2012 Viewing Update

I've been watching several 2012 films lately, trying to catch up before the end of the year. Here's my very brief thoughts on 12 of them (with ratings).

Damsels in Distress (dir. Whit Stillman)

**1/2

Funny moments and good performances, but the quirkiness can be quite grating at times.

Your Sister's Sister (dir. Lynn Shelton)

***

Duplass, Blunt, and DeWitt are superb, even if the film drags in the third act.

The Invisible War (dir. Kirby Dick)

***

A shocking, infuriating documentary on rape in the U.S. military.

Declaration of War (dir. Valerie Donzelli)

***1/2

Writer/actors Donzelli and Jérémie Elkaïm present a touching drama of a couple trying to save their ill child.

Take This Waltz (dir. Sarah Polley)

***

Good script, with even better performances from Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen.

Sound of My Voice (dir. Zal Batmanglij)

***1/2

In a startling look at a future cult, Brit Marling gives a knockout performance.

Ruby Sparks (dir. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris)

***1/2

Takes a page from Stranger Than Fiction, but has its own charm, with Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan in fine form.

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (dir. Nuri Bilge Ceylan)

***1/2

Though it's overlong, there are wonderful moments between the characters, and the cinematography is beautiful.

360 (dir. Fernando Meirelles)

**

Love some of the performances, even though the characters and the narrative are bland.

Safety Not Guaranteed (dir. Colin Trevorrow)

***

For some reason, this indie time travel film works quite well, and it features great work from its cast.

Return (dir. Liza Johnson)

***

Linda Cardellini delivers a fantastic portrayal of a veteran returning home, with Michael Shannon and John Slattery giving strong supporting performances.

Butter (dir. Jim Field Smith)

**1/2

It's a bit uneven, but it's still hilarious, quirky fun backed by a solid cast.