There's always something nostalgic about Christmas. Perhaps it's the dire need to keep with heralded tradition, or maybe it's the fact that a new year is peaking its head around the corner. Either way, I've decided to begin my Christmas 2011 by dwelling over the countless films I've encountered these past 12 months. The year in cinema started out slow, as it always does, but it inevitably picked up steam. Chugging along through the fall months and into December, many of the Oscar hopefuls are finally reaching the big screen. And although 2011 was a somewhat weak year for Hollywood, there's always something out there worth appreciating. So Merry Christmas everyone, and enjoy (or refute) my list of the 10 best films of 2011.
Before I can get the official countdown under way, here's a list of strong films that just missed out on my top ten. Honorable Mention:
The Guard, Win Win, Hugo, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Source Code, The Adjustment Bureau, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Cedar Rapids.
#10: Warrior
On the surface, Warrior resembles a stereotypical and rehashed sports film. But when you manage to look deeper into the story, it's a tale of redemption and forgiveness. Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and potential Oscar nominee Nick Nolte do a fantastic job of luring you into the the history of the Conlin family. Each character remarkably unique and emotionally brittle, they're a family full of warriors. Therefore, when you reach the final fight between these two estranged brothers, you watch years of anger and blame pour out with each punch. Warrior is a wonderful sports film that deserves a lot more recognition than it's received.
#9: My Week with Marilyn
Michelle Williams proves time and time again how brilliant of an actress she is. This year is no exception as she stars as Marilyn Monroe, one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. My Week with Marilyn is a charming picture that dives deep into the human mind. Williams offers a stunning look at the emotional roller coaster that was Marilyn Monroe. And with one of the year's best ensembles, the movie shows the inner workings of film making and how the ego's of celebrities can clash.
#8: Take Shelter
The best way to sum up the fabulous independent film Take Shelter is with one word, intense. Witnessing this movie is like sitting in a room with a bomb and watching the timer count down second by second. From the opening scene, Take Shelter is a beautifully timed stroll into insanity. Michael Shannon stars as Curtis, a man unable to escape severe apocalyptic visions. Shannon and his co-star Jessica Chastain both give award winning performances and the result is an unbreakable connection between the audience and their characters. Although I sense Shannon may be the odd man out in the Best Actor category at the Oscars, he is every bit deserving of the award.
#7: Drive
Thanks to director Nicolas Winding Refn for bringing us Drive, 2011's most stylish film. It plays out like a Grimm's fairytale. Ryan Gosling stars as the unnamed stunt driver by day and getaway driver by night. But when he falls for his married neighbor whose life may be in grave danger, the story takes a dark turn. Gosling commands every bit of your attention and the violent revenge-filled 3rd act is something you won't want to miss.
#6: The Help
Big Blockbusters are never the "sexy" pick for a top ten list. Therefore, I'm sure my inclusion of The Help will baffle some. Despite the movie's somewhat lack of originality and its overly animated characters, The Help is an entertaining and heartfelt film. It's never unsatisfying witnessing the good will and kind nature that humans can demonstrate. The Help succeeds, in large part, because of its leading actress Viola Davis who shines in the spotlight. There have been an endless amount of civil rights movies, but The Help manages to stand out on its own.
#5: The Music Never Stopped
Capturing the true essence of the father/son bond, The Music Never Stopped is a wonderful journey. After spending 20 years out of touch with his now memory impaired son, Henry Sawyer will do whatever it takes to reconcile. J.K. Simmons and Lou Taylor Pucci have a chemistry on screen that can't be matched. Their convincing performances are a backbone to this emotional tearjerker. The Music Never Stopped will give off vibes of a made for television movie, but it packs an enormous amount of heart.
#4: The Artist
I haven't given a lengthy review yet for Michael Hazanavicius' masterpiece The Artist because I wanted to wait for its wide-scale release. This black and white silent film is as every bit majestic as it's made out to be. All of the critical acclaim given to the director and his leading star, Jean Dujardin, is absolutely warranted. Littered with elegance and charisma, The Artist is justifiably shaping up to be the frontrunner for the Academy Awards.
#3: We Need to Talk About Kevin
Rarely is there a film that captures my mind as much as the British thriller We Need to Talk About Kevin. Tilda Swinton offers her best work to date as the mother of a teenage sociopath who's responsible for a school massacre. The film examines her deep rooted guilt for the tragedy and her inability to cope with the aftermath. Kevin grows up before our eyes and we're able to see his transformation into a cold blooded killer. This leads to the film's main question, who's to blame? We Need to Talk About Kevin is a psychological journey that will stay with you long after viewing the film.
#2: The Ides of March
Director/actor George Clooney's The Ides of March is an eye opening look into the deceitful world of United States politics. Clooney reminds us of the genuine intentions of newcomers in the political scene, and how easy it is to fall victim to corruption. There's no room for morals in the game of politics, and Ryan Gosling brilliantly reveals the inner struggle of a once ethical campaign staffer. Immensely entertaining and perfectly paced, The Ides of March takes you on a thrilling ride on the campaign trail.
#1: 50/50
2011 was undoubtedly a down year for cinema. Everyone was desperately looking for a film to cling on to. For me, that film was 50/50. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is excellent as a 27 year old who's diagnosed with cancer. After learning that his odds for survival are 50/50, the main character struggles to come to terms with the severity of his illness. 50/50 offers a perfect combination of drama and laughter. Never too serious or too light, the film hammers home the importance of friendship, family, and human interaction. Every once in a while a movie like 50/50 comes along and reminds us that we have the gift of life, and it should never be taken for granted.
What did you agree with and what did I miss? Tell me your thoughts on the best films that 2011 had to offer.
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