The Top 5 Films of 2012
I started off totally against the idea of a Spider-man reboot but I can honestly say I prefer this film to Sam Raimi's. It handles a darker story without losing the humour that is Spidey's trademark. The romance between Peter (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen (Emma Stone) is one of the most realistic of the year. The lizard proves an effective villain without stealing the show from our friendly neighbour hero. There is even an intriguing mystery about Peter's parents which is left hanging for a sequel. While some are apprehensive about the decision to set up Green Goblin, who was previously in the Raimi films, I look forward to seeing how they handle it in the new style.
How can you not in some way, no matter how small, love The Muppets? While the plot may feel like a bit of a retread this is Kermit and co. just as you remember them; hilarious, musical and totally off-the-wall crazy. The on and off relationship of Kermit and Miss Piggy is handled incredibly sweetly and there's even some new characters for good measure. A return to greatness for everyone's favourite insane puppets.
While I'm not usually a 007 fan I loved Casino Royale and sorta liked Quantum of Solace; feeling that Daniel Craig is the best Bond. For many people though Quantum was a colossal train wreck; giving this film a lot to prove. I think it's fair to say it totally brought it. Honouring the saga of Bond while also telling a fresh new tale; Skyfall was a compelling, action packed thrill ride that kept audiences hooked right to the end. A more personal, darker Bond for a new age.
There's no way this film couldn't have appeared on the list, what's shocking for me is that it isn't the number one spot. New villain Bane (Tom Hardy) is incredible, a much more physical threat than has been seen previously; one completely capable of breaking the Bat. I honestly found myself preferring him to Heath Ledger's Joker, something I would have previously thought impossible. Anne Hathaway is a delight as Catwoman, the breakout star of the film. In its focus more on Bruce Wayne than Batman for a great deal of the film, Christian Bale is given more of a chance to act without being hidden behind a mask (and the much maligned voice that he brings with it). And the supporting cast all shine, no matter how small their roles. While not as perfect a Batman story as The Dark Knight, this film is able to wrap up the necessary plot stands while also telling its own story. With this film, Nolan is able to craft a magnificent end to
The Dark Knight trilogy (as they're now calling it), a very touching finale
that feels totally deserved
For many the incredible success of The Avengers has come as a shock, while I questioned whether it could live up to the hype there was no denying it would be a winner. Five films across four years have established the Marvel universe; allowing this film to jump right in and tell a full on comic book story. Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) are all handled superbly, none of them being sidelined. This is also without a doubt the best portrayal of Hulk to be seen on screen, the other films failing to quite hammer him down. Samuel Jackson and Scarlet Johanson are excellent in their roles, as is Cobie Smulders in what I believe is her film debut. Joss Whedon directs wonderfully, perfectly capturing the comic's world
and brings along his trademark humour to great effect. With no question the best film of the year. However I still refuse to call it Avengers Assemble.
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