Cloud Atlas (2012)

As soon as I heard that this film was showing at TIFF, I knew for sure that this was one that I needed to see for myself. Walking out of the cinema, I was baffled beyond belief and not quite sure what to think of this film. An hour later, and I was sure that this is a film that everyone needs to experience for themselves. The official synopsis describes Cloud Atlas as "an epic story of humankind in which the actions and consequences of our lives impact one another throughout the past, present and future as one soul is shaped from a murderer into a savior and a single act of kindness ripples out for centuries to inspire a revolution."

Based on the book by David Mitchel, Cloud Atlas is a series of 6 ministories weaved together to tell the most magical story. Every story is connected to the next in the simplest of ways, but blink and you'll miss the connection. (Spoiler: the protagonists of each ministory share a peculiarly shaped birthmark) (Spoiler: That's not the only quirk). 

Tom Hanks (L) and Halle Berry (R) in "Sloosha's Crossin' an' Ev'rythin' After" Source: The Guardian

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

After hearing good things about this movie when it screened at TIFF, I decided to check it out. Martin McDonagh (In Bruges) definitely left me speechless and I must admit a tad bit confused. Marty (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer who wants to write a screenplay about, you guessed it, seven psychopaths. His alcoholism prevents him from focusing and finding inspiration. With help from his friends Billy (Sam Rockwell) and Hans (Christopher Walken), he eventually does write this screenplay. Along the way we meet a bunch of crazy characters including Charlie (Woody Harrelson) who is on a mission to find his beloved shih tzu Bonny.

From left to right: Farrell, Walken, Rockwell Source: thecoast.ca

Argo (2012)

Argo was one of the best movies I've seen this year and it has Oscar written all over it. I've been raving about this movie since the moment I walked out of the cinema a week ago.

Based on a true story about the Canadian Caper, Argo managed to hit everything that I look for in a film: comedy, drama, action, mystery, romance. Even though we know ultimately what happens at the end, the journey to the end was a roller coaster of emotions.

Ben Affleck (center) and supporting cast. Source: National Post

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Ben Affleck's acting. His character, real life CIA agent Tony Mendez, had so much depth and Affleck was able to portray it with so much emotion and intensity. All of the actors were so amazing in their roles, but I was most surprised by the acting of Scoot McNairy who plays Joe Stafford. At the height of the movie, his acting was what made me feel the tension of the situation.