Best Films of 2012

With the 91st Academy Awards right around the corner, let's take a look back at my favorite movies from the year 2012. This was a year of film's centering around intimacy, self-sacrifice, and change for the greater good. – Arnold At The Movies.

An Arnold Recommendation (Great Film):

Amour is a heart-wrenching portrayal of deep love. The title is also French for love, as we grapple with life and death questions on-screen. Terrifically acted and extraordinarily touching; Amour defines was real unconditional love truly is. I understand why this film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language.

#15 Flight

Director Robert Zemeckis' Flight is a provocative and emotional character study, fueled by a powerful performance from Denzel Washington. An absorbing melodrama that shows us the struggling consequences of an addict. In the end, Washington gives one of his best performances of his career.

#14 The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Artistic and heartfelt, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an earnest indie about growing up. This wonderful film crafted by director Stephen Chbosky also dissects some serious topics revolving around depression and anxiety. Plus, brilliant performances from Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller. "We are infinite."

#13 Prometheus

Prometheus is as mysterious as it is scary. A sci-fi horror film from director Ridley Scott that doesn't answer the big questions to the Alien universe. This approach might frustrate some. However, it kept me completely intrigued and engrossed from the first to final frame. A visual grandeur upheld by a terrific cast. Get ready to be on the edge of your seat.

#12 Lincoln

Together, director Steven Spielberg and actor Daniel Day-Lewis help bring history back to life right before your very eyes. Lincoln is landmark filmmaking, embodied on Day-Lewis' shoulders as Father Abraham. With Day-Lewis' phenomenal performance and Spielberg's cinematic touch, Lincoln will go down in Hollywood history as a bonafide masterpiece.

#11 Beasts of the Southern Wild

Beasts of the Southern Wild is an emotionally powerful journey through the eyes of a six-year-old girl. Childhood and innocence prevail, as we witness an amazing performance from Quvenzhane Wallis on screen.

#10 Cloud Atlas

Epic in every way, shape, and form. The Wachowskis' Cloud Atlas is a bold and beautiful tribute to the mysteries of life. This 3-hour masterclass spans through six different eras of human existence. From the beginning until the end, I was in awe of this sprawling and ambitious narrative force. The sheer scope of this cinematic wonder is pure joy.

#09 Argo

Actor-director Ben Affleck's enriching film is full of tension and nail-biting thrills. This well-written crowd pleaser keeps on successfully making the case why it won Best Picture. Argo recreates a historical event into a nicely packaged movie-going experience.

#08 Zero Dark Thirty

Director Kathryn Bigelow's bin Laden film is gripping and brilliantly crafted. Politics aside, this is a movie strictly about completing one mission; while exposing the human side of the people who did it. Zero Dark Thirty shows us how actions define a character. So, was the mission really worth it for the greater good? That's left for you to decide.

#07 Moonrise Kingdom

Director Wes Anderson's newest film on the block is smart, witty, and a total delight. Moonrise Kingdom brings out the inner kid in us. An exploration of youth and all of the wonders that comes with it. One of 2012's very best films.

#06 Silver Linings Playbook

With a sensitive direction by David O. Russell and great chemistry from Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence makes Silver Linings Playbook a meaningful and heart-warming romantic dramedy!

#05 Life of Pi

Director Ang Lee's Life of Pi achieves the impossible on a truly remarkable story. Visually stunning and emotionally rewarding; Life of Pi shows us what real faith is. Prepare to be awed.

#04 Django Unchained

Director Quentin Tarantino is back with a bold, bloody, over-the-top American Spaghetti Western. Django Unchained is possibly one of Tarantino's best film since his 1994 epic, Pulp Fiction. Bravo.

#03 The Intouchables

Actors Omar Sy and Francois Cluzet give us both compelling performances that makes this movie untouchable. Swallowed by its sweetness and warmth, The Intouchables tugs away at your heartstrings.

#02 Skyfall

50 years of James Bond and Skyfall is one of the best 007 outings to-date. Director Sam Mendes brings Bond back with a smart, classy and stylish action thriller. Blending materials of both classic Bond and Daniel Craig's modern Bond, you're in for a smashing adventure.

#01 De rouille et d'os (Rust and Bone)

Beautifully filmed, wonderfully crafted, and emotionally gripping. Plus, strong performances from both Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts, De rouille et d'os (Rust and Bone) brings out the messiness of life. It's my favorite film from 2012.

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