And Now the Moment You Have All Been Waiting For: My Top Ten Viewed Movies of 2012

Well, 2012 is over. And it 's that time to take stock. Throughout the year, I have viewed many movies. Some were quite memorable; containing intriguing plotlines, spirited characters keenly played by talented performers, and enticing special effects that further kept audience members' eyes on the action for films' designated runtime. Other films I viewed were quite the opposite: poor storylines that lacked intelligence, unnecessary characters portrayed weakly by not-so-talented thespians, and extra scenes that weren't exactly needed for the final product. In other words, I have viewed A LOT of films this past year.

And when looking back on all the films I seen in 2012, there are ten that truly stand out as being the most unforgettable. While some of them do have their fare share of flaws, they are all redeemed by stand-out performances as well as other factors that are worthy of my approval. And while I have not written separate reviews for all of them, I would like to share them all with you now. So, without further ado, I would now like to bring forward:

My Top Ten Viewed Movies of 2012

And we get the ball rolling with:

Poster of "Prometheus" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_(2012_film)

#10: “Prometheus”

I start off my list with Director Ridley Scott's return to the science ficition genre with this Summer 2012 blockbuster. Released on June 8^th and set in 2093, “Prometheus,” written by Jon Spaiths and Damon Lindelof, tells the story of a group of explorers that travel the far reaches of space to uncover the illusive origins of mankind. Unfortunately, their quest takes a dangerous turn and what they ultimately learn coould lead to the extermination of the human race. Noomi Rapace portrays Dr. Elizabeth Shaw; an archaeologist who has discovered a star map that she interpreted to be an invitation to meet the creators of mankind. Throughout the film, Rapace performs well as the central protagonist; who makes the transition from overly-cautious scientist to fearless warrior following a near-death experience. We believe every minute of her performance as Dr. Elizabeth Shaw; as her protagonist does all she can to stay alive amidst various threats that endanger her as well as her fellow crewmembers. In addition, Michael Fassbender turns in a memorable performance as David; the mysterious android that monitors the crew's activities and provides further assistance to their mission. Throughout “Prometheus,” Fassbender's performance never misses a beat; as we never quite know what his overall intentions are; seeing as some of his actions results in causing harm to the crew. Michael Fassbender's performance never drags; as his delivery keeps the audience's attention at all times. However, while Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender each bring forward top-notch feats, Rideley Scott's “Prometheus” strongly suffers from an excess amount of nonscensical violence and a screenplay that could have been finer tuned. Screenwriters Jon Spaiths and Damon Lindelof appeared to be more concerned with consuming the movie with so much material, that not enough characters were properly developed. For instance, Logan Marshall-Green, who portrays Dr. Charlie Holloway, the husband of Noomi Rapace's Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, comes off as lacking a genuine personality and appears to be only in the film to suffer a gruesome fate. What's more, Charlize Theron, who portrays Mission Director Meredith Vickers, is hardly given any memorable material whatsoever and she ends up hardly serving any real purpose. What's more, some plot twists appear tacked on by the screenwriters in an attempt to shock the audience; one of which involves Guy Pearce's Peter Wayland; the CEO of the Wayland Corporation, a conglomerate that funded the mission. Despite these setbacks, I must admit that the visual effects of “Prometheus” prove to be impressive and the action scenes are enough to keep the audience on the edge of their seats for the whole film. Henceforth, Ridley Scott's “Prometheus” finds itself to be a worthwhile film despite its shortcomings and fits well as my tenth favorite film of 2012.

Poster of "Ted" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_(2012_film)

#9:  "Ted"

I haven't been a big fan of “Family Guy” for the past few years. While I used to enjoy the series' usage of pop culture spoofs and humorous visual jokes in its' early years, the constant employing of offensive jokes about race and violence to get laughs from viewers. Henceforth, seeing as the humor had become very mean-spirited, I decided to stop tuning in on a regular basis. So, when I heard that Seth MacFarlane, the series' creator and voice artist for a good amount of male characters, was directing his first motion picture, I was more-than-hesitant to see it in theaters. However, when I did view the film, which was released on June 29th, I was surprised to see that the film wasn't entirely what I expected. Yes, there was a good amount of offensive jokes about serious subjects like terrorism and racism; but, at the heart of the film, was a genuine story about growing up. Mark Wahlberg did a fine job portraying the film's central protagonist John Bennett; who, as a boy, wished that his beloved teddy bear, the titular “Ted,” would come alive and be his friend forever. Throughout the film, Wahlberg gives a decent performance.  The actor's delivery is acceptable and looks as if he is enjoying playing the role of a slacker in his mid-thirties; who would sneak out of work to hang out with his best friend. And I must commend Seth MacFarlane on his performance as “Ted;” for whom he supplies the voice as well as the motion-capture performance of the computer-generated character. Mark Wahlberg possesses good chemistry with MacFarlane's “Ted”; as the two exchange one-liners in a comical manner. But what's more, you actually believe the pair's friendship; thanks to the interactions the characters share as well as Mark Wahlberg's performance. I must also commend McFarlane for putting in the time and effort to make “Ted” appear as real as can be; considering that he did the body movements through the means of motion capture. What's more, the overall message of the movie's screenplay, written by Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulcin, and Wellesley Wild, proves to be quite earnest and believable. However, that doesn't make up for the fact that MacFarlane's film debut is tainted by antipersonnel jokes and some sequences that are just plain over-the-top. What's more, I was disheartened to see that Mila Kunis is hardly given any humorous material for her role as Lori Collins,the love interest for Mark Wahlberg's John Bennett, who is frequently ignored by the film's protagonist; who seems to spend more time with MacFarlane's “Ted;” and and tries to get her boyfriend to grow up, take their relationship seriously, and get “Ted” to live on his own. Kunis is barely allowed to have any humorous and is basically designated to portray a humorless character. Nevertheless, Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis do possess good chemistry; thus enabling their relationship to appear believable. Thus, despite many tasteless jokes, Seth MacFarlane's Summer 2012 directorial debut is a passable comedy and my ninth favorite film of the year.

Poster of "The Watch" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Watch_(2012_film)

#8: “The Watch”

Ben Stiller is back! After a few years on unmemorable roles, Ben Stiller returns to R-rated comedy territory for the first time since directing and starring in 2008's “Tropic Thunder”. Released on July 27^th, Director Akiva Schaffer presents the story of Ben Stiller's Evan; the manager of a Costco is Glendale, Ohio, who is heavily involved with all activities in town. Arriving to work one morning, Stiller's protagonist discover's that the store's nightwatchman was inexplicably murdered. Wanting to avenge his employee's death, Stiller's Evan announces that he is forming The Neighborhood Watch; a group of people who would patrol the streets in an effort to keep everyone safe. Eventually joining Stiller's on-screen persona is Bob, portrayed by Vince Vaughn, Franklin, played by Jonah Hill, and Jarmarcus, played by Richard Ayoade. The group eventually learns that they are dealing with an interstellar threat that not only threatens their town, but also the world. While the film's screenplay, written by Jared Stern, Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg, is filled with some crude jokes as well as some predictable humor, “The Watch” truly emerges as a success due to the brilliantly chemistry amongst the four male leads. Vince Vaughn, who re-teams with Ben Stiller for the first time since 2004's “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” is hilarious as Bob; a suburban dad who joins the team in an effort to keep an eye on his daughter.Vaughn's performance is engaging and watching him interact with Stiller is great fun; as their characters exchange one great one-liner after another. Jonah Hill turns in a humorous stint as Franklin; an authority-hungry high school drop-out who yearns to be a policeman despite the fact that he failed every exam. Hill's delivery proves to be quite comical and he shares some great exchanges with Ben Stiller's Evan and Vince Vaughn's Bob. Rounding out the quartet is Richard Ayoade's Jamarcus; a recent divorce' that is hoping to meet some ladies while being a member of The Neighborhood Watch. Throughout the film, Ayoade exhibits an amusingly-dry delivery that is rich in its subtlety. Watching all four men interact is a hoot and they possess many great scenes; including a celebratory car ride that leads them to the first signs of what foes they are up against. And though the movie exhibits some overstated humor, the genius chemistry between the four comic actors as well as the well-organized storyline makes the movie very worthwhile. In short terms, “The Watch” is a fun R-rated comedy and a fitting choice for my eighth most preferred film of 2012.

Poster of "The Dark Knight Rises" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_dark_knight_rises

#7: “The Dark Knight Rises”

I know this must be a surprise to you all, but I need to explain why the conclusion of Director Christopher Nolan's epic franchise is slated as my seventh favorite film of the year. Released on July 20^th, Christian Bale returns to play Bruce Wayne; the millionaire scientist who, at night, protects the streets of Gotham City as the caped crusader known as Batman. The film takes place eight year's after Wayne's caped alter-ego took the blame for the death of the corrupted attorney Harvey Dent. Christian Bale's protagonist is reluctant to don the cape after the years have passed; but trouble comes to the city in the form of a merciless thug named Bane; played fiercely by Tom Hardy. The villainous Bane is bent on wrecking endless havoc , destroying all that is good on the streets of Gotham City. While Christian Bale's on-screen persona believes that everyone has forgotten the crime fighter, young beat cop John Blake, played with determination by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, still believes in the hero and encourages the film's protagonist to fight evil once more. As he did in the previous two films, Christian Bale gives a heavy performance as our hero and enables the character to be ever-resolute in his fight against Tom Hardy's Bane and all evil that plagues Gotham City. However, while Hardy gives a firm performance as the film's antagonist, he just does not emerge as memorable as the late Heath Ledger's brilliantly-twisted antagonist in 2008's “The Dark Knight.” Furthermore, Nolan's final installment in his trilogy proves to be a tad too long; as certain scenes drag on, resulting the final confrontations between Bale's protagonist and Hardy's Bane to appear rushed and non-climactic. What's more, while the performance's of the film's cast are top-notch, including Anne Hathaway's slick turn as the street-smart Selina Kyle, there are just too many characters present throughout the duration. It seemed as if Christopher Nolan wanted everyone to get the chance to shine in the film; thus further causing some confrontations between Bale's protagonist and his foes. Nevertheless, Nolan's “The Dark Knight Rises” ultimately proves to be a fitting, though not incredible, finale to his trilogy as well as my seventh favorite movie of the year.

Poster of "The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbit:_An_Unexpected_Journey

#6: “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”

By now , you are probably thinking to yourself, “Okay, 'The Dark Knight Rises' is number seven? And now, 'The Hobbit' is number six? What's going on here?”. Well, let me explain. While I was originally excited to be seeing Director Peter Jackson's prequel that takes place sixty years before the events that took place in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” I wasn't entirely excited after seeing the film. Released on December 14^th, Jackson introduces us to a younger Bilbo Baggins, finely played by Martin Freeman, who reluctantly sets out with a group of thirteen dwarfs in an effort to help them reclaim their home after they were driven away by the fearsome dragon known as Smaug. The leader of the group is Thorin, played firmly by Richard Armitage, a legendary dwarf warrior. Also a part of the group is the iconic wizard Gandalf the Grey, once again portrayed by Sir Ian McKellen (who starred in the original trilogy), who remembers Bilbo as a child and got the hobbit to join the mission by reminding him that he comes from a line of hobbits that have known to go on adventures. So, Freeman's Bilbo Baggins accompanies the dwarfs on their quest; all the while running into various foes, such as hungry trolls and bloodthirsty orcs. And while the visual effects of Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth are indeed impressive, the overall pacing appears to be a setback. When there aren't any battles or confrontations between the dwarfs and their enemies, the movie just drags. In fact, a whole sequence at Rivendell lingers; despite the presence of some characters from the previous films-- among which include Christopher Lee's Saruman the White and Cate Blanchett's Galadriel. In addition, with the exception of Richard Armitage's Thorin, the dwarfs were difficult to distinguish and quite a few of them lacked a genuine personality. Nevertheless, I was satisfied with Martin Freeman's straightforward performance as Bilbo Baggins; who goes from not wanting to be on the journey to becoming a vital part of the quest. In addition, Ian McKellen once again gives a personal performance as Gandalf the Grey; who does what he can to help the dwarfs on their mission. However, one of the best parts of the movie would be the return the execrable brute known as Gollum, once again portrayed by Andy Serkis through motion capture technology, who encounters Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins in a cave. The scene is a delight; as both characters engage in a contest of wits to determine whether or not Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins will get out of the cave alive. All in all, Peter Jackson's “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a worthy start to an all-new trilogy; even though it's not entirely perfect. Thus, the film finds itself at the number six position on my year-end countdown.

And now we come to my favorite films of the past year. I'm really excited to share them with you. And we begin with..

Poster of "Trouble with the Curve" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trouble_with_the_Curve

#5: “Trouble with the Curve"

You got to hand it to Clint Eastwood. At the age of 82, he is still active in the movie industry. Released on September 21^st, Director Robert Lorenz brings forward an honest story about Gus, played genuinely by Eastwood, an aging baseball scout who wants to go on one last recruitment mission. Due to his age, his teammembers don't feel that he can do his job. However, his team doesn't feel that he can still do the job; despite Gus' strong determination. Nevertheless, accompanied by his daughter Mickey, played by Amy Adams, Gus travels to North Carolina for his assignment. While in North Carolina, Gus reunites with Johnny, played amiably by Justin Timberlake, a fellow scout that Gus once recruited. The two men have a good relationship and soon enough, Timberlake's on-screen persona eventually takes a liking to to Mickey. And most of the performances in “Trouble with the Curve” are strong; especially Eastwood's, who truly enables Gus to emerge as a strong protagonist. Eastwood never lets his protagonist to be determined even when the odds are against. In addition, Justin Timberlake turns in a genuinely charismatic feat as Johnny; resulting in strong chemistry with Eastwood. Amy Adams brings forward an alright presentation as Mickey; who ends up putting her career on hold so she can accompany Eastwood's Gus on their trip. Adams' character doesn't have a truly great relationship with her father; considering that he sent her away when she was young. Throughout her stint in “Trouble with the Curve,” Adams does a decent job interacting with her co-stars; though I feel that her overall performance could have been a bit better. As for Justin Timberlake, I was very happy with his performance as Johnny; who hopes to one day become a baseball game. Timberlake handles his role well and, thanks to his energy as an actor, he has strong chemistry with all his co-stars. Watching him interact with Eastwood and Adams is engaging; as they play off each other quite well. In addition, John Goodman brings forward a personal performance as Pete, a close friend of Clint Eastwood's Gus, who frequently checks in with the film's protagonists to make sure that his friend is doing alright. And even though the overall storyline of “Trouble with the Curve” is slightly predictable, Director Robert Lorenz and Screenwriter Randy Brown bring forward an emotional story that truly keeps the audience's attention. All in all, “Trouble with the Curve” proves to be an uplifting film and my fifth favorite film of 2012.



Poster of "The Five-Year Engagement" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five-Year_Engagement

#4: “The Five-Year Engagement”

Jason Segel and Emily Blunt are talented performers. Released on April 27^th, Jason Segel wholeheartedly stars as Tom Solomon; a hard-working sous chef who proposes to psychology graduate Violet Barnes, played sincerely by Emily Blunt, after a year of dating. Unfortunately, their wedding preparations keeps getting delayed by different occasions; beginning with the unexpected union of John's best friend Alex, played genially by Chris Pratt, and Violet's sister Suzie; played lively by Allison Brie. John and Violet's wedding also gets delayed when the latter gets admitted into the University's Post Doctorate in psychology programming; leading to Jason Segel's on-screen persona to leave his job and San Francisco; even though he is disappointed after hearing that he was going to get the position of head chef at a new restaurant in the area. While John tries to find a new chef position in Michigan, Emily Blunt's Violet performs well at her new job; all the while impressing her professor Winton Childs; played by Rhys Ifans. Their work eventually becomes successful; so much so, that Childs receives funding to extend the project. Which, in turn, once again delays her marriage to Jason Segel's John; who eventually gets a job working at Zingerman's. Through “The Five-Year Engagement,” Segel gives an earnest performance; as his protagonist grows more disenchanted by the direction his life is going, causing him to contemplate the direction of his relationship with Emily Blunt's Violet. Segel's overall performance is completely genuine; and you wish that he will find happiness soon. And Emily Blunt also gives an authentic performance as well; as she enables her on-screen protagonist to be excited about her professional career. In addition, Blunt's protagonist eventually becomes aware of how unhappy Segel's protagonist is and she eventually inquires about his feelings; leading to some truly emotional scenes between the two characters. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt possess great chemistry; and as the movie progresses, you truly hope their characters tie the knot. Both thespians speak their dialogue perfectly; resulting in their characters to appear completely human. In addition, “The Five Year Engagement” features memorable feats turned in from the supporting cast. Including Chris Pratt and Allison Brie; who appear in scene-stealing sequences as Alex and Suzie respectfully. In addition the screenplay, written by Segel and Nicholas Stroller, is a great mixture of comedy and drama; thus further establishing the film to be truly emotional and genuine. Henceforth, “The Five-Year Engagement” fits perfectly as not only #4 of my countdown, but also as my Favorite Comedy of 2012.

And now we have arrived to the Top 3 Films of the Year. These are the cream of the crop and I can't wait to tell you about them. At third place, we find a film that is getting much attention this Awards Season.



Poster of "Argo" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argo_(2012_film)

#3: “Argo”

Ben Affleck has done it again! Released on October 12^th, Ben Affleck's follow-up to 2010's “The Town” proves to be just as engrossing. Affleck's dramatization is set in 1979, during which,the American embassy in Iran is attacked by Iranian revolutionaries; resulting in the taking hostage of several Americans. Luckily, six escape make it to the home of the Canadian Ambassador; who keeps an eye on them. The CIA is ordered to get the six escapees out of the country of Iran. Ultimately, CIA specialist Tony Mendez, portrayed with rich determination by Affleck, is called in for his conference. While viewing “Battle for the Planet of the Apes,” Affleck's Mendez comes up with the idea to create a ruse: the six escapees would be a Canadian film crew is surveying the land to shoot an upcoming science fiction film. In order to make the ruse as real as possible, Affleck's on-screen persona brings in Hollywood make-up artist John Chambers; portrayed sincerely by John Goodman. Soon afterwards, the pair contact film producer Lester Siegel; cheekily played by Alan Arkin. The three men create a phony studio as well as an entire promotional campaign for an upcoming film called “Argo.” Ultimately, Affleck's Tony Mendez gains access into Iran as a producer for “Argo” and he soon meets up with the six Americans to execute their plan for escape. What follows is a suspenseful dramatization, written by screenwriter Chris Terrio, that keeps the viewer's focus at all times as well as guessing what will happen next. As director, Ben Affleck manages to go from one event to the next in a smooth manner. In addition, Affleck's overall performance as Tony Mendez is very satisfying; never letting his protagonist lose focus on his mission. The actor's on-screen persona remains resolute at all times; doing everything he can to get the six Americans home safely. Furthermore, the film's supporting cast performs well; with John Goodman and Alan Arkin turning in affable performances as John Chambers and Lester Siegel respectfully. Furthermore, Bryan Cranston imparts a meaningful portrayal of Jack O'Donnell; the supervisor of Ben Affleck's Tony Mendez. Affleck and Cranston interact well together; and they allow their on-screen personas struggle to effectively get the escape plan to be pulled off. And even though certain events appear rather conveniently-timed to create further suspense, “Argo” makes for an escapade that's rich in resolution and humanity. Thus, Argo finds itself as my third favorite movie of 2012.

And the runner-up on my year-end countdown is:

Poster of "The Amazing Spider-Man" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Spider-Man_(2012_film)

#2: “The Amazing Spider-Man”

I have always enjoyed reading comic books about the web-slinging crime-fighter known as Spider-Man. Let's face it. Spider-Man, to me, is the most human Marvel superhero; seeing as Peter Parker was just a normal high school student before he gets bit by a radioactive spider; thus gaining the power to crawl up walls, shoot webs out of his hands, and jump at great length. So, when viewing Director Mark Webb's reboot of the original 2002 blockbuster, I was so delighted to see Andrew Garfield bestow a genuine feat as Peter Parker. While trying to find information about his parents, who mysteriously disappeared when he was a child, Andrew Garfield's protagonist gets bit by a radioactive spider at the scientific research corporation Oscorp. Soon After, our hero finds himself gaining superhuman speed, strength, as well as the ability to detect danger. As the young man continuously helps Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Conors, an Oscorp scientist with whom his father worked with, he ignores a phone call from his uncle Ben Parker, played by Martin Sheen, who was reminding him to pick up his Aunt May; played by Sally Field. Upon arriving home at night, the young man's uncle chastises him for ignoring his responsibility to his aunt. The young ,man leaves in a huff and Martin Sheen's on-screen persona chases after hi. Unfortunately, the old man eventually gets shot by a robber who was escaping the scene of a crime. Filled with remorse over his uncle's death. Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker sets out to avenge his uncle's death; all the while using his new powers and wearing a mask to hide his identity. Eventually, our hero saves the life of a young boy. While the boy reunites his father, Peter Parker realizes his destiny and identifying his new alter-ego as “Spider-Man.” Throughout the film, Andrew Garfield bestows a dedicated performance; one that enables the audience to root for him in his efforts to keep people safe. Garfield possesses a lot of energy in his first official lead role and his performance never drag. In addition, Emma Stone turns in a very personal feat as Gwen Stacy; the love interest of Andrew Garfield's protagonist. Stone enables her portrayal of Gwen Stacy to emerge as a genuinely likable love interest for our hero; and it's great to see the character offer some assistance to our hero. Both performers possess great chemistry that enables the audience to believe their relationship. Furthermore, Rhys Ifans bestows a memorable performance as Dr. Curt Conors; who, as a result of the experiment, finds himself repeatedly turning into a monstrous reptilian creature capable of unleashing immense havoc. In addition, the movie's screenplay, written by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves, makes for an engrossing story that allows every character to have enough screentime. Further, the film's overall narrative ultimately proves to be a coming of age story; as Andrew Garfield's protagonist goes from being an high school student who doesn't pay attention to responsibility, to a genuine hero who understands his place in the world. Henceforth, thanks to the thrilling storyline, the keen performances of the cast lead by Andrew Garfield, who truly shines as Peter Parker, “The Amazing Spider-Man” finds its rightful place on my year-end countdown as my second favorite film of 2012.

And now, I bring to you my favorite film of 2012. Can I have a drumroll please?

At #1 is....... "The Avengers"!!!!!!!!!!




Poster of "The Avengers" taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Avengers_(2012_film)

Words cannot explain how much I enjoyed watching this movie. Released on May 4^th, Director Joss Whedon, who also wrote the engaging screenplay, presents this much-anticipated culmination of the Marvel Comics Universe. The action starts right at the film's beginning, when the villainous Norse god Loki, devilishly played by Tom Hiddleston, invades the government spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D. To steal the sacred artifact known as the Tesseract; an energy source capable of opening portals to worlds beyond our universe. Loki's acquisition leads to the very desperate S.H.I.E.L.D leader Nick Fury, played fiercely by Samuel. L. Jackson, to call together a group of super-powered individuals to protect the world from total destruction. This leads to perhaps the best crossover event that I have ever seen in an action film. It is great seeing all the superheroes who have headlined the films in the Marvel Comics Universe. Robert Downey Jr. returns to play the scientist-philanthropist known as Tony Stark; who, when donning a metallic body-suit capable of great power, is known as “Iron Man.” Chris Evans reprises the role of Steve Rogers (aka “Captain America”); a World War II veteran who was injected with super-serum that enabled him to possess great speed and strength. Also called upon is Mark Ruffalo's Dr. Bruce Banner, a scientist who, after getting exposed by gamma radiation following an experiment, is able to transform into the powerful monster known as “Hulk” whenever angered. And soon, the group is joined by Chris Hemsworth's Norse God Thor; the crowned prince of Asgard and the adoptive brother of Tom Hiddleston's Loki. What follows is an adventure rich in action, emotion, and even some humor. Watching all the heroes meet and interact with each other is a delight; thus resulting in the whole group possessing great chemistry. And best of all, every character gets the chance to have plenty of screen time and contribute memorable moments. Last seen in 2010's “Iron Man 2”, Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark shines brightly; as the protagonist must now understand that he's a member of a team and not working solo. Downey Jr. shines brightly as his character; speaking his dialogue with poker-faced refinement. Chris Evans portrays the dutiful Steve Rogers for the first time since his 2011 origin film. Evans speaks his lines with keen determination and enables his protagonist to be a strong leader for the team of heroes. Chris Hemsworth portrays Thor for the first time since his introductory film in 2011; the one member of the team who knows just exactly what Loki is capable of; and he wants to reason with his adoptive brother about putting an end to the chaos that he ultimately releases. Furthermore, Mark Ruffalo bestows a genuine performance as Dr. Bruce Banner; who is trying to control his anger in an effort to not attack his teammates. Ruffalo imparts a sharp portrayal of Banner; leading the audience to hold onto their seats in anticipation that he will suddenly turn into the “Hulk.” And when he does, just the sight of the powerful being is enough to get the audience excited.

And just as I previously said, every character in “The Avengers” gets memorable moments and sequences. Even Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner, who portray “Avengers” teammates and expert S.H.I.E.L.D agents “Black Widow” and “Hawkeye” respectfully, get their fare share of scenes two. Renner's “Hawkeye” is sharp with an arrow and possesses good chemistry with Scarlett Johansson's on-screen persona. Johansson enables her on-screen persona to be a dedicated fighter as well as having a strong sense of humanity. In addition, Tom Hiddleston turns in a devilish turn as Loki; who hatches a diabolical plan to attempt to tear the “Avengers” apart. Unfortunately for him, the team ultimately put aside their many differences and work together.

And this is why I love Joss Whedon's “The Avengers.” The whole movie is about working together. All of these individuals, while all possessing great skills and abilities, are only truely powerful when they work together. At first, all the groupmembers aren't keen on working together; leading to an exciting confrontation scene between the characters that truly gains effects thanks to the cast's performances. However, when genuinely realizing what they are up against and that the fate of the world is at stake, the group knows just what they have to do: stop Tom Hiddleston's Loki; who is ultimately able to utilize the power of the tesseract to unleash evil onto the Earth. And in turn, the audience is treated to a climax is rich in excitement. In short terms, Joss Whedon's “The Avengers” is an overall good time for all to watch and My Favorite Film of 2012!!!!

So, there you go. These are my Top Ten Films of 2012. These are the films that I will remember the most from the past twelve months. And I am happy to have viewed them all. I am happy to have shared them all with you and I look forward to hearing your thoughts as well as your own list of favorite films from the past year. Feel free to post your own lists; as I would enjoy hearing your feedback. I thank you all for reading and I look forward to reviewing in 2013. So Happy New Year to All and here's to 2013!