MD - FIlms of 2012

Hi all. So 2013 – will be the year of reviews, yes? Short, pithy and frequent may be the order of the day….

To kick off here’s my top ten. Caveat – I didn’t catch The Master or Rust & Bone as I was in India. And whilst some of these were acknowledged in last year’s award rounds I’m judging on basis of UK release in 2012. Forgotten what you’ve seen? Check out http://www.launchingfilms.com/release-schedule

Worst movies of the Year
The Iron Lady
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Carnage

Best....

Actor

Micheal Fassbender (Shame)

Actress

Michelle Williams (Take This Waltz)

Supporting Actor

Alan Arkin (Argo)

Supporting Actress

Carey Mulligan (Shame)

Just outside the top ten…

Looper

Skyfall

Chronicle

Take this Waltz

The Muppets

Top Ten

10       Margin Call

Appropriately just in my top ten mainly for the quality of the ensemble acing and the pertinence of the tale.

9          Frankenweenie

When Tim Burton really tries he can do it. Forget the dreadful Alice and Dark Shadows. This is a reverential and pleasing tale splendidly crafted and delivered.

8          A Royal Affair

A grand, sweeping and classy affair. Superbly acted and engaging and an extraordinary insight.

7          Marvel Avengers Assemble

Tight storytelling for such a cast of characters, includes some snappy interplay and ‘marvelous’ set pieces.

6          The Dark Knight Rises

Big, bold and visceral. A satisfying conclusion to, arguably, the best movie-trilogy of all time.

5          Argo

A class bit of 70’s thriller inspired and paced filmmaking. Tight and gripping with some deft touches.

4          Sightseers

Funny, dark and thankfully, after Kill List, a proper ending.

3          Shame

Back to week 1 of 2012…at the time I called it “powerful and vital”  and “Woody Allen on Benzos”.  Tough and essential – a companion piece to….

2          Michael

Six months with a peadophile. A challenging and extraordinary bit of filmmaking that left me chilled, anxious and astounded. And so prescient for what was to pan out in 2012.

1          Life of Pi

In 3D! A magical, entrancing interpretation and movie experience which brightens the image and uses the technology to its ultimate potential whilst still having the heart and daring of independent cinema. Wonderful.

See you all soon.