My Top Ten Films of 2012

                                  
The films below are not in order of preference -- except for THE IMPOSSIBLE, which is my pick for the Best Movie of 2012. How does a film earn a spot on my Top Ten list? That’s simple. If I want to see a movie over and over again it’s sure to be included.

THE IMPOSSIBLE. No other film of 2012 touched me as much as this one. Powerful performances, a suspenseful plot, awesome cinematography and other great production values -- came together to make it one of the best and most inspirational viewing experiences of the year for me.

LES MISÉRABLES. Wow! I prefer happy musicals with singing AND dancing, but this ultra-cinematic film version of the beloved live stage production is something impressive to see and hear.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. Watching a close relationship develop between Bradley Cooper’s bi-polar character and Jennifer Lawrence’s spunky ballroom dance wannabe turned out to be a special movie delight of 2012.

THE HUNGER GAMES. Yes, Jennifer Lawrence looking splendid in another lead role (she’s had a very good year)! I haven’t read the book(s) this movie is based on, so I’m amazed at how deeply this motion picture drew me into the farfetched events taking place on screen.

BERNIE. Jack Black delivers his best-ever performance here as a joyful funeral parlor employee who gets involved with a much older woman (played by Shirley McClaine), and it’s not a pretty sight -- but an absolutely fascinating one for Black’s fans and for viewers who love unusual movies.

A ROYAL AFFAIR. I found this intriguing trip back to 18th Century Denmark richly rewarding. And why not? It deals with scandal, love, politics -- and how Denmark went from a backward country to one of the most progressive nations as the result of a German-born “enlightened” physician and his relationship with the mentally ill King and his lovely, open-minded Queen. A splendid mix of love and power!

THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT. As an incurable romantic, I’m obligated to include a romantic comedy on my Top Ten list. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt are simply irresistible as the sometimes star-crossed lovers in this amusing story of two sweethearts who wait to marry longer than they should.

THE TALL MAN. This gem of a horror/thriller boasts a foreboding atmosphere, lots of suspense, and intriguing plot twists that kept me guessing about what was happening to children who disappear from a small mining town. Plus, Jessica Biel displays surprising acting chops as a nurse deeply involved in this mystery -- and I do LOVE a good mystery with twists, turns and surprises like this one.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN. Awesome special effects enhance this highly entertaining and action-packed version of the Snow White fairy tale. Unfortunately, I still have nightmares about the Wicked Queen played by Charlize Theron!

THE CAMPAIGN. This movie definitely hit home during the 2012 presidential campaign. Like so many other people, I was tired of all the speeches, attack ads, promises and hype -- so watching Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as hilarious battling political candidates tickled my funny bone and made me realize even more how silly so much of our political campaigning can be.

Honorable Mention:

DJANGO UNCHAINED, HEAD GAMES, BRAVE, THE GIANT MECHANICAL MAN, THE HUNTER, QUARTET, TAKE THIS WALTZ, SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS, THE INTOUCHABLES, MOONRISE KINGDOM

Dishonorable Mention:

BACHELORETTE, BEL AMI, MAGIC MIKE, THIS IS 40, KILLING THEM SOFTLY