Best Movies of 2012

I know it's a bit late posting this list, but all blame goes to the studios for releasing most of the best at the very end of the year, making it difficult for aficionados like myself to get my 'eyes' on them on time (seven were released between November & December). And these list comprises of nine movies because of a particular film I am yet to watch - Moonrise Kingdom. Upon watching it I am confident it would have a huge effect on the list.

BUT before diving into the list, here are the fallout five (five movies that were so close to making it on the list, it just goes to show how difficult it was to compile this list.)

5. Killing Them Softly

Bond Villains - Part 3

GoldenEye (1995)

Alec Trevelyan: We're both orphans, James. But while your parents had the luxury of dying in a climbing accident, mine survived the British betrayal and Stalin's execution squads. My father couldn't let himself or my mother live with the shame. MI6 figured I was too young to remember. And in one of life's little ironies, the son went to work for the government whose betrayal caused the father to kill himself and his wife.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Dr. Kaufman: This is very embarrassing. It seems there is a red box they need in your car, only they can't get it open. They want me to get you to tell how to open it. I feel like an idiot, I don't know what to say.

Skyfall - The Re(al) - view

M: Quoting Tennyson's poem Ulysses: Though much is taken, much abides; and though
M: We are not now that strength which in old days
M: Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are...
M: One equal temper of heroic hearts,
M: Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
M: To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond has been the most practical of the series; though views/opinions have differed on his take of the iconic character; his has been my favourite. Skyfall follows Quantum of Solace and  Casino Royale, in depicting a character that has yet to master the art of espionage, thus there are some telling flaws like depression and the obvious loss of his shooting prowess; yet there's no question to where Bond's loyalty lies (although it would seem like its M rather than Queen & Country).

Casino Royale (Random Images)

Vesper Lynd: You love me?
James Bond: Enough to travel the world with you until one of us has to take an honest job... which I think is going to have to be you, because I have no idea what an honest job is.

Le Chiffre: You changed your shirt, Mr Bond. I hope our little game isn't causing you to perspire.
James Bond: A little. But I won't consider myself to be in trouble until I start weeping blood.

Die Another Day (Random Image)

James Bond: I'm looking for a North Korean.
Raul: Tourist?
James Bond: Terrorist.
Raul: One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.

Opened: November 20, 2002 Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min. Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Rated: PG-13

GoldenEye (Random Images)

Bill Tanner: Seems your hunch was right, 007. It's too bad the Evil Queen of Numbers wouldn't let you play it...
[M walks in]
M: You were saying?
Bill Tanner: No, no, I was just... just um...
M: Good. Because if I want sarcasm, Mr Tanner, I'll talk to my children, thank you very much.

Alec Trevelyan: So, what's the choice, James? Two targets - time enough for one shot: the girl or the mission?

James Bond: Who is the competition?
Jack Wade: Ah, an ex-KGB guy. Tough mother. Got a limp in his right leg. Name's Zukovsky.
James Bond: Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky?
Jack Wade: Yeah, you know him?
James Bond: I gave him the limp.

Best Bond Villains - Part 2

Live and Let Die (1973)

These guys have style

Mr. Big: [to his men] Is THIS the stupid mother who tailed you uptown? James Bond: There seems to be some mistake. My name is...
Mr. Big: Names is for tombstones, baby! Y'all take this honkey out and WASTE HIM! NOW!

Baron Samedi

Quarrel: My regards to Baron Samedi, man, right between the eyes.

The Spy Who Loved Me (Random Image)

[after meeting in a bar and guessing each other's secret identities]
James Bond: The lady will have a... Bacardi on the rocks.
Major Anya Amasova: For the gentleman, vodka martini - shaken, not stirred.
James Bond: Touché.

Opened: July 7, 1977 Runtime: 2 hr. 05 min. Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance Rated: PG

Best Bond Villains - Part 1

These are guys that share one single similarity - WORLD DOMINATION!!!

Dr. No (1962)

Dr. No: The Americans are fools. I offered my services, they refused. So did the East. Now they can both pay for their mistake.

Dr. No

From Russia with Love (1963)

 Rosa Klebb: Training is useful, but there is no substitute for experience.

[pointing a gun at Bond]
Donald "Red" Grant: The first one won't kill you; not the second, not even the third... not till you crawl over here and you KISS MY FOOT!

Goldfinger (Random Images)

Auric Goldfinger: Man has climbed Mount Everest, gone to the bottom of the ocean. He's fired rockets at the Moon, split the atom, achieved miracles in every field of human endeavor... except crime!

Opened: September 17, 1964 Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min. Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Rated: PG

Dr. No (Random Images)

Exactly today 50 years ago, began the James Bond movie series with ... 

Dr. No

[James Bond's first scene, winning a game of chemin-de-fer]
James Bond: I admire your courage, Miss...?
Sylvia Trench: Trench. Sylvia Trench. I admire your luck, Mr...?
James Bond: Bond. James Bond.

Dr. No: The Americans are fools. I offered my services, they refused. So did the East. Now they can both pay for their mistake.
James Bond: World domination. The same old dream. Our asylums are full of people who think they're Naploeon. Or God.

Bond, James Bond - A 50th Anniversary Tribute

Every other day a random image or review shall be posted in recognition of the most successful movie series of all time. That's right, October is all about the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movie series, and this special tribute will expire on the 23rd (October, 2012) when Skyfall comes out. 

Thank You & enjoy!

Skyfall (23)

James Bond: Everyone needs a hobby...
Raoul Silva: So what's yours?
James Bond: Resurrection.

Opens: October 23, 2012 Runtime: 2 hr. 25 min. Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Rated: PG-13