Best Movies of 2012-Matt’sTop 5

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I admit to being a bit of a snob when it comes to movies. Most of the big blockbuster shoot-em-up, romantic fantasy, animated family, science fiction releases leave me cold. However when looking over my favorites for the year 2012 I noticed that there was a rare–for me–mix of commercial hits mixed in with the small, indie films I tend to enjoy. My “Top 5″ in no particular order for 2012.

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ARGO-Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This true story of the rescue of 5 Americans caught in the Iranian takeover of the U.S. Embassy was as thrilling as any fictional story could be and Ben Affleck the director and star will receive his due come Academy Award time.

LINCOLN-An amazing transformation turned actor Daniel Day-Lewis into Abraham Lincoln. The movie was part history lesson, part drama with–believe it or not–some very humorous elements. Another Academy Award quality standout.

MOONRISE KINGDOM-After the first ten minutes I turned to my wife and said, “Not my cup of tea”. She insisted we stay and within the next 10 minutes I was taken in by one of the most charming, somewhat quirky coming of age films I have ever seen. And what a cast! Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Ed Norton and Frances McDormand.

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD-A movie about determination, courage, love and strength, the qualities that made the title  character played by 6-year old Quvenzhane Wallis irresistible. A mix of realism and fantasy that will melt your heart.

STARLET-A little known yet critically acclaimed movie starring Mariel Hemmingway’s daughter Bree that highlighted the relationship between a young, footloose woman and an elderly lady who had locked out the world. Warm and a great ending.

That’s it. My top 5. There were many others I enjoyed almost as much but these seemed to stay in my memory.

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