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2011 was an overall solid year at the movies. It pushed boundaries, made us laugh, asked questions and, at its best, moved us to tears. But let’s start this list of the Top Ten movies of 2011 with the most satisfying conclusion to a saga since the “Lord of the Rings” ended in 2003.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Incredibly entertaining, deeply moving and best of all, worthy of its excessive hype and fanfare. In short, this was the crowning achievement in an epic saga, the rare movie worthy of both critical acclaim and shattering box office records, both of which it accomplished in spades. Available on home video.
9. Insidious
Released last spring and forgotten by many, this film had a $1.5 million budget and some of the best pure scares in quite some time. It was also rated PG-13, and was a nice break from the slasher movies and torture porn often considered horror nowadays. At its core this is a good old-fashioned ghost story that needs to be seen by anyone who likes chills up and down their spine. Available on home video.
8. The Guard
Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle play unlikely partners investigating a drug ring in Ireland. The story is standard, but Gleeson is so incorrigibly delightful, racist, smart and cynical that he’s a real treat to watch in every scene. His was my favorite performance of the year. Available on home video January 3rd.
7. Horrible Bosses
The funniest movie of the year. The premise follows three day laborers played by Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day as they conspire to kill their three bosses, “Throw Momma From The Train”-style. All three comedians are on top of their game, and Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell are pitch perfect as the odious higher-ups. Available on home video.
6. Drive
No movie this year was more unique or stylish. Ryan Gosling stars as a stunt man and criminal getaway driver who gets caught up protecting his neighbor, played by Carey Mulligan. Gosling’s performance is fearsome and cold, but it’s director Nicholas Winding Refn’s camera work, abrupt violence and quirky, almost ironic tone that you’ll remember most. Available on home video January 31st.
5. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Intense, exciting and perfectly executed, and wow, what a blast. From the opening sequence to the end, the film is a smart adrenaline rush that never lets up and is utterly captivating. It’s the best pure action movie of the year, and if you can, see it at an IMAX theater right now – it is absolutely spectacular.
4. Moneyball
Never would anyone expect a story about baseball mathematics to be this interesting, but there’s an underdog and human element here that makes the movie a real winner. Kudos also to Brad Pitt’s strong performance and Jonah Hill for delivering a nice turn as Pitt’s right-hand man. Available on home video January 10th.
3. X-Men: First Class
This origin story for the “X-Men” franchise was done so well that I couldn’t wait to see it again immediately after it ended. Some of the great things about it are the questions it asks about humanity, compassion and acceptance, and director Matthew Vaughn brilliantly combines these elements with rousing action and stirring drama. Available on home video.
2. The Artist
A French silent film that reminds us what beautiful filmmaking looks like, and of a bygone era in Hollywood. Think “Singin’ in the Rain” meets “A Star is Born” and you’ll have an idea of the story, but more importantly you’ll marvel at how beautifully shot and staged the film is, and how much you really enjoy the silent film characteristics. Many people thought writer/director Michael Hazanavicius was crazy to try to make a silent film, and let’s face it he was. But sometimes you have to be a little crazy and daring to be this brilliant. In theaters now.
1. Warrior
A heartbreaking drama about two estranged brothers played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton who are on a collision course to fight for a $5 million grand prize at a mixed martial arts tournament. Nick Nolte plays their father, a recovering alcoholic who tore the family apart years ago with his drinking and is now trying to make amends. I was enraptured by the pure emotional power of the story and performances to the point where I was rooting not for one of the brothers to win but for everyone to be okay. I did not see a film this year that was more moving or emotionally fulfilling. Available on home video.
Honorable mention: Margin Call, My Week With Marilyn, Cedar Rapids, Thor, A Better Life, The Descendants and 50/50.
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FRColes1
said:
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... I think horrible bosses doesn't belong in the top 10. This movie wasn't funny. Hangover II was funnier. |
jimcdunn
said:
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... My vote is for the Artist. It may be a decent movie but a silent movie couldn't appeal to me any less. I also feel the same way about any musical. |
omarsprize1
said:
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... I easily disagree with moneyball, though Ive only seen xmen, money, drive, and artist, from your list. Money was slow...xmen follows really closely, though im a mild fanboy of them, so they can hardly do bad lol. back to money- slow, dragged. i can see why people liked it, but the only reason why i think it would crack my top TWENTY is because i dont think i saw 20 new movies this year. decently varied list. |
dfox212
said:
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... I did see Horrible bosses but it wasnt the funniest movie of the year. I thought Hangover was funny! |
dfox212
said:
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... I only saw 4 out of 10 movies. Need to see those as well. The Help should be on there. I agree with that. Loved the Harry Potter movie though! |
susaninflorida
said:
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... "THE HELP" should be on the list. I liked Descendants a lot better than Moneyball. I never heard of the Guard. All in all a good top 10 list. |
jenmccarthy72
said:
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... The Guard was funny but I wouldn't put it at the top 10. Moneyball was an ok movie to watch at home but wouldn't pay to go see it in a theater. It dragged on and was a bit of a sleeper. Again not a top 10 in my opinion. |
mvald010
said:
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... I haven't seen all the movies listed but I do feel that the guard doesn't belong just because I have not seen the movie or even heard about that movie. |
Belinda527
said:
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... Drive, in my opinion does not belong. It was purely commercial. The Help needed to be included in your list, near the top. WARRIOR was good but it was not the best this year. |
just a florida girl
said:
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... I'm slipping. I have only attended 5 of the 10 movies. Plus 3 of the Honorable mention. I wanted to see "The Help" in there somewhere. |
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