Top 10 Best 2012 Films (Andrew McArthur)

10. Jack Reacher
Say what you like about Tom Cruise in the press, but no one can deny that he is one of the best action stars of our generation. Jack Reacher is fun from start to finish (well maybe excluding the sniper sequences), that carefully keeps the mystery of Lee Child’s source novel, One Shot. Cruise handles the action sequences flawlessly, with the occasional wink at the camera. Jack Reacher is also packed with fantastic supporting turns including the unlikely scene stealing antics of Werner Herzog and screen icon, Robert Duvall.

9. The Expendables 2
The Expendables 2 is a tremendous improvement on the first, surpassing the original’s narrative, set-pieces and star power. It proves to be high-octane fun from the onset, as well as an action fans dream – where else would you see Stallone, Lundgren, Willis, Schwarzenegger, Norris and Van Damme all in the same film? It is simply unashamed great, stupid action fun.  read Andrew’s review

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8. W.E.
Yes, I’ll probably get stick for this, but W.E. is one of the most beautiful films made in recent years. Madonna’s directorially debut was aesthetically stunning – chock full of visual delights and a magnificent soundtrack. Both Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy give mesmerizing performances in this sympathetic and unconventional take on an iconic piece of British history.

7. Skyfall
Whilst it is certainly not the best Bond film (nearly anything from Dr. No to OHMSS takes that title), Skyfall provided the Bond series with a much needed jolt of energy after the disappointing Quantum of Solace. Craig finally feels at home in the role that takes Bond back to his literary origins whilst also celebrating the past fifty years of cinematic Bond in a mature, respectful fashion. Credit must also go to Javier Bardem for taking us back to the world of the classic twisted Bond villain. Read Our Review

6. V/H/S
After deciding it was awful within the first ten minutes, V/H/S completely challenged my attitude when it delves into its various anthology tales. V/H/S flips traditional genre norms and revitalised the handheld camera medium with alternative takes on the haunted house tale, teens in the wood narrative and many more genre staples.  Read Andrew’s Review (offically out in UK 18 January 2013)

5. Magic Mike
Steven Soderbergh created a fantastic fusion of entertaining, raucous humour alongside moments of delicately handled drama capturing both sides of the stripping world. Realistic and natural performances from Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McCoughnahey helped Magic Mike further excel as one of the most entertaining films of the Summer. Read Andrew’s Review

4. On The Road
On The Road is a magnificent attempt at capturing Kerouac’s challenging source novel. Salles manages to convey the real essence and spirit of the Beat Movement, set against a stirring backdrop of character transformation. Garrett Hedlund is truly unbelievable in the role of Dean, proving to be one of the finest performances of the year. Read Our review

3. Killing Them Softly
Andrew Dominik presented us with a brutal and visually unforgettable piece of crime noir, complete with biting social commentary about the 21st Century America, as the tagline perfectly captures – ‘In America, you’re on your own.’ Stellar turns from Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins and leading man Brad Pitt, help cement this as one the most powerful features of 2012. 

2. The Hunter
The Hunter is a beautifully well crafted, slow burning thriller. Willem Dafoe’s leading performance is mesmerizing, as is Daniel Nettheim’s awe-inspiring direction. 
read our review

1. Excision
Excision is a dark, visually rich tale, filled with stirring horror and tinges of black comedy. The unique style and self-awareness that fills Richard Bates Jr.’s film helps assert it as our favourite picture of 2012. Excision does not hold back in any way, thrusting us into the twisted mind of a troubled teenage outcast – the central performances, mainly AnnaLynne McCord and Traci Lords feel hugely authentic, bringing a dark sense of realism to this brutal, outstanding tale. Read Andrew’s Review

Andrew McArthur

A big thanks to Andrew for his top 10 Best 2012 films list check out Vikki Myerscough’s Top 10,  Cleaver Patterson’s top 5 best worst films and Sophie Stephenson’s Top 10 big events of 2012. This is the great thing about The People’s Movies and Cinehouse we are are a diverse bunch of film fans we may not agree on every choice but one thing we respect each other’s right to like or dislike certain films.