Destined To Doom Movies Of 2012, Which Were Surprisingly Good Or Maybe Just About Average!
Every year we predict certain turkeys of films, because they simply stink in all departments right from the day they are conceived on the drawing board. But there's no more an exhilarating felling, when these type of films shockingly end up being really good. While some just about make the cut, few others & very few others might ultimately achieve cult-classic status too.
So I hope this list will be informative to you'll, & yes, adulation & criticism are both appreciated, but please make your comments coherent &.....well.....just plain logical!!
So I hope this list will be informative to you'll, & yes, adulation & criticism are both appreciated, but please make your comments coherent &.....well.....just plain logical!!
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- DirectorMatthias HoeneStarsRasmus HardikerHarry TreadawayMichelle RyanA gang of bank robbers fight their way out of a zombie-infested London.The best Zombie film since the nerve-wracking "Dawn Of The Dead" & the hilarious "Shaun Of The Dead"! Plenty of gore, loads of excitement, tension lurking around every corner, dollops of wicked humor, & no-holds-barred action, this is the archetypal horror-comedy in eons.
- DirectorKimble RendallStarsXavier SamuelSharni VinsonAdrian PangA freak tsunami traps shoppers at a coastal Australian supermarket inside the building - along with 12-foot Great White Sharks.When it comes to creature horror with the aquatic world as an underlying element, the Australians seem to have mastered the art. Another winner in the classic league of 'Black Water' & 'The Reef'. The tension is palpable, the scares are jolting, the shark(s) are visious, the kills are gory & yet not overdone, the direction is taut, the script is crisp, & the performances from the relatively amateur cast are competent.
- DirectorAntonio NegretStarsJim CaviezelJames FrainElisabeth RöhmA gang of bank robbers hide their loot in the car of a family going camping. They chase down the family to kill them and get the loot back, but run into a fight.The biggest surprise of the year. Jim Cavizel is brilliant as usual. A simple plot, but narrated superbly by the director. After last year's 'Fast 5', this is another film to add to your list of classic car-action movies.
- DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisAnanda GeorgeRay SahetapyA S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.Every once in a while, a very exciting action movie comes out, with a new spin on an old plot. This is one such rare instance meant to be cherished. The plot is simple & has been seen before, but the execution, screenplay & narrative is highly innovative, edgy & just grabs your eyeballs & never lets go from start to finish, in typical classic action movie style of years gone by.
- DirectorLouis MorneauStarsEd QuinnGuy WilsonStephen ReaSet in a 19th century village, a young man studying under a local doctor joins a team of hunters on the trail of a wolf-like creature.A shot in the arm for good old, campy & fun horror movies & one of the best of its breed, cause its not just campy, but there's also some genuine mystery & eeriness in the proceedings. Plus, the great VFX at such a low budget are a welcome boost.
- DirectorPete TravisStarsKarl UrbanOlivia ThirlbyLena HeadeyIn a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.Style, substance, surrealism, edginess, & high-octane action all rolled into one.
- DirectorBarry BattlesStarsBilly Bob ThorntonEva LongoriaThomas Brodie-SangsterWhen three redneck brothers agree to help a woman save her godson from an abusive stepfather, they become targets on the run from an odd cast of characters.A splendid action-comedy after so long, that I was almost convinced that Hollywood had forgotten to helm them after inventing this sub genre. This film shall rank right up there with other classics of the genre like 'True Lies', 'Smokey And The Bandit', '48 Hrs.', & other in years to come. Mr. Barry Battles, take a bow for your first film & here's hoping for a lot more good things being delivered from you.
- DirectorSimon WestStarsNicolas CageMalin AkermanJosh LucasA former thief frantically searches for his missing daughter, who has been kidnapped and locked in the trunk of a taxi.The best Nicolas Cage movie in probably the last 5 to 6 years & a truly great action film, with some great stunts, car chases, suspense, hand to hand combat, one-liners, & to some extent even the performances. Director 'Simon West' as usual does a competent job, & transcends the mundane plot into something exhilarating.
- DirectorBradley ParkerStarsJesse McCartneyJonathan SadowskiOlivia Taylor DudleySix tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone.This is truly a perfect blend for a horror film, a sense of foreboding right through, a dark & mysterious aura, shock value, gore, palpable tension, decent performances, & some effective jump-scare scenes & tense moments. I sincerely do not know what people are complaining about, but this is a really great horror film. All-in-all, a must watch for any horror movie fan.
- DirectorOle BornedalStarsNatasha CalisJeffrey Dean MorganKyra SedgwickA young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child.This has been a great year for horror films in general. This is most definitely one of the best this year & a truly marvelous take on the by now mundane supernatural realm of horror.
- DirectorJosh TrankStarsDane DeHaanAlex RussellMichael B. JordanThree high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.Even though the trailor was decent, I had zero expectations from this flick, but how glad was I to be proved wrong! A little sci-fi gem in the vein of some classic 70's & 80's flicks. Editor turned debut director Josh Trank has done a magnificent job.
- DirectorPhilipp StölzlStarsAaron EckhartNick AlachiotisLiana LiberatoAn ex-CIA agent and his estranged daughter are forced on the run when his employers erase all records of his existence, and mark them both for termination as part of a wide-reaching international conspiracy.Terrific action film. Gripping, gritty, & tough as nails. Aaron Eckhart makes for a sublimely sophisticated & desperate action hero.
- DirectorCraig ZobelStarsAnn DowdDreama WalkerPat HealyA normal Friday service at a fast food restaurant becomes interrupted by a police officer who claims an employee stole from a customer, but something more sinister is going on.A water-tight script translated into an edgy, taut thriller, with plausibly the most innovative plot in recent times (even though it was based on actual events). The entire cast performed well within their abilities.
- DirectorCasey WalkerStarsKristopher TurnerYan-Kay Crystal LoweShawn RobertsInfected by a virus, a mild mannered HR manager attempts to fulfill his overwhelming desire for brains, all while trying to keep it together so as not to incur the wrath of his bridezilla-to-be.A hilariously exciting horror-comedy & fresh lease of life for the monotonous zom-com sub-genre. This quirky little gem infuses some of the most innovative elements in a zombie plot-line.
- DirectorBoris RodriguezStarsThure LindhardtGeorgina ReillyDylan SmithA painter struggling for inspiration finds an unexpected muse after he accepts a teaching position in a small town and becomes the caregiver to Eddie, a seemingly docile art student with a rare sleepwalking condition.Along with 'Transit', this is the next biggest surprise of the year. As a viewer, your heart can't but help swelling with joy, when these small budget, low publicized production hit the bulls eye. A unique spin on the sociopathic horror genre, which copiously serves blood & gore with an indelible essence of heart & soul. You need to see it, to comprehend who can be the real monster; why & when!
- DirectorSajid KhanStarsAkshay KumarJohn AbrahamAsin ThottumkalA comedy of errors wherein four men help each other to fool their prospective father-in-laws creating a cascade of confusion and mayhem.Low expectations, but I was happy, matter-of-fact, side-splittingly funny, at what I saw. It did have some narrative flaws & technical follies, but all's forgiven, cause it was a complete laugh riot. I haven't laughed through a movie so much in years. And finally, Akshay Kumar was brilliant as usual.
- DirectorColin TrevorrowStarsAubrey PlazaMark DuplassJake JohnsonThree magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified advertisement seeking a companion for time travel.Quirky, offbeat, humorously endearing, & graciously heartwarming. This film seamlessly amalgamates sci-fi & comedy & is that rare gem which leads us down the path of no expectations, only to find a pot of gold neatly wrapped & bustling vigorously at the climax.
- DirectorStefan RuzowitzkyStarsEric BanaOlivia WildeCharlie HunnamTwo siblings decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration.Whoa! This movie just came out of nowhere. No word of mouth, no publicity, & I just decided to watch it on account of Charlie Hunnam from 'Sons Of Anarchy', but it was one of the most pleasingly surprising experiences I've had. A splendid human drama interwoven with a gripping crime yarn & enacted superlatively by the entire cast.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsMatthew McConaugheyEmile HirschJuno TempleWhen a debt puts a young man's life in danger, he turns to putting a hit out on his evil mother in order to collect the insurance.William Friedkin is back with a bang. After eons, he's live up to his classics like 'The Exorcist' & 'The French Connection'. Gritty, gore crime lore, with top-notch performances from the entire cast, especially from Matthew McConaughey who's arguably delivered the performance of his career & deservedly merits an Oscar nominee this year.
- DirectorDavid PalmerDax ShepardStarsDax ShepardKristen BellBradley CooperFormer getaway driver Charles Bronson jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charles' former gang chase them on the road.Classic Action-Comedy. Classic car chases. Awesome cars, a sweet romance, wry humor & some memorable one-liners. Catch this one & have a blast.
- DirectorJennifer LynchStarsVincent D'OnofrioEamon FarrenEvan BirdA young man held prisoner by a cab-driving serial killer must make a life or death choice between following in his captor's footsteps or breaking free.One of the best psychological horrors I've ever seen, with a profound insight into the intricacies of human needs & behavior, coupled with probably the best performance witnessed by an ensemble cast in a long time.
- DirectorJames WatkinsStarsDaniel RadcliffeJanet McTeerCiarán HindsA young solicitor travels to a remote village where he discovers that the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.Another surprise of the year. Hammer has probably delivered its best film yet. Barring one major plot hole in the penultimate scene, this was a really strong Post-Potter follow-up by Radcliffe and a genuinely scary movie.
- DirectorDaniel KrigeStarsNicholas HopeKelly PaternitiSam ReidSix captive office workers are literally chained to their desks by deranged former regional manager Thomas Reddmann (Redd). He assigns his 'human resources' the impossible task of proving his innocence or suffering gruesome consequences.Not only has 2012 been the year for horror films, it has also been the year for highly innovative & cerebral horror films, & Redd Inc. a.k.a. Inhuman Resources is no different.
- DirectorErnie BarbarashStarsJean-Claude Van DammeJoe FlaniganAnna-Louise PlowmanAn ex-mercenary known for finding missing children is hired by a mixed martial arts fighter whose daughter has been kidnapped.Solid Van Damme action movie after a long time. Loosely based on 'Taken', but gripping & gritty nonetheless.
- DirectorMichael DowseStarsSeann William ScottJay BaruchelAlison PillLabeled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of under performing misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.Whoever thought that a Sean William Scott starer would end up being such a hilariously funny & heart-warming film. This had turkey written all over it, but I guess that that old film adage still holds true: 'Never judge a movie until you see the movie'.
- DirectorHriday ShettyStarsNaseeruddin ShahKay Kay MenonAtul KulkarniFour friends, who have accidentally committed crimes, decide to loot Rs. 20 crore, posing as cops. But on the way, they encounter a real police inspector, who orders them to do an encounter. Do they have the guts to do so and will they be able to fulfil their dreams of becoming millionaires?Really exceeded expectations. Great characters, the actors were at top of their game, good plot & decent direction. All-in-all a very good Crime Comedy.
- DirectorDavid BrooksStarsAlice EveJosh PeckBrian GeraghtyOn a late night visit to an ATM, three co-workers end up in a desperate fight for their lives when they become trapped by an unknown man.A good, taut suspense thriller, with many edgy moments. I hardly expected it to be this good with the film almost preying upon real human fears.
- DirectorSamir KarnikStarsTusshar KapoorKulraj RandhawaAnupam KherChandini comes to India to attend Veer's sisters wedding. In those four days, she wins everyone's heart.Another very funny movie this year, which held strong even with Tushaar Kapoor as the leading man. Matter-of-fact, it was thoroughly enjoyable even though there was a double dose of Mr. Kapoor, so the movie had to be really good. Witty dialogues, hilarious situations, and an easy-to-follow plot suitable for this kind of film, were the hallmarks of this breezily entertaining film. Kulraj Randhawa once again proves her mettle and being smokingly seductive doesn't hurt either. But ultimately, it were the stalwarts - Anupam Kher & Om Puri who steal the show.
- DirectorDavid BarrettStarsJosh DuhamelBruce WillisRosario DawsonA fireman takes an unexpected course of action when a man whom he's been ordered to testify against, after being held up at a local convenience store, threatens him.Good soild action film. Josh Duhamel makes for a compelling action-leading man & he should be offered such roles more often. My only cintention is that Bruce Willis' character should have been etched further & given some Kick-ass stuff to do too.
- DirectorJames MatherSteve Saint LegerStarsGuy PearceMaggie GracePeter StormareA man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the President's daughter from an outer-space prison taken over by violent inmates.Good action movie, with an interesting, futuristic plot & an exciting narrative. Steady pace throughout & the action scenes were gripping & believable. Guy pearce was fantastic. He makes a competent leading man & an action hero, & should be given more chances.
- DirectorBobby FarrellyPeter FarrellyStarsSean HayesChris DiamantopoulosWill SassoWhile trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality television show.It was supposed to be funny & it was funny, all the while never taking itself seriously, & I liked it for just that. Silly fun but fun nevertheless, to being downright hilarious at times. The actors playing Larry, Curly & Moe got it just about right (it will always be difficult to emulate legendary & unanimously followed screen personalities), even though they weren't big names with a solid caliber of work behind them. The makers could have omitted that trashy 'Jersey Shore' segment, but overall, a decent tribute to 'The Three Stooges'.
- DirectorScott DerricksonStarsEthan HawkeJuliet RylanceJames RansoneA controversial true-crime writer finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.Very enjoyable, very unpredictable horror movie, with a satisfying twist at the end.
- DirectorFrank CoraciStarsKevin JamesSalma HayekHenry WinklerA high-school biology teacher looks to become a successful mixed martial arts fighter in an effort to raise money to prevent extracurricular activities from being axed at his cash-strapped school.Silly, corny, cliched, but unabashed fun nevertheless. Finally a Kevin James vehicle that I liked.
- DirectorEduardo RodriguezStarsScott AdkinsPetar BachvarovZachary BaharovA man crossing into Mexico with a satchel of $2,000,000, and a bloody past, finds himself under sudden attack in the sleepy town of El Fronteras.Slick and stylish action movie with good fight scenes, exhilarating gunfights, & a cool lead performance form Scott Adkins. A rare instance where style compensates for the lack of substance.
- DirectorBhushan PatelStarsAftab ShivdasaniTia BajpaiSharad KelkarA famous poet, Jaidev, meets a woman who has lost her memories. He brings her to his house and tries to help her, but things take an ugly turn when she gets possessed by an evil spirit.Partly exciting & scary, but also partly meandering along with a bunch of ho-hum. Watch it especially for a spirited performance from Tia Bajpai who's innocent, vulnerable & sinister all at once. This is a newcomer to watch out for.
- DirectorJohn HyamsStarsJean-Claude Van DammeDolph LundgrenScott AdkinsJohn looks to take down Luc Deveraux after a home invasion claims his wife and daughter. The fight pits John against Andrew Scott and an army of genetically enhanced warriors; meanwhile, he must contend with a UniSol in relentless pursuit.While not as good as the 1st installment, but on par with the 3rd entry & way better than the lackluster 2nd aberration. Scott Adkins solidifies his position as one of the coolest young action heroes out there. If only Van Damme & Lundgren were given bigger roles, this sequel might just have been the best in the series yet.
- DirectorRichard Bates Jr.StarsAnnaLynne McCordRoger BartAriel WinterA disturbed, delusional high-school student with aspirations of a career in medicine goes to extremes to earn the approval of her controlling mother.Surreal, grotesque, enjoyable in parts, & sketchy in others. The biggest concern for me is that the filmmakers paint a surrealistic morbid canvas which never really draws us in wholeheartedly. But this canvas does merit a one-time viewing at least, especially for AnnaLynne McCord indelible performance.
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsJonah HillChanning TatumIce CubeA pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.Very funny movie with some good action & good chemistry between Tatum & Hill. A nice rendition of the original T.V. series.
- DirectorVivek AgnihotriStarsNikhil DwivediGulshan DevaiahPaoli DamAfter a powerful businessman has her baby forcefully aborted, Kaavya Krishna uses her body as a sexual weapon to destroy his empire, brick by brick.What a pleasant shock this was. Good screenplay & well directed, & Paoli Dam was sexiness personified. But she also has good acting prowess. The supporting cast was a huge letdown though. Along with reaching unprecedented realms of eroticism in Indian Cinema, this thriller does deliver the goods.
- DirectorBoaz YakinStarsJason StathamCatherine ChanChris SarandonMei, a young girl whose memory holds a priceless numerical code, finds herself pursued by the Triads, the Russian mob, and corrupt NYC cops. Coming to her aid is an ex-cage fighter whose life was destroyed by the gangsters on Mei's trail.A decent Jason Statham leading-man vehicle after eons. Simple plot which doesn't really matter & which thankfully does not complicate itself in the narration. Statham gets into his groove soon & that's what really matters. The chemistry between Jason & the little girl is heartwarming & the action ranges from adrenaline-pumping to just average. But the fact of the matter is that, Statham is all cool & macho again, & entertains us satisfactorily like we are used to from him.
- DirectorTom ConyersStarsAnna BurgessClint DowdellColin MacPhersonAs a wave of vampirism sweeps the world, a small but discordant group hole up in a country mansion in Victoria, Australia. A vampire, who has also occupied the mansion, offers them a deal: if they protect him from humans during the day, he'll protect them from other vampires at night. So begins an uneasy alliance which soon threatens to fall apart.Decent vampire yarn after ages. A huge relief for all vampire fans. Good plot and competent performances. Eat your heart out Pattinson, Stewart, and all your Twilight lovers.
- DirectorHadi HajaigStarsSean BeanCharlotte RamplingAbhin GaleyaA British secret service agent is faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell.Good direction, good performances, good character study, good plot narration with emphasis on details, good twists, overall a good spy thriller.