George Beremov's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2012 PART 2 [10 - 1]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2012

PART 1 [No. 10 - 1]
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1. The Raid: Redemption (10/10)

Overall summary: With its masterfully choreographed and executed action sequences, heart-pounding pacing, inventive direction and highly stylized visuals, Evans' "The Raid: Redemption" is sheer brilliance, and the ultimate cinematic ecstasy pill for every true action junkie.

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2. The Avengers [3D] (9.75/10)

Overall summary: Clever, amusing, perfectly-balanced, skillfully-shot and jaw-droppingly action-packed, "The Avengers" is the ultimate dream come true for every single fan of the genre, and arguably the best and most spectacularly entertaining superhero movie ever made.

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3. Django Unchained (9.50/10)

Overall summary: Although certainly not the best movie in Tarantino's impressive career, "Django Unchained" is nevertheless a stylish, wittily-written, blood-filled, and wildly enjoyable near masterpiece of a spaghetti western like no other, which is destined to become a classic.

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4. Cloud Atlas (9.50/10)

Overall summary: Highly complex, yet never confusing, "Cloud Atlas" is a unique, thought-provoking, and often mind-bending masterpiece of modern philosophy, flawless storytelling, eye-popping visuals and wild imagination, and unlike anything you've experienced before.

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5. Life of Pi [3D] (9.25/10)

Overall summary: Daring, captivating, beautifully-crafted, technically-brilliant, and completely extraordinary in every way, this nature-inspired gem of a film, "Life of Pi" is yet another winner from master of storytelling and visuals, Ang Lee, and one of this year's very, very best.

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6. Prometheus [3D] (9.00/10)

Overall summary: Compelling, expertly-made and visually-stupendous, Ridley Scott's "Alien" prequel-esque "Prometheus" is an out-of-this-world cinematic experience, that lives up to the hype, thanks to the unlimited creativity and remarkable directing skills of its genius creator.

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7. Skyfall (8.75/10)

Overall summary: Clever, thrilling, endlessly compelling, and brilliantly put together, Mendes’ "Skyfall" may be a notch below Martin Campbell’s astounding "Casino Royale", but it still ranks as one of the best, most accomplished, and ultimately entertaining Bond films to date.

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8. The Amazing Spider-Man [3D] (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Although it comes only 10 years after the 'original', "The Amazing Spider-Man" not only does Marvel's original story justice, but surpasses Sam Raimi's version in terms of execution, visuals, acting, entertainment value, action and CGIs, as it's amazing indeed.

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9. Argo (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Ben Affleck is really at the top of his game as a director with "Argo" - a smart and thoughtful based-on-a-true story thriller, that is constantly engrossing from start to finish, and so tense and thrilling, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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10. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey [3D] (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Sure, it lacks the grim feel, and refined complexity that turned "The Lord of the Rings" into such a classic, but "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is still a truly entertaining, visually-sumptuous and masterfully-crafted prequel, that will leave you satisfied.

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George Beremov's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2012 PART 1 [20 - 11]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2012

PART 1 [No. 20 - 11]
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11. The Dark Knight Rises (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Pretty much humorless and tad overlong, yet never boring, "TDKR" is a beyond satisfying conclusion to Chris Nolan's worldwide acclaimed "Batman" trilogy, that boasts a deeply thoughtful script, strong characters, and top-notch execution.

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12. Dredd [3D] (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Grim, gritty, gory, spectacularly violent and visually-striking, "Dredd 3D" not only surpasses vastly the original in every single aspect, but also ranks as one of the best remakes ever made, thanks to its finely-written script and absolutely outstanding execution.

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13. Frankenweenie (8.25/10)

Overall summary: Tim Burton's "Frankenstein"-inspired stop-motion horror spoof "Frankenweenie" is crafted with big love, care, and passion, and that shows through the lively, superbly-written and designed characters,  and darkly stunning black-and-white visuals.

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14. Zero Dark Thirty (8.25/10)

Overall summary: It drags a bit in the first half, and the slaying of bin Laden could have been  way more dramatic, but nonetheless "Zero Dark Thirty" is a smartly-scripted, superbly-made, and truly engrossing piece of cinema, jam-packed with sheer, nearly obsessive intensity.

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15. The Tall Man (8.25/10)

Overall summary:  It’s no "Martyrs", but Laugier’s latest shocker, "The Tall Man", is still a thought-provoking, deeply disturbing and strangely captivating horror thriller with a great message, filled with mind-boggling twists and turns, that will haunt you long after the credits roll.

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16. The Impossible (8.25/10)

Overall summary: Devastatingly heart-wrenching, powerfully-acted, terrifyingly realistic and technically flawless, Bayona's "The Impossible" is a disaster film at its finest, one that manages to keep you one the edge of your seat from start to finish, as well as move you deeply.

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17. Chronicle (8.25/10)

Overall summary: Seemingly fun on the outside, yet darkly grim within, "Chronicle" is an imaginatively-crafted and highly entertaining sci-fi flick, that not only impresses with its creative take on the superhero genre, but also manages to use the POV gimmick to its advantage.

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18. Wreck-It Ralph [3D] (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Clever, thoroughly original, delightfully nostalgic, and emotionally heartfelt, "Wreck-it Ralph" is a smashing entertainment for children and adults alike, that not only dazzles with its vividly beautiful 3D imagery, but also has a surprising amount of heart and soul.

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19. Sinister (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Atmospheric, superbly-conceived, and compellingly mysterious, "Sinister" is every bit as creepy as its title suggests, and also one of the best horror movies of 2012, as it manages to deliver genuine scares and tons of suspense, without having any major flaws.

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20. Flight (8.00/10)

Overall summary: From the flawed, yet likable main character and Danzel Washington's superb, award-worthy performance to the taught direction, neat pacing, and absorbing storyline, everything about "Flight" is pretty much spot-on, and executed greatly.

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Honorable mentions:

The Grey (7.75/10)
ParaNorman (7.75/10)
Rise of the Guardians [3D] (7.75/10)
American Mary (7.50/10)
Pitch Perfect (7.50/10)
The Pirates! Band of Misfits [3D] (7.50/10)
The Cabin in the Woods (7.50/10)
Evidence (7.50/10)
Butter (7.50/10)
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2012 Movies I've Seen But Still Haven't Reviewed

The Four (2012) - "It has its moments of entertainment, but overall "The Four" neither impresses with its storyline and characters, nor particularly with its visuals and fight choreography." (4.25/10)

Branded (2012) - "Conceptually creative, yet terribly executed, badly-scripted, and all over the place, "Branded" is a missed opportunity, and one of 2012's biggest cinematic flops." (4.50/10)

Chained (2012) - "It's thoroughly disturbing, and certainly not everyone's cup of tea, which makes it kind of different, but "Chained" is also difficult to watch, moody, and at times truly boring." (4.50/10)

Paranormal Activity 4 (2012) - "The original is a classic, the second one was quite good as well, and even 3 was okay. Well... the forth movie is simply pointless, uncreative and not at all scary." (4.50/10)

The Collection (2012) - "Slightly better than its predecessor, yet still unsatisfying, "The Collection" has that flashy music video feel about it, that ruins its supposed to be eerie atmosphere." (4.50/10)

The Dinosaur Project (2012) - "It wins pints for being the first-ever dinosaur found footage movie, but "The Dinosaur Project" also suffers from sub-par execution and lack of thrills." (4.50/10)

Barricade (2012) - "This well-crafted little horror movie is fairly watchable most of the time, but half-way through it suddenly turns into a big mess with a following climax that is just plain bad." (4.75/10)

Anna Karenina (2012) - "Despite its director's inventive approach and exquisite cinematography and costume design, "Anna Karenina" has an underdeveloped and mostly uninteresting story." (5.00/10)

Silent Night (2012) - "Although it has a couple of entertaining and rather gory death scenes, "Silent Night" is a so-so Christmas slasher, that sadly has absolutely nothing new or original to offer." (5.00/10)

When the Lights Went Out (2012) - "This British haunted house flick has an ominous tone and a few scares here and there, but the messy script can't really escape from its own mediocrity." (5.25/10)

247°F (2012) - "Finally something refreshing! Believe it or not, "247°F" comes from Georgia, and it delivers everything it promises - originality, tensity, entertainment, and loads of cool gore." (6.25/10)

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) - "This artsy, yet down-to-earth indie flick has a big heart, no doubt about that, but it's also extremely hard to watch, and not particularly entertaining." (6.25/10)

Hotel Transylvania (2012) - "Sure, it doesn't have the most polished graphics ever, but it's the colorful characters and humorous story that make "Hotel Transylvania" worth-watching." (6.25/10)

In Their Skin (2012) - "In the same vain as "Funny Games", this home invasion flick is full of nastiness, and has a truly chilling atmosphere, thanks to its well-chosen, remote setting." (6.25/10)

Premium Rush (2012) - "This fast-paced thriller is pure adrenaline rush  from start to finish, offering enough originality, sympathetic characters, action, and edgy camera work to win you over." (7.50/10)

Flight (2012) - "From the flawed, yet likable main character and Danzel Washington's superb performance to the taught direction and absorbing storyline, everything about "Flight" is spot-on." (8.00/10)