The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

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The first instalment of The Hobbit (a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy and based on Professor JRR Tolkien's novel) follows the reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into a quest with a spirited group led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor in the Lonely Mountain, conquered long ago by Smaug the dragon.

Hopefully, this is a start of more exciting adventures. For someone who has read the novels, I look forward to watching The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug next year and The Hobbit: There and Back Again the year after.

Rating: 3/5.

Skyfall (2012)

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Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Oh my, what an opening scene! Excellent score by Thomas Newman, which is a refreshing change from David Arnold, and spectacular cinematography by Roger Deakins. Superb cast and stunts. Javier Bardem makes one of the best villains ever as Raoul Silva (Tiago Rodriguez). Both Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench rock in their respective roles as 007 and M as always. Bérénice Marlohe is convincing as Sévérine. Look forward to seeing more of Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw as Q. Well done, Sam Mendes! The next director certainly has big shoes to fill.

Rating: 4/5.

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

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In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

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An expansion of the world from Robert Ludlum's novels, centred on an agent whose life–or–death stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.

Rating: 3/5.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

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A new evil rises from where Batman and Commissioner Gordon tried to bury it, causing Batman to resurface and fight to protect Gotham City, the very city which brands him an enemy.

Rating: 3.5/5.