2012 highs, lows and favourite films

[Jeffbiscuits]

2012 is done. What were your favourite films, directors, actors, actresses and such? Your biggest surprises or letdowns?
For me 2012 was all about Prometheus, Dredd and The Hobbit. A new film from my favourite film series (my favourite film is Alien) and films based on a cherished childhood comic and my favourite book.
Overall I wasn't left wanting. Prometheus, while a lesser (plothole filled) installment in a mostly great series still delivered in many ways. Great effects, decent acting and genuinely tense moments make it one of the better scifi films of the year. The Hobbit, though not quite the story I know from the book was a smashing adventure film which looked beautiful and captured the feel of the book perfectly. Dredd was incredible though. The low budget didn't seem to be any kind of a hindrance and the end result was a rival to (and beater of) all of the big Summer blockbusters. A realistically portrayed Mega City One filled with references to the comics, some incredible special effects sequences (scenes where Dredd shoots lots of people in slow motion are breathtaking Karl Urban playing a perfect Dredd all make this easily my favourite film this year.
Other unexpected beauties were The Innkeepers, The Divide and The Raid. All three brilliant films in their own ways.
Avengers Assemble was a good diversion, but I never plan to see it again. Dark Knight Rises was everything I didn't like about TDK multiplied and lacking Heath Ledger. Very long, dull and infuriating. Cabin in the Woods was also a nice wee diversion. The end scenes with ALL the creatures were a spectacle I enjoyed.
All in all, it's all about Dredd, though. The best comic book film for years, my favourite film this year and a violent, satirical rival to Robocop. I loved it.