Other notable films of 2012

I rented this for two reasons: Christian Bale and Zhang Yimou. It is long, but a pretty good film. Bale's character undergoes a profound change, going from a jerk to a very likable guy. many of the situations in the film are difficult to watch, especially since the protags are young girls.

I hadn't heard of this film before I rented it. I got it because of Ewan McGregor. It reminded me a lot of Blindness, which I also liked a lot. It has a lot to say about what we take for granted: Our senses, and how we cope with them once they are gone. I will never forget the line: Fat and flour.

This got released early in the year. I was a bit surprised that Soderberg was the director. The lead actress is very good; very kickass, and I loved cameos by Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, and Bill Paxton. I probably need to watch this again. Lots of action.

Reminded me of a superhero origin story; sort of how one kid became a hero and the other his nemesis. The young actors were surprisingly good.

This has had a lot of good buzz, because it is a high octane, shoot-'em-up from Thailand. It doesn't have a notable story or anything, but it is fast-paced and lots of killing.

I was intrigued by this because it is shot in Tasmania, and I've never seen anything set in that country. Willem Dafoe is the centerpiece of this, and he's very good. I liked the acting and the story. It's an odd film, but it's noteworthy.

Because of our phobia of older actors, the U.K. has come to the rescue time and time again with stories for senior citizens wanting a film with which they can relate. This has a phenomenal cast - Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson - and an exotic location - India. It's a "gentle" film about people taking risks later in their lives. Very enjoyable.

I realize that everyone in the world loved this film. I thought it was a bit too long, and not the greatest thing since sliced bread. That said, I loved Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk. Iron Man is, always, the best thing a film has going for it. Not enough Thor. The ribbing of Captain America kind of irritated me. Scarlett Johannson proves she has potential for action.

A film that lost money at the box office, Rock of Ages is something that those who lived through the 1980s can love. I enjoyed the songs, and especially Tom Cruise as a Jon Bon Jovi wannabe. Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin are great on screen.

I saw the play version a long time ago, so knew what I was in for. It's a pretty "shocking" and brutal film, but it's pretty great. Just don't be a prude otherwise you will be offended. The ending is total chaos. Matthew McConaughey is pretty amazing.

This isn't a perfect film, but I liked the new take on Santa - he's a tattooed Russian - and I loved the mute Sandman. My faves were the elves, though. They are very Minion-like.