Favorite Movies of 2012

With 2012 ending a few days ago I think it is appropriate to tell you my thoughts on my favorite movies of 2012!

5. Moonrise Kingdom- Now many of you will not know what this movie is about or even heard of it.  That is probably due to the film being released in select theaters.  Moonrise Kingdom stars, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and two young actors Jared Gilman, and Kara Hayward.  This movie had an excellent cast, and a great director, Wes Anderson.  Moonrise Kingdom, is about a young boy and girl who fall in love and run off.  Basically, chaos ensues while the adults try to find them!  It is an excellently filmed movie and I really enjoyed it!

4. Skyfall- The 3rd movie in the Daniel Craig Bond installments.  I love the James Bond films, especially the movies starring Daniel Craig.  He has brought brute force and strength back to the Bond franchise, which was exactly what it needed.  Skyfall was my second favorite Bond film right behind Casino Royale.  Skyfall starred Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, among others. It was directed by Sam Mendes who did a tremendous job.  My favorite thing about this film is the way it is filmed and lit. Huge props go to Roger Deakins! His cinematography in this movie was EPIC.  He has also done one of my favorite films Shawshank Redemption.  From the cinematography to the acting this film was a great!

3. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey- An unexpected journey indeed. Going into this movie I wanted this to be an epic adventure, but I wasn't sure if it would deliver.  Especially since I was such a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, I had high expectations for Peter Jackson's journey back to Middle Earth.  He did not disappoint!  The Hobbit is the first installment into the story of Bilbo Baggins and his journey with thirteen dwarves and a wizard.  The film stars, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and a lot of dwarves.  The LOTR fanboy in me makes me love this movie!  Is The Hobbit the best adventure in Middle Earth? No. Was it an epic adventure in Middle Earth? Yes! That is what makes this movie my third favorite of 2012.

2. Les Miserables- I was first introduced into the world of Val Jean and Javert, when I was 14.  My mother made me watch the older movie starring Liam Neeson, and Geoffrey Rush.  That movie was all dialog and very long!  That thing could have been split into two movies if it had to.  I digress. Although liking all the characters and their stories, the film was ehhh.  When I heard news of this incarnation of Les Miserables I was super excited!  I love to sing so this was right in my ball park.  The level of excitement grew to elation when I heard who was cast, and who was directing!  Tom Hooper, directed The Kings Speech, which went on to win many oscars including Best Picture.  Les Mis stars, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, and others.  Great cast, great director, this movie could do me no wrong!  The singing was top notch, acting phenomenal, Les Mis is my 2nd favorite movie of 2012.

1. The Dark Knight Rises- Finally, we have reached my favorite movie of 2012 and one of my all time favorites ever! The Dark Knight Rises.  People who know me, have a pretty firm grasp on who my favorite superhero is...Batman.  That is why in 2005 when I watched Batman Begins I was blown away.  The origin story of Bruce Wayne has never been so fleshed out in film, and that is why it is the best origin film I have ever seen.  Christopher Nolan took the superhero genre and flipped it upside down, with The Dark Knight.  Proving that comic book movies are not just for kids, that they should be taken seriously as any other film should.  The Dark Knight was gritty, dark, and engaging.  On the edge of your seat thrill ride.  Heath Ledger gave the performance of his life!  Now the Dark Knight Rises comes along in 2012, a box office force.  It was just that too! The Dark Knight Rises starred Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon Levitt, the list goes on and on.  This film blew my mind, from Tom Hardy's chilling Bane, to the emotional journey that Bruce Wayne must overcome to stop this force.  Is this movie perfect? No. But what movie is?  I had the most fun in the theatre ever, while watching The Dark Knight Rises! That is why it is my number one movie of 2012!

In next weeks blog.......My most anticipated movies of 2013!