I have always become irksome at the mention of it being a "truly great year" in movies at the Oscars. Often this is simply not the case as has been evident in many of the previous years. However, upon reflecting on the variety of excellent films I have seen this year I cannot help but adhere to this notion. I have yet to see a large portion of this years top movies, but have been thoroughly impressed with what I have managed to view and have taken it upon myself to offer a list of my personal favorites from the year. Again I have not seen some of the critically acclaimed pieces like Melancholia and Drive so that will make the list a little weird to some who read it.
10.) Source Code
A refreshing change of pace for science fiction films, Source Code is action packed and a thrill ride that spares no expense in its grandiosity.
Review Here
9.) Crazy, Stupid, Love
Crazy, Stupid, Love is star-studded and funny, a combination that seems rare in Hollywood these days.
Review Here
8.) The Beaver
This movie was all but ignored given its ridiculous plot and unpopular lead actor, but somehow the film came from way out in left field to be an amazing little film.
Review Here
7.) Super 8
An homage to early Spielberg, Super 8 is an intensely watchable movie that will have you remember all the magical moments of movie watching from childhood.
Review Here
6.) Hugo
In one magical swipe Martin Scorsese reminds viewers that everything we love about movies is owed almost entirely to two brothers and a oncoming train.
Review Here
5.) The Future
A personal favorite of my girlfriend, Miranda July's return to film is a bittersweet and poignant look at the existential woes of aging.
Review Here
4.) Contagion
Probably one of the darker films this year, Contagion is a stark and uncompromising look at the possibilities of a global pandemic.
Review Here
3.) Moneyball
Moneyball will probably be the last 2011 movie I see before the new year, but damn was it worth it. Expect a review in the next few days.
Review Here
2.) Midnight In Paris
Midnight in Paris is the glorious return of Woody Allen to filmmaking and it is one of the most heartbreakingly nostalgic films of the past few years.
Review Here
1.) Tree Of Life
To try and explain this movie would be an injustice. Just go watch it.
Rambling Here
Honorable Mention
50/50
Bridesmaids
Horrible Bosses
Pleasant People
Posts
I'm more of a "rent movies and watch them" than a "go to the theater and watch them" kind of guy, so I haven't seen any of these. However, I did get "Midnight in Paris" for Christmas and I'll watch it as soon as I can. Looks like a great list though and most of these are on my watchlist, so hopefully I'll get to them sooner, than later.
ReplyDeleteThanks for following my blog and leaving a comment. I really appreciate that!!
I am all about renting movies and watching them, for a lot of the older films it is quite difficult to do anything but buy dvd/vhs copies. Midnight in Paris is amazing and certainly a promising film for the possibility of returning as a respected director.
ReplyDeleteAs for following your blog I am elated to do so, the fact that you have taken it upon yourself to watch all the films in the 1001 movies to see before you die is respectable and something I want to do myself. Seeing you do the same thing helps me reflect on my own viewings from such lists and either validates or challenges my own opinions. I look forward to following your posts through Godard and the other directors you may come across.
As for top lists I would suggest checking this one out, it has been a goal of mine to knock off all the films on the list and I am getting pretty damn close.
http://tiff.net/essential/about/essential100