Leave it to David O. Russell to create a romantic comedy as quirky, dark, funny and surprisingly touching as “Silver Linings Playbook,” because the movie is almost as crazy as its two leads. One minute a fiercely honest character study about a man coping with bipolar disorder, and the next minute a charming rom-com revolving around an amateur dancing competition, the film performs such an amazing tightrope act that it’s really to Russell’s credit that it doesn’t come crashing down like a house of cards. The movie wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable if it weren’t for the risks it takes thematically, but none of that would matter without its incredible cast. Bradley Cooper finally gets the chance to show what he’s fully capable of in the best role of his career, and Robert De Niro has some great moments as Cooper’s superstitious father, but it’s Jennifer Lawrence (already so good at such a young age) who steals the show with a phenomenal performance fully deserving of her recent Oscar win.

Blu-ray Highlight: The making-of featurette, “The Film That Became a Movement,” does a great job of balancing the usual behind the scenes footage with cast and crew interviews promoting mental health awareness, while the Q&A highlights are worth watching for those who want to know more about the film’s production. And though most of the deleted scenes can be easily skipped, the alternate ending is a must-see for any fan of the movie.

You wouldn’t think that it’d be very hard for someone like David Chase – who helped reinvent the TV drama with “The Sopranos” – to get his feature film debut off the ground, but then again, “Not Fade Away” feels so hastily thrown together that it’s not surprising it took five years to do so. A good idea in need of a better script, Chase’s 1960s’set story about a kid trying to follow in the footsteps of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to make it big as a rock n’ roll star doesn’t feature a single likable character. That makes enjoying its anticlimactic story even more difficult, because it’s hard to care what happens to anyone in the film when they’re as naïve, selfish and just plain boring as the characters here. James Gandolfini’s overbearing father is probably the most interesting (and levelheaded) of the bunch, and yet he’s portrayed almost like a villain. The music is good and the tale of failed stardom is more believable than most rock band movies, but that’s also what makes “Not Fade Away” so forgettable.

Blu-ray Highlight: Divided into three sections, “The Basement Tapes” offers a look at various aspects of the filmmaking process, including training the actors to play their respective instruments (with the help of Steven Van Zandt, no less), the 1960s setting and costumes, and the similarities between the story and David Chase’s teen years.

With the exception of her supporting roles in the two “Meet the Parents” sequels, it’s been 16 years since Barbara Streisand actually starred in a film, so it’s a little surprising that she chose “The Guilt Trip” as her highly anticipated return from semi-retirement. It’s not a bad movie by any means, but it’s one that left me feeling totally indifferent, and you’d expect more from someone as respected as the veteran actress. There’s just nothing particularly funny about anything that happens to Streisand and Seth Rogen’s characters over the course the film, and that’s mostly due to the fact that the material is really tame. Dan Fogelman’s script is incredibly formulaic, and apart from its somewhat twist ending, there are so few surprises that it would’ve been entirely forgettable without its two stars. You wouldn’t think that Streisand and Rogen would have such great chemistry, but they make the movie a lot more tolerable. Unfortunately, while “The Guilt Trip” may have sounded funnier on paper, it’s a fairly harmless mother-son comedy that fails to leave much of an impression.

Blu-ray Highlight: There aren’t any standout extras on the disc, but there’s a nice collection of behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes that should please fans of Barbara. If you can’t stand the sound of Seth Rogen’s annoying laugh, though, you might want to steer clear of the gag reel.

2012 wasn’t exactly an unforgettable year at the movies – I know that, you know that – but it can hardly be described as a disappointment, because while there weren’t many films that will be remembered 20 years from now, there was still plenty of quality to be found if you looked hard enough. As is usually the case with these year-end features, my Top 10 deviates a little from the typical crop of movies that you’d expect to find on most critics’ lists (some that I didn’t love as much as others, and some that I never had the chance to see), but it’s nothing that will surprise anyone who’s read my past work.

1. “THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER“

It’s not every day that the author of a critically acclaimed novel gets the chance to adapt their book for the big screen, let alone direct it, but after watching Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing a better job. After all, Chbosky knows the material inside and out, and it definitely shows in this modest but heartwarming tale about finding your place in the world. It’s your typical coming-of-age story, but one that’s handled with a certain level of maturity rarely found in high school films, and though the comparisons to “The Breakfast Club” may not be completely warranted, it’s one of the few movies about high school that actually gets it right. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller all deliver excellent performances in their respective roles (especially Miller as the openly gay senior that takes Lerman’s freshman under his wing), and Chbosky’s deft script earns every emotional moment. It’s just a shame that “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” will probably get lost in the shuffle come awards time, because it has everything you could possibly want in a film.

2. “SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK“

Leave it to David O. Russell to create a romantic comedy as quirky, dark, funny and surprisingly touching as “Silver Linings Playbook,” because the movie is almost as crazy as its two leads. One minute a fiercely honest character study about a man coping with bipolar disorder, and the next minute a charming rom-com revolving around an amateur dancing competition, the film performs such an amazing tightrope act that it’s really to Russell’s credit that it doesn’t come crashing down like a house of cards. Of course, the movie wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable if it weren’t for the risks that it takes thematically, but none of that would matter without its outstanding cast. Bradley Cooper finally gets the chance to show what he’s fully capable of in the best role of his career, and Robert De Niro has some great moments as Cooper’s superstitious father, but it’s Jennifer Lawrence (already so good at such a young age) who steals the show with a phenomenal performance that all but guarantees she’ll win the Oscar for Best Actress.

3. “ARGO“

Ben Affleck may have proved that he was more than just a one-hit wonder with “The Town,” but for his next project, the Boston-born multihyphenate moved away from the comforts of his hometown to a much larger stage, delivering arguably his best film in the process. A politically charged thriller that felt eerily timely in the wake of the U.S. embassy attacks in Libya, “Argo” is unique in that it also juggles a lighter Hollywood insider subplot in addition to its main story. By all accounts, it shouldn’t work, but Affleck makes the blending of the contrasting tones appear almost effortless. The comedy provided by Alan Arkin’s veteran producer and John Goodman’s makeup artist never undercuts the seriousness of the action in Tehran, and yet the strategically placed laughs help break up the tension that mounts over the course of the film. It’s been a while since a movie literally had me on the edge of my seat, but “Argo” is extremely taut and suspenseful, topped off by a fantastic nail-biter ending and one of the year’s best ensembles. The fact that it’s also based on a true story is simply the icing on the cake.

4. “ZERO DARK THIRTY“

Regardless of how you feel about torture techniques or the controversial release of classified information to writer Mark Boal about the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, it’s hard not to be totally engrossed by “Zero Dark Thirty,” especially since it represents a major moment in U.S. history. Jessica Chastain is brilliant as the CIA agent whose obsession with tracking down bin Laden helped lead to his eventual death, while Jason Clarke also delivers a standout performance as a fellow agent working the case. Though this ridiculously in-depth account of the CIA’s search for the al-Qaeda leader could have been an extremely dull affair in someone else’s hands, director Kathryn Bigelow injects the film with the same level of intensity and suspense that made “The Hurt Locker” so riveting. It certainly makes for some fascinating viewing material, and the final 20 minutes – comprised of the climactic attack on bin Laden’s Pakistan compound – are some of the most exciting of any movie released this year.

5. “SLEEPWALK WITH ME“

Most stand-up comics probably only dream about being involved in a movie as funny and refreshingly honest as Mike Birbiglia’s “Sleepwalk with Me,” let alone one that marks their directorial debut. Based on his one-man show of the same name (which was in turn inspired by actual events from his life), the film is a witty, sharply written human comedy about professional rejection and the fear of commitment. Much like the stand-up act performed by Birbiglia’s aspiring comedian in the movie, “Sleepwalk with Me” is entertaining because it’s so incredibly personal, and Birbiglia makes the story feel even more intimate by narrating the film in segments where he speaks directly to the audience a la “Annie Hall.” Reminiscent of the Woody Allen classic in style and tone (both movies even feature Carol Kane in supporting roles), “Sleepwalk with Me” is a really impressive debut by Mike Birbiglia, and one that promises better things to come.

6. “SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED“

“Safety Not Guaranteed” is a shining example of everything that’s great about indie film – from its original script to its winsome characters – but the one thing that it does better than anything else is create a cinematic experience that’s rich in comedy and emotion. A lot of movies have tried to juggle the two in the past, but Colin Trevorrow’s directorial debut is one of the rare few that actually pulls it off. Though it can technically be labeled as a time travel film, “Safety Not Guaranteed” is more about its characters’ relationships than the veracity of the sci-fi premise, and that’s thanks to Derek Connolly’s excellent script and the fantastic cast. All four actors click really well as a group, but they also deliver some great individual performances – especially Aubrey Plaza, who proves she can do more than spout acerbic one-liners and mug for the camera like on “Parks and Rec” – resulting in one of the funniest, sincerest and most charming movies of the year.

7. “THE AVENGERS“

Not many people would have been willing to wager before the start of the summer movie season that “The Avengers” would emerge as the best superhero film of the year (especially with “The Dark Knight Rises” still to come), but Marvel’s big gamble proved everyone wrong, making beaucoup bucks at the box office on its way to becoming the third highest grossing movie of all-time. Money doesn’t always equal quality (and in the case of most summer blockbusters, it usually never does), but with “The Avengers,” director Joss Whedon delivered a film bursting at the seams with excellence – from its amazing cast (particularly Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo in standout roles), to its smart script, to the impressive balancing of the movie’s many tones. Marvel has done a really good job over the last few years of creating a rich cinematic tapestry that’s almost interactive in the way that it feeds off the excitement of its fans, and “The Avengers” is the culmination of all that careful planning – a superhero film with style and substance.

8. “THE IMPOSSIBLE“

Based on the true story of the Alvarez-Belon family – who were separated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while vacationing in Thailand, only to overcome incredible odds and be miraculously reunited – the aptly titled “The Impossible” is a stunning second feature by Juan Antonio Bayona that blends physical filmmaking with raw emotion. The tsunami sequence is a remarkable technical achievement that perfectly captures the danger and desperation of being caught in the storm, and the scenes that follow are every bit as harrowing and intense as any horror film. That’s because “The Impossible” is essentially a real-life horror movie, although one that features some exceptionally soul-baring performances by its cast. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor both deliver some of the best work of their careers as the two parents stuck in a difficult situation, while newcomer Tom Holland announces himself to the world with a star-making turn as the couple’s eldest son. The end result is not only an extremely well-made survival thriller, but a poignant celebration of the human spirit that deserves to be seen by all.

9. “THE SESSIONS“

Writer/director Ben Lewin’s “The Sessions” may sound like some really bizarre cross between “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “My Left Foot” – after all, it’s basically about a disabled man (real-life polio survivor and journalist Mark O’Brien) trying to get laid for the first time – but this incredibly low-key and feel-good dramedy is about much more, and that’s why it was such a big hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Though it would have been all too easy to produce the kind of heavy-handed Oscar bait that you normally see with these types of inspirational stories, Lewin never martyrizes his main character, instead relying on O’Brien’s charming personality and self-deprecating wit to lighten the mood. The sex scenes are also handled with a frankness and intimacy that you don’t see in films too often, and that, coupled with a pair of superb performances by John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, is what makes “The Sessions” such a real joy to watch.

10. “THE RAID: REDEMPTION“

Gareth Evans’ Indonesian action film “The Raid: Redemption” was showered with praise during its time on the festival circuit, and it deserved every word, because movies don’t get much cooler than this. A bone-crunching, testosterone-pumping freight train of destruction that barely lets you catch your breath once it gets going, “The Raid” delivers the closest thing to non-stop, wall-to-wall action that I’ve ever seen, and a big part of what makes it so awesome is the amazing fight choreography, including what is easily some of the best close-quarters combat committed to film. Every fight is more inventive, more complex and more intense than the last, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, Evans launches into yet another bloody battle. Being exposed to this much action would normally get tiresome after a while, but the director shoots each sequence with such visual flair (with the camera itself integrated into the choreography) that it’s like watching a ballet being performed – only, you know, with machine guns and machetes.

“THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN”
“CABIN IN THE WOODS”
“DJANGO UNCHAINED”
“HEADHUNTERS”
“THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY”
“KILLER JOE”
“LIBERAL ARTS”
“LOOPER”
“MOONRISE KINGDOM”
“SKYFALL”

After a tepid last couple of months, Hollywood is finally gearing up for award season, and with it comes a host of really promising films from the likes of Steven Spielberg, Joe Wright, David O. Russell and Ang Lee, many of which are already projected to land several Oscar nominations. But perhaps the most highly-anticipated release this November isn’t an award contender at all, but rather the long-awaited 23rd installment in the James Bond series, which looks to be Daniel Craig’s best 007 adventure yet.

Who: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Sarah Silverman and Jane Lynch
What: A video game villain sets out to fulfill his dream of being a hero, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
When: November 2nd
Why: I was cautiously optimistic about “Wreck-It Ralph” when it was first announced, but after seeing the film, I can say unequivocally that it’s one of the best movies the studio has put out in years, and that includes the Pixar stuff as well. In fact, “Wreck-It Ralph” is the kind of film that you’d almost expect Pixar to make, because it’s a remarkably original idea that’s catered to both kids and the adults who grew up playing retro games. Director Rich Moore comes from a background that includes “Futurama” and “The Simpsons,” and it really shows in the type of humor on display, while John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman shine in their voice roles. The animation is also really gorgeous, especially the attention to detail between games, and the much-publicized cameos help bring an authenticity to the world that only makes it even more enjoyable.

Who: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Kelly Reilly and Melissa Leo
What: An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals that he may have been drunk at the time.
When: November 2nd
Why: After spending nearly a decade helping pioneer motion capture technology with movies like “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf” and “A Christmas Carol,” Robert Zemeckis marks his return to live-action filmmaking with something that has a little more bite to it. Early reviews have been almost unanimously positive, with Denzel Washington singled out for his amazing performance, and though he may be considered a bit of a dark horse with so much stiff competition this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Academy rewarded the actor with his first nomination since 2002’s “Training Day.” The subject matter certainly carries the danger of becoming too melodramatic, but between the interesting premise and excellent cast, “Flight” is exactly the kind of riveting character drama that should help remind audiences just how good Zemeckis’ movies used to be.

Who: RZA, Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung, Rick Yune and Dave Bautista
What: A humble blacksmith defends his village from a band of assassins and mercenaries when they come to town in search of a fabled treasure of gold.
When: November 2nd
Why: Anyone who knows anything about Wu Tang Clan founder RZA is that he loves kung fu cinema, so you can be sure that his directorial debut is going to be nothing short of a love letter to the genre, albeit one with a hip-hop soundtrack. The fact that he’s managed to attract the kind of talent that he has is certainly a sign of the film’s potential, because let’s be honest, Russell Crowe is the last person you’d expect to show up in this type of movie, even if it only ends up being an extended cameo. With that said, however, “The Man with the Iron Fists” looks every bit like the kind of chop-socky B-movies that RZA grew up watching, so if you’re expecting something more along the lines of “Kill Bill,” there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to walk away disappointed.

Who: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris
What: As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.
When: November 9th
Why: It may have taken a little longer than expected to arrive in theaters, but the MGM bankruptcy fiasco was almost a blessing in disguise, because “Skyfall” looks like the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of James Bond. Though Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007 left a lot to be desired following his fantastic debut, “Skyfall” could be his best yet thanks to the rather unconventional selection of Sam Mendes as the film’s director. Mendes brings a certain level of prestige to the proceedings that the series hasn’t had before, and while some were worried about his lack of experience shooting action, the trailers suggest that he’s done a more than capable job in that department. The cast is equally as exciting, from Javier Bardem’s platinum-haired villain to the underrated Ben Whishaw as a young Q. The only thing missing is Moneypenny, although if some sources are to be believed, that might be remedied by the end of this installment too.

Who: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Tommy Lee Jones
What: As the Civil War rages on, Lincoln fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.
When: November 9th
Why: Steven Spielberg’s passion project has been in development for years – so long, in fact, that its original intended star Liam Neeson was considered too old for the role by the time it went into production. (Strangely, Neeson is only five years older than his replacement, Daniel Day-Lewis). Though I probably would have been a lot more interested if Neeson was still involved, it doesn’t change the fact that this could be the film that finally ends Spielberg’s cold streak, because he hasn’t made a truly great movie since 2005’s “Munich.” The director always seems to excel at telling stories based in history (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Schindler’s List,” etc.), and he’s recruited an amazing ensemble cast of actors for his last epic. The list is too long to rattle off every name, but you can expect top-notch acting all around, starting with Day-Lewis, whose role as the 16th President is such blatant Oscar material that it’s his award to lose.

Who: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Kelly Macdonald
What: Set in late 19th century Russia, aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.
When: November 16th
Why: I’m a sucker for anything that Joe Wright does, especially when it involves Keira Knightley, but even I’m a little worried about his version of “Anna Karenina.” The literary classic has been adapted for the screen so many times before that it seems pointless for someone to do it again, despite the fact that Wright has taken a big risk by staging the movie in a way unlike any other. It’s exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that the story needed in order to prevent it from feeling stale, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work. The ingredients are all there, with a strong cast led by Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and a screenplay by Tom Stoppard, the Oscar-winning writer of “Shakespeare in Love,” but whether that translates into a success remains to be seen.

Who: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver
What: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and meets a mysterious girl with problems of her own.
When: November 21st
Why: The last time that director David O. Russell got this much talent together, it resulted in a movie that earned seven Oscar nominations (including two wins in the Supporting Actor and Actress categories) and landed on just about every Top 10 list in the country. But for as great as “The Fighter” was, “Silver Linings Playbook” looks even better. Based on the 2008 novel by Matthew Quick, the film has all the ingredients of a Best Picture contender, beginning with its excellent cast. Bradley Cooper has already cemented himself as a legitimate leading man, but this could be the role that finally proves he’s a serious actor, while Jennifer Lawrence looks to continue to build on her impressive career. Perhaps more exciting than the two leads, however, is the prospect of seeing Robert De Niro in a role that could mark a return to form for the aging actor.

Who: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Adil Hussain and Tabu
What: The son of a zookeeper is deserted on a lifeboat with a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
When: November 21st
Why: Hollywood has been trying to bring Yann Martel’s best-selling novel to the big screen for several years, with M. Night Shyamalan, Alfonso Cuaron and Jean-Pierre Jeunet all attached to direct at some point, only to move on to other projects. And just when it seemed like Ang Lee might be the latest casualty, Fox finally gave the director the greenlight, although he didn’t make it easy on himself by rolling every filmmaking vice – kids, animals, water and 3D – into one production. Of course, based on the early buzz, it seems to have paid off, because even if the film doesn’t dominate in the major award categories, it’s sure to land a few technical awards for the stunning visuals and incredible animal effects. (That Bengal tiger is entirely computer generated, you know).

Who: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel
What: A love story between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of “Psycho” in 1959.
When: November 23rd
Why: HBO’s recent biopic about Alfred Hitchcock and the making of “The Birds” was a dull, melodramatic affair that just didn’t sit right with me, so I’m really hoping that Sacha Gervasi’s take on the famed director during his time filming “Psycho” fares much better. At the very least, it appears to be a little more playful and lighthearted, tapping into Hitchcock’s darkly comical side, and the fact that it boasts such a great cast doesn’t hurt. Anthony Hopkins was an excellent choice to play the Master of Suspense (barely recognizable under all the make-up), and Helen Mirren is the perfect complement as his wife Alma. What remains to be seen, however, is whether “Hitchcock” can be as engrossing as the movies that made him one of cinema’s most respected filmmakers.

Who: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy and James Gandolfini
What: Jackie Cogan is a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game.
When: November 30th
Why: I wasn’t a fan of Andrew Dominik’s slow-moving Western “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” so I’m understandably a little hesitant about his follow-up, which is based on George V. Higgins’ crime novel “Cogan’s Trade.” With that said, however, Dominik has assembled an impressive group of actors yet again (including gangster film perennials like Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini), and Brad Pitt obviously sees something in the director to be teaming up with him for a second time. Having already played at a number of film festivals (most notably Cannes) and opening in other countries prior to its U.S. release, reactions to the movie have been extremely positive, although it’s still hard to tell whether it will appeal to a mainstream audience.