Wesley Butler's Top Five Films of 2012

Opinion

5. The Bourne Legacy - Initial release: July 30, 2012

Although this was the first movie in the Bourne franchise to not star Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, The Bourne Legacy opened the door to a brand new story and sense of action, this time from the perspective of a new hero. Aaron Cross’ (Jeremy Renner) adventure is triggered by the events of the previous three films (Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum). The movie takes place around the same time of the events of The Bourne Ultimatum, with Cross, a member of Operation Outcome, going on the run after Jason Bourne’s actions lead to the public exposure of Operations Treadstone and Blackbriar. I’ll admit I was hesitant about this movie at first, because I was used to following the story of Bourne, and wanted to know what happened to him after Ultimatum. Aaron Cross has grown on me, and if a fifth Bourne movie is in the works, it should definitely continue his story.

4. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - Initial release: Nov. 14, 2012

This franchise is often the subject of public scrutiny, but Breaking Dawn Part 2 wrapped it up extravagantly. Bella and Edward (Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson) must face the Volturi after a false allegation has been placed against them and their newborn daughter, Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy). You’ve probably heard some moviegoers claim the franchise has no plot, and that it can be summed up in a single sentence. Breaking Dawn Part 2 doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to that. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film, not to mention the movie’s ending was surprising. I’m a little sad to see the franchise come to an end. It seems like just yesterday the first Twilight was released in theaters. Hopefully, the saga will be continued in some way down the road.

3. Skyfall - Initial release: Oct. 23,2012

It’s been four years since the last James Bond movie. In early 2010, there were doubts that a new Bond movie would be written. Luckily for fans of the 50-year-old franchise, Skyfall, the 23rd Bond movie was released, the third to star Daniel Craig as James Bond. In this film, Bond investigates an attack on MI6, which in turn focuses on M, as her past comes back to haunt her. I realize that I might feel like every new Bond release is “the best James Bond movie ever”, but I actually meant it this time. This movie goes beyond the villains, MI6, weapons, vehicles, Bond girls, etc. We venture into the mind of M, and find out what kind of person she is, a concept that hasn’t been seen before. Needless to say, Skyfall marks a turning point in the Bond franchise.

2. Argo - Aug. 31, 2012

First released at the Telluride Film Festival, Argo is loosely based on Tony Mendez, a CIA operative, leading the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. This movie brought back the atmosphere of older films. All it needed to rely on was the intense story. Ben Affleck did a fantastic job directing this movie overall.

1. The Dark Knight Rises - July 16, 2012

The final installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman film trilogy, this movie introduces the character of Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) a cat burglar searching for a way to escape her past. The Dark Knight Rises is another movie that marks the end of a franchise, and does it wonderfully. Along with its compelling storyline, the movie is suspenseful and exciting to watch. There could have been some work done in the humour department, but to me, that didn’t affect the film in the slightest. It was dark and thrilling, concepts that are needed in the Batman franchise. This is another franchise that came to an end rather prematurely, and ended just when it was getting good.

The year 2012 has been a marvelous year for the movie industry. Many of these films will stand the test of time, and are sure to set new standards.

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Email: butlerw92@gmail.com

Twitter: @wesbutler11

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