First off film. 2012 has been a good year for movies but certainly not excellent (the summer schedule was packed with only a handful of really good movies). That is at least from the standpoint of me being only able to see the certain films that play at a cinema that I can get to, so sorry Beasts of the Southern Wilds, Cosmopolis, Red Hook Summer, Robot & Frank and Moonrise Kingdom I did not see you when you came out but don't worry I will see you. Now on to the best
I actually really didn't want to put this here. Its not that the film is bad, it wouldn't be here if it was, but I wanted to spotlight some more forgotten material. However in compiling down this list to the 5 best and one special mention, it inevitably rose above the rest. So a brief review, its good, its well made, acted, written etc. It's not perfect it has its flaws, namely that it diluted some of its laser focused realism for more comic book tropes to create a more epic finale, a tactic the previous masterpiece of the genre did not have to do. But it still deserves to be mentioned because its probably one of the smartest films of the summer, and its just a gripping ride from start to finish.
If you saw Brave I think you might agree with me that it was seriously underwhelming. Again not bad, but it needed to be cooked longer before its presentation (it was nice to hear Kelly McDonald of Trainspotting fame though). ParaNorman is the more Pixary movie of the summer though, although what can you expect from the people that brought you Coraline. Many might underestimate ParaNorman, but in the storytelling department this film shines. It has one of the most engrossing and dark stories I've seen in a while, with a really serious message it wants to give to the audience, and I mean all the audience kids to adults. Not to mention that before all that the pure ghosts&ghouls adventure is just fun. Its still in theaters so go see it.
Yes another film that will in no way be forgotten, and for good reason. Just the simple fact that the whole cinematic universe culminating in the ultimate team up movie actually worked is celebration enough really, but its worth remembering that the movie works for reasons other than that. Joss Whedon's direction and script just get the characters and how the they operate as a single unit so well, plus he understands that breathing room between action scenes is crucial in the big epic action films. That's why most of the film involves the team bickering on a flying aircraft carrier. I'm excited for the second wave of universe build up with the next couple of sequels and new movies.
The other kind of Joss Whedon movie (well okay its not really his movie he just co wrote the script and helped get it to screens) is one of the best examples of meta fiction in a long time on the silver screen. Its equal tones of parody, straight up and deconstruction of the camp killer genre really make this a gem I hope continues to be remembered as the years go by. Plus it's one of two movies I can admit to have seem more than once this year the other being the Avengers. It's just really, really funny and has one of my favorite endings in a long time, as well as just being full of great performances by everyone involved. So in other words BUY THIS, when it comes to blu ray and dvd.
While Cabin in the Woods is close, this is my favorite movie of the year (so far). Now its weird I like this at all because if you want me immediately dislike your movie you have one of two things: found footage and teenagers. Yes the Blair witch project was good (at the time), but come on people stop thinking this is the only way to make a story look "real". Chronicle however feels real, even if it does superpowered teenagers acting like assholes. Its script feels fresh, the acting is impeccable, its tell one of the best superhero stories since the Incredibles outside of simple adaptions. It just works in every way even in ways I didn't think could work. Go see this movie, like now. Its just really, really, really, really good.
So the special mention here goes to a movie that I can't say is great or should be on this list, but I want to make a recommendation of John Carter. Yes it has flaws, serious flaws that hurt it but this was an ambitious movie with serious love behind it and the result is a pretty well acted, good looking, fun movie. So please, please see it.
