Favourite Films of 2011

Well, it’s been a while but now that I have had time to go through most of the films from the past year I can finally say I have a definitive list of my favourite films from 2011.

There are a couple on here that I did not expect to like as much as I did and there are quite a few not on here that most people did like. My list is full of action, drama, romance, comedy, animation, animals, murderers, Paris, film lovers, supernatural events, baseball, cults, cancer, me crying and even tattoos.

1. Midnight in Paris – When I saw this film, I loved it from the very first sound of dialogue. I had no idea what it was truly going to be about, but when everything unfolded, I loved every minute of it. The writing is crisp, terrific, and whimsical and Owen Wilson is hilarious, kind, and even romantic. This is my favourite film of 2011.

2. 50/50 – If ever there was a film that perfectly balanced comedy and drama, this is it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is vulnerable, funny, and Seth Rogen is great in a non-Seth Rogen roll. Sure the subject matter is a bit dark but the way comedy is woven into it, it feels natural and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry during at least one point during the film…and then laughed hysterically the next.

3. Warrior – Nick Nolte deserves his Oscar nomination, and if I had anything to say about it, he’d win too. I don’t like the whole MMA/UFC sporting world but this film, and it’s characters played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton are fantastic and really make you want to stand up and cheer. It’s ‘Rocky’ for a new generation.

4. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo – Rooney Mara is the film. Simple as that. David Fincher does a beautiful job framing and setting the mood of the film but this is Mara’s time to shine and she does so so beautifully. She is smart, defiant, fearful and sexy all at the same time.

5. Hugo – If you love film, then you love ‘Hugo’. An ode to filmmaking with a great use of 3D technology and an All-Star cast to boot.

6. Rango – The best animated film of the year. It’s quirky, it’s odd, it’s peculiar, it’s beautifully animated, it’s funny, it’s Johnny Depp, it’s talking lizards and mariachi birds, it’s ‘Rango’.

7. Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol – The best action/adventure film of the year. The set pieces are awesome, the chase sequences clever and it features the best stunt I’ve ever seen – Tom Cruise scaling the tallest building in the world. I was literally on the edge of my seat during that scene and I’m not joking. I got nervous as he stepped out into that Dubai air. Thrilling action and great direction from Brad Bird.

8. Win Win – I’ve been a fan of Tom McCarthy ever since I saw ‘The Station Agent’. Then came ‘The Visitor’ now ‘Win Win’. Paul Giamatti is usual great self and there is equal parts humour and drama and sports drama here that makes it a film for everyone.

9. We Bought A Zoo – This is a film I did not expect to see on my list. I just watched this and I loved it. I’m an animal lover and a Cameron Crowe fan and the combination just worked for me. The family drama, Thomas Hayden Church, ScarJo, tigers, all of it worked for me. Yes, I also cried during this one too.

10. The Change-Up – Hands down the funniest film I saw this year. I have no idea why people didn’t go see this film but I did not laugh harder at any film than I did during this one. And when it came time for a lesson to be learned the dramatic note was hit just right and it made me appreciate the film even more. Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman play each other perfectly and you can see the fun they are having playing each other and it translates to that audience.

11. Super 8 – It’s ‘E.T.’ meets ‘The Goonies’ and it takes the heart of both of those films – the kids – and uses it to its advantage by crafting a story with likable characters and an emotional core that pounds at your heart. Yes, I cried a bit here too.

12. Moneyball – A great baseball film with great performances from Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.

13. Martha Marcy May Marlene – I saw this film on Halloween and that backdrop made this film more creepy and eerie than it needed to be. Elizabeth Olsen is great and John Hawkes is menacing without even raising his voice.

14. X-Men: First Class – I’m a fan of the ‘X-Men’ movies and I was nervous about exploring its origins even when the original films are so recent. James McEvoy and Michael Fassbender play their parts perfectly as best friends soon-to-be-turned adversaries and the prospect of more ‘X-Men’ films with these two as Professor X and Magneto is promising.

15. (Tie) The Help & Scream 4 – ‘The Help’ is a good drama with some quite funny moments and great acting from Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. It’s a solid film that does it all right: acting, writing, and setting a tone. ‘Scream 4’ is just a damn good time and a nice return to Woodsboro for me, as the original is one of my favourite films. It has great, witty, writing and some clever kills and twists.