things don't go as planned when they start getting killed. They soon discover that there is more to the cabin than it seems.
Director: Drew Goddard | Stars: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz
Votes: 450,863 | Gross: $42.07M
6/10
Highly overrated, I was quite disappointed. Before you say I didn't understand it, I did. I just don't think the message was worth telling, and at the end I didn't find it very clever, funny, intense, or honestly that enjoyable.
46. Taken 2 (2012)
PG-13 | 92 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.
Director: Olivier Megaton | Stars: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser
Votes: 322,723 | Gross: $139.85M
6/10
I didn't like the first Taken, so this one took me by surprise. I liked the story and the way Liam handled his business, but the action was awfully filmed. It felt like each second was 2-3 different shots and it got annoying. Other than that, I don't understand why people would like the second one and dislike this one. It was quiet the opposite for me.
47. The Collection (II) (2012)
R | 82 min | Horror, Thriller
A man who escapes from the vicious grips of the serial killer known as "The Collector" is then forced to help rescue an innocent girl from the killer's booby-trapped lair.
Director: Marcus Dunstan | Stars: Josh Stewart, Emma Fitzpatrick, Christopher McDonald, Randall Archer
Votes: 54,090 | Gross: $12.84M
6/10
A breath of fresh air in horror sequels. It feels like a totally different film. It's only 63 mins until the credits role, so it certainly doesn't overstay its welcome, but at the same time it's sort of pathetic that the run time is so short for a film that got a wide-ish theatrical release. Nothing amazing, just a mostly okay, sometimes good horror/thriller.
48. Deadfall (2012)
R | 95 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Two siblings decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration.
Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky | Stars: Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, Charlie Hunnam, Sissy Spacek
Votes: 41,054 | Gross: $0.07M
5/10
Not bad, would make an entertaining TV movie. Accents got annoying. Overall worth the watch but if you miss it you won't miss much.
49. Men in Black³ (2012)
PG-13 | 106 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Agent J travels in time to M.I.B.'s early days in 1969 to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld | Stars: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement
Votes: 387,151 | Gross: $179.02M
5/10
I liked some parts, such as the villain and plot, but overall it just wasn't funny or clever. There weren't enough aliens or gross-out moments the series is known for. We get what, a giant fish? It felt lazy, and Will Smith obviously didn't want to be there.
50. Mirror Mirror (I) (2012)
PG | 106 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
An evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.
Director: Tarsem Singh | Stars: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane
Votes: 91,085 | Gross: $64.94M
5/10
A kids movie through and through, it's quite silly but still entertaining.
51. The Grey (2011)
R | 117 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
After their plane crashes in Alaska, six oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step.
Director: Joe Carnahan | Stars: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Dallas Roberts
Votes: 263,381 | Gross: $51.58M
5/10
I appreciate the craftsmanship and look of the film, but it was just dull, boring and devoid of any intensity.
52. ATM (I) (2012)
R | 90 min | Horror, Thriller
On a late night visit to an ATM, three co-workers end up in a desperate fight for their lives when they become trapped by an unknown man.
Director: David Brooks | Stars: Alice Eve, Josh Peck, Brian Geraghty, Mike O'Brian
Votes: 25,386 | Gross: $0.00M
4/10
How to make a horror film 1-0-1. Full of horror cliches, but if you enjoy the horror genre this will entertain you.
53. Battleship (2012)
PG-13 | 131 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.
Director: Peter Berg | Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Brooklyn Decker, Liam Neeson, Rihanna
Votes: 257,400 | Gross: $65.42M
4/10
It delivers on it's promise of being a blatant Transformers rip-off, with a lot more heart, incredible CGI, and a nice cast of characters. But the end of the day it's still a Transformers rip-off that has he exact same flaw of too much action causing it to become dull and boring with a nearly unwatchable and headache-enducing middle act.
54. The Dictator (2012)
R | 83 min | Comedy
The heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.
Director: Larry Charles | Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, John C. Reilly, Ben Kingsley
Votes: 335,027 | Gross: $59.65M
4/10
It's watchable at best, but don't expect any laughter. A lazy effort.
55. Piranha 3DD (2012)
R | 83 min | Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
After the events at Lake Victoria, the pre-historic school of blood-thirsty piranhas make their way into a newly opened waterpark.
Director: John Gulager | Stars: Danielle Panabaker, Ving Rhames, David Hasselhoff, Matt Bush
Votes: 45,394 | Gross: $0.38M
3/10
Having thought Piranha 3D was an absolute blast, this was an utterly disappointing movie. No fun, laughter, or enjoyment. It isn't even 80 mins and I was bored. A failure.
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