Top 10s abound, but what the hell, its New Year's Eve and there are mere hours left (in the Western Hemisphere at least) to look back on the year while it's still here - Happy New Year Australia, N.Z., Japan and much of Asia.
[Related: Mash-Ups, 'Moonrise,' And 'Miami' Connections: Jen Yamato's Top 10 Movie Moments of 2012 and Amy Nicholson's / Top 10 of 2012 / Written In Haiku]
For those trolling the internet Monday and stumble on this list, I hope it'll spawn more Top 10s. Either in your own mind or better yet - in the comments below. Or even just give your Top 5 or hell… Just your one favorite. Or even your least favorite. Just go for it, don't be shy.
Below is my ten favorites for 2012. I admit, mine may be loaded with some of the "cold and corny prestige pics and all those 'respectable' 'films' headed for Oscar gold" as my fab colleague Jen Yamato describes - but there it is...
My favorite, Amour, was also the toughest to watch, but it just stayed with me through the rest of the year after having the privilege to see it for the first time in Cannes last May. I saw it again in December and it stayed with me as my favorite even if I was rather numb walking out of the theater. It is one helluva tough one, but so good. Disagree? Go for it and say why in the comments.
My top 10 follows with an ever so brief comment and a trailer (admittedly, there are still a couple of 'key' movies I still need to see). And what were your faves of 2012?
1. Amour - The toughest movie I, well, loved.
2. Zero Dark Thirty - I knew what the ending would be, but my palms sweat for hours in the lead-up.
3. Silver Linings Playbook - I thought I'd be bored as I was 'dragged' to see it at a festival. I completely loved it.
4. Lincoln - I like political intrigue - even of the 19th century sort. Tommy Lee Jones was Amazing.
5. Beasts of the Southern Wild - No stars - fantastic acting and a great new voice in filmmaking in the form of Benh Zeitlin.
6. How to Survive a Plague - It's hard to hold back the tears watching as these brave people fight for their lives under the scepter of hate.
7. Anna Karenina - Sumptuous. No surprise the Revolution came along.
8. Holy Motors - This movie may go down as one of 2012's most important.
9. On the Road - Sit down, light up and go for the ride. Garrett Hedlund is a good trip.
10. Argo - Again, you know what the end will be but it still gets the heart racing. The final scenes when the film hits you over the head with how they barely get out is a bit much though.