2011's Most Underrated Films

With 27 more days to go, perhaps I'm a little early with this post. However, since December manages to be the poster child for Oscar contender releases, we can agree that most movies hitting theatres this month won't be flying under the radar. Through careful thought and selection, I've compiled my list of 2011's Best of the Unseen. Counting down to the most underrated film of the year, here are 5 "must see" movies that may have quietly tip-toed by you over the past twelve months.

ANOTHER EARTH

#5) Another Earth is less a sci-fi piece and more so a psychological drama. Set against the backdrop of discovering a planet identical to ours in the solar system, a young woman seeks redemption for the unspeakable tragedy she caused a few years prior. This little independent piece carries a strong performance from its leading lady Brit Marling, and Another Earth's ending will send your head spinning for days.

THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE

#4) Dominic Cooper finally receives a well deserved leading role in the action packed film The Devil's Double. Remarkably intense and never taking its foot off the gas, The Devil's Double is a thrilling true story that examines the life of Uday Hussein (the son of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein). When a young Iraqi man named Latif is kidnapped by his country's government, Uday forces the man to be his "double". Fearful of his life, Latif relinquishes any sense of freedom he has and becomes a slave to the crazed and sadistic son of Saddam.

CEDAR RAPIDS

#3) Stars John C. Reilly and Ed Helms deliver laugh after laugh in one of 2011's best comedies, Cedar Rapids. Helms plays a small town insurance salesman who's in over his head when he's sent by his company to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in order to compete for an award at an insurance convention. This heartfelt comedy will draw you in and, even more importantly, keep you laughing.

WIN WIN

#2) Win Win premiered at Sundance this year to what can only be described as rave reviews. Critics alike spoke highly of this family drama. Paul Giamatti stars as Mike Flaherty, a struggling suburban lawyer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he agrees to be the legal guardian for an elderly and mentally incapacitated client. When the client's runaway grandson shows up in town, Mike takes the boy (named Kyle) into his home. Together Mike and Kyle teach one another about the game of life. Win Win is filled with honest portrayals by its entire cast, and its gentle blend of comedy and drama allow the film to stand out as one of the year's best pictures.

THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED

#1) Perhaps J.K. Simmons is most remembered for his work as the father of a pregnant teen daughter in 2007's Juno. However, it goes without question that Simmons delivers his best work in 2011's most underrated film, The Music Never Stopped. Simmons stars as Henry Sawyer, a father who lost touch with his son for 20 years after the boy (Gabriel) ran away from home. But when Henry and his wife receive word that Gabriel is in the hospital recovering from massive brain surgery, they rush to the aid of their son. Incapable of generating new memories due to the surgery, Gabriel only comes to life by connecting old memories with the music of his teenage years. Therefore, in order to reconcile with his son, Henry must bond with Gabriel over the same music that ruined their relationship 20 years prior. Sometimes criticized as "Lifetime Movie-esque", The Music Never Stopped is undoubtedly heartfelt and moving. It's a wonderful true story that's brilliantly acted on all accounts. All of which make it the most underrated film of 2011.

Did I miss out on some other underrated movies? Leave a comment letting me know which films you would have included on this list.