Boasting the second biggest opening weekend in Norwegian — in your face, Avengers — Jo Nesbo's Headhunters (or, if we are being proper, Hodejegerne) continued the current vogue for Scandi-crime but added a strain of jet-black comedy to nourish the noir. Few heroes this year have been put through the mill as much as headhunter-cum-art thief Roger Brown (a terrific Aksei Hennie) who is cuckolded, sees his best friend poisoned, is covered in manure and attacked by a huge dog (we are not even halfway through). Brown's descent into hell is presided over by great supporting characters — his trophy wife (Synnøve Macody Lund, Norway's answer to Mark Kermode) and a mysterious mercenary (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau) — and is filleted with delicious absurdist detail: the English name of the hero, the significance of a background fat cop character. Yet the principal joy of Headhunters is that it's an adult thriller that takes such delight in its turns and reveals that it is impossible not to get swept up in its runaway-train plotting and mischievous dark heart. Later in 2012, the Jo Nesbo machine rolled out the entertaining Jackpot, but it didn't plumb the depths and reach the heights of Morten Tyldum's film. The US remake is in the works (with Hitchcock's Sacha Gervasi). If it's half as fun, we'll be in for a treat. IAN FREER
Have your say Agree with the list? Which sports movie would you add to the list? Register or login now to have your say.
Advertisement
Your Comments
1
An American view on Avengers Assemble. Avengers Assemble?! Really? I'm an American, and I love Empire, but sorry AA was the most boring movie of the year--not joking! Almost fell asleep several times. Total lack of originality. To tell you the truth I'm sick of Super Hero flicks; what suspense is there in these kinds of movies when you know the hero will win in the end. More shocking though, is that Empire chose this pedestrian film as the best of 2012. WOW! I have a new disrespect for your magazine. Will still read it, but will take the reviews with a grain of salt. Read More
Posted on Friday January 11, 2013, 15:18 by readyrr
2
An American view on Avengers Assemble. Avengers Assemble?! Really? I'm an American, and I love Empire, but sorry AA was the most boring movie of the year--not joking! Almost fell asleep several times. Total lack of originality. To tell you the truth I'm sick of Super Hero flicks; what suspense is there in these kinds of movies when you know the hero will win in the end. More shocking though, is that Empire chose this pedestrian film as the best of 2012. WOW! I have a new disrespect for your magazine. Will still read it, but will take the reviews with a grain of salt. Read More
Posted on Friday January 11, 2013, 15:05 by readyrr
Posted on Tuesday January 8, 2013, 16:51 by lodalalla
6
My favourites 1) Ill Manors
2) In Darkness
3) The Grey
4) Lawless
5) Argo
6) Looper
7) Seven Psychopaths
8) End Of Watch
9) Sightseers
10)Life Of Pi Read More
Posted on Friday January 4, 2013, 02:11 by critique65
Posted on Friday January 4, 2013, 01:09 by abbarabanrola
10
RE: Avengers was a hugely entertaining movie, as was skyfall and there worthy of there positions! Should swap TDKR (the godfather 3 of the batman movies!) for the hobbit though! Read More
Posted on Thursday January 3, 2013, 17:07 by tfett
11
Shame! Its really frustrating me that no one is even mentioning Shame! It was amazing! Read More
Posted on Thursday January 3, 2013, 12:43 by guysalisbury
Posted on Wednesday January 2, 2013, 14:44 by istudiodre
16
What no Ted? I might be a bit too populist for this magazine, but I'm very surprised at the omission of Ted (or any other comedies) and pleased that the awful Cabin In The Woods is omitted.
I personally loved Avengers & despite seeing TDKR three times on the day it came out, I'm still not sure it's better than TDK. If they were as awful as these comments seem to suggest, then how were cinemas consistently sold-out for weeks on end?
I was recommended Chronicle by Karen Krizanovich on Twitter after I said I hated Cabin, and she was right - there seems to be a clear divide: those who liked Cabin hated Chronicle and vice versa.
Oh, and Looper was the biggest disappointment in years - I'd been really looking forward to it as well. I might give it a second go on DVD, but really it should have left me leaving the cinema going "wow" instead of "huh?". Prometheus did the same, but that's not getting a second chance.
And an honourable mention to Skyfall for making this diRead More
Posted on Monday December 31, 2012, 13:21 by eddieryan
Posted on Monday December 31, 2012, 13:19 by nsoberanismaria
20
Good grief, everyone calm down Can nobody communicate an opinion without going into a mouth foaming frenzy, I have seen far worse best of 2012 lists and much of what is here is fine. Yes The Master is a glaring omission but that is just how it is. Personally I would have put Berberian Sound Studio or The Imposter at number 1 and I happen to think TDKR is worthy of a Top 3 position too. Amazing how a film can remain so well rated on polls and yet be torn apart by blogs and the like. I also would have liked to have seen Room 237 appear but that was probably never going to realistically happen. Read More
Posted on Monday December 31, 2012, 04:30 by JJB888
21
No perks of being a wallflower, no hobbit... my my empire, you've left out a lot here! Read More
Posted on Sunday December 30, 2012, 17:50 by Swedle
22
p.s. I avoided the Avengers Assemble debate because I think Empire are joking with that one. They must be. Read More
Posted on Saturday December 29, 2012, 17:07 by timhewitt
23
Yes, well Empire Magazine has become so unbelievably fickle. A lot of the time they give something a great review (new Star Wars trilogy for example) then, thanks to general opinion, begin to agree and say the films suck. In five years they will probably, and rightly, say that Skyfall was alright, but not great. Because it wasn't. They gave Quantum Of Solace four stars (yes, FOUR), then realised, when everyone said it was crap, that it was... well, crap. They thought the Master amazing, but are saying that Skyfall was better. That Skyfall was better than The Raid. Than Life Of Pi. The Master, The Raid and Life Of Pi will, in years to come, be regarded in a far superior echelon of films than Skyfall. Trust me. Read More
Posted on Saturday December 29, 2012, 17:04 by timhewitt
24
Please check out my blog, on film and football. only started yesterday, but will be posting more and more stuff, reviews, oscar predictions etc. thanks!
www.filmball.blogspot.co.uk Read More
Posted on Saturday December 29, 2012, 11:35 by alex_vl22
25
Quite a few films on the list have passed me by.. a few more Hunger Games and Hobbitses would have done nicely. No problem with the Avengers at number 1 though - ok it's not the best film perhaps but it was outstandingly entertaining and I saw it 4 times - though that may have had something to do with being in love with Loki! Main complaint: Life of Pi should be much, much higher, I thought it was stunning and deeply moving. I also don't see how the novel is 'a slog' - I couldn't put it down and Ang Lee did it proud. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 27, 2012, 23:16 by JoJo62
26
Crikey... Firstly, Oldb0y - your top ten lists at least 3 films not yet on general release. Surely you can't criticise Empire for not including them?
Also, TheColumist - can I thank you on behalf of all the Empire readers for telling us the name of the director for each of your Top 20 films - we all had no idea.
Finally, Empire - yet again you fill your top 20 with 4 star films and omit a numberi of 5 star films. I know the reviews represent 1 person's opinion and not everyone involved in Empire but I do find it a bit frustrating and personally, though I subscribe to you and not Total Film, I do tend to trust their reviews more (though you always have the better features).
For me The Raid was the film of the year, Dark Knight Rises no.2 and I'll have to have a think about the rest...
I'm sure you'll all be waiting with baited breath. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 27, 2012, 22:20 by Robble
27
20 is not a long list, but… Where is 'Perks of Being a Wallflower'?
Read More
Posted on Thursday December 27, 2012, 17:09 by olirog
28
RE: You're a funny guy Empire, I like you. Thats why I'm going to kill you last.
my list 2012
1) Django Unchained
2) Flight
3) Rust and Bone
4) Cloud Atlas
5) Safety Not Guaranteed
6) DREDD
7) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
8) Ted
9) Life of Pi
10) End of Watch Read More
Posted on Wednesday December 26, 2012, 14:35 by Oldb0y
29
I actually think there has been a mistake in this list with regards to 'The Master' I think you guy actually forgot about adding it, pretty bad for a publishing company but hey ho there you go. With regards to 'The Avengers', a bit of a joke but as a previous person has said on here 2012 was a pretty naff year for films. Also no 'The Hobbit' and 'Prometheus'. We have been lucky the last couple of years with the likes of 'Inception' 'Tree of Life' etc i guess there was going to be an off year round the corner. Read More
Posted on Monday December 24, 2012, 15:27 by cat699
30
I actually think there has been a mistake in this list with regards to 'The Master' I think you guy actually forgot about adding it, pretty bad for a publishing company but hey ho there you go. With regards to 'The Avengers', a bit of a joke but as a previous person has said on here 2012 was a pretty naff year for films. Also no 'The Hobbit' and 'Prometheus'. We have been lucky the last couple of years with the likes of 'Inception' 'Tree of Life' etc i guess there was going to be an off year round the corner. Read More
Posted on Monday December 24, 2012, 15:14 by cat699
31
Surprised not to see The Master in here. Also, this list isn't bad aside form the number 1 spot. Avengers as the number 1 film of the year? It's great, but come on.
Anyway, here's my list (top 10):
1) Beasts Of The Southern Wild
2) Holy Motors
3) Argo
4) The Dark Knight Rises
5) Safety Not Guaranteed
6) Rust And Bone
7) Amour
8) End Of Watch
9) The Hobbit
10) Moonrise Kingdom
All great films, and overall a much better year than last year. I think The Master and Life Of Pi could end up on here once I've seen them. Read More
Posted on Monday December 24, 2012, 12:57 by Coyleone
32
Avengers? seriously? That's like giving Attack of the Clones 5 stars all over again.
Dredd was a far better film than the uneven Dark Knight Rises or the big budget TV film that was Avengers so if you were going to go for a comic book movie,that would have been my choice. Read More
Posted on Sunday December 23, 2012, 13:15 by danbo1138
33
Avengers? seriously? That's like giving Attack of the Clones 5 stars all over again.
Dredd was a far better film than the uneven Dark Knight Rises or the big budget TV film that was Avengers so if you were going to go for a comic book movie,that would have been my choice. Read More
Posted on Sunday December 23, 2012, 13:09 by danbo1138
34
Come on chaps... ... I don't agree with some (well most actually) of these choices, but this list isn't definitive, just the opinion of Empire employees. They aren't wrong, just... misguided. Read More
Posted on Sunday December 23, 2012, 11:31 by Morteus
35
Funny to see all those pretentious twits getting their knickers in a twist over having some popular movies at the top. Read More
Posted on Saturday December 22, 2012, 17:38 by Clingfilm
36
Decent list, not all to my taste mind you I would have gone
1) Seven Psychopaths
2) Killer Joe
3) Argo
4) Untouchable
5) Ted
6) Avengers
7) Skyfall
8) Moonrise Kingdom
9) The Master
10) Silver Linings Playbook Read More
Posted on Saturday December 22, 2012, 13:06 by Pat86
37
Hilarious Not the list. The comments. They range between 'Interesting list, here's mine" (and those are my favorites, yay for respectable etiquette on a respectable site), and then there's "But this is ridiculous, I don't even KNOW these, where's all the REALLY POPULAR movies I call bullshit!" and then there's "THIS IS NOT THE SAME LIST I MADE. YOU ARE WRONG. YOUR OPINION IS WRONG. YOUR INCLUSION OF *movie title* IS WRONG. YOUR WHOLE EXISTENCE IS WRONG." Y'all need to chill the fuck out. See how other people use the comments to state their differing viewpoints minus the balls out rage? Learn from them, petals. That or just shut up. It's incredibly annoying. (But hilarious.) Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 22:35 by willkillyoulast
38
Dark Knight Rises is the third best film of the year? YOU HAVE TO BE JOKING. And Avengers as film of the year? I LOVE that flick, but film of the year? Looper should have been higher, and Cabin in the Woods should have at least got a mention. Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 21:54 by clarkkent
39
OH DEAR... Empire? Were you paid by Marvel for this list? Avengers being at the top is a joke, an easy choice for you to make. Life of Pi should be much higher, and though I understand opinion articles like this will always divide opinion, Avengers should no way, ever, be at No. 1. Ever. Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 21:09 by TheMovieAddict101
40
Terrible This list is truly terrible. Avengers at number one is a joke, and the master and the hobbit's absence is astounding. This is why I may soon be converted to total film. Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 16:35 by ped420glasgow
41
THE MASTER??? Empire, how could you not include the Master? You gave it five stars.... what a startling omission!!! Admittedly divisive but an should be an automatic entry into the top ten given the sheer ferocity of Phoenix's central performance...
And the Avengers number one?!! What a populist decision, could you not be more bold and not cater the fanboys? It was a very admirable accomplishment to give the disparate superheroes equal screen time and it was great fun but number one film of the year? This is a shocking list!! Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 16:04 by Ace Rothstein
42
Why The Dark Knight Rises Stands Alone. The Dark Knight Rises has been used as a comparison-piece for everyone who was immaculately impressed by The Dark Knight.
This should be a theme that ends quite quickly for the sake of the objectivity of this great film, "The Dark Knight Rises."
Tom Hardy and Heath Ledger are both wonderful. Their work ethic is in the vein of the human spirit, triumphing with each effort in their respective canon of work.
Since Heath Ledger passed on, many people believe there is no possibility behind having a person portraying such a character with a brand new freedom with creativity.
This act of creativity is spread all over The Dark Knight Rises' cast and crew. The creative forces behind The Dark Knight came back to Gotham with a fury to prove why Heath Ledger's performance had sparked a spiritual fire within us all that was acknowledged entirely in the performances captured on film in the third installment of The Dark Knight Trilogy.
For a further investigation intRead More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 15:59 by AdamlyAWESOME
43
"Avengers" best film of 2012 ???
As we often say in France: "le ridicule ne tue pas" ("being ridiculous doen't kill you"). Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 15:50 by tylerseven
44
Ha, ha, ha, hi, he, ha Avengers better than Amour? Avengers best movie of the year? Who voted here? Children??
Fynny list, worthless but funny Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 15:08 by shady_88
45
Errrrrr No Silver Linings Playbook? No End of Watch? No Ted? Come on Empire; must do better! Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 12:33 by davidrobbo
46
Avengers Assemble and the Dark Knight Rises wouldn't be anywhere near my top twenty, both over rated rubbish in my opinion! My top five would be...
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2. Skyfall
3. Argo
4. Battleship
5. Man On A Ledge Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 11:34 by chrisgibbings
47
Avengers Assemble and the Dark Knight Rises wouldn't be anywhere near my top twenty, both over rated rubbish in my opinion! My top five would be...
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2. Skyfall
3. Argo
4. Battleship
5. Man On A Ledge Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 11:34 by chrisgibbings
48
I was convinced.......... ..............that Shame came out in 2011, but looking back I was totally wrong, as are Empire for not having it on this list. Shame was an incredible film! Also, I can not believe that Lawless ididnt make this list. Its violent, funny, clever, brilliantly acted. I still cant quite get my head aroung Avengers being top. It was so average. 2012 top 5 - TDKR, Shame, Lawless, Looper, Young Adult. Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 10:35 by guysalisbury
49
Dear god... Of ALL the films that came out in the past twelve months... You think Avengers was the film of the year????!!!! Sweet jesus. Is Empire being run and edited by a bunch of sugar fuelled 11 year olds thesedays? It was like watching power rangers crossed with transformers. A two hour plus toy commercial with a team that has secret one-direction member Chris evans as their leader. I Havent felt so embarrassed to be in a cinema since Batman and Robin. Downey jr should also learn that theres a fine line between being cocky/charismatic and being what his portrayal,as ever, leaned more toward,a smug oily bastard. Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 09:54 by sasebobs1138
50
1. Looper (director. Rian Johnson)
2. Skyfall (director. Sam Mendes)
3. Seven Psychopaths (director. Martin McDonagh)
4. Lawless (director. John Hillcoat)
5. The Dark Knight Rises (director. Chris Nolan)
6. Prometheus (director. Ridley Scott)
7. Ted (director. Seth MacFarlane)
8. The Raid (director. Gareth Evans)
9. End of Watch (director. David Goyer)
10. Moonrise Kingdom (director. Wes Anderson)
11. Avengers Assemble (director. Joss Whedon)
12. Killing Them Softly (director. Andrew Dominik)
13. Rust and Bone (director. Jacques Audiard)
14. The Master (director. Paul Thomas Anderson)
15. Shadow Dancer (director. James Marsh)
16. Dredd (director. Pete Travis)
17. Argo (director. Ben Affleck)
18. Haywire (director. Steven Soderbergh)
19. Sightseers (director. Ben Wheatley)
20. The Silver Linings Playbook (director. David O'Russel)
Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 09:49 by TheColumnist
51
1. Looper (director. Rian Johnson)
2. Skyfall (director. Sam Mendes)
3. Seven Psychopaths (director. Martin McDonagh)
4. Lawless (director. John Hillcoat)
5. The Dark Knight Rises (director. Chris Nolan)
6. Prometheus (director. Ridley Scott)
7. Ted (director. Seth MacFarlane)
8. The Raid (director. Gareth Evans)
9. End of Watch (director. David Goyer)
10. Moonrise Kingdom (director. Wes Anderson)
11. Avengers Assemble (director. Joss Whedon)
12. Killing Them Softly (director. Andrew Dominik)
13. Rust and Bone (director. Jacques Audiard)
14. The Master (director. Paul Thomas Anderson)
15. Shadow Dancer (director. James Marsh)
16. Dredd (director. Pete Travis)
17. Argo (director. Ben Affleck)
18. Haywire (director. Steven Soderbergh)
19. Sightseers (director. Ben Wheatley)
20. The Silver Linings Playbook (director. David O'Russel)
Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 09:45 by TheColumnist
52
1. Looper (director. Rian Johnson)
2. Skyfall (director. Sam Mendes)
3. Seven Psychopaths (director. Martin McDonagh)
4. Lawless (director. John Hillcoat)
5. The Dark Knight Rises (director. Chris Nolan)
6. Prometheus (director. Ridley Scott)
7. Ted (director. Seth MacFarlane)
8. The Raid (director. Gareth Evans)
9. End of Watch (director. David Goyer)
10. Moonrise Kingdom (director. Wes Anderson)
11. Avengers Assemble (director. Joss Whedon)
12. Killing Them Softly (director. Andrew Dominik)
13. Rust and Bone (director. Jacques Audiard)
14. The Master (director. Paul Thomas Anderson)
15. Shadow Dancer (director. James Marsh)
16. Dredd (director. Pete Travis)
17. Argo (director. Ben Affleck)
18. Haywire (director. Steven Soderbergh)
19. Sightseers (director. Ben Wheatley)
20. The Silver Linings Playbook (director. David O'Russel)
Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 09:44 by TheColumnist
53
Raided Two things - Avengers should not be No 1 on the list (4 or 5 maybe) and The Raid should be much, much higher! Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 07:15 by moviemandan77
54
RE: Empire's Best Films Of 2012 As usual there's the standard ream of complaints and everyone touting their favourites, but It's actually a decent list containing a lot of very good films.
Personally I hated Young Adult and would have to consider The Grey and Killer Joe before contemplating a film only held together by Theron's work in it. The Dark Knight Rises isn't even the best Nolan Batman film in my eyes so that would be way lower on my own twenty. Avengers Assemble I absolutely loved, watched it three times now and I'm very impressed by how the director has managed to blend so much and keep the film honest, it's pure blockbuster fun. I'd be finding place for The Woman In Black as well, expectation of a period boo jump shocker is delivered in spades there, while The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a beautiful film.
My number one would be Skyfall, which unsurprisingly for a Bond film is proving divisive :-) It isn't the best Bond film of all, but much was riding on it and to me Mendes and the team have Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 03:47 by JohnChard
55
Dredd Dredd 3D is missing. From the number 1 spot. Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 00:25 by Normal Control
56
dark knight rises and skyfall in top 5??? really!! have they actually seen the dark knight rises or skyfall or had the writer of this list just decided they where good before they saw them?
DKR is a mess and in need of some serious re writes, it comes acoross that nolan was just rushing through it so that he could get on with other projects. it would have been absolutely slated if it wasn't for the quality of the two previous films!!
as for skyfall, well the last hour was more obssesed with giving winks and nods to old films rather than making a quality new film film, ended up been a mess not much better that die another day. the best bond ever, it not even the best daniel craig bond, casino royale was miles ahead!
im happy avengers assemble was top though, best summer block buster ive seen in a few years, didnt try and go try and go dark just becuase it is in fashion, was simply a good rollcoaster ride of a film!! Read More
Posted on Friday December 21, 2012, 00:08 by mosley909
57
amazed the hobbit didnt make it!!!!! the way u suck up to jackson Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 22:10 by rulookn atme
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 22:08 by rulookn atme
59
So I don't see neither 'The Master' nor 'Cabin in the Woods' anywhere, but I do see 'Chronicle' and, even worse, 'The Avengers' atop. Where the hell is the world coming to?! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 21:35 by nc_jj
60
What a load of horses**t I mean, where the hell is Cabin in the Woods? An excellent movie. And we get Chronicle in the list? Bollocks. I quite liked the first of the Nolan Batman movies and the second wasn't bad but the Dark Knight Rises was a pile of poo. The choreography of the fighting within it was crap. Anne Hathaway has to be the most unconvining fighter ever to have appeared in screen. The way she moved looked like she could not fight. CRAP. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 21:32 by Jimmyduudah
61
2012 sucked Well this feature shows that 2012 was pretty bad year for movies if shit comic book adaptations and jigonistic anti-islam propaganda gets to be in top 3. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 21:18 by Pelle
62
the master? where is the master? where is it empire, you must have made a mistake! Luke Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 19:57 by luke.R
63
Cool list, I've not seen everything there but I loved rust & bone, the raid, headhunters and young adult. Cabin in the Woods is a bit of an omission though. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 18:59 by billypunk
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 18:46 by thornhill
65
Very Artsy List While all of the movies on the list are great, I find the list to be a bit "artsy". No comedies on the list? what about Cabin in the woods, Ted or 21 Jump Street. There's no animation either. What about Pirates, Brave, Paranorman or Frankenweenie..... and where the hell is Killer Joe? Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 18:07 by bnicholson50
66
Chronicle? Really? How did Chronicle get in there please? I thought it was okay but I think it could have been a better film if they had just shitcanned the "found footage" idea and just gone with they audience's perspective.
The absence of The Hobbit and Hunger Games also came a huge surprise, I thought both were quite excellent Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 17:30 by natman_begins
67
No surprises here... Decent list. I may disagree with some choices (major one being number one) but Empire's been bumming Avengers since before it was even out, so it's hardly a surprise. Seriously, all those who are complaining, do you even read the magazine? Make your own list if you feel that strongly about it. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 17:01 by filmfanaticfred
68
wheres silver linings playbook and end of watch? skyfall shouldnt be in it because that was one of the worst blockbusters of the year. and sure young adult and cronical were out last year. 21 jump street should also of been in it Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 16:01 by joe (mavrick) horton
69
Err... Come on Empire, everyone knows a Hobbit and Skyfall 1-2 is the only real choice for this list!
Clicking through to number 1, Avengers is a bemusing choice for top spot. How can you say it is film of the year when you only gave it 4 stars (which was one too high anyway)? Bloated and boring.
Some great films in there, but would have thought The Hunger Games would have made it in somewhere too. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:57 by faulknerdrummer
70
RE: Totally agree with seven28uk - The Grey was brilliant, totally sucked me in and I have never researched so much about wolves until after seeing that film! Cabin in the Woods, although different, not exactly a film of the year top 20. I have only seen half of the films on the list - Headhunters a good call. Avengers, hmmmmmmmmmm.... Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:52 by owenyunfat
71
The Hobbit is hands down the film of the year. The critical response (not Empire's but in general) is perhaps the most bemusing reaction to a film i have seen in many a year. A lot of good films on this list however, Skyfall, Dark Knight Rises and The Raid in particular. The Avengers, while a fun distraction for a few hours is not a film of the year by any stretch, unless you want a blockbuster film that feels like syfy tv movie of the week that is. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:40 by AmityLS
72
Haven't even HEARD of some of these... I would have thought The Hobbit, The Hunger Games, and Cloud Atlas would have made the list! They were pretty big films... or are we not counting Cloud Atlas because it's not out in the UK till 2013? Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:23 by MikeTheActorMan
73
Very random list If this was the greatest indie films of 2012, then fair enough but quite how almost the entire list are low budget but worthy films with only a smattering of “big films” is weird. I hated the Master but it's an indie film and Empire gave that 5 stars so why is that on the list? After all these very worthy character driven films we end up with the popcorn noise of the Avengers at number1!? It’s not even the best super hero film of the year.
Of course it’s all opinion but when the purported logic it’s based on breaks down it’s a completely random list. No kids films either- Pirates an Adventure with Scientists was perfect 5 star family fun film and at a push you could argue Brave or Rise of the Guardians should be on there too. Or do kids film not count? Not even the good ones? Oh and finally, surely the Hobbit could have been shoehorned onto the list…no?
Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:22 by twiddle
74
Very random list If this was the greatest indie films of 2012, then fair enough but quite how almost the entire list are low budget but worthy films with only a smattering of “big films” is weird. I hated the Master but it's an indie film and Empire gave that 5 stars so why is that on the list? After all these very worthy character driven films we end up with the popcorn noise of the Avengers at number1!? It’s not even the best super hero film of the year.
Of course it’s all opinion but when the purported logic it’s based on breaks down it’s a completely random list. No kids films either- Pirates an Adventure with Scientists was perfect 5 star family fun film and at a push you could argue Brave or Rise of the Guardians should be on there too. Or do kids film not count? Not even the good ones? Oh and finally, surely the Hobbit could have been shoehorned onto the list…no?
Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:21 by twiddle
75
Stick it back in..it fell out Good to see Holy Motors and Amour up their as they both hold spots in my top 5 but quite disappointed at the lack of Shame and The Master. I personally can't see past The Master as the best of the year, it knocked me for six at first viewing. I didn't know what to think but once it fully settled I just couldn't shake it. Shame had a similar response in me.
Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:11 by dandancantfly
76
What happened to these? These should be high on the list.
The Grey
&
The Cabin In The Woods Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:08 by seven28uk
77
Avengers was a terrifically fun film, I'm not sure whether it's the best film of 2012 - to be honest I can't decide which I think is the best, it was a very enjoyable and strong year.
I'm glad Moonrise Kingdom and The Raid are up there. I'm surprised by the omission of The Master though. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:05 by jameshrave
78
Number 1? I like/love a lot of films on this list, and there are other i'm desperate to see.
Although I was a bit disappointed walking out of The Avengers i would say it might have the most re-watch-ability(is that a word?), but i don't think it's number 1.
The Raid should be higher, as should Moonrise Kingdom & Looper. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 14:04 by seven28uk
79
The Avengers is incredibly over-rated. While the final act is excellent fun, the first two are ever so slightly dull. And people complain about The Dark Knight Rises' plot-holes (quite rightly, too) but The Avengers is also guilty of them.
I think that while 2012 has been a great year for movies, there haven't been too many perfect films. I would put Amour at number 1. It was very hard to sit through but the performances and Haneke's direction are both flawless. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:56 by FilmFan123
80
RE: You Fools! L: oxfordlover
Seriously why isnt The Hobbit on the list, it was amazing, anyone who who complains about it is just hating on a successful film, just like Titanic all over again!
What a load of idiotic nonsense! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:49 by Filmfan 2
81
Oh please not The Avengers. A risible movie of epic proportions.
What I find very odd is this line about The Raid:
"the best action movie of the year – hell, of the last 20 years, and a strong contender for best of all time."
I completely agree with Empire on this and I am delighted by the coverage you gave this movie and the continual love for it. But...
If The Raid is in fact one of the best action movies of all time, how is it lower than The Avengers which, although a comic book movie, is still fairly action based? To say that about The Raid and then put it at no. 8 below Skyfall and The Avengers is very odd.
I can only think that you don't have the balls to credit that movie as the best of the year as maybe Josh Whedon won't grant you "exclusive" access to the Avengers 2 set if you do.
Amour at no. 19 - means there are 18 better movies than that for the year - wow.
The Imposter - 16 - best documentary of the year - again odd.
LooperRead More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:48 by kojaksmoneybox
82
You Fools! Where the hell was The Hunger Games AND The Hobbit!!! Young Adult should not be on there at all! Life of Pi hasn't even come out yet!!! Seriously why isnt The Hobbit on the list, it was amazing, anyone who who complains about it is just hating on a successful film, just like Titanic all over again! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:32 by oxfordlover
83
Over-rated Avengers "The Avengers" was entertaining, but hardly leaves enough of a lasting impression to be the best film of 2012. Second viewing of the film made me realize the film loses a lot of the excitement you get from the first viewing, doesn't hold up well to multiple viewings. Not the best superhero film of 2012, let alone best film. As a cinema experience, I thought The Hobbit was more rewarding than Avengers. Avengers was fast food, Hobbit was a 3 course meal. Though saying that, neither would have made my top 10 for the year.
Argo certainly worthy of being in the top 3, super film, my favourite this year. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:30 by AnthonyR
84
Over-rated Avengers "The Avengers" was entertaining, but hardly leaves enough of a lasting impression to be the best film of 2012. Second viewing of the film made me realize the film loses a lot of the excitement you get from the first viewing, doesn't hold up well to multiple viewings. Not the best superhero film of 2012, let alone best film. As a cinema experience, I thought The Hobbit was more rewarding than Avengers. Avengers was fast food, Hobbit was a 3 course meal. Though saying that, neither would have made my top 10 for the year.
Argo certainly worthy of being in the top 3, super film, my favourite this year. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:25 by AnthonyR
85
Bizarre Avengers is certainly not the best film of 2012, Argo would be higher than Avengers,although Argo probably is second best film this year but Avengers certainly NOT number one. Also, where is Titanic? Glad Hobbit isn't there, Skyfall too high, Dark Knight Rises, way too high as well.
Totally bizarre list! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:17 by pablo94
86
Really? Avengers top? Looper not in the top 5? Hobbit not in at least the late teens? Seven Psychopaths also.... Weird list. Glad Hunger Games didn't make it though. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:04 by calumnorth
87
I'm just pleased that Prometheus didn't make the list.. That film sucked ass Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 13:03 by chris wootton
88
Fair enough... Decent list.
Avengers Assemble is worthy of the number one spot, although I do think The Dark Knight Rises should be a good bit lower.
Delighted to see Moonrise Kingdom, Headhunters and Rust and Bone in there.
The only glaring miss for me would be a contender for my number one - The Cabin in the Woods!!!!!!! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 12:54 by ianjohnston81
89
PS. So pleased the The Hobbit didnt make the list! Do one Middle Earth! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 12:44 by guysalisbury
90
Bad year All this list does is proves what a dissapointing year it has been for films. TDKR was Epic and the likes of Young Adult and Headhunters were also brilliant, but when Avengers Assemble can make the top of any list this really just compounds the woe. Chronicle was terrible and I'm really not sure the The Raid deserved alln the praise that it recieved. Anyway, its all just opinion so bring on 2013! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 12:40 by guysalisbury
91
No Matter What Anyone Says * Where is The Hunger Games?
* Looper should be MUCH higher on the list
* Avengers SHOULD have got 5 stars
* Dark Knight Rises should NOT - it was a mess, that has served only to tarnish the other films. When I first read that the story began with a retired and injured Bruce Wayne, I feared the worst. Batman retire?! After what? A few months in the cape after all those years of training and trying to find his purpose and method? Don't make me laugh. Whatever idiot came up with that should be hung.
* The usual bunch of foreign and indie films that most people won't bother with - call me an ignoramus, but as a hard-working professional, husband and father, I have to be pretty choosy about what I spent my limited free time watching.
* Why is The Hobbit not on the list? I hear its crap (and I LOVE the LOTR trilogy). It got 4 stars - shouldn't it be on there? Or is it really not worth the 4 stars that it got?! Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 12:06 by Hillsman
92
Should The Dark Knight Rises be higher or lower… its inclusion at all is as confusing to me as the unintelligible nonsense that spewed from Bane mouth. Read More
Posted on Thursday December 20, 2012, 11:45 by pete_traynor
