Welcome to the Rotten Tomatoes Summer Movie Scorecard for 2012!
As the blockbusters come out and reviews come in, we're just as curious as you are as to how these movies stack up against each other. Therefore, every Sunday, we'll update this countdown list with the new wide releases of the preceding week.
So come on in, check the list out, and stay ever tuned!
As the blockbusters come out and reviews come in, we're just as curious as you are as to how these movies stack up against each other. Therefore, every Sunday, we'll update this countdown list with the new wide releases of the preceding week.
So come on in, check the list out, and stay ever tuned!
Nitro Circus: The Movie 3D (2012)
8%
Critics Consensus:
Synopsis: The show follows Travis and the Nitro Circus Crew as they travel around the world setting up outrageous stunts and pushing the human body to the...
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39
Piranha 3DD (2012)
14%
Critics Consensus: It strains to up the gore and self-awareness of it predecessor, and -- despite some game celebrity cameos -- the result is a dispiriting echo of 2010's horror-comedy.
Synopsis: After the terror unleashed on Lake Victoria in Piranha 3D, the pre-historic school of blood thirsty piranhas are back. This time, no one is safe from...
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Directed By:
John Gulager
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38
For Greater Glory (2012)
16%
Critics Consensus: It has laudable aspirations, but For Greater Glory ultimately fails to fulfill its goals due to an overstuffed script, thinly written characters, and an overly simplified dramatization of historical events.
Synopsis: What would you pay for the price of freedom? In the exhilarating action epic For Greater Glory an impassioned group of men and women each make the...
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Directed By:
Dean Wright
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37
The Watch (2012)
17%
Critics Consensus: The Watch uneasily mixes sci-fi elements with gross-out gags and strands its talented cast with a script that favors vulgarity over wit at nearly every turn.
Synopsis: Four everyday suburban guys come together as an excuse to escape their humdrum lives one night a week. But when they accidentally discover that their...
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Directed By:
Akiva Schaffer
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36
Madea's Witness Protection (2012)
21%
Critics Consensus:
Synopsis: For years, George Needleman (Levy), the gentle CFO of a Wall Street investment bank, has been living with his head in the clouds. But George is...
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Directed By:
Tyler Perry
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35
Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
21%
Critics Consensus: Despite an interesting premise and spooky atmospherics, Chernobyl Diaries is mostly short on suspense and originality.
Synopsis: Chernobyl Diaries is an original story from Oren Peli, who first terrified audiences with his groundbreaking thriller, Paranormal Activity. The film...
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Directed By:
Bradley Parker
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34
That's My Boy (2012)
22%
Critics Consensus: While it does represent a new foray into raunch for the normally PG-13 Sandler, That's My Boy finds him repeating himself to diminishing effect - and dragging Andy Samberg down with him.
Synopsis: While still in his teens, Donny (Adam Sandler) fathered a son, Todd (Andy Samberg), and raised him as a single parent up until Todd's 18th birthday....
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33
What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)
23%
Critics Consensus: The cast is stocked with likable performers, but What to Expect When You're Expecting is too disjointed -- and too reliant on stock rom-com cliches -- to live up to its distinguished literary namesake.
Synopsis: Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don't stand a chance...
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Directed By:
Kirk Jones
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32
Total Recall (2012)
32%
Critics Consensus: While it boasts some impressive action sequences, Total Recall lacks the intricate plotting, wry humor, and fleshed out characters that made the original a sci-fi classic.
Synopsis: Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though...
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Directed By:
Len Wiseman
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31
Battleship (2012)
33%
Critics Consensus: It may offer energetic escapism for less demanding filmgoers, but Battleship is too loud, poorly written, and formulaic to justify its expense -- and a lot less fun than its source material.
Synopsis: Peter Berg produces and directs Battleship, an epic-scaled action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet...
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Directed By:
Peter Berg
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30
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)
35%
Critics Consensus: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter has visual style to spare, but its overly serious tone doesn't jibe with its decidedly silly central premise, leaving filmgoers with an unfulfilling blend of clashing ingredients.
Synopsis: Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov reinvent the time-honored genre and present the terrifying creatures of the night as they were...
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Directed By:
Timur Bekmambetov
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29
The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012)
39%
Critics Consensus: It means well, but The Odd Life of Timothy Green is ultimately too cloyingly sentimental -- and thinly scripted -- to satisfy all but the least demanding viewers.
Synopsis: Director/writer Peter Hedges brings enchantment to the screen with The Odd Life of Timothy Green, an inspiring, magical story about a happily married...
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Directed By:
Peter Hedges
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28
Ice Age: Continental Drift 3D (2012)
39%
Critics Consensus: Ice Age: Continental Drift 3D has moments of charm and witty slapstick, but it often seems content to recycle ideas from the previous films.
Synopsis: Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences - a continental cataclysm...
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27
Dark Shadows (2012)
40%
Critics Consensus: The visuals are top notch but Tim Burton never finds a consistent rhythm, mixing campy jokes and gothic spookiness with less success than other Johnny Depp collaborations.
Synopsis: Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet-or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich,...
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Directed By:
Tim Burton
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26
Rock of Ages (2012)
41%
Critics Consensus: Its exuberant silliness is almost enough to make up for its utter inconsequentiality, but Rock of Ages is ultimately too bland and overlong to justify its trip to the big screen.
Synopsis: Rock of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their...
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Directed By:
Adam Shankman
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25
Step Up Revolution (2012)
42%
Critics Consensus: Step Up Revolution treads familiar territory by surrounding its lively and kinetic dance sequences with a predictably generic story.
Synopsis: Step Up Revolution is the next installment in the worldwide smash Step Up franchise, which sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami....
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Directed By:
Scott Speer
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24
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)
49%
Critics Consensus: Overly familiar and a bit too reliant on slapstick, the sitcom-like Dog Days fails to improve upon previous installments and will likely appeal to few outside its target audience.
Synopsis: During his summer vacation, "Wimpy Kid" Greg Heffley, the hero of the phenomenally successful book series, hatches a plan to pretend he has a job at a...
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Directed By:
David Bowers
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23
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
49%
Critics Consensus: While it offers an appropriately dark take on the fairy tale that inspired it, Snow White and the Huntsman is undone by uneven acting, problematic pacing, and a confused script.
Synopsis: In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Charlize...
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Directed By:
Rupert Sanders
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22
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
52%
Critics Consensus: Tender, charming, and well-acted, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is unfortunately hamstrung by jarring tonal shifts and a disappointing final act.
Synopsis: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World stars Golden Globe Award winner Steve Carell and Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley and is the feature...
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Directed By:
Lorene Scafaria
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21
Savages (2012)
53%
Critics Consensus: It's undeniably messy, but Savages finds Oliver Stone returning to dark, fearlessly lurid form.
Synopsis: Laguna Beach entrepreneurs Ben (Johnson), a peaceful and charitable Buddhist, and his closest friend Chon (Kitsch), a former Navy SEAL and...
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Directed By:
Oliver Stone
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20
The Bourne Legacy (2012)
55%
Critics Consensus: It isn't quite as compelling as the earlier trilogy, but The Bourne Legacy proves the franchise has stories left to tell -- and benefits from Jeremy Renner's magnetic work in the starring role.
Synopsis: The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that...
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Directed By:
Tony Gilroy
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19
Sparkle (2012)
56%
Critics Consensus: While undeniably melodramatic and old-fashioned, Sparkle transcends its formulaic trappings thanks to Salim Akil's empathetic direction and strong performances from a committed cast.
Synopsis: Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent...
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Directed By:
Salim Akil
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18
People Like Us (2012)
56%
Critics Consensus: Though calculated and melodramatic, People Like Us benefits from a pair of solid leads and its rare screenplay that caters to adult filmgoers.
Synopsis: From DreamWorks Pictures comes People Like Us, a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine as Sam, a twenty-something,...
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Directed By:
Alex Kurtzman
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17
The Dictator (2012)
58%
Critics Consensus: Wildly uneven but consistently provocative, The Dictator is a decent entry in the poli-slapstick comedy genre.
Synopsis: The heroic story of a North African dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed. --...
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Directed By:
Larry Charles
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16
The Expendables 2 (2012)
66%
Critics Consensus: Taut, violent, and suitably self-deprecating, The Expendables 2 gives classic action fans everything they can reasonably expect from a star-studded shoot-'em-up -- for better and for worse.
Synopsis: The Expendables are back and this time it's personal... Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar...
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Directed By:
Simon West
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15
The Campaign (2012)
66%
Critics Consensus: Its crude brand of political satire isn't quite as smart or sharp as one might hope in an election year, but The Campaign manages to generate a sufficient number of laughs thanks to its well-matched leads.
Synopsis: When long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put...
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Directed By:
Jay Roach
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14
Men in Black III (2012)
69%
Critics Consensus: It isn't exactly a persuasive argument for the continuation of the franchise -- but Men in Black III is better than its predecessor and manages to exceed expectations, largely due to Josh Brolin's impressive performance.
Synopsis: In Men in Black 3, Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back...in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men...
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Directed By:
Barry Sonnenfeld
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13
Ted (2012)
70%
Critics Consensus: Ted's "romance versus bromance" plot is familiar, but the film's held aloft by the high-concept central premise and a very funny (albeit inconsistent) script.
Synopsis: Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of humor to the big screen for the first time as writer, director and voice star...
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Directed By:
Seth MacFarlane
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12
Prometheus (2012)
73%
Critics Consensus: Ridley Scott's ambitious quasi-prequel to Alien may not answer all of its big questions, but it's redeemed by its haunting visual grandeur and compelling performances -- particularly Michael Fassbender as a fastidious android.
Synopsis: Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner, returns to the genre he helped define. With Prometheus, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in...
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Directed By:
Ridley Scott
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11
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
73%
Critics Consensus: A well-chosen cast and sure-handed direction allow The Amazing Spider-Man to thrill, despite revisiting many of the same plot points from 2002's Spider-Man.
Synopsis: The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be...
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Directed By:
Marc Webb
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10
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)
75%
Critics Consensus: Dazzlingly colorful and frenetic, Madagascar 3 is silly enough for young kids, but boasts enough surprising smarts to engage parents along the way.
Synopsis: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King...
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Directed By:
Eric Darnell
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9
Hope Springs (2012)
74%
Critics Consensus: Led by a pair of mesmerizing performances from Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones, Hope Springs offers filmgoers some grown-up laughs -- and a thoughtful look at mature relationships.
Synopsis: Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) are a devoted couple, but decades of marriage have left Kay wanting to spice things up and reconnect...
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Directed By:
David Frankel
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8
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
76%
Critics Consensus: Katy Perry: Part of Me succeeds on the strengths of the pop star's genuine likability, inspiring work ethic, and dazzling stage show, even if it plays somewhat like a PR puff piece at times.
Synopsis: A3Dmotion picture event movie,Katy Perry: Part of Me is a backstage pass, front row seat and intimate look at the fun, glamorous, heartbreaking,...
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Starring:
Katy Perry
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7
Brave (2012)
77%
Critics Consensus: Brave offers young audiences and fairy tale fans a rousing, funny fantasy adventure with a distaff twist and surprising depth.
Synopsis: Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path...
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6
Magic Mike (2012)
79%
Critics Consensus: Magic Mike's sensitive direction, smart screenplay, and strong performances allows audiences to have their beefcake and eat it too.
Synopsis: Set in the world of male strippers, Magic Mike is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Channing Tatum in a story inspired by his real life. The...
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Directed By:
Steven Soderbergh
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5
ParaNorman (2012)
87%
Critics Consensus: Beautifully animated and solidly scripted, ParaNorman will entertain (and frighten) older children while providing surprisingly thoughtful fare for their parents.
Synopsis: The new 3D stop-motion comedy thriller from animation company LAIKA, reteaming the company with Focus Features after the groundbreaking Academy...
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4
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
87%
Critics Consensus: The Dark Knight Rises is an ambitious, thoughtful, and potent action film that concludes Christopher Nolan's franchise in spectacular fashion, even if it doesn't quite meet the high standard set by its predecessor.
Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of...
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Directed By:
Christopher Nolan
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3
Marvel's The Avengers (2012)
92%
Critics Consensus: With a script that never forgets its heroes' humanity and no shortage of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype -- and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies.
Synopsis: Marvel Studios presents Marvel's The Avengers-the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible...
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Directed By:
Joss Whedon
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2
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
94%
Critics Consensus: Warm, whimsical, and poignant, the immaculately framed and beautifully acted Moonrise Kingdom presents writer/director Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best.
Synopsis: Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a...
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Directed By:
Wes Anderson
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