Best Animated Flicks of 2012

It's time for my first top list of the past year, so click on the picture above, or THIS LINK, and check out my article "Best Animated Flicks of 2012", featured on my monthly column in White Cat Magazine. See if you agree, leave a comment, and tell us what was your favorite 2012 animated film.

UPDATE: Nebular's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2011

AN IMPORTANT UPDATE: I've been wanting to do this since the very day I posted my top 20 of 2011, because truth to be told, I wasn't completely honest with myself (hence with all of you) when I was arranging the list, but didn't have the guts to admit it. Here's the thing - On Mar 9 (My Birthday) 2012, I posted this top 10, crowning Benny Chan's "Shaolin" as my favorite movie of the past year, but only an hour after that I realized that my heart was disagreeing with me. It was saying to me (and still does): Admit it, the 2011 movie you loved the most was "The Help", not "Shaolin"... And it was right. Completely right. I've seen "The Help" three times now, and each time I saw it, my love for it got bigger and bigger. I just love everything about this movie - it's touching, it's funny, it's engaging, it's sad, it's amusing, it's inspiring, it's witty... it's a true roller coaster of emotions. Also, each and every single one of the cast members were completely brilliant in their roles, especially Octavia Spencer as Minnie. She was and still is my favorite character in the movie and one of my favorite characters of all time, and I couldn't be happier she got the Oscar. She totally deserves it! Moreover, it was a technically marvellous film. Taylor's direction was effortless, smooth, silky and skillful, the production design was slick and wonderfully authentic, the retro-ish cinematography was stunning, and the costumes were just beautiful. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE "Shaolin" and it's right up there with "The Help", but the latter has that extra special something no other movie in 2011 had. I hope you all understand and can forgive me this stupid 'mistake' I made. I'm always 100% honest in my reviews, so I guess something was wrong with me back on that day. Click THIS LINK to see what the updated list looks like after Tate Taylor's amazing movie "The Help" took the top spot. If any of you want to leave a comment, do it on the original post by clicking the highlighted link.

Nebular's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2011 PART 2 [10 - 1]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2011

PART 2 [No. 10 - 1]

(Read about the UPDATE HERE)

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1. The Help (9.75/10)

Overall summary: Brilliantly-written, wonderfully-acted and beautifully-filmed, "The Help" is as touching and emotionally-powerful as it's uplifting and delightfully absorbing, and will win your heart and stay in your mind long after the credits roll, simply because it's one of the best movies of 2011, and one of the finest book adaptations ever made.

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2. Shaolin (9.50/10)

Overall summary: Thanks to its compelling story, brilliantly-portrayed characters, fantastic visuals and stupendous action scenes, Benny Chan's "Shaolin" ranks as one of the most accomplished, profoundly-engrossing and slickly-crafted martial arts movies ever made.

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3. Hugo (9.50/10)

Overall summary: With its magically moving story, delightful characters, dazzling cinematography and exquisite production design, Scorsese's personal love letter to cinema, "Hugo", is arguably, the most enchanting, absorbing, imaginative and visually-sumptuous film of 2011.

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4. X-Men: First Class (9.25/10)

Overall summary: Boasting a fantastic cast, strong script, dazzling production design, stellar set-pieces and director Matthew Vaughn's visual creativity, "X-Men: First Class" is an absolutely brilliant prequel, that proves to be a first class indeed.

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5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (9.25/10)

Overall summary: With its pitch-perfect narrative, sophisticated visuals, polished direction and outstanding performances, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is another cinematic jewel in Fincher's crown, and easily ranks as one of the best remakes of foreign films ever made.

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6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (9.00/10)

Overall summary: Featuring innovative direction, clever writing, brilliant performances and some of the most polished CGI effects ever put on film, and filled with electrifying moments, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is the most gripping and visually-striking movie of the summer.

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7. Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows - Part 2 [3D] (9.00/10)

Overall summary: Compelling, emotionally powerful, superbly-crafted, and visually mind-blowing, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" not only ranks as the best installment in the super-successful franchise along with Alfonso Cuaron's "Prisoner of Azkaban", but it's also a great and truly magical way to end the series. Farewell, Harry Potter!

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8. Mission: Impossible -
Ghost Protocol (8.75/10)

Overall summary: Featuring cleverly inventive direction, great cast, amusing dialogues, stunningly gorgeous locations and spectacular action sequences, "M:I - Ghost Protocol" is better, funnier, more exciting and entertaining than its three predecessors put together.

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9. Contagion (8.75/10)

Overall summary: Brilliantly-filmed, contagiously-compelling, subtly-terrifying, and elevated by its top-notch cast and intelligently-written script, "Contagion" is one of Soderbergh's most remarkable films, and also one of the most memorable virus-themed movies ever created.

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10. The Adventures of Tintin [3D] (8.75/10)

Overall summary: Adventurous, hugely enjoyable, utterly enthralling and stunningly-animated, this impressive first-ever animated film, directed by the mastermind Steven Spielberg, should have been called "The Amazing Adventures of Tintin", as it's absolutely extraordinary in every way, and undoubtedly, the best animated feature of 2011.

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And... I'm turning 30 today!:)

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Nebular's TOP 20 Favorite Movies of 2011 PART 1 [20 - 11]

CM's Best-Reviewed Movies of 2011

PART 1 [No. 20 - 11]
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11. Take Shelter (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Quietly ominous, at times disturbing, but constantly compelling, and shot with a subtle beauty and refined care, "Take Shelter" is a seamless mixture of affecting drama and unconventional horror, led by Michael Shannon's astounding performance.

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12. Wu Xia a.k.a. Dragon (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Amazingly-choreographed, masterfully-directed and visually stunning, Peter Chan's "Wu Xia" captivates with its compelling characters, gorgeous scenery and strong script, and showcases Donnie Yen in top form, both acting-wise and fighting-wise.

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13. Source Code (8.50/10)

Overall summary: Thanks to its unique premise, clever plot structure, flawless execution, and Gyllenhaal's top-notch performance, "Source Code" easily ranks as one of the most accomplished and skillfully-crafted sci-fi films of the 00'sand also one of the best films of the year.

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14. Hanna (8.25/10)

Overall summary: With its unique premise, stellar execution, impressive variety of settings, and Ronan's show-stealing performance, "Hanna" is not only a true breath of fresh air into the genre, but also one of the most clever and spectacularly entertaining action thrillers of the decade.

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15. Drive (8.25/10)

Overall summary: A seamless blend of full throttle action, shocking violence and unexpected romance, "Drive" is a moody, yet tasteful and stylish art-house action thriller, masterfully helmed by Refn, who combines a clever script with an outstanding direction and dramatic music score to deliver probably the biggest surprise of 2011.

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16. Rango (8.25/10)

Overall summary: Charmingly-bizarre, smartly-written and beautifully-crafted, Verbinski's "Rango" is undoubtedly one of the most visually-unique animated features ever created, and certainly the quirkiest one, and it will appeal to anyone with an open mind and great imagination.

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17. Sleep Tight (8.00/10)

Overall summary: With its refined direction, flawless execution, strong characterization, and Luis Tosar's sensationally disturbing performance, "Sleep Tight" is a subtly scary and darkly unsettling psychological horror thriller that certainly won't help you sleep tight at night. At all.

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18. The Descendants (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Boasting a smoothly elegant direction, touching script, picturesque scenery and bravura performances from Clooney and Woodley, "The Descendants" is wise, witty, amusing, heartfelt, affecting, funny, exhilarating and visually-ravishing all at the same time.

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19. A Separation (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Using no gimmicks whatsoever, "A Separation", is a complex, tensely engrossing and impeccably-acted film, that is as suspenseful as it's affecting, whose director never judges his flawed, very human characters, but dares to give us a glimpse at Iran's unfair legal system and the only ostensibly democratic life in this country.

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20. Arthur Christmas [3D] (8.00/10)

Overall summary: Witty, amusing, and splendidly-animated, "Arthur Christmas" is a modern take on Santa Claus and Christmas, that not only fascinates with its rich 3D visuals and colorful characters, but also delivers an emotional story and a powerful message for kids.

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Are you watching the new original HBO series Luck starring Dustin Hoffman? You can find more information about this amazing TV show HERE. Also check out this awesome Top 5 list of Classic Casino Movies.

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Honorable mentions:

Kung Fu Panda 2 (8.00/10)
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (8.00/10)
Rio (8.00/10)
The Tree of Life (7.75/10)
Jane Eyre (7.75/10)
The Skin I Live In (7.75/10)
Real Steel (7.75/10)
Mother's Day (7.75/10)
Super 8 (7.75/10)
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Best to Worst Found Footage / Mockumentary Horror Movies Part 4: The Best

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL!

[REC] (2007)

Experience the true fear with the Spanish 'found footage' horror phenomenon "[REC]" - the most inventive, unpredictable, shocking, tense, scary and utterly claustrophobic movie in cinematic history. Prepare to be blown away by its terrifying brilliance and bone-chilling climax!

My Rating: 10/10

Trolljegeren a.k.a.
The Troll Hunter (2010)

Thanks to its chillingly-original concept, pitch-perfect execution and mind-blowing visuals, "The Troll Hunter" is an absolute mocku-masterpiece and one of the most unique horror movies ever.

My Rating: 9.25/10





The Blair Witch Project (1999)

It won't be a lie if we call "The Blair Witch Project" the mother of all 'found footage' horror movies, because back in 1999 it showed us all that a movie can be SUPER-scary and effective, without featuring any gore, blood or creepy images.

My Rating: 9.25/10

[REC]² (2009)

Unexpected, brain-twisting, creative, scary and fantastically-gory, "[REC]²" is an absolutely brilliant sequel to an amazing original.

My Rating: 9.00/10

Cloverfield (2008)

Wonderfully-crafted, highly-entertaining and edge-of-your-seat thrilling, "Cloverfield" is a one of a kind 'found footage' horror that delivers everything it promises.

My Rating: 9.00/10

Paranormal Activity (2008)

The triumph of "Paranormal Activity" is in the fact that it's made for so little, but has the ability to terrify so many. It works on so many levels, and is scary enough to make even the most hardened horror buffs wince in fear!

My Rating: 8.25/10

Best to Worst Found Footage / Mockumentary Horror Movies Part 3: The Good

The Tunnel (2011)

Atmospheric, incredibly tense and utterly claustrophobic, "The Tunnel" may not be the scariest 'found footage' horror movie you'll ever see, or as innovative as its online campaign, but it's certainly one of the most finely-crafted and realistic mock-docs ever made.

My Rating: 7.50/10

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

Effective, believable and at times brilliantly terrifying, "Paranormal Activity 2" is a rare sequel that not only complements the original, but also works on its own. It successfully feeds your fear, leaving almost everything to the imagination.

My Rating: 7.00/10

Quarantine (2008)

Although it's nowhere nearly as frightening and superbly-crafted as the original film, "Quarantine" is an above average shot-by-shot remake that delivers thrills, chills, scares and then some.

My Rating: 7.00/10

Evil Things (2011)

"Evil Things" is a completely underrated POV slasher flick with a supernatural twist, that shows a whole new different side of the 'found footage' horror sub-genre, and works perfectly thanks to its authentic originality, skillful camera work and brilliantly believable characters, plus, it's super-tense and actually scary.

My Rating: 7.00/10

The Last Exorcism (2010)

"The Last Exorcism" is great character-driven horror/drama, that also succeeds as a mockumentary, because of its strong characters and storytelling, and its intense atmosphere.

My Rating: 7.00/10

Diary of the Dead (2007)

Shot in the effective POV style, "Diary of the Dead" the most satisfying movie George A. Romero has made in a long time, and also a solid, tense and scary zombie flick.

My Rating: 6.75/10

Best to Worst Found Footage / Mockumentary Horror Movies Part 2: The Passable

Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

As expected, "PA3" is 'more of the same' in terms of style and shocks, and is the least scary of the three, however, it goes in a slightly different direction than its predecessors, and as a result it feels a bit refreshing, and is still creepy, and effective enough to leave most fans satisfied.

My Rating: 6.50/10

Lake Mungo (2008)

"Lake Mungo" is an honest mystery, full of secrets and lies, wrapped around a paranormal thriller, that is as gripping as it's chilling.

My Rating: 6.50/10

Grave Encounters (2011)

Although it gets a bit ridiculous and unnecessarily over-the-top towards the end, "Grave Encounters" is still a well-made, often chilling, and utterly claustrophobic mockumentary, that fans of the genre will enjoy.

My Rating: 6.25/10

8213: Gacy House (2010)

Although, the conclusion is a bit disappointing, "8213 : Gacy House" is a spooky moc-doc, which premise feels fresh and unique, and which offers plenty of good old-fashioned jump scares and some truly creepy images.

My Rating: 6.25/10

Paranormal Activity 2: Tokyo Night (2010)

Though not as terrifying and effective as its two American predecessors, "PA2: Tokyo Night" features some incredibly sympathetic characters, plenty of spooky visuals, and a couple of truly chilling scenes of terror.

My Rating: 6.00/10

Atrocious (2011)

"Atrocious" delivers some believable performances, a couple of truly tense and chilling moments, and a shocking twist at the end, that not only works, but also manages to make up for the screenplay's shortcomings.

My Rating: 6.00/10

Best to Worst Found Footage / Mockumentary Horror Movies Part 1: The Mediocre + BONUS

Haunted Changi (2010)

More creepy than scary, "Haunted Changi" offers some dark, ominous settings, and a couple of tense moments, but it does pretty much nothing else to distinguish itself from every other POV horror film.

My Rating: 5.25/10

The Fourth Kind (2009)

"Fourth Kind" has its eerie moments and decent thrills, but it never really rises beyond that.

My Rating: 5.00/10

Deserted House (2010)

Dull, hardly scary and amateurishly executed, "Deserted House" is a ghost story at its worst, and a poor entry in the 'found footage' sub-genre.

My Rating: 4.00/10

The Tapes (2011)

Featuring annoying characters, shallow dialogues and dull story, and lacking in suspense and genuine thrills, "The Tape" is a rather poor attempt at 'found footage' horror. (Review coming soon)

My Rating: 3.75/10

+ BONUS:

UPCOMING 'FOUND FOOTAGE' HORROR MOVIES

Tape 407 (2011)

Plot summary: Survivors of an airplane crash find themselves within the borders of a government testing area and pursued by predators.

Release date: Oct 31, 2011

[REC]³ Génesis (2012)

Plot summary: In a clever twist that draws together the plots of the first two movies, this third part of the saga works as a decoder to uncover information hidden in the first two films and leaves the door open for the final installment, the future "[REC] 4 Apocalypse".

Release date: Mar 30, 2012

The Lost Coast Tapes (2012)

Plot summary: A cynical investigative journalist and his documentary team travel to a remote cabin to debunk a Cryptozoologist’s claim of finding a dead Bigfoot, but their film quickly becomes a record of their life and battle against an unseen horror.

Release date: 2012

Haunted Poland (2012)

Plot summary: A couple travel to Poland but find themselves disturbed by an evil force when the girl returns to her home town where she once played a Ouija board.

Release date: Apr 20, 2012