I know I’m probably late, but let’s take a moment to reflect on the movies that made me jump for joy during 2012. God knows I’ve wasted so much money on crappy movies, but the following movies were worth every penny. Enough babbling, enjoy the list!

12- The Perks of Being a Wallflower

For a movie that, on the surface, would seem to be cheesy, ”Perks” is surprisingly sweet and even funny at times, painting an all-too-rare portrait of three High-School kids in the process of building a solid friendship. But what really lifts it above the  herd, besides solid performances from its three stars, is the movie’s willingness to replace clichés with painful truths. It’s irresistible. Click for full review. 

11- Moonrise Kingdom

An adventure in pure imagination that plays to the smart kid in all of us.You won’t be able to take your eyes off it. One of Wes Anderson’s best movies. Click for full review.

There’s enough plot here for two movies, yet “Arbitrage” never fails to keep us hooked and delivers a roller coaster ride from start to finish. And Gere, at 62, meets every challenge of a role that calls for subtlety and sureness. His performance slams you like a body punch and then starts messing with your head. I loved it. Click for full review. 

9- Silver linings playbook

Director David O. Russell’s script lets in wit, anger, distress and the pain of losing someone you love. “Silver Linings” is more than a few smiles; it makes you laugh deeply. It’s one from the bruised heart. And Cooper and Lawrence’s are the pulse of the story, presenting us with life in all of its vibrant, messy sprawl. Do not miss it. Click for full review. 

8- The Dark Knight Rises

“The Dark Knight Rises” is entertainment at its best, and a fitting conclusion to one of the most successful trilogies of all time. It deserves a spot on the list. Click for full review. 

7- Skyfall

The Best Bond movie in ages. Need I say more? Click for full review.

6- Frankenweenie

It took 28 years to make “Frankenweenie” finally happen (the original idea was a short movie shot in 1984), which wouldn’t matter a damn if it lacked inspiration. It doesn’t. Instead, it’s 87 minutes of pure movie magic. The Oscar for this year’s Best Animated Feature Film belongs right here. Click for full review. 

5- Amour

What can you say about a film that is so vividly real, and so intense, that it holds you spellbound for two hours, without letup? In one word: brilliant. Click for full review.

4- Lincoln

“Lincoln” is relevant, entertaining and emotionally affecting. And Daniel Day Lewis gives another towering performance that deserves a shower of awards. Click for full review. 

3- Argo

“Argo” has everything one could ask for: a solid story, a superb cast playing interesting and well drawn characters, a pulse pounding climax, and the element of surprise. One of the best movies of 2012, by far. Click for full review. 

2- Life of Pi

What director Ang Lee does in his movie is simply extraordinary. His masterful direction fuses ferocity and feeling and creates a world you want to get lost in. “Life of Pi” will take your breath away. Click for full review. 

1- Django Unchained

Everything that makes Tarantino tick ,old flicks, spaghetti westerns and mano-a-mano head bashing, preferably with shotguns is stuffed into the 165 minutes of this near perfect movie. There’s a special kick that comes from watching something this thrillingly alive. My favorite movie of 2012. Click for full review.