Yeah, I don't agree with this list at ALL. There's a few that belong on there, but for the most part, pretty much all these films are forgettable. My top ten are as follows, mind you these are my favorite movies of the year, not necessarily the best.
1. Skyfall: I'm not versed in James Bond films, I've seen a few, but for the most part my knowledge of them is small. Skyfall made me love James Bond -- it was fun, smart, cool, exciting, funny, and the most pleasant surprise -- it was really well made. Most of the time, with an action film franchise like Bond, the filmmaking is lackluster and doesn't do much to elevate the themes or conflict of the film, but Mendes actually crafted this film with careful consideration, and it shows. It was a complete departure from classic Bond, but at the same time, served as the perfect homage to the series.
2. Django Unchained: I saw Django last night so I haven't had enough of time to really mull this film over, but it doesn't matter, because it's already one of the best of the year. As Moviebob said, this is probably most humanistic film Tarantino has ever made. It showcases his classic tropes with over-the-top characters, witty dialogue, and bloody - and I mean BLOODY - shootouts, but at the same time, Tarantino actually had more to say with this film than he has in a long time.
3. Cloud Atlas: This film was a behemoth. I was incredibly surprised at just how it turned out, considering the immense ambition behind it. The actors were all great playing their multiple parts and every separate story was interesting and kept me intrigued. Watching how everything unfolded was one of my favorite experiences at the movies this year.
4. Looper: This movie was perfect proof that action flicks don't have to be mindless dribble with cookie-cutter characters. The characterization was excellent and provided a satisfying emotional climax.
5. The Master: Huhhhh boy, where to start? Either you like Paul Thomas Anderson, or you don't. I love PTA. I love how he never provides interpretations or tells his audience what something means -- he wants THEM to figure it out and that's rare in film now-a-days. The Master was as fascinating as it was challenging. It wasn't a film made for entertainment -- it was a complex work of art. The only reason it's not higher on my list is beCAUSE it was so challenging and satisfied a strictly intellectual itch.
6. Moonrise Kingdom: This was actually my introduction to Wes Anderson, and I am so glad it was. I've now seen a number of his films and Moonrise Kingdom is still my favorite. Anderson has always been great at combining whimsy with very real, almost tragic circumstances and Moonrise is no exception. It's been a long time since I've been able to forget about how the world really works and get lost in a fantasy, but this film gave me that escape.
7. Cabin in the Woods: This is one I can admit to liking for no other reason than it being so much god damn fun. A horror film that slashes genre tropes to gory, bloody pieces while at the same serving as a commentary on the genre itself? Awesome.
8. Safety Not Guaranteed: The indie gem of the year. Well-structured with some very relatable characters and subtle comedy made me enjoy it immensely.
9. Beasts of the Southern Wild: One of the most powerful and poignant films of 2012. Beasts told a wonderful story of loss and understanding from the point of view of an innocent girl named Hushpuppy. Her connection with nature and the poverty-stricken lifestyle of her people is one we should all take something away from, and in a world that's becoming more and more digitized, this is a film to be remembered.
10. Lincoln: This film is last on my list only because I would've liked to see more out of it. Lincoln is great insight into the life of a truly incredible man, but it only focuses on a very small portion of his life as well as a LOT of politics that went on during the abolition of slavery. Personally, I take more interest in the man himself than the politics and ALL of Lincoln's life is a fascinating story, one I would've liked to see in its entirety. Nonetheless, Lincoln is a great film with some great performances and anyone who is interested in American history should love it.
