My Favorite's of 2012: Movies

While compiling this list I realized that I like my entertainment to be stimulating. I don't like to be passive in my movie watching or reading. It's not that I don't like to have fun or that I can't kick back and relax but when it comes to the things I read or watch I like pick something that makes me think 9 times out of 10. These were the movies I watched this year that days or even months later I would still be thinking about.

1. Lincoln (Historical Drama)

Daniel Day Lewis should definitely be a contender for an Oscar for his performance in this film. I'm a huge American history buff so I loved it but it was a bit slow at times. For those who don't really know much about the Civil War and the 13th Amendment  it might be a bit confusing and boring. With that said it really shows the politics behind trying to get a law passed. It was interesting how many of the issues the nation faced in 1865 are still relevant today.

2. Flight (Dramatic Comedy)

This was a much heavier movie than the trailers let on. Flight centers around a pilot played by Denzel Washington whose plane begins to nose dive during a flight, causing him to have to crash land it. He ends up saving most of the people on board.  However when an investigation into the malfunctions begins more is revealed about who he really is. Although it kind of had a preachy tone, overall it was a great movie. Denzel Washington as always gave a great performance of such a complex character.

3. Cloud Atlas (Science Fiction & Drama)

This is a movie that you have to pay close attention to the whole time you're watching it because it moves quickly and is complicated. In fact it's a movie that you'll probably have to watch a few times because how dense it is. Above all you have to be open minded. That said it's brilliant. Cloud Atlas is "An exploration of how individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution." After watching I definitely want to read the David Mitchell novel.

4. The Words ( Drama) 

This film raises the question of what is the line between truth and fiction? Bradley Cooper plays Rory Jansen a young writer who wants so badly to prove himself and achieve success that he takes extreme measures to get there. In doing so he risks the thing he values the most, his relationship with his wife Dora, played by Zoe Saldana.

5. Like Crazy (Romantic Drama)

I included this movie on the list even though it's from 2011 because I can't stop thinking about it. The film follows two college students, Ana, who is British and Jacob who is American. They fall deeply in love while Ana is studying abroad in LA but are forced into a long distance relationship when Ana overstays her student visa and is banned from reentering the US. This film hit close to home at times, and anyone who has been in an LDR can definitely relate to the hardships of trying to reconnect amidst all the starting and stopping that long distance creates.  It's available for instant streaming on Netflix.

These movies are what I would classify as simply for entertainment. Not to say they weren't good but they're what you watch when you're not in the mood to think too much. 

1. Breaking Dawn Part II ( Fantasy)

Let me start by saying that even though I read all four books in the Twilight Saga and I own all the movies I still find the entire plot of this series to be hilarious and ridiculous. In fact usually when I watch any of the films it's to cheer myself up with a good laugh. This movie was no exception. From start to finish it was full of overly dramatic, hilarity but it's also a good break from life, which every good fantasy should be.

2. Magic Mike (Comedic Drama)

I watched this movie with my best friend and the entire time I think both of us had a huge grin on our faces. In fact just typing this I can't help but smile. The dance scenes were amazing, the cast sexy and the plot was decent. The movie was a bit heavier than advertised and shows just how seedy the stripping lifestyle can be. If I were to watch it again though I would probably just fast forward to the dancing.

3. Skyfall (Action)

The 23rd installment of the movie franchise is both exciting and original. After Sean Connery I would have to say that Daniel Craig is my favorite James Bond. He really brings the character to life, showing his complexity and humanity. This film gives 007 fans more insight into the character's background story and focuses on his relationship with his boss M. There's still plenty of action and the movie brings back classics of the franchise such as Bond's Aston Martin.

4. Five Year Engagement (Romantic Comedy)

Five Year Engagement follows the story of a Tom and Violet, a couple who after a year of dating get engaged. However it's not until five year after that they finally tie the knot. Violet applies for a post-doctoral fellowship in Experimental Psychology and is only accepted to a program in Ann Arbor, forcing the couple to leave California and also postpone their wedding. Though the movie was a bit long and predictable like any other rom-com, it was enjoyable.

5. The Dark Knight Rises (Action)

Last but not least I have The Dark Knight Rises which was one of the most highly anticipated films of the summer.  The story picks up 8 years after the last film in a Gotham free of crime and Batman. However when a new terrorist leader Bane takes over the city, Bruce Wayne is forced to don the suit again and try and take him down. The tragedy in Aurora not only put a dark mood on the films premiere but also on the nation. Overall it was a good movie and I thought a decent conclusion to the trilogy.

There you have it folks, ten movies of 2012 that I recommend! Which movies did you enjoy this year? Thanks for reading!

Images Source: IMDB