We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.
I know, I know ... all movie websites should be giving their complete and undivided attention to all things The Dark Knight Rises. Let's just imagine for a second other films mattered in 2012. Interesting idea, right? Looking back on the first half of 2012 (January to June) I've been pleasantly surprised at the quality of film. Sure, attending SXSW and Cannes helped (with films like Killer Joe and Lawless not being released for a few months) but that doesn't mean there aren't some tough decisions on determining my TOP 7 Movies So Far in 2012.
7. The Raid: Redemption
Recap: Rama (Iko Uwais) and his special forces team fight their way through a rundown apartment block with a mission to remove its owner, a notorious drug lord. Reason: So much action. So much. I cringed with delight many times throughout the film. The story practically gets out of the way so we can watch minute after minute of hand-to-hand combat. For more thoughts listen to my review on MovieBS.com.
6. Your Sister's Sister
Recap: Iris (Emily Blunt) tells her friend Jack (Mark Duplass) to stay at their family's cabin to help get over the death of his brother. Their, Jack encounter's Iris' sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt), which leads to unexpected events. Reason: It is rare for a drama to pull off twists and turns that I didn't see coming. This one does it on three different occasions. It's simple in budget and location, but the moments will stick with you long after the film is over. For more thoughts listen to my review on MovieBS.com.
5. The Grey
Recap: A plane carrying a team of Alaskan oil drillers crashes in the wild. A hunter named Ottway (Neeson) tries to lead them to survival while they fight off a pack of wolves. Reason: The premise is so simple ... Neeson fights wolves. The movie gets every ounce of emotion, enjoyment, action, heart and chills (you'll need a blanket to watch this film). For more thoughts listen to my review on MovieBS.com.
4. Moonrise Kingdom
Recap: A pair of kids (Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward) run away on a New England island, which causes parents, troop leaders and the police to go searching. Reason: Moonrise Kingdom is a film that fits perfectly next to Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums. Just like those movies, I’ll be watching this one multiple times. There is something so playful about Anderson. Read my complete review for Moonrise Kingdom.
3. The Avengers
Recap: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye join together to defeat Loki from destroying the world. Reason: The Avengers is able to take a huge cast of characters, and make it incredibly fun. I can’t wait to see if Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2 will be able to keep this universe going, or if they’ll feel tiny in comparison. Whatever the case, The Avengers starts the summer blockbuster season off with an incredibly fun ride. Read my complete review for The Avengers.
2. Friends with Kids
Recap: Two best friends (Jennifer Westfeldt and Adam Scott) decide to have a child together, without getting romantically involved. Their friends believe this can’t end well. Reason: "Why don't we just do it?" That sentence is the cause of many movie leaps, so why not friends having babies? Friends with Kids is the adult drama-comedy that all couples should make a part of their date night. Read my complete review of Friends with Kids.
1. The Cabin in the Woods
Recap: Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen. If you think you know this story, think again. Reason: They thought of everything. That sentence is all you need to know. Stop reading this and make sure you go in fresh to The Cabin in the Woods. If you feel the need, read my complete review for The Cabin in the Woods.
