2012 Movies in Review

2012 was a fantastic year for movies, and the first year I've ever attempted to write a review, which has been an interesting, but good experience.  I've grown a lot in this process. 

Below I organized all my movie reviews from highest reviewed to worst, and in the case of multiple ties I then arranged in order what I enjoyed most to least.

5 Stars:
The Avengers
First Position

The Avengers was not totally perfect, but I had such a fun time that the film earned a five out of five for sure awesomeness.  First Position is a documentary on up and coming ballet dancers.  Brilliant as well, and much recommended if you love the craft of dance. 

4.5 Stars:
Life of Pi
The Secret World of Arrietty 
Skyfall, James Bond

Life of Pi was a beautiful film.  The middle slugged a little, but feeling the lull adds to the tension.  Then, at the end, when you realize the symbolism of what "Pi" went through and endured, the film becomes even more amazing, and suddenly a whole layer is added unexpectedly, and, at least for me, I'm glad I got the retelling I did.  The Secret World of Arrietty is my favorite Miyazaki film, and he has many great movies.  It's one of those rare instances where the movie improves upon the book.  And Skyfall is the best James Bond to date, at least in my humble opinion.  Gritty and interesting.

4.25 Stars:
Lincoln
Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings
Brave
Les Miserables

On reflection I'm wishing I lowered the scoring on Les Mis. to 4 Stars, mainly because it is one of my most favorite Broadway shows, and it wasn't as great as it could have been, but I did take the score and music into account.  The music is beautiful, though emotion was chosen over clear vocals, and I love the religious themes throughout.     

4 Stars:
Men in Black III  
The Hunger Games
The Amazing Spider-Man
Wreck-It Ralph
The Dark Knight Rises
Rise of the Guardians

This was a hard list to organize!  Men in Black III got first because it was just fun! (See a theme here?) I like fun movies, and I love to laugh.  

3.5 Stars:   
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

I'm going through a "The Hobbit just makes me mad" spill right now.  Honestly I should have given it a 3 or 3.25, because it ruined what could have been an amazing movie!  Oh man, I could really say a few things right now.

3 Stars:
The Words
Twilight, Breaking Dawn Part 2
Snow White and the Huntsmen
Sparkle 

I'm wishing I lowered Sparkle a little, but the music was good . . . it wasn't the send off Whitney Houston deserved.  

2.5 Stars:
The Odd Life of Timothy Green

I was probably a little harsh with this review, but I was just annoyed with certain elements of the movie.  Still, it is a good family film, and those are hard to come by.

2 Stars:
Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed  

What's interesting about Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed is that out of all the films I've reviewed, this movie has the highest view count, probably because not too many people have reviewed it, and it's an independent movie filmed here in Utah.  I want to support local films!  But I had to be honest.  This movie had so much potential, the first was brilliant, but this one was messy, and the mess could have been cleared up with a better script.  There were some touching moments, like when Rossi, an American, spends the night trapped with a German soldier.  They weren't able to verbally communicate, yet so much was said, realizing the tragedies of war.  It was the most well written scene in the movie, and the acting was quite good as well. 

2012 was a great year for movies, but I've got high hopes for 2013!  I can't wait :0)