Assuming your taste is mainstream, these are odds on to be the 20 best movies of 2012. In short, this year is the largest ever for comic book movies and the number of exciting titles easily blows last year out of the water. Let us know what you think are the top movies of 2012 in the comments.

The Dark Knight Rises
Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Director: Christopher Nolan
Release Date: 20 July 2012

It was a brave move naming a Batman film ‘The Dark Knight’, since it didn’t have the word ‘Batman’ in it. There’s nothing bold about the title here. That aside, this is easily the year′s mainstream highlight, the film that is going to dominate coverage. The plot involves the whole of Gotham descending into anarchy and mob rule, while Batman is put out of action. Tom Hardy looks imposing as Bane but his vocals seem a little incomprehensible, Anne Hathaway plays an angry-looking Catwoman who steals from the rich, Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a beat cop and Marion Cotillard plays a Wayne Enterprises board member. Director Christopher Nolan has made it clear this is the final chapter for his Batman, so expect fireworks and major character death, probably. Can’t wait to see it.

The Avengers
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo
Director: Joss Whedon
Release Date: 4 May 2012

Running The Dark Knight a close second for hype will be The Avengers. The line-up includes Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). Mark Ruffalo is replacing Ed Norton as The Hulk. But who are they going to fight? It’s a challenge to find a credible threat that requires their combined effort – they’re turning to outer space for that, with a big dose of Loki megalomania thrown in. Director Joss Whedon has a daunting task on his hands, but as a former Marvel writer and a pro at ensemble films, he has every chance.

The Amazing Spider-Man
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Irrfan Khan
Director: Marc Webb
Release Date: 4 July 2012

Spider-Man gets a slightly uncalled for reboot that takes him back to high school. 27-year-old Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) is the new Peter Parker and Mary Jane is nowhere to be seen, replaced by Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone). This time Spider-Man has to face down against the Lizard (Ifans). Martin Sheen is Uncle Ben, who has to be shot dead again. The director of 500 Days Of Summer takes over from trilogy director Sam Raimi. They’re also going for a lower budget, so expect more character work, less morphing sand.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Starring: Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage
Director: Peter Jackson
Release Date: 14 December 2012

Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) begins his journey to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure taken from them by the dragon Smaug. The first movie in what has now become ‘The Hobbit’ Trilogy. ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ follows exactly one year later, and the final chapter, ‘There and Back Again’ comes six months after that. Sir Ian ‘Gandalf’ McKellen returns, as does Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, and Hugo Weaving. Also in the mix are smaller roles for Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, and Christopher Lee. Some have had their fill of ‘Lord Of The Rings’, but after a 9 year break most will be pretty excited to see this particular story finally done right.

The Bourne Legacy
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen
Director: Tony Gilroy
Release Date: 3 August 2012

Matt Damon’s not in it. The character of Jason Bourne is not in it. Damon and previous director Greengrass were determined to end the series with the third movie, but the studio wants to continue the franchise, as it has made them too much money. This is not a sequel or a reboot, but a standalone story about another agent (Renner) trained by the murderous shadow government operation Treadstone, who went through experiences similar to Bourne’s or the character played by Clive Owen in the original movie. Rachel Weisz plays the love interest. Edward Norton is the antagonist. Matt Damon is not ruling out returning to the series at a later point, so this could act as something of a set-up for that. New director Gilroy adapted the original trilogy and directed Michael Clayton, so it’s actually in pretty decent hands.

Skyfall
Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney
Director: Sam Mendes
Release Date: 9 November 2012

MGM’s bankruptcy troubles are behind them so Bond is finally back in production. The plot sees him question his loyalty to M when her past actions bring serious consequences to the present. After MI6 itself is attacked, Bond must seek out and eliminate the threat. Bardem plays the main villian. Fiennes’ role is undisclosed. Young Ben Whishaw is the new Q. China will be one of the locations. Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Jarhead) directs from a script by Wade and Purvis, who’ve been the main writers on every Bond since TWINE. Quantum was a stumble from Casino Royale, taking the freshness and packing it back into the Bond formula. Hopefully they have learnt from their mistakes. 2012 will be the 50th anniversary of Dr. No and the franchise.

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