Now that we’ve wrapped up the first 2/3 of the year, we’re going to be getting into the REAL good stuff for the fall/winter. Movies seem to get their best releases near the end of each year, and 2012 also fits that mold with plenty of heavyweights coming soon. Still, there have been a lot of great releases so far this year, and more than a few should hold up on the inevitable year-end lists. Here are my top 10 favorites through August:
Honorable Mentions:
The Woman in Black — Slow-paced but atmospheric horror with a great performance from Daniel Radcliffe.
The Grey — Liam Neeson as a wolf hunter. ‘Nuff said.
![Haywire [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/haywire-2012.jpg "Haywire [2012]")
10) Haywire
Sorely underrated action flick. Worth seeing just to watch Gina Carano kick Michael Fassbender’s ass.
![Prometheus [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/prometheus-fassbender.jpg "Prometheus [2012]")
9) Prometheus
The marketing campaign probably raised our expectations too high, but this was still a fun sci-fi adventure that provided endless discussions throughout the summer.
![The Avengers [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/the-avengers-2012.jpg "The Avengers [2012]")
8) The Avengers
Can’t ask for a much better blockbuster to kick off the summer. Fans of the comics no doubt loved this even more.
![The Intouchables [2011]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/the-intouchables.jpg "The Intouchables [2011]")
7) The Intouchables
Doesn’t really give us anything new, but Omar Sy provides arguably the most entertaining performance of the year.
![Cabin in the Woods [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/cabin-in-the-woods.jpg "Cabin in the Woods [2012]")
Entertaining throughout, but really kicks into gear during the final act. A real treat for horror fans.
![Take This Waltz [2011]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/take-this-waltz-film.jpg "Take This Waltz [2011]")
Possibly this year’s most polarizing film. I really enjoyed this one, perhaps because I could relate to most of the characters.
4) Beasts of the Southern Wild
Easily the most unique of this year’s films, and it comes from a group of veritable newcomers, no less.
![Moonrise Kingdom [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/moonrise-kingdom1.jpg "Moonrise Kingdom [2012]")
Hey, maybe there’s something to this Wes Anderson guy after all. The movie that made me a fan of his work.
![The Dark Knight Rises [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/the-dark-knight-rises-bane.jpg "The Dark Knight Rises [2012]")
I can’t ask for a better conclusion to one of the greatest trilogies of all time. Epic in every sense of the word.
![The Master [2012]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/the-master-hoffman.jpg "The Master [2012]")
1) The Master
People will be talking about this for a long time. Guaranteed.
So, what do you guys think? Do you agree? Disagree? What are your favorites from this year so far?
No “Chronicle”?
Wasn’t a fan of Chronicle, though I know a lot of people liked that one.
I still have yet to see Prometheus, The Avengers, Moonrise, and Dark Knight.
All four are absolutely worth seeing, especially the latter two.
Got to say – completely disagree with you on Haywire.
Everything else I’d line up with; only thing is I’ve not seen The Master yet…
I’m surprised Haywire didn’t get a positive reception. I see it’s at 5.9 on IMDB… I liked that one quite a bit.
Here we’re my thoughts on it; http://truemistersix.wordpress.com/category/movie-reviews-commentary/2012/07/08/steve-soderberghs-haywire-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz/
I’m getting a page not found error…?
What about THE HUNGER GAMES? While it was definitely a far cry from the book, I still thought it was a great movie… 🙂
I liked The Hunger Games but it wasn’t quite up to these ten, I don’t think. I’m thinking I would have enjoyed it even more if I were a fan of the book, though.
Yeah, unfortunately, a lot of what was in the book wouldn’t translate to film b/c it was Katniss’s internal monologue AND so much happened in the 1st book that wasn’t in the film, it didn’t quite have the same depth of characterization and detail. However, it was already 2 hours and 2 minutes. There’s no way they could’ve included everything. Maybe, the second one will be better…
Ahh, that makes a lot of sense then. It did seem like some things were rushed in the film, so that would explain it. Thanks for the info.
No problem. And other than the omission of The Hunger Games, I like your list though I haven’t seen Prometheus yet, but, hopefully, I’ll get to see it soon… 🙂
Great, varied list, Eric. The Master seems remarkable, can’t wait!
I haven’t been won over by Wes Anderson yet, I find his movies uneven and too quirky, from what I’m hearing,maybe Moonrise Kingdom is his magnum opus
Glad to see Prometheus make the cut, that movie got way too much hate, I found it a suspenseful ride. It was made to entertain us, and did the job for me.
ps Kenneth Lonergan’s Margaret is the best new movie I’ve watched in 2012. (I guess technically it was a 2011 release)
Thanks, Chris. I hope you give Moonrise Kingdom a shot. While I haven’t seen all of Anderson’s work yet, it’s easily my favorite from him so far.
Margaret is one I need to see, along with a few others (Bernie, Magic Mike, Killer Joe). All films with proper names in their titles. 😀
Nice list. And ‘The Master’ is making me so excited! 🙂 I made a best of 2012 List too: http://randomfilmbuff.com/2012/08/04/d-8/
Cool, I’ll head over your way.
I may have to make my list right before I head to TIFF.
Sound of my voice. Amazing film.
Yeah, it would be interesting to compare your top ten before and after the festival. Sound of My Voice, eh? Will be sure to check that out.
I still haven’t seen half from your list, Eric but I’m hoping to catch Beasts of the Southern Wild and The Master before year’s end. The other five I totally agree with.
Cheers, Ruth. I also recommend checking out The Intouchables — I have a feeling you would really enjoy that movie. Very heartwarming and a lot of fun.
nice list! gave me some ideas on what to watch next. I’m glad to see Cabin In The Woods there. I personally found Avengers more epic than The Dark Knight Rises though.
Thanks, Shane. Yeah, I could definitely see how some would like The Avengers more. I just prefer the darker nature of TDKR. Both are great, though.
Some great additions to your list matey, would be very similar to my list, apart from Prometheus
No love for Prometheus? Ahhh… 🙂
Great list! I haven’t seen most of those movies, but I’m sure when I do I’ll like them. My favorite so far are TDKR, Prometheus and The Cabin in the Woods. Loved Haywire too, very underrated.
Cool, glad to hear of more Haywire love! Still not sure why so many people didn’t like that one.
Well dammit it looks like I’ve still got a hell of a lot to look forward to! I’ve only seen 4 of these. Going to see The Intouchables tomorrow night though so at least that’s 50%.
Hey, that’s not bad at all. Hope you dig The Intouchables!
Great to see Dark Knight Rises right up there at number two. I loved the film! 🙂
Absolutely! Would have been my #1 if I didn’t get lucky and catch that early screening of The Master.
Excellent list. Think I pretty much agree with almost all of those that I’ve seen, on the list. Mine would probably add in Headhunters, which I loved.
Great seeing The Dark Knight Rises up there 😀 Really happy about that one!
Cheers, Jaina. I still need to see Headhunters myself — it’s definitely high in my queue!