The Dictator (2012)

Sacha Baron Cohen again plays on an edge of vulgarity (and should say often falls off). He laughs in our face about things we see around and talk about. This time his jokes hit terrorism, feminism, tolerance, Eco-shops, handicap, race etc. You feel all the time like you are laughing about something you should not laugh about.
The main character is the dictator of Wadiya (Sacha Baron Cohen) who goes to USA and has "Roman holidays."
Rating 6 of 10

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)

A sheik Muhammed (Amr Waked) thinks that it's possible to create a place for salmon fishing in the middle of a dessert. It's not only a rich man's  whimsical wish, he believes that his project will enrich his people.On sheik's behalf his financial consultant Harriet ( Emily Blunt) approaches a fishing specialist Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor). Dr.Jones deems the project as impossible however when a government gets involved he has to take the project on. And in time many impossibilities prove to be possible.  
A romantic comedy that does not follow all the usual patterns of  romantic movie which makes it pleasant not sickly sweet. The plot is unpredictable with some unexpected twists. Play of actors, witty and insightful dialogs and director's Lasse Hallstrom touch have created a very good film.
Rating 8 of 10

Dokumentālists (2011)

Director Ivars Zviedris puts himself as a main character besides his heroine "Ķemeru witch" Inta by picturing his relationship with her in a year time. Inta is a lady with a Character, strong opinions and juicy language.  Some of her conversations are so funny that throw the whole cinema in laughter. Zviedrs not only pictures Inta but lets us see process of filming which usually is hidden from our eyes. At times question rises of how far a documentalist intervene in a life of a hero and when he has to stop? Where is a border?
One of my favorite pictures of this year.
Rating 10 of 10

The Raven (2012)

"The Raven" is attempt to explain Edgar Allan Poe's death. Poe (John Cusack)  returns to Baltimore in order to marry Emily Hamilton (Alice Eve). Baltimore has been shocked by gruesome murders that are inspired by Poe's works. Detective Fields (Luke Evans) asks Poe's help. Poe's fiance Emily is abducted by the killer.
The movie is a mix of biography and detective based in Poe's works. The movie keeps one is suspense the whole time. John Cusack does amazing job playing Poe. His Poe is intense and obsessive.
Only thing that did not make sense was the end. Stopping at the death of Poe would have made much better end.
Rating 8 of 10

Mirror Mirror (2012)

The last year the Red Riding Hood came out, now has come time for Snow White.  This time the authors focus has fallen more on the evil stepmother ( Julia Roberts), although it's hard to call her evil. She is rather an aging woman who is obsessed with keeping her youth (isn't it familiar?)
The story is so well known that there is no need to repeat it.  The main change is making Snow White a rebel princess.
The movie hangs on the performance of Julia Roberts. She is witty and seems to enjoy herself. Everything else, storyline, special effects, characters, are a bit lame. And the last dance in Indian style was really silly.
Rating 4 of 10