The summer 2012 blockbuster movie season was a bit hit or miss this year. While we did have a few gems, 2012 does not even come close to how much fun I had last summer as can be evidenced by my Top 10 Summer Blockbusters of 2011 list that featured some truly amazing films. That said, I present the Never Ending Radical Dude “Top 5 Summer Blockbusters of 2012”.

5. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Movie Review

I have a love-hate relationship with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. On one hand it was a fun and enjoyable enough summer movie, but on the other it was full of some very obvious flaws and lacked the excitement and freshness of the original trilogy. I am a HUGE fan of Sam Raimi’s (THE EVIL DEAD) original Spidey trilogy and have a hard time not comparing this new addition to the greatness of all the originals. Even though I am having trouble getting over this premature reboot, I will acknowledge that Spider-Man 2 was by far the highlight of the previous series and I am more than willing to watch a sequel to this version hoping to see a great superhero movie. All said and done, this IS a Spider-Man movie and who doesn’t think Spidey is cool!?

4. THE EXPENDABLES 2

THE EXPENDABLES 2 Movie Review

Now THIS is my inner nerds wildest dream come true when it comes to action movies! The plot and characters may be blah, but Jean-Claude Van damn do the action sequences and sheer number of bad ass stars more than make up for any shortcomings. I never expected a great story, nor great character development in the first place. I DID expect intense action, cheesy one-liners, and the opportunity to see Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Willis finally kick ass together all at once! Lets just say I got everything I wanted out of this movie. So fun.

3. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Movie Review

How does one top a movie like 2008’s THE DARK KNIGHT? The answer is you can’t. Expectations were through the roof for THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and it just never really had a chance to be better that what we already got from director Christopher Nolan (INCEPTION). However, I will admit that I love this movie more and more as I let it gestate in my nerd belly. Even though it never reached the heights of the previous 2 films in the series, it did serve as a wonderful conclusion to what is easily one of the best superhero trilogies of all time. It’s also pretty fun to imitate Bane. “Gotham, I am your Reckoning!”

2. PROMETHEUS

PROMETHEUS Movie Review

I’m a sucker for anything science fiction and Ridley Scott’s (BLADE RUNNER) return to the genre is stunning. Sure some people love to bitch and moan about some obvious plot holes, but there is no denying just how fun and beautiful PROMETHEUS really is. The universe is well conceived and visually stunning, there are a handful of truly memorable characters, and the action is fun, the vehicles are sweet, and the creature effects are top notch. I had a blast from start to finish with this one and can only hope that Scott will make a sequel.

1. THE AVENGERS

THE AVENGERS Movie Review

Picking my #1 summer blockbuster for 2012 was really a no brainer. THE AVENGERS may not be the most complex movie ever made, but it does serve as the perfect summer blockbuster full of action, comedy, and great characters. Director Joss Whedon (FIREFLY) was the right choice to helm this film due to his uncanny ability to craft a truly memorable team with some interesting dynamics and issues. This is the ultimate team-up movie that has been in the works for over 5 years. I simply cannot believe that Marvel and team pulled this one off. On top of all that, audiences finally got to see a version of The Incredible Hulk that we can ALL agree was awesome! He really did steal the show here. THE AVENGERS was a truly memorable summer blockbuster and I cannot wait to see what Marvel has in store for us next.

So there ya have it folks. My Top 5 Summer Blockbusters of 2012. For more in-depth thoughts on individual movies please hit the links provided for my full reviews. The only thing left for you to do now is comment below with your top 5 summer blockbusters. Until next year.