Roper Review of the Year 2012

A very tough list to choose from this year, my top 10 changed several times and the ‘honorable mentions’ shows films that were close contenders. Outside of the 78 films I have witnessed at the cinema this year I know there are better and worse. So, to be taken with a pinch of salt, here are the Top 10 and Bottom 10 films of 2012. Happy New Year!

Top 10

10. Brave

Even when Pixar aren’t at their best, they still produce excellent work. This is a funny, thrilling and surprisingly moving entry into their fantastic cannon of work.

9. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley give very strong and effective performances as two people who strike up an untimely friendship as the apocalypse approaches. Amusing and tragic in turn it is a worthwhile watch.

8. The Dark Knight Rises

Overshadowed by the superior Dark Knight, this is still an excellent conclusion into Nolan’s trilogy. Whilst the antagonists lack the menace of the Joker, the personal story that tracks Bruce Wayne’s rise, fall and rise again is gripping and the set pieces fantastic.

7. Moonrise Kingdom

Wes Anderson is a true auteur; one glance at a frame of this film and you’ll be under no doubt who the director is.  This is his second best film (behind the Royal Tenenbaums) and easily his funniest. A thoughtful and beautiful looking film with a killer soundtrack.

6. The Imposter

It is a good job this film is a documentary as it’s an unbelievably true account of a 20-something year old Frenchman who impersonated a missing teenage American boy, taking on his identity and living with the boys family. It only gets stranger from there. A gripping and well-structured film.

5. Sightseers

Last year Ben Wheatley’s ‘Kill List’ came second in my top ten, this following up is lighter, but still as twisted, tracking a couple from the midlands whose caravan tour of the north descends into a killing spree. Delightful stuff.

4.  Marvel Avengers Assemble

The most fun to be had in the cinema this year. Joss Whedon brings the sassy dialogue he is famous for to this film, and manages to pull off a film, which involves six superheroes. You’ll be gasping one minute and creasing the next.

3.  Life of Pi

Spectacle and substance rarely combine with such thrilling results. It is the simple story of a boy and his tiger adrift the pacific the poses some bold philosophical questions. Ang Lee also uses 3D in a way that enhances the film and the story. A must see at the cinema.

2. The Angel’s Share

Ken Loaches ‘feel good’ film still holds his trademark verite edge. A group of offenders attempt to steal some expensive whisky. The performances from the largely unknown actors are fantastic.

1.     The Grey 

Grossly misrepresented by it’s trailer, this survival drama staring Liam Neeson is a film you don’t just watch, you experience. A sad, frightening and gripping drama.

Honorable Mentions: Sky Fall, End of Watch, Looper, Ill Manors, Sinister, Untouchable, The Master, Prometheus, Magic Mike, The Descendants

 Bottom 10

10. The Vow - Boring

9. The Campaign - Unfunny

8.  Rise of the Guardians - Bland

7. Ted - Disappointing 

6. Total Recall - Pointless

5.  Project X - Horrible (but ace soundtrack)

4. House at the End of the Street -not scary

3. The Dictator - awfully unfunny 

2.  Battle Ship - Loud and..that's about it 

1. Paranormal Activity 4 - Deja Vue