Now, like everyone else on Earth, I wasn't able to see every single movie that came out in 2011 (and I wasn't able to review every one I did see, and my opinions of those that I was able to review may have changed slightly). So, keep this in mind as I present MY TOP 10 FILMS OF 2011 (This list may be altered when I finally see Melancholia and Martha Marcy May Marlene).
#11- Midnight In Paris
Midnight In Paris is a beautiful film to look at, not to mention it's also got a pretty cool story and boasts the best performance we'll probably ever get out of Owen Wilson. Tackling themes of nostalgia, all the while making literary die-hards drool...Midnight In Paris is sure to captivate most.
#10-Hugo.
Hugo is the story of a young orphan who takes care of all the clocks in a train station, it is also a story about the history of movies. Hugo may not be Martin Scorcese's best work, but it is definitely his most magical.
#9-Limitless
What if there was a pill that could make you the ultimate version of yourself? This is the fascinating subject that Limitless attempts to explore. It's not a perfect film by any means of the word, but it does succeed at capturing your attention and imagination. Bradley Cooper does a surprisingly great job as Eddie Moira, the author stuck on a losing streak into whose hands the super pill falls into. The film makes it fun to watch Eddie get into trouble and then have to think his way out of it, and Limitless also makes you think. What would you do if this pill fell into your hands? A fast-paced joy ride of a thriller, Limitless is super fun. Buckle your seat belt and hold on.
#8- Super 8
No, I didn't put this on the list as a pun. Super 8 really is a super film. I've already said all I really can say about Super 8 in my fairly lengthy review I posted a few months back. If you want my full thoughts in the film, you'll have to check back there for them.
#7- Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2
Go on and boo me if you must, but you have to admit this film is pretty damn impressive. It knows exactly what it wants to be and goes about achieving it's various goals in a truly brilliant and inspiring way. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 bring the Harry Potter Saga to a close in an emotionally satisfying way for both fans and non-fans alike.
#6- The Beaver
The Beaver just may be the darkest film of the year. It's a dark look at depression and how it affects the individual and those around him/her. Disturbing, awkward, and uncomfortable, The Beaver may be hard to watch but it's so worth it in the end. Complete with believable and all too real performances by Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jodie Foster, and Jennifer Lawrence...The Beaver is a realistic, painful film and it's all the better for it.
#5- Warrior
Warrior is a superb film about a broken family whose issues are sorted out in the ring. A completely heartbreaking, emotional film...It's sure to leave most in tears by it's end. It's not all sad though, as it's numerous fight scenes are gripping and brutal and the portrayals by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgarton are super. This is one of the few films that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
#4- The Artist
The extremely rare silent film stuck in the age of talkies, coincidentally, that's also essentially what the premise of this clever little film is. With great performances all around, an adorable pup, and one hell of a gimmick (NO TALKING!!!), The Artist succeeds in being a sweet little throwback to the golden days of film. Oh, and the great John Goodman is in it....what more could you want?!
#3- Rango
Yes, it's animated...SO WHAT? Rango is a completely different, original, unique take on the western genre that is supported by a zany Johnny Depp and stunning animation work throughout. A breath of fresh air, Rango is without a doubt THE BEST animated film of 2011.
#2- Drive
Drive is a different kind of ultra-violent film, one where the character's don't do much talking and instead say all they need to say through their body language and facial expressions, one where the setting of a somtimes beautiful/sometimes scary Los Angeles is a character unto itself, one where the song choices help to tell the story. Drive is completely fascinating and altogether poetic, beautiful, and tragic. It's a new modern classic that NONE should miss.
#1- The Descendents
It's very rare you get to see such a well-rounded film. I don't normally like these kinds of films, but this one really surprised me. It's got a really great script, it's just about perfectly acted, it's full of emotion, and it's got one hell of a killer surprise cameo in it. The Descendants juggles all of its topics and emotions perfectly, and makes for one fine film. I'll definitely be re-watching this one again and again and again when the Blu-ray comes out.
HONORABLE MENTION: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
This film would have easily made it onto the top films of 2011 list...except it did not come out in a wide release until 2012. That said, be sure to look for it in my Oscar review coming later. It really is a phenomenal film, despite grouchy critics. If I were to fit it into my Top films of 2011 list, I'd put it in the number 2 spot therefore extending my list fro 11 films to 12.
So there you have it, my top 10 films of 2011...I'm sure most were surprised by my #1 pick...and that's fine. I had a blast in 2011 and I hope to have an even bigger blast in 2012....so here's to a bright new year.
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