2012 Films From Best To Worst
In my own opinion of course, and featuring all films released in 2012 I've currently seen. As such, this is an ever-evolving list, but as it currently stands, I consider the first four entries to be excellent, numbers 5 to 14 to be really good, 15 to 18 just a notch below, numbers 19 to 45 fine, 46 to 59 less and less entertaining, 60 to 66 quite average and the last five rather bland.
Check out my other lists if interested (full selection accessible on the right):
1960s: 1964
1980s: 1987
1990s: 1993
2000s: 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007 2009
2010s: 2010 2011
Check out my other lists if interested (full selection accessible on the right):
1960s: 1964
1980s: 1987
1990s: 1993
2000s: 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007 2009
2010s: 2010 2011
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- DirectorJoe WrightStarsKeira KnightleyJude LawAaron Taylor-JohnsonIn late-19th-century Russian high society, St. Petersburg aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the dashing Count Alexei Vronsky.I debated internally quite a bit whether to place this film in the first spot or the subsequent entry, Moonrise Kingdom. And while I eventually picked Anna Karenina, it could really go either way. Comparatively, the story here is less touching and the characters less endearing but the scope of Anna Karenina is much grander and Joe Wright's directing prowess is a wonder to behold. The film is a visual marvel, which while some have found distracting, I found to be absolutely engrossing and fascinating. The cast is uniformly fantastic and Wright's regular collaborator Dario Marianelli once again delivers a masterful score. In short Anna Karenina really is at the top of its game in every category and after five films, firmly and definitely cements Joe Wright as one of the very best directors working today
- DirectorWes AndersonStarsJared GilmanKara HaywardBruce WillisTwo 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.With his very distinctive style and easily identifiable tropes, Wes Anderson is one of the most divisive directors out there. While his mastery is undeniable, many find him and his work pretentious and distractingly show-off-y. Well I would suggest even Anderson's detractors to check out Moonrise Kingdom as it is in my opinion, by far the director's best film (though to be fair I haven't yet seen The Royal Tenenbaums and Bottle Rocket). The director fills the picture with his usual Wes Anderson flourishes, the cast is excellent, the story and characters are touching, engaging and endearing and they all come together to end up as one of the year's very best offerings. Moonrise Kingdom is just an absolute marvel to watch, from the first frame till the very end of the extrememly inventive credits. Despite being filled with kids, I wouldn't really recommend it for kids, but it is a beautiful, nostalgic homage to being a kid.
- DirectorJames HuthStarsGad ElmalehSophie MarceauMaurice BarthélémySacha Keller is only interested in one night stands with 20-somethings and has a phobia of children. That is until he meets Charlotte, the divorced mother-of-three and ex-wife of one his employer's powerful clients.In apperance a rather traditional romantic comedy, Un Bonheur N'Arrive Jamais Seul is an intriguing change of pace for James Huth, a director more used to wannabe-blockbuster effects-laden comedies (Brice De Nice, Hellphone, Lucky Luke). While the story certainly doesn't bring anything new to the table, Huth and his stellar cast transcend this most formulaic of genres to deliver a film bursting with visual and physical ingeniosity where each and every scene is either hilarious, charming, charmingly hilarious or hilariously charming.
- 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.It's pretty astounding that after making a big deal about reinventing Bond, MGM and EON completely nailed it the first time around with Casino Royale, perhaps one of the five best films in the franchise, some might say the best, yet have been fumbling ever since. Skyfall corrects Quantum Of Solace's missteps but somehow botches the aspects which that film got right. The series regains its grandeur and exoticism but loses its lightness and sense of fun. Sam Mendes has admitted he's inspired himself with Christopher Nolan's Batman films and sadly it shows, be it the "dark", "gritty" mood, the need to "psychologically deconstruct" Bond and find out where he came from (a big mistake IMO) or the overly complicated villainous plot which makes no sense and amounts to nothing. Storywise, the film does nothing that The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day did very recently and apart from that this seems more like a setup for the next film than anything else, a transition episode coupled with a drawn-out goodbye to Judi Dench who is stepping down from the series. Even moreso than in Quantum of Solace the Bond girls are wasted, though the twist regarding one of them is handled slightly better than the very similar twist in The Dark Knight Rises. Albert Finney's character who appears during the nonsenical final act of the film was clearly meant to be played by Sean Connery, and thank god that didn't happen, but said character really doesn't make any sense if not played by Sean Connery. Finally, the barrell sequence is once again tacked before the end credits which continues to distract, annoy and just not make sense. All those things aside though, Skyfall is still a Bond film. Brilliantly shot with great action, one of the best title songs the series has had in years and a wonderful performance by Javier Bardem as the villain.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsMartin FreemanIan McKellenRichard ArmitageA 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.Some people were soured by the decision to split this relatively short story into three epically long films. Others bemoaned the increased use of computer effects compared to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Others were put off by the much hyped "HFR" format which I didn't see the film in. But then there were also those who just go swept away by the magic and wonder of Tolkien's world as realized by Peter Jackson and his crew. The film is a visual marvel, the grand scenery highlighted by Jackson's sweeping shots. The situations and dialogue are witty and funny thanks to a strong source, good adapted screenplay and perfectly cast actors, Martin Freeman proving to be brilliant as Bilbo. The action scenes are jaw-dropping. It's everything you could want from your fantasy adventure and I'm certainly not going to complain two more chapters are on the way.
- 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.Beautifully shot, wonderfully atmospheric, superb production design, not to mention the familiar but extremely pleasantly so story and themes. A job well done.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppMichelle PfeifferEva GreenAn imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.Tim Burton's best film since 2003's Big Fish. While it doesn't reach the emotional heights of that film or Edward Scissorhands, it exudes a sense of fun that has been missing from the director's films for years and which I thought we'd never see again. The film is visually stunning, be it in terms of photography, production design and atmosphere, the acting is top notch from everyone and musically, Danny Elfman rips off his own score to 2010's The Wolfman, which is merged with hits from the sixties and seventies to great effect. Hopefully, this marks a return to form.
- DirectorBenoît JacquotStarsLéa SeydouxDiane KrugerVirginie LedoyenA look at the platonic relationship between Marie Antoinette and one of her female readers during the first days of the French Revolution.A marvellous film. Very rarely does a film based on fact, especially a story as infamous as this one, succeed at creating such tension despite the fact that everyone knows pretty much what is going on and what will happen (United 93 springs to mind). As it is director Benoît Jacquot and his team have done a incredible job in capturing the confusion, uncertainty and pure dread that those living at Versailles in the final days of the Monarchy must have felt. Seriously, anyone who's ever dismissed period dramas and films based on true stories as "stuffy", slow and boring should give this one a shot. The cast is also exceptionally strong, led by a group of immensely talented female performers. The only downside is really the ending, unfortuantely, slightly anticlimactic and a bit of a let down.
- DirectorChristopher McQuarrieStarsTom CruiseRosamund PikeRichard JenkinsA homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper responsible for a mass shooting.Writer/Director Christopher McQuarrie nails pretty much every single scene in this superb second feature and delivers the best action/thriller of the year, ironically in many ways a throwback to those of many years past. The film features one of the most efficient opening scenes of the year and the best car chase put on the screen in the years. Tom Cruise gives another terrific performance and is surrounded by a superb cast. I can't wait to see Jack Reacher back on the screen soon!
- DirectorAng LeeStarsSuraj SharmaIrrfan KhanAdil HussainA 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.Sense And Sensibility, The Ice Storm, Ride With The Devil, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hulk, Brokeback Mountain, Lust Caution, Taking Woodstock, Life of Pi,... Not only is Ang Lee one of the best directors working today, he's also one of the most versatile, almost always excelling at whatever he puts his mind to (while his Hulk is far from the best superhero movie, it's certainly one of the most interesting). Here we have Lee again going at something completely different and delivering one of the most engrossing theatrical experiences of the year. Complete newcomer Suraj Sharma has no trouble holding the attention while being the only person on screen for the majority of the film (without other people there to talk to him over the phone as Ryan Reynolds or Colin Farrell may have had in Buried and Phone Booth) and there isn't a moment where the completely computer generated Tiger seems anything less than real. The visuals are magical and Lee makes the most out of the 3D format, making Life Of Pi maybe one of the 5 films to best use the technology. With a strong story, solid performances, superb visuals and stunning effects, Life Of Pi is an all-around winner.
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth'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.It's not perfect, but definitely a whole lot of fun. A unique experiment in filmmaking, it's the best action film of the year so far, pays off the setup of the previous films (Iron Man 1 & 2, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America) and makes you excited for what is yet to come.
- DirectorBoaz YakinStarsJason StathamCatherine ChanChris SarandonMei, a young girl whose memory holds a priceless numerical code, finds herself pursued by the Triads, the Russian mob, and corrupt NYC cops. Coming to her aid is an ex-cage fighter whose life was destroyed by the gangsters on Mei's trail.With Safe, writer/director Boaz Yakin delivers one of the most pleasant surprises and best pure action films of the year and arguably gives Jason Statham the best role of his career. Safe is highly entertaining, features some great acting and great action and most importantly boasts an incredibly strong, smart and well-written script that keeps the viewer engaged and on the edge of his seat, skillfully avoiding clichés and soaring high above expectations, giving one more than a bang for his buck.
- DirectorAnurag BasuStarsRanbir KapoorPriyanka Chopra JonasIleana D'CruzThree young people learn that love can neither be defined nor contained by society's definition of normal and abnormal.This was India's submission for the Best Foreign Film Award and it's easy to see why. Armed with a well written script that flutters admirably between different genres, Barfi! features beautiful cinematography, great performances from the three leads and the supporting cast, lively music and masterful direction. It is a touching, colorful film that is easy to get into and hard not to enjoy.
- DirectorBen AffleckStarsBen AffleckBryan CranstonJohn GoodmanActing 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.Hard to think that just six years ago people had essentially written off Ben Affleck and now he's become one of the most respected and sought after people in Hollywood. After Gone Baby Gone and The Town, Affleck does a hat-trick and delivers possibly his best film yet. The opening is definitely one of the best of the year and based on that scene alone it is not surprising that Affleck is getting all the recognition he's been getting in Awards Season. He also manages to hold the tension throughout despite people knowing how the movie will end and makes his film look like those classic thrillers from the seventies.
- DirectorStephen ChboskyStarsLogan LermanEmma WatsonEzra MillerCharlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.While I haven't read the novel, it is evident that author Stephen Chbosky did an amazing job adapting and directing it. Everything about the film rings true, the actors are incredible and the story is genuinely touching and shockingly surprising.
- 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.Listening to all the praise this movie got, you'd be forgiven for going in and not getting what all the fuss is about. What's so incredibly special and original and groundbreaking about this film? Well...nothing really. It's just really, really, really well made and excels at what it does. It is simply spectacularly charming, funny, quirky, upbeat and engaging, with a top-notch cast that should leave you with a happy feeling inside.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsJohn C. ReillyJack McBrayerJane LynchA 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.Another home run for Disney Animation, on a winning streak since 2008 after a considerable dry spell. Wreck-it Ralph features glorious animation, tons of video game characters making appearances, "Roger Rabbit style" and feels at the same time excitingly fresh and delightfully classic, with actors like John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman and Alan Tudyk giving just wonderful voice performances.
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsWoody AllenPenélope CruzJesse EisenbergThe lives of some visitors and residents of Rome and the romances, adventures and predicaments they get into.After delivering one of his absolute best films with the previous year's Midnight In Paris, Woody Allen continues to roam around Europe to settle in Rome for his long-awaited return to acting and these four, alternating, unrelated, unconnected little stories. The result is quite odd and the four vignettes play like a bunch of fables, little fantasies if you will, very character-based as you would expect from Woody Allen, and also meant to evoke the Italian capital, albeit in a very different way than his other films evoke the respective cities where they're set. In the end, To Rome With Love (a title Woody actually hates) can't be ranked among Allen's very best (it should be noted his worst is still pretty good), and the storylines are somewhat uneven (the Penélope Cruz & co one ranks the lowest), but it's a film that really grows on you while you're watching it and after you've walked out of the theater. It makes for an absolutely pleasant, entertaining, breezy watch and as is usual for Woody Allen's film, is served by an absolutely stellar cast, with Greta Gerwig in particular giving a memorable, breakthrough performance.
- 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.I unfortunately didn't read the book prior to seeing this film, and though I enjoyed it quite a bit, I have a feeling I'd have enjoyed it a lot more if had. Despite clocking in at nearly two and a half hours (similar to the Harry Potter films), it is painfully obvious, even to a non-reader that there are loads of gaps everywhere. While it may also be obvious in Harry Potter, I feel the HP films did a much better job hiding those gaps and especially setting up the world and introducing the audience to it. Here, just three lines of text at the beginning and a few tidbits here and there. Poorly done IMO. The film also sadly looks rather cheap, and would have benefitted from twice the budget. In addition I was not a fan of the handheld camerawork, which felt totally unnecessary (it works in some films, not in this one) and was totally underwhelmed by the unmemorable and unengaging music (James Newton Howard is capable of so much better, just look at The Last Airbender). Yet despite all this, The Hunger Games remains a very good film, thanks undoubtedly to the great actors and the source material which I will make it a point to read. One day. Definitely before Catching Fire comes out.
- DirectorDavid KoeppStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittMichael ShannonDania RamirezIn Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.This was one of my most anticipated films this year and it did not disappoint. The story is one you've seen a thousand times but it is presented in a fresh way. Interestingly, David Koepp, a master screenwriter, seems to concentrate on other matters when directing (his previous effort, Ghost Town, contained a healthy dose of improvisation) and this time around it's visual flair. In this way, Premium Rush is perhaps the year's most original action film, with its frenetic pace and incredibly exciting bike scenes.
- DirectorPascal LaugierStarsJessica BielJodelle FerlandWilliam B. DavisWhen her child goes missing, a mother looks to unravel the legend of the Tall Man, an entity who allegedly abducts children.First of all: The Tall Man is NOT a horror film in any way shape or form. It is presented as, marketed as, packaged as and sold as a horror film, and for a good reason, but do not see this film expecting gore and scares as you'll find neither. Also of note, it has nothing to do with the "Slender Man" Internet meme as many people seem to think.
What The Tall Man is, is a film that's not afraid to take chances, to defy conventions, to circumvent expectations and to involve its audience, to essentially ask them to judge for themselves the ethics of the actions presented. On a purely aesthetic, technical stance, the film is a marvel. Director Pascal Laugier delivers stunningly beautiful visuals and sets up atmosphere masterfully. His opening credits alone are a masterpiece. The actors are also one of the film's strenghts with the young Jodelle Ferland proving to be a magnetic presence as a mute girl and Jessica Biel delivering arguably her strongest performance ever in what is undoubtedly the most complex, demanding role of her career, finally proving she has something in her besides her looks and a capacity to learn lines, the same year as her pedestrian turn in the Total Recall remake. As for the actual plot, as stated before it is not what one would expect based on its cover, summary, etc, and I suspect that this is what turned off a number of people (ironically, despite people's demands for originality, people don't like to be fooled). Indeed, the film veers very early on from its expected course and never turns back. How successful said veering off is might be up for debate, and while similarities can be found in other works, such as a celebrated crime film from a few years back, Laugier presents the story in a novel way and one has to give him props for having the audacity to craft this morally ambiguous tale in such an original, unique way. The end result is extremely divisive with people seeming to either love it or hate it with no middle ground. I'd strongly recommend giving it a chance with an open mind and judging for yourself. - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDaniel Day-LewisSally FieldDavid StrathairnAs 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.It's somewhat odd and deceptive to call "Lincoln" a movie that only chronicles a few days of Lincoln's life, but this doesn't change the fact that this is tremendously well made film, with stellar performances and a compelling storyline. You will get a strong sense of the famed President through his interaction with his family, his advisors and others, just don't go into it expecting a chronicle of his life.
- DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsMilla JovovichSienna GuilloryMichelle RodriguezAlice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility.I've got to hand it to Paul W.S. Anderson. I wasn't initially a big fan of his first Resident Evil film, but the series, which defies expectations and just keeps on going and going also just keeps getting better and better, ironically as it distances itself more and more from its video game counterpart. Sure there are a lot of elements from the games that find their way here, as they did in previous films (zombies, Umbrella Corporation and a few more familiar characters) but storywise, the Resident Evil film franchise went its own way, evolving well beyond horror to post-apocalyptic action sci-fi. But all this doesn't mean that the series has forgotten its video game roots at all. In fact, Retribution is constructed exactly like a classic video game: characters must get from point A to point B, by going through "levels" and encountering "bosses". Many critics have noted this by putting it down, however I disagree and think it is truly brilliant. Where so many have failed, Anderson has succeeded completely at creating a true "video game film". Resident Evil Retribution is a pure, distilled action film with just enough story to keep you engaged. A plot involving motherhood in relation to Milla Jovovich's character is a nice touch and serves to efficiently broach some of the sci-fi concepts introduced by the film, the reappearance of dead characters from earlier films had me worried when I'd read about them but works exceptionally well and the action scenes are superbly executed. Resident Evil 5 isn't going to shake anyone's world, but it's the best entry in a series that keeps surprising by consistently bettering itself and is effectively one of the year's best action films, a pure adrenaline rush thats serves as a sort-of "Greatest Hits" of the series so far and one of the most satisfying movie experiences of the year. I, for one, can't wait for Resident Evil 6.
- DirectorBarry SonnenfeldStarsWill SmithTommy Lee JonesJosh BrolinAgent 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.Ten years after a first sequel considered by most as disappointing, this unlikely second one proves to be a hell of a good time despite a notoriously troubled production. Barry Sonnenfeld and his team have brought side distractions down to a minimum (perhaps too much) to concentrate almost entirely on the relationship between agents J and K. In the end, the only downside is that instead of a new kickass Will Smith song accompanying the end credits, we're instead treated to a rather lame one by Pitbull.
- DirectorTom TykwerLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsTom HanksHalle BerryHugh GrantAn exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.Without a doubt one of the year's most ambitious films, Cloud Atlas may leave viewers confused as to just what the point of it all was. Indeed the film uses an incredibly epic scale to tell what seems after all to be a rather simple tale but maybe that's where the beauty of it lies. Switching genres, time periods, characters, genders, races and dialects, Cloud Atlas remains clear throughout and comes out being an accomplishment in just about every regard.
- DirectorFlorent-Emilio SiriStarsJérémie RenierBenoît MagimelMonica ScattiniA biopic of French pop star Claude François, most famous for co-writing the song 'My Way'. Tracing his life from childhood in Egypt through success in France to his untimely death in Paris in 1978.I basically knew nothing about French pop superstar Claude François before seeing this film, apart what he looked like, a couple of his songs and how he died. A talented filmmaker, Florent Emilio-Siri has surrounded himself with a stellar cast and captures dazzling visuals to deliver what ends up being a rather classic, well-made musical biopic that (re)introduces the singing sensation to the 21st century. On the down side, the film sometimes plays like a highlight reel of sorts, seemingly jumping from one flagship scene to the next without taking the time to explain the significance of events unfolding to the unfamiliar viewer, while at the same time jumping over portions of François' life that look like they might have quite some importance. However on the positive, apart from the aforementioned excellence of the actors and the incredible shots scattered throughout the picture, Cloclo also gives an insight into an aspect of the musical industry that is rarely seen on film, which is the "industrial" production of songs, creation as seen through a committee rather than a single artist. Quite fascinating.
- DirectorSimon WestStarsSylvester StalloneLiam HemsworthRandy CoutureMr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.A superior sequel to an already immensely fun original, The Expendables 2 just delivers. Newcomers Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and Scott Adkins do not disappoint, with Van Damme in particular delivering a memorable performance as the film's villain. Jet Li unfortunately basically has an extended cameo in this one but the film makes up for it with larger roles for Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The action is great and the film knows exactly what it is.
- DirectorBill CondonStarsKristen StewartRobert PattinsonTaylor LautnerAfter the birth of Renesmee/Nessie, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.Can a single entry redeem a bland series? In this case, yes, a million times yes! Part 2 of Breaking Dawn is so awesomely entertaining in its *beep* insanity that it actually makes watching the entire saga not only worth it, but highly recommended.
- DirectorAndrew StantonStarsTaylor KitschLynn CollinsWillem DafoeTransported 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.A fun, classic, sprawling epic. There's nothing groundbreaking about it and it's still unclear why the film cost so much to make, but all in all Andrew Stanton succeeds in his transition to live-action. John Carter is a perfectly entertaining sci-fi actioner that does everything it's supposed to do. That it doesn't do anything more might be a shame but it shouldn't be held against it.
- DirectorJon HurwitzHayden SchlossbergStarsJason BiggsAlyson HanniganSeann William ScottJim, Michelle, Stifler, and their friends reunite in East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion.When American Pie came out in 1999, it launched the career of a number of young performers, marked the beginning of an empire and changed the face of cinema forever, thus earning its place in History, like it or not. Now after nine years and a series of DVD sequels of dubious quality that have diluted the brand, American Pie returns to theaters, with pretty much all of the original cast present for a surprinsgly entertaining comedy that plays heavy on the nostalgia and works incredibly well. Indeed, though I've never been a big fanof the franchise, this one had me cheering and whooping throughout.
- 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.People like to compare Frankenweenie and ParaNorman quite a bit, due to the two films being animated in stop-motion and dealing with supernatural subjects. A lot of people tend to give their preference to ParaNorman but I think I found Frankenweenie to have more charm. It's a delightful little film that feels tremendously personal to director Tim Burton who absolutely nails the vibe. Also kudos to the man for finally branching out from his usual casting tendencies.
- DirectorLaurent TirardStarsGérard DepardieuDany BoonEdouard BaerAsterix crosses the channel to help second-cousin Anticlimax face down Julius Caesar and invading Romans.After an incredibly disappointing third entry, writer/director Laurent Tirard doesn't quite reach the heights of the second film in the series but does regain its dignity and while everything doesn't work, this first French 3D blockbuster offers heaps of good fun and Edouard Baer surprisingly convinces as Astérix despite appearing as another character in the previosuly mentioned second film.
- DirectorChris ButlerSam FellStarsKodi Smit-McPheeAnna KendrickChristopher Mintz-PlasseA misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.Laika's second feature isn't as magical as their debut Coraline but is nevertheless an exceptionally strong film, with plenty of humor, inventive visuals and a positive message.
- DirectorEric DarnellTom McGrathConrad VernonStarsBen StillerJada Pinkett SmithChris RockThe Madagascar animals join a struggling European circus to get back to New York, but find themselves being pursued by a psychotic animal-control officer.Once considered the "lesser" animation studio, DreamWorks continues its recent winning streak by delivering a surprisingly entertaining sequel to a couple of films that really aren't among the company's finest. While the plot has its weaknesses, humor is prevalent throughout, the affair moves along through a variety of locations at a pleasantly brisky pace and presents a few memorable scenes, including an incredibly exciting action/chase scene near the beginning and a visually stunning circus sequence set to Katy Perry's hit song "Firework". All of this in an absolutely gorgeous 3D presentation of course. Fans of the previous films will lap this up while detactors may actually find something to enjoy this time around.
- 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.Despite being purely fiction, The Dictator attempts to go for the same type of satire seen in Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat and Brüno mockumentaries. The result is an uneven yet incredibly hilarious comedy that is unsurprisingly less biting when it comes to said satire and social commentary. It is naturally a lot more effective to have the real reactions of real people than the scripted reactions of paid actors to whatever Baron Cohen is saying/doing. It just comes off as artificially moralzing, which is unfortunate.
- DirectorSteve MartinoMichael ThurmeierStarsRay RomanoDenis LearyJohn LeguizamoManny, Diego, and Sid embark upon another adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world.If there's one thing you gotta give credit for to the Ice Age franchise, it's the pleasant variety of the plots as this time our unlikely trio heads onto a high-sailing pirate adventure. The film is a visual treat, the jokes are aplenty and the film skillfully pushes forward wholesome themes and values. A few new characters find their way into the series, including notably Sid's outrageous granny, Manny's daughter Peaches, who's grown into an incredibly cute teenager (though I am somewhat confused with why all the female mammoths in this franchise have to be sassy black girls) and finally a love interest for Diego played by J-Lo. Scrat keeps randomly showing up in pursuit of his acorn with hilarious results and the 3D is used to great effect.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsDenzel WashingtonNadine VelazquezDon CheadleTroubling questions arise after airline pilot Whip Whitaker makes a miracle landing after a mid-air catastrophe.Robert Zemeckis returns to live-action directing after 12 years with a strong, tough, compelling, character-driven drama featuring an award-worthy performance by Denzel Washington and a spectacular flight scene. Washington's character isn't very pleasant to witness and proves quite hard to root for, but the film stays involving, surrounding him with a very talented cast and keeping you guessing till the end.
- DirectorYash ChopraStarsShah Rukh KhanKatrina KaifAnushka SharmaAn uncompromising film on true love from the legendary and unforgettable director Yash Chopra which is fascinatingly distinctive and contemporary.In his final film, the late Yash Chopra delivers another of his signature epic romances and one better than his prior effort, 2004's Veer-Zaara. Like that film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan stars Shahrukh Khan in a solid performance and is told heavily in flashbacks, but it also proves to be a better written, more engaging story. Mixed with some stunning shots and superb music courtesy of maestro A.R. Rahman, Chopra's farewell proves to be a worthy one indeed.
- DirectorMark AndrewsBrenda ChapmanSteve PurcellStarsKelly MacdonaldBilly ConnollyEmma ThompsonDetermined 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.Brave is technological marvel, absolutely beautiful to look at and gorgeously animated. In addition it features some good voice acting, fun scenes and a wholesome story. Brave is an eminently entertaining, watchable film...but that's it. While it may be unfair, Pixar's previous efforts have made it that people have come to expect more from the studio. As it is Brave doesn't have anything more to say than Disney's underrated Brother Bear. You'll have a good time watching Brave, but there are plenty of films that tackle the subject matter in a more satisfying manner, such as the wonderful Spirited Away, or even Freaky Friday.
- DirectorDavid FrankelStarsMeryl StreepTommy Lee JonesSteve CarellAfter thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship.Falsely sold as a romantic comedy when it is more of a "light relationship drama", The Devil Wears Prada director David Frankel's new film is a solid, well-acted, pleasant watch that has the additional advantage of ringing very true.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonTaylor KitschBlake LivelyPot growers Ben and Chon face off against the Mexican drug cartel who kidnapped their shared girlfriend.A superstar director in the eighties and nineties, Oliver Stone's star seems to have somewhat faded with the turn of the century, despite continuing to churn remarkably good films (the theatrical version of Alexander may have been botched but do yourself a favor and watch his "Alexander Revisited" director's cut). Savages continues this trend by failing to make much of a splash at the box-office, thus contributing to star Taylor Kitsch's incredibly bad year. Despite all this, the film is very watchable, boasts a few narrative tricks that work exceptionally well and is blessed with some great acting, including that of Blake Lively, despite what some people would have you believe. An extremely underrated actress, Lively plays her character as a lost little girl, sadly happy or happily sad in a clearly unhealthy relationship, a textbook doped-up poor little rich girl. Her performance exudes sexuality, fragility and naïveté and without her the film wouldn't be half of what it is.
- DirectorOlivier MegatonStarsLiam NeesonFamke JanssenMaggie GraceIn Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.While inferior to its predecessor, which also benefitted from the element of surprise, Taken 2 is still a rollicking good time with writers Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen managing to shake things up enough to avoid implausability and director Olivier Megaton offering some nice-looking, original set pieces.
- 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.Just like In Bruges before it, Seven Psychopaths has an odd, unique and strangely engrossing tone. The actors are excellent, the plot has depth and is quite clever, the dialogue is very funny, the action is very violent and the music is beautiful.
- DirectorTom HooperStarsHugh JackmanRussell CroweAnne HathawayIn 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 delivers a spectacular rendition of the stage musical which boasts some stellar singing performances (Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Samantha Barks,...) and others that are less than stellar (Eddie Redmayne, Russell Crowe,..). Similarly some of the songs turn out to be very powerful and memorable, while others fall flat and seem just awkward. This dichotomy is throughout the movie which remains interesting and unique.
- DirectorPeter RamseyStarsHugh JackmanAlec BaldwinIsla FisherWhen the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.The premise is pretty goofy and I'm still unclear as to why Santa is a sword-wielding Russian but those are minor nitpicks and Rise of the Guardians is a fine animated offering, featuring lots of fun, action and whimsy and a nice message for the Holiday season.
- DirectorTony GilroyStarsJeremy RennerRachel WeiszEdward NortonAn expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.Don't even attempt to understand the larger story at play here if you haven't seen the previous Bourne films. Indeed, this film seems to mostly take place during the events of The Bourne Ultimatum which itself mostly took place during The Bourne Supremacy. Confused yet? As such, the film mostly fails as a "sequel without the main character of the previous films", the links seemingly tacked on and not bringing anything to the story, which is itself rather silly and full of implausabilities. However the film boasts a stellar performance from Rachel Weisz and while it is somewhat light on the action, said action is also stellar, in particular a lenghty chase scene that closes the film and ranks as one of the very best I've ever seen.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.A somewhat lesser entry in the Tarantino canon, Django Unchained does offer some fun scenes and features good performances from its actors but it does pale in comparison to some of the director's earlier work, perhaps due to a lead character that isn't particularly compelling and doesn't really feel like a lead character.
- 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.I didn't fawn over this one like most people seem to have, but then again that's also been the case with director Rian Johnson's other films. Overall he's a talented and imaginative storyteller and he's once again surrounded himself with an incredible cast but while the film is absolutely entertaining, I just don't think I was convinced by the plot itself, particularly the actions of some of the characters. Nevertheless, Johnson still makes a whole lot out of not much and crafts a number of memorable scenes.
- DirectorPascal ChaumeilStarsDiane KrugerDany BoonAlice PolA successful woman in love tries to break her family curse of every first marriage ending in divorce, by dashing to the altar with a random stranger before marrying her boyfriend.Not as refreshing as Pascal Chaumeil's debut feature L'Arnacoeur but still a rather pleasant, nicely put together romantic comedy, despite an odd and quite unnecessary framing device.
- DirectorLen WisemanStarsColin FarrellBokeem WoodbineBryan CranstonA factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run.Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall is a great film that still functions extremely well and as such there was absolutely no need or demand for it to be remade. That being said, Len Wiseman's update is...fine. The effects and sci-fi production design look pretty cool, the action is quite badass (though Wiseman doesn't do anything as awesomely insane as in Die Hard 4), the cast is very competent...to deliver in the end a fine, competent blockbuster, if one inundated by pointless lens flares, obvious post-production changes and a plot that makes no sense when you look into it, but thus one that doesn't come close to the level of the 1990 film. Verhoeven's film will still be fondly remembered as a classic 20 years from now. Wiseman's? I'm not so sure.
- DirectorAsger LethStarsSam WorthingtonElizabeth BanksJamie BellAs a police psychologist works to talk down an ex-con who is threatening to jump from a Manhattan hotel rooftop, the biggest diamond heist ever committed is in motion.A functional, effective, unsurprising thriller with some good performances. A pleasant, inconsequential watch.
- DirectorPeter BergStarsAlexander SkarsgårdBrooklyn DeckerLiam NeesonA fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.And here is Taylor Kitsch's second mega-blockbuster-wannabe of 2012, widely derided as "Transformers On Sea" way before its release. Director Peter Berg successfully emulates Michael Bay's style when it comes to the action but disappoints when it comes to the sexy. Singer Rihanna does better than expected but still lacks credibility in her first film role, the film is riddled with inconsistencies, scenes border on the ridiculous and composer Steve Jablonsky just rehashed tracks from his previous scores with different instruments. But know what to expect, and you'll have a good enough time.
- DirectorJames MatherSteve Saint LegerStarsGuy PearceMaggie GracePeter StormareA man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the President's daughter from an outer-space prison taken over by violent inmates.This new entry in the long line of products from Luc Besson's action film factory is relatively middle of the pack, not among the best, but definitely not the worst. Highly derivative of John Carpenter's "Escape From..." films (which already provided inspiration for the Banlieue 13 films), Lockout features more computer effects than most Besson productions and though these are rather poorly made, it adds to the film's charms. Directed by a duo of newcomers, the film doesn't have the most memorable action scenes but owes most of its charm to star Guy Pearce's performance.
- DirectorMcGStarsReese WitherspoonChris PineTom HardyC.I.A. operatives wage an epic battle on each other when they discover they are dating the same woman.Every year one rom com comes around that is piled upon by critics and deemed to be amongst the most vile things ever put on film. This year, This Means War is that film, a rom com that was ridiculed from the moment it was announced over the supposedly laughable premise that two handsome, eligible men would fight over Reese Witherspoon. Well I don't know, depsite the fact that Reese has never looked older and more haggard than in this film, I still wouldn't mind a go at her, and I didn't find anything in the film to be particularly offensive. Sure, it's dumb and completely predictable from beginning to end, but I didn't expect anything else. It's a by-the-numbers rom com through and through with a slight bit of spy action sprinkled on top and that's all it tries to be. But as it stands the once mighty Reese Witherspoon can add yet another flop to her resumé and keep trying to find that one project that will help her regain her former popularity.
- DirectorLisa AzuelosStarsMiley CyrusDouglas BoothAshley GreeneAs a new year at school begins, Lola's heart is broken by her boyfriend, though soon she's surprised by her best friend, promising musician Kyle, who reveals his feelings for her.How quickly pop culture moves on: from being the world's biggest teen star to being in contention for the year's biggest flop to getting ready to star in a Lifetime Original Movie, Miley Cyrus must have experienced one of the quickest, hardest falls I've witnessed. At this rate the poor girl will be participating on Dancing With The Stars or Celebrity Rehab in a few months. When the project was launched though, it seeed like a surefire success. As stated, Miley was the hottest thing out there, and she was starring in a remake of the most successful French film of 2008, a film that shattered the box-office and the awards ceremonies. But by the time the film was finally ready both Cyrus and Demi Moore had gone through so much scandal that the film was mocked on arrival, essentially dumped by Lionsgate and derided by those few who actually bothered to see it. LOL is nowhere near as offensively bad as it is being made out to be, far from it, and there are actually quite a few things to like about it. Its biggest crime really is from being completely unnecessary. The film is practically completely identical to its French original, save for language and a school trip that takes place in France instead of England. The end result is somewhat inferior to the original, perhaps in part due to context (LOL was something very fresh and original in French cinema, where there aren't too many teen romantic comedies produced, as opposed to American cinema) but in any case this remake just doesn't have the same impact as the highly recommended 2008 film. However as I said, it's nowhere near awful and should make for a pleasant watch, with actress Ashley Hinshaw proving to be a revelation as Miley's character's best friend. This one should have a bright future in front of her.
- DirectorPhil 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.This continuation of the TV show from the late eighties that launched he career of Johnny Depp plays it significantly less serious than its predecessor and makes for a hell of a fun time. However, there unfortunately wasn't anything in particular that stuck out as memorable or original or visually interesting.
- DirectorJudd ApatowStarsPaul RuddLeslie MannMaude ApatowPete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart.Passably funny but ultimately unmemorable spin-off to the much superior Knocked Up. Judd Apatow's daughters are as adorable as ever and it's on overall pleasant watch with some decent laughs.
- DirectorScott SpeerStarsKathryn McCormickRyan GuzmanCleopatra ColemanEmily arrives in Miami with aspirations to become a professional dancer. She sparks with Sean, the leader of a dance crew whose neighborhood is threatened by Emily's father's real estate development plans.This fourth entry in the Step Up series is really everything you might expect. As usual the story is self-contained despite Adam Sevani and several other actors from 2 & 3 showing up for more or less extended cameos. The story is unremarkable, but first-time director Scott Speer serves it well with some beautiful shots, stunning dance setpieces and by obtaining some surprisingly decent performances from his cast. While this can be expected from veterans like Peter Gallagher and Tommy Dewey, the utterly inexperienced leads aren't an embarrasment either. Ryan Guzman is perfectly fine, while So You Think You Dance's Kathryn McCormick, much like Dancing With The Stars' Julianne Hough, is pretty and decent enough, but struggles with the more challenging material (though the screenplay certainly doesn't do her any favors). Speer doesn't accomplish anything as wonderful as Jon Chu did in Step Up 3D with his single take dance piece set to a Sinatra remix, but doesn't botch anything as badly as much as Chu did in the horrendous Step Up 2 The Streets. His dance flashmobs really don't make any sense but are impressive to watch, with one inside a museum being a particular standout. Unless you have one of those inexplicable allergies to dance films, you should enjoy Step up Revolution as it is definitely the better 3D dance flick of 2012 (*cough*StreetDance 2*cough*).
- 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.Most people claim that no one has managed to make a good film from a video game yet. Most people who disagree will point to 2006's Silent Hill directed by French filmmaker Christophe Gans. After having helmed the pleasant but incredibly divisive Solomon Kane, British filmmaker Michael J. Bassett takes over the franchise to just as divisive results. While the film certainly does not hold a candle to the original, I do feel it has been unfairly maligned. Bassett keeps the aesthetic established by Gans and the production design is really beautiful. He also shows an admirable preference for practical effects and there is only one CGI creature to be seen in the whole picture. He does his best to link his film to the previous one rather than falling prey to the "reboot" disease that is plaguing Hollywood right now, as well as staying true to the third video game in the series. The 3D is well handled. His main actress, Adelaide Clemens, makes for a very pleasant lead. That is not to say the film is without faults, far from it. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, at the detriment of atmosphere. Once in Silent Hill, it almost entirely takes place in the "Darkness" rather than alternating between that and the "Fog world" as in the previous film. Similar scenes between the two movies (such as the nurses) are way more effective in Gans' film. Yet Silent Hill: Revelation has been unfairly ignored and does manage to make a lot with its 20 million bucks.
- DirectorAdam ShankmanStarsJulianne HoughDiego BonetaTom CruiseA small-town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.The biggest problem with Rock Of Ages is how unfocused it is. Is this a movie about a small town girl going to the big city to pursue her dreams? A movie about an aging rock star at a turning point in his life and career? A movie about a historic LA landmark threatened by a bunch of hypocritical bigots? It is all of those movies, but doesn't follow through on any of these rehashed plot lines in a satisfying manner and merges them together in a rather unconvincing way. While this might be an issue with the original stage production (which is something I don't and probably never will know first hand), the consequence is that we're left with a film that uses its poorly written plot solely as an excuse to move from one musical number to the next, without any emotional resonance whatsoever. Rock Of Ages remains watchable and somewhat entertaining homage to rock n' roll, with a few fun moments and an impressive cast, Tom Cruise in particular, as mesmerizing as ever on screen, being possibly the best thing to come out of it. Finally, while the cast all do a remarkably good job with their musical numbers, a number of them look obviously lip-synched and it's also disappointing that Bryan Cranston never burst into song, the only main character in the film not to.
- DirectorChris RenaudKyle BaldaStarsZac EfronTaylor SwiftDanny DeVitoA 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.Expectations were high for MacGuff and Illumination Entertainment after the surprise hit that Despicable Me turned out to be. Unfortunately, The Lorax disappoints somewhat. The film boasts some great design that betrays its French influence (though less than Despicable Me) in addition to a good voice cast but I suspect the problem is that there juts isn't enough material in a Dr. Seuss book to warrant a feature length adaptation, so the consequence is that we're served with a number of obvious fillers which serve no purpse apart from being fillers. The environmental theme is a good, important one, but The Lorax often delivers the message with the subtlety of a sledgehammer and ends up probably being one of the weakest animated offerings of the year, and one squarely aimed at the (much) younger crowd.
- DirectorGenndy TartakovskyStarsAdam SandlerKevin JamesAndy SambergDracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter.I was a bit surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reception to Hotel Transylvania. I'm a fan of director Genndy Tartakovsky but came out of the film feeling more lukewarm about it than expected. There's nothing wrong with it, the performances are good and the animation is great, but perhaps it's due to the fact that the film seems to aim mostly and squarely at the younger crowd rather than a universal one.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleTom HardyAnne HathawayEight 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.Oh boy, what a mess. As hyped as it was, The Dark Knight Rises was never going to live up to its expectations but who knew Christopher Nolan was going to mess up so badly? You could say I was turned off by the amount of overhype, but then again, that was also the case for The Dark Knight and I ended up tremendously enjoying that film. No, there are no two ways about it, The Dark Knight Rises is a botched conclusion to Nolan's supposed masterful trilogy. That is not to say there aren't any things to like in the film, there are plenty. Nolan IS a very talented person. But here he has undoubtedly delivered his worst film. He completely botches both Catwoman and Bane (differently than Joel Schumacher, but still botched), in a film that features very little Batman (maybe 20 minutes in a 2 hour and 45 minutes film, which wouldn't be that bad if the rest was actually interesting), uninspiring action scenes and an incredibly silly, stupid plot which makes no sense, with horrible dialogue and one of the most unconvincing romances committed to film (check out the hilarious "How It Should Have Ended" parody of this film on YouTube for a good laugh after seeing the movie). It's testament to Nolan's talent that the film never feels boring despite actually being so, but as it stands only the film's final five minutes or so pre-credits feature a shred excitement. And what a shame seeing as how incredibly rich and exciting the storylines which served as the main inspirations to this film actually are, each deserving of a proper film adaptation of their own. Perhaps Christopher Nolan shouldn't have arrogantly proclaimed that all third entries in a series were crap until he figured out to make a "great" third entry with The Dark Knight Rises. Prior to seeing the film I wasunhappy at the prospect that Batman would be rebooted yet again following it because somehow it was considered sacrilege for someone to continue the storyline of Nolan's films, but after seeing that it was the worst Batman film ever made, I am glad we can put this debacle behind us and start fresh with a hopefully better, more satisfying result.
- 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.When plans for a ready to go Spider-Man 4 with returning director and stars Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst alongside new villain John Malkovich were scrapped in favor of starting over from a scratch with new team and a retelling of the origin story, everyone was essentially skeptical yet chose to adopt a wait and see approach. Turns out, they were right to be skeptical as the one thing that strikes you the most when watching The Amazing Spider-Man is how completely unnecessary and inferior it is. Try as one must, it is impossible not to compare this film to its predecessors, seeing as how much of the same material it tackles. Scenes such as Peter Parker discovering and coming to terms with his powers pale in comparision to their analogue in the Sam Raimi film. Secondary characters serve no purpose and some literally disappear midway into the picture. The romance scenes which have been praised for how "raw and real" they are felt actually jaw-droppingly bad to me. And The Daily Bugle, a absolute cornerstone of the Spider-Man character is pretty much absent from this picture. It's not all bad, the film is still entertaining enough, features shiny new visual effects and decent action but once again, it feels pointless and unnecessary, which is the film's biggest fault. The Amazing Spider-Man offers no valid reason or explanation as to why it couldn't simply have been called "Spider-Man 4", ditched the origin retread and move on with new actors. Did the people at Marvel and Sony really think the audience would be confused as to who was this person putting on Tobey Maguire's mask and how did he gain his powers? Because lord knows MGM makes a James Bond origin story every time a new actor steps into THAT role or else the audience would be confused. A reboot would have been justified if it had anything of significance to add to the story (it doesn't, just offers some BS about some big dark secret mystery from Peter Parker's past involving his parents because yeah, Spider-Man is sooo gritty) or if it was made in an affort to tie it to a new continuity, like The Avengers (which almost happened, but didn't, so no dice). Instead we get a decent superhero romp, if one of the weakest ones of the past ten years, that will invariably suffer when compared to a trilogy of films from a director who understood and handled the material that much better. For some reason, it has in 2012 become increasingly hip to claim the Sam Raimi films were horrible, yet while the third one had a more mixed response, at the time they came out, the first two of his films were considered the greatest thing since sliced bread. While they have been accused of being cheesy for example, they were acutely aware of their cheesiness, and played around with it whereas this new incarnation plays it all serious and brooding, making the cheese not come out as an inside joke, but just as sloppy filmmaking.
- DirectorMabrouk El MechriStarsHenry CavillBruce WillisSigourney WeaverAfter his family is kidnapped during their sailing trip in Spain, a young Wall Street trader is confronted by the people responsible: intelligence agents looking to recover a mysterious briefcase.After gaining international success and recognition for his superb 2008 drama JCVD, French director Mabrouk El Mechri graduates to making his own American action film debut starring Bruce Willis, Sigourney Weaver and the next Superman. The story here has been done a thousand times before and while El Mechri does offer a couple of neat twists to the formula, whether in the action scenes or in the relationship between the characters, The Cold Light Of Day remains your average, typical action thriller. Nothing more, nothing less.
- DirectorKirk JonesStarsCameron DiazMatthew MorrisonJ. Todd SmithFollows the lives of five interconnected couples as they experience the thrills and surprises of having a baby and realize that no matter what you plan for, life does not always deliver what is expected.Based on, of all things, a pregnancy guide book, this multi-star, multi-plotline romantic comedy brings absolutely nothing fresh to the table, is full of clichés, but makes for a pleasant enough, sometimes amusing watch. While the different plotlines each show case a different type of "expecting" (pregnancy that goes well, pregnancy that doesn't, adoption,...), there is very little to justify this structure as the storylines are barley interconnected. Of particular note is the editing, which is remarkably stellar and creates inventive transitions between scenes. At nearly 40 yeatrs old, Cameron Diaz looks incredible and the best among the cast, naysayers be damned, whereas former model Brooklyn Decker, in only her third film, pulls off a surprisingly hilarious performance, one of the best this picture has to offer.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsWill FerrellZach GalifianakisJason SudeikisAn incumbent Representative embroiled in personal scandal faces a no-holds-barred challenge from a naive newcomer funded by two unscrupulous billionaire lobbyist brothers.Amusing, if not particularly memorable political satire, featuring a bunch of laughs and typical turns by Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. In the end a pleasant watch, nothing more.
- DirectorBaltasar KormákurStarsMark WahlbergGiovanni RibisiKate BeckinsaleTo protect his brother-in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to Panama to score millions of dollars in counterfeit bills.Like Man On A Ledge and The Cold Light Of Day, this remake of 2008 film from Iceland (directed by that film's star interestingly) is an effective, unsurprising thriller. In other words the performances are quite good and the the whole thing is competently made and appropriately dark and gritty, just like in dozens of other similar films.
- DirectorDan BradleyStarsChris HemsworthIsabel LucasJosh HutchersonA group of teenagers look to save their town from an invasion of North Korean soldiers.This finally released long-delayed remake turns out be relatively competent but completely unremarkable and unmemorable, unlike the much superior original.
- 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.Raunchy comedy with a whole lot of sex-related humor and a likeable cast. Pleasant enough, should keep a smile on your face, but nothing really sticks out as particularly memorable.
- DirectorDavid PalmerDax ShepardStarsDax ShepardKristen BellBradley CooperFormer getaway driver Charles Bronson jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charles' former gang chase them on the road.An action comedy that's neither particularly funny nor features impressive action, Hit & Run is just a pleasant little film, but one must admire Dax Shepard despite his distractingly awful tattoos and give him credit for pulling off such a great-looking film and giving it such a wide release with the means at his disposal. Truly impressive.
- DirectorPierre JolivetStarsRoschdy ZemLeïla BekhtiMarc LavoineLucas and his team are after a gang of Serbian criminals using NATO-issued weapons. As the investigation leads him to Paris, Lucas attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, a young narc officer.From looking at Mains Armées' poster or watching its trailer, you'd think it was a tough, tense, dark crime thriller. Now sure there is an investigation involving supposedly extremely violent heists and there are a couple of shootouts and whatnot, but director Pierre Jolivet and his film don't really seem interested in all that and instead offer up what ends up being a fairly typical wannabe-artsy French drama where the twist is that the characters are cops. It's not bad, the direction is solid and the actors deliver decent performances, but there isn't anything that stands out either.
- DirectorNicholas StollerStarsJason SegelEmily BluntChris PrattOne year after meeting, Tom proposes to his girlfriend, Violet, but unexpected events keep tripping them up as they look to walk down the aisle together.The team behind the hilarious Forgetting Sarah Marshall reunites for what ends up being a rather regular romantic comedy. The film is enjoyable, the actors are talented and likeable but the film fails to really deliver anything special or particularly memorable and ends up feeling quite slight.
- DirectorTimur BekmambetovStarsBenjamin WalkerRufus SewellDominic CooperAbraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.This is not a very good film and makes for a very strange watch. It starts off rather awfully and had me fearing the worst but thankfully gets slightly better once it actually starts going and Lincoln arrives in Springfield (sadly not to meet The Simpsons). But it's still really one big mess, everything is pretty much all over the place, which sometimes makes for some good stuff, sometimes some not so good stuff and sometimes you're not quite sure. Character development is inexistent. Or rather, the film tells you it happened, but you never see it happening. The cinematography is at various times either ugly or beautiful. The effects are sometimes shoddy, sometimes awe-inspiring. I still can't decide if a key action scene involving horses is awful or amazing. Or amazingly awful. It's too bad because the cast is talented, it seems like there is some potential in the concept that shines through, but the whole enterprise would have benefitted from some restraint and a better screenplay.
- DirectorTarsem SinghStarsLily CollinsJulia RobertsArmie HammerAn evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.The first of the two major Snow White films to come out this year possibly marks director Tarsem's most accessible film. However, despite some inventive visuals and pleasant performances, including that of up-and-comer Lily Collins who certainly showcases an undeniable charm, this version of the tale feels like it doesn't bring anything new to the table and thus fails to even come close to Walt Disney's classic animated film.
- DirectorHeitor DhaliaStarsAmanda SeyfriedJennifer CarpenterWes BentleyA woman is convinced her kidnapper has returned when her sister goes missing.One of the many average, unsurprising yet effective American thrillers directed by foreigners to come out this year (Man On A Ledge, Contraband, The Cold Light Of Day), Gone takes place over a period of 24 hours, suffers from a rather unbelievable plot, but is saved by an effective mood and good pacing.
- DirectorPascal ThomasStarsAndré DussollierCatherine FrotLinh-Dan PhamThe Beresfords are tasked with finding what happened to a Russian heiress who's mysteriously disappeared.This third entry in director Pascal Thomas' French language, "retro-contemporary" adaptations of Agatha Christie's Beresford couple is without a doubt the worst of the lot. The first two films are perfectly fine, pleasant mysteries and this one, while not necessarily bad is just..."bleh?". The adaptation (of "The Case Of The Missing Lady") is extremely loose this time around, there really isn't much of a mystery as Thomas seems totally disinterested with it (then why bother?) and instead we're left with a pile of goofy and nonsensical gags (such as a pointless appearance by 19th Century painter Gustave Courbet) and one of the most WTF final acts to ever grace the screen. So sure, there is some nice production design, but as an Agatha Christie adaptation, this film is extremely puzzling and deceiving and there's a reason why audience reaction was venomous.
- DirectorMichael SucsyStarsRachel McAdamsChanning TatumSam NeillA car accident puts Paige in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo works to win her heart again.The big romantic film of Valentine's Day 2012 was pleasant enough and features some good actors but kinda pales in comparision to those flicks which aren't based on true stories (50 First Dates, The Notebook,...). Females will appreciate Channing Tatum's bare behind.
- DirectorPhilippe de ChauveronStarsElie SemounJoséphine de MeauxHéléna NoguerraDucobu goes on holiday in the south of France.4 actors return from last year's "L'Elève Ducobu" while the titular character and his father got recast for this sequel set 4 months later, during the summer vacation. While this setting may seem strange to those familiar with the comic, it works and proves a slightly more enjoyable film than the first, despite the new actor being arguably inferior.
- 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.Rather inoffensive but unremarkable riff on Hitchcock's Psycho, much more a thriller than a horror pic, featuring no scares and that's mostly notable for the presence of a just pre-fame Jennifer Lawrence. Too bad, the trailer was actually quite effective.
- DirectorJonathan LiebesmanStarsSam WorthingtonLiam NeesonRosamund PikePerseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world.I like Jonathan Liebesman. I think his first two horror films (Darkness Falls and TCM: The Beginning) are extremely underrated and I didn't get all the hate for Battle: LA, though it was by no means a great film. In Wrath Of The Titans however, he delivered a very bland "epic", that despite a few good ideas and an actually good use of 3D feels very small in scope, features an extremely insipid music score by Javier Navarrete with uninspiring action scenes and an awfully loud and unpleasant sound design that pounds your ears into submission. Despite featuring vastly inferior 3D and being far from perfect itself, 2010's Clash Of The Titans was much better. At least Wrath is better than the previous year's woefully abysmal Immortals.
- DirectorMåns MårlindBjörn SteinStarsKate BeckinsaleMichael EalyIndia EisleyWhen human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. The vampire warrior Selene leads the battle against humankind.Rise Of The Lycans marked a huge leap forward in the franchise and actually delivered on its potential. This fourth entry however, while marking the return of Kate Beckinsale, also returns the series to the standard of the first two films, thus ending up a very average, unmemorable actioner with an uninspiring storyline. The 3D is handled relatively well and fans of the franchise should be happy with it while awaiting the unavoidable Underworld 5.
- DirectorRupert SandersStarsKristen StewartChris HemsworthCharlize TheronIn a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.Initially known as "the more interesting-looking major Snow White film of 2012" to general audiences before being ever cemented as that movie where KSTEW CHEATED ON RPATTZ WITH THE DIRECTOR OMG EWW WHAT A SLUT!, but let's just set that aside and focus on the flick itself and its qualities or lack thereof. What a bland film. It goes for a darker, more epic take than the earlier, sillier Mirror Mirror, but unlike that film it essentially falls flat in delivering any sort of entertainment. Inexperienced first time director Rupert Sanders does serve up a few nice-looking visuals but has no idea has to put them together (I guess he was too busy cheating on the wife with his lead actress, zing!). The script is all over the place, pasting together random ideas without following through on any of them. Charlize Theron gives a good performance, Kristen Stewart a sucky one and Chris Hemsworth just seems like he was looking for a role that would allow him to keep his long hair in between two bouts of playing Thor. In the San Francisco Chronicle, Mick LaSalle wrote, "A slow, boring film that has no charm and is highlighted only by a handful of special effects and Charlize Theron's truly evil queen." and I'm inclined to agree. As silly and unnecessary as Tarsem Singh's Mirror Mirror was, at least it exuded a certain charm, a certain sense that some heart was put into it, which is completely absent here. If there's one good thing to come out of this whole affair scandal, it's that it has put doubts on the production of the planned sequel and at least seriously jeopardized Rupert Sanders' involvement in said film if it does go forward. Snow White and The Huntsman are both such insipid characters that it's no wonder just about everyone in Hollywood turned down the parts, so hopefully, we won't get to see them grace the screens again.
- DirectorDavid WainStarsJennifer AnistonPaul RuddMalin AkermanRattled by sudden unemployment, a Manhattan couple surveys alternative living options, ultimately deciding to experiment with living on a rural commune where free love rules.Another Jennifer Aniston lead role, another Jennifer Aniston flop, proving that she can't carry a film unless she's a bit part or paired opposite a major comedy star (sorry Paul Rudd). It would be one thing if the flop was unjustified, but no, the film has almost nothing to show for it. Unfunny, unamusing and unoriginal, Wanderlust is a series of tired clichés haphazardly pasted together by someone who has no idea what he wants to say. Aniston looks gorgeous, and so does Malin Akerman, but that's about it.
- DirectorAlain ChabatStarsJamel DebbouzeAlain ChabatFred TestotMarsupilami is a mysterious alien mythical creature with kind heart & miraculous capacities which comes to knowledge of a reporter by coincidence.When he directed the second Astérix film, Alain Chabat perfectly captured René Goscinny's tone, despite co-creator Albert Uderzo's claims to the contrary, and crafted one of the best comedies to ver come out of France. When it came to the Marsupilami however, he chose not to adapt a particular story due to the complicated legal mess they are entangled in and instead created an original tale, but forgot to capture the tone of André Franquin. The result is an expensive, sometimes amusing, colorful comedy that doesn't really gel. Too bad.
- 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.One of the most anticipated films of the year, Prometheus also appears to be one of the most polarizing. The film is certainly stunning to look at and a technical marvel, but that's about it. The characters are incredibly stupid, in addition to being unpleasant and unengaging. The plot pretends to be very deep and meaningful but is actually a bunch of ridiculous nonsense as the script never bothers to pay off anything it sets up, explain why anybody is doing anything or even spout convincing dialogue (thank you Damon Lindelof). All of this makes Prometheus not exciting fresh sci-fi, but boring head-shaking sci-fi stolen from superior films, from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Mission To Mars. And people thought last year's The Thing prequel was pointless... I highly doubt an extended director's cut can save Ridley Scott this time.
- DirectorMax GiwaDania PasquiniStarsFalk HentschelSofia BoutellaGeorge SampsonAfter suffering humiliation by the crew Invincible, street dancer Ash (Hentschel) looks to gather the best dancers from around the world for a rematch.A very disappointing sequel, despite a few decent ideas that never reach their full potential and a couple of impressive dance scenes. George Sampson provides continuity with the first film in a much larger role and is among the few bright spots of the affair. Instead of feeling bigger, it feels surprisngly smaller, despite going global and it shockingly feels like 75% of the film was shot in the same room. We are given absolutely no reason to care about and root for the characters, thus rendering them bland and uncharismatic. It's not as bad a follow-up as the dreary Step Up 2 The Streets, but it's not far away either.
- DirectorJulie Anne RobinsonStarsKatherine HeiglJason O'MaraDaniel SunjataUnemployed and newly-divorced Stephanie Plum lands a job at her cousin's bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop from her romantic past.Oh look, Katherine Heigl is playing a different character for the first time in over five years! But unfortunately for her worst film in five years. What could have been the first film in a huge franchise (it's based on an extremely successful book series) is instead a gigantic wasted opportunity inhabited by poor screenwriting, lazy filmmaking and the ghost of the incredibly similar Jennifer Aniston vehicle The Bounty Hunter. Literally the only thing this predictable, unfunny "mystery" has going for it is Katherine Heigl's continued unexplained likeability on screen but unlike her previous efforts even that can't save this dreck. This is the kind of film you might enjoy watching at 3PM one afternoon when you're bored at home and there's nothing else on TV.