And just
like that, 2011 is gone. I had made a goal to see at
least 100 theatrical releases over the year, and I was able
to do just that. Below you'll find my 50 favorites,
and a few other items. Read on!
Top 50 Films of 2011
50) The Innkeepers
49) Paul
48) The Squad
47) El Narco
46) Crazy Stupid Love
45) Super
44) Cedar Rapids
43) Shame
42) I Saw The Devil
41) Shame
40) Hugo
39) Point Blank
38) Captain America: The First Avenger
37) Thor
36) Puss In Boots 3D
35) Fast Five
34) Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows
33) Win Win
32) Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
31) The Descendants
30) Take Shelter
29) Rango
28) Ip Man 2: Legend Of The Grandmaster
27) Warrior
26) Source Code
25) Haunters
24) Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
23) Martha Marcy May Marlene
22) Headhunters
21) X-Men: First Class
20) The Muppets
19) Tree Of Life
18) Super 8
17) Melancholia
16) Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
15) Bridesmaids
14) Attack The Block
13) Tucker And Dale Vs Evil
12) Juan Of The Dead
11) The Artist
10) The Guard
Whoever decided that Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle should
be in a buddy comedy together is deserving of a huge round
of applause. If you don't like films that play out as though
they're smarter than you, then don't see this. Otherwise, I
wish you good luck in not wanting to just watch this on
repeat.
09) 50/50
A comedy about cancer? I honestly can't say I was 100% in
when I sat down to see 50/50, but I gave it a shot
because of the people involved, and I didn't end up
disappointed. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is as impressive as he's
ever been (which is saying something), and I think that even
Seth Rogen may have done enough to rescind some of the
backlash that swirled up after his sudden success.
08) 13 Assassins
This is just a cool flick. Takashi Miike could have done a
lot of different things with this, but for whatever reason
he decided to make the sort of classically-themed samurai
movie that you want to pull out and watch anytime the word
samurai is mentioned within 500 miles of you. The world
needs more films like this.
07) Hanna
While I fell in love with this twisted fairly tale story
immediately, I did figure that by the end of the year I'd
find something to push it out of the Top 10. Nope! As it
turns out, the more I thought about Hanna, the more I
found myself attached to it. Here's hoping Saorise Ronan
keeps landing roles this good.
06) Jeff, Who Lives At Home
I think the Duplass Brothers are overrated. They've done a
few solid films. That's it. Nothing more. Jeff, Who Lives
At Home, however, is so very good. Jason Segel and Ed
Helms are both fantastic in it, and while it plays like a
movie built on nothing but convenient plot devices, it packs
so much heart that it's nearly impossible to not love it.
05) The Skin I Live In
Pedro Almodovar is a brilliant director, and a master at
making me want to squirm in my seat. This effort, which
finally sees Antonio Banderas back in a respectable role, is
probably the most squirm-worthy thing Almodovar has done in
years, and there isn't a blip of it that won't keep your
eyes glued to the screen. I can't wait to see on it on blu-ray.
04) A Boy And His Samurai
I caught this family friendly effort at Fantastic Fest and
loved it like you wouldn't believe. I don't know if it'll
ever be released here in the US, but I beg that you try to
seek it out. I promise you won't even remotely regret any
effort that you put into finding a way to see it.
03) Beginners
Quirky indie romances are a dime a dozen, but I'd be a liar
if I didn't say this impressed me every moment it was on the
screen in front of me. You could watch this for another
great performance from Ewan McGregor, or some nice work from
director Mike Mills, but I recommend a viewing just to see
how lovely Melanie Laurent is. Why isn't she in more stuff?
02) Drive
This is the big hype movie of the year. Ryan Gosling has
done so much good work, and yet it's this little genre film
that has seemingly broke him to the masses. In the world's
defense, this is a great flick. It's beautifully shot, the
soundtrack is as good as it gets, and Gosling really is an
absolute gem in it. I don't know how much love it'll receive
come award season, but I hope it takes home a few trophies.
01) Midnight In Paris
I love Owen Wilson. He isn't always great, but when he is,
he's as charming and lovable as anyone on the face of this
planet. Yeah, Woody Allen wrote and directed a movie packed
with literary references (some that flew way over my head)
and great characters, but it was Mr. Wilson who made it all
work. I knew this was my favorite movie of 2011 the moment I
saw it, and I expect I'll continue thinking that even with
repeat viewings.
5 Worst Films Of 2011
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams
Transformers: Dark Side Of The Moon
Freak Dance
Sucker Punch
Battle: Los Angeles
Most Disappointing Film Of 2011
- Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part II
I waited 10 years for an anti-climactic battle between the
boy wonder wizard and the most evil dude of all time? No
thanks. There could have at least been a dance number at the
end.
Biggest Guilty Pleasure Of 2011
- New Kids Turbo
This movie is so dumb. Seriously. It will lower your IQ.
Only watch it if you're drunk and know you'll be able to
forget you ever saw it.
Favorite Documentary Of 2011 -
Senna
It's beyond me how anyone could not love this documentary,
which is masterfully crafted from a series of videos shot
over the course of race car driver Aryton Senna's life. Just
an impressive doc from beginning to end.
5 Films I Missed
Moneyball
We Need To Talk About Kevin
Contagion
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
A Separation
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