2013 is already underway, but the first two months of the year are generally dominated by major awards contenders from 2012. With the Oscar nominations already established and the Oscar race heating up, I have decided to take the opportunity to unveil my favorite films of the past year. I did not watch every single film, but have viewed the most notable domestic and foreign releases of the past year.
This list is dedicated to the films that did not quite make the cut but were films that I enjoyed thoroughly and did not want to ignore. Usually the honorable mentions list is limited to five films, but there were a few others that I felt I wanted to give some praise to. Here are my honorable mentions for 2012 in alphabetical order.
Bernie (Directed By Richard Linklater)
"Bernie" starts off with a documentary style melded with comic touches, but eventually evolves into a dramatic thriller. Linklater does a tremendous job of creating this transition and bringing out the best in Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey.
Compliance (Directed by Craig Zobel)
"Compliance" is difficult film to sit through. The events that unfold can be maddening on a number of fronts and its twists can be called into question easily. However, Ann Dowd gives a strong performance as the complex restaurant owner that follows orders from a "police officer" over the phone and Zobel's direction is extraordinary. The film takes place in one location and revolves around a telephone conversation. Despite the limitations, Zobel maintains a solid pace and heightens the tension at every turn. His ability to avoid exploiting some of the more sensitive moments is also admirable.
The Dark Knight Rises (Directed By Christopher Nolan)
Of all the major films to come out in 2012, there is likely no other to have more plot holes and unanswered questions than "The Dark Knight Rises." Despite the questionable scripting choices made by the usually polished Nolan, the film is an exhilarating journey that is delivers on almost every single promise Nolan made with his Batman franchise. From Batman's first appearance in the film to Bruce Wayne's ascent from the pit, this film packs emotional punches throughout that make it hard to overlook.
The Kid With A Bike (Directed By Jean-Pierre Dardenne And Luc Dardenne)
The Dardenne Brothers' latest film is an analysis on coming of age in adverse conditions. Twelve-year-old Cyril finds out that his father has abandoned him and eventually learns first-hand that he is unwanted. The film follows the troubled youth's attempts to build lasting relationships and fill the void that has been left. "The Kid With A Bike" follows a rather conventional story and has a predictable conclusion, but the Dardennes do not fall into manipulative tropes to tell Cyril's story. Instead their gritty style makes Cyril's psychological state all the more troublesome and as a result, more impactful.
Safety Not Guaranteed (Directed By Colin Trevorrow)
A journalism intern meets a strange man who claims to have created a time machine. The odd concept develops into an intimate love story about two lonely souls looking for healing from past sorrows. While not faultless, the film melds some comic touches to another wise heart-warming film.
The Sessions (Directed by Ben Lewin)
Ben Lewin's directorial debut is an inspirational film that tells the tale of a man stuck to an iron lung and his attempts to fill his sexual/emotional needs. The film is anchored by two phenomenal performances by Helen Hunt and John Hawkes and is an affirmation of human life and beauty.
Skyfall (Directed by Sam Mendes)
"Skyfall" is possibly the best action film of the year. Mendes creates a Bond film that is exhilarating, but full of complexity and even rousing in its final moments. Javier Bardem makes an unforgettable turn as the villain Silva while Daniel Craig continues to make the case for giving the defining performance as the notable agent.
Keep an eye out for my Top Ten Films of 2012.