Time sure does fly fast. The year 2011 is practically over and what better way to celebrate it than to look back at the year that was. We were able to swim our way out of the deep waters that were filled with remakes and sequels, which wasn’t entirely bad depending on which ones you enjoyed. Then we have the more independent sector which felt as lively as ever. It’s always a delight to go to the movies, just to be entertained by many on the big screen throughout the year, except for the bad ones, those normally aren’t fun to sit through. I’m looking at you “Desert Flower.”
Now we’re on our way into 2012, and before we step into the new year let’s look back at the films I had the pleasure of watching and enjoying the most. Mind you, the top two has changed since the middle of the year. It tends to happen with me, I can’t help but get bit by the fall season bug. Read on!
#10: “The Lincoln Lawyer”
What once was my number one movie of the year slipped down to the bottom of my top ten list. Why’s that? Although it still is entertaining to watch on multiple viewings, mainly due to Matthew MacConaughey and the supporting cast, there are a couple of pockets in the movie where the naturally fast pace of the movie slows to a crawl. That and it’s got nothing script-wise in comparison to my number one movie of the year. Regardless, “The Lincoln Lawyer” is still an engaging film to watch.
#9: “The Myth of the American Sleepover”
It’s time to make some room for the independent movies. During the early part of the summer I randomly went to a screening of “The Myth of the American Sleepover” on a whim due to the positive buzz it got out of the SXSW Film Festival. After the movie was over I was in love. It’s not everyday you sit down to watch a movie with what was one of the best ensemble cast of this past year, leading us by the hand into the confused mindset of teenagers. Each teenage character was unique and it was refreshing to see young actors actually act instead of trying their best to mimic their favorite actors.
#8: “Jane Eyre”
Finally, a recently released romantic film that isn’t littered with crude humor or the necessity to almost completely unclothe everyone in frame. This version of “Jane Eyre” is a slightly more thriller-centric version of the classic romantic tale directed perfectly by Cary Fukunaga. It was really difficult pushing this one lower on the list, especially since this is one of the best romantic films to come out within the past few years, but it still is a worthy film to be on the list.
#7: “Certified Copy”
Don’t let the trailer deceive you, “Certified Copy” is anything but super cheerful. It’s a wonderful look at the relationship between Elle (Juliette Binoche) and James (William Shimell) that is more than what it appears within the first fifteen minutes of the film. After that point we’re brought along the roads of Italy as everything begins to unravel emotionally between the two. It’s a wonderful character piece with a couple of stellar actors carrying the movie on their shoulders along with director Abbas Kiarostami.
#6: “Attack the Block”
Best way to sum up this film is the following: this is how you do a fun sci-fi movie. Writer/director Joe Cornish made the perfect cinematic science fiction stew with a mainly unknown cast, a short and sweet script along with one addicting soundtrack. It’s one of those sci-fi films that’ll easily withstand the test of time, always having an adoring audience backing it up, or at least just me watching it at least a couple of times a year.
#5: “Shame”
Just for the record, this did not make the list because of Michael Fassbender’s penis. That being said, “Shame” is a triumph of a movie made by Steve McQueen showing how far the rabbit hole one can go down when faced with a powerful addiction. If Michael Fassbender doesn’t get an Oscar nomination out of his performance then I would be downright outraged. Also, it’s nice to see Carey Mulligan play a character that’s out of her normal acting comfort zone (and does a great job at it).
#4: “50/50”
Now I finally bring a movie into the list that has a bit more comedy mixed into it… but it happens to be a cancer film. I’m referring to “50/50,” the Jonathan Levine dramedy based off a true story of a young man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who battles his way through a terrifying cancer. It’s strange how a movie with such serious subject matter has the best balance of comedy and drama in almost any film I’ve seen out there all year, having me laughing one minute then crying the next.
#3: “Beginners”
Charming and heartbreaking are the two words that immediately come to mind when it pertains to describing Mike Mills’ “Beginners.” It’s a movie about change and acceptance through the relationship between a father and son. It’s a truly touching and well-written movie you should probably watch with a box of tissues nearby for the third act.
#2: “Drive”
Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive” is a great action-drama that may not have been checked out by a lot of movie-goers due to overhype, which is really unfortunate. It’s a beautifully directed movie that further cements Refn as one of the great directors of this generation, also showcasing the cool acting chops of Ryan Gosling.
#1: “Midnight in Paris”
“Midnight in Paris” has to be the best movie Woody Allen has made in the past decade. It’s a practically perfect film that shows off the full range of talent Woody Allen has always displayed behind the camera. Owen Wilson shines in the lead role with a bright cast and a sharp script. Now I want to watch it again.
Have a happy New Year everybody!
Honorable Mentions: “The Devil’s Double,” “Like Crazy,” “X-Men: First Class,” “Take Shelter”.