G-S-T Year in Review – Grady’s 2012 Wrap Up

This year we survived “The End of the World” and some bad movies as well.  But, there were some truly amazing movies that were released this year.  Sadly I have not seen every major release this year, but I tried my best. With that being said, here are my picks of the best/worst of 2012.

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Pure adrenaline rush wrapped in a complex and intriguing plot. Also it features two excellent turns from two of Hollywood’s most effective leading men.

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An incredible film, based on an incredible book, which is as immensely heartwarming and funny as it is dysfunctional. The chemistry between Cooper and Lawrence is engaging and very nearly the best work Cooper has even done.

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Disguised as just another kid’s movie, but packs a big punch and a lot of laughs. As Sandler’s star has been consistently falling, his turn as Dracula works well as he plays off the other eclectic but well-cast voice talent.

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Marketed as an endearing family movie, but is depressing and painful to watch at times. Pretty much everything you wouldn’t expect from a Disney movie. It even got the kids crying which is not a good sign.

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Touted as a rom-com, This Means War falls well short of the mark. Pity is that while the trio of leads are likable and talented, Pine and Hardy both phone-in their roles and it’s clear they have no problem collecting this paycheck.

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A seemingly quirky premise, but drags on and is quite dull for most of the movie. Sure it’s a story about the world ending but the meandering plot and boring exchanges bring this bummer of a film even lower. Could they not just spend their final days riding roller coasters??

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This movie is pure eye-candy sprinkled with some laughs; worth watching more way than just once. This is an action-junkie and comic fans’ dream come true. The colorful answer to Nolan’s grounded Batman series, we can only hope for bigger and better adventures in the sequel. Keep practicing this phrase, “In Whedon we trust.”

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Daniel Day-Lewis nails his performance in Lincoln; predict an Oscar for best actor. Wow is there any film where DDL doesn’t just kill his role? The period-piece might have been slow and took its time through some weighty dialog and exposition but Lewis  just shined in every single frame.

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One of the most beloved animated films of the year; unique with a ton of heart. After Pixar dropped the ball with Brave it was so nice to see the Mouse House come up with a solid win. Chock full of 8-bit era goodness and charming characters, I’d game jump into this world any day of the week. Can’t wait for the Blu-Ray!

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There were a few comic films released in 2012 but the top-notch TDKR is by far the finest of the year (and the series). Nolan’s 3 part interpretation of the Batman universe is the crown jewel in his resume and his incredible reverence for the comic hero is matched only by Whedon’s (another member of the Billionaire’s club). While it’s so sad to see this end, it’s been one very enjoyable ride!