The Best Films of 2012

Written by Michael Napoli

What a strong year for film.  Though the first half of the year showed signs if greatness, I never expected to experience so many diverse and interesting movies in the later part of the year.

What I noticed this year was many anticipated films were in the realm of average or disappointing.  On the other hand, we saw many of the critically praised films become some of the years most popular films. Which really goes to show that no matter how large the budget is, people just want to see go movies. 

Looking back of all the films of 2012, it is very hard for me to compile this list together. Not for which ones are the best, but that there are so many to recommend and discuss about. I believe that's why people like top ten lists. It's always a good subject for debate. So without further ado. I present the Best Films of 2012.

10. Lincoln (Dir. Steven Spielberg)

You get one of the best actors. Put him with the best director in film. Add a smart, witty, truthful script.  Make it about one of the most influential men in American history and you get Lincoln. This really is an interesting film for Steven Spielberg, a man who has made so many visual spectacles. It's a film that relies heavily on the performances of his impressive ensemble cast. By far the best of this decade so far. Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and most notably Tommy Lee Jones give stellar performances that transcend us to an era we know through textbooks. The film never lectures us about history, but more about how we create and determine our own.

9. Moonrise Kingdom (Dir. Wes Anderson)

This is not only one of Wes Anderson's best films but his most mature. He has created a new world that I have never seen. It has the best production design of any movie this year. Anderson wrote a beautiful love that has moments of charm and with along with a few moments of sad reality. It strikes a place in all of us where we long to live young and free. A true coming of age story. 

8. Silver Linings Playbook (Dir. David O. Russell)

When watching this movie, I was reminded of some of the great screwball comedies. I loved following these characters, despite them all being completely dysfunctional. I do feel that it's view on mental illness was a bit tame and force fed, I cared more about the love the characters genuinely had for one another. Bradley Cooper gives his best performance as Pat, who seems lost and betrayed; looking for that silver lining. Jennifer Lawrence proves that she is an actress of true range. And it is so good to see Robert DeNiro in one of his best roles in recent years. My favorite supporting performance of the year.

7. Argo (Dir. Ben Affleck)

Who would've thought that a film about a fake film used as a plan issued by the U.S. government to rescue hostages would work so well? Argo manages to act as a thriller that carries an ensemble that add to the very intricate plot. Affleck is becoming a master of being able to craft heart pounding suspense that is rested in human drama. The best part: it's all true.

6. The Sessions (Dir. Ben Lewin)

I love this film. I love the brave performances of John Hawkes and Helen Hunt. I love attitude the film has towards sex. How it is an experience that every human should have the right to have. That sex is something that brings the best out of all of us. I love the balance of heart and humor. The genuine spirit of Mark O'Brien on his quest for human connection. It never demeans its subjects, but is tended with affection and dedication of the filmmakers.

5. Beasts of the Southern Wild (Dir. Ben Zeitlin)

It has been a long time since I have seen a film that beats to its own drum. A film that is so unique in time and space. Another coming of age story about a place called the Bathtub and people that live among it. Quvenzhane Wallis is the eyes of the story as she learns about survival, family, and community. Dwight Henry gives the Oscar-worthy performance as her father, a man that loves and teaches, but aware of his own weakness. This film proves that film is an art form. It is 2012's hidden gem.

4. The Master (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)

Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master may be one of the boldest, strangest, puzzling, films I've seen in a while. This film does not have all the answers. Which is something I find the most rewarding. Joaquin Phoenix gives the performance of the year. Hands down. Freddie Quell is one of the most interesting characters in recent film. There is a living beast inside of him that conflicts with a decent man. It is truly a mesmerizing performance. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams give exquisite supporting performances, most notably Hoffman in a scene where he and Phoenix go head to head. The years best scene. Great cinematography, score, editing. The Master takes more risks than most filmmakers do in a lifetime. 

3. Life of Pi (Dir. Ang Lee)

A beloved novel that no one thought it would be possible for it to be translated to film. But when put in the hands of Ang Lee, it is a film that is made with pure love and compassion.  I admit, I had to see this film a second time in order to see what I was missing. On that second viewing, I found myself moved to a few tears. Like the Tree of Life, it is one of the most beautifully arresting films I have ever seen. It is a film about faith, life and the will that drives us all. A true cinematic experience. 

2. Skyfall (Dir. Sam Mendes)

Now this is a Bond movie. Hollywood needs to use this movie as a guide on how to reboot a sequel. This movie satisfies everything we love about Bond for the past 50 years as well as being relevant to the changing times. Daniel Craig solidifies himself as one of the best James Bonds. Everything about this movie is just perfect. The villain that is menacing as well as equally enjoyable to watch. The sets, the score, cinematography all at its finest. There is never a dull moment. It allows us to understand some of the mystique behind the world's greatest spy. He is the reason we go to the movies. He is timeless. 

1. Zero Dark Thirty (Dir. Kathryn Bigelow)

Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty can be summed up in one word: spellbinding. This movie spans tens years in what is known as the greatest man hunt in human history. From it's first frame, Bigelow and writer Mark Boal pull us into the world of the Middle East and how a CIA operative's determination for closure. It presents to us how things are done. It is not a pretty sight. It is not glossed over with superficial patriotism. The movie speaks for itself. 

Like another great film, No Country for Old Men, it is one of the most thrilling movies I have ever seen. The raid sequence alone stands as a testament to Bigelow's direction. Jessica Chastain gives a compelling performance of a woman so deep in obsession that in end thinks what is it all for?  This is a great movie.

Here are a few other mentions.

Honorable Mention (aka four star movies)

The Impossible

Marvel's The Avengers

Looper

Bernie

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Most Disappointing Film of 2012

Django Unchianed

The Worst Movie of 2012

Snow White and the Huntsman

There you are, 2012 in film. Let me know what you think. Happy 2013! See you at the movies!