The Best of 2012

Here we are at the conclusion of our fourth year of writing reviews on this blog and it's once again time to count down our favorites from the year that was. While there weren't a lot of great movies released this year, there were quite a few really good ones. That proved to make things a little difficult in narrowing down our top five, but against all odds, we were able to get it done. Here are our picks:

5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Peter Jackson takes us back to Tolkien's Middle-earth in this first chapter of his film adaptation of one of our favorite books growing up, and it's good to be back. Many have quibbled about the movie's slow pace and overuse of CGI, and while they have a point in many respects, Jackson absolutely nailed it where it counted: depth of character and a tremendous sense of wonder.

4. The Dark Knight Rises


The conclusion of Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy is next on the list. These films have always been about Bruce Wayne and his personal story arc and "The Dark Knight Rises" provides an extremely fitting conclusion to that iconic character.

3. Life of Pi

"Star Wars", "Jurassic Park", "Avatar", "Life of Pi". That's the type of company this ground-breaking film finds itself in from a visual standpoint. This is a beautiful looking film about faith (rare in today's Hollywood) and it has secured a spot on our list.

2. Les Miserables


One of the most beloved musicals of all time gets a first class film treatment in "Les Miserables". Hugh Jackman is phenomenal in the lead role and Anne Hathaway brings us one of the most heart-wrenching musical numbers in movie history in this adaptation. Their performances make this the best movie musical in many years.

1. Lincoln

Our pick for the best film of the year is Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln". This is an understated and compelling look into the presidency and character of one of the most influential leaders in American history. Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of the best performances we've ever seen on film and simultaneously humanizes the man while making us admire him more than ever. This is a terrific film.

The Impossible

"The Impossible" is the most gut-wrenching movie I've seen in years. This retelling of the true story of a family caught in the turmoil of the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 is as heart-breaking as it is graphic. I can't believe they got away with a PG-13 rating. Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts give terrific performances as the parents of this family and really give the audience insight into the pain and fear that this couple experienced along with thousands of others. The film really takes the wind out of you which was the goal of the filmmakers I suppose. It's well made and definitely deserves the praise it's receiving but it is certainly not one that I'm dying to see again.

Bryce ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***