By Isabelle Holst

I love Christmas – obviously. I love it because of many different things. Like, when you get off Central line at Oxford Circus, sweating like crazy, since you could swear that it was about a thousand degrees in there (or at least felt it), just to see the Christmas lights. Or maybe just because you finally decided to join the other ‘shopping-soldiers’ on the front, ready to slaughter or shoot anyone, who threatens to buy THAT pair of earrings you actually wanted to get for your best friend. I love it, because TV and magazines tell you that now is the time to eat sweets like nobody’s watching, giving you a justified reason to put on weight and NOT feel guilty about it. Christmas markets with mulled wine replace your daily pints at The Rocket – yet another reason to get pissed. I love how, when you offer to help your Mum to organise everything for Christmas dinner; she refuses but eventually still yells at everyone, because she simply “does not understand why she is in this alone, year after year”. Best thing about Christmas, though? Correct! Presents! And cash is king, right? It is January, people! You should be financially sorted, thanks to your grandparents, uncles, aunts and godparents. But what do we do with all that money? This is when you should feel the excitement arousing within you, realising that you’re a student. In London! Eligible for practically every discount there is. So why not go and see a film? For £9 only, you could occupy one of the VIP leather seats in every VUE cinema across London, which guarantees an extra-cosy film experience. If your parents were very generous however, go to the Screen on the Green Cinema in Islington or the Electric in Notting Hill. Prices range from £14 upwards, but it is definitely worth it, as the nostalgic locations will beam you right back into the golden era of films – the 1920’s.  Now sit back, relax and choose from the incredible line-up 2012 has to offer you. But choose wisely: We all know that this is London and even if cash is king, your highness does not dig being in our pockets for too long…

1. J. Edgar (OUT NOW)

Now, whenever Clint Eastwood directs a film, you know that you should go and see it. If you add a pinch of Leonardo DiCaprio to it, it will pretty much be a life-changer. Anything from Gilbert Grape and The Basketball Diaries to Catch Me If You Can, Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and Blood Diamond adds up to Leo being one of the best actors of all times (of course, I am on a nick name basis here).  Set in the 1920’s this is the story of the polarising historical figure J. Edgar Hoover, founder of the Federal Investment Bureau (FBI). Hoover was a public person of interest. He was admired and popular, but behind closed doors, he kept secrets that would have destroyed his career in an instant. Whatever you do this semester, make sure you do not miss this film, as it is the no. 1 must-see in 2012.

Watch the trailer HERE

2. Margin Call (OUT NOW)

To all future accountants, brokers and world-changers: If you have ever wondered how the financial crises in 2008 really began or what happened behind the scenes during the first minutes of its existence, you should go and see the revealing film Margin Call. I am usually not into anything stock market-related but I truly admired the way director J.C Chandor created such tension and despair on screen. For a change, we can watch Demi Moore calculating like crazy instead of submissively smiling at Ashton Kutcher’s side (ehm…). Oh, and while we are at it, I need to give a special shout out to Stanley Tucci’s management: Do reward him with leading roles! Please! That guy is an amazing actor and deserves proper attention. On top of that, he fits right in with Kevin Spacey who performs his acting-magic for the umpteenth time in this stunning film.

Ps. Gossip Girl lovers, look out for Dan Humphrey, excuse me I meant Penn Badgley, as a newbie in the industry…

Watch the trailer HERE

3. A Dangerous Method (10 February 2012)

Last semester, one of my core modules was Foundations of Business Psychology and by week 4 I had trouble not to gag, whenever Freud repetitively came into the picture. However, I strongly believe that my dear lecturer just missed this visual lecture aid: A Dangerous Method. Based on another true story, this motion picture aims to show the truth behind the birth of the world famous psychological approach: ‘psychoanalysis’. It focuses on the questioned friendship between Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung and the fatal consequences of entering a young girl’s mind (Keira Knightly). It already went viral, being invited to all the major film festivals, despite being one of the top aspirants for the academy awards in February. So watch it anyway – not only for the sake of weird core modules.

Watch the trailer HERE

4. The Iron Lady ( OUT NOW)

Meryl Streep is one of the most popular actresses. Justified, if you ask me. Two Academy Awards and the incredible amount of 91 other prizes for various beautiful, as well as entertaining, roles over the last 25 years. This year she amazes a global audience as she portrayals former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. A story so unique and powerful, strongly intertwined with the beliefs and habits of the society we live in today, that it is practically your duty as a student to go and see this outstanding film.

5. The Vow (10 February 2012)

Just in time for Valentines Day, we are spoiled with yet another epic romance. The vow centres around a married, perfectly happy and in love couple. Until destiny kicks in so strongly, turning their worlds up side down forever. Their relationship is constantly challenged, as they have to find a way back together. Led by Channing Tatum, who gave his acting debut in Step Up (2006) and broke every girl’s heart in Dear John (2010) alongside Amanda Seyfried and now alongside the massively talented Rachel McAdams, one of my favourite actresses after watching he in The Notebook (2004) and The Time Travellers wife (2009) as she embodies old-school chic, grace and class.

Ladies, sounds like a promising mix of Nicholas Sparks meets 50 first dates to me. Tissues ready?!

Watch the trailer HERE

During the second half of this year, Hollywood will officially introduce the era of sequels. Before sagas like Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings, I have to admit that I was always rather anxious about sequels. I would fall in love with the story of a certain film, then they would announce that they are working on a sequel and then the internal dilemma happens: You’re torn. You don’t know whether to be excited about that beloved story continuing or whether you should burst into tears, being afraid of the directors messing it up. Luckily, this is the 21^st century and the art of sequels has been pretty much perfected. So open up and don’t miss out on these amazing summer-autumn-winter blockbusters.

6. The Dark Knight rises (20 July 2012)

Ladies, please keep on reading. I know, this is Batman, after all. I could propose many reasons as to why you should watch this film, but most persuasive will be: Do it for poor, mesmeric pretty Heath Ledger who did give the performance of his career as Joker in the previous Dark Knight, despite of Candy in 2006. You owe him that. Plus, Christopher Nolan directed this masterpiece, having proved his artistic talent in terms of cinematography, screenplay and visual effects in his previous films such as Inception (2010) or Memento (2000). Christian Bale provides the eye-candy and Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman, who just received a Golden Globe for his lifetime achievement and the great Gary Oldman are in on it, too.

Watch the trailer HERE

7. Titanic 3D (6 April 2012)

See, I promised it was worthwhile to keep reading. Okay, I am going to spare explanations for the male sake here. Jack loves Rose. Rose loves Jack. Bad finance dislikes affair. Ship collides with iceberg. Ship sinks. Not enough lifeboats. Screaming. Almost everybody dies. Rose loves Jack. Jack dies. Rose survives and will never forget. That’s the world famous story, which sold 400 million tickets worldwide in 1997. Sorry, Incas – The world won’t end in 2012, but the Titanic will sink one more time. In 3D. To visualise progress. No more words except: I. Won’t. Miss. This!!! Thanks, Cameron!

Watch the trailer HERE

 8. The Gangster Squad (19 October 2012)

Since Johnny Depp in Public Enemy we haven’t been pampered with such promising old-school, gangster films – until now. In the 1940’s and 50’s, a chronicle of the LAPD’s fight to keep the east coast Mafia out of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, almost no information has leaked through about this masterpiece. But I can indulge you with its cast: Sean Penn, Nick Nolte and the incredibly intriguing Ryan Gosling will embody honourable policemen (or gangster, nobody quite knows who plays who). Also, after a long internal monologue I came to the conclusion that I should at least write who is in it too, instead of cutting of my hand in order to not have to type her name. Emma Stone. There you go. That’s it. Maybe some of you like her. I don’t. Creeps me out. It is going to be a good film though, mainly because the dudes will outweigh the girls. Hopefully.

 9. The Bourne Legacy (3 August 2012)

It is not what it sounds like. I am a huge admirer of the Bourne trilogy, which is why I will go and see it anyway. And here comes the BUT: Matt Damon is not in it, innit?! This is exactly the internal dilemma I was talking about earlier but I guess that is the way life goes. As I said, I am usually not a fan of messing around with marvellous stories, on the other hand it is still Bourne, right? When I saw Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, I was positively surprised as were the producers of the Bourne Legacy, who hired Jeremy Jenner to follow into Matt Damon’s footsteps as the leading role. As Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz are the supporting roles, I decided that this movie is mouth-watering. I just wish they hadn’t made it part of the trilogy.

10. The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey (14 December 2012)

We have come full circle. Just in time for Christmas (Oh, how figurative) dwarfs, hobbits and elves return to the picture. For the record, technically this is not a sequel. Even if The Hobbit features Martin Freeman, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom and Cate Blanchett as well, it basically takes us back to the beginning; before the beginning really. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggin’s (Frodo’s uncle) journey through Middle-Earth to the Lonely Mountain. Since Harry Potter ended, I am really excited to be able to watch at least this mythology continue. It has always been able to abduct me to this entirely different world, away from everyday life and I will welcome this special feeling again warmly. Just watch the trailer at www.thehobbit.com and you will know what I am talking about.